The Inquiry, Part II"
By: Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Gavin McBride , Chief of Intelligence , [NPC]
Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58207.01 1500

As Dane walked down the hall ways of Qul Tuq toward her quarters, two men suddenly appeared before her. As they began to speak, another came up and stood behind her. They were dressed in the dark gray uniforms of the Maquis Intelligence.

Teilani nodded and tried to pass them but the man kept in front of her.

"Good Evening Doctor Dane," said the first man with feigned politeness.

"Good evening Sir," Teilani said politely back. "Will you please let me pass?"

"Terribly sorry to inconvenience you, but we would like to ask you a few questions, would you please come with us?" One of the men showed his ID badge. It identified him as Gabriel Daniovich, Maquis Special Intelligence.

"What kind of questions?" she asked studying the ID

"You are not being arrested," said one of the men. "No," replied the other, "we just have some questions about some recent events that you were involved in," said Daniovich.

"Look can't we do it some other time, I am late for a medical conference already."

Daniovich cleared his throat and shot a glance at the other men. "We know you have not been attending the conferences," he said sternly.

"Sorry Sir, but I can not see what kind of information I have of use for you."

"Perhaps, perhaps not," said Daniovich, "but this is not a request, its an order. We'd prefer not to make an incident out of this.

Teilani nodded. "Very well. Lead the way." Her mind was racing. Maqui intelligence. Recent events. That could only have been Quark, he had been blabbing his mouth off. The little twit. Okay now what was she to do or say. She bite her lower lip and rubbed her hands along her trousers. Relax Lani, don't let them see you are nervous.

The men led Dane back to the turbo-lift. "Deck 31," he said.

A few seconds after the turbolift accelerated away, Daniovich commanded the lift to stop.

"Relax Doctor. You shouldn't have anything to worry about," said Daniovich turning to her, "Unless you are a spy."

The men in back of her laughed lightly, but Daniovich looked at her stern ferocity. "Your not are you?"

"I am not worried Mr Daniovich, and as for being a spy... thats for me to know and for you to find out." Teilani said calmly as possible. "I find it only peculiar that I am being dragged off for some investigation and would like to get this over with as soon as possible."

Daniovich looked up at the others and smiled. "Then we'll will have to find out," he said.

"But I will tell you this. Once this whole charade is over I will lodge a complaint with your Department chief."

Teilani looked away from Daniovich. "outrageous." she mumbled.

The man raised an eyebrow. "By all means," he said, "We're following his orders."

When the lift finally stopped Daniovich escorted Dane down a hallway. They turned down another and yet another hallway. Finally they put her in what looked like a typical interrogation room.

A tall dark haired man entered. He did not smile or acknowledge Dane in anyway. He sat down at the table across from her.

"Are you Doctor Teilani Dane. Born on Mars 2342. He looked up, joined the Maquis in 2375

"Yes I am. And you are?"

McBride looked up. His blue cold eyes regarded Dane momentarily. He laid his PADD on the table and with his palms faced down on either side of it.

"My name is unimportant. I am the Chief of Intelligence for the Maquis Alliance. I answer directly to Admiral Stone.

"I see."

McBride turned and motioned, two more men entered. "You are here because we have some questions about some recent events that have taken place. Your cooperation is appreciated.

"Of course."

"Thank-you," he said softly, "This is not an investigation, but an inquiry. Because it is a formal one, and because you could be held accountable for anything you say, you have the right to have council present, or your commanding officer. Do you wish to have representation?"

Teilani looked at the men. "I think it might be wise if my commanding officer could be present Sir."

About 20 minutes later, Captain Hunter arrived and was escorted in.

"Thank-you for coming on such short notice Captain," said McBride. "Your Doctor is being questioned about some her recent activities."

"Activities?"

"Yes, we will get to that later, she has requested your presence."

Hunter regarded McBride and then turned and sat next to Teilani and whispered, "are you okay?"

