SB Assailant Mission 3.1 - Diplomacys Veil

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan rematerialised in the familiar surroundings o the courtyard to his families home. It was a simple cobbled affair with a small pool and fountain at the centre. Surrounded by a low wall a set of steps led up to the gardens and the house.
"Maggy" an exclamtion came from above him. His mother descended the steps in a flurry of action. She was in her early fifties with short greying hair. She reached him and encompassed him in a big hug.
"I wish you d stop calling me that. Maggie is a human female name."
"Well we're not on Earth" She smiled letting him go and holding him at arms length eying up and down.
"You ve put on weight."
"I have not" Magellan replied indignantly,
"Come on inside your fathers just got back."
Ary Riva locked him arm through her sons and guided him up to the house.
"As your an Admiral now surely you could have given yourself time to come back here more often."
Magellan sighed
"It doesnt work like that. I m busier now than ever"
His mother scowled, "I saw more of you when you were all over the galaxy on the Victory."

The homestead was a modest one for this area of Retal province. His father had earned a good reputation as an irrigation engineer for the southern continent. The Orb Fruit crop relied on complete saturation for 8 months of a year.
"So the brass has come to town" Reynard noted rising from his chair and taking Magellans hand.
"Hi Dad. How’s the irrigation plant"
"Oh fine. We could do with more workers but everywhere seems to be in that state at the moment. How’s your station?"
Magellan took a seat,
"Will your friends be staying?" Ary asked,
"Yes I think so"
"I ll go get the spare rooms ready"
Magellan turned back to his father,
"The base is fine Dad. Very busy if its not one thing its another"
"Your mother and I have seen. The Fed News Service did a piece onthe Debrune Elections. You want to watch those Romulans. There bound to be causing problems somewhere"
Magellan smiled wryly
“Oh I keep my eye on them alright. But you better kerb those views if T’Val stays tonight.”
“Oh why”
“T’Val is married to the Romulan Ambassador to Assailant”
“Oh I see. I ll be on my best behaviour. How long are you staying?”
“Only a few days. I’ll go to the commission and pools tomorrow.”
“You think they can help you find your lost hosts identitys”
“I hope so. Lin sure isn’t going to help me”
“You still too separated,”
“It comes and goes. More goes of lately to be honest.”
Reynard looked thoughtful,
“You know your Uncle Lotodi is having problems with his symbiont too.”
“Kit?”
“Yes. The other day they disassociated for 6 hours, nearly killed him.”
“Lotodi as well. It seems many of the joined Trill are having problems. I hope we can find a solution.”

[Deleted]

T'Val walked around in Magellan's home city, marveling at the buildings and botanical gardens. She had never been to Trill before, and until now it hadn't really been her priority either. Soon, Stuart would join her and she was looking forward to having some time alone. Despire the Copenhagen being more spaceous than a Runabout, there still hadn't been much room for privacy. Not when they really wanted to spend some time together.

She looked up at the tall towers, while standing in the middle of a large park, leaning casually against one of the many trees growing in the park. She admired the architecture and was so lost in her thoughts, that she didn't hear the approaching footsteps. She literally jumped when a hand touched her shoulder. When she turned, she found Stuart Mercy standing in front of her, looking rather guilty. "You startled me," she said accusingly, then pointed at the tall towers. "Interesting architecture," she said, "do you think we will be allowed to enter one and examine them from the inside?"

<Mercy>

[evoran]

Voran had been informed that the ship that would be taking him back to Starbase Assailant had arrived. Upon contacting said starship, an ensign had told him that he could find Admiral Lin at his parents' home on Trill. He was now, therefore, opening a channel to their house.

After a brief wait, a woman's face appeared on the screen.

"How can I help you?" she asked.

"I'm looking for Admiral Magellan Lin." said Voran.

"One moment." she said, and the screen switched to the Trill emblem, just below it, "STAND BY"

A few seconds later, Admiral Lin's face appeared on the screen.

"Hello Admiral, I'm Elarus Voran, I'll be travelling back with you to Starbase Assailant." said Voran, simply.

"My" Magellan exclaimed, "When Hitagi told me a former captian was returning with us I did nt know it was you. That will make the return voage much better - I ve always wanted to know more about the NX Project."

"I was wondering when we are schelduled to leave." said Voran

"Not sure yet. Theres no definite departure set. If all goes well the day after tomorrow perhaps the end of the week."

"If I'm able to render assistance with your current mission, I'm happy to do so." said Voran

"I ll bear that in mind but it is just really personal business. I will contact you when we arer ready to go."

OOC: Magellan, since Voran has been around in Starfleet for 200 years and is relatively famous, it would make sense if Lin had heard of him before. IE, not complete and utter amazement and dumbfoundedness, but his name is bound to be in a few history books.

