SB Assailant Mission 3.1 - Diplomacys Veil

[Magellan Lin]

The crowd of Debrune in the main plaza were about as numerous as those attending the rites of Jak'dors funeral. Theplaza sat at the heart of the underground city. It was in a vast cavern that sat beside the huge recator that gave the city light and warmth and had transformed Qualinosts arid desert into a verdant paradise. Pretty soon the Debrune would be able to build oncemore upon the surface. S

Scattered among the robed Debrune were some of the lightly furred Tekarans. Now that they too dwelt on Qualinost many felt that they should now concern themselves in the politics of both the Debrune and the Federation, some even called for the appointment of a Tekaran to the Debrune High Council.

Situated on a hastily erected plinth before the Tunnel of Heroes were a small band of Debrune. High Priest Kale was the most recognisable. His hood drawn back to reveal his slender ears, greying hair and distinctive burn mark to his left cheek.
"We gather here to hear the first depositions of the candidates. Tomorrow Ji'Zahn will speak to you, today it will be Jak'tel. Heed their words well for by the end of the week one of them will be the Third Elder of the Debrune Imperium."
It was odd to still refer to teh Debrune as an imperium, aside from Qualinost they had only a handful of secret colonies and a single station. They had fewer than 16 destroyer type vessels most of which were currently under Jar'rons control and their Population was barely 150,000, still old habits died hard... especially with teh Debrune.
"I present Candidate Jak'tel."
There was a round of polite applause and a younger Debrune perhaps in his 30s to the human eye stepped forward. He was tall and thin. He was bald except for a thin trail of hair that ran down his scalp into a short pony tail at the rear. His eyes were piercing and his manner confidant.
"Many of you will know me" he began, his voice booming, "Some will not. Sonme will only know me by my Uncle. But know this, there is more to me than that." he paused, "For 2000 years we have hidden in the dark places. We have shunned the galaxy we were once a part of. We abandoned our brethern and look how they have fallen.
Vulcans trapped by their own logic and the denial of what makes them sentient, the Romulans - universal hated and distrusted, and where do I start with teh Rigellians or Mintakans."
There was a titter of amusement at the more primitive vulcanoids.
"I offer our people a new direction. To build on what Jak'dor achieved. He found this city. He brought us back into the light. And now we must stand with our brethern and forge a new future.
I see a future where the Debrune are united. Not only internally but with Vulcan and Romulus, with Rigel and Mintaka. With every true sentient in the galaxy.
Think not for the Federation, nor teh Klingons or even the Cardassians. They whilst unique in their own way, are weak and flawed. They do not possess our intellect or our strength. Do not get me wrong. We do not need to be lords over them. But in forging a greater Debrune Alliance we bring stability, progress and peace to the galaxy. We will remake the Imperium that was broken all those years ago. We will make sure that no Debrune ever shall hang ghis head and hide."
Applause broke out, Jak'tel waited patiently for it to abate before continuing.
"You may question my Uncles methods, and I believe he is wrong to oppose the Council with violence. But he is right that the Romulans are the key to success. At themoment we are still weak. tehy are strong and eager. The Federation would stifle us, restrict us, keep us in our place as they do the Vulcans or Andorians. Teh Romulans treast us as equals. So remeber this when you vote. Do you want a strong and proud nation - If so I am the one. Thankyou"
Jak'tel bowed and withdrew from the stage.
Kale stood up,
"Thankyou Jak'tel. Please all return tomorrow to hear from Ji'Zahn."

[Deleted]

T'Val nodded in silence, sensing herself that this place would be safe for them to stay for as long as necessary. She waited for the Debrune to remove himself a few paces so that she would have the privacy to dress herself. Now that she picked up the long robe, of a dark emerald colour, she took note of the fact that she had still been wearing her own bathrobe. She shook her head in dismay as she got herself dressed properly.

Once she was done, she turned to her son, who was babbling with glee, pointing in all directions with his little hands at ornaments that were hanging on the walls. The boy did anything but sit still and finally T'Val firmly told him that if he sat still for the duration of getting dressed properly, she would personally lift him up to look at the items on the walls.

Finally, D'Beren sat still and gazed at his mother with interest; he didn't usually see her in anything but a brown dress, or a black tight-fitting jumpsuit. Quietly, he reached out and grabbed the folds of her robe, and took in the feeling of the fabric. Then he took a fistful of the brown/green fabric of his own robes and nodded in satisfaction. The fabric was comfortable, and didn't annoy him as much as the formal robes for the endless ceremonies did.

T'Val picked up her son and walked over to the wall, pointing at a large ornament. "Ji'Zhan, what does this mean?" she querried, pointing at three people wearing long robes. One of them was accompanied by a smaller person, the height of a child. To T'Val, the picture seemed oddly familiar, but she couldn't remember ever having seen it.

Still holding D'Beren, she turned away from the picture. "Can we go out into the square and listen to your opponent's speech?" she asked, "I would be intrigued to hear what he has to say."

At that precise moment, D'Beren squirmed himself out of her grasp and ran towards the Debrune acolyte, clutching the folds of the man's robes. "No Jak'tel," he said clearly, shaking his head. "No, don't go, danger!"

T'Val stared at Ji'Zhan, she too had a sense of upcoming danger, but she didn't think it would reflect on them. "There are guards to keep us safe, are there not? I wish to visit Jak'dor's memorial afterwards, and pay him my respects. It is thanks to him that I have been able to formally adopt D'Beren." ~and I hope to find Stuart at the shrine~ she thought, averting her gaze from Ji'Zhan.

When she looked up, she found D'Beren smiling brightly at her, quietly stroking her green firelizard. Neither T'Val nor Ji'Zhan had the creature seen winging in, nor had they heard her. "Stuart is at the shrine," he said clearly, and then directed his full attention towards Yade, who lay lazily in his arms, crooning at the attention she was getting.

[Ji' Zhan]

Ji'Zhan was shocked at the young boy words. However, it rang true in his ears; as did T'Val's request to hear Jak'tel's speech.

