SB ASSAILANT MISSION 2.1 Reflections

[Deleted]

Sev belongs to Tedak Nut too. Only Yade belongs to T'Val

IC:

"However," T'Val continued, "since he is bonded to you, the first weeks he should be with you as much as possible. When you tell him to come to me and stay with me, he will. They can travel by means of teleportation, as Sev may have showed you. It is best if he stays with you, especially on missions. But he may stay with us when needed. I am sure Yade will appreciate the company."

She gently stroked the eye ridge of her green, and the little creature crooned. "How will you name your bronze admiral?" she asked softly.

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan looked at the infant firelizard. It looked up at him with dark eyes, a thin thread of egg fibre trailing from the egg 'tooth' hook on the tip of the thin snout. The scales were still soft at the moment and faintly slimy from the embryonic fluids lining the egg. He suspected that within hours they would harden up. The lower scutes were a soft ecru colour whilst the upper ones were a deep bronze. The thin membranous wings looked far to fragile to support anything and were unlike anything he could think off, the obvious comparision was with those of a bat, but the firelizards seemed thin and the veins more prominent.
It sqwaked softy and then uttered a throaty chirring noise.
"I m not sure" Magellan replied, names were important he noticed that Zhukarak understood that, words had meaning and names power. "I ll have to think on it. Names need careful planning. I best take him back to my quarters and then I better check that Admiral Drew is ready for his science mission"

[Felix Savali]

Off: I'm back from my LOA everyone, hoped you missed me Anyway now to the post.

"Thank you my wife," Tedak said softly, then turned to Saarok. "Do you remember now?"

"I, I need time for the images and memories to fall in the right places", Saarok said as he dazed of from the room. He had a real confusion in his head a huge blank space and after it memories that were falling in the correct places. He began to remember but only the things Tedak knew about him and about what was happening everything before the time he met Tedak was one big void, he could remember nothing of what happened before. However that could wait.

But he did not know that much of what had happened a short while ago, and was unknown to Tedak was probably lost for Saarok forever unless his brain was able to regenerate itself through extensive meditation. Would Saarok ever remember it all? Will he ever remember his past? That was unknown at the time to both Saarok and those around him. But did they really think about it? No they did not as the important thing was to get the ambassador back, the rest it would be possible to bring it back at a later time.

When Saarok was brought into his office he still appeared like he was staring into a blank space. And when he was informed of the new firelizards he still did not show any signs of remembering anything.

After the crowd in his office started to get thinner he ceased to stare into blank space and got focus back to his eyes, he remembered of what Tedak knew of him and about everything else, but there were still parts he could not remember.

"Admiral", he called to Magellan as he was about to leave

"Yes?" he replied turning at the door

"With the help of Mr. Tedak here I was able to remember many things about the current situation and enough to get back to my job. However ms. Jatira Laika can keep the position of the head of the diplomatic core here on SB Assailant, of course should she need any help I would be happy to offer it.", Saarok said

"Thankyou, that does seem the wisest course of action until you are back on form again."

"And of course if there is anything you need me to do I am at your disposal, I should have restored most of my data, as I will contact the DCS for them to transmit the info on the current diplomatic situation in the area."

"Excellent that would be very helpful, If we ahve any trouble I ll come find you"

"You know where you can find me, and you were wise to decide to impress a firelizard, they can be very useful at times", Saarok finished as he left Magellan

"My friend"; he said to Tedak

<Tedak>

"Thank you for helping me remember many things, however I have not been able to remember it all, many things are still blank but over time I am sure I will remember it all", Saarok said

<Tedak>

[Deleted]

Meanwhile on the Copenhagen

Drew settled behind the small desk in his modest quarters on the Copenhagen, he had just completed a tour of the ship, with Lt. Commander Axen Abren, the stations Strategic Operations Officer, who would be serving as Tactical, and First Officer for this mission. Although small, the Copenhagen was very impressive, newly refitted it had many state of the art systems, and Drew had been assured the science systems on the ship were second to none. Science Officer Lieutenant Rachel O’Sullivan had told Drew that the systems were a new design, and that the Copenhagen would be field testing the new systems. From his talks with Chief Engineer Bucky, Drew had learned that many of the Copenhagen’s systems were experimental, this mission would be about testing Starfleet’s newest devices, as well as mapping out the area around Assailant.

