MISSION 3.4 - Logan's Rift

[Magellan Lin]

Post Mission posts here.

[ajohnson]

The Daedalus Class USS Stingray was hanging in space in the vast nebula a safe distance away from the spatial anomaly directly ahead.

"Captain's Log: May 26th 2173. In our mission to chart the Betreka Nebula, we have happened upon an unusual spatial rift which our sensors tell us only opens 109.5 years and only remains open for several hours. Unable to get precise readings from outside the anomaly, the science department has determined that it would be safe to send a shuttle inside the rift to get more precise readings as long as the shuttle gets out before the rift begins to destabilise.

Although I have had some misgivings, I cannot deny the opportunity to learn, therefore First Officer Jack Logan, Science Officer Raymond Jones, and crewmen T'Vel and O'Toole have taken a shuttle into the rift to explore."

Captain Shawn Adams pressed the button on his command chair that stopped the recording and looked up at the shimmering phenomenon on the viewscreen. He was about to get up and go to his quarters when the officer manning the communications station spoke.

"Captain, there is an incoming message from the shuttle."

"Onscreen."

The face of Jack Logan, Adams' communications officer, first officer and trusted friend appeared on the screen. Logan was one of the officers that Adams had served with longer, being his communications officer on the starship Challenger until the ship was decomissioned and they were both posted to the new Stingray in 2171.

"Captain, we have a problem." Said Logan, looking anxious.

"What's wrong Jack?"

"Our engines just went offline, we don't know why. We'll try to get them back online, but if we can't..."

"Understood. Keep us updated." Said Adams.

Logan nodded and the viewscreen went blank.

"How long until the rift closes?" Adams asked the officer at the science station.

"2 hours maximum."

Adams hit the control on his chair that opened the intercom to engineering, "Mr Deacon, I need to to find a way to transport the shuttle crew back to the Stingray."

"Sir, that'll be extremely difficult..."

"You have one hour Mr Deacon."

An hour and a half later, through the magic that Starfleet engineers seemed to posses, Deacon and Adams were in the transporter room ready to try and bring the crew back.

"You realise Captain, that this won't be a simple tranport, it is much more complicated because of the quantum..."

"It's the best chance we have Mr Deacon," said Adams, "they haven't got their engines back and that rift will be closing in a matter of minutes. Energize."

T'Vel was the first one to transport back. The transport was complicated and took longer than usual.

Next came O'Toole. Adams was getting extremely nervous, inwardly of course, it wasn't proper for a Captain to show such emotions to his crew.

Lieutenant Jones was the third. He stepped down from the transporter platform.

"Captain, you have to hurry, that rift is destabilizing rapidly." He said.

"Mr Deacon..." Said Adams, a note of urgence in his voice.

Deacon worked the controls. A sparkling humanoid form shimmered on the pad. Logan was materialising...it was taking time, but he was definately gaining solidity...no, he was losing it, gaining it, losing it, the figure shimmered in and out between two places as Deacon did all he could.

"Sir, there's too much interference!" Exclaimed Deacon, still working the contols.

Adams now moved swiftly to the transporter console and worked the controls, trying to help Deacon.

The shimmering form slowly faded into nothing.

"I'm sorry sir, he's still over there." Said Deacon.

"Try again!" Shouted Adams.

"We can't sir, the rift has closed." Said Deacon.

Silence fell upon the transporter room. Adams' insides squirmed with the feeling he always got when he lost a crewmember, but it was worse this time, not only had Jack served with him for 18 years, but he was one of his best friends. They had been through war, peace, exploration, diplomacy, almost everything together, and Adams had let him fall into, into what?

"Sir, the rift was unusual, it was some sort of subspace pocket, Jack is quite possibly still alive in suspended animation..." Jones trailed off realising that this wasn't much of a consolation.

Adams looked at none of them, just stormed out of the transporter room. Unbeknownst to Starfleet and his friends, Adams was an El-Aurian, a long lived species. As he pounded the corridor, emotion overcoming him, he vowed that he would return to this place in 109.5 years and rescue his friend.

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

218 years later, Adams, or Elarus Voran, as he was now known, stared out of the window of his quarters on Starbase Assailant at the great mass of the Betreka Nebula.

He looked back on the incident. The pain had dulled by now, but it was still there, ever present. He then remembered 2282, when he had taken his starship, the USS Constitution to perform the rescue mission that he had vowed to complete all those years ago, only to find that the rift had opened on the other side of the nebula. The Constitution, even pushing its engines to the limit had not been able to arrive at the rift's new position in time. The rift had closed, not even giving Voran a chance to complete his mission.

Now though, 2392, they were able to predict the position at which the rift would appear in the Betreka Nebula, and exactly when it would appear. They also had the means to scan more effectively inside the anomaly and to transport through it. This time, it seemed, nothing could go wrong and Voran would not let his friend wait another 109 years.

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

Voran entered Admiral Lin's office.

"Ah, Voran, take a seat." Said Magellan. "I've just received some orders from Starfleet, I daresay you know what they're about."

"Logan's Rift." Said Voran simply.

"Yes." Said Magellan, "I remember reading about it at the Academy. But Academy textbooks don't give you the story of the people behind the facts. This must have been very hard on you."

