Lt. Commander Aitas - Creativity with the truth (Tags: Govarek, Nijil/Rozera/Maro)

[Aitas]

((Ready room – USS Narendra))

Aitas: That would be why you had an interest in hiring me, would it not? Someone to observe as well as entertain, to tug out the threads of those with other loyalties, or who simply were too loose with their tongues. 

Govarek: ::He drew in a long slow breath:: Yes, that would be the skillset I am looking for.

Aitas: Sensible. Though I fear current circumstances rather impede the use of it.

::Govarek seemed to relax a fraction. That was something, more than she'd had at least.::

Govarek:  Unfortunately I am unwilling to offer a contract to anyone until this turmoil has finished.  I will sort out my enemies and allies before any decisions are made.

Rhoansa: ::Low and dangerous:: No one is our ally.

Aitas: Perhaps. But that does not meant they're all your enemies. Or that all enemies are of equal measure.

::The remaining guard in the room turned his weapon toward the bridge at a gesture from Govarek. Less attention on Aitas that way, but still too much.::

Govarek: Forgive my daughter.  She has been through much, and events such as these only serve to bolster her cynical attitude.

Rhoansa: It is the only way to survive.

Aitas: It is an understandable approach. But paranoia has its own costs in misapplied resources and possibilities lost.

::The Federation tended to be too trusting, while Romulans tended toward the opposite problem. Balance was a hard goal to achieve.::

Genvrek: ::He interrupted the conversation with a quiet question:: What should we do?

Govarek: We wait and see who approaches the bridge.  ::He started to punch up unknown information on the computer panel behind the desk.::

Aitas: ::raising an eyebrow.:: You've a plan, then.

Govarek: Preparing a welcome for whoever arrives.  I am quite curious to see who has intentions against my ship.

Aitas: There's quite a few of them, whoever they are.

::She could sense the presence of others, more than who'd come from the Maximum Thrusters. An impression of a ship from Fureri, and the shape of a familiar mind drawing near.::

Govarek: ?

::Govarek was attending to his preparations, and the guard had turned his attention in the direction of the bridge. More of an opportunity than she'd had.

It was the work of a moment to step closer to the guard, pinch his neck and sent a sentiment of pain through telepathy. He slumped as Aitas held him in front of her, his pistol already in her hand.

One shot sent the lights flickering, power sputtering to halt the consoles within the ready room. The forcefield buzzed, then failed, the door beyond it freezing open.

Aitas: I'm not here to get in the middle of a firefight with the sorts who take prisoners. ::She let the guard slump to the floor, unconscious. Stepped back behind furniture with her arms raised. Surrender and cover intertwined. Raised her voice.:: I'd rather not see you shot in the process either.

Govarek: ?

Nijil/Rozera/Maro: ?

::Her smile showed her teeth. Starfleet wasn't where she'd learned to survive. And she had cover and backup now. A motivation for the Romulans to not engage in anything foolish. They did tend to appreciate proper deviousness, and she'd played her part well.::

Aitas: I can think of far worse fates than everyone surviving to critique me.

Govarek/Nijil/Rozera/Maro: ?

~Tag/TBC~

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Lt. Commander Aitas

Chief Intelligence Officer

Second Officer

Starbase 118 Ops

O239307A10