4.4 Convergence

[Magellan Lin]

The light flickered briefly allowing a merest moment of clarity amidst the billowing smoke. A twisted limb lay sprawled across the corridor. The shadow approached growing in size and travelling up the wall like an approaching storm. He staggered backward his arm struggling to pull him up from where he had fallen, tripped on what had been his escort. The shadow became real rounding the corner and standing before him in all its terrifying glory. With a gutteral snarl it leapt forward. He grasped the unfamiliar weapon and in desperation ignited it. A flash of light and then...

With a start Magellan sat bolt upright. Sweat streaked his brow and speckled his chest. Breathing deeply he became aware of where he was. Assailant. Back in his room back to safety...for now. Pulling back the covers he got up and on a robe to cover his torso in the cool of his room.

"Computer. Lights and raise temperature 2 degrees"

His quarters became illuminated and he went directly to the replicator.

"Water. Ice cold" he ordered, taking a deep and reassuring gulp he checked his message, nothing of importance. He took a heavy and weary seat in his chair and watched his Dinas awoke and curled about his feet. The firelizard promptly returned to his slumber.

Magellan sipped at his glass unsure whether he dare return to sleep. The dream had been vivid and real and it brought back to him just the things he was trying to forget, at least for awhile.

As was usual for Assailant things were moving a pace and not for the good. Saarok and Ezedriana were still on Betazed. The Scavenger had been lost, The new Nevada was yet to arrive and the worst of it all, D'Beren Holy Child to the Debrune had been involved in a shuttle accident. Even now news of survivors had yet to come through from Qualinost and even then it would have to be carefully managed. Major Denart had been assigned by Magellan to co-ordinate an investigation in to the accident but as yet the area was still closed by the Debrune.

Magellan checked his chronometer and realised he really ought to attempt to sleep again he needed all his strength available for when the Nevada arrived.

[Ji' Zhan]

The streets of the underground city were not filled with its normal crowd of people shopping, going to and from their homes, no children running in and out of the legs of the crowds with laughter. No, they were eerily still. Only the few walking to only where they had to go just to keep the daily pace in progress. You could hear the sobs of not only women, but men and children too. The most strange thing of all was even the ancient Debrune reactor even refused to give its unending power willingly. The underground system was showing symptoms of its own type of sorrow.

The Elders were deep in the city talking with officials and investigators about the shuttle crash. Not much was known at the point and the Elders were visibly upset and sent everyone back to the scene to keep the investigation going. There would be no sleep tonight until more information was known.

Ji'Zhan spoke up now that the room was empty with only the Elder trio remaining. "We will need help from Star Fleet on the star base side of this ..." His words trailed off as the emotion rushed into his voice. The emotion of the other two Elders soon followed. The Child was a symbol of a new dawning for the Debrune people. No more would they hide. No longer would they run from some larger, stronger ego inflated race who simply wanted them off their plot of dirt. Not that any planet they had been on in the history of the Debrune carried any worth like Qualinost. It was the first home the Deburne had ever known in hundreds of hundreds of years. Now the symbol of hope was lying comatose in a secret hospital location; known only to the few that needed to know. Even most of the top-of-the-top officials didn't know. Ji'Zhan did however leave an escort for T'Val and Stuart so they could be by their son's side.

Ji'Zhan's eyes sunk as his mind recalled the one person that may still not yet know. Time had passed from the last time Ji'Zhan talked to Tedak. Pressing a button on the table's communication control, "Inform the planetary flight control that Ambassador Tedak will need an escort to the planet surface. Clear his shuttle, once he lands escort him to the location." Ji'Zhan dismissed himself form the group and headed to the location of the child. There was no way to prepare his mind for what his eyes would see, so there was no more stalling ... it was time to go.

[Deleted]

sort of joint post Tedak and T'Val, timeframe: evening and next morning

At long last Tedak's shuttle docked with Assaillant, but not before being surrounded by Debrune escort shuttles who tried to direct him towards Qualinost. "Debrune shuttles, cease your attempts," the Romulan diplomat barked, "I am in no mood to be diverted from my course, especially not in this manner. Return to your home base, I shall contact Elder Ji'Zhan when I feel it is time to do so. I have more important matters to attend to now."

He glanced sideways at Vebn, who seemed equally annoyed. "We're almost home now," Tedak assured the older man, "and I for one will be glad to be. And what a mess we come home to." He sighed miserable as he acknowledged their vector approach course and docking location.

"Feel free to linger," Tedak offered as he exited his shuttle after landing procedures were completed, "I'm going to check on my ex-wife. She'll need the support, knowing how fragile her emotional state can be." He bid his farewell to Vebn with a promise to come to him the next day for a full briefing of their mission.

When he got to the Mercy quarters, the door was opened when he had barely raised his hand to press the doorbell. A mournful looking Stuart stood in the doorway, motioning for him to come in. "I assume you heard?" the doctor asked as he led the way to the livingroom.

Tedak shook his head. "Not so much heard, but I sensed her grief." At Stuart's look of surprise, the Romulan explained that there was still a form of residual link, because they parted as good friends rather than as foes. "But would there be a chance he still lives? That he survived the crash?"

"We have not been informed of a body having been found yet," Stuart replied, "and we have not yet had the chance to enquire about it." He nodded towards the bedroom. "She's asleep now, I had her medicated. And I did that myself, I'm not about to let her medicate herself, we both know what happened the last time."

The Romulan nodded in agreement. "I am not here to discuss that," he said gently, "I am here to see how you are doing. I am going to Qualinost tomorrow morning, after I spoke with Ji'Zhan about intercepting my shuttle and trying to force it towards Qualinost. I would appreciate it if you and T'Val came with me. After all, we are his parents. All three of us; T'Val and I by formality, you by marriage to T'Val."

