From: Ranjani Sabarinathan (rantrek_at_yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Apr 26 2008 - 17:24:35 PDT
“GATEWAY vs. FEDCOM”
(contd from Kim’s ‘Daisy vs. Cade’)
Location: GS-2
SD: 2.80424.2049
Scene: Operations
The situation with the sabotages had worsened. Earlier in the day, two members of the engineering crew were shot by the saboteur who impersonated Major Towers. With the culprit a chameloid, security teams were having difficulties locating him, her or it. But what was the purpose of these sabotages? Were the power outages merely a distraction away from something sinister? Did the saboteur work for the Dominion? So many questions and so little answers frustrated the officers working to apprehend the criminal and stop further sabotages.
The press weren’t making things any easier. The sabotages and Tower’s bungling of the situation had provided juicy fodder for all news services, gunning for another exclusive story. Already accusations towards Starfleet ranging from incompetence to arrogance, especially the marines were hurled by members of the press, despite the Major’s public apology.
Just giving updates of the war was not enough for the likes of FedCom, who was eager to stir up more controversies akin to Commander ‘cat woman’. FedCom reporters notoriously milked the controversy surrounding the so called Daisy Davidson defection broadcast. Even after Starfleet Command put out a statement that the newscast was a product of Dominion trickery aiming to lower morale in the Federation, some reporters, the Kierenna Trell types, still continued to stir the controversy by sowing doubts over Daisy’s loyalty.
Anaqueen sighed out of exasperation as she read…yet another request for an interview from a reporter. Immediately after word got out she was acting CO of the GATEWAY, the more aggressive members of the press had dogged her. The Trill was not afraid to face them and felt she would only issue a statement at her convenience and when necessary. She was not the only one to receive requests from the media. She watched Eishnala approach her, holding a PADD.
“This is the fifteenth request for an interview,” the Andorian stated dryly, passing the PADD to the Trill.
Spankryz observed, glancing over the contents of the PADD. “They’re quite relentless.”
“Indeed they are,” Eishnala agreed and pointed out. “From what I’ve seen of the press here, they will not stop until we agree to meet with them.”
Ana questioned, raising an eyebrow. “Who else from the senior staff has been contacted?”
“Everyone,” Kor answered. “But Commander Davidson had the most requests at fifty, followed by Commander MacNeil at twenty two.”
The Trill frowned at the audacity of the Fedcom reporters. She was glad Daisy was recovering in the privacy of her quarters and away from reporters badgering her. As for Kate, Ana recalled viewing the broadcast where the half-Nuimon blurted out confidential medical information. “Was any reporter sighted outside Commander Davidson’s quarters?”
“No.” The Andorian shook her head. “However, Lt. Pallandora had to arrest an individual named Cade Foster at the Commander’s bequest.”
Ana questioned, vaguely remembering the cantankerous man. “What kind of trouble was he giving her?” Foster, along with Aerdan Jos and Kate MacNeil, were the doctors who worked hard to keep her alive after she was found by the PROPHECY crew during their mission in the Cairon home dimension about two years ago.
“According to Lt. Palandora’s report on that matter, Commander Davidson dropped the charges two hours later and he was released. I saw the man briefly and he made crude remarks about the entire incident being Daisy's strange idea of foreplay.” Eishnala informed Spankryz, somewhat awkwardly.
“That’s good to know none of the press have disturbed Davidson, yet.” Spankryz shrugged, discreetly ignoring Cade's off-color humor and then murmured dryly. “I’d be content to just let FedCom gossip incessantly as long as it doesn’t hamper with the war efforts and they don’t conduct smear campaigns against loyal officers.” As far as the Trill was concerned, sensible people should be able to pick out the difference between actual facts and spin. Sadly there were those who were just as gullible and would swallow anything the news service fed them.
---------------------------------
Scene: Promenade- ‘Spill the Beans Coffee Shop’
Dwayne and Laura Harris, owners of the cozy, warmly lit coffee shop, were happy to be back in business after their excruciating time in the brig. They were angry with the marines for detaining them, believing the punishment for breaking curfew violated their civil rights. They never harmed anyone and wanted to only lead a normal life at the edge of Federation frontier, running their business. The couple was amongst the most popular civilians with FedCom reporters. Ever since the martial law was removed, the coffee shop had frequent visits from members of the press, wanting to obtain an interview or a simple statement regarding the Harrises’ ordeal in the brig.
At first, the Harrises were eager to offer their grievances of their mistreatment under the hands of the marines to the press. But soon they got fed up after the questions became redundant. The couple then just wanted to be left in peace and allowed to move on with their lives.
