SB Assailant Episode 1.6 Robbing Peter to pay Paul

[Magellan Lin]

Hey all this is the new thread for the NEW mission.
This is hopefully going to be a real adventure. It will sort of follow on from the last mission so as to fit in with the story arc.

Mission Teaser:
With the pirate Robert still in custody Paul Drew calls in old friend Admiral Keztrek from JAG to help round them up however as with most things on Assailant things don't always go to plan.

Basic plot arcs:

A - Plot :Robert - the pirate captured last mission has revealed a list of pirates operating in the system. Some of the names are of Starfleet Officers on the base and in the system, Some are Bajoran and possibly Romulan. Paul Drew has called on RA Keztrek to come and help him track them all down. (And perhaps have a good snoop around too lol)

B-Plot : Diplomatically there is still the arrival of Jak'dors Debrune people to teh City, and finalising the agreements - mediation between them and the Tekarans who the planet was originally for. (See website for info - Colony Project bit)

C-Plot : Dr Hyan Sharex using the reactor to power up the start of the Gaia project to terraform the planet in less than 8 weeks.

On the personal level there is of course the child T'Val and Tedak are bringing up, how people have dealt with nearly bveing blown up in the last mission and how new embassy staff are fitting in etc.

As with all mission feel free to add to all plotlines and develop the story, these notes are just the start points, who knows where we'll end up ;D

Official start of the mission is Sunday, but preliminary posting can begin right away.

[KezTrek]

KezTrek was just settling down to a cup of coffee, her first of the day, waiting for Daniel to wake up. They were on Mars, in his parent's home. It was the first time she'd been here since she had left their son with Daniel's parents almost a year before, Paul O'Neill was now a bouncing two year old, and KezTrek smiled a little at the thought that the term 'terrible twos' most certainly applied to her son.

The com on her desk beep and KezTrek debated ignoring it, but knew she couldn't.

Hitting the 'on' switch she waited for an image to appear.

"Rear Admiral KezTrek there is a message coming through for you on a secure starfleet channel from Starbase Assailant, it's from Rear Admiral Paul Drew." The comm officer told her patching through the call.

"Kez!" Drew greeted.

"Hello Paul." KezTrek replied smiling at her old friend... it was strange to think how long they'd know each other. He'd been a mentor yes, and even a friend, but he was also like family to her, Paul's godfather, and like the brother she had never had.

"How are you?" Drew asked.

"Fine, yourself?" KezTrek questioned, getting that same feeling she got when she knew he was about to ask her for something.

"I'm fine, but this is actually a business call." He admitted sheepishly.

"Of course it is, what can I do for you?" KezTrek asked.

"Well I was hoping you could come to assailant, I don't want to say much on this channel, it's meant to be secure, but I just can't be positive, but I need your help on a little matter." Drew told her.

"Little... why do I doubt that?" KezTrek said one eyebrow raising, in an expression that left no doubt she wasn't buying it at all.

"Little." He replied with a chuckle.

"I'll see if I can book passage... it might be a few days though, I'm with Daniel and Paul on Mars." She told Drew.

"Okay, let me know as soon as you know when you'll be here." Drew said.

"Of course."

"How is little Paul anyway?" Drew asked.

"Not so little, he's only two but you'd swear he was four to look at him. Anyway, I think I hear him fussing, so I'd best go see to him, I'll call you later today with my travel details." She promised.


(Three Days Later)

As it was KezTrek didn't bother to call Drew back, instead preferring to surprise him. Hitching a ride on a freighter she made Assailant in just a few days.

It was a typical Starbase for all accounts, and not hard to find her way around. A quick word in the ear of a young Ensign, and she located Drew.

It was into the evening before she had arrived on the base, so he was in his quarters, having asked the Ensign to find her accommodations and knowing she could locate them using the computer as soon as they were assigned to her she made her way to Drew's quarters, fielding the few odd looks she received with amusement.


*beep*

"Come In"

"You know you should learn to ask who is at your door before you invite people in, it maybe a Bat'leth wielding maniac." KezTrek said as she entered Drew's living quarters.

"Kez... you certainly know how to make your presence felt." Drew said getting up from behind his desk to hug his old friend.

"Yes well you drag my all the way here away from my son that I haven't seen in nearly a year, and my husband who I've seen far too much of in a purely professional light for the last year, and won't tell me why, am I meant to be cheery and happy?" she asked, with mock annoyance, even though she was pleased to see Drew... even if he HAD dragged her away from her family.

"All will be revealed, but first I think you should meet the Admiral, Magellan Lin, do you know him?" Drew asked.

"Of him, never met him personally, you know me and Admiral's they make me itch." KezTrek said.

"You ARE an Admiral." Drew commented lightly.

"So that’s why I'm always scratchy lately... huh, who knew." KezTrek chuckled, and Drew joined her, oh yes some things never changed, and KezTrek's mile wide sarcastic streak was one such thing.

"Where's your stuff?" Drew asked.

"I'm an Admiral, I did what any good Admiral would do... off-loaded it on the first unsuspecting Ensign I could find." She said with humour in her voice.

Drew roled his eyes and laughed along with her as he lead her from his quarters in search of the bases Commander, and an explanation to KezTrek as to why she was here.

<tag: someone? anyone?>

Rear Admiral KezTrek

[Deleted]

After being away on urgent business ambassador Saarok was returning back to Assailant. The starbase was coming into view from the view screen of the USS Mystique.

