Commander Samantha Hyland closed the door to her small office, grateful for the meagre (but consequential) barrier of privacy it afforded her from the demands of her position and paused briefly at one of the few viewpoints that the Inquiry – Class allowed on this deck and took in the Gravtic phenomena of the Shapiro effect as the forces of General Relativity conspired to bend the observable light and red-shift of the starfield streaming by outside as the cruiser plied its passage through Warp – space. The time delay caused by time dilation, increased the time it took the light to travel a given distance from the perspective of an outside observer.

It was and remained, beautiful.

Sam sighed heavily, as much as that sight still spoke to the very heart of the young woman who had stood as a Cadet at the threshold of the Starfleet Academy campus and career so many years ago, it also keenly brought her back to her attendant responsibilities as the Executive Officer of this fabulous starship and its crew.

“No rest for the wicked.” Sam smiled wanly and took up a Datapad, beginning to scroll through the persistent minutiae of detail and demand that were vital to the effective upkeep and day to day operation of a Starfleet vessel. Things that demanded her constant attention and the things that were not apparent that she had to intuit to make sure they didn’t evade her.

As Sam keyed the small replicator to produce a small cup of vibrantly hot and smoky Lapsang – Souchong tea, she spoke aloud to the Ship’s computer.

“Computer. Activate First Officer’s Log from last entry. Commence recording” Samantha ordered, even as her eyes and fingers worked upon the data – device, prioritizing actions, responding to administrative requests and entities, processing leave – requests and evaluating performance metrics from a plethora of sources. Such is the lot of the XO.

“First Officer’s log, supplemental.” Sam spoke aloud as she allowed as precious moment and took a sip – too hot! Wincing, she set the cup down on her small desk and began to circumnavigate to her chair as she orated.

“The USS Albion is currently making way to the same volume of space inhabited by Terminus Station, where scant weeks ago – as Captain of my own command – we faced the abortive incursion of forces from the Kazon Nistrim. Though the threat (or opportunity) presented by the Underspace rifts have now rescinded, the volatility left in the wake of their collapse has not.”

Sam took her seat and put the Datapad down on the desk, noting with dismay that the Command Yeoman had recently visited her office and left a confounding array of further Datapads on the desktop – all of which would equally demand her attention before she turned in for the night.

“Whilst the Cardassian Depta Council struggle to maintain primacy after the attempted coup by elements of the High Command encouraged by the True Way, Starfleet itself is stretched to its limits by the challenge of policing the Former DMZ and into that confusion – Starfleet Intelligence has confirmed a marked increase in extra-legal activity as the denizens of the underworld flock to capitalize on this weakness and feast on the remains of our vigilance.”

Frowning, Sam reached forward and took up each Datapad in turn, activating the menu – page and skim – reading the file listings, getting an idea of which device required her attention first and attempting a mental triage to order them all. She continued her log entry.

“Captain Carrington has been ordered to divert the USS Albion from its current mission of Diplomatic support to maintain a focus on Border security along the former Demilitarized Zone in this volume, ostensibly a flag – flying exercise – but it’s logical that the Federation tasking a vessel of the Inquiry – class’s capability and clout would send a definitive message to any ne’er – do – wells that the Marshall has arrived in town and he’s brought this guns with him….”

As she worked through the piles of datapads, the XO paused as her fingers chanced upon and unexpected item. Sam frowned more deeply and withdrew a Holo-emitter unit that had been nestling in the pile. Her mind went, unbidden, back to the recent events on her former command – the USS Savannah – where a rogue SSH had been tasked as a fifth – columnist infiltrator and had nearly succeeded in destroying the New Orleans – class frigate and every soul aboard.

“Computer. Pause recording.” Samantha ordered and located her Tricorder as she began to make a scan of the device. Better safe than sorry. As she inspected the Holo – emitter more closely, she noted that emblazoned on one surface was the challenge – “PLAY ME.”

A soft warbling from the Tricorder confirmed that the device was exactly what it purported to be. A general – utility recordable Holo-emitter with no transmit facility. A mundane device of which there would be many hundreds of aboard the ship.

But what was this doing here?

Sam opened up a hail to the Command Yeoman, Senior Crewman Luther Groves.

“XO to Senior Crewman Groves.” Sam sent, turning the Holo-emitter over and over in her slim fingers, wondering at the erroneous dichotomy it presented.

“Groves here. Go ahead Commander?” cam Luther’s distinct New England brogue over the comm – channel.”

Sam set the Holo-emitter down on the desk and looking at it, she enquired.

