4.4 Convergence

[Deleted]

Ezdreiana's incesant rambling had reached it's climax, and, as she turned about the room, waving her disruptor at T'Val and Mercy, Retiarius struck. Using all his last reserves of strength, he propelled himself into the air, grasping Ezdreiana's right hand with his left, holding her disruptor away, and attempting to drive hte hypospray into her neck with his right. She screamed a vicious and animal like scream and the disruptor fired randomly, blowing holes in the wall lighting and ceiling, sending streams of sparks flying through the air, and triggering the sprinkler system. A cascade of water fell down in the room, stinging Retiarius' eyes as he grappled with the ambassador.

Shoving his knee into her stomach, he through his body weight forward to press his advantage, knocking her to the floor with him on top of her. Then, deciding his need for survival surpassed that for his annonymity, he twisted her right hand small finger, snapping it at the base, and forcing her to relinquish the disruptor which he smacked away from the struggling pair into a water soaked area of the room. The hypospray was still proving to be difficult however, as both of them wrestled, now with both hands, to either attach or fend of the medical implement. Retiarius now realised that he was losing blood too fast, and that even with the adrenaline pumping through his system, he didn't have long before he lost consciousness. He therefore moved on to his last ditch resort.

Focusing all his mental discipline, he launched all the telepathic energy he could muster directly at Ezdreiana, forcing his way brutally into her mind. This was a complete break from the pacifist Betazoid way of telepathy he had been brought up in, were this sort of act was almost sacriligeous, but he had been taught in other ways. Starfleet Intelligence had recruited him in full knowledge of how his skills could be used, and had trained him in certain "less savoury" methods that had long since vacated Betazed. He was surrounded by images of fire and shadows, fury and fear, unimaginable rage and terror in equal proportions. Fighting through this and Ezdreiana's screams of pain and fury, he pushed on into the recesses of her mind, and their shouted a booming command with his mind, one which resounded through them both.

"STOP!"

Ezdreiana drew a shuddering breath, her eyes wide and pupils dilated, and then her hands fell limply by her side. Retiarius fell forward, the hypospray going into her neck, releasing the sedative, and sending her to sleep. Retiarius' vision went hazy too, as the adrenaline ceased to be sufficient. As he collapsed on Ezdreiana, both of them wallowing in a pool of water and his blood, he saw the doors blow open, and a team of marines and security smash in.

~Some time later~

Retiarius stirred on the biobed. His mouth was dry and claggy, and his head pounded with each beat of his heart. He had been dressed in a hospital gown, and the area of his abdomen where he had been shot was hot and tender. He looked to his right to see Dr Mercy and T'Val lying in a similar state to him, with Ambassador Tedak sat talking to them. Retiarius cleared his throat.

"How are you both?" He asked tentatively, attempting to return to his character.

<TAG T'Val/Mercy>

"I'm all right thank you" Retiarius responded, curling over his body to make himself appear small and non-threatening "I've no idea what came over me. Must be all that fight or flight theory that get's thrown around so often, eh?"

<TAG Anyone>

"By the way" Retiarius now looked down, becoming shy and sheepish "I'm very sorry to hear about your son, Doctor, Healer, Ambassador. It was rude of me to talk about it so openly earlier, but I sincerely had no idea. If you ever need any help with anything, or just someone to talk to, I'd be happy to help. I guess after us all bein shot together, it kinda makes us friends"

<TAG All>

[Deleted]

The last thing she could remember clearly was the cool sedative that had been released into her body by the bloody man she called Retiarius Tyr. Her screams seemed to pierce her very soul, but she soon collapsed and entered a deep dream.

~Where is the Divine Child?~ the hooded figure asked as the others around him stopped their chantings. Ezdreiana looked at the scene in front of her with fear. The hooded figures surrounded her not allowing her to escape.

~Who are you?~ Ezdreiana asked now finding it impossible to move. As she looked down she saw that her hands and legs were shackled to the floor where a familiar sign lay at her feat.

~We are those in search of the Divine Child. You were entrusted with this task. Where is the the Divine Child!~

His roar scared her to the point that she tried to run, but her shackles would not allow that. ~I don't know anything of a Divine Child. I'm an Ambassador stationed on Starbase Assailant, I care not for any person claiming divinity~

~You know who we speak of. The adopted child of T'Val Mercy and Tedak of the Romulan Empire. What other reason would you have to shoot them in cold blood?~

~NO......................NO!" Ezdreiana screamed as she woke from her dream. She was struggling, but was unable to move. "I didn't do it! I didn't kill them did I?"

(Tag All)

OOC: The sign I alluded to could be anything from our characters past. It may be some type of cult that know about the Debrune, but I'm not the resident expert on them

[mercy]

Stuart could hear the commotion as more medical equipment was being tossed about. It seemed to be over quickly, but time was at a standstill as darkness became his companion.

"How are you both?"

Stuart woke to the question as he looked about for the owner of it. It was the new ambassador, he couldn’t recall his name. He found T’Val awake as well as she lay on the biobed to the other side of Stuart.

Stuart turned his attention back to the young ambassador. “I suppose we’re okay, at least in a similar state as yourself. What happened?”

Just then Stuart’s head nurse, Jill Tsomba, walked in. “Ambassador Tyr here, was able to subdue Ambassador Ezdreiana after her little tirade. You two were lucky to get that coagulant in your system when you did. Anyways, the assault and med teams got to you guys just in time.” Jill went about looking at everyone’s monitors, checking their vitals as she was talking.

“Where is Ambassador Ezdreiana? How is she?” Stuart hoped she was alright.

“She’s isolated and secured. It seems she wasn’t…quite herself let’s say. I’m running a few more tests, but preliminary brain pattern scans indicate some abnormalities.”

Stuart had busied himself with his own chart as Nurse Tsomba explained her findings. “Help me up. I can help you with those scans.”

A forceful hand pressed Stuart right back down onto his biobed. “You are staying put! You still require a few hours rest…all of you.” Jill relished the moment with a smile as she left her patients to attend to other duties.

[Magellan Lin]

With Ezedriana in custody Zoilip was unsure how to proceed. It all seemed so strange. The Ambassador to all intents and purposes had gine mad. Perhaps this was another Trill thing like Magellan had experienced, but with Dr Mercy injured also he couldnt exactly ask him at the moment.

Then there was Retarius, the new attache had handled himself well, but how involved was he in all this. He was the new part of the puzzle to the base. But then he too had been injured.

He had recieved a coded message from the Nevada stating that they were on their way home, but that could still be days away and until then he was still in charge.

Aside from the Ambassadors spree there was little advance in the D'Beren investigation. Evidence was mounting that the Tholians had been behind the shuttle crash but that evidence smelt bad... too convienient too easily uncovered.

