STARBASE 104 — Individuals linked to the Orion Syndicate have kidnapped Commodore Jalana Rajel, commanding officer of the USS Constitution (NCC-9012-B).
The Constitution is currently docked at Starbase 104 for repairs after suffering heavy damage on its most recent mission. The captain’s abduction occurred as the crew were enjoying some well-earned shore leave.
Security footage showed two individuals approaching Rajel near one of the markets on the promenade, subduing her, then carrying her away. Further analysis of the footage indicates the alleged kidnappers brought Rajel aboard a small registered trading vessel, which departed the station shortly after.
Station security identified one of the alleged kidnappers as a Rodulan operating under a false identity, but have not yet identified the other. “The Rodulan has been identified by Starfleet Intelligence as a member of the Orion Syndicate,” said Commander Saveron, first officer of the Constitution.
Investigators believe that Rajel is not the victim of a random criminal act.
“Given that the Constitution’s most recent mission involved the destruction of two Syndicate ships and the liberation of a dilithium mine under Syndicate control, retaliation is not surprising,” said LtCmdr Jorak Lyno, Starbase 104’s chief of security.
The Constitution’s ongoing repairs have complicated investigation and rescue efforts. One of the most powerful criminal organizations in the quadrant, the Orion Syndicate is involved in such criminal activities as racketeering, slave-trading, extortion, and assassination. The FNS has received reports that Starfleet has dispatched a hostage negotiation team to the Starbase, but was unable to confirm this information at press time.
Originally on the southern fringes of the Federation, Starbase 104 remains a crossroads of regional commerce, as well as a staging area for military and diplomatic activities throughout the Marchlands. The starbase has a population of over 28,000, including approximately 15,000 civilians.
Written by Shrin’Tahla zh’Aim
