The Assassination of Don Dunphy

That's exactly what it was, an assassination. 

Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer Joe Smyth enacted a plan in which he orchestrated an encounter with Don Dunphy that gave Smyth the so-called legal opportunity to shoot and kill Dunphy on April 5, 2015. 

Dunphy allegedly was making online threats to an individual that was a part of the detail that Smyth was assigned to. Smyth took extreme offense to that and decided to take it upon himself to make sure Dunphy would never be able to carry out those threats. Even though they were simply made out of bureaucratic frustration. 

Smyth was aware that Dunphy was in possession of a rifle and that he he was growing cannabis in his home. Smyth had also learned that Dunphy was very protective of his cannabis crop as he needed it for medicinal purposes. By showing up in plain clothes and driving a dark coloured unmarked  SUV, Smyth knew that this would cause Dunphy to become suspicious and protective and possibly reach for a weapon to protect himself, which in turn would allow Smyth the opportunity to use lethal force against him. 

The fact that Smyth refused assistance from two other uniformed officers before attending Dunphy's residence is proof of this. 

The RCMP failed to conduct a proper investigation and acted to protect Smyth instead or prosecuting him as it should have been. But that said, even if the information provided by the RCMP is accurate, Dunphy still had more of a right to shoot and kill Smyth on that fatal evening. 

And of course there is the testimony of the two paramedics who were dispatched to the scene. They both testified that the RCMP manipulated the crime scene, including the body of the deceased before taking their photographs. This was obviously done to assist Smyth with evading criminal charges.

Lesson learned? If a resident of Newfoundland & Labrador were to shoot and kill a lone RNC or RCMP officer that attends their residence, that officer would never be able to testify as to what actually occurred.

That's my take away from this event.

GCW

Star Trek - A New Order

Star Trek - A New Order

by G.C.W.

I wrote this in 2016.

There is a story behind this, how it came to be, which I won't get into. This wasn't a serious project, just something that was rolling around in my head so I decided to write it down.

I think it may be better to kill off Picard and have Troi captured by the Breen. I have a great idea for a two-part episode that will bring back some old cast members from DS9 to rescue Troi.

Anyway...

60 minute TV pilot for a weekly series.

25 years after the return of the starship Voyager, the United Federation of Planets is facing an old threat that will see new alliances forged and longtime friendships come to an end. Follow the crew of the new U.S.S. Enterprise as they explore further uncharted reaches of the galaxy.

INCITING INCIDENT:

Reports are starting to come into Starfleet. The Klingon home world has been invaded and occupied by the Breen. Many Klingon colonies and outposts have been destroyed. The Breen made a surprise attack using biological weapons they have developed with the design to kill Klingons quickly. With their technology they were able to detect the Klingon cloaked ships while remaining undetected with their own cloaking technology. The Breen have issued standing orders to eliminate all Klingons. Survivors have been scattered and are being hunted by Breen extermination squads. With one of the Alpha Quadrant's finest warrior races annihilated the Breen's attempt for conquest seem inevitable.

SYNOPSIS:

The Breen are once again trying to take over the Alpha Quadrant. Starfleet scrambles to prepare a defensive. But unfortunately Starfleet still hasn't fully recovered from the Dominion War and with relative peace for the last 20 years there are limited ships' captains with combat experience. A large definitive battle will occur. Starfleet will appear to be losing when The Romulans show up with numerous ships. Half of which are captained, including the command ship, by former Romulan dissidents and would be defectors. Romulus released these prisoners as a way of showing their supposed sincerity to Starfleet. The Romulans help win the battle and now Starfleet has no choice but to work with Romulus. This is against  the wishes of the Vulcans. Eventually Starfleet will vote to bring Romulus into the Federation Council. Vulcan being opposed to this decide to leave The Federation. No one really knows what the real intent of the Romulans are. The Breen lose this important battle but are not totally defeated. They retreat to Kronos for now.

The above synopsis will lead to all sorts of dramatic scenarios. The Breen have suffered a major defeat but still occupy Kronos. The intelligence agencies of Romulus and  Starfleet will never trust one another and with Vulcan on the outside there is the possibility for many entertaining plot lines. Surviving renegade Klingons will come into play and make interesting and exciting episodes.

