"You wanted to see me, Matt?"  Lori paused in the captain's ready room when she saw another officer she didn't know.  He was in gold, with three pips on his collar, and a PADD was on the desk in front of him.  "Captain.  Commander."

"Have a seat, Doctor," said Kirby.

While Lori sat on the couch, she knew something was up, as Matt wasn't normally so formal when it was just the two of them.

"This is Commander Perry from Starfleet Intelligence," said Kirby.

Lori didn't like the sound of that.

"He has a request."

Matt emphasized that last word, making Lori more uneasy.

Kirby nodded towards the intelligence officer.

"I'll get right to the point, Doctor.  We need you for an important undercover operation."

Lori knew she wasn't going to like this.  Looking at Matt, she couldn't read his expression, something that surprised her.  “I'm listening.”

"Lextis III, one of the colonies in the Velorum Sector, has been infiltrated by a new pirate faction.  There's been smuggling, but the biggest concern is the spread of a new illegal drug.  Its highly addictive and after continued use, often leads to permanent brain damage.  Its street name is red heaven."

Lori's medical knowledge was probably why SFI wanted her, but there was certainly much more to it.

Perry continued.  "We learned the names of the pirates running the operation on Lextis.  A Human man named Dex Watson and a Betazoid woman, Nessa Trennel.  Your assignment is to infiltrate the organization, gain their trust, and track down how the drugs are smuggled in.  If you can learn where they're manufactured, that would be the best result."

Lori stared in disbelief.  Glancing at Matt before replying, she chuckled in derision.  "How am I supposed to do that?"

"We have an SFI operative portraying a corrupt government official that learned about the drug operation.  He's demanding a cut of the profits to provide protection.  You'll be going in as his representative."

"So why do you need me?" said Lori.  "Why don't you send one of your people?"

"We need you because you can't be read by a telepath," said Perry.

Now it made sense.  "You're concerned that Nessa Trennel won't abide by the telepath moral law, so you need someone she can't read."

"Exactly."

"If she tries reading me, how will I explain why she can't?"

"We're going to change your eye color and send you in as a Betazoid," said Perry.  "There's a rare genetic disease that prevents a Betazoid's telepathic talents from developing.  It also renders them unreadable.  If Trennel researches it, she'll see it's a real condition, if she hasn't already heard of it.  We've set up an intricate cover story for you."

Perry got up and offered Lori the PADD.  "There will be a handler you'll interact with and other undercovers watching you.  There are risks, but we wouldn't have come to you if it wasn't so important.  If you accept, you'll get a crash course on everything you need to know."

Lori looked at the data device, up at Perry, then across the room to Matt.  It was important and she understood why they came to her.

"I'll do it."

“Now wait a minute,” said Kirby, concern clearly in his voice and on his face..  “Don't you want time to think about it?  I don't believe you comprehend how dangerous this is.”

“I'm sure I don't, which is why I won't take more time.  If I do, I'll talk myself out of it.”  Lori knew Matt was strongly against this.

“Commander Perry, before I allow my CMO to do this, I insist that one of my other officers go with her.  Commander Allen could do it.”

“Captain, with respect, my people know their jobs,” said Perry.  “Besides, if I allow your XO to go, what happens if Trennel reads him?”

“Hok.” said Lori.

“What?” said Perry.

“Hok could go with me.  Betazoids can't read a Ferengi.  He'd be perfect to be my partner.”

“Commander?” said Kirby.

Perry paused, a thoughtful expression on his face.  “That might work, but I'll need to clear it with my superiors.  In the meantime, Doctor, study the information on that PADD.  Learn it, memorize it, become it.  Everything about your cover story needs to be second nature."

“I understand.”  Lori's stomach felt like she had eaten something tainted.  She hadn't studied or trained yet, but the feeling of the danger she would be facing was now front and center.

“I'll let you know what my boss says about Hok,” said Perry.

'I hope you made the right decision," said Kirby.

“So do I, Matt.  So do I.” 

Ready Room

Matt Kirby motioned for Roger Allen to have a seat.  When the XO was settled, Kirby folded his hands, resting them on his desk.  “What can I do for you, Roger?”

A few seconds passed before Allen spoke.  “There’s been a lot of talk about Doctor Weaver and Hok being away.  I was wondering if you could bring me into whatever is happening so I can give everyone assurances.”

“They’re on leave,” said Kirby.  “Why are people concerned?”

Allen smirked.  “If just one of them would have taken some leave time, I’d understand, but both of them?  I don’t mean any disrespect, but something is going on.”

Kirby studied Roger.  He knew the XO would suspect something, but the mission was need to know.  He had his orders, but he felt guilty keeping Roger out of it.

Mess Hall

“Leave time?  Come on, Haia, you don’t believe that, do you?”

Haia Ohtani was reading a PADD, her elbows on the table.  Peeking over the top, she looked at Nick Saunders.  “I don’t know.”  She shrugged.

Saunders groaned in exasperation.  “We came back from our first assignment after upgrading to the Eagle and two of our key people, one the CMO, take leave at the same time.  Something is up and we’re not being told anything.”

Ohtani set her PADD on the table.  “What do you want me to say?”

“Well, I don’t know, but something.”

Ohtani chuckled.

“It’s got to be a secret mission.  Why else would they just leave without saying good-bye or telling us they were going?”

“Secret mission.  Congratulations, Nick.  You just solved the mystery.”  Ohtani picked up her PADD.

Saunders squinted at the science officer, but she spoke before he could.

“Is there anything we can do about it?”