"Decreasing speed to impulse, sir", the helmsman said

"Very well, proceed at 1/4 impulse", the Vulcan said

"Yes sir", the helmsman said

"I will be in my office preparing my files, prepare my standard team, 4 security officers, my assistant, and of course you.", he said turning to the officer seated next to him

"Understood sir, will you make the call to SB Assailant?", the man asked

"Yes"

After finishing up the convo Saarok made way towards his office where he collected his pads and put them in a case just when an ensign came to pick them up and take them to the transporter room.

"Are you finished, sir?"

"Yes you may take it all", the Vulcan said

After that he opened a channel with SB Assailant. And informed them that he will be transporting back with his team, he did not want to cause a commotion by excising a covert approach as there was no reason for it at this time.

After he finished the convo, cmdr. Jackson chimed on his door, "Sir we are within transporter range."

After that Saarok got up from his chair and made way to the bridge he issued several commands to the officer in charge before he proceeded to the transporter room.

When he arrived there he saw the 5 officers team already waiting for him. After issuing a few commands to the transporter officer, he and cmdr. Jackson joined the team on the transporter pad.

"Energize, he said as the transporter room of the USS Mystique dematerialized and a transporter room on board SB Assailant appeared in front of him.

<Tag anyone who came to greet a returning ambassador >

[Deleted]

T'Val was waiting at the airlock, after receiving a message on Tedak's console that their friend Saarok would be returning. She settled the baby in his pram and maneuvred it towards the airlock. Bronze Sev settled on her shoulder, seeming eager to meet the golden queen Aeris again. Finally the airlock opened to reveal the distinguished Vulcan diplomat.

T'Val raised her hand in the formal Vulcan greeting, while Sev warbled at the queen that was perched on Saarok's shoulder. "Welcome back to the station ambassador," T'Val said, "you have missed quite some action." She indicated the sleeping baby, and did not miss the surprised glance flickering across his face. "I am the guardian of this baby, he is of Debrune origin. Unfortunately, Tedak is not here to welcome you back, he has been called away to help with negotiations dealing with the Gorn."

They walked towards the OPS area, where she 'handed' Saarok over to Magellan. "If you will excuse me, I have an appointment with the Debrune Counsil," she said, and left.

[Magellan Lin]

"Ah Saarok, Welcome back, Good Trip?"
Saarok entered the office with Magellan.
"It went well enough." he replied non-committedly.
"Well things here have really developed. I guess I better fill you in."
Magellan fixed Saarok a drink and then settle down to fill him in. He went over in great detail the deal made with Jak'dor.
"Most intriquing. It fits with the intelligence I recieved about teh Romulan build up. It appeared the Romulan Senate feared the Debrune may try and take over the empire. It was all so secret I doubt they even informed Tedak lest the public find out and panic."
Magellan decided not to ask how Saarok knew something that even Tedak apparently did not.
"I ll need you and Jibb to work closely with the Debrune, I ve been informed that the Tekaran Refugee Delegation will be arriving soon to meet with Jak'Dor I ll need your diplomatic sense to ensure it all goes smoothly. It may also be worth you calling in Jessica, this new pirate situation seems to indicate that a few maybe Bajorans, her contacts could be invaluable."
"Of Course" Saarok replied "Whatever you require."

[Deleted]

Richard Jibb was keeping a careful eye on the sensors as he made his way to Qualinost. A mistake now would destroy a lot of useful negotiations, and doom Qualinost and Starbase Assailant to destruction.

His tactical sensors beeped at him and he glanced down. Once he saw what was coming he automatically raised his shields. Then a message came in over the comm. "Federation Courier Wanderer, this is Lt. H'Roy, in command of Federation 114th Fighter Squadron. We've been assigned to escort you to Qualinost by order of Admiral Magellan. We also have an armed shuttle with a Marine guard force aboard" a gravelly voice said.

Richard carefully examined his readouts. There were 13 Hidecki class fighters and a large, heavily armed shuttle closing on him. "OK, Lieutenant. Deploy your ships to standard escort formation and stay with me. Wanderer out." Richard closed the channel and watched as the fighter fanned out to give him cover. From the main cabin, he could hear JakDor talking to T'Val about her responsibilities as the guardian of a Debrune child. He would have liked to go back to listen, but this was an important flight and he didn't want to be away from the captains' chair.

[Deleted]

Looking around the arcade, Tomlinson saw that no-one seemed to be up to anything evil, as usual. As he glanced around, he saw Drolem Simeth sitting at one of the central bars. Tomlinson looked straight at him, but the Risan didn't seem to notice him. Instead, he was peering around the room, apparantly looking for someone. The base's security officer frowned, and kept watching the starbase's mayor carefully. He looked this way and that always watching, looking at each and every entrance in turn. Tomlinson started to rotate around the room, looking at him from each angle, and then sat down at the edge of the room.

A waitress came over to him, and he ordered a cup of tea, never taking his attention away from the dignatory. Suddenly, the rotating Risan head stopped and fixed itself on one of the entrances. Tomlinson looked the way that the mayor was peering, and locked his vision onto an average looking woman who was heading towards the bar, her track straight and true, without hesistation.

