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

[mercy]

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 dresser, 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.

Stuart gently brushed her soft hair, stroking the brush from top to bottom. “To tell you the truth…I’m still a bit…lust-full.” Stuart reached in for her neck, nibbling away, making her body tense up with pleasure. T’Val had cocked her head to enjoy the sensation it was causing throughout her entire body, but only for a brief moment before she turned to face Stuart.

Placing her arms around his neck, and staring Stuart squarely in his eyes she spoke softly. “It seems the president has finally arrived. In that event, we should report ourselves back on duty, and prepare sickbay for any turn of current events....do we not?"

Stuart remained silent for a few long seconds. He was regretting that these past two days were coming to an end. “I suppose you are correct. Admiral Lin will more than likely be giving a tour of the starbase, to include the infirmary and the hospitals. We should be present. I do vote, however, that we should put aside two days like this…oh let’s see…hm…once every month, without any disturbances. What do you think?”

<T’Val>

Just short of an hour later, both arrived at the main infirmary. Stuart found his most trusted nurse at her own desk. “Jill, how are you? I trust everything is running smooth around here?”

“Trust me, Doctor Mercy, while you two lovebirds were...uh…making your nest, I was able to keep this place ship-shape.”

Stuart noted a little tension in her voice.

“And you’ve done a fine job as always. Maybe you should take a couple of days off.”

“What, and let the two f you take ALL of the credit around here when Madam President tours through? I don’t think so. I’ll schedule my days off when she’s left the system.”

Stuart looked at T’Val and thought to her ~I’m not going to win this one, am I?~ . T’Val simply nodded ‘no’ in response.

“Whatever you wish, Jill. I’ll just take these files then and see what we have.” Stuart left with an extra PADD in his hand with T’Val following him closely. “What’s with her?”

<T’Val>

[Deleted]

The pomp of it all was impressive. She had been to numerous events like this, but none of them had been this important. As Admiral Lin and Ambassador Saarok led the President down the line, Ezdreiana began to comprehend what she had just announced. The Federation capital had always been on Earth. Yes the office of President had many fully serviceable locations on multiple planets, but those were rarely used.

The one on Trill currently being used as a storage facility. That would all change now which would cause serious advertising from the Belarus and Betezed delegation.

It didn't take long for the President to reach the Ambassadors who were all politely waiting to be introduced. Ezdreiana knew that the President's arrival meant that she would be taking an active role in the talks, but hopefully she wouldn't undercut their work.

"Hello Madam President, it's nice to see you again," Ezdreiana said.

"Likewise, though the last time we met, you weren't an Ambassador and I definately wasn't President," Vrened said smiling.

"Yes, time does fly doesn't it," Ezdreiana responded hoping the attention would pass to Ji'Zhan or any of the other ambassadors.

<Tag everyone>

[Deleted]

"Welcome to Assaillant Madam President," Tedak cut in smoothly, drawing attention away from the clearly uncomfortable Trill diplomat, "I hope your stay will be pleasant and uneventful." Uneventful in that nothing dramatic would occur, or so Tedak hoped anyway. But then again, SBA was always buzzing with activity and never before had any official arrangement gone by without certain amounts of trouble.

He glanced from Ezdreiana to Ji'Zhan. "While Ambassador Saarok has introduced us all, please excuse me if I do so again. I am Ambassador Tedak ir-Saj'sihaer tr'H'Rhinann, currently assigned as Romulan diplomat to the Debrune people. Additionally I am also elected as Mayor of this magnificent starbase."

He waited for the president to respond, then motioned to Ji'Zhan to take over. There wasn't much else he could say beyond a polite welcome and a brief introduction.

[Deleted]

"Only two days a month?" T'Val countered, looking mock-unhappy. Then she smiled, a smile only reserved for him. "Sounds like a good idea to me. Now, however we should go." She quickly got herself dressed into the dark grey suit Stuart loved to see her in, then put on the blue see-through, sleeveless overdress which fell down to her ankles.

Minutes later they encountered a somewhat gruffy head nurse and T'Val and Stuart exchanged a surprised look. "What's with her?" Stuart asked softly, as Jill moved out of hearing range.

"Jealous?" T'Val offered, "surely you knew?" She offered him a secretive smile but she wasn't about to elaborate without him guessing. "It appears though that she did run sickbay efficiently without us, you should put her up for promotion. Certainly since she has been quite a help to me while you were absent."

Together, the finished off the preparations for the president's visit to sickbay. She would have to undergo a brief examination anyway to make certain she hadn't brought anything contagious or dangerous to the diverse population aboard Assaillant.

[mercy]

"Jealous?" T'Val offered, "surely you knew?" She offered him a secretive smile but she wasn't about to elaborate without him guessing. "It appears though that she did run sickbay efficiently without us, you should put her up for promotion. Certainly since she has been quite a help to me while you were absent."

T’Val’s comment reminded Stuart that he wanted to do just that very thing, put Jill in for a promotion. She was a very skilled nurse and she had no problems in running this facility when it came to the administrative things. A few of the other doctors had commented positively about her as well. They even argued over who would be able to use her as the assistant if she was needed by more than one.

He wanted to mention the promotion to her, but now he wasn’t too sure on how she would receive it. T’Val mentioned jealousy, he hadn’t thought of the fact that Jill might have liked Stuart in such a way. “You know, I never got any such ‘vibes’ from her. I mean she was always nice and all, but I didn’t think anything else of it. To be honest I always thought the two of you got along great, but then she started to distance herself from you as you and I got more involved. Oh well, I guess we'll have to dig up another man for. Steer her in another direction. What do you think?”

