SB Assailant Mission 3.1 - Diplomacys Veil

[Magellan Lin]

Okay I ve modded this post so it forms the beginning of our next mission it will fit in quite nicely with what I have planned

[Deleted]

ooc: might as well post here then since Jefferson's docked....

ic:

T'Val looked around her sickbay before heading towards the airlock. She had just sent off her after action report towards Commander Reynolds, explaining her point of view of the crash, and the general health of the people they'd taken back to Assaillant. The boy, Rhian, was doing remarkably better, but his parents were still extremely worried. She had the boy beamed to Assaillant's sickbay where his treatment would be continued.

After a final glance, she told the computer to power down sickbay and she headed towards the airlock. She was looking forward to some free time on Assaillant, spending it with her friends and family. News of Jak'Dor's passing hadn't reached her yet, thus she was looking forward to a trip down to Qualinost. When she reached the airlock, she caught herself wondering who would be waiting for her. Secretly, she hoped it to be Stuart, but she was also hoping Tedak would be there with D'Beren.

She felt her pulse racing with anxiety, as she reached the lock, and it opened before her. When nobody was waiting, she felt extremely disappoiinting and she went straight to the quarters she shared with Tedak when she resided on Assaillant. Nobody was home, except Tedak's bronze firelizard Sev, who came winging in towards her, squawking exitedly. Her own green, Yade, raced towards Sev and they engaged in an aerial 'hug'.

T'Val set down her bag on the floor and did a little solo your around the rooms. It really was deserted, she discovered, and wondered where exactly everyone was. Since no-one was home, she at last decided to go check on her young Klingon/Romulan patient. With Yade and Sev both following her in the air, the Vulcan doctor found her way down to sickbay. "How are you today?" she asked Rhian.

"Better," the young hybrid replied politely, "thank you ma'am for your care. Any doctor on that planet would've concuded that I would die. You yourself said I would if I didn't get treatment. Thanks to you I have the chance to become a warrior like my dad."

"You already are a warrior Rhian," T'Val replied mildly, as she watched nurse TSomba fuss over the boy, "you have fought an illness, and conquered it. Be well my friend, and do your parents proud." T'Val turned her back on the boy and sighed. Not even TSomba said hello to her and T'Val felt even more alone than ever.

[mercy]

Dr. Stuart Mercy was making his rounds and found himself currently in ward six, just leaving room 618. It was a human patient who just so happened to be from San Francisco, where Stuart had just come from before his assignment to SBA. They both enjoyed the conversation revolving around familiar places they both had been too. It was good conversation that kept the patient's thoughts from his injury.

As an Ensign from the science department, he had been struck by Lily's security protocol while he and his cohorts tried to surpass the lockdown system. A hail of automated phaser fire had struck him in his right thigh, literally emulsifying his rectus femoris, or thigh muscles.

Thankfully to modern medicine and nano technology, nano bots were busy at this very moment reconstructing the muscle. It was going to take another three days, and then the Ensign would be going through physical therapy to relearn the use of his leg again. It would need restrengthening.

=/\= Dr. Mercy. We've just received a new patient from the Jefferson. A Klingon/Romulan boy, recovering from an illness. He's just here for observation, but I thought you should know. =/\=

"Thanks Jill. I'll be there in a few..." Stuart wasn't concerned at first with this news. The patient was stable, so there was no rush to get there. Then it hit him, like a brick... ~ Jefferson...T'Val ~ . He felt his heartbeat start to race. He started to trot to the treatment rooms, but then slowed down just as quickly. He didn't want to appear like a young school boy, who was happy to see his love after a long school day apart from each other.

Stuart relaxed and strolled calmly to where his new patient was. He really didn't know when and how he would see T'Val. Should he look her up in her quarters, No, that wouldn't do. Call her perhaps...no. Send her an official message about the condition of her patient...that was it. It was a legitimate excuse to contact her.

Upon arrival to the main treatment area, the infirmary, Stuart was stopped in his steps. There she was in all of her splendor. As much splendor as her civilian equivalent to a doctor's uniform would allow. She had just turned around from her patient and her look was one of sadness. Yet, Stuart sensed that it wasn't about her patient. Her eyes then rose to meet his. There was a flicker of joy within them.

Stuart barey noticed the firelizards near her. They flew by in a quick motion as if they were saying hello in their own way. Then they disappeared just as quickly. Jill was still attending to the boy, behind T'Val, and hadn't noticed that Stuart was out in the hallway, or that T'Val was still standing in the doorway. Both of them contemplating on how to proceed.

With a nod to follow, Stuart led the way to his office. T'Val did not hesitate to follow. The door swished closed. "Lily, lock the door, only to be opened in an emergency as per standard protocols."

_/\_ Yes, Dr. Mercy. _/\_

They stood facing each other. Seeing how she willingly followed him to his office, he felt reassured about her feelings towards him. This gave him the courage that he needed to step forward, grasp her cheeks within the palms of his hands, and give her that 'welcome home' kiss that she so longed for.

[Deleted]

T'Val stood motionless when the CMO kissed her, not only was she completely surprised by it, but she found herself unable to return the kiss. At last she pulled away, but she didn't step away from him and she shook her head in confusion. Then, with a sigh she stepped up to him and returned the kiss with passion, her firelizard squawking in approval.

To her surprise Sev, Tedak's bronze, did nothing to stop her. ~this is meant to be~ she thought then, though she felt even more sad and guilty because to her it felt like betrayal. "Stop," she then whispered, though she didn't break away from him, "I am married."

Yet through her bond with Tedak, she didn't sense any disapproval, only sadness. ~we need to talk~ she thought ~as soon as he comes home we need to talk~

Now, she did break way from Mercy again, and without a word raced, rather unVulcan-like, out of sickbay.

[Matthew Reynolds]

OCC: I have never posted on Assailant, but hey theres always a first time and like T'Val said the Jefferson just docked.


On:

Scene: Main Promenade, Starbase Assailant

"Thank you and please come again," the clerk said as she handed Matt two bags full of everything Caleb wanted.

Matt had never in his time on the Jefferson spent so much time on Assailant as he was doing now. He had been looking for everything and anything. He so badly wanted to show Caleb everything that he forgot to eat, sleep, or even say hello to other people. All of his attention was centered on letting Caleb experience brand new things.

It seemed that he really liked flan, it was strange, but hey everyone has different taste buds.

"Hey Matt, do you know how big this place is?" Caleb asked as he eyed all the officers, crewman, and civilians walking by them.

"Caleb, sorry, but I don't know, I usually don't spend time here, but if I see one of the Assailants officer's I will ask them," Matt said as he tugged Caleb along back towards guest quarters.

Matt was very surprised when T'Val ran passed by both of them. Matt had the impression that T'Val was troubled by something or that something bad had happened. He hoped that he would be able to see her later.

"Why didn't she stop to say hello?" Caleb asked.

"Well she's just in a hurry," Matt said as they finally reached their quarters. Matt was tired, but it seemed though as Caleb could not be stopped.

"So what are going to do now?" Caleb asked. Matt faked a groan when he said that and laughed to himself.

"Don't you ever tire?" Matt asked.

"Never," was the simple response.

"Caleb have you ever heard of Christmas?" Matt asked.

"Yes, its when we give each other presents," Caleb said with mild interest.

"Have you heard of movies?" Matt asked.

"No," Caleb said his interest peaked.

"Well then lets introduce you to Christmas movies," Matt said as he walked towards his personal computer.

"Now what will you like?" Matt asked trying to figure out what would be the movie that could keep him preoccupied. Then he thought about it and decided on the movie.

