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Bloody Hands Logical Minds
Topic Started: Mar 15 2016, 07:37 PM (437 Views)
Nick Ryder
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"Mr. President"

President Nick Ryder's hands were clenched as he ran through the speech he was about to give, waves of heat were coming off him, it wasn't until Eli handed him a bottle of water that melted in his hands, that he realized just how upset he was.

"Is she stable?" Nick asked his loyal agent as he wiped his hands on his slacks and saw the steam rise.

"For now, Doc Tess and that Singh woman are unsure but we think she'll be fine with the facilities we have here." Eli replied and sighed heavily. "What are you going to say?"

"That Isabella is getting a purple heart and the medal of valor and the Imperium's giving her the Empress's Medal of Honor." Nick said somberly and slid his glasses on. "And for the first time in nearly a decade that Julie and I have agreed on something. Any word about the shooter?"

"Nothing yet, your father and Angelica are still in pursuit." Eli said as he looked at his padd. "Although the security drones did identify the assailant as coming from the mountains. Popular theory is that our shooter is Vulcan. Possibly someone upset at the battle. Vulcan high council officially denies any plan to assassinate Lei."

"Of course they would. Even though we all have shoot on sight orders, but this is a peace talk, that order is rescinded." he took a sip of water that he managed to get into a mug before the bottle entirely melted. "But we need to find that shooter and alive. Imperium isn't going to take him or her alive."

"What about Lei's demand that we turn over Tiberius." Eli put his hands on his hips.

"I'm of the mind that it's time to end him." Nick took a deep breath. "I go on the air in twenty minutes. That's how long everyone has."
Nicholas "Nick" Ryder
President Emeritas- Terra Alpha
Alpha Quadrant Alliance Founder and 1st President
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Angel Ryder
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TAS Seraphim CO

"This is Delta Team, calling Alpha Team... I have a solid lock on the shooter. Mark 38 South 29." Leo reported from the small repulsor skiff that he was piloting through the jungle.

"Confirmed Delta Team. You have permission to engage. Take hostile alive." Angel replied as she moved the marker on the holographic situation display on the Seraphim yacht's back wall.

"Acknowledged Alpha Team." Leo said and clicked off his comm. "Alright boys... let's take this SOB."

--

Running through the jungle T'Sevok was swatting leaves and vines out of the way, his breathing was ragged and he could hear the buzzing whine from the repulsor skiffs, the island made it all but impossible for regular shuttles and fighters to patrol.

He thought that he could accomplish his mission, take out the Empress, her aides and get justice for his fallen comrades, his family, his world. It was only logical that she die for the galaxy to heal.

There wasn't any warning before he felt the pulse hit his back, sending him sprawling face forward into the mud by the stream that ran through the jungle. The birds squawked as the dull 'thump' of the concussion blast hit the Vulcan.

--

"Alpha Team... we got him. Repeat. We got him." Leo said as he hovered over the Vulcan shooter and tagged him with a transport dart.

"Good work Colonel. Come home and let's process him." Angel said and immediately comm'd the President. "Dad. We got him."
Vice Admiral Angelica "Angel" Ryder
CO TAS Seraphim - 414th Engineering & Planetary Defense Fleet
"Yes, I am chronically perky. Deal with it."
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Julie Lei
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Empress of the Imperium

Julie was watching Angel buzz around the war room aboard the Seraphim's yacht. They had made an arrangement where the Alliance would share details and information about the shooter with the Imperium and she had agreed that it would be only Empress Lei and her aide Claire and one security officer aboard the yacht.

"It has been a long time since I have seen you in action Angelica." Julie said coolly as she watched the monitors.

"It's been a long time since you gave a shit." Angel said bluntly as she tapped her earpiece. "Beta Team, meet Delta Team at the security checkpoint." then looked at her mother again. "Sorry, I'm just... stressed. Last time I saw Imperium uniforms, I was almost about to be boarded." she took a deep breath. "Seriously... what are you doing here? You declare war on us and now... you're trying to make nice with all of us?"

