"Commander, I have a question for you. Have you noticed  any increased
traffic in the area? It seems if that facility has been  using that  transit
point  for some time, you should be starting to see  more  ships in the
area."

A look of intense thought came  over   McTiernan as he considered Holt's
question.  "Now that  you   mention it, things have been busier than usual
out here. Not   significantly  different, but enough for us to notice."

The Security  officer considered his response.  She had to wonder why system
security  was not informed, particularly considering the recent attacks  on
the station  and on Earth itself.  This could be a break in the  case. 
"What types of vessels are they?  Cargo ships?   Shuttles?"

"They  were mostly civilian ships.  That was what  was a little weird about
them.  We do see civilian cruise and travel  vessels, but we generally do
not see these smaller type vessels.  Even  the cargo vessels were not 
registered with regular shipping  companies."

"Why did no one on Kerry report this to anyone?" asked Aravis with concern.
"Was your facility not affected by the security crack  down that came about
as a result of recent terrorist  attacks?"

McTiernan could understand why she would ask the questions she  was asking.
At the same time, she did not fully understand the nature of  Station Kerry.
"My facility is a part of Starfleet, but it more reflects  the environment
of a civilian research facility.  Our security staff is  extremely limited. 
In fact, we only have three officers, one for each  shift.  We are stationed
within the Sol System and are a small research  facility.  We do not have
the ability to police the area, particularly with  Jupiter Station so close.
  If we were, do you think we would have needed to  ask your assistance with
recent events?"

Aravis turned from her console as she completed the shutdown sequence. 
There was a certain amount of logic behind what Commander McTiernan was
saying.  This was a small science facility.  More security should have been
assigned to them with recent events.  While the Commander probably should
have requested more men, there was no guarantee that he would have gotten
them.  "I believe that it is time to disembark.  We can straighten this out
off ship.  I would like you to file a report about these vessels with
Starfleet Security and Starfleet Intelligence.  I think it will be of
interest to both departments, particularly when my report for this mission
is filed."

"I will compile a report right away, Lieutenant," answered McTiernan as he stood to depart the Runabout.  "I understand your concerns.  Do you have any idea who those people on the moon were or what they were doing?"
 
(Aravis?)
 
AJ
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