He decided to question Tyr again, he must have been treated by now.

TAG Tyr

[Deleted]

Tedak sat between the beds the two Mercy's occupied, waiting impatiently for them to wake up. When they finally did, they talked quietly for a while. "Lily warned me," he confessed, "and I'm quite shocked to hear it was Ezdreiana who did this. It isn't like her, and we're requesting a full enquiry into this. Vebn is probably off talking to Federation officials to get this cleared up."

He listenend to Tyr enquiring after their health, but frowned when he asked about D'Beren. "He is not dead," he snapped back, startling the young diplomat, "and I would appreciate it if you ceased enquiring after our son. Can't you see it is upsetting my ex-wife and her husband?" He couldn't even begin to explain how upset he himself was over this, and he wasn't ready to talk about it to a complete stranger.

Turning his full glare on Tyr, he turned towards the Federation attaché. "And I don't understand why you are enquiring after him to begin with. Our son is none of your business."

The Romulan was visibly angry and upset, and he saw he was starting to upset his ex-wife as well. "I am going to see Ezdreiana in the brig," he told the Mercy's. "If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to page me. Anything at all and I'll see to it if I can," he promised before walking out.

Outside sickbay, he paged his own boss where he would be at, before contacting security and gaining permission to see Ezdreiana. He found her lying in a cell, looking disdrought and confused. "Ezdreiana.." She looked up when he called her name, but she didn't seem to recognize him. "Let me in," he ordered the guard, handing his personal weapon over him and submitting to a search before he was allowed to enter. "What has gotten over you my friend," he asked gently, as he sat down beside her. "What made you resort to shooting your friends?"

[Deleted]

Retiarius lay back on his biobed, frustrated and annoyed as Tedak left. First the boy was alive, then he was dead, now he was alive again, but still he was hidden away from seemingly everyone. He was beginning to wish he had taken the job of infiltrating the Tal Shiar, it sounded like a doddle compared to this. He couldn't work out the precise length of time of his incapacitation, but knew he had been in sickbay for at least a little over a day. This mission was going from bad to worse, and with his cover boss having seemingly gone loco, he needed to re-evaluate the enire situation.

A short while later, having been bombarded by another series of tests, he was deemed free to return to his quarters, although he was still relieved of duty for the next few days. He dressed and stood, waving goodbye to the Mercy's, and surrepticiously sliding a stray laser scalpel up his sleeve for his own protection. He walked slowly back to his quarters, taking the most indirect and meandering route he could think of, avoiding contact as much as he could, hoping to avoid awkward questions and any mislaid praise. Upon his return, he found the specifically laid mess had been tampered with, rather crudely it seemed, with things returned to more or less the irght place, but not exactly. Again, an amateur job, and probably just someone taking too keen an interest in a new face. As he was far too paranoid from previous assignments to leave anything remotely damaging lying around, Retiarius breathed easy and sat at the computer terminal at his desk.

"Computer, open a direct subspace channel to the office of James Davies, Federation United Press" As he spoke, he tapped several keys on the console, ensuring that the content of the conversation was going to be scrambled beyond recognition. Moments later, James' smiling blonde haired head appeared on screen.

"Hello Ret, you look like death" He opened, checking his own panel to ensure the cahmeleon programme was working.

"I should do, I was shot yesterday. But that's not important. We need to talk" He shrugged it off, as did James. They had been in this game too long.

"I need to get someone in on this assignment. It's like hitting my head against a neutronium door. Nothing's happening"

"Don't be a complete idiot" James rebuked him firmly "You know there is no-one on that station that can be trusted. Who were you planning on asking to help you, hmm. The Mercy's. Oh I can see that conversation going down well. Hi, I'm from Starfleet Intelligence, and I'm worried that your son is a figurehead for a Vulcanoid alliance uprising that is going to plunge the Federation into civil war. I'm here to make sure that doesn't happen at any cost, including removing your son from the equation. Would you like to help" The heavily laced sarcasm of his voice angered Retiarius greatly, but he focused his self restraint. Getting angry at his friend and colleagure had no positive outcome.

"What about Admiral Lin. He's Starfleet, obliged to protect the Fed..."

"Sirok is obliged to do the same thing, but we suspect him of being one of the leaders of the rebellion. We can't trust any high ranking Starfleet officers at the moment, irrespective of records or alleigances"

"Then there's only one viable person left. Tedak. Possible Ex-Tal Shiar, out of favour with the central government, trustedby Starfleet, with Romulan intelligence slash political connections, and access to the child. Package deal"

"Despite the fact that the Romulans are one of the people who are considering bringing us down" James leant back in his chair and rubbed his eyes, obviously under a notable amount of stress. Retiarius leaned forwards and looked him square in the eyes.

"Look, if i don't make prgresss real soon, this mission is going to go south. To make progress, I need a lead. By a lead, I mead either information from the Romulan consulate, or something on the Debrune. The only way I am going to get that is if i have some insider help. So either sanction something, or I'm going to start using the field operative preogatives" James sighed and nodded.

"You've been in the field longer, you know what to do more than I do. Just promise me one thing. If, even for a second, you have any doubts about where this is going..."

"Remove any and all possible threats to the security and integrity of the Federation" Retiarius quoted his orders word perfect. Nods were exchanged, and the line went blank.

=/\=Ambassador Tyr to Ambassador Tedak. Would you mind coming to my quarters when you have a moment=/\=

Retiarius sat back in his chair and thought how he was going to phrase this. The laser scalpel remained up his sleeve, jsut in case.

<TAG Tedak>

[Deleted]

Ezdreiana hadn't seemed to want to talk to him, and had made that quite clear by turning her back on him. Despite several friendly attempts to get her to talk to him, Tedak finally gave up and signaled the guard to let him out. At first, the guard seemed hesitant, probably thinking it was better to have a Romulan inside a cell than on the other side of it.

However, despite his apparent dislike for Romulans, the guard had no choice but to let the diplomat out. "Thank you," Tedak told him, somewhat chagrined at his hesitation, "I shall be back later. If she does request to speak with me, page me immediately." The guard nodded mutely and watched him like a hawk as the Romulan made his way out.

He was still riled over his coversation with Ezdreiana's new aide; the man just didn't seem to get it through to his mind that the Mercy's and himself just didn't want to discuss their mortally injured son. It was too soon, and the hurts were too deep. However, he would need to discuss it at some point, he knew, but now just wasn't the time.

