Captain's Log, Stardate 2387.088

[Chirakis 1]

Captain’s Log, Stardate 2387.088

Chirakis Kirel, SI-5

Commanding Officer

Sky Harbor Aegis, Sector 51

 

There was a discrepancy in the subspace signature. Kirel eyed the communications statistics on the incoming call. USS Missouri was out of its normal patrol route, as evidenced by the SPS* notation across the bottom of her screen.

 

"Captain d 'Ka." Kirel settled into her desk chair as the secure console came alive.

 

“Captain Chirakis.”

 

“Routine report?”

 

“Yes... and no.”

 

D’Ka’s fingers steepled, he seemed to be considering his words, as though what was to be said should not be, for some reason. Kirel waited, knowing that if he could not speak the words he might take advantage of the other means of communication between them.

 

“You are off course and in an unusual patrol pattern.” She waggled a finger at the screen before her.

 

“Yes. We’ve received reports. Activity unusual for Sector 52. Much too close to Sindar and other civilizations who are not so adept at defending themselves. Also..,” one hand reached offscreen. It returned with a datacrystal that he held up, then slipped into a slot just below the screen, “...but perhaps this would serve our purposes better. The full report from Briarpatch.”

 

Within seconds, the data transferred to her own secure crystal.

 

“It’s not pressing, but give it a thorough going-over. Pass on what you need to Director Torak. There is much to digest. In the meantime, we have been ordered to shadow your ships again. As a precaution.”

 

“Revenge is fully capable of fending off anything that might be sent their way, Captain, and has resources at its fingertips that can be summoned in an emergency.”

 

“Just read the report,” d’Ka interrupted, his expression quite serious.

 

After a long pause, Kirel nodded.

 

“So... tell me, Kirel,” D’Ka’s expression lightened, one brow rising inquisitively.

“Are the ships performing as well as expected?”

 

She gave him a sidewards glance, unsure of the innuendo. “Nothing has changed hands, if that’s what you mean.”

 

“Riov tr’Kihal has not called for his prize?”

 

“Your Louis XIII is safe, as is my case of vintage Romulan ale. For the time being.”

 

“When do you suppose they will...” A hand-wave filled in the blank.

 

“Don’t tell me you’re anxious to know, Captain?” Kirel leaned to rest her arms on the desk, fingers laced, her expression taunting. “You, the ever-confident Captain of the USS Missouri? The Border Patrol’s commanding officer... who never gets rattled.” She paused, her head ticked to the side, lips pursed slightly. “Just... how many bottles have you placed on the table?”

 

Missouri’s captain leaned back in a hearty chuckle. “Several, Kirel. Several I would rather keep for myself. And... a few boxes of Kalifichali hand-rolled cigars.”

 

“And I with a mere case of Romulan ale.” Her head shook in amusement. “But to answer your question, they approach their first planetary system within the hour. I imagine that after a few explorations they will experience enough boredom to want to test each-other’s mettle. And, mind you, it may be several runs, depending on the level of boredom. Two out of three, three out of five....” She waved a dismissive hand.

 

“And we’ll keep a close watch.”

 

“Are you sure Missouri will be able to keep pace, Captain?” she said, somewhat taken aback.

 

“Thytrin.... You have no idea.”

 

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*SPS - Sector Positioning System, similar to the Global Positioning System of Terran origin, modified to assist in tracking out-sector allied border patrol vessels.