<T’Val>

As Stuart listened, he went ahead and sent out the messages that would require Madam President and her entourage to visit the infirmary for a quick checkup to ensure the facility remained safe and secure of and biological anomalies.

[dodger]

“Ok, hit me.” Dodger said into thin air. She was quite sure that given the chance Ripper would like nothing more than to take a swing at her, but unfortunately for him, her plain of existence didn’t quite match with his own. So instead he focused his energy on trawling through their collective memories.

Ok, Did you message the Admiral about, uhm, you know who? Was question number one.

“Check.” Dodger stated, counting the first task off on her fingers. “And the General will be calling me back at 12:00 tomorrow.” She added, glad that she could remember some things.

Next on the list…The President’s security arrangements? He asked.

Dodger nodded. “Checked and double checked.” She counted on the next finger.

That only leaves one thing then… Ripper mused, causing Dodger to frown.

“Mr. Simeth and associates.” She spat. “And we were doing so well…” She checked the time quickly: the President would be arriving on board in less than an hour. Her date with the reporter had come and gone, being rearranged around the addressal. As Ripper said, that left only the one task, making sure her arrival went without a hitch. It was unjustified, but both she and her Lethean counterpart held a strong suspicion that Simeth was up to something, Presidential pardon or not.

After several attempts to try and do something more interesting with her hair, Dodger gave up with a sigh and heaved it back into a taught ponytail. She rather wished she could trap it underneath a nice baseball cap, like the one her brother had giver her as a parting gift before she had left for Assailant, but she didn’t think it would go with the dress uniform. Actually, she didn’t think she went with the dress uniform either, cap or no cap.

She took a deep breath. “Lets do this.” She muttered to herself, dreading every second that was about to come. She grabbed a jacket and pulled it on over the uniform, trying not to crease it anymore than it already was. She supposed climbing up yet another access tube wouldn’t do it much good anyhow, but wanted to check that they were all clear before the presidents arrival.

She made her way up the main access shaft, climbing in a manner that she had become so used to over the short time she had been on Assailant. She picked up Simeth not far from the reception room, and with Rippers help tracked him from quite a distance. If he was up to anything, he was bound to make a move sooner rather than later. She just needed to catch him in the act.

Once they passed through the exclusion zone, she tracked close on his heels. Everything began to happen all at once. The president’s arrival was announced, and security closed in. Still Simeth didn’t make any move. Dodger trailed him right into the transformed cargo bay, and practically stumbled into the back of him as he paused, and chose a chair at the back of the public seating area.

Dodger didn’t have time to do anything else, and hurried forwards to her seat as the Federation National Anthem struck up. Simeth may have foiled her for now, but she was damned if she was going to drop her suspicions so easily. She slipped into the allocated row, thanking her lucky stars that the taller ambassadors in front would shadow her from the frontline. As the address began, there was nothing more she could do than periodically glance behind her, and become gradually more worried that things were going so smoothly.

[Magellan Lin]

Withthe introductions and pleasantries over the President was ushered into the Starfleet Restricted zone and shown to the office suite thathad been provided for her for the duration of her staff. Leaving the vacous cargo bay Vrened relaxed the forced smile dropping instantly and her hand reaching out for the latest update PaDD that her aide passed to her. She scanned it quickly,
Protests on Earth, Eruption on Bersalis, Trade negotiations failed with the Talarians and a renewed plea from the Klingons to attack the Tholians. All pretty run of the mill given the times.

Admiral Magellan and the Federation Ambassadors remained with her and she barely listened as the Trill Admiral showed her the quarters and office facilities. With a nod and a smile she dismissed him and took a most welcome seat. Off her own staff only her Chief of Staff and Vice-President - Sirok remained aside from Saarok and Ezdreiana.

"So?" she asked,

"Very good Madam president. So far reaction to your speech is excellent. It isnt going down well in most of Starfleet nor on Earth or her colonies but your popularity is up on Bolaraus, Betazed, Benzar and throughout the Kalendra Sector"

Vrened nodded, she had expected as much, she hadnt calculated all eventualities with pain staking meticoulousness for nothing.

"Thankyou that wil be all."

The Chief of Staff bowed and left.

"Ambassador Saarok, Your reputation proceeds you" Sirok greeted. He was a middle aged Vulcan with shiny jet black hair cut in the traditional Vulcan style greying slightly at the temples. Piercing fiercely intelligent eyes stared out like twin beacons beneath a heavy brow and trimmed eyebrows.

"Thank you" Saarok nodded, "I likewise have heard of you"

Vrened looked at the two vulcans and chuckled.

"Please sit. I asked the two of you here to ask you about Ji'Zhan - what strategy should we employ in dealing with these Debrune."

As Saarok and Ezedriana began to explain their ideas Sirok sat back and listened watching the Vulcan and Trill discuss in detail the matters of state with a Zakdorn. How long had it been since such high level meetings hadnt included Humans... too long. And if he had his way this would have been an all Vulcan affair... even now the three of them indulged in little asides, jokes and banter. He scowled at Saarok... he knew the Ambassador wasnt your typical Vulcan... more of a sell out. Either way this could all have been conducted much more efficiently.

