SB ASSAILANT - MISSION 2.2 The Nascent

[Magellan Lin]

The next mission probably won't start for the next few days poss even a week. I m wanting to wait for our new CMO - Stuart Mercy before starting. So to keep people ticking over this is a thread to illustrate how everyone is integrating back in to Assailant life.
- Andy: you ve been missing, your wife and children have been living with a mad man

- Me: I ve been working with an unknown and am continuing to have strange memories, perhaps something that peeps saw of the Alternate magellan can help him.

- Saarok: Your memory seems to have returned but is it all back, who took it and how do you feel about the Real Magellan after the alternate one shot you.

- Tedak: you got to see a different side to your wife. How does that make you feel?


As the Copenhagen limped into the main dock a small Cardassian Hideki ship entered one of the lower shuttlepads.
It passed through security and was granted landing iin the private bays. The rear ramp descended and a weary Magellan emerged. He was met by Zoilip. The bolian looked at little ruffled.
"Whats up" Magellan asked,
"Its the Copenhagen sir she just got back"
"Got back? She should have been back days ago. Why wasnt I told"
"Sorry Sir. I did put a call through to Command but they told me you were on an assignment and couldnt be reached."
"True" Magellan nodded, his mission with T Val, Jira and Steve had been top secret, and he had been out of radio contact since its start.
"So any idea what happened?"
"Not yet. The Copenhagens got a little damage and oddly Ambassador Saarok was one of the people to hail us."
"What about Drew?"
"F'Rras said he made the first hail announcing there return from the nebula"
"Did they say whats happened?"
"No. And thats the odd thing. When they went missing Tomlinson swept the nebula with the new fighter wing and turned up nothing, then today here they appear."
"Odd indeed. Okay let me freshen up and then have Admiral Drew meet me in my office as soon as possible for a debrief."
"Aye Sir" Zoilip nodded, "Oh and sir" he asked turning at the turbolift "How did your assignment go?"
"Oh dont ask" Magellan said rolling his eyes, "Nearly a complete wash out. Though it did give me chance to pilot T Val to the Jefferson and Jira and Steve to the Nevada."
Magellan watched the bolian depart and then went back aboard, fetching his kit bag, he exited and locked his shuttle. Time for a shower.

[Deleted]

Tedak had been quiet ever since they came back to their own universe. He had been astounded to encounter an evil version of his bondmate, whom he knew as a (for a Vulcan) very gentle woman. This one went over dead bodies if she had to, to achieve her goal.

He had understood that indirectly, she had been responsible for the death of Magellan Lin, even though she had been devastated by it. He had witnessed her tempers, and even the threat of killing them to achieve her goal. She had even been prepared to kill her other lover.

Tedak compared the traits of this woman to his own wife. He could understand the feelings for Magellan, as his T'Val had confessed having such feelings as well, but he knew his wife did not possess such a temper. ~I will have to tell her about this~ he pondered, then realised that the woman had glanced at him with pure hatred in her eyes. ~the woman must have suffered from my version in her universe....and he must've gotten himself killed at that~

The Romulan ambassador looked up from his ponderings when the announcement was passed on that they were approaching Assaillant. He was looking forward to being with his bondmate again...though he was aware that she was away on a mission with the USS Jefferson. She had taken D'Beren with her, as he needed her care. ~good thing we both have firelizards~ he thought, and leaned back in his chair to enjoy the final stage of their flight to Assaillant.

[Deleted]

When the Copenhagen was finally docked back at Assailant, Drew was one of the first ones to disembark; eager to get off the ship, and the memories it carried. Most of the young crew looked tired and shaken up, it had certainly proven to be a more eventful mission than any of them expected. Drew was also eager to finally see his family again, it had been months since he last seem them, but he was also worried, what had his counterpart done during the time he was captured?

However, before he could even get out of the airlock, a Lt. Commander Bolian came hurrying along.

“Admiral Drew! Admiral Drew!” the officer called, catching his breath as he approached, “Admiral Lin would like to see you straight away.”

“Hold your horses Commander,” Drew said, holding his hand up, “there are some things you need to know first.”

“Commander Zoilip,” Saarok said, approaching from behind “I believe it would be more prudent if Admiral Drew first returned to his quarters.”

Zoilip shook his head, “Admiral Lin was most clear, he wishes to meet with Admiral Drew now.”

Drew sighed in defeat, he knew it wouldn’t be good practice to revel the truth to Zoilip before informing Magellan, and indeed Starfleet Command, Admirals being kidnapped and replaced was a major security breach, one that Starfleet Security would be very quick to investigate.

“Very well Commander,” he said in a dull voice, “led the way.”

Minutes later, Drew was entering Magellan’s spacious office adjunct to Ops, Drew had of course worked with Magellan before, there pervious ships the Victory and the Fang had been assigned to the same squadron. Still it was un-nerving to know Magellan had been working with another him for so long.

“Ah Paul, welcome back,” Magellan said as Drew walked in, “please take a seat.”

“Thank you,” Drew answered, pulling out a leather chair and sitting down in it, and then looking up at Magellan seriously, he said, “We need to talk.”

“Indeed we do, what took you so long getting back?”

“The easiest way to explain it, is that the ship was tricked into travelling to the mirror universe,” Drew explained calmly.

“Tricked?” Magellan repeated, “by whom?”

“My counterpart,” Drew said very simply.

It was interesting to see the way the colour drained from Magellan’s face, it made his spots stand out even more.
“Explain,” Magellan simply said, pulling a cup of coffee closer to him.

