compile summary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.27 (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Meeting Room, Apha 1, 17:45) (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Meeting Room, FO Commander Eva Straton,17:45.5) (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Meeting Room, FO Commander Eva Straton,17:46) (USS Hades, Ten Forward, aCTAC/CSEC- Lieutenant Baylon Trinin, 1746.5) (Tch'Kair'n orbit - Orbital station - Meeting Room - ASEC Ensign (jg) Robert Walsh, 17:49) (USS Hades, Ten Forward, aCEO Lieutenant Darla Wright- , 1750) (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Meeting Room, Waagoshin Commander Alpha 1, 17:51) (USS Hades, Ten Forward, CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere- , 1755) (USS Hades, Ten Forward, Engineer Arysha Tethlin , 1756) (USS Hades, Ten Forward, aCEO Lieutenant Darla Wright- , 1757) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Nilgik Slave- Xaxora- 1757.5) (USS Hades- 10 Forward -War band Leader- Sixth Alpha- Sanra- 1759.5) (USS Hades- Bridge- Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes - 1801) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Nilgik Slave- Vazkak - 1802) (Shared Memory- Grand Colony Master Zo Stardate 2206.07.26) (Shared Memory- Grand Colony Master Bazo Stardate 2208.03.12) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Nilgik Slave- Vazkak - 1802.1) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - ATAC Ensign(jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1802.5) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - ACEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam - 18:03) (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Meeting Room, FO Commander Eva Straton, 18:03.5) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Nilgik Slave- Xaxora- 1805) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Nilgik Slave- Vazkak - 1806) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - ATAC Ensign(jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 18:09) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Waagoshin Escort- Knars- 1815) (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital Station, Science Sections , ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie, 18:17 hours.) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Science Sections - Waagoshin Escort- Knars- 1819) (Tch'Kair orbit, Orbital station, Medical deck, Alpha 10, Krega, 1846) (Tch'Kair orbit, Orbital station, Medical Deck, COUNS Ensign Anamitra Ripley, 1847) (Tch'Kair orbit, Orbital station, Medical Deck, ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 1848) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ begin compile (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Meeting Room, Apha 1, 17:45) "Chatter," The alien commander took another sip of the Kalya "Actually, a lot of it. One of our deep space probes picked up a lot of subspace chatter in this area of space. This indicated that their must be an advanced space faring civilization in this sector of space. Our ship was sent to make contact in hope of opening diplomatic relations. The bulk of the subspace chatter was centered around this planet so it made sense for us to head directly here in order to make contact. Meeting with you, as the commander of this sector, is only logical if we wish to open diplomatic and potentially trade relations. I think our two civilizations would have a lot to offer one another. Take Kalya, for instance, it is similar to a drink from the Federation called Andorian Whiskey. I'd think you'd like it, or perhaps you'd like a barrel of another drink referred to as Blood Wine?" Alpha 1 watched her closley for an instant before taking an obvious noseful of the air of the chamber, his eyes narrowed and he glared at her then spoke. "Please do not insult my intelligence commander. The Graelridge scanned your vessel during the transit to this station and your ship is heavily armed and armored, a peaceful race would not bring a ship that is outfitted for war on a purely diplomatic or trade mission yet you speak to me of whiskey and bloodwine." He snorted derisively. "I can only surmise that you came to this sector with the intent to spy or conquer." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Meeting Room, FO Commander Eva Straton,17:45.5) ::Commander Straton. Mac Liam, McKenzie, myself and Mr. Adams are surveying the waste reclamations facilities. We have been given the opportunity by our escort to converse directly with the species that work here.:: Ensign T'Vof replied. ::Learn everything you can, but discreetly,:: Eva replied. ::There's definitely a master/slave relationship and a pack mentality. I believe the Waagoshin have initiated a classic divide and conquer technique.:: T'Vof's continued. ::Understood, and I concur. Remain alert, the Waagoshin are definitely up to something I can fell it in the emotional state of their Alpha 1,:: Eva replied. ::I am going to attempt to speak to the workers in their own languages, or at least get a sample of their words for the Universal Translator. I'm calling myself a diplomatic and linguistics specialist -hopefully that will muddle my 'scent' enough to slip past.:: ::Learn what you can, discreetly. We need to know everything we can about the Waagoshin and their tactics. I will update Lt. Trinin on the Hades. ::Yes, Ma'am.:: With her conversation with Ensign T'Vof finished, Eva closed down that connection and reached out further past the station and across space to the USS Hades and the mind of Lt. Trinin. :: Lt. Trinin,:: Eva sent across the telepathic connection, ::The Waagoshin have instituted what I believe to be a classic divide and conquer strategy. Ensign's T'Vof, Mac Liam, and McKenzie are being given a tour of the stations waste reclamations facilities while Ensign's Ripley and Parker, along with their security escorts, are being taken on a tour of the stations medical facilities. Myself and Ensign Walsh remain in the Waagoshin meeting room with Alpha 1 and 5 armed guards. Alpha 1 is almost definitely up to something. I want you to maintain a transporter lock on every member of the Away Team, and beam us back at the first sign of trouble. The guards emotional state is highly agitated. They are eager and anticipating something. Remain on your guard. We need to try and force them to put their plans in motion before they are ready. My first attempt failed. Ensign T'Vof reports that the Waagoshin have a definite master\slave relationship with the other races on board the station here. Lets not give them any more slaves, shall we.:: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Meeting Room, FO Commander Eva Straton,17:46) "Please do not insult my intelligence commander. The Graelridge scanned your vessel during the transit to this station and your ship is heavily armed and armored, a peaceful race would not bring a ship that is outfitted for war on a purely diplomatic or trade mission yet you speak tome of whiskey and bloodwine." Alpha 1 snorted derisively. "I can only surmise that you came to this sector with the intent to spy or conquer." Eva snorted in amusement. "You know as well as I do that space is no place for the timid. We had no way of knowing if you and your people would be peaceful or not. We may be peaceful but we are not fools. If our intention was to conquer then the Graelridge would already be destroyed and it would not be one ship you would have to worry about but an entire fleet. If we were here to spy, the best method would be covert observation, not open contact." She shook her head. "No, we did not come here to conquer or to spy. We *will* defend ourselves though if attacked, but we will not draw first blood. Woe to the being foolish enough to do such a thing, for once blood is drawn, we will fight to the death." She stared Alpha 1 dead in the eye as she spoke letting him know that she did not fear him in the slightest. "Do you doubt my words?" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ten Forward, aCTAC/CSEC- Lieutenant Baylon Trinin, 1746.5) To say that the Waagoshin were being deceptive and conniving was an understatement. The emotions were rolling from them like heat rolled from a burning building. Still, being deceptive wasn't really a crime and Baylon trusted Captain Sash to know how he should best handle the situation. The Betazoid stepped away from the table when the Waagoshin war band leader made the offer of a native Waagoshin drink to the senior officers. Not only did Baylon not wish to partake of any friendly imbibing with the Waagoshin, but he also wanted to remain clear headed. Of course Doctor Trommashere would scan the liquid and if it was found to be harmless, then the captain and other officers could do as they pleased. But Baylon knew that the small amount of alcohol in those glasses was very unlikely to hinder anyone's ability to react should something go wrong. So in retrospect, the reason he had stepped away was truthfully because he did not want to drink with the Waagoshin. He felt the familiar presence of Commander Straton tickling the back of his mind and he opened himself to her thoughts. :: Lt. Trinin,:: Eva sent across the telepathic connection, ::The Waagoshin have instituted what I believe to be a classic divide and conquer strategy. Ensign's T'Vof, Mac Liam, and McKenzie are being given a tour of the stations waste reclamations facilities while Ensign's Ripley and Parker, along with their security escorts, are being taken on a tour of the stations medical facilities. Myself and Ensign Walsh remain in the Waagoshin meeting room with Alpha 1 and 5 armed guards. Alpha 1 is almost definitely up to something. I want you to maintain a transporter lock on every member of the Away Team, and beam us back at the first sign of trouble. The guards emotional state is highly agitated. They are eager and anticipating something. Remain on your guard. We need to try and force them to put their plans in motion before they are ready. My first attempt failed. Ensign T'Vof reports that the Waagoshin have a definite master\slave relationship with the other races on board the station here. Lets not give them any more slaves, shall we?:: ::Agreed Commander:: Baylon thought back to her, ::We have moved the meeting to Ten Forward and the Waagoshin are sharing some native drink called Kayla with the Captain and some of the senior officers. They also seem a bit anxious for something, but they're currently surrounded by a large number of plain clothes security personnel. Lieutenant Haynes is on the Bridge and he is actively monitoring the away team.:: Baylon turned to look around the room again and allowed his eyes to rest on one of the Waagoshin. ::I doubt that they'll be much of a threat here Commander, but we're ready if I'm proven wrong. We'll grab you as soon as possible if something bad happens.:: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair'n orbit - Orbital station - Meeting Room - ASEC Ensign (jg) Robert Walsh, 17:49) Robert listened keenly to the exchange that was taking place, trying to take in as much of the room as he possibly could. He examined the room carefully, realizing that the Waagoshin were not much of interior decorators. There was very little adorning the walls. Obviously, this race valued ability over aesthetic. He glanced around the room, checking for anything out of the ordinary. He noticed that there were two vents about a foot above his head. He casually stretched his arms out, trying not to draw attention to himself. Odd, neither vent seemed to be taking air out of the room, they were both blowing into the room. The conversation between Straton and Alpha 1 had begun to become rather heated. Robert wasn't telepathic, but he tried to force every thought but one out of his mind: ~FO Straton, these vents are blowing into the room! They might be setting up something!