Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Aug 7, 2021 18:14:45 GMT
July 2381
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD & Max Williams - Hoboken Terminal, Earth] The Hoboken Terminal, still housed in the former Lackawanna Railroad's historic 1907 building, was often crowded in the morning and evening rushes, but far less so at 2 PM. As such, when Max felt something brush up against his butt, he naturally assumed it was Judy, and reciprocated the gesture. "Honey, can we wait until I'm less stuffed?" she asked, with the bluntness of one who'd eaten too much pasta and drunk a fair bit of wine alongside it. "You started it," he explained, quite surprised by her reaction. "What?""So who touched me?"Instinctively, Judy looked at Max's backside. He'd always looked good in a nice pair of khakis, just as much so now as when she'd met him in '58, but she did notice something out of place - an old-fashioned, museum-grade sticky note. She took it and peered through the reading segment of her bifocals. More info for Mrs. Eastman on 1409 train to Trenton. Car 3, bottom floor, seat 8. "Apparently there's a note for me, but they didn't do their homework. Called me Mrs. Eastman, and it's the wrong train."Max dug his readers out of his pocket, unfolded them, and put them on. "I'll go get it. They want you, so if it's a kidnapping, they won't get you," he decided. "That's not a good..." Judy trailed off, before realizing her husband had already run off to do it. After two minutes, Max came running back with another paper note in hand. He'd boarded the train, and then left it after getting the note. "You're gonna want to see this."I have information that will help the Kurjarian people. Today, when you walk your dogs, have Mr. Eastman wear a baseball cap. I will drop proof and instructions to meet in your driveway at 2100 if you do. "Someone's playing cloak and dagger games with us," Judy pointed out. "It's the Kurjarians, though. You already have a few contacts.""I don't like it. I don't like that you're involved.""I'm a big boy. I can take care of myself. I think this is worth it."Judy sighed. "Let me think about it."
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Aug 7, 2021 18:51:51 GMT
That same day, 2058
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD - Eastman-Williams Family Home, Summit, NJ]
After Max wore a baseball cap on the dogs' walk, Judy had planned to intercept the courier of the mystery message, and now came out of her home, sidearm in hand and tricorder clipped to her belt, to do just that.
However, rather unfortunately for her, the drop had already been made, of a sleek PADD. "Dammit," she muttered. She took off her tricorder to scan the PADD, and confirmed that it was a garden-variety, civilian-issue device.
She picked it up and brought it inside, where she sat on the sofa and began to read.
1: Proof of Stake
- Duty roster from "The Pit" - March 2381 by Terran calendar - Travel itinerary of High Academic Yatin, during summit with delegation of Judge Estelle Roth - Receipts for Cuban cigar acquisitions on behalf of High Academic Yatin
"Seems legit," Judy said to herself, as she was able to confirm one of these totally, and a second anecdotally.
2: How to meet
I will send a private car to pick you up tomorrow at 1400. Ride a bicycle by the railway station. Wear all red. Come alone. You may be armed. I will be unarmed and alone.
Tell no one in Starfleet about this.
Judy was, without a doubt, unnerved, but also determined. This seemed like it might develop into a serious asset that she might hand off to Intelligence, or to her (admittedly tenuous) contacts among the Kurjarians.
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Aug 7, 2021 19:58:07 GMT
The next day, 1400
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD & Mystery Contact - Summit, NJ]
It was a hot, humid day, and at this hour, Judy was just about the only one out and about. She rode her bicycle, clad in red leggings and a sports bra, with a phaser pistol mounted to her waistband. On the rear rack of the bike, she mounted her handbag, and a black athletic jacket; the jacket, extremely unnecessary in this weather, was a safety blanket: if she put it on, she'd no longer be wearing all red, and would thus be calling off this whole affair.
However, at the moment, she was determined to make this meeting, and as her watch showed the time hit 2 PM, a hovercar pulled up behind her.
"Dr. Eastman. It is good to meet you in the flesh."
Judy drew her phaser, half-expecting to be kidnapped by a group of armed thugs, but turned around to see only one Caldonian - stocky and (unusually for the species) with a goatee. She also recognized his use of her academic title as a sign of respect.
"Can you load your bicycle without help?"
From his appearance, one expected this Caldonian to have a booming voice, but instead he spoke softly, at a somewhat high pitch, and with a tone between nasally and whining.
"You're the one who's been contacting me?" Judy asked rhetorically, and was answered with a nod.
"I'll load it up."
She placed her bike in the backseat, and then hopped into the shotgun seat. She placed her phaser in her lap, pointed at him, and her jacket over it.
"We cannot talk openly until we are in a safe place, where we will not be seen or heard."
"Can you tell me what this is about?" she asked.
"I can tell you that Mr. Yatin would not like us to meet."
