Stelam finally got to the front of the line. The Foreman seemed nice, but Stelam just nods and replies auromatically. He stores the location of his house in his head, and how to get money. He walks off toward his house, which is next to the one with a human in front patiently waiting. Obviously military by the way he stands. Command, by the look of his face. Definately still active, but out of uniform. He walks off behind him. Have to be careful with military, you never know when they may memorize the wanted posters for piracy.
Aiel studied what she assumed to be a piece of outdoor art absently, tilting her head from side to side at the obtuse figure in what she hoped appeared as genuine interest. In truth, she was using a combination of the arts reflective surface and her peripheral vision to monitor the movements of the Human near her home. She was about to move off when something else caught her eye, a Romulan male, young, moving up the street. It wasnt the fact this young man was Romulan or that he carried himself with the sense of someone who has seen genuine combat. Not merely phaser fire but close, personal combat. There was a tension to his movements, as if he almost expected at any moment for someone to leap out from the bushes and strike, and damn him if he wasnt going to be ready. No, it wasnt any of this that piqued her interest in him. It was the fact that he, too, had noticed the Human and had reacted. It was subtle but evident: either this Romulan knew the Human or recognized something about him that made him wary of the man.
Her orders had been specific: tell no one of her mission. Her cover wasnt really that much of a far-fetched tale; a failed Starfleet cadet that left her service to return home to her people. A lie is a dangerous, delicate web, Drake had instructed her. The larger it is and the more detailed it becomes, the more difficult it is to maintain, whereas the truth is nearly always concrete. Drake had taken care of the details: her service record showed the frustrations of a cadet who couldnt handle the pressures of command and, when held back and offered an opportunity to continue into a fifth year, voluntarily left Starfleet. She knew that her record was spotless, thanks to Drake, and as of yet she hadnt even begin her true mission so there was no possible way the details of her orders could have been leaked to anyone. Still, what did this Human want with her?
Aiel mentally categorized him as a potential threat, but a threat to whom was still unclear.
Aiel studied what she assumed to be a piece of outdoor art absently, tilting her head from side to side at the obtuse figure in what she hoped appeared as genuine interest. In truth, she was using a combination of the arts reflective surface and her peripheral vision to monitor the movements of the Human near her home. She was about to move off when something else caught her eye, a Romulan male, young, moving up the street. It wasnt the fact this young man was Romulan or that he carried himself with the sense of someone who has seen genuine combat. Not merely phaser fire but close, personal combat. There was a tension to his movements, as if he almost expected at any moment for someone to leap out from the bushes and strike, and damn him if he wasnt going to be ready. No, it wasnt any of this that piqued her interest in him. It was the fact that he, too, had noticed the Human and had reacted. It was subtle but evident: either this Romulan knew the Human or recognized something about him that made him wary of the man.
Her orders had been specific: tell no one of her mission. Her cover wasnt really that much of a far-fetched tale; a failed Starfleet cadet that left her service to return home to her people. A lie is a dangerous, delicate web, Drake had instructed her. The larger it is and the more detailed it becomes, the more difficult it is to maintain, whereas the truth is nearly always concrete. Drake had taken care of the details: her service record showed the frustrations of a cadet who couldnt handle the pressures of command and, when held back and offered an opportunity to continue into a fifth year, voluntarily left Starfleet. She knew that her record was spotless, thanks to Drake, and as of yet she hadnt even begin her true mission so there was no possible way the details of her orders could have been leaked to anyone. Still, what did this Human want with her?
Aiel mentally categorized him as a potential threat, but a threat to whom was still unclear.
Stelam saw a flash. His eyes were momentarily drawn to it. Art, modern-ish. Not his thing. What was his thing was that the girl from earlier seemed to be looking at him. He made accidental eye-contact at first and kept moving. Even just from her eyes, he knew she could read body language just as well as he could. But hers was the epitome of relaxation. But it was to relaxed. She was obviously... something. He put her in his keep an eye on list and moved on. He decided to explore the colony then return to his house. Maybe talk to that girl if the opprotunity arises.
Aiel watched the goings on of the Staging Area with mild interest as she sipped her cappuccino. She found it strange yet welcomed that this far from Earth she would stumble across someone who actually knew how to make the drink. An antiquated drink, she knew, but one she had become quite accustomed and fond of over the years. She had tried raktajino once, as a freshman dare. It took her nearly a week to get the smell of burned, thick sludge from her nostrils and a full week longer for her taste to return to normal. No wonder the Klingons were always so uptight, she thought to herself.
She finished the coffee and paid her tab to the young Arcadian woman serving her. Young, Aiel assumed, for the Arcadians seemed to be perpetually youthful looking, given their oversized doll-like heads and immense eyes. Will there be anything else? asked her host in a light, sing-song voice.
No, thank you. Aiel responded, then stood from her chair and stretched. She had moved what little belongings she had taken with her into her new living space but had yet to explore the neighbourhood which she now called home. Today seemed the perfect time to do so as tomorrow she fully expected to be working somewhere. The way Kylor preferred to assign work was odd, to say the least. Every new arrival would essentially seek their own means of employment by simply asking around in hopes that there was work to be done. She preferred a more structured system and perhaps she would learn to develop her own schedule.
She walked, allowing herself to enjoy the afternoon sun as she went, and climbed the path to the Val. She was so caught up in the sheer beauty of it all she almost failed to see a strange man standing at her door. She did not react, did not pause. She had been trained to respond to unexpected contingencies without telegraphing her movements. This man wasnt Romulan and wore no distinguishable uniform to insignia that she could see. It was possible, she thought to herself, that he was just another refugee that happened to be housed in the same district as her and decided to be neighbourly, but given the fact Kylor had stated the Val was predominantly Romulan this wasnt a likely scenario. Her training instantly took over and she continued walking along the path, past her own home and the man, showing no obvious interest whatsoever. If this man recognized her, shed know. If he didnt, then she would make a very conscious effort to pay closer attention to him in the future.
And man walked behind him and he slipped his hand into his phaser. Just in case. William swore he had sen the man before... poster maybe? He chuckled to himself, the man had most likly pegged him as starfleet but William was far from a normal officer. He didnt just work in the shadows, he lived with them, befriended them. The man was some sort of criminal, a pirate perhaps. One of Will's closes friends was a pirate... He would have to look the man up and ask T'rell, his Pirate friend if he knew him... Shame, he could of pointed the man to T'rell offering him work with the Star Raptors... He surely would have heard of them, It was one of the few pirate groups to fight the Tal Shiar...and WIN...more than once.
"Ah... Finally." Will thought to himself. He didnt want to scare her but the way she moved, the way she watched him without trying to look like she was watching him... Will amiled to himself, so typically romulan. Cautious to the last. Yea, she will do nicely. "Um, miss Aiel Llwyn. Hello, I am Captain William Deveros of the USS Sun Tzu. I wish to speak with you concerning you Starfleet career. Would you like to speak somewhere more private?"
Jacob's vision slowly cleared as he arrived down at the staging area. He knew the foreman well and just gave a little wave as he went by. Walking down the steps, he turned and said, "Chief, take your crews over to the Scorpions, inspect them, and beam them to the shuttlebay. We will be staying here a little longer, so wait for our signal and then beam us up."
With that said, Jaob took his team and started walking away from the shuttles. However, he was walking by a tent, when he caught a glimpse of someone he knew, Aiel. No one else knew here, for Drake had only contacted him about joining Section 31, so he was the only one who did. They had used his time as a professor to train him for this mission, which had just recently gotten more urgent due to the stolen data. Jacob wondered what Aiel was doing on New Romulus, and hardly noticed the man standing next to her. Although he wanted to investigate more, he knew he had a mission to complete and continued walking.
His group eventually reached Jacob's reserved housing for them, and made their way inside. "The actual mission wouldn't begin until tomorrow," Jacob announced, "so get yourselves settled."
He hadn't chosen Sheecoyoo for this mission. Hiding 6' 4" of body is hard enough, but 6' 8" is even worse, and Sheecoyoo didn't have training, like Jacob did. Taking this into account, he had chosen Erin Prowell, the shortest member of his bridge crew, but also the newest, which might be a problem, but he hoped not; T'Vrell Par, a Vulcan, which would let her blend in with the Romulans better, and her non lethal neck pinch and mind melds could come in handy; and Kolez Ch'gi, whose Saurian nature would allow him to slip through thermal detectors easier, and his light fight would let him walk unnoticed. These three members of his crew had all been trained for a month before this mission, and were all ready for what was to come.
Jacob walked into his own personal room, and set his bag down in the storage unit. From there, he grabbed his mission uniform, a Romulan survivor's basic wardrobe, and proceeded to get changed. When he was finished, he walked out into the common area, and waited for everyone else to come out. Downy then sat his crew down for a briefing, starting with, "Tonight, we are going to wander around town, make small talk where possible, and try to glean as much information as possible. If you have to, you are all authorized to help out with the work. We will meet back here in five hours at 1900 hours. You are all dismissed."
Jacob's vision slowly cleared as he arrived down at the staging area. He knew the foreman well and just gave a little wave as he went by. Walking down the steps, he turned and said, "Chief, take your crews over to the Scorpions, inspect them, and beam them to the shuttlebay. We will be staying here a little longer, so wait for our signal and then beam us up."
With that said, Jaob took his team and started walking away from the shuttles. However, he was walking by a tent, when he caught a glimpse of someone he knew, Aiel. No one else knew here, for Drake had only contacted him about joining Section 31, so he was the only one who did. They had used his time as a professor to train him for this mission, which had just recently gotten more urgent due to the stolen data. Jacob wondered what Aiel was doing on New Romulus, and hardly noticed the man standing next to her. Although he wanted to investigate more, he knew he had a mission to complete and continued walking.
