More Questions

Posted on Tue Jan 31, 2017 @ 11:56pm by Commodore Michael Aravan & Vashkele & Lieutenant Xylia Lischka

Mission: An Orion to Die For
Location: Various
Timeline: MD 4 || 0730 Hours

As per the Commander's request, Xylia escorted Vashkele to the Captain's Ready Room. Since they were expected, she walked straight inside and stopped short when she saw the Captain kneeling down on the ground picking up a coffee cup. What the hell had happened to cause something like that to happen? And why was he taking care of it himself?

She cleared her throat in an attempt to get his attention. "Captain... Vashkele and I are here as requested."

Michael looked up as he finished collecting the pieces of the cup he had thrown and found himself looking up at the Assistant Chief of Security and Tactical and the Orion woman. He quickly stood up with the pieces and cleared his throat as he had forgotten that the door wasn't locked at Maddy had manually unlocked it. "Please, come in," he said as he headed towards the recycler to dispose of the broken cup.

Vash smirked at the position the Captain had been in, thinking that it was a good one for a male, but kept her mouth shut.

Xylia looked around. "Was Commander Weisz called away? I assumed she would be here since she's the one who requested our presence."

"Er, yes," Michael said as he remembered Lischka's personnel file and recalled that she had had Command training. "I need to speak with you about that, Lieutenant."

"Do I detect a problem?" Vash asked innocently as she looked around and noted the three solid pips still laying on the conference room table.

Michael saw the direction that Vash was looking and cursed mentally as he saw the pips that Weisz had laid on the table. "No, you don't," he said. "I called you up here to discuss granting your asylum. Please have a seat."

Lischka looked in the direction they'd both glanced in and saw the pips lying there. A frown formed on her lips. She already knew what the conversation he wanted to have with her regarded. It wasn't right. But, rather than focus on that, she looked to Vash and gestured for her to take a seat at the table just before she settled down as well. "We'll stick to the reason why we were called here originally. Anything else can wait until later. If that's okay with you, Captain?"

Michael crossed to the table and picked up the pips in his left hand, but didn't have anywhere to put them, so he decided to hold them. "I'm afraid that's impossible since Commander Weisz has requested a temporary leave of absence of her duties due to personal reasons," he said as he called up Xylia's record on the table. He looked them over and then back at her.

"Due to your having successfully taken Command classes previously, I'm offering you the temporary position of Executive Officer so you can get access to the information I'm about to offer you."

Xylia didn't even blink. That was exactly what she thought he wanted to talk to her about, though, she was fairly certain things got a bit more violent than he was letting on. That, however, was none of her business. "Of course, Captain. I'll do whatever I can to help you out." Was she prepared to take on such a role? Hell no. But, she'd do her best.

Vash smirked. This was getting juicier than finding out that the Klingon Chancellor had been caught dressed as a maid in service to a Ferengi woman. She went to take a seat and crossed her legs, her emerald green eyes sparkling with humor.

The Lieutenant looked toward Vash and frowned. She'd been nothing but kind to the Orion woman, so to see this kind of reaction from her was rather upsetting. "You don't have to appear so pleased, Vashkele. Especially since you're looking to us for asylum."

"Sorry," Vash said contritely. "It's not every day that I get a tidbit tossed in front of me. It won't happen again."

"Computer, edit to record of Lieutenant Xylia Lischka," Michael said. "Increase Computer Access Level to nine and increase Security Clearance to Alpha One and grant her the temporary position of Executive Officer." He gave his authorization and made a note to change it as soon as the Orion woman left.

He went to the replicator and got a blank PADD from it, then came back and downloaded the information learned from Rho and Cheshire, then handed it to Xylia rather than bring it up on the table in front of Vashkele. "Read over that while I discuss matters with Miss Vashkele, please," he said.

"Yes, Captain," Xylia said, accepting the PADD from him and began to read over it. Her brows raised the more she got into it, but she said nothing for the moment.

