Mission 2.2: Friends and Traitors

[Alyana Ryat]

The Excalibur was docking at Starbase 7, her ship was home but Aly's worries were far from over. She had a Brig full of Romulans and no doubt the Admiral would not be pleased about the potential for a diplomatic incident or worse there. Yes, her ship had been attacked but even for that Aly would not be the one to drag the Federation into another war. She and her FO would have plenty to do.

Then there was the matter of her CEO, the mental trauma caused by the Romulan's weapon would be some defence but he had struck a senior officer and admitted other offences. Commander Los had thrown the book at him. Now the Commander had been called home and Aly and Ensign Mobren would have to sort the mess out. Aly just hoped they could get things straightened out fairly quickly. His actions had had consequences but she did not believe that they had been malevolent. However there would have to be a hearing, maybe a formal courtmartial. She pinched the bridge of her nose feeling every one of the years in Ryat's century and a half. She took a quick glance around the bridge but no one seemed to notice their Captain's moment of weakness, they were just pleased to be back. It had been a rough mission. She desperately hoped that there were enough officers senior to her on base so she would need to be a formal representative.

Then there were all the repairs her ship and crew needed. No doubt she'd also hear from the Admiral about that. She'd gotten her people home but that was about all that could be said. One the bright side it appeared she had been assigned a new CMO would no doubt would be somewhat thrown in at the deep end helping with the investigation and ensuring that there were no lingering effects on any of the Excalibur's crew.

When the docking authorisation came through Aly had half expected to see a summons from Admiral Henke but so far nothing. She had a feeling it was coming though. She sighed silently to herself and then gave the orders allowing her crew (excepting those who were either actively under guard or on guard duty) to disembark.

[Deleted]

Location: Romulan Bird of Prey Geronex: Colonel's Quarters

Torel had been studying the logs of the Stanos and their battle with the Excalibur. The Excalibur had been lucky that the commander of the Romulan vessel wanted to capture them. Otherwise the Federation starship would have been destroyed, although the Stanos had had advantages of the amber weapon and the nebula, things that the Geronex wouldn't have.

Torel promised himself that he would destroy the Excalibur if it became necessary. All commanders of Romulan vessels had read the logs of the Romulan ship that had been sent across the Neutral Zone to test Federation responses and resolve, although the mission had been so secret that the name of the vessel and its' commander had never been released. It was well known that the Bird of Prey had destroyed a number of Federation bases, and then been destroyed by a single Federation vessel of the same class as the Excalibur.

On the other hand, the Excalibur had been heavily damaged and so should be easier to fight than the other Federation ship had been. Torel would have to guard against overconfidence.

Torel's tactical assessment was suddenly interrupted by the comm. "Colonel Torel to the bridge, Excalibur is showing up on long range sensors!" The Romulan commander stood up quickly and left his quarters and headed to the bridge, which was only a few doors away.


Location: Romulan Bird of Prey Geronex: Bridge


The colonel stepped onto the bridge of the Geronex. His senior officers were huddled around the central control hub, each at his station. Major Cenvil stepped away from the commanders console and came to attention. Torel nodded, took his station and peered through the viewer.

The Excalibur was moving quickly along the edge of his ships' sensor range. Far too quickly. "Tactical, what is the Federation ships speed?"

"Warp 6 sir" the officer said in a disappointed voice.

Torel took his eyes away from the viewer and sighed in frustration. The Geronex was only able to travel at warp 2 while cloaked, even with the experimental refit the ship had just undergone. There was no way that he could intercept the Federation vessel and force a confrontation. "Stand down from red alert. Lay in a pursuit course and engage at maximum velocity." His bridge crew looked over at him in surprise, then silently began following their orders. Torel glanced at his second-in-command and made a tiny gesture with his head. The two of them walked towards a small alclove in the bridge where they could talk without being overheard.

"You intend to pursue the Federation starship deeper into their space?" Cenvil said quietly.

Torel shrugged. "Those are our orders Major. We must find some way to recover the Romulan prisoners they have aboard."

Cenvil frowned and said "If we pursue them much further, we will be in clear violation of our peace treaty with the Federation. Up to now, we could avoid that with a bit of skillful diplomacy, but we won't be able to maintain that fiction much longer."

"I know" Torel replied. "I'm hoping that we will be able to repatriate the Romulans without bloodshed. It's clear that the Federation starship was heavily damaged in its' combat with the Stanos. We have an agent aboard the Excalibur who might be able to use the damaged condition of the ship to get it out of warp and move the prisoners into a position where we can recover them all and leave before the Federation figures out what's going on. If not, we shall continue to pursue the Excalibur to it's Starbase and see what opportunities present themselves there."

[Deleted]

"Oh come on ensign, surely I can visit my husband? How many more times do you need me to identify myself?" Gwen was getting truly frustrated, having been sent back and forth for hours, in order to get permission to board the Excalibur. "He's the chief engineer and this is his son."

The young Human woman nudged a three-year old boy forward, who's heritage was quite unmistakeable. While he had his mother's light eyes and hair, he had darker skin with an olive teint to it, slanted eyebrows and distinctly pointed ears. Yet, the child smiled slightly, waving shyly at the ensign at the hatch. There was, going on the child's features, no denying his parentage as he was the spitting image of his father.

Ensign Cameron looked down at the child and waved back, before settling steel blue eyes back on the mother. "Lieutenant Savin has been placed under arrest," he replied stiffly.

"Yes I know that and he's in his quarters. And as his wife, I am entitled to visiting him. He's not in solitary confinement, and you will let me aboard now, before I take this to your captain. She will let me aboard without pause."

Finally, the young guard relented. "Very well, but if trouble arises it's on you ma'am."

Gwen grinned, knowing a victory when she got one. "Oh, no doubt." She picked up the child and walked on, finding her husband's quarters without difficulty. She found him asleep, Caelir curled up on his chest, snoring loudly.

"Daddy!" the child suddenly cried, causing the cat to jump to his feet and hiss in annoyance, digging his claws in. In turn, Savin sat up, dislodging the feline from his tunic and placing him on the floor. He was just in time to catch the child as he rushed at him, wrapping his arms around him for balance.

Cradling his son in his arms, the Vulcan rose to his feet and approached the waiting woman, his face no longer serene and quiet. A smile stretched across his face as he included her in the small embrace, kissing her softly. "I have missed you, my wife," he said quietly, "you and Simon both."

"And I you," Gwen replied gravely, "what've you gotten yourself into Savin. That's quite a list of charges, surely..."

"While I was influenced, I did commit sabotage, however unintended. And I did strike a superior officer, even though that was partially in self-defense. I cannot claim innocense, when clearly I have committed a crime. That would be illogical."

The woman nodded. "I understand," she replied, wrapping her arms around her tall husband's waist. "And I'll stand with you all the way." She smiled. "Simon's been asking about you for days now. For a three year old, his vocabulary is impressive."