Leaving it at that, the Romulan retired to his own quarters, immediately asking Lily to open a channel to Elder Ji'Zhan. "Elder, I mourn your loss of the Holy Child, however I need some confirmations. Is there a chance my son survived?"

(Ji'Zhan)

"Yes I saw your escort shuttles," Tedak interrupted, "and I don't appreciate their conduct, trying to get my shuttle to Qualinost without informing me what it is about. I wasn't alone on my shuttle and any action on their part to force us would be an act of kidnapping. At any rate, I will be coming down to Qualinost in the morning, accompanied by Doctors Stuart and T'Val Mercy."

(Ji'Zhan)

Tedak signed off feeling some form of relief; his son still lived, though his chances of survival were moot. He passed on this information to Stuart, who would tell his wife when she woke.

The next morning, Tedak met with the Mercy's rather early, hugging T'Val fiercely when she fell into his arms, crying. "He lives," he soothed, stroking her hair softly. "He still lives and we are going to see him now."

T'Val looked up at him. "He lives?" she querried, hope flaring in her eyes.

Tedak nodded. "Elder Ji'Zhan informed me after my return home, yesterday evening. I came by to tell you in person, but Stuart convinced me you needed the rest. You look better now."

T'Val wiped the tears from her eyes and attempted to compose herself. She leaned back into her husband's quiet embrace, sensing his relief. It calmed her considerably, even though her worry was evident. "Can we see him?"

"His location is confidential, lest Kale will try to get at him. However, Ji'Zhan assured me that we can visit him."

T'Val gazed back at her mate. "I believe we should ask S'Lon as well," she suggested mildly. "I may not trust her and she may have tried to take my child, but if she is indeed family, she has the right to visit. She should come with us. None of us will ever know his location, she will not be able to pass it on to D'Ror or Kale."

Tedak nodded his agreement. "I don't know who S'Lon or D'Ror are, but if she feels she should, then I agree. What do you say?"

(Stuart)

Together, they walked down to the shuttlebay, after T'Val extended her invitation to S'Lon alone. The woman would meet them on Qualinost at the landing pad as soon as Tedak's shuttle arrived. A little apprehensive, T'Val sat down and strapped herself in. Anxiously, she waited for the shuttle to depart and arrive at their destination.

When it finally did, she was the first to exit the shuttle and fly towards Ji'Zhan, who stood waiting with S'Lon. "Where is he?" she called anxiously, "please, take us to him."

[Ji' Zhan]

OFF: response to tags

ON:

Ji'Zhan, getting ready for the evening prayers, was just about to enter into the Elder's private prayer rooms when his Acolyte interrupted with a call from Tedak. Breaking away from the rest of the trio he paused in an alcove.

"Elder, I mourn your loss of the Holy Child, however I need some confirmations. Is there a chance my son survived?" Tedak asked.

Mournfully Ji'Zhan answered, "His body is being sustained only by the medical equipment. I'm afraid that he is in a comma-like state. Medical equipment hasn't been able to read his brain activity. The doctors are unable to say why the brain sensors are unable to pick up any data. On the request of the doctors, I have refrained from finding out for myself; in hopes his brain is simply in some type of protection mode. The Doctors, at this point, can only say that he isn't able to sustain himself. That is why the medical equipment is being used." Ji'Zhan having been told of Tedak's refusal for escort said, "I was unaware that the escorts attempted to redirect your shuttle ... that was NOT my intent."

"Yes I saw your escort shuttles," Tedak interrupted, "and I don't appreciate their conduct, trying to get my shuttle to Qualinost without informing me what it is about. I wasn't alone on my shuttle and any action on their part to force us would be an act of kidnapping. At any rate, I will be coming down to Qualinost in the morning, accompanied by Doctors Stuart and T'Val Mercy."

Ji'Zhan responding to his Ambassador friend who very seldom would listen to what people were saying restated, "Like I said my friend, the escorts were not instructed to redirect ... only to offer escort should you want to come to the planet strait-way. I will look into the reasons as to why those escorts acted in that way. I look forward to your visits. May peace be with you in this dark hour."

OFF: It wasn't my intent that Tedak's shuttle be redirected ... only to offer.

[leodenart]

Leo's head was spinning from trying to get access to any information about the shuttle crash he could. He knew that becuase the shuttle had left from the station, he would be involved somehow, but he was surprised to find out that he was only involved for formality reasons. After learning this from the many attempts he had given, he thought it best to contact Ji'Zhan in order to get somekind of help. Getting through only to the planet, he sent a message to have the Elder contact him as soon as he was able to. While waiting for a response, Leo read over the reports filled by the government, as well as the flight logs he had access to.

Leo looked up from a PADD when he heard a beep from his desk, a response from Ji'Zhan. "Elder, i was hoping to convince you to lend me a hand."

<tag Ji'Zhan>

"there seems to be a lack of cooperation from your people, i havent been able to gather any helpful information about the shuttle crash. Would it possible to come down there and investigate myself, i have a small background in piloting and would prefer to examine the shuttle myself"

<tag Ji'Zhan>

[Ji' Zhan]

The morning business was underway as the Debrune Council had postponed their sessions because of the horrible news of the Divine Child's Shuttle crash. However, the daily work still had to be done.

Ji'Zhan was informed of a call from the Chief of Starbase Security, Major Denart. Answering the call Ji'Zhan responded, "Major, it is good to hear from you. What may I assist you with today?"

"Elder, i was hoping to convince you to lend me a hand."

"Major, I would be glad to aid you," Ji'Zhan responded.

