Space Captive (Apply via PM or OOC thread)

[Ryosho]

Jason stood for only a couple of minutes before the captain motioned for him to continue his report.

"At ease, officer," he said before seating himself, "What news do you have to bring to me at this hour?"

Jason relaxed somewhat before speaking.

"Sir-" The Captain's comlink sounded.

"Captain, prisoner 101-A has received the necessary provisions as you ordered, sir." The Captain held a hand out to Jason before he activated his comlink and spoke into it, "Thank you, Lieutenant Commander - make sure her quarters are in lock down and all officers must have my clearance to enter her quarters from now on."

He looked back up to Candor, and nodded, "Sorry about that, officer - what news do you have?"

Jason, off balance, stuttered. "Uhm-Ye...Yes sir. I have two things to com-...to bring to your attention." Jason was having trouble speaking. It is very uncommon for an E-4 to be talking to the captain. Jason paused a moment to regain his composure.

"Sir, I wish to report that Lieutenant Commander Hill has...been behaving inappropriately." Jason paused for some form of reaction. When none was given, Jason continued on.

"First of all, sir, I have some important findings in the analysis of the galley problem. Findings that, while not serious at the moment, could lead to serious consequences if proper steps are not taken. He refused to hear my report when he stood Chief Duty Officer. But that's not the worst, sir. When I entered his office, he was watching a security camera feed." again Jason paused, he shifted uncomfortably, "Normally, sir, I wouldn't question anything an officer was doing...but he was watching a...woman. The only woman I've heard about within a light-year is the prisoner. She was in the shower, sir."

Jason stood silently, returning to attention. He wasn't sure what the Captain's reaction was going to be. He knew it would be harsh, but at what direction?

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Thompson

"Uhm-Ye...Yes sir. I have two things to com-...to bring to your attention."

The Captain tried to mask a small smirk beginning to form upon his lips - he remembered fondly, his early years with the Federation starfleet. He was much like this officer was, though he never had the privilege to speak to a Captain, himself. He felt he could only humor his demeanor at the moment..

"Sir, I wish to report that Lieutenant Commander Hill has...been behaving inappropriately."

Then, Captain Thompson lifted a brow at this, curious..

"First of all, sir, I have some important findings in the analysis of the galley problem. Findings that, while not serious at the moment, could lead to serious consequences if proper steps are not taken. He refused to hear my report when he stood Chief Duty Officer. But that's not the worst, sir. When I entered his office, he was watching a security camera feed."

He leaned forward in his chair intently, something told him he knew what he was about to hear next - as it seemed to be the only force on the ship that could possibly drive an E-4 to come to the Captain for a problem.

"Normally, sir, I wouldn't question anything an officer was doing...but he was watching a...woman. The only woman I've heard about within a light-year is the prisoner. She was in the shower, sir."

Nicholas could merely blink, to let the information sink in. He set his mug of tea on the table before him before leaning back in the chair, another sigh leaving his breath - his eyes lowering to the floor. Already, that prisoner had her privacy invaded - while necessary, to a point, for security reasons.

His head then shook a mere moment later before looking back up to Petty Officer Candor. "Alright," he said, which seemed to be the only thing he could muster at the exact moment before clearing his throat. "Notify Lieutenant Commander Hill to come to my quarters, Candor," he tried to maintain a sort of stature. "Then report here with him, I would like for you to share your revelation on the incident in the galley with the both of us - and your findings on his behavior."

Captain Thompson seemed rather smug now as he arose from his chair. He thought to himself, "If I can put a stop to this before it manifests to the rest of the crew, we'll be fine when we arrive at Ylane."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tara

How long Tara set swathed in her towel, she was unsure. Finally though she knew she had to spur herself into action. Standing, she glanced down at the table and secured the top on the empty flask and hoping that a similar beverage was to be found in the second. She also replaced the lid on the hamper and then turned towards the pack on her bed.

Unzipping the waterproof covering, Tara pulled out the garments that were contained within. Her eyes widened. She had been expecting some prisoner uniform, or even a drab non-descript garment, instead she pulled out a handful of garments and lay them in the makeshift "closet". She was uncertain just where the clothes had come from and was unsure whether to be pleased at the femininity of the outfits. Letting the towel drop, Tara pulled on a fawn coloured dress, smoothing it over her curves and picking up the towel then moving to hang it in the bathroom to dry. Checking the top half of her appearance in the mirror, she did not realise how short the skirt of the dress was, though she did fleetingly wonder why it was that she had not been supplied with any underwear! She supposed that there was a limit to the available feminine garments on board such a ship, but thought that something might be arranged, even if it meant one of the female personnel having to make a sacrifice at least one bra/panties set.

Hair brush in hand, Tara considered how she would broach such a ... delicate subject ... with the Captain. As her mind ran over possibilities, Tara brushed her damp auburn hair and deciding to leave it loose about her shoulders to dry thoroughly, wandered back into the main room and perched once more at the end of her bed.

She glanced around the room realising that the hours in "isolation" were going to drag in the weeks ahead.
All she could do was sit ... and wait ... until ...
She sighed heavily and eased herself back, crossing her legs in an effort to get comfortable.


Tara's Outfit:

http://store3.yimg.com/I/spicylingeriestore_1792_55094570

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Thompson (& PO3 Candor)

(OOC: Edit...Oook... This post covers the roles of my own character Captain Nicholas Thompson and the NPC, Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Christopher Hill - and in this post, I'm also temporarily filling in for Ryosho's role as Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) Jason Candor. So, sorry if this appears all jumbled... and thanks again for the ranking references, Ryosho! I hope they're a little better this time around. ENJOY!)
____________________________________

After having sent off Candor, Captain Thompson paced from the windows in his quarters to a small multi-tasking monitor set on his desk. The imagery on the monitor was replaying a video clip of the ship's prisoner showering, though it wasn't because the Captain was watching her - along the sides of the video, several data streams were flickering about; including an information cell on the bottom right of the viewscreen that read:

"Hill, Christopher L.
Lieutenant Commander, CDO
Security, Clearance level 6"

He paused briefly as he glanced down at the video cycle, and shook his head. It was odd how he hadn't considered watching this video for his own pleasure... but he was the Captain, and knew as such that he should be setting an example for his crew by resisting any temptations from the sole female on board - even if.. that were for only a given while.

A shift had passed before somebody had signaled at the Captain's door. Captain Thompson sighed quietly before speaking aloud, "Come in!" Lieutenant Commander Hill promptly entered, followed shortly by Petty Officer Third Class Candor as he had requested earlier.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, sir - but Petty Officer Third Class Candor continually insisted that I report to your quarters," said Hill. The Lieutenant Commander apparently had something against petty officers as he had stressed "petty". "I attempted to inform Candor that you would have called me yourself..." his gaze seemed to trail to his side where Candor was standing at attention.

Nicholas paused in front of the monitor apathetically, "Lieutenant Commander Hill, you've served this ship under my command for a long time... long enough to become a confidant of myself and other members of the crew." The Captain then lifted his gaze from the viewscreen to the other senior officer, "And now, you've got to be honest with me - because if you aren't, the repercussions can be for the worst."

Hill gave Thompson a puzzled look, "Sir..?" he asked.

"I'll be direct with you - or rather, Mr. Candor will be." He motioned to the PO3 with his hand, "Please, Mr. Candor - indulge us with the information you know of regarding a certain problem in the galley and Mr. Hill here."

PO3 Candor seemed to grow nervous again as he stammered, "I.. well..", he seemed to inch away from the LCDR before his chest swelled, taking in a breath. "I know what is wrong with the refrigeration unit in Mess 3--" Lieutenant Commander Hill seemed to shake his head in disgust as he interrupted, "--You already told me about that, what else is new?!"

