SB Assailant Episode 1.6 Robbing Peter to pay Paul

[Deleted]

"As you wish," Tedak replied, measuring the Debrune Elder in turn. He didn't miss the angry glint in the man's eyes and knew he had to tread carefully when dealing with this man. "I will contact the Tekarans, and beam down with them in half an hour. Where do you wish us to beam down to?"

<JakDorn>

"I shall also contact Admiral Magellan, and advise him to keep the Tekarans from beaming down. I will let T'Val sleep though, I will inform you in person of what she has been through. Our trusted nanny will take care of D'Beren. Do not worry, she has been thoroughly screened by starfleet security, as well as DCS security."

<JakDorn>

Wearily, Tedak closed down the communications console. "Ambassador Tedak to Admiral Lin, could you spare me a moment of your time please, it is important." After an affirmative, Tedak explained the situation briefly, then set to gather the Tekarans and meet the Debrune Council.

[Deleted]

After sending the coordinates to Ambassador Tedak, JakDor sat back, closed his eyes and sighed heavily. He had been working constantly, along with the rest of the Council, since the moment he had set foot on the Holy Qua'ee'nos. Although most systems had held up well, time had done it's damage. He was in a very perilous position, and it was his responsibility to deliver this planet to his people.

Opening his eyes, he could see the several members of the Debrune Council sitting in their respective chairs in the Great Hall, looking at him worriedly. The space was enormous in the Hall, with enough room for several thousand people. However, there were only 5 here right now. The remaining 6 members of the Council were scattered all over the city, trying to get systems back online using training handed down over generations of Debrune.

"We are extremely vulnerable right now, Supreme Elder. We have only been able to reactivate the primary defense mechanism of the planet, and it is only a deterrent" KayRon said worriedly. "You are pressing them too hard. If they decide to try to take the planet from us, we will only be able to hold out for a day or two."

KayRon was JakDor's Foremost, or adjutant. He was also his primary rival for control of the Council. KayRon was a conservative and had some support from several members. JakDor thought that KayRon had wanted the Debrune to stay on their colonies, and ignore the call of the Holy Child.

However, JakDor knew a secret that he had never passed on to the Council. The fertility of his people had been declining over the last few generations, and if his calculations were correct, the Debrune had less than 15 generations before they were extinct. He had taken the call of the Holy Child as proof of the Debrune's sacred right to survive. JakDor fervently believed that the Debrune would flourish if they could reclaim their rightful home, and more importantly, have all of their population in one place.

KayRon was about to speak again when JakDor gaze fell on him like a great weight. "This is the course that I have set for the Debrune. I have heard your arguments." KayRon's mouth closed and he nodded meekly. Violence was not unknown during Debrune Council meetings, and there had been occasional deaths over the years. Right now, KayRon was the only member of his small faction at Council.

"I will continue to press the Federation, and if they try to take the planet from us, we will use our defence as long as it lasts. The call of the Holy Child has led us to the Qua'ee'nos, and the Divine Light will protect us if the Federation tries to take it" JakDor intoned.

The Debrune Council bowed their heads penitently at the mention of the Divine Light.

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan was still on an adrenaling high from the thrill of commanding a starship again but was brought back down to earth with Tedaks comments. He quickly made his way down to meet him.
"Ah Ambassador - I take it the natives are getting restless."
"I hardly think it appropriate to term them natives"
"Actually I think its very accurate, but never mind. Whats the main problem?"
Tedak repeated Jak'dors commands.
"Oh I see well we should be alright for now then." Magellan sighed "The three Tekarans here are the only ones aboard, the first refugees wont arrive until the second phase terraforming is complete. They came to meet with the Elders only and discuss how to live in harmony. You can also reassure Jak'Dor that ships have been assigned and despatched to gather his people. The USS Harbinger and Jaguar should be there within the week and here... well next month."
"That is good news. Jak dor seemed rather... terse"
"I hope it pleases him, remind him that we can offer him support in reuniting the factions within the Debrune too and that Dr Sharex still needs access to the reactor to trgger the Gaia Device."
"Will Do. Perhaps you could accompany me and we could tell him together."
"Very well Ambassador."
The two men departed to find Jak'dor

[Deleted]

"We should gather the three Tekarans first," Tedak suggested as both men walked to the transporter room, "I had the distinct impression the Elder wanted to talk to them."

