SB Assailant: MISSION 2.3 - The Ancestral Trail

[Deleted]

Having finished sending all the messages he had, Paul got out of his chair in which he was sitting while he was sending the messages and went over to Leena, he kissed her.

"So what have you decided, what will you be doing?", he asked her

"I am going to accompany you. You know I like to see you work"; she said as she kissed him back

"If that is what you want"; he replied, "Are you ready then we are going out", he added

"I was born ready", she added with a smile as she joined Paul and the two went out of his quarters

"Is it sorted out"; he asked K'Tor who was already waiting for him outside

"It is sorted, I have called in a favor from the Binars, and Simeths computer system is being monitored as we speak"

"Good, I want one man monitoring it at all times", Paul said

"It has been arranged", the klingon replied

"Good, good, we are now heading down to the warehouses to secure the meeting point", he added as he and his group, minus one man who was monitoring Drolems computer, proceeded towards the commerce level

After a longer travel, as the warehouses were located in a distant part of the base far from the VIP level, the group arrived at their destination. When they arrived at the commerce level they saw several officers who were moving some cargo around, one of them, who appeared to be in charge approached them as soon as they arrived.

"This is a restricted area for authorized personnel only"; the man said pointing towards the way from which they came

"I am Ambassador Paul Castellan, and I am looking for some cargo space", Paul said to the man who immediately changed his attitude

"Of course, sorry ambassador, I did not recognize you right away. How much space do you require?", the man asked

"Not much, i need one of your smaller warehouses, one of those which you rent out for the bar owners and store owners on the upper levels.", Paul said

"Of course, you can have warehouse nr. 6739."; the man said entering some info on a pad

"I need your fingerprint here"; the man said handing him a pad

When Paul pressed his finger on the pad, the man who was in charge of the warehouses gave him the access code and directed him towards the warehouse. After a shorter walk the group arrived to the designated location. After entering the code they went inside the warehouse. Perfect, Paul thought.

"Set up the dampening fields to make it appear as the warehouse is empty."; Paul said

"Yes sir", K'Tor and one of the computer experts Paul always had with him went to set up the fields

While they were doing that, Paul contacted the transporter room and told them what he wanted transported to the commerce level. He did not have it transported inside the warehouse but rather to the cargo transporter room which was located on this level.

"Sir, the fields are set up", K'Tor informed him

"Good, time to go and pick up the crates", Paul said as the group went out of the warehouse and towards the cargo transporter

--Meanwhile in Simeths office--

After Simeth finished sending out the messages he spent the next hour coming up with a plan to resolve the problem with Paul, and he got it, it was so simple, and it was sure to work. It will take him a bit of time to organize it all though, but when he was done, he would not need to give a percentage of his income, and others will need to give a percent to him. He laughed at how brilliant his plan was.

He got up from his chair and went out of his office; he had the regular meet the civilians’ lunch that he organized every week, to attend. When he went out he was happy, his mood has improved drastically and he was admiring his own intellect.

"Soon it will all be over", he said to himself as he was walking towards the "promenade"

[mercy]

Stuart had just stepped out of his sonic shower, looking forward to this brand new day. He knew that he still had a few physicals to perform, but they would have to wait.

Stuart put on a fresh uniform, had some breakfast, and then proceeded to check his terminal for messages. He was put back a little that Cmdr Tomlinson hadn't responded yet to his message.

"Lily."

_/\_ Yes, Dr. Mercy. _/\_

"Has Cmdr Tomlinson received my message from yesterday?"

_/\_ Cmdr Tomlinson has received, accessed, and deleted your message. _/\_

This really perturbed Stuart. He didn't like having to deal with injuries of unknown origins, especially when people lied about them. Not wanting to waste any more time on this, Stuart was going to have to find out what he could himself.

"Lily, please notify Jill, Nurse Tsomba that is, that I will be in a little later. Also forward the latest injury file of Drolem Simeth to PADD Alpha One Nine. Thank you."

_/\_ Message sent. File has been transferred. _/\_

Stuart used the LCARS system to familiarize himself with the locations of the various sports complexes and holosuites before departing his quarters.

Most rec facilities were located in the Habitat levels, with the exception of the ones for Starfleet personnel. Being a civilian, Drolem Simeth had no access to those even if he was the mayor.

Stuart came up empty at all of the holosuites. After checking the various sports complexes where raquetteball could have been played at, Stuart still had no confirmation that Mr. Simeth had been playing anything at all the previous day. Infact, he had learned a quite bit more about the character of Drolem Simeth. The most conclusive piece of evidence (if you could call it that) was from a Ferengi when he said, "Drolem play raquetteball? I would pay ten latinum bars to see that. Come now, he is a Risan. They are into rest and relaxation and some very mundane water sports."

Stuart had finally checked the last facility available, satisfied that his hunch had been correct. There was no evidence of Drolem playing any raquetteball yesterday, or any day within the recent past. Stuart's stomach was grumbling for time had just gone past noon, and he needed to eat. This gave him an idea.

Stuart tapped his communicator badge.

=/\= Cmdr Tomlinson. This is Dr. Mercy. I'm on my way to the Fishtank. Would you please be so kind and join me for some lunch? =/\=

Stuart knew this would catch him off guard, but he was sure that even this security officer needed to eat. Besides, it would make for a relaxed atmosphere for Stuart to possibly make a friend.

<Simon>

=/\= Thank you Commander. See you in ten. =/\=

Stuart knew Tomlinson wasn't very happy to see him, but at least he was willing to meet at the fishtank for lunch.

Ten minutes had gone by and together, the Doctor and the Commander, they were seated at a table for two. Lunch was already ordered.

"Commander, if I may say so, I think your security teams did an excellent job on Qualinost, keeping the crowds from over running the treatment tents." Stuart tried a little flattery, although he wasn't lying for without the security support his medical teams would not have been able to have performed at the level they did.

<Simon>

"Straight to the point then, and Simon it is. I'm Stuart by the way."

Lunch had arrived and Stuart had proceeded to show Simon his findings. He reached over the Padd he had along, showing and explaining the medical trauma associated with the injury and what should and should not be present. He also explained how he was doing some detective work this morning, verifying his assertion that the Mayor was lying about how he got his injury.

"To summarize, the Mayor has an injury that is inconsistent with injuries related to the sport of raquetteball, and more consistent with externally caused severe trauma. In other words, I think his arm was broken on purpose by someone and since he is the mayor, I would think this would be of interest to you. What do you think?"

<Tag Simon>

[Deleted]

"Then you take a Vulcan wife. A vulcan. WNeverere our females not good enough or were you foolish enough to marry for love."

Tedak shot a glare at the senator. "My personal life as well as the choice of mate are none of your business madame senator. I do not question your choice of mate, if any either, kindly stay out of my private affairs. But just to quench your curiosity, yes I did marry out of love."

"This place is your Nimbus III. A place of seclusion, somewhere backward where the Senate could put you out to pasture. A place where you could play at politics with your Vulcan friend Saarok."

"At least I can claim to have friends," Tedak started, but she silenced him before he could finish.

