TREKS IN SCI-FI FORUM

Joint post by Jen and Just X

With only the invitation of the missing Empress Donatra and their treaty with the Imperial Romulan State as their justification, Starfleet's humanitarian task force, the Seventh Fleet, was launched to provide aid and stability to the gravely wounded Romulan people. The Hobus Ultra Nova did not recognize the boarders of the fractured empire and both halves suffered greatly from the incalculable devastation. Soon the enemies of the Romulans, and perhaps even their allies, would begin picking their bones. Yet Starfleet's goal was that its envoy of peace would quite simply help where needed... and if possible, explore the unknown region while they were at it.

In a darkened room, just over a dozen officers quietly gathered for the first of their weekly meetings. The majority consisted of the captains and first officers from each of the seven Starfleet vessels that made up the amply named "Seventh Fleet". Rear Admiral Nathanial Jacob Quinn greeted them before activating the holomap.

In the center of the large circular table, was a holographic display of Romulan space and the  location of each of the starships that were currently passing thorough the remains of the system. The position of various non-Federation ships in the immediate area and other locations of interest were also included in the three dimensional holo. The representation generated by the table was provided by the combined data from the Stellar Cartography departments of each fleet ship. Presently that data formed a floating square wedge of the sector. At the current resolution, only the stars and their descriptive information was provided.

As the flagship of the Seventh Fleet, it was the role of the Arabella to balance the requests of the other ships with their mission objectives. More often than not, the aid they offered resulted in a temporary division of their small task force. Currently, the Luna Class medical ship USS Phlox was stationed in the Unroth system to provide medical assistance to the colony there. Joining the Phlox was the Intrepid II Class Lily Sloane, an engineering vessel that currently assisted in repairs to the colony's failing equipment. Both ships were being provided defensive support by the Prometheus Class Naegling, which remained in a higher orbit over the other vessels. In the Chaltok system, the Akira class Gabriel Bell provided protection to the Olympic class medical ship Boris Yegerov, the Intrepid II Class Henry Archer, and a group of Romulan vessels from a nearby colony that they escorted to the system.


The soft glow of the holoimage cast the room in orbiting colors. Sevryll's face was illuminated by a blue and green grid that slowly traveled her delicate features before sliding over her shoulder and crossing to her First Officer seated nearby. Commander Aeric James' color shifting eyes caught the hues as the movement of light and shape panned over his face and continued to next officer at the table. Aeric turned his gaze toward his wife as she gestured to a specific location in the holo and magnified the image as much as possible. "We detected a distress call in this sector," said Fleet Captain Sevryll. "The vessel is heavily damaged and in need of aid. Since all other ships in the fleet are currently occupied, the Arabella will divert its course to offer assistance."

"If you need additional help, we can deploy our fighters to protect this system and plot an intercept course," Captain Thelora of the Gabriel Bell added after taking a sip of her beverage and setting it back on the table. The antennae that protruded above her shock of white hair, dipped slightly as she leaned forward to glaze down the table at Aeric and Sevryll, who had been her friends since their days at the academy. Sevryll nodded in acknowledgment but turned her head toward the Englishman that joined the conversation.

Rhys Peters, the current commander-in-charge of the Naegling's rotating captaincy, reached out and indicated a possible flight plan on the display. "If worse comes to worse, I believe that it might be safer and faster for the Naegling to aid the Arabella, instead."

"Captain Peters is correct," Captain Tarses of the Phlox added. "In the event of hostilities, one of the medical vessels needs to be absent an escort. We are better prepared to defend ourselves. The Naegling's absence wouldn't be as hard felt as the Bell's."

"This looks to be a milk run," Commander James spoke, "we should be able to rendezvous with the fleet in less than three days at maximum warp."

"Bridge to Captain Sevryll," a hoarse voice interrupted over the comm system,  "We are preparing to exit warp."

"Thank you Mr. Galdar," replied Sevryll as she rose from her place at the table. "I apologize, but we must bring this meeting to a close."

There were nods of agreement as Sevryll turned for the door with Aeric following behind. "Computer, close holographic communications."

One by one, all members of the meeting vanished as their holographic avatars shut off. The room was now empty save for the meeting table and the departing Captain and First Officer.

Lets hope it is a 'milk run', as you call it, k'diwa, Sevryll projected through her bond with her husband.  Aeric smiled down at her as they proceeded to the bridge, "You're not comparing this to that Bolian trade ship are you? Had that idiot not attempted to go to warp with our ship still attached to her, it would have been a 'easy' mission. How was I to know that he was going to leech power from the Aurora to power his engines and flee at the first sign of trouble? I... think that this might go a little better that that."

In spite of his vocal response, Sevryll proceeded telepathically, You may be right.... Her internal voice paused briefly before adding, despite my attempts to suppress it, you often draw the emotive response of anxiety near the surface when you lead away missions. The children and I—  she stopped the thought before it could be completed and glanced up at Aeric. "Please be more cautious," she uttered in the professional tone of a Starfleet Captain. They stopped before the turbolift as the door opened to reveal three crewmen. The personnel instantly acknowledged the Captain and First Officer as they stepped into the corridor. Sevryll returned their greetings as she and Aeric entered the lift and turned to face the door that had closed behind them. "Deck 1," the woman ordered with the apparent serenity of a typical Vulcan.

I will, Aeric thought back to her. No matter how improbable, I will always find a way home.

Joint Post by Jen and Just X



"Captain on deck," Lieutenant Commander K'Tan barked when Sevryll and Aeric exited the turbo lift.

"Status report?" Commander James queried on his way to the first officer's chair.

"We are in the outer edge of  the system," Galdar replied. "Heavy debris has made warp in the system dangerous."

Sevryll nodded once and gracefully took her own seat. She cast a casual glance to Lieutenant Commander D'Callan, who manned the tactical position.

Looking up from his readings, the Chief of Security spoke, "We have the damaged vessel on our sensors and no visible signs of other craft. Sensors indicate earlier weapons fire, but does not rule out the presence of cloaked vessels."

No sooner than D'Callan had finished, K'Tan spoke up to continue a well trained flow of information, "Sensors indicate that the ship has suffered critical structural damage. Primary communications and warp drive appear offline. I have two dozen life signs clustered in the engineering section of the vessel. Life support systems and shields are failing."

"Sevryll, to Sickbay,"

"Drett here, Captain."

"Prepare your staff for a possible influx of Romulan casualties. "

"Understood."

"Mr. Tolok..." she said to the Vulcan seated at the Conn. "Please ready an engineering team."

"Aye, Captain," he said then rose and quickly left the bridge.

Sevryll straightened in her chair, "Yellow Alert." At the mention of the new condition, Lieutenant Commander K'Tan raised the shields. Since entering the Romulan System, Arabella, acting as a scout ship, had discovered evidence of pirates. The raiders chose lone vessels and crippled colonies as their pillaging targets and the devastation left in their wake was abhorrent. Though the fleet had yet to actually cross paths with roving pirate vessels, Sevryll was not about to take her chances.

The slight Vulcan glanced to the Ferengi at the helm, "Mr. Galdar, plot a conic intersection path for the damaged ship. Full impulse... I do not want to threaten them by our approach."

"Aye, Captain. Course laid in. ETA: Two hours and thirty-seven minutes."

"Engage."





The luminous ribbons that had stretched before them for hours, transitioned to dots of light on the viewscreen as Arabella reached its destination. Before them, the bow of a small ship seemed to protrude from the mouth of an unseen serpent as the half cloaked vessel drifted just off Arabella's forward section... the battered craft had obviously seen better days.

"Would you look at that," said D'Callan in surprise, from his place at the Tactical Console.

Sevryll slowly lifted a prominent brow; whoever attacked them was likely near by. "Extend our shields to encompass the vessel."

D'Callan nodded in response, "yes ma'am."

"Mr. K'Tan, please open a hailing frequency."

"Aye, Captain," came the even bass of the Terran sitting at the Operations kiosk. A rapid succession of melodious chimes accompanied the movement of his fingers over the console before him, "hailing frequency open."

The Vulcan straightened in her chair as she addressed the disfigured spectacle before them, "Romulan vessel, this is Captain Sevryll of the USS Arabella. We received your distress call and are willing to provide assistance."

For a moment, an echo of silence was all the answer they received. The helmsman exchanged a quick glance with the ensign seated at the conn, then shifted his eyes back to the disembodied craft on screen. After a span of several long minutes, a gaunt face appeared on the viewer. The image shifted unpredictably due to interference, but despite the static, the bridge crew could make out the woman and several forms huddled behind her. A smoky, green haze drifted about the Romulan's sharp features as she leaned forward to better see the image on her own screen.

"A Starfleet vessel... Why should this surprise me? Cowards strike only when their enemies are weakened," she spat.

An imperceptible crease in the captain's brow followed the Romulan's cold response. She rose slowly and took a single step towards the viewer, "I assure you, we are here only to render aid. If you require medical assistance, or passage, we are equipped to provide both...." Pausing for emphasis, Sevryll added, "with whom am I speaking?"

The woman smoothed the tattered remnants of a high collared, formal, black tunic, "Senator Nehvash." She gave the Starfleet captain a disdainful glare before sighing in consternation, "I would prefer to reject your offer...Vulcan...but we are in no position to do so."

"NEHVASH!" shouted a man from behind her. A brief exchange of whispered protests and rebuttals could be heard before the woman flicked her eyes back to Sevryll. "You may come aboard. Perhaps your crewmen could repair the damage so that we may be on our way..."

"Our scans indicate that your vessel is damaged beyond repair. As such, rescue would seem the most logical option. The radiation from your engines will disrupt our ability to secure transporter locks. If you are in agreement, I will send a team to extract all survivors via shuttle." The two women stared at one another a moment before Sevryll broke the silence, "Senator, who attacked you?"

"A Warbird..."Nehvash worked her jaw in agitation before snapping her permission with a curt nod and ending the communication.

Warbird? Sevryll thought. Aeric's gaze fell on her as he heard her voice in his mind. There was no hesitation following the Romulan's consent—Sevryll's orders came before she had fully turned to face the Chief Science Officer. "Mr. Zremm," she uttered in an unaffected tone, "please search for signs of cloaked vessels."

Her gaze shifted to Aeric as he rose from his chair. "Mr. K'Tan, Mr. D'Callan... gear up, you're with me." With a swift movement of his hand, the first officer tapped the badge pinned to his chest, "Commander James to Doctor Drett and Ensign Daelen... report to the main shuttle bay. We're boarding the Romulan vessel."

Aeric then transmitted a request for backup crew to assume the positions that would soon be vacated on the bridge and ordered the shuttle bay to ready a runabout. Without waiting for the replacements to arrive, he briskly entered the turbolift.


Sevryll moved toward her command chair and settled herself into it, "All hands, prepare for the arrival of evacuees. Secure the armory and all other essential areas. Sickbay, stand by to receive injured. Engineering, begin converting shuttle bay two into temporary dormitories until housing can be determined."

The Captain pushed a lock of raven hair behind one ear and leaned forward slightly as she addressed the helmsman,"Mr. Galdar, plot course for a rendezvous with the fleet. Once everyone is safely aboard the Arabella, engage at maximum warp."

"Aye, Captain."

D'Callan stood in the turbo lift slightly behind Aeric and next to K'Tan. He turned his head to look at his old friend, in unison they smiled. They were both in departments responsible for looking after the ship and the people on it, they craved excitement, danger and adrenalin pulsed through his veins. Aeric noticed an obvious shift in his officers feelings and he turned to his men. "Here we go gentlemen"

Joseph looked up and wondered about the damaged vessel, hostile times, hostile waters. "Lets go fishing sir"

"Beta team", Lieutenant Commander Tolok spoke quietly and evenly as befitted one of the Vulcan race. "Please proceed to shuttle bay two and configure it for emergency accommodation. The excess craft will need to be moved to bay three for the moment. It appears we will be having visitors." Tapping his chest he closed the channel and returned his attention to the readouts before him.

To his right, the warp core illuminated the engineering deck, idling but ready should it be required. The increased alert status dictated by their presence outside of Federation space made for a corresponding increase in his crews workload...but in terms of the efficiencies it engendered from both personnel and equipment, the trade off was acceptable to the engineer.

Tapping the readout, in front of him Tolok turned back to the Lieutenant beside him. "I would suggest that you 'keep an eye on it' for the moment Lieutenant and let me know if it rises beyond one point five percent."

Nodding, the officer turned an headed for the door while Tolok returned to his 'rounds' of Engineering.

As the tall Andorian deftly worked the controls at the bridge science station he felt a slight twinge go up his right arm.  Ignoring it, he completed the second scan of the area.

"I can detect no other vessels, cloaked or otherwise in the vicinity currently, Captain.  I will continue to scan and search for who might have attacked the Romulan ship."

"Very good, Mr. Zremm.  See if you can boost the power to the long range sensors.  That may help in your search."  The captain said as Zremm gave her a slight tilt of his head.  The two friends did not need words always to convey their thoughts.  I many ways Andorians and Vulcans were alike, but also very different as well, Zremm thought as he continued his task.

"Auxiliary engineering, this is Lieutenant commander Zremm on the bridge.  Please transfer additional power to the long range sensors in order to boost their gain.  And standby for further instructions."  Zremm said as he waited for acknowledgment.

"This is Ensign Barton, Commander.  You should have that additional power now, sir.  I'll see if I can get you a bit more."  The young officer said as she adjusted power distribution among the secondary systems.

"Very good, Ensign."  Zremm out.  The blue-skinned chief science officer said as he closed the channel.  As he readied a new set of scan parameters he tried to recall why the ensign's voice sounded familiar to him.

"...but the Romulans are bad" said the young Bajoran in disgust.

"I know you and I haven't known each other too long Brex." said Margon,"these people need our help, and if anyone can relate it would be you my young man."

"what if they turn on us?  Or if they get on board and blow up the ship?" Brex said with a exaggerated fear, just to see what the counselor would do.

"They aren't going to blow up the ship, settle down.  Don't you have more to do?  You're supposed to give the dog a bath and tidy up your room before company tonight"

"Yeah, I know." said Brex in a lethargic tone.  "Come on Sumo!"

The black lab shook it's head and lobbed over to the boy.  It's eyes were warm and he was simply excited for the attention.

"I always get soaked doing this Margon"  he acted as though he didn't love it, but he did.  He was the one that convinced the counselor that they needed a pet.  And Margon didn't take long to say yes.  He knew that this mission would keep him busy with the crew and it wouldn't be fair to Brex to be all alone.  Besides, a boy and a dog was a proven equation for happiness.  Young Brex  had a very hard last few years and he needed some TLC.  Sumo was great therapy.

"You'll be fine Brex.  Just remember to clean up your mess." he smiled.  "I need to run, the refugees are being  shuttled on board and I need to go see if I can be of service."

"Ok, but watch your back, you never know what could happen" Brex said in his best "secret service agent" voice.  "Don't help any spies!"

Margon shook his head and smiled.  "Don't worry about me young man.  I can take care of myself.  Now go and get Sumo better smelling!"

"On my way, Commander," said the Trill as she rose from her desk. Ryla gathered the flaxen hair that fell over her shoulders, and tied it into a secure knot before lifting the med kit that she prepared two hours before, and stepping onto the floor.

It had been an eventful few weeks for the rest of the crew, but sickbay had seen very little activity; Ryla was sure that status was about to change.  "I'm off ladies, " she said to Doctor Myella Peterson and her head nurse Susan Cane. "When I return, you may be a whole lot busier than you have been in the recent past. Enjoy the peace while you can," she said with a wink then proceeded through the transparent double doors with a purposefully gait.  



The slight change in temperature greeted her as she stepped from the corridor into The Main Shuttle Bay—it was empty, save for a few crewmen readying the runabout. Ryla was notorious for being late when off duty, yet while on duty the Trill was never anything other than premature. This fact could be attributed her position as Chief Medical Officer. A doctor could never afford to be late when lives hung in the balance. The clack of her boots reverberated as she entered the cavernous room and strode toward the personnel minding the craft.  "Good morning, gentlemen." She said in a melodious tone.

One of the four men stumbled down the ramp as her greeting was eagerly returned.

"Oh! Watch your step Mr. Olson."

His face flushed as the others passed each other knowing glances.

Lieutenant Olson smoothed his jacket and then his hair as he nodded to the Trill, "yes ma'am... ah... I guess you're going on the away mission?" he asked in a nervous voice.

"Yes. I'm a little early."

The other three officers finished prepping the shuttle as Olson laughed awkwardly, and wrung his hands before him. Ryla noted his uncharacteristic nervousness, but tried not to make it obvious.

"Ah... Well, maybe when you get back you would, um...ah..."

Ryla gave him a friendly smile and nodded in understanding, "Sure... but I'm not certain how long I'll be or how busy I may become afterwards. If you don't mind a late dinner, I'd be happy to accompany you to the Afterburner."

Jared Olson lifted his chin a little higher and his smile lost its awkward appearance as it broadened, "No...no...I don't mind at all."

"Owl." Aeric James said to the tween girl that stood before him as he placed his custom phaser in it's holster. It was a weapon that had served him during too many Federation conflicts. It was a tool that was first made before his daughter was born.

"Keep your eyes wide open, be aware of the shadows, and return to the nest at any sign of trouble." Aria James quoted the family condition code from memory. It was one of more than two dozen animal related code words that effortlessly informed the James children of their parents expectations of them in a wide variety of situations. Her vulcan brow raised in mild annoyance to having to explain her understanding. "I know all of the code words father."

"I know you do," Aeric said and added a laser cutter to his carry all. "You're just humoring an old man."

Aria smiled to her father. It was a smile that was rarely seen outside of the privacy of their quarters. She didn't suppress her emotions, she controlled them in ways that were still impressive to her parents. She effortlessly balanced logic and emotion, using both as needed. She was good at it, but she wasn't perfect. She was still a young woman and her emotions could get the better of her if she was not prepared. "I think you're only doing this to delay continuing my flight training."

"You already know how to fly the shuttles," Aeric laughed. "What else do you want to know?"

"I believe that it is in the better interest of the juveniles aboard this ship if I am also instructed in advanced maneuvers and weapons systems." Aria said stoically. "If a condition alert requires our departure, it would be most logical for the eldest organic being to have the skills necessary in facilitating our escape."

"So you're thought it all through and you think that it's a good idea for a teenager to learn how to fire shuttle weapons?" Aeric mused.

"Yes," his daughter replied as if there was nothing more to add. She had a logical reason for her request and it was sound logic. She understood that it would also be an impressive achievement to share with her peers.

"When do you propose we do this advanced training?" the father asked the daughter as he continued to load his gear.

"I will have to consult my schedule," Aria said softly. She had goals and plans for herself and piloting was one of the skills that she wanted to master long before she needed to apply to the academy. "Have you or mother spoken with Doctor Drett yet?"

"I'll speak to your mother about it, I believe that she was going to do it. I still don't know how the Doctor will take to having a minor attempting to help out in sickbay, but you seem to have fixated on adding that to your resume."

Aria nodded. "I need to take advantage of my surroundings and learn everything I can before I enlist."

Aeric smiled. She was so much like her mother. Their children were the best of them and Aria made no excuses about who and what she was. "Of course you do. You're going to be the youngest captain ever. I haven't seen a reason to doubt you achieving that."

"The twins are finishing a class on the holodeck with Rori." Aria spoke softly between helping her father's packing by adding spare power cells that he would have likely forgotten. She loved her daddy, but when he got focused on something, he could overlook the little things. If it wasn't for her and her mother, he wouldn't be anywhere as prepared as they got him.

"Thank you." he replied as his communicator gave an alert chirp. The runabout he requested was ready for final inspection. "I'll see the four of you in a few hours for dinner."

"Can I pick the world we're dining from tonight? I know it's your turn, but you're going to be busy."

Aeric grinned and hugged his little girl. "As long as it's not Klingon again."

Galdar sat quietly at the Conn of the Arabella and waited for something to happen. If holodeck simulations counted as real experience then this wasn't the first time he'd answered a distress call from a disabled vessel within Romulan space. The Kobayashi Maru was only a Starfleet command-track training exercise but the parallels with their current situation were striking. Galdar had taken that test...and lost his ship as a result. The loss still smarted, even after some years but the ache of it was as nothing when compared to the loss of the friendship he'd nearly sacrificed as a result of the same exercise.

Grimacing slightly, Galdar recalled his arrangement to meet with Ryla Drett after their shift for a long overdue drink. It didn't look like there was much chance of that happening today.

With the Maru, Galdar had been in the big chair but had ended up at the Conn. Here, piloting was his only responsibility but it was just as important.

Hands moving deftly, the Ferengi manipulated the flight display and crafted his navigation solution for the fleet rendezvous requested by the Captain. As the other ships moved and his plot aged the Lieutenant configured his console with a series of intercept corrections to ensure a 'shortest path' course was always laid in.

Should it become necessary to act quickly, the pilot was ready.

To his left, Commander Zremm worked at the science station. To his right, an ensign manned the Engineering station.

As Conn officer, interface with Engineering was one of his responsibilities but in these somewhat strained circumstances, He was pleased to be relieved of that task for the moment.

"Course plotted and ready at your command, Captain."

The dim lights in the security office left only an eerie yellow glow to intermittently illuminate the figure which sat behind the desk. Everything was calm and yet there was still an underlying tension hoovering in the room. Ensign Daelen had been observing what she could of the Arabella's comm systems, to stay informed, ever since it had crossed into Romulan space. The deceptively lean officer had been studying the scanners, monitors and updates with battleship-gray orbs which didn't betray any of the truth within.  

Behind those eyes though sat a myriad of emotions, capped and hidden to everyone...since...since what? The destruction of the Romulan home worlds? Why did it bother her so? After all, as callus as it might sound, what 'had' she lost? Grandparents and family who never truly accepted her or a people who shunned her for her human lineage?

Despite this fact, it was surprising that internally the tragedy was chipping away at her. All those people; gone in a flash second. There had been no escape or reprieve for them; although they had been warned. The woman's hand held a stylus, soundlessly it tapped against the desktop at an almost intentional pace. Yet it didn't seem to disrupt the woman's attentions from the desktop display.

When the Arabella exited hyperspace and located the ship they had recieved the distress call from, the ensign studied the monitor. There before her sat the ghostly vision of a semi-cloaked Romulan vessel. No emotions played on her expression as she simply watched it list uselessly just off the ship's forward section.

The woman finally took a breath; she hadn't even realized that she had been holding it. From what she could see, the ship was bruised and derelict, Daelen stared mutely at the craft as it seemed to stare back at her. She had a job, despite whatever happened in the past, she was no longer the awkward teen who had to fight and scrape her way through things anymore.

These people needed Starfleet and she was part of that; like it or not. Setting down her stylus, Shelby moved forward and checked as many of the readouts as she could; noting anything unusual which might be cause for alarm or deception. What did worry her was the unknown factor of the people on that ship.

It had been a learned mantra of hers over the years: Never trust a Romulan.

Shelby's comm-badge chirped, reaching up she tapped it.    

Commander James voice came over the speaker. "Doctor Drett and Ensign Daelen... report to the main shuttle bay. We're boarding the Romulan vessel."

Rising Ensign Daelen began to save the things which had been of interest and she shut the rest of the windows down. "Yes Sir." Moving over to the equipment in the office, she picked up and checked a phaser and then a tricorder.

On her way to the shuttle bay, the half romulan stopped by her quarters and she added a few hidden knives to her armament. She was ready. 

Arriving at the flight deck Shelby Daelen was directed to the craft they would be using. As the security officer climbed into the shuttle she found that the trill named Ryla Drett was already there. "Doctor." she said by way of greeting.

Picking up his phaser from his side he looked over at K'tan and swirled it around his palm and dropped it back into his holster and pressed a few buttons on his PADD. He scanned the personnel going on the away mission and then tapped his com badge. "D'Callan to Dunn, the away missionis is getting  ready to leave, we go as soon as Commander James is ready. I need the shuttle bay manned and i want you ready for our return with our Romulan guests, all smiles Mr Dunn......... Oh and Dunn, don't forget your phaser. D'Callan out." K'Tan shook his head slightly and D'callan saw the shoulders of Aeric James move slightly as a small but muffled giggle came from the XO.

Lt. Dunn fell flat on his face.

The call from the Chief had awoken him from a deep sleep and his hasty reply belied his catatonic state, at least he hoped D'Callan hadn't heard it in his voice. He was now face down on the deck having fallen trying to launch from his rack. Nice, he thought. He quickly stood and began to get dressed. His heart pounded in his chest.
ROMULANS! he thought. 'I am finally going to see a real Romulan.' He considered himself a bit of a history buff and the Romulan culture had always been one which fascinated him. They were so mysterious, having been hidden away from the Federation for so many years following first contact, a first contact that didn't go so well for either side. Now their Empire lay in shambles following the destruction of their homeworld Romulus. But the fire and passion remained. So like Vulcans and yet so different he mused as he pulled down his security uniform. Almost like a blending of Klingons and Vulcans, the best and the worst of both worlds.
He double checked his appearance in the mirror, the Chief would not stand for a lack of dress discipline when confronting a warrior culture like the Romulans. He bolted towards the door which parted at his hasty approach..and he stopped dead in his tracks.

He slowly walked back and picked his phaser up off of his desk.

Setting down his book Reese put on his uniform. He knew very little about Romulans. Most of his cultural expertise was for lesser developed societies, but he was still considered an expert though he hadn't been an active Starfleet officer for most of the past three years.

He looked in the mirror, at himself wearing his Starfleet uniform. There was a time he had thought he'd never wear it again, but plans change and planets get destroyed he thought. He moved towards the door. He stopped and stared at it for a moment.

"It's been a long time." He said taking a deep breath. "Duba Ducci" he muttered quietly. Then he stepped out.

Ensign Hermaratlo was joyously tearing apart his sleeping quarters looking for his his favorite PADD. "Computer, begin personal correspondence, my brother Jonval."

He continued in his native Risian as he strung his belongings all over the room:

Brother,
This will be a quick note, but I don't know when I will have a chance to write you again.

As I mentioned in my previous letter, I've been assigned as the Archeology and Anthropology officer on this ship. As I'm sure you've probably figured out, I'm aboard the Arabella as part of the Seventh Fleet and yes, we are in Romulan space.

My mission is to make the first steps in helping the Romulan remnant preserve their history and cultural identity. I know, right? If there was a job I was born to do, this is it!

As I speak, we are bringing aboard the survivors of some sort of attack. I'm headed out to help with the wounded and to make "first contact" with them. My first step is to make friends and learn as much as I can about what's been lost and what might still be saved.

Got it! Ok, I gotta go. Wish me luck and I'llbe in touch when I can.

Peace brother.

Computer, end correspondence."

This last he shouted over his shoulder as he ran out the door.

Lester shifted at his duty station. He was anticipating contact with Romulans but not this soon into the mission under these circumstances.

His main display had been monitoring the navigational deflector systems as a precaution at Commander Tolok's instructions, a decision he felt unnecessary but he was not one to question his Commanding Officer; at least not anymore.
On his secondary display the Lieutenant called up their current situation with the Romulan vessel in an attempt detect anything he could class as 'interesting'. Tapping several commands into the interface he turned his attention back to the navigation systems as they continued to register data on the excess debris in the system.

As the buzz of activity continued around him, he focused himself on the task at hand.

The hum of the turbolift grew steadily quieter as it slowed, eventually coming to a stop at the shuttlebay deck.  The door hushed open, and K'Tan and his good friend D'Callen headed towards the bay at a brisk pace.  

K'Tan was thrilled at the prospect of venturing onto a Romulan ship.  Even though relations between the Federation and the Romulans had thawed since the Dominion War, there still existed considerable tension and distrust between the two superpowers.  With the current mission, the crew of the Arabella had become the embodiment of one of the Fleet's guiding principles, truly going into territory where no Federation officers had gone before.

But K'Tan's excitement was tempered by the underlying reason for the 7th Fleet's mission.  The Hobus super-nova had washed through the system like a wave of death, scouring the system of all but a relative relative handful of survivors.  In the blink of an eye, the Romulans had become an endangered species.  It was a fate he couldn't imagine wishing on anyone.  

As the pair entered the cavernous shuttle bay, K'Tan spied their craft being attended by a small gathering of orange-clad support crew.  In the next instant, he caught sight of a flash of blond hair and spots, and nearly stopped in his tracks.  

Noticing the put-out expression on K'Tan's face, D'Callen broke out into a mischievous grin and gently elbowed him in the ribs.  "Hey mate, looks like your good friend CMO Drett will be joining us on the trip."

K'Tan's scowl deepened.  "So it would seem," he answered dryly.  "It must be my lucky day."

Casey was a little restless as it would be a few days before he would take command of the Gamma shift. He had a sense of uneasiness which he could not seem to shake. It was like a shaken bottle of champagne in which the cork was about to pop.

Casey tried unsuccessfully to to put this feeling behind him and found himself unconsciously stroking his rabbit foot for goodluck. He had read the personnel reports of the crew that he would oversee on his shift until he knew their records inside and out before deciding to go to sickbay to visit his wife and introduce himself to Dr. Drett

He got up from the couch in his quarters and  ordered the computer to replicate one red rose which he would take to his wife in sickbay.Case picked up the rose and headed down the corridor to the turbo lift which would take him to deck 5 and sickbay.

"Doctor." Ryla turned from her conversation to see Ensign Daelen approaching her. The ensign's steal gray eyes were piercing, and her stare seemed to contradict the warm smile she offered the chief medical officer. If Ryla had not met her before, and determined her to be a friendly individual, the look would have given her the impression that the young woman disliked her. Despite their bright coloring, her beautiful eyes were distinctly Romulan or maybe it was simply her facial expression— Doctor Drett wasn't quite sure. Yet every crewman had been required to undergo a physical exam before Arabella's departure, and Ryla was the attending physician during Shelby's visit. The Trill liked Ensign Daelen's sense of humor and they shared a number laughs during the brief time Shelby was in Sickbay. Ryla was certain the smile she offered now, was genuine.

The smaller woman returned the greeting with a smile of her own, which was always framed by dimples, "Hello, Ensign." Before they could further the conversation, Ryla's attention was stolen away by the newcomers who had halted their procession toward the runabout. The taller of the two men was staring at her, but it wasn't the chief of security that mirrored Drett's new expression of displeasure. The chief of operations, Lieutenant Commander K'Tan, had obviously been shoved off balance by her presence.

The source of their contention occurred almost a decade before and neither of them had moved past the incident, though it wasn't for lack of trying on Ryla's part. Well... she had tried once and though he claimed to have accepted her apology, it was obvious he still begrudged her. If there was one thing the Trill learned from their first meeting, it was never to try Ferengi tube grubs before viewing a holo of the presenter's girlfriend. The impression she made was not a good one and his reaction wasn't either. The confrontation resulted in a number of choice words and a few subsequent encounters that also ended in disaster; the latest occurred before the Arabella left port. She had tried to push him off on Myella, but Doctor Peterson had made arrangements to spend the evening with her husband, leaving Ryla to take the patient she dreaded seeing.

The tension was palpable during the physical and she may or may not have handled him a little roughly as a result. Okay...so she jabbed him unnecessarily with the hypo when he grumbled a slight...at the time she felt he deserved it. Truth be told, she enjoyed torturing him though she wasn't exactly sure why. Ryla was anything but a cross person and she made friends easily. K'Tan was the only exception to her rule. Perhaps it was his rugged Klingon upbringing. He was a human and at one time she wondered if his childhood had contributed to his socially dysfunctional manner. But since then, she had observed him from afar and decided that his 'dysfunction' was only tied to her.

As the two officers advanced once again, the doctor reminded herself to maintain a professional air. You're the chief medical officer of the Seventh Fleet's flagship...mind your manners, she told herself. With cool self-possession, her gaze swept over K'Tan's handsome face, "Good morning."

K'Tan acknowledged the Doctor's greeting with a perfunctory nod.

For the life of him, K'Tan couldn't figure out why the Trill CMO aroused such conflicting emotions in him.  She was without a doubt highly competent in her field, a trait he always admired and respected.  And he had to admit; he couldn't help but find the intricate pattern of spots that followed the curve of her neck up to her delicate ears alluring. And the occasional flash of aggression that lit her eyes never failed to quicken his pulse.  So much like K'Lara, he mused, recalling his long lost love.  And as he made the mental comparison, a part of him felt as though he were betraying K'Lara's memory. Perhaps my response to Drett is fuled by feelings of guilt, he thought in a rare moment of introspection. 

Bah; that's nonsense, he amended.  The Doctor is rude and aloof; that's more than enough reason to keep her at a distance.

He absently rubbed his right bicep, remembering the pain of the Doctor's unusually rough application of her hypospray.  "Good Morning.  Done any hypospray torture lately?" he asked, and immediately regretted it.

After greeting the Doctor, Shelby walked past the woman, heading directly to the security station. The half-Romulan began checking the sensor calibrations and ensuring that everything that was needed for this mission, as far as intel, from the Arabella's computer had been transferred to the shuttle.

Her back was to anyone new entering the craft; although she did hear some voices she was completely wrapped up in her work. Her fingers flew across the console as she made a few subtle adjustments. Reaching for her tricorder the young ensign checked her work and she found it to be satisfactory.

As she sat there a voice which she had not heard in a long time filled the shuttle, K'Tan. He had been one of her hand-to-hand teachers from the Academy and although they hadn't had many exchanges outside of class she respected the man.  On the verge of saying something to him, she found herself overhearing a snippet of the conversation between Drett and K'Tan; she went silent.

She had learned long ago, although she had not always practiced it, that there were certain situations which had 'vibes' that one picked up and it was best to wait and see before stepping in; This appeared to be one of those times.

A dangerous look flashed in Ryla's hazel-brown eyes, yet she managed to keep an otherwise composed expression. Before another word could be uttered between the Trill and Terran, the first officer entered the shuttle bay. The doctor fired a smile at K'Tan that was less amiable than it was mischievous and turned a softened look to Joseph D'Callan and Aeric James to greet them in turn.





Captain Sevryll's outwardly placid expression was fixed on the view screen on the Romulan ship the Runabout would soon be docking with.  It wouldn't be long before the small craft would be swallowed by the void of space, as it slipped into the cloaked section of the disabled ship. Regardless of her emotionless appearance, the Vulcan always felt a twinge of anxiety when her husband lead missions such as these. It was the one reason she had very nearly chosen another officer as her second in command. Though her feelings did not sink to the depths of her psyche as it did in most of her kind, emotion was not something she generally had trouble suppressing.  It was pushed just below the surface and on occasion rose to animate her dark eyes, which were set on an inversely dispassionate face.  

Her decision to name Aeric as her first officer came after much thought and many discussions between she and the El-Aurian Commander. He had always been confident that the two of them had more to offer Starfleet as a team than they did otherwise, and his point had been proven on several occasions in the past. She had no doubt that she could trust in his abilities to command or in her own ability to send him into danger. It was only the deep seeded fear of loss that challenged her emotional suppression now. The loss of her home world occurred sixty-seven years before her birth, but she still experienced the ghost pain through her parents. This coupled with the death of her first child, an infant son who died two decades before, during Wolf 359, was the root of her internal struggle. Yet aside from the day her son died, it had been a battle she always won.

She slowly turned her expressive gaze to the chief science officer, "status Mr. Zremm?"

Margon checked the status of the away team.  It would be some time before they arrived back with the first of the refugees.  He stepped into the turbolift.  Speaking into the air he said "Main bridge"
The familiar whir of the turbo lift sounded and the counselor took a deep breath.  He loved his job, but the stress of having a 12 year old living with him was unexpectedly trying.   He found it hard to concentrate on his counseling job.  How could he care so much about this young man, and at the same time feel in constant conflict with him?  

Margon was pondering these thoughts and more when he realized that the turbo lift door had been open for some time.  The bridge officers were staring at him and he came to his senses.  Walking onto the bridge he made his way down to a seat next to the Captain.  
She acknowledged him.

"Good morning Captain." He said with a smile.  "Thought I would check in with you and the bridge crew before our visitors arrived"

Captain Sevryll responded kindly but calm, "Thank you counselor, I believe we are prepared to deal with this situation"  

"Yes, I do too, but I don't need to tell you that the tension is high with everyone.  This has to be hard for many"

Sevyrll looked at him in an assuring way and seemed to connect with Margon.  "I'm fine counselor," she said.  

"I wasn't implying that you weren't" he said musingly.  

He knew full well the feelings she was trying to suppress.  This was a big test for her with Aeric  leading the away team.  He knew full well that he would never get her to talk about it on the bridge.  Perhaps someday in her ready room she would open up, but that would be sometime down the road.  Counselors and Vulcans didn't mix well, except in this situation.  Margon loved children and so did Sevryll.  They connected on a family level and that was sure to be helpful.  Even though she could suppress emotions, she wasn't immune to the stress of them.

Sitting at the Conn, Galdar watched idly as the icons representing the remainder of the fleet moved about his navigation display. With the self correcting intercept solution in place, there was little for him to be doing here and now. In another time and place it would probably have been him flying the runabout to the Romulan vessel but following the loss of Tiberius, his career had taken a different path.

Flying shuttles out of Starbase 416 had proven less than interesting and so he'd turned his attention to flying larger craft. First the Sabre class Luxembourg and now the Intrepid class Arabella. Overall he was pleased to sit where he did but on odd days...like today...a small part of him missed the benefits of a small ship posting.

Running his eye across his curved array of displays again, something caught his interest. A reading spiked on an unusual frequency that may have meant nothing but could also have a significance beyond it's size.

With everyone else concentrating on things beyond the shield boundary, looking for hostiles or more strays, Galdar had focused his attention on the damaged ship before them. Nothing unusual had snagged his interest so far but this brief spike deserved a little investigation.

Not wishing to disturb the science officer, currently in conversation with the captain, he turned instead to the ensign at the starboard engineering station and waved him over to his position.

((Joint post with Meds))


"Grozit, grozit, GROZIT!" Ensign Darius Shane cursed to himself.

The Arabella was sending a bloody Away Team to a crippled Romulan freighter to retrieve people of high political significance, and whom were a victim of a bloody coup!

This was EXACTLY his freaking area of bloody expertise! And where was he in this emergency? What vital task was he assigned?  He was bloody well in the bloody damn Brig in the middle of a level three diagnostic.

In fact, if this got any bloodier, it was gonna bleed to death!

Ok, enough self pitty. Officer's initiative time, Darius thought to himself. Assuming D'Callan, Dunn and Daleen (for Pete's sake!) were more than sufficient for the task over there, he was damn well going to be sure THIS side was ready for the possible hell that would be riding in with the first shuttle load of Rommies.

Dropping his tools into the carry pod, he rose from a kneeling position and fell into field op mode.  He gestured at the few other security officers present. "Come on guys, you're all volunteers."

"Um Ensign," said one...Chang, Darius vaguely remembered, but he could be wrong. "We're supposed to be certifying the Brig containment systems..."

"Look, Chang," Darius retorted. "Right now, the Boss AND Dunn are on their way over to the Romulan ship, and assuming they aren't walking into a bear trap, they're going to be dropping about 50 potential security risks right into our laps in less than thirty minutes. So, what say we at least make sure those risks are minimized, all right?"

"But..." the man began.

"Look!" Darius interrupted, "I promise on my Mommy's grave that I will PERSONALLY stand on the neck of ANYONE who would be put in the brig until we get it up and running, AFTER we secure the bloody circus that will be waiting for us in the shuttle bays! Move!"

Darius pulled the rest of the crew along behind him.

"But my name's not Chang..." the last man in the section protested lamely.

Darius didn't hear him as he jabbed his comm badge. "Shane to D'Callan..."

D'Callan sat in the shuttle and looked over to his security team as Darius called him, he tapped his com badge in reply "Go ahead Shane"

Darius continued to walk as he talked to his Chief, "Boss I'm arranging security staff to be situated around the ship in important areas"

"Very good Ensign, have at least three officers ready in the shuttle bay and at least two on each access point around the entrance, but and I can't stress this enough be subtle about it, lets not look like we are expecting trouble. Any hint of trouble no matter how small contact the Captain immediately. Its in your hands Darius."

Darius smiled and he turned round to look at the security staff behind him, just as he was about to speak D'Callan came back on "Oh and Darius, have Chang as your number two, D'Callan out."

"I'm not Chang!" came a voice from behind the group, the last man from the Brig was catching up.

"Great, who are you?" Darius asked.

"Collins! THAT'S Chang," the man responded pointing.

"Right, sorry you two. Collins, beta shift should be coming on in an hour or so anyway, go roust `em. Chang, who are the biggest headbangers we got?"

Chang considered. "Actually, K'Tan and you."

Darius gave him a withering glare. "All right, go get the NEXT two, whoever they are, and post them at the entrance to the Security office. Then, you and Collins take up post at Main Engineering.  You see any Romulans who AREN'T escorted by Starfleet personnel, shoot first and apologize later."

"But, D'Callan said..." Chang protested.

"I heard him. Believe me, if this goes sour, you'll have more options from there than you will in some hallway. Go."

"On it!" he called as he sprinted down the hall with Collins in tow.

"Ok, rest of you guys, we do it just like the Boss said. Kidd gloves on. No glaring, no threatening postures, etc... but don't take a stunner in the name of diplomacy. You see a hostile act, shoot to ki...stun. We can always revive them later, I guess."

The Security team moved out.

JOINT POST WRAITH1701, CRYSTAL AND MEDS

As K'Tan thought about the awkward discussion with Drett, he glanced over at Ensign Daelen.  He had no doubt about the security officer's capability, he'd seen plenty of examples of her martial prowess during his brief time at the academy.  But he couldn't help but wonder how she was handling the situation.

Even though she didn't appear to have close ties to the Romulan side of her family, it had to be wrenching to see the once proud Empire reduced to ashes. 'She's a trained professional,' he thought. Hopefully, she'll be able to keep her emotions from affecting her judgment.

As he took his seat, K'Tan thought back on the moment when he learned that the cadet from his past would be a part of the Arabella's crew.  The night had started innocently enough; just a meeting for drinks with his old friend Joe D'Callan.

The Security Chief had been regaling him with a story about the new 'Romulan Prodigy' that had joined his staff....


"...Can you believe it, a knife, straight out of the blue", D'Callan said.

K'tan looked at Joseph. "And you didn't see it?"

Joe put his glass down, and replied "I knew she was up to something, but she was quick. Darn quick with the blade."

K'tan laughed. "You've always been a bit slow on the sly knife technique." Raising his hand to the barman Joseph waved his finger over the two empty glasses.

D'Callan lifted a curious brow. "You can talk, I had you over on your backside with that staff move"

"I taught you that," laughed K'tan

"And I'm better than you now!" D'Callan countered. The two men laughed and clunked glasses.

"Perhaps," K'Tan said.  "But that's only because I prefer to devote my time to the study of the Bat'leth. It is a much more elegant weapon, with a rich history."


The door of the Afterburner opened and for a moment it seemed that no one was there at all. Then the lithe, sinewy figure of the security ensign walked in, her eyes studying everything. Sometimes she hated being so 'on' all the time. She wore a comfortable black v-tunic and a pair of casual pants and boots. Shelby had opted to leave her silky, locks of midnight down in errant curls.

Finding a place off of the beaten path she sat and allowed the atmosphere to soaked into her consciousness. Then she took in the patrons there, studying things of interest. When she was finished drinking in the sights her eyes circled back to the pair at the bar that interested her the most. There together stood her security chief, who never tired of pointing out her mistakes and a man whom she hadn't seen in years; K'Tan of the house of Gal.

Something which the young ensign had done on the sly while attending the academy was to learn to lip read. A useful skill at times. Taking a break from her observations the waiter took the dark haired woman's order for a blood wine. Upon the man's return with her drink, Shelby drank some of the potent brew then she leaned forward, while continuing to watch the room at random intervals.

Unaware of their 'watcher', Joseph looked over at K'tan.  "Part Romulan mate. She's good, and dare I say it, pretty damn good looking."

K'tan leaned on his elbow "When I was at the academy, I knew a half Romulan as well. She was quite the enigma; all fire and burning ambition, but hidden beneath a cool, almost Vulcan demeanor."  K'Tan gave a lecherous grin.  "And she could fill out a training uniform quite admirably."

"Am I sensing that you had some attraction for the young cadet?"  Stringing his words out a little D'Callan smirked.

"She was a fine looking woman, no doubt.  Just not the type of girl I'd normally go for."

"You mean she was pretty and didn't have ridges as a forehead" chuckled the security chief.

K'Tan slammed his mug on the counter, spilling half of his beer.  The two men glared at each other for a moment, then shouted "K'Plah!!!" as they burst into laughter.

After watching the pair for a time Daelen finished off her Klingon blood wine and she meandered her way a path to the bar.

Turning round Joseph saw Shelby walking towards them, "Aye up here she comes"

K'tan turned round still laughing and lifting his glass to his lips when his eye met hers.  His mouth dropped open and the glass slid from his hands, shattering on D'Callans boot.

Leaning between the pair Daelen smiled at them knowingly. "Boys..." Even though she knew they were both older than she was it was part of the game to play and she wasn't about to stop.

Ensign Hermaralto, or Herm, as everyone called him, was on a mad dash to the shuttle bay. He'd have been there sooner, but he was so excited to hear that contact had been made with a Romulan ship that he ignored the part of the ship-wide message that said they were being shuttled and not transported. So he was coming to the shuttle bay by way of the transporter room.

He skidded to a stop at the shuttle bay desk, crashing into it. The Ensign security officer behind the desk shot him an irritated look.

"Ensign Dunn, isn't it? How long before they're here? How many wounded? What can I do to help?"

Herm was nearly jumping up and down with excitement.

As Lieutenant Commander Zremm finished giving his latest long range sensor report to his Captain, he still sensed she was troubled.  "I still have not been able to detect any other vessels in the area, Captain.  Even after transferring additional power to the long range sensors and modulating the main deflector dish - still nothing, sir."  Zreem said with his usual efficient tone.

"Thank you Mr. Zremm.  Did you try scanning for singularity tachyon emissions?  A cloaked Warbird would still give off such a trail."  Sevryll said, trying to keep the concern for her husband out of her voice and tone.

"That was one of the first things I checked, Captain.  You know I am quite aware of that.  If I might say, you seem ill at ease.  Commander James and his team know what they're doing.  Trust in his judgment and their skill."  Zremm said to his Vulcan friend.  Coming from another, Sevryll  would have found the comments out of line - even too familiar.  But this was her friend and she allowed Zremm a certain amount of latitude not given to many aboard her ship.

"I do trust the Commander and his team.  It's the Romulans I am wary of.  But, I appreciate your reassurance.  Carry on, Mr. Zremm."  The captain said as Zremm returned to his science station.  His mind wandered to the times he and Sevryll had come in contact over the years.  Even though she was Vulcan and he Andorian, a friendship had formed that defied the history of their two cultures.  A couple hundred years back, Vulcans and Andorians had been very distrustful of each other and had nearly gone to war on more than one occasion.  If not for the founding of the Federation, that might have come to pass.  And with Vulcan's a much diminished culture after the loss of their homeworld it was unclear what damage such a conflict would have caused.  Zremm for one was happy that never had happened.  Even though he found trust a difficult thing to give, there was one person aboard that he trusted with his life.  The ironic thing was most of his species would have found that person to be the last one they would trust.   

As the deck crew finished prepping the runabout Presidio for launch, K'Tan settled in next to the pilot's seat and activated his PADD.  Within moments, the Chief of Ops established a link with the Arabella's main computer and downloaded everything he could find regarding Romulan starship specifications and power systems.  Unfortunately, due to the decades-long cold war between the Romulan Star Empire and the Federation, there seemed to be a relative paucity  of information available. 

After a quick search, K'Tan pulled up the specs on the disabled Romulan ship:

Drenet-Class warp transport; crew complement of 80.  Minimal weaponry, powered by an artificial quantum-singularity drive. 


K'Tan scrolled down the rest of the information on his PADD; mostly conjectural data regarding possible deck configuration. With the tap of a finger, he forwarded the information to the rest of the away team, then turned to address them.  "I've transfered what little intelligence we have on the disabled vessel to your Personal Access Display Devices." 

He broke into a half-smile.  "There's not much to go on, but look on the bright side.  This will be a great opportunity for us to update the Fleet's intel." 

She lay on the hard bunk, the tattered mattress provided very little in the way of comfort. She stared up at the unoccupied bed above, her eye's tracing the lines of the metal mesh supports. Repair crews continued to move through te cargo hold in an effort to fix damaged systems while two security officers stood off to on side to ensure calm amongst the refugees. The dingy and cramped cargo hold of the transport ship had been there home since....

Nalah still couldn't feel any sense of lose at the destruction of Romulus. I an instant, her home, her family, her culture and been wiped away. But her shame remained. So many of the people whom she had wished death upon all her life and been killed in that moment. The High Command that had branded her father a traitor to he Empire, the Senate which had stripped her family of their titles and holdings, and the myriad of faces which looked upon her with scorn for as long as she could remember. All gone now and yet her pain and her anger remained. The surviving Senators in the more luxurious decks above were a constant reminder and she would never forget.

She swung her feet off the bunk and sat up. Her fellow refugees milled about with worried expressions on their faces. "Veruul's," she said to herself contemptuously. They still clung to the desperate hope that the Empire would endure, provide for them, and return to glory. To Nalah, they were already dead. She walked the length of the hold and moved closer to where the security officers stood. They were having a conversation and Nalah moved close enough t pick out a few words.
"....lloann'mhrahel," one of them sneered.
It struck her like a thunderclap. Human's! Starfleet! The Federation was here. Her hands balled into fists and she felt her rage burn. Of all the parties which had wrought the downfall of her family, the Federation had been beyond her reach and desire for vengeance. It had been the Federation which had tricked her father into his betrayal. Somehow their Strafleet had convinced her father to turn on his Empire....and on her.

Nalah's hate settled deeper into her heart.

Joint post by Jen, Just X, Crystal, Hawkeyemeds and Wraith1701. 1 of 4.

As the runabout lifted from the deck, the officers' focus settled on the task ahead.

"Presidio, you are clear for departure...good luck," said the Flight Control Officer in a clipped accent, of an origin none of them could quickly place.  

"Thank you, Ensign," replied Aeric as he piloted the ship through the force field. The Presidio comfortably seated four officers in the forward section. It could transport thirty-six individuals in the aft, where Doctor Drett now sat with her med kit resting on her lap.

Ryla leaned slightly to her left and peered out the small view-port as the runabout moved gracefully over the dorsal portion of its mother ship. Banking, the craft then passed the starboard nacelle, which momentarily cast the runabout's interior in a soft blue light. Her view was limited to the shrinking Arabella as they edged closer to their ultimate destination. She soon noted the front of the saucer section and knew the bridge crew was watching them as well.

Sitting next to Aeric James, K'Tan craned his neck to catch a glimpse of the Arabella before it receded into the background.  As the Presidio passed over the ship's primary hull, he watched the runabout's distant shadow racing over the saucer, temporarily obscuring the registry number adorning her gull-gray plating.  He closed his eyes, imagining how the sight must look to the bridge crew.

The Presidio, in K'Tan's mind, one of the finest mid-range transports the fleet had at its disposal.  The Volga-Class runabout had an aggressive profile, closely resembling a streamlined, flattened wedge. Its powerful warp nacelles were integrated into its hull, eliminating the possible structural weakness represented by nacelle pylons. If viewed from the bridge, he imagined the runabout must look like a lethal, silvery projectile, knifing through the void towards the disabled Romulan vessel. In his mind's eye, he envisioned the Presidio's Duranium/Tritanium skin gleaming brightly against the inky blackness of space; a shining beacon of hope to the beleaguered Romulans.

A faint smile formed on K'Tan's face.  We are like the heroes of old, he thought, rushing to the aid of others against incredible odds, with no promise of reward other than the Honor of doing good.  It will be Glorious!

Joint post by Jen, Just X, Crystal, Hawkeyemeds and Wraith1701. 2 of 4.


Sitting at the security station, Shelby kept focused on everything related to the ship they were approaching. To say that she was, skeptical of their welcome, was an understatement. Needing distraction, she shifted her gaze to the Chief of Security, thinking about her time with him so far. It had been interesting to say the least and she had yet to figure D'Callan out. A sensor went off on her console redirecting her attentions and she reported.
 
"The ship's gradually losing atmosphere from one of the cargo bays. Sir. Some sort of containment failure from the looks of it. It isn't much compared to what else is going on but that puts us on the clock even more."
 
Returning her attentions to the vessel outside the transparency Daelen knew without even needing to be there, what the away team's reception on the ship would be. They would not be appreciated by some immediately, there was little that could be done though to change such minds; despite whatever they thought. They needed help.  
 
The vision of the cloaked ship was ominous, dark and foreboding. Lines which usually flowed along into elegant curves were abruptly cut off or merged into the blackness of space. It had almost a magical quality as if an invisible hand had swept a paintbrush across a large section of the craft and then left it. The edges of her lips curled at the absurdity of her thoughts. Breathing inwardly the ensign sat back and continued to monitor the situation.  
     
Aeric's eyes grew distant as they approached the wounded vessel. Instinct guided him where sensors registered empty space. He had no expectations for what would happen next. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. People needed saving and the task had fallen to them.

"I believe that I've located the shuttle bay," Commander James said softly and plotted a course into one of the voids. He had a sense for technology that went beyond words. It was an insight that allowed him a very accurate talent of knowing how the various components of something came together to create a new whole. His eyes glanced towards the security station then he directed his words to the security officers.

"Mr. D'Callan and Ensign Daelen, once aboard the ship, I want you to provide security for Doctor Drett. We are here to help and I don't want there to be any misunderstandings on our presence. I want everyone to keep their weapons holstered unless we find ourselves seriously threatened. Let's try to win them over with kindness and keep the shock and awe as our backup plan."  
 
"Aye Sir." Shelby said with an affirmative nod.  

Joseph sat looking at the itinerary that the XO had given them all. After a moment, he glanced up from his PADD to look at Aeric. D'Callan nodded at him and moved his holster a little bit behind him so he could draw it easily enough, but it would not be on show for all to see. He thought the first officer looked calm. Joseph wondered if on the inside, he shared the nervous feelings that he himself currently had. K'tan, who was seated near by him, looked eager. His left leg shook gently. Shelby had her head up but her eyes closed; she was concentrating. He took a deep breath, he had no idea what Dr Drett was feeling... probably anxious at all the patients she would be seeing.
 
Part of him wanted to get this mission over with and return to the ship, but the other part ached for the excitement. A drop of perspiration dripped onto his boot from his forehead. It was either getting hot or his adrenaline was pumping harder than usual. Tapping his PADD, he checked over the security measures he had left for his department. Lieutenant Dunn was manning the shuttle bay, ready for their return.

The others would be positioned out of sight but still around the ship. He looked forward to seeing if he could get a good view of what was going on beyond the port,  but K'Tan's hair was in the way. Joe gave up, sat back and closed his eyes. He'd make the officer tie his hair back in five minutes—he thought that would lighten the mood.

Joint post by Jen, Just X, Crystal, Hawkeyemeds and Wraith1701. 3 of 4

K'Tan pulled back his hair and Joseph was able to view of their destination, his mouth dropped slightly. "Oh my," D'Callan  whispered to himself.

Opening her eyes again, Daelen studied the alien vessel carefully, while the shuttle's engines hummed in the background and carried them to a position where they could land on the foreign flight bay. It was additionally, an odd thing to wrap ones head around when one 'knew' that at some point you would become part of the vast blackness of space; upon slipping under the cloak which still camouflaged certain portions of the ship.    

Ryla straightened as the Presidio entered the Romulan craft. The bay seemed to inhale all light and breath out a dark haze that swirled in the sterile air as their runabout sliced through it. The Trill could see that no one was standing ready to meet them and wondered what awaited beyond the bay. She rose, gripping her med kit, as the shuttle set down on the deck plates. A passage separating the fore and aft compartments, slid open and the security portion of their rescue team stepped through and proceeded to the main hatch. The ramp opened slowly as Aeric and K'Tan entered the compartment and motioned for Ryla to follow the security detail. She was no stranger to peril, but that did not mean she lacked a healthy dose of fear. She drew a quiet breath to steady herself and followed the security officers down the ramp. The acrid smoke that hung in the air burned her eyes and throat. She coughed on the bitterness as they continued edging forward.

Joseph kept his eye on the scene in before him. Making sure both he and Daelen were in front of the other team members. As they walked, he arched his ear for any sounds that would indicate danger. D'Callan turned slightly and looked at the doctor then nodded to Aeric and K'Tan who stepped behind the Trill. He took a whiff of the air; something smelled wrong. Normally he'd have his phaser in his hand and ready for any sudden movement, but on Aeric's orders he kept it holstered. Joseph knew this was going to be delicate. The reaction from the Romulan, when permission was granted for the shuttle to come aboard, was not favorable and this made him nervous. But nerves should not be a factor in any mission that involved diplomacy.

"Where is everyone?" Asked Ryla in a hush meant only for the officers flanking her. Aeric James answered in an equally quiet voice, "sensors pinpointed twenty survivors in the engine room." He opened his tricorder and began scanning the bay.

"Good question..." murmured Shelby as she walked forward a few more steps, while making sure her hand was free of her side-arm and openly displayed. Her gray orbs touched on each minute detail that caught her eye, looking for little things that might indicate what had taken place. There were no visible signs in the shuttle bay of a fight. Still, there were some things; an access panel had been removed and discarded haphazardly against one wall. There were signs that some breathing apparatuses or medical supplies had been taken from a nearby wall cabinet and a dully flashing lens beside the door throbbed green.

Joint post by Jen, Just X, Crystal, Hawkeyemeds and wraith1701. 4 of 4


K'Tan glanced at the flashing panel.  "On Romulan vessels, red is a safety color. Green indicates danger."

The Trill Doctor eyed the access panel, as they carefully approached the exit, and assumed that its contents had either been defensive or medical in nature.  "It looks like they took everything in a hurry," she uttered absently.

Aeric quietly surveyed the bay and inhaled the the humid air before kneeling and placing his hand to the deck plate. "Begin a scan for any lifeforms positioned outside of the cluster initially detected."

With a nod, K'Tan activated his tricorder.  As he stepped over a length of scorched cable coiled on the deck, the tricorder gave a brief beep, then fell silent.  He stopped, studying the device in puzzlement.

"Found something, Mr. K'Tan?" asked James.

"I'm not sure Sir.  No change in life-sign readings, but I detected a quick energy spike."  He slowly rotated in place, holding the tricorder out before him.  "Whatever it was, it isn't registering anymore."

"Keep your tricorders on active scan. There are more people here than we're picking up," Aeric whispered and craned his neck as if listening to something unseen. "There are a few places on this ship where sensor echoes and shielding mask lifesigns.  It will be helpful to know if something decides to join our little party. Otherwise, we should continue to engineering and retrieve our guests and some answers. Doctor Drett, Mr. D'Callan, Mr. K'Tan you are with me. Ensign Daelen, I want you to return to the shuttle and secure it. We don't want to mount a rescue only to return to a sabotaged vessel."

With a nod Shelby understood the importance of the XO's request. Her eyes went to D'Callan who was now standing next to the doctor and she briefly wondered if this was his idea of a joke; after all he had tended to give her the 'nobody else wants these jobs' detail lately. None of it mattered to the young ensign though as she listened to any other directions the Commander might give.

"I know it doesn't need to be repeated," Aeric made sure he made eye contact with each of his officers, "but keep your phasers holstered and on stun. Do not draw any weapons unless placed in life threatening harm. Phasers will remain on stun unless I give specific orders to the contrary."

Joint post by Feathers and Jen

Sitting back, Galdar rubbed a hand across the top of his orange head. Exchanging a final glance with the engineer beside him, the Lieutenant turned slightly in his chair.

"Captain," he called, "there's something else I think you need to be aware of."

Turning from Zremm's report, Sevryll leaned forward.

"Please extrapolate Mr. Galdar."

Swivelling his chair fully now, Galdar straightened as much as he could. He'd been aboard Arabella for a while but the ship hadn't seen action in that time. As a result, the Ferengi was still a little ill at ease amongst the bridge crew and hadn't really got a good feel for his captain, or her reactions.

"Captain, I've been monitoring some strange readings from the vessel in front of us." there was no apology in his voice although he hadn't been ordered to the task, "When I saw the first spike, I thought it was just some stray radiation but I caught it again as the runabout entered the cloaking field. I had no idea what it meant but with the help of Ensign Frida here I've narrowed it down to one possible source."

"Continue."

Glancing at the engineer for conformation, the pilot looked grave. "Ma'am, it looks like containment of the singularity at the heart of the vessel's warp drive is failing. The cloak is masking it from us at this angle, except when it's penetrated, but if we were to move the ship we should be able to get a clearer picture for the engineers to analyse."

Sevryll's stolid expression did not waver though the tension she felt within lapped at her composure.

"It's not going to fail imminently", Frida stepped in briskly, "but the evacuation is definitely a time-limited exercise. We want to be well away from here when she blows." Realising he'd just effectively issued an order to his captain, the ensign closed his mouth and coloured slightly.

"How much time do they have?"

Galdar looked nervous. "Ma'am, we can't perform a full analysis from this angle due to the effects of the cloak but from the readings we have obtained, our initial estimate is no more than one hour but maybe as little as thirty minutes." Swallowing, Galdar continued "I'm sure a proper Engineering team could refine the estimate further..."

She thanked the officers before addressing the away team, "Arabella to Commander James."

"James here Captain."

"Mr. Galdar has exposed a deviation in the Romulan ship's warp core. Please conduct your evacuation with the utmost vehemence.

Cocking his head to one side as the Captain warned Aeric, Joseph raised his tricorder and did some more calculations. He was getting interference, nothing in this area but definitely life signs ahead. He shook his head slightly and looked around the area and then at K'Tan, "not much of a party". He turned to the Commander and raised his brow.

Nalah's heart sounded like thunder in her ears as she eased along the corridor wall. She had slipped out of the cargo hold as soon as she heard of the impending arrival of the Starfleet shuttle. No one had noticed her departure. She would sooner die than fall into he hand's of the hated Federation that had brought so much pain and ruin to her family. She though back...

Pardek had been a friend of her father's, a Warbird Commander who had served with Jalok for many years. Following her fathers betrayal, he had been the only one to offer any support to her dishonored family. As a child, Pardak took an interest in Nalah's education. Any daughter of Jarok's must be trained in the family business, he would joke. He taught her the basics of flight dynamics and eventually Nalah and become a skilled pilot of various small craft. It had been the only time Nalah ever felt free as she and Pardek would glide through the emptiness between Romulus and Remus....

...But a Federation shuttle was of similar dimensions to the Talon class ships she had learned to pilot and she hoped the controls would be intuitive. Either way, she was going to leave on that ship, either alone or dead.

"Arabella to Commander James," Came Sevryll's distant voice.

Aeric slapped the device pinned to his chest, "James here, Captain."

"Mr. Galdar has exposed a deviation in the Romulan ship's warp core. Please conduct your evacuation with the utmost vehemence."

"Aye captain," Aeric said and began to recalculate his plan. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a change in the mission objectives. We're running short on time and we're going to have to approach this mission from a different angle. In addition to treating the wounded, I want main power and their cloaking device offline. We should be prepared to jettison the core to make it happen. If we eliminate the power, we should be able to remove the transporter interference. Mr. K'Tan and Doctor Drett, please head to engineering and see if you can treat the wounded. K'Tan, also see what you can do about shutting down the cloak from there."    


Aeric took a deep breath and retrieved his gear bag from the runabout. Inside the small soft sided black duffel bag was a collection of equipment that he had learned to bring after decades of being in the field and on the front line of the Federation war efforts. On his hip was his decidedly non-standard issue pistol-styled phaser in all of it's hand crafted uniqueness. Taking a small metal case from the black bag, commander James opened it to reveal a variety of optional parts that could be fitted to the weapon. Deft hands quietly added a small black box to the weapon under the barrel and forward of the firing trigger. When activated, the accessory would generate a ten centimeter long laser cutting blade that might be required to get past the bulkhead doors of the engineering area.

Aeric also retrieved two of the six photon grenades from their place within his bag before tossing it back onto the ship. "The support team should have included further charges and a few cutting tools on the shuttle. I'm still not sure how much it's going to take to disable the power and cloak on this bird, but gear up accordingly."

He had given specific orders to the flight deck on what to include on the shuttle, but like any other war veteran, Aeric found comfort in packing his own chute. He gave his orders to stock the ship with equipment that his people might need for the current mission, but when he packed his own gear, it was for a completely separate objective. He packed his gear to facilitate in the survival of his team and their return home. Rations, electronics, accessories to his weapon, spare power cells, and even bladed weapons that did not require power had found their way into becoming part of his standard away mission gear.

"Primary objective hasn't changed. We get everyone that we can help off the ship. The Presidio is still our main point of exit. I would like to get this dampening field off line and use the transporters, but we should work like it's not going to happen. We get to the people and move them to this shuttle bay. If we're able to get a transporter beam to work, we'll alter plans. Activate the locator beacons in your uniforms and have your life signs data sent to the runabout. Shelby will keep an eye on them and relay any major changes to the doctor."

Aeric had become quite fond of the latest starfleet issue uniforms and the integrated technologies the illuminated and enhanced clothing provided. He was also quite happy that they chose to include an off switch for the lighting when stealth was required.

Chief Engineer Tolok strode briskly into shuttle bay 2 and looked about him in what could only be described as satisfaction. From what he could already see it was clear that the conversion was going well; the empty hanger deck was rapidly taking on the form of a temporary accommodation centre.

With the shuttles gone, the space was vast on a starship scale but for the number of people it was being equipped to cope with, it would still be a squeeze.

Replicators along one wall would cater for the refugee's material needs while sleeping and communal areas were being constructed across the remainder of the deck. It wouldn't be a luxurious way to travel but it would at least be safe.

Were he human, Tolok would have to admit to having mixed feelings about taking on so many Romulans. As a Vulcan, however, all he could do was question the logic of the decision. It wasn't that he hated Romulans - that would be illogical and far too emotional a response. He was aware of Romulan involvement in the destruction of Vulcan, however, and that made his logic in these matters...complicated.

Filing the conundrum for later analysis and resolution, he turned to the approaching Beta Team leader.

"Lieutenant. Your progress so far appears acceptable. Is there anything further that you might require in order to complete the task?" he asked.

The lights carried K'Tan and Ryla pierced the thick haze like radiant lances seeking an elusive target. They swept the contents of the Engine room, occasionally crossing one another, before passing over a mass of people huddled on the opposite side. Tension mingle in the air with the contaminants their tricorders detected... neither had been unexpected.

The doctor's eyes briefly studied each of the group, before settling on a man laying on the deck with his head cradled in a woman's lap. Ryla slowly approached them as introductions were made by Lieutenant Commander K'Tan. She knelt beside the injured Romulan before turning her eyes on the woman holding him, "may I?" Once the stern looking woman had nodded a curt response, Doctor Drett opened her kit and removed a medical tricorder. Her patient's caretaker said nothing, but watched her with keen eyes—waiting for any sign of treachery from the Starfleet officer. Ryla activated the device and silently absorbed the readings it gathered. After a moment, she closed the tricorder and reached for a hypospray resting within her kit. As her fingers found the implement, the Romulan woman clasped her wrist with a powerful grip. A slight gasp of surprise called attention to her situation. K'Tan turned to see the kneeling doctor in the Romulan's clutches. "I'm alright..." Ryla uttered in a voice she rose high enough to be understood, yet not so loud as to upset the 'peace' in the room.

While preserving a calm demeanor, she attempted to reassure the agitated woman, "this will reduce the swelling and ease his pain. I won't hurt him."  Despite her attempt to repress it, the doctor's voice held a notable tremor. Fear was not its source—instead, it was the acute pain associated with the unyielding clamp fixed to her wrist. She drew a sharp breath and let her assurance out with the exhale,  "I can help him...please...allow me to do so."

Though she was unsure of Ryla's honesty, the woman slowly released the chief medical officer. Under the Romulan's intense gaze, Doctor Drett tried to focus on her patient... yet the enduring pain she felt suggested a fractured bone. As she continued her work, the Trill promised herself that she would tend to it after the survivors were cared for.

Shelby was by no means worried about staying alone with the shuttle. Rather she understood the reason for it. Inside the vessel, the Ensign worked to link the life sign detectors, on the team's uniforms, to her tricorder so she could monitor them from the small device. Upon finishing the half-romulan woman walked back out into the bay and started to scan it for anything of interest. Going first along the wall she kept her sharp senses on at all times.

Passing the panel which had been left exposed Daelen could see that in what appeared to be desperation, someone had been switching and removing some of the crystals. Then she began to read a slight build up; it wasn't enough to worry about at this point but she would keep a close watch on it.  Upon finishing the scan the ensign clicked back to the team's life signs again.

She additionally noted the time and was surprised a little by how much of it had gone by since the others had left to take care of their respected rescues. Soon they would be coming back or calling for transport. There were no signs of trouble yet but that didn't mean anything. Moving over to the shuttle Shelby checked inside it then came out and stood guard beside the entrance; waiting. It wouldn't be long now.There were no signs of trouble yet but that didn't mean anything. Moving over to the shuttle Shelby checked inside it then came out and stood guard beside the entrance; waiting. It wouldn't be long now.

In the engine room, K'Tan struggled not to rush Ryla while she dealt with her Romulan patients. Commander Jame's last message indicated that time was of the essence, but he trusted the doctor's judgement on how best to handle the triage.  Biting his tongue, he took a quick inventory of the room.

The commander indicated that deactivating the cloak might buy us some time, he thought.  

Thanks to the brief, tenuous alliance shared by the Klingons and Romulans during the 23rd century, there were many similarities between the technology used by both races.  Most notable was the fact that  on both Romulan and Klingon ships, the intense power demand of the cloaking device required that it be tied directly into the deflector shield grid. In fact, this was the primary cause of the most well known fault of cloaking technology-- A ship could either deploy shields or engage the cloak, but never the two simultaneously.  

Drawing on his limited knowledge of Romulan writing, K'Tan tried to locate a maintenance access for the deflector shield grid.  Within a few minutes, he spotted a panel marked with a bright-green rendering of the Romulan glyph for 'danger'; directly beneath it was the symbol for 'shields'.  

K'Tan turned to the seated Romulans.  "Our ship has detected an instability with your power system.  The drain being caused by your cloaking device is exacerbating the problem.  Unless we deactivate the cloak, this vessel could explode at any moment."  

As if to punctuate his statement, a harsh alarm-klaxon suddenly erupted, accompanied by the rhythmic pulsing of sickly-green warning lights.

"We're running out of time."

K'Tan paused a moment to glance at Ryla, then hurried over to the access panel.  The hatch opened easily, revealing a dimly-lit crawlspace reminiscent of the Jeffries tubes found on Federation starships.  Activating his palm-light, he crouched down and began crawling.

As he made his way into the tunnel, K'Tan's heart felt like it was syncing itself to the muffled wail of the Romulan alarm.  I'd better hurry, he thought.  Moments later, he smiled in relief as he spotted the familiar shape of the deflector hub.

Following a series of cables leading from the shield grid regulator, K'Tan came to a fork in the crawlspace.  He followed the cables around a bend to the left, and was rewarded with the sight of a horizontally oriented cylindrical device.  The meter-long object vaguely resembled a torpedo; it tapered at each end, with the cables he had followed flowing into the nearest end.  This must be it, he thought.  It's certainly a lot shiner than a Klingon cloaking device.  

The device was encased in a series of interlocked metallic panels of alternating silver and matte-black.  After a moment of study, K'Tan inserted the tip of his d'k tahg into the join of two of the panels.  Using the knife as a lever, he applied gradually increasing pressure until one of the black panels popped free.  He then shimmied forward until he could peer into the opening, and activated his palm-light to reveal a translucent hemisphere capped by a metallic plasma-conduit housing.

This must be the projection matrix.  

He followed a faintly glowing plasma conduit to a small cylinder surrounded by a series of highly-polished metal rods.

And if I'm lucky, this is the tetryon compositor.  

He slipped his blade beneath the conduit connecting the two units, and began to apply pressure.

Severing the connection should short out the compositor, taking the device off line.  Either that, or it will shoot enough volts into me to let me find out first hand whether or not Sto-Vo-Kor is real.

As his fingers tightened on the knife, K'Tan broke out into a cold sweat.  After a moment's pause, he gave a mental shrug.  

Oh, well, he thought, and slashed his blade through the cable.

Dr. Casey Peterson arrived at deck 5 with his rose in hand and stepped off the turbo lift, he headed down the corridor to sickbay and entered. Myella was standing by a computer console finishing her inventory of surgical supplies.

" Hi Dear, Myella responded as she finished her last entry. Casey smiled as he handed her the rose replying " For you dear, Since I have a few days off before my first shift I though I would come down hear and give you a hand just in case we have some injured personnel coming in on the shuttle.

Casey smiled at his wife as she took the rose and put it on the desk beside her work station. Casey walked by her and said "I am going to set up the surgical bays with supplies so that they will be ready in case they are needed.'

" OK Myella responded as she watched her husband disappear into the surgical area and begin setting the bays up for wounded Romulans.

As Galdar sat watching the bridge view screen and tracking the ever changing course projection on his console, a ripple seemed to pass across the space before him. Where there had previously been nothing but stars, the remainder of the crippled Romulan vessel now appeared, her battered and torn hull revealing the extent of the havoc that had been wreaked upon her. Whether revealed by a technological failure, or by the hand of one of those on board, the Ferengi couldn't tell.

Over to his right, Ensign Frida was already bent to his own displays, analysing the relative wealth of sensor data now suddenly available from the damaged containment systems at the heart of the vessel's engine core. Where before it had only been possible to provide an approximation of the time remaining to the ship, now the ensign should be able to determine a figure to a much greater accuracy.

Frida looked tense, Galdar thought, but then as with many of this crew this was his first time aboard this ship and probably his first bridge duty shift. Galdar smiled slightly at the thought. While he was also new to the Arabella's bridge, he had served on the Tiberius with many of these officers so he had the advantage of knowing them at least by personal reputation, if not personally.

As a shuttle pilot he'd worked his shifts away from the bridge and close to the flight deck of Tiberius which meant he knew Commander James quite well. Indeed, it had been that relationship that had brought him from the Luxembourg to the Arabella and gained him the second shiny rank pip on his uniform. Knowing the Commander, however, was not the same as knowing his wife which was why Galdar himself was still a little unsure around the captain.

Feeling himself observed, Frida sat back and looked across at the Lieutenant. He smiled slightly before taking a deep breath as if steeling himself for something.

"Captain", he called, "with the cloak disabled I've been able to get a better reading on the rate of singularity containment decay. It's not as bad as our initial estimate suggested but with the power drain of the cloak out of the equation, that's to be expected." He paused for breath again. "What we're looking at now is a worst case estimate of fifty minutes with the best case adding another half hour to those figures."

Aeric smiled as interference faded and a collection of life signs became apparent in a cargo bay previously protected by the cloak of this ship.

"Mr. D'Callan, I have a hit in the cargo bay." the commander said and altered their course for that direction. He continued to wave his tricorder over the systems of the ship as they moved forward. "Once there, we should get them out as quickly as possible. As soon as this interference clears, we might be able to use the transporters on the Arabella."

"We're running out of time." K'Tan's heavy statement of fact dominated the restless assembly, causing their murmurs to abruptly cease. Ryla turned her gaze to him as she moved to the next injured Romulan. The Terran's eyes met hers just as the alarm-klaxon began to pound, making an echo chamber of the engine room. The pulsing blood-green light that followed, gave their concerned expressions a nauseous contrast. K'Tan's glance lingered for a heartbeat then the light faded. Before it could strobe again, he had turned on his heel and disappeared into a crawlspace—leaving the Trill alone with the host of distressed passengers.  

Before her, a puncture wound oozed on a woman's chest. The whir of the tricorder was muted by the alarm's inexorable bray as Ryla studied the analysis of her medical instrument. She started as a voice from behind spoke up, "Senator Nevhash's decision to allow your boarding was not met with wide-spread acceptance." The man knelt beside her and gestured to the patient the doctor had previously attended. "Yet Senator Ketleck's disfavor was greater than our sum and he attempted to kill her for dishonoring us all. I had to strike him with this to stop his onslaught." He presented Ryla with the small metal globe at end of his staff, but the Trill did not pause her work to look at it.  

In spite of the pain in her wrist, the doctor moved rapidly over Nevhash. If the Romulan's life was going to be sparred, the Senator would need surgery. She turned to the man crouched beside her, "press your hands against the wound." He stared at her a moment then moved his palms to cover the hole that grinned at them from below the woman's collarbone. Fortunately, the blade had missed her lungs but the flow of blood would kill her if they did not leave soon.  The doctor pushed a hypo to the woman's neck and flicked her hazel eyes to the Romulan acting as her medical aid.  "I'm going to check on the others. Keep your hands over the wound." She tried to smile, "Hopefully we will be out of here soon and your efforts to save her will be successful."  He nodded in understanding as Ryla shuffled away—the slow beat of the green warning lights uncovering her rapid progress every other second.

JOINT POST BY JEN, JUSTX AND MEDS

Aeric and Joseph entered the cargo hold and scanned the Romulan people within. They all looked at them—Joseph sparred a sly glance for Aeric. The First Officer carefully advanced, "I am Commander James of the Starfleet ship Arabella, we are here to assist you. Your ship is unstable and should be abandoned. Our vessel is capable of providing medical aid and transport. If you will come with us, we will show you to our runabout and begin the evacuation. Mr D'Callan is here to assist you. If you will provide him with your credentials we will pass them on to your council. Mr D'Callan, if you please..."

Joseph smiled and slowly stepped forward. He held his PADD out and asked for the first of the Romulan names.

Legate Rayan stood in the back of the cold, dark cargo hold, watching the two Starfleet officers with a rabid inclination. A tall dark haired human, a security officer by the looks of his uniform, talked to several of the Romulan leaders before his eyes met Raylan's. The Cardassian did not flinch as the human noted him.

D'Callan nodded to him then turned to Commander James, "Sir," he said quietly, "I don't want to cause a stir, but there's a Cardassian standing at the back of the hold." D'callan smiled at Aeric as he turned his back to Rayan and continued tapping a description into his PADD. Aeric chanced a look over D'Callan's shoulder and observed the out of place passenger.

"He must be in charge of the rescue team," thought Rayan. His chest heaved and he walked slowly toward them—looking side to side as the Romulans cleared a path for him.

Aeric met the Cardassian half way.

"Starfleet... what a pleasant surprise. I am Legate Rayan of the Central Command. And you are...?"

Aeric straightened, "We are in bit of a hurry, sir. I would be more than happy to resume pleasantries once we are safely back on my own ship."

The Cardassian smiled, not taking his eyes of James he leaned forward slightly, "Terrible pilots these Romulans."

Lieutenant Commander D'callan stepped to Aeric's and Rayan's side and addressed the First Officer. "Sir, we're ready to move out..."

Aeric kept his eyes locked on Rayan's, "Begin the evacuation Mr. D'Callan. Perhaps the Legate here can assist you in getting everyone where they need to be."

Joseph smiled and gestured to the Cardassian, "After you......Sir."

