Walker completed his shift on the bridge and left, giving only a perfunctory farewell to Zak. Bud could not completely shed his unease around the El-Aurian helmsmen, given that race’s history in the Mirror universe. Of course, he is only half El-Aurian, so I do not know how extensive Zak’s abilities are, Bud thought to himself.

 

Walker entered his quarters and saw the message indicator on his computer. Bud sighed with frustration; can this guy NOT leave me alone? He entered his decryption code as before and waited for his Section 31 handler to come online. After a few moments, a face appeared on Bud’s console.

 

“Ferris, what do you want now?” Bud said before the other man could speak.

 

“Check the attitude, Bud.”

 

Walker steadied his breathing and controlled his rising anger. He did not reply but instead channeled his favorite Vulcan gesture and raised one eyebrow.

 

“We have an assignment for you. As you well know, there is a ‘shadow war’ of sorts, going on between Section 31 and the Terran Empire.”

 

Bud answered, “Yes, I know all too well. I almost got killed in the crossfire.”

 

“Indeed,” Ferris said, “and we have strong reason to believe that there is a Terran operative onboard the Heimdal. We want you to find him.”

 

“Why is he here?” Bud asked.​​​​​​​

 

“Probably the usual reason; stealing technology that the Terrans are too short-sighted to invest in, like medical and warp technology. But there is another possibility. We have acquired some intelligence that the Terrans may be researching ways to use El-Aurians for their own advantage. There is an El-Aurian on board the Heimdal, so the operative may be seeking to kidnap or use him in some way. You need to keep watch.”

 

“And my duty schedule just happened to be recently adjusted so that I am literally working beside this El-Aurian. Did you arrange that too?”

 

“Does it matter?” Ferris said with a glint in his eye.

 

“I guess not,” Bud answered. “You know there is another possibility. This operative may be here to kidnap me and take me back to the Terran Empire.”

 

“Yes, the thought had occurred to us. But then that should only make it easier for you to locate him.”

 

“How comforting,” Bud swallowed hard.

 

“So, keep your eyes open for anyone suspicious and also keep tabs on …” Ferris consulted a PADD, “…Commander Zak Lyon. Keep us informed of everything.”

 

The screen went dark, and Walker sat still, lost in his thoughts. Will I ever be truly free?