Unexpected Guests Pt.2

Posted on Wed May 1st, 2019 @ 8:18am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Captain Gary Taylor & Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Taylor

Mission: Episode 1: Hell is a four letter word
Location: Romulan Vessel Havraha
Timeline: MD2 APROX
3152 words - 6.3 OF Standard Post Measure

PREVIOUSLY

--Federation Shuttle--

Gary heard the Romulan voice demand they open up. He looked over at Taam. "Something is wrong." He announced, "They didn't make mention the Star Empire."

"Tal Shiar black op's perhaps?" Lia looked at Gary as she spoke, "They have been known to go rogue, or could this Mishka Valdran know you from an earlier meeting?" She turned to look at Phoenix, "Do you know her Captain?" Looking back at Gary she had a feeling he knew something, "Are they after you? Do you know this Mishka Valdran?" Lia stood thinking, "You know one thing has bugged me from the start of all this, how the hell did they know where to find us?"

"She may know me from my earlier imprisonment." Gary admitted, He hedged. He moved to the other topic Lia had voiced. "That's obvious. Someone told them. Don't know who but you can bet someone told them when we were leaving and where we were going."

Liselle moved to stand between Taylor and Taam. "You two have experience with the Romulans. What's our best move?"

Phoenix sighed. "Surrender" And she moved to the hatch. "We have done nothing wrong. They are in the wrong. Liselle, lock out the shuttles computer."

"Captain's right Liselle." Gary answered, "We don't have any other option. One thing. Romulans don't care about right or wrong especially when they have the upper hand."

ON

Taam flashed back to being a prisoner of the Romulans many years before, back before Gary was even in the mix, brutality was the word of the day. He decided then and there he would die to protect Liselle if it came to it, though he was happy that, as yet, the offer hadn't been extended.

Phoenix gave it a five count and released the hatch. She moved down the ramp as it extended her hands in the air. She paused, however half way down. "I am Captain Phoenix Lalor, Commanding Officer of the USS Elysium. May I ask why you have initiated this act of war between our people?"

Khoal moved forwards, "Erei Riov Khoal, and the act of war happened many of your years ago". He signaled his troops to move in, "Gary Taylor, you will come forwards as will the pilot. Both will be secured, and Captain I suggest you order your people to comply. My Riov reacts badly to those who disobey orders, very badly".

"And i am reacting badly to having the first vacation in 2 years I have been able to squeeze in interrupted by your Riov." Phoenix replied ice cold. She stepped between her XO and the Romulan. "Commander Taylor is my executive Officer, and you are taking him no where."

Khoal's hand flashed out striking Phoenix hard across her face, "You do not give me orders, you obey my orders". His troops raised their weapons, Khoal waved them down. "Now we will begin again, Gary Taylor and the pilot will come forward and be secured. Failure to comply will result in punishment, take this one and place her against that wall". He pointed at Lia who was dragged out and placed against the wall, several disrupters pointed at her. "Does she live or die? I have orders to secure two prisoners, the others are surplus to requirements".

Gary moved past Taam, his eyes cold. He stopped in front of Khoal, "I'm Taylor." He said his voice hard and flat and unknown to Khoal and the rest of the Romulans, a switch had been thrown inside Gary that once again made him one of the most dangerous and deadliest people in the galaxy.

"You are Taylor? Then you know how things are done, tell your fellow prisoners or they will suffer retribution for none compliance". Lia was let go and pushed back with the others, then one of the soldiers said something. "Vah'Areinnye Trh'ill", he then pointed to Liselle. Khoal looked and nodded, "You have a Trill? Forget the pilot secure that filth, how can you even have one of those things near you?" It seemed these Romulans had something against Trills, more bad news for the captives.

Gary nodded, "Just do what they say." He told the others. His eyes settled first on Lia and then Liselle and he knew what was coming. He hoped she could be strong, it was the only way to get through this.

Nodding, Khoal stood in front of Gary. "Riov Valdran wants to see you again, I pity you Human. She is not known for her gentleness, but then you would know this". He then spat in Gary's face, "Move the others to the cells then take Taylor and the Trill to Valdran, she will decide from here what happens to them". He then pointed to a Romulan standing off to one side, "Arrain! Secure them both, I don't want any escape attempts before Valdran has her pleasure with them".

The guard moved quickly not wishing to incur Khoal's wrath. He grabbed Liselle and jerked her arms behind her back where heavy, sturdy cuffs were placed around her wrists and securely locked in place. Liselle would be unable to slip her wrists free of the cuffs as they were tight on her wrists. Next the guard knelt at her feet and placed a matching set of cuffs around her ankles. Liselle would be able to walk but running was out of the question. The guard stood and silently looked her over before grabbing a metal collar, fastening it tightly around her slender throat and attaching a metal rod to the back of it. The other end he attached to her wrist cuffs so Liselle's wrists stayed behind her back. In addition it forced her head up so she could only look straight ahead. Giving her an evil smile. He moved to Gary repeated the process and added another pair of cuffs above his elbows, so he could get no leverage to pull his wrists free. He stood back when he finished so Khoal could examine his work.

