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.”