Chapter 411

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S OFFICE

STARFLEET COMMAND, EARTH

Admiral Nogura was reading his data pad on a preliminary report on the status of the fleet. These new warp engines were fantastic as far as speed and endurance, but he was concerned they were also wreaking havoc when placed on ships with old frames such as the refit Enterprise. That notable ship's framework, which was about the only thing that was original equipment, was ageing much faster than it should have. The Enterprise and other old ships that were refit are all having the same problem, atomic degradation coming from subspace compression, and that points to the new engines. The Enterprise was already forty years old and despite the beating it took during the last five years, it could have lasted another twenty at least. This problem was totally unforeseen, but affecting dozens of ships. The Wisconsin and others were fresh-built with newer alloys, and the jury was still out on how they were going to age. Engineers were taking representative samples that would be analyzed starting in a little over two months. Suddenly, the doorbell rang, "Come in lieutenant."

The lieutenant stepped in with a box. "Sir, this just arrived from Starbase 5 via courier."

Nogura was perplexed. He stood and took the box. "It's from Admiral Adama."

The lieutenant nodded, "ID verification checks. It's from him."

"I don't recall getting a message to look out for a package."

The lieutenant shook his head, "There was none."

Nogura typed his ID and code into the lock, and the box opened revealing another box. It was sealed with tape with Adama's handwritten signature in large on the face of it.

Nogura reached under his desk and pulled on something. He stood back up holding the biggest, wickedest knife the lieutenant ever saw. "What is that, sir?"

Nogura smiled, "A knife."

"Yes sir."

Nogura chuckled as he broke the seal and opened the pack, "A gift to me by the last Marine Commandant before they were disbanded into Starfleet Security."

"Were you CINC at the time?"

Nogura chuckled, "Just how old do you think I am, lieutenant?"

The lieutenant stammered. "I, well I mean, you…"

"At ease. I oversaw Starbase 1 at the time, and lobbied heavily against the disbanding of the Marines. This was a thank-you from them." The first thing out of the box was a sheet of paper with a hand-written letter on it. Nogura started reading and quietly said, "Thank you lieutenant, that is all."

The lieutenant left, leaving Nogura to finish reading the letter. "Admiral Nogura, here is a physical backup of that file I sent you last week. There is nothing new except I have a deep gut suspicion that Senator Jameson has the capability to change our computer records. If you think back to when the Wisconsin left Starbase 5 and let us know that Jameson's nephew came forward with a program capable of hiding transmissions in secure Starfleet transmissions, it got me thinking that if they could tamper with the best communications system in the Federation, they could do pretty much anything. I've made a copy for myself and am going to secure another copy over here at another location. Thanks, Bill."

Nogura put the memory card in his safe, then went to his computer and checked his message logs. That message with the attachment from last week was still there. Adama's right, what if they could delete messages or data and make it as if it never existed?

SAMUEL T COGLEY'S OFFICE

STARBASE 5

Adama stepped out of his transport and started walking into Cogley's office. Cogley was in the small city that had sprouted up next to Starbase 5. There was a sizeable civilian population of contractors working with Starfleet, and the inevitable economy that sprouts up around bases. The whole planet was referred to as Starbase 5 although that most properly was just the base itself. Even the civilian city named itself "Starbase 5." Even for early-morning it was already hot. The sun was barely above the horizon and it was well over a hundred already. It was just a short walk to the office doors and inside Cogley had the lobby much cooler, almost too cool. The receptionist greeted him with a warm smile, "Admiral, Mr. Cogley is waiting for you upstairs."

"Thank you." Adama started walking up the wide, wood stairway up to the second level. The architecture was an open-airy in style with large windows facing outside. The air conditioner must run all the time when the heat really kicks in. Adama stepped up to the corner office and Cogley motioned to come on in.

Adama stepped in and closed the door. Cogley asked, "Anything to drink?"

"Water would be fine."

Cogley poured them both some water, "What can I do for you?"

"Well, like I said, I got some more information you need to know about. First is that we suspect communications are compromised with the Wisconsin."

Cogley sat down in his chair and leaned back. He almost hit his library behind him as he put his hands together and asked, "By who?"

Adama took a sip and admired the view. Cogley had an impressive view and reserved his library wall for the interior wall. "We don't know."

"Care to guess who?"

Adama sat back and said plainly, "I don't know."

Cogley shook his head, "Bill, this isn't a court of law. Who do you suspect and why? Klingons?"

Adama shook his head, "No, Jameson."

"Why?"

"We have already caught him trying to use his nephew as a spy with a program that hides messages. I will get specifics later, but my first guess is Jameson." Cogley was taking a couple of notes while Adama talked.

"Do you have a copy of the spy program?"

Adama nodded, "Actually, I do."

