The Traitor Returns

Posted on Fri Nov 28th, 2025 @ 11:27am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Captain Gary Taylor & Commander Kyle Reece & Lieutenant Commander Rin & Lieutenant JG Damien Blackford & Erien Seren Gemini (Kelea-Salik) & Daise'Arrain Olmex Thikoho [Reece] & Daise'Erei'Riov Thomas Pierpoint

Mission: Season 6: Episode 6: Conglomerate
Location: USS Elysium
Timeline: MD 2 / 1034 hours
3441 words - 6.9 OF Standard Post Measure

A few minutes before the agreed-upon time of transferring Pierpoint and his woman, from the Havrah, to the Elysium, Kyle entered the transporter room. As he was the Chief of Security, he wanted to ensure that everything was set for the transfer. Reaching up, he tapped his commbadge. "Reece to Blackford, status?"

Damien's fingers danced across the display in front of him, eyes darting back and forth as he double, triple, and quadruple checked all of the information and the status of the two cells in front of him. Upon hearing the beep of the incoming Comm, he reached up, tapping his own in response. "Blackford to Reece, all systems are in the green, Sir. I think we're all ready down here."

Kyle nodded as he replied. "Good. Stsnd by, the transfer should take place in a few moments. I don't want any slip ups of any kind."

“Understood sir. Blackford out.” Reaching up, he tapped his comm badge once more, disconnecting the communication. Running a hand through his hair, he glanced up at the two cells and the officers guarding them, before going back to the controls, rechecking everything once again.

Gary entered the transporter room and walked over to Kyle, "Everything ready to go in transferring Pierpoint over here?"

Kyle looked over at Gary and nodded. "I believe we are as ready as we can be. As soon as the prisoners are secure in our pattern buffers, a level ten forcefield will be erected around the chamber while they materialize. Then, as they dematrialize for the transfer to the brig, the shield will drop, ensuring they have zero chance of escape. In the brig, I have Blackford running the transporter controls there, plus a dozen of my security officers positioned outside the two open cells, weapons drawn and aimed, with order to fire at the first inkling of trouble. Finally, once they have rematerialized again, the individual cell forcefields will automatically activate, finally securing them in their cells."

Gary nodded at the thoroughness of Kyle's preparation's to handle the transfer of Pierpoint and the alien woman. "Sounds like you have all your i's dotted and t's crossed. Now all that is left is to do the the actual transfer."

The comm crackled. [The Romulans are ready to beam them over].

Kyle nodded, then looked at Gary. "On your order, Sir." While he was in charge of the security matters, with Gary present, Kyle would be respectful of the Executive Officer's rank and position.

Gary nodded. "Let's get this over with Kyle. " He then looked to the transporter chief and said "Energize."

[ Romulan ship ]

Waiting for transport, Seren exchanged looks with Thomas. She wasn’t sure what greeting they were going to get aboard the Human ship. Oddly enough, she felt a familiar presence somewhere close, but she couldn’t understand why.

Thomas met Seren's look at gave her a small smile. They were being transported off the Romulan ship and to a Federation Starship. They would still be prisoners but at least he would be back among humans and away from the traitorous Romulans.

Upon receiving the clearance to begin transport, the Romulan brig officer activated her transporter controls and the two prisoners vanished from view. When they were both gone, she sighed, a satisfied gin on her angular face. "Good riddance."

[USS Elysium]

The transport systems activated as the chamber emitters started to hum to life. "Ive got their patterns." The transporter operator spoke clearly. "Activating containment field."

A blue forcefield flashed into existence, completely enclosing the transporter chamber.

"Bring them in," Kyle stated evenly, lifting his phaser rifle to his shoulder and aimed it at the chamber.

Two humanoid forms quickly solidified. One being that of the traitor, Thomas Pierpoint. The other was a young woman who stuck a very familiar likeness to the other Circinus Galaxy resident that had taken residence on Elysium.

The two of them stood there for a beat, then they started to dematerialize. The forcefield vanished and the transport cycle ended.

Kyle tapped his commbadge. "Reece to Blackford, are the prisoners secured?"