"I must agree with the boy, however we can view the speech on this monitor." Ji'Zhan reached for what looked to be a normal statue sitting on a desk. However, after Ji'Zhan touched the head of it, the wall behind it vanished and in its place was a monitor. Ji'Zhan activated the screen and the three sat back in the comfortable chairs to hear what Jak'tel had to say.

~~~ Jak'tel's speech ~~~

Throughout the speech Ji'Zhan sighed in disgust several times ... almost swearing when Jak'tel mentioned Jak'Dor ... again when Jak'tel said he disagreed with his uncles ways. The speech was over, Ji'Zhan stood and slapped the statue returning the wall back to its display of an ancient Debrune scene.

"The lack of respect that ... that ... child has for the Debrune!" Exclaimed Ji'Zhan. "The Federation only wants to help!; and the Romulans ... humf ... they only want to destroy us .. .to make us bow before their ways." Ji'Zhan was rubbing his head, T'Val and the boy was sitting there a bit shocked at Ji'Zhan's response. He saw this and calmed himself then smiled, "I apologize for my actions ... the stress of the past several weeks have taken its tole. Come ... let's go pay our respects to Jak'Dor."

~~~

Arriving at the ceremonial caves nobody noticed that Ji'Zhan was there ~the robes were doing there trick~ The three approached the prayer bench and Ji'Zhan spoke in Debrune as the boy looked up to hear his new uncle's words.

T'Val, looking around for the Doctor, started to pay her respects for Jak'Dor as a single tear rolled down her face. Looking up, her heart seemed to stop when she saw Doctor Mercy standing in the flickering torch light.

<TVAL>

Ji'Zhan was finished with his prayers and stood, grabbing D'Beren's hand; he leaned in close to T'Val ... "Go see your friend, I will have this guard stay with you." Handing her a small broach he said, "Place this on your inner garment, simply tap it if you get in trouble ... its a personal transport device. Oh, whom ever your holding during the activation will be transported as well ... it is set to return you to the room." Bending down to pick up D'Beren, "I will take the boy back and wait for you ... besides ... I have a speech to write."

<TVal>

[mercy]

It was a fortyfive minute trip from SBA to the planet of Qualinost. It wasn't too long and Stuart enjoyed looking out of the porthole from their departure all the way to their arrival. Watching the massive starbase docking port traffic, going through the huge spacedock doors, and seeing it all disappear. Then changing views to the planet as it loomed in the distance to only get closer and bigger with every thrust of the shuttle's impulse engines.

The wonders of space never did cease to amaze Stuart. It reminded him of one of the reasons he had chosen a career in Starfleet, space travel. The other was Xenobiology and Exobiology. It was beautiful out here. As the planet rose towards the shuttle, ancient ruins became more visible to the naked eye. Stuart remembered taking a trip to Europe once where he viewed ancient Roman ruins that had been preserved through the years.

The shuttle finally came to a halt and landed at a makeshift tourist landing port. With more and more Starfleet officers and their families coming to the planet for a little relaxation, a sense of tourism sprang up and accomodations were provided to house them and help in getting them around. An anti-grav shuttle was ready to take Stuart and the other passengers to the underground complex of the Debrune. Once the shuttle came to a stop, Stuart exited and headed for the building that would house him for a day or two.

The Debrune hosts were gracious and offered their services if there was anything he had needed. For the moment he was doing just fine. His rucksack was packed away in his quarters and he just wanted to wander around this underground complex to observe how these people lived.

Coming up to a plaza, Stuart could see what looked like a rally of some sort. As he got a little closer, it became apparent that it was a political rally and the speaker was vying for the position that Elder Jak'dor had left behind. Stuart had assumed that Ji'Zhan already had that position, but that just showed what he knew of Debrune politics...nothing.

Not wanting to hear anymore of this ranting, Stuart asked for directions to where he could find the deceased body of Jak'dor. He was directed to the ceremonial caves. The ceremony had taken place yesterday, but Stuart saw no need to be here. He had not become a personal friend of Jak'dor, and he wasn't one to be overtly religious if at all. However spending time with him during his last view moments amongst the stars of the galaxies, he owed him his respects. Stuart stood there viewing where the body had been placed...alone in his own thoughts....thoughts of T'Val...

[Deleted]

T'Val nodded in silence as Ji'Zhan spoke softly to her and she quickly bade her son farewell before striding over to the altar. Still in silence, she placed a hand on the top of the altar and bowed her head. ~why did you have to die~ she thought, almost accusingly ~your people have lost an anchor stone with your death. Ji'Zhan is young, he will lead well but he will miss your guidance. As will I~

Then she felt the urge to just kneel before the altar, and she did so, still resting a hand against the stone object, as though willing the elder back to life by mere touch. She was aware of Mercy standing close by and her heart skipped a beat as she sensed him. She was certain he hadn't seen her yet, or recognized as she was shrouded in Debrune robes, her face hidden by the shadows cast by the hood she had pulled up. This had been Ji'Zhan's suggestion as it wasn't safe to show her appearance.

She also noted that the guard Ji'Zhan had left with her kept a respectable distance, so that he would not overhear any conversation, but still close enough to intervene when she would become endangered. Quietly, she walked around the altar, and slipped her hand in Mercy's, looking up at him with tearstained eyes, but her face was unreadable. She hadn't realized she'd been crying about Jak'Dor's death. Without a word, she stepped up to him and rested her head on his chest.

Then she spoke up, only for him to hear. "You have been avoiding me," she whispered, "you did not need to. I know your feelings, you know mine, it is illogical to deny them." She looked up to him, hope and love reflecting in her eyes. "You must think me silly now, I have no doubt you thought I tried to commit suicide. I swear to you that it was not the case, it was an accident. A dangerous one, but an accident nonetheless."

<Mercy>

[Magellan Lin]

The meeting with Dr Sharex didnt last long and when he left Magellan turned his attention to the departure of the Jefferson. He stepped down into the crew pit in ops and watched her depart the internal dock and then follwed on the monitor as she pulled free of the harbour zone and went to warp.
He hoped they were successful in thier mission, but then he always hoped that for all the ships under his command.
He knew he ought to go planetside and attend Jak'dors mourning but he felt it more political not to. The Federation didnt want any external influence on the elction of a new Elder. Magellan had tried to inform them that it was unlikely the Romulans would reply the favour but they had held fast and had requested that not even Saarok could only attend the funeral and not the mourning.

Next he returned to his desk and pused to review the latest personnel changes and with them the arrivals, with horror he noticed a discrepancy and hurriedly called Tomlinson to his office.

