SB Assailant Mission 3.1 - Diplomacys Veil

[mercy]

Stuart awoke from a sleepless night. What little sleep he did get, he was still plagued by visions of T'Val, the same as when he was awake. ~Plagued~ he mused. He wasn't plagued but delighted to be thinking of her constantly. Now that he knew it was all going to be fine, or at least he hoped it would. there was still that talk he would have to have with Tedak about their situation.

A Starfleet shuttle had come abruptly last night to take him, T'Val and D'Beren back to SB Assailant. T'Val had been right about them being safer on the station, and the fact of being more comfortable in one's own bed. The only hardship Stuart had faced was his departure from T'Val once he had walked her to her quarters. Although a lasting good night kiss could hardly be considered a hardship.

Morning news messages on Stuart's terminal revealed that Ji'Zhan had won during the night. His opponent had unceremoniously stepped down and called for his supporters to join him in an exodus. Then Stuart remembered the gift that Ji'Zhan had left for him before he went down to Qualinost. Via his terminal, Stuart arranged for the gift to be brought to his quarters.

After about a half an hour, the door chimed in announcement of the messenger bringing his gift. After the messenger left, Stuart proceeded with opening it up. 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 of the newly formed forest on Qualinost. Stuart thought about it for a while. it seemed quite ironic, the symbology of it all. How life and death was intertwined into one.

Stuart openend a private com channel to speak with T'Val.

=/\=
Yes, Stuart?
=/\=

"Good morning T'Val. I hope it is not too early, but I was thinking if you hadn't had breakfast yet..."

=/\=
Yes, I would be glad to be in your presence for breakfast. In fact, I was just about to call on you. Would you join me here in my quarters?
=/\=

Stuart's face lit up with a wide smile. "Of course. I shall be right over."

Stuart hurried dressing in his uniform with his new rank of Commander. He was sure the infirmary was going to need him today. After his breakfast with T'Val, he would need to report in to Admiral Lin to see what he had missed if anything. T'Val would more than likely join him in today's activities. Afterall, she did run the infirmary herself for awhile.

[Deleted]

T'Val sat up with a happy smile on her face, then chuckled as she felt the bed bounce and looked sideways to see her son jumping up and down with glee. "Mommy!" he cried, as he bounced forward, "mommy I'm hungry!"

"Stuart will be over shortly," she told the boy, "so you will have breakfast then." She got up and went to fetch her robe, she would have time for a swim before she might be doing some work. Officially, she was still on medical leave and she doubted she would be cleared for duty soon. Yet she knew it couldn't hurt to ask.

She pulled her robe on and tightened the cord around her waist before stepping into the kitchen. T'Val liked to do the cooking herself, and she thought Stuart might like a typical English breakfast. Beside her, D'Beren was giggling as he gazed up at her. She picked him up, set him on a small step and handed him two eggs. "Break the shell and pour the content in there," she instructed, pointing at a bowl, "make sure no shell gets in there." She had to assist the boy in doing so, but she saw it made him happy. "Stir gently while I pour in some milk," she continued, as they both spent some time together on preparing breakfast.

Just as they were done, the doorbell went and Stuart emerged in the door opening. "Just in time," T'Val smiled, setting down the plates on the table. Her own eggs were without any form of meat, and D'beren was just having the eggs as well. She still had to discuss diet with Ji'Zhan as she still had not learned anything about Debrune and eating meat. "I do hope you like eggs," she said, sounding somewhat worried. "Did you know Ji'Zhan was elected as Elder?" she then querried, "I just read a message from him, telling me about it. He also has held his first speech by now." She smiled again. "He sends his apollogies about his insistence on staying, and he indeed had somewhat of a double agenda on that front."

She leaned forward and kissed him lightly. "He wished for us to be together last night," she whispered.

After breakfast, she took D'Beren to the station's swimming pool and spent an hour teaching the boy to swim. After that, she dropped the boy off at the daycare center and headed for sickbay. "I still need to be cleared for duty," she reminded Mercy, before she picked up any kind of tool, "but I believe I am perfectly capable of assisting you if needed."

[mercy]

Just as they were done, the doorbell went and Stuart emerged in the door opening. "Just in time," T'Val smiled, setting down the plates on the table. Her own eggs were without any form of meat, and D'beren was just having the eggs as well. She still had to discuss diet with Ji'Zhan as she still had not learned anything about Debrune and eating meat. "I do hope you like eggs," she said, sounding somewhat worried. "Did you know Ji'Zhan was elected as Elder?" she then querried, "I just read a message from him, telling me about it. He also has held his first speech by now." She smiled again. "He sends his apollogies about his insistence on staying, and he indeed had somewhat of a double agenda on that front."

She leaned forward and kissed him lightly. "He wished for us to be together last night," she whispered.

Stuart sat down at the table to enjoy the breakfast that was served before him. T'Val was wearing a nice robe that accentuated her figure beneath. He could get used to this. Then it dawned on him what she had said when she lightly kissed him. Stuart gave T'Val a look of surprise at what she was hinting. Her smile and a glint in her eye confirmed what he was thinking. He didn't need to be a mindreader or telepath to understand.

A bit embarrassed, Stuart was glad to continue the other part of the conversation, about Ji'Zhan's election to becoming a full Elder. Their conversation continued with small talk, mainly about the Debrune underground city and the sights they had seen in that short time they were there.

While chewing on the last parts of his scrambled eggs, Stuart bit down on something a bit crunchy. "Hm, what do we have here?" Stuart brought forward a piece of eggshell. D'Beren couldn't help himself and began to laugh out loud. "Ha-ha, Doctor Mercy got a shell." T'Val seemed a bit embarrassed, but Stuart just laughed along. He couldn't count anymore how many times he found eggshells in his own home made eggs.

