Mission 97.0424:yhfi'iunnh: Transportation Trouble

[Deleted]

Reassured that his first assumptions about their mission were correct Sural left the briefing and avoiding the rest of the senior staff returned to sickbay. He did a quick check of the latest cases and was assued that Doctor Lorkev had matters in hand,
"I will be in my Lab" Sural stated imperiously "I do not wish to be disturbed."
Lorkev nodded meekly and returned to his patient, a young Uhlan who had injured himself practicing unarmed combat.

The Laboratory was particularly tidy. It had been weeks since Sural had run any meaningful trials and he was beginning to wonder if the anger that had fuelled his earlier work had ebbed. The Dominion War was long over and those responsible for... even now he could not bring himself to think on it. They were gone nevertheless so why continue this futile pursuit. What goal but genocide did it achieve? What else though could he do? His work had kept him going for the past few years. He could easily have retired from the service... and do what? Become a local doctor on Rator III. With the number of romulan refugees across the galaxy and the fledgling attempt to reassert the Empire after the disaster of Nero a good doctor was a prime commodity. He was certain he could find a job anywhere. He didn't like Navy life. He found most in the military to be the very thing that had casued Romulus' downfall.

Nero had been arrogant and aggressive like the Senate he had spaced. He was no reunificationist but they had been given an alternative to the Hobus Disaster. Spock offered the hand of help and the arrogance of the senior echelons of Romulan Society had slapped it aside. So instead of a proud society dominating the stars the Romulan people were fractured and destitute.

And had this disaster changed anything...no. Donatra, Tal Aura, Sela, Tomalak all schemed and plotted against one another vying for power and strategy . The military took every effort to needle her neighbours, developing weapons and ships that could only antagonise the Federation and Klingons whilst Romulan civilians starved together on Rator on Dern or on a hundred other planets.

He knew what rankled the military and the senate. The fact that the Empire still existed. It made them furious. Had Earth or Vulcan been destroyed even Qu'onos the Star Empire would have invaded destroying their enemies once and for all. But when Romulus died and the Empire was in the weakest state for generation what happened, the klingons never came and all that came from the Federation was pity. The fact that the other major powers no longer considered the Romulans a power to be worried with was what caused the military the pain it felt, the pain of obscurity and insignificance.

Drawing himself from introspection he had work to do. He set up a run of new cultures and then settled down to analyse the biometrics of any new crewmembers and visitors. One name in particular drew his attention. They looked as if they could have some useful genetic markers to backstop his work. Now all he had to do was find away to obtain suitable genetic and blood samples. Lady Restia may not be a willing donor he mused to himself and turned his mind to the problem.

[Deleted]

Lady Restia… Mirok thought to himself as he walked back to the Engine Room, studying the PADD just supplied to him by the Ambassador.

Mirok was certainly one that preferred his secrets stay that way: secret. Unpleasant events and circumstances had thus far in his life always followed the revelation of those secrets. While finding the proof that he had indeed been born in a noble family and been later rejected might be slightly difficult, it was much more difficult to hide the evidence of that in his demeanor.

If he was cornered and possibly blackmailed by her Ladyship, which was the better option for him, to cooperate in order to receive the benefits or to avoid the negative consequences. For to cooperate was his only option, as to refuse would be political suicide. But what if she were to discover his greater secret? That would be far more dangerous. While being recruited by the Tal’Shiar might not be so bad, his father would probably have him killed, or even kill him himself. Avoiding the latter had previously gotten him disowned. But to refuse the Tal’Shiar given his gifts would likely get him executed anyway. No, it was best to avoid that truth coming out.

Returning to the Engine Room, he asked Karok, “So, do we even have enough mass we can safely encompass within the nullifying field to make this plan possible without risking harming the crew?”

“Most likely,” Karok said, studying a diagram of the ship that had various dotted lines and grayed areas that looked like tentative configurations of the new field. “We may have to restrict access to small areas, but it shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience to ship operations.” He turned. “My concern is running the Singularity on only five emitters. Five is a bare minimum, and rarely is more than one brought offline at a time. We may need to devise a setup that minimizes the number of redirected emitters. If any one of those remaining five has an issue…”

“I am aware of the hazards involved,” Mirok replied. Especially among engineers, Romulans were made well familiar with the various hazard zones created by the rare implosion of a warbird. “But given that we’re trying to avoid being obliterated by an enemy of untold power, the small chance of imploding ourselves seems worth the risk, wouldn’t you say?”

