5.3 The Agony of Utopia

[Felix Savali]

Felix was going around his usual business when the issue of the dead Cardassian Legate reached him. As he was about to check into the matter, Magellan decided to deal with that issue himself. So Felix at least did not need to worry about having another entertaining discussion wit the Cardassians again. Those people definitely sometimes got up his nerves, always so confident and pompous. He did not like dealing with them one bit. As he shook the thought of cardassians from his mind, another report crossed his desk. It would appear that there was a suspicious ship docked at the station and the inspection conducted by the port authorities deemed the ship derilict and a danger to the station and its crew. He reviewed if anyone had come on board the station from the vessel and determined there were two individuals on board.

=/\=Savali to security=/\=

=/\=Go ahead sir=/\=

=/\=Bring the people who boarded the station from the newly arrived ship deemed derelict by the port authorities to my office, i do believe their names are Timor and Selene=/\=

=/\=Understood sir, we will bring them to you ASAP, security out=/\=

Some 15 minutes later there was a chime at his door and on the the security officers entered.

"Sir we have brought the two individuals you requested", the Lieutenant said

"Thank you", Felix said, "Send them in"

A few moments later the two newcomers entered his office.

"Now then, please take a seat"; he said

<Tag Timor/Selene>

"I assume you have been notified that your ship would be inspected by port authorities to determine if ti posed a risk for both you or this station?", Felix questioned

<Tag Timor/Selene>

"Well it was deemd dangerous and I am affraid it will have to be impounded and everybody on board will have to vacate it, for both your safety and ours", he said

<Tag Timor/Selene>

"I am afraid there is nothing that can be done about that, your ship could explode and cause damage to both you and this station and that can not be allowed and on the other hand we can not allow you to depart with it from here as now that you have docked here if something would happen to you, say the ship exploded which would eventually happen and another ship was in the vicinity when it occurred you could damage it or even destroy it and this can not be allowed to happen.", he said

<Tag Timor/Selene>

[Magellan Lin]

It was to be expected, the only surprise was that it hadnt happened sooner, Starfleet had caught up with them and now they had to face the music. Timor and Selene instead of returning directly to the ship made their way to see the Commodore who has summoned them.

"Now then, please take a seat"; he said

"Thank you" Timor replied for them both.

"I assume you have been notified that your ship would be inspected by port authorities to determine if ti posed a risk for both you or this station?", Felix questioned

"We guessed as much, our engineer warned me when we left our last port that we had problems. I was hoping it would prove terminal for awhile we are very nearly at our destination and short on time"

"Well it was deemd dangerous and I am affraid it will have to be impounded and everybody on board will have to vacate it, for both your safety and ours", he said

Selene looked at Timor and put on her best pleading face,
"Is there no way you can just let us leave. We mean no one harm, just pretend you havenet seen us?"

"I am afraid there is nothing that can be done about that, your ship could explode and cause damage to both you and this station and that can not be allowed and on the other hand we can not allow you to depart with it from here as now that you have docked here if something would happen to you, say the ship exploded which would eventually happen and another ship was in the vicinity when it occurred you could damage it or even destroy it and this can not be allowed to happen.", he said

"We understand" Timor replied with a resigned look, "We had guessed as much but had to try. We cannot afford another ship and really are stuck."

"We dont want to be a burden" Selene added "We just want to be on our way. No trouble to anyone"

Timor looked at Felix,
"We have approached Ambassador Tedak for help. He has agreed to help us find a new vessel to get us to our destination. I suppose we must impress upon him that it has now become imperative. Thank you Commodore for your frankness, do you have space for us on teh station, we cannot pay?"

TAG Felix

After leaving the Commodore Selene was sent back to the ship to pack up the refugees and get them moved out. Timor instead went to a comm terminal and put in a call to Tedak.

"Ambassador. Our need is great Starfleet have just impounded our vessel. We really appreciate your aid in this matter. Can you get us a vessel?"

TAG Tedak

[Deleted]

=^=Ambassador. Our need is great Starfleet have just impounded our vessel. We really appreciate your aid in this matter. Can you get us a vessel?=^=

Tedak glanced from Saarok to Tyr, then back to Saarok. "Meet me in my quarters in two hours," he replied quietly, "I'll do what I can. I made you a promise, and my allies will confirm to you that I always keep my promises." His gaze never left Saarok, who knew better than anyone that the Romulan's words were true. True, insofar as Tedak was allowed/able to keep his promises, of course.

He offered both Federation ambassadors a light bow. "Excuse me gentlemen, I have work to do. We shall meet again later?" The Romulan turned on his heels, his robes rustling about his tall frame as he stalked away, as regally as was possible under the circumstances.

Head held hight, an almost haughty expression on his face, he strode past station crew, civillians and other junior diplomats, as well as station visitors. Within minutes, he entered a transporter room. "Lily, if anyone is looking for me, I have gone to meet with Elder Ji'zhan, on Qualinost." He nodded towards the chief, who then transported him down to the planet.

Again, a few minutes later, he stood in the Debrune's office. "Ambassador, I am in need of your assistance," he started formally, after offering a traditional greeting. "I have on Assailant an El-Aurian vessel that has been impounded. Two El-Aurians have come to me, requesting my aid. They are in dire need of transportation, food and clothing." Quietly, he explained what he was planning.

"I have no vessel to offer them; my own personal vessel cannot harbour fifty refugees. My own government has denied my assistance and the federation won't assist either. Both governments are washing their hands of innocent people who just want to return home. I implore you ambassador, help me. Help me fulfil a promise made."

(Ji'Zhan?)

[Deleted]

“Quack.”
This caused a shifting of weight beside him, and a faint mumble that sounds something like “Wha…?”
“Quack.” He repeated, slightly more decisively.
This time the bed moved considerably around him, causing him to involuntarily roll closer to the middle of the bed, and with it, Nahi.
“What are you going on about?” She asked, her voice arching, an edge creeping into it even.
“Quack. I’m a duck. Well, a lame duck. I can’t write about anything because of that damned injunction, and yet there is murder, whitewashing, all kinds of juicy stuff going on that would boost anyone’s career.” As he spoke, the bitterness infected his words.
“Aiken, last time I knew you, you were an honest reporter. I honestly don’t understand what happened.”

The angosian paused, and tried to recall just how it was he’d managed to end up back in bed with just about the only woman who really knew him. At least, knew his brain and not purely his body anyway. Just a week ago she was still refusing to talk to him, and yet now.. He decided not to question his luck, certainly when he wasn’t getting much of it.

“The world changed.” He offered.
“No, you changed. And now that you’re not able to write, and dirty the universe with your words, you’re changing back.”
Aiken started to making a contemptuous gesture, but stopped himself halfway. Maybe she was right, maybe now that he was being forced into nothing more glamorous than shop-keeping, he was becoming a nicer person. Maybe… Maybe that’s why he’d managed to get her back. Or at least, get her back into bed. He reflected that actually it had never been much of a challenge to do that before.
“Maybe,” he conceded.

The previous day he’d been sat, bored out of his skull in the small salesroom that was owned by his boss. He didn’t really know who his boss was, but he managed to get his hands on starships, shuttles and all other many of craft, and it was Aiken’s job to sell them. As it had been for almost six months now, ever since Retiarius Tyr had placed the injunction against him. He was just pondering closing up and going for a long lunch when three down on their luck humanoids walked in.

“What can I do you for?” He asked with a grin. His grin faded quickly as they explained their plight, and he realised that they couldn’t afford even the most meagre of vessels. He soon moved them on their way, and headed off for lunch.

Today however, if the rumours were to be believed, maybe he could sell them the vessel after all. It would just be through a third party. He stepped into one of the comm booths just outside the Fish Tank, and tapped in Ambassador Tedak’s name.

=/\= Ambassador, we might be able to come to an arrangement over a ship for those poor refugees. =/\=

He knew it would be a long shot, and his boss certainly wouldn’t be happy, but if he could provide a vessel for these refugees, then he would start to regain favour, and if he could get enough, then maybe he could manoeuvre to get his injunction removed.

[Deleted]

The Debrune Elder looked almost apologetic as he slowly shook his head. "I'm sorry ambassador, however much I would want to help you, I cannot." He turned his back towards the Romulan and walked around the desk, sinking down into his seat, turning back to face the foreign diplomat. "I am truly sorry, but we do not wish to cause an incident between the Romulan Empire and the Federation. Our alliance is walking a fine line as it is, and I cannot risk my people over this."

