SB Assailant - Mission 2.5 Lockdown

[Magellan Lin]

There was a brief shudder as the small craft burst through the atmosphere. It levelled off from its near perilous descent and banked starboard to take a softer more gradual approach to the surface.
The sleek lines of the 'Etna' mirrored the thin streaks of clouds that ran like thin ribbons through Qualinosts troposphere.

With a final shudder the runabout - the first in the new Himilayan class - went fully atmospheric. The pilot swung the craft down to the ground skimming the surface barely 100 feet up. The view was breathtaking. What once had been a barren lifeless dusty planet was now on the verge of a verdant awakening.
The vast dust plains and sulphilic dunes were now gone, replaced by swards of mossy growths and thin tussocky grasses. On bare rock on the slopes of the once active volcanoes lichens still worked the crystalline rock into workable soil.

Careful atmorpheric rebalancing had melted parts of the ice caps - lowlands were now flooded with pale blue water. Ribbons of blue snaked through the lowest ravines beginning to erode a surface that had seen such weathering in over 10 millennia.

With alarming rapidity a structure came into view. The once pristine Hab-dome, the one time sole sanctuary on the whole of Qualinost now looked shabby and run down, a thin algal film across its plexiglass surface. And beyond it the first new structure in nearly two centuries, three tall towers projecting from a low circular building. The new Debrune council building sat atop the entrance to their vast subterranean city. Each spire a symbol of a new unity between the Federation, the Debrune and the refugee Tekarans.

"As you can see Project Gaia has worked beyond my wildest dreams." A gruff pig like man commented pointing out the front window.
“It’s amazing – I never realised how much had been done… how different it would be” Magellan replied following Dr Hyan Sharex’s gaze
“And this is just the start. The Starship Eden will arrive next month from Terraform Command.”
“Eden?”
“Some human thing” the Tellarite shrugged “It will be carrying plants, seeds and livestock all the components of a biosphere.”
Magellan peered down at the river they followed on approach to the Debruni settlement.
“No side effects – I understand the Genesis Device had several… negative aspect.”
Sharex shook his head and tutted,
“How many times must I say this, Gaia was never a genesis. It was based on Marcus’s work but nothing more. This is entirely new.”
Magellan nodded.
“Then it will be used on other planets?”
Sharex’s face clouded
“Unfortunately not. The only reason it succeeded here was due to the vast power output of the Debruni Reactor. Without it we would still be 5 years away from a breathable atmosphere.”

Magellan rolled his eyes, The arrival of the Debrune has certainly been a blessing. At first it had caused much concern – a pre Romulan empire staking a claim to Federation territory, but everything seemed to be settling down. The biggest upset had been in the Romulan Empire, who saw the Debrune as an enemy rather than a friend.

The Debrune were still wary of the Federation but slowly a dialogue had been established and in their weakened state they were welcome of the support Assailant could offer them and in return had housed all the Tekaran Refugees. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement even if Jak’dor still remained aloof – it had helped when Tedak and T Val had adopted D’Beren their divine child but even so the Elder of the Debrune still seemed to be holding back, especially concerning the apparent civil war that raged within the fragmented few hundred thousand remaining Debrune.

“Excuse me sir we are receiving a message from Assailant” the pilot informed Magellan.
“Very well pipe it through”
“Sir. We have just received the SCE vessel the USS Stevenson a Commander Treski is requesting a meeting with you and you also have another visitor”
“I see, who is the other visitor?”
“A Miss Regarn”
“Never heard of her. Okay F’Raas I’ll drop off Dr Sharex at the Hab Dome and then be right up. Magellan Out.”

[Deleted]

On the highest deck of the starbase, Tomlinson was crawling along an access tube. He stopped, and started to unscrew a hatch in the floor. Once he had removed it he was peering down a shaft which extended all the way to the bottom of the base, over 5 kilometres below. He paused to take that in. That was over 5000 metres, or over 2500 times his height. He considered this for a few seconds; there were only 3000 officers on this base, and it would take most of them to make up that distance. At a jog, it could take him twenty minutes to run that far. He was, however, about to cover the distance in a great deal less time than that. With the gravity on the station set to a slightly lower than average level, 0.9g to be precise, it would mean that he would hit his terminal velocity of roughly 50m/s in five and a half seconds. To fall the whole 5000 metres though it would take him roughly two hundred seconds; over three minutes. And the time it took him would be his only indication of how far away from the bottom he would be, at that speed, he wouldn’t see the bottom quickly enough before he hit it. He sighed… but there was no other way to get to the site in time.

He dropped through the hatch, his body accelerating every bit as quickly as his maths had told him it would. He groaned, and started a count in his head. Around him, he could see flashes of light as he passed each deck intersection. Over seven hundred decks he would drop past, and from any of them, there could be someone in this passage. Luckily however, they were likely to all be on the ladders around the edge. He doubted anyone else would be as stupid as he was. In retrospect, he decided, it might have been a good idea to have tied a rope off, or used some kind of parachute to break his fall. Although a rope would have more likely ripped his body apart, and he doubted that a parachute would work in an enclosed space such as this.

He looked around him. The passage was one of the main access shafts that ran down the length of the station. It had a ladder running down each of its six sides, and he had seen a few maintenance staff on them as he fell. From side to side, it was probably about 4 metres, which meant there was plenty of room for a security chief to fit down the middle. He glanced at the PADD in his hands, the movement causing him to veer towards one of the walls. With a slightly panicky motion he corrected himself again, and then slowly raised the PADD to his face once more. This time, he managed to keep his fall steady, and he accessed the map on the PADD. On it, a small dot was flashing on the bottom deck. As the map zoomed in, Simon saw that the dot was moving, still heading towards the centre, towards where he was dropping.

Not that the intruder knew that he was coming this way, or at least Tomlinson hoped that he didn’t. They had been alerted to the presence of the intruder until half an hour ago. After scanning the surveillance feed, they discovered that whoever it was was good. A loop had been fed into most of the cameras, and those that had too much security on them for that had simply been disabled. From this, they had managed to slowly piece together the route which had been taken, where the intruder had been, and where they had got onto the base.

To their disgust, they found out that the intruder had accessed the computer, and retrieved highly classified information. And that they had got onto the base via an airlock on the bottom of the base. External feed from the area showed that a shuttle was parked on the bottom of the base in the centre of the three extremities which held the communication array. The intruder had also managed to prevent anyone beaming to any of the bottom hundred decks. Which was the main reason for the interesting route which Tomlinson had been forced to take.

He realised that he had been falling for three minutes. He tapped his commbadge, and prayed that the plan would work. If it didn’t, he would be a large splat on the bottom of the shaft.

=/\= Computer, lower, and then reverse gravity in the core maintenance shaft. =/\=

No reply came, but he felt his descent slow, at first slowly, but then rapidly as the gravity reversed. When he was falling at a rate that would do him no damage on landing, he tapped his badge again.

=/\= Computer, disable artificial gravity in the core maintenance shaft. =/\=

He now fell at a constant rate once more, but he could now see the floor looming towards him. He bent his legs in preparation and a few seconds later, he hit it, cushioning the landing, before leaping back to his feet. He didn’t even glance at the map on the PADD, but instead started off at a run towards the airlock. He darted through the empty corridors. He had never been down this low in the station before, and he wasn’t really surprised to see that it was so empty. There was very little reason for anyone to be here, unless something had gone wrong.

He spun around a corner, and found the airlock directly in front of him. Without hesitation, he opened it, and stepped inside. Quickly accessing the controls inside, he changed the atmosphere inside, to allow him to leave the base. From a small cupboard, he grabbed a oxygen kit, which he clamped to his mouth. A couple of seconds later, he swung out through the door, and lay on the outside of the base, closing the airlock, and programming it to reverse the atmosphere back to internal levels.

