Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Feb 10, 2013 17:36:55 GMT
Controling the man was more tiring than she could imagine. Several times she felt the mental hold on him slipping. He stopped walking and turned to face her, confusion on his face. T'Vana summoned every ounce of her tentative ability to regain control. Finally the man continued walking.
By some miracle, they reached the transporter room un-noticed, but there was another man in the room. T'Vana worked quickly:
"Gann want's the girl on the surface." she mouthed, hearing the man before her speaking the words.
"He's not said anything to me about it." the other replied.
"Reset the co-ordinates ... You are to beam us to the surface without delay." her companion insisted, but the transporter operator was having doubts. T'Vana couldn't wait, she stepped beside the man and grasped his hand in hers ... The shock of contact almost knocked her unconscious, but she managed to hold on and prevent the man from raising the alarm:
"SLEEP !" she instructed. The man stopped in his tracks and stared vacantly ahead. She slowly released the man's hand and returned to her companion, "Change where we will beam down, We don't want to be seen. Do you understand ?"
The man nodded and moved around the transporter console. He pre-programmed a new destination then set the system to wipe the co-ordinates once transport was complete. Satisfied, he stepped onto the pad and waited for T'Vana, but she fell to her knees, exhaustion flooding through every fiber of her small body:
"You nee ..... You need to carry me." she said quietly, after a second the man followed her instruction and came toward her. He bent and lifted her in his arms then stepped back to the pad. Seconds later the sequence activated ....
It was almost dark on the surface of the planet. T'Vana looked around and could see a group of buildings in the distance. That would at least give them cover until morning. She reached up and placed her fingers on the temples of the man carrying her and closed her eyes in concentration. The man nodded as if in compliance, then he began walking toward the darkened buildings. Hoping her subconsciously implanted suggestion that he guard her and ensure her safety at all times, would hold him for some time, at least until she could rest and regain some of her strength, she fell into a deep sleep ........ ~~~~~~~~~~"Sir, we have re-established our previous orbit." San said. Gann turned to J'Sat: "Where did they beam down ?" "I cannot tell." the Vulcan said, "Whoever deleted the log did an excellent job of it ... Indeed, there is no record in the ships' computer that a transport even took place at all. So I am afraid I am unable to assist you ... Maybe her untimely demise would have been preferable in the circumstances." Gann took his phaser and pushed it into the Vulcan's throat. If they didn't need the psychopathic murderer to synthesize more of the serum, he would have gladly killed the man there and then. J'Sat looked on, almost impassive at his possible demise, until Gann threw the weapon aside in frustration. He turned to San: "Contact the Romulan witch .... She needs to know we will not make our next location on time. Blame it on anything you like that convinces her, 'DO NOT' mention that the girl has escaped us for the time being .... Kalak, Marial, Mia, you are coming down to the planet." "We can't go back down there. We just murdered one of their most eminent Doctors for gods sake. We'll be hunted the seco ......" Kalak began, but the blow from the back of Gann's hand silenced him instantly. "Would you prefer the girl give our descriptions to the local authorities. We'll be hunted throughout the sector you moron. J'Sat, you will remain here. Let's go !" ~~~~~~~~~~They materialized in the same derelict building as before. Gann checked their arrival hadn't been seen, then headed into the darkened street. "She will try to get to the closest authorities. We need to find her before she reaches anyone." Gann said, "Set your tricorders to scan for 'Vulcan' life-signs, this place is hardly running with them, so she should be relatively easy to detect." "What makes you think she hasn't beamed to the other side of the planet ?" Kalak asked wearily. "Because, in case you hadn't noticed, she is a 'FIVE YEAR OLD GIRL' ... 'NOT' a bloody master spy ! ... We'll split up. Mia you go with Marial. Kalak, you can stay where I can keep an eye on you. You're to contact me if you locate the girl, then transport to the ship immediately. Understood." "You're not keeping Mia with you ?" Marial said worriedly, glancing at Mia. "Oh, I think our Assassin and I have come to a mutual, understanding ... Haven't we Mia." Gann said, a sadistic smile accompanying the comment, "She knows full well that I will murder our 'guest' the second she steps out of line again. But as an added 'incentive' I have made arrangements that should she find the child and not return her to the ship, I will reduce this settlement to rubble before leaving the system ... So, you two girls can go on your merry way and look for the child." Elena and Marial began walking west, towards the far side of town. She had formed a plan that would ensure T'Vana's freedom, while allowing he to gather the information she needs to identify the covert operative within the Federation. But that had changed with Gann's threat ! ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Feb 17, 2013 19:11:26 GMT
Elena and Mariel had started towards one of the lower level ends of the city, this was blatantly obvious by the run-down buildings, the lack of simple amenities and the sudden down-turn in how the 'residents' appeared. Elena could never understand why planets refused to enter the Federation, there would be non of this with their help. As they moved to a residential area, Mariel pointed toward what could only be described as 'squats' ... Places where people sheltered but had no ties to, essentially former abandoned buildings where someone could sleep. She started to move toward the first building: "You intend to just wander in and go from room to room do you ?" Elena asked. "I figure, if we're in the lobby area, we can scan for Vulcan life-signs quite easily. If it comes up blank then we move to the next building ... Simple." Mariel replied. Elena shrugged and followed the woman into the 'hotel' ... ~~~~~~~~~~ "OK, this just isn't working." Mariel said, frustration showing as they left their fifth building without finding anything, "What if we start to lean on ......" "Look ... It's pretty obvious we're on a looser here." Elena interrupted the woman, "I've no idea regarding where you come from, but where I'm from, a disheveled man in a daze, wandering around with a five year old Vulcan child would stand out like the proverbial sore thumb ... She would have found somewhere safe, somewhere more populated. Go the 'hide in plain sight' route. So we move from here !" Elena didn't wait for her companion to reply. She stepped in front of an aged transport vehicle causing the driver to break hard: "Mia ... What the 'HELL' are you doing ... Gann said not to attract attention !" Mariel said, nervously looking around as if about to be caught. "I'm sorry for stepping out Sir, But my friend and I are lost, could you help get us back into the city ?" Elena said, ignoring the woman. "Ten credits." the man said simply. "We ... We don't have any credits." Elena explained. "Then you don't have a ride into the city, do you." the man replied, engaging the electric motor and edging the vehicle ahead. But Elena suddenly reached forward and grasped the mans throat, she found the carotid artery and applied pressure, within seconds the man was unconscious, the vehicle rolled to a stop. She moved toward the man, easing him along the seat until she could sit beside him. Scanning the simple controls she moved the vehicle forward then halted: "You coming ?" she asked Marial ....... ~~~~~~~~~~Entering a small residential area, Elena drove the vehicle into one of the quiet side streets then stopped. Checking they were alone she took out her med-kit and placed a hypo-spray against the mans neck. Seconds later they were walking away and into the main street. "When found he won't remember having company, however, he will have one hell of a hangover." Elena said by way of explanation, "See, quiet residential area, plenty of vacant housing, I'd be hiding here until I could get to help. The girl won't want to simply walk into the local law office. She will try to contact someone she knows." "And how would you know that ?" Marial asked, scanning side to side. "Because it's what I did !" Elena walked on before the woman could question her further. She had other things on her mind and didn't want Mariel interfering ... She knew she was taking a massive risk here. She could not afford for Gann to get hold of T'Vana, he would have her in chains seconds after her capture. But she needed to find the little girl and ensure her safety. She wondered vaguely if she would need to kill Mariel to make sure T'Vana remained safe ... Yes, she decided instantly, she would !. They were stood on an intersection while Mariel did a three sixty scan of the area. She looked up suddenly, then back to the tricorder. She took a few steps into on of the streets then repeated the scan. Frowning, she turned to Mia. "I think I might have found something." she said, moving forward panning the tricorder from side to side. Elena began to follow, her adrenalin levels rising to reflect her state of mind. Then she stopped. ~ Elena ~ The word jumped into her mind and she turned quickly asif she had heard it from behind her, but they were alone in the deserted street. ~ Safe ~ She suddenly realized it was T'Vana, somehow managing to put a thought into her head. She looked at the buildings, eyes darting to every window and doorway. She knew the child was close, but so did Mariel ... Elena began closing the distance to the woman, picturing her mode of attack, the quickness of the kill, but Mariel turned to face her: "I've lost it ......" she said, turning the tricorder in her hands as if wondering if it had malfunctioned. Elena halted her approach instantly, "I could have swore I have a Vulcan life-sign, but it's gone now." "She could still be in this area." Elena said, looking around, "It's getting dark, lets make use of one of these empty buildings. Get something to eat, and some rest. We'll contact Gann as arranged in the morning. If she's here we'll find her." Mariel looked at the device once more, as if it would suddenly come to life and point the way, but nothing. She dropped it to her side and followed Mia into one of the prefabricated houses ... Once settled, they prepared something to eat then found what could be used as bedding. The two settled down to sleep ... Elena opened her eyes slowly ...... Checking the time she knew they had been asleep for almost three hours. Moving her blanket she slowly approached Mariel. She could see by the movement under her eyelids, that the woman was in 'REM' sleep and dreaming. She lifted the tricorder slowly and activated it. Glancing at Mariel, she was satisfied she was in a deep sleep, then recalled the device logs for the last four hours ... It was there ! Specified parameters confirmed - Vulcan life-sign located:
Heading: Two seven one point six Distance: One hundred thirty four point nine metersShe deleted the logs and sat back. Somehow, T'Vana had prevented the woman from seeing what was on the screen. Elena replaced the tricorder and backed away. Once close to the door she opened it and silently slipped into the darkness ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Feb 20, 2013 22:12:13 GMT
Elena silently made her way to the co-ordinates she had seen on Mariel's tricorder. She was in an unlit area of the complex of residences. She looked at each window in turn, hoping to catch a glimpse of reflected light, or a shadow passing across the darkened panes of glass, but there was nothing ... 'Maybe the readings were wrong' she thought to herself. She moved toward one of the houses and risked looking into the first darkened room. She knew full well that a tricorder would have been much simpler, but her scans could be picked up by the right eqipment. besides, in her 'trade' sometimes good ole fashioned detective work was the best option. She had checked three of the houses when she suddenly 'heard' a single word, but 'inside' her head: Wait ...... Elena stopped moving instantly and pushed herself into the shadows between two doorways. There was almost no lighting, so she was confident she was hidden from view. She almost reacted when someone suddenly took her hand ! ... She looked down at the five year old T'Vana. The little girl had her finger to her lips in the universal signal for quiet. Elena knelt down and hugged the child, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. T'Vana returned the hug stronger than Elena could have imagined. She moved the little girl so she could see her face in the darkness, and frowned ... She looked 'older' somehow, but that was impossible, maybe it was the horrid lighting, or her own worries, but she couldn't shake the feeling the little child was in pain. "I am well." T'Vana said, as if in response to her concerns, "You do not need to be worried Elena. I have the guard, safe ... He is 'dreaming' though what of I have no knowledge, I did not go as far as to supply a topic." the girl said, grinning. "How are you doing this T'Vana." she whispered, both apprehensive and fearful for the little girls' well being, "You are only five years old !" "You are aware of my, 'accelerated' development following my Mothers illness. I can only cogitate that it is advancing even more quickly than even my Father expected." "We need to get you off this planet and into safety." Elena said, taking the girls' hand, but T'Vana remained rooted to the spot, forcing her to turn around, "What are you waiting for, we need to get you back to your Father sweetheart." Elena said, dismay in her voice. But T'Vana had made the link .... "My mind to your mind ......" T'Vana silently spoke to Elena, who relaxed by the second, accepting without doubt what the child was started to tell her ...... Moments later the meld was broken. Elena felt refreshed, resolved, and determined to continue her search, but T'Vana had only reassured her convictions, and not implanted any form of suggestion into her friends' mind. "My Father is coming." T'Vana said quietly, "You must find us ... Tomorrow ... Before Gann can get to me. Please do not worry Elena, I am more sure now that we will both find what we are looking for ... I must leave you now. I will be in this building when you come. Your companion will locate us tentatively, and you should approach with caution. Please do not fire on the guard, he will be awake but easily overcome ... Thank you Elena. I shall see you at dawn." and with that the little girl stood on her tip-toes and pulled Elena downwards. She kissed her on the cheek then vanished into the darkness. Elena had no option but to return to her rooms and await the morning ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Feb 28, 2013 17:22:31 GMT
She had woken early, before the light of dawn had began it's march across this side of the planet. She had slept soundly for the first time since she could remember, obviously something T'Vana had allowed her she decided ... She stood and stretched, looking around for Mariel ... She was gone !
Heart in her mouth, Elena hurried through the building, checking room to room, and almost yelled in frustration when her companion entered from the back of the building:
"Where the 'HELL' have you been !" she asked, easing her finger off the activation pad on the phaser.
"Bathroom !" Mariel said, wondering what all the fuss was about, "This place is backward in 'every' sense of the word."
"We need to go." Elena said, throwing Mariel's bag toward her then stepping into the pre-dawn light, "We'll search these outlaying buildings first, then if we don't have any luck we'll need to contact Gann for further instructions."