"Yes," Said Voran, "it has, but I won't have to keep Jack waiting anymore."

"Assuming he's still alive, Commander Logan will be quite shocked to see you, won't he?"

Voran hadn't given this too much thought, but he supposed that he would. If he was still alive, Jack would have been concious in 2282 when the rift opened, so, assuming he could count, he would probably know that this was 2392, but he would not be expecting to see his Captain 218 years after the original incident, after all, he still thought that Voran was a human named Shawn Adams.

"There was something else," Said Lin, "the Stingray detected some unusual readings around the rift that they couldn't explain, correct?"

"Yes, we assumed that it was background noise at the time, but knowing what we do now, it would appear to have been a cloaked ship."

"Starfleet wants us to check that out too."

"I'll have the Galaxy ready in two hours, Admiral." Said Voran.

[Deleted]

Romulan Ambassador Tedak stared out the window of his quarters, pondering over recent events. It worried him deeply that his people had tried to take over the station, and even more so that there were Debrune assisting them too. He needed to have a talk to high ranking staff members of the Romulan Empire about this, and he knew he needed to do so soon.

It was bad enough that there were those thinking themselves beyond the law, any law and would do anything to gain power and betray their own people. Yes, the Romulans who had attacked Assaillant were indeed traitors to the Romulan people, and Tedak knew he couldn't negotiate on their behalf any longer.

It was time he took a stand with his own people on this matter; after all he was a Romulan diplomat and not Debrune. He felt that Ji'Zhan, as Elder of the Debrune people should service as the Debrune diplomat. Certainly, Ji'Zhan was his friend, and he trusted the young Elder to a certain extend. Yet he did have one other concern in this entire mess: D'Beren.

Gazing back over his shoulder, Tedak watched the three year old playing with his two firelizards. The boy had suffered great trauma at his kidnapping, and now Tedak often wondered whether SBA was the right place for the child to grow up. He knew the boy benefitted from staying with his mother, and she was a devoted mother at that. Despite his brief doubts, he couldn't honestly say that she hadn't tried to keep the boy safe. He was very conscious of the fact that the boy was indeed everything to her, considering she couldn't conceive herself.

"D'Beren..."

"Dad?" the boy replied, looking up from his playing, "what's wrong dad?"

"Nothing." The Romulan gazed down on the boy. "How are you feeling? Are you still having those nightmares?"

Ever since his rescue, D'Beren would wake up at night, screaming for his parents. Tedak had no idea how to deal with this, and the emotions sent his firelizards into a fit. He'd consulted with Doctor Mercy on the matter, but even he had no suitable suggestions. Briefly, Tedak had debated sending him to a counselor, but since he didn't quite like shrinks himself, it wasn't much of an option. Instead, it was mutually agreed that D'Beren would eventually get over them.

"No dad," the boy replied softly, "not really. Can we go see mommy now?"

D'Beren would constantly ask to see his mother, despite being constantly told she was still weak and needed to rest. "Soon my son," Tedak replied, "visiting hours are really soon. Go back to your playing now..." The Romulan turned back and gazed out the window again, once more sunk into deep thought.

[evoran]

Reply #1 was me btw, forgot to change accounts.

[Deleted]

Ezdreiana believed everything the Federation stood for, but she couldn't be help feel admonished by her superiors. The Federation had given the Romulan Star Empire a formal warning, but that was it. In the big scheme of things this would mean nothing. It seemed the Debrune would suffer from this incident. Many important people throughout the Federation and Starfleet were calling for sanctions. Some were even calling for a removal of the Debrune from Qualinost.

Ezdreiana agreed with some possible sanctions, but removing the Debrune was not the way to go. Many of there people were allies, but those few that weren't seemed to be in power. Ezdreiana was now determined to work with Elder Ji'Zhan. If the Federation could establish a closer relationship with the Debrune, there problems might work themselves out.

My Dear Son

I hope this letter finds you well.I have not seen you in months nor has your father, but we have heard of you. The Tigershark's missions have been unorthodox, but I'm told that RA Keztrek is a good commanding officer. This notwithstanding I wish you success and ask you to visit me the next time you are at Assailant.

"Lily located Commander T'Brel Peers on the USS Tigershark B," Ezdreiana ordered as she finished her work."Send letter."

"Letter has been sent," Lily responded.

"Thanks Lily," Ezdreiana said as she picked up a couple of PADD's and left her office.

[Magellan Lin]

After the turmoil of the last few days Magellan was pleased that things had returned somewhat to normal. The Base was oncemore secure and security had been considerably tightened.

A new sensor net was being deployed through out the sector. It contained tachyon emitters and Magellan hoped it would give greater protection against cloaked vessels. It was no Federation Policy that all ships must be uncloaked in the Qualinost System, a law he knew Captain Savali the new JAG Officer would have a lot of trouble enforcing. Many of the smugglers used cloaked ships and they weren't going to approve of being stopped regularly by the patrols.

The Copenhagen and Vanquisher remained on standby in dock at all times and a flight of Peregrine Fighters was on continual flyby. The Galaxy provided the heavy support. He was certain that Assailant would not be caught unawares again.