The human chief of security took a deep breath in through his mouth. His brain was only now processing what had happened over the past few minutes. It was experiencing the shock of the fall, even though he had made the decision to do it. Now he was breathing deeply, and almost hyperventilating. He tried to calm himself. Space was not a good place to have breathing problems, especially as the emergency kit that was supplying him with vital air would only last for ten minutes at normal levels.

He had only just calmed his breathing when he heard the hiss of the airlock. Preparing himself, he took tight hold of the lip in front of him. As the door opened, and a body emerged, he pulled himself suddenly towards it. He was propelled rapidly forwards, and struck the emerging body with a strong force. The pair of them broke free of the base, and flew away, their bodies a scramble of arms and legs, both trying to land strikes on the other. Neither gave any consideration to the fact that they were floating rapidly away from the station, and had no way to get back to it.

Tomlinson concentrated on trying to get his elbows to connect with the intruder’s helmet in an attempt to dislodge it, but it appeared that they were sufficiently apt at self defence to deflect most of his blows. Those that did connect tended to glance off without causing too much damage. All the while, he was trying to defend his own body from similar blows that were being rained upon him.

Finally he managed to land a strong clout, which smashed the helmet sufficiently to release oxygen. Luckily for the intruder, they had already set a zero level pressure within the suit, and only the air seeped out. The intruder weakened, and their attack waned, until Simon was simply holding them against him, restraining any movement. He smashed his hand against his commbadge.

He realised belatedly that he was unable to talk, the mouthpiece restraining any speech, and the vacuum of space having the same effect when he removed it. He swore loudly inside his head, and hit his commbadge again, and again and again, starting to panic. In his arms, the intruder reached towards a pocket. Before their hand could reach it, Tomlinson batted it away, and reached in himself. He extracted a small device. He turned it around a few times in his hand. All it contained was a small button, placed in the middle of it. He had no way of knowing what it would do when pressed, but at the same time, he had less than a minute’s air left. He screwed his eyes closed, and pushed the button.

He shimmered into non-existence, and then re-materialised in an atmosphere. That was in fact all that he took in of it before an elbow smashed into his face. He shook his head to clear it, and then tried to rise up to his feet. Before he could, he once more was struck to the floor, this time receiving a knee on the back of his head. He wasn’t given a chance to try and escape again, as a foot was placed heavily on his head.

“You were foolish to follow me here.” The security chief was shocked to hear that the voice was female. He tried to twist his head up to look at her, but the boot pressed down harder on him.

“Surprised that I’m a woman?”

He was about to argue with her, when he decided he had nothing to gain from it.

“Terrible galaxy isn’t it. Women just don’t get any credit.”
“Oh do shut up.” She shot back, but with a degree of acceptance and jest in her voice.
“I don’t suppose I could convince you to remove this boot?”
“Actually I was planning on doing that. Because while I don’t want to release you, I can’t actually fly this ship from here.”
“Yeah, great. The thing is, I was planning on overcoming you, and taking you into custody.”
“I was afraid of that. You know, even from here, I could order the computer to beam you back into space. The problem is, I don’t like having to kill people.”
“Suits me, because I didn’t really want you to kill me.” The thief suppressed a small laugh, and took the foot off Tomlinson’s head.
“Before you think about doing anything stupid be warned; I have a gun pointing at your head.”
“Thought you might.” Simon replied in resignation.

He rose to his feet, and saw that indeed there was a disruptor aimed at him. She inclined her head towards the back of the shuttle. Tomlinson took a deep breath, and slowly started to walk backwards.

“You know, a pretty girl like you could have done many things. Why a thief?”
“It’s always about look isn’t it? I could be the cleverest, or the stupidest person in the planet, but you are judging me only on looks.”
“Now… that’s not fair. I am judging you both on your looks, AND your occupation. However, I admit that you are very good at your job.”
“Why thank you.” She flashed him a smile. “I became a thief for that reason; I was good at it. Now, there’s a door behind you. Open it.”

Tomlinson started to turn, but the gun was pressed against him.
“Come now. We already established that I am good at this. Keep looking at me. Open it beside you, where I can see your hands.”

He smiled sarcastically at her, and felt about on the wall behind him for the release switch. Without warning, the door slid open behind him, and he fell backwards, only just managing to remain standing.
“Oh, very gymnastic Mr Security.”
“Thank you. I try my best to impress.” He shot back.
“Go on, completely inside. I have surveillance on the room too, so don’t try to escape.”
“Would I?”
“Oh, of course not. Not you!” She rolled her eyes.
“Before you close me in, I would mention one thing.”
“Oh?”
“There is a squadron of fighters surrounding us, waiting for you to attempt to escape.”
“Don’t worry your pretty head about it Mr Security. I have ways of getting past them.”

Before she could continue, the shuttle rocked under fire. Apparently the fighters had decided not to wait, but to attack while the shuttle was still clamped against the hull of the starbase. Another hit smashed the shuttle, and multiple alarms started to sound. The thief swore, and turned her back on Tomlinson, moving towards the front of the shuttle, to the controls. As soon as her back as turned, the human security chief launched himself towards her, as he had done only a few minutes before in the vacuum outside. This time, with the woman both distracted, and helmet-less, he managed to send her sprawling to the floor, immobilised almost instantly.

Without hesistation, he slapped his commbadge.

=/\= Emergency transport directly to the brig. =/\=

The pair shimmered out of existence instantly, and this time reappeared in more familiar territory for Tomlinson. He inclined his head at the guard outside the cell that they had materialised into, and lay the thief onto the bed at the edge of the cell. It appeared that he had hit her harder than intended; she was completely unconscious.

Now that he studied her more intently, he recognised that she was surely no older than 18, and yet she had a scar across the left side of her neck. He rose his eyebrows, and left the cell.

“Get a medic to attend to her. And try and find out who she is. When she wakes up, make sure I am informed.”

[Deleted]

Sighing, Tedak shook his head in dismay when Nurse Tsomba wanted to check him over again, for the fourth time this day already. "Seriously, why do you need to do this so often? Surely you are a competent enough nurse?" he asked, annoyance clearly showing in his voice.

Earlier, Saarok had been released from sickbay, but Tsomba hadn't wanted to let Tedak go just yet, under the pretense of needing more observation due to his injuries, and possible psychological trauma. "I thought they had invented counselors for this," he had retorted, but Tsomba had merely smiled and ignored his further protests.

Tedak sat back on the bed, crossing his arms over his chest. He was still wearing the sickbay attire for men, and he was growing very tired of the itching fabric. ~at least the male attire isn't a dress, as I've seen in Earth history tapes!~ he thought, a grim expression on his face. "Seriously woman, I'm fine!" he called after the retreating nurse, "I've spent days cooped up in here, I want to see my son!"

The nurse still merely smiled, which angered him further. "That's it, I'm leaving," he growled, and got up from the bed. He'd seen his medical file, his physical condition was perfectly fine, all the bruises and other injuries had been healed and he felt as fit as a fiddle.

Then he felt someone hold him down. "No you're not," a tall male nurse scowled at him, "you're not leaving until Tsomba says so."

The Romulan bared his teeth at the male nurse. "Then she better release me soon, I can't guarantee my mood if she doesn't soon. I've spent days in here, and I've been without pain for days as well. She's testing my patience!"

The nurse smiled brightly. "You got it!"

Tedak made a growling noise and ignored the nurse, until Tsomba came back. "Right, you're free to go now ambassador, and do please stay out of sickbay! I'll not want to have to tell Mercy you're back here, he'll go ballistic."

"Oh don't you worry, I don't intend to get back here anytime soon. Not unless your dear Mercy wants a black eye for flirting with my wife!" He scowled. "Oh yes, T'Val told me about it. I knew she was experimenting with her own emotions, and he's just confusing the hell out of her. I want him to stay away from her, do you hear?"