The Romulans fear the Breen from their past experiences with them. Helping The Federation was helping themselves. They keep this information from the Federation. The Romulans will continue to flex their muscles and try to assert further dominance in the quadrant.

Star Trek - A New Order will bring in a new audience while at the same time appealing to lifelong fans. Guest appearances of former characters of the older shows will help make the show a success. There will be surviving renegade Klingons, conflict among current and former Federation members. There isn't much known about the Breen, so possibilities for interesting and dramatic stories are wide open.

Characters:

Captain Wesley Crusher will be in command of the new U.S.S. Enterprise. Crusher has returned to Starfleet some years ago, and due to his experience on board the Enterprise and with his unique abilities he has recently become a Starfleet captain. He has been in command of his own ship for all of two weeks. At the onset of the show, Crusher is captain of the U.S.S. Falcon. A small scout ship.
Crusher has the ability to theoretically project himself anywhere in the universe. The catch is that he has had to have been there before. He cannot project himself to a location he has never physically been to. This projection requires energy and Crusher can only accomplish this while fully rested. The skill isn't unlimited. He can only perform the skill twice  per day.

Commander Taulret is a former Romulan dissident and was labeled a terrorist by The Imperial Senate. She and Captain Crusher will form  a close relationship and a bond of trust. Taulret has been in a Romulan prison for the past 6 years without charge or trial. She was released to help forge an alliance with The Federation. She has an extremely loyal following. The Imperial Senate and Tal Shiar fear her influence. Some rumours say she has connections in the Continuing Committee and possibly even the Tal Shiar. The Tal Shiar keep a close watch on Taulret. Taulret has had a few romantic relationships in the past but has born no offspring. She is sincere in her endeavors in reaching out to The Federation and she develops a close friendship with Captain Crusher.

Lieutenant Naomi Wildman returns to life on a star ship after graduating and excelling at Starfleet Academy. She is an expert in the field of Astrometrics. She still remains in close  contact with her mother and 7 of 9.

Even though she fell in love with Earth after the starship Voyager returned, Wildman has longed for a return to the stars, she feels at home aboard a U.S.S. starship. She has dedicated herself to her studies so she could accomplish this. Starfleet has recognized her skills and have decided that she will be a part of the new Enterprise crew.

Dr. Einan Ghanar is a 64 year old former member of the Bajoran resistance who operated as a field medic and surgeon during the Cardassian occupation. After the occupation he continued with his medical studies and has excelled in his field. He has decided to join Starfleet to expand his knowledge and experience. He didn't have many opportunities to explore the galaxy while practicing on Bajor.

Ghanar is very passionate in his profession. He will sometimes ignore conventional methods and even disobey orders if it means saving lives.

(I am thinking about making the Dr's a married couple. Both with the same background. They worked side by side during the occupation and have remained together ever since.

Security Officer Lt. Yero is a former enforcer of the Orion Syndicate and it's rumoured that he has committed assassinations on their behalf. The truth of the matter, which will be revealed later on in the series, is that Yero refused an assassination contract, which forced him to flee the Syndicate. The Federation felt his knowledge of the criminal organization would be of value, so he was welcomed.  The Orion Syndicate have an open contract out on Yero.

In spite of his past, Yero has proven to be a trustworthy and reliable Starfleet officer. He has the respect of the crew and senior officers.

Example scenes

Scene 1.0

The U.S.S. Starship is shown in orbit over Risa. Captain Crusher is attempting to locate former crew mate Will Riker.

Mid morning and a clear sunny day on Risa...

Will Riker and Deanna Troi are seen outdoors relaxing on wooden lounge chairs in the sun, sipping on cold drinks when Rikers communication device beeps. He looks at it quizzically then picks it up.

Riker: Will Riker here.

Crusher: Good morning, Commander, er I mean Will.

Riker with a huge grin: Wesley? Is that you? It's good to hear your voice! How's Starfleet? I heard you were back. Deanna tells me they made you a captain. It took you long enough to get in touch.

Crusher smiling: Yes it's true, a Captain a whole two weeks now. And yes, you're right, I should have sent a message sooner. I am currently in orbit...

Riker cuts off Crusher: Well Captain, I hope you will beam down and join us. The weather is spectacular as usual!

Crusher: I wish I could, but unfortunately I have no time for pleasantries Will. Starfleet could use..., no, Starfleet needs your assistance.

