The Devil You Know (part 4)

Posted on Wed Oct 31st, 2012 @ 1:12pm by Admiral Kathryn Burke & Admiral Maximilian 'Max' Hunter
Edited on on Wed Oct 31st, 2012 @ 1:16pm

1,017 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: The Enemy Within: Lying in Wait
Location: Athena Shipyards, Typhon

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

Max looked at her, curious as to why she avoided answering the question. "My job revolves around secrets, Burke. I like to believe I am come adept at spotting when someone is keeping one, and avoiding a question is usually one of the tell tale signs." He moved his hand closer to hers, taking it into a gentle and concerned grip. "What are you hiding? You know you can trust me if you ever needed anything."

[NEW]


"If he's one of yours, Hunter, you should already know this," she countered. He never told her everything. She felt no compunction to share confidential Fleet matters. "So, you plan on having Lieutenant Wolfe get kicked off the Calypso so he can rejoin the Nightstar?"

"I didn't say I didn't know, I just asked how you know?" Max replied as he added a playful smirk before continuing. "Yes, that is the general idea. Best way to get someone in there is to use someone who is familiar with all the plays."

He paused for a moment before continuing. "He also hinted on doing it for personal reasons. As part of the agreement to do it, he asked me to move an officer on board the Calypso. Someone he has shown a lot of interest in since he got off the Nightstar." Max brought up the file for Tallas Shirol and sent it to Kathryn's PADD.

"Wolfe has shown a lot of interest in this woman?" she asked, seeking clarification.

"Since he left the Nightstar, he has gone to great lengths to keep track of her. Even calling in a few favors to get her into Starfleet and away from Andor. Also, it's interesting to note that he moved her guardian to Earth. Pulling strings to get a secured home and background." Max said bringing up photos of the Andorian woman, Tallas guardian, and sending them to Kathryn's PADD. "Formerly Jarlia Galda. Now a Falara Shirol, mother of Tallas Shirol. Prior to this name change, Tallas' mother was never located."

This was new to Kathryn. She glanced over the information on her PADD. "How is she involved in all of this?"

"No idea, but I know its not the same as his affection toward Lancaster." Max smirked as he looked up at her. "Yes, I know about her. I have for some time, in fact. I am happy for him. He deserves her and, from what I have read, she deserves him." He looked back to the PADD and let out a sigh. "However, I don't want to look into her because there might be a reason why he is keeping her close. I wouldn't want to compromise whatever he feels he need to do, but I would like to learn more about this woman. Why give her a file that says she is her mother?"

"That is something you'll have to ask Lieutenant Wolfe."

Max sat there for a moment and wondered before continuing. "Regardless, it's a part of this puzzle. Speaking of Wolfe, I need to know he is well protected because of this mission. As I said, he will be doing a lot of things that will lead to his eventual discharge and alleged hatred toward Starfleet. He has orders to lay low for a while before attempting contact with the Nightstar, then he has one week to establish contact before being pulled out." He reached over for the bottle and poured more champagne for both him and Burke. "I want to make sure York knows about this when she needs to know it, not prior to Wolfe's discharge. I wanted to ensure I had your support and backing for this mission."

"York is a softie. She'll go to extreme lengths to keep her crew intact. Are you sure she'll act the way you want her to?" Kathryn asked. Knowing Sam as she did, she was just as liekly to relieve Damion of duty, confine him to quarters and let the counselor and doctor take care of him on the ship until he was fit for duty. Especially as she and Lancaster were friends before Sam took command.

He took another sip of his drink. "Yes, I could have easily done this all without you, but I knew this is something you should know." He took one more sip before putting the glass back down on the table. "This is also my attempt at letting you know that I am not keeping everything from you. Just the stuff I am not allowed to tell you. Yet." Max smirked again before giving her a playful wink.

She took little comfort in that. "It also keeps me from wanting to skin you alive when this all falls apart."

Max paused for a moment at her response and then laughed lightly. "This is also true." He laughed lightly before taking another sip. "Kathryn, in order for Damion to be in the position we need him to be in, York needs to discharge him..." He paused again, slowly lowering his glass to the table. "Or... We give him an exit." Max said as he looked up at her with a devious smile.

"Have him confined to quarters and go AWOL?" she asked.

"You see. Deep down I always knew you had the mind of an operative." Max smiled and let out a slight chuckle as he crossed his legs and leaned back against the couch.

"I have the mind of a scientist and historian," she amended. But in reality it was that and being a scientist in a field of commanders at Starfleet Command. She had to out think them just to compete.

"If Wolfe gets tossed into the quarters or brig, we can always devise a way to have him escape. Getting off the ship and escaping custody will give him more of a reason to turn to Strife. Where better to hide then a cloaked ship?" Max added, smiling and nodding his head.

(To be continued...)

Admiral Kathryn Burke
Commander, Theta Fleet

Admiral Maximilian Hunter
SFI Special Ops

 

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