"The Great Escape" - Cpt. Sebastian Ascari and NPCs

Posted on 241405.29 @ 6:44am by Commodore Sebastian Ascari

Mission: Insurrection [Fleet Plot]
Location: High Security Detention Ward, Starfleet Intelligence, San Francisco, Earth
Timeline: Backlog

(Preface: Events in this log occur roughly a week after the coup on Earth.)

Location: High Security Detention Ward - Starfleet Intelligence Building, San Francisco, Earth

====

The steady, even hum softly emanating from various forcefield generators was suddenly broken by the harsh sounds of boots upon metallic deck plates.

"Prisoner number 00-231. Our transfer orders."

The prison officer looked at the three heavily armed guards that had arrived taking a padd from the leader. He glanced at the orders before confirming them on his own computer terminal.

"Identification", the prison officer stated coldly. The guards presented their credentials which the officer verified. Everything appeared in order. The credentials and padd were returned to the guards.

"He's all yours. Good riddance. You know they gave him the opportunity to reclaim his former position. He's turned his back on the Federation like most of the traitors here. It's a wonder they didn't execute him on the spot."

The guards didn't reply to the officer's attempt at small talk.

"Is the prisoner ready? His transport is standing by."

"He's asleep...I think. That's all he's done is sleep. I'm sure that will change where he's going."

"Retrieve the prisoner. We have a schedule to maintain given his high-value status."

"Very well", the officer stated. He moved off toward the various holding cells.

"Well it looks like judgement day has finally arrived for you Ascari. I doubt your new accommodations will be so plush. I hope you rested up. You'll need the rest where you're headed." The officer chuckled as he input the codes to lower the forcefield on the cell. "Now get up! You know the drill."

Ascari was half asleep. With little to do but wait trapped in a miserable prison cell, sleep had been his preferred method to pass the time. He slowly turned and faced the officer outside of the forcefield. Taking his time he leisurely sat up and smiled at the officer. Getting under the man's skin had been his only entertainment locked away from the world and he enjoyed every opportunity he had been afforded to irritate and rile the man.

"I said get up", the officer angrily shouted.

"Or what", Ascari stated with a wry grin. "You'll shoot me? I hardly think your masters would approve of such actions. They want me alive for now. Of course, I know different. If you were in command you'd do things differently wouldn't you? I probably wouldn't be sitting here, would I?" Ascari smiled if only to drive home his point. "Too bad you aren't in command."

The man's lip curled and Ascari could see the anger and rage building within the man's dark eyes.

"Stand up you traitorous piece of filth. Do it now!"

Ascari stretched and remained sitting on his bunk. If he was to be marched off to meet his end he had decided to be a 'problem' for them until the end came.

"Before I go, I would like to say the room service here has been appalling. So has the food. And if you are expecting a tip, I have one for you. Find a new line of work lieutenant. Actually, you may want to consider some anger management classes as well."

The forcefield quickly dropped violating protocol. Ascari smiled in the knowledge he had managed to anger the man to the point of violating security procedures and protocol.

"I SAID STAND UP", the man shouted shaking the phaser at him, "OR YOU WON'T WALK OUT OF HERE..."

"What is going on", one of the guards shouted overhearing the commotion. The guards moved in and took command of the situation.

"The prisoner is REFUSING to cooperate", the officer shouted.

Ascari quickly stood and adjusted his battered and bloodied uniform. The bastards in charge hadn't even given him a change of clothes after beating him unconscious.

"Up against the wall prisoner", the guard stated producing a pair of cuffs with which to restrain Ascari. Ascari complied without question further enraging the brig officer whose eyes he could feel drilling into the back of his body. Cold metal locked tight around the captain's wrists as the was pushed out of the cell.

"By order of Starfleet Command and the Federation Council you are to be relocated for your crimes and treason against the Federation and the fleet at large."

"Took you long enough", Ascari quipped. "Are the tyrants finding it difficult to hold onto the leashes of power? They certainly have no grasp of command down here. After all they appointed this buffoon of an officer to guard their high value prisoners. I wouldn't put too much faith in this new command structure. They seem unreliable."

The enraged prison officer snapped and cracked his phaser butt against the back of Ascari's head. The captain's vision exploded in a blur of stars as he fell forwards but not before one of the guards caught him. The officer was pushed up against the wall of the brig by the other guards.

"Explain yourself lieutenant", the lead guard shouted. "Why did you attack the prisoner?"

