#118 The interrogation findings

Posted on Wed Oct 23rd, 2024 @ 4:13pm by Commander Jordan Haines & Lieutenant Commander Michael McMahon & Lieutenant Jude Haines & Lieutenant V'Lar & Pav'oi
Edited on on Wed Oct 23rd, 2024 @ 9:24pm

4,073 words; about a 20 minute read

Mission: Obsidian

Jude had received the message from Jordan that he and McMahon were on their way to his office to meet with him and V’Lar. He was interested in what they found out but he hoped they kept to the facts. The two of them had a reputation for the dramatics and he wanted to get to the bottom of things.

Mike walked with Jordan to Jude's Office. He had the datapad with all the information with him. He could at least give them some information and see what they got if anything out of the prisoner.

It was a slightly bleary eyed V'Lar that stepped into Jude's office, she'd been up half the night trying to answer questions, she was curious about the Cardassian they'd picked up there weren't many scenario's that would account for this, though all were very much within her area of expertise, there were three possible answers to the initial question, and from there there were of course further possibilities depending on the answer to the first.

Jordan had grabbed a chair and spun it around, sitting on it with his legs bent over the back
of the chair. “Mike was able to decipher the data. We have some answers and even more questions.” He looked from V’Lar to Jude. “Where you two want to start?”

Jude wished Jordan would sit in his chairs correctly but since that was never going to happen he addressed his question to the other. “What do you have for us, Lieutenant Commander?”

"According to the information I found - the Cardassian was defecting. Not sure what kind of information they have. They didn't get into that. But the logs show that the crew was there - then one by one they started to disappear. The last log in there is from a Crewman from Engineering. It looks like he was the last one on the ship with the Cardassian. They were being followed by an unknown ship. It had fired on them and he and the Cardassian were hiding. In the middle of recording it - he just disappears." Mike said

V'Lar's eyes lit up, as finally some of the pieces fitted together. That was how theories worked wasn't it? You took what appeared to be the truth and then bombarded it with all the evidence you had and whatever was standing at the end of that was generally speaking the truth. "I looked over the crew manifest of the Calvary before we left for Arbazan." she said "It's got classic Federation diversity in species terms, I can't think of a reason why a Cardassian would be left behind in that situation, it's an oddity but an oddity for another day I suppose." she had the slightest of smiles creeping across her face "If the Cardassian is defecting then it's a good day for us at least."

“I like the way you think, Vee.” Jordan grinned. “We need to do some good old fashioned
Interrogating. I mean, you two aren’t really falling for the “defector” scenerio, are you?” He looked from Jude to V’Lar. “It’s probabaly a front of some kind.”

Mike thought for a moment. "There is a difference between the Cardassian and the rest of the crew. The crew all had their badges and the Cardassian did not have one."

"I have my reasons for buying the 'defector scenario'" V'Lar said "And thanks to what Commander MacMahon has told us it's more likely to be true than false."

“How about we head in and speak to the Cardassian before we come up with any answers.” His eyes met Jordan’s as he spoke. “Does anyone know if the counselor has visited yet?” Jude asked as they headed on their way.

"I will let you all take the lead and I will take notes. I think Marty was here. However I am not sure." Mike said following the others.

This was the part of the job where Jordan had to work hard at his patience. Where he came from, someone had information you wanted there were several good ways to get it. Unfortunately they were against Starfleet regulations. “I’ll play bad cop.” He said with a grin, ignoring the look Jude threw at him.

"To be fair Commander you may be our ace in the hole." V'Lar said "An interrogation is much like a Shakespearean play, it has many parts. Let me and Jude get the lay of the land first."

“It is my understanding I am in charge of this interrogation.” Jude spoke up. “Along with the Lieutenant.” His eyes met Jordan’s. “Has that changed?”

“Not at all.” Jordan grinned at Jude. “I want to see what the two of you are capable of.” His eyes went from Jude to the intelligence chief. “Lead on.”

Mike looked at the three in front of him That poor Cardassian.

"One last thing before we go in." V'Lar said as they walked "Assuming that she is a defector then that means she has something she believes she can bargain with, most likely information of some variety. Don't be surprised if this turns into a negotiation, it's important to know what cards she thinks she holds and to then assess whether she is holding a flush or is bluffing."

Jude had his own ideas and many more questions. He was certain they all had their own but one kept circling around back to him. He couldn’t wait to hear her answer.

'Challenge your preconceptions, or they will challenge you' the old Vulcan proverb went through V'Lar's mind as she put her hand on the door lock and entered her access code.