[Magellan Lin]

Jo'leen felt much better once she was safe inside some assigned quarters. She washed and ate. Tedak had provided her with some new clothes and she sat curled comfortably on the sofa.
At the door sat a Romulan Embassy Guard. He was taciturn and reluctant to enter into conversation. She spent her time checking the news services and wondering what would happen to her.
She had no idea where either her father or her cousin were. She never really got on with her father, not all children did, but she still loved him and it hurt her that he was always out of contact for such long periods.
She knew it was safest for him. He was a rebel in the eyes of the majority of her people and she knew many in the high council would like to get their hands on him.
Her mother, Jar'rons wife had died during one of the many moves the Debrune had made in their long exile. They had spent millenia drifting from secret colony to hidden base. A migrant and disjointed people. Some she knew had assumed Vulcan and Romulan identities and had taken to living in these far off places, something she would perhaps have to do now herself.

It had been her fathers hope that Jak'tel would win the Elder ellection and thereby give his rebels a political voice in the Debrune. He could then safely return to advoicate closer ties with their brother race the Romulans.
It wasnt that she or her family disliked the Federation, though Jak'tel probably did, it was just that Romulans were family, more so than the Vulcans. It made sense to renew ties with them.

she wondered wistfully if she would ever be able to return to her new home on Qualimost. The Debrune had only restettled their ancient city 18 months ago but it laready felt like home, and until they rediscovered their lost homewolrd of Deberon it would do.

It was all moot really, she was unlikely to survive. However had directed the Silasi to kill her and any of the remaining high level members of Jar'rons family or politcal allies.
The election had been the worst thing to happen to her fathers cause, it promised him hope and then dashed it. Jak'tel could never have won but it had to be tried. Now the cause was lost, the rebels were srtill outcast and left with no option but to fight, and she knew they would and all the supporters in Qualinost had been forced to show their hand in the debating period... it was them who were now disappearing. Very soon there would be no one on the planet to explain her fathers ideals.

And her fate - well that lay with Tedak. A man she knew supported her families enemies - she had only trust in the fact he found be bound by his duty.

[mercy]

~Finally!~ Stuart thought to himself once he found out they had made it to Trill. The ten day voyage had been wrought with a slight illness for him that he couldn't just quite narrow down to what the cause might have been. He did try this new Debrune dish, that had been programmed into the replicators. He wondered if it had any tropical fruit enzymes that might have caused this.

It had finally run its course near the end of their journey. It was time to disembark and see some of the sites. The Admiral had invited both T'Val and himself to stay with him at his parents house. It was more convenient this way, in order to keep an eye on him. Although, Stuart was sure that Admiral Lin wanted to keep an eye on them as well.

T'Val had gone ahead to the planet and gotten a head start. It didn't take long to catch up to her. Stuart had spotted her on the street, admiring the tall towers and architectures of several buildings in this town. She was a romantic. Stuart had never been close to anyone who was like this. He was glad to have found her, with her intellect and cultural interests, it made having a relationship very interesting.

He walked up behind her and tapped her on the shoulder. Startled she turned around.

"You startled me," she said accusingly, then pointed at the tall towers. "Interesting architecture," she said, "do you think we will be allowed to enter one and examine them from the inside?"

"Yes, I do think so. It kind of resembles an old Earth church, maybe it's a shrine of some sort. But first, let me apollogize for startling you."

Stuart leaned in towards T'Val, who was still leaning up against the tree, and gave her a longing kiss. Although they were out in the openess of the park, it was nice to be alone for once.

The kiss ended and T'Val placed her arm into the crook of his when he offered it. They started walking in the direction of the building with the tall towers.

T'Val looked up at Stuart and gave a slight smile. "I see you're feeling better."

Stuart gave a knowing smile back.

[Ji' Zhan]

Ji'Zhan made his way to his personal shuttle that was heavily guarded and was how Elder's of the Debrune traveled. The shuttle, being as large as a Federation run-about with Debrune technology gave the craft more abilities, afforded Ji'Zhan a quick trip to the base. Ji'Zhan had stopped by D'Beren room and picked the sleeping child up who didn't awake and remanded asleep in Ji'Zhan's arms.

Ji'Zhan quickly found his way to Tedak's office and rang the chime.

Tedak's voice was heard, "Enter"

Ji'Zhan walked in and smiled, "Hello, my friend. I wasn't aware that you had made it back to the station. As you can see, I have a sleeping child here that I believe belongs to you." D'Beren was still asleep looking like an angel resting in the arms of a trusted guardian. "What is this issue we have together that brought us up so early in the morning?"