She purposely avoided the building T'Vana said she would be in, choosing an avenue that ran parallel. Taking a side each, the two women began a systematic search of each abandoned residence ... She glanced through the gaps in the buildings judging when they would come adjacent to T'Vana, but she needn't have worried, as Mariel suddenly dropped to her knees and signaled to Elena to follow suit. She pointed past one of the building's and mouthed 'Guard' ... Elena joined her companion and could see one of Gann's men, the one helping T'Vana, entering a darkened building, a small bag of what could be supplies under one arm.
"I'll contact Gann, let him kno ......" Mariel began, but Elena stopped her activating the Comm:
"No ..... Gann will kill her if he gets to her first, with us there he can't simply murder our only remaining chip, you know that ... We'll go in, quickly and quietly. Try not to shoot anyone unless 'absolutely' necessary OK ... You go left, then in through the back. I'll hold off here for a moment then go in the front. Oh, and I'M the one in the blue coat in case your trigger-finger get's itchy."
Rather than waiting, Elena moved as soon as Mariel was out of sight. While Gann would certainly kill the girl, simply out of hand, Marial would want to get to the guard and dispose of him before throwing T'Vana on his mercy. But something was telling Elena that her companion might be having second thoughts regarding Gann's treatment, and the fact that he had still to pay them for services rendered ... Maybe she could persuade Mariel to alter her allegiance, it was worth the thought. She stepped through the door silently listening for movement ... Satisfied, she moved forward, halting suddenly as she heard a faint noise from the back of the building. Mariel was inside ... The woman appeared without warning and turned to her left. In one smooth motion she opened the door and raised her phaser. Elena shouted:
"NOOOO !"
The knife planted itself into Mariel's upper arm, causing her to drop the weapon, but she reacted quickly, taking out her own blade and raising her good arm to throw. Elena closed the gap between them within a second and slammed a fist into the woman's rib cage. She fell on top of the woman and withdrew her own blade with one hand while grasping the throat with the other, forcing her thumb to the right of the windpipe and applied pressure ... Mariel gagged, unable to breathe, unable to react as Elena increased the grip. She pressed her index finger into the carotid artery, stemming blood flow to the brain, and Mariel slipped into semi-consciousness.
She looked into the room where Mariel was aiming ... The guard was stood in the center of the room, totally immobile, a flask of liquid in one hand. T'Vana was stood directly behind the man.
"Are you OK ?" Elena asked, glancing at the prone Mariel and releasing her grasp, before standing and moving toward the girl.
"I am fine ... He stepped in front of me." T'Vana said, looking up at the man, "I felt Mariel. Knew she was going to fire. I was concentrating on preventing that action when this man stepped between us. Completely without any prompting from myself !"
Mariel was getting to her feet, one hand applying compression to the wound in her shoulder:
"Gann will 'KILL' you for this MIA !" she hissed through clenched teeth.
"No, he won't." Elena said quietly, taking the Med-kit and moving Mariel's hand so she could treat the incision, "He may well kill you for attempting to hurt the girl though. But we'll have to see, won't we ... Now, rest the arm for a day or so and you will be fine, it didn't sever anything vital ... Go outside and contact Gann. Tell him with have the girl. Give him these co-ordinates, he may want to drop by and say 'Hello' you never know."
Elena waited while the woman left, then turned to T'Vana:
"T'Vana, are you sure this is what you want. We still have time to get you to the authorities and safety."
"Yes." the little girl said defiantly, "We must bring this man to justice." she finished, looking up at the man.
"I want to help you both." he said. Elena looked at T'Vana, who smiled, reassuringly.
"You have him in your control ?"
"At first, yes ... I needed his assistance to get off the ship, and to find a safe place to hide until I could contact you once again ... But as night fell I slowly released him from my control and we spoke at length. He willingly allowed my probe into his mind, indeed, welcomed the somewhat 'meditative' effect of my mind meld. He does not want to help Gann, he was 'awarded' to Gann as payment for debt at a very early age, and has served him since. But now we have, spoken, he wants to atone for his multitude of sins and assist in the mans downfall."
"I am Aviq ... Please allow me to help you both." the man said, tentatively holding out his hand.
"Gann will likely kill 'ALL' of us if he should suspect." Elena said, watching the man closely, wondering if the five year old had overestimated her ability this time. But T'Vana was smiling, and Aviq did seem sincere. She took the offered hand and shook ... She heard the outer door and grabbed T'Vana quickly:
"Take her ! ... Make it look as if you are happy about it too ... If Mariel heard anything this will end the second Gann appears. She kissed T'Vana on the cheek then gave Aviq the briefest smile before turning to the door.
"Gann said to wait in the garden area. He will join us shortly." Mariel informed them, taking in the scene, 'Apparently you were right Mia. It seems he would have been, disappointed, should the girl have come to harm at the hands of the guard, or ourselves." she finished turning on her heel and leaving the room. After a moment, Elena, T'Vana, and Aviq followed ... Once in the enclosed garden area they waited on their employer ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Mar 2, 2013 15:01:15 GMT
Aboard the Tak'Lar ...Admiral S'Peen had sat quietly contemplating the value of his remaining in orbit around Gellox IX ... But even 'he' was subject to a Command structure, and the Section Admiral had ordered he remain while the investigation was completed. He could easily imagine the meaning of the Human trait 'Frustration' now.
Two other Star ships were in orbit, trying to assertain what caused the deaths of all on the research station, and more importantly, where the missing Scientist's where. He had not sat idly by, regardless of orderes. His crew had been working and had now found the remnants of a warp trail heading away from the station. S'Peen had contacted Command and had finally been given permission to depart ...
"We can leave on your order Admiral." the Captain informed him. S'Peen nodded and watched the K'Var Class vessel turn away from the planet, jumping to warp seconds later.
"There are only two possible locations on this heading Admiral." the Captain explained, "An unmanned research complex, now long abandoned, and the Vulcan colony on Worlvak."
~~~~~~~~~~
Nine hours later, the Tak'Lar entered the Worlvak System and began long-range scanning of the region. It was not good news. S'Peen was told that non of the two hundred forty six Vulcan colonists, none had survived the attack ... As the ship entered orbit S'Peen insisted on going to the surface to see the genocide with his own eyes, he was sure they would find information on the kidnappers' next target, and with that, news of his children !
After a full day of investigation, S'Peen was now convinced that these murderers were intent on killing members of the Vulcan race. He also knew that a known criminal, one J'Sat, was among those responsible. They had also acquired information detailing a possible attack on a much larger target, that of Vexxor Minor, where over two million Vulcan's had resided fo three centuries ... This made him more determined to bring the group to justice, and at the same time fearful for the welfare of his missing children. He ordered everyone back to the ship and the Captain to set course for Vexxor Minor, he was to exceed warp engine specifications to make best time ...
In his quarters, the Admiral rested until his Comm chirped:
=^= S'Peen =^=
=^= Admiral .. We have been in contact with Vexxor Minor .. They report no unauthorized vessels entering the system within the last ninety six hours .. When a small cargo vessel had suffered navigation issues but departed the system without assistance =^= S'Peen's Aide informed him.
=^= A scout vessel perhaps ? =^=
=^= Possible Admiral .. But we have also received information of a ship in distress that was assisted outside the system but picked up on their long-range telescopic array .. I have the co-ordinates Sir =^=
=^= Have the Captain change our course .. I will join you shortly T'Nol =^=
The Comm closed and T'Nol nodded to the ships Captain ... By the time Admiral S'Peen entered the Bridge, they were less than one hour from the designated co-ordinates ... Dropping from high warp, the Tak'Lar began scanning the area thoroughly. It took only moments for the Tak'Lar to find valuable information !
"What am I looking at ?" S'Peen asked, watching the screen intently.
"We have a warp trail, that intensifies over six hundred thousand kilometers, where it ends abruptly Sir." The Captain informed him, "The level of subsequent radiation can only denote a warp core matter anti-matter detonation ... I would suggest the ship suffered a catastrophic cascade failure of some type, resulting in their ejecting the core."
"Then why are they not still here .... ?" S'Peen asked.
"There is a second warp signature Admiral. Converging with the original location of the core ejection ... Sir, it is a Romulan warp signature. Given the lack of a disabled vessel, I can but cogitate that the second ship provided a replacement core, and both vessels departed ... But not on the same headings. The Romulan seems to have back-tracked on their former heading, while the second vessel moved away on a heading of three two zero mark four one." the Captain informed him, S'Peen looked up, suddenly attentive:
"How long since their departure ?"
"Impossible to ascertain in regards of the new core. But if we could surmise that 'both' vessels entered warp at approximately the same time, then no longer than, Twelve hours, Admiral."
"Contact Star Fleet ... Inform them of our findings. Ask them to attempt to locate, and capture the Romulan vessel. Inform them we are pursuing, other alternatives. Do not divulge any further information regarding our heading from this location."
The Captain hesitated for a second, until T'Nol looked him in the eye, then he spun to give the orders.
S'Peen sat back, closing his eyes to aid his concentration ... He was now less than twelve hours away from his Children. Even though he knew it was impossible, he began to mentally 'project' the names of his siblings ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Mar 3, 2013 23:15:37 GMT
Gann appeared in just under an hour. He made no effort to inform the others of his actions in the time he'd been separated, he had no need to in his opinion.
He walked straight to T'Vana and snatched her off the ground. Elena stepped toward him but felt the business end of a phaser pushed against her temple ! ... Kalak grinned:
"Please give me an excuse Mia." he said.
"Now now Kalak. Aviq, you should be more careful, otherwise this little girl will get the better of you again, and if that should happen, she had better take you far far from my grasp !" Gann said opening his communicator:
=^= San .. Lock on to my signal .. Beam us back to the ship .. Now ! =^=
~~~~~~~~~~
"Secure the girl ... Take us out of orbit." Gann ordered as they materialized, "We have an appointment on Vexxor Minor."
The ship turned away from the planet and jumped to warp. It was going to take time to get back to their original target, but Gann didn't mind, he had been hired to do a job.
"Incoming communication ... It's the Romulan woman." San informed Gann who nodded toward the screen.
=^= Have you finished playing hide and seak with the child Gann .... If so I have your next target =^=
=^= I thoug ...... =^=
=^= Don't think Gann .. It doesn't suit you .. Epsilon Pi .. There is a Vulcan science teacher working in the main elementary school .. Her name is Mas'ik .. You will ensure she 'resigns' her position with immediate effect .. Do I make myself clear ! =^=
The Comm closed before Gann or anyone else could comment.
"Set course for Epsilon Pi." Gann said.
Aviq left the Bridge and made his way to Mia. He needed to tell her what was happening next. He approached the room but Mariel was in the corridor:
"Where are you going ?" she asked, raising the phaser in her hand slowly.
"The last time I checked, I didn't answer to you." he replied noting her actions, "If you have any issues with where I go or what I'm doing, then feel free to report you concerns to Gann. Otherwise, get the hell out of my way ... And don't EVER threaten me again Mariel, unless you are intent on killing me !" He walked past the woman, hiding his fear, and entered T'Vana's room ... Making sure the door was secure, he went to Elena and the girl:
"We have been instructed to test the serum again." he said, resting his head in his hands, "A teacher ... Vulcan."
Elena sat quietly holding T'Vana ... She knew that she must find information on 'who' was controlling Gann and the Romulan Rekun. She knew it was someone within Star Fleet and someone with a high enough position to be able to cover his, or her, traks effectively. It suddenly dawned on her that T'Vana may hold the key to getting that information. It would be dangerous, but if she could probe Gann's mind, maybe he would divulge a name Elena could work on.
"T'Vana ... I need to ask you something." she said, looking at Aviq.
"I know what you require Elena." the little girl replied, keeping her head buried in Elena's lap, "It will take some time. I will need to make sure he is totally unaware of my presence. Aviq, could you come back here when Gann has retired. I think it would be better this way."
Aviq nodded then left the room. T'Vana raised her head then turned over to lay on the pillow. Within minutes she was asleep. Elena stood and pulled the blanket over the little girl, wondering what she was really capable of ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Mar 16, 2013 0:18:48 GMT
She woke, sitting up instantly, it was zero four hundred, and she needed to get up ... Dressing quickly, she moved to the door of her quarters and listened intently. Satisfied no-one was moving around she stepped into the corridor and moved quickly to T'Vana's room. She approached the bed and knelt down, watching the child breathing rhythmically. She waited a moment, then touched her shoulder. T'Vana opened her eyes instantly: "Is it time ?" she whispered. Elena nodded. T'Vana sat up and crossed her legs, looking for all the world like a child in a school assembly. She took Elena's hand for a moment, gathering her thoughts, then nodded: "I am ready to try now." she said, putting both her hands ion her lap and closing her eyes, "You must not interfere Elena, it could harm me if you attempt to break the bond should I succeed." "Probe his sub-conscious gently. Don't try too hard, just see if you can make a link, OK." T'Vana nodded then began to relax ..... "My mind, to your mind." the little girl mouthed silently, "My thoughts to your thoughts .... We are together as one ........"
