SB Assailant Episode 1.6 Robbing Peter to pay Paul

[Deleted]

After acquiring permission, Tedak docked his shuttle to Assaillant and boarded the station. Nut chittered and he knew instantly that his wife was down on Qualinost. "Oh well," he muttered, as an aide came racing forward, telling him that Saarok was back. "Computer, locate Ambassador Saarok," Tedak said.

=^= Ambassador Saarok is in his office =^=

Tedak smiled and made his way to his friend's office. There, the golden queen chittered a welcome, and Nut warbled a happy response. The blue did not make a sound. "Well Saarok old chap, back on the station are you? Hope you kept yourself out of trouble while you were away?"


<saarok>

ooc:more later, it's chow time!

[Deleted]

Richard and Lt. Jaro trailed after the Debrune Council. JakDor was leading the way, with T'Val in the midst of the six others. Lt. Jaro gave the heavily armed Richard a sidelong look, then said "Expecting trouble sir?"

Jibb shook his head. "Not really, but that's usually when the fun starts, isn't it." Jaro nodded ruefully as they followed the Debrune into a large, temple like structure. The other Marines had fanned out and were carefully covering the Debrune party as they moved about. Overhead, the Starfleet fighters patrolled, looking for anything unusual.

JakDor and the Debrune entered the building. Richard moved a little faster to get caught up to them. They seemed to be looking for something in particular, but Richard couldn't figure out what it was. T'Val looked bewildered and spent her time protecting D'Beren, while Sev hissed in an agitated fashion from his perch on her shoulder.

After several minutes of wandering, the Council stopped in front of a section of wall covered with carvings that didn't really look any different than the rest of the walls. Richard and Lt. Jaro joined T'Val and watched as the Debrune spread out in a long line, bowed simultaneously in front of the wall and began to speak softly in unison. After a minute, a large rectangular section of the wall outlined by dancing humanoid drawings began to glow slightly. JakDor left the Debrune and walked over to T'Val and spoke to her gently. "Healer T'Val, I must take the child now. You and the rest must remain here while we complete the ceremony."

[Deleted]

She didn't like it, but T'Val nodded quietly, carefully handing the baby to the Elder. "Take care of him," she added, quite unnecessarily, of course he would take care of the baby. Sev suddenly gave a surprised chirp, cocking his head as if to listen to something.

T'Val nodded quietly, understanding what he meant, her bondmate had returned home. She left the building with Richard Jibb. "Shall we look around the premises a little?" she asked softly, "I can send Sev back home if you prefer, though I would prefer his company. I wonder how long this ceremony will take, I will be glad to be back home. My husband has returned from his mission."

At the surprised glance from the courier, she nodded towards the little bronze. "He was bespoken by Nut, and I am able to understand both firelizards quite well." She nodded towards the extensive gardens. "Shall we?"

[Deleted]

Sonak/S'reena/Tedak said:

"Well Saarok old chap, back on the station are you? Hope you kept yourself out of trouble while you were away?"

"Logic states that it is highly unlikely for a member of the diplomatic corp. to have any trouble at all", Saarok replied

<Tedak>

After ending the introduction chat of two friends Saarok informed Tedak of everything that happened on Assailant since he returned, including the small misunderstanding with the chief of starbase security Tomlinson.

<Tedak>

"We are just in time to greet the Tekaran Refugee Delegation should you wish to join me?", Saarok asked as he was getting up

"However if you would rather rest i will understand.", he finished

<Tedak>

[Deleted]

JakDor carefully took the child from T'Val's arms and turned back to the quiet ceremony that was taking place before the glowing wall section. Walking over, JakDor knelt and held the child in the air, and the wall gradually faded from existence. The Debrune Elder Council then walked through the opening and into the dark passage beyond. After the last one passed, the wall appeared again, looking as solid as it did before the ceremony started.

"Shall we look around the premises a little?" T'Val asked softly, "I can send Sev back home if you prefer, though I would prefer his company. I wonder how long this ceremony will take, I will be glad to be back home. My husband has returned from his mission."

Richard was a little surprised by her knowledge, but she said, "He was bespoken by Nut, and I am able to understand both firelizards quite well." She nodded towards the extensive gardens. "Shall we?"

Richard put that little piece of knowledge into his head. Might be useful later.

He and T'Val wandered the gardens of the Debrune city for about a half hour. Lt. Jaro, not sure what to do, divided his force into two sections, one watching the door where the Debrune disappeared, the other watching the two diplomats, while the fighters continued to patrol overhead.

Suddenly, the ground under their feet lurched violently, flinging Richard, T'Val and the rest of the Marines to the ground. Richard recovered quickly and dragged T'Val behind a fountain whose water was spraying wildly and started looking for something to shoot at with his rifle. Lt. Jaro was doing the same thing.

Over the Debrune City
Ensign Del was getting bored flying cover for a bunch of diplomats. He had been circling this city for almost an hour.

Suddenly, his fighter lurched violently and he was headed for the ground. He had to struggle to regain control. the ensign pulled his ship out of the dive, only to see another fighter from his squadron headed directly at him. He tried to execute a sharp turn to port, but the two ships collided, shearing off Del's tail section. The fighter plummeted to the ground before he could activate his emergency transporter.

In orbit over Qualinost
The Federation Science ship Berman was in orbit over Qualinost. It was an aged Obereth class that had been conducting an orbital survey of the planet to prepare for the influx of Takarans when the ship was hit by shockwaves without warning. The waves caused minor structural damage and surprised the crew, but there were no injuries.

Starbase Assailant
Admiral Magellan and Dr. Sharex were toasting their success with brandy when the floor shook slightly for just a second. Immediately, the Admiral tapped his comm badge. "Magellan to Ops, what was that?"

"Sir, some energetic gravity waves just passed through. Computer says the point of origin was the Debrune city" the Ops officer replied, the said "Sir, message coming in from Qualinost for you."