“The Paul Drew you have been working with for the last six months was actually my mirror universe counterpart,” Drew explained, “He abducted me some months before, and took my place.”

Magellan was speechless; he kept opening and closing his mouth, clearly uncertain as to what to say.

“Believe me, it came as a shock to me as well,” Drew continued, “Especially when we encountered counterparts for a number of Assailants key personnel, yourself included.”

There was a silence as Magellan thought over the implications of this startlingly revelation.

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan was stunned,
"It wasnt, not... him. But he was so... Well I guess that solves our leak. But"
Paul smiled,
"Your barely making sentences, think what its been like for me."
"By the pools Paul" Magellan said in sudden concern, "Here sit down. Computer two Double Saurian Brandys."
The replicator whizzed into life and the drinks appeared,
"Get this down you."
Suddenly a thought crossed Magellans mind.
"Computer scramble all command codes. Issue new ones and begin a level 1 diagnostic of all systems and subsystems immediatly. Phew thats better"
Magellan picked up his drink and took a long long sip.
"And thats even better. I don't know where to start, what happened to you?"
"I m still a little fuzzy on that myself. I woke up with two people standing over me, Ambassadors Tedakand Saarok I believe"
"Ah yes good people both of them, despite Tedaks Romulan-ness"
"Then it was a confusing rush back to... the copenhagen.. and back here. Somewhere I ve not been for years."
"Oh my." Magellan paused suddenly his jaw dropping open, "Oh Paul"
"What is it? Whats wrong?"
"Its well, its Joanna and the kids. There here, theyre fine, but he... well he brought them"
Paul was already on his feet.
"Your quarters are on Deck 121 Section 41a."
"Thanks Magellan I talk to you later"
"Take all the time you need. You have a lot of explaining to do, and Good Luck"

[Deleted]

Drew was up and out of the office before Magellan could even finish his sentence, he pushed past a group of officers who were working at the central station, and was in the turbolift seconds later, ignoring the cries of protest from the people he had pushed.

“Deck 121,” he instructed the computer urgently, the ride down seemed to take hours instead of minutes, and when the lift doors finally opened, Drew found he didn’t know which way to go.

“Computer, location of Section 41a, Admiral Drew’s quarters.”

“Please follow the arrows,” the calm voice of the computer replied, as yellow arrows appeared on the black display screens. Quickly Drew ran down the corridor, following the display signs, until finally he reached a silver door where the arrows ended. The manuscript on the side informed him that this was his quarters. He pressed his finger down on the sensor pad, and was surprised to see that his hands were shaking, just what had that monster done to his family? If any harm had come them, he would never be able to forgive himself, never.

The doors whisked open, and Drew was greeted with the most joyous sound he had ever head, his eldest teenage daughter arguing fiercely with her mother.

“I am eighteen years old, you can’t stop me going out!” Tammy yelled.

“Oh yes I can!” Joanna yelled back at her daughter, Tammy opened her mouth to say something back, but they were both interrupted by Max running across the room towards Drew, a grin on his shouting “Daddy!”

Drew swept his youngest child into his arms, and hugged him tightly, not wanting to let go, the young boy looked up and at him, and gave him a bemused look.

“Daddy, why are you crying?”

It was a few moments before Drew could answer, and when he did, it was only to ask them all to sit down. As Tammy and Tyler walked towards the seating area, Drew couldn’t help but hug his other two children, tears still running down his cheeks.

“Dad?” Tyler asked, clearly embarrassed.

“Paul, what’s wrong?” Joanna asked, fear in her voice.

And so with great difficulty, Drew explained to his family all that had happened, when he had finished, they were all in tears, expect for Tyler, who now stood up angrily.

“So because of you, we have been living with a mad man for months!”

“Tyler…” Drew began, reaching out for his son.

“How do I know your you?” Tyler yelled, pulling away from Drew, “Stay away from me!” and with that the teenage boy ran into the next room. Drew went to go after him, but Joanna put a hand on his arm to stop him.

“Give him time,” she said softly, tears were running down her cheeks as well, although Drew could detect the anger in her voice, although not as prominent as his son’s. Guilty flooded him, as he realised his wife, and his eldest son both couldn’t help but blame him for some of what had happened, because of his career, the entire family had been placed in danger. It was with deep hurt, fear, and regret that Drew wondered if his family would ever forgive him.

As Joanna left to check on Tyler, Drew was left alone with just Tammy and Max; Max ran over and gave Drew another hug.

“I am glad your home again Daddy,” he said softly, “I missed you.”

[Deleted]

When they finally reached SB Assailant, and when the Copenhagen docked, Saarok accompanied Drew of the ship as Tedak seems to have slipped out somewhere before Saarok had a chance to say anything to him. When Drew and Saarok went through the hatch and boarded SB Assailant. Commander Zoillip came running down the corridor with an urgent message for Drew: He was to go to adm. Magellan’s office right away.

As Drew went with Zoillip Saarok was left alone in the corridor, with only his two firelizards for company. The time has come for me to meditate on all that has happened he thought as he proceeded to his personal quarters. As he arrived he entered the code and the door swooshed open. He went inside and right after he changed into his meditation clothes he dimmed the lights and began to meditate.

"There is no emotion, there is peace", he chanted

"There is no emotion, there is peace"; he resumed

And slowly but surely he distanced himself from the reality and rose above the storm cloud that represented his thought inside his mind. He needed to let everything slide back into place slowly. He slowly let his memory part by part to fall into place.