"I hear," Tsomba replied coolly, "but it ain't my affair. It's between you and him and I'm not going to get involved ambassador. You will have to talk it over, you're a diplomat, surely you can deal with this?"

Tedak scowled once more, then headed out of sickbay, back to his own quarters. He was nearly knocked over when his son raced up to him and nearly jumped into his arms. The Debrune boy was getting rather big, and with his nearly two years of age he was actually quite smart too.

~I've got to take him down to Qualinost again soon~ he thought ~the Elders will expect it, and he needs to learn more about his ancestors. With T'Val out on a mission this task befalls on me~

"Do you want to meet up with Uncle Jak'dor?" he asked the boy, who nodded fervently in return. "Very well, I'll contact him." he walked over to his computer terminal. "Admiral Lin, I need to beam down to Qualinost later, if Elder Jak'dor agrees to my visit. Could you arrange for him to contact me at his earliest convenience? I'd hate to be contacting him and disrupt something that's important to the Debrune."

<magellan/jak'dor>

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan recieved Tedaks comm call just as he emerged from the Runabout. He bid farewell to his pilot and made his way to the turbolift.
=^= Ambassador Tedak=^= he replied, =^= With the new atmosphere on Qualinost such long range transporting is no longer safe, all transit to and from the surface is now by shuttle=^=
=^=I see. It is important to see Elder Jak'dor=^=
Magellan paused long enough to inform the computer that he needed Ops.
=^= As your shuttle is still under repair I can arrange a runabout, but it maybe worth waiting, Jak'dor and a derbune delegation are due to visit the station in the next few days.=^=
=^=They are?=^=
=^=Hopefully. With terraforming nearly complete Dr Sharex is returning to Terraform command, we are holding a celebration, Jak'dor is invited.=^=
=^=Very Well Admiral I will wait until then. Any news from the El Salvador or Nevada=^=
=^=We have had a response. They feel they have had a resolution and will be back on normal duties in days.=^=
=^=Very good. Tedak Out=^=


Magellan spent the rest of the journey, for once, in silence. Things on the base had actually settled down. Pirate attacks were down, the planet was terraformed, Jak'dor was becoming esaier to deal with, the thousands of refugees from Tekara were gone, down to Qualinost below. All in all aside from the unfortunate loss of the Angel things were ticking over nicely, he suspected that would change. It always did and no doubt as a result of his visitors.

The turbolift ejected him in the command hub of the station and he walked swiftly through the fleet command offices praying that no one had an issue they needed to raise. He entered ops,
"Any problems Fr'aas?"
The regulan snorted,
"Not if you dont count reckless endangerment."
Magellan raised an eyebrow.
"Lieutenant Tomlinson Sir. He disregard any number of safety regulations, he..."
Magellan held up a hand to quell the Flight Control Officers tirade,
"Mr Tomlinson is Chief of Base Security, reckless endangerment is his job. Anything else?"
F'Raas looked displeased but opted not to continue that line of conversation.
"Just some appointments, Commander Treski and his team are requesting a meeting and theres a Miss Regarn waiting and Mayor Simeth wants to discuss the Arcade with you."
Magellan sighed, Base politics, what fun.
"Very Well Fr'aas give me half an hour to go through the daily reports and then have Comamnder Teski report. I ll get to the others when I can."
"Understood sir."
Magellan turned his back on the busy Ops room and entered his office. Now before those reports, perhaps a drink he thought turning to the replicator.

[Deleted]

In truth, Tedak hadn't been overly worried about the Nevada or the El-Salvador, but he had known that T'Val hd gone with Mercy to lend their asstance, before T'Val would return to the Jefferson. He was a little disappointed that she hadn't come to see him before she departed again, but he knew that her duty to her commanding officer came first.

He closed the connection with the admiral, and returned to his office. Soon he was due for a final check-up, as demanded by nurse Tsomba, and he didn't like it. He was going to stall it as much as he could, as he certainly didn't want a confrontation with Doctor Mercy. ~how dare he~ he thought grimly ~with my wife! how dare he~

The Romulan knew that something had transpired between Mercy and his wife, as T'Val had sent him a message about him, explaining everything. This was one thing he appreciated about her, she was very honest. He knew she loved him, but he could quite understand her feelings about the human doctor too. He wondered if T'Val had ever told Magellan about how she felt about him. When she was cured of the vampire virus, T'Val had confessed having certain feelings for the admiral.

~poor thing~ he thought sadly, as he knew T'Val was raised strictly Vulcan, even though now she appeared to have 'tainted' blood. ~that, and being married to an emotionally minded romulan doesn't help, now does it?~

"I need to confront Mercy, for my own peace of mind," he muttered, "but not yet. Soon though."

[Deleted]

ooc: a bit of a backpost, which takes place before the start of this thread. I wanted to post it on fallen angel but it's already locked:(

ic:

T'Val was relieved that everyone was returning back to normal, or as normal as was possible for the species involved. She found herself silently grieving for Gremmel, he had become a victim of the situation, but at least he had tried to help them. She was still riled about having been forced to pick up a weapon, even though it appeared she had been pure of heart.

T'Val still found herself wondering about that when she and Mercy were beamed back to the shuttle they had arrived with. The pilot smiled at them and welcomed them back aboard before setting course back to Assaillant at maximum speed. ~how can I be pure of heart?~ she wondered ~I have been unfaithful to my husband~

At the thought of him, tears formed in her eyes, and she cried silently. It was fortunate that she was now sitting with her back towards the human doctor, so that he couldn't see her face. Yet she started when he touched her and placed his hand on her back. ~he knows!~ she thought frantically ~how can he know?~

She turned to him, and allowed him to gently wipe the tears from her face. She wouldn't look at him, but did allow herself to be pulled towards him, and she found herself enjoying his touch. ~I cannot~ she thought, but didn't resist ~what will Tedak think?~

Now, she looked up at him, slightly fearful. She leaned in, and softly kissed him, wondering what he would do. By now, she knew it wasn't the virus; something really was going on between them.

They sat in silence until they reached Assaillant where T'Val, after a brief goodbye, would board another shuttle that would bring her back to the Jefferson. "This is not farewell doctor," she whispered at him, briefly placing a hand on his cheek, "please stay in touch. You must know, I will tell my husband everything, I despise secrets, and I still love him, no matter what will happen between you and me. He will understand, trust me." With a final kiss, she boarded the other shuttle, and from the window watched Mercy gaze after the shuttlecraf.

[mercy]

The last few days had been very busy. Both the Starfleet hospital and the civilian side had finally been relieved of their overload of patients. The Dradres were returned to their homes and the Angel crew departed as well, returning back to duty.

Stuart had to take a break from doing his report for Admiral Lin. It was hard for him to get anything done...without thinking of T'Val.

The return from the Pacifier aboard their shuttle was a long journey. Not a word was spoken between T'Val and Stuart. It was obvious to Stuart that she was in turmoil with her emotions. He ended up trying to console her when she threw another surprise at him. She had leaned in for a kiss. Stuart wanted to hesitate, trying to be respctful, but his heart said otherwise. How could he deny her, causing more confusion than ever. It was a slow passionate kiss, after which Stuart simply held T'Val in his arms all the way back to Assailant.

They sat in silence until they reached Assaillant where T'Val, after a brief goodbye, would board another shuttle that would bring her back to the Jefferson. "This is not farewell doctor," she whispered at him, briefly placing a hand on his cheek, "please stay in touch. You must know, I will tell my husband everything, I despise secrets, and I still love him, no matter what will happen between you and me. He will understand, trust me." With a final kiss, she boarded the other shuttle, and from the window watched Mercy gaze after the shuttlecraft.

Stuart wasn't quite sure what to make of all this. She promised that this was not a farewell, touched him gently to give him another kiss, and still revealed that everything would be told to Ambassador Tedak.

