4.4 Convergence

[Deleted]

Vebn exited the Hall of Elders relativly pleased with himself. His meetings with both Elder Lork and Elder Cra'mel had gone well. For now High Priest Kales position was safe. Of course if the treachourous priest was involved in D'berens accident then Vebn would not be able to protect him, nor Vebn thought quietly would he want to.

He stopped by the medical centre but the staff would not allow him to see the Divine Child. Instead he attempted to track round down the parents. S'lar and D'ror had taken up residence on Assailant he discovered and T'Val and Mercy likewise had returned to the Starbase. There was nothing they could do for D'beren, for all intents and purposes the child who had ended the debrune civil war and united the Debrune race was dead.

Much could still be salvaged though. Despite the setbacks reunification of the Vulco-romuloid peoples was still an achievable goal.

His next stop would be the crash site. If the accident wasnt an accident he needed to know who may have made an attempt on the childs life. It crossed his mind that the Senate or factions within may have ordered it. He did hope however that he was important enough to be kept informed of such drastic measures by his own government.

"Major Denart" he called as he approached the cordon, "Could I have a word. I am concerned about this crash and its implications"

TAG Denart

"I would like to extend my Governments support and offer the services of Ambassador Tedak to assist in your investigation - he is former Tal Shiar you know."

TAG Denart

[Ji' Zhan]

:: on Qualinost ::

The halls of the Council sparkled with grander and yet the massive columns stood alone. Ever since the crash of the Holy Child's shuttle, the whole planet had been on an extended holiday. The whole place was silent. Normally, people would be making the halls ring with active noise and the tapping of shoes would drone out any semblance of conversation. Not today, the halls were still. Ji'zhan was in his office writing a speech that he would give when he addressed the people. The speech would be the eve when everyone would to back to his or her daily lives.

Finished, he left and walked to the Hall of Elders, a place that only a few would ever see. Ambassadors, highly elected officials and honored guest of the Debrune would be the only eyes to glimpse its halls. Ji'Zhan made his way down the way to a room where he heard three voices; two he instantly knew and one he was afraid he knew. He stole away down a small narrow hallway that was off the main hall into a dark corner of the room, his thoughts instantly aware of the other two Elders. For once the triad of Elders linked, no thought was unknown to the other save the most private-of-private inner thoughts. Those only reserved to immediate family. The conversation went on between the Elders and the Romulan. Ji'Zhan had known this would take place. The obvious actions from the miss-guided Romulan brother was simply too easy to predict. As such, the three Elders had talked about such a conversation prior and affirmed by the thought-link between the three Debrune Elders; the conversation had gone exactly as planed.

The Romulan stood to leave, and surprisingly enough, gave the proper salutations. As the Romulan foot steps echoed down the hall and gone quiet, Elder Lork called out, "Elder Ji'Zhan, your hiding wasn't needed."

"Oh? Our Romulan brother would have continued with his conversation course if I had presented myself?"

"Your words ring true Elder Brother,” Elder Cra'mel spoke. The Elders didn't have to see that all three were pleased at the outcome because the pre-plotted conversation went exactly as discussed. Elder Cra'mel put forward the question, "How should we go about Ambassador Vebn's request?"

Elder Lork replied, "Many deacons and sub-deacons have voiced their distrust of Kale and have all declared they would not support his reinstatement. I fear if we took action to reinstate we would simply cause a greater problem than we have now."

Ji'zhan walked into the light and sat with the two, "Law clearly states that his actions must unseat him from this position, at least for the time being. So I propose we keep the seat vacant until the results of the investigation into the shuttle crash."

"I agree," said Elder Cra'mel. "We will release an official ruling of the Elders that the seat of the High Priest is on leave of absence. Kale will only forfeit his title for the time being. Elections of the order of priest are soon to come and we will let the Deacons and Sub-Deacons elect the person for that seat."

Elder Lork interjected in mid-thought of the trio, "I do want to add that during this time the vacancy of the High Priest could cause unrest."

"Granted," Elder Cra'mel said. "However, the population does know about the suspicion of Kale in this accident. News feeds of the farmer couple and Kale's stance during the Civil war are widely known. I feel the people would expect him to step aside during this time if only temporarily."

Ji'Zhan, taking in all the exchange was endeavoring to keep his feelings out of this debate for he knew the well being of the people should always come first. "I propose that we allow Kale to retain his title, howbeit on leave of absence, until the elections from the Deacons and Sub-Deacons. Allow the Deacons to poll their substituants and submit their votes."

With a shocked expression the other two Elders looked at Ji'Zhan. Both taken back at the words even though the thought was known before the words become audible. "Allow him his title?" the two asked. Ji'Zhan, rubbing the place where Kale had struck him, "His leave of absence deprives the Priest's bonus, we will instate his leave as repercussion of his actions to an Elder; the law requires accountability. Besides, elections are hard to win with Kale's growing distrust and disfavor. In fact, his own actions has placed the doupt in the people's mind. He should have been more steadfast; pity really." It was true, indeed the polls were showing a huge percentage of distrust in Kale's abilites. The most growing cause was the fact that even before the crash Kale had not officated a service in months. Always giving some inept reason as to why he couldn't show up to a service. People wanted to see a High Priest ... not some stand in behind the sacred post missing even the most rudimentary of teaching.

"Agreed," Elder Lork and Cra'mel stated. "We will have the statement released at once." The three Elders composed the ruling and placed their marks and all retired to the Church for their prayers.

[connorstephens]

Admiral Lin stepped onto the Bridge, and approached Dan and David, unnoticed. "The time is now gentleman."

They spun around to face him. "Get your people onboard and let's get underway. As I said before this is your boat Mr Ramsey. I'm just a passenger. So if you could find someone to direct me to my quarters I will be grateful. Oh and join me for dinner I have...aspects I need to discuss with you."

