=Nasook's Deli and Cafe=
=Main Prominade, Starbase UNITY=
"I've put a lot of thought into this and I've come to this conclusion," Trent said before taking another bite of his sandwich. "With the war and everything draining Romulan resources, it is highly unlikely that the praetor can actually afford the hundred thousand bricks of latinum he had put out on me."
"You think," Rick said, eating with his mouth full.
It was lunchtime and the two sat at a corner table, watching people come and go.
"Yeah. Even before the war, it would have been difficult for the praetor to come up with that kind of money."
"He must have been really fond of his brother," Rick said.
"I don't know. I think it's more of a pride thing. As the leader of the Romulan people, he lost face when his brother was killed. If he kills the captain of the ship responsible, then it makes him look respectable. As for the money ... I don't believe he intends to pay it."
Rick shook his head, "That's pretty gutsy. With the kind of people apparently coming after you, they would be pissed off if they were screwed. They would surely go after the praetor."
"Maybe, but he is the praetor. Perhaps one of the most well-guarded individuals in the entire galaxy. You'd have to be damn good to get to him or a damn fool to go after him."
"Lets just hope it doesn't get that far," Rick said.
"Yeah," was all that Trent said as he looked at his partially eaten sandwich in his hand. He kept his attention on it even though it was obvious that his thoughts were elsewhere.
"You're worried, aren't you?" Rick finally asked.
"No ... no, I'm ..."
"You can lie to anyone else on this starbase and they will likely believe you. But you can't lie to me and you know it."
Trent took a deep breath as he finally put the sandwich down on the plate in front of him.
"It's kind of a strange feeling, that's all. Having one of the most powerful people in the known universe wanting you dead. Its just ... alarming."
"You need to get away from here. Have Starfleet to give you some protection," Rick said.
"No, I won't run."
"Why not?"
"I just won't!" Trent shot back.
"You and your damn pride," Rick muttered. "At the very least, you need a security detail. I'm sure the admiral will ..."
"No! I don't need a security detail. Security has enough to worry about. I've already informed them of the possible threat. I'll be OK. I can handle myself."
"What about Sarah and the children?" Rick asked.
"They're safe," was all that Trent said.
Rick shook his head, "You know, they will keep coming after you as long as the praetor is still alive."
"Then I might have to rectify that."
Just then, a security crewman came up to Trent and handed him a note. He looked it over.
"Has it cleared security," Trent asked and the crewman nodded then walked away.
Trent looked at Rick, "A package that I have been waiting for has finally arrived."
Trent stood, "Don't worry about me. I'll be OK. I deal with whoever is sent to kill me."
Rick shook his head, "You're so damn stubborn."
"Yeah, that's what dad use to say," Trent allowed a slight grin before tossing down a couple of strips of latinum and then walking away.
Commander Rick Rodgers
Chief Engineering Officer
Starbase UNITY
and
Captain Trent Rodgers (npc by Rick)
XO, 1st TF, SSF Command
XO, SB 234: UNITY
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