“I expect nothing.” Jordan spoke up. “From anyone or anything. I will let you all go first and see what you can gathering and if it doesn’t bare much fruit I’ll start shaking the tree.” His eyes were on V’Lar. “I’m not some wet behind the ears kid, I’ve been to this rodeo before.”

“Just take a seat.” Jude stated as they walked into the room. He knew what he wanted to ask but his questions could wait.

Mike walked in behind them and took a seat. He was ready to get any information that could help them and just hoped that they would all be civil.

Jordan looked both Jude and V’Lar in the eyes as he leaned against the wall. He dared them to tell him what to do, the last time he looked his pips outranked theirs. He folded his arms across his chest and waited.

The Cardassian woman, Pav'ol, watched as the group entered the room she had been ushered into only moments before. She sat at a table, her hands bound in front of her, but that was not what had her attention at the moment. There was a man leaning against the wall, she guessed arrogant and perhaps not as disinterested as he tried to appear. She saw the look he shot the Vulcan and the security officer, and noted it. Interesting and more interesting still. The last man to enter didn't seem to be involved in whatever silent fight the other three were engaged in, but she would soon tell how he played into the mix.

V'Lar made her way to the wall behind where the Cardassian was sat putting her in what might be considered the 'conductor position' or one of them at least it gave her an easy eyeline to Jordan, Jude and Mike, it also meant that the Cardassian's attention would be split around the room rather than focused solely in front of her, these were all the usual tricks for interrogation, all designed for one thing to keep the subject off balance. "Let's start with what you can tell us." V'Lar said "Name, rank and number or the Cardassian equivalent for it."

Pav'ol hid a smirk, thinking 'I see what you did there', but did not acknowledge the other woman. Instead she shifted in her seat, keeping her eyes forward. She locked eyes with each of the three men in front of her one right after the other, and then looked down at her restrained hands, picking them up and resting them on the table.

Mike raised an eyebrow and hid a smirk. This was going to be fun to watch.

Jordan just watched Jude and V’Lar. He knew they were both good at what they did and waited. Jude looked thoughtful, Jordan referred to it as his constipated look.

"I'm your only friend in this room." V'Lar said "Those three want to talk to you about what happened to the Calvary and they're not exactly known for their patience. I want to talk more about you, what you were doing on the Calvary and what you have to bargain with." Pav'ol fought the urge to roll her eyes.

"It is hard to believe that when you are purposefully trying to throw me off," she said, trying to keep the annoyance out of her voice. She forced herself to take a deep breath, and then turned in her seat so that she was now sitting backwards in it, and facing the Vulcan. "Alright, alright," she said, finally. "My name is Pav'ol, Glinn Pav'ol, well at least I used to be," she said, wistfully. "I was on the Calvary because they were kind enough to offer me a ride. They picked me up from Starbase 21 when they found out I wanted to defect, and were bringing me to a specified meeting place where I was to meet up with someone heading for Starfleet Command."

"And why do you want to defect?" V'Lar asked. The Cardassian woman sighed, and shifted slightly before speaking.

"I am sure you would like me to say that I have been against this war since the beginning, but I cannot truthfully say that. I believed that our cause was a just one, because we were told that we were righting wrongs that had been committed against our people, and that the Romulan's were joining us because they too wanted to get their justice. I began to notice, after a time, that it was not just the Federation my people were attacking. Anyone who spoke out against the war has been imprisoned, and most put to death. But not just them... their entire family, men...women... and children. Innocent children. My government was killing our own people. I began to realize that perhaps our cause was not as just as we were led to believe...so I had to escape."

V'Lar glanced briefly around the room, same old Obsidian Order by the sounds of it, though she'd love to know how close to sixty years of Federation aid could be perceived as a wrong, not to mention the close to fifty years of aid to the Romulans being spun as a wrong. Still it spoke volumes about both the Tal'Shiar and the Obsidian Order, they were afraid by the sound of it. The Cardassian had also made an interesting implication. "What were your duties within the Cardassian military?" V'Lar asked. Sighing, the Cardassian woman spoke.

"I was second in command onboard the CDS Albika. We ran clandestine raiding missions throughout the quadrant."

“If we are going to put our necks out for you.” Jude spoke up. “What’s in it for us?” He was going to get right to the point. “What is so valuable you took a beating to hold onto?”

Pav’ol’s eyes went to Jude. “It is not what but whom.” She returned. “I ask you Lieutenant Haines what you are offering me?” Her eyes went to V’Lar. “I can give you information that is quite valuable but I require more than living within Starfleet.”

