Act Two, Scene Three

[Akirapryde]

Steady Workout
Stardate: 53835.42
HoloSuite 1, Deck Two
USS Thunderchild
Admiral David Tate, Captain Phillips and Captain Campbell

Narrator Note: the following scene is being observed via security monitors by Commander V'rol. Those involved in the scene are unaware of this monitoring at this time.

Today the holosuite took on the appearance of boxing center out of earth's twentieth century. The space was wide open with an old fashion boxing ring in the center of the room. Images of great boxer from across the centuries line the walls while a range of different training devices line the edges of the structure below the images. There was a heavy sent of musty sweat in the air as what would be expected in such a place. A number of hologram figured trained at versus devices while a pair of boxers worked their way around the ring as they exchanged blows.

This was one of Admiral Tate's favorite programs when he choose to retreat during his down times. There had been so much over the past few hours that gave him reason to desire a retreat. First his flagship was rendered useless at the hands of a mentally twisted fugitive. Next the pride of his career suffered a malfunction that had already caused a fire storm back on Earth. If this was not enough, the fugitive had once more played him for a fool. His anger was raging over and wanted. No had to blow off some steam before he took someone's head off.

With the operations of the ship so far away, here he could collect his thoughts and unwind after an incredibly long and painful day. Admiral Tate dressed in typical fashion of a pair of red boxing shorts while his hologram opponent was dressed in blue. Normally he would ensure that the two of them were equally matched. However today was not a typical day by a long short. His anger boiled over and had to be released. He ensured that the program ran higher than his actually ability allowed. The bruise on his face reflected the increase in level. However the hologram wasn't fairing much better. Admiral Tate had a lot of steam to blow off. They danced around the ring attempting to get the upper hand on the other. But Admiral Tate wasn't making this match easy. The sounds of a pair of men dueling it out could easily be heard while a third man was speaking.

"I am not so sure that capture of this fugitive, alive, will be possible." Captain Phillips said from outside the ring while the Admiral exchanged blows with the hologram again. "I was speaking with my contacts in Starfleet Intelligence, Sir. Aside from the official investigation in to this matter, they have revealed to me in confidence that a secret investigation has discovered evidence that this person, this Seònaid Melville, has links to radical elements in Cardassia." He explained as he turned his attention to his PADD. "While this information is intentionally being withhold from official reports to protect their sources, they were able to give me some details of what was uncovered. The links between Melville and this group are growing more compelling with each day. According to my contacts, these are the same people who were responsible for the attempted assassination of Elim Garak which claimed the life of Admiral Haden three months ago."

The news angered Admiral Tate as he preformed a series of rapid combinations on the hologram. He was all to familiar with the assassination of Admiral Haden. He had narrowly avoided being killed in the explosion. It was lucky that Jackson had summoned him away from the meeting at the last moment to review plans for an upcoming meeting. Still, Admiral Tate didn't let the situation cloud his current focus. In this moment, his focus was on a hologram boxer right before him. During his Academy days, he was a champion boxer who was unbeaten for nearly ten years. It was only after he decided to stop competing and refocus his attention on pursuing his career that his title was finally given to another boxer.

He would often joke that the reason for giving up boxing on the competition level was to give the rest of Starfleet a fighting chance at the title. Currently Admiral Tate holds the record in Starfleet for the longest run as Heavy Weight Boxing Champion of Starfleet. "Phil" he said using the common nickname for Captain Phillips, "there better be more than hear say on this. I will not order the death of this young woman simple because your contacts feels she is a threat or because some shadowy agent might have heard something damning" he snapped as he hammered the hologram with a powerful right hook that was one of his signature moves. The hologram stumbled back as the Admiral continued, "Phil, I can't tell you how much I detest the idea of ordering this woman's death. So give me a" he strained his voice as he punched the hologram once more while the hologram landed a sound blow on the Admiral, "something better than hear say."

Captain Phillips nodded, "I understand Sir. I have pushed my contacts as far as they are willing to go to give up information. Sir, you know how they are. Think back in the past. It was in fact my contacts that warned us of the bombing on Korma. How many lives were we able to save that day. I could spend hours listing all the times my contacts have come forward to warn of terrorist attacks across Cardassian space that saved lives. My contacts are hardly wrong."