Elena watched as T'Vana attempted what no Vulcan had acheived before. Yes, Spock had once influenced a non-Vulcan, but only basically, and only a meter apart. T'Vana was attempting a full mind-meld from almost thirtyty meters distant ! ... If Gann somehow realized what was happening, he would throw both of them out the nearest air-lock. But Elena was more worried that J'Sat, the other Vulcan aboard, albeit insane, in her humble opinion, could pick up on the attempt should he be awake. But she couldn't think too much on that issue as T'Vana straightened her back, suddenly sitting bolt upright:
"I have him." she whispered, frowning, "It is ... Difficult ... I ne ..."
Elena watched the child as tears began to run down her cheeks, knowing it was pointless to reply as T'Vana wouldn't hear her. All she could do was sit and wait, and hope something would come of this. For ten, long, minutes, T'Vana mouthed words, but Human and Vulcan, in her congress with her captor. She wanted the little girl to work wonders obviously, but that wasn't about to happen. No-one lived in that 'Ideal' world, so she would have to be patient, and see what they could see ....
T'Vana suddenly slumped forward: "I am sorry, but it was too, painful for me to continue, please forgive my inadequacy." she said, falling into Elena's arms, "I could not find the information you need, but this was my first attempt. I am sure my second will be easier now I have established a sub-conscious bond with the man." "I was worried, you were crying .... I think we should stop this now, before it sta ....." Elena began, but T'Vana interrupted her: "He wanted .... No .... 'NEEDED' to kill one of us. He feels it has secured his position among the crew, but is fearful that the Romulan woman is loosing, faith ? .... He chose me, but realized a 'female child would instill a stronger maternal bond, thus allowing him to control my Father easier. He killed S'Koril for no reason than to prove he could ! .... I have 'suggested' that he is wrong in his current course of actions, but it is possible it will be as an 'afterthought' in his mind at this stage. I need to rest Elena. I am sorry." Elena was almost in tears herself. "Lay down, and go back to sleep. You did very well, and I'm sure you had an effect, however small. Go to sleep and I will see you in the morning." T'Vana put her head on the pillow and began to relax. Elena stroked her hair until she fell asleep. Once satisfied the little girl was OK, she left and returned to her own room ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Mar 21, 2013 17:12:47 GMT
It had taken the Spartan four days to travel to epsilon Pi ...
"Establish orbit. Locate their primary city. We will beam down in the morning." Gann said, but Elena spoke before he could leave the Bridge:
"Gann ....." she said, knowing her insubordination in front of other crew could get her killed, "Are you going to blindly go around the universe killing people at that Romulan's bidding ?"
He stepped up to his hired assassin and looked into her eyes. Elena had the distinct feeling her was gauging the reaction should he simply kill her where she stood, against the fact he would need to do her job himself. Something she had the feeling he was less than eager to undertake.
"You are being paid to act, not debate Mia. I suggest you remember that, unless you would like to ask 'that' Romulan yourself, the next time she graces us with her presence !" Gann said, turning and leaving the Bridge.
She quickly moved to one of the vacant stations and activated the computer interface ... She typed in two names and asked if there was any link between the two people. She was disappointed when the result came up negative ... Thinking hard, she decided she would attempt to link with the computer registry on the surface of Epsilon Pi ... After asking for comparisons in locations, assignments, employers, and any other link the computer could find, her eye's widened at what she read:
Both S'otal, the first person Rekun had had murdered, and Mas'ik, the teacher on the surface, both worked with J'Sat in the early stages of his research ! ..... There was no more information available. Elena knew she could get what she needed from the Federation Database, but accessing that would immediately flag their location. So for the time being, that option was out. Frustrated, she deleted the logs of her search ...
Morning:
They were on the Bridge discussing how they should go about accomplishing their task, or rather, how they could get Mia in to kill their target and get out quickly. Elena was arguing against this when Gann arrived:
"We're ready ?" he asked Mia, eyebrows raised as J'Sat looked on amused, "Good. Mia and I will go down alone, everyone else will remain aboard the Spa ......"
"NO !" Elena said, defiantly, "We're not leaving that 'KILLER' up here with T'Vana, he'll satisfy his need to kill on her the moment we leave. He comes with us !" Gann took out his phaser and raised it slowly in her direction, but Kalak stepped between them.
"She is right, and you know it Gann."
Everyone noticed the change in Gann as he glared first at Kalak, then Mia, before lowering his weapon. He nodded, reassuring Mia that the girl would be safe, and began to walk off the Bridge, but Elena wasn't done:
"It is obvious that the authorities will be looking for any vessel leaving orbit once they find the body, which given he is a teacher, won't be long once he is missed in school. I have an idea that could save us having to run the second Mas'ik is dead." Gann looked as if he was resigned to the fact the assassin wasn't going to keep her mouth shut for the duration. He decided there and then he would kill her himself once they were paid in full.
"Ships come and go hourly, why would one more attract attention ?" he asked.
"Epsilon PI is a Federation member. You think for a second, that they wouldn't use that to have every vessel stopped ?" she said, wondering if Gann was going to go for her idea, "I have already booked accommodation, two rooms, in the city for fourteen days. We will stay for two days before I act. Sightseeing ... Then at least one day 'after' the teacher has been retired. T'Vana will suddenly fall ill, and we will regrettably leave before our scheduled date. That way, with luck, the Spartan won't be on their list of immediate departures, and may well escape scrutiny entirely."
"You want to take our only hostage with us !" Gann said, amazed at the womans' nerve.
"Yes ... She will stay with me. I won't allow that 'freak' any opportunity to get at her ... I will take full responsibility for her." Elena said, her eye's never leaving the Vulcan's, knowing this was the moment her idea would be accepted, or not.
"She will remain aboard." Gann said instantly.
"Then so will I." Elena said, moving Talak out of the line of fire, "I'm not leaving her with this degenerate group of misfits. She is our only remaining bargaining chip. I'm not about to loose our 'Get out of jail free' card ! ... She will have no clue as to why we are going to the surface, and that 'WILL' remain the case !"
"Take this one piece of advice Mia ... Spend your payment quickly !" Gann said, on the verge of exploding, "Bring her. But should she escape, you had better not be found ... This is my 'LAST' word on this Mia. Had you not come so highly recommended, I would have killed you long ago."
~~~~~~~~~~
Fifteen minutes later the three of them appeared on the surface of Epsilon Pi ... Elena checked her tricorder and pointed:
"The accommodation is this way ... We are Father, Daughter, and Granddaughter .. There should be no need to elaborate further, Epsilon Pi isn't known for it's over inquisitiveness."
Gann didn't reply. He moved in the direction indicated and entered the lobby of the hotel ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Mar 23, 2013 1:29:42 GMT
The three of them ate, Gann eyeing the child every few seconds, expecting her to run. But true to her word, she played the loyal Granddaughter with consummate ease. At eleven thirty in the evening, local time, they went back to the hotel and their rooms ... "Don't forget my warning Mia." Gann said, pointing at T'Vana, "If she runs, then you had better hope neither of you are found. We will conclude our business in the morning and be on our way." Elena told the girl to go get ready for bed while she spoke with Gann. Once T'Vana was out of earshot, she spun on the man ! "Let's get one thing straight here Gann ... At this point in time I am in your employ. You require my services, and will pay well for them. But my one and only concern in any undertaking I choose to accept is my well being ... In a nutshell, I will dispose of anyone I am hired to, but 'NEVER' at the expense of my own life ... Kill the teacher and warp out of here and we'll be stopped within the hour. Just think of it as caution on my part, or if it helps to think figuratively, I never enter a room without having a way out of that room ... So ... We will take in the sights, be seen around the city, enjoying the ambiance and so on. When, and only when I am satisfied I can get out of this with certainty, I will kill your teacher and move on to the next unlucky candidate. You can take my terms, or leave them." she said, watching the man for the slightest tell that he was going to react, but she grinned, realizing he could do nothing 'but' except her terms, for now anyway, "Calm yourself Gann, that vein in your temple will burst if you don't ... Let me do my job and make us all very wealthy in the process, OK." without waiting for the man to reply, she stepped into her room and closed the door. Zero three twenty hours:
Dressing quickly from head to foot in black, she retrieved the bag from under the bed and took out the tricorder ... T'Vana sat up in bed watching in silence. Elena whispered that she must remain in the room and open the door to no-one. Satisfied the girl would comply she stepped into the middle of the room and sent the signal ...
Her room on the Spartan was empty, as she knew it would be. She went to the bedroom and activated a hidden panel. As it slid aside she took the weapon hidden within. 'The QhonDaq was a most effective weapon' she thought, turning it slowly in her hand, before sliding it into her belt. Leaving her room she moved down the corridor until she reached the door she needed. Scanning the room she knew there was a single occupant, and that person was asleep. Placing an access over-ride pad on the door, she slid it aside and stepped inside, pulling the door closed behind her. Taking the blade from her belt, she moved into the darkened room and toward the bedroom. Her task was time-sensitive, but at the same time stealth was required, and this was what she was good at !
She crossed the room, halting frequently to ensure her prey was still in a deep sleep. Then she was at the side of the bed, her victim was laying on their right side, facing away from her. 'Not that orientation matters' she thought with a shrug as she moved the tip of the blade within millimeters of the persons' temple ... Then, without hesitation, she plunged the blade to the ornate hilt into the skull, the tip exiting the skull on the opposite side and effectively pinning the head to the bed. death was instantaneous !
Scanning for life-signs, already knowing there was non, Elena left the room and moved back to her own quarters ... Once there she accessed the ships computer and used the tricorder to download the program she had devised the day before, knowing there would be no record of her activity once she was back on the planet ... Satisfied, she remotely activated the transporter once again. Materializing in her room on the surface seconds later. T'Vana was waiting for her ...
The little girl remained silent as Elena checked a final time that everything was in order, and the ships' computer retained no record of her clandestine visit. Returning the tricorder to her bag, she took T'Vana back to her room. She settled the girl and went to her own room, changing into nightwear, she got into bed. A moment later T'Vana joined her, climbing into bed beside her without speaking. Elena held her close, and knew the little girl had fallen asleep almost the moment she had got into bed. Breathing a sigh of relief that at least this aspect of her mission, albeit an unexpected bonus, was complete, Elena too fell into a deep sleep ........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Apr 1, 2013 18:31:20 GMT
Something in Elena'a sub-conscious told her that T'Vana was awake. Instantly awake, she opened her eyes to see the five year old girl sat watching her. Sitting up, she smiled: "I do not want you to kill on this Gann's behalf anymore Elena." She felt a sudden shiver run down her spine, she knew that T'Vana had been in her mind, and that they were now inseparably linked together, but it hurt her to actually hear the little girl talk about what she had been doing. "T'Vana ....." she said, pulling the girl toward her, "You know there are things I need to do to ensure your safe return to your Father, but you must understand that I need to find out who is behind this serum Gann is using to kill Vulcan's ... If it should be used on a mass sca ......" "Yes, I do understand." the little girl said, dropping her head, "It is just so, illogical." Before Elena could reply, the Comm chirped to life. Elena reached over and activated the small screen. Gann appeared: "You will be ready in fifteen minutes .. We must go to the school .. Yes .. We will go the scenic route but I want to be sure of a course of action by noon at the latest .. Then we can get off this rock .. Reception area .. Fifteen minutes !" the Comm closed before Elena could reply. T'Vana took hold of her: "Please Elena." she said, sadness on her face. She got up and dressed quickly, telling T'Vana to do the same. She retrieved the hidden tricorder and ran several scans. She didn't really know what she was looking for, but it kept her busy while T'Vana dressed. Once ready, they left their room and made their way to the reception. Gann was waiting impatiently ... Grunting at their lateness, he walked into the morning sunshine and turned in the direction of the school complex... A twenty minute casual stroll got them to the section of the city that they needed. Checking one of the information boards, Gann pointed down the street opposite. A further five minutes and they were walking past the single-story school. Children, ranging from four to sixteen were already arriving, mingling in the play area before classes began. Gann checked the small reader he had brought with him and looked into the play area. He nodded, pointing out a woman. She was approximately thirty five years old, and clearly, Vulcan ... Elena felt the little girl squeezing her hand tighter as she too saw the teacher. Elena felt T'Vana enter her mind, she had done it with care, so as not to startle the woman into a reaction, but now she reinforced her plea: Please do not harm this woman Elena ...... It is wrong to take a life Elena .. She is content in her work, I can feel it from here. Whatever she did in the past she has put behind her, devoting her remaining years to teaching ...... Elena looked at the man with them, then down at the little girl, she sent a thought to T'Vana: GANN !!! Feeling her withdraw from her mind, she watched as she focused on Gann ... She seemed to concentrate much harder this time, and Elema put one hand on the concealed blade. If the man suddenly realized what T'Vana was up to he would react without thinking, She needed to be sure she could react quicker ! ... Suddenly, Gann seemed to become motionless, staring blankly ahead, a frown forming on his face as he looked across at the play area: "We will, come back tomorrow." he said, turning away so quickly it startled both T'Vana and Elena, "I need to think of another way of removing the teacher." without further conversation he walked away, heading back into the city. T'Vana collapsed to her knees. Elena only just prevented her hitting the stone walkway. The little girl suddenly turned and vomited ... She wretched for long moments, not allowing Elena to help her. Once the muscle spasm's subsided, she wiped her chin with the back of her hand. Elena gave her a cloth from her bag, the little girl accepted it gratefully. After a few moments she seemed herself once again and apologized for her conduct. Elena knelt and took T'Vana in her arms, tears forming. "We can go now ....." T'Vana said quietly, "Gann will be occupied for the rest of the day." Taking Elena's hand, the two walked slowly after their employer and jailer. It was then that she decided she would murder no-one else in this hunt for who was responsible. She needed the time Gann was using to work out how she could kill this Vulcan woman, without 'killing' her ! ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Apr 3, 2013 22:55:26 GMT
Aboard the Spartan:
"When did this happen ?"