Laura nudged her husband, sighing out of frustration. “Dwayne, that reporter is here again.” She pointed at the back of the room, where a young Risean man sat on a sofa, his head buried behind a PADD. The reporter was tall and lanky with sleek, black hair. His skin was slightly tanned and was considered handsome. Every minute, the man’s blue eyes moved sideways towards the Harrises, hoping they would head his way.
“Great,” Dwayne growled. “Why couldn’t he just get his information from our interviews with his colleagues?”
Mrs. Harris snorted. “He claims of wanting a different perspective, which would garner sympathy towards our plight.” Rolling her eyes she complained, picking up an empty glass and wiping it. “I mean how many ways can they spin our story.”
“I may just spike his latte with lemon,” Mr. Harris remarked with a dry chuckle.
Laura snickered, patting her husband’s shoulder. “Oh you wouldn’t dare.”
“Well, it would give Mr. Choklit something different to write about.” The couple burst out laughing, causing the reporter to glance in their direction with curiosity etching his handsome features.
--------------------------
Scene: Promenade- Somewhere outside the coffee shop
There was a small gathering in front of a public terminal, where FedCom broadcasted its daily newsfeeds and programs. Lt. Trella Palandora was making her rounds, checking to make sure everything was in tact with the civilian population. At the corner of her eye, the Vissian spotted Mowree Nurunyun approaching her.
The Caitian commented quietly, observing the group near the terminal. “The civilians seem to be taking the situation with the sabotages well.”
“Well, as long as they don’t start rioting, then everything is good,” the Sec/Tac stated firmly. She noticed two marines standing beside the viewscreen, keeping an eye on the crowd. The officers walked past Blean Kor, who ran the ‘Chocolate Shoppe’ and Amy Tsu, the owner of the miscellaneous goods shop, ‘Déjà vu’.
Mowree inquired, sounding curious. “What’s going on?” They paused to stand next to the two shopkeepers.
“Just one of those programs that analyzes the war and spin the facts to fit their own views,” Trella answered flatly. “Some take an interest in listening to what the FedCom analysts say.”
Nurunyun brought up with concern. “I hear there is this particular program, broadcasted from the FedCom facility here on the station, where the analysts have been highly critical of our efforts on the station.”
Amy Tsu jumped in, having heard part of the Caitian’s dialogue. “Yes, that program is taking place right now and is quite entertaining.” Whispering in the feline officer’s ears, the Déjà vu owner informed disdainfully. “Apparently two of the analysts, Gloria King and Dan Martin have been harping over the last few days accusing the marines of violating our civil rights and questioning Commander Davidson’s loyalty to the Federation as well as ridiculing her.”
Blean Kor added with disgust. “And I don’t feel today will be any different.” On the viewscreen, two humans, a man and woman appeared and took their seats behind a counter. The female, who was introduced as Gloria King, was a slender figure in her late thirties with shoulder length reddish brown hair left open. Blean told the Caitian that she was the program’s lead analyst and a nasty woman in her opinion. Gloria’s co-worker, Dan Martin was a man in his late fifties with a beer belly and had unruly salt and pepper hair. Tsu muttered about the man coming on the program looking drunk, though he really wasn’t.
“Why do you watch the program?” Nurunyun questioned, looking puzzled.
“I just want a good laugh after a long and stressful day.” Tsu chuckled. “And to watch Kamera Lorik go toe to toe with Ms. King and Mr. Martin.”
Kor explained with admiration. “Ms. Lorik is the only analyst on the show who defends Cmdr. Davidson.” Pointing at a lovely Bajoran/Trill hybrid with chestnut curls arriving on the screen, the chocolate shop owner announced. “That is Ms. Lorik.” Kamera Lorik was the third analyst of the program and played the role of an antagonist to both Martin and King. Standing slightly taller than Gloria, Kamera, who was in her mid-thirties, sported a friendly smile towards the viewing cam.
“Lorik tore Mr. Martin to pieces over his sexist remarks regarding Cmdr. Davidson’s age and gender,” Tsu stated with amusement. “He claimed she was going through a mid-life crisis and that is why she defected.” Amy spat in disgust. “What a hypocrite! The man went through his own mid-life crisis, getting into drinking binges with Klingon women and chasing after them.”
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Scene: CO’s office
TI: One hour later
Anaqueen was buried deeply in paperwork as she sat behind Daisy’s desk. The door chimed. The Trill Captain lifted her head slightly and gave permission to the visitor to enter. Ana sat up straight, when Eishnala and Kate walked toward her sporting worried looks. “Something wrong?” She questioned, getting a dreadful feeling.
“Commander MacNeil brings me disturbing information,” the ExO replied impassively, though deep down she was feeling very uneasy.
Spankryz inquired, anxiety starting to build up inside her. “Like what?”