"Computer download the motion picture A Christmas Carol and began playing." Caleb quickly sat down in front of the screen and starting watching. Maybe now I can get some work done, Matt said as he walked towards the pile of PADD's that had accumulated on his bed.

[Magellan Lin]

The base seemed to have just about returned to normal. Repairs had been made, the injured healed and the dead...buried.
Magellan listlessly wandered up through the Arcade as he so often did on his way home from his office. He watched the bustling crowds as they went about their business shopping and chatting. It was hard to believe that only the day before the entire station had turned on them and its very own security systems had killed several of the inhabitants. Magellan had recieved some rather harsh words from the head of Starfleet Corp of Engineering over the way he had treated Cmdr Treski and his team. Nevertheless, he hadnt budged, never again would an SCE team be allowed to conduct any exploratory engineering studies on his computers. The next time lockdown was enacted it would be because he called it and that it was necessary. He prayed it would never come to that.

There seemed to be more Starfleet faces about that evening and Magellan began to recognise them as those from the Jefferson. He made a note to catch up with Loskene in the morning.
"Going home?"
Magellan drew himself from his thoughts and looked round. Laurana stood a few paces away her dark brown eyes, penetrating.
"You have a penchant for sneaking up on me" he said icily,
"hmph It wasnt hard you were in a world of your own." She paused and then regained eye contact, "How was the funeral?"
"Much as to be expected" Magellan replied, "A lot of bells and dirges. The Debrune can be a very austere people."
"Shall we walk" Laurana suggested,
"Sure." Magellan agreed gestruing for her to join him "Dare we take the turbolift again"
Lauarna flashed him a smile,
"Its a risk, but the last time wasnt so bad was it?"
"For you maybe." Magellan scoffed "You should try being trapped with you."
"I found it most constructive."
"Hmmph" was all the Admiral replied
Laurana persisted,
"You at least began to open up. You know I did try to get your CoBS to find out what was eating you."
"You did WHAT" Magellan spluttered coming to a halt "You got my Chief of Security to inverstigate me."
"Well tired, he never got back to me in time. I needed to know why you were so hostile to me as a Guardian"
Magellan scowled,
"Well now you know."
"I do. And I know its hard for you. You and your symbiont are not as well blended as most and you are lacking memories, it must be hard."
"Its always been hard. From the minute I was blended and its not got a bit easier. Not for a second have me and Lin felt as one." Magellan paused.
Laurana looked away and then stepped closer extending an arm.
"Your..." She stopped, "I shouldnt say this really. It wasnt just Lenaras idea to see you."
"What do you mean?"
"Your not the only Trill experiencing host symbiont troubles. In fact the Commission is recieving more and more reports daily. We need you to come back to Trill to be examined."
Magellan started walking again,
"I cant right now, things are awkward. With Jak'dor dead there is a power vacuum in the Debrune. Its too unstable to leave now."
"I understand that. Im due leave so will wait as long as you need."
"It could be a few months."
Laurana shrugged,
"So what. I m kind of liking it out here"
Suddenly Magellan found himself outside his quarters,
"This is me" he stated,
Lauarana rolled her eyes, "I know. You eaten?"
"No"
"Right well invite me in and I ll replicate you some Salla Vines and Pomegrets."
Magellan hesitated,
"Sure why not."


OOC: Wow this is my 1000th post hoorah

[mercy]

Stuart was bewildered. Not at the way T'Val stormed out of his office, but at what he had experienced. At first he thought it was his own thoughts as it felt like something he should have been feeling. He distinctly 'heard' ~this is meant to be~ and it so much felt like his own thought during the kiss.

Briefly that thought was interupted when T'Val softly said "Stop. I am married." and yet she did not break away at that moment. As soon as Stuart 'heard' ~we need to talk~ and ~as soon as he comes home we need to talk~, Stuart knew those thoughts had come directly from T'Val.

Stuart knew that Vulcans are or could be telepaths, mostly through some sort of mindlink, and it seemed that he had just experienced such a thing. They were physically connected through their kiss, and apparently it was such an emotional sensation for T'Val that it allowed for her thoughts to 'escape' into Stuart's mind.

Now Stuart truly knew how upset and confused T'Val was at what was happening between them. He felt bad for what he had just done. He realized that he was so selfish with his own feelings, that he didn't consider hers. What was he hoping to gain? She was a married woman and Tedak had made it clear in how he felt about her.

There was no reason to think that T'Val would seperate or divorce Tedak because of what was happening. And if she did, how would that look? Stuart the homewrecker. How could he respect himself or expect respect from everyone else on this station for what he had done? There was only one thing he could truly consider doing. As much as he really didn't want to do this, he had no other choice.

Stuart sat down at his terminal and turned it on to the respective area for offical forms and documents. Instead of just asking Lily to bring up the right one, he wanted to take the time to peruse and locate it himself. There it was. He started filling it out with his personal information and all other required data. There was only one item that remained blank. Of course he could leave it that way and just be at the mercy of the stars. Stuart decided to just file it on hold for now while he thought on it. It was getting late anyways, although he knew he wouldn't be able to sleep with what had transpired, but it was best that he turned in for tonight.

Shutting down and closing up shop, so to speak, Stuart wished Jill a good night as he exited the infirmary, making his way to his quarters. One thought kept going through his mind.....that blank data that was missing on that form.....where outside of S47 would he want to transfer to? He'd have to sleep on it for a few days.....and steer clear of T'Val.

[Deleted]

With D'Beren trotting at his side, holding on to his hand for dear life, Tedak calmly strode from the shuttle bay throug the maze of corridors on Starbase Assaillant. He had been grateful to Ji'Zhan arguing his presence at Jak'Dor's funeral, as at first the council wouldn't let him be present at the ceremony.

Tedak had argued, mildly, that his presence would be a comfort to the Divine Child, on whom the pressure may prove too much to bear since he was still so young. Ji'Zhan had agreed and had argued that the Divine Child should not carry such a burned without his parents sharing in it. Since T'Val had no way of attending in time, as Tedak had no knowledge of her return to SBA, he as single parent had finally been allowed to attend.

The ceremony had been very sombre, even though the general air hadn't been one of sadness. Rather than standing still at his passing, the Elder's memorable life had been addressed. The Romulan diplomat had been impressed, but knew that the Elder had wanted to accomplish more, and he felt that without Jak'Dor, the Debrune community would fall apart unless they would elect a new strong leader. ~Ji'Zhan might fit in that role~ Tedak had thought, admiring the young acolyte's strength.

Now, Tedak was nearing his quarters, and he opened the door. Instantly, he was greeted by his bronze firelizard, who hardly ever went anywhere with him. Nut gave a soft squawk by way of greeting, and lifted off to glide over to his lair by the fireplace. The artificial fireplace gave enough warmth to comfort the two firelizards. ~no three~ Tedak thought, as he spotted T'Val's green curled up in the nest.

"Mommy!" cried D'Beren, racing towards the couch, but Tedak caught him just in time as he saw his wife lyin curled up on the couch.

"Shht," he cautioned his son, "go to your room and take the firelizards with you. I'll come get you soon." As the boy trotted off without another sound, Tedak walked towards the couch. T'Val was lying on her side, one arm folded under her head. On the floor a book was lying open, and the Romulan didn't miss the wet stains on the old paper. It was evident that she had been very upset, as he'd never seen her cry before.

He froze in horror as he came closer and spotted the hypospray dangling from her hand, which had obviously slipped from her side as the muscles relaxed. ~she's still alive~ he thought with relief, for he'd know if she had died. When she had been infected with the vampire virus, it had appeared as though she had died, and he had known immediately then, so he would know now as well.

