'History will be the judge' ~ Rainier/Enzio JM

[Kaylana Cornette]

As the Rainier streaked toward the rendezvous point, Kay was keeping watch on the bridge, lost in thought.

The sudden reappearance of Cain stirred a torrent of worry in her. Their last encounter left Kay forced to spy on Jackson. Cain had ordered Cornette to report any appearances of wrongdoing by Jackson directly to her, something Kay had at first been glad to do. Even though it was like siding with the enemy, Kay was happy to help make Jackson look bad. And why not? Jackson had watched, mute, as Cain berated and belittled her without cause. So, Kay did as ordered and clandestinely reported back to Cain. In return, Cain sweetened the deal with promises of captaining a ship again, something Kay had thought impossible without help from the likes of Cain. However, as she and Jackson worked and served together, Kay had developed a loyalty, even a protective instinct toward Stacey. She hadn’t reported anything to Cain in almost a year.


In the solitude of her Ready Room, Stacey rubbed her temples, the stress clearly written across her brow. A dull headache was growing behind her eyes and thoughts of retirement danced enticingly through her mind. All was interrupted by the chime of the door.

“Come,” she said, straightening her back and folding her hands comfortably in front of her on the desk.

“Admiral,” Kay said, curtly, “We need to talk.” Cornette didn’t wait for Jackson’s affirmation. “Cain is a warmonger. We… you and I… need to do whatever possible to …”

Jackson waved a hand, stopping Kay’s tirade. “Cain is of no consequence.”

“Well, the Enzio’s commander appears to be her puppet. My fear is he’s under Cain’s orders to provoke the Kasan'thar.” Kay was pacing in front of Jackson’s desk.

Jackson sighed heavily and forced herself to speak calmly. “We are all very aware of the Commodore’s views on the matter. It’s understandable. He’s been affected by past contact with the Kasan'thar. He believes, and he may well be correct, that the species cannot be sincere in their desire for peace.”

Kay stopped suddenly and turned to face her CO. “You’re certainly not making me feel confident we will be successful.”

Jackson slowly spun her chair, her back now to her XO and toward the viewport, and gazed at the stars, stringing out like crystalline beads. “Our success is tenuous. But, we have to proceed as if peace is achievable.”

“I fully agree.” Kay felt the old tension creep in as she peered at the back of Jackson’s chair. Regardless, Kay found it easier to speak without eye contact, to breech the forbidden topic that had festered between them for years now. “Despite our… differences… despite our history with Cain, I want it known that I will support you without reservation. Your goal of attaining peace is my goal as well.”

Unseen by her XO, Jackson squint her eyes against the low, throb of pain in her head. “Good because I want you to lead the diplomatic team.” Without turning around, she added, “Dismissed.”


Kay left, crossed back into the bridge, mulling over Jackson’s continued coolness toward her.

It wasn’t long before the Rainier was ordered to drop out of warp and the face of Patrizia Cain coalesced on the viewscreen.

=^= Captain Cornette, this is Admiral Cain. I will expect a welcoming party in your transporter room in under one minute. As soon as I and my aides are aboard, get your ship back into warp en route to the designated system. The sooner we get to these negotiations the better. =^=

Cain didn’t await a response. Her visage disappeared quickly.

Kay’s response was just as quick, and slightly flippant. “Transporter Room three, please make preparations to receive Admiral Cain …with whatever pomp and circumstance you can muster in less than 30 seconds.”

Soon Kaylana began receiving successive reports; Cain’s arrival in the transporter room, Cain’s fuming at Jackson not greeting her; Cain’s eminent arrival on the bridge; and finally, her bustling through the lift doors.

Kay stood at attention, steeled for whatever caustic derision Cain aimed at her. “Welcome aboard, Admiral,” Kay greeted, adherence to protocol and duty dripping from her words. “Had we known of your arrival, we would have ensured a more befitting reception.”

Cain ignored her and spoke directly to Aarons. “Commander, put us back on our heading.”

Michael shot a quick glance and Kay. She nodded slightly. “Resume course and speed,” she reiterated unnecessarily.

(Tag: Aarons)

The next few hours were brutal for Kay. Before their arrival at the rendezvous planet, Cain lurked on the bridge while Jackson cloistered herself in her Ready Room. Kay endured Cain’s succession of outlandish demands with ostentatious compliance and moderated between Cain and Jackson. If the orders came from Cain for the helm to deliver warp 9, Jackson would order warp 9.2. Cornette was getting her exercise with the back and forth between the Ready Room and the bridge. The one-upmanship continued until the Rainier was at her maximum speed and well ahead of the Enzio.

Arriving planet side, Jackson emerged from her sanctuary and took the center seat. Kay sat to her right and Cain hung over Stacey’s shoulder.

Kay thought surely the Kasan’thar would make the first move once two Federation vessels entered orbit. But, no movement was detected from the battlecruisers, no contact from the Kasan'thar on the planet and neither Admiral gave the command to hail them. The silence grew strange and tense. Worse yet, Cain stayed perched behind Jackson, quietly drilling her eyes in the back of Jackson’s head as the hours slowly stretched on.

Finally, Stacey gave the order to hail the Enzio.

"Admiral Jackson, Captain Cornette..." Ghes nodded. They held conference, discussing the apparent absence of Kasan'thar activity. Both confirmed that they were reading lifesigns on the surface, and that the Kasan'thar warships in the outer system were apparently operational. "I'm willing to take the Enzio to intercept their battlecruisers. If we can't get answers here, then I'd rather confront the Kasan'thar and get them quickly." He gauged Cain's reaction, she who stood in the background, but who remained unreadable.

[Michael Aarons]

Nov 15, 2013 21:26:39 GMT Kaylana Cornette said:

Cain didn’t await a response. Her visage disappeared quickly.

Kay’s response was just as quick, and slightly flippant. “Transporter Room three, please make preparations to receive Admiral Cain …with whatever pomp and circumstance you can muster in less than 30 seconds.”

Soon Kaylana began receiving successive reports; Cain’s arrival in the transporter room, Cain’s fuming at Jackson not greeting her; Cain’s eminent arrival on the bridge; and finally, her bustling through the lift doors.

Kay stood at attention, steeled for whatever caustic derision Cain aimed at her. “Welcome aboard, Admiral,” Kay greeted, adherence to protocol and duty dripping from her words. “Had we known of your arrival, we would have ensured a more befitting reception.”

Cain ignored her and spoke directly to Aarons. “Commander, put us back on our heading.”

Michael shot a quick glance at Kay. She nodded slightly. “Resume course and speed,” she reiterated unnecessarily.

"Alright," he responded. Kay skipped a breath as Cain's sight glared his way at the impudent level of response.

Whether he could sense it or not the piercing stare of the admiral's contempt was unimportant to him and he got them back on course and speed.

As they went along, Michael noticed how Kay spent most of her time in and out of the Ready Room. And he noticed about six times as they continued to order the ship to go faster. He buckled under and pushed the ship to its maximum as the order increased each time.

They arrived at the planet to awaiting battlecruiser ahead of the Enzio. Scans were taken of the planet and system. Lifesigns were there but any activity was absent. Then they were hailed.

"Admiral Jackson, Captain Cornette..." Ghes nodded. They held conference, discussing the apparent absence of Kasan'thar activity. Both confirmed that they were reading lifesigns on the surface, and that the Kasan'thar warships in the outer system were apparently operational. "I'm willing to take the Enzio to intercept their battlecruisers. If we can't get answers here, then I'd rather confront the Kasan'thar and get them quickly." He gauged Cain's reaction, she who stood in the background, but who remained unreadable.

~A Little Later~
Kay moved promptly down the hall as Michael scurried to catch up to her.

"Kay, wait up!" he called to her.

She seemed uninterested to stop and talk so he reached out and stopped her. She looked at him and the worn out expression met his slightly optimistic but concerned look.

"This isn't a good time," she said, "Admiral Cain has a number of things needed to be done and Sta-the captain, isn't being very active." Kay questioned whether she'd said too much with even just that.

"Here comes the pain
Admiral Cain
Gonna give a patience strain
Hope to never come a-gain," he diddied off.

Kay chuckled only slightly as she resumed her pace with him keeping up. "That's clever. Where did you come up with that?"

"I didn't. It's what they graffiti on all the bathroom walls."

"Like where?" she challenged.

"I don't know, how many places have I been to lately?" That one made Kay roll her eyes but the smile slightly returned to her face which was good; it had been away far too long. "I'm worried about how you're doing with all this. You've been bolting back and forth between the two admirals and have been more on edge than the last time you asked me to watch the bridge."

She pulled him over and checked over her shoulder to see if it was clear. "I don't like Cain."

"That's a secret?"

"Nothing," she walked off again. There was no point explaining anything to him on this matter. Cain had betrayed her, she had acted against a person she now considers a friend, and ultimately, she had been made into nothing but a tool.

"You should watch yourself when she's around; I don't think she tolerates you much," she warned after his earlier error in front of the admiral.