[Deleted]

"I am going to ask the Commander for permission to accompany the diplomatic party to the surface." Isha looked away distantly. "I have recent experience in blending into the background and should appear innocuous enough... especially if introduced, not as security, but as an aide. I can personally initiate whatever plan we decide."

Tevio looked her up and down, finding that he was having to re-evaluate this woman by the second. It was part of his nature to cast instant judgement on a new acquaintance; to draw new lines, meet new tangents with his or her mind as they presented it. He would have to rethink the matter of this small, driven woman, with her cold light and cold eyes.

"Of utmost importance is to understand their weapons. I want schematics. Anything short of that, is a failure."

Tevio nodded, rendered momentarily silent by the security officer. "Of course," he said, "And that failure might well be on your head, should you thirst for their technology, Uhlan." He drew himself up, stepping towards her desk to his assert his authority. "We can think about the diplomatic landing later, as the Commander and the Navy would want, in the mean time let's focus on this multi-phase cloak."

Ch'varak's communicator chirped. As if by design, it was J'Nal Sular, "Lieutenant Ch'varak this is Lieutenant Sular I have a device that may aide us in the assigned mission."

"Very well, Sub Lieutenant, bring your ideas to the security chief's office." He paused, "Better yet, remain at the science lab, I will come to you." Thumbing off his communicator, he glanced at Qellar, as if she meant nothing. "Will you accompany me, Uhlan?"

<Qellar> <Sular - post as if I've arrived if you like, although I can't speak for Isha>

* * *

Uhlan Mavak sauntered across the bridge, keeping to the rear consoles and surveying the controllers' work. The Legate's instructions had been to keep an eye on the junior officers lining the neon-green lit consoles of the S'Harien's nerve centre.

It was well known that in transitional periods aboard Warbirds - such as this with a relatively new CO - the conscious ambition of the officers shot through the roof. Mavak was simply keeping watch for any signs of said ambition, so that the Commander could be kept safe and the honour of the Navy's decison-making - their appointment of this new CO - could be upheld.

Commander Lhoell was sat in the command chair, and doubtless wouldn't have been happy with a junior officer wandering the back of the bridge without announcing his intent, but, Mavak inwardly observed, perhaps he knew better than to question the motives of a Navy intel and political officer.

<Taev?>

[Deleted]

The S'Harien had finally left port and was sent on his way, though Tedak wasn't really sure where. They had been sat in port for so long now, the crew had started to get restless. Any second now, the diplomat had expected a riot to break out. The orders to depart therefor, had in his opinion arrived just in time.

Tedak was stood beside the commanding officer, his gaze fixed on the screen before them, where star after star streaked by. It was mesmerizing to look at, and soon he found his thoughts trailing back to his young daughter, and the girlfriend he'd had to leave behind on that planetoid. He wondered when he'd have the opportunity to see her again.

Hand resting on the back of Taev's chair, he just stood there for several minutes. He hadn't realised something was amiss until suddenly two columns of light appeared before them and coalesced into two individuals. One formed into a hansome male, several years Tedak's junior, who was impeccably dressed in a shiny black suit which was adorned with his family crest. His features were sharp, his grey eyes taking in everything at once.

At one glance, Tedak could see the man was armed. The second figure coalesced into a beautiful woman only a year or two his junior and she was similarly dressed to the male, except her attire was a flowing black dress which reached to the floor and fanned out around her feet. The dress was low-cut and undoubtedly caught stares from every male, and possibly female, on deck.

As they suddenly appeared out of nowhere, Tedak jumped forward, with one hand pressing Taev back in his seat, the other resting on his dagger. He assessed them both, then smiled. "Horuc tr'Chelak, Restia t'I'Lainau, welcome to the S'Harien. I am Ambasador Tedak tr'H'Rhinann."