Trembling with held back fury, Tedak faced the Debrune, purposefully clasping his hands behind his back as he regarded the other man stoically, his mental shields fully raised so that Ji'Zhan could get no reading on him, on his feelings or his thoughts. "So be it. Good day elder, and thank you for your time." He signaled the starbase to transport him back as soon as he had left the building, then stalked out without offering further greeting or goodbye.

Upon return to his office, he was promptly paged by one of the resident reporters. =/\= Ambassador, we might be able to come to an arrangement over a ship for those poor refugees. =/\=

"Where are you now?" the Romulan demanded immediately, "I'll meet you there as soon as possible." He had barely received an answer or he had already marched out of his office, quickly snapping an order at Nelon, informing him he'd be out of office for the remainder of the day and the evening. Several minutes later, he stood face to face with the reporter.

"What do you want in return for the vessel?" he spoke softly, though demanding. "They can offer you no payment, nor am I authorised to broker a trade agreement. My government, nor the Federation are willing to offer funds in return for a vessel."

As he sat, the Romulan listened carefully. "I will need access to the vessel immediately," he added as in afterthought, "they are in dire need and need to leave as soon as possible. What can you arrange, and as I already stated, what do you want in return?"

[Deleted]

Tyr simply shrugged off Tedak's question.

"I didn't need to know what was in your subconscious, and I assure you, I'm not a barbarian, just a patriot, who will use his powers to protect his home" he replied, leaving no ambiguity as to his capabilities should the need arise. Never the less, the Romulan had earned some trust with him now, showing an openness and honsety rare for his species, possibly making him a valuable asset for the Federation. He also failed to see the point in arresting Admiral Lin's fury, preferring instead to simply sit back and watch the blunt assault against Govan, hoping it would do more damage than anything his subtlety could manage, Saarok's voice brought him back to earth.

"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

"There were only a handful of direct witnesses" Tyr explained "All of them the Cardassian aides. They might be open to persuasion of certain means. Everything else could be put down to hearsay and rumours"

"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

"As you wish sir, but irrespective, I may speak to the Cardassian delegation, simply for my own peace of mind" He nodded and departed, a plan already formulating in his mind. He knew that the Cardassians would be being held by security until the crisis had passed, and so he had a brief window. He tapped his communicator.

"Tyr to security, could you please place the Cardassian delegation in conference room three, I'll be along to brief them on the situation soon"

"Of course ambassador" came the reply, putting the first step of the plan in motion. Now all he had to do was make a quick detour to sickbay.

~A short while late~

Tyr approached conference room three, where a security officer stood on post outside. Tyr approached him smiling.

"Ensign, do you have men inside with the delegation?"

"Yes sir, one man only"

"Well, call him and then you're relieved" Tyr said, putting on a tone that would not brook any protestations "I think we can all do without the antagonism"

He waited pointedly until the security officers had left before activating a security console. He used his intelligence command codes to override the safety protocols and to release anaesthezine gas into the conference room, giving it a few minutes to permeate and sedate the men within. Cleansing the atmosphere, he entered to the sign of half a dozen Cardassian military officers slumped over the table and floor. He opened his mind, and reached into the those of the Cardassians, twisting and contorting their memories, turning it into a blur of light and movement, so that they could no longer see what had happened. He then focused on one man in particular, sending a wave of his own clear voice into the man's head.

"You saw it, you saw the sparking power conduit before it blew, it was only for a second, but you saw it. You didn't react, you were scared, and now you're ashamed, ashamed that you didn't do something. You're so sorry" He withdrew his mind, his work done. He had turned the only eye witnesses into his pawns, and now he had levelled the playing field. When each of the men awoke they would have a clear memory of the reticent ambassador Tyr apologising profusely over the Legate's senseless death, and assuring an investigation would be launched over who had negligently failed to perform the correct maintenance. Some were satisfied, others weren't, but the result was nonetheless the same.

"Tyr to Ibram, have those press releases been prepared yet?"

"Yes sir, just as you asked, one stating the death to be an accident, the other calling it murder. There are some technical details which need filling in though"

"Alright, forward the accident story to Admiral Lin's office, and arrange a meeting with him and Commodore Savali in thirty minutes. Send the other to the desk of that former hack, what's his name, Drolar. Add a personal note from me, tell him the injuction is lifted. Make sure the report doesn't say that the release is from the DCS, and wipe the computer records of it being sent, and the file itself"

<TAG Lin, Savali and Drolar>

[Deleted]

“What do you want in return for the vessel?” the romulan spoke softly, though demanding. “They can offer you no payment, nor am I authorised to broker a trade agreement. My government, nor the Federation are willing to offer funds in return for a vessel.”

Leaning back in his seat, Aiken smiled accommodatingly at the ambassador with whom he’d had so many arguments in the past. He considered his argument, but decided to start off with the details of the vessel itself. Truth be told, it was a heap of rubbish, but if what he had heard was true, then the El Aurians wouldn’t be needing it for all that long anyway.

As Aiken laid out the details, the ambassador listened carefully. “I will need access to the vessel immediately,” he added as an afterthought, “they are in dire need and need to leave as soon as possible. What can you arrange, and as I already stated, what do you want in return?”

“They can have the vessel in just over 3 days, which is the minimum time required to process all the paperwork and registration documents. And all I want in return is your acceptance that you owe me a favour. I’m a man down on my luck at the moment, and while money is great, a bit of ambassadorial clout next time I need it would be handy. Nothing that would taint you, of course.” He added as a conciliatory gesture.

As he was talking, his personal organiser had bleeped quietly at him. Taking the opportunity while the ambassador was considering the offer to glance through it, Aiken’s eyes widened significantly. From somewhere, although it didn’t take a genius to work out where, he had just received a short, factual report detailing the murder of the Cardassian legate.

He looked up at the Romulan in front of him and wondered just how much he knew about it. Quickly, he closed the file again and rose his eyebrow at Tedak. “So is that agreeable?”

[Magellan Lin]

Having calmed down Magellan found himself back in his office. He should have controlled himself better. He knew that, he also knew Vebn would make much of his outburst. Still at least Govan was gone. He had never trusted the man not since his arrival on the Jefferson.

His console bleeped as a report from Tyr appeared as usual the diplomatic aide had managed to surpass himself in arranging a cover up. To the general public the Legates death was a tragic death and to the Cardassians... well Saarok would help soothe them. Tyr had even thought to try and get the press on his side, but knowing Aiken as he did Magellan thought that the reporter would write the story he wanted not the one Tyr might.

A second report came from Felix. He had impounded the El-Aurian refugee ship, citing it as unsound. He reviewed Alaris analysis and agreed that the ship could'nt continue. Felix had also tagged the document to refer to another file. An edict by the Federation Council. Magellan read it with interest and then sighed heavily. Another problem. He leaned over and tapped his comm to Zoilip,

"Commander have the El-Aurians come and see me. And have Savali and Vanetti put round the clock survelliance on them. I want to know how many there are and their ages."

"Aye Sir"

Within the hour the first reports began to come in and Sharon stood before him.

"I thought you would like to know. I ve located their leaders, Timor and Selene. Once I had their id's I back tracked their movements during the day. They spent sometime with Ambassador Tedak."

"I see. Thank you Commander" Magellan replied, wondering how the Romulan fitted into the picture.

[Deleted]

It wouldn't taint him...Tedak frowned at the mention of that. In the past, favours owed had come back to bite him, badly at that. Though he couldn't think off-hand at an instance where they had, he was very certain it had happened, on more than one occasion. Plus, he still owed several people several favours, including the starbase commanding officer. Of that, he was also very certain and if he didn't, he just told himself he did, just to remain on good foot with the Trill admiral.

"If I have your reassurance and your vow that it will not taint me, then we have a deal Mr Drolar," he finally responded after a long silence. "We will seal the deal after I have spoken with the El-Aurians, agreed? I will meet you back here in an hour with their answer and then we shall sign the agreement."

Now it was his turn to wait for an answer and once he did, he walked out of the Fishtank and searched for the El-Aurians. He found them just as they were to enter OPS. "Wait!" he called to them, breaking into a slight run to catch up.

As he reached them, he hesitated briefly as technically he wasn't welcome on OPS. However, since they seemed to have been summoned, and they were technically under his care at the moment, he walked with them. "I have found you a ship," he told them, "I will likely end up in trouble over this with Starfleet and my own government, but I have found you a spaceworthy vessel that will at least get you where you want to go. The ship won't last forever but should long enough for you to reach your goal. I am meeting with the supplyer of the vessel in an hour, so I'll need your answer fast to finish arrangements."