"Aye, aye, sir," Ramsey said, and went over to a panel and pressed a button. "Computer, open a channel to all Nevada personnel, both on ship and on the starbase."

"Channel open."

"Attention Nevada crew, this is Commander Ramsey. Aaaall aboooard!" he called like an old train conductor. The humans present chuckled, but Dan did not catch the joke. "All hands prepare to depart."

Dan meanwhile turned to an officer working at a science station next to Stephens. "Ensign, would you escort the Admiral to his quarters?"

She nodded and approached the Admiral. "This way, sir," and they headed for the turbolift.

Dan drifted over to Counselor Grey, who was still looking out. "Amazing, isn't it?" he said to her. "I've been serving time in space on and off for 128 years, and it never ceases to bring pleasure to me to gaze out at the stars."

Stephens heard Commander Trek's comments to Grey, and he smiled. It was true for many of the cadets and officers Stephens had known in his brief career--the stars were breathtaking. And no matter what peril they might be holding on this mission, the image of the stars was always there, always beckoning, always dazzling in their beauty.

This mission. Stephens knew so little of it. They were going somewhere. He didn't know where exactly, except that it was a Tholian colony of some sort. But aside from that and the Kasan-thar, who seemed a formidable race, Stephens knew nothing. Perhaps it was better. He wasn't sure.

Keying in his codes, he checked the sensors for function and ran a diagnostic on the Science computer. New ship, new computers--everything checked out. That done, he relaxed into the seat, thinking, wondering what might be in store for them all.

[Deleted]

Lt(jg) Grey felt herself glide closer to the viewscreen. She didn't notice herself taking steps and when she stopped, she looked down to be sure she wasn't on a walkelator of some kind.

"Attention Nevada crew, this is Commander Ramsey. Aaaall aboooard!" he called like an old train conductor. The humans present chuckled, but Dan did not catch the joke. "All hands prepare to depart."

Dan drifted over to Counselor Grey, who was still looking out. "Amazing, isn't it?" he said to her. "I've been serving time in space on and off for 128 years, and it never ceases to bring pleasure to me to gaze out at the stars."

"I hope I maintain that level of enjoyment," Lucy replied. She tilted her head to look up at Cmdr. Trek. "Care to make an appointment with your ship's counselor, sir?"

<Trek>

"Just a few things I've noticed lately. But I do need to get a current evaluation on the senior staff." Lucy smiled mischieviously. "But it will give you a great opportunity to vent your frustrations."

<Trek>

"I'll let you decide on the topic. You've got fair warning. Think up something to make my job seen worthwhile."

<Trek>

Lucy touched the commander lightly on his forearm then turned and went back to the counselor's chair just to the left of center. Sitting down slowly, she was able to get a glimpse of Lt. Stephens out of the corner of her eye. Was that a smile? She was sure it was and she returned it.

[Deleted]

"I hope I maintain that level of enjoyment," Lucy replied. She tilted her head to look up at Cmdr. Trek. "Care to make an appointment with your ship's counselor, sir?"

He took his eyes off the viewscreen and looked down at her. "I hadn't planned on it. Any particular reason you think it is necessary, Counselor?"

"Just a few things I've noticed lately. But I do need to get a current evaluation on the senior staff." Lucy smiled mischieviously. "But it will give you a great opportunity to vent your frustrations."

"Well I guess everyone does have frustrations of one kind or another. Anyone of them in particular you feel we should discuss?" he asked. She must have noticed my behavior, he thought to himself. Perceptive young woman.

"I'll let you decide on the topic. You've got fair warning. Think up something to make my job seem worthwhile."

"Oh, I'm sure an old man's troubles may well be worth your time, Counselor, especially in my case," he said with a smile.

She touched him lightly on the arm then proceeded to her chair near the Captain. He also proceeded to his Bridge post. He sat down, then checked ship's status on the engineering console. Everything looked good, so he twisted around and stated, "Engineering reports ready, Captain."


=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= Elsewhere Onboard =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\=


Ramirez and Sodan uncovered yet another malfunctioning EPS relay, trying to find the still mysterious cause of their malfunction. Ramirez looked at it and frowned.

"This keeps getting stranger," he said. "All of them so far have been 2 relays down the line from secondary EPS taps."

"And rather than being slightly darkened like normal," Sodan noted, "they look almost as if they're frosted over. This we should report this before we leave spacedock?"

"Nah, this shouldn't slow us down," he said. "Unless it keeps happening. Should report it to Yvez, though. Hopefully Florkem will know what's going on and what to do."

"Florkem? What about our new Chief Engineer?" she inquired.

"I don't know, but something about that guy just rubs me the wrong way. He just walks in here, and all of a sudden he expects us to have the ship as clean and smooth as an Admiral's uniform. That's alot to expect all at once."

"Come on, just give him a chance. He seems a lot better than some of our past Chief Engineers," Sodan said in the Chief's defense.

"Being able to keep the ship running orderly and keeping his crew orderly are two different things," Ramirez retorted.

"You haven't even met him yet."

"Oh, I don't have to. They're all the same. Come on, let's go report this."

[tpren]

As T'Pren disembarked from the shuttlecraft, she knew she would be too late. The Nevada was already beginning to decouple from the docking ring at Starbase Assailant. She turned to the 'Craft pilot, "I am due to depart on that ship, right now. Could you please hail them and request transport directly to their ship from this shuttlecraft?"

The young Ensign piloting her shuttle did just that, and waited for a reply.
The comm beeped "Shuttle Copernicus, you just got lucky! Turns out Lt. T'Pren has friends in high places. Prepare for transport," T'Pren took her place on the small transporter pad in the rear of the shuttle and hefted her bag onto her shoulder. "Energize".