“No.”

“Then don’t worry.”

“But they’re our friends.

Ohtani put her PADD back onto the table.  “I know.”  She squeezed Saunders’ hand.

Ready Room

“I know you’re concerned, Roger, but I can’t tell you more.  I’m sorry.”

“Does it have anything to do with the intelligence officer that covertly beamed into your ready room when we were on layover at Starbase 93?”

Kirby almost choked.

“I know things, Captain.”

Taking a sip of tea, Kirby cleared his throat.  “I won’t ask how you discovered that.”

“You probably shouldn’t,” said Allen.

“Look, Roger, you know as well as I do that sometimes assignments and missions happen and we’re not told what they are.  We’re Starfleet officers, so we do our duty.  That’s all I can say.”  He paused.  “We don’t need to talk about it anymore.”

The expression on Allen’s face told Kirby his XO didn’t like that.

“You’re right, sir.  I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize.  A good executive officer cares about his crew.”

“Yes, sir.”

The room fell silent.

“If that’s all,” Roger got up, “I have my duties.”

Kirby nodded.  When Roger was gone, he went to the window, clasped his hands behind his back, and stared into space.  “You better come home.”

Eyes closed.  Heart pounding.  Deep breaths.  More deep breaths.  Cover story memorized.  Remember training.

“Are you okay?”

Lori felt Hok’s hand on her arm.  “No.”  She let out a weak chuckle.

“It’s too late to change your mind.”

“Let’s get going before I run away screaming.”

Hok nodded and led the way into the bar where they were to meet the pirate contact, finding the empty table they were told to take.

Part of the training to go undercover, was role-playing the persona Lori would become.  Different situations were thrown at her, all designed for her to be confident and in control.  Though scared out of her wits, now that the mission had begun, something kicked in and Lori was that persona.

“Tell me what you see,” said Hok in a low voice.

The bar was crafted wood and ran along the wall on the left.  It faced the entrance so workers there could see who entered.  To the right of the bar was a large gaming area.  Beeps and boops from video and holo games were mingled with the verbal reactions, usually off color, of the players when they won or the result was ‘game over’.  Various card games were being played and four pool tables ran along the edge.  Tables and booths were scattered about the common area.  There was a light haze of smoke floating above the action, though the internal filtration system was keeping it to a minimum.

Lori slowly and carefully studied the room.  “I don’t know.”

“Do you see that woman sitting at the bar?  The one with brown hair and a blue blouse.”

Lori casually looked.  “Yes.”

“Don’t make it look obvious, but do you see the two men at the booth in the corner?  A Klingon and a Hewmon.”

Lori looked, not making it obvious.  She nodded.

“They’ve been watching us since we arrived.  When the barista saw us, she signaled the woman.”

“How do you know?” said Lori.  She was feeling nervous again that she didn’t notice what Hok saw.

“I’m a Ferengi.  I’ve sat in negotiations with people of questionable character.  Over time, you learn to read body language and how to assess the situation.”

Lori knew having Hok there with her was the right call.

“Do you see the waitress over there?  The one with red hair?”

“Is she watching us, too?”

“No.  She has beautiful hands.  I bet she gives amazing oomox.”

Lori’s mouth fell open.  “Seriously?”

“Broke the tension, didn’t it?”  Hok smiled.

Lori had to admit she appreciated the distraction, as the waiting was beginning to get to her.

“It’s time.  The woman at the bar is coming,” said Hok.

Here we go, thought Lori.

The woman with brown hair and wearing a blue blouse slid into one of the empty chairs at the table.  “Pulsar.”

“Starburst,” said Hok.

The woman studied Lori and Hok with an experienced eye.  It seemed she was the first test to pass.  If Lori couldn’t convince this one, they were in trouble.

“We don’t see many Ferengi here,” said the woman.

“I’m always looking for more opportunities to earn profit.  I’m Bral.  My friend here is Kavi Rozen.”

“She doesn’t talk?”

“I talk, but maybe I don’t waste my words on minor underlings.”  Out of the corner of her eye, Lori could see Hok smiling.

“Ouch.”  The woman held her hands to her heart in mock pain.

“Can we get down to business?” said Hok.

“Of course,” said Gia.  She glared at Lori.  “Before you get anywhere near our operation, you’ve got to prove yourself to me.”

Lori saw another glare.  It was obvious Gia didn’t like her.

“Ask anything you want,” said Hok.

“How do you know our friend in government?”

“We’ve earned prof…”

“Not you, Ferengi.”  Gia pointed at Lori.  “You.”

It was time for Lori to find out if her background story would pass.

“I’ve worked for our friend eight years.  He has other interests besides this backwater world.  He needs me here, so I’m here.”

Gia scoffed.  “That’s it?  That’s your story?”

“We can get on with this or we can go back to our friend and tell him you’re not interested in his protection.  It’s up to you.”  It was Lori’s turn to glare.

That seemed to put Gia on the defensive.  The tension in the air was thick.

“Where are you staying?” said Gia.

“The inn across the street,” said Hok.

“Wait until you hear from us.”  Gia got up, nearly tipping the chair.  With another sour glare, she walked away, across the floor, and out the door.

“How did I do?” said Lori.

“We’re in.  I’m impressed.  Now let’s get something to eat.  I wonder if they serve tube grub stew.”

“She'll see you there.”

Lori nodded to Gia.  They were standing at the edge of a public park.  A woman with long brown hair was seated on a bench.