The waiting around to see what was going to happen next was driving Stuart crazy. Ambassador Tedak was due for another check-up, but it was one Stuart was willing to avoid. How was he going to face him? He would just have to cross that bridge when he got to it. Stuart proceeded to finish his report.

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan managed to get through half of his PaDD work before his meetings caught up with him. Zoilip appeared at the door.
"Sorry Sir. Commander Treski and his team are still waiting. They are getting a little...agitated."
Magellan sighed, a common occurence for the trill,
"Okay okay, send them through."
"Yes Sir" Zoilip replied with a lopsided smile.

The next time the doors opened Zoilip was accompanied by an older gentleman with greying hair and two diminutive aliens.
"Commander Treski" Magellan greeted extending a hand.
"Admiral Sir. Its a pleasure. I am Commander Treski of the Stevenson."
"Thats a Corp of Engineers Ship right?"
"Thats right, We specialise in computer systems and bio-neural circuitary."
"I see please take a seat."
Treski complied sitting opposite Magellan at the desk. The two aliens who were dressed in tight shimmering green tunics stood beside him and still werent as tall as Treski. They had large bulbous grey heads with what appeared to be some kind of interface on the side of the skull. Magellan also noted with interest that Treski sported a data port on the left side f his neck.
"So what can I do for you Commander. Assailants computers are all up to date and our ODN relays have all been replaced by Bio-neural gel packs."
Treski nodded,
"Let me introduce my counterparts first - this is 0010 and this is 1101" he explained pointing to the two aliens, "Though for ease of use they are known as Zerox and Unus."
"Ah now I recall. Bynars"
There was a chirrup of electronic notes before a translator kicked in.
"we are delighted to meet you."
Magellan nodded in reciprocation.
"It doesnt exactly answer my question though."
Treski smiled,
"I m sorry. I ve come directly from Command. We heard about your unusual computer problems as a result of the nebula engulfment."
"So my reports are read at command" Magellan quipped, "But if you read my report you ll know the situation was resolved when Lily blended with the computer system."
"Indeed - a most interesting occurence. You have the only AI computer system in Starfleet."
Magellan remained silent already concerned where this was going.
Treski continued,
"Myself, Zerox and Unus are here to check over Lily to ensure she is... alright. Perhaps something similar is posible across the fleet if it isnt a problem. "
"I see."
"And If I refuse?"
Treski held up a padd bearing the insignia of SF Command.
"Ah. orders. Fair enough you may have a look at Liy if she so wishes and you are to do nothing without my Chief Engineer - Alari present."
"Thankyou sir. It will be a pleasure working with you."
Magellan scowled unresponsivly, it wasnt as if he had much choice.
"You can begin any time now... or sooner" Magellan hinted.
"Of course" Treski answered "We'll start right away."
The engineer rose and with the two Bynars in tow departed the office.

Magellan had barely retaken his seat when an unfamiliar head poked around his door.
"Yes?"
The head belonged to a woman in her thirties. She had a pleasing complexion with chestnut hair and dark intense brown eyes, twin lines or spots ran down her temples and plunged beneath her sky blue blouse.
"I ve been waiting to see you. I am Laurana Regarn."
"I see. What can I do for you Miss Regarn?"
"Its a personal matter. Dr Kahn sent me."
"You know Lenara?"
"yes she came to see me at the Caves when she returned to Trill."
Magellans eyes narrowed,
"Saw you at the Caves... the Caves of Makala?"
"Yes I am a Guardian their. This is my first time off planet in some considerable time, its amazing how much I miss the symbionts and the pools."
"Well can I suggest you return there." Magellan replied coldly.
Laurana met Magellans steely gaze,
"I sense some hostility."
"How perceptive of you. Lenara had no right to talk to you about my problems. If I had wanted your help I would have come to the pools."
Laurana nodded quietly, a soft wry smile on her lips,
"Well I ve been a Guardian for many years and I d guessed as much, Though I m not sure I understand your hostility."
"Understanding is not required. I do not need to see a Guardian."
"I know, I m not here to see you."
"your not!" Magellan replied in astonishment,
"No I m here to see Lin."

[Deleted]

The Romulan ambassador sat before his computer terminal, checking his messages when suddenly the purplish face of a girl appeared on the screen, smiling brightly at him. Long purple hair was flowing around her beautiful face. "Hello Teeedak," she said, "why haven't you been talking to me lately?" The girl pouted at him, though her eyes held a look of mischief.

"Why hello Lily," Tedak returned, looking surprised. Lily, the computer entity, had never before interrupted his work by appearing on one of his computer terminals. "I haven't forgotten about you, but I have been off station with Saarok, as you may remember. I heard that you nearly got into trouble for helping us. Therefor I'm going to enforce Magellan's order, and only to accept orders or queries that are accompanied by a security clearance. And that includes myself, T'Val and Saarok."

The girl nodded solemnly. "I heard about T'Val and Mercy," she said softly, "has she really been unfaithful?"

"She has been experimenting," Tedak replied, rather coldly, "and since she told me everything, I do not believe that she was indeed unfaithful. I still love her, and nothing Mercy does will change that."

"I know," Lily replied, "she's been talking to me about it, and she was greatly disturbed by her feelings for the human doctor. That poor woman....." She paused several seconds. "Oh, now I know why I came, besides saying hello. You are due for an appointment in sickbay." She chuckled as she heard the Romulan sigh and give her a look of sheer dismay. "Yes, I know you've been released this morning, but Mercy wants to double-check Tsomba. That, and your son is due for his vaccinations."

"Very well," Tedak sighed, "tell Mercy that I'll be right down. But he's not to expect any pleasantries from me. He seduced my wife, and he better not bring up the subject or start apollogizing. I'm not sure whether I'll be able to restrain myself."

"yes Teeedak," Lily replied, and her image disappeared from his terminal.

Lily appeared on Mercy's terminal in his office. "Teeedak says he'll be right down," she conveyed, "and he's in a bad mood doctor."

<Mercy>

Several minutes later, Tedak walked into sickbay, a two-year old boy holding on tightly to his hand. The toddler had insisted on walking, and had thrown a tantrum when his father had tried to sit him down in his buggy. "Please be quick about it," Tedak said coldly, as he placed his son onto a biobed and sat down on it beside the boy, "and make sure he's not harmed, or you'll have me to deal with." He shot the human doctor an icy glare, then further refused to even look at him.

<Mercy>

Elsewhere on the station, Lily screamed as Treski and his engineers started tampering with the computer system. However, nobody heard her scream of protest, but Treski and the Bynars.

[mercy]

Lily appeared on Mercy's terminal in his office. "Teeedak says he'll be right down," she conveyed, "and he's in a bad mood doctor."

"I'm sure he is, Lily. If I was in his place, I think I would be too, but still, what to do? Lily, I want you to monitor his visit with me. If things get out of hand, please alert security."

"Yes, Stuart. I shall alert security at the first signs of trouble."

Several minutes later, Tedak walked into sickbay, a two-year old boy holding on tightly to his hand. The toddler had insisted on walking, and had thrown a tantrum when his father had tried to sit him down in his buggy. "Please be quick about it," Tedak said coldly, as he placed his son onto a biobed and sat down on it beside the boy, "and make sure he's not harmed, or you'll have me to deal with." He shot the human doctor an icy glare, then further refused to even look at him.

"First, I am a doctor. It is my duty to not cause any more pain, but to help alleviate it. Second, it seems like you are the one causing him distress. The way you hold him tightly, and I'm sure he can sense the anger within you. That is not the way to handle a child or anyone for that matter."

<Tedak>

Stuart remained silent. He did not want to antagonize the Ambassador anymore. Stuart used the tricorder to scan D'Beren for his check-up. "Well, he seems to be very healthy." Stuart reached over to one of the cabinets to pull out a hypospray that was already prefilled for D'Beren. D'Beren slightly pulled away at first when Stuart tried to apply the hypospray to his neck. Stuart took one hand and placed it on the boy's cheek to hold him in place while he applied the hypospray on the other side, on the neck. The vaccine was delivered.

