Meeting

Fleet Admiral William Ross was looking over some papers when he received an incoming transmission at his desk. Ross pressed a button, and the face of Luther Sloane appeared on screen. "Luther Sloane. How may I be of service ?"

[William ! I have some news on the problem with Beard. He has been neutralised for now.]

"I guess that is good. We are prepared. I've already appointed his replacement. I believe your officer took him on the search and destroy vessel or whatever that was.

[Well, you are aware of more than you should be. No matter. As for the story on how Beard fell, well, I'll leave that to you. You are quite creative. It a shame you won't join us.]

"No, thank you, Sloane. Have fun with your little games. I have work to do." Ross shut off the com and put his hands on his face.

Charlie opened up a com channel to his CO. Sloane appeared on screen. "Officer 003, What are your next orders ?"

[None.] Sloane smiled. [You have proven yourself. You will take Beard's place as Officer 003. I will move up to Officer 002. As for Officer 001, you will meet him later.] He paused. [As a member of the triumvirate leadership of Section 31, you must be aware of our little secret.]

"There is something I don't know ?"

[Yes. The Dominion's form of immortality by cloning was not a new thing for us. We have learned to perfect it for over 200 years. It is true that I died on Romulus and on Deep Space Nine. But I have been brought back. Now, watch this.] Sloane opened a picture of the first Congress that signed the Federation Charter. [Look at the left hand corner.]

"That's you ! And Admiral Beard ! You're over 200 years old !"

[Very true. Officer 001 is also in the picture, but his identity will be revealed later.]

"So what happened to Admiral Beard ?"

[It appears his DNA deteriorated after being reused over and over. That will happen to mine and Officer 001's soon enough. That is why we are training new leaders like yourself who can care for the Federation after we are gone.]

"I will do it with honour."

[Good. Your orders are to return Devore and his crew to the Leviathan, then to return to Earth with the new Omega Fleet Admiral. You need to be briefed on many more things before you take Beard's place in Section 31.]

The com channel was cut. Charlie just sat back and thought about what he had just been told.