Posted by Civilian Thyr Th’arialat (Resident) in Late for a Very Important Date

Posted by Lieutenant Séan Iven (Counselor) in Late for a Very Important Date

Posted by Civilian Thyr Th’arialat (Resident) in Late for a Very Important Date
Posted by… suppressed (40) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Tandra and Séan had a date planned for Tandra’s once-in-a-very-rare-while long weekend. One where they’d be staying together for the first time until she was to return to work. To start, they were to meet at that same old bench, by that same old fountain in the square.

But their meeting time came and went, and there was no Mika to be seen. Ten minutes, twenty, thirty, and forty minutes passed. The small but energetic lieutenant was nowhere to be seen. She had not called. And as Séan awaited her, his comm did not ring.

Lt. Tandra Mika
Chief Mental Health Officer

Séan went through three stages of ‘has something terrible happened’? First was amusement at Mika being late and thinking she’d taken too long getting ready, followed by pacing at the fountain and wondering if something urgent drew her away, and finally settling into a sinking feeling of dread. She wouldn’t leave him uninformed this long if she had been held up or was dealing with something urgent. While not being a runner but more of a jogger, he lumbered into as fast a pace as he could push himself. While beelining towards her quarters along the route she’d likely use, he tapped his badge. =/\=Iven to Mika.=/\= He huffed with exertion as he ran. =/\=Please respond.=/\=

Counselor Iven

There was no response from her, only static. When he reached her door, it was left ajar. There were signs of a struggle near the door, but no blood. Her things were untouched. Her comm lay on her desk where she always put it. Her PaDD lay out like she set it aside, but then it was simply left there.

Lt. Tandra Mika
Chief Mental Health Officer

Séan paled at the sight as he stood in the doorway while he gasped for breath. He hadn’t run that fast or as long since his days in the Academy. =/\=Lieutenant… gasps… Lieutenant Iven to security. I’m outside of Lieutenant Mika’s quarters and there are signs of her being abducted. I need assistance immediately.=/\=

Counselor Iven

A few moments later, two Security officers headed up to Lieutenant Mika’s door. “Did you touch anything?” The first asked, looking at Iven as if he were the perpetrator of this crime.

“No.” He answered, unruffled by the look from the security officer. He knew enough to not touch anything and he hadn’t even stepped foot into her quarters.

The second went into the room, snapping photos and making notes. When she was finished, she also looked at Séan, “Is there anywhere she might go? Was there anyone she was with?”

Earlier that day had been normal, Mika had been at work and everything had been the same as always. She’d left and stopped by Séan’s office, like always, to tell him she’d see him later. Then she’d smiled and waved and left.

Lt. Tandra Mika
Chief Mental Health Officer

“We had an engagement together and she was supposed to meet me by the fountain a kilometer and a half northwest from here. This was almost an hour ago now. After becoming very concerned when she didn’t show or contact me I rushed here as quickly as I could and found things exactly as it is now.” Séan said everything with as much detailed info as he could provide. His hands slowly unclenched as he let out a deep breath. They should be able to help, surely, but time was ticking and abductions needed to be resolved quickly because the more time that passed increased the chances of very bad outcomes.

Counselor Iven

They spent a lot of time combing over the apartment. Complex security cameras had footage of an unconscious Mika being carried out by a large hooded figure, no identification possible. Probably Klingon based on factors like size, gait, body shape. The footage was from an hour before their date time. Three hours ago now. Security spent an additional hour combing the complex barracks for witnesses. There were none who saw anything more than they got from the cameras. Several officers living near her expressed worry for her. She was quiet, always polite, and very friendly.

The Security team left, giving Séan no further information. Doing their job, no doubt, checking into possible reasons for the abduction. Primarily, if it could be because of her rank or system access. She did, after all, have a higher than normal clearance for her rank. They needed to check if she had been involved in anything unsavoury that might have gotten her into trouble. Overall they’d have to waste several more hours chasing down these avenues.

