Shades of Grey - Part 5

“Well” he began “I needed a ship so I found one at a decent price, salvaged in accordance with intergalactic law. I have been working on getting things fixed on it so I can run a simple merchant vessel. Even as defunct as it may be, it can’t be that uncommon for someone like myself to have an older craft needing work and repairs. Just like everyone else, I’m doing my best to scrape by.” He thought about questioning why she wanted him brought to her exactly but decided not to push it. Giving out too much information was never a good idea. “The brokers I’ve dealt with on New Ferenginar don’t seem to have what I need very much, so far. But looking around here, I don’t think I’m there anymore. Wherever here is. It is a beautiful palace to say the least.” He figured worst case it wasn’t a terrible place to die should that come to pass.

“Mm…” She hummed in thought at his response, then drew a bit closer to him, just slightly invading his personal space. “Salvaged in accordance with intergalactic law… that may be but…”

She lifted a hand and took hold of one of the lapels on his jacket, running her thumb over the tough, worn leather.

“I know how… possessive… Starfleet can be with its ships.” As she spoke the word, her black eyes flicked to his face to catch his gaze again; it left her lips with suggestion and tension. “Even the garbage.”

He didn’t make any moves as she got close and decided to make contact with him. He didn’t want to risk losing body parts as a result of it, even if to take a step back.

“And you can help with that then, is that what you’re saying? Otherwise it sounds like I have a potential dilemma to handle on my own. To be honest I’m not exactly worried about it with their current state even still after the war. We know how long it’s taking them to rebuild their forces and they don’t have much in the way of that in the Gamma Quadrant. Sure inspection teams come in and New Bajor is still growing, but we both know the Dominion wouldn’t stand for a large-scale presence, let alone the several pirate organizations participating about. I figure as long as I stay on the opposite side of the wormhole, I’ll be fine.” He was a risk taker, through and through.

Tiraa listened, Tiraa watched, and then Tiraa bent her body slightly to look around him and to the Orion who had escorted him to the room. “Rallid, what did you say to this man?”

“I told him to be respectful of you, Vaela.” The large man replied.

Tiraa rolled her black eyes. “Well you made him nervous, it ruins the mood.”

She straightened again and released Zedd’s collar and instead reached for his elbow. She shifted her body so she ended up at his side while holding onto him, then gestured to the table at the back of the room by the window. “Why don’t you come and sit down with me, Captain. Have a drink, and let’s talk more.”

He gave a nod and took a look at the other man before moving towards the chair as encouraged to. He would accept the drink even if it made him a bit leary, Orions were known to utilize several different tactics to entrance their guests, or potential targets. This was not on his list of expectations to deal with today.

“If I may then, I’ll pour our drinks and you can let me know what else you’re interested in with my operation. To be honest I’m just starting out so there isn’t really much to tell. My crew primarily is temporary laborers and I also have yet to take an actual job contract so there certainly is a risk of disappointment in the potential stories or details I have to share with you, Tiraa.” He made his way to a nearby cart and opened the top of one of the decanters containing an amber liquid and allowed the scent to waft into his nostrils. It seemed familiar and hopefully safe, so he poured a pair of drinks and picked them up, stepping over to hand one to the Orion woman.

Tiraa took a seat at the table and simply watched Zedd as he moved, it was an appraising eye, but not predatory. He was free with his information, perhaps a bit too free, but he didn’t give too many details which was a wise choice. When he took his seat, she smirked just slightly.

“I’m not so interested in stories of your crew… I’m more interested in stories of you. Like for instance… how could you afford such a ship?” There was something about her tone and the look in her eye that hinted this might have been a test… and she already knew the answer.