The Inquiry - Part I"
By: Commander Gavin McBride , Chief of Intelligence , [NPC]
Dr. Alyssa Caitlin Northrop, Chief Intel Officer, [PST]

Stardate: 58207.01 0930

The Maquis Intelligence director, Gavin McBride entered Alyssa's office.

He handed her a PADD. It contained images of Doctor Dane attempting to solicit transportation in Quarks. "How well do you know your ship's doctor," asked McBride.

Taking the PADD from the man she looked it over, "Not very well I suppose. I know she's closer to other members of the crew."

Alyssa shrugged, "I know that's not much help. But what's the problem?"

"Her recent activity has become suspicious. It appears she is attempting to leave the station....for Mars." McBride's voice was cool and emotionless.

"Doctor Dane is trying to get to Mars?" Northrop asked, her voice full of confusion more than anything else.

"Do you know if she has ever talked to anyone about this man?" McBride changed the image on the padd. It displayed a picture of a man about 45 years old. "This is her brother, Joshua Dane. He is on Mars."

McBride sat down in front of Northrop.

"Honestly....I have no clue, Commander. The Doctor and I honestly never really sat down and discussed our family histories." Though if her brother was the reason she was trying to get to Mars...well...Alyssa could sympathize.

"We actually know quite a bit about him. It seems he is working for the underground railroad."

"Ok....and this is a problem why?"

McBride smiled tightly and then responded, "its an old Earth expression which connotes a system of hand-offs to bring refugees safe passage out of hostile areas."

"Commander....please don't forget whom you're speaking to." She smiled, "Remember....History was my life before I signed up with you guys. I know all about the Underground Railroad. I actually taught a few classes on the history of the old United States. While it's not my specialty....they needed someone to teach the class....so I said what the heck?"

McBride blinked. It should have of course been obvious.

"Our timeline is not clear on this, we are uncertain whether Dane defected before Joshua joined the Underground, but we want to make sure the Dane family is not working for the Federation or being coerced."

Northrop looked at McBride....a somewhat strange look on her face. "You realize that the person you're talking to right now is in the same boat, right? Three members of my Family are being held against their will by Starfleet Security."

She wondered if he felt like she was dangerous as well....was McBride having conversations about her activities with other Intelligence people?

"Of course," he said in a soft voice. "but you haven't ever attempted to solicit a ride to Earth."

McBride continued before she had a chance to reply.

"Has Dane ever mentioned her role in the Federation before she defected?" he asked.

"Not really. The fact that most of us were involved in Starfleet prior to the war is sort of a given. To my knowledge, no one really talks about it much." Alyssa shrugged and leaned back in her chair.

"She became the personal physician of an older Star Fleet Admiral, he was apparently poisoned. Dane could be acting on a motive of revenge. What we know of her psych profile, this scenario could be highly probable.

"So you think Telani poisoned an Admiral and then ran over to this side of the fence?" she asked, somewhat incredulous. "She's a Doctor for crying out loud...their most important rule is to do no harm."

"I'm suggesting she could have joined the Maquis to exact revenge on the enemy for the death of her patient. There is intel data that suggests that there is a mole in the underground and he's planning to flip the network very soon. We need to find the mole soon, otherwise everyone in the network is at risk."

McBride paused, "how about this man?" McBride changed the display and showed her younger brother Eric.

Taking the PADD from McBride, Northrop looked over it closely. The face didn't seem familiar....but the name at the bottom indicated that the man was Eric Dane. That name did however ring a bell. "During the Rura Penthe mission....I remember hearing something about her little brother being imprisoned there. But...so far as I know, he wasn't."

The brunnette archeologist considered it some more, "In fact....the scuttlebutt around the ship was that he actually escaped."

McBride nodded as he stood. "Thanks," he said with polite nod, "Carry on."

"Commander....", she said, "what are you going to do about this?" she asked.

McBride paused in his step as the door opened. He looked down, tracing the image of Dane with his finger as Northrup continued...

