Posted by Lieutenant Todd Nyman (Chief Counselor) in A Secure Message [Solo]
It was a mild spring afternoon. Taking shots at the driving range was a figure who might have looked familiar to certain members of the Levi. Except for the shorter blond hair and beard, he resembled the new ship counselor. Dressed rather casually, in a pair of board shorts, a mesh polo shirt, and a pair of sunglasses. He took his time to set up each golf ball, carefully line up a shot, and send them across the range with a satisfying thwack.

Approaching from behind, another man, dressed in a more snazzy black Starfleet uniform, addressed him,

“Agent Theodore Ny-“

“I’d prefer Theo, actually.” he cut him off, taking another swing before turning around to face the other man with a smile.

“You don’t need to be so formal when we’re not in the office.”

As Theo went back to his routine, the other man seemed a bit taken aback. He quickly regained composure,

“It’s about Todd, he has been transferred from Deep Space Station Twelve to a top secret vessel.”

Theo stopped mid-swing, turning around with a wide-eyed look,

“Wow, okay, how - how bad was it? Like a normal breach of protocol thing or…?”

“He was promoted to Chief Counselor.”

“Oh!” Todd said with a sigh of relief, “Good for him, you should have lead with that.”

“We have received a requests from a both the ship’s intelligence team and a certain Admiral for all current files pertaining to Todd Nyman. You’re ongoing research into Vendorian social customs and culture is of interest as well.”

Todd took another shot that sailed over the 200 yard mark.

“Oh, did you see that one? That was nice. Anyway, yes, about my research?”

“Because of the highly classified nature of this project, very few are able to access the material, or authorize it’s transfer.”

“It’s my research, I’m the only one with access to the whole thing, and I’m on leave,” Theo sighed, “I see the problem. So you need me to come back in?”

“Just until we can send over the data. A few days at most.”

“Alright,” he replied, packing away his driver,

“But only if I get those ‘few days’ added back onto my leave.” he added with a slight smile.

A few days later, Lieutenant Todd Nyman was entering his quarters for a much needed rest. After locking the door behind him, he flopped down onto the couch in exhaustion. It wasn’t necessary to change forms for a quick rest, and he had no intention of doing so.

“Computer,” he called out “Change environmental controls: 85 degrees Fahrenheit, 40% humidity, and set lights at 10%.”

It was shortly after the lights dimmed a small, rhythmic “beep-beep” could be heard.

“You have an urgent, incoming message via a secure channel.” the computer’s voice alerted.

Nyman sighed, getting up and making his way to the workstation console. With a few button presses he opened the call. Theo, now dressed in his proper Section 31 uniform, greeted him with a smile,

“Afternoon Todd,”

“Hey Theo.” he said, weakly smiling back in an attempt to hide his drowsiness.

If Theo noticed he didn’t say,

“It looks like the transfer went well.”

“Yeah, well enough.” he replied.

They both knew this wasn’t the only reason Theo would be calling. While someone else might have been more direct Theo knew a more round-about way of asking would be more effective.

“Anything… interesting happen?” he asked with a knowing look.

“The Captain and I had a talk.” the Lieutenant answered.

“And, what did you think?”

“I said yes.”

“Really?” Theo paused, a puzzled look on his face, “Just like that?”

Nyman’s furled his brow slightly, “It was my choice, when I joined Starfleet I’d have to play by their book. You’re the one who told me that.”

Theo shrugged casually, “I just wish it was so easy to convince you 8 years ago.”

The subject obviously still made the Lieutenant uncomfortable, which is something Theo took note of. Theo was one of the few humans who understood why, too, which is why he was so surprised it didn’t take more convincing.

Lieutenant Nyman, meanwhile, attempted to deflect,

“Weren’t you supposed to be on leave, anyway?”

“I had to come back early to finish some business.” Theo answered.

Nyman smirked,

“So you came back early from leave to finish some work related business. Tell me more about how you feel about that?”

Theo laughed a little, “Okay, I get it. No need to counselor me,”

Pausing, he softened his expression a little,

“I guess, as long as everyone is on board with it, there isn’t an issue.”

“I guess not.”

“Great,” Theo continued, “I’ll make a note of your compliance. Have a good rest.”

“Thank you.” Nyman said.

The call ended, and for a moment, Lieutenant Todd Nyman sat and thought about what would come next.

~~~ Lieutenant Nyman, Counselor

OOC: I really enjoyed reading this and I want to point out what an awesome writer you are!

Mika