ILLUMINARRPG: (-78- 0655)- Lieutenant Able Breckinridge

[Charles Gatling]

Mission:  Death in the Shadows
Day: -78
Stardate: 2445.11.14

(Altair IV- Orbit - Defensive Station 7 - CO's Office - Lieutenant Able
Breckinridge- 0655)

He had gotten here early after insuring that the hallways were clear. He
was sitting ostensibly at ease before the desk while in fact he was
anything but. He was internally tense while forcing himself to relax.
Whiling away the time in the CO's office seemed interminable with the
seconds flowing like molasses.

The door finally opened and Commander William Hardy entered. He saw Able
sitting at the desk and grunted before walking to the replicator and
ordering coffee. Able remained silent as the CO removed the mug and walked
behind the desk, took a careful sip then sat down.

"What are you here for Lieutenant?"

Brekinridge pasted a smile onto his face. "Good morning sir. My presence
here is on the order of an honorary one. I just wanted to get your input
before proceeding and give you an opportunity to get involved."

"In what?" Hardy turned on the monitor in order to review reports from the
preceding night. His brow wrinkled when the screen remained blank.

"An organization whose aims are for the betterment of everyone within the
Federation. To make it the dominant entity in the quadrant. To protect its
interests above all others and to expand its influence. And to punish any
who would seek it harm."

Hardy jerked his head toward his subordinate. "Outwardly that would sound
good but its martial overtones do not meet the criteria of Starfleet's
mission. To put it bluntly it borders on treason. Now explain to me what
organization this is and why I should join it."

"The organization is Roanoke."

Commander Hardy gave a shocked exclamation.

"And the reason I'm giving you an opportunity to join is because we need
you on board to continue expanding our activities here."

Hardy's hand hit the alert button as he cursed. "You're a fool to think you
can initiate me into that cancerous group. I thought your kind had already
been rooted out. I am loyal Starfleet." His look showed confusion at the
continuing silence.

Able stood to his feet. "The alarms, alerts and communications are
currently non-functional." He shrugged his shoulders. "You have to admit I
gave you a chance." His right hand came up with a type 2 phaser with a red
stripe rather than blue. "Since you won't join us you will have to be
replaced."

William Hardy wasn't a meek man, he rose from his chair as well and looked
Able straight in the eyes. "If you kill me I will just be replaced. You
will be rooted out along with your conspirators. And no matter what threats
you make I will not help you. You have reached the end of the line
Brekinridge, put down the phaser and submit yourself for discipline."

"I'd already thought of that." Lieutenant Brekinridge smirked. "Come in
Outrider 1."

The android entered from an adjoining room. Commander Hardy's face
registered shock upon seeing himself face to face.

The android took up a stance mirroring his own. "You are standing behind my
desk." The voice was his as well.

When Hardy turned his face back to Able it had been drained of color. "How?"

"Thanks to you sir for allowing us to continue our research. Your services
are no longer needed."

He touched the firing stud on the weapon.

(Reply: None)

(Posted by Charles G)



Charles Gatling
Commanding Officer
USS Illuminar
NCC 61240


"The light shines brightest amidst the deepest darkness."
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