Cardassian ships were not precisely known in the galaxy for their modern technology; however, to say Garak's small vessel was old fashioned was an understatement. The ship, a personal transport that would have been considered outdated a century ago, had had its hulk repaired so many times that its original design was difficult to guest. When Lior set his eyes on it for the first time, he seriously doubted it could actually fly. When he came in, he did not get a better impression.
But as many things in Garak's life, the ship's appearance was deceptive. The only entrance led to a cargo bay that later Lior suspected hid another hidden deck; the next door opened to a cabin that was a bunk and very little more, where hardly both of them could stand together, but the control room welcomed them with state-of-the-art technology. Soon, when Lior parted with Garak on the ship that first time, he realized the engine room also kept its secrets.
Now, Garak's private vessel traveled behind the Rhian'Unnr, a tiny point beside the huge warship, and its surprisingly powerful warp engine could easily follow the D'Deridex-class's high speed.
Centurion Lior, who stood at the bridge leaning against a bulk, was again feeling useless, much due to what he considered his own rampant incompetence. Scowling, he watched Garak with growing frustration. The many screens and projected data that covered the room were unreadable to him, since everything was written in Cardassian language. The spy continuously gave orders that he could not understand and pressed over controls that were equally impossible to comprehend. He had taken with him his own universal translator, but even if the device still passed much information to him, including everything Garak spoke, he realized it was hardly enough. Much of what Garak did and almost everything the ship stated was lost to him, and if the sly operative was giving codified commands, he had no way to know.
Lior stirred at his place in the cramped space. Garak, who sat at the only chair just before him, turned to look at him when he noticed the movement.
"Again, why don't you go to rest at my cabin?" he asked, "You will certainly be more comfortable there."
The Romulan soldier was blunt, "You heard the commander too, I have to watch you. All the time," he pointy said.
"Oh, yes, that," Garak laughed amused.
And then went back to his former issue. He was telling him a hilarious story of a Ferengi bartender who had contracted him to kill himself. At least, Lior could not deny that the Cardassian was entertaining. He was amazed at how the man could talk so much and actually reveal so little.
It had not passed much time when Garak turned again to him, and with a bright grin he announced, "We're meeting with the Numancia in a few minutes. So it seems we'll finally leave this cramped bucket and enjoy the comfort of the Federation's facilities." And after a small pause, he cheerfully added, "And you'll be joining your dear commander again. You have a lot to report." And laughed out loud.
Then, Lior reflected, the man could be entertaining, and it was true that he had a certain liking for him, but there were moments, such as this one, when there was nothing he wanted more than killing him off. And maybe he still would have the chance to do so