Stardust City’s nightlife was a whole different ball game than during the day, the sights were something to behold with hologram advertisements for business just about as far as one could see. People walked in both directions going to where they needed to go while the three of them continued their journey to Starlight Bar which seemed to be located farther down the strip of business.

“Freecloud is so much different during the night,” Ritru commented.

“Indeed,” Tilana replied as she knew that there was much more going on during the night than Ritru could comprehend. Perfect opportunity for the black market to thrive without much more than a casual notice. Not that anyone on Freecloud cared about that stuff other than Starfleet sending intelligence officers undercover to try to put a stop to things. Especially when Borg technology was at play, much more so after the events of Frontier Day.

It had been many years since she had stepped foot on Freecloud undercover, reprising her undercover identity of Riheela. Not many knew of the work she had done before becoming on the fast track for command. Not many people knew of this and she didn’t like talking about it, one of the reasons for her being on edge since learning of this assignment. Here she was about to become someone she wasn’t and she didn’t quite care for it.

Upon reaching Starlight Bar her persona quickly changed as they entered, the three of them walked up to the bar. “Three Romulan Ales,” Tilana ordered with a coldness to her voice that almost sent chills down Torath’s spine though he didn’t let it show. They had taken something that would not let them get drunk as they needed to remain at their best.

After the bartender handed them their drinks they drank them pretty quickly, she never did acquire a taste of the stuff but she only would drink it during operations like this. “Is this replicated?” Tilana asked almost as if disgusted by what was given to them. “A place like this should be able to get the real thing,” she said with a snarl.

“That is real Romulan Ale,” the bartender replied.

Tilana let out a laugh that made the other two almost cringe. “You might want to check your supplier then because I believe they are not being truthful,” Tilana said while looking at the bartender who looked like he was about to blow his casket. “I know what real Romulan ale tastes like and this isn’t it,” she said with a shrug.

“Is there a problem over here,” a Klingon man walked up to them.

Tilana smiled at the Klingon with a shrug. “Not that I can think of,” she said looking at her companions who were with her who just shook their heads. “ I was just letting this nice bartender know that I think he’s getting ripped on his Romulan Ale shipments,” Tilana added with a wave of her hand, “that’s not why I am here. You look like someone who knows things,” Tilana said as she patted his chest with a smile.

“What do you want?” Kodrak asked.

Tilana laughed. “You are straight to the point kind of person, alright,” Tilana said looking at him as she crossed her leg over the other. “Would you care for a drink on me?” Tilana said, placing the latinum down on the bar.

“I am working,” Kodrak replied.

“Oh come on, one drink won’t affect a big strong guy like you.” Tilana grinned which caused Kodrak to think for a few moments and ordered a drink and sent the bartender on his way. “That is more like it,” Tilana added.

“What is it that you want to know,” Kodrak said.

She took a swig of her drink, setting the glass down on the bar with a soft clang. “To the point, I like that,” Tilana said looking at him with a grin before going to a serious face. “I am looking for the person in charge of the auction that is happening in three days,” Tilana replied, watching his facial reactions which didn’t seem to change.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” Kodrak replied.

“Don’t play coy with me Kodrak,” Tilana replied as she watched his reaction change at the mention of his name nor did he seem to remember her very well. Kodrak didn’t seem to like the fact that she knew who he was and advanced on her. Which caused both Ritru and Torath to stand up from their chairs, Tilana raised her hand to the two.

“How do you know my name?”

Tilana placed her hand on her chest near where her heart would be, “I am so hurt Kodrak that you don’t remember me.” Tilana said looking as if she was in shock his eyes scrunched as if he were trying to place her.

“Riheela?” Kodrak asked after a moment.

“The one and only,” Tilana grinned, which caused the two to look at each other in almost confusion before looking back at Tilana and the Klingon. “Oh where are my manners, these two here are my associates Revan and Vakal.”

“A pleasure,” Kodrak replied as he motioned for them to follow him to somewhere a bit more private where they could talk. “So what do you want to know about the auction?” Kodrak asked as they all took a seat in a far-off corner where no one was sitting.

“Well I would like to see the merchandise,” Tilana replied flatly and to the point.

“Why?”

Tilana raised an eyebrow for a moment then grinned that signature grin that Kodrak remembered all so clearly. “What kind of question is that Kodrak? We are looking at getting our hands on that Borg technology and I want to see what there is and if it is worth my time or not,” Tilana replied.

Tilana watched as Kodrak worked his jaw for a moment which he seemed to do when he was usually stuck between a rock and a hard place. “Unfortunately you will have to wait till the auction just like everyone else,” Kodrak replied looking at them.

Tilana knew by his response that he was not the one running the auction. She knew that there was someone else running the show and that he was just an associate dealing with the buyers on his or her behalf. Now she just needed to figure out who that person was. She made a note to have Chon’al look into his known associates after she was finished here. “You can’t make an exception for me?” Tilana asked, looking at him.

“Unfortunately I am under strict orders not to let anyone see the merchandise before the auction,” Kodrak said looking at Tilana and the others who had remained silent the whole time they were there. “If I let you then I would have to let all the others and that will create problems.”

Tilana looked a bit disappointed but she understood his predicament and followed orders. “Understandable,” Tilana replied with a smile as she stood up. “Thank you for your time and good to see you again.”

“Likewise,” Kodrak replied as they shook hands before he went on his way.

The three made their way out of Starlight Bar and began to walk down the walkway back towards the hotel. “So what was all that back there?” Ritru asked as she looked a bit confused. “Also, how did you know that Klingon?”

Tilana knew the questions would come but this was not a time or place to talk about all that. Letting out a sigh, “I’ll explain once this is all over.” Tilana replied as they continued to walk. “Here is not the time or place,” she added as they couldn’t risk blowing their cover. They both nodded in agreement as they continued to walk towards their destination.