<Tedak>

[Jamey Gaz]

~~~ on Trill ~~~

Jamey had left the Copenhagen for his family home. His mother and father were both retired from diplomatic service between the Federation and Trill. Because of this service, their home was rather large and their needs were well attended. Jamey arrived during dinner.

"What are you doing here!?", Jamey's mother exclaimed.

"... you should have told us you were coming?", Jamey's father added.

"I know, I know ... this trip happened so quick that we were already underway before I thought about contacting you ... then I thought a surprise would be better." Jamey answered back.

The three hug for what seemed to be hours. It had been some time since Jamey had been to Trill; and other than communiques, since he had seen his parents.

"The place looks wonderful", Jamey said looking around the home. Jamey had always been upset that his parent sold the home he was raised in, "how is the old home stead?"

His mother responded, "son, its doing OK ... our friends from Earth bought it and have made some much needed upgrades."

"Yes," his father added, "the old place looks wonderful now."

The conversation about the old home wasn't carried any further. Instead Jamey told them of this trip about the mission where his symbiont's troubles began. He talked of the USS Angel and of the artifact that threatened the whole system they were in ... and how the outcome came about. Dinner ended with all three talking about the pools on Trill and his trip there in the morning.

[Deleted]

joint post Tedak/Ji'Zhan

Tedak took his sleeping son from the newly elected elder and swiftly went to put him to bed. When he came back, he invited Ji'Zhan to take a seat. "This afternoon a young woman collapsed on the doorstep of my office," he started, "she claims to be in mortal danger and sought asylum within the Romulan embassy. I have granted her such asylum, but as she's not Romulan but Silasi I do have a few issues with it." He paused, giving the Debrune elder the chance to jump in.

Ji'Zhan noticed the air in the room, the fact that it was different than any other conversation he had with Tedak. "The Silasi?", Ji'Zhan asked. "Why is this woman being sought ... is she a criminal?"

"I am not certain," Tedak replied, as he sat down himself, crossing his fingers in his lap. His arm was still sore, but it no longer needed to be bandaged and he could at least use it again. "However, there is something that might interest you. She claims to be the cousin of your opponent in the elections."

"Ok," Ji'Zhan stated not knowing where this was going, "A cousin of my opponent is of no concern with me." Now looking at Tedak with some trepidation, "I still don't know why this envoles me."

"No no, you don't understand," Tedak stressed, "she is Jar'ron's daughter. And I don't believe she should be allowed to join Jar'ron just yet. I would like you to talk to her, and see what her intentions are. She's under my protection for now, but I've told her that regarding Debrune matters she needs to talk to you."

"I would suspect that she would be looking to leave the home-world and seek a new life with the Romulans." Ji'Zhan said still thinking why was this issue so important that he was awoke from his bed. "Where is the young girl ... I will speak to her."
Ji'Zhans guard was alarmed by this and started to speak, but Ji'Zhan quieten him.

"Come with me," the Romulan spoke up after a long silence, "but as she is under my protection I would like to remain present at all times. Not that I don't trust you, but more for her sake." He got up, smoothed his robes and preceded Ji'Zhan towards Jo'Leen's quarters. "Miss Jo'Leen, I have Elder Ji'Zhan here, we would like to speak with you."

The young girl stood pose in a position of defence ... understandable if one has been running from enforcement. "Hello", Ji'Zhan said, "you have no cause to be alarmed by me nor my guards; under Tedak's protection you are untouchable right now."

<magellan>

[Deleted]

T'Val smiled ever so slightly and leaned back against the tree, gazing at Stuart for a long time before averting her gaze. "I am gratified to hear that you are feeling better," she said, her eyes holding a bemused look, "I am certain the fresh air has done you well." She hooked her arm through his as they continued their stroll through the park.

"Look," she then said and pointed to a figure coming their way, "that is Captain Voran, the El-Aurian we rescued from a planet that was obscured in a nebula." She led her companion towards the older man, her face now once more wearing a very Vulcan expression. "Captain Voran," she greeted, "I had no knowledge that you would be on Trill, otherwise I would have sought you out sooner. How have you been?"

<Voran>

"Oh do please forgive me. This is Doctor Stuart Mercy, the chief medical officer of Starbase Assaillant." She glanced from the older man to the younger one, pondering whether to inform the older one that Mercy was also her lover.

<Voran/Mercy>

"Captain, are you familiar here on Trill? We have just arrived and we would be interested in learning about history and architecture. Would you be willing to show us around?"

<Voran>

[Magellan Lin]

Jo’leen looked up and saw the face of Ji’Zhan. She forced back the snarl she felt rising within her and bowed her head in the correct way to respect an elder. She may not respect the person but she did the station.
“I hope you won’t think me rude to point out that I do not believe your concerns for my safety.”
Ji’zhan smiled weakly and moved into the room and took a seat,
“I am sorry to hear that. Please tell me your story”
Jo’leen looked sceptically at Tedak and then shrugged,
“Three nights ago I got a call from an ally of my father. He wanted to see me. I obliged and met him in a café off the plaza on Qualinost. He was very nervous and warned me that an extermination of all those that opposed the High Council was under way. He warned me to get away. I thought he was nuts and told him so.
