Carter and her team sprinted through the streets of Freecloud, adrenaline still surging from their tense encounter at The Black Hole. The city felt more chaotic than when they’d first arrived, with flickering lights casting erratic shadows and the range of voices filling their ears. As they navigated through traders and revelers, Carter’s mind raced, trying to untangle the mess they’d found themselves in.

Xylar wasn’t just their lead on vital information; he was now entangled with the Orion Syndicate. That meant any intel he had was tied to one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in the quadrant. And now, the Syndicate was aware of their presence.

“Commander,” Threx interjected, pulling her back to the moment. “We need to find another way to secure information before the Orions catch on. We can’t afford to stay here longer than we have to.”

Carter nodded, her pace quickening as she stole glances over her shoulder, feeling the weight of their situation. “Agreed. But we’re not leaving Freecloud without something solid. Starfleet needs answers, and we’re the ones who have to get them.”

As they turned a corner, a neon sign caught her eye. Its pulsing light felt like a heartbeat against the night sky: The Ember Lounge. They had scouted it as a potential meeting spot for smugglers but ruled it out. It was too upscale. “This is the type of place where only high-stakes deals go down,” Threx added. “Places like this often fly under the radar.”

“We’ll try the lounge,” she decided, pointing toward it. “Xylar might not be our only lead. Someone in there will know something about the smuggling ring, but we need to tread carefully.”

Threx’s expression remained serious. “This isn’t the place for subtlety, Carter. These people are professionals. If we’re going to make contact, we need to be ready to negotiate.”

“We’ve got the latinum,” Andrews chimed in from behind, her voice tense but steady. “I’d rather pay for information than risk another confrontation with the Syndicate.”

They continued toward the lounge, hoping for something. They couldn’t leave Freecloud empty-handed. As they approached, it became clear this was no ordinary bar. The appearance gave off the vibe of a place with wealth and power. Armed security guards stood watch at the doors, always sweeping the street for trouble. Well-dressed patrons stepped in and out, their chatter light and carefree, a stark contrast to the grimy netherworld they had just escaped.

“Eyes up,” Carter murmured as they neared the entrance. “Stick to the plan. We’re just a group of off-world traders, nothing more.”

They passed the security detail without a second glance, their holographic disguises holding for the time being. The interior dazzled them. Lights warmed the space while soft music floated through the air. Booths lined the walls, offering privacy for discreet business, and the central bar buzzed with activity.

As Carter surveyed the room, she noted the high-profile clientele lurking in the shadows: Orion merchants in fine robes, Romulan traders sipping exotic drinks, and a few Federation deserters. Here, the lines between legality and criminality blurred.

“Let’s split up,” Carter suggested as they reached the lounge’s center. “Andrews, check with medical contacts. See if anyone’s been treating patients with unusual conditions. It could lead us to the smugglers.”

Andrews nodded, her sharp eyes already scanning the crowd for potential leads. “Got it.”

“Threx, head toward the back. Listen for any chatter about large shipments or trades. Stay casual, but keep your ears open.”

The Bolian grunted in acknowledgment before disappearing, his Klingon features drawing cautious glances from patrons. Carter remained in the center, uncertain where to start but knowing that information was as valuable as latinum in a place like this.

As she approached the bar, she caught sight of a man in a sharp suit, with an air of authority about him. She recognized him from her intelligence reports. He was Ambrose Nichols, the owner of the Ember Lounge. A former Starfleet Officer turned simple businessman.

“Fancy place, isn’t it?” Ambrose said with a sly smile, noticing Carter’s glance.

Carter looked up, “Looks like the right crowd for high-stakes business.”

“Indeed,” he replied, “So what brings you to this little slice of chaos?”

“Just looking to expand my… connections,” she said smoothly, keeping it casual. “It seems everyone has something to offer.”

“Just be careful what you ask for,” Nichols warned. “You might get more than you bargained for.”

With that, Carter slipped off her stool, leaving her drink behind as she made her way toward a private booth. She was eager to pursue the more promising lead. She had spotted an Andorian named Ketraash, a recognized intermediary in the black market.

“Mind if I join you?” she asked smoothly, sliding into the seat across from him without waiting for an answer.

Ketraash raised an eyebrow, leaning back with a hint of amusement. “Well, well. It’s not every day someone beautiful approaches me.” He smiled, “And who might you be?”

“A trader,” Carter smiled, keeping her tone casual. “I deal in high-end goods and have heard whispers about a new player in the market. Someone with connections, moving product through the area undetected.”

Ketraash’s smile widened. “Ah, I see. And you think I’m the one to introduce you to this… new player?”

Carter shrugged. “Let’s just say I came prepared. And everyone says you’re the man to talk to when one is looking to increase their business discreetly.”

For a moment, Ketraash remained silent, studying her. Carter felt his scrutiny, wondering if her disguise was holding up. After a few seconds, he leaned forward. “You’re not the first to ask about this,” he sat up, “but I will tell you the same thing I told the others. Information like that doesn’t come free. And I have no reason to trust you, either.”

Carter reached into her jacket, pulling out a small, unmarked latinum strip and sliding it across the table. “Consider this a gesture of good faith.”

Ketraash chuckled, tucking the strip away in his vest. “A start, but not enough.”

“What will it take?” Carter pressed, frustration creeping into her voice.

The Andorian leaned closer, his smile fading. “I need a favor. There’s a shipment coming in tomorrow. I need someone to ensure it arrives safely. There are… complications with Federation patrols nearby. You help me secure the shipment, and I’ll give you what you’re after.”

Carter’s stomach churned at the thought. The last thing she wanted was to become wrapped up in more underworld dealings. However, they needed information. “I’ll think about it,” she said, rising from the booth.

Ketraash’s knowing smile sent a shiver down her spine. “Don’t take too long. Opportunities like this don’t come often.”

Carter walked away, her mind racing. She had no intention of getting tangled in illegal operations, but the Andorian had just handed her a lead—a shipment. If they could track it, they might figure out the smuggling ring’s operations without doing Ketraash’s dirty work.

She regrouped with Andrews and Threx near the back of the lounge. “Any luck?”

Andrews shook her head. “Nothing yet, but I heard someone mention medical supplies and something about shortages at the ports. It could be connected to the smuggling.”

Threx crossed his arms, his brow furrowing. “I caught wind of some murmurs about a shipment too. We might be onto something.”

Carter nodded. “Ketraash gave us a lead. He’s expecting a shipment tomorrow and wants us to help ensure it arrives. I say we let him think we’re interested, but instead, we track the shipment to find out who’s behind it.”

“Risky,” Andrews said, frowning. “But it could work.”

“Let’s hope so,” Carter replied. “I’m running out of patience with this place.”

As they made their way back into the streets of Freecloud, Carter felt a mixture of anxiety and uncertainty. They were inching closer to something important. The pieces were starting to come together, but they included a fair amount of danger. Tomorrow, they’d figure out whether the cost of deception was more than they could afford to pay. Discreetly beaming back to the ship, Carter knew she needed to brief Tindal.