--Several hours later--

When the storm cloud dispersed slowly but surely, there were only emotions left in it. And they would need to be buried in the unconsciousness.

"There is no emotions, there is peace.", he resumed

Slowly but surely the cloud of emotions disappeared from his conciseness. There was finally peace. But there were still fragments of memory that were not available to him he did not remember how he arrived to SB Assailant nor what he did before he met Ambassador Tedak, and that was something that needed to be discovered.

[Deleted]

The Drew family’s quarters were unusually quiet; all of its occupants bar one were tucked up in bed, safely asleep. Paul Drew sat in the main living area, the room was in darkness, with just the tiny twinkling stars casting light, it had been a few hours now since Drew’s return to his family, and things had gone even worse than he expected.

All those months he had spent locked up; his one source of hope was the thought of his family, but now back with them, he felt like a stranger, he needed someone to talk to, who would understand. And then it came to him, the one person who had always been there for him.

Taking care to not make too much noise, Drew pulled out the computer console, and keyed in a series of commands, seconds later, a familiar, and very welcoming face appeared on screen.

“Paul?” Captain Anna Shipley asked, “It’s a bit late for a chat isn’t it?”

“Sorry Number One,” Drew said in a hushed tone, “I haven’t disturbed you have I?”

“No more than you usually do,” his former First Officer said with a chuckle, then her features softened in concern “My god Paul, you look terrible, what’s happened?”

And so Drew told her, about how his counterpart had replaced him, and his family’s reactions.

“You have to give Tyler time,” Anna said softly, after Drew had finished, “he is going through a difficult time in his life, its easier for him to lash out than to try and deal with the problem.”

“I know,” Drew answered slowly, “its just I feel so guilty, if it wasn’t for my career, my family wouldn’t have been in such danger.”

“Correct me if I am wrong,” Anna said, “but you and Joanna got together while serving of a Starfleet ship, if not for your career you wouldn’t have your family.”

“That doesn’t make any of this right though Anna,” Drew said sadly.

“Maybe not,” Anna replied, “but you’re a good husband, and a good father, most of all you’re a good man, you’ll find a way to cope, after all, Captain Drew can do anything.”

“Captain Drew had a much easier life,” Drew laughed, for the first time in days, “what I wouldn’t give to deal with some Luxons round about now.”

Anna shuddered at the mention of the dark alien creatures, which had been a constant threat during the last years of the Fang, and who Drew remembered, had held her captive, forcing her to betray her family and friends, at once he felt stupid for even brining the subject up.

“Anna I am sorry,” he began, but Anna cut him off with a wave of his hand,

“Forget about it,” she said softly, “but just remember, I got through what they did to me, with help from you and the others, and now we can do the same for you.”

“I just don’t know how to make it better,” Drew said, his voice breaking slightly, “the things that man did, to me and my family.”

“You mustn’t blame yourself,” Anna said, her own eyes starting to water up as she saw her former Captain’s distress, “there was nothing you could have done.”

“The terrible thing though is he was me,” Drew continued, “and what if, in some part of myself, I am capable of being as evil, and filthy as he is?”

“Your not!” Anna exclaimed, “your nothing like him.”

“But, I must be, if not for a mix up of birth, I would have been him.”

“Do you remember how Jonny used to feel about Echo?” Anna said sternly, “he had to live each day not knowing what evil his twin brother was going to do next, wondering if somehow, he was responsible as well, you were the one who told him otherwise, made him see that he and Echo were completely different people, each responsible for their own actions.”

“Your not responsible for what your counterpart did Paul, and pretty soon your family will realise that, it’s just a shock to everyone, but everything will be ok, I promise.”

“Thank you Anna,” Drew finally answered, “I better get going, we both have to be on duty in the morning.”

“Give my regards to Jo and the kids,” Anna said, reaching her hand out to the front of the screen, “and say hey to Magellan for me.”

And then the screen went blank, leaving Drew alone again, or so he thought, he was surprised to feel an arm wrap round him, startled he looked up to see it was his wife.

“She’s right you know,” Joanna said quietly, “it’s not your fault, and your not to blame, and just you remember mister that I love you, and our kids love you, even if they wont admit it.”

Drew took hold of his wife’s hand, and for the first time felt like he was finally home, that his ordeal was over, and there in the arms of his beloved, he let all the pain out.

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan finished his drink and decided it best that he get on top of the situation. Drew would need sometime to adjust, hell he'd need sometime himself, how blind could he have been not to have noticed the man... his friend had been an imposter.

Checking his messages Magellan pushed that thought away and decided to go down to teh Copenhagen. He was met there by Jilll Tsomba,
"Jill, Whats up" he asked the nurse.
"I m here to collect a body."
Magellans face went ashen,
"Whose?"
"Commmander Abrens"
"Oh no"
Axen Abren had been Assailants Strategic Operations Officer a good man.
"How?"
"Lieutenant Toman said he was killed on landing or something"
"I see. Any other casulaties?"
"No sir"
Magellan sighed slightly. At least the condolence letter would only have to be written once. And once was far too high.
"Carry on Nurse. I ll contact his family"

Magellan started to return to Ops but then detoured to Saaroks quarters.
"Come" came the voice inside as he rang the door.
"Ah Admiral How can I help you?"
"I wanted to check up on you."
"I am well, though my leg does still twinge."
"Twinge?"
"Yes. Well you shot me."
"What?"
"You or rather the alternate you shot me"
"I see."
Saarok invited Magellan to sit and began to tell the Admiral all that had happend to him.
Magellan was particularly interested in what his alternate self was like.
"And you say he mentioned a previous host other than Toya."
"Yes, Loran a Security officer. And he seemed to suggest at least another"
"How odd" Magellan noted, "Although we all know the alt universe isnt quite like ours."
"That I can assure you is quite true."
"Well I best let you rest. I want to check on Tedak and see how he is before I get back to work."
"Goodbye Admiral"

[mercy]

As the shuttlecraft was preparing its final approach to arrive at the starbase main shuttlebay, Stuart looked out of the small porthole to witness a beautiful looking starship in dock. It was very sleek with four warp nacelles. Stuart did not know what class of ship it was, he was ignorant of such things…he was a doctor after all. He could make out the name…USS El Salvador-B. Stuart wondered the history behind the name.

