Veil of the Sky, Compile 17 ========== Mission: Veil of the Sky Day 4 Stardate: 2414.04.25 ========== (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot – ACMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 - 1739) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - COPS LT. Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1740) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot COPS Lt Ton Jackson - Day 4 - 1741) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot – ACMO Lt jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 - 1742) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot – ACMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 - 1743) (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp-ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 4 - 1744) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot – COPS Lt Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1745) (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station - Centcom -ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 4 - 1749) (Beta Aquillia IV - Capital City- Ambassador Tzorn- Day 4 - 1750) (Beta Aquillia IV – Shuttle Crash site – ACMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 - 1752) (Beta Aquillia IV –Shuttle Crash site –COPS Lt Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1754) (Beta Aquillia IV - Capital City- Ambassador Tzorn- Day 4 - 1758) (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station, President in Exile Kolath, Day 4, 1900) (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station - Day 4, 1903) (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station- Suite, President in Exile Kolath, Day 4, 1906) (Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - Kolath's Suite - Niambh McNulty - Day 4 - 1908) (Beta Aquillia IV -Atlantis Station- Kolath's Suite - President in Exile Kolath, Day 4, 1910) (Beta Aquillia IV -Atlantis Station- Kolath's Suite - Hotel Owner - Niambh McNulty - Day 4 - 1912) (Beta Aquillia IV -Atlantis Station- Kolath's Suite - President in Exile Kolath, Day 4, 1914) (Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - Head of Security - David Roskoff - Day 4 - 1915) (Beta Aquillia IV -CENTCOMM- FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 -1920) (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1922) (Beta Aquillia IV -Atlantis Station- Kolath's Suite - President in Exile Kolath, Day 4, 1923) (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station - Secure Location -ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 4 - 1924) (Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Security Office - Head of Atlantis Security - David Roskoff - Day 4 - 1925) (Atlantis Station - Secure Area-ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 4 - 1927) (Atlantis Station - Secure Area - David Roskoff - Head of Security - Atlantis Station - Day 4 - 1930) (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day 4, 1935) (Beta Aquillia IV - CENTCOMM - Niambh McNulty - Day 4 - 1938) (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1939) (Beta Aquillia IV - CENTCOMM - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 - 1941) (Beta Aquillia IV - CENTCOMM - Niambh McNulty - Day 4 - 1944) (Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - Niambh McNulty - Day 4 - 1945) (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1946) (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day 4, 1948) (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station, Kolath's Suite, Day 4, 1951) (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station, FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day 4, 1953) (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1954) (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 4 -2010) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 - 2015) (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 4 -2025) (Beta Aquillia IV – Cell – Federation Embassy – Lt Alaya - 2032) (Beta Aquillia IV – Observation Room – Federation Embassy – President Habrii - Day 4- 2035) (Beta Aquillia IV – Observation Room – Federation Embassy – President Habrii & Alaya - Day 4- 2040) (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 4 -2122) (Beta Aquillia IV – Cell – Federation Embassy – Lt Alaya - Day 4- 2140) ========== (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot – ACMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 - 1739) Tom smiled and said "Welcome aboard Doc. Nothing personal but I hope you'll not be really busy. By the way, how are you are at forensics? " Jackson asked, Tayla smiled back and said, “Not too bad. It’s been a while but I think, together, we should cope pretty well.” (posted by Jackie) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - COPS LT. Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1740) The last of the team assembled. Tom looked at each carefully. "Our mission is to detect any non Federation DNA at the shuttle explosion site. Our command team wants to see if there is evidence of outside forces being involved " Tom added. (Reply: any on team) "Doctor Frazier will be in charge of investigating that. We will treat the site as a crime scene. Dr. Frazier any thoughts or suggestions at this point? " Tom asked. ( Reply: Talya) Tom listened to her words closely. (Reply: Talya) (Posted by: Bill W.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot COPS Lt Ton Jackson - Day 4 - 1741) Tom listened as Tayka made her responses to what he earlier stayed. He was hesitant to follow her suggestion about her going in alone. Ton started to object but she cut him off with to find out what had happened. "Doctor Frazier will be in charge of investigating that. We will treat the site as a crime scene. Dr. Frazier any thoughts or suggestions at this point?" Tom asked. Nodding,Tayla turned to the rest of them and said,“We already have enough contamination of the scene as it is. Now, when we get to the scene,I want to go over it, myself,alone.” She held up her hand to silence what she knew would be opposition to her words, “I’m not kidding here. If there is any evidence out there,at all,the last thing we need to do is contaminate it any more than we already have. You guys will stay at least five meters out until I’m done.” Tom wrestled with his feelings he didn't like her going ib aline but ad usual het logic was flawless. Reluctanly Tom agreed " Ok Doc we'll do it your way. You all heard her. Talya if there is ANY sign if trouble we'll come in" stated. Tom said. (Reply: Any) (Posted by Bill W.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot – ACMO Lt jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 - 1742) Listening to Jackson talked about their mission, Tayla’s thoughts turned Ensign Turner and her condition. Surprisingly, it gave her a reason, a deeply personal reason to find out what had happened. "Doctor Frazier will be in charge of investigating that. We will treat the site as a crime scene. Dr. Frazier any thoughts or suggestions at this point? " Tom asked. Nodding, Tayla turned to the rest of them and said, “We already have enough contamination of the scene as it is. Now, when we get to the scene, I want to go over it, myself, alone.” She held up her hand to silence what she knew would be opposition to her words, “I’m not kidding here. If there is any evidence out there, at all, the last thing we need to do is contaminate it any more than we already have. You guys will stay at least five meters out until I’m done.” (Reply Jackson) Looking into the man’s eyes, she said, “Sir, Trust me on this. The area is clean for further risks but we need to do it this way. It’s the best chance for success.” (Reply Jackson, Any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot – ACMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 - 1743) Waiting patiently, Tayla began to go over her forensic training in her mind. It had been a few years since she had had to do anything like this and she was beginning to worry that she wouldn’t remember everything that they had taught her at the academy. Once Lt Jackson had finished issuing out orders to the rest of his team, she took a breath and said, “Let’s get over there then.” (posted by Jackie) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp-ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 4 - 1744) Jessica had listened to the rest of the meeting, she already knew what was needed to be done to find the person who was responsible for the water plant going offline. She would have to think like the saboteur, which meant letting her alternate persona into the forefront of her mind. It wasn't a thought that thrilled her but she knew it was the best way to capture the person they were after, quickly. Jessica opened her mind to Lily opened the door and let her in. The physical changes that were known to happen when Jessica and Lily shared their common body where known only to a selected few. Most would not know that the sliver streaks in her hair or that one violet eye meant. Once she had found the next senior security officer to hand control over till Sanok returned. She tapped her comm-badge. "Signos to Centcom one to beam over." A voice came over the com confirming her request, a moment later she was bathed in a brilliant white light and the next she was standing on Atlantis station. (posted by Matthew Locke) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot – COPS Lt Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1745) As the briefing was concluded and everyone present left to attend to their duties, Chance turned to Tom just as they were turning away from the table. "Tom, you have a second?" Tom smiles and said for you sure old friend. "Down on the in the club when Mike and I got here, I wound up meeting Pez." Chance added. Shaking his head Tom made a tell ne mire gesture. Chance added "He was there with my grandpa, and Lanista's dad." Tom shook his head and replied "That somehow doesn't surpiseme Chance" Chance went on "I'm not totally sure, but I suggest you talk to him. Ed might have gotten some parenting advise in those ears of his." Tom smiled and said " U trust you so I shall see that stinker. I think he thought he was helping me. Well he didn't and I hope he realizes he didn't". " You know chance as I watch Ben and Sanok I think that could have been me. As a result of Pez's actions I may never get another chance as an FO and without FO experience command of a star ship is also out of reach" Tom said wistfully. (Reply: Chance) (Posted by: Bill) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station - Centcom -ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 4 - 1749) "Time to get to work." She spoke to herself as she slide behind a computer console and started to build a database of information that would be needed to build a list of suspects that could of but the desalinization plant offline. She accessed computer records of who accessed the plant since the Rose had arrived on BA4 till the plant was shut down, security patrols and shift rotations, repair records and who conducted them, also who had access to though systems. The more she researched the more a pattern seemed to evolve out of the data. She focused on this pattern narrowing a list of possible suspects, and a methodology on how they disabled the plant. After some time Jessica decided a walk around the station was needed. She could find out more information listening to the gossip floating around the station. Before she exited the security of centcom she changed out of her duty uniform and into something less noticeable, that allowed her to blend in and to be mistaken for the young teenage girl she looked liked. (posted by Matthew Locke) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Capital City- Ambassador Tzorn- Day 4 -1750) The one hour assigned for Tzorn to return his call to Soma had come and gone. He had found himself appropriately paranoid after leaving the meeting with his nephew and had decided that it was best to take the most circuitous route he could comprehend to return to his office. Any sign that he had been followed went unseen, but that did not dissuade him from taking every precaution, including watching his own office for a half an hour before deciding that it was safe for him to enter. As before the office was exactly as he had left it when he had left earlier. He slipped his hand into his jacket pocket and took the time to walk through the office, checking for any signs of unwanted forced entry. Finding none, he eventually returned to the office and settled into his chair. He took a few moments to breathe deeply before removing the Federation Commbadge from the desk drawer. After one additional moment of delay he pressed the device. "Hello this is Ambassador Tzorn. I wish to speak with Commander Soma" (reply Soma) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Shuttle Crash site – ACMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 - 1752) Standing five meters out, Tayla began to make sure she had everything she needed. ~Okay, so medical tricorder, check. Normal Tricorder, Check. Good to go.