Mission 4.3 Divergence

[leodenart]

OOC well i'm kinda back for awhile, still dont know how often i can post

IC

Leo raised his head out of his hands, which had been gripping his hair in an attempt to help him think. He his hair, which used to be neatly combed, was now crumpled up in the areas his hands had been. Still unable to concentrate on anything except the Mercy's and their adoptive child, Leo finally gave up on trying to work on anything else. He looked down at the screen on his desk, where he had pulled up research on the Debrune's. After reading numorous reports and other notes, he had learned a great deal about their culture.

OOC sorry for the shortness, but i am kinda at a loss hear, can any one give me some help?

[Deleted]

The recent time travelling escapade had left Aiken bleary minded, confused and more than slightly troubled. His memory of the events was non-existent, but almost every interaction since that point had pushed him deeper and deeper into a void of worry. It seemed as though his future led only into a dark whirlpool of despair from which he could not escape. He pondered the near repetition of his mind, and hoped that his writing was not becoming so disjointed as his thoughts. His mind flitted about more as he thought about this, the lower levels of psyche thinking things that his conscious brain was still avoiding.

Nahi. Kistine.

For the 5 days since the event, he had seen them both once. The doctors had informed him that she was in sickbay, and he had had to steel himself to visit her. It had been the first time in over 3 years that he had seen her, and even though her head had a nasty wound that was still weeping, she looked beautiful, the spitting image of her mother with her long dark hair. Tears had pricked his eyes at that moment, and he had turned away. What shocked him most about the encounter though were the looks of both mother and daughter. Their eyes were full of pity and concern for him, and yet when he asked what the matter was, they would say nothing. As he was leaving, Nahi had touched his shoulder lightly. Spinning on the spot, the angosian had felt a surge of hope.

“I know you don’t want to hear this, but Kistine isn’t ready at the moment, give her some time. Please.” Her eyes, normally so vibrant seemed duller the pity still clear in them, now seemingly tinged with sorrow. Aiken had nodded without reply and left.

He’d run the event through his mind countless times, written it down, narrated it into prose, poetry, journal articles. He’d done absolutely everything he could to try and work out something more about the encounter, find some clue on why, on what had caused this. But it was the same with everyone who had encountered his future self. They looked upon him as a figure of sympathy, someone that had lost all hope. And it was as though their belief was making it true. Everyday he seemed to care less and less about why, instead focusing only on the despair, fuelling it with tumblers-full of whiskey that made no difference.

Each day was almost ritualised now; he would wake up early in spite of near ever-present hangovers, go down to the Nebula for a hot cup of tea and a croissant for breakfast. This was followed by a long morning of work with a seven o’clock start taking him through him the early afternoon. He would then go for the first drink of the day, a glass of wine with lunch at the Fishtank, and then he would usually go back to the office to finish off the day’s article ready for the press the next day. A mid afternoon finish from work then took him back to the Fishtank for a tot of whiskey, before he went back to his quarters to spend the rest of the day on various personal writing projects, each accompanied by more drink.

It was during his post-work visit to the Fishtank on the sixth day that his schedule was broken. He had nodded at the bartender for his drink when the Debrune man sat at a near table commented;

“It takes seven days to form a habit. This would be a bad habit to form.” His words didn’t make any sense, although if he was being honest, Aiken would have to admit that over the past few days not much had. “Come, sit with me.” The journalist was wary, but figured that there was no sense in turning the man down at this stage.

“What do you mean?” Aiken asked. “About the habit I mean.” An unnecessary clarification but it was symbolic of how topsy turvy his brain had been that he needed to make it.

“You have come in here twice a day for the five days, now six, and ordered lunch with wine, and then later whiskey. Your writing has dropped in standard, everything has taken a downward curve since your recent experience. If you don’t stop it now, if you do it all for just one more day, it becomes habit.”

“And you are some angel come to save me?” Aiken couldn’t help but be incredulous.

“Not exactly. I’ve come to save you; but I admit it is for my own purposes only.” He paused, taking a sip of his own drink, water Aiken suspected. “I want you to write me an article.”

“—” Making a noise as if to speak, Aiken was shushed again by the stranger.

“I don’t mean for you to lie, I simply have a story for you; the proof will be presented, and you can verify it all independently.” He smiled. “You get a decent story. I get some degree of propaganda. And you get a chance to put your life back on track. I don’t see a loser.”

Raising his eyebrows, Aiken smiled. “There’s always a loser with propaganda. Who are you?”

“High Priest Kale.”

“And the story?”

“Of a young child who has been wrenched from his family by the Federation.”

[Deleted]

T'Val sobbed quietly on Stuart's shoulder, trying to concentrate on listening to his words. "Kale is an egoist," she suddenly raged, "thinking only of himself but not of those he may hurt along the way. He is still mad that Ji'Zhan was chosen as elder and not one of his own puppets. He is using our child to get back at Elder Ji'zhan."

Surprised by her sudden rage, Stuart held her at arm's length, forcing her to look at him. "That may be so," he explained, "but there is something else going on. There was no family for D'Beren, it was researched wasn't it?"

T'Val nodded. "And what is more a problem is that our adoption was never formalised. Jak'Dor had promised it would be arranged, but apparently he was killed before he could send the paperwork through. I discovered this today. However, me and Tedak have a bond with our child. He is able to guide us emotionally, as he had done to me when he was a mere baby. Even if the woman is blood, she will never have the same tie a mother will have. I am his mother, in everything but blood."

Tears still streamed down her cheeks, which Stuart quietly dabbed away with the hem of his shirt. Eventually, he watched her cry herself to sleep, for which he was grateful.

The next morning, T'Val ordered the two marines to stay with D'Beren at all times, while a third followed her on her heels to the SMO's office. "Major Denart, may I have a word with you?" she requested politely, as she waited on the threshold of his office. "It concerns my son..."

(denart)

[mercy]

It had been a long night. All Stuart could do was console T'Val and keep her crying to a minimum. The morning had come non too soon for him as they both rose in silence and prepared themselves for whatever this day would bring.

Stuart knew when he needed to respect T'Val's privacy and just leave her alone. this morning was one of those times. He did not ask her if she was going to accompany him to the infirmary. He simply got dressed, skipped breakfast and headed on out after a sincere kiss to her forhead.

