Mission 94:1001: Khhe Rhae - Clean Start

[Deleted]

As the small shuttle approached the warbird, Govan was growing more and more full of himself by the second. His ship, his crew...his rules... Yes, he was technically Navy now, and had to answer to a few idiots, but that was beside the point. Once Tal Shiar, always Tal Shiar, and the skills gained as an agent didn’t vanish with the rank, and with those abilities, Sub Commander Echal was still a force to be feared and respected. Truth be told, the former agent was rather unfamiliar with a ship-based role...while he had commandeered vessels numerous times, he only stayed aboard long enough to complete a mission before moving onto his next assignment. The complexities of ship politics were left to other divisions, other agents, not him.

‘Can’t be that hard…’ he scoffed to himself as the shuttle received permission to glide into the bay of the large, new Romulan warbird. Tamir said very little, watching him and staring in awe at their new ‘home.’ It had been a simple enough matter to gain a civilian nursing assignment for her in the S’Harien’s sickbay, and soon things would adjust to a new definition of normal, one with him in charge. It didn’t really matter that he was now working with and for weak, Navy officers. As long as they were loyal Romulans, they had to follow his orders, and if they weren’t, it would be a simple enough matter to eliminate the traitors from his midst, like any Tal Shiar.

The Sub Commander had already read through their first set of orders and been dismayed at the simple, ridiculously unimportant task they’d been assigned. How was he supposed to regain his reputation doing something as useless as ‘testing new ship’s systems to ensure S’Harien operating at top efficiency’? It was an insult and an unfortunately unavoidable one. Apparently one of the downfalls of receiving a new ship was the ‘new’ part. All recently installed systems needed to be tested and proven before being placed in a dangerous or critical situation. Not only that, but the vessel was lightly staffed and missing several key positions. Disgraceful...

At the gentle clunk of metal on metal as the small ship touched down on the deck, Govan rose from his chair and moved to the opening hatch. His pilot hadn’t said a word the entire trip, just as the new Commander preferred it. Stepping out, the Sub Commander was faced with a line up of officers, all at attention with eyes facing forward there to greet him. Puffing up slightly at the greeting, Echal swept from the shuttle to greet the lineup of three he recognized from their dossier pictures as the beginnings of his senior staff: a Tactical/Security chief, an Engineer, and his arch enemy, a Chief Intelligence Officer, someone he would be watching from the start.

Coming to a halt before the three men, Govan’s eyes took them in coldly with the trained eye of one used to sizing people up in a glance. Feeling every eye on his wasn’t entirely unfamiliar, but he wanted to speak with the three alone. “As you all were; report to your stations,” the Sub Commander barked to the rest of the small assembly before addressing the three senior officers. “You three with me, my office.”

Stalking straight for the door through the sea of moving officers, all of which wisely kept a path clear, Govan led the way to the nearest turbolift followed closely by the three others. It was time to set down the law and get things off correctly. He may not have been a typical Commander, but Echal was far from inexperienced, and even further from stupid. Best get that settled right from the start and not left to fate.

Everyone remained silent, each closely observing the others throughout the trip. It was an uncomfortable experience, but Govan was actually pleased at the caution each was showing. It was the best he could hope for under the circumstances. Taking the back way to his office rather than cross the bridge, a signal to them that he had done his homework, the Sub Commander led the way to his office before moving to stand behind the desk, appearing to ignore the tasteful décor, spacious accommodations, and the large bottle of Romulan ale, very good year, before him.

Dropping the bag next to him, Sub Commander Echal looked each officer in the eye regarding them carefully before he spoke. “Alright, let’s get this over with. You don’t like me, and I don’t like you, no secret there. Here’s the thing...I don’t care. What I care about are results and accomplishing each mission assigned to us. You just stay out of my way and do your jobs, and I’ll do mine. Serve the Empire with honor and distinction, and you will be rewarded; fail and suffer the consequences, just like on any other Romulan vessel. Now get to your stations, and get to work,” Govan ordered coldly, watching intently as the three men made their way out of his office.

<Tag All>

[Deleted]

Watching there new sub Commander and his fellow officer he kept very quite. It appeared the rules were simple do you job. He hadn't gotten a feel for his fellow officer yet at this point he was staying a way from the intel officer. There lives were like walking a razor's edge. When the Sub Commander dismissed them he headed straight for engineering, he had alot of work to do. He had asked for this assignment the IRW S'Harien was the newest ship he had earned the right to be here on this ship.

Walking into Engineering he barked at his crew to bring all system on line. " Make sure the sub-Commander has full power on all systems. We shall see if she was put together right make sure the cloak is avaible and on stand-by. I dont want any detail over looked we have a very short time to work out bugs and something tells me that time was just cut in half with our new sub-commander."

Looking at his crew they were the best and brightest of Romulan empire, he hated the empire he hated the politics of it. Why couldn't he be born human and serve in star fleet it didn't matter now he had a job to do all that mattered is he did it well which lucky for him was one thing he was really good at. Half the upgrade's in the new design were his and he knew every inch of the ship, even the secret parts know only to the higher ups.

Looking back down at the board it showed blue systems were on line " Sub-Commander you have full power to all system. I suggest we test them working all together instead of one by one. It will show what systems need to be adjusted more quickly and cut down on repair times. It is only a recomendation Sub-Commander but we are Romulans and playing it safe is for Klingon and Humans" <Tag Echal>

[Deleted]

In a new place and with new people, the strange looks, jeers, leers and cheers were coming forth again, as society had dictated was appropriate for her crime. Jhu noticed, it was impossible not to, but even though her family had disowned her, she still possessed the mental strength to let it wash by. Not that society let this strength bother them of course, instead it simply added to her notoriety. She was ‘fvanna'lo yyaio’*, the 'Vulcan Harlot'.

Born into the Lhaihtrha house, one of the most ancient and noble on all of Romulus, Jhu i-Mhiessan Lhaihtrha had been the jewel of her father’s eye, the daughter with which he would form yet another strengthening tie with another of the noble houses. She would make a fine wife to some Senator, or Senator’s son. It was the path that the elements had chosen for her, and she didn’t ever question it.

She did however, get seduced. Sex was nothing to be embarrassed about, it was well known that the eligible sons and daughters of the noble houses had wild parties, and by the time they got married few remained virgins. But Jhu had the misfortune of sleeping with a mere servant. Her father had no choice but to disown her, and was so ashamed and angry at the dishonour that she had brought to his name that he seemed to take joy in it.

For Jhu, the disownment meant that she was nothing more than a commoner, and the importance of her former house, and scandal created by her actions meant that there were few who didn’t know who she was and what she did. Everywhere she went, she was unwanted and viewed as a taint upon the honour of those around her.

Still though, she had managed to get enrolment into the Romulan War College, a pathway into the Star Navy, and a chance to regain her lost honour, though she knew she would never be able to rejoin her past House. The best she could hope for would be a glorious career and then a decent marriage into a lesser House.

As an Uhlan though, she was still prey for jibes, and as she strode through the IRW S’harien, the usual requests for a ‘quickie’, or simply insults and disbelief that she was allowed there were rife. When she finally stepped into the captain’s office little changed.