~ Looking to Lt Jackson, she nodded and said, “Lieutenant, I’m ready to go. I’ll keep the comms open and I promise to alert you if anything untowards happens.” (Reply Jackson) Smiling, she replied, “I’m sure. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself. Once I’m done, you and your team can go through the site as much as you need to.” Turning away from him, she took out her medical tricorder and walked slowly forward. Her mind drifted back to the forensics classes she had taken at the academy. Her tutor, Lt. Lincoln Rhyme, had been one of the foremost Federation forensic experts. Thinking back to those lessons, she could hear his words clearly in her mind as she scanned the site from a wide distance to look for areas of interest, ~Walk the grid. It’s something that crime scene investigators of all ages have done. Section the scene you are investigating into a grid and examine each section. Walking the grid. It’s something that holds true now. The only other thing I can tell you is remember that crime scenes and three dimensional.~ Smiling to herself as she did as she had been told, she walked the area outside the shuttle and then inside the remains. Nothing came up other than the DNA of the crew that had been in the area. After about half an hour, she found herself just outside the area of the explosion. Her Medical tricorder had alerted her to some unusual DNA readings. Crouching down, she held out the peripheral attachment and scanned closer. Looking at the readings she was getting, her heart skipped a beat. ~Oh great. I need a terminal with access to the ship to make sure of what I’m seeing here.~ she thought to herself as she rose and walked towards Lieutenant Jackson. “Sir, you’re okay to go in. I need to get back to the depot and run these readings through the computer and compare them with the ship’s database.” (Reply Jackson) Nodding, she replied, “I think I have found something. I need to analyse the data first but, if I’m right, it will throw a whole new light on things here.” (Reply Jackson, Any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV –Shuttle Crash site –COPS Lt Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1754) Tom and Talya bantered back and forth a bit. She was most definitely a strong willed woman. "Alright Doctor we will do it your way for now." Tom replied. (Reply: Doc) Tom told the others " The Doctor is the boss here. Form a perimeter five meters in any direction from the site center.Also no one gets in unless you know them or you can check with me if unsure " Jackson paused to allow for any questions. (Reply: Any Present) Tim constantly surveyed the area. It would not surprise him if another attack would happen. He desperately wanted to avoid more bloodshed. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Bill W.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Capital City- Ambassador Tzorn- Day 4 -1758) =^=Ambassador Tzorn this is Commander Soma.=^= Ben answered. =^=Have you been able to arrange for me to speak with Ambassador Turner?=^= "Yes," Tzorn replied, "I have managed this at great peril to myself. Have you then agreed to my request for Asylum?" =^=Excellent. =^= Ben replied. =^=I have the authority to grant your request for asylum Ambassador. =^= "That commander, Is the best news I have heard so far today. It strengthens our friendship to know that we can still work together for a common goal." =^=I thought that might brighten your day. =^= Ben said. =^=How soon can I speak with Ambassador Turner? =^= "Everything will be in place tomorrow morning at 0900 hours. My people will be taking precautions to protect themselves from unwanted suspicion. The communications carrier wave will be relayed through several locations before you will receive it, but it should not be impossible for your to track it to its source. I suspect that by 1030 hours your ambassador will be safe and well aboard your ship." =^=I understand you'll need to take precautions. =^= Ben stated. =^=If the Veil learns of what you are doing your life will be in danger, after I've spoken with Turner I'll make arrangements to get you out. In the mean time do what you can to cover your tracks and we'll have you out as soon as we can. =^= "I am taking precautions as well. I have other news. Alaya has been captured and so she should be no more threat to your people." (reply Soma) "Very well, I will be in contact when it is time for the communication." Tzorn reached out and cut the channel and sighed. Now all he had to do was survive long enough for the Federation to extract him. (reply Soma iyw) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station, President in Exile Kolath, Day 4, 1900) Kaloth sat in the section of his room that acted as a makeshift office. He had been so paralyzed by his fear of losing control of his government that he was enabling that very event to take place. He wrung his hands together and then rose from the chair heading towards the massive wall of clear aluminum that acted as a window to the chaotic world that existed beyond his seemingly safe room. He was technically useless sitting here, watching the events of his world pass him by at warp speed. It was more than the once-engineer turned politician could comprehend. He had built his legacy on the concept of bringing the planet into the interstellar community. He had built the capacity of Aquillian Industry by supporting technological trade in exchange for the prevalent raw materials that this world possessed. He had dealt with dozens of species, some more aggressive than others. He had acquired geothermal tap technology that created clean power and advanced geological science among his people. He had overseen the construction of the species first space station and improved the overall technical infrastructure that he believed would one day make his people a major player in the mercantile and technological realm of the quadrant. yet despite all of this, somehow, a relatively small group of pro-isolation extremists had managed to launch a coup and now control a sizable portion of his world's resources and population. Kolath shook his head as he paced back and forth in front of the massive window, his fingers laced behind his back as he trudged back-and-forth. He didn't know what to do, he wasn't a military man. He had no concept of how to run a counter-revolution. He could dissect any machine given enough time and unravel it's workings, but a stalled and collapsing government? He had been frozen with fear, uncertainty and confusion, trying to grasp the intricacies of the situation. His first impulse had been to run to his allies, hopeful that they would restore the government and return him to power, or at least protect him from the Veil. It was beginning to seem as if this was no longer going to be a viable course of action. The captain of the Federation starship had not even taken the time to see him, let alone discuss the situation with him. That, to Kolath, was a strong indicator that he no longer played a significant role in the outcome of this revolution. He was now a passenger to events instead of a driver or a director. He was no longer an influence on the events that took place on his world. He had been unable to communicate with his military commanders, and even if he had he wasn't certain he even knew what to say to them. Fight to the bitter end? Surrender to spare the population? He sighed and paused, midway across the window. He had an idea. If the federation wouldn't help him, he would have to help himself. He didn't know what the situation was beyond the walls of his gilded cage, or how to communicate with the commanders of the remnants of his military. But he could communicate with everyone that cared to listen. It was time to make a speech. determined to see this course of action through, he walked over to the intercom and pressed the button that connected him to the front desk. =^= Front desk=^= the attendant intoned, =^= What can I do for you mister president?=^= "I would like very much to speak with Miss McNulty, if I may. It is an important matter that is time-sensitive. Can you have her contact me?" He implored. =^= I will pass on the message Mister President.=^= "Thank you." =^=Is there anything else I can do for you?=^= she asked. "No I believe that you have done more than I could have asked for." =^=It's no problem, sir. Have a good evening.=^= The president in exile, Kolath, once the most influential man on the planet surrounded by dozens of attendants and assistants, settled into a chair in the large empty room that had become his impromptu prison to await a response from the civilian leader of a hotel in the hopes of making steps to restoring his world. It was a sobering thought. (reply mcNulty) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station - Day 4, 1903) After the meeting with the Federation Niambh had gone back to Atlantis Station so that she could organise the joint operation between the Federation and her personnel to figure out who the saboteur was. Having spent some time with David and his team she told them to expect some Federation and some Skorrian troops to help beef up their security and to help track down the problem with the desalinisation plant. Managing to take David aside for a few moments she was able to ascertain that he had managed to put in place all of her orders. Niambh smiled at him. "Take your orders from the Starfleet personnel but make sure that everyone on this station leaves in the next 24 hours. I want this hotel cleared but I want it done quietly" David told her that President Kolath had asked to speak to her, so. nodding Niambh headed up to his suite. (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station - President Kolath's Suite - Day 4, 1905) Activating the chime and allowing herself to be checked over by the presidents security Niambh was finally allowed into his suite. "You wished to speak to me Sir I believe. How can I help you?" (Reply Kolath) (Posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station- Suite, President in Exile Kolath, Day 4, 1906) Kolath paced back and forth waiting for the return call from the owner of the Hotel, each step strengthening his resolve to do something, even if it was perhaps a little bit foolhardy. The chime to his door sounded, and Kolath nearly jumped out of his skin at the suddenness of the unexpected sound. A moment later, just enough time for Kolath to gather himself, the door slid open and revealed Niambh McNulty, perhaps the only person who may condone the course of action that he was about to suggest. "You wished to speak to me sir, I believe?" she began, "How can I help you?" "Thank you for coming, Miss McNulty, although i would have gladly come to you or even spoken to you over the commlink, as I know you are very busy." He replied a bit too quickly. ~unlike me.