"But Chris, I don't work on science vessels. You know how those scientists are!" Reaper said.
"We need someone like you make sure they are in line AND do not get killed." Pike said.
"It is just a simple 'body mutant' vessel, it is not going to be C-24. Compared to C-24, that is child's play!" Reaper said.
"This is not child's play, Reaper," Pike said, shaking his index finger. "You took the oath to save people."
Reaper sighed.
"Right, you got me," Reaper leaned back folding his arms in the chair. "And how long is this mission?"
"One month and two weeks. Is Dorian still living with you?" M'Benga, being Dorian, appeared on screen with a little wave. "Ah, hello there. You are going to be in charge of Med Bay."
"Yes, sir." Dorian said, with a nod.
"So tell me, what is the name of the ship?" Reaper said.
"Star Fleet took the liberty of naming the ship a name you won't like." Pike said.
"You are shitting me." Reaper said.
"Wish I were." Pike said. "Olduvai II."
"Wait a second!" Reaper glared at the screen, his fury rising, and he got up off the chair fuming rage. "YOU HAVE A SHIP NAMED OLDUVAI ALREADY OUT THERE? YOU DO REALIZE HOW ROMULANS ARE LIKELY GOING TO ATTEMPT RANSACKING THE SCIENCE STATIONS AND DEMAND FOR C-24! You know how idiotic Romulans are with naming ships after locations where scientific experiments go wrong!"
Pike sighed.
"It happened already. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news." Pike said.
"Fuck!" Reaper kicked over a chair.
"No one survived." Pike said.
Reaper turned in the direction of Pike.
"So you basically want me to make sure these kids stay alive for a month?" Reaper said.
"And then the ship will be destroyed. Why yes, we do." Pike said.
Dorian got off-screen.
"I am fine with that happening," Reaper said. "But what they are doing has to be important. If it wasn't, I wouldn't be considered here. So that only mean one thing is going on. Someone is attempting to meddle with genetics in a way that would interest me." His hands had clenched up into fists. "It is part of the deal for me not being on the run."
Pike sighed.
"I only know they need to be warned off going down your road. Their experiment can veer off to that path. Genetic studies is not as it is cranked up to be these days." Pike leaned back in the chair. "I can't give you the files of the captain and the crew aboard the Olduvai II." Reaper looked in the direction of Dorian then back to Pike. "But what I can tell you is that you'll be back on the Enterprise after the mission is over."
Reaper stared at the screen for the longest time.
"Then we need to tell the Vulcan. Give him clearence to know."
Pike did not seem to be surprised.
"I will see what I can do," Pike said. "The Olduvai will be approaching the Enterprise in three days. Spock will have clearence to know classified material tomorrow. Pike out."
The screen turned to black.