SB Assailant - Mission 2.5 Lockdown

[Deleted]

Without pausing or even turning around, Ji’Zhan answered, “your presence isn’t required … but I see no harm in you being an observer.”

"There better not be," Tedak muttered, "I won't leave my son unattended, and since there have been a few kidnap attempts I won't let him out of my sight for long periods either if I can help it."

They walked quietly, with Tedak alternatingly carrying the toddler and letting him walk on his own. Unbeknownst to Ji'Zhan, they were followed by Tedak's brown firelizard, who never left his friend unattended for long periods either.

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.

The Romulan knelt besides his son, and followed his gaze. "Looks nice doesn't it?" he whispered, as the boy brabbled away in wonder. Here and there, something sensible could be heard but it was mainly toddler-talk that the two-year old was uttering as he looked around in awe. "Daddy look!" he suddenly pointed as Jak'dor approached, "Uncle 'Dor!"

Tedak shot Jak'dor a somewhat sheepish grin, but remained kneeling down beside the boy. "Why don't you go greet him properly?" he encouraged, "his title is Elder, can you say that D'Beren? Elder?"

The two-year old child strode forward, with almost adult dignity. "Eldah 'Dor," he said clearly, as he bowed ever so slighty, without ending up in a stumble.

[mercy]

"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.

“Admiral, I was just wondering how you were doing? Your memories of past hosts, etc.”

Stuart listened intently as Magellan discussed his state of welfare. He also mentioned a Guardian that was here on station from his Trill homeworld who was trying to help the situation, but he wasn’t too sure if he could trust her.

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 afraid I must go. Please ensure you are present at the reception tonight and we will talk some more."

"Yes sir." Stuart replied. They left the office together. On his way out of Ops, Stuart was thinking of the reception for tonight, and wondered if he would get to meet this Guardian. Stuart strode to his quarters to make sure that he would have a dress uniform ready for the affair this evening.

[Ji' Zhan]

"There better not be," Tedak muttered, "I won't leave my son unattended, and since there have been a few kidnap attempts I won't let him out of my sight for long periods either if I can help it."

After all were standing in the meeting room, after the child was talking to Jak'Dor, Ji'Zhan pulled Tedak over to the back corner of the room. "Ambassador Tedak, I heard your muttered comment back in the corridor. I would like to reassure you that your child's safety if in the foremost part of our thoughts and concerns. There will be more than enough security from my own people, as well as from the star base to keep us from harm." Turning to look into Tedak's eyes, "I would also like to suggest that you keep your bitterness and sharp taunting to a minimum. It will only add to the severity of this situation with my people." Not allowing time for a response, "I must go and help with the ceremony ... please stay and observe." Lingering on the word observe a bit longer ....

Walking up to the child and Elder, "Jak'Dor ... shall we begin?"

[Deleted]

Tedak stood straight, with his hands clasped behind his back as he listened to the Debrune acolyte. His words made sense, nobody would make more certain that the child was safe than the Debrune. "My apollogies," the Romulan muttered before Ji'Zahn walked back to his master, "the kidnapping is still fresh in my mind, even though he is watched at all times. He is never alone, at least one of my firelizards is always in his presence, and they are fierce defenders if need be."

He stood to the side to watch the ceremony when he felt an insistent tug at his robes. Looking down, he saw his son looking up at him. "Daddy, come watch," the boy insisted.

Locking gazes with Jak'Dor, he knew that wasn't going to happen. "No D'Beren," he said mildly as he knelt down to be at the boy's eye level, "this is something you must do on your own, without me. Trust Elder Jak'Dor, he will make certain you will come no harm." He got back to his feet as the Debrune elder came serenely walking towards them. "He is all yours Elder," the Romulan said respectfully, "he just asked me to come and watch. Assuming that I cannot come any closer, I will just watch from here. Please let me know when I can come and take him?"

"I will return the child just before the function for Dr Sharex."

He gave the boy a final ruffle through his hair, and then combed his fingers through to redo what he had undone by that action. "Be brave my son and do what you must. An entire culture depends on you." He gave the boy a gentle nudge towards the Debrune Elder. "Go on, he won't bite." He watched the boy entwine his little had with the wrinkled hand of the Elder, and watched him reluctantly go with him. ~he'll do just fine~ Tedak thought ~he's in the hands of people who care for him and revere him~

"Indeed he is. This will not take long, you need not fear. Ji'Zahn fetch the annointing bottle."

[Magellan Lin]

With Tedak gone Jak'dor settled down to the ritual. It was in essence an affirmation of faith a practice that had been abandoned generations ago. It was one of several things he hoped to revive in order to save his people.

Life as an Elder was never easy. He was but one voice, one among the council. But that council was now fractured, 5 of the 12 had joined the insurrectionists, 4 were colony leaders on distant worlds. Places kept secret from all the remaining 3 aside from himself were on Qualinost and were in effect the governing body for the surviving 2 million Debrune. At their height there had been 120 billion spread across 240 worlds, they had been the greatest civilisation ever.

He paused and looked at Ji'zahn, he was one of the new generation of Debrune, a loyal and dependable man but unaware of the facts that they faced.
"Come we must complete the rites."

The ceremony lasted only an hour. The High Priest finished the final incantation and Jak Dor annointed the childs head with the Oil of Jarek.
"It is done" Kale noted, his robes pulled tight about him.
"Thankyou high priest Kale" Jak Dor commented as he snuffed out the last candle, "I suggest you and Elders Lork and Cra'mel return to Qualinost, I will remain for this 'function'."
Cra'mel shook his greying head,
"Should we not all go? at the least you should not be the sole representative of our people."
Jak'dor nodded, he should have expected the cantankerous Cra'mel to disagree - he always did.
"Very well Cra'mel I will take Ji'zahn, he has proved most useful in dealing with the tekarans, and I feel it time he mix with the other races."
"Very Well" Cra'mel sighed wearily, "We will return the Divine Child to the Ambassador."
"That is much appreciated." Jak'dor replied, "Come Ji'Zahn we must not be late to the function. On the way you can tell me what you feel we should be doing next now that we have reinhabited the ancient city of Qualinost."

<TAG Ji'Zahn>

***

As usual docking port 4 was bustling with activity. A myriad of races passed to and fro from Departures and shuttles. Many were tekarans and many were Debruni, isolated families who were now returning to Qualinost now the Elders had returned them into the galaxy publicly.
Amongst the crowds a pair of vulcans strode, they wore the typical long flowing robes and their hair was cut in the traditional austere fashion. They passed through check in and out into the bustling streets of Assailants upper quarter. They moved up the stairs on to the Arcade, they passed a couple whose baggae had spilled out. Articles of clothing lay scattered across the floor and they dashed about to retrieve them. The taller Vulcan smirked.
They follwed the general flow of the crowds into the Arcade until the took a side street, waiting until it was quiet, one pulled out a small disc and pressed a green button.
"This is Ja'lok. You can inform Jar'ron that we are aboard. Begin the clock."

OOC okay peeps its time for Dr Sharex's party.

