SBA 4.2 The best of times, the worst of times

[Magellan Lin]

Five days had passed since President Zahara Vrened had left and Assailant seemed strangely quiet. The President had brought with her legions of security, starships and a whole ship full of press officers, script writers, hair stylists and so on and on and on. And then there had been the followers, the fans and the protestors, and reporters from every major race in the galaxy. With all of them gone it seemed to have left a vacuum.

Since the President had arranged for the Tholians and Klingons to meet the Colonial War had begun to subside too. The Klingons has halted their attacks on Tholian Colonies and the Tholians had stopped colonising planets, or had appeared to have stopped. The Galaxy, Copenhagen and Vanquisher were out throughout the sector using the advanced sensors given to them by Elder Ji’Zahn to keep track of Tholian movements.

Magellan was sat in ‘The Fishtank’ nursing his third drink of the night. The bar was humming as usual and Yalom Sek moved with casual efficency, flitting from customer to customer offering top notch service. Laurana had left the following night for Trill and he was feeling somewhat of a loose end. He mused over what she had last suggested to him. He needed a hobby. He was all work and very little play. He had never really considered what he would like to do. Most liked holodecks but that seemed a little shallow to him and so he struggled to come up with something meaningful. He thought back to his early days on the experimental time ship Victory. She had lasted long and was incredibly flawed. He had enjoyed that time and missed the research side. Perhaps that was it. There were plenty of labs, perhaps he should take another look at some of the data concerning temporal diffraction engines. He ordered another drink and sat back to consider the materials he would need.

[Felix Savali]

Felix was in his quarters having breakfast with his daughter before sending her of to kindergarten. She was growing so fast and was already 4 years old. Times certainly passes fast around here Felix thought. His ex wife took a LOA from her commission and headed of to some monastery on Betazed to meditate and left his daughter with him. Not that he complained about it, but a girl needs her mother more than her father sometimes. But what could you do.

"Daddy are you ok?"; she questioned

"Yes, I'm fine sweetheart. Just thinking of your mommy", he said

"When will mommy be back?", she questioned

"I don't know sweet heart, but as soon as she does, she will come here to see you"; he responded

After this his little girl smiled and went back to eating. After they finished their breakfast and threw the plates back in the replicator, Felix changed his daughter into some fresh clothes and the two of them set of to kindergarten. After dropping his daughter off there, Felix set of towards his office. Now that the president has left everything seemed to be getting back to normal. All the journalists and extra security officers were gone, Tedak was back to his usual self, the war between the Klingons and Tholians was slowing down... It was the best day in years. It looked like nothing could go wrong today, Felix thought.

After reaching the JAG offices, Felix remembered the dinner he had with Joanne a few days ago, and the kiss she gave him. He hasn't been in a relationship since splitting with Tiffani but then again even tough Joanne was nice and everything he did not wish to ruin their friendship. God, he thought, what's wrong with me. Never before have I been shy about getting on with a girl. I must be getting old. Oh what the heck, he thought, as he entered and went towards her office. After reaching it he chinned the bell and entered.

"Joanne, listen"; he began, "Would you like to go out on a date with me tonight?", he questioned

"A... date?", she asked and appeared to be a bit taken back, "Yes", she responded

"Great", he said, "I'll pick you up at 8"

He said and left. Joanne was still a bit shocked after he went but soon realized that this was what she was hoping for all along but never expected him to actually do it. After leaving her office, Felix went to his where he found a new stack of pads on his desk. Great, he thought, so much for a nice day. He sat down behind the desk and started going through the pile that was on his desk.

[Deleted]

Vebn strode confidently along the main street of the Arcade. Numerous people of a variety of species busied about their daily lives but Vebn hardly noticed them. He was too deeply in thought to think of much of his surroundings.

A number of matters bothered him from the simple day to day to the more pressing problems of intergalactic politics. He was most nervous about what the Federation might do with the information that the Romulans had supplied the Tholians wth cloaks. He knew that Kaskrene and Korok had agreed to meet in special talks in the next few days. The Federation were to act as mediators and he as Romulan Ambassador would have nothing to do with them.

Would Saarok or Ezedreiana reveal the information, to inform the Klingons would almost certainly lead to conflict. The worst part was that he was ashamed. He put himself first, when falsely accused by Tedak of ordering Ji Zahns kidnap he should have just said yes and taken the consequence instead he had proved Tedak had lied but in doing so revealed a secret that could harm his people.

He hadnt seen Tedak since that day. The coward had been avoiding him. Communicating only by memo and using his office only when he knew Vebn was out. Vebn hadnt yet heard back from the Senate or the Praetor regarding the incident but he knew what ever the verdict was it wouldnt go well for either him or Tedak.

Only one thing had gone to plan in the past few weeks, the arranged meeting with Sirok went without incident and had actually been helped by Tedaks stunt. So shaken was starfleet security by the incident that Sirok had been able to slip his minder long enough to have a short meeting with him, not that they had agreed on much, but it was a step in the right direction.

Vebn was attempting to raise his mood as he entered his offices but these hopes were dashed by the first handfuls of communiques from Romulus. He read the first one and sat heavily, the PaDD slipping from his grasp. This was not something he was prepared for.

[Deleted]

OOC: Hello mixed sirs and ma'ams. I'm here playing Major Korok. I look forward to simming with you. Sorry if this post is a bit long.

IC: Korok rolled over again, still unable to sleep. The pain in his back was like a constant hammering that perpetually kept him awake when he tried to sleep, but which also kept him in a constant foul temper. That what was now a 19 year old was wound still plagued him angered Korok even further, as it both reminded him of his better times, as well as his current age. Whilst 58 was not a bad age for a Klingon, too few in his family's history had lived to such an age, most having died with honour in glorious battle, and bequeathing their sons a legacy of honour to continue. And here he was, Korok son of M'Ket, an ignored and disgraced former officer, consigned to be a nothing and a nobody, and to die in loneliness, dishonour and ignominy. But all that could change.

The recent outbreak of the Colonial War had given new life to the Empire, only recently fully recovered from the full damage of the Dominion War. Now the time had come to re-assert the bravery and strength of the Klingon Empire, and Korok had been offered a role to play. He stood and dressed in his full uniform, weapons and all as usual, and emerged from his quarters. Two of his aides were in the main area of his living quarters, and upon his entry both had drawn disruptors. A wave of his hand signalled them to sit back down. Of the dozen or so aides he kept about himself, only two, or at the most three were actually trained in doing any sort of administrative work. The others were either bodyguards, or those trained in what Korok considered to be "the dishonourable, yet necessary arts". He crossed the living area and entered his private office, sealing the door to prevent interruption. He sat at his Klingon style communication junction and began pressing keys. The time was nearly 08:30, and he was due to check in.

