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[Spaceship Zero] Q-Ship (actually updated 19 May 2007)
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<blockquote data-quote="Capellan" data-source="post: 2702766" data-attributes="member: 6294"><p><strong>"Venusian Christmas Carol" - Part 4</strong></p><p></p><p>Commander Fury is grim-faced as he walks along a cement corridor. Two guards in Space Force uniforms salute as he approaches a large pair of double doors. Fury nods to them as the doors swing open, then he steps inside. As the doors close, the camera drifts up to a sign in the wall:</p><p></p><p><strong>Space Force Disciplinary Review Board</strong></p><p></p><p>We cut inside, where the Commander takes his place at a spot-lighted circle in the floor. An arc of high, imposing desks arcs around him like a closing fist.</p><p></p><p>"Commander Jonathon Fury, Space Force Number 1973-D-21-EC." The stentorian voice echoes from one of the dark shapes behind the desks, "You have been brought here to answer charges pertaining to your treatment of prisoner 998-B84, given name T'Celle, captured two days ago while engaged in treason against the Venusian government and murder of Space Force peacekeepers."</p><p></p><p>Fury almost, but not quite, prevents himself from reacting to the name.</p><p></p><p>"Sir ..." He interrupts, then pauses. The shadowy figure waves what is presumably a hand to indicate he may continue, "<em>None</em> of my prisoners have been mistreated while in my custody, including this T'Celle woman -"</p><p></p><p>"Mistreatment is not the cause for Space Force's concern, Commander." A new voice breaks in. This one is female, and has a far more accusatory tone, "Quite the opposite. Can you explain why this woman's files have not been forwarded by your office to the Venusian authorities? Per our agreement with the Kelvor, they are to be advised of all new prisoners within 24 hours."</p><p></p><p>"It must be a clerical oversight." Fury contends, "Daily reports have been issued, as instructed."</p><p></p><p>"This young woman seems to have been overlooked a <em>lot</em>, Commander." The hostile voice continues. There is a shuffling of paper. "I see no record of her bring reported to Zed branch, either."</p><p></p><p>Fury shifts his weight.</p><p></p><p>"Zed branch's methods -"</p><p></p><p>"Which are scientifically formulated for maximum effectiveness."</p><p></p><p>"- have resulted in several deaths." Fury ignores the interruption. "I didn't think we could take that risk with this prisoner."</p><p></p><p>"Really? Why is that, Commander?"</p><p></p><p>Fury pauses, obviously considering his next words.</p><p></p><p>"I believe the prisoner may be more important than she appears." He begins at last, "Too important to risk even the 'statistically nominal risk of premature death' that sending her to Zed branch would entail."</p><p></p><p>"Can you explain why you believe this, Commander?"</p><p></p><p>"I can't name my source for security reasons." Fury stonewalls, "Their life may -"</p><p></p><p>"Commander, <em>really</em>." The hostile speaker breaks in once more, "Everyone in this room has 'Most Secret' clearance. A clearance you yourself do not possess, yet you cannot share the name of your informant? Your failure to advise the proper authorities of this prisoner's capture have already put you on thin ice. Were it not for the fact that you did at least add her to the prison files, it would almost look as if you were trying to conceal her presence entirely."</p><p></p><p>Fury's face goes cold.</p><p></p><p>"Just what are you insinuating, Ma'am?"</p><p></p><p>"I'm not insinuating anything, <em>Commander</em>." The voice emphasises Fury's inferior rank, "I'm merely pointing out how the matter could appear to an outside observer. I'm sure no-one here is suggesting that a decorated war hero such as yourself would be doing anything that skirts so close to treason."</p><p></p><p>"Officers, please." The original voice sounds pained at the confrontational turn of events, "If we can turn our attention back to the question of what should be done with this young lady? Excellent." The voice sounds pleased with itself as it acknowledges Fury's nod. "Commander, if this prisoner is as important as you believe, would it not be wise for us to remove her to an off-world holding facility? The Mission City Memorial Penitentiary would seem a fitting site."</p><p></p><p>"I don't believe that would be wise, Sir." Fury speaks up, "If the prisoner is important, as I believe, it is inevitable that the Venusians will attempt to rescue her. That will confirm my suspicions."</p><p></p><p>"Or perhaps it will simply confirm <em>mine</em>, Commander." Fury's antagonist interrupts. As she does, she steps out from behind the row of desks, emerging party into the light. She is an attractive blonde, though her good looks are marred somewhat by a puckered scar that seals shut her right eye. Her space force uniform is trimmed in black, and a Greek 'Omega' symbol is imprinted on the left side of her chest.</p><p></p><p>"Darla." Fury nods, "I thought I recognized your shrewish tones."</p><p></p><p>"Commander Fury, control your remarks! Colonel Gregg, please explain this outburst!" The original speaker seems quite distressed.</p><p></p><p>"I've just received video footage from the prison." Colonel Gregg replies. "I direct the Board's attention to the viewscreen."</p><p></p><p>A large video monitor blinks to life in the darkness of the room.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen">The display shows S'Ondra on the bed in her cell.</span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen">"Fool." She mutters to herself. Then her head jerks up at the sound of footsteps nearing her cell.</span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen">The cell door swings open and Gustav and Larathra are unceremoniously pushed inside.