It was spring where Lori was on Lextis.  Golden beams reached out from the bright orb in the sky, caressing the ground with a gentle touch.  Puffy clouds floated gently through the azure expanse, casting small shadows as they passed across the sun.  Sweet aromas of blossoming trees wafted on a gentle breeze.  Children were playing.  Joggers ran on paved paths.  People rolled by on old-style bicycles.  On a nearby bench, a young couple were kissing and holding hands.  Happy songs of birds in an orchestra of nature completed the beauty of the day.

It would have been a time to enjoy the peace and serenity except for the reason Lori was there.

“She doesn't like to be kept waiting,” said Gia.

Lori smirked and began walking, moving with a visage of confidence she only half felt.

“Have a seat.”

Lori studied Nessa Trennel.  Her full brown hair fell loosely on her shoulders.  Pink lips and a nose with a long bridge were part of a face of stunning beauty.  Dark brows curved over the typical black eyes of a Betazoid, eyes that radiated an aura of intimidation and empowerment like heat from a fire.  Surprised at how young she was, Lori knew this was a woman one didn't cross.

Taking a last look around, knowing anyone there could be working for Trennel, or even someone from Intelligence guarding her, she sat on the bench.

“So, Kavi Rozen, who are you and why are you here?”

Trennel's voice was strong, confident, and sure.  It was lyrical, like music drawing a person into wanting to do what she said.  Her charisma exploded from every part of her.

Lori had to think about the question.  It was obvious why she was there; playing the role of a criminal, but there was something deeper Nessa wanted to discover.

“I'm here so my employer and I can make some money.”  Lori knew she had to play hardball.  She read Nessa's psych profile, but that didn't come close to the measure of who this woman was in person.

“How much money would that be?” said Nessa.

Lori started reaching for her pocket when Nessa flinched.

“I'm just getting a PADD,” said Lori.

Nessa waved off a large man that seemed to coalesce from the crowd enjoying the park.

Lori tapped the data device and handed it to Nessa.  While reading it, Nessa's face turned to a dark frown, her body language clearly unhappy.  She glared at Lori, black eyes seeming to bore through her.

After a few seconds, there was another frown, though deeper and angry.

“You can't show me the respect of answering my question?”

Lori realized Nessa had spoken telepathically.

“I didn't mean to insult you,” said Lori.  “I was born with a very rare genetic condition.  My paracortex never developed properly, so it doesn't produce psilosynine.  I don't have telepathic or empathic abilities.  It also made me a psy null; I can't be read.”

There was a barely perceptible twitch in Nessa's left eye as she seemed to mull over this new information.  “A psy null?  How convenient.”

“That's why I'm so valuable to my employer and why he chose me for this.”

“And you also brought an unreadable Ferengi.”

Desiring to keep Nessa on her heels, Lori pressed her advantage.  “You were about to accept my employer's terms.”

Nessa harrumphed, tossing the PADD into Lori's lap.  “This is outrageous.  It's double what we've been paying.”

“Maybe, but the people in your pocket now are small fish.  With my employer, you have a high government official, someone in the prosecutor's office, and more police than you could dream of finding on your own.  With this, you get to keep your business and stay out of prison.  I suggest you take it and be thankful.”

Lori was beginning to enjoy herself.  It was obvious Nessa wasn't accustomed to being on the short end of anything.  She picked up the PADD and offered it back.

Scowling, Nessa took it.  “I'll need to talk to my partner.  I'll send Gia with our answer.”

“I look forward to it.”  Lori stood up.  “We're going to earn a lot of profit together.”  Tucking her hands into her pockets, she walked away.  Passing Gia, she chuckled at yet another sour glare.

USS Eagle, Ready Room

“I've heard from all department heads.  We'll be finished sending the supplies and equipment to the planet within the hour,” said Allen.

“Were there any problems?” said Kirby.

“Other than a crate of medical tricorders being sent to one of the school districts, things have run without a hitch.”  Allen frowned.

“Is something on your mind, Rog?” said Kirby.

“We've become quite adept at being a delivery service, sir.”

“I understand, but we go where we're needed.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I heard from Command about a possible new assignment,” said Kirby.  “Some of the Romulan colonies are dealing with outbreaks of Terrellian plague.  Ships have already been sent to help.  We're currently on stand by, waiting to see if we'll be needed.  Once we're finished off-loading all the supplies, I want you to begin prepping the departments in case we're ordered in.”

“Does Command realize we have only ten medical personnel on board and our CMO is away on another assignment?” said Allen.

“I'm sure they are, Lieutenant Commander.”

The almost sharp tone in the captain's voice told Roger he shouldn't press that issue.  It was a sore spot for both of them and nothing else could be said about it that hadn't already been discussed.

Is there anything else?" said Kirby.

“No, sir.  I'll get started on the departments.”  Roger nodded and headed out.

Lextis III

Nessa Trennel stepped into Dex Watson's office, a PADD in hand.  They hadn't been on Lextis very long, but that hadn't stopped Dex from finding a nice place to run their business.  The room was larger than needed, with a fancy desk hand-made from real wood.  Along one wall was a small bar; Dex preferred his drinks to be authentic, with a replicator next to it.  On the opposite wall were a row of four chairs.  There was the odor of cigars in the room, a habit Nessa found to be disgusting.  On the wall behind the desk was a painting of some nebula.  Nessa didn't know which one, nor did she care.

Dex was seated and waiting for her.  He was a tall man, though a bit overweight from enjoying the good life too much.  A plain face was adorned by short, black hair and a mustache, with brown eyes that could pierce someone into their deepest soul.  When he saw Nessa, Dex turned off his computer.

