Chapter One: Unexpected Reunions The restaurant seemed to be almost in full swing as Corrim turned to let a few patrons leave on his way in. The data pad in his hand held a name, one who had ordered his shipment. The best way to find Lovanya was to simply enquire within. He was decently dressed, then again he was always dressed as though he might be put in the position of needing to be dressed decently. He stopped by the Maitre D' and smiled disarmingly. "I am looking for someone named Lavanya, I have a delivery for her, a shipment of exotic wine." The restaurant was busy enough. Opening day and all. The man began to speak in reply, but a petite blond waitress was rushing by with a full serving tray and overheard. She interrupted excitedly, "Oh, great! We have been waiting for those wines to come in. Can you go back and wait by the kitchen door while I bring this to my table" I'll try to find Lavanya for you." The trill rushed off just as quickly, heading through the packed house, balancing her tray until she got to her table to unload the Cardassian delicacies. Corrim's eyes went from the gentleman to the waitress, his eyes taking in her nametag quickly enough to read Mohana. She spoke quickly under the obvious duress of pleasing people on day one. He would endeavor to be his usual agreeable self when it came to patronage. "Thank you my dear Mohana, that is a lovely name" I don't suppose I could trouble you to point me in the right direction for the back" These doors all just look the same to me." Smiling, always smiling as he spoke and followed the poor girl to the table where she was dropping off food. "I do hope you haven't gotten any of those intolerable customers that you never seem to be able to please?" He stayed with her through the main dining area, making sure that he had as much of her attention as he could. The trill had completely ignored him, caught up in getting the right dish to the right person at the table. She had already messed up a few orders so far and it wasn't even the expected rush time yet. She turned to go back to the kitchen and was shocked to see him standing behind her. She had to shove the tray up against her in order not to smash it into him. She scowled for a moment, then said, "Um, yeah, the kitchen is this way.? She rushed back towards the kitchen doors. She didn't bother making an effort to slow down on her meandering through the crowd since he seemed to be able to keep up just fine before.

"Nabet Tarn?" Corrim's voice dropped half an octave and his once charming smile was gone. "If I'd known it was you I was bringing this to, I would have charged triple." He watched the waitress leave before concentrating on Tarn. Another Cardassian, Corrim hadn't seen any in person in quite some time. Tarn it seemed had been living well, he was heavier than Corrim remembered. "Don't think you fool me Duvek, I know what you're here for. What'd you do poison the wine?" Tarn was incensed and near to losing it completely it seemed. He was nearly on a tirade, if Duvek didn't know any better. It was likely the only thing keeping him from doing just that was the customers out front. Corrim had begun to make slow steps that direction. "I don't know what you're talking about Tarn. If I were going to kill you I would have done it a long time ago' instead of setting you free and simply reporting your death. I certainly wouldn't use poison." "Don't lie Duvek, I was told that a Cardassian would be sent to kill me, now here you are and working for The Order." Tarn didn't advance on Corrim, he didn't need two as a pair of large necked and big armed men were closing in on him. "Interesting, still my ties to the order have been somewhat looser lately. "He wasn't going to say how loose they were or if it had anything to do with another mission he'd done recently. "I really do assure you I am here because an order was put in for the wine I bring. I'm as surprised to see you as you are to see me." Corrim bided his time letting his tongue do for him what it had so often the past. "If you'd like though...I can look into it for you, if you really are being targeted by The Order, I can find out." The pair of bodyguards stopped their advance at a look from Tarn. Corrim caught the look and relaxed slightly. He looked over his shoulder then turned back to Nabet Tarn and opened his mouth again. "I would suggest you tell me everything, perhaps we could sit down and discuss what?s going on in a more civilized fashion?" Corrim didn't wait for approval as he pushed past the two men behind him and through the kitchen door leaving Tarn to either follow him or be left behind. He did look to the dining room that was if possible even more occupied than it had been when he had arrived.

