"The Way Of The Cowboy" - Part 3 - Director Sebastian Ascari & NPCs

Posted on 241406.09 @ 7:19am by Commodore Sebastian Ascari

Mission: Insurrection [Fleet Plot]
Location: USS Corsair
Timeline: Current

Conference Room - USS Corsair - "The Way of the Cowboy - Part 3"
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“If we are to wait might I suggest we set course for the Celanus System? There is an information broker there known by the name Zephyr…”

Admiral Valtren was quick to interrupt at the mention of the name. “What could you possibly want with him? He isn’t just someone you simply drop in on and ask for information. Few have seen this person – and those who have seldom live long enough to recount their experience. I do not fear this information broker, but I cannot dismiss the cloud of danger that surrounds this person. We know almost nothing and a cloud of death and ill fortune hangs around this Zephyr. Intelligence keeps a detailed file on what little we do know about this person and their activities. While I admit this Zephyr appears to be well informed and quite skilled at his, her, or its profession I also know that the prices charged for such information are likely more than we are able or…willing to pay. No. Engaging such a person is fraught with risk. We could never guarantee our people’s safety in any encounter. Any information that might be gained is not worth the risk on obtaining it.”

Akina cleared his throat. “Are you through sir?”

Valtren chuckled at the captain’s bravado. “Quite.”

“The risk is minimal and Zephyr will help us free of charge.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes Admiral. I can be sure because she….owes me a favor.”

Valtren’s smile faded at the captain’s comment. “You know Zephyr?”

Ramius leaned forward as the conversation continued. What did Akina have planned he quietly wondered. The intelligence captain was as shrewd as ever.

“Affirmative. I know her. And she owes me. I saved her life a few years back. The details aren't important. As payment for the debt she supplies me with whatever information I desire when I’m in the neighborhood.”

“Why haven’t you revealed this to intelligence”, Valtren quickly asked. "Her whereabouts and identity have long been sought."

“Well for one she’s is quite attractive and second why on earth would I ruin such a valuable source of intelligence by tipping off fleet command? I don’t want her out of business and I don’t want our agents rushing in and cramping her style. She's far too valuable left alone.”

“Excuse me captain”, Ascari interrupted hiding his displeasure at yet another instance of the Corsair's crew violating regulations. “If this Zephyr has a dangerous and criminal reputation then it is our duty to ensure that she is brought to justice for….”

Akina laughed cutting off the director’s statement. “She won’t be a problem sir. You have my word. She’s a valuable asset…perhaps even one of those so called allies we are searching for. With the power grab on Earth, the new order will disrupt her information networks. Her informants will dry up as personnel changes and paranoia increases. Like a rose on the vine, her information on Federation matters will wilt and fade. No one pays for dead roses sir. It is in her best business interests to aid us. If this NeoFederation or whatever they are calling themselves is allowed to take root – Zephyr will stand to lose big. She needs us and we need her.”

Ascari’s eyes moved from the captain to the Admiral seeking his silent input. Valtren mulled over the Akina’s proposal rubbing his chin in doing so. “Celanus isn’t too far and it’s remote enough. Starfleet’s presence in that area is minimal. We will need to discuss this matter in more detail, but if the captain has a rapport with this person that seems to be something more than trivial then we would be foolish not to see what comes of it. She may have valuable information from Earth that we do not possess. Given the new information I withdraw my previous objections.”

“Very well. I’ll leave this matter in your hands then Mr. Akina. Coordinate your efforts with Captain Ramius and the Admiral. Captain Ramius, if there are no objections, then start your engines. Set course for the Celanus system.”

“No objections sir.”

Ascari nodded and stood. “We now have several pans on the fire. With luck we will soon have some meat in which to sink our teeth into to use the phrase. You have your orders. Let us proceed on the course we have charted. Dismissed.”

~ To Be Continued ~

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Captain Sebastian Ascari
Former Director, Starfleet Intelligence

Captain Taverain Ramius (NPC)
CO, USS Corsair

Admiral James Valtren (NPC)
Starfleet Intelligence - Section Seven

and

Captain Zane Akina (NPC)
Intelligence Operative
USS Corsair / SFI