He reviewed the casualty list once more time scanning the faceless names of the 1400 dead. For a coup d'etat it had been relativly bloodless, but 1 death was always one too many, a fact he felt keenly through Gethin.

Gethin, his second host, was perhaps the strongest voice in the blend that composed his memories and sensations. The diplomat and mediator was a wealth of calm, a counter balance to the aggression of Loran, the insecurity of Toya and the bookishness of Bryson.

Putting the casualty report aside he turned to the one PaDD he had spentmuch time studying, the report into the Stingray Shuttles loss. Magellan had severe reservations about this mission. He knew at first hand the unpredictability and danger of the Betreka Nebula, why the Klingons and Cardassians had ever fought over it was beyond him. He had watched ships disappear, electrical storms create life, portals to an Alternative Universe, a terminus to the Delta Quadrant and lately, rumours of great space dwelling creatures.

His reservations didn't end there, they also rested on Elarus, like teh El Aurian he too was long lived and through his hosts mourned the passing of so many friends, here was the chance not only to rescue a friend, a crewmate but also to have someone from his past with him in this new and uncertain future, he could hardly blame Elarus for wanting such comfort. It was humanoid nature even among those that could expect to live for centuries. The concern came from the unpredicatbility of the psyche, how far would Elarus go to rescue his friend... and more importantly the nagging fear in the back of his mind, if Logan were to be recovered, how would he be after centuries in a sub-patial rift... how could anyone survive that intact both physically and mentally. His hopes of success for Elarus were limited, pragmatism had been Magellan's ace card his whole life and it wasn't going to change now.

He paused as he looked over the report and began to consider the anomalous sensor readings recorded just prior to the accident. He wondered what could have caused them. He knew today that back then the Romulans had been active in the area even though the Stingray had not encountered them. Perhaps they had a ship in the area that could explain the anomolies. Tensions were strained to say the least between the UFP and the Romulans but Magellan had always found Tedak compliant. Beside Romulan Science was excellent they might well be able to contribute considerably to the rescue mission. He would get Ambassadore Ezdreiana on to it immediatly.

He tapped his comm-badge and informed the Ambassador of his idea, it should be too difficult, Tedak would be more than happy to help out.

[Deleted]

Rayna watched her Vulcan friend from a small distance; the nurse-in-training was still wheelchair bound but thanks to physical therapy she had greatly improved and she was eager to keep out of that wheelchair as much as possible. Her superiors had also told her that her hearing was improving, much to their own surprise. She would never regain her full hearing, but for now just hearing sounds was delightful. At least friend nor foe would be able to startle her for much longer.

She gripped the handrests of her wheelchair tightly, willing herself to get up. After several minutes, she was finally standing upright and proudly shuffled towards the Vulcan's bed. Rayna smiled when she actually managed to startle her friend, and not just because green Yade was curled up and fast asleep.

"How are you doing?" the Romulan asked, after observing T'Val for a moment, "you look to be healing well but what can you expect, with Stuart hovering over you like that." She made a scoffing sound, but her eyes still twinkled bemusedly.

"I am well," T'Val replied, putting her book aside. Then she raised an eyebrow when she noticed Rayna was standing up. "Disobeying orders again I see?" she querried, "I thought you were told to do it easy for now, and not strain your muscles. If you overtax, you may do more harm than good. You should get back into your wheelchair."

Rayna rolled her eyes. "What are you, my mother? I am doing fine! It's you I'm worried about, disruptors do a lot of damage, and from what I heard you weren't well off when you were brought in." Carefully she brushed the edge of T'Val's tunic aside to inspect the injury. "It's healing well," she nodded approvingly, carefully replacing the fabric of the woman's tunic, "and I'm glad to see you're regaining some of your colour too."

She chuckled as she noticed the Vulcan's slight brush when she inspected the injury. "I'm certain Stuart'll let you out soon enough, and I bet that kid of yours is dying to come back to his mother. He's adorable you know?" Suddenly she reached out and yanked a male officer closer. To T'Val's surprise it was Stuart and she was even more surprised to realise she hadn't even seen him walk by. "Tell her she'll be out in no time," Rayna insisted, "she won't believe me, I can tell."

<Stuart?>

[Magellan Lin]

Major Relora stretched her neck working the tired kinks from her neck. She rolled her shoulders and leaned back. The terminal in front of her continued to roll before her. Item after Item. She was but one operative going over intelligence details.

Each item was different from the one before and each obscure. A ferengis trade deal, the movement of the Klingon 6th Fleet, the arrival of the Tholian Ambassador on Breen and a hundred other things besides.

As she was about to rise she noticed something of interest rolling round. Shrugging off the tiredness she was once more alert and razor sharp. She paused the display and enlarged the item. She frowned as she read on.

Realising the import of what she was reading she quickly sidelined the item and stamped it with her command code. This was now her case. Next she called up a secure comm terminal.

[Magellan Lin]

A minutes after dropping off D'Beren in sickbay, Tedak entered his office and started preparing his day's work. There were several people he needed to meet up with, and by the looks of things, there were also several he preferred to avoid for now. Especially after the siege of Assaillant. He was just about to leave for his first meeting, when his computer signaled there was a message waiting for him.