The three of them walked into Lin's office, where Tedak held himself on the background at a respectable distance so the two could converse with Lin without him literally overhearing their conversation. Yet he did keep his eyes fixed on Lin, trying to read his personal mood. Dinas was nowhere to be seen and for once Tedak regretted having left his own duo behind. He knew Sev to be on Qualinost, chasing a Queen in her mating flight. He had no idea where Nut was hiding; it was entirely possible the brown was with T'Val, who was grieving over the loss of her green Yade.

Additionally, he also for once regretted that he was no empath or telepath, as it would've helped him greatly in assessing the Trill's mood. As it was, he only had the man's expression to go on, and that didn't bode well.

[Deleted]

Tyr entered ops, smiling at the officers who millled around the base's command centre, and moved off to one side to enter Admiral Lin's ready room. He chimed the door and waited to be invited in, moving through the door and nodding curtly to the Trill Admiral. He had no cause for pretence with the man, not only because he had deemed him trustworthy, but because Lin had already sussed him out as a spy before he had come clean to him a little under a month ago. He took a seat on the exceptionally comfortable sofa that graced the office, spending a moment entirely entranced with how deep he had managed to sink into it's plump cushions. He snapped himself back to his reality, smiling upwards at the Admiral.

"I'm sorry to drop in on you like this Admiral, but when needs must" He shrugged "I trust that you received my report about the tragic accident that led to the Legate's death" He paused, knowing full well that the Admiral was certain it was no accident, but pressed on anyway.
"That is the report that I'm going to release as an official statement in an hour or so's time, once I've tweaked some of the security records. The Cardassian entourage have been sufficiently, convinced, that this version of events is true, and so the only eye witnesses are on our side. I've also set works in motion to ensure that all the talks of assassinations are considered as malicious rumour mongering. Heads wil roll, but none so valuable as to arouse the Cardassians and Romulans to war" He stopped for a breath, and looked square into the Admiral's eyes.
"Can I ask what happened with Govan? Do I need to prepare some sort of counter strike?"

<TAG Admiral Lin>

Tyr nodded.
"I'll notify you when I arrange the press conference, I think that a joint front of diplomatic and Starfleet staff might make the offer of condolences look a little more real. I'm going to invite other diplomatic men from the major powers to come and give their condolences. Big show, lot's of sympathy" He grinned to himself, PR and propoganda had been one of his specialties during intelligence training, and he hadn't forgetten how to spin a good yarn.
"Do you need anything else Admiral?"

<TAG Admiral Lin>

Tyr left the office and immediately returned to the DCS wing, notably the area sealed off after the attack. Using a subtle combination of authority and guarded threats, he gained entry, as well a five minute reprieve from the otherwise staunch dutiful watch of the security officers. He found the junction where the attack had taken place and set to work. Using a bipolar torch, a low yield plasma charge, and a little rewiring, he managed to simulate the damage that would have been done by a plasma conduit explosion, and made it look like the fault of an engineer. When a full investigation was launched he knew that this would do some serious damage to the career of whichever engineer held responsibility for this station, but it was better than hundreds of Galor and D'deridex warships playing British bulldogs over Qualinost. The sensor logs had already been ammended, near flawlessly by a cryptography officer, so that everything tallied. The plasma wound on the Legate's chest could be explained away by the explosion, and the dose of thoron radiation Tyr had had a nurse he was blackmailing pump into the Cardassian's chest would make any serious spectral analysis difficult at best. Everything was sorted, just the way he needed it to be. He returned to his office, and opened his communications juncture.

"Ambassador Tyr to all members of the FUP, Starfleet Service Gazette, Klingon, Cardassian, Romulan, and all non-memer races news delegations, and to the Debrune Planetary affairs office. A press conference is hearby arranged for 15:30 hours in order for an official response to be presented as to the death of the Cardassian Legate this morning. The conference will take place in Conference Hall 2 on deck 12. All parties notified are expected to attend" He closed the comm channel. The last part had been largely unnecessary, given that no self respecting reporter would pass up a story like this. He also expected that some of the lesser tabloid hacks would also be in attendance, but he wasn't bothered. The more the merrier.

"Lily, send a message to all the diplomatic embassies on Assailant, except for the Romulan one. Notify them of the time and location, and that their attendance is expected to offer their governments condolences and sympathy to the Cardassian's and the Legate's family. Put it on a priority two channel" He added, ensuring that it would reach them in suitable time.

"Tyr to Ambassador Tedak. There's a press conference arranged for one hour in conference hall 2 in order to give an official response to the Legate's death. I would appreciate it if you could attend as the Romulan delegate. Seeing as Vebn undoubtedly ordered the hit, I have a feeling that he would only make the PR job so south"

<TAG Tedak>

"Tyr to Commodore Savali. I need you to begin an enquiry as to which engineering crew was responsible for the maintenance at junction EC 35 Delta. There's a press conference in an hour, and it would be good for us to report how the investigation is progressing. Can you attend?"

<TAG Commodore Savali>

~About an hour later~

The chronometer over the podium showed the time to be 15:27, and the hall was already packed to bursting, with over two hundred varied reporters, camera operators and notables clogging the front of the hall. The ante room fared no better, with a mixture of Starfleet and diplomats from all areas of the quadrant crowding around, most of them shaking the hands of the senior Cardassian delegates who he had invited along. Tyr moved over and gestured to Lin to speak with him privately, drawing him away from the Caitian ambassador.

"I'm going to take everyone on stage now" he whispered amid the hubub "I think the running order will go you, me, the Cardassian delegate, and then Commodore Savali to give an update on the investigation of negligence. After that about two minutes for questions, and then pulic condolences and sympathy can be given by the rest of the ambassadors"

He moved across to the door.

"Ladies and gentlemen, and all those indeterminate, if you would like to follow me and take seats on the stage"

<TAG All>

[Felix Savali]

Felix was not pleased at all with the direction in which this matter was progressing. What investigation and what accident. There was no accident and now someone wants to blame an engineering crew for something that was no accident. Well he sure as hell wasn't going to go along with this. He is not going to wreck some poor engineers life in order to cover up something that has clearly been an assassination. And he knew just who could help him out.

=/\=Savali to Ambassador Saarok=/\=

=/\=Saarok here, go ahead=/\=

=/\=I need to see you before the press conference. Can you meet me in 10 minutes=/\=

=/\=I do believe i can find the time Commodore, i will meet you in my office, Saarok out=/\=

After arranging a meeting with Saarok, Felix threw the padds he was going over on his desk and then departed from his office. The El Aurian refugees could wait, first he had an engineering crew to save. After a short trip he finally arrived to the Federation embassy. After dealing with some of the security at the entrance he finally reached Ambassador Saaroks office. He notified the man's secretary he had a meeting and a few moments later she informed him he could enter.

"Ambassador, thank you for seeing me", Felix said

"It was only logical that i will have time to see Starfleet flag officers commdore", Saarok responded

"Now what can I do for you?", Saarok questioned

"Well it would seem that Mr. Tyr has been arranging things regarding the murder of the Cardassian Legate so that it would appear to be an accident and which eventually should come down crashing on the back of an innocent engineering crew who was in charge of maintenance of said junction if not even their boss which could possibly lead up to the base CEO as being responsible, you know how the Cardassian are", he said

"I see"; Saarok said

"Now what I am asking from you is to help me protect the innocent people, i do not believe it was a good idea at all to protect the Romulans from the wraith of the Cardassians in the first place, they do tend to be too cocky at times.", Felix said

"And do you have a logical alternative to this proposal by Mr. Tyr", Saarok questioned, as he himself was opposed to this idea from Mr. Tyr in the first place, in fact he told Tyr specifically to lay of the issue. It would have been much better for the federation if the romulans and Cardassian entered a war which would then exhaust both sides and make them easier to control

"As a matter of fact i do, why don't we make mr. Tyr the guilty party for the accident.", Felix said

"An interesting suggestion Commodore, and how do you propose we do this?", Saarok questioned

"Let's say i say i ran an investigation, we produce a few false reports here and there and make it look like mr. Tyr was trying to repair his replicator and due to his inexperience accidentally rerouted the replicator power to a conduit that was link to that junction and by accident caused an overload.", Felix said

"Seeing it is his plan and that he really isn't a diplomat at all, i doubt he'll suffer as much as an engineer might for being guilty of this.", Felix said

"Interesting proposal", Saarok said, "I agree with you, you are free to undertake this operation, however be advised that Mr. Tyr will not be very happy", Saarok said

"Well tough luck, he started this in the first place and i am not about to let one of my people go down for his silly games", Felix said, "Thank you for your time Ambassador"

After he departed from Saarok's office, he went around to arranged the reports. After calling in a few favors he and an hour and a half later, he had everything ready for the conference.