[Deleted]

"Lily?" Tedak called as he carried his son back into his quarters. The day's events had exhausted the two-year old, and he had fallen asleep in his father's arms. "Lily, could you please give me the details of Dr Sharex's party?"

To his surprise, the computer entity remained unusually quiet. Even with her new orders not to accept requests from anyone without apropriate security codes, she was still willing to just have a simple conversation with him. He had grown rather accustomed to their friendly conversations, after he came home from a day's work.

"Lily?" he called again, as he tucked the boy in after changing his formal robes into a pyama. T'Shan had been waiting for him, to take over the care for the boy as he had one final duty to attend to for that day.

"Miss Lily has been very quiet," the Vulcan nanny told him, her voice sounding rather strange, "usually she engages into conversations with me, in Vulcan, but since these strangers have come aboard, she has not spoken. It is as though she is extremely busy. Ambassador, might I suggest you bring this unusual behaviour to Admiral Lin's attention?"

The Romulan nodded. "Of course," he said, "this is very worrysome. I am going to take a quick shower and then get ready for this party." He made a soft growling sound. "Everyone is going to be in attendance, even this doctor......" His cheeks flushed a darker shade of green in fury, then he shook his head. "What should I do T'Shan?" he asked the nanny, "do I have something to worry about? T'Val obviously likes this young doctor, and though they appear to be more than friends, should I prevent their friendship? Am I being selfish?"

T'Shan shook her head. "I do not think so ambassador," she said formally, "and I believe she still has feelings for you. If he had not, I doubt she would have told you of what happened between her and doctor Mercy. She likes him very much, and it is obvious the young doctor is smitten with her, to use a human idiom. However, she is loyal to you, you are her bondmate. Your bonding with her is true, even though you are Romulan and not Vulcan. Your marriage was one of love, and it always will be. I am certain that you will do what is right."

Tedak smiled, and resisted the urge to give the Vulcan a hug. Instead, he just rested a hand on her shoulder, and was surprised she didn't flinch at the touch. "Thank you T'Shan, your words mean a lot to me. I will have that shower now, and then I shall be off."

He disappeared into his bathroom, and reappeared ten minutes later, pulling a fresh dark green/grey robe over his head, and shrugging to make it fit more comfortably. He then adjusted his belt and Honour blade, and pulled over a maroon/brown sleeveless and cape-like robe to finish his attire. "How do I look?" he asked, turning around in a small pirouette.

He grinned at T'Shan's stony expression. "Never mind," he said, "I have to go now."

Minutes later, he arrived in the Fishtank and spotted Admiral Lin. With long strides. he walked over to the Trill base commander. "Admiral, a moment please?" he enquired, "admiral I have reason to believe something is wrong with Lily. Usually she talks to me, but lately she hasn't said a word. I'm a little worried about her, sir."

[Magellan Lin]

"I dont think you need to be too worried Ambassador Lily is in good hands. The SCE have come to assess Lily."
"SCE"
"Starfleet Corp of Engineering." Magellan explained,
"And what do they mean when they say assess?"
Magellan wasnt quite sure but needed to allay the Ambassadors fears,
"Nothing much - they just need to ensure she has not compromised any critcial systems."
"I see and how long will this take"
Before Magellan could answer the object of the party.
Dr Sharex was impecably dressed and had combed his wild and unruly hair for once.
"Admiral, Ambassador." He greeted,
"Doctor. Enjoying the party,"
"To be honest parties have never been my thing."
"Oh I am sorry to hear that, especially as this is in your honour." Magellan spotted the rest of the key personnel arriving, Dr Mercy, Tomlinson and Jak'dor. The Debruni Elder was accompanied by another who he didnt recognise, behind them was Lauara. Magellan scowled, how had she got an invite. Deciding all that should be present were Magellan made his way to the stage and tapped his glass.
"Attention please. Attention." A hush fell over the crowd
"We have gathered today to honour one man. A man who brought life to the wastes. A man of great vision and science. His drive and ingenuity have created a new world for the Federation and the Debrune. I give you Dr Hyan Sharex."
Timidly and amid the applause the Tellarite rose to the stage.
"Dr Sharex, project Gaia has perfromed miracles and though a full biosphere is not complete life is flourishing. As a mark of respect for your work the Federation Science Council has agreed to award you the Citation of Scientific Endeavour."
There was a thunderous round of applause as Magellan pinned the medal to the Tellarites tunic.
Dr Sharex was taken aback but managed to gather himself, he waved his arms to abate the clapping,
"Thankyou. Thankyou all. And thanks must be given. I would not have been able to devise Project Gaia without the work of the late Dr Marcus. Nor could I have found a planet without Starfleet, nor benefitted from their protection. I would not have had the funds were it not for the investment from the Ferengi Alliance and the Romulan Star Empire. And lastly the whole project would have failed were it not for the enormous power unlocked by the Debrune and their ancient reactor. Without all these parts my humble desire to bring life to a mud ball would have been for naught. I accept this medal for all of them."
Thunderous applause erupted oncemore and Magellan retook the stage,
"Please everyone enjoy the rest of the evening, A special demonstration room has been arranged where the planets terraforming can be viewed, small groups will be permitted to enter at a time. Thankyou."
With the the band struck up and the party atmosphere began.

Jak'dor worked his way around the room smiling and nodding to the dignitarie, Ji'zahn remained ever loyally at his side.
"Ambassdor Tedak, how pleasent to see you again"
"And you Elder."
"Will you accompany us to the viewing room?"
"Of course."
The three men joined a queue of some 5 or ten people. three people in front was Dr Mercy and four behind the two vulcans.

***

In the Compuiter core Treski frowned at the readouts he was getting.
"Lily you do not seem to have any grasp of the security systems of teh station."
"Station security is handled by Commander Tomlinson." she replied.
"Maybe but you need to have a handle on the systems, the protocols. In fact your hazard protocols are majorly out of date. We best change that."
Alaris frowned at that,
"Any changes need to be cleared by teh Admiral"
"Rubbish, this is just an update, simple."
Alari decided it best not to argue and instead backed away into the corridor tapping his comm badge...

***

Magelln made a beeline for the bar and ordered an Aldean Whisky.
"Drinking alone is not healthy you know" A voice commented.
"You again." Magelln grunted at Laurana, "Your like a rotten smell"
Laurana smiled innocently,
"Now I know I m getting close."
"Close to what"
"You."
"Bah" Magellan retorted.
=^= Alari to Magellan=^=
=^= Yes=^= Magellan replied
=^= I think you better get up here, Treskis going to alter something.=^=
=^understood=^=
"If you ll excuse me" Magellan smiled glad to be getting away.
"Why what have you done?"
"Nothing" he answered through gritted teeth, "I m needed elsewhere"
"Then we'll talk on the move" Lauarana replied as she followed him out of the fishtank.

***
Slowly the line moved up revealing a neat room with displayts about the project and a large holoprojection of the planet in the middle. Tedak, Mercy and the Debrune were all inside now with the vulcans just entering.
They hovered at the edge of the room watching.
"There are only 10 people in the room, this is the best we can expect."
"I agree, wait for the klingon to leave then we move" they whispered as they grasped the concealed disruptors.

