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::In order to avert Ambassador MacLaren's questions, Brek had decided to pay a visit to his grandmother. She looked as decrepit as ever, but these days she lived in absolute luxury, in a large suite within a five stars hotel. Brek soon realised that the sight of the thick red carpet, lush exotic plants and mirrors on the walls, all contributed to make him more than a little jealous.::
Brek: You seem to be doing exceptionally well, Ara.
::She was sat in a cosy armchair, right in front of him, and looked as smug as a Grand Nagus who has just been appointed.::
Ara: Did you know that when I began to trade with hewmons, about 25 years ago that was, they soon nicknamed me `Laxative'? That's because I always make shit happens, and I have never stopped. ::Straightening herself.:: That's why I can afford to surround myself with the finest objects that exist. I trade wisely, and thanks to this Klingon mayhem, there has never been a better time to acquire new customers.
Brek: ::Still admiring the extravagance of the decor. There was even a bowl of fruits like he had never seen before. They were irresistible, in all sorts of colours and shapes.:: Can I have something to eat?
Ara: What makes you think that this is a restaurant, young Brek? Although I have to admit, you look famished. Is your Captain starving you? I told you before, and I will repeat it many more times, you shouldn't trust these Fleeters.
Brek: ::Sighing.:: I am fine. Although not as fine as you, obviously. I hope you are not doing anything er... illegal...
Ara: What a ridiculous idea! So, are you here just to admire my success, or do you need something? I love the 111th rule of acquisition.
::Brek summoned it spontaneously in his mind: "Treat people in your debt like family ... exploit them." So whatever he said next, he would have to word his request carefully.::
Brek: I came across a lucrative case which I thought you might find interesting. ::Ara took one of the fruits in the bowl and began to peel it. It looked like an orange, but was purple in colour. Brek did his best not to salivate.:: It's to do with a scam artist.
Ara: Well, get on with it! At this rate you are going to make me late for my midnight mud bath. It keeps the skin firm and reduces winds too. I wished I had started this treatment 50 years ago.
Brek: ::Focusing on the citrus fruit to cast away the image that she had conjured up in his mind.:: So, as I was trying to say, a scam artist has robbed one of my secretaries. I want to crush him and send a strong message: never play again with a crewmember from the diplomatic corps. Any funds or property found in this case would be yours of course.
Ara: ::Chewing on a piece of fruit, leaving the juice to run freely on her triple chin.:: On the other hand, this so called artist might be as poor as a Fleeter without a commission.
Brek: I doubt it, as he seems to be quite competent... Well, it was just a suggestion. I thought you might be interested in ripping off a noxious male who takes advantage of naive females. I realise it was a bad idea. I'll forget it all and fire her. This way she will be able to start a new career where she belongs: in the Dungeon.
::He made to get to his feet, but Ara glared at him, challenging him to make just one more move.::
Ara: Don't be so gross, little snout beetle! You never said the victim was a woman. This changes everything. What is the name of the target?
Brek: ::Sitting back down.:: Patrick Fallon, he operates between this Starbase and Duronis. If you give me a PADD, I will transfer the info I've found on him.
Ara: ::Waving a hand in the general direction of the room.:: There should be one, somewhere. You go find it, you are young and energetic.
::Brek set out to locate a PADD and soon discovered that it was a rather elusive item round here. Still, there were plenty of cushions, boxes and bags to investigate. With a bit of luck, perhaps that he would find something of interest, worth pocketing...::
tbc
Lt Cmdr Brek
Chief Diplomatic Officer
SB118/USS Victory
also simming as: PNPC Ara (Brek's grandmother)
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