STF

LACUNA: Beginning - Fire and Ice Entertainment Lounge (TAG Anyone Creative)

Posted Sept. 27, 2019, 1:10 p.m. by Lieutenant Commander Nicholas James (Chief Intelligence Officer) (Sage Pennington)

Posted by Civilian Ekaterina Artemovich (Mercenary) in LACUNA: Beginning - Fire and Ice Entertainment Lounge (TAG Anyone Creative)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Nicholas James (Chief Intelligence Officer) in LACUNA: Beginning - Fire and Ice Entertainment Lounge (TAG Anyone Creative)

Posted by Civilian Jóhann Karlson (Business Owner) in LACUNA: Beginning - Fire and Ice Entertainment Lounge (TAG Anyone Creative)
Posted by… suppressed (28) by the Post Ghost! 👻
snip

Daimon Verk

Noticing Verk in the reflection of her flask, Ekaterinburg continued before her companion could speak, “After all, all the people around us would kill for our looks.” She very obviously waggled her eyes at Nicholas while subtly turning a fork on the table to point at the ferengi. “We risk a fist fight every time we approach a person with a jealous significant other. I know that I’ve been kicked out of a fair share of bars for the fights I’ve started.”

Ekaterina Artemovich (Merc)

A message appeared on Nicholas’ mini PaDD from Lawrence.
}Daimon Verk
Nicholas stared down at the Ferengi. “Daimon Verk, If you would take your intelligence gathering elsewhere, I’m sure the rest of the patronage won’t notice.” He leaned down closer. “While I will be planning where to dispose of you so that you are never found. Dead men make no profit.”

-Nicholas James

Daimon Verk laughed out loud so everyone could hear. “Oh! That is precious! Do you have your own comedy act? But I will amuse you this time as I am tired. I will see you both around. ” He winked at them both and left still laughing.

Daimon Verk

“If there is anything in this universe that I truly cannot stand, it’s people. If only he knew.” He sent a message to Daimon-Ress Fer’lak.
}Verk sold information about your company’s dealings while he was assigned to be assessing the crowd.]
“Now. Back to business. Professional killer. In my jurisdiction. I take it your current contract was just carried out. I don’t care who or why. There’s something you can help me with. And I can and will pay for these services.”

-Nicholas James, Section 31

“Interesting. I have to say that this is one of the more interesting meetings that lead to an offer.” Ekaterina leaned slightly forward. “But I need to know a few details about the job before I can commit to anything such as if there would be civilian casualties and such if I went through with it. A lady does have to have some morals after all.”

Ekaterina Artemovich (Merc)

“No collateral damage. There’s something coming OED’s way. I’m still gathering intelligence on what it is. A civilian passenger and cargo carrier, the Black Sparrow, was held in orbit with no reason logged. An intelligence detachment led by former Section 31 is en route. I need you on retainer. I know the lead agent. She’s good. To the point that sending her is a sign that we’re in deep. So, you get a deposit. Half of your usual fee. The other half if I call you in. If it proves particularly dangerous to you, I’ll throw hazard pay on top of that. Saving lives isn’t what you usually do, but the hit here is extremely guilty.”

-Nicholas James, Section 31

Johann monitored the action with great interest although he kept up with the conversation and celebration well enough, his party knew better than to try and draw him into deeper conversation so the pair had started playing a game of dice which incurred heavy penalties in the form of shots. They stopped however when the older man started to speak “Now that was an interesting display” He said with a half-smile. The young man looked around the room not seeing what was being talked about, the woman, however, noticed immediately what he was referring to. “The Ferengi had some words with that grifter, I only managed to read a word or two but I’m certain it was regarding us” He explained. The young man had given up looking for whatever he was supposed to see and was trying to listen to his boss through the noise, not helped by the fact that Johann was speaking quite softly “Then that silver-haired Warrior came in.” His head twitched slightly and he paused for a moment “Artemovich… Interesting” He said the name slowly as his eyes narrowed. He smiled as he watched the two people converse “As soon as she sat down he entered the room. He walks like a fleeter but different, fitting a man of his credentials” His gaze turned to the woman at his left “Lieutenant Commander Nicholas James, Starfleet Intelligence. His file is more redacted than your brothers” She stated returning her bosses gaze “Indeed. So here’s my question, was he waiting for her specifically or is their meeting a happy coincidence” His smile widened “Or is it true love at first sight” He giggled at the frown he got from his left.