TAG Saarok and Ezedreiana

[Deleted]

OOC: Ive the presidents repsonses in Orange - Magellan

"Madame President", Saarok said, "Before we continue i must express my displeasure for you decision on moving the office of the President from Earth, especially at a time like this. I can of course see some logic behind your decision, however creating a security risk by going into a sector that is insecure in order to simply score some political points does not qualify as a logical nor necessary decision. Earth and the founding systems are the center of the Federation not only because they were the original creators of the federation but because they create the base of the Federation and are the most secure areas. I urge you to reconsider and even if you do hold a referendum, you will require the support of the council in order to move your office from Earth. And some moves you have made thus far have made some of the influential parties within the council squirm. And as the term adding salt to the wound states, this move may make you more popular in Bolaraus, Betazed, Benzar and throughout the Kalendra Sector but you will loose a lot from the founding planets and I realize you might not see this as a huge problem now, but it will cost you later. You are giving away the support from the most influential members of the Federation to gain support of the less influential parts. And this will be a huge disadvantage for you in the future.", Saarok said

"I have been warned of such actions. But I do feel that Sirok is right to push for this. Currently Starfleet and almost all Admin is on Earth, to the detriment of other sites that would benefit from our influence. " Vrened replied, "As for the founder states, that was a very long time ago Mr Saarok, do you believe that all members of the Federation are equal or that the 5 founding members are more equal than others, if so then you and I live in other Federations but we digress."


"But let us concentrate on the task at hand. The Debrune have expressed certain concerns over the security within the federation. As due to some incidents here they believe that their technology after they share it with us might leak to other powers, and that is not what they would like."; he said, "Therefore i recommend you concentrate on showing them that security is not an issue."

"Also i recommend that you do not attempt to mislead Elder Ji'zhan as he has certain... abilities which could then end up turning against you and the entire deal falling apart. ", he said, "Now i do not mean no disrespect but you are not a Vulcan and you are a politician and logic and experience state that all politicians have certain... flaws. Therefore i recommend you being totally honest when confronting Mr. Ji'zhan.", Saarok said

Vrened sat listening to Saarok and found her fists working as she listened to his patronising diatribe. How dare he! a mere Ambassador speak to her in such terms,

"I m not blessed by Vulcan Logic no. But I hope my meagre abilities will be up to the challenge" She replied bitterly, "I thankyou for your advice concerning Debrune Technology and also for your time, anything further I will ask Ambassador Ezedreiana."

[Deleted]

As the welcoming ceremony drew to a close and the Starfleet and Federation staff exited the cargo bay with their President the rest of the crowd began to disperse. Vebn rose straightened his robes and avoiding Kaskrene approached Tedak,

"A word" he stated icily

"One moment" Tedak smiled supercilliously "I havent seen Major Korok in a long time"

"Now" Vebn hissed,

Tedak noted the tone but held his stance a moment longer before relenting and joining the other Ambassador.

"How can I help you?" Tedak asked inncocently

"You can help be remembering your duty."

"My duty?"

"I have been made aware of the information you have passed to a foreign power. You have taken the private meeting in which we had regarding the Tholian situation and twisted it to your own ends and informed those in the Federation and Debrune"

TAG Tedak

"Quiet. I neither confrimed nor denied our involvement yet you report them as fact and to a foriegn power at that. This is the kind of disloyalty that got you expelled from your position as Ambassador in the first place."

Tedak opened his mouth to reply but was silenced as Vebns tone increased in volume and anger,
"I called in many favours to get you reinstated, you light think it was your allies or friends but it wasnt - it was me. I asked for you as Debrune liasion. I have commited much to ensuring you do what is required of you as Ambassador. You represent our PEOPLE not theirs. Now you have one way to redeem yourself. The Romulan Government is not happy with the Debrune joining the Federation. They should be with us - their brothers by blood. You must convince Elder Ji'Zahn that the Federation are not the best option and impress upon him that in time it would be better to cultivate a relationship with us. This is a direct order fail it and you will be out of Ambassadorial robes faster than you can count to 5"

Vebn turned on his heel and stormed from the room leaving Tedak alone in the corner of the Cargo Bay.

TAG Tedak

[Felix Savali]

After the ceremony of meeting the President, Seto departed from the hangar. He would pay a personal visit to the president later. Now he had to check in on Simeth and the new business. It made an important part of his plan. Therefore after getting out of the crowd he took a side passage and entered the nearest turbolift. After a fine ride, he finally arrived at the desired level and proceeded towards the new restaurant Simeth opened for him. After getting over the first impression which slightly melted his usual face mask, Kaiba regained his composure and proceeded to find Simeth.

"Simeth, are you here", Kaiba shouted when he reached the bar

"Hold your horses I am right here", Simeth said from a couch where he was sitting with some female companions who he sent of now that Kaiba was there

"I see you have made yourself at home here", Kaiba stated

"Well, after a hard day of work, i need some rest", he said as he got up and went over to Kaiba leading him over to the bar where he lowered his voice

"I have a feeling someone is watching us"; Simeth stated, "That Trill Admiral never liked me and he will not let us continue in peace". he said

"Don't you worry about him, I will take care of him in due time, for now let us move to phase two", Kaiba said

"Phase 2?", Simeth questioned

"Invite some of your old friends for dinner", he said, "I have a proposition to make to them", Kaiba said and laughed

"Now, keep up the good work Simeth"; Kaiba said as he departed

Now it was time to get some real work done he said as he smiled comparatively. Unknown to Kaiba, Dodger was following him from a nearby Jeffries tube. After exchanging a few turbolifts in order to avoid the pursuit, Kaiba arrived to the office of the chief customs officer.
After entering he shook hands with the man and gave him a cylinder he extracted from him briefcase.