On his way to work, Stuart thought long and hard about what they could do, then it came to him. They needed to take D'Beren to a safe place before he could be taken away from them. He wasn't sure what it would accomplish other than buy them time, maybe time for legal matters to take place. He would get Starfleet JAG involved, but not until D'beren was hidden. Stuart was only afraid of one thing, there was a pretty good chance that he would be risking his career for this. He thought no more of it until he could discuss this with T'Val. Picking up the daily medical report, Stuart went to work.

[Magellan Lin]

Having finished his meeting with the human reporter High Priest Kale returned to his rooms and called upon some of his acolytes. He was aware now that Ji'Zahn had arrived on the station. He had hoped to get things moving before that meddlesome Elder caused problems, but what couldnt be cured had to be endured.

He sat a moment collecting his thoughts aware of how much rested on this event. The Holy Child, the one object that had enabled Jak'dor to unite the fractious remains of the Debrune Empire would oncemore be raised by Debruni parents.

He understood Jak'dors aquiesnce to the request by T Val and Tedak to take custody of the child. Back then the rebels were too strong and vocal, D'Beren had to be neutral were the peace process to succeed. Kale hoped the Jak'dor understood his next actions. For shortly after the arrangment Kale had arranged for the Elders assination. Jak'dor had been killed in such away that implicated the rebels and had helped solidify the current government. The loss of one life had stopped the deaths of so many in the ongoing civil war in his people. That and it gave himself greater power on Qualinost, as would having D'Beren raised by S'lar and D'ror. A fringe benefit I tried to think of it, but he earnestly belived it was time the religous castes of teh Debrune be given greater weight, it was they you had united them and it was they that gave them spiritual nourishment. The politicians had led them through decline and civil war. If the Debrune were ever to be great again they need strong leadership and unity with their brethren - the Vulcans and the Romulans.

Realising that he was daydreaming he rose and croosed to the computer system. It was time he contacted Commodore Savali and requested formal and legal proceedings for the transfrence of gurdianship from T Val to S'lar.

TAG Felix

[Ji' Zhan]

The past several days, Ji’Zhan had been taking care of his duties on the planet. All the while he sensed the trouble on the base. He didn’t know the details; however he knew the general topic. It was the Holy Child. Ji’Zhan and called in some favors and got the story behind Kale’s recent activenesses. He also found that the two farmers who he has employed for this charade was in fact just pawns in his motives and nothing more. He had found out enough that Kale’s actions were simply a mockery of his function to speak of the least.

On the eve of what was to come, Ji’Zhan pulled up a file that he had instated just weeks after Jak’Dor’s assignation. Ji’Zhan read the official ruling of the state:

It is the suggestion and ruling of this court that legal guardianship of D’Beren, hereafter referred to as ward, be awarded to T Val and Tedak with jurisdiction allowed thereafter to guardian ad litem to Ji’Zhan should the first guardians become unable to perform the duties. Only the Debrune Council has jurisdiction in this matter; Protectorates must first arbitrate through the Council for any future rulings.

Satisfied, Ji’Zhan transmitted the file to the star base for inclusion in the public records early before his flight to the star base. With confirmation from Lilly of its acceptance he closed his connection and headed for the base.

Ji’Zhan was gearing up for High Priest Kale’s actions. For the past several periods, he had been placing key Deacons, Sub Deacons and Priest in key emplacements that were loyal to the Debrune Council. It wasn’t going to be very long till Kale’s days were to be numbered.

[Deleted]

Vebn looked at the gaping hole and the pair of Reman guards lying at their feet.

He shook himself out of his stupor and bent for their pistols. He tossed the first one to Tedak who took it disdainfully and shoved it in a pocket. He picked up the second and headed for the doorway.

"Somewhere in the house" he shrugged, to be fair he had no idea where his daughter would be or what she was up to.

They crept up the winding staircase that led up into the mansion above. They ducked into an alcove as a pair of guards wandered past. This was going to be difficult. To find one person in all these rooms when they themselves didnt want to be discovered.

Before Vebn could suggest a course of action his Daughter - Ecurai Salina S'Khellian appeared at the top of the landing. She strode purposefully down the main staircase into the foyer. There she spoke with the two guards.

"Saalak sent me to despatch our two guests"

The men shuffled uneasily,
"I thought we were to."

Salina shook her head,
"I m to do it in away to extract information" she grinned wickedly holding up a thin needle like dagger.
The two guards returned the ruthless grin,

"Well try not to make too much mess."

Salina shrugged and headed for the stairwell.

"Back" Vebn hissed, "Back down the stairs"

The two romulans dashed back down into the basement. They looked quickly for somewhere to hide.

Salina appeared knife in hand her eyes widening at the broken door and dead guards. She ran forward and as she did so Tedak leapt he knocked the knife from her hands and took her in a great bear hug. She struggled violently. LOcking one leg and wriggling free. She span outward knocking Tedak back with a roundhouse kick.

"We dont have time for this. You two have exactly 3 minutes to get out of here"

"What?" Vebn exclaimed

"Just do it." She pressed a PADD into his hand ,"Its the codes for Saalaks shuttle."

She saw the confused looks on their faces.

"Oh come on Dad, I m undercover and its gonna take Saalak only a few minutes to realise it now your here. So my guys are coming in. You can't be found here"

"Your guys?"

"Yes Dad. I work for the Tal Shiar"

Vebns eyes widened in shock...

"You..."

"Yes me. I m tasked with shutting down the Reunification project"

"But...but I am..."

"yes Dad I know - up to your neck in it. But family loyalty comes before state. So you need to get out of here now before the strike team arrives. GO!!!"

[Deleted]

T'Val spent a long time talking to Major Denart, even longer than she had intended. At last, she thanked him for his time, then stopped by sickbay. "I am going to take the day off," she informed her mate, then instructed her own civillian staff to continue on without her and follow either Stuart's or T'Somba's orders. "I need to meditate and get my...act together," she informed him, after Stuart had beckoned her into his office. "I am taking this too emotionally, and it is...disconcerting. I do not feel well and I believe my emotional responses are the main cause." She kissed him on his cheek, then smiled softly. "I will be on the holodeck. After that I am going to visit Ji'Zhan with D'beren. I will meet you back home tonight for dinner, I am planning on preparing your favourite dish."