"I'm less concerned about her. What is she anyway? A bitter, miserable, sad, lonely individual who has amounted to nothing and leaves no mark on anything in the great grand scheme of things. Even if she died there'd be less concern because of how little she meant. I've been sad, I've been lonely, I've even been miserable before. But in each time, I had you or Liz -or somebody else inbetween- but I have you! What does she have? Can you handle this? Because you've got me."

Kay looked to him with worry. "Why can't you just be normal?" Genuine concern pouring from her lips.

"What is 'normal'?"

"Normal is what everyone else is-"

"-And most of us are not," he finished with a hug.

<tag Kay>

[Gheskori]

The conference ended in stalemate. Nothing much discussed, let alone decided upon. Meaningless diplomatic statements that gave only a thin gauze to the game too obviously being played out by the four senior officers.

Ghes felt somewhat diminished being before two Admirals of such stature and repute (gained through much different deeds but reputable ones all the same). Ideologically he was aligned with neither; in practice and current policy, he was on the side of Cain. He felt Jackson's eyes on him during the course of the conference, as if she saw right through his being and knew what his brief was for this mission. And to have the perpetrator of those orders on the Vice Admiral's left hand made the situation seem even more immediate, tenuous, gut-wrenching in the extreme. Paranoia made to invade his senses, held back only by duty and a slight sense of irreverence that governed his decisions in subtle chaos.

The tension endured after the conference; Ghes's sweaty fingers interlocking endlessly as he brooded in his ready room. There was also the Rainier's first officer, in which he'd seen reflected an image of his own discomfort. He imagined she might feel similar to him, although their goals and perception of the mission in general had to be much at odds. At long last the bubble was burst, as the two vessels received a distant but significant signal from the planet's surface. A subtle flash of light from a point on the northern hemisphere showed that their presence was acknowledged.

"USS Enzio, this is Admiral Cain. Break orbit, Commodore."

"Admiral? Are you sure?" Ghes said, pressing the intercom button instantly. "Wouldn't it be best to hear what the Kasan'thar have to say first?"

"This isn't open for debate, Commodore, as you should be well aware," the voice came back sharply, accentuated above what Ghes would usually expect even from Cain. Perhaps it was a trick of perception due to the intership communication. "Break orbit and set a course for the Kasan'thar battlecruisers."

"Very well," Ghes replied, glancing across at Matthew, "Just one thing..." The bridge crew paused - busy though they were with their duties, none could help but listen to the exchange between Rear Admiral and Commodore - the tension driven to the point of a piezoelectric knife as Ghes prefaced his ultimatum. "I'd like my first officer Commander Matthew on the bridge of the Rainier during the course of the... negotiations, or whatever the Kasan'thar are proposing."

There was silence for one unending instant. "You push your luck, Commodore. I don't know how you think this will help. I and my aides have arrived from the USS Venerable to conduct operations on this front. Nevertheless, if you believe it will assist in our goal then make arrangements to transport him across."

"You heard the Admiral, James," Ghes said mischievously, leaning towards his XO's seat. Matthew looked at him questioningly. "Cain's arrival is obviously unexpected... I'd still like one of our own over there to keep watch on Jackson. I thought I knew what Cain wanted from all this. But I'm not sure anymore... Her thoughts are as nebulous to me as Jackson's."

<Tag Matthew>

"Break orbit and set a course to below the battlecruisers," Ghes ordered, "Let's approach slowly and await a hail before attempting to make contact ourselves." Ghes retreated back to his ready room, feeling slightly used and wrapped around Cain's finger. Perhaps he was overcompensating to maintain control.

<Tag Rainier etc>

[James T Matthew]

“Scene: USS ENZIO Main Bridge

“Ghes "You heard the Admiral, James," Gheskori said mischievously, leaning towards his XO's seat. Matthew looked at him questioningly.

“James Stands up and look at Commodore Gheskori COMMANDORE You Have the Bridge Smiling back at His Commanding Officer I’ll Be on the Rainer if you need me and made his way to the turbo Lift “

“James enter the turbo lift seconds later he was entering transporter room # 5 Transporter Chief one to beam over to the Rainer Stepping on the transporter platform he felt the materializing sensation of a transporter beam.

“Seconds later, he was standing on the transporter platform aboard the USS Rainer. Looking at the one transporter technicians and the Young officer Standing there watching him as he held onto his PADD.

"Welcome aboard the USS RANIER” the Young Lieutenant said to Commander Matthew

“As James stepped down from the transporter platform if you will follow me I’ll show you to the Bridge,


SCENE: USS ENZIO

“Transporter Chief Voice Bridge Commander Matthew has transported over to the Rainer.

(60 Seconds later main bridge)

USS RAINER Main Bridge

The turbo lift open onto the main bridge of the Sovereign class James Could not but anything but impress by the large size of everything COMMANDER JAMES MATTHEW Reporting ADMIRAL the momentary Silence James could not help but think well this is a little awkward.

< Tag Rainier etc >

[Lorna Holsen]

There were times when Lorna wondered if Starfleet vessels ran on gossip rather than matter-antimatter reactions. She thought that she she had heard most of the new rumours which were circulating but the smirk on her wife's face when Cris returned to their quarters after her shift suggested that Lorna had missed at least one particularly interesting tale.

"Okay, what's got you so amused."

Cris smiled genuinely, it was nice to be home. Sh shrugged slightly and wondered how longs she could draw this out for . Lorna liked to know everything that was going so she was all ready hooked on wanting to know whatever it was that Cris knew that she didn't. She was the same, it was, like so many things, a game they played. Cris settled back on the sofa and slung and arm behind her head she patted the seat her her side. "Come on and put your feet up and I'll tell you a story."

Lorna sighed but she knew that Cris was right and she needed to switch of after work. It was something that she had never been very good at.

"You remember Higson and Oliver? They were in sickbbay a couple of weeks back"

Lorna thought back, "Sparring partners, broken ribs and dislocated jaw?"

Cris nodded, she was often impressed with Lorna's memory, at least her memory for her patients. Lorna's memory for where she had put her boots or her reading book was somewhat patchy. "That's them. They got engaged."

Lorna's eyebrow went up. The prewedding parties in that instance were going to be interesting. Kathleen Higson, Chief Petty Officer, Starfleet security marrying Sergeant Peter Oliver of the UFPMC. If her past experience was anything to go by then there would be a good natured competition that would require several people to be patched up afterwards. "I imagine they will have fun."

Cris laughed, "Oh definitely, I imagine we'll see them in a official capacity often enough. Kathy's invited us to her hen party as apparently we inspired Peter to propose." The expression on Lorna's face caused Cris to start giggling. It wasn't often that Lorna was lost for words.

[Gheskori]

"Receiving acknowledgement from the first of the Kasan'thar cruisers," O'Mannin reported at tactical.

"That's it. Just acknowledgement?" Ghes shot back. The bridge crew were anxious, perching themselves with shoulders tensed over their consoles as if they were life support machines. He'd called for yellow alert, despite the likely disapproval of Admiral Jackson and her cohorts. He wasn't going in completely defenceless. O'Mannin's words had broken something like 15 minutes of silence.

"Aye, sir," he said, "Neither positive or negative, just simple registering of our presence."

Ghes thumbed his lip. This was more ominous than if they'd actually received a response of hostile intent. He paced several times before swinging back into the command chair. "Doesn't really qualify as a hail... Doesn't justify a response," he concluded. "Maintain comm silence. Close to twenty million km and match speed. I'll be in my ready room..."

He brooded over his terminal once more; it so happened there over his right shoulder, outside of that viewing port were the two Kasan'thar cruisers, seeming like nearby stars, indistinct in shape although Ghes knew them to be dagger shaped, with crenellations and battlements, like fortresses in space. They didn't match the size of the Kasan'thar battleship that Admiral Cain's fleet - of which Wong and Gheskori's Victory-C had been a part - had faced down four years ago, not even close.

Ghes's thoughts turned in-system again, to what might be happening around the negotiation planet. He longed for an update, but trusted that the Admirals would be as hasty as each other to inform him of any changes. He had his first officer watching over things, and Commander Matthew would surely prompt Admirals and co. if they were slow to update his own ship.

With his XO as his eyes and ears on the Rainier, Ghes realised he needed someone to fill in in the executive chain, =/\= Commander Walters =/\= he tapped his terminal =/\= Report to the bridge, Commander. I wish you to take the XO's duty shift while Matthew's on the Rainier. Appoint your assistant to take over engineering for the time being. =/\=

<Tag Walters>

Straight after Walters had replied. "Sir, this is the bridge. We have something you'll want to see, Commodore."

Ghes returned to the bridge before Walters had a chance to arrive. "Report."

"We're receiving a transmission from the lead cruiser. No standard visual communication bandwidth. It's not a hail." Ghes waited patiently for his officers to evaluate the signal, his finger itching over the button that would take them to red alert. "It's a data stream," Ops announced. "Analysing now."

Images and lines of data flashed by the screen too rapidly to discern. "Whatever it is there's a lot of it... Coordinates, outlines of facilities, negotiation schedules, defensive arrangements... Details on the negotiations, sir."

"Seems they're reminding us of where these negotiatons are taking place..." someone else murmured.