~ He hoped she could hear ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ten Forward, aCEO Lieutenant Darla Wright- , 1750) Darla had accompanied the rest of the Diplomatic team to Ten Forward. Thus far she hadn't said much of anything. It was probably for the best since the captain and the Waagoshin Alpha seemed to be testing the limits of their tenuous relationship. ~Just like a typical male.~ She thought, ~Always trying to figure out who has the biggest...~ She didn't complete her thought however, as Sanra produced a silver flask from his uniform. He then went on to explain that the liquid was a traditional drink shared when conducting negotiations. That made Darla sit up and take notice. She had thought that they were simply exchanging officers in an attempt to better understand each other. Now she wasn't so sure what their meeting was about. Of course, the confusion could be leant to a possible translation error in translation matrix of the universal translator. It wasn't commonplace to have such an error, but it wasn't unheard of either. it was possible that the Waagoshin did not have but a single word for a meeting, very much different from the dozens used by the Federation. His explanation of the drinks, religious connotations seemed reasonable. The Waagoshin religion, as it was, would certainly not be the first that abstained from replicating certain spiritual elements. The Betazeds, for example held certain very ancient relics very valued, but they refused to restore them or use replicated versions of the same relic to perform their religious ceremonies. There seemed to be a strict hierarchy that had to be adhered to in these events. The indication would be that the leader of each party would drink before their counterparts across the table. It also seemed that the Waagoshin drank before any others that they may be dealing with. Whether that was a result of some sort of status position or to show that the drink was perfectly safe to consume was a matter of some question. The liquid in the drink sat in front of the federation delegation for a few moments, Darla wondering whether sash would drink it, or if Doctor Trommashere would scan it. When a few moments passed and neither officer moved, Darla attempted to smooth things over somewhat in an attempt to be as diplomatic as possible. "Sanra, could I ask a question?" she asked. The Waagoshin officer looked at her and with a facial expression that was almost resembling a smile, replied, "Of course you may ask ANOTHER question." he responded. A couple of short yips of what Darla assumed was laughter erupted from a couple of the other Waagoshin officers. Darla could almost feel the once tangible tension fade lessen between the two groups. "We mean no offense, but your people and our have very different physiologies. Would it offend you if we scanned this liquid to be certain that it is safe for our consumption. There is no reason for us to suspect treachery, but it would be bad if something so simple as consuming something not known to be safe would cause us to go to war. Wouldn't you agree?" Sanra turned his brilliant light lavender eyes to regard her. There was a slight narrowing of the eyes and a slightly upturned lip, revealing a single canine. "Are you saying you do not trust us?" he asked with a tint of anger in his voice. "Not at all," Darla replied, although she was thinking, ~You hit that one right on the nose...~ "It's just that we have encountered species that although they looked very similar to us in many ways, could not metabolize some of the same foods that we commonly eat. I simply see no reason for us to take a chance of a misunderstanding." ~That and I really don't trust you as far as I can throw you.~ She added mentally. Sanra's lip uncurled and his face took on a more relaxed look. "Fine," he barked, "I understand. You may scan this drink. You will find that it is harmless to consume." "At least in small quantities." one of his men added, which elicited another round of short yips of laughter. Sanra, curled his lip again and turned back at the Waagoshin that had made the additional comment. He growled, a deep throated feral growl. He also flattened his ears against his skull. The lower ranking Waagoshin, averted his eyes and seemed to slump slightly in his chair. Then Sanra turned back to the federation officers. "It can cause a loss of inhibitions when consumed in large quantities." Sanra explained. "It is widely consumed among my people, it is made from the pollen of a once rare flower. To it are added certain minerals to add in the effectiveness of the liquid and to add additional sensations on the tongue. There are some Waagoshin who consider it a past time to consume a great deal of Kayla daily." Darla smiled, careful to keep her lips closed so as not to show her teeth. "I completely understand. We have something similar called Romulan Ale. For a really long time it was illegal because of those very same reasons. Now, it is a rare commodity, that is consumed whenever it can be acquired among allies and friends. I happen to have a bottle on hold with the bartender here. I would be honored to share it with you and your fellows." Sanra seemed to consider the offer carefully, as if calculating possible outcomes to any given set of answers. Finally, he seemed to make up his mind and answered, "That would be acceptable." Darla, looked to Doctor Trommashere. "Angeni, if you would be so kind as to make certain that this Kayla is not going to be dangerous for us to consume, I'll retrieve the Romulan ale from the bartender." (reply Angeni) As Angeni made her assessment, Darla waved down one of the servers and asked her to bring them her personal bottle of Romulan Ale that was being held for her. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Meeting Room, Waagoshin Commander Alpha 1, 17:51) The alien Commander snorted in amusement. "You know as well as I do that space is no place for the timid. We had no way of knowing if you and your people would be peaceful or not. We may be peaceful but we are not fools. If our intention was to conquer then the Graelridge would already be destroyed and it would not be one ship you would have to worry about but an entire fleet. If we were here to spy, the best method would be covert observation, not open contact." She shook her head. "No, we did not come here to conquer or to spy. We *will* defend ourselves though if attacked, but we will not draw first blood. Woe to the being foolish enough to do such a thing, for once blood is drawn, we will fight to the death. Do you doubt my words?" Alpha One had been the gracious host up to this point in his estimation regardless of intent but the aliens posturing was beginning to wear on him and he could hear the troops behind him beginning to get restless at her pointed challenge. It was time to assert his authority. The Kalya had been drunk and that tradition satisfied, now was the time to reply in kind. He returned the females challenging stare as the hackles about his neck rose and his ears flattened to his skull with a low growl rumbling deep in his chest. "I have been most patient Commander and you have aptly demonstrated that you have fangs in your mouth but that is not why we are here, if you wish to sit at a table of peace and discuss amicable terms then I suggest you drop the confrontational attitude and do so or I will revoke the terms demanded by the Kalya. As for your ship, do not overestimate its capabilities or underestimate mine." His eyes narrowed as the atmosphere in the room electrified and his blood sang. Under ordinary circumstances such a stance on the part of their leader would have provoked his underlings to attack and it was only because of their fanatical loyalty to him that they held themselves in check, that and the fact that the alien commander had drunk the Kalya before him. Growls and snarling however were very much in evidence, if the alien was not cowed she would surely show at least a more respectful posture and should he give the word they were ready to kill. This was not the sector commanders aim however, he intended to show both Eva and his troops that he was totally in control here and would not be submissive to an outsider and alien, if she expected a meeting of equals she was expected to be non-confrontational which was also demanded by the Kalya. Of course the intimacies of the Kalya and its connotations would not be obvious to one such as her but that had no bearing, she would learn or she would fail here no matter what she or Sash intended. It was not the policy of the Waagoshin to teach proper etiquette to outsiders, they would learn or die. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ten Forward, CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere- , 1755) Angeni had followed in step with the rest of the group on their way to Ten Forward. The whole situation made her hair stand on end. She watches the heads of the Waags quite intently. She wondered if they had the same ear twitches that the canis major species held on earth. As she entered Ten Forward, she kept a gentle smile under wraps. She noticed the bar seemed to be full of plain clothed security men and women. She had to give it to Sash, he certainly knew what to do to keep everyone safe.. As they were seated, she sat between Lieutennant Wright and Captain Sash. As the head Waag pulled out a flask, Angeni shoved a hand in her pocket grabbing her tricorder, but she didn't pull it out right away. She didn't want to make any sudden movements, or have the Waags believe she were pulling out a weapon. She listened to the explination, nodding her head slowly. She listened to Darla explain things, and as she excused herself, Angeni slowly withdrew her tricorder, and she scanned her glass as well as everyone elses at the table. She glanced down at the tricorder, nodded her own approval, then she handed the tricorder to Captain Sash for him to make his own judgement. "Satisfactory, Captain?" (Reply Sash) Angeni nodded, then she picked up her glass of Kayla. She admired the amber liquid for a moment, then she sat the glass down, unsure of what the protocol for who drank first. "What is the name of this rare flower if I may ask? The drink has a very....unique aroma to it..." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ten Forward, Engineer Arysha Tethlin , 1756) Arysha didn't normally head up to Ten Forward for a meal but she'd spent too many times alone and was near to desperate for someone who could understand her without scratching their head and needing her to repeat every other sign she displayed. She hoped to run into someone from engineering who, at least, occasionally crossed her path and might be comfortable enough chatting with her. So tonight she was watching the crowd from near a corner viewport, scanning the crowds for a familiar face. There was something up and she could sense it. She got the impression from this bunch that they were not all off duty as they appeared. They might have been a kaleidescope of colours but they felt almost uniform. Security always seemed to have a peculiar body language when they were on alert and this crowd felt like it was a security team on alert . ~Strange feeling, that. Why seem-like all security here?~ She scrunched her face up in an attempt to get rid of the sensation, but it only heightened. Arysha caught a couple of extra glances towards the doors of Ten Forward and turned her own gaze in that direction. She watched as the Captain came through the doors accompanied by Dog-people. ~No-no, dog not! Fox maybe.~Arysha continued to observe, adjusting her V.I.D. so that she had an unobstructed view of the new arrivals which included her own direct superior, the CMO, Captain Sash and Tactical Chief Trinin. Arysha may not be as familiar with most of that group, but she was familiar with the Chief Engineer. She appeared extremely tense and wary of the Fox-people and Arysha saw her fidget and twiddle with her fingers under the table. Arysha also thought Darla looked a little on the green side. From this distance she couldn't understand things via her vid and so she ignored it, concentrating on lip reading instead - a handy talent when her V.I.D. went on the fritz. D-Boss, as Arysha knew her, requested whatever the leader-fox poured to be scanned to see that it was safe, and it seemed almost that the foxes were insulted but they allowed the drink to be given a once-over by the Doctor who handed her tricorder over the Sash for approval - that much was obvious. Sash - as always - was nearly inscrutable to Arysha. She suddenly had a flash of an idea and pulled out of her uniform pocket a PADD and a clean isolinear chip. She'd come prepared in case she saw no one she'd rather converse with. Whipping out the chip she'd stuck in and changing it for the fresh chip she quickly set up a program on the PADD, transfering the translation matrix from her audible vox to written format that would display on this PADD. As D-Boss rose from her chair, Arysha casually rose from her own place and tapped an actually uniformed security officer - a non-comm by the name of Ben Artues - and offered him the PADD. He took it and Arysha sent her hands into a quick flurry of signing before tapping the PADD for him to read. [[Lt. Wright look upset-upset. Myself don't know happen with fox-people but maybe myself can help with observe? Take PADD to CEO and I do-do all else finish. Thanks.]] With that Arysha returned to her table and sat. She signalled the waiter that she needed another Dr. Pepper - on obscure drink that she was fond of -and waited while Petty Officer Artues went over to the bar and passed off the PADD. Arysha's hawk-like eyes caught the surreptitious finger point in her direction followed by the tap on the PADD. She made another flurry of signing that would come up as text on the display screen of the hand-held device. [[Look-like strange-happen today, nervous seem you and worried. Fox people dangerous maybe? Just guess, but now offer myself as extra eyes. Learn long ago time most talkers hide-behind words true desires if want to. Do-that me not see can't. Tell yes no, V.I.D. mine programmed catch will.]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ten Forward, aCEO Lieutenant Darla Wright- , 1757) Darla was a little glad to get away from the Waagoshin, even if it was under the pretense of gathering a bottle of Romulan Ale that she had managed to procure on the last mission. Still, there was something almost feral about them that was frightening to her, as if on some deep primal level, she were a primitive human and they were a pack of ravenous man-eating wolves, intent on making her their next meal. For millennia the wolf had been the preeminent predator in the world, Their strength of the pack had proven to be an effective means for taking down large game or killing secluded humans who had wondered too far from the safety of their huts. Of course they had nearly become extinct. Mankind had hunted them mercilessly, encroached on their habitat and nearly took them to the brink of Extinction. Still they had survived right into the modern age, the irresilience, and the more educated and considerably more sympathetic stewardships by a more environmentally conscious age of humans had allowed them to rebound. She had seen once, many years ago, on a camping trip on a Creek Indian reservation in North America. The animal had moved up into the campsite so silently that she had not seen him until she was only a few feet away from him. He was large, his grayish fur had an almost blue tint to it in the early morning light. His eyes were a rich yellow, and watched her intently.He bore his fangs at her as she stared into those massive eyes of liquid gold. There had been a sort of primal connection. A sense of belonging to the world of the wild, of running with the pack and making the kill on a massive beast of some sort that had been conveyed there. A sort of wild abandon and disdain for the ways of civilized life. Deep inside that wolf was a survivor. Things might have gone wrong had she continued to stare at those eyes, because unknown to her, she was challenging him for dominance. It was a threat that eventually would have led to an attack. It was only the presence of Jon Climbingbears, that had broken that potentially violent cycle. He had emerged from his tent, had seen the look passing between them and acted. His quick thinking had run the predator off, and he had declared that the wolf must be her spirit guide. It had made her smile then, laugh and joke about how unlike a wolf she really was. Now seeing the Waagoshin, despite their more fox-like appearance, she had gained a little more insight into the mind and behaviors of that lone male wolf all those years ago. And that thought frightened her. She nearly jumped out of her skin when ensign Artues tapped her on the shoulder. With a quick smoldering look and a sudden catch of breath she turned to face the younger man. "Sorry to bother you sir, but Crewman Tethlin asked me to give this to you." The man held out a PADD, and without even considering it, Darla reached out and took it from him. It was instinctual for her to quickly read such a device. She did it quickly and without thought, it had become so ingrained in her behavior. Her eyes paused for a few moments, looking at the words that were displayed there on the Device. Tethlin wanted to help. It didn't take long for her to make up her mind. She knew that the engineer was not only smart, but had exceptionally keen powers of observation, with of course the exception of her hearing. There was no reason that she couldn't observe. Perhaps she would even see something that everyone else would miss. Besides, she was sitting in an entirely different location and so had completely different viewpoint on the proceedings, which was to say from the outside looking in. With a smile and a nod of her head, she entered a single word on the PADD. [YES] With a smile, Darla transferred the data that she was reviewing on her original PADD to the one that Tethlin had provided, then left the now blank PADD with the Bartender. Taking the newly arrived bottle of Romulan Ale and the newly acquired PADD, she returned to the table. A few moments later The federation crew were sharing the Kayla. It was most assuredly alcohol. But it was also absolutely disgusting. It was all that Darla could do to prevent from spitting the vile liquid backout onto the table. It almost took a stronger force of will than she had in her to force herself to swallow it. But she did. After all, the last thing that she wanted was to offend her guests. She plastered on a very fake smile and then took in a deep breath. The action of air passing over her recently assaulted taste buds lit a small fire in her mouth that ran down the back of her throat. A quick exhale stifled some of that effect, but a glass of water on the table, drank just a few gulps and then set it down in a hurry. She then turned her attention to the conversation in which Doctor Trommashere was speaking, "What is the name of this rare flower if I may ask? The drink has a very....unique aroma to it..." Sanra, the lead Waagoshin present, shifted in his chair slightly as he turned his head to regard the doctor. "It is called, the Blood of Kayla." he replied, "It's history goes back to before my people were truly civilized. It is a story of our creation." That caught Darla's attention, Creation stories were always very unique and interesting. "Could you recite it for us?" she asked him, "I for one would very much like to hear it, as I'm sure would my associates." (reply Sash or Trommashere) Sanra considered it for a moment and as if he decided that no harm could come of the sharing of the tale he began. "It is said that a long time ago, when our world was but mist and shadows that the spark of life lit up the darkness and took the form of Kayla. She was the mother of my people, strong, agile and cunning. Yet she was alone and there were many animals that were too large for her to hunt." "So she set off to search for others like her. Those that she would be able to call her pack mates. Perhaps she would find a mate and mother a litter of Pups to help her hunt in the wild." "It is said that she wandered the great world alone for many years, exploring all the great reaches and beholding all the wonders that were held under the gaze of the stars and sky. Yet, she found no others to be her packmates and she was saddened." "It is said that times grew tough for her, that the animals that were small enough for her to kill were becoming too clever for her to catch. Desperate and hungry she turned to hunting the larger game that roamed the world though they were three times her size. She was a survivor, and the only way that she would survive such a lonely existence without pack mates was to take risks that no Waagoshin should take." "She stalked a pack of large beasts, watching them for days as her desperation grew. Finally, she saw an opportunity. With the sun behind her back, so that her opponent was blinded, she struck." With that, Sanra lurked forward, swiping his hand at open air in front of Darla. The sudden motion made her start backwards. The Waagoshin raised one corner of his mouth in a slightly pleased smile before continuing. "The beast that she had selected was a formidable opponent, he was an aged although experience bull. His tusks gleamed in the sun and he met her head on in battle. The two clattered together with such force that their thrashing shook the earth and split the sky. The world was so terrified of the two