Johann Karlson

Lawrence started to feel uncomfortable. He noticed the party looking at him and then at Nicholas.
{It’s time to bug out. Cover’s blown.]
}No. We’re not done here. I can handle Karlson.]
{So what do we do for now?]
}I have a deal to finalise. You- use the bank account I gave you. Contact this man [Jacob Summers]. Take out a 2 million credit short position on his company. He should be duly notified when a massive short is taken out against him.]
{Ok…]
Lawrence was deeply uncertain. He didn’t even know where the money was going to come from, but he knew asking was going to be pointless. He tapped the contact name.
{I would like to carry out a transaction on behalf of Nicholas James.]
}Drop the formal talk. Shoot.]
{2 million credit short - Hekla Corporation.]
}Nick’s insane. He’s gonna lose everything.]
{Maybe not…]
}I don’t want to know. I keep forgetting, the less I know, the better.]
A few moments passed.
}Alright. 2mil against Hekla. Hope y’all know what you’re doing.]

Karlson would get a message. The company’s CFO. [Bad news. Some lunatic just took out a short against us. It’s not much money, but this nut bet the farm on it, so everyone is watching.]

Nicholas put away his PaDD. “Business. Such a distraction. So? Do we have a deal?”

-Lawrence Collier, Nicholas James

“For now we do” Ekaterina stood up and threw a card at him. “Although I would like to clarify one thing, I don’t just kill. I do hate it when people assume that, so I’ve taken to reminding people.” With that, she hobbled out of the lounge in search of someplace to fill her flask.

Ekaterina Artemovich (Merc)

Johann looked at the message then back at the table, raised a glass and inclined his head to the massive crowd gaining a generous reaction of amusement although it was clear to some that the message wasn’t for the group. He then tapped a message [Wake the CEO, CFO, and the COO. Have them do the job I gave them] He lowered the messenger then grabbed a small cylindrical object from his chest pocket =^=Trace the short transaction, find out where it came from=^= Whilst this was happening the young man on his right seemed to be panicking as he read the information coming in, he looked at the calm face of his boss and said something inaudible “Relax my boy, Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc. It’s probably just someone trying to shake down some trees see what falls out, some competitor trying to scare us out of some bidding contract or whatnot.” He explained calmly alleviating some of the worries on the young boys face “We’re celebrating your success, this is the worry of other people.”

Just moments ago the arrival of the Intelligence chief was just a curiosity, something to gossip about during breakfast. Now he wasn’t so sure. Yet he recalled the words of his Economics professor, the Latin phrase Johann had uttered to the boy ‘after, therefore because of it’. Although tonight’s events were suspect indeed he wasn’t sure if they were suspect enough. The three Hocs as it were, were the Grifter, Ferengi and Spy. Or perhaps the multitudes of Enemies he had gathered throughout his lifetime. Then, of course, most of those were either dead or worked for him. He took another sip. What an interesting night.

Johann Karlson

The short could be traced back to a small hedge fund owned by a man named Steven Goldblum. His fund, Infinity Investments, had made 7,000,000 credits out of 110,000 since it had started two years before- all based on short selling positions on large companies about to go bust. A small financial news station was now requesting a statement from the top executives and the owner of Hekla, wanting to know if Goldblum was making another blockbuster trade.

