Finding A Way Home
Posted on 04 Jan 2023 @ 10:29pm by Lieutenant JG Harper Matthews
Edited on on 04 Jan 2023 @ 10:30pm
Mission:
Through the looking glass
Location: 3rd Moon of Alpha Draconis
Timeline: somewhat current
1902 words - 3.8 OF Standard Post Measure
ON
Ethan was tired, he had been looking to see what his possible Mirror self would be up to, but he'd not found where he was at. For all intents and purposes, his counterpart may be dead. Either way, he wanted to get out of this universe and into one that was more familiar. On his captain's command he did ask Ethan to get in contact with V, who was the Gatekeeper. Once more he got into his ship, and left the USS Andromeda then sent out a signal to V.
"V, this is Rashad Elgin, you and I need to talk, and it may be worth your while. Or not. Give me a signal to where we can meet." And so, Ethan waited.
Veran wandered around her small craft. She had recently got out of a shower and thus was naked and roaming her halls. Thankfully she was alone, working with others often led to complications and trust issues. Annoyingly as she strolled into her quarters as a ping came through, someone was sending her a message and she was very select with whom she let have her contact information.
Throwing on something small and quick she read the message and sighed.
"Sounds serious, can't wait." she started her reply dripping with sarcasm. "Meet me on the 3rd moon of the Alpha Draconis system. I have a small storage post there. Don't keep me waiting."
"I will be there." was his reply and then he closed connection.
Rashad arrived at the appointed place guiding his little ship to where he needed to dock. And then set off to the rendezvous place with V. He was slightly nervous as this could turn out to be a deadly meeting, but this was the only way he could see about getting he and the crew of the Andromeda home.
"I am here." Rashad sent out the message, his hand upon his weapon.
Veran had noted his arrival on the sensors of her storage post. His little ship had flown in without any problems but still she was wary of what he wanted. She watched him leave his ship and walk into an open space surrounded by containers of some of the goods she traded in and even some noises could even be heard from some animals also caged up.
"You will not need that here." She said coming out of the shadows, a small door had opened to let her out. "And if you are planning on using it to gain an upper hand here you will not come out on top." she raised her eyebrows suggestively.
A bit of a smirk in answer from Rashad, then he moved his hand away from the weapon. "I do not think I can gain the upper hand in this one. Maybe have a top position as it were?" giving a slow seductive smile. "All depends on what happens." he approached V cautiously, "Thank you for answering my message, and perhaps it is time to talk business. over some dinner, and with a drink? I do have monies with me if you wish to have the treasure."
"We'll see who ends up on top." Veran said with a wave for him to come a little closer, her eyes never leaving him. "You do not have to thank me. For once, you have been one of the more interesting people I have met in a while. Almost like you are out of place here in this universe... and you know as an El Aurian I can sense these things about people?" she asked rhetorically. "However, I am always open to discussing business over wine and food. I'll have my crew prepare us something and we can talk." she waved her hand for him to move towards the large doors she had entered through. This would take them deeper into her facility and into a less 'sterile' area.
Rashad followed Veran, as she led the way. He watched as she moved, the grace like that of a dangerous jungle cat, sensuous, light on her feet. "You in turn are a fascinating and beautiful woman." having a smile upon his lips. As they went down a hallway, him noting the way that they were going. "And yes, I am a man from another place, another universe. " When they entered in where they would dine and talk quietly with one another, Rashad gave a look around to see how the place was decorated.
"Flattery will win you no points when stating the obvious Rashad." she teased. "What would you like prepared?" she asked as they entered the private dining room she had set up. "My chef is one of the best finds I've ever made, even if he doesn't believe in indentured service as much as I do." she gestured for him to sit. "I saved him from Norfolk II and as payment he agreed to work it off in my kitchen. Talaxians have a way with food and trust me we had to train those bad habits out of him... his people's food, awful."
"What do you suggest?" Ethan responded with a smile. "And I am the king of stating the obvious. " giving a one shouldered shrug. "I've eaten quite a few dishes, including Talaxian and I'm glad to hear that you've gotten him to learn a few different dishes to prepare." following after Veran.
"They do a good targ steak." Veran admitted. "I'd avoid anything Bolian, that'll kill you." she chuckled. "Talaxian konda soup is actually passable."
"Good." Was Ethan's answer until they made it to Veran's area. He was impressed with how her place looked, the lady had good taste in her décor. "Veran, I must say, you have an impressive taste with how well your place looks."