Michael looked at Vashkele. "Your information about Raimus paid off and he's currently sitting in our brig," he said. "Because of that and your assistance in preventing the ship from being boarded, I've decided to grant you temporary asylum while on the Triumphant."

"Thank you, Captain Aravan," Vash said, surprised and pleased that her request had been granted. Obviously, these Federation types were eager to get old scraps that were ready to e thrown out anyway. "I'm glad that my information panned out."

Michael held up a hand. "However, your access to the ship will be limited in several ways. First, you won't have full access to the replicator other than for food, drink and clothing. Second, no access to the holodecks unless accompanied by a senior member of the staff. Third, you will only have access to the Promenade on deck ten and the stores contained there. Any items you purchase if you have the funds will be inspected by Security. Fourth, you'll have to keep taking your inhibitor shot, which I understand requires you to take norepinephrine. Do you understand?"

Vash thought about the restrictions that had been placed on her and debated trying to negotiate but decided against it. "That is very kind, Sir," she said and decided to ask Xylia to intercede on her behalf after the meeting. "What about personal quarters? The brig holding facility is a bit....lacking."

"You'll be assigned to a civilian quarters on deck one and a Security officer will be assigned post outside of them," he said.

"You act like you don't trust me, Captain," Vash said with a small pout.

"I'm a Captain of a starship with four thousand people under my command," Michael said. "I don't get paid to trust people. I get paid to command." He paused and looked at Xylia. "Do you have other restrictions or recommendations for Miss Vashkele?" he asked her.

"No, Captain, I do not," she answered, though, she did have a lot of other questions regarding the information she'd just found. "Vashkele... I've not lied to you since we've met. In fact, I've gotten you everything that you've required to be comfortable and will continue to do so. I ask you for the same courtesy. What can you tell me about Vigar, Gaalaz, Mizim, Jazen, Mara, Neeshka, and Shailaa?"

Vash thought for a moment. "Well, they're all Orion names," she hedged for a minute while she decided how much she should and shouldn't know. "According to the Orion naming system, Mara, Neeshka and Shailaa are female names and Vigar, Gaalaz, Mizim, and Jazen are all male Orion names."

She paused for a moment and looked at Xylia, then at the Captain and back to Xylia. "I have to ask, though, what do these names mean to you in particular?" she asked as she made a universally understood gesture by rubbing her thumb and index finger together.

"I'll set up an account for you and transfer credits over once we've finished here," Xylia stated. "But... What those names mean to us is they're all Captains of slaver vessels, and the females serve under the men. With the exception of one. In fact, one of those Captains provided some interesting information about two slave holding facilities on Stameris. Holding facilities for 'special' slaves. Shol'Tar and Kelshaak. They're all connected. How?"

Despite herself, Vash flinched when she heard the names of Shol'Tar and Kelshaak. "They run smuggler and slaver ships," she said. "Look...asylum or not...if this information gets out and is connected to me, I'm as good as dead. You'd be better off taking your phaser and setting it to the highest setting to use on me just for me talking to you about this. I need peace of mind, Xylia."

"The only peace of mind I can offer you is that as long as you're on this ship, you're safe. Nothing will happen to you, which is another reason the Captain wishes to place a guard with you at all times. Personal protection. We're a floating target, and the individuals out here would not hesitate to board us, nor would they hesitate to go after you if you're affiliated with them in any way," she said, giving Vash her complete attention. "In order for me to be able to help you... to keep you safe... you have to tell me everything. If I only know bits and pieces, I can't do my job. I'd like to think that you and I are becoming friends, and I want to do everything I can to protect you. Help me protect you."

She is smooth as glass Michael thought as he watched her, but he also kept an eye on Vashkele, but chose not to interrupt. He wanted to see what was going to happen next and got an irrational urge to get up and replicate some popcorn.