Rayan's brow raised slightly, causing his ridges to crumple, yet he refused to show the disdain he held within. "Of course," he replied, his amiable smile flashing brightly in the gloom of the cargo hold.

Joint post by Bryancd & Crystal


Nalah moved silently through the entryway to the equipment storage locker making sure that no one spotted her. On the far side of the small room was her destination; the auxiliary hanger bay access panel. She hoped any Starfleet personnel left in the bay would be facing the main door and that this would provide her entry without being detected. She held her breath for a moment before making her entrance......and thought back to a day many years before.

She was 12 years old and the two older boys had confronted her on the street by her home. "Traitor!" they had yelled and Nalah braced for what was to come. But instead of accepting the abuse, she lashed out in rage. She could never recall the particulars but she could clearly remember the startled, bloodied faces of her tormentors staring up at her from the ground. She would need to find that place again if there was someone inside standing in her way to freedom.

The door parted quietly and Nalah could see the Federation shuttle. Moving further into the bay, she knelt down onto the floor to look underneath; she could see a pair of boots on the opposite side. A guard had been left behind. She moved along the flank of the ship and slowly around the far edge. The guard's back was turned and to Nalah's surprise, she could see long dark braided hair, it was a woman! A weak human woman, she thought as her confidence bolstered.

Daelen, while standing next to the ship, had heard many sounds while she was standing there. Only one had bothered her so far though. It was the one which her sensitive ears had picked up no more than ten minutes before. The noise had originated from the other side of the runabout; reminding her of fabric moving or a ghostly echo of life but when she had looked she had seen nothing.

In response, she pocketed the tri-corder and moved her hands away from the device. Her instincts kicked in, accompanied by a cold chill of excitement and fear rushing through her. A sudden desire to step forward once and pivot nearly possessed her but being unsure of what to expect. She simply moved her hand closer to where her phaser rested on her hip for the time being.

Nalah quickly moved towards the ensign, her hands clenched together in a fist she would bring down hard on the back of the woman's skull, rendering the guard unconscious. Just as she raised her hand to deliver the blow, she unexpectedly turned.....and Nalah froze as she stared into the face of another Romulan!

As the pair stood nearly toe to toe, Shelby's gray orbs reflected the visage of the Romulan woman who had been about to attack her. Noting the tightly clasped hands and the determined scowl etched onto her face, the officer's instincts told her to fire! The woman was dangerous. Aeric's words rebounded though; No altercations!

The Ensign tilted her head curiously. "Not quite the way you repay someone who can save your life, is it?"

Narrowing her gaze at the newcomer, the Security Officer's gut instinct screamed at her lack of action. She knew Romulan's well; having grown up with them. She gave a seconds pause; probably more than she should have given to her opponent.

Nalah's opportunity for surprise was now gone, she released her clenched hands and in an almost graceful motion she struck out with her palm hard into Shelby's sternum, lifting her off her feet and sending her painfully skidding on her back across the deck.

The expression on Daelen's face indicated her own sense of shock; clearly she hadn't been expecting to be assaulted by the very people they were here to rescue. Shaking her head, Shelby lifted immediately back to her feet and she growled at the Romulan. 

"V'yy'al!" Nalah screamed as she lunged towards Shelby.

Before her momentum was able to help her, the ensign rewarded the alien with a stunning roundhouse kick to the side of her head which sent her sprawling to the officer's left. There was no waiting anymore in Shelby's mind she had tried to be civil and had been attacked as a result. Her eyes went to the downed woman.

Angry beyond any comprehension, Nalah shouted again as she spun into the wall and then pushed herself up onto her feet automatically. She kicked out at the dark haired woman who deflected the strikes with one arm then the other in sync. Flowing in a smooth turn, the Romulan took the officer off guard once more, backhanding her harshly and throwing her onto the runabout's bulkhead. 

Groaning, Daelen's head and face throbbed as she pushed away from the vessel instinctively. She'd had enough of this. As she turned to face her attacker the Romulan's voice reached an octave that Shelby wasn't sure she had heard before as the refugee's charge began. Without waiting any longer Shelby took action, drawing her phaser and firing it directly into the midsection of the Romulan and dropping her like a rock.

Out of breath and aching, Shelby wasn't sure that she had completely incapacitated her vicious rival, moving close, but not close enough this time. Daelen looked down at her as she reached up and felt some blood coming from a scrape along her temple. "Hwiiy (Hwy Veruu) veruu !!" The anger which had built up in the half-Romulan longed to do more; her sensibilities and her duty were telling her otherwise. "You're no better than any of the rest of them."

Breathing heavily she bound the woman, loaded and secured her inside the runabout; making sure not to place her anywhere near anything vital to the performance of the ship.  She would have to brief the XO and D'Callan as soon as time permitted.

When she was done, the security officer moved to a seat near the entrance and she waited. 

Sevryll watched the viewscreen with serene self-possession as the bridge crew busied themselves about her. The rescue team had been aboard the Romulan transport for over twenty minutes; their only contact with Arabella being an acknowledgment of its captain's warning and call for haste. Despite the lack of verbal communications, the bond she held with her first officer allowed confirmation that all was well. She refrained from distracting him by projecting any inquiries, instead the Vulcan sought only a sense of his emotional state. Though Aeric was focused on his task, the half-El-Aurian was not stressed, which put the Captain at ease.  

Her ever-impassive face remained so as she turned her dark-eyed gaze to the Bolian seated at her left. He and the Chief Science Officer's words of encouragement were not exactly appropriate for the bridge, but she had not been their captain for more than a few weeks. Though she strictly adhered to protocol, she was still their friend and let the overstep go—besides, their words had helped.  "I am grateful for your counsel Mr. Margon," she said in a lowered voice. The Counselor smiled in response and Sevryll continued at a normal volume. "I agree... the crew has been on edge. Mr. Margon, I would like you to visit the various departments to monitor the crew's disposition and remind them, when necessary, that I do not wish the evacuees to be treated as suspects."

After backing out of the maintenance tunnel, K'Tan headed back to Doctor Drett and the group of passengers gathered around her.  As the doctor busily moved among the Romulans, K'Tan couldn't help but notice that her hands appeared to be painted green.  In fact, the wet, glistening pigment seemed to extend all the way up to her rolled up sleeves.

I guess she's not as squeamish as I first supposed, he mused.  That's yet another point in her favor.

Wait, he thought.  Exactly when did I start keeping a mental tally of the woman's merits and shortcomings?  What concern is it of mine?

Seeking to end this troublesome train of thought, K'Tan forced himself back to the matter at hand.  "Excuse me, Doctor.  I've deactivated the ship's cloak, which should buy us some time.  But we still need to get these people to the shuttle as quickly as possible.  Are they all well enough to move yet?"

As the doctor turned to answer, K'Tan noticed that she seemed to favor one of her wrists.  A look of concern crossed his face.  "Are you all right?"

Legate Rayan waked slightly ahead of Joseph D'Callan   "So Ensign,  I find it interesting how the good old Federation is so eager to help this Romulan craft" Joseph smiled, he'd been in starfleet way too long to rise to such an obvious tease. "oh you know, we do enjoy our humanitarium ways Gul Rayan"   Rayan flicked his head at D'Callan "it's Legate Rayan" Joseph smiled "and i'm lieutenant commander D'Callan nice to have that cleared up. Now if you'd be so kind please do concentrate on where you are walking. I wouldn't want you to go banging your head" Rayan looked forward. "you're concern is duly noted lieutenant commander"  From the back of the group Commander James smiled gently at the conversation but broke his thoughts by a blip on his tricorder, he turned as he walked to see parts of the corridor begin to shake.

"Main Engineering."

The turbolift doors hissed shut as the Vulcan engineer turned to face them, the car commencing its graceful acceleration soon afterwards. Provision of emergency accommodation was progressing well, but it appeared that a greater share of available power would be beneficial to the efforts of the engineering crew.

"Frida to Tolok." The disembodied voice of the young Bridge officer intruding on his thoughts, the Lieutenant Commander tapped his chest. "Tolok here. Go ahead Ensign."

"Sir, the cloak has been disabled aboard the Romulan ship. It might now be possible...", Frida began.

"...to use the transporters to recover some of those aboard." Tolok completed his subordinate's sentence. "Understood Ensign, Tolok out."

The Vulcan tapped his chest again. "Tolok to Frep"

"Sir?", the Denobulan's voice was as alert as always.

"Chief, please commence another transport scan of the Romulan ship. The cloak has been disabled so it may be possible to transport survivors. I am on my way to join you."

"Aye, Sir. Frep out."

"Computer. Re-route, transporter room 1.", the level tones betrayed no emotion.

"Acknowledged"

The Vulcan stood motionless, mentally working through possible transport scenarios until the lift arrived at it's destination. Given the damage to the Romulan ship, it was not guaranteed that transport would be possible even without the cloak in operation. So much of Romulan technology was unknown that even in full working order there was a good chance that something would interfere with the process. With the ship in the state it was in, however, those chances had been multiplied many times.

---

Frep stood at the raised transporter console, cycling through various scan combinations as he attempted to determine the number and location of the survivors aboard the vessel before the Arabella. With the cloak down, a number of new lifesigns had 'appeared' on his scan but the picture was hazy and the target discrimination wasn't anything like as good as he wanted. The Arabella crew stood out clearly at least, the equipment attached to their uniforms doing the job it had been designed for but the remainder of the life forms aboard were still masked or distorted in some manner.

The Denobulan looked up briefly as the doors hissed open and Commander Tolok entered but quickly bent back to his scan.

"We can see most of them now, Sir," he said as the Vulcan joined him behind the console, "but getting a lock on them all isn't going to be possible."

Tolok nodded as he looked over the Denobulan's shoulder. "It is reasonable to assume that whatever damage they have sustained has polluted the atmosphere with various substances and radiation that will interfere with transport." Moving to the rear control interface, the Chief Engineer began to manipulate the sensor bandwidth allocation, attempting to further resolve the detected life signs.

It was another five minutes before Frep straightened and Tolok stepped back from his panel.

"That's as good as we'll get, Sir." the Chief stated with a hint of disappointment.

"I agree, Chief. It is also logical to assume that conditions aboard the vessel will deteriorate further the longer we try and increase our sensitivity, thus neutralising the benefits of any extended effort."

Frep simply nodded.

Tapping a panel before him, Tolok cocked his head slightly. "Tolok to the Bridge."

"Go ahead." came back the gruff voice of the new Ferengi Conn officer.

"Please inform the Captain that we are now in the position of being able to remove the crew of the damaged vessel one or two at a time if required.", Tolok stated flatly, "We also have a solid lock on each of our own crew members should we need to get them back aboard quickly. If the away team can set up some pattern enhancers, we may be able to improve upon our estimated transport rate."

"Acknowledged. Bridge out."

 "Are you alright?" The Trill's attention was suddenly drawn from her work by K'Tan's inquiries. Ryla's anxiety was high and her voice had been trained by the persistent bleat of the alarm, which caused her answer to come like the crack of a Ferengi's whip, "YES." Her reply echoed in the engine room; it was then that she noticed the klaxon had died and the relentless strobe of the queasy lights had finally ceased. The intensity of her hoarse voice surprised even her, and she continued in a softer tone, "Thank you...I'll be fine." Ryla absently brushed hair from her eyes—completely unaware that the action left a green smudge large enough to obscure the spots on her forehead.

Recalling K'Tan's first question, the doctor glanced about the room. "We're ready, though there are some who will need to be carried."

She carefully stooped to gather her med kit before locating the man who still held his hands over Senator Nevash's wound. Drett pointed to two other men standing nearby, "I need your help to carry the senator." One of the men wandered away, unwilling to provide the assistance she requested. The individual who stayed behind, recruited another candidate and moved to Nevash's side. "Thank you," said Ryla.

The tension in the room had not broken. She and K'Tan were still unwelcome, but survival was more important at the moment and the Romulans tolerated the rescue team. "What is your name?" Ryla asked the man who had faithfully held his hands over the wound on the senator's chest.

"Poyvahn. I am Senator Ketleck's aid." The Trill raised her brows at that. The man had struck his employer for his vicious attack on Nevash. Ryla felt guilty for being surprised. "You'll need to keep pressure against the wound as they carry her."

"I understand," he said grimly.

Doctor Drett pitched her gaze to Ketleck, who was already being lifted by the man who had refused to carry Nevash. She frowned in thought—the roots of politics have yet to wither, even though their government died weeks ago.

"Lead the way, Mr. K'Tan," she said with a sigh. At the moment Ryla was not the least bit irritated by his presence; an abnormal condition to be sure. She wondered if it would become easier to tolerate him the longer they worked together. Maybe we could eventually be friends.  The Trill chuckled wryly at the stray thought, but quickly choked it down. The laugh had been an improbable sound for such a dismal state of affairs and it struck her as sounding a bit unstable.

The group of evacuees was lead into the corridor and toward the shuttle bay. Drett cringed as a woman bumped into her arm. The Trill lifted her wrist to eye level and in the dimness could see that it was swollen. She shifted her gaze to the Romulan who collided with her; it was the same woman who had broken her wrist in the engine room.  The Romulan now leveled Doctor Drett with a corrosive glower—the fires of her contempt seeping into the air to burn the Starfleet Officer. "Your pardon," the woman hissed.

Drett returned her glare before nodding an acceptance of 'apology'.  The shuttle bay was not much further.  We can't stop now, she thought. I'll repair the bone once were safely aboard the Arabella. The deck suddenly rumbled beneath their feet.

The diagnostic monitoring the Arabella's navigational deflector systems continued to report that the system was working within accepted parameters just as Lester had thought it would. The fact that the Arabella had had to extend her main shields to encompass the Romulan vessel in effect made them superfluous for the time being anyway.

Turning in his chair he tapped the controls to scan to the Romulan ship once again. Word had reached engineering that the ship didn't have long but at least the arduous process of evacuating the refugees had was under way. You didn't have to be a engineer to know that it wasn't a good idea to under the same shields as a ship that could blow any minute. Lester found himself wishing that the destruction wasn't inevitable as he would give anything to take an up close look at that warp core.

Suddenly his instruments beeped to indicate a change in the circumstances of the subject being scanned and Lester witnessed the Romulan vessel become fully visible. Somebody had managed to deactivate the cloak. This please him and as he expected soon after a check for transporter activity showed scans being performed on these new areas of the vessel.

"Great. We may make it out of here after all." he muttered under his breath.

As K'Tan, Dr. Drett, and their Romulan charges slowly made their way down the passageway, another tremor shook the deck.  K'Tan signaled for the group to wait for the floor to stabilize.  As the rumbling abated, he referred to his PADD.  "We should be at the shuttlebay shortly.  With luck, we'll soon be on our way to safety."

A hard-faced Romulan woman to his left gave a snort of contempt.  "How wonderful.  The so-called safety of a Federation starship.  And I'm sure that once aboard, we will be treated to a nice, relaxing trip to your interrogation chamber.  No doubt you will provide entertainment as well; perhaps an invigorating visit by your torturers, who will pick our brains for the Empire's secrets!"  

The woman's scowl deepened, and her lip curled into a snarl. "Areinnye´n - hnah, hevamsu!"

"Indeed," K'Tan replied with a snarl of his own.  "And you--"

His response was cut short by the earsplitting shriek of tortured metal, and the screams of the group as the floor seemed to drop from under their feet.

The momentary disorientation of free-fall was cruelly cut short; all were suddenly, violently slammed back to the unyielding deck plating. The lights flickered, then died, leaving only the green flash of the alarm signal, and the whimpers of fear and pain that rose from the sprawled group.  

K'Tan painfully got back on his feet and surveyed the group.  The doctor was kneeling over the Romulan with the chest wound, a wound that seemed to be bleeding more freely.  

"The senator is getting worse," she said.  "If we try to move her, I doubt she'll make it."

K'Tan glanced glanced back at the passage leading to the shuttlebay, and his expression fell.  He gave a small sigh.  "We won't be going that way, in any event."

The doctor looked up to see the passage completely blocked by a twisted jumble of support struts and metal beams protruding down from the deck above.

According to Senator Nevash, a rogue warbird  had been the reason for the disabled transport's current situation. The Arabella's shields, which now encompassed the Romulan vessel, were extended to protect the crippled ship from a second attack. Now it seemed, the warbird's return was at the bottom of Sevryll's list of concerns—the transport vessel's warp core was about to go critical and she could not retract the shields without hindering Arabella's ability to beam their crewmen and the evacuees aboard. With the cloaking device down the possibility of transporter locks had been furthered, and the rescue team was in the process of enhancing their patterns. She sat forward in her chair as the bridge crew intermittently dispensed the information their scans gathered.

Sevryll knew that cloaking device was not only deactivated, but more than likely tucked away, ready for transport back to the Arabella. The Treaty of Algeron prohibited the implementation of cloaking technology by the Federation, but Aeric argued that the use of such resources extended only to Starfleet vessels. His goal was to incorporate the technology with the Aurora's systems. The ship he built was not apart of the fleet, which led him to believe his plan was well within the bounds of Federation Law.

In his mind, the cloak would properly outfit the Aurora for evacuating the crew's children, should the fleet encounter a situation it could not survive. Though Sevryll was in agreement with the contingency plan she did not intend to sabotage the fleet's mission as an envoy of peace, by hunting the leftovers of the maimed Empires. It was difficult enough to convince the Romulans that the Federation wished only to offer of aid. They were a suspicious people, and those the Seventh Fleet encountered believed the Federation sought to conquer them. If the fleet became scavengers, the Romulans would never accept the olive branch extended—thus defeating the purpose of their mission. They debated the point over several dom jot games, but Aeric had not come to her way of thinking. He could be uncompromising when it came to the protection his family, and he held that responsibility slightly above his duties as an officer. Commander James was stubborn and his nature often brought him trouble before he was bonded to Sevryll. Their pairing had given them each balance. His wife offered logic, poise and a broadened perspective while he offered her heightened confidence, ingenuity and a longer life expectancy. At the moment the logic their bond lent him was being overwhelmed by his stubborn disposition. It was now obvious her first officer required a direct order to discourage his attempts.

Herm crouched on his haunches in the hanger bay, shifting his gaze from his PADD to the hanger doors and back again. The highly trained crew did not currently need his help, though he was more than willing to give it. Like any Starfleet Academy graduate he was trained in all areas of ship operations from medic to mechanic, but also like any Starfleet Academy graduate he knew when to stay out of the way when the specialists were at work. He wasn't concerned, there would be plenty of work to do as soon as the evacuees arrived.

He used his PADD to look up some common Romulan phrases. Even though the Universal Translator system made it possible to communicate, he knew that hearing someone speak in your native tongue was always preferable to the very slightly computerized translation, especially in tense situations.

"Aefvadh", Herm practiced aloud, ignoring the glances of those around him. Language had never been his strong point, but it was very important to his job, so he struggled through it.

His job... When he came aboard the Arabella, he had no idea he would be fully engaged in his assignment so soon. Though under the direct command of Captain Sevryll and her command crew, his assignment came from the Federation.

His mind wandered back in time....

-----

Herm had just returned to Risa following his Starfleet Academy graduation. Within hours he had received literally hundreds of offers from universities and archaeological societies all over the quadrant. Apparently, news of the work he had done on Omega Leonis had gotten around. He let the computer play the messages as he packed his few belongings. He didn't yet know where he would unpack them, but he was ready to go.

"Computer, skip message", he said, during one particularly long winded message. There was truly only one message he was waiting for, his orders from Starfleet.

He knew, that in spite of the great opportunities available, there was only one group that offered him what no others could. Starfleet could take him "out there", "where no man has gone before", as they used to say.

Herm was in the process of packing his beloved paint brushes when the computer suddenly beeped, interrupting the litany of messages.

"Incoming message from the Federation, current Starfleet personnel only", the computer declared, "please enter ID number for authorization."

Concerned, Herm reached over to the keypad to enter his personnel number. Messages like this, especially delivered to new ensigns were rare and were never good news.

Herm finished punching in his number and the computer continued. "Starfleet intelligence relates that Romulus has been destroyed. Repeat, the planet Romulus has been destroyed. All Starfleet personnel are asked to be on high alert for emergency deployment in light of possible attack by surviving Romulan agents. More information will follow."

The computer chirped off. Herm flopped heavily on the floor. The loss of any life was sad news, but the loss of an entire civilization was devastating. To someone like him, with the utmost respect for any culture and their arts, the news was a blow to the stomach. He sat on the floor for hours, pondering the loss this brought to the galaxy. In spite of their distrust of the Federation, there was always the hope that someday the curtain would lift and Romulus would open up to their neighbors, sharing their art and culture. Now that hope was gone, and all was lost.

Slowly he got up and continued to pack.

-----

Herm was shaken from his flashback by the sound of something clanging on the deck. "Sorry!" some young voice sounded from somewhere. The crew of the Arabella was unlike any he had expected to encounter. They had to be the most diverse collection of people he had ever met. From the Vulcan captain to the Bolian counselor to the Ferengi pilot. What he could learn from these people! And now here he was awaiting his first contact with the Romulans! This is what the Federation sent him out here for.

His mind drifted again...

-----

Two weeks he had been home, and still no word from Starfleet. This was unusual. Often, newly graduated cadets were sent straight from San Francisco to their postings. However, the destruction of Romulus had changed everything. Herm had busied himself catering to the tourist trade that was his planets only industry by playing music at various venues around his home town.

That is where his assignment finally found him. He was in the middle of a particularly difficult jazz tune on an Earth instrument known as a "guitar" when his Starfleet issued communicator beeped. He cut the tune short and left the stage.

Upon activating the communicator, the computer voice chimed: "Incoming message from the Federation Office of Archaeological Affairs, please wait for Counselor Veloram". The Federation? Archaeological Affairs? Why were they contacting him? Something twitched in Herm's stomach as he waited.

Finally, a new voice, deep and serious, came from the communicator. "Ensign Hermaratlo, I presume?"

"Yes, Counselor", Herm croaked. Of course he was very familiar with Counselor Voloram's position at the Federation and his work in both opening and preserving archaeological sites for scientists and scholars.

"I am speaking to you on behalf of the Federation and Starfleet on an urgent matter. This concerns your assignment within Starfleet, but more importantly, we need you to represent the Federation's archaeological and anthropological arm. Are you in a secure location so we may talk?"

"Yes, Counselor, but perhaps I should speak to you at home, it would only take a minute..."

"Ensign, there is no time. I need you to start walking to the nearest transporter station for immediate beaming aboard the Starship Inspector which is in orbit above Risa."

"Yes, Counselor", Herm again replied, always very polite, "but my belongings..."

"You will have to make arrangements to have them sent to you. I need to be brief, please let me continue. You are to report to Captain Sevryll of the Arabella. Further details of your assignment will be given once you are aboard the Inspector and are underway."

"But Counselor, where am I going?"

"I'm sorry, Ensign, but right now that's classified. However, you might want to brush up on your Romulan."

"Romulan? Counselor, but why...."

"I cannot say more now. Please transport to the Inspector immediately."

---

Again, his memory was interrupted by the noises about him. The hanger bay doors were opening, revealing the shimmering force field and the Romulan ship beyond. He was no expert, but the ship was obviously in serious condition. He hoped the away team made it back safely.

He returned to studying his PADD, but again his mind was on what led him here...

-----

"Incoming message, eyes only." The Federation had found him aboard the Inspector, as expected. He had only just beamed aboard when the computer alerted him. "Acknowledged", Herm replied, asking the transporter chief for the nearest secure terminal.

He keyed in his ID and brought up the message:

'Ensign,

You have been chosen for a very delicate assignment. Your work on various archaeological sites, and especially the insight you displayed on Omega Leonis, has shown that you are uniquely suited for this assignment.

You have been assigned to the Arabella as the Archeology and Anthropology officer. You are to report directly to Captain Sevryll, but you will also be under the direction of Counselor Veloram.

The Arabella has been selected to lead a fleet into Romulan space on a humanitarian mission. Your job is to make an investigation into the remnants of Romulan culture. You will be given security clearance to communicate with any Romulans you may encounter as well as investigating any sites of interest that you may find.

It is of utmost importance that we help the survivors of Romulus save and conserve whatever is left of their cultural identity. Their arts, music, literature, we must help them protect it. Given your experience and expertise, as well as your... unusual racial heritage, you are the best choice to fill this post.

You are alone in this mission, but you will be allowed to request aid from your captain as needed. Given the tenuous nature of the mission, we feel that this is the best course for your assignment.

You will send Counselor Veloram weekly updates of your work and what you have encountered. Your reports will be shared with any Romulan authorities as requested.

We look forward to your findings.

End of message.'

Romulan space! Romulans! Any fear he might have had was overwhelmed by the possibilities before him! He would be the first from the Federation to make a direct anthropological investigation into Romulan culture!

He headed to the Inspector's recreation lounge for a celebratory drink.

------

That was a week ago. He was one of, if not, the last crew member to report for duty before the Arabella got under way. Until today, his job had been to get acquainted with his ship, her captain, and it's crew. He had already become well acquainted with "The Afterburner" lounge. He had also spent some time studying what little was known of Romulan art, culture, and religion.

He stood and looked anxiously toward the open bay. Did the damaged ship just shudder? He said a little prayer to his Risian gods for the safe return of the away team and the Romulan survivors.

From the looks of it, they better hurry.

A quick glance at the wreckage blocking the passageway, and K'Tan knew that an alternate route to the Pressidio would have to be found.  He activated his PADD, and pulled up what seemed to be an accurate deck plan for the ship. 

"Looks like one of the maintenance tunnels should bypass the obstruction," he said.   "It's a pretty tight fit though; and involves a bit of climbing."  He glanced back at the wounded senator, then turned to the doctor.  "Unfortunately, it doesn't look like your patient is well enough to do any climbing right now."

Dr. Peterson finished preparing the surgical area and had everything ready. She briefly nodded to her husband before telling Nurse Cane to prepare the antigrav stretchers to bring to the shuttlebay.

Joint Post by Jen, Wraith1701, Shelby Daelen, Just X and Hawkeyemeds (1 of 8 )

"Please keep moving towards the shuttle bay," Aeric said in Romulan, but with clear Vulcan accents and cadence, as he calmly moved with the crowd. His voice rose to be heard over their ambient noise in a reassuring tone that had been honed on the battlefield and switched back to Federation standard. "Joseph, we need to keep everyone moving. We're running out of time."


Aeric's thoughts turned to Sevryll which gave his eyes a slightly vacant look. It was not the woman that was his wife, but the captain that he communicated with now. His pulse quickened in the silent exchange of information that had served them well over the four decades that they had been together. It was a command communication over the most secure and private channel the two had. It was an exchange of status reports and alterations to preexisting plans once the new information was factor into the equation. Apart yet never apart. It was true for all Vulcan pairings, but their own bond exceeded the traditional in all ways.


— Sahris, ishanai vohtau! The order in Golic came though like a shout in his mind. Her thought was a command, not a request: Quickly, do not delay! A heartbeat later she followed with another, leave the cloaking device behind. You are not there to scavenge their derelict vessel...


Orders are orders, he responded with humor laced thought. There was no need mention his secondary objective, they knew each other too well. He had hoped that she would not see fit to give the order, but he understood her logic behind it. They were rescuers, not vultures. An advantage in the field would be a poor advantage if it cost them the fragile trust of those they were rescuing.

"D'Callan to Shelby, get the shuttle ready" Joseph said over the soft clang of booted feet moving over the metal deck plating. Worried faces drifted past, soaked with sweat from the humidity generated from the failing life support on the transport.



"Already there Sir." Came the woman's response, immediately the ensign moved to prepare the ship for their departure. Glancing back at her 'guest' who was still out cold Shelby knew that she needed to let the Commander know about the prisoner; which is how Daelen viewed her as. It was just a matter of timing. Reaching up to her combadge, Shelby was about to notify D'Callan when the runabouts systems began to warn her of the rapidly disintegrating situation on the ship itself. 


The deep flowing voice of the Romulan computer spoke out and informed the escaping group of the failing containment system. While he understood the Romulan words, his mental translation of the words where simple. Leave now, or stay and die.

Acrid blue smoke exited one of the wall consoles adding a new scent to the stale, poorly recycled air. Aeric tapped his badge while his eyes attempted to adjust to the pulsating green warning lights, "James to K'Tan. What is your location, compliment, and ETA?"

Joint Post by Jen, Wraith1701, Shelby Daelen, Just X and Hawkeyemeds (2 of 8 )

K'Tan tapped his chest, activating his commbadge. "The doctor and I are currently just outside of main engineering.  There are seven passengers with us, one in critical condition.  Any word yet on the transporter? The doctor feels that her patient would not survive a trip to the shuttle at this point."

K'Tan found himself suddenly struggling to maintain his footing as the deck began buckling beneath him.  The tremor ceased, accompanied by the ominous creak and groan of stressed metal.  K'Tan's heart began to beat faster at the sounds of impending destruction.  The voice of Commander James issued from his commbadge, but the words were garbled and broken.

Palms growing slick with perspiration, K'Tan hit his commbadge once more.  "Come again," he said.  "I couldn't make out your last transmission."  Glancing down, he noticed a sharp dent in the commbadge's casing.  Damn, he thought. Must have been damaged when the deck collapsed.

Fueled by adrenaline, K'Tan's thoughts raced.  There has to be a way for us to punch through the transporter interference.  As often happened in stressful situations, he found himself drawing on the tales of one of his secret childhood heroes- the human captain James Kirk. Although reviled by many in the empire, Starfleet's historic maverick captain was also granted grudging respect.  And while he would have never admitted it to any of his Klingon peers, K'Tan secretly idolized the man.  For a human child living among Klingons, the legends of Kirk served as a protective shield for his sense of self-worth, and a constant reminder of what humans were capable of.  What would Kirk do? 

As a new tremor shook the ship, K'Tan felt a moment of desperate inspiration. If the Arabella can't beam us up, perhaps we can beam ourselves to her.

K'Tan turned to doctor Drett.  "I'm going to head to the shuttle, and see if we can possibly boost its transporter system to beam your patients to the ship." He smiled as a new thought occurred to him.  "Or perhaps we can slave the Presidio's transporter to that of the Arabella."

The tension was like a dilithium crystal doomed to be cracked and waiting for the inevitability. Ryla's silence was broken by a long breath; the weight of their situation suddenly thickening the air. "What are you waiting for Mr. K'Tan?" She paused for emphasis, "Go!"

K'Tan ran down the corridor as fast as he could; each second that ticked by brought them all closer to a violent, fiery death.

He smiled.  He hadn't had this much fun in months.

His breath came in deep, even gasps, each inhalation accompanied by the familiar scents of starship battle: the sharp, ozone-smell of scorched circuitry and the chemical stench of fire suppressant.  As he ran, the stark metallic support struts lining the corridor flashed by in his peripheral vision,  and the echoing wail of the alarm only served to elevate the tension in the air.  A skidding stop and turn to the right, and he faced the dark hallway leading to the shuttlebay.  With a renewed burst of speed, he took off;  and as his boots echoed through the deserted hallway, K'Tan was overcome by the sensation that he was running through the entrails of some giant, iron-boned dying beast.  The steady, rhythmic pulsing of the warning lights now provided the only illumination, intermittently rendering his surroundings in chaotic, green-tinted snapshots of damaged components and blackened control panels.

Joint Post by Jen, Wraith1701, Shelby Daelen, Just X and Hawkeyemeds (3 of 8 )

Like a trusty steed, the Presidio sat waiting in the Romulan shuttle bay.  Shelby rechecked the binding on the Romulan woman and locked the controls out as she moved back to the door to the runabout, through listening to the comm channel she knew some of the basics of where and what was going on with the away teams. The one exception was K'Tan and the doctor, she hadn't heard from them in a while. She just hoped that everyone would get back soon. There had been a few tremors coupled with the Romulan warning systems which told here that there wasn't much time. 
 
She tapped her com badge, "Shelby to D'Callan."

 
D'Callan glanced at the sole cardassian among the sea of romulans as he tapped his badge, "Go ahead Ensign."
 
Shelby eyed the unconscious Romulan, bound, bruised, and hopefully no longer a threat, "You know how you said be tactful and diplomatic?  Well..."
 
Joseph turned away from the listening Rayan, "Not now Ensign, D'Callan out."
 
Shelby sat back in the chair, about to speak, when she heard the transmission end. Slowly, she looked back at the woman. Fair enough, she thought.
 
Joseph increased his pace and shook his head.
 
"Trouble with the minors Lieutenant Commander?" Smirked Rayan.
 
D'Callan didn't look at him, "Nah, she's probably just wondering what to say to the owner of the pet snake she's been looking after. It died after it shed its skin. I'll get her ask you.. aye?"
 
Legate flicked his eyes at the smiling security chief, "Touchy, Mr D'Callan."


On the pristine bridge of the Arabella, Galdar and Frida jerked upright, moving like puppets controlled by a single string. With but a glance from the Captain, the Ferengi opened a channel to the away team.

"Galdar to James...Sir, we're looking at what appears to be the beginning of a cascade failure of the structural integrity of the Romulan ship. Left unchecked, singularity containment collapse won't be far behind."

Without waiting for an acknowledgement, Galdar nodded at Frida who transmitted all their data to the shuttle and any PADD's he could reach. The Lieutenant had worked with the Commander long enough to know how he operated so wasn't at all surprised when no response was forthcoming. Looking up to the view screen, the image of the disintegrating ship said it all.

Aeric didn't need to look around him or at the data burst received by his PADD to know that the ship was dying. He could feel it in his bones. Pausing to take a breath, he opened a broadband communication to the ship and his team. "Away team to Arabella. We are now en-route back to the Presidio with thirty-five survivors. We're going to need those transporters to actually carry some of the load we have here."

Joseph stood to one side and waved the passengers in. He looked up and smiled to himself " I love this job", the deck once again began to shake. "Move... come on, faster!" He looked ahead and could see that the tall Cardassian had stop to help a fallen Romulan.
 
Aeric shuttered as a high pitched whistling sound echoed in the halls of the faltering transport. The air flowed slightly faster over skin moistened from exertion. It was an almost cooling breeze, but the slight increase in comfort only revealed the darker truth. Containment of the singularity was failing and the whistling sound was from it devouring the atmosphere through a pinhole fault in the casing. Soon the hole would tear itself larger and fully begin the far too quick process of consuming the vessel.

Joint Post by Jen, Wraith1701, Shelby Daelen, Just X and Hawkeyemeds (4 of 8 )

Daelen was getting nervous it was as if the ship was starting to pull apart at the seems and she knew it. There was no way around not seeing it or feeling it. The ship started making strange noises that sent chills up her spine; she couldn't leave though. Tapping her combadge Shelby called out. "I think it is safe to say we've run out of time. Where are we at?"

Returning into the runabout the ensign started up the transporter and tried to lock onto anyone on the away mission. It was problematic at best and although she wasn't a dolt, she wasn't a transporter chief by any means. She needed help. Reaching up again she tapped her combadge and hoped that he could receive the signal, "Daelen to K'Tan what's your location."

"I'm right here!"  K'Tan rounded the corner, sprinted to the shuttle, and bent at the waist, hands on knees, trying to catch his breath.  After a few steadying inhalations, he straightened and adopted a more dignified posture.  "Our party got caught in a deck collapse. Commbadge damaged."

Turning around, Shelby immediately relinquished her chair to the man. "Are you OK?"

She stopped short of asking if anyone else was OK, for as much as she wanted to ask, now simply wasn't the time. She knew that he would tell her if there was anything she needed to know. Stepping back the woman gave him room to get himself situated.   

"I'm fine, just a little winded," K'Tan replied.  "Dr. Drett and a small party of Romulans are trapped near engineering.  We need to see about boosting the shuttle's transporter strength."

K'Tan stood to approach the transporter deck, then stopped short.  Bound to one of the shuttle's chairs was an unconscious Romulan woman.  Judging by her faint green bruises and those on Shelby's temple, there had been a bit of a scuffle. He shot a glance back at Daelen.  "Looks like you've had a bit of excitement in our absence." his eyes flicked briefly back at the form sitting secured in the chair.

"I had a bit of a tough time checking one of our guest in." Daelen gave the lieutenant Commander a knowing smirk. Her gaze briefly flipped from the still unconscious woman in the rear of the runabout then back to the Chief Operations officer.  The last thing she needed was for the Romulan to wake up and start more trouble. Then smoothly Daelen switched to business again. "How can I help you Sir?" 

K'Tan gave an inward sigh.  Seeing one of their number unconscious and tied up might cause some bad feelings among the other Romulans.  For now though, there were more pressing issues to be resolved.  "We need to try and tie into the Romulan ship's power core.  I need some extra EPS conduit."  K'Tan turned to the shuttle's replicator; right now, it was probably the lowest priority system on the Presidio.  "Could you remove the facing of the Replicator?  I need as much EPS cable as you can find."

"You've got it." Without another word the ensign moved across the ship and tinkered with the panel until it released from the wall and into her hands. Setting the facing aside the woman returned to the now bare opening in the wall and she began to pull out the glowing conduit.

As the ensign went about her task, K'Tan used his dagger to pry open a floor panel near the shuttle's transporter pad.  Uncoiling a length of the luminescent Electro Plasma System conduit, he began wrapping it around his forearm.

It took a while but she managed quite a bit of the needed conduit, carrying it over to K'Tan she nodded to him. "I can see if there are a few more low priority systems I can strip them from if you need more." 

"Thank you," K'Tan replied.  "I'm going to check the bay for a place to tap into."  As he headed to the exit, he turned back to Daelen. "My commbadge isn't working; please update Commander James, Chief D'Callan, and Dr. Drett."

K'Tan gave a meaningful look at the bound Romulan woman, then turned back to the ensign.  "A complete update."

"Wait Sir." before K'Tan could leave, Daelen moved to a panel and removed a combadge replacement.

Pausing for a second before he departed, the ensign tossed him a new combadge, which he traded with the out of service one. Then with a nod he was gone again to finish the reroutes. "Be ready to use the transporters." 

A nod then the woman tapped her badge, "Commander James, Chief D'Callan and Doctor Drett. This is Ensign Daelen, K'Tan is with me in the runabout. He is going to attempt to boost the power of the Presidio's transporters by tapping into the Romulan core. There may be some destabilization but if we work fast enough it will balance out."

Joint Post by Jen, wraith1701, Shelby Daelen, Just X and Hawkeyemeds (5 of 8 )


"Thank you ensign," replied James in a clipped voice as he moved to the nearest working control panel. His fingers rapidly moved over the Romulan glyphs in an attempt to access the power control systems.

Stylized glyphs shifted to a systems readout in standard Romulan. While the information was valuable, his senses told him that it wasn't the entire story. The fracture in the containment field had caused a micro distortion in subspace. It was this distortion that was the primary cause to the transporter issues. He would need to focus to come up with a solution. "Continue forward Mr. D'Callan. I'll join you shortly."
   
Aeric quietly returned his attention to the panel as the last of the Romulans moved past his position. He thoughts went back to the problem and what he knew of the facts. Transporters were at a fraction of their capacity and it was bound to get worse as the fracture expanded. They would be trapped in the middle of a storm without a umbrella.

An umbrella! he mused. Aeric tapped his communications badge and calmly spoke. "This is Commander James to away team and Arabella. Daelen, I am going to need K'Tan to get that extra power as quickly as possible. I need you to get to the engineering console and once that power is received, bring the warp engines online and create a static warp bubble with a point seven two negative variance and extend the warp field outwards ten meters or until the extra power is fully utilized. If my theory is correct, you will have the ability to begin mass transport of any lifeforms within the warp shell once the matter stream is refocused."

Already walking to the controls, Shelby gave an acknowledgement to the XO. Then she moved into the seat smoothly and pivoted her hands to the controls so she could began the calculations.

With one issue being resolved, Aeric addressed the Arabella. "Captain, we should be returning to the ship soon, but the Presido will not be joining us. I also recommend that you focus your own transporters to target the mass of life forms around Doctor Drett's location for a site to site transport to sickbay. D'Callan and his charges should already be within the projected range of the warp shell. James out."

Joint Post by Jen, wraith1701, Shelby Daelen, Just X and Hawkeyemeds (6 of 8 )

Upon returning to the shuttlebay, K'Tan whipped out his tricorder and began scanning for a power tap.  He was pleased to locate a junction just meters from the Presidio. About time we caught a break, he thought.  As he knelt to expose the tap, his tricorder eimitted a high-pitched beep that caught him off guard.  He glanced at it, then scowled.  More life signs?

K'Tan stood and slowly spun in place, trying to pinpoint the source of the reading.  As he turned, the intermittent beeping of the tricorder built into a steady, high pitched tone.  He looked up to find himself facing a maintenance closet.  I really do not have time for this! Switching off the tricorder's volume, K'Tan quietly approached the closet's closed door, and dialed up the gain on his scan.  He was surprised at the results--

One individual, life signs strong and steady, approximately one meter tall.  A child?  He quietly backed away from the door, and returned to the power tap. He spared the door a backward glance, and a shrug.  I guess the closet is as good a place to wait as any.  We'll just deal with our little friend once the transporter has been modified.

K'Tan wiped the perspiration from his hands, sleeved his brow dry, then eyed the port.  Designed to accommodate Romulan hardware, the fitting wasn't exactly a perfect match for the Starfleet-issue EPS cable.  His eyes turned to his tricorder.  I guess it's time to improvise.  With a frown of mild regret, K'Tan reversed his dak'tagh and brought the pommel down on the casing of the tricorder with a sharp CRACK.  Two more blows, and the casing began to split at the seam.  He then carefully pried the device apart, exposing it's inner workings. Slowly, he pried out a small, cylindrical component vaguely resembling a spool of highly-polished metallic thread.  [/i]Hopefully, a length of cord from the quantum accelerator will secure the fitting while withstanding the stress of the power flow[/i]. Known for its durability and conductivity, the tritanium cording felt cool and slick between his fingers.

K'Tan plunged the male end of the EPS cable into the Romulan fitting.  Immediately, the cable's glow intensified.  As the cable began to grow warm in his hands, K'Tan started rapidly wrapping loops of the tritanium cord around the connection.  As he looked at his jurry-rigged handiwork, K'Tan slowly shook his head with a self-deprecating smile.  This looks incredibly unsafe.

Seconds later, Ensign Daelen's voice rang out from the runabout.  "Whatever you're doing, it's working, Sir!  Power levels are steadily rising." With her fingers dancing across the controls, Shelby started re-routing the power to the proper relays on the shuttle's transporters. "I think we're close Sir."

Joint Post by Jen, wraith1701, Shelby Daelen, Just X and Hawkeyemeds (7 of 8 )

Joseph checked his tricorder, "D'Callan to Daelen. My group is roughly 20 meters away, but we're slowing down. We have some minor injuries and having to double back to avoid damaged sections of the ship. As soon as we're in the ten meter mark, activate that warp field."

Hearing Joseph's voice over the badge, Shelby flicked her delicate fingers over to the control panel and managed to isolate the chief's communicator locked. She knew he would now be at the back of the group and would be one of the last to transport out. She had to inform him about the 'guest' in the shuttle craft. "Understood Chief." Pausing to make sure she said this delicately, the ensign said slowly, "Sir, there's something you need to know." There was another pause. "I have an unconscious Romulan sitting with me."

"Take care of it, you know what to do. There are lots of injured people on this ship." Inwardly D'Callan had his suspicions as to why the woman was stating it so simply. D'Callan coughed slightly and shouted to the people in front of him, "Keep moving forward! We're working on getting a transporter lock on you."

A suspicious eye fell on the chief from the Cardassian officer, "Legate Rayan, good work with that casualty."

The Legate smiled, although obviously not convinced D'Callan meant his statement as a complement. The Cardassian nodded and returned to attend the tired Romulan he had been carrying.

Joseph backed off slightly so no one could hear his conversation, "Go ahead Daelen. What's happened?"

Shelby eyed the Romulan woman. "She came from behind Sir— tried to attack me. I managed to hold her off, but we both have a few bruises...this wasn't good Sir."

D'Callan put his hand along his jawline, pondering the next move. "OK, take the emergency med-kit from the shuttles reserve unit. Give her a mild hypospray anesthetic, then bandage part of her face up. If anyone asks, she was injured during the rescue. Don't beam her out right away. One of us will go with her when the time comes."

Rising from the seat Shelby crossed to the reserves panel and pulled out the med-kit, "Understood Sir." Turning to look at the figure in the chair she tilted her head once and said to herself. "Never stops around here." 

"Oh and Shelby, good work," D'Callan quickly replied before he rushed to catch up the group.


Approaching the unconscious woman, Daelen knew that she could easily be faking her state of awareness. Sadly enough, she would do the same thing. Still Shelby had to do this and time was running out. Holding the hypospray firmly, she rushed in and administered it to the woman. Upon ensuring that it was working, via a tri-corder, Shelby began to bandage up part of the woman's face so that she would not be easily identified. Then the ensign found a blanket and made it appear as if her Romulan captive was more infirmed than she really was. When she was finished, the feisty Romulan woman was not recognizable, without digging a little, and that was good enough for her. 

Shelby moved back to the wrap engine controls. It looked as though the runabout was almost up to full capacity and soon it would have enough power. Whatever K'Tan had done had worked. Smiling, the woman re-checked the final computations then tapped her com-badge. "Commander James, I am going to bring the engines on-line and create the static warp bubble." Then she addressed Joseph, "Commander D'Callan, please prepare yourself. This should take just a moment and on my mark....3...2...1, mark." Taping the console, Daelen began to hear the engines responding to her as she prepared the commands for the system.   

Joseph check his tricorder and watched as the reading shifted to indicate the creation of the warp field. Joseph waited and let his eye drift about the ship. It shook once again, creating more debris and more sparks... they were cutting it close. "D'Callan to James, the warp field is active and we are safely within the perimeter. Are you in need of any assistance in your area?"

"I'm fine Mr. D'Callan...standby for transport." Aeric said and adjusted the pattern enhancer contained within the tech of his uniform. "I'm in route to the runabout to gather my gear while I perform a final walk through."

"James to away team and Arabella," Aeric started. "Doctor, please standby for site to site transport to sickbay with all Romulan causalities. This will be followed by the transport of all remaining survivors and away team members to the cargo bay."

"Understood, Commander," came Ryla's tight reply as she returned the stare of the Romulans grouped about her.

With that being said, Aeric tapped his badge again to open communications with the Presidio's computer and spoke, "James to Presidio and Arabella, begin rapid transport of all lifeforms within Doctor Drett's and Lieutenant Commander D'Callan's position to predetermined locations."

"Working," replied the voice of the computer. Milliseconds later, the automated transporters of the Presido activated in conjunction with the transporter operators aboard the Arabella and began moving the lifeforms from the crippled ship.

The smoke-filled darkened corridor that encompassed Ryla and her patients, soon transitioned to the pristine brightness of Main Sickbay. As she solidified, Doctor Drett instantly snapped orders to prep Nevash for surgery. Doctor Myella Peterson moved quickly to the Romulan's side—the fabric of the Senator's tunic was soaked green with blood. It was obviously a critical wound, but the redheaded physician could not spare the time to wonder how the patient acquired it.  Aided by Commander Peterson, a former medical officer who came to Sickbay to help where needed, Myella carefully moved the woman to a biobed.  Nurse Caine and several med techs, buzzed about the survivors whose injuries who were not as serious. The casualties totaled eight in all and their injuries ranged from stab wounds and head wounds to burns, cuts and bruises—all of which the staff was well prepared to treat. Ryla's only concern was for the pale, gaunt figure lying before her. The Senator had lost a large volume of blood and her evacuation had not been timely.

Joint Post by Jen, wraith1701, Shelby Daelen, Just X and Hawkeyemeds (8 of 8 )


D'Callan watched as a bright yellow light began to whirl around several of the Romulan people and Legate Rayan. The transport beam took a bit loger than usual, but they soon disappeared. "Ok everyone, looks like we're on our way out of here. Stay calm. "

In that brief respite, he thought about the Romulan aboard the shuttle "D'callan to Commander James, we have an unconscious Romulan aboard the shuttle, Ensign Daelen was attacked whilst on guard. Nothing too problematic, but I suggest we have her beamed aboard with either myself or Dealen for security reasons."

"Understood," Aeric replied in measured breaths. "Route her transport to the brig and have a medic treat her wounds and have the officers there look after her until she can speak with the Captain. I need you to get onsite and make sure that there are no diplomatic incidents between our guests and security."

"On it Sir, D'Callan out. D'Callan to Daelen,"

"Daelen here," she said, diverting her eyes from the readouts, which weren't looking particularly good to her. "Go ahead."

"K'Tan is on his way. Beam out with your guest as soon as you can. Get your new friend off to the Brig... quietly and with NO incident. I'm heading back with the last of the Romulans, D'Callan out." Joseph walked to the remaining Romulan evacuees; he paused for a moment.

"D'Callan to K'Tan, Dealen will be leaving as soon as she can. You still owe me that beer big fella. I'll see you back on the ship, Joe out." Joseph turned and looked at one of the romulans. A older man who nodded gently as the yellow beam of the transporter wrapped around them.

"James to K'Tan, I am in route to your position. Make sure you're ready to go. If there is anything aboard the Presido that can't be replicated, I suggest you get it to the Arabella. Also include the microtorpedo stores and any other hardware we can salvage without compromising your work."

Just another day at the office, the XO thought to himself while moving through the deserted and debris strewn corridors. If not for the imminent death that would follow should they stay any longer, it reminded him of the destructive potential of three half vulcan children when they were fully committed to their play. When the formally slight suction effect increased to a true breeze, even battle hardened nerves became strained and the once calm walk turned into a brisk jog.  

Sitting in the chair, the runabout began to shake and rumble under her. Spreading her hands firmly against the controls for balance and a piece of mind Daelen shifted her eyes back up to the screens and readouts. The containment field was starting to show signs of collapse.

Rising, Shelby moved back to the cargo area where the romulan woman was still unconscious. Unsecuring her she slung her arm across her shoulder and she limped them to the door. "Time to go princess...." Dropping down onto the cargo bay floor, Shelby nearly lost her footing from the uneven distribution of supporting the woman.  

Aeric smiled as he saw the open doors of the shuttle bay. A badge tap later, he spoke, "James to Daelen. I'm seconds away from the shuttle bay, you are clear to leave with your prisoner."

Tapping her combadge, "Daelen to Arabella two to beam over to the brig." Holding the limp form, the scene before the ensign shimmered gold and she felt the odd sensation of being transported. They were gone, leaving only three remaining lifeforms on the dying ship.

Joint post by Meds & Crystal

Daelen gazed at the transporter tech, while D'Callan stepped up onto the padd and he took the unconscious prisoner. "Three to beam directly to the brig."

Within moments the trio were there, the Chief looked around for the requested
medic, he tapped his com badge. "D'Callan to Nurse Caine are you on
your way?" he said simultaneously as the young Ensign ran into the room, out of breath.

The nurse looked up and offered "Sorry, sorry...Sir.... busy with Dr Drett, lots of . . . .patients..." Panting but clearly eager to get her work done the  young girl spotted the Romulan and her eyes got slightly bigger.

Shelby could sense the questions coming and she averted them.

"She isn't hurt that badly..." Daelen said as D'Callan and her escorted the sedated Romulan between them; in case the woman awoke.

When they reached the cell Joseph signaled for Shelby to wait outside; while he and the tech entered.  D'Callan placed the unconscious woman on the hard wall-cot and he stepped back; stepping back to allow the tech to unbundled and check the minor 'fight related' injuries on the figure.

When Caine was done, she pivoted to the Chief and announced, "A few bumps and bruises Sir, nothing else."

D'Callan smiled at the nurse as they walked out into the hallway. "Thank you Ensign, make your report to the good Doctor"

Turning to Daelen he raised an eyebrow and leaned against the wall. "So, care to explain? Did she beat you at poker or did she out run you, hmmmm?"

The scrape along the side of her temple hurt when she narrowed her eyes at the man, but she ignored it. The second the nurse was gone and Shelby made sure no one else was in range she moved in near him and gave him a frosty stare. "Sometimes you're just not that funny." she was more than ready to walk past the frustrating man.

D'Callan reached out with his finger and stopped her.

In response, her exotic eyes shifted down to his finger then up into his more than questioning expression. "You can read it in my report. 'Sir'"

"Ensign Daelen, I'm not sure you took this mission seriously. The XO was very clear."

"I 'did' take this mission seriously. Sir" She said firmly as she stood her ground. "She attacked me without provocation or reason."

Pushing off from the wall D'Callan stepped closer to Shelby, reading her reaction as well as seeing the fire and steel which simmered below the surface. Then in a unexpected move Joseph reached up, placed his finger along her cheek lightly, and he turned her head just a bit; checking the  wound. "Let me look at that...." He studied it; it wasn't anything to worry about.

"I - I'm fine..." The unprecedented touch threw Shelby off-guard, her startled gaze found his inquisitive stare, then she quickly moved her eyes away.

Lowering his finger away from her cheek Joseph found himself surprised at his actions as well, subsequently, he placed his hands behind his back. "Keep checking on her, see if she's calmed down and willing to talk."

"She isn't going to. I can tell you that..." Her attention return to the cell then back to the man before her.

Joseph smiled, "See yourself in her do you?" He walked to the force field and glared at the Romulan.

About to defend herself, Daelen didn't get that far.

"Difference is Shelby, you're better." He turned his head slightly. "Did you see the Cardassian?" His eyes looked dark, drifting deep in thought.

She shook her head.

"No......a Cardassian on a Romulan ship....but..." He looked at her and again gave a slight smile. "Doesn't matter. Call me when she wakes up"

Puzzled by the man, Shelby followed the chief with her gaze as he walked towards the door, many questions filled her thoughts. Some she didn't even know where they were coming from. Her lips parted but she stopped short.

D'Callan paused slightly at the door, then he left.

Joseph walked down the corridor and breathed in the sweet smelling air "ah better than burnt metal" his thoughts drifted to Shelby, he smiled but the thought was suddenly swamped with darkness. The Cardassian appeared in those thoughts. He knew he was not the only one on this ship who'd been hurt by this particular race. His mother came sweeping into his memory, it was a distant memory but an important one all the same. Her funeral took place in the D'Callan family grounds. His father wept, his brother wept but Joseph stood firm 'don't show emotion, don't give your game away'. The only thoughts that came into his mind as the flower covered coffin descended into the ground was the Cardassian ship that killed her. His mother, a medic was reviving a young girl, she'd just got her back and was holding her as the blast hit her from behind. The evac team found Chloe D'Callan dead but covering the weeping child. Joseph shook his head and was back on the Arabella. 'At least the child was safe, he knew his mother hadn't died in vain, the child had become an excellent nurse'.

Joint posy by Shelby and Bryancd

Nalah awoke with a start, her hands lashing out at an unseen attacker. Her fist struck the wall of the detention cell sending a surge of pain shooting down her arm. She swung off the simple bed in a single motion and landed crouched and ready. Through the haze and hum of a detention force field stood a Romulan women in a Starfleet uniform leaning against the wall observing Nalah with a curious and bemused expression.

"Feel better, now?" Shelby asked.

Nalah slowly stood, her memory returning. This was the woman she had fought and clearly had lost to.

"You wear the uniform of the lloannen'galae," Nalah spat in reply.

A half smirk played with the edges of the woman's lips, as her eyes narrowed slightly, displaying her distrust of the woman in the cell. "There is food for you there. Take it or leave it." her voice didn't waver.

As the ensign stood there, Nalah began to study her features, something was different, odd; then it hit her. "Hevamsu aehallh!" Nalah said. This was an abomination, a halfbreed a disgrace to Romulan's.

The moment the words came out, Shelby stiffened; she was a young girl again being mocked by her peers. "Areinnye´n - hnah"

Nalah grinned with a degree of satisfaction that she had been able to effect the woman's calm demeanor. "Why have you brought me here?"

Realizing that she had lost this round to the woman, Shelby stared at the woman, "We brought you here because your ship is no more. I presumed that you did not prefer death. Was I wrong?"

A sneer escaped as the woman stepped closer to the field. While as she glared at the ensign before her, the slight crackling of the discharge made a low sound. "I hope the filthy deihu on the ship failed to escape," she said making reference to the politicians she had seen on board.

"I have no knowledge of the survivors outside of you."

"It is of no matter, MY people," Nalah said in an effort to continue to alienate Shelby from her Romulan half, "will be better off without the old guard. There ways led to the downfall of my culture....and abominations such as yourself."

Shelby ignored the comment. Keeping her gaze un"What is your name?"

Nalah stood a bit straighter and looked her in the eyes. "My name is Nalah...Nalah Jarok." It was as much a statement as a challenge.

Shelby stared at the woman silently for a moment, then a quizzical expression crossed her face as she moved for the first time from where she stood. Moving single pace across the front of the cell Daelen paused and for a second she was sure she saw...a fear flash instantly in the woman's harsh stare.

Turning to face the Romulan woman across from her, Shelby let one corner of her lip curl upwards with an almost satisfactory like quality to it. "Jarok you say...."

The Romulan spat string of curses that would make the rudest, crudest, warrior in the Empire shudder before the ensign said anything more. She saw the fire and pain in Nalah's eye's, a feeling she knew all to well.

Tilting her head curiously Shelby spoke with calm, "Interesting how that worked..." Lifting her hand, she crossed it passed her phaser ever so slowly.

Nalah's eyes watched her every move.

The officer then purposely lifted her hand higher and she tapped her combadge, while she walked away from the cell and spoke. "Daelen to Lieutenant Commander D'Callan."

"Go for D'Callan." Came the Chiefs voice.

"When you get a moment our 'guest' has regained consciousness."

"On my way. D'Callan out."

In shuttle bay 2, Lieutenant Commander Tolok stood to one side of the door, watching as the passengers and crew of the now abandoned freighter were escorted into the new accommodations. The space would cater for far more than their small number, but these were the people who would put the efficiencies of his team's initial work to the test. Given the amount of time that had been made available for the conversion exercise, it was as well that the inhabitants were to be Romulan. Had a more...exotic species such as Bolians been in need of these accommodations, the changes would have been somewhat more of a challenge.

The transformation of the bay was far from complete, of course, but most of the major adjustments and service provisions had been finished. The more cosmetic of the construction work could proceed more slowly, at least in the areas where people were not initially required to be living.

With the power balancing for this section of the ship now completed and the new demands of habitation accommodated. Tolok took a final look about the bay before turning for the door to head back to engineering and relieve Lieutenant Garriss of his watching brief.

Herm stood in frustration and left the shuttle bay to try to get to the temporary housing that had been prepared for their Romulan guests.

"Should have just stayed in the transporter room!", he thought, remembering his ignorance of the original message.

Now he had missed an opportunity. He knew working with a crew that had been together for so long and had been through so much would be difficult, but he didn't realize that he'd be left out of the loop entirely. He'd have to be a little more aggressive if he wanted to get his job done.

He rounded the corner to see security was already posted outside the bay-turned-housing.

Hopefully they wouldn't hassle him too much.

K'Tan stood on the deck of the dying ship, and looked on as the last group of evacuees beamed out.  The hum of the cascading light shower peaked, momentarily bathing the darkened hanger bay in a soft blue glow, then slowly subsided.  The last of the matter stream faded away, returning the room to its previous bleakness.  The gloomy chamber's darkness was broken only by the regular strobing of the green  alarm lights. 

A familiar set of footfalls echoed behind K'Tan; he acknowledged without turning.  "That's almost all of them, Sir."

Commander James drew up to him.  "What do you mean by 'almost', Mr. K'Tan?" 

K'Tan gave a slight nod towards the distant maintenance door.  "I believe there's a child hiding in that closet.  I was hoping that one of our guests would ask about their missing offspring, and take possession of the child."  K'Tan gave a disappointed sigh.  "But, based on the lack of inquiry, I assume that the parents are dead."

Aeric nodded slowly, "It's a situation that we might have in common if we don't leave soon."

"It also is subject that you are more qualified with than I am," Aeric added and moved towards the runabout. "I'll stabilize the system while you convince this child to come with us. Remember to use your friendly face K'Tan."

Without another word, Aeric moved to the runabout and began working to stabilize the system and transport the ordinance of the runabout back to the Arabella. With her power systems now tied to the Romulan craft, it would be much safer to sacrifice the smaller craft and use it's auto-destruct for a controlled detonation of the larger transport. "Computer, set auto destruct sequence for a ten minute detonation at my mark. Authorization code: James Alpha Alpha Three Alpha Gamma One Seven Two Gamma Gamma Rok. Engage."

"Authorization code accepted. Destruction countdown available at your command." Replied the calm voice of the computer.

The Arabella held station, drifting slightly, her arrowhead prow pointed at the distant, ruined hulk of the Romulan vessel.  The small but powerful Intrepid variant gleamed dully in the reflected starlight, her pale, feather-grey hull almost white in appearance compared to the inky darkness surrounding her.  Her reconfigurable warp pylons were held parallel to her body, swept out straight to her sides like the wings of a bird in mid-glide.

The stars behind her shone like minuscule rips in the fabric of space, spilling their light into the darkness.  Unobscured by the effects of atmosphere, their light was strong and steady, with none of the twinkle caused by diffraction. 

...Except in one small, distant patch  behind the two starships.  For just an eyeblink, a small patch of the stars seemed to waver, momentarily winking out of sight as if blocked by a passing object.  The effect was transitory; seconds later, the incongruity faded away, returning the starscape to its formerly unmarred purity...



"REPORT!"

The angry command echoed within the ship's darkened, red-infused bridge.  In answer, the Klingon manning tactical looked up with an uncharacteristically sheepish expression.  "My apologies, captain KoraQ'.  In my attempt to extend our scans of the Federation and Romulan ships, power was temporarily diverted from our cloak. I have corrected the problem."

KoraQ' leaped up from the command throne.  Like a tornado of flying hair and creaking armor, he stormed to the tactical station.  The hulking Klingon's steel-clad boots echoed off of the metal deck-plating like gunshots.  He loomed over the tactical officer, his voice in a low, dangerous snarl.  "Your incompetence threatens our mission!  Explain to me why I shouldn't relieve you of duty."

To his credit, the tactical officer displayed no fear as he stood and returned his commander's fierce glare.  "I will not hide behind excuses, sir," he snarled.  "I am prepared to face whatever punishment the captain feels is required."

His expression inscrutable, KoraQ drew his d'k tahg, and in one fluid motion, promptly plunged it into the tactical officer's chest.  With his free hand grasping the man's shoulder, KoraQ' stared into his dimming eyes.  "You are incompetent, but your courage is commendable.  Perhaps one day, you will find your way to Sto-Vo-Kor."  As the life faded from the officer's eyes, KoraQ released him. 

"You are relived of duty," he muttered as the corpse hit the deck.

"Computer, purge contents of removable memory core and begin downloading of Romulan replicator database and navigational charts to the core." Aeric said after initiating a bypass to the failing freighter. It wasn't exactly what he has initially wanted to bring back to the ship, but it was better than returning home empty handed.

"Working." the computer replied.

Aeric nodded to himself and looked over the readings. They had less than thirty minutes before they couldn't no longer use a controlled explosion to scuttle the transport safely and ten minutes for the transfer to be completed. It was plenty of time baring any further problems with the ship.

Legate Rayan stood in the cargo hold and watched the crew of the USS Arabella busy helping the injured and dealing with the confused and the odd hostile Romulan. "look at them, pathetic star fleet and their fantasy of a utopia." He smiled and walked around the room, he glanced at the two security guards at the door, "guarding the weak," He continued to walk around the room, his leather clothing creaked with every step, several Romulans looked up from their seated positions, he looked down at them and moved his hand over his black drawn back hair. "Weak".

In the shuttlebay, K'Tan stood outside the maintanance door, and gave it a rap-- gentle, but loud enough to be heard over the wail of the Romulan alarm siren.  "We're here to help," he said.  "Please come out, we're running out of time."

No answer.

I don't have time for this.  With a sigh, K'Tan unholstered his phaser and dialed it down to a weak, confined beam.  He pointed the weapon at the door's locking mechanism, took aim, and pulled the trigger.  The brief, red flash of coherent energy was accompanied by an abbreviated whine, then a muffled explosion as the panel erupted into sparks.  The door eased open a crack with a soft thunk as the lock disengaged.  The Ops officer holstered his phaser and heaved the door to the side, widening the gap, then reached his arm in.  He was rewarded by a sharp pain running up his arm.

"Dor-sho-gha!", he cursed, more in surprise than pain.  Drawing his arm back and rolling up the blood-dampned sleeve, he saw the twin crescent shape of teeth marks on his arm.  BaQa'!  That little ko'tal actually broke the skin!

Steeling himself for what he knew was to come, K'Tan once again stuck his arm into the darkened closet.  As teeth once more clamped down on his arm, he grimaced.  Reaching in with his other arm, he felt a tangled mop of hair; he moved his hand down until he could feel the cloth of a collar.  Grasping the fabric, K'Tan stepped back, reeling in a squirming, kicking bundle of gnashing teeth and pointed ears.

k'Tan lifted his arm, and the boy hung suspended by the back of his shirt, still clutched in the Ops officer's fist. "V'rhaen-ao'au, Hevamsu!" shouted the youth, still trying unsuccessfully to kick his perceived captor. 

As the child's feet continued to lash out, K'Tan raised his arm higher.  He nimbly pivoted his groin left and right to avoid the strikes. "I've got the last one, Commander," K'Tan yelled out.  "I think we should leave before the little targ-pup causes me permanent damage."

Standing against the wall in the corridor, awaiting the arrival of D'Callan, Shelby found herself thinking about the security chief; the concern he had displayed towards her....after all the clashing they had had in the past and recently...just threw her off. Questions began to prey on her mind, teasing her thoughts, but in the end she convinced herself that - with his odd sense of humor - he was playing her and a half smirk edged along her lips as she shook her head.

Moving her thoughts from whimsy to business, the young ensign straightened her uniform and walked back over to gazed impassively into the cell where the Romulan woman was. Nalah Jarok, an interesting catch to say the least, but what was her angle? Shelby wasn't shy about voicing her mistrust. Yet, the irony of their lives beckoned her; shouldn't they, at some point, be able to understand one another?

After all they were both, in theory, outcast.
 

Galdar shifted in his seat for the fifth time in the last three minutes. The screen before them presented a static image of the Romulan ship but he knew that this would soon be replaced by a field of spinning debris and uncontrolled energy spikes of all types. Most concerning to him, however, was the effect that an unshielded artificial singularity would have both on the Arabella and on the space around her. It wasn't an effect he wanted to experience first hand.

Restlessly, he moved in the chair again and glanced towards the Captain.

"Ma'am?" he eventually asked quietly.

"Yes, Lieutenant." the Captain arched a brow.

The Ferengi took a deep breath. "Ma'am, I'm concerned that we're not allowing ourselves enough time to leave the system safely. Given that it took over two hours to navigate the debris field on the way in, we may expect a similar time to be required before it will be safe for us to go to warp on the way out." The helmsman stopped, unsure whether to continue. Informing a Captain of something they already knew was always potentially dangerous.

Sevryll said nothing and as the silence built, Galdar felt himself sucked into filling it, "My apologies, Ma'am, if I'm overstepping my authority, but with the time that we have remaining until that ship destroys itself, I would strongly recommend pulling everyone else out of the her and getting under way."

"Understood K'Tan," Aeric said and swiveled in his chair from one screen to another to enter additional commands. Without another word, the XO moved to the ejectable core and released it. "Computer, begin final transport sequence and set destruct at a twenty minute delay. Engage."

Aeric felt the shiver of the transporter as they finally vacated the vessel. He nodded to K'Tan and the child before picking up the compact computer core. With a quick tap of his badge, he opened a channel, "James to bridge. We're all aboard. Self destruct has been given a twenty minute delay."

Lifting the small memory core, Aeric glanced to K'tan and the young child. "K'Tan, see if you can get out little friend checked out by medical. I'm going to personally drop this core off with engineering. With all the other parts I sent over from the Presidio, it might be a little messy down there."

Dunn had been on station in the Arabella's main hanger deck when word came down they were being transported to the cargo bay. They were a mixed lot of politicians and wealthy individuals juxtaposed with a large group that had clearly lived hard lives. They all had two things in common, however. They were all homeless and they were all very dirty. Clearly the well to do attempted to maintain an air of aloof detachment, but that facade was marred by dust and grime.
His security detail had escorted them to the larger space of Shuttle Bay 2 where they could be held temporarily and processed. Medics moved among them, providing any aid, nutrition, and food where needed. The Romulan's didn't seem very appreciative but at least they were not openly hostile. He had hear that Ensign Daelen had seen some action and he looked forward to hearing her tale.
As much as he wanted to interact with some of the Romulan's, he was tasked with a very specific job down here. His eye's stayed glued to the Caredasian in the far corner.

Sevryll 's eyes moved slowly to the Ferengi seated at the helm. The Captain ordered him to lay in a course to rendezvous with the fleet, prior to the departure of the runabout. Only after the last of the away team, and their quarry, were safely aboard the Arabella, would they leave the transport behind. She trusted that he was aware of this fact, but he was also an eager young officer. By his manner Sevryll concluded that he was uncertain of her experience in such matters.  She thought the same could be said for many of the personnel serving aboard her ship. Sevryll was a newly minted Captain and despite her veteran status it was likely some of the new officers wondered what sort of leader she would make.  While the likelihood was not a pleasant one, it did not easily perturbed the Vulcan... not yet.  The helmsman briskly moved his gaze back to the viewer as Commander James' voice came over the comm, "James to bridge. We're all aboard. Self destruct has been given a twenty minute delay."

"Understood, Mr. James," replied the captain.

She then turned to the Andorian manning the Science Station," deploy a beacon to warn any ships that may investigate the transport after our departure. Keep the derelict ship on our sensors until it has detonated and continue to scan for signs of cloaked vessels."

"Mr. Galdar, engage at best possible speed."

"Aye, Captain", the Ferengi snapped, sounding respectful more than relieved...he hoped.

As the shields reverted to their normal configuration and Lieutenant Commander Zremm announced the launch of the beacon, Galdar's hands moved to the helm controls. With a surge of power the impulse engines engaged, the damaged Romulan vessel wheeling off to one side of the screen as the Arabella started to turn.

It was obvious that he'd pushed his luck a little with the captain but her Vulcan stoicism seemed to draw things out of him that an honest emotional reaction would not have. He'd have to watch out for that in the future. Still, as a bridge crew they were all feeling their way around one another to a degree. Understanding the way each officer worked was crucial to successful bridge operations and that included the captain. Out here in Romulan space, Galdar was keen to ensure that all bridge operations would be as successful as possible. If that meant things got a little uncomfortable as he settled in then so be it. It was better to be effective than liked. Popularity could come later.

Galdar smiled slightly as he thought of the nervous young Ferengi who'd entered the academy. Maybe all that education has done more for him than he'd realised!

Bringing the nose of the Arabella round, Galdar also lifted it, the light of the star washing across the side then the rear and top of the secondary hull as she pivoted and tilted in space. Stabilising on course, he guided her out of the star's orbital plane, the quicker to reach warp navigable space. It wasn't the most direct route of intercept with the fleet but it should be the quickest, the floating junk this system was full of thinning noticeably as she rose higher.

At the back of his mind, the pilot also hoped that the slightly unconventional course would throw off any cloaked Romulans that might be lurking nearby.

Engineering was in chaos.

From the moment runabout components and armaments had started to appear around the warp core, the crew had been in turmoil. Seeing the photon torpedoes appear, one had even considered it as an attack on the Arabella and had started to arm herself accordingly.

Tolok, returning in the middle of the materialisations, stood unnoticed just inside the door and watched the reactions of his crew. Chaos was how it appeared on the surface...but the experienced engineer could see past the motion and the noise, could see the training and the ability of the people under his command as the materiel was quickly catalogued, tagged and slowly transported to more appropriate storage locations. Outside of the cargo and shuttle bays, now compromised by the influx of refugees, engineering presented the biggest target for the rapid transport and evacuation of sensitive material. It was logical that the away team had beamed the ordnance here...but he would have appreciated the courtesy of a little forwarning.

To one side, Ensign Barton was talking quietly to the armed crewman, no doubt reminding her of her duty and responsibilities, the Vulcan thought.

Stepping into the middle of the room, Tolok intercepted a crewman moving towards the runabout warp core that had just appeared, starting to organise the work into a more logical pattern. A rapid clearance of the equipment was commendable but they needed to ensure that sufficient personnel remained at their stations to guarantee a safe transition to warp should the Captain require it.

"Lieutenant Garriss." he stated calmly as his fellow officer rounded the corner, "Status report please."      

"Lieutenant Garriss. Status report please."

Lester heard the order before he even saw that the Chief Engineer had entered engineering. The influx of extra personell to deal with the components being transported into the area made it difficult to make anyone out.

"Welcome to Picadilly Circus Commander!" Lester joked.

Tolok's expression failed to change which was no surprise since he was a Vulcan so probably didn't appreciate the joke or the reference. Lester made a mental note to try to keep his humor for more appropriate occasions.

"Sir, we are making excellent progress cataloging and storing the components." he quickly added.

"I have everybody on it Sir. We may look like we are a disorganised mess down here but trust me, everybody knows their role and system efficiency is well within acceptable parameters, we are ready for anything." Lester assured him.

He didn't expect to be put in this situation but he thought he had done a good job. He handed Commander Tolok his PADD to inspect.

"Thank you Lieutenant" Tolok replied.

Lester could swear that the Commander seemed a little on edge or displeased with he situation as he toured Main Engineering to see what was happening.

Leaving him to it Lester carried on with his duties, gesturing to Ensign Barton to come over to his station.

"Ensign, let me know if they accidentally send over any Romulan parts won't you?" he winked.

JOINT POST BY CRYSTAL, JEN, BRYANCD, JUSTX & MEDS

Joseph stopped dead in his tracks after hearing Ensign Daelen's message. "D'Callan to Commander James, our Romulan guest of Ensign Daelen's has awoken from her slumber. I'm on my way to question her. Thoughts?"

The recently returned XO replied as he worked to tie up the final lose ends from the mission, "Until I see Daelen's report, I'll reserve my final recommendations. For now, I am for keeping her in the brig until we get to some place to drop her off, but check with the captain for further instructions. We are almost done over here and will be returning soon. Joe, make sure your reports are detailed. We're going to be held accountable for everything that happens out here, James out."

Joseph turned and began to walk back to the brig "D'Callan to Captain Sevryll. The Romulan who attacked Ensign Daelen is currently in the brig, Nurse Caine has checked her out she is fine but I'm just after clearance to question her regarding her actions."

"I will speak to her," she said in a smooth, unaffected tone.

Joseph smiled "Understood ma'am".

Walking into the brig, Joseph noticed Shelby leaning against the wall "Attention Ensign".

Ensign Daelen immediately stood ramrod straight, "Sir."

Joseph turned his eye from the young officer, then to the cell and he smiled at the Romulan woman glaring back at him.

"Good morning to you. My name is Lt Commander D'Callan, I am Chief of Security here aboard the USS Arabella. My Captain will be joining us in a moment, so please do feel free to relax. You are quite safe here." Joseph turned to Shelby, "With me Ensign." The two walked to the side of the Brig and checked on the sensor readings from the control panel.

Nalah sat on the sparse bunk and took a deep, calming breath. She was unsure as to the intentions of the Federation in this matter but she knew she could accomplish nothing cooling her heels in the brig. She cleared her mind in a technique Pardek had taught her to help give her focus. It helped her create an almost Vulcan like calm.

JOINT POST BY CRYSTAL, JEN, BRYANCD, JUSTX & MEDS

Checking the security panel, Shelby found everything in order as it should be then she glanced over at D'Callan and whispered, "Any chance I can amp up the field a little?" A playful smirk toyed at the edges of her lips, "Might calm her down."

Joseph looked at Shelby with a coy smile. "Behave yourself, Ensign. We've got a delicate situation here. The boss is coming down, which means she's concerned. I've known our captain since I was a child so I know when she's focused and you know what Vulcans are like when focus is on an agenda." He winked at her and looked back at the Romulan— she sat quite calm and reserved. He could sense Shelby looking at him suspiciously, "What?"

"You've known the Captain since you were small, Sir?" There was confusion in her expression and skepticism in her tone.

Leaning against the control panel, Joseph gazed at the ensign. "Yes, both she and Commander James went to the Academy with my father. He thinks an awful lot of them, as do I." Just as D'Callan finished and Daelen was about to ask another question, the Captain entered the Brig.

Moving to one side, the ensign stood at attention, "Captain." Shelby addressed the Vulcan with a nod.

The tall, svelte woman nodded in acknowledgment. Sevryll's impassive gaze then came to rest on the prisoner seated within the small cell. She took in the Romulan's own placid expression and determined an underlying acidity existed just below the surface.

The Seventh Fleet's mission was one of peace and keeping a Romulan in the Brig did not further that cause. "Release the field, Mr. D'Callan."

Joseph walked to the panel and pressed his hand against the screen, the force field made a small faint noise and disappeared. "Ma'am"

JOINT POST BY CRYSTAL, JEN, BRYANCD, JUSTX & MEDS

"I am Captain Sevryll. May I have your name?" The Vulcan queried with steady calm.

"Nalah Jarok," she replied in as impassive and neutral tone as she could muster. The Captain, although not a large woman, had a great deal of presence and it made Nalah nervous.

"You may not be aware of this, but our rescue team was granted permission to board the vessel in order to render aid." She studied the Romulan's face a moment and decided that her statement had failed to penetrate.

The captain arched her brow,"I do not desire to keep you here, but you will remain until I am satisfied that you no longer pose a threat to my crew or your fellow passengers..." The prisoner's aloof manner was typical of the Romulans Sevryll knew. She was well acquainted with a number of them—having fought along side many during the Dominion War. If she expected answers from the hesitant woman, it would be necessary to trigger her sense of honor...if she had one.

Sevryll stepped into the cell as the prisoner straightened. "I was informed that you attacked Ensign Daelen in an attempt to take control of the runabout. The team's mission was to evacuate your people from a transport who's engines were about to go critical." She watched as the Romulan shift slightly, but no verbal response was given. Unaffected, the captain continued at an easy pace, "It is common knowledge that the Romulans value honor. If this is true, why would one, such as yourself, risk the lives of her people to save only herself? Had you succeeded in that endeavor, your actions would have condemned those remaining aboard; a flagrant exploit, to be sure. Was it your intent to doom them all? Or were you concerned only with preserving your own life?"

Nalah lost her composure and a laugh erupted from her."Ha! Vulcans and their Federation and their misguided sense of duty!" Nalah stood quickly, but Sevryll was a smooth pond that refused the ripple—she kept her position just inside the cell.

D'Callan shifted somewhat and Shelby's hand went directly to her phaser's hilt.

"A ship filled with the weak and the corrupt," she spat. "The Senators FAILED MY PEOPLE! If MY culture is to endure," she said, glancing venomously at Shelby,"it will be built upon the bodies of those that failed us. You can take comfort and solace in your 'humanitarian' efforts, Vulcan, but you are simply delaying the inevitable." She looked into Sevryll's eyes. "Now you and I are both without our homes." She said and sat heavily back on the bed.

