Oblivion - Michael Jan Friedman [49]
But even then, Tain had a sense that life’s privileges were the province of the strong. That was why he had never allowed himself to become weak.
Tapping on the display window with his forefinger, he angered the targ and made it leap repeatedly in his direction. He would have liked to stay and watch the beast’s frustration, but he had a Zartani to find.
Abruptly, the Cardassian felt the buzzing of his com device. Removing it from his tunic, he spoke into its triangular input grate. “Tain here.”
“This is Varitis, Glinn.”
Tain’s eyes narrowed. He had posted Varitis at one of the city’s docking ports. “I’m listening.”
“It appears that we’re not the only ones looking for the Zartani. Rumor has it that a couple of Cataxxans are looking for him too.”
“Cataxxans?” said Tain. “And you say there were a couple of them? As in two?”
“That’s correct, Glinn. One male and one female.”
Tain pressed his knuckle into his lips. His underlings had yet to find any sign of the two humans. But now, there were a couple of Cataxxans searching for Demmix.
Coincidence? He didn’t think so.
After all, how much would it take to make a human resemble a Cataxxan? Not much at all. A little hair removal, a little purple dye, and the transformation would be complete—at least to the casual observer.
“Stay alert for any further word on these Cataxxans,” Tain said. “And tell the others to stay alert as well.”
“Of course, Glinn,” said Varitis.
“Tain out.”
Slipping his com device back into his tunic, he made a mental note to give Varitis the position left vacant by Merant as soon as this mission was over.
And why not? Varitis had given the glinn an important second option. Before, he had no choice but to find Demmix. Now, if his instincts were correct, he could simply find Picard—and let him lead the way to Demmix.
Once more, he tapped on the window and watched the targ fly into a fury. Then he gestured to Beylen and Karrid, and led the way to yet another Zartani hotel.
* * *
Steej was back in his office, scrolling through a list of the last hour’s worth of field reports, when he received a call on his com device.
“Steej here,” he said.
“It’s Ardin. I’m at the Coastal Breezes—and we’ve got another report about Cardassians asking questions. Except this time, there was only one of them.”
“Was he asking about the Zartani?”
“According to the proprietor.”
Steej sat back in his chair. Obviously, this Demmix was a very important fellow to someone.
Had he been important to the Cardassian they found in the alley? And had that fact somehow contributed to the Cardassian’s bloody demise?
It certainly seemed likely.
“That’s not all,” said Ardin. “There are a couple of Cataxxans asking questions too now.”
Steej made a face. “Cataxxans?” They were the most upright species he knew—hardly the sort to be engaged in anything shady.
“I know, sir. It seems unusual. But apparently, they showed up at the Coastal Breezes after the Cardassian did.”
“And?” said Steej.
“And they asked questions about Demmix as well. But without any threat of violence.”
The Rythrian nodded to himself. An important fellow indeed.
“I’m dispatching additional personnel to your sector,” he told Ardin. “Have them go around to all the Zartani hotels in the area and warn the proprietors about these Cardassians—and the Cataxxans too, while you’re at it. Tell them we need to know immediately about any visits they get.”
“Yes, sir,” came the response. “Ardin out.”
Steej frowned as he put his com device away. Cataxxans, eh? Who else was going to turn up in the course of his investigation? Some Gorn? A few Vulcans, perhaps?
Whatever was going on, it was bigger than he had ever imagined. But then, he consoled himself, it would be that much more satisfying when he got to the bottom of it.
For him, at least. For those who had committed crimes in his jurisdiction, it would anything but satisfying.
Commander Wu had barely sat down to eat a quick plate of stir-fried vegetables when