Confusions, Conspiracies, and Contracts

Posted on Sat Dec 5th, 2020 @ 10:39am by Admiral Audra Milne & Katya
Edited on on Sun Dec 6th, 2020 @ 9:33am

Mission: The Gauntlet
Location: Carnwennan Station (DS11)

ON:

In the usually-energetic promenade of Carnwennan Station, the only deep space facility located on the border between Federation territory and the Expanse, all normal activity had come to a complete halt. Usually the corridors, venues, eateries, and shops would be alive with hoards of busy people, all going about their daily business in the typically busy fashion. As the main Federation asset and the closest link to the Expanse, it had become a major trading and transport hub - though diminished somewhat in recent months due to the political instability in the region - but no less active on a day to day scale.

Today was different. Today everyone was standing still, as they gathered around the few public view screens that lined the communal spaces, or were watching from inside their shops and restaurants in quiet contemplation. They were all glued to the Federation News Service's live feed as a mysterious event unfolded before their eyes.

"Anna Oaken here, your Chief Alpha Quadrant correspondent for the Federation News Network, with the latest update." Came the serious tone of the reporter on screen. She was standing in the San Francisco sunlight, but her usually cheery face was now noticeably grim. "The message we have been hearing all morning continues to be broadcast across the subspace relay network. Starfleet still isn't revealing any information about its origins or purpose, but we have reason to believe the Federation Security Council is currently in an emergency session to discuss the situation."

"We know the USS Pandora launched two years ago for a deep-space mission into the Expanse," Oaken continued, as the screen flicked to archival footage of the Luna Ship Yards in 2388, the newly refurbished Luna Class vessel shone under the spotlights against the backdrop of Earth. Oaken herself was there to cover the event of the Pandora's launch. "She was one of the first scientific vessels to venture beyond Federation borders after the end of the Dominion War. The Pandora's launch was a benchmark for Starfleet returning to its true purpose of investigation and discovery, and for the Federation to return to extending the hand of friendship and diplomacy to our nearby neighbours once more. We know very little of the Pandora's mission within the Expanse during this time, apart from some updates from the regular Starfleet briefings. However, this new development signifies something terribly wrong may have happened to the ship."

Oaken and her floating camera looked towards the Starfleet Headquarters; the plaza outside was unusually quiet, an indication of the seriousness of the situation.

"Starfleet are yet to make an official statement on the event," She continued, "We had the extraordinary claim from an unnamed source after the message began that the USS Pandora is somehow lost within the Expanse. Family members have come forward to say it has been several weeks since they last received any communications from their loved ones serving on board the ship. When questioned, a Starfleet representative has merely said this is standard protocol for a deep-space mission. We are expecting the regular daily briefing in two hours. No word yet if this has been delayed or extended."

Oaken frowned, "For now, the only words we have to listen to are the ones coming from the message itself."

And it played. A black background with the vague sound of static. A distorted, computerised voice says just three words:

"Stop the Pandora"

"Stop the Pandora"

"Stop the Pandora"

The screen returned to the reporter, as Anna just shook her head. "Chilling words with - as yet - no explanation. I'm Anna Oaken for the Federation News."

Standing within the watching crowd was Katya, owner of Paradise Outpost and de-facto leader within the Expanse. She had come to Carnwennan to ask for assistance from the Federation to help protect her trading station. However, with the Federation unwilling to send forces into the Expanse without cause, she had decided to put her efforts into finding the one Starfleet vessel she believed could help. The Pandora. Now it was obvious that she wouldn't be the only one searching for the missing Luna Class vessel.

Katya heard the crowd whispering and talking between themselves as they watched the event unfold, she eyed them with confusion.

"I heard from a trade ship that docked last night," One said. "They said the Pandora crew went rogue. Killed their Captain and started working for the Ravagers."

"No, that was debunked last hour." Another chimed in. "Apparently this is a counter-strike exercise because the Borg have seized the ship and it's en-route back to Earth filled with Borg drones. The message is a warning to us."

"You mean Starfleet are putting out the message?"