Joseph turned to Shelby and shook his head with a smile. He walked slowly towards the brig entrance but not too close, just so the Captain knew he was there. The Romulan couldn't see him anymore — Joseph just nodded to the Captain.

The Romulan wasn't shaking the ensign, in fact her behavior was adding to her distrust. There was enough here to be concerned about and as soon as she could Shelby was going to start researching her background. If there was even the slightest reason to toss her off this boat she would be the first going.

Nalah's dark gaze chastised Sevryll like a whip, but the captain held the Romulan's eye with the strength of her calm. The questions Sevryll put to Nalah Jarok were designed to bring the woman out of her quiet and it seemed she had achieved a measure of success with regards to breaking the silence. The room still seemed to vibrate with the volume of the young woman's reply, and that reply had confirmed Sevryll's supposition— her attempt to steal the runnabout had only scratched the surface of her dark intentions.

Now you and I are both without our homes.  With that remark, the fires of Nalah's furry lept from her to scourge Sevryll. The heat of her words succeeded in causing an imperceptible pain...one that flickered a moment but could not hold. Sevryll's voice held a note of astounding serenity when she finally replied, "My home, Nalah, is this vessel; the planet you have referred to, was the world my parents called 'home'." She paused for emphasis,  "Vulcan was a planet destroyed by a member of your species, yet I have come to offer aid to his people— an effort you no doubt believe to be foolish. With your thoughts so obviously bent on revenge, it would be equally injudicious of me to release you from this cell."Nalah's smoldering gaze swung away as Sevryll turned to leave. On her way out of brig Captain Sevryll gestured for D'Callan to follow her into an empty corridor.  "Let our guest remain in her cell for a two hours. After that time, release Ms. Jarok— she will be assigned her own quarters, which I want under guard. Do not allow Ms. Jarok to leave her quarters unaccompanied, she should have an armed escort. I want them to monitor her activities throughout her stay aboard this ship. Though the evacuees were disarmed during the transport, they are still capable of exacting revenge, as you are no doubt aware. If she so much as glances in the direction of the senators, inform me. I want them discretely observed as well, but do not allow our personnel to harass the Romulans. Observation and protection is one thing, badgering to the point of distrust is quite another. We are still on a mission of peace, Mr. D'Callan."

"Understood, ma'am," said the Chief Of Security as Sevryll made her way to Shuttle Bay 2 to begin welcoming the passengers aboard the Arabella.

JOINT POST BY DINGHEAD AND MEDS

Joseph walked in the opposite direction to the Captain and Ensign Shane ran up to him, he looked at him aS they carried on walking.

"Report Ensign?"

"I was setting up in Bay Two when Dunn took over. All sensitive areas of the ship have at least one or two discreet guards. Everyone's been told to be nice, but not to take a disruptor blast for diplomacy's sake."

Joseph and Darius stopped in front of the turbo lift. "There will be no disruptor blasts, stuns, or any kind of violence Mr Shane. this is the situation. We have Ensign Daelen guarding a guest at the moment, she is going to be fairly busy with this task and I don't want her compromised. We need to keep an eye on the senators. Darius watch them, discreetly. I DO NOT want any problems. Further instructions will follow once i receive them. This is a peace mission, the Captain has made herself VERY clear, Understand?"

"You got it Boss. I don't suppose the Captain would let us maybe pump a bit of Anesthizine into the bay? Make everybody real peaceful?" he asked in obvious humor.

Joseph faced him and he did not look amused. "Darius, I do hope you are taking this job seriously, Lt Commander Tolok informs me he has a vacnacy for a WASTE tube cleaner down in engineering would you like me to put your name forward?"

Darius straightened "Sorry Boss"

"On your way Ensign, keep the reports coming in, no matter how small keep me informed"

Darius turned and headed back down the corridor, Joseph called after him "Oh and Ensign Shane, I would have used Neurozine" He winked and entered the open turbo lift.

After the Captain took D'Callan down another corridor in the brig, to speak with him, Shelby glanced at the 'currently' calm Romulan through the security field which was on again; Nalah wasn't going anywhere. This gave Daelen an opportunity to slip out. The officer headed down to deck 14, upon arriving, she walked into the sparsely populated offices. Most of the staff was out on assignments related to the Romulan's or they were stationed at key locations to keep prying eyes away. 

Finding a out-of-the-way monitor Shelby first checked to make sure she was alone, then she logged on and started accessing information on Nalah Jarok and then her Father Alidar Jarok. If you were Romulan it was fairly common knowledge to know of Admiral Jarok and the 'shame' he had brought upon his family. There was something though, that upon spinning what she knew of the incident around in her mind, that bothered her.

Understandably, the facts of the story she was aware of had always been vague and undefined or over-glorified, depending on the person talking about it, which wasn't totally without precidence. Such behavior was to be expected from rumor or word of mouth. Oddly enough though as she researched the matter, in the Starfleet database, Shelby was surprised to find a similar sterile thread surrounding the entire incident.

This confused her, why would Starfleet be so 'general' about a matter like this? First the USS Enterprise, the Federation's flagship, was involved. It would be expected that a complete explanation of the events would be available, they weren't, at least not readily.  Secondly, the most she could gather from the logs was that a man, who presented himself as a low level clerk in the Romulan military, who was later discovered to be Admiral Jarok, attempted to defect by asking for asylum. The reason for it was listed as, political. That could be anything. Also there was little on what the Enterprise did to confirm or debunk the man's request. Simply put the end result of the mission was listed that the man in custody died of natural causes.

So the question begged, why would someone leave everything they knew, go elsewhere, ask for asylum and then die unexpectedly from a natural death within such a short period of time? Sitting back and running her finger along her chin, Shelby ran over the information once more, this just was too simple. Surely someone had questioned this before. Something was here and when she had some time she was going to find out what.

At the moment though the ship and Shelby had bigger problems. If D'Callan had orders for her he was probably was looking for her by now, if not then she was fine, but no sense pushing the envelope.

The young ensign finished her work and secured her search under a password. Logging off she headed out of security and in search of the Chief.

The Romulan vessel slowly spun in the darkness.  With its ravaged, raptor-like pylons, it resembled a half-stripped bird carcass drifting in a sluggish stream.  The wreck's gray-green hull seemed to briefly shudder, then buckle ever so slightly in on itself.  A sudden, eldritch flare of light lit the hulk from within, briefly eclipsing the glow of the stars around it.  In perfect sync with the blast of energy, the ship's sorely strained hull expanded.  In what looked like blatant defiance of the laws of physics, the exotic alloys comprising the ship's hull  seemed to stretch, expanding in an attempt to contain the violent energies erupting within her.  Finally, the tortured shell yielded; seamless joints and welds split like the skin of an overripe fruit.  Stressed metal warped, buckled, and tore free from the dying vessel.  Finally liberated, the terrible power that once gave life to the ship expanded outward in a blazing sphere.  At the heart of the sphere, the remains of the transport seemed to ignite with a tragic, phoenix-like beauty. 

In a heartbeat, the sphere flickered, then began to fall in on itself, dragging with it the charred remnants of the Romulan transport.  With exponentially increasing speed, the shining globe of energy shrank ever smaller, eventually collapsing into a pinprick of light, and then abruptly winking out, leaving no visible trace of its existence. 

On one of the Arabella's rear-facing observation decks, A small, pointy-eared youth looked on in slack-jawed fascination as the distant Romulan vessel erased itself from the starscape.  At a slight distance behind the child, a tall, stern-faced human kept stoic vigil. 

"That is why you had to leave the ship," K'Tan said.  "Do you understand?" 

Like a surreal chorus, a perfect Rihannsu translation of K'Tan's words echoed back, emitted by the civilian commbadge pinned to the youth's shirt.  Nevertheless, the child's only response was to cast a wary glance in K'Tan's direction.

K'Tan gave a frustrated sigh.  "Very well."  He turned to the nearby replicator.  "Computer, one ihor'yeho, extra-sweet, and an osol twist."  At the mention of the fruit drink and the tart confection, the child's demeanor switched from wary to alertly interested. 

Ha, K'Tan thought.  At least I know the kid can hear. 

As the replicator effect subsided, the child snatched up the juice and the treat.  Despite his best effort, K'Tan felt himself grinning.  "Come on," he said.  "There's a nice lady I'd like you to meet.  She might have treats for you as well."  As he headed for the exit, K'Tan casually glanced back, and was pleased to see the child cautiously trailing him.  Pausing now and then to let his young charge catch up, K'Tan made his way to the sickbay.

I hope Doctor Drett has better luck getting this kid to open up.

Dr Peterson Busied himself in sickbay helping out were needed, he fixed up scrapes and abrasions, broken bones and lacerations and was their to answer questions when needed.

Casey made sure that the medical staff on duty had all the blood and supplies they needed and walked around and made sure the patients had everything they needed even if it was only a little reassurance that they would be OK.

The sickbay was a hub of efficiency the doctors and nurses worked side-by-side instinctively knowing what the other person needed while  dancing around each other as they went from patient to patient diagnosing and repairing their injuries.

Casey watched this for a few minutes secretly wondering if he had made a mistake, leaving the medical department for a chance at command. He muttered to himself quietly " Only time will tell." as he went on his way helping an orderly bring in another patient to sick bay.

Doctors Drett and Myella Peterson stepped out of the surgery ward as a medic pushed their unconscious patient into recovery. Senator Navash's stab wound had been critical, but fortunately the blade had missed her vital organs. The cellular microsutures put in place had stopped the bleeding and the Senator was well on her way to recovery.  Ryla flexed her wrist as they made their way onto the floor. Casey Peterson had been the one to mend the fractured bones, for she could not hold the regenerator properly to perform the task herself. It had been her first introduction to the bridge commander. He was Doctor Myella Peterson's husband and by the way he moved about sickbay, he was eager to help.  

"Thank you, Mr. Peterson," she said as he helped the medic move Senator Nevash to her biobed. The taller man focused two pools of dark blue on the Trill.  Ryla's eyes shifted to his civilian clothing and noticed a few drops of green blood on the white fabric of his tunic. He glanced down at it as Myella lightly chided him about wearing his good shirts during medical emergencies.
He laughed, "I didn't expect you to ask for my help..."

Ryla smiled to them both, "why don't you two go to the Afterburner. You're officially off duty, Myella."
"If you need any more help, I'd be happy to assist," said Casey.

"I think we have things from here, but I'll let you know. Gamma shift is less than eight hours from now and you'll need to be rested when you resume your duties as bridge commander, sir."

Casey's brows lifted as if he had only then remembered his posting—his smile broadened. "If we end up in the lounge, maybe you could join us when you get off your shift."

"I may. I have a date later...I think..." She had two actually. One with her friend Galdar and one with Lieutenant Olson, made that morning before she left for the transport. She had forgotten about poor Galdar when she made arrangements with Jared and hoped he wouldn't be put off by the third wheel she had inadvertently added to the mix. "Maybe I'll see you two there."

As the couple left Ryla to her work, she removed the surgical cap and jacket and entered her office. The nurses and med techs had the situation well in hand, now all that remained for the Trill to do was make her report. The first thing she did, when she sat behind her desk, was compose a communiqué to Lieutenant Commander D'Callan detailing the information she learned while on the transport.  An aid informed her that Senator Ketleck, who was in her sickbay with a head wound, had dealt the blow to Senator Nevash. She gazed out the transparent walls of her office and sited the security officers standing just outside. They were lingering about, visiting, not the sort of posture a dubious Romulan passenger would find opposing, but their presence put the doctor at ease. At least, she thought, if Ketleck and Nevash wake up and decided to kill one another, I won't have to stop them myself. She gripped her wrist, remembering the crushing hold the anonymous Romulan woman had effortlessly mustered, and hoped she wouldn't be met a second time by that hateful woman or anyone else with vengeful intentions.

 

As K'Tan and the Romulan child traveled deeper into the bustling heart of the Arabella, the corridors grew progressively more crowded and busy.  Faced with the multi-hued collection of uniformed humans and other aliens, the child slowly drew closer to the most familiar face in this new world- that of the surly looking Second Officer.  As they entered the turbolift, K'Tan's combadge chimed for his attention.

"K'Tan here; go ahead."

A familiar, sultry contralto answered.  "This is Lt. Stass.  Just checking to see if we're still on for dinner later."

The hint of a smile lit K'Tan's face as an image of the statuesque, raven-haired security officer flashed in his mind. The athletically nubile Lt. never failed to quicken his pulse.  His grin widened as he pictured her piercing green eyes, and the striking contrast they made with her coffee colored skin.  That woman's better than a double shot of raktijino; and twice as sweet, he thought.  "I certainly hope so," K'Tan answered.  He glanced down at the child at his side.  "I'm officially off duty now.  Just dropping off a package at sickbay."

"Good," she replied.  "You pick out dinner, and I get to decide on dessert. Stass out."

K'Tan quickened his pace, and glanced back at his young guest.  "Come along now, hurry up."

Eventually, the two arrived at deck 5.  Thanks to the high standards of her crew, the Arabella had a reputation of being one of the more tightly run ships in the fleet.  The crew took pride in their home, and it showed in every detail; from the immaculate, military-grade carpeting covering her decks to the pristine gleam of the fixtures and LCARS panels interspersed on the walls.  But although an 'Inspection-Ready' level of order and maintenance was the norm throughout the ship, all areas paled in comparison to the spotless, antiseptically clean deck housing sickbay.  K'Tan gave a slight nod of approval as he strode towards the main entrance.

The transparent-aluminum  doors were so spotless, one would be hard pressed to even see them were it not for the winged-staff of Aesculapius painted on them in gleaming white. As the pair approached, a seam appeared, bisecting the symbol as the twin doors drew apart.  Inside, the brightly lit bay was a simmering storm of controlled activity; white clad doctors and nurses wove in and out as they attended their patients, and charts were passed off with the precision of a well-drilled relay team.  K'Tan made his way to the Petty Officer serving as receptionist; the non-com snapped to attention at his approach. "May I help you sir?"

"Yes," K'Tan replied.  "This child is one of the evacuees from the Romulan transport. He has no guardian that I know of, and he needs a checkup.  Considering the delicate nature of our rescue mission, I want to ensure that he gets the best attention available.  Does Dr. Drett has time to see him?"

 Joint post by Jen, Dadandersen, Just X and Moyer777

Sevryll turned a corner in the corridor and was joined by Counselor Margon who quickly fell into step beside her. The Bolian had been visiting various departments to gauge the crew's morale, "how did your meetings go Mr. Margon?"

"Very well Captain!"  said the Bolian.  "I believe we should be okay.  The majority are simply uneasy because of the past tensions, but all are willing to help.  They are with you."


At the end of the passage, Aeric stood waiting at the entrance to the shuttle bay. Even from the distance she observed him from, she could see that his uniform appeared dirty and tattered. A milk run? She projected through the bond with a dry Vulcan wit.

More like a normal day at the office, he smiled as he watched the captain and counselor draw closer. Everyone did a great job.

Well done, she replied.

A few crewmen were bustling in and out of the bay carrying supplies. As the Captain and Counselor neared the entrance, a science officer gained Sevryll's attention, "Captain," said Herm, "I'm anxious to begin the interview process, if..."

"Mr.?" She interjected.

"Hermaratlo, ma'am."

"Yes, of course. You are our Anthropology and Archaeology officer." She could see a fervent enthusiasm in his beaming smile and bright eyes. "Ensign Hermaratlo, perhaps you should take the names of our guests for the ship's records instead. Do not harass them with questions this day. They have been through a number of traumatic experiences and I do not wish to add to their discomfort. I am sure you can appreciate the delicate nature of our situation..."

The Captain was right of course. Herm had been so anxious to prove himself to his captain and fellow crewmen that he hadn't stopped to consider their guests. From the corridor, he could hear the chaos in the shuttle bay. By the sound of it, there would be anger, frustration, and confusion. The last thing they needed was some hyper ensign bugging them with a lot of annoying questions about their lost home world. Cataloging the names would allow him do what he should have done in the first place, just talk to them. There would be plenty of time later to ask questions. Who knows? He might even make a friend or two.

"Yes, ma'am!" Said Herm, nearly shouting as he snapped to attention. After receiving a nod from the captain, he allowed them to continue their march toward the shuttlebay and followed on their heels, happy to have something constructive to do.


As they proceeded toward their destination, they were joined by Commander James who gave Margon a polite nod and the Captain a broad smile. The three senior officers, with the ensign not far behind, then crossed the threshold of Shuttle Bay 2 and were met by a cacophony of frustrated voices. Aeric looked over the crowded shuttle bay. Engineers moved along side the refugees in their efforts to complete the transformation to temporary living quarters. The individuals that comprised the mob ranged from infant to elder, from clean to bruised and dirty and Aeric could sense their apprehension. The room was filled with those that had never experienced contact with member species of the Federation. Their only knowledge originated from propaganda used by their leaders to paint their saviors as their enemies. It was the same prejudiced undercurrent that flowed through the Arabella. Officers and enlisted on their very ship had grown up in a society that considered the refugees as tyrants and murderers.

It wasn't until the last decade that any real progress had been made to alter that image. The alliance with the Imperial Romulan State had brought new perspective to how some of the Federation viewed their neighbors, but there were still others that only saw what they were taught the Star Empire represented. Aeric had been aboard the Tiberius during her mission to Romulan space as they helped plant the seeds that would become the Imperial State. It was during their first encounter with the woman who would become empress that they made their impression on her. And it was by the missing empress's diplomatic invitation that the fleet was assembled. In those brief encounters and communications with Donatra over the years, Aeric had come to find the Empress a person of great honor. Now it was time for the Federation to stand by their ally, even if she was still missing. It was time for them to stand by the Romulan people, even if they didn't believe they needed the help.

"Where are we going!?" An elder voice called out to the officers. "Where are you taking us?!" Shouted a woman.

Joint post by Jen, Dadandersen, Just X and Moyer777



A torrent of additional questions merged with the den of defiant people. Voices blurred into a white noise of inquiries, accusations, and raw emotions. Aeric cleared his throat and glance to his wife.

With a combination of vocal strength and psychic ability, the XO spoke, "Could I have your attention please?"

The ambient levels of sound began to lower as Commander James continued his call for attention. It was a technique that he had learned in the trenches of battle and he perfected it in their home to focus the attention of their three children. Each further application of the technique lowered the level of sound in the room, and with it, Aeric's voice. Speak only loud enough for them to hear, but soft enough for them to have to listen.

"I am quite certain that you all have a great many questions and we're here to provide you with answers," Aeric said in a voice now only slightly above conversational level. "I only ask that you respect those near you and allow them to hear the answer that you are looking for."

For the most part the evacuees were still irate, but their protests had fallen silent. Sevryll took the opportunity to interpose, "I am Captain Sevryll," she gestured to the El-Aurian/Nacine and Bolian standing beside her,  "this is my first officer, Commander James, and the Ship's Counselor, Mr. Margon."

The Commander gave a polite smile to the mob on the mention of his name but remained silent. He had cleared the path for the captain to assert her authority into the situation and knew his role was to provide the tools needed to continue the dialog. With a thought, he communicated telepathically with his wife, We have a copy of their replicator database and are in the process of adding Romulan food, drink, and clothing selections to the public use replicators. For now the additions are limited and will not include alcoholic beverages or other recreational drugs. More will be added as we determine any risk potential.

It wasn't much, but it might make the difference in the perception of their guests. A meal and fresh clothing, from their own people, could be exactly what they needed to convince their guests that they were not prisoners. It was an instance where Commander James truly preferred the carrot to the stick.

"Information from your ship's database was transferred to our own in order to better serve you. We are in the process of adding menus and clothing selections from those files to our replicators. For the time being, alcohol and other drugs will be excluded. In the mean time you are free to patron our ship's lounge and other recreational areas."

A grumble went up at the mention of a transfer of information from the transport, "How do we know you haven't stolen vital information?"

Sevryll's ear found the man before her eye fell on him. She turned her head in his direction and nodded, "Our mission is simply to offer assistance. The only 'vital' information we obtained included star charts that will enable us to take you where you intend to go," she patiently replied.

"Where are you taking us?!" Shouted another voice.

"Where ever you want," replied Margon in a reassuring tone.

Sevryll nodded, "perhaps it would be best if you elect a representative that we may consult with regards to your individual needs." She nodded to Ensign Hermaratlo standing quietly near the door, "Mr. Hermaratlo will take your names for our ship's records. You may also dictate a preferred destination and representative."

The commander nodded in quiet agreement with the captain. He had to bite his tongue to stop himself from pointing out the obvious to their passengers. Both sides of the Romulan empires had suffered fatal blows. It was highly unlikely that the transport contained critical information of any sort and he was quite sure that if there had been, after the ultra nova that information would have been rendered more than useless. These people had been attacked by what appeared to be their own military and centuries of hate still had them assuming the worst of the individuals that came to aid them.

After a few more minutes, Sevryll and Aeric left the Ensign and Couneselor to gather the details required of the evacuees. The Captain and First Officer's shift had ended, but there was still more work to be done. Next, they would visit the Senators. Somehow Sevryll knew that meeting would go less smoothly. It was her experience that politicians, no matter their species, often held higher opinions of themselves than their constituents had.

Galdar stepped back from the Conn letting his Beta shift counterpart slide smoothly into the newly vacated seat. The normal handover and course review routine had taken a little longer than normal due to the debris in the star system they were leaving so Galdar found himself as the only Alpha shift officer still on the Bridge. Without any of his departing colleagues to exchange pleasantries with, he found himself in no hurry to depart.

Stepping up to the upper deck, he paused by the security booth, turning to look back at the panoramic vista of stars presented by the sector of Romulan space spread before them on the view screen. This area wasn't that densely cluttered with stars but even so, the screen presented a wealth of rainbow hues and shades to those who cared to take the time to look. The speed of warp travel normally obscured this beauty from view for all but the briefest periods of travel so Galdar was determined to take advantage of this view while it was available. His passion remained for flying in all of its forms, but in the last few months he'd started to take a little time to acquire a better appreciation for what it was that he was flying through, past or around.

Blinking, he finally turned again and stepped towards the lift, its doors hissing open at his approach.

"Officers Quarters, Deck 8", he said quietly as the doors closed, falling silent again as the car hummed on its way.

Joint post by Jen, and Just X

That went much better than I expected, Aeric thought to his wife on their way to meet with the Senators. It's going to be nice to have a few more vulcanoid children aboard to interact with the kids. I wouldn't mind a Watraii and Reman presence as well. Our children should have an opportunity to experience all four aspects of the Vulcanoid societies."

Aeric had put some effort in studying all the Vulcanoid species and quickly came to understand that while they might seem different, there were many aspects that crossed the cultures. There were traits that seemed reflected in the talents and abilities of their children—aspects that were similar to those of the once united race of beings. Aeric could not help but notice that the hive-like cooperation the twins displayed, was in many ways reminiscent of the martial discipline characterized in the Watraii. Aria, their eldest, often displayed attributes that were typified by pre-Surok Vulcans. She had the heart of a healer, but the mind of a technocrat. It made his own heart a little heavy to imagine what their eldest son would have been like had he lived, but the pain had dimmed over the years. Now, in the presence of all the Romulans around them, the XO could not help but wonder what influence they would impart to his children.



Murynn and Nevaul scurried out the door of their parent's quarters—by their laughter, Aria had no doubt their minds were bent on mischief. The oldest of Sevryll and Aeric's three offspring kept her emotions in check as she followed briskly behind them. Brex had invited she and her siblings to help bathe his dog, which was the reason for their unaccompanied journey through the passage way. The twelve-year-old boy and girl had become fast friends during the first days of the mission, making the new posting aboard Arabella all the more entertaining. The Counselor's adopted son always had a new game to teach them and on top of that, he had a big, slobbery dog.

Aria's dark brown hair was pulled back in a series of braids that her mother had made earlier that morning—they swung on her back as she bounded after the younger children, "Slow down," she commanded in a voice that imitated her parents'. "Mother said we shouldn't run in the corridors." Her warning had no affect on the five-year-olds who disappeared around the bend ahead of her. She suppressed a sigh, though her genitally arched brows dipped in frustration. Soon after, Aria smiled as she witnessed Rory appear before the twins causing them to halt their marathon. "You heard your sister...no running."

The boy's faltered smile swiftly returned, "we're going to wash a dog." His identical twin sister nodded enthusiastically, "Brex said we can help."

The holographic nanny smirked, "Ah, yes...Brex. That boy has a million ways of shirking his chores. He wants you to wash the dog so he won't have to..." She shook her head, the children seemed no less deterred by the prospect of doing someone else's dirty work. "Next, he'll have a new game planned for you called: "clean my room for me," and you'll jump at the chance to do it for points that count for nothing or for a record breaking time that he doesn't actually keep."

Aria knew it was true, but Brex was one of the only children aboard Arabella and they were so hungry for the company of peers that she chose to ignore his tricks.

"Come along..." said Rory as she took the twins' hands in her own, "I'll make sure he cleans his own room."

Joint post by Jen, and Moyer777

If Aria was like her mother, Murynn and Nevaul were very much like her father—always looking for adventure and hardly ever weighing the consequences. Both children were, for all intensive purposes, well mannered, they were just a busier than most children their age. Physically, the twins were a blend of both of their parents. Their bright eyes were a color that seemed to shift depending on environment they were in. Their ears were tipped in points like Aria's, but their brows lacked the up-swept appearance. Murynn's raven hair was long like her sisters, and it was often worn in Vulcan braids. Opting against the tradition of his mother's people, Nevaul's dark hair was instead cut to look just like his father's, and it was currently a mess due to his rush to help Brex.

Rory stopped with the children just outside the Counselor's quarters and rang the chime. When the door wasn't immediately answered, the children dashed through the entry, leaving Rory and Aria stading alone in the corridor.

The tall Bajoran boy had his back turned to them when the twins came running in.  Sumo the black lab, leapt from his arms as Brex was attempting to usher him into the head. 
 
"Hi guys!" said Brex, still trying to gather the washing supplies that had fallen to the floor, "I've got a couple of other things you can do while I get this stuff ready, I hope you don't mind getting wet."
 
Rory, who had stepped into the room,  tilted her head to one side and glanced to Aria as if to say, "I told you so." She gave the Bajoran a warning gaze before she turned to go, "Don't be late to dinner." The holographic nanny vanished, leaving the children to their fun.

"Ahemmm," came Aria's soft voice.  Brex turned his eye from the space that Rory had once filled, to see the Captain's oldest daughter looking at him with a single arched brow that was meant to punctuate the question that followed. "They are already bathing your dog, must they do your other chores as well?" The subtle smile on her face was at odds with the disapproving sound of her words.
 
"Well, a guy can try can't he?"  He grinned.  She was very pretty, which made him a little shier than usual. He tried not to let it affect him, but it did. She had been so nice to him over the past few weeks and he appreciated it, but she was right...he was always talking her little brother and sister into doing the chores Margon left for him to do. But it was so easy!  A tad bit embarrassed by his less than pure motives, he stumbled on his words,   "Ah...you guys get Sumo into the head. I have a tub ready for him. The sonic shower gives him dandruff, but I just can't seem to get him into it the water."

Nevaul produced a rubberized bone from his pocket and threw it across the room.  Sumo went bolting for it and toppled over the couch.  Brex shook his head and Aria watched in amazement as the canine knocked over various pieces of furniture... This, she was sure, would make them very late for dinner.


Finally Nevaul retrieved the slimy dog chew and threw it towards the door of the head, and the huge black dog bounded after it. The twins dashed in the room behind Sumo, giggling as they ran.  There was a splashing sound and more laughter followed by silence. Aria was certain the silence was not a good thing and darted through the obstacle course of upended furniture to put her head through the door. Her brother and sister had, of course, ended up in the tub with Sumo. The dog plunged his head beneath the water in an attempt to find the chew toy, blowing bubbles that made the children laugh again. The twins were soaked from head to toe and soap suds topped their heads.  Sumo abruptly pulled his head  from the water wearing a curious look. The bone was now in his mouth and string of drool laced with bubbles swung as he cocked his head sideways, as if to say "What? Am I in trouble?" 


Laughing with them, Brex tossed the twins a scrub brush and some shampoo. "Ok, make this good. You're already wet, so scrub him till he is all clean!" The Counselor's son grinned and  from the corner of his eye he could see that Aria was almost smiling.  He liked that.  It made her eyes sparkle.

Joint post by Meds and Crystal

Shelby Daelen waited at the turbo lift, as she stood there she wondered what might be taking so long, resigning that it would never arrive, the security officer took a deep breath, she was even on the verge of heading off to find another lift or a jefferies tube when the doors parted; revealing the Chief of Security; Joe D'Callan. 

Not wanting to stare at him; Shelby gave him a smile laced with patience then the woman entered the small compartment and crossed to the opposite side of the wall: greeting him appropriately.   "Commander." For although she had been looking for the man she didn't want to give him the impression that that had been her goal.

"Ensign." was his even reply.

The doors shut and Shelby ordered the computer to the deck with her quarters on them.

A silence fell between them for a time, then the Chief asked. "Where'd you dart off to earlier?"

"Just some business for security." She said keeping her eyes forward.

The hum of the lift became their background as both returned to their own thoughts.

While Joe reached up and unsnapped his uniform collar then he loosened it. Shelby noticed this out of the corner of her eye and she said nothing.

The moment the door opened Joe said briskly. "Walk with me" and without waiting D'Callan moved out into the corridor.

Keeping up with the chief, the ensign portrayed the picture of composure. As they walked a question came to her mind. "What is going to happen to Nalah Jarok?"

Joseph concentrated as he walked "The Captain wants her held for a few more hours." glancing over at the dark haired ensign he added evenly. "Sevryll has made it very clear she does not want any problems." he smiled at her as he pressed his hand against the door panel and it swished open with a gentle noise.  "I know it's difficult for you but these things make us harder"

As D'Callan walked in, Shelby followed him, her eyes lighting with rebellion. Upon the door hissing shut the young woman stopped short and stood at attention. "Permission to speak freely, Sir."

"Granted." Joe retrieved a refreshingly cool glass of water from the replicator and turned to face the woman whom he could see he had riled up.

"'I know it's difficult for you?'" She said while trying to contain her annoyance with another one of his 'remarks' about her.  "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I think you know exactly what that means." he said with calm as he moved closer to her.

Her eyes scanned his blue-green gaze and she narrowed her eyes as she glared at him. "I don't think that is complete assessment. You haven't exactly been the model 'chief of security'...let's see...There was that time on Reven Six --"

Gazing into the ensigns eyes, Joe found himself intrigued even more by this woman and he admitted to himself that there was no mistaking it; she was definitely a live wire. Still there was business to attend. "That may be true. The difference here though is that I am not being placed in charge of our Romulan 'guest'." Needing to move his thoughts from the inappropriate, in regards to the striking woman, Joe emptied his glass then returned it to the replicator and turned. "You are - You already have a 'relationship' of sorts with this Nalah so we don't need to bother with introductions."

Joseph stopped outside of his bedroom door and his tone changed slightly; becoming more commanding again. "Now, head back down there, keep yourself out of her way. Soon as the Captain gives the orders for her release, escort her to her quarters and keep an eye on her. I'm trusting you here Shelby. Don't let me down." he smiled at her as he let her depart, then he entered his room.

Shelby stood straight, pivoted and then left the room.

Joseph, in turn, stepped back and leant against the door frame; to watch her leave. He thought about her and her relationship towards the Romulan, and he wondered, maybe it would mirror his own feelings towards the Cardassian who played on his mind.

Joint post by Shelby Daelen and Bryancd


Nalah sat at the lone table in the sparse room she had been assigned by the Vulcan Captain. Besides the table and two chairs, the room had only a bed and a small window which looked out towards the ship's starboard nacelle. The only other item in the room was a simple computer terminal with access to only entertainment programs and files. There wasn't even a replicator so she assumed food would be brought to her. It was still a prison, although better accommodated than the brig.

A sudden flash of light was shown through the window. She jumped up and stared out the port to see the final demise of the cargo ship which had been her previous....prison. Her lot hadn't improved much over the past 12 hours, she mused.

After getting the Captain's orders to release the Romulan woman, Ensign Daelen had arranged for a sparse room and had her moved into them. Now, entering the quarters, without announcing herself, Shelby turned her head back slightly as the door hissed shut behind her. Placing her hands behind her back the officer was prepared for anything. "I hope the accommodations are satisfactory." there was a non-committal grunt from the woman but little else. "It seems that you and I are fated to spend some more time together."

"A distinctly unpleasant proposition," Nalah replied. "I'm sure you serve your Terran masters well." She walked back to the chair and sat down.

Lifting a dark, sculpted brow curiously, Shelby smirked. "Your attempts to demean me because I have found a place where I belong are beneath you."

Nalah looked up at Shelby, her eye's belied the truth she so desperately wanted to hide. "What do you know of 'belonging' half breed? Were we on Romulus right now, even I would have a higher social rank than you....and you know nothing of me," she said, her eyes looking off back towards the portal.

"I know enough." was all that Daelen said softly. Still in her tone there was something else, that if Nalah was listening, she could hear; understanding. Considering all things, as she stood there, Shelby weighed out if she should try to involve the Romulan in the search for the truth about her Father just yet? She'd probably see it as intrusion and definitely none of her business, at least while the ensign had little proof she would.

Nalah scoffed at the comment. "While you have lived in comfort with your human and Vulcan masters, we have struggled to survive." She shifted in her seat to face Shelby again. "Tell me," she challenged, "Once the Federation conquers the remnants of the Empire, have they promised to make you ennarain? Command of your own captured Warbird?" She laughed. "A half breed at the helm!" Nalah quieted then punctuated once again.

"You know nothing of me," then she turned her head away.

"Nalah Jarok, only child of Admiral Alidar Jarok and his mate N'alae Jarok, born in the Romulus city of Ra'tleihfi in the year 2366. Your family had rich, deep roots in the Romulan High Command, through both of your parents. Your Father was a well respected leader until his 'maverick' nature earned him a one way ticket to less glorious postings. Less than a year after your birth and for some unknown reason your Father defected to the Federation."

The ensign paused to let Nalah absorb what she was revealing she knew of her. "Your family was shamed, when word returned that your Father had 'died of natural causes' this made his defection seem even more of a rejection to your race as well as your family. You were branded traitors to the empire. Despite this, you were raised on Romulus by your mother. You were both forced into the slums, you fought your way through your childhood and your life and almost as a counter move to prove your worth; you studied hard and proved yourself to be a loyal Romulan. Even managing to be taught at the heel of Commodore Pardek."

Another pause brought the Romulan woman's expressive eyes to bear on Shelby. "I know much of you. I know the pain of fighting ones way through life. I know of the shame and don't think for a moment that you are any better than me." The stare of finality that the ensign gave Nalah warned her to not go further with her barbs. "I do not have 'Federation Masters' as you call them. They are my equals and that is more than you can say about the Romulans whom you now ally yourself with."

Nalah turned in the chair her back now facing Shelby. "Get out," she said.

A gossamer slip of a knowing smile just touched the corners of the ensign's lips as she pivoted on her heel and moved outside to guard the door; Leaving the Romulan to mull over her options.

Legate Rayan stood with arms folded and looked across the room at the Romulan senators. "Gentlemen, it appears my work with you is still not over. I dare say our generous hosts will fill your minds with hope, and why not. Humans are such fond creatures of the melodramatic" He smiled as he walked towards them and several senators inched their way along the seat. "Why how kind of you, and look you've made my seat nice and warm" he grinned and sat down clasping his hands on the desk.

JOINT POST BY JEN, JUSTX & MEDS

Joseph left his quarters quickly and pulled his nice clean uniform down. He tapped his com badge as he entered the turbo lift, "Computer, locate Captain Sevryll."

The computer responded with an immediate  reply "Captain Sevryll is on Deck 2 section 6."

Joseph looked up, "ah, the senators and. . . Deck 2."

As the turbo lift doors opened Joseph jogged out and strode down the corridor, his boots hit the soft carpet dampening any sounds. Seeing the Captain and first officer ahead, he picked up his pace. It had been a long day. The transition from Alpha to Beta shift had come and gone, but their work had yet to be completed. They had returned to their quarters so that the Commander could change his attire before they met with the senators.

"Good evening, Mr D'Callan," the captain said softly.

Joseph smiled as fell into pace them,  "Evening, ma'am...sir.  I'm never going to be able to sneak up on you two, am I? May I speak to you both before you see the senators?"

Aeric nodded to Joseph "Of course, walk with us."

As the three proceeded towards their destination, Joseph cleared his mind and thought carefully. "It's the Cardassian. He'll be with the Romulan senators."

"Why is he not with the other refugees?" the First Officer inquired. He had no problems with the man's species. There were Cardassians in Starfleet and they were exemplary officers. Having fought with and against them in his past, Aeric held a respect for their martial skills and commitment to cause. "And what he's doing in Romulan space? Have we sent any requests to Cardassian Central Command for information on this Legate?"

Joseph nodded to Commander James, "He made it perfectly clear that he was a diplomat. It seemed prudent to have him with the senators, especially since he was with them when we discovered him. I've sent a request for information from Central Command, but as of yet we've had no response. I have a feeling that he'll be quite insistent on have a private audience with you both. He may want to continue the conversation he started with you aboard the Romulan craft, Commander."

Aeric adjusted the tunic of his fresh uniform and nodded, "I'll be more than happy to speak with him, but unless he can show us verifiable diplomatic credentials, he's going to the temporary housing with the others."

The first officer then turned his attention to the captain, "My primary goal is to come to an understanding with the senators and the civilians. I advise that we start there and if there is time left, we deal with this Legate."

"Agreed. Thank you Joseph," said the Vulcan informally.

Joseph smiled and nodded to the two.

Aeric exhaled slowly and stepped through the doors of the observation lounge. His eyes slowly scanned the room and the people within. Once inside, the commander moved to the side of the doorway to allow Sevryll full view of those assembled and so that he could better gauge the reactions on their faces at the sight of the Vulcan captain.

Upon seeing Aeric, Legate Rayan immediately recognized him from the evacuation. He stood from the table and approached them. Offering his hand to Aeric, he smiled. "Nice to see you again Commander, I must say you do know how to throw a get together....and this one is quite good." He turned his eyes to that of the Vulcan's.

Commander James gave a polite nod to the Legate, but followed the protocol of letting the captain address the passengers first.

The Vulcan nodded in greeting to the taller being and spoke to them all,  "I am Captain Sevryll. This is my first officer, Commander Aeric James." A few Romulans rose while others remained in their chairs, studying her with much circumspect.

"Please, be seated sir," she said to the Cardassian before moving with confidence to a chair at the end of the table.

Rayan smiled at the Vulcan and shook his head slightly as he walked around the table—refusing to sit, he leaned against the wall and folded his arms, "how quaint."

Aeric raised a brow at the Cardassian, "Is your universal translator broken? No matter." With a gracious smile the executive officer turned from the Cardassian to the chief of security, "Mr. D'Callan, could you please escort Legate Rayan to the temporary dorms in shuttle bay two? After we finish our talks with the senators, we will see if we can find the time to speak with our Cardassian contingent of guests."

Joseph strode forward wearing a smile, though he hated the sight of Cardassians. "If you'd be so kind to follow me, sir."

The Romulan Senators said nothing as Rayan's eye roamed them all.  Joseph gestured towards the open door, but the Legate simply looked at him and spoke to the Vulcan. "You're hospitality has been noted, Captain. I'll leave you with your.....guests." As he pushed himself from the wall and walked towards the chief of security, he stopped by Commander James, "Be sure to read your captain a story before you go to bed. Won't you?" He laughed and continued for the door. "Come along Mr D'callan, lets leave the children to play."

Sevryll glanced at the Legate with a look that was as penetrating as it was brief.  Inwardly, she marveled at the rough nature of his implication and wondered what he knew of her relationship to the Commander. A second later, she dismissed his comment as a poor attempt at wit. Instead, he had sounded sexist; a rare trait within the Federation.

Joseph coughed slightly, and looked at Aeric. The Commander's prismatic eyes followed the Cardassian, even as he bit his tongue from asking D'Callan to escort the man to the brig until his status could be sorted out. That or put him in an escape pod and let him fend for himself. If the Cardassian expected special treatment, or even time to speak with the captain, he was mistaken. In fact, his lack of respect had quickly earned him a place very low on the priority list. "Mr. D'Callan, could you please swing by the brig on the way to the shuttle bay and give the Legate a tour? I'm quite sure that he will cause himself to take up residency there before we complete this mission. I think it might be best that he get a feel for it now."

Smiling slightly Joseph nodded to his XO "It would be a pleasure sir" and he turned to catch up with the Legate.

joint post by Jen & wraith1701--



K'Tan and the Romulan child stood in the entrance to Sickbay. K'Tan stared down, still as a granite sculpture; the child fidgeted at his side like a mouse in a room full of sehlats.  The receptionist gave K'Tan's PADD a brief glance.  "I think the Doctor is available, commander.  Go on, I'll let her know you're on your way."

Doctor Drett grimaced reflexively as Lorena informed her that K'Tan was headed to her office. She sniffed at the woman on her view screen.  "Great, what does he want?"  Her words trailed off when she noticed the the gruff looking Operations Chief standing in her doorway with a small boy at his side.

The child's presence swiftly diminished Ryla's scowl. He was dirty and frail, and his brown eyes held a sadness that she rarely saw in children as young as he. By his grip on the commander she could see that he trusted the Terran, but was uncertain of her. Ignoring the human for the moment, she addressed the child attached to K'Tan's pant leg, "hello there." She waited, but when the boy made no reply she stood and looked up to meet his escort's dark gaze. Ryla Drett was slender but not at all tall, a fact that was punctuated by K'Tan's intimidating stature looming in her small office. After a second she managed a courteous though fleeting smile for him as well then stepped around the desk, allowing her eye to drift over the Terran as she did so.

"I see you've managed to make it back in one piece and then some," she said, nodding in the Romulan's direction.

She stepped closer and knelt before the child. The dimples that were missing from the smile she forced for K'Tan, emerged in her cheeks with the genuine smile she gave his ward.  "What's your name little one?" The Romulan stared back at her in wide-eyed silence.

Ryla craned her neck to look up at K'Tan once again.  "Thank you for...for doing whatever it was you did to enable the transporter locks. Your quick actions ensured our safe return. I thought I should acknowledge that."  She witnessed his barely masked shock and briskly added a modifier—she was diminutive, yes, but there was nothing of frailty in her— "Saying 'thank you', commander, shouldn't violate our unspoken pact of mutual disdain. Rest assured, we're still free to despise one another."  Somehow she managed to convey her cold remarks with a soft and charming warmth—if only for the child's benefit.

K'Tan frowned and arched an eyebrow. "Hmph.  I wouldn't have it any other way."

The physician slowly rose from her crouch and offered a hand to the boy who accepted it after the briefest hesitation. "Where are his parents?" asked the Trill as she led the child by the hand to the floor and helped him onto a biobed.

K'Tan shrugged.  "That's a good question.  I was hoping that one of our guests had asked about a missing child.  I gather that hasn't happened?"

Ryla smirked,  "If that were the case, I wouldn't be asking where his parents are, now would I?"

K'Tan felt his face start to heat up, and numerous biting remarks struggled to escape his mouth; he quickly clamped his lips shut.  Don't say anything, you'll only add fuel to the fire.  Breathe.  Count to 10.

"Ha.  More like ten thousand," he murmured under his breath.

"Ten thousand what?" Ryla asked, throwing K'Tan a confused glance. 

Before he could reply, she turned away with a short, dismissive shake of the head. She moved to a nearby station and collected a medical tricorder from its well-ordered surface. When the doctor returned, she demonstrated how the device operated by passing it over herself. Initially her little patient was startled by the bright lights and strange music emitted by the tricorder,  "it won't hurt you...see?" She deactivated it by folding the gadget in half. The child raised his up-swept brows in wonder as she opened it again, bringing the mysterious box to life once more.  She offered the boy the whirring instrument.   "You try," the doctor said with an encouraging smile. He glanced up at K'Tan for approval and accepted the tricorder when the commander nodded a brusque approval.

Ryla showed the boy how to scan himself and managed to read it's recordings as he did so. "Physically, he's fairly healthy... but mentally...." she sighed, "I can't scan for psychological trauma, but it's obvious to me that he's suffering from it. I think he should see Counselor Margon." When K'Tan failed to reply she turned her eyes toward him. He was watching the boy with more concern than she had ever seen displayed on his battle hardened face—he actually cared for child. Now it was her turn to be surprised.  "He needs a guardian," she said in a softer tone. "It's quite a responsibility, but I think you're more than capable. If you need any guidance or assistance, for the boy's sake, I would be happy to provide it. I have several centuries worth of experience...well...Drett does...but I could share the responsibility if the challenge is too much for you."

K'Tan startled both the doctor and the child by bursting into a loud bout of deep, booming laughter.  Eventually, he brought himself to gasping control.  "Too much of a challenge for me?"  K'Tan dabbed at a bit of humor-induced moisture at the corner of his eye as he tried to catch his breath.  "Ahhhhh," he said, still grinning.  " I haven't been so amused in quite a while."  He directed a sincere, albeit brief smile at Drett.  "Thank you doctor; I never expected you to have such a refined sense of humor." 

The Ops officer straightened his stance and gave an adjusting tug to the hem of his uniform tunic.  "I've never encountered a challenge I'm unwilling to face.  But I never thought of myself as the parenting type, either." 

He glanced at the doctor's small patient.  "However; the child should not be left unsupervised.  And I suppose it is the duty of all warriors to train the next generation.  He needs to be taught to take care of himself, and to make his mark in the universe."  K'Tan gave a sigh.  "For the time being, I will take on the challenge... at least until someone more suitable comes along."  He gave the doctor a measuring stare.  "And I accept your offer to share the responsibility."

K'Tan turned away, and directed a mumbled, barely audible statement to the doctor-

"Thank you."

Joint post by Jen & Rico

The Captain was leaving her meeting with the Romulan senators when her com badge chirped.

"Lieutenant Commander Zremm, to Captain Sevryll."

"This is Sevryll, go ahead Mr. Zremm."

"Captain, I have been reviewing the files retrieved from the Romulan transport and detected a pattern that was missed in our initial scan of the data."  Zremm said, sounding fatigued.

"Explain, Mr. Zremm,"  Sevryll replied, feeling a bit fatigued herself. The entire fleet had been pushing themselves these past few weeks and the Captain would not hesitate to do the same. This was one of the things that Zremm had always respected about the Vulcan. Over the many years he had known her, she had never asked her subordinates to perform a task that she herself was not fully prepared to do.  Ch'Fras had a great deal of respect for that type of officer - and for that type of person.

"I was running the Star Charts through the sub routines that I have developed, and the data markers did not match up.  It contained information that the program could not account for, which clearly indicated that these files were more than simple navigational records.  I am still working on them, but this data appears to be encrypted personal logs.  I am still sorting it out and running it through various translation filters.  I hesitate to say more over an open comm channel, ma'am."  He said, waiting for Sevryll to respond.


Why would this data be hidden where it could easily be discovered? Star Charts are not the best location for encrypted files...they are scanned too frequently. She thought to herself, as she had Aeric entered a tubolift.  "Please coordinate with Mr. D'Callan and keep me apprised of your findings."

"Understood, Captain.  I will continue to give it top priority and will contact Lieutenant Commander D'Callan immediately.  Zremm out."   Sevryll had the utmost confidence in Ch'Fras Zremm's skills and discretionary abilities. Aside from Aeric, she had known him longer than any other member of her crew. His friendship with her family had developed over many years of shared postings. He had been stationed aboard Starbase 375 with Aeric and Sevryll during the Dominion War and later aboard the USS Hercules. As the lift slowed and the doors parted, she recalled the traditional Andorian sha' freit pastry her daughter Aria had made for Zremm for his birthday, five years prior, aboard the Tiberius. Even though the desert had fallen well short of the desired consistency and flavor, Zremm ate three large pieces and seemed very touched by her gesture.

Sevryll tapped her combadge, "Captain Sevryll to Chef Doyan."

Aeric shook his head as a surprised voice answered her call, "Doyan here, ma'am." He rarely had the opportunity to cook for the Vulcan thanks to her husband who fancied himself 'a gourmet chef'...needless to say, Mr. Doyan was eager to actually put his talent to work.

"Are you familiar with the Andorian sha'freit pastry?" she inquired.

"Yes ma'am. Shall I prepare a meal to accompany the desert?" Aeric shook his head, indicating his plans to make their dinner.

"No, thank you Mr. Doyan. The pastry is for Mr. Zremm. Once it's ready, please deliver it to his office...he'll be working late this evening."

The voice that replied over the com sounded discouraged but willing serve, "Of course, Captain. Can I do anything else for you?"

"Yes...please top the pastry with 'rainbow sprinkles'. It's nontraditional, but he is quite fond of them.... Thank you Mr. Doyan."

Legate Rayan and Joseph D'callan walked down the corridor in silence. Occasionally Rayan would look out the corner of his eye towards the six foot Australian. After a while he could not contain himself. " So Lt Commander" He smiled and looked directly at D'callan "You do seem to have your mind on something else. What is it that is bothering you. Your job? Starfleet? women?" Joseph flicked his eye at him but remained silent. "Ah a woman. How typical of human to be concentrating on copulating" he laughed slightly and looked ahead. D'callan smiled "If you would come this way Sir" Joseph opened a door and walked in, Rayan followed and his eyes dipped slightly as he saw the various cells in front of him. Joseph put his hand on the Cardassians shoulder.

"As you see this is a fairly large room, available on all Starfleet vessels. Self contained wash basin and of course a stainless steel toilet, sitting required and an open view so all can see you drop your pants. Now Legate Rayan if you insist on attempting to humor me with your reptile wit I'll make sure you'll be spending the rest of your journey on show for all the happy children to point and throw peanuts at. Do I make myself clear?"

The Legate straightened and stretched his neck so pulled the leather uniform. "Its not really my kind of 'pad'. If you'd be so kind as to show me to the erm, dorms in erm...."

D'callan looked him as he pressed the button on the wall panel "Shuttle bay two, this way....Sir"

The door of the brig swished open and the Legate left the room a lo quicker than when he walked in. D'Callan followed smiling to himself.

It didn't take them long to reach shuttle bay two, Rayan had quickened his pace since seeing the Brig. Joseph nodded to the two security guards and they opened the door. "Enjoy your stay Rayan" the Cardassian smiled as he walked in and the door closed immediately. Joseph looked at his men "Help anyone who needs assistance, make sure you make them feel welcome understand. You're not guarding them you're the guides, well apart from our new member of the Arabella tourist team. If Legate Rayan wants to leave you escort him, only one of you mind, and you notify me or the XO.?" The two guards stood to attention "Sir"

Joseph turned and headed towards the turbo lift when his com badge chirped.

"Zremm to D'Callan. Could i see you in my office please?"

Stopping still he took in a deep breath "On my way Lt Commander, do you mind if i grab a snack on the way, I've not eaten since we started the evac mission"

Zremm replied quick quickly "Sure Joseph, see you asap"

Entering the turbo lift Joseph and then wondered about food, "huh, replicator food, guess it will have to do"

Joint Post By Jen and Just X

"...then it is safe to assume that Nevaul and Murynn have been bathed as well as the dog?"

"Yes, mother.  I have dried them off and returned them to our quarters," said Aria over the com.

"Did you have fun?" asked Aeric. A smile had spread across his face at the image formed by Aria's description.

"Yes, sir," came their daughter's even reply.

"Good. Your mother and I will be off duty soon...we'll have our picnic then."

"Yes!" Aria's response was in stark contrast to her previously unaffected voice, she was obviously looking forward to their trip to the holodeck.



A sea of stretched stars were visible from the large windows of the captain's ready room, as the Arabella raced towards her rendezvous with the rest of the fleet. It had been several hours since they safely detonated the derelict freighter and made the jump to warp. While many of the Romulan refugees were quartered in the newly constructed cargo bay dormitories, Federation diplomatic protocol dictated that government officials should be provided with private guest and ambassador suites. This was a decision that could not be avoided, but it was also one that did not sit well with many of the refugees who felt the senate was responsible for their current situation.

Aeric took another sip of his carbonated beverage, and turned his full attention to the captain... It would be a few more minutes before he could officially think of her as his wife again.

When Commander James had finished briefing the Captain on the events of their rescue mission, he studied the security reports. "I'm surprised that you let Ms. Jarok out of the Brig." Aeric said between sips of his replicated cola. He was lounging in an over-stuffed crimson chair, with his feet propped up on the arm. In contrast to his casual bearing, Sevryll maintained a perfect posture from her place behind her high-gloss, ebony desk. She flicked her eyes to his boots that were crossed and resting on the chair and he moved them swiftly to the floor with a broadening grin.  "Given the possible results of Jarok's actions," he continued, "I would suggest the counselor meet with her to determine the depth of her mental issues and how those problems may affect ship operations."

The warm Vulcan spices that made up Sevryll's tea, were pleasantly aromatic and rose with the steam to fill the small Ready Room. The space that surrounded them was practical, yet comfortable; it's contents indicative of the Captain's cultural heritage. A large painting, created by a long dead Vulcan Master, hung on the wall over the scarlet settee Aeric claimed during their meeting. The work was an abstract representation of Mount Sela, a spiritually significant land mass that once existed on a homeworld she never knew.  Resting on the floor near the large viewport, was the harp that her father played for her as a child. Sevryll was not a gifted musician herself and rarely plucked the strings, but its presence reminded her of the father she had been seeking since the moment they crossed the Neutral Zone. Sokrell lived amongst the Romulans for many years as a diplomat, intent on uniting the Vulcan people with their sundered kin. He had been in Romulan Space during the ultra nova and neither his wife nor his daughter had heard from him since that time. The Captain sighed inwardly—the Romulans were not the only victims of the tragedy.

She considered Commander James over her cup of tea. He was not questioning her measures regarding Jarok's release. Though he was no 'yes man', in the forty years that they served together he never once felt the need to challenge her decisions. The suggestion he made, a moment before, was a mixture of curiosity and duty and she valued his advice even if she did not always put it practice.  "I am no counselor, Commander, but I am quite certain that Nalah Jarok is in fact mentally stable... " She gazed into the cup she had been turning absently in her hands then lifted it to her lips and took a sip of the bitter-sweet beverage. The starlight that streaked before them, reflected in the dark eyes that she now settled on her first officer. "These people are under much duress. The Romulans aboard that ship survived a cataclysmic event only to be attacked by their own military....'salt on open wounds' as the Terrains say. And given the history between the Empire and Federation, it is understandable that Ms. Jarok would suspect sinister intentions of our rescue team." She glanced to the PADD once more and read the line detailing her orders regarding Jarok then returned her gaze to Aeric, "I have, however, requested that security monitor her activities should my logic in this matter be proven erroneous. She will not be free to roam this ship without an escort."

Aeric nodded his head in agreement, "I can't find any objections to that. We're going to need a team put together to start working on a replacement for the Presidio."

"Indeed. Lieutenant Commander Tolok will assist in the teams formation," said Sevryll.

Aeric looked over one of the many PADDs before sliding it to the captain, "Have the civilians selected their spokesperson yet or are they still deferring to the senate?"

"Senator Ketleck has assumed the role of representative. But many of his constituents blame the government for the dilemma they find themselves in now."

A soft sigh escaped Aeric's lips, "I've notified cook about a potential diplomatic dinner." Aeric smiled to his wife, "I'm sure that Chef Doyan would jump at the chance to cook something other than Zremm's pastries."


"What are we going to do about the Legate?" Aeric mused. "He seems quite full of himself and I think that he might be more a problem than a help on this mission."

"Yes...he is rather pompous." She fell quiet a moment pondering the alternatives. "I don't trust him. Perhaps we will learn more once the High Command has finally returned our inquiries, but in the mean time we should learn what we can from the Romulan Senators. I've asked Mr. D'Callan to keep him under guard until we know for certain who he is and why he be believes he holds influence over our guests..."

"...And then there is the matter of the encrypted files Zremm discovered in the download of the transport's databases," said Sevryll.

"It seems we have our work cut out for us this week," Aeric replied. "I think that resolves any pressing issues that can't wait until tomorrow. We've earned the right to be off for a few hours and I'm starving."

Sevryll nodded as she stood and reordered the PADDs on her desk, "yes... but I am not interested revisiting the Klingon menu. The few vegetarian dishes the Klingon people prepare, are suited only for cleaning plasma conduits."

Aeric grinned, "Perhaps we can try Romulan on the picnic ... like the Klingon's they are meat eaters too. We're going to have find something that appeals to you to keep from offending them during the dinner."

"I shall endeavor not to insult them," said Sevryll with a the slightest hint of sarcasm. The Vulcan stopped at the door, waiting for her husband to haul himself out of the settee he had been lounging in, "if you sat in that chair in the manner with which it was designed to hold you, you would not have such difficulty."

Aeric rose and stretched. He took a deep breath and moved towards the exit with the captain. He offered her a crooked smile, "And what would be the fun in that? If the designers had created it with actual comfort in mind, I would be far less prone to improvise."

Sevryll suppressed the desire to snort at his remark, and instead arched a brow at him as they stepped onto the bridge and moved to the turbolift. When they turned to face the doors she added, "you would improvise whether the chair was designed to your specifications or not...and that is perhaps one of the most endearing qualities you posses."

Aeric chuckled at the comment and briefly brought the tips of two fingers into contact with those of his wife's. The touch seemed to awaken their senses, bringing them sharpness and clarity that was more invigorating than any stimulant could provide. There was a reason why they limited their contact in public. It wasn't that the brushing of finger tips was inappropriate, but rather a display of affection they preferred to keep to themselves, for that simple contact carried with it a passion that after more than forty years, showed no signs of dimming.

Tolok sat at the engineering duty station on the Bridge and stared at the monitor before him. Although Alpha shift had gone off duty a while ago, it had become his habit to spend time up here at the start of the Beta shift rotation to do some research or read reports or whatever other extra work was required. The Beta shift Engineering Officer liked to work within sight of the warp core, an attitude Tolok encouraged, leaving the bridge station available for such duties at this time.

The Lieutenant Commander believed in maintaining a strict separation between his duty and off-duty activities, so avoided working in his quarters wherever possible. On his previous vessel, he had also found that the Chief Engineer's presence on the bridge did no harm to the relationship between his department and the Beta shift command crew and kept him appraised of current mission objectives and operational constraints. It wasn't regulation, certainly, but it was logical.

Currently, the Engineer was looking over the specifications of the Volga class runabout in the expectation that the Captain would wish to replace the craft sacrificed in the destruction of the Romulan cargo transport. While the Arabella was not a space dock facility, it was also not unheard of for vessels on deep space missions to replenish their own supply of small craft after such incidents. The advantage here was that that they were not alone but part of a larger fleet and thus had access to both resources and construction space that would not otherwise be available to them. The latter was particularly important now that one of the shuttle bays had been given over to serve as a refugee centre.

Being not unfamiliar with the specifications, the exercise he was engaged in was more of a refresher than a learning exercise but it was proving beneficial. To his chagrin, it appeared that he had could not immediately recall as much detail on the vessel as he felt he ought to be able to, his time of study on Vulcan having had more of an impact on him than he had realised.

Had he been human he would have smiled at this revelation. Being Vulcan, he simply continued to study.

As the door to his quarters closed behind him, Lieutenant Galdar unfastened his tunic and headed across the living space to the bedroom and a change of clothes.

His shift having been somewhat less eventful than he'd feared, he was surprised to find himself free to meet Ryla for the drink they'd arranged and was determined to take advantage of the sudden availability. With any luck, he'd beat her to the bar too!

He grinned at the thought as he changed. Beating Drett to the bar had become a bit of a game with him over the years, largely because it was something he could normally manage without too many problems. Even when late himself, he was normally earlier than his friend.

On countless occasions he'd arrived first for a drink, a meal or some other occasion by the smallest of margins but he always managed to appear to have been there for hours when the Trill arrived, making a big play of it on each occasion. He still couldn't decide whether she'd worked this game out or not but the fervency of some of her apologies tended to suggest she was still in the dark over the whole thing.

Still grinning, he headed back to the door; only changing direction at the last minute to enter the bathroom, splashing a couple of handfuls of water on his face and head.

"Must ask for some more of that moisturising cream." he muttered as he headed back out of the room.

Joint Post by Feathers and Crystal


As Galdar trotted round the corner, he was confronted with the sight of Ensign Daelen standing at ease outside a cabin door. Not an unusual position for a Security Officer, he supposed, it was still a surprise to him to see Shelby standing there.

Slowing his pace a little, Galdar nodded to the Ensign as he passed. "Shelby", he stated in greeting.

Turning her head upon hearing her name Daelen's gray orb's set upon the Ferengi and she looked at him evenly. "Hello Galdar."  

"I'd have thought you'd be off duty by now too?", the Ferengi asked, slowing to a stop and turning back to face her impassive Romulan features. "The rescue mission was over while I was still on duty and that was a while ago."

"no, I've pulled guard duty for one of our 'guests'." she said, "I was going to actually contact you tonight about our holodeck booking this week and tell you I was going to need to cancel." The pair had made a regular appointment out of holo-suite gaming together. Doing a variety of things from epic battles to flying simulations; those Galdar loved the best.  

"Ah, no problem." the Lieutenant replied. "I pretty much wrote off today the moment we contacted that ship. I'm sure guarding dignitaries is more interesting anyway."

"My guest isn't quite a dignitary, just someone who needs a friend more than anything else." The Half-Romulan said with a ever so slight smile.

"Ha. Don't we all! Rule of acquisition...", he broke off, "Never mind."

"Touche` my friend....Where are you headed right now?"

"Afterburner. Long standing drinks engagement." Galdar hesitated, "Still, I guess I have longer to enjoy it now!"

"Enjoy."

Raising his hand in farewell, the Ferengi moved off. "Carry on, Ensign.", he called over his shoulder as he headed for the turbolift.

Joint post by Jen, Feathers and KC

The Orion/Terran hostess stood before Ryla Drett preparing the doctor's favorite drink: a "Yellow Fever". It sounded more deadly than it actually was, but Cyra Fredrick thought it an appropriate beverage for the blond physician. She was wearing her flaxen hair down and from the look of her attire Cyra was fairly certain the Trill was meeting a date, which was often the case for Ryla Drett. The doctor never came to the Afterburner alone...

The petite young woman watched as the first Romulan evacuees entered the establishment. "Tell me Cyra, is it illegal to serve Romulan Ale to Romulans?" She asked as she accepted the highball of Vodka and lemonade from the hostess. The Trill took an experimental sip and smiled her approval.  

"It would be a bit of a conundrum if that were so. But I'll see what I can do," Cyra replied, winking at her friend. The Orion glanced to the side to see if Ryla's latest male companion would walk through the door, but no one seemed to be headed in their direction. Curiosity burned inside her, but she did not want to seem nosey. It's not so much that I need to be, she thought. But it's still a courtesy.

As Cyra turned away, a diminutive orange form dashed around the corner, slowing to a casual saunter as it entered the lounge and looked around as if seeking someone. On seeing Ryla at the bar, the figure's face fell ever so slightly, then broadened into a very toothy grin. Oh well, thought the Ferengi, I can live with being beaten to the drinks occasionally. Serves me right for stopping to talk with Shelby.

Picking his way across the room, Galdar looked with interest at the higher than normal number of Vulcanoids. The presence of so many non-starfleet personnel on the ship would make for an interesting dynamic in the social areas and the number of supposedly 'off-duty' security personnel in the room testified to the fact that he wasn't the only person who thought so.

As he neared the bar he battled to remove the smile from his face, trying to assume a contrite expression. "Ryla, I'm sorry I'm late....", he started but the speech tailed off pretty quickly when his facial control failed and the grin reasserted itself. Collapsing onto a low stool beside the Trill, he shrugged mischieviously, "Oh, I'm sure you know how the speech goes!"

Ryla smiled at the the Ferengi seated beside her, "pleeease. When am I EVER on time? Besides, I'm the one who owes you an apology. I sort of made a date. I hope you don't mind if he joins us."

"Really?!", Galdar exclaimed without thinking. "Ah, I mean...OK, no problem. Anyone I know?"

The drink she lifted to her mouth paused before her lips touched the glass. She set it down and gestured to the man standing behind her friend, "Galdar, this is Lieutenant Jared Olson. Jared, this is Lieutenant Galdar."

The shuttle pilot wore a nervous expression, "ah...I've...I've heard a lot about you, Galdar...uh....Mr. Galdar." He started to offer a hand to the Ferengi, but decided to wipe his palms on his tunic before doing so. He was a tall, brawny man with neatly combed black hair and bright blue eyes framed by long dark lashes.

Cyra turned her attention to the new patrons and noted the slightly awkward situation the trio seemed to be in. She leaned over the bar, her arms folded over each other and greeted them with a pleasant smile. "May I get you anything, gentlemen?"

"A Starduster for me please", Galdar said, turning to Olson, "and..?"

Jared nodded, "..ah...Cosmopolitan please."

Cyra blinked a few times in astonishment, and then turned to Ryla with a raised eyebrow. The Trill didn't seem to notice—her smile seemed fixed on Jared as she absently swished the ice around her glass. "Okay then..." Cyra said at last. "Coming right up."

"Galdar used to pilot shuttles too," Ryla said in an attempt to strike up a conversation between the two.

The taller man, who had taken a seat on the other side of Ryla, leaned over to gaze down the bar at Galdar, "used to?" He managed to ask without stammering.

"Yes", Galdar leaned back against the bar, "and sometimes I wish I still did. Sitting back and watching others fly into half cloaked Romulan ships isn't the most impressive days work I've ever done." Straightening, he looked at the Lieutenant. "After the Tiberius was lost, I was assigned to a Starbase. Starbase shuttle service is... Well, I'm sure you know." Taking his drink, he raised it to his companions and took a long pull.

"Galdar is the Alpha shift helmsman," said Ryla with a note of pride.

Jared simply nodded. Silence stretched between them before Ryla brought up another topic, "Oh...guess who came into my sickbay today with a child."

Galdar shook his head.

"Was he bigger than a breadbox?" asked Cyra, sarcasm dripping from her question.

"What's a breadbox?" asked the Trill before taking a sip of her bright yellow beverage.

"Okay, I'll retract that question and ask another: does his name begin with a 'K' and end with a 'Tan?'"

Ryla frowned, "I think I'm going to refer to him as 'Mr. K'Itten' from this point forward.... but yes, you guessed correctly." Galdar snorted at the naming, a spray of Starduster striking the bar.

Cyra smirked and took the opportunity to applaud herself for her efforts while Galdar coughed and mopped his watering eyes. Ryla soon joined the Orion in her clapping, drawing the attention of a few of the Romulan patrons seated further down the bar. The Trill gave Jared Olson a wink and a smile before turning back to Cyra, "it wouldn't be very nice of me to speak unkindly of Mr. K'Itten. He did a good thing saving that child...and the rest of us," she added reluctantly.

Cyra smiled, but then she remembered the tall man sitting next to Doctor Drett with his bright pink mixed drink. "So Ryla, how exactly do you know Mr. Jared, here?"

The Trill regarded him with a smile, "we bumped into each other...literally. I still think he did it on purpose."

The Terran blushed as he laughed, "I...I...could never do that."

"Suuuure," Ryla gently teased. "I was coming out of Sickbay a week ago and he was coming in...and bam! That's how we met."

Jared smiled, "I... had an in-grown toe nail that needed attention." His statement was followed by more awkward silence.

"Yes... well... um..." Cyra wasn't quite sure how to finish her sentence. Jest? Sly insult? Admission to confusion? So, she chose to end her thought with two words. "Those hurt."

Yawning Joseph left Zremms, office, he was hungry, tired and seriously needed to hit the sack. Leaning against the wall he closed his eyes for a moment. "D'Callan to Dunn. Could you relieve Ensign Dealen from her position." Dunn replied in his usual quick, enthusiastic fashion "On my way Sir" Undoing his tunic for the second time today Joseph headed to his quarters, his mind buzzed with information, the Romulan ship, the injured, the senators and Legate Rayan and now Zremms findings. He tapped his badge "Ensign Daelen. Dunn is on his way to relieve you, please make your way to Lt Commander Zremms office. I want you to work with him, I think you'll find it interesting. Usual reports to be handed in after your shift"
Shelby sounded quite calm in her reply "Understood Sir,". he listened to her voice and soaked in her tone, he smiled gently and headed to his quarters for a well deserved sleep.

The room suddenly shifted around K'Tan; one wall of his quarters seemed to trade places with the ceiling as his back crashed through his living room end table.  Laying amid the shards or safety glass and bits of replicated wood, he stared up at the ceiling, growling as he tried to get his bearings.  Adrenaline quickly washed away his brief moment of disorientation. 

His assailant looked down at him with a self-satisfied smirk; a smirk K'Tan tried to wipe away with a swift sweep of his left leg, followed by a matching sweep of the right.  His assailant effortlessly hopped over each swipe, then danced back out of the Ops officer's range. As his attacker grabbed the bat'leth hanging on the wall,  K'Tan gathered himself to spring up. his lunge was cut short by the razor-sharp point of the bat'leth suddenly pressed against his throat.

"Do you yield?" his opponent panted.  The question was punctuated by a slight increase in the pressure against his throat; K'Tan froze as he felt a warm, wet trickle tickling it's way down his neck. 

"Damn it, yes, I yield!" he shouted.

The bat'leth was tossed away with a laugh, clattering against the far wall. His assailant then dropped down onto him, legs straddling his torso.  As the victor leaned into him, K'Tan inhaled against the pressing weight, drawing in a heady combination of sweat and fragrant sandalwood.  K'Tan's eyes flickered down, and a guilty smile played across his lips as he glimpsed his opponent's cleavage straining against her tunic.  Rose colored lips drew close to his ear, and a warm, tickling breath sent shivers through him as she whispered "Are you as turned on as I am?"

A sudden movement in the background caught the woman's attention; her eyes swung up, then widened in surprise.

"Um... What the hell...?"

K'Tan followed her gaze, and gave a mirthless chuckle. Peeking around the entrance to the darkened sleeping quarters was a small, pointy-eared child.  "Ahh. yes." 

As K'Tan sat up, the woman scrambled off of him; she then stood and adjusted her clothing. 

"I guess we woke him up,"  K'Tan said.  He gestured towards the child with a flourish.  "Tara, please meet--" He paused, at a loss for words.  "Please meet... my guest." 

Tara gave an uncertain smile, and waved at the child.  "Hello, little guy.  How are you?"

The child answered by ducking back into the room. 

"Well, he certainly is a talkative one, isn't he?" she said.

K'Tan moved next to Tara, draping an arm over her shoulder.  "I was planning on telling you about him, but you greeted me so enthusiastically, I didn't have time to. He appears to be an orphan; I found him on the Romulan wreck."

K'Tan turned to pick up his bat'leth, and hung it back on the wall.    "Come on, let's head to the Afterburner.  You two can get to know each other, and I can tell you all about it over dinner."

Oryn quietly rose and moved to the command chair of the small automated scout vessel. A gift from the Empress, The Sword of S'task had been designed and constructed on the Imperial equivalent of the The Vault. Along with the ship, Oryn was given very specific orders. He was to meet with the Federation Fleet and serve as the liaison of the Imperial State. It was the last time he had heard from the Empress and the orders were not easy to follow. The advanced systems of the scout ship had detected cloaked vessels in pursuit of his destination. It presented him with two options. Reveal himself to the ship he followed or continue to track the cloaked ships until they reveal their intentions. Oryn opted for the second option. He would hunt the hunter.

"Computer," the blue eyed Romulan spoke from the command chair. "Continue pursuit course."

"Confirmed." The seductive female voice replied.

"Also replicate a glass of Chulan ale vintage 2367 and begin The Ballad of S'task." Oryn said as he pulled the shoulder length hair from his face and placed the errant strands behind his ears.

Soft music began to fill the small ship as the glass containing the emerald Romulan ale appeared on his armrest. The former commander of Imperial Romulan State Security took a slow sip of the beverage and rolled the heady liquid in his mouth. Empress Donatra knew exactly what she was doing when she gave him the small vessel. It was crafted for comfort over what could be weeks of silent operations.  Automated systems made any crew redundant, but she held opulent quarters for two officers and bunks for half a dozen crew. She was still a small vessel, one designed to dock and be launched from the shuttle bay of any larger Romulan ship. While her size was similar to the Federation scout ship, her lines gave her the look of a bladed weapon that could be wielded by the gods.

Oryn leaned back in his chair and sipped his drink, "Continue pursuit course."

Oryn's mind drifted back to the item the Empress left him with at the behest of his benefactor. In her wisdom the Empress managed to smuggle the honor of the people off of the planet before it's destruction. For reasons beyond his understanding, Oryn had been tasked to carry that honor with him until the people could be restored. It was an honor that weighted on him and his humble upbringing, but one that he could not refuse.

Oryn rose with drink in hand and paced the cockpit of the shuttle. Despite the comfort and the holosuite, it was a lonely existence aboard the small ship. Hopefully, the isolation would soon be over.

The day was getting long. Herm had begun his duties early this morning, as usual, but the stress and excitement of finding the Romulans and rescuing them had given him and adrenaline high that was now wearing off.

Still, the Archeology and Anthropology officer was having the time of his life. This is what he loved, meeting new people, learning about them. However, the feeling was not mutual.

"Hello, I am Ensign Heraratlo, may I have your name and family relation, please?"

"Hrmph", replied the particularly grumpy, elder Romulan. Herm knew that, like Vulcans, Romulans were very long lived. A Romulan "senior citizen" was probably several centuries older than he ever hoped to be.

"I'm sorry, sir. I know this is difficult for you. I don't mean to disturb you. But I do need your name for our records. Then I will leave you alone."

The elderly Romulan looked up, examining the young Risian from head to toe. There was something calculating, but not unkind in the way the old man sized him up.

"You are Risian, aren't you?", he finally asked, "Why are you here in Romulan space with these "Starfleet" instead of on your home world making love to fat tourist women? And what happened to your hair?"

The question surprised the young ensign. Not that it was about his home world, as the birthmark on his forehead was unique to his race and well known throughout the galaxy. No, it was the crudeness of it coming from someone who seemed so... stately.

Herm smiled disarmingly at the old man. "It's a long story, sir. And to tell you about my hair would take even longer. Let's just say I lost my.... appetite... for overfed females."

Suddenly, there was a strange sound in the room. It started low, almost blending into the background. At first Herm thought there was something wrong with the ventalation system. But then it grew louder. A choppy, wheezing sound. Then the ensign realized the elder Romulan was laughing. Laughing so hard he couldn't catch his breath!

Then, with a great gasping sound, the man took a huge breath, then the laughter burst from him like geyser, filling the entire shuttlebay with the contagious sound.

Herm didn't know what he was laughing about, but couldn't help but chuckle along.

After several long minutes, the old man wiped tears away from his eyes. "Have a seat, Starfleet." This last he said with kindness, instead of as an insult as he had before.

"I am Sutpak Choro. Sit and keep an old man company."

Joint Post with BryanCd & Crystal

Watching Galdar leave, Shelby glanced back at the door, where Nalah was. It wasn't that Daelen wanted to go out and party; she wasn't that interested in such social meanderings. It was more that she wanted to investigate more of the information on Nalah's Father.

Maybe through finding more out about the situation she could prove to the Romulan woman that she was honorable and could even be a friend to her; if she let her.

---

Nalah remained seated in the chair as she continued to gaze out the small window. She found a small sense of calm and peace looking out towards the stars and she welcomed the respite. She knew the Vulcan Captain would be interviewing all the survivors, including the corrupt Senators. She hoped the woman would see through their lies and deceits.

Her thoughts drifted to Half Romulan Ensign who had bested her, a grudging sense of respect. She seemed to know a great deal about Nalah, but why should she care about the daughter of a traitor?

---

Shelby focused herself on the days events, what was next for them, all these people would need a place to go. They couldn't stay on the ship. What was the Captain going to do to 'prove' her good faith to the brunt of these people; would be interesting to say the least. There was an old human proverb 'You can please some of the people, some of the time. You can't please all of the people most of the time.'

She wasn't sure if she was recalling it right, but she knew it was something like that; which brought a half grin to her expression then as quick as it was there, it was gone again. Before she could let her thoughts drift to composing her report on the days events. Daelen's com-badge went off. It was D'Callan. He was sending Dunn in to relieve her and he wanted her to report to the science officer; Mister Zremm as soon as possible.

Shortly after receiving the message Dunn rounded the corner and after Shelby gave him a short report on the situation, the ensign departed for the science labs.

---  

Nalah stood and moved towards the door. She felt conflicted. For some reason she felt a degree of empathy with the Ensign. Perhaps they had more in common than she realized. Friends had never been a part of Nalah's life. Acquaintances mostly along with the occasional lover when she felt those needs, but never anything of meaning. She lived on the outside of a closed society, a society that was no more. Things change.

The green grass waved gently in the breeze, he breathed in the air, "lavender, oh what a beautiful smell". Below him bounced a joey, he bent down and put his hand out and the small animal sucked up the nuts and berries.

BLEEP, BLEEP, BLEEP.

"Strewth what the...."

Joseph sat up in bed, dazed from his pleasent dream. looking around his room he rubbed his eyes and concentrated on the flashing light above his monitor. Rising from his bed he stretched out "Computer play message"

"Message is in text only."

Joseph growled and sat down at his desk "Who's it from"

"The message is from Cardassian Central Command, reply from message sent by D'Callan 20..."

"Computer display the damn message, text only, typical"

Joseph yawned again and focused his eyes on the text in front of him, his eyes gracefully moved across each line taking in all the information. He sat back and looked across his room and up at his treasures cricket bat.

"Would you believe it....computer transfer message to my personal PADD."

He stood up and picked his uniform off his chair, he stopped and thought for a moment, "this is down time, family time, sleep time. It can wait.". Placing his uniform carefully back on the chair he glanced in the mirror and stood back to see that his hair had a taken an unwarranted vacation skywards. Getting back into bed and trying to flatten his hair he looked over to his badge, he tapped it. "D'Callan to Hayes. Legate Rayan is not to leave his temporary home. Understood" the quiet voice echoed back an acknowledgement and Joseph put his head back into his pillow. "now skippy me old mate, where did you go"

Joint post by Rico & Crystal

Walking into the lift Shelby turned and crisply spoke. "Deck 8." the hum of the lift relaxed the woman; although she was still a bit sore from her fight with Nalah. The ensign wasn't going to let that stop her. The trip was short, to the woman's disappointment, she knew though that there was work to be done and D'Callan's tempting call had her more than interested in what the Chief Science officer had found. The doors hissed open and the dark haired ensign strode with confidence towards the Zremm's office.

As Lieutenant Commander Zremm completed another data comparison of the files he was reviewing, his Andorian antennae picked up the sound of steps approaching his office.  So he found no need to even look up as he heard the young ensign standing at his door.  "Please come in and have a seat, Ensign Shelby."  He said, as he continued reviewing the files that had kept him preoccupied for the past several hours.  As he scanned over the latest set of readings Shelby took a chair near him at the computer station he was working at.

"I was ordered to report here to assist, Commander."  Shelby said in a slightly more formal tone than she had intended.