The shuttle had finally landed and everyone was disembarking. Stuart grabbed his gear and headed directly to… ~Hell. Where am I going?~ Stuart looked about for some type of directory. He finally spotted it. Stuart remembered seeing the huge starbase from afar, yet looking at the directory confirmed its immensity.

He finally located the hospital; it was in the science level section of this base, several levels down from his current position. Stuart decided to get there first, in order to stow his gear and become a little familiar before reporting in to the station CO. Stuart followed the posted signs. A couple of turbolift later, he had finally arrived…his first official duty station.

Stuart was ready to dive into some of the personnel files of the VIP’s of this station, but he was going to have to report to his CO first. Admiral Lin, he remembered. The thought of having to trek all the way back to the command level did not encourage him at all. “I should have done that first after all.” Stuart chided with himself. He deserved a small break. Stuart ordered a cup of coffee, with cream and sugar, sat down behind his very first desk, and kicked up his feet while sipping away and reveling in what was to come.

[mercy]

The trip to the starbase had been tiring and the coffee was soothing and relaxing…

Stuart had just subbed in. He was one of the midfielders in this indoor soccer game. His team, the San Francisco Stars, was in a 2-2-2 formation with a goalie in the box. As the right midfielder passed the ball across to him, Stuart noticed that the opposing team left him with some running space. He had run past their midfielders and their two defenders were the only ones left to beat. It was Stuart’s luck that those defenders were busy trying to cover the San Fran strikers, in case Stuart was to pass to them.

Instead, he ran from left to right, right up the middle to where he just entered the goalie’s box. This was it…just the goalie and him. Out of his peripheral vision he could see the goalie getting himself set for a shot, so was Stuart. All Stuart could think was ~Don’t shoot at the goalie. Aim away from the goalie. One side or the other.~ The ball finally rolled into position, in front of Stuart just to the right of his left foot. His right foot was cocked and he had one last peripheral glance at the goal before he let loose.

The ball went sailing into the air directly into the upper left corner of the goal, just outside of the goalie’s reach. The crowd cheered and his teammates ran at Stuart with jubilation. It was the first goal of the match, and it gave proof that it was going to be a good game.[/i][/color]

…A knock was at the door, startling Stuart awake from his comatose state. He nearly spilled the cup of coffee that he had been holding in his lap.

<Tag Anyone>

[Magellan Lin]

Stuart stood and quickly set the coffee down on the table. Straightening his jacket he rose and crossed to the doorway. He reached out and pressed the door release. It slid back with a faint hiss revealing an Admiral.
The man was in perhaps his thirties, moderate height and build. He had mousey hair and a twin lines of dark brown spots running from his temples down his neck and plunging beneath the high starfleet collar.
"Dr Mercy" the man stated.
"Yes Sir"
"Pleased to meet you" The man extended a hand, "I m Admiral Lin. I was in the area visiting an Ambassador and thought I d save you the trip to Ops. May I?"
"Oh Yes please come in."
Stuart stepped away from the door allowing the Admiral entry. The Admiral stood stiffly a moment surveying the boxes.
"I was nt aware you knew I was aboard."
"Hmm yes There was a time I d have said I knew everything that happens aboard" Magellan replied reflectively, then he lightened and continued "Besides F'Rras informed me of your shuttles arrival. Good trip?"
"Fair. Its not too far from Conqueror."
"No not at all. You were on the Hepta I believe."
"Yes Sir."
"You can drop the sir for now. Save it for the diplomats and for duty."
"Yes... I ll remember that"
"Magellan." Magellan proferred,
"Thankyou Magellan"
"Your Welcome. How was Commodore ONE?"
"Well He sends his regards."
"Did you get to meet Admiral McCormick?"
"Only at the graduation ceremony and around campus."
Magellan sat down moving a box to one side.
"Shes a good officer, I havent seen her in an age. Anways I best get down to business. Have you had chance to check the facilities?"
Stuart shook his head,
"Not fully. Theres a lot here."
"Thats an understatement." Magellan agreed, "This is a big assignment especially as its your first. Assailant is home to 100,000 sentients. We have a Starfleet Medical Sickbay" Magellan gestured to the rooms about him, "As well as a civilian hospital."
"I readthe specs on the flight over"
"Good, because theres a lot to sort. Up until now we ve not had a medical manager. Nurse Tsomba has handled starfleet matters and Healer T Val has handled the civilian side. Its sort of worked but I want it integrated. Starfleet and civilians working as one for the better health of the station. And that in a nutshell is your job. I want you to work up a new working practice and ensure we meet all the new regs. We also on top of our general flow of patients and visitors have extra responsibilities. We have a quarter of a million Debrune living in an ancient and substandard city on the planet below and daily more of them and the ship loads of Takaran refugees arrive. All will need screening etc etc"
Stuart stared at the Admiral in awe at what was expected of him.
"Think you can handle that" Magellan asked with a wry smile onhis face.