"Is that how you touched my wife?" Tedak spat out with a certain glean in his eyes.

"Seeing how you are an Ambassador, I think that you would agree that this is neither the time nor the place. However, if you must know...yes...and with her willingness and permission. I shall say no more."

<Tedak>

"I must warn you. I've asked Lily to monitor us and to alert security if necessary. Now please, allow me to scan you so that we may dispense with the unpleasantries as quickly as possible."

<Tedak>

Stuart proceeded to scan Tedak and found no new abnormalities, other than an elevated blood pressure. That was to be expected given the circumstances.

"You are in good health. Nurse Tsomba did a fine job taking care of you. You are free to go."

Tedak rose with a snort, lifted his son up, and proceeded to walk towards the exit. Just before leaving he turned around to shoot one last glare at Stuart.

<Tedak>

[Deleted]

"First, I am a doctor. It is my duty to not cause any more pain, but to help alleviate it. Second, it seems like you are the one causing him distress. The way you hold him tightly, and I'm sure he can sense the anger within you. That is not the way to handle a child or anyone for that matter."

"Don't you dare lecture me on how to handle my child," Tedak snapped at the CMO, eyes flashing with held back fury, "he doesn't like sickbays, which seems to be a family trait, even though he's not of our blood. So, shut up about child care and do your job." Yet he did loosen his grip on the boy a little, just in case Mercy was right after all. Yet D'Beren remained fussy, and clung to his father.

<snip>
"Seeing how you are an Ambassador, I think that you would agree that this is neither the time nor the place. However, if you must know...yes...and with her willingness and permission. I shall say no more."

"That is the wisest thing you've said so far doctor," the Romulan growled, as he wrapped his son protectively in his arms. He felt the boy's shoulders shudder as he sobbed, more of shock of being injected with something than of pain. "But this is far from over, you haven't heard the last of this yet."

"I must warn you. I've asked Lily to monitor us and to alert security if necessary. Now please, allow me to scan you so that we may dispense with the unpleasantries as quickly as possible."

"Be quick about it," Tedak snapped, "I have more things to do. And I don't want to remain in company of someone who's tried to seduce my wife."

Stuart proceeded to scan Tedak and found no new abnormalities, other than an elevated blood pressure. That was to be expected given the circumstances.

"You are in good health. Nurse Tsomba did a fine job taking care of you. You are free to go."

Tedak rose with a snort, lifted his son up, and proceeded to walk towards the exit. Just before leaving he turned around to shoot one last glare at Stuart.

"This isn't over," he repeated, keeping his arms and hands well away from the human. Instead, he picked up his son and held him close, so that he wouldn't have his hands free to do anything he might regret later. "T'Val has been honest with me, I know how she feels....but I would've expected more restraint from you. She's married, and you seduced her." With that, he swept out of sickbay, and went to search for Magellan.

"When will the Debrune delegation arrive?" Tedak asked, walking into the office after receiving an okay to enter it. His entire demeanor still showed his rage, and even his firelizards were conveying the anger to Dinas, who squawked in protest.

<Magellan>

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan looked up as Tedak arrived,
"As you can see I m very busy. No time at all"
Laurana looked at Magellan cooly,
" You have no right to deny my visit. It is not your choice."
"Wrong we are one person. It is my choice. Now if you dont mind the Ambassador and I need to discuss improtant matters."
Laurana nodded to Tedak,
"Very well, But this is nt over. I have important..."
"Thankyou" Magellan replied abruptly, "Have a pleasant trip back to Trill"
Lauarna sighed in deep exasperation and stormed from the room.
"I m sorry was I interrupting" Tedak asked
"Yes and it was most welcome."
Tedak looked at Magellan askance.
"Now to your query. The Debrune will arrive tomorrow. They will attned the days events to bid farewell to Dr Sharex. Jak'dor and his entourage will arrive in the morning."
"Thankyou."Tedak answered and made for the door.

***

Commander Treski, Zerox and Unas stood with Alari at the main computer core. Alari had managed to calm Lily who at first had screamed the place down.
"So you understand now Lily, Commander Treski is just here to check you over - like the medicals Dr Mercy gave you."
"yeeessss I understand. You may proceed."
"Excellent" Treski replied, "Okay then Zerox here will attach monitors to your interface whilst you perform a level 2 diagnostic of all back up systems."
"I will do as you ask" Lily replied haltingly.

***

Laurana was not one to give up easily. Most Guardians were meek and mild but not her. She had an impulsive and aggressive streak, it gave her focus and power.
She had been taken aback by the Admirals response, Lenara had told her he was a good sort, not at all like the arrogant and rude man she had just met. She didnt like being beaten and she had a job to do. Her duty was to the symbiont not Magellan.
She paused a moment to collect her thoughts and then decided on a course of action.

[Magellan Lin]

OOC: Joint post by Magellan and Tomlinson


Laurana stode into the main security office and tapped on the desk. "I wish to speak to whoever is in charge." she demanded
Looking up from a readout he was receiving on the thief he had recently apprehended, Tomlinson replied casually. "That would be me."
"Good. First off I have a complaint."

The human sighed almost inaudibly, he wasn't even sure where they kept the report files on PADDs these days. Noone ever really had a complaint. Oh, crimes to report, sure. But complaints?

"What type? Starfleet professional, starfleet civil, starfleet criminal, civilian professional, civilian civil, civilian criminal, diplomatic professional, diplomatic civil, diplomatic criminal, ufp visitors, foreign visitors, miscelleneous?"
He rattled the list off quickly.

"all - your boss is a jerk"

At this Simon's head snapped up to look more carefully at the woman stood in front of him. His shoulder's dropped as he saw her trill spots. What was it with the Admiral and home trouble?
"I think that would come under miscelleneous, but I suspect you don't want a form?"

"No - just you allowing me to vent my annoyance is enough for now I think." Laurana replied a smile now replacing her previously tense face, "yes thats much better."

"I'm here to serve, or so they keep telling me. Glad I improved someones day. You wouldn't happen to be able to place a tenable charge against this girl would you?" At the confused shake of a head Tomlinson let his shoulders drop further. Sometimes you had no luck at all.

"now to my second point. In my expereince teh Cheif of Security on any establishment knows more than anyone else. And I need your assistance in finding out some facts - or at the very least finding a reason."
"I know this and that. People don't tell the chief of security much on a civilian base."

"good then you ll have time to help me. You up for it?"

"I never said I had spare time on my hands." Simon was thrown by her twisting of his words. On the other hand, he was intrigued. "But if this is an issue that could affect the running of the base?" He left it delicately open so that she could take his lead and give him 'permission' to find out what she wanted.

"Okay I ll lay it on the line. I am a guardian from the pools of Mak'ala. I am here to... aid a symbiont."

"Only the good admiral doesn't want you to? Sounds like him. He has never seemed very trusting of anything too close to home you know?"

"So I can see. The problem is this. It transpires that Lin has had more hosts than Magellan has memories for. No doubt a result of Toyas trauma or the fact that Lin was on Trill during the rioting a few years back. Dr Kahn told me he needed help but for some reason he seems unusually hostile to me - or perhaps hes the same to all guardians but as I ve never met him before I m assuming its not me."

"And is there a way you can prove to me that Lin does want the help. Because otherwise, it isn't really something that I can do anything about. Of course, if you could prove it in some way..."

Laurana paused a moment and looked carefully at Tomlinson. She seemed to be weighing something up.

"Nothing especially tangible, though as a Guardian I can communicate with Lin telepathically - he seems in distress." she replied eventually hoping the small lie would be enough to draw the security officer in.

"Okay, look I can't promise anything, and I can't really do anything while I'm on duty. For one thing, Magellan gets reports on everything I do. Come along to my quarters at 2000, and I'll see what I can do for you." Tomlinson wondered what he was getting himself in for.