"Yes, Ensign.  I've been reviewing some of the data files from the Romulan ship, specifically the star charts.  And I've discovered some interesting anomalies."  The blue-skinned man said in a brisk, slightly tired tone.

"What sort of anomalies, sir?"  The ensign said, trying not to sound too eager.

"There is encoded information from a certain Senator Nevash.  I require your skill and expertise in refining the data stream.  Please tell me what types of data recovery methods you are familiar with, ensign?"  Zremm said as he waited for a reply.

Hearing this information had the effect of relaxing the officer and she actually gave him a half smile. "I've worked a little file and backup recovery. Assorted styles and types of encryption, encoding, decoding.... Let me see what you have."  Shelby looked over the Andorian's shoulder and began to read through what he had discovered.

"The encryption isn't very sophisticated.  Perhaps the files were meant to be found and we just happen to be in the right place at the right time.  I'm trying an isolinear data packet filter now.  Please open node 1-B-alpha, Ensign Daelen."

Moving over to one of the other chairs, the woman sat and used the console to set up the node that Zremm asked for. "Done." There was a pause and she added after a bit of thought. "I think it is very likely that someone wanted to be able to access this eventually." The ensign continued to scan the information that Zremm was digging out. "Can you access that sub-routine?"

"Certainly.  Computer, grant temporary access to decryption sub-routines to Ensign Shelby Daelen.  Authorization code, Zremm, 2-beta-alpha-3-zero-one."  The science officer said.  The computer soon replied and Shelby got to work.

Her gray orbs studied and processed the information that the sky blue Commander pulled up on the screen, upon her request. "Hmmmm," there were several Romulan characters in the file and then a series of numbers. Crossing her arms along her chest she sighed. "This looks like a bunch of personal files. Can you isolated them?"

"Yes.  I'm running the data through the universal translator now.  I believe we should share this soon with Captain Sevryll.  She wanted to know what we discovered as soon as we had something."  Zremm commented.

After the unencrypted information began to stream out of the system, Shelby leaned a bit closer to the screen and started scanning some of the information. "Lluadh...." she said in a low voice. "There is a lot in here." Her gaze turned to the Lieutenant Commander. "It's a mix of files, some personal but there is also very sensitive information about Nevash." While scanning the documents, Shelby caught sight of a familiar name. Jarok. Stopping the stream she reversed and located a series of files relating to Admiral Jarok. "Huh....interesting...." Then she moved onwards, making a mental note of the line index. "I think every underhanded, backstabbing or dirty deed our dear Senator has been involved in since joining the senate and possibly..." she faded a little. "Even before that....is documented in here....."

Aboard the S'task, Oryn carefully plotted his next course of action. As much as he would like to issue a warning to the Federation Fleet, doing so would reveal his position. He needed a second option that would not do that.

He racked his mind at the choices and, with the efficiency of a vulcan, calculated the probability of success. The riskiest of the options also felt like it would be the most exciting. Was there every really a choice?

Oryn moved to the controls of the vessel, "Computer, release controls to manual."

Oryn fingers moved over the controls like an musician playing their instrument. He targeted the Federation vessel and increased the speed of his own craft.

Within minutes, the cloaked Sword of S'task inched forward above the hull of the Intrepid II Class vessel. Matching the frequency of it's warp field to allow edthe smaller ship entry with only the slightest of disruptions to the larger's warp field integrity.

"Extend magnetic clamps." Oryn said as he moved his smaller ship closer to the hull of the larger one. Settling on the area of the vessel just behind the bridge.

"Magnetic clamps extended," replied the ships computer.

Oryn focused is thoughts and lowered his craft to the surface of the still at warp vessel. Meters reduced to centimeters, until there was only the smallest gap between them.

"Engage magnetic clamps." Oryn ordered and allowed his ship to cling lamprey-like to the more massive ship. As a credit to his training there was only the slightest of bumps on the completed landing.

"Status of cloak?" Oryn asked.

"Cloak is function at 100%," the smokey voice replied.

Oryn rose from the console and stretched. Now for the next phase of his mission. Should he attempt communication with the vessel or transport to it? Both would have there dangers and both would have their own unique rewards.

Joint Post by Jen, Feathers and KC

"Indeed...they can be quiet painful," said Ryla in a clinical tone, though inwardly she was grimacing—embarrassed for Olson.

Cyra merely nodded at the comment, no longer trusting what words might come out of her mouth lest she insult Jared.

Feeling a little more comfortable, now that he had half his Cosmo downed, the Terran continued, "oh, yes...ingrown toe nails are very painful. But the treatments these days are far less archaic than they were a few centuries ago. In nearly all cases, drainage of blood or watery discharge—"

"—so anyway," Ryla briskly interrupted. While friendly and very easy on the eyes, Jared Olson was definitely not her type and their first, and consequently their last, date had certainly cleared any doubts she may have had regarding this fact. It seemed she had a talent for finding men who were not a good match. Intent on changing the subject she moved on, "I'm going to be assisting 'Mr. K'Itten' with the boy he's now caring for."

Jared released an awkward laugh. Several patrons turned their attention toward the sound of the horribly loud, wheezing cackle that conquered the den of the Afterburner. It was now obvious that Jared's lack of social skills were not simply a result of his shy nature. The Trill turned her head to Galdar and mouthed the words: 'help me'.

Putting his drink down carefully, Galdar looked at Ryla, drawing out the silence for as long as he dared. As the desperation built in her eyes, he felt a corresponding twinkle grow in his own. Finally giving in, he glanced down at his baggy, blue trousers then back at the Doctor. "So, what's the child's story? Were his or her parents not rescued and brought aboard also?" he asked.

The doctor shook her head, her newly regained smile slipping slightly. "Not that we know of, no. He's not saying much at the moment but he seems to be alone."

Galdar shook his head and snagged his drink again, the sudden somber mood feeling out of place in the normally cheerful lounge. As he drained the contents of the glass, the Ferengi struggled to think of something more cheerful to discuss, a story to tell or a tale to recount. Finding Ryla with someone who seemed to take an interest in her, he didn't want to let the occasion fall flat.

"Have you seen Danny recently?" he asked, the twinkle back in his eye.

"Who's Danny?" Jared inquired as he motioned to Cyra for another Cosmo.

"Lieutenant Commander Young is the Chief Medical officer aboard the Boris Yegerov," said Ryla, "I think you may be disappointed to know, Galdar, that all of his hair has grown back." She once had a relationship with Danny. During her academy days the young Trill had a penchant for muscles. At the time, Danny's muscles enabled her to overlook the fact that, in addition to training his physique, he also worked hard to shape his moral fiber into that of an arrogant jerk. After a while, it became clear to Ryla that Danny Young loved himself more than her.

Cyra raised a hand to catch their attention. "Excuse me? Danny? Hair loss? What?" she asked.

"He was my boyfriend. I broke up with him because he was an ass..." She took another sip of her drink, swirled the ice in her glass again and glanced to the Ferengi, "I'll let you fill her in on 'Operation Sonic Strike'."

Galdar waggled his empty glass at Cyra and looked thoughtful for a moment. "Oh, where to begin...." he muttered theatrically.

"Sonic Strike was an extra-curricular away mission that we undertook at the academy. Ryla was the assigned physician and I was the security detail." He tapped his left lobe meaningfully and grinned again, "It was an infiltration and extraction job at a secure facility...." he tailed off and sighed when he noticed the look in the CMO's eyes.

"OK, OK. Sonic Strike was a Cadet prank that Lieutenant Commander Young well and truly deserved for a moment of crass behavior." Ryla nodded agreement as he continued, "We crept into his quarters at the Academy one evening and reprogrammed his sonic shower...and for a brief period it became the biggest sonic shaver on the planet." Nodding his thanks to Cyra, he took his refilled glass and swallowed a couple of mouthfuls of the beverage.

Further down the bar, noise levels briefly rose among a small group of Romulans before subsiding to previous levels. A number of ostensibly off-duty security officers twitched at their tables in response.

"We got in and out without trouble and everything seemed to go as intended. You should have seen him the following morning!" The Ferengi continued, "he was not a happy human and for some reason he didn't seem quite as...confident as before." Closing his eyes briefly, he pictured the Cadet as he'd appeared that day. "There was an immediate investigation, of course, but I'm not sure how vigorously it was pursued. If Kate hadn't eventually come out of hiding and shown herself in public the following day, I think the whole thing would have been dropped but as rule nineteen clearly states, 'Satisfaction is not guaranteed'." Taking up his drink again, he nodded at Ryla who simply smiled at him.

Jared looked confused, "Who...Who's K...Kate?"

Looking slightly mournful, Galdar stared through the window, lost in the pattern of elongated stars rushing away behind the ship. "Kate was..." he took another sip of the Starduster, "Kate was what could be described as collateral damage...or a target of opportunity depending on your point of view."

"The shower was configured to effectively remove all bodily hair from anyone using it for a period of twelve hours. Shower in that unit before bed and you'd wake up bald in the morning, sleeping on a lovely downy mattress. Danny used the shower as intended...but so did Kate." If Ferengi had eyebrows, Galdar may have waggled them suggestively at this point. It was something he'd once seen on an old Earth vid and had always wanted to try.

"For some reason, a bald woman is seen as a bigger victim than a bald man and so deserving of a better investigation and a more severe punishment."

Ryla smirked, "served her right. The backstabbing..." her tone suddenly shifted from one of distaste to a more typically pleasant sound, "you know they're married now? Kate is the Alpha Shift helmsman aboard the Yegerov."

Lieutenant Olson, laughed as if her statement of fact had instead been the punchline of a joke. Jared's snorts continued for a few more seconds before he managed to get his distracting laughter under control.

"You alright there?" Cyra asked as she patted him on the back.

"Good career choice", nodded Galdar, catching Ryla's eye, "and I'm sure she's a very...safe option for a medical ship."

Joint post by Jen and Just X

Sevryll pulled a blanket over Murynn and methodically tucked it around the girl. They had just completed the third chapter of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and the children had drawn remarkable similarities between Huck and the counselor's son, Brex. To their delight the comparisons were numerous. The Vulcan woman seated herself on the edge of Murynn's bed, patiently listening and engaging the children in their rambling dialogue. She relished the time she spent with them and often allowed their conversations to stretch until one or more had fallen asleep—sometimes mid-sentence.

As it had on many occasions, the topic naturally shifted to the lack of children aboard the ship. "Are their any Romulan boys and girls to play with?" Nevaul asked.

"There are," said Sevryll, turning to look at the boy resting in a bed beside Murynn's; his rumpled hair covering the tips of his pointed ears. "Perhaps I will take you to meet them when they have settled in."

"Are there any our age?" Asked Murynn as she played with the tattered nose of her stuffed bear.

"I am certain of it," replied her mother, the smile in her voice never reaching the surface to touch her face.

"Do they like dogs?" Her son was trying to get comfortable, kicking at the sheets his mother had pulled tightly around him.

"You may ask them yourself, when you meet them."

"Do they know what dogs are?" Murynn interjected.

"It is likely they do not," Sevryll patiently replied.

Nevaul brought his eyes, much like his father's, from his sibling's face back to his mother, "Will they want to be friends with us?"

He and his sister could sense the sudden mood change on the ship with the new arrivals. Aria did her best as the eldest to shelter them from the confusing emotions, but she could not provide the answers to the questions their curiosity created. Even before his first question was answered, he had a second, "Why is everyone worried?"

Sevryll carefully considered a response that would suit a child his age. The twins were quiet as they waited for her to reply, fidgeting amongst their bed linens and watching her intently. "There was a time when the Romulans were not our friends," she began slowly. "Their ideals were contrary to our own and we often disagreed with one another. But they require our help now and we have put aside our differences in order to provide the assistance they need. It is sometimes difficult for adults to forget that they have disliked one another, and it may take time for them to move beyond their uneasiness." She studied their faces for some sign of understanding, "I am uncertain whether they will accept your offer of friendship, Nevaul, but I believe the attempt is worth the effort. You will not know, until you try."

The questions continued until all inquiries were satisfied and no more could be made without the interruption of yawns. Sevryll remained in their room, watching them for some time as they slept. What they learned during this mission would shape their lives...hopefully for the good.

Maintaining silence for the sake of the sleeping children, Aeric leaned in the doorway watching. His thoughts reached out to his wife and allowed love to color his thoughts, It's moments like these that remind me why we do this. They deserve a peaceful universe.

JOINT POST BY JEN, JUSTX & MEDS


The flicker of a meditation lamp bathed the room in a warm light. Gespar scented incense filled the area with a sweet overtone, meant to enhance the Vulcan's nightly ritual. Sevryll sat with her legs crossed, before the lamp at the foot of a large bed. Her hands were clasped, thumbs pointing toward her chest, index fingers together and directed upward. Her dark eyes were focused on the flame before her— a chaotic, destructive force which served as a metaphor for emotional control. The ancient mental process was a part of Surak's doctrine of Logic and enabled the Captain to manage her tumultuous emotions.

Bare-chested, Aeric reclined in the bed behind her turning the gilded pages of a leather-bound tome. Before them, starlight stretched past the the sleek bow of the Arabella and the space beyond. The generous vista of the view port afforded them a luxury that many aboard would never share. It was one of the perks that truly lessened the burden of command—the room was a place where relaxing came easily... most nights.

Sevryll arched a brow as a deep chuckle escaped Aeric's lips—briefly disturbing the silence of the room. It had been a long day and he felt a little 'off' from his time aboard the Romulan vessel—denying the sleep he desperately needed. His irises were still the soft green they had acquired while aboard the Romulan transport, and their color had yet to return to their usual prismatic tint. They were eyes that he inherited from his father and passed to Murynn and Nevaul, the only true legacy of his Nacine father's metamorphic abilities.

His wife shifted as he chuckled again. "Sorry," he whispered. While reading in bed was his second favorite means of winding down, meditation was Sevryll's and he hated interrupting her. Aeric glanced to the book-filled shelves before allowing his eyes to settle on his wife's back, "Maybe I should have picked something less comedic..."

The Vulcan did not move a muscle, lest she loose the progress made thus far, "Perhaps." Sevryll paused a moment before continuing, "I have offered to teach you to meditate...but you have always declined. If nothing else, it will help you relax."

Aeric smiled to his wife, "I might have to take you up on that soon. I just can't shake the feeling that something is off."

"What do you sense?" She asked. Abandoning her meditation she extinguished the lamp with a quick breath and moved to the bed.

"Something Romulan is ..." He started to reply before being cut off by a alarm klaxon and the voice of the ship's computer.


"Warning: Unauthorized transport detected. Deck 1: Briefing room."


Joseph D'Callan awoke to the sound of the alert, he jumped up and grabbed his night clothes, picking up his PADD and looking again at the message that came through several hours earlier from Cardassian Command. He shook his head slightly.

Grabbing his com badge, belt, phaser and pulling on his clothes he ran out of his quarters and headed to the turbo lift, clipping his badge onto his shirt he tapped it quickly "D'Callan to Daelen and Shane meet me outside the briefing room. Load up, intruder alert. D'Callan to Captain Sevryll..."

The Captain spoke to the intercom as she donned a robe, "Sevryll here."

"Security alert, ma'am. Unauthorized transport has been detected in the briefing room. I suggest a force field lock down on all access points to the briefing room."

Sevryll suppressed the desire to sigh in frustration. Had one of the evacuees somehow slipped into the room? Had she given them too much freedom? No one but the crew should have access to the briefing room. What significance did the observation lounge hold?  Of all the places aboard Arabella to breach, that room would be the last place she expected an intruder to seek. "Agreed... The commander and I are on our way."

Aeric quickly pulled on a black undershirt from the side of the bed. "Computer activate Rory and inform her of the current situation."

He pushed himself over the top of the bed and quickly slid to the other side. Touching his hand to the biometric safe, it opened and allowed him to retrieve his weapon and holster.


Joseph skidded in front of the turbolift door and impatiently waited for it to arrive. The door opened to reveal Commander James and Captain Sevryll still wearing their sleep wear.

The Security Chief entered and turned to face the door. As it started to descend he glanced at Aeric and suddenly remembered the PADD in his  hand,  "Oh look at this. It came early this morning—text only—no surprise there."

Aeric studied it and the looked up, "You're kidding me right? "

Joseph shook his head, "Nope.. he's not a Legate."

D'Callan leaned over and pointed to the bottom of the screen, Aeric and Sevryll read the detail the security officer highlighted.

The captain arched a brow, "He is a barber?"

Commander James handed the PADD back to D'Callan, "it says he was banished from Cardassia. I wonder why."

Joseph released a deep sigh as he took his phaser out of his belt and checked the setting.  "Can't be much call for new hair styles in Cardassia," he sniggered as the doors opened and the three officers strode towards the briefing room. As they rounded the bend in the corridor, they encountered Shelby, Darius and two other armed security officers..

Joint post by Shelby Dalaen and Bryancd

The PADD in Shelby's hand included all the information from the files that Zremm  had discovered. There was still a lot to decode but the ensign was more than patient enough for the task. The lift stopped and as the doors parted she nearly ran into a Romulan woman. "Excuse me.I'm sorry." She offered honestly.

The woman at first seemed willing to accept the apology when she gazed at the half Romulan ensign. A 'cooling occured and the dark haired refugee entered the lift and ordered it to another deck quickly. As the door hissed shut Shelby shrugged it off.

Taking the few turns on deck three, Daelen arrived at Nalah's doorway shortly afterwards. Seeing Dunn she tucked the PADD behind her back and she approached her colleague. "Lieutenant." she said with a nod. "I expect that all went well. "

"Quiet as a sleeping tribble," Dunn replied to the Ensign with a smile. "Surprising considering the circumstances under which she was brought over here. I understand you acquitted yourself very well indeed!" He had heard about Nalah's apprehension from the away team security officers and was impressed. "Who is our little trouble maker?" he said glancing towards the closed door.

"Nalah Jarok and she isn't a troublemaker she's is just misguided." Shelby said with a even gaze.

The name didn't seem to have any meaning for Dunn. "Well, regardless she seems to have settled down. It's a shame we have to keep her isolated from the rest of her kind...," Dunn said and then realized his comment might seem offensive to Shelby as she was, after all, half Romulan. He quickly changed tact. "maybe the Captain will see clear to let her out."

"She can wander as she pleases she simply must be accompanied by security to ensure her safety and others." Seeing that there was some discomfort on the Lieutenant's part Shelby gave a half smile. "It has been a while since we talked." small talk was never a strong point for the  woman but she was going to give it a try. "How have you been Chris"

"Very well", he responded, the awkward moment having passed. "The Chief has been keeping us busy and he speaks very highly of you."

Hearing this remark, the woman's brow lifted. "He does? Do tell..." Her tone was laced with a piqued interest which she realized upon saying the words; might be seen as borderline inappropriate. 

"Well, yes, he...", for some unknown reason, Dunn had the impression they were talking about two different things for a brief moment,"...he says you not only have top notch combat skills but are a whiz with computers. A skill I am lacking, somewhat."

"Oh," Her eyes changed, became more guarded. That was all she needed, people on the ship gossiping about an unfounded interest in the chief. There was nothing between them and why would there be? She she toyed with him but he did the same in return; on purpose she suspected. She knew she only did it to keep in practice, nothing more. Inwardly scoffing as her thoughts traversed off the main path the half Romulan brought herself back to the here and now.

While Dunn was staring at her a bit closer, "Are you going to the Afterburner later?" She said to deflect the tone of the conversation. "I know things are tense around here but I hear some of the regulars are headed there."

"Oh no you don't...you're not getting off that easy." Smirked Dunn; he hadn't missed the Chief and the woman horribly taunting each other from time to time.

Just than the alert Klaxon wailed. Both Security officers looked at eachother in suprise. D'Callan's voice came from Shelby's comm. badge. ""D'Callan to Daelen and Shane meet me outside the briefing room. Load up, intruder alert." Shelby sprinted toward the turbo lift.

K'Tan always found the quiet murmur of the crowded Afterburner to be soothing. The casual, relaxed conversations and occasional muted laughter were like a poultice, leeching away the day's stress.  

As Tara chatted on about something involving the ship's Parrises squares tournament, the former Tactical Officer casually glanced around the room.  You could take the man out of the job, but you couldn't take the job out of the man.  Although security and tactical were longer his area of responsibility, K'Tan couldn't get out of the habit of maintaining an awareness of what was going on around him.  At a distant table, he noticed Dr. Drett chatting with a crewman who's name he couldn't recall.  K'Tan grimaced as Ryla's companion emitted a laugh that sounded like someone walking on a sack full of kittens. What does she see in him?, he wondered absently.

"Are you even listening to me?" Tara said.

"Of course," K'Tan lied.  Based on many, many past conversations on the topic, he took a gamble on his next statement-

"You were saying that the folks here can't hold a candle to real Parrises squares players."  K'Tan layed a large, callused hand over hers, and gazed into her eyes with what he hoped was a charming smile.  "Don't worry, Tare; I know you'll get them whipped into shape eventually."

Stass placed her free hand atop K'Tan's, and returned  both his gaze and his smile.  "Don't think you're fooling anyone, Romeo; you can't play a player. I know that was just a lucky guess.  Fortunately for you, you have other qualities that make up for it."  

She gave him a wink.  " Just don't let it get to your head."

The moment was broken by the chime of K'Tan's commbadge.  "One moment," he said, tapping the device.  "K'Tan here.  Go ahead."

A familiar voice answered.  "This is Lt. Otak.  Sorry to disturb you commander, but while running a diagnostic, I detected a glitch in our shields. For just a fraction of a second, they seemed to be drawing more power than usual.  I thought it was just a micro-meteor or dust particle at first.  The weird thing is, tactical has detected no signs of an impact to account for the increase.  Now I'm wondering if there might be an issue with the power regulating systems."

"That's odd," K'Tan said.  "It's probably nothing, but backtrack to see if there have been any other spikes like this-- I want to know if there's a pattern.  Best to head off any system irregularities before they get the chance to turn into an emergency situation."

K'Tan grinned.  "Like the Klingon saying goes; 'forewarned is forearmed.'  Keep me posted."

After hearing his subordinates acknowledgement, K'Tan closed the channel. He turned to his companions, and a smile bloomed on his face.  Stass and the Romulan child, both reaching for the last remaining piece of klat'chee, were now engaged in a playfull tug-of-war.  After a brief struggle, the child wrested the stiff Klingon confection from Tara's hand, and giggled with glee.  

"All right, all right; you win this round, squirt," Stass chuckled.  She reached over and ruffled the child's hair; surprisingly, he didn't flinch from the contact.

He may not speak much, but at least he's opening up, K'Tan thought.  Definitely a good sign.

The sudden, piercing blare of the alarm klaxon instantly silenced the room. Two more pulses, and the siren ceased.  Seconds later, the Afterburner's background noise returned, only now tinged by a sense of forboding. As most patrons tried to carry on with their meals, scattered officers and noncoms calmly but quickly headed for their duty stations.   As K'Tan stood, he felt Stass' hand on his arm.  "We're off duty," she said.  "Sit back down."  

K'Tan stared at her, incredulous.  "Are you joking?  I'm part of the command staff."  His eyes flicked from Tara to the child; she nodded in acknowledgment of his unspoken plea.

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on the squirt," she said.  "But sometime soon, you and I are gonna have to discuss your priorities."

"Of course," he replied as he headed for the exit.  "But right now, the captain might need me."

As K'Tan vanished into the corridor, Stass silently shook her head.  She's not the only one.

Captain Sevryll walked towards the briefing room door and listened, she cocked her head slightly and then stood away in the corridor next to Commander James, she nodded to D'callan. Joseph waved Shelby and Darius to be by his side, he looked at the other two officers who moved in front of the Captain and the XO phasers unholstered. Nodding to his two main officers he took a breath.

"Computer, disengage the force fiield around the briefing room door, keep subsiquent fields in place"

A quick blue blast of light shot around the door and Joseph looked round to Sevryll for the order.

As the turbolift doors closed, K'Tan called out "bridge", then tapped his commbadge.  "K'Tan to Otak.  Report!"

"Yes sir," the Lt. replied.  "Unauthorized transporter activity triggered the alarm-- someone or something has beamed into the briefing room.  Lt. commander D'Callan has sealed the area off, and security is on the scene as we speak."

K'Tan nodded silently.  As always, his friend Joseph had reacted quickly and with impeccable judgement. Well done, he thought.  I couldn't have handled it better myself.

A thought occurred to him.  "Did the transport originate within the Arabella?"

"According to transporter logs, negative, Sir."

The pieces were starting to fall into place, and K'Tan didn't like the picture that was forming.  "The shield-glitch you detected earlier..."

"Funny you should mention that, Sir.  Our warp-field experienced a slight hiccup at the exact same time.  The variance fell into the 'acceptable' range, but the occurrence of the two glitches at the exact same moment..."

"Way ahead of you, Lt.  It looks like we've got a hitchhiker.  Scan the hull for any magnetic anomalies.  I'll be there shortly."

The lift began to slow as it neared deck one.  K'Tan reactivated his commbadge.  "K'Tan to Commander James.  I know it may sound strange, Sir, but I think the Arabella's picked up a lamprey."

K'Tan's hand rested on his holstered phaser, and his expression fell into the old, comfortable scowl as he thought, How the hell did a ship slip through our shields while we're at warp?

Ryla turned as Lieutenant Commander K'Tan rose from his table—it was the first time she noticed him. She let her eye roam the behemoth woman he was with, what does he see in her? she thought. She's a giant! The Trill watched as K'tan left the lounge; he was more than likely on his way to the bridge in response to the intruder alert. There was little the Chief Medical Officer could do with regards to intruders, but she would check with the bridge and with Sickbay before she turned in for the evening. She flicked her eyes back to Galdar and Jared Olson, "I have to go... thank you for the conversation."

"What are you doing tomorrow night?" Jared asked with a loopy grin.

Ryla gave him a tight smile "I have a lot of work to do...we'll see."

His grin shrank to a half smile as she turned to the Ferengi,  "I'll talk to you later, Galdi." With that she strode with purpose toward the exit.

As he strode calmly into the Engineering section, Lieutenant Commander Tolok's presence was immediately noted by at least three engineers, their eyes surveying their surroundings almost as often as they examined their consoles. Tolok in his turn noted the phasers worn by his people as the modified alert procedures they'd put in place for their mission in Romulan space were enacted. Nodding approval, he pushed further in towards the throbbing, whirling light show that was the APD-02 class warp core of these Intrepid class ships.

As the Lieutenant Commander reached the guard rail control console, the Beta shift watch officer stepped from the ascender platform to his right and approached the Vulcan.

"Sir", he acknowledged his commander, "Warp core and Zero Point power generation systems are secure and protective shields erected. Engineering access from decks ten and eleven has been restricted to on-duty personnel and senior staff only. No attempt to breach any of the engineering spaces has been detected."

Tolok simply nodded. "Very good, Lieutenant", he stated.

While not expecting trouble from any refugees they might pick up, it had been agreed before they left New Vulcan that certain areas of the ship would remain out-of-bounds to non-starfleet personnel at all times. This was not a problem that the Intrepid class normally had to contend with, so Tolok and D'Callan had come to their own accommodation about who would and would not be allowed in the Engineering section and how that would be controlled. Once the Captain had signed off on the plans, they had been rolled out across the seventh fleet as standard operating procedure.

Weapons were not normally carried by engineers but this far from home it had been deemed prudent, under certain alert conditions, to take this extra precaution. Given that none of their 'guests' were supposed to be in here, it had been deemed unlikely that the precautionary arming of the duty engineering team would cause any concern or upset.

What their visitors didn't know couldn't hurt them and if a visitor found out...then he or she was more than likely engaged in something that would probably justify these procedures.

This one thought prompted another. "Ensign Frida", Tolok called across to the other officer in the room, "please ensure that Shuttle Bay Two has been secured from future security alerts. As it is effectively a civilian area, it is only logical that we relieve them of the interruptions of standard Starfleet operations about which they can do nothing. I am sure they would not wish their children to be disturbed by such events." Pausing, he caught the Lieutenant's eye, "Please also ensure that any Starfleet personnel present in the bay are alerted via their communicators."

Frida nodded, returning to his console while, dismissing the watch officer, Tolok moved towards his office.

JOINT POST BY JUSTX, JEN, MEDS & CRYSTAL


With a glass of ale in one hand and a Romulan PADD in the other, Oryn gazed out of the windows of the conference room as the warning of his presence disrupted the previous quiet of the ship. The window not only reflected a handsome face with a smooth forehead and piercing blue eyes, it gave him sight of the door without having to turn around. Two disruptors sat on the large table near an ancient sword housed in a transparent aluminium case. Also on the table rested an open bottle and two glasses filled with ale. One could not begin to call his arrival standard or normal, but then again, neither was commander Oryn. His black clothing, shoulder length black hair, and loose fitting leather coat were yet another reminder of the Romulan's atypical nature. He was a man of passions and duty, one that found more value in action than the illusion of cooperation that uniforms provided.

Looking to his captain, D'Callan held his phaser tight, his eyes locked on hers. She nodded— that was all he needed. Putting his thumb on the panel by the door, Shelby dropped to his left while Shane moved to his right.  "On my mark, three, two, one...mark," he whispered. The door swished open and Joseph rolled in whilst Shelby and Darius spun in behind him.

D'Callan found his target straight away and aimed his phaser at the stranger's head. In unison, and with perfect timing, both Daelen and Shane had Joseph covered and the intruder in their sights. Lieutenant Commander D'Callan scanned the area in less than two seconds. Standing, he took a few steps forward,"Do not move...don't even wink at me in the reflection."

Joe cautiously moved forward, "Ensign Daelen, check the rest of the room. Ensign Shane, keep your phaser locked on our 'peeping Tom' here".
The half Romulan began her inspection of the briefing room.

Moving towards the visitor, D'callan noticed the aluminium case and the two glasses on the table. As he moved closer, he pressed the phaser to the back of the intruder's head and moved the chair away.

D'Callan smiled when he realized the man carried no weapons on his person.

"A beer and a PADD...what do you think this is? An invitation to review our restaurant? Name and purpose, if you'd be so kind."

The romulan turned slowly to meet the man's eyes, "Were you securing the room or performing a ballet?"

JOINT POST BY JUSTX, JEN, MEDS & CRYSTAL

Finding nothing of consequence during her search of the room, Shelby moved across the table from the Romulan and watched the man. As the intruder spoke, she narrowed her eyes—his arrogance was obvious.

Pausing to take a sip of his drink, he continued, "The name is Oryn. I'm expected. If you don't know the name, I'll assume that it is because it is above your pay grade. I'll wait until you find someone I can speak freely to."

D'Callan smiled, he was too experienced and thick skinned to let a quip like that bother him. "Expected, really? It was stupid of you not to use the front door. Only friends and family use the backdoor...you're hardly that."

From her position in the corridor, Captain Sevryll over heard the man give his name and moved to the entry. "Stand down," she ordered. The utter calm of her voice was at odds with her disapproving eyes. "You're early...and unannounced," she said to the Romulan standing before the view port.

Although Daelen obeyed the Captain, she wasn't about to allow her attention leave the Romulan. She could see it in his eyes, he had little regard for anyone on this ship. He wasn't to be trusted, in her opinion.

"My apologies Captain, but it was necessary," Oryn said with a polite half nod of his head. He allowed himself to look over the gathered faces before speaking again. "As much as I enjoy the beautiful views your ship has thus far provided, this isn't merely a social visit. I've risked my life and my craft to inform you that you are being followed by at least one cloaked vessel. Informing you of this issue, falls under the duties that I have been assigned. Would you and your executive officer care to join me for a drink while I get you caught up?"

His blue eyes openly took in the beauty of the Vulcanoid women that currently stood in the room. As far as forced assignments went, his unwanted task was far more manageable when he enjoyed the scenery. His eyes shifted from the captain and then to the half Romulan ensign, "I hope my sudden visit didn't drag you out of bed as well."

The stone cold glare that she displayed for the Romulan did nothing to welcome him—she spoke in a low tone, "Ryak'na."  Shelby's eyes flickered towards the Captain then to D'Callan and she stepped back. It had been a challenge to keep her temper while the Romulan's were on the ship. She had been shunned many times in the past and she knew this wasn't going to help. Shelby was sorry, but she would not be sorry in front of this one.  The gray orbs returned to the smug alien before them and she held any more remarks for the time being. She would not trust him no matter who he was.

Oryn raised a glass to the insult spoken in his native tongue. It was a clever enough attack and one that was not far from the truth. He was an orphan, found on the streets and raised in a common life. He rose to his position, not because of title or birthright, but because he earned it. "I would hope that you would get to know me before you call me garbage. Insults don't usually come until well into the relationship."

JOINT POST BY JUSTX, JEN, MEDS & CRYSTAL

Oryn shook his head, "I'm sorry if my words or arrival offended anyone present. Perhaps I've forgotten the finer points of civility in my isolation."     

His words were ashes to Shelby, but none of her feelings registered in her expression. There was little he could say that would sway her. Romulans were a hard people and while some had a softer side, a good number were vicious at the core. Later she would take her frustrations out in the gym where no one would see them. She turned her stormy attentions to Lieutenant Commander D'Callan then back to the intruder.

"Sevryll to bridge,"

"Bridge here."

"Go to Yellow Alert, we have a cloaked vessel in our wake."

"Aye... Captain," came a surprised voice.

Sevryll turned to the Chief of Security,  "I believe the Commander and I can manage from here—Commander Oryn is our Romulan liaison," said the Captain. "Thank you, Mr. D'Callan...you are dismissed," she said with a calm presence that dominated the gathering.

Lieutenant Commander D'Callan motioned to Shelby and Darius and then immediately left the room, nodding to the Captain and First Officer as they moved into the corridor. Joseph paused in the entry with his eyes on Oryn. He turned back to the Captain, "Ma'am," he quietly uttered and proceeded into the corridor.

Aeric finally entered and tilted his head to study the man. In a room full of rampant emotions, it was odd that he could not easily sense those of the stranger. "Welcome aboard the Arabella," the First Officer offered in civil tones. He had his own questions about the man, but it wasn't his place to voice them so freely.

Sevryll absently tightened her belted robe and moved to the briefing table once the security team had vacated the room. The Romulan man gestured to the glasses of ale but the Captain shook her head in response, "I do not drink."

Aeric calmly took the other glass and sipped it's contents. It wasn't his style to drink so late in the day, but he offered the action as a sign of trust to the man.

JOINT POST BY MEDS & CRYSTAL

As the door of the briefing room whispered closed behind him, D'Callan stood there a moment staring at it. He pointed at the security officers. Then his sharp gaze went back to the door.
 
Shelby could tell by his manner that the incident had bothered the Chief.
 
Joseph took a breath and finally spoke to the armed security officers, "You two, keep guard." He directed his remark towards two of the men who had arrived as back up. "Notify me immediately if anything happens."  
 
Clearly the Captain seemed to trust the smug Romulan intruder, but that did not mean he had to. Furthermore Joe didn't like how this had gone down; he'd like a bit more information on this visitor. He walked away from the men with Ensigns Daelen and Shane. "That was interesting," his tone did not expose his true opinion on the matter. "Make your reports. Darius, I want to ensure we don't have any more 'suprise' individuals casually beaming onto this ship." The stress he placed on the one word was the only obvious indication of curiosity.
 
As he watched Shane depart, he strode to the half Romulan. "Shelby, walk with me." With the woman in tow, Joseph kept a quick pace as he headed down the corridor. Reaching up he tapped his badge, "D'Callan to K'Tan. We've had an unauthorized visitor. He has informed us that we are being followed and he's currently with the Captain and Commander Aeric in the briefing room, keep your eyes peeled. D'Callan out."
 
Joseph and Shelby continued towards the turbo lift in silence. Finally, as they hit the doors he turned to the woman and released a slight sigh, "I'll meet you in the holo suite for some training Ensign." As the doors hissed opened, he didn't wait for a reply, he just disappeared into the lift.
 
Shelby stared a moment at the closed doors, her eyes narrowed again and she clasped her hands behind her back before heading down the corridor to the briefing room where the Captain and the First Officer now sat with Oryn.

As the alert indicators flicked to yellow, Tolok put the PADD he'd been reading down on his desk and stood. Duty had held him in Engineering while the possibility of an intruder was current but with the return to normal operations, even at the heightened alert state, his presence in his department was no longer required.

Leaving his office, he was in time to see the warp core containment field drop and the first team check in the weapons they'd been carrying. Nodding in acknowledgement of the Lieutenant on duty, he walked through the centre of his domain toward the protective blast door which parted just before he reached them, admitting a pair of additional technicians, called to duty by the increased alert status.

In the corridor, Tolok turned left as the doors closed behind him and walked quickly to the turbo lift, his quarters and the chance to meditate.

As the turbolift opened on deck one, K'Tan's commbadge pinged for his attention.

"D'Callan to K'Tan. We've had an unauthorized visitor. He has informed us that we are being followed and he's currently with the Captain and Commander Aeric in the briefing room, keep your eyes peeled. D'Callan out."

"Thanks for the update, Chief."  He tapped his commbadge.  "K'Tan to ops. Lt. Otak; it appears as though our theory on the anomalous readings is correct.  Fortunately, the Captain is on top of the situation."

"Understood Sir."

"And Mr. Otak-  I want you to work with tactical and see what you can do about refining the shield and warp-field monitoring routines.  We need to redefine what constitutes an 'acceptable' spike in power usage. Have the new parameters tied into our warning protocols.  I want us to be alerted the moment there is the slightest fluctuation in shield or warp field integrity." 

K'Tan sighed, and thought to himself, We got lucky this time.  I'd hate to think what kind of havoc a hostile intruder could cause if he slipped through our shields.

After giving a nod to the men guarding the door to the briefing room, K'Tan turned and stepped back into the lift.  "Afterburner."

Joint post by Crystal and Juxt X

Commander Oryn, the newly arrived liaison officer to the Seventh Fleet, stood at the berth once reserved for the Presidio but now assigned to house his vessel. The greenish black craft, a little under thirty meters in length looked decided out of place in the shine and sparkle of the well lit bay. He moved his fingers over the wrist mounted romulan PADD and authorized the security features of the craft. He found it far easier to land the dagger-like craft in the Federation landing bay than he did on the skin of the ship. While the new home of his vessel wasn't a Warbird and didn't contain the spare parts that he might need to mount future repairs, the database aboard had ship had the schematics. It would only be a matter of using Federation replicators to create the needed parts.

Oryn found himself oddly at home on the Federation vessel. For a good portion of the last decade, he had found himself spending more time in Federation space than the space of the Imperial State. He was not a diplomat by any stretch of the imagination, but followed the will of the Empress Donatra and did not question her direction of his career. She had trusted him to carry and deliver the honor of the empire to whatever new home they found. It was his task to give that honor to a worthy leader that might rise from the ashes of recent tragedy.

Oryn ignored the eyes that drifted towards him and his craft. He knew first hand on how prejudice the Federation could be despite their pretense at harmony. They had worked long to paint his people as a heartless enemy and he could not fault the citizens for believing the propaganda. He however did not have the luxury to believe in the propaganda his own people once fostered about their now allies. He had no choice but to judge a person on their individual merits and not the rumors of their species.

"Begin full diagnostic of all systems," Oryn said into the air after tapping his wrist to activate his ship's communications system.

"Complying with Order," the comuter replied in a more common version of the romulan tongue.

Oryn ran his fingers through his hair and glanced to the small display of the wrist device. He had not found any problems with his ship, but deeper diagnostics would be used confirm that.

Were he to wear robes instead of blacks and leather, Oryn could almost pass for a vulcan. Almost. He made no attempts to hide, suppress, or displace his emotion and it often showed on his face.


Shelby had hit a wall in her information which she had been studying on Nalah. With this supposedly 'friendly' romulan liaison on the ship and with a computer on said ship, the gears had started moving in her head. So here she stood outside the Shuttle bay doors, considering if this was such a good idea after all, she had called him garbage after all. Still, she rationalized a chance was a chance. So she had gotten into her uniform after doing her morning routine in the gym, braided her long dark hair back as was her standard and here she was walking into the shuttle bay and now gazing at his ship from the doorway.

She was still having those misgivings crawling at the back of her mind, there was no doubt about that, she hadn't even told D'Callan she was coming to see the man. This was a bad idea, she told herself, she pivoted on her heel and started walking away. She would take this through proper channels and leave it at that. About to hit the door a voice called out to her.

"Ensign Daelen." She froze, her fingers curling slightly as she waited.

Sighing heavily, but not visibly she turned, "Commander Oryn." walking back towards the man as if nothing mattered to her. She purposely didn't answer him.

His head slightly tilted in thought before he spoke again, this time in fluent Federation standard as to avoid translator issues, "Is there something that I can help you with ensign?"

Her gray gaze never wavered from his eyes, she was trying to read him, see what he was about; to find the deception that she suspected he hid. "Why are you here? I know what the Captain said...now what do you say? You after all are in a perfect position of power..." Her tone was even and calm.

Oryn smiled as he studied the woman then allowed it to abruptly vanish. "Why are you here? I mean in the grand scheme of things? It's clear that both of your parents aren't romulan, yet you seem to take offense at the sight of one. Did your romulan parent force the other against their wishes? I couldn't imagine another reason for the closed-minded venom you offer."

"I assure you, the sight of a Romulan does not offend me and my parentage is none of your concern. What is my concern is this ship and the security of it. What you may see as venom and offense is only mis-trust in someone who sneaks onto the Arabella while we are in the middle of a crisis." Gray eyes watched him carefully.

Oryn chuckled. "Do you take me for a fool ensign? There was never any danger to you or your ship. I left my arms on the table and your commanding officer placed a phaser to the back of my head. A fatal gesture regardless of the discharge setting a weapon is set on. As for my purpose here, I was expected. I arrived in a means that would not put either ship in danger from an enemy that you could not see for yourself. Perhaps I should have uncloaked to allow another of your  ... trigger happy cowboys ... to fire first and cover up any questions."

A smile spread along her lips and she spoke ever so softly as Shelby strode past him to look at his ship. "There has been much distrust between our people Oryn. My experience with both has taught me the dangers and hazards of each half of my heritage. It is a hurdle both races will need to address before we can move forward. The question is who will make the first move?"  She turned to stare into the man's face, to read his expression.   

Oryn moved to make clear eye contact with the woman, "If you want some explanation, I'm sorry that's not going to happen. I am not here to give answers to everyone on the ship with doubts. I'm here for the twin empires. I'm here to make sure that the people are treated fairly by, from what I have seen, a crew that seems to have a good deal of prejudice to work out regarding the people they are here to help. I believe that you have serious misconceptions about half of your heritage."

Lifting a brow at the man Shelby felt the ache of the rejections in her life, the pent up rage from her time on the colony washing back over her. She had been cast out from both races more than once and now he was accusing her of the very vile thing she hated about those people. Staring at the man she felt her fingers trembling. He had hit her core and stung her with it. "You are mistaken....I called both of them that. Once again though that was not my question. You have given me flowery, innocent answers to why you are here and that is all well and good but why wouldn't you want to take advantage of this crisis to grab a piece of power for yourself in an empire that is no more?"

"Honestly darling, how is that any of your damned concern?" Oryn asked bluntly but smoothly. "Do you believe that you should some how have a hand in selecting the future direction of the Empire? I'll grant that I'm new to this ship, but I'm quite  familiar with a chain of command. Why is an ensign confronting a superior about motives that her higher ups are already well aware of?"

"Call it morbid curiosity." Shelby looked at the man evenly.

Oryn studied the young woman, "I'm here because it is the right thing to do. I'm here because a duty needs to be performed and we don't always have the option of choosing where our paths take us."

"There are a lot of my people," he paused to point out towards the stars. "out there and on this ship that lost everything. Their entire life, their families, their homes are all gone. I didn't have any of that to worry about. I'm here because someone needs to be here. Someone needs to stand up for the people and sometimes fate decides to make it the person with the least deepest wounds. Fate or a certain Empress, but that's neither here nor there ..."

"Someone is of the belief that there are people in this group that cannot do that?" She asked with interest.   

"Someone is always of that belief," Oryn answered. "That doesn't mean that the effort stops. I'm here because I believe that my people are better than that. I'm here because I believe my people can be better than they were. It doesn't hurt that there are Orions on the ship or at least one Orion. I'm not too clear on that yet, but I've always enjoyed the greener things in life."

Giving a half smile Shelby looked downwards. Then she looked back up at the man saying nothing for the time being. She just studied him.

"Have I sufficiently sated your curiosity or is your imagination running away from you?" Oryn asked. "Usually when someone stares that long, it's to imagine what someone's clothing is hiding."

The sudden, unexpected and uncharacteristic laugh which came from Shelby filled the shuttle bay and she eventually stopped to look at the Romulan with a pleasant smile for a moment; before she hesitantly returned to her calm demeanor. Gazing at the man with mirth still in her gray orbs she shook her head. "You have a wit about you which is uncommon."
   
"Not as uncommon as you think. Our people pride themselves on their emotions and passions. What is humor if not another fine emotion?" Oryn mused between reading the display on his wrist that contained the progress of the ship's diagnostic.

Walking around the ship Daelen spoke. "I know about the Romulan people...I grew up on a border colony...of course it wouldn't rival the homeworlds...still it was..." her gaze flickered back to the man. "...enough of a taste to know." Her eyes returned to their admiring of his ship. "She is very...pleasing...for a ship...what is her name?" Reaching out she just touched the hull with her fingertips, almost caressing the metallic skin.

"She was named The Sword of S'task by Empress Donatra," Oryn said in between observing her.

Speaking the name in Romulan, Shelby seemed enticed by it and then she sighed and dropped her hand and turned to the Romulan. "I should go..."

Oryn watched her a little more closely, "I can understand that. There are far too many things aboard my vessel to cause temptations to one not so fluent with our society."

Her gaze shifted to the man, almost rebelliously, yet she said nothing.

"I would invite you to tour the vessel, but at this point, I'm not sure that I should be placing you in such a compromising position," he added.

Almost jumping at the chance, Shelby stopped herself, the lure of a tour was difficult to turn down. "You do tempt me... but you are correct...without the proper approval it might be seen as ...something it is not." Giving a nod to the man she moved away; she would need to talk to D'Callan first. Now wasn't the time to ask him for access to his computer; later.   

Oryn examined her as she left and moved to his wrist to pull up the location of a place to grab a drink with someone other than himself. Letting the diagnostic continue, the commander moved towards the lift and the short ride to the ship's bar.

Senator Nevash was conscious when Doctor Drett returned to Sickbay—the stabbing victim had demanded a discharge from the ward even though she was too weak to stand. Senator Ketleck, who suffered a head injury aboard the transport, was recovering as well. Both Romulans had exchanged a number of colorful, and rather vociferous insults that the universal translator was kind enough to interpret for the blushing Trill. Rather than call them down, Ryla strode outside to inform the security officers of her patients' mutual aversion. The officers had been mingling in the corridor when she returned to Sickbay, and all she had to do was step through the doors to bring them up to speed. "I'm going to slip them a little something to help them sleep...Make sure they don't kill each other when they wake up."

Back on the Romulan transport, a witness informed Ryal that Ketleck attacked Nevash for permitting the awayteam to board. The witness also happened to be Senator Ketleck's aid and the man had been the one to strike Nevash's assailant with a blunt object, to prevent him from landing additional knife wounds.

The Trill had to give the profane officials each a sedative to shut them up—she did not feel particularly good about that, but it would not have been responsible of her to leave Sickbay and her patients in their agitated states. Ryla was certain they would complain the next day, but they had left her with no other choice. It was either that or the brig and neither were well enough to leave ICU.

She tapped the combadge pinned to her little black dress, "Doctor Drett to the Bridge."

"Lieutenant Commander Bates here," came the voice of an officer she did not recognize.  

The doctor continued towards the turbolift then paused at the entrance to wait for its arrival. "What is the status of the intruder alert? Should I be concerned? I haven't received a report." The Trill asked as she gazed at the flashing yellow panels lining the corridor.  

"The Captain was expecting the individual who triggered the klaxon—she was in a meeting with the individual, but that concluded about an hour ago."

Ryla folded her arms over her chest as she became increasingly impatient with the lift, "then why are we still at Yellow Alert?"

"It's just a precaution, ma'am. I'm sure the Captain will brief the senior officers soon."

Shelby jogged down the corridor in a black, figure hugging outfit and running shoes. She was looking forward to having this training sessions together with D'Callan, it was something she found relaxing. Unfortunately, at the moment that wasn't the case, she knew Joe would arrive first. The detour to see Oryn had delayed her longer than expected.

Making the corner, the ebony haired ensign slowed as she approached the doors; they hissed open expectantly and she stopped short of entering. He was here, her sharp gaze took in the dimly lit landscape before her and she spied a wooded area. It was one of the many settings the pair used during their simulations. Swearing in Romulan she knew she'd have to find the man first.

Her thoughts went to the days events, she was well aware of the delicate situation with not only all the Romulan's but Oryn. Still, surely D'Callan would see the benefit of what she planned, if she was allowed to board the liaison's ship; she could find a lot more out about it.

Shelby also knew why they were here; It was Joe's way of clearing his mind.

Calculating her steps, Shelby strode cautiously into the room, while the light from the corridor cast harsh, dark shadows deeply into the suite. Upon walking past the door, it shushed closed as if to cut her off from leaving. Her gray eyes shifted behind her then back to the surrounding woods. Ambiance took over as the sounds of the night animals chirping and clicking cradled her. The hairs on her neck rose as she anticipated the attack she knew would come.

Looking at her from above, the Commander had been watching Shelby enter the holo-suite, she was graceful and Joseph D'Callan liked that; more than he admitted to himself sometimes. He waited until she was just under him, then he dropped from the tree on top of her; pushing her to the floor.

The woman reacted with a skillful roll away from the man, then recovered to her feet in a crouching postiion as her pale orbs watched every move of the chief.

Joseph smiled, then spun hitting her with a round house kick. His foot nearly impacted with her cheek.
She responded by lifted her hands, grabbing his foot and stopping it. Using her momentum she gave a hard twist, while pulling at the same to time to drop him to the ground. Quickly turning she lifted fully to her feet, moving back like a predator waiting for an attack. Pacing herself while watching the man with glimmering feral eyes, accompanied by a smirk that touched the edges of her lips.

The pair circled one another. "Nice drop this time..." she said smartly.

"Five minutes, active combat, ready?" Joseph looked at her hard.

Shelby darted at him, catching his wrist and drawing it out straight, she went low and drug her leg out; her gray orbs never leaving his penetrating stare.

Caught off-guard, Joe rolled to his right, then he captured a branch and swung it at her feet. Shelby jumped but the wood caught her heel causing her to wobble slightly. He tossed the make-shift weapon aside as he placed some space between them, his attention unwavering, while he wondered for a moment 'What is going on in her mind?'

The woman spun away from the man, bringing her arm back and thrusting it forward; aiming at the center of D'Callan's chest as hard as she could.

Receiving the blow Joe staggered back but in doing so he caught her elbow, jerking her into his body to hold her. Lifting her up, he was prepared to drop her; a smiled laced the edges of his mouth.

As he had lifted her though she drew her shoe back and kicked downwards and straight into the knee. Causing him to buckle down and groan as she pulled away from him.

Joseph finally collapsed as the ensign dropped away. "That is just not cricket Daelen. Where did that come from?"

Shelby stood up and laughed gently "K'tan, it was an academy move".

He looked up "Why doesn't that surprise me" Internally, this felt like just what he needed, as the man was letting the frustration of the days events drain from him.

Keeping to her feet, the lithe woman lowered her stance and narrowed her eyes; planning her next move. "There's something I need to talk to you about" the inflection of her tone was colored with the sincerity of her words.

Breathing heavily D'Callan narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Whatever you have to say isn't going to distract me."

As they circled each other she shook her head. "This is business...I went to see Oryn..." Getting in under his defenses Shelby took three good strikes at the man's chest and neck; only to be denied as he easily blocked the attacks. She spun, moved in again and swept his legs, but he dove to one side with ease as she moved in for the kill.

Bouncing back up onto his feet, Joseph felt something deep inside him growling as her words sank in. "What?!"

"I went to talk to him, see what he was about....he's offered to let me tour his ship.." Shelby's breathing was measured as she blocked a return strike to her chest by the man with her arm. "I thought that it'd be a great change to snoop around. When do you think I should do it?" Countering her she only briefly saw Joe's move before she could block it.

D'Callan slipped in under her arms, pushed her back then kicked hard at her midsection; throwing her back onto the ground.

Shelby grunted as she fell, glimpsing the displeasure in the man's expression which was reflected in the moonlight beading down on them. Scrambling to her feet again there was no mistaking the look Joe gave her and she tightened her jaw as she rubbed her midsection. "I see we've moved this up a level..."

Joe narrowed his gaze, he tried another tactic on the half Romulan but this time she blocked it easily. Things were getting a bit more serious it appeared.

Shelby twisted low to avoid a strike by D'Callan to her leg, he took advantage of this distraction to reach behind his back unclip a small metal object from his belt and using his finger and thumb he slid the bracket open and he threw it at Shelby's feet. Joseph said something out loud which Daelen couldn't hear but in response the computer clicked and the ground between them shimmered briefly.

The shiny object spun quickly, looping around her ankles, and she looked down, turned slightly to glance back at him; managing out. "What are--"

Without a word, D'Callan pulled the clip back in and the thin wire locked, allowing him to pull and jerk her legs from under her.

Shelby fell forward and landed on her stomache in a pool of watery dust, Joseph stood up and shook his leg, the wire got tighter as the ensign struggled.

"Now we're going to have ourselves a little talk Daelen." The annoyance he felt at the knowledge that the woman had gone to see Oryn without consulting him simply irritated him to no end and he found he just couldn't let it go.

Realizing the situation she was in, Shelby tried not to move. Somehow he had procured a patch of quicksand into the holo-suite program; she was beginning to sink! She tried to reach the wire wrapped around her ankles but scrambling made her situation worse. She growled at D'Callan. "You can't do this...." she couldn't believe he was doing this, trying one more time to reach the wire, Joseph pulled on it and cause her to slip down further.

Glancing down at the device in his hand, Joe tightened his hold on it and then his eyes retuned to Shelby. "I thought I could trust you, I don't trust many wom - people, and look at this...you've gone behind my back."

JOINT POST BY CRYSTAL AND MEDS

"Excuse me? Behind your back?" As Shelby started to struggle, she realized that the motion caused her to sink more and she stopped. Her gray orbs shot back up at the man. "Joseph! I have a Romulan who wants to let me walk about his ship freely. How often does that happen at this stage of the game?! Are you --" His cold gaze stopped her, she narrowed her eyes and said suspiciously. "Did you turn off the holo-deck safety's?"

He crossed his arms along his chest as he simply watched her.

"Ahh, come on....you didn't trust him anymore than I did..." A few select Romulan curses flew towards him while she sank further. She was fairly sure he wouldn't kill her; after all it would take some explaining to the Captain.

He looked at her and then deactivated the wire completely, letting it drop uselessly onto the surface, at which point she stared at him as if he had ten arms.

"Dear, to be honest, I really thought you'd done that to me a few times before, the safety protocols I mean, still I guess we all have to start somewhere aye" He winked at her and headed towards the door leaving the sinking Shelby to shout at him. "Arch." the holo-deck deck doors opened.

"You aren't -- " she started...then, "D'Callan" The woman said with a slight concern to her voice. Clearly he wasn't going to stop, "Computer, Shelby program 5-0-0-1, execute!" there followed a series of chirps and when Joseph was almost at the doorway the arch suddenly faded away before he could make good his escape.

"Your cheating......"Joseph said calmly. "again...." Turning he smirked at the woman.

Shrugging she smirked back, "I simply decided to level the playing field." She said watching him carefully. All the while though she sought out some method of pulling herself out. Realizing that he was finding amusement in watching her, she replaced her stunned reaction with a stubborn fire in her eyes.

Looking around him, Joe thought for a moment, then he moved over to one of the large nearby trees and he leaned back against it with a casual air about him. "Hmmm nice...How's the spa? I hear mud baths are very invigorating. Would you care for a loofah?"

Crossing her arms along her chest, Shelby breathed outwards and she simple stood there. She refused to speak or ask him for help as she ran scenarios through her mind as to what she could do.

By the time she was waist deep, Joseph walked forward a few steps and he looked down. "Ensign, you are bright, and one of the best security officers I have come across, think about your situation and I have few doubts that you can figure this out."

As the man watched, she thought a bit more, her survival training filled her mind, obscure thoughts which she never imaged needing returned to her. Her progress was slow at first, just a bit of wriggle, then a bit more from side to side. Gradually she slowly pulled herself up and horizontally across the wet goo. She managed out to her knees and waited to make sure she wasn't sinking more. Then she drew herself forward in a flat crawling motion, her feet finally sucked free from the muddy concoction.

She arrived at the dry section where she flopped onto her back, breathing heavily and with her ankles still bound together. As she lay there, her expression reflected some exhaustion then it changed. As she inched herself further away from the quicksand and closer to the unsuspecting D'Callan.

"Good job Daelen." she said then he shifted his attention to a small padd he was working on.
Her gray eyes shifted to the man as she untangled the cord from around her ankles. She gave no hint to him that she was ticked. Yet the moment he glanced away Daelen went for his legs; using the wire and her body to push him back onto the ground.

Not expecting her actions Joseph was tackled onto the dry surface. Positioning herself over him she demanded. "You know you can trust me. How do I know 'I' can trust you." she said harshly to him. Now dark and dangerous eyes searched his for an answer.

"You know you can trust me Shelby," Although he was surprised, Joe kept his voice even and serious, "because if you didn't you would have plunged me into that quick sand, not the dry surface here" He appreciated her impulsiveness. He enjoyed how sharp she was. He also found his time with Shelby never boring. There was just something about her....

Daelen's breathing slowed as his words rang true. Her thoughts drifted, as his proximity became reality. Under her hand she felt his heart beating faster. Her eyes changed; being with him eased her pent up angers and it soothed her.

He looked down at the woman's hand, feeling the warmth of it through the fabric and it was intoxicating. He let his eyes move back up into her exotic gaze. "Trying to figure out if there is something beating in there?" The moment which had conspired between them seemed locked in time as the intensity between them increased.

Shelby let her hand slip off of his chest. What was she doing? What was she thinking? As she retreated, Joseph followed her.

Neither of them could explain to the other but the fire between them took away the chill of being alone. He told himself she would go. While she failed to move further away. Instead they were right there, inches away from each other, allowing him to unconsciously slip even closer.

Shelby didn't she get up and leave. Everything told her this wasn't right.

Joseph lifted up his hand with hesitation, then with boldness as he traced her jaw line then he caressed his way upwards to allow his fingertips to just graze her tapered ear tenderly on one side.

The half-romulan's storm-colored gaze searched his blue-green orbs as his touch fueled the growing emotions. She wanted to whisper his name as she felt the warmth of his breath as he neared her. She leaned into him ever so slightly.

The holo-suite comms system broke in, much like shattering a piece of fine crystal on a tile floor, and from the silence came a bold voice. "Commander Oryn to Ensign Daelen."

Joe and Shelby's eyes broke and the chill that had been chased from the room by their contact returned; the spell had been broken.

Glancing downwards, Shelby responded. "This is Ensign Daelen. How may I help you Commander." Her eyes followed D'Callan; as he became distant to her and he lifted.

Oryn's voice replied via the comms, "I have some time to kill later tonight after the senior staff meeting, if you want to join me for a drink aboard my ship."

The ensign's gaze went to Joseph as he stood and walked over to the discarded wire and bracket. Picking it up and acting as if nothing was wrong.

Her lips parted as if she wanted to speak to him but she diverted to the communique. "Um, actually Commander I think I might take a rain check on that. Could we arrange another time?"

"I should be free later tomorrow evening." He said. "Would that work for you?"

Standing herself, Shelby followed Joseph but stopped short as she responded first. "I will need to check my duties. I will get back to you. Thank you Commander, Daelen out." The comms system chirped off and the half Romulan finally moved up behind D'Callan. "Let me know what you want me to focus on before I go." she offered softly.

"Yeah," He said distantly, while shifting his eyes back to her. He re-secured the device he had used on her. Then to his own surprise D'Callan moved to her, reached up and touched her warm cheek to wipe a spot of mud from her skin. He didn't want to forget what had just occurred between them or maybe he just wanted to prove to himself that he hadn't imagined it.

Joseph closed his eyes as if mustering the strength to do what he needed to. "Computer end programme." Nothing happened, he looked back to the dark haired woman. She held a playful smirk at the corner edges of her lips.

"Computer, release Shelby 5-0-0-1 program end, execute code 70." The arch appeared and the room shimmered away; returning into the yellow black grid, as they stood face to face.

Without thought, Shelby reached up with her hand, she was about to touch him when he stopped her. Did he really think that she would betray him somehow? What could she say to him? "Would would you have me do Joseph?" Came her tenderly spoken question to him.

He seemed to pull himself up more. "Do you're job Ensign." Releasing her wrist he pivoted on his heel and walked out of the holo-suite without another word.

Leaving Shelby to try to sort out her own feelings about what had happened between them.

Joint Post by Jen and Just X. See the OOC for The Ship's Time.

Oryn, stood quietly in the empty turbo lift as it made the quick rise to deliver him on the deck where Sickbay resided. The muscularly fit Romulan rolled his head in a circular motion to release some of the tension from the earlier events of the evening. While it was his primary goal to find a nice place to sit and have a beverage, the policies of his hosts dictated that he first check in for one of their physicals. Previous conversation had caused that little detail to slip from his mind, but once in the lift, he had the misfortune of recalling it.


"It's just a precaution, ma'am. I'm sure the Captain will brief the senior officers soon," came a voice over Doctor Drett's combadge. The door to the turbolift finally opened for her.

"Thank you commander," said Ryla with a touch of acerbity in her tone. The hassle the two senators caused in Sickbay, had made her mood far less buoyant than usual. She started to move inside the car when she realized a man blocked her path, "excuse me," she said with a smile and tried to skirt around him.

Oryn took a small step back to allow the woman into the lift. His eyes moved slowly over her form, in part to determine her species and to admire how well she filled out the black dress she wore. "What deck are you headed to?" he asked.

He was holding the door open, preventing the lift from moving. Ryla narrowed her eyes slightly, "why?"

"Polite conversation," he replied with a smile."I'm new to the ship and I'm trying to get a feel for things. I'm Oryn."

The Trill realized his brows were up-swept. A Vulcan? No. The smile he wore told her he was Romulan; perhaps one of the evacuees. Her expression softened, "are you looking for a particular location?"

"Actually, I'm doing everything in my power to avoid the medical bay for some sort of physical." He chuckled and leaned in the doorway as they spoke," I believe any reasonable medical officer would agree that a conversation with a beautiful woman is a justifiable delay."

She tried not to smile, "I'm Doctor Drett... Chief Medical Officer. I am not expecting an appointment and certainly not at this hour. You're either very early or very late."

"Well, Doctor, you're certainly not what I expected." His smile broadened and he took a stepped inside to free the doors. "And since you're not expecting me, we could just postpone the physical... would you join me for a drink instead?"

He was quite handsome, if a bit forward. "I'm actually about to turn in for the evening...thank you for the offer. You can come by for your physical in the morning when Sickbay is better staffed."

"I'm merely trying to get to know the crew. And...I'm sure that being escorted for a drink by a doctor would equal a clean bill of health to my hosts."

She couldn't help but smile at that, "My Ferengi friend would be very impressed with your attempts to sell whatever it is you're offering. I bet you slide when you walk."

"I hover, but you're changing the subject. You have a very beautiful smile," he said.

He was smooth, she would give him that. "I'll point you toward the Afterburner if you'll drop the cheesy pick up lines. Since you're an evacuee I'll accompany you as a diplomatic gesture, but I can't stay long...I have an early shift tomorrow."

"Done," he agreed. "Also, for the sake of transparency, I'm not one of the refugees that you recovered. I'm your liaison ... well, the liaison to your ship and fleet."

"I wasn't aware such an official was aboard the Arabella."

Diplomatic gesture indeed—this decision had the potential of being disastrous. If he was in fact a liaison then that meant he was some sort of diplomat. Ryla wasn't accustomed to socializing with ambassadors. Her mind rolled through an array of  blunders she would likely make and then a myriad of cataclysmic outcomes. One such result included mission failure all due to a remark spouted in ignorance.

"Knowledge of my presence was 'need to know'. Plans within plans and all of that, but nothing too shady. Just a safety measure...there are some aboard who would not be pleased by my arrival."

Ryla gave him ample room within the lift. She wasn't sure how much of what he said was true, but she didn't think it would be difficult to find out.

Joint post by Jen and Just X

"Afterburner," Oryn said aloud before focusing his attention on the woman. "What's your usual drink of choice?"

"Yellow Fever....but, I already had one of those tonight with a man who may still be there. I don't want any misunderstandings... this is just a friendly chat over one drink. It would hurt Jared if he thought otherwise. I may to have to do that at some point, but I'd rather it not be due to a misconception."

"Is this a man that you plan to be intimate with again?" He asked. "If you're not interested in him, a little pain now be better than tractoring him along with no destination in mind."

She scrutinized him from the other side of the lift, "you're very frank..."

"I'm an honest person," he shrugged. "I think that direct honesty is better than half truths when possible."

"...actually, I was referring to the inquiry, not the suggestion. My Ferengi friend wouldn't even venture into that territory."

"Why not?" He raised a brow. "Is it something that you don't want others to know? That would make it difficult for suitors to know if you are available, wouldn't it?"

Is this lift ever going to reach Deck 11? "I'm simply stating that it is a very direct question..." She tried to give him a reassuring smile, I probably shouldn't frown at a diplomat. The lift slowed to a stop and Ryla almost bounded into corridor as the door whisked open.

"I'm sorry if my question made you uncomfortable," he said as he followed behind her. "It's a quite a task trying to learn what other species find polite or offensive. I personally prefer the path of honesty. I'm given too many half truths when dealing with politicians. For you, I will mind my manners, or at least attempt the Federation standard of them."

She spared him a look over her shoulder and slowed her pace. Together they approached the oaken double doors of the Arabella's most popular hangout. A holographic sign welcomed them above the entrance. The blue flames that spelled the name of Cyra Fredric's lounge, licked at the ceiling like a hungry targ. It was a glitzy directional for a starship and Ryla wondered what sort of under-the-table dealings Cyra had to do to gain Starleet's approval for installation. Doctor Drett stepped through the doors with Oryn and entered the bustling Afterburner. It was open mic night, and the room was alive with music and patrons eating dinner and playing Dom-Jot. She paused in the entry and scanned the room for a moment. Galdar was seated alone at a table now, and to her relief Jared Olson was nowhere to be seen. A few of the Romulan patrons turned to watch Oryn sweep into the room with the Trill. They seemed curious, as did a number of her fellow crewmates.

He bent low to her ear and softly whispered, "How do I look?"

The warmth of his breath prompted goose bumps to form on her neck, and she flinched at his unexpected action. After the briefest pause she answered him, "you look... unique."  His clothing was not typical of the drab looking uniforms worn by many Romulans. Oryn's black suit fit him well and, if it was possible, made his bright eyes even more striking.

"Unique is acceptable," he continued in a whisper. Ryla managed not to jump a second time and quickly proceeded toward Galdar—wishing the people in the room would go back to their drinks.

Joint post by Shelby Daelen and Bryancd

Walking towards Nalah's quarters Daelen couldn't shake the thoughts of the previous evenings going on's at the holosuite with D'Callan. She had rested but it had been restless as the realization of his potentially real feelings towards her tumbled around in her mind, not to mention what her thoughts on the matter were.

Still six hours later and a bit more rested after such a busy day, Daelen was unsure of what to expect from Nalah, although the Romulan had to be crawling up the walls by this time. She knew she would have been. Rounding the corner, Shelby found Ensign Lawson standing guard now outside the woman's room. After a brief conversation Daelen pressed the chime. It was early morning but Shelby was fairly sure she read her Romulan right, she would be up.

The door slid open immediately. "Where have you been!" Nalah demanded. "I have been stuck in here for hours!" Her eye's narrowed as she regarded Shelby. "Was that an alarm I heard last night? What has happened?"

"I know I am sorry Nalah. I had some business to attend." Putting up her hands as the door shut behind her then Shelby walked in further. "The Romulan liaison arrived a bit sooner than we expected so we should be able to start processing some of the refugees soon." Wanting to shift the subject Daelen smiled at the Romulan woman. "How would you like to go to the gym?"

Nalah was taken aback by the question. "Uh...well...um, yes, that would be agreeable," she said awkwardly. It had been some time since anyone had offered her a degree of consideration, she felt completely out of her element. Why did this woman have any interest in her at all, she wondered.  


"Here," tossing her a small satchel of clothing which she had procured. "I'll be back first thing in the morning. Get some rest....you're going to need it," she added as the door slid shut.

JOINT POST BY WRAITH1701 AND MEDS

Joseph walked into the Afterburner and looked around the bar. He was tired and a little confused. He needed a drink and he wanted his buddy K'Tan. Hearing the boisterous laugh of his old friend he saw him at the end of the bar, typically in their usual seat. K'tan looked up and seeing Joseph raised his bottle.

Walking through the crowd several crewmen said hello to the chief, he smiled at all of them but all he wanted was to was sit on his stool and drink the night away. It wasn't until he was half way through he caught the site of Oryn standing with Cyra,Galdar and the Doctor. He smiled at his friends and gave the Romulan a nod as he walked past but something inside him twinged.

K'Tan downed the last of his drink, and slammed the dark-brown bottle onto the table.  He couldn't decide which he liked more; the rich, almost malty taste of the ancient earth brew, or the fierce ram's head adorning the yellow label. As Joseph approached, K'Tan slapped him on the back, then gestured for the bartender to bring him two more.  Noticing the pensive exprssion on his friend's face, K'Tan tilted his head quizically.  "You look like your'e in a good mood tonight," he deadpanned.

D'Callan's wince of pain changed into a grin as two bottles were placed on the table. "Oh yes, I'm doing great," he replied sarcastically.  "By the way, did you get any read outs from that call I sent you?" he asked.

K'Tan snorted.  "My lady says I need to learn to leave work at work."  He flicked the cap off of his new beer, and took a swig.  "And we're both off the clock now.  So tell me, what's up?"

D'Callan took a long pull of his beer, then sighed in satisfaction.  "Oh you know, an unauthorized visitor in the briefing room, the Captain and Aeric knew he was coming, kind of felt a bit....."

"Out of the loop?" K'Tan interjected with a smile.  "You aren't the only one.  But the Captain and the XO have always shown sound judgement, and they have yet to let us down.  Hell, you've said the same thing yourself on many occasions.  So that can't be what's really bothering you."

"No, no its not that" he touched the glass, "Then there is that Cardassian, " Joseph flicked his eyes up and the back down and took a gulp of his drink.

K'tan nodded.  "I admit, that one has me a bit confused as well.  What the Fek'lhr was a Cardassian doing on a Romulan ship?"  He shook his head.  "Bah; it is of no consequence.  I doubt that you'd let such person get under your skin."  He took another sip of his drink, then turned to regard his friend.   "Can it be that you're thinking about your mother?"

Joseph looked at his glass and swirled the liquid. "Ah.... you know...I can cope with that, I am after all a professional. " he looked at K'Tan and smiled " Women aye ! "

" K'Tan looked at him and squinted slightly "Women? This definately isn't about work then.  Come on, spit it out."


Joseph sat back. Sevryll and Aeric could read Joseph like a book they had known him since he was a boy, and K'tan knew him just as well, they been friends for so long now and been through quite a lot. "You know me too well my friend. I...well... look you've had a relationships"

K'Tan merely smiled.  "A few."

"Very good K'Tan.  Well.....have any of these relationships been with... not that I am, or intend to, mind you, but...a work colleague who you are in......"

"Charge of..." K'Tan finished.  D'Callan's sudden blush confirmed that he'd hit the nail on the head.

K'Tan gave a wry chuckle and slowly shook his head.  "Fraternization.  You've picked an especially hairy tribble to shave, my friend."  K'Tan set his beer down with a sigh.   "On Klingon ships, it isn't a problem-- If an officer sees a bekk that catches his eye, and she returns the interest, sex is the next logical step.  I guess Klingon crews generally have enough discipline to separate work from pleasure."

"You'd think the same would be true in the Federation," D'Callan said.

"You'd think so," K'Tan replied.  "But things seem to always be a little more hazy here.  Remember when Admiral Quinn commanded the Tiberius?  I believe he took one of the crew as a lover.  And of course, there's the arrangement between our captain and first officer."  K'Tan polished off his drink, and moved the empty bottle to join it's companions at the table's edge.

"Look; the point is, if both parties are disciplined enough to keep work and relationship separate, I don't think there's a problem.  But if there is any doubt in your mind, I'd err on the side of caution.  Otherwise, you risk getting caught up in the mother of all hairballs."

K'Tan glanced at his chronometer.  "Speaking of fraternization, Tara is expecting me."  As he stood to leave, he laid a hand on his friend's shoulder.  "Tread carefully, Joesph.  And good luck."

Joseph raised his glass and K'tan clinked it as he walked away. Putting it down he turned it again and looked over at the new Romulan. The twinge came back and he began to have a feeling that he hadn't felt since he was young. Thinking back it suddenly hit him what it was and that made him feel even worse. He smiled at the barman who filled his glass.

Part Three Joint post by Jen,  Just X, Feathers and KC

"Would it be impolite to thank you for joining me for the one drink as a diplomatic gesture?" Oryn asked Ryla in a low rumble. He nodded to the human security chief as they passed him in the lounge.

"No," came Ryla's quiet reply.

"Thank you," he said with a smile and allowed his eyes to meet hers before sweeping the room. Mirth filled his tone as he continued, "I'm actually quite vain... appearances are important to me. The companionship of a beautiful woman, however brief, is always a good thing."

Ryla reflexively smiled, she wasn't sure how to respond other than that and was happy to have reached Galdar's table. The Ferengi had been watching their approach with a bewildered expression. "I'm back," said the Trill. "I was headed to my quarters when Oryn introduced himself. He's the fleet liaison," she said with a look that asked for verification. She turned to the Romulan and gestured to the helmsman, "Oryn, this is Lieutenant Galdar."

Oryn offered a polite nod, "It is a pleasure to meet someone of your reputation."

Standing, Galdar drew his wrists together, cupped his hands and bowed slightly toward the Romulan. "I am pleased to meet you...Sir.", he flicked his eyes briefly to the Trill, clearly unable to answer any of her questions and adding a few of his own, "I must add that I was unaware that I had a 'reputation' as you put it and certainly didn't realize that it extended into your Empire."

The Romulan smiled to both the Ferengi and the bartender who was now at their table, "When there are so few of your people in Starfleet, you tend to stand out. Please just call me Oryn."

Truth be told, he had not heard much about the Ferengi officer, but it was Oryn's experience that everyone liked to feel important. It was also his experience with the Federation that, despite their proclaimed values, some still tended to be harder on species that were not their own.

"Alright then, Dr. Drett, what would you and your companion like to drink? Another Yellow Fever tonight, or something a little different?" asked Cyra.

"I'll...just have a cup of Hibiscus tea. Thank you," said Ryla.

"What do you recommend?" Oryn's eyes shifted to the Orion woman and drank in the view of her. Such a beautiful shade of green. I wonder if she's as dangerous as her skin tone suggests.

Ryla simply observed as Oryn admired the hostess. He was ogling Cyra in much the same way he had ogled her in the turbolift. He probably doesn't get out much.

"Well, anything I touch is golden, so feel free to choose something that you regularly enjoy." Cyra glanced over at Ryla. "Although, I have been getting some experience in perfecting the cosmopolitan." Her lips curved into a beautiful smirk that hid her deviancy.

"I'm all for trying things that I've never had before," Oryn replied with his own devilish smile. "Care to show what you can do if nothing was holding you back?"

"You're a brave man," the hostess said. A strand of her short dark hair fell in front of her face and she pushed it back behind her ear. "Let me see what I can whip up and I'll surprise you." And with that, Cyra made her way back to the bar.

"Galdar, " Oryn paused, "if it's alright that I call you that... How do you get anything done on this vessel? It would be difficult for me to accomplish any work with all the beautiful woman aboard."

The doctor resisted the sudden urge to roll her eyes at the newcomer's comments.

Galdar gestured to the open chairs and they took their seats. Sitting himself, the Ferengi contemplated the tall Romulan for a moment before speaking, "It all depends on your definition of 'anything'," he began carefully. "Most things that need to be done tend to fall out of the chain of command as you'd expect. Many things that you might want to get done can normally be arranged simply by asking. Then there are the...other things that are not so readily achievable", he paused, "Those that are permissible may be organized with some effort. Those that are not...well, on this ship, you forget about them."

Leaning back in his chair, Galdar's guarded expression was suddenly replaced by a huge grin as he regarded the man before him, "But you know all of this already...Oryn. You don't strike me as the type of man who ever forgets the seventh Rule of Acquisition and if I may say so, you enact the fifteenth with some skill as well." He raised his drink. "As for feemales...I doubt that our concepts of 'attractive' align on enough key points for it to be worth my while commenting."

The Trill smirked at Galdar who had always considered her 'homely'...in fact he pitied her. She knew a good number of his rules—he quoted them often enough that she effectively memorized them. Rule number seven was one of his personal favorites: 'keep your ears open.' And rule number fifteen: 'acting stupid is often smart.' Both seemed befitting of the stranger. She thought of Oryn's breath on her ear and, without thinking, muttered another tenet, "Rule number twenty eight: whisper your way to success."

Joint post by Jen,  Just X, Feathers and KC

Catching Ryla's hushed comment, Galdar's eyes flicked back to his friend and his grin dipped a notch or two. Her tone contained a note of agravation that he didn't often hear from the tolerant and generally easygoing physician.

Oryn laughed. "Galdar, something tells me that I'm going to need your help in the near future. In the coming days, I could make use of someone with your talents and contacts. There will of course be compensations involved."

The Lieutenant returned his eyes to the black clad Romulan. "I'm sure you know nothing of either my talents or my contacts", he stated simply, "but of course I will do whatever I can, as a member of this crew, to assist you in your liaison duties."

Oryn looked to the smaller male, "I'm sure that with the proper motivation, you could acquire the talents and contacts that I need. I require people with ships, goods, and the willingness to make a profit. A huge profit. Outside of the introductions, this wouldn't require anything else on your part. I can assure you that my intent and requests have already been explained to your superiors. Consider this an opportunity for moderate residuals as the result of a small investment of your time. My people are going to need goods transported and new goods shipped in. I have a feeling that you might know someone or several someones that would fit that bill. I'm willing to offer a two percent commission of the docking and trade licenses fees of anyone that you recommend."

Galdar said nothing, but in truth he was tempted to begin a negotiation...if only to try and dust off a few rusty skills that had never been properly honed. In reality, there was little chance of his being able to facilitate Oryn. What contacts he did have, lay safely within the boundaries of Federation space. As such, he'd even had to forgo his regular shipment of tube grubs these last few weeks.

