SB Assailant Episode 1.5 The Reactor

[Magellan Lin]

1.5 The Reactor

Outline:
Following the discovery of Debrune Ruins on the surface of Qualinost below SB Assailant a joint team of scientists from the Federation and Romulus have arrived to explore it.
They uncover and activate by accident an ancient reactor which threatens to go critical in 6 days unless stopped.

It becomes evident that only one scientist has the background to solve the problem, Dr Kavek.
But how will they find him in time and will Magellan be able towork alongside his arch nemesis.


Background:
Dr Kavek first appeared in Star Trek:Victory.
He is a brilliant scientist he is humanoid but not necessarily human.
He is obsessed with experimenting with isotopes of teh forbidden Omega Molecule.
In one such experiment an accident resulted in a colony disappearing into sub space. The USS Victory is sent to investigate, sub space bubbles sporadically burst throughout the complex, one trapped Commodore Locutis (Klingon CO) when he returned his long term memory had been erased. Unable to bear his condition L'Etal COO (Also Klingon) committed ritual suicide.
Kavek managed to escape whilst the Victory now commanded by Magellan rescued the colonists and made the planet safe.

The second encounter came shortly after in the Norpan Expanse. The Victory was assigned to a Starbase to help recover some stolen scientific equipment. They quickly discovered that the thieves were led by Kavek, intent on setting up his experiments once more. Magellan blamed Kavek for the injury to C.dore Locutis and the death of L'Etal. He pursued the Dr with reckless abandon. Sek the CMO a founder was used to infiltrate Kaveks vessel, Magellan very nearly blew that up to get to Kavek. Kavek was able to hide by using an anti-shapeshifting device. The device enabled him to exist within Sek himself, wearing him like a coat.
Once discovered Magellan shot Sek he was about to shoot again, thus killing Sek but revealing Kavek when Kavek leapt out and stunned Magellan. He managed to escape aboard his allies (Capt Kirot) Bird of Prey.
Since that time Magellan has kept an eye on the security reports hoping to catch him one day.

Kavek has continued to work with Omega regardless of peoples safety and lives in seclusion, aware that many races would love to get their hands on his research and that Magellan and Starfleet are out to imprison him.

[Felix Savali]

Off: Hope you don’t mind me posting on this thread

After Saarok and the rest of the staff of SB Assailant returned safe and sound (more or less). Saarok left the group and made way back to his embassy where he found his chief of security waiting for him.

"Hello sir", the man said

"Greetings"

"So ready for more adventures", the man said with a grin

"I believe i have had enough of adventures as you put it, i am leaving you in charge, for a few months", Saarok said

"Well i don’t know what to say, i am honored, but i insist that i leave you 5 security guards here, just in case", the man said

"Fine, i believe it will ad to my ambassador status and it’ll be easier to keep an eye on the dig, as you never know when something unexpected might happen.", Saarok said

"Of course, if you would need anything you know where to find me"; the man said as he walked out the door

"I am becoming too old for this stuff", Saarok said to his firelizards who were flying around

He picked up the pads with the standard diplomatic reports about the activities of other ambassadors on the station and of course of what the federation expects him to accomplish next.

He sat in his chair and began reading the reports.

[Deleted]

Tedak knocked on the door of his friends office, and when the Vulcan did not answer, he opened the door and stepped in. He was met by hissing of the golden and blue firelizards, and his own chirped an obvious question. The hissing ceased, but the duo's eyes never left Tedak, and his own firelizards. Sev instantly zipped out, and did not return, and Tedak knew that the little bronze had gone home to T'Val. The bronze took more liking to his wife, despite being bonded to him. Nut was his most loyal pet, the little brown followed him everywhere.

"Up to mischief again Saarok" Tedak asked, when the Vulcan jumped upon hearing his footsteps, "or just a bad conscience." He smiled broadly, as he sat down in a vacant chair. "Guess who started an argument with me yesterday evening, accusing me of knowing something about a Romulan build-up alongside the Neutral Zone."