“Well?”

Nessa had long ago become accustomed to Dex's gruff, demanding tone.  Though they were partners in business and made decisions together, she often felt he didn't truly consider her as equal.  Many times she considered using her Betazoid abilities to delve into his thoughts, but there was always doubt that he would somehow know.  Nessa was content to play her role as long as the latinum was coming in.

“Do you want the long version or the short one?” said Nessa.

Dex harrumphed.  Opening a box on his desk, he took out a cigar.  “Just tell me what I need to know.”

Nessa activated her PADD, wrinkling her nose while Dex lit his cigar.  “They both check out.  Bral is a typical Ferengi looking for profit.  He's been reasonably successful, though nothing overwhelming.  He deals mostly in legal enterprises, but unconfirmed information says he's dabbled in weapons.”

Dex took a deep drag on his cigar, blowing out a plume of smoke.  “And the lovely Ms. Rozen?”

Nessa frowned inwardly, concerned that Dex would take too much of a liking to their new partner.  Too many times in the past, that sort of thing didn't end well.

“Our contact on Betazed confirmed her story about the genetic problem that prevented her from having telepathic abilities.  She's from a typical family.  When she was sixteen, she was arrested for using a knife to cut a boy she claimed was trying to force himself on her.  He was from a prominent House, so charges were never filed against him and Rozen spent a year in a rehab prison.  At eighteen, she left Betazed, getting a job on a freighter.  She went from ship to ship, eventually being hired in our government friend's organization.  There's more details you can read, but that's the highlight.”

“Set the PADD on my desk.  I'll look at it later,” said Dex.

“Are we going to accept their demand on their cut?” said Nessa.

“What choice do we have?” said Dex.  “Once we get going in full production, in five or six years we can retire.”

“I don't like it and I don't trust them.”

“Of course you don't,” said Dex.  “That suspicious perspective is a strength you bring and one of the reasons we work so well together.”

Nessa couldn't help cracking a small smile.  A true compliment from Dex was uncommon and needed to be appreciated.

“Have a drink,” said Dex.  “Go get laid.  Just do something to celebrate the profits that will be pouring in.”

Dex was always the optimist, but Nessa couldn't shake the feeling niggling in the back of her mind.  Their research people had always come through for them, but there was something different this time she couldn't shake.  It was probably nothing, but she would make sure by keeping a careful watch on the newcomers.

“I'll celebrate later.  In the meantime, I'm sending Gia to set up a meeting.  I want to break in our new friends slowly.”

“Suit yourself,” said Dex.

Nessa handed the PADD to Dex and turned to leave.  Stopping at the door, she looked back at her partner as he puffed away on his cigar.  “Those things will kill you one day.”  If I don't first, she thought, as she left the room.

Lori stopped beside Nessa on an old wooden bridge over a small river in the park where they first met.  It was hidden in a small wooded area, so she was suspicious, as the place gave them privacy to talk without anyone hearing or even knowing they were there.

“I discovered this place when Dex and I first came to Lextis,” said Nessa.  “The sound of the moving water and the birds chirping relaxes me.  I come here to think.”

Lori and Hok had been working undercover for nearly a month.  There was tension and mistrust at first, and Lori had seen only Nessa's hard side, so meeting her on the bridge was unexpected.

"Do you like to spend time in nature?" said Nessa.

“I don't usually get to do that,” said Lori.

"You should make the time."  Nessa leaned on the railing, her gaze faraway.  “Do you miss Betazed?”

“No,” said Lori, dipping into her cover story.  “Without telepathic abilities, I never fit in.  It was best for me to leave.”

“I suppose I can understand that.  Maybe you should go back someday.  I'm sure your family would love to see you again.”

Lori shrugged.  “Maybe one day.”  She also leaned on the railing.  “I don't mean to ruin your moment, but why did you ask to see me here?”

Nessa smirked.  “Business.  Of course.”

Nessa was a criminal peddling drugs that caused deaths and ruined lives, but she was allowing a softer side to be revealed and Lori felt a twinge of guilt for stepping on it.

“When you first got here, you didn't need to be empathic to know I resented you.  Gia still dreams of punching you in the face.”  Nessa chuckled.  “It turns out I like you.”

“It's nice of you to say that, but why are we here?”  Lori didn't want to be emotionally hard like that, but she couldn't allow her true personality to get in the way.

Nessa sighed.

Was Lori seeing a tiny moment of regret?

“I asked you here because I want to offer you a deal.”

“I'm interested.”  Lori genuinely was.

“Bral has been a big help running the finances.  You've been excellent at learning the business.  The two of you make a good team.”  Nessa turned to face Lori, leaning on the rail with her right elbow.  “I think you and I would make a good team, too.”

“Oh,” said Lori, taken aback.  “Oh.  I'm sorry, but I don't go that way.”

Nessa got a surprised look on her face, followed by a hearty laugh.  “You're beautiful, but I don't go that way either.”

Lori's face grew warm with embarrassment.  “I'm sorry.  I misunderstood.”

“Yeah, you did.”  Nessa was still smiling, but that quickly faded.  “I meant a business team, a partnership.”

Lori wondered what that meant, though her gut was saying it wasn't something she would like.

“Dex and I have been together for a long time.  When we first started, it was difficult.  We made mistakes and lost money.  When we figured things out, the money started rolling in.”  Nessa paused.  “Now that we're successful, he's been spending more time enjoying our gains and less on good business.  I don't have any objections to having fun, but he's beginning to get sloppy and careless.  I'm afraid he's going to do something that will get us arrested."