Seeing Stuart's response, she caressed his cheek then walked out with a wave and another smile. Her smile vanished as soon as she was out the door and, while deep in thought, she blindly found her way to the holodeck where she loaded her favourite beach program.

"Lily, please create appropriate attire for loaded program." A second later, T'Val entered the holodeck, clad only in her bathing suit and a sarong. She squinted against the bright light of the sun, then closed her eyes as a breeze made her hair dance against the next stronger gust of wind. She listened to the sound of water rushing up on the shore of white sand.

Here, she felt at home, felt where she could relax and meditate. There were no distractions from other people, just her and her surroundings. In the distance, a bird sang its lonely song, while closer by a rabbit emerged from its burrow. As the Vulcan approached, the rabbit disappeared. She lowered herself on the dry sand and crossed her legs, then rested her hands palm up on her legs. Controlling her breathing, she shut out all stray thoughts and concentrated on the sounds of the wind and the sea.

When she finally opened her eyes again, she felt better and more in control of her own self. "Lily, please locate Elder Ji'Zhan and tell him I am on my way to meet with him. Tell him I am bringing D'Beren." Walking serenely though the corridor, she felt somewhat at peace with herself again, a feeling she hadn't had in a very long time. Holding out her hand to her son, she beckoned him to follow as soon as she walked into her quarters.

The boy rose to his feet, then ran to fetch his shoes. Like his mother, he preferred to walk about their home barefoot. "Where are we going mommy?" he asked, noting the difference in appearance of his mother. "Are you feeling better now?" He stared up at her with, his grey eyes full of innocence and concern.

"Yes I am better now," she replied, "we are going to see Ji'Zhan. I thought you might like that. We will spend the day together. How does that sound?"

D'Beren laughed, grinning with glee as he danced around his mother. As soon as they approached Ji'Zhan's office, D'beren let go of her hand and sped forward. "Uncle Ji'Zhan!" he cried, dashing past the guards and the aide, straight into the office.

T'Val followed at a more sedate pace, acknowledging the guards and the aide with a polite nod before continuing onwards. "Elder Ji'Zhan, may we have a moment of your time?" she asked quietly, as she waited to be invited to sit down. She had a feeling the Debrune elder already knew why she was coming. She needed D'Beren safe, and out of Kale's reach. Kale, and his farmer couple.

(Ji'Zhan)

[Ji' Zhan]

Ji'Zhan had reached the base hours ago and had remained in his office taking care of papers. At some point, Lily informed him that T'Val would be stopping by and he informed Lily to go ahead and clear her through. Ji'Zhan had a feeling as to why she was coming, but he really didn't want to jump to conclusions. In the off chance that something was indeed going on, he instructed his pilot to leave the space dock and orbit the station ready with security protocols that were already predetermined. With that he got out three personal transport pins and placed one on himself. The other two would be for T'Val and the child should they be needed.

Soon the door to his office opened and rushing in came a squealing boy followed by his Mother. Barely reaching a standing position, D'Beren leapt into his Uncle's arms. Ji'Zhan instantly felt as if the Galaxies problems were simply gone. Replaced with an acute happiness. "Hello there young one," Ji'Zhan said to the smiling boy. "... and how are you today?" D'Beren replied and the two began to play with whatever was interesting on Ji'Zhan's desk.

"Elder Ji'Zhan, may we have a moment of your time?" T'Val asked quietly.

Ji'Zhan felt a rush of emotion from her that did catch him off-guard, however he also understood. Gesturing for her to take a seat, "T'Val, welcome ... why so quiet with your words, we are in a safe place. Tell me, what is on your mind." He really didn't need to ask the question, but he had always thought that T'Val was irritated when her mind was so easily read by the Elder. "Is it Kale and the farmers? They have no legal recourse at this moment." Ji'Zhan said handing her a PADD with the document that he had transmitted to the base before he himself arrived.

<tag T'Val>

[Deleted]

"T'Val, welcome ... why so quiet with your words, we are in a safe place. Tell me, what is on your mind."

T'Val raised an eyebrow at the Debrune official, who was one of the few people she considered her friend. Usually, he just answered the questions without her even having to voice them. Why the sudden change? She remembered giving him an earful once about reading her mind without permission and she looked away. "I.." She started, watching Ji'Zhan play with her son. ~he really dotes on the boy~ she thought, fighting to keep herself under the precious control she had spent hours trying to achieve.

"Is it Kale and the farmers? They have no legal recourse at this moment."

T'Val's eyes lit up as Ji'Zhan handed her a PADD. She quickly scanned the contents, then she forgot all about her control and rushed up to hug the older man. "Thank you," she breathed, holding on to the PADD as if it were the most precious object she owned. "Thank you so much." It didn't matter that it made no mention of Stuart, he was her mate and the boy's stepfather in a way. Neither she nor Tedak were official parents but they were now officially and legally appointed guardians for the child. There was nothing Kale could do now. ~not quite nothing~ she thought, with a hint of apprehension.

"I am going to show this to Stuart now. This quenches some of our worries, for I did fear Kale would come and take my child from me. I am the only mother he knows, even if I am not officially his mother. I mean..through adoption..." She cast hopeful eyes on the Debrune elder. "Is that possible, to officially adopt him?"

[Magellan Lin]

High Priest Kale sat his desk in a fury. He had hoped Ji'Zahn would have kept his nose out long enough for Kale to enact his plans, but the meddlesome acolyte of Jak'dor was becoming more and more a nusiance. He wished now that he had kept Jak'dor alive, at least he could be reasoned with. Ji'Zahn on the other hand was an unknown commodity.

He carefully re read the report that had been sent to him regarding Ji'Zahns recent activities he also noted with disdain how the other two Elders - Lork and Cra'mel were keeping quite on the matter. Prefering he and Ji'zahn slog it out.

"Very well, we shall play the game this way" he said to no one in particular.

He left his quarters and went directly to the Debrune Consulate on the station.

"Legate" he greeted the senior legal officer, " I have a petition to make to you. S'lar and D'ror would like to formally adopt D'Beren as their own."
The legate looked at Kale for a moment and then reviewed the Padd he was proffered,

"You have proof the they are blood relatives?"

