5.3 The Agony of Utopia

[Magellan Lin]

The ailing DY-100 fell out of warp rather than exit smoothly. It shuddered violently as the energy was transfered from the ancient warp coil into the plasma conduits to power the over worked impulse engine system.

Carbon scoring pock marked its hull and only small areas off once yellow paint remained giving it a spotty appearance. A small vapour trail plumed from a ventral spar betraying a tiny but persistent plasma leak.

Yawing round the vessel limped across what to it but not other ships must have seemed like a vast amount of space. An hour of travel and a further hour of deceleration manouvres brought the vessel within range of Starbase Assailant.

Assailant, now fully repaired after its encounter with the 'Celestial Mary' was now a gleaming beacon above the soft orange of the planet below. A myriad of small craft and starships flitted in and out of both its interior dock and exterior docking ports.

Denied access to the interior dock the 'Solace' was instructed by an irrascible Regulan Traffic Master to hard seal with a lower docking station with explicit instructions that departure would not be permitted until the Federation Shipping Directorate had had the ship inspected. Selene knew what the verdict of that report would be. The Solace had made her last flight and now they were stranded too far from their destination and with too little time.

Timor stood impassivly beside her, the Elders face a picture of stoicism despite the pain she knew he felt. A pain she wholly empathised one, one that nearly every member of the colony aboard felt also. The sad strength sapping feeling of loss, a loss so total that none of them had felt entirely whole for generations.

"Now what?" she asked softly as Ramone their pilot brought the transport into the stations tractor system to assist with the docking.

Timor shrugged, "We find a new ship, we always manage"

"With what Timor, we used up the last of our money to buy the antimatter to get here?"

"I said we'll find a way" he snapped irritably "We have no other option. We'll go aboard and find a way"

"The children?"

"No have them remain aboard. We'll keep our contact limited. Talian can go out and reprovision our galley and you, me and Ramone will go aboard. Ritrak will remain in charge in our absence.

***

On board the station in the Fishtank Magellan slurped down the last of his drink and rose,
"Thankyou for your time Legate, and for the Kanar."

"You are welcome Admiral. I am glad you so quickly apprehended my assasin."

"Thats our job. Any idea why V'Shal would want you dead."

The Legate shook his head, "Diplomacy is a dangerous game."

"Your telling me" Magellan replied, "Good Day"

He left the Fishtank and returned to the Starfleet Only area to meet with Chief Alari. The base Engineer wanted to run through with him the various upgrades they had recieved and so be present when they brought Lily back online. Tedak was due to join them for that later part. Alari hoped his presence would be reassuring for Lily after the torment of being struck by the explosion that had nearly doomed the station.

Elsewhere on the station Ambassador Saarok was holding yet another round of talks with the Tholians and Klingons and lord only knew what Vebn or Tyr were up to.

[Deleted]

For the first time in a very long time, Ambassador Tedak of Romulus finally enjoyed a few quiet days and he relished it. With the move back to Assailant, he had to redecorate his quarters as most of his possessions had been destroyed in the initial attack.

Though he also had to refurnish his office, he left most of that to Vebn, letting him decide what themes - or lack thereof - the embassy should have.

Stepping back, he admired his handiwork then wiped a hand across his forehead, momentarily forgetting it was covered in blue paint. Across the room, Sev chittered a warning but it was already too late; the blue paint was stuck to his face and hair now. The Romulan laughed to himself, rubbing his other hand over his face in a vain attempt to get the paint off, but he actually only made it worse.

Catching his reflection in a mirror, he froze. Not only was his face covered in paint, his robes were sporting different colours as well. And he had no time to change before his meeting with Magellan. Sighing, he darted into the bathroom and vigorously rubbed his hands over his face, splashing it with water from the basin. After having gotten most of it off, he dried his face, adjusted his robes, resheathed his dagger and dashed out of his quarters.

After meeting with Magellan, he had agreed to assist his ex-wife in redecorating her and Stuart's quarters. She valued his company, he knew, as much as she did his continued friendship after their divorce and the death of their adopted son. Sighing, he stepped into the turbolift. "Computer maintenance," he ordered, knowing he would be met there.

Truth to be told, he actually missed Lily's company, even though she was merely a computer entity. He found himself looking forward to getting the entity online again and he dearly hoped she wasn't damaged in the process after the station's severe damage.

"Am I still on time?" he asked as he walked in. "My apologies for my appearance, I got carried away."

[Magellan Lin]

It was mid-morning by the time Chief Alari and his maintenance team had prepared all the systems necessary to fully reinitialise Lily. Tedak had arrived only moments earlier and stood politely out of the way, a few specks of paint still peppering his skin and clothing. Likewise Magellan stood at the edge of the room. A scientist at heart he was more than capable of taking part in the work but he had long ago learned that it was particularly disconcerting to have a senior officer meddling in someones work.
He watched quietly as Alari and his team checked the gel packs and sequenced the isolinear process that made up the annex in the computer core that had been built specially to hold Lily.

Lily, a completely sentient intelliegnce born from a freak accident was unlike any entity currently known to starfleet. They were well aware of the ability for certain holo-programs to develop levels of self awareness and even individuality but Lily was something more, a blend of computer, human and the totally alien. She learned and grew, evolved and whilst still some might say child like she had the entire database to call upon and so had an almost unique platform from which to learn - the combined histories of thousands of worlds. Her mental evolution was remarkable, her emotional one however was far behind. How did one counsel a being whose mind was such a diffuse thing - spread across circuit boards, logic gates and isolinear processors.

The finest engineers, pyschologists and counsellors had all taken the stations down time as an opportunity to come and visit Lily in her inert hibernating self. The shock of the explosion tearing into the station had, for Lily been akin to a horrific accident that had severed her limbs or perforated her lungs. So shocked was she that she had been unable to escape hysteria and Magellan had ordered that her programme be side lined to allow the computer system to focus on the more pressing case of evacuating the station.

Now 6 months down the line it was time for Lily to be released from 'Hospital'. Physically the base was fully repaired and even improved. New defensive and offensive facilities meant that a full fleet was no longer required to be on station in the area. Only the Nevada remained under the jursidictional command of this region.

"I think we are ready Sir" Alari reported, stroking the row of teeth like enamel that ran up his forehead. An action Magellan had noted suggested that the Chief was somewhat apprehensive about the whole affair.

"Very good Chief. Power up Lilys new home and release the programming constraints."

The constraints had been a demand of Comand. They were uneasy with allowing an unknown sentient control of the computer core aboard a Starbase, not without some kind of get out clause. As Lily was integrated in to the core, besides removing the whole thing there was no way to seperate her and the base, and that Magellan felt was tantamount to making some one paraplegic. The compromise was a constraints programme that allowed Magellan or his senior staff to sideline Lily into a non-essential computer network. That mechanism could well have saved Lily's sanity, a kind of induced coma to aid rehabilitation.

"Ambassador I think you ll be pleased with the new additions we have made to the system" Alari grinned, allwoing the pride in his work to overcome his apprehensions, "I m beginning the reboot now."

The maintenance team monitored various outputs as Lily was reintorduced to the core. There was a pause as nothing seemed to be happening.

Magellan looked at Alari who quickly checked his own monitor and then shrugged.

Magellan tapped his comm badge.

=^=Lily are you there?=^=

There was a pause and a burst of staic.

"Hang on" Alari cried, "The comm interface is not synchronised." his hands darted across the board and the static dissolved into recognisable sound.

=^= I am here=^= Lilys voice replied, an octave higher than before Magellan thought, =^= I am free, I am whole... I feel.... good. What happened?"

"Hang on Lily" Magellan replied, knowing that Lily could now hear him from the audio pick ups in the room, "Tedak is here he will explain to you in greater detail. Chief you ready"

Alari nodded, "You'll like this Ambassador. Lily activate programme Alari/Zimmerman6."

There was a pause and then a hum and a burst of static. Then in a shimmer a figure appeared before them. She was of medium height with a slim build and strange bluish tinted hair and piercing purple eyes.

"Say hello to your new holgraphic form Lily."

TAG TEDAK and others.

[Magellan Lin]

Ramone, Timor and Celene left the safety of their ship and embarked onto Assailant. The shrank back for the bustling meroplolis that the base could be at times. It wasn't that they werent used to people it was just that other people held little interest for them. When you had touched heaven, gazed upon utopia everything else seemed mundane.

