Death Returns...

Posted on Mon Jan 17th, 2022 @ 5:48pm by Captain Mattias Richardson [Reece] & Captain Gary Taylor & Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Lieutenant Commander Kara Starr {Kelea-Salik}

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Earth, Bora Bora
Timeline: 2394
6758 words - 13.5 OF Standard Post Measure

The weather was phenomenal! As was the view. The picturesque island nation of Bora Bora, having passed through mankind's dark past wars unscathed, looked ever the paradise that it was.

The Richardson family, Mattias, Saundra and sweet little Charlie, had just arrived for a well deserved, month-long, family vacation. Mattias had finally been cleared, by Starfleet Medical, to return to full, active duty. SFMCHQ had decided to grant their returning Captain a final month of peace. Afterwards, he, and his family, were to report to the USS Fearless, one of the new Dauntless Class Cruisers, where he would assume his duties as the new MCO of the detachment there.

As the happy family settled into their vacarion, they had no idea that they were being followed and watched. The trio of warriors who hunted the family had orders to destroy the Captain, while leaving him physically untouched. As they watched, they started to formulate their plan.

***Meanwhile***

"Kara," Mattias said to the computer screen that showed his little sister, who was light-years away on assignment. "I wish you could be here. It's simply beautiful here in the lagoon, hell, the whole island for that matter!"

Kara nodded as she gave her brother a disappointed smile. “I wish I could be there with you Matt! Instead I’m stuck on a ship missing out on it all.”

Mattias gave her a big brotherly grin. "Hey, we'll try a big family vacation next time we are all together." He looked down at his left knee and smiled. "Ah, looks like someone else wants to say hi."

Reaching down, Mattias lifted his happy son, Charlie. As soon as Charlie was up where he could see Kara, he got even more excited. "Auntie Kawa! Auntie Kawa!! Fissies hewe!!"

Kara grinned as she looked at Charlie. “Hey Charlie! I wish I was there with you little man! I miss your lovely hugs and kisses!!” She blew him playful kisses.

Charlie smiled and giggled at his silly Aut Kara's antics. Mattias then whispered something in his son's ear. Charlie's face lit up again as he turned back to the screen and happily screamed, "HAPPY BIWFFDAY, AUNTIE KAWA!!!

Kara’s smile practically shone. “Awww thank you Sweetheart!! I just wish I could be there to spend the day with all of you! But seeing you is the best present yet.”

"You come! Swim wiff me and the fissies? Pwease?!"

Before Kara could reply, Mattias saved her. "Now Charlie," he said in a calm, fatherly voice. "Auntie Kara can't come swimming with you right now. She's far, far away, helping other little boys and girls who are sick. I promise,next time we are all together, we will go swimming the fishies, okay?"

Little Charlie seemed disappointed with what his father said, but, like all toddlers, bounced right back. "Okee, Dada." His face lit up again. "Auntie Kawa!! I got fissie goggles!! I see the fissies when I go swimin!"

“You can!?” Kara looked fascinated, she loved talking with Charlie. “You are so going to have to show me next shoreleave okay?” She smiled as she looked at Mattias. Her young nephew was the closest thing she had to a son and she loved him to pieces.

"Okee!" Charlie replied happily. He then turned his hand and then turned his face to the side and smiled a huge grin. "Mama!!" He reached up for Saundra, who was offscreen.

Saundra laughed and put her head into the screen. "Hi Kara! Bye Kara!" She said as she picked up the boy. "We are off to the beach!"

Charlie giggled with delight as his mother picked his up and held him close to her. "Bye Auntie Kawa!! Wove you!!!"

Mattias chuckled warmly. "Be there in a bit, Babe." He said, smiling lovingly at the mother of his child. He then turned his attention back to the viewscreen. "Well, little girl, guess we are gonna have to sit down and plan a group trip back here soon. How long are you going to be out in the Beta Quadrant?"

“I wish I knew!” Kara sighed. “The dates keep changing as new orders come through. I was hoping to be back to spend my birthday with all of you, but that ended up not happening!”