The next day I heard on the news that six… SIX of my cousin’s friends had all had fatal accidents overnight. That was too much of a coincident. I was scared… more so when I realised that people were following me. Last night they came for me, they knocked on the door and when I ignored it they broke it down, I fought – oh how I fought, that’s when I noticed the badge. One of the men had a Silasi badge on his belt. I managed to slip from them when the led me from the apartment and I ran and I ve been running ever since… till now. So you see I don’t want you or any of your cronies anywhere near me. I once had pride that despite our differences all Debrune were respected – you have shown me how wrong I was. Perhaps my father was right – perhaps the council is corrupted. Either way I will not be extradited back to you.”

[Magellan Lin]

OOC: Sorry for such a monster post but its designed to introduce a new character - Ambassador Ezedreiana who will be guesting and to begin to move the plot. I will also let some of you know what the basic plot is so you know the direction in which the mission COULD take. By the way I ve dropped some clues into the post too LOL. Lets see if I ve been subtle enough LOL


Magellan woke early the next morning. It was perhaps the best night’s sleep he had taken in a very long time. It was good to be home. He pottered about in the kitchen and took some juice whilst he waited for the rest of the house to stir.
He sat at the table and switched on the news…

“Today the President met with Federation officials to discuss new trade negotiations with the Talarians. It is expected the Federation Council will accede o Trills wishs to restrict incoming goods from Talar to commercial electrical components only thereby safeguarding home exports of consumables.” The news reader was a smartly dressed young woman and sat beside a long thin table beside a window over looking the Presidential Precinct.
“The Councillor from New Scirpio will be officially installed today as the cities public representative. Jola Torek an unjoined trill from the increasingly popular neo-purist party – Movement for Dissociation was elected last week in a landslide vote. Jola Torek replaces Gomo Tal who died last month when his symbiont experienced side effects of the EM attack on Mak’ala in 2374.
In related news Neo-purists were attacked by Ambassador Ezdreiana in a speech made to the Senate.” The shot changed from the studio to the senate chamber.
“I believe that to allow what is essentially a terrorist party access to the highest levels of government to be the worst crime we can allow. These people are responsible for the slaughter of over 90% of all symbionts.”
The Ambassador went on to oppose a neo-purist motion to request all off world joined Trills to return home and be unjoined.
Today the Asdec Market fell by thre….”

Magellan clicked off the news and sighed, Things on Trill were indeed bad. The rioting and attacks on the Caves of Mak’ala were over 20 years ago and in that time things hadn’t improved. The symbionts had nearly been wiped out, only now were numbers returning to suitable and sustainable levels. It was expected that new joinings could be made in a matter of years. Many believed that had been possible for awhile and that the government were unsure how to go about opening up symbiosis again especially with the Neo-purists agenda having grown so strong in the intervening years.

By mid morning the small landing party were assembled and ready to begin their investigations. Magellan took the party to a public transporter and transported them all to the grounds of the symbiosis commission.
The building was large and impressive and heavily guarded.
They were met by two Security Officers.
“Identify yourselves”
“I am Admiral Magellan, these are Commander Gaz, Captain Voran, Doctor Mercy and Healer T Val.”
It was obvious the names meant nothing to them but the guards nodded and glared accusatorily.
“Business. I m here to see the Commissioner.”
The men looked at each other.
“I m afraid the commissioner sees no-one. I can admit you and Director Talia will speak to you.”
“Thankyou “ Magellan smiled and followed one of the guards who led them in to a wide atrium with lush plants and deep comfortable seats.

They were kept waiting for perhaps 20 minutes before a thin willowy woman approached,
“I am the Directors Secretary” the Woman introduced herself, “He is tied up at the moment but I am instructed to give you a tour”
“We are not here to sightsee I hear for medical purposes as is Cmdr Gaz, we are both as our many of our kind experiencing trouble with our symbionts.”
“Medical? Perhaps you should attend the hospital?”
Magellan looked at Jamey somewhat amazed,
“The Symbiosis Commission is there to treat joined Trill.”
“Indeed it is but as I said we are very busy. I will get the Director to contact you in a few days.”
“A few days!!! I was instructed to come here as soon as possible by Guardian Laurana. I m due to see her at the pools today.”
“One moment” the woman smiled and crossed to a terminal, “ I m afraid you are mistaken – there is no Guardian called Laurana.”
Magellan looked shell shocked, “You must be wrong”
“Shes not in my system.”
“She was I cross checked when I first met her”
“You must have been mistaken” she replied coldly,
“Let me see those records”
“I m afraid that’s not possible”
“Preposterous.”
“I’m sorry sir but that’s not possible”
“Give me a moment” Magellan suggested
He returned to the others and looked at them,
“Something’s not right here. I m going to try and pull something’s by seeing Ambassador Ezdreiana, Jamey you and Voran try and reach the Caves find one of the guardians.”
“What about us?” T Val asked,
“I d like you to take the tour on offer. See what you can find out.”

TAG Everyone

As the teams split up and departed the secretary returned and greeted Mercy and T Val.
“Please this way for the tour. As Doctors you will appreciate our implantation rooms and diagnosis stations. She led them to a door way and then paused, her eyes narrowing on Stuart.
“Is that a tricorder?” she asked pointing to the device on his hip,
“Yes”
“ I m afraid only Trill tricorders are permitted beyond this point. Your Starfleet Types interfere with our… devices. Please leave it here.”
Mercy looked unsure but the woman was already reaching for it with her thin arm.
He instinctively protected it grabbing her hand. She was unsually strong and brushed his hand away and took the tricorder.