~ he mentally berated himself. "I have a favor to ask of you. It is a very big one and it may get you into boiling water with tour government, but i have no one else that I can trust. I am in need of your help and i can not offer you much in return except for my gratitude." (reply McNulty) "I have spent the last few days here, paralyzed with indecision. I never expected to see anything even remotely like this coup. I am out of touch with my supporters, with my people and with the very Federation that was once my ally. I suppose that they are my ally still, although perhaps not willing to offer military support to help me." He sighed and gestured towards one of the luxurious seats that dominated the central room. He settled into one of the others. "I have decided that I am done cowering, and to be honest it is past due. I should have been much more decisive when things began, but now I realize my mistake. It is time, as you Humans like to say, to 'dig in my heels.'" "I would like to ask you for access to your communications suite. I believe it is time that I addressed my people and let them know that resistance to the Veil is a possibility. That their Government is not destroyed and that we will not stop until we regain control of the planet. I need to speak to them, to the people in the street and to the military personnel fighting for what remains of the government. I need to launch a counter-revolution… to regain the initiative and to solidify the resistance to the Veil and whomever is supporting them." "I have nothing but the clothes on my back and the last shreds of my dignity. I was a coward, but I now realize that it is no longer about what happens to me, but what happens to my people. I am asking you to help me gain access to the communications suite and to help me keep control of it to deliver the message that I need to share with the people of this world. Before you answer, consider that the federation may not wish me to make this speech, but it is something that I must do with or without your help. I would prefer you to help me, of course." (reply McNulty) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV -Atlantis Station- Kolath's Suite - Niambh McNulty - Day 4 - 1908) "Thank you for coming, Miss McNulty, although I would have gladly come to you or even spoken to you over the commlink, as I know you are very busy." He replied a bit too quickly. "I have a favor to ask of you. It is a very big one and it may get you into boiling water with your government, but I have no one else that I can trust. I am in need of your help and I can not offer you much in return except for my gratitude." Niambh smiled at him. "Firstly Sir, you are still, at present, an honoured and welcome guest in my establishment and as such, deserve my personal attention. Secondly as to any favours I may do you..." Niambh paused. "Your government has always dealt fairly with me. If I can I would like to return the favour. As for getting myself in hot water with the Federation. Well, it probably wouldn't be the first time so I suggest you simple ask for what you want and I will see what I can do. As to your gratitude. Well, who knows down the line when that might not be worth something." "I have spent the last few days here, paralyzed with indecision. I never expected to see anything even remotely like this coup. I am out of touch with my supporters, with my people and with the very Federation that was once my ally. I suppose that they are my ally still, although perhaps not willing to offer military support to help me." Niambh nodded. "That is a fairly honest assessment of your position. Having spent some time talking to the Command Staff from the Federation ship it seems very unlikely that they will support you. The best you can hope for is that they will make efforts to relocate you elsewhere. He sighed and gestured towards one of the luxurious seats that dominated the central room. He settled into one of the others. Sitting down on one of the couches Niambh faced the President in Exile and tilting her head to one side allowed him to continue. "I have decided that I am done cowering, and to be honest it is past due. I should have been much more decisive when things began, but now I realize my mistake. It is time, as you Humans like to say, to 'dig in my heels.'" "I would like to ask you for access to your communications suite. I believe it is time that I addressed my people and let them know that resistance to the Veil is a possibility. That their Government is not destroyed and that we will not stop until we regain control of the planet. I need to speak to them, to the people in the street and to the military personnel fighting for what remains of the government. I need to launch a counter-revolution… to regain the initiative and to solidify the resistance to the Veil and whomever is supporting them." "I have nothing but the clothes on my back and the last shreds of my dignity. I was a coward, but I now realize that it is no longer about what happens to me, but what happens to my people. I am asking you to help me gain access to the communications suite and to help me keep control of it to deliver the message that I need to share with the people of this world. Before you answer, consider that the federation may not wish me to make this speech, but it is something that I must do with or without your help. I would prefer you to help me, of course." Sighing Niambh looked across at the mouse who had suddenly, but probably far to late decided to become a man. "Sir, I have to tell you that there are almost no military personnel fighting for your government. The Veil is in charge of this planet. There is no doubt about that at all. As far as I can see the Federation will probably pull out of here once they find their missing Ambassadors and Habrii will be left in charge and this planet will be left to it's own devices and to go it's own way. I too will be leaving with the Federation along with all my non Aquillian staff." (Reply Kolath, iyw) Niambh paused for a moment and then carried on. "However Sir, if you are determined to deliver a message to your people, I think that I might just be able to facilitate that. Given the fresh water problem we have here just now, I will be, over the next few hours, clearing everyone out of Atlantis and moving them to various parts of the refugee camp and this whole station will be abandoned. I will, of course wipe my entire computer network, but I could leave one comm channel open. If you and your people are the last to leave here, what you choose to do with that comm channel is entirely up to yourself" (Reply Kolath iyw) "However, one word of warning as one friend to another. Once you are done you need to leave. Do not stay on the station and do not leave any personnel behind here. Do I make myself clear?" (reply Kolath) (posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV -Atlantis Station- Kolath's Suite - President in Exile Kolath, Day 4, 1910) Kolath del;averred his plea, appealing to McNulty's sense of justice and all but begging her for help. When he had finished his deposition, she sighed, which at first klatch thought might be a sign that she was going to turn him down. But he was pleasantly surprised. "Sir, I have to tell you that there are almost no military personnel fighting for your government. The Veil is in charge of this planet. There is no doubt about that at all. As far as I can see the Federation will probably pull out of here once they find their missing Ambassadors and Habrii will be left in charge and this planet will be left to it's own devices and to go it's own way. I too will be leaving with the Federation along with all my non-Aquillian staff." "I see." Kolath replied, it seemed he had discovered his courage to late after all. Niambh paused for a moment and then carried on. "However Sir, if you are determined to deliver a message to your people, I think that I might just be able to facilitate that. Given the fresh water problem we have here just now, I will be, over the next few hours, clearing everyone out of Atlantis and moving them to various parts of the refugee camp and this whole station will be abandoned. I will, of course wipe my entire computer network, but I could leave one comm channel open. If you and your people are the last to leave here, what you choose to do with that comm channel is entirely up to yourself" There was a glimmer of hope that shone in his eyes. He smiled and rose to his feet. "I believe we will be the last to leave then, Miss McNulty. I will not be dissuaded from this task." "However," Niambh added cautiously, "one word of warning as one friend to another. Once you are done you need to leave. Do not stay on the station and do not leave any personnel behind here. Do I make myself clear?" "Abundantly so." He replied with a happy nod. "If I am to do this, i must carefully consider my next step. It will be important that I organize and lead my people in whatever means I can to their freedom. Being captured is not conducive to my plans, so i will assuredly heed your warning." He was still smiling, seeing a chance to finally redeem himself before his people and perhaps to make a difference in what events transpired on his world. "I owe you a personal debt." He told her then, "And if there is ever anything that I can do to repay you. You need but name it." (reply McNulty iyw) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV -Atlantis Station- Kolath's Suite - Hotel Owner - Niambh McNulty - Day 4 -1912) Being captured is not conducive to my plans, so I will assuredly heed your warning." "I owe you a personal debt." He told her then, "And if there is ever anything that I can do to repay you. You need but name it." Niambh got up to leave and smiled at him one final time. "You misunderstand me Sir. I'm not interested in your plans and to be honest it is better for both of us if I don't know them, but I do have plans for this station so, let me put it this way. It would not be condusive to any long term plans you have for you or your people to stay in this station, in fact it would most probably prove fatal. I hope you take my meaning Sir. Now if there is nothing else I will bid you goodnight and good luck." Crossing to the door she paused and unclipped something from her belt. Putting it down on the table she smiled at him. "That is a long range communicator. It's tied to a frequency that only David and I can access. If you survive, and if we can help you, we will do what we can. Good luck Mr President. I think you're going to need it. (Reply Kolath iyw) Closing the door behind her Niambh walked up the few steps to the roof garden. Knowing that this was probably going to be the last time she took in the view from here she sat down in one of the chairs and simply looked at the view. (Posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV -Atlantis Station- Kolath's Suite - President in Exile Kolath, Day 4, 1914) In her typical human manner, Niambh rose from her chair and smiled to Kolath. "You misunderstand me Sir." She said as she rose to her feet, " I'm not interested in your plans and to be honest it is better for both of us if I don't know them, but I do have plans for this station so, let me put it this way. It would not be conducive to any long term plans you have for you or your people to stay in this station, in fact it would most probably prove fatal. I hope you take my meaning Sir. Now if there is nothing else I will bid you goodnight and good luck." Kolath nodded. He now understood. She meant to destroy the station when she evacuated it. Crossing to the door she paused and unclipped something from her belt. Putting it down on the table she smiled at him. "That is a long range communicator. It's tied to a frequency that only David and I can access. If you survive, and if we can help you, we will do what we can. Good luck Mr. President. I think you're going to need it." "To you also Miss McNulty." He replied. He watched as she left the room, and as the door closed behind her a wave of doubt washed over him. He could leave the planet to its fate, because he may well have decided upon action too late, but then he would live with his cowardice for the rest of his life. ~No~ he decided, ~It will not be that way.