"He's a traitor being marched to his execution. What the hell does it matter? He's a dead man walking!"

"His fate is NONE of your concern", the guard shouted.

Ascari was hauled back onto his feet shaking off the effects of the attack. The back of his head throbbed from where he had been hit. Despite the pain the injury was worth the price - the overzealous prison officer had overplayed his hand.

"Your conduct is inexcusable", the guard continued releasing the prison lieutenant. Your actions will be reported and a thorough investigation will be conducted."

"But wait....he's a traitor to the fleet and to the Federation. I'm a loyal Starfleet officer! You would report me over this? He's a disgrace, a traitor, and was responsible for the attack on Paris!"

"He is a prisoner and will be afforded all considerations as stated in regulations. He will answer for his crimes as will all who flaunt authority and rule of law."

Ascari grinned turning back to face the now shocked and concerned lieutenant. "I'll reserve a room in hell for you lieutenant", he replied with a smile before being forcefully shoved toward the exit. The lieutenant glared at the former intelligence director with a barely contained rage held in check only by the armed officers around him. He said nothing as the final paperwork was approved and Ascari was marched out of the detention ward.

=== Minutes Later ===

Ascari was paraded through the bowels of Starfleet Intelligence by his armed escorts. Their route had been carefully planned avoiding more public, well travelled corridors keeping to disused maintenance walkways and service passages. The air was stale in these areas and smelled of machinery and harsh lubricants. He was pushed through a set of double doors after climbing several flights of stairs and out into an area bathed in sunlight. The intensity of the light blinded him for several moments. Adjusting to the intensity of the light the intelligence director was able to get his bearings. Intelligence's lower public hangar had its upper doors fully opened. He could tell it was mid day, by the position of the sun.

"Keep moving", a gruff voice commanded. Ascari wasn't given much time to allow his eyes to adjust to the intensity of sunlight. He had been locked away for several days...possibly longer. The passage of time had nearly escaped him in the dungeon that had held him. Now they seemed to be moving him to another vacation destination where they believed he could be compelled to talk.

Several meters away was a lone shuttlecraft attended to by what appeared to be a pilot and more guards. His limousine had arrived.

Perhaps he should have felt a sense of dread or foreboding, but for some odd reason the fresh air and sunlight seemed to keep away the effects of fear and doubt. Such feelings were short lived as a large explosion suddenly rocked the corner of the hangar launching smoking, burning debris and guards into the air. Thick clouds of grey smoke lunged outwards into the heart of the square hangar bay obscuring the view of all. Ascari could barely make out the shuttle through the miasma of smoke and falling ash. Several smoke grenades suddenly exploded around him further obscuring the hangar from view. As he attempted to ascertain exactly what was happening phaser fire erupted within the opaque clouds. Flashes of crimson lit up the expanding gases like a hellish, surreal lightning storm. Ascari froze as did his captors. Was this a diversion? Did he risk attempting to escape bound by handcuffs and wholly exposed to his captors and their weapons? Indecision gripped him. Was this what Ambassador Lamont had earlier eluded to in his covert message?

The two bodies of the guards in front of him suddenly froze and contorted. Seconds later their limp bodies fell to the concrete at his feet in two twisted lumps of quivering flesh.

"Get to the shuttle Captain", a loud voice shouted from behind. Ascari glanced at the two remaining guards who had been behind him. One of them quickly grabbed the captain's uniform and pulled as they rapidly set off into the flowing clouds filled with the tell tale sounds and sights of an intense fire fight. "Captain, RUN. Move now!" Without arguing, Ascari sprinted with the guards as phaser fire intensified around him followed by an ear-piercing klaxon that suddenly blasted the hangar with its repetitive droning tone. Ascari ran past two men clad in tactical gear, armor, and who were wearing special headgear for seeing through the thick, voluminous clouds that had enveloped the hangar.

He could feel the heat and the electric crackle as a phaser beam passed by him fired by someone in the mass confusion and chaos that surrounded him. He scarcely had time to react when the shuttle itself appeared out of the haze before him.

Scarcely given the chance to stop running the captain was forcibly pushed inside the craft by one of the masked guards who quickly closed the rear ramp of the shuttle sealing away the battle that was raging around them. Ascari was pushed again into a nearby seat by the lead guard. His hands still bound, the captain fell sideways onto the cushions of the bench in an undignified position before managing to pull himself upwards with some difficulty.

