Up To Spec
Posted on Wed May 7th, 2025 @ 2:28am by Commander Mariko Tao & Captain Kiyoshi Shingoen
Edited on on Mon Jun 2nd, 2025 @ 7:11am
1,072 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
Episode 2 - The Sins of History
Location: Office of The Prison Warden - Deck 13 - USS Artemis
Timeline: MD011 1017 hrs
A prison was quite unheard of on a ship, let alone a whole deck devoted to it. However, the Artemis was a unique ship in that respect, and in many other ways. It's overarching mission was to catch bad people and lock them up after a trial, if found guilty of course.
They had recently picked up their new prison warden, Captain Kiyoshi Shingoen. Odd in the sense that they were a marine and usually marines were not associated with prisons, or being in charge or running one. Mariko had also heard of their heritage, their home of Japan on Earth, a place her people had left over 150 years ago to create Anbara-sei.
As the turbolift doors opened she made her way to the warden's office and rang the chime awaiting their response.
Kiyoshi had the office arranged just the way he wanted. His work for the day he was done. He was taking a few minutes in meditation when the chime rang.
"COME!" he called out.
The doors opened and Mariko saw the person sitting on the ground. Their posture, their stance very much of someone who had been attempting silent contemplation. "My apologies, captain. If you are busy I can come another time?" she offered the choice.
"No," he said, as he unfolded and stood to his feet. "It's fine. How can I help you today?"
Mariko bowed towards them. "I'm Commander Tao, XO of the ship. I've just come to make a small inspection of the prison deck before Gul Vamcet is placed here, and see if there is anything you need that I may be able to get for you, or do for you," she spoke calmly and with air of authority.
He bowed in return, grateful that she was respecting his traditions even if his father didn't think that he did.
"I was just getting ready to do an inspection myself," Kiyoshi said. "Take a walk with me and we can tour the facilities together ."
"Tell me more about our new arrival."
Mariko nodded. "Lead the way." she said as Shingoen led both of them out of the office. "Cardassian male, former Gul of the Cardassian military, and former commandant of the Porchet Labour Camp. Many charges against him at the moment, war crimes being a particularly high one as he is alleged to have been at the forefront of mass murdering Bajorans and even some talk of experimentation on them." Mariko shook her head in disgust. "He is as sharp and cunning as most Cardassians I have met, maybe even more smug but he also has a medical condition that may be the cause of his sudden change in personality. Giving himself up to me for the good of our away party and those on the station would not be something a Cardassian would do. I don't see an advantage which would be one reason I would be suspicious of him doing so..."
"I would call in the doctor for a very thorough examination," Kiyoshi said as they exited the office and moved to the first row of cells. It does seem rather convenient. He may have a medical condition that's above my pay grade.
"I'm not normally a fan of conspiracy theories, but in this case I'll make an exception. Or, at the very least, I am keeping a close eye on him. I would say it's highly probable that he is up to something. Planning something."
"I believe doctors Kenobi and Canak have already done some preliminary examinations of him. I've not been briefed yet as to his condition but I'm sure you will be as he'll be under your care here." Mariko continued to follow them. Peering into the cells, they were what you'd expect. Simple design, simple comfort, such a bed, wash area, and privacy screen for the toilet area.
"I think he'll be worth keeping a close eye on anyway. He'll try his charm offensive on you. I've yet to meet a Cardassian who doesn't think they are the centre of the universe." Although she had only had a few run-ins with them. Mostly Romulan interactions, but still, as a diplomat previously she did encounter a variety of species.
"I've conducted a few interrogations before in my time. I hope I'm immune to such things. I've found playing dumb often gives my opponent a case of overconfidence."
Mariko nodded. "Oh definitely. Give them a chance to lay out a glorious plan that you claim to not understand does make them feel large and in charge of the situation..." she trailed off as she thought. "As much as I hate seeing people incarcerated, this will be the first person to grace these cells with their presence. There is something quite foreboding about that for me."
"It's less so for me, if I'm being honest." Kiyoshi responded. "Not that I like seeing people behind bars, or a force field, in today's technology, I don't. Some people are basically good and have just made some poor life choices. I feel empathy for them this Cardassian doesn't fit that model."
"I'll be rather glad to see him locked up.'
"I don't think him running free would be the best for everyone." Mariko agreed. "The cells seem to be in good order, Captain." There wasn't much to see. It was, after all, a prison. "Leaves me to ask if there is anything you need to keep this place running, or anything you want to show me, or get off your chest?" she asked.
"No, I think I'm good for now."
"Great," Mariko said as she clapped her hands together softly. "If you need anything, please just send me a message or come see me. My door is always open to those on board."
"I would say the same. My door is always open, unless of course you become a prisoner."
"I shall endeavour to stay on the good side of the law." Mariko mused. "Although... you never know." the tiniest smirk formed on her lips, almost imperceptible as she then turned and left the Warden to their duties.
A Joint Post By
Commander Mariko Tao
Executive Officer, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Captain Kiyoshi Shingoen
Prison Warden, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
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