He tapped the recieve button and the face of a rather prim middle aged Romulan Woman appeared wearing a Tal Shiar uniform.

"Ambassador Tedak?" she enquired

"Yes ma'am," the ambassador replied, paining his memory for the woman's name, "I am he, what can I do for you?"

"I am Major Relora, Please double encrypt this transmission from your end."

Frowning, Tedak did as he was told, shooing away his bronze companion from the keyboard. "Done ma'am, transmission is secure. May I ask why the Tal Shiar is contacting me? I am no longer in the service of the Tal Shiar."

"This is a matter of national security. I am contacting you in your capacity as Ambassador."

"Very well," Tedak nodded, still frowning, "what can I do for you?"

"This is top secret. No one is to know of this." She paused, "It has come to our attention that a one Captain Elarus Voran is attempting to return to what the Federation call Logan's Rift... This cannot be permitted."

Now, his interest was piqued. "Captain Voran is a highly regarded Starfleet officer," the Romulan diplomat countered, "why can't he be permitted to return? From what I heard one of his crewmen is trapped in there, it would be his duty to return and attempt to retrieve the officer in question. We would do nothing less for our own officers, wouldn't we?"

Relora nodded, "That is so, and were it us we would have recovered our man the first time and not make the mistake of leaving him stranded. But this is a matter of national security for our people. Under no circumstances must the Galaxy open the Rift, in fact to go near it may risk to much as it is."

"It would help me greatly if you explained to me why ma'am," the diplomat responded, trying his best to remain patient with the woman, who seemed to like talking in riddles, "the reason Captain Voran is going only now, is because he couldn't sooner."

"He has in fact had two chances - first when it occurred and again later. Either way to go near the rift is incredibly dangerous. Full details will be sent to you personally by courier, but if I were to mention the La'mat Incident, you may know to what I refer." She paused as Tedak's eyes widened

"The La'mat incident?" he whispered, his two firelizards echoing his surprise on the background, "is it safe to send the information by courier, should I not meet with up with you personally?" He remembered the name, but couldn't quite recall the full details of the incident, but the mentioning of it greatly disturbed him.

"I m to co-ordinate from here. A courier will be with you shortly. For now, given the strain between the Senate and the UFP it has been decided you should bring every diplomatic avenue to bear and ensure this rescue mission does not take place. At the least stall them."

"I will do the best I can ma'am," Tedak assured her, "it will be difficult, but I will most certainly try. Am I at liberty to inform this station's commanding officer? He doesn't quite like nor trust Romulans due to his history with them, but I am of the opinion that he at least trusts my judgement. That, and he is an honourable man."

Reloras face clouded, "NO. No one is to know. Your position depends upon it. No- one in starfleet is to learn what transpired at La'mat unless absolutly necessary...and I decide when its necessary. You will no doubt be faced by Ambassador Ezdreiana and Admiral Lin, but you are to reveal nothing to them. Romulus is a funding partner to the Qualinost Project and should have a certain degree of say in matters... Don't you agree Ambassador? Besides, if the mission is not called off the Galaxy will need to be... disuaded more forecfully... I have warbirds en route already.”

Tedak fell back in his chair. "At least Admiral Lin should know, especially if my position is at stake. He may not trust Romulans, but I trust him. Certainly, the Romulans have a say in this, absolutely....but please remember that Assaillant is still recovering from the Romulan attack that transpired only a few days ago. Many were killed and even more were wounded." He failed to mention that his own son had been the cause of it all. "I understand that the Empire will be forced to...dissuade the Galaxy, but I doubt Voran can be persuaded to call it off."

"No-one." Relora stressed, "The Admiral would be required to report it higher up, and for now that is not desired. as for Elarus he may well not be persuaded, but you are still to try." she frowned, "It appears to me that what others have said of you is true - that you are more Federation than Romulan now, that your interests are no longer those of the Empire. I should warn you that your position becomes increasingly precarious. I for one care not what happens to you, I care only for a successful outcome to this mission. And I trust that you still have just enough dignity and intelligence not to mess this up for us."

"I am a diplomat ma'am," Tedak answered, no longer appearing friendly, "and I will do whatever I can to see that this will turn out right for my people. I object to your methods, which once used to be my own methods. I sincerely hope you are not asking me to resort to sabotage. I will not take the fall for my people in this. I will do what I can, and I agree what his mission should not proceed, but I have only so much influence. Now, if there is nothing else, I have a family to take care of."

"You need fear not - your hands will remain clean. I take no pleasure in using such threats, but you have left me no option. See this mission as a way to redeem yourself to your peers. As a diplomat you should be able to reach a conclusion satisfactory to all and I trust to your skills. There is nothing more. The courier will be with you in days. Good luck Ambassador." and with that Relora terminated the link

Sighing, Tedak leaned back in his chair, trying to comprehend what had just happened. His conscience told him to report this conversation to Magellan and it troubled him deeply that he was forbidden to do so. He didn't even dare contact Lin for fear his communications would be monitored by the Tal Shiar; in fact he had no doubt of that happening. Even sending one of his trusted firelizards would be dangerous, to both himself, them and Lin. Unconsciously, he wiped the sweat from his brow, then determinedly picked up the stack of PADDs and left his office in search for the El-Aurian captain.