"Silent. I have yet to finish. <snip> Find them so I can make them an offer they can't refuse. An offer that will make the Empire strong oncemore.

Tedak burst into a sneering laughter, which sent his two firelizards aloft screeching in protest. "You wish to negotiate with the Debrune?" he laughed, "why by all means, try. It is that I am adoptive father of a Debrune child otherwise they would not talk to me. And the only reason my wife and I are adoptive parents is because they discovered my wife is distantly related to the Debrune. If you plan on betraying the Debrune you may forget my assistance. However, if your intentions are integer, you will find me very helpful."

"Teeedak," Lily's voice suddenly spoke up, startling the Romulan Senator.

"Yes Lily?"

"Shuttlecraft Es Bee seven one dash one is docking at shuttlebay three," Lily announced, "occupants are a Vulcan female and a Debrune child."

Tedak's eyes lit up. "T'Val has come to see us?"

"No Teeedak," Lily said, and she sounded regretful, "it is the nanny, but she does bring your son."

Tedak turned to the senator. "Please excuse me, I have to pick up my son. We will continue this later."

In a hurry, Tedak left the senator's quarters, but not before he warned Saarok. "Saarok, meet me at shuttle bay three," he called, "there is something I need you to know."

When he reached the designated area, Saarok was already waiting for him. "Watch Senator Krotak," Tedak warned, "I have a bad feeling about her."

Just at that moment, T'Shan came walking out of the shuttle, carrying D'Beren. As soon as the child saw him, he giggled and stuck out his hands towards the Romulan. Tedak happily took him from the Vulcan nanny and hugged him close.

"Da!" the child giggled, and Tedak's jaw dropped at hearing it. "Did you hear that?" he exclaimed, laughing as he turned towards Saarok, "he just called me dad!" He hugged the boy again. "Oh how I've been waiting to hear this!"

[Deleted]

Shortly after receiving a message from Tedak, Saarok arrived at the shuttlebay. After a short conversation with Tedak about the visiting Romulan senator, Saarok pointed out that he will ensure that an eye is kept on her.

"Da!" the child giggled, and Tedak's jaw dropped at hearing it. "Did you hear that?" he exclaimed, laughing as he turned towards Saarok, "he just called me dad!" He hugged the boy again. "Oh how I've been waiting to hear this!

"It is logical for a child at this age to attempt and more or less successfully calls it parents", Saarok answered

"If you would excuse me for now, I have to arrange some things for your guest", Saarok said as he excused himself and went back to the embassy to arrange for someone to keep an eye on the Romulan senator

--Meanwhile on the commerce level--

Paul, K'Tor and his associates were approaching the cargo transporter where the crates, which were previously stored in Pauls quarters, were waiting on the pad. Slowly, K'Tor, Paul and another man carried the crates over to the warehouse, and after checking them they closed them and locked everything down.

"In about 2 hours, the buyer will arrive, you will handle the deal"; Paul told K’Tor

"Yes sir"; the klingon replied

"And now..."

=/\=Johnson to Ambassador Castellan=/\=

=/\=Castellan here, go ahead, any news on Simeths computer?=/\=

=/\=No sir, but you have a message from Ambassador Saarok, he is informing you that the visiting Romulan Senator is planning something and it looks like trouble, he needs you to keep an eye on her=/\=

=/\=Oh well, I guess that’s what I get when I use that as my cover for being here, Castellan out=/\=

"Ok, a small change of plans, I will need to check out this Romulan Senator, have some extra men board the base, i need 3 more people, you will take one and go to the meeting with the buyer in 2 hours, and ill take those two and go check out the romulan senator, and Leena will take him, he said pointing to the computer guy who was standing near by, and begin preparing the holodeck program for the meeting.", Paul said

"Yes, sir", K'Tor replied as he opened a channel with the ship

After he was done, the group went of the commerce level towards the VIP level where they would regroup and proceed to the assignments which Paul assigned to everyone.

--Meanwhile--

Simeth was just explaining to the gathered civilians how he broke his arm in a heroic rescue attempt when one of the holodecks malfunctioned and the safety measures went offline. And they were all clapping, and agreeing that their mayor was one brave man.

After the initial bragging, Simeth sat down, and the civilians who were gathered there began telling him their problems and concerns. Most of which were complaints about the malfunctioning replicator and some problems with heating which wasn’t adjusted correctly.

[Deleted]

After the meeting in his quarters, all of the teams Paul formed went of to do their job. He, accompanied by two security officers, went over to the quarters of the Romulan senator which were not far from his, which was also located on the VIP level. After he arrived to the door of her office, he chimed the bell and a few moments later he heard her say, "enter"

"Senator", he said when he went inside accompanied by his officers, "I am Ambassador Paul Castellan"; he introduced himself while waiting to get an answer from her

<Tag Romulan Senator>

--Meanwhile with K'Tor--

K'Tor and the security officer were preparing for the weapons exchange which was supposed to take place in the warehouse. It was a pretty routine thing and K'Tor did not expect any problems. As the time of the meeting was getting closer, he and the officer were heading down to the docking bay are to meet the buyer, a Ferengi who traded in "fruits and vegetables". K'Tor despised the man however he always kept business and personal feelings separated even tough he was a klingon.

--Meanwhile in a holodeck--

Leena and the computer expert were tweaking the program for the meeting that night. It was going to be a simple board room, with a few surprises in case security appears unexpectedly. When the program was deactivated, it will appear as all the people who are inside are holodeck characters except K'Tor, whose appearance will then be masked to make him look like Paul. So this way if any security officer stops by he will not see anything unusual.

Actually all of the work was being done by the computer expert and Leena was relaxing in a holographic chair beside the pool. As they were preparing the program from inside another one called "summer resort".

--Meanwhile with Drolem Simeth--

After finishing his weekly meeting with the civilians of the Starbase, Drolem began to put his plot to get rid of Paul Castellan in action. He sneaked over to the VIP level, where the VIPs quarters were located and went over to the door of the quarters of Ambassador Paul Castellan. No guards, Drolem thought, how careless of him. He slowly pulled out some tools and opened up the panel of the cabin door. He changed placed of a few isolinear chips and a few moments later the door sprung open.

When he went in he saw that there was no one inside. He went over to the computer Paul used and accessed it, again using a few tricks he accessed the sent messages history archives. He went over the messages, and found one that looked odd to him it was sent to a set of coordinates which he wrote down on a pad he had with him.

He closed everything down and removed any evidence that might show that he was ever there. H returned the isolinear chips to their right places and closed the panel next to the door. He checked the door they were locked. And as quietly as he crept up he went down from the VIP level to the quarters of his secretary. He knew that they were monitoring his computer and could not use it for the time being.

After the initial surprise of Drolem showing up at her quarters passed, his secretary gave him permission to use her computer. After some tweaking he gained access to the federations sensor array history and found out what ship was at the coordinates where Paul sent a message, after seeing it was a Ferengi vessel and that the Ferengi would be arriving to the station, he sent an anonymous message to station security which they would receive 5 minutes before the Ferengi leaves the station.