"Yes! That's why they're not saying anything. They don't want to cause a panic but they're also keeping us on alert!"

"No, no, no. Listen to the clues. The message is three seconds and forty two micro-seconds longs, right? It's a code to signify at three-forty two today, all Luna Class Vessels will revert to war ships and invade Klingon space. It's all there in the message!"

The commentary descended into further farcical arguments, causing Katya to shake her head and walk away. She found herself a quiet spot in the Observation Ring, which happened to be facing the Expanse with it's wide bay windows showing the mysterious space ahead of them. She sighed and leaned against the railing.

"How am I to find the Pandora now?" She wondered aloud.

A voice spoke from behind her, "Boy would we like to know that." Came the female.

Katya spun around and saw a distinguished woman in a Starfleet uniform standing behind her. The uniform was black with red shoulders, a number of gold pips on her lapel. She looked poised and experienced; older for a human but not too old. Her dark black hair was swept back and her demeanour was noticeably formal with arms tucked neatly behind her back.

"And who is 'we'?" Katya asked immediately, eyeing the officer hesitantly. She wished she had her bodyguards with her.

"Admiral Milne, Acting Chief of Expanse Operations for the region." Milne replied modestly, her husky tone noticeably soft. "I don't need to ask who you are, Queen Katya. You're hard to miss in a crowd."

The Anh'Iran bowed somewhat, her vibrant orange hair bouncing as she did. She allowed herself a smile as she believed she was finally receiving the recognition she deserved.

"So you're in charge around here?" Katya asked, raising an eyebrow. She was neither impressed nor indifferent to the Admiral, more trying to feel out her visitor's malleability.

"Yes." Milne replied quickly, not one to mince her words. It would be obvious to say she was part of a team, or that this was the Federation's station, but in truth she had taken command of this region with a clear plan to clean up the previous Admiral's mess and she was not going to waste any time doing so. "I believe we have some mutual friends in trouble."

Katya nodded, "The Pandora. How much trouble, Admiral?"

Milne sighed and looked around, she nodded to an office nearby. It was an Ops work room. "Care for a private discussion?"

Thinking about the question for a moment, Katya demurred. She did want to help the Pandora, but she also wanted to help herself. She didn't know if she could trust this Milne person, and it seemed like people on this station were enjoying the spectacle of the situation rather than trying to fix it. How did she know that Milne wasn't another conspiracy theorist with nothing to help her? Katya couldn't know, but she decided she could at least hear Milne out.

"Okay." Katya said finally.

Milne and Katya ducked into the Ops office; it was a small secondary work station with a console and two chairs, and a supply cupboard across the far wall. There was an Ensign on duty who quickly vacated the room as the superior officer appeared and requested the room without explanation. The Ensign practically left a warp trail as he hurriedly exited, not asking any questions.

Closing the door, Milne turned back to Katya, "We know the whereabouts of the Pandora and where she is going." Milne admitted this freely. "The message that everyone is watching is actually encoded with the Pandora's original location, however this has not been revealed as yet. In any event, they have since left that location and are making their way through the Expanse to Earth right now."

"Oh." Katya was surprised. "So you have spoken to the Captain? Temple?"

"Yes." Milne nodded. "And recently."

Katya was somewhat relieved, knowing that her friends were actually okay was a giant weight off her shoulders. However, the fact that the Admiral was telling her this information seemed suspiciously forthcoming.

"So why doesn't the Starfleet say this to the people?" Katya asked pointedly. "It seems this would silence many of the crazy talk I have heard."

"Because I believe there are people within Starfleet actively working against the Pandora." Milne answered seriously. There was no hint of dishonesty or malice in her tone; she wanted Katya to help her so she was telling the complete truth. "We cannot reveal what we know of the Pandora's location as it risks exposing her to more danger. These people are just waiting for us to make a statement and use that to hunt down the Pandora."

Katya suddenly felt like some of the air leave her lungs as she took in this news. Her vibrant tattoos glowed brightly on her skin as she felt the intensity of the information.

"What are they trying to do then?" Katya asked. "Destroy the ship?"

