Chapter Five.
Commander Riker walked away from the Holodeck Arch having programmed something in. "Right you lot. Well-done in your last task - I suppose. It looks like I'm going to have to give you something far more challenging, or at least harder to find a loophole in." A few of the Ensigns tried to supress their sniggers, but failed.
"I don't think you'll be laughing after this one. I'm not even going to bother with the suggested simulations. Instead, I have tweaked a training programme I used for a mission I lead several years ago. It was for our officers to practice getting into character." A few glances shot between the ensigns.
"You won't need to become characters yourselves, but beware, you are Starfleet Officers entering an outpost beyond the federation boarder. You have no characters to hide behind. I am also going to turn the safety protocols off." Deanna shot him a worried glance.
"Don't worry. Counsellor Troi and I will be watching closely, if there is any altercation or it begins to get out of hand, we will immediately terminate the programme, but it is your job to see that doesn't happen and attempt to achieve your goal. I am turning them off because, honestly, I feel some of you will probably just revel in the chance to have a brawl with the safety protocols on." The same few sniggered.
"It is NOT good enough!" Boomed Riker. The same ensigns suddenly looked more solemn and realised they had to take this more seriously.
"What is our task Sir?" Asked Tom, trying to bring back order. Tarya tossed him glance. 'Maybe he really is just trying to do his best' she thought. Riker nodded almost appreciatively to Ensign Williams. It was very subtle, but there.
"In our original mission we were after information. I'm going to give you the same task, but I've obviously changed the nature of the information required as it was classified. I've also changed some of the notable characters to ensure anonymity." As he spoke Deanna walked up to each of the Ensigns and handed them a handful of credits.
"The credits are to enable you to buy drinks, perhaps some food. Don't think for one moment you'll be able to pool your credits together to buy the information you need, but you also won't be welcome if you aren't prepared to spend some money. I'm not going to make it that difficult for you. As for the information you need to obtain – it's the location of the spherical artefact." Deanna shot him a glance and tried to stifle her amusement. He very quietly whispered to her. "Don't look at me like that; I had about ten minutes to throw this together. The item isn't important -it's the point." She hung her head to hide her amusement and shuffled her feet. Clearing his throat, Riker continued.
"You are looking for a man named, T'Lork. He's a rogue Vulcan – believe it or not." Deanna was dying inside. She couldn't even bring herself to look up. He continued. "I've a star chart you may take in with you. It is the key to unfolding the mystery, but keep it close – he's not the only one who my want it and it may not be what it seems." He paused for a moment. "Just be careful okay. This is an outpost where the most undesirable flock. If I have to pull you out too soon, you fail. I'd like to not have to pull you out at all. Now – over to you." He handed the star chart to Tom. "Why don't you lead this mission Ensign." Riker could see how proud Tom was to be offered this chance.
The holodeck transformed to what appeared to be a small medieval tavern on the edge of a hillside. They all looked bemused. "Ignore the outer façade. It was easier than having to programme an entire outpost and have you shuttle or beam in. What's important is what's within. We'll leave you to it."
"Well Will, what on earth have you conjured up here?" Deanna burst into laughter as they wandered off together..
"Oh stop it, I had to come up with something that may challenge this lot and actually get them to work together." She sobered at his words.
"You haven't gone too far have you? I mean, with the protocols?" Riker took a deep breath.
"I hope not." He discreetly took her by the hand and they sat on the grass bank, watching from afar.
Tom placed the chart on the floor so everyone could take a look. He deflated when he saw it. "It's the Alpha Quadrant, it's just the Alpha Quadrant – more or less! What on Earth is special about this?" He declared. They all just continued to stare at it for what seemed forever. Riker grasped Troi's hand as they were far enough not to be noticed.
"I've made this too hard haven't I?" Deanna just shrugged with uncertainty.
Something was niggling at Tarya. It didn't look right. It was off, slightly, but she couldn't for the life figure out why. If only she had access to her own things, she could compare different charts. She new they were in her head somewhere, just where? She began to probe backwards. They certainly wouldn't have been with the locked files in her mind, but her mind was so fractured it could take anything from ten minutes to ten days to locate, but she had nothing to lose by trying.
"Let's just go in and take it from there." Tom picked the chart up, rolled it up and placed it down his trouser leg.
"You mean, just go in? Go in with no plan?" The Bolian was quite unnerved by this.
"We can't spend all day here, let's just try and find this Vulcan guy?"
"T'Lork."Offered Toni.
"Yes, thank you. T'Lork." Responded Tom dismissively. He led them into the Tavern. Commander Riker was right. It opened up into a very glorified version of ten forward. A huge bar graced the far wall. It was teeming with life, including someone throwing up in the corner. The music was very loud and the lights very dim. Smoke filled the air, making locating anyone all the more difficult.
"I guess the idea of a quiet lunch to discuss our options is off the table?" Remarked B'lanna. "Shall we just head off and find a Vulcan? I can't imagine there are too many here." Looking around she spotted many types of species from Cardassians to Bajorans, trill, Andorians and Ferengi. So many Ferengi. As she scanned the room she noticed it had gone far quieter. Faces all around stared at them wearily and many a whisper was made.
Riker and Troi had slipped to quiet corner with a drink, making sure they kept a close eye on their charges.
"Let's split into two teams. We may as well stick with roommates. Buy a drink, I don't know, some crisps or nuts. Take a seat and act like you're just hanging out. We'll take this side," he nodded to his roommates, "and you guys take that side of the bar." Tom gestured across the room as he spoke. "Let's then fan out and find this T'Lork. If any of us do, come and find the others. Then we'll work on the next stage." No one could really argue with this plan.
