SB Assailant Mission 4.1 - To have and to hold...

[Deleted]

JP Tedak and T'Val

Soric and Tedak exchanged a brief glance, then Soric nodded. "I see no reason why he should not remain," the Vulcan answered, "in this quest we are all brothers. Elder Ji'Zhan it has come to my attention that my daughter is distantly related to the Debrune species. Since I appear to be equally troublesome in containing all of my emotions, I am inclined to conclude that I too hold Debrune genes. Is there a way to test this?"

T'Val glanced sharply at her father, while Stuart still held his arms wrapped around her as if to shelter her from something. She felt Tedak's sharp glance on her, but she ignored him for now. She was interested to hear what Ji'Zhan would come up with. Since her mother's family had never left Vulcan, while her father's had traveled around the galaxy it did seem logical that her Debrune heritage came through her father's line.

She wanted to know more about her lineage and she could tell her father was equally interested. "Elder Ji'Zhan, perhaps after the our wedding, you could show my father around on Qualinost and tell him more about the Debrune people?" she suggested.

Tedak nodded in agreement. "If it is agreeable with the elder, I would like to show the doctor around. Perhaps our son, his grandson, can accompany us and show us the sites of interest. For a four year old, D'beren is quite knowledgeable about Debrune history."

(Ji'Zhan)

"I would agree," T'Val acknowledged. ~and it would give us some time alone~ she thought happily, knowing Stuart would pick up on them. And apparently Ji'Zhan had picked up the thought as well, for the Debrune diplomat raised a questioning eyebrow at the couple. T'Val returned the gesture and gave him an icy stare.

At that precise moment, Lily interrupted their concersation, quoting a message from Saarok. "Oh no!" Tedak exclaimed, glancing directly at Ji'Zhan. "I forgot we had a lunch engagement. Perhaps we should reschedule for dinner? Ji'Zhan I expect you in my quarters at 1900 hours. Lily please inform Saarok and Ezdreiana to come to my quarters at 1900 for dinner. And assure them I'll be there."

He nodded politely towards Soric, T'Val and Stuart. "Please excuse me, I have work to attend to." And off he dashed, clearly in a hurry to prepare for things he'd completely forgotten about.

"Odd fellow," Soric remarked dryly, "but he seems honest enough about his intentions. He is certainly not your typical Romulan."

To that, T'Val had to agree, much to Stuart's obvious chargin.

[Ji' Zhan]

"in this quest we are all brothers. Elder Ji'Zhan it has come to my attention that my daughter is distantly related to the Debrune species. Since I appear to be equally troublesome in containing all of my emotions, I am inclined to conclude that I too hold Debrune genes. Is there a way to test this?"

Ji'Zhan, standing in the middle of all the people he had grown to know so well wondered if this would lead to what generations of experiences gave him hesitation to answer. Countless of times people found the Debrune when they were still hidden. Found them to find an answer that was eluding them in every-other place in the Galaxy. Ji'Zhan didn't want all the progress of the past several years to somehow become void because of what he knew the outcome of this simple question. His voice hesitant, "Yes... Yes there is a method ... it really isn't that complicated. I'm sure that the good Doctor's methods are much the same. However, if everyone wants to go to the planet later ... I would be honored to show you."

[Deleted]

The Romulan diplomat returned to his quarters to prepare dinner arrangements for his guests. He felt profoundly embarassed by forgetting a lunch meeting he himself had arranged, and now he would have to make is apologies and make up for lost time too. He had to share the news he had gained about the Tholians, as Saarok and Ezdreiana were both Federation diplomats, they had a need to know. And he was certain Vebn wasn't forthcoming with the necessary information.

Plus, he had T'Val's account of what happened while she was serving on the Galaxy. The Tholians could try to write it off as the tales of a crazed woman, but he knew this particular woman like no other. Aside from three other men that were very close to her that is.

Tedak checked his messages and was pleased to find both Ezdreiana and Saarok had acknowledged his invitation. He then went to prepare a PADD for each with the necessary information and datalogs they would need. Of course he'd never really met Kaskrene in person, from what he had heard the Tholian ambassador was one with a very short fuse. And he would need either ambassador to arrange a meeting for him with the Tholian. He would see for himself how honourable a diplomat Kaskrene was, though Tedak doubted they'd get along.

A few hours later, his guests arrived, including Ji'Zhan. "Gentleman, this PADD will show you everything you will need to know," he announced as the four men sat down at the dinner table.

[Magellan Lin]

Hishars was unusually quiet and Magellan remarked as such to the affable Bolian once he and laurana were seated at the window table.

"Its 'The Dragons Den'"

"Dragons Den?" Laurana asked

"Yes, its a new restaurant and club opened two levels up from here. Next to the jewellers and the Credit exchange."

Magellan nodded he remembered the formerly vacant lot. When he had first arrived it had been some kind of clothing store but the Bajoran family that had run it had gone bust and moved back to Bajor.