"...I know Doctor Dane isn't a traitor to the Maquis. She could never side with what's left of the Federation. If that's what you're thinking."

McBride turned and faced Northrop. "Perhaps you know her better than you think?" He gripped the padd and looked down at it, "hmmmphf."

Flipping the padd off he looked up again Northrop and with a cool disposition, "I hope you are right. If not, she will find herself on a penal colony. I guess it's time to hear this from her."

Alyssa said nothing to this and watched as McBride left. She worried about Telani....why was the Doctor suddenly sneaking around trying to get to Earth?

Something like that....she should have gone to Hunter and gotten his help. The Captain of the Maquis Flagship had a lot of pull....and could have helped her do what she needed without all of this paranoia and suspicion. "What are you up to, Telani....."

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.

Reprimand"
By: Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58207.01 1620

At the Captain's insistence, Dane accompanied him to his temporary offices on Qul Tuq.

"Sit," said Hunter sternly. Taking a seat himself.

Teilani was some how defeated but refused to give up did what Hunter ordered and lowered herself in the chair infront of his desk.

He looked at her sternly, "Now tell me what the hell is going on?"

"Well Sir, I tried to hitch a ride to Mars." she dropped the bomb.

"M-Mars? What were you thinking?"

"Well I figured I could do it before we were heading out again. You know see my folks. I have been trying to sent a subspace message but for some reason I'm not getting it through.

Hunter rubbed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Doctor, your messages are probably not getting through because we are at war with them," he said stating the obvious.

He looked at Dane, he couldn't believe she'd tried this. "...And you can't just fly shuttle into enemy territory, are you crazy?"

Lani shrugged. "I don't know what to say Sir, I have been acting stupid and irrational, let my feelings overrule my judgment. She stood up and came slightly to attention.

"Captain, I fully understand if you.... if you decide to take disciplinary actions." Teilani looked at the tips of her shoes.

"Oh for heaven's sake Doctor. SIT DOWN." said Hunter with an exasperated tone.

Teilani sank back in her chair.

"To say I am disappointed in your behavior is an understatement. There will be a note placed in your permanent file." Hunter paused hoping the gravity of the situation would be realized by Dane.

"You know better," he added.

With cheeks as white as as sheet, she nodded. "I know I was just desparate." She looked at Hunter, her green eyes fixed to his face. "I am sorry Captain, it won't happen again."

"Of course not." said Hunter.

"The insecurity drives me crazy Captain. I just want to know if they are alright. They are the only family I have." she almost whispered.

Hunter stood up and looked out the view port. "Teilani, we *all* have family over there. Discipline, you need to find it inside yourself. Otherwise...." He turned and faced her, "it will get to you and you will make *stupid* errors in judgement."

He paused dramatically. "We can't have that."

"No Sir, you are right." Stubbornly she lifted her chin up in the air. Teilani arched an eyebrow. Discipline? She had enough discipline to fuel an entire class 2 shuttle.. it was only a shame that nobody saw that..

Suddenly Hunter's console chirped. It was the Admiral's secretary. "This can't be good," mumbled Hunter looking at Dane.

"Sir? Admiral Stone requests your presence in his office...immediately."

Hunter looked at Dane. "We *will* resume this conversation later, understood?"

"Yes Captain." Teilani responded as she stood up.

"Dismissed," he said.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"
By: Gavin McBride , Chief of Intelligence , [NPC]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58207.01 2200

In the distance it looked like a star was going nova, its brightlight highlighted teilani's face in the window. She was brushing her hair after having taken a long hot shower. The interrogation, that was what she called it and the subsequent talk with Hunter had her left with a dirty feeling.

Of course she had been wrong and no matter how long she took a shower, she could never wash it off.

She threw the brush on the couch and was ready to replicate some food when the door chime rang.

When Teilani opened the door, she saw one of her so called interrogators. It was the Chief of Intelligence. He stood there with a covered service cart. Mouthwatering smells filled the air.