His group eventually reached Jacob's reserved housing for them, and made their way inside. "The actual mission wouldn't begin until tomorrow," Jacob announced, "so get yourselves settled."
He hadn't chosen Sheecoyoo for this mission. Hiding 6' 4" of body is hard enough, but 6' 8" is even worse. Taking this into account, he had chosen Erin Prowell, the shortest member of his bridge crew, but also the newest, which might be a problem, but he hoped not; T'Vrell Par, a Vulcan, which would let her blend in with the Romulans better, and her non lethal neck pinch and mind melds could come in handy; and Kolez Ch'gi, whose Saurian nature would allow him to slip through thermal detectors easier, and his light fight would let him walk unnoticed. These three members of his crew had all been trained for a month before this mission, and were all ready for what was to come.
Jacob walked into his own personal room, and set his bag down in the storage unit. From there, he grabbed his mission uniform, a Romulan survivor's basic wardrobe, and proceeded to get changed. When he was finished, he walked out into the common area, and waited for everyone else to come out. Downy then sat his crew down for a briefing, starting with, "Tonight, we are going to wander spa round town, make small talk where possible, and try to glean as much information as possible. If you have to, you are all authorized to help out with the work. We will meet back here in five hours at 1900 hours. You are all dismissed."
Stelam is having a great time navigating through the colony. It was very early in it's construction, nowhere near the capital ch'Rihan used to be, so he didn't get lost. He soon had the layout of the place memorized as if he had been born there. The housing districts were very structured, and strangely segregated. There was human district, Klingon district, vulca, Andorian, whatever race you could think of being there, there was a district. Sure, there was some overflow, but not much. Stelam makes it back to the staging area to see the Starfleet team beam down. The leader was around 30 he could see, well toned. Stelam made sure not to be seen. He sat in the exact spot the Romulan girl from early sat in, and knew she had some kind of espionage training. No normal customer would sit here. It had to much direct sunlight. But it was perfect for keeping survelliance. He could see all the entrances and exits to the staging area. The girl was definately a professional ag-
"Would you like something to eat or drink, sir?" asks the waitress, interrupting his thoughts.
"Sure. I'll have some Kali-fal." Stelam says absently.
The waitress blinks. "You sure? That is a rather... strong smelling drink." she says cautiously.
"Yes, I'm sure. I've been having some sinuse problems, and this is what the doctor ordered." he says with a joking smile.
She looks at him suspiciously, then jots it down and gets it. Stelam thanks her for it and sips the Kali-fal slowly. It got rid of his travel headache perfectly. When he finished it, he asked for water. He started onthat and sat there for a while, watching the Staging Area.
Jacob was the last one to leave the structure, for he had needed to log a few things on his PADD before heading out. He started walking back towards the structure where he had seen Aiel, hoping he could pull her aside and talk with her. However, when he got there, he saw her approaching a different structure with a man standing in front of it. Deciding to leave the two to talk, he continued walking. Strangely, the man placed his hand on his weapon as Jacob walked by. Just as Jacob turned the corner, he heard the man start to talk, stopping so he could hear better, and pretending to be working on his PADD, Jacob picked up the words, "the USS Sun Tzu. I wish to speak with you concerning you Starfleet career. Would you like to speak somewhere more private?"
However, after this, he could no longer hear the rest of the conversation for a shuttle took off above him, drowning out the words. Turning back around the corner, Jacob noticed that the man and Aiel were nowhere to be seen. After logging the words he heard, Jacob put away his PADD and started to walk back to the staging area. He would have to research the Sun Tzu and talk to Aiel later. For now, Jacob had work to do.
(1 hour later)
Jacob had spent the last hour socializing wih the people around the staging area, and he had learned a lot about his mission. Several Romulans had reported something starange going on around the Caves, and a member of the defense force even said that there were open plans to investigate. Jacob warned them off, saying that he had it under control. Now, he was sitting down for something to drink. The waiter came over and he ordered a Kanar, a beverage he had grown quite fond of during his time on Cardassia. However, shortly after the bottle arrived, Jacob caught a glimpse of a man sitting at the table across from him. He appeared to be the same man Jacob had seen just after beaming down, and he was sitting at the same sunlit table. The man appeared to be watching Jacob without trying to look like it. Jacob doubted he would have noticed it if he hadn't been trained by Drake. Wondering what was going on, Jacob downed the rest of his drink, stood up, and started to walk around. His suspicions were quickly proven right as the man followed his movements with his eyes. Jacob then walked over to the man and asked, "Excuse me sir, do you mind if I sit here?" while pulling out a chair.
Jacob was the last one to leave the structure, for he had needed to log a few things on his PADD before heading out. He started walking back towards the structure where he had seen Aiel, hoping he could pull her aside and talk with her. However, when he got there, he saw her approaching a different structure with a man standing in front of it. Deciding to leave the two to talk, he continued walking. Strangely, the man placed his hand on his weapon as Jacob walked by. Just as Jacob turned the corner, he heard the man start to talk, stopping so he could hear better, and pretending to be working on his PADD, Jacob picked up the words, "the USS Sun Tzu. I wish to speak with you concerning you Starfleet career. Would you like to speak somewhere more private?"
However, after this, he could no longer hear the rest of the conversation for a shuttle took off above him, drowning out the words. Turning back around the corner, Jacob noticed that the man and Aiel were nowhere to be seen. After logging the words he heard, Jacob put away his PADD and started to walk back to the staging area. He would have to research the Sun Tzu and talk to Aiel later. For now, Jacob had work to do.
(1 hour later)
Jacob had spent the last hour socializing wih the people around the staging area, and he had learned a lot about his mission. Several Romulans had reported something starange going on around the Caves, and a member of the defense force even said that there were open plans to investigate. Jacob warned them off, saying that he had it under control. Now, he was sitting down for something to drink. The waiter came over and he ordered a Kanar, a beverage he had grown quite fond of during his time on Cardassia. However, shortly after the bottle arrived, Jacob caught a glimpse of a man sitting at the table across from him. He appeared to be the same man Jacob had seen just after beaming down, and he was sitting at the same sunlit table. The man appeared to be watching Jacob without trying to look like it. Jacob doubted he would have noticed it if he hadn't been trained by Drake. Wondering what was going on, Jacob downed the rest of his drink, stood up, and started to walk around. His suspicions were quickly proven right as the man followed his movements with his eyes. Jacob then walked over to the man and asked, "Excuse me sir, do you mind if I sit here?" while pulling out a chair.
Stelam smiles at him. "Of course not, daehlan." he says, trying to act non-chalante. These Starfleet types are meticulous and you never know when one might have memorized a pirates wanted poster. Though, he wasn't very well known.
"So. What do you wish to talk about?" Stelam asks with a smile.
Realizing he needed an excuse, Jacob looked around, and was happy to see that his earlier seat had been taken up. Knowing that the man wouldn't give away his spying by saying that he had seen Jacob sitting there earlier, Jacob simply said, "All the other seats are taken, I was just wondering if I could sit here and eat."
Jacob took his seat and added, "However, if you do want to make conversation, did you hear about the apparent Starfleet traitor who sneaked his way onto New Romulus"
Knowing that his disguise would protect him if the man did indeed want to keep his spying a secret, he asked the question as if he was a civilian who had just landed on the planet. Jacob leaned back in his chair and waited for the man's reply.
Realizing he needed an excuse, Jacob looked around, and was happy to see that his earlier seat had been taken up. Knowing that the man wouldn't give away his spying by saying that he had seen Jacob sitting there earlier, Jacob simply said, "All the other seats are taken, I was just wondering if I could sit here and eat."
Jacob took his seat and added, "However, if you do want to make conversation, did you hear about the apparent Starfleet traitor who sneaked his way onto New Romulus"
Knowing that his disguise would protect him if the man did indeed want to keep his spying a secret, he asked the question as if he was a civilian who had just landed on the planet. Jacob leaned back in his chair and waited for the man's reply.
Stelam rubbed his chin. A Starfleet traitor on mol'Rihan. Not as dangerous as the actual officer, because most can be reasoned with. Unless they were the psychopath type. No reason not to tell the truth this time.
Stelam shook his head. "Nope. Don't believe so. I haven't been in Federation space for a long time, so I'm a little out of touch." he said with a smile.
Jacob looked over the man's body language and determined that the man was either really good at lying or was telling the truth. Deciding to give the man the benefit of the doubt and to keep up his pseudo-disguise, Jacob acted as if he believed the man. Jacob then proceeded to make small talk, "Yeah, I heard he was hiding in the caves from my friend on a freighter. By the way, I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name is Jacob Downy, I am a freighter captain, and I am here on New Romulus to drop off some goods. It is a pleasure to meet you. Also, I don't believe I have your name, do I?"
Jacob looked over the man's body language and determined that the man was either really good at lying or was telling the truth. Deciding to give the man the benefit of the doubt and to keep up his pseudo-disguise, Jacob acted as if he believed the man. Jacob then proceeded to make small talk, "Yeah, I heard he was hiding in the caves from my friend on a freighter. By the way, I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name is Jacob Downy, I am a freighter captain, and I am here on New Romulus to drop off some goods. It is a pleasure to meet you. Also, I don't believe I have your name, do I?"
Dammit! He didn't expect to run into any Starfleet so hadn't bothered to think of a fake name. He kept his face clear as the options ran through his head in a nanosecond. He then smiled and nodded.
"No, you don't have my name. It's Havraha Aenikh. Nice to meet you Captain Downey." Stelam says confidently, offering a hand.
Jacob accepted the hand and shook it; however, he could obviously tell that the name was faked, it had taken Havraha, or whatever his real name was, slightly too long to answer. Although it would've fooled anyone without espionage training, even another Starfleet officer, Jacob now knew something was up with the man. Standing up after triggering a faked alarm through his PADD, he said, "If you'll excuse me, I have some work to do. Nice to meet you."