There were of course the usual status reports to complete before the ship could leave, that was what Drew was busying himself with now, having completed his duties on Assailant, his fall attention could now be given to Copenhagen.

His attention was distracted by a call from Operations Officer Ensign T’Kor;

“Sorry to disturb you Admiral, but I thought you would want to know Admiral Lin is aboard the ship.”

“Yes, thank you Ensign,” Drew replied, rising from his chair, “Tell the Admiral I will meet him shortly.”

“Aye Sir,” T’Kor replied, closing the channel.

After getting Magellan’s location from the computer, Drew headed off to meet his friend, finding him down in the science labs, also keenly inspecting Starfleet’s latest invitations.

“Amazing isn’t it?” Magellan said as he saw Drew approach, “A complete redesign of the central sensor systems, and to think, when we were Cadets, we thought we had the latest tech.”

“It sure is,” Drew agreed, “Makes me feel kind of old.”

“Try having memories of countless life times to make you feel old,” Magellan said with a smile, “Why I can still remember the old sensor nets from the first Excelsior’s.”

“Well, Starfleet tells us this little ship should run rings around the Excelsior in the science field.”

“Indeed,” Magellan answered, “And she still has impressive fire power, a science ship with teeth, a sad reflection of the current state of the galaxy.”

“Sadly so,” Drew replied, nodding his head, “What with the Borg, the Dominion, the Breen, it seems there is a threat around every corner these days.”

“Well,” Magellan said in a cheerful voice, trying to change subject, “You shouldn’t be needing fire-power where you’re going.”

Drew agreed nodded in agreement, “A nice science mission, going back to what Starfleet is all about.”

“Have you invited all the diplomatic staff?” Magellan inquired.

“I sent them all personal invitations this morning,” Drew told him, “after all, this entire mission is possible thanks to the special circumstances around Assailant.”

“Good, I hope they take the opportunity to see life on a Starfleet ship.”

“Speaking of a Starfleet ship,” Drew said with a grin, “You fancy seeing the bridge?”

“I thought you would never ask!” Magellan replied happily, “Led the way.”

[Deleted]

After Saarok ended his conversations with Magellan and Tedak and the men left his office, he decided that it was time to attempt to restore some of the data that appears to have been deleted. First thing he did was contact the DCS center and requested all important diplomatic info and a new set of access codes. Admiral Clark was very helpful and the whole matter was resolved soon.

After he received the data he began to study it. Most of the info was already familiar to him but there were parts of it that needed to be learned again. Several hours later while he was checking some files on his computer he reached a file that couldn't be opened with his access codes. Peculiar he thought a file in my computer which I am unable to access. How can this be he asked himself.

Perhaps my new access codes are not of the same level as my old ones. That would be the only logical answer to my problem. After trying unsuccessfully with several different code breakers to access the file he had to give up for the time being. Logic states that once i am able to restore more of my memory that i will at that time be able to remember how to access this file and perhaps even my access codes.

After ending the debate over that file he decided to check his messages where he found another dead end. One message was encoded by an algorithm not familiar to him at least not familiar to him at this time; there is something very strange happening here he thought but there does not seem to be a clear logical solution to this problem. After reading over some of the messages he had access to, he heard a chime on the door.

"Enter he said"

It was his chief of security commander Jackson, or that’s what he thought with the knowledge he possessed at the time.

"Sir, I arrived back as soon as I heard. Are you feeling ok?"; Jackson asked

"Well aside of loosing most of my memory it is logical to assume that i am feeling fine", Saarok answered

"You lost your memory?",

"That is correct"

"Directive beta 45-9", Jackson said

"What is that?", Saarok asked

"Oh nothing just something from a book I’m reading", Jackson attempted to get out of it but it was true Saarok lost his memory which meant he had to excise Saaroks orders issued should something like this ever happen

He walked over to the computer and tapped at the console a few times restoring Saaroks security clearance without him knowing and activating the bug to clear all the sensitive files from his computer, his memory will no doubt be restored but in the meantime he had to do this.

"I will send lt. Décor and Joplin to be your guard from now on", Jackson said

"Fine", Saarok replied

"You have been invited to go with Adm. Drew on a science mission I suggest you accept and join him"; Jackson said

"Yes I think I will do it, perhaps something there can trigger my memory", he replied

"Good bye then I hope you will get you’re memory back soon"; Jackson said as he left Saaroks office

After Jackson departed Saarok decided to ask Tedak if he was planning to go on the science mission so he sent him a message and sat in his chair awaiting his reply.