"Computer scrambler code NuQ'Duj 12. Establish communications on transponder code 33 Sigma. Direct transmission at these co-ordinates" He entered a series of spatial co-ordinates, and then sat against the pain of his back waiting for a response. He dug through his desk, scattering mission reports, protests and requests on the floor, until he finally came across his personal bottle of bloodwine. He drank half the contents in one, allowing the fiery contents to overcome the sensation in his back. He had replaced the bottle and wiped his mouth only seconds before a Klingon of roughly his age appeared on the screen. Korok saluted.
"Good morning General K'Vok" Korok said in his deep and guttural Klingon dialect.
"Colonel Korok" the General responded, making Korok wince at the sound of his former rank. He pressed on.
"Have the Council settled on my orders yet old friend" Korok asked quickly, dropping any ceremony that was unnecessary.
"Yes" came the response "The remnants of the task force have arrived at my location, and I have been authorised to brief you on your final orders" Korok nodded and K'Vok continued "We are first to try and appear reasonalbe so as to not alienate the Federation. When negotiations open, you will demand the withdrawl of all Tholian colonies, both in Klingon and Federation space, and renumeration to take the form of exclusive trade and mining rights in their space for the half a century. They must also surrender all material relating to their colonisation programme, including whatever technology they employed" Korok nodded smiling.
"They will never agree to this" he added
"Exactly. You will make it clear to their ambassador that failure to do this will be nothing less than an outright act of war, and that these terms are the only way to avoid it. You are also instructed to bring the Federation on side prior to this conflict. Do all that is necessary to achieve this, including revealing our plans for when the negotiations break down" K'Vok leaned closer to the monitor "Do this well old friend, and whichever outcome arrives, I will see you back in a command where you belong. Qap'la Colonel Korok"
"Qap'la" Korok returned with a salute as the screen went blank. He exited his office signalling his two bodyguards that it was time for breakfast. They exited his quarters, and set off to the promenade.

[Deleted]

While officially he had nothing to do with the talks between the Tholians and the Klingons, and he indeed stayed well away from both parties, Tedak was still very knowledgeable on the subject. Also because of his own investigations and what he had learned from Vebn, yet still he stayed well away from them.

So far he hadn't even spoken with Saarok or Ezdreiana and to he Romulan it seemed as though his two friends were avoiding him lately. He was certain he was imagining things, but he hadn't seen much of either Trill or Vulcan over the last five days. And T'Val and Stuart Mercy were now down on Qualinost spending a few days there by way of honeymoon, or so he thought anyway and they were out of contact.

Yade was even ignoring both Sev and Nut, which was fairly unusual to begin with. Never in his life had Tedak felt so lonely, despite his son bounding around him, happily chasing after the two firelizards as they seemed to be indulging in a game of catch as catch can. With his Federation friends busy, his work just about kept him busy.

He had just reviewed a report on crime rates and he was happy to note that they had dropped considerably. He was also keeping quiet tabs on Simeth even though Tedak knew the criminal was quite aware he was being watched. So far the criminal too had kept quiet, and Tedak had found nothing that could incriminate him so far.

Sighing, Tedak reached for his intercom. "Tedak to Ji'Zhan." The Romulan knew the Debrune had returned to his office on SBA, and he wondered whether the diplomat would be willing to meet with him. Especially given recent events between the two diplomats. "Would you meet me for lunch? You can pick the place, but I'm buying."

[dodger]

They sat across the table from one another, face to face, eye to eye. The Betazoid’s hands were clasped to his temples, his brow creased and patched with sweat. He had sat still for thirty long minutes, eating into the mind of his opponent. A single bead of sweat trickled onto his eyebrow, teetering on the edge before dropping over and sliding down the lid. He blinked. In that instant the connection was broken. The mental link between him and his challenger was severed with a single flick of his eyelids.

“Good show.” Dodger said, her hands clasped in front of her on the oak desk. It was only just over a metre square, but it separated them like a prison wall.

“You’re getting better.” The betazoid commented, straightening his collar and sweeping the sweat from his brow. He was right, Dodger knew it. Kato was one of the most powerful telepaths she knew, and now even he was unable to break into her mind. They had played this game a million times before, but they had never hit the thirty minute mark. The physical exhaustion that he felt, however, was nothing to the mental strain that was battling inside the intelligence officers head. Rather than infiltrate her mind with his keen ability, she felt as though he had plunged his fingers through her skull and dug them around inside.

The officer stood up slowly. Today she was wearing civilian attire, a pair of black combat trousers, zip-up hoody and a baseball cap. In usual style her brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail fastened at the top of her head. She adjusted her headwear before moving away from the table, noticing that the humming on the inside of her head was making it difficult to hear properly.

“You got time for a drink?” She asked, unsure of how loudly she was speaking. This sensation had happened the last time Kato had tried to reach into her thoughts; it was very disconcerting not being able to judge the pitch of her own voice.

The duo made their way to the turbolift, which, as far as Dodgers current condition was concerned made no sound whatsoever. The ginger haired Betazoid lead the way to his favourite bar on Assailant, ‘The Fishtank’. Dodger didn’t know what he saw in it personally, it was always crowded at a time like this. He claimed it was because he liked the view, and they always sat smack in front of the portal windows overlooking the docking bays. Dodger didn’t mind too much, although she took the ‘seen one starship seen ‘em all’ approach, she at least got a good view of the real live fish traversing their way across a swimming pool sized tank behind the bar.

Inside the bar was dimly lit, and they bypassed the bulk of tables to take their usual spot at the window. Dodger hopped on onto a tall chair while Kato made his customary trip to the bar. He was rather traditional, and since emigrating to Earth in his early teens he had adopted Earth Beer as his most beloved beverage. The intelligence officer was slightly more travelled, and always went for a cocktail, the name of which she could barely pronounce. A Kikh'Taa was made of a concoction of alcoholic and exotic liquors from all across the galaxy, and yet somehow was pleasantly fruity.

The strain of the latest session was beginning to take its toll on her now, and she sat with her head propped on her hands, her fingers idly rubbing her sore temples. She knew the pain was self-induced, but she couldn’t help herself wondering what capabilities having Ripper inside of her had opened up. She had already discovered his pictographic memory, recollection abilities, information storage capacity and the uncanny ability to see and hear in her stead. They had only recently discovered his ability to block telepathic intrusion that was fast becoming one of Dodgers strongest abilities. Kato had even suggested employing a Lethean mind reader to test the skills, but Dodge had decided that one Lethean inside her head was enough to be going on with.

“You know, maybe you really should get the doctor involved.” Kato said kindly as he returned to the table and acknowledged her discomfort. “I still don’t reckon its good for you…”

Dodger gave a wry chuckle. “If by It you mean the severed Lethean psyche that lives inside my head then no, its probably not good for me…but the medical unit on Iota said there was nothing that could be done. He’s part of my neural network now, impossible to get rid of…” She had said those words so many times now that they were starting to sink in. It had been nigh on a year now since that fatal day on board the USS Nova, and there was nothing anybody could do about it. She clasped her hands to her eyes and began to rub them as she had done her temples. The way her head was tingling, perhaps seeing the doctor wasn’t such an alien idea. She had a busy schedule tomorrow, and a pickup mid-morning. Perhaps she could fit in a visit first thing.

[Deleted]

Ezdreiana was in piles of reports and more reports. They somehow all head vital information for the talks she and Saarok were going to have with the Klingons and Tholians. There was also the fact that they now had proof of Romulan involvement in the Colonial war. If this information was revealed to the Klingon's it would most likely mean war.

These talks could and most likely effect the rest of their lives. Something that was constantly in the back of her mind. The only thing that kept her sane was the fact that it wouldn't be all on her shoulders. Saarok would be there to make sure that peace reigned throughout the alpha and beta quadrant.

