The door to Security swooshed open and there was Jonathan, sitting at his desk reading some sort of report.

 

"Hey, Jonathan, I don't want to disturb you, but I have a situation I think you should know about."

"What do you want, Kathy?"  demanded Jonathon gruffly.  Not the response Kathy expected, but maybe Jonathan was having a rough day.

 

"I hate to add to your troubles, Jonathan, but I hoped you could help me," Kathy replied quietly.

"Sorry I snapped at you.  What can I do?"  asked a chagrined Jonathan.

 

"I've noticed an unusual, encrypted communication signal going to Bud Walker's quarters from parts unknown.  I asked him about it and he lied to me.  So, I thought I should report it to you and let you check it out."

 

"That was wise of you, Kathy.  I'll be happy to look into the matter and I will let you know what I find out.  As for now, let's keep this just between you and me.  You haven't told anyone else, have you?"

 

"No. I told Bud that others have been receiving communications from unknown persons and locations and I was just asking around.  I think he bought it.  At least I hope he did."

 

"That's great, Kathy. Way to think on your feet. I'll look into this. Thank you for coming to me," said Jonathan as he escorted Kathy to the door and practically shoved her out.

 

"But I ..."  Kathy stammered as the door swooshed shut. How rude, she thought. So unlike Jonathan who has always been talkative and polite.  I don't know what is going on with him, but I feel I must talk with someone.  I know, I will talk with Jody.  She's always a good listener and advisor.  I promised to keep this between Jonathan and me, but Jody can help me figure this out.  At least she will talk to me and not be rude. Kathy rushed to her quarters to message Jody via the relay portal.  "Hey Jody, let's meet in your favorite spot for a snack around 1400. I have something I want to discuss with you".

​

“This Hatter must know everyone in the Prime Universe for Emperor’s sake” Terran Officer Hatter muttered out loud. He had just shuffled Whately out of the room and wanted to try and access these messages that Walker was receiving. He sat down into the armchair at the desk and thought to himself “I thought this guy was a Security officer, so far, he has only gotten requests to hang out and have drinks, watch old holo-vids and just generally be everyone’s friend. Makes me want to hurl. I really need to crack some heads.”

 

He picked up his PADD and punched login codes. “Let's see what you are up to Mr. Walker” he said to himself. His Security overrides allowed him access to even private channels. He began working through the logs.

 

“Wow, some heavy-duty encryption here. I can see the messages but can’t unlock them.”

 

 “It looks Federation but not any code I have encountered before. This is no coincidence, he’s Terran and he’s getting guarded transmissions. But there’s no way he could know about my mission, only the Emperor and a couple of the advisors know what I’m doing here.”

 

The door chimed again. He shook his head saying “What now?  Somebody need me to feed their tribble. Or maybe give their cat a hug? This universe is killing me.”

 

He locked the PADD and stood up yelling “Come in!"