MISSION 3.6 - A Question of Determination Pt 2

[Magellan Lin]

"Mr Jolant, I just came to check how you were getting on."

"Thankyou" Jolant replied uneasily, stepping to one side to allow Voran to enter.

"I'll come straight to the point. We know that you're not telling us everything, and, we're curious. We have some information, but perhaps you could fill in the gaps."

"I m telling you all I can"

"You were a glinn aboard the Cardassian vessel Vetar. The caretaker pulled you into the Delta Quadrant and you were separated from your crew. Then what happened?"

Jolant shook his head and that sat heavily on one of the settees,
"Theres not much I can tell you, I pretty much realised there was no way back and to be fair I was happy, I was a member of Ghemors dissident order and the Obsidian Order were on to me. Dropping in to the DQ was a salvation for me. I pottered about for years until meeting up with Maxon and his group, they like me were all on the run from things. We fell into a corridor and suddenly appeared back here a few years ago. I didnt dare risk go home so we hid.... and then you came and well thats about it. " he paused, it was obvious there was more, "I can't say more. I dont want the Obsidian Order to take me, and the last piece of information I have is my ticket to escape their clutches something you Feddies would be very interested in."

[Deleted]

Tedak cast the Vulcan a stunned expression; help from the Vulcan diplomat was the last he had expected. Their long friendship was running on a thin line as it was, especially after Saarok had 'tortured' him to suit his own purposes when going after V'Shal, and later had forced a mindmeld on him to gain information.

"Thank you," he replied, "though I do suppose I should go out there and go amonst the 'common folk' as they're dubbed." He shrugged himself out of his diplomatic robe, an item he had become quite attached to, and instead dressed himself in more plainer clothing while Saarok had turned his back, suddenly very interested in a certain painting on the wall.

Tedak hadn't even realized what he'd done until he was done and cast Saarok an embarassed smile. "Are you coming with me?" he querried, "I doubt everyone would welcome a Romulan as mayor on a Federation station, though I have been serving here for several years now. And have even defended a wide variety of Federation ideas, which earned me more enemies amongst my own people than anywhere else."

Without waiting for Saarok, Tedak headed towards the promenade, but froze when he encountered a less than friendly mob.

[evoran]

"I can't say more. I dont want the Obsidian Order to take me, and the last piece of information I have is my ticket to escape their clutches something you Feddies would be very interested in."

Voran wondered for a moment if he should tell Jolant that the Obsidian Order no longer existed, but he decided that he could use Jolant's fear to get to this piece of information.

"And just is that piece of information?" He asked.

<Jolant>

[kahlena]

"Well, I don't know if you know about my situation," Kahlena started off kinda nervous again. ~Down girl, you don't want to make him float. He is a nice guy, you met him last night.~

"I missed my ship leaving, and am here for now. I won't be able to catch up with them any time soon, and have permission to stay aboard the station until they return. I was hoping to be of some help, and thought maybe you could use a counsellor around here?" Kahlena said hoping he had something for her to do.

[Magellan Lin]

Jolant shook his head wryly and waggled a finger,

"Oh no, Thats not going to work. I m the only one on the colony that knew who they were, well out of those who saw them and for now I m keeping that secret. Its my get out of jail card and I m not about to over play my hand. If however you granted me protection from the Cardassian Government and the Obsidian Order, perhaps set me up with a new life maybe I would reconsider."

Tag Voran

[Magellan Lin]

Tadaq and Colok thumped along the outer corridor on one of the habitat levels. Their presence drew attention. Tadaq as broad as he was tall was sleevless revealing winding tattoos up his thick green arms. Colok by comparision was leaner and nearly a full head taller, thick black hair hung from head and down his back. A grim visage of a face with too many teeth and tiny beady eyes. No one dared get in their way.

The stopped at a doorway. They looked about them briefly making sure no one was about. Then Colok pulled out a small device and fitted it to the lock. It hummed a momnet and then the door slid open. With hands held on concealed weapons they sneaked inside.

A quick glance around the spacious and well decorated appartment revealed that no one was in. With a giggle Tadaq picked up the coffee table and threw it through the glass divider between loung and dining area. The glass fractured and splintered.

Colok drew a knife and lacerated every seat, cushion and curtain. Like this, the pair went arond the appartment wreaking mayhem and devastastaion, very little was left intact at the conclusion of their rampage.

"Got da letta" Tadaq growled thickly,

"Yeah" Colok answered spearing a piece of paper on his knife and pinning it to the wall.

"Lets get outta here"

With that the two men departed leaving a mere a shadow of what had once been remaining.