"Put it through." Magellan sat down at his desk as the image came up. JakDor's face appeared on the console. The Supreme Elder looked very tired.

"Admiral, the reactor is shut down. The Debrune have fulfilled our half of the bargain. The Federation had best do the same." The channel closed before he could reply.

[Deleted]

"Logic states that it is highly unlikely for a member of the diplomatic corp. to have any trouble at all", Saarok replied.

"Is that so?" tedak laughed, "I remember getting into trouble on Pern, for starters, and the two of us have been through a lot of trouble together. Though, I suppose it is how you define trouble, eh?"

After ending the introduction chat of two friends Saarok informed Tedak of everything that happened on Assailant since he returned, including the small misunderstanding with the chief of starbase security Tomlinson.

"Tomlinson? Yes I believe I have met him, though I would not worry about him too much. He is just doing his job, as we are doing ours. He probably does not like it that his security force is being depleted to keep us safe." He grinned, picturing a flock of security officers trailing them all the times in his mind.

"We are just in time to greet the Tekaran Refugee Delegation should you wish to join me?", Saarok asked as he was getting up

"However if you would rather rest i will understand.", he finished

"Hm? No I will come with you. I had my vessel on automatic pilot for most of the journey, so I have had plenty of rest. However, after this meeting, I am going home to see my wife, and the baby. I cannot wait to hear what the outcome of the discussions were. Also, I think we must meet with the Debrune Counsil, I heard Mr Jibb managed to find them on some outback planet. Perhaps the two of us, as well as Ms K'Tar can join us if she wishes. We could use her help." He smiled at his friend, and on his shoulder, the brown chirped acknowledgement of the feeling.


~Qualinost~

T'Val ducked as an aftershock rippled through the ground. Jibb was crouched beside her, gazing around the viscinity. The monument on the fountain had numerous cracks in its structure, and water which had been falling down neatly over the structure, was now sprouting in all directions. The spray dampened their hair and clothing.

"What was that?" T'Val asked no-one in particular, as she got back to her feet, brushing the dust from her clothing. She looked back at the ancient structure, but the building showed no sign of damage. "Sturdy buildings," she commented, as she preceded Jibb back to the building they had come from. "I hope they will be done soon, I am longing to get home," she said, looking back at Jibb.

[Magellan Lin]

"A bit short wasnt he" Sharex noted jabbing a thumb towards the now off monitor.
"He is a bit. I ve not weighed him up yet."
"Well just stay on the right side of him, we need that reactor to get the project too work."
"Don't worry Doctor Ihave no intention of Jak'dor being anything other than a close ally."
Sharex frowned,
"And since when has anything gone right around here."
Magellan laughed wryly,
"Granted. So you better run me through the project again, make sure we have all bases covered."
"Of course."
Dr Sharex retook his seat.
"The Gaia project uses the Genesis principle to rapidly terraform, however the instabilities of it and given the Genesis Wave incident we ve modified it using some new research."
"New research?"
"Well not that new, it came to us from Voyager. You hear of a Dr Jetrel"
Magellan shook his head
"Not surprising, he was a Haakonian scientist encountered by Voyager in the Delta Quadrant. He created a weapon of mass destruction - called the Metreon Cascade."
"And this weapon helps us... how?"
"Its not that research that is most interesting, he came up with a way of using a transporter to reassemble individulas that had been vapourised or rather more accuratly Atomised."
"I dont follow."
"Its quite simple. We flood the planet with core materials, Carbon, sulphur, iron etc. We use a similar re-integration matrix with a transporter to redistribute the matter onthe atomic level. its a gradual process but gives us a biosphere, once thats present we then introduce hyperaccelerated algae to form a soil and then..."
"Woah steady. So you ve basically invented a giant Replicator."
Sharex furrowed his already wrinkled face,
"Crude bet I suppose that analogy works."
"Thats all I need to know, and do you have enough staff?"
"Ah yes I wanted to inform you about that. Terraform command are sending us a team of Fabrini scientists. They arrive in a day or so. They are also sending a diplomat."
Magellan rolled his eyes, more diplomats just what he needed.
"Okay, Im sure theres memo on its way to me from teh Fed Council, either that or Saaroks forgotten to fill me in."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It was not particularly late but Drolem was tired nonetheless, civil office was particularly tiring. He had been in his Mayoral Office most of the morning, baring his earlier meeting and his conversation with Saarok. That was one Vulcan he trusted less than a ferengi.
He tapped in his pass code to his quarters and stepped inside. no sooner over the threshold a pair of rough hands grabbed him and shoved him to the floor.
"Grrrrr" came a growl
Drolem whimpered
"Okay Nrek let him up."
The hands pulled him to his feet, in fact off his feet. He was then propelled on to the sofa, he rolled over to face the toothy grin of a Nausicaan.
Nrek drooled and grunted ferally. The ugly visage was occluded by another man, this one smaller and thinner. His skin was green, like that of cabbage. His eyes were dark and piercing.
"I dont like it when I m forced to visit you. I prefer discretion"
Drolem sat up and tried to regain his dignity.
"I ve come to tell you Peter aint happy. He knows your trying to cut him out."
"I m not I m not" he stammered,
"Spare me" The Orion waved, "I know, your using your Starfleet turncoats to supply the same info to Peters competitors. Playing both ends against the middle. Smart for profit, but very dumb to do it so badly"
Drolem just squirmed.
"Peter isnt happy, sort it. Either its him or... well no one - catch my drift. Any more tip offs and Nrek here will visit. Oh and Peter wants to more info. He needs to know all... and he means ALL the flight plans for this month... understand"
Drolem merely nodded miserably.
"Good. Then its goodnight from me and good night from him."
Nrek grunted and followed the Orion from the room.

[Deleted]

After meeting with Saarok, Tedak decided it was time to face the music and report to Admiral Magellan that he was back home on Assaillant. He wondered where Nut had gone off to and just as he had been about to call for his friend, the little brown appeared in front of him, his eyes whirling green and looking rather smug. Tedak had had an odd feeling somewhat earlier but he had been unable to define it and had put it aside as he had been busy going through his messages. None had been of any importance or urgent.