Grabbing hold of the rods, Khoal shook them. "Good, now take them to Valdran. I will take the others to the cells, the fair-haired woman intrigues me". He pushed Lia, Phoenix, Taam Sor'el and the pilot towards the door and captivity.

The guard nodded, "It will be done!" He pushed Liselle and Gary forward. "Move dogs!" He barked. Even as he was bound and then pushed Gary stumbled and quietly raged, it was the prison camp all over again only now his friends were captured as well. He gave a sideways glance at Liselle as she walked beside him and mentally vowed to save them all.

In the cell area, Khoal separated the prisoners by gender. He then placed Lia in a separate cell, keeping Phoenix close to the two men. "These are your new quarters, stand when we enter and you may be fed". He ogled Lia as he left, she would provide some relief later after Valdran was finished with her. He turned and headed for the bridge, Taylor and the Trill would be there by now.

"Well, this is lovely." Taam sighed, beginning to look at the cell for potential routes of escape.

"Yeah remind me to lodge a complaint with the hotel concierge." Phoenix replied as she began to search the cell she was in.

Lia looked at the cell area and then attempted to see the other three, but she was unable to do so. The attitude of the Romulan XO made her suspicious, she felt she may have to watch him closely.

--- ---

On the bridge, Liselle struggled meekly against her restraints. The effort was wasted. So completely had they managed to immobilize her upper torso that she knew she would not be free until they saw fit to free her. "We are citizens of the Federation," she urged. "We have rights!"

Gary stood silently alongside Liselle as she struggled meekly with her restraints. He knew the effort was wasted but it was best for Liselle to find out for herself. He listened to her plea. "Liselle." He said softly, "Your wasting your breath."

"They can't do this!" she protested, her emotions overtaking her. She turned awkwardly to her captors. "As soon as Starfleet finds out what you've done they will contact your government and you will be held accountable!"

Gary watched as Liselle turned awkwardly being bound as she was it was in a word difficult. "Liselle." He replied and shook his head. "Stop."

She wanted to stop. But inside her own mind she was screaming. This was her fault. Somehow her flight plan must have been intercepted. Had she slipped up and logged it insecurely? There had been so much on her mind lately. So many things to worry about, a thousand tiny details that needed her attention. It wasn't impossible that she had gotten sloppy. Had gotten them kidnapped.

And how had she managed to mess up her series of warp jumps so badly as they tried to flee their captors! Gods! They were almost clear until she faltered on that last jump!

Tears of frustration began to well in her eyes, and bound as she was she could do nothing to stop them.

Gary saw the tears well in Liselle's eyes. This was exactly what the Romulans wanted. He had to get Liselle to be strong. "Commander Qwyyn." His voice strong and level. "You will control yourself and act like a Starfleet Officer." He knew it was harsh but he had to be or the Romulans would pounce on Liselle.

That was enough to snap her back to attention. With a final sniff, she managed a barely perceptible nod, and reasserted her resolve to stay calm. "Yes sir."

He thought he saw her nod but with the collars they were wearing it was hard to tell. However he saw and caught her resolve both in her posture and her tone. He managed a wan smile of approval.

Mishka noticed that the Trill was emotional, "Qwyyn is it? You seem upset, this is unpleasant for you. We do not care, you are Trh'ill and as such deserve all that you will receive here. As for your vaunted Federation finding out, do you think this Warbird is here without our people knowing about it?" She moved towards Liselle, "You will provide information to us, and then if some are so deviant. They can amuse themselves with you, and do as they like". She then turned towards Gary, "Taylor, a welcome return to your masters. You are her superior? You have failed yet again, just as you failed before. This time you will not be leaving, we have unfinished business". She stopped in front of Gary, "Strip him, he deserves nothing less. He is now ours to do with as we wish, fear not. You pet Trh'ill will not suffer that fate, it would make us ill". She began to laugh as she returned to her original place on the bridge, "Remove them to the holding cells prepared for them, ensure they do not talk to any of their companions".

Gary's eyes widened as the Romulan Commander talked, "YOU! I know that voice. You stayed in the shadows before." A sardonic grin appeared on his face, "Now I know the face of the snake," When Mishka said he would be stripped, he wasn't surprised, this was the Romulan way. To embarrass and tear down. He was thankful that Liselle was spared this humiliation. He knew their restraints wouldn't be removed until such time they were ordered removed, that his uniform would be cut off him. He wondered what the Romulan Commander meant when she said ensure they couldn't talk to the rest of the ill fated team aboard the shuttle. Just what did they have in mind to prevent that?

Suddenly Mishka moved forwards, "I almost forgot Taylor, there is another who will be glad to see you. Enter Ulan Ildair, your duties now include this one" She pointed to a door behind her, it opened to reveal a short squat Romulan.

Gary looked at the short squat Romulan. Recognition crossed his face. "Pig! As ugly as ever. It appears. So all the bad apples in one basket eh? Good to know I won't have far to kill you all." He turned to look at Liselle, "Liselle, this is Pig. A sadistic SOB if there ever was one." He jerked on his bonds but it was useless. He was too well secured.

