"Down The Rabbit Hole" - Cpt. Taverain Ramius & Adm. James Valren

Posted on 241510.17 @ 1:53am by Commodore Sebastian Ascari

Mission: Reconciliation & Reconstruction [Fleet Plot]
Location: USS Corsair
Timeline: Current

Bridge, Intelligence Starship – U.S.S. Corsair
===============================

"Captain, incoming communication from Admiral James Valtren."

Captain Taverain Ramius stood from his chair on the bridge of the USS Corsair which was presently speeding toward Earth at full impulse. "I'll take it in the ready room."

Entering his office, Ramius turned to the large display on the wall and initiated communications. The image of the admiral flickered into view. Valtren looked tired. The past two years seemed to have taken a toll on the man whose salt and pepper hair contained more of the prior and far less of the latter. Now another calamity had befallen Earth, Starfleet, and the Federation ensuring more than a few sleepless nights would be forthcoming for anyone remotely connected to security or intelligence roles.

"Ramius, you've no doubt heard about the situation on Earth?"

"No doubt", the captain replied.

"Whoever is responsible for this affair picked the time, date, and second to deliver a concentrated blow to security, intelligence, diplomatic relations, and galactic politics. Someone is attempting to manipulate events and the balance of power for a yet unidentified agenda.

I want the Corsair to return to Earth. Those responsible must still be nearby likely hiding in plain sight. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if their plan is in fact to remain in place on Earth until political pressures force us to cancel emergency powers and lift security lockdowns allowing them to quietly slip away."

"The Corsair is only ten minutes from Earth orbit. I took the initiative of anticipating orders from above given the criticality of events."

"I'll reprimand you later for disobeying my orders even if they are most welcomed. Right now I need someone to take charge of investigating this abject mess. Fleet command has already assigned that task to Khiy Kanryth."

Ramius rubbed his chin for a moment. "Kanryth...eh? Isn't he Romulan by birth if I recall?"

"Affirmative. The admiralty and others feel his heritage will carry more weight with the Romulans. This is as much a political decision to make him the chief investigator as it is a logical decision. Kanryth is suited for the task, but all eyes will be on him and his efforts. I want to use that to our advantage."

"In what way?"

"If we have a traitor in our ranks who has helped coordinate this attack then they will be focused on Kanryth. You're our insurance policy while their attention is otherwise diverted should said persons exist. Time is of the essence captain. The longer we delay the more time we give those responsible to slip away. I need a thorough investigation and I need it quickly."

"I assume I have my usual latitude to operate?"

"You have the authority to take any actions required given the current state of emergency. Unlike others you aren't encumbered by red tape, policy, politics, or the usual rulebooks. Stay out of the spotlight - Intelligence doesn't need any additional attention given the situation. I want the people responsible for this, those who may have aided them, their motives, objectives, and plans. It's a tall order, but I'm sure you can handle it captain."

"These recent reports from Commander Canaris, have they been verified", Ramius asked.

"I've only just seen a preliminary report, but security appears to have an officer in custody in spacedock who was coerced into providing some amount of trilithium resin to our attackers. There were reports of missing trilithium supplies destined for disposal or storage not long before the Romulan's arrival on Earth. I'd start there, but looking at Canaris's report it appears that it could be a dead end. Our suspects appear quite adept at covering their tracks. Canaris's reports are exceptionally thorough and I trust his instincts. This may be a wild goose chase, but at present it's the best lead we have."

"I applaud the commander's initial efforts. This is quite the impressive bit of detective work for a lone commander in his particular position."

"I wouldn't have put him there otherwise", Valtren replied, "even if he doesn't fully realize that yet himself. In any event, you have your orders captain. We need answers and we need them quickly before this situation really does spiral out of anyone's control. Valtren out."

The image of the admiral faded replaced by an artistic image of the Corsair orbiting a blue planet. Ramius made his way back to the bridge and took a seat.

"Helm, contact spacedock and tell them we're on approach. I want priority docking clearance. Also, their security teams are holding a suspect in matters relating to the explosion. I want to speak with him as soon as we complete docking."

"Captain, what did the Admiral have to say", First officer Alanis Novada quietly asked her commanding officer.

"We've been ordered to silently investigate the recent attack. There is a suspicion that there may be traitors or sympathizers in our own ranks that have aided or are continuing to aid the suspects involved. Our job is to hunt for those responsible, but perhaps more importantly expose any officers or officials that may be compromised or could be complicit in recent events."

"What is the current position and status of the USS Crazy Horse?"

"She's listed as being in spacedock finalizing repairs and refit."

"We need to give the ship and crew a wide berth. I don't want our paths to cross for the time being - at least not yet. Keep an eye on their activities and her commanding officers.”

"Spackdock is online sir. They are insisting that we cannot dock due to security restric…."

"Tell them to check our authorizations instead of summarily dismissing our initial requests”, Ramius interrupted. “They'll find we have the authority to paint the station pink if that would aid in our investigations. Inform them that we're on final approach and have them clear all traffic. And let them know this isn’t a request - it's a directive from Intelligence Central Command."

A few moments passed. "We've been granted docking clearance sir."

"Excellent. It is refreshing to know spacedock operations can read and follow intelligence orders these days.” Ramius shook his head at some of the frustrating obstacles he often had to deal with in tense situations. Docking, a mundane process, could become agonizingly difficult with just the right paper pushing bureaucrat involved.

“Standard operating procedures apply. We are not officially docked here in any capacity. I want no records of our arrival or departure. If anyone has any inquiries or questions refer them to Commander Novada.”

Ramius turned to his executive officer. “Let’s keep a low profile. I’d like to get in and out of spacedock as quickly as possible. I don’t like the idea of being confined and caged inside this giant station given the current situation. Oh and have operations top off the fuel tanks while I’m out.”

The commander nodded and turned to make the necessary arrangements for their arrival.

“Helm, - status?”

“We’re on final sir. ETA to hard dock is four minutes.”

“Mr. Redstone, have yourself, the good doctor, and the chief meet me in the port airlock in ten minutes. We need to have a little chat with a few individuals.”

~ To Be Continued ~

====================================
Captain Taverain Ramius
CO, USS Corsair

Commander Alanis Novada,
XO, USS Corsair

Admiral James Valtren
Starfleet Intelligence