A male Pakled was cleaning up one of the tables after a group left. He quickly grabbed the waitress's tip and put it in his pocket while collecting the dishes, assuming no one would notice his slight of hand. Even though many people would bump into him as he made his way through the crowd, the undersized man balanced plates, glasses, bowls, and silverware without dropping so much as a piece of lettuce. He was sure one lucky guy. "I assume then that you had the ports watched to see if any new Cardassians showed up. I wouldn't doubt that you knew I was here long before I walked through your doors." The Kanar bottle had finally made it back and Tarn poured for both of them and took the first sip. Corrim waited a few moment before taking his own, pretending to be distracted by the Packled bus boy who managed not to drop any of the dishes on his tray. "Sure, I knew that "a Cardassian' had come. That it was you was" I'll be honest I figured that I didn't have a chance unless I cornered you first." Tarn was already refilling his glass. Corrim was passively looking around the dining room at the patrons. There were no other Cardassian's among them. "If I were you, I would keep those ports observed." Corrim smiled once again looking at Tarn and remembering the man he had saved. "Tora wouldn't forgive me if I let you get killed." The admission was one that Tarn would understand. The why he had let him go in the first place. Corrim raised his glass and toasted her. "To Tora, always able to see the good in anyone, no matter how dark their souls." A male Caitian was tending at the bar. Due to his feline instincts, he was able to mix up masterpiece drinks in a beautiful show of grace and flair. Bottles spun in the air and glasses slid along the bar to waiting hands. The performance certainly picked up enough tips from the patrons. It also helped preoccupy people waiting so they wouldn't grow agitated before even getting a table.

Chapter Two: Dine and Dash The restaurant was packed once again, though it held a bit more order than it had the previous night. The staff was learning quickly how to run the busy day to day patronage it seemed. The man at the door escorted Corrim through as though he were expected. Nabet Tarn had obviously had the foresight to give Corrim priority treatment. There were some disgruntled looks as he went past those who were waiting for tables, but that seemed to be the extent of it. Corrim attributed part of that to the intimidating features of his Cardassian heritage. The table was set away from the others, prime seats and likely costing more for those who wanted a slightly more intimate evening out. Corrim saw the logic in the bit of privacy. What he and Tarn needed to discuss wasn't something that the restaurant owner would want to broadcast. He was shown to his seat by the Betazoid waitress who seemed a little perplexed at her inability to know what he would want before he said it. Cardassian's were of course conditioned against such delving from an early age. "I'll have the forty seven Kanar please. Make sure you don't open it until it comes to the table. The forty seven is often so delicate that extended contact with the air leaves it tasting bland." Corrim fixed her with that oh so harmless smile as though he hadn't asked for special treatment or sounded slightly condescending in his tone. A female Cardassian entered the restaurant not long after. She conversed with the man at the door for a few minutes before he allowed her pass with a nod. She walked directly into the dining area where Corrim was seated. She wore a tight hunter green dress made from a heavy tweed material. Thick black leggings extended down her long legs into black boots that covered her ankles. Her jet black hair was down and it seemed to flow faintly like it was another appendage with a mind of its own. She tossed it back when she saw Corrim, proudly displaying her wide Cardassian neck. She smiled brightly, casually walked up, and paused with her hands on the back of the seat across from him at the table for two. She said coyly, "Here with anyone?"

Aroza toasted as she said, "To new friends, then." She took a small sip as he asked, then answered, "Oh, I've been around for a couple of weeks. I was just about to give up all hope for my search, but low and behold, I find exactly what I had been looking for this whole time." She put her glass down and began to playfully graze a scaled finger along its lip in wide circles. "So' You said its been awhile since you've been to Cardassia. Where's your sense of loyalty?" She glared at him, but was still smiling. "Lovely name, Azora. I am Duvek, Corrim Duvek. While it surprises me that someone so obviously intelligent took this long to find the place, I don't believe it has been open for too long." He, watched the play of her finger along the glass for a moment keeping that disarming charm going as he sought the best way to answer her question. When in doubt though keep talking. "Though in all honesty, I am "glad" it took so long, or you may have come and gone and we never would have crossed paths." His gaze found Aroza's face again, and there was delight in the shine of his eye. "Loyalty comes in many forms actually, I would say it safe to assume that Cardassia prefers my loyalty from a distance." If there were more to be said the Betazoid waitress interrupted it by coming back for his order. "I'll have your Sem"hal stew, I've heard its very fine." He looked to his new companion inquiringly. "Are you ordering as well Azora dear?" The waitress couldn't have picked a better time to help him deflect the question. Aroza sat staring at the waitress a moment while she and Corrim exchanged words. She almost appeared to be starring right passed her. Aroza looked to the waitress and answered Corrim, "Oh, I need a little time to go over the menu. There are so many wonderful options." The waitress nodded and continued on her way to another table. Aroza turned back to Corrim and said, "If you don't mind, I'm going to freshen up a bit." She pushed out her seat and stood. She left her chair out and said sweetly, "Please, continue with your treat once it arrives. I will join you in a little bit. I assure you, I will be leaving with what I came for." She immediately turned and headed towards the hallway that led to the restrooms. "Of course, Aroza.? Corrim stood as she did, ever the gentleman.

