As Will finished his conversation, he came to the correct deck. Will exited and rounded a connor which brought him to the brig. "Sir an officer said as she almost bumped into him, I brought the items you ordered and," She looked back shaken, "And there is a romulan in there. A mean looking one."
"Who her? She's a kitten." Will joked back. Casual joking and conversation was how Will related to his crew. He wasnt the stern type. He treated his crew like friends and family. He trusted them and in turn, they trusted him.
"If you say so sir, but if i were you, i would be careful with that one."
Will entered the brig and looked to the man in the cell. He walked up to the forcefield and peered inside. "Ok sparky. Tell me what i want to know or i give those," Will pointed to the requested tools, "...to HER," Will nodded toward Aiel, "along with YOU. Then im just going to sit back and watch her work."
She stood at parade rest, arms folded behind her back (an old habit from the academy) and allowed Devros to address the Romulan prisoner. She knew that if he was going to talk at all, it would be to a fellow Rihan as opposed to a Starfleet officer. The tools she had asked for were mostly for show, to put the fear of torture into the mind of the man, but if he failed to talk she had plans for those tools. She almost hoped he didnt talk.
She then went silent and watched the prisoner intently, allowing her mind to drift to other matters. Drake was adamant that I would be working alone, she thought, that if even a single person beyond the two of us were to even suspect my objectives it would place the entire mission at risk. Yet this man, this Captain, tossed Drakes name at me as if he was in the know. It will be interesting to see just how this plays out.
In truth, she had no interest in the Tal Shiar but it seemed to her that allowing this man to assume she did would serve to her advantage for now. Her interests lay elsewhere.
You are to travel to New Romulus, Drake instructed her as they entered what she assumed was a shuttle bay. The lights were down and her vision hadnt adjusted, but she could tell from the echoes that the room they were in was quite sizeable. She could also hear a high-pitched screeching, like metal being dragged on metal, and assumed it was a team prepping a nearby shuttle. Once there you are to advise the customs official that you are a Romulan who failed Starfleet and are coming him to be with her people. Find housing, find work, and blend in. As they walked, the screeching got louder and more frantic. Try to work in the plains near the Paehhos Crater specifically. Near there you will encounter a series of caves. When the time is opportune, find a way to investigate those caves further.
What do you expect me to find there, exactly? She asked, wincing at the now feverish high-pitched screeching. It sounded less and less like metal and more like a caged animal.
This. He said. The lights came on and her eyes widened. In a sealed, controlled holding cell stood a crystalline arachnid-like creature standing nearly seven foot. It glared with deep, yellow eyes cut into a blood red crystal body, shrinking slightly from the sudden light, then screaming at the sight of them, its voice a painful high-pitched squeal, like a thousand claws running across a chalkboard.
She wanted to ask How? How could these creatures be on New Romulus? She wanted to cover her ears and turn away, but she could do neither. All she could do was utter a single, stunned and dread-filled word.
Will then turned to address Aiel, "I have a question before you begin. You suggested we remain cloaked but this guy, and whoever he is working with was able to detect my cloaked ship. So were your people, now that i think about it...and the republic could detect us too. Thats too many people for my liking. So if all of you guys can see us, why stay cloaked when all of you can see us. If you can see us, they people we truly should be hiding from can as well..."
His question shook her out of her thoughts. She hadnt actually heard what he had asked, but caught the end of his question and responded with what she hoped was a sufficient answer.
I already told you. Aiel expressed matter-of-factly, A cloak, especially a sustained one, seeps tachyon radiation. Given the fact that few, if any, Federation ships were actually designed to shield the radiation from an active device, its really a wonder no ones picked you off before. However, it is also limited by line-of-sight. If you position your ship in the shadow of the dark side of the larger moon it should award you some time free from prying eyes to leave the system, if that is your wish." She then added, "It would behoove you to consider, the next time you find yourself in a sizeable station with an able maintenance crew, to reinforce the device on your ship with nitrium to shield the radiation during use. Of course, she mused, You would have to gain permission from DTan and find a sizeable quantity of nitrium, let alone an engineering team willing to install it, but it would greatly increase your overall stealth.
She paused, then added, "Who is it you should be hiding from anyway, Captain?"
OOC:
While IRL this maybe true due to obvious physics, i direct you to the scene of Star Trek 4. After the whales have been beamed up, the Bird of prey comes from behind a cloud and goes to warp, within earth atmosphere, and shows a ship, on screen and thus canon, going to warp in an atmosphere. While my described effects may have been dramatic, the ship itself, and those on board, as shown in the movie, would be unharmed.
The scene in question may be seen here Skip to 3:30.
IC:
You know, its funny you say that. I happen to agree with you completely. If i had it my way, i would," A sly look crossed Will's face, "and have aided when according to the prime directive i shouldnt have. I play by the book my friend, just not always THEIR book." Will laughed then added, "Keep that between us." Will considered the fact that perhaps he wasnt as good at communication as he thought he was. Then again, he was admittedly not a diplomat. "I am not impling that youve had anything to do with this, but what i am impling is that you know something about this situation and perhaps more than i. It is THAT information i am requesting." "Now see," Will's tone took a more friendly tone, an almost joking one, "That is exactly why i need a great romulan officer on my crew! Are you sure you wont reconsider? We could come to some arrangement i am sure, one which would benifit both of us yes? As for my prisoner, In a show of good faith and shareing of information, you may get what even information from him, however you like. In fact," Will gave her a wink, "I am sure that my brig has been experiencing surveillance problems. Problems that prevent recordings... Its something ive been meaning to get fixed but with so little time..." Will let the sentence trail off. "I will of course but forced to watch any questioning, Because of our malfunctions." [/b]
OOC: see link at top. A Klingon B'rel class Bird of prey, a ship larger than a runabout and thus would have more atmospheric drag, was not only able to go to warp after moving though and or from behind a cloud, but did so without damaging itself or the atmosphere. Also, considering this is from a star trek movie, namely ST:IV, it is an on screen, canon source of a ship going to warp in Atmo.
OOC: I guess I didn't rely this very well, but the wiki did say that it was possible for a ship to warp in upper atmosphere, like in ST 4. But it said that it was 'suicide' to do so in the lower atmsophere, where the house would be.
She stood at parade rest, arms folded behind her back (an old habit from the academy) and allowed Devros to address the Romulan prisoner. She knew that if he was going to talk at all, it would be to a fellow Rihan as opposed to a Starfleet officer. The tools she had asked for were mostly for show, to put the fear of torture into the mind of the man, but if he failed to talk she had plans for those tools. She almost hoped he didnt talk.
She then went silent and watched the prisoner intently, allowing her mind to drift to other matters. Drake was adamant that I would be working alone, she thought, that if even a single person beyond the two of us were to even suspect my objectives it would place the entire mission at risk. Yet this man, this Captain, tossed Drakes name at me as if he was in the know. It will be interesting to see just how this plays out.
In truth, she had no interest in the Tal Shiar but it seemed to her that allowing this man to assume she did would serve to her advantage for now. Her interests lay elsewhere.
You are to travel to New Romulus, Drake instructed her as they entered what she assumed was a shuttle bay. The lights were down and her vision hadnt adjusted, but she could tell from the echoes that the room they were in was quite sizeable. She could also hear a high-pitched screeching, like metal being dragged on metal, and assumed it was a team prepping a nearby shuttle. Once there you are to advise the customs official that you are a Romulan who failed Starfleet and are coming him to be with her people. Find housing, find work, and blend in. As they walked, the screeching got louder and more frantic. Try to work in the plains near the Paehhos Crater specifically. Near there you will encounter a series of caves. When the time is opportune, find a way to investigate those caves further.
What do you expect me to find there, exactly? She asked, wincing at the now feverish high-pitched screeching. It sounded less and less like metal and more like a caged animal.
This. He said. The lights came on and her eyes widened. In a sealed, controlled holding cell stood a crystalline arachnid-like creature standing nearly seven foot. It glared with deep, yellow eyes cut into a blood red crystal body, shrinking slightly from the sudden light, then screaming at the sight of them, its voice a painful high-pitched squeal, like a thousand claws running across a chalkboard.
She wanted to ask How? How could these creatures be on New Romulus? She wanted to cover her ears and turn away, but she could do neither. All she could do was utter a single, stunned and dread-filled word.
Tholians.
His question shook her out of her thoughts. She hadnt actually heard what he had asked, but caught the end of his question and responded with what she hoped was a sufficient answer.
