Prologue Book 600 – The Mind Sifter

PRESS ROOM

STARFLEET HEADQUARTERS

SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH

Admiral Warren walked up to the podium and turned on his datapad. The crowd immediately started asking questions. Warren simply held up a hand to quiet the mob. Once they quieted, Warren said, "I have a brief statement then will do a short Q & A session."

"Starfleet has just declared the USS Midway as missing in action. The Midway is currently two weeks overdue with its routine status call. We have dispatched ships to investigate and will inform you of developments. Questions?" Warren pointed at one reporter.

"Galactic Network News. Admiral Warren, where was the Midway when it last checked in?"

Warren said, "I'm sorry, but that information is classified." He pointed to another reporter.

"Vulcan planetary news. Admiral Warren, which ships have been tasked for search and rescue?"

Warren answered, "First, we are not calling it a rescue yet, there are many possibilities as to why a ship cannot send in its normal check-in report. Second, I am not able to inform you on the ships that are investigating the Midway." Warren pointed at the next reporter.

"Jane's Space weekly. Is the missing Midway related to the others such as the Fearless and Huron? Do you suspect Klingons?"

Warren took a deep breath; this question was a minefield. "You mentioned the USS Fearless. If all the ships since the Fearless were related, that makes the total amount missing to eight. As to Klingon involvement.." The room was silently waiting for Warren's comment. "Since the Klingons declared the Organian treaty null and void we have had no conclusive evidence of hostilities in Federation Space. That is all, thank you." The press tried to ask more questions but Warren ignored them as he quickly exited the room. Once clear as he was walking to the nearest elevator, he asked his aid, "Well, Brad, how do you think it went?"

"Good sir. Considering that we do not know everything." Commander Brad Ormson said.

Warren thought to himself, Nogura's up to something, and he is playing these cards very close. Warren hated going out to a press conference without full knowledge, but sometimes that had to happen. It helps if the person whose face is plastered up on the screens has no knowledge of covert operations so that there are no hidden twitches given during the questioning by the press. No one liked the job. It was only on rare occasions that the C-in-C would show up. Nogura was a master at the poker face yet was still reluctant to do briefings on sensitive subjects. That fell to trusted-Admiral underlings like himself.

GNN STUDIOS

PARIS, EARTH

"On the political front is Senator Jameson representing Regulus. Senator Jameson has been battling a scandal of being caught with confidential information. With us now, is Senator Jameson. Senator, thank you for coming." Sydney Shelton said.

Jameson smiled warmly. It helped that Shelton was one of the prettiest reporters that GNN had. GNN used this to their advantage, both in ratings and it would help encourage information out of some of the more susceptible subjects. "Thank you, Sydney. Just a correction, I have not been 'caught'. That is an allegation meant to weaken me."

"It seemed quite clear that Starfleet caught you having data that didn't go through the proper channels." Shelton stated.

"Not all is what it seems. The only classified documents I have come through proper, secure channels. Starfleet has never said how I supposedly got this supposed classified information." Jameson said with a smiling face."

Shelton asked, "So what is the information that Starfleet claims you have improperly?"

Jameson continued his smile with the warmest that he could muster. "To tell you the truth, I am not exactly sure. Starfleet will not tell me, claiming everything is 'classified'. I cannot give details on my behalf because that was given to me as 'classified'. There is too much 'classified' going around I can't keep track which is which, evidently, they can't either. Because this is so serious, I have ordered my office to cooperate fully with the investigation. If there is a mole, they must be discovered. We cannot afford information leaks, particularly now."

"That leads nicely into my next question." Shelton said. "We've been hearing that Starfleet is returning communications protocols to a previous version. Do you care to comment?"

"Yes, and it relates to some of this faulty data that is flying around. They are reverting not only to a previous communications system, but the previous master OS system used on board ships." Jameson said with a frown. "They claim it's necessary to make sure this 'leak' is plugged." Jameson went so far as to use his fingers to melodramatically make quotes around the word leak.

Shelton asked, "You don't think it's necessary?"

"How could we possibly know? We have heard nothing then suddenly Starfleet, specifically Admiral Nogura, orders to revert back to an older software system. It's very time consuming to do that." Jameson said seriously.

"Was the ship involved with your 'incident' on the old or new system?" Shelton asked.

Jameson lied, "I don't know. All I know is that Starfleet is doing many things at once, and my committee can't keep up with the changes. It would not surprise me that the ship involved had an old, outdated communications system." Jameson had an insight on how to advance his overall agenda against Starfleet. "The ship involved is one I know quite well, it was the Wisconsin."