The Major continued, "There seems to be a lack of cooperation from your people, i haven't been able to gather any helpful information about the shuttle crash. Would it possible to come down there and investigate myself, i have a small background in piloting and would prefer to examine the shuttle myself"

Ji'Zhan laid down the information he was looking at to respond to Leo, "Major, I can assure you the lack of response is only due to the lack of time they have had while working this horrible shuttle crash. I will contact both the Captain in the Intelligence Directorate and in the Ministry of Defense to immediately start assisting you in your investigation. Also, as a invitation directly from me," Ji'Zhan started typing in a clearance order for the Major, "you are now cleared to investigate the crash site at your earliest convenience."

[mercy]

When Stuart had been asked about the farmer's wife being allowed to accompany them to see D'Beren he had no objections. It was the rightful thing to do if she indeed was family to him.

The suttle ride seemed longer than usual. T'Val was leaning onto his shoulder for comfort. Stuart was going through his mind the state D'Beren could be in. Some of the images weren't very pretty and because of this, T'Val would become startled when her mind aimlessly wnadered receiving his images. Stuart concentrated for most of the trip to not let this happen again.

Ji'Zhan was there to greet them upon arrival. T'Val immediately requested to see D'beren, but Stuart pulled her back towards him, ~All in due time my love...~. The Mercy's stood back in silence while, comforting one another as Ji'Zhan and Tedak discussed going to their quarters first. S'Lon remained quiet as well as the worry of D'Beren's plight was going through her mind.

[leodenart]

'thank you Ji' Zhan' Leo thought as he jumped up from his desk, running to the shuttle bay where he hoped to catch the shuttle before it left. Unfortuneatly he did not, so he had to wait anxiously until he could get a hold of another one. Jumping into the first shuttle he could see, he started it up and left quickly.

Leo gave the planet his access codes, and was soon on his way to the shuttle crash. Landing his own shuttle on the landing pad, a few clicks away from the crash site, Leo saw a small escort waiting for him. Although Leo knew little about the Debrune race, he had read a little on the ranks they held, in front of him was a Major and a Lieutenant, and a small hand full of sub-Lieutenants. "Major Denart, welcome. I am Major Ti' Lon, and this is Lt. Degaren. Elder Ji' Zhan sent us to escort you to the shuttle and provide you with any assistance you require" Leo was alittle surprised, but quickly got over it as they started walking to the crash site. "Thank you Major, do you know where the two captains are for the shuttle? i would like to speak with them" Ti' Lon looked back and nodded, and one of 3 sub-lt. headed off to locate the captains.

When they arrived at the crash, Leo was astonished that anyone had survived. Slowly walking around bits and pieces Leo looked around until he saw one thing that he wanted. Bending down to pick it up, he held in his hands a small chip, about the size of his palm. Putting the chip in a bag on side, Leo continued to look, then instructing the Debrune's to search for any thing that didnt look normal in a crash.

Leo looked up when he heard the whereabouts of the captains, only to get back to looking for evidence. "Major Denart, what excatly are you looking for?" one of the sub-lt. asked him. "Well, i dont really know, anything that looks out of place" Leo was ontop of the shuttle, looking for any signs of the shuttle being fired upon, finding none he made his way inside the shuttle and sat down at the back end of the shuttle. "If the Elder is not busy, can you have him come down here with me?" he asked the Lieutenant, who was standing behind him.

[Deleted]

After what seemed like a long time to the Mercy's and S'lar, Ji'Zhan and Tedak finally turned back to face them. "Are we going to see him now?" T'Val pleaded with the Debrune elder.

The elder nodded, though at that precise moment, the call from Major Denart came through. "My trusted aide will take you," he promised as he nodded towards a second Debrune that had been in his constant attendance.

Tedak nodded in appreciation as he moved to support the farmer's wife. "It'll be all right," he promised her, "we're going to see the Divine Child now."

"My nephew," the woman sobbed, trying to make her point.

The Romulan wisely did not respond to that, as he was officially the child's warden and father. "My son will be very pleased to have someone to call aunt," he answered instead, "when he gets well, we shall take him to see your farm. You do have animals on your farm? D'Beren loves all sorts of animals." This time he indicated the four firelizards, for a second bronze had joined them, that zipped and darted through the air. "Two of those are mine, the green belongs to T'Val and I will bet that the second bronze is Dinas."

The second bronze zipped out and did not return. "Catching up to the news," he mused to himself as they followed Ji'Zhan's aide to a shuttle that had blinded windows.

"The location is secret," the aide apologised as he ushered the two men and women into the small transport. "Kindly keep your creatures contained, or keep them away."

T'Val called Yade to her and made the little anxious green settle down on her lap. She felt Stuart slip his arms around her and she was grateful for the comfort. She knew, of course that his thoughts had only been preparing himself for the worst, which she could appreciate however it had startled her to no end. What shape would her son be in? Would he still live? What life would he have?

The shuttle ride seemed endless to her, but when it finally did end, she couldn't wait to exit the shuttle. Nurses dressed in sparkling white suits waited for them and admonished them to get into the cubicles that would provide sterile clothing. "They cannot enter unless we can clean them up," the nurse told them, pointing to the three firelizards.

"Clean them," Tedak and T'Val said in unison, urging their flying friends to comply with whatever treatment they might get. Minutes later, the four of them, in accompaniment of the firelizards entered a sterile room.

T'Val gasped as she saw her son lying motionless on a bed that was far too large for his small posture. He was near to unrecognizable as he lay there, tubes entering his body at several points, his body broken and bandaged. She glanced at the monitor beside the bed and sighed in relief. "He is still alive," she whispered at her mate.