Captain Thompson pointed to Hill, "Becareful, Lieutenant Commander.. We will have the situation in the galley solved once we get the specifications from Mr. Candor. However, I suggest you continue listening to him." As he lowered his arm, he nodded to Candor to urge him to continue to which he did.

"Aside from the situation with the refrigeration unit, I've noticed... odd behavior," Candor said as he gazed toward Hill. The Lieutenant Commander seemed taken aback, as if attempting to appear innocent - though he knew, just as the other two men knew, that he was not. Candor continued, "When I attempted to report the situation previously, you seemed rather disinterested... and when I was going to bring up the data on your station, you became defensive and instructed me to back away - as if you had something to hide."

Suddenly, Mr. Hill became erupted, "You were interrupting my work, petty officer! And you were attempting to view something for a senior officer's eyes only!" Captain Thompson quickly intervened at this point before the LCDR could continue, "What was so important, Mr. Hill? What was 'for a senior officer's eyes only'? I don't remember giving out data for senior officers only, except just recently - and even then, it is only for my eyes at the current moment."

He became tense at this point before activating the video console at his station, then turning it to face the two men. "Could it possibly be this, Lieutenant Commander? Hill's face seemed to grow grave and his body straightened out; he knew he was in trouble for sure. The video continued to loop, showing Tara's shapely figure under the massaging waters; even PO3 Candor seemed to grow uneasy.

He started around his desk, walking toward Lieutenant Commander Hill, "I find myself rather insulted that you are not being completely honest with me - and moreso that you're abusing your power." Nicholas shook his head in disgust, "I will not let this problem manifest throughout the rest of the crew and for your actions, I subject you to 30 days in the brig." His brown eyes stared directly into Hill's, "Don't get your hopes up of being in the same deck as our prisoner, either."

Captain Thompson then walked behind his desk, turning the video console back to face himself and promptly shutting it off. He seated himself, gazing upon the two. "Petty Officer Third Class Candor, I would like for you to help me take care of situations involving our prisoner: sending her food, clothing and reporting status when I am unable to.. after you've taken care of the refrigeration unit in Mess 3." Two guards entered briefly afterward, flanking Hill - his side arm weapon being removed, as with other items before they led him out of the Captain's quarters.

PO3 Candor seemed to stand stationary before Captain Thompson looked at him and said, "Dismissed!" Candor gave a slight nod as he excused himself, first the refrigeration unit would be taken care of. Soon, the Captain would have to check on Tara - hoping she would be in the mood to speak more, as she had finally had something to eat and .. a shower.
____________________________________

"Now doesn't seem to be the time to rest," Nicholas thought to himself as he rounded corridors before entering a lift. "Security bay," he said aloud before the computer acknowledged his command. He looked run down, more so than usual - he'd barely have a chance to eat or sleep himself.

Stepping off the lift, he approached the security level and started toward the 7th portal within the security bay. "Open the security shield to Security bay 7 - and close it once I am inside," he ordered an officer working at a nearby security station. He stopped before a console at the side of the entrance to Tara's prisoner quarters, and began touching the security interface. "Authorization Code Level 10 required," the computer said before the Captain could silence it as he had already begun to enter his clearance code.

"Authorization Code accepted," it then said after he had made the final keystroke on the interface. The door slid open and he quickly entered, passing through the security shield before the door then slid shut - and the security shield lifting back up as he stood before Tara.

He sighed quietly as he looked down to where she sat, his arms folding behind his back. She was beautiful with the clothing provided, though the crew is obviously thinking with the worst intentions already - as indicated through the short cut in the skirt. He hadn't known about the "unavailability" of undergarments for her - whether it was due to some incapable hands or a spying LCDR hoping to get lucky with the only female on board.

"Well it seems already you've been taken advantage of, Tara," he seemed to admit quietly. Nearest to the portal, a small interface had been deactivated - but not any longer as the Nicholas activated it through several authorization codes (given the location the interface was in) and other prompts. Then, he pulled up from his own data interface in his quarters - the footage recovered from Lieutenant Commander Hill's computer.

"It seems one of my crew had the worst intentions," he said rather compassionately. "I'm sorry if you've felt as though your privacy has been invaded - that is not what the Federation is about, and that is not what I am about[/i]." He removed the footage shortly afterward before looking back to Tara. "Have you any needs you require from me, I will get them to you - albeit, reasonable needs as you are still a prisoner."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tara

She must have dosed off.
She’d had no intention of doing so, but the combination of food and warm drink must have lulled her senses. Gradually she had eased sideways until she was stretched out on the bed, her assigned garment clinging to her curves like a second skin.
But she wasn’t aware of that.
She was only half aware of the promise to herself just to rest her eyes for “ few minutes” and then … nothing … nothing until she half heard the mechanical sound of the interface accepting an authorisation code.
Blinking and disoriented, Tara eased her body upwards, her legs still outstretched on the bed. Her eyes widened in recognition as she saw the Captain striding into her quarters. A hand ran self-consciously to the long hair that tumbled in a dishevelled riot about her shoulders. Seeing his grave expression, Tara swung her legs around as demurely as was possible and raised her eyes to his as she sat well back on the bed and awaited his comment.

"Well it seems already you've been taken advantage of, Tara,"

She hadn’t known what he would say, but those words were not what she had expected at all. She glanced at him in confusion as he drew her attention to the screen.
... surely ... no it couldn't be ...
Images of herself in the shower played back, the image clear and intimate in it's detail.
She flushed wordlessly raising her eyes to the Captain as he watched her carefully.

"It seems one of my crew had the worst intentions,"

His tone seemed regretful … apologetic ... but all she could think about was his phrase ... "the WORST intentions" ... was the crewmember a voyeur ... or did he have anything further in mind?
Surely the fact that the Captain had intercepted the footage meant that the man had been ... dealt with ... ?

"I'm sorry if you've felt as though your privacy has been invaded - that is not what the Federation is about, and that is not what I am about."

Tara shook her head wordlessly.
She had been generously provided for, considering the circumstances, but she had not realised that there were cameras in her quarters.
She looked around warily.
If there were cameras in the bathroom, then there must surely be cameras in here too ...

"Have you any needs you require from me, I will get them to you - albeit, reasonable needs as you are still a prisoner."

Tara looked at him blankly, barely registering the Captain's offer.

”Captain … I .. had no idea that such ... surveillance was necessary. I'm locked in here. You have more than enough so-called proof to convict me. What possible reason could there be for watching my every move ... unless ... “

She hesitated, thoughts forming in her mind that she didn't even want to contemplate.

”Just how secure am I in here? How ... safe?"

Who had access to the cameras? To her quarters?
She had been accused of murdering a Federation vessel...
Were revenge attacks possible?

"With cameras recording my every move, no wonder there are those who have the worst of intentions … “

She accused, her powerlessness making her bitter.
She glared at him and then looked away with a belated blush.
It was too late for modesty.
They had watched her shower, dress, eat, sleep ...
The Captain no doubt knew everything she had done since being isolated here.

She looked back up at him helplessly.

"You can't give me the things I really want ... "

Privacy ... freedom ... a quick trial ... all seemed basic rights she'd forfeited with one hostile act.
She’d never been accused of mass murder before and was finding the experience … bewildering …
It would have been better if she'd tried to escape and been shot out of the sky.
At least that would have been mercifully quick instead of this torment.

"Just coffee and food ... as and when ... "

She told him finally answering his question.

”There is … one thing … Captain ... “

She saw his interest quicken as she made her request.

”Is there a … female … medical officer … counsellor … someone I could … speak with … ?”

Given the recent circumstances he could hardly refuse her that!

 

[Ryosho]

The beginnings of dissension

"Dismissed!"

The captain's voice broke Jason out of his trance. He quickly left the compartment, stepping sideways through the partially opened door. The door held itself half open, the circuitry not exactly sure what to do. Eventually it shut with a hiss that seemed almost impatient.