"Imagine a lifespan such as theirs" Ramone commented dryly as they wound their way through the streets of the arcade, "To have life measured only in decades even for the longer living species."
Celene shrugged surely the greater pain was to have such long lives as they did and be forced to endure them in pain. Would it be better to have ended them in death like some of their brethren or those on the Robert Fox.

After several hours of trapsing around a variety of established and some very dodgy Starship salesrooms it was clear that the meagre resources they had available to them were insufficient to secure them a replacement vessel and it was only a matter of time before it was impounded, then the real trouble would begin. Timor knew that the Federation Council had issued an edict that no starfleet official should aid them. A by product of a run in with the USS Ramases and an inconsiderate Tellarite Captain. So few understood their plight.

Selene slumped down on a bench beside a grove of tree planted in a bed beside a fountain.
"Now what? We're well and truly stuck. Perhaps each of us should make our own way from here"

Timor shook his head,
"No. We mustn't. We have been together since the Lakul. We are a community and I promised we would return."

"Like Soran promised?" Selene bit back irritably,

"Soran was a meglomaniac. Always was."

"Doesnt alter our predicament." Ramone noted "Our ship isnt space worthy, we are light years from our goal and Starfleet is prohibited from assisiting us."

"Pehaps this CO will be different?" Selene suggested hopefully,

"Different, how? More strict I bet - I hear he's a senior ranking Admiral"

Timor shook his head,
"We don't want to alert the Federation any sooner than we need to. As it is they will know who we are the minute they inspect our ship. No I think we need to try a different approach. If the Federation wont help us, perhaps another government"

"Like who. The Klingons and Tholians are at each others necks and... you don't mean the Romulans surely" Ramone utttered aghast.

Timor shrugged,
"They are hardly the humanitarians we need but I have it on good authority that one of the Ambassadors is a soft touch. Perhaps we can persuade him to help us."

"You can try. But I want no part of it. I ll meet you back on ship"

"Looks like its just you and me then Selene. lets try and track down this Ambassador Tedak and see if we can appeal to his sense of right and put us out of our misery."

[Deleted]

The Romulan waited anxiously, wringing his hands in impatience as Alari fiddled with the controls. Surely this surprise wasn't going to take as long as it did? He could see the system come to life and he exhaled in relief as he heard Lily's voice.

"Lily!" he exclaimed in relief, a grin coming to his face. He caught himself just in time before he could make a fool of himself by hugging a computer terminal.

As Alari mentioned there was another surprise, Tedak turned to him with a questioning look in his face. He nodded for the other man to continue, then his eyes widened in surprise as a female form coalesced before him. He openly gawked at her for several seconds before he recovered.

"Lily you look absolutely....stunning," he breathed, before he too recovered from that. "There was an attack on the station," he explained, "many systems were damaged beyond immediate repair and you had to be shut down to preserve you. Months passed and Starfleet's finest worked to rebuild this station and recovered you. And now you're here, in a new form."

His gaze traveled from Lily to Alari and finally to Magellan. "Thank you admiral, for allowing me to witness this." He turned back to the female entity. "How do you feel Lily?"

[Deleted]

The new embassy suite impressed Vebn greatly. The simple annex of rooms had been expanded. Now the main glass double doors opened into a spacious reception area with Romulan foliage planted in planters about the room. Nelon sat behind a slate desk with a number of doors behind him. A mezzanine layer above accessed via a set of steps led up to his and Tedaks offices.

Downstairs there was a number of offices, a refectory and a barracks for the small team of Centurions now assigned to the embassy. Vebn stood on the landing gazing out on to the plaza. Across the wide space stood the Klingon Embassy. Dark forbidding and illumiated in that dull red glow that those neaderthals seemed to like so much. Next door on one side was an equally sized Tholian Embassy whilst on the other an enlarged Quareks Emporium represented the Ferengi Alliance.

The new cardassian delegation had been given a suite of offices at the end of the row but as yet not a full embassy. Like the Dominion and Talarians their teams were small and so did not warrant a full embassy site.

He watched as the Legate, flanked by a pair of Glinns strode across the plaza. Despite the Dominion War being long over people still seemed to scuttle out of the way. It was only natural, Cardassians were a superior species always looking down their noses at others. The Legate was a very lucky man.

He was interrupted from his thoughts as Major Govan Echal emerged from the barracks beneath him and headed for the main doors. He looked much better than when he had last seen him. Horribly burned in sickbay.

"Major. I need a word. In my office" Vebn turned and entered his room.

Govan looked up and with a scowl trudged up the stairs to join him.

"Take a seat." Vebn said already in place behind his desk.

"I'd rather stand"

Vebn shrugged,
"As you like." he paused and flicked a switch, "Computer - Privacy mode please."

The lighting in the room dropped a few lux and a blue bar of light swept across the room checking and destroying any bugs.

"I have just heard from the Senate."

Lucky you Govan thought but remained quiet.

"It turns out that they had intended the Legate to be... removed from office. Apparently he insulted Senator Tal'aurks daughter, you know how he can be. They passed the job to the Tal Shiar and my daughter... who well sub contracted to one V'Shal. This of course you know."

Govan nodded.

"Well the problem is that they are not pleased the mission was not completed. Something I believe I ordered you to do."

TAG Govan

Vebn ignored him as if he hadn't even spoken,
"As you know failure has consequences and as V'Shal is in Federation custody I cannot punish her. So you will have to feel my wrath instead. I was loathed to act against you - you are after all a member of the Tal Shiar.... well were. It seems your superiors are less than satisfied with first your capture by Starfleet and now this failure. They have seen fit to demote you and return you to the regular navy. As of today Major you will be known as Sub-Commander Echal. You will find your new pips in your offices.

TAG Govan

[Deleted]

"Well the problem is that they are not pleased that the mission was not completed. Something I believe I ordered you to do,” the Ambassador reported indifferently.

“You ordered me to help V’Shal make it happen. I did all she asked of me.” Govan replied coldly, feeling his blood begin to boil. This was certainly not sounding good.

"As you know failure has consequences, and as V'Shal is in Federation custody, I cannot punish her. So you will have to feel my wrath instead. I was loathed to act against you - you are after all a member of the Tal Shiar.... well were. It seems your superiors are less than satisfied with first your capture by Starfleet and now this failure. They have seen fit to demote you and return you to the regular navy. As of today Major you will be known as Sub-Commander Echal. You will find your new pips in your offices,” Vebn informed him with almost no emotion in his voice.

All sound in the room and even in the vicinity seemed to fade away as Govan felt his world almost literally stop spinning. Everything, all thoughts, all emotion...there was simply nothing. Echal wasn’t sure just how long he stood there, unmoving and silent just staring at nothing. It was over; life was over. He WAS Tal Shiar. It was his sole identity, and all the Romulan had. And then, in the midst of the emptiness and loss, a far more familiar response emerged and began to grow hot; it was rage.

While his first impulse was literally to jump over the desk and snap the Romulan Ambassador’s neck with his bare hands, luckily for Vebn there was still a very, very tiny thread of restraint left. Instead, Govan turned on an innocent bystander, some sort of small, decorative tree, which the former Major spun to tear from its soil and snapped the substantial plant in half as if it were a twig. As the base sailed into the wall, smashing to bits and scattering the dirt within, Echal swept the items on the desk to the floor with a single swipe of the half of a trunk in his right hand before he dumped the mangled shrub on the now clear desk before the startled Ambassador.

Chest heaving with wrath, Govan glared solidly at Vebn, sending the clear message that the fate of that poor tree should have and very easily could have been his own, before he turned on his heal and stormed out of the office. Kicking over another plant that was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, the embassy fell suddenly silent as Echal stalked across the premises, pushing or kicking over anything in his general path, which fortunately didn’t include any people as everyone seemed to scatter. For a final expression of his mood, as the former Major approached the large, double glass doors, the new Sub-Commander heaved an oversized chair in the reception area into the air, tearing the legs from their place affixed to the deck, and hurled the heavy object straight ahead, shattering the brand new entrance to shards, which flew through the air creating a field of tiny slivers and slices of glass.