Once breakfast was over and T'Val and D'Beren got dressed to head out for a swim, Stuart took his leave and headed for the station's medical center. Arriving there, he was greeted by Jill Tsomba, his head nurse. "Did you have a nice day off?"

"I actually did. How have things been going around here?" Stuart picked up a few charts to see what kind of patients were present.

"Oh nothing too serious. Yesterday while you were gone, we had an engineer get his hand caught between a plasma relay and plasma inductor."

"How severe was it?"

"He was able to remove it before it was too late. Second degree burns from the plasma. Nothing a dermal regenerator couldn't fix."

"Ah, good. Engineering needs to tighten up on its safety protocols." Stuart noted that there was nothing pressing for his immediate attention. Not until T'Val walked in.

"I still need to be cleared for duty," she reminded Mercy, before she picked up any kind of tool, "but I believe I am perfectly capable of assisting you if needed."

"Ah, yes...that. Well, seeing that I was able to keep you under close observation all day yesterday..." Stuart caught Jill's look with a raised eyebrow. "...you no longer apear to be suffering from any emotional stress. So yes, you are cleared for duty. As far as making it all official for you to work with me here, I think that is the responsibility of the Admiral to give his clearance."

Together they left the infirmary and headed to Ops. Ops was bustling with activity. Ships were guided in and out of their berths. Reports were coming in from various station activities. Admiral Lin was standing in one of the corners with a PADD, apparently going over a report of one kind or another.

"Good morning, Admiral. Here is my status report of the medical center, Starfleet and the civilian side. For the most part normal operations. Nothing special, nothing too serious at the moment. Combined we have about 147 inpatients. We would like your official consent for Healer T'Val to be working in the medical center again. Her help would be greatly appreciated. Other than that, is there anything I...we should be made aware of?"

Admiral Lin had listened intently to Stuart's verbal report. For once it had seemed that he was truly interested. not that he wasn't before, but it seemed like something was on his mind and he was gauging the report for further use later. ~Maybe he has something for us to do?~ Stuart wondered to himself. Stuart had noted how the Admiral had raised his eyebrows, much like Jill, and wrinkled his forhead at the mention of T'Val working together with him.

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan looked at Stuart a moment longer and then passed the pile of PaDDS to the waiting Crewman,
"Take these back to the Quartermaster and say he’s allowed to order enough self sealing stem bolts as are required."
"Yes Sir" the crewman replied and departed,
Magellan now turned to the Doctor, he fixed him with a stare and then ushered him forwards,
"Join me in my office a moment" he suggested softly "I hope you will excuse us T'Val, its Starfleet business. I ll speak to you in a moment about your retunring to teh medical staff."
Stuart could guess where this was going and somewhat reluctantly followed him inside,
“Take a seat”
Magellan did likewise and moved another pile of PaDDs from in front of him,
“It never ends” he smiled weakly putting them to one side.
“So…” Stuart began giving the Admiral an opening to get to the point.
Magellan nodded in gratitude for what the Doctor was attempting,
“Sickbay is working far better than it ever has and your work concerning the Dradraian plague and the crew of the Angel was exemplary.”
“Thank you. It wasn’t just me though, T Val helped a lot.”
“Indeed…and I’ve already spoken with you about T Val. She is the wife of the Romulan Ambassador… but I digress. I don’t pry into people’s personal lives until it affects the running of the station or my staff, so let us say no more on the matter. I do hear rumours however and before I can formally assign you and T Val to work together on a daily basis. I would like to see how that ‘working’ partnership works before rubber stamping it.”
Stuart shifted uneasily,
“What do you mean?”
“I small trip. Laurana has bullied and cajoled me into returning to Trill. She says she can help me find out about my past and that there is some wider threat to the trill. I could do with medical support on the mission, and who better than my CMO and T’Val.”

[Deleted]

T'Val remained waiting outside the admiral's office, though she wondered what Starfleet business he would need to discuss with the CMO; wasn't she a doctor too? If it concerned medical matters, she ought to know too, yet she surmised she would be told if she needed to know.

She quietly walked around OPS, peering at stations here and there; it had been quite some time since she'd set foot on OPS. She noticed the Bolian aide to Magellan at his station, and she walked up to him. "Greetings F'Rass," she started, then stopped not sure what she could talk to the Bolian about while waiting for Lin and Mercy to emerge from the office.
"Actually Ma'am I am Zoilip, F'rrass is the Regulan over there at the Traffic Control station"
She walked around the station and looked at what he was doing. "I m sorry Zoilip. Could you page Ji'Zhan for me?" she suddenly asked, "I would like him to meet with me for lunch."

<Magellan>


ooc: sorry shorty....Im a little stumped for ideas right now:(

[Magellan Lin]

“No need to decide now, in fact lets go back outside and speak to T’Val.” Magellan suggested, Stuart nodded and followed the Admiral back into Ops.
“Ah T’Val” Magellan greeted spying her in conversation with Zoilip, “How is D’beren?”
T’Val left Zoilip and joined him and Mercy,
“Very well thanks”
“Good good. I have a request of you. Laurana is intent on me returning to Trill, she is worried about something there and thinks she can help me with my past hosts.”
“So I have heard”
“Well I was hoping you and Mercy would travel with me. I would feel happier having medical practioners along given the situation. We would be gone about a month. It’s a 10 day trip to Trill from here.”

TAG T Val and Mercy

“Very well. I must arrange for transport. If youll excuse me I ll organise that now.”
Magellan left Mercy and T Val alone and returned to his office.
He sat there a moment scrolling through the staffing lists and available ships.
Finally he struck upon an idea,
He ran his hand over the controls to put through a message to the USS Nevada.