"I know what you know about Shol'Tar and Kelshaak and maybe a bit more," Vash said reluctantly. "Except they'll be heavily guarded. I also know that the Syndicate protects their interests heavily. I'm talking Neg'Var Warships, Vor'cha attack cruisers, D'deridex Class, D'Kora Class Troop Ships, Galors and Hideki Fighters. Getting in....you need a subspace pass code to even get the right frequency and it changes all the time."

Something Lieutenant Rho might be able to gain access to, the German woman thought as she processed what she just heare. Xylia had a feeling Vask knew more than she was letting on to, but she wasn't playing the Orion woman. She was going to do whatever she could to protect her. Their biggest issue wasn't even getting the code. It was getting inside with any Federation vessel. If only they hadn't cut the Zeus loose, then this situation might have been different. "What else can you tell me? Keep in mind that the more I know, the safer you will be. I know this has to be an incredibly scary situation for you to be in, but I've got your back."

"You're best bet would be to get that information out of Raimus," Vash said. "The Syndicate always has something on everyone who is a member. I remember hearing that he had a family somewhere on Invernia II and if I know it, the Syndicate knows it. Use that against him."

"We will," Xylia said as the wheels in her head started to turn. Perhaps... if she talked to Raimus herself... offered his family some kind of protection... he'd be inclined to talk. There was nothing she could do for him. After all... he was a criminal. "Are you telling me everything, Vash? I need you to understand just how important all of this is. Not o py are you helping us, but you're helping yourself. I'm going to help you. In fact, if you'd like to, you can bunk with me. There's no other place on this ship where you'll be safer. You'll still have a guard when I'm on duty, but after that, I'll take over." Nothing like throwing a starving dog a bone when things got precarious.

Vash gave a soft laugh and a coy look that would bring most men to their knees and Michael had to struggle not to tell Xylia to lay off. "I much prefer to sleep in my own place," she said before flicking her emerald gaze towards Michael. "Unless you know a handsome man who'd like to join me."

"Would you ladies like something to drink?" Michael asked as he got up to head to the replicator to give himself a break. Pheromone inhibitor or not, the Orion woman knew exactly how to work in the presence of a male.

"No, thank you," Vash said. "Your replicators leave a lot to be desired." She looked back at Xylia. "I used to be a member of the Syndicate...well, a piece of property of one of the lesser heads. They treated me badly and this...well, this is my chance to get back at them."

Was she a former member? Or was she still a member? Xylia didn't think she was going to get anything more than that, but she'd gotten a lot more than she could have hoped for. The German woman looked toward Michael. "Do you have any questions, Captain?"

"What about passcodes into the system?" Michael asked as he came back with a glass of cold water.

"They change all the time, but that information should be on Raimus' ship or one of his crew may know, if you didn't kill them all," Vash said.

"I'll take a small team and look through logs. In fact.... we might be able to use his ship to get through. Face it... we're not going anywhere in our current vessel," Xylia pointed out. "Any answers that are to be had will be found there. I'll also have the remaining crew questioned. Captain... I know this request might seem out of the ordinary, but can I have a few minutes alone with Vashkele, please?"

"That's not a bad idea." Michael blinked at being asked to leave his office, but Xylia was his new acting Executive Officer. "You have five minutes," he told her. I'll be right outside of the door if you need me." He gave them both a look and headed out. The moment he was outside the door and it had closed, he ordered the computer to record everything that was said in the Ready Room.

When the coast was clear, Xylia looked toward her knew friend, knowing the Captain was going to record what was said inside. In fact, she was banking on it. "After everything I've done for you... am doing for you... you lied to me. Why?"

Vash rolled her eyes and motioned around the room and gave a lopsided smile. "A girl has to have some secrets," she said.

"Not when they're in the position of dying a brutal death!" Xylia couldn't help but snap. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to compose herself. "No piece of property belonging to a lesser member of the Syndicate would know what you do. Not even the lesser member would know. Who are you really? And let's go for the truth this time. I've already told you I can't protect you without that. I need the truth, Vash, and try not to feed me crap this time. I loathe the taste."