~ Kolath rose to his feet and walked across the room to the small table that held the communications device. It was small and seemed a little fragile, but it was a lifeline that could prove to be more valuable than anything else that he'd ever been given. He knew why she had left it and for the first time in a very long time, Kolath smiled and took heart. He had a speech to write and a world to liberate. (reply none) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - Head of Security - David Roskoff - Day 4 - 1915) When Niambh returned from the Starfleet briefing she informed David that both Lt O'Neill and Ensign Signos had been tasked to help him with their current problems. O'Neill to help track down the problem and possibly fix it and Signos to help track down the saboteur. Once Niambh had gone to speak with Kolath David activated the comm channel and contacted both of them. "Lt O'Neill, Ensign Signos. David Roskoff here, head of security on Atlantis Station. Ms McNulty has informed me that you have both been assigned to help us with our recent difficulties. Please let me know if there is any information you might need before we meet and I will do my best to arrange it. I look forward to meeting you both. David out." (Reply O'Neill and Signos) (Posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV -CENTCOMM- FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 -1920) Once the breifing concluded Ben turned his attention to seeing that things were progressing smoothly, he had a dozen reports requiring his attention so he addressed them and the received updates from several crew members. It appeared that for now they had caught a break, no more bombings had been report and there were no further reports of harassment from the various triage centers. When he was certain that everything that immediately required his attention had been dealt with he focused his attention on president Kolath. Salid had requested that he and Sanok speak with the president and propose that he either be turned over to the Veil or be moved from the planet. Kolath was a guest at Atlantis station so Ben would arrange the meeting through Niambh. He tapped his combadge. "Soma to McNulty." He said and waited for the response. (reply McNulty) "I would like for you to arrange a meeting for me with President Kolath. I have a few things that I need to speak with him about." (reply McNulty) "The sooner the better." Ben responded. (reply McNulty) "I'll see you then." Ben responded closing the channel. Ben tapped his combadge a second time. "Soma to Sanok." (reply Sanok) "Meet me at Centcomm in fifteen minutes, Ms. McNulty is arranging our meeting with President Kolath." (reply Sanok) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1922) =^=Soma to Sanok.=^= "Sanok here." =^=Meet me at Centcomm in fifteen minutes. Ms. McNulty is arranging our meeting with President Kolath.=^= "I'm on my way." After the channel closed, Sanok left Ensign Bauer in charge at the main gate, then made his way to Centcomm. (reply none) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV -Atlantis Station- Kolath's Suite - President in Exile Kolath, Day 4, 1923) "And together we shall face the injustice... The inequality that the Veil of the Sky will force upon the members of our great race. The ideology of the Veil shall prove to be the enemy of all Aquillians, robbing them of common decency, freedom, exploration, expression and economic security." Kolath recited. "And we shall..." There was a sharp chirp from the suite's communications intercom and Kolath sputtered as the words of his newly minted speech failed him. "Slig!" he cursed as he made his way over to the device and pressed the button. "Yes?" he inquired =^=My apologies Mr President but I have just been contacted by the First Officer of the Rosenante asking that I arrange a meeting between the two of you. Should you agree he will make himself available on Atlantis within the next half hour. I am meeting him in the Federation CentComm in fifteen minutes. Should you agree to this meeting I will escort him here to your suite since I think you would prefer to meet him on technically 'your own ground' so to speak. However should you decide not to, that is your choice.=^= ~Ah and here is the move I have been waiting for from the federation. A formal meeting to determine how they can assist me regain my government. Perhaps all is not lost after all.~ He thought a split instant before replying. "Of course, you are correct. I would be happy to meet them here in the suite. Thank you Miss McNulty." He disconnected the link between him and took a deep cleansing breath. It was finally time to see what he could do to persuade the Federation to jump into the fight and help him get rid of Habrii and the rabble that he called a government. It was too long overdue and Kolath was glad that the Federation was ready to finally throw in their support. He moved to the bedchamber to prepare for his meeting. (Beta Aquillia IV -Atlantis Station- Kolath's Suite - President in Exile Kolath, Day 4, 1950) Kolath didn't want to seem to anxious to meet with the Federation officers, so he had taken the time to calm himself with a personal mantra that he used before any particularly difficult debate. He had just completed it, when his security officer notified him that the visitors had arrived. McNulty escorted the two federation officers into the suite and greeted him with a smile. "President Kolath, I would like to introduce Lt Commander Ben Soma and Lieutenant Sanok, the First and Second Officers from the USS Rosenante. These are the gentlemen you have been expecting. Normally I would have had refreshments available but, given the circumstances, I am sure that you will forgive me if I don't." "Yes, of course Miss McNulty. I completely understand and thank you for your hospitality in such trying times." Kolath replied. Having introduced everyone to each other Niambh began to back out of the suite. "Now gentlemen if there is nothing else perhaps you will excuse me. Have fun and try not to kill each other." Kolath's eyes narrowed at the off-handed comment and for an instant he worried for his safety, but seeing some confusion on the face of the First officer as well, he decided that it wasn't a real immediate threat, although it could very well be a cryptic warning for his benefit. The Vulcan, Sanok, immediately pulled a scanning device from his belt and walked around the room. Kolath had seen enough of his men perform similar scans to know what was happening. The Second Officer of the Rosenante was a cautious man, and Kolath could appreciate that trait, especially now. He signaled that everything was clear of unwanted ears with a single nod, before taking up a stationary position to one side of the room. "Mr. President," Ben began. "Captain Salid regrets he is unable to speak with you in person but has authorized me to speak with you in his stead." "I am glad to see he has finally sent someone to see me. I was beginning to believe that it was intention to ignore me." Kolath commented, more from a curiosity to see what would be said than from any real sense of unhappiness. "No Mr. President." Ben replied. "It was not his intention to ignore you. He returned to the Rosenante to oversee the setup of a sensitive sensor net to detect cloaked vessels. We are still uncertain of who is backing the Veil but if it is the Romulans we won't have any warning of impending attack until the first shot hits our ship which may be fatal for all aboard." "That is reasonable. So the captain agrees that the Federation should lend us aid in restoring my government?" the president asked. "The delay was worrisome." "Understandable," Ben said. "but not the reason Captain Salid sent me to speak with you. Atlantis station has been compromised and Ms. McNulty can no longer guarantee your safety." "I see. And what do you propose?" the president inquired. "There are a couple possibilities." Ben stated. "One, we beam you up to one of the orbiting freighters. That will get you out of immediate danger but there is another option that may prove to be more useful." "Useful?" he repeated, realizing for the first time that the Federation really had no intention of helping him in a significant manner after all. "Habrii has demanded that we turn you over to the Veil to stand trial for your crimes against the Aquillians." Ben said. "We ask that you consider this rather than the freighter." "So you and your captain would prefer that I am executed?" Kolath asked, the nervousness in his voice more apparent than he preferred. He glanced at the door to the suite and realized that he was in a dangerous position. If the federation officers present wanted to capture him there would be little his meager security officers could do to prevent it. He was in very real danger at the moment. "Not at all." Ben responded. "We would take measures to ensure we could pull you out at the first sign of trouble. We're hoping that the Veil would take you to the same location as Ambassador Turner, if things go according to plan we would pull both of you out from under their noses." Kolath, shook his head then, a trait he'd picked up dealing with Ambassador Turner, one that was not native to Aquillians. "No, it is a poorly considered plan." He commented. "It places me at risk since there is no guarantee that I will be taken to the same holding area as your ambassador. Also, I can no longer trust the federation to have my interests or the best interests of my people in mind. The very fact that you would even consider this, tells me that you are becoming desperate to rescue your ambassador and that time for you to do so is growing short." Kolath turned and walked towards his desk. He stopped there, placing his hands on the desk top and leaning his weight forward on the palms of his hands. "I may not be a military minded man, Lieutenant Commander Soma, but I understand the value of a piece on a playing board. In politics, you would use me as a gambit in the hopes of achieving a more desirable goal. You can of course, replace a president of a planet later, especially when that president is not one of your own people and difficult to manipulate. But an Ambassador... now they are a valuable playing piece." (reply Soma, Sanok) He turned around to face the two men, leaning against the edge of the desk, the forefinger of his left hand finding and pressing the recessed alarm button that resided there. It only took a moment for the three guards to rush into the room with their weapons at the ready. They were pointed at the two Federation Officers. "I must decline. But I do not wish you to think ill of me. Once I regain control of my planet, I will reopen diplomatic channels with the Federation and I sincerely hope that Ambassador Turner is rescued. However, I cannot risk the welfare of my people by sacrificing myself so worthlessly. I will remain on my homeworld and I will do all in my power to overthrow the Veil and to restore democracy to my people. I may not survive it, but I will at least die in a worthy attempt to help my people." (reply Soma, Sanok) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station - Secure Location -ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 4 - 1924) Jessica entered the secure location, she had spent the last half hour cross referencing what the station's head of security had sent her with what she was able to dig up on her own. Once again in a fresh federation uniform she glanced around the room introductions weren't necessary. By now she knew everyone that was gathered or at least knew of them well enough to know who was who. “Hello, everyone,” Eian spoke a hint of command in his voice. “I’ve been asked to coordinate the effort to not only repair the water system on Atlantis station but also discover who the saboteur was and guarantee the continued safety of all personnel here. After reviewing the information Mr. Roskoff sent, I have to say we have a pretty hefty task ahead of us. If any personnel can be spared to help us out, then we’re going to have to pull them—but from our communications records in CENTCOM, I know you have some personnel who are looking for work, I’d be very grateful for their time if you’re still willing to offer their service.” "While I agree with the Lt. on us having a 'hefty task' ahead of us. I am not so sure of allowing station personnel to assist with this investigation. The last thing I want to see happen is this to turn into a witch hunt. Also with the research I've done there is a good indication that this may of been an inside job. I don't want to alert the saboteur to the fact that we may be on to them. Instead I would like to approach this from a different angle. If I was the saboteur on a station running low on drinkable water what would be my next step..." Jessica gave the gathered a change to ponder her question before she answered. "...Escape, if the saboteur is on the station that person will be looking for a way to escape. More than likely when