As soon as the announcement had come through that the transfer was starting, Damien had nodded to the officers standing by who all raised their weapons in preparation. Watching the controls, as soon as the lifeforms materialised he started the process to transport them into their cells. The seconds ticked by, each one stretching out. Damien had gone through every possible scenario he could think off, and was certain nothing could, or would, go wrong. Once the two prisoners were fully materialised in their cells, the forcefields instantly buzzed into life. The officers continued to keep their weapons trained on the cells as Damien released the breath he had been holding. Tapping his commbadge, he said, “Blackford to Reece. Transport was successful, Commander. The prisoners are secured.”

Phoenix entered as Blackford confirmed. "To the brig then." She said briskly turning to head for the Brig. She waved Rin to join them when she spotted her in the corridor.

Gary looked at Kyle, "You heard the lady, to the brig." As he turned and followed Phoenix to the brig."

Kyle nodded, following the two out. As they left, he gave a quick nod of thanks to the transporter chief for her part of the transfer.

As they entered the nearest turbolift, Kyle spoke up. "I was looking at the information that the Romulans gave us about Pierpoint and his lady friend. It seems that we have a woman on board from her same species." He showed them both the image of the prisoner, and the third Circinus Galaxy native that they had taken aboard months ago.

Phoenix looked at the image. "If her only crime is questionable lovers then can we really keep her in a cell?" She asked as they took the turbolift down.

"She looks like Cerese. That may be her sister she was separated from." Gary told Phoenix and Kyle. "And if her 'crime' is loving Pierpoint, I don't think we need to have her in a cell."

Kyle nodded. "I agree as well. However, as he is a known traitor, Pierpoint will be kept in his cell, on strict rations and no visitors, aside from the three of us. I've already set his cell focefiels to act as a one-way view, we can see it's, but he cant see or hear out. Its the closet to solitary confinement that we can do on board." He sighed a heavy breath, shaking his head.

"I've only had a chance to skim his file. Do either of you know him and what he did that led to him defecting to the Romulans?"

Gary spoke up first. "He was a solid officer, had achieved command rank would have made it to Executive officer in a few years. It doesn't make sense. There was no sign of discontent. No grumblings. Just up and left to join the Romulans." He paused briefly then continued. "There was something else, I'll need to review his file as well." He started to nod as he added, "I agree with no visitors except for us with one proviso. The woman should be allowed to see him on a strictly controlled basis. After all she loves him."

Kyle considered this provision. While it didn't make him happy, Gary did outrank him. Kyle reached out and pressed the lift pause control, then looked at both of them. "Commodore, Captain, with respect, you put me in charge of Security because you needed someone with proven experience to get the job done. I also took a grade reduction when I agreed to step in. Everything I do as your Chief of Security is by the book. According to the law, individuals in his position do not receive visitors, aside from legal council." He paused then added. "If this woman who, granted has broken none of our laws, wishes to see him, then she would need to file the appropriate paperwork, and have it ultimately signed off by all three of us. Also, they would not be alone, and she would not enter his cell. While you both are in charge of the ship, when it comes to security matters, I am ultimately responsible." He straightened slightly, hoping neither officer felt he had been challenging them. He had started his career in Security, so he knew the rule book foward and backward.

Gary listened as Kyle laid out his reasons for keeping Pierpoint under heavy security. "Kyle, I am not questioning your ability or your dedication to following and knowing the law. Nor am I questioning keeping Pierpoint under heavy security. I am saying that perhaps we need to be the better individuals here. I am not advocating for him to be released. I agree only we three should see him apart from legal consul and this woman. I also believe if she does see him it be under strict restrictions and yes, she does not enter his cell with a security officer present for any such visits."

Kyle nodded, feeling relieved by Gary's words, then looked at Phoenix, to see what her decision would be.

"I agree with both points. Pierpoint is a traitor. She however is not. Keep him isolated as much as we can. Do what needs to be done. The female's case we will assess fully when we get there." The door opened and they exited the lift.

When they entered the brig, Phoenix looked to Lieutenant Blackford. "Which cell Lieutenant?"

Damien snapped to attention as the senior staff entered the brig, before gesturing to the cells that contained the newly transported prisoners. “Over there ma’am.”

In the cell Seren was already sensing the presence of her twin onboard the Elysium, could it truly be? She needed to ask but given the situation she wasn’t sure if she’d get an answer even if she did. “These are your people? The Humans?” She asked Thomas curiously.

