Page 24 of Starlight, Starbright
“Why didn't you report this earlier?” Tanaka asks.
Diana's hands tremble. “I... wasn't sure who to trust. The gaps could be my error, or they could be deliberate.”
“Send those files to my office.” I make the notation. “Security Chief Hale, expand your investigation to include communications access.”
“Yes, sir.”
Walsh stands abruptly. “Captain, are you accusing my department?—”
“I'm conducting an investigation,” I cut him off. I turn to Hale. “Security Chief, you've had override access to Engineering equipment for three months. Your people could have taken equipment without logs showing.”
Hale's expression hardens. “My team follows protocol.”
“So does mine,” Walsh adds. He gestures at the display. “We should focus professional resources on critical systems rather than worrying every civilian about potential sabotage.”
“Your resentment is noted,” I begin, but Tobias interrupts.
“Captain, if I may?” Hale leans forward. “Senior Supervisor Burton raises a valid concern about civilian panic. Perhaps we could implement monitored access to critical systems while keeping the general crew unaware of the investigation's scope.”
I study him. His posture is relaxed, his tone reasonable. But the suggestion aligns too closely with Walsh's deflection. “You're proposing we limit our own ability to track the saboteur's movements.”
“I'm proposing we don't tip our hand.” Hale's expression remains neutral. “If multiple people are involved, broad restrictions might drive them into hiding rather than revealing themselves.”
Walsh nods emphatically. “Exactly. We need?—”
“This briefing is concluded.” I terminate the discussion. “All department heads will submit detailed personnel rosters and access logs by 1800 hours. Dismissed.”
They file out. Walsh leaves first, moving quickly. Diana Moss lingers, speaking quietly with Tanaka. Tobias approaches my position.
“Captain, may I speak freely?”
“Always.”
“Burton's defensive posture suggests guilt. But he's smart enough to know we're watching him now.” Tobias keeps his voice low. “If he's part of a larger conspiracy, alerting him might drive the others deeper into cover.”
“Agreed. Continue surveillance but take no direct action yet.” I review the data one more time. “We need to identify all conspirators before we act.”
“Understood.” He pauses. “Sir, the crew is talking. About you and Chief Martin. Some of the human crew members are uncomfortable with the... closeness.”
“I'm aware. Does it interfere with operations?”
“Not yet. But it could.” His expression is carefully neutral. “I'm not saying this to interfere. Just keeping you informed.”
“Appreciated.” I stand. “The crew's comfort is secondary to their survival. Chief Martin's investigations have prevented multiple catastrophic failures. Personal feelings are irrelevant to that fact.”
Even as I say it, I know it's a rationalization. My feelings are far from irrelevant. They're becoming the most relevant factor in every decision I make.
The officers' mess is less crowded during gamma shift, but enough personnel remain that my entrance draws attention.
I select my meal and scan for seating. Most tables are occupied by small groups engaged in conversation. I calculate the table most isolated from other diners and move toward it.
“Captain.”
I turn. Chief Martin stands behind me carrying her own tray. “Chief.”
“Mind if I join you?” She asks the question loud enough that nearby tables can hear. Deliberate. She's making a choice to be seen with me.
“Please.” I gesture to the empty table.