Vash leaned forward and met Xylia's hazel eyes with her intense green ones. "Obviously you didn't get the hint I just tossed your way, which means you aren't Intel," she said. "I just watched you become the Executive Officer of this ship and now you're playing good officer, bad officer in a singular role in an office where everything is obviously recorded."

She paused for a moment. "Also take this into consideration: There's just been a shake up in the Command ranks and that's going to be bad for morale. I've given you more than enough information for you to get your people back if you're smart, but don't try to bargain with someone who has nothing to lose unless you're putting something else on the table."

"I'm not playing a damn thing, Vashkele. I suppose we're done here then, aren't we?" Xylia asked, feigning frustration as she shoved her hands through her hair. "You've been granted asylum... promised protection... credits to make your stay with us more pleasant. What more could you possibly want? My blood?"

She shook her head and moved to the door. "We're finished here, Captain. I'll escort her to quarters on deck one, then have a guard assigned to her."

Vash gave an enigmatic smile and got up to go stand beside of Xylia. "For what it's worth, I like you, Xylia and I'm not after your blood. You have no idea what I go through in my life as I do not know what you go through. Together, though, I think we can work something out."

Michael nodded. "I'll talk with you more when you get back, Lieutenant," he said.

Xylia nodded her head at Michael, then walked out of his Ready Room to escort Vash to deck one. She made the journey in silence, a look of contempt on her face. Suddenly, she stopped and looked around. When she saw their section was empty, she stepped through a door and pulled Vash inside.

They were now in a maintenance room. "You didn't want to be recorded, and now you aren't. I'm risking a lot right now to help you."

Vash appraised her openly for a moment before she nodded. "You are, but you're also going to tell your Captain everything I tell you, but at least it isn't on the official record. You're right that a piece of property wouldn't know everything that I do, but I'm also an Orion woman and that means men answer to me and give me what I want. Meetings take place and I got passed around. They thought they could resist me, but few could. So yes, I know things. A lot of things, but your ship and crew cannot give me what I want and I am not going to put you in more danger than you can handle."

"You never told anyone what you really wanted, so all we can offer is what we think it is you want," the Starfleet officer said. She obviously wasn't going to get anywhere with the Orion woman, so what was the point. Xylia tapped her combadge and requested their best female officer to meet them. "Let's go. Your account will be set up within the hour." With that, she opened the door and gestured for her to head back out into the corridor.

Vash reached to lay a hand on her arm and gave a faint smile. "If it were that easy, the Federation would have done it by now, but it's not that easy. Perhaps we can meet for dinner tonight?"

"It could be if the individual holding all the cards laid them out on the table," she said with a sad smile. "As for dinner, I'll let you know. My new role means new hours." She studied Vash for a moment. "I know you don't really trust me, and that's okay. I'll keep up my end of things regardless." On that note, she moved out of the closet and into the corridor once more.

"An old saying it is easier to poke her than to poker, but only if you have the face for the game," Vash said as she followed her. "You won't regret this. By the way, I think you are far better Command material than that redheaded bitch."

Xylia said nothing. She was disappointed, and maybe even a little hurt, but what did that matter? It didn't take long before she came to a door and opened it, speaking finally. "You'll be comfortable here. I'll get your account set up before I leave and transfer credits over."

Vash stepped in and looked at Xylia, then gave a smile. "Just remember that a cluros dubi can overcome an etadubran." The translator interpreted the words as coolness, slave, and the obligated, but there was something in the way the Orion woman said it. "Thank you, Xylia."

"You're welcome," she said, moving to the replicator and programming it, then made her way to the terminal to start an account. With that done, she transferred credits from her own account over, then looked to Vash. "You're all set."

"Remember what I told you," Vash said as she looked around. "It will take you far."

"I will. We'll meet up for dinner, I promise," she said before heading out. Xylia needed to meet back up with the Captain.