I already told you. Aiel expressed matter-of-factly, A cloak, especially a sustained one, seeps tachyon radiation. Given the fact that few, if any, Federation ships were actually designed to shield the radiation from an active device, its really a wonder no ones picked you off before. However, it is also limited by line-of-sight. If you position your ship in the shadow of the dark side of the larger moon it should award you some time free from prying eyes to leave the system, if that is your wish." She then added, "It would behoove you to consider, the next time you find yourself in a sizeable station with an able maintenance crew, to reinforce the device on your ship with nitrium to shield the radiation during use. Of course, she mused, You would have to gain permission from DTan and find a sizeable quantity of nitrium, let alone an engineering team willing to install it, but it would greatly increase your overall stealth.
She paused, then added, "Who is it you should be hiding from anyway, Captain?"
Stelam watchs this go down. So they seemed not to be working together, by the Captains question. He settles again and looks at them. The girl looks trained, in more than basic Star Fleet martial arts. The Captain probably only had that and phaser training. He leans forward and fingers the knife in his boot, then takes it out and starts flipping it.
"Last time I checked, Captain, cloak was still prohibited by a certain treaty. And that all cloaked Starfleet ships are classified, so that this girl here knows about them is rather... interesting. Or maybe that's changed while I've been gone..." he was still flippong the knife while he says this, and at the end he raises an eyebrow at Aiel.
Stelam watchs this go down. So they seemed not to be working together, by the Captains question. He settles again and looks at them. The girl looks trained, in more than basic Star Fleet martial arts. The Captain probably only had that and phaser training. He leans forward and fingers the knife in his boot, then takes it out and starts flipping it.
"Last time I checked, Captain, cloak was still prohibited by a certain treaty. And that all cloaked Starfleet ships are classified, so that this girl here knows about them is rather... interesting. Or maybe that's changed while I've been gone..." he was still flippong the knife while he says this, and at the end he raises an eyebrow at Aiel.
She gave no reaction, to either his flippant attitude or his weapon. This was Devross show for now. The fact that his security detail had missed such an obvious detail as a hidden blade amused her somewhat. Almost as much as it amused her that this young Romulans defiance. She gained no pleasure from torture, she wasnt a TRIBBLE by any definition, but the Cardassian phrase popped instantly into her mind at this young mans display. The retrieval of information from the subject is the ultimate goal of course. But as in many things, it is the journey, not the final destination, that is to be planned carefully and cherished.
She gave no reaction, to either his flippant attitude or his weapon. This was Devross show for now. The fact that his security detail had missed such an obvious detail as a hidden blade amused her somewhat. Almost as much as it amused her that this young Romulans defiance. She gained no pleasure from torture, she wasnt a TRIBBLE by any definition, but the Cardassian phrase popped instantly into her mind at this young mans display. The retrieval of information from the subject is the ultimate goal of course. But as in many things, it is the journey, not the final destination, that is to be planned carefully and cherished.
Stelam smiles at her nonreaction, which was a reaction all the same to him. He stands and stretches.
"Further more, considering torture is against Starfleet rules and Republic laws, I know you won't give her those tools. Or, when I am released, as I surely will, I will run straight to the Federation Embassy on mol'Rihan, and report a Captain William Deveros for vialating said rules..." he smiles at the Captain while he says this, and then winks at Aiel at the end.
Jacob sat lounging in his chair, frustrated. He had waited for three hours, and there was still no signal from the data rods, even without the Competitor's advanced sensors, those rods should have been able to send a signal through any cloak. This meant that the rods had not been accessed, which angered Jacob. "What type of thief steals information and doesn't even attempt to retrieve it?" he thought to himself. Frustrated, he walked out onto the bridge.
"Sheecoyoo," Jacob said, "Inform me with we get the signal, I'm going to bed." With that said, Jacob went to his quarters and replicated himself a synthale, his favorite drink, at least out of the Federation legal ones. When he finished his glass, he lay on his bed, and slowly fell asleep.
OoC: I am now most likely sticking to forum roleplay. I though starbase 381 was nice, and some are, but some are absolute Jerks if you even slightly mess up how they want things to go. Not like you guys, who are willing to go with the flow. Thanks for being the better experience.
Stelam smiles at her nonreaction, which was a reaction all the same to him. He stands and stretches.
"Further more, considering torture is against Starfleet rules and Republic laws, I know you won't give her those tools. Or, when I am released, as I surely will, I will run straight to the Federation Embassy on mol'Rihan, and report a Captain William Deveros for vialating said rules..." he smiles at the Captain while he says this, and then winks at Aiel at the end.
She didnt wait for Devros to respond. You are of course referring to Protocol 49.09 which outlines the ethical treatment of prisoners aboard a starship. You are correct in your assertion that Captain Devros can not administer or knowingly allow such treatment. However, She raised an eyebrow, neither you nor I are affiliated with either Starfleet or the New Empire and therefore are not bound by such laws as the Captain here is.
She stepped forward, standing side by side with Devros, her eyes never leaving that of the young Romulan. Additionally, as you have already pointed out, this ship is equipped with a cloaking device in direct violation of the Treaty of Algeron. Such an installation of technology into an advanced starship could not possibly be completed without the upper echelons of Starfleets awareness, which raises two problems for you. Firstly, the Federation can not possibly confirm the existence of a cloaking starship therefore, by all rights, this starship does not exist. This negates the provision concerning prisoners aboard a starship. Secondly, She folded her arms across her chest in a relaxed manner, The Captain would not be interviewing you. I will. And as I said, neither you nor I are directly affiliated with either faction, so tell me again how the previsions youve mentioned apply to such a situation. Now that I think about it, you have three issues you now possess knowledge of something Starfleet most probably wants to keep very hidden. The odds are not stacked in your favor.
She gave a slight smile, then added, Or you could cooperate and answer a few simple questions and we can avoid a lot of unpleasantness.
She didnt wait for Devros to respond. You are of course referring to Protocol 49.09 which outlines the ethical treatment of prisoners aboard a starship. You are correct in your assertion that Captain Devros can not administer or knowingly allow such treatment. However, She raised an eyebrow, neither you nor I are affiliated with either Starfleet or the New Empire and therefore are not bound by such laws as the Captain here is.
She stepped forward, standing side by side with Devros, her eyes never leaving that of the young Romulan. Additionally, as you have already pointed out, this ship is equipped with a cloaking device in direct violation of the Treaty of Algeron. Such an installation of technology into an advanced starship could not possibly be completed without the upper echelons of Starfleets awareness, which raises two problems for you. Firstly, the Federation can not possibly confirm the existence of a cloaking starship therefore, by all rights, this starship does not exist. This negates the provision concerning prisoners aboard a starship. Secondly, She folded her arms across her chest in a relaxed manner, The Captain would not be interviewing you. I will. And as I said, neither you nor I are directly affiliated with either faction, so tell me again how the previsions youve mentioned apply to such a situation. Now that I think about it, you have three issues you now possess knowledge of something Starfleet most probably wants to keep very hidden. The odds are not stacked in your favor.
She gave a slight smile, then added, Or you could cooperate and answer a few simple questions and we can avoid a lot of unpleasantness.
Stelam smiles. She had played right into his hand. He had never planned not to cooperate, but he did want some information.
"So you are part of Starfleet." he says. "And don't give me the 'I dropped out' TRIBBLE. No drop out would care to recite said protocols or treaties, and no one that had cared to memorize said treaties and protocols would have dropped out in the first place." he adds.
He walks straight to field and looks her in the eye. While he has a smile, it doesn't reach his eyes.
Stelam smiles. She had played right into his hand. He had never planned not to cooperate, but he did want some information.
"So you are part of Starfleet." he says. "And don't give me the 'I dropped out' TRIBBLE. No drop out would care to recite said protocols or treaties, and no one that had cared to memorize said treaties and protocols would have dropped out in the first place." he adds.
He walks straight to field and looks her in the eye. While he has a smile, it doesn't reach his eyes.
"So, why are you here?" he asks.
"You think yourself clever." she sighed. "Good." She fell back to parade rest, her eyes never leaving his, her face maintaining a neutral mask. "Allow me to recap for you. You took it upon yourself to beam aboard a cloaked vessel for some idiotic reason, and even more idiotically, beamed directly into the ready room of the Captain and his... guest. You were then taken as prisoner and now are witness, apparently, to information that, if sanctioned by Starfleet, they would go to great lengths to keep hidden and if not sanctioned, that the good Captain here would go to even greater lengths to keep hidden." Her voice remains calm, her tone even. Not a hint of emotion. "Secondly, you now presume to profile me simply because I am familiar with regulations that are common general knowledge to all first year cadets and then ask questions of me from your prison? Are you genuinely that misguided and naive?
She looked to Devros, then to Stelam. I arrive on New Romulus and instantly you are following me. I am abducted and you appear. Now you stand in the brig of a non-existent starship and attempt some grandiose stand of defiance. She shakes her head. You are beginning to annoy me. I assure you, that is not the way to start a new friendship.