Cogley asked, "Can you give me a copy? I might have somebody that can find out who is responsible. You are certain Jameson gave his nephew the program?"

"Yes. I will get a copy for you. I came over to warn you about the communications, if you send a message to the Wisconsin, be very careful."

Cogley nodded, "I will. Do you have secure communications now?"

Adama shifted in his seat. "Minimally. I can send a small message securely."

"How did you manage that?"

Adama was about to say he could not say when he saw the Bible on one of the shelves behind Cogley. It looked like the same, but there were a million translations and million versions. "Can I see that?" He pointed to the Bible.

Cogley raised his eyebrows and turned, reached out for the Bible, and handed it to Adama. Adama opened the first page to see the publisher and printing. Same exact copy as the one McGonagle gave him. Same exact one as Jacobs had on the Wisconsin. "You close to Josh?"

Cogley's eyes narrowed. "Why do you ask?"

Adama asked again, "And George McGonagle?" All three of them have the same book. Adama knew that Jacobs was Cogley's client and McGonagle's former subordinate. Also, Cogley was the lawyer for the New Haven Ranch which McGonagle ran for an unnamed owner. Jacobs had some connection because Jacobs wanted Adama to use the tail number of the helicopter he flew as a confirmation, so Jacobs knew about the helicopters.

Cogley could see the wheels turning in Adama's head. "Yes, Josh has the same Bible as I do."

Adama did not know what to think. This problem with secure communications is annoying to say the least. Now that he had a small, narrow pipeline to communicate with one of his ships, he did not want to give that up, but these three men obviously had some sort of relationship that bound them together. Adama said, "I did not know that the three of you had a relationship. The three of you have the same Bible. How did you manage that?"

Cogley blinked, he never thought that this was a question that was going to be asked. "We are all Christians."

"Even so, you all have the same Bible."

Cogley wanted to be careful how he answered. "Yes, we do. They were gifts from Pastor Ian Octavian. To be short, he was our Pastor here at Starbase 5 when George was in command. Josh was stationed here for a while, then assigned to a ship that was based out of here. At that time, I moved my practice out here. We all went to Octavian's church."

It was Adama's turn to be surprised, he forgot completely about Octavian. There was an old proverb somewhere that you are known by your friends. He knew George personally, Octavian by reputation. Octavian was a Marine before he was a Pastor, and a well-respected one too. Jacobs had earned Adama's trust.

Cogley saw Adama just made a big decision. Adama said, "I believe Jameson has infected the Wisconsin's computers with a virus to spy on her communications. Jacobs was able to warn me through McGonagle, who gave me this Bible to use as a key. I can do short messages with him, but that is about it. I do not think the Klingons or anybody outside of Starfleet and Jameson can read our messages, but that is bad enough. If you talk to Jacobs, use this." Adama motioned with the Bible. "And do not tell anybody who does not have this Bible that you are using it. Right now, it is the only secure communications I can trust completely."

Cogley smiled, "Why Bill, I didn't know you believed in the Bible."

Adama stood up and said, "I do not. But the people I know and trust who do believe in the Bible makes me think it is not all bad."

Cogley reached out with his hand. "If you ever have any questions, let me know."

Adama shook it, "I will Sam, I will."

CREW QUARTERS

USS WISCONSIN

The clock alarm sounded and Mitchell and Pell wearily got up. Mitchell was sore getting out of bed. Dr. Mallard had given him an exam and found two cracked ribs among other things, and he treated the ribs with the bone knitter. Despite that, the ribs were still sore. Mitchell was still wondering if Dr. Mallard knew what he was doing, because the ribs still felt like they were cracked. Mallard also warned that the effects of the tri-ox compound would be felt today, and they are. Mitchell was nursing a kicking headache.

Pell was first into the shower without a word. Mitchell just sat on his bunk while Pell showered. Busy day scheduled today, advanced helm control. It was all basically review from what they learned at the Academy, just ship-specific stuff. Tomorrow was scheduled to be the manual controls on the Amish Starship, as Mitchell was coming to think of it. He heard the joke back at the Starbase, and it is looking more and more real all the time. Manual controls? Ancient technology.

Pell finished up and Mitchell got in and took a long, hot shower. The sonic shower was more relaxing than water, it basically did a massage while it cleaned. The sonic shower also cleaned better. One could always get a blast of water if that is what you wanted. When Mitchell stepped out, Pell was already gone. Who cares, Pell was a jerk. Mitchell dressed and headed off to the officer's mess.