As the transporter shimmer cleared from her eyes, T'Pren found herself aboard the new Nevada-B. She felt a slight tremor in the floor as they warped out, and knew just how close she had cut it.
She went to her quarters, unpacked her bags, had a quick sonic shower and changed into a fresh uniform. Then, she decided it was time to greet the rest of the crew, and let them know she had returned.
=/\= T'Pren to Bridge, please be advised of my return to duty. I will be in sickbay, effective immediately should you require my services. Thank you for waiting for my return!=/\=

She grabbed her portable medkit which needed restocking, and made her way to sickbay, finally to become the Chief Medical Officer of the USS Nevada-B

<tag whoever>

[connorstephens]

Stephens was on the bridge listening to the exchange between Commander Trek and Lt Grey, and was both amused and charmed by Grey's wide-eyed wonder at the stars. It was something Stephens himself felt, though he often wondered if he was alone in this, and it was refreshing to hear someone else express it. More astonishing still was the Commander's remark that even after 128 years, he still felt the same. For whatever odd reason, this made Stephens feel somehow closer to these crew members, and he was glad.

Data was pouring across his console screen, though none of it was of much interest. Sensors were calibrated and were working, and they told him that they were in space. The diagnostic had run, and it told him that the computer systems were working just fine. He hadn't fallen out of his chair as yet, though that could occur at any moment, provoked or unprovoked. The bridge was quiet as everyone went about their tasks and the Nevada raced through the void. Stephens was sure that nothing of significance would occur until Admiral Lin briefed them once more.

Stephens was wrong.

=/\= T'Pren to Bridge, please be advised of my return to duty. I will be in sickbay, effective immediately should you require my services. Thank you for waiting for my return!=/\=

"Huh!? What? What!? T'Pren!? What? Where? Sick bay? T'Pren is on Vulcan!!" Stephens was incredulous when that beloved voice came over the comm. It couldn't be!! T'Pren? Here? On the Nevada?

"Uhhh..pardon me, Commander Ramsey, but ummm, I require the services of our CMO, uhhh, which I didn't know we had, and uhhh, well, you know...T'Pren, you know, seems to have returned and we have some, ahhh, unfinished business, you see...." Stephens was at that moment completely unable to speak any more coherently.

<Tag Ramsey>

[Deleted]

Rayna happened to be in sickbay aboard the new Nevada, delivering medical supplies that had been on order since before the previous Nevada had been destroyed. She had been looking for a chief medical officer or any other type of medic to hand her supplies to, but so far every effort had turned up empty.

In general, the Nevada staff wasn't treating her too friendly, avoiding her and giving her a wide berth as if she had some kind of contageous disease. She knew why though, Romulan civillians weren't trusted, and she was a Romulan civillian. The science chief had been courteous enough to show her the way to sickbay and Rayna believed she'd been fortunate to have met him before coming aboard. He seemed friendly enough.

She turned after filing several boxes of tri-ox away in their proper storage hold, then gasped when she saw a Vulcan female standing in the middle of sickbay. "You startled me," she apologised as she approached.. "I'm Nurse Rayna, assigned to the civillian ward on Assaillant. Are you the chief medical officer?"

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan entered the science lab. The suite of rooms were eeirily quiet. Lieutenant Stephens was on the bridge and the rest of his staff were resting or unpacking. He had a brief look around, taking a moment to look at some of the newer pieces of scientific equipment. Satisfied that the department was up to scratch he decided to continue his unofficial tour by dropping by the Counsellor.

As a Fleet Officer he had found the services of Counsellors very useful. He had for awhile had Counsellor Nariana as his aide. She had been most useful during an inspection of the Optimus.
He knew very little about the Nevada's counsellor nor her abilities. Like many Nariana had been a betazoid and as such had a kind of edge that not all counsellors had.

He knocked tentatively on the door to the Counsellors office,
"May I come in" he asked congenially

TAG Lucille

"Thank you. I just wanted to get to know the staff a bit." He paused "I ll also be needing your expertise when we meet the Kasan-thar."

TAG Lucille.



OOC: Okay we are on the way it seems. So lets get us to the action and find out about this new race. I ve added a basic race profile to the wiki and have a very general idea of what I want from them, but basically I m letting you all run free with this - indulge your creativity and imaginations.

[Deleted]

(OOC: To officially get us on the way IC...)

"Engineering reports ready, Captain," Dan said from his console.

"All stations report ready, sir," said Lt. Uric from the Helm.

"Very well," he said, then tapped a key on his console. "Nevada to Starbase, we're ready to depart."

"Acknowledged, Nevada. Good luck."

"Docking clamps and umbilicals are disconnecting and retracting, Captain," Dan said, keeping an eye on his screens.

"Helm, bring us forward, thrusters only," Ramsey commanded. "Once we're clear of the Docking bay, take us to 1/4 impulse, then once we're clear of the Starbase perimeter, set course for Tholian space, Warp 4."

"Aye, Captain," Uric replied.

As they were about to leave the Docking bay, the comm went off. "Transporter room to Bridge. We've had a request that a Lieutenant T'Pren be beamed aboard before we disappear."

"Then go ahead and beam your aboard, Transporter Chief," Ramsey responded.

"Acknowledged."

A while later, the comm went off again. "T'Pren to Bridge, please be advised of my return to duty. I will be in sickbay, effective immediately should you require my services. Thank you for waiting for my return!"

But before Ramsey could respond, Stephens gave a start and burst out, "Huh!? What? What!? T'Pren!? What? Where? Sick bay? T'Pren is on Vulcan!!" He turned to Ramsey. "Uhhh..pardon me, Commander Ramsey, but ummm, I require the services of our CMO, uhhh, which I didn't know we had, and uhhh, well, you know...T'Pren, you know, seems to have returned and we have some, ahhh, unfinished business, you see...."

"Yes, yes, Lieutenant, you may go," Ramsey said and gestured toward the door. He finally tapped the comm. "Acknowledged, T'Pren. Welcome back."

As Stephens disappeared, Dan glanced at the closing turbolift door, and asked, "This is just a guess, but would Chief Science Officer and Chief Medical Officer happen to be involved?"

