Shadow Contact

Commander Rashad was alone in the Intelligence office. She had been attempting to access Romulan files on the Earth-Romulan war to little effect. At every turn she had been blocked, but she had managed to access secure file on Romulan science missions.

One of these missions headed straight into what was now known as Kalid space. The expedition had left Romulus over a century ago and all contact had been lost some two years later.

Suddenly the communications console activated, gaining Rashad’s attention. She turned and activated the console and watched as the Starfleet communications sign-on screen changed to the more sinister looking Section 31.

Rashad entered her Section 31 security access codes and the screen changed to show a shadowy figure on the screen.

[Hello Commander, I’ve been waiting for your arrival.] The shadow stated. [We must be brief, the fate of the Federation rests on your shoulders and our communications will no doubt be monitored by Section 31 security.]

“Who are you ?” Rashad asked. “Are you the one who wants to force me to kidnap Lieutenant Kahfre ?. I would rather die a Romulan than assist you.”

[Commander we do not have time.] The shadowy figure stated.

“Then make time.” Rashad demanded.

[We have about eighty seconds before Section 31 traces this link.] The shadow replied. [I am not your enemy and I am not the one who injected you with the nano-virus which is altering your DNA. However, I have access to the technology which will destroy the virus and restore your DNA to normal.]

“Why do I get the feeling that there’s going to be a catch to all this.” Rashad asked.

[The “cure” is housed in a top security Section 31 facility.] The shadow explained. [We have less than twenty five hours to reach that facility, obtain what we need and get back to Starbase 901.] The shadow replied.

Rashad noticed the figure look to their left as if they had been altered to something.

[Commander, we have about twenty seconds before the trace is complete, I need an answer.] The shadow asked. [Do you want to live or die as a Romulan ?]

Rashad didn’t like what she was hearing, but put under pressure she had no choice.

“I’ll assist you on one condition.” Rashad replied. “That you can assure me that Lieutenant Kahfre will not be harmed.”

[I have no interest in the Lieutenant.] The shadow confirmed. [Our time is up, I will contact you in one hour from your quarters.]

Suddenly the screen went blank as the connection was severed. Moments later, Lieutenant Moss arrived in the Intelligence office.

“Are you OK ?” Stefen asked.

“I’m fine.” Rashad reported. “How are you doing with the Andorian databases ?”

“We’re making some progress.” Stefen reported. “But I think this search is a dead end.”

“I tend to agree.” Rashad stated. “I have had little success with the Romulan databases, but I have found a scientific expedition that appears to have headed into what we now know is Kalid space. I’m going to continue to pursue this in my quarters.”

“I’ll see you later.” Stefen said, taking his seat at the access console.

Commander Rashad left the office and headed back to her quarters.