Internal Threat: Rogue Section 31 Agent Detected at Starfleet Command

Posted on 2024, Wed Oct 30th, @ 8:40am by Fleet Admiral Pat Lovell & Admiral Mike Ward & Admiral Secura & Vice Admiral N'Simi & Vice Admiral Katie Snow & Rear Admiral James Akar & Brigadier General David Dunne & Admiral Kate Harlow

996 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: E1 Shadow of the Past
Location: Starfleet Command Headquarters, Earth
Timeline: Halo, Voyager On thier Way with New Assignments

Fleet Admiral Pat Lovell stood at the head of the table, his expression tense as he surveyed his senior staff. The room was silent, all eyes trained on him as the gravity of the situation set in. "We’ve received intel that a rogue Section 31 agent is embedded within Starfleet Command itself. This agent is not only connected to the recent anomalies that have impacted the USS Halo and USS Voyager, but they're also manipulating key decisions right here at Headquarters. If left unchecked, this could destabilize Starfleet's entire command structure from within."

Vice Admiral N'Simi, Lovell’s Chief of Staff and a Caitian with a piercing gaze, looked at him with a measured calm. Her ears flicked forward in attention, an involuntary movement that revealed her own unease. "If this intelligence is accurate, Admiral, we’re already exposed. Any misstep could deepen the damage.” She paused, eyes scanning the table thoughtfully. “This agent might be entrenched. We need to be extremely careful with our internal communications—one slip could mean compromised countermeasures.”

N'Simi’s insight earned her an approving nod from Admiral Kate Harlow, who leaned forward, her fingers interlaced in a tight grip. “Agreed. Internal security should be our top priority. We can’t afford any leaks, and to be blunt, Fleet Admiral, we need to keep this close to our chests.” Her gaze shifted to Commodore David Dunne. “Commodore, your team has managed sensitive operations before. How quickly could you deploy personnel to monitor command staff and key communications?”

Dunne, his tone calm but authoritative, replied, “I’ll handpick our most experienced officers—those who know how to remain unseen. We’ll start with the high-security areas and key personnel, rotating in and out to avoid suspicion. We’ll also sweep all command facilities for surveillance devices. I’d say we could be operational by the end of the day.”

Lovell exhaled, a slight nod showing his approval. “Make it happen, Commodore. Mike,” he said, shifting his gaze to Admiral Ward, “we’re stretched thin with Task Force Guardian scattered. Coordinate with Rear Admiral Akar at Starbase 113. I want his support on this and to keep him on alert.”

Admiral Ward gave a grim nod. “Understood. Akar is one of the best when it comes to station security and quick responses. If there’s trouble, he’ll be ready to mobilize Starbase 113’s resources. But Pat, with the Halo and Voyager dealing with their own issues, we’re limited in immediate fleet support.” Ward’s brow furrowed as he considered their options, knowing that while they could rely on Akar’s vigilance, backup was thin.

Admiral Secura, who had been silent until now, raised her hand with a serene expression that seemed out of place given the severity of the situation. “Fleet Admiral,” she said softly, her words measured and calm, “subtlety is paramount. Moving too quickly or overtly could push this agent further underground. They may even anticipate our actions. A delicate touch might serve us better here.”

There was an odd tone to her voice that went unnoticed, her calm almost unnatural amidst the tension. Fleet Admiral Lovell hesitated, his instincts telling him something was off, but he dismissed it, chalking it up to the stress of the situation. He gave Secura a quick nod. “Duly noted, Admiral. Your discretion is well placed.”

Ambassador Katie Snow, who had been listening intently, leaned forward. “I agree with Secura,” she said, casting a glance at the admiral, “but if we’re dealing with an experienced agent, they’ll be watching for any hint of a trap. A calculated disinformation strategy might give us an opening to observe them without them knowing they’re being watched.”

Admiral Harlow chimed in. “I’ll see to it that our communications go through controlled channels. Ambassador, your suggestion could work if we manage it carefully. We’ll need to be precise, though—if this agent has embedded themselves as deeply as we think, even the smallest mistake could reveal our hand.”

Ambassador Snow nodded, her voice steady as she responded. “I’ll consult with our intelligence officers, but there’s something else. If this agent has connections across multiple levels of Starfleet, they may have placed sleeper contacts around Headquarters. Anyone in this room could be a target—or worse, a link.” She shot a wary glance at the others, emphasizing the stakes without needing to say more.

Dunne’s jaw tightened. "Understood, Ambassador. I'll initiate counter-surveillance on this level immediately. No one enters or leaves Command without my clearance.” He turned to Lovell. “We’ll also need temporary clearance to monitor incoming and outgoing communications for all personnel in this room.”

Lovell nodded. “Consider it granted. From this point on, all interactions at Command are monitored. We operate with zero tolerance for security breaches. Kate,” he continued, turning to Admiral Harlow, “I want you to coordinate with the field and keep operations stable. We can’t afford distractions, and we need to maintain our presence across the quadrant.”

Vice Admiral N'Simi gave a sharp nod. “I'll ensure that all frontline units are briefed for operational stability. We’ll issue directives under the pretense of increased threat levels. Our people will expect vigilance, but they won’t suspect an internal threat.”

Lovell glanced around the room, the intensity of the situation settling over him as each officer voiced their commitment. He looked briefly at Secura, whose calm demeanor remained, undisturbed amidst the tension. His instincts pricked again, but he forced his attention back to the task at hand, mentally pushing the thought aside.

“Let’s get to work,” he commanded, “and remember: this stays here. Our next moves determine our future security, and it’s up to us to keep Starfleet intact.”

The senior officers shared determined glances, fully aware of the magnitude of their task. With the Halo and Voyager ensnared in the chaos of an alternate universe, protecting Starfleet Command’s integrity had become paramount.

RSS Feed