Friday, September 15, 2017

Mail Day

Unofficial Literary Challenge 30 - Mail Day

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“So, this is it?”  Kathryn spoke to Petty Officer Joleim, the Quartermaster to Shuttle Bay Four.  She stood over a small crate approximately 60 centimeters square and was worn down with scrapes and minor dents from years of use being a standard Starfleet mail container.

Closing a tricorder, the Benzite looked up.  “Yes, Captain.  Per standard procedures, the logs were reviewed before conducting a level five scan, and not seeing any concern, I processed the package from the Savoyard.”

Kathyrn nodded and looked questioningly at the female Caitian Security Guard standing a few paces behind Joleim.  Her arms were crossed behind her and she stood passively looking to the distance.  Her tail swished in a way that suggested she was irritated with the situation.  Kathryn sympathized for Ensign Kirat; Joleim was very meticulous with his duty and more than once he had called Security to handle minor incidents.  She recalled Kirat’s name appearing on most of the after-action reports.  Clearly the Caitian was assigned to this area.

Seeing where Kathryn was looking, Joleim answered, “pardon me Captain, protocols demand Security presence when the quartermaster deems the situation is outside normal parameters.”

“I understand.”  She paused as she looked back to the crate.  “What have your scans revealed?”

Standing, Joleim cleared his throat.  “Well, my initial review of the transit logs did not seem out of the ordinary.  The package originated from Starbase-39 and has been transferred two times on well-vetted transport vessels before ending its journey here.  The standard level five scan is meant to detect trace elements of known explosives or combustibles only, and finding none is certainly predictable as the crate would not have been able to be transported to this ship in the first place.  As you know.”

Kathryn blinked patiently.

The Benzite continued.  “What seemed out of place was that the contents were either not included by the sender … or were redacted.”

That comment surprised Kathryn and she did not hide her thoughts.  “That sounds a little conspiratorial, wouldn’t you agree?”

Joleim tilted his head as he thought quickly.  “To the contrary, Captain.  I am postulating reasons for the missing information in the manifest.”

“Fair enough,” Kathryn exhaled quickly.  “Who is the sender and who is the recipient?”  

Looking at a PADD, Joleim answered, “Kit Walker to Kiera Cameron.  This is also an oddity as there is no crewmember aboard this ship with that name.”

Kathryn couldn’t help to roll her eyes.  “No, indeed there is not.  So, let’s take a peek inside shall we?”

Joleim started to protest as Kathryn bent down and quickly entered an override code into the access panel.  The top of the crate hissed open and Benzite jumped back suddenly, resulting in Kirat drawing her phaser pistol.  Kathryn calmly pushed the panel wide open and stuck her hand inside the box.  Pulling out a Romulan-styled PADD, she looked up to the shocked Quartermaster.  She stood and inspected the gray-colored device.

“Stand down Ensign, this package was anticipated, from a certain point of view.  It was meant for me.”

Kirat holstered the pistol.  “Aye, Captain,” responded Kirat with a little relief.

Joleim composed himself.  “Forgive me Captain, this is not expected protocol.  Should I have followed another policy for this situation?”

“Not at all Joleim, you executed your duty perfectly.” 

The Quartermaster beamed from the compliment.  His face suddenly looked dumbfounded.  “I do not understand, why the subterfuge?”  

Kathryn held up the device.  “What, this?”  She giggled to herself.  “I’m happy to say that Solaris just got information that will help Chef Nadaka make the most amazing Romulan brioche.”

Joleim tilted his head again, his face expressionless.

“It’s a professional joke from the sender,” Kathryn said reassuringly and smiled.  “I’m sure you’ll enjoy the results soon!”

As she turned to leave, Kathryn spoke over her shoulder.  “Joleim, please audit the logs to declare the package was received by me.”

The Benzite tilted his head to the one side again.  “Aye, Captain.”

+++

The turbolift doors opened.  Kathryn stepped in, spun on her heels to face the empty passageway and ordered, “Deck One”.  

After the doors closed, she enthusiastically entered a code to unlock the PADD’s screen, expecting the see a message from friend Daikar. 

Her smile faded when Franklin Drake’s image appeared instead.  The Section 31 operative smirked, knowing she did not appreciate what he was about to ask her to do.  “Greetings, Captain Beringer.  There is something happening in the Gamma Quadrant.  Let’s talk about that …”

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Cast for crew:
Franklin Drake - Victor Webster
Kirat - Kylie Jenner
Joleim - Richard Harmon
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols

Mentioned but not seen:
Daikar - Billy Zane
Chef Nadaka - TBD