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"You're not going to freak out sir?" One of Munro's crewmen asked him.

"It would do no good would it? If a dog from your world began to purr and rub against your leg would you take offense to it?" Munro pointed out.

"Dogs don't do that sir."

"Silence liquid bag. The point is your Federation, my Federation is one of diversity. Each species has its own characteristics. Its not its fault that it cannot disassociate a mate from the metal armor of my environmental suit."

"Uh yes sir..." The crewman nodded quickly turning and talking to whoever was next to him to get out of the extremely awkward conversation.

Mikey's comments gave Blackstar something to think about. But shi didn't let hir concern show and smiled instead. "You know, that sounds like a Saturday night, back where I'm from."

"What do you mean?" asked Mikey.

"Where I'm from there's a species known as the Rakshani. Think, Klingons with bigger hearts, 7 feet tall, and fur. I have found myself in the middle of a Rakshani sandwich when they were both 'in need' on multiple occasions."

"Do you have any idea how much of that sentence was inappropriate and just wrong?" asked Mikey. "If you don't stop I will order you to stop talking."

"Sorry," said Blackstar. "And about the weapons. The reason I didn't tell you about them is because they are covered in Boronik, to make them impervious to scans. I can't have everyone looking for my cache of rare metel. I have my own plans for it. And it never hurts to have a good trick up your sleeve to look like a hero."

"And what if your 'cache' could've saved the lives of one of these crewman?" asked a very stern Andorian.

"I'll just have to be good enough to prevent them from being killed," said Blackstar, who's grin was far too confident. "And before you say it, I already know, "I have too much confidence, it's going to get me killed someday." Belive me, I've heard that from officers, parents, my tricorder, just about everyone for that matter."

"Oh, and for future reference Sir I haven't touched Silvertail's programming. Shi's doing what shi's doing as hir own choice. And I'd appriciate it if you never ever insult any of my companions or mates like that again," Blackstar grinned with hir teeth to show that shi was trying to be nice, but that shi was serious too.

There was a moment of awkward silence before Blackstar said, "If you really want to play with my toys you just have to ask." Blackstar paused a moment before saying, "I meant the bracelets. Where did your mind go you perv?" When Mikey sputtered Blackstar couldn't help but laugh.

"Perv?" Mikey asked. "I don't judge anything that way; and if you're trying to embarass me, give up. I'm not a pinkskin, and I don't have their awkward taboos. And as far as overconfidence - yeah, it might get you killed. That's your affair. My concern is that it might get somebody else killed. Team, remember?"

Mikey rose and went to the replicator, returning with a steaming dish. "Another treasure of Earth culture," he explained. "It's called 'bangers and mash.' The sausages have both major food groups - meat and fat - and these, um, 'potatoes' don't have any meat, but they have a lot of carbs for when you might not eat for a while, as well as a wonderfully high glycemic index. Truly, the civilization which created this must have been mighty warriors. Care to try some?"

Sniffing, Blackstar declined. "It smells like cured animal flesh."

"That's one of the best ways to have animal flesh," countered Mikey. "Look at the efficiency - casing the animal's muscle tissue in its own entrails! Magnificent. Anyway, think about what I said. Rare metals or not, you should be able to trust me as the ops officer and XO of this mission - and I guarantee you CAN trust me as a person... and if you so choose, as a friend."

Still holding his plate, Mikey swiveled to focus his attention to his console. "Commander," he said aloud, "we have just left visual range of the Daystrom. We are on our own."

"Not embarissing. Teasing," said Blackstar, "I tend to do it to everyone I like. It's when I don't tease that you should be worried. I got it from my father. Shi got it from hir father."

"How did you ever get born?" asked Mikey.

"Well you see Tab A goes into Slot B and Tab B...wait." A look of confusion crossed Blackstar's face. "If Tab B goes into Slot A...wait. Hang on, I think I have a book about it stowed somewhere."

"That's not necessary," said Mikey.

"Are you sure? It has pictures?" Mikey shook his head again. "Your loss then."

"We're approaching Losan sir," said Blackstar.