***

Magellan tried speeding up to avoid the annyong Guardian and darted into a turbolift.,
"Not so fast" she snapped dashing forward to catch the door and entering.
"So which deck" she asked sweetly.
"Compter Deck 5"

***
In the computer core Treski accessed the main console.
"Okay Lily initate existing Security Protocols."
"Only protocols remain for 2341"
"Those will do" Treski nodded " We can add from their"
"Are you sure" Alari asked "They are very old and lily is rather new to this, wont it..."
"Nonsense. Initiate." Treski ordered.
The core flashed rhythmically and then Lilys voice came from the ether, paniced and excited.
"Alert Alert. Intruders detected. Multiple enemies. Romulans Klingons and Tholians are in restructed areas."
"Thats okay Lily they are allowed."
"Negative. No hostiles allowed aboard. Protocol dictates emergency measures. All systems must be locked down,
Lock down Lock down Lock down Lock down Lock down "
"I dont like this " Alairi grunted as suddenly the lights went out and replaced by red lighting. Just as suddenly all teh doors slid shut.
"ALL DOORS WILL BE SEALED UNTIL A STARFLEET TASKFORCE ARRIVES" Lily exclaimed. "ANY ATTEMPT TO LEAVE ROOMS WILL BE MET WITH DEADLY FORCE"

***

In the observation room the doors suddenly swung shut as the two vulcans pulled out their weapons.
"ALL DOORS WILL BE SEALED UNTIL A STARFLEET TASKFORCE ARRIVES" Lily exclaimed. "ANY ATTEMPT TO LEAVE ROOMS WILL BE MET WITH DEADLY FORCE"
"What trick is this" one of the Vulcan exclaimed in shock, "How did they know we were here."
"No matter we have what we came for."
The vulcan pulled up his hood and leveled his weapon, with a sizzle he blasted Jak'dor squarley in the chest, "A present from Jar'ron" he added mockingly.

[Deleted]

Tedak felt the heat of the blast, as it went past him and made contact with the Debrune Elder. Both he and Ji'Zahn reacted in reflex, ducking into a crouch as they caught the older man. In a second reflex, Tedak drew his blade and flipped it blade first into his hand, then threw it in the direction of the beam's origin. A yelp told him that he had hit his targed, though he didn't know who or what the target was exactly.

His first concern was the Debrune elder. "Elder Jak'Dor, look at me," he said forcefully, making the older man look at him, "stay with me sir, don't pass out no matter how much you have the urge to do so. Look at me; tell me, what did you think of the party so far?"

<Jak'dor>

Tedak gazed up at the Debrune acolyte, who looked extremely pale, and seemed as though he was about to faint. "Talk to him!" the Romulan ordered the younger man, as he got back to his feet. Scanning the crowd, he caught sight of the human doctor and he scowled, of all people, Mercy was the only medic in the room. "Mercy!" Tedak barked, making the human cringe at the sound of his voice, "overhere! The Debrune Elder has been shot! Quickly!"

<Mercy>

While the human approached, Tedak walked over to the nearest panel. Everything was locked down, the doors would not open, nor would communications work. "Lily, get me Admiral Lin," he called gently, but gained no response other than that the station was on lockdown. "Great," he muttered, "we are in here with about ten people, and there is a killer among us."

That thought reminded him of the person he had hit with his blade. He yanked the fallen Vulcan to his feet, and snatched the hilt of his blade, yanking it back forcefully. "That belongs to me thank you," he snapped, as he held his victim by the front of his robe, "why did you shoot him!" He shook the Vulcan forcefully. "Speak up, before I kill you!"

<Vulcan>

[Ji' Zhan]

Jak'dor replied, "Come Ji'Zahn we must not be late to the function. On the way you can tell me what you feel we should be doing next now that we have reinhabited the ancient city of Qualinost."

As the two began walking to the function Ji’Zhan, with his hands behind his back, started to speak. “Elder, I think it is important to reestablish the accent temples in order for our people to have a place to reconnect with the ways of our fathers. Yet, at the same time we should also encourage our people to move to the surface by building new temples on the surface. I believe that would encourage them to think about moving; Yes, I know that some will not move but I believe there are those that will.” Jak’Dor didn’t look at his acolyte, he was listening intently however. Ji’Zhan continued, “I know people view me as a young, full of new ideas, councilman. But I want to convey to you Jak’Dor, I too want to return to our roots and have the old ways revitalized. However, we must not simply overlook the younger generation. They need guidance and will turn to the old ways but only if they are not downtrodden at the same time for their ‘young’ views and ideas. Yes … we need to build a new community above ground on this new Qualinost … one of farming and agriculture … maybe even leave the cities underground for now.”

They both arrived at the party and entered waiting to honor the Doctor that helped create this new Qualinost.

***********************************************

Jak'dor worked his way around the room smiling and nodding to the dignitarie, Ji'zahn remained ever loyally at his side.
"Ambassador Tedak, how pleasant to see you again"
"And you Elder."
"Will you accompany us to the viewing room?"
"Of course …"
The three men joined a queue of some 5 or ten people. Three people in front were Dr Mercy and four behind the two vulcans.

Ji’Zhan was worried about the present of two Vulcans that were unknown, it seemed, to all. Under his breath so that only Jak’Dor could hear Ji’Zhan spoke, “Elder, I think we need to avoid being in the same room with Vulcans whom we do not know.” Jak’Dor turned and looked and then gave Ji’Zhan a disappointing smile and entered the viewing room. Ji’Zhan knew that the Elder was saying so much in that smile … he had disapproved of Ji’Zhan’s concerns before.

As they were looking at the beautiful views of the planet, all who were in the room was unaware of each other due to the simple breath taking beauty. Even Ji’Zhan had forgotten of the two Vulcans as the lights dimmed and the views of the planet were in front of them.

"ALL DOORS WILL BE SEALED UNTIL A STARFLEET TASKFORCE ARRIVES" Lily exclaimed. "ANY ATTEMPT TO LEAVE ROOMS WILL BE MET WITH DEADLY FORCE"

Ji’Zhan jumped at the new sound of this alarmed voice. Immediately he turned to see that the doors to the room were shut and all were trapped. His instinct troubled him. ‘We need to find cover,’ he thought, as a blast came from across the room. The heat from the blast seemed to burn the air in the room and make everyone’s face glow. Heads were ducking all across the room, Ji’Zhan turned in time to see his Elder take the blunt force of the blast, his clothes melting around the hit. “NOOOO,” Ji’Zhan screamed, “Jak’Dor!!!” Ambassador Tedak was the first to the Elder’s side but all Ji’Zhan could do was stand there in complete disbelief. Kneeling beside the Eldor, Ji’Zhan started to voice the words of the healing over him. Ever louder he spoke as a Doctor now replaced the Ambassador. The smell of burnt flesh was pungent in the air … as the temperature of the room seemed even hotter because of the blast. Ji’Zhan took his robe off and bundled it up and placed it under the Elders head then returned to the words of healing.

