Stardate: 70307:0200
Title: War Isn’t Pretty
Author: Executive Officer Abigail Winters
Time: Current
Scene: USS Relentless


The urge to throw something coursed through her veins making her flush with frustration. Aware that First Officers were supposed to conduct themselves with more decorum she clenched and unclenched her fists and tried to project an aura of calm.

Charlie Chase, the security officer who had been following John Galt, kept his eyes fixed firmly on the carpet. He was obviously expecting some kind of tongue lashing from his superior officer but, annoyed as Abby was that the assassin had been lost, she could not blame Charlie.

The intelligence that tactical had managed to gather on John Galt had suggested he was a master of all things illegal and the fact he had slipped his security tail wasn’t really a surprise. Maxine’s device to pick up his unique DNA signature could still identify him but now that he had slipped out of sight somewhere on the Starbase, it would be like finding the proverbial needle.

Dismissing the security officer, Abby walked back to the bridge and informed the Captain that they had lost their only lead on Galt and therefore the bomb. They both turned as the acting COO entered the bridge.

"Report, Lieutenant" said the Captain

"The ship has been thoroughly searched and, in total, eight devices were found. The CSO currently has possession of them." Levi handed the Captain a data padd documenting where each device had been found.

"Is the ship back to where she should be?" 

"Yes, Sir." The Captain dismissed the COO with a curt nod and turned his attention back to Abby.

"What is Maxine doing with the devices?" Alex asked.

Abby told the Captain of the CSO’s plan to alter the device so that they were in a feedback loop. That way they would still be sending information but it would be out of date and would hopefully give them some kind of edge should John Galt decide to make a move against them.

"We are being hailed by Admiral Foster," said the communications Ensign.

"On screen." Abby sat back and watched the Captain and Admiral talk. The further the conversation progressed the more uncomfortable she became with the direction it was heading.

"Quite frankly, Khavok, I don’t think you have fully grasped the situation you are in. Let me lay it out nice and simply for you: You are in my universe now and you will respect my authority. You will give us full access to your technology and my crew will study that sentient ship."

Alex went to speak but the Admiral was quick to cut him off.

"This isn’t a negotiation. I expect the personnel I send in ten minutes to be allowed on your ship and be properly educated by all of your crew."

Abby stood up from her chair.

"What happened to you so that you would forget the ideals you held? What happened to 'doing what was right'? An Omega bomb will no doubt be the cause of your own destruct, but you want to take us down too?" Abby’s passionate speech did not sway the Admiral

"My dear, this is war; it isn’t pretty or neat. You do what needs to be done. Your lack of support makes me wonder how loyal you are to the Federation and its people." Alex put a steadying hand on his XO. 

"Admiral, you have given us a lot to think about. I will need to time to brief my crew."

"Alex, I know you are probably thinking up some cunning plan, but I would urge you to think whether you could really turn on the Federation. Our joining forces could turn this war in our favour and save countless lives."

"I understand, Admiral. Relentless out."

The Captain returned to his chair and Abby sank into hers. Even though they knew a war had been waging in this universe it had never seemed such a hostile place as it currently did.


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Commander Abigail Winters
Executive Officer
USS Relentless
NCC-11966
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