"Very good," said Rochey, "try and find a discreet landing location. Try to keep a distance from combat vessels. But don't make it look like you're trying to keep your distance."

Blackstar raised an eyebrow at the commander. "Could you be a little more vague?" shi asked sarcastically.

"Fly casually," Rochey ordered.

Blackstar rolled hir eyes. Shi was doing hir best to pilot 'casually' which wasn't easy when a Tholian was acting as a backseat driver.

"We have a communication from the surface," reported Mikey, "requesting our identification."

"Send the codes we have," ordered Rochey.

There was a tense minute before Mikey reported, "they're requesting communications."

"Put them on with me," said Rochey, "no one else speak." Once Rochey got a nod from Mikey he began speaking, "this is Andyeskovene Rocheineskina on a slave delivery mission requesting clearance for landing."

"This is Losan control. We have no record of your mission."

Blackstar muted their end of the communication. "Why did you mute us?" demanded Rochey.

"You sound like an officer. That's going to get us killed. I don't know about you but I have a denmate I'd very much like to return to," said Blackstar. "Now if you shut up sir I can get us out of this without our atoms scattered across space."

Blackstar unmuted the comm without waiting for a response. In a much more masculine and growling voice then usual shi said, "this is Shadowstar of Chakona, Knight of the Royal House of the Nedai demanding that Thrall personally gives us permission to land."

There was a pause before the response came, this time from a different tholian voice, although the only ones who could tell were Mikey, Rochey, and Blackstar due to their natural sensitivity. "This is Thrall. We are happy to receive you Shadowstar. Please land at the designated coordinates, but please let me make up for our past before you decide to, 'torture me to death and sell my remains as souvenirs', as you put it."

In hir deep voice Blackstar said, "I'll let you explain yourself before I decide. I hope to meet you face to face once we land. I'll be escorted by this vessels captain and his bodyguard and slave handler. An Andorian and Breen respectively."

A confused squealing sound came before the Thrall said, "A pair of cold planet dwellers as body guards? That captain must have a sense of humor."

"That's too true," said Blackstar. Shi ended communication, and saw everyone staring, or in the Tholian's and Breen's case the equivalent of a stare. In hir normal voice shi asked, "What?"

"How does someone on a slaver colony know you?" asked Munroe.

Blackstar smacked hir forehead, "I'm sorry. I completely spaced on this minor detail. You see between the time I landed in this universe and the time I was recruited by Starfleet I was a pirate for a while. Well, not exactly. I pirated from other pirates, and sold survivors as slaves. I was busted by Starfleet, however the Admiral who captured me choose to recruit someone of my skill rather then make me spend time in prison."

"And you decided not to tell us this?" asked Rochey.

Blackstar shrugged, "I didn't think it was going to be necessary. I didn't realize you were a bad actor. Now I need to land this thing."

The rest of the trip was spent with everyone choosing not to talk to Blackstar. Mikey did make one effort, "what was that stuff about a night?"

"From my life in the Chakat universe," explained Blackstar, "I was knighted by the Princess Silverfox of Nedai. Shadowstar was my childhood name, I occasionally use it as an alternate name, to go with my second voice. I only used it while pirating in this universe. Commander Rochey we're approaching the landing pad."

The crew left the runabout, led by Blackstar followed by the Commander and Mikey with Munroe leading the 'slaves'. Blackstar used hir 'pirate' voice to talk to the lead Tholian, "you have a lot of guts to let me land alive Thrall."

"True, but I know that our past business was profitable for me, so I built you a replacement vessel for the one I...borrowed," said Thrall. "My slave-commander Slror will talk to your business associates about the slave transaction. If you'll follow me..."

Rochey, trying to find a way to keep an eye on the Chakat was finally able to come up with a reason. "You still owe me half of the fee. Until you pay me I insist my bodyguard accompanies you," he said gesturing to Mikey. He figured since shi had already indicated Munroe as the slave-handler and shi seemed to listen to him better that Mikey would be the best choice.

Blackstar nodded, "acceptable. Just stay out of the way. I'll see you later Captain."

