After leaving the mess hall, Kawolsky had made his way to the bridge. It was unusually busy with Starfleet technicians making some last minute additions and checks before the ship launches tomorrow. He tried to make his entrance a quiet one, sneaking by the tactical console on his way to the ready room, but he knew this would inevitably fail. He was right. A young crewman - approximately twenty years old, Kawolsky had estimated - alerted the deck to his presence.
"As you were" he responded.
The ready room doors opened with a pristine swish and Kawolsky stepped inside. He didn't both to sit down at the desk, instead spinning the top-of-the-range computer monitor around to face him. Tapping the button, the United Federation of Planets logo disappeared in favor of the aged face of Vice Admiral Costanza.
"Sir. What can I do for you?"
Costanza was known for being short and Kawolsky dispensed with any sort of pleasantries.
"John, several civilian cargo ships have gone missing along the border with Klingon space. Starfeet long-range listening posts detected this two days ago..."
The screen split into two sections, one showing an image of a Klingon Bird-of-Prey assaulting a cargo vessel.
"Sir..." Kawolsky began "I don't think the Klingons would be responsible for this. It just doesn't make sense"
Constanza nodded.
"We agree, Admiral. From what we can tell from the intelligence scans, it's an old ship type. Several have been sold for latinum on the black market. Sold to pirates"
Kawolsky studied the image more closely.
"Pirates?" he replied "I see. I can get a ship sent out there to investigate, sir? I'm sure they'll think twice before attacking a Starfleet vessel."
The Vice Admiral smiled.
"I was hoping you would say that, John. I'm sending you the co-ordinates now. Good luck."
Kawolsky nodded.
"Thank you, sir"
The channel came to an abrupt close. As he closed the screen with the push of a button, Kawolsky decided he would take a seat after all. It seems the Churchill was going to have to delay its shakedown, at least for now.