STC: Bangkok Down: Chapter 4

4

Open Space, U.S.S. Cassini
December 27, 2268

Captain Trent Weller sat behind his desk and studied the crewman standing at attention before him. She was the only Orion in the ship’s complement; and despite what the men on the Cassini might prefer, she was not wearing the popular miniskirt, nylons and calf-high boots version of the female Starfleet uniform. Instead she wore black slacks and low boots in addition to her red tunic with black collar. Her long black hair was twisted into a simple knot at the base of her skull. She wore no makeup apart from a bit of eyeshadow, and didn’t need any.
    Standing to the right of the young Orion was Commander Darrin Yates, the Cassini’s first officer; on her left was Lt. Commander Carl Billingsley, the ship’s chief medical officer. Both men wore very grave expressions.
    “At ease, crewman,” said Captain Weller. “What’s this all about?”
    “I was assaulted,” Sajeen replied, her voice trembling slightly.
    Weller leaned forward, his elbows on the desk as he interlocked the fingers of his hands. “Assaulted? On the Cassini? By whom?”
    “Ensign Paul Ryan.”
    “Ryan?” said Weller, his tone one of disbelief. “He’s a fine young officer, and is doing great work down in shuttle maintenance.”
    “He’s scum and he tried to rape me,” Sajeen countered angrily.
    “That’s a very serious accusation, crewman.”
    “It’s the truth. I want him charged.”
    “You want?” Weller tapped his desk. “This is my ship, crewman. You don’t make demands here. Have you looked into this accusation, Commander Yates?”
    “I have, Captain,” the first officer replied. “According to crewman Sajeen’s account, at approximately 1930 hours she was on Deck Eight in the starboard shuttle bay doing maintenance on the shuttlecraft Giovanni. Ensign Ryan entered the shuttlecraft, sealed the door, and then assaulted her.”
    “Tried to rape me, the bastard,” Sajeen added hotly.
    “Mind your language, crewman,” Weller told her sternly. “Then what?”
    Commander Yates gave Sajeen a nod. She continued. “Ensign Ryan attacked me. I was working on the pilot’s seat when he grabbed me by the leg and dragged me into the middle of the floor.” Sajeen tried not to tear up. “He was all over me, trying to get me out of my jumpsuit. I fought him off; hit him in the head with a spanner. I went for the door and he grabbed me. I kicked him in the balls and escaped.”
    “When did this all supposedly happen?” Weller demanded.
    “An hour ago. I ran to sickbay for help.”
    Doctor Billingsley put a supporting hand on her shoulder. “I was there at the time, Captain. She came through the doors of sickbay, crying and upset. Her duty jumpsuit was torn down the front. She told my nursing staff and I what happened. Following regulations, I gave her a full examination, and the clothes she was wearing at the time are being given a forensic inspection.”
    “What about Ensign Ryan? What does he have to say about this?”
    “He denies the charge,” Commander Yates. “I had security confine him to quarters as soon as I heard crewman Sajeen’s story. I questioned Ryan about this, and according to him, she was the one who attacked him.”
    Sajeen was livid. “He’s a lying bastard! He tried to rape me!”
    “Crewman, watch yourself,” Weller warned. “I find it very hard to believe that an upstanding young officer like Ensign Ryan would attack anyone.”
    “I want him charged with attempted rape,” she insisted.
    “She’s within her rights, Captain,” Commander Yates added.
    Weller looked at Billingsley. “What’s your opinion, Doctor?”
    “I’ve examined both crewman Sajeen and Ensign Ryan,” Billingsley replied, holding up a data slate. “She has bruises on her upper arms, neck and clavicle. I found skin cells and blood under her fingernails, matching Ryan’s DNA. I also found Ryan’s saliva on her face and neck. There were marks on his body that confirm where she scratched him. He also has a contusion on the head where she struck him with the spanner.”
    “Which only confirms that she attacked him,” Weller concluded.