The Vulcan smiled, the special smile reserved for her alone. "Come, I must introduce you to the captain. Please, pay my guards no heed, they are a formality." He stepped outside and told the guards exactly what his intentions were, before preceding them into the corridor.

A few minutes later, the small family was facing a young Trill woman. "Captain, may I introduce my wife Gwen, and my son Simon? They will be here with me...for my trial."

tag captain

[Deleted]

.:.Starbase 7 temporary Quarters.:.

Kara rolled over on the mattress just one minute shy of her alarm sounding, and looked towards the alarm clock. She would close her eyes and try to pretend that she had more then a minute, but before she could recieve the relief of that last minute of sleep she was jerked awake by the blaring sounds of her alarm. She would roll on her back and sigh heavily, and place her hands on her stomach. She had just recieved news that she would be stationed on her first ship the USS Exalibur a constitution class ship. They were docking this morning in about six hours, and she couldn't sleep anyway. She sat up and walked towards the sonic shower and as quickly as she was done she would have her blue uniform on in a matter of moments and be off for breakfast...

=^=Six Hours Later=^=

Ensign Kara Benson had pulled her auburn hair from her hazel eyes in a neat bun upon her head. She smiled as she stepped on board the ship with her orders in hand. A young Junior Grade was standing duty when she stepped on board, and his response seemed slowed. He stuttered for a moment, as she listened to his deep voice.

"Erm...Hell...hello Ensign..." Lieutenant Ethan Hicks looked down at the orders as he continued to try and find the words, "Ensign Benson and welcome aboard the Exalibur."

She smiled, her cheeks turning a slight shade of pink, "Thanks sir." She would walk past him, and make her way towards sickbay picking up her pace until she came inside the area and walked back into what was to be her office. She had only been out of the academy for a couple months, but it had taken Starfleet to find a place to put her. She dug around looking until she found where all the gear was kept such as the medical tricorder and a couple extra hyposprays. With a smile on her face she would move a few data padds out of her way looking until she found what she was looking for.

Finding a communication panel she would press the button and activate it before placing her lips a little closer to the speaker and talking so that the person she was trying to reach would hear her. And, at the same time hope that she was not too close to the panel that her voice echoed. "Ensign Kara Benson to Captain Alyana Ryat I'm aboard when would be a good time to meet with you?"

<Tag Cap'n'>

[Alyana Ryat]

The Excalibur had barely settled into dock when Aly received her first comm, "Ensign Kara Benson to Captain Alyana Ryat I'm aboard when would be a good time to meet with you?"
"I'm in the Briefing room at the moment. Please come up." It was only a minute or so later when the door chime went. The woman who entered seemed to be about Aly's age.

"Welcome to the Excalibur Doctor Benson. I'm Captain Ryat." Aly handed the new CMO her quarters assignment and the other minor details that came with a new posting.

"I don't know how much you have all ready been told about what happened on our last mission, but I believe your expertise will be most helpful."

Tag: Kara

"The whole crew was affected by a Romulan weapon, the affect varied by species. Despite all the humans in the crew falling unconscious we were eventually able to create a counter to it." Aly sighed slightly. "I'm afraid I can't give you much in the way of technical detail. Nurse Laura Fernandez was the one who was leading the efforts, I'm sure she'll be happy to fill you in. I'm loathed to take the crew anywhere until we've all be thoroughly checked out, don't want to fall victim to any 'surprises'."

Aly paused for a moment or two wondering how much information was too much on your first day. "How are you with Vulcan physiology?" The doctor seemed a little puzzled by the change of subject

Tag:

********************

Aly had just settled herself back down to catch up on the administrative work that seemed an eternal part of a Captain's position. She looked up abruptly when her door chime went again.
"Enter" she called. Grateful for any sort of interruption. She was, however, surprised to find that her visitor was Lieutenant Savin with a woman and young boy she didn't know.

Aly got up from her desk and walked over to join them.

"Captain, may I introduce my wife Gwen, and my son Simon? They will be here with me...for my trial."


"Pleased to meet you ma'am. I only wish it had been under other circumstances" Aly said formally offering her hand to Gwen.
Tag: Savin

Then she went down on one knee and offered a hand to the young boy.

"I'm pleased to meet you too, Simon"

Tag:

Aly stood up and brushed a tendril of hair off her face. "I'm afraid I have no news for you about a time for the trial. However, with Commander Los's abrupt return home we had to drop several of more minor charges as he was the only witness and left no statements and is now not contactable... I know it's not ideal." Aly's gaze flickered to the guards by the door. "but it should speed up the process and at least keep things focussed."

Tag:

[Deleted]

"Pleased to meet you ma'am. I only wish it had been under other circumstances" Aly said formally offering her hand to Gwen.

Smiling, the young Human woman took the offered hand. "Nice to meet you too captain. Savin speaks very highly of you." She blushed, wondering if she should've said that in her bondmate's presence. Looking up, she found him nodding in approval and her smile brightened, as she reached for his hand, two fingers extended. Savin reached back, touching her fingers with two of his own, in acknowledgement of the offered affection.

Then she went down on one knee and offered a hand to the young boy.

"I'm pleased to meet you too, Simon"

The boy giggled, placing his small hand in the woman's. "That's my daddy," he mumbled around his thumb, pulling his hand back to point at his father. He giggled again as his mother stooped to pick him up.

"Is there any further news?" Savin asked quietly, reaching to take his son from his wife.

Aly stood up and brushed a tendril of hair off her face. "I'm afraid I have no news for you about a time for the trial. However, with Commander Los's abrupt return home we had to drop several of more minor charges as he was the only witness and left no statements and is now not contactable... I know it's not ideal." Aly's gaze flickered to the guards by the door. "but it should speed up the process and at least keep things focussed."

"I understand captain. I can give my own statement in regards to those charges if needed, as there is no denying I committed them. I refuse to plead insanity, merely because I could not control my actions. That, and insanity would leave a black mark on my record that I do not deserve. I did what I had to do to survive and ensure the safety of this crew even if, under the delusion of the weapon's effect, I acquired a contrary desired effect. I did, in the end, repair the damage I caused."

The Vulcan shook his head. "No, forget I said that. I will give a statement of fact if questioned. I cannot lie captain, I will not lie for my own benefit. That is wrong." Again he paused. "Would it be permitted to show my family the ship? You have my word I will not try to leave the Excalibur while she is docked. I do not mind being tracked by security, however I would request some private time with my wife and child."

tag Ally

[Deleted]

"I'm in the Briefing room at the moment. Please come up."

Kara heard the response and would reply, "On my way." After several moments she would find the location of the Captain and enter when given permission.

"Welcome to the Excalibur Doctor Benson. I'm Captain Ryat." Aly handed the new CMO her quarters assignment and the other minor details that came with a new posting.

"Thank you ma'am." She replied accepting her assignment, she had left the belongings she'd brought aboard in her office in sickbay.

"I don't know how much you have all ready been told about what happened on our last mission, but I believe your expertise will be most helpful."

"I'll try my best ma'am." She said and would listen attentively as the situation was explained.