"Thats all I ask. I just need to know why he is so wary of my help. It could have a serious implication for the station. Perhaps there have been problems in the past. So till later... and thankyou Commander. Perhaps my visit here wont be wasted after all." With that Laurana turned and departed the office.
Tomlinson shook his head slowly. That was one of the most unusual conversations he had had for a while. On the bright side though, he hadn't had to find any of the complaint forms. There, he had managed to find a positive, just as the counsellor had advised.

[mercy]

Stuart was keeping himself busy by going over the humanoid anatomy. It was amazing to him how similar the various humanoid species were. There were differences, of course, but the basics were the same. They all had a similar blood circuit where arteries were the pathways for blood flow away from the heart, and veins were the pathways for blood flow toward the heart.

The circulatory system performed the same function in all, and of course all had a heart in order to live. Lungs to breath, and so on. Stuart wondered for a moment if they hadn't all developed from one species at one time or another. It was a viable thought, even if many species would find it horrendous.

~Enough.~ Stuart had enough. He couldn't quite concentrate with thoughts of T'Val fleeting in and out of his mind. He called out for Jill. "Hey Jill. I'm going to call it quits for this evening. Why don't you think of doing the same. The night shift is here and you work too hard as it is."

"Yes, Doctor Mercy. I was just setting up some fresh supplies for tomorrow. I'll be done shortly. I'll see you tomorrow then."

Jill Tsomba returned to her final duties as Stuart got up and left the infirmary. He wasn't ready to go to his quarters as he knew that he would just be having the same thoughts as he was now. He needed a distraction. He knew what it would be as he headed toward the Holodecks on the rec decks. He needed to go play a game of indoor soccer. He hadn't done that for awhile, and he missed being on his old team, the San Francisco Stars. A cruise on a hoverbike wasn't a bad idea either. He could do that afterward in the same holodeck. This should keep his mind occupied for awhile.

[Deleted]

The Romulan ambassador left the CO's office and headed for his quarters to drop off his son into T'Shan's care. He was actually surprised that for once the Trill admiral seemed glad to see him, though he reckoned it had more to do with that Trill woman leaving than actually being pleased to talk to him. Tedak knew perfectly well that Magellan didn't quite like or trust him, and he actually couldn't blame the Trill admiral either. Too much had happened, where Tedak was forced to do things he didn't even like himself, for the Trill to like or trust him.

~and Saarok is partially to blame~ Tedak thought grimly, as he departed his quarers again. The thought of the human CMO seducing his wife was still milling around in his mind, and the more he thought of it, the more agitated he became. And the more agitated he became, the more fussy his son became as well. "I'm going to the holodeck," he told the nanny, "if you need me, tell Lily to call me."

However, before he left, he changed from his formal diplomatic attire to something more comfortable to perform a thorough work-out in. For a warming-up, he jogged down to the holodecks, taking an occasional detour to make it an actual warming up. However, when he finally reached the holodecks, he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Mercy programming something into one of the holodecks.

Gritting his teeth, he fought the urge to race forward and strike the doctor. ~wouldn't work~ he told himself, as he tightened his hands into fists, and forced them behind his back thereby restraining himself from doing what he must not. Yet he knew he needed to work off the frustration, and what better way than to have a shot at the doctor?

"Mercy!" he barked, pleased that he managed to startle the young human. "Join me in a work-out program." It was not an order, and he saw that Mercy knew instantly that it also meant trouble. "You and me," he continued, "in there, no spectators. I told you it wasn't over."

[Ji' Zhan]

Buzz … Buzz … Buzz … Buzz … Buzz … Buzz … Buzz … Buzz … Buzz …

Ji’ Zhan’s eyes opened, groggy at first, then opening more and more. He reached for the alarm, his arm waving several times in the general direction until finally he hit the doze off. He unwieldy rolled onto his back … his eyes saw a projected sky on his ceiling that was a brilliant shade of blue. A few clouds where passing by and he just lay there, watching the simulated sky become brighter and brighter. Several moments passed before his nose smelled the aroma of morning breakfast. ‘That automatic replicator was a good idea’, he thought. He turned and his feet found his slippers that had been waiting next to his bed all night. They were fuzzy and felt soft to his waking feet. Putting on his robe, he stumbled over his pet that had made a funny noise as it was awakened. Looking down he said, “sorry, fi’ do”.

His table still had last night’s meal and dishes and clearing a spot, sat down to read the morning news. Today was the day that he would accompany Jak’dor to the Assailant. He was glad; the morning’s trek to his office wouldn’t be missed. After breakfast, Ji’Zhan dressed and made sure his bags had all that he would need for his stay away from home. He called next door to instruct about checking on his pet, but the auto-keeper would make sure that food and water would be available. Checking the security protocol he shut his door and typed in a few codes and was off to the sky-port.

People were walking around, starting there day. People were saying hello as they passed; as Ji’Zhan was well known being on the council … “Hello,” and with a smile and a nod he walked on … Walking was a normal choice, as he really didn’t like taking the insta-port to simply ‘pop’ from place to place … ‘what fun was that’ he mused. A people person was his calling.

Meeting with the rest of the council that was making this potential promising trip he stepped onto the craft. Finding a seat, he didn’t see Jak’dor … but that wasn’t uncommon as Jak’dor took separate methods of travel than the council most of the time. The door to the shuttle shut, and he felt the rumble of the lift-off … a shutter crossed Ji’Zhan’s back … flight was something that most Debrune wasn’t enthusiastic about. The trip wouldn’t take long so he settled in to watching the view screen … he may not like flight … but who could resist views from space. Wondering about what would lay ahead of him his eyes found a distant star that would twinkle from blue to white and then back to blue …………………………

[mercy]

"Mercy!" he barked, pleased that he managed to startle the young human. "Join me in a work-out program." It was not an order, and he saw that Mercy knew instantly that it also meant trouble. "You and me," he continued, "in there, no spectators. I told you it wasn't over."

Stuart stood dumbfounded for a moment and thought about the situation. If he refused, it would be considered weak and he would be viewed cowardly in Tedak's eyes, but what did he have to prove. He decided to accept the challenge and hope that this would be it. Win or lose, it would have to be settled here.

"Alright Tedak. What did you have in mind?" Stuart neglected to call Tedak by his title as he normally would. The time for pleasantries had passed, and this surely wasn't going to be an official diplomatic setting.

They entered the holodeck where Tedak went to the computer terminal to bring up a program that he apparently had used before.

"Anbo-Jytsu. This is one of your human martial arts fighting techniques that I have grown to enjoy. Tends to help relieve frustrations." Fierceness was in his eyes as he picked up one of the uniforms to get dressed. Stuart picked up the other, leaving the staff that was right in front of him. Stuart did not relish the thought of this.

Anbo-Jytso was a type of human martial arts sport that takes place in a circular arena, where 2 opponents can compete against each other. Both competitors wear light protective armor and a helmet that has a solid visor, which effectively blinds the competitor. A staff is used as a weapon, with a proximity sensor on one end and a small spherical cushion on the other. With the help of the proximity sensor, a player can detect, by means of an audio signal, where his/her adversary is.



Once both had dressed in all of their gear, they were ready for the face-off. Stuart was standing trying to hold out the one end, probing....listening...*whack*...he was hit on the side of his head throwing him off-ballance, but he caught himself.

Tedak had more expereince with this. Stuart probed again. This time he brought his staff to sway back and forth a little faster so that the sensor could possibly register movement quicker. There it was, a beep. Stuart simply thrust his staff straight forward with all of his strength. He could feel it hit, pushing Tedak back a couple of steps.

"Not bad doctor. I didn't sense that one coming." Stuart knew what he meant, and knew he was at a disadvantage. The romulan was using his species' power of telepathie, however latent it might be, to help him in sensing the area around him.