“Go on.”  Lori didn't like where this was going.

“I want you to help me get rid of Dex and you take his place.”

In training to go undercover, there was an intense course on the discipline of controlling facial expressions and body language.  Lori learned that well, but in this case, her shock showed across her features.  She said the only thing she could think of.

“Get rid of how?”

“How do you think?”

Lori felt sick to her stomach.  As a doctor, her life was dedicated to saving lives.  Now, her undercover persona was being asked to take one.  Distraught, she cleared her throat before speaking.

“I've never done that before.  My employer always had someone else for that.”

Nessa chuckled.  “That's noble of you, Kavi, but you're in the drug business now.  The blood of every overdose victim is on your hands as much as anyone's.”

Lori wanted to throw up.  She and Hok were on Lextis to find the supplier of the red heaven drugs, but every day that passed without them doing that, more lives were destroyed.  Maybe blood was on her hands.  Would replacing Dex be how she would finally finish the mission?

“If I agree, how would we do this?”

“There are people in the organization that are loyal to me.  One order and it's done.”

“We would be equal partners?”

“Yes.”

“And Bral stays on the payroll?”

“If you want him.”

Lori's mind was churning.  Of course she couldn't be part of murder.  She needed to buy some time so she could pass this along to her handler.

“I need to think about it.  I should tell Bral, too.”

“Of course, but don't take too long.  The offer won't be there forever.”

Lori nodded.  “I won't.”

During training, Starfleet Intelligence emphasized how far into criminal acts the assignment could go.  Hok understood, and Lori thought she had as well.  Apparently she hadn't.  Trying to calm herself she listened to the water and the birds.

“You're right, Nessa, I need to spend more time in nature.”

Lori and Hok were on the wooden bridge in the woods.  Hok was calmly watching some birds, while Lori was pacing nervously.

“You're starting to wear a path,” said Hok.

“Hm?”  Lori stopped, looked at her feet, then back at Hok.  “Oh.”

“Relax.  You talked to our handler.  We went over everything.  We've got this.”  Hok nodded.

“But so many things can go wrong.”

“That's what makes it exciting," said Hok.  "Rule of Acquisition 62: The riskier the road, the greater the profit.”

“Profit?”

“Stopping the drugs and saving people.”

Lori smiled, touching Hok on the arm.  She liked that he considered that to be profit.

“Someone's coming.” said Hok.  “Back in character.”

Lori took a deep breath, leaning casually on the bridge railing, surprised at how quickly she could become Kavi Rozen.

After about thirty seconds, Lori could hear the clunking of shoes on wood.  Looking, she saw Nessa moving towards them.  The Ferengi sense of hearing continued to amaze her.

“So what did you decide?” said Nessa, jumping to the point.

It was obvious Nessa wasn't on the bridge to relax, reflect, or exchange pleasantries.  She was wearing her business face and it was a hardened face.

“We're in,” said Lori.

Nessa studied Lori for several uncomfortable seconds, her gaze shifting to Hok, who nodded.

“All right then.  We do it tonight.”

Lori's stomach fluttered.  “What's the plan?”

“Before we discuss that, there's one more thing.”

Hok chuckled.

“What?” said Lori.

“After we take out Dex, we eliminate your boss.  That way, we run everything.”

“That works for me,” said Hok.

Lori looked at her friend as though he just turned blue.

Hok shrugged.  “Why not?  More profit to go around.  I'm in.”

In the weeks Lori and Hok had been on Lextis, she never came close to blowing her cover.  At that moment, she almost did.  “Bral, are you sure?”

“Rules 6 and 21: Never allow family to stand in the way of opportunity.  Never place friendship above profit.  The boss isn't family or a friend, but you get the meaning.”

After shaking her head and sighing, Lori turned to directly face Nessa.  “You're playing a dangerous game and I don't like it.  You should have told me everything.”

Nessa scoffed.  “I had to know you were with me first before I told you the rest of the plan.  Are you going after the prize or are you a coward?”

In anger that was just as much real as it was playing her character, Lori took a menacing step towards Nessa.

“Are you going to hit me?”  Nessa crossed her arms.  “You think you can take me?”

“Kavi, just tell her if you're in,” said Hok.  “Don't ruin why we're here.”

Lori balled her hands into fists.  There was an intense stare down.  “Yes, we take out our boss, too.  And if you ever call me a coward again, you'll find out if I can take you."

Nessa laughed.  “Maybe I'll call you that again sometime just to see if you can.  Okay, here's the plan.”

It was time.  The plan was made.  The people were in place.  Lori and Hok were as ready as they would ever be.  After the end of business, Lori, Hok, Dex, and Nessa were going to dinner at an exclusive nightclub.  After an evening of fun, Dex would be gunned down in the street, leaving clues making it appear another gang was trying to move into their territory.  Nessa was to be ‘wounded’ in the attack.  Before calling it a day, there was still something to discuss in Dex’s office.

“You were supposed to make sure the shipment arrived on time,” said Dex, a sharp tone in his voice.  It was obvious he was not happy.

“I told you the shipping route had to change,” said Nessa.  “Starfleet has increased patrols in the usual area.  It couldn’t be helped.”

“I’ve never accepted excuses, Nessa, and you’ve always found a way.  Get it done.”

Nessa was about to respond, but sensing a building tension, Lori interrupted.  “We don’t need to argue about this.  We have enough reserves to last until the new product arrives.  Let’s not ruin the evening.”

Dex studied Lori, a sour expression on his face, an apprehensive silence filling the room.