Turning to look at his newest recruit to the senior staff, Govan did not even try to hold back the insult.
“I can not tolerate having you, amton’wi-kha nvaihr** on board my vessel!”
Jhu wasn’t shocked; it was how the College masters had reacted.
“Jhu i-Mhiessan reporting for duty Sub Commander.” She spoke, as if her commanding officer hadn’t spoken to her. This, typically, provoked further anger.
“Elements willing, you’ll be off this vessel within the day. Dismissed.”

Although reluctant to leave so abruptly, Jhu could not disobey the order, and so left her captain’s office, and took up a position at the science station, much to the infuriation of those on the bridge.

---

* fvanna'lo - one who is obsessed with sex yyaio - literally 'dead one' a derogatory term for vulcans
** amton’wi-kha nvaihr - literally 'promiscuous woman'

[Deleted]

The room was dark, near pitch black in fact. The only light source, providing very gentle illumination, was the familiar sign of the Star Empire, the bird of prey, claws outstretched and bearing the worlds ch'Rihan and ch'Havran. In front of this dimly lit green and blue bird was a table and chair, barely seeable with the lack of light. Sitting in the chair, his head silhouetted against the background, was the interrogator.

He shifted backwards in the seat, the cold steel legs of the chair scraped painfully on the floor. If he'd had room, he would have put his feet up on the table, he did however, sigh happily. His work was done for the day. His former-subject had just been disposed of, his usefulness depleted now that the interrogator had gleaned the last of the required information from him. The interrogator's name was Tevio Ch'varak, Romulan Naval officer and Tal Diann operative. He was currently on a special commission. His mission and associated tasks were unknown to the majority of the Romulan military and even some members of the Senate. His location was top secret, and not known to anyone, except a select and (as it turned out) crucial few.

Suddenly they were at the entrance to the vast chamber, and were beating on its door. Tevio shot upwards in his seat. It could not be, he had been discovered! But how? The rapping at the door continued, and for the first time in what had so far been a relaxing assignment, Tevio felt fear. The Tal Shiar were not to be trifled with. The knocking ceased and a few seconds later, the heavy-duty doors slowly started to part. The operatives had managed to get a wedge into the door, and steadily and surely, the great steel frames were slid open.

Tevio was up, and running for the back entrance. Three Romulans in Tal Shiar uniform charged into the darkness first, and the Tal Diann officer looked around to see the foremost one raise his arm. He had a weapon, Tevio figured.

In his moment of realisation, Tevio felt all of his motor functions suddenly seize. His neck snapped back sharply in a sickening sap of energy. In his paralysis, the interrogator dropped to the floor. He found out he could still speak when he cursed and cried with pain as he hit his head first. The Romulan whom had fired the neural inhibitor led the rest of the group to Tevio and three of them lifted him from the floor's rough surface.

"What are you doing with me?!" He demanded angrily, he tried to spit at the operatives carrying him, but found that he could not muster any saliva to do so. The Tal Shiar carried him in silence from the room and it was only until they had left the complex, that Tevio got his first good look at one of his assailants. Not even being able to move his eyes, Tevio had to be content with staring straight forward, which was fortunately where his eyes had been looking when he had been paralysed.

A quiet, and utterly menacing voice spoke: "You have been arrested, Tal Diann," Tevio heard the voice give a slight sigh. "I do not hold much hope for you," it said. And with that the face belonging to the Tal Shiar who had spoke, revealed itself. Tevio was shocked to find that he recognised it.

---

The IRW S'Harien's Chief Intelligence Officer stood next to his two fellow staff members in the office of the Commander. Tevio was back in his familiar Intelligence role, and was about to begin his second posting as the Chief of the 'department'. He kept his eyes firmly fixed on the Commander throughout the short issuing of his orders. He felt nothing but the purest of loathing towards his superior, and felt disgusted that he should have to be spoken to in such a manner. Intelligence should not have had to put up with such treatment. And above all, this Romulan was former Tal Shiar! Tevio was back, he had regained his commission, and had the fullest of access to the ship granted to him, he was ready to resume his legate-ship. Little surprise however, that it was this vessel he had been assigned to. A new Warbird, prepped and ready for tests and exercises only. There would be no secret agenda to this mission, Tevio was sure.

Without a second glance at his fellow officers, Tevio headed away down the corridor. The Commander had dismissed them with a typical, clunky and predictable mix of anger and distaste. The Legate felt for his rank insignia. Uhlan... it would take time to adapt to his new-found lowly status. What was Naval rank for a Legate anyway?

[Deleted]

Talok looked at the sorry excuse for a Security and Tactical team, so far he had almost shot one of his staff for ignoring a order, the only reason Talok had not was because he would leave that one for the Commander whenever that scum of a Tal Shiar turned up. “Right, the Commander will be here soon, i want this ship secure and i want you all in position when he arrives, is that understood!” some of the officers notably shifted under Talok’s eye having heard about Uhlan Enur’s trip to the brig on Talok’s first day. “Yes sir!” Talok turned away “Dismissed” was all he said as he left the assembly to head for the arrival ceremony ‘all i need is to waste my time welcoming some Tal Shiar commander, even if he is now just a commander’. Walking in to the bay Talok saw that he was the last Senior Officer to arrive ‘beaten by an engineer and a scientist, how annoying’ nodding to those present, Talok gave a long look at the Intelligence chief before he finally took his place in the line to await the arrival of the Commander, and they would not have to wait long as a small ship entered the bay.

After a small speech the commander ended with a simple order “As you all were; report to your stations,” the Sub Commander barked to the rest of the small assembly before addressing the three senior officers. “You three with me, my office.” Talok joined the others as they made their way to the commander’s office, at first Talok thought he would go though the bridge like most did, but Govan instead used the back door into the office. “Alright, let’s get this over with. You don’t like me, and I don’t like you, no secret there. Here’s the thing...I don’t care. What I care about are results and accomplishing each mission assigned to us. You just stay out of my way and do your jobs, and I’ll do mine. Serve the Empire with honor and distinction, and you will be rewarded; fail and suffer the consequences, just like on any other Romulan vessel. Now get to your stations, and get to work,” Talok did not wish to remain any longer with the commander, so leaving the office with the others he returned to his place on the bridge and having checked that the consol was active and the weapons were connected Talok waited for orders and something to shot at before his frustration got him in trouble.

[Deleted]

Disgust. That was the only word that Govan could think of to describe his current mood. First to get such a pointless mission as a ‘shakedown cruise’ and then for the Chief Science Officer, generally a useless position anyway, to be late, only to discover who this officer really was...it was beyond reprehensible. As the ‘woman’ turned to leave as ordered, the Sub Commander found himself shaking with rage. He knew what this was…it was a direct insult to him, tossing him some unwanted embarrassment to the Romulan race out of spite. Well Echal wouldn’t hear of this. That female disgrace was going to be off his ship immediately, there was no doubt.

~

As the screen on the personal computer terminal went dark, a seething Commander swept the offending device to the floor in a huff. Of course he should have known his Navy superiors would refuse his requests for the Science Officer’s transfer. It had been orchestrated by them in the first place, and now that he was no longer a Tal Shiar agent, there were no friends in high places to turn to, and without that level of support, he’d had to make it a request rather than an order, so of course it was denied. The gleam of contempt and the malice in the eyes of the Admiral had been unmistakable. This was a purposeful attack, a way to offend him and to undermine his position and authority onboard his ship from the beginning. It was repugnant.