COMMANDER CARTER'S OFFICE

USS WISCONSIN

Alan Carter was looking over the duty roster for the day. Today's plan was for a day spent at high-warp cruise. Engineering had everything under control so it was a good day for junior officers to get some bridge time. Ensign Washburn was going to get some Conn time this afternoon, which would be good for him. He was another promising officer, but with a far different personality than Hornblower. Ensign Hornblower was always serious to the point of naïve, while Washburn joked around a lot. Washburn was careful not to be inappropriate, but he did express his sense of humor frequently. He frequently joked about himself and lack of ability, while he showed that he had great ability at the helm. Today will be the day for him to exercise keeping the big picture in his head, and not getting drug down into the details.

The doorbell sounded and Carter said, "Come in."

Ensign Pell stepped in, which surprised Carter. "Mr. Pell, have a seat. What can I do for you?"

Pell was clearly uncomfortable. "Sir, I've been thinking."

Carter could see that Pell was very serious, which for Pell makes this even more important. Carter just gave him his time and stayed quiet. Pell started, "What did you think about last night?"

Carter shook his head, "If you are referring to the match, there was a lot going on. It will be easier if you just say what is on your mind."

Pell asked, "Towards the end, that speech that Lt Anders did. The part where he was talking about the team on this ship. Sir, I…."

Carter was nodding his understanding, wanting to fill in what he thought Pell was trying to say, but he bit his tongue. It would be better for Pell if Pell said what was on his mind. Pell finished, "I want to be part of that team, and if I am around Mitchell, he will drag me down. I would like a different bunk mate."

This was unexpected. Carter thought a bit. Pell was promising, but before anything happened, he needed to find out a little more what Pell was thinking. "First, what about the team? What do you see?"

"More than just two people in a shuttle, or even the group on the bridge. The whole ship came together to make that match happen last night. I saw two big things about that; Mitchell ticked off the whole ship with his attitude since he arrived, and people were willing to work together to get one man at a point that could teach Mitchell a lesson. I tried to warn Mitchell about Anders but he would not listen."

Carter asked, "What's your opinion about Anders?"

"Mr. Anders spent a lot of time since we got on board trying to avoid the match. He was trying to avoid a fight. And for a relatively older man, he can still play Parisses' squares like a young buck. Anders also had a specific plan for last night and he carried it out."

Carter nodded agreement, "And…."

Pell questioningly looked, "I don't know what else."

Carter smiled, "Anders is humble. He was willing to take the insults, the put downs from Mitchell. It was not until Mitchell started putting down the Badgers that he took Mitchell to task. Anders knew that the Badgers never would defend themselves against Mitchell. Anders did that match to try to knock some sense into Mitchell. That may have failed but it seems to have hit its mark with you. Tell me, what can you do to contribute to the ship? Any special qualities? Any special abilities?"

Pell blinked, "I'm not sure I understand."

Carter said, "Everyone on board is part of the team. A person has their own interests, their own passions. Anders used to be a Parisses' squares player and Starfleet security therefore he is a very physical person, a good man to have beside you in a fistfight. As a helmsman, he also is not afraid of being upside down."

Pell's expression was quizzical. Carter continued, "Most humans even in space cling to an 'up' or 'down.' They define it by various means; a local horizon from a planet, waterline of a starship, movement across an asteroid, or something. They do this unconsciously, and it is not taught about at the Academy. Anders, because of his Parisses' squares past, throws all that away, it makes him more unpredictable."

Pell said, "I see."

Carter continued, "Ensign Washburn is a whiz at maneuvering large ships. Unaided he can dock the Wisconsin to anything, I do not know how he does it, but he does. TC just completed Badger training and is an expert at weapons and Raptor tactics. Bragg has become an expert at forced docking Raptors and so far, he is the only person to maneuver the Wisconsin under actual battle conditions under EMP mode, and he did that twice, no one else has done it even once. All our navigators are cross-trained as helmsmen on both shuttles and the ship itself, Agathon made sure of that. Valeri is an expert in the manual controls on the shuttles, she was one of the test pilots validating the system. I can go on."

Pell nodded and Carter said, "You see, Mitchell coming in here acting like he is better than everybody else he is just flagging to everybody how much he does not know. I do not expect an answer today, but find something and become an expert in it. Your uniqueness will help fit in this ship."

Pell asked, "Even though I'm only an ensign?"

"When were you going to become distinct? When you become a Commander? The time is now, we appreciate expertise. I do not care if it is baking cookies, find something you are interested in and become an expert. It will serve us somewhere down the line. Now it is time to go to class. Mr. Agathon is waiting for you in the secondary Bridge. I'll work on the quarters."

Pell said, "Thank you sir."

Carter nodded, "Dismissed… And Pell?"

Pell stopped as he was turning toward the door, "Sir?"

Carter smiled and let a little more of his Australian accent show, "Your request is really George."

Pell laughed, "Thank you sir." And went out the door.