The only focus in Tedaks quarters was now the note with the request:

PERHAPS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A NEW CAREER

[Magellan Lin]

Magellan opened up the security feeds at Felix's request and watched as he saw the protest grow in vigour.

=^=Lin to Vanettis=^=
=^=Yes sir I know I have undercovers in the crowd. They are montioring it.=^=
=^=Very good, make sure they do it discretely, keep an eye on the situation, right to protest is protected under federation law but if it turns violent, wade in and sort it out.=^=
=^=Aye Sir=^=

Taking yet another shot of Isoboramine, Magellan left Ops and went over to Zoilip,
"Use internal sensors to keep a track of Tedak. Have the Chief keep a lock on him, we may need to transport him out of danger if this protest movement gathers force. I need to find some way of helping Tedak without it impacting on the impartiality of my position."
"Good luck sir. I think you ll need it"

[Deleted]

When Tedak, Saarok, his two guards and the firelizard’s arrived on the promenade it appeared to be deserted.

"Curious", Saarok said, "Usually the promenade is quite crowded at this time. And... it would appear someone has deposited several chairs and tables in the turbolift door to block turbolift access to this deck.", Saarok said

While the two were attempting to find reason in the current state of events, the protest was slowly approaching them. Jack was still repeating the same message over and over again. There was not much more he could say. The Romulan scum, traitors, conquerors routine was already making progress and there was no need to alter it for now. As they kept moving, Jack saw the Romulan standing next to Saarok and the two guards.

"Look, the Romulan scum has dared to come down among us to attempt to bring discord to our peaceful protests. He has come here to spread Romulan propaganda among us", Jack said and his words were backed by the yelling of the crowd.

"I would advise that you consider retreating to your quarters Tedak", Saarok said as the group continued to approach them

"But from the look on your face I can conclude that you wish to say something to them.", Saarok said as the group got closer and closer. Saarok signaled the two of his guards and they stepped forward with their weapons at ready. The group approached even closer and then stopped.

"Look, what did I tell you the Romulan scum has his lackeys standing there ready to shoot us? And the pointy eared Vulcan is here to protect him. Didn't i warn you that our leaders are blind to the actions of the Romulans, they are even helping them in their plans to take over the civilian life within the federation...", Jack said and was interrupted in his speech by the two guards firing from their phaser riffles into the air as Saarok stepped forward

"Now that you have so eloquently marked me a pointy eared Vulcan who is here to protect the Romulan 'scum' as you call this man standing there", he said indicating to Tedak, "Perhaps you should listen to what this Romulan 'scum' has to say in his defense perhaps he will say something that will give you even more material to attack him. If you are able to prove these accusations against this Romulan 'scum' I will be the first one in line asking for his head on a silver platter", Saarok said as he stepped back indicating to Tedak to step forward and hold a speech

<Tag Tedak>

[Deleted]

Tedak coughed as Saarok kept addressing him as 'Romulan scum' even though he knew that the Vulcan didn't mean the words in the light they were spoken. When his friend suggested he was going to hold a speech, he nearly choked in surprise.

Certainly he had expected to say a few words here and there, but not hold a public speech against a mob that would sooner see him lynched. He coughed again, this time to clear his throat.

"Scum you say?" he questioned the mob, "you should look at yourselves. You seemingly have only dug up the bad things I may have done in the past, but failed to look at my accomplisments, some even on behalf of the Federation."

He held up his hand in an attempt to silence the angry mob. "I will not deny anything," he continued, "however I do feel that the position of mayor on this station may benefit everyone on this station. Are we not a multicultural society here, where everyone is welcome? As a diplomat, I know what my limitations and my strengths are, and one of my strengths is getting things that need to get done, done. My accomplishments have proven that."

He glanced over the crowd, trying to put names to faces he thought he recognized. "Certainly, I have caused some trouble on this station, but always on behalf of the people. How have I been violent? I was framed for murder, a violent murder, but my innosence was proven because I am not one to carry a weapon."

He failed to announce he was always armed with his traditional blade, but with weapon he meant disruptor or phaser. "If I enter an argument at all, and action follows I prefer to use these," he held up both hands, "if necessary. But so far, that has rarely been necessary. You believe I am violent, because many of my species are. I indend to prove you all wrong by persisting on running for office."

[mercy]

~Hm...a counselor.~ Stuart thought to himself, he also had this strange feeling that he was about to lift off the ground, but it quickly subsided.

"Counselor Kahlena, with two seperate hospitals here there is always a need for a counselor. We have patients in several stages of depression due to trauma. I've requested for a fulltime counselor to be positioned here, but that has yet to happen. I appreciate your willingness to help. I'll set you up in an office, send you some case files, and you can then feel free to visit with any of those patients as you deem necessary."

