Post 342: Hikerumba! Part One

Stardate: 70802.2100
Title: Hikearumba! Part One
Author: Ensign Simon Biggs
Scene: Federation Embassy on Trill/ Shopping Plaza nearby
Time: Following "Meanwhile. . ."
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Simon and Blane beamed down from the runabout Hiawatha to the embassy with instructions to deliver the virus to Admiral George, the officer currently in command of Starfleet operations on Trill.

They waited a little while to see him, then were finally invited into his office. The man met them with a smile and an out-stretched hand.

"Admiral Trenton George."

"Lt. TC Blane, and Ensign Simon Biggs, Sir." TC spoke up as they shook hands. "USS Independence."

"You've got something for me, then?"

"Yes, Sir." Biggs and Blane said in chorus. Simon handed
the container which held the computer virus sample over to the Admiral.

"We'll get this to our forensic people, to see if they can zero in on exactly which Bajoran resistance cell was responsible. We'll also take care of contacting the Bajoran government with our findings, and will copy your CO on anything we come up with."

"Thank you, Sir." Blane replied.

"We were able to consult with a well-respected Bajoran Vedek about the situation, Sir. Previously this man was also an ambassador to the Federation, perhaps you know of him? Biggs asked. "His name is Jariel Camen."

"Yes, I do know of him. In fact, I met up with Vedek Jariel at several diplomatic functions, years ago. Back when he was considering running for Kai. I didn't know that he was currently aboard the Independence."

"He's now serving as our ship's chaplain, Sir." Blane volunteered, noting the expression on George's face at this news.

"You know, that doesn't surprise me at all. Jariel always seemed much more a man of the people than a politician."

"He had some suggestions as far as names and places that you might want to look into as part of your investigation, they're all detailed here." Blane handed the Admiral a PADD.

"Excellent, many thanks. Oh, and gentlemen, please give my regards to old R.J. will you? Tell him he still owes me a chess match."

"You might get to tell him yourself, Sir. He's taking leave here for the next few days."

"Excellent!" The Admiral was obviously a jovial fellow, and he seemed to be in an especially friendly mood. "So, now that your work here is done, what are you two going to be up to next, then?"

"We are also on leave, Sir." Simon felt a bit odd telling that to an Admiral, but the man had asked. . .

"Well, you couldn't have picked a better place. There's so much to see on Trill. Try taking a trip to the Tenaran Ice Cliffs."

"Funny you mention them, Sir, they were recommended to me on the way here." Blane replied.

"I'm not surprised, they're legendary. It's a little bit of a hike to get to the best views, but you young security lads aren't afraid of a little physical exertion, right?" George slapped Simon on the back.

The Ensign sounded worried when he asked, "Just how far is the hike you're speaking of, Sir?"

"Oh, only about ten miles." George responded happily. "Nothing at all!"

"Why not. Sounds like fun." TC said with a nod.

Simon lifted his hands and said "Yeah. . . sounds fun, let's go! I love camping, but I didn't bring the appropriate supplies," Simon Biggs was nothing if not a man who believed in thorough preparation, for anything, and everything.

"There's a shop, just up the Plaza from here. Doesn't look like much from the outside, but I guarantee that it sells all the gear you could need and then some." The Admiral remarked, as he crossed the room and approached the replicator.

"Stop in and you'll be all set. Tell them that I sent you, and they may even give you a discount."

"Or charge us extra!" Blane whispered to Simon as an aside, as the Admiral became distracted with the business of ordering his dinner. Simon had to resist the urge to burst out laughing.

"We should definitely prepare properly." Simon managed to say, grinning.

"Thank you again, Admiral."

"Dismissed."

The two Independence officers walked a short distance to the shop to get their gear.

Inside it, they found that there was a huge selection of goods, including some fancy looking swords and knives; samurai, machete, Swiss army knives, replicas of ancient Trill hunting spears and knives, and even bows and arrows. Blane picked up a bow, pretended to draw it back and laughed.

"I guess I'm just not the Robin Hood type."

Simon picked out his favorites; one samurai sword, a Trill hunting knife and a backpack filled with necessities.

Blane purchased some gear as well; managing to pick up a Swiss army knife and a machete, as well as a backpack of supplies identical to the one Simon had selected. An hour after they'd arrived, they were finally ready to pay for their purchases and go.

"We should leave first thing in the morning," Simon thought aloud, as it was already late in the day and he was tired from the trip.

"Definitely. Looks like there's an inn up there." Blane suggested.
"Good. I'm checking in." Simon replied. "We can meet back here, say, 0500?"

"How about there?" TC pointed to a cafe up the block. "Can't go hiking on an empty stomach."

"Sounds like a plan. See you then, Lieutenant."

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Ensign Simon Biggs
Security Officer
USS Independence

(With a little bit of)

Lt. Grace
(temporarily filling in for Lt. Blane, by request)
USS Independence