"Where have you been," Tedak laughed, stroking the little brown lovingly. He received images of Saarok's Aeris and that told him quite enough. "Chasing the ladies, have you, you scoundrel," he laughed, going up to the replicator to order some raw meat to feed his little friend.

Nut crooned, devoured the offered meat quickly, then resumed his usual perch on Tedak's shoulder. "Very well," The Romulan diplomat sighed, "ready to meet with Magellan?"

Several minutes later, Tedak stood before Magellan's office, and rapped his fingers on the door, waiting to be called in.


ooc: Richard...where do you wanna go on the earthquake?

[Deleted]

Jibb walked cautiously behind and to the left of T'Val so that he would have a clear field of fire as the Healer headed back towards where they had left the Debrune and grunted non-commitally to her wish to go home, thinking to himself that it might be lucky if they got home at all. Richard continued to pan his phaser rifle around. What had Richard worried at present was the rising column of smoke to the east and the sudden lack of air cover. T'Val appeared to not have noticed and that was probably just as well anyway.

Lt. Jaro had taken up the point, while the rest of the Marines were moving along on both sides of them in an escort formation. Richard had been in enough questionable situations over the years to know that they could be in some trouble, and Jaro seemed to know it too. There was no real way to tell what JakDor was going to do now that he had access to the city and its' reactor.

After some walking through the convoluted streets, the small party arrived back at the door that they had left. It was closed, and a half squad of Marines was scattered around keeping an eye on things. Just after they had arrived, the door opened and the Marines prepared themselves.

After a moment, JakDor and the rest of the council trudged into view. JakDor was carrying the child and tottered along as if he were supporting a shuttlecraft on his back.

T'Val rushed forward and unceremoniously grabbed D'Beren from JakDor. The elder looked too tired to resist. The baby was dressed in a long robe similar to the ones that the Elders were wearing, but was quite asleep. T'Val cradled him gently, ignoring what was going on around her for the moment.

JakDor turned his eyes on Richard and the courier saw that the Debrune Elder now looked ancient. "It is done, Richard Jibb. The reactor overload has been averted. We have fulfilled our half of the agreement. When will the Federation deliver on theirs?" he demanded.

Richard had known this would be coming. "When you provide us with a complete list of all Debrune settlements and their populations. Then they will have to be contacted and arrangements made to move them to Qualinost. It's not going to happen overnight."

JakDor nodded ruefully, then a startled gasp from T'Val caused the two of them to look over at the Healer. It looked like she had been examining D'Beren for injuries and was looking at the section of his right arm between his elbow and shoulder was now marked with a series of pictographs and stylized scripting. T'Val was trying to remove the writing with her thumb, but was making no progress. "What are these marks?" she demanded of the Supreme Elder.

"Those are the marks of the Divine Child, inscribed by the holy Qua'ee'nost, symbolizing our long journey and return. He will carry them for the rest of his his life, as a symbol of hope and cooperation between our people" JakDor stated. The Elder turned back to Richard Jibb. "Your job here is done. Go in peace." The Elders turned and headed back through the doorway, which closed behind them, leaving Richard and T'Val with nothing to do but return to the Wanderer and Starbase Assailant.

[Deleted]

T'Val looked horrified at Richard, cradling the baby who had slept through all the commotion. "They tatood a baby?" she gasped, "how..how...brutal!" But she accepted the fact that the child was the Divine, and thus should bear the marks as was prophecied. She held on to the child as Sev chittered happily, his eyes whirling green.

Then, the little bronze took air and hovered in front of Richard, chittering wildly and insistently, his eyes whirling the red and orange of danger. He too, had noticed the smoke, even if T'Val still had not. The Vulcan healer only had eyes for the comfort of the child, and she had taken a cooling pack from her med kit to cool the marks on the baby's arm, for she knew they would hurt when the baby woke up.

She looked up and saw Sev clutching at Richard. "Sev!" she said sharply, and startled, the firelizard fell silent mid-chirp. "Go back to Tedak Sev," she commanded, and with a protesting chirp, the bronze winked out. "I am terribly sorry Mr Jibb, I do not understand what has come over him. All I get is images of danger, but what danger? We are no longer in danger, are we?"

[Deleted]

"I am terribly sorry Mr Jibb, I do not understand what has come over him. All I get is images of danger, but what danger? We are no longer in danger, are we?" T'Val asked.

Richard looked over at Lt. Jaro, who looked back and shrugged slightly. Richard agreed. He didn't know either, which meant that it was time to get off of this planet, as quickly as possible. "Lt. Jaro, get your squad back to your shuttle. Healer T'Val and I are going to beam directly to the Wanderer." The Marine nodded and started organizing his men. Richard pulled out a small remote and started entering commands. A few seconds later he, T'Val and D'Beren materialized on the shuttle. Richard turned to T'Val and said "Strap yourself in. We're leaving as soon as I can." She nodded and started walking to the passenger area.

Richard turned and quickly made his way to the bridge and initiated start up procedures, while simultaneously opening a channel to Lt. H'Roy, leader of the escort squadron.

"Lt. H'Roy. Tell me what's going on" Richard ordered.

There was a pause before the lieutenant answered. "Sir, I have a downed fighter with a dead pilot. I have another ship headed back to Assailant with severe structural damage."

Richard muffled a curse and began to cut corners on the startup sequence. "What was the cause?"

H'Roy answered quickly. "Unknown sir. We had some severe turbulence up here. The pilot of the damaged fighter said the other ship was headed right at him. We don't know if the pilot lost control or suffered some type of battle damage."

Richard decided to toss the rest of the startup sequence out the window. Engaging the engines, the Wanderer leaped off of the surface of Qualinost like a startled bird. "Lt. H'Roy, I am off of the surface. Escort me to Starbase Assailant."

