USS Bluefin
Star Station Echo, Berth 14
Akinola made his way back to his cabin but decided against trying to sleep again. The sight of his bed made him slightly uneasy. Instead, he stepped into the sonic shower, then dressed himself in his gray turtleneck and burgundy jacket with black pants. While his choice of uniform was technically out of date, he liked it because it was warmer than the standard jump suit. For some reason, whenever he had a nightmare, he had a hard time staying warm the next day.
The patch had relieved his headache markedly and the nightmare was mostly forgotten. Leaving his cabin again, he stopped by the wardroom to get a mug of coffee before heading for the bridge.
* * *
Commander Strauss was surprised to see the captain on the bridge so early. She stood, relinquishing the command chair. "Captain, you're up early this morning."
"Couldn't sleep," he said simply. "Anything going on I should know about?"
Strauss gave him an appraising look but did not remark on his lack of sleep. "We've completed laying in stores and replenishing our torpedoes. Everyone on shore leave has checked back in and engineering reports that all diagnostics are complete and we are ready to leave at your discretion."
Akinola winced slightly as he sipped the hot coffee. "Very well, XO. Notify the station that we will be departing within the hour."
"Aye sir. And our orders?"
"We're to head to the Klaamat system by way of the Badlands. It seems a couple of freighters have come up missing. Might be raiders, may have been an ion storm," he took another sip of coffee, "or, might be the Maquis."
Strauss raised her eyebrows. "The Maquis? Are they active again?"
Akinola nodded. "Apparently so. And from the intel report I received, they're playing hardball now."
* * *
An hour later, the bridge crew was at departure stations and everyone was focused on their tasks. Akinola was in the command seat while Strauss manned tactical. Bane was at OPs, Lt. Sarnek manned the Helm and Ensign Li sat at the navigator's console. Master Chief Solly Brin took his usual departure station, seated aft at environmental controls.
"Station traffic control has cleared us for departure, captain," said Bane.
"Very well. Navigator, plot a direct course to the Klaamat system through the Badlands. Helm, ahead slow on thrusters until we clear the yard, the one half impulse until we clear the outer markers. When clear, make our speed warp 6," said Akinola.
Each station acknowledged their orders, then proceeded to carry out their assignments. When they received confirmation that the ship was secure and the umbilicals and gangway were retracted, Akinola said, "Take us out, Mr. Sarnek."
The departure for the Bluefin was routine and uneventful. Usually, Akinola enjoyed watching the play unfold, but this morning, he was distracted. Strauss noticed that he forgot to order the departure angle on the viewscreen. Certainly, not a mandatory procedure, but tradition nonetheless. As Sarnek brought the ship to one half impulse, Strauss walked up to Akinola, who appeared deep in thought. "Captain?" she said softly, "Are you alright?"
Akinola sat up and gave a slight smile. "Yes commander, just thinking." He regarded his young executive officer and seemed to come to a decision. "I need to bend your ear for a few minutes, XO." He stood, indicating the ready room. "Mr. Bane, you have the conn."
Strauss took a seat across from the captain. "Sir, I don't mean to press the issue, but are you sure you're alright?"
Akinola gave a short laugh. "I'm fine, XO. Just a bit sleep-deprived. That's not why I called you in here anyway."
He leaned forward, and looked at her with a penetrating gaze. "Commander, what we're about to discuss is not to leave this room until I say otherwise, is that clear?"
"As crystal, sir."
"Good." He leaned back in his chair, maintaining eye contact with the petite XO. "I'll be honest with you. I debated whether to discuss this with you. You're still relatively new to the ship and we're still getting to know each other."
Inga nodded, wondering where this was leading.
"But," Akinola continued, "I realized if I couldn't trust you with this, then we've got no business serving together on this ship. Now, I reiterate, what I'm going to tell you is between you and me for now." He paused. "I have learned that Dr. Baxter did not commit suicide. He was murdered."
For a moment, Strauss was dumbstruck. She shook her head, an incredulous expression on her face. "Murdered? But who . . . why would anyone kill Dr. Baxter? Who told you this?"
Akinola held up a hand. "One thing at a time, commander. Let's just say my source is in a position to know such things. The problem is, I'm not sure how far I can trust this source. As to who, have you ever heard of Section 31?"
Strauss shook her head. "What's that?"
"It's a covert group within Starfleet intelligence - a rogue agency with its own agenda. Apparently, it's been around as long as Starfleet. And they operate outside of Federation law."
"But why would they want Dr. Baxter dead? Does it have anything to do with what happened with the Romulans and the wormhole?"
"That seems likely, although I don't understand how he could be a threat to them. Inga there's one other thing, and this is why I don't want you to tell anyone about our conversation. It is likely that Section 31 has planted an operative on this ship."
"For what possible reason?"
"We know about the wormhole and the cloaked ships that Starfleet Intelligence is using. And my gut tells me there's something else going on here, too. I just don't have a clue what it is."
"Sir, what do you want me to do?" asked Strauss, earnestly.