She nodded. "Yes I am."

"What's going on?" he whispered back.

"I don't know." Teilani said.

Hunter frowned and settled back into a chair next to Dane.

"This is Doctor Ahamn and this is Lieutenant Michelio Zoei, Chief of Security," said McBride introducing them.

A slight incline of his head was the only movement Zoei made. His dark eyes scanned the woman standing before them.

"Dr. Dane," he paused slightly, "your recent activities have not escaped the watchful eyes of our security personnel. At this time, you are not under arrest. You are not compelled to answer any questions today, but your refusal to answer, should you choose, will be noted. Any information you provide has the potential to be used against you should any further action be deemed necessary. My expectation for you," his dark eyes slowly moved over her, "is for you to answer all questions directed toward you honestly. Do not think you can disguise the truth."

He shifted slightly. "Do you understand your rights as they have been explained to you?"

"Yes Sir."

"In order to insure the integrity of this interview, Dr. Ahamn will be placing a monitoring device on your forehead. This will measure the involuntary reactions of your body. It is a sophisticated lie detector. Please hold steady while it is placed." Zoei's eyes scanned the doctor again.

The Doctor approached Dane and placed the small device on her forehead, near her left temple.

He activated the device.

"I know this is stressful, doctor, we just want to exonerate you from our suspicious nature."

McBride and Zoei sat down on the opposite side of the table.

"Recently, you received an encrypted transmission from Mars and now more recently, were observed in Quark's," said McBride as he activated a small viewscreen.

It displayed a Rutian trader, "...I am Stee'ha. I understand you are seeking passage to the Terran system?" the video showed Dane leaning forward and she answered, "Indeed I am."

The Rutian in the video responded, "Price is 30 bars of latinum. Upfront."

In a desperate voice Dane could be heard, "I haven't got that much with me now, Teilani whispered. But I can work during the trip and when I get to my final destination I promise you will get paid. If necessary I double it."

McBride turned off the video and glanced at Zoei. "Sixty bars of latinium is a fortune,.." McBride said in a quiet, subdued voice. "Who are you working for?"

"I am the Zion's chief medical officer, Sir." Teilani said with a subdued voice but I presume you want an explanation for this meeting?"

"Yes, please explain this," said McBride.

Teilani looked at Zoei, McBride and the other people. "A few weeks ago I got a message via our Ships counselor Ms Zoei from my Uncle Brexen besides the regular chitchat he pleaded for me to get in touch with my family on Mars. I have tried this so many times but communication is impossible."

"She is your sister right Mr Zoei." Teilani said softly.

"That is immaterial, but correct," Zoei nodded curtly.

"Of course." Teilani responded. Then she continued. "I know its wrong but they are all I have and I just wanted to go and see them, see if they were alright. So when we docked I asked that Ferengi guy if he knew of ships going to that area and if it was possible for me to go with them.

"Dr. Dane, did it occur to you to seek your commanding officer's input prior to approaching someone to connect you with the 'black market' travel arranger?" Zoei's tone was firm. Briefly, his dark eyes left the doctor to flick over the commanding officer being discussed.

Hunter and Dane exchanged glances.

Teilani shook her head. "No sir, mainly because I already knew what his answer would be. And well I am a bit stubborn and the more I think about it, even more stupid to boot."

Hunter strained to control an involuntary smirk.

Zoei's eyes narrowed marginally. "Dr. Dane, you are a decorated officer who had been, up to this point, perceived to be a responsible, dedicated member of your crew.

It causes me concern to hear you say you did not contact your CO because you knew what his answer would be. What do you think his response will be now that you have been discovered?"

"He would be furious and I will probably be out of a job." she looked at Hunter out of the corner of her eye and continued, "Its just I was desperate, I have... I have thought of it so many times, wondering how to ask him... even tried to ask our counselor for advise but I couldn't I just couldn't..."

Teilani's eyes now filled up with tears and she fought to keep them in."