"The whole crew was affected by a Romulan weapon, the affect varied by species. Despite all the humans in the crew falling unconscious we were eventually able to create a counter to it." Aly sighed slightly. "I'm afraid I can't give you much in the way of technical detail. Nurse Laura Fernandez was the one who was leading the efforts, I'm sure she'll be happy to fill you in. I'm loathed to take the crew anywhere until we've all be thoroughly checked out, don't want to fall victim to any 'surprises'."

"I will speak with Nurse Fernandez and find out all that I can in regards with this 'weapon' once I know more I will begin examining the crew. Hopefully it won't take too long." She said without hesitation. She wouldn't have much time to settle in just yet already she would be quite busy.

Aly paused for a moment or two wondering how much information was too much on your first day. "How are you with Vulcan physiology?"

The sudden change in subject puzzled her slightly, but she would shake it off, "I took some courses in the academy in vulcan physiology Captain. May I ask why?"

<tag Alyana>

[Deleted]

Gaev was literally rushed off his feet. He had never believed that Commander Los had done so much as Chief of Security. There seemed a thousand and one jobs that all needed doing immediatly and these tasks had been increased whilst docked at the Starbase where he was required to liase with the bases staff.
Transfering the Romulan prisoners was the biggest nightmare and it was taking up nearly all of his security teams. At this rate he wouldnt enjoy any shoreleave.

The comm beeped and he moved from his desk to the wall mounted comm unit,

"Go ahead Mobren here."
"Sir its Hicks at the Docking Arm. We have... guests wishing to board, they are requesting your presence."
"Understood." Gaev sighed heavily " Ill be right down."
Strapping on his sidearm, something he never left without he left his security office. As the only Tellarite aboard Gaev always felt somwhat self conscious and was surprised to find a Tellarite Security officer flanked by a human and andorian waiting for him beside Hicks.

"Ensign Mobren?" the Tellarite asked a bushy eyebrow raised,
"Maybe" Gaev replied in Tellarite fashion
The tellarite grunted,
"I am Commander Taken. I have orders for you."
"For me?" Gaev explained in surprise taking the Padd. He switched it on and quickly read the message, his dark eyes looked up with concern and met the steely gaze of the others,
"Is there a problem"
Gaev glanced at Hicks and then back at the bad
"...No. Does Captain Ryat know."
"All that need to know have been told. Now do we have your co-operation ensign?" Taken asked emphasising the rank.
"Yes sir. One moment I will be back."
Gaev turned and returned to the Excalibur. After a quick check with his security personnel he went directly to the aft corridor on deck 6.
He waited apprehensivly for the turbolift to open.
From it emerged Savin the Excaliburs Chief Engineer with his family.
Stepping forward Gaev held up a hand to halt them.

"I am sorry Lieutenant. I have orders from Rear Admiral Henke to have you immediatly detained and handed over to Base Security to await trial."

TAG Savin

[Deleted]

JP between Savin and Gaev Mobren:

Savin turned to face the Tellarite, handing the child to his wife. "As you wish ensign," he replied, "am I permitted to escort my family to my quarters before we go?"

"I will have an officer do that. My orders are to take you directly to the Base Security staff.

The Vulcan sighed, holding two fingers extended towards the Human woman, "Please go with the security officer assigned to you. I will see you again at the trial." As he watched his wife and son go, he turned back to the Tellarite, holding out his hands. "I am ready," he announced quietly.

"Follow me then sir" Gaev replied and began to lead the Vulcan back towards the turbolift. He stepped inside and allowed Savin to follow, "Deck 6" he ordered the lift as it whirred into life.

The Vulcan followed in silence, wondering in surprise why he wasn't restrained. Obviously, he mused, he wasn't considered a flight risk then; after all, he had given the captain his word. He followed Gaev out of the turbolift when it arrived at its destination and saluted the waiting officers. "Gentlemen, I am develivered to you," he spoke softly, "I am ready." He turned to Gaev. "Was that all?"

"From my end sir yes it was." Gaev handed the PaDD back to Commander Taken who took it and pressed his thumb to the signatory spot before returning it to Gaev, "I am in receipt of the prisoner." he becokned for the Andorian to step forward who produced a pair of cuffs "Arms out" he said gruffly.

Savin held out his arms in silence, allowing himself to be cuffed. Then he turned one final time to address the ship's security chief. "Thank you ensign," he offered quietly, before turning his back on the Tellarite. He waited patiently to be led to his new cell.

Commander Taken gently shoved Savin forwards with the two other security officers taking up flanking positions. The led him off the docking gangway and into the starbase. Avoiding populated areas they moved swiftly into Starfleet secure areas towards the stations main brig, On arrival a terse Rigellian checked the paperwork and then took Savin through to a spacious cell containing a pair of Orion a pakled and a diminutive large eared alien with sharp teeth that Savin had never seen before. The Rigellian watch officer removed the cuffs before leaving and said "Enjoy your stay. You can contact your advocate in the morning"

Savin nodded in silent thanks, immediately moving to an unoccupied part of the cell. He had no desire to confront any of the other prisoners, or even risk getting into a fight. All the while, he never said a word.

[thalin]

“I have to write an excruciatingly long report again, don’t I?” queried the Andorian officer, thinking somewhat silently to himself. He wasn’t totally sure if he had spoken the words or not, and therefore he had left his hatred towards this portion of the mission to the world. It was not as though he didn’t understand the necessity of filing his review, however, he felt that it was sometimes better to spend this sort of thing thinking about other, more knowledgeable aspects of the position of a Starfleet officer.

He was; after all, ever bit as much a scientist as he was anything else. Therefore, he spent the next few moments reflecting on this disparity, before discovering that all he was doing was wasting more time, and putting off the report that he needed to file.

Looking down, he noticed that he had not written anything, and therefore flipped a switch and began to speak.

“Commander Zarath, Thalin reporting. USS Excalibur. I have decided to spend the better part of this report commenting on the methods with which the Romulans had attempted to commandeer our computer systems. Though I am embarrassed that even that much of an attack was allowed to take place, I have not overly stressed the fact that we were unable to stop it. I suppose, all things considered, we should be excused from our poor performance in this arena. It was an unexpected manner.”

“The Romulans used a form of haphazard computer virus that they piecemeal constructed as they intruded upon our vessel. Interestingly enough, the virus did follow many of the same principles as civilian computer virii once did, before such things were done away with. Therefore, it actually did act like a living being to some degree, regardless of how even a biological virus is defined in respects to carrying out the basic and necessary functions of a living organism.”

“It is needless to say that I found a certain way of dealing with this that may not be construed as the most acceptable…” He paused for a moment, hitting the communicator at his desk, “Zarath here; am I needed elsewhere?”

He really did hope that he was.

[Deleted]

The four other occupants of the cell regarded their new cell-mate with interest. It wasn't often that a Vulcan was sentenced to the brig, let alone a starfleet lieutenant. The Vulcan was silent and had seated himself in a corner of the cell, well away from the others, and appeared to be sleeping. He had yet to speak a word to them and from what it looked like, he might not at all.

