Protecting Their Interests

Posted on Sun Oct 18th, 2026 @ 8:21pm by Commander Thomas Carey & Captain Andre Hunt

1,114 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Ashes of Vega Colony
Location: Vega Colony: StellarCore Mining Complex 12

Jonas Creed marched towards the perimeter of the scene with Commander Carey alongside. The last thing he needed was Starfleet babysitting him and telling him how to run an investigation. Protesters could were outside the perimeter large numbers shouting and holding up signs. This wasn't anything new, but the numbers were a lot larger than usual. Which didn't surprise him considering their main complaint had just taken place. Walking over this his security staff, he pointed at the protesters. "Make sure than stand clear of that line taping off the area. Last thing I need is those idiots getting in a contaminating any part of scene."

"Yes Sir," security replied in unison.

"In case you're wondering Commander," Creed addressed. "Protesters are a regular thing around here. This crowd is far larger than usual, and you can expect for it likely to increase. Never a dull day at StellarCore Mining Complex 12."

"I don't doubt it." Thomas replied as he watched the protestors around. "You cant blame them, especially after something like this happens. So what do we have for footage?"

Entering the commander center, there was a designated spot for the security staff. "Requested for Silas Renn to bring over the security footage from the mine over here five hours ago. Not exactly sure what's taking him so long. But his interest as the investigator for StellarCore Mining Corporation is to protect their interest rather than the truth in my opinion. My grandfather would describe someone like him as a weasel."

"Mining companies will seek out people who would hide things. I suggest we go ourselves to get the footage. If there is tampering, we have computers onboard the ship to find the original footage. This isn't some small thing that happened."Thomas replied as he looked around. "Five hours is a long time... to long in todays world. Consider him a suspect... if anything seems amiss."

Turning around the corner and approaching was a very slender male who seemed to be slightly out of sorts. "Creed I have returned with that footage you requested."

"Took you long enough," Creed spoke as he snatched the recording from his hand. "By the way this Commander Thomas Carey from the Meridian. "He's here to determine, if you're really full of it."

"I will be sending it to my people to determine if there is any signs of tampering, Several hrs to get footage is suspicious enough as it is. As of right now, im relieving you as part of the investigation, and taking full control of it myself. I want a list of people who had access to this footage within the hour. If I even smell something off in the footage. You will be my first subject in tampering with evidence." Thomas replied looking over the data chip. "Anything else I need to be aware of before starting my investigation."

Silas looked the Commander up and down, as he scoffed. "Typical Starfleet. You seem to be under the impression that I answer to you. All of this, including that recording is the property of StellarCore. So, I will be continuing my own investigation as well."

Creed rolled his eyes as he uploaded the video. "I wouldn't expect anything less from StellarCore."

"I was the only one with access to the footage and I looked it over," the investigator admitted. "And it appears that some of the footage on there is missing. Due to no fault of my own."

"If thats true... then I i will need complete access to all computers." Thomas replied. "I will be talking directly with the company heads... until further notice your not to go on any computers, talk to anyone from the company. Or you can spend a day as a guest up in the starship brig."

"StellarCore has been open with the investigation and will continue to do so," Renn replied. "Now with that said. How am I supposed to do my job?"

"You actually consider what you do a job?" the Colonial Security Chief responded. "I'm half tempted to dump you on your head. Damn corporate puppet."

"I wish you would," the narrow man countered. "I'll make some calls and have you removed from your position."

"Relax, if evidence shows your telling the truth, then your back on the job. It should be swift. But there are mining companies out there that are less than honest

"Not sure if I should be relieved that my ability to do my job is pending on the both of your ability to do yours."

"Quiet," Creed spoke up as the monitor came to life displaying the footage. As they observed, there were a number of staff passing by going about their normal job duties. It then went to the corridors being empty and then without warning the cameras went out. No other individuals in that location, that could have interfered as the cameras went out.

Looking at the time stamp, the Colonial Chief sighed. "Three minutes later the explosion took place. If Silas here didn't erase the tape, then that means someone cut the cameras, which means this likely was sabotage. I don't believe in these types of coincidences."

"Find me proof of where you were the time leading up to the explosion, and ill think about you helping us with the official investigation. I do need someone thats familiar with the company equipment and policies." Thomas replied

"Easy, I was at home resting in bed."

Creed rolled his eyes. "As much as I hate this guy. He's telling the truth regarding his whereabouts. Now I still don't believe he wouldn't have deleted images to cover for StellarCore."

"Well we will have to determine that before anything else." Thomas replied. "Ill get this sent up to the ship."

"If you don't me for anything else Commander," Silas spoke up. "I need to make some calls to the board at StellarCore and give them an update on what I found out so far."

"You do that, and your tipping off anyone that knows what happened." Thomas replied. "Chief make sure he doesn't get a message out. Once we cleared the company out of wrong doing then we can bring him into the fold."

"With pleasure."

Silas threw his hands up. "Am I being arrested or detained?"

"Detained, as of right now. If our investigation goes according to plan you will be able to continue your investigation."

"Come with me," Jonas instructed. "Commander, I'll return after tucking this guy away where he won't be any trouble in the meantime."

Doing as instructed, Silas followed Creed out of the room. This was all unfair but there was no point in arguing with the arrogant officer.

 

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