"Get this thing off the ground! We have less than ninty seconds before they can bring planetary defences online!"

"I thought you said your people would take care of those", the pilot shouted.

"Wasn't possible given the time allotted. Not that they didn't try. Just get this craft to the specified coordinates in the time allotted."

"And those ground based phaser banks?"

"You worry about reaching the correct altitude and coordinates. That's all that matters. It's too late to turn back now!"

The pilot muttered several profanities as Ascari heard the engines start and the thrusters fire. Their ascent was far more rapid than he was used to as and without his hands he again had difficulty remaining upright in his seat given the turbulence.

He could feel the shuttle's nose pitch up at a steep angle. Artificial gravity and dampening fields kept the intense g-forces that were acting against the small shuttle at bay - for now.

Pulling off his helmet, Ascari caught a glimpse of the man who had been giving the orders. He had shoulder length light brown hair and appeared to fit the part of a heroic rogue pulled from the chapters of a bad romantic holonovel. "My apologies for the excitement captain. Commander Leon Athalla at your service. The fireworks back there were required to secure our escape. Here, let me get rid of those." The cuffs securing Ascari's hands were removed and tossed aside. Rubbing his wrists, Ascari scrutinized his current situation.

"What sort of operations is this", Ascari asked skipping directly to the heart of matters.

"A rescue and jailbreak", Athalla shouted taking a seat next to the captain. "Haven't you ever seen any old Westerns?"

"Are you the sheriff here to rescue me from the bandits or just another outlaw looking to score a bargaining chip?"

"A little of both perhaps", the man answered with a grin. Ascari noted this Athalla was cocky and sure of himself given their current situation which seemed desperate at best. "We had to plan this little op quickly. We didn't have much time when we heard you were being transferred."

"Well I hardly believe I'm worth this", Ascari stated ignoring for the moment the man's cryptic reply to his original question. "I don't like the knowledge that others may be captured or killed on my behalf. It serves no purpose."

"They volunteered and accepted the risks. Not everyone is loyal to the new order that has seized control of Earth. There are far more of us than you know. Those on the ground can play the parts they are told to play even if their loyalties lie with us. When the dust settles the incident will look like a case of friendly fire brought on by a small group of enemy agents, demolitions to sew a moment of chaos, and smoke to perpetuate that chaos long enough for your escape.

How much longer", Athalla shouted to the pilot.

"Thirty seconds. I'm picking up ground tracking sensors. They'll have us targeted any moment!"

Athalla dismissed the pilot's dire warnings with ease which seemed unusual to Ascari. How could this man be so cool under this much pressure.

"You're one of the few people who has intelligence and information regarding who and what is at work within the Federation. We need you captain, perhaps now more than ever. Besides you wouldn't have enjoyed where you were headed. No women there you know", the man stated with a smirk.

"Who needs me", Ascari asked unamused by his host's jocularity.

"I'll let them introduce themselves assuming we survive this", Athalla stated with a slight southern accent. "How much longer", he shouted at the pilot.

"Twenty seconds...give or take. They had better be on time", the pilot shouted.

"He'll be there", Athalla stated. "He's always on time." He turned to the captain glancing at the chrono attached to his wrist. "You should hold on sir. We may experience a bit of turbulence."

Ascari was about to ask another question when the shuttle violently lurched as if on cue with Athalla's words. Ascari tightly gripped the seat next to him as the floor of the shuttle seemed to fall away taking with it his stomach.

"They've activated planetary defence batteries more quickly than anticipated, however they are firing blind. We still have a few seconds before they plot and calculate our trajectory and climb rate. I'm altering our course and speed to keep them guessing!"

"We only need to break the atmosphere. Push the engines to the limit! If they fail we should still have enough momentum!"

"What is the end game here", Ascari shouted gripping his seat as the shuttle shook around him. "This escape plan is sounding less and less attractive with each passing moment gentlemen!"

"Engines at 110% above maximum. Disabling thermal overrides. Impulse manifold pressure 118 percent above red line and climbing!."

A second blast of energy from a planetary phaser battery shot past the shuttle its effects battering the accelerating shuttlecraft and its three passengers. Ten seconds."

