(BACKSIM) Ensign Alok Munshi - Who Caught Whom?

[Alok Munshi]

((In front of Commodore Coffee - Promenade - StarBase 118))

Alok adjusted the cuff of his jacket, speaking into his commbadge with a casual, bored tone that he hoped masked the high-frequency diagnostic data currently flooding his vision. Through the AR HID, he watched the courier’s thermal signature board the service lift.

Munshi: =/\= He’s in the lift. He’s heading down to the Industrial Sub-sector. Deck 582. If he’s going where I think he’s going, we’re about to trade lattes for industrial-grade coolant fumes. How do you want to play this, Commander? My 'lost tourist' act is going to have a very hard time explaining why I’m wandering around a high-pressure plasma manifold. =/\=

Alok could hear the lift engage, a low-frequency rumble beneath the deck plates. A moment later, he caught the sound of quick, purposeful footsteps approaching his position. Commander Ross detached himself from the Promenade crowd, his gaze tracking the lift’s ascent.

Ross: Good job, Ensign. But I think this mission ends here. I'll give Security down there a heads-up to keep their eyes open, but that's not our division. If we get a hold of the guy I'll let you know.

Alok deactivated the HUD overlay, the blue wireframes dissolving to reveal the station's standard aesthetic.

Munshi: ::Offering a sharp, professional nod, though a part of him was already tracing the courier's likely path through the Deck 582 environmental scrubbers:: Understood, sir. Security is better equipped for a high-pressure intercept anyway. I’ll return to my 'unscheduled' shore leave. Statistically, I’m overdue for a quiet afternoon that doesn't involve tracking illegal hardware.

Alok turned to leave, but he felt Ross’s gaze linger on him—specifically on his eyes. He felt a momentary spike of adrenaline.

oO System Alert: Pupil dilation detected. Probability of discovery: Rising. Oo

Ross: How about a deal? I won't ask any uncomfortable questions right now—for example, how you were able to see a tiny digit on a screen from this distance—and in return you'll support me with your natural gift of eagle-fluctuation-eyes next time I'm onto something.

Alok paused. Instead of showing his panic of getting caught, he offered a dry, knowing smirk crossing his face as he realized the 'Intelligence' officer had lived up to his title. He didn't confirm the existence of the lenses, but he didn't deny the 'gift' either.

Munshi: A fair trade, Commander. In Engineering, we value high-resolution data. If you ever need a set of eyes that can filter out the 'systemic noise' of the Promenade, you know my frequency. I believe our partnership has an excellent calibration.

Ross extended his hand, and Alok took it. The grip was firm—a gesture of mutual discretion between two officers who both understood the value of an “unseen variable.”

Ross: Thank you for your support. I think we're onto something here. Please don't tell anyone about this yet—I'll let you know as soon as we're making progress. And—if I were you... ::he hid a little grin:: I wouldn't brag about that eye-sight too much. People might get jealous, huh?

Munshi: ::Offering a final, confident tilt of his head:: Understood, sir.

Alok offered a polite nod of silent understanding and watched him turn toward the Black Tower. As he walked back toward the main Promenade, he felt a sense of satisfaction. His "authorized" shore leave was back on track, and more importantly, he had just secured a high-level alliance for the "unauthorized" projects to come. Although there was still a feeling of dread in him for Commander Ross was a senior officer from the Intelligence division. That meant he had the security clearance to check on Alok. This clearly implied that once he came across Alok’s formal reprimand regarding his “unauthorised personal hardware” on his permanent record, there was a slight possibility that he would be called upon for another disciplinary hearing. But that was a story for another day. As it stood for now, he had a wonderful afternoon to enjoy all by himself.

 

 

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Ensign Alok Munshi
Engineering Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
A240204AM1