The pair studied him, but said nothing. The woman gazed about her calmly, smiling at every officer in turn, though the man's gaze was murderous. "Your welcome means nothing to us," he spoke, his voice velved soft, deadly. "This is just a means of transportation and we demand to be left alone." His gaze fell on Taev. "Is your captain a coward, that he needs to hide behind a traitor?"

Tedak bristled, but he said nothing; he knew when he was baited and he refused to rise to it. He did, however, not move from his spot.

[Deleted]

Having ordered the S'Harien to depart from the Romulan outpost without their expected passengers, Taev sat on the bridge, mulling over this "waste of time" mission. Once again, they had been returned to their disregarded status and downgraded to such menial tasks that made the S'Harien crew be equal to day laborers. Perhaps this time, they would at least be involved in some sort of military conflict. Taev intended on putting the ship through a variety of drills, just to see how the crew responded, though some would argue that being too prepared was equivalent to being paranoid and all Romulans knew that paranoia gets people nowhere.

Taev made a mental note of who was currently on the bridge. Other than himself, the seniormost officer was Tedak, who complemented the three Uhlans representing the flight control, tactical, and intelligence departments. He noticed one of the was watching him with great interest. Mavak was his name, to Taev's best knowledge. He would need to watch this junior officer.

Suddenly, there was a flash of light, and the sound of a transporter beam filled the bridge. As if out of nowehere appeared their two passengers. Tedak, seemingly in an unwarranted protective move, sprung to action and attempted to restrain Taev, which angered the Commander. After a brief welcome, the male ambassador asked, "Is your captain a coward, that he needs to hide behind a traitor?"

Tedak remained where he was, not daring to move. Taev stood, slowly removing Tedak's hand from his chest. He walked up to the male ambassador, standing toe to toe, eye to eye. "Should you ever speak to my Ambassador in such a tone again, see to it that you find your own tongue removed from the protruding abyss it comes from."

Looking towards the back of the bridge, he saw the Uhlan Mavak pacing about the bridge. Taev waved the junior officer over. "See to these guests." The officer escorted them off the bridge, Taev facing the door they left, his back to Tedak.

Still facing away, he said, "If you ever do that again, you'll soon realize it is not my life that needs protecting." Taev turned, facing Tedak, and stared him down. Without another word, he pushed Tedak out of the way and walked off the bridge.

-----------------------------------------

After he left the bridge in a huff, Taev had called for his infiltration team to report to his office. As the three entered as ordered, he stood and said, "I want you to put your current task on hold for the time being. I have new assignments for you."

Looking at Tevio, he said, "Research into their past. I want to know every place that they have slept in the past fifty years. Spare no detail."

(Tevio)

Turning to J'Nal, he ordered, "Figure out how the hell they got passed our shield grid. I want whatever ship they came on found. Use engineering to help you."

(J'Nal/Mirok)

Finally to Isha, he said, "Assign extra security to the visitors deck. I don't want anything happening and I want the ambassadors watched."

(Isha)

After dismissing them, he sat back in his chair, and thought about recent events. This mission was taking a turn for the worse, and really quickly.

[Deleted]

The winding corridors of the S'Harien diverged into many in some of the tighter confines of the ship. Secret paths wound tight into the small spaces, spiralling through dark tunnels to central nexuses, of information or power.

Uhlan Mavak steadily followed one of these winding paths, having just deposited the ambassadorial guests in their respective diplomatic suites and handed them off to Qellar's brutes. He had newly assigned tasks to perform. Mavak was good at many things, but if there was one thing he especially excelled in, it was carrying out his orders to some extraordinary level of detail and attentiveness - without sacrificing efficiency. It made him an extremely reliable junior officer, which, Mavak knew, could sometimes be a rare commodity in the Romulan Navy.

Mavak's past was strangely lathered with dark stretches of incidental evil. He was as dangerous as he was reliable, and this combination often surfaced in the form of brutality and mercilessness. He was an unforgiving intelligence officer, more pragmatist than idealist. He was the punisher, the enactor of spontaneous justice, while it was left for others in Legate Ch'varak's department to present the political side of the intelligence officer role.

He began his intensive study, looking at all recent bridge duty shifts, any modifications to those duty shifts, and an in-depth look at the backgrounds of the current bridge crew. If the integrity of the S'Harien's operations was seen to be compromised, and the Commander was at risk, then a small culling might be in order.

