<snip>

A warm smile greeted her as Admiral Duncan’s face appeared on her screen.

=^= Captain Sh’Zoarhi, it’s been too long. =^= the Admiral’s weathered face soon broke into a frown.

=^= I’m afraid this isn’t a social call however. A dangerous situation is unfolding on one of our research stations on Kabrel II. Commander Nalor received a disturbing communication from Gul Torin of the Cardassian Union. The Gul is under the impression that the research station is developing advanced weaponry and is on route to investigate but I think we can assume it will not be a peaceful encounter. =^=

The Admiral paused as he ran his hands through his greying hair and sighed.

=^= We have no idea where the Cardassians have gleaned this information from, there is no weapons research of any sort taking place on the station but the Cardassians have an inate ability to see deception at every turn and they will not be convinced. Your orders are to proceed to Kabrel II, defend the research station from the Cardassians and try and find out what the hell is going on there. We need to head this off at the pass, peacefully if at all possible, the last thing we need is another damned war. Any questions Captain? =^=

Mother Hen (GM)

her smiled turned to a frown “I thought the Cardassians were demilitarized after the Dominion war…We are on our way But is there anything me and my crew should be aware of going into this What does this research base for if not weapons tech?” she asked already sending a message to the helm to set course for Kabrel II at warp 7

Tralla

=^= Indeed Captain, which is I assume why the Cardassians have said they are coming to investigate rather than attack but I don’t think we can take that risk. The intel on this Gul Torin is that he is one of their most decorated military officers but that he is ruthless and headstrong. During the Dominion war he had one of the highest kill rates and he has historically had links to the True Way movement on Cardassia. My instinct tells me that he is not operating under the Cardassian government on this one. =^=

Of course, the Admiral hoped he was wrong but something just seemed off with this whole situation.

=^= The Kabrel II station is researching a number of advanced computer technologies but their primary focus is on a new artificial intelligence system. They have been making some progress which obviously we don’t want falling into the wrong hands. We have no idea where Torin has got this information from, either he has a questionable source or… =^=

The Admiral paused and pursued his lips as though he was reluctant to continue.

=^= …I can’t imagine this is the case but if the research team are conducting additional research outside of their remit, it is imperative that we know about it. =^=

Duncan sighed and shook his head. The thought that a team under his command could be working outside of his authority was disturbing but it wouldn’t be unheard of.

=^= We need this handled swiftly and quietly Captain, I need to know what the heck is going on. =^= he added with a decidedly dejected look.

Mother Hen (GM)