<USS Avalon> "Let's Make a Deal" by Ensign Cate

"Let's Make a Deal"
Written by Ensign Lyryn Cate
 
 
 
Another non-descript officer was their guide to the meeting with Admiral Pew.  
This time James and Lyryn were led to a nicer sitting room complete with a sofa 
and chairs.  It was still spartan, but at least they weren't expected to spend 
a lot of time in a blank room with hard chairs and just a table.
 
Admiral Pew was waiting on them when they arrived.
 
"Ms. Cate, Mr. Maturin, it is a pleasure to see you again.  I trust your 
accomodations were satisfactory?"
 
"Yes, Admiral, they were very nice and much appreciated.  Please forgive me if 
I am a bit direct, but I would like to get to the heart of this discussion as 
quickly as possible.  I am sure that Skyler is a bit worried, and honestly, I'm 
inclined to get back to the Avalon."
 
James was not saying anything and he hadn't since their talk earlier.  Lyryn 
knew he was hurt and she only hoped their friendship could recover.
 
The Admiral just nodded in reply.  "Understandable," he said.  "Please, take a 
seat.  Any refreshments?"
 
The two declined.
 
"Alright.  I'm assuming you know why it is that you are in danger?"
 
James finally spoke up, "Because the others want our memories."
 
"That is correct.  I must admit a great deal of curiosity myself, but I cannot 
demand that you tell me anything.  Also there is the fact that since the Avalon 
made it back safely, your future as you know it may not even exist anymore.  I 
don't need to explain elementary temporal mechanics to you, do I?"
 
Both shook their heads no.
 
"Of course, their are some factions out there who would savagely take from you 
any knowledge they thought you may possess in hopes to better their people.  We 
wish to prevent that from happening.
 
We have a particular problem with the two of you.  Obviously a typical memory 
wipe will not work because you would be total amnesiacs.  I have had several 
minds working on this problem and we have come up with a few possible 
solutions.  The final decision is for each of you to make on your own."
 
Lyryn and James sat silently to hear their fate.
 
"Our first option is to transfer you to a safe place to live out the rest of 
your lives as retired military.  We have a...place, an island actually, that is 
controlled by Starfleet Intelligence where those who resign or retire can 
choose to live if they do not go through memory erasure.  Of course, 
communications from there are highly controlled, as are entrances and exits.  
It is a difficult way of life if you value your freedom.  You have total 
freedom upon the island, but effectively you are a prisoner there.  But you 
would be safe."  The Admiral paused to let that sink in before continuing.
 
"Second option would be to volunteer your information so that we would know 
what to wipe, offering you the ability to retain some memories."
 
"No," Lyryn said immediately.  "I cannot in good conscience, Admiral, volunteer 
such potentially harmful information."
 
"I thought you may say as much, and honestly Ms. Cate, I would have been 
disappointed if you had said otherwise," the Admiral smiled.  He then began 
again, "The third is one I hope you will truly consider.  I would like you to 
work here in Intelligence.  We would offer you higher rank than the Avalon is 
able, you would be protected, still serving Starfleet, and a very large assest 
to our crew, I am sure."
 
James raised his eyebrows at this, seeming quite interested.
 
"And what about getting back to the Avalon?" Lyryn queried.
 
The Admiral sighed.  "This one is more difficult and possibly dangerous to you. 
 Basically, we have a team who could help you construct a string of false 
memories which we would then implant after having erased every bit of knowledge 
in your brain."
 
"Every bit?" she asked with a great deal of trepidation.  "What about my 
security training?  Or just particularly fond childhood memories?"
 
"Honestly, Ms.Cate, I'm not sure of all the details.  You would have to speak 
with Doctor Brookman about that.  He is the head of the team who would be 
handling it.  I just know that it is a very dangerous procedure and there is a 
chance that you would not come out of it with the desired results.  However, if 
successful, we would then change your name and send you to the Avalon.  "Lyryn 
Cate" would have orders to our island where she should remain safe.  Truly, I 
am hoping that you will choose to work here at Intel, as that seems to be the 
most desirous option."
 
"Could we have the day to think on it?" James asked.
 
"By all means," the Admiral then added, "I will have to ask that you stay in 
your suite however.  I shall assign a porter to you to see to any needs you may 
have.  How about we meet again at 1830 for dinner and you can give me your 
answers then?"
 
Lyryn vaguely nodded, her brain already beginning to disect this new problem.  
James agreed for them.  They were then led back to their quarters to plot a 
whole new life.





                
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