[sb118-ops] Ensign S'zurak - The Woman in the Booth

[Alex Leatherman]

((Streets of Capricalia, Capricalia))

S’zurak was on the hunt for T’Varek’s impersonator. Following his leads put him on the trail of someone named Jera. Jera supposedly has information on T’Varek’s whereabouts. Or hopefully at least another lead. Someone in this city had to know something about him.

S’zurak got up and walked towards the corner booth he was directed to. The booth was occupied by a local middle-aged woman and her drink. He approached, but said nothing.

Jera glanced up at him and S’zurak could tell she was surprised to see a Starfleet uniform. Or was she just surprised to see a Gorn?

Jera: What do you want? 

S’zurak remained standing, looming, his voice a low gravel.

S'zurak: Are you Jera? I wass informed you might have intel I require.

Jera: I don't know who told you that. I keep my nose out of other people's business. 

She looked away. Too quickly, too deliberately. S’zurak did not move.

A low rumble rolled in his throat.

S'zurak: I will asssk again. You are Jera?

Her jaw tightened. She nodded once.

S’zurak leaned in slightly, lowering his voice to something almost quiet, but colder.

S’zurak: Then you will talk to me about… T’Varek.

Jera opened her mouth just to close it again. A shaky breath escaped her lips. 

Jera: ...I didn't do anything. 

So she did know T’Varek. But why was she so nervous?

Jera: Listen, I told nobody. I don't want any trouble. 

S'zurak: You fear the wrong hunter, Jera. ::low rumble:: I need to know how to reach T’Varek before he hurtsssomeone. 

Jera: ?

S’zurak: No, I am not here to apprehend you. 

He still wasn’t sure why she was so nervous about a Starfleet officer, but that wasn’t his priority right now.

Jera: ?

S’zurak: When did you lasst see him? Time, place… any detail you remember.

Jera: ?

Her answers came haltingly. She was terrified, but not of him.

S’zurak: Did he mention where he wasss sstaying? Who he met with? ::rumble:: Think carefully. This matter iss not ssimple deception… it iss treachery.

Jera: ?

Every detail she gave painted a clearer line through the city’s shadows. A trail, not cold, but cooling. He would need to move quickly.

S’zurak: That iss enough. You have done your part, Jera. ::straightens:: If he returnss, you will leave immediately and notify Ssstarfleet Ssecurity. Do not confront him. He will not hesitate.

He gave her one last look. Something had her rattled.

S’zurak turned and departed the bar feeling satisfied. The trail continued. And so would the hunt.

Ensign S'zurak

Tactical Officer

Starbase 118 Ops

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