Ghes concurred. In his mind's eye he saw a Kasan'thar, exoskeletal encounter suit leering over him, What are you doing out here? it said. Despite their seeming distrust, they seemed unperturbed by the presence of more than one Federation ship. Still don't want to see us face to face though... "Relay this information to the Rainier. If they haven't already received it from the surface."

<Tag Rainier / All>

[Tiana Galwyn Cet]

"I do not know," Savin admitted truthfully, sitting down beside her on the bed. "Are you not one single consciousness now?" Tiana smiled despite being a joined Trill she was hardly an expert and the Symbiosis Commission was still tight lipped on a lot of things. "Yes, Cet and I are a single conciousness but there are two 'brains' present and Tiana can't see all the memories held by Cet in detail all the time it would be overwhelming... It can be overwhelming." She swallowed was amazed at Savin's patience, she glanced over at the beeping tricorder on the bed next to her. "So is there anything?"

"I cannot find anything out of the ordinary," he added, after consulting the readings, "your isoboramine levels are at normal levels. Other than some anxiety, you are in perfect health." "That's good to know." Although it didn't explain what had been happening to her. She was slightly surprised when Savin took her hand, even though his skin felt fever hot, it was somehow soothing.

"I wish to help you Tiana, and if this is how I can do so, I will gladly attempt this for you." The young Vulcan raised his left hand, fingers spread. "If you will permit me?"

Now that was something Tiana hadn't thought of, she didn't quite know what would happen she had never experienced a mind meld. She knew there was something more that she should know maybe this could help although given how overwhelmed she had been how anyone else could make sense of Cet's memories was beyond her. Then again Vulcan were experts at this.

"I agree to a mind meld although I don't know what it will be like for you in my head. It's fairly crowded all ready."

Tag: Savin

[Gheskori]

Gheskori was off duty - six hours of the barest respite. Walters had taken over the bridge shift, Commander Matthew having been beamed to the Rainier some half hour before. He felt uncomfortable leaving the bridge in the midst of a crisis. For a crisis it was, in spite of what Admiral Jackson and the other blind idealists might tell him. He had idealist principles, yes, but not ones that correlated exactly with the overall morals of the Federation.

He'd sworn his oath to Starfleet and the Federation and had devoted himself to uphold its principles til his dying breath, but in those final exhalations, those final desperate moments of consciousness... he found himself wondering which of those principles he would be capable of defending.

He cast Cortazar aside, the PADD scattered to the floor. He'd grown tired of the human's prose, and rose to get something from the replicator. Outside his quarters' portal, the twin dagger stars of the Kasan'thar battlecruisers awaited. They'd transmitted their information on details of the negotiations but had communicated nothing further. Perhaps they were wondering why the Prometheus class starship was still out here, holding steady in the outer system while its larger Sovereign counterpart circled the world where the Kasan'thar planned to make their final peace. Or maybe they were lurking out here ready to strike. Ghes gave thought to having the ships analysed more closely.

A beep from his terminal alerted him back to the couch. He leant forward into the screen, the seal of the Federation displayed therein with the capitalised words 'Incoming Subspace Communication' branded in flashing red underneath.

"Admiral Burke," Ghes said, jolting back in surprise. "What prompts you to contact me at this hour?"

"You off duty, Commodore?" Burke smirked, "I've received potentially disturbing news."

Ghes rubbed blearily at his eyes and brought himself to focus on the Admiral. "Go ahead, sir. Disturbing news has been common of late... Admiral Cain, has elected to join us on our mission. She's aboard the USS Rainier."

"I had heard she boarded the USS Venerable," Burke nodded. "I had no idea she planned to go out there. The news is that in the intersection of Federation, Kasan'thar and Tholian space, there has been significant activity behind the Tholian border. They're up to something, Commodore."

"Tholian activity in that region is common, I thought Admiral," Ghes frowned.

"There movement is three times higher than it has been in the last year, the most significant since their crisis with the Klingons around the Betreka Nebula some three years ago. We've detected a frenzy of comm traffic, and vessels of not insignificant displacement moving back and forth along the Tholians' frontier with the Kasan'thar."

Ghes rubbed his chin, finding himself smiling for some reason, but dark foreboding lay within him. If the Tholians were on the move, it might give weight to Cain's belief of the Kasan'thar's dishonesty. "Perhaps they're nervous about our peace negotiations."

"Quite, Commodore. Remain wary of the Kasan'thar's intentions. Cain may be right about them. I'll be keeping you posted. Burke out."

Ghes lay back on the couch, his eyes straying once more to the Kasan'thar cruisers. What were they waiting for? The Enzio lay exposed, in the emptiness of near-interstellar space. But regarding the Rainier, he felt secure in the thought that Admiral Cain - despite her obvious volatility - would keep things in order, along with his own first officer, so Jackson or Cornette didn't make any displays of naivete.

[Deleted]

JP between Savin and Tiana

Once permission was gained, Savin sat across from her on the bed and leaned slightly forward, raising his left hand and carefully pressing his fingers against specific points on her face. "My mind to your mind..." he whispered, closing his eyes, "your thoughts, to my thoughts...."

Tiana swallowed wondering exactly what was going to happen. Once upon a time she couldn't have imagined what it would be like to have another voice in her head. Now she was wondering if one more would make any difference. She hoped it could. She closed her eyes. She wasn't entirely sure whether Savin would 'see' what she saw or what. She tried to focus on Admiral Cain, after all it her reaction to the Admiral that had started this.

The image that came to mind was the bridge of the USS Montgomery. This was one of Nawars memories although Tiana did not remember experiencing it before.

Memory, about 10 years ago: [Lieutenant Nawar Cet stood formally at the Tactical Station of the USS Montgomery. The new Captain was coming on board, he had wanted to be part of her reception committee but the FO had decided that he should be on watch instead. It wasn't the best way to meet your new CO but he had no choice. He tugged at his tunic and tried not to pace.]


The memory faded and Savin sat motionless, trying to focus their attention towards the memory again, but it remained vague. "What do you remember? What happened next?[/color] Savin's mental image asked softly, trying to keep her focused. "Can you take us back to that time?"[/color]

Tiana shrugged mentally, unaware that her shoulders moved as well. "maybe?" Okay... USS Montgomery the day Captain Cain took command... What happened when Nawar met her? Something must have happened...

"What can you remember of then Captain Cain? I do recall you taking the fall for something...."[/color] He showed her his memory of him visiting her in the brig after she'd been arrested for something Nawar had done. "What happened?[/color]

[Nawar walked over to the Ready Room and pushed the door chime, he had been ordered to see the new captain but he couldn't help feeling a touch nervous. The door hissed open. Nawar stepped through and stood at attention in front of the desk. Captain Cain looked up and Nawar's heart clenched. Never in 400 and more years had he seen such a woman. Her blue eyes had a steely stare that suggested she could see right through him, and her hair was dark brown with just a hint of grey and very tightly pinned back. However it was the intensity of of her that drew him. She seemed to fill the room and he was entranced like a moth to a flame.

He swallowed. She had said something, he was sure of that but he was at a loss as to what it was. This was unprofessional, he just couldn't behave like this. Nawar ruthlessly squashed his feelings. He would do his duty. Maybe one day she would notice him. Maybe one day he would be worthy of her]

Tiana didn't quite know what to think she could feel what Nawar had felt for his CO but mostly she could feel embarrassment and anger and actually hate.

"Hate? I am not familiar with that emotion...why would he hate her? What else do you remember? We need to know why Nawar did what he did, and how this involves now Admiral Cain. Can we trust her? Is she insane? Do we need to inform their counselor that she's unfit to command? Or is she the brilliant mastermind we need?"[/color] She could feel his concern for her filter in through the physical contact. Concern, and a form of deep caring.

"I don't know. He served with her for a decade became her first officer... Tiana trailed off, hate wasn't exactly something she was familar with either although this was clearly wear her issues with Admiral Cain were coming from. What happened? A series of intense gazes flicked through her memory. Each one laden with meaning ["I've put you forward for a promotion Commander" Admiral Cain looked at her FO across her ready room desk. There was a little more grey in her hair these days but what did that matter there was some grey in his hair too. He swallowed hard. "I don't want to leave the Montgomery, ma'am." What he really wanted to say was that he didn't want to leave her but that would still be in appropriete. If they weren't in the same chain of command then they could be together but Nawar knew that would never happen. She simply didn't see him like that he was her devoted and dedicated FO and that was all he would ever be. Maybe he could one day become her Flag Captain but that would require he to stop commanding the ship directly and that seemed unlikely. She gave him one of her steel cored piercing stares, the ones that managed to make his heart tremble and his blood freeze at the same time. "In that case Commander perhaps you could tell me if you have heard about the Jolmaran system and the Kasar?"]

That Tiana realised was shortly before the Montgomery and the Victory had met up and... well that memory came unbidden [The shuttle's controls were out and sparking, artificial gravity was fluctuating sending waves of nausea through him. The flickering displays in front of him did not make happy reading. The shuttle had air and radiation leaks either of which was sufficient to kill him but neither had so far done so. The sensors were erratically registering the presence of a starship within transporter range but he had no means of signalling them. He shrugged to himself, this was it. Nawar's vision was blurring at the edges and he couldn't really breathe, it was a relief when darkness closed in on him.]