Carter sat back, who to condemn to be a roommate with Mitchell? Someone that will not be poisoned with him. They would have to be strong in personality, someone that would toe the line, someone that will not put up with Mitchell's antics. Also, someone that they could trust. Well, he trusted all his people, but the question is who does he trust the most? That person would probably have to be an ensign as well, to make the rank even. The name came to him suddenly as obvious. Carter shook his head, he hated to do this, but this is the tough part of teamwork.

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF STARFLEET'S OFFICE

STARFLEET COMMAND, EARTH

Nogura looked at his work, usually he relegated this to lieutenants or someone, but the issue was too sensitive. On his box were seven boxes sealed with locks and addressed to his seven most trusted field commanders. The note enclosed inside the seal was typical Nogura simple and short.

PLEASE PLACE THIS IN SOME SECURE SITE, DO NOT ENTER THIS CARD INTO ANY COMPUTER SYSTEM WHATSOEVER. I'LL LET YOU KNOW IF OR WHEN I NEED IT BACK. ACKNOWLEDGE ON RECEIPT. THANK YOU, NOGURA.

Nogura pushed the intercom button and said, "Lieutenant, please come in. I have an errand for you."

The lieutenant entered. Nogura ordered, "Please send these boxes to each Admiral via Starfleet channels, do not use commercial courier."

"Aye aye, sir." And the lieutenant left with the boxes. Nogura picked up his datapad and walked to the big screen showing the star chart. It looks like some of the data the Wisconsin captured from the Norsicans months years ago has led to a nexus of where captured Federation citizens were being trafficked. He better let Starbase 1 commander know about this for tasking a mission.

OFFICER'S MESS

USS WISCONSIN

Pell, Mitchell, and Agathon stepped into the room and started getting their lunch. The morning had gone more or less well, Pell certainly seemed upbeat. Mitchell was obviously hurting physically and not saying anything except what was required. Agathon said to the two of them, "I'll see you back at the secondary Bridge at 1300. Enjoy your lunch." Agathon walked over and sat down by Lt. Reeves and the two of them started talking.

Mitchell said, "Figures, he is hitting on the local pretty face in the room."

Pell shook his head, and decided against saying anything. Mitchell said, "Why are they putting a navigation dweeb on our training? I tell you they are setting us up to fail!"

Pell said, "Hey Mav, not so. Lt Agathon is an experienced officer. He is giving us good info on how this ship runs. What is it with you?"

Mitchell shot back, "They rig the match against me last night, and now they are setting us up to fail. You are included, watch out! You're going down with me too! They don't like new guys."

Cdr Carter walked up, "Pell, Mitchell."

The two stood up, "Sir."

Cdr Carter said, "After your afternoon training session, I'm breaking the two of you up. Pell, I want you to pack up and move in with Ensign Washburn. Mr. Mitchell, Ensign Hornblower is going to be your new roommate effective immediately."

Mitchell asked, "What's this about?"

Cdr Carter's expression remained passionless. "You are the first new guys on this ship. On other ships I had the policy of having a new guy bunk with somebody experienced with the ship. It helps with the orientation process. Do not worry, you guys can request to room with each other in three months' time if you really want. Enjoy your lunch." Carter turned and walked away.

Mitchell said, "How do you figure that?"

Pell asked, "What do you mean?"

Mitchell proclaimed, "Something's up."

CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

USS WISCONSIN

The intercom rang aloud with Jareau's voice, "Captain, Mr. McGee is here. May we come in?"

Jacobs pushed the button, "Please."

The two walked in and Jacobs motioned for them to sit down. "Do you have something I can send?"

Jareau started, "Mr. McGee and I both agree that we should revert to the previous version of the communications program, before the update. That needs to be in the transmission."

Jacobs nodded. "Which version?"

"Coms program 12.7" Jareau answered.

"What else?"

Jareau looked to McGee and nodded. "Well sir, the key is to count the bytes in the packet count and…."

Jacobs shook his head, "Mr. McGee, I do not think you understand. Think that I am going to have to tap the message in the old Morse Code, referring to the Morse code key for each letter. A simple message will take time."

McGee nodded. Jareau helped by starting out, "It all focuses around Nurse Kathy Griffin."

McGee picked up on that, "Yes, Griffin is the key. Starbase 5 needs to look at the total bytes from her message and our messages with the printable characters. Compare that to the message sum that is sent. It helps to consider Griffin separate from the rest of the crew. That will get them pointed in the right direction."

Jacobs grabbed a pad of paper and pen. He silently thought that he wanted a small message. McGee thought it was unusual to use actual paper. Jacobs wrote out COMPARE TOTAL BYTES FROM NURSE KATHY GRIFFIN AND COMPARE TO REST OF CREW'S PRINTABLE CHARACTERS. LOOK AT IMBALANCE BETWEEN THE TWO GROUPS. WE ARE REVERTING TO COMS PROGRAM 12.7. Jacobs looked at the two of them. "Is this enough?"