There were a few shrieks of fear and surprise before an even deeper silence fell once more, save the crunching of glass beneath the heavy boots of Govan Echal. Storming through the now empty panes, the seething Romulan glared straight ahead as he headed resolutely toward his quarters. Only one, predominant thought ran in a repetitive, unending loop through the raging sea of fury that had currently consumed his mind: the Legate would die or else Govan would die in the attempt.

[Deleted]

Lily seemed to ponder the question asked and Tedak just stared at her. When she had first been entered into the system, or rather just before, Tedak had presumed her to be little over seventeen standard years old. Now, 3 years later she looked absolutely stunning with her new holographic body, which had apparently been modeled after her original appearance.

The Romulan diplomat recalled what she had looked like, even recalled the anguish he had experienced when Magellan had allowed her conscience to be transferred to the computer system. He cast the Trill admiral a rueful smile as he remembered the angry punch he'd landed on the station's commanding officer. He'd been walking a very thin line then, very thin indeed.

"Lily?"

"Yes Tedak?" the girl replied, surprisingly pronouncing his name correctly and without the usual slurring endearment for the first time since he'd met her.

"How do you feel?"

Lily regarded the Romulan standing before her. She too remembered what had happened, and how he had defended her when he hadn't even known her. She had learned over the last three years, learned very much but she had also yearned to have a corporeal form again. And now, she had. Smiling, she took an uncertain step forward. "I feel complete," she answered. Turning, she took the single step that separated her from Lin and hugged him. "Thank you admiral. I wanted to do this for a very long time now."

The entity hugged everyone present in turn but lingered on Tedak, recalling that Romulans could react very violently to being touched. The Romulan held out his arms and took her in a careful hug. "I'm very happy for you," he confided to her, "we've come full circle."

Straightening, he gazed at Lin. "Will she have complete control over her corporeal form?" he asked, "can she walk around like the rest of us when she pleases to do so?" They were, of course, very valid questions as Lily remained an essential part, if not the core part of the computer system that made up Starbase Assailant.

"I have duties to attend to," he finally spoke up. "Lily I promise to come by again later, but I really have to go now." In almost a rush, Tedak left computer control and headed down to the embassy, where he was nearly knocked over by a seething Govan Echal. "Major?" the diplomat queried, as he steadied himself as well as the Tal Shiar operative. "Are you all right?"

[Deleted]

Stalking his way through the busy plaza to the lifts that would take him back to barracks, Govan was glad to see people scattering left and right to avoid some sort of collision with him, though part of him almost wished someone would make a mistake so he could retaliate. So furious was the Romulan that even an innocent baby would have been thrown had it dared to cross his path. Almost to the lift, the Sub-Commander was bumped softly into the wall by an unsuspecting pedestrian.

"Major? Are you alright?" Tedak asked, but Govan was in no mood for pleasantries or concerns, and hearing his former rank only served to remind him of his wrath.

Pushing himself off the wall in disgust, the Romulan officer snarled at Tedak before pulling back and landing a charged punch on the left side of the older man’s face before snarling again and charging off into the lift without even looking back once. Pacing the small, confined lift, which lucky for the unfortunate potential occupant was empty, wasn’t enough to alleviate his tension in spite of the very short ride, so Govan punched the wall with all his might, leaving a dent, before the doors opened and he stormed towards his room. He only encountered Romulans on his way, but they all seemed to know enough to stay clear of their dangerous, angry colleague.

Upon entering his quarters, Govan stormed to the replicator, ordered an ale, and as soon as the beverage appeared picked it up and downed it before throwing the empty glass into a wall, kicking over a chair, and hurling a portable computer console straight through the glass table in the middle of the room. Now standing there, surrounded by the destruction of his fury, the Romulan stopped moving for the first time since beginning his rampage. Chest heaving with excursion, eyes still blazing with fury, Sub Commander Echal just stood there, trying to regain control.

Finally, his anger began to cool, but instead of simply fading it transformed into the cold, hard ice of hatred. He hated Vebn, and he really hated V’Shal, but there was nothing he could do to either of them that would benefit his situation. So instead, he focused his hatred on the Legate for not being dead as he was supposed to be. Moving into the backroom, Govan returned within a few moments carrying a large box filled with various weapons and technology. Glancing at the obliterated table, the Sub Commander instead moved to the annoyingly plush couch, where he sat and placed the container on the seat next to him. He had an assassination to plan.

[Deleted]

JP between Tedak and Magellan as the El-Aurians

ON:
Cautiously stepping to one side as the enraged Govan stormed past Selene and Timor stepped cautiously into the embassy. A administrator was bent scooping up some of the more jagged pieces of glass. It was then a second Romulan entered rubbing his jaw. Timor nodded to Selene and mouthed 'thats him'. She nodded and walked forward "Ambassador Tedak?"

Sonak says (21:57):
Tedak turned, still nursing his bruised jaw. He knew he had lost consciousness for a few seconds back there and his jaw felt as if it were on fire. "Yes?" He looked the two over. "I am he," he confirmed, "how may I help you?"

"We would like a quiet word if possible please" Selene smiled sweetly.

Looking around, he resisted a sigh then nodded. "My office," he suggested, preceding the two to his office. He noticed Vebn from the corner of his eyes, made a mental note to talk to him later, then stepped into his office, holding open the door. "Please, make yourselves comfortable." He strode around the large wooden desk and took his own seat. "You wished to talk?" he prompted them.

"Yes thankyou" Timor responded, "We wanted to ask for your help. We are... pilgrims of a sort and travelling to a very important place. Our ship is no longer spaceworthy and we are trapped here. It is very important we reach our destiny..destination. We wondered if there was anyway the Romulan Government can help us."

"That would entirely depend on who you are, what your cause is and where you are going," the Romulan replied non-commitingly, "if it benefits our empire, we may help you. If your destination would be of no value to us, we might not. What benefit will our helping you be to us, should we agree to provide assistance?"

"See I told you the Romulans would not aid us." Selene scolded Timor, "They think only of themselves and what they can get. Humanitariansim is beyond them."

Still rubbing his throbbing jaw, Tedak leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "I said nothing of the sort. I merely require more information." He knew Vebn was probably monitoring him, so it was required of him to ask what he had. "What sort of help do you require?"

"Merely a small ship to carry 50 of us refugees to a specific point in space, a place of safety, We El Aurians are all refugees. You are aware that the borg destroyed our world?"

The Romulan nodded, though he felt his suspiscions rise. He had heard enough about El-Aurians to know not to fully trust them as they were manipulative. "I am aware," he replied, "but who are you running from now? Surely the Federation did all they could to help refugees? Why do you turn to me, when you would be better off turning to them?" He gazed at both intently. "I'm certain Admiral Lin would feel compelled to assist, shall I contact him?"

"The Federation do not understand our plight. And we are not running from anyone. We are running to something" Selene replied

"Then explain your plight to me. Give me reasons to understand it and help you. As I said, I need more information, I can't help you otherwise." He rose from his seat, placed both hands on his desk and gazed at the woman. "Where are you running to?"

Selene looked at Timor and then nodded. "The Nexus. You must know of it. we were caught in it a century ago and we have been striving to return. It is utopia, perfection. You cannot imagine the bliss of that place nor the abject agony of being ripped from there by the Enterprise. They thought they were saving us.. but they werent." Selene started to well up and Timor took over. "Sorry. It is hard

us to talk about it..We live each day with the sorrrow of what we have lost crushing down on us. We merely wish to return there and be left alone. The Federation believe that to help us is tantamount to helping us commit suicide. They do not understand. Will you help?"

This time, the Romulan did sigh. "I heard of the Nexus," he confirmed, "and I heard what happened to the Enterprise D. Will my aiding you result in the destruction of planets or civilisations, or seriously harm any?" He gazed at them in earnest. "Think carefully, because if your answer is even remotely leaning towards yes, then I fear my answer will be no."

"No not at all. All that will be lost is the ship. We have plotted a point where the nexus will cross a particular point and we can enter without it affecting anyone else. It took us years to plot it and another slot wont occur for another 200 years. This is our chance."

"If you can guarantee no other lives will be lost, I shall offer my assistance," Tedak answered slowly. Once the words left his mouth, he already regretted them but he was a man of his word and now, he was committed to helping them. "What do you need?"