"Now who's the one declaring war?" Julie raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. "I came to the conclusion that while we have differing opinions, that it's not doing either of our sides any good by continuing the way we have."

"Then let US handle this, your people are far too brutal." Angel said and slipped her glasses off. "Unless you're too distrustful of us? Remember, we didn't execute anyone that wasn't a capital criminal or just completely psychopathic. You on the other hand stood by while Starfleet Officers were shot and killed or vaporized on live video feeds. You stood there while people were being treated as slaves." Angel stood up to her mother in a way she never did before. "You might think some... kind words and diplomatic attitudes will change things but I know better. We both do. One of the men I was almost about to marry, his mother was executed because she wouldn't pledge loyalty to the Imperium. Then you shove his ship through a rift. The entire family line... gone. Because of you."

"So... I guess we still have issues to resolve between us." Julie rolled her eyes. "Fine. Your people handle him. But if Cross dies... then I expect you to find this shooter a capital criminal. And waste him."
Empress Julie Lei
Former Leader of the Terran Imperium/Empress Mum
AKA: Lady Whisper
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Ang t'Radiak
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CO - RIS Alth'Indor

Security "Bunker" Alpha Site --

Ang had pulled her long black hair back into a tight, severe bun, letting her tipped ears display fully, her forehead ridge which she normally hid behind bangs was exposed. A few moments with makeup gave her normally pale skin a more Romulan complexion. When Colonel Ryder told her that the shooter was a Vulcan, allegedly, she wanted to make an impression. That she wasn't simply a Terran, she was a Romulan and she wanted to rattle him. Ten years ago she arrested a Vulcan who had murdered a Senator because he believed that his actions were harming more than they were helping. He was so calm, the blood spray from the rock he threw still dried on his face.

"Colonel t'Radiak?" Leo said as he nodded his head.

"Colonel Ryder." Ang replied with a salute. "The prisoner?"

"Right behind me." Leo gestured and revealed the shooter. He was a young Vulcan, no more than forty. Probably had barely had a couple of pon farr's under his belt. His face was muddy and clothes were torn, no doubt from running through the jungle.

"State your name for the record." Ang said as she activated the recorder.

"T'Sevok." He said in a very monotone, very Vulcan manner.

"And T'Sevok, are you a current or former Starfleet officer?" Ang asked as she walked around him.

"Neither. I was a teacher." he said, not looking at her, not moving his eyes from a spot on the wall that he seemed almost transfixed upon.

"What subject?"

"Philosophy." he replied and looked up at her.

"And why would a Philosophy professor use a high powered sniper rifle with slugs to assassinate a planetary leader?" Ang raised an eyebrow.

"Because Empress Lei had murdered more lives and her life would help to balance the scales." he said coldly.

"Be that as it may, you missed your shot. You nearly killed President Ryder's aide. A young woman who he nearly considers a daughter." Ang said and put his hand on his shoulder. "You better pray to whatever gods or goddesses that you believe in that she survives. Because Empress Lei would like your head on a plate."

"Just like my family. They were beheaded." He said coldly
Colonel Angelica "Ang" t'Radiak
CO RIS Alth'Indor attached to Starbase Byron
Romulan Republic/Earth-Romulan Coalition
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Tomarah
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Admiral Tomarrah entered the security bunker. She only gave Ang a passing glance. To herself she thought how odd it was. Just a few decades ago a half-breed like Ang would usually not be accepted in Romulan society. And here she was.

The admiral circled the room with a practice aire of Romulan superiority. While she had never served the Tal Shiar she was well versed in their tactics.

Eventually she sat across from the sustect. She still hadn't said a word. She sat with a military rigid posture, her hands clasped together resting on the table before her. She was high borne the last of a noble family that included emporers of the former Star Empire. Her eyes met the suspect's. Cool gray and unblinking.
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Ang t'Radiak
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CO - RIS Alth'Indor

"Be that as it may... if you killed her, it would still be capital murder. It would also set off a lot of other dominos falling." Ang said and gave Tomarah a glance. "I also think there is more that you are not telling us. Again, where would a philosophy professor get a high powered slug throwing sniper rifle? Why even use a slug thrower when a phaser rifle or plasma rifle would be much cleaner."

