Operation Veilstrike (Interlude 1)

Posted on Mon Oct 28th, 2024 @ 2:01am by Captain Forest Patton
Edited on on Mon Oct 28th, 2024 @ 2:02am

1,071 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Mystery at Ryloth
Location: Ryloth – Nondescript cantina within relative proximity to the spaceport
Timeline: At least two days after Part 2

Previously on Star Trek: Oceanus...

Patton paused, making sure his orders were sinking in. He looked toward Connor, who had already begun heading upstairs to stake out his bunk. "Connor's right. We’re in a delicate position here, and we need to stay as invisible as possible. That means no comm badges, no Starfleet insignias, nothing that could compromise us if spotted."

His gaze shifted to the rest of the team. "Once you’re settled, I’ll assign one of you to Overwatch duty. That person will monitor communications and security feeds from the warehouse while the rest of us proceed with our objectives. We need eyes on the ground and someone here to keep us informed of any incoming threats."

He took a deep breath and nodded toward the crew. "Let’s get to work. Settle in, check your equipment, and make sure you’re ready. I’ll give the final assignments once everyone’s ready."

Patton turned toward the makeshift office, leaving the team to settle in, knowing they were one step closer to beginning their mission on Ryloth.

Veya followed the Commander's orders and claimed one of the partitioned off areas as her own, making sure to replace her Starfleet gear as instructed. She took a seat in the chair and reviewed information on a PADD and waited until she was needed again.

And now... the continuation!

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==== INTERLUDE ====

Location: Ryloth – A Dimly Lit Cantina Near the Spaceport

Divir sat in a secluded corner of the cantina, the dim lighting casting shadows over his sharp Romulan features. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices and the low murmur of hushed conversations. He sipped a bitter local brew, eyes scanning the room until he spotted Kimith approaching through the crowd.

Kimith, a wiry humanoid known for his ability to uncover valuable information, slid into the seat opposite Divir. "You've been keeping a low profile," he remarked quietly.

"These are cautious times," Divir replied evenly. "Ryloth is becoming increasingly... interesting."

Kimith nodded, leaning in. "I've gathered some developments that require your attention."

Divir's gaze sharpened. "Go on."

"An Intrepid-class starship, identifying itself as the USS Optimus, has entered orbit," Kimith began. "However, records of such a vessel are inconsistent. I believe it's actually the USS Oceanus operating under an alias."

Divir's eyes narrowed. "The Oceanus... So the Federation is conducting covert operations here. What else?"

"Shortly after the ship's arrival, a warehouse in the industrial sector was purchased abruptly by a shell company with no prior activity on Ryloth," Kimith continued. "A team transported directly into the warehouse. They've been careful—no Starfleet uniforms, minimal technology—but their movements suggest military discipline."

Divir considered this information carefully. "Have they made any local contacts?"

"Yes," Kimith confirmed. "One of their operatives, matching the description of Lieutenant Connor Hayden, was seen meeting with Camille Fortin at the Buzz Bird café last night. Camille, as you recall, was one of our assets. It appears she may have switched allegiances."

Divir's expression hardened. "Camille's defection could expose our entire operation. What happened after their meeting?"

"They evaded our operative, Larek, and took refuge in a residential building," Kimith explained. "This morning, Larek and Mazar observed them attempting to leave, possibly heading toward the warehouse district."

Divir leaned back, his mind calculating the implications. "With transporter inhibitors active in the city center, they'll have to move on foot or by ground transport. They're vulnerable during transit."

"Agreed," Kimith said. "Should we intercept them?"

"Not yet," Divir decided. "I want to know their full plan. Increase surveillance on the warehouse and all routes leading there. Deploy additional agents, but instruct them to remain unseen. We can't afford to alert the Federation team."

"I'll coordinate our resources," Kimith replied. "Also, the local law enforcement, some of whom are... cooperative, can maintain the transporter inhibitors and monitor movement without raising suspicion."

"Excellent," Divir said. "We need to control the environment. Limit their options."

Kimith hesitated. "There's another detail. Camille mentioned a 'mystery admiral' with scars who recruited her. She told this to Hayden."

Divir raised an eyebrow. "A scarred admiral? That could complicate matters. If higher-ranking Federation officers are involved, their objectives might be more extensive than we anticipated."

"Precisely," Kimith agreed. "How do you wish to proceed regarding Camille?"

Divir's gaze turned steely. "Camille possesses critical information. Capture her if possible. If not, ensure she cannot compromise us further."

"Understood," Kimith acknowledged. "I'll relay the orders to Larek and Mazar."

"One more thing," Divir added. "We need to verify the true identity of the USS Optimus. See if there's any way to access their ship's systems remotely or gather intelligence from their crew on the ground."

"I have contacts at the spaceport who might assist," Kimith offered.

"Use them," Divir said. "But proceed cautiously. The Federation is adept at detecting intrusions."

Kimith nodded. "What about the warehouse? Should we attempt to infiltrate it?"

"Only if it can be done without detection," Divir cautioned. "Our priority is to gather information without exposing ourselves."

"I'll assign our best operative," Kimith assured.

Divir finished his drink, setting the glass down deliberately. "We must stay several steps ahead. The Federation believes they're operating covertly, but Ryloth is our territory. We'll use their confidence against them."

"Agreed," Kimith said, rising from his seat. "I'll keep you updated on all developments."

As Kimith disappeared into the cantina's crowd, Divir remained seated for a moment, deep in thought. The arrival of the USS Oceanus, the establishment of a covert base, and the involvement of Camille Fortin signaled a significant Federation interest in Ryloth.

Divir activated a secure communicator concealed within his cloak. "Divir to all units. Increase surveillance on the warehouse district and all Federation operatives. Maintain transporter inhibitors in key areas. Be prepared to intercept targets if necessary. Discretion is paramount."

A series of acknowledgments came through the device. Satisfied, Divir deactivated the communicator and stood to leave. The stakes had risen, but so had the potential rewards. If played correctly, this situation could provide invaluable intelligence—or the means to cripple Federation efforts in the sector.

As he exited the cantina into the bustling streets of Ryloth, Divir blended seamlessly with the crowd, a phantom amid the throng. The game was in motion, and he intended to control every move.

To be continued...

 

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