To Catch a Cardassian

Posted on Thursday, 4 June 2020 - 12:48pm by Commander Soral & Lieutenant JG Adrianna Eberhardt
Edited on on Thursday, 4 June 2020 - 4:02pm

Mission: Operation: Iktomi
Location: USS Standing Bear | XO's Office | Deck 01
Timeline: 2393- MD01

{ON:}

Petty Officer Baciami had sent a message in advance to ensure she'd be able to get hold of her 'acquaintance'. She'd used the skills that she had previously picked up from her family to acquire informants such as this: Dametri Collins. He was a tattle, but always had to be persuaded. That said, Baciami had learnt what made him tick over the years, so persuasion was hardly the problem. Benefit was, because of her name, many assumptions were made, for example, that she still worked in the 'family business'.

Adrianna wore civilian clothes for all informant calls. It helped trust a little, but also was a lot less intimidating, especially is said informant was ever caught, like one unfortunate soul last year. The call rang and soon Adrianna was smiling to Damitri, "Mr. Collins, how are you."

Collins, a beady eyed balding man sat nervously looking at the screen. He had the appearance of the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland a bit nervous and checking his watch as if he couldn't fathom being late.

"In order for a conversation to operate, both parties must talk," the woman chuckled softly.

"Right. .... What can I do for you." His eyes darted around as if examining every shadow.

"I need confirmation, preferably a picture or name, but I'll take what you have," she began, "our, mutual friends, Topen and Prin. I need information about their happy accident."

"Seriously the Obsidian order? You want me to poke the bear?"

Adrianna smirked, "I've asked you to do more for less."

He sighed. "I need two hours."

From experience the next question fell from her lips, "what's your honest opinion on the matter?"

"They both worked against Cardassia, one a Bajoran, one in the Order itself I think that nothing is a coincidence. " He rubbed his chin. "I do recall though that they had kids, two I think."

She nodded, "two hours. Godspeed."


=/\=Two hours later=/\=

Collins had some information for Baciami. He waited for the coms to open.

Adrianna looked up from something she was reading, "what did you unearth?"

"Obsidian order was after them. There was a shuttle accident, The son was on the shuttle but not there when OR got there. But the daughter had already been dropped off. Bajoran Orphanage."

"Rough ages?" she asked making notes, "and any proof of death."

"Yes both were identified by OR POD issued. As for the kids the son would be in his 30s now and the daughter....she'd be about 28 or 29." He sighed. "Both children had heavy Cardassian features. The son...Gaylen I believe he disappeared. They can't track him but there is a rumor that he is alive and has a crew of his own. The daughter was Janara but her name was changed at the orphanage. My contact says they have a lead on her and that she is in Starfleet."

"I need her new name as a matter of urgency," Adrianna said calmly.

"Eyelaya. Last known on Vulcan I think then the trail went cold for them."

"Don't make me press harder, I need all the information you obtained, not just the parts I am asking for," Adrianna cocked her head a little to the side, with a small playful smile, though it was more with murderous intentions than otherwise. She was the spitting image of her father, when he was growing impatient.

"That's all the information I have." He said. "Look I got to go. But Vulcan is the key." The image flashed off.

"Love to your wife and children. Baciami thanks you," Adrianna nodded and closed the comm. She was writing as she was talking, so immediately sent on the information to Soral, with the opening line of 'only feathers ruffled'.

***

Soral sat in his office reviewing the information. He supressed a smile at her feathers comment as he waited for Baciami to join him in his office.

Baciami wasn't far off. And soon knocked on the door frame as she entered, "that what you were after?"

"Indeed. This combined with what I learned on Vulcan makes sense." He motioned for her to sit. "Please. May I get you a drink?"

"Black coffee," she replied, "my source seems to think Vulcan is the key to that one. The only contact I have there is for arms."

"Indeed. Vulcan I can handle." He said bringing her a cup of coffee and getting tea for himself. He sighed. "I do have one other assignment for you that you may find...difficult."

She raised a brow, "Oh?" Her heart sank, she'd already betrayed her family once, Adrianna would struggle to betray them or any of her connections again.

"As the XO it is my job to ensure the crew is safe. I do not believe Chief Eyelaya knows anything of her past or family but I need to be sure. Would you be willing to talk with her, get to know her, subtly find out if she knows anything."

"I've grown up in a house of men, I'm one of eight children and the only girl. I'm not the girliest of creatures," she sipped her coffee, "you know what? Fine. I'll give it a go. I promise you though, I'm better at blood, fear and blackmail, not manicures, unicorns and glitter."

"Neither is she. The chief is very unique. Ensure you have had plenty of coffee before tackling that."

Adrianna grumbled something in her native tongue in distaste for this friend version of a blind date, albeit work related, "I mean, if next time you could set me up with a tall, dark and handsome, I'd appreciate it."

Soral raised an eyebrow. "I see. You wish to find a mate? Vulcans are known for their matchmaking abilities. If you wish I can attempt to match you."

Adrianna chuckled, "I don't think even the best matchmaker in all the known universes could provide me with someone that won't run after even getting a sniff at my back story. Equally I seem to be self destructive due to self loathing tenancies. You can try, but I'd be willing to put money on you miserably failing."

"Fascinating." He paused.. "I shall give it some thought."

Adrianna looked to the man curious. "You're actually considering it," it was more of a flat statement than a question.

"Indeed. Vulcans are often thought of as matchmakers. We cannot ignore a request for help."

"Hardly call it a request for help," she defended playfully, "I more consider it a wager that you can't."

He raised an amused eyebrow. "Perhaps. I shall consider your wager."

"Good luck."

{OFF:}