SB Assailant Mission 3.1 - Diplomacys Veil

[Ji' Zhan]

Jar'ron moved to meet Ji'Zhan face to face. "Things on our world are a mess. Too many things have been allowed to happen. This is never what I wanted for our people. I still believe our way is with the romulans but stronger than that, we should be united whatever. To prove this too you I volunteer to return with you."

This comment from Jar’ron came as a great shock to Ji’Zhan … it took just a moment for words to come. “There isn’t a need for that Jar’ron … you will have to live with your own conscience about your actions. Plus, I’m not sure you’re not planning any trickery.”

"No tricks, you rescued my daughter I owe you one. I have no political future anymore. Every single supporter I had on Qualinost is dead. And there are wheels within wheels at work here."

“Wheels … indeed brother; your house is full of skeletons and is built on sand. However, I think you see that now. Your nephew is a unbridled and undisciplined kid and will avenge your absence from him … how will I know this will be peaceful?” Ji’Zhan questioned.

"I will come peacefully and account for my actions but there is one thing you should know. Fear is a mighty tool, and fear of someone can drive people to do things out of character or position but I can swear to you now. I did not order Jak'dors death."

This pricked Ji’Zhans heart terribly. Emotions started to swell up inside him … how could he talk of a respectable man in such a way that would disgrace the very thought … “You irreverent soul … how dare you speak of such … I know the memories that are in my mind … memories that place you practically with knife in hand!” Ji’Zhan didn’t understand … but a small thought came into his mind … there were others that fear could have encroached upon and influenced an other-wise sane mind. Ji’Zhan wanted to hear the true story when Tedak’s voice was heard.

"Jolan tru Jar'ron," Tedak said, turning to the Debrune, "if you did not order Jak'dor's death, then have you knowledge of who might have, so that we can bring this person to justice?"

“Yes,” Ji’Zhan said, “we must know the truth … all of it … no more shadows Jar’ron … only light now …” Ji’zhan looked into Jar’ron’s eyes and uttered … “sseu” (implore or please … as in please tell the truth now)

<Tag Jar’ron>

[Deleted]

=^=Commander Gaz and Ambassador Ezdrieana please meet us at the transporter room, we will be making our way to the Senate building=^=

Ezdrieana had been sitting at her guest quarters trying to contact her friend, President Durghan . Ezdrieana quickly got up and pratically ran to the transporter room. She knew that they would be going to the leader of the parasites.

Once she reached the transporter room she was met with a party of about five people and they quickly got themselves prepared and the next thing she knew, they all were in the familiar halls of the Senate building.

"He's in his office on the 8th floor."

"Let's go." said Voran.

Ezdrieana hadn't asked who they were going after, but the more she thought about it, the clearer it became. The only person who would be in this building would be Jola Terek, he was the person they were after.

"Jola Terek is our target isn't it?" Ezdrieana asked to the Starfleet officers.

<Tag Gaz, Voran>

"Well then there is another way to get there, all we have to do is get to the Ambassador hall which has secret tunnels to anywhere in the building," Ezdrieana said.

"How close are they?" Voran asked.

"The hall is on the next level, so if we don't want Terek to escape I suggest that you follow me," Ezdrieana said as she quickened their pace.

[Magellan Lin]

Jar'ron looked at eye Ji'Zhan,
"So it is true. You have the sight. It is a rare gift in our peoples. And I have no doubt in my mind that you saw me give that order, and tehre have been many times when I have been close to doing it. But I didnt."

TAG Ji'Zhan

Jar'ron shook his head sadly,
"I can offer you no more. I can only state that it was not me. I wanted as peaceable split as possible from the Debrune. To be allowed for those that followed me to join the Romulans. Unfortuantly things escalated to violence, there are many of my brethern who wish to end this split by civil war. When the election of Jak'tel failed I knew that my cause was over. For months now my Romulan allies have concerned me."
Tedak looked at Jar'ron
"It is true your people seem only interested in our technology and not our souls." Jar'ron continued.
"I know you dont believe me, but there is no proof..." Jar'ron paused "No proof but a possibility... Normally your gift... these telepathic powers normalkly arise in the preisthood, could these images have been planted in you?"

[Ji' Zhan]

Ji’Zhan was hearing the words from Jar’ron and was wondering if they were simply words. The mistrust was still too heavy for Ji’Zhan to simply believe. Why he would be so willing to leave the Romulans, he thought, Ji’Zhan couldn’t come to an idea or see any other malice behind those words. He would have to take the information as truth … for now.