-Nicholas James, Section 31

A company Spokesman gave the news station a personal response as was commonplace for Hekla “We have weathered some of the toughest financial upheavals the Federation has seen in this century. I’m afraid that Mr. Goldblum has made an erroneous bet this time. We reported unprecedented growths last quarter due in no small part to our expansion in shipping. We now have lanes going from Earth all the way out as far as the Oed Colony. We expect to continue our growth despite the shortcomings of these bets.

In Hekla’s headquarters on the planet of New Scandinavia the Companies leadership worked tirelessly to make sure nothing would come of it. Now that someone had leaked the news they decided to counter with a leak of their own. Sending their favored unaffiliated Financial News Organization on the Planet information that they were unveiling a new Civilian Runabout inspired Shuttle, a long-awaited project in the sector, something that would surely give a boost of confidence if there was ever lacking.

In a different part of the Quadrant, a rather unremarkable man sat in front of a computer terminal and traced the origin of the Two Million Credit transfer. The Conclave Data Miner expertly sifted through the information and in doing so would trip alarm bells of anyone monitoring said data flows. It was uncertain if it was done on purpose or not.

Johann Karlson

OOC: Just to be clear, although Johann is the owner of said company all financials are handled by his board of directors and all that and they are also handled on another planet. Also to clarify he hasn’t made any connections between Nicholas and Lawrence, he only noticed that Lawrence looked fishy and noticed when Nicholas entered the room. The knowing stare was simply to say that he saw something in the criminal, nothing more. I don’t want to overreach but Johann is a very “reachy” character.
- Hjortur

OOC: I figured, but I’m RPing it as Lawrence is very jumpy and Nicholas trusts no one. It just seemed like Nicholas is an ‘eliminate the threat’ type.

IC:
The 2 million could be traced to a bank in New Scandinavia. Goldblum had ordered an employee, Jacob Summers, to wire the money immediately. Nicholas had covered his tracks well. The fact that Section 31 operated in the financial sector as well was on a need to know basis. The CIO’s only focus now was the mercenary in front of him.

-Nicholas James, Section 31

OOC: I justed wanted to be sure I was clear. - Hjortur
IC:

When the information came through the unremarkable computer expert transferred the files to his supervisor then left the small Cafe he’d been working in. His supervisor opened the public files on Jacob Summer and started compiling potential actions under the file name ‘Accidental Deaths’.

The Conclave

Nicholas’ PaDD began buzzing furiously.
}What did you do? Someone is looking into me minutes after I follow your order.]
{You’re planted in a business. These things happen.]
}Unknown User? No location? That’s just business?]
{You’re positive you’re compromised?]
}Only spies and mercs cover their tracks like this.]

Nicholas stood up. “Consider my offer. I’ll be back” He walked over to Karlson’s table. Scanning the other two people, he pulled his Starfleet ID out of his coat pocket. “Official business. Everyone but Karlson leave.” There was a detail only Karlson might notice. His rank and his clearance didn’t match up. He had top level clearance but his ID said Lieutenant Commander.

-Nicholas James, Section 31

The young man to Jam’s right shot Karlson a nervous look as he read the ID, then immediately grabbed a small PaDD shaped device from his pocket and tapped something. The Orion Woman stood up revealing that she was over a head taller than the Intelligence officer “I don’t see no colors on you fleetboy” She growled “This is a civilian establishment and we’re private Citizens, unless you pull a police badge we ain’t going nowhere” Jame’s would note that her footing change slightly as she prepared for combat. Almost the moment she did a slight motion from the seated Icelander stopped her. She looked back and relaxed at his direction

Johann was looking at the young man’s device and smiling “Relax Jaiva” It was common knowledge that the Police Commissioner spoke with a slight Scandinavian Accent but his older Brother spoke with almost no hint of accent. If anything he sounded slightly Earth, East Coast American if nothing else. “I’m perfectly fine over here, take the boy and put some shots in him then find him a playmate for the night” He gave her a wink. The woman growled in a very un-Orion way and practically dragged the young man away, shooting the intelligence officer an extremely dirty look.

