Nebula II Prototype
"Sic Parvis Magna"
(Greatness From Small Beginnings)
"Progeny of the Progenitors – Part Two"
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Like a kid in a candy store, Ramius thrived on danger and continued down the lane of shops and booths until he encountered a rather animated human security officer and a stoic Vulcan.
"Give me that", the human shouted snatching a padd from the Vulcan's hands. "We don't have time for this!"
"If I may quote regulation 146 paragraph 12 on proper procedure when dealing with…"
The human interrupted the Vulcan. "Do you have any desire to solve this case?"
"Of course, however in order to maximize our efforts in data collection, forensics, and…"
"If we follow every rule and regulation and line the walls with red tape, WE'LL NEVER CATCH THESE GUYS", the human roared.
The flustered human looked up having spotted someone out of place and stepped passed the Vulcan directly into Ramius's path.
"Just who are you and what are you doing here", the man demanded.
Ramius shot the Vulcan officer a glance. The Vulcan merely returned his gaze with inquisitive eyes.
"Captain Ramius. Starfleet Intelligence."
"Intelligence? I didn't request any backup. Why are you here", the man asked gruffly his voice shrill and hard on the ears.
"I was touring the station and noticed the commotion. Given the crowds and security presence I thought I might see what all the excitement was about."
"None of your business", the man snapped. "This is an internal matter and I don't need Intelligence operatives snooping around fouling things up. You can just take your curiosity back with you wherever you came from. This isn't your jurisdiction and I don't need your help Captain."
Ramius gave the man a sour expression. He wasn't meddling in this officer's case or his affairs…yet.
"Hayes, what the hell is going on down here", a voice shouted from the distance. Ramius looked up to see the station commander approaching.
"Captain! Sir. We're investigating the incident and searching for any trace the perpetrators may have left at the scene."
"Investigating? While you investigate I'm losing half my station to terrorism! Do you know how many complaints I have received from the merchant's association? You aren't the one speaking to the media with a camera in your face! Nor do you have to deal with the public outcry. There's a lot of people aboard this station, myself included, who are damned scared by recent events! I won't stand by while these assassins tear apart my station!"
The captain turned noticing Ramius. "Captain Ramius isn't it?"
Tav politely nodded.
"Captain Fujinata. Pleasure to meet you. I saw your ship arrive. Hell of a mess. How are the repairs coming?"
"Fine. However from the looks of things you too seem to have some difficulties of your own."
The station commander nodded his face quickly losing its momentary brightness. "This is the third time in two months. A religious zealot and his followers are tearing my station apart. We do not know much about them, but there is strong evidence to believe some of the more devout are engaged in some kind of ritualistic cleansing of those they deem impure having fallen from the pure faith or perhaps wanting out. Whoever these people are or have hired they are expert professionals. No evidence, no traces, no witnesses – nothing. Worst their calling card is brutal and violent. The people targeted have all met gruesome ends. I suspect someone is sending a message, but we have few leads to follow.
The station residents and crew are on edge about recent events and we have little to show for our efforts. The damn news networks are only fueling fear and paranoia. I have Starfleet asking questions as well as several civic groups and other civilian agencies. My hands are tied when it comes to dealing with the situation for fear of being intolerant or abusive with Starfleet power. It has been a hell of a month."
"Well I am sorry to hear of your troubles captain. Based on what you have said I would concur that someone wants to present a strong show of force. If you were dealing with professional hits I would suspect it would be a far quieter and less public affair. Can you tell me any more about this religious group you claim are behind the incidents?
Fujinata nodded. "This group showed up about a year ago here on the station. They filed the correct permits and followed normal channels. They established a small temple near the cargo bays down on deck 19. Rough area of the station. It's more or less a cult run by some mysterious leader. We do not have any records on the group's leader and no one has seen this man. Sermons are carried out by local faithful and this leader sends out recorded messages to his followers. They worship some alien race that went extinct several millennia ago. Rumor has it they controlled much of this area including large areas of the Neutral Zone and beyond extending into present day Romulan territory. The group claims these beings were some divine super race who endowed the universe with life possessing vast knowledge and technologies.
They have some nearly unpronounceable name for them. These alien deities are more commonly known around here as the progenitors. It's a nickname that has sort of stuck.
Anyway these guys were perfectly peaceful until a few months ago. They suddenly became radical and we quickly received complaints of threats and violence. The group then became increasingly secretive and secluded. Members who wanted out have disappeared or been eliminated with extreme measures. The shop behind me was the latest victim. A follower was killed by a micro-explosive of some type. Fortunately no one was hurt other than the victim, however I am sure the trauma of such an experience will be with the witnesses for a very long time."
Fujinata's face twisted with anger. "Damn it. I can't come down on them or else they'll scream about religious intolerance and…I have no proof. We have been unable to find any traces of evidence linking the group and recent attacks. I can't risk the fallout from what would be a public relations disaster if we attempted some type of action without evidence. I am forced to sit back until we can find something concrete to stop these killers. My hands are tied, but we have to do something!"
Ramius mulled over the information just as the captain turned toward him with an unusual expression.
"Captain Ramius, you work for intelligence. Perhaps you and your crew could assist us in this matter? Your ship will be undergoing repairs for at least another week or two and we could certainly use the extra help not to mention your experience and perhaps intelligence resources. I am afraid our security forces here are just not equipped to deal with such violent and professional criminals."
"We are making progress captain", Detective Hayes shouted. "I don't need them in our way!"
"Hayes, you have yet to provide a single credible lead in this matter! I have residents and civic leaders ready to hunt me down if we don't get a break in this case."
"With all do respect sir it takes times to analyze data and interview witnesses.."
Ramius enjoyed a good mystery and these fiends terrorizing the local station population needed to be brought to justice before anyone else could be harmed.
"I will look into it", Ramius answered interrupting the detective. "It would appear I have the time for the moment with the Corsair under repair. I will need access to your files on this group and all case materials. I will have my staff look over the data and files and I can work a few contacts to see if we cannot learn more about this group and its mysterious leadership.
With your permission captain I would like to beam aboard a small team to look at this scene. Perhaps my team can find something useful which could generate a lead?"
"Of course captain. I will ensure you receive my staff's full cooperation. Hayes, see to it Captain Ramius and his staff have access to anything they request. I do not want any trouble or else YOU can explain to the public why our security forces have failed them time and time again. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly", Detective Hayes snapped.
"I apologize captain, but I must speak to the media about this latest incident and attempt to shore up the public's deteriorating confidence. I pray you can find something to end the violence."
Ramius nodded as the captain left.
Once Fujinata was out of earshot the detective quickly spoke up. "I'll cooperate captain but this is my collar. I do not need Intelligence operatives and a bunch of cloak and dagger and special ops being conducted on my station. This is still my jurisdiction and you will run everything past me before taking matters into your own hands."
"Detective, your passion for this case is admirable, but I wonder if it is not clouding your judgment? I am not here to steal your glory. Far from it. You have dangerous individuals threatening lives and property who must be brought to justice. We both want to see these criminals apprehended. You have your methods and I have mine. My intention is not to interfere, but to determine who and why. Surely we share the same goals? I am not here by request. I only stopped out of curiosity nothing more."
"Just stay out of my way Ramius." The detective turned and stormed off leaving Ramius alone wondering why the man was so irritated with his presence. If anything he thought he would appreciate the help.
[ To Be Continued ]
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Captain Taverain Ramius
Commanding Officer, USS Corsair
