"Alone in a Bajoran Skin"
(previous post the sly "Undercover Thinking")
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Stardate: 60320.1532
Setting: VEGA SIGMA, Northern New Arrivals Center, Lounge 1
Susan materialized in the middle of what looked like a lobby of some
sort except for the fact that there were chairs stretched along the walls in
many different sizes to accommodate many different peoples. Having reviewed
the position she'd be landing in before beaming, she knew that this was one
of the new arrivals lounges in the Norhtern New Arrivals Centre: what
would be referred to as a spaceport on EARTH. She looked around and felt lost.
Nevertheless, she decided that the best thing to do would be to book
herself on a shuttle. She had already decided that Sol would be one to ride
first class... but now she thought about it, Sol would probably do some
looking around first. After all, she did 'enjoy the finer things in life.'
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Susan stepped onto the promenade. Not knowing the planet well, Susan
had decided to stick to the Northern Arrivals Center. She was also unsure
about whether she needed specified documents to go out into the planet proper
and thought it safe not to try her luck. The promenade offered many shops
and boutiques. So many that Susan felt overwhelmed. She was standing in the middle of the relatively busy corridor when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
And jumped.
Cursing herself for such a stupidly obvious reaction, Susan turned to
see who the owner of the hand was. He was a tall human of medium complexion
with dark hair and even darker eyes. His smile, in contrast, was bright and
perfectly white. "Niema Sol?" he asked.
**Oh brother** Susan was already regretting her words about this
mission being easy. Now what? She didn't recognize the man from any of the
files she'd read. What was more: he was human. Not Bajoran. And not
Cardassian. Not knowing how else to react, Susan nodded slowly.
"And you are?" she asked in a cold tone that was quite unlike Susan and
hopefully more like Sol.
The dark man stuck out his hand, "Matthew. Matt for short."
No last name. Susan tilted her head as if in curiosity. "Well... Matt." She made her voice sound irritated to hide her nerves, "It's been nice talking, but I have some business to take care of if you don't mind..."
Susan made to go, but Matt caught her arm and pulled her around to face
him, "Do you now?" The smile had disappeared, "Because I was under the
impression that I was your business."
Susan raised her eyebrows, secretly hoping that this development would
be as new to Sol as it was to Susan, "Really?"
Matt smiled slyly, "You're playing with me, aren't you?"
Susan only wished she was! "Playing, Mr...?"
"Matt."
"Mr. Matt, I have no idea what you're talking about. If you believe that
I have some business with you then you are sadly mistake...."
She didn't get a chance to finish her sentence because he grabbed her
and kissed her.
Forgetting herself completely, Susan pulled away and slapped him across
the face. A few nearby aliens gasped. Matt grabbed her by the wrists. He
looked angry.
Then he smiled, "I suppose I deserved that."
Susan cocked her head in acknowledgement but said nothing. She was
obviously out of her depth in this situation. She needed more information before she could see how to play this.
Matt continued, "Listen, I'm sorry. Okay? Is that what you want to
hear? I'm sorry."
Susan had the feeling that he wasn't talking about the kiss.
"Sorry." she repeated coldly, hoping he'd give more information if she
pretended not to believe him.
Matt stared at her, "You look... different."
Susan was panicking. Though she was sure she didn't show it on her
face, her heart was beating wildly. She decided to risk it, "It's been a long
time."
Matt nodded, "Too long." There was a pause as he considered her face,
as if not quite sure that she was the same Sol that he'd known that long time
ago. Which she wasn't. Susan just hoped he didn't reach that conclusion.
Suddenly he said, quietly, "I missed you."
Susan shook herself free of his grip. She somehow felt that the
statement was a trick. A test. If she had someone suspicious already, then what chance did she have of completing the mission? "Well the feeling isn't mutual. And I'm sure you know why."
That was the perfect truth. And when afraid a lie will catch you out,
that's the best thing to tell.
Matt looked hurt for a second, then he smirked, "Yeah. Okay. Whatever.
You know what? I don't care. Go do whatever business you have to do, Sol."
He made to walk away before he suddenly turned around, "But I wouldn't
want you to waste your precious time. So I'll tell you this: I'm the one
that sent you that message. I've been tracking you since your transport
arrived. If you want a part in that 'business' then I'm the one to talk to."
And he left. Just like that. He just disappeared into the crowds leaving Susan feeling very much alone in her Bajorian skin.
--------------- 2005 post #158
Stardate: 60320.1600
Setting: VEGA SIGMA, Northern New Arrivals Centre, promenade
Tallulah Habib {thabib@eject.co.za}
Ensign Susan Mei
Head Counselor
USS ANUBIS
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"Life is mostly froth and bubble,
Two things stand like stone,
Kindness in another's trouble,
Courage in your own." - Adam Lindsay Gordon