the station needs to be evacuated." She handed everyone a copy the data and possible suspects she had compiled over the last few hours. "If you have any thoughts please tell me?" (reply those gathered.) (posted by Matthew Locke) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Security Office - Head of Atlantis Security - David Roskoff - Day 4 - 1925) David watched as the two young Starfleet officers entered his domain. The young man, whom he recognised as Lt O'Neill began speaking first. “ Hello, everyone, I’ve been asked to coordinate the effort to not only repair the water system on Atlantis station but also discover who the saboteur was and guarantee the continued safety of all personnel here. After reviewing the information Mr. Roskoff sent, I have to say we have a pretty hefty task ahead of us. If any personnel can be spared to help us out, then we’re going to have to pull them—but from our communications records in CENTCOM, I know Miss McNulty has some personnel who are looking for work. I’d be very grateful for their time if she's still willing to offer their service--if you could please pass that message onto her, Mr. Roskoff.” David did his best to hide his smile and tried to turn it into a welcoming smile instead. Thankfully he was spared from answering the young man since the other officer, whom David wondered was even old enough to hold her position answered him immediately. "While I agree with the Lt. on us having a 'hefty task' ahead of us. I am not so sure of allowing station personnel to assist with this investigation. The last thing I want to see happen is this to turn into a witch hunt. Also with the research I've done there is a good indication that this may of been an inside job. I don't want to alert the saboteur to the fact that we may be on to them. Instead I would like to approach this from a different angle. If I was the saboteur on a station running low on drinkable water what would be my next step..." Jessica gave the gathered a change to ponder her question before she answered. "...Escape, if the saboteur is on the station that person will be looking for a way to escape. More than likely when the station needs to be evacuated." She handed everyone a copy the data and possible suspects she had compiled over the last few hours. "If you have any thoughts please tell me?" David took the information she handed out and after reading it quickly started speaking. "If I may..." "Lt O'Neill, I agree we have a very hefty task ahead of us Ms McNulty would not have asked for help from your Captain had not all our investigations come to almost a dead end. As for your communication records about our personnel looking for work, sadly your records seem to be behind the times. With the exception of the two engineers looking into this particular problem and my security staff left here the rest of the staff on Atlantis have been helping the search and rescue teams working in the Refugee Camp after the bombings. One third of them are now on a rest break, another third are co-ordinating the evacuations of this station as per the orders we were given by it's owner and the final third is busy running this station at present. Furthermore as head of security I am authorised by Ms McNulty to render you any assistance that you need so there is no reason for us to wait whilst I get her authority to do anything." Turning to Jessica. David took a deep breath. "I agree with you. As you can see from what I sent you our engineers can find nothing mechanically wrong with the plant, it has just stopped working for no reason that they can see. This suggests, as we suspected all along that this was sabotage which means that it had to have been a member of Atlantis staff who did it. It also means, since it seems to be non mechanical that is was done by a computer program rather than direct sabotage of the machinery. That widens our suspect pool quite considerably unfortunately and I do agree that our personnel should have very little to do with this investigation at present given this fact." David turned back to O'Neill. "Lieutenant I believe you are an engineer to trade, would you consider looking over the plant on the off chance that one of our engineers checking it out was the saboteur?" (Reply O'Neill) "Ensign Signos, I agree that our perpetrator will use the evacuation to escape Atlantis Station and as yet cannot see any way to stop him or her moving to the Refugee Camp however on the off chance that he or she might wish to escape totally it might be wise to notify the guards at the gates to detain anyone trying to leave the camp itself and notify us immediately if someone tries too." (Reply Signos) "Also whilst I understand that your first priority will be to report back to your Captain regarding this I would ask that you also let me know any of your findings. However I would suggest, given our problem, that you contact me directly rather than through this office. Now unless either of you have any other questions, Lt O'Neill, if you wish I can have someone show you the way to the desalinisation plant. Ensign Signos, what else can I do to aide your investigation?" (Reply O'Neill, Signos) (Posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Atlantis Station - Secure Area-ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 4 - 1927) "Ensign Signos, I agree that our perpetrator will use the evacuation to escape Atlantis Station and as yet cannot see any way to stop him or her moving to the Refugee Camp however on the off chance that he or she might wish to escape totally it might be wise to notify the guards at the gates to detain anyone trying to leave the camp itself and notify us immediately if someone tries too." Jessica was not happy with what she heard. Lily on the other hand wanted to throttle the stations head of security. They had knowledge of the sabotage but had yet to do anything to capture or flush out the person involved. "Mr. Roskoff, I will contact the refugee plant and tell them to hold all key personnel that might have information, if needed I'll tell them to teleport them back here." "Also whilst I understand that your first priority will be to report back to your Captain regarding this I would ask that you also let me know any of your findings. However I would suggest, given our problem, that you contact me directly rather than through this office. Now unless either of you have any other questions, Lt O'Neill, if you wish I can have someone show you the way to the desalinisation plant. Ensign Signos, what else can I do to aide your investigation?" Jessica spoke in even tones. "What exactly has been done to bring this person in? If this was me and I was in charge I would continue with the evacuation letting everyone go except of the Aquillians staff that are here on the station. Since the veil is driven by a need for independence from other races it would only make sense that it was a Aquillian behind the attack. Mr. Roskoff I want the names of every Aquillian on staff that has had access to the water treatment plant since we made planetfall, if we find the person responsible we can get the deactivation sequence. I'm also gonna request from Captain Salid a computer expert to try to find a back door in the lock out algorithm to see if we can't get the water treatment plant online. I would also suggest starting to evacuate people to the space dock in orbit. It has more than enough resources to take on the station inhabitants and keep them safe longer. It would also help keep potential suspects from magically disappearing from the refugee camps especially if there is another attack." Jessica smiled evilly at the security officer. "I know you didn't know of the space station but if you where more forth coming with what your plans were and coordinated with us you would of known all the assets available to you?" (reply Mr. Roskoff, O'neil iyw) (posted by Matthew Locke) ---------- (Atlantis Station - Secure Area - David Roskoff - Head of Security - Atlantis Station - Day 4 - 1930) Jessica spoke in even tones. "What exactly has been done to bring this person in? If this was me and I was in charge I would continue with the evacuation letting everyone go except of the Aquillians staff that are here on the station. Since the veil is driven by a need for independence from other races it would only make sense that it was a Aquillian behind the attack. Mr. Roskoff I want the names of every Aquillian on staff that has had access to the water treatment plant since we made planet fall, if we find the person responsible we can get the deactivation sequence. I'm also gonna request from Captain Salid a computer expert to try to find a back door in the lock out algorithm to see if we can't get the water treatment plant online. I would also suggest starting to evacuate people to the space dock in orbit. It has more than enough resources to take on the station inhabitants and keep them safe longer. It would also help keep potential suspects from magically disappearing from the refugee camps especially if there is another attack." Jessica smiled evilly at the security officer. "I know you didn't know of the space station but if you where more forth coming with what your plans were and coordinated with us you would of known all the assets available to you?" David simply looked at the person in front of him and smiled. He had learned a long time ago not to be intimidated by anyone, including Starfleet personnel who thought that they knew more than he did. So he smiled and thanked whatever deity was responsible that Niambh wasn't here to hear the conversation since she would have gone ballistic about the insult to her staff, and whilst David didn't disagree that the Ensign's attitude was insulting he knew that he could deal with it and with a lot more tact that Niambh would have shown. So, smiling down at the Ensign he shrugged his shoulders. "Ensign, I know you have your orders from your Captain and you are obeying them. I however am obeying mine from the owner of this hotel, who is after all my direct superior. But to answer your questions, as best I can.... "There are very few Federation personnel working in this hotel, the biggest majority of staff are Aquillians and as per the orders I was given by my boss as per the last meeting, I have dismissed all of them to the Refugee Camp. Most of the rest of the Federation personnel have been ordered to report to Cmdr Caskie since I was told by Ms McNulty that she was in charge of organising and keeping all the Federation personnel together. Where she sends them is up to her. The ones remaining, Ms McNulty, myself, my deputy and the two people checking out our desalinisation plant will evacuate Atlantis Station when the Federation leave since I find it highly unlikely that Ms McNulty will leave before then, and I certainly won't leave before she does." (Reply Signos iyw) "As for what we have done to apprehend the person or persons responsible for the sabotage to this station. Ms McNulty instructed me that this was not her highest priority and if I may quote her... "The Federation Captain is only instructed to rescue their Ambassador and nothing more. We will lose this hotel regardless since the Federation will leave the Veil in charge as soon as they recover Ambassador Turner. Make sure that everyone who needs to leave, leaves." (Reply Signos) "Now I realise that you may not like what has been done here with regards to security, but I have my orders, just as you do, and since my boss is the person who owns this station, as far as I am concerned, her orders are the orders I follow. You may not like that, but until she tells me otherwise, that is what I will do. Now, if you would prefer to discuss this with Ms McNulty I will try to set up a meeting with her." (Reply Signos) (Posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day 4, 1935) Ben arrived at Centcomm and wasn't surprised to see that Sanok was as punctual as ever, he walked over to his friend and thought back to the first mission they served together on. It was Ben's first posting and the ships last voyage, after returning to Geneva he and Sanok had volunteered to augment the stations security forces and quickly became friends. Sanok had been abducted during that time, they had responded to a fire at the Hyperion and later discovered it wasn't