    “I was defending myself!” Sajeen protested.
    “Crewman, be quiet!”
    Doctor Billingsley took a step forward, his face stern. “Captain Weller. I have been practicing medicine for seventeen years, and in that time I have dealt with all sorts of patients, from kids with scrapes on their knees to victims of Klingon disruptor fire. After completing my examination, it is my opinion that crewman Sajeen was attacked. She displays psychological trauma consistent with such an assault, and after hearing her story, I believe her. I’ve entered such in my medical log.”
    Captain Weller brooded. “Be that as it may,” he said, eventually. “Given that there were no witnesses to this alleged event, it seems to me that what we have here is a ‘He said, She said’ situation. There’s no way to prove that Ryan assaulted this girl, and all the physical evidence seems to indicate that she was the aggressor.”
    “Sir,” said Commander Yates, his eyes hard, “we have a court-martial offence here. We have to inform the JAG Corps office.”
    “For something like this?” said Weller, incredulously.
    “One of your crewmen assaulted another,” Yates told Weller, stepping forward and putting his hands on the desk. “We have to start an investigation in preparation for court-martial proceedings.”
    “Starbase 12 is nearest to our current position,” Doctor Billingsley added.
    “I’ll be the one who determines if a court-martial is necessary, gentlemen,” Weller told them stubbornly. “I’ve heard her story. Now I want to hear Ryan’s.”
    Sajeen stood there, feeling her whole world fall apart. She knew what Weller was like. He would believe Ryan, not her. He’d probably say she’d temped him, that she was just another Orion slut. Or that she’d attacked him because she hadn’t been promoted. Ryan would spread vicious gossip, turn the crew against her.
    Tears ran down her cheeks. “What’s the point?”
    “What did you say, crewman?” Weller asked, looking at her.
    “What’s the point in hearing Ryan?” she said, wiping her eyes. “You’ve already made up your mind that he’s innocent. He’ll come in here and lie and say I attacked him, and you’ll believe him because he’s Human and I’m just an Orion, nobody to you.”
    “Sajeen, don’t say that,” Doctor Billingsley told her supportively. “I believe you, and so does Commander Yates. We’ll take this to the JAG.”
    “I’m the one who determines that,” said Weller.
    “Not if I file an official report with the JAG office,” Commander Yates told him. “No matter who’s story is believed, the fact is that an assault occurred.”
    Weller got to his feet. “Are you trying to make trouble for me, Darrin?”
    “Just following regulations, sir,” Yates replied evenly.
    Sajeen glared at Weller contemptuously. “You disgust me, Captain. You’re nothing but a racist, misogynistic little dictator. I almost get raped, and you want to sweep the whole thing under the rug. And Starfleet isn’t any better if they give someone like you command of a starship.”
    “Sajeen, please,” said Doctor Billingsley.
    “No, Doctor, I don’t want to hear it,” she said, lifting up her hand. “I joined Starfleet because I thought it stood for something, something important. That I could make a real life for myself. I don’t want to be part of a group that lets tyrants like Weller control people’s lives, and scum like Ryan ruin them. I’m resigning.”
    “Sajeen, no,” Yates told her earnestly. “Don’t give up.”
    “No, I’ll sign whatever I have to,” she said, shaking her head. “Leave me at the next Starbase, or wherever. I don’t care. I just want out. I’ve had enough.”
    “If that’s what you want, crewman, then so be it.” There was a hint of satisfaction in Weller’s eyes, and it wasn’t missed by anyone in the room. He looked at his first officer. “We’re headed for Rigel, aren’t we?”
    Commander Yates nodded. “Yes, sir. We’re dropping off supplies.”
    “Fine, we’ll put her off the ship there as well, Commander. I want her resignation on my desk to sign within the hour. Dismissed.”