Mikey went back to confer briefly with Rochey and Munro; fortunately it appeared as nothing more than a last-minute meeting between business partners or employees. "I applaud your natural suspicion, Lieutenant," said Mikey, "and since I will be accompanying the Chakat, we may make use of that gift here."

Munro cocked his head slightly, the only form of expression visible through his suit and mask, and said, "Sir?"

After a nod from Rochey, Mikey continued. "Mr. Minnsky is not Starfleet, and in addition has not been completely open about his business or range in these parts. We would like you to keep watch on Mr. Minnsky, and try to find out what you can."

Munro saluted smartly. Mikey returned it, and then turned his salute to Rochey before following the Chakat and their escort. The Tholians wore a hodgepodge of all different sorts of e-suits - many patched multiple times - and weaponry ranging from dilapidated slugthrowers to occasional state-of-the-art disrupters which were no doubt salvaged from some slaver's conquest.

Mikey slowed a bit, forcing Blackstar to drop behind their escort to keep pace with him. "Remember that team/trust idea?" Mikey asked quietly but curtly. "Did you have any thought that a contact in the slaver encampment might be just a bit relevant to this mission?"

"Like I said, it just slipped my mind," shi replied. "But keep your voice down. These people don't expect a humanoid in a position of authority, and I doubt they'd like it much. You don't have to act like you're that mad at me."

"Who's acting? Let one more detail that could affect this mission 'slip your mind,' and I'll consider it insubordination."

"That's ridiculous!" hissed Blackstar. "I may be a lot of things, but insubordinate isn't one."

"It is in my book when you refuse to consider your ship, mission, or crewmates. Now zip it and catch up before these guys decide to ask questions." Returning into step with the escort, Mikey continued in a normal voice. "So what kind of vessel does this guy owe you, exactly?"

Thrown by the Andorian's abrupt shift in conversation, Blackstar said, "Er... I don't have a schematic on me. I'll show you... er, and the captain later." Then shi grinned and more quietly teased, "Remember: if our cover calls for it, I may have to knock you around a bit."

"We're on a mission," replied the Andorian. "Save the flirting for later."

Mikey continued to stride on ahead, leaving the Chakat staring at the inscrutable Andorian's back.