[Magellan Lin]

Jak'dor lay there, green blood ebbing from a fist sized wound in his chest.

"why did you shoot him!" Tedak shook the Vulcan forcefully. "Speak up, before I kill you!"

The Vulcan shoved Tedak back, the second one coming up behind and powerfully hitting him with the butt of his pistol.
"Get down Romulan. We do you consort with this filth" the Vulcan sneered
Tedak looked up and coughed.
"now open this door" the taller of the two vulcanoids ordered.
"We cant" one of the visitors cowered, "We re in lockdown."
"I see. Ka'lok looks like we get to watch the Elder die."
"Why" Tedak asked again,
"He is an obstacle to Jar'ron. We will be stronger allied with the Romulans than the Federation. Now everyone sit down and shut up and no one else need get hurt."

[Deleted]

"ALL DOORS WILL BE SEALED UNTIL A STARFLEET TASKFORCE ARRIVES" Lily exclaimed. "ANY ATTEMPT TO LEAVE ROOMS WILL BE MET WITH DEADLY FORCE"

“Oh, now this is just great.” Tomlinson commented to noone in particular. He tried tapping his security override into the door, but nothing happened. He glanced around. He had been in the brig, checking on the prisoners. Now, it appeared that he was a prisoner with them. He tapped his commbadge, and was somewhat surprised to discover that it still worked.

=/\= Tomlinson to Admiral Lin. =/\=
=/\= Lin here, go ahead Commander. =/\=
=/\= You don’t happen to know anything about this lockdown would you? =/\=
=/\= Other than that I am now stuck in a turbolift with the one person on the base I wouldn’t want to be stuck with, no. =/\=
=/\= The trill? =/\=
=/\= You got it. My codes can’t do anything, how about yours? =/\=
=/\= Not a jot. I have an idea, I’ll get back to you. =/\=

He closed the commlink, wondering whether his idea was as stupid as it seemed. He crossed his fingers lightly, and then tapped his commbadge once more.

=/\= Emergency transport to sickbay. =/\=

"ALL EMERGENCY TRANSPORT FACILITES DISABLED DURING LOCKDOWN. ANY FURTHER ATTEMPT TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN DEADLY MEASURES BEING IMPLEMENTED."

“It appeared your plan failed.” A voice came from the corner. Tomlinson glanced over and saw the thief that he had recently apprehended standing in the centre of her cell, her hands crossed lightly over her chest.
“I did reach that conclusion.”
“Hmm, must be some brains in there after all. I trust you aren’t going to get us all killed by trying that one again?”
“I think I’ll pass for the moment. Who are you?”
“Who am I? Didn’t your wonderful records tell you?”
“It would appear that my wonderful records don’t have you. Or, that you simply don’t exist.”
She smiled at him. “I do exist. You can call me-” she paused- “Imoen.”
“Imoen?”
“Pleased to make your acquaintance Mr Security. What’s your next plan?”
“Wait for a Starfleet taskforce?” He hazarded in slight jest, before frowning. “You’re a prisoner, it’s really none of your concern.”
“On the contrary. Under these circumstances I have less chance of escaping. I really would prefer you do something about it.”

Tomlinson shook his head at her. She really was extremely cheeky and confident for someone standing in a cell. He turned away from her, but not entirely, and tapped his commbadge for the third time in as many minutes.

=/\= Tomlinson to Alari, this is your doing isn’t it? =/\=
=/\= It was that fool Treski. Activated the 2341 security protocols. Lily noticed the ‘hostile’ aliens on board, and locked us down. =/\=
=/\= Bloody engineers. Can’t you do anything? =/\=
=/\= I wish I could. But every attempt to communicate with the computer either results in threats of hostility, or nothing at all. We’ll keep trying, but I’m not going to get myself killed. =/\=

Simon sighed. There was something about this station, a curse. There had to be. He sat down on the floor and started to analyse the situation.

• The base was under lockdown, noone could get from the room they were in to any other.
  
• The lockdown was part of the 2341 security protocols.
  
• Noone’s codes could do anything.

He thought about the last point for a few seconds. Surely, it wasn’t completely true. His security code as Chief of Security, in a situation like this, should be able to override a lockdown, or at least let him pass from one place to another.

=/\= Computer, what priviledges are accorded the Chief of Security under a lockdown situation? =/\=
“None. The Chief of Security could be compromised. Only codes from a Taskforce commander, or three ranking station officer’s codes including the Chief of Security, applied at the core can terminate the lockdown.”
He frowned. =/\= How are the ranking officer’s meant to get to the core? =/\=
“Negative question. No answer available.”

Tomlinson frowned once more. Someone in 2341 really didn’t think their procedure through very well. But, it gave them a glimmer of hope. Alari was already at the core, so it meant that only Tomlinson and one other senior staff member would need to get there. Not that he could work out how they were going to do that, but it was a start. He opened a link to Admiral Lin, and relayed this information on.

[Deleted]

The Romulan rubbed the back of his neck as he walked back to Jak'Dor and Mercy. "How is he?" he asked, as he blinked a couple of times, avoiding to look at the human doctor. "Acolyte Ji'Zahn, I promise that we'll do everything to save the elder," he then said in an attempt to calm down the visibly upset acolyte.

He knelt down beside the Debrune elder and placed a hand on the old man's shoulder. "You'll survive," he whispered, "you've survived for so long, you've seen so much, you'll get through this. Not for yourself, but for your people, who revere you and need your guidance. They can't do it on their own elder, you must survive."

<Jak'dor...if able to answer>

Tedak leaned back, peering covertly at the two Vulcans, one of which was injured rather seriously. "Doctor, whatever you do, don't look at those Vulcans, don't let them draw you away from your patient."

<Mercy>

Meanwhile, the Romulan ambassador wondered why the station had gone to lockdown. Surely nobody had ordered it? "Lily," he whispered under his breath, hoping the computer entity would listen, "Lily what is going on? Are we on lockdown because of the Vulcans?"

Strangely enough, his computer friend remained absolutely silent, which worried the Romulan immensely. Gazing at Nut, who was gazing back quizzically, he suddenly had an idea. "Nut, can you reach Dinas?" he asked quietly, while the little brown remained out of sight. The brown firelizard gave an affirmative chirp. "Have Dinas warn Lin," he then requested, "tell him we have terrorists down here, and that Elder Jak'Dor is in mortal danger."

The brown chirped again, and Tedak knew that Dinas had been warned. He got back to his feet and faced the Vulcans. "Just what exactly do you want," he then demanded, "I am a diplomat, perhaps we can come to a peaceful understanding."

"Diplomacy is pas. We have but one goal and that is nearly achieved, we merely need to watch the life ebb from Jak'dors eyes to be fulfilled."

[Ji' Zhan]

"You'll survive," Tedak whispered, "you've survived for so long, you've seen so much, you'll get through this. Not for yourself, but for your people, who revere you and need your guidance. They can't do it on their own elder, you must survive."