McGee nodded, "I think so. The computer tech will notice the imbalance and that will get them curious. They should find out everything we found out."

Jacobs asked Jareau, "JJ, what about our coms program? How will this affect us?"

Jareau explained, "There was not much in it. The release notes said bug fixes, efficiency protocols, nothing else. It should handle all Federation codes just fine."

McGee added, "Assuming the virus is in the coms program, that should fix it. I am not convinced that is where it is. This step is just the first in trying to fix the problem. The one thing I do know is that Starbase 5 has a corrupted program as well, possibly all of Starfleet. What we gave them should help them find out how bad the compromise is."

Jacobs said, "Thank you two. I'll let you know what happens next." Jareau and McGee got up and left. Jacobs pulled out his Bible and started the transcribing process. Too bad there was not more computer terminology in the Bible, the words would make coding significantly quicker.

SIMULATOR BAY

USS WISCONSIN

Ensign Hornblower was leaning over one side of the large chart table. Today's work was reviewing the system layout for planet Maghreb. Ensign Valeri was on the opposite side also reviewing the table. Hornblower remarked, "Relatively unremarkable system. This should not be a problem for the shuttles navigating through if we must launch them."

Valeri remarked dryly, "From what you said earlier, with Kang hanging just off our side, I don't see shuttles flying that much."

Hornblower nodded thoughtfully, "Perhaps so, but Mr. Carter asked us to analyze what is known about the system for any navigation problems. I really do not see any problems here except for the asteroid belt outside of planet 4."

Valeri nodded, "It is a bit denser than normal. Even then, it still shouldn't be a problem. I think our approach should be coming from above the orbital plane of the asteroids." She flipped a switch, the images leaped off the table and were replaced with a hologram. She motioned the path.

"Agreed. Why should we fly a Starship through all that? It will just slow us down."

The door to the side opened and Carter stepped in. Both the ensigns came to attention and said "Commander."

Carter relaxingly said, "As you were. I have one more task for you guys, particularly you Miss Valeri."

Valeri asked, "What can we do?"

Carter handed a datapad over, "Here are the specifics on the Maghreb Air Traffic Control system. This is the complete data set. Maps, routes, communications, their rules, everything. I'd like you to work up a program so we can seamlessly work into their system."

"Thank you, I'd also like a moment alone with Mr. Hornblower." Valeri nodded and left. Carter looked at Hornblower, who looked a little tense. "Horatio, relax. You are a fine officer, and I want to let you know I appreciate your work and most of all, your judgement."

Hornblower relaxed a little and said in his British accent, "Thank you sir."

"I need to break up Pell and Mitchell. I have to say I'm sorry, but I'm going to pair you up with Mitchell as bunkmates."

Hornblower nodded, "Aye aye, sir."

Carter explained, "Horatio, basically I needed to put my most trusted Ensign with him."

Hornblower asked, "You don't trust the others?"

Carter shook his head, "Poor choice of words. I trust the others but I think that you will be a good influence on him. Plus, I do not want you to give him an inch or let him get away with anything. Remember a few things when dealing with him."

"What sir?"

Carter listed, "First, you are senior to him, he just got his commission. Second, you are completely familiar with ship's systems and protocol. Third…"

"Sir?"

Carter checked the time, "You are a better stick than him. He is not as good as he thinks. Remember I have seen both of you. Do not take any Kangaroo crap from him."

Hornblower let a small trace of a smile show, "I'll do my best, sir."

"I know you will, I have a meeting, let me know if you have any problems." Carter turned and left. Carter felt awful, but it was the only thing to do. Hornblower was a good officer. Funny thing about Hornblower was that even though he was only 22, he seemed much older. The kid was definitely Captain material one day.

BRIEFING ROOM

USS WISCONSIN

1600 HOURS

Jacobs welcomed everyone. "Thank you all for accepting the working dinner. We'll eat at 1700 and get most of the work done early. First, the issue of our communications. We know that our communications are compromised. We have a work around. Leo, Pastor Octavian, and I have the key for now. The way it is going to work is this. I'll encode a message, along with seven other fake messages. I'll give these messages along with the subject line to you and you send them to Admiral Adama. He will know which one is the real message and decode it."

Hotchner asked, "The others are decoys?"

"Decoys, distractions, whatever. If someone wants to break our code, they will have to crack the key, then decode the fake messages until they find the right one."

Grimm said, "Hide a tree in a forest."

"Right Ben. Here is your first assignment." Jacobs handed the sheets of paper out. "Please type these in before you hit the sack tonight."

Jareau saw what was written down on hers, "I see what you mean by keep it short."

Jacobs chuckled, "Yes, all messages have exactly the same number of elements."

Santini asked, "Can we scan it and convert it?"