<Saarok>

"Yes, it was Harrias Jira. First I thought him an amiable fellow, but then I did some research. It seems one of his past hosts had a very bad experience with Romulans once. His hatred goes deeper than Magellan's sheer distrust. I can understand Lin's though, for it is Lin that harbours the distrust. I would distrust me too if it had been nearly the death of me. But I do not know anything about the Romulan fleet, the Empire does not deem it fit to inform me, and when I ask, I receive 'not at home'." He wondered if Saarok know something, but dared not ask. This friendship had been tough to build and it was also fragile.

<Saarok>

[Felix Savali]

"Up to mischief again Saarok" Tedak asked, when the Vulcan jumped upon hearing his footsteps, "or just a bad conscience." He smiled broadly, as he sat down in a vacant chair. "Guess who started an argument with me yesterday evening, accusing me of knowing something about a Romulan build-up alongside the Neutral Zone."

"I am only reading the latest diplomatic reports, you understand that will all that went on recently, i have let some of my diplomatic duties unattended to", Saarok said while putting his padd down

"A romulan build up you say, hmm if i remember correctly that must have been former captain Harrias?", Saarok asked remembering the file of the trill

"Yes, it was Harrias Jira. First I thought him an amiable fellow, but then I did some research. It seems one of his past hosts had a very bad experience with Romulans once. His hatred goes deeper than Magellan's sheer distrust. I can understand Lin's though, for it is Lin that harbours the distrust. I would distrust me too if it had been nearly the death of me. But I do not know anything about the Romulan fleet, the Empire does not deem it fit to inform me, and when I ask, I receive 'not at home'." He wondered if Saarok know something, but dared not ask. This friendship had been tough to build and it was also fragile.

"Indeed, one would think that the Trill would accumulate some logic over time but some still let the feelings and memories of their previous hosts affect them all too much", Saarok said sencing that his firend may indeed want to discuss the Romulan build up if there is any at all

<Tedak>

"Yo do not need to justify that you do not know nothing of a build up in the neutral zone, it is only logical that the Romulan senat would not inform you of it, after all if they are still the same they do not trust humans, nor do they trust Romulans who trust humans too much and i belive it is safe to say that they do not trust romulan ambassadors who go on rescue missions with Vulcan ambassadors.", Saarok said attempting it to turn out like a joke and hoping his friend would understand what he meant

<Tedak>

[Deleted]

"True enough," Tedak said and shrugged, "but then again, there are Romulans in the Senate that would welcome a unification with the Vulcans. After all, it is proven that Vulcans and Romulans are distantly related. I for one count you among my friends, I have married a Vulcan and I had a Cardassian friend. Magellan Lin is the first Trill I had ever met, and though we are not friends, we do have a friendly working relationship. However, if I got word of a build-up, Magellan would be the first to know about it. Will you assist me in gathering the needed information? I have come to know you as resourseful."

<Saarok>

<<Saarok why don't we try to get Jibb involved here at some point...or Richard feel free to barge in at anytime?>>

[Felix Savali]

"Perhaps we could look into the matter", Saarok said thinking

"Perhaps we should invite Mr. Jibb to join us here, he could make some inquiries with certain people who would not speak to you or me? However i am not sure would he agree to help i since an amount of untrust from him towards me", Saarok said

<Tedak>

"You are indeed right", Saarok said

=/\=Ambassador Saarok to Richard Jibb=/\=

<Jibb>

=/\=I am in need of your services can you meet me in my office=/\=

<Jibb>

After finishing the conversation he turned to Tedak:

"Let us hope he indeed shows up"

<Tedak>

[Deleted]

"Perhaps we could look into the matter", Saarok said thinking

"Perhaps we should invite Mr. Jibb to join us here, he could make some inquiries with certain people who would not speak to you or me? However i am not sure would he agree to help i sense an amount of distrust from him towards me", Saarok said

"Of course he distrusts you," Tedak said, a bemused smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, "he has grounds to distrust us both, but it does not hurt to ask him. I do not trust him fully either, but we have these handy little friends of ours that we can silently have tracking Mr Jibb should we believe it necessary. I might send Sev to keep an eye on Harrias, if only to see if he is all right. His outburst was not heart-felt, even I could sense that, and I am not a telepath."