As he walked away, he snapped a tri-dimensional scan of the man with the new scanner he had developed the year before. Still in it's prototype stage, he was the only one who had one. Jacob walked away, still acting out his part, even though he was certain that the man knew he was faking. He would have to run the image through the ship's database to see who the man was before he left. Unfortunately, he had not managed to place a tracking device on the man, so he would have to do it soon if he didn't want to offer the man a chance to escape. However, Jacob also didn't believe the man knew his cover was blown. As Jacob had played off his story pretty well, the man probably thought Jacob was just here for some other reason, which he was.
Jacob had to find out more information about his target, and whether or not Nathan knew he was coming. Looking around, he decided to head for the security camp set up nearby. If anyone would know something about Connors, it would be them.
Jacob accepted the hand and shook it; however, he could obviously tell that the name was faked, it had taken Havraha, or whatever his real name was, slightly too long to answer. Although it would've fooled anyone without espionage training, even another Starfleet officer, Jacob now knew something was up with the man. Standing up after triggering a faked alarm through his PADD, he said, "If you'll excuse me, I have some work to do. Nice to meet you."
As he walked away, he snapped a tri-dimensional scan of the man with the new scanner he had developed the year before. Still in it's prototype stage, he was the only one who had one. Jacob walked away, still acting out his part, even though he was certain that the man knew he was faking. He would have to run the image through the ship's database to see who the man was before he left. Unfortunately, he had not managed to place a tracking device on the man, so he would have to do it soon if he didn't want to offer the man a chance to escape. However, Jacob also didn't believe the man knew his cover was blown. As Jacob had played off his story pretty well, the man probably thought Jacob was just here for some other reason, which he was.
Jacob had to find out more information about his target, and whether or not Nathan knew he was coming. Looking around, he decided to head for the security camp set up nearby. If anyone would know something about Connors, it would be them.
Stelam takes a deep breath. Then stand and pays for his drinks, then heads off toward his house. He would check for a tracking device later, seeming as it was typical. But he wasn't worried, the offic- Jacob Downey was obviously after this traitor, not him. It wouldn't stop him from coming back to arrest him when he found out his identity. Stelam decided not to be found though, and he usually accomplished what he decides. He enters his house, after looking for that Romulan chick, and takes off the tracking device after looking for it. He went and threw out a window, which was then crushed by multiple people passing. He then yawns, checks the time, and goes to bed.
"Welp, I'll actually have to work tomorrow, so better get some rest..." he mutters as he passes out.
Nathan was looking at the screen in his base, when the tracking device he had placed on the Man Jacob was talking too went out. "So," he thought, "that man must have thought Jacob was spying on him and destroyed the device."
Now he knew that Jacob wasn't working with the Romulan, and he might be able to turn the Romulan against Jacob. "Lt. You have control of the base, I'm heading out again," Nathan told his first officer as he headed out the door.
He walked towards the last known spot of the Romulan, discovered the shattered remains of his tracking device, and knocked on the door of the most probable drop point of the device. He stood there and waited for his answer.
OoC: I will now be taking control of both sides of my sub story.
Nathan was looking at the screen in his base, when the tracking device he had placed on the Man Jacob was talking too went out. "So," he thought, "that man must have thought Jacob was spying on him and destroyed the device."
Now he knew that Jacob wasn't working with the Romulan, and he might be able to turn the Romulan against Jacob. "Lt. You have control of the base, I'm heading out again," Nathan told his first officer as he headed out the door.
He walked towards the last known spot of the Romulan, discovered the shattered remains of his tracking device, and knocked on the door of the most probable drop point of the device. He stood there and waited for his answer.
OoC: I will now be taking control of both sides of my sub story.
Stelam wakes with a start at the sound. He had been in the middle of a rather nice dream, and was now a bit pissed that he had been disturbed. He grabs a knife and walks to the door, only in his sleep-wear, which consists of only boxers, and opens it.
"What?" Stelam hisses at the human at his door. He keeps the knife hidden behind his back.
"Ah... Finally." Will thought to himself. He didnt want to scare her but the way she moved, the way she watched him without trying to look like she was watching him... Will amiled to himself, so typically romulan. Cautious to the last. Yea, she will do nicely. "Um, miss Aiel Llwyn. Hello, I am Captain William Deveros of the USS Sun Tzu. I wish to speak with you concerning you Starfleet career. Would you like to speak somewhere more private?"
She turned away from the artwork and looked to him with a slight smile. Im sorry, I didnt see you there. She lied.
How did Starfleet know I was here so quickly? She thought to herself, maintaining her smile as she approached him. Forgive my rudeness but Ive only just arrived myself and wasnt expecting company. We can speak in my home if you wish. I fear I have nothing to offer you but water and some stale pieces of travel rations from the shuttle, but they are yours if you wish.
She turned and unlocked her door, opening it for him and gesturing for him to enter. She glanced over her shoulder for the young Romulan but he, it seems , had wandered off. Something was strange here. very strange. But what choice did she have? Far better she meet with this Human alone, behind closed doors, than in the open.
She secured the door behind them and moved to the kitchenette. The living space was small and incredibly bare; other than the standard issue table, chairs and a few amenities there was nothing else.
She turned to him with that same smile. Now, can I get you anything?
Stelam wakes with a start at the sound. He had been in the middle of a rather nice dream, and was now a bit pissed that he had been disturbed. He grabs a knife and walks to the door, only in his sleep-wear, which consists of only boxers, and opens it.
"What?" Stelam hisses at the human at his door. He keeps the knife hidden behind his back.
Nathan could obviously tell by the Romulan's dress that he had been sleeping when Nathan knocked. He could also tell he was angry by the sound of his voice. Despite this, Nathan still remained casual when he replied. "Hello, my name is Nathan Connors. I was wondering if you knew a Jacob Downy? If so, I would like to ask you a few questions, if you don't mind."
Nathan stood with his hands behind his back, concealing an fold-out sword, and by the way the Romulan was standing in much the same manner, he assumed that the Romulan also was concealing a weapon. Now all Nathan could do was wait for a response, whatever it may be.
(Jacob's Perspective)
Jacob had just finished questioning everyone at the security camp, and felt like he did a pretty could job ad making it seem like small talk. He had, in fact, gathered a lot of useful information. Apparently, several people had seen Nathan in the city, and they had also seen several members of his crew with him. In fact, someone reported that Nathan had been seen in the Romulan housing district just 15 minutes ago. That was where Jacob was heading now. He looked at his PADD, and saw that he still had over an hour until he had told his crew to be back to the house. Jacob needed to be as fast as he could in order to ensure he found out what he needed to about the Romulan he ran into earlier.
Nathan could obviously tell by the Romulan's dress that he had been sleeping when Nathan knocked. He could also tell he was angry by the sound of his voice. Despite this, Nathan still remained casual when he replied. "Hello, my name is Nathan Connors. I was wondering if you knew a Jacob Downy? If so, I would like to ask you a few questions, if you don't mind."
Nathan stood with his hands behind his back, concealing an fold-out sword, and by the way the Romulan was standing in much the same manner, he assumed that the Romulan also was concealing a weapon. Now all Nathan could do was wait for a response, whatever it may be.
(Jacob's Perspective)
Jacob had just finished questioning everyone at the security camp, and felt like he did a pretty could job ad making it seem like small talk. He had, in fact, gathered a lot of useful information. Apparently, several people had seen Nathan in the city, and they had also seen several members of his crew with him. In fact, someone reported that Nathan had been seen in the Romulan housing district just 15 minutes ago. That was where Jacob was heading now. He looked at his PADD, and saw that he still had over an hour until he had told his crew to be back to the house. Jacob needed to be as fast as he could in order to ensure he found out what he needed to about the Romulan he ran into earlier.
Stelam smiles. He can already tell this is the traitor Downy was looking for. He tilts his head, looking like he was trying to remember. Then shakes his head.
"A Jacob Downy? No, no I don't think so. Now, if you excuse me, I have some rest to catch up on." he says as he starts closing the door.
Stelam smiles. He can already tell this is the traitor Downy was looking for. He tilts his head, looking like he was trying to remember. Then shakes his head.
"A Jacob Downy? No, no I don't think so. Now, if you excuse me, I have some rest to catch up on." he says as he starts closing the door.
"Very well, thank you for..." was all Nathan managed to get off before having the door shut in his face. Turning around, Nathan suddenly saw a face he had been dreading to see, Jacob Downy was walking right for him. Quickly, he turned around and sprinted away through the crowd.
(Jacob's Perspective)
Jacob had spotted Nathan on the stoop, trying to recruit the Romulan, and now he was in hot pursuit. Weaving through the crowd, Jacob was slowly gaining on Nathan. Into his commbadge, he yelled, "Team Alpha, report to the Romulan housing district immediately, no time to explain!" and he kept running.
(Nathan's Perspective)
Nathan had to avoid Jacob, no matter what the cost. Turning a corner, he scanned for an empty building, and seeing one that appeared to fit this description, he shot the lock of the door, and ran inside. However, once inside, he turned, and saw a Romulan female about the age of 20 talking to a Human Male, who appeared to be, even worse, a member of Starfleet. Turning around, he saw Jacob enter the doorway after him. "Sh*t," he thought, "what have I gotten myself into..."
OoC: To Aiel and William, Sorry if you don't want this to happen. I can edit it to not happen like this if you wish.
OoC: To Aiel and William, Sorry if you don't want this to happen. I can edit it to not happen like this if you wish.
