S:5 E:11 - He Who Dies Pays All Debts

[Zhukdrashar Mrekrerhas]

[Lieutenant Junior Grade Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas / Mercenary T'Riss | Ishtar Bazaar, Ferenginar Branch | Thieves Quarter | Ferenginar]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Ishtar Bazaar, Ferenginar Branch | Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Nira nodded in regards to Cloten's directions. She approached the dancers when they were finished and gushed out her admiration at their skill and inquired about joining in.

"We've got more than enough dancers for the troupe alone," one of the dancing girls said, trying to shoo her off.

"Oh, but I am very skilled in the art of dancing," said Nira.

"Well, we don't just accept just anybody," the dancing girl scoffed, but then another woman stepped up. Looking directly at her, Nira realized that it was Visa. Nira was certainly surprised to see Visa up close and personal.

Visa had apparently changed into something more lavish, but Nira could see her gloves, with a slight bulk on her wrists where her "claws" are drawn.

"I have seen you since you've entered this interesting establishment," said Visa. "Approaching us, aspiring dancer, I see?"

"That I am," said Nira.

"Well, up close...you have the build," said Visa. "It depends if you have the skill."

"Oh, I'm always available for freelance," said Nira.

"Freelance is one thing, but skill would be another matter," said Visa. She took Nira backstage. Of course, Nira had her own outfit and demonstrated her skill in it. She was certainly surprised that Visa had become impressed after one song's worth of dancing.

"Spectacular, my girl, spectacular," she said. "You look worthy of dancing my side. Who might you be?"

"Najwa Sahmed," said Nira. "And you?"

"Visa of Orion," the animal woman purred. "Let's see how you when we're ready next."

Meanwhile, up at the table, Gath looked up and sneered with a quiet snarl at T'Riss.

"What'sss it to you, furball?" he sneered. "Why would you look fassst into my body count? And what human?" he said curiously. "If you wanted to talk about my varied confrontations with a few different Fenris Rangers, then I'd be glad to talk. That Ranger in particular...tall as a Klingon, but wailed like a child with the right kick. He wasss no Jamesss Kirk, but he's a worthwhile opponent."

Just then, he heard the music coming on again and double-taked to see Visa performing with a new dancing partner. Human from the look of her, although he was befuddled by how rubbery she looked.

"Look at her," he sneered. "One would think she could curl into a rubber ball and bounce."

'T'Riss' only limited himself to smirking in Gath's direction, preparing to answer his query with a more comprehensive statement, one that could readily make him more amiable towards him. In the case that he wasn't bluffing, of course, but he imagined that was most likely not the case. "Precisely him-"

He could only say, before he was stopped as his attention was brought towards the dancing human, being pointed at by the disparaging comments that Gath was making about her. He chuckled as a response, nodding a couple of times. "Ah yes, I know 'er. That's me missus, Najwa Sahmed. I'm his bodyguard. But she'd left me lose off the leash for a moment, harr-harr."

He commented, deciding to watch Nira dance for now. After all, why not enjoy the show now that he was here, correct? A little perk of being working incognito, he supposed. He had to agree though: she bent and moved like he had never seen someone do it before. Nira was quite flexible.

"You should see 'em private dances. Ho-hoh, that's the real good stuff, let me tell you..."

[Liquidator Bock | Bock's Office | Tower of Commerce | Fereng | Fereginar]

Going back into the Tower, Bock heard out Galloway's news with interest yet skepticism.

"Well, I hope they're the kind of ships that'll stand up to a whole fleet in case things go haywire."

The huge butler let out a comment; generally, only such people were silent when they served the Nagus.

"While you were gone," he said, "we received word from our outer satellites. The incoming fleet is mostly comprised of older ships, some as old as a century."

Bock stared in surprise and then smiled in delight. "Well...maybe three ships plus yours could stand a chance."

"Very much," said T'Kel, coming in. "Challenger has incredible shield capacity. Old as it is, it has a huge defensive advantage."

Turning to Captain Galloway, she replied, "Captain, I've been inquiring around, and I was informed that there are some more bodies in the morgue. I'm going to take the two Doctors with me to look them over."

"The bodies are mostly some trackers," explained Bock. "Often in Dokan's wake. Somtimes they turn up dead whenever we try to track him. I don't know whether or not if he did it or a cohort."

When the show ended, 'T'Riss' prepared to ask again about that tall human that had been beaten by the man, though he took a moment to think as to how he could lead the conversation forth so that the killer could reveal more about Dokan. What would be the right way to breach the topic? Maybe asking him that he also overheard about him, and wanted some good money from hunting him down? That could earn him some ire from Gahr as a potential rival in his own quest, but it could work.

Maybe he could also ask about Dokan, stating that he had mistakenly thought him to be some kind of dangerous murderer and now that the topic of him being bodyguard for 'Najwa', and extract some information. That surely could work better. Grinning to himself, he proceeded to lean relaxedly over the table, proceeding to ask. "Yea, that tall guy, of the Fenris Rangers. Actually, all your kills with 'em. Oughta be somethin' quite... impressive~"

He commented, hoping to ease him into revealing more information. Before that could happen, however, Nira came by, telling him it was time to go. "Riight now, missus? Agh... fine, fine. I'm comin'" He spoke, nodding towards Gahr, hoping he could transmit that he respected him, before taking his leave. "Nice meetin' 'chu and all. All an honor." He stood up, and continued behind Nira, back at alert mode.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

CPO ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Ferenginar - Thieves' Quarter - Latinum Lair]

[Deej Cloten | Alleyways >- Latinum Lair | Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Fereinginar]

Cloten let out a toothy yet crooked smile, potentially one worthy of Quark. "Might as well. Business has been good lately."

And so, they went to the Latinum Lair. It was certainly seedier than usual, and everybody seemed to be sporting a weapon of any kind, though the presence of Eliminators kept things quiet, yet there was a tense air around. People especially seemed to give Cloten a berth as he led the way to a table.

At their table, Cloten pulled out his own flask for his drink to be poured in...a flasked shaped by part of the skull of a Selay. Xinor and Calud looked at each other; they knew full well how dangerous Cloten can be; displaying one of his Selay trophies was one way of demonstrating his power of sorts.

Lahr glanced at the gruesome looking flask.  "That can't be hygienic." he mused under his breath.

When his own drink arrived along with those for Xinor and Calud, he barely sipped at, glancing in a sidelong manner towards the skull as if that was the cause of his apparent abstinence.

At mention of the Romulan mark, all three perked up simultaneously.

"Word gets around, I see," Xinor said smoothly.

"He's more elusive than a shrouded Jem'Hadar, I will say this," Calud said.

"You're one to talk, with your war record," Cloten said. "And your bad luck to come across that many during the war."

"I'm still alive, aren't I, Cloten?" Calud sneered.

"Anyway," said Cloten back to Lahr, "the Romulan Dokan, yes, we suspect he has some technology of which to hide himself. Hell, he may have a Jem'Hadar shroud on him, which is why he disappears. Believe me, we try to track him, the Ferengi tries to track him, nothing. Sometimes he evades them. Sometimes the trackers turn up dead. There have been plenty of deaths in his wake in the month he's been here. The only reason we know he could've potentially killed them is because they're exactly the trackers that have been assigned to track. That hanging, however," he continued as he pulled out a PADD of his own, "that was a first. Some bigwig official, don't know if he decided to follow him himself or what, but still, it's a shocker. That tower used to be one big gallows in old times, but it had been gradually phased away when victims had been sent going splat into the Marketplace below; betting where the landing would be is better business. All we know is, something like that is indicative something big is going on against the Ferengi government."

As he sipped at his ale, Lahr listened to the information the assassin's provided him. The idea that the Romulan might be using a Jem'Hadar shroud was not something he'd considered.  But it gave him ideas from which to work off of.  Like maybe the best way to track someone who goes invisible might be to be invisible yourself.

Finding a Jem'Hadar shroud wouldn't be an easy thing... but if any place had such a product.  It would be Ferenginar.

News of more deaths was a bit concerning.  Especially since the Romulan seemed to be targeting those going after him... which unfortunately for Lahr was his mission.  Yeah, that shroud idea was looking better and better."

When the talk moved on to the hanging earlier, Lahr took in the information Cloten mentioned.  It matched what he'd overheard Bink tell Nira.  So it seemed that Cloten's intel could be trusted. Good to know.

He pulled up some death records recorded in the last month, all indicative of somebody exceptionally strong had did the deed. One tracker had had his limbs ripped off, according to one record. Another showed a tracker contorted into a ball, the crushed bones certainly enough to kill the poor fellow.

"Ah, what do we care?" scowled Calud. "Governments fall, it's not our place. If they need help with something, we're there."

"The problem is, there's not a damn thing we can do about Dokan," Xinor growled gently. "He saunters around like he pleases, and he knows the Eliminators are watching us. We can't track him because he disappears and we've never been able to get close enough to touch him, let alone plant a microscopic tracker on him."

Lahr couldn't stop his antennae from telegraphing his shock the details of the deaths.  Those were so not normal.  There few species that could rip limbs off a body, or contorted into a ball.  The more he heard, the more he suspected that this 'Romulan' wasn't at all what he appeared to be.

"That can't be good be for business." Lahr stated "When a single Romulan makes fools of the best assassins in two quadrants... three if there representatives from the Gamma Quadrant here.  Just...Wow.  I bet the one who put the hit out on him, is none too pleased that no one has managed to collect."

Cloten took his drinks as he listened to Lahr and the assassins debate, then he said, "I think I need to get back to my office, I may need to go over some things. Don't mess with him, boys, he's one potential client."

As Cloten left, Xinor hissed. "I'd be careful with him if I were you," he told Lahr. "Deej Cloten is one dangerous man. You can get him for cheap if you wanted a Selay out of the way; that's one Antican that's never changed his ways."

When Cloten opted to leave, Lahr gave a nod in farewell.   This time he caught on to the oddness of Cloten considering him a potential client, not potential merchant.   Client was unlikely; him hiring an assassin?  Tsk.. as if.

But the Antican left without Lahr questioning it. If Cloten was being this nice to him because he thought he might become a client then he wasn't about to abuse him of that misconception.

Hearing Xinor's hissed whisper after the Antican, left Lahr frowned.   Odd that he wasn't on Bink's list then.

"I'll keep that in mind and try to stay on his good side." he acknowledge with a grateful nod.  "Thanks for the drinks and the company guys.  It's been informative and potentially profitable.  Ha.. been here less than a day and I'm already sounding like a Ferengi.  Hehee... But I think I need to do a bit of market research now. Can either of you tell me who I would speak to if I was looking to purchase some Dominion tech?  Off the books... and where can I find them?"

NPC Lt JG Chloe Davies
[Shuttle Scobee / Ferenginar - Fereng >>> Hotel Suite]

[Shuttle Scobee]

The hooded Ferengi approached Chloe and Fisher and bowed.

"Welcome to Ferenginar, hyoomans. I have been sent by Eliminator Bink, who is playing host to your friends," he said, pulling up images of Nira, Lahr and Zhuk, to indicate he was sent not just by Bink, but in a way, by the other three.

Naturally, he led them on over to Bink's suite in the hotel near the Thieves Quarter, where Eliminator Bink welcomed them warmly.

After having been led to the hotel, Chloe grew even more miffed at Lahr not being present.  Where the hell was the Andorian?

From what she'd been told he'd asked for her specifically - with his damned medical scanner.... yet here she was and he was no where to be found!

The nurse looked to Robert for a moment somewhat expectantly - as if he might know what to do, even thought in actuality, rank-wise, Chloe was in charge. She just needed to decide what to do. But in situations that weren't medical, Chloe was rather lost.

"I don't know if its better to stay put and wait for him to finally deign to show up, or to use the scanner to try and track him down.   What do you think, Robert? "

[Nira Said]

[Lieutenant Junior Grade Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas / Mercenary T'Riss | Ishtar Bazaar, Ferenginar Branch | Thieves Quarter | Ferenginar]

'T'Riss' only limited himself to smirking in Gath's direction, preparing to answer his query with a more comprehensive statement, one that could readily make him more amiable towards him. In the case that he wasn't bluffing, of course, but he imagined that was most likely not the case. "Precisely him-"

He could only say, before he was stopped as his attention was brought towards the dancing human, being pointed at by the disparaging comments that Gath was making about her. He chuckled as a response, nodding a couple of times. "Ah yes, I know 'er. That's me missus, Najwa Sahmed. I'm his bodyguard. But she'd left me lose off the leash for a moment, harr-harr."

He commented, deciding to watch Nira dance for now. After all, why not enjoy the show now that he was here, correct? A little perk of being working incognito, he supposed. He had to agree though: she bent and moved like he had never seen someone do it before. Nira was quite flexible.

"You should see 'em private dances. Ho-hoh, that's the real good stuff, let me tell you..."