"He didn't come for the morning meal. We never gave it thought Lord, he came and went of his own accord." San said quietly, fearing retribution, "We tried to contact him thirty minutes ago, and when he didn't answer we ran a scan of his quarters. We found him like you see now Lord."
Gann touched the ornate grip, looking at the Klingon lettering inscribed. He couldn't read it of course, but that made little difference to to intended use of the weapon ... J'Sat looked for all the stars like he was in a deep, contented sleep. Death came so quickly his mind had no time to react, he simply died in his sleep. Kalak was stood at the back of the room, his eye's locked on the remaining section of the weapon ... His weapon ... One of a matching pair he had won some time ago. He wanted to run, even though innocent of any, well, innocent of 'this' crime. Nevertheless Gann would react badly, and he knew he would be the target of that venting within seconds.
"Should we remove the body ?" San asked, watching Gann, who seemed fascinated with the means by which his 'colleague' had passed. He even entertained the possibility that one of his so-called 'loyal' crew had killed the Vulcan lunatic, or even that most implausible of options, that J'Sat had killed himself. 'Who knew what these Vulcan's could do when they put their mind to it' he thought wryly.
"It has to be someone on board." Marial said.
"You think for a second just 'ANYONE' could have walked in here and done this !" Gann screamed, turning on Kalak not Marial, "The weapon, a QhonDaq was in your quarters, part of a set, yes ... Did you give them to anyone, or allow any of the crew, present company 'included' access to them ?"
"No my Lord. They were in the case, the presentation case, you have seen it open on my table in plain sight. Anyone entering my quar ......" Kalak said, a frown forming, "Wait ......" he said, running from the room to return moments later. He placed the case down on the bedside cabinet ...
"What ?" Marial prompted, confused.
"I was late waking. I dressed and left my quarters. It never occurred to me that it was closed !" he said, opening the case to show the weapons twin still in the red velvet-lined box.
"Check the logs, if anyone transpo ......" Gann began.
"Already done Lord." Marial said quickly, "No-one came aboard after we entered night watch, and according to records, the only people moving about were the maintenance night crew. None of them had access, or frankly, the ability, to 'doctor' the computer records, murder a Vulcan, and casually go back to work as if nothing had happened."
Sooo ..." Gann said, mulling over the evidence like some twentieth century detective, "Give our Assassin was wi, was down on the surface, that, if my mathematics is correct, leaves you three ... Now doesn't it !" he said, menace in every word. No-one replied as Gann left the room, Marial, San and Talak followed their Lord to the Bridge of the Spartan and waited.
"Sir ... The body ?" Marial asked.
"Beam it into the upper atmosphere." Gann said dismissively, "I am going back to the surface, we have a task to complete, J'at or no J'Sat ... Contact me the 'SECOND' you have any information of the killer. I'm not sure if I want to thank the person, or kill them myself." he tapped a command into one of the Bridge consoles and vanished from sight ........ [/color]
Epsilon Pi:
T'Vana was sleeping off her reaction to forcing so much control on Gann. Elena was sat in the living area of their rooms thinking hard on how she was going to convince Gann she had carried out his instructions, while ensuring her target wasn't going to go running to the authorities the second she left her ... She felt the tell-tale effect of a transport in progress and drew her phaser instantly. Gann solidified to see the business end of the weapon centimeters from his face ...
"Hmmmmm ... Resigning Mia ?" Gann asked, looking past the phaser.
"We have a door. It's the white thing with a 'call' pad next to it." Elena replied, still not moving the weapon, "It is customary for 'guests' to knock. You may want to try it sometime, my restraint may not be as solid next time you decide to ... 'Drop In' ..." she finished, finally lowering the phaser.
"Where is the girl ?" he asked, not commenting on her apparent lack of eagerness to move the phaser.
"She's asleep. I can wake her if yu ....."
"No ... Leave her a note ... We are going after the teacher, you will seal the room from outside. Deactivate the rooms Comms and replicators ... NOW !"
He stood in silence while Elena reluctantly complied, then they left ......
Thirty minutes later:
"Where are we ?" Elena asked, knowing her exact location.
"Aww, come now Mia. Even I am not so callus as to have you murder someone in front of a group of children ... I do have a heart you know. Our teacher resides in that house across from us. There is just the two people, no males." Gann said, grinning at his own witticism as he handed her two hypo-sprays, "You will dispose of both Mother and Daughter."
"No." she said simply. Gann shrugged, obviously expecting her reaction:
"The Spartan has a lock on your little charge. Should you fail to comply fully with my instructions, I will have her beamed one kilometer above our present location ... Shouldn't take too long for you two to be reunited, should it ?"
"I'm not killing her Daughter. If you think killing T'Vana strengthens your position, then so be it, but listen carefully Gann, you won't live to see her arrival ...... THAT I CAN PROMISE YOU !" she said defiance, loathing, hatred for the man oozing from every pore, "I'll kill the woman as I was hired to do, and I will ensure the girl cannot disclose any information for some time, but I'm not killing a child. Like it, or no !" she said, holding out the hypo-sprays.
"The woman only then, but mark this well Mia ... If that girl speaks .........." he didn't complete the threat, as Elena had already walked off toward the house.
~~~~~~~~~~
Entering the back of the house, she could see the little girl, maybe nine or ten, sitting at a desk, mathematical equations were scrolling from top to bottom. She could hear the mother moving around the next room. Silently, she approached the desk and slid one hand under the girls' arm and across her chest, the other clamped against her mouth and lifted her out of the seat. Even with a Vulcan's hearing, she succeeded in her task.
Walking the girl into the next room she waited until the mother turned:
"Please do not speak ......" Elena said quickly, "I have very little time and require your full co-operation. The alternative, believe me, is, undesirable for all concerned .... So. Do I have your word you will remain silent if I ease my hold on your Daughter ?" the woman nodded, and Elena felt the mental connection between Mother and Daughter instantly.
She slowly released the girl, half expecting her to run, but she remained motionless as instructed. Elena checked the room then spoke quickly ....
"I have been hired to assassinate several members of the Vulcan race. You unfortunately, are among those on the list ... I cannot tell you the details, but I need your assurance that you will comply fully with what I need to do."
"You have, my word." Mas'ik said.
Elena nodded then worked quickly ... She used her tricorder to transport in the two sacks of organic waste product she had set aside on the Spartan, again this transport would be hidden. Injecting Vulcan DNA into the sacks, she waited a few moments ... Then she turned to Mas'ik and her Daughter, using a third hypo-spray to extract blood from the two. Satisfied, she injected the two 'corpses' with the new DNA, then followed this by injecting the serum .....
"I am going to transport you both to the nearby orbital weather control station. It has an artificial atmosphere for maintenance purposes, and adequate supplies. It is shielded, so you will not be detected unless you disobay my instructions. Your 'deaths' will be announced before nightfall, you must assure me you will remain in hiding for a minimum of fourteen days, unless contacted directly on this Comm link." she handed the woman a Comm badge, "I cannot stress the need for your compliance in this ... Millions of Vulcan lives depend on my hiding you successfully. If you doubt my word I give you permission to join my mind."
"I have no need to join with you. My Daughter and I can 'feel' the presence of a strong, yet, immature, Vulcan intellect within you. We will do as you ask." ..........
~~~~~~~~~~
"It's done." she said to Gann as she walked away from the house before it suddenly exploded in flames, "Don't worry, there will be more than enough DNA to identify them both." she said, then without another word walked back to the hotel and T'Vana ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Apr 5, 2013 23:59:55 GMT
Aboard the Tak'Lar ...S'Peen was a Diplomat first and an Admiral second, each role was both exclusive, and at the same time interwoven ... It was a very rare occasion when he had felt the inclination to use his military rank, rather than the weight afforded to his position of Ambassador. But he had chosen to keep Command informed of his progress, despite his misgivings that his situation would be 'Looked at' in due course ... The Tak'Lar was moving through the system at what could be called a 'crawl' when his Aide spoke:
"Ambassador, there is a communication on a secure channel. It comes from the Section Admiral ... I have routed it to the Captain's ready room."
S'Peen nodded and rose from his seat ... Entering the ready room he sat behind the desk and entered his Security Access Code. Admiral Drew appeared:
=^= Admiral. We have received your report. I'm guessing there is no chance you will return to Earth and allow us to pursue the kidnappers ? =^= Drew watched the man closely, =^= No .. I didn't think so .. OK, I have dispatched two star-ships to your sector, they will be under your direct Command given your rank .. I am sure I don't need to stress the need for caution, given your Children are involved =^=
=^= You do not Admiral =^= S'Peen said, bowing his head in respect, =^= We are not far behind the people responsible but it is proving, difficult to predict their next move =^=
=^= I'm sending you some information that may be relevant to your search .. It has been reported that a Vulcan Doctor was killed at his hospital .. We're still awaiting details but it looks like the man 'melted' for want of a better explanation at this point .. The co-ordinates are in the packet I've sent .. Use the ships assigned wisely my friend .. They are at your disposal for the duration .. I don't need to stress your requirement to keep me informed of progress .. I wish you well and hope you find your Children quickly .... Drew out =^=
The comm closed and S'Peen quickly opened the data packet sent from Drew ... He read quickly then re-entered the Bridge, almost shocked at how close he had been to his Children:
"Captain, set course for Vexxor Minor. I believe it it the fourth planet in this system. Please endeavor to attain orbit with all due haste. We shall be beaming to the surface upon arrival."
"Yes Ambassador." the Captain said, issuing his orders concisely.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Sir, we have been contacted by Vexxor Minor. They are asking us to remain outside orbital insertion."
"Explain to them who I am. Remind them of what Vulcan has done for their economy in the past, and the detriment ouw withdrawing that aide will do." S'Peen said quietly.
"We can enter orbit Sir, but must not attempt to interfere with anything happening on the surface." T'Nol said, doing the equivalent of a shrug for a Vulcan.
"TELL THEM ...." S'Peen began, before regaining control of his frustration, "Politely, inform, the Vexxor Officials, that we will be beaming down directly, and will expect the 'FULL' cooperation of all concerned in our investigation. Failure to comply will result in immediate withdrawal of the aforementioned support, and we will transport down to the surface to conduct our investigation, regardless !"
His Aide finally said they agreed.
Within minutes S'Peen, his aide T'Nol, along with two other Vulcan's, appeared in the forecourt of the hospital. They were met by several 'official' looking personnel, non of which seemed too keen to impart information. S'Peen stood silently waiting, knowing his patience in this matter, despite his training, was reaching breaking point !
"Admiral ... Ambassador, I am Damal Sav, Chief Investigator ... I am sorry but I am confused as to the correct form of address in this situation." the lead investigator said.
"I think either would suit given our relationship." S'Peen said.
"OK, then, Admiral, if you would accompany me, I will take you to the, bo ... Remains, of the body in question."
"It is 'Adult' in size is it not ?"
"Yes Admiral, it has been confirmed via the DNA sample submitted when the doctor joined the staff. It's a requirement for off-world employees. We checked the file, there is no doubt, it is Doctor S'otal."
S'Peen halted in his tracks, looking at Sav intently.
"You are certain the man hired is, was, doctor S'otal ... His field of research was genetics ?"
"Yes, Doctor S'otal was working hard to eradicate certain genetic malformations in the DNA genome that would cure deficiencies in members of our Female population. He was making great headway too, until his untimely demise ... It is through here Admiral." Sav said.
S'Peen knew exactly who S'otal was, and why he had been forced to 'disappear' from public view. Now he needed to confirm exactly what the method of his murder was ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Apr 18, 2013 19:47:25 GMT
Entering the hotel, Elena went straight to her room and blocked all Comms. The last thing she wanted to do at this point was go into details regarding her latest contract ! .... T'Vana was sat on the end of her bed watching her as she undressed. The little girl didn't comment, nor did she seem to judge her actions. she knew that Elena had saved the teacher and her daughter, and for that she was happy, but she worried that the ploy would be uncovered.
"Will they be OK ?" she asked. Elena looked round around and walked over to sit beside her:
"I've put everything in place T'Vana. As long as Mas'ik and her Daughter remain in the station, they won't be detected. They have food and everything else they need to stay hidden until this is over ..... Now, I think 'both' of us need to get some sleep."