* * * * *

"Research into their past. I want to know every place that they have slept in the past fifty years. Spare no detail."

"Commander, might I suggest that you ask Ambassador Tedak, considering his diplomatic-"

"Enough," Taev's voice was not loud but it was firm, and possessed something that might have been perilous. "You will do as ordered."

Tevio left the Commander's office barely concealing his rage at the sudden reappointment. How was he meant to accomplish anything if Lhoell saw fit to keep assigning him new duties? Did this young, upstart CO not know Navy etiquette? One didn't so blatantly order the Intel chief to do anything. Coerce with persuasion, yes, encourage and suggest, certainly, but he couldn't rap out orders blindly and expect them to be followed without some fallout.

He looked into the male first. Horuc tr'Chelak. A dangerous noble, of a particularly wealthy but obscure background. He recalled this being said by Tedak in the initial brief. Over hours, Tevio delved into the man's history courtesy of the Intel chief's high political access levels. What lay below that biographical overview was an incredibly ruthless past, chequered with the myriad assassinations that tr'Chelak had carried out over the years, each target larger and more ambitious than the last. That made sense, Tevio thought. For he also found that Horuc's family had gradually been winning more and more influence in the Senate, albeit covertly. The aristocrat was at the height of his powers. Whatever mission tr'Chelak was on here, whatever the S'Harien was ferrying him to do, it could have wide-reaching implications. It would also - perhaps more likely than not - be carried out successfully. And... And that was not all.

He sat back in his office chair and looked at the array of comm buttons under the lip of the desk. Staring at them for almost half a minute, eventually he made the decision. The button chirped as he pressed it, "Ambassador Tedak, this is Ch'varak. At your earliest convenience, would you come to my office. It is about Horuc tr'Chelak."

<Tedak> <All>

[Deleted]

Tedak glanced sideways at Restia, who'd come to him only minutes before the intelligence chief's call. She smiled at him before bringing the glass of ale to her lips, sipping it gracefully. "I'm not surprised," she offered, smiling sweetly, if not seductively.

She was dangerous, Tedak knew, and he had to be careful not to get on her wrong side. "He's a killer, my sweet ambassador, and he'd have no scruples about slitting your throat when you're sleeping."

The diplomat studied her, finding her beauty compelling but all the same her demeanour reminded him of a poisonous snake. He shuddered as her fingers touched his cheek, and it took effort not to recoil from the touch. Yet, he could see in her eyes that it'd not gone unnoticed. "You're afraid of me," she smiled, draining away the last of the ale. "As you should be my sweet. I always get what I want. Now you had best see that little chief of yours, it sounded urgent. I have to go see the commander anyway. I'm sure I'll get more attention from him, than from you."

"I have a mate," Tedak replied slowly, "I have her and my daughter to consider." He caught her hand in his. "Don't touch me again in that manner."

Fury rippled across her beautiful features as she set the glass down. An audible crack was heard across the office, followed by a second. Tedak raised his hand, fury in his own eyes, then he lowered it. "I refuse to hit a woman," he snapped, "get out of my office." He tapped his combadge. "Apologies for the delayed response legate, I was encountering...difficulties, in my office. I'll be with you shortly."

He glared at the woman, then pointed at the door. "Out!" From a shelf came a menacing hissing sound, soon followed by a second hiss. From the shadows, two sets of small, flaming red orbs could be observed if one paid attention. Nut glided down to perch on Tedak's shoulder as he walked out of his own office, locking the door behind him.

Seconds later, he walked into Ch'Varak's office. "You wished to talk to me?"

(ch'varak)

Meanwhile, Restia rushed through the corridor, modeling her face into one of shock and panic, before running into Taev's own office, running right into his arms, burying her face against his shoulder.

(taev)

[Deleted]

Seconds later, he walked into Ch'Varak's office. "You wished to talk to me?"

Tevio twisted in his seat, turning to face the person whom had entered. It was of course, Ambassador Tedak. "Yes, Ambassador," he said, purposely not offering the diplomat the seat opposite his desk to sit in. Tevio often wondered why he bothered with the seat at all.

