One little white lie
"
By: Samantha Carter, Security Officer, [RNPC]
Gordon Birkhoff, Computer Tech, [NPC]
Stardate: 58204.20 1330
"Hey gorgeous, one of the feds yelled at her. Wanna play? Sam ignored him which resulted in some bad language. You're not paying attention to me gorgeous", the prisoner said again.
Sam turned around standing before the forcefield. She smiled, "I never pay attention to braggers."
The prisoner snarled. "You're thinking about how you 're going to kill me.
The federation betrayed you, Sam said. And look where it lead you. In the brig on its way to Rura Pente.
The prisoner laughed, "Well gorgeous we ain't there yet. Lots can happen during that time.
Sam laughed. You squandered your gift and your talents to be a lackey of the spineless Federation. So I am giving you a choise. Take it or leave it."
You can either join us or spent the next years in an agony booth at Rura Pente. Take your time, think about it."
"I do not need to think the reply came. What we did we did for justice."
Sam said nothing in reply, offered no sign of encouragement or of disinterest. She had heard this story several times today. But for now all things considered, she was content to wait.
Sam passed the remaining holding cells untill she had reached the little interrogation room.
The next prisoner sat down at Carter's table. He was a simple looking young man, very quiet.
When prompted he said, "My name is Gordon Birkhoff, chief science officer, USS Lynx." he said politly.
Sam sat down. "Goodmoring Mr Birkhoff. I'm sorry we have to meet under these circumstances."
"Its alright." said Birkhoff respectfully.
"I will be blunt. The only reason we are having this conversation is for me to find out if you are lying. If you are, you will be spending many years at Rura Penthe, if not you can stay on Qul Tuq or even join the Maquis. It is totally up to you.
"Of course I would be intersted in joining the Maquis. W-what would I have to do?"
"Let's start from the beginning. How did you end up on the Linx."
"Well, the Federation is getting desperate, I was drafted into service. I was just a computer systems technician on Earth."
"I see, how did you feel about that, being drafted. Let me rephrase that, how do you feel about the ideals of the Federation."
"I was against it." he said, with a nod.
"If and I mean if, we decide to accept you becoming a member of the Maqui. Can you tell me how you think you can make a difference. Are you prepared to use your skills for our benefit."
"Yes Ma'am, I am one of the best computer technicians around. I am sure I could work to make a difference for the...Maquis."
Sam saw a slight glimmer of hope or something else in Birkhoff eyes. She was not quit confinced about his honesty. "You hesitated there for a moment. You are sure you are telling me the truth?"
'Yes ma'am," he said, holding his head down, "sorry, this is all so sudden. Years of Federation brainwashing and now I have the opportunity to be free from that." he said, punctuating his statement with a big grin.
Sam smiled, "I understand. I will discuss your choise with my superior and we will let you know our decision before we leave the station." Sam waved towards to security guards who escorted Mr Birkhoff back to his holding cell.
Sam made some last notations at her padd, ready to give it to Melissa.