--At the conference--

After the usual speeches about being sorry for the loss of life and everything related to it, Felix was finally called to give his report on the investigation.

"After a thorough investigation conducted by the JAG and the FCIS we have determined that the fault for this incident lies in the unskilled hands of Ambassador Retarius Tyr who while attempting to fix his replicator in order to make breakfast has accidentally short circuited one of the power conduits which in turn caused a power surge that killed the Cardassian Legate."

<tag all>

[Deleted]

After Admiral Lin had made his speech, Tyr stepped forward to the podium. He smoothed his jacket over the DCS insignia, and took a small sip of the water that lay on the stand before him. He cleared his throat.

"Members of the news corps of this quadrant, I thank you for your attendance on such short notice. I know that many of you have important business to be about" He paused for a moment, allowing his moment of ego stroking to settle in. He continued.
"Approximately six hours ago, there was a a tragic overload in one of the subsidiary power conduits in the area of the DCS main building, not too far from the Cardassian embassy. This overload caused an explosion of plasmic energy, which in turn led to the fatal injuries of the Cardassian Legate Damok, the senior most representative of the Cardassian Union here on Starbase Assailant. No others were hurt during the explosion" Again, a pause for effect.
"At this time, I would like to express to the Cardassian people, and to Legate Damok's family in particular the utmost sympathy and condolences of the United Federation of Planets. Such a terrible waste of life, especially in such a notable and respected man is to be commiserated, and we willingly offer any aid and assistance to the Cardassian government in this clear time of trouble" Hands and questions shot up from the pit before him, but Tyr silenced them with a wave.
"Before we begin questioning, Commodore Savali will give a brief report as to how the investigation into the accident is progressing, and then a short time will be allotted for questions. Commodore"

Tyr ceded the podium to the flag officer, taking his place amongst the gathered dignitaries. He hoped Savali wouldn't go to overboard and make it look like the case had been resolved already in the space of six hours. One of the key aspects of a good cover up was a look of loss and confusion, and the slow trickle of information.

"After a thorough investigation conducted by the JAG and the FCIS we have determined that the fault for this incident lies in the unskilled hands of Ambassador Retarius Tyr who while attempting to fix his replicator in order to make breakfast has accidentally short circuited one of the power conduits which in turn caused a power surge that killed the Cardassian Legate."

Tyr's blood ran cold, he could feel the assembled eyes of all the press and ambassadorial staff on him. Savali had nailed him, vigorously, and had offered him no warning of his unprecedented plan of attack. Boiling anger welled up inside him, and it took all his years of self discipline and restraint to hold him back. Savali had retaken his seat, and no-one else had moved. This revelation had blatantly interrupted the running order of the plan. He stood, and made his way to the podium, the utter silence of the crowd beginning to faze him.

"I...I..." he began, before the torrent was let loose.

"Ambassador, Lora Kal, Starfleet Service Gazette. Were you aware of these facts before your previous address?"

"No, I was no.."

"Ambassador, Salmek Drelvir, Romulan Correspondency, how does it feel to have given intergalactic relations a black eye?"

"Ambassador, K'Jol of the Klingon Reporting Group, are you aware of the extent of the damage done to Federation-Cardassian relations?"

The questions came thick and fast, and Tyr new better than to start a fight on his own behalf.

"Ladies and gentlemen" he spoke briefly "I am afraid I need to consult with my colleagues, Ambassador Saarok will answer further questions"

He ducked off stage and back into the ante room, followed by Lin, Savali and Tedak, as well as the security officers who guarded the Admiral. The second the doors shut, Tyr turned around, and then without a hint of warning swung his right fist in a well trained cross straight at Savali's face. It his with a sickening thud and crack, sending the Commodore sprawling to the floor, blood spurting from where his teeth had been. The two security officers bounded forwards to subdue him, but witha few deftly placed punches and kicks he sent both back crumpled against the walls. He reached in his jacket for his phaser when Lin dismissed them, preventing a further escalation.

"YOU BLOODY FOOL!" Tyr yelled at the top of his voice, staring down at the shocked officer "Do you know what you've done? Now the Cardassians have a reason to come looking to us for revenge. If you'd have done as I'd asked, we could have dragged the investigation around for months, and never even reached a damn conclusion. Or at the worst someone would have got a slap on the wrist. But no, it's like you were trying to create a war. Oh but you bigshot fleet boys would like that wouldn't you? A chance to flex your muscles and show just what effective leaders you are. Without people like me, there would be wars every five minutes, Cardassian and Romulan, Cardassian and Federation, Federation and Romulan. We keep the galactic order in check so that the Federation doesn't have to think you're all heroes, and so that they don't have to count the dead. And when it does hit the fan, we provide you with what you need to know so you can win. Without us you'd be defencless, groping in the dark. And one day soon, you're going to realise the Fleet needs Intelligence a lot more than Intelligence needs Fleet" He finished his tirade and turned on Lin.

"I'm going to get straight on the line with the Deputy Chief of Starfleet Intelligence and try and salvage what I can of my last 16 years of service to the Federation, and of the relevant Cardassian neutrality to us. I assure you sir, Command is going to hear about this, and I am not going to forget it easily"

<TAG Lin and Savali>

"Please walk with me Ambassador" He addressed Tedak as he left the room. They stalked through the lesser used service corridors of the station, trying to avoid anyone who might start a fuss.

"You're former Tal Shiar" He stated to Tedak "Did you ever meet an idiot in your fleet who thought he could survive easily without you?"

<TAG Tedak>

"I'll get Savali for this" Tyr muttered angrily "If he provokes a conflict for the Federation when we're not ready for it, or if we now get drawn further into the instability of this sector..." He trailed off.
"None of us, no matter how much we may think we are, are ready for another galactic war, but that's what is coming if us, the cloak and dagger men can't stop it. And so help me, with the way tempers are at the moment, and with the risk of so many civil wars, I fear what's coming could be even worse than the Dominion" They stopped, they had reached the DCS building.
"Please inform Saarok that he needs to appease the Cardassians over this, no matter what. Tell him he can even offer my extradition if that's what they want, but he has to stop this before it begins" He looked into the Romulan's eyes.
"We're not ready for what's coming, but by God we need to be"

<TAG Tedak>

He moved himself quietly into his office and sat down, exhaling heavily.

"Lily, are you fully programmed with Starfleet Intelligence protocols?"

"Affirmative"

"Then activate privacy mode and seal all entrances to this room, initiate Intelligence Emergency Protocol 911 Alpha, and open a level one encryted channel to Starfleet Intellgence Headquarters"

[Deleted]

"Tyr to Ambassador Tedak. There's a press conference arranged for one hour in conference hall 2 in order to give an official response to the Legate's death. I would appreciate it if you could attend as the Romulan delegate. Seeing as Vebn undoubtedly ordered the hit, I have a feeling that he would only make the PR job so south"

“I'll attend ambassador,” Tedak replied formally, knowing the Betazoid was correct in assuming that Vebn would not attend the conference, even though he would no doubt be angered if not infuriated if he learned he had not been invited. The Romulan shrugged to himself, thinking that perhaps Vebn should learn to be a little more open-minded and appearing more trustworthy towards others. Aside from that, Tedak had no doubt that Vebn was in fact somewhere responsible for this, even if he himself probably would never be told.

“Please excuse me admiral,” he politely told the Trill as he stepped forward from the back of the office. “Selene, Timor, please meet with me in the morning, then we shall finalise your travel arrangements and permits.”

~later~

Tedak listened, along with everyone else to Tyr's speech. There wasn't much he hadn't already guessed since he knew Tyr wasn't exactly who he appeared to be, much like Saarok was. Yet he was in no way prepared for what was to come next.

"After a thorough investigation conducted by the JAG and the FCIS we have determined that the fault for this incident lies in the unskilled hands of Ambassador Retarius Tyr who while attempting to fix his replicator in order to make breakfast has accidentally short circuited one of the power conduits which in turn caused a power surge that killed the Cardassian Legate."