"Yes. Externally verified by Starfleet if need be. There is no mistake, he is their nephew."

"And you are aware guardian ship was granted to Tedak and T Val."

Kale again nodded,
"Indeed but the terms of guardianship were not altered upon the anulment of their betrothal. They were annuled acoording to Federation and Romulan law but the childs interests and status were not reviewed by the Debrune."

"So why act now" the Legate asked his eyeborw arched

"Because back then there was no other suitable alternative. T Val was the best person to care for him. But now his real family have been found and they have a right a blood right to his upbringing."

"That would be up to a court to decide" The Legate replied,

"But you agree there is a case."

The legate nodded,
" I will file papers and contact Starfleet legal officials also. There maybe a jursidiction problem. But no change will be made without the warrant of the court."

"I ask for nothing more" Kale smiled, "I will prepare my legal counsel"

"Adn I will inform the guardiuans" The legate replied.

TAG T Val. Stuart and Ji Zahn

[Ji' Zhan]

Ji'Zhan knew that the day would come where this would become a legal issue. He also didn't know what the outcome would be ... but he answered T'Val's question about adoption anyway.

"T'Val, as the Guardian of the child now, you have the first rights. The only way that can be contested is if a person of blood relation comes forward." Ji'Zhan saw the apprehension on T'Val's face once that comment filtered through her. "However, even then it would have to go before the Debrune Council." Ji'Zhans acolyte came in and whispered into his ear. Ji'Zhan's face drooped but he didn't want to upset T'Val before he could help her.

Ji'Zhan paused for a moment as the child asked a few questions that he answered without words to the boy. D'Beren looked up at Ji'Zhan and touched his face. At that instant, time wasn't ruling in the moment. Ji'Zhan filled the boy with knowledge of the ancestors. Knowledge that he should have gotten by being on the planet. Situations kept him from learning what he should have long ago. This was a very unusual circumstance and normally an Elder wouldn't even perform such a rite. Ji'Zhan new however that the boy would need this knowledge way too soon for his age; thus the justification was in place for Ji'Zhan's actions.

T'Val knew that something was going on and that concerned her. So she stepped up to Ji'Zhan and child after unsuccessful attempts at spoken words. She captured the last part of the information but she couldn't make since of the images. Ji'Zhan, a little embarrassed at T'Val even seeing any image, spoke. "He needs understanding, Kale has evil in mind. The child needs what he has just received." D"Beren was already playing again apparently unaware of what just happened. The reality, when the child would need the knowledge the most ... it would surface.

Ji'Zhan walked to his replicator and got a glass of water. Turning he continued to council T'Val. "The most important thing is to have evidence of the wonderful care you have given the child. The Debrune Council will look heavily at those facts. Also, you need to be able to prove that you and your mate could continue to give better care than those of farmers on an asteroid." Ji'Zhan smiled knowing that the Council wouldn't award the child to someone who would live so far detached from the proper Debrune education system. "Lily would be able to gather that for you and have it transmitted to Council ... go ahead and have that done for I fear that Kale plans are already underway." Ji'Zhan picked up the child and gave him a great hug. Handing the boy to his mother, "Remember T'Val ... the papers I filed after Jak'Dor's death dictates how any legal matters will go. Starfleet has no jurisdiction ... they will see that and succeed to the Debrune Council. We will go to the planet where we will all be in more adept surroundings."

Smiling and placing a comforting hand on T'Val's shoulder he lead them out of his office. He motioned two of his own personal guards to escort them to their destination. As T'Val and D'Beren left he started calling the Council and Elders to get things in order.

[Felix Savali]

When Felix was contacted by the Debrune high priest about the case of adoption of the Debrune child D'breen. He politely responded back to the priestess that as the Debrune were not yet officially a part of the federation no legal matters could be resolved by the federation unless the Debrune council made a formal request to the federation for an arbiter to resolve a case and that she should speak to their own legal services in order to resolve this matter.

[Deleted]

Vebn and Tedak ran swiftly up through the house. They passed a number of downed guards that Salina had no doubt dealt with. Vebn was beginning to realise he didnt really know his daughter at all.

In the distant they could hear the definite whir of antigrav motors, the Tal Shiar no doubt. They burst from a side door into the afternoon light. They skirted a decorative border as Saalaks guards noticed the approaching craft. They reached for whatever weapons they had and began firing wildly at the Hoppers that appeared over the wall.
The shots just glanced off the armour plating as Tal Shiar Commandos rappelled from the main cockpits to the ground below.

Tedak shoved Vebn bodily through the hedge and out the other side. The tripped and tumbling rolled down the slope into a ditch, thankfully only half filled with water. Tired, wet and muddy the pair made an odd sight as they quickly returned to Ki Baratan.

"What now?" Tedak asked,

"We go home I guess?" Vebn shrugged,

"Good I ve had enough...Though I m unsure of something. Didn't Saalak send you something of Salina's. The reason we came out here to 'rescue' her"

Vebn paused a moment,
"I somewhat suspect that Salina sent that herself in a hope I would contact my allies in the Reunificationists. I think when I return to Ki Baratan all of those I contacted will have disappeared into Tal Shiar jails. I have been well and truly used and by my own daughter." he said with a sigh,

"At least she let us go" Tedak noted

"For now" Vebn nodded, "But if shes anything like her ruthless mother that freedom may well come at a price. Now lets get out of here. I ve had enough embarassment to last me a lifetime."

[mercy]

When T'Val left for the day she had put a smile upon her face and mentioned making his favorite dish for the evening. He knew her better than that, it took everything she had for that smile. It was no wonder she was heading for the holodeck for meditation. Stuart wondered which program she was using this time, would it be the beach or the deep forest. He remembered a certain time they had spent together on a beach down on Qualinost, it brought a huge smile on his face. He was sure the events from that time were far from calming. Stuart stopped his mind from wandering, he needed to get back to work.

Stuart wasn't quite sure which favorite dish she was referring to, he had quite a few. Was it the hand made Italian pizza, or perhaps the old fashioned pot roast, he wasn't sure as those were only two of many. Either way, it was going to be enjoyable and it would take her mind off things while concentrating on cooking.