As he waited for the security officer to appear Magellan went over the latest mission reports oncemore. Each one carried some worrying undertone. It wasnt each report on their own but as a group... well it was hard not to think you were seeing patterns where none were... but the sectors surrounding Assailant seemed much more disturbed of late.

[mercy]

While looking at the altar, Stuart noticed the robed figure that was walking around it while still touching it with a trailing hand. That figure came to a halt infront of him, looking up into his eyes. It was then that Stuart recognized the tear stained face of...T'Val. She had gently taken his hand into hers and placed her head on his chest.

She had mentioned her feelings, his feelings, and that he didn't need to avoid her or deny those feelings. Then the explanation of her overdose, her stupidity of it.

"Yes, you are correct. It was a very dangerous accident. One you should be admonished for. What were you thinking?" Stuart looked down at her noticing a flicker of a smile as she knew that he very much cared for her. "As far as avoiding you and our feelings...I have to respect the sanctity of your marriage to Tedak. That is why I was avoiding you. Your husband mentioned that he and I would discuss this situation like gentlemen when he returned from the Jefferson. Although coming from a Romulan I don't exactly know what he means by that."

Stuart touched her face to wipe away the tears that had collected and run down. Her lips parted for her reply. "I assure you, he means you no harm. Nor does he intend of getting in the way of...us if I so choose. For the moment I choose this." She leant in towards him and thogether they embraced in a kiss.

It was short as they both realized that they were in the presence of an altar, and in public of all places. Stuart noticed another robed figure that seemed to be spying on them. T'Val noted Stuart's glance and looked in the direction of where that figure was. "There is no need to worry. He is one of Ji'Zhan's security men. He's watching over us as we may not be safe here."

"Not safe? I'm a mere doctor of Starfleet. What would anyone have to gain in harming me?" Stuart couldn't fathom the implications of the opposing Debrune factions. T'val took his arm for a walk and explained to Stuart the varying Debrune politics involved as she at present understood them. They walked on with Ji'Zhan's security guard trailing closely behind them.

[Deleted]

"They would have everything to gain," T'Val replied softly, as she felt safe in his presence, "you attended to Jak'Dor when he was shot, how is the opposition to know whether he told you anything that may be of importance?" They stopped outside the temple, all too aware of the guard's presence, even though he kept a respectable distance from them to allow for privacy.

"That, and they may be after Ji'Zhan. It seems that whoever gains the support of their Divine Child, will have the most chance of being elected as Elder." She looked up at Stuart and motioned for him to come closer. "D'Beren supports Ji'Zhan," she whispered at him, "I saw him get upset at Jek'tel's speech earlier. And since I am his mother, I may very well be in danger too. We should get out of the open, or mingle with the crowds so that we cannot be singled out."

While he was still at her level, she stood on her toes and gently kissed him. "Tedak approves," she then whispered at him, "but he is right, you two do need to talk. But he will not harm you, or blame you any longer. If there is anyone to blame, it is me. However, one cannot direct love, and Tedak understands this also."

[mercy]

~ "One cannot direct love." ~ She had said. ~ "Tedak approves." ~ This revelation startled Stuart a bit and he had found himself speechless. Finally, finding his words he responded. "I have to get used to interspecies dating I guess. Morality sure isn't the same everywhere. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. In fact, I am very happy for us then and I will support you in any way that I can."

T'Val looked deep into Stuart's eyes. "I know you will. In that I have no doubts. Now let's get away from here.

No sooner had she spoken those words, the crowd that hda developed down the street to listen to Jek'tel's speech, had consisted of two rival supporters. They had started to become unruly and security guards were seen keeping them at bay. Then someone noticed T'Val and Stuart from the distance.

"Look! Over there! A human and a Vulcan, they're Starfleet...supporters of Jak'dor and Ji'Zhan."

The crowd turned and started in their direction. Their body guard had his hand at his weapon, ready to draw if he needed to. "Now what?" Stuart didn't want to hang around to see which side of politics this group was from.

T'Val held his hand tight when he noticed her fumbling around beneath her robe. "We shall remain safe."

A pink/purple shimmer appeared to block Stuart's view of their surroundings. The purple haze then quickly disappeared to reveal a room. No more crowds trying to get at them, but Ji'Zhan sitting at a desk writing something until he noticed their presence.

"Healer T'Val, Doctor Mercy, Are you unharmed?"

"Mother!" Little D'Beren ran up to give T'val a huge hug.

"Yes Elder Ji'Zhan, we are fine." T'Val said as she picked up D'Beren to reciprocate the love between the two.

"I am glad. You shall remain safe here. Can I offer anything for sustenance?"

Stuart asked for some water. He needed to calm down a bit, not sure what might have happened out there at the Plaza. As Ji'Zhan brought a tray with cups and a pitcher of water, he began to speak. "Doctor Mercy did you receive my gift?"

Stuart took a sip from his cup and delighted in the smoothness of the water running down his throat. "Well, I received your message, but I haven't had a chance to go to my office. I needed to come by here first."

"I understand. It is just a small token of appreciation for your handling of Jak'Dor's body. It was quite skillful, thank you." Ji'Zhan placed the tray down on a table, poured a glass for himself, and took a seat.

T'val, D'Beren, and Stuart sat down as well, and started talking about the goings on outside.

[Deleted]

T'Val sat down on the nearest couch and pulled D'Beren onto her lap. "There is an uprising," she explained, "people attending Jek'tel's speech saw us and came after us. Your guard fended them off and we were able to escape. For some reason they seem to be very supportive of your opponent."

<Ji'Zhan>

D'Beren wrestled himself out of her grip and climbed onto Ji'Zhan's lap. "You're my choice," he said clearly, "you good, him bad." The boy pointed to a screen where they witnessed Jek'tel still speaking to the crowd. He gave the Debrune acolyte a quick hug and then trotted back to his mother. "mommy, where's daddy?"

T'Val frowned, momentarily at a loss for words. "Your father is away my son," she explained, "he is on a very important mission."

D'Beren nodded, seemingly in understanding, and then turned to Mercy, slowly walking up to him. "You're making mommy happy," he whispered, smiling at the young doctor, and then looked back at his mother, who shot him a disapproving look. "But you're not my daddy," he expressed, then pointed up at the sky, to where he assumed Tedak was, "he's my daddy."

