Act Two, Scene Two

[Akirapryde]

Stardate: 53832.8
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Admiral Tate and Captain Campbell
Turbo lift

Admiral Tate waited till they were alone in the turbo lift before speaking, "Jack," he said ringing the coffee from his uniform, "i don't care about this." He half laughed, "remember when that Cathen delegation came aboard. I was so sick with the flu, I vomited all over one of them." He smiled at the memory of years ago, but a more serious look came over him.

He looked at his soaked uniform and sighed heavily. "We have been through a lot together." He said with that tone in his voice that the subject just changed to something very serious.

"Jack, what I need to know is why this person is gunning for you. Her attacks started with your ship. Then these holovids and a secret message. How do you play in to all of this. Everything seems to be pointed at you" he questioned.

He continued with renewed breath. "A source in Starfleet Intelligence suggests that they had been on the trail of a traitor on Velos. Is this what she is talking about regarding this whole Velos issue?"

He paused and turned to face his old friend, "Jack, I can protect you. I have my own sources and contacts. Just be truthful with me. I can talk with them on your behalf. They might be willing to go easy on you if you just cooperate. That is, if you are involved in something. Let me help you Jack" he said with a sincere look in his eye and a friendly touch on Captain Campbell's shoulder.

Stardate: 53832.68
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Ensign Townsend, Ensign Habachi, and Lt. Jr. Noonia
Location: Holosuite 3

The opponents were well match and spirits were high as the game came to a pause. The three junior officers took a moment to enjoy a bit of rehydration while they continued the discussion of their opinions of the Thunderchild and her crew.

Ensign Townsend took a deep drink of water then asked, "so why do they call him Commander Coward?" He said speaking of Commander Bonham, the ship's XO.

With a nod Ensign Habachi lowered his water bag, "so here is what I heard. My current roommate had a roommate while the Thunderchild was back at Utopia Yards. According to that roommate who was there during this event, told my roommate what happened. The story goes, that during the final battle the Thunderchild was in, This guy was on the bridge and witnessed the whole thing. Commander Bonham had a chance to save members of the fighter wing, but instead during the heat of the battle turned the ship around and fled instead. And in doing so, left those pilots behind to die. This is why the whole crew who remained on board from that battle hates him and why he is Commander Coward."

Stardate: 53832.8
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Captain Vakath and Commander V'rol
Corridor of the Thunderchild

With a nod, Captain Vakath slowed his pace "it would appear that the actions of your Chief Engineer has bought us the distraction that we require." On that note, he slowed his pace and allowed the rest of the group to move ahead while he and Commander V'rol lagged behind.

Speaking in a lower voice Captain Vakath started to explain, "at first there was suspicion of a possible act of sabotage aboard my ship. However the person behind this plot has removed such proof. In doing so has proven to me that this plot was not only an act of sabotage as had been first suspected. A few hours before your ship arrived a Transporter Tech brought to my attention a issue with our transporters. At first she thought that it was only a maintenance issue. As she dug deeper she discovered that the issue was with all of the main transporters buffers. These systems are not linked and only an intentional act could cause this kind of issue. She called me down to look at the issue. However by the time I go a chance to follow up with her, the issue had somehow repaired its self."

He paused only for a moment then continued, "I have no reason to suspect what I am being told from my crewmen. Had the transporter been activated to beam the fugitive aboard there would have been what appeared to be a simple malfunction. As a result the fugitive would not have survived the transportation. When questioned, none of my engineering staff reported any issues with the transporters nor did any of them have any information about repairing such an issue. With the malfunction correcting its self, it is only logical to assume that this was a murder plot waiting to unfold. I suspect that this person will attempt to strike again once the fugitive is in our sights. I have my own security team working discretely on an investigation aboard my ship. The person behind this plot has covered their tracks very well. We currently have no evidence of who it might be or that such a plot was actually set up in the first place. Currently, there are only three members of my crew and myself that are aware of this investigation. I suggest that you keep your own security personal appraised of the situation."