Jacobs nodded, "Absolutely, I wanted to write them out because I know that whoever hacked us will look to me when they figure out that we have a go-around. Nothing is done on my computer, at all. So, no one can take an educated guess as to who is doing the 'real' message. Your scanning the message and converting it to text is no more an electronic lead than if you typed it in. Just check the conversion to make sure it is right."

He looked around. "Any other questions? Good, now let's get on to the brief on Maghreb. Leo?"

Jacobs sat down and Leonaidas started, "A little over three months ago the planet Maghreb had their first contact with the Vernali, Klingons, and the Federation. On the same day."

Jacobs remarked, "Big day for them."

Leonaidas nodded, "The Vernali were prospectors that got caught, the Klingons did a small-scale invasion and captured them, and the USS Bozeman was our representative."

Jacobs asked, "What do the Maghrebians look like?"

Leonaidas said, "The adverb is Maghreb. Very human."

"Ouch, so they get first contact by crabs, large rough skulled hairy humanoids, and a Vulcan. No offense Hotch." Jacobs quipped.

Hotchner said graciously, "None taken. At least they had some culture with Captain Saketh."

Leonaidas chuckled and said, "They made an immediate impression. The agreement was that three months later, delegations from both the Klingons and the Federation would come here and start negotiating for mining rights and possible membership. A little over a week ago, the Excalibur arrived and helped Ambassador Mamet set up an embassy. According to an update from Excalibur, the Embassy is fully functional right now and the Ambassador is staying on the surface along with his staff."

Santini exclaimed, "A week to build an embassy? That's too fast."

Leonaidas nodded, "Indeed. Evidently most of the pre-work was completed by the Maghreb. They provided the site and did basic site preparation along with the supplying of the final building material."

Jacobs asked, "What's the interesting twist?"

Leonaidas asked, "Twist?"

Jacobs said, "Nothing is as simple as just parking in orbit to provide support. Why was the Excalibur tasked there to begin with?"

Leonaidas said, "The diplomatic service requested it and Admiral Clayborne approved it. Admiral Clayborne is the Starfleet liaison for this mission."

Carter said dryly, "There's your twist."

Jacobs nodded, "Why such a high-level liaison? I can't think of a situation where the deputy C-IN-C was the liaison."

Leonaidas nodded, "This is unprecedented. The transmission from Starbase 5 indicated there would be more on this later. The Klingons responded to the Federation's battleship by sending Kang."

Grimm mused grimly, "Kang."

Jareau offered, "He treated us well when we met. Honorably."

Jacobs nodded, "Hotch, we only had a cursory brief on Kang. Can you give us more?"

Hotchner pushed a button and a picture of Kang showed up on the monitor. "Yes sir. I did as thorough of research as I could when it was said that Kang was at Maghreb. Kang is of course the commander of the IKV Klolode, which means 'thousand talon death.' His first officer is also his wife, Mara. He holds the rank of Captain and she the rank of Commander, although because of his being a Dahar Master, simply refer to him as 'Kang.' His wife is most appropriately referred to as Commander Mara. The couple had a son about twenty-five years ago, but his present condition is unknown. Kang is a fearsome warrior and extremely honorable, which we have witnessed. He has openly defended the treaty with the Federation in the Klingon High council, but from a basis that it is honorable to follow agreements. His actual opinion on the treaty is unknown."

"The Klingon contingent is headed up by Ambassador Kraal, a longtime ambassador for the Klingons. Before being an ambassador, he was a ship's captain during the Klingon war, with a distinguished service record. Ambassador Kraal also is known for being honorable and did a tour of three years on Earth. He was Ambassador to the Federation the same time that Kang was the Klingon military attaché at their Embassy. Ambassador Kraal's niece is Commander Mara, and it was on Earth of all places Kang and Mara met. They got married when returning to Qo'nos and had their only son shortly after that."

Santini commented, "Evidently, they don't have regulations against married couples being in the same chain of command."

Hotchner shook his head, "Quite the opposite. If there is a married couple in the Klingon military, they often put them together. Senior couples often end up as Captain-first officers on ships. When they have children, the wife often goes on a leave of absence to raise the children, then returns. That is exactly what happened to Kang & Mara. When Kirk came across them, it was one of the first cruises that Mara was back to duty after their son left the house."

Jacobs was curious, "What do we know about their son?"

"No name is known. He evidently entered the Klingon military, but we do not know anything about his record or status. He could be on that ship for all we know, but that would be a breach of Klingon protocol." Hotchner mentioned.

Jacobs asked, "Ok, that is their side. What about ours?"

Leonaidas started, "Ambassador Mamet heads up the Federation delegation. He has an appropriately large staff; the deputy Ambassador is notable in that it is Kirzon Dax."

Carter said, "I've heard that before. The Dax part at least."