“Yes, Jar’ron, seeing is left to the priesthood … have you already forgotten that the ability of mind control our distance brothers, the Vulcans, have were first taought by are ancestors eons ago? How soon we forget when we dwell with shameless people.” Ji’Zhan said. “Why will you not tell us more … if you are really wanting to leave the uncaring Romulans?”; those words came forgetting Tedak was standing in the room. Ji’Zhan made no bodily indication that he didn’t mean to say those words in front of Tedak. “My gift is not seeing … it’s the ability of touching a person and seeing the facts in their memory. So … to answer your question … minds have been known to be altered to revile something other than the truth. However, the fact that you were in the room when a choice was made about the late Elder’s fate is clear … even in the mind of the assassin who only knew his orders. … Do you deny this?”

"I dont know what to believe anymore. I have no way of knowing what you have seen. Or who you saw it from. All I know is that I never ordered Jak'dors death. It acheived nothing for me in fact it had the very reverse - he was replaced by you and every single ally I had has wound up dead and nearly my own daughter. My supporters were all secret and hidden until the election. Then when their ballot was cast... I leave you to realise what happened to them. It was nt every supporter but all those close to me... those in a position to help me. I can say nothing more. Take me home and try me - but be warned I may never make it to trial"

<Tedak>

The shuttle made its way ‘home’. The shuttle was cloaked and traveling random patterns to avoid detection and any possible traps that one would place if they were following common flight plans. Qualinost was in view now on the view screen … it caought Jar’ron’s eyes … he attempted to hide the tear falling down his cheek. Ji’Zhan, however, saw it … and was beginning to be more open minded about Jar’ron’s words. Ji’Zhan would still need to see actions to support them. Jar’ron would need to perform those actions soon … people on Qualinost would be all to willing to witness a execution. It would be up to Ji’Zhan pleading Jar’ron’s case to avoid that fate.

[evoran]

They ran to the ambassador's hall just as the opposing door flung open, the senator ran through.

He stopped when he saw the four people facing him. He seemed to realise that he wasn't getting away now.

"All we seek is peaceful coexistence." said Terek.

<Anyone?>

"Your people said the same thing to Jean-Luc Picard thirty years ago!" said Voran. Picard had related the story to him once. He had thought the ordeal was disgusting just hearing it second hand, he had no desire to experience it for himself.

"You can kill me, but you can't stop us all!" shouted Terek. As Picard had described, his neck started bulging and he began to move towards them.

<Anyone?>

"We'll see." said Voran.

He raised his phaser, so did Gaz and Tol. They all fired at once. Terek was thrown backwards into the door, but he attempted to get up again at come towards them.

They all fired again. This time, they didn't stop firing. Terek's body was vapourised and the vile creature inside could be seen, screaming.

They all fired again and it too, was vapourised. One thing that Picard had told Voran was how much he despised destroying life like this. At this moment, Voran agreed.

"Ambassador, do you wish to remain on the surface?" asked Voran.

<Ezdreiana>

"Tapping his combadge, Voran said, "Galaxy, beam us up".

They were all transported to the ship.

<Tag All>

[Deleted]

"All we seek is peaceful coexistence." said Terek.

"Peaceful coexistence, you killed millions of symbiots and thousands of Trill, you are not trying to live in peace you are trying to kill us," Ezdrieana spat at Terek. She could believe that he had the gall to talk about peace when he most likely ordered the bombings of the caves and attacks on innocent civilians.

"Your people said the same thing to Jean-Luc Picard thirty years ago!" said Voran.

"You can kill me, but you can't stop us all!" shouted Terek. As Picard had described, his neck started bulging and he began to move towards them.

The next second Ezdrieana saw one of the most disgusting and terrifying images in her life. The three officers next to her shot at Terek repeatedly until his molecular structure disintegrated. The screams of the parasite where chilling and it left her weak and exhausted.

"Ambassador, do you wish to remain on the surface?" asked Voran.

"No, Captain right now I don't want to be anywhere close to my home," Ezdrieana said looking into the old soul that was the captain.

"Galaxy, beam us up".

The next moment they were back onto the ship and were met with a contingent of medical personal and security teams. They wanted to make that none of them had somehow been infected by one of the parasites. After the quick exam, it was discovered that they were all in perfect health and were released. Ezdrieana knew that Admiral Lin would want her to speak to him and the Senate Council. Ezdrieana right now wanted needed to be alone, but she needed to inform the right people that the crises was over.

"Computer located President Durghan and give her this message," Ezdrieana said as she wrote something and sent it. Her message was simple and easy to understand and it read, It is over.