The small alien crept forward, it's large ears perked up in curiosity. It's smile was wide, showing two perfect rows of very sharp teeth. "A Vulcan?" it hissed under it's breath, looking at the silent alien in the corner. "What are you in here for, Vulcan?"

Savin looked up, tilting his head to study the little alien. "I could ask you the same question," he replied calmly.

From across the block, Lhaes tr'Lweiir rose from his cot and walked up to the forcefield. "He enabled us to board his ship," he sniggered, trying to damn the Vulcan, and once more establish his identity as Romulan. "Thanks to him, we found his ship."

The Vulcan pretended not to have heard him and kept his eyes on his cell mates. "I assaulted a senior officer and committed sabotage," he replied calmly, as if Lhaes hadn't spoken. "I have, however, admitted to my mistakes and am prepared to face the consequences."

Slowly, he rose to his feet. "I have no intention of cause any quarrels with you, however do know that I am capable of defending myself. And I will if I have to."

The Orions sniggered in response, knowing that with their experience they could very easily take him down. Orion women were always underestimated and viewed as weak when they were quite the opposite. "Is what the Romulan says true?" one of the women asked, her voice soft and husky as she drew up to him, wrapping herself around him. "Did you let them take the ship?"

Across the path, Lhaes laughed. "Of course he did. He may look Vulcan, but he's not. He's got Romulan quirks."

The Vulcan sighed softly as he tried to disengage himself from the Orion while trying not to step on the little alien. He was wary of the Pakled, who just followed everything with clear interest. "Please," he begged of the woman, "I am married." Yet her pheromones did work on him, albeit slower than on a Human.

"Did you?" she persisted, while stepping away, clearly insulted.

"Yes. Though my mistake, the Romulans were able to board the Excalibur." He looked up to meet the Romulan's eyes. "I am not Romulan," he stated quietly, "I may find your species of interest, and have gained a fair amount of knowledge and technology, but I am hardly one of you."

The Romulan snorted, crossing his arms across his chest. "We'll see what your precious Starfleet thinks," he challenged, "I intend to prove that you are an under cover agent."

For a very brief moment, Savin looked worried, but his calm was replaced almost immediately. "Then I wish you luck," he replied, "I am who I am, and I am prepared to undergo extensive medical screening to prove it." He shrugged. "Besides, how many Romulans do you know that are diabetic?" That was somewhat of an invalid point, as no doubt there were several. The condition was hardly unique to the Human or Vulcan species.

As if that was the end of the conversation, Savin returned to his corner and sat back down, ignoring the Orion who snuggled up against him. He leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes, closing himself off from any further conversation.

Irritated, Lhaes watched from his cell, knowing that he would have his victories, even if he went down in the process. His people were alerted, and would come for him. Soon. All he had to do was bide his time, and spring his traps in time.

In the morning, Savin was allowed to see his wife and son for a few minutes, before he made the call to contact his legal advisor.

(who's going to be my legal representation?)

[Alyana Ryat]

Captain Alyana Ryat

"I took some courses in the academy in vulcan physiology Captain. May I ask why?" Aly could see the confusion on her new CMO's face. She settled into a chair facing the other woman.

"Lieutenant Savin, the Excalibur's Chief Engineer was among those affected by the weapon. It made him act out-of-character, irrationally, you might say. A full analysis of its affects on the Vulcan mind will be very important at the courtmartial."

Aly was doing her best to keep it formal but she was concerned about her crewmember and it was somewhat obvious from her tone of voice. Aly wanted to ensure that any and all information Savin's counsel needed they had to hand.

Tag: Doctor Benson.

Aly relaxed momentarily and then broke into a smile, one of the ones that managed to make her look even younger than Alyana's years would suggest.

"So why don't I give the tour of the ship and you can tell me something about yourself." Aly rose from her chair and offered the Doctor a hand "Once again, Welcome aboard."

Tag:

********************************************

Some time later.

Aly was passing through the empty bridge when she heard the CScO's voice on the comm.

“Zarath here; am I needed elsewhere?”

Aly walked over to her old post at the communications station and tapped a couple of buttons. "Commander, this is the Captain speaking. If you're short of things to do I imagine that Doctor Benson and Nurse Fernandez are in sickbay working on an analysis of what happened to us out in that nebula. Your insights would probably be helpful."

Tag: Thalin

********************************************

Nurse Laura Fernandez (Petty Officer Second Class)

Laura had been stuck in sickbay for too much of their last mission and when she had left it she had only found herself in a series of hostile situations. She had never been so worried about what would happen. Now that the Excalibur was safely back in dock and she could leave she found that she didn't want to, this room had become a security blanket and she found that she didn't want to let go. It turned out Doctor Mann had put in a request to leave Excalibur at the start of the mission but he hadn't told anyone until Nuese Henderson saw him at the docking tube with more than the usual amount of luggage.

Laura was hurt by that. The medical staff deserved better than that, they'd been through several kinds of hell on their last mission, they needed support not abandonment. Thus she was working off her frustration by tidying and inventorying the sickbay. It was certain something that needed to be done but there was no call for her to do it now. Laura looked up and was surprised to see a newcomer in sickbay. She stood up and dusted off her uniform as well as she could.

"Umm can I help you?" Laura asked.

Tag: Doctor Benson

[thalin]

Aly walked over to her old post at the communications station and tapped a couple of buttons. "Commander, this is the Captain speaking. If you're short of things to do I imagine that Doctor Benson and Nurse Fernandez are in sickbay working on an analysis of what happened to us out in that nebula. Your insights would probably be helpful."

Zarath tapped his own switch to open the lines of communication, “Ah, you’re trying to suggest that I am a slacker then? Never; I jest. However, I do believe now would, indeed, be an opportune time to do just that.”

Getting out of his seat, and shutting off the aforementioned switch, he started to walk over to the door before turning back to his desk. He smirked, reflecting on the fact that he was very much getting out of the work that he so previously dreaded. Granted, the way that he was doing it was not necessarily ideal, but it was better than having to do anything else that revolved around those idiotic reports that he had to file.

Grabbing a tricorder unit on the way out, the Andorian made his way down the hall, and into the turbolift unit. Sighing carefully, he pressed the key on the inside panel that would take him to the correct passage. Quickly enough, the doors slid back open and he exited out and onto the Orlops deck.

Looking about, he equally as quickly made his way to sickbay, the sling of the tricorder making it appear as though he were going on an away mission, instead of what he was actually doing. Looking up carefully, he walked into the room with a bit of a self-assured grin. “Madam? Doctor? The Captain stated that my presence might be of assistance here. I am sure that I can present useful scientific records that illustrate the nebula’s condition at the time of the anomaly in question.”

However, with that mention of records, his mind shot right back to the idea of the reports that he was supposed to be filling out…

[Deleted]

"Lieutenant Savin, the Excalibur's Chief Engineer was among those affected by the weapon. It made him act out-of-character, irrationally, you might say. A full analysis of its affects on the Vulcan mind will be very important at the courtmartial."