[Deleted]

OCC:

As KezTrek and Tomlinson both seemed to have disappeared, I will just have to carry on our bit on my own LOL

ON:

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?”

“Yes Admiral,” Tomlinson replied from his office, Drew studied the young man’s face, the Security Chief looked slightly stressed, almost as if he had been arguing with a Vulcan.

“Are you feeling alright Lieutenant?” Drew asked with concern.

Tomlinson gave Drew a small smile, “I am fine thank you.”

“Good, what’s on your mind?”

<tag Tomlinson>

“That is distressing,” Drew, answered, “Given our ‘project’ it could also be most useful information.”

<tag Tomlinson>

“Very well,” Drew replied, “Keep me informed, Drew out.”

“That was interesting,” KezTrek said, slipping her coffee, “We should keep an eye on our Mayor.”

“Agreed,” Drew answered, “Perhaps we should go visit him? Do a bit of undercover research?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Kez agreed as they walked out of the office.

[KezTrek]

OCC:

Paul said:

OCC:

As KezTrek and Tomlinson both seemed to have disappeared, I will just have to carry on our bit on my own LOL

I did not disappear, I was on holiday, and then ill, as well you know... *pout*

~~~~~~~~~~

ON:

"So Drolem is Risan right? Interesting Mayor... " KezTrek said talking in a low voice as they walked through the corridors.

Drew nodded at the odd passing crewmember, and KezTrek couldn't help the little smile... he'd changed a lot over the years... too many years to count... that she'd known him, but he still had that same... thing... that made those around him loyal to him.

His little nods and smiles at passing crewmembers and civilians alike proved how he'd found a place here in the time he'd been here... she doubted he felt as at home here as on a Starship, but he made a good show of feeling comfortable in these settings.

"Never had much to do with him personally." Drew said, letting KezTrek enter the turbolift ahead of him.

"Still the gentleman I see." KezTrek teased.

"Only when I'm around people who can kill me with their pinky finger." Drew retorted.

"Now Paul I'd never kill you with my pinky... if I was going to kill you I'd be much more inventive than that." KezTrek smirked.

It was nice, this old banter, nice to know it was still there after all the years they had served together, and then apart.

"Still sarcastic I see." Drew said.

"Always my dear, always." KezTrek responded cheekily as the lift came to a stop and opened to let them out.

There were a couple of teenagers waiting at the lift door when they exited, holding hands, obviously sweethearts, and KezTrek couldn't help but smile.

"Young love." She murmured to Drew as they walked away from the lift and the teenagers.

Drew just nodded.

"How many civilians are there on base?" KezTrek asked curious.

"I stopped counting after a hundred." Drew said jokingly.

"Kez?" he asked his brow furrowed a little as he realized KezTrek had something other than their current job on her mind.

"Nothing Paul, just thinking, come on, lets go see our Risan friend, and see what he has to say for himself."

~~~~~

They were admitted quite freely into Drolem's office, after all if nothing else this WAS a Starfleet base, and they were both Rear Admirals, sometimes the pips had their advantages.

"Admiral Drew, Admiral KezTrek, what a pleasant surprise, I'm honoured by a visit from two such highly distinguished officers of Starfleet." Drolem greeted them.

It took KezTrek exactly to the word pleasant to decide he was anything but pleased to see them, and to the word honoured to decide she didn't trust him.

"Mr Drolem." KezTrek nodded politely, Drew following her suit, the message in his movement was understood, for the moment, she was in command of this situation, Drew would follow her lead.

"Please, please sit." Drolem offered.

"Thank-you Mr Drolem, but we aren't staying long, I just wanted to introduce myself, since I'll be staying on the station for a while." KezTrek said watching his reaction.

"Really... may I ask why such a distinguished Admiral, the head of JAG no less visit us here?" Drolem asked. KezTrek heard the slightly tremor in his voice, his attempts to hide it were wilful, but she was trained to read a liar, and he wasn't very good at lying to start with.

"The most recent project on Qualinost interests me, and it was a chance to visit with Admiral Drew here." KezTrek told him, watching him closely, he seemed to relax a little... good, then he believed her, but he was still tightly strung, there was something else going on under the surface of his expression, KezTrek could *FEEL* it.

"We won't keep you any longer Mr Drolem, I hope to see you again while I'm here, perhaps we could have dinner sometime, I'd be most interested to here about your work here." KezTrek said smiling genially.

"Of course. I'll have my assistant set it up. A pleasure to meet you." Drolem said shaking her hand quickly.