Tedak kneeled beside her and slowly rolled her onto her back. "T'Val wake up," he said, gently shaking her. For all he knew she had just taken something to be able to sleep; he didn't know what kind of mission she'd been on and whether she had been able to catch any sleep. When she didn't stir, he shook her a little harder, but still she didn't wake. Now, Yade was winging in, screeching at him, batting her wings in an attempt to chase him away. Her hide had turned a pale shade of green but she seemed more upset with his intervention, than with her bondmate's condition.

"Nut, Sev, restrain her!" he yelled at his own two firelizards, while he picked up T'Val's limp form and cradled her. Placing two fingers on her throat, he felt for a pulse, and was relieved to find one. Then he held his cheek close to her nose and mouth, and felt the warm flow of air as she breathed. Slowly, he wiped the tears from her face and kissed her. "What have you done to yourself?" he whispered, as he held her close, knowing now that she was not in life-threatening danger. He gazed at the hypospray he had picked up, and noted the dosage, and the label on the vial that was inserted. She had indeed taken something to sleep, but had overdosed herself.

"Lily, warn Mercy, now!" he said forcefully, "beam him here if you have to. Tell him it's T'Val and that she's ill, he'll come straight away." He knew it wouldn't be of any use beaming her to sickbay, but he needed to know what had brought her to this edge of desperation. He'd been very aware of her love towards the doctor, he'd even been jealous of it, but he understood. He understood too how torn she must feel between the two men she loved. ~I can't make her choose~ Tedak thought sadly ~I can't ask her to choose for me. I must know if Mercy's feelings are genuine, or if he's playing with her. I've never seen her like this before, I must know~

=^= Doctor Mercy has been warned =^= Lily replied =^= but he has not acknowledged the warning yet. He's just gone to bed. =^=

"Wake him!" Tedak ordered, "beam him here if you have to, but get him!"

=^= He's awake =^= Lily replied, her voice sounding concerned, but she didn't ask what was going on. Ever since receiving a formal warning, she didn't question without good reason to do so.

[mercy]

_/\_
...Doctor Mercy...your presence is requested...Doctor Mercy...Ambassadore Tedak requires your immediate assistance...Doctor Mercy...
_/\_

Stuart finally awoke from the slumber that he knew he had just succumbed to within the last ten minutes. "Repeat Lily!"

_/\_
Ambassador Tedak requires your assistance with Healer T'Val. He asks for you to beam to his quarters.
_/\_

"Okay Lily. Let me grab the medkit. Lily, scan for T'Val's biosign and report status. Command code 6-6-Mercy- 6-Alpha-9."

_/\_
Command code accepted...scanning...Healer T'Val is present. Vital signs appear to be stable without distress.
_/\_

"Thank you Lily. I have my medkit. Beam me over."

The split second it took for Stuart to be beamed over was long enough for him to wonder what the emergency was, as she appeared to be normal according to Lily.

The blue shimmer was still dissipating when Tedak started on his verbal assaults. "Doctor Mercy, this is all your fault. She seems to have overdosed on sleep medicine. What did you do to her? I want to know."

"First things first, Ambassador. Let me scan her." Stuart couldn't help but notice that one of the firelizards was being held back by the other two.

Once he got to T'Val he saw the hypospray laying on the table. Looking at it he noted the label...'Melorazine'...a sleep aid medication. Taking the tricorder, Stuart started his scan to assess her biological functioning and the amount of medication within her bloodstream. Tedak was pacing back and forth behind him.

the scan concluded that T'Val had elevated amounts of the drug within her, but not enough to be hazardous to her. She would just be sleeping a bit harder than normal. "You can relax, Ambassador. She will be fine once she sleeps it off."

"Relax? She did this because of you. Look here..." Tedak showed Stuart the book with pages that had swelled up from moisture. "...she was crying and I have not known her to be in this much emotional turmoil as you are causing her. She is my wife. I will not force her to choose between the two of us, but I will respect her wishes as I know that she has very strong feelings towards you. I just need to know your true feelings towards her."

Stuart wasn't sure what he Tedak was asking, but he reflected on his earlier thoughts about how aware he had become on the difficulties he was causing. He knew he couldn't make her choose either, he respected her too much for that as well.

"You don't have to worry about that anymore, Ambassador. I wasn't going to ask her to choose either. You are right...she is your wife. My actions are unforgivable. That is why I have decided to put in for a transfer. This should allow her to take over the infirmary here on the station, and the two of you would be back together again...unmolested by me. Please accept my sincerest apollogies. If you have nothing else, I shall be on my way." Stuart waited patiently to be excused. His heart sank upon hearing his own words, but he knew that what he was doing was the right thing.

[Deleted]

Tedak was speechless as he watched Mercy with interest anew. The man surely had courage, and his regret seemed genuine. Then he looked down at T'Val, whose face was now devoid of any emotion. Carefully, he wiped the remaining tears from her face with his sleeve, conscious of the fact that this time Yade didn't stop him.

"Something curious happened before you arrived," he said quietly, not yet willing to let Mercy be on his way. "Her firelizard, Yade, wouldn't let me near her. My two had to restrain her so that I could check on T'Val. Yade was quite ready to attack me."

The Romulan gazed up at the human as he gently picked T'Val up and carried her to their bedroom. "Assist me," he told the doctor, motioning for him to please hold the door open. Once he had placed her down on the bed, he pulled one of the blankets over her body and motioned for Mercy to follow him back into the living room.

"You are not going to put in a transfer," he told the human doctor, "it would break her heart if you left. I have no doubt you caught on to a message she was sending to me, and she is correct, we do need to talk." Tedak sat down on the couch, closing the book T'Val had been reading. "I don't think she intended to overdose herself," he said quietly, "that is unlike her, and suicide is illogical. Tell me, what do you find attractive about her?"

The Romulan had already made his mind up about the situation, though he was not going to tell Mercy that just yet. He would need to talk to T'Val, though he knew that she would see the logic in his decision. "I am called to the Jefferson," he stated, then nodded. "Yes the ship she has just come from, however she will not be partaking in their mission this time. Her assistant will run sickbay, while she remains here. I am releasing her in your care doctor, and when I return we shall solve this issue, like gentlemen."

He raised an eyebrow at the young doctor, feeling quite certain that he must've surprised him with his statement. ~I will bet that he didn't expect this~ he thought, as he folded his hands in his lap. "I will trust you to treat her with the respect she deserves," he cautioned. "Now you may go back to bed doctor, and think about what I've said. My firelizards will take care of her now, for I have to go see Admiral Lin."

He escorted Mercy to the door. "Good night doctor," he said, while Mercy went one way, and he went the other. Quietly, he knocked on the door of Lin's office, hoping to find the admiral 'at home'. "Admiral, I need a word with you," he called, and waited to be called in.

Instead of the Admiral emerging the blue form of Zoilip appeared, "Im sorry Ambassador the Admiral has left for the evening." Tedak nodded and thanked the Bolian and then made his way to the admirals quarters.
He arrived pushed the bell and waited. The door was opened by the other Trill he had seen around with the Admiral recently. She ushered Tedak in and showed him to Magellan who sat at the dining table finishing off a desert,
"Ah Ambassador what can I do for you?"

"I am called to the Jefferson to aid in a delicate situation," Tedak explained, "however I am hesitant to leave. T'Val has overdosed herself with a sleeping aid this evening, and I fear for her well-being. Would you keep an eye on her while I am away? I am very worried about her, and if I could, I would stay here, but the Jefferson needs me, many lives may be at stake."