<Tag Stuart>

OOC : Welcome aboard Stuart, and welcome to teh Assailant family.

[Deleted]

Welcome to the fold Stuart!

[mercy]

"Think you can handle that?" Magellan asked with a wry smile on his face.

Stuart’s eyes lit up and all he could say for the moment was “Wow!” He let the information sink in and processed it some more in his mind. ~100,000 on station, Starfleet and civilian. Another 250,000 on planet with more arriving daily, plus refugees.~

“Wow!” He had to let out once more. “I mean that is quite a task.”

“Yes it is. Of course you realize that you have a complete medical staff at your disposal. So you’re not alone in this.” Magellan added for some encouragement.

After some more thought. Stuart finally spoke up with courage. “You know sir, I mean Magellan, I was an EMT and paramedic unsure on how I was going to proceed in life. I wasn’t quite sure if I wanted to follow in my parents’ footsteps until I transferred into the Starfleet Headquarters district, in San Francisco. Seeing the hustle and bustle around Starfleet and all of that inter-space commerce and the interspecies relationships, gave me the drive to challenge myself. That’s when I decided to join Starfleet to become a doctor.” Stuart paused for a moment to let that sink in, not just for Magellan, but also for himself.

“Yes! I accept the task. I accept the challenge.” Stuart raised his right hand to shake with Magellan. Magellan returned the gesture with a smile. “I’m glad to hear it.”

While they were still shaking hands, Stuart added “I understand that you have just returned from a mission. One of my first changes for the betterment of this facility, if not this quadrant, will be to require starbase personnel to report for a physical checkup after their return of a mission. Starting with you, I want you to report in to me at 0800 tomorrow.”

Magellan’s wry smile had disappeared, now Stuart had one.

<Tag>

OOC: Thanks again for the welcome, everybody, and for giving me my scope of my job, Magellan. This is going to be great.

[Deleted]

Shortly after Magellan departed from his quarters, his computer beeped informing him that he has a message waiting. After hearing the signal he slowly made way towards the desk on which the computer was sitting on. He sat down and activated the computer. It was a video message from his current chief of security Lt. York.

=/\=Hello sir, I hope you are recovering well from the mission you just returned from. Anyway on to the message now. On sd. 2391.0421.024738 Lt.jg Stuart Mercy arrived on the station, he is to take over as the Chief Medical Officer of the SB. He has only just graduate from the Academy, the USS Hepta, and his personnel record follows in the attached file. I have deployed your two standard guards, to take place in front of your quarters. They should be arriving shortly; they will follow you around as usual. Lt. York out. =/\=

After listening to the message left by lt. York, Saarok opened up the attached file and began reading, not that he knew why they were sending this to him, as he still did not remember what he was or what he did before he arrived to the base. But he was surprised that he possessed some skills an ambassador would never need.

After he finished reading through Stuart Mercy’s bio, he came to a conclusion, at least when he was concerned that it looked pretty normal and there was nothing odd inside of it. The allergies were interesting but nothing other then that.

After he finished reading through his bio he decided to give it a try once more to access his own bio to which the last time he tried, could not access.

=/\=Computer, access Ambassador rating 6 Saarok, personnel records=/\=

=/\=Access to part of the requested files is restricted to those above the rank of admiral or those with special permission, displaying unrestricted parts of the bio=/\=

And his bio was displayed. Well better than last time he thought as he started to read his own bio. After reading through the non restricted parts of his bio, he got some info on why he possessed some of the skills an ambassador doesn’t need.

=/\=Computer remove restrictions from parts of bio that are now restricted, authorization Saarok pi alpha 1-9-1 omega=/\=

=/\=Code accepted, restrictions removed=/\=

This is highly illogical he thought, before I departed on the Copenhagen I attempted to access these files and my codes were rejected but now as if someone has granted me higher clearance codes while I was away.

As he was about to start reading the previously restricted parts of the bio, a report from DCS arrived for him so he had to delay reading of his own bio for later and turn his attention to the report.

[Deleted]

After getting some rest, but not much sleep, Drew stepped into the sonic shower, and let the power beams wash away the gathered dirt, if only it could remove more than that. Although Magellan had kindly given him clearance to take as much time off as he needed, Drew found that he didn’t want to spend all day sat in his quarters, he wanted to get out there and see just what his counterpart had been doing.

Pulling on his first fresh uniform in months, Drew zipped up his jacket, and looked at himself in the mirror, apart from his skinny appearance, there was no other signs of his ordeal, convinced he was ready. He headed for the door, and walked straight into a rather large Klingon.

“Darok!” Drew exclaimed, shocked to see his old friend, and personal assistant before him, “what are you doing here?”

“Delivering your morning schedule of course!” Darok growled, “do not think I will let you neglect your duties!”

Drew had to shake his head to stop himself laughing, trust Darok to be so abrupt.

“I was actually on my way to the office,” Drew explained, “I have no intention of neglecting anything.”

“Then you are abandoning your family?” Darok said, equally as aggressive as when he was demanding Drew return to work.

“I am sorry, you have lost me Darok,” Drew said, getting annoyed, just what did the old man expect from him?

“A piece of filth held your family hostage, and you are leaving so soon,” Darok objected, “it is a grave dishonour.”

“Let me make one thing very clear Darok,” Drew said, anger in his voice, “I have not forgotten what that piece of filth did, nor do I have any attention of dishonouring my family by hiding away like a cowardly targ, am I understood?”

