Meeting in the Dark - Slip Sliding Away

Posted on Sat Jan 9th, 2021 @ 6:27am by Qaraq (Deceased) & Ensign Aenardha Sh'vastarth & Federation Diplomat Briya Valriya & Mauricio Arnaldo & Katya

Mission: The Gauntlet
Location: Carnwennan Station

ON:

It was a quiet night on Carnwennan Station, somehow quieter than the day that had come before it. There were only a few people around in the corridors, the odd Starfleet officer on patrol or performing regular maintenance duties. The hum of the station's stabilisers was the only constant noise; interrupted occasionally by the clinkering of cutlery being cleaned away from empty tables on the restaurant level. One could hear the air vents recycling the oxygen and clicking over into a new cycle every thirty minutes. A pin drop would have sounded like a drum parade at this hour.

Yet, in the darkened and lonely hallways, a meeting was being arranged. In the lower decks by the auxiliary transport corridor, Queen Katya of Paradise and her entourage were stood waiting.

"How much longer?" Katya hoarsely whispered. She was covered in a long black coat; her usually large and vibrant hair restrained under a black scarf. By her feet was her luggage - quickly packed as she attempted a hasty exit from Carnwennan Station. She had accepted a deal with Admiral Milne to return to the Expanse in order to help shepherd the USS Pandora back to safety. As part of the agreement, she would be bringing two Starfleet officers to the Pandora as well. Katya and her team had arranged to silently slip out in the quiet dead of night, smuggling the two officers onboard her transport with them.

Mauricio Arnaldo was decked out in black as well, a simple military-issue backpack on his shoulder held all of his possessions. He was keeping watch at the entrance of the corridor, stepping out occasionally to see if anyone was coming.

"Not much longer," He answered testily. "Aenardha and the other officer are supposed to meet us soon."

----------
CORRIDOR
----------

Aenardha had packed everything she could into as few bags as possible, leaving her to carry only two Starfleet issue duffel bags. One was resting on her shoulders as she wore it similar to a backpack. The other she embraced in something of an awkward hug. She stepped slowly but sure-footedly to maintain balance. It felt as though she would have fallen to the floor in an embarrassing heap otherwise. She breathed steadily to compose herself as best as she could as she struggled along.

Having grown quite accustomed to Carnwennan Station, Aenardha no longer needed a set of eyes allowing her telepathic vision. She knew the twists and turns, the steps, the columns and the lifts to include the locations of rooms based on their assigned numbers. Diplomat Valriya's quarters were on the way toward the designated meeting place. The computer informed Aenardha that Briya was still in her quarters when she asked. Dropping by and collecting the diplomat would provide her with a breather and allow her to regain some strength before completing the trek to the rendezvous point.

After trudging along slowly, Aenardha realized her pace was slowing and strength waning, but she arrived upon Briya's door. Dropping the bag she was hugging, she rested her arms and allowed the bag on her back to slide free onto the floor. After a few seconds of strength returning to her arms, she pressed the chime on Briya's door.

Upon returning from her visit with Admiral Milne, Briya and her aide had quickly finished what preparations there were to be made and spent the time remaining in quiet conversation. But that time was up. The door to their quarters pealed and they both looked up. Briya gave the top of her thighs a resolute pat and was the first to stand. Haylay collected a thick circular disk from the table and followed her to the door. They took a moment to share a quick hug, Briya accepted the round device and tucked it into a pocket at her waist, and tapped the console to open the door. Briya’s eyes went wide in surprise as she looked out upon a beautiful Aenar woman standing there, her hair the pale white of frosted snow. Recovering quickly, Briya executed a small bow from the shoulders rather than the waist.

“Sial'alachua, Ensign Aenardha Sh'vastarth,” Briya greeted in the Imperial Andorii language favored by the Andorian government.

Aenardha was first taken a little aback by the salutation in her native tongue. She sensed a level of enjoyment from Briya and realized this was a pleasant surprise.

Valriya traded one last smile with Haylay, not knowing when she would see her Risian friend again. Then squaring her shoulders, she stepped out into the corridor and let the door close between them. “I am Consul Briya Valriya,” she said, switching back to Federation Standard.

It took another few seconds and another deep breath for Aenardha to have the strength even to speak without strain in her voice. "Consul Valriya," she said with a bow.

Briya pointed down at the bags. “You have two bags and I have none. May I carry one for you as we step towards our gathering point with the others?”