The Romulan diplomat sat frozen, staring pointedly at the Betazoid diplomat. Yes, the ambassador was many things, but certainly not an assassin? However innocent this might turn out to look, or how convenient. No, Tedak was very certain the ambassador was being framed for the murder. After following Tyr, Saarok and Lin to an anteroom, he lowered himself in a comfortable chair, resting his hands in his lap as he waited for the explosion to come from either Lin, or Savali.

He rose to his feet to defend the man he usually deemed his enemy when Tyr himself launched a counter-attack against Savali, decking him with a single punch, then fighting off two security officers in rapid succession. He raised his hands, showing he had no intention of harming the diplomat, then finished the movement of getting up.

"YOU BLOODY FOOL!"

“Ambassador, restrain yourself before the admiral has you arrested for striking a superior officer.” The Romulan remembered a time when he had been in this position, right after he had delivered a nice left hook to the Trill's jaw. He'd gotten off lightly and with a warning, despite diplomatic immunity. “Don't give them any more reason to believe this hoax. We are above this.” He physically restrained the Betazoid, his mental shields on full just in case the younger man decided to lash out telepathically.

He was shrugged off almost immediately, but the attack never came, fortunately.

"Please walk with me Ambassador" He addressed Tedak as he left the room. They stalked through the lesser used service corridors of the station, trying to avoid anyone who might start a fuss.

"You're former Tal Shiar" He stated to Tedak "Did you ever meet an idiot in your fleet who thought he could survive easily without you?"

The Romulan walked with him, albeit somewhat reluctantly since he had no real desire to be alone with the infuriated Betazoid operative. “I have met my share of idiots ambassador,” he replied carefully, “and occasionally I believe I may have been said idiot myself. However I do not believe myself to be irreplacable, in fact I have been replaced as you have witnessed several months ago. I used to be the senior Romulan representative, and look who replaced me.”

He spoke carefully, his voice low so that none other than Tyr could hear him. To say it out loud and risk being overheard could cost him his life as it could be considered treason. “You're a survivor Retiarius, just like me. I believe you to be many things, but a murderer I do not believe that you are. On this, you have my support, for once.”

"I'll get Savali for this" Tyr muttered angrily "If he provokes a conflict for the Federation when we're not ready for it, or if we now get drawn further into the instability of this sector..." He trailed off.

The Romulan remained silent for a few seconds, then took a deep breath, smoothing the fabric of his diplomatic robes, checking the position of his dagger, just in case. It was an inconspicuous movement and only those who knew him would've recognised the move for what it was: expecting trouble. “I'm sure Savali had his motives, however unjust they might appear,” he spoke, trying to calm his Federation counterpart.

"None of us, no matter how much we may think we are, are ready for another galactic war, but that's what is coming if us, the cloak and dagger men can't stop it. And so help me, with the way tempers are at the moment, and with the risk of so many civil wars, I fear what's coming could be even worse than the Dominion" They stopped, they had reached the DCS building.

"Please inform Saarok that he needs to appease the Cardassians over this, no matter what. Tell him he can even offer my extradition if that's what they want, but he has to stop this before it begins" He looked into the Romulan's eyes.
"We're not ready for what's coming, but by God we need to be"

“Calm yourself ambassador,” Tedak warned, “for you might do something you'll regret later. Even if you don't trust me on anything else, trust me on this. I speak out of experience. And do not worry, Saarok and I both will talk to the Cardassians. And you will not be extradited to them, you have diplomatic immunity and I'm certain Saarok will provide any assistance available to him. And if not, even though Vebn might not like it, and quite possibly against my own better judgement as I still don't trust nor like you, I will offer sanctuary.”

Looking back, he saw the anger smouldering in the Betazoid's eyes and involuntarily, he took a step back. “Reign in your fury,” he added in warning, “and keep your telepathic abilities in check. You are not the only telepath on this station, someone might read something you would not wish to be revealed.” He raised an eyebrow in a very Vulcan fashion. “I, however, am no telepath, as you well know. But Saarok is and he could help.” He shrugged. “Then again, telepathy may be the only way to actually prove your innocense.” He lowered his own mental walls, allowing the other man to sense his honesty once more. “I am only a Romulan, untrustworthy and deceitful, as many would claim, but I offer you my assistance. My only hope is that you will not betray my trust.”

[Deleted]

Saarok looked at the entire scene with interest, he was prepared to intervene had things gotten out of hand too much but apparently Tyr in the end did the right thing and held of on drawing his phasor.

"Well Commodore, i have warned you Mr. Tyr will not take it lightly to you blaming him for this incident.", Saarok said then he turned to Magellan, "I did point out it was a mistake to cover up this incident the Romulans cooked up, and i still believe it was highly illogical to proceed in this manner, but seeing you agreed with mr. Tyrs plan it falls down on you that Commodore Savali was attacked for trying to protect his crew as he was well aware that the Cardassians would not have tolerated an investigation that would be stalled. The only way out of this was to give them a scape goat and as mr. Tyr is behind all this cloak and dagger as you humans say, he can take the blame for it.", Saarok finished

"Now I am sure you gentlemen have issues to discuss", he said as he left the two senior officer alone in the room

<Tag Magellan>

As he exited his two guards joined him and they proceed out of the press hall.

=/\=Saarok to ambassador Tedak=/\=

=/\=Tedak here go ahead=/\=

=/\=I am requesting an audience with you Ambassador, we have important matters to discuss.=/\=, Saarok said, =/\=Are you able to meet me in 30 minutes at my office?=/\=, he questioned

<Tag Tedak>

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan listened agog and Savali made his statement and followed an enraged Tyr into an anteroom. The diplomat railed against Savali for several minutes before breaking off,

"I'm going to get straight on the line with the Deputy Chief of Starfleet Intelligence and try and salvage what I can of my last 16 years of service to the Federation, and of the relevant Cardassian neutrality to us. I assure you sir, Command is going to hear about this, and I am not going to forget it easily"

"That is your perogative Mr Tyr. I likewise will be speaking with the Deputy Cheif. But for now may I suggest we all calm down and that no one make rash choices."

Tyr said nothing, staring coldly at Felix and then leaving the room, joining Tedak in the corridor.

Magellan waited until the doors had closed before he turned to Saarok and Savali. He was about to speak when Saarok beat him to it.

"Well Commodore, i have warned you Mr. Tyr will not take it lightly to you blaming him for this incident.", Saarok said then he turned to Magellan, "I did point out it was a mistake to cover up this incident the Romulans cooked up, and i still believe it was highly illogical to proceed in this manner, but seeing you agreed with mr. Tyrs plan it falls down on you that Commodore Savali was attacked for trying to protect his crew as he was well aware that the Cardassians would not have tolerated an investigation that would be stalled. The only way out of this was to give them a scape goat and as mr. Tyr is behind all this cloak and dagger as you humans say, he can take the blame for it.", Saarok finished

"Now I am sure you gentlemen have issues to discuss", he said as he left the two senior officer alone in the room

Magellan scowled as Saaork left, the man could be a damned nusiance at times, instead he vented his full fury at Felix.

"Just what did you think you were doing?" he bellowed, "Don't" he said as Felix opened his mouth, "I m not finished. Did it ever occur to you to speak to me first? I am Base Commander not Saarok. You may be a Rear Admiral now but don't EVER do an end run around me like that again."

TAG Felix

Magellan sighed,
"It is true the blame could have passed to Chief Alari but we would have handled that. But we should not let ourselves get drawn in to the political games these diplomats play. In future you clear things with me first. As it happens Tyr did need taking down a peg or two but this was not the way to do it. You may well have endangered his life. "

He thought a moment.

"You need to mend bridges. I will see that Tyr is... protected as best I can, but you two need to be able to work together. So here is a test for you. You shall liase with Tyr to ensure that the El-Aurians are not to gain access to a ship. I have recieved details from Command that they have children with them, children not alive when their parents were in the Nexus. The council feels that taking them into the Nexus is tantamount to Murder. The refugees may leave only and go to the Nexus only if they place their chilrden in care first. Do your understand Admiral? Because those pips can easily be returned to those of Commodore... Lesson learned I hope."

Tag Felix

[Deleted]

"I will be right with you ambassador," the Romulan replied, while walking away from Tyr's office. He felt out of place in the Federation diplomatic wing. Not only that, but he felt watched and currently pulled on from all sides; it made him feel a little like the man in the middle, torn between his friends. Not that Tyr was a friend, far from it, but Tedak felt that despite everything he couldn't just let a fellow diplomat take the fall, no matter the circumstances.