"Now you know the deal you ** do her in and there will be more of this coming to you", Kaiba said and laughed

"Of course, she will be done in Mr. Kaiba", the man said as he pocketed the cylinder

Again unknown to Kaiba this was observed by Dodger.

[Deleted]

"I have been made aware of the information you have passed to a foreign power. You have taken the private meeting in which we had regarding the Tholian situation and twisted it to your own ends and informed those in the Federation and Debrune"

"Did I now?" the older Romulan retorted, though with an eerie calm that surprised them both. "I only informed them because it is this station that is under threat. Home to us both, might I add..." He was cut off as Vebn interrupted him with a voice so cold it could just about freeze anyone.

"Quiet. I neither confrimed nor denied our involvement yet you report them as fact and to a foriegn power at that. This is the kind of disloyalty that got you expelled from your position as Ambassador in the first place."

This time, Tedak raised an eyebrow in a very Vulcan-like fashion. something which seemed to anger the younger man even more. "Disspelled so that a goon like you could take over and gloat," he muttered under his breath.

"I called in many favours to get you reinstated, you light think it was your allies or friends but it wasnt - it was me. I asked for you as Debrune liasion. I have commited much to ensuring you do what is required of you as Ambassador. You represent our PEOPLE not theirs. Now you have one way to redeem yourself. The Romulan Government is not happy with the Debrune joining the Federation. They should be with us - their brothers by blood. You must convince Elder Ji'Zahn that the Federation are not the best option and impress upon him that in time it would be better to cultivate a relationship with us. This is a direct order fail it and you will be out of Ambassadorial robes faster than you can count to 5"

"Careful there Vebn, you might burst something," he chided the younger man with the same calm, "and I'll have a talk with Ji'Zhan alright. However I can hardly force his decision, that will only drive them from us rather than towards us. "

Vebn turned on his heel and stormed from the room leaving Tedak alone in the corner of the Cargo Bay.

Shaking his head in dismay over such scheming and secrecy, Tedak walked out too in search for Ji'Zhan. He tapped the Debrune on the arm to get his attention. "Have you given our discussion about Romulan and Debrune ties any more thought?" he asked quietly, then in the same quiet tones began to explain what had just transpired between Vebn and himself. "I'm supposed to pressure you...please play along in this, much depends on this, even if you eventually decide otherwise."

[Ji' Zhan]

Backpost to just after the President’s speech:

The President greeted person after person and she came to Ji’Zhan. “Madam President, Elder Ji’Zhan of the Debrune.” Ji’Zhan then looked over to two other men, “I want to also introduce the other Elder three, Elder Lork and Elder Cra’mel. We are honored that the Federation has accepted our application into the Federation; we look forward to our talks. Until then Madam President, Sojourn with me in my land, you shall be unto me as a home-born … peace be to you.”

--- Current ---

Ji’Zhan and the other Elders were talking, mostly about the promise of becoming a Federation member. However, Ji’Zhan couldn’t shake the feeling of something not being right … and the voice of his father’s advice. It was imperative that the Debrune become an established and respected race of people; a fact that had been taken from them. Still, he only was certain about one thing – he had to keep his people’s needs first.

The crowd was still as strong as it was when the President spoke. Everyone simply was hanging around to talk about the speech and the topic of the vote that she posed. Looking across the cargo hold, Ji’Zhan noticed two Romulans close in on each other talking very poignant. When line of sight got better he was a bit shaken by the identity of them; Tedak and Vebn. His mind instantly went to what Starfleet called yellow alert.

Several moments passed as the Elder’s were greeting yet even more people and standing for holo-shots for this reporter and that. Ji’Zhan’s mind wasn’t really there; he was remembering the conversation that he and Tedak had during Tedak’s Dinner. Ji’Zhan still wondered why the Romulan cloaking technology was being used by the Tholians. That bothered him greatly; it would be like his so called Romulan brethren to help the Tholians but yet somehow extort them for their gain. He was sure that was the Romulan intent for his people too. He was also remembering that Tedak’s answers to his questions where simply misleading conversation. He hoped that Tedak didn’t know and was trying to cover his lack of knowledge about the topic.

With his back to most of the crowd, Ji’Zhan didn't feel the tap on his shoulder from Tedak. Turning to Tadak’s voice Ji’Zhan heard, "Have you given our discussion about Romulan and Debrune ties any more thought?" Ji’Zhan didn’t have time to answer as Tedak told Ji’Zhan about the conversation between him and Vebn. "I'm supposed to pressure you...please play along in this, much depends on this, even if you eventually decide otherwise." Ji’Zhan turned, his eyes speaking volumes to Tedak, “Tedak, as far as I and the other Elder’s are concerned, there is no need for discussion about Romulan and Debrune ties. There simply isn’t any there.”

Tedak pulled the Elder to the side and began to talk to Ji’Zhan. Ji’Zhan gave him ear and then spoke, “I call you friend, yet you explain to me that playing along will have great effect on things. However, you fail to say if the effect will be positive or negative to my people. My purpose on the base now is to talk to the Federation about membership. I can tell you that the more I learn of this Federation and Starfleet, the less attractive the membership becomes. However, Romulan ties look even far less attractive. You still own me an answer about the Tholians and just how they got their hands on Romulan technology.” Ji’Zhan wasn’t allowing Tedak to respond until his thoughts were exhausted. “You can assure yourself of this Tedak, I and the other Elder’s will decide on one thing … the choice that is made during this time will be in favor of the Debrune people, their safety and their well being. No relation’s nor ties will be bonded if the other party simply wants to receive and take from my people - robbing us of our accomplishments and identity as many have in the past. We will offer what is good but no one will merely take; do you understand me Tedak?”

