The old man closed the journals and lovingly put them back where he stored them. He rose from his seat and was about to go get something to eat from the food replicator when a familiar ching-a-ring sound met his ears. Immediately he sat back down then, bringing up his tablet, answered the communique. The face that greeted him was one that he never looked forward to seeing, but Rune Lowt always had information worth learning. Smiling broadly, the informant swept his almost shoulder length greasy hair out of his face and stared at the old man with eyes that were a dull green. The elder man was never fool enough to truly trust Rune, but the man had more underworld connections then a stray dog had fleas.
"I managed to dig up more information regarding that colony you're so interested in."
"Good," The old man smiled in return. "Once you give it to me then I will transfer the shipment of dilithium crystals to you."
"Why don't you tell me why you are so interested in this colony?" a momentary flash of life appeared in Rune's eyes and the sight of it was never a good thing. A man who lived on the secrets of others, was never to be trusted. "There is still no proof they ever truly existed and even if they did, we both know the use of synthetic lifeforms are banned."
"Let me worry about why I want this information and instead keep your end of the bargain so I can send you the agreed upon price."
"As you wish." he sniffed, his eyes returning to their natural dullness. "I was able to turn up a record with the stardate of 302768.65851725003 that speaks of their migration to a planet called Hikaru. That was over four-hundred years ago so I have my doubts they're still there." He raised an expectant eyebrow and that ominous hint of light appeared once again in his eyes "I might be persuaded to keep looking."
"In exchange for more dilithium?"
"That is always of value, but I find that secrets can be more valuable."
"Dilithium crystals it is." The old man smirked. He had plenty of secrets, but none he would tell this man.
With that the communication ended and a transfer of files appeared on his tablet. Upon seeing it, he made a single keystroke ensuring the shipment of crystals was on its way to his underworld informant. Satisfied, the elder sat back in his chair, pleased with his progress for the day.
To cap off his success, he reached for his coffee cup only to remember that it was empty and he had been in the midst of getting food when Rune had interrupted. This time he managed to acquire a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich, crisp golden fries and a cup of fresh coffee. He did not, however, get a chance to bite into it. The moment he picked up the plate he heard his front door chime. Putting his food back down, he went to the door and was greeted by the local veterinarian's assistant. In his hand was a pet carrier that emitted a soft whine and had two brown eyes peering out. This day seemed to only be getting better.
"Here's Meggy. Her shots are up to date and she's about as healthy a pup as you'll ever find." He handed the carrier to the old man who thanked him and shook his hand before closing the door.
The elder looked inside the carrier and gazed upon the small brown and white beagle face of Meggy. She was the late pup born from a litter that had its roots going all the way back to a Beagle named Porthos. The old man's normally careworn face took on an air of gentle affection as he set the cage on the floor and opened it. Tenderly he pulled the young pup out and held her as her large eyes looked up at him and a wet pink tongue quickly licked his chin. Setting her on the couch so he could get her some food from the kitchen, the beagle pup tried to follow, but being young, awkward and a bit too energetic, she upset some items on the coffee table in her haste to get down.
Hastily he started to pick them up while simultaneously petting Meggy and reminding her that while she was still a good girl she needed to be more careful. Among the items he picked up was an old napkin with the name Doohan's printed on it and carefully sealed in plastic. He closed his eyes and held it remembering the day he had gotten it. It was one of the last times he would ever gaze upon a living, breathing Danaë. Holding it, he closed his eyes and thought, dear God, how quickly memories can over take the mind.
Stardate 58880.89 (August 19, 2382)
The academy semester was coming to a close and while some were graduating and eager to find out their assignments, others were preparing for a short one month break before beginning a new year. Danaë Picard was in the latter group but another year of classes and studying didn't bother her in the slightest. She was enjoying her freedom away from her father and the Enterprise. In a month she was going to join her roommate Marnie on a trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. She was looking forward to an island adventure, while Marnie was dreaming of parties and handsome men.
The two young women stepped through the door of a favorite local diner known as Doohan's. It was a typical greasy spoon and a favorite hangout for cadets during off hours. In many ways these two young women were vastly different. One year ahead of her roommate, Marnie was tall with dark brown hair and very pale blue eyes. Though she loved Starfleet, she embraced her sexuality and often joked that since she was born on a planet made for pleasure, she couldn't help carrying it with her.
Danaë Picard was shorter with long golden curls. She never minded the attention of the opposite sex, but had quickly learned that in the academy it was her name and connections that drew the handsome young men rather than herself. She put a hasty end to that with careful rumors and concentrated on her studies. She was at the top of her class and had all of the drive and determination of her father Captain Jean-Luc Picard and it served her well. Now the end of the year was fast approaching and she couldn't wait for her vacation with Marnie. She was not the flirt that her roomie was and although she didn't mind visiting a few clubs, she was more interested in snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins and experiencing the culture. Of course if a handsome man came along who wanted to join her... well... she wouldn't mind.
One thing was certain, she found her roommate to be quite a refreshing personality and a constant source of entertainment. She never doubted her friend's intelligence and while she laughed at Marnie's claims about just barely passing her classes, she knew better. Curiosity has led her to hack into the Academy computer system and read some of the files. Her roomie was in fact one of the top students. Danaë never divulged this information to Marnie, preferring not to spoil it for her friend.
In between exams, the two were still dressed in their cadet uniforms, although they had managed to let their hair down. They sat down at the counter and were greeted by the handsome young man working there. Titus and his family had owned this diner for many generations going back at least two hundred years. Rumor had it that one of his ancestors had been the chef on the Enterprise NX-01. Titus, himself, had only just started working there with dreams of culinary school and opening a fancy restaurant of his own. One thing he always had was a smile for these two young cadets and in particular Marnie.
"What can I get for you, ladies?" he asked, eyeing the pretty Risian.
"Tea, Earl Grey, hot and a BLT please."
"And I'll have... a cheeseburger, fries and a lemonade." Marnie smiled flirtatiously at the young man behind the counter exacting a wink from him.
"So, has he seen your new tattoo?" Danaë asked, with a sly raised eyebrow. In the last month Marnie had acquired some new ink on her lower back just above her rear end depicting a Horga'hn from her native planet.