When they had passed out of the VIP area Johann indicated next to him “A Seat Commander?” He asked as he poured himself another glass of Champagne, leaned back in his seat and crossed his thin legs. “I’m very curious as to what official Starfleet business I’m involved in, I don’t have any financial dealings with Starfleet in this sector” He said innocently, very convincingly innocently.

Jóhann Karlson

Nicholas sat down and stared at Johann for a moment. “Starfleet has nothing to do with it. My rank just happened to be convenient as a way to clear the area. That seemed preferable to shooting everyone.” His cold, calculating stare was unbroken. False eyes never felt the need to blink. “You and I both work for organisations that don’t officially exist. My business here didn’t relate to you until you very much became a liability. But I can’t kill you. Not here.” He pulled his PaDD out of his pocket and tapped at it for a moment. When he set it on the table, an image of Josef Karlson appeared projected above it. “Your brother. Probably the only reason you’re not in prison given how… blatantly you and your people work. I will say this once and once only. If anyone from my organisation should happen to die soon-“ He deactivated the image “appropriate measures would be taken.”

-Nicholas James, Section 31

Johann took a slow sip from his glass without breaking eye contact. His smile widened slightly “You very much misinterpreted what has been going on” He said calmly lowering his glass and pressing a single button on his watch. When he did a small invisible circle started around the pair shielding them from any potential surveillance, the drawback was that it also blocked communications to and from the same 6-meter circle. “You also overestimate your position” He grabbed the glass once more and took another sip “You made a rash decision and a foolhardy mistake trying to go after my company, you revealed truths about yourself which until then were only conjectures. You also make threats without understanding who or what you’re threatening” His tone was calm yet confident, his eyes never turned from James, rarely blinking, to a lesser man that stare would be extremely unnerving. “You’ll find nothing connecting me to anyone targeting any of your hypothetical people.” His smile widened once more “And you misunderstand my relationship with my brother, he’s not here to protect me, I’m here to protect him… and to protect others from his” He paused dramatically “Wrath” He laughed at the word, some sort of inside joke of his

He didn’t give the man a chance to respond “But since you seem to work for them who shall not be named” He chuckled again “I won’t move further. I’ve enjoyed their work in the past and most definitely worked for them although I doubt they know-how.” It was becoming clear that Jóhann was someone who enjoyed the sound of his own voice “I’ll also do you personally a favour and not inform my Brother of who you are, you definitely won’t survive that” His smile turned sardonic “Now before the veiled threats and innuendo continue can I offer you a drink?” He said gesturing at the table next to them.

Johann Karlson

“I don’t drink when I’m working.” Nicholas couldn’t see the shield, but he saw something… change. “Your brother is not a concern of mine. I am concerned with this man.” He pulled up an image of Jacob Summers. “This man is compromised. By the Conclave I’m guessing based on the timing and… other factors. You don’t let liabilities live. And I can’t let him die. We have reached an impasse, and each of us thinks we have the upper hand. Cards on the table Mr Karlson. Section 31 or the Conclave, who really has the advantage?”

-Nicholas James, Section 31

Johann laughed at his question “I assume that Mr. Summers is the man you got to waste credits on such a futile act?” He asked not waiting for an answer “You know I’m not certain why you made such an aggressive first move, as far as I am aware all I did was look” He paused as if realization just hit him “But that’s exactly it, you wanted to distract me. Stop me from monitoring you without understanding the first thing about who or what I am” He laughed jovially once more “Don’t worry, Jacob Summers is not in any physical danger. To be frank, he’s not important enough to have killed” Jóhann shrugged casually “At most, he would have been discredited, ruined in the business. Then the Hedge fund would have been acquired, dismantled and distributed amongst some less eager beavers. Any collateral damage would have been compensated, I run a business not a criminal syndicate…” His face turned grim as his eyes narrowed “And the Conclave has very strict rules about dealing death to innocents, rules that I don’t intend to break” His facial features loosened up and the smile returned to his face “You’re incorrect on that last part, this isn’t Section 31 versus the Conclave, this is a rash young man much too eager to attack versus and old man who just wanted a drink.”