Magellan frowned, " I can't say I like it, we could do with your support in the election of a new Elder of the Debrune but if lives are at risk then sure. I ll keep you informed via supspace and of course I ll watch T'Val"

"Thank you admiral. Please excuse me, I need to contacy Ji'Zhan, it is very important." Tedak removed himself from the admiral's office and strode over to the nearest communications station. "Please put me through to Acolyte Ji'Zhan, it is important," Tedak urged the Debrune clergy on the other end of the line. Once he heard Ji'Zhan's voice, Tedak sighed. "Ji'Zhan, I need to meet with you...meet me on the promenade in fifteen minutes. It is very important."

<Ji'Zhan>

~~

Tedak strode up to the Debrune acolyte. "Thank you for your quick response. I am recalled to aid on a mission, I need to depart soon. You need to inform T'Val that Jak'Dor has died, I don't think she's had the chance to receive that information yet." Eyes filled with grief and worry, he regarded his newfound friend. "She took an overdose of a sleeping aid tonight," he sighed, his voice strained with emotion, "I need you to talk to her. I've entrusted her in that doctor's care, but I would like someone of her own people to be there for her."

At Ji'Zhan's surprised glance he nodded. "T'Val is part Debrune," he said, though he was certain he had once told the Debrune acolyte of this fact, "the Debrune are as much her people as Vulcans. That, and D'Beren will need someone to guide him on Debrune matters....especially now."

<Ji'Zhan>

[Ji' Zhan]

Ji'Zhan had finished his reports about what had happened on Assailant and had attended the hearings. He was not accused of any wrong doing by the Debrune council. The political propaganda had ran wild saying that Ji'Zhan was to blame, however the proceedings resolved Ji'Zhan of that blame. Ji'Zhan's political team had done their jobs and Ji'Zhan was back on top of all the latest polls.

Ja'kel's run for Elder had been greatly hindered by the testimony of Lork and Cra'mel in Jak'Dor's death hearing. However, there would still be a fight on Ji'Zhan's hands during this running for Elder.

Ji'Zhan had spent the day back on Starbase Assailant tending to business with the Federation; continuing the efforts of Jak'Dor. Retired to his quarters he received a call from Tedak ...


Tedak removed himself from the admiral's office and strode over to the nearest communications station. "Please put me through to Acolyte Ji'Zhan, it is important," Tedak urged the Debrune clergy on the other end of the line. Once he heard Ji'Zhan's voice, Tedak sighed. "Ji'Zhan, I need to meet with you...meet me on the promenade in fifteen minutes. It is very important."