The message was sent to Simon Tomlinson and it said:

"The fruit is not only what it appears to be. The Ferengi fruit trader on the ship Kraywis, you might find some interesting new sorts of fruit.", and it was signed "A friend"

After that was done he covered his tracks and went back to his office to do something on his computer so that they would not become suspicious why he is not using his computer.

[Magellan Lin]

Joint Post by Magellan and Saarok

Senator Krotaks eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the mention of the childs name. She of course knew all about the debrune child Tedak and T Val had adopted but she had thought the child would be absent. This was going to be easier than she thought.
“Excuse me Ambassador, whilst you meet your child I will return to my quarters, remember my request and remember where your loyalties lie.”
Tedak barely heard as he left the room. Krotak followed, Drak her bodyguard falling into step behind her.

Back in her quarters Krotak immediately scrambled a call to Admiral Vavar.
“You can call of your commandos. A raid on the Jefferson will no longer be required. Providence has landed in our lap. Have your team reroute to the Qualinost system as a stand by. I m sure Mr Tedak will do as hes told and our… persuasion techniques will not be required.”
“Understood Savar Out”
Krotak took a seat and began to run through the legions of plots in her mind. Then the door chime went.

Krotak rose and crossed to the door. Bral was still unpacking. Drak her bodyguard shifted uneasily in the background. "Yes who is it?"
"Ambassador Paul Castellan, representing the United Federation of Planets", Paul said while shfting his weight from one foot to the other, he never really liked Romulans they tended to spy on everyone and that he did not appreciate, especially if he is working with them
"Castellan? I believed Saarok was stationed here. Hes not been transfered?" Krotak asked ushering the Ambasador in and offering him a drink.

"First of all i would like to welcome you here in the name of the United Federation of Planets and let you know that i am here to assist you in any way i can. Secondly ambassador Saarok is still stationed here however he has some, pressing matters he needs to tend to. So the Federation has sent me to take his place in this.", Paul said while he sat down on the sofa, and accepted the drink that the senator was offering him

The mention of pressing matters that obviously Saarok couldnt handle alone was not lost on Krotak. Perhaps Saarok wasnt even involved. This could be an interesting sideline. "So Ambassador where are you normally stationed?"

"I do not have a place where i am usually stationed, i spend most of my time on a ship travelling where they need my assistance", Paul replied not expecting such a question, per se he could not reveal where exactly he was stationed as it could cause unwanted problems

Interesting Krotak thought, that would make it harder for the Tal Shiar to get information. It also raised a red flag. An ambassador on a ship on his own meant own of two things, Covert Federation operations or Covert personal operations. "What exactly is your concern on Assailant I was led to believe things here were pretty quiet" She fished clumsily

"Well i have already mentioned that i was sent here to aide ambassador Saarok as he has other pressing issues to tend to and an important visitor, like yourself, is important for the Federation - Romulan relations so i was sent here because of that. Now I understand you already met with ambassador Tedak, i hope that went without many problems?", he asked being slightly annoyed by the Romulan always going on why he is there, she was probably looking for info on which her spies can catch on and investigate his background

"Oh no. Tedak is a loyal subject He will no doubt be an asset in our negotiations with with the Debrune." She realised that Castellan had turned the tables and she didnt like it. Now he was asking the questions. Annoyed she d lost the iniative she decided it was time to end the round. "Well thankyou for coming around. Perhaps we could meet again at another time, one not so late in the evening. I m afraid a must rest before tomorrows meetings."

Hmm, intresting. Paul thought she wants to get rid of him all of a sudden. It would appear that ambassador Saarok was right afterall. He would need to keep an eye on her.

"It was a pleasure meeting you senator", he said, "If you need anything at all, feel free to contact me and i will try to arrange it for you"; he finished

“I will and thankyou for coming around. Good night.”
Castellan left and Krotak retired to her console to begin her search for information.

[Deleted]

Up on Ops the alpha shift had just started, Drew walked out onto the deck to find it a buzz with activity. He glanced at the night shift log handed to him by an Ensign, nothing eventful had happened, the most exciting thing was a class two comet passing through the system.

He took a seat at his own station, which displayed detailed information on the current status of the base, as well as of all ships currently docked at SBA. As usual he had a list of repair and supply requests as long as his arm to get through. There was also the matter of having to complete an inspection of the newly repaired Copenhagen later today, to ensure that everything had been completed to Starfleet’s standard.

He was just in the process of arranging such a tour when his own comm badge chirped, calling Magellan or him down to airlock three, where a shuttle had just docked.

Picking up his duty padd, he headed for the turbolift, instructing it to take him to airlock three. Arriving at the scene, he wasn’t surprised to see that Magellan was already there, but what did surprise him was the person standing next to Magellan.

“Vreenak?” he asked, shock in his voice, “how is this possible?”

<tag Vreenak and Magellan>

[Deleted]

"So, a Romulan senator is coming to open negotiations?" Jatira said, carefully reading the message.

"It does sound unusual to say the least," Sala, her aide agreed. "But the Debrune are distant cousins of the Romulans. Perhaps it is not all the strange after all."

"Perhaps," she said thoughtfully. "But then...they sound almost too eager...perhaps," she brushed the thought aside. She needed the get the Debrune leader Jak'Dor on the comm. pic to let him know what was going on.

"Sala, if you would please retrieve some PADDs so that we can have a report made up for Admiral Magellan," she pointed in the other office. Sala nodded and went to get the items.

Jatira turned to her small desk screen and contacted Jak'Dor. He was on almost immediately and he did not seem to pleased to see her.

"What is it?" he said. He still had the look of distrust that he had last they spoke. True, Jatira was young, but not as young as Jak'Dor believed her to be and certainly not as inexperienced. Somehow she was going to overcome that belief.

"We've just received word that a Romulan senator will be arriving at the station within a few days..."

"Why?"

"They what to express their willingness to open normal relations between your people and their government."

Jak'Dor paused for a moment and thought this over. He did not seem convinced. "The Romulans have known about us for a long time and they never truly sought such a thing before. How do we know that they are telling the truth?"

"We can't know that for certain," she answered, "but I do know that we won't figure out their true intentions, if they are lying, if you do not come."

"Hmm...I will consider it... Jak'Dor out," he said suddenly and cut the channel.

"Well that went better than I had expected," Sala said looking up from her notes.

"Yes, but we haven't a definite answer of whether or not he's coming," Jatira sighed. "We have to wait now."

***

Three hours later Jak'Dor's answer came back in. "I will consent one one condition."

"Yes?"

"That the Divine child be permitted to visit our people so that we may see him again," he answered.

"That decision is beyond my authority," she replied, concerned that he might cancel the meeting. She started to say more before she was interrupted.

"Probably so, since you are only a child compared to my officials," he glared. "But I will consent to meet with this Romulan and I will decide whether or not they are lying or speaking the truth. I will be arriving today and I expect everything to be ready by then."

"Of course, Minister," she smiled. "Everything will be in order for your arrival."

"Very well..." he cut the transmission.

[Deleted]

As both Admiral Magellan, and Admiral Drew had arrived, Simon excused himself to go speak to the doctor.