When the show ended, 'T'Riss' prepared to ask again about that tall human that had been beaten by the man, though he took a moment to think as to how he could lead the conversation forth so that the killer could reveal more about Dokan. What would be the right way to breach the topic? Maybe asking him that he also overheard about him, and wanted some good money from hunting him down? That could earn him some ire from Gahr as a potential rival in his own quest, but it could work.

Maybe he could also ask about Dokan, stating that he had mistakenly thought him to be some kind of dangerous murderer and now that the topic of him being bodyguard for 'Najwa', and extract some information. That surely could work better. Grinning to himself, he proceeded to lean relaxedly over the table, proceeding to ask. "Yea, that tall guy, of the Fenris Rangers. Actually, all your kills with 'em. Oughta be somethin' quite... impressive~"

He commented, hoping to ease him into revealing more information. Before that could happen, however, Nira came by, telling him it was time to go. "Riight now, missus? Agh... fine, fine. I'm comin'" He spoke, nodding towards Gahr, hoping he could transmit that he respected him, before taking his leave. "Nice meetin' 'chu and all. All an honor." He stood up, and continued behind Nira, back at alert mode.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said/Najwa Sahmed | Ishtar Bazaar, Ferenginar Branch | Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Even from across the room, Nira could hear Gath growling.

Indeed, Gath looked up on occasion as he ate, but was mostly focused on his food. He did keep on talking to T'Riss.

"Now, following the ssscent of a target, that's another matter altogether," he said. "Target here, damned elusive. I don't know why there's so much heaped on Dokan. There are more worthwhile targetsss for me, like this latest bounty jumping around the stars. Jack Crusher is his name. I'd rather be looking for that boy across the quadrant rather than being stuck here and waiting to get busted by these big-eared whelps."

He looked around and saw the very dancer summoning T'Riss. He shrugged and went back to his food, but then came a beeping from a PADD...notification from Cloten. He looked briefly and said, "Here, furball, perhaps if you and your girl would like more firepower...I sssee she was talking to Cloten. He may have a new merchant for some new toys. Come on by tomorrow and we'll see what he's like and what he hasss to offer."

Nira had just approached Zhuk's side when she heard Gath tell him about Cloten and a new merchant...now that was intriguing. Who was this, she wondered. It's not like they're going to do a thing with Eliminators watching them.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully as they scoped out the different establishments before finishing at the Latinum Lair, and there they found Lahr, chatting with Xinor Dralin and Calud Daaom.

"Tell Lahr that I've sent you to request his presence for dinner," she whispered to Zhuk. "We'll meet out and then we'll return to Bink's suite."

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Bink's Suite | Outside the Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Nira had just gotten back with Lahr and Zhuk and found Nurse Davies and Mister Fisher there with Bink. Bink may have been a good host, but Nira was sure she felt the annoyance vibes heated from the end of the hallway.

"Nurse. Mister Fisher," said Nira. "Glad you could make it here. I suppose you're wondering what's going on..."

And she explained to Chloe and Fisher about what is going on, about the defector Dokan and the increased assassin presence and Dokan's elusiveness and how unusual Dokan is, that he may not be who he appears to be...

"...if you were informed to bring down a medical scanner," said Nira, "we're hoping that we'll be able to figure out what Dokan really is, and perhaps we'll be able to track him better than the Ferengi. On that note...did one of your people contact Dokan?" asked Nira, turning to Bink.

"Certainly," he answered. "He was passing through the Latinum Lair, but one of my people managed to reach him before he left the building. He's agreed to meet you here, a small meal and discussion. He'll be available tomorrow after the first round of the auction."

"The auction is starting tomorrow?" asked Nira in surprise.

"Yes, Liquidator Bock has sent word to me that the Romulan delegates will be arriving tomorrow. We've got a good deal of non-Romulans here already - and outside the Thieves Quarter - and three other Federation ships will be here as well."

"Talk about timing," said Nira. "I believe we've got a potential contact, somebody who the assassins will know..."

"Yes, we know about Deej Cloten," said Bink.

"You really are all ears," said Nira, impressed.

"Eyes and ears," said Bink. "In fact, the hyoomaan phrase, 'walls have ears,' it's one hyoomaan phrase that's very universal. That Antican has many things in common with one of our best ambassadors, Quark. He's business-based, but he's bloodthirsty, particularly when it comes to Selay. Something this big would naturally lure him back from the Gamma Quadrant."

Nira nodded. "Well, it seems he's in the business of arms dealing."

"Of course he is," Bink retorted. "He trades and smuggles and deals with anything...except slaves, of course. Arms are easy for him. Only Gaila can rival him. The only reason Cloten doesn't own his own moon is because me blows fortunes faster than he can make them, mostly in bribes, means to guarantee silence."

"He deal frequently with anybody?"

"Sure," he said. "He's answerable to anybody who pays or intimidates hi...."

He suddenly stopped and stared incredulously at Nira. "You don't mean you know how to work him?"

"Cloten knows me from when I was on an undercover assignment of my own on Risa," explained Nira. "In any case, he'll be listening in frequently. In fact, he may even have a new merchant to deal with, a new arms source, and we were even invited by one of the assassins to meet..."

She immediately looked over at Lahr and said, "Lahr, did you pick up anything about that? I mean, you were separate from the group for a while..."

"Well, it's, again, not a good idea for both of you to be there," said Bink. "You and the Caitian...but I might be able to arrange something to disguise you in particular, Commander."

Nira nodded, but she leaned more to Lahr in an inquisitive way to hear him out...

***

"First Officer's Log, Stardate 78144.14. The day of the auction has arrived. Hopefully, meeting Cloten and the assassins will keep the most dangerous hired hands in the quadrant busy and away from the auction. Meantime, Nurse Davies is back at Bink's suite to make the arrangements to set up the medical scanner so we can get a good idea of what Dokan really is. Zhuk will be at the bounty hunter meeting, and Fisher will be keeping the 'getaway car warmed up,' as they say on Earth. Lahr will also be there...in a way. And so will I...in an especially unique way."

[Deej Cloten | Backrooms | Quarter Warehouse | Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Cloten was not the only one who was itching in excitement. So were the customers hanging in the room with him, though they could be just as impatient as they were excited. A unique haul and a contract with a unique business. It was definitely not something to miss.

Gath, Caju, Galen Mal and the Nausicaan were merely growling at each other. Niamis, Xinor, and Calud were starting to look bored. Finally, Visa had arrived, with the Caitian T'Riss tailing behind.

"Sorry I'm late," Visa said. "Nobody wanted to get enough of me and the new human, Najwa. Her Caitian bodyguard certainly can't get enough of us," she added, looking back and purring at T'Riss.

"Hasn't even begun yet," said Cloten. "Don't get your pheromones flared."

"Oh, come, you know full well I keep pheromone repressants when I do business," Visa said with a hair added apprehensiveness.

A newcomer had just arrived and everybody blinked in surprise at the sight of a Breen mercenary who had entered the room.

"Hubs!" they said, pronouncing the name "Hoobz."

Fortunately, everybody was too surprised to notice Cloten and Zhuk's reactions, which weren't in surprise at all. He knew that the refridgeration suit would come in handy, one of the two unfortunate Breen victims of either Dokan or a cohort.

"We thought you disappeared!" Caju roared in surprise.

"Well, we know how elusive Dokan is," Hubs answered, his voice electronically amplified under the Breen suit. "I underestimated how elusive."

The assassins shrugged. Everybody had a hard time understanding Hubs at the best of times, his voice was so complicated. But then, it's to be expected in somebody who has been away from the Breen system for so long.

Oh, she's good, Cloten thought.

"Now, I believe our new source may appeal to me," Hubs said. "If I understand the rumor, then I might get along with him very well. We both come cold worlds."

Cloten looked around and saw the very man himself. "Speak of the devil!" he said, guttural and loudly.

[Nira Said]

Kina was intrigued by the mention of bodies in the morgue. If they were as strange a case as the one they just be examined, she had to steel herself for something"¦..unique. But now wasn't the time for her to back down. "œI'm ready to go whenever you are, Lieutenant." She needed to do this, ready to fulfill the oath she swore.

She followed her escorts to the morgue, trailing slightly behind Buehler as her rank permitted. Sure, she was a doctor just like him, and people respected the position of her profession, but she was still an ensign, and her rank meant she was still below her fellow doctor. It didn't bother her that it was like this. She would still do her duty.

In the morgue, she waited until they were presented with two bodies and a suit. The first body was contoured and twisted into was looked like a strange ball. Kina wanted to run outside and vomit at the sight. Time and place, Kina., her father spoke in her ear. Time and place. The body was so mangled it was hard to even identify the species by the look. The next body was just a skeleton. How it was reduced to such was a mystery. What she wouldn't give to have a medical tricorder right now.

She moved over to the suit and froze only for a moment. This suit was extremely familiar. A Breen suit, the same species that along with the Jem'hadar who the great Legat Damar fought against. As a child, she learned all about the Breen. She shook off the feelings and started to examine the suit. Everything about the suit was as it should be, expect the inside.

She reached in and stopped. It was"¦..pleasant. She looked at Buehler. "œLieutenant, this suit. Something is wrong. I learned all about the Breen when I was a little girl on Cardassia. Breen suits are refrigerated, close to subzero temperatures. This is"¦.warm. I think someone was using this suit as a cover." She looked over at those who were escorting them. "œWhat can you tell us about this suit? Who did it belong to and where did you find it?"

[Liquidator Bock's Office - Tower of Commerce - Ferenginar]

Ian waved to T'Kel and the two doctors to go and investigate. As he sat and put the ceremonial staff he was carrying on the floor next to the plush chair.

"Liquidator. One has ta hope that whatever is afoot does nae end up in a battle of that size. I will do all I can ta make sure there is an alternate outcome. I do think it is however, time ta plan for the worst. Who is the senior Daimon of those ships you have in orbit. I believe we need ta establish a liaison with them ta coordinate your ships and ours should our Romulan friends decide ta press matters."

[Morgue]

Evan did not fail to notice how the young ensign trailed slightly behind him, in some form of deference, as they followed T'Kel to the morgue. He didn't pay much heed to rank, finding it had little to do with one's ability. But then again, he had a hard time keeping up with all the social cues and structures that came so naturally to most people, so he said nothing. It didn't hurt him to let the girl cling to a courtesy that made her feel more at ease until she found her own sense of peace and rhythm within her role.

Feeling it was his job to nurture and teach, Evan once again allowed the ensign to make the initial observations while silently making a few of his own. The first body looked like something shot out of a cannon, contorted into what could only be described as a ball of meat, not leaving any clues to even hazard a guess at the species. The second body presented a similar problem: it was just a skeleton.

"œSomeone clearly doesn't want us to be able to identify the bodies," he remarked, looking up to see the Cardassian's brief change in demeanor. He furrowed one brow while arching the other, a mannerism he picked up from his Vulcan wife. "œThat is odd," he concurred before suggesting, "œperhaps the suit failed, killing its occupant. But the question remains: where is the body that was inside?"

[Liquidator Bock | Bock's Office | Tower of Commerce | Fereng | Fereginar]

Bock looked around at Captain Galloway and heard him out. A Daimon to liase with him? Well, that was easy...

"Well, there'sh no problem in getting shyum shenior Daimonssh on hand," he whistled. "You know Hock and Tragg. They're among the shenior Daimonssh in the fleet. I'll get them in contact with you."

[Lieutenant Commander T'Kel | Morgue | Tower of Commerce | Fereng | Ferenginar]

T'Kel looked on as the two doctors made their examinations. The Breen suit was especially of concern. The Ferengi doctor, a clearly-speaking woman, explained.

"The suit was one of two discovered by the Eliminators," she explained. "This one here, it belonged to a Breen mercenary named Jun. From what we can understand, she had been made stoned; there are indications of aerosol-based drugs around the mouth. Her settings were somehow hacked and temperatures adjusted to heat rather than refrigerate."

"It is true that the Breen are sensitive to heat," said T'Kel.

"Sensitive to heat?" scoffed the doctor. "That's an understatement. Depending on the heat, exposure can cause them to evaporate, given their bodies contain ammonia and gelatin."

"What of the second suit?" asked T'Kel.

"Another Breen mercenary named Hubs," the doctor replied, pronouncing the name "Hoobz." "Jun's sister, though there's not much of a difference in appearance, even in height. The authorities found the suit in a sauna. From what we can understand, Hubs disappeared around the area. The suit was found next day. Whoever did it, it's a chance that he had been stripped, and then the perpetrator simply turned on the sauna. The next day, Hubs' suit was gone, although Liquidator Bock didn't seem to mind. Best we can understand, it was taken unexpectedly by an underworld contact, which would make sense; Breen suits are a handy disguise."