"Ambassador Ezdreiana, if you don't sleep at least three hours, I will contact sickbay and ask them to relieve you of your responsibilities," Tanelek said," these peace talks require you to be at full attention."

"Okay, but give me a few more minutes," Ezdreiana said as she continued to read her reports.

[Deleted]

It had been a few days since the wedding of T'Val and Mercy and since the president had departed. Saarok was sitting in his office going over the pads which contained information on upcoming negotiation between the Klingons and the Tholians. These negotiations appeared to him as completely illogical. The klingons most likely would not settle to allow and Tholian colonies to remain in their space and from what it appears the Tholians aren't going to agree to remove them. In the end the klingons will learn that the Romulans supplied the Tholians with cloaking devices and a new interquadrant war would start and the federation will have to take part.

Interstellar politics were always complex but especially when you have Klingons, Romulans and the Federation all mixed in. It never turns out good. And the Romulans and Klingons are usually those who begin a war. Saarok put do the pads he was looking over and rose from his seat after which he proceeded towards the window to observe the stars. How things were much simpler in the days of the agency. Everyone knew who the enemy was and how to take care of him. But now... he had to find reasons to stop the Klingons from doing what he would be doing if he was still in the agency. He shook his head before returning to the pads he was studying.

[Deleted]

After a glance in both directions, Aiken rapped discreetly on the large metal door, the dull clang reverberating sullenly through the frame. A few seconds later, a hatch slide softly across at about 4ft. The reporter slipped a couple of credits into the hole. As his hand was retracting, it was greedily grabbed and pulled back within. Aiken frowned but didn’t react, trusting to the quality of his coin. From the other side of the door some clinking noises emanated, and then something was slapped against his hand which was released back to him. On examination, he discovered that his hand seemed to have been branded with a small logo; though he suspected from similar events that it would be gone by the morrow. The logo showed a stylised letter ‘E’, and was familiar to Aiken.

The door slid open to reveal a pair of large Nausicaan bodyguards stood motionless either side of a seated female attendant. She flashed the reporter a smile and indicated down the corridor beyond her.
“Lockers are on the right about half way down; if you lose the key it’s your own problem.”
Aiken nodded without comment, and walked briskly down the narrow corridor until he reached the locker room as promised. In actuality, it was more of a locker alcove, and as expected there were none available; all the lockers were either in use or broken. Mostly broken. He cursed lightly and stuffed his jacket into one of the lockers which had a door that seemed mostly intact still, even if the locking mechanism was done for.

As he walked down the corridor, which was now in tight, dropping circle, the noise level was rising, a beat thumping through the walls and floor. He smiled briefly and pushed through the door that was now separating him from the almost deafening music. The noise hit him as soon as he stepped sideways into the large packed hall. Most of the room seemed to be oscillating in time with the music, and even in his sober state, he had to look twice to realise that it was a sunken dance-floor crammed with people. Aiken raised his eyebrows in acknowledgement as he stepped past a familiar figure and made his way to the quieter of the two bars.

He leant over the bar slightly when he reached it and made a slight saluting gesture at the barman, who finished pouring a cocktail with usual extravagance, slid it along the bar to the patron and moved down the bar to Aiken.
“You here for the boss?”
The reporter nodded, humming agreeably.
“She’s upstairs, just to the left of the bar here. You want a drink to take up with you?”
“Double vodka will do me.”

Collecting his drink, Aiken took the climb up the stairs two at a time, but was stopped in his forward momentum by another large Nausicaan. After his head had bounced off the unmoving alien chest, the Angosian smiled somewhat sarcastically at him.
“Mr Drolar, I know the boss.” The bodyguard rose an eyebrow unemotively and turned his back on the reporter, clearly unconcerned about leaving himself vulnerable. Possibly the reason for this was the uncanny knack of Nausicaans to shake off even major injuries ostensibly without too much effort. A few seconds later, and still without a word seeming to have been exchanged, the bodyguard stood aside, revealing a comfortable looking lounge area.

“Aiken, it has been too long. Suraya Bay right?”
“I was at Setlik, but I must have missed you.”
“Hmm.” She mused uncomfortably. “Must have done. I assume you are here about her?”
“I haven’t be able to see her for over two years, I think I’m due, don’t you?”
“Yes, yes, I can’t deny that I haven’t been that considerate towards you. Although it has been a long time since I’ve heard from you.”
“You aren’t an easy woman to find, Erge nightclubs are widespread, but no-one seemed to know where you were.”
“Oh, I doubt that.”
“Me too.” Aiken replied, his ire rising slightly.
She sighed. “Sorry, you know I wasn’t hiding from you, I just thought it would be easier.”
“And was it?”
“Probably not.” She replied, her face contorting slightly. “She’s out with friends tonight. You can see her in a few days. Give me time to tell her. Please.”
The reporter nodded. “Of course. I’ll trust you to contact me?”
“Okay.” She paused. “I really am sorry.”
“It’s fine. I’ll see you soon, Nahi.”

[Deleted]

"...but that just knocks the chromoton particles out of phase."

"Chronoton... with an 'n'," Jeremy corrected her.

"I said that, didn't I?" It had been a long day of research, and both scientists were getting rather impatient with each other. "Why don't we just call it quits for the day?" Jeremy said, sure that his lack of sleep would directly affect his tolerance of normally insignificant oversights.

"Sounds good to me." Veronica dropped everything onto the desk. There was no equipment to turn off, like usual. Jeremy and her were used to having to spend hours putting away digging equipment, particle disintegrators, sonic cleaning devices... but the theoretical research they were involved with now only required the usage of a padd, and a few litres worth of replicated hot tea to get them through the day.

It had been two weeks since they originally arrived on the base. Jeremy and she had been working in the polar regions of Earth, uncovering artifacts from a seemingly lost civilisation, when particle detectors showed minute traces of chronoton particles. Both had found it excitedly strange, and they both eagerly reported it to their superiors. That is when the sequence of events took off, and the two found themselves on Starbase Assailant studying temporal science. Later, when they return to Earth to finish their expedition, they will be using the knowledge gained here to trace exactly what happened.

This was a common research facility for their firm of anthropologists. It was convenient located between some of the major bodies of knowledge in the quadrant, and it was one of the only set of spaces that was available for their equipment.

"What are you doing tonight?" It was a simple question, but Veronica didn't realise that Jaremy took it as a romantic inquery. The bright scientist was not ugly, but she was rather plain. Jeremy had no romantic interest in her, but obliged to a dinner.

"Great - my place - 1800 hours." The odd couple, Veronica at 1.5 metres and Jeremy at 2 metres, left the research facility, traveling in separate directions.

[Magellan Lin]

Slowly consciousness returned and blearily awareness of the room came into focus.

Thin mists roiled about the floor tumbling from an output vent and then eddying and flowing at the whims off the gentle currents created by the air circulation system. A table came into focus, its shape alien and disjointed more sculpture than utility.

The final threads of the collective mind subsided and Kaskrene was oncemore himself, a single entity among the hive mind of his people. The castemoot at this distance from his people was particularly difficult and it took Kaskrene a moment to recover himself and feel whole again. The moot had not gone well, flexibility was not something Tholians did well.