Still leaning over his Elder, Ji'Zhan was in the middle of a repetition prayer ... "vaed'rae solaere Jak'Dor notht ... vaed'rae solaere Jak'Dor notht ... vaed'rae solaere Jak'Dor notht ... vaed'rae solaere Jak'Dor notht ... vaed'rae solaere Jak'Dor notht" That was a simple call to the elements saying hear me, aid Jak'Dor health. After several minutes of this chanting, Ji'Zhan added the element Jaeih, Air to the words he spoke ... "vaed'rae Jaeih solaere Jak'Dor notht"

The room was still hot and now was very steal ... Ji'zhan wished he could reach his kaleh that he has slipped beneath his under garment before leaving the cleansing ceremony; but he new that it would be hard to do quickly and not be injured himself.

Reaching into his pouch that was hanging off his belt, he pulled a wrapped parchment bag of medicine and started to sprinkle it over Jak'Dor. The Doctor looked up and grabbed Ji'Zhans hands and asked, "What is that!" Ji'Zhan, with out looking, released the Doctor's hand from his and said, "ketaen".

<Mercy>

Ji'zhan eyes grew small and it could have been just the lighting int he room, but they turned a dark Grey. Turning to look at the Vulcan's, and as if his eyes were phasers they would have fell over dead ... Ji'zhan repeated, "dirhae ... dirhae ... dirhae ... dirhae ..."

[mercy]

Everything happened so quickly and yet still felt like it was in slow motion. The Alert from Lily, the lockdown of all doors, the phaser blast, Tedak’s response with his own blade…..all Stuart could do for the moment was keep himself down and out of the way of whatever else might be happening.

"Mercy!" Tedak barked, making the human cringe at the sound of his voice, "Over here! The Debrune Elder has been shot! Quickly!"

Stuart’s EMT experience kicked in automatically, with one exception…he came for a party not a triage. He had no supplies. The Debrune elder was grasping his chest where the blast had struck him, causing his blood to ooze and congeal as it was flowing out of his body.

The elder’s assistant reached into his pouch that was hanging off his belt, he pulled a wrapped parchment bag of medicine and started to sprinkle it over Jak'Dor. Stuart looked up and grabbed Ji'Zhans hands and asked, "What is that!" Ji'Zhan, without looking, released the Doctor's hand from his and said, "ketaen". Stuart rightfully assumed it was some type of medicine and let him proceed.

Stuart looked around the room, assessing everyone. “Tedak, I need the extra material of your robe. Tear it into strips now.” Tedak started to protest but Stuart cut him short. “I have no other supplies with me!”

Tedak started tearing the lower half of his robe as Stuart had instructed. One of the strips he wadded up into a nice ball and fitted it directly over the wound. Using a couple of more strips, he secured that ball in place for a nice pressure bandage.

Tedak leaned back, peering covertly at the two Vulcans, one of which was injured rather seriously. "Doctor, whatever you do, don't look at those Vulcans, don't let them draw you away from your patient."

Stuart couldn’t allow this to happen. With the elder taken care of, Stuart addressed Tedak. “Friend or foe, they are all my patients. I have no choice in the matter. I can’t just sit here and let him die.” Pointing over to the Vulcan that Tedak had struck down.

Tedak positioned himself between the hurt Vulcan and Stuart. “Then you’ll have to go through me.” He warned. Stuart looked him straight in the eyes. “This has nothing to do with you and me. But, since that issue is now brought up, T’Val would request no less as I have. So step aside.” Without waiting for Tedak to move, Stuart pushed his way through him and applied the same basic bandage to the Vulcan as he did the elder. Ji’Zhan was even willing to share what little bit of medicinal herb he had left.

[Deleted]

The Romulan yanked the human doctor back by his collar. "He's a murderer," he snapped, "and how dare you drag T'Val into this. Apparently you don't know her as well as you think you do. She would see the logic of the situation, and would not waste medication which must be used to save the elder's life! Who's to say they won't kill you after you've treated him?"

<Mercy>

He released the doctor and took a step back. "Fine, if you want to save a killer's life." He glared at the human, and if glares could kill, the young man would have been quite dead. He turned his back on Mercy, and continued to glare, but this time at the remaining Vulcan. "Answer my question," he demanded, "what has he done to you that you want him dead? Is it not illogical for a Vulcan to kill? If you hate him, is hatred not an emotion?"

"It would be if I were one of those emotional stunted retards. And I can see you are one of the more slow witted of our cousins. The Debrune will rule supreme once more. Do not insult me by calling me vulcan again."

"There is only one of you," Tedak argued, "and there are nine of us...take your pick Vulcan. Surrender, or die."

The Debrune laughed heartily, "You are all so noble - so honourable Ambassador. It is a fatal weakness for you."

The Romulan ignored the frightened glances of the other people in the room, and he certainly ignored Mercy's warning glare. He had eyes for the Vulcan alone, almost daring him into action.

<Mercy/Ji'Zahn/Vulcan>

[Ji' Zhan]

Ji’Zhan looked up at the Doctor when he asked him for his bag of medicine. The medicine that Ji’Zhan had in his bag was a form of an Earth herbal substance made from goldenseal that would aid in coagulation. “Doctor, this bag is out. But I do have another,” Ji’zhan reached back to his belt and retrieved another bag and handed it to the Doctor. This new bag was in fact not the same as was used on the Edler. This bag was full of a powerful inhibitor of platelet activity; clove - an anticoagulant. The Doctor didn’t notice.

Ji’Zhan had stopped chanting at the Vulcans and started to watch the action between Tedak, the Vulcans and the Doctor. “There is only one of you," Tedak argued, "and there are nine of us...take your pick Vulcan. Surrender or die."

Tedak had backed away from the Vulcan and took up a glaring stance. Ji’Zhan stood and and walked up behind Tedak. Blocked from view, Ji’Zhan took his kaleh from under his garment and placed it in Tedak’s hand. Tedak didn’t move … he didn’t want to give away what was happening. He felt the sharp blade in his hand and then found the handle. Ji’Zhan whispered in his hear, “lloi” and turned and knelt down beside Jak’Dor intent on not watching what was about to happen.

[Deleted]

Tedak felt the sharp edge of the ceremonial blade Ji'Zahn pressed into his hand, and knew he better not cut himself on the blade if he wished to still be able to use it. The small blade of the kaleh was poisoned, the acolyte had told him only minutes before the lockdown had occured. The two men had been admiring each other's ceremonial blades, and exchanged a little information about them.

With the bloodied Honour Blade still safely tucked between the folds of his robe again, the Romulan stood tall with his hands clasped behind his back, glaring defiantly at the remaining Vulcan, while Mercy attended stubbornly to the fallen one. Tedak knew that his blade, though smooth in form, had seriously if not mortally wounded the Vulcan.

Without giving away what he was doing, he fondled the handle of the kaleh, positioning it so that he could throw it in one quick movement if he needed to. "What will it be Vulcan?" he demanded again, "do we talk, or do we fight?"

The Debrune glared at the use of the term vulcan again and then smiled cruelly. "You forget the balance of power here"

He wasn't afraid of fighting a Vulcan, he had practiced with T'Val, and with Saarok often enough in both the gym and the holodecks. Though still superior in strength, Vulcans just lacked the creativity of impulsive fighting. "Answer me," Tedak growled through clenched teeth, as he stole a glance at Ji'Zahn, who gave him a worried and encouraging frown and nod in return.