Lt. Tandra Mika
Chief Mental Health Officer

Séan waited about an hour before he lost patience with the security officer. Not that he indicated his displeasure to them, they were doing their job after all, but this was taking too long. At least they had a lead though it was extremely tenuous. If the abductor was part of the criminal element however… perhaps there was someone who could help.

“Please keep me informed if there is any progress.” He told the security officers as calmly as he could. “I need to keep myself busy to cope with my concern, so just waiting around doesn’t serve me any good.”

“We’ll tell you as soon as we know anything,” said the officer, clearly glad Séan was getting out of their way.

He parted ways with them and left in an unhurried manner. After stopping in to his quarters to drop off his comm-badge he moved much more quickly into Oed proper and away from the Starfleet compound. He stopped in front of a familiar shop front and pounded on the door with urgency. He had to help him. He had no one else to turn to.

Counselor Iven

A few minutes passed, and then a tired and irritated Thyr in an Orion outfit came down to the door and opened it. Some of the irritation faded as he saw the concern on the counselor’s face. “What happened?” He asked, waving Séan inside and locking the door behind them. It was eleven at night or later by now, quite late for a visit.

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan took several calming breaths, both for his anxiety and to catch his breath from the rapid trek here, before he answered Thyr. He organized the salient facts in his mind before laying out what he knew. “Lieutenant Mika was abducted from her quarters almost four hours ago. When I arrived about an hour after no contact from her I discovered her door was left ajar, things strewn about, and what appeared to be a struggle. I called Starfleet security who inspected the scene and collected what evidence they could, though the only potential lead was a hooded person that may or may not have been Klingon. They were large however and based on the video I’d be hesitant to tangle with them unless I had to.” He took another breath and let it out in a long sigh. “At this point security is moving too slowly and I know that the longer it takes to find someone who has been abducted the worse chance there is in finding them alive. I can’t wait on them and need to do something to find her.” He looked at Thyr with a look that was part supplication and part absolute determination. “I’m going to find her and I need your help.”

Counselor Iven

Thyr stood for a moment, hands on his hips. “So your little girlfriend went missing. How… uh, unfortunate.” He glanced at Séan, “The only lead is a large figure that might be a Klingon?” He scoffed. “Good luck.”

Then Shivan turned, mildly amused, and gave Séan a mischievous, guarded look Séan had yet to see. “So you’re needing my help finding her… What’s in it for me? I get my hands dirty, I could get myself killed.”

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan lifted his hands palms up. “I have nothing to offer you but my gratitude and the assurance that if the same were to happen to you that I’d do everything I could to find you. I know Lieutenant Mika would do the same.”

Counselor Iven

“You, I almost believe. Your little girlfriend… I dunno, she doesn’t seem that fond of criminals. I say almost because when it is me, you’d be facing certain death going after me.” He shrugged and thought about it for a moment, “Why go to me and not just wait for Starfleet to take care of it? Just because they’re too slow?”

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

“Lieutenant Mika’s opinion of you was initially formed as you were a patient. Her opinion may change to be a bit disappointed if she knew more but she invests into those she cares for more than she should.” Séan said and then shrugged helplessly at the next question. “I’m not good at waiting while time ticks away and every second likely counts. Besides, they’re still working on what they can so why not do something in parallel? And since they’re using official channels I need a different approach.” He looked at Thyr with a serious expression. “A more underworld angle since abductions are in that realm. I could have gone to Jezem but he would have likely had me compromise myself in recompense for his help. I feel you know that I may be flawed but I have lines that I will never cross. So instead of wasting precious time with him, I came straight to you. Thyr, I need your help.”

Counselor Iven

“Alright, alright, fine.” Shivan headed upstairs and beckoned Séan to follow him. A couple of knives were strapped to him, conveniently hidden by his… Rather skimpy clothing. Then he headed out the side door that Jezem used. He glanced at Séan, “Can you… Try to look less like a Starfleet officer?”