She walked up to the bar and sat down. Tomlinson took himself and his drink to another table to get a better view of the pair. They were not interacting at all, but it was obvious this was who the mayor had been expecting. He was now looking into the center of the circular bar, no longer hunting for someone. A few minutes later, the woman left, and the mayor stayed to finish his drink before he also left.

On his way out, the mayor passed Tomlinson, and gave him a warm 'Hello' before leaving. The security officer's forehead creased into a frown once more. As far as he could tell there had been no interaction at all. He finished hiw drink, and then headed to his security office to try and figure out what he had just observed.

A few hours later, after watching the video three times, Tomlinson thought he had it sorted out. He made his way up to Admiral Magellan's office, but found that the station CO was busy with one of the ambassador's. Instead, he made his way towards Rear Admiral Drew's office, but before he could get there, he found the Admiral escorting another high ranker through the station's corridors. Only one look was needed to figure out who she was.

"Admiral KezTrek, Drew." he said in greeting. "Umm, Drew, if I could just have a word?"

"Of course Lieutenant." The admiral replied, and then gave KezTrek directions to the CO's office and a promise to catch up with her later. "What is it?"

Tomlinson led the station's operations officer into a vacant conference room, where he sat on the edge of a table.

"I just observed a very interesting meeting." He explained what he had seen, and then continued on with the videos. "I couldn't figure out what I had seen, so I watched and re-watched the video. And finally I figured it out. It was risky, very risky. The woman came in and ordered a drink. She handed over a few coins, which were exact change. Then, however the mayor ordered his own drink before the money reached the till. The change he needed was exactly one of the two coins, so the bartender gave him the coin she had given him. That was the exchange, I'd swear."

Rear Admiral Paul Drew took a few deep breathes. "That's a serious accusation against a senior member of this station. And what is to say even if it was an exchange there was anything vindictive with it. For all you know it was completely innocent. We can not make any action based on that. However, you know the current situation. Watch him. Discreetly."

"Yes sir." Tomlinson left the Admiral to catch up after KezTrek, while he went back down to his office.

[Deleted]

T'Val sat across the Debrune Elder, holding the child securely in her arms. "Am I expected to attend ceremonies involving D'Beren?" she asked, after settling the baby for his feeding. She picked up the bottle she had gotten out of the replicator only seconds earlier and offered the teat to the baby, who instantly began suckling away. "He will lead a normal youth right? I mean, will he have to grow up knowing he is Divine? He might go above himself and look down on others, that would not be right. He will learn that all are equal?"

She looked down and noticed that the bottly was empty...the boy must have been extremely hungry. She resettled him so that he was leaning on her shoulder and she patted his little back gently for a moment. The boy gave a satisfied sigh and snuggled against her, and suddenly T'Val was overcome by a complete sense of love for this child. ~if only Tedak was here~ she thought. To the side, Sev, who would not leave her unless specifically told to do so, warbled happily, fanned is wings and crooned, seeking attention.

T'Val affectionately petted him, and then ordered fresh meat from the replicator to feed the little firelizard. "There you go Sev, now do not be greedy, there is quite enough to satisfy you!" She watched in dismay as the little bronze gobbled up the meat faster than she had ever seen anyone eat. The bronze crooned, then sprang aloft, flying forward to join Richard Jibb. He settled down on the console before the human courier, gazing out of the main window, warbling and chittering constantly.

[Deleted]

JakDor had been quietly observing T'Val as he tried to give her a fast overview of Debrune life. He still wasn't sure that giving the child over to her had been the best thing to do, but there was a vague section in the Prophecy regarding the crossing of stranger which he thought might refer to this woman and her husband. Only time would tell. That was the problem with prophecies, they very rarely told you what was supposed come after they occurred.

"The child will be required to attend several ceremonies a year on the planet. As well, you may expect several visits a year from groups who wish to view the child" JakDor informed. At least several, he thought to himself. It had been a difficult task to forbid many of the inhabitants of the Debrune colony permission to go with the Council. The fact that their ship was so small was the only thing the kept them away. "Whether he learns to hold himself above others is an unknown. He will follow his own path into the future."

That statement led to a few minutes of quiet as the Wanderer made it's way to Qualinost. T'Val started as there was a squawk from the command area of the ship and the small flying lizard made it's way back to T'Val, it's small eyes orange and looking back towards Richard Jibb. "It seems that Mr. Jibb isn't fond of pets" JakDor said with a slight smile.

[Deleted]

"He has reasons to sir," T'Val replied, as the little bronze landed on her lap. She stroked his back gently and the little creature responded to the touch. "Mr Jibb was bitten by a vampire entity. I was infected, as was Saarok to a certain extend. Saarok too has Impressed two of these beauties." She continued her explanation of the vampire virus.

"This one was one of the first to hatch, or so Tedak has told me," she continued, "but the brown that went along with him to the USS Hope is by far the smartest of the two." She coaxed him to settle on JakDor's lap, startling the older man. "He is quite friendly."

Then she returned to the issue at hand. "Several visits a year," she nodded, "and Debrune ceremonies on Qualinost. I am to attend as well, as his guardian?" The elder still had not answered her question if the child would be allowed to call her mother and Tedak father. She so yearned to be called that. She also knew, that if the opportunity arose, she'd be applying to adoption of a second child. "I would like to know more about the Debrune themselves," she finally said, after a long silence.