A Cardassian, a civilian shop keeper, had been brought in as he apparently had collapsed in his store while tending to a customer. "Put him on biobed three." Stuart ordered as he quickly went to a nearby terminal and brought up Cardassian physiology. Once the patient was placed on the biobed, Stuart began the scans to determine what was wrong.

It didn't take long before he found the culprit. It was a simple virus, simple for human standards. In the Cardassians case it caused his body temperature to rise giving him a fever which caused his fainting spell. He must have been dealing with it for more than just a day or two Stuart surmised. "Jill, set him up for rehydration and let's see if we can't get that fever in check." Nurse Tsomba got the necessary meds and started administering them. All else that was needed for the patient was rest as Stuart went off checking on his other patients.

[Deleted]

After talking to Ji'Zhan, T'Val and her son headed straight for home. Soon Stuart would be off duty and she knew he'd sort of expected dinner to be ready if she had the day or evening off. Settling D'Beren in the bathtub, so he could amuse himself in the warm water for a little while, T'Val headed for her kitchen, basically her personal domain in their quarters and browsed through her menus.

There were several things on the list that Stuart liked best, but there were always items that stood out. She pulled out the needed ingredients and started on a family-sized pizza. One third would be vegetarian, the other two thirds would not be. D'Beren too ate meat whenever he pleased and T'Val did nothing to stop that. It was his own choice and she hadn't heard anything from Ji'Zhan about encouraging the boy towards being a vegetarian either.

There was still the matter of the boy's safety and T'Val wanted the evening to be perfectly right to even broach the subject with her mate. Through their bond, she already sensed that Stuart had something similar on his mind. She had even caught a fleeting thought about sending him to Qualinost.

Putting the pizza in the oven, she returned to the bathroom and started drying her son off. "Go play in the livingroom," she told the boy, "and leave the marines alone, unless they offer to play with you."

"Yes mother," the boy replied, somewhat formally, then hurried away.

Checking that she was alone, she closed the bathroom door for privacy and took a hot shower herself. She changed into the long blue dress that Stuart loved so, then waited for him to come home. "Stuart, we need to talk," she started, as she gave him a welcome-home kiss. "About D'Beren...I believe we should send him down to Qualinost, to Ji'Zhan's safehouse..."

Tedak

"But if shes anything like her ruthless mother that freedom may well come at a price. Now lets get out of here. I ve had enough embarassment to last me a lifetime."

"I believe I find myself relieved not knowing her mother then," Tedak commented as they took the shuttle out. "We have to get back to the house, dump this craft and switch to my personal shuttle. I am not leaving it behind."

The Romulan glanced sideways at his companion. He only now realised that they had spent hours stuck together without taking a personal jibe at eachother. "And for what it's worth: what embarassment? On Assaillant, nobody needs to know about this as far as I'm concerned. Our only embarassment lies here, and well they are not going to flaunt about that two distinguished diplomats vanished from their grasps now are they? It will make them look really bad, after all...how bright can two diplomats to the Federation be?"

Tedak grinned, baring his teeth at the older man. "As far as they are concerned, diplomats are gruffy desk-jockeys. They don't know half of what we do. I do worry about your daughter though. And I can really beat myself over this, for not seeing that she is a Tal Shiar operative the first time I saw her. As a former Tal-Shiar operative, I should have known..."

[mercy]

Stuart was glad to be home. It had been a long day, made longer when T'Val was not there. The thought of dinner kept him going, and now that he was home he could smell the results of it.

T'Val had changed into that beautiful, blue dress and with a kiss mentioned D'Beren's safety. Stuart's nose was still doing overtime as he was sniffing like a labrador retriever. He guessed it was home made pizza and his mouth began to water.

"It shall be done in five minutes." She didn't have to use her senses to know what he was thinking of. Then he brought his attention back to her earlier comment. "Yes, I was thinking nearly the same thing about D'Beren. I just don't trust these people that are after him. I can't help but to think this may all be a polotical ploy again...somehow."

Stuart led the way to the nearby couch and sat down, pulling his wife down next to him. "With D'Beren being this Divine child and all, I don't know if he will ever be safe until he can take his rightful seat...whatever that is." Stuart had to admit that he still didn't understand all of the politics involved on Qualinost and where D'Beren fit in with all of this.

Looking into his wife's eyes he could sense the worry from within her. "I'm sorry, hun. I didn't mean to alarm you. let me go wash up while dinner gets done. We can discuss the rest then." Stuart leaned in to give T'Val a loving kiss before retreating to the washroom to clean himself up.

[leodenart]

OOC i woud like to apologize about my lack of posting, as i was doing was training and stuff i didnt have access to the internet much, but hopefull that has changed.

IC

Leo took a deep breath after his conversation with T'val, about her son. He knew that he would end up in some kind of legal case with this, and hoped for a miracle from some one to help him get through this. Hearing a faint beep in the wall console, where he had the computer searching for records and all other sorts of manuscripts, he looked to see a new document added to the public records, concerning the adoption of D'Beren. After reading the report, Leo thought he had good news, but not knowing alot about the culture, he decided he should talk with those that did know.

Leaving his office, he headed towards the Mercy's quarters, but having been locked up in his office all day, had neglected a few of his duties. Getting his second in command to finish the tasks that had been started with out him, he finaly arrived at the Mercy's door. Pressing the chime he waited until it was answered, hoping he wasnt interupting anything.

"Pardon the interuption Doctor Mercy, but i was hoping this document could help in your situation, unfortuneatly i dont know much about the culture."

<tag one of the Doctor's>
<once again, sorry for not posting, i hope i can stay active now>

[Deleted]

T'Val remained seated and watched her mate retreat. Something needed to be done to ensure their son's safety, and she wanted desperately for him to be safe even if that meant for him to be beyond her immediate reach. In the morning, she would send him down to Qualinost, where Ji'Zhan would hopefully bring him to a safe place; safe enough to be out of Kale's clutchets, but also accessible enough for her to be near him when she needed to be.

The Vulcan let her mind wander on the possebilities and the thought of losing him made her yearn even more for her own child. A child wish that would quite likely not be granted unless Stuart had a breakthrough in his research. Other than that, it would be nothing short of a miracle and that was something T'Val did not and could not believe in.