“You can collect it on return.” She smiled innocently and directed them into the next room. Behind their back she crushed the device in her hand and let it drop into the waste recycler.
Pulling up her silk scarf over her neck she followed the two doctors,
“This way. Our primary care facility is quite impressive.

[evoran]

As Voran walked along to meet with Admiral Lin, he was met by a Vulcan woman that he had encountered on the Jefferson.

"Captain Voran, I had no knowledge that you would be on Trill, otherwise I would have sought you out sooner. How have you been?"

"T'Val, isn't it?" he said, shaking her hand, "I've been fine thanks. Just visiting an old first officer of mine here, lucky that my journey coincided with yours."

"Oh do please forgive me. This is Doctor Stuart Mercy, the chief medical officer of Starbase Assaillant." She glanced from the older man to the younger one.

"Pleased to meet you Doctor." said Voran extending his hand for Mercy.

"Well, I suppose I had better go and meet your Admiral Lin." said Voran, and headed off.

------------------------

"Something’s not right here. I m going to try and pull something’s by seeing Ambassador Ezdreiana, Jamey you and Voran try and reach the Caves find one of the guardians."

Voran nodded. "Right, Admiral."

He and Jamey set off to get a transport to the caves. They found the transport station quite quickly, Jamey being a native of Trill.

Tranports left for the caves every fifteen minutes, so they didn't have long to wait for one. While they rode the transport, Voran sought to make conversation with the man.

"So, you're a joined Trill, Mr Gaz?"

<Gaz>

"Yes, I, as an El Aurian can identify somewhat with my Trill friends because of our lifespans. Human lives seem so short, it's a hard adjustment to make. How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?"

<Gaz>

"So, how long have you known Admiral Lin?"

<Gaz>

"What's he like? Nice guy? Competant?"

<Gaz>

The transport soon arrived and they disembarked and headed to the caves...

[Deleted]

Ambassador Ezdreiana didn't want to be back on Trill so soon, but things required that she make her back home. She never in her worse dreams thought that the Movement for Dissociation or MD as it was now called would have come to power.

The explosions at the Mak’ala Caves demanded that she come back home and convince the senate to stop the MD and protect the rest of the symbionts.

"Ambassador are you sure that you want to do this?" J'Res, her aide asked.

"Yes, I will not keep quiet to these people," Ezdreiana responded as she entered the senate chamber. She was met with an overwhelming support of applause, but the jeers and screams of traitor could still be heard. It seemed that Jola Torek's landslide win convinced some people to turn to his cause.

“People of Trill, I come before you today because a terrible thing has happened on our world. Jola Torek a prominent member of Members for Dissociation was elected the representative of our capital city Leran Manev. I believe that to allow what is essentially a terrorist party access to the highest levels of government to be the worst crime we can allow. These people are responsible for the slaughter of over 90% of all symbionts. How can we allow them to have control of our world, how can we allow them to murder a relationship that we have sustained for millennia. How can you forgive them for killing all the innocent people who died alongside there symbionts. This is a dark day in Trill history, but you the Senate can........"

"Ambassador Ezdreiana, please allow me to share my great pleasure that you have spoken against these people."

"Senator Teron, if that were true why didn't you speak out against them?" Ezdreiana asked.

"Well you know my district is in favor of the MD, they have some questions and they want answers," Teron said giving her a faked smile," it would be a smart idea to keep quiet."

"Teron, you are weak and stupid, you care more about your career than the lives of millions, you are worthless," Ezdreiana said as she walked off.

"Ezdreiana, you will not succeed we will purify our race!" Teron said coming to attention. Ezdreiana wasn't about to give him the pleasure of a response, so she just kept walking. She kept walking away from all the horrible and disgusting things that made up the Senate of Trill.

----------------------

"Have you received any news on my son and the Tiger Shark?" Ezdreiana asked as she entered her office.

"No, reports say that Rear Admiral KezTrek has taken the Sekhmet and gone after them," Ezdreiana's aide reported. Ezdreiana was worried about her only son. He was in danger and he would no doubtly feel what most joined Trills were feeling. They were calling for help, and until they came she would protect them.

"Sayma, get the President Durghan, I need to talk to her," Ezdreiana said as she took her seat. She had been friends with Laciel Durghan for many years and she was glad that she was working hard to bring order to all this madness, but things were spinning out of control and if they didn't act soon the remaining will not symbionts survive.

"Ezdre, what can I do for you my friend?" Laciel asked. Ezdreiana quickly noticed the fatigue on her friend's face. She had been fighting so long and it seemed that there was nothing she could do to bring peace.

"Things are getting worse Lac, I feel as there is going to be another round of bombings and there will be nothing that we can do about it," Ezdreiana responded.

"No, we are protected the caves, no one will harm them," Laciel said.

"Lac, you and I know that, that is not true. MD is getting more popular as we speak and if they win out the senate elections they will control Trill," Ezdreiana said," and we know that this cannot happen. The Federation will not support such a government."

"Are you saying that the Federation will....?" Laciel asked not wanting the answer.

"I don't know, but we know that they won't support a government that sanctions genocide," Ezdreiana said becoming more frustrated as they spoke. She was speaking in hypothetical, but she knew that it was very probable.

"Ambassador there is a Starfleet officer here to see you," Sayma said entering her office. Ezdreiana acknowledged her and quickly finished her conversation with President Durghan.