T'Kel pondered. It made sense for that contact to take that suit. If that contact knew the Eliminators in the Thieves Quarter, it would be a handy disguise for either Nira or Lahr or Zhuk.

***

"Chief Sec/Tac Officer's Log, Stardate 78144.14. The day of the auction has arrived. The three Starships have arrived earlier, the Federation delegates aboard. The Romulan vanguard, or rather, the different vanguards from multiple different factions, have just arrived in orbit, and a squadron of shuttles is touching down. If anything, the atmosphere in the Sacred Marketplace seemed to be even more charged than usual.

"The words of Otto Von Bismark from Earth's history seem to be especially appropriate for this atmosphere, words predating the First World War, comparing the charged atmosphere to an ancient powder keg: 'A single spark will set of an explosion...some damned foolish thing...will set it off.'"

[Lieutenant Commander T'Kel/Ambassador T'tahl | Auction Pavilion | Sacred Marketplace | Fereng | Ferenginar]

In her disguise as a free-roaming ambassador named T'tahl, T'Kel mingled among the crowd. Not for the first time has Bismark's analogy of the powder keg predating Earth's First World War crossed her mind. The room might as well have been divided among different representatives of the Alpha Quadrant in one room, subdivided between the representatives, and the Romulan representatives on the other side, each subdivided by category of faction. The Reman ambassadors seemed to float around the Federation or the Klingon ambassadors. T'Kel to tell faction animosity judging from their antagonistic yet silent reactions. Only the representatives from the Free State and the Tal Shiar seemed to be keeping things cool and civilized.

T'Kel picked up a glass of Romulan Ale - she was amazed to see so many kegs of that ale in one place, and T'Kel wouldn't be surprised if it came directly from the Thieves Quarter - and approached Captain Galloway.

"St. John," she said pompously. "What a circus we have here."

She did a good job with her accent; she had the practice in taking part in holo-mysteries with Commander Said. T'Kel had, in the past month, had joined her in the holodeck a great deal, and they practiced their skills together. Nira had explained how she had refined her observational skills and had regarded herself as an investigator, and T'Kel had learned a great deal from Nira. Nira's holodeck adjustments - like when they got together as Enola Holmes and Jean Watson - had been especially enlightening to T'Kel.

Looking around, doing her best to observe, T'Kel could spot Lieutenant McNair, Doctor Buehler and Ensign Nural, the latter in a Cardassian military suit, among the crowd, mingling in their respective characters. T'Kel herself continued maintaining a steely expression at Captain Galloway as they mingled with each other.

[Robert Fisher]

NPC Lt JG Chloe Davies
[Shuttle Scobee / Ferenginar - Fereng >>> Hotel Suite]

After having been led to the hotel, Chloe grew even more miffed at Lahr not being present.  Where the hell was the Andorian?

From what she'd been told he'd asked for her specifically - with his damned medical scanner.... yet here she was and he was no where to be found!

The nurse looked to Robert for a moment somewhat expectantly - as if he might know what to do, even thought in actuality, rank-wise, Chloe was in charge. She just needed to decide what to do. But in situations that weren't medical, Chloe was rather lost.

"I don't know if its better to stay put and wait for him to finally deign to show up, or to use the scanner to try and track him down.   What do you think, Robert? "

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Bink's Suite | Outside the Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Nira had just gotten back with Lahr and Zhuk and found Nurse Davies and Mister Fisher there with Bink. Bink may have been a good host, but Nira was sure she felt the annoyance vibes heated from the end of the hallway.

"Nurse. Mister Fisher," said Nira. "Glad you could make it here. I suppose you're wondering what's going on..."

And she explained to Chloe and Fisher about what is going on, about the defector Dokan and the increased assassin presence and Dokan's elusiveness and how unusual Dokan is, that he may not be who he appears to be...

"...if you were informed to bring down a medical scanner," said Nira, "we're hoping that we'll be able to figure out what Dokan really is, and perhaps we'll be able to track him better than the Ferengi. On that note...did one of your people contact Dokan?" asked Nira, turning to Bink.

"Certainly," he answered. "He was passing through the Latinum Lair, but one of my people managed to reach him before he left the building. He's agreed to meet you here, a small meal and discussion. He'll be available tomorrow after the first round of the auction."

"The auction is starting tomorrow?" asked Nira in surprise.

"Yes, Liquidator Bock has sent word to me that the Romulan delegates will be arriving tomorrow. We've got a good deal of non-Romulans here already - and outside the Thieves Quarter - and three other Federation ships will be here as well."

"Talk about timing," said Nira. "I believe we've got a potential contact, somebody who the assassins will know..."

"Yes, we know about Deej Cloten," said Bink.

"You really are all ears," said Nira, impressed.

"Eyes and ears," said Bink. "In fact, the hyoomaan phrase, 'walls have ears,' it's one hyoomaan phrase that's very universal. That Antican has many things in common with one of our best ambassadors, Quark. He's business-based, but he's bloodthirsty, particularly when it comes to Selay. Something this big would naturally lure him back from the Gamma Quadrant."

Nira nodded. "Well, it seems he's in the business of arms dealing."

"Of course he is," Bink retorted. "He trades and smuggles and deals with anything...except slaves, of course. Arms are easy for him. Only Gaila can rival him. The only reason Cloten doesn't own his own moon is because me blows fortunes faster than he can make them, mostly in bribes, means to guarantee silence."

"He deal frequently with anybody?"

"Sure," he said. "He's answerable to anybody who pays or intimidates hi...."

He suddenly stopped and stared incredulously at Nira. "You don't mean you know how to work him?"

"Cloten knows me from when I was on an undercover assignment of my own on Risa," explained Nira. "In any case, he'll be listening in frequently. In fact, he may even have a new merchant to deal with, a new arms source, and we were even invited by one of the assassins to meet..."

She immediately looked over at Lahr and said, "Lahr, did you pick up anything about that? I mean, you were separate from the group for a while..."

"Well, it's, again, not a good idea for both of you to be there," said Bink. "You and the Caitian...but I might be able to arrange something to disguise you in particular, Commander."

Nira nodded, but she leaned more to Lahr in an inquisitive way to hear him out...

[Shuttle Scobee / Ferenginar - Fereng >>> Hotel Suite]

"They've gone out of their way to escort us here, I'm certain he'd show. Unless something went wrong." Robert mused, hoping that the absence was simply a matter of tardiness. The room in which they now stood offered no immediate clues, but in any case, he surveyed their surroundings with the hopes that a hasty exit would be possible if needed.

They'd hung around for barely a moment before the others joined, the relief washing over him not entirely surprising; safety in numbers. There was no telling what, if anything, could go wrong.

"Sounds like we got here just in time," Robert commented with a raised brow, his stance relaxing just slightly. Whatever this auction entailed, it was clearly happening sooner than realised and for the inexperienced ensign, the whole mission sounded far more complex than anticipated.

[Buck McNair]

[SS Harmsway --> Ferengi Tower of Commerce]

As Ian and Buck headed back to the tower, they had time to talk, which, aside from when the young ensign reported in, Ian had not had the chance to do.

"I suppose this must all seem rather far afield from what you'd envisioned once you were out in the fleet. That's the most amazin' thing about bein' in Starfleet the opportunities ta see and do the unbelievable are built into the job.

"The important thing ta remember Lad is that while this particular mission may nae seem so dangerous, there is a very deadly game afoot here. One with Quadrant wide implications, so keep your guard up. While I nae ken exactly what it is, summat wicked this way comes."

[Liquidator Bock's Office - Ferengi Tower of Commerce]

On arriving back in Bock's office, Ian received the report from the young Cardassian doctor, nodding as he replied.

"Well, that's more information than we had before. Clearly this murder was a statement and given the dead man was a favorite of the Nagus, that tells me that this Dokan's game runs very deep. Unfortunately, we're nae likely ta have much in the way of facts until the auction, which is up ta two days away.

"On the up side, Starfleet Command is sendin' in three top of the line ships ta back us up and they'll arrive just before those first three Warbirds arrive. On the down side, they're top of the line as well.

"We'll just have ta learn as much as we can, stay on our toes and let this play out. Just be ready for when it all drops in the pot, because when it does, it will drop hard."

[Liquidator Bock's Office - Tower of Commerce - Ferenginar]

Ian waved to T'Kel and the two doctors to go and investigate. As he sat and put the ceremonial staff he was carrying on the floor next to the plush chair.

"Liquidator. One has ta hope that whatever is afoot does nae end up in a battle of that size. I will do all I can ta make sure there is an alternate outcome. I do think it is however, time ta plan for the worst. Who is the senior Daimon of those ships you have in orbit. I believe we need ta establish a liaison with them ta coordinate your ships and ours should our Romulan friends decide ta press matters."

[SS Harmsway --> Ferengi Tower of Commerce]

"Further actually," Buck gave a rueful grin. "Can't be more further than Arlington, Texas." But then there was a shrug. He had grown up surrounded by Starfleet, his parents had gone through the academy themselves and had inspired him to join. "Though, parents are both Fleet. Younger brother too. Said a whole load of stories but hits different actually livin' it..."

Buck trailed off as he followed in step with the Captain as they made it back to the Tower of Commerce. He nodded, taking in on board as he took a precautionary glance around them. they might have been dressed in casual, non-Starfleet looking attire, who knew who could be listening into their conversation. Besides, it certainly said a lot that if the captain did not know what was going on, then the ones below certainly were going to have a struggle catching up. He stood at parade rest as the Captain explained, once they had all gathered back in the office, to the Liquidator that they had assistance on the way.

[Auction Pavilion | Sacred Marketplace | Fereng | Ferenginar]

It was the day of the auction.

Something in which had the entirety of the team on edge, no doubt. Buck had fixed his cap to his head, and mingled along with the rest of the sacred marketplace whilst maintaining watchful eyes on the captain and the rest of the team, feeling ever so wary of the amount of Romulans who had gathered as well as the sheer amount of people who had come to witness it.

Any one of them.

Anything could happen.

Buck was browsing the wares that were going to come up in the auction, perking a brow at some of them; it was not hard to look interested when he had rarely seen objects and items that were being put on display. He slowly picked his way over to Doctor Buehler, checking that he still had a line of sight on his commanders before greeting him with a very subtle nod of his head.

[Ian Galloway]

[Liquidator Bock | Bock's Office | Tower of Commerce | Fereng | Fereginar]

Bock looked around at Captain Galloway and heard him out. A Daimon to liase with him? Well, that was easy...

"Well, there'sh no problem in getting shyum shenior Daimonssh on hand," he whistled. "You know Hock and Tragg. They're among the shenior Daimonssh in the fleet. I'll get them in contact with you."

[Lieutenant Commander T'Kel | Morgue | Tower of Commerce | Fereng | Ferenginar]

T'Kel looked on as the two doctors made their examinations. The Breen suit was especially of concern. The Ferengi doctor, a clearly-speaking woman, explained.

"The suit was one of two discovered by the Eliminators," she explained. "This one here, it belonged to a Breen mercenary named Jun. From what we can understand, she had been made stoned; there are indications of aerosol-based drugs around the mouth. Her settings were somehow hacked and temperatures adjusted to heat rather than refrigerate."

"It is true that the Breen are sensitive to heat," said T'Kel.

"Sensitive to heat?" scoffed the doctor. "That's an understatement. Depending on the heat, exposure can cause them to evaporate, given their bodies contain ammonia and gelatin."

"What of the second suit?" asked T'Kel.

"Another Breen mercenary named Hubs," the doctor replied, pronouncing the name "Hoobz." "Jun's sister, though there's not much of a difference in appearance, even in height. The authorities found the suit in a sauna. From what we can understand, Hubs disappeared around the area. The suit was found next day. Whoever did it, it's a chance that he had been stripped, and then the perpetrator simply turned on the sauna. The next day, Hubs' suit was gone, although Liquidator Bock didn't seem to mind. Best we can understand, it was taken unexpectedly by an underworld contact, which would make sense; Breen suits are a handy disguise."

T'Kel pondered. It made sense for that contact to take that suit. If that contact knew the Eliminators in the Thieves Quarter, it would be a handy disguise for either Nira or Lahr or Zhuk.

***

"Chief Sec/Tac Officer's Log, Stardate 78144.14. The day of the auction has arrived. The three Starships have arrived earlier, the Federation delegates aboard. The Romulan vanguard, or rather, the different vanguards from multiple different factions, have just arrived in orbit, and a squadron of shuttles is touching down. If anything, the atmosphere in the Sacred Marketplace seemed to be even more charged than usual.

"The words of Otto Von Bismark from Earth's history seem to be especially appropriate for this atmosphere, words predating the First World War, comparing the charged atmosphere to an ancient powder keg: 'A single spark will set of an explosion...some damned foolish thing...will set it off.'"