To Drew’s shock, Darok’s response was to pull him into a bear hug, which considering the size of Darok, knocked Drew’s breath away.

“Your spirit has not been broken!” Darok exclaimed happily, “come let us celebrate, I have a barrel of blood wine…”

“Darok, work, remember?” Drew, pulling himself free of the hug.

Darok quickly recovered his composure, and thrust a PADD into Drew’s hands.

“With both Admiral Lin and yourself off the station, the paperwork has of course built up,” Darok explained quickly, “But we shall we through it.”

“Songs will be sung,” Drew, commented, as he looked at the workload laid out before him, one of his first appointments of the day was with a Captain Turner, of the Destiny, which was to be followed by a staff meeting with Magellan and the other senior staff, including there new doctor.

As Drew followed Darok out of the door, he wondered if perhaps taking a few days of leave would have been a good idea after all.

[Deleted]

Lieutenant Commander Simon Tomlinson spun his fighter around, toying with the asteroid that ay just in front of him. Of course, the asteroid had nothing to say on the matter, did not even have the ability to attack him. However, something very small on it was of great use to the Starfleet officer. His uniform, ragged and dirty told a bit of his toils. On the asteroid was a small beacon that he had dropped onto it almost X weeks ago. The beacon was nothing other than a short trail of neutrinos. However, if he followed those the line that those neutrinos pointed, he would come to another beacon. And once he had followed them far enough, he would arrive back at Starbase Assailant.

He thought back to try and figure out what had gone wrong. The fighter that he was in had been engaged in standard flight operations practice. He had been rounding an asteroid, not much different to the one he was currently over, when a large ship had flown past. It had dropped out of warp for only a second, but when it re-engaged, it caught Tomlinson’s fighter in the warp bubble. As he had been dragged along, he had managed to drop these beacons, but they were far apart, and tracing them back had been difficult. Especially as he had spent a lot of the time hitching rides on ships with warp capability. However, this beacon was the second to last one, and he knew that he would not need to hitch anymore rides, but rather, would be back on Assailant in under a day.

--- 18 Hours Later ---

“This is Lieutenant Commander Tomlinson requesting permission to dock.”

He heard a burst of static, and then Commander F’rras came onto the line.

“Is that really you Simon?”

“No! It’s Mickey frelling Mouse. Who else flies this fighter, has this voice, and calls themselves by my name?”

The Regulan laughed. “Point taken. Permission granted, take bay 6, yours is taken at the moment.”

Bringing his fighter into the bay, Simon jumped out as soon as he was down. He was amazed at how happy he was to be back home again, although, at the same time, not amazed in the slightest.

When he arrived back in his quarters, and accessed his computer, he found 26 messages waiting for him. He instructed the computer to read them out as he showered.

“Message from Ayiana, message from Admiral Lin, message from Station Security, message from…”

“Read message from Station Security.” He ordered the computer.

“Message from Station Security. Received yesterday at 0900 hours. Notification of passcode change Contact Admiral Lin for further information.”

He nodded, wondering why there was a passcode change, the only normal reason for this was a serious security breach. He finished showering, and threw on a fresh uniform.

[Magellan Lin]

"Yes. Hmmm I d forgotten how... thorough you Starfleet Medical types can be. Can I suggest you acquiant yourself with your staff and facilities first"
"I don't need that to be able to do a work up." Stuart grinned, "In fact I have my kit here, I could do yo.."
"Oh no your okay, I m rather busy at the moment. I only popped into say hello and mention that we have a reception this evening. It ll give you chance to meet the rest of the senior staff and some of the Ambassadors. I must warn you though the Ambassadors here are... high maintenance. They pop up everywhere although I must confess they do come in handy. Trouble might follow them where ever they go but they certainly pull their weight when it comes to the crunch."
"I ll bear it in mind"
"Excellent. Oh Nurse Tsomba is down in the shuttlebay shes collecting Commander Abrens body. He was killed in a crash. Could you ensure the autopsy is sorted ASAP. I m going to conatct his family now I would think they'd want the body shipped back to Betazed."
"Will do. Oh and wheres the reception?"
"Ah yes. Its in the Fishtank."
"Fishtank?"
"Oh yeah the Starfleet Bar on the Ops level. It overlooks the Docking Bay. An engineers paradise. Right I must be back to the office."
"Thanks for coming down sir."
"Thats my job and its formal tonight so dust off your dress uniform."
With that Magellan left the doctor to his duties and returned to his office. He had a very difficult call to make to Abrens family.

[Deleted]

Tedak felt rather lonely in his quarters, now that his bondmate was temporarily assigned to a ship. His sources had quickly informed him that the Jefferson had gone into the Romulan Empire, and Tedak hoped there wouldn't be any trouble. There was no way he could contact the Jefferson now, and he held very little influence in the empire so convincing key people to leave the Jefferson alone was out of the question too.

His two firelizards weren't talking to hers yet, in the sense that the little green didn't talk much to Tedak's fair. He sighed, as he skimmed through his messages. Access codes were being changed, something which Tedak thought was quite sensible. Then another message caught his attention: there was a new chief medical officer on the station.

"Oh no," Tedak muttered, guessing which way this was going to go, "you're not replacing my wife." Determined to tell this new doctor off, he left his quarters and went in search for the new doctor. He'd discuss the Romulan situation with Saarok over dinner later. He knocked on Mercy's door forcefully, choosing not to use the chime. However, he didn't call out, and waited for Mercy to open the door. Above him, his two firelizards picked up on his mood, their eyes whirling red in anger.

