I have a few questions...

Posted on Sun Nov 24th, 2024 @ 1:16am by Captain Mikoto Misaka & Captain Banri Edasaki & Lieutenant Commander Lurath, Son of Grogori

2,065 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: The Search
Location: USS Ermiana Ready Room

Misaka sat behind her desk, a cup of green tea in her hand. She took small sips of the liquid as she awaited the arrival of Captain Edasaki and Mister Kosh. She had a few questions as to what happened over on the Bismarck. There was still a lot She didn't understand and she needed to with being the ranking officer.

Kosh walked off the turbolift, immediately receiving eyes upon stepping out, something he was used to by now. Although, after missions like this, he returned the gaze, suspicious of any spies that may be on board. The Obsidian Order has reached out beyond their territory and into various places, obtaining even spies inside certain organizations, Starfleet was no exception. One thing about the Cardassians he remembered all too well was their ability to play the long game.

He approached the Ready Room door and tapped on the chime. With a shrug of his shoulders, he pulled down the sleeves of the Cardassian Uniform he wore and waited to be summoned in.

Banri was only a few steps behind him. Compared to her bridge, this bridge was far more luxurious and far larger. She felt a little jealous now, Galaxy Class Captain's really did seem to get the best.

"Enter," Misaka called allowing them both entry into the room.

Zodrac let out a sigh of relief, seeing Banri approach. He felt, at least, he had one ally on this ship. Not counting his wife and daughter. When he heard the order to enter, he gesture to the door as he spoke to Banri, a smile on his face. A smile that, no doubt, made some of the bridge crew uneasy. "After you, Captain."

"Thanks," Banri said giving him a smile. She then stepped through the doors and came to a stand in front of Misaka's desk. "Nice to be meeting you in person Captain Misaka."

"Likewise," Misaka said as she rose to her feet and held out a hand. They shook hands and Misaka gestured for them to both sit down as she lowered herself back into her chair.

"So then..." Misaka started. "What happened out there exactly?"

Zodrac entered, remaining quiet, before taking a seat. As the doors closed he almost felt at ease. Being out of sight from all those suspicious glazes was always a comfort, even though he grew used to it, a part of him was still bothered by it. The man they suspected he was, wasn't the man he was at all. Of course, he could play the part when needed, but he still felt better when he was around those who knew the real him and not the part he played for Starfleet Intelligence.

As he took a seat, he answered calmly. "They changed the plan, but we managed to get the job done. If you ask me, Captain Banri deserves a promotion. Maybe even a fruit basket. Why not both?"

Misaka raised an eyebrow. "I can't promote anyone higher than my own rank. As for a fruit basket, I'm sure I can arrange that..." she said. "You mentioned in our conversation with the Gul that the Maquis had taken a Cardassian Ship. How exactly did that happen?" she asked looking at Banri.

"Well, I think they wanted to lure a Cardassian ship in the first place..." Banri said. She glanced over at Zodrac for some backup.

"Details are hazy, Captain. Captain Banri and myself were in a cell at the time. We only realized they had gone after the force fields went down." Zodrac replied as he leaned back in his seat. "We left the cells, searched the ship, and found the Cardassians in the Cargo Bay."

Misaka sat forward in her chair, interwining her fingers together. "Who let you out of the brig?" she asked.

"I imagine they were done automatically. Set to a timer to disable once they were onboard." Zodrac said as he looked over to Banri. He looked back to Captain Misaka and shrugged. "If what the Cardassians told us is to be believed then maybe by the same one who got into their systems and disabled their shields."

"The Maquis disabled the shields of a Cardassian warship?" Misaka said in surprise. "Thats a disturbing thought. Not even we can do that, unless we have a prefix code." She looked over towards Zodrac. "You're the expert here, how do you think this was done?"

Zodrac replied quickly. "The Maquis have been fighting the Cardassians for quite some time now. They've shown considerable skills in adapting to their technology and, if rumor is to be believed, have even managed to reprogram a warhead or two for their own advantage. Is it difficult to believe, given the right time and information, they could get into the systems somehow?"

"That is a rather disturbing thought." Misaka said as she pondered for a moment. "Anyways, after you got out of the cell. You somehow pursuaded the Cardassians to help you get the ship operational again. You must have some 'diplomatic' skills between you two."

Zodrac shrugged a bit. "Banri did all the talking. Mainly because I asked her too. I had to be the fellow Cardassian who was on their side. Any alterations to my cover would put us both in jeopardy. Starfleet Intelligence requires me to keep that unless absolutely necessary." He looked over to Banri. "Feel free to jump in anytime now. You were there too."

"He's right. I did most of the talking. But it took some negotiating to get them to agree to help us." Banri added. "Luckily, they were eager to get out of there as much as we were." She looked at Misaka a serious look on her face. "I have to ask though Captain, what happens now?"

"We go and find our crew. You mentioned that you had discovered their location?"

Banri nodded. "Yeah. I don't think that the Maquis ever intended to hurt them in the first place." she explained. "Honestly, I don't know why they decided to up and leave the Bismarck. I would have thought it would be a good asset for them to keep."