Jason walked briskly down the passageway to the nearest lift. Several officers looked curiously at him since enlisted men were rarely seen in the officer's habitat, especially such low-ranking ones. Jason resented this.

...How can they judge me just by looking at my rank?...

Jason surprised the door to the lift and, once again, the door held itself in an apparently dazed half-open position for a few seconds before closing.

"Mess Deck" Jason fumed to himself as the lift began moving.

...They don't know me...they don't know who I am...

Stepping off the lift, Jason made his way to Mess 3. When he approached the door, a chime sounded.

This mess is secured by order of Commander Bently.  This mess is secur...

Jason quickly typed in the maintenance code and the doors slide open. He walked to the nearest console and called down to the engineering dept.

"Engineering"

By the books Jason was supposed to have three other crew-members here to help him.

"Petty Officer Candor here sir." Jason's voice dripped with pent-up frustration and anger.

"Go ahead."

...FUCK the book. I can do this on my own. Maybe then I'll get some recognition around here...or in trouble...either works...

"Belay my last sir.

Jason turned and walked towards the kitchen area.

"Very well Petty Officer, Engineering out."

Once he reached the faulty refrigerating unit, he pulled a set of tools from next to the fire extinguisher and first aid kit. The fact that they kept repair tools on hand along with first aid has always bothered him.

"For all it's magnificence, this ship is really a piece of shit." Jason pulled a panel off of the side of the unit and opened the tool-kit.

"Too many people, not enough brains. Whatever happened to the adventure we were supposed to get out here?" Jason probed a few components and traced signal paths until he narrowed it down to a single IC. Jason began removing the circuit card.

"THIS...IS...SO...EXCITING!" Each statement punctuated a pull on the circuit card. Finally it snapped out and Jason was able to begin repairs.

Jason went silent, though his mind raged in a battle with himself. He worked diligently, almost ingeniously, on the circuit card. For the next few hours he comforted himself with his work. He really did enjoy the work, he just hated his employer.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Thompson

"Captain … I .. had no idea that such ... surveillance was necessary. I'm locked in here. You have more than enough so-called proof to convict me. What possible reason could there be for watching my every move ... unless ... "

Nicholas disagreed, though only to a certain degree before he would have to consider the circumstances that have been laid out before him now. He couldn't just let a prisoner to themselves, without concern for a prisoner attempting harm on his crew or even herself; or hatching some sort of escape plan. Of course, she was correct in that their computers had recorded her ship's attack on the Federation colony-class starship - along with the data collected from her ship's logs.

"Just how secure am I in here? How ... safe? With cameras recording my every move, no wonder there are those who have the worst of intentions … "

He seemed almost embarassed, his head moving this way and that as if gathering his thoughts to put them into words. She was secure in her hold, she was safe - now. Only two men were currently permitted in the care of her, one that was standing before her - and the other in Mess 3 fixing the refrigeration unit. Nicholas couldn't just suddenly tell her that his ship and its crew have been out in deep space for a good year and a half on a tour of duty, their every need met for and possibly exceeded, except for one natural phenomenon: women.

Surely, as he assumed, she must not have already let her guard down by a simple hamper filled with some small foodstuffs and beverage canisters. Although, as he thought of it himself, he did wonder just how easy he was being on her already. He thought he had heard from a couple officers as he made his way to Security, something to the effect of "Sure, I'd be thrown in the brig - but if it meant having a good time.." Then again, it could have been his imagination... but one couldn't be too overly cautious on this ship, with this particular prisoner.

"You can't give me the things I really want ... Just coffee and food ... as and when ... "

He seemed to nod, not much, but he was acknowledging her request.

"There is … one thing … Captain ..."

Captain Thompson then seemed to perk up slightly..

"Is there a … female … medical officer … counsellor … someone I could … speak with … ?"

Captain Thompson began to open his mouth as if to say something before he closed it as his eyes looked to the floor, partially to her legs to not come across as being overly palpable. One half of him was glad that she wished to speak with somebody, hopefully to get everything out of her system and then the counselor on board could make a rough diagnosis on her, given the conditions and her own actions.

The other half, didn't want to admit to her that there were no females on board - which was something he could not understand himself - but he knew the Federation's regulations regarding male/female relationships while serving. They were heavily frowned upon, especially as many of the crewmen on the ships to-date were fresh out of training and without a family of their own.

Then, he sighed as he looked to her. "I can arrange a meeting with a counselor, if you'd like. The only problem with that being.." He paused momentarily, his gaze passing over to the window through the skin of the ship - he stared briefly at the stars, a nearby T-Class planet. It was Terran.. most likely suitable for life, but he knew better than to deviate from his course. What with a prisoner on board and all, but he quickly looked back to her as he continued: "There are no female counselors available."

It was all he could think of to say. It was, in fact, the truth... partially. He failed to mention the fact that she was aboard a ship full of men, but that was something he hoped to gradually tell her as they neared Ylane Prime - assuming she hadn't already figured it out, or was formulating that theory. Then, he activated his comlink and spoke into it - it's line only being put through one individual: "Petty Officer Candor, have you and the maintenance team finished with the refrigeration unit in Mess 3?"

He looked to Tara, half smiling as he didn't want to appear as some apathetic Captain. "I'd like you to come down to security with two containers, one with hot coffee, black - the other with warm tea." With one more pause, he seemed to judge the time, "Bring a snack, too - something delicious.. something healthy." Now all that seemed to remain was.. just what was Captain Thompson up to?

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tara

Tara watched Captain Thompson carefully wondering at his hesitation.

"I can arrange a meeting with a counselor, if you'd like. The only problem with that being.."

Tara waited. There was something … something he wasn’t telling her.

"There are no female counsellors available."

Her eyes widened. She barely registered the order to bring hot drinks and food.

”But … how can that be? Surely it’s standard to have counsellors, medical staff of both genders? There must be someone … suitable … I can talk to … especially given that as you point out my privacy has been … compromised…?”

She watched the closed expression on his face and wondered why it was that he was being so … unreasonable …
She decided to try another approach.

”So … Captain … are you going to have the cameras in my bathroom deactivated?
I take it this room is also under surveillance?
Am I permitted to know just where they are, or is that secret also necessary for security?”

She stood up in frustration not quite succeeding in doing a sweeping glance of the room before turning away from the man who stood before her.

”Just what do you expect me to do that necessitates my being spied on constantly?!?"

Her voice rose in agitation.

"I can hardly escape, now can I?
Just how many of your crew are going to be assigned the task of watching me wash … dress … sleep … or … “

She halted suddenly shuddering at the thought of men watching the screen.
So much for basic rights.
She had forfeited her privacy as well as her freedom it seemed.

She turned slowly and met his eyes defiantly determined to regress into the silence as she had intended from the beginning.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Thompson

-"But … how can that be? Surely it’s standard to have counsellors, medical staff of both genders? There must be someone … suitable … I can talk to … especially given that as you point out my privacy has been … compromised…?"

He did seem rather sorry for her at this point, he definitely couldn't put himself in her position - considering he'd never been thrown in the brig.

-"So … Captain … are you going to have the cameras in my bathroom deactivated? I take it this room is also under surveillance? Am I permitted to know just where they are, or is that secret also necessary for security?" She finally stood up at this point, "Just what do you expect me to do that necessitates my being spied on constantly?!?"

Nicholas began to shake his head, extending a hand slightly outward as if trying to calm her down; but before he could speak, she continued on.

-"I can hardly escape, now can I?
Just how many of your crew are going to be assigned the task of watching me wash … dress … sleep … or …"

The Captain huffed quietly, but audible to Tara. "For starters, you can start by speaking to me, and if you ever feel the need to, you can speak to Petty Officer Candor. I'm sorry I don't have a female officer or counselor on board that you'd preferrably speak with." His eyes met hers as his arm lowered, and spoke quieter this time, "This is not my choice, but the Federation's choice, Tara. Even I don't agree with some of the standards set by the Federation, but I must."