Unfortunately, there was also nothing Govan could do about it, at least not yet, but he was determined not to just let this go. In the meantime, he figured he might as well get this pathetic excuse for a mission started. The sooner it began, the sooner it would end, and he could hopefully move on to something more important, if the arrogant self-absorbed idiots in the Admiralty would get over themselves enough to let him. The Sub Commander supposed that having a solid, functioning vessel was important and necessary for any mission to be successful, but as far as he was concerned, the shakedown tests should already be done, not left for him to handle.

Striding onto the bridge for the first time, Govan showed no signs of hesitation or discomfort. It was as if he’d been born on the bridge. “Helm, set a course for Sector 835, specifically the H923 Asteroid Field, Warp one,” Sub Commander Echal ordered before opening a channel to engineering. “Chief, we’re going to warp, beginning at Warp one and increasing speed after completing a full check at each level. Monitor the engines closely and complete the necessary diagnostics before informing the bridge to increase speed. I want this entire ship, especially the engines and power systems, tested to the fullest extent to ensure this ship is ready, so make it happen.”

<Tag Terrh>

Closing the channel, Govan turned back to the helmsman and briefly ordered him to engage before addressing senior officers on the bridge. He specifically avoided looking towards the science station, refusing to legitimize her presence. “I want all systems and personnel in all divisions and departments tested completely, nothing left untried. We’ll run maneuvers once we arrive at our destination, but everything else should be done and reports sent before we get there. Make it happen in your own departments, but leave nothing undone,” Govan ordered, making the extensive assignment clear but giving plenty of room to accomplish it individually. This would provide him with an excellent opportunity to assess their skills and test their limits.

<Tag Talok and Jhu>

Stalking right back off the bridge as he felt the ship jump to warp beneath his feet, Govan moved back to his desk, feeling quite pleased with himself. With his crew now hard at work running the diagnostics and tests on systems and equipment and setting up training exercises and simulations for personnel, all the Sub Commander had to do was sit back and wait for the reports. Well, that and prepare himself for this new assignment by doing some research on this new group of subordinates. Echal intended to know everything about everyone who was under his command, and so retrieving the only slightly scuffed computer from the floor, he got to work.

Settling into his chair and pouring a glass of ale, Govan began to access the records and dossiers of his new crew, starting with the senior staff, in particular the Chief Intelligence Officer, Tevio Ch’varak. In spite of no longer being Tal Shiar, Echal did have an extensive information backup system and was hoping there was some sort of record or file for this Legate there. While the name was unfamiliar, the man was an automatic enemy, and the Sub Commander wanted to be prepared for anything. He would, of course, avoid the Tal Diann vermin at all cost, but it wouldn’t do to be completely uninformed, especially as he was certain that the Legate was currently below decks researching him at this very moment, just like any other rat would do...

[Deleted]

Hearing the sub-commander's order " Understood sir I will make any adjustments needed when they occur." Looking back down at his console it still show blue but he knew better something would go wrong it was a new ship not ship is perfect the first time out. He signaled the bridge to jump to warp when ready.

he kept a close eye on the read outs everything seemed to be flowing smoothly for the moment. He started diverting power to the cloak incase it was called for. He was a little worried about the the future held but that was not importan right now his ship was. He wonder what the rest of the senior staff was doing. Then he chuckled alittle it payed to be a engineer sometimes he could stay in the engine room and not have to deal with the new sub-commander.

[Deleted]

From the fact that Govan hadn’t demanded that she leave the bridge, Jhu assumed that he had failed in his efforts to force her off the ship. Which given his rank and former department, either meant she had someone smiling down on her, or far more likely, he’d upset somebody rather important.

Govan’s determined effort to avoid letting his gaze fall on the science station didn’t go unnoticed though, not that Jhu really minded. Being ignored was something she could quite happily deal with. In comparison to the normal string of insults it was a respite. Indeed, with all her fellows being similarly ranked to her, being on board had so far not been nearly so bad as she had feared. She suspected that she may have to literally knock some heads together before she would command any actual respect though.

Switching her mind to the job, she swiftly ran through the ship’s system, familiarising herself with the details and intricacies of this class of vessel. Although they had been in service for almost twenty years now, the War Academy still taught for a D’Deridex, rather than these more nimble ships. Still, the differences were minor and she quickly got the hang of it.

Running through the efficiency ratings, ranges and power distribution, she came across a small number of discrepancies. She swiftly sourced them back, and then with a scowl on her face, glared across the room at Talok Hir. Now was not the time for rational thought control, now was the time to show that she could face people down. If not, this would only be the start of a series of such incidents, similar to those that had dogged her through her first year of college.

“Uhlan Hir you hnoiyika*, what is the meaning of reallocating half of the power required for my sensors to your weapons arrays?” Jhu challenged him angrily, her hands placed firmly on her hips.

---

* hnoiiyika – weasel, derogatory

[Deleted]

Tevio found himself satisfied with his new office. He expected no less, considering that the ship was brand-new (even if the design was already fifteen years old). However, as long as it served its function as a place for him to sit and perform his work, then the Legate didn't really care what the room looked like.

He was sitting at the desk, leaning forward intently, searching for everything that he could find on - supposedly - the most important person on the S'Harien. It was not long before the Legate found himself smirking at the information on the datascreen in front of him. Govan Echal had led quite an interesting career, he was finding out. A former Tal Shiar agent, which Tevio already knew, Govan Echal had ruined his life as an interrogator in one hopeless blunder, which started a chain of events that ended with Govan being booted out of the Tal Shiar.

In ways, it reminded Tevio of his own career. The irony of it made him laugh, but his story differed from the Commander's in two significant ways. One, Tevio had not been thrown out of the Tal Diann, he had been captured.. and through no fault of his own. And two, Tevio had now regained his fully fledged status as a Legate, Govan Echal on the other hand... was an outcast.

The Intelligence officer sat back and tapped his fingers on the table-edge, considering everything he had found so far. The first stage was complete, simply research the general history of the man. That had been the simple part, having full access to general library files and extensive access to Tal Shiar personnel files made it all too easy. The hard part was to come, and Tevio knew that it wouldn't come easy. It would have to be put aside as an ongoing project, but it was one he would work feverously on. Any former-operative, especially Tal Shiar, would be sure to cover their tracks in regard to some of their... 'questionable decisions' that they had made in the past. For all Tevio knew, Govan may well have been clean, but his background and the nature of his dismissal from the Tal Shiar had to be questioned. Tevio went back over the service history of Echal, and picked out the admittedly very few blots on his record. The Legate would be studying these very closely later, tearing them apart, searching for answers, searching for the information that would see Echal removed.

Of course, if there was nothing incriminating there (a distinct possibility), then Tevio would just have to bend and twist the rules, manipulating the truth to his advantage. The Legate had done it before a thousand times... it felt good to be back in the job, Tevio relished the task ahead.