McBride's cold eyes scrutinized Dane, profiling her. "Please continue Doctor, How did you plan to pay even 10 bars of latnium?"

"Of course I do not have so much latinum to pay the fare but I was thinking maybe I could work my way around it.

"Dr. Dane, how exactly did you plan to work your way around this? I am curious about your thoughts." Zoei leaned back slightly in his chair.

Teilani swallowed and took a deep breath, looking at Zoei. " I am a darn good doctor Sir, I could offer my medical expertise during the trip. Or even try to sell some of my belongings, and write a lot of I owe you markers. I now realise that I could never ever made that debt and I would probably end up dead, but at least I tried to see my relatives." Teilani said with determination.

"Having to live with the insecurity, the not knowing where they are, if they are alright. It gets to you in the end. They are all I have....."

"I understand you feel they are all you have, but there are proper channels to follow, and you did not choose that path. Do you understand the impact of your actions on others? The potential consequences which could have, and still might, be brought upon the members of the USS Zion?" Zoei queried.

Teilani lowered her head. "I didn't at the time but I do now... I can never make it right. I owe them so much you see and now I some how betrayed them. If I could undo it, I would do in a flash. My actions were stupid, reckless and ........." Teilani stopped....."If only I could make it right again." she whispered.

"How would you propose this be corrected?" Zoei asked.

Teilani looked at Zoei. "It might be too late for it now Sir, but I suppose I have to, she glanced over at Hunter, rely on Captain's Hunter fair judgement. What ever it is. I made a serious mistake and I will have to deal with the consequences.

Zoei nodded slowly. "Discussing this with Captain Hunter, when the meeting is completed, would be an excellent start."

Hunter nodded affirmatively.

"I just have to hope that my family is alright. That my actions here will not have put them in any further danger."

Again, Zoei nodded. "Fortunately, while there are those among us who are aware of what you have done, it isn't exactly common knowledge."

"Can I have a glass of water please?"

Zoei nodded at a security officer standing near the door. She stepped out of view, only to return with the doctor's water glass. She set it on the table near Dr. Dane and resumed her original position.

Teilani paused, sipping the cold water. She touched her forehead with the cool glass, she was tired and a terrible headache was coming on. The devise was now itching and the coolness of the glass was soothing the itch. She was in trouble and she knew it. How could she have been so stupid, why hadn't she tried to talk to Hunter or Wright for that matter.

What was she thinking, that she could do it all on her own. What if her actions had brought harm to her family......what if.....Again so many what ifs..

"Any more questions?" Teilani asked softly as she put the glass down. Oh how she longed for a strong cup of coffee.

She looked at McBride, Zoei and the other investigator.

Zoei leaned back in his chair. The doctor was a unique person. Her emotions were raw, bubbling almost visibly just below the surface. Yet, she still took the offensive in an effort to bring the interview to a close. It was an intriguing response. He cleared his throat. "Dr. Dane, at this time, I have no further questions," he glanced around the room at the other interviewers.

"Obviously, we need to discuss this," McBride said as he looked at Zoei and Hunter. More interviews may be required once that discussion has taken place."

Lani simply nodded.

"Doctor," said McBride, continuing the interview, "tell me now about your involvement with Starfleet Admiral Pierre Bouchette."

"Admiral Bouchette??" Teilani echoed, looking closely at McBride. "There is no involvement, I used to be his private physician until he died."

"That much we know. We were hoping you would elaborate," said McBride softly, "...and don't spare any details."

"Look Sir," Teilani said as she shifted uneasily on her chair, "It has been a very long time, what do you need to know?"

"We have a few more questions," said McBride.

She frowned..."I like some coffee first."

McBride turned to one of the men near the door, "Please get the Doctor her coffee, Jamaican blend double strong, double sweet," he said with a nod. The man promptly left.

"We'll get you some coffee Doctor. The sooner we get through these questions, the sooner you can leave."