"Quite some competition then"

Hishar shrugged,

"Everyone knows I do the finest Bolian cuisine, there is no real competition this is just their opening night. I m half tempted to go and visit it myself... see what its like"

"Not that your worried by the competition" Magellan noted wryly with a wink,

Hishar scowled, "No, Hishars is streets ahead. Its more to see her landlord - The Dragons Den is Drolem Simeths new venture"

Magellan felt his knuckles tighten. They did so when ever the former Mayor was mentioned. It annoyed him that he had eluded justice and was convinced that the Den would be just that a Den of inequity and depravity. He would ensure Sharon and her security teams paid special attention to this new establishment.

"Lets not think of that now" Laurana suggested noticing the annoyance in Magellan.

"No. We'll have the usual please Hishar"

The bolian nodded and retreated to the kitchens.

"So how are you feeling... no more side effects" she asked

Magellan shrugged,
"Nothing of note, the odd headache but Dr Mercy says thats to be expected, othewise I feel more together than ever."
She smiled and sipped from her glass,

"I m due back on Trill in the next few days."

"Next Few DAYS, but its a months travel from here"

"I know" she chuckled "But tracking you down took longer than I anticpated"

Magellan looked down sheepishly,

"I am sorry and grateful, if it werent for you... well I dont know.." he trailed of"

"Nonsense, the Jefferson was coming after you anyways I just tagged along." she paused, "Either way I m booked on the next transport to Trill. It leaves at the end of the week"

"Well thats not too close, at least you ll catch the Presidents visit."

Laurana shrugged,
"We Guardians spend most of our lives underground and care little for interstellar politics. I didnt even vote in the election"

"Nor me, I was on the run at the time." he chuckled "Though to be fair I dont know who I would have voted for anyways."

"No?"

"Zahara Vrened seems okay but shes only been in the job a few months, hardly much to judge her on and before that she had a fairly low profile. If Bacco had stood again I perhaps would have voted for her. I dont know, Ch'zhar of Andor and Sirok of Vulcan both had promise"

"Oh yes Sirok has the right idea" Hishar said as he laid their bowls of Salan Soup down before them, "In my mind Vulcan is much better equipped to run the federation than those impulsive Humans."

"Thankyou Hishar" Laurana said as she tentativly blew on the steaming bowl or violet soup,

"Your welcome my dear" he replied wiping his hands on his apron and moving to a second couple at a nearby table.

"Regardless of who I may have wanted Zahara is coming and no one else and I get the awful feeling things will not go smoothly"

[Deleted]

Soric nodded. "That would be appreciated Ambassador Ji'Zhan. Or do you prefer to be addressed as Elder?" The older Vulcan glanced up earnestly at the Debrune official. "Apparently I will be taking my grandson down to Qualinost later, so that my daughter and her mate will have some private time to see to their...situation."

The Vulcan glanced sideways at the younger Vulcan woman and the Human male. "You must proceed tonight," he told her softly, "you will not be able to continue tomorrow if you do not. Trust me, my daughter. I speak from experience. I have seen it in patients before. You are my only child, I do not wish to lose you to a biological madness."

Now, Soric glanced up at Mercy and gave him an almost icy glare. "Take care of her," he said softly as he walked past the human doctor, "make sure she does as I suggested."

T'Val watched her father leave and exchanged a rather surprised glance with Mercy. "He is correct," she acknowledged, "come, we must prepare. Tonight, we shall be bonded." She too bid Ji'Zhan farewell with the promise to visit Qualinost soon, once she was herself again.

[Ji' Zhan]

Sitting down to the dinner in Tedak’s quarters, Ji’Zhan commented about the meal he had prepared and in a short amount of time too. Everyone was finishing up when he handed everyone a PADD for review. Ji’Zhan read it with increasing interest.

“Tedak, why would the Tholians have Romulan cloaking technology! ? !” Ji’Zhan said his voice turning from the pleasant mood of the evening to a more concerned tone. “… HOW would they get the technology if someone from the Romulan side wasn’t giving it to them? I dare say that there is either a very large hole in the Romulan government … or … the government is behind this.” Ji’Zhan’s fears of the Romulans being dishonest suddenly became very poignant.

Ji’Zhan didn’t inform Tedak that the Debrune ship, Kah-hir, had found the Tholians colony days after the Federation ship had left the area before, but Ji’Zhan did think that Tedak knew about the Debrune Star ships. “Tedak, one of our ships have been in the Nebula for weeks now on reconnaissance and have observed several cargo ships in the area. For the past three days, the activity has stopped altogether. However, very little than warp signatures is known due to the nature of the Nebula. I will be willing to pass that information over to you and Admiral Lin if you both don’t already have that information.” Ji’Zhan took a communication device from this garment and started typing in commands, “Tedak, I assumed that you and the Federation knew this information; I mean no one has ever requested help in this manner before from my people.” Ji’Zhan knew now that both the Romulans and the Federation didn’t fully understand the Deburne’s space fleet.