<Tedak>

[Deleted]

"No T'Val," Tedak said; he was on the verge of losing his patience with his wife. "You are not coming on this little trip. We will plan our vacation some other time, this issue that has come up is more important. Besides, you have the care for D'Beren, as well as your newly hatched firelizard. I cannot condone you and our son coming along on a possibly dangerous trip."

T'Val sighed, she had really been looking forward to their trip off the station, and when Tedak had announced the departure of the Copenhagen, and an invitation for him to come along, she had been almost delighted. "Very well," she said, "I will remain here, but you must promise me to be careful."

"I will," Tedak replied, taking his wife into an embrace and kissed her. Just then, the com went off, and Saarok's image appeared on a panel. "Excuse me," Tedak said and went over to the panel to listen to his friend's message.

"Indeed I am," he answered, "shall we meet at the docking hatch in half an hour?"

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

It was yesterday when Zhukarak had accepted adopting Theel’zhiin, his new companion, a firelizzard. T’Val stated that it was important more so now than ever that Theel’zhiin remain by his side in this early stage of life.

The past 18 hours proved to be quite interesting with Theel’zhiin. Since Zhukarak already had heightened senses, compared to humans, and the ability to gauge other humanoids’ personalities and alignments, it seemed like a seventh sense was turned on. Visions would enter Zhukarak’s mind from Theel’zhiin’s point of view. He remembered when Sev had done this very same thing, but it was still a little disconcerting for Zhukarak.

Theel’zhiin was a hungry little fellow. He required feeding every 3 hours. At least replicators were not in short demand.

It was time to seek out Lt Tomlinson. He was Chief of Security here and he was heading up the new fighter wing.

Hopefully he wasn’t going to be annoyed by Theel’zhiin. Then again, there were a couple of other firelizards in the fleet and the Admiral now had one. What could he say?

[Deleted]

Richard sat back and rubbed his eyes. He had been examining the records for Drolem Simeth for several hours and now, and there wasn't much to keep him interested. Security had some notes on him regarding a potential illegal exchange of some kind. There were also some notes on visits by Admiral KezTrek, Paul Drew and Ambassador Saarok. Pretty important company. There were no notes on what was said at these meetings. Saaroks had been the longest by far though.

There was also some conjecture about a transporter somewhere in Simeth's office, but Jibb could see no proof behind anything. Just a bunch of random statements without anything behind them.

Simeth's official biographical record wasn't very interesting either. He was from Raisa. Came to Assailant for reasons of his own and somehow managed to become Mayor. Richard had listened to several of his campaign speeches, and they mostly involved telling people what they wanted to hear. Standard political tactic, but Simeth seemed to be able to do that better than his opponents.

One interesting thing that Richard had managed to find was that the incidence of piracy around the station was almost 10 times what it was before Simeth showed up. Unfortunately, like everything else he had come across, it wasn't proof, just conjecture.

Richard rotated his chair, put his feet up on the desk and stared out the view port absently. If Simeth was up to something illegal, he was either very smart or very dumb.

Turning back to the console, Richard accessed the Starbases free media. There were several outfits that provided news to the inhabitants of the station, and he ran a search for the mayors name.

Like most politicians, Mayor Simeth seemed to like seeing his name in print, and there were numerous articles that had his name. However, the number of public appearances from the mayor had decreased dramatically over the last few days. This development roughly coincided with the vist to the Mayor by Ambassador Saarok.

Another coincidence, but at least this one could be checked out. Richard ran a computer check between Saarok and Simeth, looking for simiarities between the two.

[Deleted]

Half an hour after talking to Saarok, Tedak had packed his bags and was ready to depart to the Copenhagen. "You behave yourself," he told T'Val while smiling brightly. His two firelizards echoed his mood, and in her arms, even the little green chirped. "I am leaving Sev with you," he said, "I am taking Nut with me."

He gazed at the bronze intently, and the bronze gave a reluctant chirp, but settled besides T'val on the table. Tedak picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder. "Well I will be off then," he said as he walked to the door.

T'Val rose from her chair and walked up to him. To his surprise, she kissed him in the human fashion, for the first time. "Be careful," she said only.

"I will most certainly endeavour to do so," he replied, then walked out the door. When he reached the airlock, Saarok hadn't arrived yet. Deciding to dump his bag, he stepped into the airlock.