"If your information is good." V'Lar said hoping the three men would keep their poker faces on "You get a new identity, be whoever you want to be, we'll make sure you disappear and get to live out your life in safety, protected from anyone who may come after you and supported by the Federation. That's what I'm offering."

The Cardassian female seemed to think for a moment. “In writing of course.” She wasn’t a fool, which they would soon learn. Her eyes met V’Lar’s. “I assure you that my information is legitimate but it must be moved on quickly. I cannot guarantee how long this individual will be alive.”

Mike continued to stay quiet and take notes. The Cardassian was smart.

There it was, V'Lar thought, "In writing of course." she said putting a PADD on the table "Here you go. Give the information and you walk out of here with that guarantee at the end of this little conversation. And if time is of the essence then the sooner you tell me the better."

“I prefer to read your promises first.” The Cardassian returned evenly. “I am certain that a member of Starfleet Command is worthy of my being allowed to study the documentation.” She paused. “It concerns me that you hand me a padd nonchalantly as if defectors knock on your door asking for the very thing I wish.”

Jude assumed that V’Lar was bluffing. If not then he should have Ben privy to any written promises on behalf of Starfleet. He kept his face blank as did Jordan but when this meeting was over he knew Jordan was going to have some words to say.

"If you know a few things about Vulcans you know we behave in certain ways, there were a handful of reasons for your presence on the Calvary, when I factor in the circumstances I deduce that you are there to provide some information to Starfleet, potentially defecting. It is only logical that I take the necessary steps in anticipation of that. However you know as well as I that the promise only holds if your end of the bargain so to speak is upheld." V'Lar said, was she bluffing? Maybe a little, she had every intention of getting this signed, sealed and delivered if it came to something and in truth it already had, after all this Cardassian had already given out more information than she knew.

“I know the whereabouts of Talo Jackson, your marine admiral.” Pav’ol stated. “I know who he holding him, what their intentions are and how long he will be there.” Her eyes met V’Lar’s. “I want my signed and sealed agreement sent to two I dependent persons of my choosing. The moment your officer is released, I will be free to leave with everything you agreed to official.”

"Then you'd better tell us precisely where he is." V'Lar said well aware that Jackson's name would evoke something in the other three "Give me that and when he's back with us you'll have your agreement."

Pav’ol leaned forward and took the padd. She tapped on it and entered information. “This planet is a day away. He is being held by a faction of terrorists being supported by the Cardassian government. They will continue to torture him or kill him for information depending on which happens first.” She turned the padd back and handed it over.

"Thank you." V'Lar said she looked at Jude "Lieutenant Haines that concludes my end if you wish to ask about the Calvary now would be the time."

“I have several questions.” Jude said, speaking to Pav’ol. He had nothing to say to V’Lar. “I would like to know what your connection to the crew of the Calvary was.”

“They were my way of escape from Cardassia.” Pav’ol replied. “I paid good for my ride from them to safety.” She had a dissatisfied look on her face.

“What happened to the crew?” Jude continued. He hoped she had some answers.

“You are asking me!” Pav’ol declared. “I should be demanding answers from you! They left me to be tortured by the Cardassians who hunted me.”

“And yet here you are.” Jude shot back. “Though roughed up a bit they didn’t kill you nor did they take you back to Cardassia. My question would be why? After your elaborate escape and seemingly important secrets they leave you on the Calvary where we conveniently found you.” He wasn’t buying this at all.

“I have nothing more to say.” Pav’ol replied. “I made my deal, I have no knowledge of your people or what happened to them.” She sat back. “I cannot give you what I don’t have.”

Jordan was furious. Before they had made any deals they should have tried to get her to tell them what had happened. They had nothing to deal with and a lost crew. Pontmercy was going to be livid.

Mike looked at V'Lar in shock. His Uncle was going to be pissed. What kind of intelligence officer makes a deal before having all the information that was needed. He couldn't believe what just happened. He was sure whoever gave V'Lar the authority to make that deal, would be furious too.

V'Lar was mentally smiling, well done Jude she thought, he'd caught the Cardassian in a lie, a little over the top in the suggestion perhaps but definitely good enough to get her caught in something of a deception. Though judging from the facial expressions of some of the others the strength of their position had gone unnoticed, interrogations had many angles and it wasn't just about asking questions it was about how the person answered, rule one was never ask a question that you didn't know the answer to, something she and Jude both knew. She did give Jude a knowing wink of appreciation for a job well done though, she'd have sent a telepathic thank you if not for her preference of not using it unless invited. "I believe then we're done for now." she said.

“Let me know when Talo Jackson is home.” Pav’ol spoke up. “I will be anxious to be on my way.”