"You think yourself clever." she sighed. "Good." She fell back to parade rest, her eyes never leaving his, her face maintaining a neutral mask. "Allow me to recap for you. You took it upon yourself to beam aboard a cloaked vessel for some idiotic reason, and even more idiotically, beamed directly into the ready room of the Captain and his... guest. You were then taken as prisoner and now are witness, apparently, to information that, if sanctioned by Starfleet, they would go to great lengths to keep hidden and if not sanctioned, that the good Captain here would go to even greater lengths to keep hidden." Her voice remains calm, her tone even. Not a hint of emotion. "Secondly, you now presume to profile me simply because I am familiar with regulations that are common general knowledge to all first year cadets and then ask questions of me from your prison? Are you genuinely that misguided and naive?
She looked to Devros, then to Stelam. I arrive on New Romulus and instantly you are following me. I am abducted and you appear. Now you stand in the brig of a non-existent starship and attempt some grandiose stand of defiance. She shakes her head. You are beginning to annoy me. I assure you, that is not the way to start a new friendship.
Stelam chuckles. He has gotten what he wanted. He sits, and sighs.
"Right. Friendship. Daehlen, if we ever get past this, I can tell we are going to be fast comrades." he says. Then laughs.
"Gaenoh. You want answers? I'll give answers. But only to how I got here, who I am, and why I'm on mol'Rihan. As soon as I am found innocent, as I will be, I would implore you to transport me to the surface. I have many... daehlens that would skin all your hides if you killed me. Not a threat, a fact." he says.
Then looks away. "Well, really, the only question I won't answer is what I do for a living." he adds, with a chuckle.
Stelam chuckles. He has gotten what he wanted. He sits, and sighs.
"Right. Friendship. Daehlen, if we ever get past this, I can tell we are going to be fast comrades." he says. Then laughs.
"Gaenoh. You want answers? I'll give answers. But only to how I got here, who I am, and why I'm on mol'Rihan. As soon as I am found innocent, as I will be, I would implore you to transport me to the surface. I have many... daehlens that would skin all your hides if you killed me. Not a threat, a fact." he says.
Then looks away. "Well, really, the only question I won't answer is what I do for a living." he adds, with a chuckle.
She smiles, then turns to Devros.
I have what information I need. I strongly encourage you to take my advice and seek shelter in the shadow of the moon before this mans comrades, who are most certainly in orbit with eyes on our position and considering how, exactly, to extract your guest will wait only so long before making their move. Personally, Id rather have your shields up than down when this happens.
She turns back to Stelam. Your first officer is a Vulcan by the name of Gerrard. I overheard your brief conversation when you stumbled into the ready room. An alias, to be sure, but unique enough to cause many people to notice. You are not with Starfleet but have access to highly detailed information. Bought, I would assume, from black market databanks, leading me to believe you work in an illegal occupation. Not slave trading. Youre not the type. Piracy and smuggling, perhaps. Small ships, cargo transports. Profitable but not large enough to warrant too close a look from either Starfleet or the Klingons, and certainly not the Romulans or you wouldnt show your face in this system if your life depended on it. Youre not a murderer. You kill when needed but not in cold blood. Please, stop me if I am boring you . No? Very well, I shall continue.
A Romulan pirate with a Vulcan first officer manning a ship capable of identifying cloaked signatures. I am quite certain Starfleets database would have more than enough details to fill in the blanks. Would you care for a drink?
I have what information I need. I strongly encourage you to take my advice and seek shelter in the shadow of the moon before this mans comrades, who are most certainly in orbit with eyes on our position and considering how, exactly, to extract your guest will wait only so long before making their move. Personally, Id rather have your shields up than down when this happens.
She turns back to Stelam. Your first officer is a Vulcan by the name of Gerrard. I overheard your brief conversation when you stumbled into the ready room. An alias, to be sure, but unique enough to cause many people to notice. You are not with Starfleet but have access to highly detailed information. Bought, I would assume, from black market databanks, leading me to believe you work in an illegal occupation. Not slave trading. Youre not the type. Piracy and smuggling, perhaps. Small ships, cargo transports. Profitable but not large enough to warrant too close a look from either Starfleet or the Klingons, and certainly not the Romulans or you wouldnt show your face in this system if your life depended on it. Youre not a murderer. You kill when needed but not in cold blood. Please, stop me if I am boring you . No? Very well, I shall continue.
A Romulan pirate with a Vulcan first officer manning a ship capable of identifying cloaked signatures. I am quite certain Starfleets database would have more than enough details to fill in the blanks. Would you care for a drink?
He nods. She's good, but it doesn't matter. She wouldn't chase after him.
"Do you have a cappuccino? With extra chocolate?" he says with a smile.
OOC: I don't think he's said anyrhing at all today.
OoC: agh, I can't write anything until he access those data rods or at least tries to. Or until he decides to not access them, then my captain will get impatient and just scan for him.
William Deveros listened closely as he continued his jovial act. It was important to not allow possible enemies to know you true strength until you strike. "All warfare is based on deception," Will thought to himself. There was a reason his ship was called the Sun Tzu. William Deveros was know to his crew as the master tactician. He always fought smarter not harder. Something he perfected while serving as second command of the Rhode Island. It was he, after his captain was killed during a battle, who defeated three klingon battle crusiers during the attack at utopia planitia ship yards with a damaged, near wepaonless nova class starship. When his skill was shown, they promoted him, gave his a warship, made him the "Eye of Starfleet" and sent him on his way. Few knew it was leadership that truly saved the shipyards...
Seeing the romulan in the brig toying with a knife he seemed happy to still have, Will revealed a Klingon Mek'leth from beneath his uniform and began obviously cleaning his finger nails with it, to give to illusion that he wasnt interested or even paying attention to the conversation unfolding before him. The truth was, he wasn't missing a single word. "So let me get this straight. I want to be clear with everything before we continue," Will said, pretending to be annoyed to be drawn from his grooming, "You," pointing the blade at Aiel, "Are here pretending to be a failed cadet and you," pointing the blade at the prisoner, "Are some....what, bold and overzealous fool who got caught trying i know not what when you beamed here? Then you threaten me saying you have 'friends who would skin me alive' if i harmed you and you make these claims to a captin of a starship niether the romulan republic or the federation will even admit exists but STILL, even though they wont admit i and my ship are real, still give me their full support..." Wll asked as he swung the blade in his hands like a toy. It appeared to him that the two romulans has underestimated his marital skill and him in general, which was what he wanted of course, and while they were giving him information with what they werent saying, it still wasnt what he needed to know. Will tapped his chest, "Move the ship behind one of New Romulus's moons. I want the ship within the moons shadow once there, decloak the ship, raise shield, charge weapons, arm tractor beam. rig a warp shadow. and launch a covert probe and position it within the shadow. ANY transmissions leave this ship, I want them to be forcibly routed though the probe. That should make them see two ships when they show up and make them think the shadow has the data rods. The first ship to enter range, tractor them and target their core. Someone should be arriving shortly," Will then made one more decision, "Also, put call in to the Star Raptors. We might need T'rell and back up." Willam dropped the name of his friend purposely to gauge there reactions. That might tell him just who and what these two romulans were, if not, maybe their reactions may hint to it. Would they know T'rell was a notorius Tal Shiar fighting space pirate? Would they have heard of him? Would they fear him? Not likely but they should know he, like Will, cannot be taken likely. Although, it appears they havent really even heard of William Lucas Deveros OR the USS Sun Tzu. Shame really...
William then ordered another man to enter the birg. the man was carrying a small box. He handed the box to his captain and then left. Will opened the box to reveal three data rods.
"What are these? Why are they encrypted and why are they set to transmit my location if i use them?" Will moved to a strange console. It wasnt connected to the Sun Tzu' computers and seem to be completely isolated from the ships systems. "These rods arent meant to give up their data if the owner isnt the one using them. i dare not put them in the ship's conputer, but an isolated one should allow me to use them without endangering ships systems. Since i know once i use them, they will transmit the Sun Tzu's location, I want to be ready when they show up." Will then placed the rod in the slots on the console but didnt activate it yet. "You see, Aiel IS right. those regs you spouted, any first year cadet worth their salt would know them. BUT, No one who had left starfleet would stand at parade rest as comfortable as you are doing now," He nodded to Aiel," and no criminal would even know them at all unless that criminal was at one point starfleet. The more i watch you the more i see, Aiel didnt leave. You were SENT here. But if ya dont want to tell me why thats fine. Maybe youre under orders not to tell why youre here... I think that is the more logical thing. Perhaps Drake will get that message i sent and allow you to work with me. As for you," Will pointed to the mad in the cell, "You either are another covert Op, or a criminal who was a cadet. Who knows..." William rolled his eyes at the last part and childishly flipped the switch activating the Data rods' console. "Stand ready Bridge. I am on my way and so are more guests."Will then turned to the man in his cell, Few more things, one, youre a criminal or covert operative. That means either i give you to my pirate friend...who WILL get what he wants from you without worry of regulations, OR youll see I only want whats best for Romulans and Starfleet alike and work with me....or your one of the very spies ive been sent to find. In any event, youll stay in the brig... And what kind of romulan asks for an earth drink? One that has spent time on earth maybe...hmm..." Will let the last part trail off in his usual jovial act as he headed for the door. "Hey Sparky, you wanna go back down to the surface or greet the ship coming to see who used those rods with me? your choice. Either way im going to the bridge."