Nodding with understanding. "Brother and sister try to make plans and the Personnel Gods laugh." He chuckled softly. "Well, as soon as we get together again, I'm gonna cook you your favorite birthday dinner. If you're lucky, I'll even make the dessert as well."

“Wow! Then I really do need to hurry up and get home!” Kara grinned. “I’ll hold you to that you know!”

Mattias laughed. "Hey, a big brother has to do something to get his little sister to come see him." He gave her a wink, and then turned his head, hearing Charlie calling to him. Looking back, he started to wrap up the call. "I'm being summoned, heh. Anyway, try to enjoy your birthday, Kara. Stay safe out there and come home soon. Love ya."

“Love you too big brother! Just look after that family of yours, and give Charlie a hug and kiss for me okay?” She offered a smile even though she felt sad.

"I will. See you soon." He then closed the channel as Charlie could be heard calling to him again. Little did they know, it would be rhe last time that Kara would hear her nephew speak.

After closing down the computer, Mattias moved out onto the deck, and smiled at what he saw. Saundra and Charlie, his world, laughing and playing in the surf.

Charlie looked up and beamed at his father. "DADA!!! FISSIES HEWE!!! Bwue and gween fissies!!" He splashed at the water excitedly, which, of course, caused the fish to scurry away.

Laughing warmly, Mattias moved off the deck and walked along the shore, until he reached his family. Siding up next to Saundra, he gave her a deep kiss, while still keeping a hand on Charlie. When he broke the connection, he whispered to her, "If I haven't said it lately, I love you, Babe."

"Love you back" she whispered with a warm smile.

Charlie giggled softly as he watched his parents kiss, while they kissed him differently, his young brain knew their kiss was special somehow, even if it seemed silly. "Ewww!" He giggled. "Dada give Mama cooties!!"

Saundra laughed and turned and reached for him. "And they are catching!" she grinned and set about chasing Charlie.

The little boy screached happily and tried to run away, only to be caught quickly. "Dada! Save me!!"

Saundra laughed and spun her son around in the air.

Mattias chuckled. "I'm coming, my boy!" He then scooped up both Saunda and Charlie into his arms and slowly spun them around. "Unhand that child, you wild woman!" He then started to nibble Saundra's neck as his stopped spinning and slowly lowered them back down.

"Hmm nope, he is mine!" She giggled and squirmed.

Off in the distance, two sets of eyes watched the happy family, frolicking on the brach, completely oblivious to the danger that would soon cross their doorstep.

Mil'van and his Cardassian cohort, Loord were laying in the brush of a berm, on the otgersude of the lagoon. They had stalked their prey for tge past three weeks, trying to find the optimal time to strike.

"I say let's just kill all three right now and be done with it." Loord was not a truly patient man. And he despised Earth. He felt that the Dominion had acquiesced way too soon during the war. He also blamed the humans for what happened to his world, his family.

"No." Mil'van's tone was commanding. "The Leader gave explicit instructions on how we are to proceed. Only the woman and the child are to die. The man is to live and have his world destroyed."

"Fine," Loord grumbled. He may not be patient but, he was not stupid enough to go against the Leader's instructions. Punishment would be quite severe. "Then when?! We have been watching them for weeks!"

Mil'van replied without taking his eyes off his quarry. "Soon. If the man keeps to his established schedule, he will be going for either his run or swim soon. When he is in the water and unable to react quickly enough, we will strike. Not before."

"Then let's hope he goes for a swim soon," Loord grumbled softly.

"Look! The man gets ready to swim! Can we please get on with killing his woman and child? The sooner we do, the sooner we can get off this accursed world."

===other side of the lagoon===

As Mattias continued to hold his family, he kissed Saundra on the side of her neck softly, then whispered into her ear. "Go put Charlie to bed for his nap. Once I finish my swim, you and I will have some quality time, my love."

"Hmmm a good idea," Saundra collected their son with a smile and laugh and they headed up to the house, giggling and whispering to each other as they did.

