AJ sat in the dark lounge somewhere in the Promenade. His eyes darted back and forth across the decrypted data on his PADD. The lounge was quiet, almost empty.  The only noise was the low buzz of lights and the occasional murmur from nearby employees. He’d been at this for hours, looking over encrypted messages, cross-referencing sources, and trying to piece it together. But now, after days of sifting through messages, it had all finally clicked into place.

A flash crossed his face as the transmissions finally revealed a pattern that led directly to Ambrose Nichols. It wasn’t just one message; it was a string of messages sent under the guise of harmless communications. Nichols had been using a series of seemingly unrelated transmissions to mask his communications with Romulan operatives. And at the center of it all, lurking behind the veil of coded messages, was none other than Ambassador Rempeck.

AJ leaned forward, analyzing the data. There was no mistaking it now. Nichols was not dead. He had been in contact with Rempeck, possibly orchestrating the final stages of his escape. This wasn’t just a criminal operation; it was a covert, calculated effort that tied Rempeck directly to Nichols’ survival.

He quickly transferred the files to a secure channel, sending them directly to Elena’s office. He had to tell her, had to show her the evidence he had uncovered. Nichols wasn’t gone, and Rempeck’s involvement was far more extensive than anyone had previously realized.

Elena was in her Ready Room, her mind still running over the details of the latest reports, when AJ’s message came through. She opened the encrypted file and, as the details unfolded, her pulse quickened.

The coded messages, the timestamps, the locations—everything matched up. The threads leading to Rempeck were undeniable.

“Elena?” AJ’s voice crackled through the comm.

“I’m looking at it, AJ,” she said, her voice steady despite the shock. “I don’t need to tell you what this means.”

AJ’s response was short, almost bitter. “Rempeck’s involved, Elena. He’s been covering for Nichols, and if we don’t move quickly, he’ll slip through the cracks.”

“Let’s go to work,” Elena said firmly. “We need to confront him before he can make his next move.”

The confrontation came swiftly. Rempeck was already waiting for them in a secure room on the station, his usual calm demeanor in place as though nothing was wrong. When he saw Elena and AJ step inside, his face remained unreadable, “Captain Mitchell, Commander Tindal,” Rempeck greeted them with a slight bow. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

AJ didn’t waste time. “Ambassador, we have evidence linking you to Ambrose Nichols’ escape. You’ve been orchestrating his survival, coordinating with the Orions to protect his network. You’re involved in a conspiracy that stretches across the entire sector.”

Rempeck’s face didn’t change, “I’m afraid you are mistaken, Commander,” he said smoothly, his voice dripping with arrogance. “Any evidence you think you’ve gathered is based on misinterpretations and unfounded assumptions. I am simply a diplomat, working for the interests of the Romulan Free State and the Federation.”

Elena stepped forward, her gaze sharp. “You know exactly what you’ve done, Rempeck. We’ve traced transmissions from Nichols to your offices and know that you’ve been aiding his escape. You’ve shielded and protected him while pretending to remain neutral. But now, the truth is out.”

Rempeck remained his cover of perfect composure. “I have done nothing wrong,” he said coolly. “All actions I have taken were for the good of the Romulan Free State and per our mutual interests with the Federation. My position as a diplomat grants me certain privileges, and I will invoke those privileges now.”

Before Elena or AJ could respond, Rempeck continued. “I am invoking my diplomatic immunity. Any actions I have taken fall under the protection afforded to me by the Romulan Free State. You may have evidence, but I assure you, none of it holds weight. Our Federation will never risk the kind of diplomatic crisis this would cause.”

AJ’s anger flared, “You’re not untouchable, Rempeck. You think the Federation will let you get away with this?”

Rempeck gave a mocking smile. “My dear Austin Tindal.” He paused, “The Federation doesn’t care enough to go against its own interests and I’m sure that Starfleet will see it that way.”

The next few days were a blur. As expected, Starfleet quickly responded to the evidence AJ and Elena had gathered. However, rather than take immediate action, they released a public statement that echoed Rempeck’s position: they would not be pursuing the matter further.

“The actions of Ambassador Rempeck are protected by his diplomatic immunity,” the official message read. “While the Federation acknowledges the Edison crew’s findings, it will not risk a diplomatic crisis with the Romulan Free State over an individual who has acted within the scope of his position.”

Elena slammed the PADD down onto the desk in frustration. “It’s over, AJ,” she muttered, shaking her head. “They’re not going to do anything. They’ve given him the green light to walk away from this.”

“I told you,” AJ said bitterly, “they were never going to risk the fallout. The Romulans are too important to long-term strategy. Nichols is gone, Rempeck is free, and we’re left cleaning up the mess.”

The following morning, Elena received a message from Starfleet Command: the Edison would be reassigned for an extended period. Extensive repairs were needed after the Orion attack, and no immediate replacements were available.

AJ knew what that meant. The Edison and its crew were being sidelined, moved off the frontlines of this investigation. The Federation had other priorities now that didn’t involve pursuing the truth about Nichols or Rempeck.

Elena looked at AJ; the anger was apparent on her face, “The Federation’s made their move,” she said, her voice filled with despair. “They’re reassigning you to a new division. Your skills are needed elsewhere.”

AJ’s eyes narrowed. “This is retaliation, isn’t it? They’re pulling me away because I know too much. I’m being sent to another division to keep me out of the way.” He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

Elena didn’t look at him immediately, she couldn’t. “AJ, I… I don’t know what to say. I don’t know why they’re doing this. But they’ve made it clear.” She paused, her voice softening. “You don’t have to go. You can stay with Eos Division. I could offer you a position here.”

He looked at her, “You know what’ll happen if I stay, right?”

Elena nodded slowly. “I don’t know where you’ll end up if you stay with us. But you’ll always have a place here. Just…” Her voice faltered. “Just like Peter wanted.”

AJ stood there for a long moment, caught between his duty to the Federation and his need for justice. Finally, he spoke. “I’ll make my decision soon. But wherever I end up,….” He couldn’t finish the sentence.

As AJ and the crew of the Edison packed up for their reassignment, a few key figures decided to remain with Elena, unwilling to abandon the mission just yet. Some opted to move on with the Edison to her next adventure. AJ could see the determination on everyone’s face.

Though he’d carefully staged his actions, Nichols was alive. Rempeck had been right all along to protect him. And while Starfleet was willing to turn a blind eye, Elena and AJ knew one thing for certain: the battle wasn’t over.