The Mirror Vanished

Posted on Sat Jan 11th, 2025 @ 7:51pm by Lieutenant JG James Phoenix & Commander Jonathan Grayson & Lieutenant Imik S'Niohun

Mission: Family
Location: Grayson's Office
Timeline: Present

ON

Imik headed for the No 1's office, she had decided the escape of the mirror universe Shran had to be investigated. But the information that she held was light on both suspects and reason behind the crime, plus she felt a personal shame that it had occurred in her department. That fact alone riled her, and an angry Ojnas was something not to be ignored.

As she arrived her mood lightened somewhat, Sachzny's lover would help her. He had always helped Sachzny, he always had the answers. Imik stopped at the door and took a moment to calm herself, pressing the chime she waited to called into the office.

Jon sat in his office thinking about the past mission, the mirror Shran and Lovok. He was interrupt by the sound of door chime sounding. "Come in!" He shouted and sat back in his chair to see who came through his door.

On hearing Jon calling, Imik entered the Office. "Blessing on your house Commander, and the vessel you serve." She bowed as she spoke to show her obedience to Jon's command and as a greeting to a friend. "I have come to you to seek advice and information, it is in reference to the mirror Shran. As you are aware he has escaped this vessel with the assistance of a member of this crew, and as my department was charged with his confinement I offer you my apologies for allowing his escape."

On seeing Imik come through the door, Jon's face broke into a broad smile. "Imik. Blessing on your house and the vessel you serve." Jon replied. He liked the Onjas. She was so much like Sachzny yet her own person. "Come in and have a seat. Can I get you a milkshake?" As he motioned to the replicator.

He stopped as she offered her apologies on the escape of the mirror Shran. "Not your fault. No apology is needed or necessary." He added. "Been studying the brig's security cameras and I know who helped Mirror Shran escape."

Imik stopped and looked at Jon, "You know who assisted him?" She then smiled and continued, "Milkshake? Yes if I may, chocolate Commander. Thank you." She sat down and watched as Jon collected the milkshake, "I am sorry I do not know the crewman who aided our prisoner, despite checking the cameras I was unable to get a clear image."

Jon turned from the replicator and came back to Imik with two milkshakes. A chocolate one for her and a vanilla one for him. "here you go Imik, one chocolate milkshake." he said as he moved behind his desk and sat down. he sipped on his milkshake. "So good." He muttered and turned back to the task at hand. "You couldn't recognize the person or id them from the crew manifest as they aren't crew. They are civilian. The person who helped mirror Sran escape was Ashlyn Regan."

"Ashlyn Regan, I think I have heard the name, But why would a civilian assist the mirror Shran to escape? Just what is he to her and how does this involve her?" Imik too a long drink of milkshake and closed her eye's in pleasure, "I never tire of the flavour of chocolate."

"I am not sure of all the details Imik. However, what I do know is Ashlyn is from the mirror universe, and she had a relationship with Mr. Phoenix. I suggest you speak Mr. Phoenix for more details. I would further surmise that she had dealings with the mirror Shran and wished to continue those which is why she helped him escape." Jon answered. "I feel the exact same way about vanilla.".

Imik was about to respond to Jon's suggestion when the chime sounded, "I think we have another crew member joining us Commander."

Jon nodded, his head, "It appears so Imik." He replied before calling out "Come in!"

Phoenix entered the room coldly. Not towards Jon or Imik, but towards the situation. He was bitter. No, more than bitter. He was still livid. He planned to do everything he could to help. However made a mental note to be as professional as he could given he was in the presence of two of his bosses.

"Morning sirs. I have my detailed report on the situation and another report on any information I have on our fugitives. I should warn you, most of the current information is from what we gathered from the Mirror Universe mission forward" he started as he offered the two PADDs.

"Have a seat Mr. Phoenix.' Jon answered as he accepted one of the PaDDS and placed it to one side.. "Imik and I were just discussing the escape of our prisoner. Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated."

Imik took the offered PaDD, and gave it a quick glance. "I sense you are upset in some way. is there a more personal motive for your mood Mr. Phoenix?" She had listened intently to Jon, and he had informed her of the relationship between James and Ashlyn. What Imik wanted was a frank and honest discourse by her subordinate, intimate relationships would always cause problems and she wanted the mirror Shran and Ashlyn. If James wasn't thinking straight, that target could be placed in jeopardy.

Jon stayed silent as Imik posed her question to James. His reply would go a long way in how to proceed and if he was going to be involved.

James sighed and shook his head. "That wasn't the woman I loved. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't absolutely livid at the situation and to be blunt I'm not 100% alright" he started. "But it will not affect my duties. I won't let it."

"That being said, if the Ashlynn from this universe is alive, the one I actually love, both her and our Shran are in grave jeopardy" James added and then trailed off. "That's why I want to help, to prevent the same situation from happening again" if the prime Ash was even alive that was, he thought.

Jon was silent for a moment before he answered. "And you can keep a level head and your emotions in check even though this Ashlyn is so much like the Ashlyn you love?" Jon asked calmly.