Ji’Zhan’s mood was sharp and direct, a side of Ji’Zhan that Tedak hadn't yet experienced.

<Tedak>

[Deleted]

“...You still own me an answer about the Tholians and just how they got their hands on Romulan technology.”

Tedak was about to respond to that when Ji'Zhan, who apparently had only stopped talking to take a deep breath, continued his speech again.

“You can assure yourself of this Tedak, I and the other Elder’s will decide on one thing … the choice that is made during this time will be in favor of the Debrune people, their safety and their well being. No relation’s nor ties will be bonded if the other party simply wants to receive and take from my people - robbing us of our accomplishments and identity as many have in the past. We will offer what is good but no one will merely take; do you understand me Tedak?”

"Of course their safety and wellbeing goes above anything else," Tedak agreed, somewhat stunned at the Debrune's forcefulness in the matter. He'd never seen this particular Debrune so resolute and abrupt in his decisions. "And I understand you perfectly Ji'Zhan." Tedak spoke softly, struggling to keep his voice from rising and carefully modulated his tone to remain friendly. "However it is you who doesn't understand me. I am not offerering you a bribe and you know that I will aid you wherever I can in making the right decision. It's Vebn that I don't trust...and he's the one making threats towards me."

This time it was the Romulan who didn't let Ji'Zhan speak. "Hear me out. If I don't openly try to get you to join the Romulan Empire, Vebn might do something rash, something all parties concerned may come to regret. All I want is your help in preventing that by having a few public spars with me on the issue. He must see me trying to get you to see our way, even if I don't agree with doing that. I know it is wrong and I know you will do what is best for the Debrune. I also know that your future does not lie with the Romulan people, even if genetic ties are evident. You also know that I consider you a valued friend, and that your counsel is always of value to me. All I ask of you is that you seem to be considering the Romulan offer...I am not asking you to join the Empire."

Now Tedak took a deep breath, and waited in anticipation for Ji'Zhan to respond. "Oh and as for the Tholians, I strongly believe Vebn is the one supplying them, since he's somewhat...warm towards the idea of them having it. I don't have proof and I was just yelled at for supplying you and the Federation with a conversation that happened between him and me. He accused me of twisting his words to my favour. You, however know me better than that....Romulans may be my people, and I may be a diplomat for them...and I will always have their best interest at heart...but not at the cost of millions of lives. Do whatever you feel you must to get the truth from me, I will accomodate you in any way I can."

[Deleted]

"...Oh well, I guess we'll have to dig up another man for. Steer her in another direction. What do you think?”

Making sure TSomba was out of earshot, T'Val leaned in towards her mate. "Are you certain it was you she was after?" she asked innocently, "I have not seen her warm up to any man on this station, at least not romantically. Certainly when we got together she grew colder towards me, but before that she was really very friendly and helpful. And when my...problem...started and I requested her presence on the Galaxy, I believe she actually even got a little more friendly again."

T'Val smiled ever so slightly as she continued with her tasks. "So I do not believe finding her another man may solve the issue. Perhaps we should be finding her a woman instead?"

As Stuart listened, he went ahead and sent out the messages that would require Madam President and her entourage to visit the infirmary for a quick checkup to ensure the facility remained safe and secure of and biological anomalies.

T'Val saw Stuart nearly choke at the very thought, and his male ego sustaining somewhat of a dent. "Do not dwell on it," she teased him, "I am certain there are still other women who are rather jealous at this moment. She is but one out of many. Surely you have seen Ensign Ezkyle swoon everytime you walked by?" She patted his arm as if she was consoling him. "She is a big girl Stuart, she can take care of herself."

This time she walked away from him to make certain the biobeds had past their latest inspections. After all they didn't want their equipment to go on the fritz just when the president and her entourage came by. "Biobeds are in proper working order," she announced, "scanning equipement also in order. However this microscope should be checked over, it keeps showing me a gram negative bacteria even when there is nothing under the lens. I will have engineering come take a look at it after madam president has paid us a visit."

[mercy]

“No time like the present, dear. I’ll go ahead and submit to engineering now.” Stuart went to a terminal to submit the repair request. He mused over the thought of Jill having a crush on T’Val. He couldn’t get over the fact that he had missed this. His own ego must have stood in the way.

A message indicator appeared on Stuart’s screen. He tapped on it which allowed him to see the contents. It was a priority message from the President’s private physician. Stuart took a few minutes to read its contents. “We are in luck, T’Val. We won’t be doing any checks on Madam President or her people. They underwent the required physicals just before they boarded Assailant. I have time stamped records here, so all we have to do is log it and keep this in our records.”

T’Val also appeared to be happy of this news. “That is efficient. We can then continue with our normal care of our current patients.”

“Yes, we can. I’m sure we’ll be given a ‘heads up’ when they plan to tour our facility.”

T’Val looked confused at the terminology.

“I mean we’ll be notified before they arrive.” This seemed to satisfy T’Val as she continued with her duties. Now Stuart was in wonderment of where the term ‘heads up’ came from.

[Magellan Lin]

The Presidents briefing with Saarok and Ezedreiana was over within the hour and she was quickly escorted from the spacious office by Admiral Magellan for a tour of the base.

She smiled weakly and nodded and smiled as she was led through the Arcade, past the security centres and into the Aboretum. She spent sometime talking to the gardners before being hustled off to yet another area. Her feet were beginning to ache by the time she reached sickbay.

