The First Clue

Lieutenant Wright had decided to wait until the following morning to speak to the Captain. The conversation with his mother had made him both mad and annoyed. Mad that his mother had been accessing secure information only normally available to Starfleet Intelligence staff and annoyed that he hadn't discovered the significance of Mirisam V before her. He'd been concentrating on finding the Dominion base, not on looking for likely targets in the area.

He knew that he should never had allowed his mother to use his codes, but he couldn't go to Starfleet Intelligence and state that he needed his Intel codes changing. There would be too many questions and probably an investigation. Even though things weren't great between James and his parents, he didn't want to get them into trouble any more than he wanted to get himself.

He's spent the rest of the day and much of the night searching for information on Mirisam V. The planet was a class L, but the equatorial climate could sustain humanoid life in comfort, without the need for protection from extreme heat or cold. There was a small Federation colony on the planet, mostly scientists and their families. What made the planet and the colony a potential target was the fact that on the planet grew a special plant, which could be used as a raw material in the production of ketracel-white. That was one of the reasons the colony existed. Most of the planets where this plant grew were in Dominion hands, but Mirisam V had never been explored by the Dominion when it became Federation territory after the war.

James had read through all the reports of recent Dominion activities in the area, he'd even been able to hack into the Vorta Sabá's personnel logs. The Dominion had started a major re-enforcement initiative, moving additional ships and men to outposts where the rogue Jem'Hadar might strike. These included supply outposts, where white was more than likely stored.

Mirisam V must have looked like soft target when compared to the Dominion bases. The Jem'Hadar would need to other materials and the facilities to produce white, but the plant that grew on Mirisam V was the rarest component.

He compelled his report and then went to bed.

July 22, 2385

Next morning, James re-read through his report before submitting it to the Captain and made some minor adjustments. Overnight, the Taurus had received a data packet from Starfleet and as James had requested there were several new items to consider.

Finally his report was complete and he headed for the Bridge to speak to the Captain.

The Bridge was buzzing with morning activity. James stepped out into organised chaos and went to his position. However the communication from his mother rang in his mind. He saw Captain Taybar in her command chair. He spoke up above the noise of the morning, "Captain I need a word."

Taybar looked behind her and smiled.

*A lot of people smile on this ship* The Lieutenant thought. "Sure, my ready room. Lieutenant McQueen you have the Bridge."

Logan moved down from the security console and took over organising the crew.

Aki and James headed into the room adjacent to the Bridge. The Captain sat down in her big comfy chair behind her desk. James sat in the chair opposite as he began to speak in a hurried fashion.

"Captain, I may have a lead on Goran'Agar and his rouge Jem'Hadar." James started. "I think they are going to attack a Federation colony on Mirisam V."

"What makes you think they'll attack Mirisam V ?" Aki asked.

"It's a remote Federation colony." James stated. "The colonies basically a science research base, they're examining the planet's flora and fauna, more precisely a particular planet species."

"What's so special ?" Aki enquired.

"The plant can be used in the production of ketracel-white." James stated. "It's doubtful the Dominion knew that the plant grew on Mirisam V else they would never have handed it over to the Federation. I've written a full report here."

James handed the Padd he'd been carrying to the Captain. She spent the next five minutes reading through the reports Wright had complied, occasionally asking him further questions. Finally she put the Padd down and took a deep breath.

"Do you have any idea when the Jem'Hadar might strike ?" Aki asked.

"My sources suggest that it could be within the next three days." James replied. "I've been checking over all the reports about the raids these Jem'Hadar had been making. There is a pattern, but it wasn't noticeable until I got all the Dominion reports this morning. These raids appear to happen about every four to five days, the last one was on a Dominion supply outpost yesterday. They took supplies, including a large amount of scientific equipment. If my source is right, we only have a few hours to waste. Mirisam V is at least three days away at maximum warp from here."

"Prepare a report for a briefing." Aki ordered. "I'll see you back here in half an hour and we'll show your findings to the crew."

"Understood." James stated, heading out of the room.