"I can sir, because she's not the woman I love" he said. "But to be safe, I request that the second I show any indication that I am emotionally compromised for this, that I be relieved of duty."

James was confident in himself, but he knew better than to not take precautions.

Jon's face looked to be carved in granite. It showed no emotion. Instead, he turned his head to Imik. "Imik? He's in your department, what do you think?"

"I think my Officer is capable of doing his duty, I have confidence in him to carry out what is required." Imik now looked At James, "You will assist us in this endeavour Lieutenant, now relate all the information you have on both suspects please." She smiled as she spoke, she relied on James far more than he realised. Turning to Jon, Imik now spoke. "With our Sinkahue in danger and this reality's Ashlyn also under threat, I would urge some urgency in the recapture of both mirror beings."

"Well said Inik and I could not agree more." Jon replied and looked to James, "Think of everything you know about this Ashlyn, where would she go and what would she do?" To Imik, I think the mirror Shran, may try to lie low for a bit in some out of the way location until the search dies down, which is why I'm hoping Mr. Phoenix has some ideas with Ashlyn."

James thought long and hard. "The only place I can think that has any relation to her would be DS9 because that's where she died in the other universe. Another option could be Earth, specifically Washington state. That's where we grew up in this reality" he started. "She was also a Terran held captive by the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance, so I'd imagine that she learned a thing or two about hiding during her time there, but I don't know where any of those places would be if not on Earth or DS9."

"The mirror Ashlynn also had some resentment towards my counterpart" James added. "If that may be of relevance."

"It could be Mr. Phoenix. She may feel or think by hurting you she is hurting your counterpart." Jon observed. "Just a theory." He added.

"Those were my thoughts too sir. Though I fear this isn't the last we see of them" James said grimly.

"Mr. Phoenix, I call that just good sound thinking." Breaking into the smallest of smiles.

Phoenix returned the smile. "Thank you sir" he said simply.

Looking at James, Imik considered their options. "We will be arriving at Earth for a short re-fit and crew R&R, perhaps we could investigate both locations instead. I am knowledgeable of DS9, it is where my people had first contact with the Federation. But Earth is not a planet I have visited, so I will rely on you both to assist me while we search."

"I was planning on visiting Washington State once I'm there so that's were I can start my search" James added. "The old NASA bases could also prove useful in our search given that the mirror universe likely had something similar to the Alpha Missions."

" Sounds good." Jon replied, "Callie and I were going to take the kids to Earth and see some of the sights. We can certainly help you as well Imik."

Looking at Jon, Imik thought about the possible danger. "Commander, is it wise to include the younglings in our search? Although their inclusion does give us a cover story, I feel we must inform your wife of our intentions."

"It will be fine Imik. It gives the cover story credibility, and we will be very covert in our search and don't worry I'll tell Callie so she is fully informed."

James had a muse. "You may also run into the prime version of Ash if she is still alive and on Earth at the moment. We should come up with a way to confirm who is who if we come across either" he shook his head. "If either of them are even on Earth that is. I'd like to warn that there is no guarantee. Earth is far busier than it was in the 21st century and-" he stopped himself. "Erm, sorry. Rambling."

Jon waved the apology away. "Forget it. You and Imik get together and come up with a plan to see if the mirrors are on Earth. Maybe using some type of scan to detect them."

Glancing at a small device she was carrying, Imik looked now looked towards Jon. "I was once in the mirror universe and while there acquired this." She placed it on Jon's desk, "I am lead to believe it is a mirror universe scanning device to pick up life signs." Her eye's now turned to James, "I brought this with me as I picked up mirror life signs with it in the brig the other day, I was testing it to find out if it still worked. I think we may have a chance to locate our targets without them being aware of us."

Jon looked at the device and then at Imik. "Imik, is this just what we need to track the mirror Shran as well as the mirror Ash. Great thinking and thank you for showing it to us. You and James get together and develop a plan to search for the mirrors." Jon asked. "Oh, one other thing. Can this device be replicated? That is more made to help in the search."

Picking the device up Imik shook her head, "I am unsure if we could replicate this device, not being a technician I would not know how to begin to replicate its workings."

Jon nodded, "It was just a thought Imik. If we can't, we still have this device." He pointed out.

James turned to Jon. "What should we do in the slight chance we do encounter them?"

Jon answer was short, simple and to the point. "If possible, capture them and bring them back here. They are too dangerous to be allowed to run wild."

"Aye" James said simply before looking at both Jon and Imik. "Is there anyone else we should consult with on this sirs?"

"We all know as does the captain, Deanna and Anya as well as the rest of the bridge crew. In addition, Admiral Carroll knows. I think that is enough people Mr. Phoenix." Jon replied looking across the desk at the security officer.

Phoenix nodded in response to Jon. "Aye sir."

Jon looked at James and Imik. If there is nothing else I will let the two of you get to work on this."

"Aye Commander" he said before leaving the room, taking that as his queue to leave

Bowing, Imik smiled as she replied. "I to will take my leave, and will hope for a positive outcome to our endeavours." She turned and slowly left, her mind already working on how to increase their success rate.

OFF