Reporting Back
Posted on Sun Sep 14th, 2025 @ 5:14am by Captain T’Kal & Vice-Admiral J.T. Carlson
Edited on on Thu Oct 9th, 2025 @ 7:55pm
822 words; about a 4 minute read
Mission:
ARYL 1X03: The Listening Post
Location: Captain's Office
Timeline: A few hours after the events of “Fragments: The Complete Picture”
ON
Alone in her office, T'Kal was experiencing her first moment of calm since they detected the event outside the Kraz System. Her people had done extraordinarily well. They documented the incident thoroughly and provided an analysis on the spot. Everything had been packaged, encrypted, and sent back to Starfleet Command.
All there was to do was report in herself.
"Bridge to Captain," a voice -- that of Ensign Sung -- came over comms.
T'Kal pressed a button to open the channel. "This is T'Kal."
"I have Vice Admiral Carlson on the line, ma'am," she reported.
"Route it to my office," she ordered before closing her line to the bridge.
The screen came on and a familiar face appeared. "Admiral," she said, greeting him with a polite nod.
The Normally stoic J.T Carlson nodded in return, however his face betrayed how perturbed he was by the reports he had read from the Ark Royal.
"Captain T'kal. Starfleet Command is deeply disturbed by the reports we've received. The ramification of this...is unprecedented " He began as he leaned in his chair. Behind him, a picture window, stars streaking by, transmitting from his flagship, the Tigerfish-A.
"I agree, sir," T'Kal replied. "Per our report, and the intel analysis which informed our visit to Station Delta Four, we believe this is at least the second such test. In truth, we are not certain how long ago the station was sabotaged, so it is possible more were missed. I recommend patrol ships visit other stations along the Delta and Epsilon Early Warning Lines to check for similar sabotage." She took a deep breath. "But based on our assessment, we can only conclude one thing: that the Klingon Empire has developed some form of isolytic subspace weapon and has advanced it at least to the testing stage."
“Starfleet Command has drawn the same conclusions. As such, we are elevating our alert levels. I will be deploying additional starships to the region. Delta-Four was particularly concerning, especially reading the reports of the ricin infections that your chief of security reported.”
He took a pause.
“How has your crew managed during all this?”
"It was their first time working together in a crisis," T'Kal answered. "But I believe they did extremely well. My chief of security and counselor are interrogating the woman who has been arrested in connection with the ricin attack. I expect my chief science and communications officers will soon become experts in isolytic weaponry. And the work done in repairing the sabotaged station was exemplary."
Another pause.
"Admiral, would not elevating our alert levels so close to the subspace weapons test indicate to them that their sabotage failed?"
"They know we routinely monitor the zone and they know we have sensors along the border. The Council is calling this field exercises to the press. However, I want you to take point on this, Captain." J.T commented.
"Do we have any further information on who might be out there commanding in the field?" He asked, the report not indicating anything of that nature.
"Not yet," T'Kal answered. "I have submitted a request for an investigation into Sector 262 Klingon command to Starfleet Intelligence, though they will not be able to send me anything for at least four weeks. I expect the Station Delta Four saboteur knows nothing of Klingon leadership."
She leaned back, straightening her spine so she appeared more 'at attention'. "I will take the lead on efforts in this sector, Admiral. The Ark Royal's strategic command deck is ready for use in coordinating a multi-ship approach. I will request that all ships contact my Chief Communications Officer as they enter Sector 262."
"I'll be in the region as well. If your interrogation bares fruit, Captain, I want to know as soon as possible." Carlson says as he leans close to the screen.
"T'Kal, I don't know what they're planning but be ready. I fear the thunder of war may be closer than we think. Be ready, my friend."
"I will be, sir," she replied. "Thank you. I am expecting to receive a report from my security chief in the next few minutes. If there is nothing else?"
"No Captain. Although, do tell your Chief of Security to call his mother," J.T said rather informally to the Captain.
T’Kal raised an eyebrow at that most interesting request. “Yes, sir.” She would look into that connection first, but it seemed a simple enough request. “Take care, Admiral.”
"And to you, Captain. Carlson Out"
When the image of the Admiral was replaced with the Federation emblem, T’Kal leaned back and considered the implications. Increased alert levels. Additional ships in the sector. The prospect of war loomed ever more threateningly today compared to yesterday.
T’Kal wondered if this was actually just the beginning.
END
Vice Admrial J.T Carlson
Starfleet Klingon Command
Captain T’Kal
Commanding Officer, USS Ark Royal
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