Admiral Tate nodded as he dodged an attack and took one to the left midsection. He knew that Captain Phillips was right. Those damn spooks in Starfleet Intelligence were hardly ever wrong. During the past eight months they have given up vital information that saved lives. But this was different, now it was assumed that he would act on this information to order the death of a woman who was just as likely mentally ill and was in desperate need of medical help not murder. "I know what you are saying Phil. But I need more before I order her death. You have to push them for more. Anyway, continue," he said giving the man permission to continue with the briefing.

"Yes Sir," Phillips said then continued. "So it would appear that just before our fugitive was liberated from the Velos Internment Camp, she was personally visited by both Gul Ocett and Gul Macet. Currently both of these individuals are wanted by the current Cardassian Government for crimes against the Government. Gul Macet, as you know, has been responsible for stirring up negative emotions against Federation involvement within Cardassian space. Gul Ocett was the one who is suspected as being the one who planned out the assassination of Admiral Haden. Sources have been able to confirm to my contacts that the fugitive was broken by the Cardassians during her imprisonment and is now a willing operative working for Gul Macet."

Admiral Tate clearly didn't like the news as he pushed back against the attack on him landing a hand full of sound blows. Both man and hologram were locked in a bitter battle that was taken its toll on both. "I am not liking where this is going Phil," he expressed.

"Indeed Sir" Captain Phillips said as he continued to read from his PADD. "However it can't be over looked that all of this is happening during a time when Garak will be outside of Cardassian Space at Admiral Ross' ceremony. My contacts suggests that she might be in fact going to make a move against Garak himself while he is on Deep Space Nine. If this were to happen, then the...."

"Damnit Phil" he said delivering a powerful blow in to the hologram. "I know what will happen. A Starfleet Marine killing the hero leader of Cardassia. It would shatter what confidence the Cardassian people have in the Federation. No amount of spin, could ease that kind of scenario." Admiral Tate switched back to a defensive position as he danced across the ring with the hologram moving in on the attack. "What about this spy. What do your contacts have to say about this whole spy business."

Captain Phillips shook his head, "I have pushed my contacts hard on this one. While they are aware of a number of 'leaks' within Federation personnel. They are currently looking in to the leak of the level which you informed me of. I have to admit, when you brought those codes to me I was shocked. Who ever had that kind of information would have access to Flag Officer Security Clearance. Sir, maybe if you could tell me how you came across this information, I could let my contacts know and this could help them find the leak."

Admiral Tate knew that the information came from Captain Campbell, but he knew in his heart that Campbell was above any accusation of being a spy. He was not going to drag his friend in to this mess. "Sorry, Phil. You have your contacts and I have mine. This one will remain my secret, for the time being." He paused as he took a series of rapid punches from the hologram. After he pushed the hologram back he continued, "so you mean to tell me you don't have any ideas, or even a guess?"

There was no hinting in the Captain's voice as Phillips spoke, "Sir, if I have to guess. I would say, that the leak was Captain Campbell. I know it would be hard to accept. After all, you got him this very command. All that you had done for him, would prove to be a painful betrayal. But it all makes sense. Captain Campbell has a history with the fugitive. He and her sister shared a strong love affair when they were children that lasted up till they were teenagers. Sir, he hid this fact from Starfleet and from you. His ship was the first ship 'attacked' by the fugitive. He happened to have a message waiting from her via some Priest that he knew as a boy." Captain Phillips could have continued but the glare from Admiral Tate brought the list of reasons to a halt.

Instead Captain Phillips switched gears, "while this is circumstantial evidence, you have to consider that he might be the spy. After all, what is the point of his desires to protect the fugitive to the lengths that he has gone so far. I have already shown you how he is withholding information about the direct relationship with the fugitive's sister. It was by your order that the evacuations were halted and she was left behind. And the hell that she suffered on Velos. One doesn't forget these things Sir. If you just consider what I have said you will see I am tel......"