Tedak had just stepped one foot into his quarters when Tyr paged him. =/\=Ambassador Tyr to Ambassador Tedak. Would you mind coming to my quarters when you have a moment=/\=

~Do I mind? Yes, I do mind~ Tedak thought angrily. He didn't really want to deal with this telepath just now, but it sounded rather urgent so whether he minded or not, duty called. Vebn surely would have a go at him if he failed to respond to a fellow ambassador's request. And the last thing Tedak wanted right now was to set Vebn against him again, not when they had at last forged a feeble sort of friendship.

"On my way," he responded and turned around. He heard a faint but questioning squawk in his ear and turned his head to find Nut perched on his shoulder. "Let's see what he wants shall we?" he asked his beloved pet. Nut squawked in return, flipping his wings in response. "Where's Sev?" Tedak finally asked, scanning around for his bronze. His brown sent him an image of Qualinost and a group of greens. "Ah...figures," the Romulan chuckled.

Finally, he halted before Tyr's quarters and signaled his presence. He stepped in after the door opened before him and he proceeded with caution. "You wished to see me?"

[Deleted]

"You wanted to see me?" the Romulan asked as he entered Retiarius' room.

Retiarius invited him to come in with a gesture, and then with a tap of a panel, shut and locked the door. The ambassador seemed startled, but Retiarius gestured to him to remain calm. He paced around, thinking of the bst way to start this conversation, but there never was such a thing as a best way, especially with this sort of conversation. When he spoke, it was not with the false air of youth and inexperience that he had put on since arriving, but with his real vice, one of clear cut and razor sharp words, perfected by hard choices and rough circumstances.

"My name is indeed Retiarius Tyr, as you well know, but I am not a member of the Federation Diplomatic Corps. I am an unofficial Commander in Starfleet Intelligence, specially trained and assigned to covert field operations. I choose to tell you this as i know that you yourself are either formerly of, or currently involved in the Tal Shiar" He paused for breath, giving the obviouslt shocked Romulan time to respond.

<TAG Tedak>

Of all the things that the Romulan had just said, Retiarius had sorely hoped his last point had not been what it had been. But in for a penny...

"My reason for being here" He raied his hands to his mouth as if in prayer and sucked in breath slowly. Hee had known this was coming, but he haped to wear him down or psych him out first. Mind you, he had enough experience with the Tal Shiar to know that this was unlikely to happen.

"The Federation is under threat. Both from outside and within" This was difficult, as he was about to lump Tedak in with his entire species "We believe that there is the potential for an alliance of all Vulcanoid species, namely the Romulans, Vulcans and Debrune. The way we see this happening goes in one of two ways. One, the alliance is formed, and then attempts to forcibly subjugate the Federation openly. I need not remind you about the certain penchant Vulcanoid species have for, shall we say a superiority complex, which would undobtedly assure your peoples of their right ot rule us. Secondly, we believe that we could be brought down from within, with a Vulcan gaining high political office, and then committing a fait de la complie, bringing in external Vulcanoid support to consolidate control, whilst having Vulcanoids already in the Federation cause enough havoc for him to get away with it" He once again paused, letting Tedak process waht he had just heard.

<TAG Tedak>

"I was just getting to that. My mission here is twofold. Firstly, I am to gather intelligence on Romulan and Debrune interaction, identify threats, and if necessary, remove them" He paused and sighed. This was the nasty part "My second objective is...to evaluate your son. We are under the impression that he might be used as a figurehead within the more radical sides of the Debrune government, to incite their people ot committing to such a Vulcanoid alliance. My orders are quite explicit. I am to either protect him from these influences, removing radical Debrune as I go, or, if the worst comes to the worst, I am ordered to ensure he cannot be used to undermine the security of the Federation and all its peoples. By whatever means necessary"

<TAG Tedak>

He saw a flash of movement, and the next thing found himself flat on his back, a small trickle of blood coming from the corner of his mouth. He could probably have blocked, but had opted not to. He could in some way emotionally appreciate what he had just said to the ambassador. The downside of being an empath. He jumped back to his feet, wiping away the blood, and flicking out the laser scalpel from his sleeve.

"Now then, let's not have anything like that again. We both know how to play this game, and it's not like that" As a sign of good faith, he lowered the scalpel, although still holding on to it.
"As I said, that last option is my utter last resort, but the security of the Federation is paramount no matter what. You must have been doing this years before me, surely you can appreciate that"

<TAG Tedak>

"Well that's why I've asked you to help, so that your son might not have to die. I need some way of getting down to Qualinost to see him and the Debrune government, or of getting into the Romulan consulate just so that I can gather information. You're the best way I can do that. We both have the power to protect something dear to the other. Co-operation is the most sensible thing to do. If you agree, I am very glad you ahve seen sense. If not..." He sighed "We both know how this goes down. I can't afford to let you compromise me, or the Federation. No matter what the cost. So what's it going to be?"

<TAG Tedak>

[Deleted]

"My name is indeed Retiarius Tyr, as you well know, but I am not a member of the Federation Diplomatic Corps. I am an unofficial Commander in Starfleet Intelligence, specially trained and assigned to covert field operations. I choose to tell you this as i know that you yourself are either formerly of, or currently involved in the Tal Shiar"

"I have no ties with the Tal Shiar," Tedak replied, with a certain amount of bitterness in his voice, "they died when they relieved me of my command and exiled me to a position of diplomat. What little friends I have left, view me as potentially harmless. My enemies view me as a potential threat." He looked up at the Betazoid. "Why are you here?"

"...I need not remind you about the certain penchant Vulcanoid species have for, shall we say a superiority complex, which would undoubtedly assure your peoples of their right ot rule us. Secondly, we believe that we could be brought down from within, with a Vulcan gaining high political office, and then committing a fait de la complie, bringing in external Vulcanoid support to consolidate control, whilst having Vulcanoids already in the Federation cause enough havoc for him to get away with it"

"I highly doubt that," Tedak retorted, "while I am aware of Vulcan/Romulan unification attempts, and open attacks on the Debrune as well as reconsiliation pacts being made with the Debrune by my people, I highly doubt such a ploy exists. Again, I ask you why you are here. You are currently wasting my time."

"...I am to either protect him from these influences, removing radical Debrune as I go, or, if the worst comes to the worst, I am ordered to ensure he cannot be used to undermine the security of the Federation and all its peoples. By whatever means necessary"

Narrowing his eyes, Tedak listened with growing rage to what the Betazoid was telling him. His left hand balled into a fist and shot forward, connecting hard with Tyr's jaw. He watched in silent rage as the Betazoid toppled back to the deck. Tedak stood, breathing hard, trying to control his rage, but he remained stood and poised to strike again. "Leave my son out of this," he hissed angrily.