Gasping, Savin broke the meld, the feeling of death one too much to endure. Wide eyed, he stared at her. "He loved her, did he not?" he asked, his voice shaking, "and she killed him for his loyalty?"

Tiana shivered she had seen that shuttle too many times. It never got easier. She was impressed with how well Savin was reacting to that memory. She gathered her thoughts. "Yes, he loved her. I don't know what her motivation for sending him on that mission was, but... he knew that there was a very high chance of dying." Tiana scrubbed at her eyes. "He knew. Admiral Cain may have realised what she had lost as she did want him back but it's not good."

"But then why were you arrested? Do you think, that she may still have feelings for him, through you? Do you have feelings for her?" An odd note crept into his voice though he didn't seem to be aware of it as he reached to hold her hands within his.

Now that was something Tiana hadn't considered, taboo of reassociation aside.. "I was arrested for mutiny, disobeying a direct order." Her words were flat, she continued as she guessed at the Admiral's motivations "I was never going to be her faithful FO and she knew it." Unconciously she squeezed Savin's hands. "I don't know what her feelings are towards Nawar or me but I am very wary of them. As for my feelings... I" She swallowed hard. "I dislike her for having me arrested and for what she did to Nawar. He wants me to hate her, but I can't."

She shook her head realising that what she had said made little sense. "I mean if I hate her that makes me the one who is acting irrationally and I won't have that."

"From what I sense...you do dislike her, but you also seem to have a sort of...admiration for her that I do not understand. However, I do not want you to be alone with her." He hesitated. "I do not want her to find any excuse to lock you up again."

"I had no desire to see the inside of the brig again either." She tipped her head to one side considering the first part of Savin's statement, she was once again impressed by Savin. In a few minutes he had made more sense of Cet's memories than she had in years of trying. "Admiral Cain is what she is, she is part Starfleet's ability to fight fire with fire and will do anything, sacrifice anything to do her duty no matter what the cost to herself. And if I never see her again it will be far too soon."

"Then tell me what you remember of these Kas-...what were they called again." His hold on her hands tightened by a palpable fraction. "I will not leave you alone with her. I can even try to keep her away from you..." Anything, anything for her!

"The Kasan'thar'," Tiana said, slipping in to lecture mode. "Very little is known about them, I can't say I've ever seen one..." her words trailed off. That wasn't quite right. An image stirred in the back of her mind, well Cet's mind.

2223 a small waystation [Harad Cet was running and out of breath, he had the evidence and he had to get out of here. He turned a corner and fought with his aching legs to keep the pace up. Something vaguely crystalline, he lurched away from it. The last thing he needed now was to be shot at be some guard robot.]

Tiana swallowed. "As I was saying when I was on the Victory I never saw an actual Kasan'thar, plenty of their ships and the damage they could do though. We came very close to a war." She let go of Savin's hand with one of hers and guestured wildly. She wasn't quite sure what to make of the memory it was just a bit much right now. "Of course, it now turns out that Harad Cet was about 3 meters away from one about 180 years ago. Nice of them to let me know..."

Savin gasped audibly as he continued to watch her, 'listening' to her words through their mutual touch. He hadn't thought that a continued touch would allow him to 'hear' and sense what she thought. He yanked his hand back, looking apologetic. "I did not mean to catch that thought.... however, your memory it does give us a vague idea of what these Kasan'thar look like. I am certain Captain Gheskori will value this information."

"Don't worry about it." She had felt Savin's apology in the moment before he had yanked his hand away. She also understood that he hadn't known that would happen. She smiled and held her hand out to him. "Please don't be concerned. I'm getting quite good at sharing my thoughts." She had meant it to be reassuring and vaguely humourous but the tone wasn't quite right. "I think you are correct it may well be useful information. I don't know why Cet or Harad finally chose to share that. It wasn't Tiana's doing."

Almost shyly, he took her hand again, fingers carefully folding around hers. "You are Tiana. And maybe, it was unintentional? Or maybe your blend is better than you think?" Savin had never seen a Trill before he'd first met Tiana, so he was by no means an expert.

"I am Tiana but I am also Cet, and Cet is ten other people as well as Tiana." She squeezed his hand and gave another smile. "It is a bit confusing and some of the terms don't really translate. I would really like for you to be right Tiana and Cet didn't get off to the best of starts after all."

"Exactly." He smiled uncertainly at her. "I want to show you something..." He lifted his hand again, waiting for her permission.

Tiana nodded firmly. "Go ahead."

Gently, he touched her face again and closed his eyes, taking her back to when she was arrested, showing her how he felt back then. How he admired her bravery. The scene changed to when they met again, and she visited him in the brig to repay a kindness. "I...have feelings for you.."[/color] his mental image admitted to her.

A tear trickled down Tiana's cheek. I think I have feelings for you too.

Not letting go, and eyes still closed - and thus physically unaware of the tear - Savin bowed his head. "Would you...permit courting?"[/color]

Savin's formal tone made Tiana's mental image smile then a flicker of sadness that she could not hide from him ran through their shared thoughts "Not you, never you." She hurried the explaination, hoping to get the 'words' out before Savin reacted "I was dating a crewmate before we met. He left, we broke up. It hurt." The mental smile returned. "I will certainly permit courting, as long as you do likewise."

The young Vulcan looked up, opening his eyes, reaching now to wipe the tear from her face. "I will," he promised, then leaned over to softly kiss her.

[Lorna Holsen]

Cris stared critically at her reflection in the mirror, Kathy Higson's hen party started in ten minutes and she was having difficulty getting ready. The invitation to the holodeck event had specified a beach setting with lots of activity. She was making another attempt to braid her hair back but it was really a bit too short. She sighed. Lorna was sprawled on the sofa waiting for her. She muttered a curse and gave up. They were both wearing swim suits under comfortable shorts with canvas shoes.

They arrived at the holodeck with a minute to spare, the doors hissed open admitting them to a sunkissed beach under a slightly purple tinged sky. Mara Huygens, also one of the Rainer's security team waved them over to where the group was gathered. Cris recognised most of the other women present having seen them in sickbay they were nearly all members of the Rainer's security and marine contingents. Lorna was the only officer present. Cris wondered if there would be any conflict but then those present new the value of a good medic officer, enlisted or civilian and her wife wasn't the sort to stand on any sort of ceremony. In fact she had all ready wandered over to join a volley ball game while Cris found herself with a bright green fruit filled drink in one hand while she refereed the first few matches of an arm wrestling tournament that had been arrange. She was in the fourth match and Lorna was in the seventh, maybe that was why she had decided to warm up in the volleyball match. It was going to be a an interesting afternoon as long as duty didn't call.

[James T Matthew]

Scene: USS RANIER Medical Sick bay

“Cmdr. Matthew came into sickbay on the late shift. He had been putting this off for weeks now Starfleet rag states that all command officers must have a full medical physical before assuming any new Command position James had used the current mission to put the Physical off but now he was on temporary duty on board the Rainer he had the free time to just get it done just thinking to himself how long could I take a shot or two Quick eye test a scan of his lung and he would be good to go.

“Almost as if on cue the sickbay doors opened.

“James entered sickbay and scanned for someone resembling a CMO. The request from the Medical department for a standard physical had been bleeping at him from his computer console since he' arrived, and though this was something he usually put off as long as possible, he decided this time he would get it over with quick, like a Band-Aid.

“James had turned and did not recognize the figure. Just her Rank and Medical Insignia Hi Doc my name is Commander James T Matthew the Executive on board the ENZIO on temporary Assignment on board the Rainer Look Doc I have this green & Purple looking Fungus Growing on my right foot do you think I should be wored about just joking Doc’

“ I need a Quick Physical Command Rags States I need one done normally I would have Doctor Saryn on board the ENZIO do it But I need Assigned to the Rainer the next Couple weeks to come so I felt I would just come down here and get done if you Have the free time .

Tag> Dr. Holsen

Cmdr. James T Matthew
Executive Officer
USS ENZIO

On temporary on board USS RANIER

[Deleted]

The call to the Bridge caught Walters by surprise. He had only just recently been able to return to duty after his long recovery and was still trying to get caught up in Engineering. Sure, Hriss and Ihlin were a decent engineers, but the warp core was his baby, and without his special tough things had gotten sloppy. Sure, 98% efficiency was pretty damn impressive, but he wasn’t happy until he had 99. “On my way Captain.” he answered, and nodded to the Caitian and S’ti’ach before heading for the turbolift.

One short ride later, the human hobbled onto the Bridge, still limping a bit despite all of Savin and Saryn’s ministrations. He got a quick update on the situation (a typical friendly standoff), and relieved Ghes once the Denobulan was ready. Taking a seat in the center chair, Walters sighed in a moment of relief. While he had a chair down in Engineering, it wasn’t anything like this one.

“Let me see that data stream.” he told Ops. “Route it to the console here.” he added. He caught the tail end of the announcement when he arrived, and he was curious.