He rose uncertainly and moved to the thermostat increasing the room temperature a few more kelvins. Mooting always left him feeling cold, he knew it was a psychosomatic symptom that came from being connected to so many so clearly to suddenly being alone with just the hum drum of the others in the background, like static playing in another room.

Stretching tired limbs he knew he should rest but needed to press on. He longed to sit within the cocoon and sleep but he knew that with talks in the following days he needed to prepare himself. It would not be easy, the carbon baseds didnt seem to realise anything around them. They were so one-dimensional and hostile.

"Come here Yakrene" he summoned his aide, the only other Tholian on the Starbase.
Yakrene a bit smaller than Kaskrene and with a greenish caste to his chitin skittered in from the office.
"Do we still have supplies of silk." He didnt understand why carbon baseds prized their biological waste products so, but it had provided a suitable unit of commerce with which the Assembly to communicate with the other races.
"Yes"
"Then prepare several bolts to be presents of good will to our mediators and that thick skull Korok."
"Yes Sir"
Kaskrene hissed a sigh and activated the large console that hung from the widest wall, so much rested on these talks that he barely dared think about it.

[Magellan Lin]

3 metres in diameter the temporal generator didnt exactly look like much. The Victory A had contained 96 of them to create the temporal fields that were supposed to have sent her plunging through time and space. Not that it ever had. The ship had still only just left the test bed when he had joined the crew as a young operations officer and not once had the temporal engines worked. The whole Relativity project had been an unmitigated disaster and had the Victory not been destroyed during the Gorn/Dominion Invasion (www.s47.org/wiki2/index.php/Fleet_Mission#Gorn.2FDominion_Invasion_of_the_Klingon_Empire) it would most certainly have been decommissioned, not even Fleet Admiral Locutis considerable personality could have stopped it.
Magellan paused a moment reminded of his old CO who still resided in a Starfleet Medical facility unaware of who or what he was.

Forcing back the resurgent memories of certainly stranger timeshe focused on the pair of crewman who were carefully lifting the newly replicated generator into place on to a pedastal in teh centre of one of the unused science labs. Since the terraforming project had ended Dr Sharex had been reassigned to more projects and he had taken most of his staff with him. Assailant now operated with a skeleton science staff something Magellan felt sorry for but knew where Starfleets priorities lay and at the moment this sectors priority was security not discovery.

"Steady" he barked as the AG lifter they were using failed to gain purchase. The crewman scuttled round and fixed a third one, which stabilised it enough to swing it in to place with a satisfying clunk.
=^=Admiral your duty is due to start in 5 minutes=^=
"Thankyou Lily" Magellan replied, "I ll be up right away."
He took a step back and decided that the room was pretty much as he wanted it,
"Okay finish up hooking up the processors and computer systems. Isolated from the mainframe please, then you can call it a day" he ordered,
"Thankyou sir" the crew man nodded.

Operations was pretty much its normal lively self and Magellan took no time in assessing the arrival and departure list before dismissing F'rass. A regulan of very few words and most of them arrogant the brown furred Chief Flight Control Officer merely ducked a head in acknowledement and departed.

There was a loud rap on the inside of the open door, Magellan turned to see Aiken Drolar stood inthe doorway, his security escort hovering behind.
"Ah Mr Drolar" he waved away the guard and showed the reporter into the office,

"You asked to see me, second thoughts on an exclusive concerning your recent rampages?"

Magellans eyes narrowed a little but kept his face neutral,
"No."
Aiken shrugged,
"Id have been surprised if you had. What is it I can do for you? Admirals don't normally summon reporters unless they have something to show off... so what is it? New ship? New waste processing facility?"

Magellan chuckled,
"Not quite."
He took his seat and allowed Drolar to sit opposite,
"Its not really my idea, your just convienient, and this could be of use to your career"
"Go on"

"You will be aware of the Tholian/Klingon peace talks" Drolar nodded "Such talks are normally highly confidential but the President or more particularly Vice President Sirok has other ideas. The success of these talks would be a major coup for the new president. The Federation could be seen as a great peace maker and if not as one who at least tried to ensure it. The problem is that no-one would know the ins and outs of it"
he paused to get up and move to the replicator to get some water and then sat on the sofa, "I have been ordered to allow you access to all the talks"

"Me?"

"Yes. Well I say you. They wanted some one outside of the Federation News Service. An article from that quarter could be seen as biased, Sirok wants an outside view of how well the Federation conducts herself."

Drolar nodded, fully aware that he was being made a pawn,
"But the other delegates will never agree."
"No they wont and that is why I have been asked to appoint you undercover as an aide to Saarok and Ezedriana. You will report on the talks . In return you will not mention how you gained access, just say you used your own guile. Sirok gets the press he hopes for and you get a top scoop."

Aiken looked at Magellan for any hint of a joke but sensed only sincerity,

"This is quite an offer I ll need time to consider it"

"If I were you I would consider it very carefully indeed, to say I m not happy with it would be an understatement. The talks start the day after tomorrow"

Aiken Drolar rose and headed for the door,
"One thing, why did you select me, I m not the only reporter in the sector"

Magellan smiled wolfishly,
"You handled yourself with greater decorum than I expected during the Presidents visit. And if it all goes pear shaped I d have no qualms in dropping you in it. Good day Mr Drolar, and as all good spies say... we never had this talk."

[Ji' Zhan]

The morning air came down from the mountains, cool to the face. The first harvest of fresh fruit grown in the groves of the new above ground orchards made Ji'Zhan smile. "They taste good," Ji'Zhan said to the High Protector of the Southern Provence. "Thank you Elder, it is an honor to have breakfast with you this morning," the Protector said. "Please, consider it a normal daily routine," Ji'Zhan said thinking how he wished the Governors, called High Protectors, would simply enjoy the company instead of trying to flater at every turn.

The morning went on with conversation about the orchards and how successful they had been and Ji'Zhan made sure to talk about their needs in the Provence. The needs were normal to new life above ground. Ji'Zhan allocated the resources and made his blessing on the Protector's people and excused himself. "I have to be on my way now, I have a busy schedule today." The two exchanged the normal Debrune departing words and Ji'Zhan left for his office.

The shuttle trip up from the Southern Provence was wonderful. They made their way across the rich delta regions and then up across the fall line where the pilot flew low over one of the water falls. Ji'Zhan turned to his acolyte, "I want you to clear a portion of my daily schedule for these trips. I need to see how the people are coming along above ground; and I feel it would be encouraging to them to know that the Elders wanted to visit them." Ji'Zhan indeed wanted just that but he also wanted to see the beautiful country sides and features of the planet. He missed the days of working with the people. The acolyte smiled clearing this meeting, moving another around wondering all the while what she would say to those groups who would have to talk to her instead of the Elder. Ji'Zhan returned his gaze to outside the shuttle.

The shuttle pushed though the atmosphere and into the darkness of space. The massive star base loomed in the distance as the pilot made preparations for arrival and docking. Arriving back at his star base office he started going through the activities that would lead to the talks with the Ambassadors on the star base. However, with the talks between the Tholians and the Klingons, the schedule had been pushed back.

Responding to the chime of his computer, Ji'Zhan activated the channel. Tedak's face shown, "Would you meet me for lunch? You can pick the place, but I'm buying."