"Now then, let's not have anything like that again. We both know how to play this game, and it's not like that" As a sign of good faith, he lowered the scalpel, although still holding on to it.
"As I said, that last option is my utter last resort, but the security of the Federation is paramount no matter what. You must have been doing this years before me, surely you can appreciate that"

The Romulan froze at the sight of the medical tool, which could be extremely lethal if used by unautorised hands. "My son is in no condition to be of any use to anyone," he retorted, "he may never regain consciousness again. He was a symbol of hope to the Debrune people, and he will remain to be that. He was adopted by myself and T'Val because we represent the sub-species of the Debrune. A Romulan father and a Vulcan mother, who could teach him the principle of both species." He frowned. "And why are you telling me all this. You would know that I am required to inform my superiors about this."

"Well that's why I've asked you to help, so that your son might not have to die. I need some way of getting down to Qualinost to see him and the Debrune government, or of getting into the Romulan consulate just so that I can gather information. You're the best way I can do that. We both have the power to protect something dear to the other. Co-operation is the most sensible thing to do. If you agree, I am very glad you ahve seen sense. If not..." He sighed "We both know how this goes down. I can't afford to let you compromise me, or the Federation. No matter what the cost. So what's it going to be?"

"My son may die either way," the Romulan answered, the bitterness in his voice returning, "he is a harmless child. In Romulan society, children are sacred. Yes they are used in schemes, but they are never killed or abused physically." He looked up at Tyr, his eyes still reflecting his fury. "I won't take you to see my son. Only myself and Doctors Mercy are allowed to see him." He shook his head. "I don't trust you. I won't let you near my son, and there's nothing you can do againt it either."

[Deleted]

T'Val was getting tired of being told she needed to rest. She had just witnessed her mate being forcibly pressed back into his bed by the chief nurse, and she wasn't sure she actually liked seeing it. Had she not been shot as well though, she probably would've reacted the same. Slowly, she sat up and watched Tsomba carefully, but the nurse made no move to stop her. "I need to take a walk," she stated, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, maneuvering the sickbay gown such that it would still cover her. Thankfully, the female garbs were fully closed, and thus less of an embarassment. (especially with the many male nurses walking around these days)

Tsomba, watching her like a hawk, nodded ever so slightly, but her bodylanguage made it clear that she wasn't to leave sickbay. T'Val nodded over to a private room on the other side of sickbay, indicating she needed to use the head. That, and she wanted some peace and quiet, which she could only enjoy in her own office. This, of course, was something the chief nurse was quite aware of, and T'Val's absence might actually get Stuart to take the rest he needed.

Slipping her feet into her slippers, T'val reached for a robe that was put beside her bed especially in the need for this type of walk and pulled it on. Minutes later, she sat in her office, leaning back in her chair enjoying a mug of hot tea. On her desk sat little green Yade, crooning with concern over her mistress. The crooning, however suddenly turned to a high-pitched keening, which alerted T'Val to something being wrong. She sat up and regarded her pet closely, but the green gave no indication that something may be wrong. At least, not with Stuart as that had been her first thought. "What is the matter?" she queried, quietly stroking the green's neck ridges, "show me little one. Something has upset you. Is it one of your friends on Qualinost?"

T'Val knew her green would get upset too if something happened to her fellow firelizards, which lived on Qualinost. Occasionally, one would fall prey to the predators that lived on the planet below. At that precise moment, her computer console beeped, indicating an incoming message from Qualinost. The Vulcan sat up straighter, looking hopeful as she opened the message. It had been some time since they had been given any updates on D'beren's condition, even though the doctors had seemed hopeful on the last report.

Quickly, she scanned the message, then gasped in horror. She forced herself to read the message again, willing the content to be different. But the content remained the same; her only son had succumbed to the severity of his injuries, and despite attempts to recuscitate him, he had finally died as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash.

"No," she breathed, slamming the desk in disbelief, sending her pet awing. "No, this cannot be.." Tears streamed down her face as she continued to stare at the polite message from one of the Debrune physicians that had attended to D'beren. "Stuart!" she finally shrieked, finding herself unable to get herself to move out of her seat.

[Deleted]

Retiarius was getting furstrated. He needed to prove to the ambassador that what he was trying to do was right, but there was simply no way of doing it. He decided to make a start at least by throwing the laser scalpel at Tedak's feet, and then sitting on the bed, putting the Romulan in a knowingly advantageous position. If putting his life on the line didn't win him over, it was doubtful that anything else would. He rubbed the heels of his hands into his eyes to try and focus.

"Fine. Really I mean it, don't take me to see your son, but at least trust me in that he needs protecting. Whilst a Romulan's duplicity may never harm a child as innocent as your son, a Vulcan's logic might be able to" He sighed, revealing more than he had intended.

"Sirok. We believe that Vice President Sirok is attempting some sort of coup against the other powers of the Federation. Again, wide spread support is unlikely, but until what he is doing is, he has all of Starfleet IAB hunting down SI operatives, and all the resources of his office at his disposal. Granted, he may not have mainstream support in the Star Empire and Debrune Council, but look at these" He handed Tedak a padd he had prepeared before his arrival. This was getting intense. If he didn't win Tedak over, he was about to hand over classified Starfleet Intelligence documents to a former Tal Shiar operative. He braced himself.

"These are the names of prominent Admirals and Senators within the Romulan Star Empire, all of whom have had very public opinions on Vulcanoid reunification and dominance over the last decade or so. They're extreme line views caused them to be marginalised, but since the prospect of reunification became a real one, they started shutting up and playing the game. If you look at their present assignements you'll see most hold fleet ranking commissions, or positions of military or socio-economic importance in the Senate. There's also a list of similar people in the Vulcan Civil Service, and even Federation organisations, such as the Secretariat, Supreme Assembly, and even the Federation Council itself. Don't believe me fine, but at least believe the evidence. Hard line segments which have integrated themselves into mainstream positions of power could commit a mass coup that could at best destabilise the quadrant, and at worst enslave it. I don't know which way it could go, or why people keep telling me that your son might be used, but what I do know is that I have to see the Debrune Council for myself and assess it's threat level as a member of this alliance"

He stood and walked to look out of the window, observing the swirling atmosphere of Qualinost below.

"I only ask that you think of three things ambassador. Firstly, take care of yor son. He could act as a rallying point for both the Debrune in favour of reunification, or those trying to put down Vulcanoid supremacy. Either way, if one side realises they can't use him, they will want to make sure that the other cannot either. Second, look at the list. You may think I can lie, but the facts stated there cannot. Finally, trust me so far as that something is going on. Tensions are rising, things are happening that cannot be explained, and we may well be standing at the precipice of this quadrants next great conflict. Please consider this carefully" He tapped the panel, unlocking the door, and allowed Tedak to leave.

