The New Beginning

Posted on Wed Mar 1st, 2023 @ 8:20am by Captain Malcom Llwyedd & Lieutenant Commander Cynfor Rees & Lieutenant Commander Jörgen Leed & Lieutenant Jackson Smith & Chief Petty Officer Charles Stephens Jr.
Edited on on Sat Mar 4th, 2023 @ 3:50pm

3,877 words; about a 19 minute read

Mission: Prelude to Rebirth
Location: Brig Empok Nor
Timeline: 21 July 2395

[ON]

Cyn sat in his cell with his head in his hands. He always knew that this day would come, but he hoped it would not. When his children were young he taught them that you own up to your mistakes. The time had come for him to follow his own advice.

There was not much to do save just sit. Cynfor Rees now with his rank stripped awaited transport to a penal colony to live the rest of his days. At least the judge was kind enough to send him to Earth so his family could visit. He exhaled sharply through his nose as his mind was awash with thoughts. Not the least of which was how he let Captain Llwyedd and the rest of the Firebirds down. They were his friends and his extended family. Now Cyn Rees was pretty sure that they wanted nothing to do with him.

Jörgen nodded to the two security guards in the processing room of the brig. "Make sure I'm not interrupted while I interrogate the prisoner." One of them glanced at the PADD and frowned. Maybe he wondered if a crewmate of the USS Firebird should be allowed in but his credentials were, as always, impeccable. The other guard lowered the PADD with her hand.

"Of course, Lieutenant Commander. Your visit has been approved already."

Jörgen crossed the room towards Cyn, hardly more than a morose gray lump on the bench. The diplomat's own uniform and bright comm badge were a stark contrast but inside he wore the weight of the intense scrutiny and startling confessions that had inflicted the crew. His crew. "Good afternoon, Rees. Do you have the energy for a short visit from a friend?"

Cyn raised his head from his hands and although his face did not show it he was glad to see Jorgen. "I'm afraid I won't be great company. I knew this day was coming and yet I'm still sad and angry and bah you didn't come all this way to watch me wallow in self-pity. How is the ship? The Captain and everyone?" Through force of will his smile broadened into his trademark smile.

"The ship is nearly empty while Starfleet investigates the last mission. Some crew are defiant. Some bewildered. Some afraid. I worry that a few of them have wrapped themselves in despair so they suffer," said Jörgen. He let the silence unroll for a few seconds. "How are you really feeling in your heart?"

Cynfor looked a tad disturbed by the news of the Firebird crew. "I am torn Jorgen. I feel as if I have let everyone down. And yet, I would do it again if I had to. Someone had to do something to save my boy. If there was a way to make good I would. I am glad for friends such as yourself though. People such as yourself give me hope that life can go on despite being in New Zealand."

"You should only keep hold of your own emotions. What other people feel is their own choice and beyond your control. Do not let their emotions become your burden. Remember, there are some who label you a traitor that secretly know they would have done the same thing. I am still your friend, Cyn. Put other people aside. Would you have the energy and conviction to do it all over again?"

"If I was faced with that choice again I would do it again in a heartbeat. My family means more to me than just about anything. Do you not think that the war with the Maquis would have happened anyway? Whether I did what I did or not. Is the Captain okay with everything that has happened?" Having a visit from his friend seemed to pick Cyn's spirits up. His feelings of self-pity and self-deprecation were pushed by the wayside for the time being.

"Good, you are full of the same passion. I am glad to see that fight," he said. Jörgen crossed the room and sat on the ground near the energy barrier between them. "War would have happened anyway but Starfleet Command--some of them--love a simple reason to explain them. They can be relentless in punishment but their antiwar stance allows them to be surprisingly forgiving, too, to those who undo harm to the Federation."

Cynfor had been sitting on the cot in his cell and when Joegen came and sat on the floor Cyn did the same. He sat as close to the field as he could. Rees did miss the contact of people who were not his direct family members. His mouth opened to speak when the weight of Jorgen's words settled in. "What do you mean undo? Last time I checked time travel was not something anyone was happy about."

"Keep your spirits up. Look for any opportunity to aid the Federation. You have friends, Cyn. We know your worth. We value it." Jörgen started to offer his hand as he rose, hesitated, and dropped it to his side. "I think your prison transport is here, and I have some meetings that require my presence."

Rees nodded and smiled as he rose. The old Operations Officer was happy and proud to have friends like Jorgen Leed. "I hope that you can get to Earth sometime and visit. It would be nice to have tea as we have so many times before." Rees watched his friend leave for what he hoped was not the last time.