"You are indeed right", Saarok said

=/\=Ambassador Saarok to Richard Jibb=/\=

<Jibb>

=/\=I am in need of your services can you meet me in my office=/\=

<Jibb>

After finishing the conversation he turned to Tedak:

"Let us hope he indeed shows up"

"I have no doubt he will. We have made him curious, and curiosity, I have found, is quite a human trait."

<Saarok/Jibb>

[Felix Savali]

"Indeed, i believe there is a saying, curiosity killed a cat, let us hope this applies to mr. Jibb, not the kill part of course", Saarok said

<Tedak>

"And while we are waiting for him, have you been observing the work of the archeologist on the planet surface?", Saarok asked

<Tedak>

"Indeed, i have been observing it, but recently for some reason there have been no transmissions from the surface on the usual channels.", Saarok said

<Tedak>

"I have been planning to go down and check myself what is happening, perhaps after we discuss the build up matter with mr. Jibb you would be willing to join me on the planet surface?", Saarok asked

<Tedak>

[Deleted]

"Indeed, i believe there is a saying, curiosity killed a cat, let us hope this applies to mr. Jibb, not the kill part of course", Saarok said

"Curiosity killed the cat," Tedak corrected, still smiling, "Mr Jibb is human, he will wish to know what we are 'conspiring' so to speal."

"And while we are waiting for him, have you been observing the work of the archeologist on the planet surface?", Saarok asked

"Not really, but I intend to beam down later on to review the site again. Have you?"

"Indeed, i have been observing it, but recently for some reason there have been no transmissions from the surface on the usual channels.", Saarok said

"That is odd."

"I have been planning to go down and check myself what is happening, perhaps after we discuss the build up matter with mr. Jibb you would be willing to join me on the planet surface?", Saarok asked

"Naturally."

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan sifted once more through the stack of padds. Zoilip downloaded all the latest Starfleet communiques each morning and left them on his desk in priority order.
He had already run through the latest diplomatic failure with the new Breen government, three incident reprts along the Tzeenkethi border and the announcement of the retirement of Rear Admiral Harak Tishol of Starbase 23. He couldnt help feeling he had mixed up the order when he had cleared space for his coffee.

The next PADD was from Starfleet Personnel, Section 47 Personnel in fact. There was the usual hum drum formal opening and then a brief message from Admiral Elron assuring him that more staff for teh Jefferson and Victory were on the way, then eventually came the report he was waiting for. Starfleet Command hereby promotes Commader 1st Class Harrias Jira to the rank of Captain and is now eligible for captaincy of his own vessel at the fleets earliest conveinence. Luckily for Harrias that convienice was very soon, there was an opening on the Nevada. Magellan laid the padd aside for when Harrias came to see him.

Taking a swig of coffee he paused to watch the USS Beaumaris, a medium sized cargo vessel pull in to the main dock in front of ops.
The last PADD was marked top secret, Admirals eyes only and bore the mark of Starfleet Intelligence. Carefully he inputted the codes and decrypted the message. Intriguing Magellan thought to himself. There was indeed a Romulan build up and not just on the Federation border. It appeared Romulus was building up along all its borders, a very unusual occurence especially as if Tedak had been telling the truth their own Ambassadors knew nothing of it. For the moment Starfleet were only concerned and had reacted by subtle re-positioning their own forces on the other side of the Neutral Zone. Likewise the Klingons had moved an extra fleet to the border. It didnt make sense for all round build up, if one were preparing to invade you didnt open up all fronts at once it was almost like lowering the portcullis and manning the walls.