Stuart nodded, sensing his mate's grief and glanced over at Tedak and S'lar. The farmer's wife threatened to faint and it was only Tedak's strong grip that held her to her feet. The Romulan looked pale and anxious and about to faint himself. The four stood in silence beside the bed, the three firelizards crooning anxiously, trying to get the boy who heard them to respond.

One of the Debrune doctors attending to the boy approached them. "He is in a really bad shape," he explained, "and we are fortunate the Holy Child still lives. Without life support, he will die. And if he dies this will have great impact on Debrune society. I need your permission to keep him alive."

"What is the chance for his recovery?" T'Val spoke up, forcing a certain calm over herself as her gloved hand reached for her son, touching his cheek.

"They are slim," the physician answered soberly, "he may survive, but there is no guarantee. He was severely injured and we were lucky the recovery teams found him. It is entirely possible that the woman in his attendance saved his life by sacrificing herself. He is the only survivor of the crash, all other passengers were killed."

S'lar stiffled a sob and buried her face against Tedak's shoulder for comfort. "If there is a chance he'll live," the Romulan spoke slowly, "then I am giving my permission to keep him on life support. However, I cannot speak for his mother."

T'Val nodded in agreement, with Stuart nodding also. "He must be kept alive if there is a chance he will survive. For his sake, and that of the Debrune people." Both T'Val and Tedak understood the boy's importance to the Debrune people, even if S'lar might not. She didn't know if S'lar understood, and she couldn't really care. Her son still lived, even if he was unresponsive.

"How often may we visit him?" she querried, "we will of course arrange visits through Elder Ji'Zhan." It was their only option as they didn't know where the boy was being cared for.

"Any time," the doctor promised, "and you will all be kept updated on his condition through the revered elder." He gazed at S'lar, his expression softening. "Any family may visit, but the boy cannot be taken from this facility. It will mean sudden death. We took great risks moving him from the crash site, and nearly lost him due to that. We will not permit moving him again."

As doctors themselves, the Mercy's understood the gravity of the situation and agreed to it. "We must depart now," T'Val whispered, unable to bear looking at her son any longer, "I wish to see the crash site."

The four left by the same way they had come and were taken to the crash site, where they were stopped by Major Denart. "I wish to see it," T'Val demanded, "my son was nearly killed. I wish to see what killed him."

[Magellan Lin]

Refreshed and re-energised Magellan returned to Ops to await the arrival of the Nevada.

F'Rass was stood at Flight Control monitoring a number of transports arriving. He moved to the Master Ops Station and checked on any updates from the planet regarding D'beren. It still listed him as critical. He decided he would have to check in with Denart soon to find out what was happening.

[Deleted]

OOC: This post is being sent to both threads: Nevada and Assailant. Hereafter, I'll post to the Assailant.

IC:

The shuttle from Conqueror to Assailant took some time and during that, Lucy sent messages to her Gram and Gramps. She slept; she laid with a novel conveniently on a data padd so when she dozed off, it fell without losing her place.

When the pilot woke her to say they were docking with Starbase Assailant, Lucy stumbled into the sonic shower then dressed in her last clean, pressed uniform and carefully put her pips and comm badge in place. Stepping back to view her reflection in the mirror of the small co-ed bath, Lt(jg) Lucille (call me Lucy) Grey felt inordinately proud of herself. She knew that would wear off and could only hope it would before the Nevada arrived to pick her up.

The USS Nevada-B! She'd read up on the specs, the senior staff and her counseling staff. The ship's motto, "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one", was originally spoken by Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds to ever exist. Lucy was instantly proud of the ship.

Trying to calm herself down, she thought of her academy instructor, Dr. Westgate. Leaving the academy was hard because it meant she wouldn't have him to turn to.

Standing behind the helm station, Lucy looked out at Assailant as it loomed into view. Suddenly, the shuttle was really, really, small.

TBC:

OFF

[Deleted]

(OOC: Hope no one minds my taking the lead on this)

After recieving word that the Nevada crew was support to the Base CO, Dan proceeded back from the Nevada onto the Base, headed for Ops. His first ship-side assignment since leaving retirement, and their first mission involved being attached to a starbase. Figured.

He stepped onto a station turbolift. "Ops," he ordered, as he parked himself among the lift's occupants.

As the lift proceeded, he found himself eyed by a Ferengi. The Ferengi looked him up and down. "Ah, a fellow orange-skin. Could I interest you, perhaps, in some Dobanian crystals?"

Dan looked down, considering it. Dobanian crystals had some useful applications in holographic technology. But... "Aren't Dobanian crystals illegal in the Federation?" he asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Ah yes, of course, that they are," he said, nervously. "I didn't say I had them though. I just uh...know someone who does."

"Uh huh, I see," he said, as the Ferengi reached his deck and hastily departed.

A few minutes later, he arrived at Ops. Locating Admiral Magellan, he approached him.

"Admiral, I'm Commander Dan Trek, the Nevada's Chief Engineer. We were told to report to you, sir."

[Magellan Lin]

"Ah Commander. Good to see you" Magellan replied amiably "I trust you are well and not missing the Raven too much"

"Not at all sir. She was a fine ship but I m eager to make my mark on the Nevada."

Magellan was aware of Dantreks engineering capabilities and if anyone could get the new Nevada in tip top shape it would be him.

"I m sure you will. Thankyou for reporting in. The rest of the Nevada crew should be here shortly as well as some new recruits. Nevertheless the Nevadas first assignment will be with a skeleton staff only. I would have taken the Copenhagen but its needed here with the Vanquisher to maintain base security."

"I understand" Dantrek nodded

"Have you eaten Commander?"

"Not recently Sir."