"Ten seconds to what", Ascari exclaimed. "We haven't cleared Earth's atmosphere and even if we do that won't stop them from shooting us..." The captain never finished his sentence as the overtaxed shuttle engines quickly ruptured under the stress and strain. Super heated plasma cut through metal and machinery like a scalpel sheering off large chunk of the lower shuttle's structure. The sudden loss of hull integrity coupled with the extreme speed and disruption of the shuttle's shields caused the craft to break up. Two seconds later the craft exploded in a spectacular matter/antimatter blast. Fragments of burning shuttle spiralled down through the upper atmosphere. There was little remaining of the shuttle whose burning debris would be scattered across thousands of kilometers.


"...down", the captain completed his sentence as the blue haze that surrounded him faded. He quickly patted his chest reflexively checking to see if he was indeed still solid. Confirming that he appeared to be alive he suddenly realized he was no longer aboard the shuttle and appeared to be on the transporter pad of a Starfleet starship. Blinking, Ascari turned and instantly recognized two familiar faces.

"Welcome aboard the USS Corsair", Ambassador Ian Lamont stated. "A pleasure to see you again captain. Looks like we managed to get you out just in time. Your shuttlecraft just became quite the fireworks show."

Ascari turned to the other person with whom he knew. "Admiral Valtren. Is this your doing?"

"Not even a thank you", the Admiral stated with a dry chuckle.

"You want me to thank you...for that", Ascari shouted. "You nearly had me killed - not to mention these two volunteers who should be decorated for their brilliant if not suicidal actions."

Athalla grinned stepping off the transporter pad along with the shuttle pilot. "Well they don't call us ace pilots for nothing."

Ascari turned. "You both are pilots?"

"Were you expecting someone else?"

"Well..."

"If you'll excuse us sirs - we have a debriefing to attend. I also have a tall bottle of something alcoholic in my future after that outing. Oh, welcome aboard the Corsair Captain Ascari." The two pilots left the transporter room leaving Sebastian alone with the Admiral and the Ambassador.

Stepping off the pad, Ascari shook both men's hands. "My apologies for my appearance sir", Ascari stated. "And you Ambassador? What possessed you to actually follow my final instructions? The personal risks were extreme."

"I don't like being manipulated and I especially do not like being taken advantage of. I cannot represent or be the mouthpiece for individuals who have no regard for life, justice, or the rule of law. Beyond that they imprisoned you and have been steadily eliminating their opposition. Us diplomats are immune to a degree thus far...let's just say I did not want to attend such a party if and when the invitations are delivered. These people are bereft of all honor."

Ascari rubbed his chin which still ached despite the doctors having fixed his earlier injuries sustained in harsh interrogations. "I don't think there's any question about that."

"Admiral. What is this ship? How are you planning to leave Earth orbit? There must be a dozen ships in orbit with orders to attack on site. And what of my escape? These people won't stop looking for me."

"Escape", the admiral questioned. "You didn't escape. You're dead Ascari. Your shuttle exploded attempting to leave Earth orbit in a failed escape attempt. There is little left of the shuttle to question that outcome. We planned it quite carefully. There isn't a Sebastian Ascari remaining to hunt", the admiral answered.

Ascari was certain Valtren had had a firm hand in recent events, but he had so many questions. "No one will believe that. What about the ships and stations in orbit? You couldn't have evaded every sensor and detection platform in and around the planet."

Valtren grinned. "The ships you mention are indeed on station captain. And they do have orders to attack, but they have not detected us."

Sebastian shook his head. "I'm afraid I don't understand sir. There's no alert status. We're having a pleasant conversation. We are in Earth orbit no?"

Lamont chuckled. "You never told me there was someone even more devious and nefarious than yourself Captain."

"Need to know basis", Ascari snapped turning to hear the admiral's answer.

"I expect we've left orbit by now and cleared the moon's as well."

"The USS Corsair captain is the ship you and your predecessor tried to scrap on numerous occasions. Too expensive. A liability. A prototype test bed that should have never left the fleet yards. Ring any bells?"

Ascari was painfully aware of the irony of his situation. He had attempted to have this very starship decommissioned and scrapped numerous times due to its clandestine work, experimental design and maintenance upkeep, questionable objectives, and an unclear return on investment to intelligence. Admiral Valtren, had despite his objections, used his considerable clout to keep the one of a kind starship quietly commissioned under his department for certain missions that were decidedly off the record.

"One of the benefits of working for black intelligence sections is that very few people know who we are, what we do, and what resources we have at our disposal. That fact alone is the only reason we were not scooped up in the initial power grab like you yourself Captain. We were lucky."

"But this ship", Ascari stated looking quickly about the transporter room. "How do you plan on escaping Earth orbit and system defences? You never answered my question."