"We must remain on the surface as planned ?" T'vana asked, climbing into bed.
"Yes, I'm afraid we do. Now, sleep." Elena said, kissing the little girl on the forehead before getting into her own bed ... She lay for a long time thinking about her actions, and hoping Mas'ik would follow her instructions and remain safe. Failure would not only put her life in danger once more, but would most certainly sign Elena's death warrant ! ......
Next morning ...
They had planned to visit numerous attractions so as not to attract any unwanted attention, but it seemed that the death of the teacher and her Daughter had put the city into a state of almost mourning. The news-casts were full of the tragedy. It was still uncertain as to why the house exploded, and investigations were being carried out with all due haste. No information had been released on what had happened, only that the subsequent fire had consumed both bodies. A funeral service had been arranged for the following day ...
"We are leaving today." Gann said as they stood in the street.
"We can't to that !" Elena hissed.
"We came here on the pretext of looking for a new home, and to place our 'Daughter' in safe, reputable school ... I somehow think that the possible 'MURDER' of her teacher, and the worry we may not be as safe as first presumed, will make our sudden departure anything but suspicious ... Pack your things and be ready in thirty minutes." he finished, walking away before she could protest .....
~~~~~~~~~~
Arriving on the Spartan, they were met by Marial:
"Sir, you are needed on the Bridge."
"I'm going to get changed, I will mee ......"
"Sorry Sir. But you, and Mia, need to come to the Bridge immediately, there's a 'situation' that needs your attention." Marial stressed, taking T'Vana by the hand, "I'll see to it the girl gets to her quarters." There was a long, uncomfortable, silence as Gann watched the woman closely, but Marial remained expressionless under his scrutiny. Finally he nodded:
"Very well." he said, pushing past his Security Officer.
Elena realized the urgency, and Marial's obvious discomfort in practically 'ordering' her Captain to the Bridge of his own ship. Entering the Bridge, she immediately realized the cause of her discomfort:
"Major Rekun." she said, glancing at Gann, as the color drained from his face.
"Leave us !" the Romulan said, waiting while everyone but Gann and Mia stood before her. She paced back and forth, looking from one to the other every few seconds while seeming to be framing her next comments carefully, "The child's Father is coming ... He has apparently seen fit to ignore our instructions. He has killed our representative on Earth and left the planet in pursuit. I can only assume he is still unaware his Son has died, otherwise I have the distinct feeling he would have asked Vulcan to assist him in his search."
"He's on his own, you must stop him before he reaches us !" Gann said.
"Your imbecility indeed knows no bounds Gann !" Rekun spat, slapping the man hard, drawing blood, she continued to speak as Gann regained his senses "You think we would put ourselves in jeopardy going against a Vulcan Cruiser like the Tak'Lar ... If I could kill you now Gann, I would do so with pleasure. But alas, I too have my instructions, but mark my words, this enterprise will be concluded at some point, and then, we will meet on very different terms !" she said as Elena risked a question:
"How close is he ?" she asked.
"See Gann ... Even your hired help understand what questions to ask." she said, eying Elena with something approaching respect as Gann continued to spit blood on the deck, "My informants have told us that his ship left Vexxor Minor six hours ago. He made inquiries regarding our former Doctor S'otal."
"Six hours ..." Elena said, thinking hard, "Rough guess, that puts him less than a day behind us."
"Eight hours." Rekun confirmed, turning back to Gann, "I am leaving the sector once I beam back to my ship. You will proceed with you task. You will head for Luyton one four seven. I have placed your instructions in the ships computer for voice access ... I need not tell you the consequences should Ambassador S'Peen catch up with you, especially in light of the unnecessary death of his Son ... Do I ?"
She handed Mia two more phial's then tapped her Comm link:
"BHIYY !" Rekun vanished from sight.
Without waiting for consent, Elena turned and left the Bridge heading to her quarters. Placing the serum containers in the foam-lined pouch, she left. Moments later she entered T'Vana's room. The girl was sat on her bed, eyes closed as if in meditation. She opened them when Elena sat next to her.
"Are you OK Elena ?"
She watched the planet below fall away as the Spartan turned toward open space them leap to warp.
"Yes." she whispered, pulling T'Vana toward her ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Apr 28, 2013 16:49:26 GMT
Elena knew full well that Gann wasn't going to let the murder of J'Sat go. He now knew that someone on board his ship was a killer ... This of course was no revelation, he'd hired must of his crew for their 'ability' to make sure anyone who got in their way was, shall we say, dealt with uncompromisingly !... Sat on the Bridge, Gann watched each of his 'trusted' crew to see if anyone wavered. He would only need one minute to realize someone had betrayed him, and that person would no longer be a problem ... Elena in turn, was sat watching Gann ... He was afraid. Maybe for the first time since he took up his current profession, and it was showing. Not to the crew, but Elena was more than adept at reading people, it had saved her on more than one occasion ... Yes ... Gann was scared.
"Where are we on J'Sat ?" he said to no-one in particular, knowing anyone who had anything 'positive' to say, would do so quickly.
"The weapon is a Klingon knife called a QhonDaq, it is one of a pair." Marial said, not making eye-contact with Gann, "It is one of a pair I own."
"She couldn't have killed the Vulcan Gann." Kalak said quickly, "She was on the Bridge running diagnostics on the weapons systems most of the night. We have her at the tactical station."
"Was I accusing her ?" Gann said, locking eyes with the Informant. Kalak turned away and concentrated on anything but his Boss. Gann again looked around the room and noticed Elena watching him closely, "You have something to add here Mia ?"
Elena shrugged:
"You seem to be handling the inquiry well enough yourself, without help from the hired hands." she answered, as if pondering the conversation thus far. Gann watched her closely as if her expression would give him some clue, but he knew it was a waste of time trying to bully the Assassin. He turned away and was about to fire another question at his frightened crew when Elena continued her train of thought, forcing him to turn back to her, "Although .... One thing did occur to me .... If everyone is accounted for, then obviously 'someone' has been tampering with the computer records of the last twenty four hours .... Now, not that I'm putting down anyone's abilities here, but I'd be curious to find out just 'who' could manage such a feat and ensure their anonymity wasn't going to be compromised ?" For a long moment, everyone looked at each other in turn, each assessing their own ability, and that of their companions ...
"You could." Gann said, raising his eyebrows as if it was a question as every eye turned on her.
"Yes ... I could do it. Quite easily ... I could also have made it look like any one of your crew had carried the killing out ... Even 'YOU' !" she said, seeing Gann's eyes dilate in anger, "In fact, who's to say 'YOU' didn't come back up here and kill the mad Vulcan yourself. Let's face it, he 'was' taking over things somewhat, and I have serious doubts that you would have been happy about that situation. How better to get back in complete control, but get rid of the only obstacle. Barring our ever elusive Romulan Rekun, of course ?" she finished with a wry smile. Knowing she was playing a very dangerous game here, as Gann could react badly to her accusations and kill her to cement his superiority.
Gann sat for a long time in silence. It was obvious to both him and Elena that she was a threat to his position, but he also knew that no-one else on board could carry out the tasks 'she' had been employed to carry out. This put him in an uncompromising position. One he was unfamiliar with, and one, Elena could see clearly, he was 'NOT' going to allow to continue indefinitely ! ...
"How long to the Luyton System ?" he said, keeping eye contact with Elena alone.
"Fifty three hours." San said quickly. nodding, Gann rose and left the Bridge without another word.
"He's going to kill you. You know that don't you ?" Marial said quietly.
"Yes." Elena replied, watching the stars pass by on the view-screen ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on May 15, 2013 20:48:29 GMT
For two days, the 'atmosphere' aboard the Spartan was less than healthy ... Gann had ordered J'Sat's quarters sealed and there seemed no sign of him allowing the removal, let alone disposal of the body. Everyone was walking on the proverbial 'egg shells' wondering when Gann's wrath would finally explode ...
After leaving T'Vana, Elena headed for the Bridge ... The place was like a tomb, no-one speaking, and everyone concentrating on their assigned station. All that was, except Gann.
He was sat in the Command seat, the hilt of the QhonDaq between his thumb and index finger, turning it slowly in it's tip. She watched the man for a moment then turned to San:
"How long before we reach the Luyton System ?"
"Six hours." San replied, making sure not to look at Gann,
"I think now would be a good time to talk about our little issue." Gann said suddenly, continuing his train of thought before anyone could comment, "Now ..... I think we can all agree, that no-one from the surface came up here, killed our Vulcan, then vanished from sight leaving no trace of activity ..... So, my question would have to be, Could one of the crew have killed him. No, I'm discounting that as a non-starter. That, I'm afraid, leaves our little group here." he finished, tapping the point of the knife on the arm of his seat.
"I'm assuming you are including yourself in that group ?" Elena said, feeling she had nothing to loose.
"Well yes, I am." their Captain said, turning to face Elena, that grin she ached to slap off his face appearing, "But, it also occurred to me that there was someone else who could have committed the crime, allowed it to take place, or, bestowed a favor upon our merry band if you prefer, depending on how you saw the lunatic Vulcan ......" he finished, almost laughing at his own whimsical comment.
The group turned to see one of the guards bringing T'Vana onto the Bridge ... Elena looked at the little girl, looking so small in front of the guard, then she noticed the man was Aviq, the guard that had promised to help them if he could. He had hold of T'Vana but she could see he was applying almost no pressure to the grip.
"Now ....." Gann said, kneeling in front of the girl, "I know you have been 'developing' much quicker than normal, even for a Vulcan child. So I am going to ask you to do something for me if you can. Is that OK ?" T'Vana just looked at the man in silence. Elena looked on, hoping she wouldn't try to influence Gann at this point in time, but she need not have worried as he continued, "I want you to look at this man." Gann said, pointing at Kalak, "I want you to read his mind with the fingers on the face trick you all do, and tell me if he has lied to me regarding the killing of J'Sat."
He waited for thirty seconds before repeating the request. But T'Vana remained motionless, not breaking eye contact. Elena could see it was un-nerving Gann and his frustration was beginning to get the better of him. He turned back to the girl and smiled before unleashing a back-hand that could have lifted a grown man off his feet !
Aviq caught the girl as she was spun around and Elena stepped forward onto the tip of the QhonDaq .... She felt blood begin to run from the point where the tip had fractionally pierced her throat, down past the collar of her tunic. She stopped instantly, eyes burning into those of her tormentor. She could hear sobbing, but only for a few seconds as T'Vana regained a composure that was far beyond her five years of age.
"Harming Mia will do nothing to help you Gann. While I am indeed still learning to control my emotions, any 'emphatic' ability that I may develop, will only begin to manifest itself once I reach the age of puberty. So, your efforts to, antagonize me into assisting you will prove fruitless."
Elena could see the blood running from T'Vana's mouth, to the neck of her dress, staining it a vivid green, but to her credit, the five year old made no effort to wipe it away ... This, alas, only served to infuriate Gann more ... He screamed in frustration, the knife passing several more millimeters into Elena's neck, but she dare not move. She couldn't rely on the man's need of her abilities outweighing his desire to kill her here and now.
"It serves no purpose to continue this action." T'Vana said almost casually, looking directly at Gann, "Even I can attest to the fact that you have cemented your hold over this crew now J'Sat is no longer with us."
Gann seemed to be mulling the statement over for a long moment, before he finally withdrew the QhonDaq from Elana's throat. He seemed to be silently mouthing the words T'Vana was saying. In fact, Elena was positive their lip movements were in perfect sync ! ... He looked around the Bridge, then at the knife in his hand. Moving toward the Command seat, he had the knife at his side and without breaking stride, he slammed the blade into Kalak's thigh then sat down as the Informant screamed in pain falling to the deck:
"Let that be a lesson not to allow your 'toys' to go astray Kalak. Drag yourself to Sick-bay and get that fixed." he said as if distracted, then he looked at T'Vana, "Get her off the Bridge, we're not running a creche here !"
Elena took hold of the little girl and led her off the Bridge, followed closely by Aviq. Once in T'Vana's room she sat the girl down and asked Aviq to get her a Med-kit before going to the bathroom to stem the wound in her throat. Satisfied her wound could wait, she took a cloth into the living area and cleaned the blood off T'Vana then asked her to go get changed into a clean dress. Aviq came back and watched in silence as Elena repaired the damage to her throat:
"I must get you both off this ship before that mad man murders you both !" their guard said.
"No, Aviq, please do not do anything that will provoke Gann. Believe me, I am working on ensuring he is brought to justice, along with others in his crew, but we cannot do anything until I can get vital information from him ... Do you understand me Aviq ?"
"I do." the man said, smiling as T'Vana came into the living area in a new dress ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on May 23, 2013 18:06:20 GMT
Aboard the Tak'Lar ...S'Peen was in his quarters. The ornate lamp at his feet burning with a small blue green flame. He was deep into a meditative state, his thoughts on his children, and their well being. A frown formed above his closed eyes as he realized he could not make the mental 'connection' with both the children, instead, he could feel only S'Koril, his five year old Daughter ... He took long moments to reinstate the calm of meditation as fear for his Son rose within him ... The door chime sounded softly and S'Peen opened his eyes reluctantly:
"Enter." he instructed. T'nol, his Aide, entered the room and waited patiently as the Ambassador rose slowly to his feet.