"Yes," Aenardha looked at her bags. "I have been here for some weeks now and allowed myself to get a little too settled in." She even had some items acquired from the local shops. "If it is not too much trouble, I could use some help carrying these."

“It is no trouble.” Briya bent low and collected one of the bags. She slipped an arm through the straps and wrestled it onto her left shoulder. It was heavy, but she managed.“Now, which way to the auxiliary transport corridor?” Briya asked. Though she recognized Aenardha’s blindness - an amaurosis shared by many, if not all Aenar - there was no need to acknowledge it or call attention to it at this time as Aenardha did not seem to be hampered by it. Indeed Aenardha seemed to get around just fine without the benefit of sight.

"Your quarters marked my half way point actually." After this welcomed break, and thankful that she now had less to carry, Aenardha worked to get her remaining bag up and onto her back. It took a few seconds and a few grunts. She realized why so many would rather not unburden themselves when given a short break. It was always hard to re-burden oneself. "This way," Aenardha pointed. “We haven't too far to go."

As they escorted one another, Briya made conversation. “I was informed by the Admiral that I would be joining an Aenar in this task, but she failed to mention you would be possessed of such elegance and refinement. I’m unsure why this surprises me; your people are an amazing people in so many ways, but I suppose I assumed an Intelligence Officer’s duties may require her to hide in plain sight from time to time and I cannot imagine your beauty goes unnoticed by a single sentient being.”

"I do thank you," Aenardha said. She was never one for many words, but was not bothered by one who was. She could tell Briya had a fascination with the Aenar, for anything Andorian for that matter. The thought was quite profound. That, and Briya kept looking at and taking in Aenardha features, especially the antennae. Aenardha was borrowing Briya's vision for navigation through the corridors but that was only half effective with Briya’s nearly overwhelming amazement. Aenardha knew that many conversations with Briya were to be had.

Briya's concluding remark was quite accurate, Aenardha pondered. Yes, she did acquire the attention of many whilst at the Academy. Partly due to her beauty which she did not think was that spectacular, partly due to her antennae with the obvious slits presiding atop, partly due to her being an Aenar since so few, if any ever, had gone through the Academy, and partly due to her frequent after-duty activities during her time on Earth. The latter would be something incredibly hard to hide from public knowledge aboard a starship, should she continue. Aenardha felt she had found her definition. She just did not wish to be the center of attention. An Aenar...in Starfleet...not wanting attention.

"And I did hear that I would be serving with a diplomat. I wanted to introduce myself earlier, but I am just a freshly graduated Ensign. And you," she used Briya's vision to look back at her reflection as Briya peered out a viewport while they passed. Briya too, was quite beautiful. Being a Risian female, there was no doubt. "You are a government official. We are at two separate ends of a spectrum I am told," or was taught at the Academy. "I understand Risians are experts at providing comfort," and at fulfilling sexual desires but she decided to leave that part unspoken. "Being a diplomat, you should have no trouble at success."

“That’s kind of you to say, but it’s a strange thing, diplomacy. As a diplomat, my success is measured by the sentiment and decisions of others; by how well I sway those sentiments and decisions towards a favorable outcome. I am fortunate to represent the Federation in nearly all of these dealings, but the Federation comprises many different ideologies beneath the comprehensive standards and principles of behaviour. It is difficult to make all parties happy. By happy chance, I am Risian, as you say and making others happy is what we do best.”

They reached an intersecting corridor. "We turn this way," Aenardha pointed.

----------
RENDEZVOUS
----------

Now the doors slid open and a rather large, hulking figure shaded in bright blues and violet stepped into the room. At first, the group was startled, but as he stepped into the light, Katya recognized the friendly horned face of the Broot known as Qaraq.

"I am here upon your request, Your Majesty," he said to Katya, his grin wide and his voice, though quiet, took its usual jovial tone.

Qaraq had come from the Delavi system's only planet. He'd lived on Delavi for most of his life, and had raised a very large family there. His wealth and influence stretched through the entire system and even a bit beyond. It was because of this that he was often referred to as a king. So his use of "Your Majesty" to Katya had become an inside joke between the two. Qaraq had been friends with Katya for many years. He had even named one of his daughters after Katya. With a friendship like that, they counted no favors. Both would gladly lay their life on the line for the other.

So Katya had called Qaraq and requested him to smuggle the group through the Expanse. When Qaraq said he would send one of his sons, Katya had insisted on Qaraq doing the job himself. Katya knew that with both her and Qaraq on board, there was enough influence between the two that anyone questioning them or their cargo would be entering a world of pain.

