Especially the Lies

Posted on Tue Mar 25th, 2025 @ 3:06am by Lieutenant Hadir Prenar & Lieutenant Commander T'Par

Mission: A Dragon named Guardian
Location: Corridor
Timeline: Immediately following the getting to know you meeting
809 words - 1.6 OF Standard Post Measure

As the senior staff filed out of the meeting room, T'Par fell into step beside Hadir. Her expression would have likely seemed utterly unchanged to most Humans, but the well-trained Cardassian might note the slight focusing of the eyes and almost imperceptible tightening of the facial muscles that indicated increased attention and focus. Not that this was a woman who was ever what their Human colleagues would describe as relaxed. "Lieutenant, welcome aboard," she said simply in her usual flat, neutral tone.

It is said on Cardassia that a Cardassian is never not on guard. Hadir Prenar exemplified this adage. As such, he not only knew when the Vulcan Assistant Science Chief fall in step next to him, but he knew that there was something on her mind. "Thank you Commander. It is a pleasure to be aboard. Although, most of my duty will keep me away from the labs, bridge and well most of the ship. Intelligence waits for no one." He smiled in that manner that only a Cardassian could.

"Though sometimes it is all about the waiting," she added. She noted that trademark Cardassian smile. Her own face remained impassive. "I hope you are not bothered by the chill. A plurality of the crew is human."

"I have learned to adapt to the general environmental needs of the ship. However, I keep my office and quarters at a nice balmy temperature. Suffice to say I endure, much as Vulcans have for centuries." Hadir liked Vulcans but he often wondered why they never just got to the point. This was just such a moment.

"Of course," T'Par said. She looked at him a moment. "I am not building up to something, so to speak, Lieutenant. I was interested in making your acquaintance because of my past experience in your department, the value I place on cultivating diverse perspectives among colleagues, and your recent appointment to the crew. I hope it is not an imposition."

Hadir was intimately familiar with the entire crew's service record, it came with the territory sort of speak. Add to that he had an eidetic memory so he never forgot anything. This added up to the fact that he knew about T'Par's intelligence experience and planned to tap her for anything if or when it became needed. "It is no imposition at all Commander. I pride myself on meeting new people, and making new friends. It has been quite the experience being the only member of my race in Starfleet. Especially after the war and all that followed. Yet here we are. A testament perhaps to the mission of Starfleet, and its people. May I ask, what did you do during your time in Starfleet Intelligence? Whatever you are allowed to discuss that is."

"I only ever served as intelligence officer on a starship," T'Par explained. "I specialized in anthropology at the Academy. However, my first commanding officer, Captain Sinclair of the Pericles, suggested a transfer to intelligence. I had an understanding for how other cultures viewed the world, the internal logic that follows from basic assumptions, core beliefs. Cardassians and Romulans, for example, are both societies with a secretive bent, at least as outsiders understand such things, but each has a different self-understanding that can be highly relevant."

"Of course, the point can be overstated," she allowed. "Individuals act, not societies, and one must know precisely with whom one is dealing. Still, I was transferred. I took more enhanced physical training courses, cryptography which I did not find difficult, infiltration, which I did. I learned to laugh and smile convincingly, when need be. I used very little of it. I kept apprised on intelligence matters and used it to advise two Starship captains. I never served on a covert mission. When the department was temporarily dissolved here on the Majestic, I requested to remain aboard and be transferred back to science."

"Well there is something to be said about a covert scientist. I hope that should there ever be need I can come to you for your expertise and rely on your secrecy." Once again the trademark Cardassian smile was on Hadir's face.

"Of course," T'Par agreed immediately.

"And if there is anything that I can do help you at any time please do not hesitate to ask." Hadir found it somewhat amusing that he had reached the point of service on this vessel when crew members came to his office to meet him. It was most likely due to the mystery that he kept surrounding himself.

"I appreciate that," T'Par said.

Hadir knew that Vulcans were not much for conversation and he wondered if this conversation had reached its end. "Commander, is there anything else that you need at this time?"

"Not at this time," T'Par said. "I must return to my duties. I am sure we will speak again soon."