"Commander, if I may say so, I think your security teams did an excellent job on Qualinost, keeping the crowds from over running the treatment tents." Stuart tried a little flattery, although he wasn't lying for without the security support his medical teams would not have been able to have performed at the level they did.

"I prefer Simon. It was a simple mission, there was little difficulty to it. I'm a busy man doctor..."

"Straight to the point then, and Simon it is. I'm Stuart by the way."

Lunch had arrived and Stuart had proceeded to show Simon his findings. He reached over the Padd he had along, showing and explaining the medical trauma associated with the injury and what should and should not be present. He also explained how he was doing some detective work this morning, verifying his assertion that the Mayor was lying about how he got his injury.

"To summarize, the Mayor has an injury that is inconsistent with injuries related to the sport of raquetteball, and more consistent with externally caused severe trauma. In other words, I think his arm was broken on purpose by someone and since he is the mayor, I would think this would be of interest to you. What do you think?"

"I think doctor that there are many on a starbase such as this, that do not reveal fully what and who they are. I think that there are some things that are best ignored, and some things that should be followed through properly. I think that accusations against the mayor are strong accusations indeed, and that maybe you should gather more information before coming to me again. I think that you will come to me again."

And with that, the security chief stood up, and left.

--- Airlock 3 ---

"Oh my... by the pools. This isnt possible, your...your dead."
Vreenak tilted his head in a slight nod,
"Not as dead as it was reported." He was about to continue, to talk to his old friend, when around the corner, another appeared.

“Vreenak?” Admiral Drew asked, shock in his voice, “how is this possible?”

Vreenak gave a mockingly low bow. "I have returned. Death was... not all it was made out to be. And somewhat, less... final, than I was expecting."

The two admirals looked at each other in confusion.

"So you did die?" Drew asked, vocalising the question that both were thinking.

"Oh yes my dear Admiral. Quite completely. In fact, I hear there was nothing left of me larger than a fingernail. I do hope I had a good funeral. Maybe, Maybe I shall watch the holovids that must be available..."

Again the pair before him exchanged glances, and this time Admiral Magellan spoke for them.

"You there will have to be tests, to confirm..."

"That I am indeed Captain Vreenak. Of course, it is to be expected. I have already undergone more tests in the past few weeks than in most of the rest of my life. Although, Dr Irae did seem to like prodding me. I think, maybe she had a soft spot for me you know."

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan looked at Vreenak, it looked like Vreenak, sounded like him, and stranger things had happened. Nevertheless it never hurt to play it safe.
"You must understand the shock. That funeral you speak of, we were both there" Magellan explained gesturing between him and Drew. He turned his back on Vreenak slightly and looked at Drew meaningfully and then turned back to Vreenak,
"It ll be like old times again Like when we went off in to the Delta Triangle too..."
Vreenak shook his head a broad smile on his face,
"That really was clumsy old friend, You and I both know you werent on that mission. You were inspecting the Optimus at the time and Admiral Mc7of9 commanded the mission in to the Delta Triangle"
Magellan smiled wryly,
"Well I had to try something. Perhaps you should let Dr Mercy check you over just to be safe. Paul could you take him up."
He pointed towards the door and Vreenak began to exit with Drew. Magellan held out an arm to pause Drew and whispered in his ear.
"Get him checked I ll put in a priority call to the El Salvador and check what Deis has to say. Meet you in Sickbay."
Drew nodded,
"I ll test his memory some more, and a little more subtly" he jibbed,
"Yeah Yeah" Magellan laughed.

[Deleted]

Tedak's head snapped up as he heard Lily softly informing him of the arrival of another Romulan on the station. "Uh-oh," he murmured as he set the bottle with which he'd been feeding D'Beren aside, "this may become problematic. Who is this Romulan and what is his status within the Empire? Does he know Senator Krotak, and what is Krotak's opinion of him if she knows him?"

Lily made a questioning sound. "I do not know Teeedak," she said softly, "but I could enquire for you."

"No don't," Tedak urged her, "the senator must not know of this Romulan's presence. If she requests information about any other Romulans on Assaillant, or Qualinost for that matter, tell her there are none."

"Very well," Lily replied, but she didn't sound too thrilled about it."

"Who is this Romulan?" Tedak finally enquired, as he bounced his son on his knee. The boy cried gleefully as he was bounced up and down.

"Former Starfleet Captain Vreenak," came the prompt response.

"Huh!" Tedak exclaimed, "are you sure?"

"Admirals Drew and Lin have positively identified him," Lily replied.

"That certainly must be kept hidden from Krotak," Tedak murmured, "Lily, please inform Ambassador Saarok on this matter. With his connections he may be able to assist."

"Yes Teeedak," Lily said, and fell silent.

Tedak looked down at his son. "What do you think?" he murmured, but was once more pulled out of his thoughts when his comm went off.

"Ah, Elder JakDor," Tedak greeted, "I have someone here you may wish to see." He smiled happily as he lifted D'Beren for JakDor to see.

<Jatira, want to take the tag for JakDor?>

[Deleted]

Drew was surprised to see that Vreenak already knew the way to the infirmary, instead of leading Vreenak, he found himself walking just behind his old friend.

“I only died you know,” Vreenak said suddenly, “my memory is still in perfect tact.”

“You’ll have to forgive me,” Drew said smiling, “this is going to take some getting used to.”

Vreenak stopped midway down the corridor and turned to look at Drew, “I understand, but I am getting the impression you and Magellan both doubt me.”

“Well, you need to see it from our point of view,” Drew said in a calm voice, “it’s not everyday someone comes back from the dead – even in Starfleet.”

“Indeed,” Vreenak said simply, and resumed his walk for the infirmary.

Drew stood and watched him walk, he sounded like Vreenak, he walked like Vreenak, hell he even smelled like Vreenak! But there had been a body, in the rare occasions people had returned from the dead, there had been no body. Drew pitied Dr. Mercy.

“OK,” Drew said, catching Vreenak up, “how did you come back?”

<tag Vreenak>

“Right,” Drew replied slowly, “so what’s death like?”

At this Vreenak turned and smiled, “sorry it’s a secret, members only.”

Both officers laughed at the joke, just as they arrived at the infirmary. Dr. Mercy was already waiting for them, Magellan had obviously called ahead. He already had his tricorder in hand, ready and waited to examine his returned from the dead patient.

“Dr. Mercy may I present Captain Vreenak,” Drew said politely, “Captain Vreenak was one of the Captain’s in my Squad.”

Vreenak looked up and glared at Drew, and there was an edge to his tone as he spoke, “You’re as bad as Magellan! You weren’t commanding Alpha Squad by the time I took command of the El’Salvador.”

“My apologises,” Drew said, “Dr. Mercy, I believe you know what to do?”

“Of course,” the doctor answered, “Captain Vreenak, please lay down on one of the biobeds.”

As Mercy led Vreenak away, Drew turned to see Magellan walk into the medical ward.

“What do you think about this?” Magellan asked, as Drew approached.

“I don’t know what to think,” Drew replied, “he seems like Vreenak, but is it possible?”