Katya immediately approached the Broot man and found his side, placing a hand gently on his arm. "Qaraq, your presence lightens me. I'm thankful you were able to make it so soon. It appears our Federation friends are determined to involve us in their problems."

"Right now their problems are ours as well," Qaraq whispered.

She leaned in to whisper to him, "I have also heard great news of late. The Tzenkethi ships that had been controlling Ordinlax V simply packed up and went home. Gone! Now the Breen are left to cover the whole region with dwindling numbers, but it is far too great of an area for them to patrol successfully. We've managed six supply crossings in the last two days alone." There was a vibrant smile upon Katya's lips as she quietly relayed the news to her old friend. The underground network of allied planets and people resisting against the Alrakis Pact were finding increasing cracks in their enemy's control. The people would exploit these opportunities whenever they could.

"That is great news," Qaraq whispered. "What if we guide the Pandora through there and into the Rentara nebula? I have friends in the Ordinlax system who know how to navigate the Nebula. They may be hesitant to help the Pandora, but they owe me a few favors. The Breen have the ability to navigate Rentara as well, but tracking a ship, even one the size of Pandora, is near impossible for them. This is assuming the Tzenkethi don't change their minds and come back. The Pandora is a rather large target afterall."

Katya beamed, "You could always be assured to find a solution. The Nebula is a perfect route for the Pandora to take."

"Hey I know you!" Mauricio whispered, a little too loudly. He had been too busy watching the corridor to notice who had arrived at first - not a great start for a look-out - but now he recognised the Delavi bartender. "You helped us find Admiral Francis."

"Ah, yes!" Qaraq replied. "I knew I recognized you from somewhere! It is always good to see a familiar face."

Katya's eyes rolled so obviously that even the dark and shadowy corridor couldn't conceal it. "Mauricio, keep watch." She hissed at him. "Our guests are due to arrive."

Looking downward, the Spaniard pouted a little. "I was just happy to see a friend," he murmured, as he returned to his watch.

While on the subject of happy faces; a resplendent Risian and an angelic Aenar came around the corner, deep in the exchange of some hushed story that at least one of them found entirely too pleasing. “When we finally woke late the next morning, the Andorian Diva’s antennae were poking me in the face. Needless to say we were both surprised to find ourself in bed with the other, but far from disappointed. As I recall, we did not get out of that bed for two…” Briya cut herself off as she noticed the rest of their party waiting ahead. If there had been a missive detailing they were all to wear black for this unpublished departure, she had not received it. And she wasn’t sure incognito accoutrement would do much to hide the passing of this gathering. The woman ahead - for she was undeniably feminine - had elevation on Briya and curves Briya could not hope to bring off. The man standing slightly apart at the junction of another corridor was approximately Aenardha’s height, though his colourations were diametric, being dark of skin and hair. The third part of the group was...huge. He was even taller than the woman, and clearly not human. He gave the impression of strength and his skin was a beautiful shade of purple. His eyes - in fact all their eyes - were a wonderful hue that made Briya’s black eyes subdued in comparison. She approached and let her eyes dart quickly over them all.

“Briya Valriya and Ensign Aenardha Sh'vastarth,” Briya said, indicating the woman at her side. “Thank you for waiting, your Majesty.”

Finding a place to drop her bag, Aenardha let it slide off her shoulders and onto the floor. She massaged one shoulder briefly and regarded the group. "Your highness," she gave a bow to Katya. She did not even know how to regard Qaraq, but she nodded to him all the same. "Mauricio," she turned to the man she had met before. Having 'met' the man was something of an understatement to be true as they were both connected in the strongest telepathic link Aenardha felt she could muster. At least they found the Pandora, more or less.

"Thank you both for arriving so urgently," Katya began, folding her hands together in front of her as she addressed the team. "The Admiral would've come to see us off herself, but felt it best to keep a distance. We are technically smuggling you both out of Federation territory, even if it is your choosing. We will be attempting to leave the area quickly and inconspicuously."

Mauricio stood forward, "Qaraq's ship will be able to conceal your presence in the cargo hold. Once we're clear of the station and into the Expanse, we will rendezvous and come back onto Katya's ship. Together we will attempt to find the Pandora and get you both onboard."

"We'll be using an area known as the Rentara Nebula." Katya continued, "If we time it correctly, we should have no interference from the Pact. We are hopeful that the Pandora will attempt to reach my station, Paradise Outpost. So we will head there first and make contact."