[evoran]

The screen displayed the federation emblem with some text underneath it.

"INCOMING TRANSMISSION - VORAN, ADMIRAL S. - STARFLEET COMMAND"

Captain Elarus Voran sat down at the terminal and activated the message. It was a message from his wife at Starfleet Command, she, of course knew of Voran's history relating to this particular mission and was calling to offer her support. She was a wonderful woman and Voran regretted that she was posted on Earth while he was posted out here, but he couldn't think about that now.

Finishing the message, he got up from his desk and exited his quarters on Assailant. He strode purposefully in the direction of the USS Galaxy.

<Tedak/Magellan>

[Deleted]

A firelizard briefly hovered above the fast-striding El-Aurian captain, only to disappear mid-air seconds later. Chirping softly, the creature landed on Tedak's shoulder and the Romulan instantly changed direction. He'd been walking towards the Fishtank, assuming that's where he'd find the captain and now he thought he couldn't have been more mistaken.

A starship captain generally resided on his or her own ship, even when it was docked to a federation station. Gently stroking his pet's head, Tedak smiled grimly and headed for the Galaxy.

He caught Voran just before he was about to board his ship. "Captain Voran, a word with you please?" the Romulan called from the distance, quickening his stride to catch up with the older man.

Somewhat out of breath, he reached Voran. "It concern's your mission to the Rift," he panted urgently, "you must call of your mission. For your own safety and that of your crew, call it off captain."

[mercy]

She chuckled as she noticed the Vulcan's slight brush when she inspected the injury. "I'm certain Stuart'll let you out soon enough, and I bet that kid of yours is dying to come back to his mother. He's adorable you know?" Suddenly she reached out and yanked a male officer closer. To T'Val's surprise it was Stuart and she was even more surprised to realise she hadn't even seen him walk by. "Tell her she'll be out in no time," Rayna insisted, "she won't believe me, I can tell."


Stuart looked deep into T'Vals eyes. "You shall be out in no time...tomorrow infact. You, on the other hand..." Stuart's attention had shifted to Rayna who was still on her feet. "...shall remain here indefinitely if you don't give those legs a rest."

Rayna reluctantly sat back down in her wheelchair, scoffing as she rolled herself away. "Now back to you..." Stuart took a moment to ensure that they had privacy by closing off the partitions to T'Val's biobed.

When he was sure that they would not be disturbed by prying eyes, Stuart went back to T'val, took her face into both of his hands, and gave her a deep, longing kiss. "I don't know what I would have done if I would have lost you."

<T'Val>

[Deleted]

"First I can't walk, and now that I can I'm not allowed to," Rayna scowled as she rolled away, back to her duties. She glanced over her shoulder once, seeing her friend's cubicle closed to prying eyes now.

Smiling softly, the Romulan woman picked up a PADD and began her inventory of medical equipment and medication stock.

Inside the cubicle, T'Val responded to Stuart's kiss with equal passion. "You have not lost me," T'Val replied when they finally broke away, "to dwell on it is illogical." Yet she knew exactly how he must have felt, since she too had experienced sense of loss not too long ago. She traced her hand past his cheek and suppressed a giggle.

"You have not shaved in days," she said accusingly, as she continued the caressing movement, then held him at arm's length to give him the once-over. "And you appear to have been neglecting yourself altogether," she chuckled, when she caught a faint sense of hunger. "When was the last time you have eaten anything?"

At the mention of food, Yade suddenly creeped up, jealously digging her talons into T'Val's hand, and made a creeling sound. A thin line of green blood welled up from the scratch and Yade creeled again, this time turning on Stuart.

"Yade!" T'Val called, "behave yourself. Go see Rayna, she will see to it that you shall be fed. I require some privacy now." With an angry chirp, the green firelizard disappeared and T'Val smiled. "She is jealous," she said simply, "but she will have to learn my attention is divided and between you and my son, she will always have the lesser bargain. But she is a loyal creature as you have noticed. Now....where were we?"

[Deleted]

Ezdreiana was a bit purplexed at Admiral Lin's request. Headquarters had ordered her to stay on the Romulans and their plans, but Ezdreiana felt it was her duty to do as Magallen ordered. She did not know the Trill Admiral like most, but she was smart enough to know that his ideas usually were the best and his request didn't change her initail orders.

"Lily, is Ambassador Tedak in his office?" Ezdreiana asked already out the door.

"Negative, Tedak is currently in route to the USS Galaxy," Lily responded. The Galaxy, he must be on his way to talk to Captain Voran.

"Lily could you inform him that I need to speak to him,"Ezdrieana said.

Ezdrieana was not very comfortable recieving any help from the Romulans, but there treaty called for there cooperation. She didn't trust them and knew that they had other motives for helping them out. Still she was torn, because of her counterpart. Tedak had shown himself to be a very honorable man, even though he was Romulan. He had saved the lives of the entire station in the last couple of days, but he was still loyal to the Romulan Empire.

