Cmdr Clifton / Secret Cabal

[Steve Bruin]

      *** Federation planet Orlan-Six ***

:: The colony on planet Orlan-6 had shown steady growth over the last 75 years, it was now one of the major hubs for commerce and trade in this part of the U.F.P.  The central city was now home to over 2 million inhabitants, as well as the administration which governed the planet.  On this particular day a few hovercraft moved about the buildings at levels well above the 20'th floor, landing from time to time on a rooftop to allow passengers to disembark. ::

:: One such craft landed in quite a routine and mundane manner, its lone occupant strode from the craft to a doorway and entered a passcode.  Doors opened revealing an elevator and he stepped inside, casually pressing the button for the floor he desired.  At this time of day there would be no one working in any of the offices and aside from the custodial staff there would only be the Security people present. ::

:: A somewhat plump human in his mid fifties, this man wore a well tailored suit and as was his habit, he was well groomed to a professional standard which was also his habit and also as usual he was attending to important matters.  Greying hair at his temples did a bit to give away his age, as did the wrinkles at the corner of his eyes.  He was a man accustomed to great responsibility and power, at the moment he was here on Orlan - Six to discuss a slight problem of which he had just been informed. ::

:: The lift stopped and he continued on down an empty corridor, at this level guards were not required (although they could be summoned instantly) and everything on this floor was completely and totally segregated from other internal systems, thus insuring their privacy.  Without hesitating he walked to the predetermined office and opened the door, those inside barely took notice of his arrival as he was expected. ::

:: About a large conference table sat four people, people who represented awesome power within the Federation  and wealth on non-aligned planets (where tokens of exchange were still used). Overall permeating the room was a sense of solemn, serious concern, something always to be expected when members of the upper leadership gathered to meet in person. ::

:: Easily within reach of each person present, sitting atop the table, was a small tray with a few glasses and a bottle of liquor preferred by each one.  One man, a human of about 70 years who sat nearest the head of the table, smoked a cigar and as the final member who had been summoned made his appearance, the grey-haired man stroked his beard in seeming relief that the meeting could begin. ::

Bearded man: I'm glad you're here, we haven't a great deal of time.

Newest Arrival: Yes, I know.  From what I understand we have a slight problem with Senator Silva, I was informed that she did not keep her rendezvous.

Woman:  Yes, that's correct.  From what we know she was intercepted by two crew members from the starship Odyssey.

:: The only woman present, whom had just spoken, was noticeable for two reasons. Firstly she was the only female in the room, secondly she was much younger than the men present by at least two decades.  A blonde-haired woman with a professional demeanor matching the others opened up a PADD and read off some information. ::

Woman:  The two people who intercepted her are heading back to the base, one is a Diplomatic Officer named Gavin MacLaren, his record is pretty much spotless over his years in Starfleet.  The other is Clifton .... we already know his record.

:: For a moment a sense of angst passed through the room, Clifton was someone they had known about for quite some time, until now they had never come into direct conflict with him. :: 

Bearded Man:  This Clifton, he'll be a problem.

Woman: Yes, I would anticipate so.  I've already spoken to our person on the base, everything possible will be done to thwart any investigation by either Clifton or this man MacLaren.

Voice: What about Senator Silva?  Can we rely on her silence?

:: The male who had spoken was seated nearest the woman, as like the others he was a civilian and well dressed.  His species however was markedly different, with black hair and pointed years he could easily pass for Vulcan (which was his assumed identity), bt in fact he was Romulan. ::

Newest Arrival: Yes, the Senator knows so little that she's hardly a threat to us.  What we need to concern ourselves with is stopping these two Starfleet Officers from learning any more than they already know, thus putting the operation in jeopardy.

Bearded Man: Agreed, have our person keep a close eye on them.  If they begin to learn too much, then we neutralize the threat.

:: Everyone agreed and the meeting was closed.

Secret Cabal

simmed by Steve

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