"I promised my husband I would confirm that I'm not being violently kidnapped," she said, somewhat unrelated.
"No problem, but turn off all electronics after."
Judy sent Max a text message, with their agreed-upon safe word.
JEW: Make salmon for dinner. MW: <3
"Drive."
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Aug 7, 2021 20:31:59 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD & Dorga - Undisclosed Location, Northern New Jersey]The hovercar came to a stop in the middle of a field, and out stepped Judy and her Caldonian companion. "Here, Captain, we can talk. You can stay armed if you wish.""I think I'll pass."She left her phaser in the car, along with the jacket, but kept her handbag - that thing was almost an extension of who she was. "My name is Dorga. I am former Caldonian Ambassador to Federation," Dorga finally introduced himself in so-so English, clearly shunning the UT. He then offered her a handshake, which she returned - firmly. "You have strong grip.""Thank you."Judy currently stood about level with Dorga, though she was wearing sneakers and he platform boots, so all else being equal, she was likely about an inch taller. This made him unusually short for a Caldonian. "Why all the cloak-and-dagger games, Mr. Dorga?""If we are caught, you will be accused as Caldonian spy and fired, and Yatin will accuse me of insubordination and throw me in the Pit."That eliminated one of the possibilities that worried Judy - that she was being recruited as a Caldonian spy. "I see," she said. "Yatin had hopes, but he now knows you are not good ally for Caldonian government. Caldonia has other assets.""Any that you know?""Dr. Eastman, my plan is not to betray Caldonia, so I will not tell you what is not required for my plan. There are no Caldonian assets that I know on your crew, and that is enough.""And what is your plan, Mr. Dorga?""My plan is to humiliate and destroy Yatin by strengthening Kurjarian resistance," Dorga answered, sounding rather satisfied. Judy seemed almost excited by that. "What are your motives?" she asked. "My motives are private, Doctor.""Very well. What do you need from me?""I need partner in Federation territory to coordinate operations.""Starfleet operations?""No, Doctor. Black book operations. I know you are not the right person, but I hope you can connect me with someone who is."Judy thought about that for a moment. She was terrified of condoning such operations, and she would definitely not agree to be involved herself; she also feared that there could be innocent lives lost. However, she also knew a guy who could handle this kind of operation quite well - even in his current state - and she was confident that Dorga would find a contact one way or another. Matt Harmon's morals, despite his reputation, were something she could trust.
"I think I know a guy.""Good. Bring your guy to Kerelia on July 29th. I will have safe house there where I can meet him. I will tell you the address. If you will not be involved anymore, you will not be there.""Very well, but there is one more thing: I will provide you with a way to contact an associate of mine, and if she thinks your operations jeopardize the safety of Federation civilians, we will bring you down, Mr. Dorga - I have plenty on you as is.""I understand, Doctor. Federation civilians will not be harmed. I will also give you this blackmail file."Judy had just the person in mind, who'd get to hold onto the PADD she was now handed. "At the end of this path, you turn left on another one, and then you are in Chatham. Can you get home, Doctor, or will you need a ride?""Now I see why you wanted me to bike. I'll make it.""I know this game well, Doctor. Thank you for playing."Judy took her bicycle out, loaded her things, and rode off, downhill, towards her home. Dorga drove in the opposite direction.
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Aug 7, 2021 23:19:16 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD & Max Williams - Eastman-Williams Family Home]
Judy returned from her clandestine adventure around 4 PM, sweaty and tired. Though she was quite fit for her age, she was still 65 (having so recently celebrated this birthday), not too used to cycling, and she had ridden for nearly an hour in 70% humidity.
Knowing that she and Max were home alone, she just came in through the side gate, stripped down, and came into the shallow end of the swimming pool, letting the cold water wash over her.
Hearing a sound, Max stepped out of the house. "I thought you could use some cold water to drink," he announced, holding out a glass of ice water. "So thoughtful," she accepted it, gulping the water eagerly. Max came into the pool, joining his wife. "Tell me about your top-secret meeting." Truth be told, Judy was looking forward to telling someone about it, and who better than her better half?
"Well, the guy was an odd one. He's out to get revenge on Yatin by arming Kurjarians, but he won't tell me why. I think it's personal."
"Yatin's the one that wouldn't release the Caldonia 5, right?"
"That's right."
"So what's your play? You know how I feel about..."
"I'm not going to run Black Ops with him, and I'm not going to keep doing these cloak-and-dagger things. I'll just hold onto a blackmail file he's given me, and use it if I have to."
"You should vet him with your contacts," Max suggested.
"I will, and I'm sure Matt will too."
"Just be careful, honey."
"I will, and I think having a sense of purpose again will be good for Matt, too. At the very least, I owe this to the Kurjarian people."
Max was satisfied enough, as Judy had found a way to make the most of this situation, without putting strain on their family.
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