Tom led his team to the bar and they all ordered a drink before taking a seat adjacent to where Riker and Troi sat.
"I know what it is!" Tarya was very loud and animated. She practically jumped out of her seat. Tom grabbed her by her arms, enough to actually cause pain and slammed her back in her seat. She was rather taken aback, as were B'Lanna and Toni. Riker and Troi exchanged a glance, making mental notes. But he very quickly composed himself, as did she.
"Shhhh!" He said abruptly before calming with composure and whispering to his team. "Remember, he may not be the only one after what we have… What do you mean what it is?" All eyes looked to Tarya.
"It's not current," she whispered. They all looked bemused until B'Lanna twigged.
"The start chart. Of course! Do you have an idea when it is from?"
"My best guess is it's around five, maybe six thousand years ago."
"How do you know?" Tom piped up. Tarya scrabbled for some logical reason.
"I don't really know, it looked off. I've always found the transforming galaxy fascinating. What can I say." He thought for a moment.
"So not only do we just have a map of our local area, we have an out of date one?" He really was struggling to see the point.
"No!" Snapped Tarya. He was beginning to get on her nerves. She really couldn't figure him out. He seemed to go from strong and purposeful to almost defeatist and even a bit of a bully. "It's not just a map, it's a boundary. That chart shows how space was divided between the main spacefaring species circa five thousand years ago."
"Interesting." Added Toni. " Perhaps this has something to do with the 'artefact' and who owned it, possibly still does?"
"I would say that's more than likely. Whatever this artefact is, my guess is it's very coveted and being claimed by several species. Commander Riker said we have the key. It makes sense that the map is undisputed proof of ownership. If it's the only one, or a very rare copy, it would explain why it would be so sort after. At least - that's the only thing that would make this mission worth it. I think Commander Riker has just done a bit of reprogramming to something that obviously made more sense originally. It was likely a federation, or joint federation claim to something. Or perhaps something needed to stop a war. For the purposes of what we are doing though, we don't need a wider goal."
Riker cringed at Tarya's words. "I'm really glad she stopped surmising. I'm sure if they spent long enough here they could deduce what our mission was."
"Well, at least you can't say today has been boring." Remarked Deanna. Riker cringingly sighed as she ventured nearer to his crotch. Before they could get too lost in each other, they were drawn back to their ensigns antics.
"Well let's get on with it then. Let's find him." Tom stood and everyone followed suit. At first Tarya was impressed by his ability to take command. Now she was too weary. He seemed to demand and expect obedience without question.
"We've quit a few credits left." B'lanna noted. "Let's just go and bribe a Ferengi, they'll do anything for profit." They all nodded in agreement.
Upon approaching the centre of what could have been taken to be a dancefloor, though seemed more like a smuggling ground, they noticed a Ferengi who definitely looked to be a DaiMon. Tom couldn't help but take the lead - again.
"You sir look like a suave businessman; to whom do I have the honour of meeting?" Tom modestly bowed. The Ferengi looked pleasantly surprised, his ego well stroked. Standing he took Tom's hand.
"I am DaiMon Bok. What type of business do you have in mind?" He scanned Tom's companions as he spoke, looking lustfully at them all.
"Nothing taxing, or indeed arduous in any way. Simply the location of someone." Tom Maintained eye contact with the DaiMon who broke it shortly after whilst stroking his purse.
"Likely so, but it really would depend on the who?"
"T'Lork," shared Tom with complete and utter confidence. Bok smiled curiously and continued to stroke his purse.
"Well how much do you have?"
"You can have everything we have. 55 credits." Bok maintained his demeanour of curiosity.
"Not a huge amount is it. What else, you know – to sweeten the deal?"
"What do you want?" Tom was trying to hide his annoyance.
"An ear massage." He fluttered his eyes as he spoke and turned to B'lanna. She was about to move to strike when Tom clasped her arm, holding her in line. She gritted her teeth, attempting to remain restraint. Daimon turned his gaze to Tarya. She just started at him, then to Tom for guidance. He flashed her an affirming look.
Tarya walked behind the DaiMon and started to caress the top of his ears. She thought it was ridiculous, but the Ferengi just began to moan. She increased her intensity and started rolling the entire perimeter. The DaiMon was beginning to lose himself in the moment. The other Ferengi all gathered to watch, thoroughly enjoying the moment. Bok grabbed Tarya by the wrist and pulled her around to his front, encouraging her to sit on his lap.
Riker and Troi were puzzled. They moved in closer.
Bok whispered, "Carry on." As she continued to stroke and fondle his earlobes. He groaned louder and grasped her breasts with both hands, trying to find her nipples with his forefingers."
Just as Riker lunged to put an end to this atrocity, Tom pulled Tarya off and threw her out of the way and into Deanna's arms. Deanna led her away from the commotion.
"That's enough Bok! That was more than your due. It's your turn to deliver." Demanded Tom.
"Very well. He's in the room behind the bar and he's dead." Tom looked to B'lanna who went to check. After a few moments she returned to view and nodded in confirmation. Bok simply outstretched his hand. Tom coldly placed the credits in his palm as Riker looked on in disbelief.
"Computer! End Programme." The Holodeck returned to its grid. Riker squared up to Tom.
"What the hell was that Ensign?"
"Sir." He stood to attention. "I think we got carried away." Riker just glared.
"That's it for orientation." He turned to the remainder of the Ensigns.
"Go and have a late lunch, take the rest of the day off. Report to your stations tomorrow." He turned back to Tom. You are with me. Now!"