Admiral Tate was enraged by the claims to such a point that he hammered the hologram with a left cross and an right hand upper cut. The blows sent the hologram stumbling backwards, "Thats enough!" he yelled out in anger at the same time as the blows. As the Hologram was stumbling back to its feet, Tate turned to Captain Phillips, "You listen to me God damnit cause I wont say it again. Campbell is not a traitor. SO unless you have any hard evidence to suggest otherwise, then stow that kind of talk. I want evidence that can prove who the spy is." he turned just in time to catch the hologram making an attack on him. He let out a cry as he delivered another left cross that sent the hologram stumbling to the right. "I wont chase ghosts."

"Sir, with all due respect. What will you do when Captain Campbell starts to attempt to cast doubt off of himself and on to others. Would you be so willing to defend me or any of your other aides with such clarity? Sir, I have always been by your side." There was passion in Captain Phillips voice and he was clearly upset that the Admiral wasn't listening.

Admiral Tate sighed as he walked over to the ropes and leaned on them. As he moved the hologram reacted to the action by lowering his fists and waiting. Admiral Tate rested his gloved fists on the top ropes of the ring. "Listen Phil, we go back to the Academy. I was there for you when your parents died. I know you just as well as I know Jackson. Hell we have been friends since the beginning of the war. Nothing has changed and nothing will change. But you see, this is just what the spy would want us doing. Turning on each other instead of looking for that hard evidence. There is a spy in my camp, and I need to know which one it is. I trust you and Jackson with my own life. But I have to know where this leak is. So find me this evidence, if not I will have to hand this investigation over to Starfleet Intelligence."

Captain Phillips nodded, "your faith in me is reassuring. But if Jackson is the....."

"Hey..." Admiral Tate said waving his hand, "Jackson is no traitor. So leave it at that." He demanded as he shook himself off and turned to face the hologram. "Tell me what else you got" He added as he readied to continue his work out. The hologram responded by reading its own stance and moving closer to make an attack.

"Garak's ship will be arriving at Deep Space Nine in just over twenty four hours. All security steps have been taken to ensure his safety. As you know, this will mark the first time sense the end of war that the key leadership of the Cardassian Government will be outside of Cardassian space. Our ships have been placed on full alert and are ordered to expect anything. My contacts suggest that Gul Ocett and Gul Macet are planning something, but at this time it is unclear what. The two Guls have a handful of ships supporting them but nothing that could compare with the might of the Cardassian military or our own fleet. My contacts insist that what ever they are planning will be limited to their scope of influence. Which could be protests and minor acts of terrorism. However, I urge you to not under estimate these two Cardassians. They have proven to be ruthless in their goals to drive the Federation from Cardassian Space."

Reading from his PADD, Captain Phillips continued, "Reports have it that they are using the Rolor Nebula just inside Breen space to hide their ships from our detection. Though there is no direct link between the radicals or the Breen Government however since the end of the war, the Breen have been very silent about these incursions in to their space. This could be a possible link between the Radical Movement and the Breen Government."

Admiral Tate shifted on his feet to dodge another attack by the hologram, "But that doesn't mean they wont take the advantage should something happen. What about those reports of a Breen build up along their boarder?"

Captain Phillips nodded, "Those reports are still confirmed. Nearly fifty ships have been amassed along the Cardassian/Breen boarder. However the Breen are claiming that they have become worried about the increased tensions between the government and radicals within Cardassian space. My contacts have also indicated that they also don't like the idea of Starfleet ships operating near their board within Cardassian space."

Admiral Tate nodded, "Worried my ass. I wouldn't be surprised if those bastards had a hand in these escalating tensions."

Captain Phillips nodded, "Indeed sir. What of the new communication's protocols?"

Admiral Tate dodged the hologram's attack as he countered with a gab to the hologram's lower ribs. "Starfleet Command has decided to issue new protocols via a secured network from within Starfleet Intelligence. It will remain as such till the leak in my camp can be sealed."

"Sir?" Captain Phillips questioned then added, "So we are to be left out of the loop on this?" There was concern in his voice.

Admiral Tate didn't seem to notice as the hologram attempted to land a series of attacks which the Admiral successfully blocked. "Yes, that is correct. And it was done by my order. I wanted my command to be cut out of the loop. Those protocols are too vital to leave to my pride. I trust all of you. But I won't deny the facts. This leak is in my camp, Phil. Someone close to me has betrayed my trust and I mean to safe guard my fleet from that betrayal."