“That, as they say, is the question,” Magellan answered, his eyes fixed on Vreenak…

[mercy]

---At one of the many lounges---

"I think doctor that there are many on a starbase such as this, that do not reveal fully what and who they are. I think that there are some things that are best ignored, and some things that should be followed through properly. I think that accusations against the mayor are strong accusations indeed, and that maybe you should gather more information before coming to me again. I think that you will come to me again."

And with that, the security chief stood up, and left.

Stuart was upset, to say the least. Here he had the security chief of the station and he wouldn’t consider Stuart’s concerns over the Mayor, Drolem Simeth, as being a serious matter. Stuart contemplated if he should get any more involved. Perhaps follow the Mayor a bit to see where his travels would take him and who he would meet. Of course this would, more than likely tie up Stuart and keep him from performing his own duties as the station’s chief medical officer.

Stuart was startled from his thoughts as his communicator chirped.

=/\= Dr. Mercy, Admiral Lin here. I have a very special guest that I would like for you to do a complete checkup on. I will forward his personnel file to you. =/\=

=/\= Alright Admiral. Is he severely ill? =/\=

=/\= He is dead. At least he was when I watched him get buried. =/\=

Stuart knew better than to think that the Admiral was joking with him. Stuart got up immediately, not worrying about the rest of his food.

=/\= I’m on my way sir. =/\=

---At the Infirmary---

Stuart reached his office and accessed his terminal for the necessary information that Admiral Lin had forwarded. There was not much information other than the name, species, former command and the circumstances of his death.

Stuart cross-referenced this information with this person’s medical file and then fed this data to his PADD. He had just left his office when the awaited guests arrived.

“Dr. Mercy may I present Captain Vreenak,” Drew said politely, “Captain Vreenak was one of the Captain’s in my Squad.”

Vreenak looked up and glared at Drew, and there was an edge to his tone as he spoke, “You’re as bad as Magellan! You weren’t commanding Alpha Squad by the time I took command of the El’Salvador.”

“My apologises,” Drew said, “Dr. Mercy, I believe you know what to do?”

“Of course,” the doctor answered, “Captain Vreenak, please lay down on one of the biobeds.”

Stuart uploaded the medical information from his PADD into the biobed so that the current scans could be compared to a previously established baseline of said patient. It took a few minutes. Stuart noted that the admirals behind him were now silent with anticipation of the final results. Those results were finally in.

“You may get up Captain Vreenak, assuming you are still a captain.” Cpt Vreenak got up and Stuart turned to face his three guests so that he could address them all at once. “According to the scans, his DNA sequences match. This humanoid here is, with all intents and purpouses, Captain Vreenak. If he is some type of a doppelganger…well…then he is a very good one.”

Cpt Vreenak got up and stood in front of the admirals. “Did I pass?”

<Tag Paul,

"It look so. Welcome Back Vreenak. I guess we better do a formal debrief."
"Sure" Vreenak nodded
>

Stuart had to address Adm Lin before he left. “If you have a moment sir, I’d like to bring something to your attention.”

"Paul could you take Vreenak upstairs I ll meet you up there." Paul nodded and the two left.
"So Doctor what can I do for you?"

<TAG MERCY>

[Deleted]

After his more or less successful meeting with the romulan senator, Paul went back to his quarters to check on the progress of the assignments he assigned to his "aides". After entering his quarters he went over to the computer and contacted his teams.

From K'Tor he learned that the weapon trade went by well no one suspected anything. Just as they were about to end their chat one of the man who were with K'Tor informed him that Starfleet security organized a raid on the Ferengi vessel. After K'Tor relayed this info to Paul, Paul remained calm,

"I am not concerned if they do find something no one can connect me and him and he knows better than to admit where he got the weapons from.", Paul said

"Understood sir", the klingon replied

"Meet me down at the holodeck in 15 minutes."; Paul said and closed the channel after K'Tor understood him

After ending the conversation Paul sighed as he leaned back in his chair. He was getting to old to fast for this. Luckily he kept his children out of this. He never allowed them to take part in this just as his wife asked him when they got married and he promised her to keep doing so when before her death. He kept them protected. But he couldn't leave this it is his life and he's going to keep with it till the end.

He got up from his chair and went over to the replicator where he ordered some bacon and eggs after which he sat down at the table and began to eat. After he was done eating he got threw the plate back in the replicator and departed his quarters on his way towards the holodeck.

--At the holodeck--

After arriving to the holodeck he entered his access code and entered. Inside he found Leena sunbathing and everyone else was working on modifying the holodeck program for that night.

"How's it going"; he asked them

"Almost done sir"; the computer expert replied

"Good he said as he sat down on a chair nearby.

--Meanwhile in the Quarters of Ambassador Saarok--

Saarok had just been preparing for meditation when Lilly told him the message from Tedak. Hmm Captain Vreenak the name does not sound familiar to me, however if Tedak deems that he must not meet with Krotak then he will do what he can.

=/\=Ambassador Saarok to Admiral Magellan=/\=

=/\=Magellan here, go ahead ambassador=/\=

=/\=A problem has come up i need to speak to you at once=/\=, Saarok waiting for a reply

Tag Magellan

[Deleted]

After talking with JakDor, and settling for a date for him and his council to receive the Divine Child for a ceremony, Tedak finally found some time to spend with his son. First thing that needed to be done now was to get the boy to sickbay for a check-up and soon, before Mercy would get wind of the boy's presence and chide him over not getting to sickbay sooner.

The Romulan ambassador knew that he should've taken the boy down instantly, but he'd been too happy to see his son and hadn't wanted to share him with anyone just yet. Also, he had to meet up with the Romulan senator, Krotak, again for dinner and run her through the plans that were set up for her while she was aboard the station.

Tedak set the boy in his buggy, and momentarily watched him play with his two firelizards. Then, he snatched the handles of the buggy, and took the long route down to sickbay, jogging all the way. He stopped short in his tracks when he reached sickbay, and saw the Romulan male in the presence of Paul Drew, chatting quietly with the admiral, and Doctor Mercy.

~Vreenak~ Tedak thought, recognizing the man's face from the 'in memoriam' notices that had been distributed all over the base after the captain had been brutally murdered. Mustering the courage he needed, Tedak finally stepped further into sickbay and cleared his throat to catch Mercy's attention.

"Ahem, Doctor Mercy," Tedak called quietly, "as per protocol every new arrival to the station needs a physical. I hereby present my son D'Beren for such examination. Please be careful with him, he is but a mere infant." ~no mere infant~ Tedak thought as he smiled pleasantly at the doctor, the admiral, and the Romulan captain.

He then feigned shock at seeing Vreenak. "Captain Vreenak?" he managed, carefully modulating his voice to present a tone of shock, "I see the news of your death has been....premature. Though, I do recall seeing your corpse as it was prepared for burial....." He allowed his voice to trail off, carefully letting his two pets know to please echo any shock that he displayed, so that they would not betray his true feelings on the matter.

In truth, Tedak was relieved that the Romulan was rather alive, instead of 'six feet under'.

