Tangled Webs...

[Tauxik 0]

Tauxik strolled into the Cabals main hall...the officer at the front desk motioning for him to go on in. However, Tauxik was not looking forward to this debriefing...he had grown quite fond of his new abilities and did not relish the thought of losing them.

 

As he entered the room, the first thing he noticed was the cold smile on the commanders face. It was a chilling smile..looking dreadfully out of place. Tauxik decided to face the music..." Commander, I have failed..the Earth Vessel was not destroyed...I await your..."

 

"Silence..." the Commanders voice seemed to fill the entire hall. The Suliban eyed Tauxik a moment before proceeding..." What...precisely...makes you believe your mission was a failure?"

 

Tauxik was taken aback momentarily.."Well, Commander...the ship wasnt destroyed...I was unable to prevent the humans from discovering the device..."

 

The Commander shifted slightly..."Tauxik..you are a capable officer...devoted to the Cabal...but...tell me your mission objectives....."

 

Tauxiks eyes narrowed as he thought...." I was to board the vessel and plant the device...."

 

The Commander seemed to be amused by the recognition on Tauxiks face..."yesss.."

 

Tauxik fought to control himself...." what was the point..what was the purpose..."

 

The commanders amusement vanished as he stood... "You do NOT question me...

You were to plant the device on the reactor....AND....the other item...."

 

Tauxik swallowed hard as he imagined removing the Commanders eyes...." It was placed as per your instructions..but I do not understand...

 

The Commander returned to his seat...." nor do you need to......really Tauxik....you were a decoy..a distraction..and you succeeded in your task..so....be happy...." the Commanders plaster smile returning..."Everything is as it should be..there are forces at work here you do not understand..."

 

It was Tauxiks turn for a plaster smile..."I see....sir...well then..is there anything else, then?"

 

The Commander looked at his notes.." You used your phase capability?"

 

Tauxiks nodded..."Yes sir..thats how I escaped the vessel."

 

The Commander sat back in his chair..seemingly pleased..."Good then..I will approve that upgrade for general distribution.."

 

Tauxik looked puzzled momentarily..then the light went off in his head" Ah....so not only was I a decoy...I was a test subject..."

 

The Commander pseudo-laughed "so it would seem...but..as I said...you succeeded in your mission and your service to the Cabal is duly noted.....dismissed.."

 

Tauxik didnt bother asking for another enhancement since the Commander already had turned his back and was doing something on the monitor. As he left the Briefing Area, he had imagined killing the Commander in several messy but effective ways...and when he recieved the next enhancement..he just might live out those fantasies.

 

But he couldnt help but wonder..what the point was in leaving the other "item" aboard the Challenger...only time would tell..and there seemed to be plenty of that available.

 

Tauxik thought back to the Officer he had seen...Moore...he seemed to be of importance to future history...and that other one...Gamble...he would pay for that shot.

 

Tauxik grinned an evil grin as he left the Main Hall..."I will see you again, Challenger...only next time....I wont be so...nice...."