Oryn started with a low number out of respect for the man's position. He was Ferengi, but he was also Starfleet. He could not insult the Ferengi by offering him nothing for his recommendations, but he also could not insult the officer by appearing to bribe him. It was a slippery slope, but perhaps two percent would provide enough traction to continue the 'business of business'. "I'm sorry if I appear to be moving quickly, but I've been in seclusion for a while and most of the things that I need to accomplish are time sensitive. If we're going to endure, we should be comfortable."

It wasn't a direct quote of the 200th rule, but it was one that he currently lived by. Oryn's people were facing their darkest hour. They should at least be comfortable while doing it.

"Forgive me for interrupting," said Ryla with another quick, albeit slight smile. She glanced from Oryn to Galdar, "agreements like these should involve the captain." The Doctor turned back to Oryn, "I'm sorry...it's Starfleet protocol."

Oryn's brow rose at the Trill woman. "I am not asking him to become involved in anything illegal. What about this conversation requires the involvement of the captain? I'm not clear on the rule that requires an officer to seek the captain's permission simply to contact friends or family in matters of business."

Her tone became apologetic and the smile grew a bit, "I didn't mean to imply that you had nefarious intentions, Oryn. I don't expect you to know protocol—the crew must obtain permission from the captain before entering buisness agreements with non-Federation persons on this mission. The measure was enacted to guarantee peaceful relations within Romulan Space."

Oryn frowned, "I offered him a gift to prevent an insult." Oryn exhaled slowly. Emotion was laced within the quiet tone of his words."How the hell do you get any work done here if you have to keep from tripping over protocol? Do you need to fill out forms, file reports, and ask permission from a dying patient before you can treat them?"

Ryla's concerns regarding 'diplomatic disasters' were now coming close to reality... if he was infact a liaison. Regardless, it was obvious to her that she had frustrated the Romulan. It was time to go before she made matters worse. The Trill stood and nodded to the blue-eyed man, "Time to turn in...it was nice to meet you. Goodnight Galdar." The Ferengi raised a hand, stifling a yawn with the other.

Oryn nodded in return, "It was a pleasure. I hope that, given time, you will see my point of view. There are many things that need to be accomplished to ensure that my people survive. Unnecessary delays can lead to people not getting the foods, medicines, and supplies that they need. That is unacceptable."

"I can appreciate your position...but the Captain is better equipped to meet your expectations and if she deems it necessary, she will involve Mr. Galdar. I'll make sure Doctor Peterson has the time to perform your physical tomorrow."

Oryn opened his mouth to say something, but bit back the words with noticeable effort. Instead, he took the more neutral path. It really wasn't his intent to offend the Trill any more than he felt that he already had. "Thank you Doctor. In the future, I'll try to learn all of your rules so as to avoid these awkward situations. I don't want you to think that I am trying to make you uncomfortable. I'm still trying to get my footing with this new assignment."

"We all are,"  she smiled faintly. "Good luck, Oryn."

"I think I might need it," he said and looked around for the jade goddess with his drink.

The doctor made her way to the bar to cancel her order, it was a busy night and it seemed she would have to wait in line to get Cyra's attention.

"... and one Angel's Kiss. Alright, I'll have that out for you soon," said Cyra. While her brain was screaming from the amount of orders she had been continuously taking for the past few minutes, her exterior showed little to no signs of stress from the pickup in business.

Oryn's eyes found themselves drifting between the security chief that could have killed him, the green woman behind the bar, and the spotted woman. The mild intoxication that he had from the earlier pints of ale had long ago started to fade and sober him. He wanted another drink, but he also didn't quite feel up to reporting to a set of empty quarters for the evening. The chances of him leaving with someone was slim to none, but the bar was a good compromise. He could be around people, even people of his own species, for the rest of the night.

If nothing changed, he would spend his night at the bar. Then head to his new quarters for a quick refresh before spending the rest of his day in physicals, meetings, and personal appointments. Oryn rose abruptly, "It was nice meeting you Galdar, maybe we can have another drink together some time. I'm going to see if I can get my first drink."

Oryn gave a polite nod of his head and moved in the direction of the bar and the line. When he walked, his gait wasn't the stiff movement of highborn officers. It was a swagger that radiated confidence.

Herm was having the time of his life.

He'd been talking to the elderly Romulan for hours. In the back of his mind, he knew he was missing out on the "action" in the Afterburner, but as Beta shift wound down, most people were headed to bed anyway. Besides, his elderly guest was probably the most interesting Romulan he had encounted. (With the possible exception of a certain young security officer he had seen - he wondered if she was in the Afterburner... maybe next time.)

The Romulan gentleman, who introduced himself as Sutpak Choro, had walked with Herm as he finished the task of recording names and family relations for the ships records, smoothing over the distrust many seemed all too willing to offer Starfleet personnel. They had made the full circle and were back at the bunk he had claimed for himself.

"So how does someone from 'The Pleasure Planet' become a Starfleet Ensign?"
Sutpak asked, genuinely interested.

Herm wondered if he should be surprised by his new friend's knowledge of systems who were members of the Federation. Much of Romulan space was still a mystery, but the Federation was an open book. And Herm's homeworld was renown throughout the galaxy.

"Let's just say," answered Herm, "that there's more to my people than sunny beaches and the horga'hn."

"Fascinating. Tell me about your world."

Herm talked a long time about Risian art, music, and religion. He spoke of his own experience as part of a failed movement to de-sexualize Risian culture and how that led him to study anthropology and archeology, which in turn led him to the Academy.

"But enough about me, tell me about your world." Herm said, realizing before the words were out of his mouth that it was a mistake to ask.

Sutpak's friendly, cheerful expression fell. His stately form drooped and he seemed hundreds of years older.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean... that is I didn't think.... I'm sorry." the young ensign managed to stutter.

Sutpak looked up, looking at, and then past the young man as he spoke.

"You know, I saw it.  I watched it happen. I watched Romulus die."

He sat back on his bunk, obviously getting comfortable so he could share his story. Herm sat on a stool across from him, holding his tongue and letting his friend speak.

"We had no warning. Few, so few escaped...." He trailed off, lost in his memory. After a few moments, he continued..

"I was one of the fortunate. I was already aboard the transport headed off planet to take care of some business, when the warning sounded. The entire planet had less than 10 minutes to escape or prepare for death.

The transport's crew turned on the view screen to show the news. Some of the passengers wanted to leave the ship, but weren't allowed. Other pounded on the hull, demanding to be let in. We watched in horror as the population descended into chaos. Our proud race, no better than animals in the face of death..."

Sutpak paused again, staring into space, his last words hanging in the air.

"Our transport lifted off. Those of us on board torn between hope that we'd get away and fear that we didn't have time to escape As we left the atmosphere, we saw it. The nova. It seemed to consume everything, huge, monsterous. The transport turned, preparing to go to warp. I watched from my window...."

Tears filled the Romulan's eyes as he continued.

"I didn't want to watch. But I had no choice. I had remained silent and calm through all the chaos so far, but I couldn't help but scream at what I saw.

As the planet shrank below me, the nova, like a wave crashing upon the shore, fell upon Romulus. For a moment it appeared as if the planet might survive. It seemed our proud world was making a final stand. But then, like a ball of glass, it just shattered. Just before our transport went to warp, I caught a final glimpse of the shores where I learned to swim and fish as a boy, consumed and burned by the nova."

Sutpak's voice cracked at he spoke this last. Again he trailed off, closing his eyes as if trying to block out what he saw in his mind. Taking a deep breath, he continued.

"And then it was gone. The rubble of the planet, the nova, everything disappeared as the transport went to warp. The blur and and streaks of the stars replaced the nightmare before my eyes, but it was already seared into my memory.

I don't know how long we were at warp, I'm not even sure I remember where we landed. We all sat for a long time in silence before leaving the ship, all of us numb with shock and horror. A woman sitting behind me had died, apparently from heart failure. The crew left the ship without inviting us to join them. As one, like a beast waking from a long slumber, we all stood and left the ship...

I honestly don't remember the days that followed, but now I'm here."

This last he said with a fake note of cheer.

"So, my friend," he said as he stood, "can you get me out of here? I need a drink."

joint post by Jen, wraith1701, Just X, KC & HawkeyeMeds


K'Tan headed to the Afterburner's exit feeling pleasantly mellow.  Most alpha-shifters were heading out as well, but their absence was being more than made up for by the more adventurous Romulan evacuees steadily drifting in.  His glance passed over the calm but very busy proprietress hastily filling drink orders.  I wonder if she has any Romulan ale on hand, he thought.

The double doors ahead of him drew apart, revealing the statuesque form of Tara Stass.  Seeing K'Tan, the buxom lieutenant leaned against the door jamb, arms crossed and tapping her foot impatiently.  "Once the alert ended, I figured you'd find your way back here," she said.  Stass' frown promised a rocky night ahead.  "I'm your girlfriend, not your babysitter. I don't appreciate being left to watch the squirt while you party it up down here."

K'Tan tried to redirect the conversation.  "Where is the boy, anyway?  Did he cause you any trouble?"

Stass sighed. "The kid's fine.  After dinner, we played some dom-jot then I took him back to your quarters to watch some of your antique war programs.  They put him to sleep almost immediately."

Well; there's no accounting for taste, K'Tan thought.

A sudden uproar back near the bar drew the pair's attention.  They turned in concert, just in time to see a bar stool fly into a decorative mirror with a crash.  Two brawny Romulan refugees stood over a crumpled form in Starfleet uniform.  Time seemed to stand still as silence descended over the room, the jovial mood destroyed.  All eyes were suddenly riveted on the offenders.

Both K'Tan and Stass scanned the crowd with battle-trained eyes, and noted a number of Starfleet patrons tensing to spring towards the two Romulans.  Across the room, a cluster of Romulan patrons eyed the scene expectantly.  From the look on their faces, they seemed eager to leap to their kinsmen's aid.

A sudden shout of rage echoed in the room, and the scene exploded into chaos.

Both K'Tan and Stass donned their game-faces, lips curling into grim smiles.  Tara interlaced her strong but delicate fingers, then stretched them with an incongruous popping of knuckles.  "Oh, hell," she muttered.  "This won't end well."

Ryla had just canceled her order when a stool flew over her shoulder, smashing the mirror behind the bar. With a gasp, the Trill narrowly dodged the officer being shoved towards her. As the human crashed against the bar, she turned to see a Romulan man draw back a fist. Instinctively, the physician ducked the blow and heard a thwack and a grunt.

Less than a meter away, Joseph looked up from his beverage as a cloud of shattered mirror hit him and landed in his glass. Realizing nothing had entered his eyes, he gave a sigh and tapped his badge, "D'Callan to Shane, there's trouble in the afterburner."

Drett stumbled away, as she did she backed into another patron and subsequently spilled the contents of a beverage all over the Romulan woman.  "Excuse me...I'm sorry," she shouted over the den of confusion. The furious woman cursed Ryla's clumsiness before pushing her backwards. She had broken the doctor's wrist on the transport, now she intended to rip her head from her neck. Sidestepping the fight at the bar, the woman edged toward the wide-eyed Trill.

"It was an accident. Let me buy you another," said the doctor. Of Drett's five previous hosts, Kabric was the only one who had enjoyed a good scrap. Ryla wasn't accustom to fighting and would much rather solve her problems in other ways, but as the seconds ticked by it became obvious that she would not be successful in diffusing this situation. In a heartbeat, the Romulan had her by the throat and off the floor.  Gasping for air, the Trill's hands gripped the woman's arms. Her shoes flew from her feet as she kicked wildly at the attacker, but her short stature made it difficult to land a blow. The movements of the surrounding patrons seemed to decelerate. Before long, they completely faded from her periphery as the lack of oxygen began to affect her brain. All Ryla could see was the glaring woman before her... that too would fade to black if she didn't break free. With every ounce of strength the Trill could muster, she swung her weight towards the assailant. A kick finally struck the woman and she dropped Ryla. The gasping doctor tried to roll away, but her attacker perused her.

Joint post by Jen, wraith1701, Just X, KC & HawkeyeMeds

Oryn shook his head at the chaos, but a smile at the action lingered on his face. He looked at the woman that had almost strangled the Trill. Oryn grasped her arm and yanked hard to pull her away from her wounded prey, "Stop."

His voice held no malice or anger as he said the word. It was a simply a statement of what was going to happen. Before he could calm the situation further, Oryn found his other hand grabbing the woman by the back of the neck and forcing her down before a beverage filled projectile could contact with her skull. Half stooped, Oryn released the arm of the woman to block the blow of a pale skinned human who attempted to deliver a hay-maker to his face.

"Stay down! Crawl out!" Oryn hissed to both the Trill and Romulan women. This is the last time I enter a bar without my weapons!

The two meter tall Romulan crouched into a defensive position as his own assailant tried to strike out again. Opting for a kick with his second attack, the human swung his leg at Oryn's torso only to have the Romulan bring down a blocking elbow that collided with the man's ankle. The roar of the crowd muted the crack of bone, but failed to silence the man's cry of pain.

Lieutenant Commander D'Callan strode toward the angry throng and pulled two officers off a Romulan. They spun, fists ready until they saw the unhappy Chief. "Sit down or get out." His sharp instincts made him move his head before a punch could catch him in the face. His eyes widened as a fist skimmed past his chin.  Looking up at the Romulan he had just helped, he shook his head, "mate it's been a tough day, please sit down and....." He dodged yet another punch and the Romluan toppled forward, giving Joseph the ideal opportunity for a quick neck chop— rendering his attacker unconscious. Jumping up Joseph saw K'tan and Stass and waved, hoping they would see him.

The area near the entrance to the Afterburner was growing crowded. As eager as some were to join in the fight, it appeared that more were trying to distance themselves from the brawl.  K'Tan and Stass found themselves fighting against the surge of patrons fleeing the establishment as they waded towards the center of the melee. We have to diffuse this, K'Tan thought.  He glanced to his left.  "See if you can make your way to D'Callan.  I think I have an idea."  As he veered away from Stass, he caught a glimpse of her placing two fingers under her tongue, followed by an ear-splitting whistle.

"This is Security! Everyone; clear the room and return to your quarters!" Stass shouted.

An angry looking Romulan blocked her path, face green with fury. "What quarters?" he slurred; "You have most of us penned up in your shuttlebay like herd beasts!  We are NOT animals, Starfleet!"  The man took a wild, ill-aimed swing at Stass' head; she ducked, then brought her knee up into her assailant's groin.  As the color drained from his face, the Romulan dropped to the floor and curled into a fetal position.

As she stepped over his prone form, Stass replied, "My name isn't 'Starfleet'."  She chuckled.  No matter the race, men are all the same.

As Tara made her way towards chief D'Callan, K'Tan grabbed a tablecloth from the booth beside him.  After draping it over his head, he projected his voice to be heard over the din.  "Computer:  Activate fire-suppression system-A for deck 11, section 42 alpha.  Authorization code Beta-322341-KG!"

"Acknowledged," came the disembodied voice of the computer.

Seconds later, streams of icy-cold fluid began to spray from the ceiling, dousing the hapless patrons. It works for separating fighting targs, K'Tan thought.  I just hope it works here.

Ryla was crawling toward the exit, away from the chaos, when the brewing storm erupted and a frigid rain fell. As it saturated her, the Trill was suddenly thankful she had decided to wear the black dress. Once clear of the horde, she stood and turned to face the fray. Several confused patrons bumped into her as they clamored in mass, toward the exit. Ryla was sopping wet—her long, blond hair stuck to her face and neck in wet strands, which she absently pushed out of her eyes. The shrill whistle that demanded her attention was followed by an order to return to her quarters... but Doctor Drett wouldn't leave until she was certain there were no serious injuries.

Gazing up at the fire suppressant raining upon him, D'Callan put his hands out and let the liquid slap his face, "Nice". He turned his eyes toward what appeared to be a ghost standing in the middle of the Afterburner, and shouted to it, "Hey K'Tan, its not like you to put a damper on a nights proceedings."

True to its name, the extinguishing system seemed to snuff out the fight in the more rambunctious patrons.  Would-be brawlers suddenly found themselves more interested in getting out of the downpour than in punching each other out.  As the knot of fighting loosened up and dispersed, K'Tan allowed himself a self-satisfied grin. I might not have gotten a chance to play, but my solution worked out rather well.  "Not bad, K'Tan," he murmured with a smile.


Can't get any wetter than wet, Oryn thought to himself as his now cold drenched clothing clung to him. Frost highlighted his breath from the sudden heat reduction, but didn't stop him from taking a seat on one of the wet, empty stools. This was not the evening that he had planned. However, it wasn't all bad. The view had improved with the addition of the ice cold liquid. The line before him had also vanished in the chaos. Maybe he could finally get that drink if he offered to help clean the mess.

Oryn suppressed a shiver, "Is every night this exciting?"

"It's always something. But the bar fight? That's new," said the Trill through chattering teeth.

joint post by Jen, wraith1701, Just X, KC & HawkeyeMeds

Oryn laughed, "This is my kind of place, if you take away the freezing downpour and the need to slink off with someone to conserve what little body heat is left. Well ... the slink away part would also work."

Ryla was looking about for the wretched woman who tried to kill her when she noticed the hostess slipping and sliding toward the exit. She reached out to steady the Orion by taking her elbow, "are you okay?"

"I... am not... happy..." Cyra said. She was drenched from head to toe, and obviously freezing. Her furious mood turned her cheeks a deeper shade of green.

"Would a hot bath or hot shower help change your mood?" Oryn asked after turning to face Cyra. Showers and tubs where a luxury reserved for the Captain's quarters and the VIP suites. While higer ranking officers could request tubs for their rooms, Oryn couldn't help but assume that the Orion woman did not have that rank. "I have both in my suite if you want to borrow the facilities."

"Are you compensating for something?" Asked the Trill in a sardonic tone before moving to check on another patron who was dragging himself off the floor. She called for sickbay when she realized his ankle was broken. The officer pointed to Oryn and spat a foul curse.

"I'm not using the room tonight. I wasn't asking her to share it with me," the Romulan called after her.

"Can we please, please stop talking?" begged the Orion. "I'm wet, I'm cold, and after what's happened in here, I feel like I'm going to hit something."

Oryn nodded, but didn't say another word. He did however rise from his seat to lean over the bar in search of empty glasses and something strong to fill them with. The Orion looked to him like she could use a stiff drink and the pseudo warmth that it provided. Settling on the Terran Sour Mash Whiskey, he lifted the bottle and pour several glasses of the amber liquid before passing one to the bartender. Taking another for himself, the romulan lifted his glass in a silent cheers.

Cyra took a glass and drank as much whiskey as she could in one long swig. The strength of it lit her throat and eyes on fire, but it had been a long night. A very, very, very long night, she thought to herself. As soon as the burning sensation was gone and her eyes stopped watering, she took a smaller sip of her drink. "Thanks," she said. Her voice was low and raspy, still not quite over the effects of her first swallow.
 
Oryn took a slow pull from his own drink and looked over the gathered, trying to maintain his cool despite the cold. His words were directed at the Orion. "I need to return to my ship for a change of clothing and to get cleaned up. Would you like to borrow my room for the rest of the night? I don't have a problem with sleeping on my ship for the night."

Cyra was unsure. She wasn't sure if she was in any position to say 'no,' but she did not feel comfortable using someone else's quarters. She looked to Ryla, looking for an opinion, an affirmation, or maybe she would just give the answer for her and be done with it. Any of those options would suit her well.

Ryla glanced to the hostess as she helped an injured man off the floor. The look the Orion was giving her seemed like a request for permission.

"Both of you can use the facilities there," Oryn added before finishing his glass. "I'm not going to need it tonight and I haven't moved my things there. I think that it's only fair of me to offer the nice hot bath and other amenities to someone that could actually use them."

Satisfied that the injuries sustained by the brawling patrons were minor at best, Ryla helped the officer with the broken ankle to the door, "Thank you for the offer...I'll be fine."

Looking to the green woman, Oryn thought to make the decision easier for her, "Computer: Grant Hostess Crya full access to VIP suite ten for the next sixteen hours on the authorization of commander Oryn."

"Access granted., replied the computer.

Cyra looked to Oryn, and tilted her head as a humble smile crossed her face. "Thank you," she said. "I appreciate that."

"You're welcome. I'm more than happy to help," Oryn added. "Did you need me to show you the quarters, or would you like to manage on your own?"

"Lead the way," she replied.

"We should check on Ryla before we leave." Oryn added in confirmation.

joint post by Jen, wraith1701, Just X, KC & HawkeyeMeds

Lieutenant Commander D'Callan turned to Lieutenant Stass, "good work Tara...I will want a full report ready in the morning." He smiled and then looked over and winked at K'Tan. Making his way back to the bar, he looked over at the open door where Ensign Shane stood with three other security officers. Waving them in he addressed Shane, "Round up our staff. Get their names, I want a list of who was involved on my desk tomorrow. Carry on." He then leaned over the bar and tapped the barman on the shoulder. "Got my beers mate?" The Bajoran nodded and handed him the glasses, "take away," he smiled and headed to the exit.

Ryla saw Lieutenant Stass headed toward the exit with K'Tan, "Where did you learn to whistle like that? Do you think you could teach me?" She asked with a smile.

Tara looked down at the smaller woman.  "Sure, Doc.  Piece of cake."  She turned to K'Tan, and was slightly taken aback by the odd look he was giving the Trill.  She tilted her head quizzically.  "You OK, big guy?  Go on, your little buddy shouldn't be left unattended."  As K'Tan turned to leave, Tara gave him a solid slap on the rear.  "I'll try to catch up with you later," she said with a wink.

Turning back to the Doctor, Tara slicked her wet hair back, then held up a hand.  "First, form an "OK" sign with your thumb and middle finger. Make a small gap between the tips of your two fingers.  Stick the two fingers slightly into your mouth, and close your lips around just enough to allow air to flow through the gap between your fingers. Your lips should be stretched tightly, not loose-- you may make spit so be careful.  Press your tongue to the back of your lower jaw, just behind your bottom row of teeth. You should feel a small ledge or bump in your mouth.  Blow air using the top of your tongue to guide the air through the small gap in your fingers. Blow lightly at first, finely adjusting your finger, lip, and tongue placement until you hear a faint whistle. Then begin to blow more air to make for a louder whistle.  And finally, Whistle!"  She demonstrated the technique, much to the chagrin of the remaining patrons.

The doctor tried to keep up with Tara's string of rapid instructions while simultaneously testing them... She shrugged at her failure, "I guess it requires talent that I lack." The Trill's laugh tappered before she continued, "you mentioned the little boy... has he spoken yet?"

"Not yet," Tara replied.  But the tyke does seem to be opening up a bit. I guess it's just a matter of time."

Ryla nodded, "I'm not sure if K'Tan told you, but I've volunteered to help care for him. If you two need me to watch the boy...just let me know."

Tara regarded the diminutive blond.  "Umm... that sounds great." She glanced back over her shoulder.  "Look, I have to get going.  It has been a helluva day, and I have to get up early tomorrow.  It's been nice talkin' to you, Doc."  Tara trotted off towards the exit, the odd look K'Tan had given the doctor replaying in her mind.  What's going on there? she thought.

"Okay...goodnight..." Ryla said as the security officer moved quickly down the corridor. She couldn't help but notice the odd tone in the woman's voice and frowned in consternation. The Trill glanced down to the grumbling officer sitting on the floor next to her, "the medics will be here with an antigrav sled soon—they'll get you to sickbay. I'll wait with you until they arrive."

"I can look at that neck of yours if you want." Oryn offered to Ryla. "I'm not a doctor, but I do have a bit of medic training."

At a loss for words for once, Ryla silently stared at Oryn. It was getting late, she was exhausted and just couldn't think of a proper comeback.

"Unless those spots are armor, she could have hurt you enough to cause swelling." Oryn politely suggested and moved closer to the doctor. "I don't want you choking to death on me before we can actually have that drink you promised."

"I'm fine...thanks...The medics are coming. I'll have them look at it."

"They were right," he said with a concerned smile. "Doctors do make the worst patients. I'll be happy to let them look you over while I escort Cyra to my quarters."

Ryla smirked at his comment...the man was relentless.

"Shall we?" Oryn looked over to Cyra. "I think your going to enjoy the suite. There is also a brandy that you should try while releasing your tension tonight."

"I'm ready whenever you are," Cyra said.

Joint post by Shelby Daelen and Bryancd

Nalah followed Shelby down the corridor. they came to a large, double door with a computer access terminal to the right. Shelby stepped up and activated the panel. "Computer, run program Dealen Alpha 2," she stated.

"Program activated," came the computers female reply, which surprised Nalah. A female computer? The doors parted and they entered.

For the second time in the last 24 hours, Shelby was in the holosuite, this time though, things were much different and so was her companion. The Romulan woman was rewarded with the large brightly lit room with a large variety of gymnastic equipment of various sorts. Daelen had deferred to the idea of a challenge course, at this point, simply because she wasn't sure the woman could totally be trusted yet. "I usually start with a warm-up  run." moving over to a set of mats the half-Romulan began to stretch and bend, ensure her muscles would be limber enough.

Nalah followed Shelby into the large room. Holosuites were a luxury her family never had much of an opportunity to enjoy for recreation. Pardak had snuck her into the one at the High Command for flight and some combat training, those memories came back to her know. Somehow being here with this half Romulan woman felt...comfortable somehow. A standard 400 meter oval track came into existence around them. Shelby began a slow jog and Nalah followed.

As the pair began their work out Shelby glanced over at the woman. "You know living on a border world really kept me away from knowing what it was like being a Romulan. I mean we visited there a time or two but not like I would have there were things there that I would have loved to have explored and because I was a child, I was unable and now..."

"You would likely not have received a very warm welcome," Nalah was quick to say, and then regretted the comment. "I also never had the opportunity to explore our world, as you say. For my family, life was harsh. My mother was forced to accept the most menial of jobs in order to support us. Often it wasn't enough and we had to live off the charity of others. The beauties and wonders of Romulus were closed to me." Shelby had picked up the pace and Nalah had to catch up. She couldn't recall the last time she had run for exercise. Usually she was running from something....

"I want you to know something Nalah, although we had a odd start off....between us...I think you are a good person and an honorable Romulan." Shelby said and then added, "I hope someday you will call me friend..."  

"I have no honor. My honor was stolen from me shortly after my birth. I have had only one friend, I doubt I need another," she sniffed.

"I don't let others decide for me what is right or wrong Nalah...and I think that you have listened too long to those stories and taunts of others. Maybe it is time for someone to prove them all wrong."  Shelby said. Nalah had grown quiet again. They continued the to run, their pace increasing, and at some point, Shelby could have sworn she saw Nalah almost smile.

Joint post by Jen and Just X

Ryla passed through the doors of sickbay, less than eager to begin her morning shift. A bit groggy and more than a little sore, the Trill shuffled onto the floor. The nurses acknowledged her as they busied themselves at their workstations. "Good morning, Doctor. I heard you saw some 'action' last night," Nurse Cane teased.

"Careful Susan...I haven't had my cup of Raktijino," grumbled the Trill. The young Terran chucked as Ryla's expression morphed from frown to smile.

"Are you okay?" asked the nurse.

"A little bruised, but I'm fine."

"Will you report her? She should be kept on a very short leash," added Nurse Galloway.

"No... " Ryla sighed, "I'm just going to give her a wide berth."

"You might not be so lucky next time. She really hates you...why?"

"I don't know. Maybe she's offended by my spots," the Trill replied sarcastically then quickly changed the subject. "How're the squabbling Romulan Senators? Did they behave themselves last night?"

"They're still sleeping. Renna said they barely stirred last night," said Susan.

Ryla took up a tricorder and walked to the ICU to scan the two Romulans—their vitals were normal. "They should be awake by now," said the Trill.

At the sound of the doctor's voice, Nevash's red-rimmed eyes fluttered open, "I am now," she slurred. "What did you give me? My head is spinning..."

Ryla looked up from her medical instrument as Ketleck stirred two biobeds away from them. "It was a sleep aid," she said, "a mild one at that. Give her something to counter the effect, Susan. And see if Cyra will prepare a light Romulan breakfast for them. That's probably why your head is spinning... you haven't eaten in at least two days."

If the scans had indicated a complication, Drett would have been more concerned. She dismissed the possibility of an allergic reaction and decided Nevash's dizziness was simply a result of physical fatigue and hunger. After all, the senator had survived a doomed transport, a stab wound and a three-hour surgery. The other patient had suffered a serious head injury; suffice it to say, their long rest was well earned. She would check on them again after they had eaten.

The Trill headed for her office and activated the computer fixed to the surface of her desk. Hoping the stout Klingon brew would restore her pep, she moved to the replicator and ordered a Raktijino before taking a seat. According to the first communique she received, a briefing had been scheduled for noon the same day. There was much to do between now and then and she hoped the caf in the Raktijino would sustain her well beyond the meeting. The second message she scanned was from Myella Peterson, she would be running late which meant Ryla would need to cover for the doctor until she arrived. The Trill accessed Myella's appointments and reviewed her schedule.





Dressed in a combination of olives and jades, Oryn entered the medical facilities and allowed his sharp blue eyes to flow over the room. His night had been long and quite interesting. If first impressions were true, there was much excitement to be had on Arabella.

"Excuse me," he said at a volume intended to traverse the room, "I'm here for an appointment."

Susan made her way across the floor to meet him, "Good morning," she said as she handed him a PADD.

"Hello," he smiled to the woman as he glanced at the display device "... I'm afraid that I'm still trying to learn the names of everyone on the ship."

"I'm Nurse Caine," said the dark-haired Terran. "If you'll just fill out a few details, I'll go inform Doctor Drett you're here.... Oh, she must have heard you enter," she added as the Trill approached them.

"So your punctual as well as frank," said Ryla. "Promptness is a trait my staff and I sometimes lack." She gestured to a biobed and removed a tricorder from her lab coat.

Oryn smiled, "You're looking well this morning. I'm glad that you weren't hurt last night. Sometimes my people forget their own strength, but you don't even look sore."

"Trills are resilient."

He chucked as he took a seat on the biobed, "For the record, I really don't like physicals. I prefer to keep my insides on the inside."

"No worries—your internal organs will not see the light of Sickbay," said the doctor.

He nodded slowly, "It's not that. I just have a certain health issue that I don't like being brought up."

Ryla glanced up from her tricorder, "anything I discover will be kept purely confidential, I assure you." A moment later, the Trill's brows pushed her spots into her hairline, "Forgive me," she whispered, "I have to ask...are you Vulcan?"

He shook his head and softly replied, "No. I'm fully Romulan. I was told that I was a throwback to earlier generations. It happens occasionally, some people are born with secondary eye lids. I was born with a little more as you can see."

"I take it this is the 'medical condition' you did not want revealed." She glanced to the Senators across the room, who were up on their elbows watching them.

"Yes. My ... condition... is unusual and quite prized by some of the high houses," he replied. "I have other perks that doctors discovered early on that could be of an interest to additional parties."

"You look highborn, but I do not recall seeing you aboard the transport," Nevash uttered in a hoarse voice that she tried to project across the room.

Oryn's eyes turned towards the woman, "I'm Commander Oryn of Imperial State Security. I guess you can say that I'm the man in charge of the Romulan side of this adventure. I only recently arrived through alternate means of travel."

The senator sniffed loudly, "...in charge? The Romulan Star Empire does not answer to the Imperial State. It answers to the senate...it answers to us." She said as she gestured to Ketleck, who had tried to kill her a day before.

"You mean the Star Empire that burned to ashes? Subjugated worlds were consumed because of the actions of the senate," Oryn stated flatly. He had no love for those that failed in their duties, yet still insisted on keeping their positions of power. "Were you a person of honor, you would have fallen on your sword for your incompetence. And, were it up to me, the senate would have been escorted to the nearest airlock to clean the slate."

"Are you threatening us?!" Ketleck hissed.

"He is," added Nevash.

"Quiet!"  The diminutive Trill had a dangerous gleam in her eye, but she drew a breath in an attempt to dull the hard edge her voice held. In the past, only one individual had pushed her far enough to achieve a rise in her volume... the senators had successfully challenged K'Tan's record. "I haven't had enough caf to put up with anymore from you two." She continued in a more even tone, "Save your arguments for some place other than my Sickbay."

Remembering the drug the doctor gave them the night before, the senators fell silent.

Oryn's stare intensified on the Romulans then turned to the Trill with a softened expression, "You recovered quickly."

The scowl that hovered on the senators moved to Oryn before slipping away. Suddenly Ryla wanted to laugh at herself for the absurdity of her words, but she wasn't quite finished being frustrated. "Again...we're resilient," she said as she tucked the tricorder into her lab coat.

"Well, your exam is complete... and 'everything on the inside stayed on the inside'." The doctor reached for a jar resting on a table near by, and removed the lid to reveal a variety of multicolored hard candies. "I usually reserve these for the children I see, but you were a good today... relatively speaking." She flicked her eyes toward the senators—she wouldn't be offering them any that was for sure.

Oryn grinned and took one of the candies. "I try to be ... 'relatively speaking'. "

Feeling the anger slip away, Ryla laughed at what had to be a joke.

"I hope that we can work a lot closer in the future. You'd be amazed at what I can bring to the table."

"Again, I haven't finished my Raktijino... are you delivering another innuendo or are you actually referring to your work?"

"Work of course, darling," he replied sarcastically. "When I make a suggestion, there won't be any mistaking it."

Ryla smirked as she put the lid back on the jar and placed on the station next to the biobed.

"You can help prevent the universe from spiraling into entropy..." He paused a moment as he watched her, "would you believe that there are people out there who believe we're supposed to be extinct? First Vulcan then Romulus and Remus. Some have said their destruction was a sign that the universe is finished with the Vulcanoid experiment."

The Trill turned a pensive frown toward him as she slid her hands in the pockets of her blue lab coat, "the Federation doesn't share that belief. That's why we're here."

Oryn smiled, "I wouldn't be aboard this vessel if I thought otherwise."

"The Captain has called a briefing later today. I'm assuming the liaison of the fleet will be in attendance."

"Yes, there are new details pertaining to our joint mission that will be revealed. I will be assisting your Captain in outlining them."

"Well, I won't keep you. Thank you for stopping by."

"Thank you," Oryn said and rose from the biobed. As she started back to her office he called after her, "What time would you like to meet for dinner?"

The hot water lashed over his head as his hands glided over his black hair. Joseph lifted his head and let the water bounce of his face. It was one of his many enjoyments of the day, a good long sonic shower. Of course a a nice relaxing bath would be better but those were for more poignant times. Walking out out of his shower he dried himself with one of his specially made towels, a present from Susan for when he obtained his promotion. Looking around his quarters he looked at his desk, on it were several photographs, the first, his mother and father, the second a picture his father had given him. It was his parents wedding picture. Standing proud was his father and mother, smiles glowing with such love, behind his parents were Sevryll and Aeric. The third picture was a smaller family shot, Joseph's father standing in the back a smile just as proud on his face, his hands on his son's shoulders. Joseph sat to the left and Theran to the right, they both look happy. In between them sat a young woman, an adopted sister, she smiled even more so than the two grown men that she sat between and she hugged the leg of Joseph. Recently graduated as a a nurse, Susan had become the latest D'Callan family member to join Starfleet.

Combing his hair he smiled at the photographs of his family, he drifted across the desk to see a picture of himself, on his own. It was nothing strange but that picture hurt him. His brother Theran had settled down back on Earth. His father was content with the memories of his mother and his adopted sister Susan who was quickly growing up and would no doubt be settled down. But the photo of himself ,on his own, smiling but lost, made him think. Shaking his head to the side his hair fell into place. He looked at himself in the mirror and she came to mind. She was there in the reflection. She was there in the photograph...she was there in his heart.

Joseph sighed, clipping his combadge to his chest and pulling his uniform into place, he sat on his sofa...alone, waiting for the alarm to tell him to start his shift. Placing his hands on his lap, he leaned back and smiled as he closed his eyes deep in thought.

Joint post by Jen and Just X

Sevryll laid the hairbrush on the table and reached for her combadge resting beside it. As she fixed the badge to her crimson tunic, her eldest child appeared at her side.

"Will you braid my hair?" Aria asked, as she stared up at her mother in the mirror.

"Of course." Sevryll motioned for the girl to sit in a chair positioned before the sweeping viewport then retrieved the ornate brush and began her task. Her gentle hands moved effortlessly as she gathered raven locks to create the traditional Vulcan braids. After a moment of silence, Sevryll's attention moved to the mirror and met Aria's eye in the reflection. "Are you troubled?" She asked.

The girl's up-swept brows dipped ever so slightly, as she considered her answer.

"No."

"Are you certain? You are uncommonly quiet...what is on your mind?"

"Nothing."

Slowly, Sevryll returned her attention to the braid and resumed her nimble work. She knew Aria was with holding something, but this was to be expected of a girl her age. "You would tell me if it were important, would you not?"

"Yes."

"Then it is unimportant?"

"Yes....No...I don't know."  If she had been human Sevryll would have smiled at the response.


Aeric entered the living area from the twins's room. They were still cleaning, though he had helped them with the majority of their chore. He adjusted the tunic of his uniform and glanced to them with a  smile for both. After a moment, he entered the kitchen area to replicate a drink before they started their duty shift. "Iced white chocolate with caramel and extra whipped cream."

"Doctor Drett has warned you about drinking those," said his wife as she entered the room. She knelt before Murynn and Nevaul to embrace them. "I love you," she said as they kissed her. "Behave yourselves."

"We will," they said in unison, though she knew they would not. The five-year-olds were mischievous and trouble had always come easily to them.

Aeric took a small sip of the cool drink before looking at his daughter. "Make sure that the twins stay out of trouble. With everything going on, they might be more curious than normal."

"Of course," Aria nodded to her father. "We have holodeck time scheduled later this morning."

The XO smiled at her, the fact that she did not point out his stating of the obvious had humored him. As the oldest child, it was her responsibility to look after the twins while her parents were on duty. It was the same yesterday and there was no reason that it would change today.

"Are you ready?" the commander called out to the captain. Scuttlebutt on the ship had more than few of the command staff wondering about the recent arrival of the Romulan commander. Aeric himself only had a few details as to the purpose of the visitor, but he trusted Sevryll. It didn't take a leap of faith or inscrutable logic to know that she would not sign off on anything that would bring her ship or the fleet into harm's way.

The children followed them to the door as their parents headed down the corridor. "Goodbye," they called. "We'll be good...we promise," said Nevaul.

The couple, with PADDs in hand, entered the turbolift en route to the bridge. They had a few items to address before the mid-day staff meeting. Though it did not cross her face, the Vulcan Captain was concerned about the cloaked ship Oryn had mentioned the night before. Despite their attempts, her crew had been unable to substantiated his claims. She had no reason to doubt the liaison, and would set Zremm and K'Tan on the task of discovering their invisible pursuer.

The other matter that concerned her was the disturbance in the Afterburner. Maintaining peace, it seemed, would be more of a challenge to her Security Chief. Sevryll had yet to receive a report from his department, and did not know the extent with which her crew had been involved or whether the situation could have been avoided. Stress was high amongst the evacuees, and understandably so... her crew, however, had little excuse for fighting with the people they had come to aid.

The line up of security officers stood to attention as Joseph walked down the line doing inspection. "ladies and gentlemen, i look upon you all with an essence of pride. None of you were involved in last nights incident in the Afterburner. Security is important on this ship, our reputation is important, our Captain expects the best and the best is what we shall give her. Alas last night will raise questions on our ability to keep order. So we will have to be extra vigilant. Darius, Stass do you have your reports." the two officers stood forward with their PADD's, Joseph walked to then and took them off them. "You both did well last night. Fall in." D'Callan made his way to the centre of the room, "extra care people. To your posts" the line up turned to their left and walked out calmly and in order, Joseph went to his office and sat down to read the reports, he would as usual make a detailed report to his Captain as soon as he had all the facts correct and checked. He looked at the reports, "tea i think".

As the turbolift doors opened, Galdar walked onto the bridge, straightening his tunic as he did so. Nodding at the Lieutenant in the Tactical booth, he stepped down to the main floor of the bridge and crossed to the helm console. The handover was brief but efficient. Nothing much to report. The Arabella still on course to rejoin the Seventh Fleet.

As he settled into the his chair, his mind turned back to the events of the previous night. After Ryla had left the Afterburner, he'd chatted for a while with Lieutenant Olson, a broad ranging conversation covering flight profiles and performance parameters of numerous craft. Very quickly, however, it had become clear that the one thing he needed to do was ensure that the Lieutenant was in no way amused by the conversation - Galdar's sensitive Ferengi ears just couldn't take the assault of Olson's laughter.

Excusing himself as quickly as had seemed polite, he'd taken the holodeck booking that he'd planned to share with Shelby and run a couple of bridge simulations for his own amusement, returning to the Afterburner pretty late in the evening for a final drink before bed. Fortunately, Olson had left so Galdar had been able to take a table on his own without the encumbrance of the snorting laugh. There was one contact he wasn't going to hurry to maintain!

When Ryla had also returned, he'd been surprised. It wasn't her normal habit to drink late and whether she admitted it or not, the Trill was a creature of at least some habit. More surprising than the time, though, had been her company.

On one level Galdar had been pleased for his friend. Having two different men take an interest in her in so short a time must have been a nice change for her. On another level, however, he wasn't at all sure about the drive and motivation of this Oryn character.

They hadn't spent long in conversation, but what little had passed between them appeared to be as much a testing of boundaries as the casual introduction it had appeared to be. Regardless of what had been said, Galdar was left with the distinct feeling that there was more to the character of this particular Romulan than outward appearances revealed.

The brawl had ended his evening somewhat precipitately as order had instantly descended into chaos. From his vantage point, sitting on the floor beneath his table where he'd scooted at the first sign of the disturbance, a lot of what had taken place was muddled and confusing. Nursing the remains of his drink, the diminutive officer had watched in amazement first at the ballet of legs playing out before him and then, as it started raining, at the rush for the door to avoid a drenching.

As he'd downed the last of his drink, protected from the fire retardant pouring from the ceiling, he'd smiled at the irony of the deluge. As someone who'd frequently complained about the lack of humidity in starship recycled air, the rainstorm had done a lot to restore his confidence in (and amusement at) some aspects of Starfleet.

The Ferengi hadn't got away completely unscathed, having been forced to assist at least one Romulan into unconsciousness, accelerating his head into the floor as he'd sprawled beside Galdar's table while holding the legs of a female crewman he'd brought down in his turn just moments before. It may not have been 'conduct becoming an officer' but as Rule of Acquisition 58 so eloquently stated, "There is no substitute for success."

As the room had cleared, Galdar had emerged from his sheltered hiding place and stood under the falling liquid, the feel of it on his scalp bringing a small lump to his throat with memories of his childhood on Ferenginar. He'd watched as the Doctor left with Oryn and Cyra, waiting until the downpour finally ceased before leaving the lounge himself and returning to his quarters to dry out and then sleep.

Eyes focussing on his panel once again, the Lieutenant completed his sign in before sitting back and assessing the state of the remainder of the Alpha shift bridge crew. There would no doubt be more than a few bruises on duty this morning!

Joint Post by Jen, Just X and Iceman


Sevryll headed to her Ready Room to review her communiques as Commander James strode onto the bridge. Their arrival was early, as always, during the transition of Alpha and Gamma shifts. He gave a nod to Peterson, who currently occupied the captain's chair. "Casey, hopefully your shift was more uneventful than those of Alpha and Beta. Is there anything to report?"

Casey rose, "Nothing conclusive Commander. Our sensor scans have failed to locate any cloaked vessels. If there's anything out there, I suspect it will remain hidden until they are ready to make their move. The Science Department is still working on a means to locate the ship. All systems are fully operational and within the expected ranges."

Aeric took a sip of the frothy beverage and nodded to the Gamma Shift Commander, "It sounds like you had the most relaxing shift of the day. Sometimes I envy the quiet."

Casey replied, " I guess that's not a bad way to start and end a shift, although I was hoping for a little more excitement... I am sure that will come soon enough as this mission has turned out to be anything but routine."
   
The XO briefly glanced to his PADD to see which departments had already delivered their nightly reports before returning his attention back to Casey. "When you finally get you own command, you're going to quickly realize that excitement is the last thing you want during your shift. Unless it's a scheduled activity, excitement on a starship usually goes hand in hand with danger. I welcome the calm. It means we're doing our jobs the right way."

Casey turned to the first officer, "Sir, how do you deal with the long periods of routine and non excitement? Don't you worry that you will become complacent and make an error in judgement or mistake?"

"Space is never routine, Casey. Every kilometer we travel, we are literally seeing the universe in a new light. On Gamma shift, there is a transfer of required power from systems no longer in to enhance the sensors. Even while we are warping through space, we are discovering things that we didn't see only moments ago. I haven't served on a single shift where we didn't learn something about the galaxy around us, but we aren't talking about me. I can only imagine how difficult it must be going from the center of a frantic trauma room to the quiet of the Gamma shift bridge. Maybe, we should look into something different for you. It might be too calm too soon compared to the role you are coming from."

Casey responded to Aeric, "Yes this is much different then what I am use too, but at the same time I find it exciting in a way. I will admit it will take some getting use too, but with anything we do, there is a learning curve and any insights you have of how you dealt with command for the first time would be most helpful, Sir. Perhaps we can continue this conversation when we are both off duty as I would welcome your insights into Command as you have wisdom I am sure I could use."

Aeric took his seat and nodded. "That sounds like a good idea commander.

"Thank you sir, I look forward to it."

Aeric nodded and entered the commands into his console that transfered operation control to his shift. "Computer, note time of transition and transfer all department head shift reports to my console."

"Working," responded the computer without only a momentary delay to signal the completion of the transfer. He often began his work on the bridge rather than in his office. This gave the captain uninterrupted time to familiarize herself with the events of the night before and to field any early communications in an already discrete environment. After an hour or so on the bridge, he would usually surrender it to the captain or another officer and begin his own day in earnest. While meetings and paperwork composed much of his duties, it was a position that allowed him to really get to know the people aboard the ship.


Casey turned away from the Commander and headed toward the turbo lift. He looked forward to his upcoming talk with the Commander as he knew the Commander would be a valuable resource for him and would greatly help him make his transition from Medical to Command much more easier to complete.

K'Tan awoke with a yawn, and stretched languidly.  Eyes still closed against the new day, he relished the warm embrace of his bed.   Much better than the cold steel of a Klingon bunk, he thought.  Starfleet is making me soft.

One more yawn, and he forced his eyes opened...

And nearly jumped out of his bed in shock.  Staring down at him was the quizzical face of his Romulan charge. 

"Gahhh!!" K'Tan erupted.  "How long have you been sitting there watching me?"

True to form, the child only stared on in silence.  A brief smile lit the boy's face, before he ran off to stand expectantly before the replicator.

"Hungry, eh?" K'Tan asked.  "Give me a moment to bathe and dress, and I'll replicate you breakfast." 

On his way to the shower, he paused at his comm panel.  "K'Tan to ensign Daelen.  I have a favor to ask of you; one that requires your cultural insight.  Would you mind paying me a brief visit after Alpha shift ends?"

"I can't make any promises, but I'll try to stop by, Commander," came her reply.

"Thank you, ensign.  I owe you one."

K'Tan keyed off the comm, and readied himself to face the day.  Perhaps she can help bring the boy out of his shell, he thought.

Walking into D'Callan's office, Shelby found herself needing to marginally to keep her thoughts in order as she moved before his desk. A part of her wanted to smile at him, sit down and lean forward and just talk to him but she wasn't here for that. News of the brawl had spread and she was here to find out what he knew about the situation.

"Sir." she said while remaining on her feet.

Without looking up at the woman, Joseph said with a distant demeanor, "Ahhh, good to see you..I presume that you've seen the report of last night's incident?"

"Yes, I have" Tilting her head slightly upwards, Shelby continued to gaze at the man impassively.

"I was pleased not to see your name on this list"

The barest hint of a furrow formed along her brow as she responded calmly. "Really, did you expect to?"

"It wouldn't have been surprised" He shifted her eyes up to hers and started to speak; while a slip of a devilish grin edged along the corners of his mouth.

Lifting her chin slightly she narrowed her eyes, "I do not believe that we are here to debate the finer points of my personal life..." she faded off. "Will there be any additional follow up interviews regarding the matter that I need to take action on?" She returned the subject back to the brawl from the night before.

"No I've talked to those involved and looked over the reports which were submitted to the Captain. It's up to her if she wants to discipline anyone." finally he sat back and let himself relax a bit more. "Sit down Shelby" he offered his hand which aimed towards the empty chair.

Nodding her head she watched him for a moment then she sat down in front of him.

"I've got a meeting later with the Captain. I know she is going to want us to make sure no more disruptions occur and the last thing I want or need is for this department to end up looking like a bunch of inept security guards." Leaning back Joseph directed his hawk-like gaze towards the woman. "Opinions?"

Considering D'Callan's request for a time finally Daelen spoke her mind. "With the amount of 'business' occurring on the ship we are stretched thin as it is. Which puts us at a disadvantage. Despite that, the crew needs to understand their part in keeping the peace. We were lucky that the fight at the bar didn't expand further than it did; if it had we would have really had an issue."

"Agreed and I think a curfew will only fire up the situation. I'll see what the Captain says later on but in the meantime have a memo issued to all department seconds. I want it to state that any further trouble from crew personal will result in an immediate visit to the brig and a recommendation to the XO to have the incidents placed on their permanent record"

Making notes on a padd, Shelby stood and she nodded as she started walking to the door.

"Daelen,"  Turning slightly she looked back at Joseph. "Thank you." Then he turned his eyes back to his work and it was almost as if she wasn't there.

As Shelby walked down the corridor her com went off. "K'Tan to Ensign Daelen.  I have a favor to ask of you; one that requires your cultural insight.  Would you mind paying me a brief visit after Alpha shift ends?"

Pausing the young woman tapped her badge and responded. "I can't make any promises, but I'll try to stop by, Commander," came her reply.

"Thank you, ensign.  I owe you one."

Nalah pace restlessly in her cabin. She couldn't sleep although her body was fatigued from the time spent with Shelby in the holodeck exercising. The had showered and changed into the nondescript standard issue Starfleet jumpsuit she had been provided, her own clothing being much the worse for wear.
A friend...
It wasn't an unknown concept to Nalah but there had only been one person in her life she considered a friend...and a father. Pardek. Once he left the High Command, he became a strong voice for the Empire in the Romulan Senate. he was a true patriot, unlike her traitorous father. He had uncovered a plot by the Federation and the hated Vulcan's to attempt to sow the seeds of dissention under the foolish guise of Vulcan and Romulan reunification. Despite her grudging respect for the Arabella's Captain, Vulcan's were the lap dogs of the Federation. Weak. She recalled hearing the tales of how Pardek and infiltrated the dissident group lead by a Vulcan named Spock. How Pardek thwarted their attempt to destroy the Empire from within. He was her friend and a hero.
She sat back down on the bed and her thoughts drifted again to Shelby. Why does she care about me? Why should I care about her? The answer was not forthcoming as sleep find reached out and claimed her.

Tolok sat at his desk and looked over the antimatter flow regulation figures. Yesterday evening had been quiet and uneventful and his meditation in his quarters had been most effective. From what he had read in the morning logs, however, it appeared that this had not been the case throughout the Arabella.

The Engineer wasn't surprised but there was still a tinge of disappointment in his thoughts as he acknowledged the truth of what he'd always believed about the emotional self-discipline of the Romulan people that they'd come here to aid. Their plight was deserving of sympathy from those of an emotional disposition and aid from those driven by logic alone but to those who believed that the peoples of Romulus and Vulcan could ever become one, Tolok could only offer bemused incomprehension.

For years, distinguished Vulcans had taught and believed, that the two disparate peoples could be reunited into a common race. If anything, the movement had gained ground since the destruction of Romulus, being hailed as 'vital for the future of vulcanoid people'. What the crew had experienced last night, however, held up the...misconception for what it was.

Lieutenant Garriss appeared at Tolok's door, disrupting his thoughts.

"Sir. If you have a moment?"

JOINT POST BY JEN, JUSTX, WRAITH1701, MED & FEATHERS


Staff Briefing

The senior officers mingled about the conference table as Captain Sevryll entered the room with Aeric and Oryn. With cool self-possession the tall Vulcan woman took the high-backed chair at the head of the long, curved table and nodded to Aeric. Only the night before, the lounge had been the place where she officially met the Romulan Liaison. He was early and unannounced, but his unscheduled boarding had been necessary in order to warn Arabella of the cloaked vessel riding their wake.

"Have a seat everyone." Commander James said from his chair as the senior staff and their newest guest entered the conference room. "We have a lot to cover, so let's get to work as soon as possible.

Joseph took a chair next to Doctor Drett and smiled to those gathered as he sat down. Pulling his chair in, he placed his PADD and cup of tea on the table.

The Doctor's attention was on the man who claimed to be the liaison. It seemed the doubts she and Galdar had about him, would soon be cleared. She returned Oryn's slight nod and moved her eyes to her PADD.

K'Tan settled into his seat and nodded a brief greeting to his comrades, ending with their Romulan guest.  As was his wont, he tried to categorize the man as either inconsequential, ally, or threat.  The fact that he was even on the ship ruled out the first option.  For now, the ops officer decided to place the Romulan firmly on the fence between the later two.

Returning K'Tan's greeting with a nod of his own, Tolok seated himself with a minimum of ceremony and settled his hands, fingers interlaced, on the table before him. As ever, his impassive features imparted little of his feelings to his colleagues but they also masked his complete inability to read the mood of most of the rest of the room. The only character who was clearly radiating an emotion that even the Vulcan could interpret was the Ferengi Lieutenant who was hovering at the back of the room, waiting for everyone else to take a seat before deciding where to sit himself. Clearly, this was his first time at a meeting of the senior staff.

Another officer would probably have spared the pilot a sympathetic glance or a smile, indeed Tolok noticed a few who did just that, but to him it seemed almost inappropriate to be so familiar, not to mention unnecessary. Either the Ferengi had been invited to attend or he hadn't. No emotional display should be required either to announce or excuse his presence in the room. Unconsciously, the Chief Engineer shook his head slightly at the illogical nature of it all.

Oryn examined the room and smiled to the assembled officers. He had met some of the gathered earlier, but there were still a few faces that he had not conversed with as of yet.

Once everyone took their seats, Aeric rose and moved to the wall display. "While I haven't had a chance to look over everyone's duty reports, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that yesterday was far from typical. In the middle of beta shift, we gained a new travel companion in Commander Oryn, who was gracious enough to inform us that we are being stalked by a cloaked vessel. I'm sure most of you are wondering about Mr. Oryn and part of our meeting will be to address that and our destination."

The first officer nodded to Oryn, "Would you care to introduce yourself?"

JOINT POST BY JEN, JUSTX, WRAITH1701 & FEATHERS

Oryn rose and placed his hands casually behind his back, "For those of you that I haven't met, I'm commander Oryn of Imperial State Security. I will be your liaison throughout your mission here. I will also head the Romulan portion of this endeavor."

He moved to the display screen and brought up a system that straddled the boarder between State and Empire. "In accords to the agreements laid out for your role here, the Empress has seen fit to grant the fleet shared control over this ..."

With another movement of fingers, a massive Romulan starbase appeared on the monitor. Measurements on the screen clearly indicated that the base rivaled the Earth Stardock in size. There were also clear indications of universal docking ports for what could only be the arrival of non-Romulan vessels. "This is Quirinus station. This will be the new heart of the rebuilt empire. As the ancient humans once said ... All roads lead to Rome. This station is our Rome. The Seventh Fleet will be based here. This will also be the hub of trade for the empire. As part of the terms, I'll be in command of the station, but some of the fleet personnel will be incorporated into the command structure. This is a joint mission and part of the reason many of your fleet's ships have been almost over supplied with capable crew. Any questions?"

Doctor Drett spoke up as her eyes swung from the display to the Vulcan sitting quietly at the head of the table, "Am I to understand, Captain, that this station will be staffed with members of our fleet?"

"Yes. Starfleet personnel will work in concert with Romulan officals aboard the starbase. A good number of those individuals will come from each ship in our fleet."

The Trill clasped her hands before her on the table and leaned forward, "Are these postings voluntary?"

Oryn glanced to the captain for permission to answer the question. With her consent, Oryn turned his attention to the doctor. "We will be recruiting volunteers for the assignment and reviewing the records of those that volunteer before the selection process. While the posting will be voluntary for most, the necessity of maintaining staff levels might mean that some people will get stuck with the job." 

K'Tan gave a slight, skeptical head-shake, and threw the Captain a questioning glance. At her subtle nod of approval, he adressed Oryn. "You speak as though you represent a unified government. Are you telling us that you represent all of Romulus? What of the Remans, and the old Romulan Star Empire?  Are they behind you? And if not, can we expect any hostilities from either group?"

"Everyone with a marginal grip of power will be attempting to vie for control. As far as I'm concerned, Quirinus is where the Empire will be rebuilt. Those loyal to the empress are behind this effort. Many of the people from both empires know the weight that the Empress' word carries." Oryn pause. "It is not going to be an easy process, but our side holds the honor of the empire in a sacred trust. Where the Sword of S'task goes, the people ... the true people will follow."

"'Never allow family to stand in the way of opportunity'", Galdar quoted quietly. In the silence that followed, it became clear that his comment had travelled further than intended. Catching Oryn's eye, the Ferengi winced slightly before attempting to explain. "My pardon Captain, Commander. I meant nothing more than to agree that something needs to be done and quickly. Waiting to determine the best course of action could sacrifice any chance of stabilising the region while trying to obtain the agreement of all factions of the fractured Romulan state on a proposed course of action would probably be...a challenge." The Lieutenant shrugged. "Sometimes a monopoly succeeds where a free market would fail."

Oryn allowed his eyes to meet K'Tan's. "The old empires are dead. We are forging something new from the ashes. In my final communications with the Empress, it was clear that this was the path she wanted us to follow. We will do what we must to follow her idea. I expect that it won't be easy, but it's also necessary. Laws enacted by the Empress grants us the power to do this. To answer your question about the Remans and the old empire ... all will be welcome in the new empire, but only a fool would think that the senators here still have any power in the remnants of the Star Empire."

JOINT POST BY JEN, JUSTX, WRAITH1701, MEDS & FEATHERS

Joseph took a sip of his tea and glanced from K'Tan to Oryn and Sevryll. "Who will our personnel ultimately answer to? Our Captain? Commander Oryn? The Empress?"

The Vulcan's eyes fell on Joseph a moment before her gaze slowly orbited the room, "The fleet is under my command and will function independently of the station. Quirinus will serve as our base of operation, but the station will ultimately be the responsibility of the Romulan people. Oryn will serve as the station's commander and ambassador to the Federation. Any Starfleet personnel posted there will follow his orders."

Joseph smiled "Ma'am" and took another sip of his tea and looked back up to the screen.

"It seems most illogical to split the resources of the fleet in this way at this time." Tolok spoke quietly but forcefully. "We are only now reaching the point where this crew, thrown together at short notice as it was, has learned to work together in an efficient manner. To propose a change such at this adds additional uncertainty to the continued smooth operation of our vessels." His piece said, the Vulcan fell silent. For a human Captain, he would have added some form of placatory nicety such as 'meaning no disrespect' but such words were surely unnecessary between logical individuals.

Sevryll  nodded,  "Indeed it would, Mr. Tolok. Yet the addition of this base is intended to supplement our resources, not split them. Fortunately, Starfleet laid the groundwork for this operation well before the Arabella launched." She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear as she continued, "Rather than outfiting the base completely, an officer or two from each fleet vessel will serve as the command staff aboard Quirinus. As far as the personnel, the Starfleet contingent has already received their orders and are in route from the Federation as we speak. "

"With the station and sensor net just coming online, there wasn't much of a hurry for additional staff. The Federation's been training crew and officers with our systems and they should be here shortly." Oryn added. "My second in command will also come from Federation ranks... more than likely, someone in the fleet."

The Commander looked over the crowd again, "Any additional ships of Romulan origin that work out of the station will also fall under the command of the taskforce. It is pretty clear that they want this to be a unified effort and the people of the twin empires are honored to have your assistance ... even if some of the individuals don't know it yet."

"The fleet was designed to travel unsupported in the mission, but I could see the benefits of having a port of call." Aeric mused aloud.

"Quirinus Station has a lot of roles to play, but she also has sizable residential, recreation, and commercial sectors. She'll more than meet an officer's need for fun." Oryn responded. Seeing that there were no other questions, he returned to his chair.

"That would be helpful... the stress levels are already running high amongst the crew, and we're only two weeks into the operation," said Counselor Margon. "Shore leave will be essential to morale if we're going to maintain efficiency."

Oryn smiled his agreement and found himself glancing at the doctor. "I'm all for everyone finding constructive ways to release their stress. I think that's going to be important to most of the people taking part in this."

"Indeed," said the captain as she briefly glanced to the Chief Of Security before lifting her cup of tea to her mouth.

JOINT POST BY JEN, JUSTX, WRAITH1701, MEDS & FEATHERS

Joseph cocked his head to the side and thought of the conversation he had earlier. "I do have concerns regarding security there. The incident in the Afterburner might as well have been toys being tossed about compared to the trouble that could befall this station.  Can you guarantee the safety of our personnel and,  if i may say, your own people? At the moment harmony seems unachievable."

Oryn smiled to the chief of security, "I don't think that I'll have the same problems that you have had here on the ship. I'm actually impressed at how well Lieutenant Commander K'Tan brought the situation under control without resorting to force. People will have their outbursts, but they can be managed. When you put people in pens and look at them like you expect trouble, trouble usually follows. I know that this isn't the situation, but I've seen first hand how some think it is."

"We constructed temporary living arrangements for the evacuees until quarters could be assigned. They are hardly 'pens', Commander. But I have no doubt there are a number who may begrudge the senators their executive suites. "

"I think you're right Captain," Oryn replied. "and I believe that's part of the reason for the tensions. The senators failed their people and they are being rewarded with comforts that the people do not have. I think that once everyone has a bit of personal privacy, tensions will mellow."

Joseph turned to the Captain, "Ma'am do we have a detailed report on all security issues and areas of the station?" Lifting his tea to his lips, Joe nodded at the Romulan.

"That has been completed and will be transfered to you after this meeting," she stated evenly.

Aeric sighed softly, "I've been keeping tabs on the feel of the ship and I can't deny that the tension has increased. I think that this mission might have looked better on paper to some, but they are Starfleet and I trust them to do their job without prejudice. I know this crew and I know that they will rise to the challenges before us."

"If I could make a recommendation," Oryn offered. "I think it's near time to bring the people in on the hope that we are bringing them to. They've lost so much and I really can't fault them for being a little on edge. That might be just a little better than drinking in depression."

"Perhaps you should inform them, Commander. I will accompany you, but you are after all the liaison," the captain replied.

Joseph looked at K'Tan who nodded to him and Joseph looked down at his PADD "Commander, Mr K'Tan has not been able to find anything on our sensors regarding the vessel following us. Do you have any tech that may help us locate it?"

"No," Oryn replied to the security officer. "I believe that once we reach Quirinus, the enemy will reveal itself or back off."

K'Tan looked up at the word 'enemy'. " So you are expect hostilities?"

"If they were delivering flowers, they wouldn't still be cloaked," Oryn smiled. "It might be the ship that went after the senators. You could always give them to the cloaked ship and let them work out their issues. I don't think that there will be many that are overjoyed to see that the senators survived when some of their own blood did not."

"Aside from Quirinus Station, we have other matters that need to be addressed," with that Sevryll started what would become an hour long meeting on Fleet objectives and possible issues.

Herm awoke in his quarters about 15 minutes before his alarm sounded. Hearing the loud snoring from across the cabin, he knew that his roommate was still sleeping soundly. It would take a disrupter blast to wake him.

"Computer," he yawned, the computer chirping in reply, "Begin recording."

Herm shuffled out of bed, his muscles sore from the night before. What a rough night.

"Departmental log, continued." He spoke into the air as he stumbled toward the bathroom. He stared into the mirror as he spoke.

"I have completed cataloging names and family relations of our Romulan guests, with the exceptions of the senators who were given different quarters upon arriving. The senior staff has been working closely with them and from the records I see that someone else has completed the task with them."

Herm reached over to turn on the sonic shower, briefly envying the higher ranking officers who got use water.

"I have not yet officially begun my investigation as the captain suggested that we allow our guests to become a little more settled. She is right, of course, I may be a little too anxious to prove my worth to this seasoned crew."

Herm removed his night shirt, he paused to look in the mirror again, rubbing absently at his Risian birthmark on his forehead.

"Computer, scratch the last statement." The computer chirped the affirmative. "Continue recording.

Upon completion of the roster, I took some time to speak to a gentleman who might just be the eldest member of the refugees on board..."

"Computer, pause recording". Herm continued stripping and stepped into the sonic shower. He allowed his mind to wander to the events of the night before...

---

"I need a drink!" The elderly Romulan stood, obviously intent on leaving the shuttlebay-turned-refugee-camp. He was allowed, of course, but he had no idea where to go.

Herm stuffed his PADD into his back pocket and stepped out of the cubicle, "I know just the place, let's go."

They had been talking for hours. Sutpak Choro had, for some reason, taken a liking to the young ensign and had shared some surprisingly intimate details of his life. Just moments ago they talked about the destruction of Romulus. The old man seemed to shrink, his eyes going dark, as he thought about it, but then he seemed most anxious to get out of the room and do something. Herm was no dummy, he knew the Romulan was looking for a distraction and he was happy to provide it after such heavy talk.

He led the way into the corridor, Sutpak leaning on his arm as they walked. Herm was surprised by the touch, but also glad that his new friend was displaying a level of trust that others on the ship seemed incapable of.

They talked briefly about the layout of the ship as they rode the turbo lift. Herm promising to make sure some of the more elderly and infirm among the refugees were given special attention when choosing more appropriate housing. They entered the Afterburner just in time to see a barstool fly through the air and crash into the mirrored wall.

"I may have changed my mind about that drink...", began Sutpak, but the sudden rush of people out of the bar cut him off.

Herm stepped closer to the elderly man and ushered him in the opposite direction.

The rush of bodies knocked both of them to the floor. Herm instinctively grasped the Romulan and twisted, using himself as a cushion between the old man and the floor. The hit was hard, sending a sharp pain up his spine.

Shuffling feet unintentionally kicked him as they went by. He knew he'd be a bruised up mess in the morning, but Sutpak was unharmed and that was the important thing.

As the rush passed, he helped Sutpak to his feet. "I think I know of a better place," said Herm, taking the old man's arm and leading him away from the chaos of the Afterburner.

----

Herm shook himself out of his memories. He shut off the sonic shower, running his hand over his head, as if to straighten the hair that wasn't there.

"Computer, continue recording last message." He dug a fresh uniform from his disheveled drawers.

"I address this in the log because I may have encountered something of interest in the possession of Sutpak Choro. While I cannot be certain until I am allowed to examine it, it may be an artifact of particular importance to the Romulan people."

Herm sat on the bed, putting on his boots. His mind again drifting to the night before.

------

Herm and Sutpak sat at a table along the sidewalk of a a delightful little cafe in the capital city on Romulus. Amazingly beautiful young Romulan girls waited on them, bringing them bottle after bottle of Romulan Ale.

"Your holographic program may not be very accurate, but it is a delight to this old man's eyes." Sutpak said as his gaze fell upon the backside of one of the waitresses. "A place like this would never have been allowed to exist this close to the Senate."

Herm tipped back another glass of the simulated drink. While the holodeck did provide replicated drinks, it was not allowed to replicate Romulan Ale. While the projected image looked like the blue elixer, it was completely flavorless and did not even have the effect of synthohol. But he and his guest were having a great time anyway.

"It is a little warm in here for my tastes." Sutpak stated as he loosened his cloak.

Herm's eyes fell upon a pouch that was slung on a strap that hung from Sutpak's shoulder to the opposite hip. Something inside clunked against the holographic chair as he shifted.

"Computer, decrease temperature 4 degrees." Herm spoke absently as he stared at the pouch.

Sutpak, relaxing as the temperature became more comfortable, noticed the ensigns stare.

"Ah, you noticed my little hiding place." He stated matter-of-factly.

"I'm sorry, I meant no disrespect." Replied Herm.

"It's alright, you of all people on board will probably appreciate this more than anyone."

Sutpak reached into the pouch and pulled out the object.

-----

Herm was shaken again from his thoughts by a loud thumping across the cabin. His roommate, a rather large fellow of a species that Herm had yet to identify, was going through his usual morning routine which apparently included smashing his room to pieces.

"Computer, save recording in edit mode, I'll finish it later."

Herm left his room and took the turbolift to the lab that he shared with other science personnel aboard the Arabella. His space was very clean, which was unusual, but until they encountered someplace for him to dig, there wasn't much to do. He at at the table and reviewed the current status of the rest of the Seventh Fleet to see if anyone had encountered anything of interest. As Herm half-heartedly went through his daily routine, his mind was on the item in his Romulan friend's possession.

'Should I alert Lieutenant Commander Zremm about this?' he thought to himself. Checking on his whereabouts, Herm realized Zremm was in a staff meeting. 'Maybe I'll wait.." he thought again.

Checking the time Herm realized he was late. He had scheduled time to meet with some of the Romulan senators for his archeological investigation. It was his mission to see if anything could be done by Starfleet to help preserve the remnants of Romulan culture, art, and history.

As he waited for the turbolift, he couldn't help but think about Sutpak's item. 'Maybe I should just ask to see it again.' When the turbolift doors opened, Herm paused. 'There would be plenty of time to talk to the senators....' he justified in his mind.

He entered the turbolift and stated "Shuttlebay".

 JOINT POST BY JUSTX, JEN & MEDS

Aeric sat quietly as the last of the staff departed the meeting. While matters of the mind were normally an issue the counselor would handle, this was something that he wanted to address himself. The XO smiled to Sevryll, Joe, and Oryn, the only three people remaining in the room.

"Thank you for staying," the commander said. "Despite the success of the mission, I can't help but sense a little tension. Mr. Oryn, I can't read you as well, but I don't think that the tension is one-sided."

"It isn't," Oryn replied coolly. "It takes me a few days to get over someone trying to kill me."

Looking at him, Joseph cocked his head. "I could quite easily have stunned you straight away, Commander Oryn. I gave you the chance to speak. Coming aboard this ship unannounced does not sit well with me."

"Are you familiar with how your weapon works?" Oryn retorted calmly, almost too calmly. "A phaser that close kills on any setting. Was it because I'm romulan? My weapons were clearly in the open and both hands were full of non weapons to further decrease my threat. Having seen you at work, I think you might have more of a problem with my people than how I arrived. I arrived the way I did because I carried a warning. At the time, I really wasn't thinking about it hurting the feelings of the security chief."


Joseph burst out laughing and shook his head. "Oh dear, is that the best you can do? Throwing a racist card in to cover yourself is rather childish. My job is protecting the people on this ship, regardless of where they come from. I could not see what you had in front of you, having your back to me indicates you are hiding something. You are still talking Commander...count yourself lucky."

Aeric remained calmly mute as he made no attempt to reign in the conversation. Both men were stressed and a good shout could work wonders releasing that stress.


Sevryll listened to the men's emotional posturing. She was trained in Cthia and she held it dear. Cast Out fear. Cast out hate and rage. Cast out greed and envy. Cast out all emotion that speeds entropy, whether it be love or hate. Cast out these emotions by using reason to accept them, and move past them. These were the doctrines of Surak and she had clung to them even in her darkest hour... She hoped that Joseph, the young man she had agreed to be godmother too, would one day understand them.


Before the Romulan could counter her Chief Of Security, the captain intervened in a calm alto that held. "Mockery, gentlemen, is illogical... yet your logic is obviously lacking. As such, you leave me no choice but to order you both to govern your tongues." She turned her dark eyes on Joseph; they held disappointment despite the stolid expression worn on her face."I realize you were taken off guard by Commander Oryn's presence here, as was I, but I have informed you of his reason for being on my ship. That should be enough for you. I do not require you to befriend the commander, but I do insist that my officers conduct themselves in a professional manner."

Joint post by Meds, Jen, and Just X

Sevryll slowly rolled her gaze from Joseph to Commander Oryn. He wore his pride like the bright plumage of a male peacock—fanned before his competition to advertise his dominance. It was a flaw that obviously carried over from the pre-Surak Vulcans; a fault that most of her people had evolved beyond... most...but not all. She watched him a moment in silence, almost challenging him to contest her order. When she believed the hush had carried long enough, she broke it once more, "Mr. D'Callan is a competent officer. I trust him with my life. He did not have the security clearance and thus had not been informed of your ensuing arrival," sensing Oryn may interrupt, she continued without pause, "I appreciate the risk you took to inform us of the potential threat, commander. It was an honorable action worthy of gratitude and respect." In that moment, she almost expected the Romulan to mentally fan his tail feathers for Joseph. She continued,  "Irregardless, until your identity could be confirmed you were to be considered a threat to this ship and it's mission. Mr. D'Callan's first duty is to protect this crew and he did so with a sense of duty equal to your own. I ask that you each respect eachother's part in this assignment—move past whatever it is you are holding against one another before it becomes a hindrance to this operation."

Oryn licked his lips and smiled to the gathered. "From what little I know of you captain, I believe that you have sound judgment. My issue isn't a sight against your officer, but a warning. We are in a very fragile situation and honor is quite important to my people. What he did, regardless of his intent, was an attack on that honor. I can forgive that, but if it happens to someone else, it could become a serious problem. If other unexpected non-romulans are greeted with a customary phaser to the back of the skull, then it's a standard. If it's only the romulans that get this greeting, you can see where it might seem like a personal issue."

Aeric shook his head. "I'm not going to say that everything that happened was perfect and by the book, but overall the situation was handled without a shot being fired and no one getting hurt. In my book, that's a good start while we are getting used to the cultural differences. Joe is family. He might be a little brash at times. He might not quite know when not to make a witty remark, but he knows how to do his job. I think that you both want to protect the people under your charge and if you haven't realized it yet, those groups overlap and place you squarely on the same team."


Joseph shook his head and sighed as he felt his temper suddenly calm. The rebuke and then praise from his Captain and the factual words of his XO woke him up from his stubbornness. He looked up at the Romulan. "Commander, i can assure you if you were a human, klingon or cardassian i would have acted in the exact same way. I admit I am a brash at times, and i offer my apologies for any offence to your honor. I take my job seriously and in my own small defence am very protective over this crew and the two people sitting with us. I hope you accept my apology Commander".

"Consider us square," the romulan said in some of the old earth slang that he manged to learn. "I really can't afford to be angry or hold grudges. It's one of the less endearing traits of my people, but you'd be hard pressed to find a more passionate species. It's something that is also a great strength when in the right context. I'm sorry that it even reached that point. For the empire to come out of this better, we'll need to lead by example and I haven't done that yet."

Joseph smiled at the Commander. "I'm an Australian mate, my countrymen get quite passionate about quite a few things, family, work, cricket and beer. I think we are very much alike, are we not?"

Commander James entered his office with a drink and PADD in hand. The morning staff briefing had gone much better than he had expected, but there was still much to do. Out in the black, something stalked them. It wasn't something that he was comfortable with. While trained as a scientist, his long career had place him on the battlefield too many times to not leave him unchanged.

"Computer, Mobeus' Wanderlust," he ordered and took a sip of his beverage. It was a song from early twenty-first century earth that hearkened back to the old earth style of a rock ballad. He had discovered the piece during a tour of the museum dedicated to the Bell Riots of the same time.

As the soft guitar filtered into the room, Aeric took a seat at his desk and brought up the remainder of reports that he need to review. Taking another sip of his drink, the XO placed the coffee cup on the edge of the desk and began his work. While one hand held the PADD he currently reviewed, the other tapped in notes and comments into the interface built into the top of the desk.


It had taken less than an hour for the XO to review all pending report and to build his own from their information. While the crew were hard at work adjusting to their new guest, some of the tension had been relieved now that they were being moved into actual quarters. Had the Arabella been another vessel, the sudden addition of extra lifeforms might have caused some strain to the ship. The Arabella did not have that problem, she was designed to go the distance. Power generation systems were cutting edge and easily adapted to the additional resource needs. If only the crew could adapt so quickly.

"Computer, transfer all daily reports and recommendations to Captain Sevryll." The XO said and rose from his chair. As habit dictated, the XO would start his tour of random departments to personally check on progress and mood of the crew, the department heads, and their assistants. Aeric preferred a personal approach when dealing with his command duties. While he couldn't get to know every single crewman on an intimate level, he could meet them put place faces on names and crew records.

"Computer, discontinue music and shutdown lighting," Aeric said and left the room.   

As the main doors to Engineering slid open, a number of the crew glanced up from their stations, idle curiosity dictating that they check out the identity of the new arrival. The elderly Romulan standing in the doorway stopped in his tracks at the sudden excess of attention, framed by the door his presence prevented from closing.

Stiffening, he straightened and took three careful steps forward, his frailty evident in each movement. Halting once again, he was far enough into the room to allow the door to close but not far enough to represent any significant threat of intrusion. Retaining his military stance, he waited.

"May I help you." the flat statement said everything and nothing and the Romulan had to fight from revealing his mirth. He'd seen a few Vulcans in his life but would never get used to their complete lack of feeling.

"My pardon." he replied, "It appears that I am not where I wish to be...Commander?" This last was said carefully as he peered at the engineers rank pips. At Tolok's the nod of affirmation, the man relaxed slightly. "I was looking for the lounge. I believe it is on this deck?"

The Chief Engineer regarded the intruder weighing the likely truth of the statement. "It appears you have been turned around. This is the main engineering space. The Afterburner is a few sections forward."

The Romulan smiled openly now. "I know well what this is, young man." Tolok blinked...Young?...I served as an engineer in the service of the empire on more than one warbird in my career and am...was...well acquainted with the engineering equipment in use in the Federation."

"Then you will perhaps be aware that this is a restricted area when it comes to passengers. I'm afraid I must ask you to leave." the Lieutenant Commander remained polite but the hint of authority in his voice was not easily missed.

"I understand entirely, Sir. If you could point me in the correct direction, I will be on my way." Turning, the elderly man reentered the range of the door detector, crossing to stand just outside once the door had fully opened.

Taking a decision that surprised him, Tolok nodded to Lieutenant Garriss before following their visitor out of the door. Despite the illogical nature of the feelings, the Vulcan was intrigued by this polite and possibly friendly old man who appeared to retain a measure of good humour despite the dire nature of his circumstances only the day before. Clearly happy to be on board a ship, any ship, his underemphasised brow ridges made him close enough to Vulcan in appearance to confuse Tolok's very strong racial sense of self.

"Let me assist you." he said, taking the old man's arm to lend support as they turned into the corridor together

After leaving the officer's briefing, K'Tan headed to his office on deck two. As he stepped into the turbolift, he sighed to himself.  Reviewing the logs of the previous shifts and following up on efficiency reports were not his favorite part of the job, but they were vital.  One unexplained power surge, no matter how minor, could be the sign of imminent failure in the EPS system.  K'Tan patted the bulkhead.  Buried behind the Arabella's nondescript wall panels, the Electro Plasma System pulsed with life, carrying power to all of the ship's systems.  Similar to a living circulatory system,  except that instead of carrying blood, the EPS conduits carried enough power to turn the ship's crew to ash. 