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan followed Thyr up the stairs and out the door. At the request to look less Starfleet like, his body language changed to make him more thuggish and angry. The anger was easy to display as his worry for Mika was shifting into a silent rage.

Counselor Iven

Shivan had to grin slightly as he glanced over Séan now. He’d fit in much better. “I know of a place not too far where we can start looking.” He said.

The first contact Shivan spoke to was a bust. Leading Séan to a second bar and a second contact, it was another bust. So was the third. So much for “third time’s the charm.” After that one, annoyed and frustrated, Shivan lead Séan to another place, looking around until his gaze settled on an Orion guy and a Klingon woman. He sat on a bar stool next to the Orion, “Ngakka, Erusi. How’s it been?”

The Orion, Ngakka grinned at Shivan, “Rorohl! Good to see you again. We’re good, we’re good. Always got space for you if you’re in need of extra cash.”

“Nah, not today. I need information…” Shivan said. Apparently, he’d given a fake name, not wanting to get ‘Thyr’ too involved with the underworld.

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan sat next to Thyr and kept quiet while letting the other man talk. He didn’t need to complicate things at this juncture. Instead he just sat there quietly while keeping a slight scowl on his face.

Counselor Iven

“Who’s your friend?” Ngakka asked, giving Séan a distrustful look. “This is Séan.” Thyr said. “He’s actually why I’m here…” Thyr looked at Ngakka, “There’s been an abduction at the Starfleet complex. Pretty big deal from what I hear.”

Ngakka nodded slowly. “The counselor. What’s her name… I forget. But she’s a real little thing. What’s your interest in it?” With his words came a second suspicious look, first at Thyr, then Séan. Thyr sighed a long sigh. “Whoever has her can’t kill her. It’ll bring too much attention. And attention is bad for all of us.”

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan’s scowl deepened as the topic of killing was brought up. “And attention will make me very unhappy.” He growled out as an addition. “I have plans already at risk of being ruined and will break the skulls of the morons messing things up.”

Counselor Iven

Ngakka scowled at Séan. “Then break some skulls on your own.” He replied with a shrug. “Good luck figuring out whose to break.”

“You’ll be saying that until Starfleet comes knocking at your door,” Shivan sneered. “You know who it is, don’t you?” He accused.

“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. Either way, I’m not interested in sharing.” Ngakka stated with another dismissive shrug.

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan scoffed at the uncooperative Orion, stood up from the barstool, and put his fist through the bar. After the incredibly loud crack sound, he removed his hand from the hole he just made, of which there were some splinters now in his hand and some blood leaking from it, and looked back at Ngakka. “If you know who took the counselor and don’t tell us… the first skull I’m going to break will be yours.” He said with a quiet intensity.

Counselor Iven

Shivan looked at Séan with surprise and curiosity. In fact… Everyone near to them was now looking at Séan. Ngakka seemed both unimpressed and not intimidated. “Do you think threats will loosen my tongue?”

Shivan shot Séan an irritated look. “The hell is wrong with you?” He nodded. He glanced at Ngakka. “I have no want to start a fight… this time, anyway.”

Unfortunately for them, Séan’s fit of rage had caused other issues. An Andorian about Séan’s size tapped him on the shoulder, glaring. “Hey. What d’you think you’re doing? You spilled my drink!” Spat the Andorian. He seemed to be looking for a reason to fight. Séan just gave it to him.

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan was done being reasonable, not that he had started this information seeking endeavor that way regardless, and as each stop continued to prove fruitless his patience wore thin and his rage continued to build. Both aspects came to a head at this moment as he didn’t answer this new Orion verbally but instead hip tossed him over the broken bar and into the back wall arrayed with bottles of alcohol. He snapped his head back around at Ngakka and took a lumbering step closer to the other man.

Counselor Iven

Ngakka reached along his belt and in his hand then was a weapon, a small blade. The Klingon woman, Erusi, gave an angry growling, “Don’t you think about it.”

