Cayne's Sleepin' Tree

[Cdr Wyatt Cayne 0]

 

Cayne's Sleepin' Tree

 

Cayne laid under a tree. The tree sat rooted in the artificial ground under an artificial sun. The star rose and fell against the backdrop of an artificial cerulean sky. Day and night in an endless cycle, unless the power went out.

 

None of this mattered to the Commander, whose mind had wandered to his past work deep in Cardassian territory. He successfully infiltrated as a soldier in their forces, full disguise, language and all. He fooled every scan and every officer in the 10 months of his mission. 10 months, 20 days of waking up as someone else. After some months his act became second nature. Always under the watchful eye of his Cardassian Gul and their Dominion 'benefactors.'

 

The bombardment dropped upon the citizens of Cardassia Prime by the Jem'Hadar was more than devastating. In the end, nearly a billion were lost and rebuilding could take a generation. Cayne could not save many, but choose to save those under his command in a series of subterranean passages. He lead them all underground when news of the bombardment reached the emergency channels. Fear of his cover being blown, once they were safe he called for an extraction. Cayne never saw any of them again, that is until Gila Orrak arrived on Aegis.

 

Cayne developed a repore with Gila over the months of his mission. She could consider all in given situation and all very quickly. For reasons known to him, she saw him as a mentor of sorts. Guess the cover story provided by Starfleet Intelligence really convinced one Cardassian. Gila became a trusted officer and excellent marksman, due partly to his tutelage. However, the relationship began to morph beyond duty. Personal relationships were not good for infiltration missions. He realized this but felt powerless to stop it. Cayne didn't care, but the Dominion had other plans.

 

"Computer, open an encrypted channel to Starfleet Intelligence, SI6 division," exclaimed Commander Cayne into his secure PADD. The SI logo appeared with "Accessing..." below it. Real-time or not, a message opened up.

 

"Permission for NDA release for Aegis security officer Gila Orrak, Operation Bitter Kanar. Officer Orrak was primary contact and confidant during the operation. Beginning to suspect my involvement in the mission as she is now under my command at present. NDA request to abate further investigation into said involvement. Orrak, in my sincere opinion, is a trusted asset and needs to be brought in to this Intelligence piece. Her communications off-station do not indicate contact with Cardassian or otherwise agencies."

 

He closed out the message and pressed SEND, wondering if he had been long-winded. He tucked the device in his large pocket and tipped his hat down over his eyes. Cayne had the request on his mind for weeks, and now it was behind him. His eyes grew heavy and as his consciousness waned he wondered if the more difficult part lie ahead. His newest security officer may not take the news well.