Responding in kind, "Tedak I would be glad to meet you for lunch. I have always enjoyed the food at The Dustcloud Restaurant; I will meet you there for lunch."

<Tedak>

[Deleted]

--2 days later--

That afternoon, last preparations were taking place for the peace negotiations between the Klingons and the Tholians. Security teams were doing a sweep of the conference hall, security checkpoints were being placed on all the entrances and no weapons would be allowed inside the room. A dampening field would be placed in order to disabled anything someone may try to smuggle through, and emergency transport locks will be placed on all members of the negotiation teams. Also only 2 members per delegation are allowed. Saarok stepped over to the leader of the security teams to determine how the check was progressing. They would be done in 5 minutes, which was even ahead of schedule.

It is nice to see our teams more efficient, Saarok thought as he went over to join Ezdreiana who had only just arrived.

"I trust you have prepared Ambassador?", Saarok questioned

"Well as much as one can", she replied

"Indeed, for I am sure that the Klingons will start of with requesting everything and this meeting will break within minutes, it will still be a start.", he said

"Most likely, but i try to keep an optimistic mind"; she replied

As the two were done with their discussion, the security team leader stepped over to Saarok and informed him that the room was cleared. And they would are ready to grant entry to the delegates. Saarok nodded to the man after which he and the security personnel vacated the conference room.

"Time to get this 'show on the road', as humans would say"; Saarok said without altering his expression

The table was arranged so that the Klingon delegation would be seated on one side, and the Tholians on the other. Saarok, Ezdreiana and one aide for each of them would be seated at the middle of the table. As the door opened the interested parties started to enter. First it was the Tholian and his aide, who entered on one side of the room, then it was the Klingon and his aide, entering on the other side. After them the two aides, one for Ezdreiana and one for Saarok entered. The aide who was supposed to be serving Saarok wasn't his usual one. Magellan insisted he take on this man for some reason, and Saarok was going to get to the bottom of it later.

After everyone arrived and was seated, Saarok began to hold his opening speech.

"This meeting is a historic event. It is a new turning point in the relations between the Tholian and Klingon people. At the beginning of these negotiations, the Klingons and the Tholians are enemies, however after these talks are completed they shall be friends.", Saarok said, "We must attempt to endorse each others differences and try to accept one another as friends. For no one will benefit from another bloodbath, neither the Klingon Empire whose enemies then would take advantage of the events to strike at its heart, nor the Tholians whose enemies would do the same. Therefore gentlemen I advise that we attempt to find a solution that will benefit both sides, and end this conflict."; Saarok said as he sat down

<Tag All>

[Deleted]

The Romulan was relieved to find the Debrune was still talking to him despite everything. It still seemed to him as though everyone was shunning him from their activities and he was even kept out of day to day diplomacy events lately. It was that his two firelizards talked to those belonging to Saarok otherwise he'd be altogether ignorant of current affairs.

Taking D'Beren by the hand, Tedak proceeded towards the Dustcloud where he had reserved a table for himself, his son and Ji'Zhan. It wasn't long before the Debrune official arrived.

Tedak rose to his feet by way of welcome and respect, then motioned for Ji'Zhan to please take a seat, after which he seated himself. "I must again apologize to you for the scene I caused during the talks several days ago," the Romulan started, "I sincerely hope that I have not in any way damaged your reputation or that of the Debrune in general. Or your view of me..." He let his voice trail off and watched young D'Beren clamber onto Ji'Zhan's lap and peer intently at the older man as though he was quietly communicating.

"D'Beren is very fond of you," Tedak remarked, "he sees you more as an uncle than anything else, especially since he and T'Val have spent so much time in your presence, learning Debrune history. Tell me, are T'Val and Stuart well? I heard they are in seclusion for a few days, celebrating their union."

[Ji' Zhan]

The Dustcloud was a bit noisy as the two men and one child sat to begin their meal. D'Beren came to Ji'Zhan and asked to sit in his lap. Ji'Zhan simply said yes and the boy climbed up and began to look at Ji'Zhan. The two indeed were talking to each other though thought, however only a few words of comfort that was normal on the Debrune home world.

"D'Beren is very fond of you," Tedak remarked, "he sees you more as an uncle than anything else, especially since he and T'Val have spent so much time in your presence, learning Debrune history. Tell me, are T'Val and Stuart well? I heard they are in seclusion for a few days, celebrating their union."

"I haven't heard from them really, but I'm sure they are doing very well, but I wouldn't call it seclusion in the true meaning of the word. They have just requested to be left alone for a while. I think they have been seen on the Northern Continent ... or was that the Southern." Ji'Zhan turned his head to one side trying to think of the correct answer, "... I'm not really sure."

The waiter came and took their order as Ji'Zhan caught glimpse of Starfleet ships patrolling. Noticing two smaller Starfleet vessels entering the Nebula he said a quick blessing for them. "I hope you are doing well Tedak. I fear that people are treating you very different than your honor states. If they are, it is truly a shame."

<Tedak>

Ji'Zhan motioned to Tedak to look at the Starfleet ships entering the Nebula, "Do you know much of the talks? I haven't been asked for much input ... however I didn't expect to be."

<Tedak>

The meal went on as Ji'Zhan found if a bit hard to keep D'Beren from his lap; even after sitting him in his chair several times. Finally he just gave up and shifted him to one side of his lap, letting him have a byte of his food from time-to-time. Ji'Zhan noticed Tedak's mood as the meal went on, "Tedak, my friend, Tomorrow morning I will be taking a half-day flight to the Northern part of the main continent. I have to talk to the High Protector of that Providence about their resources and to check on their University programs. Would you like to join me?"

[Deleted]

"I hope you are doing well Tedak. I fear that people are treating you very different than your honor states. If they are, it is truly a shame."

The Romulan shook his head and waved off the comment as if it were nothing, though his entire demeanour showed otherwise. "If they are treating me differently, it is their own affair. I don't really care how they view me. In times like this, I know who my real friends are and who are only with me for the power of the positions I hold."

"Do you know much of the talks? I haven't been asked for much input ... however I didn't expect to be."

"I'm afrait not," Tedak answered truthfully, "I'm kept as much in the dark as you are. I can think of a few explanations why though, but that's all just working on assumptions that might create a bad atmosphere." He quietly explained how he felt their exclusion might be related to the diplomatic talks between Federation and Debrune, and the Romulan incidents tied to the Tholian situation.

"Tedak, my friend, Tomorrow morning I will be taking a half-day flight to the Northern part of the main continent. I have to talk to the High Protector of that Providence about their resources and to check on their University programs. Would you like to join me?"

The Romulan smiled, his first genuine smile since days. "I haven't been to the northern continent yet," he admitted, "yes I'd like to come with you. Is there anything specific I need to be wearing or addressing? Anything I need to know, any rituals or rites? Andy prohibitions?" He didn't want to be the creator of trouble, nor had he any desire of doing anything he shouldn't out of sheer ignorance.

"The weather is mild there this time of year," Ji'Zhan told Tedak. "I could have you talk to a class there that is currenlty taking diplomacy ... if you wouldn't mind. It would only be an hour class. You could do that while I talk to the town leaders there."