Cmdr Jamey Gaz.
I have been requested by the Guardians of the Cave of Mak’ala to return to Trill. I am to take to the pools to uncover my hosts and to investigate some unusual recurring problems with our kind.
I know that you and your symbiont have had problems and require a pilot for the mission.
I hereby reassign you temporarily to ferry me and my medical staff to Trill.
Signed

Admiral Magellan Lin

He sent the Message and awaited the reply.

[Deleted]

“Well I was hoping you and Mercy would travel with me. I would feel happier having medical practioners along given the situation. We would be gone about a month. It’s a 10 day trip to Trill from here.”

"I will accompany you admiral," T'Val answered quietly, as she exchanged a surprised glance with Mercy. Being asked along such a trip was the last thing she expected, especially when officially she was still assigned to the Jefferson. Yet she had been Magellan's medic for quite some time now, so she thought it was only logical that she be asked along for the ride.

"I will have to arrange something for D'Beren," she told Mercy after Magellan had walked away, "I do not believe it is a good idea to take him to Trill. I am meeting Ji'Zhan for lunch. I shall be back in sickbay afterwards." Their question of her being allowed back for duty hadn't been answered literally, but her getting assigned to accompany him made her assume that she was allowed.

~~

T'Val waited for Ji'Zhan at the docking bay and walked with him to the nearest restaurant. "I heard congratulations are in order," she started, after he had assisted her in sitting down, according to human etiquette. "Elder I have a request to make," she continued, after lunch had been ordered. "I have been asked to be part of a medical team that is accompanying Admiral Lin back to Trill. However, I am reluctant to take my son with me and it will be a while before Tedak returns from his assignment on the Jefferson. Would you take upon you the care of D'Beren until myself or Tedak returns?"

<Ji'Zhan>

[Jamey Gaz]

Jamey was sitting in his quarters after what could have been a close call with the Borg. Jamey had finished filling his report and submitting them to the First Officer when his computer flashed with an incoming message ...

Cmdr Jamey Gaz.
I have been requested by the Guardians of the Cave of Mak’ala to return to Trill. I am to take to the pools to uncover my hosts and to investigate some unusual recurring problems with our kind.
I know that you and your symbiont have had problems and require a pilot for the mission.
I hereby reassign you temporarily to ferry me and my medical staff to Trill.
Signed

Admiral Magellan Lin

This was an interesting message that sent a different than expected response through his mind. Jamey was the first, known, half Human-half Trill host. His father was Human, his mother Trill. Jamey was born with an abdomen pouch and after much testing and the customary schooling ... was allowed a Symbiont. Jamey had some run-ins with the Symbiosis Commission for not dropping the family name and taking the Symbiont name. However, after the joint mission involving the USS Angel ... Jamey had found his relation with his symbiont strained ... he had finally started to use the symbiont name and drop his family name. This had caused some confusion with his Starfleet friends and crew ... but they hadn't questioned him about it ... witch he thought strange.

Jamey responded to the Admiral ...


Admiral Magellan Lin

I will turn this request in to my Commanding officer and arrange transport to the base as soon as possible.

Lt Commander Jamey Gaz

[Ji' Zhan]

"I have been asked to be part of a medical team that is accompanying Admiral Lin back to Trill. However, I am reluctant to take my son with me and it will be a while before Tedak returns from his assignment on the Jefferson. Would you take upon you the care of D'Beren until myself or Tedak returns?" T'Val asked.

"Would I," Ji'Zhan said, "I would be honored to help with the care of D'Beren." Ji'Zhan's eyes went wide and a smile went across his face. "However, you know that I will have to take him down to the planet in order to do that ... he will be in the best care. I have a few days off to recoup from the elections so I would be with him for most of the time. I could keep him at the palace for complete safety ... is that alright? I mean, you did have concerns with me using the child in the holovid during the election." Ji'Zhan now knew that he needed to explain.

"T'Val, you see ... as I have told the Doctor during your last visit ... I didn't think it was safe for the child to be in the commons ... a public area that isn't protected with the weapon dampening devices as most of the underground city. Due to the needed response to my opponents last speech ... a holovid was the only way I could think of to accomplish letting the people see D'Beren." Ji'Zhan felt that he needed to say more ... but didn't know what to say.

"Jak'Dor heart was heavy for his people ... it instilled in me the same concern for them as well. D'Beren was very important to to him ... and prophetically very important to the Debrune. I don't want to play religious games ... but I can not deny the fact that my people history is unequivocally rooted in our religion. I have never understood why some of the Debrune want to get away from it ... Our Vulcan and Romulan brothers did get away and it has lead them down two very different roads ... both perilously in directions that the Debrune strive to stay away. The ideas of a view lead to the split ... and when D'Beren was found ... it unquestionably proved our history. I feel a strong responsibility to D'Beren ... that he needs to be taught in the ways of our people."

<Tval>

[mercy]

It had been settled then. Both T'Val and Stuart were to accompany Admiral Lin to Trill. Stuart hoped it would be a learning experience as he still had a lot to learn about Trill hosting.

T'Val took her absence to make arrangements for D'Beren to be under the care of Ji'Zhan. Stuart wasn't quite sure if that was the correct course of action or not. He still had reservations about the new Acolyte. But the child wasn't his and he really had no say in the matter.

Stuart had been to the Infirmary and made sure that it and the rest of the medical center was in good hands during his departure. Once he had taken care of that, he was off to his quarters to start packing a few things.

While packing, Stuart was thinking of the Admirals words about T'Val and him. He obviously had the same concerns about this love triangle as Stuart did initially. The Admiral, however, wasn't privi to Ambassador Tedak's thoughts and feelings. Still, Stuart knew that they would be under the watchfull eye of the Admiral. They would have to remain as professional as ever.

That made Stuart wonder if they would have any private time at all. No sooner had he thought that, did he want to strike it out of his mind. What was he thinking. Of course she was still married and he sure wasn't going to make that situation any worse than it already was. Whether all agreed or not.