Jacob woke up to a message from the Bridge. "Finally!" He thought as he got out of bed and into his uniform. Jacob started walking towards the bridge, stopping for a cup of coffee as he went. Walking onto the bridge, he said, "Okay, I want that signal tracked, but be prepared for anything, we don't know if the systems were actually shut down. Put the origin of signal on the viewscreen." Jacob sat in the command chair as they moved around the back of one of New Romulus's moons. When they reached the other side, Jacob realized that whatever ship the rods were on must have been cloaked. Luckily for him, the Competitor was a Dominion ship, so it came with the built in Antiproton Sweep system. Ignoring the tractor beam that had leapt out and grabbed his ship, he utilized this sweep and decloaked the other ship. Once he had done this, he hailed the newly decloaked ship, but something seemed strange about it.
Jacob woke up to a message from the Bridge. "Finally!" He thought as he got out of bed and into his uniform. Jacob started walking towards the bridge, stopping for a cup of coffee as he went. Walking onto the bridge, he said, "Okay, I want that signal tracked, but be prepared for anything, we don't know if the systems were actually shut down. Put the origin of signal on the viewscreen." Jacob sat in the command chair as they moved around the back of one of New Romulus's moons. When they reached the other side, Jacob realized that whatever ship the rods were on must have been cloaked. Luckily for him, the Competitor was a Dominion ship, so it came with the built in Antiproton Sweep system. Utilizing this, Jacob decloaked the other ship, and hailed it.
OCC:The Sun tzu had already decloaked. It also employs a warp shadow and a probe. with the probe making it seem as though the warp shadow activated the rods. to another ship, it would look like two Sun tzu's were there. Also....that tractor beam is grabing ship is you entered weapons range. Lastly a questing, are we dealing with a JHDC or a JHHE?
OCC:The Sun tzu had already decloaked. It also employs a warp shadow and a probe. with the probe making it seem as though the warp shadow activated the rods. to another ship, it would look like two Sun tzu's were there. Also....that tractor beam is grabing ship is you entered weapons range. Lastly a questing, are we dealing with a JHDC or a JHHE?
OoC: Ok then, I probably missed reading that. Instead of me editing my post, can we make it that the warp shadow ship was "cloaked", and you deactivated the cloak when I did the sweep, then revealed yourself from slightly more behind the moon? That would just make it easier for all of us. Finally, it is a JHSC.
Edit: there, I made it fit slightly better. Retread my last post
William Deveros listened closely as he continued his jovial act. It was important to not allow possible enemies to know you true strength until you strike. "All warfare is based on deception," Will thought to himself. There was a reason his ship was called the Sun Tzu. William Deveros was know to his crew as the master tactician. He always fought smarter not harder. Something he perfected while serving as second command of the Rhode Island. It was he, after his captain was killed during a battle, who defeated three klingon battle crusiers during the attack at utopia planitia ship yards with a damaged, near wepaonless nova class starship. When his skill was shown, they promoted him, gave his a warship, made him the "Eye of Starfleet" and sent him on his way. Few knew it was leadership that truly saved the shipyards...
Seeing the romulan in the brig toying with a knife he seemed happy to still have, Will revealed a Klingon Mek'leth from beneath his uniform and began obviously cleaning his finger nails with it, to give to illusion that he wasnt interested or even paying attention to the conversation unfolding before him. The truth was, he wasn't missing a single word. "So let me get this straight. I want to be clear with everything before we continue," Will said, pretending to be annoyed to be drawn from his grooming, "You," pointing the blade at Aiel, "Are here pretending to be a failed cadet and you," pointing the blade at the prisoner, "Are some....what, bold and overzealous fool who got caught trying i know not what when you beamed here? Then you threaten me saying you have 'friends who would skin me alive' if i harmed you and you make these claims to a captin of a starship niether the romulan republic or the federation will even admit exists but STILL, even though they wont admit i and my ship are real, still give me their full support..." Wll asked as he swung the blade in his hands like a toy. It appeared to him that the two romulans has underestimated his marital skill and him in general, which was what he wanted of course, and while they were giving him information with what they werent saying, it still wasnt what he needed to know. Will tapped his chest, "Move the ship behind one of New Romulus's moons. I want the ship within the moons shadow once there, decloak the ship, raise shield, charge weapons, arm tractor beam. rig a warp shadow. and launch a covert probe and position it within the shadow. ANY transmissions leave this ship, I want them to be forcibly routed though the probe. That should make them see two ships when they show up and make them think the shadow has the data rods. The first ship to enter range, tractor them and target their core. Someone should be arriving shortly," Will then made one more decision, "Also, put call in to the Star Raptors. We might need T'rell and back up." Willam dropped the name of his friend purposely to gauge there reactions. That might tell him just who and what these two romulans were, if not, maybe their reactions may hint to it. Would they know T'rell was a notorius Tal Shiar fighting space pirate? Would they have heard of him? Would they fear him? Not likely but they should know he, like Will, cannot be taken likely. Although, it appears they havent really even heard of William Lucas Deveros OR the USS Sun Tzu. Shame really...
William then ordered another man to enter the birg. the man was carrying a small box. He handed the box to his captain and then left. Will opened the box to reveal three data rods.
"What are these? Why are they encrypted and why are they set to transmit my location if i use them?" Will moved to a strange console. It wasnt connected to the Sun Tzu' computers and seem to be completely isolated from the ships systems. "These rods arent meant to give up their data if the owner isnt the one using them. i dare not put them in the ship's conputer, but an isolated one should allow me to use them without endangering ships systems. Since i know once i use them, they will transmit the Sun Tzu's location, I want to be ready when they show up." Will then placed the rod in the slots on the console but didnt activate it yet. "You see, Aiel IS right. those regs you spouted, any first year cadet worth their salt would know them. BUT, No one who had left starfleet would stand at parade rest as comfortable as you are doing now," He nodded to Aiel," and no criminal would even know them at all unless that criminal was at one point starfleet. The more i watch you the more i see, Aiel didnt leave. You were SENT here. But if ya dont want to tell me why thats fine. Maybe youre under orders not to tell why youre here... I think that is the more logical thing. Perhaps Drake will get that message i sent and allow you to work with me. As for you," Will pointed to the mad in the cell, "You either are another covert Op, or a criminal who was a cadet. Who knows..." William rolled his eyes at the last part and childishly flipped the switch activating the Data rods' console. "Stand ready Bridge. I am on my way and so are more guests."Will then turned to the man in his cell, Few more things, one, youre a criminal or covert operative. That means either i give you to my pirate friend...who WILL get what he wants from you without worry of regulations, OR youll see I only want whats best for Romulans and Starfleet alike and work with me....or your one of the very spies ive been sent to find. In any event, youll stay in the brig... And what kind of romulan asks for an earth drink? One that has spent time on earth maybe...hmm..." Will let the last part trail off in his usual jovial act as he headed for the door. "Hey Sparky, you wanna go back down to the surface or greet the ship coming to see who used those rods with me? your choice. Either way im going to the bridge."
Stelam could tell that they had underestimated them. They had guessd he was a pirate, but that he had been a cadet wasn't totally untrue. Hylian had been a Lieutenant once, and had run his ship like a Federation vessel. The Mek'leth didn't bother him, he knows how to fight that. T'rell, how this idiot knew T'rell, Stelam would never know. But he did hope that the Captain gave him over eventually, because pirates had to help eachother, or they were immediately be considered cannibals and openn prey to all other pirates.
Stelam looks at the data rods as they came in, and the Captains reaction. He looks at them and laughs then glances at Aiel.
"Do you Feds not know each other at all? Those are obviously Fed rods, by the serial numbers on the side and screen. And who is the only other Starfleet idiot here? Jacob Downy! I believe you met him just before you kidnapped this girl from her mission, Captain." Stelam says.
He looks at Aiel. "By the way, if this hadn't happened, we probably would have never met. Well, maybe, seeming as we are neighbors, but nothing really more than small talk would have accurd. If you want someone to blame for this whole debacle, point your finger and complaint report at this one." he says with a chuckle and a gesture at Deveros.