He looked down on the planet again and thought to himself. If Tedak trusted and helped him, a war might be avoided. If he exposed him, and Retiarius found himself inexplicably dead, then he would have been proved to be telling the truth, far, far too late...

<TAG Tedak + Anyone else>

[Deleted]

Vebn watched Tedak leave the quarters of Retarious Tyr. He rested his chin on steepled fingers. After their foray on Romulus when Tedak had helped him rescue his not so helpless daughter and in doing so helped the Tal Shiar hunt down his allys in reunification Vebn had very nearly loosened his grip and stopped having the Ambassador watched. He was glad he hadnt.

Tedak had rushed to sickbay when Ezedriana had gone mad and had now come to visit Ezedrianas aide. All the pieces of the puzzle didnt seem to fit but there was a pattern. It looked as if his fellow romulan Ambassador was playing with the opposition again. It would be no good challenging Tedak directly he would deny it and get all riled up again.

He got up and went dirctly to Tyrs quarters he rang the bell and waited for it to be answered.

"I thoiught I should introduce myself, see how you are and find out why you are meeting with my staff?" he began boldly

[Deleted]

No sooner had Tedak left, than there was a chime at the door. Retiarius sighed. One minute his mission had come to a standstill, and the next he was inundated with events. At least he could never complain that the work was boring. He answered the door, and a Romulan in ambassadorial robes swept into the room.

"I thought I should introduce myself, see how you are and find out why you are meeting with my staff?" he began boldly. Retiarius, who had just bared all to Tedak had to pause for a fraction of a second to regain the submissive personality of his cover. He stuttered as he spoke.

"I...uh...thanks, I guess...uh" He stuttered and stared at the floor nervously, occasionally looking up to see the Romulan's eyes, embodying the essence of naeivity and terror.
"I'm fine, thank you, ambassador, er..." He paused, waiting te Romulan to fill in the gaps, even though he could have made an educated guess.

"Vebn s'Khellian" the swift response came.

"Oh, Ambassador s'Khellian" Retiarius immediately assumed an antic disposition, running and fetching the ambassador a chair, nearly tripping over his own feet in the process.
"Please sit down sir, I had no idea it was you. I'm Retiarius Tyr, junior diplomatic attache to the Federation ambassador here. I'm very sorry about the room, I normally keep it tidier. What can I do for you, no, is there anything I can get you first?"

"As I said I want to know what you are doing with my Ambassador"

"Oh, Ambassador Tedak. I just invited him round to apologise for something that happened earlier. I brought up his son without realising how ill he was. I didn't mean any offence, and I could certainly do without any enemies, so I thought it best to apologise. I had no idea I needed your permission to speak to him over something like that. Do I need to make appointments in future?"

"Not at all" Vebn replied with a wan smile aware that the attache was lying to him, but the blithering fool didnt seem to be too much of a danger "Just remember I am the senior Diplomat, Tedak is somewhat out of favour these days and so only represents our interests with the Debrune. Now perhaps we can get to know each other a bit, tell me about yourself."

[Deleted]

Tedak nodded curtly at the Betazoid, not liking the man's notions and ideas at all. However he did have a point; D'beren was in danger and it was still not certain the crash had been an accident. The option of sabotage was still too much a possebility and until starfleet security would exclude the option, Tedak knew the boy was still in danger, even when on the brink of death already.

He also knew now, with what Tyr had just revealed to him, that the young Betazoid would carry out his threat, and would claim it had been for a greater good. ~greater good indeed~ he thought as he exited Tyr's quarters. The Romulan was unaware that his boss was watching him from a distance, but had Vebn been able to see his face, he would've noticed that Tedak's expression was one of restrained fury. He would have to watch out for Ezdreiana's new attaché, that much was certain, and he would have to warn Stuart to pay close attention to his stepson whenever they chose to visit the boy.

Walking back to his own quarters, Tedak again pondered Tyr's words and wondered if the telepath had been able to get anything from his mind. Though he hadn't felt anything, he was quite certain Tyr would've attempted to read him. Having been married to a Vulcan had helped him gain better control over shielding his mind, even though his Tal Shiar training had already taught him much of it.

"Vulcan tea blend, add milk and sugar," he snapped at his replicator when he entered his quarters. He was tired and he needed to sleep even if it was the middle of the day. Settling with his tea on his sofa, he tossed his boots off and leaned back with a heavy sigh.

[mercy]

***Infirmary***

~Stuart…Stuart…STUART…~ It had finally registered and Stuart woke from his dreamy slumber to T’Val’s cries. It took him a few seconds to realize he was on a biobed in his own infirmary when suddenly he remembered the shooting incident. The scream, it was coming from T’Val’s own office. Jill Tsomba quickly came from there, heading for Stuart with a tear-streaked face. “You better get in there.” She said full of sorrow.

Stuart rose as fast as his state allowed and headed in his wife’s direction. As he entered the office Stuart became witness to a very distraught woman who had thrown everything from her desk in a fit of rage. Jade, T’Val’s firelizard had made itself clear of that area as she sat in a chair on the opposite side of the room, with wings flapping and letting out high-pitched screeching sounds of despair.

“T’Val…T’Val, what is it?” Stuart asked as he reached her and embraced her to help settle her down. As soon as he had done so he hadn’t required a verbal answer from her. Her mind had connected with his, as it had in many highly emotional occasions such as this one, and he ‘heard’ her answer. ~D’Beren is dead.~

“No…no…it can’t be?” Stuart questioned out loud. As he held her he saw the message on her terminal and knew it to be true.

***An Hour Later; Home of the Mercy’s***

With a strong sedative, Stuart was able to get T’Val some rest. He knew when she woke again her rage and anguish would begin anew. “Jade, watch over her, let me know the moment she’s awake.” The green firelizard crooned in understanding. Stuart knew that Jade really didn’t require those instructions as it was her life’s mission to protect her master. Stuart needed to leave T’Val for a moment as someone else was required to hear of this tragic news.

Stuart could hear the chime from within, announcing his presence to the occupant. The door slid open allowing Stuart entrance. “Ah, Stuart, I see you are recovering quite well. I was just relaxing with some Vulcan tea, with milk and sugar. T’Val tells me that you have acquired this taste as well. I shall get you a cup. Speaking of which, how is T’Val doing?”

Stuart remained silent as he took a seat opposite of the couch, while the other rose to retrieve a cup of tea for him. Stuart had always made it a point to stay a bit distant from the man whose wife he had stolen not too long ago. T’Val had made the choice, and the two men had become cordial, and even earned each other’s respect. Now Stuart was here to share with him more bad news.