[Deleted]

Yawning heavily, Govan leaned back in his chair and sighed. Searching through records was incredibly boring, and the former agent would be enjoying this ‘learning more about his crew’ so much more if he were getting this information from them face to face...in an interrogation cell. What he’d learn would probably be a lot more useful as well that way. All the files he came across were so politically written and filtered, it was beyond pathetic. Sadly, the Sub Commander’s position within the Tal Shiar wasn’t in Military Affairs, and as such, all the information he had complied and backed up didn’t include any personnel records that were in any way of use to him.

Frustrated, the new Commander downed the last of the ale in his glass. He had been trying to avoid drinking too much of it but hadn’t anticipated just how dreary researching really was...it was mind numbingly dull. Govan wasn’t drunk by any means, but he was just starting to feel a slight effect. Rising from his chair and stretching his tired back and neck muscles, the officer strode to the replicator to order something to eat, hoping that would help balance out the drinking. Besides, he was starving. At the console, he considered his options for a moment before ordering a plate of grilled meat and vegetables with a large piece of bread. Unfortunately, nothing happened.

Glaring at the device, Echal repeated his order, but again nothing happened. A stiff slap with the heel of his hand also produced no results, as did a single punch to the panel. Punching the console a second time, harder, Govan was rewarded with an unfamiliar series of beeps followed by the appearance of a plate. Still glaring, the Sub Commander reached for the plate before hesitating at its contents. Unsure of what the strange grayish blue conglomerate was, the Romulan bent down closer to sniff the unfamiliar substance before recoiling in horror. It smelled like a mixture of old cheese, engine oil, and...flowers? Growling in disgust, he opened a channel.

“Echal to Engine Room, the replicator in my ready room is malfunctioning. Dispatch someone to resolve this immediately, and I suggest you run a diagnostic,” Govan ordered sternly before slamming the channel shut. He was the Commander of his very own ship, and he couldn’t even get a proper meal. It was pathetic. In fact, he was lucky he hadn’t been poisoned by his own ship. Who knew what that horrible concoction even was, but it was hardly palatable, and most likely far from edible.

<Tag Terrh>

Glowering at the door, waiting not only to see how long it took for a response, but also to see whether the Chief Engineer would come himself or send someone else, and if someone else then who. One thing was absolutely certain, Sub Commander Govan Echal would not wait patiently for long, if at all, and for every second that passed, whoever was coming was more in danger of being in very serious trouble.

[Deleted]

Listening to the sub-commander's complaint, he thought to himself oh great not he's going to think the ship is trying to kill him. In truth Terrh didn't care if he did live or die he was so low on the rank structure it matter. Looking around at his staff he could see the fear in there eyes' they didn't want to go up there. They already had heard stories and feared there new Commander, then remember something his instructor had said, take the risk away from the crew and you'll have there loyalty.

He signaled for one of his crew to take over but held just for a second he noticed tactical was drawing a lot of power more then required. The tactical officer was trying to improve weapons response and fire power. The other systems were starting to feel the drain, looking down at the screen he cut off power and redirected it to were it belonged. Then he locked it down and sent a low voltage enough sting but not harm anybody back to the tactical station.

He grabbed his things and had himself transported to the sub-commander's office. With out saying a word he went straight to work and began the repairs. He was a little confuse because he had check the system before and it was fine. A few adjustments and it was back on line but before he closed it up he noticed a data chip that didn't belong there. Somebody had come in and put it there. He scanned the disk and pulled it, the program on it was a easy one set to posion one person the Sub-Commander it had malfunctioned. Turning to face the Sub-Commander he had a choice to make either tell him or shut up. Chances were the Sub-Commander might blame him but he thought about it again why in the world would he say anything then if it was his idea.

" Sub-Commander Echal somebody was trying to poison you. The program malfunctioned and gave its self away. I can not tell you who put it here to many people had access before we left. It was done after 0800hrs this morning that much I know. Also if it was me who did it then rest assured it would not have malfunctioned and we would not be having this Conversation at all. Come to think of it I would have programmed the computer to simple beam you out into space and made it look like the chief intelligences officer did it." <Tag Echal>

[Deleted]

“I want all systems and personnel in all divisions and departments tested completely, nothing left untried. We’ll run maneuvers once we arrive at our destination, but everything else should be done and reports sent before we get there. Make it happen in your own departments, but leave nothing undone,” Talok nodded before activating his consol and began running a few checks of the weapon systems, the weapons seemed to be operational but he never trusted things to work when extra power was being sent to them during battle so quickly entering a few commands Talok diverted power from sensors to weapons to test the connections at a intense battle level. Talok smiled as he watched the many weapons onboard gain more power than was normally done but he needed to know they would coupe with the increased power flow before the commander ordered it during a real battle. Talok was about to call to his Security assistant when a female approached his consol looking on the point of mad. Talok was unsure who she was so he watched her motions very closely in case she wanted to die. “Uhlan Hir you hnoiyika*, what is the meaning of reallocating half of the power required for my sensors to your weapons arrays?” Jhu challenged him angrily, her hands placed firmly on her hips. Talok smiled at her recognising who she was, “Uhlan i-Mhiessan i believe, i am presently doing as i was ordered, to test ‘my’ departments systems, when i am done and if you are a good little science officer i will return your precious power to your precious sensors. Until then what your turn” Talok knew he had sounded fairly rude but he did not care, she was a science officer, a position barely deserving to exist and he was not in the mood to play her games.

<Tag Yhu>

Before Yhu could respond to Talok’s statement, in the corner of his eye Talok could see his consol was flashing a warning light in a very angry way, moving away no longer paying the science chief any mind at all Talok began checking everything to see what was wrong. Talok almost gasped when he noted that power that he had diverted though the conduits leading to the disruptors but not to the actual weapons was now powering the disruptors, Talok confirmed that no one had inputted the command to charge weapons which he was mildly annoyed to find they hadn’t. Before Talok could do anymore three of the type 16 disruptor cannons overloaded and with a mild quake though the bridge they exploded. “this is not possible, the power was sent though the conduits not into the weapons themselves” quickly diverting all power away from all weapons Talok knew it was only a matter of time before the commander came looking for answers. Talok had noted that the Chief Engineer had gone into the commanders office so hopefully there was time to find someone else to blame. Hitting the comm. system Talok was not happy “Uhlan Hir to engine room, i want a repair crew sent to the damaged weapons systems, and i want them to investigate why power was sent to the weapons without a command being given” Talok did not have time to hear the response as the commander walked onto the bridge in one hell of a rage.

<Tag Govan/Terrh>

[Deleted]

“Uhlan i-Mhiessan I believe, I am presently doing as I was ordered, to test ‘my’ departments systems, when I am done and if you are a good little science officer I will return your precious power to your precious sensors. Until then wait your turn.” Talok Hir spat out rudely.

Just as Jhu started to reply, the Uhlan stepped away from her back to his console. His face flashed with confusion and dismay, and suddenly he was having a full blown argument with his station. His fingers smashed against various parts of it, begging, demanding that the information was wrong. Jhu was about to check what the problem was, when in a moment of pure justice, three of the disruptor cannons exploded.

“This is not possible; the power was sent though the conduits not into the weapons themselves.” Hir exclaimed in bewilderment.
“Awww, did the poor little boy soldier break his toys?” Jhu snidely offered across the bridge. “I hope that you don’t always peak that quickly.”

