Commander Margaret Walker - Enemies Closer

[Michael Meir-Wright]

((Security Department Conference Room, Deck 7, U.S.S. Octavia E. Butler))

Walkee made several notes on her PADD, drawing the process out to see how Radek might respond. While he had not been outright insubordinate, he had seemed to be offended by the entire process. Intrigued by that, Walker made the decision to take her time in the hopes his patience might run out and he might reveal something he meant not to.

Walker: It strikes me as odd that Kessler would include you in his escape attempt without the two of you getting to know one another. :: she said finally. :: Surely, you must have exchanged some pleasantries and personal information?

The Rekarian tilted his head and appeared to scrutinise Walker. She met his gaze unblinking.

Radek: We exchanged the normal pleasantries. I told him of my family and he told me of his father and mother. The reason he stated he was there. (beat) Why the curiosity in us getting to know one another? Isn’t it logical for two Starfleet officers held prisoner to work together to escape regardless of their knowledge of one another?.

Walker: I ask the questions, Mr. Radek, I don’t answer them. :: beat :: Now, you mentioned during your incarceration at the second facility, the Zet ran scanned and studied Starfleet officers. Do you know what they were trying to do? Were you involved in these studies?

Radek: Every prisoner was involved in these studies..

Walker: Can you describe the nature of these tests? What did they entail? Were they invasive?

Radek: (leaning forward on the table and clasping his hands together) Invasive? No. As far as I could tell, they were detailed analysis scans of each prisoner. For me they seemed to focus more neurological scans as they did with the Vulcan. Others appeared to be full body scans, like they were trying to learn our anatomy. I did not see anything that would lead me to believe they deliberately were hurting any of the prisoners.

That certainly tracked with what Kessler had said earlier. 

Walker: Then what do you suppose they wanted from these scans?

Radek: From what I could tell, the Zet are power hungry. Motivated my standings and who is better than the next. Studies like this to me would ensure a better knowledge of their prisoner’s worth to buyers. (beat) But that is just my observation sir, I honestly don’t know.

Walker: I see. ::she replied, jotting down the information on her PADD.::

For a second time, Radek stared at Walker intently, as though he was searching for something inside of her. Again, she met his stare and held it, as if it were some titanic battle of wills between the two. She did not know what to make of the Rekarian- and neither did the Butler’s biometric sensors that were currently monitoring his vital signs. He seemed not to know anything- but appearances were often deceiving.

Radek: Commander, you seem to be asking questions as if I am hiding something from you. I am not. Suspicion is well and good, I get it but too much can lead to paranoia and it feels like you are trying to find something that is not here.

She set the PADD down on the table, her eyes not moving off of the junior officer.

Walker: I am being thorough. It is my job to be so. :: beat :: I’m curious- did you expect that you could turn up in this ship’s shuttle at and be handed a new assignment without any oversight? :: beat :: You were imprisoned and forced into servitude by a highly dangerous and unpredictable species that we do not a lot about- for over a year. Right now, Ensign Radek, regardless of what I think- you probably know more about the Zet and how they operate than anybody else on this vessel.

Of course, she was suspicious of him. She would be a fool not to be. It was all too convenient that he would be transferred to the same facility as Kessler- only days before their escape attempt. And he had admitted he had been tasked with getting to know the man better. Something was afoot- and it was her job to discover it. But she would be damned if she told Radek that.

Radek: Response.

It was clear that she was not going to get anywhere with the Ensign, at least not there and then. Maybe she been a little too pushy with her questions, but she had a gut feeling that something was untoward with the Rekarian- and she would not rest until she worked out what it was. She could play the long game.

But can he?

Walker: I think we are done here. :: she looked past Radek to the doors behind him. :: Lieutenant Dynevor, to me please.

One of the officers that had escorted Radek to the briefing room stepped in and looked expectantly.

Walker: Take Ensign Radek back to his assigned quarters. :: she then looked back at her quarry. :: I will be in contact if I have any more questions. Good day Ensign.

Radek: Response.

She looked down at her PADD, making it clear that the conversation was over. She didn’t look up until after the doors had closed behind the Rekarian, remembering an old adage.

Keep your friends close- and enemies closer.

—

Commander Margaret Walker

Director of Intelligence

Gamma Flotilla Expeditionary Task Force

assigned to:

USS Octavia E. Butler

C239203TW0