Tedak had returned with a cup and handed it to Stuart. It was nice and warm to the touch. He took a sip. It was quite soothing considering his current state. “Stuart, you have yet to say a word since arriving. Is everything alright?”

Stuart couldn’t stall any longer, and he couldn’t find any easy way to pass on the terrible news. “We have lost D’Beren. He’s…dead.”

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan knew something was wrong the minute he stepped off the Nevada. The ambience, the very feel of the station was different somehow. He very quickly narrowed down that feeling to the Debrune that lived and worked on the station and it didnt take much imagination to realise what had happened.

He felt as if he should go straight to the Mercy's but decided forewarned was forearmed and instead headed to Operations to meet with Zoilip.
The Bolian stood in conference with F'Rass at the Master Ops Table.
"Sir" he greeted formally,
"When did it happen?" Magellan asked
"Last night. But news has only just reached the station. We have large numbers of Debrune gathering at the shrines."
"Any trouble?"
"Not yet. They all seem in shock"
Magellan nodded,
"Step up security discreetly, crowds tend to be disruptive, even well meaning ones. I assume the Mercy's have been told."
Zoilip nodded.
Magellan shook his head wearily, so much for the homecoming.
"Are we certain there was no external involvment?"

Zoilip frowned, "Not certain no. The Debrune declared him dead, but theres been no Starfleet verification of that, theres no reason to suppose we should"
"Agreed. And the investigation?"
"It appears the Tholians were responsible for the shuttle crash, although there are a number of discrepancies"
"Discrepancies?"
"Bomb signatures don't match known Tholian designs"
"That and it doesnt make political sense" Magellan agreed
"What does the signature match?"
"Kriosian"
Magellan nodded unsure why the backwater planet in the Klingon Empire would be involved, "Perhaps a hired assasin?"
"Maybe" F'Rass agreed, " I ve been reviewing Flight and crew manifests looking for any visiting Kriosians. Nothing yet."
"Very good. I m going to freshen up and then go see the Mercys, Then I best check on Ezedriana and this new attache. Thankyou gentlemen"

Magellan went back to his quarters and grabbed a quick shower and changed into a clean uniform. He made his way to the Mercys, finding Tedak already present. In nearly 5 life times the words to say at a time like this still eluded him.
"I m very sorry" he began, "D'Beren was a very special child and I dont mean his religious role. If there is anything I can do please let me know."

OOC: Tyr - I modded Vebns responses into your post.

[Deleted]

The Romulan watched the human doctor nurse his drink and stood watching for several long minutes before he pointed out Stuart had yet to speak. When Stuart did speak, he hadn't quite expected this. "Are you certain?" Of course Stuart was certain, the grief was now quite visible on the younger man's face. "I..." For once, Tedak was at a loss for words and he simply walked around and awkwardly put a hand on Stuart's shoulder in an attempt to comfort him.

"T'Val must be taking this very badly," he said quietly, his voice flat and devoid of any tone. He didn't know how to deal with this sort of grief, and he knew the truth of the news would probably hit home hard later, when realisation would sink in. "I will meet you later this afternoon, and we shall discuss funeral arrangements," he added, "I am certain T'Val will want him buried near the site he was found as a baby, where his biological parents are also buried. There is...however someone else we should inform."

The Romulan hesitated, knowing how his ex-wife felt about the Debrune woman. However ever since the accident the women had been seen together more frequently, almost as though they had reached an understanding. "She'll need to know," he added, as he accompanied the doctor to the door. "I'll meet you and T'Val late this afternoon, I promise."

~later~
Tedak entered the Mercy residence, where he was promptly hugged tightly by T'Val. In reflex, he returned the hug, then released her as he was well aware of how Stuart felt about these displays of affection. The last thing he wanted was to antagonise her new husband, whom she was clearly devoted to.

The Romulan had just barely taken a seat when a weary looking Trill admiral entered. "I m very sorry" he began, "D'Beren was a very special child and I dont mean his religious role. If there is anything I can do please let me know."

With a curious form of detachement, he saw T'Val walk up to Lin and hug him, crying continuously. "Your sentiments are appreciated admiral," Tedak replied softly, "and I think there is something you could do for us. We would like for D'beren to be buried in the same tomb his biological parents were laid to rest. Though he was special to the Debrune people, we ask that we be allowed to bury our son in private. A more public ceremony can be arranged later, after we deal with our grief."

T'Val had returned to her seat, leaning heavily against her mate. "He was everything to me," she whispered, "and now he is gone. The doctors said he was in no pain before he died, and they did try to save him but they could not. I believe them. They know better than to lie to me, I would know if they lied." She buried her face in her hands and Tedak cast a helpless glance at Stuart, before turning back to Lin.

"The other diplomats need to be informed, as well as that Debrune woman. S'lar or what was her name?" Though T'Val believed the doctors spoke the truth, Tedak had other thoughts. Tyr's threats were quite vivid in his mind, and he felt a rage starting to build. He would contain that rage until he was alone, and able to meet with the Betazoid.

~even later~
Tedak banged the door of the Betazoid attache's quarters. "Tyr I know you're in there!" he called, "let me in!" When he was let in, he slammed the Betazoid against the wall. "You killed my son, didn't you!" he raged, "you made good on your threats, knowing I'd never willingly help you. Read my mind, telepath, see for yourself that I'd never help you. I would do everything to protect my family, but not at the cost you presented me with."

[Deleted]

This assignment was finally getting somewhere, Tyr thought to himself, even as Tedak tried to close of his windpipe whilst holding him against the wall. Opting that restraint wasn't the best option in this case, he kneed Tedak firmly in the groin and pushed him away, clearing himself space to fight back. Now the two men were circling each other, Tedak obviously ready to kill Retiarius as he leapt forward, thrusting with everything at his disposal. A few moments later, after blows and injuries had been exchanged, Retiarius found himself on top of Tedak, kneeling on his upper arms to prevent him moving. Against his spits and screams of rage and protest, Retiarius placed his hands on wither side of Tedak's face, just as in a Vulcan mind meld.

"Please forgive me" Tyr said, remorseful of what he was about to do already "But I need you to believe that I had nothing to do with your son's death, and that I am right about the reunificationist threat. This is the best way to do it without you having the opportunity to kill me. Please forgive me"

Retiarius pushed with his mind into Tedak's, hitting his mental barriers with the force of a hurricane. Tedak fought back, all his training coming to the fore, resisting Retiarius more than efficiently. Screaming with all his psionic powers, Retiarius burned a mental command brutally into Tedak's soul.

"DON'T FIGHT ME!"