Ädmiral?" he called, "This is Ambassador Tedak requesting permission to come aboard."

[Deleted]

On the Bridge, Drew and Magellan turned as Tedak's voice sounded over the inter-comm systems. Drew walked over to the small Operation's station, and pressed a small button.

"Ambassador! permission granted."

"Thank you Admiral," came Tedak's reply, "Who shall be meeting me?"

Drew gave a glance over to Magellan, who nodded, "Admiral Lin and myself will be right down to greet you, when the other Ambassador's arrive, we will arrange a tour of the ship."

[Deleted]

Tedak waited for the two admirals to pick him up at the hatch. "Really generous of you to invite the diplomats aboard for a trip on a starship admiral...admirals even." He smiled, at both men.

He stepped aboard the ship and looked around. "Ambassador Saarok will be arriving shortly, I hope, we were supposed to meet here but he is late. I am, however very much looking forward to a tour of your ship admiral. From the viewport she looks a beauty."

[Deleted]

After contacting Tedak about joining him on the excursion, Saarok returned to read some more about what he once knew but forgotten. He decided to try once more to open the encrypted messages. He gave his code and to his surprise, as much as a Vulcan can be surprised, the message opened it continued some info on the latest happenings within the Romulan Empire.

It would be logical to assume that either there was a computer error a few moments ago or someone raised my clearance to a higher level then it was before. He decided to access the files he tried earlier but was unable to open them. But the computer informed him that 30 minutes have passed so he had to put this of for later.

He downloaded some info to the pad and went out of his office, accompanied by Aeris as his other firelizard had gotten of to somewhere and his two new guards, but they could have been even old ones as he would not remember them. They proceeded towards the airlock. There he found an lieutenant waiting for him.

"Welcome ambassador", the man said to him

"Some of the diplomatic staff is already on board you may precede” the man said as Saarok and his guards and Aeris proceed through the airlock on board the vessel. He arrived on the ship just as Tedak was informing the admirals that he was late.

"Admirals, ambassador", he called them as he approached them

"Ambassador. Are you feeling any better?" Magellan asked

"Yes I am fine physically but I still do not poses all of my lost memories but this should improve over time", Saarok said

<Tedak, Paul>

"Yes I sense some familiarity of this vessel as if I had been on one before however I can not remember it's layout nor anything else about it", said Saarok

<Tedak, Paul>

As they pointed him to the nearest terminal on the wall and called up the schematics of the ship for him to look at, as he was looking at it he remembered parts of the ship he had forgotten due to the memory loss however his knowledge was not near the one he had before but sufficient for him to not get lost.

"If you gentlemen have nothing against it, perhaps we might proceed on the tour you promised ambassador Tedak here"; Saarok said

<Tedak, Magellan, Paul>

[Magellan Lin]

"Of course I m sure Admiral Drew will be more than pleased to conduct the tour. I however must be leaving, duty calls. I ll talk to you before you leave from ops Paul, keep her in one piece"
"This isnt the Vic" Drew replied straight faced,
Magellan grinned,
"That it aint, I ll see you on the flip side, good journey"

Magellan returned first to his quarters where he had left the small natant fire lizard curled up in his armchair. He looked at the small bronze animal and decided on a name, a name that befitted a dragon, a name that had history if not for a trill at least for a human. It was Toya that was reponsible, as an exo-ecologist she had spent some time researching mythological creatures in the Federation. It was a popular theory at one time that evidence of a common mythology would indicate common ancestry, he studies of earth history and in particular british led her to an account of two dragons, a red and a white whose fight foretold of a battle between King Vortigern and Arthur. Yes that was most fitting and so it was that Magellan decided to call the creature Dinas Emrys or Dinas for short after the name of the site of the two dragons.
Dinas unwound and fluttered, somewhat clumsily up to perch on his shoulder. Magellan took his seat and Dinas curled up next to him welcome of the warmth.
Magellan found himself recalling earlier events, he had likened the Copenhagen to an Excelsior class ship. And yet he nor Toya had ever been on one. It was yet another moment when he had surprised himself, like when he'd greeted teh Tekarans in their native language and a vague memory of wearing the old style uniforms form the 2260's. Slowly Magellans mind drifted away from the curious additional memories and drifted off to sleep.