</span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen">"Enjoy yer time with yer Nusi friends, traitor." A voice sneers from offscreen, before the door slams shut once more.</span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen">"Ach, <em>mein</em> knee." Gustav mutters, rubbing his leg where it has struck one of the cast iron bed frames. Then he glances up, and his expression transforms into a beam of pleasure. "<em>Leibchen!</em> Vhat are you doing here? Vhat's going on? Vhy is Fury so militaristic?"</span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen">S'Ondra gives the human a suspicious glare, her eyes flicking from him to his bizarre companion.</span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen">"Who are you?" she demands, suspiciously. "Keep away from me, human!"</span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen">"But S'Ondra ... <em>leibchen</em> -"</span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>There are gasps from the room as the import of the prisoner's real name is spoken.</p><p></p><p></p><p>"The so-called Venusian Princess!" A voice is exultant in the darkness as a fist pounds the table. "Now we'll break these murderous rebels once and for all!"</p><p></p><p>"I'm afraid not." Colonel Gregg shakes her head, fixing Fury with a venomous look, "There's more. You see, not only did Commander Fury neglect to inform the proper agencies of his prisoner, thereby delaying our discovery of who she truly is, but shortly after these two prisoners - prisoners <em>Commander Fury ordered sent to this cell</em> - the following occurred."</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen"> "It is a terrible situation." Gustav notes glumly. "And it is not one ve can correct from inside a prison cell. Larathra, wiz our combined intelligences, zere must be some way ve can escape."</span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen">"I am open to suggestions, Doctor, but at the moment I have none of my own." Larathra confesses.</span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen">Just then, the cell door explodes off its hinges.</span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen">A huge silhouette appears in the open doorway. Then it shifts slightly, and we see the gleam of light reflecting off its metal body.</span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen">"Archie!" Gustav's face brightens with pleasure.</span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: yellowgreen">"Must protect Alois Gustav." The robot intones mechanically, "Alois Gustav will accompany me." It turns and stomps off along the corridor. The three prisoners glance at each other, then scramble to follow.</span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Murmurs of outrage and confusion fill the room.</p><p></p><p>"One of our own robots!"</p><p></p><p>"Diabolically clever!"</p><p></p><p>"Officers, please!" Colonel Gregg saves her arm, raising her voice so as to draw the room's attention. "The prisoners are now at large in the building. I have ordered all security personnel to the task of capturing them. However, I submit that our task in <em>this</em> case is now clear." She gestures at Fury, "S'Ondra, the leader of the Venusian rebels, was in our custody. But due to Commander Fury's inaction: inaction born at best of incompetence, and perhaps of collusion, she has temporarily escaped. I call on the board to render judgement."</p><p></p><p>"The board has no option." The responding voice seems genuinely reluctant to give its answer, "Pending a full investigation before a Court Martial, Commander Fury is to be arrested and taken into custody immediately."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Capellan, post: 2702766, member: 6294"] [b]"Venusian Christmas Carol" - Part 4[/b] Commander Fury is grim-faced as he walks along a cement corridor. Two guards in Space Force uniforms salute as he approaches a large pair of double doors. Fury nods to them as the doors swing open, then he steps inside. As the doors close, the camera drifts up to a sign in the wall: [b]Space Force Disciplinary Review Board[/b] We cut inside, where the Commander takes his place at a spot-lighted circle in the floor. An arc of high, imposing desks arcs around him like a closing fist. "Commander Jonathon Fury, Space Force Number 1973-D-21-EC." The stentorian voice echoes from one of the dark shapes behind the desks, "You have been brought here to answer charges pertaining to your treatment of prisoner 998-B84, given name T'Celle, captured two days ago while engaged in treason against the Venusian government and murder of Space Force peacekeepers." Fury almost, but not quite, prevents himself from reacting to the name. "Sir ..." He interrupts, then pauses. The shadowy figure waves what is presumably a hand to indicate he may continue, "[i]None[/i] of my prisoners have been mistreated while in my custody, including this T'Celle woman -" "Mistreatment is not the cause for Space Force's concern, Commander." A new voice breaks in. This one is female, and has a far more accusatory tone, "Quite the opposite. Can you explain why this woman's files have not been forwarded by your office to the Venusian authorities? Per our agreement with the Kelvor, they are to be advised of all new prisoners within 24 hours." "It must be a clerical oversight." Fury contends, "Daily reports have been issued, as instructed." "This young woman seems to have been overlooked a [i]lot[/i], Commander." The hostile voice continues. There is a shuffling of paper. "I see no record of her bring reported to Zed branch, either." Fury shifts his weight. "Zed branch's methods -" "Which are scientifically formulated for maximum effectiveness." "- have resulted in several deaths." Fury ignores the interruption. "I didn't think we could take that risk with this