An oath is an oath

Posted on 19 Jan 2017 @ 4:41am by Commander Medara t'Keras & Lieutenant JG Ricardo Montoya

1,174 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 13 - Rogue
Location: Kreanus Colony - Deck 16, Living Quarters
Timeline: MD 01 - 1410 hrs

[ON]

Rico rolled onto his side as he sat up, his head still ringing from the disruptor blast that had taken him down. He was aware of the figure in the room with him but at this point he really didn't care. Sitting on the edge of the bed rubbing his temples. "Whoever you are your welcoming committee need to work on their technique."

The Romulan standing nearby was shadowed by the room's dim lighting. Her tall and slim form, however, revealed her gender, and the short-cropped hair atop her head was a good indicator of her lineage. "It was unfortunate we had to bring you here under such a condition," she said in a quiet voice.

The tone of the voice from the shadows was definitely not Klingon and he looked up to see a Romulan woman standing there. His surprise at Romulans working with Klingons aside he asked the obvious question. "Where am I, and why did you bring me here in the first place?"

Medara cocked her head slightly to the side while studying the new arrival. "I would think a 'thank you' would first be in order. For saving your life and sparing you the humiliation General Kor'aH wanted to inflict," she smiled mischievously.

Thinking to himself...Saved, from a Klingon general? What position did she hold that would off a Klingon General? "Saving me? From what I saw a lot of people, myself included, have been abducted." Shifting to the matter of the Klingons. "What's the General's problem; that I beat the crap out of one of his warriors?"

"Ko'raH is a strange old man. Perhaps you looked at him wrong?" answered Medara with a light and dismissive shrug. "The raid on your vessel was primarily for supplies. We're in constant need of provisions and components, and you simply happened to pass too close to our territory. But I believe the general saw value in you and the rest of your crew, as well."

"So you raid for supplies and people huh? What a minute...your territory? The transport I was on was passing the Paulson Nebula; heading deeper into Federation space. That means your territory isn't very far from where we were attacked."

Rico looked at the Romulan woman and having spent time with her people he knew that they weren't invulnerable to Deltan pheromones; not that he was trying to seduce her. "I just want to get out of here. I have an assignment waiting for me as does my friend...he is ok isn't he?"

"I am afraid your plans have changed. For now, at least. Unfortunately there is no means for you to leave at present. You will be staying with us on Kreanus for the time being," she answered. "I am unsure who your colleague is but if you provide me with his name, I can see if he was captured alive and among us?" she offered.

"His name is Oswald Goodshire he was with me when I was stunned."

Goodshire, she repeated in her head. Didn't ring much of a chime, but then again, she occasionally misclassified personnel. "I do not recall his name on any of my recent reports. Though that's not to say he isn't here at Kreanus. I will look into the matter for you...as a gesture of kindness." She held her palms open for him to see and to appreciate her accommodations. "Was he a medical officer such as yourself?"

"He is an engineer. What did you mean for the time being? If you have the means to attack and raid for supplies, you have the means to contact the Federation. The aid you steal would likely be given if you asked."

She arched a single eyebrow in a manner resembling the traditional Vulcan mannerism. "We cannot permit you to leave, I'm afraid. You are not a prisoner here at Kreanus, but you must remain with us until we can ascertain the severity of certain...recent political developments," she vaguely explained. "We cannot contact your Federation for you -- such an act would compromise our operations and put all of us at risk. I trust you understand the need for confidentiality, being a doctor?"

Brushing off and adjusting his soiled and scorched uniform. "I am very familiar with Doctor-Patient confidentiality. However your political worries are none of my concern. My transport was attacked without cause, we were assaulted, no doubt the ships supplies and cargo taken, personal effect stolen, people have been killed, others held against their will. All to fill your particular needs and agendas. So forgive me if I don't give a damn about your 'operations'."

Medara let out a light breath and stepped forward to place a soft hand on the man's arm. It was never easy for new arrivals and sometimes words weren't enough to convey the reality of the situation. "Again, I'm sorry for your loss. It's never our intention to harm anyone," she replied. "But you are here now. The reasons for that are complicated. It is best you take some time to quell your emotions and clear your mind before we speak further. I have arranged for medical aid for you and your crew and you are free to explore the colony when you are feeling better," she continued. "A guard will be assigned to you at all times to ensure your safety."

The Romulan gave him a pat on his wrist then turned to depart.

"Wait." Rico let out a breath and centered himself. "I apologized for my outburst. If you can show me to your medical center I can take care of myself and if needed I can offer my services."

She regarded him curiously for a long moment. An apology wasn't necessarily warranted, but it demonstrated humility in what was no doubt a stressful situation for the man. It showed character, she felt. "If you want to help, I will not refuse your assistance," she finally replied. "Perhaps you can discover the whereabouts of your colleague, as well. There are several of your crew and another Federation vessel in our infirmaries."

The offer was genuine and Medara held an open palm toward the door indicating for her to proceed if he wished. "I will guide you to our primary medical facility," said the Romulan.

Rico nodded. The best way for him to get off this rock and get the word out was to find OZ was to get on their captors good side. Perhaps he could get access to a transmitter or rig a way to contact Starfleet. With a gesture towards the door, "After you ma'am. Oh, as a personal request...and show of good faith I would like my personal effects returned to me. They were on the transport."

Medara strode through the door all-the-while keeping an eye on the unfamiliar man behind her. "I will see what I can find," she answered with deliberate uncertainty.

[OFF]

--

CMDR Medara t'Keras
Colony Administrator
Kreanus Colony
[PNPC Ko'raH]

Lieutenant JG Ricardo "Rico" Montoya
Medical Officer

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