"Speak plainly, where did you get this information?" Tarn's demeanor became part hope and part panic. He was leaning forward and speaking in low tones that screamed cloak and dagger. Corrim stayed comfortably seated and calm. Corrim's smile never faltered as he indulged in another drink. Tarn was going grey before Corrim let him off the hook. "Calmly Tarn, you are attracting attention. People might think you don't like me." Corrim looked to the rest room. "Have your men watch the ladies room for a Cardassian woman to be coming out. She was sitting where you are not five minutes ago." Corrim casually took another drink while Nabet spoke in hushed tones to his guards. "Don't apprehend her, we will be better off if we can get an idea of what "exactly' she is up to." The pair of body guards took up positions where they could watch the restrooms. Nabet finally smiled at Corrim. "For once I am glad you came along?" The crowded restaurant had a few people go to and return from the restrooms in the short amount of time it took for the bodyguards to get in position. A small Bajoran girl came out from the women's restroom. She looked panicked a moment upon seeing all the people. Undoubtedly wanting to earn her independence, but getting overwhelmed after the fact, she began to run back towards the direction of her parents" table across the sea of patrons. She bumped into many people on her way. As she narrowly avoiding bumping into one of the servers, she instead fell towards Tarn. His body seemed to shift to the naked eye, the child jostled the table sending his drink falling into his lap. An electronic humming noise came from Tarn's direction and his appearance shimmered once again.

Chapter Three: Sharing The bar at the hotel was still only at half capacity. That didn't stop Corrim from smiling to people and remaining unobtrusive. How long had it been since his call up to Aroza's room and asking if she would be interested in drinks? Corrim could have tried to figure it out if he had really been interested. She would take as long as she needed. He on the other hand would be his self a simple merchant who had a way of getting hard to find items. He had ordered a glass of Kanar, but had yet to take any of it preferring to wait for his companion before imbibing anything. The bartender, an Andorian man of middling years spent a lot of time wiping down the bar and checking out the Orion waitress with whom he was obviously flirting. Corrim wondered idly if she were using the pheromones that her race was endowed with to garner his attention. Surely the man knew already the dangers of the woman. Every now and then he would look to the entrance hoping to see Aroza's entry. Aroza walked in slowly, making soft purposeful sways as she did. From the moment she walked into the door, her eyes were directly on Corrim. Her hunter green eyes only added emphasis to her dark green blouse. It had a wide neck, showing off her Cardassian scales. Her heavy grey skirt was only slightly darker than the thick grey leggings. Her high heeled black boots went up to her knees. A few of the males around her would glance over for an extended moment or two. Watching out of the corner of her eye, she gave a half smile as the Andorian bartender even broke his stare of the Orion for a minute. She approached Corrim at the bar, still staring at him intensely with her half smile. Corrim rose when Azora approached, his tunic tonight was a deep blue silk that made his grey skin seem more green. He had opted for black pants though they were hard to see since the bottom of his shirt went well past his hips in the Cardassian style. Ankle high boots were hidden by the bottoms of his trousers, more black but close enough to the color of the pants to be overlooked.

Corrim was truly delighting in the fencing match going on between them disguised as drinks. He put his hand on her forearm and his smile grew wider along with his eyes. "Yes" but of course it all makes sense doesn't it' These old men who have been successful for years they tend to see a new supplier, or well any new face really and their minds begin to think there is a conspiracy. I wouldn't doubt if Tarn is the type to pay extra to see a familiar face and shoot down anyone new that comes along." Corrim returned his hand to the bar picking up the Kanar and taking the first sip from it. "Hard to get close to a man like that." Aroza leaned back a moment and grinned at his assessment. She nodded then said, "Yes. It's a very good thing you came around. You've undoubtedly helped him in the past, you being such good old friends and all. I'm sure he needs your help now" with the new restaurant, of course." She crossed her far leg towards him. Corrim wasn't one to miss the way she moved her leg. He let himself be satisfied with a peripheral view of it brightening up his expression as she changed her seating and mentioned the connection between him and Tarn. "Indeed, he has found great comfort in my presence. I truly doubt he would let his own cooks prepare his meal if he didn't personally watch to make sure nothing" substandard went into the mix." Corrim's mild sarcasm was followed by a soft chuckling laugh. "But we are talking only about me, I wonder how much longer you intend to spend here" I mean to say that I would love to have more time to get to know you and all your interests. I really would hate for you to disappear without warning." According to her smile, Aroza was enjoying their game. "Oh, I'm only in town for a little business. Once I complete my job, I didn't intend to stay around much longer, but I'm sure you'll know right before I need to leave..." She leaned forward slightly, resting one arm on the bar. "I'd love to take you with me though. You seem like such a strong protector. I travel a lot for my job and it's a scary place out there. I should probably look into getting one of those personal shield systems like your friend. Even that I wouldn't trust, though. I'm sure there's all kinds of ways of getting around things like that."