First, he walked back to his own office, noticing Vebn was sat at his own desk, possibly buried in his own reports. He was glad that the older Romulan didn't seem to notice his coming and going today. Quickly, he downloaded the latest reports onto a PADD, uploaded his own newer information for Nelon to process and gathered his brown firelizard.

Once that was seen to, Tedak left the Romulan diplomatic wing in just as much a hurry as he had entered. For some reason, he didn't want to spend any more time there as was required, not with the bad situation going on with the Cardassians. He merely hoped that for the time being, he wouldn't encounter any nor would be asked to explain what was going on to anyone. He just wasn't in the mood or even the correct mindset to do so.

Several minutes later, he entered Saarok's office, noticing once more how tidy and austere it looked compared to his own. "You wished to see me?" he asked, colder than he had intended to. "If this is about the implications made against Ambassador Tyr, I should inform you that I have offered him my assistance as well as protection. Vebn may not agree, but it is my responsebility as a fellow diplomat. Especially given the information I have passed on to you and him a few hours ago, I find it rather perculiar that he is given the blame for the assassination, however accidental it is being brushed off as."

Unasked, he seated himself opposite of the desk, rearranging his robes as he made himself comfortable. "And you aren't going to tell me that you knew nothing of this Saarok, you have your own sources. Savali may have surprised you initially, but you must've suspected something. Why didn't you come to Tyr's aid?"

[Deleted]

"It would be illogical for me to come to his aid if he has by accident triggered an overload in a power conduit. I do not see anything to aid him with in there. No one has said that he intentionally killed the Legate, have they?", Saarok questioned

<Tag Tedak>

"Therefore there is no need to come to his aid, is there? If a man has decided to... burry something, he must be prepared to be directly or indirectly linked to the events that are rumored to have transpired. He made an error in judgement by trying to blaame the staff of this base for the accident, i have never agreed with his decision therefore it is illogical for me to help him. However it is very peculiar that you are so organized in defending the man who has forcefully probed your mind? Perhaps he has planted a thought inside to get you on his side?", Saarok said

<Tag Tedak>

"Now, the reason why i have called you here is to inform you to avoid involving yourself with Tyr and this whole incident with the Legate. If you keep digging there... It will benefit no one. As for the Cardassians, if someone was to let it slip that a certain Romulan was seen fleeing the scene shortly after the incident, and say that after that someone overheard a certain high federation official demanding that said romulan be removed from this base, and that sadi romulan was removed... It would make it very risky for his ship and crew to be out on mission alone so near the cardassian border if you understand the logic in it all", Saarok said

<Tag Tedak>

"If say the Cardassians would go to war with the Romualns over this incident, that would just be such a great strain on your people and would weaken them even if they were not too lose this war, and how would that affect their plans with the Debrune? I am sure no one has any desire for this to occur do they now?", Saarok questioned

<Tag Tedak>

[Deleted]

"It would be illogical for me to come to his aid if he has by accident triggered an overload in a power conduit. I do not see anything to aid him with in there. No one has said that he intentionally killed the Legate, have they?", Saarok questioned.

Tedak had no choice but to concede to that point, as indeed it had not been mentioned that the killing had been intentional. Nevertheless, that was still to coincidental as far as the Romulan was concerned. Quietly, he rubbed his still throbbing jaw, reminding himself that he really ought to seek out a doctor to tend to the injury. So far, he'd been given little time to tend to it as he'd been called from one meeting to the next in short order. “True,” he answered slowly, seeing that the Vulcan wasn't done speaking yet.

"Therefore there is no need to come to his aid, is there? If a man has decided to... bury something, he must be prepared to be directly or indirectly linked to the events that are rumored to have transpired. He made an error in judgement by trying to blame the staff of this base for the accident, i have never agreed with his decision therefore it is illogical for me to help him. However it is very peculiar that you are so organized in defending the man who has forcefully probed your mind? Perhaps he has planted a thought inside to get you on his side?", Saarok said.

“He has done no such thing,” Tedak answered coldly, “he has made no attempt to enter my mind other than when I allowed him to, since that one incident several months ago. You know me Saarok, you and I have been through enough together for you to know how I operate. You too, have seen into my mind on several occasions, whether by my own consent or through forced mind-meld.” He held up his hand, silencing his friend. “Quiet, I'm not done yet. I don't think it was on his own accord that he did try to blame the base staff, of which by the way I am hearing for the first time. I had no prior knowledge of this.”

The Romulan fell silent himself, breathing heavily as he tried to contain his own anger. After a few seconds, he rose to his feet and started pacing. “I also think he's being framed for this murder, despite the claim of accident. The Cardassians will likely kill him, regardless of what the Federation claims.” This time, apparently there was no silencing the Vulcan for he continued to speak.

"Now, the reason why i have called you here is to inform you to avoid involving yourself with Tyr and this whole incident with the Legate. If you keep digging there... It will benefit no one. As for the Cardassians, if someone was to let it slip that a certain Romulan was seen fleeing the scene shortly after the incident, and say that after that someone overheard a certain high federation official demanding that said romulan be removed from this base, and that said romulan was removed... It would make it very risky for his ship and crew to be out on mission alone so near the cardassian border if you understand the logic in it all", Saarok said.

“I can't in good conscience follow that advice,” the Romulan replied, his voice growing colder as he glared at the Vulcan. “And I understand your logic, but I do not agree with it. I am very certain that Govan is responsible for the Legate's death, even if he is of my own species. Where is the logic in framing someone else, when the real assassin is out there on a vessel? What dangers could he be facing that he wasn't already facing by being here. By all rights, he should have been executed months ago, after his failure with the USS Vesuvius. He could not even honourably commit suicide, what good will he do in command of a Warbird?” Again, he was interrupted, much to his own annoyance.

"If say the Cardassians would go to war with the Romulans over this incident, that would just be such a great strain on your people and would weaken them even if they were not too lose this war, and how would that affect their plans with the Debrune? I am sure no one has any desire for this to occur do they now?", Saarok questioned.

This time, Tedak whirled around to face the Vulcan, his expression one of cold fury which he barely managed to reign in. “I don't know what the plans are for the Debrune,” he snapped back, “Vebn has not seen it fit to inform me. As far as my own ties with the Debrune, they are my affair, not yours. And you had better watch what you are saying my friend, as for a minute there it looked as though you were attempting to threaten me. And you know as well as I do, that I don't take kindly to being threatened. If that was all, I need to visit the infirmary. Your precious Romulan commander assaulted me prior to his departure and I am in agony.”

He waited a few seconds to give Saarok the opportunity to respond, then swept out of the Federation embassy and stalked right down to the infirmary. There, Rayna noticed him immediately and ushered him to a biobed. “Are you all right ambassador?” she asked, while picking up a tricorder. The Romulan nurse knew by now that if the Romulan diplomat visited sickbay, it wasn't to exchange pleasantries with her or even his ex-wife.

“No,” Tedak snarled back, 'I am not all right. Be quiet nurse and tend to your duties, so that I may sooner return to mine.” He regretted his harsh words almost immediately, but couldn't retract them without making himself look weak.

Rayna nodded, though her pride was stung at his words. A little rougher than intended, she shoved him back and ran the tricorder over him. “Your bloodpressure is too high,” she informed him almost immediately, “and you have a fractured cheekbone. Have you been fighting again? Or did your holodeck training program go haywire again.”

“I was attacked,” Tedak growled as he allowed the nurse to do her work.

“Yes, I can see that. You're sporting a nice bruise there.” Rayna reached for the dermal regenerator after she had mended the bone. “Do you want me to fix that or not?” she snapped as he stalled her motion. When he removed his hand, she ran the regenerator over his skin, feeling him wince under her touch. “There, good as new. Now about that bloodpressure...”

“Another time,” the Romulan diplomat said as he sat up again. “I don't have time right now, I have duties to attend to. Good day Rayna.” Unlike with Saarok, he gave her no time to respond as he rushed out of the medical bay and back to his office. There, he locked himself in and swept everything from his desk in fury. The stack of PADDs, ornaments and other collected items were sent crashing to the deck. The PADD he still had in his hand, he hurled at the wall at full strength, feeling some of the shards cut his skin as the PADD smashed into thousands of tiny shards.

Panting for breath, he reviewed the damage done to his own office, then sank down against the wall, rubbing his temples as he felt a headache come up. He felt used, torn between his own people and his friends and his duties. But he had given his word, and he could not back out. His energy spent, he just sat and listened, half-expecting security or even Vebn to come barging in as his rage had created quite an amount of noise.