These thoughts ran through her mind, but stopped once she saw Ambassador Tedak and Captain Voran talking in the corridor.

"Gentlemen, just the two men I was looking for," Ezdrieana said feeling that she just got in the middle of something.

<Tag Tedak/Voran>

[evoran]

Voran looked Tedak in the eye for a moment, trying to see what was going on. As a man who had fought in the Romulan Wars and had had more than 100 years of experience dealing with the Romulans, Voran didn't trust them too much. On the other hand, he had come to understand that Tedak was an honourable and respected diplomat. Still, he wondered what was going on here.

"I'm afraid you'll have to be a bit more specific than that, Ambassador." Said Voran.

<Tedak>

[Deleted]

The Romulan took a deep breath, his distress over the situation evident. "If you do not recall your mission to the Rift, your ship will be destroyed," he explained, knowing full well how it must've sound to the captain, "I am asked to relay this message to you. If you go there, you will cause a diplomatic incident."

He lowered his voice the minute he saw the Trill ambassador approaching. Smiling sweetly in her direction, he kept his eyes on the El-Aurian. "I am not threatening you captain, I am merely passing on a message. Millions of lives are at stake, surely the good of the many outweigh the good of the one?"

He stopped speaking when Ezdreiana reached them. "Lily informed me you wished to speak to me?" He cast a glance over his shoulder at Voran. "Think about it," he said, as he deftly steered the Trill away from the El-Aurian. "What is it you wished to speak to me about?" he insisted, as they walked off.

<Voran/Ezdreiana>

[Magellan Lin]

It was getting late and Magellan was preparing to leave the office and get some food. Ops was quiet, deathly so. F'Rass stood on point, hovering behind the new ensigns assigned to Traffic Control.

A Xepolite Cruiser and a Nybarite Liner were just departing and the next trade ships werent due until the morning. Zoilip was at the tactical station reviewing the new criterias and defence protocols.

Magellan just began to close down his terminal an incoming message came through. He switched into comms and entered his clearance code.
"Admiral Sir" He noted as he recognized the face of his superior appearing on the screen, "A problem"
"What gave it away, the fact I m calling or that its late in the evening?" Duke Nova said with a smile.
Magellan returned the mans good will and said,
"A little of both. What can I do for you Sir?"
"I understand you are mounting some kind of rescue mission with the Galaxy?"

"Well its not so much my mission as Captain Vorans. He believes he can rescue his crewmate from the rift."
"Ive read the report and the science guys at this end believe hes got a good chance, but theres a complication."
"Complication?"
"Yes. I just recieved information from the Diplomatic Office. They have recieved an official objection to the mission by the Romulan Government."
"Objection - what possible objection could they have to a rescue mission in our own space and lightyears from their borders."
"well thats the state of play" Duke reaffirmed, "We've decided to go cautiously, the attack by Romulans on Assailant earlier this month gives us a particularly strong bargaining point but even so... we dont want to over extend ourselves. As you have the leading diplomat on station you are instructed to reslove this matter and to keep Voran on a short leash until a deal is struck"
Magellan frowned,
"I m not sure I like this"
"Nor do we, we don't have all the pieces, I m hoping you, Saarok and Ezdreiana will be able to extricate the salient points from Ambassador Tedak"
"I would think so. Tedak is the least Romulan like Romulan I have ever met. I believe he will help where he can."
"Don't be so sure, The lead diplomat for the Romulans is Ambassador Tedak."
"Understood sir. I ll be back in touch as soon as I know more."
The terminal winked out leaving the spinning logo of starfleet.

He rose and went out into Ops.
"Zoilip, Have Ambassadors Saarok, Ezdreiana and Tedak and Captain Voran meet me in Conference Room 2 first thing tomorrow. Good night."

[Deleted]

Tedak walked with Ezdreiana, but before she had a chance to speak up, Zoilip contacted them to report to Magellan's office first thing in the morning. Checking the time, the Romulan's frown deepened. "Oh dear. I'm terribly sorry ambassador but I have to pick up my son in sickbay and put him to bed. You are welcome to walk with me but when I have my son with me, I will leave work at the doorstep. You are also welcome for dinner, but we will have to continue our discussion in the morning."

He looked up at the Trill woman, noticing that she didn't look too pleased to be told off. "I'm sorry," he repeated, "but my family is extremely important to me. As a mother, I'm certain you understand the importance of children. And my child is no ordinary child."

He fell silent as they entered the infirmary and D'Beren came running up to him, proudly brandishing a painting. "Daddy look!" he shouted, waving the sheet under his nose. "I made this for mommy, but mommy said that you had to hang it in our quarters."

Tedak looked up at T'Val, who smiled softly, only for him to see and gave him an encouraging nod. He could tell she was eager to be alone with her new lover, but he also took note of the fact that she looked happier than ever, and certainly a lot better than a few days before.

~~ next morning ~~

After dropping off D'Beren at the daycare centre, Tedak found his way up to Magellan's office. Remembering Zoilip's tone of voice he didn't expect much good from being called to the admiral's office. "You be quiet," he told the ever attending brown firelizard, "whatever he does, be quiet. Disappear with Dinas all you like if he orders that bronze of his away."