The trip to the Losan was to Minnsky boring at best. It took him all of twenty minuets to feel out the issues with the shuttles engines and figure out five different ways to fix them. Of course he couldn't do anything about it, so he moved on to conversations with those around him. That endeavor soon fell by the way side too as not many of the security personal were talkative. It is then that he took to studying and analyzing the missions compliment. He hadn't taken much time before for the reason of making a good back story one that he feared no one was well versed on. The security officers were a mixed bunch but mostly terrain and as long as they didn't give them selves away as Starfleet they would most likely survive. The biggest issue for them would be combat, their Starfleet training would be evident right away. Their commander was a hole other issue. A breen was not to be here. Minnsky cursed the fool that had let the alien on the mission, if the thing made it past the watch point it would be a miracle. He gained a quick glance at the pilots bay and saw that the Andorian and beast were on as well. The Andorian would be fine, a noble race as his would last forever but the beast, it was one of a kind and in Metlers opinion should have been left on ship. He couldn't figure the weaknesses of the two, but if all went to his plan then he wouldn't have to worry about them much.
The plan was simple. He would find some one in a clan that he could glean information from about the storage computer. He already knew the bases sensor and defensive systems but the ship logs were on another core. If he could get to it he could get the information that was needed. He also had to get his parts, at lest twenty isolinier chips, the one thing that he was unable to manufacture himself. That was going to be the tough part for him. Help would most likely be required for such a heist and no one on ship would be willing. He devoted most of the rest of the trip to studding his map.
He felt the landing and had moved to position before any one had announced their location. After a few minuets of waiting the Breen came in to move the 'slaves' out. They all moved in a sluggish depressed fashion just as proper slaves should and soon had found them selves in the main watch room. It was a full of activity. There were around two hundred slaves and a hundred handlers in the room. All of them shouting things, one would be commanding his property to sit others stand. Some were being moved out to the mines, some the selling yards. There was quite a stir as a group of slaves tried to make a brake for the flight deck. Many were gunned down by their own handler who didn't much care what else he hit on the way, the rest by the more accurate guards on their overhanging walkways. The Breen pressed close to Minnsky during the event, as if to hold him in case he to ran. Metler was not ignorant of the fact nor was he ignorant of the looks from the guards. He turned. "Breen, I want to live to see my ship, please move back." The Breen did not respond, it just stood there for a second and then shoved him.
"Move waterbags." A few people looked their way and Minnsky moved, hopping that no one would look to long. The breen was approached by an administer and they came to a stop.
"Xene! Commander Xene." The voice was some were behind. All the blood drained from Metlers face. He glanced at the administer, fortunately he hadn't taken notice. The voice called out again. "Commander Xene!" Minnsky silently cursed the man and hoped that he would assume he was mistaken and give up. Some one touched him on the shoulder and he turned. Metlers eyes widened. It was John Thomes, captain of the Fitzburg. "Xene." A glance told him the administer was heading his way the Breen closely behind. He started to calculate the options. It would take him a few seconds to stun the captain but the administrator would most likely fire. He could stun himself, but then he would be out of control. Attacking the administrator would cause the guards to shoot him there was only really one viable option. "John, I'm Metler now, the project depends on it." He said low and fast just before the duo arrived.
"Grutny Leader, is there an issue?" the administrator addressed Thomes.
"What no, I just thought this was a man I once knew, I was mistaken." The captain nodded at the Breen, "Mars man make good workers, I'll give you top dollar for him."
"No" the response ended any other inquiries.
"I see then, may the heavens bestow peace on you." John moved off. The last statement had been addressed to the administrator and the Breen though its target was Minnsky. He would meet the Captain again as mess.
"You do bare resemblance to an Xene that we have a need to meet." The administer said moving in for a closer look.
"I'm Melter, third pilot for the late S.S. Hemptry."
"The Hemptry." The Tholian pondered a bit.
"We picked the scab from a escape pod a week ago." The Breen said moving forward. "Now, we were saying, I am to move these things to storage room one-zero-five."
The administer took one more long look at Metler and then nodded. "Yes one-zero-five." He then walked off, Minnsky memorized the suite he wore.
"Lets go." The Breen shoved him again.

"So Thrall, what have you been up to?" asked Blackstar.

"The usual stuff. It hasn't been the same since you joined StarFleet. What happened to 'better to rule in hell then serve in heaven'?" asked Thrall.

"Better to serve in heaven then be dead Thrall," said Blackstar. "So what do you know about Minnsky?" Blackstar spotted Mikey's glare at hir. "Oh, before I forget Thrall is also an information broker. Can't call your mate on the intercom without him knowing about it."

"How is Silvertail by the way?" asked Thrall.

Blackstar wasn't sure if Mikey was silent from shock or rage. Shi decided to continue talking. "You don't have to worry. Thrall won't betray me. If he was going to, he wouldn't have let us land."

"That's true," said Thrall. "However I know almost nothing about Minnsky. I can't prove anything but I think it might Even be an alias. However he has no money trail."

"Money trail?" asked Mikey.

"An old metaphor of sorts," explained Blackstar, "if someone does something there should be a trail of some sort. Buying a shuttle, flying into deep space, even going to the bathroom, all leaves a trail of somesort. If you look hard enough you can find it. Well Sir, I hope you'll forgive my 'insubordination' this time. We know that our strange martian friend didn't exist."

"How is that possible," asked Mikey.

"Simple," said Thrall, "he found some way to change his identity without leaving a trail. Difficult, but not impossible. Of coarse that is pure speculation."

"Two data points a data set does not make," said Blackstar. "Now where's my ship?"

"Right over there," said Thrall.

"That ship?" Blackstar asked pointing to a parked vessel. Thrall nodded. "It's beautiful."

"Her hull is Tholian based with a multi-faceted surface for increased defence. A tholian based engine and Romulan power core that let's her keep up with even the Daystrom. She has a multi-probe based 'Web Spinner' I believe you call it, in addition to more conventional Federation-based weapons. The probes double for improving the sensor range. And a touch interface specifically designed for Chakat physiology, as well as manual controls for anyone you lend the craft to. Of coarse this is just the beginning of paying you back. The other ship is still a few months from being mobile much less fully operational."

