The Not-So-Defunct Order
Posted on Wed Jan 22nd, 2025 @ 8:47am by Lieutenant JG Vanya Karolyi & Lieutenant Hadir Prenar
Mission:
A New Beginning
Location: CIO's Office
1475 words - 3 OF Standard Post Measure
ON
It took Vanya a week to dig up information on the Obsidian Order. At first, she only found information on the end of the Order and what happened to those who ran it, but as she carefully sifted through data and followed every lead she found, she began to get enticing bits of information indicating that the Order was alive and well--and better at hiding in the shadows than ever.
She archived what she found, then copied what would be of interest to Hadir onto an encrypted PADD and headed for his office.
"Vanya, what brings you to my neck of the woods." Hadir said with a smile as she stepped into his office. "Can I offer you anything?" The work he had been doing with Lily had distracted him from his department and his job. Vanya no doubt had something to bring to his attention and he chastised himself for not already knowing why the woman was in his office.
"A drink would be welcome." She sat in the chair opposite him and crossed her legs. "I see I should come around more often to remind you of my existence." She was tempted to blow him a kiss, but that would be going too far. "I am your archivist and you did ask me a question. It's only proper that I give you my answer."
"Very well. Go ahead...." Hadir poured himself a glass of kanar and held up the bottle to offer Vanya a glass. When she accepted he poured her a glass and sat behind his desk.
She took a sip, deliberately delaying the moment when she had to give him her news. "You're looking particularly chipper today," she said, flashing him a cheeky grin. "I'm just sorry I have to darken your mood."
She took another sip before sliding the PADD across the desk. "I did not find evidence of the Obsidian Order. But I did find enough rumors to make me believe it's still in existence. There's also word about a leader of this non-existent order. Someone powerful who is keeping it alive. I'm convinced there's something to the rumors." She took another sip of her drink, then smiled coquettishly. "Now, if you want to thank me properly, I won't object."
Hadir cocked his head quizzically. "I am not sure if a thank you is needed yet. I asked for evidence and you bring rumors. Of course there are rumors. There are always rumors of groups like the Obsidian Order, much like the Tal Shiar. However, why don't you tell me these rumors and I will judge for myself if a thank you is needed."
She nodded. "An observation station on the far side of the Bajoran wormhole went dark two months ago. When Starfleet sent a ship to find out what happened, they found everyone had been assassinated. One was a Cardassian named Goran Lanir. He was considered a traitor by his government after the Dominion War. He was tortured before he was killed."
She gave him a minute to process that, then continued. "Three Cardassians who gave information to the Bajoran government were found dead. Two at home, one in her hotel room on a business trip. In addition, four prisoners who used to work for the Order have escaped—with help. Their whereabouts are unknown."
That was almost all the evidence she had. But the last piece of information was, to her, just as important. "Intelligence has been looking for connections between these attacks. There are rumors that a former leader in the Obsidian Order is involved. I know this isn't proof, but the fact that SFI is taking note makes me think there's something there. I have some old associates I can contact who might know more."
She slipped a small photo from her bag. "This isn't very clear, but I'm told it's a person of interest." She leaned forward and set it on the desk.
As she spoke Hadir knew who was responsible. This had the calling card of his father. Tracking down who he thought was traitors and making sure that they were gone. Then he looked at the picture and there was no mistake. If there was any shock in Hadir's mind he did not allow it to show through when he spoke. The image was a little blurry but Hadir would know those cranial ridges anywhere. "Gul Typhon Prenar..." he said matter of factly.
She recognized the name. It kept coming up during her research. "Relative?" She knew he was, but she wanted him to tell her. "Or, should I change that to what can I do now?"
Hadir gave a slight harumph of sorts. There was no use in denying it now, the proverbial cat was out of the bag. "Father actually. If he is out and about doing this then it will be a matter of time before you and the rest of the crew will have a chance to meet him."
She was serious now as she sifted through the layers of meaning behind his words. "Why would he want to come here? I take it you aren't on the best of terms." She hadn't done any digging into Hadir's past out of courtesy, but now she was curious.
"We are not on any terms." Hadir said and mulled over what he wanted to say next. "My father disowned me many years ago. I am not sure what you know of Cardassian culture, but to be disowned is tantamount to being dead. So, most parents if they disown their child would leave it at that. However, my father could not and would not. He hunts for me and wants to see me dead. I am not sure if knows where I am or what I am doing. While he can most likely learn that I am a Starfleet Officer, I doubt he will learn of my assignment, thanks to Starfleet Intelligence."
"I only know a little." But she might do some research on the subject. "He won't learn anything from my research, either. Do you want me to keep digging? If he is trying to bring the Obsidian Order back, we need to find more than a few rumors and pass it on to the right people."
Hadir smiled broadly. He practically broke out into laughter. "There is a saying on Earth that I learned during my time in the Academy. It goes something like you sweet summer child. I believe it hints at someone's naiveté. Lieutenant I am going to let you in on what could be your biggest secret in Starfleet Intelligence. The right people will never do anything, they do not want to do anything. Take the Obsidian Order for example. No one wants them back, and no one wants to think they are coming back. So, you can present all the proof you want but it will get swept under the rug to make sure the image can be maintained. That is until they can no longer hide it, and by that time it could very well be too late. No... No... The right people are right here."
A slow smile spread across her face. "So, where do we begin?"
"I believe you were on the right track when you asked if you should keep digging. The only way to beat the Order is to know as much if not more than they do. However, short of that I think that there is not much we can do, except wait to see what his first real move is going to be." Hadir leaned back in his chair for a moment. If his father was doing something that registered on the Intelligence radar that meant he was close to making his move. The question was, what that move was to be.
"Oh, I'll keep digging." Vanya planned to do that with or without Hadir's consent. "But if he's this noticeable, he may already have his fingers in too many pies. I just hope we can find out what he's up to before he makes his first move."
"Agreed..." Hadir's voice trailed off as his thoughts went elsewhere. Fact was there was not much they could do. In fact, Hadir was pretty certain they would not be able to do anything until his father made his move. Whatever that might be.
Vanya watched him for a moment, then stood. His thoughts were clearly elsewhere. She couldn't blame him. While she didn't have a lot, what she had was concerning. "Dinner is always a good way to say thanks. Or come by my office so you can play with my security." She flashed him a grin. "I'll even turn up the heat."
She didn't wait for his reply--if he even had one.
OFF
Lieutenant Hadir Prenar
Chief Intelligence Officer
Lieutenant JG Vanya Karolyi
Data Analyst and Archivist