[Deleted]

"Why not at all"; Saarok said, "I was meerly pointing out some facts that the Romulan ambassador might want to consider, I do not deal in threats, i am meerly pointing out diplomatic solutions to complex problems", Saarok said, "BUt it seems my logic was flawed as you have missed my message, i am slightly... disturbed over this but it is my own fault for my logic was flawed.", Saarok said

"You can ignore this conversation for as the my point of it was not passed, it is illogical for you to keep being concerned about it.", Saarok said, "I hope you will not be too upset with me for wasting your time", Saarok said as the Romulan ambassador snarled something before going out of his office

Saarok took a moment to consider everything before decideding on his next step. He decided to pay admiral Lin a visit. Therefore he rose from his seat and headed out of his office. Once he left it he was joined by his two security guards and after informing his secretary he will be away for an unknown amount of time, he proceeded to Lin's office.

Uppon arriving there he informed his secretary that he required to see the admiral as soon as possible and a few moments later he was granted access. His two guards remain outside the door.

"Admiral LIn, it is always refreshing to see you", Saarok said

"Cut the niceties Saarok you know why I am here" Magellan replied coolly

"Allow me to explain why I am here before we go any further", Saarok said

"Please do"

"I have spoken to Ambassador Tedak and attempted to indirectly get him to pass a message to Vebn that his people would do well to aid in resolving the issue with the Cardassians as no doubt they will request some concessions from our side which should and could be accommodated by the Romulans in exchange for the Cardassians to never find out it was their side who has been responsible for killing the Legate, however I have failed as Ambassador Tedak did not understand my words. He has always been illogically too self centered and he believed i was speaking about him when i was speaking of Govan and that i was speaking of him when i was refering to Vebn", Saarok said

"I also pointed out what a strain a war with the Cardassians would be to the Romulans and how it would weaken them further and allow a third party to seize the opportunity to bring them to the ground, however i regret my message was misunderstood", Saarok finished

"This is rapidly turning in to an intergalactic mess all of our own making. We should not be bickering amongst ourselves. I expect you to put your diplomacy skills to work and resolve this before anyone gets hurt."



Modded by Magellan in Orange

[Deleted]

The angosian reporter had been watching the day’s events with great interest. He knew it was no coincidence that it was today that he had been cleared of the injunction against him, nor was it too hard to work out that it had been the work of Retarius Tyr himself. He had read the report that had been sent to him a few times, detailing the assassination of the Legate by a high-ranking romulan officer. He had also read the official statement issued by the Diplomatic Corps, and it didn’t take a genius to see that they had been drafted by the same hand.

What had perplexed him slightly was that the blame had now been turned onto the betazoid ambassador himself. He suspected that within the DCS itself, or maybe the wider Federation, there were various wheels turning against each other. Which brought his thoughts back to the report that had been sent to him.

It seemed clear to him that it had been Tyr’s plan to release an official statement that pretty neatly absolved anyone of any true blame, the Starfleet engineers would be reassigned and forgotten about by the galaxy, and someone who had been lined up for it anyway would take a small fall. At the same time, Drolar would publish his article, detailing not only who had done it, but the exact manner, in a way that made it clear this is what happened, but without the need for the Federation itself to get tied up in the mess. Except that Drolar reported for the Federation United Press.

He thumbed thoughtfully through his contacts, wondering if any of them would appreciate it. The klingons had too much on their plate anyway, what with the tholians, the romulans would be unlikely to publish it, and the cardassians would make too much of a big deal about it and drag him in. There was one possibility though; with the relations between the bajorans and the cardassians mostly patched up now, if it was given to the right bajoran news groups, then it would be picked up loud and clear, but would be unlikely to pull him back into it.

Three hours later, he smiled as he read the news ticker.

BAJOR NEWS NETWORK EXCLUSIVE: ROMULAN SPY ASSASSINATES LEGATE ON FEDERATION BASE

The article went on to explain everything that Aiken had received in his report, detailing exactly how and when Govan Echal had done it. The reporter smiled quietly to himself, he’d just received a nice booster to his accounts that would mean that the loss of the starship selling job wouldn’t come as such a problem.

That brought his mind back to the plight of the El-Aurians and he found a comm booth to send a short message to Ambassador Tedak, asking if his clients would be interested in giving a short interview.

[Felix Savali]

Felix had been in sickbay getting his face patched up and was getting ready to go and see what he can do with Tyr and the El Aurians. WHen his eye caught one of the news displays on the promenade. It was a report on an exclusive from the Bajoran news network saying a Romulan spy had taken care of a Legate on a Federation base. Great he thought, all this cloak and dagger and making us look like fools just so that idiot Tyr could leak to the press that the ROmulans did it.

Felix rushed of to OPS to see Magellan about the latest development. As he arrived he rushed passed his secretary and requested she open the door for him, after some stalling, the door was opened.

"I apologise for barging in like this sir, but there is something you need to see"; Felix said as he stepped over to the Admirals computer and typed a few keys to display the news

-Cradassian Legate Assassinated on a Federation Base by Romulan Spy--

"So much for his "cover story" and protecting everybody while all along he planned on making us look like fools and publishing the real story behind our back and getting us into hot water with the Cardassians", Felix said

"Yes" Magellan said icily, "This way he would have diverted the blame away from our engineers and onto the rightful culprit without implicating us. If you hadnt stomped in things would have settled down, we could have denounced the claim in private whislt privatly confiriming to the Cardassians that there were suspcions. It would just perpetuate the cold war between the two nations. Now Tyr is in danger from the Cardassians and the Cardassians still suspect the truth. This is a fine mess and we need to sort it."


Modded by Magellan in orange

[Deleted]

"Bad business" Vice Admiral William Clarkson, tall, balding, of Nigerian descent and wearing a less than pristine uniform looked at Tyr down the comm channel through weary and tired eyes, eyes that had seen far too much in his career. Tyr sat at the other end, nursing and occasionaly swigging from a bottle of 12 year old single malt, the result of his emergency command 911 alpha.

"Tell me about it" he responded quietly to his immediate superior "So tell me what we do about it"

"God I wish I knew" Clarkson shook his head "We're thankfully in a position of strength right now. All the right people at our end know who you are, so you don't have to worry about affirmative action within the firm. As far as interstellar politics goes..." He trailed off.

"What does the boss say about Savali?" Tyr asked, his ire rising once again at the thought of the damned Rear Admiral.

"We're informing the right people" Clarkson assured him, then taking on a much firmer tone "And you are given a direct order not to go meddling. God knows this situation is explosive enough without you sticking your size nines in" There was an awkward silence.

"What do we do now my position is untenable?" Tyr asked, resigning himself to the knowledge that he might as well get this over with "How am I ordered to proceed with my mission?"

"Hold on" Clarkson looked away from the screen, and then turned back almost a minute later, his face grim.
"Intelligence committee just made an executive decision. They've ordered me as head of special operations to clean the scene"

Tyr's heart, stomach and bowels plummetted into the deepest recesses of his abdomen, crushing each other in a sickening feeling of terror. He knew exactly what that phrase meant, and what was coming for him. This was it. He tried to muster all the courage he could amount as he made his response.

"Am I granted the privilege of doing it myself Bill, or are yout going to dispatch a team to do it" The Admiral's face displayed shock, and then a slight yellow smile.

"This isn't the old days Reti, I'm not about to ask an experienced agent to turn a phaser on himself for the good of the Federation. My job is to preserve an asset that has been pumped full of resources and intelligence, and to appease all galactic interests"

"So not a hard job then" Tyr replied sarcastically "What does that mean for me?"

"It's quite simple. In order to appease the Cardassian's who will undoubtedly push for extradition, Ambassador Retiarius Tyr is going to spend the remainder of his life in a Cardassian labour camp"

"Still not helping me" Tyr replied.

"There's something IAB devised as an ultimate counter intelligence measure a few years ago, it was codenamed Morpheus. Imagine identity reassignment on a much grander scale. Image, documents, life, all of that is given, but what if the agent actually believed they were who they said they were"

"Psychological re-education?" Tyr was unsure how this was possible.

"Complete mind override. Telepaths spend time and effort placing an entire lifetime of memories and a near identical personality into a host. Short of another telepath then trying to break down the new mental barriers, it's been shown to be largely foolproof"

"We both know that word doesn't exist. So you're going to replace me?"

