Lieutenant Josh Herrick: Meeting Tr’ac’i
Mark P
((Unknown Street, I-Kiyo Dyson Ring))
Drinks in hand, with an invisible digital tab accumulating after paying with some form of facial recognition, the pair made their way toward the marked location that had been sent to Herrick. While they were due tomorrow, they were interested to get an unfiltered look at what ‘assistance’ they’d be providing in advance. After which, they could retire to their provided accommodations and clean up.
As they walked down the street, Josh’s (short) patience had worn down and he wanted to know more about what exactly caused Anton’s grimy appearance.
Herrick: ::opening the beverage and taking a sip:: So, Richards... tell me your uniform isn’t indicative of a diplomatic incident waiting to unfold. (smirking) I’d prefer no surprises.
Richards: Well, I don’t think the guy I was dealing with wanted anything to do with diplomacy.
Lahl: No offense, but that definitely looks right. ::she motioned to his uniform:: Anything we need to do?
Josh held in a breath as he waited for Anton to answer; guests turned to political prisoners were often a common frontier story; there was always so much room for misunderstanding.
Richards: Nothing Starfleet related. Sadly. I was supposed to pick something up for my Dad. But the deal didn’t pan out. It’s pretty typical for this kind of thing.
Anton’s dad is pretty well informed, Josh thought, not only to know that they’d be with the I-Kiyo, but that there’d be something of interest to him here and a deal brokered in advance. Then again, then again the local public’s department most likely got information on him in advance of them extending the invite.
He mentally shuddered at the thought that there were probably illegal data trades happening about him and the rest of the OEB amongst races and governments in the Gamma Quadrant.
Lahl: I’m sorry to hear that. Was it at least something exciting?
Richards: Well no. Not exactly. It’s just a rock. If it existed in the first place.
Josh raised his eyebrow, and noticed that Kimonzi did the same..
Lahl: Was it just a rock? Or was it a boulder? ::She stifled a laugh::
Herrick: Or (beat) just a spectre?
Richards: My Dad’s an archaeologist and sometimes he likes to chase down leads that are dangerous… or fake… or that he heard from three drunken ferengi at a dingy pub which end up being dangerous yet also fake.
Though he didn’t enjoy stereotyping, Ferengi involvement all but confirmed his suspicion that data brokering was happening. Something for whatever new Intelligence Officer gets posted.
Lahl: Oh…well, is there anything we can do to help?
Herrick: Anything aside from chasing down randoms through the streets for this item. ::smirking:: I’m all for intrigue but I was hoping for something a little more relaxing than finding myself in the middle of some standoff. ::looking to Lahl:: Not that you can’t go off rock hunting.
Richards: Emphasis on fake. Yes. I really wouldn’t worry about it. Plus this engineering thing isn’t going to fix itself right?
Lahl: That’s true.
Herrick: ::checking the map:: We’re about five minutes away now.
For the rest of the walk, they checked out the various sights while also sharing some of the events that had happened on the last mission.
Finally, they arrived at the provided coordinates. In front of them stood a giant building which must have been about 40 storeys high. The exterior of the building was a mix of alloy, flora, and a fluorescing shield that rippled waves of iridescent blue.
Lahl: Alright, is this the place?
Herrick: Seems to be… ::looking at the alien language on the front of the building:: At least according to the PADD navigation.
Richards: Response
They each took a scan with their eyes, not trying to stick out too much. The grounds around the building appeared to be a public park with benches, and trees that had teal foliage.
Lahl: Well, nothing looks too out of place at the moment. What do you guys think?
Herrick: (nodding) Nothing feels off, but that’s not too scientific.
Richards: Response
Lahl: I guess we should ask around?
Richards: Response
The fluorescent shield shimmered as an I-Kiyoan stepped through. The woman’s skin was a hue of purple not unlike the Butler’s carpets; whether it was her natural tone or makeup he couldn’t tell. She wore a beautiful dress, made entirely of petals, which looked to be a larger variety of the ones in the garden directly behind her.
She spoke in perfect Federation Standard, without the slightest accent.
Tr’ac’i 42: Hello and welcome to the department of Public Works. I am Tr’ac’i. You’ve arrived at the Counsel of Public Works for I-Kiyo.
She paused for a moment, and her eyes seemed to light up for a fraction as she took each of them again.
Tr’ac’i 42: You were expected tomorrow. Is there something wrong with the arrangements that were provided?
Richards/Lahl: Response
Herrick: ::smiling:: Exactly. We Starfleet-types just like to see what’s up and get our minds working on the problem faster.
Tr’ac’i 42: (frowning) As you may not be aware of our customs, I’ll let you know that we are very precise when it comes to scheduling. Early or late arrivals should be communicated in advance. ::eyes flickering:: The individuals you were to meet with have already departed for the day.
Richards/Lahl: Response
Herrick: (with an apologetic smile) You’re right. We will be back tomorrow morning at the prescribed time. Thank you for your understanding.
A small driverless personal transport rolled up, the doors sliding open.
Tr’ac’i 42: ::motioning to the vehicle:: This transport will take you to your accommodations.
Richards/Lahl: Response
The doors slid shut automatically, and there was a hiss that sounded like they were being sealed away. The transport then levitated a few meters until it was comfortably above the walking population and took off.
Herrick: Well, I guess we’ll get a chance to see I-Kiyoan luxury a bit earlier than we anticipated. What d'yall make of that?
Tags and TBC!
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Lieutenant Josh Herrick
Chief Engineer
USS Octavia E. Butler
O240005JH3
he/him/his (player/character)