The Dismantling

Posted on Thu May 27th, 2021 @ 12:58am by Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Captain Garrett Lovejoy [ Taylor]

Mission: Season 5: Episode 2: Operation Save Humanity
Location: Former Dimensional Studies Lab
Timeline: MD1 - 11:30hrs
806 words - 1.6 OF Standard Post Measure

Arrianna was busy packing up the labs until two vacant spaces remained. She was speaking to the director of the Alindari College of Defense while securing the last of her life's research. "Commander. Are you certain about this?"

"I could trust Captain Lalor and Commander Taylor to do the right thing with this research. No longer. Right now I've had time before Lovejoy got around to these facilities. He's two busy with his witch-hunt." Arrianna noted. "People who made Phoenix Lalor disappear, can make this research disappear as well."

"I thought you could trust Lovejoy?" Arri spoke again. "I thought I could trust him too. Strange how the world works. Either way. I need the last of the dimensional sensor prototypes picked up and taken to our main facility." Arrianna mentioned.

"Arrianna. We have an aggreement with the Federation. This research will make the difference between us having cybernetic implants in our bodies, or chains and collars around our necks. You knew what the outcome was when you agreed to contribute to this research which is being conducted in agreement with Starfleet Command. I'm asking you to reconsider. You are the finest member of this team." The Director noted.

"I cannot continue the research here with a command staff I cannot trust. They've made people dissappear, Director." Arri mentioned. "We are facing just as much danger from the Terrans and the Borg, as we are facing this new thing.. And arrogant and militarized stafleet. Do we want this kind of Starfleet making more people disappear? I can't trust Carrington or lovejoy with the projects." Arri punched a code in one of the sealed containers. 'Containment fields activated.'

"No matter what happens. Keep my research secure until I call for it." Arri closed the channel. She approached a console that was displaying one command line sentance."

"Off-Site Backup of Project Files Complete. Purge Research from lab computers? Y/N"

It was at that time that Garrett entered the lab. He needed to clear the air with Arri, get her to understand. Hopefully before she killed him.

He looked around, "What is going on Commander?" He inquired.

"I'm moving my research back to Sena Alindar." Arrianna noted.

"May I ask why Arri?" His tone one of confusion. Not cold or formal but friendly.

"What would you have me do? Lovejoy?" Arrianna noted. "If I told the Alindari Imperial Senate about recent events. Treason or no. They would be enraged at the Federation Council. We left behind secret courts, secret charges, classified prisons millennia ago. Fortunately for you I have not told them. I've decided to see take a more tempered approach. But I don't know who to trust anymore Lovejoy. Trust is important. It tells me I can trust people not to use powerful things unwisely. And the things my people's Defense Initiatives are developing are truly powerful " Arrianna mentioned. "In fact I should thank you and Carrington. You made me realize I was yielding to too much human passions and I spent some time focusing on my mental discipline lately."

Garrett sighed. "I think no, I know you don't know what is going on. I know we've had our differences in the past but I thought we had moved past that and at least could be friendly to each other. I will say this, I have never lied to you, never. So, when i say things are not as you seem to think they are, you have enough intelligence to understand what I mean."

"Oh I've guessed a few outcomes, Garrett. But at this time, I don't know which is truth and which is lies. Maybe Captain Lalor is a traitor... or maybe she's not. I am going to wait, but I do not dare trust her with research to build things Robert Oppenheimer would call... 'the destroyer of worlds.'" Arri noted. "This game you're playing, Garrett. It may end with your death, but not at my hands."

Garrett shook his head, "I know your suspicious and I don't blame you. I also know know when I say you can trust me, that make me look more distrustful. So instead I will say I am not your enemy and I'll repeat saying things are not as they appear. Why don't you come for dinner one night? You can meet Sam and we can talk."

Arri raised her eyebrow. "Someone actually married you. Intriguing. Count me in." She hid a smirk. "I must know who has the ability to put up with you long enough to marry you."

Garrett shook his head, "Afraid you are right. Not married, just my partner. We've ben together for years but you can still come meet her. She is an extraordinary woman." Garrett answered with pride in his voice.

"This should be interesting. I will see you later this evening."