=============================================

Several crews glanced over at the transport, their attention to their tasks faltered and then failed. Only one or two people attempted the pretense of work. Dressed in Emory was used to the scrutiny. He didn't like it but accepted it as part of his own job. His uniform was crisp, the boots polished, and his comm badge gleamed. He exited the transport ahead of both guards and nodded to the nearest woman. Arms grasping a cargo bin, she nodded back. Emory wanted them to know he was doing a job like them. He took pride in doing it well if not the sad task of putting a criminal behind bars. These criminals were once valued members of a crew. Of Starfleet. What a sad waste of life, he thought.

A few station crew began their work again, slowly. A console crackled with a puff of acrid smoke that demanded immediate attention from the engineer beside it. Emory noticed a new office had entered the bay. Three pips. Lieutenant commander. Diplomat. Emory snapped off a salute.

"Good morning, Sir," he said, maneuvering to pass the diplomat.

Jörgen held out his hand for the pilot to stop. "You are Ensign Tavis Emory, correct?"

Emory ground to a halt. "Um, yes sir."

"As I thought. Excellent. Please come with me, Ensign." Jörgen walked, stopped, and looked back. "Quickly, please. I am already late."

Emory blinked, stuck in place. "Sir, with respect, I think there's been a mistake. I'm here for a prisoner pick-up."

"Exactly. Rather, you were here for a prisoner. Follow me."

"Sir, what is your name, sir? There must be a mistake." Emory hurried to catch up with the diplomat. As they neared the transport, he held up his PADD. "If you'll check, I have orders to pick up Cynfor Rees in ten minutes. I gotta run, Sir. Security will be waiting for me to--"

"Indeed? Please check your PADD. Security request Beta-17042, Lieutenant Commander Jörgen Leed. My next assignment is of great importance. I needed a way to travel undetected. A competent pilot. A crew who understood discretion. I think that is you." Leed gestured at the three people in front of him but
Emory was busy staring at his PADD. Leed continued, "This must be done quickly, in secret, and with precision. I can count on you, yes?"

Emory jerked his attention from the PADD. The glaze melted from his mind. This would boost his career, and maybe help him reach a point he can track down criminals instead of just piloting them to prison. "Yes sir, Lieutenant Commander. Move it, Lars and Santos. Prep the engines and let the station our new flight plan. I want off this deck in two minutes. And help the lieutenant get comfortable."

Following close behind, Jörgen hoped that Jackson was ready for his part. The complicated part. Unfortunately, this was all he could do. It was up to them to succeed and he deeply hoped they would. The transport door closed behind with a deep whoosh like a mouth preparing to hold its breath.

=============================================

Jackson walked with purpose down the corridor, His yellow-colored uniform was sharp and tidy, which definitely felt weird to Jackson, but he didn't let that betray him as he continued on his path. Within moments he encountered his target, an ensign. With the power of his double pips, he marched right toward the ensign, forcing them to stop before him. "Ensign Mariston. There was a mistake in giving you the orders to transfer such a high-profile prisoner." Jackson thrust the PADD he was carrying into the Ensign's hands. Ensign Mariston was momentarily taken aback but the abrupt encounter. He grabbed the PADD and looked at the orders that were on the screen. Jackson continued, "Return back to your normal duties, I will be escorting this prisoner. I am sure you understand that we cannot leave this to a simple Ensign to handle."

Ensign Mariston stuttered for a moment and then quickly composed himself, "Uh, Yes sir." This was typical Lieutenant behavior, always trying to lord over their "years' of experience. The Ensign started to get angry the more he thought about that they didn't think he was capable of handling a simple prisoner transfer. He almost started to say something, but then he caught the eyes of the Lieutenant standing before him. The cold steel grey eyes seemed to penetrate right through his soul and left him speechless. Ensign Mariston replied again, "Yes sir." And quickly spun on his heel and started marching down the corridor as quickly as he could without seeming to run.

Jackson smiled to himself and then turned and continued down the path that Ensign had been taking. Within moments he had reached the appropriate cell. "Prisoner 8A3-257, prepare to be transported." He stated calmly. Jackson slipped a small device out of his pocket and put his hand over the keypad. It appeared that he was entering the code to unlock the cell, but in reality he had place a small square device that tapped into the keypad and within seconds had determined and entered the code. With ease, Jackson slipped the device back into his pocket, as the forcefield turned off. "This way prisoner," Jackson stated very calmly and pointed down the hall."

When Jackson stepped onto the cell block Cyn did not know whether to shit or go blind. This was some gall, first, he gets him arrested which led to the prosecution and his imprisonment. Now he comes to fly him to prison.