Kara nodded, "Understood ma'am I will do a full exam on him, as well as look into all that had occured after the nebula."

"So why don't I give the tour of the ship and you can tell me something about yourself." Aly rose from her chair and offered the Doctor a hand "Once again, Welcome aboard."

Kara took the hand gracefully, "Thank you Captain." She replied. They made their way around the ship with Aly showing each portion of it starting at the bridge and working their way towards sickbay. She had hardly said anything at all as they came to sickbay. "Well I must get to work thank you ma'am for showing me around."

With that she entered sickbay, but this time she didn't make it too far inside when she noticed a woman inside who had also noticed her presence.

"Umm can I help you?" Laura asked.

Kara shook her head, "Um no, I am Doctor Benson the new Chief Medical Officer on board. Who might you be?"

"Oh pleased to meet you Doctor I am Nurse Laura Fernandez."

Kara nodded, but before she could ask any further questions the door behind her opened and through it came another person. She turned in time to see Commander Thalin Zarath enter sickbay.

“Madam? Doctor? The Captain stated that my presence might be of assistance here. I am sure that I can present useful scientific records that illustrate the nebula’s condition at the time of the anomaly in question.”

Kara looked upon the Andorian with some hint of enthusiam, but that would fade quickly as she listened to the remainder of his words, "Yes, that would be nice. I wasn't here on the last mission. I'm going to head into my office and see if I can't contact Lieutenant Savin in order to schedule a full exam of him for the court martial."

<tag Thalin>

-----------------------------------------------------------------

After speaking with the Andorian scientist Kara slipped inside her office and opened the communication panel, "Doctor Kara Benson to the brig(change depending on where Savin is.) I will need to do a full exam on Lieutenant Savin in regards to what happened in the nebula."

<tag Savin>

[Deleted]

Location: Romulan Bird of Prey Geronex: Bridge

It had taken some time, but the Geronex had finally reached the system where the Excalibur had been headed. No Romulan was sure if Federation sensors could pierce the Romulan cloaking screens, so Torel had chosen an extremely deceptive course to get here. He had brought the bird of prey out of warp beyond the outer cometary cloud of the system and on the opposite side of the systems' star, in hopes of using them to cover his approach. Once there, it appeared that the Federation was unaware of his presence. After that, he had entered the system still on the far side of the sun and fully cloaked, keeping it between him and the Starbase, using its' size and emissions to keep him covered as he approached.

After skimming as close as he dared to the surface of the star, he utilized the inner planets of the system, a comet and a small asteroid field to conceal the ship until he had arrived at the third planet in the system. At present, the Geronex was hovering in the magnetic field of the third planet above the northern pole for additional protection against Federation scans and quietly observing the Starbase. The atmosphere on the bridge was thick and extremely tense.

Colonel Torel stared intently into his viewer, carefully examining the Federation starbase which was orbiting the fourth planet with the Excalibur inside. The Geronex had just arrived in this position. Torel had ordered the ship to passively monitor the station and any uncoded communications chatter that came their way. From the comm traffic that he had been able to pick up, it appeared that the Excalibur was the only capital ship inside the Starbase. That was very fortunate.

"Well," Torel's first officer, Major Cenvil Said. "What do we do now?"

The colonel turned to him. "We must find some way to recover the Romulans inside the Starbase. How do we do that?"

"We need to determine where they are inside the Starbase, then strike at it in such a way that we can transport them out. However, we're too far away to make that kind of a detailed scan with our sensors." Cenvil replied.

"Yes" Colonel Torel said thoughtfully, "but what happens if they are still in the Federation Starship?"

"Surely they've moved the prisoners from the ship to the Starbase. It would be standard procedure" Cenvil protested.

"More than likely, but I have no idea what Starfleet standard procedure might be with regards to Romulan prisoners. If we strike at the Starbase with the Excalibur still inside and discover that the prisoners are aboard the ship with all its' defensive systems active and protected by the exterior of the Starbase, it's unlikely that we could get them out alive. Our weapons aren't precise enough for that. We would end up destroying the Starbase and the ship in our attempt, probably provoking a new war." Torel explained.

"We could threaten them " Cenvil suggested. "Imply that we will destroy the Starbase if the prisoners are not handed over immediately."

"Yes, that could work" Torel agreed. "Humans are known for their compassion for others. However, I have reviewed the logs of the Stanos and their battle with the Excalibur. The Federation ship was offered the option of surrender several times and refused. If they similarly refuse to hand over the prisoners, what then? We will be exactly where we started."

"Perhaps a mix of strategies is called for" Cenvil advised.

Torel nodded. "Yes, I think so." The two of them quickly devised a series of tactics and prepared to put them into action. There was much to do.

[Deleted]

Savin regarded his guard as he heard the doctor speak. "Let me talk to her," he demanded quietly as he stepped up to the forcefield.

The guard regarded his prisoner with mixed feelings. So far, the Vulcan had been behaving himself, and he didn't look sick at all. He had noticed that the other prisoners had mostly left him alone as well. Finally, he nodded and drew his phaser. "No tricks mister," he snapped, as he deactivated the forcefield and tossed the Vulcan the communicator.

Savin caught it and brought it up to his mouth. "Doctor, this is Savin. I will submit to a full exam however you may need to perform it in the brig aboard the starbase. Or arrange escort for me to be taken to a medical facility here on the station. I am currently detained."

[Benson]

"At the moment, I am in good condition, however I have no medication with me. If you would be so kind as to have some sent over, I would be grateful." He paused. "I am a diabetic ma'am," he explained, perhaps unnecessarily as no doubt by now she'd read his medical file. "Also, I wish to be submitted to a full genetic scan to prove that I am indeed Vulcan. Charges made against me consist of the accusation that I may be a Romulan spy.

[Benson]

The guard demanded the communicator back. "Doctor Benson, this is security guard David Malcolm. I will arange escort for Lieutenant Savin to a medical facility. He will submit, have no doubt."

The Vulcan arched an eyebrow, wondering what possessed the guard. Had he not already agreed to examination? In fact, had he not himself demanded a full examination?

[Benson]

Malcolm leveled his phaser, then beckoned a second guard. "Bind him and take him to sickbay." Savin held out his hands to be cuffed, without saying another word. He knew anything he said would be moot. Across the brig, the Romulan officer sniggered in contempt, which Savin tried to ignore. He allowed himself to be led away, then restrained to a bed while awaiting the Excalibur chief medical officer.

[Benson]

[Alyana Ryat]

Nurse Laura Fernandez (Petty Officer Second Class)

"Umm can I help you?" Laura asked.

Um no, I am Doctor Benson the new Chief Medical Officer on board. Who might you be?"

"Oh pleased to meet you Doctor I am Nurse Laura Fernandez."

And that was precisely all she got to say to her new boss. Laura was just grateful that she hadn't said anything more that would have made her look foolish. She look across to where Doctor Benson and the Commander Zarath were talking. She sighed silently to herslf and attended to her tiding. If they needed her for anything she would be right there.