"What gave you that idea?" Uric said without taking his attention off his console.

"Well, after a century and a half you learn how to pick up on a few things. And it was rather obvious anyway," he said, looking at the Helmsman.

Uric returned his glance and they both chuckled.

(OOC: And we're off!)

[joshreo]

Josh Reo was in his quarters aboard the Nevada when the call came for all Nevada personnel to report to their posts. Josh stood up and left his room. He walked down the corridor to a turbolift and pressed the call button.

A couple minutes later the lift arrived and Josh entered it. "Bridge," he said and the lift started to move up. Moments later, the lift stopped and the doors opened to reveal the bridge of the Akira Class cruiser. Josh looked around and found his station to the right of the doors. He nodded to the ensign that was at the tactical station and relieved him. He then did a quick check to make sure that all of his systems were within specs. He then reported that Tac/Security were ready for departure.

[Deleted]

Lt. Grey stopped at her newly assigned quarters just to get a look at them. Her duffel bag was set on the floor just inside the door; the small, almost invisible security switch she used along with the standard lock was untouched. Well, looks like there are honest people all over, Lucy thought.

Cmdr. Reo had been very helpful getting her security codes in place, her passwords derived; simple and complex at the same time. He answered her questions about the ship with no hint that she might be sounding truly inexperienced. Which, of course, she was.

Two minutes after inspecting her three room quarters, she walked into the head counselor's office, seeing it for the first time, also. Oblong and spacious, it gave an impression of being personalized. The painting on the wall at the far end was an authentic copy of a replication of Leonardo Da Vinci's self-portrait.

A tentative knock on the door was followed by a familiar voice, "May I come in," he asked congenially.

"But of course, admiral!" Lucy said brightly. "It's good of you to stop by. Is this a formal visit?"

"Thank you. I just wanted to get to know the staff a bit." He paused "I'll also be needing your expertise when we meet the Kasan-thar."

"The Kasan-thar," Lucy repeated. "We know so little about them. I understand they're reptilian. If so, there should be simularities with the Gorn."

<TAG: Lin>

Lucy pointed to a chair motioning for the admiral to sit. There was a second or two when they both hestitated to sit first. The admiral or the woman? Smiling, Lucy laughed lightly. It was quickly agreed with a nod that they would sit down at the same time.

"But if they are like the Gorn the information I research will be valuable. If not, we simply adjust our thoughts." Lucy crossed her legs and twined her fingers around the right knee, continuing, "I don't know if I mentioned it, but I have a friend that's a linguist. He taught me to listen for different inflections in alien speech patterns. That ability will come in handy. Unless we have a linguist on the Nevada." Lucy's eyebrows raised in question.

<TAG: Lin>

"Really? Lt. Stephens has been very helpful so far." Lucy's eyes rose to the painting on the wall as she thought of the awkward movements of the lieutenant when they literally ran into nurse Rayna. "I haven't had the chance to go through the crew roster," she added apogetically.

<TAG: Lin>

[Magellan Lin]

The Kasan-thar," Lucy repeated. "We know so little about them. I understand they're reptilian. If so, there should be simularities with the Gorn."

"Its true there is a similarity. They seem thinner more lizard like than crocodile. If I can make such a comparision" he shudder involuntarily as he recalled the encounter again.

Lucy pointed to a chair motioning for the admiral to sit. There was a second or two when they both hestitated to sit first. The admiral or the woman? Smiling, Lucy laughed lightly. It was quickly agreed with a nod that they would sit down at the same time.

"But if they are like the Gorn the information I research will be valuable. If not, we simply adjust our thoughts." Lucy crossed her legs and twined her fingers around the right knee, continuing, "I don't know if I mentioned it, but I have a friend that's a linguist. He taught me to listen for different inflections in alien speech patterns. That ability will come in handy. Unless we have a linguist on the Nevada." Lucy's eyebrows raised in question.

"To be frank I couldn't tell you for certain. I deal with Command placements but much of the other staff are assigned by Fleet Operations. I of course went through your files on coming aboard and hope Mr Stephens will be of some use"

"Really? Lt. Stephens has been very helpful so far." Lucy's eyes rose to the painting on the wall as she thought of the awkward movements of the lieutenant when they literally ran into nurse Rayna. "I haven't had the chance to go through the crew roster," she added apogetically.

"Thats okay, there will be plenty of time for that once you are all back on regular duties. we may even have rustled up a commanding officer for you by then." he smiled, "Well I m glad your settling in" he said as he stood "I must get on. I ll run another briefing once we reach the co-ordinates but for now I still have Tactical and Engineering to look in on."

TAG Lucille.

Magellan left the counsellors office and went up to the bridge.
Commander Reo was at the Tactical station as he had expected.
"Don't mind me" he said to Ramsey who sat in the command chair "I m here to speak to Mr Reo"

Josh looked up,
"What can I do for you Sir"
"Just a quick report on the ships tactical readiness really and to answer any questions."

TAG Reo


OOC: To make things easier we shall move the Nevada plot to a seperate thread back on the Nevada board - it is your ship after all LOL.

[Deleted]

After speaking with Major Denart Vebn decided it best he round off the day with a visit to the last Elder- Elder Ji'Zahn.

Ji'zahn was an interesting character not long ago he had been just an acolyte to Jak'dor but Jak'dors death had opened up doors for the young Debrune, propelling him to one of the three most powerful positions in the whole civilisation. If Vebn didnt know better he could have thought Ji'zahn had arranged Jak'dors assasination.

He wandered away from the crash site and down into the subterranean city. No matter how many times he saw it he was always over awed by its sheer scale and ingenuity. This culture was one of the reasons he fought so hard for reunification.

Elder Ji'Zhan had offices with the other Elders and he made his way there slowly drinking in the atmosphere.