                                                                          *****

The door to the turbolift opened and Cera stepped out with Captain Howard by her side. As they made their way along the corridor towards the docking collar, they passed a few of Bangkok’s crew heading the opposite way.
    “Are you sure you can’t come with us, Captain Rigel?” Howard asked.
    “I’m afraid so,” Cera replied, then smiled at him. “And please, call me Cera. After working together for the last couple of days, I think you can do that.”
    Captain Howard chuckled. “Only if you call me Marcus.”
    “Deal.”
    “Look, Starbase 23 is only a couple weeks away,” he reminded her. “Bangkok has to put in there for proper repairs, now that we’re up and running again. You should come with us. You deserve a hero’s welcome after coming to our rescue.”
    “While I know a couple of my crew would enjoy that, we can’t spare the time,” she explained. “We have to get to Xarantine to pick up cargo, and we’re already behind schedule. Answering the distress call of a Starfleet vessel is an understandable excuse, but I can’t delay our rendezvous any further.”
    Howard sighed. “I understand.”
    “I do appreciate the offer, Marcus,” she told him sincerely.
    “I could see to it that Calypso gets some free maintenance,” he offered slyly.
    Cera laughed. “Trying to bribe me, eh?”
    “Consider it payment for services rendered,” he said, grinning.
    “Tempting, I’ll admit that. But we really do have to get to Xarantine.”
    “I respect your sense of duty and professionalism, Cera.”
    They arrived at the docking collar where a security guard stood at his post. Upon seeing his captain, he stood at attention.
    “I guess this is goodbye.” Howard offered his hand and Cera took it. “Farewell, Cera, and safe journey. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you.”
    “Same here, Marcus,” she said. “You’ve got a good ship with a great crew.”
    “As do you. Give them my best.”
    “I will. As my navigator would say: aloha.”
    “Keep in touch if you can,” said Howard.
    “You, too.”
    Captain Howard gave the security guard a slight nod, and the guard opened the hatch. On the opposite side of the docking collar was Nessa, waiting. Cera smiled and crossed over to join her. She turned and gave Captain Howard a wave.
    “Take care, Marcus.”
    “And you, Cera.”
    Nessa touched a button and the hatch doors closed and sealed. They started along the corridor, making for the nearest turbolift. Cera touched a button on the panel and the door opened. They stepped inside, Cera pressed another button and they were off.
    “Gar says we’re ready to go,” Nessa supplied.
    “Good.” Cera looked at the Orion. “What’s that face for?”
    “What face?” said Nessa defensively.
    “That one, the one you’re wearing right now.”
    “I’m not wearing any face.”
    “Yes, you are. Something’s bothering you.”
    “I’m fine,” Nessa insisted. Cera didn’t look convinced, but let it go. It wasn’t long before they arrived at the bridge. When they stepped out of the turbolift, Cera saw Garadun at the helm and T’Prin at the comm station. Cera and Nessa stepped down into the central part of the bridge where Cera sat in her command chair.
    “Okay, Gar, let’s undock from the Bangkok.”
    “Done and done,” he said, and a moment later they felt Calypso unhook and pull away from the Starfleet vessel. T’Prin turned to face Cera.
    “We are being hailed by the Bangkok,” she announced. “It is Captain Howard. He says ‘good luck and fair winds’.”
    Cera smiled. “Tell him to keep the wind at his back.”
    T’Prin nodded and conveyed the message. Garadun activated the main viewscreen, and they saw Bangkok’s impulse engines glow an even brighter red as the Miranda class starship turned and pulled away from their position. It grew smaller and smaller on the screen, and then vanished altogether when the ship jumped to warp.
    “All right, let’s get back on course for Xarantine,” said Cera. “Maximum warp.”
    “Maximum warp, aye.” Garadun put his hand on the control bar, shoving it forward and taking Calypso to warp. He checked his instruments for a minute, then swivelled in his seat and gave Cera a playful grin.
    Cera cocked her head. “What?”
    “Did he kiss your hand when he said goodbye?”
    “What? Captain Howard? No, of course not.”
    Garadun snickered. “I’m surprised. The guy’s totally smitten.”
    “He’s what?”
    “He’s smitten.” Garadun looked thoroughly amused. “Captain Howard. The man has a crush on you, Cera. Not that I blame him or anything.”
    “He does not!”
    Garadun laughed. “Oh yes he does. I’ve seen how he’s been acting around you, and it’s obvious. Nessa’s seen it, too. Which is why she’s so jealous.”
    Cera looked at Nessa and the Orion’s cheeks were flushed.
    “I am not jealous,” said Nessa, unconvincingly.
    Garadun rolled his eyes. “Oh, please.”
    “There’s nothing to be jealous about,” Cera told her, then looked at Garadun. “Are you serious? You think Marcus has a crush on me?”
    “Hey, what’s not to love?” Garadun replied with a happy shrug. “You’re gorgeous, you’re smart, you’re a great person, and you’re the captain of your own ship. And it was you and your ship that came to the rescue of his. I don’t blame the guy. Even though I do feel sorry for him.”
    “Sorry for him?” said Nessa curiously.
    “Well, yeah. The poor bugger doesn’t have a hope in hell.” Garadun looked at Nessa and Cera warmly. “Cera’s heart belongs to you, Nessa.”
    “Now that he’s right about,” Cera told Nessa tenderly, taking her hand. “You don’t have to be jealous, Nessa. It’s you I love.”
    Nessa’s expression turned to one of happiness, and she leaned in and gave Cera a long, passionate kiss. Garadun put his attention back on his control board.
    “Let me show you how much I love you,” Cera whispered huskily, and the Orion felt a shiver run down her spine. Without another word they made their way to the turbolift hand-in-hand, their eyes alight with passion.
    “Ah me, young love,” said Garadun humorously. “’Tis a grand thing.”
    T’Prin said nothing, thinking it the best course of action.