[Magellan Lin]

The image of a bright sun filled the screen on Magellans desk. Before it a small dark speck sat in contrast to the bright and vibrant orange yellow corona. It may have been a speck of dust on the screen but was in fact a planet. Tekara had once been a verdant paradise, a place of beautiful forests and sweeping grassy plains. That now was a thing of the past. Tekaras sun was going nova, it still had many centuries before the final journey of the star was completely but within two years the planet would be essentially deadly to the native Takarans, it was already pretty hostile, skin cancer was up 120%, solar flares interupted communications, brush fires were common, magentic fluxes rendered Transporters and some hoppers unusable.

Saarok followed the briefing with his usual diligence, much of it he already knew, he was after all the most senior Federation diplomat on the station and had access to a lot of information through a variety of sources.
"When will the Takaran delegation arrive?"
"Tomorrow. They are on the USS Royal Oak, its due to dock tomorrow evening. I must warn you though they are highly skeptical of the Debrune offer and really want full access to the planet."
"As Federation members they must learn to adapt, not all can have their own way."
"Indeed" Magellan replied, "The Cultural team from Terraform Command and The Refugee Relocation Committee will be reporting back in the next week too. Hopefully they will have more of the logistics tied down."
"Very good."
-Di-di-de-di-
Magellan looked up to see Admiral Drew at the door.
"If you ll excuse me Ambassador it looks as if I have visitors."
"Of course Admiral, We will speak later."
"I ll look forward to it."
Saarok rose and smoothed down his robe, he exited the office through the rear door that led out on to the corridor.

Magellan turned towards the door into ops and waved his hand to beckon Drew and someone else back in.
Paul pushed the door opener and stepped in to the office.
"Magellan may I introduce Rear Admiral Keztrek"
The person with him stepped forward, the individual was a slim Vulcan, she was dressed in the standard Admirals Uniform with the exception of a badge on her shoulder, it bore the scales of justice - the symbol of JAG.
"Welcome Aboard Admiral" Magellan greeted, standing and extending a hand "I have heard a lot about you. I didnt realise Paul meant you when he said he knew a big gun he could call in to help us out."
Keztrek shook the hand and turned to Paul,
"Big Gun?"
Paul grinned and gave an exaggerated shrug.
"Please take a seat"
The three admirals all took a seat.
"Its good of you to come."
"Well if anyone else had asked... and I like a mystery."
"A mystery?"
"Mr Drew here refuses to fill me in"
"I didnt think it wise to broadcast it over subspace" Paul noted.
"Very wise given the circumstances" Magellan agreed.
"So...?"
"So what... oh yes why your here." Magellan smiled sheepishly, "You ll have to forgive me, I m not sure I m fully recovered from the dramas of last week."
Kez raised an eyebrow,
"I ll fill you in later" Paul whispered.
"I ll get to the point. We have a complex problem in the Qualinost system. Last week we encountered a shady fellow by the name of Robert, it seems he has a number of connections in the underworld, namely teh pirates we've been having difficulty with recently."
"What sort of difficulty?"
"In the past, before Assailant was built Qualinost was used by pirates as a base of operations, when Starfleet moved in they moved out, that is until now. Now they are back and plague shipping lines in the area, one group were even bold enough to attack this station in the first week I was in command here."
"I see and where do I come in, it sounds like a simple Starfleet Security issue."
"Not quite" Paul replied, "You see we persuaded Robert to give us a list of pirate contacts in teh system. Now we are aware it may be completely phoney he could be leading us up the garden path, but some of the names on teh list are serving Starfleet Officers, some work teh frieghters, others here on Assailant."
"And thats not all" Magellan continued, "They way the pirates strike suggest they have access to higher levels of information than those officers have access to , so you see the problem"
Kez nodded "Somewhat"
"I ve tasked Paul to track down the pirates, and he suggested we have JAG assistance, hence your involvement. Can you help?"

Tag: Kez

[Deleted]

JakDor sat back and regarded the winged creature that was sitting on his legs. Personal pets were almost unknown on Vargas. There were almost no indigenous animal species, and those that were there were completely unsuitable for domestication. The sharp teeth and talons made him uneasy, and the creature sensed it and returned to it's owner. The Debrune Elder sighed with relief and answered one of T'Vals' questions. "No, you will not be allowed to attend the Debrune ceremonies, as you are not Debrune. Your responsibility is to protect the child and transport him to and from the ceremony site. He will be handed over to a Debrune Oracle and returned to you when the ceremony is over. Many Debrune ceremonies are several hours in length, so the you and the child should be prepared for occasional long absences from one another."

JakDor stopped and let T'Val digest that while he tried to think of what to tell her regarding the Debrune. Breathing deeply, he began. "As you are aware, the Romulans began as a faction of Vulcans who could not accept the teachings of Surak. They followed their leader, S'Task, away from Vulcan looking for a new world. The landed on many worlds, conquered primitive cultures on their way, until they encountered the Debrune."

JakDor stared into the distance, reliving what he had been taught like it had happened yesterday. "The Romulans landed on several Debrune worlds. We outnumbered them, yet they were better armed and trained. The slaughter was fearful and eventually the Debrune chose surrender to genocide."

"However, there were still splinters among the conquerors who believed that they had travelled long enough and wanted to remain. S'Task wanted to move on, but didn't have the support required to leave. Instead, he compromised and said that the Vulcan's could stay while he tried to find the right direction to go. The Vulcans stayed and interbred with the Debrune for several generations, leaving their stamp on the conquerors."

