Profitable Information

Posted on Mon Feb 28th, 2022 @ 10:30pm by Captain Temperance Harding

Mission: Mission 2: Chasing Shadows
Location: Lambetta Nebula

ON

The subspace communication icon blinked in the lower corner of the screen. A pair of dark eyes looked away from the PADD, and considered the blinking alert for a moment. With a sigh, the PADD was set aside, and a lone finger reached out to press the icon, pulling up the scrambled, and secure signal.

The shadowed image of a man's head and shoulders appeared. It amused him greatly that his contact would go for such theatrics. "You have news?" He asked in a deep, resonant voice.

"I do. Starfleet has launched a vessel against you. It is heading for Lambetta as we speak."

A small noise of derision escape him. "Starfleet." He sneered. "Starfleet believes it can bring order and law to the Galaxy. They fight against the natural chaos of freedom." He clenched a fist, feeling his emotions rise. "Ah, but you did not call to hear my speech. Tell me, who have they sent?"

"The Endurance."

"The Endurance... the Endurance..." He leaned back in his chair, looking up to the ceiling, considering those words carefully. "Wasn't that the ship that foiled my plans with the SS Liberte? ... Yes. I rarely forget those who cross me. So, this Captain of theirs wishes to once again put their ship in my sights. What do you know?"

"Temperance Harding. Smart, talented, and dedicated. She is not to be underestimated. She may be young, but she has earned her seat. Her promotion was no mere bureaucratic filing."

"Smart... talented... dedicated." His voice turned cold. "Those are words that would describe anyone. She must have a weakness. All people do."

"She used to be a fighter pilot. Reports indicate she may still have the 'leap before you look' decision-making of that profession. Anger her, provoke her. She may make a mistake."

"Ahhh." He considered that tid-bit. "Yes. Many a pilot is hot-headed. How to provoke her? What is her... weak spot?"

"Her brother served on the USS Nelson. I believe that ship tried to tangle with you and yours a number of years back?"

He cast his mind back, seeking the event. A number of years indeed. "Arnat IV." He said, almost half to himself. "They nearly rumbled me. Those damned Starfleet security types, always stepping into things."

"Her brother perished in that encounter. They were twins."

A pressure point. A weak spot. A smile crept across his face. A sick, twisted smile. "I have a pair of twins among my people. I know that connection well." The beginnings of a thought were forming. "Very well, you have done your job. The usual amount shall be transferred. Spend it well... Commander."

As the channel closed, he leaned back in his chair, considering all that he had been told. Finally, he pressed a control on his desk. Within moments, the door opened, and a woman entered. "Yes, sir?"

"We shall be having company soon." He explained, but did not elaborate. "Please make sure the satellites are in full working order."

"As you wish, will that be all?"

"Has the shipment been loaded?"

"The final containers are going aboard now."

He smiled. "Excellent. Launch when it is finished. Tell the pilot to take a more... circuitous route. I am willing to sacrifice time in order to avoid any... Federation entanglements. That will be all."

She turned on her heel, and left the room, and the man to his musings. "Captain Harding. You come to me again, only this time, I know who you are."

OFF