[Deleted]

ooc: with what exactly are we going to Trill? in this post I assume the Copenhagen, but if not lemme know plz?

ic:

T'Val nodded at Ji'Zhan. "I still do not condone your use of the child Elder," she said, if somewhat harshly, "but I do know that you mean the child well, and I am certain that there will be no danger to him while he resides with you. However, as soon as Tedak arrives back on Assaillant before I do, he is to get the child back immediately."

She paused, while sipping her tea. "I will have to go now Elder, I shall have D'Beren ready for you just prior to departure. You can pick him up while we board."

~~

T'Val stood at the hatch, waiting for Ji'Zhan to pick up her son. Soon enough, the new Elder arrived and D'beren rank up to him, screaming with delight. T'Val nodded once, handed him a bag, then even indulged in a brief hug. "Take care," she said shortly, then disappeared onto the copenhagen.

Once she arrived in sickbay, she noticed it hadn't changed much since she'd been there last. She smiled brightly as she spotted Mercy, and walked up to him. "Ji'Zhan will keep my son out of danger," she said softly, "now, I think we should prepare ourselves for this journey. How is our stock on isoboramine? You know that Lin and Magellan do not have a proper connection, correct? Also that both have been separated in the past due to massive injury to he host?"

At last they found themselves fully prepared, and waited for the admiral to come aboard. During the trip, either doctor would constantly monitor him, and make sure that they were comfortable.

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan packed the last few items of clothing into the case and did up the latch. He straightened up and rubbed his back. Dinas peered around the edge of the door and cooed softly.
"Its alright Dinas I won't be gone long. Zoilip will pop in and look after you."
Dinas scittered forward and wounds himself between Magellans legs as the door chime went.
Magellan crossed to the door and opened it.
"You ready then?" Laurana smiled,
Magellan nodded,
"I m all packed if thats what you mean. I would say ready qualifys."
Laurana shrugged, "Your such a stick in the mud"
Magellan frowned - she alwys seemed to be using strange human or ferengi sayings.
"Let me get my case."
He retreated to the bedroom and got the case.
"Okay Dinas be good and I ll see you soon" he instructed as he closed the door and locked it.

Laurana and Magellan stepped into teh Turbolift and descended to the departure area. As they exited they were met by Commander Gaz.
"Mr Gaz. Good to see you again" Magellan greeted extending a hand, "This is Laurana, Guardian to the Pools."
"Pleased to meet you ma'am" he replied, "Everythings all set here. The Copenhagenis all prepped and ready to go. In fact Doctors Mercy and T Val are already aboard."
"Very good We'll go aboard and get our gear stored and then depart." Magellan replied showing Laurana the way.

[Magellan Lin]

Jo'leen sat huddled in the dark.
The air was stifling and the stench over powering. The industiral replicators packed around her rattled and clunked with every move. She lived in constant fear of being crushed to death.
With a thud the ship came to rest. She cowered back into the depths of the hold and poised to spring.
There was a whir as the cargo unit was despatched and pulled on to an anti grav unit.
A whine filled the air as the capacitors charged and the unit set off. Guided by two dock workers the cargo unit was moved from the loading bay and into the storage area.
"Open her up then" Ensign Commor shouted above the noise, "one of these needs packing on the Cairo"
Two extra crewman approached and undid the latches with a loud clang one wall fell to the floor.

bright brilliant and over powering light flooded the compartment. For a second Jo'leen shrank back like a creature of the night and then like a rocket propelled herself from her hide away.

"Hey!!" Commor shouted as she streaked past him, "Stop"
jo'leen didnt she put her head down and ran. She wasnt sure where but she knew that she needed to get out of teh dock.
She ran behind a row a crates and spied a turbolift.
"Dock to Security, we have a stowaway down here" she could here the man reporting in to the ether. She ignored him and slammed her palm into the lift release button.
The doors slid open and she dived inside.
"Diplomatic Level" she instructed.
The lift shot skywards.
When the doors opened again the docks were gone, in its stead was plush carpets and neat furniture.
Jo'leen barelled past a coulple of Tellarites and sprinted down the corridor. he torn clothes and smudged face caused many a glance and before long she spotted a pair of security officers appearing from another lift. She skidded to a halt and turned the other way.
"Stop" one of them commanded
Increasing her pace, her breath coming in harsh bursts now she spotted her goal.
The men were beginning to gain on her and so she grabbed a passing Bolian and pulled him behind her, he staggered and fell causing the security men to slow.
With a sigh of relief and with only inches to spare between her and the guards she dived through the open doors and collapsed on the floor.
The two security guards pulled up outside and looked at each other.
Panting Jo'leen rolled over and grinned at the two officers who were no speaking in to their comm badges.
"Can I help you" a voice full of disdain came from above her.
Slowly she got to her knees and faced the dour man with sharp features.
Nelon scowled at the dishvelled urchin before him,
"Do you have business, in the embassy?" he asked persisntently,
"I need to see Ambassador Tedak - I wish to seek asylum." she replied and collapsed.

[mercy]

He had made his way through the vast station to the docking bays. Finding the Copenhagen he was checked by a security guard before he could enter. After verification of his credentials he was allowed to board.

Never having been on this runabout before, Stuart wasn't sure were his quarters were going to be at. He decided to go directly to sickbay. He was more interested in seeing it's setup anyways. At worst he could use a biobed if he had to.

Stuart arrived at sickbay and was cheerfully greeted by T'Val. "Ji'Zhan will keep my son out of danger," she said softly, "now, I think we should prepare ourselves for this journey. How is our stock on isoboramine? You know that Lin and Magellan do not have a proper connection, correct? Also that both have been separated in the past due to massive injury to he host?"

"Yes, and I am aware of that. You didn't think that I would be a chief medical officer that didn't keep close tabs on his senior staff, now did you?" He had said it jokingly, but he was going to have to get used to this. A constant medical advisor so to speak. Well, it was T'Val and he wouldn't want it any other way.

