[NeoDyne Chimera]
His eyes watched the stars pass his window. Each was an elongated streak as it slid slowly past his ship which was at high warp. Dark eyes traced their movement like a hawk's stalking its prey. The Chimera, NeoDyne's latest technological achievement and prized possession of President Alistair Merikai, was currently at maximum velocity toward the Klingon Romulan border.
Built for stealth, speed, and power, the Chimera was the prototype for what NeoDyne hoped would be a successful line of starship innovations which it would sell to the highest bidder. With Starfleet's fleets depleted after the last war and Utopia Planetia shipyards destroyed, they could use all the ship manufacturing capability and technology they could get their hands on. NeoDyne was quite sure they would pay handsomely for their services.
Armed with the latest weaponry, engines, navigation, and cloaking technology the slender, black frame of the Chimera was as deadly as it was expensive. At half the size of a Sovereign Class starship, she was in every way its tactical equal. Smaller, more maneuverable, and with multiple cutting edge advancements the ship was quite possibly the most sophisticated and deadly ship of its size anywhere in the known galaxy. Alistair Merikai felt positively secure within its hull and behind its cloaking screens which kept his movements private and untraceable.
Currently the Chimera was en route to retrieve Dr. Artimis Ballentine and his research. Merikai was deeply concerned that the doctor in his haste to escape the disaster on the Astate Colony had compromised himself and the location of his research facility which has hosted much of his activities for the last twenty years. While the chance he had been tracked and followed was slim, Merikai was not prepared to gamble with years of research, trillions of credits, and the means to his plans.
Gritting his teeth his lip curled as his memory drifted back to a smug Lt. Commander Zane Akina sitting on the witness stand crucifying his father with false testimony and lies. The intelligence operative had penetrated NeoDyne security measures many years ago and had worked as a mole providing Starfleet Intelligence with inside information on some of the company's most secret activities. The bastard commander had entrapped his father in a web of deceit and had scrapped up enough falsehoods and half-truths to make a conviction stick. He had never forgiven the man and he never would for setting off the chain of events which had killed his father.
Merikai had learned Akina had been on Astate which meant the man was back at his old games of sticking his nose where it didn't belong. However this time, Merikai was not taking any chances. He would personally oversee the transfer of both the Doctor and his research to a more secure location. The new facility provided unmatched protection and security despite being somewhat remote. Maintenance costs were substantially lower. Best of all the entire Federation Starfleet lacked the firepower to even put a dent in their eventual destination. Even if Akina and his continued meddling somehow managed to ascertain the facility's location it would take years or perhaps even decades for them to find any trace of their facilities. Merikai was quite pleased with the location and the protection the new facilities afforded. They were far superior to any NeoDyne facility and in fact he was considering transferring more divisions.
These and other thoughts were suddenly interrupted when the President's computer terminal suddenly lifted upwards revealing the display. An incoming message light flashed on his desk.
Merikai left the darkness of the window and took a seat at his obsidian colored desk activating the terminal. A Romulan appeared on the screen. Merikai's eyes narrowed upon seeing the individual. This communication was unplanned and unexpected.
"Why have you disobeyed protocol", Merikai sternly asked his dark eyes still narrow as he glared at the Romulan on the screen. "Communications from your location risk our operations. The Romulan Naval establishment can be bought for a price, but it isn't stupid, or overtly negligent. This had better be worth my time Ferrol ."
The Romulan Riov seemed visibly shaken which was uncommon for a Romulan. They typically were quite adept at hiding such things. "My apologies sir, but certain developments require I make immediate contact."
"Such as", Merikai asked with indifference.
"Sir, our Romulan facility has just been captured."
Merikai's eyes widened at the news. He said nothing for a time. "Captured? How and by whom?"
The Riov shook his head. "I do not yet have all the facts but it appears a vessel decloaked and had sufficient firepower to overwhelm the station and board it. It would appear that the scientists and personnel aboard were taken. I have yet to fully confirm this rumor, but a Federation Starship on a joint scientific mission with the Romulan government was rumored to be in the area."
"I need facts Ferrol, not rumors. If this indeed occurred then we have a serious breech of security on our hands. This situation must be dealt with quickly and cleanly. If a third party has abducted personnel then it will not be long before the weakling scientists are made to talk. What else do you know?"
"That is all sir. I have some preliminary sensor and video data obtained by one of our agents who survived the attack. I am encoding and transmitting that data to you now."
Merikai was furious. This made three clandestine facilities he had lost in recent months. His research facility on Astate had been atomized by an overzealous marine colonel, Doctor Ballentine's hasty action had compromised the security of yet another expensive facility, and now he was being told his Romulan facility had been attacked and its personnel and secrets compromised. With the means to obtain his life long goals and dreams nearly in his grasp these continued setbacks were a constant distraction and risked everything he had worked so hard to build. However he had come too far and made much progress to be stopped by a few bruises and black eyes. His plans would proceed. He would achieve his goals. And soon, everyone would worship the name NeoDyne in addition to his own enshrined in the pantheon of great men who had conquered all odds and brought order to the masses out of chaos.
"This survivor Ferrol, ensure his survival is short lived. I need this matter resolved quietly. I am indisposed at the moment to salvage Romulan operations. I need you to contact someone to mop this mess up quickly, quietly, and cleanly. I believe you know of whom I speak?"
The Riov nodded. "Execute your orders. I will contact you in three days. Until then handle this mess. If you fail I assure you your life will be short. Merikai out."
Closing the channel, Merikai pulled up the data the Riov had transmitted. "Interesting", he muttered. Activating the comm., Merikai contacted the bridge. "Commander, I am forwarding several data files to you. Use our resources to determine the vessel in question. I want a name and the name of its commander. Out."
Leaning back in his chair, Merikai scowled at his blank computer. Setback after setback was keeping him from his dreams. He was tired of incompetence and expected results however, this latest news was most disquieting. If the Galae or Tal-Shiar had somehow discovered their activities it could very well jeopardize key operations. This matter had to be tied off and shutdown quickly and quietly. What was worse was the Starfleet element. Romulans could be bartered with for a price. Starfleet and their officers were much harder to corrupt clinging to their ideals with much more ferocity. If they had somehow become involved matters would become more complicated.
Starfleet, like a blood thirsty predator, seemed to be everywhere. Their agents were constantly nipping at his heels in search of fresh blood. The latest wound had to be closed quickly. If it could not, then the patient would have to be killed. The risk of keeping it alive otherwise was far too great.
Merikai silently cursed Dr. Ballentine for his incompetence. If he hadn't been forced to collect the stubborn researcher and his valuable research he could easily handle this Romulan matter on his own.
Merikai stood and returned to his window. Someone had talked. Whoever that was would be found and severely dealt with. Their days alive in this world were numbered as were those who had heard their words. An example had to be made. He was determined to ensure that those who had crossed NeoDyne were removed from their mortal responsibilities.
[End]