"Just access to a ship and enough supplies to get us there say 3 weeks worth?" Timor replied practically but Selene was more emotional and wepping she leaned forward , "Thankyou thankyou thank you so much,"

The Romulan took a step back, glancing at them both in distaste. "I can arrange that," he replied. "Meet me here again this evening and I shall attempt to arrange everyhing. I will have to talk to Admiral Lin about a vessel as this is his station. We have no ships available here at the moment, but I shall ensure the Federation will be compensated. Is there anything else?"

"No thankyou, you have done more than enough. This is our berth" Timor replied handing over a padd and then with more gratitudes they left.

The Romulan set the PADD aside on his desk. "Lily, please contact Admiral Lin and set up a meeting. Tell him it's urgent." He nursed his bruised jaw again, wondering what had Govan so upset. A minute later, he walked out of his office and approached Vebn. "What happened in here?" he asked quietly, "I just met Govan and he was in a state. He knocked me cold several minutes ago, without reason."

tag Lin/Vebn

[Deleted]

After much debate and planning, Govan was finally ready. Initially, he had been so intent on killing the Legate no matter the consequences that the former agent had actually considered simply marching into the Cardassian embassy, but in spite of a lack of concern for his own welfare, Echal gradually came to realize that didn’t mean he couldn’t make an attempt that wouldn’t immediately result in his death or incarceration. No…perhaps he could kill the Legate, regain his reputation, and still be alive and in a position to enjoy the benefits. With this in mind, a plan began to emerge one piece at a time until finally, with his strategy in hand, the Romulan slipped from his quarters, a high powered, long range disruptor and a small tool kit carefully concealed beneath his uniform. He had everything he needed to succeed.

The embassy was too heavily guarded for direct assault, and his target’s quarters were equally well protected, and so Govan had decided the best plan of action was to make the attempt while the Cardassian was on route. The only inflexible detail the Sub Commander had was that he had to make the kill himself, directly. No set explosives or planned ‘accidents’ would do this time. For once, his fate needed to remain in his own hands, not left to some incapable Vulcan female this time. With that criterion firmly in place, a single shot from a disruptor seemed like the best option, and so Echal had retrieved the appropriate weapon, accessed the sensor records to determine the Legate’s routine, and then scrutinized the predicted route to select the best location along the way for the assassination attempt to be made.

Pleased with his decision, Govan strode purposefully down the corridor towards his destination of choice. The site was perfect, a section or two away from the quarters of the Legate and with perfect cover. A Jefferies tube ran very close to the corridor near an intersection, allowing not only prime access for both the scope and shot but also a slightly off centered but still forward facing angle. This would mean that the Legate would be moving toward the Sub Commander’s position, which allowed for more time to line up the shot and ensure it was fatal. This would also make it quite difficult to determine where the shot came from, which would provide additional time to escape, and with the Jefferies tube serving as both cover and exit strategy, his success seemed almost guaranteed. All in all, he was already pleased with himself.

Accessing the maintenance system from the busy corridors of the diplomatic wing, Sub Commander Echal climbed down to the right deck from a main access point before crawling down the correct tunnel. The tube ran parallel to the corridor with nearly a yard between, but where another corridor joined in a T formation, an inlet also occurred in the Jefferies tube to gain access to a power terminal. It was here where the distance went from a yard to a few inches that Govan would make his shot. The Legate would be traveling down the parallel corridor and attempt to pass the intersection. It was at this point that the former agent, stationed within the wall inside a protruding console, would take his shot, meaning the guards would have three open corridors to suspect before thinking about the wall. It was an ideal plan.

Upon arriving at the small power access terminal, Govan removed the disruptor from its position strapped to his back as well as the small tool kit hidden beneath his sleeve and began to make preparations. Luckily there was plenty of room for him to gain an ideal position and to make the necessary maneuvers to execute a clean, well positioned shot in the small enclosure. After some very careful work, the Sub Commander had successfully created two small holes in the correct locations to allow for his scope sight and the shot, and give enough room for adjustments to be made to ensure that death was achieved. Now all that he had to do was wait…

~

‘Scanner indicates that the target is approaching… Target is within sight… Lining up the shot… compensating for movement…target is approaching intersection… Steady…steady…’ With a firm squeeze, the disrupter fired a single, silent shot. It struck the Cardassian Legate square in the chest, and as it was designed to do, spread the charged energy across his body, momentarily lighting up the diplomat like a torpedo. When the flash faded, all that remained was a charred form, which slumped to the deck amidst several horrified guards. As they pulled their weapons and began to scatter, calling for help and searching for the assailant like a bunch of mindless amateurs, Govan went into action, placing the weapon on the ground, setting the autodestruct, and beginning to crawl back to the access point. A set of devices had been working since entering the maintenance systems, one designed to eradicate any traces of DNA in its general vicinity and the other emitting small amounts of harmless yet highly charged radiation that would make locking onto and identifying any biosignatures impossible, but otherwise leave sensors unaffected.

Now, with any trace of his DNA since entering the maintenance system eliminated, the sensors reading no lifesigns, and his weapon set to self-destruct in five minutes or sooner if either access door was activated, Govan was feeling pretty confident. Climbing back up the to diplomatic wing, the Sub Commander removed his bio-residue eliminator and bio-signature eraser and placed them on the ground, also set to autodestruct in five minutes or sooner if the doors were activated. Echal then strode from the junction room into a sea of diplomats, assistants, and officers. The detonation of the rifle and the other devices would erase the remaining evidence, and the trail would begin and end in the busy diplomatic wing, pointing to any of a number of diplomatic groups, any one of them with plenty of motive to kill the Legate.

The crowds were panicking and jostling, some trying to get out of the diplomatic wing and some trying to get in. It was chaos, but it was perfect for cover. Striding unaffected through the masses, Govan headed straight for the Romulan embassy, which was so panicked and busy that no one seemed to really notice his presence or care, in spite of the scene he had made a few hours ago. Moving straight to the Ambassador’s office, Echal entered without requesting permission. As soon as the doors slid closed, he addressed Vebn, and Tedak, who was also there. “The Legate is now dead,” he informed them without any emotion, but his eyes were drilling proudly into Vebn’s, communicating without words that this had been no accident.

[Deleted]

Vebn watched with interest as the two El Aurians left the embassy and then pressed his intercom.

"Tedak, please come in here"

He thumbed off the comm before the other Ambassador had chance to reply and waited quietly. As usual Tedak dragged his heels no doubt thinking he was making a point by not quickly responding to a summons. Vebn couldn't careless he had invested too much time in trying to understand Tedaks wayward ways and decided it better not to try.

Tedak entered and took a seat without asking.

"Who were they?" Vebn asked directly nodding to the doorway.

"Them, a refugee delegation."

"I don't recall seeing any delegations booked in for today" he queried with a raised eyebrow

"They just turned up, let me explain." Tedak quickly ran Vebn through the salient points of his earlier meeting.

"I see" Vebn replied seeing all to clearly that Tedak was being soft again, "I see no benefit to the Empire. Therefore I explicitly forbid you to expend our resources on a dying race. Let them pass in peace. Understand"

Before Tedak could respond Govan stalked in.

"The Legate is now dead" he stated coldly.

A small smile tweaked the edge of Vebns mouth, here was a true romulan, a son of the empire.
"I see Sub-Commander. I will be sure to pass that information on. Perhaps your career isnt as over as you believed. I will speak with you later"

TAG Govan and Tedak

[Deleted]

It was all the younger Romulan diplomat could do not to blink but he stood frozen upon hearing the Cardassian Legate was dead. He glanced from senior diplomat to Tal Shiar agent, then back to diplomat, but he remained silent. His jaw still hurt where Govan had struck him, so much that even speaking was becoming agony.

"You need not be concerned with the El-Aurians ambassador s'Khellian," he finally spoke slowly, his words slurred a little, "I have the situation well in hand, and I intend to dump them on the Federation when the time is right. For now, our appearance of aiding them will benefit us, I assure you."

Tedak took a step back, taking himself out of Govan's reach, then eyed him suspiciously. "How did the legate die?" he asked carefully, making sure there was no accusation in his tone. He hadn't missed Vebn's smile at the news, nor Govan's own smug expression.

