"Let the Games Begin"
(Previous Post: "Quiet as Kept"
//
Stardate: 61014.1000
The unloading of their cargo was completed quicker than expected. The half Vulcan had neatly stacked the crates near the ships entrance and placed
a sample of their contents on top of each one. Then placing a security field around the cargo he stood at a very loose approximation of at ease as he surveyed the walled city and its market place.
The DRAGONSEYE was at the south side of the square landing pattern. It was the center of ship of three. To the east was a large freighter that took up almost the whole side. On the west side were two small local transport loading cargo, and to the north was the entrance to the city a very large gate.
Though there was no planetary flight control system, it was necessary as you entered the system to notify the planet of your intent. If you were only coming in for replenishment or Rand R you would be directed to the main
spaceport away from the city. If you had a cargo to sell they would direct you to the market "square" that had the most use for what you had, because IRRAJ law prohibited off-worlders from selling to its citizens. You went to one of the markets and sold to an authorized IRRAJ merchant.
Derek's eyes roamed the market looking for anything that might be out
of place, when two men came up and looked at the cargo. The taller of the
two seemed more interested in the ship and kept trying to look inside. The
FCO tapped the small remote in his pocket and the door hissed shut. "May I
be of service to you sirs?"
The smaller of the two spoke, "These are most interesting items my
friend, what are you asking for them?"
"I am sorry sir, I am but the pilot. The owner should return shortly
and will be most willing to discuss any business matters with you," Replied
Derek sticking to the plan of his and the Shillian to have her be of a
higher class and his technical owner.
The tall male smirked and reached toward the sample on top of the
crate. There was a bright flash as he yelped not from pain but surprise.
"Sorry sir, only the owner may breach the security field." Which wasn't
exactly true.
"I see her coming now."
The two men turned quickly and seeing Maya walking with a man dressed
in the robes of the upper class, they ducked their heads and left quickly.
The Vulcan pilot was also quick in that he snapped into a form of attention with a look of respect mingled with just a touch of fear as his supposed owner walked up. Without any preamble she spoke… "This is the Honorable Third Secretary to the Mentat of Merchants for this market area. He wishes to inspect the ship and cargo." Maya gave Derek a prearranged hand signal that told him she felt it was ok. So turning to the door the Vulcan made some outlandish arm movements and than touched the remote in his pocket to open the door. He than stood aside and allowed his commander and guest to enter.
For the next hour the two of them stayed in character while answering
all the Third Secretaries questions.
Stormwind was impressed, not only with the Shillian scientist’s acting
but her ability to remember and expand on the limited cover story they had
developed. His respect for her jumped a couple of notches, especially
when the pompous official tried an obvious tactic to trip her up. She not
only caught it she threw it back at him… successfully.
When he was finally satisfied he looked at what Derek assumed was some
type of watch.
"Well if we leave now, we can just make the mid-morning meal and
business discussion," Stated the Secretary.
"If you would wait outside I will freshen up and join you," replied
Maya dismissively.
Looking from the Shillian to the Vulcan he inclined his head in a nod
and stepped out. She immediately closed the door and turned to her pilot.
"I will never understand how the Captain manages to do this day after
day." She stepped into the small single berth, Derek discreetly turned his
back as she changed into what could be considered formal attire.
"They discuss all business before and after meals, I told the Secretary
we / I would like to pick up cargo. To do so I have to go to each meal and
discuss it with those of a higher rank. Since I will be doing this, you
will be allowed to enter the city for "R and R" but you have to be back
aboard before curfew. They seem to love offworld trade but not off-worlders.
Ok how's this?"
The half human turned and his human side showed for just an instant as
he smiled and muttered… "WOW…" quickly turning to Vulcan… "I believe
Lieutenant Commander that you will make a solid impression." She was wearing a
golden body suit, with calf high black boots, a velvet cape gold on the inside
and black on the outside. He recognized the Starfleet utility belt, but it
was decorated with a variety of different gemstones.
Maya gave him a withering stare, "If you tell anybody about this Ensign
… there will be no where you can hide!"
The Vulcan Ensign raised his eyebrow, than nodded his understanding.
The Shillian gave a sigh and walked out the door.
//
Soon after the Third Secretary and the CSciO had left the DRAGONSEYE
The Vulcan pilot had walked slowly through the marketplace to the gate to
the city. He was stopped and interrogated by the local security forces
but when it was found that he had authorization they had placed a band on
his wrist which not only allowed them to track him but gave the name of his
ship, where it was berthed and his current status.
He had watched the other ships crews and found which places of business catered to them. He was in the third one he found called the Meteor. Drinking and watching the people. Only the servers where locals it was also obvious that this place tended to cater to the baser needs of ships crews.
He had just ordered another drink when he noticed the two men whom he
had talked to earlier in the day. They where in deep discussion with a
local female and it was interesting to note that he seemed to be the object
of their attention. Careful not to let them know he had seen them he
resumed his drinking.
"Hi … what are you?"
Derek turned it was the female he had just watched. "Excuse me?"
"I have never seen anyone like you before I just wonder where your from?"
Playing the game the FCO answered. "I am a mix of Vulcan and human, my
name is Derek."
"I'm Kimlin would you like some company?"
"Sure that would be fine." Derek signal for more drinks. Glancing
around he noticed the smiles on the two men's faces. He wondered if they would
still be smiling when they found out their ploy wouldn't work on a Vulcan.
But the game was a foot as Sherlock Holmes would say and he was more
than ready to play.
//
Ensign Derek Stormwind 2006 post #186
Setting: Near the DRAGONSEYE on IRRAJ
Stardate: 61014.1230
Setting: The Meteor (an IRRAJ Drinking Establishment)
Brian Matthews (dragonsslayer@excite.com)
FCO
USS ANNUBIS
On assignment
VPT DRAGONSEYE