"Me neither I m starving. Come on I ll take you top a wonderful Bolian Bistro down in the Arcade. We can have the rest of the crew join us as they arrive. Its been a tough few days and its only going to get worse. Best relax whilst we can."

The Admiral led Dantrek out of Ops and from the secure Starfleet Only sections of the upper levels of the Starbase. They passed the officers club 'The Fishtank' and stepped into a turbolift. It whizzed for a few minutes before ejecting them onto the main arcade. The busy main shopping and business district was bustling with all manner of people from a hundred races. Magellan nodded politely to those he knew and took Dantrek into a restaurant named 'Hishars Fine Bolian Eatery'.

A broad faced smiling Bolian appeared,

"Magellan good to see you. I have your usual table ready."

"Thankyou Hishar."

"Your welcome. I see your bruises have healed. " he gestured to the trills face.

"Yes thankyou" Magellan replied taking a seat and allowing Dantrek to join him.

"A small run in with a Vulcan Mercenary and a Tholian Colony" he explained, "Unfortauntly its that which means I need the Nevadas services. But more of that later. Now we eat. Can I suggest the Solith Riloni it really is Hishars finest dish."

Tag Nevada Crew.

[mercy]

Stuart could do nothing but remain silent throughout the whole ordeal. His own heart was broken when he saw that lifeless, little body just laying there. Life itself was just a semblence as the machines were doing all of the work. Stuart just knew that the child they once knew...was no longer there.

Stuart looked at the machines with his trained eye. The rythms were all too linear and in sync, not like that of normal lifesigns. Eventhough he didn't care about their politics, Stuart understood the importance to the Debrune people in keeping him alive. He was like Jesus Christ to the Christian religion of Earth. Stuart feared that like Jesus D'Beren was not going to return to his people.

T'Val looked into Stuart's eyes on several occasions as they were being shuttled to the crash site. There was no need for words as their emotions were so vivid, causing their minds to almost be one. Tears streaked both of their cheeks while everyone was in a somber mood.

They had finally arrived at the crashsite where they were waiting for permission for a closer inspection.

[Deleted]

"Now we eat. Can I suggest the Solith Riloni it really is Hishars finest dish."

Dan looked up at Hishar. "Sure, why not."

Hishar nodded, wrote their orders on a PADD, and left. "I must confess," Dan admitted, "despite my many years I don't recall trying Bolian food."

"Well then, there's a first time for everything," Magellan said with a smile.

Dan smiled as well. "Admiral, I'm curious. You are a joined Trill, correct?"

Magellan nodded. "I am indeed. I'm the 5th host."

"How old is the symbiote?"

He thought a moment. "170 years old, as far as I know."

"Even older than I am. It's always interesting to meet someone that is both, in your case for example, several decades my junior, but at the same time, 22 years my senior."

Magellan smiled. "Yes, I get that quite a lot, as you can imagine."

Dan leaned back a bit, folded his arm across his chest. "So, Admiral, if you don't mind spilling the beans a bit, to borrow a human phrase, why exactly are we here?"

But, before he could get into it, they were approached by a young female Lieutenant in a sciences uniform. She looked a little uncertain. "Is there something we can do for you, Lieutenant?" he asked her.

<Grey>

(OOC: Hope I got all the details right, Mag!)

[connorstephens]

Having arrived at last on the Star Base, Stephens Stephens disembarked with T'Pren. Commander Ramsey had elected to remain behind after commander Trek had excused himself.

T'Pren was in an uncharacteristic hurry to catch her flight to Vulcan, which disconcerted Stephens somewhat. But he didn't press the issue, there was sorrow enough as it was and T'Pren promised to keep in touch and to return as quickly as she could. They kissed each other goodbye, giving little hand squeezes as reassurances, and soon she was off to another loading platform.

Stephens had been apprised that he and the other Nevada senior crew would be meeting with an Admiral Magellan Lin, who was apparently the fleet CO and the one who had requested the aid of the Nevada. What the Nevada could possibly do in such a situation was unclear to Stephens; there weren't enough crew to man everything, and in the event of a full-scale encounter with hostiles, it was debatable whether the Nevada could even respond appropriately. But it was also true that this was not Stephens' concern, and in that spirit, he walked along until he found the Bolian Cafe where Trek had said he was going.

Upon entering, Stephens saw Commander Trek sitting with a Trill with Admiral's pips, and he supposed that this was Magellan Lin. Also sitting in the small group was a female Lieutenant with jg pips at her collar--she was wearing science blue as was Stephens, and of course a deep curiousity immediately reared itself as to who this woman might be.

Walking to the table, he secured Commander Trek's eye and nodding once, said, "I'm Lt Connor Stephens, CScO of the Nevada. You must be Admiral Lin. I've heard a lot about you, sir."

<Tag Lin>

Stephens then glanced at the female Lt. She was attractive, and a sparkly smile lit her face.

<Tag Grey>

[Magellan Lin]

"Pleased to meet you Mr Stephens" Magellan greeted, "This is Commander Dantrek and Lieutenant Grey. Commander Ramsey will be joining us later. Take a seat and order"

Connor did so, a little taken a back at the informal state of affairs.

"I know your a new team and a new ship but your going to be invaluable. Dan here was just trying to wheedle some more information out of me." he picked up some food and popped it in his mouth.

"So?" Dan pressed

Magellan smiled,
"Okay I ll fill you in a little. But obviously I cant say much here. Most I wont tell you until we are in space and heading for out to our seach area"

He wound up some more thin strings of food onto his fork,

"I m not sure how much of the Colonial War you have been following but here on Assailant we have been caught right in the middle of it. Last year we uncovered that the Tholians have been secretly colonising Demon Class planets in Federation and Klingon Space. The Romulans have sold them cloaks to hide their ships and colonies and leaked the info to the Klingons. They of course declared war. The Federation as you may realise is in no position for war and is trying to stay neutral. We are allowing the Tholians to keep their colonies in our space as long as no more are built.