"Oh I spare no expense when it comes to treating myself." Veran admitted. "Some of this isn't even from this universe I'll admit but..." she shrugged. "People shouldn't leave things so unattended." she played with what looked like an extremely old bat'leth. The energy it gave off to her was immense and she smiled as if lost in that moment. The moment the bat'leth was forged, when it first drew blood, when Kahless held it.
She gestured for Rashad to take a seat and rang a bell. "He'll be a minute..." she said staring at Rashad up and down. "So, before we get to anything else... I'd like to know the real name of the man in front of me." she took a sip of red wine that was already waiting for them. "I value honesty... somewhat. I know your name is not Rashad."
Ethan gazed at Veran, for a long moment then took a slow deliberate sip of his wine, before he spoke. "My name is Rashad when it comes to the personae I take on. The man behind the mask though, my name is Ethan Smith." setting the wine glass down. He reached out a hand towards Veran "Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Ethan Smith..." Veran rolled the name a couple of times. "I prefer Rashad, seems more exotic." she nodded to herself. "However, it is nice to know the real name of the man I speak with. I feel once you know the name of someone it opens their soul up. Whether that makes them more open to possibilities, or easier to manipulate... well that's half the fun." she grinned.
Moments later a man came through wearing a smart, formal garb and stood beside Veran. "I'll have the targ steak, medium rare with Human roast potatoes and whatever vegetables Chef has lying around." she looked over at Ethan. "What about Ethan? What would you like?"
"I'll have the same thing, as Veran requested." Ethan replied, then he remarked to Veran once the man left. "When I am out and about doing my work I am Rashad Elgin. An Entrepreneur extraordinaire, a man of many talents." a lazy seductive smile drifted across his lips. He leaned back in his chair, one elbow resting upon the top of the chair, slipping back into his role of Rashad, a devil may care man.
"Is one or your talents being incredibly modest?" Veran asked rhetorically. She sipped her wine and looked the man over. "So, what has made you seek me out? She asked. "You needed to talk and I'm curious as to what about."
"It is the matter of hoping you'd have a way for my ship the USS Andromeda which is from the other universe to get back home. If you have a gate way or a way for us to take in order to leave." Ethan said resorting back to his so called normal self.
Veran tucked a small strand of hair behind her ear. The pesky thing had fallen in defiance of the rest of her hair. "I may have means to get your ship home." she cleared her throat. "Although moving a ship of that size, with that many people, through an Aurian gate will not be easy."
"Then perhaps there would be coordinates for the ship to move to, in order to cross over? And also what would be the price that would be needing to pay in order for this to happen." Ethan was tired and he also was hurting still from that attack by the alternate Xu here. Thus any even partial desire to try the seduction game was left to the wayside.
"Moving your ship to the coordinates will still not make it any easier." Veran repeated. "However..." she brought up the coordinates on her device and sent them over to Ethan. "I suppose you are appealing to my conscience. I will not be responsible for so many people being trapped her and my reward is knowing I helped over 1,000 people avoid death and despair." she sighed. "This universe is full of darkness and I wouldn't wish it on anyone."
Ethan nodded and accepted the coordinates from her. "I thank you." his face a bit weary, "It has been lovely talking with you and the food most excellent. If you don't need me for anything, then once I am finished with the meal I'll take my leave?"
Veran nodded. "I see no reason to keep you here any longer, Ethan." she said wiping the side of her mouth with a napkin. "The quicker you get back to your ship, the quicker you get yourselves to safety. However, should you find yourself back in this universe again..." she placed a small pendant on the table and slid it across to him. It had a V sitting on top of an O (Veran Opala). "Its a beacon. Should you need help finding your way."
Ethan gave a nod, accepting the pendant. "Thank you." he rose to his feet and walked over to where Veran was, and placed a gentle kiss upon her lips. "You be safe." he stepped back, and with a wave he left her quarters and headed for his ship.
"I'm always safe." Veran said as she watched him go.
Once he had left she turned to some of her people that had gathered. "Time to move again kids. Let's pack up." she added before taking one of her trusted Lieutenants to the side. "Grax, keep an eye on the Starfleet ship." she said with a knowing nod.
Lieutenant JG Ethan Smth
Intelligence Officer
USS Andromeda
Veran Opala (npc Harper)