"As for security, I will not immediately remove the video feeds. You've got to understand, you will be on board for at least 3 months - we need to understand your tendencies and behavior - that usually takes anywhere from a week to a month. Then we gradually begin to remove video from security."

He knew she wouldn't accept that explanation, but it was how the Federation worked - then as he even began to think, after years of Federation training and having every type of protocol crammed into his head - it all seemed in vain at times. Nicholas continued:

"At this time, there will officially only be two men taking care of surveillance and prisoner detail: Petty Officer Candor, and myself. Regular security around this perimeter will only control security shields and will report if anything unusual is happening. After our LCDR was reported to have been spying on you, I don't want to take any more chances with the rest of my crew as it is a ship full of men."

Before she could actually respond, his communicator sounded as a voice called out: "Captain, this is PO3 Candor.. situation in Mess 3 has been taken care of. I will report to Security bay 7 with the items you requested, sir." 'About time, Candor,' he thought to himself as he continued looking to Tara.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tara

Tara stared at Captain Thompson. He seemed rather exasperated, but she was too distraught to care. She was hardly aware of his half extended hand as she met his eyes defiantly.

"For starters, you can start by speaking to me, and if you ever feel the need to, you can speak to Petty Officer Candor.”

Tara made no comment or reaction. His voice was brusque, almost impatient.
Why would she trust him? Especially now?

”I'm sorry I don't have a female officer or counsellor on board that you'd preferably speak with."

She didn’t believe his apology and he obviously saw that.
Seeming to pause, he spoke more quietly.

"This is not my choice, but the Federation's choice, Tara.
Even I don't agree with some of the standards set by the Federation, but I must."

His eyes searched hers intently. She pulled hers away and fixed them on the floor instead. She didn’t want to start imagining he gave a damn. Officers like him didn’t have feelings she reminded herself:
Beyond carrying out his duty and trying to minimise the inconvenience of her imprisonment, he was merely a product of the system, following rules and orders with complete detachment.

"As for security, I will not immediately remove the video feeds. You've got to understand, you will be on board for at least 3 months - we need to understand your tendencies and behaviour - that usually takes anywhere from a week to a month. Then we gradually begin to remove video from security."

Tara shrugged, refusing to give any more reaction. 3 long months! It was farcical! They both knew what would await her when she went to trial. And her final 3 months were to be passed here, no freedom and no basic rights …

"At this time, there will officially only be two men taking care of surveillance and prisoner detail: Petty Officer Candor, and myself. Regular security around this perimeter will only control security shields and will report if anything unusual is happening.”

Her contact was to be limited to two people? The Captain and this Candor Officer. She was slightly reassured and yet …

”After our LCDR was reported to have been spying on you, I don't want to take any more chances with the rest of my crew as it is a ship full of men."

Tara’s eyes snapped back to the Captain. She watched incredulously as he calmly took the communication from Officer Candor, his eyes never leaving hers. She waited for the communicator close down before she spoke.

”This ship … there are … no women…?”

Her mind raced, as he nodded, trying to get her head around the unexpected fact.

”But … “

The query stayed on her lips.
Wearily she turned and sat on her bed, giving a heavy sigh.

”I just don’t believe this … “

The words were spoken softly, no longer caring about his presence.
She would go crazy stuck here for 3 months!
She wished she had been able to attempt an escape and fervently regretted not making the Federation shoot her out of the sky!
She shook her head silently. She was powerless.
She had to think of something … somehow …
But meanwhile … much as she hated the prospect of hours in isolation, Tara knew that she could not let her guard down and begin to talk to the Captain or the other Officer, whoever he was.
She’d been ill-prepared for what being arrested for piracy actually meant and was surprised by the fact that she hadn’t been interrogated or …
But of course not.
They needed no more evidence.
Data from computers and the countless Federation witnesses made an incontrovertible case against her.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Thompson

"The only thing I can tell you, is that you'll have to start believing me. Even if I am Federation, and you're... whoever you are..." He seemed to bite his lip at his last sentence, he just wanted to go off on her. She was this enigma to him, he had no idea just why she had attacked that ship - he almost began to question himself as to why he needs to be holding her, aside from the fact that she destroyed a Federation ship.

It wasn't even just the fact that it was a Federation ship, but the fact that it contained civilians.... Women, children.. What could make a woman, like the one before him, resort to such an act?

The only thing he felt he could possibly do was try to comfort her, knowing that now there were only to be 2 men watching her - or rather, protecting her. Video feeds would be restricted to Level 10: Captain's eyes only, access to her prisoner quarters would have to be reduced to Level 8 for Candor to be able to enter.

Nicholas cleared his throat as he straightened himself out while looking down to her, "Tara.. I don't know why you did what you did, and maybe I don't really want to know, but--" he was interrupted when a signal emitted from the nearby entrance.

His brown eyes looked to Tara before gazing to the door, "Yes?" he asked aloud, to which a familiar voice responded, "Sir, it's Petty Officer Candor. I brought the food and beverage canisters you requested!" He wouldn't take an eye off her, whether it was for his own safety, or because she was working her ways with him now. The most time he did take his stare from her was when he pressed a few buttons on the interface console nearest to the door.

The door then slid open, with PO3 Candor standing there holding two beverage canisters and a plate of foodstuffs and a security officer standing with his weapon drawn - ready in case their prisoner attempts anything. "Are they hot?" he muttered to Candor, who shifted about nervously as his own gaze fell upon the beauty of Tara. "This is the woman I'm set for prisoner detail?!" Candor asked himself before his thoughts were interrupted by Captain Thompson with a clearing of his throat.

"Candor?" he asked him, his brow raising slightly. "Huh? Wha- Oh!" Candor started as he snapped attention back to the Captain, "Yes sir, they are!" "Very well, I'll take them," he said as he did so. A gentle nod was given to Candor and the other officer, who had already turned to leave and attend to his own duties. Candor still stood there, half looking to Tara, attempting to appear inconspicuous.

Nicholas looked around almost dumbfounded by how Candor still stood there. "Anything else, Petty Officer?" Candor swallowed hard before shaking his head, "No sir". "You're dismissed then," Captain Thompson said, to which PO3 Candor finally did so after another brief pause.

The door closed as Nicholas turned to face Tara, it would surely be locked by the Cheif security officer in the area - otherwise there would be hell to pay. "I've got more coffee, as you requested - and a hot meal for you to enjoy," he said, setting it down on a small table set near her bed. He hoped maybe a food luxury would open her up more, if not, he would have to resort to one thing he often despised himself: time.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tara

"The only thing I can tell you, is that you'll have to start believing me. Even if I am Federation, and you're... whoever you are..."

Tara met his eyes. She didn’t trust him, but she was in no position to do anything but take his word for any of this. As to what he believed she was! She had seen the expression on the faces of the men who had escorted her to the security bay. As far as they were concerned she had attacked and killed defenceless civilians. They couldn’t know any different. Even if they checked their records, those individuals that they believed they had seen murdered would never surface again, merely because they were indeed dead, but not by her hands. They had met their end months previous and not in such a merciful way as a single explosion.

Tara shivered and blocked the thoughts from her mind.
If she allowed herself to dwell on the truth, then it would all come flooding back to her … and she didn’t want to face that. Far easier to face trial and execution. If only the process were quicker as she had imagined it to be.

"Tara.. I don't know why you did what you did, and maybe I don't really want to know, but--"

Tara shrugged, giving a semblance of not caring; she had to make the Captain believe that she cared little about the perceived crime, or about what he thought of her.
As long as she could keep this too perceptive man at a distance, she would be fine.