His palms were sweaty, yet another tell-tale sign he was hiding something.

~~~~~

"Well?" Drew asked as they walked away from Drolem's office. He's already worked out for himself Drolem was lying but was interested to hear KezTrek's perception.

"Lying, and scared... but it's not us he's scared of." KezTrek said.

"How do you figure?" Drew asked.

"When I said I was only here to visit with you he believed me, and his posture relaxed somewhat, but not completely, there is another matter at hand here... he's hiding something, and he's afraid... most probably for his own life... someone on this station may not only be a thief, but a killer." KezTrek said.

"Kez!" Drew's eyes were shocked.

"I know Paul... and don't give me that look, but I'm telling you I could *FEEL* the tension in him, he's scared of something or someone, I just don't know who." She said.

"Okay... but now what?" Drew asked.

"Now... now we go dig back into those files on your desk and see if anything catches my eye... also a good strong raktajino, and some food wouldn't go a complete miss... are you always such a bad host that you don't feed guests you've just dragged half-assed way across the quadrant?" KezTrek asked, lightening the situation and giving herself time to think quietly without having to tell Drew her every thought.

"Only when those guests are fully grown Admirals who should know how to use the replicator for themselves." Drew replied as they re-entered the turbolift.

"Charming." KezTrek said.

"I know I am." Drew said.

KezTrek rolled her eyes, and finished the look with one perfectly raised eyebrow.

"Come on, if you behave yourself I may see myself to feeding you." Drew told her as they exited the lift on the right floor again.

"Paul you forget who your talking to, behave? Moi?" KezTrek laughed as they entered Drew's office again.

"Dare I ask?" Darok asked.

"Probably not..." KezTrek said still chuckling.

"Well, if that's everything for now Admiral, I'll be going, I'll see you tomorrow." Darok said leaving with several padds in hand.

"Paul your terrible, the poor boy has so much work he has to take some home." KezTrek said retaking the seat she'd be in earlier.

"He's very dedicated." Drew shrugged.

"Slave driver." KezTrek retorted.

"Ha, and what did your last slave die off?" Drew asked with a smirk.

"He's still alive, now go slave and get me drink and food." KezTrek said, still chuckling as she picked up a padd to read, before they both settled down to examine the files before them.

KezTrek

[Deleted]

“Good, what’s on your mind?”

"Just our mayor Admiral. I have reason to believe that he may be... corrupt. It is difficult to prove, but there is something there."

“That is distressing,” Drew, answered, “Given our ‘project’ it could also be most useful information.”

"Indeed, that is what I thought Admiral."

“Very well,” Drew replied, “Keep me informed, Drew out.”

The connection closed, and Tomlinson frowned. He didn't like it when other people tried to take over his investigations, and he was sure that was going to happen here. He pushed himself away from the table, the wheelchair he had been providing with rolling smoothly backwards. He had been informed that the osteo-regenerator wasn't working, so his would have to do it the old fashioned way. Leg in a plaster cast, and movement via a wheelchair.

He propelled himself out of his quarters, and down towards the mayor's office. As he neared it, he saw Rear Admirals Drew and KezTrek entering the office. He stopped himself. So they were taking over then. How irritating. They would only create further problems. He turned around, and headed to the nearest security centre. The base being so large there were four across the station, and one was only a couple of decks up.

When he arrived in it, he brought all the cameras watching the mayor's office up. Unfortunately station policy did not allow any internal ones, but the external ones would tell him when the admiralty had finished screwing things up. He watched, bored until they left, and then started to turn his wheelchair around to head down to the mayor's office. However, before he had revolved far enough, he noticed another figure walking towards the office. A smart well dressed fellow, who bypassed the security checks even more smoothly than his superiors had.

Zooming in, Tomlinson managed to get a shot of the man's face before he entered the office. Running it quickly through the system, he found a match. Only, well.

Name: Tooram Baintcha

Species: Human

Place of Birth: San Francisco, Earth

Rank: Lieutenant

Status: Killed in Action

Tomlinson frowned. It was definitely Baintcha, and he definitely wasn't dead. He tapped his commbadge.

=/\= Tomlinson to security teams. There is a man currently in the mayor's office. Very well dressed. I want him watched, I want people on him all the time, I want to know where he eats, what he eats, who he talks to, everything. =/\=

[Deleted]

After the wild ride from Qualinost to Assaillant, T'Val thanked Jibb for the ride, picked up the baby from his crib and left the Wanderer. She was glad to have the steady decks of the starbase under her feet again. No sooner had she set foot on the station, ere Sev returned to her chittering wildly and humming with delight alternatingly. T'Val allowed him to land on her shoulder as she set course for her quarters.

She knew Tedak would not be home. She settled the baby in his playpen and went to check if there were any messages. There was just one, telling her husband that a new representative, one from New Fabrini, would arrive shortly. The message was fairly recent. She turned to Sev and pointed at her 'son'. "Watch him, if he stirs, come get me." The bronze warbled and took perch on the edge of the wooden playpen. She nodded approvingly and headed back for the docking bays, hoping to catch a glimpse of her bondmate.

~if he is not here, I will see him with dinner~ she thought idly, waiting for the vessel carrying the new diplomat to arrive.

<tag: Jatira Laika>


ooc: saarok, response to tedak please....I uh...kinda lost where I left him I know I know...bad, very bad!

nevermind! I located him! *does a happy dance*

[Deleted]

Richard watched as T'Val gathered up D'Beren and left the Wanderer. He was happy to see her go. He still hadn't gotten over the little vampire infection and was a little jumpy around anyone who had been infected.

Returning to the bridge, Richard sat down in his chair, accessed the ships self diagnostic protocols and initiated a ship wide level 2 diagnostic. The Wanderer had been doing some extended duty lately and he was getting behind in ship maintenance. Hopefully, he would have some time to take care of that kind of thing.

However, there was one last item he had to take care of before the Debrune mess was off of his plate for a while. Picking up a PADD that JakDor had been using on the trip to Qualinost, Richard left the Wanderer, set the ships full security protocols to active, and went in search of Admiral Magellan.

Richard proceeded up to the Admiral's office. There was an obvious science type leaving as he approached the door. Richard had had enough of being diplomatic recently and barged into the Admiral's office. The Admiral was standing in front of a large viewport, watching ships as they proceeded around Assailant. The king surveying his realm, Richard thought sourly.