"Yessir. Take a penal colony lifer, give him surgery, psychotherapy, replace his finger prints and retinas, and he goes to work on a Cardassian labour camp for all existence. And he dies there, burying all of our deep dark secrets with him"

"And I can't tell anyone" the profound truth suddenly hit Tyr. His family, his friends, his entire existence would end here, but he would go on. He couldn't believe it.

"Your family could never see you. Either the Cardassians wouldn't allow them to visit. Or we'd constantly lose their visa applications. Only those in command, and other necessary personnel would know your true identity. All others would think that you went to Cardassia and never came back"

"And who would I become?" Tyr asked, still almost in a daze. He had often conditioned himself that it might be necessary to give his life for the Federation, and that he should be honoured for the opportunity. But like this.

"Ensign Lok Demeter, a Bajoran Operations officer. He would arrive before you're extradited. We'll create a legend, let you learn it, and then you could just turn up one day. Clean slate"

"How could we co-ordinate this logistically so it wouldn't look suspicious?"

"Tonight you'll receive an order to return to Earth for a meeting with the senior DCS assembly. The order will go through the chain of command so enough others know about it for it to get around. There will be transport with your name on the manifest tomorrow morning. Your name will only register on the manifest on Assailant and then again on Earth, but you won't be there. The new you will then be extradited straight to Cardassian space from Earth. In the meantime you assume your new identity on Assailant, whilst you are still in theory in the heart of the Federation. No-one will ever know, apart from Admiral Lin, and the surgeon who'll do your cosmetics"

"And Tedak" Tyr blurted out. He didn't know why he said it, and he still felt distrust towards the Romulan, but he did believe that his assistance might help stave off another war "He's decent, as far as Romulan's go, and his assistance to this point makes him at least a valuable Federation asset"

"That's your prerogative, and your neck" Clarkson glowered "But get them ready. Your legend will arrive tomorrow, and you need to arrive the day after you leave. I'll be in touch" The line cut. Even after all these years of friendship, the cold expanse that was the intelligence game still kept them separated on any sort of emotional level. Tyr sat back, still in shock, and flipped on the news array. He saw suddenly an announcement advertising the murder of the Legate by the Romulans. He smiled to himself, suddenly realising how his prior plan's had now worked out all the better. He had leaked the truth to Drolar initially just to discredit him once the "truth" came out. But now it looked as though Drolar was helping him establish a cover up for what had been blamed on him. Far from just ruining his career, Tyr had now pretty much set him up for attempting to pervert the course of justice. He opened a comm link, ready for his last act as an ambassador.

"Ambassador Tyr to Commander Vanetti. Please will you arrest Mr Aiken Drolar for slander, defacement, libel, and attempting to pervert the course of justice. It would appear his cover up in my defence was a little too transparent. Thank you" He ended the message on an almost schoolboy note of glee. He had set the stage for the final act.

<TAG Drolar and Lin>

"Tyr to Tedak, T'Val and Lin, please will you meet me in my office at your earliest possible convenience"

<TAG Lin, Tedak and T'Val>

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan was not pleased to be summoned to Tyrs office, if the diplomat wanted something he should come to him, but now was not the time for petty bickering. He went directly to the Federation diplomatic office and found the aide.

Tyr was glad that Magellan arrived before the others it gave him a chance to explain before Tedak and T Val appeared. He let Magellan in and offered him a seat.
To his credit the Admiral listened without interruption to Tyr before finally making any remarks.

"I m not sure this is necessary. We can find away around it."

"For Tyr the diplomat maybe but not Tyr the Intell Officer, the plan is already in motion"

Magellan nodded " I know I spoke with Admiral Clarkson half an hour ago."

"So you already new?"

"Not the details, But Clarky was always one to look after his people." He paused, "I m sorry it came to this. I should have kept a tighter rein on Savali. Despite your cloak and dagger efforts on the station you have proved an asset. I m still not comfortable with this deception, were it to fail we would be in more trouble and I m not sure your fall guy deserves a cardassian prison term"

"The decisions made Admiral"

"I know" Magellan replied somlemnly "I have the aouthority to countermand Clarky's orders, but..." before Tyr could respond he said " I m not going to. The price for that is not allowing Aiken to take the fall either, understand"

TAG Tyr

"Who will conduct the surgery, the only doctor here with the skills is Dr Mercy and he won't be back for months yet."

TAG Tyr

Magellan nodded,
"That sounds reasonable. I m also unsure of Tedak knowing. He could well be an asset we can turn, hes done far more to aid the Federation than his own government since coming here but his loyalty is totally to the Empire."

Before Magellan could respond further Tedak arrived.

TAG All

[Deleted]

The Romulan stirred upon hearing Tyr's voice over the intercom and unsteadily rose to his feet. He felt as though he'd been drinking far too much ale, even though he was well aware of the fact that he'd not had anything even remotely alcoholic for several days.

Shards of glass snapped under his boots as he walked to what remained of his desk, spotting the message from Drolar. He replied that he'd have to contact the El-Aurians themselves, but that he'd arrange a meeting if they would agree. He sent the same message to Timor and Selene.

Tedak winced as he reviewed the damage he'd done to his own office, but what was done, was done and he had to move on. Catching his reflection in one of the glass windows, he frowned at his appearance but he would have no time to do anything about it. "I'll get T'Val ambassador," he replied to the summons, "we'll be right there."

T'Val merely gawked at him as she saw her ex-husband walk into the infirmary. "What happened to you?" she asked as she grabbed a tricorder.

Tedak fended her off. "No time," he told her, "we have to meet with Ambassador Tyr right now. He said it was urgent."

Stubbornly, T'Val took her scans anyway, while she followed the tall Romulan out. When she was done, she snapped her tricorder closed and tucked it away. She could see that Tedak was in a bad mood and it wouldn't do to confront him now or he might turn his famous temper right on her, even if he had no desire to do so. It wouldn't, after all, be the first time.

The two strode into Tyr's office, where T'Val crossed right over to Lin, taking the opportunity to update her records on him now that she had the chance.

Tedak crossed his arms over his chest, scowling as he cut his hands on glass that remained clinging to his robes. In the light, the others could see he was covered in glass splinters, from head to toe and his robes were smudged with dust and dirt.

He waited impatiently for several seconds. "Why the summons Tyr?" he then demanded, "I don't take kindly to being pulled from one side to another, and I don't like being led astray. I offered you my help, but you've yet to tell me how exactly I can help you."

With her keen senses, T'Val noticed the Betazoid's agitated state. Since she hadn't had a chance to catch up on the latest news, she had no idea what was going on. "Are you all right ambassador?" she asked quietly, turning the tricorder on him.

[Deleted]

Aiken was sat in the small starship salesroom when they came. As usual, there was no subtlety and certainly no flair. Commander Vanetti walked in, flanked by two rather large security guards and announced that he was under arrest. She wouldn’t say what for, or on who’s orders, but it wasn’t too hard to guess. It served him right really, if the Ferengi had just one thing right, it was rules number six thousand and odd, or whatever it was, No good deed goes unpunished.

He was still mulling this over and feeling sorry for himself when he was sat inside the cell that was apparently his new home. Or at least, according to the more articulate of the two guards it was anyway. It was amazing really, no matter how advanced a civilisation was, all the gaol guards were just as big bullies.

Unlike in most gaol’s he’d experienced, and unfortunately that was quite a few (no one seems to like investigative journalists very much,) he wasn’t kept waiting for very long at all. This time everything was much more civilised, and the two bullies were nowhere to be seen. Vanetti herself escorted him through into a small room and quickly laid out the charges against him.

Slander, defacement, libel, and attempting to pervert the course of justice. Pretty much the standard charges that were brought against any journalist. His lawyer would moan about it for a while, but in the end he’d be happy for the money that it would earn him, and in a few weeks Aiken would either have to pay a small settlement, or walk away with all the charges dropped. He wasn’t very worried; it was a routine he’d been through more than enough times to know the moves. His talk with Vanetti was professional on both sides, she asked him the standard questions, and he gave her short and frank replies. Okay, he wasn’t revealing his suspicions regarding Tyr to her, but short of that he was happy to admit that he’d passed the information along to the Bajorans.

Apparently, he’d created quite the stink among the Cardassians, and although Tyr and the rest of the Diplomatic Corps were now trying to play it down, relations between the Romulan Star Empire and the Cardassian Union were frosty at best. After a good two hours of interviewing, Vanetti was happy with what she had gotten out of the angosian, and revealed that his bail had been met and that he was free to go, so long as he remained on the Starbase until his hearing. Aiken happily agreed, and left with the intention of finding out exactly what Retarius Tyr was up to now.