"Please tell him to come in," Ezdreiana said. She was surprised to see Admiral Magellan Lin in her office.

"Admiral Lin, it's nice to finally meet you," Ezdreiana said offering her guest a seat," Will you like something to drink?"

<Tag Magellan>

"I presume that you have received some reports on the happenings of our home, Admiral?" Ezdreiana asked.

"Yes I have," Magellan answered.

"Are you here to help us keep peace on Trill or are you hear to give up your symbiont?" Ezdreiana asked not knowing the Admiral's intentions in coming to Trill and to her.

<Tag Magellan>

[Magellan Lin]

"Please tell him to come in," Ezdreiana said. She was surprised to see Admiral Magellan Lin in her office.

"Admiral Lin, it's nice to finally meet you," Ezdreiana said offering her guest a seat," Will you like something to drink?"

"No thank you Madam Ambassador. It isnt long since I breakfasted"

"I presume that you have received some reports on the happenings of our home, Admiral?" Ezdreiana asked.

"Yes I have," Magellan answered.

"Are you here to help us keep peace on Trill or are you hear to give up your symbiont?" Ezdreiana asked not knowing the Admiral's intentions in coming to Trill and to her.

"Most definetly to keep the peace. I find it most disturbing to find the MD so prevalent. Its nearly 25 years since they bombed the pools. I had thought them driven underground."

Ezdeiana shifted in her seat uncomfortably,
"As did I. I spend a lot of time off world I returned now when the President indicated that they had in fact one a seat in the senate. In the past few years they have become more organised and focused, where once they were a group of jealous malcontents now they seem to be an effective opposition. But enough of this politics I m sure its not why you are here. Does it concern my son?"

"No. I am afraid not though I can assure you reports indicate he is doing excellently aboard the Tigershark."

"That is good to hear, but if it is not him what can I do for you"

"I was hoping to call upon your political weight to solve a problem. Myself and another Trill and my medical staff have come to Trill to try and understand why I have no memory of my previous hosts and why other trills are experiencing problems with our hosts."

"Go on"

"last month I was approached by a Guardian - Laurana she told me she had some answers and that I should come home. Which I have but when I went to the commission they were very hostile and denied that anyone called Lauarna worked at the pools."

"I see."

"They even suggested I go to the general hospital for treatment! I ve sent some of my team to check the pools whilst my medical staff tour the commission."

TAG Ezedriana

"I was hoping you could use your political weight to find out whats going on. I am eager to join Gaz and Voran at the pools and locate Laurana. I was hoping you could help Dr's Mercy and T Val in there discussions with the Commission."

TAG Ezedriana

"Thankyou - here is a SF com badge - I d prefer we use non - commercial comm lines just in case."

TAG Ezedriana

[Deleted]

Ezdreiana was very pleased to know that the Starfleet Admiral was on the side of reason and understanding. She knew that if someone as prominent as Admiral Lin gave up their symbiont the MD will sweep the senate elections. Still the things that the Admiral was telling her was concerning.

"They even suggested I go to the general hospital for treatment! I ve sent some of my team to check the pools whilst my medical staff tour the commission."

"So what would you want me to do Admiral?" Ezdrieana asked.

"I was hoping you could use your political weight to find out whats going on. I am eager to join Gaz and Voran at the pools and locate Laurana. I was hoping you could help Dr's Mercy and T Val in there discussions with the Commission."

"As you may know Admiral I'm not liked at the Commission, but I will try," Ezdrieana said.

"Thank you - here is a SF com badge - I d prefer we use non - commercial comm lines just in case."

"Understood, Admiral, but I do have one request, if you find this Lauarna take her to these coordinates," Ezdrieana said handing Magellan a small PADDY, (is this a miniature Irishman?. Magellan)" this is my personal home and its guarded by my husband's guard."

"Thankyou I will bear that in mind, we could well do with a safe haven"

The Admiral excused himself and left her office. His visit worried her, it was the Guardians custom to be as discreet as possible and for one of them leave Trill and share this sensitive material mean that things were worse than she thought.

"Sayma, get me a transport to the Commission, tell them that I will be arriving there shortly," Ezdrieana said to her aide. Ezdrieana felt the cold feel of the commbadge and realized that what she could be doing could put everyone that she cared for in danger.

[Deleted]

“I d like you to take the tour on offer. See what you can find out.”

T'Val nodded and exchanged a curious glance with her companion, Dr Stuart Mercy. "I suppose we should go and sign up for this tour then," she commented, while she looked around for the secretary who had offered them the tour earlier. The Vulcan knew that the tour would probably very modeled towards tourists, but she thought it might be interesting in the least.

Though she was a healer, she didn't really know much about Trills. She consulted her PADD with information, which dealt with topics like Trill medical problems such as allergy to insect bites and isoboramine levels. Both Mercy and T'Val knew that low levels of this neurotransmitter were extremely dangerous to both host and symbiont. She wondered how many hosts had been killed in the past just because levels of isoboramine couldn't be stabilized.

She and Stuart joined a group of tourists, which dutifully trailed after the tour director. Something that T'Val did notice was the obvious lack of technology, especially anything that would need independant power supplies. She nudged Stuart in his side and whispered her observation to him. "What do you think?" she added, giving him a curious glance.

~~

