THE OLD GUARD
STARDATE 03.11.22
SECTOR 50
Captain Severick worked closely side by side with his First Officer, Descry Brookside, in his Ready Room. The two had been working for hours non-stop reviewing the Assault Plan on the Babylon P10A Battleship. It was crucial that Descry be just as familiar with the Plan as Captain Severick, should anything happen to him during the battle. The two were extremely weary. Suddenly, a chime indicated someone wanted to enter the Ready Room.
“Enter,” Captain Severick said through an Intercom so the person outside the door would hear it.
In walked Angelica Ursinus, the Old Guard’s Chief of Security. She was a young, athletic woman with broad shoulders. Her jagged facial features seemed to have been carved from a rockface. Short black hair curved around her head.
Captain Severick and Descry Brookside paused to give Angelica the proper attention. They were both caught off guard by her sudden appearance.
“I’m surprised by your presence, Security Chief,” Captain Severick stated. “We were just reviewing the Plan for the Europa Offensive. I trust this is important?”
“Very, Captain,” Ms. Ursinus responded gruffly. She was not known for beating around the bush. The Security Chief was always direct whenever possible. “We have a Critical Situation aboard the Old Guard that the two of you must be aware of.”
Captain Severick glanced at his First Officer. She returned the look of concern.
Ms. Ursinus placed a tablet in front of the Captain and the First Officer. The display showed a summary of data from several different sources. Captain Severick and Ms. Brookside stared at it while they listened to Ms. Ursinus explain.
“Note the Encrypted Information being transmitted in the Logs at specific times. Also notice the different workstations being used, along with the Personal ID’s. It will alarm you to know that these workstations were only the end source. The person using them bounced the data through many different terminals, effectively hiding their tracks. I traced the pathways, but they led to dead ends. Whoever did this knew exactly what they were doing to avoid detection.”
A grim look formed on Captain Severick’s weathered face. His brow furrowed.
“Also note that this was done during peak hours, when there was a influx of massive personnel and data transmission throughout the Old Guard,” the Security Chief added. “This helped to mask their activities.”
“Have you been able to Decrypt the transmissions?” Captain Severick asked in a tone laced with anger.
“Not yet, Captain,” Ms. Ursinus answered. “It will take time, perhaps more time than we have before the Offensive begins. But I was able to determine where the Encrypted Transmissions were sent.”
Captain Severick and Descry Brookside stared at Angelica with bated breath.
“Babylon Space.”
Captain Severick’s hands clenched into fists.
“Yes, Captain. I’m afraid it’s true. I couldn’t believe it either. But we have to face facts.”
THERE IS A BABYLON OPERATIVE ON BOARD THE OLD GUARD.