Thomas nodded slowly taking in their new surroundings. "Yes my love." he replied though he couldn't see Seren he could hear her. "We are with my people, back among humans." Wondering what was going to happen next to them.

“Then I hope they treat you fairly” Seren added waiting to see what would happen next.

There was footsteps echoing a short while later. The group rounded the corner and stood facing the two cells. In the lead, was a woman with long black hair, and she was flanked by two tall human men, both of whom seemed to tower over the woman. And there, joining them, another shorter woman with borg implants.

Commodore Lalor-Richardson stepped forward looking at the two prisoners. Her gaze however settled on Thomas Pierpoint. "Ah Thomas Pierpoint" She said, her voice was firm. "Welcome back to Starfleet."

Thomas had gone and laid down after he realized where they were and knew it was only a matter of time before he was visited by either the CO or the command team. This appeared to be the command team for this vessel. He got up and slowly approached the forcefield and looked at their rank insignias. "Commodore Lalor- Richardson, Captain Taylor, Commander Reece." He stare matter of factly. So we meet face to face. Your pictures in your file don't do you justice."

The commodore studied him coolly. "Seems the Romulans didn't treat you badly. Pity." she mused. "Guess your defection didn't work out too well."

Pierpoint didn't rise to the bait. He simply smiled like he knew something they didn't. " Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't." He replied glibly.

Kyle clenched his jaw slightly. If there one thing he hated more than the enemy, it was a traitor. Especially someone as experienced as this man had been. However, for now, he stayed quiet, while the Commodore spoke.

"Only this loss ends with you either in jail or... dead. The airlock is very close to here." Phoenix's gaze was icy "And there is really no Starfleet oversight to stop us..." she trailed off. "Would save the Federation the time to put you on trial, would save us the cost of keeping you in here. You know, food, air, space."

Pierpoint just smiled. "Yes, I'll keep that in mind. One thing you only know what you've been told. That I am a traitor to the Federation. However how sure are you that the information you have is correct and true?"

The look he got was just as cold as the previous one. "You served in a foreign Star navy, and your name is listed on a list of known traitors from Starfleet. I think I am pretty confident. That and the Romulans hate your guts, and I find them a good judge of character."

"And we all know the Romulans are honest as the day is long and don't have a deceitful bone in their bodies. No, I wouldn't be so sure of that commodore and do you know why they hate me because the Star Navy High Command and Mishka placed me as Executive Officer and because I freed a woman they had taken prisoner. Yes, the woman in the other cell Seren and then we fell in love."

"Love? While using her as a pleasure slave?" Phoenix's tone was scathing. "Counseling will have a field day."

Pierpoint shook his head, "Oh the righteous anger of the uninformed. Seren was no pleasure slave she was a free woman. She is in the other cell ask her." He challenged.

"After counselling has had time to deprogram her." Phoenix shot back with a smirk. "Captain Taylor? The charges against Mr Pierpoint?"

Before Gary could state the charges, Pierpoint shook his head, "Novel idea. How about listening? She doesn't need counseling, She was never my slave. I freed her from the Romulans who took her prisoner."

Gary stepped forward after Pierpoint's comment. and solemnly stated. "Thomas Pierpoint, you charged with the following counts.
One count of levying war: Against the United Federation of Planets and it's citizens and resources and not just conspiring to do so.
Adhering to enemies: Betraying your allegiance to the United Federation of Planets, it's citizens and resources as well as Starfleet by giving aid and comfort to its enemies specifically the Romulan Star Empire. Do you understand these charges and do you wish to enter a plea? One count of being an enemy agent, specifically an agent for the Romulan Star Empire against the United federation of Planets, it's citizens and resources as well as against Starfleet."

"I understand them and you are making a mistake a huge one as for entering a plea, yes not guilty!" Pierpoint answered firmly.

"We will make sure our JAG is informed. After this situation is resolved you will have your day in court." Phoenix said coldly.

"Good. I look forward to it." Pierpoint answered his tone determined. "Oh, by the way good luck in your upcoming battle. I'll be rooting for you."

Rin watched everything silently unfold. The transporting protocols seemed...excessive. And this was definitely personal. Rin had few criticisms of the Commodore, but she got fiery when things got personal. Gary clearly had history here too, but he had things in check.