Riker looks at Troi worried.

Cut to Troi and Riker's quarters...

Troi: Well I'm going too.

Riker: How did I know you would say that? Well it sounds very serious, Starfleet wouldn't ask me to come out of retirement if it wasn't. Maybe you should return to Star Base 12.

Troi: You are not leaving me here alone. I can point a phaser. Besides, out of the two of us, I am the one who is still a Starfleet officer. (Troi is stationed at nearby Star Base 12 so she can be close to Riker. Riker has a permanent apartment on Risa)

Riker smiles and moves closer to Troi: Oh I know very well you are a capable officer, but working closely with each other is the reason why we never did end up together. I suppose I won't be able to change your mind will I?

Troi smiles back and moves closer to Riker: No. And this is only a temporary assignment for you anyway.

And they embrace.


Scene 1.2

Near the end of the briefing. Capt. Crusher and senior officers have briefed Riker and Troi about the events with the Breen at Kronos.

Riker: So we are at war again. And without the Klingons. I hope Starfleet has something up their sleeve.

Crusher: Agreed Will. Once we arrive at Starbase 12, you will find out where you will be needed. Starfleet isn't saying much. I wish I could tell you more.

Riker: That's not surprising. No doubt the Breen are monitoring all communications.

Security Officer: You can count on that Sir. Er, what do we call you now? Have you been given rank?

Riker: Well we will find that out too I suppose once we arrive at the base. For now, I am just another crew mate.

Troi: Wasn't Worf on Kronos? Has anyone heard from him?

Crusher: Yes, he was there in his role as Ambassador, and no, unfortunately we have received no word on his status. (Everyone looks somber after Crusher says this)

Riker: We all know how resourceful he can be. Let's not give up hope just yet. (Everyone nods in agreement)


Scene 1.3

The major battle between Starfleet and The Breen is occurring. There is a large Breen command ship and they have numerous smaller fighting vessels. Federation casualties are massive. Many Federation ships have been destroyed and many more are damaged. Riker's ship is heavily damaged as he attacks the command ship. A number of Klingons show up on suicide missions.

Cut to the bridge on Riker's ship...

There is an explosion on the bridge that throws Troi across the room. Riker bends down to check on her to discover she is gone. He lowers his head briefly then he looks up...

Riker: All hands, abandon ship! (To ensign) Hail the Falcon.

Ensign: Communication is open Sir.

Riker: (desperately) Wesley, beam my crew off, some won't make it to the escape pods! Don't worry about me, I'm staying. Good bye Wesley. Riker out.

Riker calmly walks over to the captains chair and slumps down in it and proceeds to set a collision course to the Breen ship.

Riker to the bridge crew: Everyone, to the escape pods now! (When Riker sees the hesitation he yells) That's an order!

The bridge crew obey and head to the escape pods in a rush.

Cut to the bridge of the U.S.S. Falcon...

Crusher: Will! Will!

Ensign: He has cut off communication sir.

Crusher: Transporter room! Can you get a lock on them?

Transporter room responds over the com: Yes Sir, but...

Crusher: Beam them over now!

Cut to transporter room.

The transport begins, but is too late, a blast from the Breen ship completely destroys Riker's vessel. The transport is successful but both Troi and Riker lay dead on the transporter platform.

Then suddenly...

Ensign: We got Klingons!

Three rogue Klingon birds of prey decloak. They have no intention of surviving this battle. One ship maneuvers to attack the Breen command ship and draw it's fire. A second BOP follows and ejects it's warp core. The third targets the core and fires. The blast weakens the shields of the Breen ship.The BOP's are destroyed in the blast. Crusher catches the play and orders the fleet to put all possible power to their shields.

The Klingons with their suicide runs have weakened the shielding of the Breen command ship but the Breen are still winning the battle...

Cut to the Falcon's bridge.

Ensign: Sir there are numerous vessels decloaking!

Crusher: More Klingons?

Ensign: No Sir! Romulans!

Crusher: On screen! (The view screen shows many Romulan ships surrounding the Breen command ship with the Romulan command ship remaining at a safe distance.)

Cut to bridge of Romulan command ship...

Commander Taulret is seen sitting in the captain's chair surrounded by her crew at their stations. Taulret stands and slowly walks towards the main view screen.