Aiel watched the two swing their masculinity at each other, mentally shaking her head. Perhaps you boys would prefer to be alone to play with your toys in private. She folded her arms across her chest and looked disapprovingly at Devros. It seems I have overestimated you. You are so hell-bent on the belief that I am some sort of spy, either Romulan or Federation, that you state the obvious as of it were some hidden gem youve cleverly stumbled across. My record shows, clearly, I was raised on Earth, hence the fondness for Earth drinks. It also shows that in my fourth year at the Academy I was failed by my superiors for, and I quote, a tendency for insubordination and an unwillingness to accept the duties of rank. Further, I gave you invaluable insight as how to improve your ships cloaking ability, as well as have offered to assist you on New Romulus despite your abduction of me, yet you still demand that I am more than I seem.
She glanced to Stelam, And as for you, you had been following me from the onset as well. If I didnt know any better you purposefully manipulated your way into a housing assignment close to me in order to monitor me, so please do not assume I am some empty-headed feanna. Whatever the two of you are after, it seems they run parallel, which is fine, but I am losing my patience with the lot of you.
She then turned to Devros as he moved for the bridge. Return me to my home first, please. As far as Ive seen, both of you have about as much qualifications of leading a ship into battle as a Pakled speaking at a convention for advanced quantum mechanics.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Drake sat in his office staring at the message on the screen. It was from Devros, which concerned him. What concerned him more was that it was about Aiel. He knew Devros could be helpful in certain situations, but for this purpose? No, he decided. Aiel was officially disavowed the moment she left the Sol System. I order for her to have any success at her mission, utmost secrecy must be maintained. If even a whisper of this reach DTans ears or led him to suspect in any way, the entire mission would be a failure. It was simply too much to risk.
Drake replied to Devross query in his usual, concise manner, Not one of ours.
He realized this could place Aiel in jeopardy, as it may lead Devros to consider her, quite possibly, affiliated with the Tal Shiar, but it had to be done. He sent the message, then erased the entire conversation from the banks.
Aiel watched the two swing their masculinity at each other, mentally shaking her head. Perhaps you boys would prefer to be alone to play with your toys in private. She folded her arms across her chest and looked disapprovingly at Devros. It seems I have overestimated you. You are so hell-bent on the belief that I am some sort of spy, either Romulan or Federation, that you state the obvious as of it were some hidden gem youve cleverly stumbled across. My record shows, clearly, I was raised on Earth, hence the fondness for Earth drinks. It also shows that in my fourth year at the Academy I was failed by my superiors for, and I quote, a tendency for insubordination and an unwillingness to accept the duties of rank. Further, I gave you invaluable insight as how to improve your ships cloaking ability, as well as have offered to assist you on New Romulus despite your abduction of me, yet you still demand that I am more than I seem.
She glanced to Stelam, And as for you, you had been following me from the onset as well. If I didnt know any better you purposefully manipulated your way into a housing assignment close to me in order to monitor me, so please do not assume I am some empty-headed feanna. Whatever the two of you are after, it seems they run parallel, which is fine, but I am losing my patience with the lot of you.
She then turned to Devros as he moved for the bridge. Return me to my home first, please. As far as Ive seen, both of you have about as much qualifications of leading a ship into battle as a Pakled speaking at a convention for advanced quantum mechanics.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Drake sat in his office staring at the message on the screen. It was from Devros, which concerned him. What concerned him more was that it was about Aiel. He knew Devros could be helpful in certain situations, but for this purpose? No, he decided. Aiel was officially disavowed the moment she left the Sol System. I order for her to have any success at her mission, utmost secrecy must be maintained. If even a whisper of this reach DTans ears or led him to suspect in any way, the entire mission would be a failure. It was simply too much to risk.
Drake replied to Devross query in his usual, concise manner, Not one of ours.
He realized this could place Aiel in jeopardy, as it may lead Devros to consider her, quite possibly, affiliated with the Tal Shiar, but it had to be done. He sent the message, then erased the entire conversation from the banks.
As they walk off, Stelam mutters "I agree with you on that sentiment. Though you forgot to add that you're about as qualified to participate as an agent as a Klingon is leading an espionage mission in Empire space."
He then sits on the floor, and smiles. He was getting out of here soon. He just had a feeling. Somewhere, somehow, someone will make a mistake. And when that happened, Stelam would be there, and with a completely different mentality than these people already expect of him.
He laughs and throws his knife at the field at an angle. It bounces off, hits a wall, and he catches it's blade. He continues to do this, with his eyes closed.
Caught in a tractor beam and still awaiting a response from the obviously Federation ship. Jacob was getting frustated. However, he soon realized that the ship he had hailed had been a fake as another one approached out of the shadow of the planet. Hailing this ship, Jacob resumes waiting.
"Stand by to polarize our hull to escape the tractor beam if we need to," Jacob said to Kolez, almost as an afterthought, "We don't want to be stuck here if we can help it."
OoC: Just a reminder. Seeing how Aiel appears to be going home soon, Jacob fixed it up and left some credits and new replicator recipes to repay for barging in. It is not a complete mess anymore.
OoC: Just a reminder. Seeing how Aiel appears to be going home soon, Jacob fixed it up and left some credits and new replicator recipes to repay for barging in. It is not a complete mess anymore.
[OOC] I saw that earlier LOL thanks... although she is seriously considering moving for some strange reason....[/OOC]
[OOC]Just to get the ball rolling (and because I am at work so my participation may be limited) I am going with the assumption she was beamed back down. If not, let me know and we can move the below to a later point in time.[/OOC]
She rematerialized into the familiar surroundings of her temporary home. She wasnt entirely sure just how much time had passed aboard that ship but it has grown dark outside. She paused, perfectly still in the darkness, and listened. After a few moments she came to the conclusion that she was alone. Lights she muttered, and the overhead lights came to life. She saw that the door to her abode had been repaired, then found the note on the counter. For some reason, this made her laugh out loud, almost uncontrollably. Had anyone been there to witness her behaviour they would surely think shed gone mad.
She secured the lock on her door and went to her satchel. She pulled out a few items, one of which was a Romulan plasma disruptor. She had been caught weaponless once already, it wouldnt happen again. She then pulled out a pair of crystalline ornamental bracelets and slipped these on her wrists. Finally, she took out a change of clothes and made her way to the bathroom.
Bath, hot. She commanded. The computer responded accordingly and soon the room was filled with steam. She disrobed and set herself into the bath. If anyone dares to intrude upon me now they will finally know the definition of pain everlasting is. she mused.
Computer, record message: Dear Uncle Tobias. I am sorry I havent sent a letter sooner but today has proven to be far more interesting than I had anticipated. I have arrived on New Romulus safely and have acquired housing. There were a few hiccups with some of the neighbours but I feel that is sorted out, at least for now. Im taking advantage of the local accommodations and am finally relaxing in a hot bath. Ill head off to the crater tomorrow to start work and should have some interesting stories to tell you in my next letter. Hows Aunt Loriel? I hope to hear from her soon and hope you are well. End recording. Send. The computer beeped its response and sent the message off to its destination. Aiel sank into the water and allowed herself to close her eyes. May we live in interesting times, Aiel thought to herself, the ancient Chinese curse seeming very true, even today.
The message bounced from subspace server to server, zig-zagging its way through space until reaching a Ferengi tradeship near the Vulcan sector, where it buried itself deep within the ships banks, unknown to the Captain and crew, until the ship passed by a cloaked supspace relay, where it leapt into action and continued to its final destination. If anyone was monitoring the message for any reason, it would appear that it simply disappeared in transit. Another random unfortunate glitch resulting in the loss of a personal message being sent home.
Drake looked up as the message came through. He read it, soaking up every detail of the encrypted message, the nodded to himself. Good, shes been able to maintain her cover, at least for now, and the mission is going ahead as planned. However, Devros may present an issue if he isnt willing to lighten up, and there was the issue of this other unknown person, a Romulan, interfering. He considered this data carefully before deleting it, then leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers to his lips in silent contemplation.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
The next day Aiel reported to work at the crater. Her assignment was so incredibly mundane it was mind numbing. She was to monitor and record local flora and fauna. She sighed as she blocked the hot mid-day sun from her eyes. She hadnt heard from either Devros or he Romulan and hadnt seen either of them around, of which she was thankful for, but couldnt help but wonder how their little misadventure was going on in orbit. With any luck whoever it was that was going to attack Devros ship would be evenly matched and both sides would simply eradicate each other. Somehow she didnt believe she was so lucky.
She felt a wet, cold nose push against her arm. It was a driclae, a large, dark purple aardvark-like mammal that fed on various parasites and other disgusting crawlies from other animals. This particular animal had found Aiel interesting for some reason earlier in the day and had made a point of following her. Her earlier attempts to shoo it off were met only with the blank stare of an animal that either didnt understand what she was trying to do or simply didnt care.
