Lt Ross - Nosy Noses All Around

[Hannah S]

((Commodore Coffee - StarBase 118))

Commodore Coffee. 

A venue that had become infamous on base: first for its obvious ridicule of Starfleet presence, later for its absolutely unique Kazon homestyle cold brew. Ross had been lured in eventually by the latter, also trying himself through every pastry the shop had to offer - it had only been later that he had realised the weird patterns of behaviour that flourished in and around the shop. 

The file had been on his desk for a while now, containing a few handwritten notes, business cards and receipts he had kept - he had pushed it back, given that there had been a lot of things he had preferred to spent his nights on. Now that he didn't share his side of the bed anymore though, he came back to it.

Ross had been sitting in the back of the small shop for a while now, sipping on a black coffee and seemingly focusing on a timeworn romance novel in his hands - in reality he observed every person entering and leaving the shop, waiting for the same strange interaction that occurred every Tuesday between 5.20 and 5.40PM. Maybe tonight would be the moment he finally found out what was going on behind the friendly facade of the semi-creative alliteration. Maybe tonight would be a small win after all those recent losses.

The tiny bell above the door announced the arrival of a new customer: Ross' gaze snapped down onto his book and he waited until the silhouette had passed his tiny table until he glanced up again. The man who had entered the shop faced the counter. He was in plain clothes, no sign of uniform or a certain alliance, just a bearded redhead in slacks, of modest height and quiet expression. It had to be his man. 

Ross raised to his feet silently and stepped up to the stranger. He himself was in civil clothes as well, wearing the same old black leatherjacket and a dark shirt - only his heavy security boots were a hint on his profession. He straightened his shoulders and cleared his throat.

Ross: Excuse me, Sir? 

The man turned his face - and for a moment Ross felt as if he had been hit in the throat. His eyes widened in shock as he realised his mistake: This wasn't a shady underground supplier: This was the famous Commodore himself, all civil and pleased to see him. 

Taybrim: Evan?  ::He smiled, that warm, ready welcoming smile.:: Fancy seeing you here!

Ross opened his mouth just to close it again. He stared at Taybrim for a few blank seconds before he realised he looked like an idiot - 

Ross: S... - Sir! ::he finally struggled to say:: I had know idea you were on base! Else I would have...

oO ...fixed my hair, chosen a different location, brushed up my knowledge on Starfleet's daily politics? Oo 

Taybrim leaned in almost conspiratorially. 

Taybrim: You did not miss anything. I am here unannounced. Enjoying a bit of shore leave myself.

Ross shuffled from one feet to the other, trying to process what was going on. The Commodore just happened to be here, exactly at the right time to run into his private investigations?! He threw a nervous glance over his shoulder, but up until now no one else had entered the shop. 

Ross: It's... good to see you, Sir. What a coincidence, too. 

The base was so big, it should be impossible to be this unlucky. His heartbeat was rushing. 

Nodding, Taybrim retrieved his cup when his number was called and then came to stand by Ross’ side.

Taybrim: I did get all of the reports and some of the updates from your fellow crew. You might say I take an interest in you and your companions.

His dark eyes sparkled and Ross managed a wry smile. It was nice to see the Commodore again - however, timing couldn't have been any worse. 

Ross: That's... good. Nice. Yeah, we've just come back from a mission, and... - ::another glance over his shoulder:: Sir, would you mind joining me at my table? 

He hastily gestured at the small table in the back, where his book and coffee were still waiting for his return.

Taybrim: ? 

Ross: No, it's just... I'm kind of... in the middle of something here. 

He tensed his jaw and let out a nervous chuckle. The good thing about private investigation ventures was that you had to tell nobody until you had real proof about your suspicions - now he was basically facing clearance from the highest levels: And the highest levels were in jeans and on holiday. 

Taybrim: ? 

He pointed at the table again, this time with a silent plea on his face: Please, just sit down. 

Ross: Well, officially, I am not even here - but I've been having an eye on this place for a while now... If you understand? 

Taybrim: ? 

--

***

Lieutenant Evan Ross
Intelligence Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240009ER2