For a few long seconds, they both just strode around slowly in the circle with their staffs out. Stuart lunged once more, but met no resistance. Before he could return to his attack stance, another powerfull hit of Tedak's staff landed squarely on his jaw. This caused Stuart to spin off balance and then fall to the ground. His helmeted visor fell off.

Tedak lifted his visor to relish the view of seeing Stuart laying there. "I told you this would help in relieving frustration. Now, if you have any respect for my wife you will refrain from pursuing her."

Stuart lay there, rubbing on his chin. He knew what Tedak was saying, but the more he thought about it, the more he knew that he loved her and she was reciprocating that love. He could not honor Tedak's request.

"Tedak, it is because of the respect for her that I have fallen in love with her, and she has returned those feelings in kind. It seems to me that it is out of respect for you, that she is in turmoil. Her marriage to you was out of respect, not love, and while we are on the subject...how much respect do you think she would have if she could see what you are doing now?" Stuart knew these words would ring true to the Ambassador.

Tedak threw his staff down and ripped the fighting uniform from himself and strode out of the holodeck in sheer silence. Stuart rose to undress himself and then cancel the program. He exited the holodeck as well, making his way to his quarters wondering how right he was. Were they falling in love? Was her marriage to Tedak one out of convenience? They both cared for the Debrune child, and they cared for each other, but was there love? All these questions were flying though his mind as he took himself home.

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan passed most of the day in relative piece, he recieved a number of reports and helped avert a burgeoning trade crisis between the Takarans and the Pakleds.

He paused breifly at mid day to refuel, helping himself to some Hasparat from the replicator before setting up a long range meeting with Admiral Elron on the Black Tulip. The two ran through fleet business until the evening shift appeared. Then with fatigue setting in he closed down his files and logged off the network.
"Night Zoilip" he said as he left his office through Ops.
"Night Sir, See you in the morning."

Magellan took his usual and somewhat circuitous route home via the Arcade. As he passed Qareks Emporium he noticed the Grunk, Qareks store manager was once more replacing the price tags with higher ones. This week he was offering 2 for 1 on genuine Debrune Presentation Mugs. Chuckling he crossed the arcade and passed the fountain. A group of Lissepians stood in raucous laughter at mime artist posed on the low wall of the fountain. Magellan failed to see what was so interesting and continued on his way.
"Hey Magellan, Over here" a voice called,
Hirishar appeared through the crowd,
"there you are my friend, you havent been in for ages."
"Sorry Hiri, rather busy"
Hirishar shook his head,
"This is no good, your wasting away, come inside I have your favourite ready."
Magellan paused and then relented,
"You ve twisted my arm"
"I did no such thing" Hiri replied in confusion as he ushered him inside.

Magellan took his usual window seat and ordered the Korlik steak in hyp sauce, and a bottle of Kanar. When it arrived he began to tuck in heartily until a shadow fell over him.
"Mind if I join you. Good"
The woman took a seat before him.
"Miss Regarn..."
"Laurana."
MAgellan sighed,
"Are you following me?"
"Why would you like that?"
Magellan scowled and placed his fork down.
"Why do you always seem to answer a question with one?"
Laurana grinned,
"Do I."
Magellan faced contorted into one of pure frustration.
"Let me make this simple for you. I do not wish to speak to you. Nor does Lin, we neither like nor trust Guardians."
"And why is that? I m having some difficulty uncovering your hostility. I am here to help."
"Hmmph"
Laurana scoffed,
"You reticence bewilders me, I have information on your previous hosts, something you ve been seeking."
Magellan paused and eyed Laurana cautiously,
"You do?"
"Yes. So why won't you let me help you."
"Forget it. Just leave me alone." Magellan replied, tossing down his napkin and storming out.

[Magellan Lin]

Jak'dor paced agitatedly at the hawk shaped shuttle that stood idling on the main pad. He gazed up at the blue sky. He was amazed at how different Qualinost was now. When the Debrune had lived here it had been a lifeless place, he had to hand it to the Federationers, they seemed able to enrich space. He was pleased he had decided to ally with them rather than the Romulans as many had.

He reflected a moment on what his decision had meant, a full split and even some hostility. Few knew it yet but the sepratists were becoming increasingly bold. Jak dor's spies had informed him that Ja'lots own spies had been snooping around some of Jak'dors old haunts and only last week a colony ship from Tromar had been attacked. five people had died in that encounter although publically he had blamed it on orion slavers.
He was broken from his thought as his acolyte Ji'zahn appeared.

"good you are ready"
"As ever elder" he replied head bowed.
"We must see the divine child."#
"I thought we were to atend Dr Sharex's party"
"We will. But D'beren is our priority, he is our only hope to heal the rift in our people."

With no more discussion Jak dor turned and entered the shuttle

[Deleted]

"How dare he suggest that," Tedak growled, as he marched back to his quarters, "how dare he suggest it was a marriage of convenience!" The Romulan diplomat did not belong to the very few Romulans who either suffered from pon farr as the Vulcan males did, or who were able to perform some form of empathy or telepathy. His marriage with T'Val had been out of love.

When he entered his quarters, he smacked his fist into the door as it closed behind him, and the jolt brought him out of his fury. He gazed at T'Shan, who was sitting on the couch with D'Beren. The boy smiled up at his father, and raced towards him as he walked further into his quarters.

"Daddy!" the boy cried, wrapping his arms around his father's neck as he was lifted up. "Trouble?" he asked, peering at his father, his face contorted with concern.

Tedak gave his son a tight hug. "Yes, trouble," he said, then smiled, "but none that concern you my son. Just a problem daddy has to deal with." He peered over at the nanny. "You may leave now T'Shan, I will prepare him for the Debrune arrival himself."

The Vulcan nanny nodded, bid her farewell to her charge, and went home.

"Now, let's see," Tedak mused, the incident with Mercy forgotten, though far from forgiven, "we need to give you a bath. Are you ready?" He carried his son to the bathroom and undressed him, then sat him down in the tub. One of the luxuries of being a diplomat was that he had streaming water instead of sonics, and he could actually give the boy a real bath.

Warm water streamed into the tub, and the boy was toying around with a set of yellow floating duckies. He splashed them down, sending up a wave of water, soaking his father. "Why you...." Tedak smiled, as he scrubbed his son's body with a washing cloth and a fair amount of soap. "Close your eyes, I need to wash your hair."

D'Beren obediently closed his eyes, but didn't stop splashing with water. When Tedak was done, he pulled the plug in the bath, much to the boy's annoyance. "Play!" he cried, splashing his hands down hard, this time completely soaking his father. "Oh all right," Tedak relented, undressed and stepped into the tub as well. "Go on, splash away!" he said as he pushed the plug back in.

After a while, the water started going cold, and the two got out of the bath. After drying himself off and getting into a fresh clean robe, Tedak went about drying his son off, which was a task apart. The boy was very lively and wouldn't sit still for a few seconds. Several minutes later, at last the task of drying him off was done, but now the Romulan had to struggle him into Debrune ceremonial robes.

Before taking the boy for a bath, Tedak had already browsed the computer for something that might be appropriate and would colour nicely with the boy's greenish skin-tone. At last he settled for bright orange and brownish colours for the robes, and soft leather shoes. "Now you almost look like a little elf in an autumn forest," Tedak chuckled, as he started to comb the boy's wavy dark red hair. "There we go, let's go see Magellan, as I assume he'll be present when the Debrune arrive."

He picked the boy up, and then walked up to Magellan's office. "I assume the Debrune will arrive shortly," he announced upon entering, "and I also assume they would wish their Divine Child to be present. What I do not assume, is that I have to be present. To be honest, I don't know if they expect a parent to be present, or just the station's CO accompanied by their Divine Child."
"I have no idea Ambassador. Jak'dor has mentioned nothing to me. Matters concerning the child, I hope you dont mind me saying are not any of my concern, unless the relate to base policy. All I know is he is coming here. He should arrive first thing in the morning. He mentioned he needed to rendezvous with one of their ships." Magellan replied "Now its getting late I shall see you tomorrow at Dr Sharex's leaving function."