[Kaylana Cornette]

Kay lingered in the hug longer than usual, taking strength from Michael. He was a lot of things, many of which were maddening, but in the end, he was her support. Her head lay buried on his shoulder as she inhaled long and slow, basking in his familiarity and letting it calm her frayed nerves. "Thank you," she murmured into his neck as she unwillingly pulled away from the embrace. "I appreciate you more than you know." She took his arm and let him escort her to her quarters. She bid him farewell with a grateful kiss on the cheek.

As quickly as possible, Kay readied herself for a quick nap, settling in her bed and programming the alarm for 4 hours - as long as she dared sleep.

A mere two hours passed when Kay was jarred awake by a call from the bridge. The Kasan'thar had finally acknowledged their presence and had sent a data stream detailing the negotiations. Cain was demanding her presence on the bridge ASAP.

Kay rubbed her hand roughly over her face and cleared away the sleep from her eyes. Cain's demands meant there was no time for primping. Before leaving her cabin, she glimpsed herself in the mirror and groaned at her shabby appearance. She smoothed her unruly locks, pinched her cheeks slightly and hoped the jaunt to the bridge would wake her.

Jackson and Cain were shoulder to shoulder at the Ops station, staring at the screen. Kay approached and neither gave ground to let her see the display.

"The data stream contains copious amounts of details - including the building specs of the meeting facility," Jackson stated.

"They know we are distrustful of their intent," Kay offered, "They are probably overloading us with details to help us feel comfortable."

The two admirals parted enough for her to see the screen slightly. "Look... here..." she pointed at the data, "they have given us the blueprints - right down to the specs on the environmental control unit and the oxygen nitrogen mixture. My determination is they are trying to bolster our trust."

"I concur," Jackson said, meeting Cain's cold stare.

Kay continued. "All that's left is to arrange a time."

Neither Admiral responded.

"I suggest that we hail them."

Neither Admiral moved or even blinked.

Kay controlled her growing exasperation. "I further suggest we hail them now."

[Gheskori]

Ghes made a show of sitting attentively in front of his computer terminal, picking over the schematics of the facility in the inner system and the proposed schedule for talks. Whilst the Rainier dealt with the meat of it Ghes had tasked himself with the understanding. The conceptualisation of the whole structure of what was taking place here as some 3-dimensional edifice and trying to gain the long view, the bigger picture as some called it. It was preferable to partaking in the staring contest that'd developed between the Enzio and the battlecruisers.

A sound invaded his senses and brought him mental images of home. Dim magical sunsets in an island chain off the main Denobulan land mass. It was the sound of hundreds of insects, closing over the airspace of the colony as evening drew ever closer to an end. It was coming from the closet in the corner of the ready room.

Ghes approached, perplexed but curious. Perhaps he'd left a playback device inside. He cleaned his ears out, slapped the sides of his head, wondering if this was actually a spectacular feat of his imagination or the onset of insanity. As he somewhat tentatively raised a hand to open the closet - hand trembling minutely, approaching the manual handle slowly - a hollow knock resounded three times. Ghes gasped and leapt backwards. "Computer, is there anybody in here besides me?"

"Negative," the unperturbed voice offered.

He lifted his hand again, somewhat reassured by the computer but still hesitant, quickly pulled down the handle and leapt away again, this time further and to the side. He peeked around: nothing, only the sad emptiness of a closet rarely used. As he let the door swing shut again, cleaning his ears out, the foreboding knocking came again.

He strode on to the bridge, Walters rising rapidly at his sudden appearance.

"Commodore. Good timing, sir." Ghes sized the engineer up. "We've just detected a small engine signature on long range sensors, approaching the system from the Kasan'thar's side of the border."

"Interesting. Keep tabs on her, will you?" Ghes called to the duty Ops officer. "Inform me when it becomes a threat or otherwise." Ghes turned back to Walters, goading him towards his ready room, "Commander, a moment of your time please..?"

Walters stepped in first, seeming apprehensive. "Nothing to worry about, Commander..." Ghes said breezily, following and leaning on the desk, "I don't want to take too much of your time, but I want you to conduct an intensive scan of this room, using whoever you need."

"Aye, sir... May I ask what I am scanning for?"

"Lifesigns, mainly. Or anything technological. The computer claims no one is present but I'm sure I heard... something from in there," he pointed to the sullen closet. His nonchalance, while probably well carried off, was hiding a degree of embarrassment. "In the meantime, I think I'd better check by the doctor..." He dusted his hands off and returned to the bridge.

<Tag Walters>

Sickbay's doors retracted, admitting the impatient Ghes. He circled sickbay, anxiety coiling around him, until he found Savin and Tiana in conference near one of the biobeds. It took a few painful seconds to realise what appeared to be happening. His words that he'd loaded with impatience were pulled from the breech. "Sorry, interrupting something?" he asked, unable to stop himself from grinning. "Savin. Do you know the whereabouts of your father?"

<Tag Savin / Tiana>

[Deleted]

Startled by suddenly seeing his captain in his peripheral vision, Savin broke away from Tiana and gave the Denobulan what could pass for a guilty look. "No sir I do not. He is not here in sickbay so I would assume he is in his quarter sir," the young Vulcan answered, while sliding off the bed. He held out his hand towards the Trill science officer, offering her a hand off of the bed.

"Captain....Miss Cet has important information to share with you, in regards to Admiral Cain, as well as the Kasan'thar." He nodded towards Tiana, quietly encouraging her to speak up. "Unless she wishes for me to inform you.."

[Deleted]

"When I want the opinion of a failed Command officer I'll ask for it, until then assume I don't." Cain replied as her gaze lifted to meet the Rainiers executive officer.

Stacey looked up from the screen her jaw tightened with anger. "You will treat my crew with respect Patrizia or I will have thrown off my ship." She stared at Cain for a moment and slowly shook her head. "Don't test me."

Looking at Cornette, Stacey nodded slowly. "Captain open a channel."

(tag Kay)

"This is Admiral Stacey Jackson representing the United Federation of Planets, we thank you for your invitation to discuss peace between our two governments." She took a slight breath. "I know that there is mistrust on both sides but we are confident that the issues that have kept us in conflict can be resolved to the satisfaction of all."

Stacey looked back and gave Cornette a slight nod. "As a sign of good faith we are transporting medical supplies down to you, Rainier out."

She leaned down and pressed a console on her chair and the channel closed. She took a deep breath before saying. "If they stick to their normal procedures we should hear back from them in about an hour." She sat down ran a hand through her hair.

Cain still stood at the back of the bridge scoffed. "You weaken our position already."

"Your dismissed Cain, I'm sure you things to do." Stacey replied without looking back. "Cornette in my ready room please."

Stacey stood up with a slight sigh, and walked into her ready room when Cornette had entered and the door had closed Stacey sat down behind her desk and said. "I know it hasn't been easy being stuck between myself and Cain."

Stacey shook her head. "She and I are opposite sides of the same coin, she is so determined too see Starfleet last forever she would sacrifice billions to make it happen, I on the other hand believe it is better fail with your integrity intact than win with it lost."

She looked down for a moment. "Everything ends nothing can last forever, one day the Federation will no more and I would hope it could be looked back on with pride and as something to be emulated."

"Cain is up to something, her allies in command have been making a series of calls to ships in the area including Enzio." She took a deep breath. "I am doubtful even Cain would sabotage a peace conference intentionally but her secretive dealings may do so by default." She paused for a moment. "Try to keep tabs on her, and remember you are not required to follow her orders, she is a guest on this vessel."

She smiled slightly. "This is my last mission as commander of this vessel and an officer in Starfleet, lets try to make it a successful one."

[Gheskori]

This is a JP between Gheskori and Saryn


"Captain....Miss Cet has important information to share with you, in regards to Admiral Cain, as well as the Kasan'thar." Savin nodded towards Tiana, quietly encouraging her to speak up. "Unless she wishes for me to inform you.."

"No, I'm sure the Commander is capable of telling me herself." Ghes said, eyeing Tiana carefully. Perhaps the thought was illogical - his understanding of the Trill was limited - but he wondered how much of Cet lay there, just below the surface, concealed hardly behind the eyes.

<Tag Tiana>

"I will take my leave to find your father. Thank you, Savin. Commander." Ghes nodded to Tiana and left sickbay. He wiped the sweat from his brow and neck as he headed for Saryn's quarters. What the medical officer was doing off duty at a crucial time was beyond him. He would find out why that was, but it wasn't the primary reason for his visit. Having seen Savin's... closeness to Tiana, he didn't want to bring this before the CMO's son, rather he wanted to speak to the father himself.

He rang the buzzer of the vulcan's quarters. Everything was subdued, a perpetual stillness layered about the exterior of Saryn's abode, as if the CMO's telepathic abilities were somehow projecting the silence, the solitude of the vulcan mind on to the surroundings.

"Come in." The Vulcan's voice sounded as if coming from far away. In fact, he was in one of the bedrooms, tending to his daughter who lay in her bed with the covers pulled up to her chin. "Captain?" He frowned as he spotted the Denobulan, as he came out of his daughter's bedroom. "How can I help you sir? Please, come in."