She was pulled from her wanderings at the chime of the door. "Enter," she called, wondering who would be calling in during dinner time. The Vulcan barely hid her surprise when the marine walked in.

"Pardon the interuption Doctor Mercy, but i was hoping this document could help in your situation, unfortuneatly i dont know much about the culture."

T'Val stared at the PADD he was holding, her eyes widening at the mention of adoption. "Stuart!" she cried, all colour draining from her face. It was that she was still sitting down, otherwise her legs would've given under her. Eyes wide with fear, she glanced up at Denart. "Help maybe, but not us," she whispered, "Tedak and myself are formal guardians, and I am exploring the option of formal adoption. It seems Kale beat us to it."

What little emotional control she had before, was now completely shattered as she sat shaking on the couch, D'Beren crawling up against her in an attempt to calm his visibly shaken mother. "Stuart!" she called again, fearing he hadn't heard her. At her second call, he came rushing from the bathroom. She held out the PADD to him, not giving him a chance to put on his tunic properly. "Look!" She cast him a stricken look. "We have to send him to safety, right now. We will send Nanny with him, she has been caring for him when we both are on duty."

[mercy]

Yesterday had been a very trying day. When Major Denart came by that had been the last straw. It had solidified Stuart's and T'Val's thoughts about getting D'Beren to safety. Major Denart relented at first, speaking about how security of D'Beren was his number one priority, but the fact of the matter remained that he had no right to detain and deny D'Beren to go to his home world.

T'Val had already said her good-byes at home. She couldn't stand the thought of watching the shuttle leave with D'beren on it, together with his nanny. Arrangements had already been made for Ji'Zhan's people to receive D'Beren and take him to a safehouse upon landing.

Upon finally reaching the shuttle, Stuart turned D'Beren towards him and gave him a big bearhug. "I will take care of your mother. In the meantime you take care of yourself and mind nanny, okay." D'Beren simply nodded a yes. With a kiss to his forhead Stuart sent D'Beren after Nanny, who had already boarded. Before the doors could shut D'Beren had turned around to look out at Stuart. "You make her very happy." He had said out loud, after which he waved and then disappeared behind the closing of the doors.

*Later that day...*

Stuart had just finished his rounds with his patients when he noticed an unusual visitor. Unusual in the fact that he never came down to the infirmary except when called for his physical. It was F'Ras, Admiral Magellan's right hand man in operations. Stuart could not fathom why he might be here in his office.

"What can I do for you? It's not time for your physical, so I know it's not that."

"No. I am afraid that I have some disturbing news for you." F'Ras shifted in his chair before he continued. "The shuttle that the child, D'Beren was travelling on..."

"Yes, go on."

"There was an explosion and it has crashed on Qualinost."

Stuart put both of his hands infront of his mouth. "Survivors?" He quietly asked.

"With the yield of the explosion that we have measured...it is highly unlikely. Recovery teams are on their way. If anyone survived...they will be in bad shape."

"How did this happen?"

"We will not know that until we have recovered the wreckage. At this point I can only suspect sabotage. Considering everything that has been going on lately it is possible someone knew that the child would be on that shuttle...but I am only speculating at the moment. I will keep you informed"

F'Ras quietly exited, leaving Stuart with his thoughts of what just happened. How was he going to break this to T'Val? He took a moment for himself, to let the tears run down his cheek. He had little hope, something told him that the child they knew was lost to them.

[mercy]

Stuart left Jill in charge as he left early for the day. He couldn't sit on this news, he was going to have to tell her right away.

"Lily, locate T'val please."

{Healer T'Val is located in holosuite fourteen. Shall I inform her of your arrival?}

"No, thank you. I'll surprise her."

{Very well. Doctor Mercy, I will not bore you with the probabilities...but there is still a chance that D'Beren survived.}

"Yes, but in what shape and form...thank you Lily."

Stuart recalled the sentient being he first encountered which had manifested itself into a young woman. She had striking, purple eyes that Stuart would never forget. Neither would he forget how she had flung him across the room with an electrical charge. They were able to save the being before it destroyed the whole starbase, now she had become part of it. Lily became a sentient program that helped run this starbase and was now a part of their lives, and she always meant well.

A few minutes later he stood infront of the doors that allowed him access to T'Val's program. It was the beach program again, which she used often for meditation and relaxation. Stuart found her sitting on the beach with her eyes closed, legs crossed, and palms up soaking in the rays of the sun. The water would lap up into her lap with every wave that reached the beach. It was beautiful picture.

"T'Val." He called out quietly, he knew that she would sense him as he approached her. Their emotional bond had grown so much that even he, as a human, could sense her as well during times of heightened emotions. As she looked at him he knew that this was one of those times. Her mind asked ~Something is wrong...what is it my love?~

Stuart sat down next to her, not caring about the splashing water. ~D'Beren...the whole shuttle...something bad happened...~

It only took seconds for him to translate the images over to her mind. T'Val broke her silence, not even the roar of the waves could be heard over her sobbing outbursts. All he could do was embrace her, to let her know that he was still there.

[Deleted]

T'Val opened her eyes and rose to her feet when she heard her name being called. Slowly, she turned and spotted Stuart standing a few paces away from her. The look on his face told her something had happened and when he came closer she saw he had been crying. Her world shattered when he informed her that the shuttle carrying her son had crashed and that chances of him having survived were moot.

She gasped upon hearing the news then uttered a piercing wail of anguish as she sagged back into the moist sand, burying her face in her hands. Apart from the comfort of Stuart's arms around her as she cried out in grief, she also heard a questioning squawk at her side, soon joined by two more. The squawks turned into a piercing keening that joined her cries. She was inconsolable; she had just possibly lost her only child, her adoptive child.

T'Val took a few deep breaths, trying to control her sobbing and turned to bury her face against Stuart's shoulder. She felt his hand run over her head, trying to comfort her. "How?" she finally managed, when she finally found her voice again. "How did he crash?" Her eyes widened in shock. "Oh no, how do we break this to Tedak?" Tears still flowed freely down her face, and she had to be supported when Stuart finally pulled her to her feet in order to go home; her legs still wouldn't support her weight from the shock.