With a laugh she returned to her own station, and quickly reallocated the power back to her own systems, as it was clear that Uhlan Hir wasn’t going to need it anytime soon. Soon the sensors were back up to working power, and she ran through a few simple cartographies, overlaying different types of analysis on top of each other and carrying out basic cross-referencing to discover the paths of recent cloaked vessels. She then checked these against the flight paths logged in the imperial network to confirm that they were correct. Every one checked out spot on. She smiled quietly. It was nothing much, but at least she didn’t have exploding parts in her department.

As she was working, Sub Commander Echal stepped out onto the bridge, his face a contorted picture of pure anger. Luckily, as he was still completely ignoring Jhu, the science officer didn’t even need to duck out of his gaze. Instead his attention was turned completely on Uhlan Hir. Jhu would have felt sorry for him; if he hadn’t been such a jerk. And if she’d cared enough in the first place.

[Deleted]

Within a minute or so, Govan was slightly started by the sudden appearance of a transporter beam. Leaping to his feet, his hand flying to where his disruptor was holstered, the Sub Commander relaxed somewhat when he saw who it was, and although irritated by the sudden arrival, he had to give the Chief Engineer credit for his interpretation of the word ‘immediately.’ As the Uhlan moved to the replicator to get it fixed, the former agent scowled and sat back down, watching his every move. Within a few minutes, the chief engineer appeared to be done and approached to give his report, but the look on his face seemed to relay that something was wrong.

"Sub Commander Echal, somebody was trying to poison you. The program malfunctioned and gave itself away. I cannot tell you who put it here; too many people had access before we left. It was done after 0800 hours this morning; that much I know,” Terrh reported. Before Govan could react, the engineer continued. “Also if it was me who did it, then rest assured, it would not have malfunctioned and we would not be having this conversation at all. Come to think of it, I would have programmed the computer to simply beam you out into space and made it look like the Chief Intelligence Officer did it," the Senior Officer ‘confessed’ dryly.

Taking a moment to process all of this, Echal was understandably furious, but not really surprised, to find out someone wanted him dead badly enough to make an attempt, but what did surprise him was what Uhlan Virh had said. The simple fact he felt a need to defend himself without being asked was somewhat suspicious, but what he said made a lot of sense. Someone with the skill to be chief engineer would have been successful, and an Intelligence officer would have been equally successful. No, the blunt analysis of the engineering officer was correct. Finally, smirking at the display of brutal honesty, the Sub Commander was about to reply when the lights flickered and the room shook slightly with some type of explosion.

Growling, the former agent snatched the data chip from the engineer’s hand, not trusting anyone to run an impartial analysis. “What now...” he grumbled to himself before turning back to the Uhlan. “Do not mention this incident to anyone else, but run your own investigation quietly,” Govan ordered before storming onto the bridge with the data chip still firmly placed in his hand, assuming that Terrh would follow.

<Tag Terrh>

On the other side of the door, everyone seemed to be absolutely fascinated by their consoles, and that was not a good sign. Quickly taking inventory of body language and facial expressions, the sneer from the science officer indicating it wasn’t her problem and the fact they were still moving clearing navigation, Govan narrowed it down to Talok Hir. “Is it too much to ask that your systems NOT explode?” the Sub Commander roared, his eyes glaring heatedly, aimed directly at his tactical officer.

Turning first to Terrh, Echal began giving orders. “Get down to engineering. I want to know what happened, how and why, and the damage assessed and repaired as soon as possible, but not at the expense of your other duties and assignments,” the Sub Commander ordered, hoping the message to subtly investigate the replicator incident as well as continue the current tests and diagnostics was clearly received.

<Tag Terrh>

“You, in my ready room, now,” Govan ordered curtly in the direction of his tactical chief, before storming back into his ready room, still glowering moodily, and moving to stand behind the desk. Watching stone faced as Talok moved to stand in front the desk, hands behind his back, Echal realized the man probably thought he was in serious trouble, and that was exactly the way that the Sub Commander wanted it.

“Would you care to explain exactly what just happened?” Echal requested coldly.

<Tag Talok>

“I see,” Govan replied, giving away as little as possible. “Select members of your staff to investigate, as well as assist in the repairs. Meanwhile, I have a much more important matter to discuss with you.” Lifting the hand holding the data chip, Echal tossed the small device onto the smooth surface of the desk between them. “Can you tell me what this is?” the Sub Commander asked, keeping his face set coldly. The Security Chief hesitated before picking up the chip and examining it closely.

<Tag Talok>

“It was linked with my replicator, designed to poison me. The Chief Engineer says it was placed there sometime after 0800 this morning. I want you to secretly run an investigation and find out who’s behind this. This is your top priority, but it must be kept as quiet as possible. I expect this issue to be resolved,” the Sub Commander ordered, before retrieving the chip from Talok at sitting back down. “Dismissed.”

<Tag Talok>

After the departure of the tactical officer, Govan turned the chip between his fingers watching the lights reflect off the circuitry. It really wasn’t a shock that someone was out to kill him; what was a shock was that someone would move so quickly. It showed confidence and intent…which would seem to indicate this was an order from someone. Such an order would be secretive, unknown to anyone else, and as such, having the Chief Engineer and Chief Tactical Officer both investigating made sense. Unfortunately, while Terrh was unaware of Talok’s investigation, the tactical officer was aware of the engineer’s knowledge. It only made sense to start a third investigation to further cover all the bases, and unfortunately, Echal could think of only one other department suited to and capable of this kind of assignment.

Locating his target, confirming he was alone, and opening a secure channel to that location, Govan addressed the face that appeared abruptly on the screen. “Legate, report to my ready room immediately. Take the back way and avoid being seen.”

<Tag Tevio>

Closing the channel and leaning back, the Sub Commander waited for the arrival of the Intelligence Chief, still toying with the chip. This was an undesirable turn of events for sure, but unfortunately unavoidable. Now, he’d simply play the game.

[Deleted]

This was not making any sense to him the weapons weren't suppose to over load. The system was suppose to give Talok a nasty shock nothing more. Something was going on here and he didn't like it. Who ever it was didn't seem to know what they were doing all that well. Try to kill the Sub-Commander with a bad chip which if it had been checked would have shown up on a scan and repaired. Then to over load the weapons system that didn't make sense at all how could they do something complicated so well but something simple and screw it up.

" Understood Sub-Commander I will up date you with the repairs shortly until then I suggest we drop out of warp until" pausing for a moment " Until all the BUG's in the system have been taken care of Sir"

he head down to engineering and walked in to see his crew busy at work Listening to the reports it appeared they had it under control for the moment " I want a scan on each and every system from top to bottom. I want it detailed before anything else happens again, somethings a miss I want to know about and I want it repaired."

He head to his station to begin is scans of Sub-Commanders office to see who had been there and who had accessed the replicator. To his shock it came back clean no information it looked like somebody covered there tracks well.

Looking back his crew was already half way through the repairs of weapons. They were moving fast and with a purpose. But now he was a little worried there was a spy on board one that knew the ship systems and it could be anybody right now. He went back to work trying to figure a way to trace the system malfunction and see where it lead he didn't want to be that person he knew that much. He had ignored the Sub-Commander reaction when he beamed in but it told him something dont cross him or you would be dead.