warriors that the sky cried and the wind trembled in fear." "When it was over, The large Bull lay at Kayla's feet, his life blood was seeping between her sharp teeth as his pulse throbbed against her tongue.But the Battle was not one-sided. The massive bull had gored Kayla in the abdomen piercing her womb." "When she had feasted enough to satisfy her hunger, she pulled the broken tusk from her belly and her blood fell on the soil. It was there that her grief and loneliness were finally abated. Springing from the blood of her womb arose, fully formed, an entire pack of Waagoshin. " "While this abated her loneliness, it did not help her injuries. They were fatal, and Kayla understood that she would only have a little time left before she was to pass from this life." "Realizing that her life's blood had brought forth this first pack of Waagoshin, she gave them this decree with her last breath." " eat my flesh, so that you will not hunger, then learn to hunt together and live together for survival. Where my bones lie, there will arise new life. That life is a reminder to you that Waagoshin must always be strong. It is a reminder of my gift of flesh and strength and blood." Then she was gone. "Though they mourned her loss, they knew that her words were true, after all she had given them birth. So the pack set upon her with an unimaginable hunger. The rent her to pieces with teeth and claws so that they would not starve until they learned to hunt together." "It is said that many years later, when Kayla's bones had finally turned to dust, that a small patch of blood red flowers arose on that spot. They were named Kayla's blood and the drink that they make holds an honored position among our people." He concluded. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Nilgik Slave- Xaxora- 1757.5) The Male showed his white teeth to her, which for a moment made Xaxora wonder if he was angry with her. The impression was quickly changed however when he replied. "No, Xaxora. The word 'ma'am' is a mark of respect we use for the females on our world. Such as Kalliopi Kyriapoulou, the current governor general of the European Union. My usingthat word shows my respect towards you." Xaxora was now confused. It was simply unheard of for anyone who was not a slave to show respect for a slave. And the showing of the male's teeth was not followed by a painful and bleeding death as would have been the case if the male had been Waagoshin. "Xaxora does not understand." she replied innocently enough. "Also, it seems that you're having some trouble communicating with me in Waagoshin. If you'd like, you can speak to me in your native language. This device," he indicated his commbadge, "will allow me to understand you." ~A Translation device.~ She thought, then made a facial gesture similar to the one he had made earlier, showing her three rows of sharp teeth to him. "Then since it is permitted for us to speak in our language I shall do so. What do you want to know Alien male?" she replied in the musical tones that denoted Nilgik spoken language. "Well, my first question for you is whether or not this is the main reclamation centre for the entire station or whether there are several centers scattered through the whole station?" Of all the things that the male could have asked her, she didn't actually expect any questions about the reclamation center. It took her a moment to consider his words and to formulate a response in her own language. She so rarely used it, since doing so could mean severe punishment from the Waagoshin overseers. "I do not know. I have only worked in this center. I have heard of no others. No Nilgik that I have encountered have worked in any besides this one. but this does not mean that there are not others like it." She replied. (reply Eoin) Xaxora looked at the other two smooth skinned aliens that had accompanied the one she was speaking with. She pointed with an elongated and sharp-clawed finger. "Are those males your servants? Is that why they do not speak in their voice to Nilgiks?" (reply Eoin) She took a look towards Knars, who was still taking fresh air from the recycler. With the roaring of the air passing his head, there was no way that he could hear her words. besides, even if he could he would be unable to understand them; Waagoshin were notorious for not learning the languages of their servants. She turned her large eyes back to the male and said softly, "You and your people are in great danger. The Waagoshin will make you slaves and they will steal your science and kill your families. They will destroy your culture and they will take you far from your home, which you will not see for the rest of your days." (reply Eoin) "You should leave here if you can. If it is not too late. Warn your people, tell your children of the danger and make them say, 'you can never trust the Waagoshin.'" She turned to regard one of the other males. "I will warn them also if you like." she offered. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades- 10 Forward -War band Leader- Sixth Alpha- Sanra- 1759.5) After the Alpha of the Federation starship had offered to change venues, Sanra considered his answer carefully. It was likely that the Alpha was being sneaky and taking them either into a trap or perhaps to a location that he could control a little easier in anticipation of Sanra's plan. but there was another option that had occurred to the war band leader and that was that they would get to see more of the federation starship, which could yield valuable intelligence that was not already gained by the use of sensors. As they made their way through the ship, following the Lieutenant Trinin, who seemed to be a war band leader as well, Sanra was careful to note their direction and means of travel through the vessel. It became quickly apparent that they were getting farther from the bridge of the ship, but that would hardly matter once he sprang his trap. The Waagoshin leader noted the various species in the corridors and wondered how many of them were slaves or if any of them were for that matter. None of them seemed to be showing the Alpha of the ship the appropriate level of fear that was most common between a Master and Slave. Still that hardly mattered. Once the ship was captured, they could interrogate all the various slaves and determine then, which would be the most ripe for conquest. When the frosted glass doors parted, Sara was impressed with the opulence of the compartment that they then entered. These were most assuredly the sort of chambers that were reserved for only the highest ranking Alphas in the Waagoshin command. However, the presence of so many lower ranking officers spoiled the scene almost as if someone had dragged a rotting carcass through the ship's corridors while defecating along the way. Sanra and his personnel scanned the room looking for potential threats. This was more difficult to gauge than he would have thought, since many of the aliens here were unknown to him and that meant that their capabilities were equally unknown. He wondered absently if the blue skinned aliens were poisonous to the touch like the native Zagabura. It was not something that he wanted to test first hand, although judging from the type of activities taking place, mostly drinking and eating, it was possible that they were not poisonous in any way. The alpha named Sash led the group through the room, and Sanra was hard pressed not to gawk at the large number of indigenous aliens surrounding him. There was a din of noise of various intermingled voices, Yet when they reached a corner table, Sash's voice was clear and easily recognized over all the rest of those in the room. "Would you care for something to eat or drink?" Sash offered. "Our replicators are capable of creating almost anything that our computers have had a chance to analyze. If there is something special that you would care to have from your own culture, we simply need a sample, and we should be able to produce it." ~Ah an opening.~ Sanra thought. "There is something that is traditionally shared by my people with those that they are negotiating. It is a drink called Kayla. It has been blessed by a sacred member of our order of ascension. I would share it with you and your senior officers, but it can not be replicated or it will lose it's blessing. Do you have glasses?" (reply Sash) Once the vessels had arrived, Sanra pulled a slightly oversized silver and gold flask of Kayla from the folds of his uniform. He then raised it up into the air so that all the aliens at the table could see it. He noted the one named Trinin step away from the table, perhaps as a sign that he did not wish to partake. It was possible that he was not permitted since he was the leader of a war band, so Sanra took no offense. "May these negotiations go well between our people. May we learn much from each other and bring forward enlightenment and understanding of our place in the universe." he then poured roughly two ounces of liquid into each of the vessels and passed them around. Once to each of his men and one glass for each of the senior officers. He then capped the flask and placed it back into his uniform before picking up his glass. Among my people it is customary for the leaders to drink before their subordinates. in this way, they are bound by the desires of their leaders to fulfill the promises made in the negotiations. He then raised his glass and quaffed the fiery liquid. His own men followed suit, with a sharp inhalation of air. He then waited patiently for Sash and his officers to join them in completing the formal agreements for negotiations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Bridge- Lt. (jg) Jericho Haynes - 1801) Jack's eyes continued to survey the bridge as he waited for something, anything to happen and hoping that no bad news would be forthcoming. Rather than just sit there though like a bump on the proverbial log he decided to make his time work for him rather than fret, tapping the button on the arm of the CONN he began speaking. "Ships log supplemental: CSO Haynes reporting." "The exchange of officers with the Waagoshin has so far gone off without a hitch although the Waagoshin contingent was somewhat tardy upon arrival. Captain Sash has moved the meeting with the Waag representatives to the lounge in ten forward and a more relaxed setting. Doctor Trommashere as well as Lieutenants Maraht and Trinin are in attendance along with a security detail. The party of eight Waagoshin officers are led it has been reported by an Alpha 6, an officer of somewhat lesser rank than was expected, what the aliens hope to gain from such an exchange is unknown at this time." "The Waagoshin sector Commander named Alpha 1 seemed intent on a cultural exchange though and the Away Team on the Waagoshin station has been very busy, having been split into three groups and are in different areas of the orbital platform which makes me uneasy. It would appear Commander Straton and Assistant Security Chief Walsh is currently engaged in a discussion with the Waag commander and a number of his subordinates. There have been no reports from Commander Straton as of yet and no signs of hostile action so