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan lay on the biobed. He still felt strange... overwhelmed. It was hard to focus on any one thought. He ran through a few meditation techniques Loujen had taught him way back when he had first joined starfleet and found integration hard.
It helped enough to allow him to focus. The Galaxys doctor had patched him up pretty good and he was resting in a side ward.
A shadow fell over him.
"I hope you dont feel as bad as you look."
"Laurana?"
Magellan struggled to sit up and winced, She laid a restraining hand,
"For once I won't have you stand up for me" she smiled, "At least you cant run away."
Magellan returned the smile,
"That wasnt my intention. How are things?"
"Good. Voran and the others got the mother parasite. They are all gone. President Maz is most pleased."
"Thank the pools" Magellan sighed.
"Oh yes you starfleeters did well. Voran, Jamey and the Ambassador hunted Terek down, and Mercy and T Val have devised long term defence. The President is looking in to creating a transitter network across the planet in case they try and infiltrate us again"
"But enough of me... what about you?"
"Ah I ll live. I ve had worse injurys... though I cant quite remember when."
Lauarna scowled at him,
"You know what I mean. Several people reported that you were speaking in the plural. We this we that. I m a Guardian I know what that means. You have your other personalities dont you."

Magellan avoided her gaze a moment and then nodded.
"In the pools when Jamey dragged me to safety, one of the Elder symbionts... healed me. The link between myself and Lin is still not quite right but I now have access to those memories Lin was shielding from me."
"Any reason why?"
Magellan shrugged,
"I m kind of overwhelmed so far. I m blocking most of them but little bits drip through."
"How many?"
"Hosts? 4 or 5 its hard to tell."
Laurana stepped away a moment,
"I wish I could help you... but I m needed here more than ever. I dont suppose you can stay."
Magellan shook his head sadly,
"My place is on Assailant. Don't worry T val and Mercy are good Doctors they can help me."
"But they arent Trill... they arent me."
Magellan caught Lauarana arm and let it drop to take her hand.
"You have holidays, come visit. And I sure wont leave it so long until I return to Trill."
Laurana held the grip a moment and then released,
"Its a promise."
She looked up as a group of people entered.

Admiral Hitagi was with Voran, Jamey and Captain Hedges.
"Magellan. How you feeling?" Hitagi asked,
"I ve been better."
"Thank you for all your work"
"No thank you for riding to the rescue. Special thanks to Jamey for saving me in the pools."

TAG Jamey

"Sure if the Nevada needs you, I reckon Hitagi has a Starship going to Tholian space. You did good." Magellan turned to Hedges,
"How are the symbionts?"
"Already on their way back planetside, they are a bit unsettled but alive."
"Any chance I can get out of here" Magellan asked,
"Sure" Hedges replied, "Though your in no fit state to command the Copenhagen back to Assailant."
Hitagi strode forward,
"In that case I hereby order Captain Voran to take temporary command of the Copenhagen and escort the ship and the Admiral home."

TAG Voran

"Im ready to leave when you are" Magellan replied.


***

As Ji'Zhans vessel with Tedak and Jar'ron departed for Qualinost. The Debruni cruiser entered warp and raced across the quadrant.
After a few hours they exited and entered into orbit of a desolute planet.
"Make contact" Jak'tel commanded his comms officer.
"They are not pleased we are here they are sending someone aboard."
There was a hiss of a transporter and a group of people appeared on the bridge.
"Where is Jar'ron?" a confident feminine voice demanded.
"He has gone soft. He has returned with Ji'Zhan."
The female romulan slammed a fist into her palm,
"Blast it." she cursed.
"I have an option." Jak'tel suggested nervously,
"Go on" she replied coldly,
"I was a proper candidate in the Debruni election. The fact that my uncles allies were all killed after the election is good grounds to suggest it was rigged"
"And?" she answered impatinetly
"and those of my people who are exiled are as much a part of the Debrune race as anyone else. No Debrune has ever been denied his core rights. As such I formally request your aid in ensuring that the election result is fairly contested."
She looked sceptical and then thoughtful,
"This may work. The Debrune have no treaty with the Federation which puts there claim to Qualinost in doubt. Can you claim, Jak'tel, that you are the rightful ruler of Qualinost"
"I can CLAIM anything" Jak'tel grinned, "But the Federation wont just standby whilst we assume control."
"Indeed not. The key to controlling Qualinost is that Starbase. If we control the Starbase, we control the planet."
She paused and smiled broadly,
"Centurion. Prepare my strike fleet. We have a Debruni Planet to liberate."
The centurion nodded,
"By your command Commander Sela."

OOC:
Cue: Music
Roll Credits

LOL

[evoran]

Voran was walking with Hedges and Norado through the observation lounge, they stopped in the middle.

"Well, Captain, that must've been exciting for you after being stranded on that rock for so long." said Norado.

