Undercover mission

Posted on 29 Jan 2022 @ 8:49pm by Captain Jonathan Reynolds

Mission: Picking up the pieces
Location: Ready room
Timeline: Before shoreleave
1163 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Jon had sent for Ethan Smith deciding that there was a job for him before they returned back to where they were supposed to be.

As soon as he received the summons from Captain Reynolds, Ethan immediately headed for the Captain's ready room, when the chime sounded, and Jon had him enter, Ethan stepped inside. "Welcome back Sir." he greeted the Captain, looking at the man before him. He could see that the captain had been through a bit when he had been taken away. "How may I be of service?"

"Thank you," Jon said indicating the chair. "Take a seat."

With a curious look in his eyes, Ethan took a seat and waited to see what the Captain had in mind and wished to discuss with him.

"So you know we last spoke about potential players in this sector we need to keep an eye on? Well we have just met some more. All we know is we are currently in "cartel" space. They seem to have some pretty heavy operations. We were about to be sent to some mines of some sort before the XO ... well she was gearing up to get trigger happy. We need more information and I need more intel. So that's where you're going to come in. I am open to ideas how to get you out there getting it."

"We will have to set up ways for me to contact you and give you information in a rather secure level. One thing that we could utilize, is that trader ship we've got here. Hawkins could possibly get that fixed and then I can use that as a sort of base of operations. We also need to do this in a rather discreet way, as neither Belikov or I have found out who was behind the other incident. And it is becoming infuriating. This last bit, with the ship being knocked out, and you plus the others being grabbed, we've got something dangerous going on. I may have to resurrect one of my personae's as well. My drunken wanderer."

"Yes I was thinking we could use that ship. Seen as though one of the traders is dead and the other .... well he's not in a position to make a claim believe me. Yes, work with Hawkins and get that decked out how you need it to blend in and then I want you to go forth and nosey about undercover," Jon told him. "We need a working understanding of this sector. The person or persons who are clearly working for other agencies will slip up, don't worry," he told him.

Ethan gave a nod to Reynolds. "Okay, I'll get that rolling with Hawkins then. I'll be also checking in on my contacts at Agora Crossroads as well as picking up my trade goods too." the intelligence officer already working through his mental check list. "Is there anyone you would like me to make contact with, while I'm out there?"

“Yes there’s a bar owner called J’Tan. His place is called the black hole and he’s a font of knowledge shall we say. Just one thing under no circumstances eat the space weevil. That I can attest to that.”

"Space weevil? Is that the one that makes you see things that aren't there?" Ethan replied. "And I'll be letting Rose know about what's going on as well. This way she won't give out any clues. May need to work out something as to the reason why I am not around. This would take away any suspicions on whomever is keeping tabs on us."

“Family emergency always works quite well,” Jon mused. “But I’m sure you can think of something.”

"Family emergency is the most simplest one, and would work the best." Ethan giving a nod. "This will keep things simple. And can get that logged into the computer as well. Adding another depth to the subterfuge I can get a mail sent to me as per that situation."

"Sounds a plan," Jon nodded. "Then we just need to figure out catching up."

"Sir, I do have another idea. If we are going on shore leave, I can make my exit there, plus take that ship as well. And there may not be any eyebrows raised when that happens. After all we do need to clear that shuttle bay where the smuggler's craft is as well. As for catching up, my communicating with you would that be what you meant?"

“Exactly. We need a secure encrypted Channel setting up yes?” Jon asked.

Ethan nodded, "Yes, most definitely will be needing that plus a maybe a regular time for me to report in? And a fail safe if needed if I can't report in, like say if I don't contact you in 48 hours I'm needing rescue. Any possible ideas you have as to length of time to report in by?"

“I don’t think I would be comfortable any longer than 72 hours,” Jon said.

"I agree, no longer than 72 hours if in a pinch." Ethan nodding. "I can start getting preparations made for my departure. And my name will be Rashad Elgin, the traveling drunk of a merchant, and a bit of a scoundrel." his posture and movement became that of someone who had imbibed just a tad too much, and holding an imaginary bottle, swaying where he stood. "Aye captain." stumbling forward "would ye like a bit of the bottle?" one eye squinched shut as if trying to focus on one of the captain's he sees.

Ethan then went back to his normal self, "All right there you have it." lowering his arm down.

"Impressive pretend to be drunk in the bar. No one sees you as a threat or suspicious. They go about their business right and you listen in to everyone's business," Jon nodded. He had a bit of an idea on some intel techniques.

"Lieuetant keep your ears close to any betaziod business. In fact artefacts. If that tiara could cause a goddess to be birthed, what else might be out there. Is there more bits of Methalina's attire. Does she need it perhaps? Maybe we can just learn more about her."

Ethan gave a nod, "I will definitely be nosing around sir. And maybe my tailoring skills will come in handy as well, may get me into some of those circles which like to talk about clothing and ancient but classy styles." There was much that needed to be done especially getting the trader all stocked up and ready to go.

"Excellent," Jon nodded. "Well I look forward to your discoveries but do be careful."

"I will Captain, I will certainly do my utmost to be safe. As well as safe can be." giving a slight smile, "If you are willing, I can now go get ready." Ethan replied.

"By all means. Dismissed Lieutenant," Jon nodded.

OFF:

Captain Jonathan Reynolds
CO, USS Andromeda

LTJG Ethan Smith
Intelligence Officer
USS Andromeda