She glanced over as another Officer entered the room, her eyes meeting his directly as he stared at her. So, this was the other man who was permitted access to her, who would be permitted to spy on her? He was young and seemed more shocked than hostile as he placed the food and drink upon the table before her.

"Anything else, Petty Officer?"

Tara almost felt sorry for the man as the Captain curtly dismissed him.
Candor hadn’t been allowed to speak to her. He was clearly Junior and as such easily kept in check by the Captain and possibly too overawed by the responsibility given him to take advantage.
She had to admit to herself, the Captain was a shrewd man.

”Thank you … “

She gestured to the provisions recently brought to her, but left them untouched.
He might be able to watch her eat and drink on the security cams, but she wouldn’t partake of her meal in front of him; besides, her hunger had been satiated earlier and at present she found she had lost her earlier appetite.

”… it seems I have all I need, Captain; food, drink, clothes …. “

The lack of underwear hardly seemed important now.
Only two men would have access to her, and even if her movements were actually on view to more of the ship, what she wore made little difference as all her movements were captured on tape. After the shower, nothing was “private” any longer.

” … so … if that’s all … “

She wasn’t foolish enough to tell him outright to leave her the hell alone, but phrased in such a way, Captain Thompson would be in no doubt that she would be “unforthcoming” as to her actions and motives and despite the seemingly courteous suggestion that he leave, she knew he was wise enough to recognise a refusal to cooperate and a dismissal when he heard one.

The words hung in the air between them.
Tara sat upon the bed, her eyes focused on the items Candor had brought for her, merely in order to avoid the Captain’s eye.
She almost held her breath.
Would he go without comment?
Curt and unresponsive she could cope with.
She would cope best left to her own devices.
Yet what if he were determined to get her story from her?
Or what if her words had angered him?
He seemed so cool, so controlled and yet … she knew he was appalled by her alleged crime.
Tara forced herself to remain calm, even as those thoughts raced through her mind.
All the time she was willing him to go, to leave her, knowing his mere presence was a threat to her control; to the wall she had built so carefully around herself.

All she could let him see was a young woman, who cared nothing for the gravity of her crime and even now submitted reluctantly to his authority, merely as a means to getting a to rapid trial and verdict.
She could not let him see anything beyond that!

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Thompson

Nicholas sighed quietly as he turned his head slightly to the side, his gaze trailing away from Tara. He couldn't figure out for himself, just why he was trying to solve this so soon. There is a predicted 3 month voyage to their destination, and with time, he could possibly understand her better. Of course, he wouldn't just give up on her as he suspected she hoped. There was something more behind this, and he was determined to break through.

"Thank you… it seems I have all I need, Captain; food, drink, clothes… so … if that’s all …"

He merely nodded, as if mimicking her previous reaction to him. Surprisingly, he began moving toward the door before pausing in front of it. With a slight turn of his body, he looked back toward Tara.

"I've linked your communications here to my own. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask." He motioned toward an interface nearest to her bed that looked rather simple, and plainly said "Communications" underneath the video communication screen. "Get some rest, Tara."

It was already nearing early morning, according to a Federation standard timeclock. Captain Thompson hadn't gone for rest in almost an entire day, since bringing in Tara's ship and his initial interrogation. Surely, she hadn't had much rest herself; he only hoped she was willing to reveal more later on..

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tara

He was silent. She sensed him moving, sensed him walking towards the door.

"I've linked your communications here to my own.”

She glanced up and saw him indicate the communication panel.

”If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Tara held back the ironic smirk and merely nodded.

"Get some rest, Tara."

She turned away from him, ignoring his suggestion and refusing to watch him leave and reinstate the security shield. For long minutes she sat there, staring, but registering nothing. She had wanted him to leave, to avoid his questions and yet now … being alone was worse than she had thought. It gave her too much time to think … to dwell on the past … and to try to avoid thoughts of the future … and how short that would be.

With a soft sigh, Tara curled her legs beneath her and pulled a pillow under her head.
Lying in an unconsciously foetal position, she stared wide and dry eyed at the clinically white tiles of the ceiling. Beside her the meal and drink went untouched and forgotten. Her thoughts that raced in an incoherent stream, until she finally focused on the fact that she was the lone female on this vessel and that there was no female counsellor or medical officer to help her. She knew she would go crazy locked up in here, waiting and waiting for the inevitable.

A thought suddenly hit her. She tensed and then forced her eyes closed.
The cameras would be on her. She couldn’t give any sign of what she was planning. Her heart began to race.
How could she have forgotten? Why hadn’t she thought of it before?
Of course! It was the perfect solution!

Rising slowly, Tara seemed to stretch, look around then reach for the food and drink that Candor had brought. She unscrewed the top of the flask and filled the beaker with the hot liquid. Picking it up, she sipped at it and tried to look relaxed. Taking up a savoury she bit into it and gave the appearance of enjoying it. Casually, as if on impulse she stood and moved to the drawer in which she had put her old clothes. Slowly she shook them out and draped them, smoothing the fabric and surreptitiously delving her hand into the hidden pocket to take out the tablet and conceal it in her palm. Turning she made her way back to the bed, took up the beaker and tucked her feet beneath her as she seemed to cup her hands around the heat of the drink slipping the tablet undetected into the liquid. Used as it was supposed to, the chemicals would shut down the metabolism in minutes, but diluted like this … she had no idea how long it would take to shut down her body systems … but it was the only way she could do this undetected.

Slowly, Tara raised the drink to her lips hesitated momentarily, looking down into the mocha depths, then moved her lips to the rim and took her first sip.
As she swallowed, she contented herself with the thought that finally at the last, she had taken back control; control of her life … and death.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Thompson

After his visit with Tara, Nicholas needed to report to the Equity's medical station for his weekly mandatory medical clearance. This was bumped up another few days because of the recent events that had transpired. Some men that had assisted the Captain with their new prisoner were ordered to take shore leave to lower stress levels.

Captain Thompson was also ordered to take a few days shore leave, though the cheif medical officer knew just as anybody else: Nicholas Xavier Thompson was notorious for disregarding his own personal safety. "May I suggest then," the medical officer began, "That you at least get yourself a good, hot meal and some sleep then, Captain."

Nicholas stifled a sneer and tried to smile, instead. "Very well," he said as he started out of the medical station, "Notify me of any changes." With that, he headed out toward his personal quarters. Once he entered, he ordered the computer to lock the door and annouced another command to the computer: "Computer... notify me of any unusual activity near Security Bay 7"

"Specify," the computer responded. He paused to consider his specification as he began to remove his Federation-issued command uniform. "Constantly scan lifesigns in prisoner quarter 7, and alert me if there are none or fading," he started, he didn't think Tara had the means to actually end her own life, but he'd call it a hunch. Nicholas tossed his uniform aside as he began to place on a plain white t-shirt and a pair of shorts.

Then, he continued speaking, "Notify me of times when Petty Officer Candor enters prisoner quarter 7." He paused again, considering his specifications again - was he being too paranoid now? He slightly pursed his lips as he continued to think to himself while lying down on his bed. "Confirm specifications" he said as he lowered the lights in his quarters, to which the computer replied with a repeat of his orders.

"Do you have anymore specifications, Captain?"

"No," he said while closing his eyes, the computer no longer speaking but rathering beeping to confirm end command. It was then that Nicholas began to drift into a type of sleep, though he'd continually wake up and fall back asleep while tossing and turning. "I'm not cold" he began thinking to himself as he lie awake, then almost without thinking about it, he said aloud: "Computer, where is prisoner 101-A?"

"Prisoner 101-A is in Security Bay 7, lifesigns are normal," it responded. He sighed quietly, blinking a few times before sitting upright. "Why am I so concerned over this prisoner?" he asked himself, stressing the word "prisoner". Though, he said this rather to himself, the computer responded with its interactive logic, "It is possible Captain Thompson is concered for Prisoner 101-A's health, and/or is beginning to grow emotionally attached with said prisoner."