<Kahlena>

"Don't mention it. It is I who should be thanking you for the help. Come to think of it, I need to see Admiral Lin a bit later. I could use your observation of him. You see, he's a Trill and he's been having problems with his symbiont. Medically he's still fit for duty, but mentally...well that's where you come in."

<Kahlena>

[kahlena]

"Thank you doctor, I appreciate this. I will get to work right away," Kahlena said very excited about this.

"Patience, maybe you will have your counselor soon enough, who knows right?" She said and then heard about Lin.

"If you think he needs relieved of command, I will evaluate him as needed. Let me know when you are going to see him, I will tag along with some excuse in mind. Until then, I plan to be reading and visiting people," Kahlena said and noticed he nodded.


A little later she was sitting down reading about patients. Trauma is due to the loss of being able to use her right side. She has gone blind, and has closed down to anyone who might be willing to visit her. Tra might listen to people, but shows no sign of it. Her sister visits frequently, and is very worried about her.

Kahlena thought a house call imediately would be a good idea. She found the girl in the civilian hospital, and walked over noticing her sister wasn't around.

"Hello, Tra, my name is Kahlena, and I thought I would come say hello. Don't worry, I'm not a doctor, just someone who could use a friend. I could read to you if you like, or we could just talk," she said hoping for a response, but not getting any.

"I should tell you about me. I am not like those you have probably met, and I stand out in a crowd. I am a really talk bird like creature, but don't let that frighten you. I consider myself one of the nice ones," she said making a bit of a joke. ~Wow, talk about a tough crowd.~

[Magellan Lin]

Before leaving operations Magellan popped back into his office and plucked off his comm badge, tossing it on to the desk. Next he opened a draw and extracted a tiny palm sized mark 1 hand phaser and tucked that in to his boot.

He left the starfleet restricted zone and headded for the main transport hub. He reached the main lift shaft and waited for the doors to open. As they did so Cmdr Sarkonis emerged,
"Sir" he greeted,
"Commander" Magellan replied stepping into the lift.

He rode the lift deep into the bowels of the station at Deck 90 he got off and walked the rest of the way. The commerce level here was a mix of factory units and warehousing. He approached a large circualr bay door and heaved it open. Stepping into the gloom he gave another wary look about him.

"Ah Admiral, I was beginning to worry this was a setup"
"Its is Drolem, a set up to remove you from power"
Drolem laughed, in doing so he sparked off a ripple of amusement from his assembled thugs and business men.
"You may think you run this station, you may eventhink you control this sector but your wrong. We down here in the shadows do."

Magellan ignored the comment and wandered over towards the group of people.
"You need to withdraw from the election" he stated flatly,
"You can't ask that" Drloem noted,
"Why because i m an impartial base commander?" Magellan asked,

"No because you owe me a favour."
Magellan shook his head, Drolem was right of course. The price for the Mayor and his underground syndicate of criminals helping Magellan retake the base from the Romulans had been a single favour. Was this to be the point in which it was called in?

"Go on" he said slowly as he felt the scramble inhis mind begin again, loran forcing herself fowards, she seemed interested in the mayor and the influence he held.

"Mr Tedak is resisting my attempts thus far, crowds of angry protestors and some... interior decorating doesnt seem to dissuade him. That will be your job. The vote begins tomorrow, and regardless of what happens I want him out before then... understand."

Magellan scowled realising his hands were tied. "I doubt even I could dissuade Tedak"

"Try - I WILL be Mayor again"

Magellan didnt reply he just turned on his heel an left. There was very little he could do. For once the myriad thoughts of his hosts coalesced and with it came the realsiation of what he had to do. The only way in which he could maintain honour and keep his word... he would have to break the law and rig the election.

[Deleted]

Off: I couldn't resist the opportunity

After Tedak completed his speech, Jack used what Tedak just said to serve his own interests.

"You see, the Romulan swine has admitted he is here to covertly take over the civilian life in all of federation, he has admitted that the Romulan government is attempting once again to conquer the federation, but we are not going to allow this, are we?", Jack asked the crowd

"No, we are not", the crowd shouted back and one man threw a chicken egg at Tedak which hit him on the chest and splattered.

"Let's chase him of", the man who did that said and sure enough more and more people started to throw eggs at Tedak

Saarok and his guards stepped away from Tedak to avoid being hit by eggs.