<Tag Tedak and others in the room>

[Deleted]

“Aiken Droler, Federation United Press.” He offered her one of his business cards. It was one of the more expensive ones, with a slide show of him meeting various dignitaries. On reflection he remembered that he hadn’t updated it for a while; he would have to do that soon. Back to task: “I was wondering if I might ask you a few quick questions on Presidents upcoming visit?”

“How did you find out my name?” The intelligence officer was quick to turn the tables back on him, her evasion as good as an answer.

“I simply looked you up on the database.” Make people smaller, less important. It worked on people with a smaller ego, but a bigger job. Sometimes. “You can do that here you know, there’s a public computer –”

“I don’t want to talk to you” Evidently hadn’t worked quite well enough this time. She was tired, harassed perhaps or maybe just generally brusque and rude. “I have things to do.”

“Are you sure about that?” He still had one tactic that rarely failed to work with people in her position. “It’s just that I know some people who probably know some people, who may just know something about recent events.” He was careful with his wording for two reasons; firstly, he had messed it up before and just confused the person he was talking to, and secondly, he didn’t want it to be bribery: that was a crime.

She gave him a glance; she didn’t like him, and she didn’t want to tell him anything, but she did want the information. Her shoulders dropped every so slightly: she had given in. He remained silent, letting her chose her time to acquiesce. “Fine, I’ll be in the Ghost Rider at 2100, you won’t recognize me at first.” She said nothing more about it, but he knew he already had more than she had wanted. “Now Mr…” She seemed to be listening to something, “Drolar, I am very busy, and can not spend anymore time talking idly. Good day.” And that was that.

He smiled. It might not be much, but he had finally gotten someone here to say something. It seemed like he had been hitting blanks for ages, but in retrospect he realised, things had moved pretty quickly. To his next target then. He wasn’t exactly sure who to go for, Ji’Zhan was promising, but there were so many things that he wanted to talk to him about, that it was perhaps best to leave it for a fuller interview. He had heard something about a Vulcan in pon farr, but with their secrecy, he could spend more time looking than actually finding.

The top man: Admiral Magellan Lin. He scented the possibility of a story there. Although Starfleet had kept it pretty hushed, he had seen reports of the man going wild. Or something like that; Aiken was always a bit dubious of quite how mad these runaways went. The fact remained though, the trill had run off and been chased by another Starfleet vessel, and yet here he was in charge of the starbase again. Perhaps though, this one should be done slightly more officially.

A few minutes later, his smile had broadened further. It had happened that the admiral had a slot free early that afternoon, in just over an hour in fact.

=== Just over an hour later===

As he took his seat in the large office, Aiken noted just how nice it was. Rank certainly held a great degree of privilege. The reporter considered it for a bit longer though, and realised that in reality it was barely larger than his own office at FUP had been, just slightly less cluttered. Even for the admiralty, the military was still the military. Aiken gave a wry smile, he'd take the civilian life every time.

He stopped his musing and looked up, opening his face to the trill. “Admiral, I am most appreciative of you fitting me in so quickly. I was wondering if you could illuminate me on how the current crisis is affecting this base, in terms of politics, policy, daily life… everything?”

[mercy]

Stuart didn’t appreciate the icy glare, even if it was T’Val’s father. He had remained polite and for the most part silent, simply giving respect and learning who the man was since his arrival.

During their visit with Ji’zhan, Stuart silently thought about who would be most favorable to perform this bonding ceremony. Magellan seemed to have bowed out, although that wasn’t one hundred percent, and Stuart himself didn’t really care for T’Val’s suggestion of the Jefferson’s Captain, Colonel Hrisvalar.

He was torn from his thoughts when T’Val tugged at him and announced that this was the night they were to be bonded. “T’Val, we haven’t even found the person to perform this ceremony, unless you plan on grabbing any unsuspecting space traveler?”

She was remained undaunted in her task of them reaching their quarters, at which they finally arrived. Stuart turned her for a moment to make sure he had her attention. “We can try Magellan again. He did say he had to think about it and he may have come to a conclusion by now. If not, I do have another person in mind.”

T’Val gave Stuart a look of wonderment. “Who?”

“T’Val, I know that you would think this person to be the furthest from my mind, and for a long while he was. However, he cared and loved you dearly, and I know that he will remain a dear friend to you. He graciously conceded his loss of you to ensure your happiness, and I, myself, am very grateful for that.”

Stuart could see that T’Val was recognizing who he was speaking of. “If Magellan isn’t available, maybe we could ask Tedak, if that is acceptable to you.”

[Magellan Lin]

He stopped his musing and looked up, opening his face to the trill. “Admiral, I am most appreciative of you fitting me in so quickly. I was wondering if you could illuminate me on how the current crisis is affecting this base, in terms of politics, policy, daily life… everything?”

