“How are things coming along?” Alex asked, putting a spoonful of food in his mouth.

Priam consulted his PADD, “The shields should be done by the end of the day. And that’ll finish all of the needed tasks.”

“I’m not much of an engineer, but the sentry guns’ targeting systems are similar to a fighter’s,” Logan remarked. “What is this stuff?” He asked, letting the food plop from his spoon back into the bowl.

“They haven’t gotten the replicators online yet,” Tani said.

“It’s food you should be thankful to have,” Alex remarked. “The crew here is doing the best with what they have.”

“All right, I didn’t mean to seem ungrateful,” Logan said defensively. He picked up his bowl and left the table.

“That wasn’t necessary,” Tani said after Logan had left earshot.

“No, it wasn’t,” Alex admitted with a sigh. “Something’s been bothering me this whole mission.”

“What’s that?”

“Twenty-five plus years ago, the Dominion signed a treaty relegating them to the Gamma Quadrant. And all of a sudden, the Jem’Hadar attack… a surveying array? It doesn’t add up.” Alex sighed and started to stand, “Finish up what you need to, I’m going to return to the Cantabras and see if I can get to the bottom of this.

Tani grabbed his arm, stopping him mid-stand. “First go apologize to Carter, he didn’t deserve to be unloaded on because you’re overly stressed.”

Alex nodded, “All right. I’ll meet you all back on the ship.”

Alex gave his report on the Liakso Array to Commodore Kuniko, who listened intently as he spoke. 

“Commander, that is wonderful news,” Kuniko said, practically beaming. “The Liakso Array will be a vital asset to the Federation.”

“It was touch and go there for a while, but that’s why we came here.” Alex frowned.

“Something bothering you Commander?”

“Permission to speak freely.”

Kuniko smiled, “I not only allow it, but I also encourage it from fellow officers.”

“What would the Jem’Hadar want with the Liakso Array?” Alex asked, “We don’t hear from them for twenty-five years after the Treaty of Bajor, and all of a sudden they show up wanting a surveying telescope?”

Kuniko lowered her smile. “It’s hard to know what the Dominion wanted with the Array. Our intelligence suggests-”

“’The Dominion is exploiting it to track the movements of ships throughout the region. And utilizing this data to strategize their attacks on various Federation worlds.’,” he quoted. “I’ve read the mission briefing Commodore. Tell me something that isn’t in the official reports.”

“I’m afraid there’s nothing confirmed at this time.”

“I wish I could believe that,” Alex replied, “that this was some sort of isolated event.” He decided to show his hand, “I’ve been hearing chatter about various Dominion incursions throughout the Deneb Sector. So looked into the claims. And I’m pretty good at investigating.”

The Commodore’s smile dropped completely.

“You see, I figure the Liakso Array would be as vital to the Federation as it would to the Dominion. And for the same reason,” Alex added. “The Federation, Starfleet specifically, could track the movements of Dominion ships throughout the Sector.”

“That’s a wild theory and accusation, Commander.”

“I’m not done,” Alex said plainly. “I decided to try out the Array, it’s a neat toy. The scientists were all too happy to let me, although they didn’t know why I asked. I was able to backtrack Dominion movements throughout the Sector. It appears they’ve been out here for weeks, months even. Which begs the question, why is Starfleet only doing something about it now?”

A long pause and Commodore Kuniko spoke again, “What’s the answer?”

Alex shrugged, “I don’t know, and Starfleet probably doesn’t either. They arrogantly believed it was nothing? The thought of facing off against the Dominion again terrified them? But, hey, at least you have your spy satellite now.”

“I don’t appreciate your insinuation, Commander Benson.” 

“And I don’t appreciate my crew being sent in half informed of a situation! It tends to get people killed!”

“I would advise you to watch your tone, Commander,” Kuniko said. “There are penal colonies less forgiving than 6423-91.”

“You came to me, not the other way around.”

The two of them stared at one another through the console screen. Finally, Commodore Kuniko took on a diplomatic face and spoke again, “I look forward to reading your full report Commander Benson. We will contact you with your next mission. Until then, enjoy your shore leave. Kuniko out.” And the console screen blinked and was replaced by the Starfleet logo.

Alex gave a mock salute to the screen.