Plans & More Plans - Chapter #78

Free Enterprise  - Plans & More Plans - Chapter #79


Another meeting took place in Tyr's Ready Room the very next day. Tyr had his customary mug of Rakktigino, Harper had a mug of his favorite Ethiopian coffee. Tamara had a mug of Chai, Monique had green tea, and both HaxHis and Khan had a mulled, spiced milk drink called Ghi.

Tyr had given HaxHis a rundown on the progress he and Harper had made in fudging the codes. They were nearly finished, which meant they were ready for the next phase. This would be initiated as soon as they returned to the station.

“I asked Captain McPhearson and Lieutenant Commanders Seamus and Monique Harper to sit in on this meeting because we are going to need their expertise.” HaxHis started.

“When we return to Deep Space Ten there is going to be a an event called The Galactic Hover Board Olympics held on Paradisio. The contacts are coming in not only to compete but to exchange the disc with the dignitaries, in order for them to take them back to Romulus.” she continued.

“Wow! I've heard of that! I'm an avid surfer and I always wanted to go to one of those!” Harper piped up as his eyes lit up like a child's at Christmas.

“What, pray tell is this event?” Khan asked.

“It's the Great Grand Daddy of all Great Grand Daddies. A Hover Board contest to end all Hover Board contests!” Harper said.

“What is a Hover Board?” Tyr asked.

“It's yay big, about the size of an old Earth skateboard. . . .” Harper said, holding his hands apart in a span to depict a hover boards length. “. . . . . but it uses anti-grav technology and it hovers. You use it to surf on air and you do tricks and stuff.” he continued. Tyr could just imagine his little brother having one or two of the things stashed somewhere on the ship.

“It sounds like a child's toy.” Tyr said.

“Well, it was just a child's toy, until the Tween and Teen set got a hold of it. Now they are all the rage. Even older folk like us are using them.” Monique chimed in. To this Tyr raised his eyebrows, HaxHis and Khan pulled their whiskers back with mirth. Tamara shook her head and smiled.

“Don't laugh. For real, you can really turn a tidy sum on the professional circuit. You have a lotta guys and gals who do it professionally and make much latinum. But, you have to come up with better stunts than the next guy or gal. And don't get seriously injured or killed.” Harper added.

“Now, that we have been properly versed on Hover Boards, I'll need you four to become infiltrators and intercept those discs. Which means, you will have to watch for the targets arrival, find out the drop time, and be there to receive the drop instead of their intended customers.” HaxHis said. To emphasize her point, she pushed a padd towards Tyr which had side by side holo photos of both “targets”.

A Romulan male and female couple, both in their very early teens. They looked alike enough to be siblings. Tamara raised her right eyebrow in a questioning manner.

“Yes, they are siblings.” HaxHis replied. “He is Keshin and she is Tallar.

“Boy, they look kinda young to be spies don't ya think?” Harper asked, as he stared at the padd.

“Be not deceived by age. As long as one has breath, one can participate in subterfuge.” Tyr warned.

“Their position allows them to travel extensively. . . .” HaxHis started.

“ . . . . .Oh! I remember them! They're Team Rhihan and they took the gold cup last year!” Harper chimed in.

“Which means they are famous. If they are famous, how can they be spies at the same time? That would be an utterly ridiculous prospect.” Khan said.

“Spies by nature are supposed to maintain a low profile. So no one would dare think a famous person is a spy.” Tamara surmised.

“The best place to hide something, is in plain sight.” Monique said.

“I concur.” Tyr replied.

“I wonder how long have the Romulans been using this particular strategy in order to perform their skullduggery?” HaxHis stated.

“What will Solon's part be in all of this?” Tyr asked, as he sat back and folded his arms across his chest.

“He will be dealing directly with the Romulan dignitaries.” HaxHis replied.

“Who or what is he?” Tamara asked. Her disowned uncle was becoming more and more of a stranger with every second.

“He is a humble dealer of Kivas and Trillium.” Khan intoned.

“You do realize that within the undercover community, those are codewords for 'spy'”? Is he working for Section 31?” Monique asked.

“Section 31 never reveals who officially works for them. We can suspect, ruminate and speculate but we will never really know. You have to practically be a spy to suss them out.” HaxHis replied.

“Kinda makes me wonder where and when he was recruited.” Tamara wondered to herself.

“What do we need to do?” Tyr asked.

“I've purchased four advance tickets for the event, on Paradisio. I've also made hotel arrangements at the Rendezvous Estates, which is directly across the plaza from the stadium where it is being held.” HaxHis explained. “I also want you to become part of the flock.” she continued.

“The flock? That sounds like a church.” Tyr said as he frowned.

