Rotten Teeth (Part 2)

Posted on Sun Sep 6th, 2026 @ 3:24pm by Candy Templeton

1,547 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Mission 6 - Candy Leads to Cavities
Location: Candy's Quarters
Timeline: MD001 0300 hrs

[LAST TIME ON ROTTEN TEETH]

Jack stepped around Sidero so that Candy could see that he was there. "Candy, you have the right to remain silent. I suggest you exercise it. You are charged with Treason, Sedition, Terrorism, and Theft of Federation Property. This is not the place to discuss this. So, we can do this one of two ways. The first method is we give you some time to dress and we take you to Security quietly and that is that. This incidentally is the method that I prefer. The second is we cuff you and take you under guard where everyone can see. The choice is yours." Jack did not like Candy and that was no secret. However, he attempted to convey the severity of the situation, and that this was not about whether he liked her or not. It was about what she allegedly did.

[AND NOW FOR THE CONCLUSION]

"Indeed," Kora added as she motioned towards the Andorian security officer next to her with the phaser leveled at Candy. "If you resist, we can add that to the list of charges and we can carry you in while you sleep off being stunned."

Candy laughed prettily. She smiled back at Kora and responded, "I'm a lover, not a fighter, Lieutenant Sidero. You will get no resistance from me."

She then turned to Jack, "Despite the fact that you must be thoroughly enjoying this, I do appreciate the courtesy. I will remember it when this absurdity is completed. Do you mind if I shower, as well? You can inspect the bathroom to assure yourself that there is no escape for me." She then winked and said, "Or, of course, you could just watch if you wanted."

Jack chose to ignore Candy's comment about watching her and instead looked toward Kora. "Lieutenant, give her 15 minutes for a shower and to dress. Place guards in front of the bathroom. Ms. Templeton, I do not think you know the severity of these charges. If convicted, you will never be released from a penal colony. Now, I suggest you remain quiet, and do what you need to do in order to leave."

Candy asked Jack, "Oh, I understand the severity. I just find them laughable, as I've done nothing to warrant such charges. Would you mind giving me 30 minutes?"

"I'd prefer you not have more than five minutes to make yourself presentable," Kora replied as she released the cuff on Candy's wrist for now and nodded to one of her people to clear the sonic shower for use. As they cleared the restroom and began scanning it for secrets, weapons, or miscellaneous hazards, she continued in order to stall for time for her team. "After all, we have a perfectly usable shower that you can use in security. As for your innocence or guilt, that's not for us to determine. You will be tried by a Federation court, not summarily tortured to death for assumed crimes before the truth is ascertained. We try to be marginally better than those that came before us, after all. Why, I remember a time when police would barge into the wrong residence, murder everyone, and get away with it simply because they were doing their duty for king and country before going to the right house and doing the same thing. You should count yourself lucky that we're in a slightly more civilized society where we at least ask questions first before we condemn the right person for the crime." As she said this, she had the most sweet and innocent smile on her face.

"El Aurians and Lanthanites..." Candy sighed. "Well, it is a good thing that your boss, the XO, gave me 15 minutes. Now, if you would kindly remove yourself from my immediate vicinity so I can take my 15 minutes to make myself decent...?"

As the doors to the bathroom closed Jack tapped a few commands into the console on the wall. A scattering field was erected around the room that Candy was in. This simply prevented transport. "Scattering field. Just a precaution." He said to the Security Chief.

Candy set a timer the moment that she got into the bathroom. Fifteen minutes was not a lot of time to conduct her routine, but she had made a living of making hurried entrances and exits. She wondered what in the world could have gotten her into this mess while she quickly sonic showered, primped her hair, and started to do her makeup. As far as she could recall, she had not done anything even remotely questionable in the last few months. After all, she knew that Connor would not appreciate that and that was her only potential route of getting back together with him, even if both knew it was practially impossible.

After nine minutes and forty-two seconds, Candy came out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her. She announced, "I'm going into my closet to get some clothing. If you want to check it first, please be my guest but stop my time while you do so."

Jack was not sure why she felt the need to get fully made up to go sit in the Brig. If she thought that the press would have access to her, she was mistaken. At least not until the interrogation was over. For now he stood and waited. It was his duty to make sure that she made it to the Brig safely.

For her part, Candy did not care or know what was going on in Jack's brain. Her make up and her clothing were her armor. They were part of who she was and she needed to make certain that she demonstrated it to everyone. When she came out, with a minute and two seconds to spare, she was dressed immaculately in a red pant-suit with matching red pumps. Underneath was a cream colored blouse. The outfit practically screamed for her rage that was pent up inside her and her anger for being woken up, while at the same time conveying her professional persona.

She looked over at Jack and Kora and pouted, "It seems I have a minute of freedom left. I suppose that anything that I would take with me would be confiscated, so I guess we should just get this show on the road.... Do you want to search me here or when you have me in security?" She gave a consigned shrug to them.

Jack stepped forward. "Lieutenant Sidero please perform the search. Candy Templeton you are hereby under arrest. Your charges are treason, sedition, theft of Starfleet property, and inciting rebellion. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney, if you do not have one an attorney will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights as I have read them?" Jack knew that the Candy would say something else, although he hoped that the only thing she said was that she understood.

"I understand. Please let me know when I will be able to contact my lawyer," she told Jack with a simple, almost understanding smile.

"We will put you in contact with them as soon as we are able," Kora replied as she scanned the reporter with her tricorder. Satisfied with at least that part of the search, she put it away and stepped behind Candy so she could finally properly handcuff the lady in red.

Candy noticed Kora move behind her. The reporter turned around and faced Kora. "Those are not necessary. I will cooperate. I'm far from formidable."

Jack stepped over to where Candy's desk was. He closed the computer terminal that was there, and took it along with a number of data chips that were in and on the desk. "Lieutenant take the prisoner to the Brig. Book her and allow her to contact her attorney. They will need to be here as soon as possible so she can be questioned."

Candy watched as Jack took her terminal. "I hope you have a warrant for that." While her tone was pleasant, her eyes steeled. If she was a basilisk, Jack would be petrified by now.

"Yes, Ms. Templeton we do. The warrant for your arrest also spreads to your computers, and personal logs." Jack replied without any emotion. He nodded toward the door and that they should leave for the Brig.

Candy shrugged. "Don't get too excited over it. Let's escort me to the brig.... I always enjoy being accompanied by those in power. It only elevates my status."

"Enjoy it all you want," Kora replied as she and her security detail flanked Candy and escorted her out of her quarters. "It's the middle of the night and very few people will even see us. Just remember that we're the ones with the phasers, ok?"

Candy chuckled at that. What did this new Security Chief think she was? Candy did nothing by brawn and most likely people would be coming to her for information regardless. This was going to be an interesting experience.


Colonel Jack Patton
Executive Officer
Faltan Station

Candy Templeton
FNS Reporter - The Sweet Truth

Lieutenant Kora Sidero
Chief Security Officer
Faltan Station

 

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