                                                                          *****

It had been five days since Sajeen was attacked in the shuttlecraft launch bay, and in that time word of the incident had spread across Cassini like wildfire. Most of the crew were in shock. How could a thing like this happen aboard a Starfleet vessel?
    Sajeen had friends and supporters, with none more outspoken than her roommate and best friend, Alicia Evans. Doctor Billingsley made no secret of the fact that he believed the young Orion’s story, and had submitted his findings to Starfleet Command, requesting an immediate and formal investigation. Billingsley was supported by the first officer, Commander Yates, who had gone over the head of Captain Weller and sent a report straight to the Starfleet Judge Advocate General Corps. In his report he not only listed all the known facts, including forensic evidence and the testimony of Sajeen and Doctor Billingsley and his staff, but also took the bold and risky step of filing a complaint against Captain Weller as well, claiming wilful obstruction of justice by refusing to initiate an investigation towards the goal of a court-martial.
    This of course infuriated Captain Weller, who saw his first officer’s and his chief medical officer’s actions as gross acts of insubordination, to say nothing of a personal betrayal of loyalty. He at first considered ordering both men confined to quarters, then dismissed the idea. Things were already spinning out of control. And while Starfleet Command hates a scandal, there were still people there who valued truth and justice over political expediency. Nor was the JAG Corps in any mood for yet another Starfleet cover-up. With everything that had gone on over the last few years in the Taurus Reach (including knowledge of the Shedai’s existence being made public, the destruction of the U.S.S. Bombay, and the deaths of over eleven thousand colonists on Gamma Tauri IV) the last thing Starfleet needed was another blow to its image.
    When the U.S.S. Cassini made its scheduled stop at Rigel V to unload its supply of cargo to the waiting Rigelians, Captain Weller was contacted directly by Commodore Andrea Claudelle, the Chief of Staff Judge Advocate General, and ordered to report to Starbase 12 at best possible speed. Not only would an investigation be initiated into the alleged assault against crewman Sajeen, but Captain Weller would have to answer a lot of questions in regards to his own actions. In the meantime, Ensign Ryan was to be kept in the brig and crewman Sajeen to remain on board, her resignation being placed on hold. Although Weller had proven himself to be petty and somewhat callous, he was also very by-the-book and was the sort of officer who always obeyed orders. He was outraged and feeling resentful and betrayed, but Commodore Claudelle had given him an order and he would follow it.