[Lieutenant Commander T'Kel/Ambassador T'tahl | Auction Pavilion | Sacred Marketplace | Fereng | Ferenginar]

In her disguise as a free-roaming ambassador named T'tahl, T'Kel mingled among the crowd. Not for the first time has Bismark's analogy of the powder keg predating Earth's First World War crossed her mind. The room might as well have been divided among different representatives of the Alpha Quadrant in one room, subdivided between the representatives, and the Romulan representatives on the other side, each subdivided by category of faction. The Reman ambassadors seemed to float around the Federation or the Klingon ambassadors. T'Kel to tell faction animosity judging from their antagonistic yet silent reactions. Only the representatives from the Free State and the Tal Shiar seemed to be keeping things cool and civilized.

T'Kel picked up a glass of Romulan Ale - she was amazed to see so many kegs of that ale in one place, and T'Kel wouldn't be surprised if it came directly from the Thieves Quarter - and approached Captain Galloway.

"St. John," she said pompously. "What a circus we have here."

She did a good job with her accent; she had the practice in taking part in holo-mysteries with Commander Said. T'Kel had, in the past month, had joined her in the holodeck a great deal, and they practiced their skills together. Nira had explained how she had refined her observational skills and had regarded herself as an investigator, and T'Kel had learned a great deal from Nira. Nira's holodeck adjustments - like when they got together as Enola Holmes and Jean Watson - had been especially enlightening to T'Kel.

Looking around, doing her best to observe, T'Kel could spot Lieutenant McNair, Doctor Buehler and Ensign Nural, the latter in a Cardassian military suit, among the crowd, mingling in their respective characters. T'Kel herself continued maintaining a steely expression at Captain Galloway as they mingled with each other.

[Auction Pavilion - Sacred Marketplace - Ferenginar]

Ian was tense. The air fairly crackled with tension, which was saying something given the perpetual damp of Ferenginar. The rogue's gallery of factions present was like a photon grenade with an unpredictable fuse, just waiting for the slightest jolt to set it off.

"Actually, Ambassador, I was thinking of an old Earth euphemism. What we have here is a 'soup sandwich'. I doubt there is a species known to the Quadrant with enough eyes to keep track of all the undercurrents boiling here. Worse part is, when this Dokan takes the stage, tensions will ratchet up even further. We may be in over our heads."

[Kina Nural]

[Lieutenant Commander T'Kel | Morgue | Tower of Commerce | Fereng | Ferenginar]

T'Kel looked on as the two doctors made their examinations. The Breen suit was especially of concern. The Ferengi doctor, a clearly-speaking woman, explained.

"The suit was one of two discovered by the Eliminators," she explained. "This one here, it belonged to a Breen mercenary named Jun. From what we can understand, she had been made stoned; there are indications of aerosol-based drugs around the mouth. Her settings were somehow hacked and temperatures adjusted to heat rather than refrigerate."

"It is true that the Breen are sensitive to heat," said T'Kel.

"Sensitive to heat?" scoffed the doctor. "That's an understatement. Depending on the heat, exposure can cause them to evaporate, given their bodies contain ammonia and gelatin."

"What of the second suit?" asked T'Kel.

"Another Breen mercenary named Hubs," the doctor replied, pronouncing the name "Hoobz." "Jun's sister, though there's not much of a difference in appearance, even in height. The authorities found the suit in a sauna. From what we can understand, Hubs disappeared around the area. The suit was found next day. Whoever did it, it's a chance that he had been stripped, and then the perpetrator simply turned on the sauna. The next day, Hubs' suit was gone, although Liquidator Bock didn't seem to mind. Best we can understand, it was taken unexpectedly by an underworld contact, which would make sense; Breen suits are a handy disguise."

T'Kel pondered. It made sense for that contact to take that suit. If that contact knew the Eliminators in the Thieves Quarter, it would be a handy disguise for either Nira or Lahr or Zhuk.

[Lieutenant Commander T'Kel/Ambassador T'tahl | Auction Pavilion | Sacred Marketplace | Fereng | Ferenginar]

In her disguise as a free-roaming ambassador named T'tahl, T'Kel mingled among the crowd. Not for the first time has Bismark's analogy of the powder keg predating Earth's First World War crossed her mind. The room might as well have been divided among different representatives of the Alpha Quadrant in one room, subdivided between the representatives, and the Romulan representatives on the other side, each subdivided by category of faction. The Reman ambassadors seemed to float around the Federation or the Klingon ambassadors. T'Kel to tell faction animosity judging from their antagonistic yet silent reactions. Only the representatives from the Free State and the Tal Shiar seemed to be keeping things cool and civilized.

T'Kel picked up a glass of Romulan Ale - she was amazed to see so many kegs of that ale in one place, and T'Kel wouldn't be surprised if it came directly from the Thieves Quarter - and approached Captain Galloway.

"St. John," she said pompously. "What a circus we have here."

She did a good job with her accent; she had the practice in taking part in holo-mysteries with Commander Said. T'Kel had, in the past month, had joined her in the holodeck a great deal, and they practiced their skills together. Nira had explained how she had refined her observational skills and had regarded herself as an investigator, and T'Kel had learned a great deal from Nira. Nira's holodeck adjustments - like when they got together as Enola Holmes and Jean Watson - had been especially enlightening to T'Kel.

Looking around, doing her best to observe, T'Kel could spot Lieutenant McNair, Doctor Buehler and Ensign Nural, the latter in a Cardassian military suit, among the crowd, mingling in their respective characters. T'Kel herself continued maintaining a steely expression at Captain Galloway as they mingled with each other.

