Posted by Commander Jason Reilly (XO) in Pre Sim - Arrival of the Executive Officer (Part I)
The bar was lit, but poorly. This was a trait that many of the current patrons favored, thus the establishment was full; although the level of conversation was a low murmur… another trait the current clientele was appreciative of.

The two large Cardassians sat in a corner booth, far to the back, and called for another round “Bartender. Three more Romulan Ales. Keep them coming.” Their companion, a human male of average height, was obviously having a hard time keeping up with larger friends. He swayed ever so slightly in his side of the booth, and his brown eyes were glassy and his words seemed spoken through thick cloth. Dressed in the blue uniform of Star Fleet, the brown haired man was far into his cups.

“Nowsh… nowsh whatta yoush guysh are gon wanna do is hic… gon wanna hic… do ish gif me -” and he patted his own chest in emphasis, “- ish gif mesh about free hunnert bars of that their cold… cold… gold press laminum. Laminuminum. Lamintlum…” and he started giggling. “thas funny. Laminuminuminum…” and the giiglling intensified a bit.

The larger of the two Cardassians looked on in barely concealed disgust, but the other laid a hand on his companions shoulder. “Of course. Of course. We can certainly do that. The money isnt the problem. We just need you to be clear that you can actually get your hands on the vials. The secure lab is not easy to get into…” and the human sat up right and slammed his hand on the table, his eyes barely focusing on the speaker.

“You know whof I is… am. Who I am? I’m the - ” and he summoned up what self control he could muster to make sure his words were clear, ” - *Lead Biological Containment Technishon of that lab.!” he almost yelled. A few other patrons turned to look at who dared break the low talking volume, and the speaker of the Cardassians glared back; but put a hand on the human’s and patted it reassuringly. “Of course. I do apologize. We just needed to be sure. So how about we pay you haf now, and half on delivery? Is that acceptable?” The human tried to focus his eyes on the two warriors, but was struggling.

“Haf… haf… sure sure. You pay me haf and I gif you… you… um… what ya want again?” The up-till-now silent figure growled through gritted teeth “The samples you drunk! The lab samples of the Legato Infection!” The human squinted at the big figure and said “Wha? Man, that stuff is d-e-d deadly! You prolly don wanna truck wif that. That crap’ll kill ya.” and he reached for the glass in front of him. The Cardassian grabbed his wrist and squeezed, eliciting a squeak from the human. “We know that you pitful excuse for a sentient being. Why else would we want it, fool?!”

The human looked at him quizzically and through his squinted eyes said “Ish tha what you want?” and the Cardassian growled back “Of course, you sod.” and the drunk shook his head. “No no no no nono no no no… washn’t talking to you.” and he looked at the othe Cardassian. The more patient of the two looked confused and said “Um… yes. That is why we have been meeting with you these past few weeks. To strike a deal, yes?” and the drunk shook his head again. “No. NO. Not. You.” and he pointed at the second with his free hand. “I am not talking to you.” and the two Cardassians looked at each other in confusion for a moment.

At that instant, the table of five huddled individuals two booths down leapt out of the booth ad drew phasers and aimed them at the three figures. “Federation Security! Everybody! Hands where we can see them! You are under arrest!” The two Cardassians looked at the figures and then at each other. Their hands were currently on the table, and the large one still had the hapless human’s wrist in his grip. He started to move his free hand towards the edge of the table, but the sound of a disruptor powering up under the table halted his movement. The human looked at him, and the swaying stopped.

“I really wouldn’t. I’m not great with these Naussican blasters, but I doubt I’ll miss at this range. Now. Be good little terrorists… let’s see those hands, kids.” and the two slowly laid their hands flat on the table. In a matter of moments the two had been restrained and were removed from the premises. The whole bar had fallen silent, and more than a few hands were not visible, hidden under tables and inside coats.

The human walked over to the bar and nodded to the bartender. In a surprisingly clear and well spoken voice, he said “Hey, Mid. Thanks for the booth.” The large Bolian glared at the human. “Dammit, Reilly. You said you’d take care of that outside. I have a reputation to uphold here.” he said, waving a hand at the obviously disgruntled customers in his bar. Reilly winked at him and flashed a brilliant smile, then turned and faced the bar. “Sorry for bringing the heat inside, all. Needed to get those bounties. Drinks on me, everybody. Rest of the night.” and he turned back to the bartender. “Send me the tab. YOu know I’m good for it.” and he clapped the bartender on the shoulder. “You better be. Or I’m telling everybody in here where you live.” and Reilly laughed. “Like you know, Mid. Like you know…” and smiled again. Just then his watch beeped. Looking at it, Reilly frowned. “Huh.” was all he said and then he looked around. “See ya, Mid.” and he strolled through the glares and dagger-throwing eyes and out the door.

Stepping out into the street, he hailed a cab and climbed in. An Antican in the driver’s seat turned and said “Where to, pal?” Reilly looked at him and said “Shut up, Frek. Just drive.” and he leaned back and closed his eyes. The Antican turned back and said “You know, you really shouldn’t talk to me like that. I am your superior officer, you know.” Reilly smiled and kept his eyes closed. “No, Frek. You aren’t my superior officer. You just happen to outrank me.” and the cab turned onto the road and started driving away.

Jason Reilly, Incoming XO

OOC: Great intro!!! –Terry