Taken

Posted on Wed Feb 19th, 2025 @ 1:22am by Commander Kevin Lance

Mission: The days of our lives
Location: Beta Antares
Timeline: After Missing

:on
{Beta Antares Security Center}

With the Chuck Norris' computer off-line and so many of the crew on authorized leave, it was difficult to determine who was missing along with Mira but Kevin was finally able to narrow the list down to Kronnelti, K'ner and a few members of the Haz Team that had been assigned to Mira's informal security detail.

He was now in the offices of the repair base's security division, alternating between cajoling the chief and browbeating her into helping him. Kevin outranked the Barzan officer but he had no official authority over the base or its security team so he had to use intimidation to get the information he needed.

"When did my crew members depart this station," Kevin demanded, he hands on the Security Chief's desk as he leaned forward to give the impression that he was looming over her.

The power move had the desired effect as the Barzan retrieved the requested data from the station's computer logs.

"It appears that the group of individuals that you are interested in all departed the station at 1023 hours," she nervously told the Norris' executive officer, "At the same time and from the same place as Captain Rodale."

"Were there any reports or detections of conflict at that time and place?" Kevin asked.

The security chief queried the computer then replied in the negative.

So, the Norris' tactical officer and Haz Team leader had not felt that Mira was in danger. Else there would have been a firefight.

"What about the abduction of my children and Ensign Mariten?" They were sagely aboard Thor's ship bound for Earth but, as they had arrived unconscious, had been taken against their will.

After a moment the computer replied, "Transport of Ensign Mariten, Ms Kronnelti and three children was authorized by Captain Mira Rodale, USS Chuck Norris."

"So, not abducted," the security chief pronounced. Kevin scowled at the comment. Mira would never had transferred the children or left herself without telling him.

He thanked the Lieutenant Commander as graciously as his mood would allow then made his way to the nearby communication center. Getting access to a Star Fleet security line was easier than he had anticipated and within moments he was connected to Rear Admiral Desai, the head of Star Fleet Investigation Division. They exchanged the bare minimum of pleasantries before Kevin launched into an explanation of the situation and began interrogating the investigation division chief.

"Captain Rodale and several of the Norris' crew have been taken," Kevin announced.

Admiral Desai gave no expression of surprise. "I have never meet her," he replied blandly, "but her service record would suggest that she is a trouble magnet. Do you think that she could be taken against her will without a fight?"

"No," Kevin admitted, "She was accompanied by the two best fighters in the crew and half a hazard team. There is no way that anyone got the drop on her." It was the point that most bothered Kevin. Mira would never allow herself to be abducted by strangers so she must have gone willingly. Or been betrayed by a friend.

"So, if she wasn't taken against her will," the Admiral continued, "What do you propose that Star Fleet do?"

"She was definitely taken against her will," Kevin counter hotly.

"And you know this because..." Desai left the continuation of the sentence hanging.

"She would have told me if she was going voluntarily."

A smirk graced the Admiral's lips, "Captain Rodale has many entanglements. Klingon, Romulan, Caitian. Why do you insist that she would tell her executive officer everything?"

"Because we are affianced and plan to marry!"

"Mubaarak," Desai replied with no feeling, "Still, she might be trying to protect her future husband."

Kevin instinctively knew that she would tell him everything, no matter how dangerous. His only pause was that she might have wanted him to stay with the children but then why did she transport them to Thor without him?

"I demand to know where Mira is!" he was practically screaming at the Admiral's image.

Desai frowned angrily, "You forget yourself, Commander. There is still the matter of your deferred adjudication for your assault on Captain Rashard and the mysterious circumstances of his death. Keep a civil tongue in your mouth lest I decide to prioritize those investigations."

Kevin hadn't intended to antagonize Desai. He needed the investigations chief's network of contacts to find and recover Mira. Forcing his anger down, Kevin continued through gritted teeth, "I apologize Admiral. I am concerned for the safety and welfare of my Captain and crew, as well as for the return of the mother of my children."

Desai's features soften slightly at the mention of children. More than three years earlier he had coerced Kevin into playing Santa to the children of the Star Fleet Investigations officers. Perhaps... "Do you have any knowledge that would help in their recovery?"

"I am unaware of Captain Rodale being involved in an Federation mission," Desai answered in a diffident tone.

It wasn't the question that Kevin had asked but was telling in its own right. The Admiral has said 'Federation' not SFID or even Star Fleet. It suggested that he knew that Mira was involved in something extranational but was unwilling or unable to say what. It was less than Kevin desired but was another piece in the larger puzzle. And he doubted that he would be able to get much more from the Admiral.

"I thank you for your assistance, Admiral," Kevin said as he was about to cut the transmission.

"Hold on, Commander," Desai interrupted, "Your call is fortuitous as I have something for you."

Kevin's stomach dropped. He owed Desai a favor more expensive than playing Santa had been enough to repay. "What is it?"

"Since your ship is in retrofit," Desai continued, "you have been placed on temporary duty. Your skills are needed aboard the Biko." Kevin's PADD pinged a notification of the receipt of orders.

"What am I supposed to do there?" Kevin asked suspiciously.

"You will receive further instructions once you arrive," the Admiral answered, "Desai out."

:off

Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris