Mission 4.3 Divergence

[Magellan Lin]

It was well past mid day when S'lar was able to slip away from D'ror and their Silasi minder. High Priest Kale had departed their quarters early that morning to lead the daily ministrations of the Debrune that lived on the station.

She made her way as best as she could remember back to the quarters they had been taken to that night. She hovered at the corner suddenly nervous at what she might find. Her hand unconciously dropped to her barren belly and then with confidence she went up to the door and rang the bell.

The door was answered by an elder Vulcan,

"Yes?"

"I was hoping to see T'Val"

"She is not here I am afraid, nor is her bondmate."

"Oh" S'lar replied somewhat crestfallen, "Perhaps I could wait for her."

The Vulcan checked the time and then nodded,

"It would be suitable if you are a friend, I am her father"

"Pleased to meet you" S'lar nodded as she was let in. She was shown through to the main lounge where to her delight she could see D'beren sat with some toys beside his nursemaid.
She smiled broadly and took a seat beside him on the couch.

"My daughter will not be long. He shift finishs soon"

"Thankyou, I am most grateful for your kindness."

"Kindness?" the Vulcan replied in puzzlement "It was practical that you remain here rather than leave only to return in a short time. Would you like a beverage?"

"Yes thankyou" S'lar replied courteously as she dropped to her knees to join D'beren and his building blocks, "You are much like my brother" she whispered sadly to herself as the child chuckled gleefully at the new playmate.

[Magellan Lin]

Saaroks shuttle touched down on the tarmac beside the main shuttleport. On arrival in the Betazed system they had been held on its outer edges whilst they were fed co-ordinates to take them through the debris field that still littered the area. The remnants of two major space battles and the destruction of Sentok Nor from the Dominion War still caused a major hazard to shipping. Five Starfleet vessels were tasked to man tugs and engineering crews to salvage what they could. 18 years on and they were still finding the odd corpse.

When the all clear had been granted they had been directed to one of the new spaceports on the out skirts of the City of Medara. Saarok and Ezedriana were greeted by some local officials who processed them quickly through customs and the other security measures. Betazed had suffered during the War and more so in its aftermath. Much of its infrastructure had been damaged but more importantly much of its agricultural land had been devestated. Famine and disease had nearly taken an uncontrollable hold on what had once been a jewel in the Federation. With such deprivation crime had quickly become integral to survival. Smuggling and profiteering had become the trades of import and even today were not fully under control.

"Ambassadors Its a pleasure" a Betazoid man greeted cheerfully extending a hand, "I m your liason Tolan Semani. I have arranged for you to have quarters here in Medara and arranged transport to Rixx and the University the day after tomorrow for the conference."

Tag Saarok and Ezedriana

[Deleted]

A little later, T'Val came home from a busy workday. Earlier she had dropped off D'beren and had asked her father to watch him while she went to work. Her meeting with Ji'Zhan had taken an unexpected turn when she had been barred entrance to his office, the Debrune aide claiming that Ji'Zhan was indisposed and didn't wish to meet with her. T'Val had found that rather suspect as she knew Ji'Zhan always made time for her, especially where D'beren was concerned.

She also knew, that Ji'Zhan was very much aware how attached she was to the young child. And, he also would know that the loss of the child would break her.

Now, T'Val had a feeling of apprehension as she approached her quarters. She knew her father was there, but also had the feeling he wasn't alone. When she entered, she was instantly approached by Siroc. "You have a visitor," Siroc informed her, motioning towards the main lounge.

T'Val nodded as she took off her boots and walked barefoot into the livingroom. At the entrance she froze in horror, then whirled about to face her father. "You let her in?" she asked in disbelief, "I do not want her near my son."

She rushed up to D'Beren and snatched him away from S'lar while she heard the doors open and sensed her mate enter their quarters. "I do not want you here, please leave before I call security," she told the Silasi woman. "You are not welcome in my home."

[Deleted]

"Perhaps you could shine some light on the exact nature of this conference Mr. Semani?", Saarok questioned as his two guards stood near him with their hands near their weapons for they deemed Betazed at this time as a most unfriendly environment

"I see", Saarok responded to Semani's response about the nature of this conference

"And who else is going to be attending this... conference", Saarok questioned

<Tag Semani/Ezdriana>

[mercy]

It had been another busy day at the infirmary. It seemed that the base's intermediate school was having a small viral epidemic, that was spreading around from one child to another, even amongst different species.

A little lab research was all it took to get to the bottom of it and develop the proper medicinal counter-measures.So far all of the patients that Stuart had already seen were reacting positively to the medicine. There was more on hand for other patients that will more than likely still be showing up in the next few days.

Stuart had finished up for today and had just entered the door to his quarters when he heard an outburst from T'Val. "I do not want you here, please leave before I call security," she told the Silasi woman. "You are not welcome in my home." Taking in the situation, Stuart surmised that T'Val's father had let the Silasi woman in, the one who had visited earlier with the High Priest and her companion. The nursemaid could see that her services were no longer needed, and proceeded to make a bee-line for the door.

Stuart ignored her and kindly guided the Silasi woman along this same bee-line. "I apologize for my wife. I'm sure you can understand a mother's protective posture over her child. It is late and I kindly ask you to please leave us for tonight. If you feel a further need to come try to visit again, then please contact us first."

The Silasi woman, he couldn't think of her name, looked at Stuart with hurtful eyes, but she complied as he showed her the door. She said nothing as she left, but Stuart knew this wouldn't be the last of her...of them.

"Siroc, I'll need to ask of you to not let anyone into our quarters that you do not personnaly know. There are many people here and on the planet below that seek nothing but harm towards this child." Stuart had by now approached T'Val and hugged her for reassurance. He sensed that D'Beren had been unphazed by all of this. The only one with any anxiety was T'Val.

"My apologies. I had been under the impression that she was a friend. I did not make sure of this, for that I apologize."

"No worries. No harm done. Are you okay? Tell you what, how about we go out to eat? There is this new Pizzaria that just opened up, and I hear they even make vegetarian style pizzas. How about it?"

<T'Val>

OOC: Note my LOA if you're expecting a response back from me. I may be here one or two more times, but don't count on it.

[Magellan Lin]

Vebn looked around the somewhat austere decor of Rowenas simple but quite adequate home.
He thanked the mistress of thehouse for their hospitality and made a not to send a credit note to her family.

"How long will we stay in Ki Baratan?" Tedak asked,

"I m not sure" Vebn replied truthfully, "I need time to contact my retainers and assess if things are safe. Can you get me access to a terminal"

Tedak shook his head,
"Not here. If you are in trouble then I dont want this household involved."

"I can understand that but without some comms equipment we cannot contact my supporters or find where my daughter is."

"What about the Senate?"

"The senate?" Vebn replied incredously,

"Its the last place they would expect you to go. We could go into the senate and use our diplomatic access to use the public terminals"

"And if someone recognises us?"

"Then we make up a story..."

"Okay very well. We will go to the senate in the morning after we have eaten and rested. Thank you Tedak."

[Magellan Lin]

"Perhaps you could shine some light on the exact nature of this conference Mr. Semani?", Saarok questioned as his two guards stood near him with their hands near their weapons for they deemed Betazed at this time as a most unfriendly environment

Semani smiled broadly the sickly smile of a politician,

"Why it is to further the goal of intergalactic peace. The President has even persauded delegations from the Tholians and Klingons to attend. Though I doubt anything anyone says today will end their war."

"I see", Saarok responded to Semani's response about the nature of this conference

"And who else is going to be attending this... conference", Saarok questioned

"A delegation from each member state of the Federation and other enlightened parties. Are here we are, through here and up the stairs"

He ushered them into a building and up the stairs.

"These will be your rooms, we have the best staff available. Anything you want is yours. I believe you and Ezedriana are to address the assembly regarding diplomacy on the frontier, something you both have an abundance of experience with."

"Will the President be attending?"

"Oh no" Semani shook his head, "President Vrened is too busy on Earth preparing for the move to Betazed. Sirok will be holding court as it were." Semani grinned wolfishly "Now if you excuseme I have other guests to meet. A transport wil be made available to you tomorrow for your trip to Rixx and the conference,"

Semani scuttled out of the room levaing Ezedrieana and Saarok to their suite of rooms and office space. Saarok crossed to the door and closed carefully noting the vulcan cleaner stood at the end of the corridor. Teh smae cleaner who had been polishing the same mirror the whole time.

[leodenart]

"Computer, locate admiral Lin" Leo said the moment he stepped off a shuttle, probably the last shuttle from a starship he would be on for a long time. When he had stepped off, he immediatly knew he would get lost, and he was. He had spent the better half of his first hour looking for his new quarters, and then another half an hour looking for his new office. Finally being almost fully settled, Leo thought it would be best to find the admiral and report in.

"admiral lin is in his office" the computer responded, Leo took a few steps forward then stopped, looking around he new it would take entirely to long to to find the admiral's office on his own. "computer, show me a map to Admiral Lin's office" the console on the wall beeped and brought up a small map, Leo's heart sank. It showed that Leo would have to travel from one section of the starbase, to the other and then take a lift up two decks. When he finally exited the lift, small beads of sweat could be seen on Leo's brow. "man, this place is huge. I probaly should have studied the specs before i got here, i didnt think it would take me this long"

Finally reaching Admiral Lin's office, Leo wiped his sweaty brow and pressed the door chime. Upon entering, Leo saw the clutter and mess and untidiness that normally he wouldnt see, except in his own office. "Sir, Major Leonardo Denart reporting for duty"

<tag Magellan>

"Well sir, to be honest, i've been here for a few hours already. you never realize how big a place is until you get lost in it" Leo said with a smile, allowing his humor to show. "I do plan on studying the layout and specifications of the starbase, and hopefully this wont happen again."

<tag Magellan>

[Magellan Lin]

Finally reaching Admiral Lin's office, Leo wiped his sweaty brow and pressed the door chime. Upon entering, Leo saw the clutter and mess and untidiness that normally he wouldnt see, except in his own office. "Sir, Major Leonardo Denart reporting for duty"

Magellan looked up from his desk to see the Marine stood before him.

"I had heard your shuttle had arrived about an hour ago" he said with little humour.

"Well sir, to be honest, i've been here for a few hours already. you never realize how big a place is until you get lost in it" Leo said with a smile, allowing his humor to show. "I do plan on studying the layout and specifications of the starbase, and hopefully this wont happen again."

"Good" Magellan replied with a smile and extending a hand, "A Chief of Security who doesnt know his way around is of no use to me."
Leonardo smiled weakly unsure exactly how serious the Admiral was being.

"Please, take a seat" he offered,

Leonardo sat tentativly down. Magellan returned to his own seat and picked up a PADD.

"The Fighter Wing and the Majesty I see. Good assignments both... Running security on the base will be nothing like either of those assignments. We have on Assailant a resident population of 325,000 with upwards of 2000 passing through each day. We are the last port of call before the Klingon Empire and orbit a planet inhabited by the only remnants of the Debrune Imperium."

"Ah yes sir I wanted to ask about the Debrune"

"Jurisdiction wise, this base is yours. They have their own police force, the Silasi, for planetary actions but..." Magellan paused, " We have a good working relationship and so theres give and take especially with some Debrune coming to live here. One in fact is very important - D'Beren adopted child of our Chief of Medical Staff and Civilian Hospital and a holy icon to the Debrune. Since his arrival each CoBS has had him under discreet survellaince, not even Stuart or T'Val know of. Drink?"

Leonardo nodded, "Just a water for now thankyou sir"

Magellan moved to the replicator and got the beverages,
"In fact its with D'beren I want you to get started with, Dr Mercy came to me today and told me two Debrune have started sniffing around him they came up with High Priest Kale, perhaps you could do some digging and find out whats going on, T'Val will be able to fill you in. Otherwise your job is to make sure the base is secure and that no word of crime reaches my ears. Quite a problem given the number of Klingon troops on station for R and R. Ensure they remain away from any of our Tholian residents. Thats all then Major, Any questions?"

TAG Leo

[leodenart]

Leo took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. "Ah, well sir. i think i might have a couple for you." Leo watched the admiral for a quick moment, getting a better feel for the man who was is new boss. "I'm assuming there will be no problem with going through all the records for all of my security staff, and making decisions about postions for those staff?"

"none at all, They are yours to do with as your please" Magellan said taking a sip of his drink. "And, i would like a report of who is arriving on all shuttles, as well and departures and what ships are due" Leo said, testing his boundaries a bit, somethings were harder to get a hold of than others.

<tag Lin>

"well, sir i guess thats about all, If i see any problems with my staff i'll be sure to let you know.

Leo took his leave from the Admiral's office, and went back to his quarters, were he sat down for a short while before taking a quick sonic shower.

[Deleted]

"You are...welcome," Tedak replied, somewhat taken aback at being thanked at all. Was the older Romulan finally mellowing up towards the younger one? Or was it just a feign, and would they return to their usual bantering when they got back to the base?

Leaving Vebn to the privacy of his own thoughts, Tedak tapped Rowena on her arm and led her from the room. "He is a troubled man Tedak," Rowena commented quietly as they walked into the garden, taking her only child with them as well. "And a devoted father, did you notice the worry on his face when he told us about his child?"

The Romulan diplomat nodded. "Yes I noticed that, and I really feel for him. I am a father of a young child myself, and that child was abducted once. I was threatened and blackmailed and I did anything they wanted to get my child back safely. I know what he is going through, even if he doesn't want to go into details with me."

Rowena's eyes widened, then she smiled as she let her young daughter down into the sandbox, then squatted down beside her. "You have a child?" she querried, "I thought your wife couldn't get children?"

"Ex-wife," Tedak mildly corrected her, "though we are still good friends. We adopted a Debrune orphan baby three years ago and we still share custody of the child. Generally though, our son lives with me due to T'Val's busy hours. She is a doctor and her new mate is the chief medical officer."

"I am sorry to hear that. Your wife was a lovely woman, too bad she couldn't offer you a child of your own."

"I am content," Tedak answered, unwilling to discuss his private life, "and I have another child. I have heard that an ex-girlfriend gave birth to a baby girl a few weeks ago, though the mother has not seen it fit to inform me. Apparently I have no place in her life, and I am not going to force the issue. If she wants my support, she'll come ask for it."

Rowena nodded in understanding. "And what about Vebn? I overheard you suggesting going to the senate in the morning." She got to her feet and approached her friend, resting her hand on his arm while stepping close to him. "I'd hate to see you get hurt Tedak. You were my husband's closest friend, and you are almost family."

Tedak stepped away from her, suddenly uncomfortable. "I have to return to my collegue," he told her, "I am grateful that we can stay here and I will do everything I can to keep you from harm. We are in grave danger, coming to Romulus, but we have no choice. The life of an innocent child is at stake and no matter the relationship between myself and Vebn, I will do what I can to save his child."

He turned and walked back into the house. "Get some sleep ambassador," he told Vebn, motioning towards one of the adjoining rooms, "you will reside there, I will reside in the room opposite of yours. At first light, we will leave for the Senate and we will discover who is holding your daughter. We will save her, I promise you."

[Ji' Zhan]

The Debruni office on the star base didn't have the feel his office had on the planet and even more strange still than his new country residence in the Northern Providence. Ji'Zhan didn't mind for he knew it would only be a few more days until his duties were finished on base and he could return to the planet.

Sol’aere, Ji'Zhan's Acolyte entered the office with the usual greeting that Ji'zhan reciprocated, "Elder, I was looking through the security documents this morning and found that High Priest Kale and two other Debrune visited the base. Normally, I wouldn't notice but the Priest canceled a paedobaptism of a higher nobleman in order to make the trip to the base ... I thought you would want to know."

Ji'Zhan with interest replied, "Thank you Sol'aere, indeed I do want to know."

The day went on in a slow pace, a fact that Ji'Zhan didn't care for, but that would change as he reviewed his messages. "Computer, list all request to this office." Lily started to voice off several request from the Diplomatic Core, and some from Debrune who have moved to the station. He sat straight up in his chair when he heard, "T'Val request to enter the Debruni office was barred ..." Ji'Zhan stopped Lily from the rest of the log and said, "Reason for denial of entry?" Lily responded, "unknown at this time." Ji'Zhan stood from his chair and said as he exited his office, "stop play back of requests, location of T'Val?"

He didn't wait for an answer and Lily had to follow his movement through the outer offices into the corridor. "Lily, inform T'Val that I am coming to see her now."

Arriving at T'Val and the Doctor's quarters, Ji'Zhan pressed the door chime. After exchanging greetings the surprised T'Val showed Ji'Zhan to the living area where D'Beren was playing.

"Uncle Ji'Zhan," D'Beren said with joyfulness as he ran to the Elder and wrapped his arms around him. "Do you want to play?" the young boy asked. "You know I do my son," Ji'Zhan hoped that T'Val wouldn't mind the familiarness of call D'Beren his son, but Ji'Zhan's fondness of the child was well known.

Ji'Zhan and D'Beren played for several moments before T'Val started talking about the visitors

(TAG T'Val)

[leodenart]

Leo rubbed his eyes, he had spent quite a few hours reading up and Healer T'val and Doctor Mercy. As well as reading about Tedak and T'val young adopted son, D'Beren who was to be a person of special interest in his later years. Leo put aside a PADD containing the whereabouts of the Debrune that had come aboard, he would need to speak with them later. Leo stood up and exited his office, going for a stroll. He actually was headed to the Mercy's quarters, where he hoped he could be filled in on the situation. And maybe get a different perspective of the activities of the Klingons, who numerous reports about had filled PADD after PADD.

Leo was surprised when he was actually able to find his way to the Mercy's quarters without to much trouble, after he had spent a few hours reading up on the star-base, he was sure he could to most area's without to much trouble, and lucky for him he made it to the place he was heading without taking a wrong turn. Pressing the door chime, he stood outside for a few moments, then turned when he heard the door open and an elderly Vulcan stood in front of him. "I'm looking for Healer T'val and Doctor Mercy, are they available at this time?" Leo asked the Vulcan. Although Leonardo did not know much about Vulcan's, as his main knowledge was more based on Romulans, he did know the difference between the two, most of the time anyway.

<tag T'val, Dr. Mercy>

"Good day, I am Major Leonardo Denart, the new Chief of Base Security, Admiral Lin wanted me to come by, he told me that there had been a problem with your adopted son and a couple of Debrune. "

<tag T'val, Dr. Mercy>

When Leo entered the room he looked around, no real reason he just looked around. It was something he always did when entering a room he was unfamiliar with. When he was introduced to Ji'Zhan, he nodded and then looked down at the boy, who was then introduced to him as D'Beren. "If this isn't a good time i could come back" Leo asked, not wanted to impede.

<tag T'val, Dr. Mercy, Ji'Zhan>

OOC hello to all

[Deleted]

T'Val watched Ji'Zhan play with the boy for a few minutes, knowing the Debrune elder was very fond of the child. And, it was obvious the child was very fond of Ji'Zhan, as was T'Val. She exchanged a dubious glance with her father, who retreated into an adjacent room.

"Elder, we have a severe problem. I am being harassed by two Silasi, a male and a female. Though I feel they have no malicious intent, I do believe they wish us harm. They keep trying to get close to D'Beren but they are different than any other Debrune or Silasi that comes visit him. Earlier today, she entered my home without my consent, only to b close to my child. I would request protection for D'beren, myself and my bondmate."

Just before Ji'Zhan could answer the doorbell chimed. "I will open the door," Soric offered, leaving T'Val, Stuart and Ji'Zhan alone with the child. The Human doctor had remained quiet for now, but it was evident he shared his wife's concern.

"I'm looking for Healer T'val and Doctor Mercy, are they available at this time?"

"Good day sir, who might you be to request entrance to the Mercy residence?" Soric asked politely, as he glanced at the marine before him.

"Good day, I am Major Leonardo Denart, the new Chief of Base Security, Admiral Lin wanted me to come by, he told me that there had been a problem with your adopted son and a couple of Debrune. "

Soric raised an eyebrow, then stepped aside. "My adopted grandson," he corrected the marine, "my daughter has adopted the Debrune child together with her ex-husband, Ambassador Tedak. They share joint custody. My son-in-law, Doctor Stuart Mercy, however shares my daughter's concern for the child's safety. Please, come with me."

"If this isn't a good time i could come back"

"Please sit major," T'Val invited him, holding out a cup to him, "I have just made tea." She paused, waiting for the marine to take the cup. "My father tells me that you are here because Admiral Lin sent you. I am grateful for your presence, I believe my son is in grave danger. I want the Silasi and High Priest Kale kept away from my son. I believe in Human terms they call this a restraining order?"

(Ji'zhan, Denart)

[Ji' Zhan]

"I believe in Human terms they call this a restraining order?" Ji'Zhan heard T'Val say after offering the Major some tea.

Ji'Zhan spoke up, "T'Val, I do not feel the Silasi is deeply involved with this matter. True, Priest Kale is a member of the Debrune High Elders as am I. However, they only serve as figure heads of Religious nature. The Elder's and the Debrune Council are the only ones in control of the Intelligence Directorate." Ji'Zhan really didn't like calling the Intelligence Directorate by their most common name, Silasi. He thought it gave the idea of what he read in Earth history of a cartel. He like the proper name much better. "I will talk to the Administrator and the Minister of Security and see what they know. As far as a restraining order for High Priest Kale, I'm afraid that Priests in our culture have what Starfleet call Diplomatic Immunity." Turning to Major Denart, "Major, your position would be best suited to handle this issue as this would fall under your jurisdiction and star base affairs. I trust you will be respectful to the High Priest as he is a very public figure in the Debrune culture."

(tag Major Denart)

Ji'Zhan wanted to add, "My Acolyte did inform me today of High Priest Kale's impromptu visit along with, what she later informed me about, two farmers from a Debruni hydroponics asteroid. I'm not sure of their interest in D'Beren." Turning back toward the Major, "You can contact my office and Sol’aere will share this information with you, however there isn't much about the couple on record other than they volunteered to be farmers on an outlying hydroponics asteroid. Their medical records are on file with the Debrune Science Directorate."

Ji'Zhan waited for the conversation to complete before he asked T'Val to continue with her concerns before the Major's visit. "T'val, I can understand your consern over the couple's insistent need to see the child, but what is your tun." Ji'Zhan knew that T'Val would understand the Vulcan word as meaning a burdened state of mind.

(tag T'Val)

[leodenart]

"Please sit major," T'Val invited him, holding out a cup to him, "I have just made tea." She paused, waiting for the marine to take the cup. "My father tells me that you are here because Admiral Lin sent you. I am grateful for your presence, I believe my son is in grave danger. I want the Silasi and High Priest Kale kept away from my son. I believe in Human terms they call this a restraining order?"