Not knowing what was coming next, Lori glanced at Hok, who gave her a nod of assurance.

“You’re right, Kavi.  No need to argue about it now,” said Dex.

“As you said, I always get it done.  Don’t worry about tomorrow,” said Nessa.  She got up from her chair.

“There is one more thing,” said Dex.

Nessa glanced at Lori, but she sat back down.  “What is it?”

Dex tapped something on his desk.  The door opened and his two bodyguards came in.

“What are you doing, Dex?” said Nessa.

“Some new information was brought to my attention.”  He tapped his desk again and an audio began to play.

“So what did you decide?”

“We’re in.”

“All right then.  We do it tonight.”

“What’s the plan?”

When Nessa heard the sound of her voice, the irritated expression on her face morphed through a litany of emotions.  She was surprised.  She was in shock.  Her shoulders slumped in stunned realization.  She trembled in fear.  Facing Lori, her eyes were a fire of hate.

“You bitch.”  Nessa spat the words like venom from a serpent.

Dex turned off the audio.  Looking at Nessa, his eyes were filled with deep sorrow.

“When Kavi brought this to me, I refused to believe it.  I thought it was a fake, a power move to eliminate you and take your place.  When our tech people confirmed it was real, I still couldn’t believe it.”  Dex stopped, his voice beginning to waver.  He cleared his throat before continuing.

“Years ago, when we first started, maybe you would have tried something, but after all the years we’ve been together…”  His voice trailed off.

“Why, Nessa?  Why?”

As the two women locked eyes, Lori felt cold.  Her body.  Her thoughts.  Her very soul.  She was playing the part of Kavi Rozen better than she knew she would or ever wanted.

With a disgusted harrumph, Nessa turned to Dex.  “When we started, you didn’t allow anything to get in the way of doing business.  You worked hard.  You made connections.  You did whatever needed to be done.  Now you care more about drinking, partying, women, and those filthy cigars.  You’re weak.”

In Dex’s demeanor, Lori could see how genuinely hurt he was.  In her own coldness, she felt sick for being the tool of betrayal.

“You were more than a business partner or even a friend.”  Dex’s voice wreaked of pain.  “You were… special.”

No one spoke for seconds that felt like minutes.

“Take her to the usual place.  You know what to do,” said Dex.

“Yes, Boss,” said a bodyguard.  “Let’s go.”  He dragged Nessa to her feet.

“Dex, please,” said Nessa as she struggled against the iron grip of the bodyguard.

Dex swiveled around in his chair, his back to her.

Nessa looked at Lori, her eyes silently pleading for help.

“I’m sorry, Nessa.  It wasn’t personal.  It was just business,” said Lori.  Something happened, something she never thought she would see.

Nessa began to cry.

The men almost had to carry her out of the room.  Lori stood frozen as she listened to Nessa’s sobs until they were heard no more.

When Lori and Hok were the only ones left in the office, Dex spun back around in his chair.

“You two go to the club and celebrate your new positions in the organization.  I don’t feel like going out.  Be here tomorrow morning at nine.  We still need to find a way to get that shipment.”

Lori nodded and followed Hok into the hallway.  Things were falling into place, just as planned. 

In the nightclub, in one corner of the seating area, near the dance floor, Lori sat at a table, a young Human woman sitting across from her.  Both women held empty shot glasses.  Around the table were a flock of chattering people making bets.

“Are you ready for number seven?” said one of the men.

“Bring it on,” said the young woman, a slur in her voice.

Lori nodded.

The man filled their glasses with a light brown liquid.  “Okay, drink away!”

The young woman, a blank expression on her face, downed her glass.  Her eyes had a glazed and faraway look.

Lori moved hers to her lips, but she paused, her eyes closed and her head tilted.

People around her grumbled.

“No!  I’m okay,” said Lori, her voice weak.  She tilted back her head, the real alcohol guzzling down her throat.  Smirking, she smiled at her opponent.

The young woman frowned.  Pushing her glass towards the man with the bottle, she opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.  Her eyes rolled up in her head and she fell forward, passing out.

The people around her reacted, some cheering, but most grumbling or swearing.  It took Lori a few seconds to realize she had won.

As the crowd broke, a man tossed a small pouch onto the table, its contents making a metallic clink.

“This is your cut.  I must admit I didn’t think you could do it.”  Chuckling, he walked away.

Alone at the table, Lori stared at the pouch.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Lori looked up at the source of the new voice; a tall, handsome man about fortyish.  Wobbly, she stood up, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing herself against him.  “Anything the hell you want.”  She giggled.

The man glanced around him.  “Let’s get out of here,” he whispered, though the blaring music covered his voice.

“My place or yours?” said Lori, her voice sultry and seductive.

“Yours.”  The man gently moved Lori back, wrapping his arm around her, supporting her as they walked.  She was leaning against him.

“Wait.  Yours as in yours or yours as in mine?” Lori let out a sputtering giggle.

“Just be quiet and come with me,” said the man, sighing.

Lori placed her index finger on her mouth.  “Shh.  Being quiet.”

The man guided Lori through the club and out onto the street.  Ten minutes later, they were in Lori’s room at the inn where she and Hok were living.

“We need to get you sober.”  The man reached into his pocket, producing a hypospray.

“Sorry, but I don’t do drugs, but I do other things.”  With a sly smile, Lori began unbuttoning her blouse.

The man sighed.  “Doctor Weaver, that’s enough.”  The man spoke in a sharp voice.