After the tour, Stuart and T'Val took their time on getting back to Magellan, as they went to the tourist restaurant at the commission to take a brief break. "I just thought of something," T'Val then commented, glancing up from her notes. "There are several options for the admiral to get into touch with previous hosts. He could invove the Zhian'tara, or even the right of emergence."

At Stuart's questioning look, she actually smiled. "The right of emergence is performed by a joined Trill to bring forth the personality and memories of a previous host. This personality can then be interacted with by the current host. It this could work, then he may be able to contact his previous host, who may actually have memories of the hosts before him or her."

She took her friend by the hand and unceremoniously pulled him along. "We should visit the pools, perhaps an initiate could help us out." Before they left the building, they downloaded the information from their Trill tricorders onto a PADD and handed the item back to the woman who had taken their own tricorders. Once they left the building, the Vulcan gave her companion another strange look. "You know, is it not odd that they refuse access to our tricorders? The ones we were told to use had limited functions, it almost seems as if they are trying to hide something. Have you ever seen Admiral Lin, or even Commander Gaz act strangely in presence of a tricorder?"

<Mercy>

[mercy]

Stuart agreed about the apparent lack of technology, or at least the non-appearance of it. It was possible that for the sake of the tourists, that they wanted to keep things as unobtrusive as possible.

They had finished their meal at the restaurant, where they had discussed the Trills's Right Of Emergence and the pools.

"We should visit the pools, perhaps an initiate could help us out." Before they left the building, they downloaded the information from their Trill tricorders onto a PADD and handed the item back to the woman who had taken their own tricorders. Once they left the building, the Vulcan gave her companion another strange look. "You know, is it not odd that they refuse access to our tricorders? The ones we were told to use had limited functions, it almost seems as if they are trying to hide something. Have you ever seen Admiral Lin, or even Commander Gaz act strangely in presence of a tricorder?"

Stuart thought about it for a moment. "No, not at all. It goes along with your previous observation of the lack of visible technology. Either they don't like it, technology that is, or they took our tricorders because they want to keep something hidden from us."

T'Val was leaning towards the latter idea. Together they rose from their table to visit the pools.

[Magellan Lin]

The secretary watched as T Val and Mercy retruned to the Lobby of the commission. She watched them take a seat and start a conversation.
Satisfied that things had gone well she returned to the office. The Director was there.
"And?" he asked tersly.
"I do not believe they suspect a thing."
"Magellan does. He has gone straight to Ezedriana."
"This complicates things. Where is he now?"
The Director shook his head,
"We are not sure. We believe he is going to the symbiont pools."
"We shall alert Tomax and Korel to ensure he does not gain entry. He may have to be killed."
The Director frowned,
"Id rather he was one of us. We could do with someone in Starfleet."
"We have tried Starfleet before and that got us nowhere."
"I dont know Remmick gave us the signal for their position."
The secretary looked sceptical.
"Things are not going well. We are not ready to be revealed."
"That much is certain. Perhaps we can still get to him through those two." The director suggested pointing to Stuart and T'Val on the screen.
"Allow me" She smiled, "Make the necessary preparations"

[Magellan Lin]

Joint Post by Magellan and T Val
As Stuart and T Val left the commission they were stopped by a call behind them. "Excuse me. Excuse me" they turened to see the Secretary running after them.
T'Val tapped Mercy's arm lightly and they waited for the secretary to catch up with them. "Greetings madam secretary," T'Val spoke up, "what can we do for you?"
"Your very lucky. We have just recieved a compatible host come in. We are going to implant a symbiont. We thought you would be interested in seeing the procedure."
T'Val exchanged that curious look with her companion again, then crossed eyes with the secretary. "Yes we would be extremely interested in observing such a procedure as neither of us is very knowledgeable about Trills."
"Excellent come this way. I ll show you to the OR. The procedure is amazing. To see the...symbiont blend so smoothly is a wonder". She led the two back inside and along a corridor. Her pace was fast and Mercy and T Val began to lag behind
Commodore Sonak says:
"Did you notice her hesitation?" T'Val whispered at Mercy as they were starting to lag behind. They really had to speed up to keep pace with the secretary, who seemed to be in an awful hurry. "What is the hurry?" T'Val asked, "is there a certain timing involved in joining a symbiont?"

TAG Mercy

"Here we are" The secretary announced leading them into a sparse but clinically sterile operating theatre.
Inside were two other men. They both stood impassively and watched T Val and Mercy with watchful and guarded expressions.
The two doctors nodded politely towards the men, then turned back to the secretary. "Is either one of them the prospect host?" T'Val enquired, after failing to find a patient lying on the surgical bed.
"He'll be along soon. I thought I would show you the symbiont first and then you can get a good look at its superior physiology before its implanted in her" the secretary replied smoothly and crossed to a metal case on a sideboard.
"Her?" T'Val echoed, "but you just stated the host will be male."
The secretary froze for a second but didnt turn, "A slip of the tongue, once joined the candidate will have been both male and female." She opened the case and nodded to the two men. "Here you go take a look."
T val and mercy crowded forward to see.
Lying the case was an organism. It was pale fleshy pink about 30cm in length. It had six small jointed legs and a small head with pincer like protusions, it had a small short stubby tail that thrashed periodically that ended with a small tube.