"Have you ever heard of knocking, Mr. Jibb?" Magellan said without turning around. Richard jumped slightly with Magellans' seeming telepathy, until he realized that the Admiral had seen him in the reflection off of the glass. His own nervous reaction irritated him even more.

"Just trying to be efficient, Admiral. You know how wild I am about time management." Richard walked over to Magellan's desk and tossed the PADD onto it. "There you go." Richard turned to leave.

"What's that?" Magellan questioned, finally turning from the view.

Richard stopped and said "It's information about Debrune settlements and their locations. I've taken a look at it. There are 3 different ones in some very remote locations. Total population of about 45000 that will have to be moved to Qualinost. JakDor seemed quite anxious for you to get started arranging the move." Richard smirked at Magellan. "You should really get to work. Have a nice day." Richard started walking again and swept out the door.

[Magellan Lin]

"Diplomats hah" Magellan scoffed under his breath irritated by the couriers blaise attitude. Who did he think he was?! To speak to an Admiral like that, to someone of such high stature in such a manner. Magella strode across the room. He'd give that little runt what for, show him what it was to disresp... Magellan paused.
What was he getting angry about, Jibb had been a great asset to the station, helping to stop the Vampire infection, Finding the Debrune. The man had much talent and was wasted in the Diplomatic Corp, the man was a born agent of Starfleet Security or even special Ops. Shaking his head Magellan let his anger disappate surprised at how suddenly he had nearly flown off the handle. He ordered himself another brandy and settled down with the PADD.
45000 people, three planets, that was do able. It was quite sad really, that so little of the once Debrune Empire still remained. At least with relocation to Qualinost they would be home, perhaps that security would give them a sense of purpose and help heal their internal wounds. With Paul working with Kez Magellan decided he would have to deal with this himself. He knew several ships in the fleet would need be repositioned so that the task could be accomplished. He began by checking the availbility of the Cultural Vessel USS V'Sharn. It would be free in two weeks. The V'Sharn had the capacity to move large quantitys of people in short time periods. It then occured to Magellan what the capacity of the city was - would all 45,000 be accomdated there or would some have to wait until later in the year when the stable atmosphere was established. He made a note to contact Jak'dor. It wouldnt hurt for them to meet, they would after all be neighbours and Magellan wanted to go over jursidiction issues, after all the Debrune would be entering Federation space, perhaps they would consider Federation Membership at the very least he believed he could convince Saarok to offer Jak'dor the status of Protecterate at the very least. He made a note to do that also.
He realised it was getting late and decided to call it a day early for once. He set down his padds and headed to Hirishars Bolian Restaurant for dinner.

[Deleted]

ooc: my last tedak post...set it just after Magellan leaves for the restaurant...

ic:

Tedak frowned, and gazed at the brown on his shoulder. "I know it isn't polite, but fly in and see if he's there," he told the firelizard. The brown warbled, zipped away and instantly came back. "So he isn't there huh? Must've just missed him then." He gazed at his chronometer. "Ah, I think I know where he's gone."

Nut warbled and reclaimed his perch. Tedak grinned, catching the images the little brown sent him. "Oh I bet," he murmured, wandering off towards the restaurant. Oddly enough, he beat the admiral to the entrance only by a few seconds. "Admiral..." he started, then realized he had no idea what he wanted to say.

<Continued by Magellan>

"Ambassador" Magellan returned the greeting, trying not to let his face drop, "I m just about to dine, join me?"
"Thankyou" Tedak assented and the two men entered the restaurant.
"Ah Admiral, please please come in" Hishar grinned broadly ushering Magellan and his guest to his usual table over looking the Arcade.
"Thankyou Hishar, I ll have the usual - Grilled Yanak Steak and Mr Tedak here?"
Tedak quickly scanned the menu.
"How is the Vinagrene?"
"Excellent" Hishar smiled,
"All Hishars food is good, this place is the quadrant, no the galaxys best kept secret"
"I ll have that then please."
Hishar bobbed and headed to the kitchen.
"So have I missed much" Tedak asked.
"Not really, the Fabrini science team is due tomorrow, Jak'dor has given me details for his peoples move and Saarok is preparing to talk with the Takarans. What about you, how was your mission on the Hope?"
"Not what I expected" Tedak replied curtly
"Oh I see, Nebula class isnt she, like my Victory."
"Indeed it is, a fine ship but not a patch on a D'Dederix class vessel" Tedak laughed.
The two bantered through the dinner and Magellan actually found himself relaxing a little. At the end of the supper the two men exchanged pleasntries once more and went their sepearte ways.

[Deleted]

Taking a nice long slip of his cup of tea, Drew savoured the smell of the tea leafs, feeling much more relaxed, he turned his attention back to his computer screen. Although these were his private quarters, that he shard with his family, Drew still had a Starfleet desk installed in the room, a smaller model than what he had in his office, but enough to allow him to work from home as it were.

According to Assailant’s time zone it was well into the hours of the night, Drew’s young children were already fast asleep in bed, as was his wife Joanna. Drew had gone to bed, but found he couldn’t sleep, so he now sat at his desk in his nightgown going back over some paperwork.

Reading through various reports, and giving his thumbprint to documents, Drew’s mind started to wonder back to the days before he had a desk job, when he had been on active starship duty. No doubt Admiral rank did have its benefits, as did his current assignment, finally allowing his family to be with him, but Drew had to admit he did miss those days of action.

“This is Kez’s fault,” he muttered to himself, seeing his old friend again had made him remember the days of his youth, it occurred to him that things had certainly been easier back then, certainly much quicker.

or rather I could act quicker he thought, wishfully he cast a look at the holo-picture on his desk, a photo of the senior staff of the Fang, all gathered around the bridge. Drew smiled as he remembered the adventures they had together, and more importantly, the time they had spent together.

The photo had been taken after his Tactical Officer, Graeme Janeway had been promoted to Commander, Drew remembered, they had held a surprise ceremony for him on the bridge; someone obviously had a camera that day.

Drew looked carefully at himself in that picture too, his hair was a more jet black back then, not like the rusty black/grey it was today, and he to admit, he was a little more chubby these days.

By the window was another memento from those days, a golden model of the Fang itself, presented to him by the crew on the day he stepped down from command and took the assignment at headquarters.