After thinking about for a moment it was time to build alliances with people, one's he could somewhat trust even better was to build one with somebody that nobody wanted any part of. Honor was importan but so was living.

Sending a message to i-Mhiessan he asked her to join in Egineering. While he did think she was a person he didn't mind sharing his bed with it was not what he wanted. He needed her experties and somebody he could trust to watch his back as long as it suited there purpose. Not to mention he was not a glory hound he let her take credit and build on that.

[Deleted]

As soon as Tevio closed the channel, another call came in. Popular today... he thought. The Legate had been in conference with an operative currently stationed in the Romulan system. The communication had been mainly about current progress and the state of the ship itself. Tevio had smiled at that part in particular, three disruptors arrays overloading just prior to the contact had given him something to talk about. As for the current state of the S'Harien's personnel... time would tell, time would tell...

Irritated, Tevio swung around in his chair to face the screen again. He pressed the button on the device so it would shut up with its infernal beeping and settled in front of the screen. The face that appeared on it didn't do anything to ease his annoyance.

A stone-faced Govan Echal was before the Legate, which instantly changed the latter's expression from 'flustered' to what was 'normal' for him. "Legate, report to my ready room immediately. Take the back way and avoid being seen," said the former Tal Shiar. Nodding curtly, Tevio closed the channel and the face of Govan was replaced by black.

Tevio was instantly curious by this. His primary thought was that it was something to do with the disruptor explosions. He would have to see.

Departing his office, Ch'varak made his way to the bridge by the hidden route. The sight of a Legate heading to the bridge was always a worrying, even alarming, sight. And he did not want to arouse any suspicion or fear; not now at least. Still, there must have been more of a reason for the Tal Shiar dog to order him to the bridge by this route, other than simply not wanting to catalyse a reaction from the crew. It made him move quicker, what was this about?

Legate Tevio strode slowly into Echal's ready room. "Sub commander." He greeted the CO bluntly. The shorter this was the better, he didn't like being in the same room as his arch-enemy, he preferred to be at a distance where he was more in control, and in position to strike whenever he was ready. He stood sharply attention, and knew that his deep resentment (which he also knew was mutual), would show plainly.

Echal sat at his desk, looking up with clear contempt at Tevio. He was simply sitting there, not moving and unflinching. For a full minute, the two of them did not move and did not speak, Tevio got the impression that Govan was waiting to see who would break first. Finally, the Legate relaxed his posture ever so slightly, and then moved his eyes from the far bulkhead down to meet Govan's. The filth of Echal's gaze filled him full of loathing, this disgraced operative was nothing more than a joke to Tevio, and one that he would remove with the same, cold efficiency that he had removed a thousand others.

<Tag Govan>

[Deleted]

As he waited for the Intelligence Chief, Govan made a careful sweep of his office for anything else that might end his life. Fortunately, he came up with nothing, but it was now clear this ship could not be trusted as safe for a moment. Echal would have to be very cautious from now on, even more so than usually. Watching the now still starfield outside his window, the former agent hated standing still. His very first mission and things were already going all sorts of wrong... It took several minutes for the Tal Diann agent to arrive, but considering the request for subtlety, it was hardly unexpected. Moving to stand before the desk, the officer addressed him. “Sub Commander,” Ch’varak acknowledged, his eyes boring into his enemy’s.

For a long moment, the two men remained perfectly still, sizing each other up and though saying nothing, communicating much. As far as Echal was concerned, this was a test. In matters of authority on this ship, the Sub Commander was at the top, but politically, they both knew things were far more equal than that, if not actually tipped in favor of the Legate. This was Govan’s way of learning if this Intelligence Officer was capable of giving slightly in matters of authority, if not out of respect than at least out of aptitude. The slight relaxing of posture, but only after an acceptable time had passed, was his answer. He was capable of giving ground, but only if it was to his advantage or at least not to his disadvantage. This one would be trouble...

“An attempt has been made on my life,” Govan spoke first, keeping it short. “While this is no surprise to either of us, the fact that it happened so quickly and failed is a matter of concern. Clearly, this did not come from you, as it would not have failed.” Taking a moment to let this sink in, Echal watched Tevio for his reaction, but saw nothing. “I know you could care less about me, but someone is acting on this ship without the authority of your Navy, and I know that does concern you. Obviously, my life matters to me, so I propose an arrangement that will be mutually beneficial.”

Pausing once more to give the Legate a chance to process, the Sub Commander then continued. “I am running my own investigation, but I would like you to do the same, as it is in both our interests for you to do so. However, I realize that the Tal Diann prefers to keep things in house so to speak, and so your investigation would remain independent of my involvement and interference. I would merely ask to be informed when the matter is resolved. Is this acceptable to you...Legate...?” Echal asked, grudgingly allowing the respectful title to be spoken in spite of his feelings.

<Tag Tevio>

[Deleted]

“You, in my ready room, now,” Talok had been afraid those words would come the moment the disrupters exploded, following Govan into his ready room Talok prepared himself for whatever the sub commander would throw at him “Would you care to explain exactly what just happened?” Echal requested coldly. Talok prepared himself before responding “A few moments ago i began a test to ensure the conduits that supply power to the weapons would take a heavy strain as they would during battle. The power was not being sent into the weapons when that woman that calls herself a science officer distracted me, by the time i became aware that power was now being directed into the weapons i was not able to react fast enough to avoid the overload, I take full responsibility for the weapons destruction, but i do want to investigate why power diverted without a command, sir” Talok felt it was best to accept reasonability even if it was not his fault. “I see,” Govan replied, giving away as little as possible. “Select members of your staff to investigate, as well as assist in the repairs. Meanwhile, I have a much more important matter to discuss with you.” Lifting the hand holding the data chip, Echal tossed the small device onto the smooth surface of the desk between them. “Can you tell me what this is?” the Sub Commander asked, keeping his face set coldly. The Security Chief hesitated before picking up the chip and examining it closely. At first Talok looked at it and saw that it was a data chip, but there was something very familiar about the design, it looked Romulan including the materials by the feel but there was a definite air of something he became very concerned about. “Sir, it looks to be a data device of some kind, i would suggest asking an engineer what it is exactly sir” Talok felt the soft approach for now best until he knew where he stood, and he would not mention his fears until he had the chance to double check the design. “It was linked with my replicator, designed to poison me. The Chief Engineer says it was placed there sometime after 0800 this morning. I want you to secretly run an investigation and find out who’s behind this. This is your top priority, but it must be kept as quiet as possible. I expect this issue to be resolved,” the Sub Commander ordered, before retrieving the chip from Talok at sitting back down. “Dismissed.” Talok wished he had still had the device but he had the feeling the sub commander would not let it out of his sight for now.