                                                                          *****

Alicia was sitting beside Sajeen on her bed and holding her hand. Doctor Billingsley had just visited their quarters and given them the latest news, including the fact that they were now on their way to Starbase 12.
    “You see?” Alicia told her friend encouragingly. “Justice is going to be done. When we get to Starbase 12, there’ll be a proper investigation. What that bastard Ryan tried to do will come out, and he’ll get sent to a penal colony to rot. And I’ll bet you anything Weller finally gets tossed out on his arse as well.”
    Sajeen sighed. “I hope so, Alicia.”
    “It’ll work out, you’ll see.” Alicia gave her a hug. “Ryan’s done for.”
    The Orion looked at her hands. “He’ll lie and say it was me.”
    “Let him try. Who’s he got on his side? His mates from the Academy? You’ve got the Doctor and Commander Yates behind you, and all the forensic evidence. Yates had the entire shuttle bay sealed off.”
    “But Weller–”
    “Balls to Weller,” said Alicia hotly. “He’s had it. JAG’s investigating him, that’s what Doctor Billingsley says. Weller’s bound to lose his command.”
    Sajeen bit her lower lip. “How can you be so sure?”
    “Because people have finally had enough,” Alicia told her confidently. “This whole thing with Ryan was the last straw. Weller’s a bastard and a lousy commander, but until now any of our complaints might’ve been seen as nothing but griping. This time he went too far. He broke regs by trying to ignore what happened to you.”
    Sajeen slumped down on her bed. “He hates me. I haven’t done anything wrong, and I’ve been confined to quarters as well.”
    Alicia rubbed her shoulder. “Probably for the best, love. At least in here no-one’s gawking at you and talking behind your back.”
    “I wish Garadun were here,” said Sajeen, clutching her pillow.
    “Have you written him?” Alicia asked softly. “Told him what’s happened?”
    “Can’t. Weller’s forbidden me to send or receive any communications.”
    “What an unbelievable git.” Alicia glanced around, then took a yellow data card off the wainscot cabinet behind their beds. She lifted Sajeen’s data slate from where she’d left it on the floor, and dropped it on the bed in front of her.
    “Look, you write to him,” Alicia told her, holding up the data card. “We’ll put your letter on this and I’ll see it gets sent on. Galloway in communications is always happy to do me a favour.”
    Sajeen sat up. “That’s because he’s trying to get you into bed.”
    “The lad’s persistent, I’ll give him that,” Alicia observed mischievously. “He does this for me, and I might actually let him take me on a date.”
    “If you want him, then just take him,” Sajeen advised, grabbing a stylus.
    Alicia giggled. “Where’s the fun in that? He’s got to earn it.”
    Sajeen shook her head, smirking. “Humans.”
    “This from the girl who fancies one like nobody’s business.”
    “Gar’s not the same,” Sajeen remarked as she started writing her letter. “He’s… very special. He cares about me. The me inside, not just the Orion girl.”
    Alicia raised a questioning eyebrow. “And you two never actually…?”
    “We just kissed, I told you that.” Sajeen looked up from her data slate and smiled in recollection. “We spent the whole night talking, getting to know each other. We walked along the beach and watched the suns rise.”
    Alicia sighed. “That sounds really romantic.”
    “It was. Through it all he was just being himself.” Sajeen resumed writing. “No lines, no false charm, no doing all he could to get me to have sex with him. He’s funny and sensitive and cares about me. Really cares.”
    “But he does want you, right?” Alicia inquired. “He fancies girls, right?”
    Sajeen glanced up from her data slate, smirking. “Of course he does. I would’ve taken him to bed if we’d had the time.”
    Alicia gave that some thought as her friend continued writing. “Has he ever been with an Orion before? You know, in bed and everything?”
    “No. There’s been almost no-one in his life,” Sajeen replied sadly.
    Alicia flopped onto her back and stared at the ceiling. “Well, love, all I can say is that if you two ever do sleep together… try not to kill him, all right?”
    Sajeen giggled and kept writing her letter.