Munro watched the exchanged with a displeased expression under his helmet. The port authorities surely had this entire structure bugged and numberous spies mixed into the crowds.

Munro walked up to Rochey as they moved the 'slaves' through the station, "Sir, recommend we eliminate Thrall. Blackstar will give us away." He spoke on a very low frequency that he hoped Rochey could hear.

"Explain Lieutiant." Came the reply after a few brief seconds of hesitation.

"Sir, they are casually refering to our mission, one is bound to let something slip that will get out, Blackstar is a crew member so I recommend we kill the non-crew member. The risk of the two mouthed creature giving something away as it speaks to this Thrall is too great."

Mikey's antennae spun wildly as he fought to control himself. Unmentioned concealed weapons, even the hiding the presence of a contact, he could fit into a frame of reference against the Chakat's personality and modus operandi. Having been in contact with the Tholian slavers, and compromising the intel of the mission - that couldn't be overlooked.

As Blackstar concluded her dialogue with the Tholian called Thrall, Mikey grabbed the tuft of fur at the tip of hir tail. To Thrall, he said, "Excuse us while we inspect our new craft." As both Blackstar and Thrall cocked their heads inquisitively, Mikey continued, "Until someone buys someone else out, half of Shadowstar's proceeds on this venture belong to Rochey, and vice verse. Don't argue with me - I don't make the rules, and I don't profit from them. I profit from seeing that they are enforced."

Thrall turned back to Blackstar. "Impertinent for a biped, isn't he? But, he has an admirable dedication to his skipper. I've heard of these Andorians... maybe they are a BIT more useful than the pinkskins." Then, to both Blackstar and Mikey, he said, "Feel free. After you've finished, you will no doubt want to check on the status of your transactions. I will have someone escort you."

As Mikey followed Blackstar toward the gleaming new Tholian vessel, he picked up his flabbjellah and began to play a mournful tune in a discordant minor key.

"What's that for?" asked Blackstar.

"I'll show you," replied Mikey, and pulled the instrument apart to reveal a cruelly-curved knife which was instantly pressed against the Chakat's throat. "All the things we've talked about up to now are child's play compared with the betrayal you have just revealed. Not only have you compromised the safety of your shipmates, but you have compromised the success of our mission by announcing to any possible quarry that we are even on the hunt. Did you think there was a reason this was to be a covert mission?! So now, if this essay fails - which will be more likely thanks to you, traitor - and members of this crew die, they will have died in vain thanks to you."

"You're out of your mind!" rasped Blackstar. "I have every-"

"QUIET!" shouted the Andorian, with his antennae standing straight and new capillaries bursting along the lines of his old bruises. I am tired of hearing how you have everything under control, and using it as an excuse to neglect your responsibilities! You said yourself that Thrall's an information dealer. Believe me - you're not scary enough to make him think twice about selling the information of OUR presence here to someone else. Again, I am forced to ask why you just wouldn't tell us about your source, or your intention to confide in him." Mikey relaxed the press of the convex blade on Blackstar's throat, but didn't lower the blade entirely. "The only conclusion that makes sense," he said, slowly lifting his head to look at the Chakat's eyes, "is not one that I'd like to think of as applying to you, Blackstar. I'm glad of my deep-seated Starfleet indoctrination, Blackstar. I have no choice but to report this and recommend a inquiry. And if necessary, a court-martial."

"You don't say that as if you're glad," Blackstar said.

"You don't understand," replied Mikey. "I'm glad, because my natural motivation would have been to kill you before you could speak again." As an afterthought, he added, "Hmmm... Thrall and his people will definitely have to be silenced. Looks like I'll be up for some wetwork..."

Mikey's little speech made Blackstar roll hir eyes. "You Starfleet types are so untrusting. Believe it or not there is some honor among thieves. I don't trust Thrall for no reason. Back in the day I ordered him to run for it while I covered his escape, among other people."

"You trust him because he ran?"