"I understand that you have been on the Copenhagen before. Care to show me around starting here in sickbay, and then maybe you could show me to my quarters." T'Val gave that single raised eyebrow look, not knowing if he was serious or if there was another meaning behind his words. Stuart let her wonder about it and started looking around this small medical facility.

[Deleted]

"Yes, I have been on the Copenhagen before," T'Val said, her eyes shining with humour as she gently prodded him, "but apparently you have lost your ability to distinguish between a runabout and a Sabre class starship." She cast him a very unVulcan grin as she continued to update her latest files onto the runabout's computer.

The Vulcan healer motioned around. "This is all the sickbay there is. This monitor, the bed, and our cabinet of supplies. As for quarters, there is only one sleeping area on a runabout, with several beds so we would all be sharing the same room. I would assume that we would not all retire for 'the night' at the same time so we would be taking rest in shifts. that would mean that either you or me is on duty, while the other sleeps."

She preceeded him into the sleeping room. "Would you prefer the top or the lower bunk?" she asked him, fully aware that they were, for now, alone in the room. She knew there wouldn't be much room for privacy while en route to Trill, but who knew what would happen after arrival.

"I need to check on the admiral," she then stated, "his symbiont may be unsettled because of what lies ahead. And while I am at it, I am going to have Mister Gaz examined as well. Perhaps we will discover similarities or discrepancies when we compare scan results of both men. What do you think?"

<Mercy>

Together, they walked forward on the runabout. "Admiral, before we depart, I would like to make a scan of your symbiont," T'Val remarked, "it would be interesting to see any difference in results before and after our trip."

<Magellan>

[Jamey Gaz]

OFF ... Lt. Commander Gaz reporting in and getting the shuttle underway to Trill

... the timing may be a tad bit off ... the Nevada hasn't reached dock yet ... so I guess this is forward-posting ...

ON ***

Jamey wasted no time after the Nevada docked getting to the shuttle where everyone was waiting. He hated to keep people doing that. He packed light knowing that the rush from the Nevada to the Copenhagen was going to be quick; in fact he had thought that a near warp transport would have been needed. Stowing his things in the back compartment he made his way forward to the pilots seat. Seeing his new 'crew-mates' for this mission Jamey said, "Hello," reaching out a hand to Admiral Lin, "Lt. Commander Gaz reporting sir. I believe you are waiting on me so I will take the pilot seat and get this thing going." Feeling around in his pockets, then looking around the flight control panel Jamey jokingly said, "I seem to have left the keys in my other uniform," noticing that the flight control was locked and needed a clearance code.

"Ah yes. Computer unlock conn access authorisation Magellan Pi-Alpha 1 niner" Magellan replied taking his place in the command seat.

"Ah," Jamey said, "thank you sir. Sir, is everyone on-board?"

"Yep we're only taking a skeleton crew. You may depart when you are ready"

"OK, I will start the pre-flight" Jamey shut the shuttle doors, secured them and started the flow of deuterium and anti-deuterium to the crystals ... adjusted the rate of antimatter through the dilithium crystals and the shuttle came alive with its own power. Disconnecting the shore power, Jamey release the umbilicals and with thrusters only moved the ship toward the bay doors. "Copenhagen to Flight control requesting flight traffic clearance." Jamey requested.

"Assailant Flight to Copenhagen ... you are cleared to the outer marker ... safe journey", a friendly voice replied back.

Jamey thought to him self how nice it would be if flight would be that quick to respond when an Admiral wasn't on board. His face noted a smile from the thought, but it quickly went away fearing that the Admiral would see and ask. The outer marker passed at half impulse and Jamey set the destination - Trill. "Course is set ... requesting speed and permission to warp", Jamey asked Lin

"Warp three Commander - Engage", the Admiral responded

"Understood", and Jamey started the warp plasma to the plasma injectors. The field coils started to glow their familiar white-blue and with an ascending tone, the craft was on its way to Trill at three times the speed of light.

[Deleted]

"Do you have business, in the embassy?" he asked persistently.

"I need to see Ambassador Tedak - I wish to seek asylum." she replied and collapsed.

Tedak heard the commotion outside his office on Assaillant and sighed as he put down the stack of reports. He had quite a bit of work to do, even though he had just arrived back on Assaillant. He wasn't surprised both T'Val and Stuart Mercy were absent, as he also discovered that the starbase CO was also absent. Since he knew that the admiral was having difficulty with his symbiont, he didn't need to ask where they had disappeared to.

He just barely caught one of the PADD's that was about to slide from his desk onto the floor and he placed it back on the desk with an annoyed whack. Then he strode towards the doors, which slid open as the sensor picked up his approach. "Let her in Neron," he instructed the guard, only to find that she had collapsed.

"Help me," he ordered, as he picked the girl up by her shoulders. Together with the guard they carried her into the Romulan's office and set her down in one of the chairs. Gently, he shook the girl. "Who are you?" he asked her as soon as she opened her eyes, "and what are you doing here?"

He couldn't quite tell what species the girl was, as she was covered with grime. He turned back to the guards. "Get me a clean cloth, a bowl of water and some clean clothing. I don't care what kind of clothing as long as they fit her all right and are clean!"

He turned back to the girl, who seemed to be cowering. "There's no need to be afraid," he assured her, "you're safe here." Yet he knew Starfleet security would most likely be arriving soon to demand an explanation. "Why don't you tell me your story from the start?" he gently said. Then he spoke a little louder. "Lily, warn me if anyone from Starfleet approaches. Anyone other than the two guards that were at my door."

"Yes Teeedak," the computer entity responded, "but I'll need a code to authorize this."