Leo nodded as he listened, and was about to speak up when the Debrune in the room, Ji'Zhan added his words. "T'Val, I do not feel the Silasi is deeply involved with this matter. True, Priest Kale is a member of the Debrune High Elders as am I. However, they only serve as figure heads of Religious nature. The Elder's and the Debrune Council are the only ones in control of the Intelligence Directorate." Ji'Zhan really didn't like calling the Intelligence Directorate by their most common name, Silasi. He thought it gave the idea of what he read in Earth history of a cartel. He like the proper name much better. "I will talk to the Administrator and the Minister of Security and see what they know. As far as a restraining order for High Priest Kale, I'm afraid that Priests in our culture have what Starfleet call Diplomatic Immunity." Turning to Major Denart, "Major, your position would be best suited to handle this issue as this would fall under your jurisdiction and star base affairs. I trust you will be respectful to the High Priest as he is a very public figure in the Debrune culture."

Leo realized he had to speak up before any more information about the Debrune was thrown at him, he knew just by sitting in the room that T'val was not happy about the Silasi, who ever they were. "Of course, I will do as much as I can to help settle this, but I can only do so much. What can you tell me about the child, his parents, and the adoption?" Leo needed to gather information before making any kind of decision.

<tag T'val>

Leo then turned to Ji'Zhan, "Do you know Priest Kale personally? what about the farmers, do you happen to know them at all?" Leo had been taking notes on a PADD, using it to write down as much of the information given to him that he could. "Thank you for your hospitaliy, I should get going and see what I can gather about the farmers. Doctor Mercy, would you mind walking with me, I had a couple of questions to ask you about the Klingons"

<tag Dr. Mercy>

[Deleted]

"Of course, I will do as much as I can to help settle this, but I can only do so much. What can you tell me about the child, his parents, and the adoption?"

"D'Beren is Debrune by birth," T'Val started, "he was found when the original Debrune settlement was first found. His mother was found dead and his father was accidently killed by one of Starfleet Security. It was then assumed the father tried to attack us but further investigation showed that he was trying to protect his son."

The Vulcan paused. "The late Elder Jak'Dor sought a guardian for the child, and since the Debrune are the root race for both Romulan and Vulcan, he decided that we would raise the child. After it was discovered that I too carry Debrune DNA, we were allowed to formally adopt D'beren, also because I cannot conceive."

She looked genuinely stricked as she revealed something so private to the marine who was a complete stranger to her. T'Val felt and accepted Ji'Zhan's mental support as well as the physical support her mate provided by circling his arms around her shoulders. "Tedak and I are the only parents he knows. We share joint custody though lately D'beren spends more time with me and Stuart, because Tedak is often off-station for his work. He is a Romulan diplomat, and is currently also off-station."

"Thank you for your hospitaliy, I should get going and see what I can gather about the farmers. Doctor Mercy, would you mind walking with me, I had a couple of questions to ask you about the Klingons"

T'Val and Stuart shared a look of confusion. "Which doctor Mercy do you mean?" Stuart finally asked as he rose to his feet. "And what Klingons do you mean?"

[Ji' Zhan]

D'Beren played with his toys while the grown-ups talked. Ji'Zhan could tell that the child knew he was the center of that talk. As T'Val told Leo about D'Beren parents, the child paused with his playing and walked over to Ji'Zhan. The boy tugged on lightly on the Elder's robe and whispered into Ji'Zhan's ear when the Elder bent down to listen. "Uncle Ji'Zhan, what is my Mother talking about? My daddy is here, he not shot." Ji'Zhan gently placed his hand on the boy's shoulder and comforted him, "D'Beren, your Mother is talking about your," pausing to try to think of a word but finally giving in to the true word, "biological mother and father. You were too young to remember them, but when the time comes and you are ready, you will start to remember. When that happens you will be ready to start your learning on the planet" The child looked up at Ji'Zhan with a smile on his face content with the answer he returned to his playing.

Through with her comments to the Major, Ji'Zhan saw the look coming from T'Val as she watched the two whisper to each other. Reality was, Ji'Zhan and D'Beren were not vocalizing at all but telepathically speaking. Ji'Zhan reassured T'Val by thought that D'Beren was just reassured and nothing more.

Leo then turned to Ji'Zhan, "Do you know Priest Kale personally? what about the farmers, do you happen to know them at all?"

"I do know Priest Kale, we have had history. All I can say at current knowledge is that I indeed hope his involvement in what ever this may be ... is simple. As for the farmers, I have no personal affiliation. Most Debrune who choose to work off-world do so because they wish no involvement with the community. In fact, the farmers wanting involvement isn't a normal preference from that type of person. Most off-world farmers prize their isolation. It strikes me as strange they have gone to such public links to embark on such a social endeavor."