Taulret with a confident urgency: Open communications with the Federation vessels so they may monitor us; and hail our ships.

Cadet at control panel nods and proceeds to follow the order.

Cadet: Ready Commander.

Taulret gives her orders with a mounting fury: You all know your orders. Hit that command ship with everything we have! If anyone retreats I will execute you myself! (she pauses) NOW DESTROY IT!

The Romulans begin a relentless assault upon the large Breen command ship. The Breen were not expecting this as they had agreements with the Romulans not to interfere The Romulans help the Federation to defeat the Breen for now. The large command ship is destroyed and any smaller vessels that didn't sustain too much damage retreat.

Scene 2.0

Captain Crusher stands in a conference room at Star Fleet Head Quarters, staring blankly out the large window. There is a large table with viewing monitors built into it's surface. Empty chairs surround it. Admiral Picard stands to the left and behind Crusher.

Crusher: I brought them into this fight. It was my idea. He was done with all of this. I mean he was living on Risa, I had no right.

Picard: Yes, but you had the approval of Starfleet. You are a starship Captain now and I'm afraid this is just the beginning for you. You will lose people Wesley, but you were awarded the rank of Captain for a reason. Starfleet believes in you, I believe in you. (Picard pauses for a second) Will was my closest, dearest friend. It's not your fault. I know you understand that. And Deanna, poor Deanna... (his voice trails off, he turns from Crusher to stare out the window also)

Picard continues: The funeral is in two days. By then your new ship should be operational.

Crusher: New ship?

Picard smiles:

Cut to construction of the new U.S.S. Enterprise.

When I originally wrote this, I was unaware that Majel Barret had passed. So this would most likely be rewritten. My main point was to foreshadow Barclay anyway.

Scene 2.1

Funeral scene for Troi and Riker. Hundreds, of people show up to pay their respects. Many familiar faces in the crowd, Lwaxana Troi, Laforge, Dr. Crusher, Barclay, Admiral Janeway, O'Brian, etc. Barclay cannot contain his sorrow.

Many people offer their respects to Troi's mother Lwaxana. Crusher approaches her...

Crusher: I am so sorry...

Lwaxana takes Crusher's hands in hers: Please don't tell me you are blaming yourself young man. This was Deanna's life, and to be blunt with all the trouble the Enterprise has encountered I am surprised she made it this far. She was a proud Starfleet officer. You should be proud of her too. This was the life she wanted. but I am going to miss her. (Lwaxana starts to sob. Admiral Picard is nearby and approaches to offer his condolences and to relieve Crusher)

The funeral scene ends with Barclay entering a turbo lift with his head down. He turns and faces the door. He slowly raises his head. His face now showing a dark and sinister expression. The lift door closes swiftly.

End scene.

Scene 2.2

Crusher and Taulret are seen conversing while walking casually through the hallways of the Enterprise. Crusher is giving Taulret a tour of the ship.

Crusher: In here is our botany lab...(before the words are out of his mouth, Taulret moves past him to smell a sampling of some of the flowers that are growing in the lab. An ensign or two are going about their duties.)

Taulret with a wide grin as she enjoys the scent of a flower: This is why I was labelled a terrorist.

Crusher looks confused: Flowers? They are rather pleasant but...

Taulret: Well, not flora specifically, but to see and experience new cultures. To have relationships and friendships with people from other worlds. Romulus couldn't continue on in it's xenophobic state. As years would pass, more and more Romulans would want to leave and see what the galaxy had to offer. It gives my heart joy to know that we are finally taking these steps forward. But yes, (she returns to the flowers) this is a personal interest of mine. I love their beauty (she caresses a flower petal) this is the first time I have seen a flower outside my home world. I will not forget this moment.

Crusher: You know, you don't seem the executioner type. (said smiling)

Taulret laughs: I assume you mean back during the battle. It is what Romulans expect. Hopefully with the guidance of the Federation, we can get beyond that way of thinking.

Crusher nods: I couldn't agree more.

Scene 2.3

Picard and the Vulcan ambassador are having a private conversation aboard the Vulcan ship. The admiral is upset and is letting the ambassador know this.

Picard: For a race that prides itself on it's ability to use reasoning this move makes no sense. It would be better for the quadrant if Vulcan remained a part of the council. You know the Romulans far too well.