T'Val's frown deepened. "There is something with that boy that is still beyond me," she sighed, "he seems knowledgeable about things that he should not know at his age. He also seems to be able to read my mind, where even Tedak would not be able to." She glanced up at Mercy. "Or you. Yes I have noticed you caught on to my thoughts."

The Vulcan turned to Ji'Zhan, desperately wanting to change the subject. "Have you finished your speech for tomorrow?"

<Ji'Zhan/Mercy>

[mercy]

D'Beren was cute and quite smart as T'Val had mentioned. He had noticed how much Stuart made his mother happy, and Stuart was also fully aware that he was not D'Beren's father, nor would he ever presume to be. This did not deter Stuart from caring about the boy as the son of T'Val.

The remark about his hearing her thoughts struck him as well. He had noticed it too. So far it had happened only when in very close proximity of her. It had to be due to her strong emotional feelings towards him. Her thoughts were overflowing to his mind during certain times of stress it seemed. It was intriguing to him as a doctor, as well as a ... ~ boyfriend ~ ...he mused silently to himself. He wondered if she had 'heard' that part as he smiled and turned his attention to Ji'Zhan about his speech.

[Deleted]

T'Val noticed after a while that Ji'Zhan still had not answered her question, instead the Debrune was still gazing at the video screen relaying images of the speech Jek'tel was giving on the city square. She exchanged a glance with Mercy, who was having a rather perculiar but happy look on his face, and then returned her attention to Ji'Zhan.

She got up from her seat and gently shook the acolyte, as he seemed to be in some form of trance. "Ji'Zhan," she said with a certain amount of insistance, "Ji'Zhan, are you all right?" The Vulcan stepped back when the Debrune gave a rather startled reaction. "I asked how your speech was coming along," T'Val repeated, "and I believe you should know you have our support. And my support and that of D'Beren is hardly the opinion of the entire Federation, as Jek'tel may put it. My support is of my own beliefs; besides I am not starfleet, I am a civillian."

She walked back to the couch and sat down beside Mercy, leaning into him now she actually felt comfortable in doing so. She felt him rest his arm around her shoulders and she actually smiled. "I have full confidence in you Ji'Zhan," she assured the Debrune, "you will be the next elder, not Jek'tel."

[Ji' Zhan]

Ji'Zhan was thinking ... 'how could that man stand in front of a crowd of people and say such lies'.

Noticing he was shaking ... he came to ..

"huh ... oh ... yes ... I have been working on my speech ... however ... I would like to request that D'Brene be filmed saying that he chose me ... taking him to the public square is to risky." Ji'Zhan said to T'Val

~~~ hours later ~~~

Ji'Zhan took the stage as the announcer shook his hand; the crowd roared. Adjusting his robe and placing his notes on the stand he looked into the faces of his people ...

"My people ... thank you for coming out today to hear my words ... and as you may assume ... those words will have Jak'Dor's tones at times. Our people have been hiding for years ... eons really. It is time we join the universe, hold up our heads and once again be a proud race." The crowd again roared ... and supportive cheers were heard. "I know that some of you would like to remain secluded and hold onto our ancient and respected ways. I say we can indeed have both ... with the new world above us ... we can once again go to the surface and build the temples of our four fathers ... worship in the ways that have not been possible due to our sub-terrain life. We can be the brethren that we so long to be."

A voice from the crowd spoke up ... "what will become of this underground city?"

Ji'Zhan smiled, "it will remain ... connected to the surface by the new temples that will be built ... allowing all who go and return to be reminded of our past ... of our culture ... and of our heritage!" The roar became almost unbearable to the ear.

"Now ... I must address some of the things brought up by my opponent ... He was against the Federation ... saying they would hold us back. There isn't one example of that idea anywhere in the Federation's history ... but don't take my word for it ... I have made their history available in our libraries for you to read with your own eyes. ... ... ... I know you will find that they are a helpful group. I say to my opponent in this manner ... People living in glass houses should not pelt stones." The crowd started to laugh.

"I also must play for you a clip ... " Ji'Zhan stepped aside as a large screen lowered ... as the clip played the crowd started to cheer and cry and applaud. The clip showed the Divine child sitting in Ji'Zhan's lap hugging him and saying that he chooses Ji'Zhan ... the clip was over a he took the the stage again.

"This was Jak'Dor's wish ... his wish for you to know that the Divine child was here." The crowd started to cheer and chatter. "He wanted so much for his people to come together once again and become the large wonderful race it once was. He wanted you ... his people ... so see this child ... to be encouraged ... to lift you up!" A roar once again was heard.

"But ... I don't want to leave you with simply this ... I also want you to watch your news cast this afternoon ... you will see the true face of my opponent ... and who backs his cause. I must leave you now ... I will speak to you again ... after."

"I want to add however ... You must judge a man by the work of his hands. And as you will see ... blood stains the hands of the man who opposes me." With a shock racing over the crowd .. Ji'Zhan beamed back to his secure room ...

~~~ news cast ~~~

The news cast left people in shock and dismay ... as it showed that Jek'tel backers where indeed Romulans ... the dinner that Ji'Zhan had with the two remaining Elders was taped and the Elders gave testimony of their account. That account placed the death of Jak'Dor on the Romulan, Jek'tel and Jar'ron alliance ... an alliance that was secret no more ....

[mercy]

T'Val's warmth along Stuart's body felt natural to him. With his arm over her shoulder he could tell that she felt just as comfortable and secure being with him.

Ji'Zhan announced that he needed to make a holovid of D'Beren declaring him as the next Elder. Taking D'Beren into his lap, he pressed a button on a remote that activated the holovid recorder that they were now facing. Stuart and T'val looked on as D'Beren gave Ji'Zhan a hug and gave his support to him as Elder.

"Thank you, D'Beren. Now, if you will all excuse me. I'm going to finish writing that speech and I think I will give it shortly, instead of tomorrow as was originally planned." Ji'Zhan went back to his desk to continue writing.

D'Beren ran off to play in an adjacent room, leaving Stuart and T'Val in their embrace on the soft, leather couch. Stuart was wondering what their future would look like. "T'Val..." Stuart started while staring into empty space infront of himself. "How do you forsee the two of us to continue as we are while you are still married?"