The Major, writing all this down feverishly, turned his attention to what seamed to be a totally different topic. Ji'Zhan still hadn't heard from T'Val what her thoughts were on this. Looking at her, he simply thought, 'reasons, what reason to you feel so threatened ... what are the farmers asking of you ... what has Kale asked of you ... ?' T'Val turned and looked at Ji'Zhan, he didn't know the expression on her face for she was hiding her thoughts.

<T'Val>

[Deleted]

~They came without prior notice~ T'Val replied, remaining conscious of Denart's presence. ~Usually when we receive visitors for the Divine Child, we receive prior notice, usually a few days. This time, they arrived unannounced in that we were only told a few hours prior to expect visitors.~

The Vulcan looked distinctly uncomfortable, keeping their silent conversation from the observant Marine who was now keeping himself occupied by an interested child.

~The woman, S'lar, started asking questions about D'Beren, personal questions about his history. She and her male companion, I assume her mate, reacted very strangely and I felt threatened. Kale seemed supportive of their behaviour and became hostile when I questioned their personal questions~

T'Val left Ji'Zhan to ponder on her side of the story, knowing he would sense the truth in her thoughts, and turned to Denart. "D'beren seems to be taking an interest in your major," she commented, "tell me, have you ever been to Qualinost?"

[Deleted]

Off: I must apologize for not posting in a while but I’ve been somewhat... busy...

After Semani departed from his room Saarok turned to Ezdriana and in a low voice said only few words: "Do not speak"

He did not trust that Semani and there was definitely something odd at work here. The president was not coming... that was acceptable he did not believe she would invite him to a conference after their dispute over the location of the office of the president. And Sirok would be attending in her place... that is acceptable however he did not trust that man. There were unconfirmed rumors he was connected with some of the more radical currents within the government.

While assessing the situation Saarok signaled to one of his guards to hand him an electronic scrambler. He was not going to talk about delicate matters in a room that is most obviously unsecured. He had a deduction rolling around his head that this room was bugged as humans would say although the listening devices now days had no resemblance to bugs whatsoever well other than the fact that they were... annoying to your regular user.

After he activated the device all electronic equipment in the room was silenced and disabled.

"Now we can speak.", he said to Ezdreiana, "It is my belief there is something very unusual happening here and i suggest you watch your every step. Also you should always have a weapon handy...", Saarok trailed off while removing his concealed phasor and adjusted it's settings

"If you do not have one, one of my escorts will very gladly make his available to you.", Saarok said

<Tag Ezdreiana>

"Now... i am going to investigate our temporary home and see if i can... detect anything as to the real reason for us to be here.", Saarok said, "You are of course welcome to join me...", he said

<Tag Ezdreiana>

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan had finished his duty watch and began to retire to his quarters. He went the long way round to take in the Arcade and tha assembled visitors that passed through. Tiring he decided to head home grab some food and get some sleep.

He arrived at his door and keyed it open,

"Lights"

nothing happened,

Odd Magellan thought, "Lights" he said again, still nothing except this time he thought he detected movement in the shadows.

"Hello" he said warily, about to enter he changed his mnd and moved back to the door where it was lighter, his hand reached for his commbadge to call for security but was stopped by a vice like grip that caught his hand in mid movement. He twisted to avoid the assailant who had obviuously followed him in from the corridor, as he did so the shape he had seen in the room loomed forward, so there were at least too of them.

He attempted to shift his weight and slip his opponent but they were stronger and faster. In barely a second he was shoved to the ground and something sprayed in his face. He could feel the drug taking affect and watched through blurry eyes as a face loomed before him, he couldnt make out much but a silhoutte of two pointed ears before he began to black out and felt the familiar pull of a transporter beam.

[Deleted]

Ezdreiana was not never one to keep quiet, but in this case she would do as Saarok suggested. The little meeting with Semani was very uncomfortable experience. She like Saarok didn't trust the man and knew something was very wrong.

"Now we can speak.", he said to Ezdreiana, "It is my belief there is something very unusual happening here and i suggest you watch your every step. Also you should always have a weapon handy...", Saarok trailed off while removing his concealed phasor and adjusted it's settings

"If you do not have one, one of my escorts will very gladly make his available to you.", Saarok said

"That will not be necessary, I have more than enough weapons handy," Ezdreiana said as she took out her hairpin which in fact was a small phaser.

"Now... i am going to investigate our temporary home and see if i can... detect anything as to the real reason for us to be here.", Saarok said, "You are of course welcome to join me...", he said

"Well then I suggest we start," Ezdreiana said as she opened her bag and took out her scanner," I'll begin on the east wing and meet up in the living area."