Rees stepped out of his cell and held his hands out to have clapped in handcuffs. "Come to make sure that I don't run. Well, you didn't have to I know that it is time to face the music and I will pay the price for my crimes with honor." The usual jovial Cynfor's voice was cut with anger. Jackson was the absolute last person he expected to see today.

Jackson quickly slapped the cuffs on before Cynfor could react to his anger. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world." Jackson glared back. "Now get moving...Prisoner." Jackson was not expecting the anger, but he realized it was appropriate and would help maintain their cover.

Rees began to walk down the corridor in the direction of secure airlocks. He had hoped that the pilot would have been someone he didn't know, or at the very least someone who was a friend. Jackson being here would just make this trip even worse than Rees thought it would be. The only thing that struck Cyn as odd at the moment was the show that Jackson seemed to be putting on. Rees knew Jackson, he knew the anger that the man could have. When he was angry there was calm almost serene stoicism. The recitation of Prisoner loudly so everyone could hear was not normal. "Tell me why did you volunteer for this duty. I am sure you have better things you could be doing?"

"Better than escorting you? No way, this is top of my list." Jackson gave him a little shove forward for good measure, "Now, keep silent prisoner." Jackson quickly escorted Cynfor down the corridor and into the shuttle bay. Jackson did a quick glance around to see if Leed had done his job. He withheld a smile as it was obvious the pilot wasn't present. So far so good, he pushed Cynfor into the shuttle and shut the door behind him. With ease, Jackson unlocked the cuffs and moved into the pilot's seat. He knew that Cynfor was probably a bit confused, but he focused on starting up the shuttle and let Cynfor wonder what was going on.

Cyn's eyes widened as the cuffs released. He watched in silent awe as Jackson began the startup routine. Rees was not sure if he was being kidnapped or taken to prison or if Jackson had gone insane, or some combination thereof. "What's going on here?" There was so many questions and that was all Cyn could come up with.

Jackson continued the pre-flight prep. "Have a seat Cynfor. I know that you don't trust me, but for now, you will just have to trust Commander Leed." Jackson touched the comms button, "Shuttle 37X-95 ready for launch." A brief pause and some unknown voice replied over the comm, "You are good for launch 37X-95." Jackson glanced over his shoulder and could see Cynfor still contemplating whether he was going to strangle Jackson or sit down. "I do recommend sitting, I am not one for subtle takeoffs." Jackson turned back and finished his prep and started the engines.

Rees took the seat as he was asked. As he did so he began to go over what he knew, or rather remembered about Jackson. Among those thoughts was that he was an amazing pilot. So Cyn knew that his life was in no immediate danger. However, there was still the need to know what the heck was going on here. Jackson had the right of it, there was no love lost between them. But, if Leed was involved then there must be some sort of plan. Cyn came to the conclusion that if he was going to do or learn anything he was going to have to give a little.

When the comm channel closed Cynfor spoke albeit in a softer tone. "Listen, I am not sure what is going on here but I understand why you turned me in. You upheld your oath as an officer and did what you felt you had to do. I hold no grudge against you. I mean I wish you hadn't..." He laughed at his own little joke as he tried to lighten the mood somewhat.

Jackson initiated the thrusters and the shuttle lifted off and probably faster than was safe took off, leaving the base behind. Moments, after the shuttle was hurtling through space Jackson, tapped a few buttons on the console and set their destination for Earth and the prison that awaited Cynfor Rees. At this point, he turned to face Cynfor.

With the need for the act gone and looking at the man that he had hurt, the guilt washed over Jackson. He looked down at the metallic floor took a deep breath and composed himself. He lifted his head and faced Cynfor, "Cynfor, I didn't know it was you. If I had, I would have done things differently. I was only told I was after a traitor. My oath to Starfleet pales in comparison to my duty to my family. I know that any apology will never make up for the hurt I have done. So, I am doing what I do best. Break the rules." He flashed Cynfor a mischievous grin.

Rees understood the need and the want to do what one felt was right. So he allowed Jackson's words to serve as an apology. When the grin came across Jackson's face, Cyn thought Now that is the Jackson I have known. "So what rules are we breaking this time? Are we to have one last adventure before this old space cowboy has to hang up his boots?"

