Fugitive

Posted on Fri Dec 31st, 2021 @ 7:46am by Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea

Mission: Tales from the other side of the Mirror
Location: Bajoran Runabout Bajor II
Timeline: Four months from the events of Know Thy Self
900 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

The large copper-colored hull of the Bajoran runabout dropped out of warp above the low orbit polar region of Tavela Minor. General Azhul's deuterium supplies were dangerously low, having to detour several times to avoid Terran patrols, as well as Klingon patrols. Emperor Martok would not take the loss of the Dakur to the Terran Empire lightly and would hold her personally responsible. She had been forced to now wear civilian clothes consisting of a green V-neck t-shirt, brown vest and cargo pants with general military style boots, and belt with a holster for her disruptor, storing her Alliance General Uniform away in the runabout for when/if she needed it again.

She was responsible as she sat back in the pilot's seat as she held up a PaDD that held sensor scans of the unidentified weapon that caused untold damage to the Alliance's newest warship. She had managed to download it before making her way to the shuttlebay and escaping before the ship gave in to the damage sustained and exploded just before more Terran Empire ships arrived. All she had to do was get back to Bajor and have their scientists take a look at the weapon readings to see if they could be reproduced.

Anger flourished within her as she recalled the destruction of her ship--she had worked hard to become one of the most fearsome generals in the Alliance. She placed the PaDD down before transferring its content onto a backup drive and shoving the small memory cylinder into her cargo pocket. Having only one copy of such vital information was foolish. She stood and walked towards the back of the runabout to the transporter area. "Computer, one to transport to the surface," she ordered.

The computer chirped in response before Azhul dematerialized from the runabout and rematerialized on the planet's surface. She was surrounded in a sea of people in the corner of a market area selling all sorts of merchandise and foods. However, she had to find deuterium and the sooner, the better. She made her way through the crowded area, hoping she could find one merchant that she knew sold deuterium. After a few minutes, she caught a glimpse of his shop. 'You better have what I need,' she thought as she stepped through the front doors.

Inside, the walls were lined various objects from civilizations throughout the galaxy. At the other end of the store was a L-shaped counter and behind it was a Ferengi male, smiling a toothy grin as he spotted Naxea approach and over dressed as most Ferengi were. She dispised the filthy creatures, but they did have their uses. Standing near the doorway was a huge Orion--likely a bodyguard. "Ah! What can Krunt do for you?" he asked, keeping his toothy grin.

"I need a shipment of deuterium," Naxea replied as she approached the counter.

"Deuterium...that's not easy to come by in this sector with the Alliance brooding about and all."

"I know that, but you do have a supply," Naxea pushed.

"Suppose I do...how much would it be worth to you, General Azhul?" Seeing the surprise look on her face, Krunt continued. "I may own a simple shop here but I'm no fool, especially when it comes to recognizing one of the Alliance's most fearsome Generals. So why does such a prestigious general such as yourself need with deuterium? Why not just go to an Alliance shipyard...ah, you and the Alliance have parted ways then, I assume?" his smile grew wider.

"That is none of your concern, Ferengi. Now give me the deuterium," she demanded, leaning forward, glaring at Krunt.

Laughing in response as his bodyguard stepped closer, Krunt simply crossed his arms. "Sure, but it will cost you five-hundred bars of gold pressed latinum."

"Five-hundred?! That's outrageous," she protested, slamming her fist down on the counter.

"Take it or leave it, General," Krunt replied, his smile widening.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the bodyguard moving closer--far closer than she would like. Poor decision on his part as with one swift motion she drew a D'k tahg dagger from under her vest. The move caught the Orion off guard as the razor-sharp blade sliced his throat. Grabbing his throat, the Orion tried to speak through the gurgling of blood in his mouth and spurting through the fingers around his neck before falling face down on the deck.

Drawing the disruptor with her other hand, she leveled it at the Ferengi before he could react. "Now, let's renegotiate the sale of that deuterium..."

"Sure, sure! Um, how about a bargain of only 100 bars of gold pressed latinum?" Krunt asked, shaking.

"I was thinking you could donate it out of the goodness of your, heart!" she finished as she stepped forward, driving the D'k tahg into Krunt's heart, causing him to drop to the floor dead. Stepping behind the counter, she accessed Krunt's inventory, locating the drums of Deuterium fuel. "Never leave your terminal unlocked, Krunt," she grinned as she glanced at the deceased body of Krunt on the floor. With a few more commands, Naxea had transported the drums to her runabout in orbit. "A pleasure doing business with you, Krunt," Naxea replied as she tapped the Wrist comm twice, causing her shuttle's computer to lock onto her and transport her back up.

TBC...