Commander Margaret Walker: Step Two

[Michael Meir-Wright]

(( Security division conference room, Deck 7, USS Octavia E. Butler ))

By now, the Director was fairly confident that Kessler had not been compromised by the Zet. His biometric readings had indicated no deception and he had been forthcoming with information. However, the circumstances surrounding Radek coming into his orbit and the fact that the Zet just happened Kessler’s father’s aero shuttle lying around in their hangar bay were simply too contrived to be convenient.

If he’s not a Zet agent, then perhaps he is a pawn.

It would not be the first time a hostile power had allowed a prisoner to “escape” as part of a larger operation against the Federation or Starfleet. The idea was a disturbing one- and it merited investigating. Walker hoped that Kessler would be amenable to assist.

Kessler: No, I only had a few days to get to know him but he seemed suspicious of me at first and then once he learned who I was he seemed more relaxed. Like, when you know you can trust someone. He seemed to fall into that level of thought with me. All he knows about me is I am JC Kessler’s son and the Chief Tactical Officer of the Oumuamua. We did not get into other specifics.

Walker: And yet the two of you trusted each other enough to mount a rescue attempt.

She was more musing to herself than speaking to Kessler. Absently tapping the edges of her PADD, Walker thought about her next steps. Kessler knew little about the Zet’s plans for the region but had offered some insight in to how they treated their prisoners. If they could retrieve his holographic asset they could learn more. But that was for another time.

She knew where her next steps lay.

Radek.

Walker: I think it might be time to bring him in.

Again, it was more of a comment to herself- but one that Kessler apparently felt obliged to answer.

Kessler: I would certainly talk to him. He was under their thumb longer than I and at multiple facilities. I can only tell you what went on at Itech’man.

The Director of Intelligence got to her feet, tucking the PADD under her left arm. She appraised Kessler coolly.

Walker: I may have more questions for you at a later date, Mr. Kessler- but I think we can leave it here for the time being. ::she paused and studied him for a second. :: I’d like you to write down anything else you can remember about your incarceration. Even the slightest detail that you may find irrelevant may be a clue we can use to assess the Zet.

Kessler: If there is anything I can help with please let me know. My parents are still out there.

The former Tactical Officer nodded his head and then left the security conference room, with Walker watching his retreating form until the doors closed after him. She stood still for several seconds as she planned her next steps. She would undoubtedly speak to Ensign Radek at some point soon, but not quite yet. First of all, she had to scope him out- and she could call in a favour or two to make sure he remained aboard on the Task Force starships.

Walker: Computer, access Starfleet personnel file for an Ensign Radek. Last recorded assignment, USS Caboto. ::she tilted her upwards slightly, as if speaking to the ceiling. :: Transfer the file to the office of the Director of Intelligence. Authorisation: Walker Alpha-Three-Five-Sierra-Red.

The computer chirped affirmatively and as she transported to the ship’s classified intelligence suite, Margaret Walker was already getting to work.

[[ END OF SCENE ]]

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Commander Margaret Walker

Director of Intelligence

Gamma Flotilla Expeditionary Task Force

Assigned to:

USS Octavia E. Butler

C239203TW0