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Chirakis

Negotiable Truth

Negotiable Truth 

“No one ever knows the truth, not even the one who started it all.”
~Fred Burton; Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent

Her boots fell softly on the decking in Station Surveillance as the door secured itself behind her. If the requisite chime had not signaled her entrance, the Officer in Charge would not have known she was there. A simple wave of her hand signaled “carry on" as Kirel began her usual walk around, checking monitors and the progress on the current investigations, especially suspicious communications into and out of Aegis space. 

OIC Julia Baxter supplied the latest Situation Report, then handed the captain an encrypted datachip containing the latest report from Starfleet Intelligence. Kirel slipped it into her tunic pocket with a nod of thanks, then disappeared into her office. 

“They are getting younger every day,” she muttered as she strode toward her console.  Ltjg Baxter was, according to Starfleet, one of the best and brightest.  “Your station is lucky to get her," they said, and it was probably an understatement.  According to General Tislak, he had groomed her specially for border surveillance. Over the last year, the junior officer had definitely proven her worth.  However, the mere thought of someone in security having been groomed put her under Kirel’s watchful eye. If the girl had been trained or prepared it would be another matter. But groomed? And by General Tislak…?

Kirel settled into her chair, considered the datachip for a moment, then slipped it into position, ready to endure the seemingly endless verification process. Thirty seconds later, the screen began to scroll… and scroll… and scroll information from this sector… and that sector… this agency… and that agency.  Eventually she relaxed and closed her eyes, knowing that the console would alert her to anything significant. 

Some time later she awoke to the familiar voice of SI-5 Director Torak.

“Director,” she said, straightening into a more appropriate posture.

“I see that the Starfleet Intelligence report is as stimulating as ever, Kirel.”

Her lips pursed into a sarcastic smile. 

“I find that it's best used for relaxation,” the director continued as he pulled a PADD into view, an emblazoned Federation logo prominent on the cover as he flipped it open.  “Unfortunately for both of us, now is not the time.”

Torak was not one to mince words, nor was he one to tread lightly. He was dynamic and forceful, came to the point quickly, and barked orders.  Instead, he seemed distracted and concerned.  His facial expressions, his body language, and his hesitation spoke more powerfully than anything he said. 

“I understand that one of your ships had a dramatic encounter with unknown entities in hostile space.”

Kirel’s expression remained passive as she listened.

“Also, the ship entered Federation space… with unauthorized assistance.”

He was choosing his words carefully, almost as though he was under scrutiny.  Someone was listening?  But someone was always listening, always watching.

Without changing position, the director's eyes flicked right, then returned to the PADD.  “And now that ship's commanding officer, its crew, and several others face a tribunal. Were you aware?”

“I am now,” she said casually.

“You don't seem concerned, Captain.”

“Should I be?”

“I would if I were facing a tribunal.”

Kirel shrugged. “We have nothing to hide.”

Director Torak sighed, leaning left for a moment. Behind him, to his right, the reflection of a familiar person showed in a glass partition.  Commander Walsh, assistant to the Consul General, had been itching for a promotion since she could remember.  Tall and imposing, he had a permanent icy expression that suited his cold determination to win.  In Kirel’s estimation, he was looking for someone to hang, and by Kahless, it would not be Commander Lawliet.   

I remind you, Captain, that what we are about to discuss is classified compartmentalized. You will discuss none of this conversation.  Am I clear?”

“Very clear.”

He drilled her for almost an hour.  She told him nothing of value. Names, dates, procedures, etc, were avoided. His questions and her answers must have left the commander in turmoil, which pleased her immensely.

As soon as the connection cut, she sat back to think.  She could not trust everyone, but she could trust SI-5 Director Torak to manipulate those he despised. She knew Welsh well, and he knew her probably more than he wanted to. Given the chance, she could easily take him down.  The only problem was getting the chance.

Still, there could be another reason for the tribunal, one that began with Ma’ev and possibly end with Adriatic.

Torak had chosen his words wisely.  Kirel would not reveal a word of their conversation, meaning that she would not speak a word of it. All she had to do was think, and Captain Ramson would know everything.

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