"Yes, it was Hitagi." Voran admitted, "Don't get me wrong, I know it was a serious situation and all, but it was good to be in action again. I've decided to come back to Starfleet."

Norado and Hedges exchanged excited glances.

"Are you sure?" asked Hedges.

"Yes." said Voran, "I leave Starfleet now and then, but I always know that this is where I'm gonna end up again."

"Do you want me to enter it into your record?" asked Norado.

"I suppose so."

Norado moved over to the observation lounge console and tapped some controls.

"Do you know where you want to serve?" asked Hedges.

"I think so." said Voran. "I'm going to ask Admiral Lin if I can serve on Assailant. I haven't served on a starbase in a while, and it'd be a difference from ships. What about you Alan, where are you going next?"

"Actually, they're promoting me. The voyage back to Assailant will be my last one. From there, I'm getting a ship to my new posting, they're giving me command of a starbase."

"Congratulations." said Voran, privately feeling that the most exciting part of Hedges' career just came to a close. But, he mused, different people, different ambitions.

He moved over to the window and looked out, thoughtfully.

"What the hell is that?" Exclaimed Voran in surprise.

"What?" asked Hedges.

"That!" said Voran, pointing. He was pointing at the third nacelle, visible from the window.

"Oh," said Hedges, "they upgraded most of the Galaxy's with a third nacelle some time ago."

"That's gonna take some getting used to." said Voran.

"Come on," said Norado, "we should go and see the Admiral."

Minutes later, they were in sickbay, at Admiral Lin's side.

The Admiral finished his conversation with Gaz and Voran nodded to him as he left sickbay.

"How are the symbionts?" Lin asked Hedges.

"Already on their way back planetside, they are a bit unsettled but alive."

"Any chance I can get out of here" Magellan asked.

"Sure" Hedges replied, "Though your in no fit state to command the Copenhagen back to Assailant."

Hitagi strode forward, "In that case I hereby order Captain Voran to take temporary command of the Copenhagen and escort the ship and the Admiral home."

"But he's not a commissioned officer," said Lin.

"Actually, Admiral, I've resumed active duty." Said Voran, "I'd like to request a post on Assailant."

<Magellan>

[mercy]

.: Copenhagen Returning Home :.

Even though the doctors on the Galaxy had checked out Admiral Lin, Stuart still felt that he had to ensure his health as well and performed some secondary checks for confirmation.

"Well, you are indeed in good health. I do agree however, that you shall use the remainder of this cruise for some much needed rest. You're free to go. sir."

"Thank you Dr. Mercy. I think I will use that time to relax. I've got some reading to catch up on. Oh, bye the way, that was some good work you and T'Val performed back there on Trill. This new defensive network of subspace transmissions should help ensure their safety of these parasites."

T'Val had just walked in to see how the Admiral was doing before Stuart responded. "That's good sir. I'm glad that we could help." Stuart placed his arm around T'Val in a congratulatory gesture. "We make quite the team."

Admiral Lin sat up to take in this view that was now presented before him. "About that...we need to talk, both professionally and personally. I mean I need to know where this is going between the two of you."

Stuart and T'Val each turned to look at the other. T'Val had smiled and Stuart could see that sparkle in her eyes. T'Val's arms reached up around Stuart's neck, and Stuart held her tightly as he leaned in for that loving kiss that he had denied himself for so long.

A few long seconds went by when the Admiral was heard clearing his throat. The two lovers broke their embrace, still holding each others hands. T'Val looked back towards the Admiral. "I believe you have just received your answer about our personal relationship. As far as professional, and what you want to do with us...I'm sure that answer will come to you. Now if you'll excuse us."

T'Val and Stuart turned towards the exit. Before the doors had closed, Stuart yelled back, "Make sure you get some rest, Admiral." ...and the doors closed.

"Yeah.....you too." ...was all Admiral Lin could think of while shaking his head.

[Deleted]

"I am relieved to see the admiral is improving," T'Val said, as they left the infirmary, "however I am not certain how the memories of his symbiont will further affect him." The Vulcan healer was truly worried about her Trill friend, but she would gladly to that worry if asked about it.

She walked with Mercy, who still had his arm draped around her and leaned into him. "He said 'you should rest'," she commented as they walked away, to their assigned quarters, "who do you think he meant? You, me or both of us?"

T'Val knew he probably meant the both of them, but it wouldn't hurt to try and lift Mercy's spirits a little. Both of them were exhausted, and were still running on adrenalin. "Perhaps we should take a rest," she suggested, smiling ever so slightly, a mischievous look in her eyes, "but I propose we go to the mess hall and get something to eat first."