[Deleted]

After Saarok was done with reading the most recent update from the diplomatic corps. he started to write his own report on the latest occurrences on Assailant and around it which he would then transmit to DCS and to the federation council. As excursions to the mirror universe, not to mention the situation of someone from the mirror universe taking place of someone from our own would make everyone on the council nervous.

He began writing the report:

-On sd. 4981664 the USS Copenhagen departed for...-

--Some time later--

-... he immediately issued a command to change all of the SB command codes.-

After the report was done he sent it to the interested parties and turned of his computer terminal. He checked the time and decided he would go and greet the new doctor who had only recently arrived on base, perhaps he would even let him take a look at his leg as it would be logical to have it sorted now that no pressing matters were hanging above his head, not to mention that he would avoid visiting the doctor later.

He got up from his seat and went out of his private quarters he looked at his pets and motioned for them to stay and rest they needed it and if he needed them they could easily be summoned later. As he went out of the door he was greeted by his guards and he informed them where they were going.

=/\=Computer is Dr. Stuart Mercy in sickbay=/\=

=/\=Negative Dr. Stuart Mercy is in his quarters=/\=

=/\=Is he alone there=/\=

=/\=Negative ambassador Tedak S...=/\=

=/\=That is enough=/\=

And the computer voice stopped. And as that was said he changed the direction in which he was going and went towards the personal quarters of dr. Mercy.

[Deleted]

Drew walked into his office to find Captain Turner already waiting for him; she was a middle aged human female, who had a very formidable looking face.

“Captain Turner,” Drew said, offering his hand to the Captain, “a pleasure.”

“Indeed,” Turner said simply, shaking Drew’s hand, her own hands were thin and cold, no effort was put into the handshake.

“So,” Drew said, taking a seat behind his desk, “what can I do for you?”

“I did submit a report to your office,” Turner said sternly, “I would have thought you had viewed it.”

Drew gave the Captain a small smile, “You will have to excuse me, I have been off station.”

“Yes, so I have heard,” Turner said, “frankly, I am unimpressed with how this Starbase is run, my ship has been awaiting for repairs for almost two weeks, neither yourself or Admiral Lin have been available to meet with.”

“Owing to uncontrollable, and unforeseen circumstances,” Drew answered her, “I will look into the Destiny’s status, and see what the delays are.”

“I want my ship ready to depart by the end of the day,” Turner said coldly, “We have waited long enough.”

“Remember who you are talking to Captain” Drew answered in an equally cold tone, “I have told you I will look into the matter, it is not your place to question how this station is run, if there is nothing else, you are dismissed.”

“I am dismissed?” Turner said in shock, her face turning red, “why I am outraged! Admiral Lin will hear of this!”

Before Drew could reply to her, the comm system kicked in.

“Tomlinson to Admiral Drew, we have a situation in one of the crew quarters,” a male voice Drew didn’t know said.

“Understand,” Drew answered, tapping his comm badge, “I am on my way, excuse me Captain.”

A few minutes later, Drew was approaching Dr. Mercy’s quarters, where he could hear loud angry voices; two Ambassadors seemed to be in a disagreement with the Doctor. A Security Officer with Lieutenant Commander pips was trying to diffuse the situation.

“Commander?” Drew asked approaching, he recognised the man from the crew manifest images. It was Security Chief Tomlinson, who right now looked very stressed.

[Deleted]

Tomlinson was extremely pleased when Rear Admiral Drew arrived. For one thing, it meant that he wasn’t the ranking officer, and for another it meant there was someone who had enough ‘say’ to yell at ambassadors.

“I received a call from Dr Mercy a few minutes ago, complaining about Ambassador Tedak, and when I arrived I found Saarok here too.”

“So what’s actually going on?” The admiral asked.

Tomlinson paused. Admiral Drew seemed kind of different, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. But then, it was possibly just because Tomlinson had been absent for so long.

“As I understand it, Tedak feels that the assignment of Dr Mercy to the station has put his wife’s position in jeopardy. So, he came here to… actually, I’m not quite sure what he was trying to do, but all he did succeed in doing was starting an argument.”

“I see. And Ambassador Saarok?”

“Not a clue.”

“Right. Have you made any headway?”

“Oh yes. I managed to prevent the fire-lizards from doing too much damage to Mr Mercy.”

“And how did you achieve that exactly?”

Tomlinson pointed at the stunned fire-lizards on the floor. He knew that once the Ambassadors had stopped arguing, they would probably file some kind of complaint with Starfleet for the attack on the fire-lizards, but Simon had always placed life above a clean record. Which was probably one reason he didn’t have one. (A clean record that is, not a life.)

[mercy]

The Admiral had left, leaving Stuart relieved. He seemed a personable man. Stuart was going to enjoy working under his command. Nurse Jill Tsomba returned with the dead Commander’s body, Cmdr Abren.

Stuart and Nurse Tsomba exchanged greetings and a quick history of each other. She had explained how a T’Val, a Vulcan healer, had been running the medical section here. She seemed to have done a good job.

Cmdr Abren’s body was placed onto the autopsy biobed. Scans revealed his internal injuries were consistent with falling debris striking his body, with a final blow to his skull that took his life. A severe sub dermal contusion to the cranial region which caused the swelling of his brain. This became the official report of his cause of death. Nurse Tsomba finished preparing the body for shipment to his home world, Betazed. Stuart forwarded a final copy of the autopsy report to Adm Lin.