Shivan drew his own small dagger, dropping into a fighting stance. “Séan, let’s think reasonably…” What in the heck was happening? Unfortunately, that wasn’t as bad as things were going to get, as other patrons decided to join in the chaos and one of them leaped onto Séan’s back, a weapon in hand.

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan spun and tossed his would-be assailant over the bar and into the last person he’d thrown. He ignored Thyr’s statement as things were way beyond going back to being reasonable and seeing that weapons were being pulled out, he grabbed a heavy mug off the bar, tossed its contents into the next attacker’s face, then clocked them upside the head with the mug. The person dropped like a sack of potatoes and the mug get a slight dent on its side. He continued to advance on Ngakka while watching the Klingon woman’s actions closely.

Counselor Iven

Shivan had his own assailants to deal with. Two crumpled to the ground, one after another as the Andorian expertly wielded his dagger.

Ngakka stared down Séan with a glare. “Do you really think you can beat the information out of me? I’ve tangled with far scarier men than you. Bigger and badder.”

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan shrugged his shoulders in response as he took another step closer. One of the things he knew as a counselor was people’s motivations. Ngakka was motivated to seem hard and unmoved in the face of a threat. It wouldn’t do well for his image to be ruined in a public venue like a bar as his street cred would plummet. So he couldn’t very well give in at the first sign of trouble. But what if the trouble inexorably kept coming? What if the trouble didn’t bother with the bluff and bluster but silently approached with a purpose? Those who couldn’t help but shout and squawk tended to find that incredibly unnerving. So with a little bit of psy-op employed, Séan kept taking steps toward Ngakka while watching the Klingon woman and chucking everyone else who approached him over the bar.

Counselor Iven

Ngakka did not back down though. He was smaller than Séan, but he knew how to fight a larger foe. With speed and agility he lunged, thrusting his weapon towards Séan’s body.

Thyr | Ngakka

Lunging is never a great idea. It telegraphs your action and for anyone even halfway adept at fighting it’s something exploitable. Séan caught Ngakka’s weapon wielding hand in a steely grip around the wrist then clamped his other on the opponent’s shoulder. He could’ve very well broke something or bashed their head into the bar but he needed answers and injuring the man would likely slow the process. “Rorohl! Cover me for a bit!” He grunted to his companion and remembered to use his cover name. “Who has the counselor?” He asked the man in his grasp quietly.

Counselor Iven

The Orion grunted and struggled, but Séan’s grip was like steel. ‘Rorohl’ had engaged the Klingon woman, preventing her from stabbing Séan from behind. Ngakka glanced up at Séan. “A group of hired thugs, likely orking for someone else. You’re looking for Thadul.” He answered begrudgingly. “What is your concern with the counselor?”

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan nodded at Ngakka’s acquiescing to his reasonable request. “She’s late for our date.” He said softly and quietly just for the Orion to hear. “Thank you kindly for the information. We’ll be going now.” He released the man and stepped back carefully lest he got attacked on the way out. “Let’s go.” He said to Thyr. “We got what we need.”

Counselor Iven

The Orion grinned. “You’ll learn one day, love is a weakness to be exploited.” The words were equally quiet, spoken as Ngakka and Erusi exited together.

Shivan brandished his weapon, defending himself and Séan as they left. Then he walked at a hurried pace down the road. “We need to make good time and get the hell out of here.” He whapped Séan upside the head, suddenly feeling like Jezem. “What were you thinking?” He growled as they walked.

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan rubbed the spot that got whapped as he grinned at Thyr. “I thought I’d expedite matters and take a page from your playbook. It seemed to work well enough too. Now we just need to find this Thadul and go retrieve the good Lieutenant Mika.” He followed the hurried pace and kept an ear for any pursuers.

