The Mason Decision "
By: Matthew Mason, Prisoner, [RNPC]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58205.26 0745

As Hunter stepped into the turbo lift, Commander Wright was already on it. "Going up Number One?" said Hunter with smirk.

"Yes, good morning sir," said Wright in a cheerful tone.

"Did you have a chance to review the data on Mason?"

"I have sir," said Wright, "I find his story to be interesting, however, I would like to see him put his money where his mouth is. He needs to demonstrate to us that he means what he is saying."

"I agree, his offer seems too good to be true. What did you think of Atwood's interview?"

Wright shook his head, "I cannot even begin to tell you how disappointed I am in Mister Atwood. We need to report this matter to JAG."

Hunter and Wright stepped on to the bridge as the turbolift doors opened. "I agree Commander.." said Hunter looking over the bridge crew" as they walked toward the ready room. "we have to make sure it doesn't happen again," said Hunter as the door closed behind them.

"In a way, it is our own fault," said Wright, "Atwood was an engineer and we allowed him to join Intel when he transferred. He was complete unprepared for that. It went to his head. He seemed to think that he is above the normal Maquis law. Just look at his behavior on the one field assignment we did give him."

Hunter shook his head, "I know manpower is scarce, but qualifications mustbe met."

"Well sir, I do hope that we can prevent his replacement from falling into the same trap that he did," said Wright, "To be honest captain, I think having intel officer assigned as a position on a starship is a waste of resources. They should either be out in the field hunting for our enemy's secrets or back on QulTuq keeping track of and analyzing the information coming in from the field."

Hunter smiled, "I am sure the use of intel resources will be the subject of many future discussions."

"indeed it will," said Wright, "Have you decided on what you intend to do about Mason?"

Hunter frowned slightly, "Based on the evidence I have seen, I'm inclined to grant Mr. Mason what he wants." Hunter leaned back and studied Wright's reaction.

Wright looked at Hunter, "I would suggest that he retain civilian status, and that we restrict his movements throughout the ship. At least, until he proves himself."

Hunter glanced at his console, "It seems our Mr. Mason would like to talk. Care to join me?"

Wright nodded, "Absolutely."

Hunter stood up and stepped out of the ready room and on to the bridge.

"Ops, you the bridge, the Commander and I will be in Sickbay."

"Aye-aye Sir," replied the OPs officer as Hunter and Wright left the bridge.

--Sickbay--

Wright and Hunter entered sickbay and found the Man they were looking for.

"Good morning Mr. Mason," said Hunter as he and Wright approached him. "I don't think you have met Commander Wright yet," said Hunter gesturing.

"Nice to meet you Commander," said Mason.

"You wanted to see me..." said Hunter, "what can I do for you?"

Mason sat up in his bio bed, "At the urging of your Chief Engineer, I spent the night trying to think of anything that I might be able to tell you that would be helpful to the Maquis."

"And have you remembered anything," asked Wright.

Mason nodded, "When the war first began the Federation built a massive detection grid aimed at protecting the Federation from invasion bu cloaked vessels," Mason paused to look at them, "I am sure that you already know that. The Lynx used to do patrol along this grid and what you might not know is there it has a weak point."

"Interesting," said Wright.

"A weak point?" Hunter crossed his arms and squinted at Mason inquisitively.

"There is a break down in the grid near a singularity," continued Mason, "The properties of this area of space will not allow the grid to keep it's shape."

"You expect me to believe that we can just fly a ship through a hole in their defenses," asked Wright.

"The hole in the grid is very heavily patrolled, but yes, I think you could," said Mason.

Hunter looked at Wright, "Flying near a singularity is problematic." He turned his glance back toward Mason, "..and you will provide us with the coordinates?"

"I will do whatever I can to help you," said Mason.

Hunter nodded slowly as he pondered the significance of this Federation vulnerability.

"Excellent," said Wright, "Once you are out of sickbay, we will talk about about this."

Hunter nodded at Wright. They headed off to the meeting.