"Elder Ji'Zahn. Could I have a word?" he asked as he approached the man

"Of course"

"It concerns High Priest Kale. He has asked me to speak on his behalf. And whilst I may not believe that Kale is how do you say 'all sweetness and light' I do have concerns regarding politics infringing on the religous."

TAG Ji'Zahn

[Magellan Lin]

The conference on Betazed was a dour affair. Sirok, the Vice-president made the opening announcements and then speaker after speaker took to the podium.
It seemed kind of hollow that the Federation was talking of intergalactic peace when two of the Quadrants strongest powers were going head to head across Federation Space. Though none but Ezedriana seemed to notice that irony.

Even Saarok was oddly quiet.
"That last talk was of some use." Ezedrieana said as they left the hall.
"Hmm...oh yes. It was a logical arguement but lacked... focus" Saarok replied,
"You seem distracted"
Saarok looked up and nodded.
"Err yes I am. Last night I was approached with a unique job offer."
"Offer? Who by?"
"Sirok."
"Sirok!!"
"He has offered me a most interesting post on his staff. I am going to accept"
Ezedreiana stopped and looked at him,
"I thought you didnt like him"
"I don't but he put forward an interesting idea and it is something I believe he can see through. I start tomorrow and therefore will not be returning to Assailant with you tomorrow."

TAG Ezedrieana

OOC: Hope you dont mind this but with Saarok gone this will get you involved oncemore.

[Ji' Zhan]

"Have we heard anything from the crash investigation?" Ji'Zhan asked an Intel officer when he returned from the afternoon prayers.

"We are still waiting on the Federation investigation report," an Debrune Major of the Intelligence Directorate replied.

Showing obvious frustration acknowledged the Major as he went into his office's common area. He was trying to make it home before something else kept him away. He had been so wrapped up in the busy day that he was looking forward to relaxing, maybe even taking some time prepare his favorite Debrune dish for supper.

Talking to his acolyte, Sol'are, going over the next day's schedule he heard the footsteps of someone entering his office. "Elder Ji'Zahn," He heard a familiar voice say. Turning to see the owner of the voice he realized that his afternoon of rest had slipped farther away. Ambassador Vebn continued, "Could I have a word?".

"Of course", Ji'Zhan replied how ever reluctantly.

"It concerns High Priest Kale. He has asked me to speak on his behalf. And whilst I may not believe that Kale is how do you say 'all sweetness and light' I do have concerns regarding politics infringing on the religious."

'What does this man know about Debrune culture,' Ji'Zhan thought as he greeted the Ambassador. "It's funny you should talk about Kale, as the Elders have just concluded meeting on an action that should be released within the hour." Ji'Zhan waited for a response but not allowing time for a verbal one. Pointing the Ambassador into his office, "Let us sit and discuss this."

The two men walked into Ji'Zhan's office as Ji'Zhan motioned his guard to not enter but wait outside the office door. Sitting, Ji'Zhan continued his response to the Ambassador. "First, let me say that Kale's actions toward a member of the Elders is what has caused," pausing to raise an eyebrow at Vebn, "politics, as you call it, to become involved. As far as Kale's seat, it will be up to the Deacons, Sub-Deacons and their substituants ... the Debrune people will vote as who they keep in the High Priest position." Added before he gave time for Vebn to reply, "... I'm sure you will understand that, as will Kale, when the ruling of the Elders is heard." (OOC ... see post number 51 for that ruling ... )

<TAG Vebn>

[Deleted]

OOC my apologies, i didint see the tag.

IC

"Major Denart" he called as he approached the cordon, "Could I have a word. I am concerned about this crash and its implications" Leo stood up with a confused look on his face, one of the Lt. pointed behind him and Leo turned to see another ambassador, Vebn, if Leo remember correctly. "of course ambassador, what can i do for you?" Leo asked, stopped his search of the crash, he tossed a few parts to one of the Lt.'s , who placed it inside a canvas like bag.

"I would like to extend my Governments support and offer the services of Ambassador Tedak to assist in your investigation - he is former Tal Shiar you know."

"ah really? well if i needed any help, i would be glad to have him along. However as it turns out, i am just about finished here myself." Leo did not feel like he could trust any "secret organization" to help with his investigation, its bad enough as is that some of the reports were changed. "I will turning in my report to Elder Ji'Zhan personally" Leo said, as he stood and talked with the ambassador(Romulan correct?)

<tag Vebn>

When the ambassador had left, Leo grabbed the canvas bag, and called his helpers together, "We've done we can here, thank you for your help, you are free to go back to your commanding officer whenever you choose" Leo smiled at each of them as they left, leaving him to grab his shirt, which had been off through most of the search, and head back to a shuttle that had been waiting for him. Taking the shuttle back to the starbase, Leo relaxed a little on the way up,

[mercy]

Stuart had been home for a few hours now. The hospital and infirmary were at low capacity, allowing him to take a few personal hours for himself. T'Val had remained there, keeping herself immersed in her work.

Knowing how much she enjoyed home cooked meals, Stuart ventured out of his comfort zone and tried to prepare one of her favorite meals. He had downloaded the recipe to the LCARS terminal in the kitchen.

The hardest part had finally been completed, the making of the pie. It was the shaping of the dough, after mixing all of the ingredients. His tunic was white with flour dust, and he had pieces of dough just lying all over the counter, but the pie had finally taken shape. It was indeed nice and round.

Having already precut the various vegetables, he only needed to place them on the pie. He had almost forgotten the tomato paste, that had to go one first as he recalled. Next came some fresh tomatoes, red bell peppers, yellow ones as well. He liked the mushrooms, but decided to keep onions off. He didn't really care for them, although T'Val was indifferent to them. Last, but not least, came the cheese...mozarella.

Fifteen minutes had already gone by when he came from the wash room after having cleaned up a bit. T'Val would walk in any minute now, he hoped. Looking into the oven verified that there were only precious minutes left before this delightful dish was done.