They walked past the quarters of the delegates and the five of them soon beamed down to Qualinost, just in front of the doors to the council chamber. "Admiral Lin, Ambassador Tedak and the Tekaran delegates," Tedak introduced them to the guard, "we have an appointment with Elder JakDor."

The guard scrutinized them then motioned his hand. "You may pass," he replied, "they are waiting for you in the large hall."

Tedak nodded, and the group of men walked on. Recognizing the elder, Tedak bowed. "Elder JakDor, we meet at last."

[Felix Savali]

Off: First a bit of retrospective

After Saarok went out of the ops center on Assailant he proceeded to pay Drolem Simeth another visit, the man was definitely hiding something and it might not be as small as it seems.

As Saarok passed thought the station he noticed a few familiar faces but he had no time to talk to them at this time, he merely nodded his head as he passed them and proceeded to Drolems office.

After he arrived at his office he chimed the door a few times before he heard the words come.

When he entered the office he found Drolem drinking champagne.

"Are we celebrating something?", Saarok asked

As he noticed him Drolem immediately went pale,

"I, erm I was just trying out something new on the replicator.", Drolem said and immediately proceed pretending to be firm

"But what exactly is it that you want?", he asked

"Some information", Saarok replied

"Of course you always want information but you should know that nothing is free and information is something that definitely is not free.", Drolem responded

"I see your self respect has grown since last time, the logical conclusion would be that you were able to conceal one of your mischief’s which were worrying you before, no don't bother denying you know i can read you like a book", Saarok said

Drolem's confidence was beginning to fade and he knew Saarok noticed that

"But don't worry I’m not interested in your little illegal activities", Saarok continued

"I know you have been playing several pirate sides and tried to turn them one against the other in an effort to come out clean, and i know that you still act as their middle man, so if you would be so kind and contact me when one of them comes by again, I would be inclined to assist in helping you resolve the investigation which is concentrated around you. And clearing you of any suspicion, of course if you are interested in helping me.", Saarok said

"Fine, ill help you but after this you give me your word you’ll clear me", Drolem said

"You have my word", Saarok replied

"Fine, when one of the pirates contacts pays me a visit ill send you a message. But now go.", Drolem said

When Drolem finished Saarok said his goodbyes and proceed out of Drolems office, deciding to have someone keep an eye on him just in case something happens.

While he was going away he noticed one of the guards in disguise approaching Drolems office to keep an eye on him.

After he was done he proceeded to tend to his other duties.

--Present time--

Saarok was reading some reports as he was informed that the meeting of the Tekarans and the Debrune was taking place and ambassador Tedak was leading the deal.

Good he thought this will help him perhaps even earn him more trust from the admiral and rest of the federation.

=/\=Jackson to Saarok=/\=

=/\=Saarok here, go ahead=/\=

=/\=I've just picked up a possible transport from inside of Mr. Drolems office, it is a personal transporter designed to be concealed from standard sensors and I’m detecting 3 people inside=/\=

=/\=I see, make an effort so that the stations sensors pick it up however make sure that no alarm is raised. I will wait and see if Mr. Drolem is a man of his word.=/\=, he finished

[Deleted]

Operations was as usual buzzing with activity, and in the far corner, Paul Drew sat at his lone console, scanning the entire station.

“Any luck?” KezTrek asked as she stepped down the platform, and pulled up a chair next to Drew’s station.

“Nope,” Drew answered grimly, “Whoever this guy is, he sure knows how to hide.”

“His sort usually do,” KezTrek replied, looking down at the sensor readings, “This whole thing is just giving me one big headache.”