This was one of the ultimate sacriliges of Betazed, one of the worst sorts of violation known to exist. Retiarius had only ever learned how to do it as part of his Starfleet Intelligence training, where his abilities had been corrupted for the greater good. Despite his acknowledgement of the shame he had brought to Betazoids everywhere by his actions, he pressed on. Now through his defences, Retiarius opened the carefully constructed mental walls and floodgates he had created within his mind, allowing all his knowledge to pour forth into Tedak's mind. As a perfect antithesis, he know demonstrated the ultimate level of sacrifice and trust known to telepaths, completely baring his soul for Tedak to see for himself. He allowed everything about his mission assignment to be viewed, including James, his friend and handler, all the information concerning the threat of military reunification, all the reports on Sirok and other key Vulcanoid officials; everything. Even for a split second, Vebn's face, one which had occasionally cropped up in reports flitted through his mind.

Retiarius also allowed Tedak to view his reason for fear of Vulcanoid supremacy. Three years ago, whilst working undercover in the Romulan Senate, posing as a communications officer, Retiarius had been accused of espionage, and taken into questioning. He had spent two months in a Romulan torture camp, as they tried to ascertain who he worked for. He had eventually escaped, but the inhumane experience he had undergone still haunted him. Retiarius broke the link, letting both men fall aside, panting with the mental exertion they had undergone.

"Now you have no choice but to believe me" He said quietly.

<TAG Tedak>

[Deleted]

The Romulan struggled with all his might, but there was no tossing the younger Betazoid aside. He screamed with rage as he was pinned to the floor and held there while Tyr just sat on him. He was even further immobilised when the other diplomat placed his hands on his face, pouring his very soul into his mind.

Tedak had come to Tyr's quarters, full ready to kill him if he admitted to having his son killed, but right now he felt as he was about to be killed. He fought with all his might, depleting his energy as he did so. "Don't fight me," echoed through his mind, but that only sparked his resistance. He experienced what Tyr had experienced at the hand of his people, then relived his own shame in the process. His mind was bare for Tyr to see, and he had no energy to fight it off.

After what seemed eternity, Tyr finally broke the link and he fell back in exhaustion. Tedak himself had no energy to get up and just lay limp on the floor, his gaze fixed on the ceiling as he tried to make sense of it all. "Now you have no choice but to believe me," Tyr whispered quietly. Indeed, he had no choice, a voluntary sharing of a mind would not result in a lie. Not when it was forced upon him like this, and the Betazoid had seemed rather desperate in his actions.

The Romulan tried to sit up, but he couldn't bring himself to move. His arms felt sore from being held down by Tyr's knees and he was certain he had at least cracked one rib. His jaw also felt sore and he had a massive headache. "I.." he started, then passed out from exhaustion, causing his two firelizards to appear out of nowhere, chittering angrily at the equally exhausted Betazoid diplomat.

[Deleted]

It wasn't until Vebn returned to the Embassy that he heard of D'Berens death. A smile smile couldn't help put play across his lips as he considered the irony. He quickly called in Nelon and had his aide prepare a formal statement of regret and support to the family and the Debrune people to be issued on behalf of the Romulan Empire.
Nelon disappeared to type and send the message leaving the Romulan Ambassador to check through his messages.

There were the routine diplomatic pouches from Romulus and a few personal correspondences but it were the coded transmissions for the Security Services and his allies that he took most interest in.

The Tal Shiar had been shadowing the main Klingon Fleet and predicted that they were about to make a key strike on a Tholian Assembly area. Likewise the Tholians were mustering their own forces to strike at a Klingon supply base.

Spilt either side of the Federation both sides required the good will of Starfleet to reach each other effectively and this so far had led the war into a stalemate with major battles fought in deep space in no mans land.

The next report was one he had been waiting for with great interest. He had employed the services of some shady acomplices to investigate the Klingon Ambassador. They revealed what he had suspected. The Major had arranged for the bomb to be planted on the Shuttle little knowing that the Holy Child was due to be on it.
It was a cynical move to frame the Tholians and encourage the Debrune and Federation to ally with them significantly swinging the balance of the war.
He pondered thoughtfully what he should do with this information. Releasing the cause of the crash may impact his own long term plans especially if closer inspection were made of D'Berens death. On the other hand it would alienate the Klingons and Federation prolong the war and who knew what further opportunity could be found if the war continued. He decided to put off the decision for now and consult others on the matter.

The final communique was from one of his Federation Allies. It seemed Sirok was pushing harder and harder for re-unification between Vulcan, Romulus and Debrune. Vebn couldnt understand why. HIgh Preist Kale, the only sympathetic Debrune leader had been drummed from office and most of the hardline dissidents on Romulus had been rounded up earlier in the year by his own daughter, it was only by her good wishes that he hadnt joined them in the cells.

For all intents and purposes the re-unifcation movement was severely set back and yet Sirok was pushing harder. Vebn wished he had chance to meet Sirok properly but the two had never met and talked only through intemediaries. He suspected Sirok had a hidden agenda and until he knew it he would be treated with kid gloves.

[Deleted]

Retiarius waved a fatigued hand half-heartedly at the firelizards as he tried to stand, eventually pulling himself up on a table and dragging himself to the replicator.

"Hypospray containing 3 cc's atronephrine, a pitcher of cold water and two glasses, and two ibuprofen tablets" He ordered, leaning on the panel in a beleagured manner.

When the items appeared he stumbled back to Tedak, placing the items between them. He then leaned over and placed the hypospray on Tedak's neck, injecting him with the potent stimulant. He then turned the hypospray on himself, injecting the remainder of the stimulant to make himself more focused. Within a moment or two, the Romulan began to stir and regain consciousness. Tyr poured water into the two glasses, and pushed one plus an ibuprofen towards the ambassador who was now wide awake, then taking one for himself.

"You'll forgive my forceful manner, but i'm sure that following what you have seen, it will appear worth it. Almost anyway"

<TAG Tedak>

"As I was saying, before we both made death threats and tried to act on them, I was assigned here to try and assess the reunificationist threat in this area. Particularly that of the Debrune people. Each side of the reunificationist puzzle brings something unique to the alliance, the Vulcans bring their exceptional gift for deep logistical planning, not to mention their far reaching influence among Federation worlds, the Romulans bring a mighty fleet, and the Debrune have the potential for technology that makes us all a little scared. The Vulcans are not my priority other teams and agents are observing them. What i am worried about is the Romulan influence over the Debrune. As you are no doubt aware, all the outwardly threatening facotrs in both factions have been supposedly eliminated. High Priest Kale no longer has the influecne of his office, and all the vocal Romulan hardliners were rounded up in a purge a short while ago, one which sketchy SI reports suggest you were involved in. Would you care to comment?"