Kina closed her eyes and shook her head. The Breen were not indestructible, they could be killed just as if one could kill a Klingon. But the method they were killed, a way to preserve the suits, this was methodical. It worries Kina that something big was going to happen. "œSomething is coming. I just"¦.hope that the captain is ready for it, whatever it is."

~~~~~~

Personal log, Stardate"¦"¦.um"¦"¦.oh. Right. Stardate 78144.1

I"¦"¦more than likely sound really nervous. In a way"¦.I am. The Challenger is my first ship after all. I never in my life thought that my first day would be like this. I, for lack of a better word and understanding, find myself coerced into an away mission with the Captain, first officer, my orientation liaison, and several of the other crew. I haven't even been to sickbay for my preliminary medical checks as mandated by Starfleet Medical.

The captain claims he needs me on this mission because I am a Cardassian. I'm not really bothered by this, I didn't sense any malevolence or disrespect in his voice. But it will be what I must do. This"¦.discovery of the Breen suits does however stir"¦..unwelcomed emotions. I have learned of the Breen back home, lived through the orbital bombardment with my grandparents that killed nearly one billion of my people. But"¦.I can't focus on that. The captain needs me. I will not let him down. I just hope"¦"¦I can be what he needs.

[Auction Pavilion | Sacred Marketplace | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Kina smiled lightly as she spoke with some of the other patrons at the auction. "œTo be perfectly blunt, I do find other literary works outside of Cardassia to be rather"¦.pedestrian. There is nothing like The Never Ending Sacrifice that really opens up the"¦.passion of one's soul." She lightly swirled her glass of kanar. She only sipped it from time to time to keep up appearances. Now was not the time to get drunk.

She looked around and saw the captain and T'Kel speaking. She would have liked to go and speak to him, but Cardassians still kept themselves in a higher regard than others. Really, the only race that they saw could be equal would be Bajorans, thanks to the help of Kira Nerys who helped free her home. For now, she needed to keep up appearances and focus on being a spy.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

CPO ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Ferenginar - Thieves' Quarter - Latinum Lair >>>  ?]

"I'll keep that in mind and try to stay on his good side." he acknowledge with a grateful nod.  "Thanks for the drinks and the company guys.  It's been informative and potentially profitable.  Ha.. been here less than a day and I'm already sounding like a Ferengi.  Hehee... But I think I need to do a bit of market research now. Can either of you tell me who I would speak to if I was looking to purchase some Dominion tech?  Off the books... and where can I find them?"

With directions his new 'friends' provided, Lahr set off to see if it were possible to acquire a Jem'Hadar shroud or at least something to mask his bio signature.
.
.
.
[Ferenginar - Thieves' Quarter - Latinum Lair]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said/Najwa Sahmed | Ishtar Bazaar, Ferenginar Branch | Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

The rest of the day passed uneventfully as they scoped out the different establishments before finishing at the Latinum Lair, and there they found Lahr, chatting with Xinor Dralin and Calud Daaom.

"Tell Lahr that I've sent you to request his presence for dinner," she whispered to Zhuk. "We'll meet out and then we'll return to Bink's suite."

When he had concluded his business Lahr returned to the Latinum Lair (having completely forgotten about Chloe and the medical scanner).  He was enjoying the pair's back and forth banter - Lahr would almost assume them to be partners not competitive rivals - when he noted Nira and Zhuk enter the bar... and then memory came back... Oh crud!  His antenna sank a little and he hoped they might just ignore him... but yeah no such luck as he noted Nira's whisper to Zhuk and glance his way.  Roozh!

"Well, fellas it been a blast.  Unfortunately, I have more rounds to do so I'll be off." he called out a bit boisterously - hoping the approaching Caitian might take the hint and keep back.

After leaving the table, Lahr headed towards the exit giving the Caitian wide berth but then played up noticing Nira standing all alone.  He up nodded towards her, in her disguise and gave her a roguish smile as he approached.  "Nice... You are by far the most gorgeous thing I've seen all day.  For a good time, you should join me.  What's your name, milady?"  He offered out his elbow towards her as if she were some fine lady and he a gentleman.

In the background, he could hear Xinor and Calud chortling.
.
.
.

[Ferenginar - Outside Thieves' Quarter - Bink's Suite]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Bink's Suite | Outside the Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Nira had just gotten back with Lahr and Zhuk and found Nurse Davies and Mister Fisher there with Bink. Bink may have been a good host, but Nira was sure she felt the annoyance vibes heated from the end of the hallway.

"Nurse. Mister Fisher," said Nira. "Glad you could make it here. I suppose you're wondering what's going on..."

On the way to Bink's hotel suite, since he couldn't be positive they weren't being followed, Lahr kept up the act.   It only dropped once they were inside Bink's suite.   Whether that was because he no longer needed to pretend or because of Chloe's death-glare was anyone's guess.

"Sorry, I saw an opportunity to get in with a group of the bounty-hunters... I didn't meant to forget about the medical scanner."

Chloe just rolled her eyes and turned to the Commander as Nira offered to explain the situation.  "Yes, ma'am. We weren't briefed before leaving."

And she explained to Chloe and Fisher about what is going on, about the defector Dokan and the increased assassin presence and Dokan's elusiveness and how unusual Dokan is, that he may not be who he appears to be...

"...if you were informed to bring down a medical scanner," said Nira, "we're hoping that we'll be able to figure out what Dokan really is, and perhaps we'll be able to track him better than the Ferengi. On that note...did one of your people contact Dokan?" asked Nira, turning to Bink.

"Certainly," he answered. "He was passing through the Latinum Lair, but one of my people managed to reach him before he left the building. He's agreed to meet you here, a small meal and discussion. He'll be available tomorrow after the first round of the auction."

Lahr's attention and his antennae swiveled towards the Ferengi at his statement.   Dokan had been at the Lair!?  When?  Roohz! He'd missed him!   So focused was Lahr on the Romulan, that he'd missed the moved-up auction date until Nira questioned it in surprise.

"The auction is starting tomorrow?" asked Nira in surprise.

"Yes, Liquidator Bock has sent word to me that the Romulan delegates will be arriving tomorrow. We've got a good deal of non-Romulans here already - and outside the Thieves Quarter - and three other Federation ships will be here as well."

"Talk about timing," said Nira. "I believe we've got a potential contact, somebody who the assassins will know..."

"Yes, we know about Deej Cloten," said Bink.

"You really are all ears," said Nira, impressed.

"Eyes and ears," said Bink. "In fact, the hyoomaan phrase, 'walls have ears,' it's one hyoomaan phrase that's very universal. That Antican has many things in common with one of our best ambassadors, Quark. He's business-based, but he's bloodthirsty, particularly when it comes to Selay. Something this big would naturally lure him back from the Gamma Quadrant."

Nira nodded. "Well, it seems he's in the business of arms dealing."

"Of course he is," Bink retorted. "He trades and smuggles and deals with anything...except slaves, of course. Arms are easy for him. Only Gaila can rival him. The only reason Cloten doesn't own his own moon is because me blows fortunes faster than he can make them, mostly in bribes, means to guarantee silence."

"He deal frequently with anybody?"

"Sure," he said. "He's answerable to anybody who pays or intimidates hi...."

He suddenly stopped and stared incredulously at Nira. "You don't mean you know how to work him?"

"Cloten knows me from when I was on an undercover assignment of my own on Risa," explained Nira. "In any case, he'll be listening in frequently. In fact, he may even have a new merchant to deal with, a new arms source, and we were even invited by one of the assassins to meet..."

She immediately looked over at Lahr and said, "Lahr, did you pick up anything about that? I mean, you were separate from the group for a while..."

"Well, it's, again, not a good idea for both of you to be there," said Bink. "You and the Caitian...but I might be able to arrange something to disguise you in particular, Commander."

Nira nodded, but she leaned more to Lahr in an inquisitive way to hear him out...

As the talk continued on and on with no needed input from him, Lahr zoned out of the conversation.   Until his attention was regained by hearing his name.  His head and antennae lifted. "Huh?  What?  New arms merchant?  Um... there might have been some mention of it."   Lahr deflected smoothly.  Not quite lying no quite telling the whole truth.

For a moment, Lahr thought he'd gotten away with the deception but his own emotions gave him away and Nira leaned in more, peering at his inquisitively.

"Alright already. Get out of my head.  I'll spill.". He waited until he had everyone's attention so he didn't have to repeat himself.  "I'm likely the arms merchant they mentioned. I ran into some trouble with a couple of the assassins who were gonna rough me over, so to avoid a beating kinda hinted that I was into that business.  It caught this Deej Cloten fella's attention, so I went with it.  He seemed to take a real shine to me.... so yeah, I can probably wrangle myself an invite all on my own.  I just need to make a few calls on a secure line." He spoke the last statement to Bink.

***

The next day

Lahr left the suite early the next morning.  He'd been up half the night prepping 'his wares'.  On paper they looked wonderful... but he'd made a few discreet modifications to the design and its blood-mark that would ensure that even if the plans did fall into some lowlife's hands all it would produce was a low-grade UV light emitter.   No way was he going to be party to anymore death.

It didn't take long once arriving at the Lair for Cloten to approach him and suggest a meeting.  Since Lahr knew exactly when the auction was happening, he readily agreed for that specific time.

"First Officer's Log, Stardate 78144.14. The day of the auction has arrived. Hopefully, meeting Cloten and the assassins will keep the most dangerous hired hands in the quadrant busy and away from the auction. Meantime, Nurse Davies is back at Bink's suite to make the arrangements to set up the medical scanner so we can get a good idea of what Dokan really is. Zhuk will be at the bounty hunter meeting, and Fisher will be keeping the 'getaway car warmed up,' as they say on Earth. Lahr will also be there...in a way. And so will I...in an especially unique way."

[Deej Cloten | Backrooms | Quarter Warehouse | Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Cloten was not the only one who was itching in excitement. So were the customers hanging in the room with him, though they could be just as impatient as they were excited. A unique haul and a contract with a unique business. It was definitely not something to miss.

Gath, Caju, Galen Mal and the Nausicaan were merely growling at each other. Niamis, Xinor, and Calud were starting to look bored. Finally, Visa had arrived, with the Caitian T'Riss tailing behind.

"Sorry I'm late," Visa said. "Nobody wanted to get enough of me and the new human, Najwa. Her Caitian bodyguard certainly can't get enough of us," she added, looking back and purring at T'Riss.

"Hasn't even begun yet," said Cloten. "Don't get your pheromones flared."

"Oh, come, you know full well I keep pheromone repressants when I do business," Visa said with a hair added apprehensiveness.

A newcomer had just arrived and everybody blinked in surprise at the sight of a Breen mercenary who had entered the room.

"Hubs!" they said, pronouncing the name "Hoobz."

Fortunately, everybody was too surprised to notice Cloten and Zhuk's reactions, which weren't in surprise at all. He knew that the refridgeration suit would come in handy, one of the two unfortunate Breen victims of either Dokan or a cohort.

"We thought you disappeared!" Caju roared in surprise.

"Well, we know how elusive Dokan is," Hubs answered, his voice electronically amplified under the Breen suit. "I underestimated how elusive."

The assassins shrugged. Everybody had a hard time understanding Hubs at the best of times, his voice was so complicated. But then, it's to be expected in somebody who has been away from the Breen system for so long.

Oh, she's good, Cloten thought.

"Now, I believe our new source may appeal to me," Hubs said. "If I understand the rumor, then I might get along with him very well. We both come cold worlds."

Cloten looked around and saw the very man himself. "Speak of the devil!" he said, guttural and loudly.

Lahr entered, fashionably late, having been waiting around the corner for Zhuk and Nira to arrive.

"Greetings everyone!  Welcome and thank you all for coming on such short notice.  I'd ask for a round of introductions but most of you are so well-known that introductions aren't needed.  Except for maybe myself...  I am ShranLahr,  2nd cousin to the Alpha and Beta Quadrants undisputed leader in weapons merchantile, TiberiUs ch'Verret, and I'm here to put my cousin to shame when it comes to deals that are a steal."

NPC Lt JG Chloe Davies
[Ferenginar - Fereng - Hotel - Bink's suite]

Having to remain back at the suite was no hardship for Chloe.  From what she'd seen so far of Ferenginar, the place was a hole and she'd be glad when they were on their way back to the ship.  But before then, the Commander wanted a scan of the elusive Romulan.  So, a scan is what the Commander would get, Chloe would make sure of that.

As with most scanners, the closer the probe the better.  The question was when the Romulan came over for meal and a talk... where was he most likely to be or go.  The answer was rather self-evident.  The doorway... unless he literally transported in and out of the room, he had to pass through the doorway at least twice... once entering and once exiting.   And if she could get the Commander or the Ferengi to engage the Romulan in conversation just at the door... a last farewell comment, that would increase the duration of the scan too.

Chloe just needed to hide the sensor probe in a discreet spot. 

[Buehler]

[Auction Pavilion | Sacred Marketplace | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Kina smiled lightly as she spoke with some of the other patrons at the auction. "œTo be perfectly blunt, I do find other literary works outside of Cardassia to be rather"¦.pedestrian. There is nothing like The Never Ending Sacrifice that really opens up the"¦.passion of one's soul." She lightly swirled her glass of kanar. She only sipped it from time to time to keep up appearances. Now was not the time to get drunk.

She looked around and saw the captain and T'Kel speaking. She would have liked to go and speak to him, but Cardassians still kept themselves in a higher regard than others. Really, the only race that they saw could be equal would be Bajorans, thanks to the help of Kira Nerys who helped free her home. For now, she needed to keep up appearances and focus on being a spy.

[Auction Pavilion]

Evan had no idea what he was drinking, but he liked the taste, and before he knew it he found himself at the bottom of his glass. It would take a few more drinks before he even needed to start worrying about inebriation, courtesy of his German upbringing. As fascinating as dead bodies could be, alcohol gave way more dopamine. Still, it was hard not to think about how unsettling the empty Breen suit was.

Sitting beside the bright young ensign, he couldn't help but overhear her mention of a hefty piece of Cardassian literature. "œYou might enjoy Kafka," he told Nural, "œpreferably in the original German. Much of the nuance gets lost in translation." Evan himself tended to stay away from the great German authors, finding the work to be a little bit too dark and complicated.

[Ian Galloway]

[Auction Pavilion - Sacred Marketplace - Ferenginar]

There was so much going on that Ian didn't want to stay in one place as it made it likely he'd miss something and it made him feel like a target. He caught T'Kel's eye and said.

"Walk with me Ambassador."

They slowly began to make the rounds among the many guests at the auction. He put on a grand show as he introduced himself and played the part of StJohn Dalrymple, Trade Lord to the fullest. Between the fancy robes and his 'staff of office' he even almost believed the story himself.

"I do wish this bloody thing would start, I had no idea actin' was this much work."

He muttered in a tone only T'Kel could discern with her superior hearing.

[Zhukdrashar Mrekrerhas]

[Lieutenant Junior Grade Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas / Mercenary T'Riss | Ishtar Bazaar, Ferenginar Branch | Thieves Quarter | Ferenginar]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said/Najwa Sahmed | Ishtar Bazaar, Ferenginar Branch | Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Even from across the room, Nira could hear Gath growling.

Indeed, Gath looked up on occasion as he ate, but was mostly focused on his food. He did keep on talking to T'Riss.

"Now, following the ssscent of a target, that's another matter altogether," he said. "Target here, damned elusive. I don't know why there's so much heaped on Dokan. There are more worthwhile targetsss for me, like this latest bounty jumping around the stars. Jack Crusher is his name. I'd rather be looking for that boy across the quadrant rather than being stuck here and waiting to get busted by these big-eared whelps."

He looked around and saw the very dancer summoning T'Riss. He shrugged and went back to his food, but then came a beeping from a PADD...notification from Cloten. He looked briefly and said, "Here, furball, perhaps if you and your girl would like more firepower...I sssee she was talking to Cloten. He may have a new merchant for some new toys. Come on by tomorrow and we'll see what he's like and what he hasss to offer."

Nira had just approached Zhuk's side when she heard Gath tell him about Cloten and a new merchant...now that was intriguing. Who was this, she wondered. It's not like they're going to do a thing with Eliminators watching them.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully as they scoped out the different establishments before finishing at the Latinum Lair, and there they found Lahr, chatting with Xinor Dralin and Calud Daaom.

"Tell Lahr that I've sent you to request his presence for dinner," she whispered to Zhuk. "We'll meet out and then we'll return to Bink's suite."

'T'Riss' seemed to listen intently to Gath as he spoke, even though he supposed by his growling that he was not too keen on having him here. He nodded a couple times, as he tried to remember if he had ever heard of a 'Jack Crusher'. Still, he couldn't help but agree with Gath that trying to hunt down Dokan was more trouble than it was worth.

Just as he was taking his leave, he stopped to receive the PADD with the requested information, grinning significantly at the offer. "Well, I wouldn't mind havin' a few more ounces of firepower. Count me in~" With this, he finally returned back to the disguised Nira, the rest of the day being of little note. What was interesting, however, was the fact that Nira had asked him to summon Lahr, something that brought a smile to his face.

[Ferenginar - Thieves' Quarter - Latinum Lair]

When he had concluded his business Lahr returned to the Latinum Lair (having completely forgotten about Chloe and the medical scanner).  He was enjoying the pair's back and forth banter - Lahr would almost assume them to be partners not competitive rivals - when he noted Nira and Zhuk enter the bar... and then memory came back... Oh crud!  His antenna sank a little and he hoped they might just ignore him... but yeah no such luck as he noted Nira's whisper to Zhuk and glance his way.  Roozh!

"Well, fellas it been a blast.  Unfortunately, I have more rounds to do so I'll be off." he called out a bit boisterously - hoping the approaching Caitian might take the hint and keep back.

After leaving the table, Lahr headed towards the exit giving the Caitian wide berth but then played up noticing Nira standing all alone.  He up nodded towards her, in her disguise and gave her a roguish smile as he approached.  "Nice... You are by far the most gorgeous thing I've seen all day.  For a good time, you should join me.  What's your name, milady?"  He offered out his elbow towards her as if she were some fine lady and he a gentleman.

In the background, he could hear Xinor and Calud chortling.
.
.
.

"Aye missus. Can do that"He whispered back, before separating in order to find Lahr and inform him of this petition. He didn't found it too hard to locate him, though as he approached, he noticed that something seemed to be wrong. Taking the hint, he feigned being distracted by a woman as his sight was placed upon her, stopping on his tracks while he listened in Lahr's direction just in case he had to jump in.

He stayed in place as he saw Lahr walk far away from him, buying time by 'taking in the sights', and cat-calling a few people, both men and women. Smooth, Zhuk. Real smooth. Afterwards, he did his best to subtly return back to Nira, following Lahr and her back to Bink's office.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said/Najwa Sahmed | Ishtar Bazaar, Ferenginar Branch | Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Bink's Suite | Outside the Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Nira had just gotten back with Lahr and Zhuk and found Nurse Davies and Mister Fisher there with Bink. Bink may have been a good host, but Nira was sure she felt the annoyance vibes heated from the end of the hallway.

"Nurse. Mister Fisher," said Nira. "Glad you could make it here. I suppose you're wondering what's going on..."

And she explained to Chloe and Fisher about what is going on, about the defector Dokan and the increased assassin presence and Dokan's elusiveness and how unusual Dokan is, that he may not be who he appears to be...

"...if you were informed to bring down a medical scanner," said Nira, "we're hoping that we'll be able to figure out what Dokan really is, and perhaps we'll be able to track him better than the Ferengi. On that note...did one of your people contact Dokan?" asked Nira, turning to Bink.

"Certainly," he answered. "He was passing through the Latinum Lair, but one of my people managed to reach him before he left the building. He's agreed to meet you here, a small meal and discussion. He'll be available tomorrow after the first round of the auction."

"The auction is starting tomorrow?" asked Nira in surprise.

"Yes, Liquidator Bock has sent word to me that the Romulan delegates will be arriving tomorrow. We've got a good deal of non-Romulans here already - and outside the Thieves Quarter - and three other Federation ships will be here as well."

"Talk about timing," said Nira. "I believe we've got a potential contact, somebody who the assassins will know..."

"Yes, we know about Deej Cloten," said Bink.

"You really are all ears," said Nira, impressed.

"Eyes and ears," said Bink. "In fact, the hyoomaan phrase, 'walls have ears,' it's one hyoomaan phrase that's very universal. That Antican has many things in common with one of our best ambassadors, Quark. He's business-based, but he's bloodthirsty, particularly when it comes to Selay. Something this big would naturally lure him back from the Gamma Quadrant."

Nira nodded. "Well, it seems he's in the business of arms dealing."