Magellan looked at the reporter who sat in a relaxed manner across the desk from him.

"Thats quite a lot to fit in to only an hours slot" he smiled weakly, "I must confess its puzzled me that its taken so long for the press to reach us out here in the sticks"

"Newshounds like me go where the story is and I would say that at the moment thats definitely here"

"Perhaps" Magellan replied reservedly, "The FNS don't seem to think so."

"Yes well the FNS are less... how do I put it... free to follow all avenues. But seriously Admiral things have been heating up here for awhile now and people need to know what is happening out here on the frontier"

Magellan nodded deciding to end the mild baiting,
"Of course Mr Drolar. Perhaps we should start with the re-emergence of the Debrune. It has had quite and effect on the politics of this region"

Aiken picked up his recorder and listened as Magellan a detailed blow by blow account of the last 3 years. He asked the odd pertinent question but sensed immediately that all of this was old news he could also tell that the Admiral was well aware of that as each time he attempted to move the story on Magellan back tracked to add in a forgotten part. He pretty quickly resigned himself to letting the Admiral run himself dry and then counter-attack, there was no sense in annoying him at such an early juncture.

It took a further 20 minutes for Magellan to fully exhaust his explanation of the intricacies of the Debrune and whilst it was certainly interesting there was very little in it and if he wanted the real story Ji'Zahn would be the best person to see.

"And what about the Tholian situation"

Magellan shifted his head from side to side as if weighing something up,
"At the moment its an unfortunate mis-understanding between two peoples"

" A mis-understanding that has cost lives"

"Most do in this day in age."

Aiken went in for the angle he was looking for,

"Isn't it strange that given a Starfleet Officer was killed by the Tholians on one of these rogue colonies that the President isn't asking for their removal or at the very least joining the Klingons in decrying the Tholians undercover methods?"

A sharp one this Magellan thought as he replied,

"Its not my place to comment on the Presidents actions. My place is to enforce policy and at present it makes greater sense to embrace the Tholians and try to understand them a little better."

"But the Klingons are our allies?"

"Yes and we respect their soveriegnty to take their own approach. We support them by providing repair and resupply facilities for their ships but we will not be dragged into another war"

"Even if the Tholians are a threat?"

"We don't know that. If matters change in that regard I m sure policy will change in step with that. At the end of the day we need to ensure the safety of our people"

Aiken could sense that Magellan was beginning to flag they had been talking for nearly three quarters of an hour and if he was like any other Admiral he would start to try and placate him and palm him off with some simple sideline, he was reaching what he termed the all or nothing point.

"Well Mr Drolar I m sure you realise how busy I must be" here it comes Aiken thought "One other item you maybe interested in is the activities of our former Mayor. Quite a nefarious person by all accounts. He's just been given a Presidential pardon... something unheard of for someone with his criminal connections its causing somewhat of a scandal here. It could be worth you following up on it."

Aiken tried to hide the smile and just managed it,
"Thankyou for the tip."
He rose and shook the Admirals hand, "Though I m surprised you would want me rooting around the former Mayor given your connections to him"

Magellan froze and gave the man an icy glare, he was far too well informed,
"I ve read serveral of your by lines your work is quite good Mr Drolar but do not even begin to think that you will have free rein on this Base. You will not impede the operation of this station"

"Whilst we're on the subject on operational staus would you like to comment on the damage caused to the Copenhagen recently or perhaps why the Jefferson was re-routed from its standard patrol to go to Rutia and then Klingon Space"

"Mr Drolar I think this interview is over and if you ever want another one I suggest you take up my friendly advice and exit now" Magellan spat, who was this man to begin to question him like this."

"Another time perhaps, when your feeling more altogether?"

"OUT!" Magellan roared "Mr Zoilip"

A Bolian security officer appeared at the door and Aiken realised that once again he may have pushed a little too hard. Still you had to break eggs to make omelletes.

[Deleted]

T'Val sighed; he didn't understand the full extend of a bonding ceremony. He seemed to fail to grasp the point in that the bonding itself was private and that afterward a mind touch was required to acknowledge that a marriage bond indeed existed. And such witnessing would have to wait until after the desires of pon farr had been satisfied. And this would take a few days in the least, or so T'Val had come to understand.

Sighing again, she somewhat impatiently explained the situation again. And then he made a suggestion she hadn't quite expected or even thought of. "He would be honoured," she said carefully, "but I am not certain it is a wise idea. Not because he is my friend or that I still love him dearly, but because of our history. However there is someone else still who would appreciate the honour, and would not need my help to initiate the mind-touch."

T'Val nodded back towards the direction they'd come from. "Ji'Zhan would be pleased to help, he has been very helpful to me during your absence." Then she smiled again, as she darted for the bedroom, only to reappear a few minutes later wearing a simple but long dark-blue robe, her hair cascading down her back and alongside her face, bringing out the green hue of her skin all the more. Her hair was only parted by the tips of her pointed ears. "Finally alone," she breathed, "you should change. There is nothing to be nervous about, I will guide you. Nothing can go wrong, you must trust me."