*********************************************

Captain Alyana Ryat

Aly had finally left her ship (she still wasn't used to that phrase meaning the ship she captained) and was now walking the corridors on Starbase 7 PADD in hand as she read over her final report of their mission for the fifth time. She had submitted a preliminary report while the Excalibur was still in transit but she have been running on far too little sleep when she had written that and would now be able to recall what she had written if she hadn't read it since the ship docked.

This report was going to be better, be coherent and have all the details in; unless anything interrupted her before it was done of course....

[thalin]

Kara looked upon the Andorian with some hint of enthusiasm, but that would fade quickly as she listened to the remainder of his words, "Yes, that would be nice. I wasn't here on the last mission. I'm going to head into my office and see if I can't contact Lieutenant Savin in order to schedule a full exam of him for the court martial."

Zarath sighed carefully, looking to her, “I certainly did not mean to be rude to you. I notice that you…” He exhaled once again. Stopping himself in mid-sentence, he quickly realized why she was loosing her enthusiasm, or at least he thought. Humans had such a way of not wishing to express scientific cause in the way that Andorians did. “Forgive me, perhaps as well as presenting the charts, you would care for something else?”

Thalin then realized, likewise, that his statement could be taken far out of context. “Allow me to correct myself. I meant, as well as presenting the charts, would you appreciate a bit of more acceptable conversation as well? Something more pleasant, I mean.”

Removing his tricorder from his belt, quite grateful for the new and lighter design, he started to walk over to the computer. Removing a memory tape from it, he turned over to the computer and started to play it. This caused the nearby screen to start displaying a chart.

“This is a representative diagram of the anomaly itself…if you wanted to see it. To be honest, I am quite unsure of human reactions to anything, or the way in which human emotions are when compared against those of an Andorian.” He sighed, “However, if you would like to, it is displayed for you here. I apologize for any…inconvenience to the otherwise.”

[Deleted]

Kavrin looked out the window of the small shuttle craft down at the cloudy sky over his home town, or at least what was left of it. Trill had never been such a harsh world until a week ago, suddenly nature lashed out and in a single night had destroyed a small town in the mountainous region on the northern most edge of habitable land. Kavrin remember the shock when the communication came in while he was sorting his papers ready for the inevitable court marshal that was to come for the idiot of a Engineering chief, he remember literally throwing every item he could into two boxes and the moment the Excalibur met with the Trill transport ship he had beamed off without even a word to anyone.

Kavrin had written a letter for the captain but on his arrival he had found the letter in his belongings, hopefully Star Fleet Command had received the message he had sent them and had not considered him AWOL. His time on trill had not been exactly a pleasant time, the commission had learned of Alyana’s promotion to Captain and had been taking him apart trying to find out how much the federation knew. Kavrin shuddered at the memory of the 17 hour long ‘interview’ that had developed from that particular issue.

Kavrin watched as they passed though the cloud layer that had formed after the destruction, not knowing what he might see when he got down to the surface he prepared himself for the worst. A part of him did not want to go to down to where he had been raised, nor did he want the memory forever remembered by Los in years to come. But he knew he had no choice, he could not run away from horrors if he truly wanted to live a full life before he passed on. The window remained obscured for the entire descent and it was only when the shuttle shock from the impact onto the ground that Kavrin realised that what he had thought was fog was in fact ash. Opening the shuttle door Kavrin looked out at a scene from a horror story, the once bustling town was now merged with solid rock. The trees that had once lined the main street though town were now nothing more that a twig sticking out of the ground.

Kavrin had never seen so much destruction, Kavrin was saddened to know that only 20 people were able to get away before the power to the town had been completely knocked out by the eruption. Kavrin looked up at the mountain that he had climb with his best friend when they were younger to see that only half of the mountain remained. “Careful sir, the ground is still very hot, there are spots where the rock is still only a thin shell to the fiery rock beneath” Kavrin looked at the young pilot, he was undoubtedly scared not only because of the number of deaths and the fact that the mountain could well decide to explode again, but because he was with a Joined Trill and he was awaiting his final test before being approved for joining. “Do not worry, I am not planning on going far, I fear there is little to be gained from this little trip but I must check to be sure”. The Young man had no idea why they were here and Kavrin was in no mood to tell him, moving carefully over the rock he pulled a scanner out of his pocket and began to check the ground around him. It showed mostly solid rock around him, with occasional bio matter that he took to be one of the citizens of the town that had been among the unlucky.

After several minutes of searching through the town Kavrin began to fear that his hunt was in vain, most of the more notable buildings were inaccessible either because they were covered in rock or the area around them was still liquid rock. The young pilot had remained with his craft and Kavrin could not blame him, his orders were to fly here and back and said nothing of helping him or being anywhere else but his ship. Suddenly a beeping sound came from the scanner, Kavrin looked down to find what he was looking for and quickly moving in a direct line towards the signal Kavrin began to wonder if it was going to be buried under solid rock. Arriving at the central plaza Kavrin was surprised to see that it was mostly clear of rock or for that matter liquid rock. Moving to the central monument at the centre Kavrin put down the scanner and looked at the spire, a large stone craved with drawings of various forms at the centre of the spire was a screen which was struggling to output.

‘Well it is working at least’ Kavrin placed the small device next to the screen that he was ordered to place there, it would download all the information from the spire which had up until the eruption stored all of the history of the town and more importantly the names of everyone in town that day. Kavrin feared his oldest friend would be among the dead, while Kavrin had strived to become joined Alios had not taken that path and had instead begun his own farm just outside of town. Kavrin remembered his friend as the playful boy who had climbed the mountain just to show he could, and had pushed Kavrin into the freezing lack at the top. Kavrin smiled at the memory even though he distinctly remembered hating Alios for weeks after that stunt, a small beep came from the recorder and checking the screen found that it was now blank.

“There you are, I was about to take off without you, you said wait an hour then leave without you, its been two hours now” Kavrin checked his scanner to find that it had indeed been two hours, “I am sorry, I must have been a bit distracted. Let’s get out of here, and make our way to the capital” The young man was only too happy to oblige and within a few minutes they were once again in space trying to clean off the ash from the windows before they continued on to the city.


Three Hours Later

Kavrin was glad to see his home world disappear into the blackness of space, his return to the city had been little more than a office clerk taking the recorder and then a pilot offering to take him to the transport ship in orbit on route to Star Base 7 with supplies. Kavrin had asked if his friend had been in the town when the disaster struck but no one knew his name and the clerk had said he would check once the list was formed and send him a message when time permitted. Resigned to the fact that he would probably be waiting 5 months until they finally got round to telling him that Alios was dead, Kavrin hoped that when he arrived at the star base the Excalibur would have gotten there as well, it was quite badly damaged.