Yes, yes, fine. I havent forgotten about you! she said as she scratched the thing between its long ears. It responded with a happy chirr and nuzzled in closer. She broke off a piece of standard food ration and held it out for the creature, who took it quite happily with a long, dark blue tongue and munched on it. Knowing what you prefer to eat and how much you like these things is beginning to make me wonder what, exactly, they are made of. She quickly decided shed rather not know.
She stretched her arms behind her back and lay in the sun. Shed been monitoring the area for several hours now and was no closer to the caves than she as the day she arrived.
Monitor and record the wildlife, Nael, a young Romulan scientist had instructed her upon her arrival at the crater, but avoid the caves in the western area. They havent been fully explored yet and it can be quite dangerous. Nael was slightly taller than Aiel and from the looks of it, about five to ten years her senior. She was also the area foreman so Aiel had no option other than to follow her orders, at least until nightfall.
Aiel flipped a page on her notebook and reviewed her hand drawn map of the area outlining every crevice and cranny. She made a mental note of several heavy Xs circled as well. Strange, metallic devices set into the ground. She hadnt asked Nael about these yet and wasnt entirely certain they were worth mentioning, to be honest. They seemed to her to be surveillance drones, most probably placed by one of the earlier teams to assist in the viewing of wildlife.
The driclae stood on its haunches and sniffed the air, its ears turning at some unknown sound. On its rear legs it stood at about five feet, well tall enough to see clearly over the tall grass in search of predators, of which Aiel knew, there were none in this particular area. As the driclae turned and shuffled off as quickly as its fat legs could carry it, however, Aiel reconsidered her thoughts on this. She rolled over upon her stomach and pulled her pistol. This low in the grass she should be well hidden as long as she remained perfectly motionless. She could hear the approach of something heavy. From its stride she could tell it was bipedal. Knowing there were no two-legged creatures in this area other than herself and those here to work, she breathed a sigh of relief and pushed herself upright. You should be careful where you tread. She mused, You almost stepped on me.
She froze at the sight of the creature standing not more than two meters from her, dark eyes deep-set in a somewhat reptilian skin, wearing the dark camouflage armour of a hunter. Hirogen, she immediately recognized the species, and knew she was in trouble.
They both eyed each others weapons and considered the risks. She was outmatched and outgunned. Further, she was well beyond the range of hearing even if she were to scream for help. The Hunters lip raised in a hungry smile. Obviously he had come to the same conclusion.
Comments
She stood at parade rest, arms folded behind her back (an old habit from the academy) and allowed Devros to address the Romulan prisoner. She knew that if he was going to talk at all, it would be to a fellow Rihan as opposed to a Starfleet officer. The tools she had asked for were mostly for show, to put the fear of torture into the mind of the man, but if he failed to talk she had plans for those tools. She almost hoped he didnt talk.
She then went silent and watched the prisoner intently, allowing her mind to drift to other matters. Drake was adamant that I would be working alone, she thought, that if even a single person beyond the two of us were to even suspect my objectives it would place the entire mission at risk. Yet this man, this Captain, tossed Drakes name at me as if he was in the know. It will be interesting to see just how this plays out.
In truth, she had no interest in the Tal Shiar but it seemed to her that allowing this man to assume she did would serve to her advantage for now. Her interests lay elsewhere.
You are to travel to New Romulus, Drake instructed her as they entered what she assumed was a shuttle bay. The lights were down and her vision hadnt adjusted, but she could tell from the echoes that the room they were in was quite sizeable. She could also hear a high-pitched screeching, like metal being dragged on metal, and assumed it was a team prepping a nearby shuttle. Once there you are to advise the customs official that you are a Romulan who failed Starfleet and are coming him to be with her people. Find housing, find work, and blend in. As they walked, the screeching got louder and more frantic. Try to work in the plains near the Paehhos Crater specifically. Near there you will encounter a series of caves. When the time is opportune, find a way to investigate those caves further.
What do you expect me to find there, exactly? She asked, wincing at the now feverish high-pitched screeching. It sounded less and less like metal and more like a caged animal.
This. He said. The lights came on and her eyes widened. In a sealed, controlled holding cell stood a crystalline arachnid-like creature standing nearly seven foot. It glared with deep, yellow eyes cut into a blood red crystal body, shrinking slightly from the sudden light, then screaming at the sight of them, its voice a painful high-pitched squeal, like a thousand claws running across a chalkboard.
She wanted to ask How? How could these creatures be on New Romulus? She wanted to cover her ears and turn away, but she could do neither. All she could do was utter a single, stunned and dread-filled word.
Tholians.
His question shook her out of her thoughts. She hadnt actually heard what he had asked, but caught the end of his question and responded with what she hoped was a sufficient answer.
I already told you. Aiel expressed matter-of-factly, A cloak, especially a sustained one, seeps tachyon radiation. Given the fact that few, if any, Federation ships were actually designed to shield the radiation from an active device, its really a wonder no ones picked you off before. However, it is also limited by line-of-sight. If you position your ship in the shadow of the dark side of the larger moon it should award you some time free from prying eyes to leave the system, if that is your wish." She then added, "It would behoove you to consider, the next time you find yourself in a sizeable station with an able maintenance crew, to reinforce the device on your ship with nitrium to shield the radiation during use. Of course, she mused, You would have to gain permission from DTan and find a sizeable quantity of nitrium, let alone an engineering team willing to install it, but it would greatly increase your overall stealth.
She paused, then added, "Who is it you should be hiding from anyway, Captain?"
OOC: I guess I didn't rely this very well, but the wiki did say that it was possible for a ship to warp in upper atmosphere, like in ST 4. But it said that it was 'suicide' to do so in the lower atmsophere, where the house would be.
"Last time I checked, Captain, cloak was still prohibited by a certain treaty. And that all cloaked Starfleet ships are classified, so that this girl here knows about them is rather... interesting. Or maybe that's changed while I've been gone..." he was still flippong the knife while he says this, and at the end he raises an eyebrow at Aiel.
She gave no reaction, to either his flippant attitude or his weapon. This was Devross show for now. The fact that his security detail had missed such an obvious detail as a hidden blade amused her somewhat. Almost as much as it amused her that this young Romulans defiance. She gained no pleasure from torture, she wasnt a TRIBBLE by any definition, but the Cardassian phrase popped instantly into her mind at this young mans display. The retrieval of information from the subject is the ultimate goal of course. But as in many things, it is the journey, not the final destination, that is to be planned carefully and cherished.
Stelam smiles at her nonreaction, which was a reaction all the same to him. He stands and stretches.
"Further more, considering torture is against Starfleet rules and Republic laws, I know you won't give her those tools. Or, when I am released, as I surely will, I will run straight to the Federation Embassy on mol'Rihan, and report a Captain William Deveros for vialating said rules..." he smiles at the Captain while he says this, and then winks at Aiel at the end.
"Sheecoyoo," Jacob said, "Inform me with we get the signal, I'm going to bed." With that said, Jacob went to his quarters and replicated himself a synthale, his favorite drink, at least out of the Federation legal ones. When he finished his glass, he lay on his bed, and slowly fell asleep.
OoC: I am now most likely sticking to forum roleplay. I though starbase 381 was nice, and some are, but some are absolute Jerks if you even slightly mess up how they want things to go. Not like you guys, who are willing to go with the flow. Thanks for being the better experience.
She didnt wait for Devros to respond. You are of course referring to Protocol 49.09 which outlines the ethical treatment of prisoners aboard a starship. You are correct in your assertion that Captain Devros can not administer or knowingly allow such treatment. However, She raised an eyebrow, neither you nor I are affiliated with either Starfleet or the New Empire and therefore are not bound by such laws as the Captain here is.
She stepped forward, standing side by side with Devros, her eyes never leaving that of the young Romulan. Additionally, as you have already pointed out, this ship is equipped with a cloaking device in direct violation of the Treaty of Algeron. Such an installation of technology into an advanced starship could not possibly be completed without the upper echelons of Starfleets awareness, which raises two problems for you. Firstly, the Federation can not possibly confirm the existence of a cloaking starship therefore, by all rights, this starship does not exist. This negates the provision concerning prisoners aboard a starship. Secondly, She folded her arms across her chest in a relaxed manner, The Captain would not be interviewing you. I will. And as I said, neither you nor I are directly affiliated with either faction, so tell me again how the previsions youve mentioned apply to such a situation. Now that I think about it, you have three issues you now possess knowledge of something Starfleet most probably wants to keep very hidden. The odds are not stacked in your favor.
She gave a slight smile, then added, Or you could cooperate and answer a few simple questions and we can avoid a lot of unpleasantness.
Stelam smiles. She had played right into his hand. He had never planned not to cooperate, but he did want some information.