[mercy]

~ Ji’Zhan…why not? ~ Stuart took the moment to think about this suggestion while T’Val had disappeared into the bedroom. He remembered back to when Ji’Zhan had put the two of them up, well the three of them with D’Beren, in his home in the city down on Qualinost. The elder was a kind man and he had sensed the love between Stuart and T’Val. Stuart had no objections and this part was all about T’Val’s happiness.

T’Val reappeared a few minutes later wearing a simple but long dark-blue robe, her hair cascading down her back and alongside her face, bringing out the green hue of her skin all the more. Her hair was only parted by the tips of her pointed ears. "Finally alone," she breathed, "you should change. There is nothing to be nervous about, I will guide you. Nothing can go wrong, you must trust me."

Stuart simply smiled as he rose to join her. “I’m glad that you enlightened me that this part is indeed a ‘private’ session.” They walked hand in hand to the bedroom.

T’Val positioned herself onto the bed while still wearing her robe, which fell to the sides exposing the length of her beautiful legs. Stuart began disrobing, dropping each piece of clothing directly where he stood. Still clad with his pair of briefs, Stuart began at the foot of the bed and approached T’Val on his fours like a panther on the prowl. Positioning himself next to her, Stuart reached in for a loving kiss. “T’Val, I trust you with all my heart. I shall never be afraid when it comes to being with you. I love you.”

Stuart moved part of her bangs from the front of her head to the side. T'Val grasped his cheeks with both of her hands to give him another kiss. ~ I love you too... ~ Stuart 'heard' her proclaim as their official bonding was about to take place.

[Deleted]

As he flicked through the pages of the 'Colonial Times', one of the newspapers published by the FUP, Aiken was pleased to see that the first of his articles on Starbase Assailant had been included. It wasn't much, he admitted that much, but considering the brevity of his stay so far, he was happy with it. He was pretty sure that there would be some comments made, and he was also sure that some of them would be quite harsh. That made him smile; although he didn’t want to ruin lives, he always enjoyed seeing how people dealt with the truth being published so bluntly in front of them.



Reading through it again, he couldn't help but broaden his smile. He knew full well that the main reason behind the spike in crime was due to the fact that with Simeth out of action, at least in illegal circles, the petty thieves had a freer reign without fear of reprisals from Simeth’s bullies. But that simply didn’t make a good enough story, and stories were what lined Aiken’s pockets. The mayor’s policy on spending was a factor, even if only a small one, so it wasn’t a lie. Just an exaggeration, and all news was an exaggeration.

[Deleted]

T'Val laughed as he prowled towards her, but this wasn't how she had envisioned it to happen. She shook her head in amusement as they shared another kiss, then pointed at a dark red robe made of a very smooth fabric. "Please," she spoke, motioning for him to clad himself in the robe.

As he did so, she made herself more comfortable on the bed, folding her legs underneath her, while pouring a cup of syrupy liquid in a single wooden cup. The smell from the liquid was very aromatic and had a calming effect of sorts. Once Stuart was properly dressed for the occasion, she admired him once more as he approached her.

T'Val motioned for him to copy her position, then offered him the cup after taking a small sip from it. He sipped it tentatively, keeping his eyes on her. After he'd set down the cup she inched closer to him, her left hand reaching to position itself on his face. With her right, she guided his left hand to the same position on her face and she initiated the mindmeld.

After what seemed like an eternity of sharing eachother's most deepest secrets and other things of the past, T'Val broke the meld. She was very pleased to find a lingering echo of his presence at the back of her mind and his look of wonder told her he felt the same. "Now you may undress," she whispered as she leaned forward to kiss him.

(Stuart)

Usually they would've gone to seek out the person who would witness their bonding, but now times were different and T'Val was in no condition to even leave her quarters.

[mercy]

Stuart felt very different this time around. It was as if he had known T’Val all of his life. He knew it was the effects of the mind-meld they had just undertaken. He appreciated T’Val so much more.

Their minds and memories had intertwined with one another, both good and bad experiences. As Stuart disrobed and helped T’Val take off her robe, he now understood why it had been so hard for Tedak to give her up, if he had experienced this same mind-meld with T’Val.

Still, she was able to give up Tedak for him. Stuart had wondered what was so different with him, but this was not the time for questions as Stuart and T’Val were embraced in their kisses. Stuart caught a quick breath to yell out, “Lily, lights out!”

[Deleted]

Saarok decided to go and meet Tedak for dinner after all. But he decided to be 30 minutes late and... he would bring Tedak a present. The latest article on the wire was an interesting article and he was sure Tedak would appreciate reading it. And it would be most interesting to observe his reactions. When the hour arrived, Saarok collected his guards and his two pets and proceeded to meet Tedak for dinner. After arriving to his quarters he chimed the bell and after hearing a response he entered while leaving his guards outside.