"No. I trust him because he came back with reinforcements. He had no reason to come back. He had every right and reason to leave me behind. He didn't and that's why I consider him family. And if you hurt him I will respond in kind." In a whisper Blackstar added, "his organization is free to hit though."

Mikey shook his head. "We'll see what Starfleet thinks at your court-martial."

"There won't be a court martial," said Blackstar. "If there is an investigation I'll have to leave the fleet to protect some of the higher ups. You gave me a speech about teamwork and trust. That stuff is a two-way street. I didn't have to tell you about Thrall or what he does. Can I trust you?"

"Will you kill me if I say no?"

"No. But I will be disappointed," Blackstar.

"Go ahead and kill him," came Thrall's voice. "Tex gave me odds that the next person you kill is an ally."

Blackstar frowned, "Thrall. I've told you many times, no eavesdropping and no betting on me. You're 0 for 2."

"Sorry," said Thrall.

"Anyway, Sir, do you trust me and my allies? Or at least enough to work with me on this mission?"

"Sir, they are casually refering to our mission, one is bound to let something slip that will get out, Blackstar is a crew member so I recommend we kill the non-crew member. The risk of the two mouthed creature giving something away as it speaks to this Thrall is too great." Munro replied.

Rochey glared around them to make sure no one could hear before replying. They had only just landed, and things were quickly spiraling out of his control, and he was quickly begining to wonder just who he could trust. Blackstar was completely untrustworthy, the Chakat had knowingly left information it knew out during the briefing, and was now chatting happily about clasified information to someone who would probably sell them all out for the right amount of money.
W'trisk was probably in on the whole thing too; they had spent far too much time in each others company for the Andorian not to know what the Chakat was planning, and the two were seemingly good friends. The Commander had quickly reached the conclusion that Munro was the only officer that he could trust on this mission.

"You're right, Lieutenant. Thrall is a liability, as long as he stays alive, our entire mission is in jepordy. We need to take him out, now."

"Yes Sir. And Blackstar?" Rochey thought about this for barely a second before replying.

"Lieutenant Blackstar is an even greater liability; at best it's incredibly stupid for not remembering to tell us what's going on, and at worst it's a traitor. I assure you that Blackstar is not getting out of this mission without a court-martial. Though if it doesn't shut up, it's not getting out of this mission at all."

"And how do you wish to proceed, Sir?" The Breen asked.
Rochey thought for a moment, then stopped walking, and handed the slaver weapon the Breen had made earlier to him. He rumaged around in a pocket on his enviromental suit, and withdrew a passcard.

"Right. This card will identify you as a slaver, and you should be let through all right. Provided no one realises it's a forgery, of course. You continue with this part of the mission, I'll take a few of the 'slaves' and head back to the shuttle. Blackstar and Thrall are sure to return there eventualy. This mission is getting out of hand, if there are many more unforseen incidents, or the Chakat lets anything else slip, I'm pulling the plug on the mission. Keep listning to your communicator, the retreat code is 'Daystrom'. If you hear it, get out and back to the shuttle as soon as possible."

"Yes Sir." Munro answered, nodding in understanding. Rochey turned to the security personel behind him, still dressed as slaves, and gestured at four of them.

"You four, come with me. The rest of you, continue with Lieutenant Munro. He'll be taking command of this part of the mission." At that, he stalked off back towards where the shuttle had been landed, the four guards in tow.
As he walked, he sent a short message to W'trisk, using the code they'd set up earlier.

"Report status. Returning to shuttle. Munro taking command of primary mission. Thrall must be terminated. Blackstar must be silenced. Respond immediately."

As the shuttle came into view, the Commander unholstered his pulse gun from it's holster. Whether or not W'trisk was still loyal or not was mostly irrelevant, soon Rochey would control the only way any of them had off the planet. One way or another, he was damn sure he wasn't going to get shot in the back by traitors.

Mikey was incredulous. "Thrall - I appreciate what you've done for us. Now, bear in mind that I've killed more people than you've met. The Chakat may be your friend, but when I want your opinion of MY private conversation, I'll tell you what it is." Turning to Blackstar, he said quietly, "You're asking me to trust you on the basis of the lies you've told me. How am I supposed to do that? If everything you have sprung on us - on me - so far has been for the good of the mission and of the Daystrom, why wouldn't you have let us in on it? It just doesn't make sense. Whose agenda are you trying to further - the Daystrom's or Blackstar's?"