JakDor locked eyes with the Vulcan woman. "However, the Romulans overlooked a few Debrune worlds, and survivors fled to them and passed on news of the disaster. They in turn decided to leave rather than face their end, eventually settling on other worlds further from other races, and have remained there till found by Mr. Jibb" he said, nodding towards the control cabin. T'Val turned troubled eyes in that direction as well.

Almost on cue, Richard's voice filled the cabin. "We're preparing to enter Qualinost's atmosphere. Due to arrive at the city in 4 minutes." JakDor and T'Val strapped themselves in.

[Deleted]

"I am aware of Romulan history," T'Val said quietly, "as well as Vulcan's bloody past. I am not proud of the history of my ancestors, but I do take pride in what we have achieve to become. I grieve for the wrong done to your anscestors, and am quite relieved to say that you will be returning to your home world. I am prepared to leave D'Beren in the hands of ceremonial masters for several hours, but he will need feeding regularly. Are there special nutritional additions that he will need that my medical scans overlooked?"

She worried for the child, but knew that he would be well cared for during the ceremonies. THe only thing she did doubt was that he was going to like being visited several times a year when he would be older. But then, he was the Divine, if he said no, his will be done. ~I will have to teach him that everyone is equal~ she thought, wondering whenever JakDorn was going to answer the question she had asked numerous times by now. <the mom/dad question>

[Deleted]

JakDor could see that the Healer was staring at him in the same hopeful way that she had been ever since she had asked him how the child would be allowed to refer to T'Val and her husband. He had been trying to avoid the question. He hadn't become Supreme Elder of the Debrune solely through his negotiating skill, but also through his understanding of people. It was obvious this point was important to her, and it was just as obvious what his duty was to the child and the rest of the Debrune who would eventually see him. He had wanted to try to balance the needs of his people with the hope of T'Val, but in this there was no option.

Turning the steely gaze of the Debrune Supreme Elder on the Vulcan female, he said "I am glad that you know your Romulan history. As Supreme Elder, I imagine that I could give you a version of Vulcan history that you are not as familiar with. I must tell you that the stories of Vulcan conquest of our homes are still told. I believe that many of our people would be most offended hearing the Divine Child referring to a Vulcan as mother, and it would be equally insulting to the actual parents who died fulfilling a Prophecy that is centuries old. You have named the child, and you will be his mother in fact, but he will not call you by that name."

The Wanderer rocked slightly, and Richard Jibb's voice filled the cabin. "We have arrived."

[Deleted]

T'Val swallowed, her fear having come true in that one sentence. "If he cannot call me mother, then how will he call me? and my husband?" she asked quietly, carefully masking her expression, "and indeed there are parts of Vulcan history that I am not aware of, but if you will tell me, I would be very much interested to hear it. After all, am I not to teach D'Beren his history as well? To teach properly, I will have to be taught myself."

Beside her, Sev picked up on her hidden emotions and warbled, his eyes whirling the orange of alarm and concern. The little bronze gave a glare at the elder, chittering at him. "Quiet," T'Val told him, "he is a friend, do not upset him. You will not chitter at him like that. Apollogize to the Elder." Sev calmed, fanned his wings and gave an apollogetic warble. He then flew forward again, deciding to take his chances with Richard Jibb. THough, he stayed well out of the way of the courier.

[Deleted]

After leaving Magellan's office Saarok was greeted by his two guards. He often thought that they were the best the party could offer, and they have proved so on numerous occasions. But now was the time to visit certain people, informed people. He walked over to the wall console and attached a small device to it. He entered code 346 and hit transmit.

After that he removed it and made way towards one of the more shady establishments on the promenade. When he approached the door he saw that Drolem Simeth was sitting at the bar. He appeared to be a bit nervous.

Saarok signaled for his guards to remain at the door while he made way towards Drolem.

"Mr. Drolem", he said in the typical Vulcan way while he was taking a seat next to the man

"You?", he said in shock

"You appeared to be surprised Drolem, have you thought i was dead, because that would not be a logical conclusion to make for someone in your position", Saarok said

"...fine what can a humble man like me do for you, di...", Simeth began

"No, no i am an ambassador now", Saarok said

"Yes whatever», Simeth said

"What is happening around Assailant at this time?"

"Nothing, i mean there’s nothing going on"

Saarok looked him right in the eye, and the man turned his eyes away from the Vulcan.

"Up to your old tricks no doubt, i want to hear it all, and i mean all, and you, i am sure will do the logical thing.", Saarok said

The man was sitting in silence for a moment before he started speaking, he told Saarok everything he knew and what he was doing at this time.

"Intriguing, i trust you will keep me informed? » Saarok asked

"Yes"

"Good", Saarok said while extending his hand to shake hands with the unsuspectfoul man. Drolem took the hand and shook hands with Saarok, falling right into his trap a small subspace camera-sensor was in that way attached on Drolem allowing Saarok to see everything that Drolem might have concealed from him.

After that he made way towards the exit where his guards joined him before he proceeded to the next on his list of people to visit.

--An hour and a half later--

After visiting all his informants and "friends" on the station Saarok arrived to his office where he saw that Jackson had already ran a check on the newly installed cameras.

