Who: Galan & Family Friend Earth Date: March 25, 2382 (Backdated) Where: Galan's Starfleet Housing What: Truth or Dare (Transmission) Rating: PG Status: Complete
Having just returned home after his orientation aboard the Odyssey, Galan laid down on the small couch situated against the wall in his small dorm-like habitat. He kicked off his shoes, cracked his toes and tilted his head towards the back cushion. It wasn’t common for him to show signs of fatigue, but after 12 straight hours of tours, schematics, and lecturing; the days work got the best of him. The silence was pleasing, until a monitor began to protrude from his desk and the familiar communication alert hummed in the background. After a yawn and stretch, Galan walked to his desk and sat in the chair. He pulled his combadge off and tossed it aside, all while looking at the screen and wondering why this was a secure transmission.
"Computer, open transmission authorization Ensign Jo’Rek Gamma 221."
The image of a man popped up on the screen less than a second after Galan uttered the last number, a Romulan man at that.
"Galan?," the man inquired.
"Yes, may I help you?"
"My name is Torek, I’m a friend of your fathers. Don’t worry, he’s fine! I just wanted a chance to speak with you."
The man laughed to himself before continuing.
"You don‘t remember me, do you?"
"I’m afraid I don’t," Galan confessed.
"Of course not, you were quite young the last time I saw you. I used to live close to your family while you lived on Romulus. Your father and I used to be good friends, but our relationship seemed to fade after he separated from your Mother."
Wondering why someone that was pretty much a complete stranger was bringing up such personal information, Galan attempted a polite interjection.
"I’m sorry, is there something I can do for you Torek?"
"As a matter of fact, yes. That is why I’ve contacted you. Are you alone right now?"
"Yes."
"Good, because there’s something I want to discuss with you and it’s important that nobody else finds out. I want to start off with telling you how proud I am of you. When I caught word of you joining Starfleet, I couldn’t have been happier. I know how so many Romulans mistreated you and your family, but through all of that you found your way to a career and a purpose in life. I envy you."
"Thank you."
"Shortly after you and your mother moved to Earth, I moved to a Romulan colony quite a distance from Romulus. I’ve lived here since and I’ve never had anything to complain about, until now. Since these Klingon factions have been attacking us left and right, we’re barely holding on. Women and children are dying senseless deaths, homes are being turned to rubble, and many are leaving as refugees. It’s not just happening here, but all around our territory."
"I am aware,” Galan interrupted. “The Government is doing little to protect the outer colonies, they don’t have much respect for their own sometimes. I’m a great example of that."
"But what you’re not aware of, is how you can help."
"Help?"
"Yes. Word has it you’ve been assigned to the USS Odyssey.."
"How did you get that information?"
"I have some friends on Earth."
"What is it you need me to do?"
"Well, I’ve also heard that the Odyssey‘s primary mission is to explore the outreaches of the Beta Quadrant, which would serve great purpose for us."
"For you?"
"With your help Galan, you can use the Odyssey’s sensors to obtain valuable information about the Klingons while passing through or by their territory. The location of ships, star bases, outposts, whatever you can give us would help. The Klingons wouldn’t suspect anything, because they realize how neutral the Federation has become. You would also be one of the first to be aware of incidences within the Klingon Empire that we may need to be aware of. You would be our source of anything vital."
Torek went on with a more sincere tone.
"You are our only chance of survival Galan. We’re a peaceful colony with peaceful ideals and intentions. We simply want to survive. Doing this would mean so much to so many people."
Galan ran his hands down his face in disbelief. "I understand Torek, but what you are asking me is completely unreasonable. I don’t even know you and you want me to spy on the Kilingons for you? If I got caught it would mean the end of my Starfleet career and I would potentially be thrown in prison, or worse, turned over to the Klingons. I can’t risk that."
The Romulan on the other end sighed and apologized, realizing he may have pushed the idea too far. "You’re right. I suppose it is a lot to ask and I apologize for the inconvenience. I just don‘t know who else to ask for help."
"I’m sorry, I wish I could help you, I just…" Galan replied.
"Someone once said, the duty inherited is far more important than the duty ordered."
"Who said that?"
"Your father, before you were born."
Galan slouched against the back of the chair and exhaled his thoughts. He looked past the monitor to a plant sitting on his desk while pondering the very idea of committing espionage. It went against every ounce of his moral being, but he also understood this man’s situation. He understood that when it was all said and done, he would be doing something to help these people survive. These people, were essentially his family. With a combination of a reluctant facial expression and a tone of appeasement, Galan accepted the challenge.
"Where am I sending this information?"
"Thank you Galan. I always knew you had your father in you. I will send you the coordinates to a sensor beacon where you will send it via subspace frequency. The information will then be relayed to us, which will keep us anonymous in case you get caught. We will talk again, but for now I must go."
"Wait!"
The transmission ended. This was the beginning of a dangerous road, but Galan was sure he would prevail. He only encouraged himself by maintaining his own rules, such as the typical “only one time” mantra. He knew he could outsmart most if not all of the officers onboard the Odyssey, but it wasn’t going to be an easy task.