Ambassador: We cannot sit at the same table with them. I am sure you are aware of our people's history.

Picard: If you don't want the Romulans to exert further control over the region than it would be best to stay. Let them you know you are watching them.

Ambassador: Not to worry about that Admiral, be assured we will be watching whatever our decision. But maybe there is a way we could come to an agreement. If perhaps Federation head-quarters were moved from Earth to Vulcan, then maybe we could reconsider our recent, hasty judgement.

Picard getting upset: Ah. And there it is. I knew there had be reason for this foolish decision. It doesn't surprise me though that Vulcan would act this way however. And if The Federation won't move then what? Will you start spying on us like you did with the Andorians?

Ambassador: That is far in the past Admiral. A different time with different politics. That was a mistake that will not be repeated.

Picard unconvinced: Well we shall see.

OK, so here is what I have to end the episode...

Star fleet has given Crusher autonomy. Crusher has been a valued crew member of the former Enterprise who worked under Picard. They know he is intelligent and responsible. Star fleet has full trust in him. The Prime Directive is on hold and Crusher will not to have to check in with Star Fleet before making any decisions.

Barclay is asking to be reassigned to the Enterprise. Star Fleet denies this request due to his emotional state.

Finals scenes of the episode.

Barclay is seen wearing his pajamas, in front of his vanity in his quarters on Star Base 12.

Cut to Enterprise bridge. The Enterprise has left dock and is about to go to warp.

Crusher to transporter room: Do you have him?

TR: Yes sir.

Crusher: Energize

Barclay is transported from his quarters on SB 12 to his room on the Enterprise.

Crusher over the intercom: Welcome aboard Barclay.

Barclay looks around a little confused: Won't you be in trouble for this Sir?

Crusher: Apparently not.

Barclay: I'm wearing pajamas.

Everyone on the bridge giggles...

Crusher with a smile: I am sure we can find you a uniform.

Barclay with a huge grin: Yes Sir!

Crusher to helm: Helm?

Pilot: Course plotted Sir.

Crusher: Get us out of here. (Probably not the line, he would need his own catch phrase I assume. Or maybe he will emulate Picard?)

The Enterprise goes to warp.

End Credits.

Inmate Mistreatment

I spent most of May 2018 at Her Majesty's Penitentiary (HMP) in St. John's Newfoundland. After being released and reading the articles by Tara Bradbury of The Telegram, I decided to contact her about my experiences while there. Some of the information, and many of the prisoner quotes from the article printed on July 21, 2018 were from me. At that time, I wanted to remain anonymous because I knew I had another 30 day sentence pending and didn't want the information I provided to cause me any trouble while serving my 30 day sentence. I no longer will remain anonymous. This is what I experienced.

I was sentenced to 30 days (serve 20 days) on Oct. 22 2018 in Clarenville. I served 10 days in Clarenville at the RCMP detachment, 2 days in the St. John's Lock-up and 8 days at HMP. Due to the recent mistreatment of inmates at HMP, namely Chris Sutton, who's pleas for help were ignored resulting in him taking his own life, I decided that if I was sent to HMP I was going to at some point claim to be suicidal to see what happens to an inmate when they do that. On Nov. 5 I did that. I thought the date fitting.

After telling Correctional Officer (CO) Donahue I was suicidal he began to berate me. I referred to him as 'buddy', which is a common term that Newfoundlanders call each other. He didn't like that. He started to yell and curse at me and called me things like 'a fucking idiot'. He didn't relent until the elevators doors were closed to bring me down to the Special Handling Unit (SHU). 

When brought down to the SHU, you are stripped naked and strip searched. You are given what is called a suicide vest to wear. You are then put into a shivering cold cell where you are locked in 24/7 under a glaring light that is also on 24/7. At no time are you offered help. No one asks if you need to talk to anyone. You are basically thrown in a hole and forgot about. CO's come to feed you 3 times a day and you are offered a daily shower but you can't get a shave even with 3 CO's standing by watching you.