"Tedak, my friend. ", Saarok said as he went over to the Romulan and shook hands with him

"I understand congratulations are in order, the Romulan senate finally reached a logical decision for a change"; he said

"Yes well, I still have the pleasure of answering to Vebn", Tedak replied

"But my friend, now you can work form the inside to restore your previous position, much easier than to act as an outsider and an outcast"; Saarok replied, "Speaking of which I have a small present for you. An article that was just published in the paper", Saarok said handing him the pad with the article written by Aiken Drolar

<Tag Tedak>

[Deleted]

Tedak folded open the old-fashioned printed newspaper and sat down in his chair, with Ji'Zhan and Ezdreiana leaning in to steal a glance at the article as well. The three of them read the pointed out article and Tedak felt fury boiling. He slammed the paper onto the table, thereby knocking over his cup of coffee, shaking with rage. "How dare he!" he growled as he got to his feet, "how dare he write this...this slander! This is outrageous, crime rates have dropped considerably since I became mayor!"

He felt Ezdreiana's hands on his arm and shoulder, gently forcing him to sit back down. He let himself be guided down but Ezdreiana could feel the tenseness in his muscles. "I already sent a report to Admiral Lin about this reporter, because he offered me a bribe to talk about certain things that aren't for the public to know. I nearly had him thrown from my office. Next time, I'll set my little friends on him, then he'll truly have someting to write about!"

(saarok/ez/ji'zhan)

[Felix Savali]

After Dodger departed from his office, Felix returned to going over the reports on events that took place during his recent days off. Most of the things were minor and would be solved by mediation without the need for a full court-martial. This was good, well not necessarily good in the way that there are not a lot of crimes on the station anymore but good as in there being less work for the legal department. Since that incident with S31 and a full scale investigation on the base, things have settled and the brass from command back on Earth have stopped applying pressure on him, which was good. In fact it was good enough so that he could allow several LOAs for some of the JAG staff members who have been long overdue for some time off.

He accessed the computer screen and after going over the personal records for the staff authorized several LOAs including those for his deputy and several JAG judges. They did a lot of work in the past few months and certainly deserve some rest and relaxation. After that was complete, he decided to take Joann Lawrence out for lunch that he promised her all those weeks ago. So, he threw the pads that were left on his desk in a drawer and got up from his chair left the office. After some zigzagging through the tables in the front office he finally arrived to her office door and ringed the bell.

"Enter", he heard

"Guess who", he said as he entered her office

"Well if it isn't Mr. Big shot", she said and smiled

"Very funny", he said as he approached her desk

"So what can I do for you", she questioned

"Well you could play the decoration at my table for lunch", he said and smiled

"Well I can't believe it, Mr. correct boy a male chauvinist", she said and smiled

"Hey, I just got a weird sense of humor", he replied

"Fine Mr. legal man, I could use a bite to eat so lead on", she said while getting up from her seat...

[Deleted]

Ezdreiana looked at the report in front of them. She hadn't met this reporter just yet and wished that she would never. Ezdreiana's relationship with her counterparts has been repaired somewhat, but it was good enough to work with. As she read the report she couldn't help but scoff at the lies within it. Even though the station has been in the middle of quadrant changing events, it was still safe. The murder of Admiral Long forced Starfleet security to triple its forces in all Section 47 bases. Now that the Federation was coming, Ezdreiana was sure that the number would rise even more.

"Calm down, Tedak," Ezdreiana said holding him in place. She knew that he was ready to pounce on this reporter with all his fury. "We know that you have done a fine job as the mayor of Assailant. If you weren't you wouldn't have our support or that of Admiral Lin."

"And don't do that to your firelizards," Ezdreiana said," I'm sure the Klingon's wouldn't mind lending you one of their pets."

<Tag Saarok and Tedak>

[Deleted]

"Gentlemen and lady", Saarok said nodding to Ezdreiana, "I believe you are doing just the thing that should not be done. There is no need to get... annoyed over a simple news paper article. Everyone is free to express their opinion, even Mr. Simeth and by doing anything, other than giving an interview yourself to another journalist stating the actual situation, will be simply used to write more articles against you.", Saarok said

"Although you have been here for a while Ambassador, you still forget at times how our press service is very different from the Romulan one"; Saarok said

After the group threw around some more comments about the article, things finally settled down and they could proceed with their working dinner.

"Now I believe you had some... surprise in mind when you invited me for lunch earlier", Saarok questioned looking at Tedak

<Tad Tedak, everyone>

[Magellan Lin]

As sun rose over the Eastern Plain on Qualinost and the suns rays emerged from behind the planet to bathe Assailant in a soft orange glow two vessels exited Warp.