[Deleted]

"Are we waiting for the others if any of them decide to come or will the tour start now?", Saarok asked

<Drew>

"Well then we should start", Saarok replied

<Drew>

After the short conversation was over drew led the party deeper inside the ship on the tour he promised Tedak earlier before Saarok had arrived, and he was going to show them their quarters along the way.

<Tag all>

[Deleted]

Jatira quickly grabbed a few things and went down to the airlock where the Copenhagen was. She had been very busy with last minute details and she feared that she was late.

A few others were coming along too, but she wasn't sure who would be there. She still did not know the other ambassadors very well and hoped that she could use this trip as a way to do so.

As soon as she reached the airlock, she quickly messaged in and asked permission to come aboard.

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Marine Cpt Zhukarak Hrisvalar arrived at Lt Tomlinson’s office. Theel’zhiin was perched on Zhukarak’s shoulder.

Simon looked up from his security paperwork, “Ah. Captain Hrisvalar. Welcome. I understand you will be joining our fighter wing, for which I had to make room for.”

“I hope this isn’t a problem. I assure you that I did not mean to displace anyone. I am an able pilot and I am offering my services for further training of these pilots.” Zhukarak’s voice was firm, letting Lt Tomlinson know that he wasn’t going to be a pushover.

Zhuk sensed the tension rising in Theel’zhiin as his claws were digging in a little deeper, and his wings became slightly spread. ~Be calm. We are on the same side.~ Theel’zhiin sensed the calming thoughts and relaxed a bit.

The firelizard didn’t go unnoticed by Lt Tomlinson. “Yes, I’ve read your file. At the moment we are still awaiting our compliment of fighters. I guess you can familiarize yourself with flightops and personnel.”

“Admiral Lin also asked me perform some security training for your department. I think I will begin there. I will go over your security personnel, their training levels and work schedules, and I will plan a time for training on the holodeck.” “Of course I will inform you first.”

“Of course.” Lt Tomlinson smirked.

[Deleted]

“I believe almost everyone is here,” Drew answered Saarok, who seemed particularly keen to get underway, there attention was diverted by the air lock doors opening, admitting Jatira into the ship. Drew nodded a greeting to her.

“Well then we should start?” Saarok asked.

“Certainly Ambassador,” Drew said politely, then turning his entire attention to the group, which consisted of Tedak, Sarrok, Jatira and Ambassador Kaskrene, “If you would all be please follow me, I will give you a brief tour of the ship before we depart.”

“Excellent,” Tedak replied eagerly, “I understand the Copenhagen has some of Starfleet’s latest science systems.”

“Indeed it does,” Drew said proudly, “The Copenhagen, and its sister ship the Vanquisher have been fitted with experimental technology, with the unique situation on Assistant, Starfleet Command feels it is the perfect place to test the future of our ships.”

“Will Mr. Jibb being joining us?” Jatira asked, as they headed for main Engineering.

“I have sent him an invite,” Drew answered, “So who knows, he might be waiting for us back at the airlock.”

Entering the medium size Engineering room, Drew directed his group to the singular large warp core in the centre of the room.

“The Copenhagen has reached speeds of around warp 9.4, which I am sure you all know, is impressive for a ship this compact.”

“Indeed it is,” Saarok replied, “It amazes me how Starfleet can build these smaller ships, and still keep them up to spec.”

“You know what Engineers are like,” Drew laughed, “Smaller is always better.”

“How long do you expect our mission to last Admiral?” Tedak asked, after they had completed tours of Engineering, and the Science labs.

“No longer than a week,” Drew told him, “We want to give all our systems as full a test as possible out on the field, maybe even give the warp drive a go.”

Finally all that was left for the tour, was the bridge, as they stood outside the doors, Drew turned to his group, and hushed for silence.

“Before we enter the bridge, do any of you have any questions?”

[Deleted]

Richard quietly left the office that he had been given for the day. His research on commonalities between Saarok and Mayor Simeth had found only one thing. They had been born in the same galaxy. Other than that, the two seemed to have nothing in common, at least according to their computer profiles. The comparison had taken several hours, and Richard was sick of looking at biographical details and decided to call it a night.

He was about to return to his suite when he realized that he hadn't been down to see the Wanderer since she had been put into drydock for repair, although he had been receiving daily status reports.

Richard made his way through the complicated maze of Assailant to the Federation drydock area. There, the Wanderer was grounded, but looking almost like new. He walked up, accessed the main hatch which hissed open quietly and made his way to the bridge.

