Eagle Bridge

“Scanning now,” said Ohtani.

Though it wouldn’t take long, Kirby slowly drummed his fingers on the armrest of his chair.

“No life signs and the power is still out.  It’s deserted, sir,” said Ohtani.

“Thank you, Haia,” said Kirby.

Transporter Room

“Kirby to Allen.”

“Go ahead,” said Allen.

“You’re all clear.  Begin Plan B.”

“Acknowledged.  Allen out.”  The XO looked at his team.  “Let’s go.”

Federation Embassy

Allen, Saunders, Iziraa, and Hok were in the communications center of the embassy building.  Each were dressed in black, carried phasers, flashlights, and tricorders.  Saunders had some equipment in a backpack.

“Nick, start setting up.  Iziraa, Hok, scout the immediate area in case our scans missed something,” said Allen.

It took time, but Captain Kirby had finally persuaded Jack into allowing them to talk with Ambassador Tucker.  The conversation would be short, with Jack making a point to say there would be transporter inhibitors and sensor scramblers so the Eagle couldn’t beam out Tucker.  Plan B was using the communication system in the deserted embassy to hack into the B’Qali comm link, thus tracking Tucker’s location.  Its success depended on the Ym’ruxin not thinking of them trying such a bold move.

Somewhere on B’Qal

Ever since the Ym’ruxin had taken control of the Federation embassy and taken her captive, Jo had been locked up in a jail cell, though she didn’t know where that was.  It must have been a cell to keep someone other than a common criminal, as it was clean, had a reasonably comfortable bed, and some privacy in the bathroom.  It even had a small shower stall, which allowed for some privacy.  As promised, Zala had gotten clothes for her to wear, other than her nightgown and robe, though a blue jumpsuit and sandals, with no socks or undergarments, wasn’t quite what Jo had in mind.  Still, things could have been much worse.

Since being brought to the cell, Jo had not been given any news or updates on what was happening.  She hadn’t seen Stone or any of her staff.  In fact, the only people she did see, were the B’Qali that brought her meals everyday.  They must have been given strict orders about contact with her, as they entered the cell, did what they had to do, and left as quickly as possible.  All her attempts at getting them to talk, had resulted in silence. They wouldn’t even look at her.

Jo had heard stories about prisons from past eras, that the inmates did little else, but spend time in their cells and think.  In her time there, she had experienced the same thing.  Where were the other people from the embassy?  Were they being treated well or badly?  Were they even still alive?  What was going to happen to her?  When was the Federation going to send a ship?  Maybe one had arrived.  Were they having any success in their negotiations?  Would she get out of this?  Was her family informed, or was this being kept quiet?

If Jo wasn’t a patient and disciplined person, she could have imagined herself going crazy.  One’s thoughts and imagination could take them to some terrifying places.

There was a sound at the door.  The cell didn’t have bars, but an actual door, with a window.  She had eaten already, so what was happening?  Perhaps someone was finally coming to deal with her.  A female B’Qali she didn’t recognize, walked in, closing the door behind her.  She was carrying a pouch.

Jo remained sitting on the edge of her bed.

“Stand up,” said the B’Qali.”

Jo didn’t move.

“I said, stand up.”  The tone was forceful.

Jo did as she was told.

The B’Qali held out the pouch.  “Go into the bathroom, wash your face, clean your teeth, and brush your hair.”

Jo glanced at the pouch, then back at the woman.

“Has your time here made you deaf?  Do as I say!”

Jo frowned, took the pouch and entered the bathroom.  Her mind racing, the only thing that made sense to her was they were letting her talk to someone.  A starship had arrived.