prisoner." "Really? Why is that, Commander?" Fury pauses, obviously considering his next words. "I believe the prisoner may be more important than she appears." He begins at last, "Too important to risk even the 'statistically nominal risk of premature death' that sending her to Zed branch would entail." "Can you explain why you believe this, Commander?" "I can't name my source for security reasons." Fury stonewalls, "Their life may -" "Commander, [i]really[/i]." The hostile speaker breaks in once more, "Everyone in this room has 'Most Secret' clearance. A clearance you yourself do not possess, yet you cannot share the name of your informant? Your failure to advise the proper authorities of this prisoner's capture have already put you on thin ice. Were it not for the fact that you did at least add her to the prison files, it would almost look as if you were trying to conceal her presence entirely." Fury's face goes cold. "Just what are you insinuating, Ma'am?" "I'm not insinuating anything, [i]Commander[/i]." The voice emphasises Fury's inferior rank, "I'm merely pointing out how the matter could appear to an outside observer. I'm sure no-one here is suggesting that a decorated war hero such as yourself would be doing anything that skirts so close to treason." "Officers, please." The original voice sounds pained at the confrontational turn of events, "If we can turn our attention back to the question of what should be done with this young lady? Excellent." The voice sounds pleased with itself as it acknowledges Fury's nod. "Commander, if this prisoner is as important as you believe, would it not be wise for us to remove her to an off-world holding facility? The Mission City Memorial Penitentiary would seem a fitting site." "I don't believe that would be wise, Sir." Fury speaks up, "If the prisoner is important, as I believe, it is inevitable that the Venusians will attempt to rescue her. That will confirm my suspicions." "Or perhaps it will simply confirm [i]mine[/i], Commander." Fury's antagonist interrupts. As she does, she steps out from behind the row of desks, emerging party into the light. She is an attractive blonde, though her good looks are marred somewhat by a puckered scar that seals shut her right eye. Her space force uniform is trimmed in black, and a Greek 'Omega' symbol is imprinted on the left side of her chest. "Darla." Fury nods, "I thought I recognized your shrewish tones." "Commander Fury, control your remarks! Colonel Gregg, please explain this outburst!" The original speaker seems quite distressed. "I've just received video footage from the prison." Colonel Gregg replies. "I direct the Board's attention to the viewscreen." A large video monitor blinks to life in the darkness of the room. [color=yellowgreen]The display shows S'Ondra on the bed in her cell. "Fool." She mutters to herself. Then her head jerks up at the sound of footsteps nearing her cell. The cell door swings open and Gustav and Larathra are unceremoniously pushed inside. "Enjoy yer time with yer Nusi friends, traitor." A voice sneers from offscreen, before the door slams shut once more. "Ach, [i]mein[/i] knee." Gustav mutters, rubbing his leg where it has struck one of the cast iron bed frames. Then he glances up, and his expression transforms into a beam of pleasure. "[i]Leibchen![/i] Vhat are you doing here? Vhat's going on? Vhy is Fury so militaristic?" S'Ondra gives the human a suspicious glare, her eyes flicking from him to his bizarre companion. "Who are you?" she demands, suspiciously. "Keep away from me, human!" "But S'Ondra ... [i]leibchen[/i] -"[/color] There are gasps from the room as the import of the prisoner's real name is spoken. "The so-called Venusian Princess!" A voice is exultant in the darkness as a fist pounds the table. "Now we'll break these murderous rebels once and for all!" "I'm afraid not." Colonel Gregg shakes her head, fixing Fury with a venomous look, "There's more. You see, not only did Commander Fury neglect to inform the proper agencies of his prisoner, thereby delaying our discovery of who she truly is, but shortly after these two prisoners - prisoners [i]Commander Fury ordered sent to this cell[/i] - the following occurred." [color=yellowgreen] "It is a terrible situation." Gustav notes glumly. "And it is not one ve can correct from inside a prison cell. Larathra, wiz our combined intelligences, zere must be some way ve can escape." "I am open to suggestions, Doctor, but at the moment I have none of my own." Larathra confesses. Just then, the cell door explodes off its hinges. A huge silhouette appears in the open doorway. Then it shifts slightly, and we see the gleam of light reflecting off its metal body. "Archie!" Gustav's face brightens with pleasure. "Must protect Alois Gustav." The robot intones mechanically, "Alois Gustav will accompany me." It turns and stomps off along the corridor. The three prisoners glance at each other, then scramble to follow.[/color] Murmurs of outrage and confusion fill the room. "One of our own robots!" "Diabolically clever!" "Officers, please!" Colonel Gregg saves her arm, raising her voice so as to draw the room's attention. "The prisoners are now at large in the building. I have ordered all security personnel to the task of capturing them. However, I submit that our task in [i]this[/i] case is now clear." She gestures at Fury, "S'Ondra, the leader of the Venusian rebels, was in our custody. But due to Commander Fury's inaction: inaction born at best of incompetence, and perhaps of collusion, she has temporarily escaped. I call on the board to render judgement." "The board has no option." The responding voice seems genuinely reluctant to give its answer, "Pending a full investigation before a Court Martial, Commander Fury is to be arrested and taken into custody immediately." [/QUOTE]
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