[Magellan Lin]

=^= Go ahead Saarok=^=
=^= Iv e just spoken with Tedak. He is concerned what affect Vreenaks appearance may have on Krotak.=^=
=^=The visting senator? What does he suggest?=^=
=^= That the two be kept apart for the time being. I would also like to add a cautionary note... is it a coincidence, Vreenaks return and Krotaks arrival?=^=
Magellan nodded,
=^= I had similar thoughts Paul and I are still verifying Vreenaks story but for now it seems okay.=^=
=^= Understood, can I suggest a formal function - to weigh up this visiting senator=^=
=^= Good idea can you liase with Jatira and Tedak to arrange it.=^=
=^=Its already in hand=^=
=^=Good work Saarok. I ll catch up with you later.=^=
Magellan tapped off his comm and turned back to Dr Mercy.

"Sorry Doctor what were you saying?"

<TAG Stuart and Saarok>

I had put a whole blurb on this post but it seems not to have appeared so here it is again LOL

Basically I think we need to start pulling the threads of the mission together before we start to get lost. We have Castellan and the Mayor, Vreenak and the Senator. I think this dinner is a way to allow them alll to knit together - they dont have to all connect but I think some more coherency could help.

[vreenak1]

With a tilt of his head, Vreenak turned towards Ambassador Tedak. He had had only a small amount of contact with the Romulan Ambassador before, however being a Starfleet officer, he hadn’t really seen any need to converse with an ambassador, which he had always viewed as more a civilian tool. However, the romulan Captain knew that the empire didn’t like Tedak, much as they didn’t like himself, and for that he felt some degree of pity towards a man who still served that empire with his heart.

“Mr Ambassador. I can assure you that your reports were not at fault. I have indeed died. I can not quite explain what I am doing here. Other than the fact that death turned out to be more of a temporary affair for me.” He smiled wryly at the older romulan.

Getting rather fed up of being told that he was meant to be dead, Vreenak was quite pleased when Admiral Drew was instructed to accompany him upstairs for a debrief. However, this turned out to be not quite the break that the romulan had been hoping for. Indeed, when he considered it, he should have expected that he was going to be quizzed on how he had got here, and what exactly was going on.

When they arrived in the small conference room that Drew had chosen for the debrief, they took seats around the large conference table within. The human admiral pulled up a file on the computer, and then activated a recorder.

“This is Rear Admiral Drew, Chief of Starbase Operations, Starbase Assailant, conducting debrief on Captain Vreenak. Captain, if you would?” He tipped his head towards the romulan to indicate that he should speak.

“This is Captain Vreenak, former Commanding Officer, USS El Salvador, Killed in Action.” As he spoke the last three words, Drew’s shoulders sagged, and his eyebrows rose in a disproving manner. Vreenak smiled, and shrugged back at him.

“Captain, can I ask everything that happened between your demise, and you return here.”

“Of course you can Admiral.” He paused for a couple of seconds, and then continued, acting as if he hadn’t realized that was what Drew had meant. “After I was shot by – someone, I died. That you already know. Then there was death - which I can’t describe, and even if I could, with all due respect there are some things that the living should not know, and I think that death is on of them.” He recalled it to himself, the feelings, the rush of his mind when he died, the calmness, the silence, the noise, everything. He shuddered involuntarily, and then raised his hands to his chest, in the manner that he had meditated. “Then, it stopped, and I found myself on a shuttle. It felt, only like I had awoken from a long long sleep. My limbs were tired, my mind lazy, my fingers argumentative. I was still wearing the uniform that I had worn on my death, down to a slight tear in the shoulder. I was confused, I knew that I had died, how I died. I checked over a large number of records, which confirmed my death, and said that the killer had been found and punished, although my clearance didn’t let me go that deep.”
“That was weird actually, my security clearance as Vreenak still worked. It still let me into Starfleet records and many other things. At the time I assumed that it was just that no one had got around to removing it yet, but I discovered soon that others who had died, or left the service no longer had theirs. It puzzles me still, but it may just be a minor clerical error.” He stopped, lost in his thoughts.

In front of him, Drew was sat silent, waiting for the romulan to find the words, and carry on the story himself. Looking up, Vreenak looked over the Rear Admiral. He had changed little since the romulan’s death, although there were now more signs of age than there had been then. He dropped his gaze back to his hands, and continued his narrative.

“I wasn’t sure what to do, but through traveling with a variety of different trader’s and transports, I ended up here. I still don’t really know what to do. Whether I am still part of Starfleet, whether I still want to be part of Starfleet, whether Starfleet still wants me, anything.”

The human admiral looked up, sensing an end. He obviously still had questions, but he picked up instead on the last comment, and changed his question. “What else is there, other than Starfleet?” It was meant simply as a question of intent.

Vreenak’s head jerked up. “What isn’t there Admiral? I still have a ship in holding at Beta Proxima, from my days before Starfleet. Then there is the empire, although I am not loved there, it is still home. There are a great many paths I could take Drew. Starfleet is simply the most trodden of them, and thus the most familiar to me Admiral.”

[mercy]

OOC: Sorry, but this is going to be a short post.

IC:

When Adm Lin turned his attention back to Dr. Stuart Mercy, he was able to voice his concerns and thoughts of Assailant's mayor, Drolem Simeth, and the apparent lack of concern from the head of security of such an important individual.

Adm Lin mentioned that he would look into it. Just then Ambassador Tedak announced the arrival of his adopted son, D'Berren.

"Ah yes, Ambassador. I have heard about your famed son and am quite aware that he is not a 'mere' child as you would have me believe. Bring him over here to this biobed. The scans will be quick and harmless."

The Ambassador led his child over and the scans began. Within a few minutes the child was given a clean bill of health.

[Deleted]

Drew watched Vreenak very carefully as he spoke, it was obvious that his feelings of uncertainty were genuine. Although the idea of a senior Starfleet Captain giving up the service and retiring to the Romulan Empire was not an idea Drew particularly liked. He could only imagine Starfleet Command’s reaction to the idea.

“You know there will always be a place for you in Starfleet,” Drew said reassuringly, “and that we will support you in whatever you decide to do.” Even as he said those words, Drew knew them to be false; Starfleet Intelligence would never allow Vreenak to return to the Empire, the security threat to Starfleet would be off the scale.

“Thank you,” Vreenak said simply, Drew could tell from his tone that he knew as well as Drew did that his options were limited. Whatever he did, he would have to do in Federation space.

“For the time being,” Drew continued, “I think it best if we consider your status as on leave.”

“I suppose its better than killed in action,” Vreenak answered, his lips curling into a smile.

“Also, it would be best if you didn’t discuss who you are, or the actions that led you here,” Drew said, “I will be classifying all details of your return, until such time as a decision is reached on your future.”

“Do you really think that’s necessary?” Vreenak asked, disappointed in his voice. If his return was to be classified he would be prevented from leaving the station, or indeed from even contacting old friends to say he was back.

“Yes,” Drew said simply, “and I need your agreement that you won’t draw attention to yourself, or revel who you are to anyone below a level fifteen security clearance.”