<Tag Saarok>

[Deleted]

The next morning, T'Val woke early as D'beren stood beside her bed, tugging impatiently at her arm. She'd been in a deep sleep and hadn't even noticed Stuart wrapping his arm around her, somewhere during the night. Gently, she disentangled herself from his embrace and slid from the bed. "What is it?"

"There's someone at the door," the child reported, pointing at the door of their quarters, "they've rang several times now."

T'Val raised an eyebrow. "Lily, who is at the door?" she querried as she slipped on her robe and tightened the strap around her waist to keep the robe in place. Barefoot, she walked towards the door while awaiting Lily's answer.

"Marines," the computer entity replied, "one female, two male, carrying phaser rifles. They were sent by Major Denart."

Somewhat satisfied with the answer, T'Val opened the door and allowed them in. "Sirs, ma'am, what can we do for you?"

"We are sent here for your protection and that of your child," the female marine answered, "I am sergeant-major Linda Mersadie and these are sergeant Mark Landis and Corporal Andrew Arland."

"Our protection? Only my son needs protection, from High Priest Kale and the two Silasi who visited us. The woman violated the privacy of my home."

Mersadie frowned down on the Vulcan woman. "Major Denart issued his orders and I do not question them. If he feels you all need protection then you all need protection. Additionally, he feels your life may be in danger. Last night, Admiral Lin was abducted from his quarters, and there has been no trace of him since."

T'Val paled visibly, drawing her son close to her as the woman's words sunk in. "Make yourself at home," she invited them, "I am going to wake my mate." Leaving the fascinated boy with the marines, she hurried back into her sleeping chamber. "Stuart wake up!" she urged, shaking him forcefully, "marines have been sent for our protection and Admiral Lin has been abducted!"

[Deleted]

The cleaner observed Semani leaving the room and the Vulcan diplomat gazing out the door after Semani, before consciously closing the heavy wooden door again. Stoically, he kept on polishing the framework of the paintings that hung in the long corridor, though he never lost sight of the room with the two diplomats.

In his ear he held a nearly undetectable listening device which was wirelessly attached to a small recording device hidden between his cleaning utilities. There was a lot of interference, but the cleaner could make out the odd word, enough to put two and two together. He knew already his supervisor would be pleased with the gathered information.

Meanwhile on Romulus, Vebn and Tedak had proceeded towards the Senate building after residing at Rowena's residence for a few days. Tedak had noticed Vebn's restlessness so after a few days he suggested they try and get into the senate building.

They traveled the dusty streets of Ki-Baratan, shrouded in simple grey robes and capes like the rest of the inhabitants. This way they could remain inconspicuous and still move about freely. The only thing they would have to worry about was the Tal Shiar but Tedak still knew how they operated, and he was wary of them as they moved as swiftly as possible.

"The senate building." Tedak pointed to a large drab building in the distance. "How do you propose we enter?"

Vebn shrugged, seemingly uncaring. "We can use our ID's," he suggested, "we could be here on Romulus for official business."

The younger Romulan shook his head. "If we could, then we wouldn't have had to lay low for so long. No we need fake ID's, or at least those of someone else. We can walk in freely, but to get computer access, we need help. We can try to sneak or bluff our way in, but bluffing is not exactly my strong point."

Here, the older Romulan smiled, almost sneering. "But it is mine," he admitted, quickening his stride. There was not a moment to lose, his daughter's life was at stake.

[mercy]

OOC: Sorry Leo for not responding to your tag, I was on LOA at the time and it took me awhile to get back since then. My apologies to the rest of you also!
****************************************************


The walk in the park was not what it seemed. Stuart felt as if someone was watching them, watching D'Beren. Stuart carefully looked around, but he couldn't see anyone. It was too misty out there, perfect for anyone to hide.

Stuat could hear D'Beren calling out for T'Val. "Mother...mother...someone is at the door."

It was then that Stuart realized he had just been awakened from his slumber. He noticed T'Val gently sliding from underneath his arm to get dressed and see who was at the door, in the meantime Stuart remained where he was in the hopes of getting more sleep.

"Stuart wake up!" she urged, shaking him forcefully, "marines have been sent for our protection and Admiral Lin has been abducted!"

At first he didn't want to disturb the vision of an Orion woman trying to seduce him, although he was able to proudly refuse her as he already had the love of his life. It was the words "Lin" and "abducted" that tore him out of his sleep as he jumped up.

"What? Admiral Lin abducted? They're here for our protection? Was it that Debrune couple that did this?" So many questions were flying through his head. Stuart was so excited that he didn't realize he was now standing infront of everyone with nothing but his briefs on.

T'Val calmly mentioned that he might want to get dressed. Stuart was far from being embarrassed at the moment, he was too concerned about the Admiral, D'Beren, and his wife. He turned away to get dressed as the marines took up positions within their quarters for security.