"Ambassador. We are entering the Epsilon System. We are approaching Epsilon Pi, the fourth planet in the system." T'nol informed him, "We have no information on the vessel we are pursuing, but it seems a teacher and her Daughter perished in a fire in their home. Authorities are conducting an investigation, but as yet have no evidence that it was a tragic accident."
S'Peen looked at the stars passing the large window in his quarters, his mind still on his Son.
"Sir, do you wish us to continue approach ?" T'nol asked quietly.
"Yes ... Do so ... Inform me whe ... No. Contact Epsilon Pi. Request information on 'ALL' vessels, regardless of size, that have departed orbit since the fire ... I will meet you on the Bridge in due course."
T'nol bowed and left the Ambassador's quarters .....
~~~~~~~~~~
As S'Peen entered the Bridge of the Tak'Lar,his aide had the information on the main view-screen:
"I have highlighted all but inter-planetary, shuttle vessels, or official planetary orbital vessels." he informed the Admiral, "There are four vessels that have no affiliation with Epsilon Pi. A Romulan freighter, A Tarkasian mining vessel, a vessel transporting an envoy from the nearby Orenex system for trade talks ...."
".... and the fourth ?" S'Peen asked, uncharacteristically impatient.
"It is a former Federation vessel. A Defiant Class Star Ship. Epsilon customs logs have the ship, designated 'The Spartan' arriving two days previous, and departing hours after the incident that ki ....."
"Heading ?"
"Long range scans show the vessel on a direct course for the Luyton System. Only two planets are 'Class M' ... Luyton eight two, and the more populated Luyton one four seven."
"Plot an intercept course with that vessel !" S'Peen interrupted his Aide's briefing, "How far behind are we ?"
"Five hours fourteen minutes. Admiral. At their present speed they will reach the system in twenty six hours nine minutes." the Tak'Lar Captain informed him. S'Peen leaned forward in the Command seat, looking from the Captain to his Aide and back:
"I wish to intercept that vessel while clear of any planetary systems Captain. You have my authority to do whatever you deem necessary to accomplish that goal." he said, standing. A new sense of purpose in his mind now, as he could 'feel' he was nearing his children, or, at least, his Daughter ... He stepped aside to allow the Captain his rightful place and watched the screen.
"Computer has locked on to the required coordinates for our quickest interception with the vessel Captain." the Helm Officer said.
"Engage ... Maximum warp."
S'Peen watched the massive Tak'Lar move into warp, the stars streaming past the screen as the ship reached almost impossible velocity. He closed his eyes and formed a mental image of his Daughter ... "T'Vana" ... he whispered ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Jun 4, 2013 20:02:27 GMT
Elena was sat on the Bridge when she noticed Marial frowning at her console: "Problem ?" she asked the Security Officer. Marial ignored her and told one of the crew to fetch Gann immediately. When he arrived she pointed to her screen: "I think we're being followed." Marial said, unsure of her data suddenly, "It's gone now, but for a second I could have sworn there was a ship on an intercept course with us." Gann looked at the data on her screen, suddenly deep in thought. "Could it be Rekun ?" "No ... Or at least, not unless she changed ships." This thing was much bigger than hers. I was in the process of beginning scans when it vanished . It was on the limits of our sensors, so maybe it was some sort of echo or reflection ?" she said, still unsure. "We're still four hours out from the Luyton System." San informed the group. "Keep a close eye on those sensors." Gann said, glancing at them all in turn before leaving the Bridge ..... Aboard the Tak'Lar ...S'Peen was in his quarters deep in meditation when the chime sounded. Taking a moment to release his meditative state, he bade enter.
"I am sorry for disturbing you Admiral." T'nol said, bowing in respect, "But the Captain wished me to inform you we are about to be visible to the other vessels' sensors." S'Peen closed his eyes for a moment, 'feeling' his Daughter getting closer to him. Nodding, he left his quarters followed by his Aide. Moments later they entered the Bridge:
"Their vessel is a Defiant Class Ship Admiral. There is no transponder signal, and we have no means of establishing what modifications, if indeed, any, have been carried out. Our data informs me that we will enter their detection range in two point three minutes." the Captain informed him. S'Peen remained silent, watching the stars as they streamed by on the large view-screen, "How would you like us to proceed, Admiral ?"
"Engage the cloak. I wish to be parallel to that vessel in one hour." S'Peen said, turning to leave the Bridge.
The Captain repeated the order to cloak the ship, then increased speed to one hundred fifteen percent of their maximum ... They would be less than one thousand meters from the ship in fifty nine point eight minutes ..... ~~~~~~~~~~ Elena left the Bridge and went to see T'Vana ... When she entered the child's quarters the little girl was nowhere to be seen. Se went through to the bedroom then the bathroom. A feeling of panic was rising in Elena as she frantically re-checked the quarters. She was about to inform the Bridge when the door opened ... T'Vana walked in, laughing at something Aviq had said, she smiled at Elena then paused. "Something is troubling you, Mia." the little girl said, concern on her small face. "Where were you ?" Elena asked, trying to calm her nerves "T'Vana fell while playing. A small vase was broken and she cut her hand. I needed to take her to the Sick-bay in order to clean the cut. It has been sanitized, there will be no scar." Aviq explained as T'Vana held up her left hand to show the place where she had cut herself, "I was unaware that I was required to inform you ... I apologize." "That's OK." Elena said, taking T'Vana in her arms and taking a closer look at the small cut to her palm, "I just thought ... Well, I didn't know what to think. Thank you for dealing with this Aviq, and I too apologize for my abruptness." Aviq smiled then turned to leave. "Thank you for your help Aviq." T'Vana said, smiling at the man. She waited until the door closed then turned to Elena, "We should be ready ..... My Father is coming !" ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Jun 4, 2013 20:02:59 GMT
Elena was sat on the Bridge when she noticed Marial frowning at her console: "Problem ?" she asked the Security Officer. Marial ignored her and told one of the crew to fetch Gann immediately. When he arrived she pointed to her screen: "I think we're being followed." Marial said, unsure of her data suddenly, "It's gone now, but for a second I could have sworn there was a ship on an intercept course with us." Gann looked at the data on her screen, suddenly deep in thought. "Could it be Rekun ?" "No ... Or at least, not unless she changed ships." This thing was much bigger than hers. I was in the process of beginning scans when it vanished . It was on the limits of our sensors, so maybe it was some sort of echo or reflection ?" she said, still unsure. "We're still four hours out from the Luyton System." San informed the group. "Keep a close eye on those sensors." Gann said, glancing at them all in turn before leaving the Bridge ..... Aboard the Tak'Lar ...S'Peen was in his quarters deep in meditation when the chime sounded. Taking a moment to release his meditative state, he bade enter.
"I am sorry for disturbing you Admiral." T'nol said, bowing in respect, "But the Captain wished me to inform you we are about to be visible to the other vessels' sensors." S'Peen closed his eyes for a moment, 'feeling' his Daughter getting closer to him. Nodding, he left his quarters followed by his Aide. Moments later they entered the Bridge:
"Their vessel is a Defiant Class Ship Admiral. There is no transponder signal, and we have no means of establishing what modifications, if indeed, any, have been carried out. Our data informs me that we will enter their detection range in two point three minutes." the Captain informed him. S'Peen remained silent, watching the stars as they streamed by on the large view-screen, "How would you like us to proceed, Admiral ?"
"Engage the cloak. I wish to be parallel to that vessel in one hour." S'Peen said, turning to leave the Bridge.
The Captain repeated the order to cloak the ship, then increased speed to one hundred fifteen percent of their maximum ... They would be less than one thousand meters from the ship in fifty nine point eight minutes ..... ~~~~~~~~~~ Elena left the Bridge and went to see T'Vana ... When she entered the child's quarters the little girl was nowhere to be seen. Se went through to the bedroom then the bathroom. A feeling of panic was rising in Elena as she frantically re-checked the quarters. She was about to inform the Bridge when the door opened ... T'Vana walked in, laughing at something Aviq had said, she smiled at Elena then paused. "Something is troubling you, Mia." the little girl said, concern on her small face. "Where were you ?" Elena asked, trying to calm her nerves "T'Vana fell while playing. A small vase was broken and she cut her hand. I needed to take her to the Sick-bay in order to clean the cut. It has been sanitized, there will be no scar." Aviq explained as T'Vana held up her left hand to show the place where she had cut herself, "I was unaware that I was required to inform you ... I apologize." "That's OK." Elena said, taking T'Vana in her arms and taking a closer look at the small cut to her palm, "I just thought ... Well, I didn't know what to think. Thank you for dealing with this Aviq, and I too apologize for my abruptness." Aviq smiled then turned to leave. "Thank you for your help Aviq." T'Vana said, smiling at the man. She waited until the door closed then turned to Elena, "We should be ready ..... My Father is coming !" ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Jun 16, 2013 16:01:24 GMT
Aboard the Tak'Lar ...S'Peen was in his quarters when the Comm system chirped into life:
=^= Captain to Admiral S'Peen =^=
=^= S'Peen =^= the Ambassador answered quietly.
=^= You wished to be informed when we were closing on the vessel Admiral =^=
=^= I will join you shortly .. Do nothing to alert them to our presence =^=
S'Peen closed the Comm and went to his bedroom to dress. Once ready he stood in the main living area and closed his eyes .... He could 'feel' his Daughter's closeness. A wave of sadness passed through his mind before his training could react to it, as he remembered that his Son was no longer with them. For the briefest moment he wanted to extract his retribution upon those who had murdered his beloved Son, but logic took over and his feelings subsided. But not entirely .....
Entering the Bridge, he could see the ship they had pursued ...
The Defiant Class vessel was in relatively good condition, given they had no access to Federation repair or maintenance facilities. He was not surprised that the kidnappers had made several additions to the hull too. Weapons systems no doubt, but no match for the Tak'Lar.
"Position us at the port upper quarter. As close as you can ... Captain." S'Peen said, watching the screen intently.
The massive ship maneuvered with precision until it was less than two hundred meters from the Spartan's hull. The Captain ordered the Navigator to set the helm to automatically mimic any changes in direction or speed, that way, the Tak'Lar would remain in position unless the Spartan bolted.
"Time to the Luyton system ?" S'Peen asked.
"Two hours forty three minutes, present speed." the Navigation Officer informed him.