"The same one you're investigating?" Shelton asked.

Jameson nodded and decided to turn the heat up. "And we have been asking a lot of questions. Starfleet has stopped me at every chance, they have been far less cooperative than I have been with them on this classified document deal. My investigation into Prime Directive violations and participation into biological weapons of mass destruction has been stonewalled. Not only that, the Wisconsin also was involved in an Organian treaty violation at Maghreb that I'm trying to investigate. Now, I can't get the straight story as to what happened at Organia."

Shelton asked, "What do you think happened?"

Jameson knew what she was after, but decided to go another tack. "What do you think? We're investigating a ship whose Captain is a menace, he's a renegade. This guy is a loose cannon. Admiral Kirk got him this command, Admiral Adama out at Starbase 5 loves him, Nogura is even tasking him for special assignments. Starfleet Command does not want those questions answered. I believe there is a conspiracy somewhere there against me."

Shelton was surprised, but retained her composure. She fell for the diversionary tactic, "You think they fabricated information to discredit you?"

"What else can you think? I'm just a poor, old Senator from one of the earliest worlds in the Federation. I can't even defend myself because I don't know what is really true. I can't trust what Starfleet has said so I can't answer your question on what really happened at Organia. I'm really worried for the Federation. Something bad went down and I'm not sure why, just confusing things."

Shelton asked, "What do you mean confusing?"

Jameson was excited at his moment of brilliance and decided to push it hard. "The Klingon Ambassador was in the President's office; they were about to declare war on us. Something happened that caused the Klingons back down. What? I have no idea, but find it interesting that the Captain of the Wisconsin is at Organia, something went down where we and the Klingons both lost our ambassadors, and they do not declare war on us? That Captain went nose to nose with Captain Kang of the Klingons and suddenly they are 'friends'. Jacobs screwed up a mining treaty with Maghreb but managed to work out an agreement with his old buddy Kang. I tell you there is so much going on that it will take a while to get to the bottom of it. Now, Starfleet is covering for Jacobs and Klingons are involved." Jameson was pleased with himself. Just before Shelton asked the next question Jameson blurted out on impulse, "I don't know who to fear more, the Klingons or Starfleet." That should help keep Starfleet in place.

Shelton asked, "You say that, even with the Klingons negating the Organian treaty?"

"Yes, I do. The Klingons are not interested in war, at least not with us. Starfleet is incredibly big and powerful; it would be suicide for the Klingons to declare war on us. Our Intel is that they are locked in a mortal battle with someone called the Cardassians. Why start another war on another front? It doesn't make any sense. I'm more afraid of Starfleet. They have been getting more and more militaristic."

"Our time is up, thank you for a most interesting interview. This is Sydney Shelton for GNN."

STARBASE 5 COMMANDER'S OFFICE

STARBASE 5

Adama could not believe what he heard. He hated watching GNN but sometimes it was good to see what the whackos were reporting. This was sure to set Cogley off. Adama thought it would be good for another strategizing session with Cogley and turned to the com panel. Just as he was about to push the button, a call came in. Adama could see it was Cogley, that guy was a mind reader. Adama pushed the button answering the call, "Sam, I guess you saw the same thing I just did."

"I did, want to do dinner?" Cogley's voice said.
"We've eaten so many times at the Orion Steakhouse I'm afraid that I'm going to wear out my welcome." Adama stated humorously.

"Don't worry about that Bill." Cogley said reassuringly. "I suggest you come over here. I'll have the steakhouse deliver."

Adama thought a minute. "Jameson hit so many sensitive subjects we better do it here. Meet in an hour?"

"An hour it is."

Adama continued, "Speaking of bills, all the consultations we have done for Josh in the past few months has got to be ringing up a heck of a legal bill on your side. Are we bankrupting him?"

Cogley laughed. "Don't worry, I do my work for Josh with a bulk discount."

Adama laughed. "I didn't realize lawyers gave bulk discounts."

Cogley said, "Only for big customers."

"I didn't realize Josh was that big of a customer." Adama said jokingly.

Cogley replied, "You have no idea." Adama chuckled and killed the line. How much business could a Starship Captain generate? Well, Josh was well on the way to setting a record. Funny thing was once Starfleet considered Jameson not coming just after Jacobs but Starfleet as well, they offered to fund some of Cogley's fees. Cogley and Jacobs flatly refused. The only request was that Cogley be given relevant classified information relating to his client, which was no problem. Cogley held a top-secret clearance.