"They are working perfectly chief", Jackson said

"Good, i do not require anything else from you may take the rest of the day to rest and visit old friends", Saarok said

"Thank you sir", Jackson said as he left Saarok’s office, the two guards took their usual station in front of Saarok’s office while he took a pile of pads and began to read.

[Deleted]

Sitting in his security office, Tomlinson was rotating through his cameras, watching the path of Saarok. He had seen the Vulcan ambassador meet with the mayor, and something had definitely been said. They had shook hands at the end too. The chances of some kind of exchange were very high. Only... a Vulcan Ambassador? It didn't make any sense. But then, it could be something so simple as the mayor providing information.

Saarok had gone back to his office. Nothing suspicious there. Meanwhile, Simeth was in his quarters. Tomlinson brought up both their schedules. Neither was particularly busy. Simon decided that some old fashioned detective work and scare tactics were in order. Not that a vulcan could get scared. He picked up a couple of items from his desk, and was about to leave when a thought struck him.

He went back over to the computer, and set it to record a list of everyone who had been to see either the ambassador or the mayor in the past week. He then set it running a few other things, correlating meetings of the two and a few other things. Of course, Saarok having just returned this was going to be tough.

When he was satisfied it was all running, he left the office, and locked it to his voice pattern, and code. Checking it with a couple false codes he headed down 156 decks to the diplomatic level. The journey was a long one even with turbolifts, and he thought about his wording.

As the doors slid open, the ex-Defense Secretary heard the sounds of a heated argument. He rested his hand on his phaser, and stepped out of the turbolift. No sooner had he left the haven of the lift when a chair came flying towards him. Without time to dodge it effectively, it smashed into his knee-cap sending him sprawling on the floor, the chair falling on him.

Angrily, he threw the chair away and tried to rise to his feet. As he did so a sharp pain ran through his leg. He swore loudly, and climbed significantly slower to his feet, avoiding putting wait on his left leg. He looked up to see the Klingon and Cardassian ambassadors arguing with each other.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?" he shouted, but was drowned out by the noise the arguing ambassadors were making. He pulled his phaser out, and shot right in between the two, causing them both to spin towards him. He thanked his stars for the rule that said Ambassadors weren't allowed to carry weapons.

"Thank you. Can either of you explain this argument?"

Half an hour later, both the ambassadors had been convinced to return to their embassies, which were luckily opposite sides of the deck, and a medic has prescribed Tomlinson with a broken leg; shattered in 62 places. It was just his luck, he wasn't even able to have it fixed, he would have to wear a cast for weeks. He put off treatment for the moment, accepting only assistance in getting to Saarok's office. Once he was inside, and seated in front of the ambassador's desk, he allowed himself a small smile. Only he could break his leg going to see an ambassador.

"Ambassador. I'll cut straight to it, I understand that you met our esteemed mayor earlier. What did you discuss?"

<Saarok>

"I see. And it was fruitful?"

<Saarok>

"Have you receieved any information from any of your many contacts?"

"Regarding what officer?"

"Regarding anything. Ambassador."

"In that case then yes. My contacts would be rather poor if they had told me nothing."

"You know what I mean."

"Do I?"

"Yes Ambassador you do, but you obviously don't feel disposed to share information with your own people at the moment, so I'll be leaving." He tried to stand up, forgetting his injury and fell back into his seat.

"Not so hasty now." the Vulcan said smuggly, one emotion that they had never removed.

<Saarok>

[Deleted]

"Ambassador. I'll cut straight to it, I understand that you met our esteemed mayor earlier. What did you discuss?"

"We discussed the recent happening on the station during my absence.", Saarok said

"I see. And it was fruitful?"

"I can not say that it was too informative"

"Have you received any information from any of your many contacts?"

"Regarding what officer?"

"Regarding anything. Ambassador."

"In that case then yes. My contacts would be rather poor if they had told me nothing."

"You know what I mean."

"Do I?"

"Yes Ambassador you do, but you obviously don't feel disposed to share information with your own people at the moment, so I'll be leaving." He tried to stand up, forgetting his injury and fell back into his seat.

"Not so hasty now." the Vulcan said smuggly, one emotion that they had never removed.

"I sense mr. Tomlinson that we have gotten of the wrong foot, as humans say."

"Perhaps we should start it from the beginning again", the Vulcan said while looking at Tomlinson

<Tomlinson>

"I propose a mutual agreement, i will provide you with the information that you may need, if i have it that is, and you will keep of from following me and observing my actions, and leaving alone certain people should it be necessary.", Saarok said

"And please note mr. Tomlinson that i do not need to make deals with you, nor do i need to share information with you, and that this is only a logical option which could benefit both of us, and the federation interests on this part of space, should you accept."

<Tomlinson>

"Now, mr. Tomlinson what have you decided", Saarok asked

<Tomlinson>

[Deleted]

"I sense mr. Tomlinson that we have gotten of the wrong foot, as humans say."

"Perhaps we should start it from the beginning again", the Vulcan said while looking at Tomlinson

"Okay, that seems acceptable, mainly because I can't leave... Being the Chief of Security on a starbase isn't an easy job. There are over 700 decks. I can't watch them all, even with my whole security team. So, I need contacts. You ambassador seem to know a lot about the goings on, on this station."