Some of the finer points of their covert exodus did not make complete sense to Briya, but she’d be the first to admit that without feeling deficient in the slightest. Logistics and strategy were fields of reference that she happily left in the hands of others. It would have been nice to receive some assurances, however, that the cargo hold on the tremendous Qaraq’s ship had never been used to haul livestock. Some smells were difficult to dispel.

Aenardha was not reading any minds but could feel high levels of confidence from everyone. They were just too strong to ignore. "Together," she said, "we will not fail."

Briya nodded, adding her agreement to Aenardha’s position.

"It is good to meet you both," Qaraq said, his voice still baritone even when quiet. "Pleasantries aside, we need to leave right now. Is everyone ready?"

Briya nodded again. As did Aenardha.

"Then let's go," Katya replied, turning quickly around, her long coat twirling as she did. "Mauricio, lead the way."

"Aye, my Queen." The Spaniard nodded, immediately taking point at the head of the group. He cleared the corridor ahead and signalled for everyone else to follow.

Aenardha made sure she was near the back of the line as she felt the need to be away from Mauricio. She was still effected by their telepathic link. Meditation was working but she was going to need space as well it seemed.

The group moved silently through the auxiliary passageway which wrapped around the Shuttlebay. They could hear maintenance crews working on ships in dock, the blaze of plasma torches and heavy equipment in use grew louder as they approached their destination. It was only a small night crew working at the moment, too busy in their repair duties to have cared about the band of mysterious figures even if they had noticed them. There were no words spoken by the group during this part of the journey, and footsteps were kept purposefully light. They were mere shadows passing by.

Finally they arrived at the access point to the Shuttlebay, near where Qaraq's ship was docked. Waiting in the darkened corridor were two of Katya's bodyguards; tall, burly figures who were standing by two large supply crates. Katya greeted her men with a quiet nod, before she turned back to the others.

"I'm afraid this part will be a little uncomfortable." She whispered to Briya and Aenardha. "Beyond this door is the docking ports and shuttle bay. It is highly monitored and secured. As the Admiral doesn't want anyone to know you two are leaving to find the Pandora, we must carry you onto Qaraq's ship in these." Katya indicated to the supply crates with a slight grimace.

Briya peered inside one of the large crates and breathed out heavily. Being smuggled off the station was starting to sound decidedly less appealing. Her mind was thinking of other ways they could get on board Qaraq’s ship; disguises, diverting the attention of the maintenance crew, transporters, wiping security footage. Each of those options had the advantage of requiring less indignity on the part of the diplomat, but certainly would require more work to cover their tracks.

Qaraq stepped around the crates and put hands on them. "They are usually used for medical supplies," he said. "They may be uncomfortable, but at least they don't smell like ochtra milk!" Qaraq grinned wide at his joke, which seemed to be lost on everyone else.

Briya gave Qaraq a huge smile and sucked it up. They were already here and there was nothing else for it. “Help me inside,” she asked of Qaraq as she braced herself against the lip. Hopefully he’d get her inside the crate with a touch of grace rather than a hefty toss, but for the sake of galactic peace, Briya would endure either.

Aenardha could have easily sent confusing mental projections out at far corners or made possible witnesses hear strange noises forcing them to look toward or investigate areas away from the group. But she was not able to fool security footage. Being smuggled inside these crates was the only way. Certainly all avenues had been pursued. She dropped her duffel bag beside her other one. "Be sure these go as well if at all possible." Aenardha stepped over to the second of the crates and stepped inside. It was certainly going to be hot inside there. This made her glad she wore standard civilian garb, something loose fitting, in the stead of her uniform. Aenardha had to curl up into a fetal position to fit adequately. She even had to draw her antenna down. "Please see to it that the cargo hold is not too hot. I...uh...I will manage," she said with a little bit of worry in her voice.

"Your cargo is safe with me," Qaraq assured Aenardha. "We'll let you out once we're on the ship. The unpleasantness will not last long. I also have two small living spaces, complete with beds and bathrooms. You both are welcome to them. I never shirk when it comes to comfort and cleanliness!"

Valriya had no antennae to draw down, but she was long of limp. Fortunately one of the symptoms of Coreopsis Syndrome was joint laxity or hypermobility. The diplomat crimped and tucked herself into the crate; tight squeeze was an understatement, but she managed to wedge her gangly body into place. Aenardha may have been worried about getting too warm, but Briya’s concerns were for getting too cold. Would the cargo bay be climate controlled? Did medical supplies typically warrant such accommodations? The prospect of a brief sojourn in the crate was made more tolerable by the promise of a pleasant journey afterwards, though they were all in some peril just for attempting to traverse the blockade.

