Summer was finally where she felt most comfortable. She was back on a station and she was once again looking down and enjoying life. This was her place.
It was aboard the Station that she would meet Geyn Cheko, the Tongue Pilot who would become her cohort in Operations. Cheko had only one job on the Station, he was at the beckon call of Vice President Nicole Branson so that she could travel to New Terra or elsewhere. Cheko had little use for Nicole Branson. He sees her as many see her. She is just plain lucky to have the job she has.
Cheko did make one trip travelling to rendezvous with the USS Patriot to bring Evangeline Todd to the Phoenix Colony. The Special Operations Operative was brought her to serve with the Phoenix Defence League. She is well respected and supported by Colonel Belvedere Brown. Todd was informed that she would need to remain in quarantine on the Station until her medical status could be verified. Todd was not one to just sit still. She began scouring the station for something, anything to do.
"Vengeance" was soon in Oz and here she would discover something not to her liking. She went to see Summer Vasa. She knew that Vasa was knew to the station and could be trusted. She asked Summer if she knew Zek Ishka, the Ferenginar Pirate from the surface. Summer did not know of the Ferengi but she did know about the Ishka Inflatable, the hovering restaurant as it often showed up on the planetary radar. Evangeline looked at Summer, "I believe I have made a discovery."
Summer did not know who could be trusted and she knew very little about the civilian government. She thought about contacting Elora Vasa on the planet but was afraid the message could be compromised. She finally decided she could trust the Phoenix Colony Military Commander in Chief. Summer convinced "Gecko" to give her a secret ride to the surface.
Summer, Evangeline and Geyn Cheko spoke to Vincent exposing the ugly trade of young inhabitants from the colony off world through a Betazoid distribution network headed by Rear Admiral Eugenio Coren. Vincent was horrified, being a new father and knowing the great success the colony had in recruiting young families. Vincent went to see Robert E. Leo. The Police Captain was informed of the happenings and shown the evidence gathered by the millitary undercover operation.
Captain Leo looked at Vincent, "Was the information garnered legally?"
"This was a military investigation of the activities of Rear Admiral Coren.", Vincent lied through his teeth. Until hours earlier, he had no clue who Evangeline Todd even was.
"What is the recommended course of action?", Vincent asked.
"There is no doubt that the pirate Ishka will have covered his tracks and the Rear Admiral is a patsy in this case but we need to stop the distribution. I believe that I have option but to arrest Rear Admiral Coren.", Robert explained.
Vincent was saddened and thought of Nicole and Magenta as the news was assuredly going to break. Vincent grabbed a shuttle and headed out to Little Lakaria. He walked up to Nicole's house. Nicole gasped. She thought it was news about her mother. Vincent asked to see Magenta and asked her to sit down.
Vincent showed her the PADDs showing that her father was involved in a child distribution trade. Magenta was horrified and embarrassed. She grabbed her stuff. Nicole stood up, "Where are you going?"
"I have to go to my mother.", Magenta looked starting to cry.
Nicole watched as Magenta disappeared aboard the shuttle. Nicole looked at Vincent, "Are you certain?"
"Captain Leo believes that Coren may have been duped into this by Ishka but the facts are true.", Vincent frowned.
Nicole watched ONN as Rear Admiral Coren was arrested. Eugenio, who had been her caudling in-law, was tearful and complicit as he told of his involvement and announced his resignation in shackles with Captain Leo. This was a dark, dark time for the Coren family. The station was and should be a special place.
Magenta looked at her mother, "What happens now?"
"Your father will provide evidence on where the children were taken and the involvement of Zek Ishka in exchange for being exiled back to Betazed.", Elizabeth frowned.
"I am planning to stay and continue the mission. I will assume command of the station.", Commander Elizabeth Coren continued.
"This is a place where powerful women can be successful.", Elizabeth smiled, putting her arm on Magenta's shoulders.
"I need to care for my father. I need to return to Betazed.", Magenta cried.
"You have a family here. Your father needs to make amends for his actions. He needs to go. You don't need to go.", Elizabeth scolded.
"I have to do this.", Magenta cried.
"What about Nicole?", Elizabeth snapped.
"I have to do this. Things are so messed up.", Magenta cried.
Magenta hugged Nicole.
Posted by:
Nicole Branson
Vice President
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
Commander Vincent Viceroy
Military Commander In Chief
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