“Well it's kind of a church or a cult following of sorts. The competitors are split according to teams. And all teams wear certain colors, so their followers in order to express their affiliation, wear the same gear and colors. Most teams have specialized gear that only they use, so their followers buy the same gear. . . .” HaxHis went on to explain.

“The same gear?” Tyr asked.

“Pricey some of that stuff is. You see, the whole Hover Board following is split into four camps. The competitors, the groupies, the wannabes and the everyday audience that just like to watch the sport.” Harper explained.

“And we are?” Tyr asked.

“The flock. That's what Teams call their groupies. That's because they gather together and fly like birds.” Harper went on to explain.

“I sincerely hope I am not expected to learn how to use a Hover Board.” Tyr said.

“You don't have to, Tyr. But, it would be most helpful if you did. Tamara, Monique and Harper already do.. . . . . .” Haxhis started.

“There are many tasks in life which are odious, yet we still do them.” Khan stated. Tyr's heart sank as the tiny hairs on his neck stood on end.

“Life would utterly cease if we waited for the tasks which suited our whimsy.” Khan continued.

“Think of it as an investment in the future. You can teach both Alexander and Lysander how to Hover Board.” Tamara said brightly.

“Yes, quality father and child time is very important.” Khan said. In Tyr's mind a small white flag of surrender went up. This definitely not the hill he wanted to die for.

“When do we start?” Tyr asked.

“Right now.” HaxHis replied.

“Not an hour from now, later on this afternoon, after dinner, first thing in the morning, but right now.” Tyr sighed to himself, as he stood and followed the rest of the group out of the Ready Room. “Wonderful.” he sighed mentally.

“It won't be that bad.” Tamara's thought whispered back at him. “Babe, you really need to learn how to lighten up a bit. And learn to have some fun for a change.” she continued.



* * * * * * * * *

Tyr did not feel like he was having fun. HaxHis, Khan, Tamara, Harper, Monique and he were in one of The Insurrections two holo suites. They were in a nice park setting with plenty of space to Hover Board.

Tyr like the rest of his “compatriots” was dressed in what was dubbed “Team Rhihan” gear. Skin tight black, all over suits with wide lime green piping down the legs and a matching chevron yoke which covered the chest and back.
Tyr also had his locks braided and tied back for the occasion.

“Thank The Divine that pink and gold are not their colors.” Khan said. He could just imagine his Nietzschean brother dressed in pink. . . . . . . .

“What I found the most perplexing is the footwear.” Tyr stated, as he looked down at his shoes and splayed the toes on his left foot.

In the Hover Board industry the shoes were called “Orangutang Feet” or foot gloves. Like hand gloves, each toe had it's own separate slot and covering.

“They are strange looking but they are surprisingly comfortable.” Tyr continued.

“They were originally created to teach Humans how to walk correctly, which is barefoot. Someone discovered that they were very useful for Hover Boarding and here we stand.” Harper said.

“In Hover Boarding, you control the board mainly through your feet, toes and body position. The Orangutang Feet assist in having better grip and control over the board, the way cooper wire is excellent conductor of electricity.” Monique explained.

“You ready, Big Guy?” Harper asked.

“As ready as I ever will be.” Tyr replied.

“Okay. Step one, turn on board. . . . . . .” Harper said, as he upended his board and pressed a recessed button. “. . . . Step two, get a running start, and jump!” he continued as he demonstrated.

Less than a minute later, Tyr had picked up the technique and was soon Hover Boarding away with the rest of the group.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


About fifteen minutes later, HaxHis and Khan were still waiting for the group to return. They could hear calls of encouragement, squeals of delight and laughing. They could definitely recognize the baritone timber of Tyr's laughter.

“I had no idea this would take so long.” HaxHis said. She was expecting the group to come right back, not go for an extended romp.

“Be it far from me to tell you what to do, Ma'am, but let Tyr enjoy himself. For tomorrow we land on Pinnacle.” Khan said sagely.

“Indeed?” HaxHis asked. She had gotten so enmeshed in the details of Starfleet spies vs Romulan spies, that she'd lost track of time.

“Affirmative.” Khan responded.

“Very well, Khan. We've got some preparing to do also.” HaxHis replied. Both quietly took their leave, to the sounds of excited conversation and laughter.





NOTE TO READERS The Hover Board Suit looks something like what Lance Armstrong wears during the Tour De France. They can be either short or long sleeved or legged.

Hover Boards are a little bigger than skateboards but look like surf boards ( without fins ), and hover in the air with the help of anti grav technology.

The Orangutang Feet are my take-off of “Monkey Feet” shoes. For more info on them, please Google them. Yes, I would like a pair. . . . . . . . . :+}!