[OOC]As far as I am concerned your characters are your domain, as is your facet of the story. I do have a "master plan" for Aiel but that A story can weave and evolve along with the input and actions of others here, so alls good from my end. I'm just enjoyingthe show LOL[/OOC]
[OOC]As far as I am concerned your characters are your domain, as is your facet of the story. I do have a "master plan" for Aiel but that A story can weave and evolve along with the input and actions of others here, so alls good from my end. I'm just enjoyingthe show LOL[/OOC]
OoC: Just wondering because it was your residence that Nathan broke into. Thanks.
"Stop right there Nathan!" Jacob declared as he entered the house. Once he was inside, he noticed the two other people standing in the building with Nathan. After stunning Nathan with the concealed phaser Jacob was carrying, he walked over to Aiel.
"Sorry about that," he said, "our employer sent me here to capture him." Hoping that she would understand what he meant, Jacob reached down, placed static cuffs on Nathan, cuffed him to a bar on the wall, and waited for Aiel's response, or the response from the other person in the room, a strange Human male who looked like he might have been part of Starfleet.
OoC: I am just assuming Will is Human due to his name.
Nathan had to avoid Jacob, no matter what the cost. Turning a corner, he scanned for an empty building, and seeing one that appeared to fit this description, he shot the lock of the door, and ran inside. However, once inside, he turned, and saw a Romulan female about the age of 20 talking to a Human Male, who appeared to be, even worse, a member of Starfleet. Turning around, he saw Jacob enter the doorway after him. "Sh*t," he thought, "what have I gotten myself into..."
OoC: To Aiel and William, Sorry if you don't want this to happen. I can edit it to not happen like this if you wish.
Aiel spun at the sound of the weapon firing and splintering wood, reaching instinctively to her hip suddenly remembering she wasnt carrying a weapon. She stared at the intruder with a mixture of fury and disbelief, her body tense. It wasnt a coincidence, these two men appearing at her home upon the day of her arrival. The Human she could have dealt with on her own but now she was suddenly feeling trapped by what was obviously an ambush.
The man at the door said nothing. He merely looked at her as if he fully expected the house to be empty. Perhaps these two men werent together after all? Still, she was taking no chances as she was caught between the two. Unarmed and trapped, she took the only action she could think of. She moved forward to challenge the intruder.
How DARE you break into my home, you fvadt dha'rudh?! She yelled, Are you so dense that you have forgotten your own housing assignment or are you here for some other reason which required a forcible entry?! Lower your weapon NOW and remove yourself or by the elements I shall show you what your own entrails look like as they are heaped and splayed in front of you!
Hoping her aggressive demeanour and tone were enough to hide the fact she was positioning herself within grappling range of the Strangers weapon, and circling around to ensure her back wasnt fully exposed to the Human, she considered her options carefully. If the Human behind her made a threatening move against her, shed use the Stranger as a shield. If the Stranger, on the other hand, attempted to attack, shed snap his wrist, then his neck.
OoC: Just wondering because it was your residence that Nathan broke into. Thanks.
"Stop right there Nathan!" Jacob declared as he entered the house. Once he was inside, he noticed the two other people standing in the building with Nathan. After stunning Nathan with the concealed phaser Jacob was carrying, he walked over to Aiel.
"Sorry about that," he said, "our employer sent me here to capture him." Hoping that she would understand what he meant, Jacob reached down, placed static cuffs on Nathan, cuffed him to a bar on the wall, and waited for Aiel's response, or the response from the other person in the room, a strange Human male who looked like he might have been part of Starfleet.
OoC: I am just assuming Will is Human due to his name.
Aiel bit her lip in anger. She looked down to the phaser in his hand, then into his eyes. If looks could kill, this man would have died a thousand times over in an instant. She looked to the Human with the same deadly gaze, any semblance of trust entirely gone.
I do not know what game you are playing at, gentlemen, She said, her voice boiling with quiet fury, addressing all in the room, but I strongly encourage you to leave my home this instant. She turned back to Jacob and jabbed a finger into his chest. I am not one to be trifled with, nor am I amused by such brazen acts of stupidity and arrogance. Whatever this is between the two of you is yours to deal with; I want no part of it.
She turned her head back to the Human. And as for you
Aiel spun at the sound of the weapon firing and splintering wood, reaching instinctively to her hip suddenly remembering she wasnt carrying a weapon. She stared at the intruder with a mixture of fury and disbelief, her body tense. It wasnt a coincidence, these two men appearing at her home upon the day of her arrival. The Human she could have dealt with on her own but now she was suddenly feeling trapped by what was obviously an ambush.
The man at the door said nothing. He merely looked at her as if he fully expected the house to be empty. Perhaps these two men werent together after all? Still, she was taking no chances as she was caught between the two. Unarmed and trapped, she took the only action she could think of. She moved forward to challenge the intruder.
How DARE you break into my home, you fvadt dha'rudh?! She yelled, Are you so dense that you have forgotten your own housing assignment or are you here for some other reason which required a forcible entry?! Lower your weapon NOW and remove yourself or by the elements I shall show you what your own entrails look like as they are heaped and splayed in front of you!
Hoping her aggressive demeanour and tone were enough to hide the fact she was positioning herself within grappling range of the Strangers weapon, and circling around to ensure her back wasnt fully exposed to the Human, she considered her options carefully. If the Human behind her made a threatening move against her, shed use the Stranger as a shield. If the Stranger, on the other hand, attempted to attack, shed snap his wrist, then his neck.
Then, things sudenly got worse
Aiel bit her lip in anger. She looked down to the phaser in his hand, then into his eyes. If looks could kill, this man would have died a thousand times over in an instant. She looked to the Human with the same deadly gaze, any semblance of trust entirely gone.
I do not know what game you are playing at, gentlemen, She said, her voice boiling with quiet fury, addressing all in the room, but I strongly encourage you to leave my home this instant. She turned back to Jacob and jabbed a finger into his chest. I am not one to be trifled with, nor am I amused by such brazen acts of stupidity and arrogance. Whatever this is between the two of you is yours to deal with; I want no part of it.
She turned her head back to the Human. And as for you
William touched his chest and spoke quickly, "Execute delta 4 extraction." William and Aiel was bathed in a blue light as the her small home was replaced be the ready room of a starfleet vessel. As the room solidified, William moved to the replactor and ordered a drink. "would you like anything? I find i might have more to offer than you did although i welcomed the gesture. As for your friends down there....im not sure what is goning on but i believe you to be as confused as i. My business with you neither evolves or concerns them," William paused to sip him brown drink, "I wish to apologize and to ask why you left earth so suddenly. I watched you progress though the academy and if i hadnt been called away, you would have been assigned to my ship, The USS Sun Tzu," William paused to sip again and to let his words sink in. He knew the academy rumors about his ship, That somehow he was instramental in covertly saving many lives, "You a bold, strong willed, and you dont not have a problem telling your CO when you think they are wrong. Those tendancies have gotten you into trouble more than once." William stopped again, studying her reactions, "You maybe romulan, but you remind me of myself. I am here to do what should have been done after you failed that test... the one where you blew up your own ship to destroy a bird of prey. You see, it was I who rigged it. You were meant to fail no matter what but that wasnt the test, how you handled the conditions were. You confronted your CO and got in their face when they were wrong...and she was..." William thought about the lieutenant. He didnt much care for her either, "You failed their test and it was my fault, but you passed mine. I want you to serve on my ship." William stood holding out his hand hoping she would accept. He wanted to forge her into a fine officer like his mentor had done for him. He also believed having a romulan officer on board his ship would aid him in the coming storm...
William touched his chest and spoke quickly, "Execute delta 4 extraction." William and Aiel was bathed in a blue light as the her small home was replaced be the ready room of a starfleet vessel. As the room solidified, William moved to the replactor and ordered a drink. "would you like anything? I find i might have more to offer than you did although i welcomed the gesture. As for your friends down there....im not sure what is goning on but i believe you to be as confused as i. My business with you neither evolves or concerns them," William paused to sip him brown drink,
"I wish to apologize and to ask why you left earth so suddenly. I watched you progress though the academy and if i hadnt been called away, you would have been assigned to my ship, The USS Sun Tzu," William paused to sip again and to let his words sink in. He knew the academy rumors about his ship, That somehow he was instramental in covertly saving many lives, "You a bold, strong willed, and you dont not have a problem telling your CO when you think they are wrong. Those tendancies have gotten you into trouble more than once." William stopped again, studying her reactions, "You maybe romulan, but you remind me of myself. I am here to do what should have been done after you failed that test... the one where you blew up your own ship to destroy a bird of prey. You see, it was I who rigged it. You were meant to fail no matter what but that wasnt the test, how you handled the conditions were. You confronted your CO and got in their face when they were wrong...and she was..." William thought about the lieutenant. He didnt much care for her either, "You failed their test and it was my fault, but you passed mine. I want you to serve on my ship." William stood holding out his hand hoping she would accept. He wanted to forge her into a fine officer like his mentor had done for him. He also believed having a romulan officer on board his ship would aid him in the coming storm...
Aiel was still seething in anger when she felt the familiar sensation of a beam-out. No! she started to exclaim, but half of the word still clung in the air of her temporary home when the ready room solidified. She lowered her finger, still poised at what would have been the other mans chest and turned, slowly dangerously slowly towards her captor. Her mind raced with so many expletives and outbursts it became a jumble, resulting in a single, stuttered question.
Who.. in the HELL do you think you are?
She listened to his ramblings about her record, the name of his ship ringing a bell. In fact, Drake had mentioned the Sun Tsu to her on occasion. Deveros, William. Captain of an advanced Avenger class starship. One of the few equipped with an operational cloaking device. I know of you and of this ship. What I dont know She inched forward as she spoke, every word a dagger, is why you thought it wise to not only abduct a Romulan citizen from her private quarters on Mol'Rihan in direct violation of not only the New Romulan/Federation treaties but countless Starfleet directives
Her face was flushed a pale shade of green as her temper continued to rise, just to offer me a position on your ship! I left Starfleet because I did not wish to serve. What makes you think such theatrics as shanghaiing me in broad daylight will serve to change my mind?!