Gheskori wandered into the CMO's quarters, glancing around at the spartan interior. "Ah, there you are, Doctor." Saryn emerged from presumably his other child's bedroom. "Not to beat around the bush, as humans say, but why aren't you in sickbay at this time of emergency? We're facing down two Kasan'thar battlecruisers at full battle alert. Casualties are a real possibility."

"Savin wanted an opportunity to show his capabilities, and I have another priority at the moment," Saryn answered calmly. "Numike is ill. However, if a medical emergency arises, rest assured I will report to sickbay and find someone to take care of my child. However, I can tell that this is not your only reason to seek me out.."

Ghes brooded, tips of his fingers tapping his lower lip. "What do you know about Trill physiology?" he asked abruptly. "Is it at all possible that the will of a Trill symbiont can overpower that of the host?"

"Not much," the Vulcan answered, walking over to his favourite seat, lowering himself down into it. "But from what I have learned, it is not impossible. Why?"

He paced Saryn's quarters, "Nawar Cet was Cain's first officer. He, or rather she, may still have loyalties to Cain. Now, despite our orders to carry out the Admiral's wishes and investigate what the Kasan'thar are truly up to, I'm beginning to feel quite uncomfortable having her old Number One in a prominent role on this ship, at least at this time. I wish I didn't feel like this and it's rather unpleasant, particularly as Commander Galwyn is such a fine officer, but..." He perked up, "Your son seems to have developed a... bond with Cet. I mean Tiana," he corrected quickly and waited for a response, when none was forthcoming adding, "Well what are your views on the bond? If it's not too personal a question."

"I have no reason to believe that Tiana Cet is not her own unique identity," Saryn explained, "and she does not appear to enjoy an unstable joining with her symbiont. As far as my son's choice for a consort, that is his affair. I am aware of the Vulcan practice of the parents bonding their children at the age of seven, but T'Vin and I have chosen not to. He is free to choose his own mate and I will not meddle. As far as I can see, Miss Cet is an egible candidate, if she is willing."

"Eligible candidates... you make it sound like an election, Doctor," Ghes smiled and waved his hand dismissively, "It's not my job to interfere in the personal relations of the crew. Although, in this instance, I'd advise your son to be cautious. He may not be fully aware of what he's getting himself into. There's more than one person in that mind. Cet is an uncertainty; she may prove to be a valuable asset to this mission or heaven forbid a thorn in our side. Or perhaps neither." He shrugged.

"One request, Doctor," Ghes asked. "A request not an order. Keep an eye on your son and his relations with Galwyn. I'm sure you'd do so anyway but, extra vigilance is required..."

"If Savin trusts her, I have no reason to interfere captain." Saryn shrugged in a very Human fashion. "What have you observed? I was not even aware they had a personal relationship that goes beyond mere friendship."

Ghes smiled. He always felt a guilty sense of relish in delivering such information. "When I saw them in sickbay, they seemed to have become rather intimate. I'm not asking you to... spy, but Savin may be able to find out some more about Cet's potential goals during this mission, if, the symbiont has an awareness of the overall mission situation."

Saryn arched an eyebrow at that information. "Intimate?" he queried in evident surprise.

"Yes, intimate..." Ghes while still smiling and enjoying telling Saryn this to some extent, was starting to feel uncomfortable, even a little embarrassed. "Your son and Tiana shared a kiss," he shrugged. "They'd undergone a mind meld, which I understand can be quite intimate affairs in themselves. Please though, Saryn, ask your son to be cautious, and report anything unusual you see to me. Savin is delving inside the mind of a Trill that's experienced many lifetimes. He may uncover things about Cet that could prove harmful to both himself and the mission as a whole."

"I will, though I doubt Savin will recklessly endanger himself. I am certain he has thought this through, before engaging in a mind meld. Captain, I do have to admit that he is the better telepath. I mean...his skills greatly surpass mine. Remember, that we come from a time where the taboo on melding still existed. He relies on it far more than I do, because of his handicap. I appreciate your concern but I doubt there is any need for it. If he uncovers anything about Cet, it is likely that Cet wants them to be uncovered."

"As I implied, I don't know much about Trill physiology, but it's possible Tiana doesn't know the full extent of Cet's experiences herself. How is she going to know what to reveal if she doesn't know the totality of Cet's knowledge. The symbiont may reveal something harming. Thus all the same, keep an eye on your son, Saryn. As a fellow father, I know there's no need to remind you of that."

"You do not. But I trust my son. You should talk to them."

"I have and will again," Ghes conceded, "But as well as trusting your son, is there not some responsibility to have towards him. You never know, Savin may search your approval or thoughts." Ghes turned away, "I take my leave, Doctor. Best wishes to your daughter. When can I expect you back in sickbay?"

"AS soon as Savin needs my assistance captain."

Ghes smiled, his back to Saryn as he neared the entrance, the corner of his grin just visible to the vulcan. "Very well. Then Savin can scan me for why I appear to be hearing things in my ready room closet." He left the CMO's quarters and headed for the bridge first, wondering if the noise from the closet had just been a feat of imagination.

[Tiana Galwyn Cet]

"Sorry, interrupting something?" Gheskori asked, unable to stop himself from grinning. "Savin. Do you know the whereabouts of your father?"

Tiana swallowed grateful that Trills did not blush in quite the same way as humans and consequently her embarrassment was hidden. She did not want to have to explain to Savin that she was embarrassed about being snuck up on, not for being caught kissing him.

"Captain....Miss Cet has important information to share with you, in regards to Admiral Cain, as well as the Kasan'thar." Savin nodded towards Tiana, quietly encouraging her to speak up. "Unless she wishes for me to inform you.."

"No, I'm sure the Commander is capable of telling me herself." Ghes said,Tiana did not like the way he was looking at her. She had thought that she and her captain had an understanding. Now though there was something in his gaze at she couldn't put a name to. It was almost as if she were something completely inexplicable.

"I have some insights into Admiral Cain from Nawar Cet who served with her for more than a decade. He was devoted to her and she sacrificed him on a mission." Tiana paused just a second before continuing "I also hold the memory of a visual encounter with a Kasan'thar that was experienced by one of Cet's previous hosts. I will provide as much information as I can in a formal report."

Tiana was impressed by how calm she sounded, she kept it simple and waited for Ghes to ask for more information. She was quite surprised when he did not press her.

"I will take my leave to find your father. Thank you, Savin. Commander." Tiana nodded as the Commodore left.

She sighed. "I'm due on duty again shortly. Thank you, Savin." She smiled. She did honestly feel that she was more 'together' than she had been in a long time. "Would you be able to join me for dinner later?"

Tag: Savin

She kissed his cheek, the merest brush of lips, and then left sickbay with a spring in her step. The gossips in the science department would be on her new mood in a trice. She wondered, as she walked back to her quarters whether any of them would correctly guess the reason.

[Deleted]

(for the most part a JP with Gheskori)

She sighed. "I'm due on duty again shortly. Thank you, Savin." She smiled. She did honestly feel that she was more 'together' than she had been in a long time. "Would you be able to join me for dinner later?"

"I am honoured commander. I will be there." The Vulcan offered her a slight though genuine smile.

She kissed his cheek, the merest brush of lips, and then left sickbay with a spring in her step. The gossips in the science department would be on her new mood in a trice. She wondered, as she walked back to her quarters whether any of them would correctly guess the reason.

Savin just stood there, his hand pressed to his cheek as he watched her leave. His hazel eyes sparkled unusually as he stared after her.

====

Saryn deliberately took longer in getting to sickbay so that Savin would have some private time with Tiana. Arriving there two hours later, he pulled his son aside. "Captain Gheskori needs you in his quarters," he spoke, while signing at the same time. "You need to bring your medical kit."

Savin nodded quietly, gathering his required equipment. "I will go immediately," he said, refusing to explain what happened between him and Tiana, even if he wasn't asked. He'd write a formal report on the mind meld when he'd get back to sickbay. A scant five minutes later, he rang the chime on Gheskori's door.

Ghes was reclined on the couch. The prose of Cortazar was with him again. Curiously, and thankfully, the strange sounds he'd heard in the ready room hadn't followed him to his quarters. The door chime rang and he propped up on the couch, "Enter."

To his slight surprise it was Saryn's son. "Ah yes, Savin, come in. Your father sent you to treat me?" He managed to hide a knowing smile, wondering what the encounter between father and son - regarding Tiana - must've been like.

"Yes sir, though he has not explained to me why. Can you tell me what is ailing you sir?" The young Vulcan set his little case down on the table and pulled out his medical tricorder, detaching the wand from the scanning device. "Are you experiencing discomfort?"

Ghes sat forward on the couch, propping his elbows on his knees and rubbing his temples. "I've been getting a... ringing in my ears, followed by occasional short thumps, of a sort. As if I can hear my heartbeat except amplified several times. It happens consecutively and then disappears for a few hours. The only consistency is, it's happened solely in my ready room."

"Sit still." Savin slowly waved the scanner around the Denobulan's head. "Do you wish to relocate to your ready room? I cannot find anything different." He turned the tricorder around to show him. "All is within nominal range for a healthy Denobulan male of your age."