Mattias stood there, smiling happily as he watched his family head back inside. He was truly happy with where life had taken him. Of course, he'd be lying to himself if there wasn't a part of him that sometimes wished Phoenix was where Saundra was, and Charlie was their son instead. But, whenever those thoughts came up, he felt guilty. Saundra was an excellent eife, and a perfect mother. She deserved his full heart.

Unfortunately, his full heart didn't belong to him. Phoenix Lalor had already claimed it long ago.

Shaking the thoughts from his head, he decided that he needed a swim instead of a run. With a run, ones mind could wander. Not with swimming. You had to focus at all times when you swam. If not, you would hurt yourself and probably drown.

So, after striping down to his speedos, he did a few stretches, warming and loosening his muscles. He then started towards the water.

"Lets get this over and done with!" The Cardassian snapped as he watched Mattias head towards the water. "The Human male will be too far away to save his family."

The Klingon continued to watch silently. After a few beats, he growled softly. "Stay still. This human is no ordinary man. He is one of their highly trained warriors. Thus, we are to follow the instructions to the letter."

Mattias entered the water and started to swim across the mile wide lagoon. The water was cool but refreashing for his swim. He began with a freestyle stroke as he began his crossing.

Watching the Human, the Klingon finally said, "Now." He and the Cardassian activated their commbadges and were transported site-to-site, from the dune to just outside the front door of the cottage. Reaching up, the Klingon banged on the door.

Saundra hearing the noise frowned and headed for the door.

As soon as she opened the door, both men burst inside. The Klingon grabbing the woman while the Cardassian went after the child.

Saundra fought against him, screaming loudly and longly for Mattias.

Unfortunately, at that moment, Mattias was a half mile away, swimming strong strokes, as the water rushed over his head.

In the cottage, the Klingon lifted the woman easily and threw her against the nearby wall. Their instructions were to make the deaths painful. Having a sinister streak, the Klingon was enjoying his job. His honor was already utterly destroyed from a previous family crime, he knew that he was destined to Sto'vo'Kor, so, he had no issues with the despicable jobs he took.

Spoony was just mean. He had found Charlie in his room playing and scooped the boy up into his arms without a word like a sack of potatoes. He returned with the struggling, crying Charlie to where his mother and his partner waited. "Here we are, mother and child together for the last time." As he held Charlie securely to his chest, one arm around the boys tiny chest.

Charlie was crying loudly for his mother and father, the small boy terrified by what was happening. He had no idea that he would never see another day.

The Klingon looked over as he lifted the woman off the floor in a chokehold. "Watch, as you child dies!" He then nodded to his partner.

***Other side of bay***

Mattias was breathing heavily as he pulled himself out of the water on the far side of the bay. He knew he still had a ways to go until he was back to his former level of fitness, however, the fact that he didn't feel like he was dying after the swim was a great improvement.

As he moved around the shoreline, his eyes caught the sight of smoke climbing into the sky. He frowned slightly, feeling that someone was having a bad...wait...that looked like it was....NO! "Saundra! Charlie!!" He shouted as he started to sprint along the loose sand of the shoreline. The smoke was coming from their cabin!

The track back to the cabin was about five miles. He had to stop twice to catch his breath, then continued to sprint as quickly as he could.

Finally, about a half hour after he first saw the smoke, he made it back to the drive leading down to the cabin. He was stopped by a police officer that had arrived at the scene a few minutes prior. He physucally stopped Mattias from getting closer to the burning cabin.

"Sir, you can't enter this area!" The burly cop stated in a gruff voice.

"My wife and son are in there!!" Mattias screamed as he continued to force his way closer. A second officer camexover and helped to restrain the Marine.

"Sir!" The first officer spoke, grunting from trying to hold the man back. "For your safety, and ours, if you do not calm down, we will have to detain you!"

"Fuck you!" Mattias barked as he threw an elbow into the officer's face, breaking his nose.

In response, the second officer stunned Mattias with her phaser. Once he was on the ground, she quickly cuffed his hand behind his back and put her knee on his back, to keep him from moving. "Use the medkit from my unit," she said to her partner.

About forty-five minutes later, the fire had been extinguished and Mattias was sitting in the back of one of the police vehicles. As he say there, he grew more and more terrified. He had yet to see either Saundra or Charlie. That could not be good news. Regardless, he held out hope.

