<USS Avalon> "A New Agenda"

“A New Agenda”
by Lt. Commander Anthony Manson
Lieutenant Second Class Alder Shimbrodus
& The Shadow


"So what d'ya say we head down the holodeck? I wanna try this program I got from my cousin. Snowboarding program." Alder grinned knowing Anthony wasn't much for trying something sporty.

He looked up and just nodded, "alright."

"Really? No fight? Just 'let's go'?" The surprise showed in Alder's face.

Anthony chuckled, "yeah, let's go." They got out of their quarters, quickly making way to the holodeck. As soon as they go there, Anthony stopped short of entering, "I just realized we don’t have the necessary... clothes, it's gonna freeze us."

Alder laughed, "hello, holodeck." With that he pulled Anthony in.

The holodeck was dark and the usual illumination had receded into oblivion. The only light in the room was from the console next to the door and even that was minimal. He eyed them from his solitude and waited for the moment in which to begin his foray into the mental practices of typical and lowly Starfleet officers. The darkness would comfort him and distract them. Perfect.

"Computer, activate program, Shimbrodus Three," Alder smiled, waiting in anticipation for the snow to start falling. But nothing happened. He looked at Anthony, "there's no repairs on the holodeck today, is there?"

"No," Anthony suddenly felt on edge. "Just try again."

"Computer, activate program Shimbrodus Three." Nothing happened.

"Mr. Manson, I would assume that you'd be much more alert to these types of proceedings given our increased relationship," he took a step out from the corner just enough so they were aware of his presence, but not of his face. "I'm glad, though, that I finally get to make the acquaintance of the famous Alder Shimbrodus."

Alder looked into the darkness, seeing the vague outline of a man. Anthony stood in front of Alder instinctively, "what now?"

He hoped that this man wouldn't be around, he was forcing himself to forget this encounter. Now that Alder was back into his life, it seemed there was no reason to be paranoid anymore. And here he thought it was safe to leave his personal palm phaser in his end table.

The Shadow chuckled, "calm down, Lieutenant, I'm just here for one more request and it doesn't involve the slow, painful, and torturing death of Mr. Shimbrodus there." He laughed again, "this time it involves a little thing that I want you to do for me and for the Section. The typical rules apply: you can't turn me down."

"I suppose it was a little too much to assume it was a guarantee you would leave us alone. Make it quick, and get out." Anthony said quickly, trying not to show his frustration. Alder moved away, standing next to Anthony rather than behind him.

"I'm surprised at you, Lieutenant. You would think after gettin' beat up for mouthing off to me you'd understand that it is not a smart thing to be doing. Why don't you keep his mouth shut, Alder? I'm sure he'd respond better to you than me, but, nonetheless, you'll listen and then I'll be gone." He walked a bit to his left, but still maintain his anonymity in the lack of light. "There is a certain someone on board that I want you to, how shall I say it, dispose of."

"Oh wonderful," Anthony replied as Alder just glanced at his partner. He never saw this side of Anthony, let alone thought it was possible. "And, last I checked, you got the better of me since you so nicely put Alder's life into that little affair. So, give me your threat first."

"My threat? Oh, it is truly simple enough really. I can place you at the scene of the murder of Flubb. Make it look nicely enough that you're an accomplice to this little charade. Needless to say they'll track it to Alder as well. Of course, that will be a bit more of artistic license on my part, but it will be there either way." The man chuckled to himself. "Ready to here what you're going to be doing for me?"

He smiled grimly, "go on."

"There is a certain someone on the Avalon that has been a thorn in the Section's side for quite sometime. Reasons of this I cannot give, but suffice it to say that he's better off dead then still serving Starfleet in his traitorous capacity. Neither Section nor Starfleet. It's becoming a tedious job keeping an eye on him," there was a moment of hesitation before his emotions flared obviously, "I want you to make sure that the thorn is plucked."

"Cut the history, who is he?" Anthony inquired as he folded his arms.

There was a grin that he knew couldn't be seen, "He's the one who will find you if you don't do what I say."

Anthony shifted his head impatiently, "I don’t have time for this. Correction, we dont have time for this." Anthony went over to the console in front of him as Alder followed automatically.

"What are you up to?" Alder muttered.

"Getting us out of here." Anthony replied as he worked the controls.

The Shadow held his ground, but narrowed his eyes. "Don't touch that."

Alder glanced over Anthony's handiwork realizing it was the same codes he found on the chip. He glanced up, the man just stood there, hands behind his back. There was a crackling sound as he looked at Anthony. Before he could pull Anthony away a bolt struck Anthony, forcing him to the ground.

"Told you," The man took a step forward, the illumination from the sparking console illuminating his face for a fraction of a second here and there. "Now, before anything else...unfortunate happens would you just say you're going to do it so I can tell you who it is and how to handle the situation."

Anthony got up getting a grip of Alder's hand as he was carefully pulled up. Alder wanted to say something, but Anthony got something out, "no, name first. I want to know who my target is." He instantly corrected, "our target is. Alder in on this? Or have you decided he needed the whole show for your viewing pleasure?"

There was a pause, "A little of both actually, but you're going to need two of you to take him down. Commander Javan Sierra."

"So, he's with," Anthony shook his head, "was with Section 31. And what will it take to get a former agent of your organization down?"

"I never said he was an agent, but it's going to take more than a phaser shot. Drug him, gas him, whatever." The agent took a step back into the shadows to completely shield himself, "you'll be receiving further instructions."

He shrugged, "I'll get it done. I'll wait for your instruction. Now leave." There, he thought to himself, that was nice enough. Alder looked at Anthony who avoided his gaze.

There was a hollowness to the room as Anthony spoke. His words echoed softly in the empty room. As if Anthony and Alder were the only ones to ever enter the holodeck, the Section 31 agent was gone.



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