T'Val sat up, took Stuart's left hand into her own two hands, gently rubbing it. Her eyes did not look up to reach his, but remained staring at their hands while she spoke. "I truly don't know yet. That is something I have to discuss with Tedak. I understand that it is not customary for humans to remain married when they are involved with one they are not bonded with. We Vulcans follow our heart, but that does not always result in the dissolvance of a marriage."

"Oh trust me, that isn't always the case either back on Earth, but it's kept a secret then. We call that an affair. I am glad that isn't the case with you and me. I wouldn't be able to look myself in the mirror otherwise. That is why I ask, however. I am human and it just doesn't feel right for as long as you are officially married. Not that I want you to do anything that is against your beliefs, I'm just explaining what has been going through my mind lately. that was part of the reason I came here...to think things over." Stuart grasped her hands with his remaining free hand.

T'Val looked up and smiled. "That is why I am glad that it is not a secret between Tedak and myself. As you can see, it is easier for us to be together when it is not a secret. Tedak understands, his beliefs are similar to mine. That is why we were able to become bonded in the first place, as a Romulan and Vulcan. My heart reaches out to you and Tedak knows this. When he returns to Assailant, the three of us will be able to resolve the issue of marriage and love." T'Val reached up and placed a hand on Stuart's cheek, stroking it lightly while still smiling. "Until then...know that I am no longer confused." With that she placed a soft kiss onto Stuart's lips.

"Now then, are you hungry?" She got up and proceeded to the replicator as she was calling for D'Beren to eat as well.

Stuart got up to seat himself at the dining room table. "Yes, of course. Can you see if they have anything like potato stew or something? How about you D'Beren, would you like to try what I'm having?" D'Beren smiled and nodded an affirmative yes.

T'Val was going through the meal database on the terminal before she turned around to address Stuart. "There is a dish similar to human potato soup here, and vegetable soup which is what I'm having."

"Okay, potato soup it is. Make that two." Stuart held up two of his fingers for T'Val to see. D'Beren sat there mimicking Stuart with two of his own fingers sticking straight up in the air. "Ji'Zhan, how about you? Will you be joining us?" Stuart asked politely.

"No, no. I have just finished my speech. It isn't much but I believe my people will see the truth in my words. I must go deliver this now before the crowd disperses. Jek'tel has just finished. It is perfect timing. There is a viewer over there, along the wall. you can watch as you are eating. I shall return shortly." Ji'Zhan made his way out the door. outside, Stuart could see a couple of guards getting in step behind him.

T'Val served their meals at the table and proceeded to turn on the viewer before she sat down to join them. It didn't take long before Ji'Zhan could be seen on the broadcast. He was right. It was a fairly short speech, but his point was made. The holovid of D'Beren had won the crowd over. Then Ji'Zhan made a startling final statement.