“Level fifteen!” Vreenak exclaimed. That level was one of the highest in Starfleet, Drew and Magellan were likely the only ones in the entire system. “What about the officers who have already met me?”

“They will have already been instructed not to pass along the information,” Drew said, “and the two Ambassadors will be ‘encouraged’ to keep such details to themselves.”

“You’re the Admiral,” Vreenak sighed.

“Don’t worry,” Drew said in a friendly tone, “everything will be resolved quickly, for now I’ll arrange for you to have VIP quarters on the station.”

“And what access will I be allowed?” Vreenak asked.

“Obviously your security access will be limited,” Drew said, “however you will have access to all non-sensitive areas of SBA”

“How kind,” Vreenak muttered.
“I think that’s everything,” Drew said, pressing a button under his desk, seconds later a security officer walked in.

“Ensign, please escort this gentleman to VIP quarters 12-B,” Drew said.

“Security?” Vreenak asked, as he stepped out of his chair.

“Only to show you the way,” Drew said smiling, “I have to send my report to Starfleet.”

When Vreenak and the guard were gone, Drew hailed Tomlinson.

“Commander, are the security measures I requested in place?”

“Aye sir,” Tomlinson answered, “the Captain’s quarters will be under twenty four hour surveillance.”

“Very good Commander, Drew out.”

Downloading the details of the meeting into his padd, Drew packed up his things, and left the room.

Meanwhile on the recreation level

Something was going on, Tammy could tell that much, Simon had been hurrying in and out of his office all morning. So far he hadn’t seen her watching him, with all these people around, no one would notice a teenage girl hanging around. And then she noticed he was a lone at last! Simon was in his office, and nobody would be able to disturb them. She rushed for the office door, but then a familiar voice made her freeze.

“Tammy?” Paul Drew asked, approaching his daughter, “what’s wrong? Why are you going to the security office, has something happened?”

She did the only thing she could, she started to cry.

“Oh Daddy! It was horrible!” she cried, rushing into his arms.

“What was? Drew asked, comforting his daughter.

“This man came up to me, and and he…”

“He what?” Drew asked alarmed, “did he hurt you?”

“No, he tried to, but I ran, and I didn’t stop until I got here.”

She cried even louder as she buried herself in Drew’s arms. By now people were starting to stare, and Commander Tomlinson came out to see what all the commotion was about.

“Sir?” he asked when he saw Drew and Tammy.

“Commander,” Drew said sternly, “I want you to prepare a full investigation; someone has just tried to kidnap my daughter”

“Aye sir,” Tomlinson said, very confused, “what’s happened?”

“Tammy, go with Commander Tomlinson and told him what you told me,” Drew said kindly, “I have to pick up Max from the day care centre, I’ll be right back.”

“OK Daddy,” Tammy said, tears still in her eyes.

“You look after her Commander,” Drew ordered, as he hurried off to collect his youngest son, leaving his daughter in the care of the security chief.

[Deleted]

After Saarok ended his conversation with Admiral Magellan he sent a message to Jatira Laika and Tedak to meet him in the federation embassy in 1 hour. After arranging that he sent a message to Ambassador Paul Castellan on the recent happenings and of the reception that was to be held tonight.

After that was done he decided to run a search on the computer and find some info about computer on this Captain Vreenak who has just showed up. He went over to his computer:

=/\=Lily display all info on Captain Vreenak=/\=

=/\=Searching...=/\=

=/\=Files found, data regarding Captain Vreenak has been classified, please enter your access code=/\=

=/\=Authorization Saarok omega 119=/\=

=/\=Authorization requires level 15 or higher clearance =/\=

Level 15 or higher that is odd Saarok thought while the computer was working.

=/\=Transmit a message to Starfleet Command, Federation Council and Diplomatic Crop. of the Federation, Ambassador Saarok requires insight into files regarding the reappearance of Captain Vreenak due to possible conflict with the Romulan Empire and the Romulan Senator Krotak. Transmit.=/\=

=/\=Transmitting, data sent.=/\=

After he was done it was almost time for the meeting so he went out of his quarters where he was met by his two security guards and he, his guards and his two firelizards went towards his office. After he arrived at the Embassy he realized he was the first one to arrive so he sat down while he waited for the others to show up.

<Tag Jatira Laika and Ambassador Tedak>

--Meanwhile in the holodeck--

Paul had just finished his check of the modified program for the meeting that night. It looked good enough, even more, it was perfect. After giving some last words of instructions to K'Tor he left him and the computer expert and one more guard to finish the work while he Leena and everyone else departed from the holodeck as he had a reception to prepare for which was due to take place that evening. Not to add that that Romulan senator was up to something he needed to get some info on her, which meant calling in a few favors. But by the reception he would have something to spike her interest.

After they arrived to his quarters, Leena and Paul went in while everyone else went over to their quarters except for the two guards who were left outside the door. Paul went to the computer and sent got in contact with some of his acquaintances on Romulus, if anybody knew what the senator was up to it was them. They told him that they would contact him as soon as they came up with any info on what is her real mission.

--Meanwhile Drolem Simeth--

Drolem Simeth was just finishing a conversation with someone who decided to keep his appearance a secret.

"The threat to the federation will be removed Mr. Simeth you need not worry about it, and consider this as a clean start for you, your record has been erased, you are now an innocent civilian again, try to keep it clean this time."; the man said

"But how will you remove it?", Drolem asked

"That is none of your concern, in two days time it will all be over", the man said as he closed the channel

After he finished the convo Drolem laughed, soon all of his problems will be resolved and Paul will be done with, in two days time it will all be over. He got up from the computer and went back to his office. He was going to have a drink he needed to celebrate his victory. He laughed again as he headed to his office.

[Deleted]

It had been a few hours now since Tedak had taken his son to sickbay. Now, all he had to do was wait for Jatira to arrange a meeting for him with JakDor. Since they were bound to meet soon, he thought it could wait until then with asking her to arrange the meeting.

~I would have to take the senator too~ Tedak suddenly realised, since he was practically responsible for the woman, and her entertainment. "I can't leave D'Beren," he murmured, as he'd given the nanny the afternoon and the evening off. He hadn't expected to be called to a meeting, thus he hadn't anticipated needing the nanny either. Looking down at the boy, he smiled as he noticed the infant was actually watching him.

Kneeling down to face level with the child, he smiled again. "What is on your mind little one?" he asked gently, as he held out his arms towards the child. The idea was to encourage him to stand up and walk towards him, or at least balance himself with the aid of his father's hands and arms.

Indeed, the child first looked up at him curiously, then crawled over to him and with aid of his arms, pulled himself in a standing position. Tedak held him up and lifted him just enough so that the boy's little feet were standing on his own feet. Like this, he walked the boy through the living room, smiling thankfully as the child laughed gleefully.

"I'll have to take him," Tedak said aloud, causing his two firelizards to chirp as they were startled. Settling the boy on the floor again he told Nut and Sev to watch him while he changed into something more formal and went to find the buggy. Minutes later, D'Beren was strapped into the buggy - a notion he didn't like no matter how much Tedak tried to convince the toddler that it was for his own safety.

