[sb118-denali]JP Lt. Cmdr. Alexander Williams & Lt. Drex - Talking about it puts the problems into perspective
Drex Drex
((Conference room - Security/Tactical dept. - 3rd floor Soldotna - Denali Station))
Alex was pleased with the information that Drex could provide. What he feared would be an extremely difficult situation seemed to be somewhat easier. He barely took any notes as for now it was all easy to understand.
Williams: Got ya, you are most helpful Lieutenant. We are only a few minutes underway and I already feel a lot less worried. I can see why not all of this was in the reports. Having said that… what do you think? Should we consider this a top priority for security? And if so, what do you suggest we focus on?
Drex: I am an anthropologist, Sir, I don’t think I’m the right person for this.
Alex could tell there was some hesitation. But he could also tell the Denobulan had something to share, perhaps off the records.
Williams: I asked your opinion, so Yes, please share what you want.
Drex brought his hand up to rub his neck. He had spent hours and hours thinking about what he had seen on Dark Denali. Since they had returned, Drex had expected a ship of rebel refugees or Colonel Oddas Ushow's warship to appear over the Denali skies at any day, and instead of feeling reassured as the days passed and the event did not occur, he wondered more and more often why it did not happen.
He let his hand fall to his side before speaking.
Drex: In their eyes, we invaded their world. We helped the rebels penetrate their scientific laboratories, stole the artifact they were studying, kidnapped the head of the science department, and inflicted severe damage on their flagship in our escape.
Williams: I see, you make a valid point. They could come looking for us to retaliate. Or reclaim what we don’t have. But I am sorry. I was interrupting you, proceed.
Drex: And although they helped us, we left a working dangerous device in the hands of strangers. If I was them, I would use it to save my people. They have seen we are different, that we are not their Hegemony. We probably made a mistake talking about the existence of the Federation.
There was a small pause. But Alex suspected it was only to think about how to proceed. So he waited for Drex to find the right words.
Drex: If you were in war, and found a place where to hide and train, would you ignore it? And if Colonel Oddas captured the shuttle we used to escape, and got her hands back on the Artefact and the rebel pilot who knows what the device is built for, would she not think of a connection between us and the rebels? Would she not think that we were there specifically to help them? Would she not use the abandoned hull of the Nulato to plan revenge?
Williams: I know I would, and probably most officers would agree with me. Revenge might not be standard in the Federation manual, but a defensive counter-attack could be well justified. They would no doubt see it was revanche. We did ruin their plans after all.
He was frightened by those hypotheses, and he was annoyed by the fact that they had not managed to go unnoticed in that world. They had left ideas, technologies and traces. And it has nothing to do with the Prime Directive.
Drex: We didn’t destroy it. I… :: He frowned in concern:: I don’t know. It was a miracle that we got out of the crash alive and without serious injuries. We destroyed a security drone that had time to raise the alarm. I... there was no time left to destroy it manually.
Williams: I doubt they’ll invade our space over the loss of a drone. But losing the device could certainly be a reason to seek us out. BUT….
Alex just realized something.
Williams: If we took that device, and the rebels now have it. Doesn’t that mean they can't visit us, even if they want to? And the rebels would probably destroy the artifact before letting it fall into enemy hands again. So based on that assumption, we might be safe. To be sure, we’d have to go back. But that will be just as difficult for us, as it is for them.
The Denobulan slowly clenched his jaw as he stared at the table in front of him.
Drex: oO You should go back. Oo
Drex: Yes, we should go back… :: He murmured ::
Alex could barely hear him. But he could tell what was said. He couldn’t blame the man for saying it. If he had been in the situation he might feel the same. For now, the best Alex could do was listen, make sure he was heard, and on the other hand make sure he felt safe.
Williams: To get answers? Surely, but since we don’t have the means, we can only assume they don’t have them either. Therefore, I would advise caution to keep an eye on it. And trust me, I will keep an eye on it. But I would call for a full mobilization of Starfleet to prepare for a large invasion just yet.
He smiled, hoping it would reassure the man a little.
Drex made a slight movement nodding, as the Commander talked. Then he looked at the man sitting at the other side of the table.
Drex: What about the possibility the device exists in this universe too? That day, Doctor Ijo told the Captain that they were testing some equipment they brought down from one of the orbital platforms.
Alex hadn't thought of that but knew there had been incidents before with Starfleet Personnel ending up in an alternate reality. As far as he knew that was because of a transporter glitch, not some alien artifact.
Williams: It’s possible. But it’s a big universe. IF someone finds it it would be extremely unlikely they use it at our location. Unless you have reason to believe it is already here?
Drex: If the Ring was inhabited only by us, it could be fine to leave it there. But we have a Cardassian embassy in Denali, Klingons and Romulans will arrive. There is a Jem'Hadar colony not far from here and we have already seen proof that the Founders know the way. We cannot prevent anyone from going to occupy any section of the ring. What if the device falls into their hands?
Williams: Worst case, they find it. And then? If they plan to invade that alternate reality somehow I am sure we will see a huge amount of traffic. I doubt any of the other major powers is stupid enough to invite them in… Although, come to think of it, that is probably what they said about the dominion too, before they got their invitation from Cardassia. But again.. do we know its out here? Not everything made in an alternate reality is also made in ours. Right?
Drex: No, Sir. I have no proof that the Artefact exists in any other universe. It’s… :: He took a deeper breath :: it may be the only device that exists and that the Builders used it to visit the other universes, like scientists checking their guinea pigs.
Williams: Indeed. That doesn't mean we should not be watchful. Perhaps we can come up with some sort of scanning technology that will recognise the device if it ever enters our embassy? Is it made of a specific material that could help us find it?
Drex: The device is made of the same materials the whole Ring is made of. :: He shook his head thoughtfully :: At least, that is what I have on my Tricorder, but I did not scan the device when it was active. But the Eagle could have done it. We should have the scans of the shuttle and maybe we are lucky enough.
Williams: Sounds like a good place to start looking. See what we have on record and go from there.
Drex: Then we can code a routine and install it on our ships, so if the components are picked up during any normal patrol, an alert may inform us of the discovery.
Williams: Exactly what I was thinking. Sounds like you have something to get started on then. You think you need help with that?
Drex: I may need a programmer, but I think I have a couple of names. :: He nodded ::
The Denobulan pushed his chair back and stood up using the armchair. He did not need the Commander to speak to understand the meeting was over and he had to go.
Drex: Thank you for your time, sir. I will inform you when we are ready to install the program.
Alex got up from his chair as well. Offered a handshake to thank the man but then realised this man wouldn’t take it. So awkward as it looked, he stretched his chest instead.
With a respectful nod between the two officers Drex headed for the door, leaving the office. He crossed the large open space and disappeared into a turbolift, leaving Alex behind.
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With great pleasure written as:
Lt. Cmdr. Alexander Williams
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
Denali Station
A239006AW0
and
Lieutenant Drex
Science Officer
Denali Station
D240011D14