Akinola smiled. "For the moment, nothing. The last thing I want to do is to start spying on my own crew. That's just a short walk around the corner to paranoia. But if you do come across anything out of the ordinary - unauthorized communications, for example, let me know."
Strauss nodded, a serious expression on her face. "I will, sir." She hesitated before adding, "But I hate keeping the truth about Dr. Baxter from the crew!"
"So do I, commander. But if we reveal it, our mole, if we do have one, will know that we know about Section 31. And right now, feigned ignorance works in our favor."
* * *
T'Ser had finished breakfast and returned to her quarters. She was about to compose a message to her parents, when her door annunciator chimed. "Come in," she said.
She was surprised to see Lt. Sarnek standing in the doorway.
"Commander, I apologize for the intrusion, but I was wondering if I might speak with you for a moment."
T'Ser stood and gestured for the young Vulcan to enter. "What can I do for you, lieutenant?" she asked, cautiously.
Sarnek stood with his hands behind him, his expression was troubled. "I wish to express to you my regret that I was unable to help Dr. Baxter."
T'Ser was caught off-guard by the statement. "Sarnek - it was not your fault. I and the rest of the crew appreciate your effort to help him. Mind-melding with Dr. Baxter must have been difficult."
Sarnek frowned, not making eye contact with T'Ser. "But it was not difficult, commander. I was surprised to find how open his mind was - the experience was . . . enlightening." He looked up. "Though I have only been on this ship for a short while, the meld gave me a deep understanding and appreciation for him. He was truly a remarkable man."
T'Ser fought to maintain her composure. "Yes, yes he was. He was like a grandfather to me."
Sarnek nodded. "Yes, he felt very close to you, commander. And, to be honest with you, touching his mind has made me re-evaluate some of my own prejudices . . . towards you."
T'Ser could not speak, but nodded her head briefly.
"I wanted to say that . . . and also to say, I grieve with thee, T'Ser," the last spoken in formal Vulcan.
T'Ser found her voice at last. "Thank you, Sarnek. That means a great deal to me."
Sarnek nodded, but still appeared troubled. "There is one thing I do not understand, though."
"What would that be, Sarnek?"
"When I touched Dr. Baxter's mind, I discovered no proclivity for self-destruction. He was upset and ashamed, to be sure, but he also had a great . . . love for life. His religious beliefs, which were very strong, rejected suicide as an option. If anything, I found one over-riding principle that permeated his thoughts - hope." He looked up at T'Ser. "It is neither logical nor credible that Dr. Baxter would kill himself."
* * *
Star Station Echo, Berth 14
Akinola made his way back to his cabin but decided against trying to sleep again. The sight of his bed made him slightly uneasy. Instead, he stepped into the sonic shower, then dressed himself in his gray turtleneck and burgundy jacket with black pants. While his choice of uniform was technically out of date, he liked it because it was warmer than the standard jump suit. For some reason, whenever he had a nightmare, he had a hard time staying warm the next day.
The patch had relieved his headache markedly and the nightmare was mostly forgotten. Leaving his cabin again, he stopped by the wardroom to get a mug of coffee before heading for the bridge.
* * *
Commander Strauss was surprised to see the captain on the bridge so early. She stood, relinquishing the command chair. "Captain, you're up early this morning."
"Couldn't sleep," he said simply. "Anything going on I should know about?"
Strauss gave him an appraising look but did not remark on his lack of sleep. "We've completed laying in stores and replenishing our torpedoes. Everyone on shore leave has checked back in and engineering reports that all diagnostics are complete and we are ready to leave at your discretion."
Akinola winced slightly as he sipped the hot coffee. "Very well, XO. Notify the station that we will be departing within the hour."
"Aye sir. And our orders?"
"We're to head to the Klaamat system by way of the Badlands. It seems a couple of freighters have come up missing. Might be raiders, may have been an ion storm," he took another sip of coffee, "or, might be the Maquis."
Strauss raised her eyebrows. "The Maquis? Are they active again?"
Akinola nodded. "Apparently so. And from the intel report I received, they're playing hardball now."
* * *
An hour later, the bridge crew was at departure stations and everyone was focused on their tasks. Akinola was in the command seat while Strauss manned tactical. Bane was at OPs, Lt. Sarnek manned the Helm and Ensign Li sat at the navigator's console. Master Chief Solly Brin took his usual departure station, seated aft at environmental controls.
"Station traffic control has cleared us for departure, captain," said Bane.
"Very well. Navigator, plot a direct course to the Klaamat system through the Badlands. Helm, ahead slow on thrusters until we clear the yard, the one half impulse until we clear the outer markers. When clear, make our speed warp 6," said Akinola.
Each station acknowledged their orders, then proceeded to carry out their assignments. When they received confirmation that the ship was secure and the umbilicals and gangway were retracted, Akinola said, "Take us out, Mr. Sarnek."