Tired of military intrigue Magellan resumed his daily routine. It was Monday and so like every monday he patched into the Starfleet Comm Network. After a few swift keystrokes a face appeared on his small console. It was a young face dressed ina starfleet uniform with blue trim.
"Admiral Magellan sir" The woman said, "Is it that time again, don't the days fly by."
"Indeed they do Maggie. Your keeping well?"
"Can't complain, the kids are back at school so things are easier."
"And Brians better?"
"Oh yes, with me around he couldnt very well stay sick for long." Maggie grinned a glint in her eye.
Magellan nodded, returning the smile and then cut back to the purpose of the call.
"So any progress? How is he?"
"Hes not here I am afraid, don't you remember Dr T'Raht has taken him to Boreth."
"Oh yes" Magellan replied suddenly recalling last weeks call.
"Dr T'Raht believes the Klingon Clerics and some familiar scenery may help jog his memory."
"Do you think it will work?"
"It might" Maggie replied, but her eyes betrayed her true feelings. Starfleet Medical had tried every possible technique to cure Locutis in the past year and a half and all had failed, whatever that subspace bubble had done to his memory appeared to be untreatable.
"I see. Well tell..."
"Tell him you called, yes I will. And I guess I ll speak to you next week."
"Yes" Magellan nodded "Till next week."
The screen blipped out leaving the Starfleet Medical symbol.
Magellan took a deep sigh, a draft of coffee and then got to his feet. He swept out of his office into Ops. He trotted down the steps,
"Good Morning Good Morning" He greeted with false merriment.
Zoilip was off shift and so Commander F'rras, Base Traffic Control Officer, was on duty. The Regulan turned to him and in his usual low growling voice ran through all the ships due to arrive and depart Assailant that day.

[Deleted]

Richard had been searching the Starbase for a Klingon named K'Tak in an effort to restart his attempt to pick up a particular piece of equipment when his communicator chirped.

=/\=Ambassador Saarok to Richard Jibb=/\=

=/\=I am in need of your services can you meet me in my office=/\=

Richard hesitated. The man had a lot of gall to call after the hell that Saarok had put him through in the name of Federation Security. Richard looked off into the distance, and realized for the first time that he couldn't see Tepes' eyes. Perhaps he was getting better at last.

Richard activated his communicator and muttered "Acknowledeged."

Turning, he quickly found his way to a turbolift and started towards Saarok's office/

A few minutes later, he was ushered into the Ambassador's presence. Tedak was in the office as well. Richard controlled his anger and said calmly "What is it that you want?"

Saarok stood up. "Thank you for coming Mr. Jibb. I realize that you are still recovering from the El Salvador incident, but something has come up that may be a threat to the Federation."

Richard turned and walked over to a chair that was as far as possible from both Saarok and Tedak. The two looked at each other and wondered if it was a deliberate and unconscious action. Whichever, it was clear that Jibb didn't trust either of them.

"What kind of threat?" Richard asked as he sat down.

[Felix Savali]

Saarok looked at Tedak thinking how Richards’s bhaviour is highly illogical but humans are illogical so he paid no more attention to it.

"The possible threat, Mr. Jibb is that there is a possible build up of force on the Romulan side of the neutral zone", Saarok said

<Tedak/Jibb>

"And as ambassador Tedak now said we would like you to enquier in less official circles about this.", Saarok said

<Jibb/Tedak>

[tiffani]

*Jessica ship had just arrived at the station she sighed when she was sent the news, well she thought to herself* Good as time as any *She dusted her uniform off any dust and stood and walked to the Exit*

*she had received her new orders to join up at the assailant and she was unsure excatly what she would be doing all she did know is that she was to report in with an Ambassador Saarok*

((OOC: this is just a small post to get my character Jessica started in: She is a Bajooran Ambassador, new in her status))

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan watched the hum drum activity of the station for awhile and then noted with interested the arrival of the transport 'Shakaar'.
"F'rras, The Shakaar, check the manifest I believe that carrys our new Bajoran envoy."
The regulan ran his eyes down the list and looked up.
"Yes a Jessica Stephens."
"Ah good. Tell you what beam me to arrivals."
"Beam you sir? That is an infraction of protocols."
"Come on F'rras this is my station dont make me make it an order."
"Very well, sir."
F'rras' hands fluttered over a console and Magellan disappeared.

