As soon as Riandri left the 602 Club she contacted her old CO. The now Captain Stuart Sinclair has always had a soft spot for her she knew she wouldn’t have to wait long for a response. She headed to the nearest teleport gate and stepped through from Mill Valley to Starfleet Headquarters. A minute after she arrived her combadge beeped and tapped it, “Go for Lieutenant Nalam.”

“Ria!” Captain Sinclair said in his deep baritone voice. “I am glad your messages. I have time now if you are on site.”

“I am sure. Just arrived, I was at the intelligence briefing earlier,” she responded.

“Perfect. Gives us something to talk about. I would like your take on it. Met me in my office in 10 minutes. I need to wrap something up first. Sinclair out.”

Riandri smirked and silently chucked, ‘Always wrapping something up that one, or diving into some new piece of data. Though I guess that comes from spending your entire career in intelligence overseeing signals and sensor data,’ she mused to herself. She had often wondered why Sinclair had never risen to Captain and had even broached the topic once with him. His only remark was it had too much admin and he would miss the work. She could understand that.

Ten minutes later, after wandering through hallways she had spent several years getting familiar with when she was stationed here, she arrived at Captain Sinclair’s office.  She tapped the door panel to announce her arrival.

A few seconds later the door small com panel on the door buzzed and the door opened. She stepped into the large office where the back wall was a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking to gardens that surrounded Starfleet HQ. The right away was covered in monitors showing streams of data and com signals that the Signals Intelligence Section was working on. She glanced over at them recognizing work that she had done for several years and sometimes missed before turning to look at the large, broad-shouldered man behind the desk.

“Ria, how are you doing?” he said as he stood up from the chair and walked over to her giving her a big hug. Riandri smiled and returned the hug before being released and stepping back. “Thought you were watching what you ate?” she said with a smile making her old CO laugh. “Well yeah, but there is this new Vulcan and Andorian fusion restaurant that opened last year. It is too good not to eat!” He responded and gestured to the sofa. “Seat?”

Riandri took a seat and accepted a cup of tea that Sinclair then offered her. As he took a seat he studied her face for a moment and sighed. “I take it this isn’t just a friendly call from that expression of yours?” Riandri shook her head slowly and wondered not for the first time how he was always able to read her so well.

“Not today and I need this to stay between us,” Riandri said with a serious expression to which Sinclair nodded. “I owe you one anyways. What is it?” he responded before gesturing with his hand and the windows darkened. “Room is secure.” 

Riandri pulled out her PADD and slide it across the table. “A friend of my Captain’s kid, grandkid, not sure exactly, but they are missing, kidnapped they think from her house in Milwaukee. The local authorities say she ran away but they are adamant that she wouldn’t. Her father is Captain Nicholas Ryder of the USS Tigris and his wife is Julie Ryder, SFI. Given this and what I have been told a runaway seems unlike.” She paused for a moment while Sinclair picked up the PADD and scrolled through the information Tess had shared with her; information about Angel and the reports from the authorities as well as her concerns.

Without looking up he responded.“Hmm. Ok, I can understand why they would be concerned. Especially given her connections to the Captian of a Sovereign and an SFI officer.” Sinclair took a sip of his tea before looking up. “I assume you want to look into Julie and see if she did something unbecoming of an officer? That is a big ask Ria.” His voice was serious before he sighed. 

“I know but if a kid is in trouble. I had to ask.” Riandri said and Sinclair stared at her, locking eyes. “Ok. But I will have to ask a couple of friends who may be able to track her down,” he said before pausing. “And I can see about having the sensor data from Milwaukee sent through. The global sensor grid has been upgraded significantly so that all cities are covered. Maybe you will find something in it but I cannot make any promises.”

“I appreciate that Sinclair.” She said as she took a sip of her tea and frowned. “Wait. Did you get promoted? To Captain?”

“Took you long enough,” he said. “But yes. Just the other week; not that I care really though now I am Deputy head of Intelligence and oversee both the Signals Intelligence Section and the Sensors Intelligence Section for this sector. It’s why I can get you that data.”

“I do really appreciate it and congratulations,” Riandria said. 

“Don’t mention it,” Sinclair said before finishing his cup. “Really don’t…You always drag me into things, Ria. But I am happy to help though sadly we will have to put off food for now as I have some chits to call in. I will be in touch.”