Voice over Subspace

Posted on Sun Apr 16th, 2023 @ 8:07am by Lieutenant Commander Diane Doctrine

Mission: Starship Side Quest
Location: Diane's Office
Timeline: After Diane returns to Resolution, Right Before Distress Call

Diane had just gotten back from her ill-adventure with Finchley Kerr. What a mess that turned out to be. She needed to catch up on a few things in her office before relaxing.

The console chipped with an incoming transmission. The transmission had a clearance code, but no name, rank or location. Audio only.

'I had a feeling this person would call again,' she thought as she keyed her console to answer. Not entirely happy but curious, she greeted the mystery person that knew Soran Wagnor, "I suspect you already know who I am, how can I help today?" she asked in a congenial tone.

"I'm sorry to bother you again Commander, I've heard of some of Wagnor's comrades. I'm sending you some files."

"Thank you, I appreciate the concern," Diane replied as she waited for the files to download and go through a security check. "Is there anything we should be concerned about?" The other question she wanted to ask was 'what will this information cost me?' but she held off for now. The mystery caller would say soon enough.

"There is, I can't be very specific without putting a lot of personnel in danger. There are some inconsistencies in command orders and Fleet movements. Some think there's corruption in the Admiralty… Well more than usual… Wagnor trusts you, that's good enough me… Any action you take on the files I just sent. You have the potential to cause you quite a bit of grief. For that I will owe you…"

The mentioned files had just finished going through a security scrubbing to make sure there were no hidden viruses, worms, or other tidbits that could do harm. Diane opened them on her holographic viewer. There were two maps. One was the Angosian demilitarized zone, the second was a more recent map with some sort of facility on the Federation border. There was other data in Angosian but Diane could translate that later.

"There is something of interest in this latest starmap of the Angosian system. Can you elaborate?" Diane asked.

"By treaty nothing should be there," the voice explained. "The Talsion war practically happened in the Federation's backyard, so the they have kept close tabs on our space. Until recently seems odd how they've stopped paying attention all of a sudden."

Diane studied the more recent map a little closer, “Is it possible Starfleet has set up a listening post? Is anyone from the Federation side of the border crossing over? I suspect I will need to look into this.”

"Those are definite possibilities, you're in a better place to investigate than I am. If it's a rogue Angosian operation that could spark another conflict."

"What do you suppose the probability that a rogue group of Angosians is working with Starfleet, or some other group in the Federation, to start another fight?" Diane asked.

There was a long pause… "Not all the Angosian soldiers have found legitimate endeavors to use their skills. I can't speak to the motivations or affiliations of anyone operating in that area. I'm just voicing what could be at stake. I find it strange that Starfleet has adjusted their sensor sweeps."

Diane's brow knit in thought. There was something going on in the bowels of Starfleet and now she had to find out what. "I... somehow intend to find out why. Is there any other data you can give me that might help?" Since this person was talking, she was going to get all she could.

"You should look at crime reports, rogue salvage at mining operations are a cover for all kinds of things. That installation is made from old vessels, installations like that be broken down and moved quickly." The voice sighed. "You'd think the Fleet would at least maintain their standard level of surveillance."

"You're right," Diane admitted, "I have to wonder if it's being ignored on purpose... and who is behind that."

"Be careful, have Wagnor translate those other files. I've found the computer translation loses some of the nuances."

Diane nodded to one in particular, she was alone in her office, "He's off the ship right now but expected to return shortly. I'm not sure we should wait." Diane puckered her lips in thought. Perhaps she should not have mentioned that particular detail. She cursed at herself silently for slipping and being so unprofessional.

There was an uncomfortable long pause… "I don't suppose you can tell me where Sor… Wagnor is."

The voice was trying to sound unconcerned, but it was clear he they were distressed.

"I do not," Diane replied, "Is this going to be a problem?"

"Possibly… A few of Wagnor's old acquaintances have had close calls, with suspicious circumstances… On the surface there's not much there, former Sentinels tend to get themselves in dangerous situations. His old mate Kepek had a close one, but he's alright. I don't know if people have that info yet." The voice said. "Those files contain some very personal information for Wagnor, if you think he's in trouble the information in those files could help."

"I'll have a look. Hopefully we won't need to mount a rescue mission," Diane replied now wondering what kind of personal information about their security chief could be in the palm of her hand.

"Look with what has been going on lately my gut says Wagnor's got himself in to something." Go ahead and translate those files. They're not in the Federation database keep that in mind. If he comes back he's gonna have a lot of decisions to make. You seem like a good friend maybe you can help him. God's knows he needs to trust someone."

"I'll do the best I can," she replied, "I just got back onboard our ship. I have a conference I have to get to now. We'll talk again sometime?"

"Perhaps... Please help Soran. When you've gone through what we have; It's hard not to develop a martyr complex. Besides he does really stupid shit sometimes."