Captain Phillips nodded, "So you don't know of the new protocols?"

Admiral Tate shook his head, "Nope. Again it was by my order. I have also asked Starfleet Command to place the rest of my staff on Deep Space Nine under close observation till this mess is cleared up."

Captain Phillips nodded once more, "So keep your friends close and....."

"Yeap and..." Admiral Tate said slamming his fist in to the hologram once more with such force to knock the larger human backwards a bit. "Keep my enemies even closer. But as I said, you and Jackson are my closest friends. I wouldn't discount that the spy knows I am on to him or her. When the time happens, I will need both of you close to me." He backed up as the hologram lowered his arms in reaction to Admiral Tate's actions. Tate turned back to Captain Phillips, "I mean it, Phil. I trust you two with my life. And I need you both, now more than ever before."

Captain Phillips nodded, "we have been your friend for over two decades. I am sure I speak for Jackson as well when I say this. Both of us will stop at nothing to clear your camp of this damn spy. Trust me, if nothing else, I will clear your name Sir," Captain Phillips pledged. "Sir, could you just give me all that you know about this spy including the information about the codes you discovered. I will pass them over to my contacts and they will use their sources to find this spy."

Admiral Tate hated to admit it but Phillips was right. Each time, his shadowy contacts spoke they were hardly wrong. They were a resource that could be exploited. But Tate hated them. He had major issues with those spooks. But he had more reasons to trust those ghosts in Starfleet Intelligence than he actually wanted to like them. It was a well known fact that as much as Captain Campbell disliked Doctors, Admiral Tate hated spies. Regardless of which side they served. Near the end of the war, he had actually shocked his entire staff by placing his Starfleet Intelligence Liaison officer in to an airlock to ensure that the woman was telling Admiral Tate the full truth. Admiral Tate had threaten to space the woman if she didn't stop speaking in half truths and withholding what he considered vital information.

After that event, Starfleet Intelligence enlisted the services on Captain Phillips as their Liaison Officer to Admiral Tate's staff. The move created a unspoken truce between Starfleet Intelligence and Admiral Tate. As the hologram closed on Admiral Tate, he drove his fist in to the hologram and followed up the opening with another series of combinations, "Damnit Phillips!" he cursed "Damn games of cloak and daggers." he added as he drove fist after fist in to the hologram knocking the figure back. "Give me my warships, a battlefield and an enemy that I can see. This is the war I want to fight. Not an enemy hiding in the shadows."

With a final powerful blow, the Admiral cried, "God damnit I hate dealing with these spooks." The blow knocked the hologram's head sending a spray of blood in to the hair. The hologram fell backwards on to the mat. Admiral Tate backed up turned to Captain Phillips as he thrust a glove at him, "No Phil. You have the resources of your damn spooks. That is enough you need. Now find me that spy or else you will go a few rounds with me in here!

On that note, the door hissed open and Captain Campbell walked in to the holosuit. Admiral Tate turned and waved at his long time friend, "Jack" he said with still a bit of anger in his voice. It was clear by the sweat and blood that Admiral Tate had been working out for a while. "I hope you brought your gloves Jack. Cause I am growing tired of beating up on your holograms. I would like some real meat to beat up on." he said letting out a laugh, "Oh and none of that kicking, flying peter pan stuff. This is boxing, Jack." Admiral Tate walked over to the edge of the ring and rested on the ropes as the hologram disappeared from the center of the ring. Tate shot a look at Captain Phillips, "Unless you have anything else. You have your orders."

Captain Phillips nodded, "Yes Sir" he said with a very official tone. Captain Phillips turned and started to walk for the door. Upon passing Captain Campbell, he spoke in a lowered voice, "his is not happy today. Best to keep your guard up and avoid the upper cuts." The warning was well called for. No one knew the Admiral as well as these two men. When Tate was not happy, he took out his anger in the ring. There was more than enough reason for Admiral Tate not to be happy. Captain Phillips left the holosuite. The door hissed closed and vanished in to the wall of the gym.