Then he heard the door swish open. Stuart looked out from the kitchen at an expressionless face. It soon changed as she noted the aroma in the air. Dropping her medical overcoat over the sofa, T'Val walked to wards the kitchen and into Stuart's waiting arms.

"What is this I smell?"

He knew that her keen sense already clued her in.

"How does a home cooked vegetarian pizza sound to you?" He gave her a quick kiss.

As her arms stretched around his neck she had to raise that typical Vulcan eyebrow. "I am sure that if I listened closely while it was cooking that it would indeed make a sound. However, I believe it will fare much better when I get to taste it."

for the first time, in a long time, Stuart saw a smile stretch across her face. "Well then taste this first." Their lips touched as they kissed with a passion that had been missing for too long.

"Oh shoot, the pizza." Stuart abruptly released T'Val to attend to their dinner. He shut the oven off as he put on some heat resistant gloves to retrieve the pizza tray from the oven. It looked delicious.

"Go ahead and have a seat. Dinner will be served shortly." Stuart proclaimed as he got the necessary dishes out and set everything up.

[Deleted]

T'Val sat, a look of surprise on her face. Usually it was her who did the cooking, the kitchen had always been her domain. A domain Stuart would not normally, or willingly, set foot in. It was nice to come home after a hard day's work and dinner was already set, so in that aspect, T'Val felt happier than ever.

She had managed to get through the day as normal, though she had dreaded going home for several long minutes. Home would be devoid of a child's laughter, but she would have her loving husband there. It did make her yearning for a child of her own that more powerful, and she needed to know how Stuart's research was coming along, especially since the natural means were still not paying off.

Her eyes widened in surprise as Stuart brought in the creation he'd worked so hard on. "That looks delicious," she said, while smiling up at her mate, "and I cannot wait to taste it." As Stuart dished up, he asked her about her day, careful not to mention their son.

"Well, Mrs Bowman came in again with a broken arm. I told her time and again to adjust the holodeck safety settings if she was going to use her horse for those crazy jumps she tends to practice. This time I did not mend the bone as usual, this will force her to reconsider her antics." She took a bite from her pizza, then smiled. "It really does taste good," she complimented, before mentioning that she had seen Tsomba with a gorgeous young man earlier.

Stuart?" she started, after a very long silence, "how is your research coming along?"

[mercy]

Stuart had been contemplating the affects, good and bad, of Jill Tsomba in a relationship when T'Val had broken the silence. "Stuart, how is your research coming along?" It had taken him by surprise for he knew what she had meant.

Admittedly, he had not picked up another book for his research for a little over a week now. It had been a dead end for him. The tests on her blood was a dead end as well. In all respects they had been normal for a Vulcan.

Stuart finished chewing the bite of pizza he still had in his mouth before replying to her. "It's not going well, I'm afraid. I've checked your blood for any type of foreign strains but there is nothing. Not even from the time you were infected with that vampire virus."

Stuart took another bite, as did she. The flavor of the pizza made him quite proud of himself. "There has to be something in your genetic makeup that I'm just not seeing. Maybe the fact that you're part Debrune, I don't know. Also, you were an only child. Was that by design, or was there a genetic reason that your parents didn't have anymore? Does that also have anything to do with your Debrune heritage?"

Biting off another piece, Stuart looked at his wife. Her face was expressionless, but he knew what she was feeling. Her thoughts weren't far away either as a link established between them, as it so often did during emotional times such as this, and he could hear her thoughts ~...D'Beren is dead...I want a child...our own child...~

Stuart reached over for her hand and reassured her, "I won't stop researching. There is a reason for this, and where there is a reason there is a solution."

Her face went from expressionless to one with a slight smile, one with not much hope.

[Deleted]

The next morning, Tedak woke up early. Yawning, he pulled himself up from his bed, nearly placing his left hand on his sleeping bronze firelizard. His brown squawked a warning by way of greeting and the Romulan quickly moved his hand to a different position.

"Good morning to you too," Tedak murmured as he got himself dressed and ordered himself a cup of coffee from his replicator. He had a few days off to collect himself, especially after spending some time on Qualinost with S'lar. The Debrune woman had wanted to spend time with D'Beren, but Tedak didn't want her to be alone. He too wanted to spend time with his son, but he couldn't bear looking at the boy's pale and expressionless face. Especially not since he was hooked up to all sorts of equipment without which he would certainly die.

The Romulan had returned to Assaillant late the day before, only to be ambushed by Vebn about this issue or that. He had politely told his superior off, claiming fatigue. He was indeed tired of it all right now, his life empty without his son.

Tedak had observed his ex-wife's reactions through it all, and what he observed concerned him greatly. He still loved her, would always love her, and he took her interests greatly at heart. To see her this disdrought nearly broke his heart, and he knew what these extreme emotions could do to her.

Now, fully dressed and his coffee still in hand, Tedak walked down to the infirmary, where he hoped Stuart would already be at work. He needed to speak to him in private, without the woman in question present. Fortunately, he found Stuart working quietly in sickbay, attended by one of the younger nurses. Clearing his throat, the Romulan approached. "Doctor Stuart, may we speak, in private?"

Stuart nodded and beckoned Tedak to follow him. "I am deeply concerned about T'Val," Tedak started as he rearranged his robes as he sat down in the offered seat. "This accident is really hard on her, and as you know I still care deeply for her. Is there anything I can do to help you both? Anything at all?"

[mercy]

Stuart awoke first from a night of restless sleep. Together they had spent half the night awake, and when Stuart did try to sleep he was plagued of images of D'Beren dying within the crash. He looked over at T'Val who seemed to be sleeping peacefully at the moment. They had already discussed that she should stay home today, Stuart would be going to work alone.

After a quick shower and a small breakfast, Stuart headed out the door. As he walked his way around the station, he became acutely aware of the various children that were milling about with their parents. Most were going to school or daycare, or to some other caretaker while their parents headed for work.