[Ji' Zhan]

‘The time had come,’ Ji’Zhan thought to himself as he and his Acolyte started back to the Debrune offices. “Sol’aere, please set up an imperative meeting High Priest Kale and the two farmers claiming their right to D’Beren.”

Sol’aere responded with her usual kindness, “Yes Elder, and if they decline?”

Looking at her with purpose, “Accept only ‘yes’ for their answer”. Ji’Zhan then thought for a moment and asked Lily to aid Sol’aere with her task.

Ji’Zhan returned to his office in hopes that news of D’Beren's safe arrival to the planet would be waiting him. However, his computer indicated there were no messages for him. Ji’Zhan’s heart grew troubled. With business at hand, he started on his work and the thought soon left.

~~ later ~~

Some time had passed as the completed PADDs stacked up on the left side of Ji’Zhan’s desk. He took the final PADD and started to read. The information was concerning the most Northern Providence and its lack of supplies it had been receiving. The letter was from the Lord Protector of that Province and Ji’Zhan wondered why the High Protector had not fixed this issue before its escalation to the Council. Then reading the name of that family, he soon understood, the High Protector was a member of ex-Elder Jar’ron’s family. He issued a statement to the Chairman of the Council for the Councilman of that region to ratify the problem. After signing and submitting for transmittal back to the planet he sat back in his chair and took a relaxing breath. Too soon, the chime of his office’s door sounded.

“Enter”, Ji’Zhan responded.

A robed man who Ji’Zhan instantly recognized as High Preist Kale stormed in with two other Debrune in close tow. “All Elder’s are the same,” Kale hissed, “all three of you think you can order people around with no cause.” Taking a seat with out being asked as was custom to do in one's office or home, “What do you want to talk about so promptly?”

Ji’Zhan, with his normal patience, stood and looked at the other Debrune who humbly walked in and didn’t stand much farther than the office door. In fact, the male of the couple had to move as the door beeped when it couldn’t close. After speaking the customary greeting, as Kale’s eyes rolled in his head, Ji’Zhan asked the couple, “You are welcomed, please, would you sit with me during our time together.” The two sat and Ji’Zhan continued, “May I know your names?”

The male of the couple spoke first, “Elder Ji’Zhan you greet us with well wishes and we treasure those kind words, my name is D’Ror,” turning to his wife, “this is my mate, S’Lar.”

Ji’Zhan smiled at them both, “D’Ror my brother, S’Lar my sister … you are as I … speak with me as you do your own.” With the formal graces out of the way, all to make Kale squirm in his seat for not participating, Ji’Zhan moved to a more normal speech. Turning back toward Kale with a disapproving look, “The reason for me asking you here is because of the formal papers that have been filed for the child, Holy Child no-less, D’Beren. As it has been established that no blood relative exists, and seeing that the statute of limits has passed, any claim to blood rights would raise concern with the Council. Being the Ambassador to the Federation for the Debrune people, you would obviously go through … me. Now if the papers would have been filed on the planet though the normal,” still looking at Kale, “… respectable channels … this would have been assigned a Cantor. The actions that have been taken has facilitated this meeting.”

High Priest Kale started to steam with irritation and disgust. “I should have known your antics would have lead to some attempt to the derailment of this. We have proof, DNA proof, all on record as being performed by Star Fleet Medical as to the claim of these poor farmers who’s only living blood line was so rudely taken from them by the High Elders!” His voice started shaking with excited hate-like tones as he stood to face the Elder eye-to-eye.

Ji’Zhan took a step back as the near crazed Priest stood. “High Priest, there has not been any refuting of their case, only the manor in that it was submitted.” Ji’Zhan held up his hand in the jester that had long been used in the religious castes, a jester that the High Priest would instantly recognize and would understand as it representing a call for peace during conversation. … … With the tone reestablished Ji’Zhan answered, “These fine people know the history behind the Devine Child, I know the life of farmers, it’s a life that calls for wisdom and knowledge … they know our history.” Ji’Zhan turned to the couple who were agreeing with the Elder. Ji’Zhan started to sense a longing for the child from the woman who’s eyes were really telling the story.

The door to Ji’Zhan’s office flew open as Sol’aere ran in with a double-look of shock and sadness. “Elder, you must hear this broadcast from the planet … there has been a horrible shuttle accident.”

Ji’Zhan’s calm broke as he felt her panic. Ji’Zhan activated the news channel feed from the plant to see a young Debrune reporter standing in front of the scene. Smoke and flame were erupting from a large gash in the surface. The interference from all the damaged shuttle systems was causing the picture to fuzz in and out. The reporters words almost unrecognizable but clearing up as officials backed the reporter and the crowd away from the area.

“… yes, we are live at the scene of this breaking story. An apparent shuttle crash has occurred only moments ago. Eye witness reports has established that the shuttle appeared from the overcast sky in flames – out of control – then crashed through the tree tops to only impact at high speed into the country side. Now, this isn’t official, however sources to this news feed, exclusive, stated that the Debrune Holy Child and his Nanny were on that shuttle. Those sources also tell me that there has been a case brought before the High Council concerning the Holy Child. We don't know at this time what that case is concerning ……”

The reporter’s words faded out as the room filled with gasps and the cries of the woman, S’Lar. Ji’Zhan fell back onto his desk as his legs would no longer hold his frame. His heart seemed to burst with sorrow with the news of this nightmare. Turning to look a Kale, Ji’Zhan saw a hardened look on his face. The High Priest had shown no remorse or care as his hard lines were frozen in his face. Ji’Zhan found his footing and placed his hand on the crying woman. D’Ror was folded down in his chair with his face buried in his hands, Ji’Zhan placed his hands on him too. He felt the pain, true pain, from their souls.

Ji’Zhan asked his people to send all available recourses to the scene of the crash, and for the Minister of Security to take complete and immediate control over the whole disaster. His mind started to cloud to the sorrow of his heart as he left his inner office and stumbled into the outer reception area. Tears now streaming down his face as the Debrune, differing in there reactions than their Vulcan brothers, entered into the corridor of the massive star base, “Lily, location of Healer T’Val?” Lily responded, “holodeck …” as her words became inaudible to his ears yet JiZhan did somehow find that holodeck and stammered his way into the room. There he found T’Val and Mercy, he saw the look on both there faces and didn’t need any assistance from his telepathic abilities to see ... they knew.

