04-25-2025, 08:20 AM
Jonas nodded appreciatively at the captain’s offer. “Yes, perhaps some extra security would be wise. If you could spare one of your officers for the night, I’m sure my family would sleep much more comfortably. Our apartment has a security system, but some of the most dangerous criminals are also skilled hackers.”
He watched intently as the crew continued to discuss. He looked down at his glass as Talion mentioned that the crew’s duty was to all Federation citizens rather than strictly the diplomatic mission at hand.
“I take your point, Commander,” he said, tugging at his sleeve. “Still, not only do I believe in Riani, I also believe that what happens here matters. The Federation may not see it now, but this region of space will look very different in ten years if Riani makes close allies with the Cardassians rather than with us. They’re limited by the quality of the native dilithium, along with their suspicion of other nations and planets, but some of their technology is beyond anything else in the quadrant.”
The ambassador flushed. He hadn’t meant to deliver such an impassioned speech. As he regained his composure, the door to the room slid open and the waiter whispered something in his ear.
“If you’ll excuse me a moment, it seems someone is trying to reach me. I guess I’m not fully ostracized just yet. Please help yourself to a drink if you’d like. It’s strong, but the flavor is surprisingly smooth.”
Jonas excused himself for a moment, allowing the crew to talk amongst themselves. When he returned, he seemed almost out of breath.
“It seems you’ve made quite an impression, Captain. One of my contacts would like to speak with your crew tonight if you can meet him. He may have information on Saida Gebrezghi’s whereabouts. This padd will get you in. I'm sure I don't need to tell you to be careful.”
Jonas slid the device across the table toward the Aquila crew. The screen depicted an impressive skyscraper hotel in Saule’s commercial district, about 3 kilometers from the team’s present position.
He watched intently as the crew continued to discuss. He looked down at his glass as Talion mentioned that the crew’s duty was to all Federation citizens rather than strictly the diplomatic mission at hand.
“I take your point, Commander,” he said, tugging at his sleeve. “Still, not only do I believe in Riani, I also believe that what happens here matters. The Federation may not see it now, but this region of space will look very different in ten years if Riani makes close allies with the Cardassians rather than with us. They’re limited by the quality of the native dilithium, along with their suspicion of other nations and planets, but some of their technology is beyond anything else in the quadrant.”
The ambassador flushed. He hadn’t meant to deliver such an impassioned speech. As he regained his composure, the door to the room slid open and the waiter whispered something in his ear.
“If you’ll excuse me a moment, it seems someone is trying to reach me. I guess I’m not fully ostracized just yet. Please help yourself to a drink if you’d like. It’s strong, but the flavor is surprisingly smooth.”
Jonas excused himself for a moment, allowing the crew to talk amongst themselves. When he returned, he seemed almost out of breath.
“It seems you’ve made quite an impression, Captain. One of my contacts would like to speak with your crew tonight if you can meet him. He may have information on Saida Gebrezghi’s whereabouts. This padd will get you in. I'm sure I don't need to tell you to be careful.”
Jonas slid the device across the table toward the Aquila crew. The screen depicted an impressive skyscraper hotel in Saule’s commercial district, about 3 kilometers from the team’s present position.