an accident. Shortly after that Sanok disappeared and Ben lead the search to find him. They had been through a lot together, they shed blood together and always had each others backs. If it wasn't for Sanok he would never have met Marah, it was at Sanok's insistence that he attend a tournament on Axtis III and of course that didn't go as expected either. Ben often wondered if they attracted trouble or if it was just bad luck, Sanok would dismiss both as being illogical to anyone else but Ben couldn't help but wonder what his friend thought of their many misfortunes. When he was at Sanok's side he said. "Any predictions on how the President will receive what we are about to propose to him." (reply Sanok) "His cooperation would help us." Ben said. "If he remains on the surface the Veil will find him sooner or later." He then spotted Niambh from the corner of his eye. "Guess we'll find out soon enough." Ben stated. (reply Sanok, McNulty) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - CENTCOMM - Niambh McNulty - Day 4 - 1938) Niambh strode into Centcomm and immediately spotted both Commander Soma and Lt Sanok in conversation. Crossing over to them she smiled at them both. "Good Evening gentlemen. I have spoken to President Kolath and he is happy to at least listen to what you have to say to him." (Reply Soma, Sanok) "However gentlemen I can guarantee that armed as you are..." she glanced down at the phasers on their hips... "his bodyguard will not allow you access to his suite. (Reply Soma, Sanok) Sighing Niambh looked both of them up and down and when she spoke her voice showed how annoyed she was for the first time. "Gentlemen, I think I have been as accommodating as I can. I have kept President Kolath as safe as I could for as long as I could under extreme duress from the Veil. I have allowed your crew access to my hotel as a reasonably safe haven for you to set up your main base of operations on this planet knowing full well what it would cost me, and we all know that it has cost me. I have organised my staff to go help with the search and rescue operations after the bombings and to be honest, have been as helpful as I possibly could regarding everything you have asked for my help with." "Now, you can either leave your weapons here, safe in Centcomm where your own staff are in charge and I indeed will escort you up to President Kolath's suite and his bodyguards will allow you to enter and I will introduce you to him and you can begin your discussions, or you can continue wearing them and I will still escort you there but leave you simply to argue with his bodyguards once you get there. The choice is yours gentlemen. Frankly I have other matters regarding this hotel that should be taking up my time now." Sighing Niambh simply looked at them. "To be honest I no longer care. You may keep your weapons or not as you see fit. I will escort you to the President's Suite. After that you are on your own." (Reply Soma, Sanok) (Posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1939) "Any predictions on how the president will receive what we are about to propose to him?" said Ben. Sanok thought about this for a moment. One could make a case for either decision, but he felt it was unlikely that the president would simply hand himself over to those that view him to be a traitor, especially since Starfleet wasn't going to help Kolath regain his position. "As you Humans say, like a lead balloon." Unsure if he had used the phrase properly, Sanok wondered how it had evolved. It certainly couldn't have been because someone actually constructed one. "His cooperation would help us," said Ben. "If he remains on the surface, the Veil will find him, sooner or later." Sadly, this was all about doing what was best for the mission, even if that meant sacrificing Kolath, and leaving BA4 under Veil control. He was not privy to the big picture, and he did not know every law there was in the Federation, so Sanok had to follow orders, do his duty, and hope those in charge were making the correct decisions. Still, it just seemed wrong not to help restore the legitimate government of an ally. "Guess we'll find out soon enough," said Ben, nodding towards the approaching Ms. McNulty. McNulty greeted them and announced that President Kolath would see them, though it was unlikely the president's bodyguards would allow them to have weapons in his presence. This was illogical, but Sanok remained silent, standing in the typical, stoic Vulcan stance. Ben was in command, so it was his decision to make. (reply Soma, McNulty, any) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - CENTCOMM - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 - 1941) Crossing over to them she smiled at them both. "Good Evening gentlemen. I have spoken to President Kolath and he is happy to at least listen to what you have to say to him." "That's a start at least." Ben replied. "However gentlemen I can guarantee that armed as you are..." she glanced down at the phasers on their hips... "his bodyguard will not allow you access to his suite. Ben glanced over at Sanok, to the untrained eye most would say there wasn't any change in expression but Ben had years to study his friends subtle facial expressions. What he saw now told him Sanok wasn't pleased with what he heard. "Given our current situation I'm reluctant to give up my side arm." Ben replied. Sighing Niambh looked both of them up and down and when she spoke her voice showed how annoyed she was for the first time. "Gentlemen, I think I have been as accommodating as I can. I have kept President Kolath as safe as I could for as long as I could under extreme duress from the Veil. I have allowed your crew access to my hotel as a reasonably safe haven for you to set up your main base of operations on this planet knowing full well what it would cost me, and we all know that it has cost me. I have organised my staff to go help with the search and rescue operations after the bombings and to be honest, have been as helpful as I possibly could regarding everything you have asked for my help with." "Now, you can either leave your weapons here, safe in Centcomm where your own staff are in charge and I indeed will escort you up to President Kolath's suite and his bodyguards will allow you to enter and I will introduce you to him and you can begin your discussions, or you can continue wearing them and I will still escort you there but leave you simply to argue with his bodyguards once you get there. The choice is yours gentlemen. Frankly I have other matters regarding this hotel that should be taking up my time now." Sighing Niambh simply looked at them. "To be honest I no longer care. You may keep your weapons or not as you see fit. I will escort you to the President's Suite. After that you are on your own." Ben removed his phaser from it's holster and nodded for Sanok to do the same, crossing to the main desk he passed it to the officer on duty. He didn't like the idea especially if they came under fire, but he was highly skilled in mixed martial arts and still had the ability to defend himself should the need arise. They needed to speak with the President so he was willing to compromise for now. He returned to their previous position noting Niambh didn't seem her usual self. "Lead on." He said once he was standing in front of her. (reply McNulty, Sanok) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - CENTCOMM - Niambh McNulty - Day 4 - 1944) Ben removed his phaser from it's holster and nodded for Sanok to do the same, crossing to the main desk he passed it to the officer on duty. He didn't like the idea especially if they came under fire, but he was highly skilled in mixed martial arts and still had the ability to defend himself should the need arise. They needed to speak with the President so he was willing to compromise for now. He returned to their previous position noting Niambh didn't seem her usual self. "Lead on." He said once he was standing in front of her. Niambh had sighed to herself once she saw the Commander and the Lietenant remove their phasers. Once they stood in front of her again she smiled. "Thank you gentlemen, I appreciate the gesture. We do still have adequate security in Atlantis to make certain of your safety and once Ambassador Dralar's troops arrive we will be even more secure. Now gentlemen if you will follow me please." (Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - Niambh McNulty - Day 4 - 1945) Leading the way to the main bank of turbo lifts she made a sharp right turn just before she got to them, and, leading both of them down a corridor she stopped at a single turbo lift. Pressing her thumb on the access panel Niambh waited a few seconds until a panel slid back allowing her to access a retinal scanner. Resting her chin on it she allowed it to scan her retina and as the doors to the turbo lift opened she gestured for the two of them to enter. "This is the lift to my private quarters. It also gives us access to the Presidential Suite since I often have to 'entertain' guests who prefer not to be noticed." Accessing another thumb print scanner and getting a green light Niambh gave the lift directions. "Level 3." The turbo lift rose and when it stopped and the doors opened Niambh walked out and turned to her right. "If you gentlemen will follow me please..." Walking up the rather grand expanse of corridor Niambh stopped at the end and nodded to the two men standing outside the double doors. "Good Evening once again gentlemen. This is Commander Soma and Lieutenant Sanok from the Federation Ship Rosenante. I believe your president is expecting them." The largest of the two Aquillian's nodded and motioned for her to hold out her arms for a weapons search. Complying Niambh allowed herself to be patted down and turned to the two Federation Officers. "Your turn now gentlemen and I seriously hope than neither of you are carrying a hold out." (Reply Soma, Sanok) Once both of them had been cleared the smaller Aquillian tapped on the door and opened it. Niambh, making sure she walked into the suite first, greeted the President again. "President Kolath, I would like to introduce Lt Commander Ben Soma and Lieutenant Sanok, the First and Second Officers from the USS Rosenante. These are the gentlemen you have been expecting. Normally I would have had refreshments available but, given the circumstances, I am sure that you will forgive me if I don't" (Reply Kolath, Soma, Sanok) Having introduced everyone to each other Niambh began to back out of the suite. "Now gentlemen if there is nothing else perhaps you will excuse me. Have fun and try not to kill each other." (Reply all) Escaping back into the corridor finally Niambh found herself face to face with the President's guards again and grinned at them. "I don't suppose I could bribe you to lock two of them in there for a while and send the other one upstairs to my suite, could I." One of the guards grinned at her and nodded. "Which one would you like? The one with the cute ears?" Niambh regarded him for a minute then shook her head. "Never mind, it was only a thought." (Posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1946) Sanok reluctantly handed over his phaser. He considered handing over the secondary weapon he had hidden, but decided to keep it. They were in a war zone, and despite Ms. McNulty's assurances, they had already seen firsthand what could happen at any moment. They followed McNulty, and after a turbolift ride to the third floor, and various security checks, they arrived outside the presidential suite. "Good evening once again, gentlemen," said McNulty to the two Aquillian guards. "This is Commander Soma and Lieutenant Sanok, from the Federation ship, Rosenante. I believe your president is expecting them." The larger guard nodded and did a quick pat down of McNulty. "Your turn now, gentlemen," said McNulty, "and I seriously hope that neither of you are carrying a holdout." The guard, with a menacing expression on his reptilian face, searched Ben first. He then moved towards Sanok. Vulcans were touch-telepaths, and because of this, they did not like physical contact from others. When the Aquillian moved to search him, Sanok took a step back. The Aquillian grunted and moved towards him again, but Sanok moved aside. The Aquillian stared at him. "If I