"Of course he is," Bink retorted. "He trades and smuggles and deals with anything...except slaves, of course. Arms are easy for him. Only Gaila can rival him. The only reason Cloten doesn't own his own moon is because me blows fortunes faster than he can make them, mostly in bribes, means to guarantee silence."

"He deal frequently with anybody?"

"Sure," he said. "He's answerable to anybody who pays or intimidates hi...."

He suddenly stopped and stared incredulously at Nira. "You don't mean you know how to work him?"

"Cloten knows me from when I was on an undercover assignment of my own on Risa," explained Nira. "In any case, he'll be listening in frequently. In fact, he may even have a new merchant to deal with, a new arms source, and we were even invited by one of the assassins to meet..."

She immediately looked over at Lahr and said, "Lahr, did you pick up anything about that? I mean, you were separate from the group for a while..."

"Well, it's, again, not a good idea for both of you to be there," said Bink. "You and the Caitian...but I might be able to arrange something to disguise you in particular, Commander."

Nira nodded, but she leaned more to Lahr in an inquisitive way to hear him out...

[Ferenginar - Outside Thieves' Quarter - Bink's Suite]

On the way to Bink's hotel suite, since he couldn't be positive they weren't being followed, Lahr kept up the act.   It only dropped once they were inside Bink's suite.   Whether that was because he no longer needed to pretend or because of Chloe's death-glare was anyone's guess.

"Sorry, I saw an opportunity to get in with a group of the bounty-hunters... I didn't meant to forget about the medical scanner."

Chloe just rolled her eyes and turned to the Commander as Nira offered to explain the situation.  "Yes, ma'am. We weren't briefed before leaving."

Lahr's attention and his antennae swiveled towards the Ferengi at his statement.   Dokan had been at the Lair!?  When?  Roohz! He'd missed him!   So focused was Lahr on the Romulan, that he'd missed the moved-up auction date until Nira questioned it in surprise.

As the talk continued on and on with no needed input from him, Lahr zoned out of the conversation.   Until his attention was regained by hearing his name.  His head and antennae lifted. "Huh?  What?  New arms merchant?  Um... there might have been some mention of it."   Lahr deflected smoothly.  Not quite lying no quite telling the whole truth.

For a moment, Lahr thought he'd gotten away with the deception but his own emotions gave him away and Nira leaned in more, peering at his inquisitively.

"Alright already. Get out of my head.  I'll spill.". He waited until he had everyone's attention so he didn't have to repeat himself.  "I'm likely the arms merchant they mentioned. I ran into some trouble with a couple of the assassins who were gonna rough me over, so to avoid a beating kinda hinted that I was into that business.  It caught this Deej Cloten fella's attention, so I went with it.  He seemed to take a real shine to me.... so yeah, I can probably wrangle myself an invite all on my own.  I just need to make a few calls on a secure line." He spoke the last statement to Bink.

[Lieutenant Junior Grade Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas / Mercenary T'Riss | Bink's Suite | Outside the Thieves' Quarter | Ferenginar]

When Zhuk came back with Lahr, he was pleasantly surprised to see Chloe, and an individual he didn't quite knew, who was referred to as Mister Fisher. He waved at them, but he seemed especially focused on Chloe. In any case, his attention soon turned towards the discussion, his ears pivoting in order to listen in to the information that was being provided by Bink.

What was more interesting for him was the plan that had seemingly being set forth for tomorrow, finding it quite peculiar. He wondered what Bink had on mind, though, as he leaned further in to both listen to him, and maybe pick up what Lahr had also learn. He was thankful to have two ears, after all.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said/Najwa Sahmed | Ishtar Bazaar, Ferenginar Branch | Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

***

"First Officer's Log, Stardate 78144.14. The day of the auction has arrived. Hopefully, meeting Cloten and the assassins will keep the most dangerous hired hands in the quadrant busy and away from the auction. Meantime, Nurse Davies is back at Bink's suite to make the arrangements to set up the medical scanner so we can get a good idea of what Dokan really is. Zhuk will be at the bounty hunter meeting, and Fisher will be keeping the 'getaway car warmed up,' as they say on Earth. Lahr will also be there...in a way. And so will I...in an especially unique way."

[Deej Cloten | Backrooms | Quarter Warehouse | Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Cloten was not the only one who was itching in excitement. So were the customers hanging in the room with him, though they could be just as impatient as they were excited. A unique haul and a contract with a unique business. It was definitely not something to miss.

Gath, Caju, Galen Mal and the Nausicaan were merely growling at each other. Niamis, Xinor, and Calud were starting to look bored. Finally, Visa had arrived, with the Caitian T'Riss tailing behind.

"Sorry I'm late," Visa said. "Nobody wanted to get enough of me and the new human, Najwa. Her Caitian bodyguard certainly can't get enough of us," she added, looking back and purring at T'Riss.

"Hasn't even begun yet," said Cloten. "Don't get your pheromones flared."

"Oh, come, you know full well I keep pheromone repressants when I do business," Visa said with a hair added apprehensiveness.

A newcomer had just arrived and everybody blinked in surprise at the sight of a Breen mercenary who had entered the room.

"Hubs!" they said, pronouncing the name "Hoobz."

Fortunately, everybody was too surprised to notice Cloten and Zhuk's reactions, which weren't in surprise at all. He knew that the refridgeration suit would come in handy, one of the two unfortunate Breen victims of either Dokan or a cohort.

"We thought you disappeared!" Caju roared in surprise.

"Well, we know how elusive Dokan is," Hubs answered, his voice electronically amplified under the Breen suit. "I underestimated how elusive."

The assassins shrugged. Everybody had a hard time understanding Hubs at the best of times, his voice was so complicated. But then, it's to be expected in somebody who has been away from the Breen system for so long.

Oh, she's good, Cloten thought.

"Now, I believe our new source may appeal to me," Hubs said. "If I understand the rumor, then I might get along with him very well. We both come cold worlds."

Cloten looked around and saw the very man himself. "Speak of the devil!" he said, guttural and loudly.

***

The next day

Lahr left the suite early the next morning.  He'd been up half the night prepping 'his wares'.  On paper they looked wonderful... but he'd made a few discreet modifications to the design and its blood-mark that would ensure that even if the plans did fall into some lowlife's hands all it would produce was a low-grade UV light emitter.   No way was he going to be party to anymore death.

It didn't take long once arriving at the Lair for Cloten to approach him and suggest a meeting.  Since Lahr knew exactly when the auction was happening, he readily agreed for that specific time.

Lahr entered, fashionably late, having been waiting around the corner for Zhuk and Nira to arrive.

"Greetings everyone!  Welcome and thank you all for coming on such short notice.  I'd ask for a round of introductions but most of you are so well-known that introductions aren't needed.  Except for maybe myself...  I am ShranLahr,  2nd cousin to the Alpha and Beta Quadrants undisputed leader in weapons merchantile, TiberiUs ch'Verret, and I'm here to put my cousin to shame when it comes to deals that are a steal."

NPC Lt JG Chloe Davies
[Ferenginar - Fereng - Hotel - Bink's suite]

Having to remain back at the suite was no hardship for Chloe.  From what she'd seen so far of Ferenginar, the place was a hole and she'd be glad when they were on their way back to the ship.  But before then, the Commander wanted a scan of the elusive Romulan.  So, a scan is what the Commander would get, Chloe would make sure of that.

As with most scanners, the closer the probe the better.  The question was when the Romulan came over for meal and a talk... where was he most likely to be or go.  The answer was rather self-evident.  The doorway... unless he literally transported in and out of the room, he had to pass through the doorway at least twice... once entering and once exiting.   And if she could get the Commander or the Ferengi to engage the Romulan in conversation just at the door... a last farewell comment, that would increase the duration of the scan too.

Chloe just needed to hide the sensor probe in a discreet spot.

[Lieutenant Junior Grade Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas / Mercenary T'Riss | Backrooms | Thieves Quarter | Ferenginar]

Well, he certainly was not expecting things to end in this direction, but he guessed that ultimately, it was a good plan. Especially because he indeed enjoyed seeing Nira and Visa dance. Though he still couldn't fully shake his apprehension towards Orions, he had indeed buried it deep enough to react with a seductive look of his own towards Visa as she turned.

He was indeed glad that she had not unleashed her pheromones on him. He was intoxicated enough with her sole actions and expressions as it was. He wasn't too sure he would be able to fully resist her wiles otherwise. Even then, he thought about jumping Cloten for making Visa uncomfortable now. But, decided against it.

The tension was broken by the arrival of a Breen, whomst Zhuk recognized. He wasn't accustomed to the voice modulator, however, having to concentrate extra hard to listen to it. But all pieces had fallen into place, it seemed.

When Lahr finally introduced himself, Zhuk smirked, rubbing his hands together in mock-expectation of the firepower that he may acquire or at least see at that moment.

[Nira Said]

CPO ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Ferenginar - Thieves' Quarter - Latinum Lair >>>  ?]

With directions his new 'friends' provided, Lahr set off to see if it were possible to acquire a Jem'Hadar shroud or at least something to mask his bio signature.
.
.
.

[Ferenginar - Thieves' Quarter - Latinum Lair]

When he had concluded his business Lahr returned to the Latinum Lair (having completely forgotten about Chloe and the medical scanner).  He was enjoying the pair's back and forth banter - Lahr would almost assume them to be partners not competitive rivals - when he noted Nira and Zhuk enter the bar... and then memory came back... Oh crud!  His antenna sank a little and he hoped they might just ignore him... but yeah no such luck as he noted Nira's whisper to Zhuk and glance his way.  Roozh!

"Well, fellas it been a blast.  Unfortunately, I have more rounds to do so I'll be off." he called out a bit boisterously - hoping the approaching Caitian might take the hint and keep back.

After leaving the table, Lahr headed towards the exit giving the Caitian wide berth but then played up noticing Nira standing all alone.  He up nodded towards her, in her disguise and gave her a roguish smile as he approached.  "Nice... You are by far the most gorgeous thing I've seen all day.  For a good time, you should join me.  What's your name, milady?"  He offered out his elbow towards her as if she were some fine lady and he a gentleman.

In the background, he could hear Xinor and Calud chortling.
.
.
.

[Ferenginar - Outside Thieves' Quarter - Bink's Suite]

On the way to Bink's hotel suite, since he couldn't be positive they weren't being followed, Lahr kept up the act.   It only dropped once they were inside Bink's suite.   Whether that was because he no longer needed to pretend or because of Chloe's death-glare was anyone's guess.

"Sorry, I saw an opportunity to get in with a group of the bounty-hunters... I didn't meant to forget about the medical scanner."

Chloe just rolled her eyes and turned to the Commander as Nira offered to explain the situation.  "Yes, ma'am. We weren't briefed before leaving."

Lahr's attention and his antennae swiveled towards the Ferengi at his statement.   Dokan had been at the Lair!?  When?  Roohz! He'd missed him!   So focused was Lahr on the Romulan, that he'd missed the moved-up auction date until Nira questioned it in surprise.

As the talk continued on and on with no needed input from him, Lahr zoned out of the conversation.   Until his attention was regained by hearing his name.  His head and antennae lifted. "Huh?  What?  New arms merchant?  Um... there might have been some mention of it."   Lahr deflected smoothly.  Not quite lying no quite telling the whole truth.

For a moment, Lahr thought he'd gotten away with the deception but his own emotions gave him away and Nira leaned in more, peering at his inquisitively.

"Alright already. Get out of my head.  I'll spill.". He waited until he had everyone's attention so he didn't have to repeat himself.  "I'm likely the arms merchant they mentioned. I ran into some trouble with a couple of the assassins who were gonna rough me over, so to avoid a beating kinda hinted that I was into that business.  It caught this Deej Cloten fella's attention, so I went with it.  He seemed to take a real shine to me.... so yeah, I can probably wrangle myself an invite all on my own.  I just need to make a few calls on a secure line." He spoke the last statement to Bink.

***

The next day

Lahr left the suite early the next morning.  He'd been up half the night prepping 'his wares'.  On paper they looked wonderful... but he'd made a few discreet modifications to the design and its blood-mark that would ensure that even if the plans did fall into some lowlife's hands all it would produce was a low-grade UV light emitter.   No way was he going to be party to anymore death.

It didn't take long once arriving at the Lair for Cloten to approach him and suggest a meeting.  Since Lahr knew exactly when the auction was happening, he readily agreed for that specific time.

Lahr entered, fashionably late, having been waiting around the corner for Zhuk and Nira to arrive.

"Greetings everyone!  Welcome and thank you all for coming on such short notice.  I'd ask for a round of introductions but most of you are so well-known that introductions aren't needed.  Except for maybe myself...  I am ShranLahr,  2nd cousin to the Alpha and Beta Quadrants undisputed leader in weapons merchantile, TiberiUs ch'Verret, and I'm here to put my cousin to shame when it comes to deals that are a steal."

NPC Lt JG Chloe Davies
[Ferenginar - Fereng - Hotel - Bink's suite]

Having to remain back at the suite was no hardship for Chloe.  From what she'd seen so far of Ferenginar, the place was a hole and she'd be glad when they were on their way back to the ship.  But before then, the Commander wanted a scan of the elusive Romulan.  So, a scan is what the Commander would get, Chloe would make sure of that.

As with most scanners, the closer the probe the better.  The question was when the Romulan came over for meal and a talk... where was he most likely to be or go.  The answer was rather self-evident.  The doorway... unless he literally transported in and out of the room, he had to pass through the doorway at least twice... once entering and once exiting.   And if she could get the Commander or the Ferengi to engage the Romulan in conversation just at the door... a last farewell comment, that would increase the duration of the scan too.

Chloe just needed to hide the sensor probe in a discreet spot.

[Lieutenant Junior Grade Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas / Mercenary T'Riss | Ishtar Bazaar, Ferenginar Branch | Thieves Quarter | Ferenginar]

'T'Riss' seemed to listen intently to Gath as he spoke, even though he supposed by his growling that he was not too keen on having him here. He nodded a couple times, as he tried to remember if he had ever heard of a 'Jack Crusher'. Still, he couldn't help but agree with Gath that trying to hunt down Dokan was more trouble than it was worth.

Just as he was taking his leave, he stopped to receive the PADD with the requested information, grinning significantly at the offer. "Well, I wouldn't mind havin' a few more ounces of firepower. Count me in~" With this, he finally returned back to the disguised Nira, the rest of the day being of little note. What was interesting, however, was the fact that Nira had asked him to summon Lahr, something that brought a smile to his face.

"Aye missus. Can do that"He whispered back, before separating in order to find Lahr and inform him of this petition. He didn't found it too hard to locate him, though as he approached, he noticed that something seemed to be wrong. Taking the hint, he feigned being distracted by a woman as his sight was placed upon her, stopping on his tracks while he listened in Lahr's direction just in case he had to jump in.

He stayed in place as he saw Lahr walk far away from him, buying time by 'taking in the sights', and cat-calling a few people, both men and women. Smooth, Zhuk. Real smooth. Afterwards, he did his best to subtly return back to Nira, following Lahr and her back to Bink's office.

[Lieutenant Junior Grade Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas / Mercenary T'Riss | Bink's Suite | Outside the Thieves' Quarter | Ferenginar]

When Zhuk came back with Lahr, he was pleasantly surprised to see Chloe, and an individual he didn't quite knew, who was referred to as Mister Fisher. He waved at them, but he seemed especially focused on Chloe. In any case, his attention soon turned towards the discussion, his ears pivoting in order to listen in to the information that was being provided by Bink.

What was more interesting for him was the plan that had seemingly being set forth for tomorrow, finding it quite peculiar. He wondered what Bink had on mind, though, as he leaned further in to both listen to him, and maybe pick up what Lahr had also learn. He was thankful to have two ears, after all.

[Lieutenant Junior Grade Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas / Mercenary T'Riss | Backrooms | Thieves Quarter | Ferenginar]

Well, he certainly was not expecting things to end in this direction, but he guessed that ultimately, it was a good plan. Especially because he indeed enjoyed seeing Nira and Visa dance. Though he still couldn't fully shake his apprehension towards Orions, he had indeed buried it deep enough to react with a seductive look of his own towards Visa as she turned.

He was indeed glad that she had not unleashed her pheromones on him. He was intoxicated enough with her sole actions and expressions as it was. He wasn't too sure he would be able to fully resist her wiles otherwise. Even then, he thought about jumping Cloten for making Visa uncomfortable now. But, decided against it.

The tension was broken by the arrival of a Breen, whomst Zhuk recognized. He wasn't accustomed to the voice modulator, however, having to concentrate extra hard to listen to it. But all pieces had fallen into place, it seemed.

When Lahr finally introduced himself, Zhuk smirked, rubbing his hands together in mock-expectation of the firepower that he may acquire or at least see at that moment.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Bink's Suite | Outside the Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Nira blinked in surprise, in spite of the fact that she was about to point out to Lahr that she wasn't reading him telepathically.

"Huh," she said in astonishment. "So it sounds like you know your weapons. I'm presuming somebody in your family is in the arms business..."

Nira was genuinely astonished; naturally, if any family were listed in personnel files, they wouldn't necessarily include their line of work.

"Well, there are plenty of Andorians in the arms business," said Bink. "The ch'Verrets are a popular bunch of arms merchants, I've got one of their sidearms here," he said, holding up his weapon. Nira took a good look at it, then looked back at Lahr.

"Hmm," said Nira. "Well, whatever connection you have, that will definitely get you in with the clientel in weapons around here. Do what you need to do, Lahr. Now, Mister Bink," said Nira, looking back at Bink, "what's the disguise you have in mind?"

"Something that Cloten sent," said Bink. "The PADD he provided has also mentioned holding a secret box in his office..."

Nira looked at the PADD and raised an eyebrow with interest.

"Well, that's going to hide me excellently well," she said.

***

THE NEXT DAY...

[Deej Cloten | Backrooms | Quarter Warehouse | Thieves Quarter | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Cloten took a good look at Hubs. He was confident that Nira and Bink had followed his coordinates to his secret stash to find the empty Breen suit. It should even fit Nira, and the boots were elevated enough that Nira would look taller...

Once Lahr made his introductions, "Hubs" spoke up. "Indeed?" "he" said. "Show us what merchandise you have for us. What do you have, honored member of the ch'Verrets?"

Inside the Breen suit, Nira, speaking perfectly in-character as the Breen mercenary. She hoped that what Lahr has will be of particular interest to this motley crew. She looked over at Zhuk and then around at the group.

[Nira Said]

[SS Harmsway --> Ferengi Tower of Commerce]

"Further actually," Buck gave a rueful grin. "Can't be more further than Arlington, Texas." But then there was a shrug. He had grown up surrounded by Starfleet, his parents had gone through the academy themselves and had inspired him to join. "Though, parents are both Fleet. Younger brother too. Said a whole load of stories but hits different actually livin' it..."

Buck trailed off as he followed in step with the Captain as they made it back to the Tower of Commerce. He nodded, taking in on board as he took a precautionary glance around them. they might have been dressed in casual, non-Starfleet looking attire, who knew who could be listening into their conversation. Besides, it certainly said a lot that if the captain did not know what was going on, then the ones below certainly were going to have a struggle catching up. He stood at parade rest as the Captain explained, once they had all gathered back in the office, to the Liquidator that they had assistance on the way.

[Auction Pavilion | Sacred Marketplace | Fereng | Ferenginar]

It was the day of the auction.

Something in which had the entirety of the team on edge, no doubt. Buck had fixed his cap to his head, and mingled along with the rest of the sacred marketplace whilst maintaining watchful eyes on the captain and the rest of the team, feeling ever so wary of the amount of Romulans who had gathered as well as the sheer amount of people who had come to witness it.

Any one of them.

Anything could happen.

Buck was browsing the wares that were going to come up in the auction, perking a brow at some of them; it was not hard to look interested when he had rarely seen objects and items that were being put on display. He slowly picked his way over to Doctor Buehler, checking that he still had a line of sight on his commanders before greeting him with a very subtle nod of his head.

[Auction Pavilion]

Evan had no idea what he was drinking, but he liked the taste, and before he knew it he found himself at the bottom of his glass. It would take a few more drinks before he even needed to start worrying about inebriation, courtesy of his German upbringing. As fascinating as dead bodies could be, alcohol gave way more dopamine. Still, it was hard not to think about how unsettling the empty Breen suit was.

Sitting beside the bright young ensign, he couldn't help but overhear her mention of a hefty piece of Cardassian literature. "œYou might enjoy Kafka," he told Nural, "œpreferably in the original German. Much of the nuance gets lost in translation." Evan himself tended to stay away from the great German authors, finding the work to be a little bit too dark and complicated.

Kina closed her eyes and shook her head. The Breen were not indestructible, they could be killed just as if one could kill a Klingon. But the method they were killed, a way to preserve the suits, this was methodical. It worries Kina that something big was going to happen. "œSomething is coming. I just"¦.hope that the captain is ready for it, whatever it is."

