((Briefing Room – Deck 1, USS Artemis-A))
So far, MacKenzie and her team had the benefit of open and honest communication from both Major Oolwi and General Kexxin. That they both found themselves in a room together, coupled with the revelation that there seemed to be treacherous activities committed by both sides finally seemed to give way to a conversation that afforded mutual understanding and, hopefully, cooperation.
Oolwi: Captain, you said
that you believe that neither side is responsible for what’s happening on our
world. I think it’s becoming evident that, whoever the ultimate cause is, they
are receiving aid, and a lot of it, from Grunden and Kobyars both. We are
dealing with a many-headed conspiracy.
MacKenzie: That certainly appears so… And I would say not only in the
form of technology, but also in making sure that tensions on both sides
remained inflamed.
Cole: We’ve got to ask some hard questions: Who benefits from keeping these sides at each other’s throats? Is this to distract them and possibly us from something?
Richards/Oolwi: Response
Her attention shifted to Oolwi.
MacKenzie: Major, do you know if
your government has any leads as to Vef-Lai’s whereabouts?
Oolwi: Response
Her gaze turned to the opposite side of the table.
MacKenzie: General, were you able to learn anything more from your former
first officer before his death?
Kexxin: The closer we got to the
underground facility the more nervous he got. Whatever your team discovered
down there, he really didn’t want me to know about. He said, “I couldn’t let
you see it. You need to run. They’ll come for you.” ::Throwing his paws up in
frustration.:: I don’t even know who they are!
MacKenzie sat back in
her chair, clasping her hands, resting the folded pair in her lap.
MacKenzie: It sounds to me as though the apprehension of Vef-Lai and the
analysis of the device provided by General Kexxin may contain two very
important pieces of this puzzle. Major, would your government be receptive to
assistance from Starfleet to locate your former Grand Marshall?
Oolwi: Response
Kexxin: I can have my people be on the lookout also if you don’t think it would be too suspicious.
Cole: So, we’re chasing down a traitor with access, motivation, and a head start. Sounds like a Monday.
General Kexxin seemed to appreciate the levity offered by Ensign Cole.
MacKenzie: A Monday for which we’re equipped, fortunately.
Richards/Oolwi: Response
Kexxin: ::Gesturing to MacKenzie and Oolwi:: You two say the word and I can get my top units out and looking for Vef-Lai.
MacKenzie: I certainly don’t have
any objections. Major?
Oolwi: Response
MacKenzie: Ensign, I’d like you to place a few of our security officers on standby in case the Grunden would like any assistance.
Cole/Richards: Response
General Kexxin looked around the room, seemingly enamored with his surroundings. After a small silence, he nudged Major Oolwi.
Kexxin: ::Nudging Oolwi:: If
things don’t get resolved planetside, want to be a stowaway with me and leave
with the Artemis?
He chuckled, a sign that
he was hopefully joking.
MacKenzie: While you’d both be welcome, I think if I’ve learned anything
by this conversation it’s that you both have more in common than you likely
realized.
Oolwi/Kexxin: Response
Richards/Cole: Response
Tag, and TBC!
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Fleet Captain Addison
MacKenzie, M.D., Ph.D., FASFS
Commanding Officer
USS Artemis-A
Captains Council Member at Large
V239601AM0