Captain Thompson began to laugh aloud, "That's impossible!" he said before standing from his bed, gazing outside to the stars that dotted the astral landscape. "She's a prisoner, guilty of killing hundreds of innocent Federation civilians," he tried to convince himself, but then again, he still didn't know why. The computer made no response this time, and there was a momentary silence before he simply shook his head and sighed.

"What do computers know about emotions, he said more hushed this time. The computer, however, responded - though not regarding the Captain's words. "Lifesigns in Security Bay 7 are fading - possibile ingestion of harmful toxins are being detected - should I detach a medical team to investigate, Captain?"

Captain Thompson's eyes grew large, "Yes, and unlock the door!" he said as he grabbed his comlink and activated it as he stormed outside of his quarters. "Go about your business!" he'd occasionally call out to any crew that he passed, seeing as how he was still only wearing a plain white t-shirt and a pair of shorts. He spoke into the comlink as he stepped onto a lift, "Candor! Report to security bay 7, possible medical emergency!"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tara

The liquid was strangely soothing.
There was no taste of the chemical she had surreptitiously added as she drank slowly.
She glanced up wondering just where the hidden cameras were and smiled ironically knowing that the cam was recording this and they would have no idea.
Of course there had been the checks, the security, but even Tara herself had almost forgotten the suicide tab sewn into her outfit. The method was primitive, but the effect would be the same as any advanced form of execution.

She was merely a third of the way through the drink when the beaker slipped from her numbing fingers and hit the floor, the liquid exploding out to run along the pristine white tiles.
Tara looked down at the strange shape that seemed to be moving along the floor as if it had a life of its own.
She blinked and tried to focus.
Her body felt heavy, her breathing slowed as the disorientation became more acute.

She was no longer aware of her surroundings as she collapsed across the bed.
Disjointed images played and jumped in her mind.
The attacks … the killings … the faces of her loved ones … and their attackers …
And then she sunk blissfully further into unconsciousness.
Somewhere beyond herself there was a voice, movement, light, but nothing that concerned her euphorically numbed senses.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Thompson

Petty Officer Candor was already waiting near the security bay as Captain Thompson came storming through the ship's corridors, exiting lifts. The F.S.S. Equity was practically a maze to anybody that wasn't familiar with the ship's design.

"What seems to be the problem, Captain" asked Candor. He was equipped with a small utility box that contained medical supplies, though the medical team that arrived before even Candor would surely be more able to resuscitate Tara.

Nicholas snapped his head toward the petty officer as he punched in the clearance code to prisoner quarters 7. "Have you accessed our prisoner's quarters since I left?" The door immediately slid open as the Captain entered in the last of the code.

There laid Tara in all her beauty and form, her body laid out upon the bed, the drink she evidently swallowed spilled all over the floor. Nicholas stepped up to Tara and straightened her body outward, Candor stepping inside the quarters opposite of the bed from the door where Tara's legs faced him - the opening of her dress, with lack of underwear - also a clear sight to the petty
officer.

"No sir, I--" Candor started off calmly before he would look down to her form, his voice trailing off as his eyes caught a glimpse of Tara's hidden package beneath the fabric of the clothing. Jason stammered for a moment before the Captain would urge him to continue on.

"Well, what?" Nicholas motioned for the medical team to come forward, as they immediately began to run their scans over her body. Captain Thompson stepped back, toward Candor as he watched the doctor's continue their work.

Jason Candor blinked a few times in amazement, a lush pussy before his eyes. "--I hadn't entered here... after you summoned me here with the drinks and foodstuffs," he almost couldn't catch his breath after speaking.

"...And the drink and food was clean?"

"Of course, sir."

Nicholas came to the decision that he must restrict Candor to quarters, while he carried out an investigation. For all the Captain knew, Candor did in fact, slip the prisoner some drugs. His own brown eyes began to look over the unconcious Tara, to which he discovered the open area himself. His thoughts immediately drifted into reverie, while a doctor stepped up to the Captain.

"Captain, the prisoner has ingested a type of poison. Her metabolic rates are slowing heavily, and if not dealt with, will completely shut down. She will die."

Captain Thompson still stared up and down her body, but still managed to maintain a professional stance. "Captain?" the doctor asked, attempting to gain his attention. "Hm? Wha-- Oh! Right, transport her to sick bay immediately, doctor!" He seemed to almost snap out of his trance as he placed a hand on Candor's shoulder while the doctor acknowledged his order.

He began leading the petty officer away from where he stood, Jason still oggling at Tara's peeking vagina. "Petty officer, I would like a report of your activity in the last few hours. In the meantime, you are to stay in your quarters." Candor didn't speak as he just kept walking past Tara and the Captain until he finally exited.

Nicholas looked back to Tara as her body began to dissolve in the air, the ship's transporter technology moving her from her prisoner cell to the emergency medical station; surely, she would be changed into medical gown during the transport as she was labeled an emergency transport. He wasn't sure if anybody else had captured a gaze up Tara's dress, but whoever was in charge of providing her with her clothing would no doubt be questioned as to why they had not provided her with any underwear!

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tara

Tara was blissfully unware of the eyes that swept her body assessing her medical condition and assessing her innocently displayed ... charms ... None of that mattered now ... she had chosen her path ... had chosen it the first time she set off in pursuit of that space ship. After the attack Tara had known that life as she knew it was over, that there was nothing she wanted to do now apart from seek revenge for the atrocities she had witnessed. And so this option, laughingly simplistic had effectively ended the nightmare of those past months.

Or so she thought ...

Somewhere ... from far off ... almost beyond her consciousness ... Tara became aware of movements ... sounds ... Instinctively she knew she did not want to respond ... when the muffled sounds distinguished themselves into voices, voices that were suddenly very close to her, Tara fought the pull back to consciousness.

Had her thought been coherent enough, she would have wondered at the necessity to revive her, only to have her exectuted mere months later.

But she was beyond conscious thought ... even as she became aware of heightened activity around her, her brain refused to recall the most recent events that had led to this.
In her mind, she had been captured by "them" ... if they knew she were not dead they would torture her ... hurt her ...
She had witnessed so much ... and now it was her turn ... unless ... even as her life signs got stronger, Tara struggled to fight the revival that was being forced on her ... fearful of the fate she would suffer at "their" hands, were she not to die.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Thompson

"Now I think I understand why the Federation only has an all-male crew on most of their ships," Captain Thompson muttered to himself. He had changed back to his Federation-issued command uniform, while the medical team assessed the situation with their newest patient. By the time the Captain was able to get to sick bay, the cheif medical officer had mostly stabilized Tara's symptoms.

"..Like I said before, she ingested a rare toxic substance that was originally in a tablet form." The doctor motioned to a screen which seemed to reconstruct the tablet, and included it's substances among other information. "In the heat of the coffee you had provided for her - she was able to slip it into her drink. It eventually broke down and produced a gelatinous substance from the heat. We were able to extract most, the little bit that was digested should do her no harm or permanent damage."

Nicholas nodded softly as he gazed over toward Tara, her nude body covered only by the gown from the medical team. "Might I ask," the doctor began, the Captain turning his full attention to the doctor. "How was this prisoner able to get a hold of this tablet?" "Your guess is as good as mine, doc," Captain said with a soft sigh, "I'm trying to figure out just how she was able to let that slip past all our security - or just who may have slipped it to her, and why."

The doctor seemed concerned by the Captain's tone and rested a hand on his shoulder, his tone lowering as he started: "Nicholas..." Turning slightly away from the doctor, Nicholas looked upon Tara again. "I don't know what it is, Yuri. She's a prisoner, she'll most likely be put to death for her actions - and yet she acts as though she could care less for it all." Yuri, the chief medical officer, just patted Captain Thompson on the shoulder and started toward his office that joined the emergency hold. He motioned to the rest of the medical team that everything was clear, to which they dismissed themselves.