The cell I was put into seemed it hadn't been cleaned in weeks. The dust balls under the table and cot were good indicators of this. There was food stuff, bits of paper & plastic, old chewing gum and even a used dirty bandage on the floor. I complained and no one did anything. So I decided to get creative. While on suicide watch you are monitored by camera 24/7, so I positioned my mattress in a way that made it difficult to view me. I told them I would cooperate if they moved me to a clean cell. They moved me to the cell next to mine. It had feces smeared on the wall. Now the CO's were not aware of that, and when I told them they moved me again to a very clean cell. How difficult can it be to take 5 seconds to inspect a cell before putting an inmate in one?

Everything that is done to an inmate that may be suicidal just exacerbates their condition at HMP.

After being put down in The SHU I was brought to see the infamous Dr. Craig to assess me. The man is a monster. I think he may be a sociopath. He doesn't make decisions based on medical science or any supported research. I believe he enjoys being cruel which is why he is employed in the prison system. He couldn't get away with what he does to inmates to the general public. While I was sitting in his office a CO came to tell Dr. Craig that the inmate with the broken ankle has now turned black. Dr. Craig still didn't seem concerned in the least. CO's need to speak out about this man. When people hear inmates complain, it's just another criminal whining. Maybe if CO's started to complain, change will come sooner. 

Now, the way people are treated at HMP who may be suicidal is not necessary. Both the Waterford Hospital and HMP are funded by the province but have polar opposite polices. We have come a long way with regards to mental health in this province (still needs improvement) but unfortunately, the polices and procedures of HMP are seriously flawed and outdated. I would suggest that these polices and even the training of CO's need to be reviewed and amended to reflect what we know about how to handle people that may be suicidal or with other mental health issues.

I will give some comparisons about how the the secure units of the Waterford Hospital and HMP handle possible suicidal people...

At HMP, you are stripped naked by people who don't show too much concern. At the Waterford, you are greeted with a warm smile and you are permitted to keep your clothes and given more clothes - pajamas, shirt, sweater socks and underwear. They don't allow hoodies or laced up shoes but you are provided with a pair of Velcro shoes. 

At HMP you are locked in a cell 24/7 under a glaring light with a suicidal blanket to keep warm. At the Waterford, the door to your room is OPEN 24/7 and you are given normal bedding. Sheets, blankets and pillows. If you still find it cold you can get extra blankets. And you decide if you want your light on or off.

At HMP you are locked in so you can't talk or interact with anyone. You are free to walk around and interact with staff and other inmates/patients at the Waterford. Men and women are also housed together at the Waterford. 

At HMP, you can get a shower with 2-3 CO's standing close by but no shave. At the Waterford, you can get a shave with a single nurse standing by watching.

Everything done to an inmate who may be suicidal at HMP makes them feel worse, while at The Waterford you feel better. So my question for Premiere Ball and ministers Parsons and Haggie is this - Both institutions are funded by the province but have completely opposite ways of dealing with people with identical problems. Which facility is operating improperly? 

And it is ironic how the nurses at The Waterford can operate a more of a secure unit than trained correctional officers can at HMP. Maybe Corrections Canada could take a lesson from them.

My intention for writing this letter wasn't to lay blame on the CO's or staff at HMP. HMP is a horrible place to work also. Even the best CO's can have bad days and become frustrated. But I felt I had to mention Mr. Donahue by name because his behavior was appalling. You can't treat someone the way I was treated after being told that the inmate may be suicidal. 

It is time for change, and not just lip service Minister Andrew Parsons. HMP needs to be razed to the ground and the time is now. No one expects to begin construction on a new facility tomorrow, but progress needs to be made. At the very a least a new location should be found and requests for designs for a new facility should be made by the province. 

Inmates, CO's and other prison staff need to speak out publicly. Change would come sooner if that would happen. And we need all political parties to be unified on this matter. PC's, Liberals, NDP's and independents need to move forward on this. We can't wait any longer. People go into HMP in perfect mental health and leave with mental health problems. At no time is anyone offered any sort of medical assistance for claiming to be suicidal. The only time you see a medical professional is to determine whether the person should remain on suicide watch.

At this time I would like to give recognition to the staff at The Waterford Hospital. The nurses, doctors, social service agent and Paladin Security are all wonderful people. The care and compassion shown by the nurses was beyond anything I have ever experienced. I witnessed first hand the kind of things you have to deal with day in and day out and yet you come to work with a smile on your face showing unfettered kindness everyday. It didn't go unnoticed. You matter, you are all doing great work and I hope you keep it up in the future.

GCW