Deep Shit 69 - Chapter 3-2

Krisko arrived at the Ops Center just moments after the probe had been launched into the gasshole.

KRS: O'Brother! What the hell do you think you're doing??
MOB: I,...Major Keepyer ordered the launch, sir.
KRS: Major, you have an explanation for this?
KPR: Yes, Commander, as a matter of fact, I do! The gasshole was expanding when you gave the order and was on the verge of re-collapsing before you got here. We couldn't wait for the "Emissary's" blessing, so I had to get it launched before it was too late. If we waited for you, the Prophets only know when it would reappear!
KRS: Sorry, Major, I was...delayed tending to my son.
KPR: I told Starfleet about leaving children on this station while it's in such a sorry condition. Decisions have to be made and, if you're not here to make them, the agreement gives me command authority.
KRS: Agreed, Major. In the future, I'll try to keep better contact with you. And can that "Emissary" nonsense! Your crazy Kai dubbed me that and I haven't the faintest reason why!

Keepyer glared at Krisko after that insult. O'Brother broke the tension with a report from ther probe.

MOB: Commander, information coming back from the probe, sir.
KRS: Good. Justa, what do you make of it?
JST: Standard read-out for spatial anomalies like the gasshole. The one irregular thing about their harmonics is the,...regularity.
KRS: Try that again?
JST: Most gassholes just form and collapse according to other galactic forces. This one is sending back readings of extreme regularity. I think I can postulate when it will re-form, according to this data.
KPR: Nobody can tell when the hole will open again! Not even the Kai herself.
KRS: Hmmmm. Maybe the Kai has something with this "Emissary" title.
JST: Benjamin,...(pausing) wait a second...the information stream just cut off.
KRS: What?
JST: I'm getting nothing. O'Brother?
MOB: I'm trying to reboot the link, sir. Nothing's out there, sir. It's like it just,..died.
KRS: Well,...something shut it of.
KPR: Maybe the Prophets?
KRS: Get serious, Major.
KPR: Well,..how would you feel about getting the galactic equivalent of a colonoscopy?
JST: She has a point, Benjamin. This may be a large piece of the puzzle between the Kai and the Tears.
KPR: I'll notify Majoran Central Command. I'm sure this will be of great interest to them.

As the command crew further debated the implications, Dr. Bashful burst into the room, full of excited energy. After making for the head to relieve himself of some of his excited energy, he approached Krisko.

BSH: Commander! Commander! I must speak with you immediately!
KRS: Doctor, can't it wait? We've possibly stumbled across a great Majoran discovery.
BSH: So have I, sir! It's a matter of Majoran security, sir.

This revelation caught the attention of both Odor and Major Keepyer. The Major was still communicating with the Central Command authorities.

KPR: Care to elaborate, Doctor?
BSH: There's a Hardassian spy on the station! He made contact with me over at Quirk's.
(Speaking secretively) I think he wants me to be his contact.
ODO: Did this "spy" happen to identify himself, Doctor?
BSH: Why, gosh, yes, Sheriff. He says his name is "Garbaj."

Odor and Major Keepyer exchanged knowing glances at each other. Krisko caught their looks and understood their meaning. He addressed Dr. Bashful.

KRS: Ah,..very good, Doctor. Why don't you,...uh, follow up on this lead. Play along with him for now. Report back to me at regular intervals.
BSH: Golly, sure, sir. Gee, I never thought this would happen to me!

As the good medic walked away from Ops on Cloud Nine, Krisko followed up with Odor and the Major.

KRS: OK, you two: what was that all about?
ODO: Garbaj is nothing more than a civilian Hardassian tailor. He never made it big in the Hardassian military, so he likes to play up his role here on the station. Speaks often of the Obstinate Order.
KRS: And you don't suspect him of anything?
ODO: I suspect him of everything! It's my job, Commander. But he'd never be stupid enough to come out in the open like this.
KRS: I'll take your advice on the matter, then.

Major Keepyer finished her communique' with the High Command and approached Krisko with a wry expression.

KPR: Commander, the Kai wishes to address you, sir.
KRS: Me? Again?
KPR: apparently she wishes to advise the "Emissary" before he fulfills his mission.
KRS: I wish to God that somebody would clue me in on this "mission."
KPR: She'll be making contact with you in about ten minutes.
KRS: Fine. Just so long as she leaves my ears alone this time!