Aiel was still seething in anger when she felt the familiar sensation of a beam-out. No! she started to exclaim, but half of the word still clung in the air of her temporary home when the ready room solidified. She lowered her finger, still poised at what would have been the other mans chest and turned, slowly dangerously slowly towards her captor. Her mind raced with so many expletives and outbursts it became a jumble, resulting in a single, stuttered question.
Who.. in the HELL do you think you are?
She listed to his ramblings about her record, the name of his ship ringing a bell. In fact, Drake had mentioned the Sun Tsu to her on occasion. Deveros, William. Captain of an advanced Avenger class starship. One of the few equipped with an operational cloaking device. I know of you and of this ship. What I dont know She inched forward as she spoke, every word a dagger, is why you thought it wise to not only abduct a Romulan citizen from her private quarters on Mol'Rihan in direct violation of not only the New Romulan/Federation treaties but countless Starfleet directives
Her face was flushed a pale shade of green as her temper continued to rise, just to offer me a position on your ship! I left Starfleet because I did not wish to serve. What makes you think such theatrics as shanghaiing me in broad daylight will serve to change my mind?!
Them added, with venom, Captain?
OOC: *Whistles* Damn. Even Stelam might quake in his boots after that.:D
Aiel was still seething in anger when she felt the familiar sensation of a beam-out. No! she started to exclaim, but half of the word still clung in the air of her temporary home when the ready room solidified. She lowered her finger, still poised at what would have been the other mans chest and turned, slowly dangerously slowly towards her captor. Her mind raced with so many expletives and outbursts it became a jumble, resulting in a single, stuttered question.
Who.. in the HELL do you think you are?
She listed to his ramblings about her record, the name of his ship ringing a bell. In fact, Drake had mentioned the Sun Tsu to her on occasion. Deveros, William. Captain of an advanced Avenger class starship. One of the few equipped with an operational cloaking device. I know of you and of this ship. What I dont know She inched forward as she spoke, every word a dagger, is why you thought it wise to not only abduct a Romulan citizen from her private quarters on Mol'Rihan in direct violation of not only the New Romulan/Federation treaties but countless Starfleet directives
Her face was flushed a pale shade of green as her temper continued to rise, just to offer me a position on your ship! I left Starfleet because I did not wish to serve. What makes you think such theatrics as shanghaiing me in broad daylight will serve to change my mind?!
Them added, with venom, Captain?
"Kidnapping? Hardly. You are free to go. I brought you here because i would have liked to have our conversation without the presence of weapons fire. As for your leaving starfleet, you and i both know failing a test was no grounds for not assigning you to a ship and certainly not a reason to leave starfleet. I have deduced that you have either left to begin a covert mission, something i know a little about, or, to some other secret goal. Right now, those observing you on the surface just witnessed your "abduction" which will serve to distance you from starfleet more...if that IS your plan and need still need the cover. I have arranged for you to spend some time with the police to aid in that endeavor...if you wish...maintaining your cover if you decline my offer. As for my breaking regs," William smiled, "My best friend is a notorious romulan pirate and i have been given latitude from starfleet in curtain areas. Again, youre free to go if you wish, but i hope you will give my offer some thought." William then moved his attention to a pad on his desk, "That is all miss. I hope to see again. If you speak with my security officer she will arrange your return to the surface. "
"Kidnapping? Hardly. You are free to go. As brought you here because i would have liked to have our conversation without the presence of weapons fire. As for your leaving starfleet, you and i both know failing a test was no grounds for not assigning you to a ship and certainly not a reason to leave starfleet. I have deduced that you have either left to begin a covert mission, something i know i little about, or, to some other secret goal. Right now, those observing you on the surface just witnessed your "abduction" which will serve to distance you from starfleet more...if that IS your plan and need still need the cover. I have arranged for you to spend some time with the police to aid in that endeavor...maintaining your cover if you decline my offer. As for my breaking regs," William smiled, "My best friend is a notorious romulan pirate and i have been given latitude from starfleet in curtain areas. Again, youre free to go if you wish, but i hope you will give my offer some thought." William then moved his attention to a pad on his desk, "That is all miss. I hope to see again. If you speak with my security officer with will arrange your return to the surface."
She forced herself calm through regulated breathing and considered very carefully what she was about to say next. He suspects she is on a mission. Suspects. Not knows. This could prove problematic should he decide to stick around and confirm those suspicions. His flippant, nonchalant attitude read to her as a man who was accustomed to bluffing, even on a good hand. One who is unafraid to take sizeable risks in exchange for even a mediocre reward.
Captain, she cleared her throat, either you are in possession of intelligence which you believe gives you an upper hand or, and I say this with the utmost due respect, you are the most arrogant, idiotic fool of a man ever to sit in the Captains chair. I would ponder on this more if I cared but the truth is, she changed her tactics, lowering her voice and adopting the familiar visage of a Romulan that she knew Humans had come to expect, I couldnt care less. Youve overplayed your hand, you know.
To go through such an effort to gain my attention only to then act as if I am the one inconveniencing you is as transparent and easy to read as a Vulcans attempt at humor. She leans forward, placing her palms upon his desk. Please allow me to say in no uncertain terms that I could not be more disinterested in joining your crew than an Andorian Slug would be in crawling through salt pits just to see whats on the other side. You may have the friends you say you do but that should not dissuade you from realizing that others have allies as well. Once more, she leaned in, if I were here on some hypothetical secret and your actions did manage to endanger that mission in any way, rest assured that my friends would go out of their way to make your acquaintance.
She let the words sink in, then took a seat.
Now, why dont you tell me whats really going on here, Hmm? Or do you still believe me to be completely stupid?
She forced herself calm through regulated breathing and considered very carefully what she was about to say next. He suspects she is on a mission. Suspects. Not knows. This could prove problematic should he decide to stick around and confirm those suspicions. His flippant, nonchalant attitude read to her as a man who was accustomed to bluffing, even on a good hand. One who is unafraid to take sizeable risks in exchange for even a mediocre reward.
Captain, she cleared her throat, either you are in possession of intelligence which you believe gives you an upper hand or, and I say this with the utmost due respect, you are the most arrogant, idiotic fool of a man ever to sit in the Captains chair. I would ponder on this more if I cared but the truth is, she changed her tactics, lowering her voice and adopting the familiar visage of a Romulan that she knew Humans had come to expect, I couldnt care less. Youve overplayed your hand, you know.
To go through such an effort to gain my attention only to then act as if I am the one inconveniencing you is as transparent and easy to read as a Vulcans attempt at humor. She leans forward, placing her palms upon his desk. Please allow me to say in no uncertain terms that I could not be more disinterested in joining your crew than an Andorian Slug would be in crawling through salt pits just to see whats on the other side. You may have the friends you say you do but that should not dissuade you from realizing that others have allies as well. Once more, she leaned in, if I were here on some hypothetical secret and your actions did manage to endanger that mission in any way, rest assured that my friends would go out of their way to make your acquaintance.
She let the words sink in, then took a seat.
Now, why dont you tell me whats really going on here, Hmm? Or do you still believe me to be completely stupid?
This was interesting indeed. This one truly did half balls. But she was overstating her importance and that just would not due. William was very good at keeping his emotions in check, and this one seemed to be good at pretending to have have emotions she didnt feel, at least that was what Will suspected. "Your 'friends' are of little concern to me," Will said without looking at her, "I am the type of man to go for what i want. I dont beat around the bush, i dont play games. I GO for what i want. Right now that is you on my crew but make no mistake, your help would make things easier but youre not needed," With eyes of fire blazing in his relaxed face he drove the point home, "There are powers at work here. Forms moving behind the scenes. I work to preserve peace and if that means pissing people off then let them be pissed. You included. As long as there is peace and the greater good is served i could care less how people feel about it. I stand at the helm of one of the most powerful warships in the sector and i am looking to point it at the enemies of both the romulans and federation." William paused, thinking of his close friend T'rell Ravon, a romulan pirate who prided himself for fighting the Tal Shiar and protecting his people...and the promise he gave him, "I keep my word Aiel. Even when Starfleet admirals break them and Federation politicians trade promises like latinuim, i keep my word and i gave my word to aid the peace by protecting both yours and my people from those who would destroy that peace. It is my believe they are here carrying out their plans. I tell you this not because i think you are one of them, but because i think you were sent here on goals related to my own. You dont want to join my crew, fine. But go back and tell youre 'friends' this: 'They are here and they dont know we know.' I am look to help and be helped. Will stopped to peer into her eyes, to see if his words were ignored or if she heeded them. He started to think the former and turned his back to her, "Tell Drake I said hello. Please remind him he still owes me for that comet thing. Good day Miss Aiel."
This was interesting indeed. This one truly did half balls. But she was overstating her importance and that just would not due. William was very good at keeping his emotions in check, and this one seemed to be good at pretending to have have emotions she didnt feel, at least that was what Will suspected. "Your 'friends' are of little concern to me," Will said without looking at her, "I am the type of man to go for what i want. I dont beat around the bush, i dont play games. I GO for what i want. Right now that is you on my crew but make no mistake, your help would make things easier but youre not needed," With eyes of fire blazing in his relaxed face he drove the point home, "There are powers at work here. Forms moving behind the scenes. I work to preserve peace and if that means pissing people off then let them be pissed. You included. As long as there is peace and the greater good is served i could care less how people feel about it. I stand at the helm of one of the most powerful warships in the sector and i am looking to point it at the enemies of both the romulans and federation." William paused, thinking of his close friend T'rell Ravon, a romulan pirate who prided himself for fighting the Tal Shiar and protecting his people...and the promise he gave him, "I keep my word Aiel. Even when Starfleet admirals break them and Federation politicians trade promises like latinuim, i keep my word and i gave my word to aid the peace by protecting both yours and my people from those who would destroy that peace. It is my believe they are here carrying out their plans. I tell you this not because i think you are one of them, but because i think you were sent here on goals related to my own. You dont want to join my crew, fine. But go back and tell youre 'friends' this: 'They are here and they dont know we know.' I am look to help and be helped. Will stopped to peer into her eyes, to see if his words were ignored or if she heeded them. He started to think the former and turned his back to her, "Tell Drake I said hello. Please remind him he still owes me for that comet thing. Good day Miss Aiel."