"Let's hope it is not one last adventure...But first, you need to know the consequences. This has to be your decision." Jackson's voice and demeanor took a serious turn. "Option one is that we continue on course and you are imprisoned. You will still have visitation rights, etc. This is not ideal, but it's manageable." He paused momentarily letting that option sink in, "Option 2, we try to correct what you did and redeem you in the eyes of Starfleet. Starfleet Intelligence has green-lit a black ops. We are to go and retrieve the plans that were stolen and find the location/time of a terrorist plot and stop it. If we succeed, Starfleet will pardon your crimes and it might even have a promotion for you." Jackson hesitated again, "If we fail, Starfleet Intel we destroy all documents that this mission was ever on the books and disavow any knowledge of it. This will become a prison break and you will be on the run for the rest of your life..."

Rees sat and appeared to be staring into the nothing the void of space. However, he was actually lost in deep thought. The words that had just been said were processed and all the possibilities spread out in his thoughts. The first option would of course be the safer route. Prison with time with the family would not be a bad time. Then there was the family I made aboard the Firebird. How can I let them down? Jackson and Jorgen have already risked so much... Cynfor's inner monologue stopped abruptly as he came to a decision.

It must have been about five minutes that Cyn argued with himself. When at last he spoke it seemed as though he had come out of a daze. "I did what I did to save my family. Now it is time for me to risk it all for the family that chose me. I am in for option two. However, I cannot expect you or Jorgen to risk everything for this."

Jackson waited as Cyn pondered his options, it was definitely not an easy decision. Then Jackson smiled as Cyn came to his decision. "Don't worry about the Commander we have isolated him from any of this. And as far as I am concerned, I have one foot in Starfleet and one foot out. I am good either way." With this Jackson entered in a few commands and then sent out a decrypted signal. He stood up and grabbed a bag that was tucked away and pulled out a few devices. He started placing them in key places around the shuttle and activating them. As he did this, there was a loud clanging sound on the roof of the shuttle. Then sparks started to fly as something began to burn a decent-sized circle in the ceiling. Within moments, the circular section of the ceiling fell to the floor...

Charles was surprised things had actually worked to this point. He was also taken aback by how easily the plasma torch worked on the roof. As it fell through he lowered a rope ladder down. "Reach for the sky...." He said with a smile down at the two officers. "Get it. From that movie about toys that comes to.... never mind. Let's get this show on the road."

As the sparks flew and Jackson set himself to work, it took Rees a moment to realize what transpired. When he saw the face of Chief Stephens Cynfor's heart leaped and the smile came unbidden to his face. It seemed that this was an old-fashioned jailbreak and they had a lot of work ahead of them. "Chief you are a sight for sore eyes," Cyn said as grabbed the rope ladder and began the climb to the other craft.

"Well let's expedite this show otherwise none of us will be setting our eyes on anything other than a cell." He said as he reached down to help drag Cyn into the ship.

Jackson finished activating another device and then quickly followed Cyn up the rope ladder. "I agree. Glad you could join the party Chief. How's the ship? You never know what you are going to get when dealing with Zulg." Jackson started to look around as he made his way toward the pilot's seat.

"It was a rather pleasant exchange with Zulg this time," Charles replied as he started to seal up the floor hatch. "Don't worry he thinks I was taking it into the Gamma Quad for an Intel sweep."

"Well, I think it is time that I take an active part in this jailbreak." Cyn said as he sat at an operations console. "All systems are nominal and are at your disposal." This was the teamwork that Rees liked, what he thought turned a crew into a family.

It occurred to Cynfor that the others may have not had a course to go to. "I would suggest that our best place to start would be the Badlands. That is where I met with the Doctor and the others. There is a station there formally belonged to the Cardassian Union and is now used by the New Maquis."

Jackson reached and grasped the Chief's arm in comradery as he went to pass him by, "Thanks for coming Chief."
He then slipped by and moved into the pilot's seat. "Cyn, that is exactly what we needed. Let's get this party started, buckle up. Once in flight, we can formalize a plan. "

Cynfor turned toward Chief Stephens. "Chief I want to reiterate what Jackson said. Thank you for coming, for helping to set things right. This means the world to me."

"Thank me later, we aren't clear just yet," Charles smirked. "I love it when a plan comes together. Punch it Jaxs." He said wishing he had a good cigar right now.

Jackson punched it and the shuttle jumped to warp, just as the stranded shuttle exploded into a fiery ball of debris.

[OFF]

Lieutenant Commander Cynfor Rees
Executive Officer
USS Firebird NCC-88298

Lieutenant Commander Jörgen Leed
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Firebird NCC-88298

Lieutenant Jackson Smith
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Firebird NCC-88298

Chief Petty Officer Charles Stephens JR
Chief of Boat
USS Firebird NCC-88298

 

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