The Vulcan was taking an awful long time to decide, but Tedak didn't want to endanger any other lives but his own. He didn't know whether the weapon the Vulcan had used was able to fire another shot, nor did he know what other weapons he had on him. Just in case, he moved himself between Mercy, Ji'Zahn and Jak'Dor. If the Vulcan wanted to attack them, he had to go past him first.

"I can see you are set on further conflict - I gave you a simple ultimatum, lie silent and live or be awkward and die."

"I m not afraid of death" Tedak replied calmly, "I have faced it many times"

"With your arrogance and attitude I m sure you have. No doubt every day every one you meet is tempted to kill you" the Debrune sneered, "You might think your strong but your not. You are prepared to sell your life for those behind you, I am willing to sell mine for the Debrune and am not afriad. I shall show you who has the power here - and it isnt you."
The Debrune raised his klingon disruptor and fired into a cluster of party goers. The other 6 people trapped in the room had clustered around the door and had been clawing at it in an effort to escape. The green bolt of energy struck a middle aged man square in the face burning away the rightside of his head. The man was dead before he hit the floor.
The rest screamed and scattered, shouting in terror.
"Quiet!" The Debrune shouted firing again blasting the knee cap off a woman, "See" he hissed, "any more trouble and a begin shooting again."



<Vulcan/Mercy/Ji'Zahn....anyone else present?>

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan frowned as he opened up the access port on the turbolift. A mass of wires confronted him, if he could just think back to his Chief Ops days then he may just be able to get the lift moving again. Thats if he could concentrate.
"Will you please SHUT UP" he shouted at Laurana,
"Fine" she scowled, "I just thought this was a good time to talk."
"TALK!! The station is in lockdown, now is the last time we should talk."
"I dont know at least I ve got you on your own."
"There was a reason for that"
"What?"
"I was avoiding you" Magellan replied squarely,
"Really. You do surprise me" Luarana answered sarcastically, "What is it about me you dislike so much - is it that I m a Guardian?"
Magellan sighed,
"In a nutshell yes."
"Please explain - I may understand."
Magellan looked at Laurana and nodded,
"It was with my 1st host, well possible my 4th I dunno, It was Toya anyway she was on a survey mission, She encounted a medical transport called the Jak'takal, it attacked her ship. They were actually a band of pirates led by a Chameloid called Nomar Til. They were boarded and she watched as the pirates stole the symbionts from the crew for sale on the black market. Toya survived the dissociation herself a Trill Defence force ship appeared and scared them away before it was too late. When she lay in Manev City hospital recovering a Guardian came and tried to kill her."
"A guardian?"
"Yes. He was in the pay of the pirates, I/She was the only witness to the crime, He failed obviously, but myself nor Lin trust Guardians."
"And thats it?"
"Not quite, later when Toya was killed, Lin was returned to the pools but for some reason he was shunned by the Guardians and many of the other sumbionts, he was most pleased to joined to me despite our incompatibility issues."
"Yes I ve read all about your technophobia, but your over that now and not all Guardians are like that. I can help I know what is wrong with Lin. I know what happened. I can help you"
Magellan looked at her,
"You do?" he asked in a soft voice.
Laurana nodded and reached out to him pulling him in to a hug.
=^= Tomlinson to Magellan=^=
Magellan started and pulled away tapping his commbadge,
=^= Go ahead. I thought comms were down=^=
=^= Hey Im CoBS I can get round these things.=^=
=^=We're stuck in a turbolift=^=
=^=We?=^=
=^=Yes Laurana is with me.=^=
there was the sound of a snigger over the comm
=^=Very cosy=^=
=^=Thats not very amusing Commander=^=
=^=No sir, sorry. I ve spoken to Alari, its Treskis doing hes activated the 2341 security protocols, back then we were underthreat by Romulans, Klingon Rebels and the Tholians=^=
=^=All of whom are on teh station=^=
=^=Exactly Lily detected them and locked us down assuming we had been boarded.=^=
=^=Can't we talk to Lily?=^= Magellan asked,
=^=No, back then there was not AI interface=^=
=^=Great=^=
=^=All we need to do is for both of us make it to the Computer Core then with Alari we can cancel the lockdown.=^=
=^=Okay, I ll see what we can do. Where are you?=^=
=^=We are in the brig, We'll make our own way up and meet you there and be careful, security measures willbe set to deadly.=^= Tomlinson replied,
=^=We?=^= Magellan asked wryly
There was a slight cough and the simon answered,
=^=Yes myself and Imoen, the prisoner I caught this morning=^=
=^=Very cosy=^= Magellan replied
=^=touche. Tomlinson out.=^=

[Deleted]

The Romulan stood frozen, all blood drained from his face as he saw blood spread on the deck from the maimed corpse, and the injured woman lay crying on the deck, clutching at her shattered knee. Grinding his teeth, he tightened his grip around the poisoned blade. His breath came in short gasps as he tried to fathom what had just happened.

~these are not Vulcans~ his mind finally registered ~they are a rebel Debrune faction. Jak'Dor!~ He turned on his heels, pulling the blade into his sleeve as he did so and marched back to the Debrune Acolyte who was still tending to his master. "We must save him," he stressed, as he adjusted the folded tunic under the Elder's head. He pulled off the remainder of his over-coat and placed it over the old man's body like a blanket. "What can you do for him?" he whispered at Ji'Zahn, then nodded towards Mercy. "That human finds doctoring a terrorist more important than the elder, I told him not to attend to him, but no he insisted. We should've killed them both when we had the chance!"

<Ji'Zahn>

"I'm going to get that woman, and tend to her," the Romulan then said, his face still a very pale shade of green. ~what have I done?~ he thought grimly, as he walked over to the woman. "Are you all right?" he asked, rather unnecessarily.

"What do you think!" she snapped back, her eyes filled with tears.

"Lean on me," Tedak offered, "and we'll tend to your injury. What is your name?"

"Lana," the human woman answered through gritted teeth, "and there's nothing you can do. I saw that old man going down, he's important isn't he? Your doctor should focus on him. I'm sure that I will be attended to once this is over."

Her moodswing surprised the Romulan. "Yes, he is important, and he's dying. Do you think you can assist us in our care for him?"

"I can try," the woman replied, and hobbled alongside the Romulan back to Ji'Zahn. "I am Lana," she introduced herself, "if there's anything I can do to help, just ask. It's not like I'm going anywhere anytime soon."

<Ji'Zahn>

Tedak found a reason to smile ever so slightly as he saw the injured woman shove the acolye gently aside to have a look at the Debrune elder. ~at least her mind is off her pain now~ he thought, though it didn't quite feel right. Something was gnawing at him, and he was starting to feel ill. Anger rose again and he glared at the rebel Debrune. ~I'll have a go at you yet, when you least expect it~ he thought spitefully.