"That is appreciated," Tedak replied with a light bow of his head, "it has been a long while since I have done any teaching. It is a welcome change to curent state of affairs. I will let Magellan know that I will be taking a few days leave to accompany you. However, how will your fellow Debrune react to the abductor of their beloved Elder teaching a masterclass in diplomacy?"

[Deleted]

Korok was in a particularly bad temper, and who could really blame him. No one who wanted to keep their knee caps anyway. He had been informed of the conference, and had attempted to arrive early to secure a dominant and commanding seat, only to be turned back by a handful of puny human Starfleet security officers. As such he had spent just short of an hour pacing around the area the security had allocated him (mostly to get him and his aides away from them), his movements always under the watchful eyes of the three men he had with him.

Eventually the officer in charge of the security detail came forth into the corridor and addressed Korok.
"Major Korok, I've been authorised to allow you and one of your aides through into the waiting area"
"What do you mean one?" Korok's angry outburst was followed by a quick two paces towards the security officer, being immediately flanked by his aides.
"Si...Sir, the express orders of Ambassador Saarok are that only the Ambassador and one aide of each party may be permitted entrance to the conference. Those are my orders, sir" Korok growled as he walked briskly past the security officer, banging shoulders with him as he went, and towards the check point, where the remaining Starfleet security were standing. He gestured to his aides, all of whom closed around him. Speaking in a rough and fairly incomprehensible form of Klingon, he addressed them.
"You two" he gestured "Stay here. Be prepared to fight to me if it is necessary. You" he waved at the remaining aide "Come with me. Guard me, and listen to all that is said" Finished, he strode forwards, but was blocked by the security team closing ranks in front of him.
"Your weapons" a stocky blonde officer told them "You must surrender all of them before we will permit you" The bekk to Korok's left growled and moved forwards, but Korok raised his arm to bar him. He had been told to get the Federation on side, which meant being tolerant of such things. For now at least. He signalled to the man who had been chosen to accompany him, and then began removing his own weaponry. He removed both his holstered d'ktahg and disruptor, but ignoring the security officer's outstretched hand, instead handed them to one of his men who was to remain behind. Once the security had checked that they were well and truly unarmed; with Korok having a concealed dagger removed from his sash, much to his chagrin, they were permitted entry into an area adjoining the conference hall. Here Korok resumed his annoyed pacing, always under the watchful eye of his aide. A suspicious man might have thought that his people had been picked for the purpose of observing him as much as other people. Fortunately for Korok he was not a suspicious man, being far too old, and slightly too drunk to care if his superiors thought he needed babysitting. He'd suffered worse indignities in his past, and would undoubtedly suffer them in years to come.

Finally the door was opened and Korok strode confidently and angrily into the conference hall. He was annoyed to see that the Tholian delegation had been seated before him, as had the Federation mediators, a Trill and a Vulcan with their aides. With a resectful nod to the Federation delegates, and a growl at the Tholians, Korok took his seat. Moments later the Vulcan stood.
"This meeting is a historic event. It is a new turning point in the relations between the Tholian and Klingon people. At the beginning of these negotiations, the Klingons and the Tholians are enemies, however after these talks are completed they shall be friends. We must attempt to endorse each others differences and try to accept one another as friends. For no one will benefit from another bloodbath, neither the Klingon Empire whose enemies then would take advantage of the events to strike at its heart, nor the Tholians whose enemies would do the same. Therefore gentlemen I advise that we attempt to find a solution that will benefit both sides, and end this conflict."; The ambassador returned to his seat, and the quiet applause bagan. Having allowed this to continue for some seconds, Korok decided to press the attack and beat back the Tholians quickly. He stood and addressed the delegates.

"Ambassador Saarok, the Klingon Empire hears your words, and deems there to be wisdom in them" He saluted the ambassador "We are great warriors, and as a targ does not have to prove its great strength by swatting an insignificant flea, neither do we have to prove ourselves by crushing the Tholians" He stare hard at the Tholian delegates, who riled at this remark. Allowing himself a moments smile, Korok continued "We will respect the Federation's wise call for a peaceful resolution, if the Tholians will also. And as such" He took a padd from his aide "We have had the foresight to prepare terms for such a peaceful ending to this `incident`. These include a withdrawl of all Tholian colonies that have been unlawfully constructed within the sovereign territory of both the Klingon Empire and the United Federation of Planets. Next is the matter of renumeration for both Klingon and Federation losses in time, manpower and resources. This is to be made in the form of exclusive trading rights and mining rights in all territory of the Tholian Assembly for the next half a century. Also, the Tholian Assembly must surrender all data material, including any and all references to technology employed in relation to the unlawful colonisation of planets within Klingon and Federation territory. Finally" Korok smiled. This was the crux of the terms that the Tholians couldn't possibly agree to. He had added this little morsel himself, without any prompting by K'Vok "The most senior member of the Tholian Assembly must come to Qo'nos, where before the Klingon High Chancellor and, if she wishes, the President of the Federation, and make a formal and profuse apology. Agree to these reasonable terms, and war may yet be avoided, Ambassador Kaskrene" Korok nodded and retook his seat. Two birds with one stone; get the Federation on side and present near impossible peace terms. He settled himself as he waited for the Tholian ambassador to return fire.

[Deleted]

The sullen face on Jeremy immediately tipped off Veronica that something was wrong.

"My mother," he was fighting back tears as hard as possible, "she, she has been in an accident."

"Oh my gosh!" Veronica gasped. She hugged him- the sort of hug you give for consolation. He couldn't fight back the tears anymore.

"Did they say what happened?"

The young scientist shook his head no. "There was too much interference from passing ion storms. All I know is that it isn't good. I need to go." He was already putting on the gloves he always wore while out.

"Is there anything I can do? Don't worry about the work - I can handle it here on my own. I mean, we are so far already, it won't be hard to continue alone." Veronica was a quick study. She had minored in temporal science as well. She wasn't worried about continuing the research by herself. She was more worried about Jeremy and his family.

"Thanks for your hospitality," he said, exiting rather quickly.

Veronica put the half-eaten dishes in the replicator where they would be recycled. The table could stand a cleaning, but that could wait until the morning. After replicating some tea, she grabbed her padd and went over to her couch. She consumed herself in her work. This wasn't a class, afterall- it was her work. The faster she could master this stuff, the faster she could theoretically replicate the chronoton particles they had found, which means she could return home to Earth faster.

Most of the information on the padd was familiar to her, however, and she grew quickly bored. She had taken several in depth courses on the subject of time travel, its possibilities, and its consequences. The whole events preceding their cause fascinated her. The study, however, was only an elective pastime. She never expected it to intersect her passion in life, anthropology.

Veronica let out a small laugh as she thought of this. She could picture her father, a simple farmer, asking her the difference between what she does as an anthropologist, and what an archaeologist does. Her multitude of explanations never seemed to satisfy him. He was stubborn, a trait she did not inherit. In truth, her job was part archaeologist. It was what they did with what they found that made her the anthropologist she was today.

And now - now she played temporal scientist. Only for a couple of weeks longer. Although she was not the best in her field, she still was pretty knowledgeable of the subject matter- especially with the recent refresh.