Ji'Zhan got up from his seat, where he was reading the latest polls, and activated his computer. "Ji'Zhan here ... Yes I will see you." Ji'Zhan went to the promenade.


~~~~

Tedak strode up to the Debrune acolyte. "Thank you for your quick response. I am recalled to aid on a mission, I need to depart soon. You need to inform T'Val that Jak'Dor has died, I don't think she's had the chance to receive that information yet." Eyes filled with grief and worry, he regarded his newfound friend. "She took an overdose of a sleeping aid tonight," he sighed, his voice strained with emotion, "I need you to talk to her. I've entrusted her in that doctor's care, but I would like someone of her own people to be there for her."

At Ji'Zhan's surprised glance he nodded. "T'Val is part Debrune," he said, though he was certain he had once told the Debrune acolyte of this fact, "the Debrune are as much her people as Vulcans. That, and D'Beren will need someone to guide him on Debrune matters....especially now."

"I must say Tedak, that does surprise me ... I had no idea about T'Val. I will stay on base for another day to tend to this matter my friend ... I will also be honored to school D'Beren on Debrune matters. After all, he will need to go with me when I return to meet the other Elders." Tedak was about leave when Ji'Zhan took his arm ...

"Tedak ... I must tell you that there are those on Romulus who are aiding Ja'kel and Jar'rons efforts to have power on the council. I would simply like to ask you to keep an ear open for any information you have." looking down to the floor and with a large sigh, "these are bad times for us ... I must not allow Jar'ron's efforts to negate all that my people have worked for so long!"

<Tedak>

Ji'Zhan returned to his quarters and left a message for T'Val to see him in the morning ... as well as D'Beren

<T'Val>

[Magellan Lin]

Elder Lork pulled up his cowl and stepped out of the shadows to cross the courtyard of enlightenment. he passed the columns of divination and exited the square along the Avenue of Nobles.
There were a handful of Debrune on the streets and half as many Tekarans, Lork ooked about him to check he wasnt being followed and quickened his pace. Behind him perhaps 100 metres he noticed two men. They ambled innocently enough, but their eyes played over him too much for his liking.

He ducked off the main thoroughfare in to one of the old lava tunnels that ran beneath the subterranean city. Teh two men followed and now Lork was worried. He wished he was carrying a comm unit but it was the one thing he always forgot when stepping out.
He began to trot and then run, his followers did like wise. He span round a corner and was brought up short as he barrelled into the broad chest of a third person.
"Elder Lork" a deep gravelly voice rumbled, "I am gldad I ... bumped in to you."
Lork looked up and shock spread over his face,
"you!! what are you doing here?"
The Debrune shrugged,
"It is ancient law that all Debrune may walk this city with impunity. All Debrune of all backgrounds, is that not the case?"
Lork nodded,
"But you. You are hardly an adherer to the rules"
The Debrune shrugged again,
"But you all are, so I am alright arent I." he laughed deeply "Now I have little time I must return to the rest of our people."
"I take it, its about the election"
"Of course. I want it made certain my nephew is elected as Elder and that you and he work together"
"Why would I work with you."
Again the laugh and then the menacing expression,
"I m sure you can think of a reason and whatever it is, it wont be half as nasty as what I have in mind." then he lightened, "I am doing this for our people, the Romulans are our children and they need our guidnace, we can give them it, if we all ally with them. Think about it"
With that the man retreated and with the others left Lork alone in teh tunnel. Alone and terrified.

[Deleted]

~flashback, T'Val's point of view~

T'Val stormed into her quarters, two firelizards in her wake. She didn't bother checking her messages, but strode straight into her bathroom, hoping that a hot shower would clear her mind. Sighing, she stripped off her healer's robe and stepped into the shower. Hot steam clouded the small cubicle which held the shower, and she sighed with relief. It wasn't having the effect she hoped, but she did feel somewhat better.

Since it was close to bedtime, she chose to pull on her night-gown and bathrobe, then settled herself on the couch with a steaming mug of herbal tea and a good book. Tedak had once given her a book written by a 20th century author called Conan Doyle, and she thought she should start reading it for a change. She was halfway through the book when she gazed at her chronometer, and noted that it was well past bedtime. Yet she knew it could be any minute that her bondmate would be coming home.

Sighing, T'Val got up to fetch herself another tea, and couldn't help but thinking about Mercy. She shook her head but couldn't prevent the tears from emerging any longer. ~I need to meditate~ she thought ~my control is slipping. I cannot let him see me like this~

Briefly, panic struck her as she reached for her hypospray and inserted a vial with a sedative. ~I will take a sleeping aid, and hope he is home when I wake up again~ she continued her train of thoughts. In her confusion and inattentiveness, she mistyped and keyed in the wrong dosage, entering one that was way too high.

T'Val lay the hypospray down on the table and settled down again with her book. Tears were dripping down on her pages as she continued to cry, and didn't read another page. Finally, she reached for the hypospray and pressed it against her throat. Because of the high dosage, the sedative kicked in immediately, giving her no time to put the hypospray away and get to bed. She went limp and her arm fell down, her grip on the hypospray relaxing as she passed out.

Yade squawked in surprise at the sudden loss of contact with her bondmate. The green firelizard had been continuously aware of her bondmate's emotional distress. Her gaze locked with that of Sev, who gave an equally surprised squawk. Yet neither of them were extremely worried, and Yade would fend anyone off who would wake her prematurely without good reason.

[Matthew Reynolds]

Scene: Deck 23, Lana'a Bar, Starbase Assailant

Matt was finally free from Caleb, it wasn't that he didn't want to spend time with him because he did, but he wanted Caleb to play with Rhian. T'Val's recommendation seemed to be working for both of them. Caleb was finally make a friend and Rhian was getting better.

"Commander what can I get you?" the waiter asked.

"Do you have Romulan Ale?" Matt asked.

"Of course," he said as he walked away. He quickly returned with the blue ale and Matt quickly sipped it. He hadn't drank anything in months and it was a bit refreshing.

As Matt sat there, memories of the last few months came to mind. Him graduating from the Academy and being transferred to the Jefferson. His first mission, his second, and the previous one. His adoption of Caleb and much more. In fact he could bet that he was about to make another memory.

He took out the PADD that he had put in his pocket and opened the data file. It was a letter from his brother Jason.

Hey Matt, I have some good news. Well for me anyways. I have been promoted to Commander and I have been transferred the Starbase Conqueror as an Operations Instructor. That right little brother, there is a good chance that we will be able to meet up with each other sometime. With a lot of love your brother Jason.

Matt was very happy for his brother, but Matt realized that he wouldn't be able to make fun of him anymore. I can't order him around anymore Matt smiled to himself.

"Commander its nice to see you again," Kristin said as she sat down.

"The pleasure is all mine Lietu...." Matt started to say but noticed the extra pip on her collar," I mean Lt. Commander."

"Yes, I was very surprised when Admiral Loskene gave it to me," Kristin said blushing.

"Well I am not, I knew that you would get at least that because of your performance on our last mission,"Matt said. Matt was happy that she had gotten promoted, it was her initiative and smart thinking that allowed them to save so many civilians from the Oceanus settlement.

"Well aren't you going to buy me a drink?" Kristin said.

"Waiter, another ale for my friend please."

"Okay," the bartender said and quickly appeared with the ale.

"To you, Commander Hope," Matt said as he raised his glass to toast Kristin.

[Magellan Lin]

After Tedak left Magellan finished off his desert and sat down beside Dinas, stroking the firelizard under the chin. It purred in pleasure.

"Come on then lets go out" Laurana suggested,
"Out"
"Aw come on. I m beginning to see why you ve become such a stick in the mud. Its all reports and orders from you."
"Thats my job." Magellan retorted, "And who are you - my keeper?"
Laurana giglled and pulled him to his feet.
"Clever very clever. Guardian. keeper. So yes I am. Its my professional opinion you need to get out more."
She guided Magellan from his quarters and off to the Arcade.
"I suppose we could go to the Fishtank."
"What so you can discuss flight plans with Frass over your synthale. I don't think so. What about this place?"
Magellan peered at the sign - Lana'a Bar.
"Never heard of it."
"Then that a good thing."
"Maybe... it might be just something Tomlinson didnt decide to put on his report - it could be a den of theives for all..."
"Good. If we see any thieves I ll let you arrest them."
Magellan found himself complying and being taken inside.
The Bar was modestly decorated and bustling. Not quite the den of inequity he was expecting. There was the usual mix of clientale, humans, andorians, rigellians and even a few lissepians. He warily eyed the Nausicaan Bouncer who gave him a toothy grin - the only kind for a nausicaan.
"1 drink. I have an early start."
"Sure. You can - remember seeing as you wont return to Trill immediatly then I m on holiday."
"In other words you wont clear off until I go to Trill for this check up."
"Spot on. Its my job as a Guardian to ensure the safety of Lin. So get them in and cheer up."

[Magellan Lin]

High Priest Kale sat through yet another interminanly dull meeting of the Holy Enclave. The council of all the Holy Disciples of the Debrune Faith took their time to make any decision and deciding which candidate - Ji'Zahn or Jak'tel was a big decision. They bickered to and fro, they were nearly as divided as the main council. Kale however pushed forward his view and managed to persuade them to support no-one.
He had a favourite all of them did, but the didvide in the Faith was too risky. Better not to pick sides and remain united then split the faith as well as the politics. Assured the matter was settled Kale made his way immediatly to the new spaceport. He stepped on one of the shuttles and made his way to Assailant.
Taking care to avoid being seen by any Debrune he made his way to Ji'Zahns quarters.
He rang the bell and waited.
Ji'zahn appeared at the door and ushered him in.
"How can I help you High Priest" Ji Zahn asked "I was not expecting you."
"Good. Events are complicated, at the moment Jak'tel leads you in the polls. He has a lot of support from our older members, those wishing to return to the old empire."
Ji'Zahn nodded, "IT is to be expected, Jar'ron was always popular even when he created the schism"
"I of course have no preference on who is elected. As leader of the faith i have urged my priests to support neither you nor Jak'tel. However I must inform you of what made Jak'dor such a string leader, one who all followed."
"Go on"
"The child D'Beren is the key to the future of our people. He is the chosen one, whoever has his support will win. T'Val and Tedak are key players in this election"
Kale got up and moved to the door.
"This conversation never happened, I was never here." With that he left and returned planetside.

[Ji' Zhan]

The sun had rose over Qualinost and lite the station to a blinding reflection. Transport ships approaching the station were dimming their view screens in order to see the docking indicators. The shops that were on the outer ring of the station were either closing port shades or the class was filtering out most of the direct light. The morning was almost gone and the station was buzzing with activity.

Ji'Zhan had walked to the Hospital to visit with the young Doctor, Mercy, who had done such a fine and respectable job on the body of Jak'Dor. The Doctor wasn't in his office, so Ji'Zhan left a message ...

~~~ Doctor Mercy ... I wanted to thank you and honor you with this gift from the Debrune people. Your respect to our fallen Elder and the wonderful job you did preparing his body is much appreciated. We would like to extend to you this token of our thanks. We must meet sometime for Dinner.

Ji'Zhan
~~~

The Gift was an exquisite honor blade that wasn't sharpened but had a mirror like polish that reflected anything that gazed in it. The box the blade was in was carved out the newly formed forest on Qualinost.

Ji'Zhan was about to leave the infirmary when he saw a Romulan standing over a bio bed. Hesitant but persistent he walked up to the Romulan.

"Excuse me, my name is Ji'Zhan of the Debrune race ... are you here on business or to visit Qualinost?" Qualinost had started to receive people of the Romulan race on the planet ... those who wanted to learn of the ancient ways. However, most of the time these people simply stayed on the base as they didn't want to be found out by the Romulan government. So, they would simply stay on base looking for information and maybe a happenstance trip down to the planet. That was easier now do to the new growth of the planet and the new occupants.

<Romulan in the infirmary>

~~~

Later on Ji'Zhan had found his way to T'Val's quarters, standing in front of the door, he pressed the chime ... there was no answer.

A flying creature of some kind had appeared out side the door flapping its wings rather forcefully at Ji'Zhan. He swatted a few times to no avail. Then the creature landed on Ji'Zhan's shoulder and the most unusual thing took place ...

~~~Ji'Zhan was standing in T'Val's quarters ... 'Were am I', he thought. He could see T'Val laying in her bed with more flying creatures resting on the night stand. He approached her and placed his hand on her wrist. T'Val's eyes flashed opened and she grabbed Ji'Zhan ... and in an instant all the happenings of the past several days was transfered from Ji'Zhan to T'Val. The attack on Jak'Dor ... the lock-down ... the deaths in the Fish Tank ... the rebel Debrune ... the time that Ji'Zhan spent with the child teaching him what the symbols meant of the ancient toys ... Jak'Dor's funeral ... and Dinner afterward when the other Elders mind meld with Ji'Zhan ... everything.

As fast as it all began ... T'Val's body laid back down in her bed and her eyes shut with a single tear that rolled down her face.