"It would be logical to make a diplomatic withdrawal now", Saarok shouted to his friend but while saying this he could not conceal a small grin that escaped him while observing Tedak's predicament

<Tag Tedak>

[Deleted]

The Romulan ducked just in time as an egg whizzed past his ear, smashing to bits on the wall behind him. Another egg struck his temple and he shook his head as the impact dazed him for a second. However he was not budging from his spot. "I never said the Empire is planning to conquer the Federation," he defended his earlier statements, realizing that this was going the wrong way. "I am on my own here, replaced because my ideas were too pro-Federation. Disloyalty is what I'm accused of, and it may very well be true."

He held up his hands before his face to protect himself against the objects that were thrown at him, but he didn't plan on making a hasty retreat. He did notice Saarok and the two guards had stepped aside somewhat, out of reach of the projectiles. Tedak couldn't blame him, some of the objects that were now adorning his clothing reeked so foul it made his stomach turn and it was all he could do not to gag in front of the crowd.

At last, he simply turned and walked away, turning his back on the crowd. "Tough crowd," he muttered as he walked with Saarok. "I am going back to my quarters, I shall meet you later in your office to discuss...tactics?"

(Saarok)

The Romulan walked back to his quarters but froze when he found the door to his home ajar. Drawing his dagger, he inched the door open far enough to be able to squeeze through. He'd barely stepped far enough inside before he stumbled over the debris in his quarters. His foot caught on an upturned chair and he fell flat on his stomach, just barely missing a sharp upstanding object he couldn't identify.

Tedak crawled back to his feet and tapped his combadge. "Tedak to security, please send someone down to my quarters!" He didn't dare move another foot lest he hurt or endanger himself. "Lily, please increase ilumination by twenty-five percent," he requested, and squinted as light grew brighter.

(security)

What he saw shocked him to no extend, his squarters were a mess, nothing was where it belonged and just about every object was smashed. His face coloured darker green in fury as he realized T'Shan and D'Beren could've been home, and hurt. Fortunately, he knew both were out, and T'Val would have the care of their son for the evening, so T'Shan and the boy would be spared the trauma of seeing this.

He stood frozen in his quarters, waiting for security to arrive, then decided to tap his combadge again. "Tedak to Saarok, it may be a while before I get to your office. There have been...complications."

(Saarok)

[Deleted]

"It is... enlightening to see you do the logical thing", Saarok noted as his two guards pulled out the objects blocking the turbolift

"Should you require... new clothes I can recommend my tailor", Saarok commented with another grin

After Tedak left, Saarok and his party entered the turbolift and also departed from the promenade. It was a most educational event Saarok thought as he was riding the lift. He got a feel for who are the real "community" leaders of the civilian population. And that person most certainly was not the major. After the ride was over Saarok and his party left the lift and after a short walk arrived to the federation embassy. Once they entered his guards proceeded to their usual posts, while he made way through the rows of tables occupied by different attaché’s, clerks and other diplomatic employees.

After he arrived to his office, he decided it was time to ascertain what the so called refuges wanted from their life here.

=/\=Saarok to Captain Voran=/\=

=/\=Voran here, go ahead Ambassador=/\=

=/\=I need to see you in my office right away, it is a matter of some urgency.=/\=

<Tag Voran>

Once he was done speaking to Adams, Saarok received another hail from Tedak informing him that there has been a new development and he would be late for their meeting. But that was fine by Saarok; he had other matters to attend to anyway. He leaned back in his chair and began to meditate. Showing some emotion always causes a strain on his mind and meditation is required to heal it.

[Felix Savali]

After Tedak departed from the promenade, Jack Marshall turned to the crowd gathered behind him and began to speak.

"We have defeat the Romulan coward, he has fled therefore admitting his guilt. We have shown his federation lackeys we mean business and now we can return to our usual duties", Jack said and the crowd started to dissipate slowly. It took another half an hour before everyone departed and went on their way. Once all the followers were gone, only Jack and his female companion were left. As he was about to say something to her she approached him and french-kissed him.

"What was that about"; he asked after the kiss was over

"My way of thanking you for a successful protest"; she said and smiled as she went on her way

--In the security office--

Sharon Vanetti was happy when she saw on the security monitors that the crowd was dissipating. The protests went by peacefully and the small incident with throwing eggs at the Romulan made her laugh and she did not consider it major or even worth sanctioning. Her moment of happiness was interrupted by a hail from Mr. Tedak a civilian about someone trashing his quarters. She got up from her seat and motioned for Lt. Mal and Lt. T'Lor to accompany her to the civilian’s quarters.

Upon arriving to the correct deck, she and her two companions found the door to the quarters of the civilian opened only enough to let one person squeeze through. She nodded to T’Lor who then nodded back and approached the panel near the door. He removed it and after pulling out several isolinear chips and changing their places, got the door to open fully. After that was done, Sharon and the two officers entered the quarters of civilian Tedak.