"Most likely." Milne nodded, "The ship is carrying a very important suspect in a large-scale conspiracy case, in addition to damning intelligence that they don't want to get out."

Katya thought about it for a moment, contemplating the realisation that her friends may actually be in more trouble than she originally anticipated. And if Starfleet are unable to help or stop these unseen enemies, how could she? She squared her eyes at the Admiral and asked, "Why are you telling me this, then?"

"Because you can travel back into the Expanse and help the Pandora." Milne answered immediately. "Starfleet cannot send in a fleet without triggering the Alrakis Pact and starting a war. They're just looking for an excuse. We also don't know who to trust within Starfleet at this time either. But you are free to return to the Expanse at any time."

Katya frowned, "How can I help?"

"Provide her with safe haven." Milne said, her tone changing now to a plea. She was asking for Katya's help. "Please. I know Paradise has strong defensive capabilities and a small army of free-fighters now."

"Pandora helped us to liberate and find our strength in unity." Katya answered, a slight smile on her lips. "We do owe her."

"Then please help." Milne immediately said. "I'm not asking you to go to war for us, but provide passage through your quadrant and protection into the Corridor. We can escort her from there."

With a stern look, Katya said, "I do this, I make an enemy out of all Alrakis Pact and your Starfleet traitors too. I'm leaving myself open to reprisals."

Milne nodded, she was prepared for this question, "I will review your request for protection from Starfleet. I know you spoke to Federation representatives earlier, and they were hesitant..."

"Cowards!" Katya spat.

"...But I can make the call and get you temporary protection." Milne continued, "And I can recommend to the Federation Council that we adopt your Outpost and surrounding systems into a formal diplomatic agreement."

Katya took this in; it was everything she had come to Carnwennan Station to achieve. "You could do this?" She asked nervously.

"I can't make promises for the Council, they are politicians after all, but I can herald your cause." Milne replied, holding up her hands. "And I never forget a favour."

"Neither do I, Admiral." Katya replied with a smile as she stuck out her hand. She had found this to be normal human custom and wanted to replicate it.

Milne took the offered hand in her own and shook, "You'll help?"

"I will." Katya nodded, "I will gather my people and head back to the Expanse immediately."

Looking noticeably relieved, Milne leaned against the console and smiled, "That's wonderful. I know the Pandora will likely try to head to your territory first, please don't make too obvious a show when you escort her through."

"I know the Expanse well, Admiral." Katya cocked her head back as she spoke, "I can get the Pandora through without anyone knowing."

"Wonderful." Milne breathed out, as she started to relax her hand.

"I have another request." Katya deliberately held her grip onto Mine for a moment longer. The Admiral raised an eyebrow expectantly and Katya gave a concentrated smile, like the spider watching the fly enter his parlour.

"What is it?" Milne asked hesitantly, though she tried to hold her poised face.

"My associate. Mauricio Arnaldo." Katya began, "He wants a new life in Expanse, but he worries for his friends and family still. I know he is committed to Paradise but he has connections to his old life. This causes him concern."

"We will sort out a visitation passport." Milne quickly answered. "He will be free to travel back whenever he chooses."

Katya released her grip and beamed. "That is... wonderful, as you say. We have a contract."

Milne returned her hand to her side, grateful they still had a deal in place. "Unofficially, of course." She stated. "No one can know."

"In my world, a contract is binding." Katya explained, "We speak only to what we have agreed to, and to this I have agreed. We will talk again when the Pandora is safely back home."

"Thank you, Katya." Admiral Milne sighed. "Let us hope we get her back soon."

Katya slipped out of the office and back into the Promenade, leaving Milne finding her way to her own office. With a mission at hand, Katya had to find her people and get off the station as quickly as possible. She would have to raise the alarm at Paradise and get her many fighters armed and ready to protect the Pandora. She had long-wondered how she would repay her debt to the Pandora for helping them to remove the Breen presence from the station, now she had her answer. Not only would she see her friends safe again, she would help protect her Outpost long into the future as well.

'Overall, it had been a good meeting.' Katya thought as she walked to her quarters.

OFF