This next meeting was going to be a full one. Adama needed to get Cogley spun up on what happened at Organia along with the sting operation that plugged the leak in Starfleet's communications. Oh well, it was more free food from a great steakhouse.

KLINGON CHANCELLORS CHAMBERS

QUO'NOS

Kor strode into the chamber and was greeted by the usual Klingon grunts and growls. He was one of the shortest Dahar Masters, if not the shortest. What he lacked in height he more than made up in ferocity and viciousness. He was also totally merciless. With that, one gave him a respectful distance wherever he walked, you just never knew what Kor would do next.

Kor looked around and saw the representative High Council members. A majority, but not all. More than what were involved with the Black Fleet which meant that what was to be discussed was not a Black Fleet operation. It did not matter; the Black Fleet achieved its goal- negation of the Organian treaty. Kor had occasional contact with the Black Fleet but did not know who was the head. Kor knew the council members who supported the Black Fleet because they asked him for special operations from time to time.

Whatever this was, it was not a Black Fleet op. Curious thing was, then why not do this in full council? Kor walked up to the center position and stood quietly. Chancellor Bogkor said, "Kor!"

"Chancellor." Kor replied slyly.

"The High Council has a special operation for you." Bogkor said.

Kor looked around knowingly. "Not the entire council."

Bogkor said, "That will become apparent later. We have a mission that is vital for the Empire. One that requires your special talents."

Kor nodded understanding, "Go on."

Bogkor motioned to a screen that showed a starmap. "The Kah'less has been patrolling well inside our border for a few months. Initially, it made itself known to the Federation for other purposes." Ones that failed, Kor thought. Bogkor continued, "As expected, the Federation countered with their battleship Excalibur."

A diagram of the Excalibur came on the screen. Kor was familiar with the design. Kor nodded sinisteringly. The Chancellor continued, "After a bit of time we pulled the Kah'less back and had it do maneuvers for various reasons. Intelligence noted that the Excalibur's path was mirroring the Kah'less, well beyond what a ship should be able to sense. Intelligence further deduced that the Excalibur was not sensing the Kah'less deep in our space directly, but was being given the path to be flown from somewhere else." Bogkor made a motion and the starmap zoomed in to a section of seven stars. "We think that the Federation has a secret base somewhere in these seven star systems."

"You want me to go looking for a secret base?" Kor scoffed. "Impossible! I would have better odds finding a particular grain of sand in our great desert!"

Bogkor glared at Kor, "Perhaps. I do not send Dahar Masters out on errands that can be done by expendable enlisted men. I want you to find this man." An image of Captain Jacobs came on the screen. "This is Captain Joshua Jeremiah Jacobs, Captain of the Wisconsin. We suspect he visited the base recently. I want you to extract the information."

Kor started to smile, Bogkor continued, "You will get this information any way you can, but leave no trace of our involvement." Kor nodded. Bogkor added, "There is one complication."

Kor looked at the Chancellor. Bogkor stated, "Jacobs is Jup-qorDu to the house of Kang. Will that be a problem?"

Suddenly it was clear. It was Kang's representative and other allies that were not in the room. Kor shook his head. "No. Kang and I are enemies. This does not change our relationship at all."

"Good. You will get specifics later. We have laid out bait to draw him to you. You must go tomorrow. Kap'lah!" Bogkor said.

Kor said with a snap, "Kap'lah!"

CAPTAIN'S MESS

USS WISCONSIN

"Captain's Log, Stardate7554.7. We are enroute to the Triangle. A portion of space that is not claimed by either the Federation, Romulans, or Klingons. Inside the Triangle are a few star systems, the one we are enroute to is the Lambda Beta system. The triangle is the one place where trade between the three big powers is allowed because there is no authority located there. One can find Federation free traders, Klingons, Romulans, Orions, Norsicans, and even Breen. For us, normal rules do not apply, it is more of an old saying on Earth, 'The right of way goes to the Biggest Guns.'"

"We have another day of cruising before we enter the system, in the meantime, tonight we have Ensign Ivan Kinchloe dining with his section head, Lt. Jareau, Leonaidas, and myself."

Jacobs had not had much contact with Ensign Kinchloe during this cruise, but Jareau had sung his praises. When the computer randomly selected his name, Jacobs was looking forward to meeting him. The dinner was going well. Kinchloe was a tall, black man from Detroit, USA. He was quiet, but had a good sense of humor. Jareau also said Kinchloe had unusually good common sense. He just always seemed to know what the right thing to do was and could state it simply.