Leonaidas continued, "Dax is the symbiont, Kirzon Dax is Trill. Dax used to be the leader of Trill. The symbiont is what has just been placed in someone who graduated from their symbiont academy or whatever it is. The new combined person is Deputy Ambassador Kirzon Dax. He has all the infirmities of youth combined with the wisdom of a two-hundred something year old former leader of a planet."

Jacobs mused, "Impressive assistant. What else?"

Leonaidas said, "There was a bit of an argument concerning some of the equipment that was shipped there. Evidently, that is one of the reasons they wanted the Excalibur was the ability it had to move down large objects to the planet."

"Anything about the planet?"

Leonaidas looked to Jareau, who started, "Maghreb is a pre-warp society. The first contact came accidentally with the Vernali, who were prospecting the planet. The Vernali thought they could grab some samples and leave but got caught by the Maghreb. Almost immediately, a force of about fifty Klingons beamed in, destroyed the armor, stunned the infantry, and captured the Vernali. Just after that, Captain Saketh beamed down and rescued the Vernali and basically got everyone to calm down until formal relations could start later."

Jareau tapped a button and a few Maghreb faces showed up on the big screen. "The one on the left is Prime Minister Kurbish. The one in the middle is Colonel Sasha, who oversaw the first contact. He is still in the Maghreb army and now is one of the liaisons between the Maghreb and off-worlders. The one on the right is Dr. Zouger, the leader of a movement to reject all alien influence on the planet."

Hotchner asked, "Xenophobic?"

Jareau nodded, "Yes, but not violent."

Hotchner looked at the Captain, "That may be now, but I would not expect the opposition to remain nonviolent. Pre-warp cultures that get contacted pre-maturely, particularly in this manner, often have an opposition that eventually turns out to be violent. A good example is Terra Prime on Earth in the mid 22nd century."

Carter said, "That was a hundred years after first contact."

Hotchner nodded, "Yes, and it was just four years after Earth's first warp 5 ship was commissioned. There was a sizeable xenophobic population on Earth that turned violent. All I'm saying is don't expect things to be nonviolent on Maghreb."

Jacobs nodded, "Point noted and I'll keep that in mind. What is the status of the situation on the ground?"

Jareau continued, "Our information from Starbase 5 is three days old. Both the Federation and Klingons have fully functioning embassies running now except for interstellar communication. First order of business for Ambassador Mamet is to negotiate interstellar transmitters in orbit, that may already be done now. Beyond that, it's the negotiations for the mining treaty. Ambassador Mamet and his staff stay in prepared quarters on the ground and Admiral Clayborne is staying on the ship, transporting down each day."

Jacobs looked at the pictures on the screen. "Do we know who prepared the sites for the embassies?"

Jareau looked in her notes, "For the Federation it was…. A businessman named Soklos."

Jacobs asked, "Do we know if the Klingon site was prepped?"

Jareau did some typing, "Actually, their site was prepped as well too, by Soklos." She did a little bit more typing and his picture came up on the screen as well.

Jacobs said, "Ok, let's keep an eye on him. Anything else?"

Hotchner nodded and added, "There is something in their building materials or techniques that prevents transporter and sensor operation. One of the tasks that the science department will have is to find out why and if we can replicate it and find a way to beam inside their buildings."

Jacobs asked, "We can't beam inside a building?"

Hotchner shook his head, "Nor can we use sensors inside a building. I would guess that we also will not be able to use subspace communications as well."

Jacobs asked, "How do they communicate?"

"Standard radio, it's only subspace that is affected." Hotchner said.

Santini offered, "I can add a circuit into all communicators that get sent down that can use normal radio frequencies."

Jacobs nodded, "Very good, that brings me to the next portion. What else can we do to prep for this mission?"

Bauer asked, "Do we know the layout of the embassies?" Leonaidas shook his head.

Jacobs ordered, "JJ, contact the Excalibur. Ask them for a detailed layout of our embassy along with the Klingons if known. For that matter, ask them to get detailed layouts of any buildings that we can expect to be in. What else can we do? How about shuttlecraft operations?"

Carter said, "I'm getting Miss Valeri to program the shuttlecraft to mesh with their airspace system. From the information I have, it won't be a problem. They use barometric altimetry which the shuttlecraft can adapt easily to. We won't have any mid-air collisions with their aircraft."

Jacobs chuckled, "That's good to hear. What about their physiology?"

Dr. Mallard said, "Humanoid, what affects them affects us and vice versa. They are more like us than the Klingons. Captain, are we talking about tactics?"

"No Ducky. I do not know what I'm prepping for, but we now have a little less than two days before arrival. I want to be prepared for anything. It's good to know the layout of all relevant buildings, good to know the people."

Dr. Mallard asked, "But it sounds like you are planning an invasion."