Back in his private quarters, Stuart was preparing his dress uniform for the gathering at the Fishtank, when he was startled by a loud forceful knock at his door. Stuart opened it only to be bombarded by a Romulan male…with two dragon-like creatures.

“I am Ambassador Tedak. Healer T’Val is my wife and I will not have you think for one minute that you will be replacing her position at this hospital.” Before Stuart had time to reply, another voice from behind spoke up. “That is enough Ambassador Tedak.” It was a Vulcan male, who also appeared to be an ambassador.

One of those mini dragons proceeded to accost Stuart while the two ambassadors proceeded to argue with each other over this situation. Stuart covered his head and reached his terminal. “Security to my quarters, and hurry. I’m being assaulted here by some alien thing.”

A security officer finally showed up. He used his phaser to stun the creature and its colleague as it too joined in the pecking and ripping of Stuart’s uniform. Then he did his utmost to keep the two ambassadors separated, while they were still arguing with each other. An admiral finally showed up and finally brought peace to the situation.

[Deleted]

Tedak was surprised that his firelizards attacked the new doctor, he hadn't come to make an argument only to ensure his wife's position in the hospital. Yet still the brown and bronze attacked him, and even his attempt to call them back didn't work.

Unfortunately, when he tried to swat his pets away to save the poor human, he accidently hit the doctor himself. That was just the point where Saarok entered and he felt the Vulcan - who was much stronger - wrestle him away. Angered, the Romulan diplomat tried to shake his Vulcan friend off, but failed. Helplessly, he had to watch as Tomlinson stunned the two firelizards.

Tedak glared at the security chief, and then at the doctor, then his eyes rested on the latest newcomer Admiral Drew. "You've got it all wrong," he growled, "I didn't set them onto the doctor. I tried to call them off, but this once they didn't listen. The doctor can testify that I tried to swat them away from him." He doubted though that the doctor would indeed testify that.

Finally, he succeeded in shrugging Saarok off and he knelt beside his pets, who were slowly regaining consciousness. Carefully, he cradled them in his arms, still glaring at the station security chief. "If you damaged them...." he started, then turned to leave.

[Deleted]

After the commotion settled down a bit. And Tedak checked his firelizards who at first sight appeared uninjured. Saarok finally got a chance to speak.

"Let us try to remain calm"; he said to everyone especially to the security officer who came down shooting like he is a character from the ancient west holodeck program

"I believe everyone just got a bit overly excited.", he resumed

"Dr. Mercy i hope you were not greatly injured by that accidental hit from Ambassador Tedak while he was attempting to call of his pets"; he said and before Stuart got a chance to answer he continued

"Mr. Tomlinson perhaps you should run a level 1 diagnostic on that phaser of yours it would appear to have a soft trigger, too soft when it comes to barging in, shooting and asking questions later when there is no one here that is carrying a weapon"; he paused for a moment before proceeding remembering his two guards who had drawn their phasers just in case, "that is there is no one carrying a weapon except official security personnel. But as the thing you did was as much as i would not like to agree with it, logical I do not blame you and I am sure that Ambassador Tedak, after he calms down will see that it was the only thing you could do"; he continued while motioning to his guards to lower their weapons

"But what is done is done there is no going back but i trust that it is in everyone’s best interest to forget this little incident, don't you think ambassador Tedak"; Saarok said motioning to his friend who was about to leave the good doctors quarters

"And Dr. Mercy I do not believe filling an official complaint when there are no serious injuries will be necessary", he looked at Dr. Mercy

Meanwhile Drew was waiting for Saarok to finish and to hear the responses of the other participants before adding anything as he was tired as it is and did not need any more stress especially not arguing with diplomats.

[mercy]

Ambassador Saarok was trying to diffuse the situation and wanted to ensure that Stuart would not file any complaints. Stuart took a moment to assess the situation. Ambassador Tedak did show up a little upset and it seemed that his creatures sensed that somehow. Stuart knew that one can’t always control one’s pets. The situation did just get out of control.

Stuart realized he was going to have to work with these people. He did not want to start things off on the wrong foot, yet these same people were going to have to work with him also. Stuart addressed them all. “Ambassador Saarok, Ambassador Tedak, and Admiral Drew, if I heard the names correctly, as I am sure that we will all one day look back at this incident and be able to laugh at it, I will only dismiss charges if you are willing to follow one of my new protocols.” They all gave Stuart a quizzical look and were eager to hear what he was talking about.

“I have perused your files and it comes to my attention that the very three of you have just returned from a mission of one type or another. One of the new Starbase Medical Procedures will be the requirement of all official personnel to undergo a physical within forty-eight hours of their return of a mission. This will ensure that your health has not been compromised, and that you will not compromise anyone else’s on this starbase.”

The two ambassadors and the admiral looked at each other with the expression of ‘what can we do?’ The security officer had a slight smirk on his face. Apparently he never saw them in such a compromising position before, especially by a junior officer.

Stuart did not wait for an answer; he just wanted to get this over with. “Good. I’m glad we are all in agreement. Ambassador Saarok, I will see you at 09:00, Ambassador Tedak, at 10:00, and you, Admiral, at 11:00. Now if you all don’t mind, I have to get ready for a reception that Admiral Lin has invited me to. I’m assuming you will be there, at which we can then become more acquainted.”

Stuart returned to his quarters, leaving the others standing outside in a bit of bewilderment of what had just happened. His door swished open once more, when Stuart came back out with one more thought. “One more thing, these creatures will never be allowed in my hospital. There is no telling what they might be carrying.” With that said, he disappeared once more into his quarters.