Leonaidas asked, "So, Mr. Kinchloe, you've been with us since the beginning, which mission was your favorite?"

Kinchloe had a big mustache and you could see it bend noticeably when he smiled. "That would have to be the one to Tangia."

Leonaidas asked, "Why?"

Kinchloe said, "The sheer volume of data we got so quickly was staggering. We not only had to figure out their language, which the Universal Translator does quite nicely, but we had to interface with their computers. That proved to be a real challenge. Then the added urgency with Mr. Denozzo's infection and trying to understand what was happening down there, it was a lot of work, but very satisfying." Kinchloe looked to Jacobs, "Sir, that was a gutsy call you made."

Jacobs chuckled, "Which one?"

Kinchloe smiled but said evenly, "The one to save those babies. Sir, that was the right call to make, but I think most guys would have simply said 'Prime Directive' and left. You followed the Prime Directive and saved those babies. No one can fault you for that."

Jacobs looked at Leonaidas and laughed, "Maybe they shouldn't, but someone will try."

Kinchloe said, "Senator Jameson?"

Jacobs nodded, "How did you know?"

"I keep in contact back home. He's pretty ticked about us sir." Kinchloe said. "He twists the truth. We followed the Prime Directive, saved the babies, they never knew about offworlders and there is no way Senator Jameson can accuse us."

Jacobs shrugged, "Perhaps not, but you have a flaw in your reasoning."

Kinchloe asked, "Sir?"

Jacobs stated, "You assume that someone needs accurate facts to make an accusation."

The four of them laughed and Lt. Jareau said, "Captain, Mr. Kinchloe is interested in Badger training."

Jacobs smiled, "Are you?"

Kinchloe nodded and smiled embarrassingly. "Yes sir, I am."

Leonaidas said, "We could always use another gun, but Commander Bauer will want to know what your speciality can bring. Why would the Badgers need a communications specialist?"

Kinchloe said, "Well, sir, I would see me as getting a chance to hack secure communications."

Leonaidas said, "We already have two hackers."

Kinchloe nodded, "Yes sir, you do. Mr. McGee specializes in computers; Mr. Luther specializes in hardware. I would specialize in hacking battlefield communications along with dealing with our own communications problems."

Jacobs said, "You have any experience hacking communications systems?"

Kinchloe nodded. "Yes sir, I do. Basically, that is what my job is, to figure out an alien's way of communicating for us to communicate with them. Now, I would be doing that undetected or even adding in misinformation."

"Ahhh, now the outside the box thinking." Jacobs said. "Give me a talent, a skill in misinformation!"

Kinchloe looked at Jareau. Jareau said, "Kinch does impressions."

Leonaidas and Jacobs looked at each other. Jacobs asked, "Ok, do Commander Hotchenr."

Kinchloe changed his mannerism slightly and said with an even, Vulcan voice, "Captain, that moon bearing 321 mark 4 is made up entirely of cheese, swiss actually." Jacobs started laughing. It was a great impersonation.

Leonaidas asked, "Do Lt Grimm."

Kinchloe raised up his shoulders slightly, trying to look like a broad-shouldered man. He said in a very good Brooklyn accent with a husky voice, "Captain, I'm afraid the phasers are all out of power, do you have any bows and arrows I could borrow?"

Everybody laughed a bit. Jacobs said, "Ok, a bit more of a realistic challenge. Do Kang"

Kinchloe's eyebrows furrowed. He looked angry. He started off in Kang's voice, "This is Kang. On behalf of the Klingon Empire, I do protest you giving us dead Gakh!" Kinchloe even added Kang sounding angrier on the Gakh. "I do not understand what is so humorous! Gakh is important!"

Once the laughter died down Jacobs said, "Mr. Kinchloe, that is fantastic! Can you speak Klingon?"

Jareau interrupted, "Like a native."

Jacobs exclaimed, "Really?"

Kinchloe nodded embarrassingly, "Yes sir."

Jareau added, "He has an accent, that of the Gok-Tol Province. That is good because most of their officers have the same accent."

Jacobs said, "I know there is one class of four going through right now, there's a couple of months before they are done. When Mr. Bauer interviews for the next class, be sure to let him know. I can see those talents being put to use."

Kinchloe said, "Thank you sir."

Leonaidas mentioned, "That was a productive dinner, anyone for dessert?"