Tedak sighed and gave her the required authorization code, then walked over to the replicator in his office to get his guest something to drink. She looked severely dehydrated, but he didn't know which drinks she would like as she had yet to speak up beyond telling him her name.

[Magellan Lin]

OOC: As the trip will take ten days in Sim feel free to make a post or posts explaining what you did in that time. To accelerate the plot slightly I will have us arrive and get settled on Trill.

IC:

The Copenhagen dropped out of warp on the outer edge of the solar system and shifted to impulse for the last leg. Trill hung in space like a bright blue orb.
A number of craft whizzed around her. An orbital network and space station orbited the planet a hold over from those days of isolation and paranoia.

"Incoming vessel this is the Trill Defence Force Light Cruiser Cyrille Please identify."

Jamey raised an eyebrow and turned to face Magellan,
"Thats a bit formal" he noted,
Magellan nodded,
"Ensign ask Guardian Laurana to join me on the bridge. And open a comm channel."
"Channel open sir"

"This is the USS Copenhagen. Starfleet Registry NCC 759601."
There wa a pause.
"Confirmed Copenhagen. Your a long way from home. Is there a problem. We can contact Admiral Norado for you. Starfleet have a facility on Sub-Orbital Platfrom 3."
"That wont be necessary this is not offical starfleet business. We'll notify Hitagi that we are in system."
"Very good Copenhagen. We 'll escort you in."

Magellan bade Jamey to follow the cruiser which led them to an orbital station. From the Jamey, Lauarana, Mercy and T’Val could access a planetary transporter.
“We have arrived at Trill.” Magellan announced over the comm, “Myself and Laurana are going down to my parents place – we’ll be staying there. There is room for everyone else to stay too. We’ll be leaving at the end of the day, so you all have the day to yourselves. We’ll visit the pools tomorrow so perhaps you might want to se Leran Manev or the Hoobishian Baths. The time is your own until either tonight or tomorrow. Magellan out”

[evoran]

Elarus Voran walked down the streets of Trill's capital city, Leran Manev. Interestingly enough, he had never been to Trill in his 479 years of life. He had heard a great deal about it from a former first officer and great friend of his. It was that friend that he was here to see.

He wondered if he was his greatest friend, but he had had so many over the years, it was impossible to rank them all. Sometimes it was even hard to remember them all.

But he valued his Trill friends particularly, since they had a similar lifespan to his, even if they didn't always stay the same. Fortunately, he had heard that his friend still had the same host, though he would certainly look different, since Voran hadn't seen him in more than twenty years and he was now 77 years old, the host, that is.

Voran approached the appartment building that he was looking for. It was a shimmering blue tower, near the coast. Voran hoisted his bag further up his shoulder as he stopped in front of it and gazed at it.

After a short pause, he walked forward and entered the building and found the residents' directory in the lobby. He searched for a while and quickly found the name he was looking for, Jenan Ren. He was on the thirtieth floor, appartment 3025.

As Voran entered the elevator, he experienced some trepidation for the first time. It's true that he and Jenan had been great friends, and feelings like that don't easily go away, but he wondered how things would have changed after all these years. He hadn't even spoken to Jenan, merely contacted him through subspace.

The doors opened and he walked along the corridor until he came to the appartment with "3025" on the door. He pressed the door chime.

There was a pause, then the doors opened. Before him, Elarus saw a grey-haired man with the trill spots down the side of his head and neck. The face had changed a great deal, but Voran could still clearly see the man who had been his first officer for 15 years, one of his greatest friends.

The two men stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, both stunned. Then Jenan drew him into an embrace.

"It's so good to see you again Captain." said Jenan, his voice filled with emotion.

"Likewise." said Voran, "You know you can call me Elarus, Jenan; I haven't been your commanding officer for 30 years."

"I never could get used to calling my former superiors by their names." said Jenan, pensively.

"I hope I'm not imposing," said Voran, "I could stay at a hotel..."

"No, Captain, I wouldn't hear of it!" said Jenan.

"You know, I'm not even a Starfleet officer anymore, and even if I was, you're higher in rank than me now, Admiral." said Voran, smirking, as he laid down his bags.

Jenan chuckled and said, "Come through to the living room, we have a great deal to catch up on."

Voran walked through to the living room. He was slightly awestruck as he saw the view that greeted him from the window. The appartment looked out onto the sea, a glorious, glittering mass.

He sat down on the sofa as Jenan called, "Can I get you something? Food? Drink?"

"I haven't had anything since I got off the transport, I could really go for a lemonade." Voran called back.

Moments later, Jenan returned with the drink and sat down in an armchair opposite Voran.

"I suppose I must look quite different to you." said Jenan.

"A bit." Said Voran, "But I can still see you in there Jenan."

"You haven't changed a bit since the day you handed over command of Excalibur to me." said Jenan, smiling, "Although I think I see a bit of grey in your hair."

Voran touched his hair and smiled, "Perhaps."

Voran took a sip from his glass and said, "So, tell me what you've been up to Jenan."

"Well, I commanded Excalibur right up until the end of the Dominion War, shortly after that, they promoted me and I served at Starfleet Command for about 10 years, then I retired in 2385." said Jenan.

"Yes, I've heard about the Dominion War." said Voran, "I hear it was pretty awful."

"Captain," said Jenan, "you have no idea. I'd never seen anything like it. I was lucky to come out of it...so many weren't that lucky."

His eyes saddened for a moment.

"But, I kept your ship safe, or perhaps it was the other way around."

"She's as much your ship as mine. But the old girl made it through, huh?" said Voran, with a bit of pride in his voice."

"Sure did." said Jenan, "and the Galaxy and the Repulse are still in active service too, from what I hear. You're obviously a good luck charm on ships."

Voran smiled and took another drink.

"I was sorry to hear about Tereda. She was a wonderful woman and I know you loved her very much." said Voran.