A light smile played across her lips as he spoke. She wasnt intimidated in the least, although she was certain intimidation wasnt this mans goal. He knew. More importantly, he wanted her to know he knew. It was an interesting tactic and made perfect sense that he should want to speak to her in private. It wasnt the fact he knew of her relationship with Drake. After all, many cadets worked with him at one time or another. It was that he didnt know how deeply that relationship was still.
Still, she thought to herself, he could very well be baiting me. Casting a line in hopes that I reveal some tidbit of information he suspects I have hidden away. Not that she was so naive as to fall for such a rouse. She calculated her available choices: denial or admittance. Neither was particularly attractive.
You think to surprise me, She said in an even tone, by mentioning Drake by name? He is well known in Starfleet, even in the Academy, and yes, I have met and spoken to him on several occasions. My entire class has, as have countless others before us. Forgive me if I do not balk at your revelations, Captain.
She would have to tread carefully, and she knew this. Despite this mans demeanour of authority the fact was, as he had admitted, he wanted her to assist him on some errand or mission. She knew that no matter what she said she would not be rid of him so easily; no one travels halfway across the quadrant and abducts someone from their home merely to offer them a job. If she pushed too hard she may find herself in the brig, or worse, in a uniform.
She stood and moved to the replicator on the wall. Cappuccino. Extra chocolate, she ordered. She took the drink as it materialized and reclaimed her seat, sipping from her cup. Youre really not that much of a diplomat, are you, Captain? How about we try this again, starting with what, exactly, it is you want of me?
Stelam blinks at the light of the beaming. The girl had been taken, presumably by the one that was also gone. So, Stelam thinks,what should I do in this situation?. He quickly backs up, out of the door and onto the street. He then walks to his house, goes to his bedroom, and takes out his communicator. He activates it and contacts Gerrard.
"Gerrard." Stelam says.
"Yes Captain? Do you need to be rescued?" Gerrard asks inh is Vulcan way.
"No. I need you to connect to the probe we left in the mol'Rihan system and scan the orbit. Tell me what you find. Do a cloaking system sweep as well." Stelam orders.
"Yes sir." Gerrard replies. The line goes quiet for a while. Stelam taps his foot to keep from flipping.
"Okay," Gerrard says as he comes back online, " I found several Republic ships, cloaked and uncloaked. I also found several tra-"
"Any Fed ships?" Stelam interrupts.
"Yes. Two, one cloaked, the other not." Gerrard says.
"What's the one cloaked? If you can tell." Stelam aks.
"The U.S.S. Sun Tzu, if our database of cloak-capable Fed ships is correct." Gerrard replies.
"Elements. That database was a lucky haul. I'm glad we have it now." Stelam mutters.
"Is that all Captain?" Gerrard asks.
"Hmm. No. I want exact coordinates of where the bridge might be." Stelam says eventually.
"Captain, if you are planning a solo boarding, I must, as you first officer, advise you to ta-"
"Just give me the damn coordinates!" Stelam snaps at him.
"Sending them now." Gerrard says, after a long pause. "Please be careful Captain. It would be a sad day if we lost two of you inthe same month." he adds.
"You know me Gerrard. I can handle myself." Stelam says quietly. "I might not even need them." he says confidently.
"I doubt that..." Gerrard mutters as the line is cut. On the screen is the coordinates.
Stelam grabs his personell shield, sword and disruptor before heading toward the only orbital transporter on the planet. He then sets in the coordinates.
Comments
Aiel studied what she assumed to be a piece of outdoor art absently, tilting her head from side to side at the obtuse figure in what she hoped appeared as genuine interest. In truth, she was using a combination of the arts reflective surface and her peripheral vision to monitor the movements of the Human near her home. She was about to move off when something else caught her eye, a Romulan male, young, moving up the street. It wasnt the fact this young man was Romulan or that he carried himself with the sense of someone who has seen genuine combat. Not merely phaser fire but close, personal combat. There was a tension to his movements, as if he almost expected at any moment for someone to leap out from the bushes and strike, and damn him if he wasnt going to be ready. No, it wasnt any of this that piqued her interest in him. It was the fact that he, too, had noticed the Human and had reacted. It was subtle but evident: either this Romulan knew the Human or recognized something about him that made him wary of the man.
Her orders had been specific: tell no one of her mission. Her cover wasnt really that much of a far-fetched tale; a failed Starfleet cadet that left her service to return home to her people. A lie is a dangerous, delicate web, Drake had instructed her. The larger it is and the more detailed it becomes, the more difficult it is to maintain, whereas the truth is nearly always concrete. Drake had taken care of the details: her service record showed the frustrations of a cadet who couldnt handle the pressures of command and, when held back and offered an opportunity to continue into a fifth year, voluntarily left Starfleet. She knew that her record was spotless, thanks to Drake, and as of yet she hadnt even begin her true mission so there was no possible way the details of her orders could have been leaked to anyone. Still, what did this Human want with her?
Aiel mentally categorized him as a potential threat, but a threat to whom was still unclear.
And man walked behind him and he slipped his hand into his phaser. Just in case. William swore he had sen the man before... poster maybe? He chuckled to himself, the man had most likly pegged him as starfleet but William was far from a normal officer. He didnt just work in the shadows, he lived with them, befriended them. The man was some sort of criminal, a pirate perhaps. One of Will's closes friends was a pirate... He would have to look the man up and ask T'rell, his Pirate friend if he knew him... Shame, he could of pointed the man to T'rell offering him work with the Star Raptors... He surely would have heard of them, It was one of the few pirate groups to fight the Tal Shiar...and WIN...more than once.
"Ah... Finally." Will thought to himself. He didnt want to scare her but the way she moved, the way she watched him without trying to look like she was watching him... Will amiled to himself, so typically romulan. Cautious to the last. Yea, she will do nicely. "Um, miss Aiel Llwyn. Hello, I am Captain William Deveros of the USS Sun Tzu. I wish to speak with you concerning you Starfleet career. Would you like to speak somewhere more private?"
With that said, Jaob took his team and started walking away from the shuttles. However, he was walking by a tent, when he caught a glimpse of someone he knew, Aiel. No one else knew here, for Drake had only contacted him about joining Section 31, so he was the only one who did. They had used his time as a professor to train him for this mission, which had just recently gotten more urgent due to the stolen data. Jacob wondered what Aiel was doing on New Romulus, and hardly noticed the man standing next to her. Although he wanted to investigate more, he knew he had a mission to complete and continued walking.
His group eventually reached Jacob's reserved housing for them, and made their way inside. "The actual mission wouldn't begin until tomorrow," Jacob announced, "so get yourselves settled."
He hadn't chosen Sheecoyoo for this mission. Hiding 6' 4" of body is hard enough, but 6' 8" is even worse, and Sheecoyoo didn't have training, like Jacob did. Taking this into account, he had chosen Erin Prowell, the shortest member of his bridge crew, but also the newest, which might be a problem, but he hoped not; T'Vrell Par, a Vulcan, which would let her blend in with the Romulans better, and her non lethal neck pinch and mind melds could come in handy; and Kolez Ch'gi, whose Saurian nature would allow him to slip through thermal detectors easier, and his light fight would let him walk unnoticed. These three members of his crew had all been trained for a month before this mission, and were all ready for what was to come.
Jacob walked into his own personal room, and set his bag down in the storage unit. From there, he grabbed his mission uniform, a Romulan survivor's basic wardrobe, and proceeded to get changed. When he was finished, he walked out into the common area, and waited for everyone else to come out. Downy then sat his crew down for a briefing, starting with, "Tonight, we are going to wander around town, make small talk where possible, and try to glean as much information as possible. If you have to, you are all authorized to help out with the work. We will meet back here in five hours at 1900 hours. You are all dismissed."
"Would you like something to eat or drink, sir?" asks the waitress, interrupting his thoughts.
"Sure. I'll have some Kali-fal." Stelam says absently.
The waitress blinks. "You sure? That is a rather... strong smelling drink." she says cautiously.
"Yes, I'm sure. I've been having some sinuse problems, and this is what the doctor ordered." he says with a joking smile.
She looks at him suspiciously, then jots it down and gets it. Stelam thanks her for it and sips the Kali-fal slowly. It got rid of his travel headache perfectly. When he finished it, he asked for water. He started onthat and sat there for a while, watching the Staging Area.
However, after this, he could no longer hear the rest of the conversation for a shuttle took off above him, drowning out the words. Turning back around the corner, Jacob noticed that the man and Aiel were nowhere to be seen. After logging the words he heard, Jacob put away his PADD and started to walk back to the staging area. He would have to research the Sun Tzu and talk to Aiel later. For now, Jacob had work to do.