Once the two were safely hidden inside, Mauricio and one of the bodyguards lifted up the first crate, while Qaraq and the other bodyguard raised the second crate. Katya drew her scarf around her face and sauntered through the doorway, quickly followed by the entourage and their large luggage. The Shuttle Bay crew didn't pay any attention to the sudden arrivals; they were far too busy with their work. It seemed they had been given an urgent direction to completely strip and clean the engine of the Admiral's person yacht after a fault was detected. The crew were entirely enthralled with their work, given the importance of the request. It was likely that this was Admiral Milne's doing, creating a distraction so that all of the attention was elsewhere while the escape party slipped away without much notice, and it was working. The group were able to load the crates onto Qaraq's cargo hold with swift ease.

As Mauricio and the bodyguards quickly departed off the loading ramp, heading towards Katya's awaiting ship, the Paradise's queen turned to her old friend. She squeezed his arm gently, "Be safe, your majesty. And may you deliver our precious cargo in peace."

Qaraq wrapped his friend into a giant hug. "Be safe yourself," he rumbled. "Call on me anytime!"

With a faint smile, Katya dipped her head in gratitude, nothing else needed to be said. She released his arm and slinked her way off Qaraq's ship.

Katya arrived at her own vessel soon after, her heart full of trepidation as she watched Qaraq disappear. She half-expected alert sirens to go off and for Starfleet to suddenly appear with weapons drawn. In her worst nightmares, they would be caught at the final stage of their covert departure and she'd be thrown into some Federation jail. But no alarms were raised when Qaraq departed, giving her hope that maybe they would actually pull this off.

Walking up the gangway that lead to her ship's small bridge, Mauricio was standing guard at the door. He held a PADD in his hand which was monitoring activity on Carnwennan Station.

"No movement." He murmured to Katya as she appeared. "If anyone was suspicious of us, they're not showing it."

"We still have a journey to go yet." Katya replied gravely, unable to allow herself to feel relieved just yet. "We must get away from the station, through the Corridor, and into the Expanse. Spies and hunters could be waiting for us."

Mauricio pocketed the PADD and gave a solemn nod as he stepped aside to allow Katya to enter. She did so with haste, not wanting to delay proceedings any further. Once she was inside, Mauricio stood back and tapped away on the door panel, which triggered the gangway to uncouple from the ship and the door sealed shut. As he arrived in the cockpit, Katya was already seated in her chair, her guards now sitting in the pilot's consoles.

"Power engines, low impulse." Mauricio instructed, standing by his queen's side. Katya stared ahead, only her bright orange eyes visible through the veil.

Katya's ship soon came to life and lifted off the ground, before making a slight turn to taxi onto Carnwennan's launch strip. In a purposefully slow manner, the vessel calmly sailed towards the opened bay doors.

"Carnwennan Flight Control to Paradise Vessel One." Came a call over the comms system. The operators in the top decks of the station had taken note of the ship's intent to leave. "You are not scheduled to depart."

"Paradise One to Carnwennan," Mauricio spoke, "We have been granted diplomatic envoy status, and thus we're free to leave at our own will."

There was a long pause from the comms line, causing Katya to nervously reach up and grabbed Mauricio's hand.

"One moment." Came the stoic reply from Carnwennan control.

A cold silence fell over the ship.

"Milne assured us we would be able to leave." Katya hissed to Mauricio, her body tensing with every passing second.

Mauricio placed his hand on hers, "Relax, this is just Starfleet's way. They have to triple check their socks are regulation approved before putting them on each morning."

Katya breathed out, "I hope so."

After an agonising wait of thirty more seconds, the comms lit up once more. "Envoy status confirmed, Paradise One. You are free to depart."

"Adios!" Mauricio called back, trying to be flippant but coming off as aggressively positive. Katya looked up to him and raised her eyebrow, causing Mauricio to shrug.

"Let's get out of here." Katya merely said.

The ship gently passed through the shield barrier on Carnwennan's shuttle bay, before turning once more to gain the correct trajectory. Engines were ignited and the vessel departed. The first step had been taken. There was little concern over the events when Carnwennan would eventually figure out that a Federation diplomat and a Starfleet ensign were sudden no longer aboard the station. Scans would produce no life signs and records would show no departure time, but that was no longer an issue as they were flying free in space.

OFF