He reappeared moments later in the Arrivals lounge. He wandered over to the security checkpoint and checked to see if Jessica had passed through yet, she hadnt. He hovered their waiting for the Bajoran to arrive.
After awhile a woman approached the exit. Her ID papers acknowledged her as Jessica Stephens.
"Greetings Miss Stephens" Magellan greeted, "Iam Admiral Magellan, Base Commander"
"Pleased to meet you sir."
"Indeed, Welcome to Starbase Assailant. I know Attache Tavor Lyl runs the Bajoran Office here, but I understand you ll be apprenticing under Ambassador Saarok."
"Yes so I believe. I ll be working in the office but he will be my mentor."
"Ah jolly good, Perhaps I can show you to him"
"That would be most kind Admiral."

[Harrias Jira]

Waking up the next morning, Harrias yawned loudly. As he sat down he pondered why he yawned when he was obviously no longer tired, having just slept for almost ten hours. He ate a small breakfast from his own replicator on starbase; he had managed to get his old quarters from his time as Chief of Starbase Operations for the duration of his stay.

Deciding that now was as good a time as any for his chat with Magellan, he left his quarters without noticing that he had three messages waiting on his computer. He made his way through the ship, and stepped into the Station Admiral's office with little ceremony, having only pressed the button to alert him, rather than request permission. The senior trill's aides had tried to keep Harrias from entering, but had failed. Miserably.

Upon his entrance, Admiral Lin glanced up from the desk and frowned slightly.

"You seem to be missing something Captain." He said, and flicked a gold pip towards the confused engineer. Harrias had picked up the use of Captain, and the gold pip served to show that it was meant present tense, not just a bad memory, or slip of the tongue.

"Sorry sir?" He slipped back into formality, unsure as to his ground.

In front of him, Admiral Magellan Lin sighed, and then stood up, came around the table, and plucked the pip from his fingertips.

"Don't you read any of your messages?" He paused, and when he resumed speaking his voice was much more clear-cut and formal. "Commander 1st Class Harrias Jira, Section 47, Starfleet, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Captain with all associated rights, priviledges and above all, responsibilities. Congratulations." He grinned, and removed the black fourth pip, replacing it with the gold one in his hand. "How does that feel?"

"Much better." He smiled as he sat down at the desk, and Magellan walked back around to the other side.

"I have one more present for you as well Captain."

"Oh yes? And what would that be?"

The Admiral allowed himself yet another smile, before he spoke. "Computer, bring up external view 16." The screen went blank for a second, and then showed a Sovereign Class starship. Harrias didn't say anything for a few seconds, simply taking in the beauty of the thing, and then he finally remembered to breath. "The USS Nevada-A. 680 metres of starship, yours to command. It makes me wish I had a starship again."

Harrias grinned at him. "Well you can't have mine."

Magellan looked right into his fellow trill's eyes. "You feel at home again don't you?"

"You bet. When do I move in?"

"Soon. I have a couple of things to talk to you about first." He paused once more, while he brought up a file on a nearby PADD. "Firstly, I would like to inform you that the level of readiness of this station was increased to Amber this morning. I can not yet explain why this has been done, but as such I would like the Nevada to be ready for action as soon as you can arrange it."

Frowning, and wondering what could have triggered such a level of alertness, Harrias suddenly realised that in all likelihood he already knew the answer. It had to be the Romulan build-up he had heard of. He knew better than to ask Magellan, as he didn't want to put the senior officer in a problematic position, and thus kept the theory to himself.

"Secondly, I believe you came here for a reason?"

"Ah yes, I was just wondering well, about the joining. I've had... I was just wondering, how you cope with all these thoughts, and hope you control all these emotions, and how long I will stay so confused, and what I can do about it?"

[Deleted]

Richard had his right hand comfortably near a pouch on his belt. Inside it was a small disruptor, shielded with a low power dispersion field. It made him feel a bit better knowing that he could pull it on these two if necessary. He realized that the Ambassador had said something. "Sorry, what was that?"

Saarok's eyebrows came together slightly, with what Richard hoped was irritation. "The possible threat, Mr. Jibb is that there is a possible build up of force on the Romulan side of the neutral zone", Saarok said. "And as ambassador Tedak now said we would like you to enquier in less official circles about this."