We don't well didnt know why the tholians were doing this. I found out last week. And to be honest it scares the hell out of me."

"So why the Nevada?"

Magellan smiled again but this time it reminded them more of a crocodile.

"This is going to be a semi-off the books mission. The Nevada has not yet been registered and was declared stolen from the fleetyard. All records of its arrival here will be erased. Will be under comms black out so contact you need everyone you need to tonight because once you enter the breifing room at 0800 hr tomorrow you wont be able to talk to anyone. Make the most of your time tonight and I ll see you in the morning. Take the chance to get to know each other. Me, now I ve eaten I need to pack. See you in the morning."

Magellan rose and nodded to Hishar, "Fine meal again Hishar you out did yourself. See you next week." He nodded to the others and left.

[Deleted]

The shuttle had docked, Lucy had gotten lost twice then decided that she'd consult the station's MSD for directions. It was more fun getting lost, but she was starting to worry about being late.

At the door of the Bolian Cafe, Lucy looked around for a Trill admiral. The tell-tale spots were visible after peering into the room for a moment. Lt. Grey squared her shoulders and walked toward the table where the admiral and a commander with the color of either security or engineering was sitting.

"Excuse me, I'm sorry for interrupting, but are you Admiral Lin?"

"That I am, lieutenant....?"

"Lieutenant junior grade Lucille Grey, sir. Reporting as ordered."

"My pleasure, lieutenant. Have a seat. This is Cmdr. Dan Trek, CEO of the Nevada."

Lucy nodded and shook the commander's hand. He had half risen from his seat in a sign of respect and now sat back down as Lucy slid into the chair opposite him.

"I'm Lt Connor Stephens, CScO of the Nevada. You must be Admiral Lin. I've heard a lot about you, sir."

<Tag Lin>

The full lieutenant gazed at Lt. Grey who stared back. A grin played around his lips. Lucy worked at not blushing. She caught the grin from Cmdr. Trek and then did blush, laughing lightly at herself. These were officers she would be serving with, dealing with every day and she would do her best to delve into their minds to learn their secrets.

A dish of Bolian food was placed in front of Lucy, another appeared in front of Lt. Stephens. While the lieutenants ate, the conversation continued between Cmdr. Trek and Admiral Lin.

Magellan rose and nodded to Hishar, "Fine meal again Hishar you out did yourself. See you next week." He nodded to the others and left.

Lucy looked over at the commander and said, "Are we to assume that if we get caught, Starfleet will disavow all our actions?"

<Trek>

Lt. Grey glanced at Lt. Stephens and said quietly, "Does anyone know that this is my first real mission?"

<Stephens/Trek>

[joshreo]

Josh walked into the Bolion Cafe and saw that Connor Stephens was sitting with a Commander 1st Class and a Lt(jg). He walked up to them and inroduced himself, in case Connor didn't recognise him.

"Commander, Lt., Lt. Stephens, I am not sure if we actually met on Risa, I am Commander Reo CTSO of the Nevada. I am sorry if I am late for an offical metting, I was held up by a problematic sonic shower."

[Deleted]

"Are we to assume that if we get caught, Starfleet will disavow all our actions?" Lucy asked Dan, looking ever-so-slightly nervous.

"Oh, I'm sure they will. If the presence of our ship isn't being admitted, certainly the nature of our mission will not be," Dan assured her. "This isn't the first mission like this I've been on."

"Does anyone know that this is my first real mission?"

"Your first assignment out of the Academy and it's top secret. What interesting circumstances for you. This is my first mission, since coming back from retirement at least. Fortunately I have little to do. I haven't unpacked, as I just got here. And there's no much of anyone to contact. Although....probably should let my eldest son know. The majority of my children are ashamed of me, and don't want much contact with me, but some will be concerned since I just returned to duty. Someone should know. Yes, my eldest son will suffice."

They were then joined by yet another person, a Commander in an auxiliaries (gold) uniform. "Commander, Lt., Lt. Stephens, I am not sure if we actually met on Risa, I am Commander Reo CTSO of the Nevada. I am sorry if I am late for an offical metting, I was held up by a problematic sonic shower."

"Not to worry, this wasn't an official meeting. Please, sit down." After Reo seated himself, Dan continued. "I'm Commander Dan Trek, your new Chief Engineer. Admiral Lin and I were just having dinner, when Lieutenants Stephens and Grey joined us. But as for what you did miss..." Dan went on to summarize everything Lin had said, including the instructions to get everything in order.

"This should make for an interesting mission, shouldn't it?"

<Tag all>

[connorstephens]

The three of them, Trek, Grey and Stephens, were left sitting at the table, musing about what the Admiral had said. An undercover mission. Grey had said that it was her first mission, which made sense as she was fresh from the Academy. Technically, it was also true for Stephens, who had been assigned to the Nevada when there was no Nevada, and had spent the past fortnight on Risa, awaiting the arrival of the Nevada-B. To Stephens' surprise, an officer from the Nevada, Commander Reo, suddenly popped into the restaurant and headed for their table.

"Commander, Lt., Lt. Stephens, I am not sure if we actually met on Risa, I am Commander Reo CTSO of the Nevada. I am sorry if I am late for an offical metting, I was held up by a problematic sonic shower."

"I don't think we actually did meet, Commander, although I saw you there during the fat diva cat fiasco," Stephens replied with a smile.

