Chapter 43 (Elvis Vaghoon)
The one thing Elvis hated most was a traitor. Recent computer activity had indicated files and video footage had been copied and downloaded onto a data crystal. He had managed to force his workers to track down the source of the hacking and report back and, of course, it didn't take long for them to find the source of the illegal activity. Elvis grinned at the results.
As he scanned the CCTV footage in the main control room, he became aware of Talia Winters' involvement. There was nothing wrong with that, he could use that information to force her to perform more sexual acts and he'd had a thing for that blond woman since the moment she stepped foot on the station. Her scent was so alluring; he would end up with a hard-on just by the way she walked on the view screen. Even the vivid memories of him penetrating that lily-white ass when she first walked into his office turned him on.
But still, he had work to do and the idle fantasies would not help. The second character in the image represented a far more serious issue, and one he had to deal with carefully.
That in itself begged the question; howdoIdealwithMichaelGaribaldi?
Studying the facts some more, he began to understand their plan. Talia and Garibaldi had gathered video footage of his past actions with female staff and stored them on a data crystal, with detailed documents and letters to send to the higher-ups in Casabianca. Elvis could not allow that data to leave the facility. He began making preparations to capture the ones involved.
But he had a problem. It would look too suspicious to hurl Garibaldi into the brig and he might lose more support than he already had. He also had another problem; someone else might just gather more information and leak that to the authorities too. Elvis knew he was dealing with a growing problem and it needed to be dealt with swiftly. He needed to make an example and stop this dead in its tracks. But what could he do? He was dealing with a thorny issue and if he pruned the wrong branch, he would get pricked.
Elvis glanced down at the reports that had been delivered to him by the Vanguards a few hours ago. They were supposed to have left straight away, but the fight down at the PrivilegeBar had delayed their departure, something Zack insisted on doing. Elvis now wished he'd just signed their papers and sent them on their way; at least then Garibaldi wouldn't have the means of getting his reports to the authorities. He could have even sent in some of his goons to remove the footage and show Talia the error of her ways.
I trusted Garibaldi! How could he betray me?
Elvis should have known Garibaldi was playing around with Talia Winters and that his involvement would herald his betrayal. But the main question still stood, whatdoIdoaboutthissituation?
Elvis knew he could not allow the Vanguards to leave with the information in their hands. He had co-overtly installed surveillance cameras into important quarters and was now staring at the group through the computer monitor on his desk.
He glanced down at the glossy table and saw his own reflection looking back at him. He had been endlessly weary and agitated, struggling with so many burdens, trying to solve each issue faster than a new one could occur.
Despite all of this, he still had one more plan up his sleeve. It was a dangerous one and if anything backfired, it would have serious repercussions not only for him, but the entire facility.
Elvis reached forward and activated his internal communications device, "Zack Allan, please report to my office immediately."
"Yes sir," replied Zack after a moment's pause. Elvis leaned back in his chair and watched the video footage unfold. He felt his anger boil out of control, but fought to control his outrage and the urge to hit the desk. Garibaldi's betrayal and Talia's interference must be accounted for. He could not let them get away with their insubordination.
The definite proof was playing out for him to see, Garibaldi handing over the red data crystal and telling the blond haired Vanguard the importance of the trip. He activated the sound as his curiosity got the better of him.
"I've got a very important package I need you to send to the authorities back on Casabianca. Don't worry about your status within the race, this data crystal holds my personal recommendations, which the generals back at home will approve."
Elvis watched Garibaldi place a comradely hand on the female Vanguards hand and hold it tight before continuing. "Our commander has been abusing a lot of people. It's time for a change. I hope you can help."
"Don't worry Garibaldi, with the credits and the importance rating for this mission, we will leave as soon as our vessel is ready to depart. Samuel, please inform the launch bay we'll be leaving in one hour."
Once Samuel sent his message to the launch bay, Elvis turned to his communication device and activated a channel, "Launch bay, this is Elvis Vaghoon, cancel that order to prepare the Vanguard ship. Under no circumstances is that vessel to leave the dock. Do I make my self clear?"
"But, sir, that's…a…Vanguard ship…we can't inter-"
Elvis interjected angrily, his voice booming throughout the room, "That's an order from your commanding officer and if you contradict me again I will have you and your entire family jettisoned into space."
"Y-Yes sir."
The communication display suddenly changed to that of his secretary, "Zack Allan is waiting to see you sir."
"Good, send him in." Elvis knew he had to tread carefully with Zack. He was Garibaldi's friend after all, and having him arrested out of the blue would alienate Zack, and most likely turn him against his cause. Elvis did not want to lose his security team as well. After all, Zack owed him for his willingness to allow the two Minbari prisoners to stay. Elvis liked Zack, and his need for…relaxation. He wondered how the Minbari prisoners were faring against his manly needs.