Richard glanced over at Tedak. Romulan build up. He had already heard some rumblings about that in his search for the Klingon K'Tak. Smugglers were already complaining about having had to turn back at the border to Romulan space because of increased Romulan patrols. The surprising thing was that the Romulans were not using their cloaking devices as much as normal, advertising their presence to anyone who wanted to look. Strange behaviour for Romulans. He already knew it was pointless to question Tedak. It was unlikely that the Romulan High Command would trust any useful information to someone stationed in the Federation.

"I have already heard a bit about the Federation Romulan border. Are they building up anywhere else?" Richard asked.

Tedak answered this time. "Yes, there has been a general build up of strenght along the full length of the Klingon and Federation borders."

"And similar strengthening of Federation and Klingon forces as well, I would imagine" Richard added. "So, what's changed recently in the Empire?" Richard directed the question at Tedak.

"I have no idea Mr. Jibb. Such information doesn't reach me out here" Tedak replied.

"Well, that's the question that we'll have to answer. The buildup of forces on the border is the most obvious result of a change of thinking inside the Empire. Once we figure out what has changed inside, it will explain what is going on at the borders" Richard concluded.

"Yes, Mr. Jibb. Interesting. But we have no way of finding out what is going on inside the Empire" Saarok said.

"Perhaps, but where there is something as obvious as a military maneuver, there might be more subtle signs that we might be able to figure out. I guess that I will go see if I can find some. Excuse me." Without waiting for permission, Richard left the Ambassador's office, making sure that he didn't turn his back on them as he left.

[Deleted]

"This is going to be a tough exercise," Tedak muttered to Saarok, "it seems we have a lot of work to do to prove ourselves to this human." He nodded towards Sev, who obediently followed the human courier. "However, I do not trust him either. One would think that, since we saved his life, he would be more lenient towards us."

<Saarok>

"Ah well, perhaps we should disclose our current discoveries, those that there are indeed build-ups along the Romulan border, to Admiral Lin?"

<Saarok>


ooc: sorry kinda out of inspiration. beforehand warning: I'll be away thursday - sunday with little chance to post.

[Magellan Lin]

OOC: The convo with Harrias occurs after Magellan shows Jessica to Saaroks Office

Magellan pondered this a moment.
“I take it the commission weren’t of any help.”
Harrias shook his head
“They tried to help, but somehow it all seemed so rushed. The Vod symbiont needed a new host and they seem more concerned about that.”
Magellan nodded, Like Dax and Cyl, Vod was a well respected symbiont. He had already accumulated at least 7 hosts.
“Maybe, but the Jira symbiont is just as distinguished in its own way. What sort of changes have you noted?”
“Nothing specific. Its just so overwhelming.”
“That’s understandable; I found it hard enough assimilating just one personality. Six must be terrible. I myself had several integration problems, I suffered from technophobia… myself and Lin have a somewhat unique relationship. Up until the Vampire Infection we existed separately, two minds in one body as opposed to the blend it is supposed to be, perhaps I m not the best person to be asking for help. In fact given your 6 lives to my 1 you are in fact more experienced than me.”
“That’s the problem none of the previous hosts seemed to have noticed the change, I’m the first to be struggling.”
“Ideally you should see a Counsellor”
Harrias frowned
“But I think you’ll be okay. Try not to focus on any one personality allow each one to manifest itself in its own time, try and acknowledge what each aspect belongs to who. Take time to think through any irrational behaviours, let Jira guide you.”
“Sounds easy enough I suppose”
“It won’t be plain sailing, you‘ll probably have mood swings for a few weeks, confusion, perhaps even irrational actions. I’m suddenly reconsidering your captaincy.” Magellan smiled “But seriously, if you’re really not integrating there is one thing that you can do.”
“Yeah?”
“The Zhian’tara Ceremony. It manifests each of your hosts in the body of another, its like a telepathic hijacking. It gives you a chance to meet each of your hosts in person but I suggest trying on your own first”
“Well thanks Sir.”
“No problems its what a CO does. Now lets distract you from your troubles and begin to run through your crew choices. Nevada is somewhat under staffed, You have Sharpe and McDuff, there both dependable officers. Have you selected a FO yet?”
“I had thought of Commander Agalacticae”
“A good choice, hopefully Command will push that through and we can get you sorted. As I said before I need the Nevada up and ready. There is a situation developing and the Assailant has been attacked at least twice in the past 3 months, I m beginning to think I need a starship on post at the base at critical times. Assailant has a lot of firepower but her lack of mobility means defending the planet is rather difficult. For now the Nevada will be that ship, consider it a shakedown tour.”
“Okay. I’ll get her up and running ASAP”
“Good. I’ll give you a few days and then come for an inspection. And if you need to talk again drop by.”