Now that made Drew laugh, he looked up at his old friend and smiled, “You really should be used to this sort of thing by now.”

“True, but there is just no getting used to you and your messes dear,” KezTrek replied in mock annoyance.

“Think how I feel, you little visits always led to me spending time in jail.”

“You shouldn’t have such a guilty looking face,” KezTrek retorted.

“My face is one of perfect innocence,” laughed Drew.

KezTrek raised her eyebrow in that typical half-Vulcan way, unlike most human/Vulcan hybrids; she fully embraced her emotions, and delighted in mixing her human emotions and cold Vulcan logic together.

The beeping of the sensor panel stopped any come back KezTrek might have.

“What is it?” she asked, looking back down at the display, which Drew was now enlarging on the screen.

“We have detected what appears to be multiple transports.”

“Where?”

Drew shook his head in annoyance, “I don’t know, the trance has disappeared, I just know it’s in the civilian levels somewhere.”

“That’s good enough for me,” KezTrek said, tapping her comm badge, “Security to the Civilian levels, intruder alert.”

“I’ll scan all ship’s in the area,” Drew called out as KezTrek headed for the turbo lift, “I’ll try to find which ship they came from.”

“Make sure no one beams off the station,” KezTrek replied, as she stepped into the turbo lift.

“And you look after yourself,” Drew called back over to her.

As the doors closed, Drew saw KezTrek give him a smile,

“You should be more worried about them,” she said as she disappeared into the turbo lift.

[Deleted]

The footsteps of Ambassador Tedak, Admiral Magellan and the Tekarans echoed through the Great Hall of the Debrune as they slowly approached the large table, set up on a dais above the main floor. As the Federation delegation approached, JakDor and the rest of the Debrune Council slowly stood and watched as they walked towards them.

This had all been arranged by JakDor, in hopes of rattling their visitors a little. Every advantage that could be gained must be tried, he thought to himself, as his guests neared.

They slowly climbed the stairs to the table where the Debrune stood, and JakDor watched them carefully. Tedak and Magellan seemed undisturbed by his little superiority tactic, but the Tekarans were glancing nervously at the Debrune Council. Probably wondering what they had gotten themselves into. JakDor knew that they had been told that this planet was uninhabited. They must be surprised to have to negotiate now.

Unsurprisingly, Tedak took the lead for the Federation and bowed before JakDor. "Elder JakDor, we meet at last." The Tekarans bowed slightly as well, following Tedak's lead. Magellan inclined his head politely, showing courtesy but no subservience to the Debrune Council.

"The presence of you and your delegation honours our planet. May the Divine Light cast no shadow over you." The rest of Debrune Council bowed slightly. "Shall we sit?" JakDor said, gesturing at the chairs. The Debrune Council and the Federation Delegation selected chairs and were seated.

JakDor looked over at Tekarans. "So, my understanding is that you wish to negotiate for the freedom to colonize a part of this planet. Formost KayRon..." JakDor gestured at his adjutant "is handing out information packets. I think that we should start by showing the areas we think would be most suitable..."

[Deleted]

The three Tekarans paged through the information package and their faces took on a darker colour as their moods darkened too. "This is unnaceptable," they said in unison, after which the leader continued. "We have families docking at Assaillant soon. You can't expect the station to harbour them all! You just can't!"

Tedak rested a hand on the man's upper arm in quiet warning. "I am sure that something can be worked out here," he said calmly, gazing at JakDor and his fellow council members expectantly. They too, received a warning glance from them.

The Romulan diplomant could care less that the Debrune saw his adoptive son as their Devine Light. He knew it would work in their advantage, as well as that of the Federation and possibly even his own empire. ~yeah right~ he thought idly ~as if I am going to tell the Emperor of my son's heritage~ He didn't believe the child could be divine, but his wife did and so he kept his mouth shut about his own ideas on the matter. He loved the boy as would he his own blood.