"I want to add however ... You must judge a man by the work of his hands. And as you will see ... blood stains the hands of the man who opposes me." With a shock racing over the crowd .. Ji'Zhan beamed back to his secure room ...

~~~ news cast ~~~

The news cast left people in shock and dismay ... as it showed that Jek'tel backers where indeed Romulans ... the dinner that Ji'Zhan had with the two remaining Elders was taped and the Elders gave testimony of their account. That account placed the death of Jak'Dor on the Romulan, Jek'tel and Jar'ron alliance ... an alliance that was secret no more ....

[Deleted]

T'Val nodded in approval as they listened to the speech. "I was assuming correctly," she then spoke up as she settled herself on the couch beside Mercy, "he would indeed make a good elder." Earlier she had been a little hesitant about Ji'Zhan taping a recording with D'Beren speaking out his support towards the acolyte, but she saw now it had been the right thing to do.

Yet she couldn't quite agree with Ji'Zhan showing something that had been taped in a closed meeting. Despite the truthfulness of the recording, it was in her opinion giving the opponent a stab in the back. Yet she too was shocked at what the recording revealed.

"How could he," she breathed angrily, slamming her fork down on her plate so hard that the stone plate broke in half spontaneously, spilling the food all over her robes. "That low....." she was so angry that she couldn't even finish her sentence. Naturally she was referring to Jek'tel, and she knew Mercy understood this.

She looked sideways when he prodded her. "What...oh, how clumsy." She looked down at her dress, then looked up as she heard a giggling sound. Before them stood D'Beren, holding hands with Ji'Zhan who had abruptly returned from the square. The boy was obviously very amused with the fact that his mother had spilled her dinner.

"Look," the boy giggled, pointing the Debrune towards his mother, "she says I can't play with my food, but she's playing with it."

T'Val stiffled a smile and cast the two men and the boy a mock annoyed look. "Perhaps one of you could be a gentleman, and assist me in cleaning this mess up?" she asked innocently. Then she looked up at Ji'Zhan. "That was a good speech, it will certainly ensure your ascension to elder."

<Ji'Zhan/Mercy>

Several minutes later, T'Val re-emerged from an adjacent room, wearing a clean dark-red dress. She was also carrying a small black box. "This was beamed down for you just now," she told Mercy as she opened the box. Then she leaned in and gently kissed him, not bothered by the fact that Ji'Zhan was watching them. "Congratulations Stuart," she whispered, as she showed him the golden pip.

<Mercy/Ji'Zhan>

[mercy]

Stuart got up when he saw the mess T'Val had made. When she asked for a 'gentleman', he had already been on his way to get what he needed to pick up the shards of the plate and the food that was sprawled on the table and partially on the floor.

"I'll get that. You go ahead and change."

Before T'Val left for the backroom, she commented on how good Ji'Zhan's speech was. Then she finally disappeared behind the curtains hanging in the doorway.

"I agree also about that fine speech. Although, I have to admit, I don't know if I agree with your tactics. To be real honest with you, Ji'Zhan, your inclusion of D'Beren to further yourself as Elder...well, it just didn't sit well with me. That secret recording, I had no problem with. Those were criminals, but D'Beren, he is an innocent child."

Stuart finished cleaning up and threw the spilled food and the shards away. Ji'Zhan followed to the kitchen area while he tried to make Stuart understand.

"Doctor Mercy, these are political matters. In case you are not aware, D'Beren is the Divine Child of our people. I only showed how much he supports me. The people would be wise to choose the one that has such support as their Elder."

Stuart could not believe what he was hearing. It was as if Ji'Zhan did not understand the implications that recorded holovid could mean to him.

"Ji'Zhan, the only reason that child supports you over Jek'Tel is because he knows you better than him. He's had time to get to know you and adapt to you. Of course only to your good side. I, for one, have seen another side of you. Or have you forgotten? If you remember, you had given me an anti-coagualant back on that station for that Romulan who's life I was trying to save. Now, your use of the child. Who's to say that you didn't coerce him to say what he did. I mean I know you didn't, but your opposition doesn't."

Ji'Zhan was about to say something in return when T'Val reappeared with a nice red dress on. She was carrying a box and had brought it over. Somehow, in secret silence, Stuart and Ji'Zhan agreed to not discuss their topic anymore infront of T'Val. Neither knew why, but it seemed for the best. For all Stuart knew, she could have heard everything from the other room anyways.

Handing over the box, together with a kiss and a 'Congratulations', T'Val revealed a golden pip for Stuart. He had been promoted to the rank of Commander.

[Ji' Zhan]

TVal and Mercy were looking over the box that held his new rank ... Ji'Zhan didn't know much about Star Fleet rank, however he knew it was a good thing.

"Congratulations, Doctor ... if my memory serves me correctly you are now a Commander?, Ji'Zhan asked.

Conversation went on for a minute or two and T'Val walked out of the room when she heard D'Brene knock something over.

Ji'Zhan walked up to the Doctor, "Doctor, I fully understood my actions during that time. If it will make you feel any better, I will tell the Admiral." Holding up his hand to stop the Doctor from speaking, "before you answer, let me tell you a little something."

Ji'Zhan pulled a chair up for the Doctor and took one himself. The kitchen was cast in a dim light as hot tea on the stove was filling the air with a pleasant smell. "What I am about to explain to you is, I will admit, not the way a Starfleet officer is trained to think ... much less do. However, here on my world, we simply see that during a situation such as that we keep as many advantages as we can. Also, the rebel Debrune took an oath ... as every person on my world - good or bad - to know the job and finish it ... if the job isn't seen through ... disgrace would be on the head of the doer. I was merely allowing that rebel ... mis-guided young-one ... his honor of death."

Ji'Zhan stood, poured a cup of tea for himself and one for the Doctor ... took a sip and continued, "I don't expect you to accept this explanation ... but I do ask you to understand. The Elder was hurt ... it was my responsibility to make sure no further harm would or in that case ... could come to him. I did what I was trained to do as an acolyte."

<Mercy>

[mercy]

Stuart pondered the explanation as he was twirling the new pip around with his fingers. Taking the offered cup of tea, he took a careful sip of the hot beverage.

The pip was an achievement and a bookmark of his efforts as a Starfleet doctor. No matter what rank he was, his own morals as a doctor ensured that he would cause no harm and prevent anymore harm to come to any of his patients. It was his own code, the Hippocratic Oath, dating back canturies. A code such as his wasn't much different as to what Ji'Zhan was explaining to him.

"Ji'Zhan, there is no need to get the Admiral involved. I understand now, as I'm sure that you understand my position as a doctor. Yes, I am now a Commander, but I am a doctor first and formost. As I will do and care for my patients to ensure their well-being, I know that it is this very same thing that you are trying to do for your people."

"I am glad that we agree on each others resolve for the best outcome." Ji'Zhan took a sip of his tea.

"However, there is still the issue of the child. He may be the Divine One, as you call it, but seeing as his mother is in my care, so too is the child. I do not wish to see any harm come to him, nor do I want him exploited in any fashion."

The two men sat sipping on their tea. They could hear how D'Beren was being chased about the back room by T'Val until she finally caught up to him. It was apparent that they were having fun, as the sounds of laughter came forth.

[Ji' Zhan]

Sipping his tea, Ji'Zhan felt the warmth go all the way down to this stomach ... it was soothing and the herbs in this tea were from an ancient recipe that was part of what Ji'Zhan wanted his people to embrace and remember.

"I understand your concern ... that is why I will not ask T'Val nor the child to stay on the planet. Even if this place is secure." Ji'Zhan said.

"Where is this room anyway?" The Doctor asked.