"Why would you suspect that I am working with anyone but myself?" he replied

"Because the last time I checked Vulcan professors didn't pack those weapons." Ang said and turned to Tomarah. "Do you think that is part of the standard issue kit for a Professor?"
Colonel Angelica "Ang" t'Radiak
CO RIS Alth'Indor attached to Starbase Byron
Romulan Republic/Earth-Romulan Coalition
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Tomarah
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"Extreme times call for extreme measures don't you agree?" Tomarrah finally spoke. "I don't have to imagine the horrors your people experienced at the hands of the Imperium. I saw it first hand on Talaria. I saw it on Trill and Xanax. There were whole resistance cells dedicated to irradicating all Imperium citizens on those planets. They were made up of people such as yourself. Doctors, lawyers, ex-military, and yes even professors. I can imagine the Empress herself would be too tempting of a target to pass up. Am I right?"
Edited by Tomarah, Mar 31 2016, 11:59 PM.
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Ang t'Radiak
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CO - RIS Alth'Indor

"Even if her death would destabilize all our peace efforts." Ang added

"I did what was logical and just. She is an enemy of all." he said and looked at Tomarah. "I find it rather... interesting that I am being interrogated by two Romulans."
Colonel Angelica "Ang" t'Radiak
CO RIS Alth'Indor attached to Starbase Byron
Romulan Republic/Earth-Romulan Coalition
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Tomarah
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Tomarrah gave him a grave smile. "I am not your interrogator. Not at all my young Vulcan cousin. Not at all. You see, the Colonel here is your interrogator.

"As Fleet Commander of the Allied forces I am your judge, jury, and executioner. I hope you can give us something so I needn't sign the death warrant. Empress Lei is asking you to be tortured to death, and I am afraid that in the interest of peace I will likely have to turn you over to her. Now if, perhaps you tell us the names of your associates and future plans I can arrange a transporter execution. Quick, clean, painless, and you could die with friends and family instead of strangers on Earth."

Most of this was a lie, but he didn't know that.
Edited by Tomarah, Apr 1 2016, 12:10 AM.
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Ang t'Radiak
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CO - RIS Alth'Indor

Ang straightened up slightly in her chair. "The difference being, you can tell us and we can handle things... the Alliance way. Or you could wait for the Empress and her own Interrogators to get it out of you and it would be handled the Imperium way..." she folded her hands on her lap. "So... I will ask you again. Who do you work with and are there are others?"

He looked at them both a steely expression. "Yes. I do work with others. But I will not tell you where they are or who they are or how many there are. I am frankly... disturbed that the Alliance is working with the Imperium in such a way. You are both corrupt."

"Be that as it may... we are all that stands between you and an Imperium butcher." Ang replied and looked him in the eye.

"Is there any difference?" he said simply.
Colonel Angelica "Ang" t'Radiak
CO RIS Alth'Indor attached to Starbase Byron
Romulan Republic/Earth-Romulan Coalition
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Tomarah
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Tomarrah raised an eyebrow, "That's fine. Your cooperation isn't all that nessicary. I was hoping for some confirmation and perhaps a little repentance so we can be lenient."

The Romulan was expressionless and cold. "I believe you know Shae?" Tomarrah had ran a background check on the man before entering. "She was such a pretty girl. That is until the Imperium got ahold of her. The president and I were not terribly happy with their methods, but I must admit they were effective. Pitty, she would have made a young man such as yourself quite a wife. Sadly she'll be eating through a straw and bed ridden for the rest of her life. The president thought he saved her. I think he's just continuing her torture."