~~~~~~

[Auction Pavilion | Sacred Marketplace | Fereng | Ferenginar]

Kina smiled lightly as she spoke with some of the other patrons at the auction. "œTo be perfectly blunt, I do find other literary works outside of Cardassia to be rather"¦.pedestrian. There is nothing like The Never Ending Sacrifice that really opens up the"¦.passion of one's soul." She lightly swirled her glass of kanar. She only sipped it from time to time to keep up appearances. Now was not the time to get drunk.

She looked around and saw the captain and T'Kel speaking. She would have liked to go and speak to him, but Cardassians still kept themselves in a higher regard than others. Really, the only race that they saw could be equal would be Bajorans, thanks to the help of Kira Nerys who helped free her home. For now, she needed to keep up appearances and focus on being a spy.

[Auction Pavilion - Sacred Marketplace - Ferenginar]

Ian was tense. The air fairly crackled with tension, which was saying something given the perpetual damp of Ferenginar. The rogue's gallery of factions present was like a photon grenade with an unpredictable fuse, just waiting for the slightest jolt to set it off.

"Actually, Ambassador, I was thinking of an old Earth euphemism. What we have here is a 'soup sandwich'. I doubt there is a species known to the Quadrant with enough eyes to keep track of all the undercurrents boiling here. Worse part is, when this Dokan takes the stage, tensions will ratchet up even further. We may be in over our heads."

[Auction Pavilion - Sacred Marketplace - Ferenginar]

There was so much going on that Ian didn't want to stay in one place as it made it likely he'd miss something and it made him feel like a target. He caught T'Kel's eye and said.

"Walk with me Ambassador."

They slowly began to make the rounds among the many guests at the auction. He put on a grand show as he introduced himself and played the part of StJohn Dalrymple, Trade Lord to the fullest. Between the fancy robes and his 'staff of office' he even almost believed the story himself.

"I do wish this bloody thing would start, I had no idea actin' was this much work."

He muttered in a tone only T'Kel could discern with her superior hearing.

[Lieutenant Commander T'Kel/Ambassador T'tahl | Auction Pavilion | Sacred Marketplace | Fereng | Ferenginar]

"Be careful what you wish for," T'Kel said, her scornful tone hiding a potential warning voice.

She could see the various browsings going on, but T'Kel really knew that the objects that were being looked at were actually decoration. The real treat was on the center stage, a huge something being curtained, and the object was big enough that the pavilion tent was certainly big enough that, if it were any higher, it would've been a circus tent.

Suddenly, everybody was looking around to the center stage and T'Kel saw the very Romulan come onstage and make an announcement. "Ladies. Gentlemen. So good of you to join here today," he said.

"I believe our host has joined us," said T'Kel to the Captain. She looked particularly at the side with all the Romulan factions, and while everybody was staring at Dokan. There was a great deal of hostility and anticipation, but T'Kel was noticing some different reactions as well: Surprise, shock, evidenced in gapes of horror and gasps in astonishment. Her keen hearing picked up various surprised comments in buzzed whispers: "It can't be." "So it's true." "He's alive." "He really is alive." "After all these years..."

T'Kel studied the reactions long and hard. Those people must particularly know Dokan, and they somehow expected him to be dead. She made a note to talk to the representative of the Free State for more information about Dokan.

"It is good to see you all again," Dokan said, nodding in acknowledgement to those in the crowd who recognized him. "If you wish to take your seats, we are ready to begin."

T'Kel took her chance as everybody were taking their seats, finding the Free State ambassador.

"Excuse me," she said, knowing full well that ambassador was among those who recognized Dokan, "but why were you reacting thus to Dokan?"

"On what end of the old Star Empire were you at?" The ambassador said in surprise. "You should know about Dokan. Anybody who's from old Romulus would know him. One of the best military officers...he was supposedly watching the Senate when the Hobus supernova destroyed our home!"

That certainly confirmed to T'Kel that people were expecting Dokan to be dead. She went to Captain Galloway and took his seat next to him, relaying in her quietest whisper...