"I require use of your ready room Captain." S'Peen said, heading toward the room without waiting for a reply ... Once inside, he sat down quickly and closed his eyes. He needed to relax his mind more now than ever before. He needed to reach out to his Daughter. He knew full well that he could not communicate with her, but he could reassure her of his nearness, and hopefully, her enhanced ability would allow her to react ... He pictured his five year old Daughter ... Pictured in his deep consciousness holding her in his arms, safe, well, protected ....... Aboard the Spartan ..."Aviq ..... You are aware of course that you can not better me at this game." T'Vana said, grinning sheepishly as her new-found friend struggled with the basics of Mahjong, a game devised by the Chinese on Earth, "No, I told you before, you are not allowed to mov ........" she was saying, when she stopped speaking. Aviq looked at her closely, then began to worry. "T'Vana .... T'Vana ..... Are you OK. What is the matter ?" he asked, panic rising within him as the little girl before him seemed locked as if in stasis. He got up and headed for the door, and with one last worried look at the girl, he left her alone and went to find Mia ! "You need to come with me." he whispered urgently, making sure no-one on the Bridge could hear him. Elena didn't need an explanation of Aviq's request. He wouldn't have risked talking to her if it wasn't important. She finished what she was doing and began to leave the Bridge. "Where are you going ?" Gann asked, without turning to face her. "Apparently ..." Elena said, turning to face him, "Our little guest is being uncooperative. I'm going down to see if I can calm her down." "No ... Aviq, go to the child. She needs to know just who is in charge. No-one ever suffered from a beating, and who knows, she may well appreciate it one day." Elena felt a shiver run down her spine, but spoke anyway: "You would have a grown man beat a five year old girl ... Wow ... Your crew will be in awe of your control Gann. Who knows, she may even wet herself during the beating. Now 'THAT' would certainly enhance your reputation ... As a CHILD BEATER ! ... But little else ... Is that how you envisage being remembered in history ?" she finished, grinning as Gann jumped from his seat and approached her intent on killing her where she stood. "I will not beat a child." Aviq said, making Gann stop in his tracks and look at the man, "Do as you will with me Lord, but I will 'NOT' beat a five year old girl, for you, or anyone else !" he said, defiantly standing up to his Lord. "I am going to Soooo enjoy killing you Mia." Gann spat, glaring at her before turning his attention to Aviq, As for you !." the impact of Gann's ring-laden fist shattered several teeth and split Aviq's lips as he fell to the deck ... Grinning, Gann returned to his seat and locked his gaze on the approaching System on the view-screen. Elena helped Aviq to his feet and pulled him, staggering, off the Bridge. In the corridor he spat blood and broken teeth onto the deck before telling Elena that they must go to T'Vana ... ~~~~~Entering her room, Elena could see the little girl, almost statuesque in the middle of the room. Aviq approached her, worried for her well-being, but Elena stopped him ..... She stood in front of the girl and knelt so sh was at eye level with her: "T'Vana ...... T'Vana, can you hear me ?" she asked, relieved when the girl focused on her. "My Father is here." she said. "Your Father ... Where !" Aviq said, looking around frantically, as if the man was going to appear right in front of him suddenly. "He is in a vessel. Very close to us. I have, reassured him I am well, and told him of the death of S'Koril." she said quietly, "He has asked that we be ready when he arrives." Elena was working through the scenario's in her mind ...... Yes, S'Peen needed to get his Daughter back, but she needed to know who had set this up ! ... Someone was behind all this killing, someone was in charge, she needed to know who that person was ... She looked at T'Vana, and suddenly realized that her mission must come first. She could not allow the instigator of this mass killing to walk free. Regardless of the consequences to herself, or, alas, anyone else. But T'Vana was frowning .... "What's the matter ?" Elena asked, worried that she had picked up on her thoughts regarding her objective. "Something is wrong ...." T'Vana said, "But I do not know what it is. We joined Elena, and in that joining I read some things in your mind. I know who you seek, and why ... My Father is close, close enough that I can access his thoughts. Not entirely, but there are 'places' he is hiding, and that disturbs me. Why would my Father have secrets Elana ?" "T'Vana, there will be a lot that your Father knows, or has experienced, that he may not want to, recollect, and those memories should remain sacred to the owner." T'Vana nodded, hoping her friends' explanation was correct, but even now, T'Vana could feel a dark place within her Father. A place he would never allow to be accessed ! ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Jun 22, 2013 17:38:12 GMT
"I just don't understand it ..." San was saying as Elena entered the Bridge, "It's as if we are creating a wake, or no, more a ghost reflection on our sensors." "I'm scanning the area around the ship now. I suggest we drop from warp until we can figure out what the problem is." Marial informed Gann, who was sat silently listening to his crews' concerns, this region of space is heavy in proton gas molecules, that could be causing the echo's maybe ?" "Drop us out of warp. Continue on full impulse ... I want this problem resolved ... Quickly. Either way, we go back to warp on the hour !" Gann said, frustration building with every delay or problem his crew seem to acquire, "I'll be in my quarters checking the information Rekun provided. We will be wasting no time with precautions once we reach Luyton one four seven. We are behind, and that mad Romulan woman will, no doubt, be asking me why !" "I'm assuming those readings are correct ?" Elena asked, casually looking over Marial's shoulder at the tactical console. "The consoles were re-calibrated three months ago, I don't see why they would be out. But something is off, that's a simple fact ..... We're picking something up, but there is nothing out there. If my paranoia was getting the better of me I would fire everything we had, as if we were being shadowed by a cloaked ship, though I doubt it would achieve anything but getting me sectioned." Elena remained silent as she wondered if Marial knew just how close she had come to the truth ...... Aboard the Tak'Lar ..."They are scanning the area thoroughly Captain, but our cloak is functioning at optimum. We have no need to fear detection at this time." the Vulcan Tactical Officer informed his Commanding Officer.
"Do you wish us to begin Admiral ?" Captain Hara asked S'Peen.
"No ... I have been in, contact, with my Daughter. She is safe and well and I wish it to remain so. It seems there are two members of the rebel crew who are sympathetic to her situation, and are helping keep her safe. Have you completed the scans of the vessel ?"
"Yes Admiral. Also, Star Fleet have now supplied the prefix codes for the four Defiant Class vessels no longer registered. We are attempting to access their computer systems as we speak."
"Continue." S'Peen said, sat with his eyes closed, as he moved into a deep meditative state before calling his Daughters' name in his mind. The contact lasted for only a moment, but it was all he needed ...
"Captain, we have access to the Spartan computer now. Orders Sir ?" the Tactical Officer asked. Hara was about to inform the Admiral when the Helm Officer interrupted suddenly:
"Sir. I am tracking a second vessel on long-range scanners. It is a D'deridex Class. Romulan. They are heading directly for us."
"Time to intercept their intercept with us ?"
"Nine minutes Captain."
"Access their computer systems now. Stand by to disable engines and weapons systems only. My Daughter is preparing herself." S'Peen said, opening his eyes ....... ~~~~~~~~~~ "We're about to have company. You had better get Gann back up here." San said, watching the new vessels approach to their location, "Hell, i didn't know a D'deridex could move that fast. They're certainly in a hurry ... It has to be that Romulan lunatic." "Be careful 'WHO' you comment on San. Some people take offence easily." Gann said, dropping into the command seat, "Engage the warp engines, take us to warp six ...... Now !" San input the instructions to the helm, but nothing happened. She tried a second time then turned to Gann, her voice quivering in fear of what he may do to her, but he needed to know. "We're locked out of the helm Gann !" "WHAT ! ..... Get control restored and get us the hell out of here." Panic was setting in on the Bridge, and Elena took the chance to sneak away. She walked straight into Aviq in the corridor. He had been ordered to secure the child. Gann had ordered her killed at the first sign of trouble. Elena went with him and they entered her room to see T'Vana stood beside the bulkhead, worry on her face. She reached up and took one of their hands in each of hers and closed her eyes. "We will be leaving soon. You must remain here with me now." the five year old girl said with confidence, "My Father is here !" The six hundred meter long D'Kyr type Vulcan ship de-cloaked and targeted the newcomer ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Jun 29, 2013 23:46:59 GMT
S'Peen stood and vacated the Captains seat. He moved to one side to allow the Bridge crew to operate without tripping over him. The Tak'Lar decloaked and turned to face the on-coming Romulan vessel.
"The vessel has raised shields and is arming their weapons systems Captain." the Tactical Officer said.
"Raise our shields, bring all weapons on-line, open a channel." Captain Hara instructed, seating himself.
=^= Approaching Romulan ship .. This is the Tak'Lar .. Captain Yori Hara Commanding .. You are requested to cease your approach =^=
"No reply Captain." the Tactical Offied informed Hara.
=^= Approaching vessel .. You will not receive a second warning .. You are to drop your shields and take all weapons systems off-line immediately .. Failure to comply will resu ...... =^= Hara stopped speaking as the Romulan ship fired on the Tak'Lar before turning in a wide arc around the Spartan. The Captain looked at S'Peen, who nodded.
"Bring us around. Target the Romulan war-birds propulsion systems and fire when acquired."
The Tak'Lar moved forward, putting distance between themselves and the Spartan. The last thing the Captain wanted was the smaller vessel being hit unintentionally during this fire-fight ... Two beams of almost pure energy lanced from the ship and slammed into the Romulan shields. A second volley broke through the weakened shields and contacted the ships outer hull, burning a twenty meter scar into the hull plating. Photon torpedoes arched across space, narrowly missing the Spartan, before crashing into the Tak'Lar's shields. The ship shook under the impact, but the shields held with only fractional drain on efficiency.
"Target their weapons systems." Hara instructed. ~~~~~~~~~~ Gann was yelling at anyone and everyone in an attempt to get the hell out from the middle of the battle. He swore on every member of his family that he would kill the lunatic Romulan Rekun, 'IF' they survived the next hour ! "WHERE ARE MY ENGINES !" he screamed for the umpteenth time in the last minute, "Contact that stupid witch and tell her to get rid of that Vulcan ship or we're all bloody-well going to suffer ! .... Will someone 'PLEASE' go and make sure that incompetent oaf has managed to kill the girl." Kalak got up, he was the only one not working to get the ship's systems back on-line, so he headed off the Bridge and headed for the girls' room ..... Outside, he took a phaser off one of the crew and turned it over in his hand, realizing that he'd made a mistake ... He had never murdered anyone, let alone an innocent five year old girl, and knew he simply didn't have it in him to start now .... The realization that it was suddenly an either / or situation almost stopped his heart where he stood. If he didn't kill the girl, Gann would certainly kill him, then the girl, or her first, just to prove a point before he shot Kalak .... He was still agonizing over the issue when he looked along the corridor, and realized that the solution was right in front of his face: The Escape Pod ! He would snatch the girl, kill the guard, and then blast them both into the void. With luck, the Spartan and the Romulan woman would meet their end, and the Vulcan ship would rescue him and the girl. Convinced his plan was sound, he burst into the girls' room, phaser in hand ..... "Mia ..... I am taking the girl." he said, pointing the weapon at Elena and Aviq, You two stay where you are and send her to me .... I don't want to have to kill either of you, so do it, Now !" "I don't think so Kalak." Elena said, moving T'Vana behind her as Aviq moved off to one side, arms raised. But Kalak was nervous, too nervous, he spun and fired at Aviq, hitting him in the chest. T'Vana stepped from behind Elena and focused her mind on Kalak, it was enough to let Elena cross the gap. She slammed her fist into the mans temple and he dropped to the floor unconscious. They ran to Aviq, but it was too late, their friend and helper was dead. ~~~~~~~~~~ "Turn us ... Turn us ... Target the Vulcan Bridge ... Fire 'ALL' weapons !" Rekun shouted as the Tak'Lar came around and fired once more, "If they hit the enhanced reactor we will not survive."
But it was too late. As a volley of photon torpedoes arced toward the Tak'Lar, the ship turned and dove 'under' the Romulan vessel. Phaser fire and torpedoes decimated the shields then burned through the hull ... Deck plates and protective shielding collapsed and seven point eight megawatts of energy slammed into the one place Rekun hoped it wouldn't ... Fortunately, she didn't have time to regret her actions, as the matter / anti-matter of their warp drive detonated in a spectacular display of pyrotechnics !
S'Peen closed his eyes, mourning the needless loss of life.
"Bring us around to face the Spartan and hold at five hundred meters." the Captain ordered ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Jul 14, 2013 0:27:46 GMT
Elena had a decision to make, and the success, or failure, of her mission depended on what that decision was ... She looked at T'vana, who was holding on to Aviq's hand. She knew she could possibly make it to one of the escape pods, and get away from the Spartan, but that didn't get her the information she needed, and there was always the possibility that Gann would think he had nothing to loose, so would shoot the pod out of space regardless of the attacking vessels' intentions.
"T'vana ......" she said quietly.
"You have no need to be concerned Elena. I know your mission, and I support your decision to remain aboard the Spartan ..." the five year old frowned for a few seconds before looking at her guardian, "I am worried ... I am 'feeling' something, out of place, something that I should explore, but at the same time I am reluctant ...... I think you need to take me to the Bridge. Gann will send someone if we do not appear."
Elena nodded. She covered Aviq with a blanket from the bed then took T'vana's hand.
~~~~~
"What is it doing NOW !" Gann was shouting as Elena and T'vana entered, he noticed the girl and looked at Mia, rage and frustration building by the second, "Where is Kalak, I sent him for the girl ?"
"Mister Kalak is, dead." T'vana said casually, before looking at the view-screen, "My Father has come for me." she finished, as if that was all the explanation anyone needed.
She watched as the massive Tak-Lar came round in a lazy arc and closed the distance between the two ships. At exactly five hundred meters, the gap ceased to decrease ... For long moments Gann screamed at anyone and everyone to get engines, weapons, anything on-line and working, but to no avail ... He realized that with Rekun gone, they were on their own ... He looked around at where Mia and the girl were sitting, and knew he had to use his only bargaining chip !
"Open a channel to that ship ...... NOW." he said, getting up and grasping a fist full of the child's hair, before pulling her to the Command seat and standing her directly in front of him. The screen flickered then cleared to show a large Bridge area, but more importantly, an elderly Vulcan male:
=^= Under Star Fleet regul ........ =^= S'Peen began, but was cut off quickly !
=^= You have one minute to turn that ship away and head off in any direction at high warp .. Failure to comply with this directive will result in the death of your youngest child =^= To press home the point, Gann pushed a phaser, clearly set to maximum, against the temple of the five year old. Elena made a step forward but a look from Gann halted her in her tracks.
After forty five seconds, the man spoke:
=^= Killing the child will result in but one single outcome .. Therefore .. I have an alternate proposal .. I will beam aboard your vessel and serve as 'hostage' and you in turn will release the child to my Aide aboard the Tak-Lar .. Do we have an agreement ? =^=
Elena had been gradually reducing the distance between her and Gann, and now she was less than a meter away she acted ... The blade slid easily between the mans tunic collar and his skin, the tip resting comfortably against the the soft tissue covering the 'C1 atlas & C2 axle' vertebrae. The blade was invisible to any casual on-looker, and unseen to anyone on the view-screen. She bent to whisper in Ganns ear:
"Threaten this little girl again Gann, and our 'association' will come to a swift conclusion, along with your life ...... Now, a suggestion, let him come aboard, after all, two hostages are better than one anytime. Besides, that ship is unlikely to fire on us if their Ambassador is on board, so, use your head instead of your genitalia for once." Gann was shaking under the knife, but not from fear, from rage, "Now, T'vana will promise to remain stood in front of you, and I in turn will stay right here, cosey cosey, so to speak, but if you don't remove that phaser 'NOW' this conversation will alas, be moot ... I promise you that !"