Bauer interrupted, "Or a rescue. As soon as I get the layout of our embassy, I'll have that programmed into the game and the Badgers will start drilling." The game was a desktop simulator that one could use for training. It was based on games that had been played for two hundred years on home computers and was very effective on learning layouts.

Jacobs also pointed out, "Since we are talking about that, let's run some drills on us against Kangs D7-M. Might as well add in an intruder drill as well."

Dr. Mallard looked around, "But you just said that Kang is honorable? Why all this?"

Jacobs smiled, "Ducky, it is just being prepared. Are you willing to bet the lives of this ship that we will not come under attack? I'm not, so we'll prep for any possible situation and those that aren't possible also. Remember, Kang isn't the only Klingon around, what if he gets replaced like we are replacing the Excalibur? I just thought of something else. JJ, let Captain Jackson know that there is compromise in our communications. I still want the layouts, but beyond that tell him to wait until we get there and he can brief me in person. Anything else? Then let's get to the meal! Pastor Octavian, would you ask the blessing for us?"

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S OFFICE

STARFLEET COMMAND

Admiral Nogura was standing at the big screen on his one wall looking over fleet deployments. The next duty was a bitter-sweet one. In walked his aide, Commander Rogers. Nogura said, "Paul, thanks for coming in. How are the shipyards doing?"

"On schedule sir, the shipwrights and metallurgists are insisting the new designs will be just fine."

Nogura poured a cup of coffee for Rogers. "Thank you for watching that for me. It is a focal point for the fleet for the next few years. How long have you worked for me?"

Rogers took the coffee, not sure where this was going. "Three years sir. I've learned a lot."

"And it's been a time for tremendous change, which you've done a great job assisting me. I have a good possibility for you. The USS Christopher Pike's Engineer is retiring in three months. Captain Simmons is requesting a replacement and I'd like you to take it."

Rogers was taken aback. "Sir, I didn't expect this."

Nogura smiled, "I know. You did a fantastic job as an Admiral's aide, furthermore you have Starfleet's interests truly at your heart. You are selfless in your work and I believe you would make a good Chief Engineer."

Rogers nodded, "I wanted to be a Chief Engineer, but there was too much to do with the changeover of the fleet to the new designs."

Nogura nodded, "I know, and thank you. Now, it's time for you to log some spacetime."

Rogers shook Nogura's hand, "Thank you sir, I really appreciate it. One more item I'd like to talk to you about. What is your opinion of the lieutenant?"

"Donald Ressler? Good kid. Inquisitive mind. I understand his training was in security."

Nogura nodded, "Yes, where he then did some criminal investigations, eventually ended up in office work. I'm thinking of bumping him up to my new aide. He has the points for Lt. Commander."

Rogers nodded, "I think he'll be good. Analytical mind. He isn't an expert in anything, but knows a little about everything. Probably from his investigation work."

Nogura pushed the com button, "Lieutenant, would you please come in?"

Ressler walked in, "Yes sir?"

Nogura motioned to an empty seat. "Please take a seat. Coffee?"

Ressler nodded, "Please, thank you sir."

"Commander Rogers and I were discussing some things. Commander Rogers is being promoted to Chief Engineer of the Christopher Pike."

Ressler smiled, "Congratulations, sir! When is it effective?"

Rogers looked back at Nogura, who said, "He will ship out in two weeks to meet with the ship. In the meantime, he has another task."

Ressler could feel both eyes on him. "Sir?"

Nogura asked, "If you are agreeable, I am going to promote you to Lt. Commander and Commander Rogers will train you on what is needed to be an Admiral's aide. You will be learning from the best."

Ressler could not hold his smile back. "Thank you, sir, I'd love that."

Nogura nodded, "Good. Then the first task the two of you will have is to start on this communications problem. Paul, Mr. Ressler, and I have come across some disturbing information concerning our communications systems. I think if you start introducing him to some of your most trusted engineering contacts, he can start a proper investigation and root out this problem. I'll leave the two of you so you can start your work."

The men stood and nodded politely. Nogura said, "Excused and have a good day."

Outside in the reception area Rogers said, "Don, congratulations. You'll be a good Admiral's aide. Nervous?"

Ressler nodded, "Yes, but I've always been a bit intimidated by Nogura. He's a fleet legend. And his Japanese demeanor is so- Intimidating to reuse a word."

Rogers started laughing, "Nogura? Japanese? His heritage is from Japan, but Nogura grew up in Las Vegas! He's as American as Cowboys and Indians! You should see him ride a horse!"

Ressler had a dumbfounded look on his face, "But I've arranged transportation back to Japan for him, to see his family."

Rogers was laughing, "Those are his cousins. The good Admiral is second-generation American. I'll get you fully checked out on him later, first thing is to select your replacement for the front office. You won't be spending much time there anymore."