An Unusual Friendship

Posted on Wed Dec 1st, 2021 @ 1:28am by Captain Rhenora Kaylen & Remal Kajun

Mission: *CD*
Location: Bajor

Remal pulled the Jumja sticks from the goopy vat he had concocted on the stove, gave a twist like taffy and held one out for Ikar who nodded his appreciation before biting down before it had even cooled. He then turned back to Rhenora, “Nearest idea I can imagine, and this is only speculation, they planted those tracks. Then when we showed up, they watched us enter, probably recording us. They're forcing our hand now. If we don’t go back to cover our tracks, they have proof. If we do go back, we will be caught in the act. We’re damned if we do... “

“Damned if you don’t.” Ikar finished through a Jumja filled mouth.

Solemn, Remal had to ask, “This is your investigation. What do you want to do? I’ve got nothing unless you have a third option, the local force is sketchy at best right now.” He knew that she knew what he was hinting at without mentioning things in front of Ikar.

Rhenora rubbed her chin thoughtfully, putting the pieces of the puzzle together. The footprints were a definite attempt to plant evidence, however if the local constabulary had already completed their investigation they would be pointless. If they had not however, there would be evidence that showed that not only did Rhenora and Remal enter the house without permission, they also possibly interfered with an investigation. No-one could say those prints were there before or after they visited.

“ Damn, it’s tricky.” She eventually replied, her eyes distant with focused thought. “If we can prove those boot prints were put there after the fact though…” She started, her gaze drifting eventually to focus on Remal and Ikar.

“You want to go back?” Remal asked while taking a large bite of pizza and moving over to where she was sitting and offering her a slice. “Risky.”

“Brave.” Ikar commented from where he stood, still working through the Jumja stick. “But foolhardy.” He added.

Remal gave Ikar a look but knew he was right and because he was right, Rhenora would have already made up her mind to follow through. Stubborn and determined weren’t the right words but they were the closest thing he had. “Fine. But not tonight. Let’s sleep on it first, alright?”

“We are prepared though, we suspect a trap or some kind of subterfuge, that puts us one step up” Rhenora mused again, taking their concerns on board “ Perhaps predawn? Get in and get out before anyone else wakes?”

Remal smiled, “Fine, you’re on breakfast duty.” He shoved down another slice of pizza and offered a slice to Ikar who looked at it as though he didn’t fully understand how to go about eating it. Remal mimicked, “Like this.” And proceeded to show him how pizza is eaten like he would a child.

“ Sure… you like your water burnt? Or chargrilled?” She mocked as she watched the interaction between the two of them. It was only fair though, if her plan was to get everyone up at stupid o’clock then she should be the one at least making the coffee. Truth was that she had and always would be a lousy cook.

Looking concerned, Remal’s stomach sank. She did make good coffee. Always look for the redeeming qualities.

“How does one burn water?” Ikar asked innocently.

“You don’t want to know. Not really.” Remal answeed. “So, Ikar, where do you sleep for the night?” Remal asked in an effort to change the subject.

“I don’t. I will rest when my watch is done. Tonight, I keep you safe.”

“And tomorrow?” Rhenora asked cautiously, interested to know what Ikar thought of their plan and what he intended to do about it.

He awkwardly swallowed his pizza and responded simply and cryptically, “Always.”

“Well, there you have it.” Remal Quipped. “I don’t think I could have chosen a better friend to see us through. Thank you Ikar’Agal.” Remal nodded respectfully.

Rhenora was bemused, so was Ikar going to join them tomorrow, or ‘keep them safe’ in a different way. It would remain to be seen just how deep the friendship between the Jem’Hadar and the Bajoran counsellor went.