"This is Dr Mercy, he is our Director of Medicine." Magellan introduced, "He runs the Starfleet Sickbay here and also administrates the civilian hospital. This is his bondmate, Healer T'Val she works in the Hospital."

Vrened smiled and shook the extended hands....

[Deleted]

Vebn was still quietly fuming when he returned to his office in the Embassy. He took a seat at his desk and downloaded the latest updates from the homeworld. He scanned through the piles of paperwork barely taking it in.

He finally cast down the padd and leaned back in his seat. He couldnt work Tedak out. Tedak seemed obsessed wih taking the opposite side of his own people, how could expect to be a diplomat on those terms. He continually challenged authority and pushed boundaries. It had cost Vebn much to get Tedak re-instated. He had only done it because it was much better in the fold than out of it, he was beginning to have second thoughts now.

He needed Tedaks knowledge of the Debrune in order to complete his own aims. The unification of the Debrune, Vulcan and Romulan peoples. It was a lofty goal and not one shared by most of his superiors but it was something Vebn thought was vital. The vulcanoid races had been seperate for too long and here was a chance for a truly great empire one to the benefit of all.

He reviewed Tedaks personnel file once more. He could not understand how a former Tal Shiar agent could go so native. Tedak must have fought and killed Federation citizens in that time it was impossible not to have.

He paused and reflected he was under no illusions that Tedak would fail in his task, the question would be what comes next, the Foreign Office would demand Tedaks dismissal again... should he allow it again? or could he find some other way to use Tedak.

[dodger]

“Ok. Ok” Dodger said with a sigh. “Run through it one more time for me then.” She asked. Ripper looked for a moment as though he was about to refuse, but with a doleful glare he quickly assumed the rugged form of Drolem Simeth and began yet another pictorial replay of the events they had watched earlier that day.

"I have a feeling someone is watching us" The Ripper/Simeth said. "That Trill Admiral never liked me and he will not let us continue in peace". ‘And rightly so’ Dodger had thought herself. There was no way Admiral Lin was going to let this convicted criminal operate right under his nose without keeping tabs on him.

Ripper had now switched to Kiaba’s form. He had said; "Don't you worry about him, I will take care of him in due time, for now let us move to phase two."

"Phase Two?" Simeth again now. Ripper really was very good at this re-enactment business. Perhaps they should go into theatre.

"Invite some of your old friends for dinner, I have a proposition to make to them", Kaiba had said. And with his photographic memory Ripper even added the laugh on the end. It was like a perfect action replay. She could rewind and rewatch it as many times as she liked. Still, it didn’t always help matters. Matters such as what these two were up to. ‘Someone is watching us’. That didn’t bode well for her. Of course, they may have only been speculating. They may not have even identified their tracker yet. Still, she would have to be more careful in future.

As for Admiral Lin, Kaiba was going to ‘take care of him’. Perhaps she should warn him? But then, what good would that do other than possibly make him paranoid. Or make him think she was paranoid. No, she would find out what they were up to before she went running to the Admiral. The more informed she was, the better.

As for conversation number two in the customs office - "Now you know the deal you ** do her in and there will be more of this coming to you" – that was another puzzle altogether. Kiaba definitely had plans here; whether they involved Simeth or not was anybodies guess.

Dodger’s primary assumption would of course have been that he was referring here to the President. However recent events made this seem more and more unlikely. She had been counting on the deadly duo unleashing their plan as the President came aboard, it would be the only time that there would be a chance of getting through security. However, they had sat and watched the uneventful speech like anyone else. It could be that she wasn’t their target at all, or perhaps it was more misdirection. At the other end of the scale there was always the idea that she could be completely off. In fact, the President could even be in on the scam, whatever it might be. After all, she was the one that granted Simeth his pardon.

She would have to work on that. There were several other possibly targets on her mind right now, and any one of them could be the ‘her’ Kiaba wanted done in.

She stretched slowly and got up from the edge of the bed she had been perched on. “Computer, display messages received in last 12 hours.” She ordered the machine as she sat down in front of the screen.

“You have three new messages.” The computer revealed. “First message, received at 02:15.”

#Hello Sis. Just a quick check-in with you before we head out again. Things have mostly been quiet on the frontlines these last couple of days. Few head to heads but they were avoided, narrowly. Feds have got us on patrol, which means we fly around between the two factions getting shot at when all hell breaks loose. Still, I suppose we all knew what we signed up for. Anyhow, let me know how the Pressie’s visit is going wont you, wouldn’t want to miss out on the gossip! Talk to you soon. Love Cyph.#

Dodger couldn’t help grinning as her brothers face disappeared. No matter how bad things got, he was always smiling. His clothes were tattered and torn, they looked like they had been through a rough time, his face was scorched with soot and unshaven. But he still smiled. And he still missed her. She quickly moved onto the next message, not really paying it much attention. It was yet another report off one of the patrol vessels, indicating the situation for the moment was unusually calm.

She tapped into the third and final message, only to find a blank screen staring back at her. She typed in a few Federation keycodes, and some keycodes she hoped the Federation never found out about, but to no avail.

“Computer, can you trace the origin of the last message?” She asked it, at a slight loss. The computer said nothing, but a tiny three letter word appeared at the top of the screen.

#FOX#

“Computer, contact the USS Wolf, codename Cyber-Tech Fox.” She ordered, realising it was a message from one of her many contacts. Fox, otherwise known as Jonathan Hrax, had been through the Academy alongside Dodger, and they were still in close contact. However, when his face materialised onscreen he was looking less than enthusiastic, and spoke even before she could say anything.