At the stage, Dokan waited for everybody to be seated. There was certainly a charged atmosphere, even more so than usual. The stares that T'Kel could see from the Romulans, among the glares were the pronounced expressions of shocked befuddlement. She didn't have to be a telepath to know that they seemed to be making silent demands: Why the treason? Why the blackmail? Surely this must be some kind of ruse.

"Now that we are all sitting comfortably," Dokan said, "I will begin."

He clapped his hand and the curtain rose. It was a big cube with varied blinking nodes, a cubed computer server. Some would presume the cube to look like a miniaturized Borg Cube, but T'Kel knew better. This was big enough for Dokan to keep his dirtiest secrets in.

"Behold, all the dirtiest Romulan secrets the old Star Empire ever had," Dokan said. "All held in this server."

There was buzzing, most pronounced among the Romulans. The angry muttering was especially pronounced.

"Yes, you're wondering if I couldn't possibly stoop to such a huge level of treason," Dokan said coolly...yet somehow, there was a slight hint of Ferengi in his voice... "...but the old Star Empire is gone now. Yet here are some secrets from the old empire, especially held by the different factions...and I bet you want them all back," he added with a subtle hint of singsong. "But...perhaps it depends if the other non-Romulan participants want to pay more."

Now the muttering was growing angrier despite the whispering. Those recognizing Dokan were growing ever more agitatedly confused. Glances were being made back and forth, one end looking at the Romulan end.

"Now...perhaps I can enlighten you with a sample," said Dokan. "Perhaps it's something both those of the old crowd and those of the Federation would know. The Federation supposedly thought the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards were destroyed by an uprising of Synthetic slaves. In truth, the android slaves were hacked by General Oh, a double agent, destroying the fleet intended to help Romulus evacuate before Hobus could destroy the homeworld..."

"You call that a sample?!?" snarled somebody among the Free State delegation as angry buzzing whispered among the crowd again. "It's already a known secret, and General Oh is...!" But he stopped himself before he could say more, but the damage was done.

"Glad to know you're not denying it," Dokan said with icier coolness.

Fascinating, T'Kel thought. He knew about this plan of Commodore...no, General Oh's. He was demonstrating he knows everything, and he was being serious.

"Now, what shall we start off to bid?" Dokan. "Would you wish to know about where the Reunification Movement is hiding their refugees? Or the current location of the insurgent known as Lurak T'Luco? How about the names and locations of the sleeper agents hiding in the Romulan embassies of, say, the Elorg Bloc?"

T'Kel could tell that Dokan really struck a nerve. The anger among the different faction representatives was really becoming pronounced in their expressions, if not in their increasing hostility in their whispers. Plenty of Romulans were hissing at Dokan: "You're a dead man! DEAD!"

Dokan raised his hands and gestured for silence.

"There will be plenty to look forward to as we proceed," he said. "Meantime...let us now begin. The first item..." and he pulled out a data rod from the server cube. "...the Tal Shiar fleet base hidden in the Ildius Nebula. We open the bid at one thousand bars of gold-pressed latinum."

He looked around, particularly at the Romulans, who were all growing angrier and angrier. The Tal Shiar representatives in particular had their own displays of anger: as neutral as their expressions were, their eyes were blazing; if looks could kill, Dokan would be the smoldering result of one who bathed in a star's corona.

"Do I hear one thousand bars?"

"Two thousand!" An excited non-Romulan called from the other side...the growl indicated it was a Klingon.

"Two and a half thousand," a Tal Shair representative retorted coolly.

"Do I hear more...?"

The next thing that came to greet him certainly was a lot more than a call for a bid, and it wasn't even vocal. A sudden disruptor beam blasted its way from somewhere in the far back of the audience, almost at the wall of the pavilion. The screams and chaos that followed brought in a cacophony. T'Kel stood, amazed that Dokan was still standing, even after a second sniper beam ripped through his chest.

T'Kel followed the beam and could see the hunched shadowy figure there. She couldn't tell whether it was a male or a female, but the pointed ears definitely indicated that it was a Romulan, but what was more, the body language was especially pronounced. The hidden assassin had to be the most surprised that Dokan was still standing, even when the assassin sent two more disruptor beams before bolting back into the shadows.

"Ah, yes," Dokan said, unfazed by the four fatal bolts that had struck him squarely in the chest. "Perhaps we shall resume at another time later today..."

[Kina Nural]

[Auction Pavilion]

Evan had no idea what he was drinking, but he liked the taste, and before he knew it he found himself at the bottom of his glass. It would take a few more drinks before he even needed to start worrying about inebriation, courtesy of his German upbringing. As fascinating as dead bodies could be, alcohol gave way more dopamine. Still, it was hard not to think about how unsettling the empty Breen suit was.

Sitting beside the bright young ensign, he couldn't help but overhear her mention of a hefty piece of Cardassian literature. "œYou might enjoy Kafka," he told Nural, "œpreferably in the original German. Much of the nuance gets lost in translation." Evan himself tended to stay away from the great German authors, finding the work to be a little bit too dark and complicated.

[Auction Pavilion / Sacred Marketplace / Ferenginar]

Kina looked over at Buehler and smiled, pretending that his comment seemed to intrigue her. "œInteresting. It has been my understanding that human literature was something rather"¦.bland. Like Halant stew. However, I would like to discuss one Doyle, if you would." She walked a bit away with the Lieutenant, and when they were isolated enough, she let out a breath and focused on breathing. "œI feel like I'm going to throw up. If my father saw me now"¦he would wonder what I was thinking. I hope this starts soon."

[Lieutenant Commander T'Kel/Ambassador T'tahl | Auction Pavilion | Sacred Marketplace | Fereng | Ferenginar]

"Be careful what you wish for," T'Kel said, her scornful tone hiding a potential warning voice.

She could see the various browsings going on, but T'Kel really knew that the objects that were being looked at were actually decoration. The real treat was on the center stage, a huge something being curtained, and the object was big enough that the pavilion tent was certainly big enough that, if it were any higher, it would've been a circus tent.

Suddenly, everybody was looking around to the center stage and T'Kel saw the very Romulan come onstage and make an announcement. "Ladies. Gentlemen. So good of you to join here today," he said.

"I believe our host has joined us," said T'Kel to the Captain. She looked particularly at the side with all the Romulan factions, and while everybody was staring at Dokan. There was a great deal of hostility and anticipation, but T'Kel was noticing some different reactions as well: Surprise, shock, evidenced in gapes of horror and gasps in astonishment. Her keen hearing picked up various surprised comments in buzzed whispers: "It can't be." "So it's true." "He's alive." "He really is alive." "After all these years..."

T'Kel studied the reactions long and hard. Those people must particularly know Dokan, and they somehow expected him to be dead. She made a note to talk to the representative of the Free State for more information about Dokan.

"It is good to see you all again," Dokan said, nodding in acknowledgement to those in the crowd who recognized him. "If you wish to take your seats, we are ready to begin."

T'Kel took her chance as everybody were taking their seats, finding the Free State ambassador.

"Excuse me," she said, knowing full well that ambassador was among those who recognized Dokan, "but why were you reacting thus to Dokan?"

"On what end of the old Star Empire were you at?" The ambassador said in surprise. "You should know about Dokan. Anybody who's from old Romulus would know him. One of the best military officers...he was supposedly watching the Senate when the Hobus supernova destroyed our home!"

That certainly confirmed to T'Kel that people were expecting Dokan to be dead. She went to Captain Galloway and took his seat next to him, relaying in her quietest whisper...

At the stage, Dokan waited for everybody to be seated. There was certainly a charged atmosphere, even more so than usual. The stares that T'Kel could see from the Romulans, among the glares were the pronounced expressions of shocked befuddlement. She didn't have to be a telepath to know that they seemed to be making silent demands: Why the treason? Why the blackmail? Surely this must be some kind of ruse.

"Now that we are all sitting comfortably," Dokan said, "I will begin."

He clapped his hand and the curtain rose. It was a big cube with varied blinking nodes, a cubed computer server. Some would presume the cube to look like a miniaturized Borg Cube, but T'Kel knew better. This was big enough for Dokan to keep his dirtiest secrets in.

"Behold, all the dirtiest Romulan secrets the old Star Empire ever had," Dokan said. "All held in this server."

There was buzzing, most pronounced among the Romulans. The angry muttering was especially pronounced.

"Yes, you're wondering if I couldn't possibly stoop to such a huge level of treason," Dokan said coolly...yet somehow, there was a slight hint of Ferengi in his voice... "...but the old Star Empire is gone now. Yet here are some secrets from the old empire, especially held by the different factions...and I bet you want them all back," he added with a subtle hint of singsong. "But...perhaps it depends if the other non-Romulan participants want to pay more."

Now the muttering was growing angrier despite the whispering. Those recognizing Dokan were growing ever more agitatedly confused. Glances were being made back and forth, one end looking at the Romulan end.

"Now...perhaps I can enlighten you with a sample," said Dokan. "Perhaps it's something both those of the old crowd and those of the Federation would know. The Federation supposedly thought the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards were destroyed by an uprising of Synthetic slaves. In truth, the android slaves were hacked by General Oh, a double agent, destroying the fleet intended to help Romulus evacuate before Hobus could destroy the homeworld..."

"You call that a sample?!?" snarled somebody among the Free State delegation as angry buzzing whispered among the crowd again. "It's already a known secret, and General Oh is...!" But he stopped himself before he could say more, but the damage was done.

"Glad to know you're not denying it," Dokan said with icier coolness.

Fascinating, T'Kel thought. He knew about this plan of Commodore...no, General Oh's. He was demonstrating he knows everything, and he was being serious.

"Now, what shall we start off to bid?" Dokan. "Would you wish to know about where the Reunification Movement is hiding their refugees? Or the current location of the insurgent known as Lurak T'Luco? How about the names and locations of the sleeper agents hiding in the Romulan embassies of, say, the Elorg Bloc?"

T'Kel could tell that Dokan really struck a nerve. The anger among the different faction representatives was really becoming pronounced in their expressions, if not in their increasing hostility in their whispers. Plenty of Romulans were hissing at Dokan: "You're a dead man! DEAD!"

Dokan raised his hands and gestured for silence.

"There will be plenty to look forward to as we proceed," he said. "Meantime...let us now begin. The first item..." and he pulled out a data rod from the server cube. "...the Tal Shiar fleet base hidden in the Ildius Nebula. We open the bid at one thousand bars of gold-pressed latinum."

He looked around, particularly at the Romulans, who were all growing angrier and angrier. The Tal Shiar representatives in particular had their own displays of anger: as neutral as their expressions were, their eyes were blazing; if looks could kill, Dokan would be the smoldering result of one who bathed in a star's corona.

"Do I hear one thousand bars?"

"Two thousand!" An excited non-Romulan called from the other side...the growl indicated it was a Klingon.

"Two and a half thousand," a Tal Shair representative retorted coolly.

"Do I hear more...?"

The next thing that came to greet him certainly was a lot more than a call for a bid, and it wasn't even vocal. A sudden disruptor beam blasted its way from somewhere in the far back of the audience, almost at the wall of the pavilion. The screams and chaos that followed brought in a cacophony. T'Kel stood, amazed that Dokan was still standing, even after a second sniper beam ripped through his chest.

T'Kel followed the beam and could see the hunched shadowy figure there. She couldn't tell whether it was a male or a female, but the pointed ears definitely indicated that it was a Romulan, but what was more, the body language was especially pronounced. The hidden assassin had to be the most surprised that Dokan was still standing, even when the assassin sent two more disruptor beams before bolting back into the shadows.

"Ah, yes," Dokan said, unfazed by the four fatal bolts that had struck him squarely in the chest. "Perhaps we shall resume at another time later today..."

Almost as if on cue, their host finally appeared. Kina never know the name of this man, yet she remembered his face, one she saw a few times displayed on her father's command screen at home when she was a little girl. It was mostly intelligence briefings from the CIB, but she remembered. She sat down near Buehler and played her part.

He seemed to anger a lot of Romulans who were in attendance. She looked around at the others who were in attendance. It all seemed like everyone here wanted to get some kind of edge on the other. And the sample of knowledge that he gave, even Cardassia didn't know the full extent of what exactly happened on Mars. Hearing him start out at one thousand bars of latinum was pretty ambitious, yet people were biting.

Kina was tempted to raise her hand and bid, more to keep up the illusion than anything else. As she started to, the shots were fired. She ducked down, focused on trying to keep herself safe. In the midst of the commotion, she lifted her head and looked at Dokan. He stood like nothing was wrong.

What was going on? Was it just a hologram, or a personal forcefield? Kina didn't have the answers, but she knew one thing, this mission was getting more and more complicated by the minute. Her eyes then began to look around for anyone wounded so that she could at least do something.