"Admiral, if you please?" he motioned the Trill admiral forward, "Reverend Elders, we are ready to start up the terraforming project in order to meet part of our bargain. We would ask that you allow the first families that arrive, to settle in quiet. They would assist in the terraforming project. Among the families are farmers, as well as renowned technicians. They would be valuable assets to this planet. We may hold off further colonisation, but we as that you allow these settlers to settle down on Qualinost. Naturally, you will be duly compensated."

[Felix Savali]

Saarok was in his office preparing a report on the major, when he was just about done the doorbell chimed.

"Come", he said not even looking who was at the door

"I would think you would be more careful", the man said as he entered his office

"Who are you and what is it that you need?", he asked the man rising from the chair

"How careless of you to send your security away", the man continued

"I have a present for you from Drolem Simeth", the man said as he raised a disruptor like weapon

"What is the meaning of this?"

"Its time to forget it all", the man said as he pressed the button the weapon fired and hit Saarok directly in his head causing him to collapsed to the floor

"Well i don't expect we'll be having any problems with you for a while", the man said as he approached the computer terminal and using a tricoder erased all data Saarok had.

After that he threw one last look and then left Saaroks office, the man was not going to cause them trouble anymore, at least for a while.

[Magellan Lin]

"That sounds acceptable to me Tedak" Magellan replied "He then turned to the Tekarans. "And the fact that you are already mobilising your people is against the agreement. Tekara is still safe at the moment and even before the Debrune turned up you werent due to reloacte until the terraforming was finished."
"But..."
"No. No buts, I gave my word to teh Debrune their people would be allowed to return to the city, their city and in turn they would assist with the terrafroming of the planet. Once they arrive which should be within weeks, we might be able to sort something out. For now any refugees will be quartered aboard assailant."
Magellan refused to allow the Tekarans to reply and added.
"I hope this suits both sides. And Jak'dor please remember Qualinost is a federation planet now."

[Deleted]

"Very well," the Tekaran leader relented, "when we get back aboard Assaillant I will signal the first ships to board Assaillant and follow your orders admiral. I will also signal the rest of the colonists not to depart our planet just yet."

He turned to Tedak. "I am very sorry to have inconvenienced you and the admiral, Mr Ambassador," he said, then turned his head towards the Debrune council, "and you all. We may have misunderstood the agreement. Meanwhile, those families who are here, can they not be made useful in assisting the terraforming project? It will give the Tekarans and the Debrune a chance to get to know one another. I promise that the colonists will not be interfering with the Debrune, but will merely stick to their assigned tasks."

He saw the Debrune Elder's expression darken and hastened to add: "If the Debrune Council approves. Just a few men and women, it would not be entire familied down here, merely a few people who are capable of helping out. Please....it will keep the Tekarans at peace, and not a burden to Assaillant."

Tedak glanced at the Debrune Elders now. "He does have a point Revered Elder. The families, especially the men, may riot if they are feeling they are useless, and witheld from any useful job they can perform. Assaillant is not equipped to provide work for every adult, and the Terraforming Project could use all the help it can get. It would place less burden on Starfleet personnel, who must patrol the area to make sure nobody interferes with business here."

[Deleted]

Somewhat later, the men turned as they heard the whine of the transporter. They heard someone argue as the guards barred the newcomer's way into the council chamber.

Outside, T'Val glared at the two guards who would not let her in. She was clad in a long formal dress and a warm cloak. On her arms, she carried her son who took in his surroundings with remarkable intelligence in his eyes.

"You will let me pass," she demanded, "the Divine Child will not be denied access to this building. It is his heritage and his right to be here. As his mother, I will not be denied either."

She glanced past the guards at the approaching men. Casting down her eyes briefly, she made a light bow towards the elders. "Reverend Elders, please tell your guards that they shall not bar the Divine Child entrance to this building."

D'Beren, recognizing Elder JakDor, held out his tiny arms to the man. Surprised, T'Val held out the child to him. "For one so young he shows remarkable intelligence and understanding," she commented. Her expression quickly changed from a mask of annoyance to a pleased expression. "He has spoken only one word so far," she added, happiness showing on her face now.