“I cant talk for long. There’s something I need to give you. Would come myself but it might compromise the mission. I know I don’t need to emphasise how important this is. You’ll understand when you receive it.” He paused for a moment, and looked behind him, his expression old and drawn. “I have to run. Take care.”

He disappeared almost before he had finished speaking, leaving Dodger shocked and staring at the screen. Things were starting to spiral out of control.

[Ji' Zhan]

Ji'Zhan was sure that before all of this was over that the expected would not happen and unexpected would. That thought rang true as Tedak said, "Oh and as for the Tholians, I strongly believe Vebn is the one supplying them, since he's somewhat...warm towards the idea of them having it. I don't have proof and I was just yelled at for supplying you and the Federation with a conversation that happened between him and me. He accused me of twisting his words to my favor. You, however know me better than that....Romulans may be my people, and I may be a diplomat for them...and I will always have their best interest at heart...but not at the cost of millions of lives. Do whatever you feel you must to get the truth from me, I will accommodate you in any way I can."

Yes, Ji'Zhan knew this about Tedak but he had never heard it put into words as he just heard. This did ease his mind a bit about his friend Tedak.

"Tedak, Veben still has men down on the planet. They have been wondering the markets and have even been found trying to access the underground cities. When stopped and approached they leave with now explanation. I am having them followed and they know it too ... I'm sure they are getting frustrated by now with the constant vigilance my security people are giving them. So, as far as 'acting' for him, I don't intend to. However, if you must go on with your charade, then I will try to play along. However, do not think for a moment that I will do anything that will take time away from the Federation meetings."

<tedak>

[Deleted]

T'Val on her part did not extend her hand towards the president. Instead she offered a Vulcan salute and hoped the official wouldn't be offended. She didn't trust her own emotions just yet, nor her ability to shield properly against unwanted reading of other minds. Not when she'd just been so vulnerable due to her condition.

"Welcome to Assaillant Madam President," she added, then motioned around sickbay. "If you like, we could give you a tour. Since we have just received your medical file and you received a physical prior to boarding this station, we unfortunately have no need to ... show off ... our equipment to you."

She now smiled ever so slightly, as if bemused. "Please forgive us the slight disarray here in sickbay. My mate and I have been on personal leave, and our head nurse has done her very best to run things on her own. She has done so very well, but even she can only do so much." There was hardly any disarray visible in sickbay, and T'Val knew it. She just felt the need to offer Tsomba some gratitude and praise, but just not directly to her. The Vulcan knew the nurse was close by and listening to every word exchanged.

[mercy]

Stuart noticed Jill’s look on her face as T’Val inadvertently belittled her in front of the President. Stuart knew that T’Val had meant well, but when she added “…but even she can only do so much.”, it brought a look of fury onto her face. ~Must still be jealous over us.~ Stuart mused to himself.

“Yes, she does a great job in our absence.” Stuart decided to jump in if only to quell Jill’s anger. “In fact, I was just about to announce to her that she’ll be put up for promotion…just before your arrival.” Jill’s eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise and Madam President walked over to her to shake her hand. “Congratulations, my dear. It must be wonderful to know that your work is so appreciated.”

Jill was momentarily speechless as she eyed everyone in the room, but then she found her voice. “Why yes, Madam President, it is. Thank you.”

“Madam President, with your permission, Healer T’Val and I would be glad to show you our facilities.” She allowed Stuart to take the lead as they walked side by side with everyone else falling in step behind them.

The infirmary was first, it was here where all of the immediate care and emergency cases took place. Stuart, T'Val and Jill had their offices here as they were primaries when such cases came in. T'Val took the lead when the small procession toured their laboratories, explaining how they tested for common and uncommon diseases, resulting in proper diagnosis of their patients.

Soon they came to the civilian side of the hospital, where Stuart took the lead once more. “As you know, our Starfleet hospital is conjoined with the civilian hospital here. Starfleet oversees the entire facility administratively, but allows a civilian run section fully staffed with civilian doctors and nurses. Someone up high thought that this would decrease any anxieties amongst the civilian population...or something like that.”

President Vrened slowed her pace to a standstill. Stuart looked at her questioningly. “I was on the committee that made this recommendation.” Stuart thought about it and realized that she had been in politics long before she became president. “Yes, of course and a great recommendation it is.” Stuart wasn’t sure if he saved himself with that reply, but he could see Admiral Lin slightly shaking his head as he stood behind the president.

After about an hour the tour finally ended where life itself was at an end for many, at the morgue. Stuart cautioned that there were a couple of bodies currently being processed. President Vrened decided that it was not necessary for them to go in there.

"Madam President, we thank you for your visit and I hope you have enjoyed viewing our facility, and may you enjoy the rest of your stay on Starbase Assailant."

<Vrened>

[Magellan Lin]

"Thankyou Doctor Mercy for your time. You have an excellent establishment and team." She paused at the exit to the morgue her eye lingering on the white sheeted individual lying on the gurney.
"A natural death?" she asked,

Dr Mercy bent to look at the tag,
"I m afraid not. This is the body of Commander Mel Tol. He was killed a few weeks ago by a Tholian automated defense system on Aenvolis. We are just prepping his body for despatch to his family on Bolarus"

Vrened nodded a sad look on her face.
"Lets hope this is the last one for a long while. Perhaps we could continue in your office Doctor, I have some queries about the Debrune."

"Of course, this way."

Dr Mercy led the President, Magellan, T val and the collected entourage back into sickbay and to his office. They did nt all fit and most of the Presidents team were encouraged to wait outside.

