Landen Monters settled into his role as a Science Officer on Starbase Bravo with a mix of anticipation and determination. The laboratory quickly became his sanctuary, a realm of pulsating screens, audible chirping, and cutting-edge equipment. Here, he could immerse himself in his work, studying the intricacies of the universe and unlocking its mysteries.

As he delved into his assignments, Monters revelled at his situation, having achieved what he set out to do over 6 years ago when he decided upon a career at Starfleet. He meticulously analysed data, conducted experiments, and formulated theories, his mind alive with curiosity and imagination. The laboratory became his refuge, shielding him from the overwhelming nature of the bustling starbase and countless security checkpoints.

Just 4 days into his current assignment, a partially redacted communication file flashed on his screen as if eager for Monters’ attention. His heart quickened with a surge of excitement and a tinge of trepidation. Redacted files were standard in his work, often containing sensitive or classified information. His duty was to uncover the hidden truths buried within the digital maze.

As he pored over the partially redacted communication, Monters felt a whisper of unease. There was more to this document than met the eye. It was as if the universe had conspired to leave a trail of breadcrumbs, beckoning him deeper into the enigma.
Driven by his insatiable hunger for puzzles, Monters meticulously examined the file’s code. His trained eyes scoured every line, scrutinising every character and symbol. And there, nestled within the intricacies of the code, he discovered something extraordinary—an embedded message camouflaged among the data.

As Monters was about to delve further into the message, his concentration was abruptly shattered. A colleague, one of the few individuals he had begun to recognise in the bustling starbase, approached his workstation with a friendly smile. “Hey, Landen, I was wondering if you’d like to join me for lunch. It’s a chance to get to know each other better,” Shelly, his colleague, suggested.

Caught off guard and torn between his desire for solitude and the need for social connection, Monters hesitated for a moment. However, the message’s urgency weighed heavily on his mind, and he realised that he couldn’t afford any distractions now. With a regretful expression, he barked, “Not now!”. In a panic of realisation as to how he came across, with a calmer voice, he continued, “Sorry, but I really can’t be disturbed right now.” He’d hoped the few extra words would defuse the situation.

The colleague’s smile faltered, replaced by a hint of disappointment and hurt. They nodded curtly, masking their emotions, and retreated, leaving Monters to wrestle with his guilt. He understood the importance of camaraderie and building relationships. Still, he knew his duty to protect the starbase’s secrets took precedence. Shaking off the momentary unease, Monters redirected his attention to the message. He was determined to decipher its full meaning and understand the gravity of the intelligence it held.

Finally, an alternative algorithm he tried decoded the message. Words transformed on the screen, revealing a covert operation, plans shrouded in secrecy, and the potential threat it posed to Starbase Bravo. It was as if a veil had been lifted, and he stood at the precipice of a grand revelation. The decrypted message unveiled coordinates—a set of numbers representing an ambush location several lightyears away from Starbase Bravo. Monters’s heart sank as he comprehended the gravity of the situation. Lives were at stake, and time was of the essence.

Without hesitation, Monters gathered the evidence and prepared a detailed report. With the report in hand, Monters approached his superior, submitting the document with a sense of urgency. He explained the significance of the message and its potential impact on the starbase’s security. His superiors listened attentively, their expression stone-faced, as if playing a game of poker.

The outcome, however, would remain beyond Monters’s reach. Given his new posting and lower rank, he would likely never know the specific actions taken in response to the intelligence he had uncovered. It was the nature of his role as a Science Officer, the duty to contribute crucial information without always witnessing the final outcome.

He cringed as his conscience replayed the encounter with his colleague. His next assignment would be a personal one, attempting to salvage the relationship with his colleague when he so rudely dismissed her.