The turbolift slowed to a halt, and K'Tan sprang through the doors, nearly colliding with a smiling Cardassian.  "DorshoGa!" he cursed, skidding to a halt.  "Watch where you are going!"

The Cardasian gave him an oily, obsequious smile.  "My apologies Commander. Next time, I'll be sure to use my clairvoyance to predict when someone is about to come barreling out of a turbolift." 

K'Tan eyed the man, biting back the impulse to respond to his sarcasm. As the Cardassian turned to leave, K'Tan grasped him by an arm.  "One moment.  This deck is off limits to civilians.  What are you doing here?"

Still smiling, the Cardassian gave a slight bow.  "I meant no harm, commander.  I was trying to find a free holodeck, and I got lost." 

The two stared at each other, K'Tan's glower warring with the Cardassian's cold smile. After what seemed like an eternity, the Cardassian broke the silence.  "By the way, I noticed that you speak Klingon.  Allow me to congratulate you on your pronunciation." 

K'Tan's lip twitched with a smirk.  "So, you are an expert on the Klingon language, eh?"

"Let us just say, I've had some dealings with the Klingons."  The Cardassian took a step closer to K'Tan, and stared up at him, unblinking.  "Why, I remember one Klingon named KoraQ' who was particularly unpleasant."  The Cardassian chuckled.  "Most Foreheads are rude, but this one was a master of the art.  And talk about stubborn!"  The Cardassian gave K'Tan a conspiratorial wink.  "That Forehead was so stubborn, it'd be more fitting to call him a Five-head!"  The Cardassian erupted into laughter, only pausing when he noticed that K'Tan wasn't sharing the joke.

"Very charming," K'Tan growled through gritted teeth.  Tightening his grip on the Cardassian's arm, K'Tan forced him back to the turbolift.  As the doors swept opened, K'Tan roughly shoved him in. 

"Be sure you don't get lost again," He snarled.  "I'd hate for you to accidentally walk out of an airlock."

Joint post by JustX, Shelby Daelan, and Bryancd

Shelby reached Nalah's quarters just past 0900hrs. She nodded briefly to the man at the door and she pressed the door panel to announce her arrival before she entered.

Walking into the room she smiled at the Romulan woman who had the appearance of being more energized than she had previously felt. "You seem to be feeling better Nalah." Shelby said pleasantly.

Nalah inclined her head in acknowledgment. "I feel...better. I'm not used to being so retrained in my movements, this mornings recreation was welcome." And then quietly she added," I..I thank you."

Tilting her head slightly, Shelby walked over to look at the computer which appeared to have not been used at all; not that she would have blamed her.

"There are a few procedural things that we need to do and the way I see it - it will give us an excuse to get you out of here. What do you say?"

"That would be agreeable," Nalah said with a slight smile.

Gesturing slightly to accommodating understanding how the woman might feel, Shelby said. "Medical exam, all the refugee's are getting them and I felt it would additionally give us an excuse to wander and let you stretch your legs more than anything."

Nalah sighed. "If I must endure the ministrations of your doctor's an opportunity to move about seems a fair bargain."

Gesturing towards the door she lead the way and the pair headed into the hallway. "Do you have a favorite food dish I could see about getting it for you. I know the fare has been standards but I could see what I could do for you." Shelby offered honestly.

"I don't have a very refined palate. I grew up on military rations which Pardek would bring to us such as viinerine, I'm sure your replicators would do it justice!" she laughed. "But perhaps later. Best we get the unpleasant business done first."

"Perhaps," Turning a corner with the Romulan woman, Shelby laughed a little, then as the pair walked the rest of the way to the sick bay they exchanged pleasant conversation.

Joint post by Jen, JustX, Shelby Daelan, and Bryancd

Upon arriving at medical Shelby made sure that she was a bit more on guard. After all she didn't even know if Nalah would have amicable relations with the other Romulan's on board yet.

Walking past some other Federation crew members for various reasons, Daelen moved across the room to find Ryla, "Doctor Drett." Turning slightly the security officer smiled, "I have a patient for you. This is Nalah."

The doctor gazed up at Ensign Daelen before her eyes moved to the equally tall Romulan woman at the security officer's side. "Hello," she said with a dimple framed smile.  Two pairs of keen gray eyes settled on the doctor, but only one of the visitors returned her friendly smile. The Trill had not meet many Romulans and as such she still found it odd that two such individuals, visiting her sickbay at the same time, would have eyes of such an unusual color for their species.

She herself had haze-brown eyes, but variety was not uncommon among her own people. She dismissed the oddity for a moment, and with a motion of her hand, indicated an open biobed, "have a seat Nalah." It didn't take a Betazoid to sense the heavy dread emanating from Shelby's friend... in fact, it seemed to seep from her pores like perspiration. "The exam is non-invasive... I promise it won't take more than a few minutes."

Nalah gave the doctor a curt nod and sat upon the bed as Ryla removed a tricorder from her lab coat and activated the device.

From nearby, Nevash watched the newcomers with great interest. The Senator had not felt well that day, but it did not stop her from noticing the strangers speaking with Doctor Drett. She narrowed her eyes as a sudden realization dawned on her.

"What is your name child?" she demanded from the almost familiar looking romulan woman.

Nalah turned to address the voice which had directed the question towards her. The Romulan Senator maintained an air of dignity even lying in a medical bed. Nalah's skin grew cold and her heart beat increased with anxiety. Dr. Drett's instruments recorded the event, the doctor's raised her eyebrows in surprise. "I....," Nalah desperately tried to think how to respond, and then decided on simply the truth. Her heart settled down. "I am Nalah Jarok," she said as she sat up a little bit straighter.

Shelby's eyes sharpened at this exchange. She was getting a bad feeling about this.

"Ah." The woman chuckled. "The spawn of that traitorous fool, Alidar. I would have thought your mother would have had the sense to distance you from his name. Clearly she is as much a fool as he. Were I you, I would slink away and hope that you family's dishonor and name dies with you. There is no place for traitors here. Go fall upon your honor blade like any true Romulan would at her parent's disgrace."

Knowing how fast Nalah could move, Shelby was still taken off guard by how quickly the woman was off the table and rushing towrards the Senator, her hands twisted into claws, her voice a roar of anger.

The security officer moved on instinct and dove towards Nalah. The force at which Shelby hurled herself sent both women crashing to the ground in grunts of pain. The ensign used her weight to pin the other woman to the ground and spoke in panting breaths. "Calm down!"

Nalah's breathing was labored as she struggled against the security officer. Her eyes darted over to the Senator and she growled again, pushing against Shelby's arms. Nalah felt the rage subside, but her hatred still shown through her eye's towards Navash. "You should have died with the rest!" Nalah spat.

A shrill sound that surprised all, including its willful source, filled the sickbay. It seemed Lieutenant Stass's quick and dirty lesson in the art of whistling had proven successful. At a volume that defied her small stature, the doctor's command swiftly followed it up, "that's quite enough! Senator, you seem bent on a dispute with anyone who enters my sickbay. If you continue on this path, I'm going to haul you to the big myself! You'll be out of here so fast you'll think your backend was fitted with a warp drive."

"No more Nalah. We are leaving." There was no way Shelby was going to let another incident like the shuttle bay happen again. Nalah would listen to her and stop. Shelby rose slowly and helped the other woman to her feet. Never letting her eyes leave Nalah, Daelen, keeping a grip on her arm, calmly nodded towards the entrance to sick-bay. "Let's go now."

Nalah pasued for a moment, and then herself be directed out of the room, still kept glancing back as Shelby guided her to the exit. By the time the reached the door,  Shelby had relaxed her grip just a touch. It was then that Nalah rushed forward, but was once again stopped by the security officer blocking her path and forcing her arm around into a lock Nalah could not overcome. She yelled over Daelen's shoulder, the anger forcing her to her native tongue, "You will die like a dog!!!"

Giving the romulan woman a hard shove out the door Daelen finally managed them out of sick bay and away from the situation.  

Joseph looked at the wall in his security office, he drew his fingers down the antique cricket bat that was mounted there. He took his seat and ran threw the days appointments, fairly quiet day he mused. "Computer locate Ensign Daelen" The computer chirped back immediatley "Ensign Daelen is on deck 5" Joseph stood leant against the replicator "Tea, hot, white" sitting down he took a sip of his hot tea and decided to make his rounds.

JP by Bryan CD & Crystal

The door slid open and Shelby pushed Nalah into her room, releasing the grip on her arm. Nalah stumbled forward, holding her arm and shoulder as she massaged out the pain. She looked over at Daelen, not with defiance but with something more akin to regret. "You'll have to teach me that sometime," she said, a resigned look coming over her face.

Shaking her head, the security officer moved beside the door after it hissed shut behind them. "Nalah, you need to temper yourself. You cannot fight the world."

"I have no world, I don't think I ever did," she said quietly, her eyes looking towards the floor. "All I have even had is my shame. Why?" Nalah looked at Shelby.

"It hurts that is why...." This time Shelby's sympathies were more obvious towards the Romulan woman. "It hurts to be rejected by those around you....especially when you have no control over the reason why you are being rejected." Pausing she let the woman's eyes connect with hers and she hoped that Nalah understood that she did understand how it felt.  

"Why would my father abandon me and our people?" It was the first time Nalah had included Shelby in that respect. "Creatures like Navash made sure our shame would never die, so I wish death upon them."

"I do not have an answer to that question..." Looking downwards Shelby hoped the woman comprehended where she was coming from. "You cannot let them control you like this anymore. You are better than that; stronger. I see in you the anger but you do not have to live like that."

"I can never forgive them....or him." Nalah said and slowly rolled onto her side on the bed, facing away from Shelby to hide a single tear that escaped her eye. "Please, leave me, " her voice a whisper.

"Nalah..." She hoped the woman would talk to her. She really believed that this was a pivotal moment for the young woman and she just needed to take it by the reigns. But Shelby couldn't turn the situation around for her by telling her what she was doing. No, that was just collateral in the bigger picture.

Unfortunately, the Romulan didn't respond, she simply pulled the covers over her shoulder and pretended that Daelen wasn't there.

With one last look Shelby walked out leaving Nalah to her thoughts.

JP by Meds & Crystal

Joseph looked up from his desk as his door chimed. "Come"

The doors opened to reveal Ensign Daelen standing there for a second, then she proceeded in. She had received a message that on her lunch come see him in his quarters. "You called."

Looking up D'Callan pressed a button on his computer and stood. "Yes, Shelby, sit down" he gestured to the sofa in his quarters. "I've been thinking about what you said regarding your enquiries about Commander Oryn's ship. I'm will admit I am not overly enthusiastic about you going."

Shelby moved to the offered seat and then shifted those stormy orbs to him. "Why sir?"

Walking towards the sofa, Joseph picked up a PADD and sat next to her "I have my reasons, lets just leave it at that"

Frowning slightly she shifted her gaze downwards and then to the striking picture across the room. It was a large work, splashed with vibrant colors which had been struck upon the canvas with bold, purposeful strokes. Icy blues and rich reds along with other shades were spread across the painting randomly. Shelby thought it was very much a mirror of the man; bold, strong and something of a statement, as well as appealing. "I see." She said turning her eyes to him.

Reaching out with his hand he offered her a PADD. "Right" he brushed along her wrist. Upon contact; there was a spark between them and he looked up at her at the exact same time she returned gaze his. In that second her lips parted ever so slightly. The touch lasted only a few short seconds along with the eye contact but it was enough for D'Callan to suddenly take the PADD back off her.

Standing he strode across to his antique drinks cabinet. "Maybe this is not the best of idea's after all. The Commander is our guest, what would be gained from upsetting the apple cart." Joseph poured two drinks, his finest brandy.

Handing it to Shelby he watched her slender hand take the tumbler. As she took it she could still feel the warmth of his contact with the glass and she forced her thoughts away from the incident in the holosuite the night before. Lifting the glass she sipped the dark liquid "I agree with that...however, it's a bit more than just obtaining information Joseph. I'd like to find out more about my Romulan side."

Lowering her eyes she held the glass between her hands. "I've been thinking a lot since all these Romulan's arrived. My human side is full to the top of emotions. I am a Romulan as well. What's that mean? Maybe I've missed something. Shouldn't I be both? I don't even know if I can get my other half to balance out. Does that make any sense?"

Listening to the ensign, Joseph couldn't' rightly say he knew how she felt, but as she spoke the words it made the growing animal inside of him conspiratorially mumble -  she was fine the way she was. Slamming the door on the entity, he'd been working to control inside of him, D'Callan lifted his eyes from the swirling liquid in his glass to look at her and sigh. "Is it that important to you Shel?"

She stood and retrieved the PADD from him. "Do you really think I would risk so much if it wasn't?"

Turning, they looked at each other again and Joe pressed the button on the device and he seemed to be deciding if he would give it to her.  

Shelby rose and moved to place the tumbler on the desk, when she looked back she found Joe D'Callan at the painting. He was distracted, it was almost as if it would give him something else he could not get any other way. She felt inside a softening towards him even more, she stepped to him, wanting to say something. finally she spoke. "If you don't want me to go - "

"No, I think you should for no other reason than that." Gesturing towards the door, D'Callan walked with her into the hallway, just next to the door to his quarters.

Pivoting he gave her a supportive gaze. Placing his hand on her shoulder, which in itself summoned up designs of his own in his head that he had to force away immediately. "I know I don't have to say this, but, be careful. Don't let the good commands mess with this and this" Joseph tapped his own temple and then his chest. "the PADD has all the requests. Read them. Then report back"

Watching his eyes for a moment longer, Shelby smiled and slipped the PADD from his fingers then she turned & walked away.

Joseph also turned, set on heading past his quarters and to his office, but he stopped and glanced back to watch her leave.  

JOINT POST Y CRYSTAL AND MEDS

The Cardassian walked down the corridor smiling at various members of the crew. Turning a corner he saw the chief of security talking to a female Romulan officer; an interesting sight to see for sure. D'Callan's back was to him but as the Chief turned away from the woman Rayan witnessed the chief glance back and watch her walking away; then smile as he headed in Rayans direction.

Deliberately bumping into Joseph he struck up a conversation. "Ah Mr. D'Callan. How are you today?"

Joseph looked at him, smiled and continued to walk; hoping he would lose interest and leave. "I'm very good thank you Mr Rayan" Joseph offered no lead for the conversation but Rayan walked with him.

"Off anywhere nice?"

"Only work Rayan." Came the man's toneless response. "Do you not have any hair to cut today?" Rayan looked over and raised his eye brow.

"Ah, so you know." Joseph smiled slightly.

"Indeed, in fact we'll be talking to you some where along the line about your inflated ego"

Rayan slowed and then thought slowly before catching up. "Mr D'Callan, I think we have more to talk about.." Joseph picked up his pace. While the relentless Cardassian followed. "We all have our secrets. They are not crimes. I wonder how many secrets there are around here."

Joseph spotted the turbolift opening ahead and he walked even faster; if he was lucky he could ditch this alien like a bad date.

Yet he persisted, finally matching his pace. "How about you Mr D'Callan? Are there any skeletons in your closet. Maybe even a skeleton weighing say 63kgs and about 5 foot ten."

Stopping Joseph gave him a hard stare. "I have been polite now I am telling you. I have work to do Mr Rayan. You will please excuse me now." attempting to keep his calm he resumed walking towards the turbo lift.

Rayan refused to let his fun be stopped. "Looks like human types have a thing about women with pointy ears. Your Captain and her Second in Command do lead the way in inter-ranking courtships. And now a Lieutenant Commander and an Ensign, that is rather scandalous don't you think?" Arriving at the turbo lift, Joseph pressed firmly on the button, gritting his teeth.

"I've known a Vulcan or two to let those pent up emotions go in the bedroom. As for a female Romulan I'm sure they are like fire between the sheets." D'Callan turned slightly as the door opened

"I wouldn't know. I suggest you keep your comments regarding individuals to your self" entering the lift Rayan carried on right into the lift behind Joseph.

"Oh come, come did that sweet little Romulan ensign turn you down?"

The doors shut, both of them gave their level to the computer and it hummed to life. Then, for a minute, the Cardassian stood on one side and the Chief of Security on the other; calmly, silently and then Joseph's anger snapped.

He roared as his hands went to the front of the Cardassian's shirt, clutching it tightly he slammed the alien into the wall. "I have shown the up most patience with you for the last few minutes but if you don't stuff your opinion into your barbar bag I will make sure that they won't even find little pieces of you floating outside of the ship.

"The Cardassian started to laugh, it was a deep, throaty chuckle which displayed no fear of D'Callan or his threats. "Mister D'Callan, please...it was all in good fun..." He held his hands out as if showing he had no weapons. "Just two friends playing around."

Shoving him again against the wall he scowled. "You're not my friend and I suggest you steer clear of every person you mentioned from this point on."

The door to the turbo lift opened and Joseph walked out leaving Rayan dusting his his tunic whilst smiling to himself.

Joint post by Jen and Allen

Herm was about to enter the shuttle-bay dormitory when he ran into Sutpak, "Ah, my boy! It's good to see you. Where are you going in such a rush?"

"I was coming to see you," said Herm "I was hoping to..."

"Well, then walk with me. I have an appointment to see that pretty doctor of yours."

Herm noticed he had the pouch with him. The artifact inside had totally consumed his thoughts. How had this Romulan acquired it? What was it's significance to him? How was Herm going to get it from him? Yes. He had to get it from him, at least to examine it.

They entered the turbolift and called for sick-bay.

"Sutpak, I was hoping you would let me look at the tablet again."

"Ah, yes, I knew you'd come asking for it. It seems to have that effect on people. Once you've seen it, you can't think of anything else."

"Please, if I may, I have the equipment back at the science lab to..."

"All in good time my boy... all in good time. Good, we're here."

The Sickbay doors opened to show an unusually large number gathered to see the doctor. Sutpak and Herm waded into the crowd to find a seat and wait.

Ryla noticed the elderly Romulan with the young ensign when they entered, but was too busy to see them right away. Eventually the crowd dispersed, thanks to Doctor Peterson and Nurse Caine, and the Trill was finally able to help the last patient waiting to see her. "I'm sorry you had to wait," she said. She smiled to the ensign and offered a hand to the old man, "I'm doctor Drett."

"Well, hello!", replied Sutpak, with all the charm he could muster. It seemed there was one thing that didn't change no matter what species you were, old men always flirted shamelessly with attractive young women. "You are much prettier than I expected. Every doctor I've seen before has been a grumpy old man, but you are a sight!"

She waved him over to a biobed and removed her tricorder from her lab coat as Herm helped the older man sit down. Herm couldn't help but notice the pouch clunking against the edge of the biobed. Why was he suddenly so obsessed? He really should be attending to other duties, but here he was, in sickbay, watching an old man get an exam.

Ryla laughed, "thank you...you're a surprise as well. I am afraid most of your fellow passengers adamantly dislike me," she said as she glanced to the two senators who were now well enough to sit up. "I don't think I was given your name...."

"I am Sutpak, Sutpak Choro. It is a great pleasure to meet you" he replied, lifting her hand as if he were about it kiss it. Instead he stopped short of his face and bowed his head.

The doctor smiled and lifted her tricorder again as he released her hand. Its whir replaced the brief lull in conversation, as she observed the stream of readings. A surprising number of the elderly evacuees were in poor health. Fortunately, their numerous afflictions were easily treatable, like Sutpack's arthritis. She noted his gnarled hands and stooped posture; there was little she could do to completely reverse the damage to his joints, but she could at least stop the progression and improve his motility. She pocketed the tricorder and reached for a hypo. "May I ask you a question, Mr. Charo?"

"It's 'Choro', but please, just call me Sutpak. You may ask me anything you like, e'lev," he said, using a Romulan term of endearment. Herm began to wonder if Sutpak's friends though of him as a dirty old man.

"You mentioned your doctors... did they treat your arthritis?"

"Diseases like arthritis were often ignored, saving the treatment for more...'important' people. Even though, as I understand, the treatments are quite simple and inexpensive. I'm sure when you examined the senators you found their health to be exceptional."

She nodded then lifted the hypo to Sutpack's neck, "this should effectively cure you. If you wish, I can arrange for a surgeon to correct the damage to your joints. I don't have a physician aboard who has seen these sorts of complications, but I know someone in our fleet who has."

Sutpak seemed to straighten a little as the pain left his system. It was obvious from the expression on his face that he had been suffering, but he had never mentioned it or let it show. "Perhaps later, e'lev,  there's time. I plan to be around for many years yet. But for now, if you are finished, perhaps I could interest you in a drink. The young ensign here, has introduced me to a fantastic little place on the holodeck."

Ryla's smile pushed dimples into her cheeks at his offer, "you're very kind, Sutpak." No matter their age, it seemed Romulan males fancied themselves ladies' men. Yet the difference between Oryn and Sutpak, aside from their years, was tact. The elderly Romulan was much more prudent, a trait that no doubt came with maturity. She turned her smile on the Risan Officer standing quietly nearby, "Ensign...?"

Herm was chuckling a bit to himself at the exchange. He hadn't had the opportunity to get to know the doctor very well, but he could tell by her look that she was looking for a polite way to decline. Herm had gotten to know his Romulan friend well enough to know that he really didn't expect her to accept anyway, but he waded in to her rescue.

"Sutpak, I'm afraid the doctor is rather busy, maybe we can catch up to her later in the Afterburner," turning back to the doctor, trying to suppress a laugh, he added, "or perhaps some other time, doctor?"

"Of course..." she said with a broadening smile, "Which program is he referring to?"

"It's under 'Sarine's Place' in the library. It's a fictional cafe on Romulus in the capital city," answered Herm.

"And a rather nice one at that," interjected Sutpak, "the wait staff is exceptional. Perhaps some other time then, doctor... I will introduce your beauty to that of my home."

"I would like that," she said as she helped the aged man off the biobed and watched with satisfaction as he straighted to his full height. "I bet you have many interesting stories to tell."

"When you've been around as long as I have, you can't help but be interesting." Sutpak stretched as he stood, letting out a loud sigh of relief as he was able to straighten his back. "But I do not wish to keep you from your duties any longer." Bowing deeply he said, "Until next time, e'lev..."

As he bowed, Herm noticed the pouch hanging from his waist. He wanted to reach out, grab it and run. He had secretly hoped the doctor would ask him to take it off so he could look at it while she did her thing, but it stayed securely where it was. Sutpak noticed Herm's stare.

Straightening, the Romulan grinned and said "Come ensign, I believe it's time for some dinner. Maybe I'll let you play with my toy while we eat." Turning, he nodded to the doctor as he led the way into the corridor, an obvious new spring in his step.

Joint Post by Jen and Just X

As a follower of Surak, Sevryll sought to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. As a result, she held no fondness for the full-grain leather of the beige captain's chair. Avoiding the surface of the chair arms, the Vulcan absently folded her slender hands in her lap, crossed her legs at the ankle, and drew them to one side at the base. The hides that made up the luxurious seat she was currently perched in, had not belonged to an animal yet she still found the facsimile disconcerting. At some point in history, a creature or creatures had suffered for the purpose of the replicator program that created her chair—it was this fact that caused her to request a divergent material as a substitute for the conventional upholstery. Unfortunately, the less offensive replacement was never installed. Regardless of the Captain's ethical commitment or moral conviction, a rapid deployment of the Arabella was ordered by Starfleet Command and the newly minted vessel left its berth with a standard leather command chair. Sevryll valued the lives of people as well, and her a concerns regarding the chair quickly evaporated—solicitude for the evacuees, and her missing father, instantly trumped any other considerations.

The captain's thoughts seemed to drift with the stream of stars that flowed before her on the viewer. Had her father managed to escape Romulus? Perhaps the starbase would bring her one step closer to finding him.

Commander James quietly sat at his station and watched as the warp elongated stars moved past the main view screen. Soon they would enter the sensor net of their destination. Much would need to be accomplished. With no pressing issues, the first officer found his thoughts wandering towards his family and earlier times. In the last two days, he and the remaining crew had learned of the station they traveled to and the depth of the agreements with the Imperial Romulan State. That information was only distributed on a need to know basis and until that point, only the captains of the fleet knew of their new home away from home.

"When we arrive at the starbase tomorrow, we should catch up with our old friends within the fleet." Aeric said as he offered a smile to his wife. "I'm sure the kids would enjoy seeing familiar faces. How hard do you think it would be to get an apartment on the station?"

"They've already been assigned," she replied.

"Hopefully that means they spared some diplomatic quarters for the crews visiting on extended leave," he added. "I'm thinking that we should take a day or two with the kids and explore the system and the station."

Without realizing it, Sevryll had answered telepathically and in Vulcan, I would like that.

"ETA until we reach the Phaestus system?" the XO questioned the helm.

Without hesitating, the Ferengi pilot replied, "Fifteen hours at current speed, sir. We're already picking up the fleet and station on the long range sensors."

"Fifteen hours until we reach our location. Add in another eight for the meetings, then we can pack up the Aurora and see what the engineering teams are up to on Phaestus III." Aeric said and thought about the possible new home of the various Vulcanoids. With no tilt to her axis, the world had no true seasons, but climates that could appeal to the four branches of the Vulcan race. She was the only habitable planet in the six planet system, but two of the moons of the gas giant Phaestus V were within the range of minshara class planets.

Sevryll rose as the Beta Shift arrived on the bridge and strode with Aeric to the turbolift. The doors closed before them and the car carried them away from yet another completed duty shift...and the full-grain leather of the beige captain's chair.

JP by Eric and Crystal

Thank you for agreeing to see him, Ensign."  K'Tan stepped back from the doorway, and swept his arm out, inviting the security officer into his quarters.

Shelby had finally found the time to stop by at the end of alpha shift to see K'Tan, the request had been unexpected, for in the time they had been on board the Arabella she had had few chances to interact with the man. Although it might have been more out of situation than purpose. Still she was flattered by his request. "It's ok." she said lightly while entering the man's quarters. The ensign had opted to stay in her starfleet uniform as opposed to wearing casual clothes. She did not want the child to take her visit the wrong way.

"He seems to be opening up a little; I've even seen him smile on a couple of occasions.  But so far, he hasn't spoken a word.  It almost makes me wonder if the Universal Translator is working properly."

The woman could see the edges of worry in the man's expression and she marveled at seeing a new dimension of K'Tan. "I am sure it is fine.."  After knowing him in such a different light before, this just made him seem all the more, human. Gray eyes touched his with understanding and she shifted her gaze into his quarters. "Have you taken him to see...Margon yet?"

K'Tan shook his head.  "Not yet, but I intend to.  I just thought it best to work our way up to a session with the counselor.  The child has had his world ripped out from under him; I believe that seeing a familiar face and hearing his own language might help to put him at ease."

"That is probably best...." Seeing the young boy peeking out from behind the second bedroom in K'Tan's quarters, Shelby knelt down and smiled. Then she spoke in a soft, clear Romulan dialect. "Jolan'tru, my name is Shelby..." she paused and let the boy take in her greeting. She said a few more things to the boy, all the while the child seemed to be checking out K'Tan with his eyes to see if the intimidating figure approved of the woman speaking to him.

K'Tan smiled, and ushered the boy forward.  "Go on, little one; she is a friend."

The boy seemed to turn his head slightly, he looked at Shelby curiously, then he stepped out and walked to her. Reaching out to touch the tips of her ears. She smiled and nodded. "Yes, I am Romulan as well." She continued in the familiar language to the boy while he still remained silent.

After gently clearing his throat, K'Tan knelt down next to the child, and looked up at the ensign.  "I'd be indebted if you could find out what his name is.  My lady-friend has taken to calling him "Squirt", and I'm afraid that he might come to accept it as his proper name."

The small child spoke with Shelby, sometimes hesitantly. K'Tan feigned nonchalance as the child's words came to him via the universal translator, hanging on every word.

"Mother said to never give out my family name," the boy said.  "She said that bad people would take me away if I did.  But you and the brown man have been nice to me.  You aren't bad people, are you?"

"No," came Shelby's gentle response. "We want to help you...K'Tan wants to help you....he cares about you...I care about you" She gave him a tender smile and she took the boys hands and squeezed them. "Tell me what your name is...it will be our secret...if that is your wish."

It seemed to take forever, but after a time and a bit more hesitation the young boy timidly offered up in trust, "My name is Vrih Terik..." Shelby smiled at the boy and she held his hands tighter in support.

"Vrih...I like that." Daelen responded quietly.

A shy grin peeked out onto the child's face and he shifted his innocent eyes up to K'Tan finally.

Joint Post by Just X and Crystal

Shelby had chosen her outfit carefully, selecting a demure, deep red, dress and a pair of flats, while her long tresses tumbled softly along her shoulders. She had made sure that she wasn't giving the appearance of allure but it was pleasing enough. She did this after observing that Oryn liked his women; she could use that if need be.

Errant thoughts filled her mind, she wanted D'Callan to tell her not to go, that troubled her. The Commander was an asset; a chance to gain more information. Letting Joe impact her plan would be wayward. Refocusing, she checked the list the Chief had given her and she left.

At the shuttle bay entrance, Shelby centered herself, walking across to the Romulan's quartered vessel she did not see Oryn. Taking the moment, she studied the ship, finding it fascinating with it's sleek lines and colors which were appealing. She was about to touch it when a cough startled her, pivoting, she discovered the Romulan gazing at her. "Commander Oryn -  

"Ensign Daelen," the blue eyed romulan said as he took in her features. "you're looking quite lovely out of your uniform."

Feigning uncomfortably with his remark, yet it wasn't a complete deception, the woman smiled. "Thank you" While taking in the Commander's smooth appearance.

Oryn motioned for her to enter and he stepped aside to clear the doorway. His own clothing clearly held romulan design elements, but the blacks and greens that he wore were clearly not a uniform. While the almost sheer olive shirt he wore was of the loose fitting variety, it revealed muscle and tone where it touched his flesh. "How are you doing?"

If he had his own agenda, it was well hidden behind that persona. For one as young as he was to have the responsibilities that he did meant one of two things. Either he was very good at his job or he was very good at sleeping his way up the ranks. Oryn oozed confidence as he observed the young Federation romulan. He moved like a predator, secure that his next actions would bring down the prey that he sought. His inner thoughts were still a mystery and he gave no clue to show what prey he actually hunted.

"Very well, thank you." Walking in, Daelen continued the facade of confidence. Although, she didn't feel as brave as she normally did. Covering the insecurities her storm-gray orbs focused on the Romulan. "Did your meetings go as you desired today?" asking while  moving further into his lair.

"Of course," he smiled and allowed her to lead the way. "I'm sure that word of the station will soon be make its rounds through the ship and fleet. I'm going to enjoy myself before I'm up to my ears in running Quirinus Station."

Directing Shelby to the small mess near the rear of the ship Oryn observed her behaviors more closely. On the table inside the room rested several PADDs, a half full glass of brandy, and a recently opened bottle of the vulcan variety of the beverage. "Excuse the mess, I'm looking over potential candidates for some of the open positions. Would you like a drink?"

Daelen gave a nod, "Please, s customary to drink with new friends." and she was sure that after their initial conversation that proving that she could trust him might be helpful. As he prepared the drinks, she studied his stately features; probably stemming from a good bloodline in the Empire.    

Oryn smiled as he retrieved a second glass from the replicator and began to fill the crystal with the amber liquid. He placed the goblet in her hand, allowing for brief skin contact. "It's a vulcan brandy that our people managed to get their hands on before the loss of Vulcan. After they managed to invent replicators, the last few bottles were added to the database."

"To new a empire and ancient honor," Oryn said and lifted his glass. He offered another smile before sipping. "Hopefully, we can get it right this time. Maybe like S'Task intended for it to be."

"To honor." Giving a lift to her glass, Shelby experimentally took a drink, finding the smooth taste chased by a bitter tang. It was familiar, in as much as the woman knew of Earth brandy but there was something else flavoring it additionally; enhancing it even more. "Very good, thank you Commander."

Keeping formality in place as her attentions shifted to the padds, then back to Oryn. "Anyone I know?" She said in an attempt to divert attention from the silence which fell between them.  

"I'm not sure. I am going over the records of anyone who might be a benefit the station." He answered and took another sip of his drink. "I need people that will get the job done and also know how to follow orders. I'm focusing on people without preconceived notions of what it means to be romulan. There's going to be a lot of expectations and compromising. I'm still trying decide who I want to stand beside me during the hard questions."  

"Understandable." She said while enjoying the brandy.  

"I'm glad you accepted the invitation for the tour, but why are you here?" He looked at her over the rim of his glass before setting it down. "Is this business or pleasure? More to the point, how much business or pleasure did you come for?"

JP by JustX & Crystal

Oryn's question was anything but innocent, what Shelby needed to do was to counter and stick to the plan; although he was making it a challenge. "I would call this business..." Lowering the drink Shelby set it aside. "I appreciate directness Commander. In exchange I will reciprocate." She stood more confidently, "I would like to access your computer database."

The words came out easily now. "I am working on a 'personal' project, which needs a more delicate touch than I can get from the Federation side. I thought you might be willing to help me." She watched the romulan for a moment, then continued. "As far as pleasure is concerned, the evening is still young." Shelby lifted her brows in a suggestive manner.      

"Since we are being up front, why don't you tell me what you're looking for." Oryn said as he looked her over. "What sort of information are you trying to find? Better still, what kind of pleasure are you looking? Information might be difficult, but I'm quite skilled in other subjects."

A knowing smile was reflected in her expression, as she reached inside the edge of the dresses fabric along the left corner, near her neck. Removing a data crystal she set it firmly in his palm. Her eyes never leaving his. "Confirm what you can...see if there are any connections related to it..follow up reports...anomalies...anything...on particular name came up, Navash" Her eyes dropped to the crystal, then her gaze returned to his steely eyes.  "Please..."

His brow raised at her reply. This wasn't what he had expected. "I'll look into the information that you have provided me with, if it's not a threat, I'll give you what I find."

"Is there anything you would like in exchange for your assistance?"

"No, I typically don't like such strings attached or expect anything in return." He paused to take a drink before he continued. "It usually complicates things and I prefer fair and simple. Unless someone is trying to use me." He gave a slight smirk at this last remark. "If I'm going to be used, I'd prefer in to happen in ways that I enjoy."  

Shelby avoided reacting, yet at the same time the flirtations lured her. The skills which he plied were well suited for his charisma and good looks. After all, she wasn't a frail woman in regards to things of such 'design'. Hell she'd done it herself in the past. Searching his expression she found no indication that he was playing with her. "You are a bold man, I appreciate that." she said respectfully.  

Giving a nod he sipped his drink again. "The way I see it. I'm going to have my hands full with double dealings and back stabbing when I face the senate. I'd like to avoid that elsewhere."
 
Worry, echoed in her thoughts. Could he see her vulnerabilities? "I understand and I do appreciate that...and I hope that I have not left you with such an impression; that was it was not my intent." Shelby stated in response as she finished the vulcan brandy.

Oryn took the final sip of his drink and moved to the nearest console. After connecting the device to the ship, he initiated the query. "It's going to take a bit to finish, but I am sure I can locate some of the information you're looking for."

A silence fell between them, it was papatable and tense, unsure of the direction to take things a thought came to her as a lighthouse beam on a foggy night would find a lost ship. "Oh, my tour, you have yet to show me your ship. I hope it isn't too late I would like to stay, besides..you intrigue me...."  

"It is never too late and I'd never reject the company of a lovely woman who found me intriguing." He smiled and glanced back at the crystal then he turned and raked his eyes over her. "I think a tour is just what we need." a knowing smile eased onto his expression.  

Oryn moved towards the door, "Ensign Daelen, I think I have changed my mind about something." pausing to let the woman take the lead again, "I believe I will accept your offer of exchanging something...for my assistance..."

A deep pit opened in the center of her being at his words, turning slightly she inquired. "What would that be?"  

"I'd like you to tell me more about yourself." His deep baratone voice seemed more-so as he stated his request.

Stepping through the doorway, Shelby lowered her gaze, she wasn't one to particularly share things about herself but she knew the stakes. She pivoted and looked into the man's eyes. "What exactally would you like to know?"  She asked quietly.

"You can start with the usual and go from there." Oryn said as he studied her reaction; seeing her hesitation he tucked the information away. "Family linage, hobbies, habits, domestic status, quirks. You know the things that people might want to know about you when you're not in your uniform. Like right now."  

Shelby reminded herself, it was a pay off. "My mother was Romulan, S'Tel Lauji, she was a medic and my father was a human security officer; Brend Daelen. They served upon the same Federation ship, my mother's family fled Romulus when she was a child...." hesitating for a moment she found herself caught in Oryn's sights and feeling more unsure of herself.

Burying her innermost thoughts she carried on. "Over time they found an attraction and they married, then they left the service...to settle on a border colony, Baret 8..." over the next hour or so Shelby told the man a fair amount of information about herself. Nothing crucial mind you but it was enough.

As they finished walking his vessel, she departed with very little of D'Callan's list and feeling more vulnerable to the Romulan than she was comfy with.

It was much like being in a shuttle during a severe dive; Frightening yet compellingly intoxicating to watch.  

Joseph sat in his quarters, in his 'out of work clothes' which, when alone consisted of shorts and a loose fitted shirt, a homage to his surfer days back in Australia. He stretched out on his sofa and picked up the PADD. He'd been studying this for over two weeks after he had done the security crew evaluation. Leaving Shelby's too the last he took his time studying her records and what family life was known. One bit of important information was missing, that information he wanted to find out. He'd nearly cracked it but for one small dilemma. He needed help if he was to complete this file. Standing he walked to the main computer panel. "Computer open a secure channel to Karum D'Callan, D'Callan research unit"

He sat down in front of the screen and his father appeared. "G'dayDad," His Father smiled and turned round waving, Theran came up to the monitor and raised a beer in front of the screen.  " Dad, do you still have that friend at the academy, the one who was a tracker. i  need to find someone of importance of a friend" Karum sat back "Would this friend be a woman Joseph?"

Looking away slightly and then back Joseph simply nodded and his father continued "About time, you need a good lady son. Yes I'm still in contact with him, in fact he owes me a favor. Lost two of his fingers you know in a turbo lift accident, silly dingo"

Joseph laughed "If i send you the info via this channel can you get it me back pretty sharpish?" His father nodded and Joseph connected the PADD to his terminal and sent the details, Karum looked up and read the info. "Romulan, oh a half Romulan, and you want to find ah...... Struck a cord there has it Joe, we all miss her"

Joseph smiled " I know Dad"

Karum handed a small disc to Theran who disappeared "So hows Sevryll and Aeric, still playing mind tennis with each other are they? ha ha, send them my love will you, when they are not on duty" He winked at his son.

"Thanks Dad, be in touch soon, yes?"

Karum nodded and waved as the screen went dead. Joseph took a deep sigh and smiled at the file in front of him. If he could complete this file, and hand it to her, that may say more than words. Smiling to himself he sat back down on the couch and lifted the antique arm of the record player, the hiss came first then in the beautiful, soothing sounds of a saxophone.

Tolok sat at the desk in his quarters and contemplated the partial model of the U.S.S. Prekofiev on the surface before him. It was a creation that he hadn't touched in years but had carefully stored while working through his studies.

On returning to the family home on New Vulcan following his attainment of Kohlinar, Tolok had considered resuming the build but the idea had not sat right with him and so he had let the project slide for another year. Now, back in space and back in the service of Starfleet he felt that the time had finally come to complete what he had started so long ago. He wasn't on the Prekofiev now and he already felt the Arabella stealing some of the...regard he felt for his previous ship; now was the last chance he would have to complete the detailed scale representation.

Model making was as close as the Chief Engineer would allow himself to get to working in his quarters. Many of the principles he applied to his models were well matched to his engineering skills. The selection of materials, the design of new parts and the construction of the whole all had direct analogues in his 'day job' as the humans would call it. The difference here was that the focus required of this task was purely internal, allowing him to centre himself in ways that working on the ship day-to-day would never allow. Indeed, so absobing did he find the practice that he had recently come to believe that concentration on his building projects would aid in maintaining the Kohlinar discipline. Now it was time for him to find out.

Tolok was troubled and this in istelf causd him more trouble. In meeting the old Romulan in engineering and escorting him to the Afterburner, the Vulcan had come face to face with many of his beliefs about his sister race. What he had found in what he saw was not what he had expected and in that difference lay the source of his disquiet.

In the Romulan's quiet and understated pride in his service to his empire, the Commander had found an almost Vulcan detachment and peace. None of the Romulan boastfullness or bravado had been present, simply an unshakable belief in what the man had done and the service he believed he had provided to his people. Tolok had liked him.

This presented a conundrum that challenged both the Vulcan's logic and his engineering abilities. The man simply did not comply with what Tolok had always understood the Romulan people to be and when something disproved a hypothesis like this then both logic and engineering discipline dictated that the hypothesis itself should be challenged...and so Tolok returned to his building, the better to settle his mind and allow him to digest the challenges that this day had presented him.

Joint post by Just X and KC

No sooner than Oryn had finished his lengthy communication, he returned to his bedroom to find the green hued Cyra now laying on the bed and reading from one of the many PADDs that surrounded her. She had arrived about an hour before Shelby's visit and had been there helping him come up with potential recruits for the station and to discuss the names of those few crew members that had offered to volunteer. For the sake of discretion, Cyra was only viewing the publicly available lists, but her position on the ship gave her insights to the minds of the crew that rivaled the counselor. 

"I'm really sorry about that." Oryn offered an apologetic smile and he watched her as she lay on he stomach reading. "I didn't think we'd have any interruptions other than my meeting later tonight. Did you see anyone interesting in the list or were you becoming bored? I know how dangerous that can be for you."

"Wow, you're funny," Cyra said in a sarcastic tone and her lips forming a playful smile. "Maybe you should consider a career in stand-up since it seems to be your calling."

Out of all the ships in all the galaxy, Oryn had never expected to see her on the Arabella. She was a surprise from his past and a very pleasant one. Seeing her in the bar had forced him to hide their connection, but when the opportunity to speak with her alone presented itself, he pounced on it. Their few run-in's in the past had been to brief for them to catch up. Now it seemed chance had brought her into his orbit for the next few years. It was one of the few times that he would be happy not to argue with fate. Good friends were more precious than latinium in their chaotic universe.

Oryn smirked and took a seat on the corner of the bed, "I was thinking of bar tending if this doesn't work for me. How is that working for you? I think you'd thrive in another setting."

Cyra shot him a questioning look. There were plenty of details from her past that she wished to forget, but it always seemed to be the good things that slipped away from her memory. Oryn's friendly smile and her ability to read his underlying messages were two examples of those many, many things. "I don't quite follow."

"I have an entire station full of various species that are going to need a place to be entertained.  I think that it's fitting that you're here now. I'd love for your help there." he said and caught her eyes with his. "If you want your own bar, it's yours. If you only want to help set things up, I can use that too. So much has happened to me that it would be great to have a friendly face around."

Cyra could not mask her surprise at the offer. There was a mix of pleasant and unsure feelings stirring inside of her. She took a moment to process her thoughts, but clarity did not come immediately like she wished it would. "I'm not sure if I could leave the Arabella," she said. "But it's a good opportunity. I don't know, Oryn. I just... I feel like I may need to think about it. It's tempting though. Really tempting."

"Tempting is better than no," he smiled. "What if you could have the best of both world. Run the bar, set it up, but still work here?"

"You seem intent on getting me to help you open up this new bar," she said, smiling back at him. "There are other people who could probably do this better you know. Maybe not a lot, but a few I'm sure. I'm just wondering why..."

This was a game that she had not played in years. Flirtation and teasing used to come so easily to her back in her days as a wild teenager, but she had changed so much. Five years ago, she would have made a dance of situations like this, and she never even thought about the consequences that would follow what could become a dangerous game. Five years? Had it been that long? she thought to herself. For some reason she felt like a little girl wearing her mother's clothes, awkwardly shuffling about in shoes that did not fit and wearing a dress that made her trip. And just like that little girl, Cyra pretended that she was cool and collected and graceful.

"I thought it was obvious." he answered. "I know you. I trust you. There are too many people that I don't know enough to trust. Why not find a way to involve the person that I do?"

"I've grown up a little since Earth. I've even learned a bit more about myself, but not so much that I'm going to forget who my friends are." Oryn looked at the woman before him and could not help but to admire her. "I still enjoy your company. If you don't want to do the bar thing, I'd settle for an extended visit. I'd like to better know the new you and unlike past adventures, there shouldn't be anything to hold us back. Would it be odd to hear that I've missed your presence and still thought about you?"

Cyra lifted an eyebrow. "It does sound a bit odd... if by 'odd' you mean 'downright bizarre.'" She had meant for that to be a jest, but the sound that she gave it seemed insulting. Despite sense and logic demanding her not to, she decided to back track. "I mean... that was meant to be a joke. I will think about your offer... about the bar, that is. And the whole visit thing, and the extending of it, that doesn't sound too bad either. Not that I think it's just okay, it's great. Not that I'm--"

Her faux cool and collected composure was beginning to unravel and slowly reveal the figurative nakedness of her discomfort. She struggled to find the right words, but none of them would travel to her lips and tongue. Why did I not stop while I was ahead? she chastised herself. Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid... She paused for a second, and evaded Oryn's stare by looking down at her feet. Cyra could feel her cheeks burning and there was no doubt in her mind that her face was the deepest shade of green imaginable. Of all the times for her confidence to abandon her, it had to be in this moment, in this place, and in front of this man. She took a deep breath in, and as soon as the numbing feeling of embarrassment subsided just slightly, she felt safe to open her mouth again. "So you missed me, huh?"

The slight hue of green flushed his cheeks as Oryn laughed. "Yeah, I did."

Without another word, he moved closer to her and glanced at the feet that had kept her attention. "What are we looking at?"

"Nothing. Nothing..." Her eyes remained on her feet, hoping that if she studied the contour of their shape long enough that she would avoid Oryn's attention.

Oryn's smile increased as he turned more to her and allowed his hand to reach out to her. Fingertips lightly touched her face and gently guided her gaze to him. Words left his mouth in a soft whisper, "I don't want you uncomfortable, do we need to change the subject?"

Cyra's eyes were open wide and her heart was pounding. She felt as if she were being hypnotized, or under some spell that only existed in make believe games that she loved to play as a child. There was something about his eyes that stirred so many feelings inside her. "Yes, please," she managed to squeak.

Oryn nodded softly as he leaned in and began to whisper into her ear, allowing the heat of his breath to caress her smooth skin even as his fingers remained touching her face, "Are there any officers that you trust more than the others here?"

"Do you really believe I can think coherently when you're this close to me?" The words were out of her mouth before she even realized that she had even had this thought. She froze. Her eyes managed to get wider and her cheeks were burning hotter than ever. This was not her. For the last five years, she had learned to control of her words and actions and feelings. A voice in the back of her head was cursing Oryn with the most foul words known to any language. The rest of her conscious was telling that little voice to shut up.

"Keep saying things like that and I won't be able to pull away," he offered as his own mind raced with thoughts that he had not considered in so long. He reluctantly removed his hand from her face, but not before grazing her other cheek with his. With a soft press of his lips, he lightly kissed her ear before fully pulling away. His breath was deeper with the effort that it took to increase the distance between them. What am I doing?

"I think I asked something about ... something that isn't that important right now."

"Um... right..." she said. She pressed her hands to her cheeks, and moved one hand down to the point where she could still feel his kiss on her skin. "We could... um... we could probably talk about it later. Like tomorrow or something."

"I'd really like that." he said. "I have the notes in the PADDs for now. What are you doing later?"

"I'm not sure... erm... do you have a certain time in mind?"

"I have to meet with doctor Drett in a bit, but after that, I'm free for the evening ... unless some crisis pops up." he replied. "I need some help putting together medical things for the station. Can I trust her?"

Cyra smiled. "I think you can manage to trust her a bit," she said. The colorful tone she used often for her jests had returned, little too late. But it was a welcome return, nonetheless.

"Good," he returned her smile then lowered his voice as he drew closer again. "I have an important favor to ask you. Don't leave when I do, stay and take a nap."

"I have a feeling that if I ask why, you'll simply say 'please' or 'trust me.'"

"Your scent is starting to fade from my pillow." he shrugged as he felt no need to hide the fact. "I'm starting to miss it because it makes this place feel comfortable. Is that reason enough to stay?"

"Uh-huh," Cyra said. She felt flattered, but now that she had regained her sense of cool, she was not about to show it. Again. She smirked at him. "You keep asking me if I trust anyone on this ship more than the others, but you should feel lucky to know that I can trust you."

"I do," he smirked. "More than lucky ... is blessed a strong enough word?"

He paused and nodded. "Truly and utterly blessed by you and your trust. So princess, are you going to stay?"

Cyra exaggerated the act of rolling her eyes and smiled. "I guess, since you asked so nicely. But next time, I prefer 'your majesty' or 'your grace.' 'Oh divine goddess' also works."

This time Oryn rolled his eyes, "If you really want a title, I'm sure I can arrange something in the future. However, divine goddess, as humbled as I am to be in your presence, I should go meet with the doctor. When I get back, you'll have my undivided attention."

"That would be nice."

Because it was in full view of anyone entering Sickbay, Ryla tried to keep her office... cleanish. Ordinarily, she was anything but neat. The Trill was somewhat of a messy individual, but she attempted to keep her chaos organized. She removed her lab coat and draped it over the back of her chair as she started to leave, but returned to push it under her desk and straightened a stack of PADDs on its surface. She was now off duty, but there were a few things she had to do before she could return to her quarters. The first on her list was an informal meeting over dinner with Commander Oryn.

The sprightly woman marched out the door of her office and onto the floor, "I'll see you tomorrow ladies," she said to Myella and Susan—they too were preparing to call it a day.

"Where are you going in such a hurry?" Nurse Cane inquired as she arranged the implements at her station. "Do you have another date? Why don't you send your rejects to me?  I'm not as persnickety as you are," she laughed.

"I can arrange that. You would be doing me a favor if you lured Jared Olson away. Would you like me to introduce you to him?"

"SURE," replied Susan.

Ryla's lips stretched into a Cheshire Smile, "done." Jared was a good-looking specimen, but their date the night before had educated the Trill on the hazards associated with 'judging a book by its so-called cover'. Though very kind, he was remarkably awkward and after his first outburst of laughter he had reminded her of someone from Drett's past. That night a dream ultimately drew forth the memory—in it, she was Drett's second host, Felahras. The woman had seven brothers in all, but Lon was the youngest and she often tickled him as a child to kindle an explosive 'snortle ' as she called it. Jared Olson's rather...unique...laughter, was too close to Lon's, and kissing him would no doubt be like kissing her brother.

"So, who are you meeting tonight?" asked Myella.

"Commander Oryn," she replied.

"Ah...the Romulan I was supposed to see for a physical this morning. Susan said he was rather fetching," added Myella Peterson in a clipped Irish accent.

"He is, but he knows it," said Ryla. "There's nothing worse than an attractive man who fancies himself a ladykiller. I'll admit I think he's attractive, but he's a silver tongued devil. Jaunairim Drett was married to five of those, not at once mind you, but over he course of her lifetime. I don't share her taste in men—I'm just meeting him out of diplomatic obligation..."

"Of course," said Nurse Caine mischievously. "Then why don't you set me up with him too?"

"I'm sure he'll get around to doing that himself," said Ryla with a smirk. "Goodnight ladies."

Joint post by Jen and Just X

The cacophony of sounds created by the attendees bounced off of the smooth stone surfaces of the central dining area, creating a murmuring echo. Oryn, dressed in the finest noble garments of the era, waited in the place of honor for his guest to arrive. He greeted those that brought their gaze to his, with friendly and warm smiles. It wasn't everyday that the people were allowed to attend a feast with the Emperor and it wasn't every day that Oyrn allowed himself to play the central figure in any setting...much less a holographic one. Recent conversations had him wanting to explore titles, and the holodeck was the safest place to do so.

The Emperor rose as the arch appeared unnoticed by the people surrounding him. From his vantage point, he could see Ryla Drett twist her flaxen hair into a neat pile before taking a careful step into the simulation. The doctor was still clad in her duty uniform—its high collar hiding the intricate pattern of spots that trailed down her neck. The contrasting division color also accented the cuffs on the jacket's black sleeves, which she absently straightened as she took in the atmosphere.

Despite her obvious presence within the room, her mind was elsewhere. Ryla Drett was an even-keeled woman who was rarely flustered by anyone or anything. Only one person truly burned her spots and that was Commander K'Tan. She considered him a high and mighty, targheaded (albeit handsome), halfwit who went out of his way to vex her. And lately, to her great distress, he had begun slipping into her thoughts at the most inopportune times. In fact, at that very moment, she was wondering how the boy he rescued was fairing, and worrying that K'Tan was in the process of teaching him to juggle sharp objects. I bet he has already given the child a 'pointy metal stabbing device' all his own. What are those Klingon swords called? Bat...bat something or other. The kid will poke his eye out and I won't know that the lumbering oaf gave him a 'bat thing' until they saunter into Sickbay, wanting me replace the missing eye. Hmph...that's the point at which he'll actually ask for my help... I should check on them before the kid maims himself under K'Tan's watch.

With a signature whine the door closed behind her, effectively banishing K'Tan, the boy and his 'bat-thing' from her thoughts. Suddenly more aware of her surroundings, the Trill felt acutely out of place. She stopped a stride from the Holodeck door, unsure of whether she should retreat into the ship's corridor or carry on appareled as she was.  

Oblivious to the strange woman's understated attire, the court bowed their heads to the doctor as if she were an adored ruler. Ryla hesitated a moment trying to think of a proper response, yet none came. Instead, the Trill winged it and cast an embarrassed smile on the gathered and waded into the room,  "hi... hello... how do you do?" She said to the myriad of individuals who welcomed her. "Hi there... nice to see you... hey, how's it going?"

Oryn descended the dais with a grin, "you have a talent for standing out in a crowded room. I admire that."

His fine regalia was suited for an individual of great importance and Ryla had to admit, he wore it well.

"You didn't tell me this was going to be a formal dinner..." When the doctor had agreed to meet Oryn, she thought it would be in the Afterburner. But toward the end of the day he had changed his plans, requesting that she meet him in the holodeck.

The urbane Romulan offered his hand to the diminutive woman, with a broadening smile, "I've taken the liberty of putting together a feast of various Romulan flavors. Hopefully, you will enjoy some of what you sample."

She reluctantly accepted his hand and allowed him to escort her to a chair, "where are we exactly? "

"A recreation of the Imperial Palace a few centuries after the Exodus," he replied. "While not fully accurate, it is a beautiful location nonetheless."

"It's very beautiful....and... festive. What's the occasion? Is it your birthday?" She asked sarcastically.

Oyrn pushed the elaborately adorned chair in for her as she sat, "I have a huge task ahead of me and I would like to enjoy the finer things before I subject myself to the tortures of command. I still need to review crew files and I'm going to require the assistance of a qualified physician to aid me in getting our medical facilities off the ground."

The commander took the seat across from her and nodded for the first course to be served.

"I want you, Ryla..." He paused suggestively, "I believe our station would benefit from a medical hologram. How would you feel about being 'the face' of the construct?"

"No... I hate those things," she said as she brushed a non-existent bit of lint from her sleeve.

He chuckled softly as gilded plates filled with leafy greens were quietly placed before them. "How would you suggest that we handle the lack of trained personnel available to deal with all of the species living on the station?"

Ryla offered a smile to the servant and thanked him. The man seemed surprised by her acknowledgment and bowed again before quickly leaving the table. She watched him go with interest before turning back to the Commander, "Personally, I find Emergency Medical Holograms to be haughty and rude. The last thing I want one is for one of those arrogant bundles of algorithms to look like me...not only that, but it's weird. They are a wealth of knowledge and if you require a multi-purposed physician working around the clock, they're the perfect solution...I just don't want it to wear my face."

Oryn poured them each a glass of wine, "Our Holograms are very bland, but you have a fantastic manner and a very pleasing appearance. I require a hologram that the station's inhabitants will accept. Something not too human for the Romulans and not too Romulan for Starfleet. To be frank, your species hasn't been much of a threat to my own and your bedside manner could work well for the program."

He wouldn't believe that if he knew how I treated K'Tan two days ago, she wryly mused before inwardly grimacing that the Chief Of Ops had once again intruded on her thoughts.

"I'm sure that we could come up with some sort of composite physician of unassuming looks," he continued, "...if you will not lend your features, perhaps you would help construct its personality. I'm sure that your psychological profile would translate well as the core persona of the program we employ."

She stared at him, her glass of wine held frozen at her lips, "What? No... you can't use my profile for your EMH." She set the glass down with a little too much force, sloshing a small amount of the amber liquid onto the table, "Get your own personalities. These are mine..."

He could not stop the belly laugh from escaping, "Now that was completely unexpected! Most people jump at the chance for immortality. Well, if you won't be the core, how about helping teach it manners?"

She made an effort to dab the wine from the table with her napkin, "I already have some semblance of eternal life," she muttered "...I'll consider teaching the EMH 'etiquette', though I can't say I'm looking forward to dealing with one of those things on a day to day basis."

"Well, this hologram will have Romulan sensibilities," he replied, still chuckling. "You may find that you like it more than the standard models."

She smirked in disbelief as she took a sip of what remained in her glass. I knew I should have declined his offer for dinner...

Joint post by Jen and Just X

From the head of a grand table within a holdeck recreation of an ancient Romulan palace, Oryn sipped his own wine and considered the Trill sitting across from him. "Are you happy with your posting here?"

She nodded as she set her glass down, "I'm doing what I love aboard a vessel crewed by my extended family. I'd say I'm fairly content."

"That's ... unfortunate...but understandable. It's a fine ship. Lot's of interesting people." Oryn added and took a bite of his first course.

A small crease formed on Ryla's forehead, "Unfortunate?"

"Yes. You don't wish to be a hologram and there is little chance I will persuade you to accept a position as the CMO aboard my station," he said. "It's very unfortunate for all those people in need. I hope that they can make due with second or even third best."

"I'm sure you will find someone to fit the bill," she replied, trying to communicate her disinterest in her timbre and expression.

"Are there other physicians within the fleet with youthful vigor and hands-on experience that could apply centuries of knowledge and expertise to their post?"

Ryla shook her head slowly in mild amusement, "You are tenacious...have these tactics worked for you before?  Let's see, you've tried guilt trips and now flattery. Hologram or no, I'm simply not vain enough to believe that I am the woman for the job.... If you would like, I'll suggest a few who are just as qualified, if not more."

"I would appreciate your recommendation," Oryn started. "To be honest," he continued, "I'm trying to woo you into helping with my transition team. I'm still considering applicants, and of those individuals, there are a number in the fleet that have offered their services. I could use another person to help me go over their files. I can count the people that I completely trust on one hand and I think that you're quickly on the way to making that list."

Ryla nibbled on another bit of salad before replying. "I will do what I can to help you."

He smiled at her words. "I have little raptors about and they've informed me that you are as trustworthy as you seem. I'm glad for your help."

"Ah so you have spies," she teased. "Well don't believe everything you hear... Do you have the list of candidates? I'll go over it with you if you now."

"I do have a list, but I didn't bring my PADD," he replied apologetically. "I thought we could spend this time developing confidence in one another. I know how difficult it is for some to trust my species."

"We're not going to do one of those silly exercises where I have to fall backwards and hope that you'll catch me, are we?" Ryla asked in jest.

He chuckled, "We've already completed a trust exercise. You gave me a physical this morning...there are a lot of secrets in my blood.

"Yes... I did a little research on my findings and, though we don't have a lot of data on the subject, I was able to confirm my diagnosis. It seems you have a case of the 'nobilities'...don't worry, I think we caught it in time."

"From what I hear, it can be fatal in the wrong environment," he said with a slight smile.

Ryla's serious expression became genuine, "You share the same blood as the Imperial line." She gestured about her, "Is that what this is all about?"

He ignored her question, "My trust seems to have been well placed...Now, what will it take for you to trust me?"

"For starters? You use a lot of innuendos...you could stop using them with me. Half the time I'm not sure whether I should slap you or laugh.  I think that's probably your intent—you're testing the waters. I believe you're trying to throw me off balance and I'm not exactly sure why. That doesn't foster trust."

He smiled, "You're quite perceptive... A person's reaction tells me a lot about them. Many non-Romulans don't expect my casual bearing. Hell, if I'm honest, a lot of Romulans don't either."

She leaned back in her chair, "I thought so. Well...what did your little 'test' tell you about me? That I'm an 'uptight, goody two-shoes'?"

"Is that what you hoped to project? It's not at all what I picked up from you... I think I'll keep it to myself though," he said with a wry smile.

Ryla narrowed her eyes slightly, "Another test." Her eyes reflected the now flippant smile he could not see behind the glass she lifted.

"Everything we do tests us in some way, but some things aren't intentional," he replied. "Still, you don't toss out valid observations because of the way they were generated."

"What is your assessment of my friend... Cyra?"

"She seems very capable at her job and far more. She's someone that I'd enjoy inappropriate amounts of time with." Oryn's smile brightened, "Gorgeous and dangerous are just added perks."

Ryla gave him an appraising look as another servant came to refill her glass of wine, "She's a good girl, Oryn...I don't want her getting hurt. You better treat her right."

"Treat her right?" his brow rose questioningly. "What makes you think that she's going to let me treat her any way at all?"

"I have three hundred and thirty years worth of experiences as both males and females. I know," she nodded assuredly.

"It's complicated." Oryn said. "Very complicated."

"It always is," she added with a knowing smile. It was then Ryla observed a sudden transition in his demeanor. He was being honest and there was a bit more emotion behind his atypically simple answer. She had seen that look before, but not from someone as glib as Oryn pretended to be. "How long have you known Cyra? And don't tell me you just met her. I heard something in your tone that suggests you know her better than you're letting on."

"I just arrived a few days ago," he started with a smile. "I'm sure there are a lot of men that would like to know her better than they are letting on. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part or maybe there's something more. For all anyone knows, we could have known each other for years."

"If you want to spend more time with Cyra, why in the stars are you wasting time trifling with me?" She grinned. Ryla was certain his roving eye fell on every female he came across, which was one reason she would never take Oryn seriously.

"I'm wasting my time?" He asked in an almost pouting tone before turning a little more serious. "Flirting is just flirting. Think of it as my way of helping to reinforce your self-esteem by reminding you how beautiful you are."

"I don't need any help with my self-esteem, thanks...I'm managing just fine." She chuckled.

The Romulan laughed with her, "As for our resident Orion, I think you might be assuming a little too much."

"I've been around the galaxy a time or two. I know what I'm talking about.  I can keep a secret. I'm not sure why this one is worth keeping, but I'm not a gossip. I won't bring it up again."

"For the record, I'm exactly where I want to be. I think that you're a good person to know and that introduction has to start somewhere."

"A good person to know—you sound like Galdar again. For future reference, you don't have to wine and dine me to ask for my help. I'm not that sort of gal. Not that I'm not enjoying myself mind you...but really, it's not necessary."

"Perhaps I'm bored from doing a six month tour alone in a small ship? Maybe I just want to enjoy your company while I'm working on the business that needs to be done." He smiled. "I asked you here because I wanted to get to know you outside of work."

Her lopsided smile gained symmetry, "well...that's the best way to make a new friend.  I propose we start over then," she said as she extended her hand, "How do you do? I'm Ryla Drett. Welcome aboard the Arabella....Mr?"  

He took her hand, "Oryn of Romulas...of a house not worth mentioning. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The honor is all mine, sir," she laughed and gave his hand a energetic shake.

Heading back to her quarters, to change, was a long and troubling road for Shelby. Everything that had happened; Her Mother missing, Nalah, and Oryn, not to mention all the Romulan's and the difficulties they had already been encountering had really given the woman reason to review her life and how things had been going on the ship. The only other thing which had been perplexing her was D'Callan. Never had it been her intention to find herself drawn to the man, in fact at first, she disliked him and his smugness. Despite the initial dissatisfaction with things the woman was discovering that there was more to the man than just his brash exterior.  

Opening the door Shelby nearly got an eyeful of her room mate, Tina Dacon, upon entering the room she had to turn her eyes downward. "Do you two mind." she said tensely, while she made her way past the pair. She tactfully placed a hand along the side of her cheek to avert her eyes from the side of the room in which the pair had decided to practically strip down and start making out in. Additionally, it took a long time for Daelen to hear a greeting as she walked over to her side of the room.

"Hi Sssshelby." Came her roommates call to her.

As she made it past the pair she heard Henry's voice. "That is quite an outfit Daelen..." He said while Shelby rolled her eyes.

"Come on, get a room of your own..." she admonished. "I'd like to just get in and out of here." The ensign felt an oddly placed stab of jealously; why was it so easy for Tina. Not that 'she' wanted things like that; she didn't Still as Shelby turned away, a crease formed between her dark brows. Shaking her head she redoubled her efforts to gather some regular clothes, then she moved into the side room to change.

"You know it's funny...Henry." Came Tina's voice, between the sounds of kissing and light giggling from the other room. "The whole time Shelby's been here she hasn't done anything. She's always being the stiff. I don't get it."

"Maybe she needs to lighten up. I can fix her up"

"No!" Shelby said firmly through the partition.  Sighing heavily, the half romulan pulled on her shoes, then she finished buttoning her shirt. As she lifted the memory of Joe and her in the holosuite flooded her thoughts. They had been so close; the rushing emotions which had possessed her that day returned to her like a looming specter and she stopped in her tracks.

Shoving those aside, Oryn's words echoed in her head and she found her mind racing even faster. There was so much conflict. She wasn't a human, she wasn't a Romulan...she found D'Callan interesting, yet he was her Chief and everything was crumbling at her feet.

"The Romulan's show up and suddenly she is everywhere." A soft giggle followed. "I think she likes them."

"Maybe she just needs to find the right man. Like you did."

Changing quickly Daelen balled up the dress, now regretting not taking clothes with her to change in, Shelby walked out into the main room. Giving a even heavier sigh she looked at the pair who had resumed their 'private party' in on the other ensigns bed.

Walking past the two as she placed the dress in her locker, Shelby said easily. "Oh, Gabrey from engineering was down here yesterday he wanted to know if you were on for Wed." a smirk slipped onto her lips and she headed for the door.

Opening the door she heard Henry's voice. "Gabrey?! You're seeing Gabrey??"  

Feeling somewhat victorious, Daelen walked into the hallway, pleased that she had struck a blow for the 'no roommate's' for ensigns policy. Still, her thoughts stirred emotions which she wasn't comfortable with. There had to be some place she could sort this out.  

POSTED ON BEHALF OF MEDS


Joseph walked into his room tapping up his report on his PADD on the Romulan situation over the last twenty-four hours. He didn't bother mentioning the incident with the barber, Rayon, in the lift; as he didn't see the purpose. Also he made mention that he was going to intergrate using Oryn as a consultant when dealing with the refugee's as much as possible. This at least would please Captain Sevryll and maybe help make life a bit easy for the task ahead. Sitting down he tossed the device to one side.

Despite his focus, Rayon's words regarding Joseph being turned down by that 'sweet little Romulan ensign' gnawed at him. Although the truth of the matter was, no, the sweet little Romulan hadn't turned him down; She didn't even know how he felt! And that was because Joe kept delaying saying anything to her and that ate at him even more.

Scowling he turned slightly and looked at the computer screen. He noticed a red clip flashing above his monitor. He jumped up in excitement and pressed play. His father appeared on screen. "G'day Joseph." The man had features which were reflected in his son, "I cashed in my favours...I have some preliminary stuff but the rest of the information should be to you by morning. So I hope she's worth it. You realize the hassle get this, right? I'll tell you, it was not easy but it's positive. Enter your mothers nickname for you to obtain the file. Take care son, we look forward to seeing her" he winked and then the screen went blank.

Joseph sat back in his chair and he tapped the password into the screen, he scrolled through the sudden pages of information band which were coded for him. He smiled as he read the information. "Computer print and produce a file" lifting a craft pen he began to write.

JOINT POST BY JEN AND MEDS



"Enter," came a muffled, but cheery voice. Smiling, Joseph stepped forward and the door emitted him. The woman who welcomed the chief tossed her arms around him enthusiastically and squeezed.  "Little Joe!" She rolled her chin upward over his broad chest in order to settle her blue eyes on his. "what a pleasant surprise," she said through a grin. Her chin on his chest restricted annunciation, and her words came out in a mumble.


Joseph smiled,  "are you busy? It's been an age since we last chatted, Susie." With a bounce in her step, the younger woman drew her game to the sofa, "I'm always free for you."


Sitting down, Joseph glanced about her tidy quarters and smiled at the holophotos she kept throughout. There were images of himself as a youth making, 'bunny ears' behind her head and a honeymoon photo of his father and mother embracing on a sunset beach. His smile recoiled slightly when his eyes stopped on Susan and Ben's wedding photo. Susan was wearing her mother's gown and a blissful smile as she danced with her academy sweetheart. It had been roughly four years since Ben Caine died and she had come so far since that day. Despite the sadness her husband's loss brought, Joseph was proud of the inner strength that Susan discovered and the newly regained optimism that took her all of four years to recoup.


"I spoke to dad the other day. He sends his love," he said when he realized she was watching him study her wedding photos.


"How is he doing?" Inquired his little sister in a softer tone that somehow retained its radiance.


Joseph nodded, "He looked well, but you know him..."


Susan stood and walk to the replicator to order a Mulled Cider for herself and a long beer for Joseph. As she turned back to her brother, she noticed his ordinarily confident air, transition to something less certain. "What's the matter Joe?"


The dark-haired man glanced at the PADD in his hands and then back at the small-framed blond staring keenly at him. He accepted the drink she offered and lifted it slowly to his lips, "Got a bit of a dilemma."


Susan sat beside him again as concern washed over her face, "is it work?"


He smiled at her "Oh if only Susie... Work has been a bit trying, what with the Romulans arriving. Heaven knows how many more incidents I will have to deal with. No, it's something more... well... you know..."


"No." Susan's smile reappeared as she put an arm around him, "but I can make an approximation. You've either lost that cricket bat or your heart..."


He looked up, laughing and hugged her back. "You know me so well."


"Of course I do," She punched his thigh lightly with her free hand and glanced at the PADD in his hands. "Does that file have anything to do with the woman in question?"


He handed it to her, "I've discovered some information that I kind of thought would make a good present... You know I'm rubbish at words."


"Yes you are. I remember you singing happy birthday to me when I was ten years-old, in front of all my friends, making silly lyrics instead of the proper ones. And to make matters worse you're tone deaf."


Laughing again, he lifted his eyes from the PADD to look at her, "hey, you're supposed to be helping me here!"


Susan took the tablet from his hands and studied it, "You've been trying calligraphy again—she must be important to you" The short haired blond woman scanned the file a moment before speaking again. "Shelby Daelen..." She said before reading more of the file. "She's the half Romulan officer, right?" Susan lowered the PADD and regarded the man sitting next to her. "I don't know her, but I've seen her around... in fact I saw you two together the day I was called to the brig to patch up the Romulan woman Daelen brought back. Why didn't you introduce me to her? You were very dismissive of me now that I think of it." She frowned in mock annoyance."Afraid I'll embarrass you!?"


With a small grin, Joseph nodded in affirmation—earning himself another punch in the thigh. This time the blow from her small fist had more force behind it. She glared at him now, but she very quickly lost the ability to retain the scowl on her face. As soon as it dissolved they laughed until tears came. When Susan was finally able to speak without sparking a new round of laughter, she lifted the PADD to eye level in order to give it further appraisal. "I think this is a fantastic gift Joe...why are you fretting over it?"


Sitting back and taking a sip of his drink, he looked again at the photo of Susan and Ben. "This job I do is dangerous—the job we do, I mean. Susie, I hate to bring this up..."

"You're going to ask me about Ben aren't you?"


Joseph kissed her forehead, "Sorry sis."


The smile she managed for him came slower than the others, "You're worried about losing her before she's even yours. " She turned her gaze to the photo that Joseph was looking at again—Ben's perpetual smile was beaming at them from across the room. "Have you ever heard of Alfred Lord Tennyson? My favorite poem that he wrote speaks of love lost and I happen to agree with the sentiment." It seemed as though she was speaking to her husband as she muttered the words with a heartbreaking sweetness. "I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost...than never to have loved at all."


Joe sighed deeply and smiled again at his sister's strength and wisdom. "You're right, of course. I just don't want to make a fool of myself...I've done that before."


"Yes, the heart is a tricky thing isn't it? It has reasons that reason does not understand, but I don't believe it makes us fools.... It makes us human.  I was the happiest when I was with Ben." Her lips curled into a small smile as she turned to face him once again. "The memory of those times are worth the ache I feel now..."


He turned to her, "I'm so proud of you." Giving her a big hug he pulled away and smiled,  "So do I get the seal of appoval from you?"


"Why do you need my approval?" She said, resisting the urge to tell him otherwise. Sisters tended to be hypercritical when it came to their siblings choice in mates and, though she was an adopted sister, Susan was no different. Joseph was older, bigger and the Chief Of Security on the flag ship of the Seventh Fleet, but she felt protective of him nonetheless. Susan wasn't sure she would like this woman that he was so taken with, but—unless a future scenario called for her intervention—she would try to keep her opinions to herself.  "Do what you feel in your heart, don't worry about what I think."


Standing Joseph took the PADD from Susan. "I'll put this back in my room until the time is right, and i think that will be very soon. Thanks" He waved it at her. "Can we meet up for dinner soon, I want to know what my baby sister has been up to."


"Going so soon?" She asked, as she walked him to the door. "Don't give your 'baby sister' the brush off next time we run into each other while on duty...I promise I won't embarrass you," She winked.  "And yes, of course we can meet for dinner."

JOINT POST BY CRYSTAL AND MEDS


Finding a place to just be quiet and alone, with all the Romulan's on-board felt nearly impossible to Shelby. Still, she eventually found a nice quiet Jefferies tube which was unoccupied near the engines. She needed this time, her thoughts were going all over the place.

In the end she found herself thinking about Oryn and some of his statements to her. Why did he want to know about her, how would it benefit him? Also his presence disturbed her on more than a few different levels. She had been weeding through what was eating at her but nothing openly stood out; other than the man was a flirt. That was no crime though.
Upon leaving those thoughts, she found herself mulling over Joseph D'Callan. The feelings she had for him had surprised her, having not considered him as anything before, other than her boss. It seemed odd and out of place, yet a part of her seemed interested in the possibility. There were many hurdles though; the biggest was that he was her Chief. Letting her head drop a little she let all the confusion wash from her slowly.

Despite this her mind reeled with self doubt. All of these Romulans, Oryn's words and one particular human.

A noise from below startled her from her thoughts and Shelby saw Joseph D'Callan rising up the rungs in order to make his way to her location. Wishing for a moment for escape, she found none.

"Ensign"

Shelby felt the urge to suddenly stand up and she almost did but a wave of his hand dismissed the idea "Sir, I was"

Joseph kept his concentration on what he was here to talk to her about: the incident in the medical bay with Nalah. Something inside him though kept pushing. He moved up beside her, made sure they were alone then he sat down next to her. He put his PADD upside down on his lap. "Sick bay. What happened?"

"My report - " she began.

Putting his hand up she stopped, then he stressed the request a hair more. "'What' happened?"

Seeing that he had already read the report and now he wanted her straight take on it she began. "Nalah was fine, we went for the physical, everything was going well and then the next thing I know they are going at it like a couple of wild tar'aks."

"Captain says she is to watched constantly and her roaming about the ship is to be restricted."

Shelby nodded having excpected this. "Yes Sir."

Joseph knew he should leave but there was an air about the woman. "I had to ask the computer to find your location. You seem distracted,?"

Shelby quickly looked at him and then down to the floor, his leg was close to her own and emotion began to flood into an already confused mind. "It's nothing..."

"Ok, I am not your Chief...what is eating at you, aye?" He inwardly knew this was wrong but he couldn't stop now.

"I'm not sure who I am anymore....I know that sounds dumb but with all the Romulan's here and Nalah; all of it is very overwhelming. I haven't been around my people in a long time. I feel like I don't belong anywhere."

Joseph looked down and into the jefferies tube and then back at Shelby, "It must be difficult, I can't pretend to know what you are going through. " he paused for a moment, deep inside, away from the world of protocol he wanted to put his arm around her, but he couldn't.

Instead, Joseph looked deeply into her eyes, his hope was to avert the feelings that were chipping away inside him but it seemed the more he tried to hold back the emotions they pushed back. "En - Shelby....you are, well, you're an incredible officer. "

Turning storm gray eyes upon D'Callan, Shelby responded to him, "I know...you tell me that often..." she said humbly.

Being this close to her was such a temptation. Joseph breathed in and regrouped his efforts and remembered what his sister had said earlier "Of course, well look. This is from me, not the pips. You're important to...Well you're ummm. I think - you're an increadable woman..." He shifted his eyes away and looked at the bulkhead across from them. "What I mean is. ." he turned and faced her, his eyes met hers

The tension Shelby felt towards Joseph was rising again. She parted her lips slightly. Her eyes searched his. Unconsciously, her hand moved beside his leg and rested there comfortably. "What are you saying Joseph."

He wanted to say how he felt, he wanted to know she felt the same. The raw gut feelings raged to get out. Joseph took a breath and started. "You're important to. . . ."

Suddenly his badge chirped into life "Dunn to Commander D'Callan."

Joe reached up and tapped his badge, shifting his eyes away from Shelby. "D'Callan here."

"We've got some more of those fights in the mess this time. I'm going to need back up this time."

"Be there a few minutes Dunn, D'Callan out." Joseph stood on the rung and stepped down. As his eyes evened with hers he reached out and patted her on the shoulder. "Whatever is going on Shelby...trust me...have faith in yourself. You have a home here on the Arabella." Pausing he took a few steps down and added. "If you want to talk later, call me." Going down the tube Joseph shook his head as he cleared Shelby's location. Then he jogged to the turbo lift cursing the interruption.

Joint post by Meds and Just X

Jumping down from the jeffries tube Joseph looked up to where he'd just left Shelby. Damn it! he thought. I should have said something better.

Turning, he ran towards the turbo lift and tapped his com badge "D'Callan to Dunn, lock it down, under no circumstances do anything unless they are in danger, I'll see if Commander Oryn can help soften any outcome. " Standing in the lift he tapped his com badge again "Oryn. I wonder if i could use your diplomatic skills in the mess area. One of my officers has reported another incident, I'd appreciate your help."

Entering the turbo lift and Joseph shook his head but his thoughts were interrupted by Commander Oryn's voice.

"Where did this happen and what are the details?" Replied the voice of the Romulan commander.

Joseph left the lift and ran down the corridor and continued to reelay the information. "Mess area Oryn, My security team have locked the area down, they are under orders to wait until we arrive, I'll meet you outside."

Getting to the mess area Joseph unclipped a small device on his belt he looked at the time device. "One minute 20 seconds. Must have something on my mind. Chris, what's the sitiuation here?"

Christopher turned round fromlooking through the mess window. "Have no idea boss. They just kicked off."

Joseph leant in and looked through the window. "Please tell me Mr Dunn that no one from the Arabella crew is in there?"

"No sir. Just Romulans "

Joseph took in a deep breath "Thank god for that."