Nut chirped in response and settled on his bondmate's shoulder, quietly flipping his wings and started preening his talons. He stepped in, squaring his shoulders unconsciously expecting a barrage. "You wished to see me admiral?"

To his surprise, Ezdreiana and Saarok were already there. Nut and Dinas exchanged a few chitters and chirps and then fell silent. Tedak gave them an odd look, raising an eyebrow at Magellan. "It seems gossip has been exchanged....now, Ambassador Ezdreiana had something to tell me yesterday but that got cut short. There seems to be someting going on that you are not telling me." ~as usual~ Tedak thought idly, avoiding Magellan's gaze.

<Saarok/Ezdreiana/Magellan>

[Deleted]

"I'm sorry," he repeated, "but my family is extremely important to me. As a mother, I'm certain you understand the importance of children. And my child is no ordinary child."

"Of course family is extremely important, but this is also important Ambassador," Ezdreiana said before she dismissed herself and headed towards her office. She was annoyed with Tedak, but understood his need to keep his job and personal life separate. Though Commander Zoilip's message also caused her concern, she would find out soon enough.

"Ambassador, your not going to like this," Miral said as soon as Ezdreiana entered her office. Ezdreiana took the PADD and quickly read it.

"You got to be joking," Ezdreiana said thinking her assistant was playing a joke on her.

"No ma'am, the Romulans have made an official complaint," Miral said," they don't want Captain Voran's mission to begin."

"Patch me through to Headquarters," Ezdreiana said as she sat at her desk.

Next Morning

Ezdreiana barely slept that night. She had spent hours talking to Federation diplomats, Starfleet Admirals, and a close personal friend on Romulus. None of them knew what the Romulan Senate was thinking. In fact some of them even question the validity of the complaint. Ezdreiana wanted to agree with them, but knew that Qualinost made this something a lot more complicated.

"Ambassador Saarok, its good to see you once again," Ezdreiana said saluting her superior in the traditional Vulcan fashion.

"Like wise Ambassador, though I did expect a bit longer resp id," Saarok said sitting down.

"So did I," Ezdreiana said as she sat next to Saarok and waited for Tedak to appear. Once he did, Admiral Lin immediately began the meeting.

Tag Saarok, Magellan, Tedak

[Magellan Lin]

Oddly Conference Room 2 was perhaps the plushiest of the whole suite of function rooms. It was on the outer rim of the Diplomatic Level and so its vast floor to ceiling windows overlooked deep space and the orange glow of Qualinost below them.

The assembled Ambassadors and Starfleet personnel were sat along a curved obsidian table. In its centre was a holo projector set into the table. Currently it was set to display a region of the Bertreka Nebula. The normal ebbs and flows of the nebula in this particular region were violent swirls with coruscations of electric blue discharges that leapt through the purple and pink gases.

"You have all no doubt been briefed by respective governments regarding the rescue mission to Logan's Rift. " Magellan began "I have called this meeting to open a dialogue to hopefully sort this out in a manner that is beneficial to all. I must however urge expediency Captain Voran has already missed one opportunity to rescue Logan. Perhaps you could begin by explaining why the Romulan Government would prohibit the rescue of one of our own Officers in our own space Ambassador"

All eyes turned on Tedak who rose and straightened his robe.

TAG Tedak

TAG Ezdriena

"Like Ambassador Ezdrieana suggests Ambassador you have no right to deal with us in this fashion, such blackmail is extremly divisive. As such I cannot heed your immediate wishes and in the hope that a resolution will be met I am allowing the Galaxy to depart. I shall leave you gentleman to your diplomacy - You have until the Galaxy reaches the Rift to reach an agreement."
Magellan nodded to those present and departed.

He stopped in at Ops and opened a Comm line to Elarus,
"Captain Voran. I m giving you a go on your rescue mission. The Galaxy is to proceed to Logans Rift but is not to effect a rescue until I give express command. Take Dr Mercy with you and any medical and science staff you feel you need."

TAG Voran and Mercy

[Deleted]

Everyone was now present, and Ezdreiana was eagerly waiting for Tedak's responses. After the formailities were quickly performed, Admiral Magellan began his questioning. Admiral Lin was extremely polite, but everyone in the room knew where he stood.

Tedak stood up and brushed his robes, as if dusting them off. "No admiral, I'm afraid that I am not at liberty to explain this just yet. I am under strict orders not to do so, even if I would like to do so. Lives are at stake, and not just Captain Voran's officer."

"What lives Ambassador?" Ezdreiana asked," Logan's Rift is in Federation space, not in Romulan. Plus your government has not legal authority to stop the Federation in a rescue attempt of one of its officers."

"I know that the Romulans would do the same," Admiral Lin said helping Ezdreiana's arguements. It turned out that Ezdreiana wouldn't have to say anything else, as the Admiral ordered the Galaxy into position.

"I shall leave you gentleman to your diplomacy - You have until the Galaxy reaches the Rift to reach an agreement."

"Understood Admiral," Ezdrieana said and then turned her attention to Tedak," Ambassador, whenever you're ready."

