Shades of Grey - Part 7

She picked up another grape, obviously not in a rush with the conversation. After she swallowed it down, she spoke again. “How exactly do you plan to pay for this computer core? You know something like this isn’t cheap, and I can’t imagine after buying a ship that you have much more of your pilfered gains left.”

What she presumed was not true, Zedd had plenty left. But it’s not like he carried that kind of latinum on him. And he doubted he could wire the money over given his situation. So he decided to make the only move he could and put into words what he presumed she was getting at. “So what is it you want then for this core exactly? It sounds like you have something in mind. Sure, latinum is always an option but again, I don’t think that’s something you’re exactly after. I’m a minnow compared to what you likely pull for this place.”

“Don’t be so hasty, I do love latinum.” Tiraa laughed softly; it was feminine and inviting. She hadn’t sensed the typical pang of anxiety or embarrassment that would usually happen when one’s lack of finances were pointed out, so perhaps this man was a more prudent spender than she gave him credit for.

“But latinum up front isn’t the only option. I appreciate a good investment, and I have this feeling you might just be that.”

“Me as the investment? How so?” In truth the man didn’t want to be tied to anyone or anything, a true freelancer. While he knew his past still was hanging around, for the moment at least he was on his own. A guy in the gamma quadrant with a busted ship, compared to the Orion Syndicate, was chump change to say the least. He took another sip and finished off his drink before turning around and pouring himself another. If she was willing to take the latinum that would certainly be the easier option. He remained calm however and scanned the room once more out of habit.

Tiraa could feel the apprehension suddenly roll off of his body like a wave; she didn’t blame him. He had put himself through hell and an extremely substantial amount of risk to make his fortune, and it was natural that he wanted to guard what was his very closely.

“What you did was no small feat, Captain. You have skill, determination, and enough intelligence that you haven’t gotten yourself killed on top of being able to pull off what you did. It is impressive, and I find impressiveness attractive.”

The tone in her voice hinted that she didn’t only mean that sentiment from a business standpoint.

“Well thank you, it certainly took a lot of work.” Her words and tone did allow him to relax, just a little. The man wondered what the intent here was, he knew working directly for someone again wasn’t exactly in the cards for him. He took another sip, allowing the burn to slowly make its way down into his stomach before he continued. “I presume that’s why I’m here. So what exactly is it I or the ship can do for you, in exchange for this core. I assume you have one that can be produced.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t waste your time; that doesn’t benefit anyone in the equation. Now, is it safe to assume due to your particular circumstances, you are going to be focusing nearly all of your efforts in the Gamma Quadrant?” She asked.

He gave a nod. “I am. Any sort of potential operations on the other side will be limited and I'll make sure I have proper paperwork so the Federation leaves us alone otherwise. But what all is available in the Gamma Quadrant is what we're going to rely on. No matter whom we have to deal with there.” Part of Zedd hoped they would give a representative just as beautiful as Tiraa to join them if they decided a liaison was necessary to join him if that is what they were planning, having him and his ship as some sort of arm or eyes for the Syndicate.

Tiraa’s lips twitched upwards at the corners just slightly. He was becoming more comfortable and the attraction was starting to settle in; it was good for business. She maintained the physical distance they had by her leaning back in her chair, but also held eye contact with the man across from her; it wasn’t challenging, it was interested.