Tomarrah let out a theatrical sigh. "I don't know if I can save you from such a fate, but you have to give us something. A reason to spare you from the guillotine."
Edited by Tomarah, Apr 1 2016, 03:21 AM.
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Ang t'Radiak
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CO - RIS Alth'Indor

"If you think threats are going to make me talk, you are no better than the Imperium or the old Romulan Empire." T'Sevok said bitterly. "There are many of us. And we will not rest until there is justice."

"Needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one eh?" Ang said as she walked over to him and took her boot and pushed between his legs and tipped the chair backward, using her heel to maintain control. "Such noble words and sentiment. But the only thing that means... is that you have nothing left to lose. We don't like the Empress any more than you do." she kept rocking the chair backward and forward. "But we are trying to broker some form of peace here. A peace you may have jeopardized. And the last thing we need is some... Vulcan who thinks he knows better ruining it all." she let the chair rock all the way back and let it hit the ground with him wincing in pain. "SO! I will ask you... nicely... one last time. Are there are others you are working with on the planet or on the island? Or... I can end you right now." she put her high heeled boot against his throat. "And send you to the Empress to finish off. Your choice."

"I believe the Earth term is... go to Hell." he said through grit teeth.

"Admiral... the suspect is non compliant." Ang removed her boot and crossed her arms. "I suppose we should let the Imperium have him and the others we found."

"Others?" He glanced at the two women.

"We DID find others... but we wanted you to admit that they worked with you... Imperium WAS going to interrogate them... and you know how much they enjoy an excuse to do nasty things." Ang crouched down and cocked her head. "Although we could be persuaded to be the ones to talk to them, if we knew they worked with you."

"I will give you names." he said bitterly. "Just do not harm them."

Ang gave Tomarah a wink. The ruse had worked. And it only made their job that much harder, there were others... and if there were others, the island could erupt into a bloodbath if they weren't careful.
Colonel Angelica "Ang" t'Radiak
CO RIS Alth'Indor attached to Starbase Byron
Romulan Republic/Earth-Romulan Coalition
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Tomarah
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"The rest are in the hands of the Imperium," she continued the ruse. "I"ll do what I can short of starting a war. But, we must act quickly before any permanent injury has occurred."

Tomarrah stood with her hands behind her back and gave Ang a slight tilt of her head and an almost undetectable curl of the corner of the right side of her mouth.
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Olivia Ryder
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Naval Intelligence

"Awfully dangerous game those two are playing." Olivia mused as she watched over the monitors.

"As logical as most Vulcans are, sometimes they are easily played when you play to their sense of logic and nobility." Kalia said as she took a sip of tea. "I appreciate you letting me watch this."

"Peaceful cooporation and well... Ang is known as the 'Traumatizer'. As similar as she is to my sister Angelica, she's not Angelica." Olivia replied and noted the names that he was giving them. "As I suspected, former Starfleet Vulcan stationed officers. After the Imperium took hold, there were some officers, the COs of various planetary bases that we contacted to find out if they were going to toe the line with your people or defect and join us. There were some that never replied back. Some of those names are the ones who didn't reply back."

"So they formed their own resistance?" Kalia said and raised an eyebrow.

"Or they're using their names." Olivia replied and took a sip of her own tea. "I'll trust your people not to go hunting until our's do."

"Oh by all means... I'm actually rather fascinated by this. Truth be told, this is my first off world assignment." Kalia said as she smiled brightly. "And this is the first time that I've actually been able to investigate anyone who's wanted to kill my mother."

"I have a punch card, three more and I win a cookie." Olivia deadpanned as she continued to watch. "So... what will Tomarah do next... that woman is an enigma. I've worked with her for almost a year and I still can't always crack her."
Agent Olivia Ryder
Naval Intelligence
Dead Gurl Walkin'
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Nadia Singh
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Nadia had finished with Isabella and had made her way to the Seraphim's yacht. She flashed her badge and walked past all the security guards and made her way to where President Ryder and Empress Lei were discussing their public statement. Like many 'old school' augments she had an air of superiority and combined with her Indian heritage she was very blunt and direct.