"It's about Horuc," he repeated what he'd said over the comm channel. He paused to activate a small holographic projection device inset into his desk. A 3D image sprang up over the desk, resolving into a rotating image of an azure coloured planet.

"Do you know this?" he asked. "This is Haranar II. It's home to a Federation outpost, and is notable for being the Federation's closest base to our shipyards and governmental elements at Achernar. Or this?" The 3D image dissolved, replaced by another planet. "Berex VIII, Star Empire colony, less than five parsecs from seat of government Rator III. And this? Koris III, location of a secret base in the neutral zone. tr'Chelak has been to all of them in the last two years, on official business, undercover or otherwise."

Tevio waited for a reaction from Tedak before continuing. "The results of his workings in these places was not immediately obvious to us, and it still might not be. However, a reasonable while after each visit, the following events occurred. A drydocked Warbird at Achernar exploded, apparently as a result of maintenance error." Tevio knew that the explanation sounded unlikely. "At Berex VIII, a civilian uprising cost the lives of hundreds of governmental workers and soldiers before it was quashed. And, just three months ago - and as you may have heard - the Federation accused us of maintaining a secret base at Koris III in the neutral zone.

"Horuc tr'Chelak is meant to be an assassin, is he not? No official reports have indicated who exactly he removed at each of the locations he visited." Tevio deactivated the holographic projection, leaving the two Romulans with a once more unobstructed view of each other.

He met the diplomat's gaze. "Do you know anything else about Horuc that you're not telling us, Ambassador? This may all be circumstantial, but my doubt of that is strong."

The fact that the evidence of treason was circumstantial was the only reason Tevio hadn't gone straight to Taev Lhoell. That, and he didn't want to put the matter into the hands of a ham-fisted Commander who might not follow procedure. If it came to it though, he would recommend having Horuc taken into custody, or spaced.

<Tag Tedak>

[Deleted]

JP Tevo Ch'Varak & Tedak

---

"That is the nature of a Tal Shiar operative," Tedak explained, "the point being that every operation is covert and no details reach anyone else who might be of importance. Yes legate, Horuc is an assassin, a very dangerous one. In many aspects he is what the Humans would call a spoiled brat, his father pays for his mistakes and for his adventures. What makes him so dangerous is that he's been disgraced by his superiors and has to work hard to earn their respect again. And he will do so by any means necessary. He has several assassinations to his name, but he's never been caught. Be wary of him legate...don't get on his bad side if you don't want to be killed in the dead of night."

"I don't have anything to fear," Tevio replied, and obstructed the view between the two of them with a new holographic display. The Legate kept his expression neutral, so Tedak was given no indication that his words had had an effect. But the Ambassador spoke with such truth and authority on the matter.

Tevio averted his eyes from Tedak's and studiously manipulated his hologram controls inset in his desk. Perhaps this will vex him... He raised Horuc's personal file. "But perhaps the crew does. It's not just the fact that he's conducted covert operations, Ambassador. It's the nature of these missions. All of them could conceivably be construed as tantamount to treason against the Star Empire, and possibly as collusion with the Federation. It's circumstantial evidence, but placed before the high judiciary..." Tevio sighed gently, "I can think of many less-than-partial tribunals that would declare Horuc guilty at the first."

"Or not...depending on how corrupt the tribunals are. His family has wealth, and no doubt, influence." If Tedak had been thrown, he didn't show it. "But he should be watched, covertly. I have no doubt that, if crossed, he will strike. I have warned the commander against him too,
> but I doubt he'll listen. Lhoell is a...stubborn man, prideful. But I'm sure you have your resources to keep tabs on Horuc, and make sure that if he strikes, he doesn't strike home. Personally, you know I can handle myself, I don't need a babysitter."

Tevio was silent for a long moment, his thought processes almost visibly ticking over as he considered everything and decided what was best. "Very well, I won't take this any further for now; even though if I wanted to, you know that I could. I carry the weight of the Senate in such disciplinary matters. tr'Chelak will be kept a close eye on, and if intelligence and security personnel aren't needed to watch yourself, then me and Qellar can assign them to far more important roles closer to the assassin's quarters..." Tevio smirked at this. "And of course, what Qellar will know in this will be only what she researches."