And this Pierpoint was... not impressive. He thought he knew something Phoenix didn't, and maybe that was true. But of all the things he could do with that info, he was choosing to just mock Phoenix with it. That was not going to end well for him. Sure, maybe there was some elaborate plan running through his head. Maybe he was trying to unbalance her. Maybe he was hoping to trick her into doing something emotional. But someone getting emotional right now would most likely just lead to Pierpoint getting punched in the face. And, so far, he had a pretty punchable face.

“May I speak?” Seren looked towards those gathered in front of the cells.

Phoenix nodded.

“Thomas speaks the truth. I was not a pleasure slave, I was a prisoner onboard the ship until he freed me from captivity. He was the only one who treated me with any kindness or respect. I am his woman, and I love him. If you don’t believe me then ask my twin sister, I can sense her presence onboard your ship.”

"If you say you love him, I see no reason to question it," Rin said. "Would you be willing to provide more explanation? How you ended up a prisoner, how he came to free you, your most recent circumstances.

Thomas stood and listened silently as Seren spoke of her love for him and how he had freed her and he knew that despite the present circumstances, he had one person who believed and loved him and right now that was enough and he had someone to love as well.

Seren looked towards the woman that spoke. “I was separated from my sister when the ship we were travelling on was attacked. I was caught up in a crowd of evacuating people and bundled into an escape pod. I was drifting when the Romulans eventually showed up, I was taken as a prisoner until Thomas intervened, he treated me fairly unlike the Romulan crew. At first I became his woman because I felt I owed him, but that changed. He’s a good man, at least he has been to me.”

Kyle spoke up here. "That may be, Ma'am," his deep voice sounding like thunder in the stark compartment. "However, he has also committed crimes against the people that he swore to serve and protect, then escaped trial into the arms of the Romulans, who at the time of his defection, were our enemies. In fact, they still are back home, though we havent fired at each other in a long time. There is no peace treaty between our two governments."

Seren nodded. “So I understand, I simply offer my opinion nothing more.” She could only hope that she wouldn’t be parted from the man she loved.

Phoenix listened to the conversation. "Counselling will be summoned and if they agree we can allow you to see your sister, if she is on board. Captain Taylor will over see that. Lieutenant Commander Rin and Commander Reece will, oversee the interrogation of you Peirpoint. With Jag involvement of course."

Kyle turned his gaze to Pierpoint. He knew that he had to be objective in his duties, however, he still found it abhorrent that someone would do what Pierpoint had done.

Pierpoint remained silent. it was obvious that the command team of the Elysium didn't believe his claims. So, he just nodded when Lalor made her announcement about his interrogation and who would be involved in it.

Kyle spoke up. "We hope you enjoy your stay, Pierpoint." He moved over to the cell controls. "Due to your crimes, as of this point on, you will be held under solitary confinement conditions. You will not communicate with anyone, other than the four of us, and, if approved, minor visitation with Miss Seran here, under full supervision. Also, once I activate the solitary confinement protocol, you will find that you are cut off from all forms of telepathic communications as well." He paused to let that sink in, then concluded. "We'll be in touch." He then activated the system, causing a holographic wall to appear on Pierpoint side of the cell forcefield. And all auditory and telepathic communication in or out was severed. The four officers stood there, still able to see him from their side of the cell. Kyle turned to Phoenix and nodded solemnly. "Prisoner fully secured, Commodore."

Phoenix nodded.

Seren shivered, being cut off from Thomas felt odd after having bonded with him. She just hoped it wouldn’t be for too long. “May I ask what’s going to happen to me now? Do I have to stay in here?”

Kyle stepped over to her cell and replied. "For now, you'll have to remain in here. You're not a prisoner, we just need to ensure that everything you have told us is on the level. Once that had happened, and the counselors feel you can integrate into the ship's company, then you'll be released." He paused, then added, "You said earlier that you have a sister, and you feel her presence onboard?"

Seren nodded. “Yes, her name is Cerese. We were separated a long time ago, I can sense her. I’d like to see her if that’s possible?”

"Once everything else checks out," Kyle replied with a nod. "Then I'll release you into your sister's custody."

“I understand” Seren nodded. “Thank you.”

OFF