"Not to worry, this wasn't an official meeting. Please, sit down." After Reo seated himself, Dan continued. "I'm Commander Dan Trek, your new Chief Engineer. Admiral Lin and I were just having dinner, when Lieutenants Stephens and Grey joined us. But as for what you did miss..." Dan went on to summarize everything Lin had said, including the instructions to get everything in order.

"This should make for an interesting mission, shouldn't it?"

Stephens, looking at Grey, said, "I suppose it would be more interesting if I knew more about it. Cloak and dagger and all that. I can understand the Admiral's reluctance to get into it further here, but--well, I'm just curious, I guess."

<Tag anyone>

[Deleted]

Rayna didn't know anymore what to do. Both her bosses were now off station and usually when they were she looked after their child. However lately, both had been ignoring her, asking the human woman to look after the toddler. It insulted the Romulan's pride, but she swallowed it. She had known the Mercy's were under extreme stress lately, and she didn't want to add more to their problems by speaking up.

Then, she heard about the shuttlecrash and her heart went out to her friends. She mourned the loss of the child, even though he still lived in a vegetative state. She watched in dismay as her hands shook while she was trying to attend to one of her patients, under the watchful eyes of headnurse Jill T'somba. The human woman looked none too pleased with her shaking nurse and dismissed her from her duties with a snap.

Sighing, Rayna departed sickbay, deep in thought. Perhaps she would go visit an old friend, if she could still call the Romulan diplomat that. Then, she remembered that he too had departed for Qualinost. There was still the older man, what was his name again? Ranya pondered on it for a while as she wandered. Ah yes, Vebn s'Khellian. But what would she talk to him about? She was happy on Assaillant. Yes, she missed Loskene, very much indeed but wouldn't any sister? She still loved the shapeshifting admiral like a brother, even if her friends tried to convince her otherwise.

"Ow!" she exclaimed as she bumped into someone, sending both of them sprawling. "Can't you watch where you're going?" she snapped, jumping back to her feet, straightening her tunic.

(anyone?)

[davidramsey]

David remained onboard the Nevada as most of the other crewmembers reported to Admiral Lin. He had recieved his own orders and instead of following them, reported directly to the Admiral's office. Apparently, they were going to take a less than enlightened route in their next mission, which was more than normal for David. His last year with the Nevada had been nothing but chance encounters and misinterpretations and many times a simple case of being in the right place at the right time. He understood such missions, but that didn't mean that he liked them.

The orders he'd recieved from Admiral Lin were cryptic at best and annoying at worst. However, David wasn't about to be ungrateful, he worried that without something to do he would go insane. Luckily for him, he'd been assigned to the one ship in the fleet that was destined to stay "on the move."

It had been nearly three hours since the initial orders to the crew had been issued and David found his way to the Admiral's office right on time. He hit the door chime and waited. He wasn't sure why he needed to be briefed before the crew, but something about his orders made him think that some parts of the needed to remain "hush, hush", even from the rest of the crew. Now he would find out ...

(OOC: Sorry if this doesn't line up with what you had planned, Magellan, but I couldn't think of any other way to get him the same info without having to squeeze it from the rest of the crew.)

[Deleted]

(OOC: Warning! Massive post ahead!)

Stephens, looking at Grey, said, "I suppose it would be more interesting if I knew more about it. Cloak and dagger and all that. I can understand the Admiral's reluctance to get into it further here, but--well, I'm just curious, I guess."

"As are we all, I'm sure. Now, if you will all excuse me, I'm going to contact my son, and then I'm going to get to work. I hope you don't mind if I take the time to get my own staff instead of all of you," Dan said, and stood.

"Um, Commander?" Lt. Grey, with a curious look on her face, "Shouldn't you get some sleep instead?"

"No, Lieutenant. Thank you for your concern, but I intend to work. I've been taking easy for a very long time, and my endurance is up to it anyway. See you all at 0800," he said, and left them.

Decent folks, he thought to himself as he walked back to Nevada. Young though, all of them. Even Ramsey is only 30. The rest are all early to mid-twenties. This should be interesting.

He unlocked his new quarters on Nevada. Stepping in, he saw his luggage all piled there, sitting in the main room. He stepped over to the computer console in the room. "Computer, begin audiovisual recording."

It beeped in acknowledgment, and then he began. It was in his native tongue, which is untranslatable by Universal Translator, but the message translated as follows: "My son, I hope this message finds you well. You will be happy to know that I have arrived at my new assignment safely. However, tomorrow we will be embarking on a mission the nature of which requires us to maintain radio silence, so I will be out of contact. So, since my time is limited, if you will be responsible for passing this along to your brothers and sisters, that is, those of you that are still willing to speak to me, I would be greatly appreciated. Peace be upon your home," he said, finishing off with a traditional blessing, and signed off. "Computer, let me know if I get a reply to this, notification to commbadge."

"Acknowledged."

He then headed out of his quarters. He stepped into the turbolift, already occupied by a young ensign, and said, "Ensign; Deck 15."

As he stood in the turbolift, the ensign edged himself away a bit, apparently trying to get a little more room in the suddenly smaller space. The ensign seemed a little relieved when he stepped out.

He proceeded into Main Engineering. He walked into the room, then stopped, looking around for whoever appeared to be in charge. He got a few stares, and one crewman openly gaped. He spotted two Lieutenant Commanders, one male, one female, standing together, apparently discussing the contents of a PADD they were both holding.

"We'll have to get that variance down," the male said, "Especially before our boss shows up, whenever that is. Balor," he said, turning to the gaping crewman. "Could you recalibrate the...Balor, are you listening to me? What are you staring..." He then turned to look in the same direction. "Oh, hello Commander. What can we do for you? Are you from the Starbase?"