It was not soon enough when Stuart finally arrived at the infirmary. Nurse Jill Tsomba was already there, as she usually was, and greeted Stuart with sadness in her voice. She stepped forward and as a concerned friend might, she embraced him with tears in her eyes. "I heard...*sniff*...I'm so sorry."

He knew that her heart-felt anguish was nearly as painful as his own as he patted her on the back. "Thanks..." It was all he could do and say before they separated and began with today's official business.

Stuart had just handed a PADD with special instructions over to a new intern when Ambassador Tedak came by to see him. "Doctor Stuart, may we speak, in private?" Stuart nodded and beckoned Tedak to follow him to his office.

Stuart offered a seat before he took his own behind his desk. "Please, it's just Stuart...or Doctor Mercy if you desire." Tedak noted his mistake, D'Beren's demise was weighing heavily on him as well. "Of course."

"I am deeply concerned about T'Val," Tedak started as he rearranged his robes as he sat down in the offered seat. "This accident is really hard on her, and as you know I still care deeply for her. Is there anything I can do to help you both? Anything at all?"

Stuart thought about the offer long and hard. He himself wasn't too sure what all he could do for T'Val other than give his undying love and support. He knew that death was simply a part of life, and T'Val's logical side understood that as well. Yet the death of a child is more than anyone can bare, let alone a mother. T'Val was not your typical Vulcan. Over the past year and a half he had witnessed how unusually emotional his wife was. The loss of D'Beren was going to weigh heavily upon her.

"Doctor Mercy...Stuart.."

Stuart looked up at Tedak and recalled the question. "I'm not sure what any of us can do for her, Tedak. As a Vulcan this is going to be the ultimate test of her emotional control. I insisted she take today off, but after today I want her as busy as possible to take her mind off." Tedak nodded in agreement. "I'm really not sure that she should be alone really. I've instructed Jade to inform me if an emergency arises." Stuart recalled her accidental overdose from a year ago and he knew that Tedak remembered it as well. "All I can ask is that if you have some time off, to keep her company and lend your support."

[Magellan Lin]

Zoilip stretched lanquidly as he finished the analysis on the next sample of data that Denart had sent up the Starbase. The Chief of Security was still planetside investigating the crash, from what he could tell it wasnt going well, the Ambassadors and Debrune all seemed to have an angle. Even Major Korok had expressed an interest and the Klingon was normally too drunk to notice anything.
The Bolian frowned a moment and then ran through the data again, and again. He tapped his comm badge.

"Major Denart."
"Go Ahead" the Majors voice replied
"I have some news. Its a one of your scans. The plasma intake regulator ruptured, it was the cause of the crash."
Leonardo seemed to sigh in relief,
"It was an old shuttle so it was an accident"
"Well no. I just crosschecked it with the repair logs. That regulator was replaced two days before."
"Faulty installation?"
"Maybe, but Alari fitted it himself and his a perfectionist I suspect sabotage. I suggest you get back here and find out who had access to the shuttlebay. The problem seems to be on our end."

[Deleted]

"I understand entirely Elder. I just wanted to ensure Kale recieved a fair hearing. To an outsider it may appear that this accident my be being used by some to remove him from office. Of course if he is at fault in anyway and there is proof to be found then he should be dealt with appropriatly."
He smiled weakly,
"Thank you for your time Elder. It was most instructive. I hope you have a nice day."

Vebn returned to the shuttle terminal and caught the next flight back to Assailant. He was met as he entered the Embassy levels Major Korok. The Klingon seemed remarkably sober and alert.
"Evening" he nodded curtly,
Korok growled fiercely,
"Out of my way Romulan, I have business to attend to."

"No doubt you do" Vebn replied, moving to one side. It intrigued him that Korok had changed so much. He would need to do some digging to find out what had caused the transformation.

[Deleted]

Retiarius sat shoulder to shoulder between a sleeping Tellarite and a fidgeting Gorn female. At least Retiarius thought she was a female, but you could never tell with reptilians. He tried to shift, but was elbowed by the Tellarite who he had nudged, and growled at by the Gorn. Giving it up as a bad job, Retiarius sat back nad looked upwards wistfully, wondering how much longer the transport would take to reach Betazed.

Having been assigned as a junior diplomatic attache had not meant that Retiarius enjoyed any particular sort of status, let alone a status worthy of either a private shuttle or Starfleet transportation. Instead he had been required to make his own arrangements, booking in on a cheaply priced commercial carrier. Regrettably, in the 24th century, cheap still equated to cramped, and commercial equated to at least one of every known species. Bored and trapped in a confined space, Retiarius ventured out with his telepathic abilities, sensitively listening to the thoughts of his fellow passengers.

`Why can't I have my dolly` A human girl further forward thought whilst only crying verbally.

`How do they expect me to work under these circumstances. Barely any supplies, idiot assistants` an engineer below deck thought as he struggled once again to maintain the air pressure on the ship.

Retiarius quested out a few more times, but in the end gave up, bored. He stood and moved out of his seat and into the aisle, knocking the Gorn as he did it and receiving a great deal of growling and hissing in return. He walked back down the aisle and through a set of doors, into the dining area of the ship. Like the overbooked seating area, this too was full, and people bustled around, carting their food to whichever seating area was available. Fighting his way through to a replicator, Retiarius ordered a Tarkalean tea, and rather than fighting the jostling throng for a seat, opted instead to crouch quietly in the corner, sipping his tea.

"Attention all passengers, this is your pilot, Captain Aalor speaking. I am pleased to say that we are on final approach to Betazed Landing Station B-12 near Medara. We would like to thank you for flying with Gleneagles Commercial Charter Space Travel, and we hope you have a pleasant stay" The tannoy clicked off, followed by a small amount of whirring, and then an automated message started up.
"We would like to remind all passengers, that, as part of youyr contract Gleneagles Commercial Charter Space Travel cannot be held liable for the loss, damage, theft, abandonement of your luggage, person, relatives..." The message continued, and Retiarius tuned out as he stood up to prepare for landing.