He walked around the room, all the while keeping his eyes on the Debrune, who in turn followed him around with his gaze. Then he fell to his knees and vomited violently, even though his stomach had been nearly empty. He had a foul taste in his mouth which in turn made him gag even more. At last he sick feeling ebbed away, and he rose back to his feet. He didn't miss the frightened and accusing glances of the remaining four people as he walked back to Ji'Zahn and Lana.

"How is he doing?" he asked for the umpteenth time. He noticed Mercy had rejoined the little group and was now tending to Lana's injured knee.

<Mercy/Ji'Zahn>

[mercy]

Things had definitely taken a turn for the worst. One dead and three injured. Stuart had silently watched the heated exchange of rage between Tedak, a romulan, and these Vulcans, although one disliked to be called a Vulcan. Stuart was inclined to believe him, for when he saw the blood of his partner, it was not quite the same color as a Vulcan's.

Checking over Jak'dor's wound again, it suddenly struck Stuart...the exact same color of blood...DEBRUNE. They were Debrune. Stuart kept quiet. He wasn't exactly sure how to handle all of this. He was used to arriving at his victims after their infliction of injuries, not during. When that man had been shot in his face in full view of everybody, it left Stuart slightly in shock. He was a doctor for crying out loud. A quick check of the man confirmed what he already new...he died instantly as his the frontal lobe of his brain became emulsified once the frontal part of the skull gave way.

The young woman was in shock as well as she wanted so desperately be available to help, even though it was obvious that a doctor was already here, although with no supplies. Her knee would require some reconstructive surgery, but at least she wasn't going to bleed to death.

Stuart noted that her patella, or kneecap, was fused to her femur bone. The patellar ligament had been erradicated by the blast, and was no longer attached to her tibial tuberosity and the tibia, her lower leg bone. Surgery was the order of the day for her, before she would be able to take another stroll on the Promenade deck.

Stuart could take no more. "Ambassador Tedak, I must warn you that if any further action on your part results in any more injury or death to anyone here, so help me if we survive this, I will hold you personally responsible. I will make sure that your services will no longer be required here on this station." Stuart was becoming furious for the mere fact that he couldn't do anything to help in this situation and things were not looking good for any of them.

[Deleted]

ooc: assuming Mercy is kneeling beside his patients....if he's standing lemme know.

"Ambassador Tedak, I must warn you that if any further action on your part results in any more injury or death to anyone here, so help me if we survive this, I will hold you personally responsible. I will make sure that your services will no longer be required here on this station."

"There is no need for that doctor," The Romulan said grimly as he stood towering over the young physician. Yet there was nothing threatening about his posture, and his entire demeanor suggested defeat. "I am taking full responsebility for this situation. I am a diplomat, and I failed."

<Mercy>

Tedak turned his back on the young doctor, not quite ignoring him, but not wanting to face him either. ~he is right~ he thought sadly, as he kneeled down next to Ji'Zahn, and gently touched his hand. In a quick movement, the acolyte's kaleh was passed to the owner again. "You will need this for your own defense," he whispered, "I have my own hidden if needed. But I don't think that we will be using it. He means what he says, if we do anything agressive, he will fire again. And since Mercy is the only capable doctor in our midst, we must do everything we can to protect him."

<Ji'Zahn>

He felt a soft hand on his arm, and his gaze locked with the young woman's. He noticed her eyes were a beautiful shade of blue/grey and coloured well with her dark blonde hair. "It's not your fault," she said softly, as she gently squeezed his arm, "he would've done this anyway. You were just trying to protect us, and draw attention away from this man and the doctor." She nodded towards Jak'Dor.

"It is my fault," the Romulan replied, "I shouldn't have threatened him." He shook his head sadly. "Everywhere I go, there are either dead or injured in the end......"

"Everywhere I go too," Lana whispered at him, giving him a weak smile. "As a nurse I am confronted with the sick and dying almost daily. I am here on this station for a vacation, attempting to get away from it all for a while, but alas, here we are." She nodded towards Mercy. "He's not exactly your closest friend, is he?"

Tedak shook his head. "No," he said, almost scowling, "he's not. Don't ask, it is a private matter, between him and me. There is no need for our issue to go station wide."

"I understand," Lana answered, "I heard you call a female name, is she her girlfriend? Lily I believe it was."

"She's a friend, but she's also the computer." At Lana's astonished glance, he smiled weakly. "Lily is a sentient life-form who, in order to survive, intergrated herself with our computer system, thereby giving us a sentient computer. I wonder though what got her to send the station into a lock-down." He got to his feet and walked to the nearest window, without saying nother word. He leaned his hands on the window and sighed as he gazed out into space. ~what indeed~ he thought ~and how do we get out of it? Jak'dor needs more care than Mercy can give him, and if this rebel gets his way, the elder will die. What guarantee do we have that he doesn't kill us all in the end?"

He noticed Ji'Zahn had joined him. "We need to do something," Tedak whispered desperately, "he'll die if we don't...but we can't risk anyone else getting injured or killed."

<Ji'Zahn>

[Ji' Zhan]

"You will need this for your own defense," Tedak whispered, "I have my own hidden if needed. But I don't think that we will be using it. He means what he says, if we do anything aggressive, he will fire again. And since Mercy is the only capable doctor in our midst, we must do everything we can to protect him."

“I understand,” Ji’Zhan responded back, “we must, however, get this situation under control. Jak’Dor will die if we don’t get him to your hospital facility.”

Tedak started talking with the woman who was shot in the knee. Ji’Zhan started to ask himself what his Elder would do in a time like this. He already knew the answer; he had been studying under Jak’Dor for several years as well as many other elders in the community. He had learned the accent art of what the accent Vulcans, back with they were a violent and war-like race, called kan-sorn, an induced comatose state of mind. However, the Debrune had learned to cause this state of mind by touching any part of another’s body; of which Ji’Zhan had become a master.

Getting up and leaving Jak’Dor’s side, he walked over to Tedak who was now looking out a portal into space. "We need to do something," Tedak whispered desperately, "he'll die if we don't...but we can't risk anyone else getting injured or killed."

“Tedak, my new friend, please cover me while I attempt to talk to this young rebel.” Ji’Zhan had started to fill the stable calm of Jak’Dor’s mind as he new that this situation called for the strength of the Elders.

Ji’Zhan slowly walked over to the young rebel who was holding his disruptor. Looking for a moment to the rebel who was on the floor no doubt dieing as well, he looked to the one standing. “Greetings,” speaking in his native Debrune language, “I see by your actions you are willing to die for your people.”

"What proud Debrune would not be."

Ji’Zhan continued walking closer to the young rebel, “I understand you are looking for home; you want to feel that you belong. The Debrune have been hiding for too long. Yes … I agree. We should be a large proud race, billions upon billions strong. But the ways of our forefathers, you believe, have lead us to ruin. Young one, allow me to share with you the peace of our people.” Ji’Zhan reached out his hand as the young rebel, however uncertainly, did the same. Ji’Zhan continuing in his people’s language, “Do not fear, you will soon know how our people once experienced a joined mind and you too will know why we are now looking to have that proud race again.”

