Friends in High Places

Fortunately, the last time we were on this particular version of Earth, we made some rather powerful... Hmm, actually, I'm not entirely sure "friends" is really the right word, since I'm not sure how much they approved of my solution to their problems. Well, let's say "powerful contacts," then. Definitely people who can aid us in our quest, or at least offer us useful resources, like, oh, say, transportation. I really don't want to have to go traipsing around Washington D.C. looking for the transformed Uhura on foot! In any case, whether the NSA remembers us fondly or not, I figure the worst they can say is "no." And, not to be immodest, but I like to think my powers of persuation are pretty highly developed...

Turns out I scarcely need them, though! A quick phone call to "Setec Astronomy" (hmm, you'd think they'd actually change their code name once in a while!) reveals not only that our old, er, contact, Abbott is still in a position of power with the NSA, but that he's somehow managed to recruit our old buddies the Sneakers into working for him [see ep. 13036]. Abbott actually appears pleased to hear from me: apparently our "interference" (his word!) ultimately netted him some excellent results. Not only has his particular faction within the NSA grown considerably in power and influence, but he's actually quite grateful to have the Sneakers working on his side, despite their somewhat, um, eccentric habits.

The upshot, at any rate, is that he's glad to be of help. Of course, he seems to be under the impression that our "manhunt for a fairy lass" is actually some sort of coded description for some other, more believable activity, and, hey, who am I to contradict him?

Moments later (nope, can't fault these people's efficiency!) several vehicles pull up next to us, and a smiling man gets out of one of them. I've generally got a very good memory, but it takes me a moment to recognize him.

"Carl? Hey, it is you! You look... older." [note: for information on Carl, see ep. 12504]

He looks me up and down. "You don't," he says.

I just smile.

"Hey, did you ever get a date with that NSA chick?" Ragan asks, cheekily.

"I married her!"

"Good for you!" I say. "I just got married, myself." I smile fondly at my... husband. You know, that really hasn't had time to sink in yet. Even after our decade-long engagement it feels a tiny bit odd to have finally tied the knot, and I've hardly had time to even think about it, there's been so much going on. I sigh slightly to myself. Eventually, we'll actually get the chance to have a proper wedding night. Eventually.

Pulling myself back to the here and now, I notice that Jarlath's group are already climbing into one of the vehicles and preparing to set out in search of the real Uhura. We should be doing the same.

1. "Right," I say. "Chekov, what have you got on your tricorder"?

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