(1 hour later)
Jacob had spent the last hour socializing wih the people around the staging area, and he had learned a lot about his mission. Several Romulans had reported something starange going on around the Caves, and a member of the defense force even said that there were open plans to investigate. Jacob warned them off, saying that he had it under control. Now, he was sitting down for something to drink. The waiter came over and he ordered a Kanar, a beverage he had grown quite fond of during his time on Cardassia. However, shortly after the bottle arrived, Jacob caught a glimpse of a man sitting at the table across from him. He appeared to be the same man Jacob had seen just after beaming down, and he was sitting at the same sunlit table. The man appeared to be watching Jacob without trying to look like it. Jacob doubted he would have noticed it if he hadn't been trained by Drake. Wondering what was going on, Jacob downed the rest of his drink, stood up, and started to walk around. His suspicions were quickly proven right as the man followed his movements with his eyes. Jacob then walked over to the man and asked, "Excuse me sir, do you mind if I sit here?" while pulling out a chair.
Stelam smiles at him. "Of course not, daehlan." he says, trying to act non-chalante. These Starfleet types are meticulous and you never know when one might have memorized a pirates wanted poster. Though, he wasn't very well known.
"So. What do you wish to talk about?" Stelam asks with a smile.
Jacob took his seat and added, "However, if you do want to make conversation, did you hear about the apparent Starfleet traitor who sneaked his way onto New Romulus"
Knowing that his disguise would protect him if the man did indeed want to keep his spying a secret, he asked the question as if he was a civilian who had just landed on the planet. Jacob leaned back in his chair and waited for the man's reply.
Stelam shook his head. "Nope. Don't believe so. I haven't been in Federation space for a long time, so I'm a little out of touch." he said with a smile.
Dammit! He didn't expect to run into any Starfleet so hadn't bothered to think of a fake name. He kept his face clear as the options ran through his head in a nanosecond. He then smiled and nodded.
"No, you don't have my name. It's Havraha Aenikh. Nice to meet you Captain Downey." Stelam says confidently, offering a hand.
As he walked away, he snapped a tri-dimensional scan of the man with the new scanner he had developed the year before. Still in it's prototype stage, he was the only one who had one. Jacob walked away, still acting out his part, even though he was certain that the man knew he was faking. He would have to run the image through the ship's database to see who the man was before he left. Unfortunately, he had not managed to place a tracking device on the man, so he would have to do it soon if he didn't want to offer the man a chance to escape. However, Jacob also didn't believe the man knew his cover was blown. As Jacob had played off his story pretty well, the man probably thought Jacob was just here for some other reason, which he was.
Jacob had to find out more information about his target, and whether or not Nathan knew he was coming. Looking around, he decided to head for the security camp set up nearby. If anyone would know something about Connors, it would be them.
Stelam takes a deep breath. Then stand and pays for his drinks, then heads off toward his house. He would check for a tracking device later, seeming as it was typical. But he wasn't worried, the offic- Jacob Downey was obviously after this traitor, not him. It wouldn't stop him from coming back to arrest him when he found out his identity. Stelam decided not to be found though, and he usually accomplished what he decides. He enters his house, after looking for that Romulan chick, and takes off the tracking device after looking for it. He went and threw out a window, which was then crushed by multiple people passing. He then yawns, checks the time, and goes to bed.
"Welp, I'll actually have to work tomorrow, so better get some rest..." he mutters as he passes out.
Now he knew that Jacob wasn't working with the Romulan, and he might be able to turn the Romulan against Jacob. "Lt. You have control of the base, I'm heading out again," Nathan told his first officer as he headed out the door.
He walked towards the last known spot of the Romulan, discovered the shattered remains of his tracking device, and knocked on the door of the most probable drop point of the device. He stood there and waited for his answer.
OoC: I will now be taking control of both sides of my sub story.
Stelam wakes with a start at the sound. He had been in the middle of a rather nice dream, and was now a bit pissed that he had been disturbed. He grabs a knife and walks to the door, only in his sleep-wear, which consists of only boxers, and opens it.
"What?" Stelam hisses at the human at his door. He keeps the knife hidden behind his back.
She turned away from the artwork and looked to him with a slight smile. Im sorry, I didnt see you there. She lied.
How did Starfleet know I was here so quickly? She thought to herself, maintaining her smile as she approached him. Forgive my rudeness but Ive only just arrived myself and wasnt expecting company. We can speak in my home if you wish. I fear I have nothing to offer you but water and some stale pieces of travel rations from the shuttle, but they are yours if you wish.
She turned and unlocked her door, opening it for him and gesturing for him to enter. She glanced over her shoulder for the young Romulan but he, it seems , had wandered off. Something was strange here. very strange. But what choice did she have? Far better she meet with this Human alone, behind closed doors, than in the open.
She secured the door behind them and moved to the kitchenette. The living space was small and incredibly bare; other than the standard issue table, chairs and a few amenities there was nothing else.
She turned to him with that same smile. Now, can I get you anything?
Nathan could obviously tell by the Romulan's dress that he had been sleeping when Nathan knocked. He could also tell he was angry by the sound of his voice. Despite this, Nathan still remained casual when he replied. "Hello, my name is Nathan Connors. I was wondering if you knew a Jacob Downy? If so, I would like to ask you a few questions, if you don't mind."
Nathan stood with his hands behind his back, concealing an fold-out sword, and by the way the Romulan was standing in much the same manner, he assumed that the Romulan also was concealing a weapon. Now all Nathan could do was wait for a response, whatever it may be.
(Jacob's Perspective)
Jacob had just finished questioning everyone at the security camp, and felt like he did a pretty could job ad making it seem like small talk. He had, in fact, gathered a lot of useful information. Apparently, several people had seen Nathan in the city, and they had also seen several members of his crew with him. In fact, someone reported that Nathan had been seen in the Romulan housing district just 15 minutes ago. That was where Jacob was heading now. He looked at his PADD, and saw that he still had over an hour until he had told his crew to be back to the house. Jacob needed to be as fast as he could in order to ensure he found out what he needed to about the Romulan he ran into earlier.
OoC: Tri-way encounter perhaps appearing soon.
Stelam smiles. He can already tell this is the traitor Downy was looking for. He tilts his head, looking like he was trying to remember. Then shakes his head.
"A Jacob Downy? No, no I don't think so. Now, if you excuse me, I have some rest to catch up on." he says as he starts closing the door.
"Very well, thank you for..." was all Nathan managed to get off before having the door shut in his face. Turning around, Nathan suddenly saw a face he had been dreading to see, Jacob Downy was walking right for him. Quickly, he turned around and sprinted away through the crowd.
(Jacob's Perspective)
Jacob had spotted Nathan on the stoop, trying to recruit the Romulan, and now he was in hot pursuit. Weaving through the crowd, Jacob was slowly gaining on Nathan. Into his commbadge, he yelled, "Team Alpha, report to the Romulan housing district immediately, no time to explain!" and he kept running.
(Nathan's Perspective)
Nathan had to avoid Jacob, no matter what the cost. Turning a corner, he scanned for an empty building, and seeing one that appeared to fit this description, he shot the lock of the door, and ran inside. However, once inside, he turned, and saw a Romulan female about the age of 20 talking to a Human Male, who appeared to be, even worse, a member of Starfleet. Turning around, he saw Jacob enter the doorway after him. "Sh*t," he thought, "what have I gotten myself into..."
OoC: To Aiel and William, Sorry if you don't want this to happen. I can edit it to not happen like this if you wish.
[OOC]As far as I am concerned your characters are your domain, as is your facet of the story.
OoC: Just wondering because it was your residence that Nathan broke into. Thanks.
"Stop right there Nathan!" Jacob declared as he entered the house. Once he was inside, he noticed the two other people standing in the building with Nathan. After stunning Nathan with the concealed phaser Jacob was carrying, he walked over to Aiel.
"Sorry about that," he said, "our employer sent me here to capture him." Hoping that she would understand what he meant, Jacob reached down, placed static cuffs on Nathan, cuffed him to a bar on the wall, and waited for Aiel's response, or the response from the other person in the room, a strange Human male who looked like he might have been part of Starfleet.
OoC: I am just assuming Will is Human due to his name.
Aiel spun at the sound of the weapon firing and splintering wood, reaching instinctively to her hip suddenly remembering she wasnt carrying a weapon. She stared at the intruder with a mixture of fury and disbelief, her body tense. It wasnt a coincidence, these two men appearing at her home upon the day of her arrival. The Human she could have dealt with on her own but now she was suddenly feeling trapped by what was obviously an ambush.
The man at the door said nothing. He merely looked at her as if he fully expected the house to be empty. Perhaps these two men werent together after all? Still, she was taking no chances as she was caught between the two. Unarmed and trapped, she took the only action she could think of. She moved forward to challenge the intruder.
How DARE you break into my home, you fvadt dha'rudh?! She yelled, Are you so dense that you have forgotten your own housing assignment or are you here for some other reason which required a forcible entry?! Lower your weapon NOW and remove yourself or by the elements I shall show you what your own entrails look like as they are heaped and splayed in front of you!
Hoping her aggressive demeanour and tone were enough to hide the fact she was positioning herself within grappling range of the Strangers weapon, and circling around to ensure her back wasnt fully exposed to the Human, she considered her options carefully. If the Human behind her made a threatening move against her, shed use the Stranger as a shield. If the Stranger, on the other hand, attempted to attack, shed snap his wrist, then his neck.
Then, things sudenly got worse
Aiel bit her lip in anger. She looked down to the phaser in his hand, then into his eyes. If looks could kill, this man would have died a thousand times over in an instant. She looked to the Human with the same deadly gaze, any semblance of trust entirely gone.
I do not know what game you are playing at, gentlemen, She said, her voice boiling with quiet fury, addressing all in the room, but I strongly encourage you to leave my home this instant. She turned back to Jacob and jabbed a finger into his chest. I am not one to be trifled with, nor am I amused by such brazen acts of stupidity and arrogance. Whatever this is between the two of you is yours to deal with; I want no part of it.