Richard smiled to himself as he sat down in his command chair and started checking systems. Another hour flew by as he verified the Wanderer's health. She seemed ready to go. Richard quashed the urge to take her for a joyride. His last one ended up with he and T'Val being in a major mess. Shaking his head, all he did was do a complete change of all access codes aboard ship before locking everything down and returning to his quarters.

When he got there, the message light was flashing on his console. Accessing it, he found that Admiral Drew had invited him aboard the Copenhagen for some nebula research and new technology testing. Richard bent over the console and requested information regarding the Copenhagen's departure and compliment. It seemed that some important company had also signed on and that she would be leaving very shortly. Jibb decided that it might be a good idea to stay here and sort of keep an eye on things.

He sent a polite decline to Admiral Drew, then sent messages to Raisa and Vulcan, asking for any biographical information they might have regarding Drolem Simeth and Saarok, respectively. Then he accessed the repair reports for the Wanderer and started going through them. There was no telling when he might need to leave.

[Deleted]

Tedak raised his hand, smiling all the while. "I have a question," he said, raising his voice somewhat, "where is all the crew? Or are we taking the Copenhagen for a spin on our own?"

Around him, the diplomats chuckled, and Nut, sitting on one of the panels, appeared to be chuckling as well. Tedak smiled with mild bemusement as he saw Drew's puzzled expression. "Just joking," he added, though he still didn't see any Copenhagen crew, just Drew and the load of diplomats.

"Is Mr Jibb not coming?" he finally asked, making a point of looking disappoined, "I would have thought that he'd not pass up the opportunity to catch a ride on this magnificent ship."

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Since he was training security teams responsible for a starbase, it only made sense that Marine Captain Zhukarak Hrisvalar programmed the holodeck for scenarios on a starbase.

Currently, the teams were engaging a hostile merchant. The premise was that one of the merchants on the Promenade Deck was having a bad day. After one of the customers complained of the high prices the merchant was charging, the merchant pulled out a phaser, pointing it at his customer.

The security team of three responded to the call from a neighboring merchant. The lead officer went inside with one of his men, leaving the other outside to clear the area of bystanders and onlookers. This would minimize casualties, if it went bad. Zhukarak was evaluating and taking mental notes.

The lead officer slowly approached the merchant to within ten paces, all the while trying to talk him down. The second security officer had separated himself and was off to the side, so the merchant could not see both at the same time. He would wait for an opportunity to intervene, if necessary. This was a twist of divide and conquer.

Zhukarak was noting that the lead officer had bothered to get some necessary information about the merchant, before he had arrived. He was talking to him in a slow, calm, friendly manner, and was referring to personal information about the merchant while talking. This was good. The lead officer was treating him as a friend and made references to some of the merchant’s friends and families.

The merchant finally broke down and lowered his arm, at which time the second officer rushed in and disarmed him.

“Computer! End program!” “That was good. You have met this exercise with success.”

[Deleted]

Simon slipped away, leaving the holodeck. He had been watching the whole exercise, dressed in civilian uniform, watching how the marine went about the exercise. He had to admit that it was impressive, even if it was something that the security officers had already bee rigorously trained in. He still had reservations about how effective the andorian would be.

As he walked away from the holodeck, he heard the door slide open down the corridor behind him, and footsteps started towards him. He slowed his pace, and the andorian was soon beside him.

"Well, what do you think?" he asked with the hint of a smile.

Tomlinson kept walking, pondering his reply. "It was good. They seemed very efficient, and they managed to minimise damages."

Hrisvalar placed a hand on the security officer's shoulder, stopping him. "You don't like me Lieutenant."

"You seem a very good officer Captain. Now I have duties to attend to."

"Like what?"

"The fighter squadron is arriving in under an hour, I need to be changed and ready by the time they arrive."

[Deleted]

Richard's eyes popped blearily open and he sat up in bed. His quarters hadn't changed overnight, as usual. That was always a good sign. He got out of bed and went through the usual morning routine.

About an hour later, he was sitting with cup of coffee at his main view window watching Qualinost rise. It had become a habit since he had taken these quarters. It was a nice way to start the day.

Sighing, he got to work. His first check was to see if there were any official courier duties that he would have to perform. However, it seemed the majority of the station's diplomatic staff were aboard the Copenhagen, which left him with little official work to do.