Jenan nodded, "Though her symbiont has been joined with another host now. A lovely young lady, I still see her."

They talked like that for hours, never getting bored, each one as interested as the other, a clear reminder of their friendship.

When Jenan had finally decided to go to bed, Voran accessed the ship schedules. The Copenhagen would be arriving in a few hours. He wondered how much time he would have on Trill.

It had been an emotional day and wearily, Voran headed for his room.

[Magellan Lin]

Whilst waiting for Laurana to arrive Magellan retired to the cramped ready room. It was barely bif enough for the desk, but then Sabre class vessels were never designed fro extended missions.
He took a seat and called up a comm line to the Starfleet Headqaurters on Trill.

"Hitagi good to see you" Magellan greeted as a fellow Admirals face appeared. The man was perhaps in his 50's with a thin well manicured moustache,
"Magellan. Its been awhile. The Conference on Vega IV?"
"Yes I think it was. Hows your new command treating you?"
"New" Hitagi smiled "I ve been on Trill 3 years now. Hows Section 47? The Section system still working."
Admiral Hitagi Norado was of the old school and had opposed the setting up of Sections to administer the Federation. He was happy with the old fleet system.
"Oh you know we have our ups and downs."
"So personal business then I hear."
Magellan laughed,
"You always prided yourself on intell. Yes just a few days and then back to Assailant."
"When I saw the Copenhagen on the flight lists I thought it might have been you. I ve actually got some passengers for you."
"Passengers?"
"Yes they to go that way. Commander Vrix needs dropping off at Station 16, theres a tekaran family on their way to join relatives on Qualinost and theres a former Captain also bound for Assailant something to do with links to the Jefferson."
"Speaking of which did you here Losks giving her up"
"I sure did. I never thought he'd join you pushing paper behind the desk."
"And you" Magellan pointed out.
"touche. Anyways I ll upload the comm channels for your passengers you can contact them when your ready to leave."
"Thanks Hitagi. Talk to you soon"
"Bye, and dont break any local laws, I wont bail you out."

There was a beep at the door.
"Enter" Magellan requested,
Laurana appeared at the door and entered,
"Hi" she smiled "I didnt see you much on the trip."
"Well Captaining a ship isnt just sitting in a chair."
"I thought you were avoiding me."
"In the entire time I ve known you..."
"Thats only 2 months"
Magellan ignored her, "I ve never once been able to avoid you"
"True true." She grinned and perched herslef on the desk in front of him, "So here we are."
"Indeed" Magellan nodded, " I ve arranged to stay at my parents we'll go to the commission in the morning and then the caves."
"Sounds good to me"
There was a pause and then Magellan said,
"Are you going to stay up here till then or come down with us to my parents."
Laurana shifted uncomfortably,
"Actually I ll be going back to the caves, I have quarters there and 2 months is along time away from the pools. I d like to check up on some of the symbionts."
"Oh okay. We'll meet you there tomorrow then."
"I ll get going and transport down. See you tomorrow." with a wink Laurana left.
Magellan sighed and pulled up a PaDD interface. Quickly he mailed his parents address to T'Val and Stuart with instructions that they could stay there tonight if they wished. Magellan hoped they did, that way he could keep an eye on them.
Having sent that he gathered his belongings and prepared to disembark.

[Magellan Lin]

Jo'leen sat up and took the cloth and removed the grime from her face. Now Tedak could not mistake the vulcanoid features. She was in her 30's with dark hair and pencil thin eyebrows that rose in an arch above her green eyes. She looked vaguely reminiscent.
"Thankyou" she whispered, "It was quite a trial getting up here.
"So I see. Those Security Officers are still out there" Tedak noted,
"Oh them, They're just annoyed I stowed away and jumped customs. Its not them I m worried about its the Silasi."
Tedak looked up at this. The Silasi where the Debrune Police and Security Services - so she was Debruni.
"You seek asylum?"
"Oh yes, my life is in danger."
Tedak nodded and took a seat beside her,
"And why did you come to the Romulan Embassy?"
Jo'leen looked puzzled,
"Why? Because my Father and Cousin have alliances with the Romulans."
"Your father and cousin?"
"Yes, Former Elder Jar'ron and Jak'tel"

[Deleted]

Tedak frowned. "If they have ties with the Romulans, and you are fleeing from them, why are you seeking asylum by barging into a Romulan embassy?" he asked her, as he had the cloth exchanged for a cleaner one. "Unless you have spoken with people who tell you that I have no personal interest in Debrune politics, despite having a Debrune son."

At her raising of eyebrows, he nodded. "My bondmate and I have adopted a Debrune infant, who was orphaned. At any rate, I believe it would be wise if I contact Elder Ji'Zhan." At her frightened look he gave her an ecouraging smile. "Ji'Zhan can be trusted, he was Jak'dor's closest friend. He may be a bit odd, but he's a good man."

<more later if I get ideas....>

[Magellan Lin]

OOC: Joint Post by Me and Tedak

"No No you dont understand. I m not fleeing Jar'ron and my cousin. I m trying to reach them." Jo'leen said worriedly

Now it was Tedak's turn to look worried. "Reach them?" he echoed, "I'm not certain I can help you with that ma'am."

Jo'leen looked anxious and shifted uncomfortably , "But this is the Romulan Embassy. I need help."

"Yes, this is the Romulan Embassy," Tedak agreed, "and you certainly look like you need help. However the two people you are trying to reach are not exactly friends of mine. Their ideals do not coincide with those of the late Elder Jak'Dor, who was indeed a friend of mine and my wife." He gazed down on her anxious face. "However, I will contact Elder Ji'Zhan for you, and he may know how to reach them."

"I dont care who your friends are I want you to do your jobs and if you hand me over to Ji'Zhan you may as well just shoot me now." the debrune shot back vehmently mimicing a shot tothe head with an imaginery gun.