"My god", Sharon said, "What happened here?", she asked Tedak who was now standing nearby still wearing his robe that was covered in eggs and rotten tomatoes

<Tag Tedak>

[Deleted]

Tedak
Tedak glared at the security chief. "What do you think happened," he snapped, as he still dared not move, "someone thought it funny to turn my quarters upside down? Someone broke into my quarters and wrecked everything they could get their hands on, that's what happened. And whoever did this can count themselves fortunate that my child was not at home...or you would have a serious security issue on your hands, trust me!"

T'Val
T'Val had enjoyed her usual day off, even though she had missed Stuart's company. Yet, she still didn't feel her usual self and she was often overcome by moments in which she just broke down crying for no apparent reason. It annoyed her even more because meditation didn't seem to help at all.

She didn't want to bother her fiancé with her personal emotional problems as there was nothing much he could do about it. She knew though, that it'd pass over time, but right now she wasn't functioning properly because of it. T'Val remembered the Tiger Shark's counselor was still aboard SBA and decided to seek her out. She knew too that there was a male counselor available, one who also had served on the Tiger Shark, but for some reason T'Val found herself preferring a female counselor.

However, she'd not seek out Kahlena straight off, first she decided to seek out Magellan and see how he was doing. She worried for her Trill friend, at least she hoped he counted as friend, and for his life. Tests had concluded that the Trill admiral was dying, and his symbiont with him, and both she and Stuart were still waiting for Laureana to arrive to SBA to help them.

"Lily, please locate admiral Magellan Lin."

=^=Let me check=^= Lily replied sweetly =^=I am detecting his combadge in his office, but his biosignature in his quarters. Mind you, officially he's in his quarters, but as you're a doctor...=^= Lily knew perfectly well she was overstepping bounds here, but she also knew who she was dealing with.

"Thank you Lily," T'Val answered and headed down (up?) to Lin's quarters and rang the chime. When she was called in, she quietly stepped into the livingroom. "Greetings admiral," she started, shocked at the admiral's appearance, "I came to check in on you. Are you feeling any better?"

"I am fine thankyou" Magellan replied curtly, "What I can I do for you?"

She held her hands clasped behind her back, but not before letting him know that she wasn't carrying any sort of scanner and therefor was not trying to covertly gain any medical updates on him. "I did not come to get you down to sickbay," she promised, "I just wanted to know how you are feeling. And I wanted you to know we have contacted the Symbiosis Comission and they are sending someone to help."

"That was unnecessary, I m sure things are going to be fine. I ll be as right as rain by the time anyone reaches us."

T'Val frowned. "We would hate to lose you admiral," she continued, "and I promise you we are doing everything we can to heal you. I am....fearing it may not be enough." Her voice choked up and she sighed miserably. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Magellan shook his head, why would nt people just leave them alone.
"You are being far too melodramatic T'Val. Lin and I have always had a rocky path, this is no different."

After her conversation with Lin, T'Val finally found her way down to sickbay, where Lily had told her Kahlena was residing right now. She was surprised to find Stuart in Kahlena's company. Walking up to Stuart, she kissed him lightly on his cheek, then turned to Kahlena. "Counselor, could I have a private word with you please?"

(Kahlena)

T'Val and Kahlena walked off to the counselors office, where she started explaining her emotional issues, starting from the first outburts after beaming down to Qualinost and discovering her Debrune heritage, to the more recent difficulties after she had been interrupted in a mind meld.

(Kahlena)

[Felix Savali]

"Mr. Tedak, I assure you I take any breaches of security very seriously no matter if someone gets injured during them or not. And I will find whoever it is that has done this, I assure you.", she said

When Sharon was done talking, Lt. T'Lor approached her.

"Commander", he said, "I have finished the analysis of the lock on the door. It was bypassed by your usual Romulan lock bypasser which is available on every black market from here to the delta quadrant. Nothing helpful there I am afraid. However the knife, is a different story.", he said, "We found some DNA traces on it, however they were degraded to much for any comparison, but we have determined that the person who it belongs to is an Orion male."; T'Lor finished

"There, Mr. Tedak, we already know who to look for. And when I get back to my office, I'll scan the internal sensor logs for the corridor outside your quarters and we will issue an APB for all the Orion’s that were there in the last 3 hours, bring them in for questioning, grill them a bit, get a confession and case closed", Sharon smiled

"I'll also send the cleaning crew down; they should be able to fix up your quarters in no time. And I'll assign two guards to follow you at all times until we find whoever is responsible for this. And I'll put a guard to keep an eye on your son", she said, "So you see there is nothing to worry about", Sharon said

"Now I have to be on my way, Mr. Tedak and I'll contact you as soon as we catch the person responsible for this."