This left him with his unofficial work. There were two communiques blinking at him on his console. The first from Vulcan, and it was typically abrupt and to the point. The Vulcan Diplomatic Office didn't reveal information regarding it's staff to mere Level 3 Ambassadors. The message politely instructed him to either ask Saarok personally, or view the "official" bio that the Federation would allow Richard access to.

In other words, bug off...

The one from Raisa regarding Drolem Simeth was a bit more informative. It listed his birth date and location, a history of education and several government type jobs the man had had while living on the planet. Seemed pretty ordinary. There was even a listing for the day he left for Starbase Assailant.

He was reading that when something jogged his memory. Richard accessed Simeth's personel records from Assailant and went through them, trying to figure out what his eyes were trying to tell him. Finally, he tracked it down. It was Simeth's original request for entry to Assailant.

The Assailant entry request for Simeth had been completed in 2365, and Drolem had listed his age as 25. However, the Raisan document Richard had looked at noted that he had left the planet in 2363, at age 25. This little discrepancy left two years unaccounted for.

Richard verified his findings. There seemed to be no doubt. Drolem had had two years of time where he was unaccounted for, and he had even lied about it to the Federation. He sat back in his chair and tried to think of what to do next.


>>Starbase Assailant, Deck 47<<


A blinking light caught the attention of the Andorian. He took a look at the relevant information. Someone on the station had taken an interest in the mayor and was looking in places they shouldn't.

He ran a trace program, but whoever it was was working behind an extremely good encryption wall. There weren't many computer systems aboard the station that could stop his trace this easily. In fact there was only one.

"Federation" he mumbled to himself. He turned and looked at the hulking shape of the Nausican that was sitting in the chair behind him. "I might have some work for you soon" he said.

The Nausican growled agreeably.

[Deleted]

<k just a fewliner to keep this going..if Ig et more ideas I'll modify or just write a new reply, depending on responses>

Tedak glanced at Drew questioningly. "So what exactly is the purpose of our attendance?" he asked, after the tour had come to an end with their arrival on the bridge.

Instantly, Tedak had been interested by the data output at the science station, but much of the data was muddled and unclear.

"I assume we are going on a little trip, but to where exactly?"

<drew>

[Deleted]

OCC:
Sorry for my lack of posts, been a little bit busy recently, anyways, onwards and upwards.

ON:

“Indeed we are Ambassador,” Drew answered Tedak, walking up to the Romulan Ambassador who was hovering over the Science stations, Drew pressed a few buttons on the console, and an image of a multi-coloured nebula appeared on screen.

“Ah, I see,” Tedak said, “We will be testing out your impressive new science systems in there.”

“Exactly,” Drew told him, “It has the perfect conditions for testing the new sensor grid, and probe systems.”

“Well, this is all very interesting,” Saarok, added, walking over to join them, Jatira just behind him, “but if we are ready, may I suggest we depart?”

Drew surprised a smile at the Ambassador’s forward remarks, Vulcans, especially ones who were Ambassador’s often had a knack for such comments, although Drew noticed a few of the junior officers on the bridge looked up in shock at such comments directed at senior officer.

“Of course we shall Mr. Ambassador,” Drew said pleasantly, turning away from science, and walking the small distance to the command level.

“Open a channel to Assailant,” Drew ordered.

Magellan’s face appeared on screen, behind could be seen the busy scene at Ops.

“Go ahead Copenhagen,”

“Requesting permission to disembark,” Drew said, his hands folded behind his back.

“Permission granted,” Magellan said with a smile, “Safe journey Copenhagen.”

“See you in one week,” Drew replied, returning the smile, “Copenhagen out.”

And then the viewscreen returned to a view of Assailants docking port.

“All crew to stations,” Drew ordered, turning and now sitting in the command chair, he ran his hands over the chair arm rests, it felt good to be back in the centre seat. “Bring all systems online, helm take us out at one quarter impulse power.”

Almost instantly, the view of the docking port was replaced by one of an open star field, as the small science vessel left her home base, and set off on adventure.

The atmosphere on the Copenhagen bridge was now one of excitement, this was a moment the crew had been waiting for, for a quite some time.

“Increase speed to full impulse,” Drew continued to give his orders, “and set course for the Nebula.”

“Aye Captain,” came the reply from young Ensign Tims.

Drew turned in his chair to face the Vulcan science officer, “Commander Sev, stand ready to deploy the first probe as soon as we enter the Nebula.”

“Enjoying the ride so far?” Drew asked the Ambassadors, who had been given seats at the rear of the bridge.