The thought of temporal science snapped her back into reality. She tossed herself onto her stomach, her legs slowly kicking back and forth in the air while she attempted to read the padd again. She couldn't. Her mind was drifting again to poor Jeremy. He would probably be on the next shuttle craft or freighter Earth bound.

"Earth..." she thought to herself. She looked forward to returning to the tundra on Earth, to piece this puzzle together.

[Magellan Lin]

Kaskrene sat silently through Koroks tirade. Whilst pleased that he had been given the advantage of taking his seat first he was aware that the room was considerably cooler than he liked. His encounter suits heater was already racked up to its highest setting.

"Impossible" he stated calmly through the translator, "We will not remove our colonies from those planets we have taken. You cannot use them. We can.
We will defend them with every ship we have, every life we have.
You may have a quarter of our mining rights in payment for those planets and as compensation for any losses you may have incurred. That is the best we can offer."
he paused
"We too only want peace and have reached peaceful terms with the Federation and wish to do so with the Klingons. Why waste a planet, we have no inetrest in your foul M Class places but these demon classes are essential to us and we will defend them"

[Deleted]

Saarok quietly listened to the Klingon's Major's charade on wanting the Tholians of the planets, demanding their technology and payment for any losses suffered. It was a he had foreseen. This was not going to be easy. After the Klingon was done, the Tholian rose and gave his offer. A quarter of mining right would never satisfy the Klingons however perhaps there was something that could be done.

"Gentlemen", he said as he rose from his seat again, "Now that you have come out with your initial demands, perhaps it is time to gain some insight in the motives behind them. Ambassador Kaskarne, you note that the planets you have taken are of great value and importance to you, that you have a great need for them. Perhaps a step towards peace is for you to reveal why do you require these planets?", Saarok questioned as he sat down again

<Tag Kaskarene>

[Magellan Lin]

With the diplomatic talks in full swing and with essentially a quiet schedule Magellan began to immerse himself in his studies. He spent much of his off rostered time down in the lab. Without staff he found it quiet nice to be on his own. He calibrated the generator and retasked several computer sub systems to monitor and co-ordinate his tests.

With some pride he developed a very basic temporal force field to contain any breaches and set it up around the unit. Next he established an emitter that could be directed to into a containment vessel containing his test objects. The temporal engines had originally been designed to propel a craft back in time. But it was difficult to assess success unless he was the test subject and he wasn’t ready for that. His plan was to attempt to send objects into the the short term future and then see if an inversion of the calculations would yield a successful jump back in time.

To start off with he began with 2 minute jumps. He would place a metal tube in the chamber and then fire up the engine. He watched the tube vanish and then sat awaiting its return in 2 minutes. It materialised as expected and seemed fine. Pleased with his work he upped the ratings and the power of the engine.

=^=Admiral, you have a call from Trill=^=

“Thank you lily” Magellan noted “Put it through down here”

He crossed to a screen and watched as the Starfleet Logo was replaced by Laurana’s face,
“Hey” she said
“Hey. Your back I see”
“Yeah shuttle touchdown this morning”
“Been to the pools already I bet”
Laurana smiled,
“Too right. They are fine. Great to be back”
“And here’s me thinking you enjoyed yourself here”
Laurana was quiet so Magellan quickly pressed on,
“I took your advice.”
“Yeah?”
“A hobby, I m doing it now actually”
Laurana laughed,
“Talking to me is your hobby?”
“No no. I’ve gone back to research. It’s been most refreshing to not have to focus on work and now I have access to all my hosts there’s lots of extra ideas and thoughts”
“But none of your previous hosts were scientists, well except Toya”
“Well I didn’t say they were good ideas, but even bad ones help focus methodology.”
“Well anyways I just wanted to say I got home safely.”
“Thanks. I’ve got leave coming up…fancy meeting up, my folks keep asking me to visit properly…”
“Without having to fight parasites and save Trill?”
“Yeah pretty much.” Magellan chuckled “I’ll let you kno…” Magellan paused and turned round as a dull whinning in the background grew in intensity, “Errm I gotta go” he said quickly and shut off the comm. line. He ran round to the master control console.
“Awww no” he mumbled to himself as his hands danced over the console.

=^= Admiral I am detecting a…=^=
“Yes Lily I know” Magellan hissed
=^=I suggest cutting powe…=^=
“Yes Lily I m trying, I m trying. Evacuate this level”
=^=Yes sir=^= The computer replied

Magellan returned his focus to the console, for some reason there was an incremental exponential rise in the power output of the Temporal Engine. He watched the increases and couldn’t fathom what was happening. The force field he had created was starting to fade and it flickered as the increasing pressure built within it. The emitter sprung in to life as the field failed and ejected a rhythmic pulsation of white light. They exited the emitters nose like droplets from a syringe and spread out like seeds blown on an unseen wind in all directions. Magellan tried to improve the strength of the field and erect it again but as he did so a power spike threatened to overload his console. Realising he had done all he could he threw himself backwards allowing the console to explode harmlessly showering him in sparks. He grimaced as some burned through his uniform and scorched his skin. With a final bang and a vast plume of thick grey smoke the equipment died. The light from the emitter stopped leaving the temporal engine a smoking charred husk.

Breathing a sigh of relief he stood up, he dusted himself down and surveyed the destruction. This was a major setback, but at least no one had been hurt or affected.


The dust like bubbles spread out from the science lab, passing through bulkheads. In flux they drifted on unseen temporal eddies up down and swirling as if engaged in some mad dance.
One settled gentle on a plant, a flash of light and the plant was gone, in its stead was a tiny shoot, its tender cotyledons still bearing the shattered remains of the seed case.
Yet more bubbles spread into the infirmary and diplomatic levels. One came to rest on an infant who in a flash was replaced by a man dressed in simple tweed tunic and trousers. He looked about him bewildered as did the nurse who stood, bottle in hand.

One bubble dropped from the ceiling and struck Kaskrene. There was the flash and in the Tholians stead was an ovoid cream object. It was semi translucent and pulsated as if alive. The Ambassadors all recoiled in shock. Slowly the skin of what could only be described as an egg stretched and pushed. A claw pierced out from the interior. It pushed harder splitting the case, a head forced its way out, wide mandibles flailing wildly. Yakrene scuttled over,
“What trick is this” he stammered picking up the egg and helping the larvae emerge, no large than a rabbit.

OOC: Okay these bubbles are passing throughout the station those that wish to be affected get hit by one. You can be either older or younger. You will be that actually person from that time frame – their clothes their memories. Any probs drop me a line

[Deleted]

Why did people have to do this to him? Aiken felt like his mind was ripping itself apart, and then tearing the halves into tiny little pieces. For added effect, his wild imagination then somehow pictured the pieces being stamped on. All in all, it was a worrying visual, but it certainly captured how torn he was. On the one hand, he had the opportunity of a lifetime to be on the inside of such a major negotiation. Depending on how things went in those walls, the quadrant could either be thrown into a larger war than even the dominion war, or enter a period of unprecedented peace. And on the other, Admiral Lin’s request, in partnership with his previous escapade could be massive.