"we are in a part of the cave system that the late Elder and I found several years ago. The power system for our underground world masks its existence; and the only way in or out is by a transporter system that is linked to the main palace grid." Seeing the information 'hit' the Doctor, "don't worry ... I also installed a backup system that works very similar to one of Starfleet's emergency personal transporter." Ji'Zhan took another sip of his tea and sat the cup on that table.

"Doctor, to explain the use of this holovid with the child. The meeting place was out in the commons and there was simply no way to ensure the child's safety. If I had brought the child in to that situation ... I would have put him in danger. The commons in the only place in the underground that isn't controlled by weapon dampeners. It would have been illogical to do such a thing. With my speech approaching ... I had no other choice to use the holovid ... seeing how a plea to the high council to move the venue would have taken weeks." Ji'Zhan looked at the Doctor, still rolling his new pip in his hands. "Also, the ancient text only state that the child need to choose an elder elect. Oh, " Ji'Zhan remembered, "D'Beren did meet all elder elects ... however each person wasn't elder elect ... seeing how the death of Jak'dor hadn't taken place." In retrospect and visibly showing his frustration ... "I should have never allowed Jak'dor to enter that viewing room knowing I couldn't control who was in there with him. But, that was how Jak'dor wanted it ... he was very trusting of the Federation."

The ceiling of the room was now showing a full moon. Almost every ceiling in the underground world of the Debrune was equipped with holo-style devices that would depict what the sky would look like. This helped with the awareness of time ... and helped with the mood of the body. Noticing this Ji'Zhan stated, "Doctor ... it is getting late ... we have room for you here if you would like to stay?"

<Mercy>

Waiting for the Doctors reply ... the Doctor was still rolling his new rank pip in his hands ... Ji'Zhan took the pip from the Doctor and placed it next to the black pip, "I don't know if that is the correct way to display your new rank ... but seeing how you were having thoughts about wearing it ... I thought I would help."

<Mercy>

About the same time ... T'Val and the child enter the kitchen, walked over to get some warm milk and returned to the table. The Doctor still needed to answer Ji'Zhan question about staying for the night ... the Doctor only looked at the pleasing shape of T'Val and into her wonderful eyes ... ... ...

[Deleted]

T'Val assisted her son in holding his cup to his mouth without spilling his milk, as she stared at Mercy. Then she stiffled a laugh. "You are not properly dressed doctor," she commented with a smile, "you seem to be out of uniform." The Vulcan nodded towards his collar. "Two golden, a black and then one more golden pip, I do not think I have ever seen, or have heard of such a rank."

She reached over and removed both the new golden pip, and the black pip and then replaced the golden one on where the black one had been before. "Now you are correctly dressed doctor," she teased, then winked at Ji'Zhan. "Is he not Ji'Zhan?" Then she stiffled a yawn. "Today has been an eventful day, D'Beren and I must return to Assaillant. Doctor are you staying, or coming with us?"

She bowed slightly towards Ji'Zhan. "Acolyte Ji'Zhan, I thank thee for thy assistance today, it has proven to be very valuable. Thee will find us grateful."

[Ji' Zhan]

"Are you not staying here tonight?" Ji'Zhan asked. "We have more than enough room here." Ji'zhan felt embarrassed thinking that T'Val and the child would stay the night in the safety of this hidden place.

Ji'zhan looked at the Doctor, "Doctor, we have quarters for you here," then looking at T'Val, "and you too ... separate."

T'Val spoke almost instantly, "No .. no .. we much get back ... but Doctor Mercy is more than welcome to stay." She said grinning at the Doctor.

Ji'Zhan spoke before anyone else could, "I must insist you all stay," looking at the time, "I'm afraid that the transport back to the base has left ... and another will not be until morning." Not waiting for an answer Ji'Zhan left the kitchen saying, "come, I will see to your rooms."

T'Val and Mercy was left just looking at each other ... ...

[Magellan Lin]

Starbase Assailant was a vibrant and awe-inspiring place. It was a whole city in space and pretty much all of the responsibility for it lay on Magellans shoulders. He did have assistance from his Fleet XO Loskene, and Mayor Simeth on the whole handled Civilian matters. Alari kept everything working and Tomlinson and Soral kept everything legal and secure. Even so it was quite a weight and at the moment Magellan could feel it weighing heavily. He knew now that he had more hosts and there was a kind of desperate urge to find out more, to uncover the secret that Laurana seemed unwilling to tell him, unless they were on Trill. That was very unlikely, until a new Elder of the Debrune was chosen he was needed here to assist Saarok in ensuring the new leadership had good ties to the Federation.
He continued his daily routine and noticed with some pleasure that the Scavenger had just docked. It was something he took a measure of comfort in, whilst out there the starships he commanded were vulnerable and beyond his aid, once home they were safe, at least until the next time he had to send them out in to the depths of space.
The next item he had on his desk was from Saarok, it outlined a briefing on the Debrune election, it highlighted both parties speeches and an exit poll. He frowned not sure if the result was a good thing or a bad thing, these Debrune were of course ancestors of the Romulans and you could trust them only as far as you could kick them. Straightening his uniform Magellan realised it was probably best if he were to change into dress whites and prepare to visit Qualinost he had no doubt the true election result would be revealed in the next day or so.


Jak’tel paced incessantly along the edge of the tall window than ran the length of the new spire. The vast tower was the first new building to be built on the surface of Qualinost by the Debrune in 2000 years. As befitted Jak’tels love of the fashionable he had snapped up one of the grandest apartments and stood there now with his election team.
“It is confirmed, despite our agents efforts it looks as if your going to lose” Kr’al noted looking up form a data unit. “Ji’Zahns use of the child turned things right against us”
“What about the elders?”
“We nearly turned one but its all too late. Ji’Zahn has one the third Elder position.”
Jak’tel thrust a fist into his palm in anger,
“That whelp, He ll have us supplicating before the federation in months”
Kr’al shrugged,
“He is still only one Elder of three, the other two will moderate him.”
“Bah, he already consorts more with them than his own people. My uncle was right, the Romulans would have been the better option, they offered us strength and unity.” Jak’tel paused, “My uncle, He will not be pleased that I have failed in this election.”
Kr’al looked up and nodded,
“Jar’ron is not noted for his good humour or his forgiveness.”
Jak’tel hung his head in abject defeat and then looked up.
“In that case I must prove myself worthy. I understand Lord Torat suggested an alliance with my Uncle”
Kr’al nodded
“He did but Jar’ron turned him down, he had already allied himself with another Romulan Faction.”
Jak’tel steepled his fingers beneath his chin in contemplation,
“Contact him, tell him we will meet. I will show my Uncle I am not a failure. But first I need to address our people.”



Across all the holovids the news casters quickly began to run the story.
“You come to us now as a shock announcement is about to be made by Elder Runner Jak’tel. We go over to Pet’re live”
“Thankyou Lou’ran I m here in the grand plaza were Jak’tel has arrived to give an announcement some 2 hours before the election result.”
“Any idea what he will say?”
“not at all this is most irregular… oh look here he is. He is approaching the podium….”

“My fellow Debrune. Today is a dark day I fear. Today I feel we have wandered from our brothers and sisters. This election to elect a successor to Jak’dor has been marred by dirty tricks and petty vendettas. I no longer feel that this place represents what is good for our people. I know many of you agree, those who had the courage to vote for me and not the pawn of religious devotion. I stand here now to officially announce my withdrawal from the race for Elder. Let Ji’zahn – puppet of the Federation lead you. And you will see the errors I spoke of. I tried and I will continue to try for my people and for those among you who believe as I do I say this – COME. Join me in leaving this place. Help me remake our people together we can follow a new plan and forge a new goal – one that will subvert the evil treachery and treason evident in the current leadership. I depart now and ask all right thinking Debrune to follow… destiny awaits.”