She turned her head back to the Human. And as for you
William touched his chest and spoke quickly, "Execute delta 4 extraction." William and Aiel was bathed in a blue light as the her small home was replaced be the ready room of a starfleet vessel. As the room solidified, William moved to the replactor and ordered a drink. "would you like anything? I find i might have more to offer than you did although i welcomed the gesture. As for your friends down there....im not sure what is goning on but i believe you to be as confused as i. My business with you neither evolves or concerns them," William paused to sip him brown drink, "I wish to apologize and to ask why you left earth so suddenly. I watched you progress though the academy and if i hadnt been called away, you would have been assigned to my ship, The USS Sun Tzu," William paused to sip again and to let his words sink in. He knew the academy rumors about his ship, That somehow he was instramental in covertly saving many lives, "You a bold, strong willed, and you dont not have a problem telling your CO when you think they are wrong. Those tendancies have gotten you into trouble more than once." William stopped again, studying her reactions, "You maybe romulan, but you remind me of myself. I am here to do what should have been done after you failed that test... the one where you blew up your own ship to destroy a bird of prey. You see, it was I who rigged it. You were meant to fail no matter what but that wasnt the test, how you handled the conditions were. You confronted your CO and got in their face when they were wrong...and she was..." William thought about the lieutenant. He didnt much care for her either, "You failed their test and it was my fault, but you passed mine. I want you to serve on my ship." William stood holding out his hand hoping she would accept. He wanted to forge her into a fine officer like his mentor had done for him. He also believed having a romulan officer on board his ship would aid him in the coming storm...
Aiel was still seething in anger when she felt the familiar sensation of a beam-out. No! she started to exclaim, but half of the word still clung in the air of her temporary home when the ready room solidified. She lowered her finger, still poised at what would have been the other mans chest and turned, slowly dangerously slowly towards her captor. Her mind raced with so many expletives and outbursts it became a jumble, resulting in a single, stuttered question.
Who.. in the HELL do you think you are?
She listened to his ramblings about her record, the name of his ship ringing a bell. In fact, Drake had mentioned the Sun Tsu to her on occasion. Deveros, William. Captain of an advanced Avenger class starship. One of the few equipped with an operational cloaking device. I know of you and of this ship. What I dont know She inched forward as she spoke, every word a dagger, is why you thought it wise to not only abduct a Romulan citizen from her private quarters on Mol'Rihan in direct violation of not only the New Romulan/Federation treaties but countless Starfleet directives
Her face was flushed a pale shade of green as her temper continued to rise, just to offer me a position on your ship! I left Starfleet because I did not wish to serve. What makes you think such theatrics as shanghaiing me in broad daylight will serve to change my mind?!
Then added, with venom, Captain?
"Kidnapping? Hardly. You are free to go. I brought you here because i would have liked to have our conversation without the presence of weapons fire. As for your leaving starfleet, you and i both know failing a test was no grounds for not assigning you to a ship and certainly not a reason to leave starfleet. I have deduced that you have either left to begin a covert mission, something i know a little about, or, to some other secret goal. Right now, those observing you on the surface just witnessed your "abduction" which will serve to distance you from starfleet more...if that IS your plan and need still need the cover. I have arranged for you to spend some time with the police to aid in that endeavor...if you wish...maintaining your cover if you decline my offer. As for my breaking regs," William smiled, "My best friend is a notorious romulan pirate and i have been given latitude from starfleet in curtain areas. Again, youre free to go if you wish, but i hope you will give my offer some thought." William then moved his attention to a pad on his desk, "That is all miss. I hope to see again. If you speak with my security officer she will arrange your return to the surface. "
She forced herself calm through regulated breathing and considered very carefully what she was about to say next. He suspects she is on a mission. Suspects. Not knows. This could prove problematic should he decide to stick around and confirm those suspicions. His flippant, nonchalant attitude read to her as a man who was accustomed to bluffing, even on a good hand. One who is unafraid to take sizeable risks in exchange for even a mediocre reward.
Captain, she cleared her throat, either you are in possession of intelligence which you believe gives you an upper hand or, and I say this with the utmost due respect, you are the most arrogant, idiotic fool of a man ever to sit in the Captains chair. I would ponder on this more if I cared but the truth is, she changed her tactics, lowering her voice and adopting the familiar visage of a Romulan that she knew Humans had come to expect, I couldnt care less. Youve overplayed your hand, you know.
To go through such an effort to gain my attention only to then act as if I am the one inconveniencing you is as transparent and easy to read as a Vulcans attempt at humor. She leans forward, placing her palms upon his desk. Please allow me to say in no uncertain terms that I could not be more disinterested in joining your crew than an Andorian Slug would be in crawling through salt pits just to see whats on the other side. You may have the friends you say you do but that should not dissuade you from realizing that others have allies as well. Once more, she leaned in, if I were here on some hypothetical secret and your actions did manage to endanger that mission in any way, rest assured that my friends would go out of their way to make your acquaintance.
She let the words sink in, then took a seat.
Now, why dont you tell me whats really going on here, Hmm? Or do you still believe me to be completely stupid?
This was interesting indeed. This one truly did half balls. But she was overstating her importance and that just would not due. William was very good at keeping his emotions in check, and this one seemed to be good at pretending to have have emotions she didnt feel, at least that was what Will suspected. "Your 'friends' are of little concern to me," Will said without looking at her, "I am the type of man to go for what i want. I dont beat around the bush, i dont play games. I GO for what i want. Right now that is you on my crew but make no mistake, your help would make things easier but youre not needed," With eyes of fire blazing in his relaxed face he drove the point home, "There are powers at work here. Forms moving behind the scenes. I work to preserve peace and if that means pissing people off then let them be pissed. You included. As long as there is peace and the greater good is served i could care less how people feel about it. I stand at the helm of one of the most powerful warships in the sector and i am looking to point it at the enemies of both the romulans and federation." William paused, thinking of his close friend T'rell Ravon, a romulan pirate who prided himself for fighting the Tal Shiar and protecting his people...and the promise he gave him, "I keep my word Aiel. Even when Starfleet admirals break them and Federation politicians trade promises like latinuim, i keep my word and i gave my word to aid the peace by protecting both yours and my people from those who would destroy that peace. It is my believe they are here carrying out their plans. I tell you this not because i think you are one of them, but because i think you were sent here on goals related to my own. You dont want to join my crew, fine. But go back and tell youre 'friends' this: 'They are here and they dont know we know.' I am look to help and be helped. Will stopped to peer into her eyes, to see if his words were ignored or if she heeded them. He started to think the former and turned his back to her, "Tell Drake I said hello. Please remind him he still owes me for that comet thing. Good day Miss Aiel."
A light smile played across her lips as he spoke. She wasnt intimidated in the least, although she was certain intimidation wasnt this mans goal. He knew. More importantly, he wanted her to know he knew. It was an interesting tactic and made perfect sense that he should want to speak to her in private. It wasnt the fact he knew of her relationship with Drake. After all, many cadets worked with him at one time or another. It was that he didnt know how deeply that relationship was still.
Still, she thought to herself, he could very well be baiting me. Casting a line in hopes that I reveal some tidbit of information he suspects I have hidden away. Not that she was so naive as to fall for such a rouse. She calculated her available choices: denial or admittance. Neither was particularly attractive.
You think to surprise me, She said in an even tone, by mentioning Drake by name? He is well known in Starfleet, even in the Academy, and yes, I have met and spoken to him on several occasions. My entire class has, as have countless others before us. Forgive me if I do not balk at your revelations, Captain.
She would have to tread carefully, and she knew this. Despite this mans demeanour of authority the fact was, as he had admitted, he wanted her to assist him on some errand or mission. She knew that no matter what she said she would not be rid of him so easily; no one travels halfway across the quadrant and abducts someone from their home merely to offer them a job. If she pushed too hard she may find herself in the brig, or worse, in a uniform.
She stood and moved to the replicator on the wall. Cappuccino. Extra chocolate, she ordered. She took the drink as it materialized and reclaimed her seat, sipping from her cup. Youre really not that much of a diplomat, are you, Captain? How about we try this again, starting with what, exactly, it is you want of me?
"Gerrard." Stelam says.
"Yes Captain? Do you need to be rescued?" Gerrard asks inh is Vulcan way.
"No. I need you to connect to the probe we left in the mol'Rihan system and scan the orbit. Tell me what you find. Do a cloaking system sweep as well." Stelam orders.
"Yes sir." Gerrard replies. The line goes quiet for a while. Stelam taps his foot to keep from flipping.
"Okay," Gerrard says as he comes back online, " I found several Republic ships, cloaked and uncloaked. I also found several tra-"
"Any Fed ships?" Stelam interrupts.
"Yes. Two, one cloaked, the other not." Gerrard says.
"What's the one cloaked? If you can tell." Stelam aks.
"The U.S.S. Sun Tzu, if our database of cloak-capable Fed ships is correct." Gerrard replies.
"Elements. That database was a lucky haul. I'm glad we have it now." Stelam mutters.
"Is that all Captain?" Gerrard asks.
"Hmm. No. I want exact coordinates of where the bridge might be." Stelam says eventually.
"Captain, if you are planning a solo boarding, I must, as you first officer, advise you to ta-"
"Just give me the damn coordinates!" Stelam snaps at him.
"Sending them now." Gerrard says, after a long pause. "Please be careful Captain. It would be a sad day if we lost two of you inthe same month." he adds.
"You know me Gerrard. I can handle myself." Stelam says quietly. "I might not even need them." he says confidently.
"I doubt that..." Gerrard mutters as the line is cut. On the screen is the coordinates.
Stelam grabs his personell shield, sword and disruptor before heading toward the only orbital transporter on the planet. He then sets in the coordinates.