"The girl will be fine in time. The bullet grazed her heart but she will be fine once her body is allowed to heal. For the grand-daughter of Khan she is strong but her diet needs to be more carefully monitored, far too much junk food and far too little exercise. I have not seen an augment like her since the 1980s when American snack foods and television were introduced into the compound." she said and looked at President Ryder. "And you are lucky my father is not here. He would..."

"He would be thankful you were here to assist." Nick said and put his hands on his hips. "Khan works with me from time to time, after he defected from the Imperium and after we took down Bloodstone your dirty little secret black ops program." he leaned down to match eyes with the petite Indian woman. "And Isabella is very strong young woman, that's why she's my Chief Aide. AND why I allowed you to even get within five feet of her. I never knew Khan had another daughter."

"We do not have the kind of relationship you have with your's. It is only something I bring up when I want something or I need to cut through the bull Mister President." Nadia said with a smirk. "And I do require something for my services. I need to take samples from you, from her and from at least one of your daughters. You see Augments traditionally have had... issues with pregnancy. That is why usually we take embryos and artificially inseminate and then use artificial wombs or simply surrogates to carry, but natural pregnancy is tricky at best. Isabella's grandmother died in childbirth. From what I was told by Eli, her mother nearly died when she miscarried recently."

"Yes, it was rather tragic. Although Khan and my son Jackson are working on it." Nick replied

"I know, but they are men. There is much they do not know about how female augments operate." Nadia said and looked at Julie. "Like for instance do you realize that when the Empress carried your daughters, her blood was forever changed? In many ways she is a low level augment herself now. I checked her DNA scans from before she met you to after she had Angelica and Olivia, many key markers are now altered. Even in this clone body she's using..."

"Nadia..." Julie rolled her eyes.

"What? Did he not think you had several bodies already? Many of which you should be bowing to me for saving." Nadia whispered.

"Several bodies?" Nick raised an eyebrow at that revelation and chuckled as he replied. "And me with this old thing."

"Well, a few were in testing to ensure the engram transfer process would work." Julie said with a slight blush. "And a few were because I took too hands on an approach. Of course my original body is still safe, in a place that no one can find it or access."

"Nice. So I'm dealing with a clone." Nick said and crossed his arms.

"So? You are married to one, I do not see what difference it makes. This woman standing here is Julie Diane Lei, Empress of the Imperium. In every single way that matters, her mind is linked to the original, if we were to bring her here, she would think the same way." Nadia said and snapped her fingers. "BUT we are not here to discuss her, so do we have a deal Mr. President, I get samples and you have your aide back."

"Deal, fine." Nick grumbled. "I think I liked dealing with Khan better."

"You will not have to 'deal' with me for much longer Mister President." Nadia said and turned on her heel and left the room.

"She's a good doctor and an amazing scientist..." Julie said with a shrug of her shoulders.

"Hey she's your people... I got nothing to say about that." Nick replied and leaned against the wall. "And you're not getting the shooter until he's given up his allies."

"Isabella will live, I can be... merciful. Although Nadia IS wrong about one thing, anything happens to me here... I wouldn't remember any of this. Remember, communications aren't that sturdy on this island for a reason. I die, I wake up and it's at least the day after we spoke in the White House. Not until I'm out in subspace range or back on Earth before I'm sure this will all transfer." Julie said and touched his hand. "And I do want to remember how we both put aside our old hurts and differences and worked something out."

"I'm still trying to figure out your game here Julie... you go from sending assassins to this?" Nick shook his hand and took his hand away. "But your doc helped save Isabella, which is earning a lot of good will from me. But don't push it. There are billions that would not shed a tear if you snuffed it right here. Good luck coming back from a public assassination. Everyone would then know you're using clones to remain in power."

"Then it's a good thing I didn't get shot." Julie said and patted his cheek. "And relax a little Nicholas, you're starting to get worry lines."
Nadia Singh
Imperium Science Council
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