Kate gulped before beginning her explanation in a shaky voice. “When I was leaving sickbay, I got hounded by three FedCom reporters, who wanted me to provide an explanation on the symptoms of ‘Dominion War Syndrome’.”
“Dominion War Syndrome,” Ana repeated, becoming confused. “What did you tell them?” The Trill questioned staring intently at the half-Nuimon.
MacNeil shrugged. “I told them I had no clue what they were talking about.” The reporters encountered the Ops officer, while she waited for the turbo lift and chased her all the way to Operations. She was only able to ward the news agents off, when a security officer ordered them off the premises, claiming they were threading into restricted area.
“And they didn’t accept your answer,” Spankryz guessed, realizing with Kate’s blabbering of Daisy’s medical information, reporters would assume her to be an easy target to obtain juicy scoops.
“No Captain.” Kate shook her head, clenching her fists. “They jumped to asking me how I felt about medical experts diagnosing Commander Davidson with this condition.” The Scot remembered her shock and outrage at the claim. She wanted to smack that reporter’s head for making such an outlandish claim about a wonderful person like Daisy.
Eishnala brought up. “Captain, I overheard Ensign Braxx and another officer talking about a FedCom program broadcasted at 1700hrs every day. They were saying the most recent program, which just finished airing a few minutes ago, could lead to a widespread panic amongst the station population.”
Ana’s expression soured at the possibility of trouble in the promenade. It was bad enough there was a form changing saboteur still at large and a war happening outside the confines of the complex. Majority of the general population of the GATEWAY were already used to the dangers posed by the conflict due to having been through two battles with the Dominion and isolation from the rest of the Federation prior to that. However if something like a plague ever broke out on the station, that would put everyone there in a frenzy.
The Trill questioned coldly. “Commander, just what is in this program that would put the civilians in a panic?”
“I asked Ensign Braxx the same thing,” the Andorian began, her antennae tensing up. “She admits to not watching the program herself but know of others who do. The program called ‘Cooking the Goose’…” She paused to hear Kate stifling herself from giggling before continuing. “ ‘Cooking the Goose’ is one of the many shows on FedCom that conducts so-called detailed analysis of current events such as the war and are known to twist facts to suit their agendas. These programs have sometimes even given outrageous lies by citing some vague sources.”
The Trill CO muttered in annoyance. “Another one of those FedCom gossip rags that cater to the most ignorant masses.” Raising her voice, Ana queried. “That still doesn’t explain how this…’Cooking the Goose’ can create widespread panic all over the station.”
“Braxx heard the analyst, Gloria King claim Commander Davidson was diagnosed with a condition called the ‘Dominion War Syndrome’ and even boasted of citing medical experts who made the prognosis in the first place,” Kor explained. “She also adds the condition could be spreading amongst Starfleet officers, specifically the marines.”
Kate protested, becoming furious. “But that’s ridiculous. There is absolutely no such condition and who are these so-called medical experts?”
Eishnala sighed, displeased at the Ops officer’s sudden outburst. “No one knows.”
“Any reports of violence?” Spankryz inquired.
“I will check with Lt. Palandora,” Kor informed. “She can give me an update on the situation in the promenade and anywhere else on the station.”
Ana nodded. “Do that, Commander.”
“What are we going to do about FedCom?” Kate asked slowly. “They can’t allow this particular panel of analysts to spread false information. They need to know a condition such as the…Dominion war syndrome doesn’t exist.”
“I know,” the Trill agreed, sighing. “Commander MacNeil, obtain a copy of today’s installment of the program. We need to find out exactly what was said and deal with the situation accordingly.”
Eishnala questioned, raising an eyebrow. “What do you propose, Captain?”
“I’ll need to have a private conversation with Ms. Gloria King and then see what happens after that,” Ana declared.
--------------------------------------
Scene: Conference Room
TI: Two hours later
Gloria King paced about the room with a smirk plastered on her pink lips. The senior FedCom analyst disliked wearing lipstick and the make up artists took great pains to convince her to put on one whenever she went on air. She was grinning devilishly at the moment. After her subordinates’ multiple attempts at obtaining interviews from the senior staff failed, Gloria felt jubilant when Spankryz demanded an urgent meeting. She smiled broadly at Anaqueen when the latter entered the room.
Ana stated stiffly. “Thank you for meeting me at such short notice, Ms. King.” The two women took their seats at opposite ends of the table.
Gloria said sweetly as she crossed her legs. “Oh it’s my pleasure. I would never refuse an interview with important persons, regardless of the time of day.” Her smile broadened, aiming to unnerve the Trill hoping she would slip. “I take it you have watched tonight’s episode of ‘Cooking the Goose’ and that is what this meeting’s about.”