Jóhann Karlson

“I would be inclined to believe you if you hadn’t sent a discreet transmission not long before every file on Jacob Summers was searched from a seemingly untraceable address. Someone beyond your corporate facade is at play. And aren’t you the slightest bit curious if there’s something to the bet made against your company?”

-Nicholas James, Section 31

Johann laughed at the question “Son, when someone deliberately targets me I use all available resources to find out who then I deal with them in the appropriate manner.” He finished his glass of champagne then placed it down “You think that his life is in danger because that’s how you work, that’s how you operate… eliminate obstacles with speed and efficiency” He said factually “For me dead bodies and angered secret agencies are a problem” He seemed to ignore the mans jab regarding his company “But tell me, what made you react so harshly to little old me noticing you. Before now neither of us knew who the other was in reality.” He indicated to the criminal in James’ employ “I assume he’s what you were using for surveillance or somethign similar?” He asked “The PaDD he kept writing at each time I gave him a look then you did the same before the ‘attack’ on my company. So what is so important that you can’t be noticed”

Johann Karlson

“I arranged things so I could set the dogs on your business and count on you being busy. It’s not you I’m here for. But you’re not stupid, unlike that Ferengi, you could spot an operation in motion. You know more than you need to and in my line of work, that’s a problem. Contrary to what you think, the gun isn’t my first choice. I agree, bodies are more nuisance than what they achieve is worth. I prefer leverage Mr Karlson. Control. A person trying to maintain their life will do anything. I have the Starfleet, Intelligence, and Section 31 dossiers on you and your brother. Me having them- doesn’t concern you. The fact that it was all just sold to that Ferengi, that is a problem. At best, you have a business rival who knows everything about you. At worst, they’ll play the stock market, I release a statement about insider trading and a data transfer taking place here. Under your nose.”

-Nicholas James, Section 31

Johann laughed again “Oh deary me, you really do think you have leverage. How about this” He leaned forward and poured more champagne in his glass “Your people know exactly as much as my brother and I have allowed you to know, same goes for the conclave. We’ve also given you some misdirections and false truths, anything you or he use can and will backfire. Then he’ll have a tragic accident some months later and you…” He paused to take a sip “well that depends entirely on how much Section 31 values you, they might disappear you or give you a new place to work from. If they really don’t like you they’ll give you to me” He leaned back in his seat “This leverage you think you have is moot, it’s not that I’m untouchable, far from it. It’s just that I’m much more prepared to fight you than you are prepared to fight me.”

He raised his left hand and made a sweeping gesture across the room “At least I think they agree” Throughout the room, a dozen or so people that had been dancing, drinking or generally being regular people stood up and turned towards them, each of them standing stiffly and oddly blank-faced. They all stared at Johann as if waiting for directions. Jóhann lowered his hand and all his thralls returned to whatever they were doing without a second thought.

Johann Karlson

Nicholas sat for a moment. “Goons. Creative.” He looked Johann up and down. “Coward or above it all? Or both? I vastly overestimated your value to anyone. You don’t do a damned thing. You’re arrogant when you speak Johann.” Nicholas leaned in as he decided to forego the man’s surname. “You don’t know me beyond what I tell you, but you assume the higher ground. An arrogant man of inaction. I’m wasting my time here. I’ll contact someone useful. If you’d care to lower your forcefield, I’ll return to my business. There are stakes. At least for those of us with a vested interest in the continued survival of OED. You, however, may resume your place on the sidelines.”