Moments later, Commander Oryn appeared in D'Callan view as he rounded a corner.

Joe smiled at the Commander "I thought you could possibly teach this chief of security the art of Romulan diplomacy."

"Romulan diplomacy?" Oryn mused. "I'm better with restoring order than I am with hand holding. Some times, you need to tell people what you expect and leave no room for negotiation. I didn't make plans tonight to have them disrupted by a few troublemakers that think their evening is more important than mine."

"I'm just this side of tossing a stun grenade into the room and letting medical sort it out. Anyone with any sense should have already left the problem area." the romulan said as he made his way towards the door. "Did this pull you away from anything important?"

Joseph looked at him, "Yes, yes i'm afraid I was dealing with ... well trying to make something a bit more personal." Joseph looked up as he placed his hand on the door and looked back at Oryn "Good lord Oryn, earlier today we was snapping at each other and now i'm chatting to you like your an agony aunt."

Oryn laughed. "I'm a people person. You wouldn't believe how many people choose to open up to me. So, what's the crux of your problem?"

The romulan commander let the question hang in the air as the doors to the mess opened at his mark. He peered inside for a quick survey of the rowdy room. Taking a breath, Oryn drew his disrupter and stood tall in the doorway, drawing on ancient words to resolve the problem. "Rebellious subjects, enemies to peace, Profaners of this neighbour-stained steel- "

"Will they not hear?" Oryn glanced to D'Callan with a smile and let his voice carry into the slowly quieting room.

As romulan faces turned to the commander, he continued his soliloquy,  moving closer to the rambunctious mob. "What, ho! You men, you beasts that quench the fire of your pernicious rage with jade fountains issuing from your veins! On pain of torture, from those bloody hands, throw your mistempered weapons to the ground!"

Oryn's finger tapped the activation stud of his weapon as he stared at the crowd. Words he could spare, but sympathy he could not. If any even looked like they would continue the disruption, he would have to make an example of them. "While we are still in generous spirits, I suggest that you return to the comforts of your beds and families lest you find yourselves enjoying the comfort of the commander's brig!"

Joseph stood by Oryns side and leant in slightly "This sounds a bit like Shakespeare mate" Oryn looked at him quickly as Joseph winked. He walked forward. "Please everyone, listen to the good Commander here. We should be reaching our destination soon. Look after your families and be with them."

Slowly the angry Romulans, calmed by Oryns words and the underdstanding of D'callans last statement. Slowly they began to walk towards the door, quickly joseph turned round and looked at Dunn, a quick whisk of his hand, un-noticable by everyone except his trained security officers Dunn holstered his phaser and he in turn did the action to the other guards who all made themselves look open.

Watching the people leave Oryn looked back at D'callan, "I hope that this doesn't set my plans back much. I'm getting a little bored of having a large empty bed and there are far too many beautiful women on this ship for that to continue."

Joseph laughed "An empty bed Commander? I think i know how you feel, I thought you would find it easy to warm your sheets."

"Where is the fun and passion in easy?" Oryn asked. "I really enjoyed the excitement of hunt in the past. For the most past my flirting has been, you humans have a phrase for it, catch and release. Now, I'd be happy with catching and keeping a very elusive target."

Joseph looked "I'm tired of the chase, My emptyness is my own fault."

Oryn waved the last of the Romulans out of the mess area and he turned back to the Chief Security officer. "Then why be alone? With all of the women on this ship and given the length of the assignment, I would expect for some to want to pair off with someone else. You don't seem like a coward and that would be the only reason that you're alone. If someone stokes your passion, go after them before they aren't there to be found anymore.

Joseph quickly glance at him, indicating that he had hit the right word of a very delicate tone. "Hmmm, I fear you are right Commander. My sister and now you speak wise words, I think its time I made my move."

Oryn smiled, "I think that we'd both do well to stop playing games with the people we care for."

Leaving the mess hall D'Callan looked at Dunn, "get this cleaned up and have a report sent to the Captain and myself" Dunn nodded and entered the room Joseph looked at Oryn "Thank you for your assistance Commander, i'll buy you that drink in the bar soon" Joseph turned and jogged back to his quarters, he had a good feeling about this.

"Have a good evening commander D'Callan," Oryn called out as he made way back to his quarters and his guest.

The holodeck doors whined shut behind the Ferengi and he headed toward the turbolift, towelling sweat from his bald orange pate as he went. He'd half expected Ensign Daelen to show this evening since she'd missed yesterday's little arrangement but he wasn't wholly surprised that she hadn't. If a whole boat load of Ferengi had suddenly shown up aboard, he guessed that he'd also be more than a little distracted when off duty.

Still, he'd had a good session and an even better workout although he wasn't sure quite how others would regard the content of his programme. Lieutenant Commander K'Tan particularly would be one he'd avoid having find out if he had the choice.

The lift was empty and waiting. This late into the shift, crew mobility was dropping off and today was no exception. "Deck 8, crew quarters." Galdar muttered as the door closed.

He'd increased the size of his opponent for the second time today and had still prevailed, giving him some hope for his future plans. There was a long way to go until he'd be able to hold his own against a full sized Klingon, however, if he ever would.

Ironically, had he thought it through, Galdar would have realised that K'Tan was probably the one person he really should confide in. Not least because the man would probably have been able to help him. The human had been an Academy level unarmed combat instructor for years and would possibly have relished the opportunity of training someone as innocuous as the Ferengi Lieutenant.

The doors hissed open on deck 6 and an engineering crewman stepped into the car. "Deck 15", she announced, nodding at the Ferengi. "Good evening Sir."

"Crewman." Galdar nodded in turn, noting the PADD in the young woman's hand. "Power distribution problems?"

"Yes," his companion affirmed, "still working our way around the changes to the shutttle bay. Ironic really, given that everyone will probably be shipped out again soon enough."

Galdar nodded absently then caught himself. "Whatever happens with these particular passengers, I suspect the Captain will wish to retain the facility of the evacuation accomodation."

Doors opening, the Ferengi smiled at the engineer before leaving the car and trotting off down the corridoor to his room...and a shower.

After leaving the Jefferies tube and taking a bit more of a walk, Shelby found herself at Nalah's door again. She talked with the officer on duty and he reported that he believed that the Romulan was still stirring about inside the room.  Pressing the door chime Daelen waiting.

"Enter"

Walking into the room, Shelby smiled slightly to the woman, "Good evening Nalah. How are you?"

Nalah rose from the bed on which she had been sitting. She pulled down on her jumpsuit to remove the wrinkles. "I'm fine," she said and then added,"Thank you. I regret my action in your sickbay, I apologize if I caused you any trouble."

"These things happen...everyone has been under a stress...." Shelby's eyes went to the empty plate and cups on a tray nearby. "I take it the mess sent that spicy Romulan dish I asked them to send to you for dinner. It is my favorite and I felt like taking a gamble with you."

"It was passable," she said, a slight smile coming to her lips. "Shame it wasn't accompanied with a decent Romulan Ale."

"After all this is over, maybe we shall find some and have a drink." To anyone else, it might sound funny for Shelby to be saying what she was, considering their pairs first meeting. Moving further in Daelen crossed over and looked out the window.

"I too have been staring out that window. Looking back at where Romulus once was." She sighed and continued," A world which never wanted me...which I now miss." She laughed. "And now it's gone and I am still the outcast. Were you sent to see if I had become more agreeable?"

"No, not at all?" She mused in a low voice, "I thought we might just talk a little." turning her stormy gaze towards the Romulan woman. "Seeing as we are in some ways, the same..."

"Perhaps......," Nalah said, still uncertain. "But you have found your place in this world," she said looking around at the room, " I have not."

Titling her head Shelby softly sighed to herself. "I think you could very easily. "Walking from the window the security officer crossed to the other side of the room. "You have a lot to offer....the Romulan people are changing and you can offer them some of that change"   

"Not as long as those petty Senators continue to hold sway over what remains of our people," she said with a sneer.

"I think you give them too much power. You are a strong woman Nalah, a proud woman and you could serve your people in a way no others could. Politicians come and go..."

"Sniveling sycophants like Navash seem to linger the longest, though." She walked over and stood by Shelby gazing out the window. "The Romulan people would be best served by the pointed end of a knife to rid themselves of the cancerous corruption."

"Don't you see though," Daelen moved up beside the woman. "All that is on this ship is some of the torn and tattered remnants of a once great people. Rebuilding is not an option. It is a requirement for the Romulan's to survive. Like it or not they are looking for leaders. People who are strong and can see outside of the old ways, some might have even been shunned before because of their differences." She paused to allow her words to sink in.

"I say this because you know what it is to be Romulan; you proved that growing up amidst all the rejection. Hone that, use it and turn it...marshall your strengths and help our people" Although she had never been fully able to say that she felt that Nalah if given the chance could do more for herself than fight against the past. "Despite the past make a future..."

Nalah sighed. "I just wish....my father was here."

"He is...in a way...through you..." Once more telling Nalah about her Father came to mind but she decided it was still too soon. "and I agree he was a great man"

Ryla Drett left her meeting with a new understanding of Commander Oryn. He was the heir to the Romulan Empire, which seemed to explain his powerful personality.  His demeanor could be rather off-putting to the Trill, but it was mostly a display intended to challenge his 'newest marks'. Initially he had convinced the doctor that his goal was to tangle her wits and lure her to his bed, which she was well prepared to avoid. The meeting would later reveal he had platonic business in mind. Though Ryla still thought seduction was a secondary goal, it was obvious to her that Oryn and Cyra Fredrick had a history that he seemed more than willing to repeat. It didn't take her long to realize that his flirtation with her  was some form of test. Through Ryla's reactions, Oryn had gleaned information—information he refused to reveal. This, of course, was another test, which she found rather annoying.

During the meeting, when he finally moved passed his games, he asked her to be a model for the holographic physician aboard the Romulan Station. Ryla disliked the pompous EMH programs and did not relish the idea of an artificial CMO baring her features and personality. The Trill refused in a manner that left no doubt of her true feelings on the matter, which lead to Oryn to his next proposition. He wanted her help in narrowing down the candidates applying for the positions aboard the station he would soon command. This she could agree to, which she did with a hearty hand shake and an offer of friendship.

"Lights," said Ryla as she stepped through the door of her quarters. The space was instantly illuminated by a preprogrammed intensity, revealing a comfortably bedraggled room. Holo-images lined the wall; pictures intended to remind her of home, family, friends and good times. One such image, of the animated variety, showed a pre-joined Ryla Emarin punching her best friend in the arm. The loop begain again, as Galdar returned the punch and they both silently laughed.

Ryla stepped over a hastily disposed uniform jacket and sat at desk piled high with padds. There were a number of communiques that demanded her attention, but she started with the one from her sister and worked her way down. Ryla wanted to return those messages while she had the chance, for it was likely she would be too busy to do so in the coming days. Arabella would be arriving at the Station tomorrow, and she would begin assisting Oryn in his recruitments.

Aeric James moved quietly in the cockpit of the Aurora and ran the final systems check for the systems. He mind drifted back to a recent conversation with Rina Grant and their talks about the new home for the fleet. She wanted to try her hand as the chief engineer for the station and it was more than his pleasure to recommend her. If accepted, he thought that she would make a great addition to the team there.

He took another breath and resumed prepping his ship for the expected travels ahead. From what he gather from the reports, there was much for he and Sevryll to take the children to see in the system. It was a trip that he had somehow been convinced to allow Aria to control the helm. If they didn't crash, it would be a fun adventure.

Tolok put down his tools and neatly stowed the kit in its allocated position in the storage locker. His model had progressed, but slowly as his mind revolved around and around his perceptions of the Romulan 'offshoot' of his own race.

Thinking purely logically, he had failed to reach a satisfactory conclusion and as a result his mind was...clouded. The engineer was uncertain of something for the first time in many years and the feeling was anathema to the Kolinahr disciple.

Retiring to his sleeping chamber, he bent to the candle on the low table to one side of the room and lit it with the tool set next to it.

"Extinguish lights." he ordered calmly as he settled onto the ground.

The flame began to settle to a steady rate of burn as the wax around the wick turned molten, the reflections scattering off the transparent aluminium window and the pair of pictures hung to one side of it.

Closing his eyes, the Vulcan took a deep breath and began the slow descent into an appropriate meditative state.

Some slept, some walked the ship, some just stared out at the stars; Shelby Daelen was doing none of these. After her conversation with the Romulan woman, the ensign had redoubled her efforts. Spending the last few hours going over the information, comparing and studying the pair of stories she had at her disposal.

The pad in her hand hung low, near her hip, while she stared at the computer screen against the wall. Closing her eyes the woman pivoted and walked away. What part did Navash play in this? Clearly she 'had' some part what though was not prevailing.

Admiral Jarok had been well respected; a hero to the Romulan establishment for a long time. He had though questioned his leaders towards the end. Obviously there would be negative repercussions to this behavior, especially within the Romulan government. They couldn't possibly have one of their own questioning them.

As she stood there she knew she needed something, a clue, just a little bounce to take her to the next step. What she had was basically circumstantial in nature. How far reaching did this go, had it been a set up? Had Navash been involved? She had nothing to prove or disprove that.

A small chirp sounded on her computer and she walked back over to accept the file. Reading the information she spoke in a low tone. "Origin: Unknown." it was a gamble. Despite this she reached out, stopped, then she proceeded. Soon a series of files came up.

Her lips parted and she re-read what was on the screen. There was no way to track who might have sent this to her but it was clear whomever did knew something of the situation. What it was wasn't a lot but it was enough to let her know that she was on the right path.

Making a copy and combining it with the other information in the PADD. Excitement ran through her as she reached up to her com. Then she stopped, there was one other person she wanted to look at this before she did anything more.  

-

Standing out in the hallway close to midnight Shelby glanced both ways down the hallway, how would this look if someone saw her? Be damned! This was important. She pressed the chime again.

Joseph drug himself up from the chair he had been relaxing in, he wondered who might be showing up at such an ungodly hour. Reaching out he unlocked the door and opened it. "This better be important I -- " when he saw who it was he stopped short of any admonishments. "Shelby?"

"I needed to talk to you....it's important." She walked in and upon being invited she turned to see Joe standing there wearing a very loose black shirt and pants, his dark hair looking ruffled yet handsome; then she realized she was staring. She shook her head and focused. "I'm sorry I know it's late...."

"Is the ship trailing into a black hole or something aye?" Running his fingers through his hair he noted her cheeks were slightly flushed; probably with embarassment from being here so later. Then he saw the way her eyes sparkled with excitement because she was so wrapped up in everything. This made her seem even more appealing and approachable to him.

"No Sir." she said with a half smile. "Forgive me, but it's about Nalah Jarok."  

Joe gestured towards his sofa. Thoughts ran through his head in a jumble. For although clearly she was here on business, could this be his chance to talk to her? He wasn't sure and as she moved hiseyes followed her as she moved to the offered seat. "What do you need?"

"I've taken Nalah Jarok on as a sort of personal project."

He sat himself while he let his eyes move to the device in her hand. "I gathered as much."

"Her Father more precisely. I found some inconsistencies and I couldn't let it go." Offering the PADD to D'Callan.

Taking the PADD Joseph read the information, it was an interesting to say the least. "They set him up is what it looks like."

"That's what I thought." She moved closer to the edge of the sofa. "They 'handled' a problem..."

"So what are you going to do now? You can't possibly think this will benefit the current situation."

"It will for one person." She said with a grin. "Nalah Jarok needs to know this. She thinks her Father did not care, that he abandoned her and her Mother. No one else will benefit from this except Nalah. Because anyone affiliated with the Romulan government will simply dismiss it or laugh at it. She won't."

Sitting back Joe considered what Shelby was suggesting. "She attacked you Shelby. This could send her over the edge and where did this information come from."

"Does it matter? Obviously it is someone who knows the situation. They confirmed things that someone who knew of both situations would know. Look I know it is a bit of a risk but...I've been spending a lot of time with her." Glancing at the PADD in D'Callan's hand she said softly. "I know how she feels. She knows that there is nothing left for her; this will give her peace." Then her eyes went back up to Joe's and she watched him hoping he could understand. "Not a reason for revenge."

Rising, while Shelby followed him, Joe walked over to that painting which he had been looking at a lot more often. The minutes ticked by so slowly, "You will not give her any names or verification of this. Is that understood?" Came his response finally.

A smile spread across the woman's face and she stepped forward; while containing the urge to grab the PADD and leave. "Yes Si - Joseph"
Turning to see Shelby right behind him, the chief let his eyes wander for a second, it was error on his part but he quickly recovered as he handed her the device. "Do you have a minute?"

"Sure...."

There was a long pause, his eyes went to the Padd between them and then back up to Shelby's. This wasn't the time. It was late, he was tired and what he wanted to say was so far off topic to what had brought the woman here to his quarters in the middle of the night. He simply couldn't continue down the path he for a second was considering. "Carry on, report to me immediately if you have any concerns."

With that said Shelby headed out into the hallway. As she walked she realized that her heart was pounding in her chest. She had seen his expression, knew what it meant and she had wanted him to say it. Part of her knew better though. As she entered the lift she told herself that she wasn't going to be able to stay on the Arabella like this with him. It was too much for her.

Joint Post by Shelby, Meds, and Bryancd


Promptly at 0700, Shelby entered Nalah's quarters after contacting her prior to her arrival. Alongside of her was Joe D'Callan. Earlier the chief had communicated that he would be accompanying her when she spoke with Jarok. Unable to see a reason why not she had met him at his office and they had gone from there. "Good morning Nalah."

Nalah sat at the lone table in the room wearing the same non-descript jumpsuit she had been given when brought on board. Her apprehension was apparent. She had very few dealing with the Chief of Security and was concerned that the incident with Navash in sickbay was going to come back and haunt her....as did so much in her life. She inclined her head in acknowledgement of the greeting but her eye's were glued on D'Callan.

Noting the unease with which Jarok pointed in her direction and then to the Cheif's she reassured the woman. "This is Lieutenant Commander D'Callan. He wanted to meet you today." 

Joseph looked around the room and subsequently back at Romulan. "I have read Ensign Daelens report of the incident in sick bay." he intoned a calm to his words. "I'm a man who trusts his officers opinions, we all have off days and it's only because Shelby here speaks very highly of you and has been going out of her way to help you that you're not in the brig. I'm here for one reason and one reason only. I'm hear to ask you to calm down, think and behave. Shelby here is to be your link whilst you are with us. If you have any questions the Ensign can assist you."

Nalah nodded her head in silent, respectful acknowledgement.

'Callan turned and gestured to Shelby who followed him just outside the door. He looked at her and smiled. ever so noticeably. "We can't have any more trouble with her. I'm putting you fully in charge of her. What she does will reflect on you. I know you've been going out of your way to look into her details but don't drop your guard." he gave a nod then before he left he placed his hand on her shoulder. "We will talk later about how this went."
"Yes Sir." Shelby watched the man go and then she took a deep breath and walked back into the room. She could see that Nalah wasn't exactly pleased with this development.

"I don't need a nurse maid," Nalah said, a bit of venom coming into her voice.

"I understand how you might feel that way..." Shelby wasn't going to say that what D'Callan said wasn't blunt and straight forward; it was. What she was going to do was deflect from the subject. "I arrived a bit early today to speak with you."

"I don't mean to sound ungrateful." Nalah sighed. "I appreciate your efforts on my behalf and I recognize I have not made that easy," she said with a smile.

Joint Post by Jen and Wraith 1701

Ryla's comm badge chirped for her attention.

"Go ahead," she answered.

An uncharacteristically hesitant voice spoke from her badge. "This is K'Tan, Doctor.  I apologize for disturbing you, but I was demonstrating some wrestling holds with the boy, and there was a slight... accident. Would you mind stopping by my quarters?"

Ryla's heart skipped a beat.  I knew it! The kid poked his eye out with a bat thing! "How bad is it, commander?" She asked with a self-possession that was incongruous with her inner voice.

"I don't think it's serious, Dr," he replied. "Probably just a sprain.  Well, a broken bone or two at worst."

Pursing her lips, Ryla expelled a quick puff in exasperation, momentarily blowing up a strand of flaxen hair. "Just...stay where you are. I'm on my way."  What was I thinking, leaving a child under his care?  I should have my head examined!  After grabbing her medkit, Ryla raced from her quarters towards the turbolift.

"Doctor Drett to Sickbay, have a surgical team standing by..."

"Understood, Doctor," came the voice of one of the Beta Shift nurses.

As she quickly strode towards K'Tan's quarters, Ryla shifted into full-on professional mode.  "Computer," she called when the door failed to emit her, "Open Commander K'Tan's quarters, medical override code Drett 14-alpha."

"Acknowledged," came the automated reply. As the Doctor approached the entryway, the door slid smoothly open and the Trill marched into the room without breaking stride.

"OK, where is he?" She called out, her hazel eyes widening as they passed over the numerous bladed weapons displayed on the wall.

"Over here." K'Tan replied.

Rounding the corner, she immediately spotted the pair seated on a small couch; the child was nonchalantly sipping something purple from a mug. Ryla whipped out her tricorder and ran it up and down the seated boy. As she eyed the display, her look of concern transformed into one of agitation.  "Is this some kind of joke, Commander?" She asked.  "He's in perfect health!"

"He's not the patient," K'Tan said.

Turning, Ryla noticed the man's arm hanging at an unnatural angle. "What?" She asked in disbelief.

"I was showing him how to break different holds," K'Tan said.  His face screwed up in pain as he tried to adjust his position on the couch.

"The little monster is a quick learner," he added, face beaming with pride.   "And he's a lot stronger than he looks."

The scorching glare Ryla gave him was in sharp opposition to the laughter that threatened to escape her. When she was certain she could address him in a turbulent tone that would rise to meet the thunderheads in her eyes, she spoke. "Does it hurt much?"

"Of course it does."

"..Good," replied the Trill with a toxic fricative. She moved the tricorder over him. "Your arm has been dislocated from your shoulder." She closed the device with an aggravated flourish and slapped the badge pinned to her chest with ferocity, "Drett to Sickbay... cancel the surgical team."

"Yes Doctor."

She was relieved that the boy was alright but annoyed that K'Tan would teach a child such things. Her voice softening, Ryla gave the boy a reassuring smile, "don't worry, he's not hurt too badly. I'll have him fixed up in no time." The Romulan stared back at her; he did not seem the least bit concerned. Ryla playfully tapped the end of the child's nose with her index finger, finally drawing a giggle from him, then winked at the boy before turned back to the commander.

With a sullen eagerness she slowly took K'Tan's large hand in her own and gripped his shoulder with the other. "This is going to hurt you more than it will hurt me..." Before he could respond she jerked his arm, pulling the joint back in place with a loud pop.  K'Tan's eyes bulged, but he subdued any other sign of agony.

She shook her head at him, the synthetic calm of her voice at odds with her disapproving eyes, "what were you thinking? Teaching a child to wrestle...he's seven." She expected a verbal assault for her rough medical attention, but he simply stared at her. The Trill immediately felt herself slipping into the dark pools he leveled on her, transfixed for a long moment by their force.

What is wrong with you?! A voice shouted within her. Are you so shallow that his arresting eyes would make you forget how much he hates you and you, him?

But...I don't want hate anyone. I get along with everybody I meet—except for that Romulan woman who broke my wrist, she admitted flatly within the privacy of her mind...if you could call it private. She often suspected Drett's previous hosts hung out there from time to time.

Okay, so 'hate' is a strong word. You 'don't like' him for a reason, replied the voice.  

Yes, that's very true. But that happened years ago. Ryla thought as she continued to gaze into the Terran's captivating eyes.

You threw-up on his boots after he showed you a holo of his girlfriend—you scarred him for life.

Well...yes...there's that. You are right... I really should listen to you more often.

Yes. You should.

Thank you for reminding me.

Anytime.

The Trill came to her senses a few rapid heart beats later. Standing, she managed regain the authoritative posture that her anger provided. "I would have offered you a pain killer before I pulled your shoulder back in place, but I knew you would only reject it out of pride—you and your honor." She smirked down at him.  She knew her challenge would inspire a robust counterattack, and she usually enjoyed the verbal sparing matches that followed such provocations. But while part of her wanted to maintain the rampart between them, something new wanted to besiege the walls; tearing them down once and for all. She told herself it was simply because it took too much effort to remain his antagonist, and the toil made her weary. Herself replied that it didn't know how exactly, but it would find a way to kick her butt if she didn't snap too. At that point she (and her 'personalities') realized that Commander K'Tan had succeeded in driving her crazy.

Joint Post by Jen, Just X and Feathers

The door swept open before Sevryll to reveal a tall, straight backed Vulcan male wearing a suitably impassive expression. "Thank you for coming, Commander," said the Captain as she met the taller officer's equally dark eyes. Tolok inclined his head, acknowledging both the invitation and the welcome with the one gesture. Aria came to her mother's side and recited the traditional greeting she had yet to deliver to any full-blooded Vulcan outside her immediate family. Parting the fingers of her right hand, the twelve-year-old daughter of Sevryll and Aeric James welcomed the Lieutenant Commander, "Peace and Long Life, Tolok." The Arabella's Chief Engineer, nodded respectfully as the Captain invited him in.

The quarters were filled with scent of the evening's meal: Kleetanta with forati sauce. Tolok had identified the aroma as soon as the door had opened, but it was only on entering the living space that he fully understood its strength. Turning back to Sevryll, he arched an eyebrow.

"My appologies, Captain. I did not realize that we were to eat so well today." Pausing, he surveyed the well laid table before him and the obviously freshly prepared components of the meal. "In my previous service in Starfleet, I grew accustomed to the universal preference for replicated food. Had I anticipated the nature of this evenings meal, I would have endeavoured to provide a contribution of my own."

Sevryll inclined her head. "Thank you, Commander. As guest-friend, I will accept your complement as your contribution."

A deep smile graced the face of Commander James as he exited the full service kitchen of the quarters, carrying several additions to the table. With their duty shift long ended, Aeric had manged to switch to more casual attire; a loose fitting green shirt was paired with black trousers. He gave a polite nod to their visitor as his eyes surveyed the dining area. The constant hum of starship life has been replaced by a soft instrumental piece crafted long ago, by El Aurian musicians, and soft candle light accented the ambiance of the room.

The attendance of their youngest children was common during their staff dinners, but a long duty shift had forced the late arrival of the Chief Engineer and the twins were now fast asleep.  Aria was permitted to join the adults for the chance to listen and participate in the more mature level of conversation, which she eagerly anticipated.

"Evening commander," the XO said as he added the additional serving trays to the table. "Thank you for joining us."

Briefly inclining his head again, the Vulcan male spoke impassively. "As I thank you for inviting me, Sir, and for the obvious effort you have expended in the preparations."

"Call me Aeric," the commander said as the door chimed for the second time. He gave polite smile to the engineer. "Seems like our final guest is here. Enter!"

Oryn, wearing a deep green coat with matching slacks, entered the large room and smiled to those gathered. While he would have preferred the accompaniment of a familiar face, the need for privacy overrode the need for personal comfort. This was not the first dinner with Vulcans that he had attended and if Donotra got her way, it wouldn't be the last. The blue eyes of the Romulan commander slowly moved over the faces of those already gathered. Oryn could not help but admire the strength that the Vulcan people displayed. His heart was still heavy with the Romulan losses, but he took comfort in knowing that the Vulcans had survived the destruction of their homeworld—his own people could draw inspiration from that fact.

"Good evening Captain and Commander. You have lovely quarters." He said then moved his gaze to the vulcanoid child. "I'm sorry, we haven't met before, I'm Oryn."

While Aria proudly made her own introduction, Tolok quietly regarded the Romulan. As he had observed in the more formal setting of the briefing room, Oryn carried himself well and it was clear to the Vulcan engineer that this was a man who was aware of the extent of his own authority...and his personality.

As Aria completed her greeting, Tolok spoke up, stepping forward to greet the Romulan. "Good evening, Commander Oryn. I trust that you are settling into your fleet liaison position aboard the Arabella?"

the Romulan nodded briefly, "I think I'm getting the feel for it. Unfortunately, the title will soon change along with the responsibilities that go with it. If I'm not mistaken, you're an engineer."

"I am. As I'm sure you're aware, I am the Arabella's Chief Engineer." It was a short answer and though presented in a polite conversational tone, cut across the conversation nevertheless. Having been introduced earlier in the day, the Vulcan saw little logic in wasting words re-stating that which was already known. "I have, however, only held this position since just before we left the ship yards. Prior to that time, she was under the care of another."

"A very concise explanation," Oryn chuckled at the answer. Despite having prior contacts with Vulcans, he still could not fathom how they would want to suppress or discard their emotions. If they were a people built on a foundation of logic, he wondered how they could dismiss the things that evolution had provided them with. "I have a feeling that this is going to be quite an interesting dinner. I'm going to assume that my Vulcan cousins are all vegetarian here."

Sevryll's responsive nod was so negligible, it scarcely disturbed a single lock of the sable hair that poured over her shoulders. "Your supposition is accurate, Commander, yet I did not fail to consider your palate as well. I have asked my husband to prepare a dish, specifically for you."

"If you would all take a seat at the table, we can converse over dinner." Aeric suggested.

Post 2 of 3 (Joint Post by Jen, JustX and Feathers)

Sevryll ambled to a side table and lifted a modest, clay teapot from its surface. The fabric of her traditional robes whispered softly as the hem brushed her ankles and the bell-shaped sleeves flowed with her lightsome movements. "Would anyone care for a cup of Theris-masu?" Asked the woman she poured the herself an herbal tea. The scarlet hue of the Vulcan beverage, pouring from the spout, perfectly complemented the crimson brocade of her attire. "I would," said Aria. The child's garments echoed that of her mother's, yet the bright sunrise wash of the silk fabric also paralleled her own exuberant personality.

"I would also find a cup most agreeable." Tolok stated graciously as he moved toward the table.

As Sevryll prepared a cup for Tolok and Aria, the young girl turned her attention to the Vulcan man who seated himself across from her. Aside from her grandfather, he was the only adult male, of her mother's species, that she had had the opportunity to converse with. There were so few Vulcans amongst the numerous crews her mother and father served with, and she wondered if this was Tolok's experience as well. The girl tried not to stare as she admired the glint of his keen eyes, the abrupt sweep of his dark brows and the stolid expression moored to his handsomely chiseled face. Her own expression remained serene as he met her stare...if for but an instant. As she looked away, the heat that burned her cheeks informed the girl that her weak attempt at impassiveness had failed miserably.

An instant later, Aria felt the gentle touch of her mother's hand upon her shoulder, and accepted the cup Sevryll presented to her. The Vulcan captain was never dogmatic in ensuring that her children followed the guidelines set forth by Surak. The principals known as 'Cthia' were meant to govern the chaotic emotions that otherwise prevented harmony amongst her people. Yet her children were not wholly Vulcan, and to disallow their El-Aurian/Nacine lineage, was to deny their distinctive natures. Of their three children, Aria was the only one who expressed an interest in practicing the Vulcan techniques. Sevryll was careful in her guidance of the girl—never overbearing—strictness would only discourage her daughter's attempts. When Sevryll noticed Aria's adolescent regard for the Chief Engineer she only meant to gently redirect her, with a touch that said 'relax'.

With her mother standing so close, Aria felt more confident and regained a bit of the stony composure she toiled to imitate. "Commander Tolok," she started in a voice that squeaked at the onset of the honorific, "do you have a family?"

Settling himself more comfortably, Tolok arranged the flow of his own robes so as not to impede his movement at table. In comparison with Sevryll, his clothing was subdued; dark greys and blues contrasting yet complimenting one another and highlighting his lean frame. In as far as his Vulcan heritage allowed, Tolok enjoyed the company of children and had looked forward to meeting those of his captain and first officer. Looking at the girl across the table, the commander noted the effort with which she wrestled for the appearance of control, and nodded his head slightly. "Indeed," he stated simply, "I am bonded to T'Laun and we have one son, Tavek. He is no longer a child, however, and I believe that he will soon leave his mother, on New Vulcan, to persue the goals he has set for himself." Glancing at Aeric as he spoke, Tolok continued. "I understand that you also have siblings. A brother and a sister I believe. I trust that they are well."

"They are, Sir," Aria managed with an even tone. "They should be sleeping, but I suspect they are playing quietly to prevent mother's notice. The twins can be rather sneaky at times." The slight arc of her gently tipped brow accompanied the emphasis of the word 'sneaky'.

Steepling his fingers, Tolok raised a brow as Aria spoke. "It is my experience that children are born most adept at being 'sneaky'", he observed. "It is a trait that some retain", his eyes flicked to Oryn, "and others seem to lose as they grow."

Oryn grinned at the mention of the word and the movement of the chief engineer's eyes. From where he was seated, it was obvious that sneaky was a trait that even adult Vulcans retained.

"Why is your wife not aboard?" Aria's question was an innocent one, her parents had rarely been separated from one another—opting to serve in Starfleet together rather than apart. But as soon as she asked the question, she remembered Surak's Rule of Silence; the code of privacy that all Vulcan's respected. Aria immediately regretted the directness of her question and quickly apologized, "I'm sorry Commander... I ask forgiveness for the intrusive query...I...did not intend to pry, Sir." Sevryll's eyes sparkled with a smile that failed to move a single muscle in her delicate face. The captain would never admit it to anyone other than Aria or Aeric, but she was quite proud of her daughter's attempts at Vulcan graciousness.

Tolok was unmoved by the query, accepting it for what it was, the innocent question of one who was neither child nor adult but entering the period of years caught between one and the other. Aria's mixed heritage was not on her side when it came to attaining full control, he thought, the ready display of emotion clear in her father's face as he looked around the room. "You are of course forgiven." He stated clearly, "for no offense was intended nor taken. Suffice it to say that T'Laun does not travel well, nor does she quickly wish to leave the home of what remains of our people."

Aeric smiled to himself as the conversation progressed, but could not help but notice the tragic commonality that each at the table shared. All were from species that lost their homeworlds and most of their people. All were members of endangered or nearly extinct species. When he looked around the table, his smile grew because, despite all of the odds, some of their individual people survived and with that the hopes of their respective peoples.

While Aeric could enjoy the meal with quiet introspection at the conversation, Oryn wasn't the type that enjoyed sitting in silent observation. He had done his research on the command staff of the fleet, but the couple before him fascinated him. Their entire family fascinated him. Oryn looked from the child to her parents and spoke, "If you don't mind me asking, how did a Vulcan and an El Aurian end up together? I mean given the relatively low numbers of the species in question, the odds had to be astronomical for just a random meeting."

Unsure of how to answer such an inquest, Sevryll pivoted her unaffected gaze to her husband.

Aeric's brow rose slightly at the question, "I don't think I've ever trying to figure the odds on the meeting, but we met at the academy and the rest is pretty much history."

Oryn smiled brighter, " Given that the galaxy has allowed two vulcanoid homeworlds to fall, I wonder if it is not a suggestion for change. Maybe the salvation in the vulcanoid species lies more with people like your daughter."

Aria fought to suppress the smile that surfaced on her face. She flicked her eyes to Tolok, hoping he had not witnessed her emotional slip.

Aeric shook his head. "The survival of our individual species might have came up as we courted, but we were bonded and started a family for love only. I don't believe the galaxy was pushing for us to meet solely to repopulate our species."

It was Sevryll's turn to arc a brow—the conversation was becoming a bit too personal—it was time for a segue. "I noticed, Commander Oryn, that you were enjoying the use of our holosuites earlier this evening. I hope the lateness of our invitation did not suspend any plans you had."

"Not at all. I've been a bit busier than I would have thought, but I'm honored by your invitation." The romulan responded as he inhaled the scents of the native dish. "If I'm honest about things, the time on your ship has been quite cathartic. We've lost a lot in the last few weeks, but being on a ship so full of life has helped."

Aria tucked a lock of hair behind one ear, revealing the slight point of the tip. "Do you have any children, Commander Oryn? Mother says there are Romulan children aboard the Arabella, but there hasn't been a favorable time with which to meet them."

Post 3 of 3. Joint Post by Jen, Just X, and Feathers

Oryn paused before taking a bite of food and laughed, "I'm a bit too young for kids myself, but I'm sure that the children here and on the station would enjoy your company. Do you also follow Surak and supress your emotions?"

Aria nodded, "I try," she said in a rattled tone that betrayed her.

Sevryll's reassurance held a soothing quality, "the undertaking can be quiet daunting, Aria, but you are doing well despite the obstacles you face."

"I've studied your supression methods and I've found them," Oryn paused looking for the word. "counterproductive. If the deity wanted me to be purged of all emotion, evolution would have agreed."

The Vulcan woman stepped into the challenge with the dexterity of a accomplished diplomat; it was one of many attributes that Sevryll inherited from her father, and it served her well as a Starfleet Captain. She nodded at Oryn's frank admission and carefully pondered her reply.  "Environments determine evolution, Commander. And, much like our former homeworld, our people seethed with savage eruptions. Surak's teachings can be compared to the cooling of magma—his guidlines allowed our violent culture to transform and mature...Cthia is not for everyone Commander Oryn, but for thousands of years it has given my people the means to transcend their tumultuous nature and discover the peace they once thought unobtainable."

Aeric nodded in agreement with his wife, "Sevryll has a point. I think beliefs are just as important to a culture as its place of birth. In the coming days, your people will need to decide which fragments of their past will be incorporated into their culture as they move forward."

Consideration blossomed on Oryn's face as he thought on the words offered by the captain and executive officer. While the vulcans took a more stoic path towards their future, the romulans embraced their passions, the remans thrived on their emotions, and the watrai originally chose a path of revenge. The romulan commander had used his clearance to find out as much as he could about the four children of Vulcan. While the followers of Surak had maintained the name of their shared ancestors, they were nothing like the old vulcan tribes. Despite the warning of emotions being the downfall of Vulcan, four races and several offshoots managed to find their place in the galaxy. Perhaps the future of the romulan people had more in common with the future of all vulcanoids. Oryn sampled the food before him as he thought on that future.

"You've given me a few things to think about," he said after a moment of introspection. "You also have a wonderful child. I'm going to assume that the other two are just as remarkable. Given the general population levels of your respective species, do you think that your being together is positive contribution to the future? Did you experience any fallout from your decision?"

While not the question that he wanted to ask, his own people had mixed views of hybrids in their society. Some of the children were welcomed and some were rejected. With the sudden change in their own population levels, he had to wonder where his own needs would take him. Oryn wasn't anxious to start a family, but the woman that currently occupied his thoughts was decidedly non-romulan and he did care for her. The path to the future had so many roads and it was his hope to find one that would allow him to do what was best for that future and himself.

Despite his supreme emotional control, Tolok's heart quickened at the question. Nothing was visible to the others in the room but he was unable to fool himself that he wasn't interested in the answer. As a member of what could only be described as 'a more conservative family' he had been raised with specific views on the subject of purity of blood and while he never blindly subscribed to the views of anyone, he was aware of the stark contrast between his own fully Vulcan family and that of the commander and captain.

Aeric thought on the questions between his own fork full of food before responding, "I've never really cared what others thought of my decisions. Early in our relationship, there were a disapproving glances, but I never set my personal course according to the judgment of others. And I haven't forgotten that if it wasn't for another hybrid, Spock, my children and perhaps even my wife and our engineer, Mr. Tolok, might not be here having this conversation. I'm proud of my children and I don't believe that there is anything or anyone in this universe, or the next, that would change that. We're all here for a reason and even if we can't see it now, the future will make those reasons clear when it needs to."

Sevryll did not add to her husband's statement, for he had adequately summarized her own view on the matter. She simply nodded in agreement and left it at that.

"What are your thoughts on the subject Mr. Tolok?", Oryn asked and turned his attention to the male vulcan.

Sitting back in his chair, Tolok neatly set down his utensils. Catching Sevryll's eye, he spoke carefully, considering his response as he did so. "It would be inappropriate of me to venture an opinion on the marriage of our hosts...and my superior officers." Catching Aeric's quick smile at the hint of humour, the Vulcan paused to take a sip of his drink before continuing, "It would be true to say, however, that my parents were very clear in their feelings regarding the future of the Vulcan people and saw to it that I was bonded with one whom they saw as 'suitable'." Sevryll's face was unreadable as he looked again in her direction. "Had T'Luan and I not come to love one another of our own volition, however, I do not know whether our parents wishes alone would have been enough to ensure our union." Taking another drink, he focused on Oryn, "It is strange, is it not, that for a people who pride ourselves on logic and rational behaviour, feelings such as love still hold such sway in matters as important as our future."

This was new territory for Aria, she had never heard of such viewpoints among the Vulcans, and the knowledge of this fact made her heart heavy. The girl, was careful not to meet her mother's eyes for she could not bare to communicate the question she knew her gaze would express.

Through her bond with Aeric, Sevryll could feel their daughter's consternation and turned her attention to her. Outwardly, the Captain's invariable expression belied the emotion she pushed to the pit of her core. There had never been a need to discuss this topic with Aria before now, for Starfleet embraced diversity. Yet, Tolok's family experience had been Sevryll's as well and it was clear by Aria's reaction that the subject would require further discussion in private. The question Aria did not wish to ask her mother, pertained to the woman's acquaintance with such attitudes and her grandparents' position on the matter. It promised to be an awkward conversation, even for one as detached from emotion as Sevryll strove to be. Reluctantly, the Captain allowed her gaze to fall from Aria, as she sipped her tea.

Silence followed for a while as everyone returned to their food. Tolok sensed that Aria had become uncomfortable as the conversation progressed to her heritage, and thus tried to conclude it in such a way as not to cause further upset to the young girl. While adept at controlling his own emotions, his sense of the feelings of others was minimal to say the least. He hoped he had interpreted her slight facial expressions correctly.

"Aria," he said quietly, knowing full well that all could hear him, "I must question the logic of wasting your father's talents for food preparation in an Executive Officer's position. Do you not think the crew would be better served if he were to work in the mess kitchens?"

A fleeting smile graced the girl's face and just as quickly vanished, replaced once again by a rush of color to her cheeks. She flicked her eyes to Aeric before lowering them to examine her plate. "It is logical to acquire numerous skills. The procurement of such abilities makes one valuable as a crewman...at least..." She slowly lifted her eyes to meet the Chief Engineer's "...that is what father has told me."

"Which is Aria's way of suggesting more time flying the Aurora," her father replied with joy that was clearly detected in his voice. "But she's right. Over specialization often breeds weakness. Given our longevity, it only makes sense to have a working knowledge of the systems around us and that we use in our everyday lives. My only hope is that our children won't spend as much time dirtside as I did in the pursuit of degrees. There is too much universe and too little time to be amazed by all of its wonders."

Oryn carefully considered the XO and his comments. He could not help but compare his own upbringing to the family before him. If he ever became a parent, he would hope to have a relationship with his children like the captain and her husband. From what he saw of Aeric James, he had passions that would rival any Romulan's, but it seemed balanced by the logic of the captain. Both would make good additions to the Empire if he could find a means of convincing them to shift their allegiances.

Joint Post by Jen and Just X,

Life moved in hesitant steps aboard Quirinus Station, the only completed Elvreng class stardock. The crew of the massive station, a mix of Romulans and Federation personnel, attempted to provide welcome to the crews of the Seventh Fleet, the refugees, and visiting traders. With many of the key positions still needing to be filled, the day to day operations of the station had fallen upon her second officer, a Romulan from the old empire who maintained his loyalties and ties to the still missing Empress Donatra. Sub commander Torval had served under the empress before she claimed her title and eagerly accepted her proposal when she came to him over a year ago. Kind words not only convinced the aged engineer to come out of retirement, they convinced him of the honor to be had in such a epic endeavor.

She was a shining jewel of cooperation. Much of the ore used to construct the station had been provided by Romulan and Reman hands. Her energy systems were a combination of new zero point cores designed by the joint efforts of Federation and Watraii energy converters. Unlike past efforts of integration, Quirinus wasn't created through a hodgepodge of alien technologies. She was designed from the ground up to be a seamless bastion of the Empire.

Torval had watched as the majestic form of the NCC 98125, USS Arabella, gracefully came to rest within its port at the station, and now curiously observed her personnel cross the threshold of Quirinus through the docking ramp. They were an eclectic bunch, Andorians, Bolians, Trill, Bajorans, Terans, Orions and even a rare Vulcan or two. He had been a silent spectator of each of the Federation ships that docked at the station, and all had been just as interesting. Torval gave a curt nod to the human engineer, chief Daniels, currently manning the operations station. It was Daniels that had been tasked with making sure that each of the fleet ships were restocked after their transport of various refugees.

"I am Sub Commander Torval and I bid you welcome to Quirinus Station, the most advanced starbase in the quadrant. We wait in anticipation to meet with your command staff and Commander Oryn," Torval offered in Federation basic. Behind him, engineers monitored the Arabella as umbilical attached to the new arrival and began the standard refilling of the bio-matter stores that fueled the ship's replicators. Other automated systems linked with the ship's status systems in order to analyze the need for any repairs and the availability of replacement parts. "Please feel free to make use of the public recreation and consumer facilities on the promenade or the fleet recreation centers on deck 42."

While the station was fully operational, it was still undermanned and the Federation transfers from the fleet still needed the commander to sign off on them. Torval and his staff had readied the reports that Oryn would need for a smooth transition to his posting and a list of communications that would require the commander's swift response. Grand Nagus Rom, among many other notable figures, had made significant officers that would benefit the reconstruction of the empire, but they would have to be vetted and addressed by the incoming station commander. It was Torval's impression that many of these potential investments would greatly assist, not only maintaining the station, but also the resurrection of the empire.

Letting a awkward moment dominate the room for a second, "Nalah, if we could," finally Shelby gestured towards the sofa. "I arrived a little early today because I needed to speak to you."

"Yes, yes, I get it, I need to calm down and start acting like a proper..." Nalah started but Shelby interrupted her.

"No, this isn't really about that..."

"Oh," Nalah said, clearly surprised and put a bit on edge by Shelby's tone.

"I've been looking into something and I wanted to wait until I had something more substantial before I spoke with you about this matter...and finally I do." Shelby breathed evenly.

Nalah's sense of concern and anxiety heightened.

"It's about your Father, the Admiral and please hear me out before you say anything."

Nalah stood up from the sofa and began pacing the room.

"I don't think your Father was a traitor." There was a pause, "Let me rephrase that. I don't think it was his intention to be seen as a traitor."

"What else would you call defecting to the Federation?!" Nalah said. "He stole a ship and escaped across the Neutral Zone carrying sensitive military data he intended to turn over to Starfleet!" Nalah quoted the official history.

"The information which I have gotten would indicate that he did this to stop a war, or more correctly a war he thought was about to start."

Nalah stopped pacing and turned to face Shelby, her face a reflecting her confusion. "What war? There was no war."

"Precisely, there was none. It appears though that someone may have given him the impression of an emanate attack." Taking a breath Daelen watched the woman carefully.

Now Nalah looked thoroughly perplexed. "Romulus was preparing to attack the Federation?"

"I do not think so...look...what I am telling you is that your Father wasn't a traitor. From everything I have...well..." Shelby paced and tried to figure the best way to say this to her. "I know about the whole Romulan's for the Empire and all that but everything I see tells me that your Father, towards the end...was talking more about peace...not war....that might not have set well with certain people in the high command." Her eyes returned to the woman and she hoped that Nalah would see what she was trying to tell her. "Your Father had a wish that the Romulan people be more than just warmongers."

"But...," Nalah stammered, "but why defect? Why not stay and try and effect change?" She sat back down on her bed and looked at Shelby. "Why did he leave?" It was much a plea as a question.

With a soothing voice Daelen approached the revelation for the woman slowly.  "Listen to what you just said..why not stay and try to effect a change...think about it...you yourself railed against the Romulan senators on this ship because of the lack of interest in such a change..." Shelby hoped that the woman would see what she was implying to her. "I think it isn't a stretch to speculate that your Father may have felt the same way...as you"  letting what she had said sink in a moment, "I think he believed what he was doing was the right thing both for the Romulan people and for his newborn daughter..."

The frustration which had been etched on Nalah's face faded away. Her eye's, so often filled with anger and rage, looked more like those of a small girl, lost and confused. "For me?" she said, her voice a whisper. Her mind was spinning through the machinations which must have occurred to bring her father to this conclusion. Plot's upon plot's, lies upon lies, all orchestrated to force her father into an action he felt he must take.

"For you" Shelby said she wasn't getting the same impressions from the woman, she wasn't angry, "It wasn't the Romulan way but you should take pride in knowing that his actions did have a purpose. He did it because of the love he held for you."   

Nalah looked at Shelby and then down at the floor. Was it possible? Could her father actually have been tricked into defecting in an effort to stop a fictitious war? Was he a victim of the same High Command and Senate she had hated all her life? Had he done this out of love? The questions remained unasked, perhaps answers would come later. But now Nalah did something she hadn't done since she was a small girl being tormented by those around her.

Nalah Jarok began to cry.

Joint Post by Crystal and Meds

Shelby had checked various times on Nalah over the morning shift, the Romulan woman seemed to be taking the situation in hand quite well once the initial shock was over. They even exchanged a few conversations; it seemed that Nalah was starting to galvinized against her previous attitude towards the Senators on-board. She wanted to fight them on the turf that they had always had an upper hand in; a political venue. With so many of them gone  change was iinevitable and was obviously going to drastically alter the Romulan political landscape; like it or not. There was no better time
. 
Towards the end of her shift, Ensign Burne arrived with a padd containing a coded message from Starfleet for her as well as an invitation from Joseph to join him in the Afterburner. Then the newly arrived security officer took over the last bit of her time. After saying her good-byes to Nalah and reminding her that if she wanted to talk she could just call her. She departed.

Walking to her quarters Shelby read the information on the padd, twice, she had heard back on her solution to remedy the growing attraction that she held for the Chief. Entering her quarters she changed into something more comfortable, while she considered what she would say to the man. The last thing that Daelen wanted to do was cause a stir. Unless she engineered it herself, which in this case she hadn't. This situation though was peppered with landmines. She also hadn't seen it coming and she didn't know for sure how he felt but this wasn't a simple case of 'just jumping in and tell him'

Picking up the padd, she re-read the information, there was a Assistant Chief position on board the USS Anzio. She had been refered to the XO on that ship by one of her academy professors; this put her in the front running for the slot. Their previous assistant had been killed in an away mission and not barring any negative reports from D'Callan or her previous boss at the shipyards on her record; which there were not.  Everything would be set in motion. Telling D'Callan though was another thing all together.

Walking into the Afterburner, Shelby nodded to a few people she knew but her ultimate goal was a table that was placed slightly away from the crowds and off to one side near the window which overlooked Quirinus Station. Sitting at that table was Joe D'Callan whom, upon seeing her, looked relieved. This was accompanied by a warm half smile which she returned. Moving across the room to him she took the offered seat which D'Callan gestured to as he stood himself.

"Thank you for inviting me."

"My pleasure." D'Callan watched the woman, relief flooding him, as he pushed the file into his jacket. He'd been turning it in his hand while he waited; this was the time, he had quelled all his trepidations and he was confident. He could take this time to not only tell her how he felt but tell her that after a long search and a few favours he had found that her Mother; she was alive and he had arranged contact if she so desired. He had been looking forward to giving her the present over a relaxing drink. Glancing at the Aldebran Whiskey he lifted the bottle and gestured to a second glass. "It's real." Joesph said with a casual smirk.

"It's early.." she said with a smile, "but what the heck...I'm off duty and it's not like we don't have anything to celebrate." She glanced over at the station and she smiled. Having planned this out in her head, Joe's casual demeanor was throwing her off, still she just needed to do this. Seeing that Joseph had brought something of his own she smiled, this might make things easier. "Sure..." she said glancing briefly at the clear vessel which contained the vibrant green beverage in it. She wondered if he was just celebrating the arrival at the station or if there was more to this than that. 

Reaching out with his finger, Joseph drew the tumbler closer, he reached up and opened the whiskey and filled both their glasses. "I thought we should talk." he said as he slid the drink towards the woman. Then he set aside the decanter.

"Talk is good" Wrapping her hand around the glass, Shelby picked it up and sipped it. Within seconds she nearly coughed as the brutish drink burned its way to her belly. "I forgot how rough this stuff is..." Her gray expressive eyes flickering to his amused gaze.

"Careful," He said with a grin. This was working out quite well and Joe got the impression that it was just a matter of time before he would just tell her everything. After that they could figure out where to go from there.

No better time than the present, Shelby reminded herself. "Joe, I have really appreciated being here on the Arabella...." taking another sip, this time she just winched afterwards. "It has been a once in a lifetime chance. Trust me..."

Watching her Joseph took a sip of his drink he looked into her eyes "I agree, and it's a pleasure to have you here Shel" he put his glass down and looked out of the window to the space station which floated just across the span of space. "This ship is very much a close community and you've fit in well. I, professionally, am impressed with your performance."

Shelby took another sip of the warming liquid "and personally?" she ventured, diverting her eyes to the electric green liquid in her tumbler as she let the question slip. What was that for? She demanded of herself.

Joseph broke his star gazing to return his attention to the woman; was that a reddish tint just teasing her cheek bones? "Personally?" This exacerbated the situation and D'Callan wondered if she was wise to his feelings; scoffing at the possibility he grabbed the whiskey bottle. "Here have a top up" filling her square tumbler then topping up his own glass.

Smiling and thanking him, Shelby lifted the glass and drank a bit more, while she waited for his answer. What 'did' she want or expect from him? "My that was....well....inappropriate wasn't it..." Her rational berated her while she told herself that this was for the best.

Joseph tilted his head slightly "Right, well this stuff is pretty potent." the chief smirked. Why didn't he just tell here, she had given him an opening.

Watching the expression on his face, Shelby found herself engaged with the man, she was unable to look away and now she felting the dark crawl of guilt intruding again on her ability to speak to the man. She sighed and turned the glass, moving it in a circle as she regathered herself. "I've enjoyed being posted here and you've been a stand-up Chief."

Warming to her words, D'Callan relaxed. "What's going on?" He asked with a half smile.

Her eyes locked with his as if she had decided something and evenly she said. "I've tossed my name in for the position of Assistant Chief on the Anzio." Her eyes didn't drift away this time. "I think I have a good chance at getting it."

Joe just sat back for a moment staring at the woman and wondering why he hadn't seen this coming.

JP by Meds & Crystal


Compassion filled Shelby's eyes which the man clearly could see. Still that didn't take away the now internal struggle that Joe was experiencing, not to mention the fact that they were in a public place, he could say or do little about this. Had she planned this? He hammered down the urge to be spiteful towards her.

All that he said tonelessly was. "Why?"

"It's a promotion."

"I'll get you one." He countered unemotionally.

Shelby lowered her eyes, this wasn't going to be easy. "It's not that easy."

"I need my best people here and you're one of them." He said leaning forward.

"Dunn and Darius are both exceptional officers, " She said looking at him curiously, he didn't seem mad, as much as he appeared to be strongly determined to talk her out of this.

"Yes, they are...but....I suspect there is more to this. I might be calling a mistake here but maybe you're just trying to work out everything that you told me about the other day....you should consider remaining here for at least another few months; I can train you in that time."

"It's not that....Joe, I think I'm ready," Was there another reason he want her to stay? She thought to herself as her voice dropped to a more personal inflection.

There was a long pause between them before he spoke in a deeper tone, "Of course..." he was mystified by his own hesitations. He considered taking the file out of his jacket. He stopped short and left it in the pocket it was stashed in. "I've never had an easy time at these sorts of things, its a fault of mine"

Whispering, almost hesitant, Shelby locked eyes with him. "It's not a fault...." her eyes scanned the man; noting how his tunic molded to his chest, the way the muscles underneath moved. Was she picking up on an underlying nervousness coming from the man. "It means a lot to me that you want me to make sure that I am doing this for the right reason. That I won't regret this later." As she sat there she was getting a stronger sense that Joseph was conflicted about her announcement. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing..." Josephs stomache churned and in his mind ran just two words over and over again 'tell her' . He looked up and shifted in his seat and toyed with the plastic file inside his pocket. "Are you sure about this? I thought you were ready to start a life here. I mean it's...oh for heavens sake" he put more of the whisky in his and her glass and he took a big swig. "is there another reason why you want to leave for the station?" he looked around at the other people especially at a couple holding hands. He looked back at his companion.

Her hope that this might be easy was falling to the wayside. More and more chances for her to admit the truth about her feelings to him bombarded the conversation. "I just needed a change, isn't change good?" She asked tenderly.

Sitting across from her Joseph stared directly at her. "Only if you are changing for the right reason. Is the reason for wanting to leave just the ship or are you running because of me?"

A sudden loss of her breath nearly stunned Shelby as she echoed his words in her mind. 'are you running from me?' Before she could question him further, Joseph continued talking. He was speaking faster than before. Almost as if he was rushing what he wanted to say in his words.

"I think you aren't comfortable because you believe that you are not wanted. All these Romulan's have made you doubt yourself." He looked at her, part of him wanted to tell her about the file he had for her. The urge to tell her that she could have both a human life as well as a life that included the family sitting in that file was intense. His heart ran fast, sweat made his palms clammy and he opened his mouth, 'tell her, just  bloody well tell her' he started his sentence. "I just want to --"

Before he could continue, Dunn popped up out of no-where and approached the table "Hey Chief, Shelby." Then he then directed his comment to Daelen. "I heard you're of taking a promotion aboard the Anzio. Didn't take you long to get some extra pips or have you finally got that man you want ha ha"

Joseph's eyes narrowed as he took in the Lieutenant's words. He watched as Shelby look horrified for a moment, then she gave a weak smile; thanking him but also telling him that nothing was set in stone yet but his excitement overrode that; she just told him she would buy him a drink later over at the bar.

Dunn agreed and waved as he headed away and Joseph stood up removing his hand from his breast pocket.

"A change you say, or you found your man? Looks like all and sundry know about your settling down except me."

She was mortified, this wasn't what she had wanted this to be like, and on the surface she could understand why he might take stock in Dunn's words. She shook her head, she had never wanted to see the hurt in his eyes like she did now. It wasn't Dunn's fault it was hers; she should have told him herself long before now. "Joe, it's --"

Holding up a hand he stopped her. "Being your Chief I think I would have gotten a bit more respect. Nice, well, I wish you luck, cheers Ensign." Taking a step he headed for the door before he said more. Stopping for a moment he looked back at her.

"Joe - " Shelby hoped beyond hope he would let her explain further but before she could D'Callan reached inside his pocket as he stepped back to the table. Then he dropped a file onto the glass top table, near her drink.

"Here, this was meant to be a surprise, looks like we've both had one tonight"  he said in a cold voice as he turned and strode out of the bar. A mixture of feelings ran through him, he felt childish because he couldn't find the nerve to tell a woman he cared for that he wanted her.

He also felt embarrassed that one of his own security officers would request a transfer and that according to Dunn she had even found a partner and finally he also felt, shunned that everyone at the bar seemed to know of Shelby's plans except him.

Shelby wasn't stupid and as she reached out to pick up the file she could feel the thick, palpable tension between them. Like a thick fog, it lay heavy on her and it seemed the more she fought it the stronger it got.

Her eyes went to the door D'Callan had gone through. Then she returned to the small file in her hand, she noticed the small tag attached to it, on the front in hand written in calligraphy the words 'To Shelby, just so you know you are not alone' stood out. Swallowing hard she felt an icy chill running through her spine.

Walking to the bar she briefly to joined Dunn. purchasing the drink she had promised him, wrapping up quickly she excused herself and headed to a nearby conference room. Setting the file in the reader she opened it and began to read it; tears welled in her eyes. What had she done? Grabbing the file she left the room.

At the chime of his wrist chrono, K'Tan stood up from the breakfast table.  Tara and the young Romulan boy spared him a brief glance, then returned their attention to the traditional Earth breakfast. K'Tan paused to tousle the youth's shaggy black mop. "Looks like you're developing a taste for Earth food," he chuckled.

" 's Good!" the boy managed around a mouthful of French toast. 

K'Tan rested a calloused hand on Tara's shoulder.  "Thank you again for agreeing to watch him.  I promise I'll look into arranging for a nanny or something after my shift ends."

Tara stood, turning to drape her arms over K'Tan's shoulders. She leaned forward, her lips bare centimeters from his ear, and delivered a throaty, cinnamon  scented whisper. "Don't think this is charity, big guy.  I intend to make you repay me for my kindness this evening." Tara gave K'Tan's earlobe a playful nip, and he felt his pulse quicken in response.  A grin spread on his flushed face.

"What would I do without you," he replied.  "You really are an incredible woman, Ryla."

He froze, realizing his mistake the instant the words left his mouth.  His feverish hope that the slip had somehow gone unnoticed was shattered by Tara's sudden stiffness.  Her expression pale and drawn, she stepped back, her eyes seeming to look past K'Tan without seeing him. 

As if somehow sensing the shift in the room's mood, the Romulan boy paused in mid chew, glancing up expectantly at the couple. 

The awkward silence was broken by Tara's slow, steady inhale, followed by an equally drawn out exhalation.  "I just remembered; I promised to help calibrate the phasers, or something," she said calmly.  "I'm afraid I won't be able to watch the tyke after all." 

As she headed stiffly towards the exit, K'Tan grabbed for her arm.  "Wait; it isn't what you think!  Just an innocent verbal slip-"

"Don't. Touch. Me." Tara replied, her voice low but still somehow promising the threat of violence.  "You obviously have a lot on your mind.  Give me a call when you get it sorted out."

As the door hushed open at her approach, she paused to give K'Tan a parting glance.  "Who knows; If you do end up calling, I might even answer.  But don't count on it."

As the door closed behind Tara, K'Tan sank back into his chair, his forehead resting in his palm.  He let out a sigh, and turned to his young ward.  "I guess you'd better get cleaned up.  Looks like you'll be accompanying me to work today."

Joint Post by Moyer777 and Jen

...He thinks with the hair on his arms!

The Trill briskly stepped into the turbolift and turned to face the empty corridor. "Oh, pleeease," she said aloud to no one in particular. "Deck Five." Except for the rogue voice echoing in her mind, Doctor Drett was alone. What she was experiencing was known to happen from time to time, to some hosts. No one knew why or how it occurred, and it was difficult to determine whether they were fragments of random memories or an actual personalities drawn from the deep well that was the symbiont. Either way, it was a rare phenomena Ryla was beginning to find insufferable. It was like having your mother in your head, criticizing your every thought. She sighed and gazed up at the ceiling as the car began to descend. "Would you please leave me alone? Get out of my head."

While answering Lieutenant Commander K'Tan's medical emergency the night before, the terse bass started as a whisper that only she could hear, but had since become a domineering nag. She knew who it belonged to. Kabric Drett. He had been the first and only male Drett had joined with. The thirty-five-year-old died in a tragic fall as he scaled the Tenaran Ice Cliffs on the Trill Homeworld—not a particularly tranquil passing, which may have been the basis of his gruff nature.

There has to be something wrong with you.

"THERE IS. I suddenly have a voice in my head that's not my own and it has threatened to kick my posterior...which, by the way, is impossible. On top of that it relentlessly continues to harass me about ..." she stopped herself mid-sentence. Uttering the thought aloud would be an obvious admission of guilt. "Would you please get out of my head? Leave me alone. Your constant ranting kept me awake for most of the night. I'm exhausted."

The lift began to slow.

If I hadn't, you probably would have dreamed of him. Maybe you have a fever...

Ryla's guffaw accompanied a sarcastic roll of her hazel-brown eyes, "In case you haven't noticed, Kabric,  I'm a doctor. I think I would know if I was sick."

... If you don't like my diagnosis, perhaps you should seek a second opinion. Talk to the Counselor.

"GET OUT!" Ryla bellowed. Just as Ryla's explosive reply filled the car, the door opened to emit a new passenger. The woman in the corridor hesitated only a moment; her blue eyes blinked in confusion then narrowed. The towering, coffee-bronze officer then stepped inside and turned to face the door as it swept closed. "Deck Five", said Tara Stass with a obvious tightness in her voice.

Maybe we should ask his girlfriend what she thinks.

Ryla ignore Kubick's suggestion. "I'm sorry," she chuckled nervously. "I...I was talking to myself. I know it's crazy, but an empty turbolift is sometimes the best place to voice your frustrations." The Trill flashed a nervous smile, but when Tara failed to acknowledge her she pulled her eyes down. Ryla could feel the heat of the Lieutenant's scorn rising with every second that ticked by—her roiling air threatened to spontaneously combust, engulfing the Trill and the lift in a fiery plume of red hot anger. In silence, Ryla flicked her eyes from the security officer to the door, hoping that the lift would arrive at Deck Five sooner rather than later.

The lift slowed again and the door whisked open to reveal Counselor Margon. "Good morning ladies," he said cheerfully as he entered and positioned himself between the two women.

"Hello...." came Ryla's stiff reply.

"Hello, Counselor," said Stass in low murmur.

Margon smiled as he glanced to each of the women; neither of which were looking at him.

"Will you be going to the station gala, Ryla? The senior staff has been invited. Lieutenant Stass, will you be accompanying K'Tan?"

Tara grumbled something under her breath.

"I will," said the Trill. "Since we're allowed to bring a guest, I think I'll ask Galdar to come with me."

"Ah, excellent. I don't know Mr. Galdar very well, but he strikes me as partier, a bit short for dancing, but fun," said Margon.

Ryla's subconscious picked up on the current tone of the lift and chose a word to suit the present company, "he's a real riot."

Mercifully, the lift decelerated once more and the lift released its hostages. "This is my stop," said Ryla; the relief plain her her tone.

"Mine too," said Margon. "Have a good day, Lieutenant."

"You too Counselor." Said Tara, still refusing to acknowledge Ryla. The Bolian nodded to her with a smile and turned to walk with Ryla down the corridor to his office, which was just down the way from Sickbay.

"So," said Margon, "You two aren't speaking to each other.  What seems to be the problem?"

"I don't know..." He raised his blue brows at her. "Really, Counselor... I haven't a clue."

Go on, talk to him. Get your second opinion.

Ryla closed her eyes and felt her face tighten. "It's a long story, Counselor and I'm sure you have a few appointments lined up." They paused outside of Sickbay. Ryla could see Susan Caine talking with Ensign Daelene just inside the doors. Aside from the Ensign, and the two senators, the floor was empty.  She glanced to the Bolian and grimaced, "If you're not busy, I should probably talk to you...but not in the corridor. Someone will think I'm nuts if they overhear. Who knows, maybe I am. "

"I've got a few minutes Dr.  What's on your heart? Are you OK?  You seem a tad bit tired."  He smiled at her reassuringly.

She took a step towards the Infirmary doors and they parted for her, "Excuse me, Susan? I don't mean to interrupt you."

"Good morning, Doctor. Not at all."

"Hello. I'll be back in a few. If you need anything, the Counselor and I will be going over some charts in his office." The lie came easily, but it was necessary. She could not let her staff believe she needed counseling.

"Alright," said Susan with a broad smile.

Ryla then turned and walked the short distance with Margon to his office. "I hate K'Tan, Counselor." She said when the door closed behind them. "I hate him...and he hates me. We work together, and manage an air of civility, but our animosity began at the Academy; it's deep rooted. But... I don't want an enemy. It goes against who I am and..." She swallowed, disliking the thought of actually voicing the issue.

Margon stared into the Trill's eyes.  Something about them looked confused and unsure.  "Hate is a strong word Ryla. You many be frustrated perhaps... but hate?  I don't think so, otherwise you wouldn't be so conflicted.  You seem to care a great deal about what he thinks about you."

She frowned at that. "That's what I told Kabrick, Drett's second host. 'Hate' is a strong word... I dislike him. He's an arrogant, wool-headed, targ faced..." she sighed as she fell into a chair.

"How do you feel when you see Tara with him?" The counselor said in a low tone.  He was looking for a reaction.

"I don't like him, remember? I don't c..." She grumbled to a stop.

"Was Kabrick male or female?" the counselor asked.

"Male... Why?"

"He's protecting you" Margon stated. "No one will ever be good enough for you in his eyes.  From what I understand it's extremely rare to be in contact with your former hosts."


"Yes...it usually involves a Rite of Emergence. But sometimes a random thought trickles in that seems to have some sentience. In this case, there's no doubt. But then again, it's also highly possible I'm just plain crazy."

"You are not crazy Ryla, you have deep feelings but you aren't letting yourself explore them."  Margon looked at her kindly, but he had seen this before.  As a counselor he was constantly bombarded with such extreme emotions.  He had come to find that they were only smoke screens to something deeper, something more subtle. "What would you say if I were to tell you that I think you are really quite fond of K'Tan? In my opinion the reason you're flustered is because you want to impress him but have failed to do so."  It was a hard line to say, but Margon hoped it would shake loose the justifications going on in Ryla's heart.

"IMPRESS HIM?" She tried to laugh at the suggestion but her smile shrank to a smirk and she folded her arms over her chest. "Counselor, I can't think of one instance where I've ever tried to impress him."

"Sometimes we hate things so we don't have to deal with them."  He said cautiously.

"Well, there's a reason why I do. A good one. It happened a long time ago and he won't let go of it. But..." she finally met his gaze. "It's a lot of work to be his antagonist."

"Then try being his friend."  He looked at her and smiled.

"I know that seems like a lot of work, but I have a feeling you can handle that"

"Half of me wishes you would have just declared me insane, Counselor... no, that half isn't Kabrick. By the way, he says 'hi'."

"I'm not talking to him right now, I'm talking to you, and you are not insane.  Is there something you can be treated with to quiet Kabrick?  I don't believe he is a good influence for you right now"  Margon was patient but firm.

"I'm not sure. If this was due to a Rite of Emergence, I would know what to do...but it's not. Maybe I'll try to confront him that way, see if I can convince him to go away."

"Well, you need to be true to yourself Ryla.  Perhaps a peace offering to K'tan would be in order.  It wouldn't hurt to try one more time, you never know what you may find.  It may be more pleasent than you realize."  he grinned again.

"Thank you for letting me vent, Margon." She stood, "I appreciate your time."
 
"That is what I'm here for Dr., and don't worry, your secret is safe with me.  The paperwork seems to be in order" he winked.


"Thank you." She laughed. "Will you be bringing Brex to the gala on the station?"

"Oh yes," said Margon, "He is looking forward to a certain young lady friend of his being there. Now if I could get him to take that sonic shower before we leave, teenagers!"

"I have a feeling that he'll want to smell nice for the girl he's looking forward to seeing there. You won't have to worry about him taking a shower. I look forward to seeing you there. We should do lunch sometime... are you free today? We could grab a quick bite at the Afterburner."

"I would like that." said the Bolian.

"Great. I'll see you then," She said as she whisked out the doors.

JP by JEN and CRYSTAL   :laugh:

Upon entering the lift Shelby felt the cold chill of humiliation, embarrassment and annoyance at herself. How could she have been so stupid? If Joe was nothing else, to her personally, he had been a good friend for the short time they had been together. Professionally he was a bear but that wasn't what this was about. She had circumvented that friendship and clearly hurt him. He had gone to all that trouble to find her Mother...part of her said; why did he do that?
 
The other part of her shut down the mill, which turned out some pretty crazy thoughts and she focused on the problem at hand. She felt horrid. As the lift moved she considered what she could do. She didn't know him well enough to actually figure out how to approach him on this.  Then it hit her, Susan Caine, she knew D'Callan the best. Although it was probably a risk, she might be able to shine some light on how to approach the man. Well, she did need to go to Sickbay to make sure the Nalah's medical charts were sent to the station, so she figured there was no better time than the present.
 
Walking into medical, she sought out the tall blond. It didn't take long, she found the woman just inside the doors to sickbay. "Nurse Caine? Ensign Shelby Daelen, security. Do you have a moment or two of time?"

Susan's eyes narrowed slightly in thought as she remembered the talk she had with her brother, a few nights before, regarding the half Romulan Ensign and his interest in her. The Nurse quickly recovered, and donned smile, "Of course. I didn't do anything illegal did I?" She chuckled, "I swear, I wasn't in the Afterburner when it erupted."
 
Laughing a little, Daelen shook her head. "No not at all. I wanted to check in with someone here about the Romulan medical files. They will need to be transferred to the station once the ceremony is over." Her manner was friendly.  

Setting her PADD down, the nurse stepped around her terminal. "Doctor Drett usually handles those sorts of things and she hasn't arrived yet. But I'm sure she's already arranged for that. If you want to wait, she should be in shortly..."

"That is fine...." Shelby looked at the woman for a moment then she cleared her throat. "Can I ask you for some advice."

"Sure," she said as she gestured to a biobed. "I'm assuming it's medical advice...Have a seat." Said Susan as she moved to collect a tricorder from her terminal.  
 
Putting her hands up slightly the security officer shook her head. "Oh, no, I'm sorry, it isn't that sort of advice...It's about Lieutenant Commander D'Callan."

Susan set her tricorder down slowly and turned to face the Ensign. Just as she did, Doctor Drett stepped in the entry way to let her know she would be in the Counselor's office. When the doctor left, the smile Susan wore for Ryla settled on the dark-haired woman standing quietly before her. Susan's bright expression slipped slightly before returning an instant later. "What about?" She asked smoothly, even though she was fairly certain it would be related to the conversation she had with Joe a few nights before.
 
"I seem to be having a bit of a communication problem with him at the moment." Seeming to consider her words, she paused, "I thought you might know how I might be able to talk to him without..." frowning slightly she tried to think how best to say what she wanted. "I had a lapse in judgement and he is a bit...frustrated with me..."  Shifting the gray eyes up to the woman she sighed and went quiet.

Susan chuckled, "I know how that is. Little Joe has a bit of a temper. Well, don't let it worry you. It'll blow over in a few weeks...it usually does...sometimes..." She didn't know why, but she felt the need to exaggerate a little on the time frame.
 
A slight creased formed between the woman's brows. "What if you didn't have weeks to sort this out?" Her words intoned a serious interest.

"Oh, well... in that case you just hope he forgets it in a year. His memory's not as good as it use to be." Said the Susan. She could see the ensign was buying it hook line and sinker; part of her felt bad for teasing, but the other part was having fun. Joe was her big brother and she was a bit protective of him. Susan wasn't about to let some cute young thing break his heart. No...she had some testing to do before she could give her stamp of approval.

Hearing this Shelby lifted her brows, "I see...look...I need to let him know I appreciated something he did...it's important to me. Please."

Susan gave her a concerned look. "Did he frighten you? His fits of rage can be pretty scary sometimes. If you'd like, I can tell him for you... he's not mad at me. That I know of."
 
Shaking her head, "No...it wasn't like that...I'm sorry....maybe I just need to be up front with him..." she seemed to speak the words to herself more than to Susan. "If he is still angry, at least I tried."

Susan smiled slyly. "Security officers are so courageous... well, good luck with that. Oh. One bit of advice. If his right eye lid starts to twitch... leave immediately."
 
Lifting a brow at this suggestion Shelby placed her hands behind her back. "Susan, you seem to have taken my inquiries quite lightly...is there something wrong?"

The head nurse smiled faintly, "Not at all. I'm just passing on the advice you came here for, but it seems you have it all worked out. Let me know how it goes."
 
She wasn't sure what just happened but Shelby smiled politely. "I will, thank you......" she moved to leave then she stopped. "I think..." Then she proceeded to leave the medical bay.

Herm was trying to shake off his morning drowsiness as he walked to his workstation. In his left hand he carried a large steaming mug of replicated coffee, an Earth beverage he had come to appreciate on days like this, in his right, the artifact he had acquired from Sutpak Choro the night before.

Herm liked to take "the long way" to his office, preferring the exercise to the turbo lift. Besides, it gave him time to reflect on last night....


Herm was shocked at the difference a hypospray made in his Romulan friend. Years of struggling with arthritis and other ailments had, apparently, completely melted away within a few moments of leaving the doctor. Herm was leading his friend to the mess hall for dinner, but he had other plans.

"I feel GREAT, my boy! That doctor of yours is not only beautiful, but talented. Let's have dinner in your holodeck again. I know a great little spot that's great for dancing!"

Sutpak's grumpy attitude had completely melted away, replaced with something much more annoying.

"Sutpak, please, it's late. I've had a long day. Can we just get dinner and talk about your relic?"

"My boy, you really need to obsess less. It's really just a rock. Here, you can have it."

Sutpak removed the pouch from his shoulder and held it out to the Ensign. As Herm reached for it, he pulled it back.

"On one condition!"

Sighing, Herm stepped past his friend and made the left turn down the corridor toward the holodeck. 10 minutes later they were in a crowded, noisy, Romulan version of a night club.

Herm was shaken from his memory when he sleepily bumped into the wall. A big drop of his coffee slopped onto the floor. Herm absently stepped over it as the ship's cleaning systems made it disappear. A few more steps and he was in his workstation. He sat his coffee down with a thunk and his newly acquired relic down with a clunk. Yawning loudly, he flopped into his chair, allowing his bald head to drop forward onto the table.

----

"Now this is living!" shouted Sutpak over the din. "I haven't been in this place in more than 100 years!"

Herm resisted the urge to put his hands over his ears. Obviously Romulans and Risians had very different ideas of what constituted "music". Stupak pushed a holographic drink into his hand and disappeared into the crowd.

----

Anxious to get to work on the Romulan artifact, Herm set into his daily routine, checking messages from the fleet, answering messages from his fellow science officers, reviewing reports coming in from the station. His eyes blurred and he rubbed absently at them, finding it impossible to stay focused.

----

Six hours later, Sutpak was still dancing with the holographic, scantily clad, waitresses from the lunch cafe they had visited before. He had ordered the computer to include them in the night-club program. Herm had received several messages from the computer warning him to shut down the program so the computer could cycle through it's maintainence sub-routines during Gamma shift. Eventually the program would just shut down, but Herm was hoping he could get Sutpak out of here and be in bed before that happened. But, alas, as soon as the thought crossed his mind, the music stopped, the people faded, and the plain black and yellow grids appeared on the walls.

Laughing loudly, Sutpak continued to dance as he came toward Herm and the exit.

-----

Herm snapped his head up from his desk, startled by something that reminded him of a Risian water pig. Glancing around, he realized, with a blush, that it was himself, snoring. Shaking his head to clear the sleepy fog, he pushed aside everything on his desk so he may start examining the relic.

----

Herm walked Sutpak back to his quarters. Alpha shift began in two hours and he really needed some sleep.

"Thank you, my boy, that was a great time. Here." Sutpak pulled the pouch off his shoulder and handed it to the Ensign as if he were handing him a dirty shirt.

"Well, will you be around to help me move tomorrow?"

"Move?" asked Herm, suddenly feeling like he was walking in on the middle of a conversation.

"Why, yes, of course. I'll be living on the station. Surely I mentioned it?"

"No. No you didn't." Stammered Herm.

"Ah, well, now you know. Good night, Ensign." And with that he stepped into his quarters and the doors closed with a chirp. Herm stood there for a moment wondering if someone was holo-recording this to give the crew a good laugh later.

-----

Shaken from his revelry one final time, Herm set to work on the relic.

"This better be worth it." Herm thought to himself as he set work.

