"Suspicious Truths – Part I"
== Backlog ==
Captains Taverain Ramius and Zane Akina materialized out of view onto a quiet back alley of a rundown Federation colony that had taken the Corsair a week at high warp speeds to reach. The unremarkable colony was a backwater haven for criminals, smugglers, pirates, and those with no love or loyalty toward the Federation.
The hour was late and an unsettling fog hung in the air visible only among the few streetlights that outlined the narrow street. "Are you sure your information is correct", Ramius asked surveying the scene as the colony's passing inhabitants suspiciously eyed the new arrivals as they emerged into the light of a dirty street corner. "For the tenth time Ramius, yes, I am sure. My information comes from a reliable source."
Ramius was uncomfortable with this entire operation. Akina's sources had given them a fresh lead on NeoDyne activities however something bothered him. Despite Akina's personal assurances his vast network of contacts were reliable and of above average quality Ramius still could not help being wary. The lead seemed too tantalizing and too convenient. In a heated conversation with Akina, Ramius had agreed in principle with the captain that not following the lead held as much risk as pursuing the information. With the two men in reaching a tenuous consensus, Ramius issued orders for the Corsair to alter its course.
"It's this way", Akina stated pointing down the mist filled street. Ramius nodded as he adjusted the civilian jacket he was wearing. Starfleet uniforms were out of the question given the unpopularity of authority. The locals appeared suspicious and potentially hostile if they discovered either of their identities. Ramius wanted nothing more but to quickly complete their task so they could leave this 'charming' colony.
Ramius followed Akina into a local tavern. Inside the dimly lit establishment were dozens of shady patrons any of which seemed capable of slitting a man's throat for the right sum of money. Ramius's keen sense of sight scanned the room for any signs of suspicious activity while he tactically calculated several points of escape should such a plan become needed. He could have enlisted help from his security teams, but more than two men could have raised suspicion and the information they were after was far too valuable to risk unnecessarily.
Akina took a seat at an empty table as Ramius followed suit. The unwashed table sat opposite the barkeep and bar and gave a decent view of the entire facility and its multitudes of odious patrons. Tav kept his eyes in constant motion as he watched for possible threats. Such behavior was not lost on captain Akina.
"Would you stop it", Akina said in a low whisper. "You look uptight and trust me these folks can smell fear like sharks are attracted to blood. Sit back and relax."
"Once we're back on the Corsair I will relax", Ramius whispered back, "but not before."
"What'll you boys be having", a malcontented waitress said rudely as she addressed the pair.
"Scotch, neat", Akina quickly answered.
"And you hun? You look like you could use a bottle."
Ramius ignored the waitresses comment. "I'll have bourbon and bring the bottle."
The waitress moved off to obtain the drinks. "See", Akina muttered.
"Point taken", Ramius replied. "I still don't have to like the situation. This is your element not mine."
"What's that supposed to mean", Akina stated.
Ramius didn't answer. The waitress returned with the drinks and shortly afterwards an unkempt male approached their table and took a seat. Ramius quickly took stock of the man who was clothed in a grime covered jacket and sweat stained shirt. His hair was tussled and his face was covered in several days of unshaven stubble.
Akina produced a white object from his jacket and placed it between his lips as Ramius looked on unsure about the entire situation. He took a cautious sip of bourbon which had surprisingly been watered down. He half expected to at least be served decent liquor at the edge of the Federation.
"Need a light", the man said pulling a device from his pocket. Akina nodded and leaned forward as the man lit the cigarette producing one of his own. Ramius looked at Akina attempting to disguise his astonishment, but a stern glance from the seasoned intelligence operative indicated Ramius should sit back and remain silent.
"So I hear you might be interested in hearing a particular story", the man said blowing a cloud of smoke upwards into the air.
Akina puffed on his own cigarette. "Perhaps", he replied, if the story is worth hearing."
"That friend all depends on who is listening", the man answered.
"Indeed. Tell me, how did you come by such a story and what would it take to hear it?"
The man smiled as the cigarette dangled from his lips. "Depends on who is asking to hear the tale."
Akina chuckled slightly as he tapped off some of the white ash from his burning tobacco implement returning it to his mouth. "Let's just say we're two interested listeners who have certain personal agendas with a certain corporate entity."
"What kind of objections", the man asked.
"Strong objections", Akina calmly answered.
"Three bars of latinum all up front", the man said quickly.
"Don't make me laugh", Akina scoffed. "Five strips now and five more should the tale be of amusing interest."
"No deal. I want two bars."
"You can obtain five strips now risk free and another five for your trouble sir, but two bars for a mere story is out of the question."
The man contemplated the offer for a few moments. Ramius felt his uneasiness grow despite Akina's cool, relaxed demeanor.
"You negotiate like a stubborn Ferengi or like someone say from Starfleet intelligence."
"And you are a greedy bastard who asks too many questions and one who is talking himself out of a perfectly acceptable business proposition." Akina paused for a moment as he puffed on the cigarette. "However, I am willing to offer six strips now and the possibility of a full bar should your story prove especially intriguing. It is my final offer. I do suggest you take it", Akina replied blowing a plume of grey smoke into the murky bar room air.
"Fine. I'll take it", the man muttered acquiescing to Akina's final payment offer . Akina nodded and discreetly pushed several strips of latinum across the table which the man quickly scooped up.
The man again smiled crushing out his spent cigarette producing another which he quickly lit. "Ok. Since you gentlemen are so interested in certain subjects here it is…."
[ To Be Continued… ]
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Mysterious Man
Captain Taverain Ramius
Captain Zane Akina
(apb Tav)