"You did check everything, right? All her possessions on board her shuttlecraft, anything she could have slipped on or underneath her clothing?" Thompson just huffed quietly as he began to fold his arms across his chest. "Yeah, we checked everything, she was clean - she couldn't have had it on the clothes we gave her... whoever gave her those clothes, anyway--" He seemed to trail off.

"What do you mean?"

Nicholas tried to find some mean of relaxing himself as he stepped toward the opening in Yuri's office. He leaned against the wall, his arms still folded across his chest, "I appointed Lieutenant Commander Hill for prisoner detail..and when I came to her quarters when this happened, she was wearing the dress that he'd evidently made - but there was no undergarments!" The doctor lifted an eyebrow, "Curious," he said. "Maybe she prefers wearing no undergarments," he suggested.

Nicholas tried to stifle a smirk, "That's plausible, but why wouldn't she while wearing that dress?" Yuri stood from his chair where he made notes on a datapad at his desk, smiling softly, "Ahh, the many wonders of woman. Who knows, maybe she was trying to seduce you or the Lieutenant Commander into releasing her?" Nicholas thought for a beat as he pushed himself away from the wall, his hands falling at his sides, "No, no... I think it was Hill's doing. Petty officer Candor reported his activity - he was spying on her while she was showering."

"That's preposterous!" The doctor said as he took a few supplies on a nearby table and approached the patient in their conversation. "Well, don't forget, Yuri... we are some several hundred light-years away from base on a ship full of men." The doctor gave Captain Thompson an unsure look before leaning over Tara, he lifted her eyelids and ran a light over them, then performed a few more brief inspections before he paused standing over her head. "You bring up a good point, actually. It doesn't exactly make sense for any of the crew to bring any harm to this woman, assuming they're looking for sexual gratification."

They both seemed to pause for a moment before Captain Thompson activated his comlink. "Captain Thompson to Security," he said aloud into it.

"Yes sir?"

"Bring prisoner 101-A's belongings to sick bay."

"At once, Captain."

Nicholas deactivated his comlink as he looked over Tara again. He motioned to her as he spoke to the doctor, "How is she?" "She's fine now--" he said, the Captain interrupting him, "How soon can your resuscitate her?" "Well, I can bring her back now, if you'd like." Nicholas nodded, "Do it. Maybe she'll be more responsive this time..I hope."

The doctor then grabbed an item from nearby and placed it near Tara's neck, it injected some type of substance that prompted her to awaken not long afterward. It was then that the cheif security officer had brought the items which he requested, the Captain placed the items next to himself as he stood nearby Tara's medical bed.

Captain Thompson was determined to find out what she was hiding. For all she knew, she was getting her trial on this ship - the Captain her judge and jury.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tara

Tara tried so hard to remain in that blissful state of oblivion, but even though she resisted, she could not avoid the increasing rate of her heart, the flush of blood to her cheeks and the inevitable pull to consciousness.

Slowly, Tara’s eyelids fluttered open. She blinked in the bright light of sick bay and flinched at the pain that seered through her head. Closing her eyes again, she groaned softly and wished herself miles away, wished that she had never awoken.

Somewhere close to her, she heard her name spoken, the tone, soft, coaxing.
Was it … ?
She turned her head and opened her eyes … expectant …
But no … it couldn’t be … could never be someone familiar.
No one she cared about was still living.
She’d lost everyone and remembrance of that came crashing down on her once more.

But there was someone there … just out of her line of sight.
It had to be one of them!
She flinched as a man approached her, as his hands moved impersonally over her body.
Reality and the series of nightmares she had experienced whilst unconscious confused her.
Was she back there again … with her captors?
But surely that had been months ago now … what had happened since …?

Realisation came flooding back, even as Captain Thompson’s face replaced that of the doctor looking down at her.
She was imprisoned; all but condemned … she had tried to … but had somehow failed…
Tears brimmed weakly and ran unheeded down her cheeks.

”Why?”

One word was all she could pronounce.
Why had he revived her? What was the point?
So she could be executed publicly? Made an example of?
Was it really worth all this trouble?
Was this Captain really so set on having her suffer for months before the Federation’s version of justice was done?

She closed her eyes and turned her head away from him.
Bringing her back was the ultimate cruelty.
She was broken, defeated, but she no longer cared that he knew it.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Thompson

"Why?" Captain Thompson repeated her question, though he somehow seemed to know what she meant. He stood at the foot of her bed, his hands folded behind himself as her belongings rested at his own feet. "The same question I keep asking you, Tara," he said calmly.

It was then he slowly began to step over to her side, where her head had turned. "Why? Why did you destroy that ship? What kind of hatred would drive a person to such an act? There must be something underlying your emotions." He placed his hands on the elevated bed that she laid on, and leaned slightly forward.

He paused briefly as he looked to the cheif medical officer who still stood there, with a gentle nod the CMO took his leave. Without a response from Tara just yet, he looked to her belongings before eventually looking to her face. "I could release you, if you gave me any reason that would prove your innocence in this matter." He took another pause as he watched her face, the tears streaming gently down the side of her face.

"If you would just talk to me... maybe I could understand slightly better why you are reacting this way." The tone in his voice was quiet, relaxed - rather soothing. "Do you think I won't believe you? I'm interested in only the truth, Tara."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tara

"Why? The same question I keep asking you, Tara,"

His quiet voice responded even though she had not expected an answer.

"Why? Why did you destroy that ship?”

Tara closed her eyes in an attempt to block out his voice and the memories that now seemed to be flooding back:
Memories that she had managed, through sheer anger and determination to keep at bay for months.

”What kind of hatred would drive a person to such an act?”

His voice was close to her now.
She opened her eyes to meet his curious gaze as he continued.

”There must be something underlying your emotions."

She felt as if he could see right through her.
Hated … yes … something underlying her emotions … of course …
She returned his gaze wondering why he didn’t simply accept that she had simply blasted a ship out of the sky for the sheer hell of it?

"I could release you, if you gave me any reason that would prove your innocence in this matter."

Release … her heart lurched at the possibility … and then realisation hit afresh.
There was only one release that she was now interested in and that had been taken from her.

"If you would just talk to me... maybe I could understand slightly better why you are reacting this way."

She was tempted, sorely tempted, to pour it all out, tell him what had happened, what she had been through, to indulge in the sympathy that his voice suggested and yet …
What good would it do? Her way was so much simpler.

"Do you think I won't believe you? I'm interested in only the truth, Tara."

She forced a smile and shook her head.

”The truth is what you think you saw … there’s no way to prove otherwise, so there’s no point in considering alternatives …”

She told him softly. Even if she wanted to tell him, there was no way she could substantiate her claims.
All those people were dead. Not directly by her hand, but she still felt responsible in some way.
She just wanted this man to let the matter drop.

” ... I ... I don’t want to be released … it’s all so much easier this way.”

She glanced down at the sight of herself in the hospital gown and sighed.

”I just want it all over with … as quickly as possible … ”

She turned her eyes to him imploringly.

”Captain … please … there’s nothing for me now … can’t you … arrange something … help me …
I can’t just wait for months for the inevitable ... There must be some way…?”

If he had any mercy in him, Captain Thompson would help her.
Surely he could see how much she was suffering?
That whatever she had done, she couldn’t live with it?

” … please … “

She put out a hand and covered his with her fingers squeezing softly hoping that he would suggest solution …
Perversely he was her only hope now.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Thompson

Nicholas stayed leaning over Tara, listening closely to her words. She sounded weak, dispirited - although, it surely could have been the entire ordeal that made her weakened. She grasped his hand with her fingers as she spoke to him, begging him to end the suffering. Captain Thompson, however, knew there was something that could be done to help her - without taking her life.