As Sharon was done speaking, she signaled the two guards that accompanied her and the trio departed back to the security office, leaving Tedak alone in the middle of the mess.

<Tag Tedak>

[Ji' Zhan]

--- On Qualinost ---

The Morning had come and Ji'Zhan's new apartment on the surface of the planet was only for temporary use, at least that is what he thought of it anyway, still preferring his underground apartment. It was decided during a closed meeting among the Elders that they all seek appointments above ground to help encourage the Debrune people to seek new experiences on the surface.

The light shown in through the drapes that were embellished with the Debrune seal and was a gift from the the Debrune Textile Club. Ji'Zhan got up from his bed and walked into his newly appointed kitchen. The Debrune had decided before the surface city was built to keep the new city 'clean of technology'. Most of the conveniences would stay below ground in the massive underground city. Most Debrune that wanted to stay were also the ones who didn't want to give up their technology. Ji'Zhan's new kitchen was sparsely appointed but had everything that was needed to cook food. The new markets were running smoothly now and had been for several months. After cooking, he sat to read the morning's news on a tablet, one of the few technologies that had 'surfaced' with the Debrune because cutting trees for paper was forbidden during the establishment of the new ecosystem. Most was simply common stuff so he sat it down and got ready for his day.

Walking to his office, he started thinking about T'Val and wondered how she was doing. The whole time, while walking, he couldn't get his mind off of her. So when he arrived to his office he sat down to compose a message ...

To: T'Val From: Elder Ji'Zhan I'm writing you today to ask of you how is your recovery going. You have been on my mind today and I must write to you to satisfy its quizzing nature. I do hope you well and you have achieved your meditations again. However, if you have not, I would like to offer you assistance as we Debrune have passive mind abilities that I feel could aid you in your search for mental peace. Please do consider my offer, I wouldn't mind if your Doctor friend accompanied you if you would like. Too, I would like to ask of you of the Admiral's health. I understand that he is in conflict with his past memories. Several days ago, back before all the unrest on the base ... when he took his fall, I had the accidental chance of touching him and seeing his thoughts. They have bothered me, to say the least, in recent days. I too could be of assistance there if the need arises. Please keep this in mind and I do want to be of help to my Federation friends. eiihu Elder Ji'Zhan

<T'Val>

[Deleted]

~they had better~ the Romulan thought grimly as security departed. He inched his way through the rubble towards a hidden cabinet where he stored a second computer terminal. He had one installed years ago, just in case and now it proved to be very useful.

He accessed the file containing his speech that he'd stored before heading out to the promenade for a walk, read through it then transferred it to the single undamaged PADD he found in de debris of his quarters. When he stepped outside his quarters again, he found that Sharon had come true to her words and had indeed assigned two starfleet security men to follow him around.

Certainly, being aware that he was followed was extremely annoying, but on the other hand he was grateful for the back-up. He had changed into a fresh tunic and slacks and a metallic black robe, hoping that this time people would merely listen to what he had to say, and not throw vile objects at him. He still had the slight headache since a rotten egg had struck his temple, and he rubbed his temple absentmindedly as he remembered the incident.

He found his way back to the promenade, knowing that his speech would be aired all over the station, and possibly even to some viewscreens on Qualinost, as well as docked vessels. He cleared his throat as he glanced over his spectators, then launched into his speech, promising to do his best to be there for the people on the station, both starfleet, civillians and any visiting species. Furthermore he'd do his best to get a network of 'neighborhood watch' set up, so that organized and unorganized crime would get less opportunity to strike. Safety first, was his credo.

His speech lasted well over an hour, where he pointed out how he would fit in to the role of mayor, with his history as both secret agent as well as diplomat, he was a peoples person. When he was done, he sighed with relief, hoping his speech sat well with those who'd come to watch. So far, there was no mob rushing up to him, trying to tear him apart like earlier, and Tedak hoped it'd stay that way. "If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask," he finished, "I will answer any question."

[kahlena]

Kahlena had wanted to talk to Mercy about the girl, but found just as she was walking up to him to talk that T'Val had come to see her.

"Certainly, my office is this way," she said and they made the short walk. Once inside Kahlena sat down on the couch hoping T'Val would sit as well.

"How may I help you?" Kahlena said, and T'Val explained.

"Interesting. Have you considered that you might need to be healed with another mind meld? Have you tried meditating? How has that worked so far, if at all?" Kahlena said trying to figure something out hoping this would give her some insight, if not stall for another minute or two.