Pig entered the room glanced at Liselle standing helpless before him before he stopped in front of Gary. His hand shot out striking him hard across the face. "Welcome Taylor. It is good to see you again. We have much unfinished business and we have plenty of time to get reacquainted." He leered at Liselle, "And you brought a Trill? Most excellent. You both will receive my complete and undivided attention."

"This is not a cocktail party, gag them and remove his clothes. All of them, I want him as naked as when he was born". She had a slight smile on her lips as she spoke, "As for the Trh'ill, I leave it to your imagination. No doubt you can find something to do with it, but get any information first before you enjoy yourself with it". Her distain for Liselle was plain to see, to Mishka the Trill was less than Human a mere object to be abused.

"Of course Commander. Do you wish me to do it here in your presence so he may walk back to their cell in shame? As for the Trh'ill. I am sure I can find ways to amuse myself with it."

Anger flashed in Mishka's eye's, "You ask such stupid questions, what else would I mean. If I had ordered the Trh'ill stripped she would no doubt be naked by now, do as I command you dha'rudh (Total idiot)". She went to strike Ildair but stopped her self, "Eneh hwau' kllwnia na imirrlhhae!!! Just do it before I forget myself, space is a cold mistress".

Pig bowed his head respectfully, cowed by Mishka's outburst. He knew better than to trifle with orders. He reached to the belt at his waist and drew forth large, ugly looking scissors. He walked close to Gary. "Don't worry Taylor, I won't mar your skin.... not yet at least." As he began to cut away Gary's uniform. It soon lay in tatters around his shackled feet and few moments later Gary was naked, totally and completely. His scarred chest and back bore silent witness to Pig's earlier work. It was an attempt to embarrass him in front of first Liselle and then the others. Naked he was somehow less Gary than before and being naked it heightened the captor-captive relationship. He didn't look right or left just kept his eyes on Mishka. He was however thinking that Mishka abused Pig in front of himself and Liselle. This could be used to their advantage. His thoughts were interrupted as Pig spoke harshly in his ear. "Open up Taylor. This will keep you from talking." As he brandished a bit gag in his hand and another hanging from his belt no doubt to be used on Liselle. Having no option but to comply, Gary opened his mouth and the gag was shoved deeply into his mouth. A bitter metallic taste greeted and assailed him as Pig moved behind him and buckled the gag tightly in place. "Much better." Pig said sarcastically as he turned his attention to Liselle, "Your turn Thr'ill. Open up." He then waited for her to comply with his order.

Liselle held her captor with cold eyes. The Romulans had them, and they all knew it. No matter what might happen in the future -- if Starfleet rescued them, negotiated for their freedom, or left them to die; that would not change the present. In this moment they were prisoners. And their best bet was to accept that in order to survive as long as possible. She knew she was defeated. But options would present themselves. If they could just hold on long enough.

With her defiant hatred burning her skin, Liselle obeyed. And opened her mouth.

Pig met her gazed and was unfazed "Very good Thr'ill." He told her mockingly as he shoved the gag harshly into her mouth and centering it between her teeth. He pulled the straps tight and buckled it tightly , securely in place. Liselle was now gagged and muted in addition to being securely bound. He stroked her cheek, "We will have many hours together, where we will get to know each other better." His face split into an evil grin.

Gary growled in helpless anger as Pig spoke to Liselle. "You don't like that Taylor? " He asked as he walked over to Gary and punched him hard in the stomach. "You still think you can protect her? You failed her. You will have a front row seat when I begin to work on her and you can relive your failure all over again." To further emphasize Gary's helplessness, Pig cupped Liselle's now gagged mouth and turned it towards him. "She is like you Taylor, helpless to stop me from doing what ever I want and we have many days before we reach the prison." He smiled evilly at Liselle again, his hand still on her chin, "Yes Thr'ill, we will have lots of time to get better acquainted and you to get use to your bonds as you will wear them … forever." he laughed loud and long it was evil to the core.

It was an unbearable effort on Liselle's part to keep from breaking down. She had been in dire situations before, but not like this. Not with someone so maliciously hellbent on breaking her spirit.

Pig chuckled cruelly. He could see the fear in Liselle's eyes above her gag and he could see her fingers fluttering uselessly behind her back trapped in their cuffs. "Do not worry Thr'ill I will try not to mar your skin..... at least not too badly."

Mishka had by now lost interest in Pig's little ways, " Ildair, get them out of here now, go enjoy yourself elsewhere". She noticed Khoal had returned, "Are those prisoners secure?" Khoal bowed and replied, "Secure and separated Riov, we should begin our journey to the prison camp". Mishka nodded, "Set course and inform me upon arrival". Khoal gave her a sideways look but remained silent, the Riov was already upset. To keep upsetting her would result in possible death, normally by being expelled out of an airlock.

---

Meanwhile, the shuttle's silence distress call kept broadcasting back to the Federation.

OFF

Commander Lia Holmes
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Elysium

Commander Liselle Qwyyn
Chief Flight Control / Second Officer
USS Elysium

Commander Gary Taylor
Executive Officer
USS Elysium

Captain Phoenix Lalor
Commanding Officer
USS Elysium