Fleet Captain’s Log, Stardate 2401.4. After months of delay, Challenger Squadron has finally begun the mission for which it was formed; exploration of the Gamma Quadrant. Formerly Dominion-occupied territories are now accessible to Starfleet vessels, and Challenger Squadron has been instructed to learn all we can. While the Toronto surveys planets we’ve previously only seen on long-range scans, and the Endurance conducts scouting operations to gather intelligence on the security situation, Challenger’s primary goal will be to establish new diplomatic ties with planets formerly occupied by the Dominion.

“The Federation has spoken eloquently about wishing to re-establish full diplomatic relations with the people of Darox.” The woman on the viewscreen told Rix. “Your assistance with this matter would go a long way to proving yourselves worthy allies.”

There was no way, Rix told himself, that Prime Minister Hutek believed that tactic would work but it was a worthy attempt. “I’m afraid our hands are tied, Prime Minister. The Federation cannot involve itself in a matter of internal Daroxi security.”

“I’d like to speak with your Captain,” Hutek masked her frustration well with an even tone and carefully schooled features.

Forrester’s timing was impeccable. “Speak to me about what?” He asked as he emerged from the turbolift.

“Captain Forrester, it’s a pleasure to speak with you again.”

“Likewise, Prime Minister,” Forrester’s entire manner was one of politeness from his carefully calibrated tone to his features and the smile on his face that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Rix was still trying to get a handle on his CO but Forrester was proving frustratingly difficult to read. “Congratulations on your recent election victory.”

Hutek smiled proudly. “Thank you, Captain.”

“Sir,” Rix interjected, “the Prime Minister has requested we track down a Daroxi fugitive who recently managed to escape off-world and return him to face justice. I’ve explained to the Prime Minister that we cannot get involved in an internal Daroxi matter.”

Forrester nodded slowly before addressing the Prime Minister. “I’m afraid Captain Rix is correct. We cannot get involved.”

“Captain, the fugitive in question is Penn Renos.”

Rix groaned inwardly. Hutek had omitted that detail from her request to Rix but he’d read the Challenger’s mission logs before arriving onboard and knew the significance of that name. He watched as Forrester’s smile disappeared, and his features hardened.

“Send us all the intelligence you have on him.” Rix was unable to hide his irritation. He opened his mouth to object but Forrester carried on, “We’ll track him down and return him to Darox.”

Hutek’s triumphant smirk caused Rix’s stomach to twist. She’d kept her ace well concealed up her sleeve and played it masterfully. Rix mused that she was well suited to her career in politics. “Thank you, Captain Forrester.”

“Sir,” Rix began as soon as the transmission ended, “we can’t go around hunting the Gamma Quadrant’s fugitives, even if the request comes from a potential ally.”

Forrester’s gaze remained fixed on the viewscreen. Rix wasn’t even sure the Captain had heard him. “Commander Anderson, analyse the Daroxi intelligence. I want you ready to brief me as soon as possible.”

“Aye, sir.”

Rix tried to protest again, but Forrester ignored him, stalking off into his ready room. Not willing to let this go, he followed Forrester, barging into the Fleet Captain’s sanctuary. It was an uncharacteristic move by the Trill but he was determined that Forrester would hear him out.

“Captain Rix, by all means, come on in.”

The Challenger’s XO ignored Forrester’s sarcasm. “Sir, involving ourselves in Darox’s internal affairs is a violation of the Prime Directive.”

“Prime Directive doesn’t apply,” Forrester shot back as he settled behind his desk. “We’re already involved in this particular matter.”

That wasn’t going to wash. “I’m aware of the events of your previous visit to Darox and I don’t believe they provide sufficient cover  to allow us to get involved.” He stepped forward and lowered his voice, “Sir, I’m worried you may be too close to this to be objective.”

“You think this is personal for me?” Forrester’s hazel eyes darkened but his tone remained even.

Rix nodded slowly. “I do.”

“Penn Renos,” Forrester sat back and met Rix’s gaze, “conspired with Romulans to assassinate the legitimately elected Prime Minister of Darox.” There was a fire in Forrester’s eyes that Rix hadn’t seen before. “This is not personal. This is about ensuring justice.”

Bullshit. The word was on the tip of Rix’s tongue. It was apparent that this was personal. Forrester was neglecting to mention that Renos tried to frame a member of the Challengers’ crew for the assassination and the crew member in question was his lover, Commander Bentley. How could it not be personal?

“Sir-” The sound of the chime interrupts yet another attempt to make Forrester see reason.

Forrester’s eyes flicked to the door. “Come.”

The doors open to admit Commander Anderson, who carried a pair of PADDs in her right hand. “Sir, I’ve completed a preliminary analysis of the information the Daroxi sent us.” She handed one of the PADDs to Forrester. “They believe Renos was smuggled off-world by this man.”

“Daimon Lurg of the Ferengi Alliance.” Forrester read from the PADD.

Anderson nodded. “He visited Darox a week ago attempting to establish a trading relationship with them, which they ultimately declined.

“What do we know about him?” Rix asked.

Anderson consulted her PADD. “He’s been active in the Gamma Quadrant for the past two years and has developed a number of lucrative trading relationships in that time. Opaka Station also believes he’s been involved in a number of extra-legal activities, but hasn’t been able to acquire evidence to support that suspicion.”

“Do we know where he went after he left Darox?”Forrester handed the PADD to Rix, who immediately began scanning it.

Cleverly, Anderson dropped the bad news upfront. “We don’t,” a smile crept onto her features, “but we know where he is right now.” Both Rix and Forrester’s looked at her expectantly. “His ship has been on the Endurance’s long-range sensors for the past two days.”

Forrester’s smile caused Rix’s stomach to twist. “Contact the Endurance. Have Captain Dalton detain Daimon Lurg’s ship.”

“On what grounds? We don’t have any hard evidence of his involvement in Renos’ escape.” Anderson pointed out.

Rix was relieved Anderson pointed that out, but he was naive to believe that would deter Forrester. “No, we don’t.” Forrester agreed. “But the Daroxi Prime Minister voiced concerns about some emissions detected coming from the Daimon’s ship while he was in orbit and has asked us to investigate, so we’re going to conduct a health and safety inspection.”

“Sir-” Rix tried, in vain, once again.

Forrester ignored Rix’s latest objection and told Anderson, “Make it happen, Commander.”

Anderson nodded and withdrew without another word.

“Sir, we have no authority to conduct health and safety inspection.” Rix pointed out, though he knew Forrester was well aware of that. “This isn’t Federation space.”

Forrester activated his desktop terminal. “Like I said, we’ve been asked-”

“No, sir. We were not.” Rix, along with the rest of the bridge officers, had been privy to Forrester’s entire conversation with Prime Minister Hutek. “And Commander Lightford is never going to sign off on this.”

The Fleet Captain didn’t look up from the holographic screen at the mention of the Squadron’s JAG but there was a subtle tightening of his jaw. “You and he can note your objections in your logs.”

“Sir-”

“Lay in a course for Daimon Lurg’s position and take us to maximum warp.”

“Sir-”

“You’re dismissed.”

Rix stood there for a few minutes, being purposefully ignored by Forrester before he strode out of the ready room, his entire body vibrating with frustration. The desire to throw the PADD he was still holding at the nearest wall was strong but he wasn’t about to put on that kind of show for the officers on the bridge.

“Mister da Costa,” Rix reluctantly began, “prepare to alter course.”