were carrying an additional weapon, there is very little you could do about it," said Sanok. He squinted his eyes and glared hard at the Aquillian. The guard wasn't sure what to do, though he seemed to be unnerved by the look the larger Vulcan was giving him. After a few moments, he nodded to his companion, who knocked on the door. McNulty led the way, greeting the president. After she had introduced everyone to each other, McNulty began to back out of the suite. "Now, gentlemen, if there is nothing else, perhaps you will excuse me. Have fun and try not to kill each other." Sanok wondered why she had said that, though he quickly dismissed it as he visually examined the room. Satisfied, he moved around the suite, doing a quick security sweep. Nodding to Ben that they were alone, he clasped his hands behind his back, standing in a spot where he could see both men, as well as observe the door. It was time to ask the president to turn himself over to the Veil. (reply Soma, Kolath, McNulty iyw) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day 4, 1948) Ben stepped forward after the guard patted Niambh down, he rose his arms and spread his legs slightly so the guard could search him more efficiently. After the guard was satisfied Ben stepped back and waited to see how Sanok would react, Vulcan's didn't like to be touched. Being a touch telepath made physical contact with others uncomfortable and Vulcans avoided it when ever possible, some even made it a point to voice their dislike of physical contact. Ben respected that of Sanok and rarely imitated any form of contact, occasionally a quick tap on the shoulder or back slap for the briefest period possible. Sanok avoided the guards advances twice, which seemed to annoy the Aquillian. As he stared Sanok down his friend said. "If I were carrying an additional weapon, there is very little you could do about it," said Sanok. He squinted his eyes and glared hard at the Aquillian. Ben didn't approve but he let it go, though he wasn't sure the guard felt the same if his expression was any indication. Acouple moments later the guard nodded to his companion who turned and knocked on the door. McNulty led the way, greeting the president. After she had introduced everyone to each other, McNulty began to back out of the suite. "Now, gentlemen, if there is nothing else, perhaps you will excuse me. Have fun and try not to kill each other." Ben wasn't sure just what she meant with that last remark but hoped it was meant to add some humor to the situation and ease the tension. Sanok did a quick sweep of the room and nodded it was clear, then stood post with a clear view of the president and Ben as well as the door. "Mr. President," Ben began. "Captain Salid regrets he is unable to speak with you in person but has authorized me to speak with you in his stead." (reply Kolath) "No Mr. President." Ben replied. "It was not his intention to ignore you. He returned to the Rosenante to oversee the the setup of a sensitive sensor net to detect cloaked vessels. We are still uncertain of who is backing the Veil but if it is the Romulans we won't have any warning of impending attack until the first shot hits our ship which may be fatal for all aboard." (reply Kolath) "Understandable," Ben said. "but not the reason Captain Salid sent me to speak with you. Atlantis station has been compromised and Ms. McNulty can no longer guarantee your safety." (reply Kolath) "There are a couple possibilities." Ben stated. "One, we beam you up to one of the orbiting freighters. That will get you out of immediate danger but there is another option that may prove to be more useful." (reply Kolath) "Habrii has demanded that we turn you over to the Veil to stand trial for your crimes against the Aquillian's." Ben said. "We ask that you consider this rather than the freighter." (reply Kolath) "Not at all." Ben responded. "We would take measures to ensure we could pull you out at the first sign of trouble. We're hoping that the Veil would take you to the same location as Ambassador Turner, if things go according to plan we would pull both of you out from under their noses." (reply Kolath, any) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station, Kolath's Suite, Day 4, 1951) As Sanok expected, Kolath was not prepared to turn himself over to the Veil. Since Captain Salid had been given orders to not directly intervene in the political situation, Sanok had to admit that he agreed. There was little point in such a thing, especially since it could not be 100% guaranteed that they would be able to rescue him. After telling Ben he would not give himself to his enemies, Kolath turned and walked towards his desk. Stopping there, he placed the palms of his hands on the desktop and leaned his weight upon it. As Kolath resumed talking, Sanok became suspicious, watching the president carefully. As Sanok expected, the president pressed a hidden button. In a moment, the two guards from outside burst into the office, weapons drawn. At the same time, Sanok drew his hidden cricket phaser. There was now what the Humans called, a Mexican standoff. "I must decline," said Kolath, "but I do not wish you to think ill of me. Once I regain control of my planet, I will reopen diplomatic channels with the Federation, and I sincerely hope that Ambassador Turner is rescued. However, I cannot risk the welfare of my people by sacrificing myself so worthlessly. I will remain on my home world, and I will do all in my power to overthrow the Veil, and to restore democracy to my people. I may not survive it, but I will at least die in a worthy attempt to help my people." Though the president was speaking, Sanok's concern was with the guards. The one he had intimidated in the corridor, seemed to be looking for a firefight. If he acted quickly, using the element of surprise, Sanok was certain he could stun both Aquillian guards. However, he did not know what settings their weapons were on, so there was a risk involved. For the moment, he waited to see what Ben and Kolath would say next. (reply Soma, Kolath, the guards) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station, FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day 4, 1953) Kolath wasn't receptive to the idea of turning himself over to the Veil, he moved to stand before his desk and leaned down on it. The Sec/Tac in Ben told him something was about to go wrong, this meeting was about to do an about face and turn hostile, a quick glance in Sanok's direction told him his friend had the same idea. Kolath triggered something under his desk and two guards entered the room, the same two that were just outside the door moments before. Both had weapons trained on him and Sanok. "I must decline," said Kolath, "but I do not wish you to think ill of me. Once I regain control of my planet, I will reopen diplomatic channels with the Federation, and I sincerely hope that Ambassador Turner is rescued. However, I cannot risk the welfare of my people by sacrificing myself so worthlessly. I will remain on my home world, and I will do all in my power to overthrow the Veil, and to restore democracy to my people. I may not survive it, but I will at least die in a worthy attempt to help my people." Ben stood facing the President, though he wasn't happy with the turn of events he wasn't surprised by them. He knew when he entered the room it was a long shot at best. "Simply asking us to leave would have sufficed Mr. President." Ben stated. "The guards are an unneeded complication, the fact you believe them necessary pains me." Ben turned to leave nodding to Sanok, before reaching the door he turned back. "The Veil's influence has stretched far Mr. President." Ben said. "Watch your back and becarefull who you trust." With that he turned and left the room. (no reply necessary) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Atlantis Station, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1954) The room was eerily silent while Sanok and the two presidential guards continued their standoff. Sanok was willing to open fire, but he was getting the sense that things weren't going to get to that point. Ben's next move, though unexpected, confirmed that. "Simply asking us to leave would have sufficed, Mr. President. The guards are an unneeded complication. The fact you believe them necessary, pains me." Ben nodded to Sanok and turned to leave. Sanok waited until Ben reached the door, insuring that he covered his friend's back. "The Veil's influence has stretched far, Mr. President," said Ben. "Watch your back and be careful who you trust." With that he turned and left the room. Sanok began to slowly move towards the door as well, though he did not lower his weapon or turn his back on the guards. Reaching it, he nodded and walked out. "If fighting would have broken out," said Sanok, "it would have been just like old times." There may have been the slightest crack of a smile at the corner of Sanok's mouth. Maybe. (reply Soma iyw) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 4 -2010) Peter and Matrix had been working throughout the afternoon and into the late evening. Their tracking system based upon the communication signatures appeared to be working well. A detailed communications relay network was obvious now and laid out on the primary engineering tactical screen. "Nice work Peter…I think we got an obvious method to track communications." said Matrix "Aye…however I think you should see this." said Peter looking puzzled. Matrix got up and walked the over to the secondary screen Peter Cohen was sitting at. The display didn't require an explanation. Matrix frowned. "Really? Can you confirm?" asked Matrix. "Already have Commander…its Romulan." replied Peter. =^= Matrix to Captain Salid.=^= (Reply Salid) "Sir, Lieutenant Cohen and I have detailed the surface communication grid, but there is something more sir." Matrix paused. "We have detected and confirmed a sub-commuicaiton signature. Its Romulan sir." continued Matrix. (Reply Salid) (posted by Steve) ---------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 -2015) As Ahmed worked to oversee the integration and deployment of the sensor grid that they would soon be deploying in the hopes of detecting a any potentially cloaked vessels in the area, his commbadge chirped angrily for attention. =^= Matrix to Captain Salid.=^= Ahmed reached up and slapped his badge with the flat of his hand, "Salid here, go ahead commander." =^= Sir, Lieutenant Cohen and I have detailed the surface communication grid, but there is something more sir.=^= Matrix paused. =^=We have detected and confirmed a sub-communication signature. Its Romulan sir.