[Magellan Lin]

The Debrune security and rescue services arrived on site within minutes of the crash. A cordon was hastily established to exclude the mainlt Tekaran residents that lived close to the fields in which the shuttle had come down in.

The shuttle, a domestic space/atmospheric shuttle with short dagger like wings was barely recognisable as anything other than a ball of scrap. A fire sparkled brightly near the aft door and the smell of charred flesh mixed with reactant fluids and hydraulic lines.

Carefully the rescue team moved into the interior. Assorted body parts met them where metal sheets torn free from the sides of the craft had severed them from their owners. They waded through the thick smoke and debris bending to figures as they went.

The shuttle had been carrying 16 people with 2 crew. Doctors and medics trawled the depths of the blackened hull hoping to find someone that was within the range to their abilities. D'beren lay, his head at a disjointed angle beneath the body of his babysitter. He was lifeless and covered in blood. They nearly missed him so completely was he obscured by his dead minder.

A quick triage revealed that a flicker of life still existed within the small child. The body was hauled free and the doctors set to work. They worked on the child for 2 hours before they even dared to move him and it took a further 30 minutes to extricate him and place him on a stretcher. It was decided to risky to transport him and so he was carefully carried free and taken by hopper to the main hospital in the Debrune city. There D'beren was laid to rest in intensive care. Assessment was made quickly and an emergency operation arranged. 3 hours later the body was stabilised but the mind was not. The doctors had done all they could. D'beren had not died but nor was he alive. He was between moments. Alive only by virtue of the equipment that no facilitated everyone of his bodily functions. The Holy Child of the Debrune was comatose perhaps forever.

***

The High Priest sat in stunned silence. His crook lay some feet away where it had dropped from his numb hands. S'lar sobbed inconsolably whilst D'ror attempted to comfort her.

"Your eminence are you alright" Major R'Tarn asked cautiouslt, "Do you require a doctor?"

Kale ignored the buzzing words they were like gnats on a warm day, an irritation, a distraction.

"How... How did this happen?"

"It is too early to say" R'tarn replied, "Our investigators are on site now. There was no may day - the shuttle just crashed."

"Shuttles don't JUST CRASH. Not with the Divine Child aboard. Find out Major. I want retribution."

"Err yes your emininency. But there is no evidence of foul play."

"Bah no evidence doesnt mean there wasn't. Federation, Romulan, Klingon, Tholian they all have interests here. Who knows what their alien minds think what horrors they would attempt to achieve their goals. Even our own..."

Kale got to his feet and stormed suddenly from the room.

***

Ji Zahn had been in the holodeck barely moments before Kale appeared.
He moved swiftly up to the Elder and shoved him up against the wall.

"If the Holy Child Dies it will be on your hands. This is one of your schemes" he roared "If I find you arranged this accident to keep me from him then you ll be very sorry. Either way I ll have you stripped and exiled. Your days are numbered Ji'Zahn."

[Ji' Zhan]

The Holodeck seemed too peaceful of a place for the sorrow that was filling the room. T’Val had not noticed Ji’Zhan and he couldn’t tell if her mind knew of his presents either. Ji’Zhan started to approach the couple as his personal guards, breathing heavily from having to find then chase the Elder, entered the holodeck. They approached and surrounded the Elder has Ji’Zhan waved them off. They drew back and stood off to the side of the now hidden holodeck entrance. Ji’Zhan approached T’Val and with an approving look from Docter Mercy touched her. Images of such misery filled his mind. Not a recognizable thing could he see from the images flooding his mind. He couldn’t tell if she was searching for the Child’s thoughts for some glimpse of hope or if only sorrow. He steadied himself and drew upon his tenure of Debrune knowledge and started to comfort the hurting mother. His attempt was not that of keeping her from neither the moment nor the emotions, but simply coping. Anything to help was what the present moment called.

Caught up in the time-less seconds, Ji’Zhan didn’t hear or see the High Priest enter the holodeck. However, Ji’Zhan guards were keenly aware. Kale had entered with such determination that even the guards didn’t have time to intercept. Ji’Zhan felt the forceful momentum as he was lunged against foe rock wall of the beach holographic-setting. His break with T’Val required his mind to open his eyes and see a crazed Kale with his hand firmly planted on his chest.

With a low faithless but forceful voice the High Priest said, "If the Holy Child Dies it will be on your hands. This is one of your schemes" he roared "If I find you arranged this accident to keep me from him then you’ll be very sorry. Either way I’ll have you stripped and exiled. Your days are numbered Ji'Zahn."

Before Ji’Zhan could answer his guards had the Priest pealed off of the Elder and pressed into the sand of the beach. Even for a race that was so highly spiritual, assaulting a High Elder was immune to no-one. Ji’Zhan’s mind raced with piercing rage probably for the first time in decades. His mind narrowed to the figure of the man that called himself a Priest lying on the gritty sand. Falling on all fours and getting down so Kale’s ears would clearly hear, Ji’Zhan responded, “No sir, my days are of no concern to you; however it’s your days that are truly numbered in the single digits.” Now standing and motioning for the guards to raise Kale to a standing position Ji’Zhan continued speaking to the now handcuffed Priest. “I love that child as my own; I saw for his well being every moment of my waking hours and prayed in meditation during all the rest. I have no secondary agenda like you my ill-fated Priest. You will no longer hold the trusted position of High Priest.” Ji’Zhan reached for his rank-like religious medallion pulling it from his raiment. “You are temporally relived from your position and all the rights that go along with … Guards, escort Kale back to the planet and enter him in custody of the High Council under the charge of disobedience, striking a High Elder and disgracing the name of the Debrune.” Looking at Kale once again Ji’Zhan informed, “Your actions have caused the fall of religious castes and their weight in the Council. You have caused the mistrust of the religious ranks not the High Elders. And if I find one shred of evidence that you or any of yours has caused this accident, it will be me who will exile you not only stripped of your position but also stripped of your very claim of being a Debrune.” Just like the proverbial last nail, Ji’Zhan reached up and touched Kale’s forehead. With a final non-spoken word, “You’re as foolish as our Romulan brothers.” Audibly to the Guards, “Take him away.”