As he left the corridor and entered the main commercial area of the station, Tolok paused to look around him. It was early in the station's day but already there was bustling activity in evidence around him. Most of it was romulan but there was a fair smattering of other Alpha and Beta Quadrant races around the area as well. Perhaps there were fewer Federation member species represented here than one would expect to see in a similar Starfleet facility but at the macro level it looked much like any other deep space station he'd visited.

In the last few years, of course, he'd had no reason to leave Vulcan but as a young lieutenant he'd put in five years service aboard Starbase 173 and the memories from that time were still fresh.

Crossing the commercial area, the Vulcan passed into a lesser used corridoor, heading towards the temporary offices of the resident Starfleet Quartermaster. Still a fledgling outfit on this side of the quadrant, Starfleet were nevertheless attempting to put in place enough of an infrastructure to support the long term aims of the Seventh Fleet's presence in romulan space. Security was still a concern and in the time available a full scale deployment had been out of the question.

Tolok was about to test the effectiveness of these initial efforts.

As the door glided closed behind him, Tolok strode to the desk to the left of the entryway. Looking somewhat out of place, a large glass fish tank occupied the centre of the opposite wall, filled with salt water species from at least three planets.

"Pretty, isn't it Sir" the chief behind the desk stated ironically as he looked up at the Commander, nodding over Tolok's shoulder to the tank.

"Indeed", the Vulcan conceded, extending the PADD in his hand. "Lieutenant Commander Tolok, USS Arabella" he introduced himself. The chief nodded in acknowledgment, taking the offered device and starting to read. After only a brief moment he looked up.

"Building a new runabout out here?" The chief couldn't quite keep the surprise from his voice. "I'm not sure we've got our act together enough to tackle that yet, Sir but if you leave this with me and give me a day or so, I can do the rounds of our supply hangers and the other ships around here and see what we can come up with."

"That will be acceptable, Chief. Thank you." Transaction completed, the chief turned to his terminal while Tolok turned on his heel and walked back through the door, completely ignoring the fish. Much to his own surprise, the Lieutenant Commander has an appointment to keep.

JP by Mike and Crystal

As Galdar rounded the corner of the deck 5 corridor he caught sight of Shelby Daelen standing outside the sickbay doors.

"Ensign Daelen", he said formally. The twinkle in his eye, not quite suppressed, revealed the humour behind the question. "Guarding another door are we?"

The slight confusion Shelby was experiencing over her conversation with Susan and how that had gone faded as the ensign shifted her eyes to Galdar. She gave a short smile "No, not quite..."

"Ah, OK. You can't blame a Ferengi for jumping to the wrong conclusion though. You are, after all...a guard." the lieutenant made a play of jumping backwards as if expecting a blow from the ensign but Shelby didn't seem to be playing today.

Instead, she began to walk. The Ferengi moved in step beside her. "Something wrong? I'm supposed to be helping calibrate the port thrusters since there's not much flying to do, but I have some time if you need an ear." He ventured a grin. "In the ear department you won't find better on the ship! None of your graceful points here!" It was a variation on one of his stock lines but it normally managed to raise a laugh in any company.

Pausing at the lift Daelen pivoted to face Galdar, she seemed to study his ears then she said with a smirk, "You might be right..why not.." as the doors opened and she stepped in.

Galdar followed her into the car, turning to face the doors as protocol dictated. For the life of him, the Ferengi had never figured this 'hewmon' obsession with staring at doors.

Ordering the lift to Deck 3, Shelby kept her peace until they were moving along before she said more. "I've just been having doubts about some things."

Glancing upwards, Galdar saw the distraction behind her eyes and started to realise the gravity of whatever was on the ensign's mind. The crew hadn't been together for a long time but he'd shared a number of holo sessions with Daelen and he'd never seen her quite this distracted.

"Errm, doubts? About the refugees? Our presence in Romulan space..?" his voice tailed off as her blank look told him he was well off track. Empathy wasn't one of his strengths...clearly.

"Tell me?" Perhaps a direct approach was called for.

"Yes, doubts, would be a good word for it." Glancing downwards, Shelby shook her head. "I do not know if I will be staying on the Arabella."

"I see. I assume you have a suitably...profitable reason for such doubts?", Galdar grinned, "After all, this crew's not been together long enough for character issues to surface...has it?"

Daelen lifted her head and she looked straight ahead, seeming to consider his words. "I suppose not...it's a assistant chief postion on another ship..." Then she turned her gaze to meet his.

Joseph paced the corridor looking at the turbo lift doors and becoming increasingly impatient. His bad mood had not wavered, in fact the thoughts of the past events began to niggle him even more. His mnd was on Daelens words and the one thing that kept coming into his mind was humiliation. Still he had a job to do and that came first above anything. Tapping the turbo lift doors he looked around and gave it a gentle kick which made him feel a little bit better.

Joint Post by Feathers and Crystal

Turning to look at Daelen fully now, Galdar cocked his head to one side, staring at the point of her right ear. "Well, that sounds profitable enough to me. I'll say it again, 'this crew's not been together long enough for character issues to surface' and in the context of a promotion off ship, that has to be good. Leaving now will be a much easier prospect than it would be if we'd all fully bedded into being one crew.

"'If it's free, take it and worry about hidden costs later'," he paused meaningfully, "Rule of acquisition number 37."

Shelby didn't seem convinced and she certainly wasn't exhibiting the elation that was normally associated with promotion. Galdar would have bet that even the most emotionless Vulcan could have detected that there was something more going on here.

"Shelby, a promotion is an honour and you won't convince me otherwise", Galdar said, "I've had a couple myself you know..." He tapped the two full pips on his uniform until the half-Romulan nodded. "Transfers can go either way, of course, but I'm betting that when you applied for the post you considered the ship and crew as well as the rank."

The car slowed to a halt, both officers reflexively stepping aside as the doors glided open. "Sir.", nodded Galdar as Lieutenant Commander D'Callan stepped between them and moved to the back of the cabin, quietly stating his destination for the computer.

As the lift resumed its course, the Ferengi turned back to his companion. "So I'm guessing there's something more going on here?"

A stoic gaze had replaced the already troubled expression which had been displayed on Daelen's face. She also now ever so slowly shifted her eyes to Galdar as if to say 'not now please' then returned her gaze forward.

This was, to say the least, the most uncomfortable situation she had been in. Her heart felt like it had dropped. She knew that although she wanted to say something to Joseph she couldn't, which relegated her to just standing there starting into nothing.

"Garriss to Galdar." The chirp of the lieutenant's com badge silenced whatever he'd been about to say which was probably just as well from Daelen's perspective.

"Here."

"We're about ready to go on this end, just waiting for you."

"Acknowledged, lieutenant. Won't be long now." With a tap, he closed the channel and as the lift slowed once more he turned back to Daelen.

"If you want a chat, I'm on light duties for as long as we're docked but it looks like my time's about up for the moment."

She gave an even nod of acknowledgement but said nothing more.

The doors opened and without saying a word, Joseph D'Callan strode out onto the bridge. Galdar quickly followed him leaving Shelby alone in the car and even more confused about what she should really do than she had been before their conversation had started.

Walking through one of the newly constructed residential areas of the station, Lieutenant Commander Tolok stood out from the general population more because of his yellow and black Starfleet uniform than because of his distinctly Vulcan, or at least non-Romulan, features. Yet as he caught the glances of many of the Romulan civilians he passed, he got the feeling that it was his racial heritage rather than his service allegiance that was drawing all of the attention.

The corridor was drab but serviceable, the evidence of its recent construction still clear in the newly sealed seams between panels and the lack of many of the homely flourishes that most species normally employed. These would no doubt arrive in time but for the moment, engineering teams were still very much in evidence. From the work in progress at one junction, it appeared that the communications system within the common areas had not yet been completed.

The Commander slowed his pace as he entered the section of the station he was seeking, starting to pay more attention to the markings on individual doors rather than those provided for station navigation. His habitually impassive expression revealed nothing of his inner thoughts but as he neared his destination, his indecision over the wisdom of his actions increased.

It didn't require the Chief Engineer of a starship to place a quartermaster's requisition. Under other circumstances, Ensign Barton or another junior officer would have received the task he'd just undertaken leaving him free to oversee the ongoing maintenance and running of 'his' ship. Despite it's newly launched status, there were still many things that he could have been undertaking aboard the Arabella.

What had broken this routine and drawn him onto the station was an invitation from a...friend? Was that the right word to be using in these circumstances?

Turning again, he drew closer to his goal, a set of quarters that should be just around the next corner on his right. How he would be received when he arrived remained to be seen.

A hand on his shoulder drew him up short, the pressure applied suggesting that he might like to turn toward its owner. Tolok had seen the legs protruding from the open, floor level, hatchway as he'd passed and had heard the scrabbling of boots on the metal deck plating as their owner had reversed into the corridor. Thus, he wasn't caught completely unaware by the contact even if the impediment to his progress was unexpected.

As requested by the increasing pressure to his shoulder, Tolok turned to face the newcomer. "May I help you?", he enquired in an even tone.

By Crystal and Allen

If there is one thing that history had taught archeologists, it's that Romulan artifacts often were never what they appeared to be on the surface. Ships' logs tell horror stories of viruses unleashed, or strange energy outbursts, or worse. Herm was taking great care to work carefully to remove the patina that obscured some of the writing on the surface. He knew that most of the threat from anything biological would have been neutralized by the transporters during rescue, but Romulans were known for their inventiveness in hiding such things.

"Computer, analyze the patina in section 4-2 and vaporize with a setting of .0084", Herm ordered. The sophisticated equipment wasn't as much fun as getting your hands dirty, but it was usually much safer.

The computer chirped in confirmation and activated the miniature phaser to remove the centuries old dirt and mud that had become hard as stone on the plaque.

BANG! Herm was thrown back from his chair. Did the lights just blink? What happened? The tendrils of smoke rising from where his phaser-chisel had been told him that he should have proceeded more carefully. The shimmer around him told him that a containment field had been activated.

Oh, great. Zrem's going to love me for this, he thought. "Computer, deactivate containment field and explain what just happened."

"Unable to comply. Security field may only be deactivated by security personnel."

Great. Just great.

----

Shelby got the call from D'Callan shortly after she left Galdar and arrived back at her quarters, he advised her that there was an alarm going off in Ensign Herm's office and she was one of only a couple of people who had the codes. Walking out of the lift and to the science workstation Shelby chimed the door.

"Come in!" came a muffled, embarrassed, voice from inside. The door opened to show the ensign sitting with his bald head in his hands next to something smoldering on his desk. A class 2 security field shimmered blue and gold around him.

Standing at the door for a moment, Shelby surveyed the situation, seeing no visible signs of danger she walked in; the door hissing shut behind her. "Ensign, are you ok? Shall I call for the medics?"

"I'm fine," replied Herm, without looking up, "just embarass...." as he spoke he looked up to see his favorite security office had come to help him. He and Shelby had never spoken before, but Herm had had a secret crush on her since arriving on the Arabella. And now here she was. Right here. Looking at him. Gulp.

His eyes now fully hypnotized by her's, he tried to continue. "I was... er... that is... um... I was working on this... pretty... that is on this tablet one of the Romulans... I mean one of the OTHER Romulans that aren't as b... er... I meant one of our passengers gave me." With out breaking eye contact he indicated the undamaged tablet amidst the ruins of his work station. "I was trying to kiss... I uh mean CLEAN it when something happened." ...

JP by Allen and Crystal

Concern and some slight confusion etched onto her expression. Herm seemed a little disoriented. Pulling out her tricorder she didn't read any toxic or dangerous levels of any kind. Closing the unit she moved over to the computer. Keying in her access code she cleared the field and within a moment there was a surge of the field and it vanished. Pivoting Daelen moved over and helped the ensign up onto a nearby chair. While he recouped she used the tricorder to scan the smoking remains of the workstation. "Did anyone tell you what this was?" Her attention was on the tablet.

The only thing that might distract Herm from her beauty was his work. He turned excitedly to the tablet.

"Oh yes! I mean, that is, they didn't have to. An elderly gentleman, one of our passengers, was carrying it. The moment I saw it I new it to be from the S'Task era, possibly even pre-dating Surak!" At this Herm turned to look up at his guest, who had stepped closer to see what he was talking about. And was lost again.

As his eyes met hers he tried to continue. "So... uh... I was able to... er ... and I was trying to undress.. I mean UNCOVER some of the writing... and then.... wow. I mean POW. I'm guessing it was some ancient Orion booby... that is um... maybe some kind of trap the computer didn't see."

Glancing over at the man Shelby frowned curiously. "Are you sure that you don't need to go to the medical bay?" Herm just stared at her dumbly and smiled. "Well we are going to need to contain the tablet clearly it's unstable. What do you have as a suggestion?"

Unable to break his gaze from her eyes, Herm tried to answer. "I should have used the Hawass box," he said, indicating a meter long glass enclosure on the other side of the room, "it... uh... it opens like a breast... I mean CHEST... yeah, and activates a class 7 containment field while using the phaser-chisel. It was just....  oh man... your eyes are so pretty... AHEM! Sorry, I was just careless. I'm sorry, Ensign."

"All right let me help you here." Stepping to the computer she began to type in some commands. Pretty soon a blue field encapsulated just the broken pieces of the table. "I will have a hazmat team come down here and get rid of this. Unless you have another suggestion. In the meantime maybe we should just transport the thing into that box."

"Thank you, sweetie, I mean Shelby, I mean... uh.... ensign. Computer, initiate quarantine protocol 7 on artifact Q42 and teleport to the Hawass box containment level 7." The tablet disappeared from the wreckage that was his desk and reappeared in a shimmering green force field within the glass box.

Embarrassed, but still overwhelmed by her presence, Herm found him self saying: "Let me make this up to you, perhaps we could meet in bed... I mean the Afterburner later and I can buy you. I mean buy a you drink. Er... that is... uh.... maybe I should stop talking."

Shelby had pulled out her tricorder while he was stumbling over his words, concentrating on making sure that the containment was good. She only heard the tail end of his remarks. "Sure you can buy me a drink if you want...later though." She folded up the device and placed it in the holder on her belt.

"Looks like everything has been taken care of here then. I've notified haz-mat they need to come in here and take care of the table. I think you should get out of here and take a break." her businesslike demeanor didn't betray her inner thoughts which consisted of this: she was still worried that he might need to see Ryla. Either that or maybe there was something else wrong with him because he seemed really nervous around her.  

Turning her gray orbs towards the man she gave him a half smile. "Here let me help you...I think sickbay might be a good idea just to make sure all your fingers and toes are where they should be."  

"No, I'm fine, really" he said. "I have other things to do, I should just get back to work." He hung his head and spun around in his chair. Any first impression me might have made was obviously a poor one. "I'll catch up with you later."

As the security officer left with some hesitancy and upon the door shutting he turned to the wall and started talking to himself, punctuating each word by smacking his forehead against the bulkhead. "Stupid... stupid... stupid...."

Making his third walk around the bridge watching officer busy at work Joseph stopped at one of the vacant work stations and entered his command codes. Reading the reports he concentrated on the incident that had just happened. Seeing no alert had been recorded he tapped his fingers over the display requesting a report from Ensign Daelen as soon as she was finished. Turning the panel off he shook his head at the thought of her name. Making his way into the turbo lift he smiled at the woman sitting close to the door, she smiled back and then it was just the metal in front of him. "i think I'll stay away from pretty women for a while" he thought. As the doors opened Joseph walked into his office and sat down. The Arabella had been a lot calmer since arriving at the station. He felt relieved. Thinking about the end of his day a few options drifted into his mind. "A beer with K'tan would be ideal but she might be there, a game of cricket. Ah now that would be ideal."

The doors across the Jeffries tube parted with a click and a whine, allowing Lieutenant Galdar to proceed on his slow and somewhat tortuous journey to the auxiliary control node for the forward port dorsal thruster cluster. Closing behind him as he crawled forward, the door effectively sealed the Ferengi in his own little environmental chamber.

"Shame about the headroom", he muttered as he neared the alcove he was heading for.

He'd remained on the bridge only long enough to configure the Conn panel for the maintenance cycle before heading into the guts of the ship. Strictly speaking, he could have manned an engineering station and run through the test sequence from there but he liked to get his hands dirty occasionally and saw no reason why he shouldn't join the team on this occasion.

"You should complain about headroom", Lester Garriss stated ironically, pulling his head from an open access panel. "Your build is better suited to these places than mine is."

"Granted", Galdar grinned easily as he settled down beside Lester and inserted his head into panel space, "but BETTER suited is not the same as IDEALLY suited."

The two grinned at one another for a moment before returning to the business in hand. Tapping his chest, Garriss opened up channel. "Garriss to Boyd. Fire up the reaction in the forward node. 0.5% to begin with." The muffled acknowledgment was drowned out by the whine of technology spooling up as the thruster matrix was activated.

It took half an hour to work through the configuration exercise and Galdar enjoyed both the work and the company. There were times when acute hearing was useful aboard ship and, to his surprise, this turned out to be one of them. With a little bit of practice, he had started to detect both alignment and reactant flow changes almost as quickly as the engineer's instruments.

As the equipment powered down on completion of the exercise, Galdar sat back and rubbed at the back of his neck. "OK, you've introduced me to the guts of the thruster system, but you haven't explained why you took this...horrible position from which to coordinate the exercise. Isn't crawling round Jeffries tubes what crewmen are for? I thought you were a warp theory specialist or something."

Closing up the access panel, Garriss shook his head ruefully and started to crawl back up the tube to the more accessible parts of the ship. "I'm an engineer, lieutenant. Since when did our comings and goings have to make sense to mere bridge officers!"

Joint post by Jen and Just X

Life aboard Quirinus station had surged in activity with the arrival of the Seventh Fleet, the new refugees, and the recent announcement of an Imperial Gala. While no where near her capacity, the station now held over 100,000 guest, residents, and crew of various species and social standing. The settlement efforts on Phaestus III and newly established trade routes through the Quirinus station served to create new jobs and new opportunities for the displaced survivors of the Hobus Incident. The announcement of an Imperial Gala galvanized the hopes of the residents aboard the station. The empire was in tatters and, aside from warlords and senators vying for power, little from the leaders of either Romulan Empire had said anything since the event. The people hoped for answers and subtle hints suggested that those answers would be coming shortly.

Captain Sevryll entered the station's command center with the group of captains from the Seventh fleet and their first officers. The station's second in command was guiding them through the key terminals within the facility and the command center was their last stop on his tour. "Inside the center, we can monitor all facets of station life and operations. We also have complete access and control of the sensor grid from here."

After the tour, Sevryll and Aeric planed to catch up with a few of their old friends from the Academy. Captain Selar, of the Olympic class medical ship the Boris Yegerov had been Sevryll's roommate and Captain Thelora, of the Gabriel Bell had first been Aeric's friend. The two joined the other captains and XOs for a round of Dom Jot with the at Sammy Blues, a small human-run bar and game room. It was good to be in the company of old friends again. It was also good for them to meet with some of the other executive officers in the flesh.

With only a few hours until the start of the gala, many of the senior officers of the fleet had began to return to their ships in order to prepare. The few tailors aboard had quickly developed long lists of customers looking for a new look to impress. the massive central plaza of the promenade had been decorated to serve as a place where those not directly attending the gala could join in the celebrations. Those that had managed to get an invitation would be feasting, dancing, and enjoying the luxuries of the Imperial sector and the large private plaza where the official event would be held. Both locations would be much needed sources of celebration and as reaffirmations of life. There was still much work to be done. Empty senate chambers aboard the station would need to have their seats filled. Surviving noble houses would also need to contribute to the efforts of reconstruction.

The powers of the galaxy had still not fully recovered from the almost decade old final attack of the Borg and the recent losses of the empires had only served as a reminder of how tragic the universe could be. There would be a price to pay in the coming days and most of those that entered the station knew of the long road ahead. The gala wasn't just some expense to woo and entertain the nobles. It was a statement that the culture of Romulus, Remus, and the other lost planets of the empire survived and would still live on through the hearts and actions of the survivors. Simply put, the gala was there to remind the universe that the Romulan people still existed and it would take far more to extinguish their flame.

Word had quickly spread among staff, residents, and new arrivals that an important announcement would happen at the gala. Speculations ran rampant on what the announcement might be, but the location of the gala all but confirmed that it would carry the weight of the Empress' edicts. Some of those rumors spoke of the secret arrival of the empress on the station. Others spoke of the fleets loyal to the station and the empress working off secret orders to secure the safety of the Romulan people of both empires. It was those very rumors that suggested that the Empress had sent all loyalist specific directions on the restoration of the empires and it did seem as if the leaders of the civilian and military sectors of the Imperial State were working off an unseen plan.

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

The crowd, gathered in what was being called the Imperial Courtyard, generated a low murmur of conversation as Oryn, dressed in the colors and the signet of the Imperial House, walked slowly up the stairs leading to an empty chair. Romulan voices rose slightly at the shock of seeing the empty chair and the sword that rested on the commander's side. Both were ancient artifacts of his people. Artifacts that were assumed lost with their homeworld. He moved with both purpose and military bearing as he raised a hand to silence the group. Hovering cams moved above the crowd at the direction of their various operators and focused their lenses on the commander.

"I bid welcome to those in attendance and those that are viewing this." Oryn started in a strong voice that was discretely amplified by the sound equipment. "Our homeworld is gone, but our people and our culture will live on. We will rise from the ashes stronger and better. We will learn from our past and create an new future together. I am Oryn t'Rllaillieu, son and heir of Shiarkiek, commander of this station that many of you now call home. At the request of Empress Donatra, I take the title of Imperial Praetor for those lands that once made up the Imperial State and as my birthright, I bring our sundered empires back together."

Oryn paused as voices of shock rippled through the gathered. He allowed them a few moments to absorb the information before he raised a hand to silence the crowd once more. "In the coming days, we will be facing our greatest challenges. As a people born in the stars, we will reclaim our heritage. This station, once on the border of two empires now lies in the heart of a reunited one. Fleets loyal to the throne have been given orders to protect our worlds from aggressors that might take advantage in our diminished state. This station is now the seat of our future and the protector of it. To those that wish to rebuild with us, I welcome you. To those that see this as an opportunity to prey upon us, I warn you: We will not allow our worlds to be taken or our spirits to be broken. We will fight with all that we can and until we can no fight no longer. We will also welcome our brother and sisters within the Vulcans, Remans, and Watraii that want to join us in creating a better future."

With that opening, and the attention of the gathered focused on him, Oryn spoke of rebuilding the senate, the purpose of the Seventh Fleet in romulan space, and the new destiny of the empire. At the conclusion of the speech that restored the Romulan Star Empire, the once commander opened the festivities that would continue for the next four days.

As he completed the turn, Tolok found himself face to face with a Romulan woman in a one piece utility coverall. Presumably one of the station maintenance personnel.

"May I help you?", the commander repeated the question after the silence stretched to what, for most species, would have been an uncomfortable length. Being Vulcan, Tolok felt no discomfort whatsoever.

The woman continued to study him, analysing his features and taking in his uniform as well as his semi-formal bearing. Her hand dropped to her side as she sized him up and she took a step backwards before talking. "My mistake, Sir. I was expecting someone different." So saying, she turned her head, dropped to her knees and returned her attention to whatever was within the open panel at her feet.

Tolok nodded and started to turn back on his previous path. His progress was arrested, however, when he caught a glimpse of a device protruding from one of the technician's coverall pockets. It had only been visible for a moment and only from the corner of his eye but the profile was unmistakable. There was nothing else he knew of, either natural or technological, that looked quite the same as the grip of a Romulan disruptor.

Glancing down again to ensure that the she was occupied, Tolok walked away from the open access panel, continuing on towards the compartment he'd been seeking all along. As he passed the final corridor bulkhead on the way to his goal, his right hand reached for the fleet insignia on his chest.

"Lieutenant Commander Tolok to security." he muttered.

"SIr?", the disembodied voice was not one the Vulcan recognised but then no-one had been aboard the Arabella long enough to be fully familiar with everyone on the crew.

"You might wish to inform station security personnel of an armed Romulan female working in an access panel fifty meters from my present position aboard the station." he kept walking as he talked, not once glancing behind him to see if he was observed. "It may be a matter of no consequence but a check of her identity and status will surely harm no-one."

Closing the channel as he arrived at the door he sought, Tolok tapped on the chime at the side of the entryway. Nothing could be heard from within the chamber, but it was only seconds before the door opened and a familiar voice called out.

"Enter Commander. Come in and meet my family."

Watching the view screen Rayon smiled. Putting his hands behind his back he stood tall. "how very dashing you look Oryn. I wonder what lurks behind that mask you so obviously wear" turning to look at the station through the view port window the Cardassians eyes went from humorous wit to one of disgust. "Romulans, Humans, Vulcans all with their masks on. The world is a stage, and i aim to see their curtain call" he allowed the last part of the word to drift through his clenched teeth as he turned his back on the station.

As Tolok stepped toward the door in response to the invitation, the grating whine of a Romulan transporter echoed through the bare metallic hallway. A Romulan and a Reman, both dressed in Imperial fleet uniform and wearing holstered disruptors materialised two meters away from the Vulcan, their attention focused on the legs protruding into the walkway from the crawl space.

Together they stepped forward and at the same time, at the junction beyond the woman's position, another pair of guards moved into view. Obviously hearing something, the technician backed out of the work space and started to get to her feet, the questioning look clear on her face. As her left hand moved to her pocket, a beam of coherent energy lanced out from one of the further guards and struck her low in the midsection and, with a groan, she crumpled to the deck once again.

From both ends of the corridor, the guards converged on her position, reaching her more or less simultaneously. The Reman put something in his pocket, a stun weapon of some sort Tolok reasoned, then reached down and removed the disruptor from the woman's pocket, tossing it to one of his colleagues who was maintaining a watch some steps away. Standing again, the Reman pulled the woman to her feet, turned and nodded to Tolok before the whole party disappeared as a transporter seized them.

"Interesting." Tolok stared at the space where the woman had been, brow raised in what could only be described as surprise.

A female chuckle from inside the room brought him back from his analysis of the operation he'd provoked. As he returned his attention to the doorway, a Romulan woman pushed passed the old man who had intruded into main engineering a few days before and nodded in the direction of the corridor.

"Security operations are most efficient aboard the station." she stated without a trace or irony. "Whoever they've taken will be questioned for a while and then released if appropriate. There have been a few incidents since we've been here but mostly the treatment has been fair and equitable." She extended a hand of greeting to Tolok, "On behalf of my whole family may I thank you and your ship for rescuing my father and the others on the ship with him."

Stepping aside, she gestured the Vulcan into the room. "My daughter", the old man said with a smile, "and her family. As I told you in my message I found them aboard when we docked. Never have I been so happy to see someone." The truth of this statement was clear to the Vulcan as he looked around the living space, cluttered with containers and belongings not yet arranged or ordered. Struggling for a suitable response, Tolok eventually gave in, finding nothing appropriate to say.

"Come, eat with us." The woman ushered the Commander further into the quarters where the sounds of children playing were starting to intrude upon the quiet. "I'm sure your duties will allow you a small meal with us before returning to wherever you should be."

"We are not so grand as to be invited to the celebrations aboard.", the old man pretended sorrow but it was clear from his eyes that he was no so sad as his voice portrayed, "but in truth we are happy to spend the time with family...and with new friends."

Lieutenant Commander Tolok, Vulcan, Starfleet Officer, Engineer and father simply nodded and strode forward into the Romulan living space, as alien an environment as he could ever have envisioned when he embarked on the Arabella. Picking up a small child, who attempted to tackle him, as he passed he moved towards the table to be introduced to the remainder of the family.

Joint post by Jen and Just X

"They sure know how to throw a party," Aeric James said aloud as he and Sevryll moved through the crowd of noble, dignitaries and starship command staff. He adjusted his uniform jacket as his eyes drifted across the courtyard. Outside of the Arabella and other Starfleet vessels, this station would serve as their home away. Before the start of the gala, Aeric had managed to visit the officer's quarters in the imperial sector. It was a collection of suites assigned to the fleet officers, when time permitted their stay. While some of the senior officers of the fleet were given permanent quarters, a majority of the available suites were designated to lower ranking personnel for shore leave purposes. The only anomaly in the sector, was the permanent suite assigned to a civilian aboard Arabella—Ms. Cyra Fredrick.

Sevryll arched a brow in agreement as she straightened the cuffs of her crisp white dress uniform; its high collar, baring four bands of gold, framed her slender neck. Her sable hair was worn high in a mound of loosely bound locks, but at that moment a single strand fell limp against her cheek. She absently pushed it behind a tapered ear and moved her dark eyes to meet the waiter who stopped to offer them drinks. With a slight nod of her head, Sevryll politely refused, but Aeric removed one of the fluted glasses offered on a guilded platter, took a sip and smiled his thanks to the Romulan. The Vulcan captain took her husband's arm and together the approached a lingering group of Romulans and Starfleet officers.

"Aeric! Sevryll! You're both looking well. How are the children?" asked Thelora, the Andorian captain of the Bell and long time family friend. She had been one of the first captains to sign up for the extended mission. Thelora had expected both of her friends to command their own ships, but wasn't all that surprised when Aeric turned down command of the Naegling to be closer to his family. The loss of their son still factored into their decisions even decades after his death. The Andorian woman was one of Aeric's trusted friends in the academy and it was a trust and friendship that quickly extended to Sevryll, shortly after meeting her.

"Our children are well, thank you. Aria is here...somewhere." Said Sevryll as she glanced around the room. "She is with Counselor Margon's son, Brex."

"So she's run off with some boy?" Thelora mused. "Hopefully she's more like her mother than her father."

Aeric shook his head and chuckled. "She's not on a date. He's just a friend."

"I sometimes forget that you didn't really grow up like a normal boy, but young boys aren't friends to attractive young girls without ulterior motives," the blue hued woman smiled. "I would keep an eye on him if I were you."

"Have either of you had time to review the transfer lists to the station? If we hadn't been ordered to overfill our crew, I would have been concerned at the amount of requests."

"Yes. There have been a number from the Arabella. None are department heads," said Sevryll.

Thelora nodded slowly, "Scuttlebutt has suggested that commander T'Priel, the XO on the Naegling, was offered a position on the station. It seems that they have a Spectre Class ship attached to the station and are trying to put together a crew. From what I gather, she and the commander have been bumping heads on how to get things done. I think things would run much smoother on that ship if someone had taken a promotion and the ship they were offered."

Aeric grunted, "I like going on away missions."

"Despite published reports," Thelora said with a smirk, "that regulation is a guide that can easily be overridden by a determined captain."

"Not when you have me as an XO." Aeric replied.

"Well, let's be glad I wasn't foolish enough to do something like that."

Sevryll found Aria and Brex in the crowd. Thelora's warning had stuck in her mind and she heard none of the conversation her husband carried on with their old friend. Their daughter was accepting a cup of brightly colored punch from Brex. The girl smiled, then her eye was drawn to her mother's and she let it fall and donned a more stoic expression.

"What is she drinking?" The Vulcan inquired.

"A damned good question," Aeric muttered under his breath and turned his attention from old friend to eldest daughter. Aeric waved the two over. It wasn't that he didn't trust the children, but the were in a place where the cultural norms were different. The punch could very well be Romulan ale. Aeric's eyes shifted to the cup as they drew closer. "Are you having a good time?"

"Yep ," said the Bajoran boy.

"Yes sir," said Aria. "This punch is very good, father. You should have some."

Aeric nodded to Aria and drew his gaze to his wife.

Thelora chuckled lightly as Sevryll took the cup and sniffed it. There was nothing immediately suspicious so she lifted it to her lips and took a sip. The beverage was fruit punch, nothing more. The Bajoran boy smiled up at the Captain and she inclined her head to him as she handed the cup back to Aria. "How are you Brex?"

"I'm good, thanks Captain."

Aeric smiled at the children while trying to keep himself from laughing at the results of Thelora's comments. "The Romulan drinks, aren't what you are use to. Be careful. We expect you to set an example for the other children on the ship."

Thelora was enjoying the situation almost too much. "So which of you is the trouble maker and what plot did we interrupt?"

"Plot?" Aria inquired with an upraised eyebrow.

Brex's smile broadened. "My father would kill me if I did."

"Aria, Brex, this is Captain Thelora," said Sevryll.

"Hello," said Aria. "Father has told me stories about you and Admiral Johnson."

"I've also heard much about you," the Andorian replied. "If you're anything like the stories, I think that Starfleet will be lucky to have you in a few years. This mission will look great on your application to the academy."

She reflexively smiled then schooled her expression.

Thelora's antenna twitched at the girl's reaction, "You have a beautiful smile. I don't think that the present company would object to seeing it more often."

"Thank you..." She said, trailing off.

Aeric, seeing that the conversation had lulled, attempted to shift to a new topic, "Has anyone seen Oryn? I wanted to congratulate him, but he seems to have slipped away."

Joint post by Feathers and Jen

Lieutenant Galdar was pulled up short as he entered the Imperial Courtyard of Quirinus Station, struck by the many trappings of empire displayed around the large open space. The contrast with his home planet of Ferenginar was stark and for a moment, almost despite the differences, a pang of homesickness tugged at his stomach. Irritably, he shrugged it away and resumed his progress into the room, determined to take pleasure from the day and his unexpeted presence at such an historic event in such a significant location.

As was their habit, he and his companion were 'fashionably late' and the gala was already in full swing. From the look of it, this had been the case for some time although the waiting staff were doing a creditable job of keeping the guests supplied with drinks and small crunchy things that Galdar was determined to try should he get a hand on some. A number of species were represented in the throng that flowed around them. Some were familiar while others were decidedly less so. To his mixed delight and chagrin he quickly realised that he was not the only Ferengi present at this particular ball, even if he was the only one in starfleet dress whites...with his relatively new full lieutenant's pips prominently displayed. If nothing else, he thought, the uniform sets my orange skin off nicely.

As a junior bridge officer he was invited to staff meetings aboard ship but had not received an invitation to this event. The only reason he was here was because he'd arrived on the arm of his best friend and the Arabella's recently promoted Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ryla Drett.

As they moved into the room, Galdar continued to gawp at the scenery while Ryla acknowledged and greeted a number of the other senior officers from the ships of the Seventh Fleet. They'd effectively been operating together for a while but the opportunities to meet in person had been few and far between. It was like watching the first meeting of people who felt themselves to be old friends, the Ferengi observed.

Eventually, with the social niceties completed, Drett snagged a couple of drinks from a passing tray and turned her attention to her friend.

"Here", she smiled as she passed him a glass, "I've no idea what it is but I'm fairly sure it won't kill you."

"Ha!", snorted Galdar, "Remember what happened the first time you said that?"

Ryla grinned unashamedly. "Weeeell," she drawled, "even Doctors are fallible. Anyway, you're still alive aren't you?"

"I guess so...no thanks to you.", he was trying to hold a pseudo-angry glare but it melted as she matched it with one of her own. "OK, OK", he said raising his hands in mock defeat. "It was thanks to you and only you that I'm still alive." He paused meaningfully before muttering theatrically, "I still think you slipped me the drink just to prove what a wonderful physician you are."

Grinning the, petite Trill punched him in the chest with her free hand before pointing across the floor at a distant orange figure dressed in gentle greens and browns. "Look, he's drinking one and he hasn't dropped dead yet. Go on, try it."

"He's probably taken something to protect him from the effects" the lieutenant quipped.

Raising his glass to his friend and grinning up at her, Galdar took a healthy sip. As the liquid washed down his throat, his grin widened and he forgot the pretense he'd been about to enact. "Hey! That's not bad!"

Ryla took an experimental drink from her own glass. "It's juicy..." She swished it around her mouth, "but I'm not sure it's a 'fruit juicy'. Maybe you like it because it's derived from insect guts." The Trill surreptitiously spat the drink back into her glass and as another waiter passed with a tray of empties, she quickly stowed it on the platter and donned a bright smile. "Desserts..." As gracefully as possible, she waded through the crowd, dragging her friend along with her.

Following in the doctor's wake, Galdar took another healthy mouthful of the liquid in his glass and smacked his lips in appreciation.

JOINT POST BY CRYSTAL AND MEDS

Joseph walked past several crewmen who said hello, he responded, but was distracted with checking over his bat, he had picked it up while he'd been pacing his quarters and he flipped it in his hand as he entered the lift. Thoughts of Shelby's announcement about leaving the Arabella for a posting on the Anzio; it annoyed him. Also he knew he had the celebration in a few hours but he needed to sort this out. What further haunted him was the fact that, once again, he had failed to tell her his true feelings but why should he; he growled inwardly. She had someone else and she was leaving.

Walking out of the lift, his thoughts continued, after all he had been slow to speak his mind in the Jeffries tube, the night before in his quarters and then the drink at the Afterburner had flamed out. This was the straw that broke the camel's back. He strode purposely into the holo suite. "D'Callan program Cricket-JDA" without a thought that the program was up and running already the Chief made his way onto the beautifully lush, green cricket lawn. He took his belt off, tossing it aside and raised his cricket bat. Nodding to the umpire he took his position at the crease.

The umpire turned and talked to the bowler and then looked at D'Callan "Left hand, spin"

Joseph nodded and waited for the oncoming ball. It bounced and spun only slightly to his left but he swung and cracked it just at the bottom of his bat; it soared into the air and cleared the boundary, a six. Looking down at the ground momentarily he lifted his hawk-like gaze back up to see the ball being thrown from player to player until it arrived back with the bowler.

D'Callan stood straighter; preparing for the next volley. "Why didn't I just tell Shelby how I feel?" The ball bounced in exactly the same position and Joe did a defensive stroke, "Damn it" , knocking the ball for a two run.

"I mean what is it with me?" he hefted his bat and checked the wood, twisting it slightly. "She was right there, all I needed to do was ask...."

Another ball came, higher this time and spinning to the right, he moved his leg and snapped it down the centre the bowler ducked as Joseph pointed the bat at him.

Shifting a little to one side; D'Callan readied for the next shot while he carried on counseling himself in a heavier tone.

"But what do I say?" he leveled the bat, "Shelby, I've fallen for you..." feeling it's weight in his hands, "a right more thans fair?"

The bowler scowled at him. "Aye...that I can't stop thinking about you...." Swinging at the ball as it ripped past him, Joe clenched the bat; constricting it.

Was that a splinter that slid into his flesh painfully just then? Ignoring it he glared at the bowler across the field from him, then he opened his palm to check his hand, nothing was there.

"That every-time I look at you I just want to run my fingers through that long midnight hair.." Looking upwards at the beautiful sky he took a deep breath  "and that sometimes I believe it's going to be the end of me..."

The bowler took his position.

"All that is standing between us..." While Joseph continued talking. "are...just a few simple words..."  He checked his footing, then spied the man across from him. "Hell, that's not true anymore....soon it's going to be even more..."  He said musingly.

The bowler flipped the ball up in the air and caught it, he rubbed the red leather against his leg and began to pace.

"So what do I say now?" Turning his fist tightly around the bat, Joe heard the squeak of his skin against the bat. "Don't go....I want you to stay with me Shelby"

The bowler lowered his head, his cold stare mirroring a bull aiming at a red flag

"See, it isn't that hard to just say those words" D'Callan said with irony coloring his words.

The bowler ran fast, he picked up the pace and headed towards the back wicket, jumping slightly he bowled a perfect straight.

It bounced just outside of the crease and curved in, but Joseph had it clear in his sights. "I just can't seem to say it to you!" He growled as he swung his bat with frustration. He shouted at the same time as the ball connected; as if using it for a release.

The ball cracked harshly into the air, while Joe ran to the far wicket, he eyed the ball, watching it bounce on the ground he shouted.  "I can get a two here" while he began to run back. The fields tossed the ball and when Joe wasn't looking the wicket keeper ran out, caught the ball then roughly knocked D'Callan onto the ground to his surprise. Followed by the keeper throwing the ball at the wicket. the chief landed on the door and he glared at the wicket keeper.

Narrowing his eyes he directed his ire towards the figure. "What the hell are you doing! Get a grip mate"

Whomever this was seemed to ignore the remarks hurled at them. Almost tauntingly, the player watched Joseph as they approached him; yet they remained silent.

JP By Meds & Crystal

Shifting his hard stare at umpire D'Callan yelled. "Right you are what'd'ya doing just standing there!" He demanded. 

The nemesis who had robbed him of his score was nearly to him when they unexpectedly stretched out a hand to Joseph without saying a word to him. 

D'Callan took the hand and hefted himself to his feet, he was suspicious. Why would a holo-deck simulation behave in such a manner? Then a thought came to him which sent a chill through his blood. He stepped closer to the figure, he saw those eyes the stormy gray froze him in place. His bat tumbled out of his hand and onto the dusty ground below.   
 
Wearing the same uniform as the other players, which hid her features and hair, Shelby lifted her hand and removed the helmet, releasing her long dark curls' which tumbled downwards onto her shoulders. Words fell short, everything that had been rationalized out and through through was now irrelevant... Moving forward her exotic orbs held a different light towards Joe D'Callan. They both walked a delicate edge, she appeared to want to say something; she couldn't.
   
He looked at her "It appears you have caught me out, in more ways than one." his eyes fell down towards the bat on the ground, his stomache turned with embarrassment; she'd heard every word he had said. "and I've dug myself a right huge hole here and the groundsmen of this rather nice pitch will have aright moan over it" He smiled but his eyes reflected his nervousness.

Her hand slipped up and along his strong jawline, tickling the slight stubble which she found so roguishly handsome on him. She brought his eyes back to hers never faltering. She shook her head but she remained silent.

He looked at her, studying the differences in this manifestation of the woman, which nearly took his breath away and the woman whom he had been resisting all this time. His free hand unconsciously reached out and touched a errant ebony lock. His normal hard exterior broke, as he refused to look away this time.

"I'm so sorry not to have said it sooner. I should have told you when you said that you 'felt like you didn't belong anywhere'...that you do have somewhere to belong...here on the Arabella and.....He could see acceptance in her eyes. "....with me...I can't stop this time...I won't.....I'm opening myself up to you Shelby." 
 
"I don't want you to stop..." She whispered softly to him as she shook her head and stepped close enough for them to touch against each other.   

He raised his hand, touching the silky skin he had longed to touch,  she was so warm...he let his fingers trail lightly down her neck as she smiled and sighed contentedly....it was if all the stress and tension was melting away.

D'Callan smiled at her as he drew his face closer to hers, pausing for a moment, allowing himself the luxury of enjoying her like this. 

She looked up at him, letting her fingers slip into his dark hair. Not wanting to be interrupted again Joseph moved in and put his lip against hers. Her response was immediate as they held each other; neither of them ever wanted to stop. There was a heated electricity that flowed through them as they kissed, his heart exploded as he felt Shelby pressing herself even closer to him.

As they pulled back, her eyes, which reminded him of a stormy summers day, locked onto Joseph's while she stroked the nap of his neck.

Shelby felt at home here in this man's arms. This was who she felt right with no matter how much she had been denying it and forbidding herself to relate to it; this was who she wanted to be with. Raising up slightly to kiss him again his com-badge went off.

"Dunn to D'Callan."

Reaching up he tapped his badge. "D'Callan...go" 

"We're going to need to start processing the departing Romulans. So they can transfer to the station. Ive gathered a small staffing for it. Did you want to handle some of the more prominent members of the refugees?"

"I'll be there shortly...D'Callan out." His eyes went back to the woman and he stole a few more minutes away to be here with Shelby like this.

The rest of the world faded away as Shelby tightened her hold on Joe. 

"Always interruptions aye..." Joseph said in a husky voice as he kept his eyes on the woman who wrapped her arms around his neck while D'Callan drew his arms around her waist and he lowered to kiss her again.

Oryn t'Rllaillieu, the lost son of the emperor, quietly entered the imperial quarters on the station. His imperial quarters. Footsteps echoed on the hard stone floors of the entryway as he made his way across the low lit chamber and into the adjoining office. Sitting atop the an aged hard wood desk rested a bottle of ale and two ornate goblets.

Wasting no time and still weary from his recent decisions, Oryn filled both glasses with the green hued liquid. "I didn't want this."

"Never the less," the voice of an aged female echoed from the shadows. "this is your responsibility to bear cousin."

"Why me and why now?" Oryn asked as he brought one of the glasses to his lips and turned to hand the second to the woman who had stepped from the shadows.

Liviana Charvanek, niece to Emperor Shiarkiek and blood cousin to Oyrn accepted the glass. "I saved you from the plans of the Tal Shiar and placed you with a common family so that you could one day save our people. Now is the time to fulfill your duty Oryn. You are the heir of the emperor, but you know the struggles of the commoner. We must take a new direction if we are to rise from this."

Oryn shook his head, "I was fine being a commander. I did as to be a Preator or an Emperor."

"Must we discuss this?" Liviana, the former head of Romulan Security, mused. "You are a man of honor, you know your duties. Regardless of how you feel about them, you will do what is needed of you. I believe that your disinterest in the titles and the job is what makes you the most qualified to bear this burden."

Oryn drained his glass before turning his gaze back to his benefactor. She had helped to guide his career, but it was only after the fall of the homeworlds that he learned of his true parentage and the blood connection they shared. "Claiming a title is one thing, but how the hell am I supposed to bring together the people?"

Liviana sipped her drink and smiled at her youthful cousin, "You were born and bred to be a leader Oryn. The Tal Shiar went though great trouble to make sure the emperor had a worthy heir. I went though even greater trouble to make sure that you would be a man of the people. Donatra went through great trouble to make sure that you would have the resources available to complete your task. While we had some warning of a pending danger, it was far earlier than we had expected it to be. We couldn't save the homeworlds, but you can save the empire."

"I don't think I'm ready for this."

"Oryn, it's not something that you can be ready for." she offered. "You do what you think is best and you learn from the mistakes you make along the way. That's all that anyone can ask of you."

"Well, at least the ale is good." he replied with a smile.

"Just don't drink enough to forget the target that now sits on your back." she suggested. "I believe the perks are there to take away some of the bitterness of the threats. Your father was assassinated. Let us home that his son does not follow a similar path."

"Where should we start?" he asked.

"We? I'm too old for the politics Oryn. This is your fight." she said as she set her empty glass on the desk. "I would suggest that you rebuild the senate. With the senate chambers here, it will remind the people that this station is the heart of the empire."

"I have a frei-" Oryn started.

"I already know. A former head of Romulan Security does not forget the skills and allies that brought her to her position." Liviana interupted. "Emperors, Preators, and nobles are all allowed their distractions. You did well to give this Cyra Fredrick quarters in the imperial sector of the station. It and her federation ship will keep her safe while your new enemies reveal themselves."

Oryn nodded. His cousin understood him well. He gave her the quarters to keep her close, but also to keep her safe. He had refused to take a guard and did not wish to burden her with one, but he could use his power to keep her safe.

Joint post by Jen and Feathers

The dessert table was full but not overcrowded and the two officers had little trouble getting access to the available sweets. A fair amount of damage had already been done by the assembled dignitaries but enough of the confections remained that the pair were presented with a difficult choice. Galdar, Ferengi genes coming to the fore, simply grabbed a plate and started to pile on samples of the different dishes working from the centre outwards.

He maneuvered down the table until he was stopped by the bulky mass of the U.S.S. Boris Yegerov's Chief Medical Officer.

"Mr. Galdar," the man said in a deep, curt baritone.

The Ferengi gazed up at the officer and smirked, "Mr. Young."

Seeing the inevitable intersection, Ryla picked up her speed to head off the potential conflict. "Ah, Lieutenant Commander. It's been so long since we last met face to face. You're looking well."

"As are you, Lieutenant Commander Drett," he replied with a forced smile.

The silence started to stretch, neither party being willing to continue an exchange of pleasantries that no-one was particularly committed to. This mutual antipathy had began at the Academy and while time had done something to heal the rift, Galdar doubted that anything short of a black hole would be able to erase the events of ten or more years before.

Oblivious to the uncomfortable scene being played out, a figure emerged from the crowd to Young's left and curled an arm through one of his. "Hey you", it started, light heartedly, "I lost you for a moment...". Kate Young's voice tailed off and her lips thinned as she finally noticed who her husband was currently not in conversation with.

"Lieutenant", Galdar nodded politely at the new arrival, grinning slightly now.

"Galdar", Kate's head moved fractionally in the Ferengi's direction before she pointedly turned to face her husband. "Captain Selar asks if you could spare her a moment of your time sometime in the next half hour." She glanced meaningfully at the Arabella officers. "I think NOW may be a good time to accommodate her." So saying she let go of her husband's arm and stalked off, quickly losing herself in the crowd.

"Duty calls I'm afraid", Young smiled insincerely, "I can't tell you how nice it was to run into you both again."

"Lieutenant," his voice was almost a sneer, "Commander," he nodded at Ryla before turning away and following his wife.

"That was fun." Galdar observed with just a tinge of audible regret.

JP by Meds & Crystal

Joe had to know as the pair exitted the holo-suite and they walked towards the lift. "How did you sneak into the holo-suite? That was pretty good."

"I was already there." She said softly to him as she smiled and glanced over at him.

His eyes shifted suddenly. "You play cricket?"

"Well, not until I got posted here and I heard you were a player; I couldn't let you be the only one...now could I? So I decided to learn; found I had a knack for the wicket keeper."

Giving a smirk Joe smiled at her as he pressed the panel. "You never cease to suprise me Shel."

As the pair walked onto the lift, the doors shut again, Shelby's gray orbs shifted to D'Callan. "Good, and on that note...I finally get my wish."

A curious smirk slipped onto Joe's expression. "What is that?"

"I've been pondering what seeing you in a dress uniform might be like for a while now." A sly grin took over her expression. "Maybe I'll even see more."

Joe was about to retort when the doors opened and Shelby smiled.

"Looks like my floor." She said with a smile as she stepped out. Then she glanced back one last time to see D'Callan crossing his arms along his chest and watching her smugly as the doors shut.

-

Having the quickest shower of his life Joe stood outside of her quarters. Pulling his white dress uniform down and drawing his hair back as he pressed the door chime. Standing there for what seemed like ages he tapped the door with his knuckle and then started to worry that maybe she had gone without him. Suddenly the door opened.

Shelby looked stunning, the white uniform was a contrast to her midnight hair which she had pulled up on each side and then let drop in raven curls along her shoulders.  Her gray eyes sparkled as they
raked down D'Callan's form then she displayed an unexpected shyness towards him as she looked downwards.

He couldn't help but smile. "You look amazing." Walking in he put his arms around her waist, he leant in and kissed her as the door hissed shut behind him. Pulling back they looked into each others eyes, he took his thumb and caressed her cheek grinning, then Joseph suddenly remembered the time. "Come on we have to get going, we're late as it is"

Holding his arm Shelby stopped him "Wait, don't take this the wrong way, but I'm not sure we should let on that we're getting involved....I mean like a couple..I mean we are aren't we"

"I think so yes," Joseph laughed holding her closer. "Are you worried that as Chief of Security carrying on with one of his staff, that people would think you are getting extra privileges"

Shelby leant into him, his body was so warm next to her. "Well, I will be getting 'certain' privileges but we are in security....it's dangerous. I don't want anyone pitting us against one another because of this." she paused, letting the moment settle with her, then she lifted her eyes to him. "We should take this slow, we should be friends above all else, lets take it easy, well easy, outside "

Joseph nodded, he understood the importance of not letting any enemy know your personal life. Part of him wanted to walk into the party with her on his arm and a huge grin on his face, the other part of him rationalized that he didn't want any questions either.

"Ok so we go to the party together but pretend we're just accompanying each other; friends." He said soundly.

Shelby nodded. "Friends, yes, I think its best but before we leave," drawing him with her Joe easily gave into her wishes. Slender fingers traced their way upwards along the soft fabric of the uniform to the man's squared shoulders. "You do look good in that uniform" brushing off what he suspected was imaginary dust.

"Tell me something my young protege."  Canting his brow Joseph smirked, "You never did tell me if you'd have breakfast as well as the bed?"

"Ohh, you remember that."

"I do..." he said with a knowing smirk.

"Well, you're not going to find that out just yet.."

"Fair enough..." He said continuing his expression as he took Shelby's hand with his. Pulling her along towards the door, as it parted, he peered out into the empty hallway. Glancing back he walked out casually with the woman following close behind.

Making their way down the corridor to the lift there seemed to be an air of mystery that made D'Callan smile even broader. "This is like being on a mission" laughed Joseph.

"Behave yourself..." Daelen said while giving Joseph a wink as the two strode onto the turbo lift. After leaving the ship, it didn't take long for them to arrive at the party entrance. The station was certainly impressive and Joseph couldn't help but think that Commander Oryn had a task on his hands.

"Ok, ready to face the crowds" Standing at the entryway, slightly apart, yet just brushing against one another Shelby and Joe exchanged a secretive gaze. For just the briefest of moments, then the two officers smiled and parted company to either side of the room.

Joint Post by Crystal and Jen

How did you handle the situation with Daelen's tranfer? Aeric projected to Sevryll as they continued their conversation with old friends. With a thought she shared the outcome of the meeting had just prior to their tour of the station....



....Sevryll was standing at her ready room view port when the chime sounded. "Enter," she said in a dusty alto that failed to offer even the smallest morsel of emotion. As the door swept open, the light and sound emanating from the bridge spilled into the dimly lit room, momentarily washing its contents in long planes and sharp angles of brightness. It all abruptly diminished as the door closed behind the ensign.

Arriving at the Captain's request, Shelby entered the ready room, and immediately she got the distinct impression that this was not going to be a particularly pleasant visit. If the scene in the lift had been uncomfortable to say that this one put that one to shame was an understatement. Whatever had brought her here wasn't going to bode well. She stiffened though and kept herself steady and silent. She moved a bit closer to stand at attention and Shelby finally spoke. "Captain, I came as soon as I could."

The Captain continued to watch the small workpods as they moved about Arabella's docking port. She would accompany Commander James to the station to tour the facility, but first there was the matter of the Ensign's application. It would never manifest in her tone, or in her expression, but the Vulcan was unhappy to discover that the security officer (who she herself had hand picked) had chosen to apply for a position aboard another vessel without consulting her first. Sevryll's arched brow briefly defied the shadows as she slowly pivoted to face the much younger woman standing behind her. She tucked a long strand of raven hair behind her ear with one hand and with the other, raised a PADD to eye level.

"Your short career has fostered a small number of notable highlights." Sevryll shifted her gaze to meet Daelen's as she lowered the PADD once more. "These experiences earned you a place among my crew. " She handed the device to the Ensign and gestured to the large red chair near the entry as she drifted to her desk to seat herself. "Though your record is impressive, you are far from seasoned and as such you are not qualified to fill the position of Assistant Chief on any vessel within this fleet. The experience required for such postings may be gained during this mission, and I can help you to achieve that goal, but you have not reached it yet Ensign. I have informed Captain Brott and his Chief of Security, Lieutenant Commander Locke, of my decision to keep you aboard the Arabella." Sevryll folded her hands before her, seemingly oblivious of Shelby's concerned expression. The Vulcan took a slight breath then pause briefly before continuing, "I find it curious that you would bypass your captain and commanding officer to apply. Special discretion was taken to select you for the position you fill now. I am most displeased by your covert attempt to leave this crew."

If Shelby had not been able to stand there and remain unemotional, for the moment, over this situation she may have been hitting her head with her hand and calling herself stupid. In her haste to escape the issues she felt existed between she and D'Callan, Shelby had failed to follow a proper path and now any chance of leaving was toast. Taking a moment to measure her response she thought it through and then offered it. "Captain, I apologize for not following the chain of command. You are correct. My approach on this was inappropriate and ill-timed." Shifting her eyes to the Vulcan, Daelen continued. "I request that you please reconsider. I understand that you wanted me on this ship...I'm sorry there is no excuse for this, Sir."

Sevryll ignored the use of 'sir', which she vigorously discouraged amongst her crew, and allowed the silence to expand between them before replying. "Sit. You are in no position to request special dispensation, Ensign." The captain leaned forward slightly as the ensign lowered herself into the crimson chair. Even though she had always suppressed her own, Sevryll could read the emotions of others through their tone, body language and facial expressions; her bonding with Aeric James had seen to that. Daelen was abashed...and by the sound of her plea and the course of her previous actions... more than a little desperate.

"I think that in light of recent changes, this is the best course of action for my career and it is in the best interest of the ship."

"This mission, Ensign Daelen, is of higher importance to Starfleet than our careers, this ship or the Seventh Fleet. If you feel you cannot carry out your duty here... it would then be my duty to have you transported back to Federation Space. There you will no doubt find a less demanding posting, where promotion is easily gained."

This was difficult, the words were there but nothing came out. Shelby glanced downwards and tried to think of a way around being blunt but she found none. "I am not sure how best to say this." lifting her gaze she tried again. "What has occurred has taken me off guard in more than one way and in the end I know I have to decide what to do this just seemed to be the best answer to the situation. Because this will remove it."

"It?" Sevryll's brow arched with the utterance of the word.

"May - may I speak off the record to you Captain?" The visible tension that was building in Shelby was obvious.

The Vulcan inclined her head slightly, giving her permission.


"Lieutenant Commander D'Callan and I, as you know, have worked together before. I think in the past there was a measure of attraction between us...which has been building since I've been assigned here. I don't know if he feels the same; he might for all I know...but there are things to consider....he is my commanding officer....Taking that into consideration I feel it is a liability. That is why I am asking to leave the ship."

Sevryll considered her over steepled fingers for a long moment.  "A liability... " She paused once more before continuing. "I know Mr. D'Callan to be exceedingly competent officer. I doubt any disinterest on his part would prevent him from performing his duty." She studied the Ensign's face, the young woman wasn't being completely honest. "You do not believe him to be apathetic towards you."

"I would not presume to speak for J— the Commander..." pursing her lips, she stared at the Captain evenly.  

"Do you believe my relationship with the first officer makes me a encumbrance to the Arabella, Ensign?" She inquired in an even tone.

"Of course not..." Shelby only gave her head a slight shake from side to side. "I can't see myself seeking an answer from him on this though, Captain. I am not a Vulcan, I am half Romulan as you know, that makes this; with all due respect slightly different." Her eyes dropped and she seemed to pull her thoughts together. "He is a good man, I respect him, we don't always agree but we do work well together....I care for him." There she had said it. She breathed out as if it had been almost a relief to say aloud. "If I attempted to approach the matter with him and he did not reciprocate it would place both of us in a ....difficult position....especially with him being my immediate supervisor. It is a path I do not believe would be advisable to be on."  

"I see... Due to a theoretical 'difficult position' that your erratic Romulan feelings, and Mr. D'Callan's conjectural failure to reciprocate those feelings, would foster... it is your supposition that under those speculative circumstances, you could no longer perform your duties aboard this ship. " The Vulcan lifted a PADD from her desk and scanned its contents. "There are two Ferengi trade ships docked at the station. I will notify Starfleet Command of your discharge from the Seventh Fleet and will arrange for your transport back to Federation Space aboard one of the trade ships." She carefully returned the PADD back to the desk and rose from her chair. "If there is nothing more Ensign..."

Hearing this Shelby was reminded of being gut kicked, she gazed at the Vulcan, "I believe that we agreed this was off the record? Booting me off the Seventh Fleet is a bit much don't you think?"

Though Sevryll's expression remained stoic, her eyes were quite expressive and they flashed a dangerous look that reminded the Ensign she was still speaking to her captain. "This conversation involved your inability to work with my Chief Of Security. The reasons for that inability are off the record, Ensign. Did you not request a transfer? Your options are to remain on Arabella and deal with your conundrum or transfer from this fleet. Which will it be? I require a decision now."

"I never -- " About to retort, Daelen stopped herself, she didn't feel like she had said that she 'couldn't' work with the Chief. What she had been trying to impress was the impracticality of following such a course of action. As the impact of her words sank in Shelby gave an inward sign, despite this conversations path, she knew that the conflict in her about the man still existed. The edges of her thoughts told her she had disappointed and annoyed the Captain. Maybe she had told Sevryll about this problem, not just because she was the Captain, because she could have made any variety of reasons for wanting to leave but instead she finally said it to the Vulcan 'because' she was in a situation such as this.

Instead the response which had been received was more like being knocked out a tree with a hammer. Right or wrong Shelby realized she had hoped for some sort revelation on what to do. There was none, except inside her and it was becoming apparent that she would have to chose. "I would like to request some time to think this through a bit more." Her gaze lifted again to the woman and she stared at her evenly. "You have my answer on your desk before the celebration begins; if you see fit to allow me this time."

"I see fit... you are dismissed." Captain Sevryll could not always be a close personal friend or a parent to her crew. And until her five-year-old children reached adolescence, she would never offer sage advice with regards to romance to anyone other than her own twelve year old daughter. In fact, the pragmatic woman expected her officers to be mature enough to deal with issues such as these on their own.

Apart from being a Vulcan, Captain Sevryll was also a war veteran; a military-minded, nonsense commander, responsible for the lives of the Seventh Fleet and the success of the mission it was tasked with. True...Sevryll's manner was very frank, but not because she disliked Ensign Daelen. Her approach was adopted to direct the young woman, without mothering her, to speak with D'Callan rather than flee any projected complications. Sevryll was well aware that Shelby wanted to remain apart of the mission and knew the option of leaving the Seventh Fleet would be rejected by the young officer.  As she noted the entrance of Ensign Daelen at the gala with Chief D'Callan, she knew Joseph's 'conjectural failure' to reciprocate Shelby's feelings, was indeed... conjecture.

Joint post by Shelby and Bryancd

Nalah was once again back to pacing relentlessly in her cell. The conflicting emotions tearing her up on the inside. Why? Why did he do this? Did he love me? Why did Shelby tell her? Her head was spinning and she couldn't focus. If this were true, her father was a great man who loved his people and his daughter and sacrificed himself to protect them all. She thought of him, alone on the Federation starship Enterprise, discovering the truth behind his betrayal. She thought of the despair he must have felt. He died with honor, but he died alone. The tears began to well back up in her eye's but she fought them back. A cold sense of purpose rose up into her. Her face flushed with rage and a single thought. Someone knew on this ship and she suspected she knew exactly who....Navash. She had to.....She looked around. She had to get out of this room. She walked over to the food replicator and opened a small panel. Pulling free a simple isolinear chip, she sabotaged the device and closed the panel.

Ensign Burne stood by the door, he waited and waited, the time was dragging. Most of the rest of his security detail was going to be taking shore leave on the Star Base and he was anxious to join them. A whole Star Base full of Romulans and he was stuck guarding one Romulan woman.

Nalah walked over to the door and knocked loudly. "Hello!" she called.

Ensign Burne sighed. "What is it?" he said, trying to not sound annoyed.

"The food replicator has malfunctioned. May I go to the mess to have a meal?" she said and held her breath. She needed to do this...quietly. Subterfuge would replace raw violence.

Rolling his eyes, Scott knew that some systems on the ship were acting funny, still he knew he had his orders. "I will have a meal brought to you." Tapping his combadge he called the mess and arranged for something to be transported into the room.

Nalah stared at the recently arrived tray with a covered plate. It smelled quit good, but she wasn't hungry and needed to get out. "Look, would it be so hard to just take me to the mess hall so that I could have a little company?" she asked through the closed door.

After some consideration, Burne checked his padd. There were no restrictions that said that the woman 'had' to stay in her quarters. She just had to remain with security at all times. "All right," pressing the door control he found the woman standing there waiting. "Let's go." gesturing towards the lift down the hallway the man walked behind her. Nalah walked behind the hulking man, her eyes darting around in an effort to commit to memory the layout of the ship. She would need to know all she could if she planned on evading capture once free of the security officer. After a brief ride in the turbo lift, as they neared the crew mess hall, a group of Starfleet officers exiting waved towards Burne.

"Hey! Burne! Where have you been? We waited for you!" one of the said. Burne stopped and looked at Nalah.

"Go ahead in, I'll be right there," he said and turned towards his friends. "Babysitting," he said, just loud enough for Nalah to hear as she entered the mess hall. Turning back to the Romulan woman he watched her walk over to the replicators. Once she was at a nearby table he stood there for a time but his buddies kept talking to him. Finally when he noted that Nalah was very wrapped up in her food he moved over to his buddies and began talking to them.

As soon as the mess hall door's closed, Nalah put her fork down and slowly stood up. With all of the Romulan's on board the ship, no one paid her any notice. She stood and moved back towards the door. It swooshed open as a pair of officers entered and Nalah could see Ensign Burne still speaking with his friends, his back to the door and his compatriots laughing at his story. A woman intently reading a pad walked by Nalah towards the closing door and Nalah dropped in behind her. As they entered the corridor, the woman turned left towards Burne and Nalah quickly turned left and walked quickly down the hallway. She was unsure how much time she would have, but it would have to be enough.

Joint Post by Meds, Feathers and Jen

Joseph walked straight towards the food tables giving a nod to Galdar and Ryla as he joined them near the desserts.

"Lt. Galdar, Doctor. How are you both?", he started. "It all seems to be going well so far."

Galdar and Ryla exchanged glances. The presence of the Youngs had soured things a little but not enough to ruin the day.

"It's actually been a little more...interesting than I'd expected," the Ferengi replied, "and the catering is certainly top notch." He raised his glass of beetle juice and took another large sip.

"Have you seen K'Tan anywhere?", the human enquired.

Before Galdar could open his mouth, Ryla spoke up quickly, almost defensively. "No why should I have? I mean not since the other day."

From the corner of his eye, Joseph watched Galdar tilt his head to one side as the Trill spoke. The expression on his face was unreadable but it looked as if he was listening to something other than the words the doctor was actually saying.

"Right, no worries I'll leave you two to your sweet plates" turning to leave, the security chief stopped as if struck by a sudden thought. "Oh, there's a couple of officers, a big fella and a woman standing over there. They seem quite intrested in you. The one keeps doing something with his hair. See you both later."

"Thanks for the tip off, sir", Galdar grinned at the Australian, "but we've got a handle on it."

Scanning the room, ever being watchful and yet still seeking K'Tan in the crowds, the commander's eyes reached the drinks table. There Joseph found himself staring at a small knot of women. Standing in the centre was Shelby. They locked eyes for a moment and then Joseph broke the gaze to get a beer.

Joint post by Jen and Feathers

Ryla took a bite of what looked like a square green cookie, with some sort of blue and yellow cream swirled amidst the brittle composition. As soon as the morsel entered her mouth, the concoction seared her tongue. To her credit, she fought the desire to spit the contents into her hand and swallowed it heavily. "Gauuaahh... Oh...oh my...that was..." She choked as she looked for a place to leave the remainder.

Galdar watched her with mild curiosity. "Awful?" He asked. Ryla nodded in response, still looking for a place to deposit the dessert. "Here," chuckling, he raised his plate, "give it to me..." The Trill almost tossed it from her hand then brushed her fingers together to remove any trace of crumbs. As she did, her eye was drawn to two more familiar, unhappy faces. Senator Nevash and the merry woman who had broken the doctor's wrist on one occasion and attempted to strangle the life of her on another, glared at her from across the room. Before Ryla could comment, a band began to play and Galdar quickly stashed his dish of sweets and took Ryla's hand to haul her away. "Lets dance!"

"Aha..." the Trill laughed, "I don't know how to dance to this music. It doesn't seem to have a recognizable beat."
 
"Well, improvise! How hard can it be?" Galdar pulled her to the edge of the floor and together they watched the brave souls who had dared to be the first to join the dance. Mainly Romulan, all of the species represented were native to the empire and seemed to have an innate understanding of the hidden beat and rhythm constructed into the music. As they watched, the Starfleet officers began to discern it too, finding the complexities masked beneath some of the arrhythmic measures overlaid on top of the arrangement.
 
Galdar looked at his partner, sensing the moment when the doctor locked onto the well hidden beat and together the two moved out into the open area. A murmur of conversation (and not a little surprise) rippled round the Romulan contingent in the room as the crowd took note of the first white uniforms to attempt to conquer the dance, dying down as the two moved into the flow with little visible effort.
 
"This is harder than it looks." Galdar muttered through gritted teeth as he avoided Ryla's toes for the seventh time. "The movement is clever but the co-ordination is murder to maintain. It's about as easy as flying through an asteroid field that's being sucked into the gravity well of a binary black hole!"
 
"The 'Chicken Dance' is less awkward looking... Ahg," groaned Ryla as she attempted to follow Galdar.

"As long as we don't have to keep it up all night!"
 
As if on cue, the music changed and a familiar tune began to drift across the Imperial Courtyard. A wicked, toothy, Ferengi grin spread across Galdar's face and as more Federation species moved to the dance floor, he looked into his partner's glinting eyes. "Remember how we used to dance this at the academy?" he asked with an almost evil laugh. "I think I'm still up to it...and as Danny and Kate are here, I'd love to give them a replay just to see if the lieutenant commander would dare to throw fruit again!"
 
"I doubt Danny would risk our retribution a third time." Ryla laughed. "I'm game if you are."
 
"I just hope you haven't put on too much weight!" Laughing aloud at the CMO's outraged expression, the lieutenant pulled her into the opening motions of the dance they'd learned so long ago and, together, they lost themselves in the familiar moves as the music rose and fell around them.
 
As it had at the academy, their performance garnered some attention and Galdar grinned as he spun his taller partner with a still practiced hand. From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of his captain and first officer regarding them from across the room; Aeric James, with a grin, saluted then with a raised glass while his wife regarded them neutrally, one elegant eyebrow raised in an almost quizzical expression.
 
As the music reached its crescendo, the Ferengi sprang over the Trill and turned to take her for the final dip. They held the pose for what seemed like an age, waiting for the strike of ripened fruit but when nothing was thrown, they recovered their feet, acknowledging the guests who toasted their efforts and as the music transitioned into another Romulan piece, retired to a quiet corner of the room.

Coming to halt beside an ornate flowering shrub of some sort, Galdar stopped to recover himself. "That was...tiring. Remind me to work out more often.", he muttered between labored breaths, hands on his knees and head hanging from his shoulders.
 
Not quiet as winded, Ryla put an arm around her Ferengi friend and laughed, "I've been trying to get you to join me in the Sock Hop sim...but you've been finding time for any and all programs but mine. I'm starting to think you're avoiding me," she teased.

"Well, that was MOST interesting to watch", a strange but familiar voice observed sarcastically. "Is this how Staaarfleeet 'officers' are taught to handle themselves at these functions?"

The Ferengi's head snapped up at the comment, a look of utter and complete shock immobilising his features as his eyes sought out the face of the individual who'd addressed him and his hand sought Ryla's forearm to steady himself.

"Hello Galdar." A familiar orange figure stood in front of him, an almost visible aura of disapproval radiating from every pore.

"Hello father."

Joint post by KC and Just X

Thin slivers of starlight danced over half naked romulan flesh as Oryn slipped free of the weighty covers and the warmth within. The soft scents of flowers and wilderness from the homeworld, now extinct, still wafted in the air from candles extinguished hours ago. The comforting aromas were muted by the sweet smell of his companion's hair that still lingered in his nose, a scent that had come to mean more than the imitations from his lost world. Large and ornate windows held the image of a clear night sky of Romulus as seen from the imperial palace. It was an illusion that could be replaced with the sky of Phaestus with a simple command, but Oryn had been having troubles letting go of that illusion. He could not help but wonder what thoughts that his parents had dreamed under those very stars.

Dark black pants made of romulan silk covered his lower half as he reached for a robe of the same material that would cover his now bare chest. Oryn slipped the loose fitting robe over his shoulder and glanced longingly back to his sleeping guest. Were it his choice, he would have remained in the opulent bed and luxuriated in the heat and the closeness of his companion, but duty conspired to make his choices very limited as of late. The weight of an empire rested heavily and squarely on his shoulders. An empty bottle of Terran wine lay on it's side on the night stand next to empty crystal glasses created on one of the many romulan protectorates. It was a reminder of the conversation and private celebration from only a few hours ago.

Despite the best efforts of the engineers, he could feel the pulse and hum of the station lightly rumble through the soles of his feet. The cool stone was a perfect contrast to the heat of the bed. Outside of the quite of his chambers, the celebration raged on and gave his people a much needed release. A softly flashing jade light from the communications terminal confirmed that messages awaited him. Without looking, he knew that those messages would measure in the dozens and part of him hesitated on the rush to deal with the paperwork of his position.

Standing at the window, Oryn's heightened sense of hearing alerted him to a change in the rhythmic pattern his companion's breathing. Moments later, Cyra shift in the bed as she noticed the void created by his absence. The delicate strap of a ruby colored gown highlighted the hue of her jade tinted skin where the cover didn't shield her. He couldn't help himself from just watching her sleep and breath. Their relationship had always been complicated and recent days only exacerbated that fact. Both had come a long way from the clubs and bars of Earth that gave them their first meetings. It was their shared zest for life and rejection of their heritages that gave them a common ground. Years later, that common ground had evolved into a very intense friendship.

Slowly, almost reluctantly, Cyra lifted herself up from the comforts of her pillow and looked up at the Romulan through squinted, tired eyes. "You moved," she said.

"Darlin', I didn't mean to wake you," he offered apologetically and returned to sit on the bed beside her. "That was the best I've slept in a long time. I know it's selfish to want you to stay, but I'm actually quite comfortable with that."

Quietly, he placed his hand on her still covered thigh and met her eyes with his, "You have quarters here and a majority interest in one of the main bars. I know you've made a life on that ship of yours, but I don't want you to leave. Since I found out who I was, the time we've spent together is the only time I've felt happy or didn't feel lonely. I don't want you to think I'm bribing you, but I can if it helps. Once the gala is over, I'm pretty sure that your ship will return to their mission and I don't think that holo-presence communication is going to be enough."

Before Cyra could reply, the chime of the communications system pierced the silence. A glance to the terminal revealed it to be a live communication from the Federation Executive Offices. Oryn grumbled softly as he rose. "I need to get that, but we should finish our talk afterwards."

The corridors of the Arabella were alive with activity as crew and Romulan refugees moved back and forth from the Starbase. She came around a corner near the docking connecting tunnel and ran squarely into a group of refugees making their way towards the exit door. She had no difficulty joining them, her head bowed and eye's averted as not to be seen by any of the security personal at the hatch. She held her breath as she cleared the threshold and entered the connecting tunnel. The now familiar scents of the Arabella began to mingle with air from the Starbase, which somehow reminded her of home.

The station was massive and she could easily blend into the local population but she had no doubt that once she was discovered to be missing, security will be looking for her. Shelby would be looking for her. She felt a pang of guilt for putting her new friend into such a difficult position and she harbored no illusions that she would be found. But she had to accomplish a task first. She felt the old and familiar feelings of rage return to her heart like a warm blanket.She must find Navash.

JP by Crystal, Bryan & Meds

Social gatherings such as this weren't a strong point for Shelby as she picked up a drink of something purple in a short glass and nearly gagged on it. It reminded her of the dry dust that one finds on a windy road in the desert. Setting it aside on a passing waiters tray she walked the perimeter, glancing on occasion Joe's way. Only to find him in deep conversations or walking the room himself.

The urge to meet up with him by 'accident' was strong but the trappings of it kept her away. After some time at trying to mingle herself the young ensign relegated herself to a marvelously panoramic window view of the Arabella where she simply stood by and admired the beauty and grandeur of the ship; all by herself.

In the reflection of the glass, she saw a man movie towards her, a large pint glass in his hand, for a moment she thought it was D'Callan. She turned and saw the broad smile of Lt. Dunn, looking a bit awkward in his dress uniform. "A penny for your thoughts," he said with a grin.

Pivoting slightly, Shelby gave the man a smile and then shifted her attentions back to the breathtaking view before her. "Lieutenant," she said glancing over at him as he moved in beside her. "sure why not."

The pair talked for a bit exchanging thoughts on the fact that she wasn't going to be leaving the ship as well as talking about doing some holo-suite programs together after things settled down. They were about to hit the banquet table when Shelby's comm-badge went off.

"Burne to Daelen."

Reaching up and excusing herself, Shelby tapped the badge and said quietly, "Daelen. Give me a moment."

Shifting her gray eyes around the room, Shelby said a final good-bye to Dunn for the time being with a promise to return. As she walked though, she was getting a bad feeling about this call, it couldn't be good. There was a distinct sense that something was off. Easing her way towards the door, Daelen eventually navigated the room and the people then she slipped out the door with one final look.

As she did so, she caught sight of Joe, he looked happy, currently he was laughing at some joke which a clear-brained alien was obviously telling him. This made her smile a bit as she walked into the corridor and away from the party.

Her stride was long as she hurried towards the lift, tapping her comm-badge as she moved. "Daelen to Burne. What's going on?"

"I'd rather not say Ensign I just need your assistance. I'm sorry I disturbed you at the ceremony." Reaching the lift Shelby turned away from the doors as she pressed the button and turned to ensure she wasn't being followed.

"I'm on my way." Rolling a little on her heels as she waited. "Bloody slow thing..." she said, then an ironic chuckle escaped her; D'Callan was rubbing off on her. Her amusement was brief and practically melted from her expression as the doors parted with an electronic hum to reveal the Cardassian:

Rayon.

Joint post by Crystal and Meds
Unreadable in her emotions Shelby stepped past the alien with a ever so brief acknowledgement, then to her displeasure she discovered a change of direction in the Cardassian's path. Evidently he had decided to remain in the lift with her.

Rather than address this, she placed her hands behind her back, then she pressed against the wall accompanying this with a facade of stoic silence which curtained everything but her call for the level which would allow her to reboard the Arabella.

"Going somewhere nice?"He asked smoothly. When she didn't respond he tried again. "Off to see more of your people and their false smiles and even worse....false lives?"
 
Shelby ignored him but as she stood there, she became aware of his movements; he seemed determined to get much closer to her than she felt comfortable with.
 
He continued his baiting. "...or possibly you are off to see that strapping human. What's his name...D something...or another..." Each word he spoke was dripping with a detectable sarcasm.
 
This completely encouraged Shelby's imagination to wander; the thought of decking the alien then stuffing his unconscious form into a remote storage access room for the interim came to mind. Her attire, the white dress uniform, fought against the temptation.
 
Leaning in even more to the Half Romulan, Rayon smirked and spoke conspiratorially. "I've seen how he looks at you, all doe eyed and pathetic."
 
Shelby took a head-clearing breath and turned slightly to stare at him "If you don't mind, Sir, I am busy"
 
Taking a moment to let things settle in the lift as it moved, he peered around her shoulder lecherously and this time he edged in quite clearly and deliberately in order to invade her personal space. Then he breathed out and into her ear "I could help you get rid of all that tension..."
 
Closing her eyes so very slowly, Shelby pivoted and slipped her hands onto the cardassians shoulders and she gave him a longing gaze. "Really? You think so?" Taking a step which brought her closer to him she parted her lips seductively and scanned the alien up and down.  Anyone who knew Daelen would have known to watch out as that dangerous glimmer sparkled in her eyes.

Rayon though didn't know her that well, in fact he blindly returned her words with an expectant smirk.

Seconds  before contact was made between them the security officer grabbed his shoulders tightly then before he could react she drew her knee straight up and with such a force she felt the vibration throughout the lift as it contacted with him.
 
In slow motion, the Cardassian slid down her body, crippled with pain, Rayon choked back the tears while Shelby raised a eyebrow in an almost Vulcan stance.

The lift slowed and the doors parted, "I hope it was as good for you." With a polite smile Daelen exited and headed for security.