The departure for the Bluefin was routine and uneventful. Usually, Akinola enjoyed watching the play unfold, but this morning, he was distracted. Strauss noticed that he forgot to order the departure angle on the viewscreen. Certainly, not a mandatory procedure, but tradition nonetheless. As Sarnek brought the ship to one half impulse, Strauss walked up to Akinola, who appeared deep in thought. "Captain?" she said softly, "Are you alright?"
Akinola sat up and gave a slight smile. "Yes commander, just thinking." He regarded his young executive officer and seemed to come to a decision. "I need to bend your ear for a few minutes, XO." He stood, indicating the ready room. "Mr. Bane, you have the conn."
Strauss took a seat across from the captain. "Sir, I don't mean to press the issue, but are you sure you're alright?"
Akinola gave a short laugh. "I'm fine, XO. Just a bit sleep-deprived. That's not why I called you in here anyway."
He leaned forward, and looked at her with a penetrating gaze. "Commander, what we're about to discuss is not to leave this room until I say otherwise, is that clear?"
"As crystal, sir."
"Good." He leaned back in his chair, maintaining eye contact with the petite XO. "I'll be honest with you. I debated whether to discuss this with you. You're still relatively new to the ship and we're still getting to know each other."
Inga nodded, wondering where this was leading.
"But," Akinola continued, "I realized if I couldn't trust you with this, then we've got no business serving together on this ship. Now, I reiterate, what I'm going to tell you is between you and me for now." He paused. "I have learned that Dr. Baxter did not commit suicide. He was murdered."
For a moment, Strauss was dumbstruck. She shook her head, an incredulous expression on her face. "Murdered? But who . . . why would anyone kill Dr. Baxter? Who told you this?"
Akinola held up a hand. "One thing at a time, commander. Let's just say my source is in a position to know such things. The problem is, I'm not sure how far I can trust this source. As to who, have you ever heard of Section 31?"
Strauss shook her head. "What's that?"
"It's a covert group within Starfleet intelligence - a rogue agency with its own agenda. Apparently, it's been around as long as Starfleet. And they operate outside of Federation law."
"But why would they want Dr. Baxter dead? Does it have anything to do with what happened with the Romulans and the wormhole?"
"That seems likely, although I don't understand how he could be a threat to them. Inga there's one other thing, and this is why I don't want you to tell anyone about our conversation. It is likely that Section 31 has planted an operative on this ship."
"For what possible reason?"
"We know about the wormhole and the cloaked ships that Starfleet Intelligence is using. And my gut tells me there's something else going on here, too. I just don't have a clue what it is."
"Sir, what do you want me to do?" asked Strauss, earnestly.
Akinola smiled. "For the moment, nothing. The last thing I want to do is to start spying on my own crew. That's just a short walk around the corner to paranoia. But if you do come across anything out of the ordinary - unauthorized communications, for example, let me know."
Strauss nodded, a serious expression on her face. "I will, sir." She hesitated before adding, "But I hate keeping the truth about Dr. Baxter from the crew!"
"So do I, commander. But if we reveal it, our mole, if we do have one, will know that we know about Section 31. And right now, feigned ignorance works in our favor."
* * *
T'Ser had finished breakfast and returned to her quarters. She was about to compose a message to her parents, when her door annunciator chimed. "Come in," she said.
She was surprised to see Lt. Sarnek standing in the doorway.
"Commander, I apologize for the intrusion, but I was wondering if I might speak with you for a moment."
T'Ser stood and gestured for the young Vulcan to enter. "What can I do for you, lieutenant?" she asked, cautiously.
Sarnek stood with his hands behind him, his expression was troubled. "I wish to express to you my regret that I was unable to help Dr. Baxter."
T'Ser was caught off-guard by the statement. "Sarnek - it was not your fault. I and the rest of the crew appreciate your effort to help him. Mind-melding with Dr. Baxter must have been difficult."
Sarnek frowned, not making eye contact with T'Ser. "But it was not difficult, commander. I was surprised to find how open his mind was - the experience was . . . enlightening." He looked up. "Though I have only been on this ship for a short while, the meld gave me a deep understanding and appreciation for him. He was truly a remarkable man."
T'Ser fought to maintain her composure. "Yes, yes he was. He was like a grandfather to me."
Sarnek nodded. "Yes, he felt very close to you, commander. And, to be honest with you, touching his mind has made me re-evaluate some of my own prejudices . . . towards you."
T'Ser could not speak, but nodded her head briefly.
"I wanted to say that . . . and also to say, I grieve with thee, T'Ser," the last spoken in formal Vulcan.
T'Ser found her voice at last. "Thank you, Sarnek. That means a great deal to me."
Sarnek nodded, but still appeared troubled. "There is one thing I do not understand, though."
"What would that be, Sarnek?"
"When I touched Dr. Baxter's mind, I discovered no proclivity for self-destruction. He was upset and ashamed, to be sure, but he also had a great . . . love for life. His religious beliefs, which were very strong, rejected suicide as an option. If anything, I found one over-riding principle that permeated his thoughts - hope." He looked up at T'Ser. "It is neither logical nor credible that Dr. Baxter would kill himself."
* * *