"Of course..." Tedak returned the smile but it was frosty. "My daughter, she would need protection when I am on duty. She is barely two years old. I too will keep close to tr'Chelak, and if necessary, I will strike him down. I'm sure you're aware I do have that skill, and I won't hesitate if I think it'll save lives."

There was a gleaming in Tevio's eyes, a look of understanding but also an uncertain amusement; they veiled a certain detachment that was only released in his words. "Yes, we must all execute our duty in the manner we think serves us the best. If that involves compromising the assignment we're on - with the termination of one of the delegates - then so be it. Our only guidelines are the principles and the glory of the Star Empire.

"Be cautious though. I wouldn't recommend you stay too close our guest. Saying that, he's surely bound not to do anything incriminating while on the ship. That would be disastrous for whatever covert assignment he might be engaged on. Just don't aggravate him."

"It's not me I'm worried about," the diplomat answered neutrally, "I'm not the one you should be worried about either. I said 'if necessary', I'm sure you are aware that I don't take rash decisions, I need proof first."

"No, I'm not aware of that," Tevio said. He concealed a smile and brushed his desk off with his sleeve, his other hand closing the newest holographic projection. "I never took you for a man of logic and reason, Ambassador. Not with your well-known pacifist ideals."

"Now now legate, there's no need to insult me. And I'm hardly a pacifist, I just refuse to touch or use a disruptor or phaser. I have other...skills."

"Yes, I'm sure." Tevio did smile now, although it was - like that of Tedak's earlier icy expression - not friendly. "Hmm... Perhaps we should continue our collaboration. How would you like to bait tr'Chelak, one Ambassador to the other, to get him to reveal something telling?"

"And how would you propose I do that, when you just warned me not to get on his bad side..."

"Approach him in a cordial manner. You are both in the diplomatic business after all. Share a joke that only makes sense among diplomats. Get on his side... Maybe he'll - inadvertantly or otherwise - make you privy to some sensitive information. We'll be watching and we'll be ready to intervene if anything goes awry."

"Sure you are," Tedak replied, colder than intended. "I'll see what I can do but I make no promises. Remember, I don't answer to you, or even to Commander Lhoell."

Tevio almost snorted in annoyance. "Very well. If you do decide you'd like to approach him in this manner let me and Isha Qellar know first, so we can take our time to monitor the exchange and prepare security and intel in case we need to intervene. We should plan this. Just don't go to his quarters at the dead of night, with no one else aware of what you're doing. We might think you have ulterior motives." Tevio stood, preparing to end the meeting before the storm he'd prepared hit.

"Or someone might think I'm unfaithful," Tedak added with an irritated smile, "let's not start that rumour shall we, I have a daughter to think about now. I'll not see her orphaned anytime soon, thank you very much. If this was all legate? Some of us do have work to do, you know."

"Not yet." Tevio paused. He'd been about to let Tedak in on something, but - for reasons he didn't understand - he held his tongue. "Yes. All," he said haltingly. "That's all, Ambassador."

"Good. I really don't like to be detained. Good day legate ch'Varak." Tedak turned his back on him and started his way out, without looking back. A foot or two above him, a little brown firelizard followed silently, the flap of his wings barely audible.

Tevio pursed his lips and wore an expression of discomfort as he glanced at his desk. The next twenty four hours would have to be a time of fervent activity, he was all too aware.

[Deleted]

Aware that it would be difficult to obtain a genetic blood sample from Lady Restia Sural decided that his best bet would be to speak to the insufferable diplomatic officer.

Sural had to admit Tedak had got much better. Since Govan had left Tedak hadn't been to sickbay once. The two of them had been like oil and water, or perhaps more like oil and a naked flame. Taev was more concillatory in command and had proved to be no obstacle to Surals own personal goals.

He made his way to meet the diplomat,

"Excuse me Tedak. I wonder if I could have a word. As our diplomatic expert I was wondering if it would be possible for you to help arrange a series of medical scans of our visitors. There has been an outbreak of T'liss Flu in some of the crew and I wish to make sure it doesnt spread to our distinguished guests."


TAG Tedak.