Tag Tedak

[Deleted]

"What lives Ambassador?" Ezdreiana asked," Logan's Rift is in Federation space, not in Romulan. Plus your government has not legal authority to stop the Federation in a rescue attempt of one of its officers."

Tedak turned to the Trill ambassador, grinding his teeth in held back anger. "My government does have that authority when this so-called rescue mission is a threat to my people. And my government would not contact me and tell me to stop this mission from happening, when they were not certain that there indeed was a threat."

"I know that the Romulans would do the same," Admiral Lin said helping Ezdreiana's arguements. It turned out that Ezdreiana wouldn't have to say anything else, as the Admiral ordered the Galaxy into position.

"No admiral, you are sincerely mistaken," the Romulan diplomat quipped, "my people know when it is best to leave something alone. We do find ourselves wondering why Captain Voran failed before, though we are relieved that he has failed, for the consequences of rescuing that officer, however noble the thought, would end in disaster. And that is all I can say on the matter."

While he appeared to be on the brink of fury, it was clear to all present that the Romulan did desperately want to share all he knew. His whole demeanor showed them, though all they would notice now was his apparent anger. It would only be later that they realized something about his stance had been different to what his voice betrayed.

"I shall leave you gentleman to your diplomacy - You have until the Galaxy reaches the Rift to reach an agreement."

"Understood Admiral," Ezdrieana said and then turned her attention to Tedak," Ambassador, whenever you're ready."

"Ready for what ambassador?" Tedak replied, his eyes still flashing the anger he was experiencing. "You were about to tell me something yesterday, I suggest you do so now, because I have work to do."

[Deleted]

"Ready for what ambassador?" Tedak replied, his eyes still flashing the anger he was experiencing. "You were about to tell me something yesterday, I suggest you do so now, because I have work to do."

Ezdreiana stood silently for a moment, looking Tedak in the eyes. His anger surprised her, but even more it angered her.

"Look Ambassador, I am not your enemy, but I will do what is in the Federation's best interest," Ezdreiana said," just like you seem to be doing. You have given us no to stop our rescue mission and we still do not understand how this will cause harm to the Romulan Star Empire."

Ezdreiana had suspicions that Tedak knew more than he was telling them. In fact she felt as if he wanted to tell them more, but couldn't. Tedak was a noble person, but his allegiance was still with the Romulans. Hopefully the fact that his former wife and son were under the protection of Starfleet would sway him to help them understand the Romulan's decision.

"Ok, look I was told by Admiral Lin that our two people should work together to get this mission going, but I know that will not be happening any longer," Ezdreiana said awaiting for Tedak's response.

[Deleted]

"Ok, look I was told by Admiral Lin that our two people should work together to get this mission going, but I know that will not be happening any longer," Ezdreiana said awaiting for Tedak's response.

"Getting this mission going is not an option, but Admiral Lin is acting the fool sending the Galaxy to the rift when I just informed him the Romulans are ready to act on any action taken."

He looked away, fixing his gaze on the wall at the opposite end of the room, avoiding to look at the Trill. "The rift must not be opened," he repeated, "the consequences would not only be for the Romulans, but also for the Federation."

He returned his gaze to the older woman. "I am sorry," he said earnestly, "but I have to remember whom I represent, and in this I cannot follow Federation guidelines any longer. I am Romulan, and I answer to the Romulan Empire. They gave me specific orders and I am to follow them. If I do not...it is not just my career that is at stake here." He continued to gaze at her intently. "I cannot allow the Galaxy to depart."

With that, he swept out of the room, heading straight for the Galaxy. "Captain Voran, I cannot allow you to leave spacedock. If the Galaxy arrives at the rift, you might try something stupid, even when ordered not to act. I cannot allow this to happen."

[evoran]

Once all the others had left the meeting, Voran remained in the room with Magellan.

"Admiral, yesterday, Ambassador Tedak came to me and told me that if I were to carry out this mission, my ship would be destroyed. Now, I've dealt with Romulans for a long time, and I know they don't always tell you the whole truth, but I would be a fool to ignore his warning completely."

<Magellan>

"Admiral, I can't fly in there blind. I need you to find out what's going on before the rift opens. If I lead more than 1000 people to their deaths, I'd be doing the same thing I did 200 years ago."

<Magellan>

Voran exited the room and tapped his combadge, "Voran to Mercy, Doctor, I need you to report to the USS Galaxy for departure. Bring whatever medical staff you feel necessary."

<Mercy>

Half an hour later, he was in the observation lounge of the Galaxy briefing the senior staff on the mission.

"If there are no further questions, let's go."

The senior staff emerged from the observation lounge onto the bridge.

Voran took the command chair, "Helm, set a course for the Betreka Nebula, maximum warp."

"Aye sir." Said the ensign at the helm.

As he said this, Ambassador Tedak strolled onto the bridge from the turbolift.

"Captain Voran, I cannot allow you to leave spacedock. If the Galaxy arrives at the rift, you might try something stupid, even when ordered not to act. I cannot allow this to happen." He said.

"Ambassador, I wouldn't have got where I am today by doing stupid things. Now my orders are to proceed with my mission, however, if you're worried about what I'm going to do, you are welcome to join us."

<Tedak>