Breakout

Rashad was sat at the helm of the Hellcat, attempting to prepare to leave the shuttle bay without arousing suspicion, which was going to be hard enough. However, unless Rashad’s associate managed to somehow disable all the security systems on Starbase 901 and open the space doors, then this was going to be a short trip.

Rashad turned around to check on Rahel, who was still slumped unconscious in the command chair. Rashad had hated using the Vulcan pinch on the Doctor, she had done nothing to her, but time had been short.

Suddenly all the lights on helm console lit up.

*Damn.* Rashad thought to herself. *Well it’s now or never.*

Powering up the Hellcat’s thrusters, Rashad felt the shuttle rise off the deck. Overriding the shuttle bay doors, Rashad hit the manoeuvring thrusters and the Hellcat moved towards the door.

Suddenly Rashad heard the sound of a transporter from behind.

“Rashad, shutdown the thrusters now.” A male voice announced.

Rashad glanced back to see Lieutenant Commander McQueen standing at the rear of the command deck, phaser pointed at Rashad.

“I can’t do that Logan.” Rashad returning her concentration to the helm.

“I cannot allow you to stop Commander t’Kul either.” A female voice said. “Rashad, keep moving through the space dock and head for the space doors. Mister McQueen, I’d suggest you take a seat.”

As Logan was forced down into a seat, he noticed the unconscious body of Rahel for the first time.

“What have you done to Rahel ?” He asked.

“Vulcan neck pinch.” Rashad replied. “She’ll be fine in about ten minutes.”

Rashad passed through the dome of the station and headed for the space doors which were slowly opening just enough to allow the shuttle to leave.

*Why is no one following us ?* Rashad though to herself.

“Engage the cloaking device and set a course, heading two-nine-five by sixteen by twenty four.” The female voice stated. “Go to maximum slipstream, then the four of us can have a little chat.”

Rashad set the course into the helm and activated the cloaking device.

“Entering slipstream is three, two, one.” She announced as the Hellcat accelerated to trans-warp speed. “Setting auto-navigation.”

Rashad rose from the helm position and for the first time saw the person behind the voice. The figure was dressing in a Starfleet gold uniform and she wore Ensign insignia. She also had a phaser pointed at Logan and a second at Rahel. Rashad estimated that she was in her early twenties, with long brown hair and green eyes. It was hard to think that if this was who Rashad though it was, that someone who looked so fragile could be a top Section 31 agent.”

“Freelancer I presume.” Rashad stated.

“You presume correct, but you can call me Azri.” Freelancer replied. “Shall we move to the briefing room. ?”

Rashad moved forward towards Rahel, but was pushed back by Logan.

“I’ll take Rahel.” He said, picking her up and carrying her.

Rashad led the way down the corridor towards the briefing room and opened the door. Logan and the unconscious Rahel followed with Azri bringing up the rear, phasers still pointed at Logan.

Placing Rahel in one of the chairs, Logan took the seat next to her, whilst Rashad and Azri took seats opposite. As they sat down, Rahel finally stirred from her unconscious state.

“Where are we ?” She asked. “What’s going on ?”

“It would appear that Commander t’Kul as decided to leave Starfleet and along with her associate here has added kidnapping to the list of charges.” Logan explained.

“Kidnap is such an ugly word.” Azri stated. “And your presence here is a complication to our mission. Commander t’Kul is working under the orders of Section 31 and the Doctor, well let’s just say that S31 has obtained her services for the duration of this mission.”

“Rashad what’s going on ?” Rahel asked. “Is it true that you work for Section 31 ? For how long ?”

“Yes I do work for Section 31 or at least I did.” Rashad stated. “When I came onboard the Leviathan, I had been held in a high-security prison on charges of hacking Starfleet databases. I thought I was working for Section 31, but infact I was working for Admiral Beard. He was the one who got me out of jail and onto the Leviathan. I was supposed to kill Captain Devore and destroy the Leviathan, but as I grew to know the Captain and the crew, I realised that Beard was my enemy not Devore. Once Beard was revealed as a traitor and my involvement in the hacking cleared my name I was given a choice. Go back to working for Section 31 or remain with the Leviathan.”

“Does Captain Taybar know you’re a formed Section 31 agent ?” Logan enquired.

“No, only Devore and Section 31 know of my double life.” Rashad stated. “And I’d like to keep it that way.”

“So why are we here ?” Logan asked Azri. “Just what is this mission of yours ?”