"For my age indeed..." Ghes laughed abruptly. "A Denobulan of sixty should be perfectly healthy considering our lifespans. Not too dissimilar to your own in fact."

He stood from the couch. "Computer, site to site transport, beam myself and medical staff member Savin to the ready room." Seconds later the cerulean wash had died away and they were left in the dim interior of the ready room. "The site of my worrries, Savin," Ghes smiled, rounding his desk. "It was coming from that clos - "

Savin looked at the Denobulan, who suddenly seemed distraught. "There it is again. Can you hear that? From the closet."

The Vulcan had to squint to even see Gheskori speak. "Captain...I am deaf, I cannot hear anything," he pointed out.

Ghes tapped his thumbs together, leaning back in his chair. "Good point," he murmured, "My apologies, Savin." His face was draining of colour, doing his best to ignore the occasional knocking from the closet, "There's definitely nothing wrong with me, or with my ears? I've heard, for example, that pressure in the ear can cause the ear drum to press against the arteries in the lobe. Could I be hearing my pulse in those arteries, amplified by their proximity to the ear drum?"

"No captain, scans show no indication of anything being amiss. However, I do see a rising line in your stress levels. Captain...may I touch you?" Perhaps, through physical contact he could 'listen in' on what the captain was hearing.

Ghes recoiled. "No, you may not." He said with a slight sense of outrage. It was Denobulan custom not to have physical contact with non-intimates, as was the case with vulcans. For medicinal purposes, however, he could understand Savin's motivations. Still though, he was hesitant. "Very well, but briefly, and to the point," he commanded.

"Briefly," the younger man promised and pressed two fingers against the Denobulan's temple, closing his eyes.

"Nothing unusual?" Ghes asked. Savin shook his head, withdrawing his fingers. Ghes rose, touching his ear where the hand had made contact. The knocking was becoming more persistent, but was fading in volume - as if dying out. He shot towards the closet. "Only one way to find out for sure!" He threw the closet open.

Nothing, just the shelves and the grey maudlin emptiness of the storage unit.

Savin just rubbed his temples; all he got from the brief contact was a headache. But he 'heard' no knocking. "Maybe you should call engineering," he suggested softly, a worried look touching his eyes. Was the captain going mad? "Maybe...something wrong with the plumbing?"

"No... I can only wish there was a lavatory installed in here. Walters is in the process of checking out the ready room for any technological anomalies or systems problems. If he finds anything I'll let you know for peace of mind. Thank you, Savin." He retook his desk, glaring out at the stars thoughtfully, unease lining his features.

"You are welcome captain. I have to return to sickbay."

[Kaylana Cornette]

"When I want the opinion of a failed Command officer I'll ask for it, until then assume I don't." Cain replied as her gaze lifted to meet the Rainiers executive officer.

Stacey looked up from the screen her jaw tightened with anger. "You will treat my crew with respect Patrizia or I will have thrown off my ship." She stared at Cain for a moment and slowly shook her head. "Don't test me."

Looking at Cornette, Stacey nodded slowly. "Captain open a channel."

Emboldened by her Captain’s support, Kay shouldered Cain aside to open the comm. The Admiral faltered back a step, tipping off balance slightly before righting herself. Anger poured from her every feature as she held back a new barb to hurl at Kay and analyzed whether or not Jackson’s threat was genuine. In the end, Cain chose to silently fume.

Her back to both Admirals, Kay risked a small smile as she tapped the console for a channel.

"This is Admiral Stacey Jackson representing the United Federation of Planets. We thank you for your invitation to discuss peace between our two governments." She took a slight breath. "I know that there is mistrust on both sides, but we are confident that the issues that have kept us in conflict can be resolved to the satisfaction of all."

Stacey looked back and gave Cornette a slight nod. "As a sign of good faith we are transporting medical supplies down to you, Rainier out."

She leaned down and pressed a console on her chair and the channel closed. She took a deep breath before saying. "If they stick to their normal procedures we should hear back from them in about an hour." She sat down ran a hand through her hair.

Cain still stood at the back of the bridge scoffed. "You weaken our position already."

"You’re dismissed Cain, I'm sure you have things to do." Stacey replied without looking back. "Cornette in my ready room please."

Stacey stood up with a slight sigh, and walked into her ready room when Cornette had entered and the door had closed Stacey sat down behind her desk and said. "I know it hasn't been easy being stuck between myself and Cain."

“It’s been… bearable,” Kay assured. “I want to thank you,” she added sheepishly, “for what you did back there… taking up for me against Cain. I admit I was surprised by it, considering…” Kay let her words drop. There was no need in dredging up the past. “Cain is so infuriating. I find it difficult to work with her. And I can get along with just about anyone.”

Stacey shook her head. "She and I are opposite sides of the same coin; she is so determined to see Starfleet last forever she would sacrifice billions to make it happen. I, on the other hand, believe it is better to fail with your integrity intact than win with it lost."
She looked down for a moment. "Everything ends, nothing can last forever. One day the Federation will be no more and I would hope it could be looked back on with pride and as something to be emulated."

“I would hope that the end of Starfleet would be a millennium away,” Kay interjected reflectively. “I have always held the belief that good will prevail.”

Stacey rose slowly, moved to the front of her desk and leaned wearily against it. Kay wasn’t an empath, but it was evident this mission was weighing heavily upon her. Her body seemed bent with worry and fatigue. Kay was about to suggest she take an hour off duty when Stacey looked up. Kay saw fire and determination in her CO’s eyes. Tired though her body may be, Jackson was ready to take on Cain and the whole Kasan’thar armada, if need be. Kay couldn’t help but admire her.

"Cain is up to something. Her allies in command have been making a series of calls to ships in the area including Enzio." She took a deep breath. "I am doubtful even Cain would sabotage a peace conference intentionally, but her secretive dealings may do so by default." She paused for a moment. "Try to keep tabs on her, and remember you are not required to follow her orders, she is a guest on this vessel."

She smiled slightly. "This is my last mission as commander of this vessel and an officer in Starfleet. Let’s try to make it a successful one."

Kay smiled back at Stacey as her eyes pooled slightly. She wanted to tell her so many things - that she had learned so much from her, and she wanted her to stay, that she needed her as a mentor and friend. Instead, all she managed to croak out was a heartfelt, “Yes ma’am!”

This was the first official mention of Jackson’s retirement, but Kay had sensed its coming. She was determined, now more than ever, to broker peace with the Kasan’thar and to accomplish it in Jackson’s honor.


When not scurrying between Admirals, Kay had searched through as much data as she could find about the Kasan’thar. Though no images could be found, a description by Admiral Lin, who had observed one single-handedly subdue 36 Tholians, was enlightening. Like the Tholians, the Kasan are silicon-based lifeforms and, as such, need a Demon class planet atmosphere. Their bodies are slender, lithe, lizard-like in appearance and nearly 2 meters/7 feet tall. They are bipedal with sharp talons on their feet and a large number of sharp teeth. The warriors don energy reflectant body armor. The Kasan’thar see themselves as totally superior to the Tholians and even consume their eggs, a practice which nearly drove the Tholians to extinction. They also have a penchant for perfectionism, which Kay thought may explain their slowness to act.

Jackson’s prediction proved correct and the acknowledgement to her hail came in exactly an hour.

As Cornette called together her team, Cain glared at her with contempt, obviously begrudging her involvement. Without looking at the Admiral, Kay felt her cold stare wrap around her like steely fingers on her neck, squeezing and tightening until it was hard to breathe.

<tag Cain/Jackson anyone coming along with Kay>

“Captain,” the transporter chief objected, “Readings do indicate a class-M type environment, but I don’t like trusting this alien technology,” her forehead wrinkled with worry. “I would recommend your team wear enviro-suits just in case.”

“No, I understand the need for caution, but trust is more important here,” Kay stated emphatically. “The Kasan’thar need to see we trust them enough to put our lives in their hands.”

As her team gathered in the transporter room, she addressed them. “If anyone here feels the need to decline this assignment, you may go now… no one will think less of you for doing so.” The room lay still and quiet for a few seconds. “Then, let’s go write ourselves into history,” she said, noting that there was probably too much pomp in her speech.

[SA. Stacey Jackson [Ret]]

As Stacey walked down the halls of the ship she tried her best to take in as much of the view as she could. Though in truth the reason for doing so escaped her, true she had commanded the vessel, been in battle with it and had felt the joy of success and sting of defeat on it. But in all that time she had never developed a deep connection to it to her it remained as it always had, a thing of metal and conduits. Not as Humans often believed a 'She' with a will of her own.

She shrugged slightly as she came up to an empty and small lounge used for nothing more than the large windows it had to offer. As she walked up to the window she caught sight of her reflection looking back, the gold weave in her uniform caught the light and it seemed to glow ever so slightly.

She looked to the rank insignia as her hand moved up to pull it off her uniform, it seemed heavy in her hand a thing no doubt more in her mind than in the physical mass of the trinket. She held her hand open and it sat in her palm.

"So we come to the ending at last." She tilted her head slightly as she recalled her hopes and dreams when she first put on the uniform she shrugged slightly with a wry smile. "I suppose if you can't leave the best Counsellor in Starfleet a footnote of an Admiral will do."