He felt his anger boil but he contained his fury. Had his people really stooped so low that they resorted to public assassination of a person who had just barely arrived and had no chance to prove his worth as ally? Surely they had allied with the Cardassians before?" He had not met the legate before, and now knew he'd never have the chance.

Gathering his robes, he glanced at either Romulan in turn, his expression cold and reserved, quite the opposite of how he felt. "Excuse me," he said slowly, "I have duties to attend to." Without looking back, he swept past the two men, slightly shoving them aside to make room for his passing.

"Lily, contact Ambassador Saarok. Tell him to meet me in the Fishtank, it is urgent. I will require a security officer to be present as well. Though I would prefer not, please bring Ambassador Tyr with you as well."

As he hastily made his way to the Fishtank, he pondered on what he would tell Saarok. Tyr, as a telepath could verify his words, however much he loathed for the Betazoid to be allowed to do so. Saarok, of course, could mind meld, but Tedak had enough bad memories of mind melds with his friend to last the rest of his life.

"I assume you have heard that the Cardassian Legate has been killed?" He gazed at both Vulcan and Betazoid, his anger apparent to both. "I have reason to believe that Major Echal is responsible." He took a deep breath, then visibly winced, groaning under his breath. "And I have another problem, in the form of a group of El-Aurian refugees. Vebn has forbidden me to assist them, but I cannot go back on a promise made. I need your assistance."


(saarok/tyr)

[Deleted]

"I see, Sub-Commander. I will be sure to pass that information on. Perhaps your career isn’t as over as you believed. I will speak with you later," Vebn replied, and although Govan was still less than happy with the senior Ambassador, clearly his action had gone a long way to right, not only his reputation, but indeed his career.

"I have the situation well in hand, and I intend to dump them on the Federation when the time is right. For now, our appearance of aiding them will benefit us, I assure you,” Tedak spoke before taking a careful step back and glancing at him. "How did the legate die?" he asked carefully, the suspicion in his voice unmistakable.

Glancing quickly at Vebn, Govan regarded the junior Ambassador carefully. Echal had no idea what Tedak was talking about, but the man’s displeasure at the news of the Legate’s death, and the anger on his face as a result of a suspicion that the Sub Commander was involved was evident. How a ‘loyal’ servant of the Romulan people could view the assassination of a Cardassian as bad was beyond him, and Echal felt his own temper flare. Still, he also restrained himself and simply replied, “I have not overheard anyone mention a cause, but simply the fact of his death.”

Tedak still looked displeased, and glancing coldly at each of them in turn, replied, "Excuse me; I have duties to attend to,” and with that, he turned and left the office.

Waiting until he’d left the room, Govan turned back to Vebn. “I don’t trust him. He suspects my involvement and given his close relationship with Starfleet, I believe he may be dangerous, even going so far as to inform them of his suspicions.” The Romulan felt a surge of fury…to come so far and get so close to redemption, only to be faced with being turned in by one of his own countrymen and a former fellow agent was reprehensible. What made matters even worse was the fact that Echal had spent a great deal of time since his assignment to Assailant protecting Tedak.

Placing his hands behind his back, Govan regarded the Ambassador, waiting for a response. He knew Vebn, and the Tal Shiar and Romulan government for that matter, wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice him, but he hadn’t come this far to be put back into a Federation detention facility. This time, he wouldn’t go down without a fight.

<Tag Vebn>

[Deleted]

Waiting to make sure Tedak had indeed departed Vebn listened to Govans concerns.

"Tedak is a very dangerous individual." he agreed "He seems to think pandering to the Federation will make Romulus strong. He is sorely mistaken. Our ways and the Federations ways are not the same. I suspect he has been turned by some of Spocks teachings"

Govan scowled,
"Then why allow him to represent us?"

"For all his faults he is a good diplomat and besides he has been very useful in the past. I agree though, he will not like the Legates death and will attempt to right this wrong. It could be a problem." he paused thinking a moment "I can handle any starfleet intervention, you will not be arrested or locked up. As for your future... I doubt Tedak would make your life easy here. Let me speak to my superiors I think I may have an opportunity for you. You best stay within the Embassy as much as possible. If you are arrested contact me immediatly."

TAG Govan

[Magellan Lin]

With Lily back on-line life on Assailant became considerably easier. Lily was capable of running the station far better than many of the staff and helped immensly where she could. The provision of holo emitters in key locations actually personalised Lily more allowing staff to interact with her on a more human level.

The pleasure of teh station running like a well oiled machine was soon disrupted by an urgent call from Sickbay and Security informing him of the Legates assasination.

Valettis was very quickly in his office in person to make her report. The Legate had been shot and by a professional leaving no trace of his identity. Magellan tried not to think of the political ramifications deciding that was more Saaroks problem than his. His job was to find and apprehend the assassin.

"F'rass. Cancel all shipping. Nobody leaves. Intitate a level 2 lockdown. All ships to be searched and and checkpoints placed at all personnel transporters." the order was a formality, a professional would have anticipated most he would make and was likely off the station already.

=^= Admiral.=^=

"Yes Saarok. I m kind of busy at the moment" Magellan replied to the comm,

=^= I imagine you are. I have Tedak with me and some interesting information. I think you should hear it. It concerns the Legate.=^=

"Very well Ambassador. I ll join you immediatly. Commander Vanetti your with me."

TAG Saarok and Tedak

[Deleted]

"For all his faults, he is a good diplomat, and besides, he has been very useful in the past. I agree though, he will not like the Legate’s death and will attempt to right this wrong. It could be a problem," Vebn acknowledged, and Govan most definitely agreed. After a moment, the Ambassador continued. “I can handle any Starfleet intervention; you will not be arrested or locked up. As for your future...I doubt Tedak would make your life easy here. Let me speak to my superiors; I think I may have an opportunity for you. You best stay within the Embassy as much as possible. If you are arrested, contact me immediately," the Romulan diplomat ordered him.

Nodding, Govan replied, “Understood. In the meantime, I will make preparations for my departure in case my presence becomes a liability. Then, I shall remain in the embassy until this issue has been resolved,” Echal added. The Sub Commander was beginning to feel much better, more like himself. What’s more, he was starting to see a light at the end of this dark tunnel. Ever since his last real job as an agent, things had gone horribly wrong one after another, and he’d had quite enough of it.

Stepping past the remains of his temper tantrum, Govan ran through in his mind what needed to be done if he were to leave the station. There wasn’t much. Echal had very few possessions, not just on the station but anywhere. All he really had to retrieve were the few kits and devices he’d assembled and acquired since being abandoned on this backwater station. While these things were easily replaceable, the Sub Commander knew that the moment he left, Tyr or some other Federation representative would tear that room apart, and sharing technology wasn’t exactly on his list of things to accomplish. No, he needed to get those things out of there.

Heading for his quarters, taking a slightly circuitous route to avoid running into any trouble, Govan arrived and quickly assembled everything. At the door, however, he hesitated. Even under normal circumstances, walking through the station carrying a bag of secret Romulan devices would be inadvisable, but now, it was downright impossible. This presented a problem. Clearly, he couldn’t leave everything behind, and destroying them would set off sensors, but how to get them from his quarters to the embassy without raising suspicion? It was then that he remembered Tamir.

Placing the bag on the ground, the Sub Commander slumped into a nearby chair to think about it. He had felt a great responsibility for the young woman since getting her captured, but now things were different. As far as he could tell, she was happy working as a nurse in the medical facility here and even seemed to enjoy working with that Vulcan guard dog of a healer. That being said, she was still a Romulan, and as such wouldn’t she be happier working with and for her own people? The real issue wasn’t really whether or how he would get her to transfer the bag, as she’d do that without question. The problem was with the possibility of leaving the station, did he want her to go with him, and if he did, was it in her best interest, or did what was best for her even matter as much as what he wanted? It was a puzzling matter.

After taking a few moments to debate, Govan reached a tentative decision. As hard as it was to admit, especially to himself, he wanted Tamir to come with him. What was even harder to admit was that in spite of this wish, he was unsure as to what was best for her, and that actually did matter to him. As much as he hated to admit it, it was still true, and he did have to take that into consideration with what to do. Finally, his decision made, the Sub Commander placed the bag inside a carefully constructed hidden compartment, hoping it would be safe there in the meantime, and headed towards the primary medical facility for what would potentially be the hardest conversation he had ever faced. Upon arrival, he found Tamir working off by herself with a bunch of equipment. Glancing around, Govan crossed the room somewhat nervously before coming to a stop a short distance behind her. “Tamir...” the nurse jumped at the sound of his voice, before spinning around to face him.