Because of the serious tone, Lori stopped mid-button.  Squinting, she studied the man’s face.  “Parker?”

The man nodded.

Lori’s alcohol addled brain finally understood what was happening.  Slowly sitting in a chair, she tried to remember everything that happened in the club.

“Are you trying to blow your cover?” said an annoyed Parker.

Lori stared at her handler.  “No.”

“You’ve got to be Kavi Rozen.  I get it, but you know better than to drink real alcohol.”  Parker paused.  “We still need to get you sober.”  He held up the hypospray.  “You’ll recover more quickly and your hangover won’t be as bad.”

Lori didn’t say anything while Parker gave her the meds.  She was still foggy, but she knew she made a mistake.

“There’s no point in lecturing you now,” said Parker, “but you’re going to hear it in the morning.”

“I had to go to the club and drink.  That’s exactly what Kavi Rozen would do.  I guess I was feeling guilty about Nessa, and Hok should have been watching me.”  Lori giggled.

“What’s so funny?” said Parker.

“Hok.  Two pretty girls were caressing his lobes.”

Parker sighed.  “I’m putting you to bed, then I’m leaving to find Hok.”

“Putting me to bed.”  More giggling.

“Up you go.”  Parker lifted Lori out of the chair and led her to the bedroom.  “I’m going to have someone watch your room, so don’t think about sneaking out.”

“Yes, sir.” Lori saluted with her left hand.

“Lie down now.”

Lori sighed, stretching out on the bed.  “Are you sure…”  She patted the mattress.

“Good-bye, Doctor.”

As the meds were making Lori drowsy, the last thing she heard before falling asleep, was Parker grumbling about newbies.

Dex’s Office

Lori shuffled into Dex’s office and sat in the chair across from his desk.  Her eyes were still bleary and she felt like someone was leading a marching band inside her head.  The med Parker gave her last night reduced the hangover affect, making her wonder how much worse it could have been.

“Nice of you to show up,” said Dex, amusement in his voice.

“Mm hmm,” grumbled Lori.

“I encourage having a good time, especially bedroom fun, but when it’s time for business, it’s time for business.”

Bedroom fun?  Lori wondered what that meant.  Did something happen she didn’t remember?

“The man you left the club with, will you be seeing him again?” said Dex.

Lori felt afraid.  Did Dex have her followed?  Was her cover in jeopardy?

“Relax.  You’re my new partner, so you get a bodyguard now.  We didn’t intrude on you.  Your private time is your business,” said Dex.

Lori was relieved.  “I celebrated too much.  I’m sorry I wasn’t here on time.”  Speaking of that, where was Hok?

“Bral was on time.  With our new shipment not arriving yet, I sent him to our warehouse to take inventory of our product and create a plan to make it last until we get more.”  Dex picked up a PADD.  “You’ve done a good job overseeing our corner people, as well as keeping the police away, so I need you to find a way to get our shipment.”

Lori took the PADD.  Was this it?  Was this the time she would learn the source of the red heaven?  Could she finally put an end to this dangerous drug?

“If Starfleet patrols are getting in the way, it will take time,” said Lori.  “My employer here might need to use all the connections and favors he has.”

“Are you saying you can’t do this?” said Dex.

“No, I’ll do it.  I just need you to understand it won’t be easy,” said Lori.

“Okay,” said Dex.  A few seconds passed.  “You can start now.”

Lori nodded, though with the ache in her head, she regretted it.  Getting up and walking out of the office, she needed to contact Parker.

Lori’s Room at the Inn

“Are you feeling better?”  Parker smiled.  “You look like you had a run in with a targ.”

Lori ignored that, holding up the PADD.  “This is the place Dex gets the drug.  We’ve got him.”

Parker’s demeanor changed.  Taking the device, he activated it and began reading.

“The plan to set up Nessa worked,” said Lori.

“You did it, Doctor.  I’ll pass this along, but in the meantime, keep your cover.  We’re almost there,” said Parker.

Dex’s Office

“That didn’t take long,” said Dex.

“It pays to know people that know people,” said Lori.

“This is amazing, almost too good to be true.  In fact. you and Bral are too good to be true.  Something about you has been bothering me all along.”  Dex tapped his desk.  Nothing happened, so he tapped it again.

“They’re not coming,” said Lori.

“Are you making a play to get rid of me, too?  Do you think you’re going to take over?”  Dex laughed.  “You’re nothing compared to the enemies I’ve crushed.”

“No.  I have a different agenda.”  Lori reached into her pocket and pressed a comm unit.  The door opened and Hok, Parker, and three local police officers stepped into the room.  The officers had phasers drawn.

“Dex Watson, you’re under arrest,” said Parker.  “Make one move and my men will fire on you.”

Dex glared at Lori, his mouth hanging open.  ”You bitch.”

Lori smiled.

After an initial debriefing, and with a smile on her face, Lori stepped out of Parker’s office.  There would be more to come once she and Hok left Lextis, as well as a counseling session to clear them for duty, but that was okay, as she was looking forward to being Doctor Lori Weaver again.

“What’s so funny?” said Hok.

“Hm?” said Lori.

“You’re grinning like a Ferengi that just made the deal of a lifetime.”

“I did, Hok.  I get to be me again.”

“I get it.”  Hok understood more than he could say.  Hiding in Starfleet from the Orion Syndicate, he couldn’t be the person he wanted to be.  “I just heard the USS Thatcher will be here early tomorrow to take us to Starbase 93.  After that, we wait for the Eagle.”

Lori smiled again.  She could hardly wait to get back on duty and see her friends again.