[mercy]

Stuart woke up the next morning a little worse for wear. The couple of bruises that his body was feeling with the accompanying pain, served as a reminder to yesterday's bout with Tedak. Stuart had to admit that he deserved every bit of it.

After spending a few minutes freshening up and getting dressed, Stuart was ready to get this new day started. He'd grab a bite to eat on his way through the Promenade, while getting to work. After getting a sweet pastry from one of the bakeries, Stuart remembered the Admiral's difficulty with his symbiont. He decided to make his way to the Ops center and see how he was doing.

Upon entering Ops, Stuart met eyes with Tedak who was accompanying his child. The child was beautifully dressed in some type of ceremonial garb. Stuart did not let Tedak's stare deter him, instead he just ignored it.

"Admiral Lin, when you have a minute, I came to see you about something."

"Of course Doctor please take a seat."
Magellan retook his seat at his desk and motioned for Mercy to continue.

[Ji' Zhan]

"... D'beren is our priority, [the child] is our only hope to heal the rift in our people."

With no more discussion Jak dor turned and entered the shuttle.

Meeting up with Jak'dor, after his shuttle ride from his providence, was starting to stress Ji' Zhan. He knew that the rift between there people needed to be healed and he was all for that; it just seemed as Jak'dor was being to short with his aid. Ji' Zhan had been a behind the scenes person until this past year when Jak' dor approached him about taking this position. From that time, Ji' Zhan had been on the fast track to diplomatic knowledge.

The shuttle trip was uneventful on their way to the Assailant. It was hard for any Debrune person to travel in space ... they had avoided it for so long. Landings were still the hard part for Ji' Zhan, the feeling that the shuttle would simply crash into the landing platform was always playing out in his mind.

The shuttle landed and the doors opened. Jak' dor and Ji' Zhan walked through the bay and into a busy corridor that lead to a lift. Not a word was said as the base security, that was sent to escort them, took them to a large meeting room. Jak' dor looked around and then returned to the entrance of the room where he had left the security personnel and Ji' Zhan, "This room will do well," looking at the security, "leave us ... and inform Magellan that we are waiting. Ji' Zhan, see to our belongings and place the ceremonial items we brought with us ... I will be reviewing my notes here while we wait."

Ji' Zhan prepared a small but ornate table that was brought in just behind them as they left the shuttle. Placing the banner of their people along the side, Ji' Zhan wondered what was going on in Jak' dor's mind. He decided to ask, "Jak' Dor, why is your mood so low ... shouldn't we be excited about the possibility of this child?"

[Magellan Lin]

"Of course Doctor please take a seat."
Magellan retook his seat at his desk and motioned for Mercy to continue.

<TAG: Mercy>

Their discussion was interrupted by Zoilip,
"I m sorry sir but Jak'dor is aboard and is asking to see you."
"Very well. Doctor I am afriad I must go. Please ensure you are present at the reception tonight and we will talk some more."

"Yes sir" Dr Mercy replied,

***

Jak'dor placed down one of the cases and sighed heavily.
"I am sorry Ji'zahn. The work of an Elder is burdensome especially at this time. It is propehsised that the child will give the Debrune a new era of unity and prosperity, it is a great responsibility for one such as I to bear."
"But we all bear it with you." Ji'zahn replied,
Jak'dor shook his head sadly,
"You do not understand and nor should you. Perhaps in time I will explain."
Ji'zahn looked at the Elder and saw the weight he carried,
"There is more isnt there though?"
Jak dor fixed Ji Zahn with a penetrating glare,
"You learn fast acolyte. There is something that concerns me. Our enemies have sought an alliance with teh Romulans, it gives them false strength but enough lure many who may have been loyal to falter, I have heard many beleive that were it not for me we would be united...and allied with the Romulans."

<Tag Ji'Zahn>

At that moment no further discussion could be had as Le'ral one of the disciples entered the room with Admiral Magellan.
"Admiral I m glad you are here"
"Likewise. I m glad that you are here to attend Dr Sharex's leaving function."
"That was but one reason for coming, there was also the child."
"Of course. Ambassador Tedak has been expecting you."
An unusual smile played across Jak'dors face a moment,
"I am sure it has occupied both time and mind"
Magellan nodded wryly,
"Ji'Zahn. Please find the Ambassador and have him bring D'beren here. We should complete teh Rite of Cleansing before the function."

<Tag Ji'Zahn>

[Ji' Zhan]

"You learn fast acolyte. There is something that concerns me. Our enemies have sought an alliance with the Romulans, it gives them false strength but enough lure many who may have been loyal to falter, I have heard many believe that were it not for me we would be united...and allied with the Romulans."

Ji’Zhan looked at him with a look of nervousness, “I fear there are some that would side with the Romulans because they believe it is time to go home. Some believe that it will allow us to finally have a voice, even if they know it would be a voice that would go unheard. Still, there are those who simply follow because they are attracted to power with no forethought as to what that might mean in the future. I, Elder, believe that this child will bring enough of the population around to once again believe in what our forefathers believed when they left Romulas. Those values have been forgotten and our enemies are staking their cause on that. As is said, ‘those who build on unstable ground must be fools … for their house will surely fall’.” Ji’Zhan was now beaming as he spoke to the Elder. This world that they both loved and tried for so long to keep hidden was now in jeopardy; the fact that so much time was spent hiding may have been the cause. The time was now to move their people forward and take a strong stand on their teachings.

Magellan and the disciple, Le’ral entered the room. The conversation turned to Dr. Sharex and also the child. "Ji'Zahn. Please find the Ambassador and have him bring D'beren here. We should complete the Rite of Cleansing before the function.” Asked Jak’dor

“Yes elder,” turning to the Admiral, “Admiral Magellan, may I request the assistance of one of your security personnel to aid me in finding Tedak?”

The Admiral smiled, “Yes,” turning to a panel he called for the personnel.

Not long after, Ji’Zhan and a young security officer was walking toward the Promenade. Ji’Zhan saw a man walking with a child who was robed in ornate clothing. Approaching Ji’Zhan bowed to the child with his hand clasped together then looking up at Tedak, “Hello, My name is Ji’Zhan, acolyte to Jak’Dor the Debrune Elder … Your presence is requested”. Ji’Zhan looked at the young officer, “will you be so kind as to lead the way back to the meeting room?” The officer said yes and all were on their way with the child in front of Ji’Zhan and Tedak following. Clearing his throat Tedak asked, “Will I be able to attend this ceremony?” Without pausing or even turning around, Ji’Zhan answered, “your presence isn’t required … but I see no harm in you being an observer.”

<Tedak>

Not long there after … all were standing in the meeting room … the child looking up in amazement at the ornate and colorful adornments in the room.

<tag … >

[Magellan Lin]

Treski, Alari and the two Bynars stood around the vast central computer core.
It glowed a faint blue and throbbed with life. Within it were gigaquads upon gigaquads of information and all that remainder of the sentient Lily.
Lily was unique, an electric life form created by a sensor burst and the nebula cloud, she was only able to survive when she blended with the computer AI. It had been a steep learning curve for Lily to grasp the compexities of running such a huge station even now she didnt understand all the nuances.
"lets check the higher reasoning powers" Treski suggested, entering a command in to the Padd. Zerox and Unus nodded and chirped to each other. They bent down and attached long probes to teh database.
Avari watched carefully everything that they did to ensure they made no mistakes.
"loooking good" he commented,
"Indeed, No conflicts at all. Its very exciting this could lead to Sentient AIs on all vessels"
"We'll see the arrival of Lily was most unique"
Treski nodded avidly
"I understand, but still this is career making stuff."