"Of course I can help you," he started, his dark eyes looking into her own. "But as I've told you before, you need to help me before I can help you."

He leaned closer to her, "There is a way to prove it... and it's all...in..."

He used his free hand to bring it to her head, and extended a finger outward - pointing to her head. "...Here."

Then, he slowly leaned back, pulling his hand away from her own as he straightened his body. A gentle sigh left his breath as he started to turn from her, but he spoke. "You see, Tara, I'm not going to simply end your life. I'm not going to turn you over to the Federation judicial system without making my own judgment. Something caused you to destroy that ship, and I want to find out why."

He had stepped over to her belongings, opening one of the cases that carried clothing. Proceeding to pull out the uniform she donned before becoming the Federation's prisoner, he began to examine it. "Would you care to tell me how you managed to sneak that tablet past our security?"

Nicholas turned toward Tara, "You can sit up, if you would like," he added on a soft note. Not paying attention to whether she did in fact sit up or not, he continued on with his investigation. A part of him thought this to be all ludicrous, why not just give her the end she so desires. Another part of him was highly curious why she wanted that end she so desired.

"Maybe you find it ridiculous that I carry on with all of this. I'm sure a lot of my crew would also agree with you - but I also know that a lot of the men in my crew would have you - prisoner or not."

He stepped closer to her, her old uniform still in hand. "Is that why you did all this? Were you aware that you may possibly be taken advantage of while prisoner here?" He paused briefly to give her a moment before he revealed possibly a little known fact.

"I know you weren't provided with any undergarments, Tara." Captain Thompson cast his gaze to the side, almost in embarassment before eventually looking back to her - though he wouldn't reveal the fact that he had discovered this through accident. He wouldn't lie to himself, the view of her womanhood was an excitement. It would be to any human male that had been this long without a woman's touch.

"Surely it was one man's ulterior motive to have you for his own. A man that I now have locked into the brig for the time being."

He tossed the clothe with the rest. Nicholas had hoped that if Hill's desire to have her was not her reason for attempting to take her life, that she would reveal the truth to him. "I do not want any harm to come of you, Tara. Especially if you are innocent."

Captain Thompson turned his back toward her, his eyes widened in surprise to his words. Was he delirious? What was he saying? He tried to rephrase himself, though as not to sound like he has any ulterior motives, himself. "...That is, if you have a good enough reason for me to believe you had to... destroy that ship."

His words seemed to trail off as he turned to look to her, his usual stern expression turned worried.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Tara

"Of course I can help you.
But as I've told you before, you need to help me before I can help you."

Tara searched his eyes. He seemed sincere.
She would be willing to do almost anything, if only this could all be brought to a rapid conclusion.

"There is a way to prove it...

Her eyes never left his as he leaned forward and touched her temple.

” .. and it's all...in.. Here."

Tara dropped her gaze in confusion.
Surely he wanted data, witnesses, bodies, substantial proof, not just a story she might tell him that could easily just be made up!

"You see, Tara, I'm not going to simply end your life.
I'm not going to turn you over to the Federation judicial system without making my own judgment.”

She glanced up to where he had moved to the end of her bed once more.
He hadn’t made up his mind about her yet? How could that be?

”Something caused you to destroy that ship, and I want to find out why."

She bit back a sign. Always the questions!

"Would you care to tell me how you managed to sneak that tablet past our security?"

His eyes met hers as he seemed to search her clothes.

"You can sit up, if you would like,"

Tentatively she eased herself upwards, the hospital gown a sterile white matching her equally pale pallor, the riot of auburn hair seeming out of place as it tumbled about her shoulders.

"Maybe you find it ridiculous that I carry on with all of this. I'm sure a lot of my crew would also agree with you - but I also know that a lot of the men in my crew would have you - prisoner or not."

Tara bit back a gasp. “Have her”?!?! There was no mistaking what he meant.
Faint colour tinged her cheek as he moved towards her again, his eyes probing, watchful.

"Is that why you did all this?
Were you aware that you may possibly be taken advantage of while prisoner here?"

She shook her head mutely in automatic denial, yet the Captain did not seem convinced.

"I know you weren't provided with any undergarments, Tara."

Her mind raced … how …? But of course … when she’d been given the gown …
the medical staff must have reported the fact to him …

"Surely it was one man's ulterior motive to have you for his own.
A man that I now have locked into the brig for the time being."

Tara shuddered despite herself. The man who had watched her shower.
He had been responsible for the garments she had, or rather hadn’t been given!

"I do not want any harm to come of you, Tara. Especially if you are innocent."

Tara gazed incredulously as he turned his back on here. How could he even consider that she was innocent?
The question was immediately replaced by a growing sense of concern.
A ship full of men … could harm her … if they so wished … and if they were allowed to …

"...That is, if you have a good enough reason for me to believe you had to... destroy that ship."

His eyes locked with hers and she found it impossible to drag them away.
Instead she dragged her knees upwards and wrapped her arms around them in an unconsciously self-protective gesture, cocooned by the sheet that was draped over her body, she hesitated, reluctant to speak and yet …

”I wasn’t in fear of your men …”

Her voice was hoarse as she spoke.

”There are many ways of harming a person … and I doubt your men could do worse to me than I’ve endured or witnessed over the past months … “

She watched his face as it remained impassive and halted once more.
There was no reason to tell him the truth and yet as things were … there was no reason not to. The words almost slipped from her:

”Those people … so many lives lost … lost before I even set eyes on that star ship.”

Shaking her head free of the emotion that threatened to overwhelm her, Tara stared defiantly at Captain Thompson.

”I destroyed the starship as you saw and fully intended to kill those bastards!

Her voice was hard and cold.

”But your people …”

Again she faltered at the painful memory.

” .. they were lost a long time before . And the responsibility for their deaths and the deaths of … many more … is that of the Federation itself!”

She searched his eyes trying to gaze his response, then wrenched her gaze away from the man watching her and ran a hand through her hair.

”Now you see, surely ?”

She gave a forced mirthless laugh.

”The Federation are hardly going to allow that as a defence, much less take responsibility for their errors and negligence, now are they Captain?”

She challenged him.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Thompson

Tara begun so quietly, seemingly giving the idea that she was aware of her defeat - her chance at slipping away in death taken away from her - and now cooped up in this Federation starship, waiting to be taken to a Federation star base where she would likely be put to death anyway. However, the Captain would not do away with her so easily; he would not let the Federation simply execute her without a reason for her actions.

And that, was something Nicholas X. Thompson was going to get from her - one way or another.

As she shook her head, she seemed to snap out of her state of defeat. Her defeat turned into defiance, staring directly into Captain Thompson's eyes.

"I destroyed the starship as you saw and fully intended to kill those bastards! But your people …" Again, she momentarily became reserved after her preceding harshness.

” .. They were lost a long time before . And the responsibility for their deaths and the deaths of … many more … is that of the Federation itself!" She ran a hand through her fiery hair before continuing, "Now you see, surely?

She gave him a cold, jovial laugh. "The Federation are hardly going to allow that as a defence, much less take responsibility for their errors and negligence, now are they Captain?"

Taking a moment to consider her words, he too, felt the need to give a laugh of certain mirth. Then, placing hands on either side of her legs, he looked right into her eyes. He accepted her challenge and hoped to meet it with an equal challenge.

"How long are you going to keep this up, Tara? I'm trying to give you a chance to prove yourself, and to me, why the Federation should take responsibility for its actions. End this pointless masquerade of your feelings!"

His eyes seemed to look about her face, licking his lips in anticipation of her response - or was the Captain beginning to show signs of his own ulterior motives? Did he really care about Tara's emotions and what she hid? He would most definitely say so...