Chapter Four: Lowering Defenses Nabet Tarn felt exposed despite the fact that his shield was in place. He understood Corrim's reasons behind meeting here, the lack of traffic would make anyone trying to tail him obvious. There was greater concern though as Duvek had implicated one of his men in this conspiracy to have him killed. The man said he would bring evidence though so Tarn came out to the abandoned alleyway. How long would it take for the man to get here though' Despite the emptiness he felt vulnerable. He paced a bit in his waiting and looked constantly to the watch on his wrist. From the shadows of the back of the alleyway came Corrim. He was wearing the same outfit from the bar when he met with Tarn's would-be assassin. The Cardassian female slipped up. Now he was there to reveal which of Tarn's guards was feeding her information all along. He smiled his friendly grin as he walked towards Tarn. "My old friend, thank you for meeting me all the way out here." Tarn scoffed at Duvek's use of the word "friend'. "It's about time you got here Duvek, I was beginning to believe this assassin got the drop on "you'." He took notice of Corrim's attire, shaking his head. "A bit flashy for this neighborhood wouldn't you say?" He looked for something in Corrim's smile that would give the information away before he could reveal it. Being one up on him would be a nice change. The man was unreadable though. "You promised me something, can we make this quick so I can handle the leak?" After hearing the remark about his attire, he put his hands in his pants pockets. He thought he looked pretty good, though he may have been biased. Taking a more serious, concerned expression, Corrim said, "I have the information right here." He pulled out one of his hands holding his data pad and held it out to Tarn. He added with a twinge of hostility, "And you can leave it up to me to handle him."

Corrim waited in the bar, Aroza's note at his hotel had him curious since she promised to tell him exactly what was going on. Perhaps his finding her out had an effect on her, or maybe it was the veiled death threat. Either way Corrim was quite interested in whatever Aroza had to give him. The bartender recognized him and had no problem remembering the order. He supposed that there weren't many Kanar sales this far out. Corrim had been waiting for some time now though. He began to believe that Azora had changed her mind and that he would be forced to follow through on his ultimatum. A Bajoran woman walked into the bar and looked around for a few minutes. There were not many people in the hotel bar, but there was still some foot traffic out in the lobby. She recognized and walked directly up to Corrim. "Hello, Mr" Duvek, I believe it is?" She was dressed in the uniform from Tarn's restaurant. Her name tag said "Lavanya". Corrim looked at the Bajoran, took in her face with a hint of recognition and a great deal more when he read the nametag. He tilted his head and floated that disarming smile to her. "Ah, Lavanya" So good to finally meet you face to face. What brings you to this oh so charming little establishment." He held up his hands to indicate the bar in which he was sitting. She smiled a big toothy grin. "Oh, you know, since I have such a taste for fine wines?" She laughed awkwardly at her little joke. There was a reason she remained in the background at Tarn's restaurant. She wasn't exactly the most socially skilled, but she kept track of things well, like ordering shipments of wine. She continued, "Well, I can't stay long. I'm on my break. But I just wanted to let you know I am so grateful for the shipment of wines you brought in." Corrim's face never faltered as the woman laughed, he didn't want to embarrass her any. "Well, my dear I do have the ability to deliver when others might have some difficulty attaining merchandise. I'm very glad that you came to me with your request. It's a pity that we didn't have the opportunity to meet earlier, I would have liked time to discuss wines with you." He did understand that she needed to get back to the restaurant, his nod meant to convey just that too her. "Anytime Lavanya, feel free to call on me again if you find yourself in the same situation."