Mikey's antennae whirled for a second as his face took on a vacant look. "Don't go anywhere," he said. "I'll be back momentarily."

Walking away until he was out of earshot, Mikey pressed his comm unit into his ear. Subvocalizing, he said, "Commander? Agreed on all counts. Almost killed the great furry thing myself. Will return and report in detail presently."

Returning, Mikey ignored the curious stares from the Tholian and the Chakat. Closing toward Blackstar, he said softly, "I'm sorely afraid that I might actually need to trust you in order to pursue the best interests of our mission. However, I suggest that now is the time to reconsider how much you keep to yourself, no matter what your intentions. That is not a threat - it is a piece of friendly advice."

"I told you, I am no-"

"It doesn't matter, Blackstar. Perception is reality. In addition, There are other people involved - other opportunities, other viewpoints. If three poeple were able to act on the information that you had, rather than just yourself, we might have come up with new solutions. You can't do everything by yourself, Blackstar, no matter how you like to swagger; and nobody has ever asked you to."

Turning to Thrall, Mikey said, "You. Blackstar has assured me of your confidence. Things will be... unpleasant... if it turns out that shi is misguided. Is hir trust misplaced?"

"Not at all, water-bag. You've already seen what I've provided."

"I'm glad to hear of it. It might mean less work for me tonight. Now, how many of your people know of us?"

"Just myself and Karst, my aide. In my lines of work, discretion is truly a virtue."

"Excellent," replied Mikey. "See that you remain virtuous." To Blackstar he said, "I need to return. I'll expect you as soon as you've finished... catching up."

Returning to the shuttle, Mikey approaced Rochey with a tight salute and gritted teeth. "Commander. It is as you feared, but perhaps not to the extent you feared." Mikey gave Rochey a report in full detail of what had transpired. "I'm not convinced that the Chakat is definitely a traitor, sir," said Mikey after detailing the events, "but as I informed hir, it's really beside the point. A lie of omission is still a lie. Unfortunately, the truth is that this avenue which the Chakat has opened may be the most expedient one we have."

"Well, I'm glad to see that you were sufficiently outraged by that thing's behavior," replied the commander, "and that you have enough respect for your duty to report to me honestly." Rochey had come to appreciate W'trisk's ability to objectively analyze even distasteful alternatives, and continued, "You may, unfortunately, be right about exploiting this... avenue, as you say, now that it has already been opened. I will interview the Chakat and judge the viability of placing our confidence in this Thrall. Meanwhile, this Karst is a loose end."

"Of course, sir." Mikey grinned an unpleasant, wolfish grin. "After some further inquiry and conference, we merely have to decide when." Turning, he saw Blackstar approach the shuttle. "Ah, I will leave you to your work, Commander. Here comes our friend now."

"So, now that your superior is out of earshot, why are you really here?" asked Thrall, "I doubt it's to learn about a man of mystery."

Blackstar nodded, "What do you know about the Daystrom's mission?"

"Nothing," said Thrall. Blackstar stared at him for a minute before he added, "except that you're searching for missing ships, if my intel is correct. I have some possible leads for your captain. Nothing too concrete mind you. I've listed them as, most probable good leads and probable traps."

"Good, maybe this will get Mikey to trust me again," said Blackstar. Shi then saw Thrall staring at hir. "What?"

"You 'have a thing for him' is the correct phrase right?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Thrall shook his 'head', an odd looking gesture for a Tholian, "I've known you long enough to know when you've fallen 'head over tails' for someone."

"Whatever," said Blackstar. "I have a fine companion back on the Daystrom, thank you very much. Speaking of the Daystrom why don't you come with us?"

Thrall emitted the equivalent of a laugh. "I'm far too old to go galavanting around the galaxy like that again. Besides, judging by your crush's reaction to your use of the 'second method' I doubt I will be well received."