"I propose a mutual agreement, I will provide you with the information that you may need, if I have it that is, and you will keep of from following me and observing my actions, and leaving alone certain people should it be necessary.", Saarok said

"And please note Mr. Tomlinson that I do not need to make deals with you, nor do I need to share information with you, and that this is only a logical option which could benefit both of us, and the federation interests on this part of space, should you accept."

"Indeed Ambassador, but on the same reasoning, I do not need to share information with you, and in fact, I just about have the jurisdiction to formally question you. Of course, you'd have to give me a reason to do so. But liaising with dodgy characters..."

"Now, Mr. Tomlinson what have you decided", Saarok asked

"To be honest Mr Ambassador, I love love to tell you shove your idea. However, I need information. So I will tentatively agree, although I can't promise not to watch you. I am after all responsible for your safety." When he had finished speaking, he slowly raised himself to his feet. Unable to put weight onto his foot at all, he picked up the crutch that one of the nurses had left him, and walked slowly out the room assisted by it.

As he was stepping through the door, he turned to the ambassador once more.

"You are an interesting man Mr Vulcan." And then left, the door sliding closed behind him.

He made his way slowly up to the infirmary, where he found Dr Fremar tending to a few of the sick. He limped towards her.

"Broken leg worthy of treatment these days?"

[Deleted]

Back in the Admiral Lin’s Office.

“Will you help?”

KezTrek folded her arms out onto the desk, and took in a small sigh, a show of her emotive human side, she glanced out at the star’s in the background, and then turned back to face Magellan.

“I’ll help,” she said in an authoritative tone, “I will of course need a copy of your list of suspects.”

“Of course,” Magellan agreed, “I will make the necessary arrangements.”

“I will also require full access to the Starbase’s databanks,” KezTrek continued, “and a record of all ship’s that have been in the sector in the last few months.”

“I will make sure you get all the information,” Drew answered her, “You can use my office.”

At that KezTrek turned round and gave Drew one of her very rare smiles, “Why Paul, how kind of you, of course, I will have to re-arrange everything.”

“Everything is fine the way it is,” Drew protested.

“You would think that sweetie,” KezTrek replied, even laughing now, Magellan looked at the two Admiral’s before him and just shook his head, the relationship between Drew and KezTrek was well known within Section 47, they had served together on the Fang, where KezTrek was Drew’s First Officer.

“If we could get back to the business at hand?” Magellan asked, causing both Drew and Kez to return to their professional behaviour.

“Don’t worry Magellan,” KezTrek said in a friendly tone, “We will get the job done.”

“Of that I have no doubt,” Admiral Lin replied, “I just worry what you two will do to the rest of the base.”

“Nothing worse than what happened last week,” Drew promised, “If there is nothing else Magellan, we should probably get straight to work.”

“By all means,” Magellan said, waving them out of the office, “I want regular reports on your progress.”

“Oh goodie, reports,” KezTrek muttered, as she and Drew walked from the office to the turbo lift, heading for Drew’s own office, where they work would begin.

