As the ship slipped around the new towers of Ephyra's main city Jaran was truly impressed by what he saw.
"Sarah does good work. I hope the population appreciates it. "
Nala nodded in agreement. "Indeed. I think Sarah is going to be ok...with some help."
After making a complete circuit of the center of the city Jaran headed for the spaceport. "Did you set her up with a good counselor?"
"I think so......She's to teleconference with me twice a week."
He looked over at her, "Sure that is a good idea?"
"You want to take the chance she passes on any details of your mission?"
"I see your point".
In minutes the pair had landed and were making their way to the center of the city by hovercar.
***
Captain Robert Leo knew the next few weeks were going to be frantic, setting up a whole new department from scratch, in addition to being responsible or maintaining order in the chaos of moving an entire population into their new city. But knowing, and actually dealing with it.....were two different things. More than once in the last few days he had seriously considered his younger brother Galleys offer to come work with him in the Capitol City on Vespa IV. As he looked up at Zek Ishka, he was considering it again.
The Ferengi stood in front of Roberts desk, his arms folded across his chest, exasperation in his voice.
"Why are my permits being help up! I have vendors waiting to deliver supplies!"
Robert looked down at his screen, equally exasperated. "Zek. I promise you, I'm not deliberately holding anything up. Although maybe I should be." he replied thinking of Zek's tenure on Sigman Station Alpha and the Quasars Quest. But then, he had kept himself clean while at the Ephyra Casino.
"Then when will I have my clearances!?"
Robert looked past Zek's ears and called out to his assistant. "Breck, get in here."
A young human male came up, towering over the Frengi. Zek looked up straining his neck.
"Sir?"
"Breck. Please....get Zeks permits in order....NOW!"
"Sir...yes Sir." and the man spun on his heel back to his desk.
Zek smiled for the first time. "Thank you Captain."
Robert pointed a finger at him. "And our understanding continues. What you know...I know."
"Of course Captain. Of course."
When Zek turned to leave he nearly bumped into a tall Bajoran male. They locked eyes for moment.
"Excuse me." Jaran said.
"Uh...no problem." Zek replied as he maneuvered around the man and his companion, a beautiful Bajoran woman.
Robert leaned back in his chair. "I'm sorry, do you have an appointment?"
Jaran walked up to Robert and have curt bow. "Ranjen Dayor Jaran
Senior Research Administrator of the Bajoran Temple Vor-Huar on Bajor. And my assistant, Dr. Tal Nala."
Nala smiled and took a step to the side, giving them a bit of space.
"Uh huh. Well Ranjen Dayor, I don't mean to be rude, but unless you have an appointment, or there is some kind of emergency......"
Jaran cut him off. "If we could have a bit of privacy, please?"
Robert didn't like being pushed. Especially so early in the day. He keyed the door shut to his office, his assistant looking back with a worried look on his face.
"Ok Ranjen. In the interest of good relations with Bajor, you have 3 minutes."
Jaran took a seat. "Thank you Captain. First. My true identity. I am Commander Dayor Jaran, with Bajoran Intelligence. My title of Ranjen is my cover."
Robert's tail twitched. The conversation had just taken a very interesting turn.
"Really. Well. I must say, I'm impressed and pleased you think enough of us to identify yourself. It will go along way in our relationship."
Jaran looked at the Caitian and felt as if there was a memory here he was missing. There was something in the Caitian's eyes.
"Good. I hope to develop a long term working relatonship."
Robert looked at the Bajoran. It was refreshing not to have to play the cat and mouse games usually required with intelligence services.
"Now." Jaran continued. "I have an immediate concern."
"and that is?"
"I need the help of Human operative. A female"
"Is this intelligence gathering here on the colony? Or an operation of some sort?"
"An operation, but not here, on Bajor."
"May I ask the target?" Robert was now very intrigued.
"Servirta Bor."
Robert got up from his chair. His tail swishing back and forth. "Oh really. That scum of a Bajoran that would like nothing more than wipe us out of the sky?"
"The same." Jaran smiled, knowing he was going to get just about anything he needed. Sometimes its best just to come right out and ask he thought to himself.
"Yea. I can come up with some names for you. No problem."
It took more than a few minutes for Jaran brief Robert on his plan. Nala sat back amazed and concerned at how well the two work together. As far at they knew, they were complete strangers just an hour ago.
When the work was done Robert and Jaran shook hands, the door opening.
"I'll be in touch." Jaran said as he turned to leave. As he walked thru the door he heard Robert on the Com, dealing with another crisis. "For god sake.. Wait till I get there!"
Jaran stopped cold in his tracks, every hair on his neck tingling. He turned to look at the Captain, now deep in another conversation. At that moment he knew had much more than just the immediate mission to resolve.
A post by Commander Dayor Jaran
Senior Research Administrator of the Bajoran Temple Vor-Huar
Clandestine operative of the Bajoran Intelligence Service
Previously Marcus Dinn
