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Cdr Wyatt Cayne

The High Ground

The High Ground

Cayne & Chirakis

 

From her vantage at Kvana Faisal in Aegis’ commerce area, Captain Chirakis watched the crowds pass in waves—ocean swells that varied according to commercial tidal flow: who was offering what special, and when. An occasional loud voice caught her attention, but for the most part the crowd was docile, using the commerce area to wind down after a long shift, or lingering until the late-night clubs opened, which would be soon.

 

Though Captain Chirakis had been Chief of Security for only a few hours, everyone seemed to know. Kvana's proprietor, Faisal, was waiting for her when she arrived. Her table was ready, in a fairly secluded area with a good view of the tavern and its patrons, and most of the commerce area. A sturdy weight-bearing column protected her back, and a blast-proof emergency exit two strides away opened only from the inside.

 

A bottle of exceptionally rare vintage Romulan ale sat expectantly in its chiller, and a crystal glass rested easily next to it on a white linen cloth. Faisal seemed to always know her needs. No, he was not Betazoid, but he often anticipated events with uncanny accuracy, and given her dislike of permanent command positions, it wasn’t difficult to predict her mood.

 

Faisal was well-known in this area of space. As the civilian proprietor of a highly-respected establishment he drew elite patrons — especially those of high status in the military and the diplomatic corps. Chirakis kept that in the forefront of her thoughts when she spoke. Confidentiality with Faisal went only so far; beyond that, she would tread on perilous ground.

 

“There are advantages to having a command position, Captain,” he commented as he poured her first glass. His words flowed in easy cadence, with a slight crispness and great fluidity in the formal, yet gentle lilt of a maitre d. “It provides the tools you need to accomplish your goals.”

 

Her expression remained passive, and she did not respond except for a polite nod and thank you. Yes, he had his contacts, and he was correct. Despite her initial bristle at the orders, she realized that this position offered certain useful amenities, especially the command codes and full access to Command and Control, all parts of the station, and the station’s security grid. For once, SI-5 had chosen wisely.

 

After a few sips of her Romulan ale, she paused to fully enjoy its quality. Faisal had indeed outdone himself, and a suspicious smile appeared as she wondered what favor he would ask once she settled in. It would be small and inconsequential, but something only she could fulfill. They knew each other well.

 

A few taps on the slate by her side brought up basic notes and station information, general command memos, and a few other things that had transpired since her departure. She began to read, taking intermittent sips of the ale and enjoying the solitude.

 

* * * * *

 

Not long after, another figure strolled into the Kvana Faisal, with careful steps and a quiet entry. The man was outfitted in earth-tones from head to toe, making him stand out against the largely gray backdrop. He took the nearest booth to the door and waited to be served. A waiter walked over, but before he could speak the man ordered his drink. Stuck between hiding out here and getting out quickly, the man could not hide his agitation. The tall drink arrived and he drank a quarter of it right off. News, both bad and good, slipped away for a few good moments, but reality bounced back: Tal Shiar.

 

He'd heard of the name before, obviously; anyone in intelligence circles learned of them the first day, along with Klingon Intelligence, Obsidian Order and Section 31. Sorry, that last entry does not exist. What did that little Rihan girl have to do with the Tal Shiar? Too young to be an agent, but in this wide universe of possibilities anything can happen.

 

And what of the father? He did not look a master in espionage, just a run-of-the-mill engineer with some strange hold over an alluring Trill. The Rihan girl may be his, but could not be from a union with his fiance. There had been an influx of orphans after the Romulus incident, flooding many sectors under Federation control. What of his fellow agent's interest in her? Chirakis likely watches everyone, including children. With another swallow of his drink he thought: especially children.

 

A tall, stately waiter suddenly appeared at his side, making Cayne jump slightly. His attention had settled on his drink rather than his surroundings. A bit sloppy, but he showed no surprise. A modicum of control in any situation did wonders.

 

“Excuse me, sir,” the gentleman began with an apologetic smile. “I am Faisal, sole proprietor of Kvana Faisal. I have a message for you, from Captain Chirakis.” He nodded toward a table that was fairly well hidden from the rest of the patrons. “In the far corner. If you are available, she would like you to join her.”

 

"Only if I can get a refill on this Altairian brandy," he asked, swinging his glass in the air.

 

“Of course, sir. I will bring it to your table.” Faisal deftly retrieved the empty glass as it waved. He bowed, then moved smoothly to the bar.