Slowly, the lead detective moved to the vehicle holding the man who had assaulted one of her officers. Opening the door, she spoke calmly, though there was sorrow in her voice. "Sir, was this your home?"

A look of fear started to fill his features. "My wife? My...my son?!"

The detective couldn't look in the man's eyes. Slowly, she shook her head. "I'm sorry, Sir. They...they are..." she was having a difficult time telling the man that not only wwre his wife and child dead, they appeared to have been slaughtered. In all her years on the force, she had never seen a scene as gruesome as this one. "Sir, I regret to tell you, but your family has been killed, brutally."

The color drained from his face. "I...I need to see them...please!"

The detective started to shake her head. "I'm sorry, Sir. I can't allow it. This is now a murder scene. I can't allow anyone but authorized personnel to enter. To do otherwise would risk contaminating the scene. I'm going to have one of my officers take you to the precinct. Do you have family that you can call to be with you?"

Mattias was slowly going into shock, hearing the news of his wife and little boy. Numbly, he slowly nodded. "My..my sister, Kara Richardson."

The detective nodded slowly. "We'll contact her and have her meet you at the station." She then signalled for the officer to head to the station.

As the shuttle started to lift off, Mattias looked down at the scene. While he didn't see much, he did see something that would haunt him for the rest of his life. Saundra and Charlie's heads...severed from their bodies and placed atop the pilings on the end of the dock.

Once his saw this horrific sight, he started to lose it. He began thrashing about the rear compartment of the shuttle, much like a wild animal. After several warnings to stop and calm down, the officer in the front pressed a control and Mattias was stunned again, collapsing into the bench, unconscious.

***Some time later***

Kara stood at the station desk, her patience growing thin as she repeated yet again that she needed to see her brother! She was getting nothing but the run around and it was proving more upsetting as the time passed by. “Look I already told you who I am Sergeant! I’ve provided you with every form of proof you’ve asked for and you’re still giving me the run around!! I need to see my brother...NOW!!!”

From a side office, a woman wearing a suit, instead of the uniform that the desk sergeant was wearing, approached the front desk. "Ma'am," the dark-skinned woman said softly and politely. "I'm going to need you to calm down please." She gave a look to the sergeant, then back at Kara. "Now, why don't you come back, into my office, and then you can tell me what the issue is, okay?"

Kara sighed and nodded. “Very well” She followed the woman to her office. “All I want is to see my brother! He’s just lost his wife and son for heavens sake!! I NEED to see him! Please!!”

After both women were in the office, the other woman pressed a control to close and quietly lock the door. "Okay, I'll see what I can do to help you. My name is Detective Grant, by the way. And your name?" Her tone was completely calm and controlled.

Kara took a deep breath. “My name is Kara Richardson, Mattias is my brother. Not by blood but by adoption, I was adopted. Anyway...I need to see him! He needs me.” She paused. “I’m a Betazoid. Matt and I have a close connection, and he’s in a world of pain. I can help to settle him down.”

Grant nodded once as she replied. "Unfortunately, while I can take you to see him, you wont be allowed to touch him. The investigation into the deaths of his wife and son is still ongoing. While I can't go into specifics of the case, as of now, your brother is the prime suspect. "

“WHAT!??” Kara shook her head. “No way! My brother was dedicated to his family! He loved them with all his heart, there is NO WAY in hell that he would kill them!!” She sat visually shaken by the accusation. “If you really believe that then bring in a Betazoid, even me, then ask him! Right now I want to see my brother.”

"Ma'am," Grant spoke calmly. "I have to ask you to calm down. In cases like this, the surviving spouse is always the prime suspect. It's just what history has shown us. Now, I will say that, at least half the time, the spouse is found innocent and the incestigation moves on to other suspects. However, we have to follow every clue and lead. If your brother is innocent, as you say, then the evidence will show that and he will be released. However, the investigation must go forward as specified by law."

Kara took a deep breath. “I’m sorry! I’ve just been waiting so long to see Matt, he needs me.” She gave Grant a pleading look. “Please!”