"Smoke and mirrors captain. Cheap parlour tricks. Just enough to allow us to slip past anyone who may be watching."

A puzzled Ascari looked on not immediately receiving an adequate response. "You may outrank me sir, but I am still or at least should be the director of Starfleet Intelligence. I have a right to know what is happening!"

"Technically you're dead captain, but we'll let that fact slide for now", Valtren answered having fun at the captain's expense.

"I appropriated something of a novelty from classified inventory some time ago. Do you recall the incident involving the Enterprise-D, the Romulans, and a Starfleet designed cloaking device?"

Ascari's jaw dropped. "That device was destroyed years ago to appease the Romulans after that incident. Our treaty obligations prohibit such technology! Officers like me lost their positions, rank, and some went to the stockade after that affair. Don't tell me you and your people have been trying to resurrect that forbidden technology!"

"A very convincing facsimile of the phased cloaking system was destroyed to appease the Romulans", the admiral answered.

"So the device still exists? I don't believe it. If it does then even more heads should roll for retaining such a thing. Yours included!"

"The actual device and systems were locked away and quietly forgotten. Starfleet would never destroy such valuable technologies. You of all people should appreciate that captain. Treaties and laws may prevent such technologies from being developed or used, but they don't bar us from retaining forbidden fruit. To destroy such a thing would be foolish. Let's say it was quietly stored for a rainy day."

"Statements and beliefs like that are what led to the entire incident with the Enterprise and the Pegasus before her. I cannot believe you would jeopardize your career and the peace simply to possess such a thing!"

"An attack on Earth has a way of changing attitudes. Treaty obligations can become rather vague when one gazes into the smoldering pit that was once the city of Paris captain. If you could have saved Paris by using an item forbidden by treaty would you have stood by and done nothing simply to adhere to the rule of law?"

Ascari was in no mood to debate regulations, treaties, or philosophy with the Admiral. The man was as skilled with his tongue as he was in his duties.

"We'll discuss this later", the captain grumbled dodging the question. "So you managed to get your hands on it and I assume are using it as we speak aboard this....this starship."

"Affirmative. However, before you protest further the phased cloak is nothing more than a cheap gimmick. The device is decades old and was partially damaged after events involving the Pegasus and the Enterprise. It's experimental, dangerous to operate, and is highly unstable. We can manage a few minutes use at best. To use it longer would put the ship and crew at considerable risk. Hell even switching the damn thing on makes me uncomfortable not to mention a large portion of the ship's engineers. It's an unreliable and dangerous tool, but one that has its uses in extreme situations. If it wasn't for that timebomb in engineering your rescue would not have been possible."

Ascari mulled that fact for several moments before responding. "What else should I be informed of? A Borg cube you have stashed away somewhere waiting to be activated? Time travel?"

"Nothing so grand. I evacuated my section, personnel, and various equipment to the Corsair. Our facilities in San Francisco were rendered unusable to the enemy. All that remains of Section 7 and for all I know the bulk of Starfleet intelligence not aligned with the coup on Earth is now here. You Ascari, may be the chief of all that remains of our organization."

Ascari laughed despite the dire circumstances. "What can I do with a handful of personnel and a single starship?"

"You can do more than you could from the inside of a detention cell", Ambassador Lamont chimed in. "We didn't save your ass sir so you could simply sit on it. Your escape was not without sacrifice sir. You have an obligation to continue the fight."

"Well stated ambassador. Ascari, you have contacts, knowledge, information, and a deep working understanding of the current intelligence apparatus. This hostile takeover won't be won with phasers and starships. They have to win public opinion and maintain their image and legitimacy. They cannot simply blast everyone into oblivion. They will deploy intelligence assets to ascertain the whereabouts of their enemies and those that oppose them. This will be a war fought without chess piece battles and grand battlefields. The fight will occur in the shadows. Few will see, hear, or know of such struggles. It will be a dangerous, deadly game of high stakes and high risk. Any rules, political boundaries, or regulations you are accustomed to have been rendered obsolete. Our enemy is clever, well organized, determined, and now has substantial resources at their disposal. If we are to win back the Federation and Starfleet we must fight using every tactical advantage. The regulations be damned!"

The Admiral having finished his speech adjusted his uniform softening his voice.

Are you familiar with the Japanese and their ancient samurai warriors captain?"

"I know of them."

