They dropped from warp right behind the Prometheus. The trip had been uneventful with no sign of Federation ships.
"About time you brought my Medical Officer back." Commander Hunt said, leaning over her communications officer. "Did you keep the bastard straight Dr. Blue?"
"Absolutely commander." she replied stifling a girlish giggle.
"Stand by for transport." and the channel closed.
"So....this is where we make all those promises that are never kept." Delilah said wrapping her arms around Marcus neck.
He kissed her and held her tight. "then we won't make any."
She took a few steps back, squaring her shoulders, coming to attention. "And I won't be looking for any calls." she lied.
"Don't worry, you wont' get any." he lied back.
The transporter beam hummed and she evaporated into a blue haze. How appropriate he thought.
"Transport complete, Mr. Dinn you are clear to depart." the Prometheus communications officer called.
"Acknowledged." And with that he took control of the ship from the AI and veered off, changing course for the Phoenix Colony.
****
Several hours later he was standing in the Omega Prime Police Departments number one interrogation room, pacing behind his abductee, Fred the mechanic. Captain Leo sat across a desk tapping a long claw against the table in time to some tune only he could hear in his head. The door swished opened and a young lieutenant rushed in with a data padd. Marcus started to reach for it, but stopped himself and took a step back as Robert snatched the padd and started to read.
"That will be all Lieutenant." he snapped as he began to review its contents.
Then he looked up at the worried Mechanic across the table.
"Mr. Fred McCarthy, Working at SB157 for the last year and a few weeks. Previous employment ....Dexter Industries."
Marcus stopped his pacing and forced his hands into his pockets.
Robert continued. "Left Dexter Industries without notice. Why did you do that Mr. McCarthy?"
The man just sat there, refusing to answer.
"You see Mr. McCarthy we have a very strange coincidence here. A year or so ago a prototype ship exploded over the Covington River. Seems someone rigged a new Photon Cannon to explode upon power up." Robert looked back at his pad. "You had access to that craft Mr. McCarthy. Now here's the coincidence, the very same type of Photo Cannon was installed on a ship that's gone missing this week. Again one you had access to."
Robert slung the data padd against the wall. "And you know what Mr. McCarthy. I don't much believe in coincidence." He looked up at Marcus. 'How about you Mr. Dinn. You believe coincidence?"
Marcus came up behind Fred and took hold of each shoulder, squeezing as hard as he could.
"Not so much Captain."
Fred still refused to say anything.
Robert took a breath and stood up. "Mr. Dinn, care to join me in the corridor for minute?"
The pair left the room, Fred bound to the chair.
Robert looked at Marcus. "I know and you know you've called this right. But...."
Marcus looked at the wall. "But I kidnapped him...which puts us in a delicate position."
Robert nodded. "Well...at least you brought him in. A vast improvement on how you normally operate." he looked thru a window at the detainee.
"I can't torture him. Not here."
Marcus thought for a moment. "I have an idea."
****
An hour later the Mayor of the Villa stood outside the interrogation room with Robert and Marcus, listening in utter astonishment as to what Marcus wanted.
She shook her head. "No.. Absolutely not."
Marcus put on his best pleading look. "Commander T'Loridel, We're certain this man has killed at least twice. Put me in the hospital for a month, took away the love of my life. He knows who's behind the operation team sent to my club."
She turned and looked thru the window, the very thought of what they wanted so revolting.
"We need your help Commander." Robert added. "Without it this man walks away and we lose the only lead we have."
"It could....damage him." she said.
"We'll take the chance." Marcus answered.
She snapped around. "Maybe...but you cannot take away my responsibility!"
"More could die, if we don't get what we need from him."
T'Loridel stood for a long minute staring at the frightened man bound to the chair. Then with a slap she hit the control to open the door.
As they went in Fred cried out. "What...what is she doing here?"
"Shut up Mr. McCarthy. This will go easier for you." Robert ordered.
"You can't do this....I have rights!"
Marcus pulled a handkerchief from his coat pocket and stuffed it in Fred's mouth.
T'Loridel pulled up a chair and stared deep into the mans eyes. Then she gently placed her fingers on his forehead and cheeks.
"Your mind to my mind.....Our minds are moving closer....."
Marcus Dinn
Owner of RICKS and Oz
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
Lieutenant Commander Dr. Delilah Blue
Medical Officer, USS Prometheus
Captain Robert Leo
Omega Prime
Phoenix colony
Commander T'Loridel
Mayor of the Villa
Phoenix Colony
