Cel arrived quietly to the darkened room on Starbase 18. Sitting in the back, under a dimly light lamp sat Admiral Washburn. He seemed to study Cel for a long while before motioning him to sit down.

“You’ve done well for yourself over the last several years. Can I say i’m proud?” Washburn said, his voice calm, but not mocking. Cel sat down across from him, a desk between them.

‘What’s with the cloak and dagger?’ Squared inquired to Cel as he made him self comfortable on the chair.

“This isn’t your usual style Admiral.” Cel responded, his voice neutral as he studied the Admirals face.

“You mean the darkened room?” Washburn said with a smile, making a small gesture around. “Setting the mood.” He smiled at Celador. Inside of Celador’s mind, Squared tensed. It took a lot of effort for Celador to keep his poker face. “And what mood might that be?” Celador asked quietly, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.

Washburn leaned forward, his face entering more of the light. “I am transfering you the the Saracen. A new threat is encroaching on Starfleet.” Washburn said, his voice low.

“What kind of threat?” Celador asked, his eyes scanning the darkened room before returning to the Admiral. The Admiral pulled a padd from behind him and handed it to Celador.

“We are not sure, They are quiet, covert. Six months ago, a Ferengi freighter out in the deep beta quadrant was found, everyone onboard killed, assassin style.” Washburn explained.

“Interesting.” Celador asked, waiting for more information.

“Reports suggest that none of the 30 crew members knew what was happening. All data banks were expertly wiped and the ship picked clean. And there is more.” Washburn pointed to the padd.

“The Saracen area of responsibility includes areas in which this threat maybe heading. I am assigning you to that ship to keep an eye out for anything that might suggest that this threat is heading our way.” he smiled and leaned back into the dark. “As well as see if you can be trusted with additional responsibilities.”

Celador looked at the Padd, then back at Washburn. “I see” internally Squared sighed ‘Can I kill him, Please?’ Squared thought, which Cel ignored.

“I’ll be in touch as new information comes in, your ship awaits.” It was a dismissal. Celador nodded and stood up. As he did his eyes narrowed again at Washburn, his old commanding officer and, dare he say, friend?

“Yes sir.” Celador turned and left the darkened office to prepare for his new assignment to the Saracen.

-Cel