Lieutenant Junior Grade Cam Solari’s morning unfolded in its usual rhythm: as a substitute for breakfast the tantalizing aroma of raktajino swirling through his quarters, the sonic shower’s soothing hum that sounded for a tad longer than average, and the familiar rustle of his uniform settling over his frame. With practiced precision, he affixed the shiny and black-centered pips to his collar. Yet, amidst this routine, an unexpected chirp fractured the mundane calm. A message, cryptic and intriguing, from an unfamiliar sender, Ensign J. Brax, flashed across his PADD, stirring a flicker of curiosity in Cam’s chest. It was this spark that propelled him to a standard office room in Sector Bravo-Orange a few hours later. As he had entered, the air felt charged with anticipation, his pulse thrumming in rhythm with the nervous tap of his foot against the floor. With each passing moment, the silence grew heavier, amplifying the tension coiled within him, as he awaited the enigmatic figure behind the message to step into the light.

Lieutenant Johnson’s morning started as usually an early morning workout, a refreshing sonic shower, and a large cup of coffee black. As he sat in his office a chirp came from a PADD he had sat down on the other side of the room. As he went and picked it up he spotted an unfamiliar name. Intrigued by the requester went to the location listed in the message. That is what led him here just outside the door to an office in Sector Bravo-Orange. As he stepped into the office, he noted the officer sitting in a chair in front of the desk. “It would seem we both have been invited to a party with the host, not insight?” He said as he made his way towards the desk.

“Johnson,” Cam said with a nod, acknowledging the man standing before him. A grin spread across his face. “It would seem so. What’s this about?” His eyes narrowed, scanning the room with keen curiosity.

“I thought you might now,” he replied as he took a seat next to him.

“No, I have no clue,” Cam said, shaking his head. His leg began to bounce rhythmically, tapping against the floor. His eyes darted around the room, his fingers drumming on the table as he took in every detail with a mix of restless energy and keen interest.

Cam and Gideon remained in the office, waiting for the better part of an hour, but no one showed up. The room was filled with the hum of the air purification system and the occasional drum of movement in the corridor. Cam’s eyes darted to his PADD, his fingers tapping restlessly on the table. Another half hour passed as the two lieutenants talked about their latest exploits. Gideon mentioned some covert work he did with the security office but quickly clammed up, glancing nervously at Cam, who was too absorbed in recounting the intense firefight from his last mission with the White Squadron to notice.

Suddenly, Cam’s PADD chimed. He glanced at the screen and sighed, a smirk playing on his lips. “Well, this was a waste of time,” he said, eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and frustration. “I can’t shake the thought we are being pranked.” 

“I concur, Solari. This was a waste of time,” he said as he began to stand up to stretch as he had been sitting there for an hour waiting on their mysterious sender.

Cam checked the time again and stood up, stretching his legs. “My shift starts soon, so I have to go. We should do this again sometime, Johnson, but next time, let’s make it voluntary and meet in a lounge or something.” He gave Gideon a friendly nod before heading for the door.

“I just might have to take you up on that offer, Cam,” he said as he smiled a little heading towards the door after Cam. Walking out of the office they stepped into the nearly empty corridor. “Be seeing you, Lieutenant,” he said as he turned on his heels and walked away down the corridor towards the turbolift. As the lift arrived a chime came from his PADD. He looked down at the device his once cheerful expression now replaced with own of seriousness and worry. Immediately he contacted his Bajorain superior the only other person to know the full extent of his research and asked him to meet in the Green Apple. What he had just found out could be disastrous for everyone in the quadrant.