Grant considered Kara’s request for a moment. "Wait here." She then stood up and left the office, closing the door behind her as she went.

Kara sat alone, scared and worried. How could anyone think Mattias killed his family? He wouldn’t commit such an atrocity, and she was certain whoever did it would find themselves on the receiving end of her brother’s rage.

A few minutes later, the door unlocked again and opened. Grant stood in the doorway. "If you'd follow me, Miss Richardson, I'll show you to your brother."

Kara nodded and stood. She wasn’t looking forward to this, but she had to be there for Mattias. He needed her now more than ever.

Grant led the way through the front of the precinct, towards a back hallway that held several doors, each one with only a number on it. When they reached door number five, the detective turned to face Kara. "Rules. Number one, you'll have only about eight to ten minutes inside. Number two, you are not to touch your brother in any way. Number three, you are not to atempt to communicate with him telepathically at any time. Failure to adhere to these rules, in any degree, will have you arrested for tampering with a double murder investigation. Do I make myself absolutely clear, Miss Richardson?"

“Crystal” Kara nodded whilst all the time wishing she could hold Mattias. She looked towards the door before taking a deep breath and stepping inside.

Inside, there were two chairs, with a table placed between them. Mattias was sitting in the far chair, shakled and cuffed to the chair, like some wild animal. His face was vacant of all emotion and his eyes, they seemed hollow, as if his entire soul had been ripped from him.

Kara moved across to the chair never taking her eyes off her brother, as she pulled out the chair and sat down “Matt...I’m so sorry!!!” Tears welled up, running down her cheeks. “I wish...they won’t let me touch you, or I’d hug you here and now. What happened? Who did this!?”

It took Mattias a few beats to focus his eyes on his sister. "Kara...?" He said softly, seemingly confused as to how she was here, forgetting that he had called her in a panic, right after calling the police.

“It’s me” She nodded just wanting to sit and hold him. “You asked for me, so they called me. I wish I could do something....anything to help you! Whatever you need I’ll get Okay?”

A haunted look suddenly filled his face. "Saundra....Ch-Charlie...! They're....they're...."

Kara nodded. “You don’t need to say it...I know.” She hung her head wiping away the tears that ran down her face. “Who would do such an awful thing!?”

Mattias shook his head slowly. "I saw a Klingon d'ktang stuck in the table, at the end of the dock, as the police unit lifted off and brought me here." He looked at his sister and said, "Find Tim. He'll find out who did this."

Kara nodded. “I will, that I promise you!” She was at a loss for words, how did you talk about such a horrific happening. “Why would they do this Matt? Why kill our family?” She suddenly froze. “Wait...you don’t think...will they come for me?”

Fear suddenly filled Mattias's features. He started to struggle against his restraints. "No! I'll fucking kill anyone who harms you!!!" He continued to thrash violently, trying to get free.

The door to the room burst open and several pomiece officers moved to subdue Mattias. Grant was there and physically pulled Kara out of the room and moved her back to her office, up in the front of the precinct. Once there, she sat Kara down and relocked her door. "Who is this Tim that your brother was talking about?" He tone, while professional, did contain some anger over the situation.

“Capt Timothy 'Ice' Carlton, he’s Matt's best friend..” Kara sighed. “Are you just going to leave him like that? He’ll hurt himself. I’m a qualified nurse I can give Mattias a sedative to calm him down. If you let me?”

Grant shook her head. "No thank you. We have our own nurses. For now, it would be best if you just went home. If your brother is innocent, as you claim, then he will need you there."

Kara nodded. “Thank you, I’ll do that. How long will you be holding Mattias?”

Grant sighed, then considered the question. "By law, we can only hold him for seventy-two hours. At that point, if he is not charged with anything yet, we will have to release him."

Kara nodded again. “In that case I’ll be back in seventy-two hours to collect my brother.” She nodded respectfully before standing to leave.

Grant nodded and unlocked the door. "Should there be any change before then, I will let you know immediately." She paused and added, "For what it's worth, I am very sorry the loss that your family is experiencing right now."