-Nicholas James, CIO

Johann cocked his head “It’s no forcefield, just a simple jamming signal for privacy, you were always free to leave. You’re also wrong, not about the arrogant bit but about the inaction. I’ve been protecting Oed long before you even heard of it and I’ll continue protecting it long after you leave, as will my” He chuckled “Goons as you call them. You’re also wrong on the high ground, I simply matched your threats with those of my own, don’t forget that you made the first move, everything I’ve done has been a simple counter to avoid escalation.” He shrugged “But you have my curiosity, Section 31 didn’t have any interests here before but they do now which means whatever’s coming is bad. So how about this, instead of trying to one-up each other with threats and not so witty banter I yield the battle” He stared directly at the man, measuring him carefully “And as a reward for your victory I pledge all of my on-ground resources both in the public eye and outside it, I’ve had a considerable time to build networks and connections that may prove of use to you.” He paused for a moment “For the safety of my home and the prosperity of the Federation?” He raised his glass with a questioning look. His sudden surrender was a move for sure but what kind, did Nicholas pass some test or was he being played. Did it matter?

Jóhann Karlson

Unexpected. Karlson played the game well. He did have business ties here, as well as a sibling. But why would he give up if he considered himself at least Nicholas’ equal? Nicholas nodded by way of response. If nothing else, Johann’s resources could be useful and where better to monitor a man than from the inside of his organisation? A person bought once can be bought again. “Make no attempt to contact me. I will contact you if you or any of your associates can be of assistance. I routinely check my home and office for listening devices. Just so you’re aware.”

-Nicholas James, Section 31

Jóhann put his hand in his pocket and removed a small data crystal and placed it half the distance between the two “This contains my personal secure line, I can be reached on it at all times, it also contains ID’s of three contacts, where and when they can be contacted. Ask them whatever you want to know about the local landscape and if you need any supplies or support. They’ll be informed of your Starfleet Intelligence identity and nothing more.” He took another gulp from his champagne “It does have both a tracer program and a self destruct so use an isolated disposable system” He shrugged “It’s the best I have on me” Although why he would carry such a thing was a different matter. “Don’t worry about bugs or tails, you won’t get any attention from us unless you warrant it” the old man smiled at Nicholas “Besides I concern myself mostly with monitoring the criminal element and opponents, right now you are neither”

Jóhann Karlson

Nicholas picked up the crystal and let his android eyes take in its every detail. He stowed it quickly and discreetly, almost as quickly as a magician might vanish a coin. “We have common enemies and common goals. As far as the public knows, I’m supposed to be protecting you. But all the while, you’re the Conclave’s watchful eye over OED. You’re an interesting man Johann. Things are manifesting in odd ways, I’ll be in touch. If you’ll excuse me, I have a hitwoman to put on retainer for emergency.”

-Nicholas James, Section 31
OOC: Would Android eyes see anything interesting about the crystal?

Johann inclined his head “I look forward to your next move” He said pressing the small button on his wristwatch and the privacy field disappeared. He returned to his drink and looking across the room.

Giving the Crystal a good look Nicholas could see that it was not standard issue, in fact, it was made from material not common within the Federation. There was also a trace of a rare type of radiation. It was not detectable through regular scanning but he could probably use his eyes to get a visual cue of anyone carrying a similar crystal on their person or anyone who had been exposed to it in the past few hours. The radiation stemmed from a type of microexplosive within it, powerful enough do disintegrate the crystal without severely damaging whatever it interfaced with. Now that the interference field was gone for a few seconds he could see a slight irregularity around Johann himself. An artificial ‘aura’ for the lack of a better word that disappeared as soon as it appeared.

Jóhann Karlson

Nicholas made a mental note to research Johann’s background. Something about that ‘aura’ made him uneasy. Perhaps it was contact radiation from the crystal. But with people like him, one could never be certain. He walked to the bar and sat next to the so far silent patron.

-Nicholas James, Section 31

OOC: Edits so my post makes sense.


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