Consequences

by DoctorH

This is a follow-up to "Failure Analysis," but it's not a sequel (and it is much shorter). A Physics professor arrives on DS9 and proposes to conduct experiments on the wormhole. The equation that forms the basis for the experiments is so complicated that almost no one can understand the equation... or its consequences. Sisko must decide whether to allow the experiments to proceed.

3. Sisko uninformed

Chapter 3: Sisko uninformed.

Commander Benjamin Sisko requested a status report as he stepped from the lift into Ops.

Kira's response was to the point and terse. "Everything is going well."

"I see that the Prevost has authorized shore leave for most of her personnel."

"That's right. How was orientation?"

"We have a few new young and eager people who will be joining us. Some of them will be working with us here in Ops."

"I'll be escorting some of them to Ops for an introduction at fifteen hundred," Dax announced.

Sisko nodded in approval. "Fine. Be sure to notify me after you've given them a tour, so that I can talk to them."

"Acknowledged."

As Sisko turned toward his office, Kira spoke. "Commander, there is one matter I wanted to bring to your attention."

Sisko stopped. "Which is?"

"The Prevost offloaded several containers of what are said to be 'scientific research instruments.' Those containers are now in storage. I hadn't heard of any significant scientific research projects that would be going on aboard this station."

Sisko frowned. "We have people doing research here all the time, of course. But as far as I know, no one has requested or ordered any special instruments. How many containers were offloaded?"

"Six. And they were offloaded through space, rather than by cargo transporters."

That seemed odd to Sisko. He stepped away from his office and toward Kira. "Did those containers have the proper authorizations?"

"Yes, they did. And I've confirmed that Deep Space Nine is their true destination."

"I'm going to have to have a talk with Admiral Seth," Sisko intoned calmly. "She apparently approved some sort of new scientific research project, but didn't bother to say a word to me about it. Put a hold on those containers until we know what in the hell is going on."

"I already have put them on hold."

"Good. I'll be in my office."

Sisko entered his office and sat behind his desk. He was musing about how he might raise the issue with Admiral Seth, when he received a message from one of his Starfleet security officers.

"Lieutenant Walker to Commander Sisko."

Sisko sighed. Why is a security officer calling? "Sisko here, Lieutenant."

"Sir, I have someone who wishes to speak with you. He wants to know why his access to his 'scientific instruments' has been blocked, and he wants to brief you about the purpose of his work here."

"Tell him I would be delighted to meet with him in my office, at his earliest convenience. What's his name?"