T'Val jumped back, bumping quite literally into Mercy. "That is not a symbiont," she stated, and wondered just where she had seen such an organism before.
"your right its much better. It will make you much better, now which one of you wants to implanted first..."

Tag Mercy and T Val

[mercy]

Stuart also noticed how fast the secretary was in getting to the operating room for the joining procedure.

"No T'Val. I don't think there is a hurry to the joining if everything has been prepared properly."

When they finally had made it to their destination, two strange looking characters were there as well. They had looked more like guards of some type. The secretary then brought forth the creature that was supposed to have been a symbiont, but it wasn't. Her change in her demeanor and her words "...of now which one of you wants to be implanted first..." gave proof that something was quite wrong here.

T'Val had jumped back and bumped into Stuart, who could only hold her as a semblence of protection. The two individuals had come closer and blocked the passage from which they came. "I'm not quite sure what is going on here, but joining us with this isn't going to get you what you want. We don't pose a threat to you. We are doctors, healers, who want a better understanding of your symbiosis. There is no need to take us in whatever form you think you want us in."

Stuart was rambling on with the fear of what might soon be happening to them. He was determined to not be peaceful about it, doctor or no doctor......

[Deleted]

T'Val couldn't help not finding any comfort in being held; Mercy's touch only projected his fear to her, making her even more aware of it. ~fear is an emotion~ she thought, though she couldn't consciously admit it was something she didn't possess. Indeed, she was rather scared herself, and a quick check of the room told her that there was no way out other than the door the two guards were now blocking entrance to.

"How would that make us better," she challenged, putting on the most Vulcan demeanor she could muster, hoping her fear didn't show, "we are not ill. As Doctor Mercy said, we are of better use to you operating under our own free will." ~Yade, go to Magellan~ she thought frantically, sensing her firelizard's rising concern for her safety ~under no circumstance come to my aid until I call for you~

T'Val heard the green firelizard respond in her mind, and knew the Trill admiral would be warned, if he would hear Yade. It was too bad he hadn't brought Dinas with him. Quietly, she reached for Mercy's hand, squeezing it tightly. Their gaze briefly locked and T'Val sensed his concern and fear. ~at least we are together~ she thought, nodding ever so slightly at him.

"We will not be hosts to your so-called symbiont," she spoke up, consciously keeping well away from the box with the thrashing parasite.

<secretary/mercy>

[Magellan Lin]

The secretary grinned,
"You do not have the choice."
The two men approached menacingly. Stuart attempted to push T Val out of the way and block their advance. The men grabbed him and tossed him aside as if he were a rag doll.
"See with us you become stronger, much stronger" she grinned. She moved over and grabbed T Val by the jaw in a vice like grip. As she did so her scarf slipped down revealing a narrow fleshy tube protruding from her neck.
"I think you should go first and then the doctor. Then you can infect the Admiral."

[mercy]

Stuart could not idly stand...or lie...by. He got up and knocked over the case that held the parasite. The fleshy thing writhed around on the ground looking for something to latch onto. Stuart tried to stomp on it, but it was moving around too much.

One of the guards came over to grab a hold of Stuart. Being grabbed from behind, Stuart was being held at his arms. His strength could not overpower that of the guard. He hoped that T'Val had better luck with her Vulcan physiology against the lone guard she now faced and the secretary.

[Deleted]

T'Val stood frozen when the woman gripped her jaw and she knew trying to break free like this would probably break the bone. Only when she saw movement from the corner of her eyes, did she reach up and tried to nerve-pinch the secretary. The Vulcan healer had no intention of becoming joined with one of those parasites; had it been a normal symbiont she may have consented, but she had read about these parasites a long time ago.

With the secretary distracted from her captive's movement, T'Val ducked away now that the woman's grip on her had slacked. To her surprise, the creature was writhing on the floor, aimlessly creeping about. Looking around, she saw Mercy struggling with one of the guards and she moved in to help him. Though her diminuitive height could work to her advantage sometimes, in combination with her superior Vulcan strength, this time it was not the case.

If Mercy, who was two heads taller than she, was no match for the guards, then she had little chance of success. No sooner had she reached Mercy to try and help him, when she was grabbed from behind, her arms pinned at her side in the vice-like grip from the second guard. She watched helplessly as Mercy continued the struggle with his guard, wishing she could help him. Yade would not be coming to their aid, it was too dangerous for the young green, and she'd been ordered to find Magellan Lin and stay away from her and Mercy.

"You shall not succeed," she spat at the secretary, who no longer smiled at them, "rescue is under way. They know you are holding us here against our will." It was a bluff and a great risk, but it was one she was willing to take."

<resp?>

ooc: ambassador, now would be a good time.........we don't want to get 'joined'...not if we can help it please....

[evoran]

Voran and Gaz had got to the caves but had been turned away, they had had a look around to see what they could see, but nothing doing. They didn't want to trespass at this point, so Voran decided to contact Lin.

He tapped the combadge that he had been given by Lin, "Voran to Lin, Admiral, we've been turned away here at the caves, they haven't given us any reason why and we can't seem to find anything else out. What do you want us to do?"

<tag Lin>