His thoughts were brought back to the present though by a beep from his computer, informing a search he had requested earlier had been completed. He lowed his teacup as he read the alarming report the computer now gave him; someone had been deleting communication logs from the last twenty-four hours.

Calling up another menu system, Drew logged into the Base’s central security net and started trying to recover the transmissions, they were bound to be able to offer some clue as to who the spy among them was. Starfleet systems usually kept back ups of all files stored online, and even when files were deleted, some kind of trial usually remained, but Drew couldn’t find any such trial in the system logs.

That in itself was even more alarming, not many people on the Station would have the clearance, or the knowledge to be able to rid the system of all records of the logs, and there were a limited number of locations were such a thing could be done.

Drew called up another screen, this one with a list of all locations where such a thing could be done, Operations, the Site Commander’s Office and the Security Office.

Time to bring in the big guns Drew thought to himself as he pulled his uniform off from the back of a chair, tapping his comm badge he opened a channel to KezTrek.

“Drew to Tomlinson and KezTrek, meet me in my office in ten minutes.”

[Deleted]

Jatira Laika stood by the front console starring off into space, watching the stars streak on by as her shuttle travelled along at warp speed. Her pilot was focused on his work and paid her no mind as she stood there admiring the stars. As a new diplomat, this was her first assignment offworld. She was being sent to Starbase Assailant, which orbited the planet Qualinost.

In her company were a group of Fabrini scientists who were along. The Federation was currently in the midst of a major terraforming project, which the scientists hoped to assist. Jatira wasn’t much of a scientist herself, although her sister J’Leera Laika was, who was the chief science officer aboard the USS Tiger Shark. Instead, Jatira’s job was to assist the scientist and to help her own world to gain more standing amongst the scientific community as well as that of the diplomatic corp.

Now that New Fabrina was well established after the Fabrini population settled on it in the 23rd century, many felt that it was time that they started to have more influence in the Federation and build up their own diplomatic offices and embassies.

Jatira turned back towards the scientists who were grouped in the back. Many of them had never left their planet before and were understandably excited about the trip. She smiled, remembering her first trip. It was to Starbase Bellicose for a brief visit to see her sister before heading off to Starfleet Academy. Unfortunately for her, things did not work out for her as she realized that Starfleet just wasn’t for her. She began to look at other options and then decided to pursue an old childhood dream in diplomacy. To her surprise, she was accepted and immediately placed in training.

Because of her studies before the Academy, it didn’t take very long and was soon assigned to be the official representative on Starbase Assailant.

As her shuttle neared the station, the pilot messaged in, announcing their arrival and requesting permission to dock.

Tag: anyone

[KezTrek]

Paul said:

.
“Drew to Tomlinson and KezTrek, meet me in my office in ten minutes.”

KezTrek heard the comm come through and shook her head. 'Same old, same old, does the man never sleep?' She thought as she fixed her hair back into place, and gave herself a quick check in the mirror to make sure she looked presentable.

She was out of uniform, but then it was getting late, and she'd been hoping for an early night after calling Daniel on Mars, seemed that plan was unlikely now.

She had ten minutes to get to Drew's office, but she wanted to speak to him before Tomlinson, so she headed another direction and cut him off coming out of a turbolift on his way to his office.

"Paul..." she paused, giving a quick look around.

"Yes?" he asked giving her one of those 'oh no what is Kez thinking of NOW?' looks he'd favoured so often in the old days, amazing how things changed so much, but still stayed the same.

"Whatever it was you wanted to tell me and Tomlinson, don't." KezTrek told him.

"What? That's ridiculous, why wouldn't I tell you?" he asked.

"Because I've got a gut feeling here, I was going to call Daniel this evening, but before I did I logged into SFI... now I couldn't find anything of interest, but something unsettles me about Tomlinson." KezTrek said.

"Kez, look I know you, and I respect your judgement but that’s crazy." Drew said.

"Paul..."

"Admiral's." Tomlinson's voice interrupted.

KezTrek gave Drew a warning glance, but he wasn't paying attention.

Damn fool man, some days he was just too trusting of a Starfleet Uniform for his own good, you'd think given the number of times he's been stabbed in the back by members or factions of Starfleet he'd take a little more care, but not Paul Drew... no that would be too much like making KezTrek's life simpler!

"Lt Tomlinson," KezTrek greeted with an incline of her head.

"Lt... my office." Drew pointed to the door a few feet in front, and no more was said till they were inside the doors.

"I was looking into some communications that were made recently, when I came across something most disturbing..." Drew started to explain.

KezTrek half listened, but her attention was focused on Tomlinson's reaction to things... something didn't seem right about him... she didn't know if he was involved with any of this, but one thing was certain, he set of her 'spidery senses' as Daniel called them.

RA KezTrek

<tag: Drew you wanna go and do the opposite of what I tell ya (again?) since you've always been so good at that >

[Deleted]

Richard was sitting with his feet on the table in the passenger area of the Wanderer. The main console was showing a game of Parisi Squares that was taking place live at the Starbase. A team from some freighter named Maria's Sunrise was playing a team from Starbase Security. To Richard, it didn't look like the freighter team knew their rackets from the ball, but somehow their unorthodox playing style was destroying the Security team. Richard thought that the Starbase betting pool was going to be making some heavy payoffs, assuming anyone actually bet on the freighter team. Richard had actually bet a strip of latinum on the freighter team, because he had liked the name of their ship. It reminded him of a woman that he had known on Talan 4, where he had worked for some time repairing shuttles.

He leaned forward carefully and grasped the half full bottle as Saurian Brandy that was on the table and took a long swig. This was his second bottle, but he was still feeling alright. The secret was to not stand up. He had made that mistake a while ago, and it had taken him nearly a minute to climb back into his chair from the floor.

The game ended, with the freighter team making Starbase Security look like a herd of Klingon Targs. It was quite fun to watch.

Richard deactivated the console and looked around. His ship was very quiet. Standing up carefully, he picked up the bottle and made his way to Sickbay in a reasonably straight line. He walked in, sat on the biobed and said "Activate EMH." The familiar form of the doctor appeared.

