[USS Charon, Deck Ten, Main Deflector Control]
If Vulcans were prone to exhibit amused exasperation, the dark clad male tapping away at a barely lit console would certainly have been a prime candidate.
The alterations to Charon's sensors had been thorough and extensive, and there was simply no time to undo all of it. The best one could hope for was make the Federation ship stand out like a bright flare to any Vulcan ship within a ten lightyear radius – and since multitasking was something Voran could do even if a full grown Sehlat were attached to his back, a message was encoded and sent and another deposited where it could be found by eyes trained to see before the modifications were complete.
She certainly had wasted no time in turning this ship upside down, but after having been confronted with Sovar's protégée in person, he had more or less expected a straightforward approach. A smirk played across otherwise perfectly placid features when the agent pondered Kovel flat on the floor – such an unexpectedly delightful sight. And it had saved him quite a bit of time to find the data device still active on T'Pelar's desk.
There. That should do it.
By now t'Rehu would know, so it might be prudent to return to his quarters and await the Romulan's wrath – even though for the moment he was her unexpected and uneasy ally, it certainly would not do to reveal himself as such.
Voran shut off the console and silently left the control room to find the ship abuzz. For now, the noise was still far off, but unmistakable all the same. He would have to move fast.
The tread of heavy boots announced a group of Marines rounding the corner and the agent retreated into the shadows – predictably, they passed without sparing the shape blending into the darkness a glance – but there was another moving up from behind.
Unfortunate.
With the air of a mildly bewildered clerk looking for a turbolift, the Vulcan stepped out into the illuminated corridor and ambled straight for … ah, how interesting. The Marine Commander in person. Hands hidden in the dark folds of a modest, unassuming robe, Voran gave a brief nod of greeting. A lazy glance hid the sharpness of violet eyes, but it was already clear this one would not simply let him pass.
Brent looked at the Vulcan for a moment and idly wondered just what the hell he was doing down here on deck 10. There was nothing down here that would normally interest a Vulcan, especially a civilian. He looked familiar too, but Brent couldn't just place it yet. "Let's just forget for a moment that you are here down in an area where you have no business at for now. Have you been contacted by security yet?" Brent asked the Vulcan. This one bothered him for some reason. Brent had wondered just what it was.
Voran stopped once the Marine deemed to address him, the perfect image of placidity with just a touch of bewilderment. "Security? No, … Lieutenant." Standing nearly as tall as the Brevet, he would of course have noticed the rank insignia sooner rather than later, however a bit of hesitation would not go amiss "I have not. Is there an emergency?"
Aside from the fact that t'Rehu was most likely on a rampage of course.
What was odd however was the calculating look Voran found himself subjected to. Almost as if … with infinite subtlety, the Vulcan shifted his weight and an alert glint appeared in twilight eyes, shrouded by an inquisitively raised brow.
Brent let out a breath before nodding. "Yeah sure," he replied not believing a word of it however he had no evidence of it so instead of getting into an argument with him. "You need to come with me then," he said and motioned for the Vulcan to come with him towards the turbolift out of the lower deck. The voice was something that bothered him. Something about this guy or male Vulcan was wrong. He felt too easy to agree, almost like he had been hiding something else... Whatever it was Brent would have Savant take a look into the lower decks as soon as he dropped this guy off. The Commander could worry about him.
Yeah sure? Well, it was quite obvious the Marine seemed … troubled. More so than simply being suspicious about Voran's presence would warrant. Instinct and logic sounded alarm bells and the Vulcan's voice took on a carefully concealed edge. "I would certainly not debate an officer of this ship, Lieutenant. However, I would like to inquire as to where you wish me to follow you."
Still within the parameters of a confused but right now stubborn clerk, he stood stock still in the hallway, noticing the shift in the Marines demeanor.
This situation had the potential to become … unfortunate.
"Main Security. There has been a recent development regarding the Vulcan delegation which you are a part of," Brent said idly as he motioned for the Vulcan to go first. "Once we ascertain that you had no part in the unpleasant business that has been brought to light you will be free to go," he said. It took Brent a few moments before finally realized where he recognized this Vulcan from. It was in the vision that he had seen from Sakarra. It took everything Brent had not to immediately scowl at this Vulcan. This was the one that had pushed himself into her mind. "Come on, let's go."
"Development. How fascinating." Two eyebrows climbed in a near perfect imitation of utter astonishment, but Voran deemed it wise to acquiesce for the moment. "Very well..."
The Vulcan walked in the indicated direction but stopped abruptly when he realized the expression on the human's face had been a flash of recognition. He had not met this one before, so … had he been compromised? Instinct and training insisted to control the damage but something was staying his hand.
No. Illogical. The Marine could not possibly be aware.
Unless…
As if nothing had happened, the black haired agent ambled on towards the turbolift, but inwardly he was just a tad amused. What a most unexpected solution to the puzzle, if it was so. Out of all the possibilities, this one had not even occurred.
"So, you are the one then? I must admit, I have been wondering."
If he wasn't, the inquiry would be a non sequitur. If he was … well, the reaction would be interesting.
[To be continued ...]
Brevet 1st Lieutenant Brent Warren
Marine Commander
USS Charon
&
Voran
the pesky Vulcan