"I will not answer anymore questions until I got my coffee." Teilani said insistently as she looked at McBride.

"Tenacious," thought Hunter to himself, "...added to stubbornness," Hunter continued to struggle against that little smirk.

Zoei arched an eyebrow at the terse tone in the doctor's voice. It was not typical for the interviewee to try to wield this sort of power unless they were trying to avoid what they knew was sure to come.

"Relax Doctor, if you have nothing to hide, everything will be fine."

"Can I get you anything Captain?"

Hunter motioned with his hand, "no, thanks."

The man returned with the Doctor's coffee and set it before her. McBride gave her a curt little smile as the Doctor took a sip.

"Admiral Bouchette," Teilani started as she glanced over at McBride caressing the warm mug of her favorite coffee, "was a good man, good for his staff. I came to work for him when I was just out of the academy. He taught me a lot about people, the way they think and then he died."

McBride nodded.

"The circumstances were.... Teilani stopped and drank some of her coffee.. were dodgy. According to the autopsy made after his death he was assassinated."

"We're you angry about his death? Did you resent the enemies of the Federation?" "Of course I was angry, there was no need to kill him. Like I said he was a good man. I don't resent anybody. I am a doctor Sir, I treat everybody equal, enemy or not."

McBride looked at Zoei for a moment, studying his body language for clues as to whether Dane was on the up and up, or...

Almost imperceptibly, Zoei nodded. She was defensive, but that was most likely because she was unsure of where this was going, as opposed to any level of guilt. All of her statements might not be totally accurate, but those errors did not seem to be the result of deliberate subterfuge.

McBride turned back, "Do you know what projects the Admiral was overseeing?"

"He didn't talk much about his work...... Sure occasionally I saw some notes but ...... Teilani shrugged. I was only there to monitor his health."

"Notes?" asked McBride.

Lani nodded. "Schematics... messages. Notes. It wasn't my place to ask about them you understand?"

McBride nodded, "now, if you don't mind my asking, why after all this time are you trying to contact Josh?"

Teilani looked at McBride open-heartedly. "If you don't mind my asking what has my brother Joshua got to do with this investigation?"

McBride nodded slightly, "there isn't anything I can tell you now," said McBride pausing, "please...continue."

"Well you see my brother did not agree when I entered the academy and decided to become a doctor. Some harsh words were said and we broke off contact. Now after all that is happened I realize that my family is all I have and that's why I tried to re-establish contact."

Teilani frowned slightly. "Is there something I should know Sir?" she asked softly at McBride.

McBride shook his head, "no, but please tell me about your brother Eric," he asked.

"There is not much to tell Sir," Teilani said now a little on her guard. "I haven't seen him in a while, last news I got was that he was missing..."

McBride turned off his padd and looked at Zoei, "I don't have any further questions for the Doctor, do you?"

"Not at this time," he shook his head.

Then Doctor Ahamn removed the device from the doctor's forehead.

Teilani softly massaged the little spot where the devise had been attached.

With a nod, McBride said, "Thank-you Doctor, you are dismissed. I will debrief you both later, at *your* convenience," said McBride standing up.

Hunter stood up as well and nodded to Dane.

"That is most kind of you Mr McBride, " Teilani said with a smile while getting up as well. "Lieutenant, Doctor, Captain.... " Keeping her head high and back ramrod straight Teilani left the room with Hunter.

McBride turned to Zoei, "analysis?"

"Dr. Dane appeared to have answered all questions honestly, as she perceived events. There were a few inconsistencies, but again, they did not appear to be deliberate or malicious. She does not appear to have any understanding or connection with her family directly at this time. Also, there appears to be no ill will directed toward the Marquis." Zoei shrugged one shoulder slightly. "I would want to review the analysis of the detection system before a final report, but I saw nothing that would indicate that report would be significantly different than this one."

McBride nodded, "I think you are right," said McBride. "Thank you for attending the Interview," he added.