[Deleted]

"Interesting. Have you considered that you might need to be healed with another mind meld? Have you tried meditating? How has that worked so far, if at all."

T'Val sat down opposite of Kahlena, feeling none too comfortable opening up to a counselor. However Kahlena was her last resort as she didn't want to bother her fiancé too much with her emotional turmoils. She raised an eyebrow at the barrage of questions, though actually managing to keep any sign of emotion off her face for a change.

"I have been engaged in another mindmeld," she answered, "Ambassador Saarok himself aided me just after the incident and he has been most helpful. I have been unable to meditate lately. I have a three year old son to care for who is neither Romulan nor Vulcan by birth, but is Debrune and I am preparing a wedding, not to mention a relocation of quarters."

She paused to catch her breath. "Not to mention that I run the civillian ward here on Assaillant. I do not have the time to meditate, however much I would like to. But I came to you for counseling, to aid me in giving these emotions I keep experiencing at the most inconvenient times a place in my life. And I will tell you beforehand that my attachement to Doctor Mercy is not the issue, he has been of great help to me, and he is also the one person who keeps me sane."

This time she did frown, as she related her most recent turmoil, when she had accidently nearly commited suicide because she had misdosed a sleeping aid, because of her torn emotions between her now ex-husband and her husband-to-be.

~~ after ~~

T'Val returned to her quarters, feeling somewhat better and noticed her terminal indicating there was a message:

I'm writing you today to ask of you how is your recovery going. You have been on my mind today and I must write to you to satisfy its quizzing nature. I do hope you well and you have achieved your meditations again. However, if you have not, I would like to offer you assistance as we Debrune have passive mind abilities that I feel could aid you in your search for mental peace. Please do consider my offer, I wouldn't mind if your Doctor friend accompanied you if you would like.

Too, I would like to ask of you of the Admiral's health. I understand that he is in conflict with his past memories. Several days ago, back before all the unrest on the base ... when he took his fall, I had the accidental chance of touching him and seeing his thoughts. They have bothered me, to say the least, in recent days. I too could be of assistance there if the need arises.

Please keep this in mind and I do want to be of help to my Federation friends.

"Computer, record message," T'Val stated, then waited for the computer to display the proper program.

"My recovery is going well though I have decided to visit a counselor, one is currently visiting from the Tiger Shark, you may have met her on the party Ambassador Vebn's honour. I would however appreciate your assistance in meditation for lately I have found myself unable to enter any form of meditation. I am certain that Stuart would like to accompany me, he may benefit from your teachings as well."

She paused, when she remembered Magellan's cold response to her. "As far as the admiral is concerned, Stuart and I are doing everything we can for him, and we are waiting for Laureana to arrive to help him. However, Magellan will not acknowledge that he is dying and he has become very intolerant of our visits. Today I came to see him, but not to check on him medically and his response was very cold and impolite. I am extremely worried about him. Perhaps there is something you can do to aid him?"

She stopped, knowing she would have to go to Qualinost soon to see Ji'Zhan with D'Beren for a Debrune ceremony soon. "I will meet you prior to next Debrune ceremony," she added to her message, "and if time allowes we will stay for a few days, myself, D'Beren and Stuart. I am certain you heard Stuart's rather unceremonial wedding announcement? It is something I am looking forward to, finally a happy happening in my life, even though traditionally, I am not supposed to feel happiness as it is an emotion unknown to Vulcans."

Now she felt she was done. "Computer log and send to Elder Ji'Zhan on Qualinost."

=^=Message sent=^= came Lily's distant voice.

[Magellan Lin]

The crowd seemed stragnely placated by Tedaks speech. His campaign team had worked hard in the past few days to ensure that the egg throwing didnt return. It was obvious that many would be uncertain of a Romulan Mayor, but many beleived it would still be better than Drolem Simeth.

Simeths dodgy connections were not especially secret and many residents had fallen foul of them. Theft, extortion and protection racketting had been the Mayors standard modus operandi.

Tedak pitched the idea that to ensure good office an experienced diplomat would be good, someone who already knew the base administration and was on good terms with the Debrune. The current Mayor could offer little more then vague assurances that things would change and that a Romulan would be inappropriate as a mayor of a Federation city.

Drolem was not happy about the state of affairs, he hadnt fought an election in over ten years. His contacts were beginning to get twitchy and his... friends in the Tammeron Consortium were not liking where things seemed to be heading. The polls it appeared where nearly 50:50 with a very small majority for the Mayor but with only a day to go to the vote everything could change.

Throughout the station security offices set up ballot stations were electronically votes could be entered. By the end of the following day Assailant might well have a new Mayor.