"Sev, find Vreenak and keep a close eye on him. Warn me if he comes our way, or warn Magellan's bronze. Yes do that, warn his bronze. He then can warn Magellan." The bronze firelizard chirped, sprang aloft and winked out, only to re-appear close to the Romulan captain, but not close enough to be instantly seen by the Romulan. Drew, however did spot a blur of bronze, but decided not to mention it to Vreenak.

With Nut settling on his left shoulder, Tedak gripped the handles of the buggy and wheeled his son out of their quarters. By now, D'Beren was laughing again, playing with a rag doll he'd been given when he was still a baby. Since he was teething, he kept biting on the rag, and soon, it was partially drenched with drool.

Tedak wheeled the buggy through the maze of corridors, towards Krotak's quarters. "Madam Senator, I have come to invite you for dinner." When the senator opened the door, Tedak gave her a pleasant but stiff smile. He didn't like nor trust the woman, though he had the feeling that that feeling was mutual. "I am terribly sorry," he then said and motioned down at the child. "This is my son D'Beren. I am sorry but I had to take him as I had given the nanny the afternoon and the evening off. I cannot very well call her back on that now can I?"

Not much later, the two Romulans and the Debrune child entered the Embassy, where they found Saarok waiting. Bowing slightly by way of greeting his friend, Tedak then waived a hand at Krotak. "Ambassador Saarok of Vulcan, meet Senator Krotak of the Romulan Empire. Madam Senator, this is my esteemed collegue and friend Ambassador Saarok."

[Deleted]

"Senator Krotak"; Saarok said extending his hand for a handshake

"Ambassador Saarok, it is a pleasure to meet you", Krotak responded

"But I was told you had other pressing matters to tend to, and that we would be unable to meet", she added

"I have completed it sooner then it was expected senator", he said

A few moments later Jatira joined them and Saarok spoke again:

"Now if you would join us for a reception in your honor that is being held in a establishment on the higher levels", Saarok said as he showed her the way. He proceeded right after her and her guards followed by his two firelizards and his guards and then by Tedak and Jatira.

After they arrived to the Fishtank he was glad to see that everything was already arranged for the reception. He hoped that Ambassador Castellan would arrive soon, and that the admirals would come to, he was sure that they would be glad to meet the Senator.

A bit later Paul arrived with his escort, and his faithful accomplice, Leena. After he greeted some of the people that he met since he arrived on base he proceeded to join Ambassador Saarok who appeared to be in a conversation with senator Krotak.

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan luckily still in his dress uniform and fresh from promoting Dixon to Captain aboard the Raven emerged into the Fishtank and the formal reception. As usual a fine buffet has been laid on. He noted he was the first of the senior staff to arrive, Paul he knew was still with Vreenak and Simon he reckoned would be tied up with all manner of security problems.
"Ah Senator Krotak, Tedak is looking after you I hope?"
"Of sorts" Krotak replied snidely,
Magellan smiled sweetly, he really disliked romulans and they seemed to be springing from everywhere this week.
"I see, have you met Jak'Dor? I bet he is cooing over D'Beren."
"The child?"
"Yes. Tedaks adopted son"
Interesting Krotak thought perhaps there is more leverage available between Tedak and Jak'dor than she thought. The following days negotiations may go smoother than she thought.

[Deleted]

D'Beren was being extremely fussy when Tedak tried to feed him his usual mix of nutrients and babyfood. He had taken the infant from the buggy and held him on his lap, while he was trying to get him to put the teat of the bottle in his mouth. It was almost as if the boy was feeling something was not entirely right. His brown firelizard also seemed upset about something, but Tedak wasn't getting any clear images of him.

Slowly, he turned to his closest friend, who was watching him with mild interest and Tedak could swear he also saw a hint of amusement. "Something is not right," he whispered, "my son is usually never this fussy, and both T'Val and I noticed that if people are bad news, D'Beren gets upset. I must meet with JakDor soon, I hope Ms Laika has been able to set up a meeting."

When he spotted Laika walking about the room, he set the boy down on Saarok's lap. "Please watch him for a few minutes." Tedak sped after the Fabrini woman. "Miss Laika, a moment of your time please!" he called softly after her, "have you been able to set up a meeting with Elder JakDor? It is imperative that I speak with him soon. Please tell him that it involves the Divine Child." The Romulan knew he almost sounded desperate.

<Jatira>

He also didn't miss Krotak watching him while she was in conversation with Magellan. Tedak decided to join them for a moment. "Is everything according to your wishes madam senator?" he asked politely, then acknowledged Magellan. "Good evening admiral. I trust this evening finds you well?"

"As well as can be expected" Magellan replied,
Krotak merely nodded and then beckoned Tedak to follow her.
"And so how goes your attempts to secure our goal. Have you either persuaded Jak'dor to help us or located the renegade Debrune?"
"Not yet. It has only been a day.
"Well move faster. We will meet Jak'dor formally tomorrow and get his views." Krotak and then leaned in and with a hiss added "I hope your resolve isnt weakening Ambassador, you can be removed from your position easily, or perhaps there are other.... factors that can be used to encourage you. Make the right choice Ambassador."
Tedak quivered in anger at the veiled threats but controlled himself and merely replied,
"Well if there is anything you need madam senator, do please not hesitate to call for me. I must excuse myself now and return to Ambassador Saarok, who has been so kind to watch my child while I had important business to attend to."

He turned, and walked back to Saarok, taking his child back. "Thank you my friend, it seems my son takes a liking to you."

<Saarok>

[Deleted]

There were times Drew cursed his position. As he stood in front of the holo mirror adjusting his dress uniform, this was one of those times. He had had to leave Jo to deal with Tammy, to get ready for this hugely important political banquet. Drew was pleased however that Commander Tomlinson had spent so long with Tammy discussing the attack, Tomlinson was a good officer, and Drew knew that soon enough he would catch whoever had done this to his daughter.

Attaching his comm badge to his white tunic, and with a deep sigh, Drew left his quarters to make his way to the Fishtank. He wasn’t surprised to see that the recreation deck was packed with members of SBA’s residences, this was one of the biggest social events to take place on the Starbase for a while. Everyone was out to see the formally dressed Starfleet Officers and Diplomatic staff, as well as the intriguing Romulan delegation.

The crowds were of course parted by the security officers to allow Drew to pass, as he approached the Fishtank he was required to submit to a thumb, retina, and voice scan before being allowed to enter. Necessary security protocols when dealing with such important guests.

Entering the large restaurant, Drew found it filled with so many different shades of skin, countless different styles of uniforms, and the ever present Firelizards that had become such popular pets on SBA. Drew’s youngest son Max was fascinated by the creatures, and had long been asking for one, after spending most of his days trying to follow the firelizards around, with the Drew’s family dog.

Drew found Magellan in the right corner of the right, talking with a women who was clearly the Romulan Senator. Adjusting his uniform one last time, he approached the duo.

“Senator Krotak,” he said smiling broadly, “welcome to Starbase Assistant.”

<tag Krotak, and Magellan, oh and Simon to do a back post of the meeting with my daughter >