She joined her husband's side, as the elder held the child. She watched his discomfort for a moment, while the child only seemed to want to be hugged by the older man. At last, the child squirmed and held out his hands back to T'Val. "ma," he babbled, reaching for her.

"See?" T'Val asked, "and I did not teach him that either."

[Deleted]

JakDor smiled inwardly as he watched Magellan and Tedak try to placate the Tekaran delegation. Things seemed be going exactly as planned. He had written up the colonization plans in the hope that they would create some anger and give the Debrune a good bargaining position. He continued to allow the Federation types to mediate the negotiation.

After several minutes of Magellan speaking to them, the Tekarans seemed to settle a little. Finally, Magellan turned to the Debrune Council and said "Jak'dor please remember Qualinost is a Federation planet now."

JakDor opened his mouth to speak, but quickly changed his mind about what he was going to say. It was time for the carrot now, not the stick. "Thank you Admiral, I am aware that the planet is mostly under Federation control now, except for the areas that were ceded to the Debrune by agreement. I have no intention of refusing to allow the Tekarans to land on Qualinost, as long as they are within the boundaries that I have set out in the information packet I handed out earlier. If you wish to land people immediately, you of course can. I would do nothing to block you from settling on this planet..."

The other people at the meeting returned to the information packets. The Tekarans had looked a bit hopeful after JakDor had finished speaking, but started to look upset again at the areas JakDor had laid out. They were some of the more desolate areas of the planet, far from the Debrune city.

"You have placed us in some of the most inhospitable areas that are available on the planet. There are no places for colony ships to land nearby. Our people would be forced to travel over difficult terrain for a long distance in order to reach the places you offer" the leader of the Tekaran delegation complained.

"I'm sorry. I hadn't realized how unprepared your people were for the rigors of colonizing a new planet. The Debrune had colonized many worlds. We have found that such discomforts are a fact of colonization" JakDor said, narrowing his eyes. "If the Tekarans wish, you could take areas nearer the Debrune City, but in trade, the Debrune would appreciate the Tekarans providing some labour to help rebuild our city as they pass through. There are very few Debrune left, and together, we and the Tekarans could restore the glory of Qualinost" JakDor said enthusiastically. He sat back and waited to see what the Tekarans would say when they figured out they would be cleaning a city that they would be unable to live in.

At that moment, JakDor and the rest of the Debrune Elders turned towards the main doors of the hall. A few seconds later, a commotion erupted at the door. Everyone else around the table turned as well to see a Vulcan female in a long flowing robe approaching. She was yelling something angrily, but JakDor's attention was entirely taken up by the tiny shape in her arms. The Divine Child had arrived. D'Beren held out his arms to JakDor, and T'Val quickly handed him over.

JakDor was bemused by the tiny infant he had come so far to find, but his concentration was disturbed by the angry Vulcan lecturing everyone in the room. "You will let me pass, the Divine Child will not be denied access to this building. It is his heritage and his right to be here. As his mother, I will not be denied either. Reverend Elders, please tell your guards that they shall not bar the Divine Child entrance to this building."

JakDor was extremely displeased by T'Vals behaviour. "Healer T'Val, the Divine Child has every right to enter this Hall, as has his biological mother, his blood relatives or anyone who has been invited. You are none of these. In addition, I find your behaviour appalling for a Vulcan. Your outbursts have no place here, and no place in D'Beren's future. If you do not take heed of what I'm saying, your position as the guardian of the Divine Child is in doubt."

JakDor's words quickly quashed T'Vals anger, and D'Beren, sensing her discomfort, started squirming in the Elders arms to get back to her. JakDor hesitated in handing the boy back. Something T'Val noticed and her eyes opened wide with alarm. Relenting slowly, he allowed T'Val to take the boy.

Turning back to the Tekarans, he waited for a few minutes until saying "Well gentlemen, what do you think of my proposal?"