=^= "Romulan?" Ahmed asked, "You've confirmed the signal?" (reply Matrix) "Understood commander. I have been advised that Ambassador Turner's communication will take place at 1000 tomorrow. I want you and your team ready to locate the source of that transmission." (reply Matrix) Daniel Greene ---------- (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 4 -2025) Matrix was apprehensive to say the least about the news he had to report to the Captain. "Romulan?" Ahmed asked, "You've confirmed the signal?" "Aye, Sir…there is no doubt about it. I've confirmed it using a multi-scan, narrow derivative wave reflex algorithm. The computer confirmed my findings against the Star Fleet database." replied Matrix "Understood commander. I have been advised that Ambassador Turner's communication will take place at 1000 tomorrow. I want you and your team ready to locate the source of that transmission." "Understood Captain. We have the communication matrix already in place." (Reply Salid, any, none) (Posted by Steve) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Cell – Federation Embassy – Lt Alaya - 2032) Pain. Something else as well crept into her mind. Anger. Alaya’s eyes flittered open and she groaned as she raised her head from her chest. Taking a moment to take in her surroundings, she began to remember what had happened and where she was. Looking down at her body, she realised she had been shackled to a chair. Embarrassment filled her that she had been left like this and annoyance as she realised that those who had done this were the very ones she had been fighting for. A howl roared through her as she strained against the restraints that held her down. The howl escaped as she realised that she wouldn’t be able to break free and extract her revenge on Zhinn and that other one who had taken her down. “LET ME OUT OF HERE!” She roared as she strained and struggled. Realising that no-one was there, she sank back into the chair and fought back the tears that threatened to fall down her face. “I’m sorry, my sister. I’m sorry. These people are not those that we fought for. These are the product of relations with the Federation. THEY ARE WEAK!” she roared again. (Reply Any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Observation Room – Federation Embassy – President Habrii - Day 4- 2035) Habrii stood watching the woman that had been his most trusted lieutenant struggle against her captivity. Her anger was evident and her lack of self-control was even more so. She had proved to be a useful ally in her time, but it seemed that her hatred of the federation had taken command of her mental faculties and it now jeopardized the ability to have the Veil legitimized as the rightful government of Beta Aquillia IV. "Is she completely secured?" he asked Zhinn, the man who led the team to bring her in. "Yes Mister president. She's been thoroughly searched for weapons or tools, and secured. The Chair and table are bolted in place. If there is one thing that the Federation knows how to do well, it is build prisons and interrogation rooms." Habrii nodded. He understood what had to happen next, but he wasn't happy about it. Alaya and he had made this journey together through the development of the Veil into a political and military force. She had been a powerful ally, but now, she would be a potent enemy. He had no choice, he had to take care of her, before she did the same to him. Only his quick thinking had allowed him to capture her before she came to the realization that the division between them was now an insurmountable gap. "I will speak to her." "But mister-" Zhinn began, but the President raised a hand to silence him. He knew that he shouldn't go in there and confront her, but that it needed to be done. Habrii followed Zhinn out of the observation room and to the door that led to the interrogation cell. He looked at the man responsible for his after and gave him a nod. Zhinn returned the nod with a resigned sigh and then keyed in his key code. Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Observation Room – Federation Embassy – President Habrii & Alaya - Day 4- 2040) The door hissed open and Habrii stepped over the threshold and into the room where Alaya waited for him. She looked tired and angry. The irritation on her face was readily apparent and she made no attempt to hide her contempt. "What went wrong Alaya?" Habrii asked her as he settled into the chair opposite her, thankful for the table between them, "Why did you betray me?" A small laugh escaped her lips as she replied, “What went wrong? That’s rich. I didn’t betray you, you betrayed us, collaborator!” she spat out. Glaring at this man before her, she barely recognized him as the man she had pledged to follow. "Rich?" Habrii mocked her with his repetition of her tone as well as her words. "Military might alone won't insure the control of the planet. It has it's place in establishing the Veil, but once that's done, it has to transform itself into a more benign entity. Military might only works when diplomacy fails." He shook his head. "You're a fool Alaya to think that the glorious revolution could exist in a vacuum." Leaning back into her chair, Alaya sighed and said, “And why not? Those Federation scum will learn to leave us alone. They would never allow themselves to walk away from our world. They would find a way and you are leading them in.” Her voice was beginning to grow and she knew it but she couldn’t stand to be here, in this room and situation. She despised him and wanted out of that room. “You’re negotiating with them even now aren’t you!” Habrii shook his head, anger rising in his throat. "You don't understand anything. " He spat, "I'm not negotiating with the Federation, I am trying to make them leave us alone. If there is one thing that I've learned from my time in the Federation, it's that they will respect our sovereignty once we get them to acknowledge it. With such an acknowledgment, they will tie their own hands and force themselves to leave us to our own devices." “Oh please.” She spat back, “You don’t know anything about these people you profess to negotiate with. They will never leave. NEVER. The only way to make sure they leave is to make them leave.” She replied, leaning forward now and wishing that there was no table between them. "You don't understand still." He responded. "Violence will only enrage them. They will make it a moral imperative to stamp out every vestige of our existence if we provoke them too far." “LET THEM TRY!” She screamed back, “Then I will have great pleasure in wiping them out.” "How is it that you can allow your personal hatred for them to blind you to the realities that we are facing? You realize that we are already dealing with off-worlders? What do you think will happen with the Cardassians? Do you think they will leave us be? That they will leave when we ask nicely?" “They will leave. They are our friends, they only want to help us reach our goals. You would understand that if you were not so enamored with the Federation.” "No Alaya, they are not our friends, they are only helping us because their agenda matches our own. They are using us to get what they want. For the moment we are in synch, but when our agendas diverge, and they WILL diverge, we will have to deal with them. The best way to do that is to play the middle field. We isolate the Federation from this world and establish our control, solidify our power base. And when we are ready, we use our new power to manipulate the Federation into helping us throw off any Cardassian influence. We balance the playing field and we will come out on top." “No. You’re wrong. This will work! It will, and you know why? Because I will make it work!” "It doesn't matter if you believe it will work or not. You are not in charge of the political aspects of the government, I am." Habrii replied, "I assure you, that right now your actions with the bombings has done more harm to us than good. It has weakened our position with the Federation, by empowering them to intercede on moral grounds. They may decide to support Kolath after all, or they may annex our world. I have been forced to show them that I can be a moderate. That eventually we can find common ground. You have undermined me and our entire movement with your selfish stunt. You have injured and killed innocents. You have become a criminal and your actions have placed the Veil into a state by which we can now be associated as terrorists instead of revolutionaries." Closing her eyes, her fists clenched as she opened her eyes and growled, “Good. If that’s what it takes to get rid of this scum that have changed the Veil and you to being a collaborator, then so be it!” Habrii shook his head again, there was going to be no reasoning with her. "There is one thing I would like to know though. Do you know what has happened to the Skorr Ambassador? I had ordered him deported, but it seems he has not been. Do you have him in custody somewhere?" Her brow furrowed. This was not something that she had expected. Looking at him with disdain, she replied, “Do you think I’m an idiot? I know how to pick my battles, something you taught me. I have no idea what happened to him.” "I believe you." Habrii replied. Looking into her eyes. She was never a very good liar. "That means that someone else has the Skorr Ambassador." “So what now?” she asked smiling, leaning forward and straining against the restraints, “Are you going to kill me?” "I am going to hold you in custody for the time being. We will see what happens with you once the situation settles. Any punishment will be based upon your level of cooperation." Shaking her head, she replied, “Co-operate? With you? Oh my… You’re actually serious aren’t you?” "Very." He replied evenly. "I am very sorry that you don't understand. But one day, you will see that I am right about this. You will understand that the Cardassians are no more our friends than the Federation is. They they both want the same thing, our world's resources. But I fear it will take you a very long time to come to that conclusion." “Trust me in this." Alaya spit back at him, her voice level and calm, her anger turning to a cold calculated timbre, "I will live to see the day when you are deposed and have to walk through our streets, listening to the cat calling of our members. They will want to see this when they realize what you have been doing.” Habrii shook his head. "You disappoint me Alaya. I should have never brought you into the Veil, but I thought you understood and that you would succeed me some day as President of a new world where our people prospered without interference from off-worlders. Perhaps I was the fool to place so much trust in you." Glaring into his eyes, she replied with anger, "And I you. You betrayed me. You know what they did to my sister, to me and you still do what you want. You don't exist to me any more." He nodded then. It was an acknowledgement of her words. Habrii turned then and walked to the door. He knocked on the door and the guard on the other side opened it for him. "I am sorry Alaya, but you offer me no choice. We have nothing more to say to each other." He stated and then exited the room. The guard pulled the door closed behind him. (reply none) (posted by Jackie & Daniel) ---------- (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 4 -2122) Main engineering was bathed in the illumination of an amber glow. The ship was technically on night watch, but Matrix wasn't honoring shift work. At least with his schedule. Pouring over the communication logs for the past six hours didn't seem that long. He was more concerned with the fact that Lieutenant Cohen may have confirmed Romulan involvement on the surface and in the affairs of this world. That would be something for the diplomats to ponder, but proof was of that was of the upmost importance. Matrix kept a double encrypted security code on the log files uncovered so far. In addition, a steady passive scan on all communications was invoked on all planetary communications since Peter's discovery. The protocol was put into place in cases such as this and the logs only available to anyone the Captain deemed 'need to know.' Matrix noted the time and looked over at Peter who had been quiet for the past few hours, "Peter you should get some sleep…its getting late." said Matrix. "Thank you. I'll head to my quarters shortly. I need to detail the log notes." replied Peter. "I can do that Peter…get some rest. I'm guessing we'll have some long days ahead if this is all confirmed. Besides, not a lot of activity going on now and we've got things automated for the moment." continued Matrix. Peter got out of his chair and stretched, "You didn't eat." said Peter. Matrix smiled, "I've got something on the way. You know how hungry I get on long nights. Belinda is stopping by shortly with my favorite." said Matrix. Peter smiled, "Belinda?" Matrix blushed, "Yes, she's the new culinary chef on board. Superb Earth cuisine and makes a fantastic double-cheese angus burger." replied Matrix. Peter simply shook his head, "See you tomorrow…get some rest." (Reply any, none) (Posted by Steve) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Cell – Federation Embassy – Lt Alaya - Day 4- 2140) Watching the door close, Alaya sank back into the chair that held her with a heavy sigh. Things had changed, irrevocably. The man she thought she could follow unto the ends of the earth was not the man that had just left. This was someone new and someone that she didn’t like. Frustration ran through her as she struggled again against her restraints. More than frustration, she felt embarrassed that this was her end. That she was now bound to be sentenced by the very people that she had fought against. She wanted out, to continue her goals, to exact revenge against those that had captured her and destroyed her family home. She needed help and soon. (Reply No-one) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ========== Compiled by Bob B.