Kara nodded. “Thank you. I’m sorry if I made a pest of myself it’s just Matt...means a whole lot to me. His family took me in when I had no one, now I need to be there for him.”

Grant nodded politely. "It's okay. I'd be reacting the same as you, if I were in your shoes. Now, go home, try to rest. I know that things are not going to get easier anytime soon."

Kara nodded and headed on her way, her first plan was to call Tim. One way or another she’d help Matt find out who killed his wife and son.

***thirty minutes later***

Returning to her hotel room, Kara put in an immediate call to Tim. She had to tell him what had occurred. His help was desperately needed.

*Twenty Nine Palms. Ca.*

Tim was in his office, he had just finished a field exercise using some new explosives that were promising but needed more tweaking. He was drinking a beer when his comms alerted him to a call. Sighing, he mumbled, "Can't even drink a beer in piece." Answering the call he spoke crisply. "Captain Carlton, Chief Demolition Officer."

“Tim...it’s Kara. There’s been a terrible...” she paused. “A horrific occurrence, I can’t talk about it on an open channel, but Mattias needs you!”

"Kara!" Tim exclaimed and then grew instantly serious at the mention of Matt's name. "Where is he and where are you?" Tim asked, already making plans to get to his friend.

Kara was quick to respond. “We’re in Bora, Bora. I’m in a local hotel, the Tahiti Sands, Room 232, Matt is...” She paused. “I’ll explain when you get here, Ohh and keep a low profile I might be under observation.”

"Understood." Tim was all business. "Stay at the hotel. I will see you shortly and then you can fill me in." He would keep a low profile, he would be armed to the teeth but no one would ever know by looking at him. Matt was in trouble, serious trouble from the little Kara had said. It was time to help his friend.

~ Sometime later ~

Kara was sitting waiting for Tim’s arrival, sensing someone approach the door she got there before he even got to press the chime. “Tim...” She motioned him inside. “It’s so good to see you!!” She barely gave him time to enter before blurting our the whole saga. “...so now Matt is in custody pending an investigation into whether or not he killed his wife and son!!!”

"What!?" Tim exclaimed shocked by what Kara was saying. "That's ridiculous. He loved Saundra and Charlie. Tell me what you know. Leave nothing out Kara." Tim stressed.

Kara motioned to the sofa, she took a seat. “I don’t know much, I was called to say something had happened, that Matt had been arrested on suspicion of murder. Last I heard he, Saundra and....” she paused visually shaken. “Little Charlie...were at their home. I don’t understand why anyone would do this! I need somewhere safe to go, I don’t know who to trust besides you. Until we find out who did this, I could be next.”

"Easy Kara." Tim replied. "You could be but I don't think so. Whoever did this is probably long gone." He had his own suspicions on why this was done. Matt had made someone mad, someone powerful. He would start checking past missions but first he needed to see Matt, get him out of jail. " Stay here. No one comes in but me. Where are they holding Matt?"

Kara nodded. “He’s at the local police station, they’re holding him until he’s either arrested or set free. Just watch what you say, they’re listening to, and recording everything!”

"Kara. don't worry. They have to let Matt see his lawyer." Tim grinned at her. "I'll find out what is going on and we can go from there."

Kara nodded and gave Tim a hug. “Thank you Tim, I knew I could trust you.”

Damn right you can Kara. Don't you worry, we're not going to let anything happen to Matt." Tim promised.

Kara smiled. “I know you will. Just tell him I’ll be waiting here safe and sound.”

"Consider it done Kara." Tim replied reassuringly.

A short while later, the same desk sergeant was still sitting at the front desk of the precinct, when a man in a full suit walked inside. Looking up from his paperwork, he asked, a tired expression on his face. "Yes, Sir, what can I do for you?"

"Capt. Timothy Carlton, I understand you're holding Capt. Mattias Richardson, he's my cilent."

The desk sergeant seemed exhausted by the thought of the man that was currently in holding. Reaching down, he pressed the call button on his desk for Detective Grant to please come up front.