[Deleted]

"We agree," the Tekarans said, finding themselves suddenly feeling very uncomfortable.

At the side Tedak glared at the Debrune Elder. ~who is he to decide for the child? Who found him and cared for him? If not for us, the child would certainly have died, and they would have had nothing to bargain over~ he thought, he jaws working in held back anger.

Sensing his mother's distress, D'Beren wrapped his little arms around her tightly. "Mama," he said urgently, "mama....no cry.." The child was picking up on vocabulary extremely fast for an infant, something which surprised even the Council. The child turned, and cast his eyes on the Elders, but refused to say another word to them, then returned his attention to T'Val.

With rising surprise, Tedak regarded them. "Who's comforting who now?" he asked aloud, chuckling.

[Deleted]

"We agree," the Tekarans said.

JakDor started slightly in surprise. He had been expecting a bit more resistance than that to his little plan. He was starting to think that he had his tiny enclave of Debrune could negotiate the delivery of the entire Federation into his hands.

Looking around, he could see the troubled eyes of Foremost KayRon watching T'Val and the Child together, then turn to him. JakDor could tell what his Foremost's was thinking. He had originally agreed to leave the child with a Vulcan as he had hoped that some of the cold emotional control of that race could be learned by the Child. However, it seemed that T'Val was not entirely stable for a Vulcan, and prone to angry outbursts. She didn't seem to be a suitable guardian at all, and he seemed to have underestimated the influence of Tedak on T'Val, which might explain her lack of emotional control.

JakDor and the rest of the Elder Council excused themselves from the hall, in order to debate whether or not T'Val would be allowed to keep the child.

[Deleted]

JakDor stood behind a stone column and closed his eyes. He could sense the approach of the Divine Child.

He had managed to delay the meeting regarding T'Val for about an hour. That was a far as he could put off the Elder Council. He regretted the necessity, as he knew that KayRon would be talking to the other members, trying to find support, but there was no choice.

He spent the few quiet minutes that he had considering his problem. The future of the Debrune would require a strong leader, and it was entirely possible that leader might be D'Beren. The prophecy wasn't clear on that. However, there was a brief mention that someone would step forward to claim the child, and T'Val had been the only one to do so.

JakDor had followed the prophecy, and was now regretting that decision. A leader needed strong training, and he had hoped that the Vulcan philosophy might provide that for the Divine Child. But T'Val seemed to be impulsive, short tempered and combative. Traits that the Divine Child did not need. It appeared that T'Val wasn't the correct person to bring up the Divine Child.

JakDor shook his head. Following a prophecy wasn't as easy as it seemed. There were more grey areas than he could count, and they all seemed capable of swallowing the Debrune whole.

JakDor could hear the footsteps and knew without looking that T'Val carried the Child with her. As she approached, he stepped out from behind the stone column and waited.

[Deleted]

T'Val walked around the large hall, speaking quietly to D'Beren, telling him of Debrune history, at least as much as she had so far managed to remember herself. Some parts just fell into place, even though she had only read a partial piece of documenting.

She didn't understand why the Elders wanted to take the child from her. She sensed their apprehension at her earlier demand, but didn't understand it. It had seemed right for her to demand it.

"See now," she told the child, as she readjusted his weight on her arm, "see these pictures? Those are your forefathers there, and see this?" She pointed at a particular picture. "That is your father, and next to him your mother. They were guardians of the chamber we found you in."

She stopped short and discovered she had almost collided with JakDor. She looked up, and found him gazing at her intently. "Excuse me," she said, taking a small step back, "I was just telling D'Beren about Debrune history, and his biological parents. Now that I see you, perhaps you could aid me in telling him about his parents actual task? I fear that most of that part is still a blank to me."

[Deleted]

As JakDor stared at the two of them, a line from the Prophecy of the Divine Light came into his mind. And the line that became a circle of one to two to three shall begin to close in the bonding of two to one. And in the shadow of two to one, the Divine Child shall find sanctuary, and the circle will become a line.