Currently, he was collapsed back on his sofa, a tumbler of brandy untouched on the clouded glass table; the shape of which resembled a kidney dish. Which, when Aiken thought about it, meant it probably also resembled the shape of a kidney. He felt his stomach turn slightly and pushed the thought from his mind, bringing him all too abruptly back to the dilemma facing him. He had two scoops in front of him, but he couldn’t take them both. The first was clearly tempting, and tangible, nothing could stop it. The second though could be among the biggest stories ever, or it could be nothing at all, the risk was clear.

He sighed, resigned to the decision he hadn’t even made yet. But he knew that though he might consider things back and forth for hours, or even days without making a decision, there was only really one choice that he could make. He sent a short communiqué to Ensign Drake, asking if he could bring their meeting forward, and have it somewhere more discreet, and then a second one to Admiral Lin stating that he grudgingly agreed that he could be of assistance; though he was careful not to mention what with.

The reporter then paused in his tasks and dropped back onto the sofa, downing the brandy as realisation set in. He would have to contact Nahi and tell her that he would be unavailable for a while. She was going to love that; after leaping back and demanding to see his daughter, he now backed out immediately. He expected that she would moan about having told her, and him raising her hopes only for them to be dashed to the ground. It would probably be a lie too. He groaned and wondered why life was never easy.

He was still slouched in self pity when the door chime sounded, Miss Drake (or Dodger as he had increasingly heard her referred to as) stepping in a split second later.
“You could at least pretend you didn’t have access to my quarters at whim you know.”
“Where would be the fun in that?”
Aiken considered it for a few seconds before insightfully commenting, “Hmmm.” He took another annoyed swig of brandy before he spoke again. “I need you to create me a new persona, Admiral Lin never said that he wants me undercover in these negotiations in a conversation we never had. You seem the expert on things that don’t really happen.” He rubbed his head. “I think that makes sense. Or doesn’t, whichever it’s meant to.”
Dodger glanced to her left and made a gesture that clearly said ‘He’s gone mad. He really has completely gone.’ Aiken considered that for someone making gestures into empty space this was a slightly hypocritical position to take. She shrugged slightly. “Let’s do it then.”

A few mornings later, Aiken started the first day of a new (hopefully short) life. When he arrived at Saarok’s office, the ambassador looked at him with suspicion, but didn’t comment further. He ran quickly through what he expected of him through the negotiations, and then they were off, making their way to the conference room, ensuring that they were there in good time. For the reporter it was all slightly strange, he had worked semi-freelance for a while now, and was used to creating his own schedule. Obviously he had meetings and deadlines, but with these exceptions, he was more or less his own boss. It only took an hour or two of working in the embassy, albeit with minor jobs, for him to hate it and feel like he was going to die of boredom. He just had to focus and remember that it was all for a good cause.

---Later during the talks---

"Now that you have come out with your initial demands, perhaps it is time to gain some insight in the motives behind them. Ambassador Kaskrene, you note that the planets you have taken are of great value and importance to you, that you have a great need for them. Perhaps a step towards peace is for you to reveal why do you require these planets?"
Aiken had to stop himself from laughing. He knew that this Vulcan was among the federation’s leading diplomats, it was hard to be in his company for 10 minutes without it cropping up somehow; either through a friend he mentioned or a photo in his office. Considering the Vulcan’s were meant to be ‘emotionally superior’, they were still the most smug race he’d ever met. But all that taken into consideration, his tactic seemed to be a bit naïve. For the Tholians to reveal the full importance of these planets would be negotiative suicide, and quite apart from that it would be quite likely to provoke the Klingons in some manner. Not the mention that while the federation was claiming to be purely brokering the talks, anything that was said could have implications on the tentative treaty between them as well.

[Deleted]

"Gentlemen", Saarok said as he rose from his seat again, "Now that you have come out with your initial demands, perhaps it is time to gain some insight in the motives behind them. Ambassador Kaskarne, you note that the planets you have taken are of great value and importance to you, that you have a great need for them. Perhaps a step towards peace is for you to reveal why do you require these planets?", Saarok questioned as he sat down again

Korok would have been about ot interject to Kaskrene's statement, had the Vulcan not got there before him. He settled himself back into position; having risen momentarily to challenge Kaskrene, and now waited a long list of pointless reasons. They never came. A sudden flash engulfed the area where the ambassador had been sat, with a hatching egg replacing his form. Korok leapt up with the other ambassadors, growling at what he perceived to be a deception of some kind.
"What is the meaining of th..." he bagan, before he was interrupted by yet another flash, this time engulfing him.

A myriad sensation of colours flashed bafore him, before Korok regained his footing. The last plasma torpedo must have hit the ship hard, he quickly thought, as he called out orders, despite the bluriness of his vision.
"Helmsman, attack pattern Kahless 12. Weaponsmaster, target disruptors at a concentrated point on the shield grid. Co-ordinate with the rest of the task force, but blow me an opening" General Martok had ordered him to lead an attack on several of the orbital weapons platforms in order to relieve pressure on the Federation ships, and he was succeeding. Two platforms had already been destroyed, and he was about to repeat his success on the third. Chintoka would fall. But it was too quiet. No responses had come to his orders, the sounds of the ongoing firefight were not audible, and the smell of blood, and drink and war were gone form his bridge. His vision cleared, and he was not on his bridge, but in a room of Federation design, with Vulcans, and Trill, and humans, and Tholians, and a Klingon. Furious, and quietly scared, Colonel Korok of KDF battle group SuQ'JaH drew his disruptor and d'ktahg, ready to fight whatever Dominion trick this was. This Korok had jet black hair, both in the form of a beard and moustache, and in the ponytail that was pulled back from his head. His battle armour was coated in blood and scratches, with his sash askew, and the bat'leth that clung to his back hanging loosely. The scars on his face were fresh and raw, and his teeth were sharp. The Klingon in the room mde a movement towards him, but Korok quickly turned his distruptor on him, firing a heavy stun blast. As the Klingon fell, Korok reset his phaser to kill, and levelled it at the people in the room.
"I do not know what Dominion trick this is" he yelled angrily "But move and I will kill you" The hand holding his d'ktahg slapped his communicator "Colonel Korok to IKS H'jaq. Commander K'Vok, respond" Why wasn't his Vor'cha class cruiser responding.

[Deleted]

Saarok was stunned, well as stunned as a Vulcan can be after the 2 unexplained events that took place. First it was Kaskarene transforming into an egg, then Korok suddenly appearing younger and shooting his aide and training his phasor on the rest of them. But he did not have a lot of time to think for another bubble landed on him and before he realized what was happening, a younger Vulcan male replaced him in the conference room.

"We shall neutralize.... we can not allow the delegate to voice his concerns at this time. The relations with the Romulans must be maintained at this time. You shall see to his unfortunate accident... Holodeck safety measures can fail... The technology is not as safe as som....", Saarok stopped speaking

He looked around and instead of the intelligence agent he had been speaking to in the room there were some unknown people, including a Klingon with a drawn weapon, a Trill, a Tholian with a child along with some other unknown persons. The people in the room looked strangely at Saarok who, instead of the robe he had on him earlier, was now wearing a black uniform that bore he ranks of a Starfleet rear admiral. He looked about 20 years younger. Before anyone could recover form the flash of light that engulfed Saarok before, he drew his weapon and trained it on the Tholian.

"You may attempt to try and deceive me Tholian, however I see through your petty technology. You will not learn anything from me.", he said