"I see..." Misaka replied. "Well. My first officer is currently overseeing the transfer of a skeleton crew to your ship. That way we can proceed with both ships to the location you have discovered." she paused as she looked back to Zodrac. "The Cardassians are also being returned to the other warship. I imagine that its going to be a bit cramped over there for them."

"Yes Captain. I am sorry for this inconvenience..." Banri told her, bowing her head in apology.

"Hmm..." Misaka said, as she leant back in her chair. "I've got a funny feeling about all of this." she admitted with a slight sigh. "However, whats done is done. We have the Bismarck back, so we did what we set out to do."

She then turned her attention to Zodrac. "And what do you intend to do from here Mister Kosh?" she asked simply.

"Well, Captain, that depends on Starfleet Intelligence." Zodrac replied with a smile. "They may send me somewhere else to play the dutiful Cardassian again or they may pull me back long enough for those Cardassian's we met to forget my face. Who knows?" He said as he leaned forward a bit. "With you permission, Captain, I may remain onboard." He leaned back in his chair and let out a slight sigh before continuing. "My family deserves a bit of a break from all this moving about. Especially my daughter, Arna. I would like to give them a chance to relax and perhaps spend some time with them. To be Zodrac for even a little while."

"I can see why a nomadic style of life is not good when raising a child." Misaka agreed. She looked the Cardassian in the eyes as she continued to speak. "Of course I'd expect you to pull your weight around here. Even the civilians on board this ship have roles and responsibilities. I have no problem with you staying on board. I can even try and pull a few strings with Starfleet Intelligence for you. If you can find something to do."

Zodrac smiled back and replied. "No need to pull any strings, Captain. I am sure I have some vacation days saved up for such an occasion."

"I'm sure you do." Misaka replied. "Before I end this all. Is there anything else you two wish to tell me?" She asked allowing them an opportunity to inform her of any other 'going-ons'.

Zodrac looked over to Banri. "The floor is yours, Captain."

Banri pondered for a few moments. "I can't think of anything else to add. We were kept in the dark from the Maquis plans. I don't know why they took Mister Kosh either. We were simply kept in the brig."

Misaka gave her a long piercing look. "Anything from you Mister Kosh? She asked turning to Zodrac.

Zodrac looked away slightly. "Hmm... Let me think." He paused for a moment before looking to Misaka. "Oh yeah. How could I forget? I am a Cardassian spy who was sent by the Obsidian Order on a deep cover assignment in order to infiltrate Starfleet and, by association, the Federation. I have no intention of staying in Starfleet because I long for my home and, if my wife doesn't plan on joining me as my Bajoran concubine, I am going to kill her so I can take my daughter to my beloved Cardassia Prime." He looked to Banri before focusing back on Misaka. "Is that generally what you are looking for, Captain, or do you want something specific?" He gave her a firm stare as he wasn't amused by the questioning that only came off as her being suspicious of his motives. "Do you want to call for Security or do you want me to?"

Misaka blinked a few times as a silence fell upon the room. "Ok. Well, I want you both checked over by sickbay. Captain, you will then return to your ship and we'll go and rescue your crew. If there's nothing else?"

Kosh's eyes never waivered from Misaka. They were locked on firm as he leaned back in his seat and intertwined his fingers. "I'll meet you there, Captain Banri," He said never turning to face her. "Safe travels."

Banri gave them both a slight nod. She stood up and left the ready room, bound for the Ermiana's sickbay.

As soon as the door closed, Zodrac stood up, looking at Misaka as he spoke in a firm and calm tone. "What are you digging for, Captain? Answers? Why do you need answers when you've accomplished your goal?" He leaned in slightly, keeping his eyes on her. "Why are you convinced something nefarious has happened on that ship? Where is your proof? Is it because the Maquis are still out there or is it just because the person telling you is Cardassian?"

"I don't have any proof." Misaka said. "However, it's my duty to find out everything to include in my report to Starfleet Command. That's all."

"Yet you are questioning us like you have proof." Zodrac replied as he stood up straight again. "Maybe this is my time as a Starfleet Intelligence Officer speaking, but if you constantly keep searching for answers no one is asking, you will always be asking questions." He took a second to think before adding. "If you want to have all the answers then I suggest chasing the Maquis and asking them. The Cardassians aren't going to answer because they are too embarrassed their ship was taken so easily and the two people you believe have the answers weren't anywhere near the Maquis when the hijacking occurred."

Misaka frowned. It seemed obvious that there was still answers out there, but she wasn't going to go and chase a group of outlaws around the Badlands for them. "I see." she said in response. "Well, in that case. I don't think there is anything else we need to discuss."

"I was thinking the very same thing, Captain." Zodrac replied as he smiled back and nodded his head.

"Then dismissed." Misaka said simply.

Posting by:

Captain Mikoto Misaka
Commanding Officer
USS Ermiana

Captain Banri Edasaki
Commanding Officer
USS Bismarck

Lieutenant Zodrac Kosh [Lurath NPC]
Undercover Starfleet Intelligence Officer

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