Departure

Within seconds of undocking, the Lotus had gone from blue alert to red alert, and now back to yellow alert.

If we keep changing alert status like this, my security teams will be tired out before we get to the Horizon, Josh thought.

Josh acknowledged the captain's order to secure from yellow alert with a nod, and began issuing orders to his teams throughout the ship. Josh laughed quietly at Commander Tomah's comment, but before he could reply, the officers had moved into the ready room.

"Ensign Kiels, how are the men doing with the changes in alert status?" Josh asked into his combadge.

"They have responded very quickly, "Nidiri replied. "Especially considering the new procedures. All weapons are being secured for yellow alert as we speak and beta shift is taking up their posts after the sweep was finished."

"Very good," Josh responded. "I know they just finished a sweep of the ship, but make sure beta shift performs a level 3 search as their shift is starting. Also, keep Joken's squad active for a few more minutes; I need you to take them and do full searches of the two areas that the unauthorized personnel were found. Search every inch of those areas and tell me immediately if you find anything."

"I'll get on it immediately sir," she acknowledged.

Josh then spoke to Chief Park's combadge: "Chief, how are the interrogations coming along?"

"I think these two may just have been in the wrong place at the wrong time sir," came Park's reply. "They are both scared and confused, not defensive. I'll keep pressing them, but this is not behavior normal to criminials."

"Thanks Chief, keep me updated," Josh replied. "Ensign Kiels is checking over the areas where the men were found and if she finds anything, I'll send you details to better concentrate your questions."

Just as Josh finished his conversation, the beta shift bridge officer, Ensign Tuk, came onto the bridge to relieve him.

"Man the secondary console Ensign," Josh said. "I'm going to stay here a little longer."