<TAG Tedak>

"Whilst you may believe the threat has ended, I am sure you are under no illusions that a governemnt movement, a Romulan one especially, would be idiotic enough to be completely so transparent in it's aims. The list I gave you, which I hope you have not mislaid, contains all the high ranking Senators, Tal Shiar officials and Naval officers who have sympathies with the reunificationist movement, all of whom escaped the purge. Whilst just under half of their members were lost, the momentum of their campaign has not diminished. Both the political and military power they wield, not to mention their own personal followings, makes them a power to be reckoned with. The same goes for High Preist Kale and the Debrune. The political influence may have gone, but his personal influence is still attracting a small, but faithful cadre. An insurrection, led by Kale nad supported by dissident Romulans, is still a possibility which cannot be overlooked"

<TAG Tedak>

"And as such, we would be better working together. You have contacts on Romulus, ones which would be extremely useful. I too have sleepers there, and I am willing to provide you with contact details. A call from a fellow Romulan will look far less suspicious than a call from me. I could also use your help in getting to the surface of Qualinost, both to observe Kale and to observe the Debrune ogvernemnt for sympathisers. I can contact my handler and asked to be tranferred as a junior Federation liason to your department, a relatively normal move onsidering Ambassador Ezdreiana's incapacitation. Will you agree to this?"

<TAG Tedak>

"Then I will get it arranged for tomorrow, and I, or the Diplomatic Service rather, will inform you in the morning. No you hade better go. Ambassador s'Khellian is suspicious as it is, and that stimulant will wear off. You'd best get back to your quarters before it does"

Both men stood wearily, and Tedak made his way to the door. A moment before he left, Tyr called after him.

"Ambassador...I am most sincerely sorry about your son. It should not have happened, no matter what"

The door closed, and left Retiarius alone in the room to sned a message to James to amke his tranfer arrangements, and then to fall back, asleep, into his chair, delving into one of the many nightmares he had had for the last three years.

[Deleted]

Tedak listened in silence, after having been woken up in a rather abrupt manner. He swallowed the tablet of ibuprofen that Tyr offered him and sipped the cold water. Where appropriate he nodded, though he dared not move too much. His entire body ached after their little brawl, and even though he was administered with a potent stimulant, he still felt dazed.

Nodding again, he rose to his feet. "Ambassador Ezdreiana's condition is unique," he offered, "and I still don't understand what possessed her. I wouldn't transfer too hastily, as you said, Vebn s'Khellien doesnt trust you, and since his opinion of me isn't too positive either, I am not certain you transferring to the Romulan embassy is a good move."

He paused. "I would, however be willing to guide you so you can finish your training to become a full ambassador to the Federation. In that, I am still free to make my own choices." Walking to the door, he began to feel the effects of the stimulant wear off. "Thank you for the warning, if you need me I shall be in my quarters."

Tedak barely made it to his quarters; by the time he got there he was feeling dizzy and his headache was coming up again. He sank down on his sofa and instantly passed out again, succumbing to a powerful nightmare of telepaths invading his mind.

[Deleted]

The call from Nelon had come at a rather inconvenient time but had a lot of interesting information. The USS Devestator had just docked and off loaded a Tal Shiar agent. The agent, a Major, had been captured on a mission by the USS Vesuvius and had been transfered to Assailant for trial and punishment.

Vebn wasnt aware of the Major offhand and had Nelon run a background check. Given his daughters line of work, he knew to be cautious of the spy masters. Nevertheless he may be of some use.

He went directly to the brig and flashed his diplomatic ID to get past security and meet with the detainee.

"Major Echal. I am Ambassador S'Khellian" he intriduced himself as he was admitted to the small cell and the forcefield erected oncemore.

Without waiting to be asked Vebn gathered his robes about him and took a seat at one end of the long bench.

"I m surprised the Federation were able to catch you. I thought you Tal Shiar types were supposed to commit suicide rather than be caught alive. You can gurantee that Starfleet will be very interested in you indeed, mind probes, interrogations, who knows what you may reveal. Im here to...assertain your continued usefulness... Convince me."

TAG Govan

[Deleted]

Ezdreiana knew that she was trapped in a Federation cell, but that was it. She had so badly wanted to speak with Tedak when he had come to see her, but she had been unable to speak. Her outward appearance resmebled someone in complete and utter shock. Then all of a sudden, Ezdreiana was able to break the spell she had been under and collasped.

The guards that had been watching over her quickly acted as one of them lifted the shield and the other watched closely ready to fire.

"She's collasped when need to get her to sickbay," the guard said as he quickly contacted sickbay which Ezdreiana somehow knew was a place of a great sorrow. Her target, the Divine Child of the Debrune, was now dead. With her mind clearing she now knew who had done this to her. Once she was able to, she would undermine this radical group and bring them to justice.

(Sickbay)

[Deleted]

After what had felt like years in the brig of the Federation vessel and then the starbase, Govan was ready to murder the next person that got anywhere near him. What he hadn’t expected was an arrogant diplomat to come strolling into his cell and basically demand that he prove himself. The Major had him pegged almost instantly as a politician. If there was one thing that Govan hated most, it was politics, with the senseless posturing and seemingly endless debates. It was a game Echal knew all too well but was loathed to be forced into playing.

Rising in a dangerously slow motion from the other end of the bench where the Ambassador sat, Govan deliberately approached Vebn until he was standing within a mere inch of the man, towering over him. How easy it would be to just snap his pathetic neck…he could do it in his sleep practically. The Major wondered briefly if the man even realized just how close he really was to his own end, even as Govan noticed the movement of the security officers from outside the cell in his peripheral vision, phasers raised and ready to intervene. At least they seemed to recognize the threat the Major posed to the diplomat’s life.

Govan ignored them, and kept his focus fixed firmly on the Ambassador who had not moved. Glaring down at him in barely controlled rage and contempt, Major Echal waited for several carefully elongated moments before finally speaking in a low, controlled voice. “I see no need to convince you of anything. I keep what I know to myself and complete my assignments. I am a man of actions not useless words. Since I care not what happens to me now, you hold no power or authority over me. My only loyalty is to the Empire and certainly not to you.”

With that, Govan carefully stepped back, never taking his eyes off Vebn as he reseated himself at the opposite end of the bench. What he really wanted to do was to defend his honor, demand that Tamir be set free, and to give the diplomat a piece of his mind and his fists, but Echal resisted. He knew how things worked with politicians. They find out what you want and then use that to get whatever it is that they want, and Govan was determined to not become some sort of pawn, ever. So the Major sat in silence, glaring menacingly at the other man in the cell, and waited for his next move.

<Tag Vebn>