"The name is Gavin McBride," he said.

The smell of roast beef, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies filled the air when the door had slided open. Teilani could feel her stomach protest, how long had it been since she had last eaten, 4 or 5 hours ago, although it seemed closely like 72 hours.

"Excuse me, what were you saying." she said a bit confuzzled looking at McBride.

"You asked me my name, I never told you," he said with a warm and seductive smile. "May I come in Doctor?"

Teilani took a step back, putting a strand of hair back behind her ear. "ummm yes sure."

McBride pushed the cart over to her table and unveiled it, "I brought dinner, if you care to...?"

Fooood her stomach was telling her. We want it now Lani nodded, "Sure." She cleared some padds and personal items from the table.

"Excellent," he said with a slight bow.

"Excuse me Sir," Lani said with a frown, but whats all this?

"I apologize for earlier, I was just doing my job," he said as laid out place mats on the table and then set two plates on them. "We had to be careful, of course."

He meticulously adjusted the position of the knife and fork next to the plates.

Next he set two stemmed glasses on the table. "You really have no idea what your Josh has been up to all these years, do you?" he said with a slight smile.

"Is this going to be another inquiry.? she asked.

"No," he said softly, "no..."

Teilani shook her head. "Like I said Sir, I haven't spoken to him in ages."

He set a candlestick in the center of the table and turned it on. A simulated flame flickered warmly. "I've come to shed some light on on the things you don't know."

She raised her eyebrows. "Oh?"

Next, McBride set a bottle of wine and several covered serving platters on the table. "You see, your brother has been a valuable asset to the Maquis for some time now."

"He has?" That made Lani even a bit more suspicious. It didn't sound like her brother. "I find that hard to believe Sir."

McBride removed the cork from the wine and filled the glasses. "...and you should know what has been going on." He handed her the glasss.

"Well.." she said as she pulled back a chair. "Then don't let me keep you from telling."

He lifted the cover off one of the dishes and passed it to Dane, "Are you familiar with the Mars underground?"

"I have heard rumours and read some on the newsbulletin but thats it."

"Well," he said raising an eyebrow as he took a sip of wine, "Your brother is a memeber of the underground... A link if you will, in chain of a vast network of people who help bring people out of the Federation, to safety."

"Sorry Mr McBride, but I find that hard to believe. Josh is the most cautious person I know. He would never ever be in the resistance."

"Please, call me Gavin," he said.

She nodded. "How do you know that then?"

"I am afraid I can't tell you everything yet," he said apologetically.

"But I can tell you this. About 3 months ago, he went dark, uhm, that means he dropped out of site," said Gavin trying to keep things in basic terms. "He has contacted us to reestablish, but there is a problem." McBride paused, "He wants to be contacted by someone he knows."

McBride paused to see if the Doctor were perceptive enough to see where this was going.

Teilani took a small morsel and put it in her mouth as she let McBride's words sink in. Having swallowed it, and darn it did taste good, she said. " So let me guess you were thinking of me?"

McBride stabbed a small vegetable with his fork and put it in his mouth. He put the fork down and smiled at Dane, dabbing the corner of his mouth with his napkin. "That's correct."

"I can't tell you any more specifics at this time," he added.

"How obvious." Teilani stated. "When will you be able to tell me more?"

"Soon," said McBride picking up the wine glass.

"How did you know that my brother was working for this railroad project?" She asked Gavin.

"Our office works closely with the incoming refugees. Unofficially, of course."

"Of course," Teilani replied. "However, I have 1 request."

McBride arched his brow inquisitively.

"Should I decide to accept I want you personally to destroy the surveillance tapes you have from me and any other evidence collected during your investigation."

He smiled and decided to humor her, "I'll see what I can do," he said with a wink.

She smiled. "You can not blame me for trying now can you?"

"Of course not." Said McBride putting the napkin on his empty plate.

Teilani smiled. "Coffee??

McBride replied with slight smirk, "Jamaican Blend, double strong double sweet?" Sure."

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