Marcus arrived on the Merced’s bridge and a message popped up on the viewscreen on the bridge. The audio playing through the whole ship echoing in empty halls.

“Hello Doctor.” Spiff said, Marcus could see the black muzzle of one of the polaron rifles at his shoulder. “This message will serve as my last entry as the Captain of the USS Merced.” he could see the muzzle nudge his should and Spiff grimaced but continued. “When I was first assigned to the Kline, I had several missions that went so well. Then there was an incident on Grambel III.” Spiff sighed “I was so cocky and sure of myself. I had learned that the Grambelians had a crew hostage and I thought I had found a back way into the facility that the Federation and my Admirals hadn’t seen. I could see the promotion and the commendations in my mind if I could rescue them.”

Spiff paused and Marcus saw the rifle nudge him again “I lead an away team and we did indeed rescue the crew. But we got sloppy and killed a couple of the guards.” Spiff sat a moment in silence “I didn’t know that above us in orbit that the Admiral had made a deal for their release and for future trade agreements.” Once they discovered what my crew had done. The Grambelians pulled their agreements. Costing the Federation a valuable trade ally.”

“That’s how I ended up here with this rifle to my shoulder.” He said “1000 prisoners in exchange for this mudball planet and its resources.” he said “I would have been a hero again, I would have gotten back to a better command. Now the Vaadwaur will kill everyone on this ship as recompense.” Spiff stared at the screen “My ambition and avarice cost me more then it was ever meant to.” Spiff bowed his head Marcus saw Spiff lift a phaser to his chin.

Then in a flash of red Spiff was gone and Damel took his seat in front of the still running camera.

“Hello Star Fleet” Damel said with a Snide smile “We have a peace treaty with Armon III, which we will honor. The Armonians are even working on a trade deal with my people this recording is made.” Damel laughed evilly “Your Captain acted in his own self interests and for that I have would have punished him as I have every one of your paltry crew members with the exception of  Doctor Anvers.” Damel smiled “The Doctor treated us without question, without quarrel, and with the compassion of a good Doctor.” Damel leaned in his eyes centered in the screen. They were black in color almost a void “Him I spare. One to make sure that all of this gets back to the Federation and two, because it suits me to do so.” He laughed and backed back out his face centered on the screen now. “This planet is now under the protection of the Vaadwaur. Your ships are no longer welcome here.”

He got up to stand and reached for the console as to turn it off then said

“We will be watching you Doctor. May the stars guide your path.” Damel paused “I meant what I said. I hope we never meet as enemies.” The screens went black.  The flashing of the red alert lights flashed through the dimmed bridge lights.

Marcus stood a lone figure in the center of the bridge. Still processing what Spiff and Damel had said.