A few moments later, a side door opened and a woman stepped out. She made her way over to the desk sergeant. "What's going on?"

The sergeant repeated what the Captain had just told him. Grant looked over at the other man. "Identification please."

"Why certainly ma'am." Tim purred at her, pulling out his military ID. "Here you go ma'am."

Grant took the ID and ran it against the desk computer. It showed that Captain Timothy Carlton, Starfleet Marine Corps, was in fact, a certified lawyer as well. Handing the ID back, she asked, "And how did you find out about Captain Richardson? He hasn't made any calls since he's been in custody."

"His sister ma'am. I believe you met her. Kara. She called me. Told me he was being held here. " Tim replied pocketing his ID.

Grant nodded slowly, then sighed. 'Alright then, follow me." She turned and started to lead Tim bleeder into the precinct. "Now, a few ground rules," she said as they walked. After your client is brought in, his cuffs and shackles will not be removed at any time. You will not touch or pass anything to him. You will have ten minutes to speak to him during this initial meeting g. I suggest you both make the most of it."

They reach a set of doors, each one with a single number painted upon them. She opened the door marked two. "Do you have any problems following these rules as I have explained them?"

"Crystal clear ma'am. Just one little thing. I know you will be watching my meeting with Matt and that's fine, but I don't want our conversation recorded. You understand, a little thing called lawyer-client privledge."

"That goes without saying," Grant replied. "And while we will be watching, we won't be listening." She raised her right arm to indicate the chair on the far side of the table from the door. "Have a seat, your client will be brought in shortly."

" But of course ma'am. I certainly do appreciate your cooperation in this matter." Tim purred. You could practically see the sugar dripping off the words as he spoke to Grant. He moved and sat in the indicated seat and awaited Matt's appearance.

Grant was not swayed by his sugar-sweet manner. She had a job to do and that was all. She closed the door and arranged for the prisoner to be moved to the correct room.

A few moments later, the door on the other side of the room from where Tim was led in, opened and two large guards escorted Mattias inside. After securing his cuffed wrists to the table, and his shackled ankles to the floor, they left, leaving the two men alone.

Mattias looked gaunt, he stared off into space, seemingly light years away. He was still wearing the prisoner coveralls that he was put in hours earlier.

Tim was shocked by Matt's appearance but hid it well. "Matt?" He gently probed. " Kara contacted me. Don't worry, I'll have you out of here in no time." Tim told his friend not wanting to say more, knowing they were being watched.

Mattias heard his friend's voice and his eyes turned to him and focused. "Tim..." he said softly. "Saundra....Charlie....they're...they're..."

"Easy Matt. I know, Kara told me. We'll find who did this and bring them to justice, you have my word."

"Klingons..." Mattias growled. "Minor house. Only saw part of the crest on the d'tang. I'm sure it's in evidence."

Tim nodded, "Klingons, minor house What about the crest? Can you describe it? " Tim pressed, "I'll go out to the house and see what I can find. Don't you worry, you'll be out in no time."

Mattias shook his head slowly. "Not enough to pull anything from my memory. It was stuck in the table down on the end of the dock."

"Alright Matt, I'll go there as soon as I leave here, see what else I can uncover. If they left a d'tang means they're sloppy and could have left other evidence behind." Tim pointed out.

Mattias nodded wordlessly. "The police think I did this," his words were going hollow again.

"Matt, you're the husband. They are conditioned to think you did this. They can't think out of the box. They have stereotypical thinking. I on the other hand, think in the box and out of it. I have no constraints on my thinking. I will have answers for you. You can count on me."

Mattias nodded slowly, then the fire started to burn in his eyes again. In a dangerous whispered, he spoke to his fellow warrior. "After I get out of here, and after the...the funerals..." A few tears coursed down his already tear-stained cheeks. "I am going away. You know where, and you know when, to find me. Do not tell Kara anything. Be ready when you find me."

Tim wasn't surprised by what Matt said, he expected it. If Matt had said the opposite, then he would have been worried. "Understood. And Kara will not be told anything." A slight pause and Tim continued, "I'll be ready."