-- Several Hours Later –

As the transport ship dropped out of warp, the base slowly came into view, the small star base was extremely busy and even from where they were holding Kavrin could see the Excalibur in one of the more larger docks. Moving to the bridge Kavrin quickly moved to speak to the pilot “When will we be docking, or when will a shuttle be able to take us over to the base” Kavrin knew he probably sounded rude but now that the fiasco of a home was over he wanted to get back to his ship and see how the court marshal was going. “Son, we will dock when we dock, as for a shuttle, if your willing to fly yourself you can get over there quite quickly”[/color] Kavrin smiled “Fine, I will just do that then”.

After several moments where Kavrin wondered why they had ever designed a shuttle like this he arrived onto the base. Kavrin looked around the busy docking area hoping to see any officer that he recognised, when failing to do so he moved to one of the computer consoles and accessed his location and where his quarters were. After a moment the screen came back to show that he had been transferred from Security to Navigation and Tactical, a little confused as to the transfer he was glad to have the direction to the ship and the location of the captain or at least where she was going. Walking away from the shuttle Kavrin wondered how Alyana would react, to what he knew the eruption was still not public knowledge yet.

Somehow arriving at the Admiral’s office ahead of Alyana Kavrin watched as the young woman walked up the corridor with her head in her reports. “Captain Ryat, It is once again an honour to see you”

<Tag Aly>

“I am sorry about that, I guess I got a bit carried away with trying to get home. I will tell you about it later once you’re finished with the admiral”

<Tag Aly>

[Deleted]

Gaev was more than a little unsettled by recent events. He was unfamiliar with being part of the senior staff. Commander Los had always handled that side of things. As a wtach security officer his role had only been to obey orders and command his squad. Now as Chief of Security his role was amplified with responsibility for the whole of the ship and staff and reporting directly to the Captain.

Despite being in port Gaev had yet to have any free time. He had spent the first few hours going through duty rosters and then he had moved on to the prisoner transport. Officers from both the Excalibur and the Starbase were working together to transfer the romulans to the main brig aboard the starbase. The senior staff had been moved first and all that remained were the Uhlans and enlisted crew. It was likely they would remain aboard the Excalibur for the forseeable future as the Base Commander was unwilling to tax his resources too much. In a few weeks depending on the diplomatic fall out a prison ship would arrive and take them off everybodies hands to a penal colony or for repatriation to Romulan space.

Either way staffing the Brig 24-7 was proving to be an unesxpected chore especially as much of the crew wanted some downtime on the base. He himself had picked up extra shifts to lighten the load. The command roster lay in front of him and was surprised to see that his old commander was returning to the ship. He scanned the information wondering what this meant for him, it seemed the Commander had been transfered to CNTO. A post the trill was more than competent of but Gaev wondered if the man may resent his promotion into his old job. Deciding it was better to be straight with him he contacted the Airlock watch who informed him that the Commander had just come aboard. Leaving the Security Officer he went down the ship to intercept him.

"Commander Los. Sir" he greeted the Lieutenant Commander as he saw him approach no doubt fresh from the Admiralty.

TAG Los

"Welcome back aboard Sir. I thought perhaps we should talk?"

TAG Los

[Alyana Ryat]

Aly had all ready had one slightly strained chat with the Admiral. He was clearly not happy that the newest Captain under his command had thrust this problem upon him. Which problem Aly was not quite clear about it was either the impending court martial or the brig full of Romulans. Either could understandably get an Admiral hot under the collar but Aly in their admittedly short conversation Aly had had the distinct feeling that she was missing something...

Apparently the Romulans were sending someone to retrieve their people. Their top brass was disavowing all knowledge of the ship in the nebula and the strange weapon that had been used against Aly and her crew. Aly's political mind was quite aware that no one wanted to be associated with a failure so the disavowing wasn't a surprise. The fact that someone had been sent into possibly hostile territory to retrieve the survivors was. Then again maybe it was simply a matter of loose ends to be tied up. She was on her way to another meeting with the Admiral and was nose deep in a report forcibly reminding herself that she was a new Starfleet Captain not a diplomat of more than fifty years experience; at least so far as her superior officer was concerned.

“Captain Ryat, It is once again an honour to see you”

Aly looked up at the familiar but unexpected voice. "Commander Los, it is unexpected to see you back." She did her best to keep the annoyance out of her voice and was nearly certain she managed it still the older/younger officer was nothing if not perceptive. she noted the small furrow in the middle of his brow. "Your leave came most abruptly and left me with a lot of paperwork to sort out. You have new from home, I trust." Aly chose her words with care, as far as she was aware Commander Los was still officially human; therefore he had been to his home, not theirs, if that was where he'd actually been.

“I am sorry about that, I guess I got a bit carried away with trying to get home. I will tell you about it later once you’re finished with the admiral”

Aly cocked an eyebrow in a Vulcan-like expression. "you've heard about that then? I was hoping that you were joining me for the meeting." She sighed slightly and gave a genuine smile as she relaxed for half a moment, lowering her PADD to her side, "It is good to have you back Kavrin, will you be returning to the Excalibur?"

Tag: Kavrin

[Deleted]

OFF: This is after any response from Doc Benson...presuming he'll be declared as Vulcan as he'll ever be and be given the medication he needs.

ON:
Satisfied with the result of his physical and complete examination, Savin was returned to his cell, also equipped with the amount of insulin that he'd need until he would be required to appear in court.

So far, his defense lawyer still had to make an appearance and deep down Savin was starting to wonder if anyone was going to show up. He hadn't seen his wife and son for two days now, which also made him wonder whether they were even allowed to come see him. No mention had been made about solitary confinement, in terms of not being allowed visitors. Solitary was certainly not applicable given the fact that he shared his cell with two female Orions, which constantly tried to seduce him, a male Pakled and a male of a species that had finally introduced himself as a Ferengi.

He looked back over his shoulder as Monroe reactivated the forcefield as soon as he was back in the cell. Across from his cell, the Romulan sat leering at him, the most evil smile he'd ever seen stuck on his face. "Welcome back...Romulan," Lhaes sneered as soon as Monroe was out of sight.

Putting on the most neutral expression he could muster, Savin stared straight back at the Romulan. "Medical tests say otherwise sir," he replied, "am, as I have claimed from the beginning, quite Vulcan. 'As Vulcan as they come' in fact were the exact words of the medic that performed the extensive tests. And she performed them twice to be certain."

"Results can be forged. DNA tagging for one."

"As you say, but she tested for them as well." He wasn't going to be goaded. "Claim all you want, discredit me all you want, but the results do not lie. I will not discuss this with you again." Resolutely, he turned his back on the Romulan and ignored him from then on. Relexively he wrapped his arm around the woman who clung to him as he nearly ran her over as he strode back to his corner. The Orion purred in his ear, upon which Savin gently pushed her aside. "I am married," he reminded her calmly, though the look in his eyes was far from calm.

He felt infuriated, and betrayed. He was entitled to defense, but no-one had replied to his calls or even informed him that they were answered somehow.

"Your wife has not come to see you," the Orion purred, while massaging his shoulders. "You are so tense, turn around." She bodily turned him, surprising him with her sheer strength. "Nomi, come help me," she called over to her sister, "he needs to relax or he'll break something. Just look at his eyes."

