Lieutenant Commander Cadfael Peters: Needle In A Haystack [REPOST]
Zeph
It had been one of those weird days that started out about as normal for Starfleetians, then turned to murder, intrigue, and drug running. Now, they were in a dive bar about to face mortal danger. Maybe. Cadfael was still unclear if they actually were in any danger, but that didn’t mean anything at the moment. They would find out soon enough.
JN: All the smaller ships and crews work with some freighter captain named Mad Dog. More pirate and smuggler than freighter captain really. None of them really owe much allegiance to anyone, and it’s all loose control.
Cadfael didn’t want to pry too far into JN’s connection with Sonn, but they were here for information rather than booze. So, it followed that they'd already revealed news of the Agrathian’s death moments earlier to try and continue with their inquiry. Wes gave a nod.
Varik: What is the reputation of this Mad Dog? Violent? Cruel?
JN: If you’re thinking about trying to go after Mad Dog I really wouldn’t.
Peters: Nah. We were just curious.
JN: Woman is slippery. You’ll likely end up with a knife in your back. Or more likely, a torpedo. Rumor is her boat has got a mean cloaking device.
Varik: That would explain quite a bit. Particularly how the ship is able to bypass port logs and sensor detection.
Greaves: Know where she’s based out of?
JN: Last I heard Mad Dog's crew was operating out of an abandoned lab in the capital. I can send you the location.
Varik: More central than I expected, but with cloaking technology anywhere would be viable.
Greaves: What about when she’s not local. There’s gotta be some organization to move all the contraband they bring in.
JN: No idea where their supply originates. Rumor is her ship is Wadi-class. Do with that what you will.
Peters: Do you know anything about her operations in port when she is local? (to Wes and Varik) You’d mentioned transporters before, so presumably we’d be able to track down their use. Though whether we can specifically get into the port’s computers is another thing entirely.
Varik: I am not familiar although...
He stopped talking as his combadge began to buzz. Varik tapped it to confirm the communication but all he could hear was static. The bartender apparently was not lying when he said the room was shielded from electronic devices.
Peters: Well, anything you can tell us would be helpful.
The ops officer glanced at his colleagues, then looked to the door.
Varik: We appreciate the information, JN. (turning to the bartender) And the drinks.
The bartender just grunted but JN flashed a grin.
JN: Good luck, Starfleet. If you are going after Mad Dog, you will need it.
Peters: Thanks.
Greaves: Response
It was maybe like looking for a needle in a haystack, although the likelihood they’d find either one in a timely fashion was very slim at the moment. However, that didn’t mean they were completely out of options. There were probably a few ways to track down someone like that without arousing suspicions, though what they were was something that eluded Cadfael at the moment.
Varik: Seems JN made good on his word. The coordinates to the abandoned lab are here.
Peters: Guess that’s our next stop, then.
Greaves: Response
A reply came quickly.
T’Korva: =/\= This is Lieutenant Commander T’Korva, we may have found the smuggler’s hide out. We require reinforc… =/\=
The sound of something sharp caused the transmission to spike in sound before abruptly cutting out.
Varik: I did not like the sound of that...
Peters: Me either. Time is of the essence. Shall we go?
Greaves: Response
[END - Peters Act 2]