“Exactly,” Spankryz confirmed, giving the other woman a fixed stare. “I want you to recant your ridiculous claims of Commander Davidson and other officers suffering from ‘Dominion War Syndrome’.”
King responded with a dry chuckle. “I must say ‘the cut to the chase’ types like you really baffle me.”
Ignoring the other woman’s jab, the Captain continued to demand with a firm tone. “And issue a statement that the condition doesn’t exist and your sources provided you with false information.” A moment had passed before Ana’s demands were met with a burst of laughter from the FedCom analyst, which angered the Trill.
“Don’t you realize there is such a thing as ‘freedom of press’,” Gloria retorted, sneering. “Starfleet has no authority over us. The press has the right to publish any information we feel the public has the right to know and telling the station’s population about their Commander having a serious condition like Dominion War Syndrome is of absolute importance.”
“I’m not trying to thread on your rights, Ms. King,” Ana stated icily. “I’m asking you to stop spreading lies. You and I both know such a syndrome doesn’t exist, so why not end this charade before you start losing any credibility with your viewers.”
“Captain, my sources are medical experts, who I am not permitted to disclose,” the other woman spoke curtly.
The Trill informed, producing a sardonic smile. “Well, I hate to break it to you but my own medical experts have confirmed no such condition exists and is only a myth used by people like you to cause strife just to get your stories.”
“Ha!” Gloria sniggered. “You mean Dr. Grace Poe and that…ex-doctor Kathryn MacNeil, who got suspended because she couldn’t do her job properly. Please…Captain. Even you can’t be this obtuse.”
Lowering her voice to a harsh whisper, Ana warned. “Your lies are doing nothing but hamper war efforts and hurting dedicated officers for no reason.”
“Oh please! Captain,” Gloria opined, her brown eyes narrowing. “How did you think people felt when they saw the broadcast of Davidson announcing her defection to the Dominion? Even after they saw a drop of red blood flowing out of that woman’s thumb? She was no changeling and you expect us to believe the broadcast was all Dominion trickery as Starfleet Command put it. It felt so real!”
Ana pointed out. “The Dominion is known to indulge in treachery such as that particular broadcast just to lower the morale in the Federation. They will do whatever it takes to win this war.”
“And I suppose the same can be said about Starfleet,” the analyst sniped. Sneering at the Starfleet Captain, Gloria admonished. “Captain, it would be demoralizing to the citizens of the Federation to see a shape shifter, even though she could only transform into a cat, at the helm of GATEWAY, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Absolutely not!” Ana disagreed vehemently, her fury burning brightly. “Commander Davidson is a dedicated officer and will work hard to ensure the successful running of this station.”
Gloria argued. “Not according to my sources, who are in fact well-reputed members of the medical community.” She grinned.
“Ms. King,” the Trill warned, glaring at the other woman. “Starfleet Medical will eventually release an officially statement refuting your claims and by then, it would be late for all of us. Commander Davidson and all those other officers’ careers will be ruined and the station will go into disarray, which only benefits our enemy. I’m now offering you a chance to prevent this situation from getting worse by withdrawing your earlier statements.”
King leaned forward and hissed angrily. “You will not silence me, Captain. I’m not going to recant those claims because they are true. Commander Davidson is suffering from this condition and I’m going to make sure everyone is aware of it.”
“Why are you doing this, Ms. King? Do you have something against Commander Davidson?” Spankryz inquired a minute later.
Gloria got up and placed her palms on the table. “I want everyone to know the truth,” she answered with a serious tone.
Ana gave out a dry chuckle as she remarked with sarcasm tinged in her voice. “I’ve seen how people like you operate. You distort facts and spin them to suit your agenda and expect those gullible enough to buy them as truth.”
Edging closer to the acting CO, Gloria whispered with a threatening voice in her ears. “Don’t make an enemy of me, Captain. If you cross me, I will make sure your life will come crashing down just like I am going to do with Commander Davidson.” With that said, the FedCom analyst marched out of the room.
Ana sighed, watching the back of the other woman and fumed. She knew merely talking to King would not get her to stop the witch hunt and so the Trill had to find another way, one which would possibly discredit the FedCom analyst.
************************************************************************
NRPG: Whew! :) This took me forever lol Anyway time for me to crash tonight and have a good night’s sleep.
Ranjani Sabarinathan
Speaking for...
[/\]o..
Lieutenant Commander Kathryn MacNeil, MD
Chief Operations Officer/2nd Officer
GATEWAY STATION- 2
and
[/\]....
Captain Anaqueen Spankryz
Commanding Officer
USS COMMENDATION, NCC-10021 (Non RP ship)
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