When Zack entered the room, Elvis shelved those thoughts and got to business.
"You called for me Sir." Zack began, standing to attention beside the glass-covered desk.
"I have a job for you. Its something I prefer not to do, but recent activities by one individual have entered my hands and I have no choice but to proceed."
"You can count on me sir." Zack replied, but Elvis knew that what he was about to ask was nothing short of a miracle. This order would test Zack's loyalty and probably cost him his job if news about it ever got out.
"What I am about to order you to do must not leave this room. No one must know, do you understand?" Zack stepped back a little, and Elvis knew that his last words had been received without any misunderstanding.
"Of course sir, you have my silence."
"Good," Elvis clasped his hands behind his back as he walked behind the glass-covered desk. He tapped the control panel with his index finger and the security feed came up on the main screen on the far side of the room. It showed a still image of the two Vanguards and Garibaldi passing a data crystal over to them. Despite Zack's ability to hide his emotions, he stared with disbelief. Elvis wondered what Zack was thinking. Was his friend trading in secrets that could threaten the livelihood of everyone in the station?
As expected, and not a moment too soon, Zack spoke up. "I don't understand sir, what am I seeing?"
Elvis sat down on his leather chair and manoeuvred himself into a comfortable position. He looked up; he did not like doing that.
"Sit…" Elvis made sure his tone bordered on an order.
Elvis let out a long, disappointing sigh. "In all my years working for this facility, it pains me to deal with traitors who would want to harm the fragile alliance we have with the workforce and its management. It only takes some misjudgement to tip the balance."
Zack looked confused, so Elvis continued. "Garibaldi has disappointed me in his recent activities. As the footage shows, he is currently giving classified information to the two Vanguards. They must not be allowed to leave and I am stuck with a very difficult scenario."
"I'm sure it's just a mistake sir. Garibaldi could be giving them a personal message that does not concern the operation of this facility."
"It's only recently that I've noticed some unusual behaviours in Garibaldi's attitude. So with that in mind, I watched his movements and discovered this."
Elvis knew his explanation for spying on Garibaldi was rubbish. He knew that since he'd raped Talia Winters and countless female employees in his care, Garibaldi had been collecting evidence that would harm his position. With the support from other workers in the facility, he had managed to acquire quite a collection of images and data to be shared with the authorities. He could not let the data leave the facility.
"So, what do you want me to do?"
Zack had hit the nail on the head and Elvis felt a grin coming. But he resisted the urge and weighed up his options: He could do nothing and hope the Vanguards got lost or captured on their way to Casabianca -a scenario that seemed unrealistic. The second plan would be to have Garibaldi arrested and the data crystal seized. But in doing that, he risked a revolt within the ranks and possible mutiny. The last and most feasible option would be to have the Vanguards arrested or held until he could get the data crystal and decide what to do with them. It was one hell of a risk, but he had to juggle two dangers in one hand.
Elvis stood up from his chair and walked around the table to look down at Zack. "I want you to prevent the two Vanguards from leaving this facility. Arrest them for treason and have them in a holding cell as soon as possible."
Zack stood and stumbled back in utter shock, his skin turned to a shade of white he'd never seen before and words stuttered from his mouth. "B-B-But Sir, those are Vanguards, you can't-"
"I am the facilities commander here!" Elvis roared, "and I'm in charge! Do I make myself clear? I am fed up with all this insubordination."
Elvis backed away and released a long groan before continuing, "It's either that or have Garibaldi arrested. The disappearance of two Vanguards won't arouse suspicion. Have two of your loyal men detain them in secrecy. I will have no more of your rejections."
Elvis could tell that Zack had a flood of questions, but he made sure to stand to attention and make himself look intimidating. His pose normally silenced even the most talkative of types.
Sweat appeared on Zack's face and Elvis knew it would require very little to push him over the edge. He knew Zack was in his hands.
Elvis looked scoldingly at Zack, sniffing as his sweat dissolved into his uniform, a disgusting smell. "I don't like this any more than you do but my second in command has pushed me over the edge. I have no choice. Don't worry about the Vanguards, I don't plan on hurting them, only obtaining the data crystal. Once I have it in my possession, I will release them at a later date."
Zack still appeared dismayed and frozen to the spot. He needed nudging, "Do your job Zack, otherwise I'll have you demoted to garbage disposal and have Larry take your place!"
By the time Elvis had finished his sentence, he had already walked around his table and sat down at his desk. With one final look of authority he dismissed Zack and continued with more pressing matters. A new red head girl had just arrived at the facility and he needed some method of relaxation. He hoped that she was as pure and clean as her image depicted. He preferred a change of colour, blonde and black haired women were so…common.