The sleek oval saucered Soverign Class vessels swept in to a high and low orbit respectivly disgorging 6 shuttles each. The shuttles buzzed out into space to be joined by a wave of Runabouts and other auxillary craft exiting from Assilants hangers.

The Galaxy, Copenhagen and Vanquisher powered up and began a circular patrol route through the system whilst the Lion, Magician and Lonewolf followed a similar pattern on a different axis.

Finally the go signal went out and a further flotilla of ships emerged from warp, three Akiras and two Vagabonds were clustered about a modest commercial liner. As a Presidential Escort it seemed somewhat limited but Assailant had the combined firepower of 10 starships and the rest of the 3rd Fleet remained only minutes away at maximum warp.

Aside from that President Vrened shied away from shows of force preferring the more down to earth and practical commercial liner. Some believed it was in part due to her distrust of Starfleet.

"So this is Starbase Assailant" she said her hands clasped behind her back to no one on particular. Her aides bustled about her as she gazed out the viewport at the mushroom shaped base, "And Qualinost" she added, "These Debrune could be a great asset to the Federation"
The aides nodded absent mindedly as they gathered her belongings and readied for disembarkation.

"Madam President. We are approaching the docking bay. Assailnt is ready to receive us within the hour."

"Very good. An hour it is".

TAG All - get your posh frocks on and down to the Docking bay to meet the President.

[Deleted]

While Ezdreiana still held him down on his seat, Tedak shoved a PADD towards Saarok. "Indeed I did, have a look at that. It is information I gathered while having a nice chat with our dear mister ambassador s'khellian, reports from the Galaxy and an account from Healer T'Val."

He waited in silence while the Vulcan skimmed over the report, and only because he knew his friend so well did he notice the brief tightening of muscles in his jaw. "Interesting isn't it? I thought I would inform the three of you as it concerns you all. The Tholians are planning something, and they're getting Romulan help to accomplish it. I've tried to talk to Vebn, but he's a devious character, I don't trust him."

A little later, after their dinner engagement had been concluded and they sat together in the living room enjoying a few drinks, the call of the president's arrival was announced. "Then we'd better change," The Romulan chuckled, "I invite you to use the guestroom, bathroom and my replicator to get yourselves something formal to wear. Please excuse me."

With that, the Romulan disappeared into his private chambers to get changed into his formal diplomatic robes. Along with that, he also wore the insignia that indicated his status as mayor of SBA. "Shall we?" he enquired as he saw his friends were dressed up as well.

(diplomats)

[Deleted]

The next morning, both T'Val and Stuart woke up exhausted. They were still experiencing the effects of the blood fever as it now consumed them both, but very gradually the effects were wearing off as the day progressed. They had locked themselves in their quarters with a notice to both Magellan Lin and sickbay that they were not to be distrurbed for the next two days. The first day had them both in the throes of it as desires were satisfied.

A full day later, both just needed to recover from the exhaustion and prepare themselves to pick up their regular schedules again. T'Val sat at her dressoir, running a brush through towel-dry hair. She smiled as Stuart took the brush from her and continued what she had started. "How do you feel?" she asked softly, as she enjoyed his ministrations.

Now that they were both back to their usual self, it was time to check up on SBAs happenings. "It seems the president has finally arrived," T'Val remarked dryly, "in that event, we should report ourselves back on duty, and prepare sickbay for any turn of current events....do we not?"

[Felix Savali]

After enjoying a nice lunch with Joann, Felix escorted her back to her back to the office and even gave her a kiss which was a shock to both of them.

"What was that for", she questioned

"To thank you for the nice time i had", he replied

"Well in that case", she said as she stated to kiss him for about 20 seconds

"Then this is for cheering me up all those times", she said and winked at him as she entered her office

--The next day--

Felix was still at his quarters having breakfast with his daughter when the announcement came about the president arriving. Some people certainly know how to make good timing, he thought as he looked at his watch. He put his coffee cup down on the table as he went over to his daughter.

"Looks like today you'll get to pre-school a bit earlier", Felix said to her as she gobbled up the last few bits of her breakfast

--Later at the hangar--

Well at least these new dress uniforms did not look like dresses, Felix thought as he entered the docking bay. And to tell the truth the docking bay looked more busy than a gambling den. There were hundreds of people standing there awaiting the arrival of the President. After a bit of pushing around he finally made it to the first line where he found Magellan.

"A lot of people here today", Felix commented as he joined Magellan

"Indeed, everyone seems to want to see the President", Magellan responded

"Yes so it would seem"; Felix replied before he could say much more, he saw the crowd behind them opening up and a man with a silver briefcase making his way to the front row.

"Who is that"; Felix questioned as he saw an eyes turning look on Magellan.

"That would be Mr. Kaiba, the special presidential advisor", Magellan replied

"The one who released Simeth?", Felix asked

"The same one", Magellan replied

Kaiba looked around and after noticing the two officers made his way over there.