~~~

Ji'Zhan was now standing back outside of T'Val's quarters ... the fire-lizard, knowing now what it was from T'Val's mind, was squawking very friendly on his shoulder. The fire-lizard nudged Ji'Zhan's neck in a gesture of acceptance and what could have been understood as affection, and was gone.

Ji'Zhan rubbed his head, having never experienced a mind meld of that nature before, and walked back to his quarters.

~~~

Later on in the day, T'Val wakes with all the new information running through her mind ... and the squawking sound of fire-lizards around her ... ... ...

<T'Val>

[Deleted]

ooc: bless you ji'zhan!

ic:

"Excuse me, my name is Ji'Zhan of the Debrune race ... are you here on business or to visit Qualinost?"

S'anra turned and faced the newcomer who introduced himself as being of a species called the Debrune. "I beg your pardon?" she querried, "I am here to see to it that my son receives the best of treatment possible. We have just escaped a planet where we crashed years ago, and we have just departed the USS Jefferson. Who or what is Qualinost?"

The Romulan hadn't heard the healer mention this planet yet, even though she had given both herself and K'Targ about the station and the systems. ~perhaps she forgot~ she thought as she had seen the woman had a lot on her mind. "Please, tell me more," she invited the Debrune.

<Ji'Zhan>

~~~

T"Val opened her eyes and blinked several times. Two sets of eyes were glowing in the darkness, both were whirling orange. Bewildered, she glanced around, noticing that she was lying in her bed, carefully tucked in. "What happened?" she whispered, "how did I get here?" She had no idea how much time had passed, or what exactly had transpired before. The last thing she remembered was taking a shower and settling to read a book.

Memories flooded her mind, as she slowly woke up further and she reeled. These memories were not her own, but rather of someone she couldn't remember meeting. She gasped as she saw images of Jak'Dor's death. "Oh no!" she whispered.

She looked sideways, groaning as the motion sent a wave of dizziness over her, as she felt a tug at the bedcover. "Mommy?"

T'Val smiled ever so slightly and pulled her son onto the bed. "Yes my son?" she whispered.

"Mommy, are you all right?" the two-year old asked, "daddy and the doctor couldn't wake you. They are very worried."

"What?" T'Val asked, eyes widening in sheer surprise. "But I..." Then she remembered the sleeping aid she had prepared. She jumped up, setting D'Beren aside for a moment, and lost her balance. She smacked against the deck as her vision went black. She groaned again as she crawled back to her feet and dashed for the hypospray that was still lying on the table. Her eyes widened further in shock as she saw the dosage keyed in. "Oh no!" she cried, reeling once more. If she had keyed in one more dosage, she would've slipped into a coma. "I have been extremely fortunate," she whispered.

Then her eyes fell on the blinking light on her terminal. Accessing it, she saw two messages, one from Tedak and one from a person called Ji'Zhan. She accessed Tedak's message first, and broke down in tears as she read it. She had been looking forward to seeing him again, yet now he had been recalled and assigned to the Jefferson, which would be leaving without her. Then she read Ji'Zhan's message, which asked her to please contact him.

"T'Val to Ji'Zhan," she called after touching her combadge, though her voice was no more than a whisper, "your message requested I contact you, what can I do for you?"

<Ji'Zhan>

After talking to the acolyte, T'Val sighed. "Lily, please send a message to doctor Mercy. Tell him that I am sorry, I must have given him quite a scare. Tell him I would please like to see him as soon as possible."

"Yes T'Val, I will contact Doctor Mercy and deliver your message," Lily replied, and seemed to smile, "welcome back. Teeedak has really missed your presence, he said he would talk with you when he returns. Until then you are under Mercy's supervision, as apparently you took an overdose of medication."

"Thank you Lily, I understand." T'Val sighed and settled on the couch, wrapping a blanket around her shoulders, cradling her son as she waited for Ji'Zhan to visit her.

[Ji' Zhan]

Ji'Zhan answered the call from T'Val and both agreed to meet in her quarters. Ji'Zhan was walking down the corridor and saw to hooded figures standing in the shadows. Ji'Zhan ducked into an establishment and to the back of the store. The to hooded people kept their place watching the entrance. Ji'Zhan remembered that this base had site-to-site transporters and asked the store keeper if one was located in the store.

"Sir, do you have a site-to-site transporter?" The keeper replied, "Yes, its not for public use however ... but seeing how you are hiding from those men out there ... i will let you use it." Ji'Zhan raised his eye brow, "How did you know that?" The shop keeper pointed to a rack of shoes on the far wall out of sight from the windows and winked at Ji'Zhan. "Let me show you a pair of these shoes ...," ushering Ji'Zhan into the back he said, "use this pad to select your destination ... and don't worry ... I will tell those guys that you took another exit"