[Deleted]

~~~Drew’s Office~~~

“Like I said,” KezTrek joked as she walked in, “I am going to have to re-organise everything.”

“You do, and I will cut off your hands,” Darok called out, as he appeared from his own small office space, adjunct to Drew’s.

“Darok your old dog!” KezTrek exclaimed, as she embraced the aged Klingon, who gave her a crocked grin.

“Kez, good to see you again.”

“And you Darok,” KezTrek replied, “You still owe me a barrel of blood wine.”

“Nonsense,” Darok told her, grinning, “you owe me a crate!”

Drew rolled his eyes, no matter where Kez went, she always managed to strike up banter with someone, especially Klingons, he was starting to know how Magellan must have felt earlier.

“Darok, do you have the documents ready?” Drew asked his trusted aide.

“I do,” Darok replied professionally, “they are waiting on your desk, for both your review.”

“Thank you,” Drew answered him, and then guided Kez to the centre of the office, where Drew’s large desk was located. The desk was typically covered in PADDs, with a space cleared aside where the computer terminal would rise from inside the desk. Along the back wall of the office were more control panels, giving access to most of Assistants systems.

Kez pulled out one of the leather chairs from behind the desk, and picked up the first PADD.

“Darok!” she called out, “You better get some coffee.”

Taking his own chair, Drew activated his computer console, the sleek Starfleet computer slid up to his desktop, logging into the computer system, he noticed he had a message from Lt. Tomlinson, asking to speak to him urgently, keying in some commands, Drew opened a channel to the Security Office, the young face of Simon Tomlinson greeted him.

“Lieutenant, you wanted to talk?”

<tag Kez and Tomlinson>

[Deleted]

OOC No, I didn't miss the post. I just haven't had time to respond to it over the last few days. That RL thing...

JakDor and the rest of the Debrune Elder Council jumped to their feet on the announcement that they had arrived at Qualinost and hurried toward the hatch, ushering T'Val and the child with them over the Healer's quiet protest. D'Beren had finally fallen asleep and she was trying to keep him that way.

The confused group made it to the hatch, which didn't open when they arrived. Impatiently, JakDor tried to open the door with the controls, which failed to respond to him. Impatiently, he slammed his open hand on the door and yelled "Mr. Jibb, open this door immediately!!" There was a loud chorus of agreement from the rest of the Council, the first time Richard had heard them say anything since they had arrived in the system.

Richard had sauntered down from the bridge, accompanied by the suddenly agitated Sev, who circled T'Val who was suddenly dealing with a crying child. "Sorry JakDor. The Marines have told me that they want to secure the area before they let us out. Something about a death in the party that was here last."

JakDor pushed his way through his advisors. "We are not in danger here! It is you and your Federation that have no idea what is going on. Release us immediately!" he exclaimed, shaking his fist under Richard's nose.

Just as this little scene was taking place, the comm crackled to life. "Mr. Jibb, this is Lt. Jaro. The area is secure."

"Thank you, lieutenant. Computer, release door." In response to Richard's order, the hatchway opened and the gangway came down, leaving JakDor staring rather comically over his shoulder while still having his fist in Richard's face. The Debrune council politely grabbed T'Val and ushered her down the ramp, Jak Dor following. Richard paused only long enough to grab a phaser rifle, hand phaser and a backpack out of the weapons locker by the door. The pack contained a number of items that Richard had found came in useful when one was in field.

Pulling the pack on, he started down the ramp after the Debrune and T'Val.

[Deleted]

T'Val clutched the child to her chest, muttering soothing words as the counsil members ushered her into an ancient building. Once there, she had the chance to sit down for a moment and soothe the crying infant. She did not get the impression that the child was hungry, but merely startled from his sleep as JakDorn had increased the volume of his voice.

Sev landed beside her on the bench and softly hummed a tune he had learned from Tedak. The humming seemed to soothe the child and soon he had calmed down. T'Val hugged the boy and got back to her feet. "Let us go," she advised, "before something startles him yet again." She shot him accusatory glance, for it had been his voice that had awakened the baby. Sev chittered his consent, and glided down to her shoulder to take his accustomary perch, hiding in her long hair, wrapping his tail lightly around her throat.


<ooc: as promised, the previous one deleted....if I think of something more to write...I'll either modify this post..or reply to any response, whichever comes first>

[Deleted]

After Tomlinson departed from Saarok’s office, the ambassador took a moment to think about the young man. He wasn’t going to agree easily to Saarok’s terms however the lack of knowledge might just be the thing which is going to keep him occupied with others and leaving Saarok to dedicate himself to other matters.

When he was about to return to his pads the door chimed and Jackson entered his office.

"Sir, the Debrune council has just landed on Qualinost"

"Thank you mr. Jackson, for informing me"

"Also the Tekaran Refugee Delegation will be arriving within the next hour, i presume you want to speak with them before they meet with the Debrune?", Jackson said

"Yes, you are correct, please arrange an official welcome for them, collect some of the station dignitaries to be there when they arrive, also see if you can get Admiral Magellan to be there", Saarok said

"Understood, i will do my best"

And with saying that, Jackson went out leaving Saarok to prepare for the delegation. He picked up several pads related to the matter at hand and started reviewing them.

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan glanced at the chronometer and realised there was only a few minutes until his next appointment, not enough to complete or even begin any of the many tasks before him.
He leaned back in his chair and then glanced at the replicator. Rising he walked over and replicated a Saurian Brandy. Knocking it back in one he coughed and ran a sleeve across his mouth.
Admiral Kez seemed to be a competent officer he mused to himself. He knew of her by reputation, and some reputation it was too. He also knew of her long association with Drew and that in that friendship there was proof that Kez would do whatever was necessary to get the job done. She had after all once locked up Paul in the line of duty.
It rankled Magellan that he had crew aboard that were so corrupt. He abhorred such betrayl but as he had learned in the past year, running a starbse was much different to running a Starship. On the Victory he had known the name of every member of the crew from Crewman to Commander, here with a staff 5 times that of the vitcory that just wasnt possible.
The door chimed once more and Dr Hyan Sharex appeared at the window.
Magellan waved him in and fixed them both a drink.
"Excited then?" Magellan asked rhetorically
"Oh very" The Tellarite jabbered, "It will be the pinnacle of my career. And I have the Debrune to thank for it all."
"Indeed" Magellan replied.
Up until recently the Gaia project had one major drawback, power. The project was based on Genesis research. It manipulated a chemical cascade matrix to rapidly terraform a planet. Not like genesis did, much simpler. The process would convert the atmosphere on Qualinost in to a breathable one. Originally the pwer required meant that it would have taken perhaps 18mths to get the planet barel breathable, however with teh dicovery of the Reactor in Debrune city and with the help of teh Debrune scientists it would now be possible to complete the whole transformation in less than 3 months, if all went well.
"So your ready then" Magellan prompted
"Well nearly, Thats why I m here I would like to second your scientific and engineering staff"
"For?"
"To calibrate and monitor the equipment, it will need 24 hr supervision."
Magellan called up the duty schedules.
"You can have the science teams, thats not a problem, Engineerings different. If you wait two days, the Starfleet Corp of Engineers team will be arriving to look at the reactor. They can help you integrate the reactor to your equipment."
"Excellent Admiral." The Tellarite stood and crossed to the door, he paused and turned "Shall I give the details to your aide?"
"Yes Zoilip can assign you the neccessary staff"
"Thankyou and before I forget we are holding a celebration on the night of the Atmosphere Terraform, In the Fishtank (4days) I hope that you and the Diplomats will be able to attend."
"Of course Doctor and good luck. I ll send out formal invites to the diplomatic staff immediatly"