"Good to see that you have saved me a seat here up front", Kaiba grinned at the duo

<Tag Magellan>

[Magellan Lin]

As the crowd assembled the hub bub became nearly deafening in the cavernous interior of one of the Cargo bays. Normally filled with crates and heavy lifters the vast room had been cleared and thoroughly cleaned. SF Intelligence and Security had combed the area completely and set up a vast exclusion zone.

Rows upon rows of seats had been laid out and a carpetted area laid out in front of the airlock. The rows were in sections. Foremost were the senior staff. Magellan and Loskene sat beside Felix, Dr Mercy and Elarus. Behind them F'rass and Zoilip sat with two empty seats waiting for Vanetti and Dodger, both of whom were still ensuring that security was water tight. Along the row from Magellan sat the Ambassadors, Saarok, Ezedriana, Ji'Zahn, Vebn, Tedak. Kaskrene and Korok were sensibly seperated by Qarek. But they exchanged venomous glances.

Magellan turned round ignoring Mr Kaiba at the moment. He spotted Aiken Drolar sat in the Press Section, the man waved. Magellan scowled and ignored him too.
There was a hiss as the air locks began to cycle. On cue the band struck up with the Federation Anthem. Magellan rose and in unison the others followed. The final door span open and the Presidential entourage emerged.

A phalanx of special security officers exited first they took up posts either side of the door. Next came some of the Presidents staff and senior Federation Council Members. They lined up alongside the assembled plinth that stood at the centre of the open space.
Finally President Vrened emerged, she stepped confidently from the airlock and strode towards the plinth and the pedastel set upon it.

Magellan smoothed down his dress uniform and nodded to Saarok. The Base Commander and the senior Diplomat stepped forward.

"Welcome aboard Madam President" Magellan greeted shaking her hand as the room filled with the noise of Holocams whirring into life, "May I introduce Ambassador Saarok of Vulcan."

Vrened nodded politely and returned Saaroks hand signal.
"Live Long and Prosper" She replied softly,
Magellan then showed the President to the pedastel,

"Ladies, Gentleman and other beings I give you the President of the United Federation of Planets" Magellan annouced leading the first round of applause.

He stood aside allowing the President to take centre stage, with a deprecating wave and smile she moved towards the audio pick up.

"Thank you residents of Starbase Assailant and the Planet Qualinost. We thank the New Debrune Imperium for their kind invitation to visit with them. We hope that the talks we shall hold her in the next few days will herald a new beginning for both our peoples. We open our arms to the Debrune and wish them peace and prosperity."
She paused as a flutter of applause erupted again,
"I stand here only months into my Presidency at a time of much turbulence. This administration will not allow outside parties draw us into to avenues that would be of detriment to the citizens of the Federation. We will stand by our principles of peace and will continue to spread that peace thoughout the galaxy. Our diplomats are working tirelessly to bring both sides in this unfortunate conflict to a resolution and I have complete confidence in them.
In standing for President I promised greater equality in the Federation and at the suggestion of Sirok I have decided to move the Office of President from Earth. It has been a hard decision but I understand the peoples opinions and respect them. I also understand that to place my office on Andor, Vulcan, Tellar, Centauri or even Zakdorn would be unfair and so I annouce now that the final decision will be up to you... you will choose between Bolarus and Betazed. A free vote will be held next month. Lastly I would like to end by thanking everyone who voted for me and assuring you all I will not let you down."
Applause began again and Magellan and Saarok led the President down to the first rank of chairs,

"This is Admiral Loskene, Commodore Felix, Captain Voran, Ambassa..."

[Felix Savali]

After the President arrived, Saarok accompanied Magellan on his introductory path. After the usual introductions, and the appropriate speech held by the president, it was time to introduce the rest of the senior staff. The first people in line were the Starfleet officers who were in charge of the base.

“Madame President”, Felix said as he shook hands with the arrival

“Savali you say?”, she questioned

“Yes, maam”, he said

“You wouldn’t be related to Admiral Savali by any chance”; she asked

“Yes, he is my father”; Felix replied

“OF course”; she said, “I should have known, you do remind me of him, it is most unfortunate he was unable to accompany me on this trip, but someone has to stay and keep an eye on things back on Earth”, she said

“Of course Madame”, he said

Next in line was Loskene. The president exchanged a few words with him before moving on to the next person in line.

“Ah, Captain Voran”, she said, “The youth like appearance for members of your species never ceases to amaze me”, she said as she shook hands with him

“Well, I am satisfied that I can still cause some intrigue”; Voran replied

After the introduction to the most senior officers on base, it was time to introduce the ambassadors. Now it was time for Saarok to take the lead.

“This is Ambassador Vebn S’Khellian”, Saarok said introducing the first Romulan, “This is Ambassador Ezdreiana, Elder Ji’zhan, Ambassador Tedak…”, Saarok resumed to introduce the rest of the Ambassadors.

<Tag Everyone>