"No, Commander, I'm your "new boss" as you put it. Commander Dan Trek, reporting," he said, extending his hand.

He accepted it. "Lieutenant Commander Max Rennick."

"Lieutenant Commander Florkem Belrug," the female said, accepted his hand as it was subsequently offered to her. It was only then he noticed something peculiar about her arms. They were unusually long, and had an additonal joint in them, almost like a second elbow. She could probably scratch her arm with the same hand. "I'm your Assistant Chief," she said, then after catching him staring at her arms, added "I'm a Maakon."

"I see. I take it, given the time, one or both of you is about to go off -duty?"

"I am," Belrug noted. "Rennick is just coming on."

"I see. So," he said, leaning a bit as if trying to look at the PADD. "Where's the variance you were discussing cutting down before I arrived," he said, smiling a bit.

"In the secondary shield generators. It's at .05 We're trying to get it down to the recommended .03," Rennick explained, just handing over the PADD for simplicity.

"Oh, I want that variance down to .01," Dan said, looking it over, handed it back, then went over to the Chief's station to look things over.

"But the specs-" Belrug began.

"Commander, I helped write those specs myself. They're a bit lax for my taste. In my Engine Room, peak efficiency is the normal. We'll have it before we leave spacedock," he stated.

"Joy, he's one of those types," Rennick said to Belrug in a low voice, so Dan couldn't hear.

"Well, I'm off duty now," Belrug said, glancing at the chronometer. "Have fun," she said to Rennick, and left.

Rennick rolled his eyes, then walked over. "So, is there a reason for being perfect before we leave spacedock? Sir?"

Dan didnt need psionics to detect the disliking Rennick had for him. "Well, I don't have full details yet, but apparently we're headed for a secret mission. Maybe not quite perfect, but I'd like to be well on our way by the time we leave. Never know what we might run into." He turned to look at him and smiled. "Don't worry, I won't flog anyone or anything if we don't achieve it. A good portion of it takes being in flight to do anyway."

For the next several hours they worked on the ship's systems from stem to stern, everything from the propulsion systems to the shields and structural integrity to the computer system.

Just as he was about to have to leave to report to the Briefing, his commbadge chirped. "Commander Trek, you have personal communication from subspace," the computer announced.

"Route it to my station," he said, and turned to the message when it appeared. It was his own message sent back to him, with a code attached it that was based described by an old earth song called "Return to Sender". His son had apparently sent the message back. His eldest son too had rejected him now. His head and heart sank.

Rennick noticed. "Commander, what is it?"

Dan shook it off. "A personal matter," he said simply, closing the message. "I have to go to the Briefing," he said, and headed for the door.

Florkem passed him in the doorway. "Good morning, Commander. Achieved perfection yet?" she asked smiling.

Dan chuckled. "Still working on it. But we're on our way."

He proceeded to the Base, then into the Briefing room. He was the first one there.

(OOC: I'm going on LOA now till Tuesday. I just brought my character to the necessary point. Just insert my entrance to the briefing whenever best. Just didn't want any loose ends. Have fun!

[Ji' Zhan]

= Qualinost =

The sound of the monitors droned as the white sterile feel of the secret hospital over took the rooms and hallways. Groups of Doctors stood discussing medical issues as nurses hurried here and there performing orders they read off of digitized charts. T'Val and Stuart had left the location along with the rest of the group. Ji'Zhan had stayed behind only to say prayers over D'Beren in peace. After, he quickly caught up to the group, landing back at the point where the trip started.

The shuttle that carried T'Val, Stuart and the rest landed with its blacked-out windows; Ji'Zhan shuttle was soon landing as the door of the other shuttle opened. T'Val was the first out and the first to Ji'Zhan. "I need to see the crash site," She said trying to cover her insistent tone of voice. Ji'Zhan knew she was insisting and not asking.

"You have every right to see the crash site, but are you sure you are up to the difficult task of processing all those images?" Ji'Zhan asked.

T'Val just repeated her statement. Ji'Zhan breathed a hard breath, "Very well, I will grant you permission to access the site." Ji'Zhan turned to the nearest Debrune guard and instructed him to clear the group and the shuttle all the way to the crash site. Turning back to the group that now stood behind T'Val, "Please go and do as you must, it is understandable that you would want to see."

The group turned and re-boarded the shuttle, now free of the window blinds that were used to shield the location of the hospital. The wind from the launching shuttle blew Ji'Zhan's robe and his silver hair. He shielded his eyes from the dust and then watched as the shuttle disappeared over the farthest stand of trees whose leaves blew from the shame effect. Ji'Zhan whispered a prayer for the group and a special one for T'Val.

Turning to go to his next appointment he waved off the guards who were waiting for him to re-board his shuttle. This time Ji'Zhan was going to walk through the planet's gardens to be alone. The dew that had fallen on the rose-like flowers shimmered in the light. It was the still quiet voice of the wind that his heart needed to hear - to somehow make understanding from something that grew from kayos. Like a drop of coloring in a glass of water the events of this crash would scatter through the people ... maybe never to be the same again. It wasn't that the prophecy of the Holy Child was ever meant to be Savior-like, Ji'Zhan knew that was exactly what some of the people on the StarFleet base thought. The Holy Child was a symbol of hope, a hope that the Debrune people would one day become a respected race among the stars. Like they once were many centuries ago. Now that hope was too laying on its hospital bed being kept alive only by the hope-support of the dreams of the Debrune - Ji'Zhan thought, 'Would the time ever come'? It seemed to be as far off as the Delta Quadrant to a sub-light shuttle. Finally, entering a tall building where his next appointment was located he prayed that day would soon come.