=TF/Starbase XO's Office=
=Starbase UNITY=
Trent went through the reports on the explosion for what seemed like hours. With Shane back and able to handle info coming from Operation Magna, this allowed Trent to focus on the investigation. With Mumacik out of action for the time being, this made Trent the most experienced security officer on the starbase.
As Trent looked over the reports, everything seemed to point to the Romulans. The XO, though, wasn't so certain. Perhaps it was too obvious, but Trent's training wouldn't allow him to accept these facts without a more complete examination. If it was the Romulans, then so much the better. If it wasn't, then that forced Trent to look at other possible suspects. That made the job a bit more difficult.
Chloe Utley's story seemed to be connected. It was too much of a coinidence not to be. But no explosives were detected anywhere near where she had planted surveillance devices. There had to be something else, but what?
As Trent continued scanning over the reports, he heard the chime of his office door.
"Come," Trent said, realizing that whoever it was either task force personnel or had to have gone through security checks.
"Captain Rodgers?" Trent heard a female voice say as he looked up from his reports and noticed a beautiful Ktarian woman standing at the door..
"Yes."
"I have an appointment with you," she replied.
"You do?"
"Yes, my name is Denaria. Denaria Loto."
Trent just stared at her for a moment, both finding her very attractive and wondering what the hell she was talking about at the same time.
"I'm here about the aide position," she added, apparently noticing the XO's confusion.
"Oh, yeah. Of course. I forget all about it with everything going on around here," Trent finally stood. "Please, have a seat."
"Thank you," she replied, sitting in a chair in front of Trent's desk.
Trent had been trying to fill the void left by the departure of First Lieutenant Bannister himself. He knew that if he didn't, then Admiral Jefferson would likely assign someone to him like Trent had been assigned to UNITY before Shane could find a replacement.
"First off, you are not a starfleet officer, are you?" Trent asked.
She just smiled.
'He really needs an aide,' she thought.
"No, captain. But, before you ask, I have the security clearance and experience for the job," she said, handing Trent a padd.
"Of course you do or you wouldn't have gotten this far," Trent responded before looking over the resume. "Impressive. You worked for the Ktarian representive to the council five years ago. Here recently, you've been working as an aide to various diplomats here on UNITY."
"That is correct."
"There's a couple of years, though, that are unaccounted for. Why is that?"
She knew he would asked about that.
"I have a son. After my husband left us, I found myself busy raising him. Only recently have I felt comfortable enough to return to work and raise him at the same time."
'It was mostly the truth,' she thought. 'It was all that he needed to know.'
Trent nodded.
"Why do you want this job?" Trent asked.
"After working with civilians for the past several years, I can use the change. Besides, because of my military background, my wish has always been to serve in that regard in some sort of capacity."
Her record stated that she had served in the Ktarian military, but only as a clerk.
'Bullshit,' Trent thought, but decided to let it pass for the time being.
"Ms. Loto, this job can be very hectic. You could be called in at any time. You understand."
"Yes, captain."
Trent stared at Denaria again.
'Something is awful funny here,' he thought.
"Ms. Loto, do you know Admiral Jefferson?"
"The JDC deputy commander?"
Trent nodded.
"I have heard of him, but have never met him personally."
"Uh, huh," Trent said, knowing that he had been set up somehow. "Well, Ms. Loto, I have interviewed two other people before you and quite frankly, they were not nearly as qualified as you. I'll have to OK this with the CO, but if he's fine with it, then so am I."
They both stood almost at the same time.
"I'll inform you later today if the job is yours," Trent said, offering his hand.
"Thank you, captain," she took the offered hand.
He noticed how soft the hand felt and held on longer than usual.
When they finally let go, and after passing him a gentle smile, he watched as she walked out of the office.
"What's with you, Trent," he mumbled to himself as he sat back down and returned to work.
Captain Trent Rodgers (npc by Rick)
XO, 1st TF, SSF Command
XO, SB 234: UNITY
and
Denaria Loto (npc by Rick)
Ktarian civilian
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