"So you are part of Starfleet." he says. "And don't give me the 'I dropped out' TRIBBLE. No drop out would care to recite said protocols or treaties, and no one that had cared to memorize said treaties and protocols would have dropped out in the first place." he adds.
He walks straight to field and looks her in the eye. While he has a smile, it doesn't reach his eyes.
"So, why are you here?" he asks.
"You think yourself clever." she sighed. "Good." She fell back to parade rest, her eyes never leaving his, her face maintaining a neutral mask. "Allow me to recap for you. You took it upon yourself to beam aboard a cloaked vessel for some idiotic reason, and even more idiotically, beamed directly into the ready room of the Captain and his... guest. You were then taken as prisoner and now are witness, apparently, to information that, if sanctioned by Starfleet, they would go to great lengths to keep hidden and if not sanctioned, that the good Captain here would go to even greater lengths to keep hidden." Her voice remains calm, her tone even. Not a hint of emotion. "Secondly, you now presume to profile me simply because I am familiar with regulations that are common general knowledge to all first year cadets and then ask questions of me from your prison? Are you genuinely that misguided and naive?
She looked to Devros, then to Stelam. I arrive on New Romulus and instantly you are following me. I am abducted and you appear. Now you stand in the brig of a non-existent starship and attempt some grandiose stand of defiance. She shakes her head. You are beginning to annoy me. I assure you, that is not the way to start a new friendship.
Stelam chuckles. He has gotten what he wanted. He sits, and sighs.
"Right. Friendship. Daehlen, if we ever get past this, I can tell we are going to be fast comrades." he says. Then laughs.
"Gaenoh. You want answers? I'll give answers. But only to how I got here, who I am, and why I'm on mol'Rihan. As soon as I am found innocent, as I will be, I would implore you to transport me to the surface. I have many... daehlens that would skin all your hides if you killed me. Not a threat, a fact." he says.
Then looks away. "Well, really, the only question I won't answer is what I do for a living." he adds, with a chuckle.
She smiles, then turns to Devros.
I have what information I need. I strongly encourage you to take my advice and seek shelter in the shadow of the moon before this mans comrades, who are most certainly in orbit with eyes on our position and considering how, exactly, to extract your guest will wait only so long before making their move. Personally, Id rather have your shields up than down when this happens.
She turns back to Stelam. Your first officer is a Vulcan by the name of Gerrard. I overheard your brief conversation when you stumbled into the ready room. An alias, to be sure, but unique enough to cause many people to notice. You are not with Starfleet but have access to highly detailed information. Bought, I would assume, from black market databanks, leading me to believe you work in an illegal occupation. Not slave trading. Youre not the type. Piracy and smuggling, perhaps. Small ships, cargo transports. Profitable but not large enough to warrant too close a look from either Starfleet or the Klingons, and certainly not the Romulans or you wouldnt show your face in this system if your life depended on it. Youre not a murderer. You kill when needed but not in cold blood. Please, stop me if I am boring you . No? Very well, I shall continue.
A Romulan pirate with a Vulcan first officer manning a ship capable of identifying cloaked signatures. I am quite certain Starfleets database would have more than enough details to fill in the blanks. Would you care for a drink?
He nods. She's good, but it doesn't matter. She wouldn't chase after him.
"Do you have a cappuccino? With extra chocolate?" he says with a smile.
[OOC]Are you in-game? Want to meet Aiel?[/OOC]
OOC: Uh, nope. My computer is broken, and probably won't have a new one in a while. So I am isolated to the fourms...
[OOC]Bummer...10 chars[/OOC]
[OOC] LOL - Amused, not stunned. And ya, I thought we'd wait to let him have a run too, if that's okay.[/OOC]
OOC: I don't think he's said anyrhing at all today.
OoC: agh, I can't write anything until he access those data rods or at least tries to. Or until he decides to not access them, then my captain will get impatient and just scan for him.
Seeing the romulan in the brig toying with a knife he seemed happy to still have, Will revealed a Klingon Mek'leth from beneath his uniform and began obviously cleaning his finger nails with it, to give to illusion that he wasnt interested or even paying attention to the conversation unfolding before him. The truth was, he wasn't missing a single word. "So let me get this straight. I want to be clear with everything before we continue," Will said, pretending to be annoyed to be drawn from his grooming, "You," pointing the blade at Aiel, "Are here pretending to be a failed cadet and you," pointing the blade at the prisoner, "Are some....what, bold and overzealous fool who got caught trying i know not what when you beamed here? Then you threaten me saying you have 'friends who would skin me alive' if i harmed you and you make these claims to a captin of a starship niether the romulan republic or the federation will even admit exists but STILL, even though they wont admit i and my ship are real, still give me their full support..." Wll asked as he swung the blade in his hands like a toy. It appeared to him that the two romulans has underestimated his marital skill and him in general, which was what he wanted of course, and while they were giving him information with what they werent saying, it still wasnt what he needed to know. Will tapped his chest, "Move the ship behind one of New Romulus's moons. I want the ship within the moons shadow once there, decloak the ship, raise shield, charge weapons, arm tractor beam. rig a warp shadow. and launch a covert probe and position it within the shadow. ANY transmissions leave this ship, I want them to be forcibly routed though the probe. That should make them see two ships when they show up and make them think the shadow has the data rods. The first ship to enter range, tractor them and target their core. Someone should be arriving shortly," Will then made one more decision, "Also, put call in to the Star Raptors. We might need T'rell and back up." Willam dropped the name of his friend purposely to gauge there reactions. That might tell him just who and what these two romulans were, if not, maybe their reactions may hint to it. Would they know T'rell was a notorius Tal Shiar fighting space pirate? Would they have heard of him? Would they fear him? Not likely but they should know he, like Will, cannot be taken likely. Although, it appears they havent really even heard of William Lucas Deveros OR the USS Sun Tzu. Shame really...
William then ordered another man to enter the birg. the man was carrying a small box. He handed the box to his captain and then left. Will opened the box to reveal three data rods.
"What are these? Why are they encrypted and why are they set to transmit my location if i use them?" Will moved to a strange console. It wasnt connected to the Sun Tzu' computers and seem to be completely isolated from the ships systems. "These rods arent meant to give up their data if the owner isnt the one using them. i dare not put them in the ship's conputer, but an isolated one should allow me to use them without endangering ships systems. Since i know once i use them, they will transmit the Sun Tzu's location, I want to be ready when they show up." Will then placed the rod in the slots on the console but didnt activate it yet. "You see, Aiel IS right. those regs you spouted, any first year cadet worth their salt would know them. BUT, No one who had left starfleet would stand at parade rest as comfortable as you are doing now," He nodded to Aiel," and no criminal would even know them at all unless that criminal was at one point starfleet. The more i watch you the more i see, Aiel didnt leave. You were SENT here. But if ya dont want to tell me why thats fine. Maybe youre under orders not to tell why youre here... I think that is the more logical thing. Perhaps Drake will get that message i sent and allow you to work with me. As for you," Will pointed to the mad in the cell, "You either are another covert Op, or a criminal who was a cadet. Who knows..." William rolled his eyes at the last part and childishly flipped the switch activating the Data rods' console. "Stand ready Bridge. I am on my way and so are more guests."Will then turned to the man in his cell, Few more things, one, youre a criminal or covert operative. That means either i give you to my pirate friend...who WILL get what he wants from you without worry of regulations, OR youll see I only want whats best for Romulans and Starfleet alike and work with me....or your one of the very spies ive been sent to find. In any event, youll stay in the brig... And what kind of romulan asks for an earth drink? One that has spent time on earth maybe...hmm..." Will let the last part trail off in his usual jovial act as he headed for the door. "Hey Sparky, you wanna go back down to the surface or greet the ship coming to see who used those rods with me? your choice. Either way im going to the bridge."
OCC:The Sun tzu had already decloaked. It also employs a warp shadow and a probe. with the probe making it seem as though the warp shadow activated the rods. to another ship, it would look like two Sun tzu's were there. Also....that tractor beam is grabing ship is you entered weapons range. Lastly a questing, are we dealing with a JHDC or a JHHE?
OoC: Ok then, I probably missed reading that. Instead of me editing my post, can we make it that the warp shadow ship was "cloaked", and you deactivated the cloak when I did the sweep, then revealed yourself from slightly more behind the moon? That would just make it easier for all of us. Finally, it is a JHSC.
Edit: there, I made it fit slightly better. Retread my last post
Stelam could tell that they had underestimated them. They had guessd he was a pirate, but that he had been a cadet wasn't totally untrue. Hylian had been a Lieutenant once, and had run his ship like a Federation vessel. The Mek'leth didn't bother him, he knows how to fight that. T'rell, how this idiot knew T'rell, Stelam would never know. But he did hope that the Captain gave him over eventually, because pirates had to help eachother, or they were immediately be considered cannibals and openn prey to all other pirates.