Saluting Talok left the Commander’s ready room to return to his consol, Talok noted the worried look on the other officers’ faces, expect the Science officer who looked like she was pleased. Tapping onto his consol a few select names from the roster he sent them a message ordering them to investigate the explosion and to report to him if they found anything suspicious. After completing his messages, Talok left the bridge and made his way through the ship to his quarters, normally Talok would not come here until his shift was over, but he needed to check something. Finding his recorder hidden within his bed, Talok began sifting through the records contained on the device until he found what he was looking for. Looking at the device the screen showed Talok noted the similarities between the chip that almost killed the sub commander and the device on his screen, ‘this device that was originally used to torture victims by causing disruptions within the brain’s electrical flow causing massive pain as well as overloading certain senses. This device was only used for a short period in our history before it was determined that it killed the victim far too quickly for our liking. After a short time it was found that the device had similar effects on machines, ranging from causing minor errors which can be controlled and suggested to create certain effects, to completely devastating the system it is attached to resulting in a unknown outcome.’ Talok read the entry again before closing and hiding the recorder, had it been Romulan he could have left it out, but due to its origins he could not leave it out or he would have some very dangerous questions asked.

As Talok returned to the bridge to begin his investigation into the attack on the sub commander the entry was still ringing in his ears ‘So we either have a saboteur on board, a spy for them, or worse one of them on board’ Talok knew the last was very unlikely to impossible but he had to wonder how such technology got into Romulan hands. Talok decided to begin by checking who had been in the room that could have place it there, he choose to set the time line further back than the engineer suggested as they were very unreliable sometimes choosing to check from 4am until the incident to find anything, and he was going to have to ask for the science officers aid to see if someone did not just transport it directly there which would be interesting to keep her from knowing. Talok knew what he had to do but he was worried, if anyone found that recorder in his quarters they would assume he did it and shot him on sight.

[Deleted]

"I would merely ask to be informed when the matter is resolved. Is this acceptable to you...Legate...?”

Tevio nearly smirked at the Subcommander's tone. It was clear that the S'Harien's commanding officer was not a fool, he knew that the Tal Diann demanded respect and that he was obligated to give that respect. Tevio felt more comfortable when dealing with people who knew their place, blatant disregard for his position was something the Intelligence Chief did not take kindly to.

"It is acceptable within the terms that you have layed out Subcommander," he spoke to Echal properly for the first time. Tevio hoped that his implication was clear, if there was any change in the circumstances that would cause Echal to modify their agreement, then Tevio would be forced to halt his 'investigation'. In truth, it would of course continue, but not in the interest of the S'Harien's captain.

After Govan had explained what had occurred, he dismissed Tevio from the ready room. As he stepped on to the bridge and rapidly made his way to the exit, the Intelligence chief turned his thoughts to what had actually taken place. An assassination attempt on Echal this early on was surprising. Tevio knew that it would have come eventually, but still... Whoever orchestrated it was appreciably eager to remove the former Tal Shiar, Tevio had to admit, but considering that the attempt had been a failure, it was easy to see that there had been a lack of proper planning, as well as a certain ignorance of the consequences of failure. In short, the assassin was a fool, and he or she would pay the price for their - likely - independent attempt on Echal's life. If they had waited longer, and by longer he meant months, and then brought their plan before Tevio, perhaps he would have carried it out himself...

As it was, Ch'varak thought as he walked the corridor outside of the bridge leading towards his personal quarters, the assassin/s had acted without authority of the Navy, and as such would be punished. Such foolishness... he sighed inwardly. Many an event lay ahead, before the Intelligence chief would consider it safe to have Echal removed... And that depended on whether or not he could find evidence of treason, or of some other offence, against him. If he could not, then.. so be it. It would have to be done the hard way.

Tevio started by making a list of all the personnel who had access to Govan Echal's ready room from 0800 onwards. A few minutes in however, he changed his mind. Looking at the list of obvious suspects that he had made it finally occurred to him. Perhaps I have been working alone for too long... he thought.

It was likely, in fact it was certain, that Echal already had officers other than the Legate investigating this. If the CO had any sense, then surely Ch'varak was the last person he would turn to. Deciding that whoever else the Subcommander had employed that they would be researching the obvious potential assassins, Tevio turned his attention to the less obvious. Despite the shoddy assassination attempt, the method of it did require a certain level of technical aptitude. Yes, that was it. He would start with Engineering.

Now sitting at the desk in his darkly-lit quarters, Tevio thumbed the button on the display before him to open a channel to the Engine room. He paused before speaking and looked up to the schematic of the S'Harien on his wall, on it were bright red blots highlighting particular areas of the ship where he could perform certain acts..., "Uhlan Terrh, Legate Tevio, report to.. maintenance junction 392-Beta immediately."

He closed the channel.


<Tag Terrh>

[Deleted]

Now he was not in a good mood he was just order to report by Ch'varak who was the same rank he was on this ship. He knew why the legate chose that section of ship very hard to beam anybody out or record because of the energy flowing in lines down there. " Under stood Legate Ch'varak and by the way the next time you order me to report instead of asking. I'll make sure that your console accidently discharge while your using it. Until you out rank me its a request not a order is that clear." pausing for a moment


" I know who your master is and I have no family left to threaten not to mention I really dont care anyway what happens to me anymore. What I do know is if I dont get some answers soon the Sub-Commander is going to want somebody head and I have no problem turning you over to him in order to cover my self. So I suggest you make this little meeting brief and very non-threatening because right now I really don't have anything to loose other then my sense of honor which is the only thing that keeps doing the right thing for the moment"

[Deleted]

Boots on his desk and a personal computer terminal resting on his lap, Govan was actually feeling rather contented, in spite of the previous attempt on his life. A now empty plate rested next to his feet, his meal coming from his now functioning replicator, though it had been very well scanned before he had eaten anything. In truth, the Sub Commander realized that he should have scanned the ale before he drank it, but luckily for him, his would be assassin hadn’t poisoned it. Such was a part of his life now...everyone against him and him against everyone else. It really wasn’t that much of a change, but the difference was he no longer had automatic protection due his rank and position. Now he was alone. However, the former Major had decided that it didn’t matter; he was more than capable of protecting himself.

The new commanding officer had already figured out quite a lot just by searching the main computer. Now he could easily access any report filed in any department as soon as it was submitted, without having to wait for anyone to come along and deliver a summarized or perhaps even edited version to him, not that anyone had shown up with a report yet. It didn’t matter anymore, and as Govan scanned a just submitted report on some sort of scientific project he could care less about, he felt almost...powerful somehow. Based on the security and engineering reports coming through, it appeared that the explosion had been some sort of accident, a simple burned out relay and an improperly installed backup power conduit, just one ‘bug’ down, who knew how many more to go... Hopefully the next one wouldn’t be quite so spectacular, as that one, little problem had created a rather sizable explosion.

With no structural damage created, and the problem entirely isolated from both the quantum singularity drive and the impulse engines, there appeared to be no reason not to continue on their way. “Echal to Engine Room, we are going back to warp. Resume the previous testing and continue the level by level observation,” Govan ordered before slamming the channel shut and opening a new one to the bridge. “Echal to helm, resume our previous course and heading, warp one, immediately.”

Now with the ship back underway, the Sub Commander turned his attention back to the innocent looking chip that still sat on his desk. Picking it up and once again examining it, Govan tried to remember why it looked so familiar. It was just a data chip and looked Romulan, but for some reason he felt like he’d seen it before and since he wasn’t really the type to play with most types of technology, that was very unusual in and of itself. Unfortunately, Echal realized he wasn’t going to be able to do much with the chip except keep it from everyone else and that would do him no good. He would need help examining and identifying the device if it were going to yield any evidence as to who planted it and therefore who wanted him dead…

The engineer was far too busy, and the last thing he wanted was the Legate to get the most important clue they had. That only left the science officer and the security chief, and there was no way he would speak to that woman, so Hir it was. Rising from his seat and moving to the bridge, the Sub Commander strode purposefully to the tactical station. “Uhlan, you’re with me,” Govan ordered before stalking over to the lift and waiting for the security chief, who fortunately was right behind him.