“Oh, Major! I...I didn’t hear you come in,” the young Romulan stammered, trying to regain her composure. Even after all this time, the agent still scared her quite a bit.

“I…apologize,” Govan stated hesitantly, surprising the nurse, not only by his words but also his demeanor. He was being…nice, and while the Major had rarely been openly aggressive with her, his lack of aggression rarely translated into the actual presence of kindness. With Tamir staring at him, wide-eyed and innocent looking, Sub Commander Echal grew more uncomfortable, but continued speaking. “I have something I need you to do for me, but I also have something to…ask of you.”

The nurse just continued staring at him, so Govan pressed on, trying to put an end to any hint of nerves. “There is a bag in my quarters that I need you to retrieve and bring to the embassy. I will provide you with a specific location. That is not a request; however, this next part is. There…is a chance that I may be leaving the station in the very near future. In that event, I...I would…” Taking a deep breath, Echal tried again. “...I would recommend that you leave as well...at the same time; however, I know you are...not unhappy here and may wish to stay. That decision...the choice would be yours, but you would need to make up your mind quickly, as things will happen fast. If you decide to stay, just bring the bag from my quarters and then you will be released from my…influence, to do whatever you wish. If you decide to come with…I mean to leave as well, then come with your belongings also.”

Tamir remained silent carefully pondering what Govan had said, while he just stood there, waiting for her to say something. Finally, she glanced up at him, strangely calm in spite of everything. “I will think fast. Where is the bag you need me to get?”

Feeling a bit on edge, since she hadn’t provided an answer immediately, Govan explained exactly where the secret compartment was and how to get to it, assuring her that he had made sure to deactivate any security protocols and that everything inside the bag had been deactivated as well. Nodding in response, Tamir actually hadn’t considered the dangers, and his mention of them only served to make her consider the possibilities. However, retrieving the bag wasn’t a decision she had. “I understand. I will get the bag shortly, and have my decision for you when I do.”

Nodding, Govan didn’t have anything else to say, so quickly ducked out of sickbay, leaving a torn and confused nurse behind to contemplate her situation, and what she really wanted to do. It was a tough choice, and she didn’t have long to make it.

[Deleted]

As Tamir continued organizing the medical supplies, she debated the choice she’d been presented with by Govan. Her first instinct, to be perfectly honest with herself, was to remain on the Starbase. She liked working in the medical facility, and she’d become friends with her fellow nurses and doctors, especially T’Val and Rayna. On the other hand, Tamir missed being primarily among other Romulans. After all she was a Romulan and had lived among her own people her entire life. While she could see herself happily living on Assailant and working there, would she really choose to remain there when the opportunity presented itself to go back ‘home?’

The second factor was her complicated relationship with the Major. While he still scared her to death, the truth of the matter was he also made her feel safe, as odd as that combination was. As long as Govan had been on the station with her, Tamir had always known he was looking out for her and would keep her safe. Although he’d never said anything remotely close to indicating it, he had come through for her time and time again, and his request for her to come with him only reinforced that. Did she really want to stay alone on an alien station without his protection?

In the request, there had been no mention of where they would be going or what sort of arrangement there would be once they got there. In fact, Major Echal had not even actually said that she was coming with him, merely leaving at the same time, but the implication had been there. What if he were assigned to Romulus or to a ship? The nurse supposed in either case there would be need for her medical expertise, but everything was so vague... Unfortunately, the entire decision rested mainly on one thing: did she want to go with Govan? What it all boiled down to was a startling fact: in spite of no solid reason and evidence that indicated she shouldn’t, Tamir trusted him to take care of her. She didn’t know why it was, but it was true.

Wherever she went, as long as Govan went with her, Tamir knew that she would be taken care of, protected, and safe, and that’s what she really needed more than anything else. It was the strangest thing to think about, but it was all the nurse really knew for sure in the uncertainty surrounding her life since being alone at sixteen. With a decision made, the young Romulan woman moved across sickbay toward her boss and friend. Healer T’Val was examining a body, though it wasn’t clear who considering the extensive amount of damage that had been done to the exterior.

“Excuse me, T’Val?” Tamir asked quietly, gaining the Vulcan’s attention. “I have to go. It appears that I may be leaving very soon, moving to a different assignment. However, I wanted to thank you, for everything. You have been very kind to me, a good friend and an even better doctor. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

<Tag T’Val>

[Deleted]

T'Val turned, tricorder still held in her hands, now facing the young Romulan. It took a few seconds for the news to sink in, then she beckoned Rayna over. "Tamir is leaving," she said curtly, though her expression was one of pity.

"Really?" Rayna turned to her fellow Romulan, anguish on her hansome features. She had finally found a friend among her own species, one who shared many of her joys and griefs from the empire. "Why?" The word came out fairly strangled, as the woman reached for the other nurse, drawing her in a hug. "It's that major, isn't it?"

T'Val touched Rayna's shoulder and the women broke apart. "It is her choice," she said, "her life. If she wishes to go where Govan goes, then that is her right. She is a free woman, with her own free will."

Now, she turned back towards Tamir. "You will be missed Tamir," she continued, "in the short time you were here you proved to be very knowledgeable and a fast learner. In no-time, you made yourself invaluable to my team. Especially with Stuart missing."

The Vulcan woman sighed, then held up her right hand, parting her fingers in the Vulcan salute. "Live long, and prosper Tamir," she added, "and please stay in touch insofar possible? You are always welcome to return, should you so desire."

[Deleted]

Tyr was sat in the new DCS wing, in what was now his own office. Since the reconstruction, there had been a visible reshuffle, along with several additional improvements to the area, and he was now afforded a much more spacious set of accomodation. Also, since his participation in the arrest of V'Shal, Intelligence had finally seen fit to acknowledge him as the official SI presence in the sector. Whilst admittedly he was still undercover as an ambassador, he was now privy to regular encoded reports and dispatches, allowing him to have free reign over what actions he chose to pursue, now with a visible view of the whole picture. Considering that most of the command staff and ambassadors present on Assailant were already aware of his real occupation, the only alteration in his status was his blatant receipt of the documents. He stretched back in his chair, reading an obscure report about am increase in Orion Syndicate activity in the Nova Rilon system, when a signal alarm flashed on his desk. It was a general alarm, accompanied by a siren, indicating unauthorised weapons fire in the vicinity of the DCS area.

"And they just had the flipping paint work done" Tyr muttered, reaching under his desk for one of the numerous phasers he had secreted in drop boxes over the station. He set it to stun, slipped it under his jacket and left the office, moving out into the main work space, where over twenty departmental staff were alarmed by the blaring sirens.
"Everyone stay where you are" he called out, gesturing for calm with his hands "Nothing is going to happen"
"Computer, seal the entrance to the DCS wing and notify security, authorisation Tyr, 37 Omicron Echo"

It was clearly better at this point simply to ride it out than to go charging in, Tyr considered, moving to pat some of his colleagues on the shoulder, and wait for security to arrive. They did within a matter of minutes, chiming at the door. They were admitted, three men in gold uniforms, one carrying a phaser rifle, led by one of the newly arrived ensigns.

"Sorry about the alarm ambassadors" he announced "A security presence will be remaining outside until further notice"

"What's happened?" Tyr enquired in earnest.

"The Cardassian Legate sir, he's been murdered"

Tyr closed his eyes and cursed. He should have known better than to believe that V'Shal was the root of the problem, and to have dismissed the black ops team some days earlier. He turned around.

"Kaplan, call ops and tell them to stop all outgoing comm traffic, we don't want this getting out to every galactic hack. You two, start coming up with press releases offering condolences to the Cardassians for the tragic loss of their Legate, I want some made out like it was murder, and some like it was an accident, don't release anything without my say so. Complete media blackout, nothing to other embassies, or anything out of this room in fact. You" He turned to the ensign "Where did this happen?"

"Err.." he hesitated "Maintenance junction, not too far..."