Those lines had puzzled him for many years, until he had seen T'Val and Tedak together. Vulcan and Romulan split apart and then brought together, and in their shadow, D'Beren will find his way.

JakDor came back to the present to find T'Val staring at him expectantly. "Sorry. D'Beren's parent disappeared from our colony on Varan 4 many years ago. It was very mysterious at the time, and remains so to this day. Two were only in their early 20's at the time, and were to marry. It was assumed that they had been in some kind of accident together, and the bodies never found. How they came to here on the Holy Qua'ee'nos is beyond me. Some higher intervention must have occurred. Their names were Splan and I'nara."

Both T'Val and D'Beren were watching as JakDor spoke. However, there was something he needed to talk about that was more pressing than a history lesson. "T'Val, I feel that you would very much like to be able to keep D'Beren." The Healer opened her eyes wide and nodded emphatically. "I thought as much. As Supreme Elder, my word is law among the Debrune, yet that only remains true as long as they follow. There is a small faction in the Elder Council that believes I have made a mistake in following the call of the Divine Child, and that giving the child into your care is a greater mistake. Having watched your actions, I am starting to believe the same thing. What do you say to that?" JakDor crossed his arms and watched the Vulcan woman carefully.

[Deleted]

T'Val gazed at the Elder, confusion crossing her face. "I fear I do not understand Elder," she replied, just barely managing to keep emotion she didn't even understand out of her voice.

In her arms, D'Beren stirred and wanted to turn to look at the elder. She adjusted his position in her arms, and continued to gaze at the elder. "Have I done something wrong?" she finally asked, after a long silence. Apparently, something had gone wrong, otherwise JakDor would not be asking her this.

[Deleted]

"Have you done something wrong?"JakDor repeated. "I'm not sure. There is never anything wrong with being who you are. However, D'Beren needs many things, foremost among them is a mother who can teach him to control his emotions. There are many women among the Debrune who would be willing to care for the Divine child. Unfortunately, they will also teach him our worst habits. If D'Beren is to ever lead the Debrune, he must be able to bridge the gap between the Debrune and the rest of the Alpha Quadrant. There is no Debrune woman who can do that, which leaves me with you."

JakDor continues. "T'Val, I appreciate your devotion to D'Beren. However, unless you cease your odd behaviour, both of our situations might become unbalance."

T'Val's look became puzzled, so JakDor went on. "There are some among my Council who feel that you should not have been appointed Guardian. If that decision causes me to lose my position as Supreme Elder, whoever replaces me may attempt to use political pressure to have D'Beren returned to the Debrune. I will have no say in the matter is I lose my position. If you would like to keep D'Beren, you must attempt to regain the emotional control that the Vulcans are famous for."

Finished explaining the situation, JakDor awaited T'Val's response.

[Deleted]

"I...," T'Val began, then hesitated, her confusion growing. "Elder, I am being who I am...control is everything for me. I do not understand these outbursts, I have been meditating but cannot find an answer. I am Vulcan, I am not supposed to have these outbursts." Suddenly her eyes widen, as something occurs to her. "Could it be...." she wondered aloud.

She looks up at the Elder. "Something is going on. It is possible Tedak is going into the Pon Far, something very rare for Romulans but it is possible. If it is not, then someone is using me, channeling any suppressed emotion I have. I feel a strong connection with the Divine Child, as if he were my own. I do not understand this connection. Having no children of my own, I do not know what mother instinct is, but I have seen other young mothers display exactly what I have been doing. I ask for guidance reverend Elder, what am I to do, so that you will be assured of your position and I as guardian of D'Beren?"

After thinking for a very long moment, T'Val shook her head. She recalled Tedak's medical record, and if he had ever entered the Vulcan Pon Farr, then it should have been in his record. She clanced sideways, to where her bondmate was talking to the Tekarans and Magellan. He looked very calm, not prone to angry outbursts or any other symptom that usually came with Pon Farr. Touching their bond, there was nothing there that even suggested something that could lead to the blood fever.