The young rebel, reaching out his had with his other still grasping the disruptor, started to break. Ji’Zhan knew this was the time. He reached out his own hand taking the young rebel’s. Ji’Zhan’s hand instantly formed the necessary placement around the rebel’s wrist. With pressure being applied, Ji’Zhan for only just an instant saw images; so fast that it made him dizzy. The young rebel’s scream was almost not audible to Ji’Zhan, however before the rebel fell to the floor comatose, he fired his disruptor. The sound brought Ji’Zhan back from the small trace that seemed to last forever. He turned as the beam hit the ceiling causing fragments of it to fall upon the reaming people in the room next to the door. With a shriek a middle-aged man grabbed his chest. A dagger-like fragment of the ceiling impelled his chest; the man’s eyes rolled back into his head and everyone still alive knew that death had visited once again.

[Magellan Lin]

The young rebel, reaching out his had with his other still grasping the disruptor, started to break. Ji’Zhan knew this was the time. He reached out his own hand taking the young rebel’s. Ji’Zhan’s hand instantly formed the necessary placement around the rebel’s wrist. With pressure being applied, Ji’Zhan for only just an instant saw images; so fast that it made him dizzy. The young rebel’s scream was almost not audible to Ji’Zhan, however before the rebel fell to the floor comatose, he fired his disruptor. The sound brought Ji’Zhan back from the small trace that seemed to last forever. He turned as the beam hit the ceiling causing fragments of it to fall upon the reaming people in the room next to the door. With a shriek a middle-aged man grabbed his chest. A dagger-like fragment of the ceiling impelled his chest; the man’s eyes rolled back into his head and everyone still alive knew that death had visited once again.

=^= Weapons fire detected again in room=^= the computer announced =^=Assumption of conflict and/or escape. Romulan hostile detected in room. Progressing to Level 3 security deterent. Venting of breathable atmosphere will begin in 15 minutes unless valid and current command level rescind order is made from within room.=^=

[Ji' Zhan]

=^= Venting of breathable atmosphere will begin in 15 minutes unless valid and current command level rescind order is made from within room.=^=

Ji'zhan was leaning over the man who was killed by the falling fragment. He was saying a prayer over him. Looking up when the voice came over the speakers ... he turned and looked at Tedak.

"What does that mean? ... venting of breathable atmosphere ... you mean to tell me your own base has the ability to kill you!!?"

Tedak responded, "I don't think Lily is acting normally," giving Ji'Zhan a 'please calm yourself' type look.

Ji'Zhan looked around the room for the Doctor ... he wasn't by Jak'Dor. In a panic, he searched the room and saw the doctor holding his arm. When the rebel fired the shot and caused the fragments to fall ... one must have cut the Doctor.

Ji'Zhan asked, "Doctor, are you OK?"

<Mercy>

"Would the 'command level rescind order' be talking about you? ... can you give the order!" Looking at Tedak, "your an Ambassador on this base, can you give the order! We MUST NOT allow Jak'Dor to die!!!"

Ji'Zhan started looking around the room and noticed that the power for the room was gone. Emergency lighting was the only light in the room. Looking up at the place where the rebel's blast had hit ... through the broken material ... he saw a power relay junction that was showering down sparks every few moments. Ji'Zhan looked at Tedak, "Tedak, look above you .. is that a power relay junction?" Tedak responded back, "Yes ... it does appear to be." Mercy also agreed that it was. "That would mean that all the sensors in this room would be down as well correct?" Ji'Zhan asked. The consensus from the room was yes. Ji'Zhan ran to the door and pulled the access panned from the side. He only paused for a moment to see if the base would react to this action. When nothing happened, he took his knife and cut away the insulation and grabbed the manual handle. With short, fast pumping actions the door started to open, the dim emergency lighting from the outside room starting to show. Ji'Zhan stopped again, looked around the room and saw that the base must not be able to know what was going on ... and then finished the process to open the door completely.

"Tedak," and looking at the remaining people that were next to the door, "please help me take the Elder out of this room." They took the robe that was behind Jak'Dor's head and made a hammock of sorts ... with a count of three ... the Eldor was in the air and the group was headed out of the room. Mercy was following behind helping the nurse with the busted knee. Laying Jak'Dor on a table, Ji'Zhan turned to the Doctor, "would there be medical supplies in this room?" The Doctor replied with a yes and went to find them. Tedak motioned over to Ji'Zhan and the others, "we must remove the two rebels from that room." The team went back in and one by one brought the two rebels out of the room and placed the hurt on a table and the other tied to a chair.

Running across the room to the Eldor, Ji'Zhan, in a panic, started to pray over the Elder again. Soon after, the Doctor returned with a med pack and started his attempt to stabilize Jak'Dor.

<Mercy, Tedak)

[Deleted]

"Would the 'command level rescind order' be talking about you? ... can you give the order!" Looking at Tedak, "your an Ambassador on this base, can you give the order! We MUST NOT allow Jak'Dor to die!!!"

Slowly, the Romulan shook his head. "I fear not, though Doctor Mercy might be able to give it a go once he finds the time to do so. Right now he has other priorities. I may be a diplomat, but I am not in possession of command codes. I only have security clearances, but no command codes, which is just as well." He gazed from one Debrune to another and frowned. "No, the elder must not die, and he will not die."

When Ji'Zahn asked him to help move the patient, after he miraculously had managed to open the doors to the Fishtank, he gladly did so. However he assisted in moving the unconscious and injured Debrune rebels with a little more than just reluctance. Yet he didn't want to face Mercy's wrath if they left them, for Tedak knew Mercy would go back for them himself, and risk his life to do so at that. They couldn't afford to lose the doctor.

Once they had moved the rebels, and tied them up rather securely, the Romulan diplomat took the time to glance around the enormous room. There had been many people present in this room, before the station locked down and he gasped at the sight before them. On an impulse, he blocked Mercy's view from the large room, knowing the doctor would be quite distressed if he saw.

The Fishtank was strewed with bodies; people had been trampled when a panic had started upon the initiation of the lockdown. Walking silently through the large room, Tedak occasionally knelt down to check on vitals of several persons. Some exhaled their last breath as he touched them, others were beyond saving even though they were still alive.

"This is what a panic does," the Romulan whispered at Ji'Zahn, who had accompanied them, leaving Mercy and Lana to care for the Debrune elder. "Look at this, they've been trampled to death, or beaten over a little food. Mercy must not see this," he insisted, "he can't treat them all, and we are not safe to move through the station. If Lily finds out we are here, then she's likely to kill us all."

He and Ji'Zahn walked back to Mercy, Lana and the three Debrune patients. Occasionally they had to move aside a fallen table or chair to make a path. That and the Romulan took the time to tend to dying people, and close the eyes of the dead. ~whoever caused this, will have to bear the consequences~ he thought grimly, as he sat himself down near their little group. He gazed at the confiscated disruptor with sheer disgust, then tossed it away, not wanting to have anything to do with it.

"How are you holding up?" he asked his companions.

<Mercy/Ji'Zhan>

"I am feeling ill," the Romulan confessed, "and responsible."

<Mercy/Ji'Zhan>