Search and Destroy

Lighter sat in his chair going over the last known point of contact of the Leviathan. His ship was equipped with a special tracking device that detected the slightest deviation in the subspace field. Such deviations caused by a ship traveling in the slipstream. Lighter was on the hunt- the hunt for a ship that was commanded by a traitor that was going to betray all that he once believed. It is hard to imagine an officer like Lighter to be so passionate about the security of the Federation, but kill, in cold blood, his commanding officer on board the *USS Lucado*.

The *Lucado* was on an survey mission at Ulio VII when a transport ship carrying Benazite refugees from the Badlands appeared. Bad advice from the intelligence officer caused Captain Gnukeru to tractor the ship and board her. When the ship was boarded by Commander Lighter and a small away team to include Lieutenant Commander Laura West, a leading physician in the field of genetic manipulation, it was discovered that the Benazites were suffering from Scensica Syndrome. Scensica Syndrome is a highly contagious, deteriorating disease that causes the flesh to fall off the bone, similar to leprosy. Immediately, Lighter beamed back to the *Lucado* and informed the captain of his findings, but Gnukeru wanted to help. He planned to send medical teams to help the Benazite population, under protest from Lighter. Moment of truth came with Gnukeru wanted Lighter to lead the away team personally. Lighter refused and after a long heated argument, Lighter killed the Gnukeru in cold blood. Then single-handedly, Lighter bore the *Lucado* on the decrepit transport ship and destroyed it before security could detain him.

The past four years was spent in a maximum security prison colony on Copula X, until Admiral Leary had him brought to him and now this. Here was a chance for Lighter to clear his name, but for whom. He really didn't care anymore what people thought. Lighter was happy to have a chance to be on a starship again and was hunting a traitor. Even prisoner have some nationalistic pride, and the Federation was in jeopardy from Devore, and Lighter was to take care of it. The *Lynx* was his ship now and on her way to cut out a cancerous sore in the Federation's side.

"Captain Lighter," Lieutenant Lewis said bringing Lighter back to reality. "We have the last known coordinates and a faint ionic trail."

"Good." Lighter said putting down his PADD. "Lay in an intercept course warp 9."

"Sir we will only be able to maintain that speed for 3 hours 50 minutes," Commander Silvers said informing the captain.

"Very well. Increase power to structural integrity fields and get me .... how many hours till we catch up with the Leviathan?"

"Last known point... 30 hours."

"Okay... for 12 hours."

"Understood."

"Lewis.. Lay in a course for the Beta Quadrant. Continue to scan ionic signatures and disturbances."

"Aye sir."

"Engage."

The *Lynx* jumped into warp and headed for the Beta Quadrant.. in search of Devore and the Leviathan