Ji'Zhan rematerialized in OPS, the only place he knew to go. The crew on duty was a bit surprised to see him ... but Ji'Zhan smiled and took the lift back to the habitat ring.

~~~

Standing outside T'Val's quarters, he rung the chime. T'Val came to the door and invited Ji'Zhan in ... the child ran up and placed a big hug on Ji'Zhan ...

"Hello T'Val ... how are you feeling?" Ji'Zhan asked

<TVAL>

[Deleted]

T'Val stood watching her son as the boy wrapped his arms around the acolyte's legs, almost making him lose his balance. "I am.....fine," she finally settled on, after pausing to search for the correct word, "all things considering. I do not know how I managed to misjudge a simple dosage of sleeping aid."

She averted her gaze from Ji'Zhan and stepped aside to let him in. "Please," she said, gesturing towards the couch, while she wrapped her bathrobe closer about her body. She didn't really know how she would explain this to the Debrune acolyte, and she felt rather embarassed about the whole situation. "D'beren, please go back to your room, uncle Ji'Zhan and I need to talk."

The boy nodded, gave Ji'Zhan a final hug and even a light kiss on the cheek by way of goodbye and disappeared with a wave into his room. T'Val sighed, fighting the urge to cry once more. "I am confused," she confessed, "and I do not know who to turn to." She gazed up at Ji'Zhan. "I find it difficult to control my emotions, and I am losing concentration. Had I taken any other sleeping aid, I would not be awake and sitting here talking to you. Most likely, I would be dead."

<ji'zhan>

more later....bedtime, feel free to respond

[Ji' Zhan]

Ji'Zhan was sitting ... listening to T'Val talk about her emotions and her embarrassment of taking the sleeping aid. She was visibly unnerved.

Ji'Zhan reached out his hand indicating for her to take his hand, "My dear, you are troubled ... you shouldn't take your emotions for granted. The Vulcans took the teaching of our most distant ancestors to the extreme. They never wanted emotionless people walking around. The Debrune Elders of Old simply taught the techniques of mind control so our people could find themselves ready during moments of needed clarity." Ji'Zhan touch T'Val's left thumb and looked deep into her eyes. "T'Val you have this knowledge inside you, you always have. Look for the moment of clarity. The moment in your mind where silence is the only thing heard."

T'Val was shocked at first, but at the touch of Ji'Zhan she felt a type of strength that seemed familiar to her; however it felt foreign.

<T'Val>

Seeing a tear roll down her face, Ji'Zhan instructed, "my dear, you are thinking of the wrong moment ... you must search for a blank moment and live within it. Don't worry, this placement of my hand on yours only allows my to give strength ... I can not see your thoughts. They are not mine to see ... only yours. Now ... search ... "

Around thirty minuets passed and T'Val could only just get to that point ... but the thought of Tedak and Mercy rushed back into her mind ... she pulled her hand from Ji'Zhans ...

<T'Val>

"That is OK dear one, this takes time ... You need to arrange time to come with me back to the planet ... there we can use the caves of our people. You can learn this ... as well as the child." Looking around the room, "where is he? ... Where is that boy?" With a sound of laughter the child ran into the room. "Why, you were standing right out side the room all the time ... you need not concern yourself with the troubles of the grown ups."

... ...

[mercy]

~ "You are not going to put in a transfer, it would break her heart if you left.....we do need to talk."..."I am releasing her in your care doctor, and when I return we shall solve this issue, like gentlemen." ~

Those words had done nothing but keep Stuart awake all night. Thoughts of T'Val would not disappear from his mind. Her innocence, her strength, her beauty...both inner and outer, her...everything. He tried to escape from this sleepless night, at times wishing it was he who would have taken the extra dose of sleep medicine.

The lights in Stuart's quarters gradually became brighter as the time came closer to when he normally awoke. It was a computer setting that Stuart had put in, to arise more naturally pertaining to the body's circadian rythm. Finally, at precisely 0600, Lily chimed in with her soft voice.

_/\_ Dr. Mercy...it is time to awake. _/\_

"Thank you Lily. I am up."

_/\_ You have two messakes at the hospital. Should I transfer them to your quarters? _/\_

Thinking they might be routine reports that Jill might have left behind for some unforseen calls that she took care of during the night, Stuart was about to respond in the negative. Then he remembered the previous evening with Ambassador Tedak. He did say he was leaving for the Jefferson and that they would further discuss their situation. Maybe he had left a message behind.

"Who are they from, Lily?"

_/\_ One from Elder Ji'Zhan, and one from Healer T'Val. _/\_

~ Ji'Zhan and T'Val? ~ Ji'Zhan he hadn't expected, and T'Val he didn't want to face after realizing her true emotional difficulties.

"Send them through please." He strode forward to his terminal to open the message screen. Opening the first from Ji'Zhan gave Stuart a warm feeling inside and brought a smile to his face.

~~~
Doctor Mercy ... I wanted to thank you and honor you with this gift from the Debrune people. Your respect to our fallen Elder and the wonderful job you did preparing his body is much appreciated. We would like to extend to you this token of our thanks. We must meet sometime for Dinner.

Ji'Zhan
~~~

Stuart became quite curious about what was left behind in his office. He would see it soon enough.

Proceeding to the next message from T'Val brought up Stuart's mixed feelings again. It was a voice message to Lily, which Lily played back for Stuart.