"When a samurai lost his lord or master and had no one to serve or protect he was known as a Ronin. Ronin were disgraced individuals that had chosen not to perform ritual suicide under the strict code of Bushido. As such they were mocked, ridiculed, and treated with disdain. That is what we have become. Exiled Ronin, despised by our own comrades and friends, who must fight to regain what has been taken from us."

Ascari was not immune to the siren song of revenge. He had to temper such feelings with the responsibilities and obligations that had now been placed before him. Justice for those lost and for those who had perpetrated the coup might still be possible. They were one ship, but a small group of determined, dedicated people could change the world. History was replete with examples of those who had altered events through determination, courage, and conviction. The task before him was immense, but there was a faint glimmer of hope.

"Very well Admiral. Ronin we are. Where do we begin?"

Valtren shook his head. "That is for you to decide captain. I may be an admiral by rank, but my skills lie in shadow. I am not the person to lead the charge. You are the director of intelligence. Where we go from here is for you to decide. The Corsair, its personnel, and its assets stand ready to assist you sir. All we lack are orders."

"We've decided to ignore the ones coming from Earth", Lamont interjected with smile.

Ascari was speechless. In all his years in the fleet he had never met an Admiral who wasn't out to advance his own career, influence, or power. He had battled them endlessly enduring their ridicule and disdain for a lower ranking officer who had been given the reigns of the fleet's intelligence assets and activities after the attack on Earth. As a mere captain he wasn't sure he was qualified to do what was being asked of him.

"Very well", Ascari stated taking a deep breath. "Get us somewhere secure for the time being where we can regroup and determine where we stand and take stock of the situation at hand. I doubt the entire fleet has accepted what has occurred. We will have to seek out those captains, ships, and personnel who have remained loyal to their oaths as Starfleet officers and have rejected this...illegal seizure of command and control.

I would like to find a clean uniform and have a warm meal. One hour in the ship's conference room?"

"Our destination will require a few hours of travel. Perhaps some rest is in order before we address matters at hand? It would also give us time to allow the ship's medical staff to have a look at you captain. I understand you were not treated well."

"No, their hospitality was lacking" Ascari replied. The past few days or weeks - he still wasn't sure had taken their toll. The admiral's advice was sound. "Perhaps a visit to sickbay is in order along with some rest. Very well. I'll leave matters with you for now."

"I'll let the Ambassador show you to quarters. I will inform you when we have arrived captain."

Ascari nodded. "Admiral...sir...I..."

"It's James. I'm not fond of titles."

"James...thank you. For everything."

"I simply did my duty. For that, no thanks are required. Get some rest Sebastian. These are troubled times that will test us all. Sleep may become a luxury in coming days. I'll be on the bridge if needed." The admiral nodded and quietly left the transporter room.

Ascari ran a hand over his face. He was weary from the day's events and the weight of the responsibility that had suddenly fallen upon him. "What is your take on that man Lamont? You've likely had more experience with him than I have."

The Ambassador smiled. "He's one of your people captain. Aren't you in intelligence and supposed to know everything about everyone?"

"James Valtren might as well be a ghost", Ascari replied. "He's as difficult to see as transparent aluminium and just as tough. I'm just glad he's on our side."

"Well", the ambassador answered, "If you want my impressions, he's a rogue that is cunning, intelligent, and razor sharp. He seems to be a man who does things his way and is unafraid to challenge the conventional to achieve his goals. One might almost call him ruthless, but perhaps that is an overstatement. I'm unsure I know him any better than yourself Sebastian."

"I can't say I trust him. That man is the personification of secrets, but we do need him. Smoke and mirrors indeed. I wonder what other aces the Admiral has up his sleeve?"

"None he is likely to share unless the time and place demand their use I would expect. Your admiral is quite enigmatic."

"No argument there." Ascari rubbed his prickly face which bore a thin beard. He had been denied any opportunity to shave since his capture. "I would kill for a stiff drink", the captain stated, "but a cup of hot coffee will suffice."

"It's good to see you again Sebastian. I was concerned our previous conversation would be our last."

"So did I. What they did back there to so many good people.... At least we have a slim chance in hell to put things right." He shook his head. "How about that coffee? You can fill me in on everything I've missed."

~ FIN ~

===========================================
Captain Sebastian Ascari
(Former) Director Starfleet Intelligence

Ambassador Ian Lamont

Commander Leon Athalla, Pilot, USS Corsair

and

Admiral James Valtren
Section 7, Starfleet Intelligence

(apb Tav)