The Romulan shook his head in dismay. "Why would I want to shoot you?" he asked, feigning ignorance, "you sought asylum in my office, thus you are my responsebility. I had no intention of 'handing' you to Ji'Zhan as you put it, however I do need to contact him. As Elder, he is responsible for his people, and as Debrune, you fall under that responsebility."

"Then I shall expect your protection. For I trust none in this new enlightened administration. Nor do I trust a mere acolyte becoming elder especially one who uses a mere child as a political pawn."

"Believe me I was not happy with that move either, but that child is my child, and I know there is something to this child that only Jak'Dor and Ji'Zhan saw, as well as T'Val. My wife informed me of his use and how she disapproved it, yet Ji'Zhan has convinced us both that he didn't take the child into the crowd for fear of his safety. And the child would've been in danger, I have no doubt. And Ji'Zhan was not just a mere acolyte. However, as you sought asylum, you are under this embassy's protection. Not even base security can touch you or deport you without going through this office first." He paused, sipping his own coffee. "Now, however, we need to find you secure quarters, and you will not be able to leave this base without me knowing it."

The Romulan pointed skyward. "The computer will let me know when you do, and if it happens, you will be on your own."

Jo'Leen breathed a heavy sigh of relief and with conviction said, "Thankyou. I knew I could rely on the strength of the Romulan Empire"

Tedak rolled his eyes in response. "Some strength, this empire, who resorted to kidnapping children to get their way. At times, it shames me to be Romulan." He nodded towards the door. "Now, we should get you settled. Is there anything special you require?"


"Nothing. I ve been on the run and hiding fromthe hit squad for days, just a meal and a bed will do. And thankyou oncemore." As she finished speaking Nelon walked back in.

"Excuse me Ambassador there is a Lt Tret of the Silasi on the line for you"

"Thank you Nelon," the Romulan replied, "please escort Miss Jo'Leen to guest quarters and make sure she is guarded." He exchanged a knowing look with the guard. "For her own safety, and please send the lieutenant in."

"Hes on line Sir"

Tedak crossed to teh terminal and accessed the screen.

"Ambassador Tedak. You are harbouring an enemy of the Debrune. You must hand her over immediatly on orders of the Elders. You have 3 hrs" With that he cut the transmission.

[Deleted]

"I don't think so," Tedak replied, "the woman is under the protection of the Romulan Embassy, she will not be delivered to anyone. And I do not negotiate with terrorists, or people who issue threats. Good day!"

Angrily, he signed off the transmission. "Lily, contact Elder Ji'Zhan, tell him that it's urgent."

The computer entity acknowledged, having overheard the entire conversation and a few seconds later, Ji'Zhan's tired face appeared on the screen. "Elder, I apollogize if I have woken you up," Tedak started, "but just now a young Debrune woman collapsed on the doorstep of my office requesting asylum. She claims to be related Jar'ren and Jak'tel, however I have no intention of letting her go to them just yet. I need you to come over to the starbase, as we need to talk. This is important Elder, to you, and to the Debrune people."

<Ji'Zhan>

[evoran]

Voran sat down and took a sip of water. He was in Jenan Ren's living room once again and had spent all morning answering subspace communications. Once he had returned and everone knew he was alive, he had received an enourmous amount of communications from people ranging from acquantainces to his closest friends. It was nice to see everyone again, but it was tiring work. He had returned a month ago and was now only starting to get round to answering them all.

"Well that takes care of everyone at Starfleet Command." said Jenan, who had been helping him and had a PADD in his hand. He checked it again, "Oh yes, and you've been invited to speak at this year's NX convention in March".

"It figures." said Voran wearily, "I'm one of the last surviving NX crewmembers. There's only a few Vulcans besides me, I think."

"What should I tell them?" asked Jenan.

"Tell them I'll think about it." said Voran. "I don't know why they bother with these NX conventions anymore; they went out of service about 200 years ago."

"They're legendary ships, Captain. You have no sentimentality" said Jenan.

"That's not true, I find this a bit sentimental. Reminds me of when we used to go through all those reports every Monday. But these NX conventions, I been going to them for 200 years. I suppose it would be good to see some of the old faces again...tell them I'll be there if I can."

"If you can?" repeated Jenan, "Do you have a lot of plans for the coming months? Thinking about going back to Starfleet?"

Voran sighed. "I've spent all morning telling people that I don't know yet. It does appeal to me, and it seems that whenever I retire, sooner or later I usually find myself back in Starfleet."

"The Enterprise museum have invited you to their next event, in February, they say they'd like you to speak if possible." said Jenan, changing the subject.

"Why does the Enterprise museum want me? Starfleet never gave me command of an Enterprise." said Voran, pretending to be bitter.

"You never know, it's not too late yet." said Jenan, "Aren't you the only person to have been aboard all of the Enterprises?"

"Er..." said Voran, "Yeah, I think so, let's see, I served on NX-01, 1701 I've been on her a few times, A...yes I went to A's commissioning ceremony, B...I encountered a few times, C...well, you were with me every time I went to C, D, Picard's ship, yes, once or twice, ah, but E...I haven't seen that one, hah!"

"Still, there aren't many people who can say they've been aboard all those legendary ships."

"Maybe." said Voran.

"You know, I heard they were thinking about raising the saucer of the 1701-D." said Jenan.

"Really? That sounds interesting." said Voran thoughtfully. What's the name of that planet they crashed it into?" He was still catching up on the events of all the last 20 years.

"Veridian III." said Jenan. "Yes, the plan would be to refit the saucer on Veridian and raise it. Meanwhile, they'd create a replica of the drive section at Utopia Planitia and reconnect them and put them in the museum."

"Hmmm, well it'll be interesting to see how that turns out."

"So, what next?" said Jenan, "The comminuques from Vulcan?"

"I guess." said Voran.