“Certainly Admiral,” Saarok answered, “The launch of a new vessel is always most fulfilling.”

“That means he is enjoying himself,” Jatira cut in with a smile.

“I am sure he is,” Drew answered with a laugh, and then turned his attention back to the viewscreen as the Nebula started to grow bigger.

“Science standing ready,” Sev reported, his hands already posed to release the first probe of the day.

“Entering Nebula in 5, 4, 3,” Tims called out, as the ship flew closer and closer, “2, 1, we are in Captain.”

“Probe away,” Sev reported.

“Are we getting back readings?” Drew asked.

“Affirmative,” Sev told the Captain, “I believe phase one of our tests is a success.”

“Congratulations Admiral,” Tedak said from the back on the bridge.

Drew turned round and gave the Ambassador a smile in way of thanks, then calling up a screen on his chair, viewed the results from the probe, and as he did, alarm bells started to ring in his head, something was happening.

“Sev, what are those readings?” Drew called out, trying to keep the alarm from his voice.

Sev’s attention was also on his screen displays, “It appears the probe has caused a rift of sort to open in the Nebula.”
“What kind of rift?” Drew demanded.

“I am unable to establish that information at this time,” Sev told Drew, “however, it appears to have a strong gravitational pull, I suggest backing away.”

“Agreed,” Drew answered, “Helm, all engines full reverse.”

Behind him, Drew was aware of the Ambassadors standing, and walking towards the command level, wanting to get a better view of the situation.

And then suddenly the ship started to rock heavily, causing all those standing to full to the deck, Drew only just stayed in his seat by grabbing onto the arm rests.

“Report!” he called out.

“We can’t break free,” Tims reported, “Whatever it is, we are being pulled inside.”

“Send a distress call to Assailant, they can get help here instantly.”

“Transmitting distress cal…” the communications officer never finished his sentence, as the hardest shudder yet hit the ship, causing almost everyone to full to the deck. When Drew looked over at the young communication officer, he saw his head placed at an odd angle clearly his neck was broken.

“Medical teams to the bridge,” Drew called over the comm systems, as he realised the extent of the injuries they had suffered, it was then he noticed that the shaking had stopped, had they gone through the rift?

“Someone give me a report,” Drew called out, pulling himself back into his chair.

For a few deadly silent minutes they came no reply from anyone on the bridge, and then Drew heard Tedak’s strong voice coming back at him.

“We appear to have entered, and exited the rift,” he reported, “Although reading’s are unclear, I am unable to pinpoint our location at this time.”

“Where are you Tedak?” Drew asked.

“At the Science station Captain,” Tedak answered, “I regrettably have to report Commander Sev is dead.”

“As is your Tactical Officer,” Sarrok’s voice now came from the direction of the tactical console, “I can tell you that the ship has sustained only light damage, although sickbay is reporting a high number of crew injuries, with at least ten crewmembers dead.”

Drew listened as Saarok called out the names of the dead officers, in time he would grieve for each of them, but right now he needed to think about the remaining crew.

“We need to get the sensor systems back up,” Drew told the remaining crew, “Find out where we are, and how we can get back.”

<tag to everyone, if you have read the mission spec Magellan gave before, you should all know where we are, there are no plans for what is to happen next, so feel free to go with your gut>

[Magellan Lin]

The Small hab dome shook again, less violently this time. The shelling had been going on for nearly an hour without a let up. It was a stalemate really, a messy and very complicated threeway stalemate with them in the middle.
A burst EPS grid ruptured in a shower of sparks that singed the hair of a passing Vulcan. A springling of dust fell from the roof oncemore.
"They're pulling back. Both of them." T'Ruk called from the perimeter, his face was smudged and he held the disruptor with a casual ease.
"Excellent it might give us time to get Jak Dor to help us fix the satellite defences" Voral called excitedly her antennae twitching in anticipation.
The debrune satellite network above the planet had been all that had kept both parties from destroying them, Then when the sector base began to be constructed and the attention of both the Alliance and the Empire had fell upon this sector things had got nasty, their idyllic community had been shattered and they had all been changed it was frightening how quickly a farmer could become a freedom fighter. The Empire and Alliance had both knocked a tiny whole in the defences and landed troops. Then the fighting had really begun a bitter three way struggle for survival.
"You best tell the boss" T'Ruk suggested
"I ll do it" Voral offered.