 

Commander Cayne left his empty glass of brandy to join Captain Chirakis with the promise of a fresh bottle of the same. He looked around for anyone else that may have seen him join her, but as the proprietor mentioned, her spot was indeed tucked away. His eyes lit up as he sat down to exactly the drink he wanted. With a swift twist he unscrewed the bottle and poured its first shot.

 

The captain greeted him without looking up from her slate, then mentioned in a quiet, casual tone, “I often question newcomers to the station, Commander. Anyone watching us will view it as a normal, introductory meeting.” Her smile was slight and a bit weary as she dispensed with her reading and looked up. “I suppose you’ve heard the news? Everyone else seems to know.”

 

Wyatt nodded. "Like you said. Congratulations." He held out a hand, then saw body language telling him a simple bow was enough. "Nice new station you have here. So, does this level have a name?"

 

“Although some are still using the moniker ‘Midway’ from the previous Jupiter class design, this is the Commerce level.”

 

"Commerce level? All of the names in the universe and this is all the Federation could come up with? It's much larger than a midway." He shrugged. "Well, I've surely put in a lot of foot falls on the 'CL'. Quite a collection of characters on this level alone. More species than I can count. Old enemies side by side." Wyatt smiled to one side. "Sounds ideal, for a captain like yourself."

 

That finally brought a smile, or something that looked like one. “This is not a Federation station, Commander,” she said. “It is a Joint Allied station. Old enemies?” She shrugged. “We welcome any species, so long as they obey the rules. This is, by and large, neutral territory.” The captain leaned back to allow Faisal access, then continued when he left. “Since I’m doomed to stay a while, have you any plans for the future?”

 

"Crimes have been solved and others are beyond my immediate purview, so I find myself assigned to Aegis for an indeterminate amount of time. Frankly, I'm running out of stools to occupy. It's good to know the best drinks for my different moods. I think I have a handle on it, but I otherwise need work." He drank the newly delivered brandy, finding it stronger than before.

 

“So, you are looking for a position in security, or elsewhere?”

 

"Can't say I've done actual security. Long-term observation? Sure. Chasing the bad guys? Sure." Wyatt looked her over through the shot glass. "I'm not much for working under a command structure. I'm my best when I work alone. Can't imagine that gig exists on a station like this."

 

“I think you might be surprised at how we work here, Commander,” she opined, studying her half-empty glass. “Yes, we ‘chase the bad guys,’ and yes, we often need long-term observation. Under my command you would move much as you are used to, however,” she paused with a poignant cautionary look in his direction, “you must remember that I am in command. You might be needed to work out of your comfort zone on occasion, and my word is the final word.”

 

"Of course, with a Captain as Chief of Security, how can I pull rank? It's not as if I have other places to be, lead the way Captain." He hurriedly drank down the rest of the brandy shot. He looked for Faisal, then spoke up. "I'll be coming back to this bottle," hoping he overheard his request.

 

Soon they were entering the security complex, not far from Kvana Faisal — a strange place for security. Then again, maybe not so strange.

 

“My office, Commander,” she said as they entered, a hand gesture indicating the elaborate bank of systems, monitors, and other equipment.

 

"Security is nothing without their toys." Wyatt looked all around to put what he saw to memory. Some of the devices were tools of the trade, but some of their function could not be determined. He continued to walk past the monitors watching everyone in public eye. A familiar, albeit short, figure popped into view, the Rihan child from earlier. He stopped to watch her sitting with her friend. "I trust this girl is being monitored constantly?"

 

“Why would I want to monitor this child?” she asked, turning to study him.

 

"The Tal Shiar are not to be trifled with, and I overheard her conversation. Seems like a possible liability security would keep on their radar. If," he turned to her, "you need anyone to observe her specifically I could tail her...and her companions."

 

At that, Chirakis reached to her desk and entered a code that turned the lights to a yellowish hue. Above the exit, the ‘secure’ symbol glowed, and the previous slight echo disappeared. She faced him with a direct, piercing gaze.

 

“The first order of business, Commander, is to remember that Aegis is not a secure facility. Before you begin spouting sensitive compartmentalized information, be sure you are speaking in a secure area. Is that understood?”

 

"Yes Captain," he said with a hint of chagrin.

 

“Now. As for the Tal Shiar, you are correct. They are not to be trifled with. But then,” her eyes narrowed and her expression turned deadly, “neither are we. Do not worry about the child. She is none of your concern.”

 

"Fair enough," he replied plainly, still watching the Rihan girl until the camera moved on.

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