~~~
"Lily, please send a message to doctor Mercy. Tell him that I am sorry, I must have given him quite a scare. Tell him I would please like to see him as soon as possible."
~~~

"Thank you, Lily!"

Stuart couldn't do it. He had made up his mind, he was going to have to put in for that transfer. There was nothing he and tedak could possibly talk about that would make this situation bearable. He had no intentions of making T'Val hurt anymore. He needed to stay away.

"Lily, please forward a message to Nurse Tsomba. I am taking a Leave of Absence for today. Advise Healer T'Val that I am unavailable."

He did not want to face her, he couldn't. Now where could he go for today, to clear his thoughts? He needed a distraction and get away from the pain he was feeling and the hurt he knew he was causing. Where could he go?

"Qualinost!" Stuart said it out loud to himself. He would go and pay his respects to Elder Jak'Dor, and tour the temples and ruins of this ancient civilization.

Getting dressed in casual attire, and eating breakfast in the seclusion of his quarters, Stuart was ready to depart. There was one more thing he needed to do.

"Lily, there is a transfer request on file for me. Please forward it to Admiral Lin. Thank you!"

He didn't know how long it could take for him to actually be transferred. It could be a week or a month. Of course the Admiral had to honor it first. All stuart knew was that he needed to get away. Grabbing his rucksack, he headed out of his quarters and went staright to the civilian transport services to catch a shuttle to the planet.

[Deleted]

T'Val was shocked at first, but at the touch of Ji'Zhan she felt a type of strength that seemed familiar to her; however it felt foreign.

The Vulcanclosed her eyes and let her mind wander. Tears rolled down her face as painful memories flooded her mind, but she was determined to follow the acolyte's instructions as she knew he could help her. Had she thought he wouldn't be able to, she wouldn't have turned to him for help, where the two men she loved couldn't help her. Momentarily, she feared that Ji'Zhan would read her mind and enter her most private thoughts and she opened her eyes to gaze at him.

"I can not see your thoughts. They are not mine to see ... only yours. Now ... search ... " Ji'Zhan instructed her, his voice laden with a kindness she found surprising, yet very welcome. The only fact she didn't quite like was that he treated her as though she were a child. ~but to the Debrune I am~ she realized ~even as a species, Vulcans are mere children to the Debrune, we are new, while they are ancient~

Although only thirty minutes had passed, T'Val felt that it had been longer, and she yanked her hand away from Ji'Zhan's in frustration. She couldn't get past memories of her husband and the dear doctor, they were the only things on her mind right now.

"You need to arrange time to come with me back to the planet ... there we can use the caves of our people. You can learn this ... as well as the child," she heard the Debrune say.

T'Val nodded in agreement. "When?" she asked, "I need time to prepare. I am on medical leave but I have no doubt any of my priveleges are temporarily revoked. I need clearance from sickbay to travel, as no doubt they will think me suicidal." Stricken, she gazed at Ji'Zhan, again surprised at the kindness on his face. "I am not suicidal," she insisted, "it was an accident." She knew, somehow, that Ji'Zhan believed her.

Looking around the room, Ji'Zhan asked, "where is he? ... Where is that boy?" With a sound of laughter the child ran into the room. "Why, you were standing right out side the room all the time ... you need not concern yourself with the troubles of the grown ups."

"What troubles?" D'Beren asked as he clambered onto his mother's lap, hugging her tightly. "Are you alright now?" he asked, his eyes wide with worry once more. He had known something was bothering his mother ever since he and his father had found her asleep on the couch, even though he couldn't understand what was going on because he was too young to.

"You need not concern yourself with that my son," T'Val replied, allowing the fierce hug.

"Healer T'Val?" sounded Lily's voice, "I have contacted Mercy, but he said he will be unavailable."

T'Val's face fell, she had been looking forward to spending time with Mercy, now that she knew Tedak's mind on the matter. She didn't need to face him to know his mind, and he had left her a message telling her she was in his care, which was in some indirect way an approval of what she was doing. ~you cannot steer love~ she thought sadly, once more disturbed by the fact that she was torn between two men she loved, one of which would be severely hurt in his feelings should she be forced to choose between them. And that was the last thing she wanted, choose.

"Thank you Lily, did he mention where he will be going and when he will be back?"

Lily remained silent for a long time, but when she replied, she sounded hesitant. "I don't know if I should tell you this," she answered, "but he's going to Qualinost."

T'Val stared at Ji'Zhan. "What would he be doing there?" she querried, "I hope he will not do something he will regret later." She sounded aggrieved when she said it, feeling utterly responsible for anything that might happen to the doctor. "We must find him."

<Ji'Zhan>

ooc: mercy you're not rid of me this easily:p

[loki]

The watcher stayed out of sight of the crowd while she slipped on her cloak and settled the hood up over her hair. Her face was covered by the material overlap, and its sleeves far outreached the length of her arms – in fact, it was so large that she was almost completely concealed among its wave and folds. But that had been the idea, she reminded herself, as she took care not to trip over the hem as she emerged into the marketplace.

Although it was far beyond sundown and the vendors had long since departed service, the central plaza was still bustling with life. Perhaps it was not the same life that would be apparent in daylight, but nonetheless it provided ample opportunity to merge and disappear. All but a few in attendance were hooded, and those that weren’t wore robes of brilliant blue, and held staffs of great flaming torches.

From under the watchers cloak her eyes beamed brightly. They were forever searching, never resting, travelling over the figures of her enemies. There were a number of small children about, sneaking in and out amongst the crowd. She suspected they had little better to do with themselves than skulk about on the streets at night, especially when so many of locals liked to congregate. She supposed they too had little idea towards the meaning of the upcoming ritual, but it mattered not: something of even greater importance would come to pass that night.

The watchers cloak moved as a man brushed by her. His height almost matched her own, but his hands betrayed him before his face. She caught him by the arm, which was creeping its way inside her coat. He stood frozen, as the fingernails sank and drew blood from his wrist. His bright eyes under the shadow of his hood shone with pain and anger. She caught hold of his chin and knocked back his head: she could see he was only a boy – tall – but no older than a teenager.

“Nothing there but trouble.” She warned him, pushing him back upon his release. He muttered something indiscernible, which she had no doubt resembled a curse or spell.

Then both of them were driven from the others attention, and the boy was swallowed by the moving crowd. They swept towards the back of the square, where the Preacher had come to address his people. Following him was a line of six men, those that were adorning in bright blue robes: one of them had something she wanted. This was her chance. She set off at a brisk walk, delving deep between the people, bumping into anybody and everybody she could. A lot of people were too preoccupied to notice, and she moved so quickly in a less than straight line.

As the Preacher and his Followers moved through the parted crowd, the lines burst forwards and encompassed them for a moment. There had been a fair amount of pushing and bustling, and the cloaked woman had been among them. While the others fell over themselves to get back out of the way, she reached up to one of the mans blue girdles and snatched the sacred pouch from it. He hadn’t noticed a thing, and as he wafted the townspeople back into line, the woman disappeared among them, never to be heard of again.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sixteen hours later a small Ranger class shuttle came within range of Starbase Assailant. There was a single occupant, who was currently sitting in the pilots sat with her shoes off and her legs crossed. Most of the lights and the consoles were off, and on the dashboard sat a small pouch containing something very dear to her. As her soon to be new home came into view, the young red head in the cockpit took a sudden interest.

“Its nice…its big.” She said aloud, as though talking to someone she imagined to be there. “And shiny.” She added, nodding in approval. She leant down to her side and rummaged for a PADD she had been given before she had left Acamar VII. It contained all the information about her new posting, but she found that she tended to lose important things like these. Finally, with a triumphant glare she found it and thrust it into the air.

=^=USS Ranger to Starbase. Acting Ensign Loki requesting permission to dock please.=^= She said as she slammed her palm onto the communications button.

=^=Permission granted Ensign. Welcome to Starbase Assailant=^= Said the man on the other end of the conversation. The woman heartily let go of the button and allowed the station docking controls to guide her shuttle towards its innards.

Next moment she was emerging in the station shuttle-bay to be met by a consortium of guards waiting to whisk her away to her new living quarters without a second to catch her breath. It took them only minutes to get there, and only minutes more for them to remind her of home: clothes, PADDs and various other useless items and artefacts strewn over every available surface. And finally, the most important item, a picture of the dog was stood on the bedside table in pride of place.

Once she was nicely settled in she managed to collar one of the on duty staff into directing her to what would from now on be her new office. On office to call her very own was probably the most exciting part of her new appointment, even it was almost completely filled with…boxes. They were piled several storeys high, incapacitating a large amount of space in the room that would otherwise still have been cramped. She took a careful step in and looked between them for any signs of activity. She supposed as she was moving in, another must be moving out, but for someone that wasn't around they appeared to have quite a maraudery of belongings to vacate.

Nonetheless she figured she could make herself at home, and stepped neatly between the boxes to locate her own ‘big chair’. It was a darn site littler than most she had encountered but that didn’t matter, it was hers all the same. Proudly she interlaced her fingers and stretched out her arms, cracking her knuckles into place. She promptly sank into the black chair with a fateful sigh.

She couldn’t remember the last time she had slept, it had probably been as far back as the first night on Sati. Since then, she had kept watch on the Preachers for two days before reclaiming her property and making her escape. She had slept briefly on the shuttle journey thus far, but it had been almost another day since that had begun. She supposed she ought to count herself extremely lucky to have gotten away with it. She wondered what she would do if anyone ever found out about her little detour along the way. She was not proud of what she had done, or had had to stoop to in order to get it back: but the medallion was worth more to her than anything in this world, including her career – which was only just beginning.

[Ji' Zhan]

Lily remained silent for a long time, but when she replied, she sounded hesitant. "I don't know if I should tell you this," she answered, "but he's going to Qualinost."

T'Val stared at Ji'Zhan. "What would he be doing there?" she querried, "I hope he will not do something he will regret later." She sounded aggrieved when she said it, feeling utterly responsible for anything that might happen to the doctor. "We must find him."

Ji'Zhan's look of calm turned to a tiny bit of concern for the Doctor. The rebel Debrune had his number because of the incident that happened in the Fish-tank during the lockdown. Ji'Zhan didn't want any trouble during an election season and a missing Starfleet Doctor wouldn't do either.

Ji'Zhan spoke, "T'Val, prepare your things for a short stay on the planet ... also for D'Beren as well. I will contact my security personal and they will escort us to the planet." Ji'Zhan reached into his robe and retrieved a hexagon shaped device and taped the single button that was on its face. A hologram of controls leaped from the instrument and Ji'Zhan worked the buttons in mid-air. A communication channel was opened. A red box flashed around the holo-screen that indicated a secure channel, however T'Val didn't know this. Her gaze at Ji'Zhan said it all. After requesting his needs Ji'zhan closed the channel and the holo-buttons retreated back into the instrument. "You think that just because we choose not surround ourselves with technology we have none? The Debrune are more technological than even the Federation knows," Ji'Zhan said with smirk on his face.

<tval>

"Don't worry about this sick bay ... you said your self that we need to find the young Doctor." Not waiting for her to reply he took her hand, "Lets go ... if we leave now we could reach the planet before the Doctor's shuttle."

The three, flanked by Debrune Security men, silently reached the shuttle bay and they boarded a shuttle that T'Val had never seen before; however it did have a Vulcan like appearance. Ji'Zhan spoke up, "Before you ask, the Vulcan culture, as well as the Romulan, have over tones of Debrune," with the same smirk.

~~~

Arriving on the Planet, the three used a transport device to beam to a state room, however this state room wasn't in the grand palace. This room was located in a section of the underground city that even the most knowing of Debrune, and rebel Debrune, did not know about. "You and the child will be safe here tonight ... for now we need to put on these robes with hoods so we can search around the city for the Doctor." Ji'Zhan motioned toward the robes; T'Val saw two adult robes and one for a child. Ji'zhan noticed this and said, "we will blend in more if we appearer to be a family returning from a mass. We will first start in the ceremonial caves where most Deburne are attending services for Jak'Dor ... and I feel you wanted to do this anyway ... I think the young Doctor may have too."

<TVal>