"Please state the nature of the medical emergency" he said in his serious voice.

"I'm drunk" Richard reported.

The doctor looked Richard over appraisingly, walked over and took a sniff of the contents of the bottle. "Saurian Brandy. Would you like a cure, or some ice?"

Richard considered the question carefully for almost a minute before replying "Ice please." The doctor walked over to the replicator and muttered a quiet command. The replicator hummed and the doctor returned with a glass and 3 ice cubes in it. The doctor took the bottle and poured a civilized drink. Richard didn't notice that the doctor failed to return the bottle.

The doctor sat down in a chair opposite to Richard and said "So, what's the occasion?"

Richard shrugged and took a sip of brandy. "Civilizations saved, galactic peace preserved. You know, the usual."

The doctor nodded. "And so you're drinking by yourself, again."

Richard closed his eyes. "That's right."

"Is there no one else on the station that you have been able to get along with yet?" the doctor inquired.

"Maybe it's them that can't get along with me" the courier said in a sulky voice.

"Don't be ridiculous Richard. You drive them away with almost every word you say. Here you are, hiding in your ship again as the world passes you by outside. Eventually, they will stop asking for you if it's less trouble to get someone else. Then where will you be? Back on some miserable backwater world repairing damaged shuttle drives and outrunning the authorities" the doctor lectured.

"I came back here for company doctor, not to be sermonized." Richard stood up and made his way to the door, leaving his drink behind. The doctor stood aside and let him leave.

Richard walked unsteadily to his cabin and lay down on the bed, but sleep was a long time in coming.

[Deleted]

ooc: im placing this in the morning, after any discussion between tedak and Magellan in that restaurant *nudges magellan gently*

T'Val waited patiently for the new ambassador's shuttle to land in the docking bay. Once the duty officer gave the all clear, she entered the bay to welcome the new diplomat. She saw a young woman appear from the shuttle, looking uncertainly about her. T'Val thought she should not keep the young woman waiting and stepped forward to greet her.

"You must be the new Fabrini diplomant," T'Val started, "I am Healer T'Val, the DCS healer, and bondmate of Ambassador Tedak, guardian and mother in name of the Debrune Divine child D'Beren." She spoke proudly of her son, for she saw him as her son even if she was only his guardian, and mother in name only. It saddened her, even though the child was allowed to call her mother, and even that title she'd had to fight for. "Please forgive me," she added, "when speaking of my child, I do tend to forget myself."

She looked up, meeting the woman's eyes. "Come, I shall take you Admiral Magellan, he is the station commander. I shall also introduce you to other key personnel on this station. You absolutely must meet Admiral Paul Drew, as well as my bondmate Tedak, ambassador Saarok, ambassador K'Ehleyr, Mr Jibb....." She frowned at the mention of Jibb; something was odd with that man, his reactions to Magellan and herself. ~I really must talk to him at some point~ she thought. "Come....crewmembers will take your belongings to your quarters shortly. After meeting with Magellan, I shall take you there myself."

<Jatira>

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan had only just finished reviewing the morning reports when a chime came to his door.
"Enter" he asked
T Val entered with another woman.
"Admiral Allow me to intoduce Jatira, the New Fabrini Delegate"
"Ah Ambassador Jatira" Magellan said rising and extending hand. "Welcome to Assailant"

Tag Jatira

[Deleted]

As Jatira stepped off the shuttle, she noticed a woman standing off to the side. When the woman came walking towards her, Jatira quickly smoothed out her diplomat's outfit to made herself look more presentable. The outfit that she was wearing was based on the Vulcan design out of deference of First Officer Spock who had been aboard the ship that had saved their people. When they had heard that his race had come from a world with many well-known diplomats, they decided to design some aspects of the Vulcan diplomats in honour of Spock.

The particular outfit that she was wearing was a rich maroon with a cream trim. It wasn’t as bulky as the Vulcan version though, but was much lighter looking.

The woman introduced herself as the Healer T’Val and bondmate to the Ambassador Tedak. She had recently heard about some problems with the Gorn and wondered if he had finished yet. She was about to ask when T’Val began talking about her child.

"Please forgive me," she added, "when speaking of my child, I do tend to forget myself."

“That is quite alright,” she smiled. “Of course you would be proud of your child. What mother wouldn’t be?”

T’Val nodded. Jatira immediately realized that she was very concerned about the child, Jatira but didn’t want to pry, so she changed the subject. “Would you please tell me where I might find Admiral Magellan? I imagine that he’s expecting me.”

"Come, I shall take you Admiral Magellan, he is the station commander. I shall also introduce you to other key personnel on this station. You absolutely must meet Admiral Paul Drew, as well as my bondmate Tedak, ambassador Saarok, ambassador K'Ehleyr, Mr Jibb....."

Jatira noticed the frown when T’Val mentioned Mr. Jibb’s name. Well, I suppose that not everyone can be happy on a starbase. There’s bound to be trouble sooner or later. She decided not to ask about that one either, believing that it would eventually come up if this was something that she was meant to know. For now though, she looked forward to getting to know her new colleagues and getting to work.

Some noises behind her disracted her momentarily and she turned to look. She saw some crewmembers beginning to unload some crates with some of the scientists hovering worridly over them, trying to make sure that nothing was broken or damaged. Jatira smiled. It was hard enough to convicen them to transport the equipment by shuttle. She couldn’t imagine what they were going to but the crew through now.

"Come....crewmembers will take your belongings to your quarters shortly.” She heard T’Val say. “After meeting with Magellan, I shall take you there myself."

Jatira nodded and followed her out the door. Before low, they were standing in front of the Admiral’s office and were being let in.

T’Val quickly introduced her to the Admiral who was busy at his desk with some work. When he saw her, he quickly stood up and extended a hand. “Welcome to Assailant!” he smiled.

“Thank you, Admiral,” she shook his hand. “This is quite a station you have here. I look forward to working here.”

Tag: Magellan

“I trust that my scientists will be well cared for as well,” she added. “They’re rather particular about their work as all scientists are. If there is any trouble with them, then I would hope that the matter would be taken to me to deal with.”

Tag: Magellan

“Also, I do not know if you know this or not, but my government did not have time to fully brief me on the situation here as I was assigned fairly quickly,” she explained. “Might I ask for information to study up on tonight?”

Tag: Magellan