Her mind suddenly grew dark as she felt someone lingering in the room. "Admiral Cain, was there something you wished to discuss or are you simply content to cast a shadow on my entire day?" She turned to look at Cain her hand now closed over her insignia.

Cain snorted slightly. "Speaking to yourself? Losing the slender grip you had on reality at your age?." She took a quick breath mockingly acting out the sudden remembrance of a fact. "Ah that's right vanity compelled you to change your record, how old are you really? a pity you never learnt to grow old with dignity like the rest of us."

Stacey smiled as she slowly shook her head. "If you’re looking for a raw nerve to poke at Patrizia you'll need to do far better than that." Her face grew hard and her black eyes locked onto Cain. "You on the other hand, one doesn't need to strain to find them." She stepped closer.

"That Trill officer I met from the Enzio, I remember her former host what was his name?" Her voice was soft but it conveyed the unadulterated disgust she had for the person stood in front of her.

Cain didn't reply her face only responded with a tiny flicker of muscle spasm.

Stacey's eyes closed for a moment. "You sent him to his doom, his only crime was he placed his love with a woman who knew not how to handle it." She shook her head slowly as her eyes grew more focused on Cain. "Deep down you know you loved him too, a part of you longed to be allowed to show it."

Her voice now grew more hard. "But the great and powerful Admiral Cain was too frightened to allow herself the joy." She took another step forward. "So you place all your hopes in the uniform, you try to convince yourself it is all you need, all you ever wanted."

Stacey shrugged. "Well congratulations Patrizia, long after my name has faded into history and been forgotten, your tactics will no doubt be taught at the academy." She let out a deep breath. "But we both know that is cold comfort, just as we both know the uniform doesn't grieve for its former occupant."

Stacey held her gaze for a few long moments, before walking past Cain making for the door. She stopped and looking back said. "I wonder when all is said and done and you meet the end of this life, who 'will' grieve for you if not the uniform?" She paused for a moment and added. "Certainly not Nawar Cet."

She looked back to the door as she attached her rank insignia back on her uniform she finished. "I'm not the kind counsellor lacking confidence any more, continue to get in my way and I will run right over you." With that Stacey left Cain alone in silence.

[Deleted]

"She's nuts! Absolutely nuts!" Nathan ranted as he paced the length of the livingroom. "And the way she treats Admiral Jackson.... I honestly wonder how she thinks to get away with it!"

Jayden sighed, to got his feet and stuck out his arm, literally stopping his husband's pacing. "Quiet now Nate, you're upsetting the children." He stole a glance towards another area of the room, where Freddie and Angel were quietly playing with what looked like old fashioned Duplo Lego. They didn't seem disturbed at all, nor upset. In fact the ten and four year old barely seemed to notice.

"I just don't get why Jackson just lets her walk over her."

The marine shrugged as he pulled his hand back. "You shouldn't worry so much, it's bad for your heart. And you really don't want to suffer that bad condition again do you? It's been going so well the last few years."

Nathan smiled, touched by his husband's concern. "No, I don't want that to start up again. Maybe I should talk to her. Cain that is, and confront her about it? I mean...if Stacey won't stand up for herself, someone ought to do it right?" He licked his lips as he considered the situation, then tapped his combadge. "Admiral Cain, please report to the counselor's office. We need to talk." He left her no room to reply, instead grabbed his uniform jacket (which held no rank insignia) and pulled it on. "Well here goes nothing, wish me luck."

Jayden smiled and kissed his cheek. "You don't need luck. She does." He was still smiling as he watched the man go.

[Gheskori]

Ghes wondered if he was overstepping the mark by going about his business in this way. A message had been sent an hour and a half ago from the Rainier to the planet's surface. A response was sent exactly an hour later and the ship had repositioned itself to a lower orbit. The two battlecruisers in proximity to the Enzio remained as silent as monoliths.

The fact the transmissions were sent on encrypted channels put Ghes ill at ease. They were tightbeamed on to their targets rather than broadcast omnidirectionally. He'd had the transmissions analysed to see if reconstructions of them could be decoded but was met with little success. It wasn't so much a matter of whether he was doing the right thing as it was the Kasan'thar's highly advanced encryption technologies preventing him from finding out what Admiral Jackson's message was. It didn't take a genius to imagine what it might be though.

Ghes had decided that for the time being he couldn't fully trust either Admiral. He'd been left out in the dark ordered by Cain to take up a strategic position of what seemed at the time like perimeter defence but now felt like being ordered away from a crime scene.

"Commander," he addressed his first officer stationed on the Rainier, "If there's a time I need your eyes and ears I need them now." He let Matthew make his report, unsure if his XO was being tactful for fear of their communication being monitored. "I see. Commander, if both Admirals and Captain Cornette go down there, I want you to force yourself into a position where you can take command of the Rainier. Otherwise, play subordinate to the remaining officer/s and report to me on their activities."

<Tag Matthew>

Ghes was left to ponder on the bridge, until 30 seconds later the alarm he'd been waiting for sounded. "Report," he ordered, as the Enzio automatically went to yellow alert.

"The battlecruisers have changed alert status and activated shields," tactical reported, "They are backing off at approximately one quarter impulse."

Ghes turned sharply, "Backing off?"

"Also registering a new signature, engine readout indicates a small vessel approximately 100 metres long, approaching the border at a third of lightspeed."

"Was it launched by one of the cruisers?"

"Unknown, sir," Ops reported, "However it is unlikely given the vessel's distinctly non Kasan'thar configuration. The ship is slowing... At current speed it will reach us in 45 minutes."

Ghes sat back in his chair. He ordered the ship be hailed but there was no response. "Hail the Kasan'thar cruisers?" he suggested. They too were uncommunicative.

"Do we report this to Admiral Cain, sir?" Walters leaned in from the XO's chair.

"Yes." Ghes nodded emphatically. "It's the only way we're going to be able to justify contacting her. Plus she has to let us do our job even if she's changed her mind about the whole mission." Gheskori entered his ready room to make the call, and this time was immediately greeted with that awful knocking from the closet. He threw it open but again, it was empty and dark.

<Tag ALL>

[James T Matthew]

Scene: USS RANIER Mess Hall
“James shook his head and stood up and went to the replicator and ordered a strong, black coffee. What he REALLY wanted was a good stiff drink, but he couldn't risk it while still on duty. With Admiral Jackson & Captain Cornette down on the Planet and Admiral Cain loose on the bridge he needed to be alert and on his toes. A few minutes later he finished his coffee and headed to the bridge


Scene: Main Bridge

’The doors to the turbo swished open and he stepped out onto the bridge. He could see Admiral Cain look back over her Shoulder well Commander you decided to join us After all?

“Yes Admiral I got Board sitting in my Guest Quarters looking out into Space James headed for the second Tactical Station that was free to bring himself up to Speed

“the Quick’s way without drawing to much attention to Himself Tapping at the Console Let take a look at the Last Watch Officer report I see Admiral Jackson Has" issued orders that no unauthorized transmission being sent from the ship without her epic Orders “

“I see both Admiral Jackson & Captain Cornette Have transported down to the planet Leaving Admiral Cain on board I wonder if that was a good thing.

“have no real power am just here to Observer looking over at Admiral Cain She look at easy sitting in the BIG CHAIR ill need to just keep my eyes & Ears open the Last thing I need is to give Admiral Cain A reason to remove me from the bridge.

< Tag Ghes >

[SA. Stacey Jackson [Ret]]

**Transporter Room**

Stacey stood at the back and listened as Cornette spoke to her assembled team, she couldn't help but smile slightly, with all the wolves that Cain had managed to circle around her it was easy to forget she had people she could indeed rely on. As Cornette finished Stacey stepped forward and said.

"For the moment concentrate on establishing a dialogue and hear them out, don't try to negotiate anything just yet, they won't want to capitulate to a subordinate." She paused and continued. "They don't know you so they wont trust you right away, they will most likely not be visible behind the force field that contains their environment, but remember they can see you." She took a slow breath. "Once the ground has been softened I will beam down and you will return and take command up here."

"Good luck Captain."

<Tag Cornette see PM>

**Bridge**

She stepped onto the bridge from the auxiliary turbolift, looking around she slowly shook her head it seemed the moment her back was turned her bridge filled with people she didn't exactly trust, both Cain and Gheskoris first officer were there. She overheard Mathews speaking to Gheskori and she cleared her throat as she walked up behind him.

"Cain isn't the Admiral you should be concerned with offending Mister Matthew." She looked down at the console he was using and added. "Should your Captain wish to know something he can ask me." She took a deep breath and added. "While your on my bridge you can make yourself useful, she pointed to the main tactical console, keep a transporter lock on the away team."

She spoke up louder knowing Gheskori was still on the channel. "Gheskori be aware very little happens on this ship I am unaware of, rest assured there will be no circumstances in which your Commander here will be taking command of this ship, I also see you attempted to contact Cain no doubt to inform her of something, need I remind you that I am the ranking officer, you will brief me what you ship is doing out there."

<Tag Matthews, Gheskori>