[tiffani]

*jessica greeting the Starbase commander with a friendly smiley, as the begin to showed her to Saaroks office the begin talking and chatting about the starbase and different things*

well i only hope i can be as good as Bajooran Ambassador as the last one *She smiled*

<Magellen>

I hope you are right *She replied the shortly arrived at Ambassador Saarok's office*

<tag Magellen or Saarok>

[Felix Savali]

Sonak/S'reena/Tedak said:

"This is going to be a tough exercise," Tedak muttered to Saarok, "it seems we have a lot of work to do to prove ourselves to this human." He nodded towards Sev, who obediently followed the human courier. "However, I do not trust him either. One would think that, since we saved his life, he would be more lenient towards us."

"Prove ourselves? I do not intend to prove myself to mr. Jibb, if he does not trust us, that will eventually change, and i will not trust him but as long as he does not trust me, but trust is a human issue all i ask from him now is not to do anything foolish and to do the work i have for him."

Sonak/S'reena/Tedak said:

"Ah well, perhaps we should disclose our current discoveries, those that there are indeed build-ups along the Romulan border, to Admiral Lin?"

"I am certain that Admiral Lin already knows everything that is there to know about the build up, perhaps we should contact some of the official channels? In a bit less official ways.", Saarok said

<Tedak>

He went over to a console and tapped into the latest Starfleet intelligence reports on the issue.

"Take a look at this report", Saarok said to Tedak

<Tedak>

"Yes it would appear their indeed is a build up, but they do not seem to have found a reason for it yet", he said

<Tedak>

Just as Tedak was attempting to say something one of the guards stationed in front of Saarok’s office chimed and informed the ambassador that a Bajoran ambassador, Jessica Stephens has arrived.

"Let her in", Saarok said as he pressed a key and the console screens changed to the standard federation logo

Just then the ambassador entered.

<Jessica>

"My name is ambassador Saarok, ambassador of Vulcan and the federation, and this", he showed on Tedak, "is ambassador Tedak representing the Romulan Empire"

<Jessica/Tedak>

[Deleted]

"I am certain that Admiral Lin already knows everything that is there to know about the build up, perhaps we should contact some of the official channels? In a bit less official ways.", Saarok said

"I suppose you are correct," Tedak sighed, "as usual. What do you propose?"

He went over to a console and tapped into the latest Starfleet intelligence reports on the issue.

"Take a look at this report", Saarok said to Tedak

The Romulan ambassador paled visible; Harrias had been right all along. "Have I been so blind to miss these reports?" he wondered aloud, "This is massive, more than anyone has speculated so far."

"Yes it would appear their indeed is a build up, but they do not seem to have found a reason for it yet", he said

The Romulan opened his mouth to say something, but was cut short when the doors opened.

Just as Tedak was attempting to say something one of the guards stationed in front of Saarok’s office chimed and informed the ambassador that a Bajoran ambassador, Jessica Stephens has arrived.

"Let her in", Saarok said as he pressed a key and the console screens changed to the standard federation logo

Just then the ambassador entered.

<Jessica>

"My name is ambassador Saarok, ambassador of Vulcan and the federation, and this", he showed on Tedak, "is ambassador Tedak representing the Romulan Empire"

Tedak bowed graciously towards the Bajoran representative. "Greetings I am Tedak ir-Saj'sihaer tr'H'Rhinann, but I invite you to forget the rest of my name, as occasionally I myself have trouble remembering it. My wife has chosen not to carry the long name, but then, she has a name I cannot pronounce." He smiled encouragingly at the woman, then stood to relinguish his seat to her. "Please, do sit down." He beckoned up, and a brown dragonette landed on his arm. "Before he decides to introduce himself to you and scare the living daylights out of you. This little fellow here is Nut, he is a firelizard."