we are in standby mode." "The other two groups of the Away Team are comprised of Ensigns MacLiam and McKenzie in one supported by ATAC T'Vof and security officer Adams, the other group is composed of Counselor Ripley and Doctor Parker supported by security officers James and Ekofee." "The Away Team led by Ensign T'vof has also encountered a large number of other, unidentified life forms. Again there has been no evidence of foul play." Jack studied the main viewer which identified the locations of the members of the away team on the Waagoshin station. Commander Straton and Ensign Walsh continued to remain stationary and Lo'rens group had apparently reached an objective as they had remained in the same area for some time. Counselor Ripley's team was still on the move however and the decks of the Waagoshin station were large, the details of their fact-finding missions were unknown as they had also failed to report in. Lieutenant David Adams continued to remain alert though in case any transmissions came through, Jack hoped mightily that any reports received would be good news. "While there has been no evidence of treachery or foul play at this time I still have my suspicions, time will tell if they are warranted." The CSO depressed the button ending the logged report and crossed his arms with a deep breath as he looked up at the Yeoman approaching with the hourly sign-offs that would need to be checked, it would be a good way to distract himself from this confounded waiting. Training could only take you so far and the experience he was receiving as watch commander in Lieutenant Trinin's absence would come in handy later. If worse came to worse though would he be ready to meet the challenge? Not a good thought to dwell on, he would be forced to react and make use of what command skills he possessed, he hoped it would be enough. If the away team didn't report in soon they would be hearing from him. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Nilgik Slave- Vazkak - 1802) ::I would like you to show me how your species came to be in this position of slavery. Perhaps my species can evade the fate you have proscribed for us.:: To continue the illusion of speech, Lo'ren verbalized a question, "Could you show me some of the equipment used here?" Lo'ren went with the small Nilgik leader. She understood him as a leader amongst equals, not only from her observation and contact, but from experience - leadership was tenuous at best among the occupied. They stopped at a console only a few steps away from the rest of the team and Vazkak made pains to verbalize the processes they were undertaking in the reclamation centre. ::Yes I can do this.:: Vazkak replied mentally, then thought back to the first encounter that his people had with the Waagoshin. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Shared Memory- Grand Colony Master Zo Stardate 2206.07.26) Zo stood on the balcony of the colony council chamber watching as the Waagoshin entourage was escorted through the city towards him. The crowd of 95,000 excited Nilgiks cheered and honked their greetings to the Waagoshin, who now walked among them along the walkway that stretched towards the central chambers of the Nilgik government. The long strides of the Waagoshin made it difficult for the Nilgik diplomats to keep pace and Zo almost smiled at watching some of her colleagues darting spurts of speed just to keep pace. A long and endearing peace had prevailed with the Waagoshin. The two species had developed a colony together, shown that they could co-habitate well. The Nilgik had even shared the power source that drove their starships with the technologically inferior species and had been rewarded with friendship and now the development of formal articles of friendship. It was her crowning moment. No other Nilgik had managed to befriend another species as quickly as she had. in the span of only a dozen solar cycles, she had helped the Waagoshin develop interstellar trade, produce better energy and better maintain their own planets ecology. Nilgik science was at it's peak and the entire Nilgik culture was pulsing with the excitement of attending this formal gathering. A fleet of dignitaries, merchants, scientists and Waagoshin cultural specialists encircled the planet, waiting for the formal agreement to conclude. When it was finished, they would shuttle down to the planet and assume positions amongst the native Nilgiks as equals and welcomed colleagues. Not even the Tch'Kairn had fully embraced their alliance as fully as the Waagoshin planned. Zo stepped away from the balcony, resuming her place in the opulent central hall of the colony chambers. There would be 50,000 Nilgik colony representatives filling these chambers shortly, and she smiled to see that so many were already shuffling to their seats, ready to record the events of this day and pas them on to their colonies, to become part of the eternal memory of their species. Just as the day that their other alliances were remembered and honored by all Nilgik, so too would the Alliance with the Waagoshin be honored. Time passed rapidly and with the central hall filled and Zo now in her place of honor among the Nilgik leaders, she indicated to the Barrister that the Waagoshin leader, known as Alpha One, and his entourage should be shown in. The massive polished wood doors slid apart to allow the Waagoshin party entrance into the grand chamber. They made the walk up the long stretch of green moss that marked the walkway until they reached the grand table that was used for all formal decisions with other species. The table had been a gift from the Tch'Kairn centuries earlier, to commemorate the historic agreement between their people. The artisans had designed a Nilgik sized table, one that was both opulent but subdued enough to serve as a historic centerpiece of all negotiations. Zo stepped down from her podium, traversed the gentle curved ramp that led down to the table and took her place opposite the Waagoshin leader. The Waagoshin part was large, it had been explained that many important dignitaries would need be present to make the signing binding between the Waagoshin and the Nilgik. The Waagoshin looked like predators, but they always had. Zo had no indication that they were about to take control of their entire world. An electronic document was placed on the table between them by a Nilgik assistant. Zo nodded and spoke. "Today, I Zo, leader and Grand Colony Master of the Nilgik, welcome you Alpha One, Leader of the Waagoshin to this historic joining of our great cultures. Long have the Nilgik and the Waagoshin been friends and now we shall sign into agreement forever, our continued friendship and cooperation in all things." Zo, reached down and affixed a written representation of her name to the electronic form. The Nilgik had no such written language of their own, but they had discovered with their dealing with other species that such a tool was useful to them. She slid the device across the table to the Waagoshin leader. He picked it up, and regarded it for a moment, before giving out a snort. He then tossed it briskly on the table top. "No I think not." he half barked, half laughed. "Your species is not worthy of Waagoshin friendship. You are weak and trusting. You are defenseless and so I will take you under my wing and protect you from yourselves." Zo was amazed. She had not expected the Waagoshin leader to dismiss their treaty so rapidly. before she could recover her wits enough to speak the Waagoshin leader was continuing. "We have seen these many years how advanced you are. We have seen how you deny us our rightful share of knowledge and technology that you have developed. We have seen how you treat us as if we are pups freshly born. We are no fools. We know you wish to subjugate us, with your superior technology. But we will not be tricked, Nilgik!" The leader's voice was rising in anger now. The tone was frightening. "It is we who will rule here!" He said then punctuated his words with a loud bark. Suddenly the Waagoshin delegation produced weapons, pointing them in every direction. The threat of violence, however irrational was now a very real. Alpha One walked around the table, towering over Zo. "You will agree to become a protectorate of the Waagoshin Empire. Your people will serve mine, Your scientists will develop technology for us. We will rule all your world as we see fit or we will destroy it." He threatened. Now Zo was becoming a bit angry as well. "How can you accomplish this?" she asked angrily, "Your people do not possess powerful weapons. There are more of us then there are of you." She demanded, the anger getting the best of her now. Her body temperature was beginning to drop, signaling a more aggressive stance to those around her. "There you are wrong, Nilgik." Alpha one replied with a tone of disdain in his voice. "Even now there are thirty thousand troop ships surrounding your world. We have spent the last many years developing your technology into weapons and even now we are bombarding the largest of your colonies into submission. If you surrender your world, we will end this slaughter and you will serve under us as subordinates. Fail to do as I command and your people will die by the thousands or millions and they will become our slaves." Zo looked him in the eyes. Her own body chemicals already pushing her to extreme anger. "Never Waagoshin!" she screamed, even as the room filled with frenzy and the war began. As that image faded, Vazkak began another to complete the story. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Shared Memory- Grand Colony Master Bazo Stardate 2208.03.12) Bazo, the last member of his people's government, knelt on the floor of the Waagoshin transport ship, knowing that finally their people had been defeated. Two years of terrible warfare, the death of millions had left entire territories devoid of life. The Waagoshin were good at murder and deceit. The Waagoshin officer that had captured him was taking them to the Alpha that was running the campaign against them, his predecessor long dead these two years in the opening hours of the conflict between them. Those days had been bleak, but they could not be more bleak than this one. The door to the compartment opened and the sound of nailed feet on metal sounded ahead of him. When the sound stopped a voice replaced it. "So this is Bazo, the last of the leaders?" The Male Waagoshin asked. "It is Alpha One." Another Waagoshin voice replied, one of his guards." We captured him in the Capital District. He was safeguarding the location of their allies home worlds. We now know where they originated and can strike at them as we see fit." Bazo glanced up as the guard handed the Waagoshin Alpha the data crystal that he had been trying to smuggle out of the city. He had failed. Alpha one noticed his movement and immediately struck the Nilgik with a painful backhand. A throbbing began to form under his left eye. "Shall we kill him?" The guard asked then. "No we shall interrogate him, root out the rest of the Resistance and then prepare a fleet to attack the Tch'Kairn, Hadaka, and the Joz. With them gone we will rule this sector. For now, put him with the slaves. We have only a short while before we eradicate the last pockets of resistance." he snorted, then turned and walked out of the compartment leaving Bazo to his fate. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Nilgik Slave- Vazkak - 1802.1) The images ended as suddenly as they began. And now all the detail of the memories of the start and end of the war between the Nilgik and the Waagoshin that led to the slavery of his people had been shared with the Alien female. The bloody fighting, death and loss of those that survived the conflict had been sent here a great many years ago, when Nilgik slaves had been sent to help control the Nilgik that had found themselves stuck on the Tch'Kairn home world two centuries ago. That was his origin, a Nilgik trader captured on this world 2 centuries ago when the Waagoshin came. When their fleets had decimated the Tch'Kairn cities and the Joz Fleet that had tried in vain to defend this allied world. He had received these memories from a Nilgik who had experience of these events. now he was sharing them with this alien as a way to warn her. The memory ending finished, Vazkak wondered for a moment if he had somehow caused harm to the Vulcan/Bajoran female. But his worries were put aside when she finally mind spoke to him. ::Vazkak, would you like to converse with another of my team? The information you are giving me would be most advantageous to her.:: ::This can be done? I see no other females here? You can make this connection?:: ::Her name is Eva Straton. She is a Betazoid and is also a strong joiner of minds. She would be able to speak to you through me.:: Lo'ren conveyed a sense of ease to Vazkak, assuring him that Straton was even more powerful the she was. The Nilgik leader only hesitated for a moment. He knew that his people would remain slaves, but if he could help these aliens from sharing his fate, then the risks would be worth it. ::I Agree.:: He sent simply. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - ATAC Ensign(jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1802.5) Lo'ren had a new understanding, a new fear and a new anger. It lit a fire in her belly like no other and if anyone intent on harm were to come near they would quickly find out why the Vulcan's fought a long and mighty battle to become stoics. They would also understand in no uncertain terms why the Bajorans managed to survive the brutality on the Occupation. The supreme falacy that had been brokered by the Waagoshin against a welcoming and gentle species like the Niglik - and by a similar token, she imagined, the Tch'kairn - caused Lo'ren's stomach to lurch and her sense of justice to be assaulted. She channelled her anger and it became a focused knot in her mind, a knot that blazed on the mental mindscape with the heat and light of a class O blue star. She carefully, very carefully, kept her mind and this blaze in check. In contrast to her previous days mishaps, Lo'ren found her cababilities to be iron bound solid and she was fully in command. Whether due to Vazkak's touch or her own growing sense of self as a telepath, she could not say, but she used whatever it was to keep herself fenced in. If Knars had not had his nose in the venting and thus his ears in the wind, he might have heard the steam coming from Lo'ren. As it was Lo'ren glared at him just long enough to see exactly where she wanted to strike should she decide to tear his heart out with her bare hands. Her thoughts and emotions, as quickly as they had flared up, were pulled back just as swiftly and Lo'ren reached out to Jack for a sense of sanity amidst the storm raging within. She let their link soothe her and help to focus herself for what she thought might lay ahead. She was glad that he was on the ship, but desperately wished for a higher bond than the one they currently shared. ~How I wish you could hear me Jack.~ Vazkak made his decision and Lo'ren was jolted back to the present moment. ::I Agree.:: He sent simply. Lo'ren dragged her eyes back to the console and made it look like she nodded at something on the screen as she sent back. ::Good, I will call out to her now.:: Lo'ren focused her mind and ordered her thoughts, ::Commander Straton, I have someone here you need to meet.:: (reply Straton iyw) ::We have encountered a species called the Niglik, they are touch telepaths and have a group conciousness. I have been shown the portion of their history that confirms our suspicions.:: (reply Straton) Lo'ren allowed her mind to become a conduit between the two minds, flashing the image of each to the other as she introduced them, ::Commander Eva Straton this is Vazkak, leader among equals. Vazkak, Eva Straton leads our team on this station and is second-in-command of our vessel.:: (reply Straton, Vazkak) As the two had their mental exchange, Lo'ren allowed her eyes to wander around the room and alight on the Tch'kairn. She also noted Eoin as he spoke with the female Niglik. She sent a message via the tricorder to him. [[Talk to the Tch'kairn, ifpossible.]] (reply Eoin iyw) Kenneth was taking her advice about keeping Lt. Jon Adams close by as he examined the equipment, she noted his face looking more and more distressed and decided that she would speak to him shortly. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - ACEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam - 18:03) "No, Xaxora. The word 'ma'am' is a mark of respect we use for the females on our world. Such as Kalliopi Kyriapoulou, the current governor general of the European Union. My using that word shows my respect towards you." "Xaxora does not understand." she replied innocently enough, though definitely confused. "Also, it seems that you're having some trouble communicating with me in Waagoshin. If you'd like, you can speak to me in your native language. This device," he indicated his commbadge, "will allow me to understand you." "Then since it is permitted for us to speak in our language I shall do so. What do you want to know Alien male?" she replied in the musical tones that denoted Nilgik spoken language. "Well, my first question for you is whether or not this is the main reclamation centre for the entire station or whether there are several centers scattered through the whole station?" "I do not know. I have only worked in this center. I have heard of no others. No Nilgik that I have encountered have worked in any besides this one. but this does not mean that there are not others like it." She replied. Eoin pushed a few buttons on his PADD, recording her answer. "I suppose that I could find some schematics of the station. And I'm sure the Waagoshin would allow me to read a technical manual." Xaxora looked around a bit, before focusing on Lo'ren and McKenzie. She pointed with an elongated and sharp-clawed finger. "Are those males your servants? Is that why they do not speak in their voice to Nilgiks?" Eoin smiled again. "No, my race has not kept servants in that capacity for many centuries. They are colleagues of mine. I work with them on an equal footing. And one of them is actually a female. The one with the nose wrinkles." Xaxora looked over towards Knars. Eoin looked too. He was taking in fresh air from the recycler, the air blowing past his head, moderately deafening him. She turned back to Eoin, and spoke in hushed tones. "You and your people are in great danger. The Waagoshin will make you slaves and they will steal your science and kill your families. They will destroy your culture and they will take you far from your home, which you will not see for the rest of your days." Eoin looked at her with wide eyes. "Are you sure that this is what they do with every species they encounter? And if this is the case, what would you suggest?" "You should leave here if you can. If it is not too late. Warn your people, tell your children of the danger and make them say, 'you can never trust the Waagoshin.'" She turned to regard McKenzie. "I will warn them also if you like." she offered. "No, thank you. Although, if your allegations are correct, I might have an idea. I can create a program that will bring this station to its knees. I can program it when I get back to the ship, and beam the PADD over to you. You'd just need to plug it into a computer terminal. It will lie dormant there until the correct activation code is given." (reply Xaxora) "The catch is that it will only respond to commands given in a certain Terran language. I will teach you the activation and deactivation codes if you agree to this plan. Of course, I'll have to run it by my commanding officer before I start creating the program." (reply Xaxora, room for more) Eoin nodded to Xaxora, and walked over to Lo'ren and Ken. He spoke to them in hushed tones. "Xaxora, the Nilgik slave I was talking to, told me that the Waagoshin are going to most likely make a move against the Hades. She also implied that they may try invading the Federation. We need to report this to Commander Straton immediately. Also, if this is true, I've got an idea of something we can do to bend this situation to our will." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Meeting Room, FO Commander Eva Straton,18:03.5) ::Commander Straton, I have someone here you need to meet,:: EnsignT'Vof sent, though weak Eva picked it up and re-established the telepathic contact. ::Alright,:: Eva replied. ::We have encountered a species called the Niglik, they are touch telepaths and have a group consciousness. I have been shown the portion of their history that confirms our suspicions.:: ::Very well,:: Eva replied. ::Commander Eva Straton this is Vazkak, leader among equals. Vazkak, Eva Straton leads our team on this station and is second-in-command of our vessel,:: T'Vof introduced, acting as a link to make the telepathic connection. ::Greetings Vazkak,:: Eva sent in greeting, moving T'Vof to the outskirts of the three way link, so she could keep an eye on things happening around her and the alien, and linked directly with the alien. ::Please share with me the knowledge that you shared with Ensign T'Vof.:: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Nilgik Slave- Xaxora- 1805) She turned to regard McKenzie. "I will warn them also if you like." she offered. "No, thank you. Although, if your allegations are correct, I might have an idea. I can create a program that will bring this station to its knees. I can program it when I get back to the ship, and beam the PADD over to you. You'd just need to plug it into a computer terminal. It will lie dormant there until the correct activation code is given." Xaxora was amazed. Here already this alien was considering starting a slave revolt against the Waagoshin. It was dangerous. It was exciting. It was out of the question. Xaxora understood that the retaliation that the Waagoshin would deal out would be terrible. If the aliens were successful and this station was liberated, the Waagoshin on her own home world would punish an unknown number of her people. Could she aid in such an effort knowing full well that the consequences would be so great? She knew how violent the Waagoshin were. She shared the racial memory of the hundreds of millions of Nilgiks killed in only two years of war with the Waagoshin. One third of their population killed in two full solar cycles. What would they do if she helped lead a revolt? "The catch is that it will only respond to commands given in a certain Terran language." The male continued, "I will teach you the activation and deactivation codes if you agree to this plan. Of course, I'll have to run it by my commanding officer before I start creating the program." Still she couldn't risk making an enemy of this Male. To do so after all that she had told him would give him power of her. There were already too many other beings with power over her fate. "I will..." she began, "...consider it. But I can make no promises. I do not even know where there is a computer that we could reach." The male nodded to Xaxora, and walked over to his kind. He spoke to them in hushed tones. Xaxora considered all that she had heard. Rather than keep it secret, she reached out and gently touched the Nilgik closest to her. Within moments the memory of her encounter with the Male was shared with every Nilgik. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Nilgik Slave- Vazkak - 1806) The sense of mental motion was exhilarating. It was almost as if Vazkak were connected to a massive colony of Nilgiks all seeking the same thing, contact with an alien being. The sort of power that was coursing through him, although none of it at his command, was awesome to behold. ::Commander Straton, I have someone here you need to meet,:: the female named T'Vof sent out. Then suddenly there was a sense of complete and total invincibility, of complete oneness with the universe. If T'Vof was a world of power, then Straton was a galaxy full of power. The primal strength of the female's mind was almost intoxicating. The easy way that she made contact almost made Vazkak jealous of her strength and great power. ::Alright,:: Eva replied. The words were strong and they reverberated as if they were the voice of a God, rebounding from the walls of a great Canyon. Shaking the Earth beneath his feet and sending the vibrations deep into the depths of his soul. It took all his will and effort not to think about the prophesies of the Joz concerning their eventual release from captivity. Instead, Vazkak focused on the thoughts of the two other telepaths within his mind. ::We have encountered a species called the Niglik, they are touch telepaths and have a group consciousness. I have been shown the portion of their history that confirms our suspicions.:: ::Very well,:: Eva replied. Again the booming God-like voice spoke, so full of authority and confidence. ::Commander Eva Straton this is Vazkak, leader among equals. Vazkak, Eva Straton leads our team on this station and is second-in-command of our vessel,:: T'Vof introduced, acting as a link to make the telepathic connection. Vazkak absorbed the implications of T'Vof's words. If Straton was the second in command, then the being that led them must be even more powerful. The very thought of that aspect caused the heckles on his skin to rise in anticipation. Deep down, he wondered if the Joz could be right, using their temporal lens to predict the future, so long ago, before they shifted themselves out of Waagoshin harm. ::Greetings Vazkak,:: Eva sent in greeting. It was as if the very voice of God was speaking directly to him. No one else, no other being could have made such an impression upon the Nilgik leader. The strength of the contact was almost intimate, touching into the most sacred portions of his mind, but not probing, not forcing any answers. It was almost as if the other being was a phantom lover intent on coaxing that which she wanted from him with soft words and a gentle presence. ::Greetings, Straton.: He sent in reply, the elation of it all was almost more than he could bear. It had caused him some pause, but he could sense no danger here, and besides, if she decided to kill him, he would die free and happy. Through the link between them, there was a sort of freedom that could not be given to his physical body. ::Please share with me the knowledge that you shared with Ensign T'Vof.:: Again the strong voice, asking for his help. He knew that she was so powerful in comparison to him that she could simply take what she wanted, yet she was gentle and asking rather than forceful and taking. ::Of course:: he replied eager to please her. As before, he allowed his memories to cascade forward. This time holding nothing back. He opened the wellspring of his racial memories, stretching back hundreds of years to the betrayal, the fate of that first Alpha as the crowd of Nilgiks slaughtered him in their chamber when he had betrayed their trust. He added to that the memories carried by many Nilgiks, who fought hand and foot, tooth and nail against the Waagoshin invaders. The bombardment of their cities, the smoking craters in which all life had been extinguished. The prison camps and the last desperate measures to defend themselves from the Waagoshin war machine. Then it was to the memories of their last leader, whose final act was to attempt to protect their allies when it was clear that they had finally lost the war. The feelings of despair when he was taken prisoner and beaten before being taken to the transport ship and allowed to live with the shame of betraying the Tch'Kairn and the Joz. To those memories, he then added his own. The attack upon the Tch'Kairn home world by the Waagoshin fleet. The desperate actions of an overwhelmed Joz fleet, fighting in an attempt to stave off the invasion.The first painful use of the quantum weapon that rendered the superior defenses of the Joz and Tch'Kairn ships useless. He remembered these things because he had been there, His small merchant ship had assembled with the others in an attempt to defend the Tch'Kairn home world. His vessel had been armed with only a single weapon, but he had tried to use it. He had tried to fight them. But when the fleet began to explode around them, he had lost his nerve. He had turned and fled. He had fled back to Tch'Kairn space, bearing the news of the defeat of the fleet. He had abandoned his allies when they had needed him the most, frightened for his own survival. When the Waagoshin had appeared in the Tch'Kairn system, he had offered his ship to take refugees from the battle zone. Tch'Kairn, Nilgik and Joz had flocked to his vessel. They had filled it to capacity and beyond. It was almost impossible to walk down the corridors as they were so choked by the pressing throng of terrified beings desperate for escape. His ship had lifted off hours after the arrival of their enemies, originally headed for the Joz home world, where they might find sanctuary for a while longer. That was not to be, however. His ship was attacked, by one of the smaller, but quicker warships. His engines failed and his only weapon was ineffective against the mass of enemy vessels that surrounded the planet. He had surrendered. He had told himself that it was to save the lives of those he had taken aboard his ship. That the only way that they could survive for even one more day was to surrender and not resist. He had known then as he knew now, that it was nothing as noble as that, which had driven him then. It was cowardice. Fear that had made him decide to surrender. He had never been brave, not then anyway. But now, so many things had happened, so many lives had been snuffed out by the Waagoshin, that Vazkak knew that he must soon resist their rule, that he must do something to protect these new aliens from falling into the same trap. How could he hope to redeem himself if he allowed them to suffer the same fate that he had suffered? And perhaps, there was a slim chance that his own people may well find their freedom as well. ::I have shown you all that a showed T'Vof and more besides. You have seen my heart, my sadness and my conviction. Let me aid you.:: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - ATAC Ensign(jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 18:09) The lanky engineer took his leave from the small female Niglik and strode over to Lo'ren, she noted his slightly alarmed look and noted Ken standing close as well - also unable to hide whatever he'd found from touching his face with anger. Eoin spoke to them in hushed tones. "Xaxora, the Nilgik slave I was talking to, told me that the Waagoshin are going to most likely make a move against the Hades. She also implied that they may try invading the Federation. We need to report this to Commander Straton immediately. Also, if this is true, I've got an idea of something we can do to bend this situation to our will." Lo'ren looked at her friend, and hoped he could keep his earnestness from tipping off their escort. The literal meeting of minds she had participated in had concluded moments earlier and Lo'ren had said her farewells to Vazkak. She had more than enough linguistics material downloaded from him to an isolinear chip that would go into the language base and it would be ill afforded for her to devote any more time to the diminuitive alien. She also had more than enough other information that she was loath to give up any advantage to the Waag, no matter how much she thought they were fools for ignoring so many things. Lo'ren contemplated for a moment what she could safely confer to her colleagues without the sensitive ears of the Waagoshin picking it up. "commander Straton is well aware of the behaviours of the Waagoshin, Mr.MacLiam. I suspect she aware of much more than that as well." She deliberately put stresses on using Eoin's surname name and the words supect and more. ~Listen carefully, my young friend.~ She willed him to comprehend her meaning without going further. (reply Eoin) His mild confusion regarding her cryptic statement gave her cause to explain just a little. "The Niglik and I seem to share a particular talent. My contact and I connected very well." Lo'ren gave him a pointed look, conveying as much of her meaning via her eyes. ~Come on Eoin, think. Talent... connected... Straton... Make the connection. Touch telepathy.~ (reply Eoin) She nodded, "Yes, that's correct. I have a full base of communications for the Niglik." Lo'ren now addressed the team as a group. "Has anyone taken time to address the Tch'kairn?" (reply Eoin, Ken) "I'd like to get a sampling of their language. After that, we can compare notes on the equipment and compile everything for a report to our superiors." With that Lo'ren and her white hot mind strode over to a milling Tch'kairn and began a conversation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Waagoshin Escort- Knars- 1815) Knars was tired of being here. His eyes were beginning to get irritated from the constant wind coming from the air recycler. The fact that this was the only tolerable place to stand in the entire compartment just compounded things. It was time to get back to the tour, besides the half Rosek was well past. Knars stepped out from the ever-present flow of air and gave a sharp crisp bark. "This portion of the tour is now over!" he said loudly. "Workers will return to work now!" The younglings, all barked a few tentative yips and immediately the Nilgiks and the few Tch'Kairn scattered like a flock of defenseless prey running from the predators. Knars took a few steps forward and addressed the aliens. "Come I have orders to show you some of the science areas as well. I tire of being here." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital Station, Science Sections , ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie, 18:17 hours.) "This portion of the tour is now over! Workers will return to work now!" barked their escort leader. This brought Kenny out of his thoughts. He was still thinking about the massive overload which he had detected not long ago. He wanted to tell someone. No... He knew he had to tell some one. Their systems would not be able to handle it. But then again, surly they would have been able to detect this overload themselves. Then why had nothing been done? Was it because the area was only full of slaves, or was it... Kenny's heart skipped a beat. What he was thinking chilled his spine. What if this overload was on purpose? What if they were trying to kill the team from the Hades with an explosion, and blame it on poor mantainace? No, that can't be it, he thought. He knew he was just over reacting, seeing daemons were there were none... But he could not stop thinking of it. Something had to be done. He was not going to risk the chance that he was right. He nodded to Adams to follow him and they walked over to Lo'ren. Before Kenny spoke, he could see that she was very thoughtful, as if she had just learnt something terrible. A sense of grim determination was shown all over her. Kenny had enough. He hated this place and did not trust the damn foxes one bit. "Ma'am." he said, as quiet as he could. "Let me be blunt. I don't trust the Wagoshiin, nor do I believe they have our safety at heart. I found these readings." he pasted his tricorder to her, hoping that the Wagoshiin did not see. On his tricorder, was the data he got not long ago on some of the equipment back at Waste Reclamation. There was a massive overload of sludge in one section, which was forcing the ships systems to channel more energy - which was the word Kenny gave the substance the ship ran on - which in turn appears unstable in large quantities. "Call me paranoid, but would it not be... covenant if we were to die in a massive explosion?" he asked, pointing to more data on the tri-corder which showed that the ship had several areas which collected more of this energy. "Speaking for myself, ma'am. I'm scared. and I find this far too... weird." Kenny admitted. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Science Sections - Waagoshin Escort- Knars- 1819) The circular door rolled aside allowing the touring party to enter the biology section of the station. There were dozens of Tch'Kairn here. Despite their pacifistic leanings they had proved to be very skilled scientists. As a result they were working in controlled groups under close observation by their Waagoshin overseers. Those same overseers, all Alphas, were present in the compartments as the Tch'Kairn went about their work. This particular section was a botanical study area. The Waagoshin were always interested in plants and animals from the worlds that they had conquered. medicines and luxury foods had been discovered in the very same manner that the federation officer were now witnessing. Hundreds of plants, separated in some manner unclear to Knars were being tested, categorized or recorded. It was estimated that within another couple of decades that every plant on the planet would have been categorized in this manner. Personally Knars could have cared less. "This is the Botanical sciences area. These...sl...scientists record a variety of data on plants from the planet below. Many drugs, poisons and foods have been discovered in this way. There is also work being done to increase the productivity of luxury foodstuffs as well as staple foods here. In this manner we can see to it that we can feed all the population of this planet." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit, Orbital station, Medical deck, Alpha 10, Krega, 1846) After turning the still slightly groggy member of his pack over to the medic Krega turned to regard the aliens, the male was speaking to the female of his pack as she regained her equilibrium. "Can you stand?" (Reply: Ana) After they had conversed for a moment and had returned their attention to the purpose for the tour Krega caught their attention. "This is the main medical ward for the station." he began and made a sweeping motion with his arm to encompass the antechamber which they were now occupying. The room was spacious and the walls were a gleaming white with silver metallic highlights. On the whole it gave an antiseptic as well as pleasing feel and several white coated Waagoshin personnel were busily scurrying about as they attended the Beta he had just released to their care. Cubicles along the walls, one of which he had been hustled into had complete biostatic equipment which could be used to diagnose and treat a number of minor injuries and illnesses, beyond the double plastisteel doors at the far end were housed much more sophisticated equipment which were used for more life threatening conditions as well as spacious rooms for treatment. The ceilings were high in this part of the station as well as were the doors which led off of the main compartment. No alien (slave) species could be seen in this part of the platform, they were not trusted in the care of their masters nor were they given care here, that was the function of other areas through which these Federation officers had already been shown. "We normally do not allow non-Waagoshin access to this area, Krega growled. "The function is for Waagoshin only, however as Alpha One has given his permission I will walk you through the facility. This is the initial triage area and the cubicles along its sides are for diagnosis and treatment. The rest of the facility is behind the doors you see before you." (Reply: Ana, Haywood) As they talked a three man security team arrived and waited for him to finish the orientation, Krega motioned them forward. "You called for backup and an investigation team." The leader said as he stepped forward. At Krega's nod he turned and growled commands to the two with him. One stepped out of the rank and joined the remaining Beta on Krega's team then the two moved to one of the cubicles to gather the scanning equipment they would need. Krega then turned to the alien group. "After you have looked over this area to your satisfaction we will resume the tour." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit, Orbital station, Medical Deck, COUNS Ensign Anamitra Ripley, 1847) "Can you stand?" Haywood asked her. Ana nodded slowly and then reached her hand out for some assistance. She didn't like acting much, and wasn't even particularly good at it and so she was at least a little pleased that her ruse seemed to have worked, at least until the reinforcements arrived. ~You've got to be kidding me~ she thought unhappily. ~We are in so much trouble...~ The thought was troubling enough, but the arrival of the team became a little more desperate when they went to start running scans for the non-existent and completely harmless sedative gas leak. While the Waagoshin team did that, Haywood and she were drawn back into the tour through the more pristine looking and higher technology portions of the medical labs. Alpha Ten seemed intent on making it clear that these facilities were for Waagoshin only. He went on to explain that only Waagoshin medical techs treated their own species and that the technology was far superior to that allowed for use by the other species in the facility. Of course Ana recognized that for what it was, a overt, although not exceptionally open admission of segregation and species prejudice. This did not particularly surprise the counselor who had already attributed this behavior to the racial superior mindset that the Waagoshin seem to have adopted. Still she wanted to keep their guests engaged until such time as they could return to the Hades. Ana was, however, beginning to get the sensation that the Waagoshin had no intentions of allowing the away team to return to the ship. There was a deep seated but not quite irrational fear deep in the reasoning centers of her brain that was beginning to warn her of the clinical possibility that She, Haywood and the other Federation officers, including the first officers would be taken as hostages. She knew well enough where such an action would take them all. She understood the thought processes of the two senior most officers of the Hades. One was an Angosian war machine, with a genetic disposition for combat, and the other a ex-Marine Commander. They would not stand idly by while Alpha one and his cronies tried to bully them into submission. There would most assuredly be a fight. Ana only hoped that she and Haywood would have an opportunity to survive it. Ana's eyes searched out a particular piece of high-tech equipment, and though she really had no interest in it at all, decided that it would make a good conversational piece to allow time to consider their situation a bit more thoroughly. She couldn't tell Eva any of her suspicions at the moment, simply because they were conjecture. If they were not accurate, then Ana could easily be directing the undesired outcome with the Waagoshin simply by suggesting it. She therefore decided that it was better to wait for a little while longer to see if she could gather any more solid proof of a plan by the Waagoshin to subdue the away team. "So, what is this equipment used for?" she asked their host, in a hope to draw him into a conversation and take his mind off of any bizarre notions to push any plot forward. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit, Orbital station, Medical Deck, ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 1848) Just as Ana managed to scramble to her feet, the Waagoshin party made a move to push the tour further. Haywood resisted the burning urge to bite his lower lip and tried to ignore the search party that would be looking for a non-existant leak. As they moved on from one Waagoshin-only facility to another *strictly* Waagoshin area, Haywood felt the knot in his throat returning. The equipment held here was far superior to that which had been displayed in the non-Waagoshin departments. Everything was in tip-top shape. Shiny, new, in good repair and sterile. ~Maybe I shoulda stuck to sharks,~ he thought bitterly. ...So lost was he in his bitterness, that he wasn't looking for any threat directly to the away party. It was, again, another of his down-falls. He tended, regularly, to become so consumed in one thing that he became oblivious to all else. It was a miracle, really, that he could control it when he was working. He glanced at Ana, who seemed to be looking desperately for something to say. "So, what is this equipment used for?" She asked directly to the lead Waagoshin, seemly trying to pull his attention away from something else. Suddenly it dawned on Haywood. Something was up. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- end compile