Blackstar nodded. "Yes. Military types like him and Rochey don't understand the bond between outlaws. And Rochey doesn't understand what standing down is. I swear, he would have a stick up his butt if he had one. Well, keep me up to date on anything you find for me okay."

"Of coarse. Right after I start looking for a replacement assistant, since mine is sure to suffer an unfortunate accident because of your 'friends'," said Thrall. "Oh, and here are the access codes to your ship. I've also created an alcove for you to download Sally, I know how she must be annoying you by now."

"Thanks Thrall. Remember, take all you can..."

"...give nothing back!" finished the old Tholian.

The two parted ways. Blackstar approached the runabout they came in to find hir two superiors talking. "Hey, I got you guys some information so you can stop being so angry about my use of the second method."

"Second method? Second method of what?" asked Mikey.

"Of lying," said Blackstar. "There are three methods to lying. 1)A total lie. 2) A part-truth, and the 3rd and most hardest, telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth but in a way that no one believes you. Living with a father-figure of mine makes method two a habit. If I consider it important I'll tell you strait up, otherwise I rarely give a strait answer, unless you ask the right question."

"What's an example of the third method," asked Mikey, "I'd like to see it in action."

"Okay, I'm afraid of flying," said Blackstar.

Mikey displayed a look of shock and disbelief, "I thought I said third method. How can a pilot be afraid of flying?"

"That was," said Blackstar. "And yes it is confusing."

"If you use your 'second method' again," said Rochey, "you will face disciplinary action."

"No, I don't think so," said Blackstar. "First of all, I have evidence of you committing possible treason, second of all the Daystrom's brigs can't hold me if I don't want to be held, and third of all I know we have a spy on the crew and I'm not trusting anyone without proof of their trust worthyness. Now I'm willing to follow orders, but threats are a bad way to force an Outlaw to do anything."

"He's mearly informing you of the consequence to your actions," said Mikey, who was trying to defuse the situation before things got worst.

Blackstar looked at Mikey then at Rochey before shaking hir head. "The Outlaws were right. You Starfleet types are no fun. Now unless you two need me for something I'll be trying to take a little catnap. You, know to conserve energy in case something goes wrong." Shi yawned to emphasize hir point as shi walked into the runabout. Neither of the superior officers knew it but shi made an obscene gesture with hir tail as shi passed them.

Munro led his eight security personel towards the auction where the best information could be found in the starport. "Keep moving slave scum!" He yelled using his rifle butt to smash into the back of the poor crewman bringing up the rear. The humans had said before they left that they could act the part of a beaten slave but in Munro's opinion mimicry was always something that prey did best and he didn't want to be prey. So he made sure they were realistically afraid of him.

"Hold it Breen." A Thorian guard said as it walked on its many legs towards him, "I've had Breen raiders coming into this system the past decade, how do we know you can be trusted?"

"I've got slaves for sale, why would I bring these putrid beings along if I did not intend on selling them?" Munro responded showing his annoyance as he walked from the rear of the collumn to talk to the Thorian.

"Could be a raid. They look too healthy."

"They're rescently captured and I want them to be well fed so that they're bought don't I? If you're going to continue to harass me I can always take my slave trade elsewhere. The Romulans pay well for experiments..."

"Hah, the Romulans are too afraid fo Starfleet to use Human slaves. They could do with Breen ones though..." The Thorian spread its mandibles under its environmental suit.

"Perhaps if the Romulans weren't too afraid of us. Now you going to let me sell my property? Or do I need to go through your superior?" Munro said motioning with his head towards another Thorian.

"Prove these aren't pirates."

"As you wish." Munro lifted his rifle and aimed it at who he deemed to be the most expendable, Crewman Forester. Forester had performed worst in the team on acedemics and in physical fitness and could easily be replaced. Munro squeezed the trigger and a capsul loaded with plasma shot forth and detonated on the crewman's chest blasting a hole deep into his soft tissue and sending him sprawling against the deck.

Armed guards all turned their attention to Munro lifting their own weapons but the Thorian guard waved them off, "Alright... you can enter Breen..." He then mumbled some apology for the loss of mercandize as Munro led a stunned and afraid group of Federation soldiers deeper into the Throian hold.