Long fingers tapped on the tabletop. Tap, tap, tap, tap-tap-tap, tap, tap. A melody swept through her mind as her fingers enunciated the beat, adding an echo to her rambling thoughts. Eyeing the message, she knew it was as good as she could get it. It would have to do. Would it be enough, though? Well, she would soon see.

With a deep inhale, she hit a key and the message disappeared into the ether.

On the Manhattan, the chirp of an incoming message was accompanied by a low tone that indicated security protocols had been engaged. The message would require an unusual amount of security hoops to jump through, but Creed would recognize it for what it was: deeply encrypted and purposefully routed to cover tracks.

==============================
To: Commander Creed, Ardashir
From: _
Re: Hello!
=============================
Hey Maz!

You old dog! It’s been a long time. Grapevine has it that you’re in the neighbourhood, so I thought I’d drop you a line and see if you were free to catch up. Lots to chat about. Heard some funny stuff about a mutual friend too. If you’re free this evening (and I’m sure you can make it so), drop on by. EHS, Deck 18, Room 1859.

They weren’t friends. They didn’t even know each other. But she had hopefully dropped enough hints for him to know they worked for the same team and for him to be curious enough to want to investigate. In fact, she was counting on it. For all their sakes.

~?