=^= Release my Daughter immediately =^= S'Peen said suddenly.
=^= No .. We have a counter proposal .. You will transport aboard this ship .. You will restore our systems .. You will eject your warp cores and beam any matter / anti-matter reserves you have into space and destroy them .. Once we are certain you have complied and we have put adequate distance between us and the Federation we will put you and the girl in an escape pod and release you both .. I have no doubt you will be located quite quickly =^= Gann said, trying hard to look as if he still held the upper hand.
Elena could see T'vana physically stiffen suddenly. She reached forward and took her hand.
=^= I agree to your terms =^= S'Peen said, turning to someone off-screen, "It is decided. Carry out my orders !" the Vulcan finished then turned back to the screen.
T'vana was taking the tiniest steps backwards as the two spoke, Gann completely ignored her in his hubris. He was about to have the proverbial 'Get out of Jail Free' card handed to him, and he wasn't about to pass that up ... This whole outing had gone belly-up quickly. Between things going wrong, the Romulan Rekun's interference, and his general bad mood, this looked like a way out.
"T'vana ?" Elena whispered, worried about the little girl.
"He is on that ship." she said quietly.
"Who ?"
"The man who is responsible for all this. He is close, and can only be there." she said, signifying the ship on screen with the slightest nod of her head.
"Mia." Gann said, "Take the child to her quarters, Marial will accompany you. Marial, take two of your Security team with you. She will be reunited with her Father very shortly, but in the mean time, 'NO-ONE' is to get access to that room without my express permission, is that 'fully' understood ?" he finished, waiting for the blade to be removed ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Jul 22, 2013 10:58:16 GMT
Elena stood for a long moment, the knife never wavering from Gann's throat. When she thought her threat had sunk in fully, she slowly withdrew the blade and took T'vana's hand:
"Come with me." Marial said, grinning at her new-found authority. Followed closely by the Security Chief and her henchmen, Elena took the girl back to her quarters. She heard the sound of the transport in progress before the door closed, and, locked. She walked to the bed and sat with T'vana:
"What did you mean when you said the man responsible was here ?"
"The man who is behind all this, killing, is on that Vulcan ship ... The man you are looking for is a ........" T'vana fell silent suddenly, and Elena could see she was concentrating deeply over something, but what ... Knowing it could be dangerous to rouse a Vulcan during these times, all she could do was wait until T'vana spoke once more.
~~~~~~~~~~
As the transport concluded, S'Peen found himself facing several phaser weapons, along with one irate man he assumed was the Commander of the group.
"I have done as you requested, now, may I be reunited with my Daughter ?"
"Not quite yet." Gann said, "There is the small matter of your core and propulsion material ... Once I have confirmation your ship is dead in space, I will comply with our agreement. I warn you Vulcan, should you or your ship try anything, untoward, I will ensure neither you 'OR' your Daughter see another dawn." he finished, heading for the Bridge ... It was plain that S'Peen was expected to follow.
On screen they could see the Tak'Lar backing away from the Spartan. S'Peen requested an open channel and confirmed he was abord and to proceed with their assigned task ... Moments later, the enormous primary warp core, along with the secondary core were ejected from below the ship. Two beams of almost pure energy lanced from the Tak'Lar and destroyed the cores. Seconds later, the matter/antimatter was dumped, and once it had drifted an appropriate distance, it too received a bean of energy, vanishing in a spectacular light display .... The Tak'Lar was now helpless, surviving off battery back-up power only.
"Very good." Gann said, grinning at all on the Bridge, You have caused us to loose much in the way of payment for our deeds Ambassador, and I am afraid that because of this, I must renege on our agreement." S'Peen sensed the weapon before he felt it connect with the back of his neck. It was obvious that Gann was taking no chances, and would kill him and his Daughter on a whim if the need arose. He was out of pocket, and needed remuneration now that Rekun was dead. Gann could only assume that whoever was funding this venture would know of the Romulan's demise when she failed to make contact. If their financier was to abandon them with nothing then they were in trouble, so, it seemed that the task of reimbursement had now fallen on S'Peen himself. He would need to 'pay' Gann for his, and his Daughters' freedom !
"System lock-out's have been released." San said.
"Drive ... Weapons ?"
"Everything Gann, we can bring any system on-line on your orders."
Gann looked at S'Peen, then at the massive Vulcan vessel hanging before them.
"Set course for the Kapleses System ...... But destroy that ship first."
"I would not do that if I were you ... Gann." S'Peen said quietly.
"Oh, and why's that may I ask ?" the Commander asked, wryly amused that the Vulcan was even now trying to act as if he held at least 'some' of the cards in this little game. S'Peen slowly removed the Ambassadorial emblem from his tunic and turned it over in his hands before looking back at Gann.
"This device has recorded everything since I transported aboard. It has transmitted that information, on a sub-space carrier, back to the Tak'Lar, along with our current location and a system-wide order that this vessel be destroyed on sight ... Every Vulcan vessel within two hundred parsec's will receive this information should you attempt to bring anything but your propulsion systems on-line. You could not fire upon the Tak'Lar before the signal was transmitted, I assure you ... There are currently two relay stations, and if memory serves, nine Vulcan vessels in range to receive the transmission. So, should you decide to destroy the Tak'Lar, you will, effectively sign your own death warrant. You seek payment for services rendered. Do you not ?" S'Peen asked, raising one eyebrow in the quizzical fashion unique to Vulcan's ....
"Bring the core on-line ... 'DRIVE SYSTEMS ONLY' ..." Gann ordered finally as S'Peen threw the emblem onto the Command seat.
"Take him to the girl." Gann ordered, picking up the emblem and dropping it to the floor, before crushing it under foot, "Get us to the Kapleses System ... NOW !" ..........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Jul 25, 2013 19:46:19 GMT
S'Peen watched Gann closely for a long moment, before one of the crew took his arm. Allowing himself to be led from the Bridge, he walked slowly behind the man taking him to his Daughter:
"I wish to see my Son before we go to my Daughters' quarters. If you would contact your Commander, I am sure he will allow this."
The man had no instructions other than take the Vulcan to the girl, but he did feel for the man's loss. Making a snap decision, he headed toward the cargo bay, S'Peen close behind. Once there, he stood to one side and motioned toward a metallic chest in the far corner ... S'Peen walked to it slowly, then unlocked the catches securing the lid. After taking a moment, he opened the chest ... At least someone had made sure the chest was refrigerated, that ensured the body would remain as it was at the time of death, and for that he was grateful ... He looked down at the lifeless body of his Son, having great difficulty in keeping the torrent of unnatural emotions in check. It took him long moments before he could close and seal the chest. The guard approached from behind and told S'Peen that he had been ordered to dispose of the body, but couldn't bring himself to flush the child into space, so he placed him here ... S'Peen thanked the man for his compassion, knowing it wasn't him, but Gann himself, that had murdered a child to enforce his authority, and ruthlessness on his crew. With a nod to the guard, S'Peen walked out of the cargo bay ........
"In the corridor close to his Daughters quarters, S'Peen saw that no less than three people had been assigned to guard the five year old's room. As they approached, Marial spoke:
"You will be allowed in the room, but any attempt at escape, and you will not live to see another day ....... Do we understand each other Vulcan ? ... Give the Vulcan one hour with his Daughter. He is to be held in the quarters opposite. Open the door." the Security Chief said, "I am going back to the Bridge. If he attempts anything, kill them both !"
~~~~~
Inside the room, Elena and T'vana watched the detonations, before the Spartan began a slow turn around the stricken Tak'Lar before jumping to warp. She was trying to comfort the little girl when she suddenly stiffened:
"My Father is here ...... He is outside." T'vana whispered, "Elena, you must be careful. Something is not right here, but I am unsure as to what that might be."
The door opened and the imposing figure of the Vulcan Ambassador filled the frame. He looked at T'vana for a moment before stepping into the room fully, the door sliding closed behind him ... T'vana got up and ran to her Father and threw her arms up, leaping into the mans arms.
"My Daughter. I am here now, you are safe." he said, looking at Elena, who stood and took a step forward:
"Ambassador. My name is ........"
"MIA." T'vana interrupted quickly, "She is one of the people guarding me, but she has been helpful and kind. She has been looking after me and, S'Koril ... She tried to prevent my brothers' death." S'Peen eyed her with suspicion for a few seconds, then lowed his Daughter to the floor and approached Elena:
"Mia. I am grateful for your kindness toward my Children. But I am here now, and you, are no longer required."
No Father. I wish Mia to stay with me."
"It's OK T'vana." Elena said, hugging the little girl, "I think you should have a little time with your Father. You should explain what happened to S'Koril, I am sure he would want to know ... I promise I will be back in a little while, is that OK ?" she could see something in the girls' eyes, something that was beginning to worry her, but she needed to let them have some time together.
Standing, she kissed the girl on the forehead then turned to the Ambassador. She looked at him then back at the girl, before finally tapping the intercom and asking for the door to be opened:
"I'll be back in an hour, OK ... If you need me for anything T'vana, ask the guard to send for me."
As the door closed, Father and Daughter were both stood almost two meters apart. S'Peen was watching her, but she got the distinct impression that T'vana was watching her Father more closely, the smallest of frowns on her small forehead ...........
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Elena de Luca
Starfleet Intelligence
Registered: Dec 14, 2009 0:38:17 GMT
Posts: 266
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Post by Elena de Luca on Jul 26, 2013 21:37:37 GMT
Elena went straight to her quarters and lay on the bed ... Something was bothering her about the reunion of T'vana and the Ambassador, but at the moment she couldn't put her finger on it. She played back the meeting in her mind, concentrating on their faces, her eidetic memory focusing instantly ...... T'vana was worried, almost to the point of being frightened. Maybe that was because she had felt that whoever was doing this was on the Tak'Lar ? ... But that made no sense in her head. Now, her Father ... He was every bit the relieved parent, even if he was Vulcan, but at the same time there was something, something only her 'intuition' could grip, but there all the same. Maybe it was the fact that one of his Children had already died, and now he had handed himself to the person who could do the same to his remaining child. "Surely he can't think he can take the ship." she said to herself, "But why the hesitation ?" that was the thing nagging at the back of her head. No, maybe she was over-thinking the whole thing. Maybe he was so relieved that his Daughter was alive and safe, it affected him more than he realized ... She decided to take a shower and change into something fresh, then she would go and see why T'vana was so reluctant to inform her Father of just 'who' she really was ..... Aboard the Tak'Lar ...=^= I agree to your terms =^= S'Peen said, turning to someone off-screen, "It is decided. Carry out my orders !" the Vulcan finished then turned back to the screen to see Gann nod, grinning inanely. He turned back to face the Captain as the Comm link was terminated:
"You will follow the instructions Captain." S'Peen said, looking intently at the man, "I will not have you putting my remaining child's life in danger ... I trust that is 'FULLY' understood ?"
"Understood Admiral." Hara said, his face expressionless.
~~~~~
"Transport has been confirmed Captain. They have confirmed the Admiral is now aboard the Spartan." the Tak'Lar's Security Officer said.
"Very well." Hara answered, watching the gnat that was the Defiant Class vessel holding them to ransom, "Ensure battery power distribution is optimized."
"Sir ... The vessel is powering-up and bringing their drive systems on-line ..." the Tactical Officer informed Hara, "They are coming around us under impulse ... They have jumped to warp ... We have a heading. Contact loss due to sensor degradation will occur in six minutes."
Captain Hara hadn't agreed with the Admiral's reasoning, regardless of his attaining kolinahr. Hara thought he was being affected, however minutely, by the loss of his Son, and the possible loss of his Daughter ... When S'Peen gave the order to eject the cores and comply with all the instructions given by the Kidnapper, he decided to make a slight change:
"We will do as the Admiral orders ...... But with one small modification !" he said quietly to his Executive Officer .....
"How long to have the core reinitialized ?"
"Engineering is making the final checks as we speak Captain ... I must confess Captain, that your instruction to transport the core as we fired is exceptional tactical thinking." the Exec' said, Hara not acknowledging the comment:
"Once the core is on-line set a parallel course to shadow the Spartan. Our records are current regarding the Defiant Class I assume ?" he asked, and the Exec' nodded, "Very well, ensure we remain outside their sensor range. But be ready to close if required."
The Comm chirped to life:
=^= Core installation complete =^= the Engineer reported.
"Excellent." Hara said, looking at the stars on-screen, "Plot course and engage at maximum warp."
For a Vulcan to defy a Superior Officer, was unheard of. But Hara had known the Admiral most of his life, and he 'felt' he knew the man better than most others. He knew something was troubling his friend, and concluded that it could only be his fear for his Daughters' life ... It was this, and his life-long friendship, which made him defy S'Peen ... He would know the result of that defiance in due course, but for now, he would be where he was needed ! ..........
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