Lt. Silveira: Fashion critics are the worst.

[btv....@sapo.pt]

((Oxeania Commercial District, Tharazad Continent – Betazed))

They had made it outside, covering and hiding as they made their way to the shop Zie visited. Vitor covered their rear as she led the team. Having the Captain on the front was a calculated Risk, since she was the only one more familiar with the surroundings. 

Behind cover Vitor warned the others.

Silveira: It's the second time I feel like there’s movement behind us.

MacKenzie: Did you see anything?

Yellir: A-An animal, maybe?

Kel: The Jem’hadar can cloak can’t they? But if it was Jem’hadar, wouldn’t they just take us down right away?

Vitor kept looking at the back as he shook his head, he wasn’t certain. And if they had more resources he would suggest they split up, but right now Zie’s plan to get to the shop and change was the best one yet.

If they manage to get in some cover then they could try and figure it out.

Also he could as well be mistaken. If it was some Dominion patrol they wouldn’t likely be sneaking in behind them, and would have fired already.

If it was someone else what was the point in shadowing them?

Silveira: It must be nothing. When we reach the shop we can figure out if someone is there or not.

MacKenzie: And when we aren’t in the open for everyone to see. Keep moving.

Kel: Aye sir.

Vitor nodded following the others, looking back as he moved from cover to cover until they reached the shop. 

((Radiant Threads & Raiments — Oxeania Commercial District, Tharazad Continent – Betazed))

Vitor gave a quick look inside, ignoring the clothes and seeking possible entry points and covers, before going to the closest clothes rack. He put the pan down, but within reached, splitting his attention on the search for clothes his size and the door they entered. 

Vitor found some grey pants, a yellow sweater and was about to pick a long jacket when he heard Kel. 

Kel: So, are we worried about what the Jem’hadar will ask about what some non-Betazoids on Betazed? Or am I just being paranoid about the features I can’t hide with a jacket.

He shrugged, even if he was out of sight from the others, as he took the long jacket, but left it in the hanger as it was too small.

Vitor set his chosen clothes aside. 

Kel did have a point, but admittedly Hallia would stand out more than him.

Even Zie and Vitor would be pinned easily as non Betazoids, due to their eye colour. 

Yellir: What about a bandage for your nose? That might help. If we find something else here we might be able to make it look like it's actually injured, too.

 

MacKenzie: We could actually break your nose. (beat) I’m kidding. …Partially.

Vitor couldn’t resist chuckling as he started to undress. With his usual lack of modesty, and vantage point to the door, he took off his undershirt and uniform top in one piece. 

Now bearchested he turned and shook his head. 

Silveira: I don’t even have to break it. But don't worry about it Ensign Kel, I don’t think our origin poses as much of a danger as wearing our uniforms. 

Vitor then stripped his pants, keeping the underwear, and began to get dressed. 

Yellir: If there isn’t much here I’m worried all I might do is slow you all down. I just need something to cover myself as much as possible. 

MacKenzie: No one goes until we all go. And correct me if I’m wrong, but I didn’t think the Yelikans were members of the Federation? Maybe it’s possible the Dominion wouldn’t even know what to make of you?

Vitor put on the sweater and tilted his head in Hallia's direction. 

Silveira: We better stick together. 

Kel: Response

 

Yellir: Well, we didn’t become ‘official’ members until after the war— but we had plenty of trade deals.

Vitor looked at something else to put on. He wasn’t familiar with Betazed climate, but he guessed just a sweater wasn’t going to cut it. 

The jackets were all too small for him, but there were a few vests nearby, so he picked a grey one and he put it on. 

It was a little tight, but as he zipped it it tucked up the sweater and he felt more comfortable. 

He raised his head as he saw the others in their new garments. 

Yellir: How about this? 

He raised an eyebrow, from the four of them he was the least fashionable. 

But being out of fashion was a style in itself. 

MacKenzie: I think that’ll do just fine.

Kel: Response?

For the first time in a while the old Silveira grin made a quick appearance. 

He nodded as he looked at each one of them. 

Silveira: Looks like I got the thrift store section. You all look good. ::He turned to Hallia:: Only you can look this elegant and…

His words were cut by a sudden bang from another room close by. Vitor froze, except for his right hand that picked up silently the frying pan he had set aside. 

Kneeling down he looked at Zie, as she directed Kel to take point. 

He stood back, following Hallia into the doorway. Again Zie signalled for Kel to head inside first, Vitor entering last and took the right side.

It looked like a storage room. A few racks covered the walls, and a cabinet was close to him. Clothes filled the floor, previously hanging on the fallen racks that rested nearby.

MacKenzie: These racks didn’t just knock themselves over…

Silveira: Maybe… 

Vitor moved slowly and silently in the direction of the cabinet. 

Yellir/Kel: Response

Vitor narrowed his eyes, raising the pan up as he leaned on the cabinet. 

He noticed a volume between the clothes of the nearest rack.

With feline reflexes he rushed forward, sacrificing surprise as he shouted. 

Silveira: CONTACT RIGHT 

MacKenzie/Yellir/Kel: Response

In the next second he swung the pan. Whoever it was, it had humanoid form. 

And matching reflexes to Vitor, as the pan hit the elbow instead of the head.

Vitor leaned down and tackled the opponent, rushing with him through racks and clothes, in a confused mess. 

Two hits on his back and spine, and all the littered clothes made him lose balance, falling down, in a messy embrace with… Someone. 

Breathing heavily he rolled, trying to stand up, as he felt his right arm being held, and his opponent twisting it, and locking him on a hold from behind. 

With the opponent trying to pin him in a headlock, unable to see him, Vitor used his free arm to apply quick elbow strokes as fast as he could.

Silveira: Clear out I got this. 

MacKenzie/Yellir/Kel: Response

Whoever it was it had training, as it took Vitor’s blows. Still he hadn’t managed a proper lock, and Vitor, with the adrenaline kicking in was ready for the next move. 

He was hurting, his heart was racing as a wild horse, and his opponent wasn't a light weight. 

But Vitor didn't need much more motivation. 

His comrades were at risk. Talos would never forgive him if something happened to Zie. 

And he didn't like to lose. 

With all the power and energy he could muster he bent forward, and smiled as he felt his opponent weigh over him.

Taking him in the most bizarre piggyback ride Vitor managed to speak between heavy breaths.

Silveira: I got… Him just where I… Wanted…

MacKenzie/Yellir/Kel: Response

OOC: I left it deliberately vague if the Opponent is Jem’Hadar or not. ;)

TAGs/TBC

Lt. Vitor S. Silveira

Chief Tactical Officer

USS Artemis-A, NCC-81287

O238907VS0