Tedak turned back to Saarok. "She is a diplomat, she should be informed also. Perhaps she can even assist us."

<Jessica/Saarok>

ooc:welcome to starbase assaillant Ms Stephens

[Deleted]

Richard hurried out of Saarok's office and into Starbase Assailant. He didn't seem to be able to put distance between him and Saarok quickly enough. At least he had something to do now. He found his way to a turbolift and got off on the main commercial level.

Finding out information regarding Romulan intentions was going to be very difficult. They were notoriously close mouthed about what was going on inside the Empire. They wouldn't even tell Tedak about what was going on in case he let something slip. He would have to find people who had been inside the Empire or near the border and find out any information they may have picked up. That meant he was going to be spending a lot of time dealing with Yridians. They were the primary information brokers around here.

Richard made his way to the main docking level. There were several establishments on that level where information was exchanged. That was where he needed to be.

Richard strode purposefully through the Starbase, failing to notice the winged form of Sev cautiously following him.

[Deleted]

tedak is quite male

[tiffani]

((OOC: I dont have much time to post today but i will get a post in tomorrow when i get home from babysitting))

[Deleted]

Richard was sitting in a small restaurant called Baler's Bridge. It was pretty much the first place that most freighter crews came to after leaving their ships. The food here was pretty good and most freighter's didn't offer their crews much variety while on long trips. The most popular meals here were made by an Andorian cook who specialized in Bajoran cooking, of all things. Richard had just finished a serviing of some rather spice Hesperat. It had been quite good.

Something else that freighter crews that had just come off of a long mission was talk. Richard had been joined by several crew members from a small freighter called The Rayna. They had just docked after a long run from a number of stops, including a few that were along the Federation/Romulan border.

"So, you were saying that you had some trouble around the Indra Nebula?" Richard questioned carefully, trying to keep the man talking. He had been pumping this human, Perdin Luca, for information for about 15 minutes now, before he got too drunk on the Andorian brandy had was drinking.

"Yeah. We were just passing through, using our collectors to pick up some hydrogen when we picked up three Romulan warships coming our way. We had been hearing from a few other ships that the Romulans have been acting a little weird lately, so we decided to get out of there. We were headed out at top speed when we get a message from a Starfleet vessel asking if we needed assistance. Turns out they were doing research in an asteroid belt, which is probably why we never saw them" the midly intoxicated crewman explained. The two others who were with him nodded.

Richard was curious. He had already heard a few stories like this. The Romulans weren't only building up their borders, they weren't hiding it either. It wasn't like them at all. Richard's eyes snapped to his right, to the front window of the restaurant. That was the third time that he thought he had seen something fluttering around out there. Shaking his head, he told the men that he had to be on his way. There was nothing else they had to tell him.

Richard left the restaurant and walked slowly along the corridor. He was getting suspicious. He carefully pulled a small tricorder out of one of his pockets and ran a scan of all non-human life forms within 50 meters of him. Running down the list, he saw something familiar.

Nodding grimly, he made his way back to the Wanderer, entered the access codes and walked onto the bridge. Sitting in the command chair, he used the primary systems to scan the vicinity till he found the fire lizard that was following him. Locking on, he then said "Computer, locate Ambassdor Tedak."

"Ambassador Tedak is in the office of Ambassador Saarok" the computer replied.

Right, Richard thought to himself. Activating the transporter, Richard programmed a site to site transport, then said "Computer, record and send the following to Ambassador Tedak."

"Ready" the computer voice said.

"Tedak, this is Richard Jibb. I would appreciate your not sending your flying lizards to follow me. I'm sure that Ambassador Saarok approved of your action, but you are in technical violatation of Federation Diplomatic treaties which state that you are not allowed to conduct espionage on Federation Diplomatic personel, for any reason. If I catch you doing it again, I will have you expelled from the Federation, and I will beam your fire lizards to a place far less comfortable Saarok's office. Jibb out."

Angrily, Jibb sent the message. Romulan's weren't to be trusted.