Magellan sat in his room in darkness, he wasnt entirely sure who he was. Part of him realised something was very wrong, T 'Val had intimated that his condition was incredibly serious and yet something or perhaps someone stopped him from acting. He was surprised at his own unpredicatbility and it frightened him, Gethin, Bryson and Toya whilst unwelcome guests at times were manageable and had a psyche closer to his own, but Loran... she was different, confident and aggressive.

At first it had been interesting to delve into thier memories, but hers frightened him. She had started out a loyal and dutiful officer in the Trill Defense Force but had quickly become cynical and jaded. She was 24 when she killed her first suspect, a murderer who had got off on a technicality. From there on it became a slippery slope. Over the years she bent more and more rules until she began to become more like the people she had sought to catch.

It was the ultimate irony that a bomb she had sold the Ansata Terrorists on Rutia had killed her. Oh yes Loran was driven and persistent, she bridled at the way Drolem had a hold over Magellan, she despised his weakness but then in the same breath longed to join up with the Mayor and profit from his corruption.

Magellan had already decided to rig the election, but he was no longer sure who had made that decision and for who. His mind was swimming his thoughts jostling with Lorans. Finally he forced through a conclusion and clinging to what was left of his self stood and left his quarters.

Stepping from the lift he quickly checked around him . H fet jittery and wished he had taken another isoboramine shot before coming out, he could feel control slipping. He entered his command code with shaky hands and entered the room - COMPUTER CONTROL ROOM.

"Hello Lily" Magellan greeted coldly without emotion, "I have a new sub-routine for you"
"You do?" Lily replied from the ether,
"Yes nothing major, just some... starfleet updates."
"That is unusual they usually arrive at the end of the week."
Magellans eyes narrowed ever so slightly,
"This is a special one." he answered pushing the PaDD into the acceptor slot. The machine whirred as the information was uploaded and took over Lilys control.

"Lily" Magellan said tentaivly,
"Yes?" she replied, oddly distant
"I have new orders for you...."


OOC: Okay this sets up the start of the conclusion to this, timing is everything I think in this,
Voting starts, Mercy needs to start to act - perhaps seeingFelix, The result needs to be declared (I ll do that), oh and the B-plot - Saarok and Voran need to decide if they are going to decieve Jolant to get his information.

[evoran]

Jolant waggled a finger at Voran.

"Oh no, thats not going to work. I'm the only one on the colony that knew who they were, well out of those who saw them and for now I m keeping that secret. Its my get out of jail card and I m not about to over play my hand. If however you granted me protection from the Cardassian Government and the Obsidian Order, perhaps set me up with a new life maybe I would reconsider."

"Alright," said Voran, "I'll need to speak to the Federation Ambassador. I'll be back soon with an answer for you."

He stepped out of Jolant's quarters and the doors slid shut behind him. Then, as if he had read Voran's mind,

"Saarok to Captain Voran."

"Voran here, go ahead ambassador."

"I need to see you in my office right away, it is a matter of some urgency."

He had not had much experience with the ambassador and wondered how the Vulcan would feel about bending the truth.

When he arrived, he jumped straight in, "Ambassador Saarok, the Cardassian Jolant seems to have information that he believes will be of value to the Federation."

"And he wants something in exchange for this information?" Asked Saarok.

"He wants Federation protection from the Cardassian Government and the Obsidian Order." Said Voran.

Saarok raised an eyebrow, "But neither of those institutions pose a threat to him, indeed, the Obsidian Order no longer exists."

"Yeah," said Voran, "well I kinda neglected to tell him that. Besides, if we agree to give him protection, we're not lying to him really, we're just giving him protection from something that can't hurt him anymore. But the longer we debate this, the greater chance that he's gonna find out before he gives us that information."

<Saarok>

[Deleted]

"I would not be concerned, he will not find out about the Obsidian Order not existing because it still exists. Although not in the form he believes it does. They are now more like the Tal Shiar and Starfleet Intelligence.", Saarok said, "But that should not concern you captain", Saarok said

"We shall do the logical thing and the thing that is in the interest of the Federation, which is to... bluff, our guest into believing Agents of the Obsidian Order are on this station and are in pursuit of him", Saarok said

Noticing the expression of Voran's face, Saarok decides to elaborate, "A Cardassian merchant owes me a favor captain, nothing to worry about", Saarok said

"Now what we will do is as follows. I will arrange a visit from the "Obsidian Order" to our Cardassian friend, just to rattle him a bit, then I will notify you and you will inform our friend that you have discussed the matter with the Federation and they agreed to grant him protection in exchange for the information he possesses.", Saarok said

<Tag Voran>