And see Matt.

“Are you hungry?  There’s a young lady from the nightclub I’d like to see again before we leave,” said Hok, a sly smile on his face.

“No.  You go.  I have something I need to do first.”

Hok nodded, knowing what Lori meant.

==========

Before walking into the interview room at the local police station, Lori made sure her posture was straight and her bearing exuded confidence.  This wasn’t going to be easy, but it was something necessary so she could have closure.

“Well look who just slithered in.”

“Hello, Nessa.”  Lori could see the hate in Nessa’s eyes.  The contempt in her voice almost felt physical, like being repeatedly pummeled and punched, something Nessa would surely do if she weren’t in restraints.

“Did you come here to gloat?”

Lori sat in the chair on the other side of the table.  “I’m not really sure why I’m here.”

“Then say what you have to say and get out.”

The confidence Lori had before entering was beginning to waver. She knew she did the right thing, what had to be done, but she was still filled with guilt.  She decided to just get to the point.

“Arrests are happening now all over the district.  Dex is in custody.  A Starfleet ship is on its way now to shut down the source of the red heaven.  Your organization is done.”

Nessa hmphed.

Lori’s confidence was building again.  “You’re going to be charged, tried, and when you’re convicted, you’ll be in prison for a very long time.”  Lori felt some satisfaction saying that.  It was followed by a heavy silence, so she felt it was time to leave.

“Are you proud of yourself?” said Nessa.

“In some ways, yes.”

“When you and Bral first arrived, if that’s even his name, I didn’t like or trust you, but after some time, you proved yourself.  You’re a strong woman that didn’t take crap from anyone, and I respected that.  We’re alike and were becoming friends.  How do you get so good at living a lie?  How do you so casually betray someone like that?”

Lori chose to tell Nessa what she wanted to know.  “Living that lie wasn’t easy.  Being Kavi Rozen is the complete opposite of who and what I am.  There were more than a few times I wanted to end the assignment and leave.  As far as the betrayal, ask yourself about what you wanted to do to Dex and you’ll have your answer.”

“With Dex, that was business, not a betrayal.” said Nessa.

“Yeah.  Keep telling yourself that.”  Lori got up.

“There’s one more thing,” said Nessa.  “Who are you really?”

Lori thought about the question.  Perhaps out of genuine curiosity, Nessa simply wanted to know Lori’s true identity.  Of course, there was the possibility she wanted revenge, and knowing who Lori was would give her an opportunity one day.  With the galaxy being so large, and with her safety on a starship, that was unlikely, but in training, she was told to never reveal real, personal information.

“Let’s just say I work for Starfleet Intelligence.”  Lori moved towards the door, but stopped and took a long look at Nessa.

“You were one of the leaders of an organization that dealt harmful, illicit drugs to people, profiting from their weaknesses.  People died.  Lives and families were ruined.  You’re a criminal, corrupt, and morally bankrupt.  We are nothing alike.”

Feeling like she needed a shower to symbolically cleanse herself, Lori gladly walked out.

It was time to go home. 

Lori and Hok materialized in the transporter room on deck 5 of the Eagle.  With the transporter operator, was Captain Kirby.

“Doctor Weaver.  Mister Hok.  It’s good to have you back.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Hok, stepping down from the platform.

Lori paused a second before coming down herself.

“I want both of you to take the day off to get settled in,” said Kirby.  “There’s no rush to get back to work.”

“If it’s all the same to you, sir, I want to get back to medical.  I need to be me again,” said Lori.  She could see Matt studying her.

“I understand,” said Kirby.  “Mister Hok, you’ll find there’s been a few changes in security while you were away.”  He smiled.  “It’s good to see you.”

“I look forward to seeing what’s different,” said Hok.  “Thank you again, Captain.”

After Hok left the room, Kirby dismissed the transporter operator, leaving him alone with Lori, both looking into the other’s eyes.

“I missed you,” said Kirby.  “I couldn’t stop thinking about you.  I worried every day.”

Lori’s lips quivered and her cheeks turned a warm red.  Moving slowly towards Matt, she stopped only inches away.  “I missed you, too,” her voice a whisper.

Serving together on the same ship, Lori and Matt had become more than Captain and CMO, more than friends.  There was a connection, a bond, though it was never romantic or intimate.  Standing with Matt now, Lori wondered if it was time to change that.

“Are you back for good or do you need to go somewhere to testify in court?” said Matt, who seemed to sense her thoughts.

“Hok and I might need to testify, but Commander Perry said we accumulated so much evidence, it was likely there wouldn’t be a trial,” said Lori, relieved the conversation had taken a change in direction.  “There’s also a clause in a regulation somewhere that allows for the true identities of undercover operatives to remain sealed.  You’re stuck with me, Captain.”

“That’s fine with me,” said Kirby.  He motioned toward the door.  “Chief Thomas is waiting and who knows what stories he’ll tell about us being alone here.”

Lori chuckled.  “I’m sure tales have already been told.”

Kirby hmphed.

“So what’s been going on around here?  What changes did you make in security?” said Lori.

Matt and Lori walked out of the transporter room.  “It’s all yours, Chief.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Commander Allen is exclusively XO now, and we have a new Chief of Security,” said Kirby.

“Anyone I know?” said Lori.

“As a matter of fact, you do, and there she is now,” said Kirby.

Lori followed Matt’s gaze, gasping when she saw who it was.

“Izi!”  Lori ran down the corridor, the two friends throwing themselves into a joyous hug.

It’s good things are back to normal again, thought Kirby.