~On Betazed~

Retiarius was virtually pushed out of the transport by the numerous peole all in a rush to collect their belongings. Entering the arrivals terminal and passing through the customs area, Retiarius collected his large duffel and carry bags, and exited the building. He stepped out into the early afternoon sunlight, and looked up into the sky, inhaling deeply. It had been a long time since the Betazoid had returned home, having been evacuated at the outset of the Dominion War. It felt good to return. He walked a short way form the main landing station and found a commercial transporter hub. He entered and queued with all the other new arrivals, eventually reaching a padd.

"Where to?" The operator asked him.

"The er..., hold on a minute" Retiarius dropped the duffel slung over his shoudler and quickly pulled it open, fumbling nervously inside, trying to find the orders for the location of the conference. This elicited a certain degree of muttering in the crowd in the queue, and the operator began to tap on his console impatiently. Retiarius eventually pulled out the right padd from his jumbled bag, breathing a sigh of relief, and his nervous sweating subsiding.

"The University of Rixx please" Retiarius said as his hyperventilating slowly abated. He was instantly transported to the university, where he was greeted by another gruff transporter attendant.

"Clear the padd" the attendant shouted at him [word deleted] Retiarius moved to pack his orders back into his duffel bag. Trying to do everything at once, he stumbled of the padd, tripping, dropping one bag, and the contents of the open other one becoming strwen across the floor. The attendant's face flushed with annoyance as Retiarius scrambled around frantically grabbing all his things and stuffing them hastily back into his bag, finally pulling the drawstring and carrying it away. Thanking the four deities that no-one else had transported in, Retiarius wandered clumsily around the main reception area of the university, until he eventually saw a Trill woman talking to a Vulcan. When the Vulcan left, Retiarius hurried forwards, clumsily juggling his bags as he tried to extend a hand to greet her.

"Ambassador Edrez...Ezdira...Ezdreiana" He flumoxed, eventually getting it right "I'm Retiarius Tyr, but you can call me Reti, or Ret, whichever makes it easier. I'm your new junior diplomatic attache. I'm responsible for most of your mundane stuff, but I can be a great help with other things, I think. I'm really happy to be here, this is one of my best assignments so far. I'm rambling aren't I" He laughed a short childlike giggle that turned into an unappealing snort.

<TAG Ambassador Ezedreiana>

"Well then, if it's alright ith you ambassador, I'm going to go and get unpacked. I've been put in your house, so I'm available anytime" He gave a cheesy smile and a thumbs up as he backed away. His telepathy told him that the ambassador was already questioning his abilities in all respects, and was therefore blissfully unaware of his true mission. Returning to the irate transporter attendant, he asked to be sent to the transporter hub in the ambassadorial quarters of Medara. Within a half hour, he had arrived at the house and had found his room. Dropping his bag, he moved over to the replicator.

"Computer" he asked "Can I manually program a drink into this replicator?"

"Affirmative" came the response.

Retiarius worked slowly and methodically, pressing one key on the replicator at a time. Whilst he did this, he pried away the panel underneath the replicator, and, unseen to all the sensor devices, placed a data chip into an open port. He then redirected the sensor folw through this chip, activating it's programming. 400 million lines of basic came into play, overriding the real sensor feed, and masking his true activities. Whilst following his movements, his actions were masked by computer generated images; he could build a bomb and anyone watching the sensor feed would swear blind that he was knitting. He replaced the panel quickly, and walked back around to the desk in the corner and sat down with his head in his hands yawning loudly. He then pulled his duffel over to him and began to unpack a few sundries and trinkets, at the same time discreetly removing a small tricorder. A quick scan of the room showed up no seperate spying devices, and Retiarius let himself relax. He swiftly unpacked, hiding the tricorder in a loose fitting wall panel under his desk, and then arranging his things in a specifically ordered mess, allowing hims to look natural, but to tell if anyone had been in his room. He then sat down and accessed the computer terminal at his desk.

"Computer, record message to be sent ot the office of James Alexander Davis, Federation United Press. Begin recording" He smiled into the terminal "Hi James it's me, just letting you know i'm here safely. Flight was really packed, you would not believe it, and I'd forgotten how rude some people here can be" He shook his head "I met this lovely little Trill girl today as well, a right little angel. She seemed upset that she'd lost her little elf doll, but I told her that I'd look for it if I could. I'll probably be held to that" He let out his little snorting laugh again "Met the boss, she seemed alright, if maybe a touch oblivious. Here's to hoping that won't change too much" He added in a sarcastic manner "Anyway, better get back to work. Call sometime, and we can talk properly. My love to all our friends, and pass on my words so they don't feel like I'm neglecting them. See you. Computer send message" The message went and the screen went blank. Retiarius leaned forwards and thought to himself. He reckoned James had been his operations handler long enough to work out his self-encoded messages by now, and his last remark would make sure that at the very least some of the higher ups in Starfleet Intelligence would get to hear it, albeit after being passed around to avoid tracing.

He looked at his reflection in the blank screen. His black hair was greasy and plastered to his head in a messy bush, and hung just over the top edge of his thick, wide black rimmed 20th century spectacles. His combination of black pants and boots, a green and white flowered shirt, and a tan brown suede jacket, combined his his facial appearance did for him just what he had hoped, and had made him look like a foppish idiot who could be trusted with very little. Perfect.

He stood and returned to the university via the same transporter hubs that he had come from, and then went looking for the ambassador.

<TAG Ambassador Ezdreiana>

OOC: Hi, I'm Retiarius Tyr, one of your newest additions to the DCS. Sorry about the length of the post, but if I've gotta arrive on Assailant, I may as well do it in style.