“My that was some speech. What do you make of it Pet’re”
“Well it maybe a case of sour grapes but exit polls show he does have support of at least 30% of the 65% that turned out to vote. Even so it seems clear now that Ji’Zahn will join the Elders and lead our people. Back to you Lou’ran and the studio….”

[Deleted]

T'Val exchanged a worried look with Mercy; she found Ji'Zhan oddly persistent and she didn't really know what to think of it. Quietly she shook her head at Mercy, and though she knew they would probably be quite safe here, she felt safer on Assaillant where she knew security would be on the spot the minute they were needed.

"We can have a shuttle be sent for us," T'Val said, sounding rather persistent herself, "I would really prefer to spend the night in my own quarters." She exchanged another look with Mercy, while holding D'Beren close to her. She found herself unwilling to let the child go near Ji'Zhan right now. She had overheard part of Stuart's argument with the elder-elect, though she was certain neither man knew she had, and she found herself agreeing with Stuart's argument.

T'Val found D'Beren oddly quiet too, and he didn't seem to mind her restraining hold on him this once. "We must go home," she insisted, "we are not safe here, no matter how much to try to ensure us." She reached for her combadge. "T'Val to Assaillant, please send a shuttle down to Qualinost to pick up myself, Doctor Mercy and D'Beren as soon as possible. We wish to return home but the local transports have ceased activity for tonight."

<anyone on assaillant/Ji'Zhan/Mercy>

"Do not try to stop us Ji'Zhan," T'Val said curtly, "we are leaving."

<Ji'Zhan/Mercy>

[Magellan Lin]

As you may have noticed I ve converted the Interegnum mission in to the main mission - It seemed to make sense.

So to a rough mission briefing:

Ji'Zahn is now an elder of teh Debrune, he needs to settle into his role, and need to strengthen ties with teh Federation and teh Colony team - Romulans and Ferengi.
Whilst on Assailant a problem will present itself that will place Tedak and Ji'Zahn at odds with one another politically - obviously not straight away as Tedak is still on teh Jeffers.

Elsewhere Magellan and Mercy and perhaps T'Val? will journey to Trill - it would be good if Jamey Parker could come too. Harrias unfortunatly will not be able. They will discover a new secret on Trill more of which I will elaborate on in time.


How does this sound?

[Ji' Zhan]

The morning was beautiful. Ji’Zhan had spent the morning watching the sun rise above a picturesque mountain, a newly formed feature resting just to the west of the entrance to the underground world of the Debrune. Ji’zhan sit in the morning sun as he thought back to the mist rising off the river just as the first ray of light cast its ray on the high clouds passing over the valley. The mist was cool with a hue of purple that he was sure he had never seen before. Birds that had already been introduced to this continent were singing their morning songs as they busily searched about in their new world. He wondered if they even know they were in a new world.

Still sitting in the sun, watching a colony of ants work on their new home, a guard approached Ji’Zhan. Tapping him on his left sholder, which was the respectful way, Ji’Zhan turned to see, the guard said, “Elder Ji’Zhan,” the sound of that name still wasn’t comfortable on his ears, the guard continued, “the people are waiting for you in the courtyard; its time for your speech.” Ji’Zhan patted the guard’s hand and motioned for him to help him up. Giving a warm smile he said, “Come … let us go speak to our people.” The guard didn’t know how to take this. He wasn’t accustomed to such familiar-ness from an Elder. They both walked toward a small ground transport that was waiting.

The sun had rose to its mid-morning position casting not-so-long shadows on the ground. A young girl was dancing with her shadow giggling only like little girls can do. A moderator hushed the crowd and Ji’Zhan was introduced with a thunderous applause. Taking the stand, he arranged his notes and let the crowd quiet down. A large monitor was sitting just to the right of the podium and a small force field, unknown to the crowd, was activated; Ji’zhan couldn’t convince the Minister of the Guard to not use the field.

Ji’Zhan spoke with a voice that seemed wiser than when he was an acolyte. “Good morning and welcome to one of our many-many first sunrise here on Qualinost.” The crowd again erupted in a loud applause. “It is time we turn our eyes on our future and think not of the things of the past, however I must address some of the issues that my opponent brought up in his withdrawal address.”

The crowd grew still to make sure they heard every word. “I simply want to address the offer he gave to any Debrune that may be thinking about taking him up on his so-called gift. I want to remind you of some simple facts that you may have not known about or been told about. Over our history, five times people have wanted to leave our world to try it on their own. This request from Jak’Tel is now the sixth time this topic has come to the forefront. The history of those who has left isn’t that comforting. In fact, every person that has left this world has meet less-than accommodating races. Most in fact have been enslaved or moved to a low economy status where they are lucky to have food once a week … much less everyday.” The crowd wasn’t so accustomed to an Elder being so upfront with information. “Most have found only hard ache and despair out amongst the stars. I warn you now, if you plan on leaving … I will … … not stand in your way nor will the other Elders. They have conferred with me and we have come to this agreement.” The crowed gasped because they were expecting the opposite. “The other Elders and I believe that our efforts should be spent on making our new home here,” looking around at the distant mountains, “the best it can be. We have work to do on our networks … farms, mills, infrastructures, public services and the list,” lifting up a list that was indeed long, “as you can see is long. We also have relations to build with the Federation who, by-the-way, gave us this whole continent and the surrounding islands to us … this whole hemisphere is ours to nurture and grow as we see … not how the Federation sees … but how we see it should become. We also have friends on this world now … the Colony team will be working with us as we share our power resources with them until they can establish for their own. We will trade with them and have an economy with them as well as the Romulans and Ferengi.” Some of the crowd moaned and some clapped. I know some of you dislike our breathen, the Romulans, and some see the Ferengi as untrustworthy. I see them both as new possibilities that can only serve to strengthen our stance with off-world races. We are an inward people, we don’t rely on technology as our new friends do and however we are more technologically advanced than most of the worlds that the late Jak’Dor and I have visited. We have much to offer and we stand much to gain.” The crowd clapped with excitement.

The time was drawing to an end for this speech and Ji’Zhan knew that fact. He started to conclude, “I turn my thoughts again back to those who wish to leave. The very first act as Elder that I will declare … is that of the Homecoming Act. Any Debrune, including any full blooded offspring, that has left their home world or who will ever leave this home ... in good standing with our council … will be welcomed back with open arms with every right granted to them as any normal citizen. They will have the right to work, to earn wages, to re-establish their family name and to become reunited with the home they left.” Ji’zhan leaned forward on the podium and pointed as if the act had been established long ago; the crowd once again erupted in astonishing applause. “Let no person leave this world thinking that they have no home to return to … or no star to gaze at from a distant place and call their true home. Thank you for your votes, contrary to my opponents stated numbers and the last polls … the official votes came back as 70% turnout and 58% of those votes were cast graciously for me. Let the record show that my opponent couldn’t even stand for any of you, he left you alone and only offered a life of loneliness off-world from your heart; he is the solitary source of any dirty tricks and petty vendettas. I offer you a new chance to embrace our history and grow towards our future!”