“Luther, the Holo-emitter delivered with today’s ‘mail-call” what’s the story with that?” Sam pondered. In response the emitter gnomically challenged “PLAY ME.”

There was a pause and then Groves replied.

“Was there in the in-tray with the daily reports when I picked them up ma’am. Is there a problem?”

Was there a problem?

“PLAY ME”

“Thank you, Luther, No. “Sam murmured. “No problem at all. Thank you. Hyland out.”

Sam closed the channel and continued to consider the Holo-emitter through steepled fingers for a short time before reaching out and activating the power – stud.

“PLAY ME”

“Fortune favors the brave.” Sam decided and the unit sprang to life.

Suddenly there was a green-skinned Orion woman lounging diffidently in the chair before her desk and the small office seemed even smaller.

Sam’s interest was piqued, but the part of her that like to quantify every event that transpired abord ship was equally irked as to the mystery of where this Holo-emitter had originated from. The most logical course of action was to allow events to play out, so she sat back in her chair and ventured to the Holographic Orion.

“I don’t believe I have had the pleasure?” Sam began, guardedly.

The Hologram, ostensibly an Orion female, late – middle age, well – kempt and positively exuding a “cat’s – got – the – cream” languid confidence, smiled easily and spoke.

“No, if you had – well then you’d remember – that’s for certain.” The Orion made a show of “looking” around Sam’s small office. This told Sam that this was a heuristic recording. Semi – sentient and self – aware enough to hold a viable conversation in real time, but not fully AI – Aware or linked to a real person.

Interesting.

“Bit of a comedown from being king of your own castle, eh Commander Hyland?” The Hologram pouted theatrically, and Sam decided that already she didn’t like this person and that was an impression that would doubtless continue to take seed – if they ever met in person.

Sam refused to be baited.

“Career – move.” She remained tight lipped, disliking this charade. “Bigger Castle.”

The Orion smiled fluidly and shrugged lightly.

“Well, bully for you Samantha.” She sniffed, “Still, second fiddle doesn’t really suit you, if you ask me.”

Commander Samantha Hyland put both hands on the desk and asked levelly.

“Well, you seem to know an awful lot about me and have me at a disadvantage. Would you be polite enough to furnish me with your name and maybe fast forward to the part where you tell me what this is all about and why I shouldn’t just drop you in a matter – decompiler and get on with my day?”

The Hologram clapped its lovely green hands together with glee and threw her mane of green/black hair back in a display of genuine mirth.

“Oh! BRAVO Commander!” The Orion chuckled with deep amusement. “THERE’s our girl!” With a wolfish grin she continued.

“It’s true that you don’t know me Commander Hyland and equally as true that I know a LOT about you. If fact knowing things about just about everything is my stock – in – trade, you could say.” The hologram quipped amiably. Quite at ease.

Sam said nothing.

“But you’re correct, I digress and am being so terribly rude.” The hologram sat forward in her borrowed chair with a frown of mock -contrition of her green face.”

“My name is D’Taani Varada.” The Holographic Orion declared with obvious relish and an obsequious little flourish. Sam hated her even more.

“Doesn’t ring a bell.” Sam said flatly.

“And nor should it Samantha!’ The Orion beamed. “We have never met, but the alarm bells will be ringing loud and clear very soon – because you OWE me Commander Hyland and I am now in an indelicate position where I need to collect. So you’re going to do a little job for me.”

Sam blew out of her nostrils derisively.

“You’re out of your mind, I’ve never met you, I don’t owe you a goddamned thing. This dog and pony show is over!” Sam began to reach for the Holo-emitter.

“Ah! NahNahNah!” The Orion raised a warning green finger and Sam paused, despite herself.”

“Thing about debts is that they don’t always finish up with those that incurred them in the first place, but they ALWAYS get paid in the end!” D’Taani Varada warned and suddenly there was a nasty tone her voice and her playful façade slipped a fraction.

“Not so very long ago, a member of your former crew came to see me.” Varada intoned with all the warmth of a rattlesnake in a cold cave. “One Kennedy Zhou, charming girl – real potential – asked me to help her with a little problem you were having locating the creator of a VERY naughty little Hologram that had caused you all quite some bother I believe?”

Sam sat back in her seat heavily. Whilst this revelation was new to her, she had a sinking feeling about where this was heading.

“Ah! Now you’re buying what I’m selling, I see?’ Varada smiled nastily and continued.