"Go, have medical team get the body and take it straight to the morgue, covered and unrecorded. If anyone stops you, tell them it's with my authorisation and to take it up with Admiral Lin. Go, now!" He ordered sharply, sending the man scurrying from the room. Tyr was out and out terrified, annoyed and a dozen other emotions. This morning his primary concern had been the arrival of some nuisance travellers, a matter he had yet to address, but now he had to try and avoid a galactic war. His thoughts were interrupted by a summons to the Fishtank, by Tedak of all people. He went, more out of curiousity than anything else, and listened the the Romulan's reports, getting progressively paler by the second. He also noticed a certain lull in the mental defences of the usually stoic Romulan, and he dared to skim the edge of his mind, though not going any further.

"He's telling the truth" he whispered to Saarok "No hidden agenda with the El Aurians, and his suspicions about Govan are real" He straightened and turned to face Tedak.
"If you're right, then it's a good thing I've put this on a media blackout and hidden the body. If you're suspicions might carry evidence with them, then we need to try and pass this off as a tragic accident, or we could have two more of this systems major powers at war"

<TAG Tedak, Saarok and Lin>

"As far as the El Aurians go though, we can't touch it" he said bluntly, realising how cold and callous he sounded. Her explained "I've had a number of low level intelligence and security reports cross my desk, nothing major, but these people are wanted by the Federation on a great number of minor infractions, with at least six of our members pushing for private extradition. By rights Admiral, we should impound these people, even if it's only to get potential debt collectors and bounty hunters off their backs"

<TAG All>

[Deleted]

T'Val looked a little shocked, but quickly composed her expression and called Rayna over. Feeling a lump beginning to form in her throat, Tamir watched as her friend approached. She had been planning to speak with Rayna separately, but now it seemed she’d be able to speak to both at once. "Tamir is leaving," the Vulcan Healer informed the older Romulan nurse abruptly, though she looked far from pleased.

"Really? Why?" Rayna was clearly upset by the news. As her fellow nurse reached out for a hug, Tamir moved forward and embraced her friend, trying to hold back the tears that had sprung into her eyes, but said nothing. "It's that Major, isn't it?"

Tamir was so choked up, she couldn’t manage to speak, but T'Val spoke for her. "It is her choice, her life. If she wishes to go where Govan goes, then that is her right. She is a free woman, with her own free will,” the Vulcan commented quietly before turning back to the younger woman. "You will be missed Tamir. In the short time you were here you proved to be very knowledgeable and a fast learner. In no-time, you made yourself invaluable to my team. Especially with Stuart missing." A brief sigh escaped from the strong woman before she held up her hand in a Vulcan salute. “Live long, and prosper Tamir, and please stay in touch insofar possible? You are always welcome to return, should you so desire,” T’Val added sincerely.

Wiping away the few tears that had fallen, Tamir moved forward and hugged her superior. “Thank you again, T’Val. I’ll try to keep in touch, and should the opportunity present itself, I’ll hopefully come back to visit. And I hope your husband will return soon, as I know how much you miss him...” Finally releasing the somewhat startled Vulcan, Tamir smiled sadly at Rayna and hugged her friend once more. “And thank you for everything, Rayna...your friendship and help adjusting...I’ll never forget it.”

Once again wiping the tears away, Tamir moved towards the doors, turning back to wave goodbye before leaving the medical facility. In spite of how upset she was, the Romulan nurse knew she had made the right decision. After stopping by her quarters to gather her things, and picking up the bag from Govan’s quarters, the young woman would head for the embassy and inform Major Echal of her choice.

~

Sitting in the new office designated for the embassy’s chief of security, Govan just gazed out the window wondering how it had all gone wrong. In spite of his success in completing the Tal Shiar’s objective, the Sub Commander still wondered if it was enough to regain his position as an agent. What’s more, Echal wasn’t sure anything mattered anymore if he couldn’t be a member of the Tal Shiar. Not only that, but the Romulan officer was feeling rather torn regarding Tamir. He had been….kind, and he was never kind. Yet oddly enough, he didn’t want anything from her. She was young enough to be his daughter, and while normally that would be a very good thing, he didn’t feel that way about her. It was a strange, unfamiliar desire to keep her safe and protect her, and the former agent hadn’t felt that way in a very long time.

The last time Govan had felt anything remotely like this had been when he was a young boy in a Romulan orphanage. He and another orphan, a girl several years younger, had formed a close friendship, and he’d tried to take care of and protect her. Unfortunately, she got very ill and was taken away, and he’d been powerless to stop it. Since then, Echal had avoided forming any sort of relationship with those around him, but in spite of his finest efforts, this nurse had gotten through to him.

With a sigh, Sub Commander Echal tried to tell himself that it didn’t matter whether she chose to remain or not and that it might even be best for both of them if she did, but deep down he knew better. In spite of his desire to avoid attachment and his fears that he might not be able to protect her, he wanted Tamir to come with him. He was no longer the weak, helpless orphan boy he’d been. Even though he was faced with no longer being a top agent of the Tal Shiar, he was far from helpless.

Disturbing his thoughts, the doors slid open. “What are you…oh…Tamir…” Govan said, starting to snap at whoever dared interrupt him but stopping when he saw who it was. “I hadn’t expected you quite so quickly,” he added, attempting to sound and appear stoic, but in truth, feeling her fast decision probably meant she was staying.

Nervously fiddling with the strap on the Major’s bag, Tamir carefully placed it on a nearby chair. “You said it was important and might happen fast, so I didn’t think it would be wise to wait long,” the nurse replied quietly. She’d left her belongings in a small, unoccupied office to stay out of the way. The embassy was a mess, and it looked like someone had attacked it recently, which was certainly a scary thought.

Seeing the bag was all she brought, Govan glanced down at the ground, feeling a surge of disappointment, which he tried to hide. “I see you are remaining here. I wish you well. If anyone should try to...well, I mean, if you ever feel threatened...”

Blinking in surprise, Tamir dared to interrupt him. “No, I’m not staying. I’ve decided to go with you,” she replied, trying to read the blank expression that followed. “I…I left my bags in an empty room down the hall. I just didn’t want to be in the way…”

“Oh…” the Sub Commander finally managed to reply, suddenly feeling ridiculous, both for making the assumption, and then for offering his assistance and showing weakness. Finally, he managed to grunt, “Well if that’s what you want, then fine.”

Smiling, Tamir couldn’t help but giggle quietly, which earned her a glare and put an end to her laughter, but Govan no longer scared her. “I’ll just be in the empty office down the hall for now,” the nurse added, trying to put on a straight face but failing miserably. “Just let me know when it’s time for us to leave, and I’ll try to be ready.”

Shrugging in a feigned attempt at indifference, Govan replied, “Whatever,” before turning back to look out the window, cursing to himself under his breath for letting his guard drop like that. Smirking at his show of toughness, when she now knew differently, Tamir turned to leave feeling a strange sort of fondness for Major Echal.

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan listened to Tedaks concerns over Govan. It did seem to fit. The man was more than capable. Nevertheless he was furious.

"Ambassador I suggest you prepare for a diplomatic incident. Commander Vanetti, with me."

Before Saarok or Tyr could respond Magellan had left the Federation Embassy and was pounding across the plaza to the Romulan Embassy.

"I need to see Major Echal. Now" Magellan demanded of Nelon at the front desk.

"I m afraid he is unavailable at present, can I..."

"No you can't" Magellan replied curtly and came round the desk heading to the stairs, Nelon moved to block him but Magellan laid the clerk to the ground with a swift left hook. A pair of Centurions swiftly moved forward their hands dropping to their disruptors they paused as with a swift movement Sharon drew her phaser and motioned for them to stand down. The two guards looked at each other and reluctantly stepped back,

"I hope you know what your doing sir" the Chief of Security commented softly,

Magellan just shrugged, "I ll be alright from here Commander" He trotted up the stairs to be met by Govan who emerged from a doorway to see what the noise was.

"Admiral?"

"You son of a salak" Magellan spat, "You ve over stepped the mark here mister."

"I m not sure I understand" Govan replied coolly aware that the Trill was no match for him.

"Like hell you do. You killed him. This is my STATION and I will not have people thinking they can kill without compunction. Your going to be held to account, I swear to you."

Govan breathed deeply and took a step forward, it showed confidence. "I assure you Admiral I m not sure what you have been told but..."