Stelam looks at the data rods as they came in, and the Captains reaction. He looks at them and laughs then glances at Aiel.
"Do you Feds not know each other at all? Those are obviously Fed rods, by the serial numbers on the side and screen. And who is the only other Starfleet idiot here? Jacob Downy! I believe you met him just before you kidnapped this girl from her mission, Captain." Stelam says.
He looks at Aiel. "By the way, if this hadn't happened, we probably would have never met. Well, maybe, seeming as we are neighbors, but nothing really more than small talk would have accurd. If you want someone to blame for this whole debacle, point your finger and complaint report at this one." he says with a chuckle and a gesture at Deveros.
She glanced to Stelam, And as for you, you had been following me from the onset as well. If I didnt know any better you purposefully manipulated your way into a housing assignment close to me in order to monitor me, so please do not assume I am some empty-headed feanna. Whatever the two of you are after, it seems they run parallel, which is fine, but I am losing my patience with the lot of you.
She then turned to Devros as he moved for the bridge. Return me to my home first, please. As far as Ive seen, both of you have about as much qualifications of leading a ship into battle as a Pakled speaking at a convention for advanced quantum mechanics.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Drake sat in his office staring at the message on the screen. It was from Devros, which concerned him. What concerned him more was that it was about Aiel. He knew Devros could be helpful in certain situations, but for this purpose? No, he decided. Aiel was officially disavowed the moment she left the Sol System. I order for her to have any success at her mission, utmost secrecy must be maintained. If even a whisper of this reach DTans ears or led him to suspect in any way, the entire mission would be a failure. It was simply too much to risk.
Drake replied to Devross query in his usual, concise manner, Not one of ours.
He realized this could place Aiel in jeopardy, as it may lead Devros to consider her, quite possibly, affiliated with the Tal Shiar, but it had to be done. He sent the message, then erased the entire conversation from the banks.
As they walk off, Stelam mutters "I agree with you on that sentiment. Though you forgot to add that you're about as qualified to participate as an agent as a Klingon is leading an espionage mission in Empire space."
He then sits on the floor, and smiles. He was getting out of here soon. He just had a feeling. Somewhere, somehow, someone will make a mistake. And when that happened, Stelam would be there, and with a completely different mentality than these people already expect of him.
He laughs and throws his knife at the field at an angle. It bounces off, hits a wall, and he catches it's blade. He continues to do this, with his eyes closed.
"Stand by to polarize our hull to escape the tractor beam if we need to," Jacob said to Kolez, almost as an afterthought, "We don't want to be stuck here if we can help it."
OoC: Just a reminder. Seeing how Aiel appears to be going home soon, Jacob fixed it up and left some credits and new replicator recipes to repay for barging in. It is not a complete mess anymore.
[OOC] I saw that earlier LOL thanks... although she is seriously considering moving for some strange reason....[/OOC]
OoC: I just can't imagine why that would be the case. THis will be my new question to ponder for eternity.
She rematerialized into the familiar surroundings of her temporary home. She wasnt entirely sure just how much time had passed aboard that ship but it has grown dark outside. She paused, perfectly still in the darkness, and listened. After a few moments she came to the conclusion that she was alone. Lights she muttered, and the overhead lights came to life. She saw that the door to her abode had been repaired, then found the note on the counter. For some reason, this made her laugh out loud, almost uncontrollably. Had anyone been there to witness her behaviour they would surely think shed gone mad.
She secured the lock on her door and went to her satchel. She pulled out a few items, one of which was a Romulan plasma disruptor. She had been caught weaponless once already, it wouldnt happen again. She then pulled out a pair of crystalline ornamental bracelets and slipped these on her wrists. Finally, she took out a change of clothes and made her way to the bathroom.
Bath, hot. She commanded. The computer responded accordingly and soon the room was filled with steam. She disrobed and set herself into the bath. If anyone dares to intrude upon me now they will finally know the definition of pain everlasting is. she mused.
Computer, record message: Dear Uncle Tobias. I am sorry I havent sent a letter sooner but today has proven to be far more interesting than I had anticipated. I have arrived on New Romulus safely and have acquired housing. There were a few hiccups with some of the neighbours but I feel that is sorted out, at least for now. Im taking advantage of the local accommodations and am finally relaxing in a hot bath. Ill head off to the crater tomorrow to start work and should have some interesting stories to tell you in my next letter. Hows Aunt Loriel? I hope to hear from her soon and hope you are well. End recording. Send. The computer beeped its response and sent the message off to its destination. Aiel sank into the water and allowed herself to close her eyes. May we live in interesting times, Aiel thought to herself, the ancient Chinese curse seeming very true, even today.
The message bounced from subspace server to server, zig-zagging its way through space until reaching a Ferengi tradeship near the Vulcan sector, where it buried itself deep within the ships banks, unknown to the Captain and crew, until the ship passed by a cloaked supspace relay, where it leapt into action and continued to its final destination. If anyone was monitoring the message for any reason, it would appear that it simply disappeared in transit. Another random unfortunate glitch resulting in the loss of a personal message being sent home.
Drake looked up as the message came through. He read it, soaking up every detail of the encrypted message, the nodded to himself. Good, shes been able to maintain her cover, at least for now, and the mission is going ahead as planned. However, Devros may present an issue if he isnt willing to lighten up, and there was the issue of this other unknown person, a Romulan, interfering. He considered this data carefully before deleting it, then leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers to his lips in silent contemplation.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
The next day Aiel reported to work at the crater. Her assignment was so incredibly mundane it was mind numbing. She was to monitor and record local flora and fauna. She sighed as she blocked the hot mid-day sun from her eyes. She hadnt heard from either Devros or he Romulan and hadnt seen either of them around, of which she was thankful for, but couldnt help but wonder how their little misadventure was going on in orbit. With any luck whoever it was that was going to attack Devros ship would be evenly matched and both sides would simply eradicate each other. Somehow she didnt believe she was so lucky.
She felt a wet, cold nose push against her arm. It was a driclae, a large, dark purple aardvark-like mammal that fed on various parasites and other disgusting crawlies from other animals. This particular animal had found Aiel interesting for some reason earlier in the day and had made a point of following her. Her earlier attempts to shoo it off were met only with the blank stare of an animal that either didnt understand what she was trying to do or simply didnt care.
Yes, yes, fine. I havent forgotten about you! she said as she scratched the thing between its long ears. It responded with a happy chirr and nuzzled in closer. She broke off a piece of standard food ration and held it out for the creature, who took it quite happily with a long, dark blue tongue and munched on it. Knowing what you prefer to eat and how much you like these things is beginning to make me wonder what, exactly, they are made of. She quickly decided shed rather not know.
She stretched her arms behind her back and lay in the sun. Shed been monitoring the area for several hours now and was no closer to the caves than she as the day she arrived.
Monitor and record the wildlife, Nael, a young Romulan scientist had instructed her upon her arrival at the crater, but avoid the caves in the western area. They havent been fully explored yet and it can be quite dangerous. Nael was slightly taller than Aiel and from the looks of it, about five to ten years her senior. She was also the area foreman so Aiel had no option other than to follow her orders, at least until nightfall.
Aiel flipped a page on her notebook and reviewed her hand drawn map of the area outlining every crevice and cranny. She made a mental note of several heavy Xs circled as well. Strange, metallic devices set into the ground. She hadnt asked Nael about these yet and wasnt entirely certain they were worth mentioning, to be honest. They seemed to her to be surveillance drones, most probably placed by one of the earlier teams to assist in the viewing of wildlife.
The driclae stood on its haunches and sniffed the air, its ears turning at some unknown sound. On its rear legs it stood at about five feet, well tall enough to see clearly over the tall grass in search of predators, of which Aiel knew, there were none in this particular area. As the driclae turned and shuffled off as quickly as its fat legs could carry it, however, Aiel reconsidered her thoughts on this. She rolled over upon her stomach and pulled her pistol. This low in the grass she should be well hidden as long as she remained perfectly motionless. She could hear the approach of something heavy. From its stride she could tell it was bipedal. Knowing there were no two-legged creatures in this area other than herself and those here to work, she breathed a sigh of relief and pushed herself upright. You should be careful where you tread. She mused, You almost stepped on me.
She froze at the sight of the creature standing not more than two meters from her, dark eyes deep-set in a somewhat reptilian skin, wearing the dark camouflage armour of a hunter. Hirogen, she immediately recognized the species, and knew she was in trouble.
They both eyed each others weapons and considered the risks. She was outmatched and outgunned. Further, she was well beyond the range of hearing even if she were to scream for help. The Hunters lip raised in a hungry smile. Obviously he had come to the same conclusion.
Run. He said.