“So, as I said – my stock in trade is information and I was able to help your friend Kennedy get what she wanted.” The Holo smiled levelly and inspected her fingernails.

“Thing is, since the brouhaha with the Kazon, business around Terminus Station ain’t what it used to be and, long story short, I found myself in the injurious position of falling afoul of some very serious customers that you rrrreeeallyyy wouldn’t want to be on the bad side of and now I have a death mark on my head!” Varada spread her holographic hands wide as if in summation.

“You have my sympathies.” Sam pursed her lips “I’d image there’s quite a long line to collect.” The XO added acidly.

“Well, quite. It’s a touch embarrassing, but what’s a girl to do?” Varada smiled wanly.

“Still don’t see how this is my problem?” Sam folded her arms.

“Well…’ The Hologram smiled a sharklike smile and leaned forward conspiratorially.

“The thing about my business, the thing that has kept me alive for so long to date, is that when you do business with anyone – I find it’s always prudent to build in some extra insurance so that, should the unexpected become expected, well if it became a rainy day – then I always make sure that I own the keys to the only umbrella store in town, so to speak.”

“Meaning?” Sam frowned again.

“Meaning, I kept my side of the bargain.” Varada lounged back in her chair and surveyed the roof casually. ”I located her hacker that sicced his rabid Holo on your ship and I delivered him to Ms. Zhao on Starbase 72. Neatly packaged. Signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours. Etcetera, Etcetera. ” D’Taani fanned her hand, trying to move things along.

The Holo then stood abruptly and placed her own green hands-on Sam’s desk and loomed forward until her photonic – face as mere inches from Sam’s own flesh and blood visage.

“But, ‘somehow’, that same hacker was found sometime later floating out in Spacedock like a tiny little Nausicaan popsicle and now your friend Kenney is in the Slam accused of his Murder.” She pouted and “aw-shucks” pout and smiled. “The Galaxy’s a terrible place for the unwary isn’t it just?”

Samantha Hyland quelled her inner turmoil and allowed her face to remain impassive.

“You were behind this.” She stated flatly.

D’Taani Varada’s Holographic eyes widened in faux – outrage.

“What a terrible thing to say Sam!” She mocked. “But let’s just say that if you chose to help me out with my little dilemma, well then, I may just have the necessary evidence to be in a position to clear your friend of all charges and everyone gets to live happily ever after!”

“And if I refuse?” Samantha challenged, although she knew inevitably that this was false bravado – the Orion seemed to hold all of the cards and knew the rules of whatever game they were playing here.

“Well, Kennedy Zhao will spend the rest of her live-long days rotting in a Federation Penal Colony and I’ve heard that they are so incredibly dull!”  D’Taani Varada warned. “And other equally as credible and totally compelling evidence will come to light that seems to point towards your own collusion with Ms. Zhao into a criminal conspiracy to kidnap and murder. Evidence that, I must say, cost the very best forgers that money can buy that it almost convinced me that it was genuine, and I was the one that paid for it. Trust me, it will be the end to more than one promising career if you don’t choose to indulge me, Commander!”

The chill in the room was palpable.

“And say that I do agree to assist you lift your Death – Mark?” Samantha spoke slowly and pointedly “Hypothetically, of course.” She added.

D’Taani waved her hand airily.

“What exactly would you be wanting me to do in return for Kennedy’s freedom?”

A wide grin split D’Taani Varada’s smug green features and she shrugged good – naturedly and snapped her fingers. Between the pair another holo sprang to life between the two antagonists.

Sam looked at the object as the holo of the object slowly revolved between them.

“You know that that is?” The Hologram of D’Taani Varada asked casually.

After a while Samantha found the will to speak. “I know what that is. It’s illegal.” She replied flatly, shooting an accusing glare at the projected Orion.

“Well of course it is, Silly Rabbit.” The Orion mocked and made a show of rolling her eyes with amusement “Otherwise it wouldn’t be so very valuable”.

“You want me to steal it.” Sam looked D’Taani in the eyes and spoke leadenly.

“I want you to steal it.” Varada parroted with affirmation & evident satisfaction.

“But why me?” Samantha Hyland couldn’t help but ask.

The Hologram of the object shifted, and the image swam to reveal its current location.

“Because I can’t very well waltz into there and just take it now, could I?’ The Hologram smiled nastily.

Sam’s eyes widened when she recognized where that place was. The very scope & enormity of the Orion’s conceit. She looked up to the hologram of D’Taani Varada, the shock of incredulity writ large on her astonished face.

“You are out of your Goddamned mind!”