As the doors closed, Govan requested one of the many technology labs on the ship before turning to Talok. “We’re going to take a closer look at this chip. We need to figure out its origins, design, and programming, as well as scan it for any residual trace evidence,” Echal stated stonily, hoping that somehow they could figure it out, or at least make a descent attempt without destroying anything during the process.

<Tag Talok>

[Deleted]

Talok had confirmed that other than the engineer and the sub commander no one had gone into the ready room all day except with the sub commander present. Having ruled out the sub commander from trying to kill himself it left only three options, one the engineer did it, two someone transported it in directly or three someone cloaked entered the ready room and planted it. Talok hoped it was the first as that would be easy to pin to the chief and he could get a promotion for it, but he doubted this would be the case. Talok was about to head to the science station to ask the woman to check the records to see if there had been a transport anywhere on the ship when the sub commander walked out onto the bridge, “Uhlan, you’re with me,” Talok jumped to attention when he noted that the sub commander meant him, quickly moving to fall behind him Talok wondered what he was going for.

As they arrived at one of the labs, the sub commander finally turned and told him why he was there. “We’re going to take a closer look at this chip. We need to figure out its origins, design, and programming, as well as scan it for any residual trace evidence,” Talok nodded as he heard this, a little surprised the commander wanted him not a science officer, but that changed quickly when he remembered who the Science chief was. “Yes Sir, but before we start i think there is something you need to know. As you probably already know from my records my family is not exactly well liked in the empire, but during our time outside of the empire my family learned a great deal. One of my defining passions is torture methods of other races, my mother gave me a data device when i was younger detailing many races methods. The device in you hand was once used for torture till the creators worked out it killed someone far too quickly but it was very useful for sabotage.” Talok did not know why he was telling the sub commander this, until he thought the information could be worth a promotion.

<Tag Echal>

“Sir, i would advise we begin our scans, you can think on what i have said and what it is worth to you to know the remaining information” Talok knew he was treading on dangerous grounds now, but it was worth the possible gain.

<Tag Echal>

(OCC yes my char is trying to get a bribe out of the commander )

[Deleted]

I suggest you make this little meeting brief and very non-threatening because right now I really don't have anything to loose other then my sense of honor which is the only thing that keeps doing the right thing for the moment"

Tevio squared his jaw and gritted his teeth in anger. The engineer was exhibiting perfect and typical insolence, it was nothing short of treacherous for a Tal Diann Legate to be spoken to in this way, in spite of his true naval rank. Terrh was a fine one to talk about not threatening...

Ch'varak maintained his calm. "Engineer, I have called you here for reasons that you may already be aware. Has Echal made you aware of what's occurred?" There was only silence from Terrh. "Whether you know or not, Govan Echal was nearly assassinated."

<Tag Terrh>

Tevio knew it, Echal would not rely on one person to investigate this. He would tell most if not all of the senior staff, and would do it individually so that the others were not aware. Doubtless the Subcommander knew that Tevio would ask around and thus spread the knowledge.. but Echal could rest assured that Tevio would not spread the news so wantonly. Those who found out were either senior staff, or were not going to live long enough to tell.

"Engineer." Tevio said to Terrh. "It occurred to me earlier, while in my office, that a person with technical knowledge would be more likely to try this. This makes your department a main focus of this investigation, and that includes yourself. I assume that you are investigating your own department...?" Tevio took a step forward, he was of similar height to the Chief Engineer, but years of practice with intimidating people ensured that he looked the larger and more menacing Romulan. "I would continue to do so if I were you, I shall be watching."

<Tag Terrh>

The Legate had a feeling that he would be meeting with the engineer again on this matter. Terrh would have to hope for his sake that the next meeting was as civil as this one had been.

[Deleted]

Looking at Ch'varak he found a new respect for the Intelligence officer he was to the point and not trying to sugar coat things. He liked people who were to the point and got it out plain and simple. He didn't like cloak and dagger and always thought it would be the down fall of any empire.

" Yes your right about that the Sub-Commander asked me to check out the attempt on his life. I disagree with you that its my department. If it was then it would have worked my team knows the inn's and outs of this ship they would not have failed not with something so simple. I still " Pauseing for a moment " Lets be honest here Okay Ch'varak its clear we don't like each other because of our jobs but we could benefit from helping each other. I'm not saying a life long friendship or anything like that but a partner ship to keep the Sub-Commander off each others back. Those weapons systems didn't malfunction I would bet my life on it. I'm not stupid I checked those system more then half a dozen times. Somebody on this ship is trying to kill the Sub-Commander and who every it is has a personal grudge to settle. Why else the stupid attemps they don't know what they are doing or don't care that they may die. If its one of my staff you can have them. But know this if it was me then the Sub-Commander would be dead already. So I'll report everything I find in exchange you make sure the Sub-commander stays off my back. I have enough problems to fix already with out anybody adding to them. All I ask is that I'm there when you torture the poor fool for being stupid and failing to grasp the concept of a clean kill" <Tag Ch'varak>

[Deleted]

“Yes Sir, but before we start, I think there is something you need to know. As you probably already know from my records, my family is not exactly well liked in the Empire, but during our time outside of the empire, my family learned a great deal. One of my defining passions is torture methods of other races; my mother gave me a data device when I was younger, detailing many races’ methods. The device in your hand was once used for torture ‘till the creators worked out it killed someone far too quickly, but it was very useful for sabotage,” Talok reported quite somberly.

Somewhat stunned by this sudden disclosure, Govan gave himself some time to process this information by providing a rather non-committal response of, “I see.” Now that Hir mentioned it, the former interrogator realized he had recognized the device from years ago when he was studying and learning interrogation methods, techniques, and technologies. The specifics had since been forgotten, as it wasn't used by the Tal Shiar because of how quickly it killed. As a result he’d never used it and had been able to identify it, but it explained why the chip looked so familiar.

“Sir, I would advise we begin our scans; you can think on what I have said, and what it is worth to you to know the remaining information,” Hir ‘offered’ casually.

Stunned even further, Sub Commander Echal stared at his security chief for a brief moment, but as the lift arrived at its destination and the doors opened, a surge of rage struck without warning, and the next thing Govan knew, he had Talok pinned to the back wall of the turbolift holding him off his feet with an arm across his throat.

“How dare you...” Echal hissed, glaring at the Sub Lieutenant and applying enough pressure to the man’s throat to restrict his breathing slightly, but not altogether. “I am not some weak minded fool that you can easily manipulate at whim. I am your Commander and not someone to be trifled with, so I suggest you reconsider what you just said and provide me with ALL the information you have, not only on that chip, but also anything else contained on that device you got from your ‘mommy.’ And I don’t want even the thought of you pulling something like that on me again to even cross your mind once, or I assure you, you will regret it. Is that understood?”

<Tag Talok>