The woman called Nomi knelt in front of him. "Oh he's tense," she smiled, looking up.

Savin merely sighed; realising he would not be able to fend them off again. Resigned, he let them do their magic, while he waited, probably in vain. Soon, he was feeling so drowsy he fell back into the woman's arms, dropping into a deep sleep.

[Alyana Ryat]

Aly was tired, the meetings and paperwork had dragged as always. She wanted nothing more than to have a long shower and then collapse asleep, however, there was another very important duty that she had to take care of.

Aly walked into the Brig area on the starbase. She was surprised to see how occupied it was but then she had brought a Brig load of Romulans in. She was even more surprised to note that two of Savin's cell mates were Orion females and her CEO (he had been relieved of duty but still held the job) was currently lolling in one of the woman's arms seemingly asleep. Zedan had encountered Orion pheromones more than once and had been quite relieved to find that the complicated dual hormonal system of a joined Trill was a good defence against them. Although with the forcefield up it shouldn't be a problem. Aly was distinctly unimpressed.

"Put him down, carefully, right now", Aly spat in Orion her words causing the two women to look up and Savin to stir slightly in his slumber.

There was a bit of hissing but the two Orion women eventually moved away from Lieutenant Savin.

"Lieutenant," Aly's voice cracked whip-like making the human security guard jump. He turned looking down at Aly, He seemed about to say something but then his eyes raked over her rank insignia and he stopped.

"Yes, Captain."

"Why is Lieutenant Savin here? He is supposed to be with his counsel now."

"No one has come for him ma'am" Aly muttered something under her breath in Klingon that was too quiet for the translator to pick up.

"I should like to see him. Now"

A short time later Aly had settled into an interview room and Lietenant Savin was brought in. As far as Aly could tell he looked a bit tired be otherwise well, not that she was an expert. It was really frustrating that his counsel had not arrived yet, if they didn't get to Starbase 7 before the courtmartial was convened then the next most senior officer on the base would be called in to serve and as Captain Darius had shipped out not an hour ago on the Indefatigable, that person would be one Captain Alyana Ryat...

"It's good to see you Lieutenant, although I wish circumstances were otherwise." Aly said politely.

Tag: Savin

[Deleted]

"So do I ma'am," the Vulcan replied gravely, stiffling a yawn. "Apologies ma'am, I have not been sleeping well, contrary to my appearance. Those two women.."

Savin paused, having the grace to look embarassed. "At first they tried to seduce me, but as Vulcan I am immune to their pheromones. However one provided some ... relaxation, and I believe I fell asleep."

He paused again as he took a seat. "Has my defense counsel reported in yet?" he queried, "I have put in a request but have yet to see anyone. I have been taken to sickbay for extenstive testing and examinations, some of which quite evasive. I believe you were forwarded the result of those exams?"

A small hint of pride touched his eyes. "I am, as I claimed to be, fully Vulcan ma'am, and there is no way Mr tr'Lwheiir can claim otherwise. He has tried to get under my skin but has failed to do so, so far. I do not know, however, how much longer I can tolerate him. My emotions are frayed ma'am, and close to the surface. I am sharing a cell and am unable to meditate. I have, however, been given my medication, and sufficient supply to self-medicate when required."

He studied his captain. "Captain, I do apologise for the inconvenience this has caused you. I know I was under alien influence, but ..." He hesitated, before squarely meeting her gaze. "I do feel guilty. I did sabotage your vessel, unwillingly, but the facts cannot be denied. While I did attack Mr Los, I do believe it was an act of self-preservation. His intent was to do harm to me. I do not believe I have harmed anyone, have I? And I have been true to my word, have I not?"

Savin was of course referring to his word not to make trouble, and to repair the damage he had caused. He had been under guard constantly, and had accepted his fate the moment he had realised what had been going on. "I shall, of course, hand over to you all knowledge I have on Romulans, and am quite prepared to give you a full briefing on what I know. They are an area of interest to me ma'am, you have my word that it does not go beyond that. A hobby, I believe is the Human term?"

[Ryat]

[Deleted]

OOC: Sorry I lost my internet I am back though.

.:.Backpost.:.

Kara took the blood sample that she had from Lieutenant Savin and examined it closely running test after test on it until she was satisfied. She even ran some DNA tests upon the fellow and everything came back showing her what she was most certain that the crewmates already knew as well as the Lieutenant himself. She stood up and left her office making her way towards his cell..

.:.Savin's Cell.:.

Once she arrived and called him she smiled holding up the data PADD "Lieutenant Savin I have come to inform you that all the tests have come back. As expected and predicted you are Vulcan though something came back rather odd in your DNA structure I will need to examine this more closely, but I am most certain that it is nothing to be concerned over." With that and the information in her hand she would leave and make her way back towards her office.

.:.Present.:.

Kara continued to examine the DNA strands until she had been working for nearly eighteen hours she could already feel her eyes beginning to sag a little bit. There was something odd with them, but she could not determine what it was. His blood sample came back claiming him to be Vulcan she would need to do more research before she could release the DNA. She pressed the communicator on her desk, "Doctor Benson to Captain Ryat, I am certain ma'am that Lieutenant Savin told you that all the results have come back he is fully Vulcan.

"However, I find it most troubling something is wrong with the DNA test I am not certain if the sample was bad or if there is something else I am unable to come up with a reason behind it at this point."

<tag Ryat>

It was at this point that Kara remembered something she pulled up the Vulcan's DNA and compared it with Vulcan DNA that was standard. As she awaited Kara thought to herself then the results came back. It was a complete match, but there was a problem. She sighed, one strand in the DNA had been altered in some way.

Kara brought the blood results back up once more on her console. The diabetes was still there, and that matched his original medical record. She sighed bringing the DNA back up once more then a lightbulb went off in her head. She tapped her commbadge, "Will all crewmembers of Vulcan descent who were onboard when the weapon was fired please report to sickbay."

.:.Four Hours Later.:.

Doctor Kara Benson luckily only had to test seven Vulcans who were on board and each affected differently by the weapon itself. As she read through the results that was when she jumped back and stood up. Each Vulcan that she tested had the same results a specific genetic marker had been affected by the weapon when it was fired. She had to compare Savin's DNA from before the last mission to the sample from this mission. And, she knew that his medical records from when he joined Starfleet would contain that.

She brought the information up and compared the two. Sure enough the DNA sample that she had recently taken previously and the DNA sample from his entry into Starfleet matched with the exception of the single genetic marker. Somehow the weapon had changed his DNA structure and she could not explain why. But, she was determined to find the answer if not for her own curiosity. But, to save Lieutenant Savin's fate and career.

She tapped her communicator on her desk, "Doctor Benson to Captain Ryat I have discovered a new development in this DNA situation with our chief engineering officer you may want to see this." She said then pressed it again, "Doctor Benson to Commander Zarath will you please come to my office and meet the Captain and myself it's urgent."

<tag Ryat/Zarath>