"Doctor. I understand that the Debrune are Romo-vulcanoid in classification but I wondered if there were any medical or psychological aspects of the Debrune and the Elders in particular I should know about before beginning negotiations?"

TAG Mercy

[mercy]

Stuart looked at President Vrened and wasn’t quite sure he knew what she meant. “If you’re asking me if there is anything you can use to gain some sort of insight on the Debrunes, then no. What I can tell you for sure is this, Elder Ji’Zhan means well for his people, for all his people, even the ones that would rather be aligned with the Romulans than with the Federation. Of course this is all politics and I’m just a doctor.”

“On a personal level however, I’ll be glad if and when the Debrunes do join the Federation.”

President Vrened looked at Stuart in wonderment. “Oh?”

“You see, my son…I mean T’Val’s son…my fiancé…her adopted son, well he is the Divine Child to the Debrunes and his life and the rest of ours just isn’t quite safe. There are those that will use him to their advantage…” Stuart trailed off into silence, recalling some of the dangers they had already witnessed.

<Vrened>

[Magellan Lin]

Vrened stared at Mercy a moment,
"I was not aware of that" she said after awhile. She seemed about to add more but instead changed topics.
"Actually what I was originally refering to is the latent psionic abilities of the Debrune. It would be nice to know whilst I am negoiating if Ji'Zhan and the other Elders can read my surface thoughts?"

TAG Mercy

"Thankyou Doctor. I have taken up enough of your time. I think I am fully prepared now. Lead on Admiral we have kept the Debrune waiting long enough"

Teh Presidential entourage left the Doctors office and used a site top site transport to get her to the conference facility.
Ji'Zhan and the other Elders were already present and joined the President, Saarok and Ezedriana at the oval table.

"This is an auspicious time" Vrened began, "I hope we can reach terms beneficial to all, perhaps we should open these preliminaries by asking what you - The Debrune expect of us?"

TAG Ji Zhan.

[Ji' Zhan]

The amble was silent as the group walked towards the conference facility. Ji’Zhan security staff was, of course, talking readings and scanning as they walked. The corridor was filled with reporters all wanting to ask questions but each advance was deflected by a Debrune officer. Ji’Zhan wasn’t paying them any attention. His mind was deep in thought as with each step he took the noise of the moment hushed away. His fathers face appeared before him but no voice could be heard. In his mind, he reached out and touched his father’s face. Memories flooded back into view as if they had just happened. Knowledge of his people’s past, scientific accomplishments, the founding of the underground city - its reactor, countless accounts of the past that were not his own. Soon the group of three Elders reached the room and then faced each other as their hands formed what some would call Vulcan melds. The three shared thoughts as one. This was common during pivotal moments for their people. This was done so all three would share the same thoughts instantly as they occurred. Other’s in the room fidgeted as this was happening and the security officers intently watched everyone in the room. Soon, the three Elders took their seats as they waited for the President and other Federation people.

On the planet, the Debrune people were all watching monitors as large festive activities were taking place. It didn’t matter the outcome for each person trusted the Elders. The Fleet Commander of the Debrune Ministry of Defense, in a display of technical prowess not many had ever seen, ordered the planetary defense net to be activated. Along with that net, several dozen Debrune ships took their orbit around the planet.

Not many, including Starfleet, had seen much of the Debrune Fleet; the largest was about the size of the Intrepid class ships, the smaller obviously fast agile ships, all were capable of planetary landing. However, all were well equipped with, at the least, equivalent warp systems and weapon systems of any race currently in the Federation. Ji’Zhan, and the Elder’s, had planed this moment to reveal this because it was his intent not to ever have his people run from or hide from threats ever again – no matter the outcome of the talks with Madam President.

Back on the Base, the Presidential entourage transported into the room. Ji’Zhan thought this strange because they had just walked their not encountering even the least threat of danger. The group sat at the large oval table that was made of some exotic wood trimmed in some milky opalescent material that gleamed from the light of the room. Vrened started the talks. "This is an auspicious time" Vrened began, "I hope we can reach terms beneficial to all, perhaps we should open these preliminaries by asking what you - The Debrune expect of us?"

Ji’Zhan, being the chosen spokesman of the group, stood … “Madam President, I agree with you that this is a promising time; my hopes are that they will be promising for both in delegation. I want to say on behalf of my people, peace to you - equality to us all.” Ji’Zhan activated a three dimensional viewer in the center of the table. Qualinost was shown in black space with the star base in view. Around the planet was shown the Debrune fleet. “Before someone becomes alarmed, this is a representation of the Debrune fleet. We have small ships; however upon scans you can see the advancement of my people. We, Madam President, expect to have universal liberty, equality, peaceful coexistence, trade, scientific exploration and mutual defense; nothing more than any other race enjoys in the current membership of the Federation. We will also expect to be a respected people, acknowledged as a race separate from those of Vulcan and Romulan. However,” turning towards the respective Ambassadors, “we will be willing to examine talks with each race here on the Assailant, mind you, that would help to bring the three race-brothers’ to a peaceful relationship.” Ji’Zhan paused for a moment collecting the thoughts from the other Elder’s; and some thoughts from the rest of the room, “We, above all, expect not to be pillaged in any form as that has been our experience from past well-doers wishing to align with us. We also submit in respect and in accordance to the Federation laws, a rigorous restriction to our underground city and its recourses; declaring it a ‘place of holies’ to our people. We expect it to be honored just as the same request has been honored from other current Federation members.”

Ji’Zhan, concluded with his words, sat with his hands folded in a reverent carriage waiting for the response.