Jordan walked out of the room and waited for the others. He was working hard from getting in V’Lars face at the moment and so he would wait out there.

“If you come up with anything no matter how insignificant let me know.” Jude said to Pav’ol. “You will be held until we have recovered General Jackson.”

"And of course if he's not there the deal will be off." V'Lar said "Remember it all depends on your information being good."

Jude walked out into the corridor and raised his hand. “With all due respect Commander our cards were played. We need to head to that planet and see if the General is there. If he is then we will have to take it from there.”

“Mike.” Jordan turned to McMahon, “send a message to the station and fill Pontmercy in on where we are headed.” He shook his head. “Those crew members have families and they are our comrades.”

"Pressing her wouldn't have made any difference." V'Lar said "Commander McMahon had already provided information regarding the Calvary's fate before we went into the room. That M.O is not Cardassian, she tried to incriminate the Cardassians because she thought we didn't know. And if it comes down to our guest or a Starfleet computer I'm going with the computer every time. She's given us a lot more than she thinks she has and unbeknownst to her we gave her very little in return, in fact she's currently got nothing. Now assuming she's being truthful someone is going to have to talk to Lieutenant Thrace about how she wants to do this."

Mike looked at Jordan ignoring V'Lar completely. At this point, the intelligence chief gave away something she had no right to do, for half of what was needed. He had this feeling the Cardassian knew more, much more. Like why the Calvary was there anyway. But of course now she wasn't going to answer. He remembered dealing with a situation like this before. Never show your hand before the others do. And V'Lar did that. Gave away a bargining chip that should have been used for more information. He worked long enough for Intelligence himself to know that something wasn't right with what the Cardassian said and also knew that logs could be faked based on what happened on this base before.
"I will let command know exactly what happened sir." he replied. "And we will be looking for General Jackson."

Jordan looked to V’Lar. “So you flat out lied.” He said quietly. “You are not going to keep our end of the bargain and release her if General Jackson is indeed being held there?” He would allow her to answer.

"I didn't lie." V'Lar said "When people defect it's usually Starfleet intelligence that does the debrief, my responsibility is to find out what she knows and propose terms which I've done. Whether the agreement is honoured is not up to any of us but is decided by my superiors at Starfleet Intelligence. I will say given that we're talking about the location of a captured flag officer that the odds in my opinion are that Starfleet will honour the terms, that's why the whole deal is contingent upon the successful rescue of General Jackson. I'm not going to push her with questions when she's attempting to deceive because when she does that she reveals more information, which with a little bit of logic and deductive reasoning can be used to piece the metaphorical jigsaw together."

“And in doing so, risking the lives of those officers who served on the Calvary.” Jordan returned. “I’ll be honest , it doesn’t sit well that you seemingly have no issue with possibly never knowing what happened to them. I read people very well and I can tell you she knows more than she is saying. But as long as she claims to not know we have no cards to hold.” He sighed. “I need to meet with Charlotte and Jude. Most of you will be enlisted into helping rescue the general."

"Oh I know she knows more than she's said, that was the obvious the moment she tried to incriminate the Cardassians in something that would be very un Cardassian given what we know." V'Lar said "But I also know that we're dealing with a likely Obsidian Order operative, she's admitted as much just not specifically, if she is part of whatever happened to the Calvary then she's not going to tell us regardless of how hard we push, if she is part of it then she wants us to believe her story and more to the point would need to communicate that we believe her to other parties, we watch her and sooner or later she'll reveal her part in it if she has one. Why play poker when you can play chess?"

“I don’t believe she is a part of this Obsidian Order you claim.” Jordan growled. “She was left alive because she is more use alive than dead. As surprising as it may be to believe I don’t care about her or what happens to her. My concern is for the Calvary crew. At the moment my priority is the General, then it will be command letting her go. By then if we haven’t found them or what happened we all have to live with the fact that we made a bargain with the devil and lost. Because there will be a lot of families getting a knock on their door and that doesn’t sit well with me.”

"Then with respect Commander don't underestimate the opportunity that deal with the devil gives us." V'Lar said "And if you don't know what I'm getting at ask Lieutenant Thrace when you speak with her." she took a breath "I'll write up the interrogation and file it with Starfleet Intelligence pending the success of the rescue operation."

“Everyone is dismissed.” Jordan called out. “Be prepared to be called to action on a moments notice.” He looked to Mike. “Set a course to that planet, we need to get there immediately.

OFF:


Commander Jordan Haines
Executive Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Jude Haines
Security Chief
Starbase Obsidian

Lt Commander Mike McMahon
Chief Operations Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Junior Grade V'Lar
Chief Intelligence Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Pav'ol

 

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