Mattias nodded and was about to say something when Grant and another officer entered the room. "Mister Richardson," Grant began, while the officer started to undo Mattias's bonds. "Forensics has finished its preliminary investigation. The evidence shows that you are, in fact, innocent of the charges. On behalf of the entire department, please accept my heart-felt apologies and condolences for your loss."

As soon as he was free, Mattias simply stood and moved over to where Grant was standing. "I told you I was innocent," he growled.

Tim moved swiftly to Matt, taking him by the shoulders and away from Grant and the other officer. "Thank you Miss Grant." Tim purred, "Now if there is nothing else we'll be on our way." Tim finished practically pushing Matt through the open door.

~A Few Days Later~

The funerals were finally over. Mattias stood over the hole that held the coffin, which contained all that was left of his wife, Saundra and their son, Charlie. Unfortunately, all that could be recovered, were their heads, as their bodies were cremated in the fire.

Mattias stood there, alone, but not alone. Kara was close by, trying her best to be strong for her big brother. Tim was there as well. As was Malakai. Though, he was careful to stay out of Mattias's sight.

There was a wreath sent from one of Mattias's old friends, a large wreath of Blue Stargazer Lillies was set among the flowers. No card. But he knew who had sent them. The same flowers had been sent when his son was born.

Mattias was so silent and still, he could almost be confused for being a statue. However, those who knew him well, and could read him, would notice that he was quietly vibrating, as rage boiled just under his surface. His fists were clenched so tightly, his fingers were turning white.

Kara was holding her mental shields as high as she could get them as she approached Mattias. “Matt...are you ready to go?” She offered a gentle hug.

Mattias flinched slightly at the physical contact. But, when he saw it was his baby sister, he calmed slightly. "How am I supposed to just leave them here?" His voice was quiet, yet there was a screaming rage undercurrent.

Kara stood looking at the graves. “You know if you don’t let that anger go it’s going to consume you.” She looked towards Mattias. “You’re going after them aren’t you?”

Looking at his sister, Mattias cleared his mind completely. He gave her a very convincing lie. "I don't know what I'm going to do. When I get home, after the wake is over, can you and Tim just make sure everyone leaves? I need to be alone for a bit."

Kara nodded, the lack of emotion radiating from Matt concerned her, he knew how to block her from reading him and he was doing it now. “I’ll do that, just promise me you’ll make sure they pay!” She gave him a knowing look.

Mattias pulled Kara to him and whispered in her ear. His words, while quiet, were extremely powerful. "Listen to me very carefully, Little Girl. You will not think or speak of them again. Do I make myself absolutely clear? I will NOT lose you too!!"

Kara nodded. “I understand, and I promise I won’t.” She wrapped her arms around him. “Just promise me you’ll come back.”

Mattias couldn't promise her that. He had no idea what the future would hold. Instead, he just hugged her tightly to him. She was all he had left.

Standing to one side, Tim had seen Malakai standing in the shadows of the trees. He gave a brief nod to the younger man. He was glad Malakai was here to support Kara and thought they made a nice couple. Though Matt wasn't fond of Malakai (probably because he was dating Kara.) Turning his attention back to Matt and Kara he knew what was coming. He and Matt would go on a hunt, find those responsible for the murders of Saundra and Charlie and use extreme prejudice to eliminate them.

~Later that day~

The last guest had finally left Mattias's home. He thanked both Kara and Tim for their help today, then told them that he was going to go lay down.

A few hours later, Tim left as well. Then, when Kara headed upstairs to check on her brother, she discovered that he was gone. His bed didn't look like it had even been slept in. His suit was neatly folded on the bed, as well as a hand written card, which read,

Kara,

By the time you read this, I will be long gone. I can't tell you where I went, or when I'll be back. I'm sorry that this will upset you, sweetheart. I have to do this. I don't know who I am anymore. Don't try to find me. I will contact you when I am able. Stay safe, Little Girl.

All of my love forever,

Matt

“Oh Matt!!” Tears streamed down Kara’s cheeks as she read, then cradled the note. They’d already lost so much now she just had to hope that Mattias would return to her.

~FIN~