"Yes yes all lies. Thats all we get from your kind. Lie after lie, duplicity and treachery."

A new voice broke the air,

"That sounds liablous if not racist Admiral" Vebn said as he too appeared,

"I dont give a damn. Your government committed murder on this station and I will not allow it to go unpunished. Major Govan is under arrest."

Vebn shook his head,
"You are out of your depth Admiral. The Sub-commander is on my staff and therefore has diplomatic immunity. You cannot arrest him."

"Like hell I won't." Magellan retorted

"Please Admiral think clearly. This could cause a major incident as it is I will be make a strong condemation of your actions today to the Federation Council. IF Govan did as you said then he has the protection of my Government. Is one man worth a war?"

Magellan snarled to himself knowing full well that the Ambassador was right,

"You can keep your immunity. I won't take this further on one condition."

"Go on" Vebn replied knowing full well Govans position on the station was already compromised proof or not.

"He goes. I dont want him on my station. Pick whoever you want for Security Chief but he leaves here today... now."

Vebn seemed to think about it a moment and then Nodded, "Agreed. The Sun-commander will be reassigend."

Magellan didnt pause to thank the Ambasador but with a venomous glare at Govan stalked from the Embassy.

TAG Govan

Vebn waved his hand dismmissivly,

"Don't worry Govan. I just finishe speaking to the Senate. I have good news. Senator Tal Aurak is very pleased by your work and has arranged a new assignment for you. Assailant is to be the hub of a new tri-fleet alliance, The IRW S'Harien has been commissioned to represent our people. And you have been given command of her."

TAG Govan

Vebn smiled,
"It gets you off the station as Lin wanted but keeps you around just not needle that Trill fool. I d watch him though. You ve made another enemy there. Congratulations Sub-Commander, your have a Valdore Class Warbird at your disposal, do not dissappoint me or Senator Tal Aurak."

TAG Govan, Tyr, Saarok

[Deleted]

The Romulan felt the light probe from the Betazoid, closed his eyes and steeled himself for an invasion which, to his utter surprise never came. He had fully expected Tyr to take advantage of the situation but Tedak had to credit him for not doing so. Which in turn caused Tedak to view him with a little less distrust and hate from now on.

"I'm afraid I don't have any evidence ambassador Tyr," the Romulan replied, "only what I observed and what I was able to overhear. Unfortunately, the embassy does not keep voice records of every conversation, nor is Lily auhtorised to keep them." He looked genuinely guilty and embarassed. "Frankly, I may be branded a traitor for informing you, but since I am already in a bad light for the Empire, and my informing you could in fact prevent an incident, I am taking this risk."

He repeated his words when Lin arrived, then frowned as the Trill admiral stormed off with the security officer in his wake. "I hope he knows what he's doing," he murmured, "Vebn is a very dangerous man, and when cornered..." He looked up. "A trapped cat makes crazy jumps," he finished.

The Romulan laughed it off. "Oh yes, Lin is a force to be reckoned with on his own account, but don't underestimate the Romulan Empire. In particular Ambassador s'Khellian and Major Echal, though I heard he was demoted to sub-commander. I have no verification on that, however. Just what I caught along the line."

Tedak sank down on one of the vacant seats in the fishtank, grabbing the enormous mug of tea the waitress had set down for him. He peared down at the dark brown liquid, then drained it in one swig. "I never met this new Cardassian Legate, but I was befriended with his predecessor, several years ago. Saarok, you might remember him."

His eyes met the Betazoid's. "I don't think you know him. He was a decent man, and he saved my life several times. In fact, he introduced me to my ex-wife T'Val. Without him, I would probably have been killed years ago." His gaze remained fixed on Tyr. "Why didn't you take the opportunity to learn of my secrets?" he suddenly asked, "you had the opportunity, yet you didn't. While I commend you for it, I'm rather surprised as you showed no such restraint the last time."

[Deleted]

Saarok quietly listened to Tedak account of the events leading up to the incident with the Cardassian Legate. It was quite obvious that V'Shal would not be the last hitman or woman that would be given the task of removing the man if the price was high enough or the correct pressure was applied on the correct place. But just as he was about to comment on the issue, Magellan stormed out of the room heading towards the Romulan Embassy. Typycal he thought, no self restraint whatsoever and no logic to see the larger picture here that we have been presented here, he thought. But what has been done is done. Instead of following Magellan, Saarok turned to Tyr.

"How exactly do you propose to make it appear to be an accident when there were quite a few witnesses of the event?", Saarok questioned

<Tag Tyr>

"Now i suggest we leave the explanation of this event to Admiral Lin, as this is his base and he is responsible for the security of it. If and when he fails to resolve the issue with the Cardassians, we can look at the other possibilities.", Saarok said

"As far as the El Aurians go, it is not our place to deal with them at this time, I am sure that Admiral Lin's staff is capable of dealing with them and their ship at this time.", Saarok added

<Tag Tyr>

"Now, I would suggest you stay away from the El Aurians Ambassador", Saarok said to Tedak, "It is quite logical to assume Ambassador Vebn will connect the dots that you have insinuated that Govan is responsible for the incident with the Cardassian Legate, i do not think it is wise to anger him more by aiding those people. And if your word is troubling you, we can arrange something so that it would not be your fault you are unable to assist them... perhaps their ship is deemed a threat to this base and they are considered terrorists? That would quite nicely remove the problem from your hands Ambassador"; Saarok said to Tedak

<Tag Tedak>

[Deleted]

As the Federation Admiral turned to leave the Romulan embassy, sending a pointed glare back in his direction, Govan resisted the urge to smirk in triumph and instead kept his stoic visage firmly in place, with the exception of a very slight upturn of the corner of his mouth that he couldn’t manage to control. It didn’t matter that he had to leave Assailant. The Sub Commander had never even wanted to be here in the first place and was already completely ready to leave, so it was Govan: 1, Lin: 0 by his count. Things were finally, FINALLY beginning to go Echal’s way once again.

"Don't worry Govan. I just finished speaking to the Senate. I have good news. Senator Tal Aurak is very pleased by your work and has arranged a new assignment for you. Assailant is to be the hub of a new tri-fleet alliance. The IRW S'Harien has been commissioned to represent our people. And you have been given command of her."

Blinking at Vebn, his expression unintentionally blank, Govan didn’t know what to say. “What...?” he finally managed to ask, disbelief clear in his voice and now on his face.

"It gets you off the station as Lin wanted but keeps you around just not needle that Trill fool. I’d watch him though. You’ve made another enemy there. Congratulations Sub Commander. You have a Valdore Class Warbird at your disposal; don’t disappoint me or Senator Tal Aurak," the Ambassador cautioned, but Echal barely heard him.

Fighting very hard to keep a grin from breaking out across his face, Govan bit the inside of his lip to help and in an almost calm voice replied, “I won’t. If you’ll excuse me, Ambassador, I believe it is best if I made my departure as soon as possible.”

Just barely managing to stop himself from thanking Vebn, Sub Commander Echal turned and headed for his office. Only when alone did he allow a smile of disbelief to spread across his face. A Commander...he was a Commander now...his very own ship... The joy faded sharply, as he suddenly realized that Vebn had said nothing of being reinstated as Tal Shiar. With a heavy sigh, Govan sunk into a nearby chair and tried to comprehend what it really meant and how it would actually affect him.

On one hand, losing his status as an agent also meant losing a great deal of power and respect, which came automatically with the title. It also meant letting go of how he identified himself and what he’d wanted since childhood. On the other hand, an agent was rarely granted command of his own vessel. While they had the power to commandeer any ship necessary to complete their mission, permanent commands were rare and only granted to those who reached a certain status within specific divisions of the Tal Shiar. As an interrogator, Govan had long since reached the top, but that hadn’t bothered him. He’d loved his job and happily enjoyed his success.

Now, a new opportunity presented itself, and while the sting of loss and demotion still hurt, the Sub Commander decided that it would be best to make the most of this chance he had received. Perhaps this position would offer him the occasion to once again conduct an interrogation at some point, and if he was successful enough in his command, he might eventually regain his full reputation and status as an agent. Deciding this assignment was satisfactory at the worst, Govan rose from his chair, retrieved his bag, and moved to tell Tamir the ‘good news.’ The time had come to go.