Counselor Iven

Thyr grasped his left arm, blue blood oozing from a deep cut. He was trying to keep the blood from dripping to the ground. “It worked well enough because you happen to be a brute and I was defending you.” He chastised. “Had I not been there, that Klingon would’ve had you.” He sighed and glanced at Séan. “If it’s a squad, it could be a small cell of some kind, not too different from what I and Jezem were in. I doubt it’s Syndicate, but if it is, we’re all screwed.”

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan’s expression was tinged with some concern as he saw Thyr had been wounded. “I trusted you to have my back or I wouldn’t have been quite so diplomatic otherwise. Come on, let me get you to my place and we’ll patch you up. I’ve get a med kit stashed away for this exact eventuality.”

Counselor Iven

Shivan raised a brow, “You have a med kit stashed away in case I get wounded hunting down your girlfriend? Don’t you want to keep looking for Thadul? That Lieutenant of yours may not have much time left, depending on what they want with her.” He was hurting, but hiding it. “I can bind it and keep moving.”

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan smirked at Thyr. “You’ll be less effective in a fight if you’re injured. Besides we’re not going far. I uh, have something of a safehouse down in this district so we won’t be going all the way back to the Starfleet complex. Additionally, do you even know where to look next?” He led the way a couple blocks to a third floor studio apartment with three entrances to the building. They entered through the back alley one. The interior decor was very utilitarian. There was a cot(extra big because Séan was a big boy), a table, couple chairs, couch, bathroom of course, and a camp stove with supplies set next to it.

He waved at the table. “Have a seat but try not to bleed on my furniture huh?” He went into the bathroom to grab the medkit.

Counselor Iven

“It used to be my job to find people, my guy.” Shivan said. “I know the parts of Oed to go looking for someone like this. I know exactly where we should start.” He said as he followed Séan. He stood in the entry way, glancing around the place. It was a standard safe house setup. “What did you do this for? You sure you’re not secretly a criminal?”

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan came back out with medkit in hand. He pulled a chair next to where Thyr was supposed to be sitting and opened the kit to take out the necessary supplies. “Sit already so I can tend to your wound.” He grumbled as he had everything laid out.

Counselor Iven

Shivan took a seat in the chair, grumbling, “I’m fiiine, you starfleet officers are way too cautious.” He carefully let go of the wound. It was going to need more treatment than a basic med kit could provide, but a basic med kit would certainly help and buy time. “Now hurry up so we can get a move on.”

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

Séan first started with wiping up the excess blood and sterilizing the wound site. “To answer your last question, no I’m not secretly a criminal. I am however associated with one who tends to get into trouble. Whatever contingencies you and Jezem have arranged for safehouses, I figured it wouldn’t hurt if I had a backup for your backup.” With the wound properly cleaned he took out the autosuture, pinched together the skin, and slowly started closing the hole. “On the off chance all of this blows up terribly and I am put in danger it could also provide shelter for Lieutenant Mika and I, since she is tangentially involved as well. That is of course if our identities as Starfleet officers does nothing to protect us from the Syndicate.” With the wound fully closed he then slapped a sterile adhesive cover over it and then administered two hypos to Thyr’s neck. “First one is a broad spectrum antibiotic to stave off infection. The second is a wide anti-poison just in case that Klingon woman’s knife had any on it. Though that wouldn’t be honorable but no sense taking any chances.” He began cleaning up the table and put away the various medical supplies.

Counselor Iven

“Forget any notion of honour. You are not in a world of honour now,” Shivan said. He winced but gave no complaint as Séan worked. He complained about minor issues, and stoically handled major problems. When Séan was done he stretched and moved his arm experimentally. It hurt a little, but it was better than it had been. “Now let’s go before we find a cute little Lieutenant corpse.”

Thyr Th’arialat
Resident

“Yeah let’s go.” Séan said as he closed up the medkit and stood up. What he hadn’t shown Thyr was the knife he had gotten from the bathroom and had sheathed at his hip under his shirt.

Counselor Iven