"No," she finally said aloud, "it is not Pon Farr. Since it is not, I am at a loss as so what it acn be." She gazes at JakDor with pleading eyes, even though her facial expression is an emotionless mask. "Please help me find out what is wrong," she finally asked.

[Deleted]

JakDor needed answers, but there were none to be had here. Looking over at the Federation and Tekaran delegation, he could see they were all distracted. There wouldn't be a better time.

Looking back at T'Val, he said "Come with me." The Elder turned and walked towards a section of wall hidden by a massive column of stone. Soundlessly, the section slid aside and JakDor walked into the inky darkness.

[Deleted]

T'Val hastily stepped after him, only just managing D'Beren from crying out with glee. For the boy, this was one mighty adventure, but for the adults, this was deadly serious.

T'Val waited quietly in the darkness, until the elder would speak again. She found the darkness disquieting even though it held somewhat of a sense of peace and tranquility. In her arms, D'Beren had gone completely silent too. He had stopped squirming and his breathing had slowed, as if he was asleep.

[Deleted]

JakDor quietly led T'Val and the Child through the Transport Portal. There were a series of them all over the City. It was a safe form of interdimensional transport, undetectable by standard Federation scans. They were only activated by the presence of access keys available to the Elder Council.

JakDor had led his companions to the main medical facility in the City. It's bright lights made him squint slightly. He turned and was surprised to see that T'Val and the child seemed to be asleep. There was a slight anesthetic in the air, keyed to Debrune DNA which tended to keep Debrune patients calm. The Debrune race was quite excitable and disliked being cooped up in hospitals, and the airborne calming agent helped keep things under control. The Elder Council took injections to avoid the effect, but the surprise was the T'Val was responding to it the same way D'Beren was.

Gently, JakDor led T'Val to a medical receptacle and placed her inside after removing D'beren from her arms. The child was then placed in his own receptacle. The Elder turned to the medical console and started a full scan on T'Val. It was done after a few seconds and he took a look at the results. Serotonin levels were fairly low for a Vulcan, and Dopamine levels were high. That would explain her unusual behaviour.

JakDor took a long look at her brainwave function. They also looked a little strange for a Vulcan. Puzzled, he looked over at the two of them. D'Beren shifted slightly in his sleep, and then T'Val did as well. Startled, JakDor ran a scan on D'Beren's brain function and compared the results.

The two scans were very different of course, but as he watched, the appparently random peaks and valleys came briefly into synch. JakDor looked over quickly both shifted slightly, in unison.

It seemed that the Divine Child had Imprinted T'Val, and his emotions were affecting the Vulcan Healer. JakDor moved to a storage area and selected containers of Acetycholine and Kironide. After checking T'Val's readout again, he selected a suitable dosage and injected them into her arm. These would allow T'Val to retain control. Unfortunately, they would also have to be administered on a regular basis.

JakDor got T'Val to her feet, picked up D'Beren and led her to the Transport Portal, knowing that she would come out from the anesthesia in a few minutes, having only a slight headache from the injection.

[Deleted]

T'Val woke up and found herself standing beside JakDor, who was holding D'Beren. She didn't remember falling asleep but for some reason she felt refreshed despite her sudden headache. "What happened?" T'Val asked, as she rubbed her temples.

She listened quietly to JakDor explaining his findings. "That is....unusual to say the least," she replied, surprise rising, "do you have any idea how this is possible? I have heard of mind control and races able to do it. I am able, to a certain extend but I use it only when needed, as a doctor."

She listened again, as the three of them were transported back to the where they had come from previously. "I thank thee for thy assistance," T'Val said formally, "and I invite thee to come visit thy Divine Child whenever thee wishes, however inconvenient it is for me." She paused. "Unless I am in surgery or at night, thee can visit at all times."

With those words, T'Val took her leave from the Elder, and beamed back to Assaillant, after making sure that Tedak and the Tekaran delegation had left already.