Stelam was getting pissed now. He can tell from his body's natural clock that it was getting late. That was something he could use to his advantage. Alright, he thinks, how do I get out now? He looks around. From his knife throws, he knew he couldn't diactivate the field from inside. He stops throwing the knife and taps his temple with it's hilt. Think, Jhaelaa, think!
Then he smiled. He had a plan. He stood and hid his knife, knowing that the Cap probably hadn't told the guards about it. He moves to the field.
"Hey! I'm starving over here! Could I have some food?" Stelam says.
The guard on duty walks over. "What do you want?" he asks.
"Anything that I can digest, really. Uh, water, bread, and cheese is fine, I guess." Stelam replies with a shrug.
"Okay." The guard walks off. Stelam starts walking around and stretching. The containment field prohibited any transporter, so the guard will have to open it. Stelam takes his knife out of his boot and hides it in his sleeve.
The guard comes back with a tray in one hand, a phaser in the other. "Alright. Back up against the wall, and turn around." he orders.
Stelam does as he says. When turned, he takes his knife out, and waits. He hears the field deactivate and turns incredibly fast. The guard points his phaser. Stelam throws his knife, and it flies end over end, hitting the guard in the middle of the forehead with the hilt. But not before he fires. Stelam quickly leaps out of the way, and the blast hits the wall.
He gets up and moves over to the inconcious guard. He grabs his knife and the guards phaser, then walks out. He finds the girl from earlier, grabs her by the neck, and puts the phaser to her head.
"Now, this phaser here is set on maximum setting. You know what that means?" Stelam asks.
She nods.
"I want you to take me to the nearest transporter room, or I'll decide that vaporizing your body is necessary. Get it?" He says with a hiss at the end.
She nods.
"Good. Now do it." Stelam turns her around and puts her infront. He hides the phaser.
They walk out of the brig and make their way down the hall. He could tell when she started thinking about something because she started to fidget. Each time, he'd act like he was starting up a conversation about new weapons. That stops her. They make it to the room with almost no problem. He tells the girl she can go, and looks at the transporter operative.
"Jolan'tru. Would you be ever so kind as to beam me down to the Staging Area on mol'Rihan?" Stelam asks.
"Sure. Here let me get the coordinates set in... Okay, step on the pad." The Transporter Operative says.
"Thanks. Jolan'tru." Stelam says as he is energised.
He immediately goes to the foreman and says that he needs a new home, preferably in the same district. When the foreman asks why, Stelam waves him off with fake answer and a look. He soon gets a new home, moves his stuff there and passes out.
"Well. This has been an eventful day..." he mutters as he passes out. The next day, Stelam wakes up and gets dressed in work clothes. He heads out and aks around for work, and eventually finds himself building houses for some moderate pay.
"Well, it's work. I never thought it would be glorious..." he mutters as he starts.
OOC: Sorry, but I thought that he had spent enough time in that brig, and it wouldn't have been very fun for me to just let him stay there during the fight.
Aiel ran. Going back towards the transporter area was blocked off by the Hunter and the two other options lead her into a tight path between two crags, a perfect place to be ambushed. Shed be damned if she would allow him to herd her in those directions. That left only one possible option: the cave. She knew that the darkness would hinder more than help her, as the Hunters visor would cut through the dark. Pondering this as she ran, a thought did occur to her. Shed have one opportunity and it would her exposed but it may just give her the opening she needed.
She reached the mouth of the cave and continued deeper until she came to a tight three-way T intersection. The Hunter would surely be tracking her with infrared, this she knew. She always used to scoff at the fact that Hirogens considered themselves great hunters yet relied on just about every technical gadget they could to improve the odds to their favour. She didnt have a lot of time to consider what she would do next; she ran down the left, then quickly retraced her steps, turned, and ran down the right. Hopefully this Hunter was so overconfident that he would chase after her at a leisurely pace, savouring the hunt. She retraced her steps again, a little further back this time, then leapt behind a large stalagmite, crouching herself into as little a ball as possible and adjusting her weapons settings to provide the cover she would need to finish the job.
She didnt have to wait for much longer. The Hunter stepped into the cave and lowered his visor. The darkness was filtered and her fresh footsteps glowed in a familiar orange-red. He smiled to himself as he followed such easy prey, until he came to the intersection. Seeing tracks leading in both directions gave him pause. Then he smiled even wider. So youre a tricky one. Good. I was worried this hunt would be over all too soon. He turned to look down the right path, then the left. Whichever way shall I choose, I wonder? Then he proceeded down the left.
Nows my only chance!' Aiel thought, and crept out to slip behind him. She stopped, her back pressed against the cold stone wall of the cavern, then turned, weapon ready.
The path was empty. She barely had time to register this before she felt the familiar sensation of a weapons barrel pressed against the back of her head. Youre not the only one that can play tricks, Little Meat. The Hunter said. Im almost tempted to let you run again. He paused, thinking it over. No. I dont think so.
A shame, Aiel said, her grip tightening on her pistol. This was just getting interesting. She closed her eyes and pulled the trigger. The weapon erupted in a brilliant green light. The Hunter screamed, blinded as his visor amplified that light a hundredfold. Aiel seized the opportunity, turning to face her would-be assassin and pressing her wrists against his neck and pressed hard activating the bracelets and releasing a strong electric current through his body, stunning him. She yelped as the heat from the energy seared into the flesh of her wrists, but she did not let go until the Hirogens eyes faded and he slumped to the ground. The smell of burned flesh, his and hers, filled the cavern with its putrid stench. With him finally down she knelt and rubbed mud around her wrists. Sanitary? No, but the cold mud provided some sense of immediate relief. She stood, took another look at the creature on the floor, then picked up her weapon. Spent and no longer able to fire, she tucked it in her holster still. Better no one else stumble across it and find it. She began to make her way back to the mouth of the cave when she heard movement from behind her. She spun around to see the Hunter, still on the ground, raising his rifle at her with a weak, shaking hand. Clever bird. Your skull will make an excellent trophy.
Perhaps, but not today. Came a voice from the darkness, followed by the green glow of disruptor fire. The shot caught the Hirogen in the back, killing him instantly. A moment later a tall Romulan male stepped into the pale light. Are you alright? he asked in native Romulan.
Yes, she responded in kind, shaken. Who are you and what are you doing here? she asked.
My name is Talven. I am a researcher in these caves, but more importantly, he added, levelling the weapon at her, Who are you and what are you doing here?
She had explained herself to Talven (she was getting tired of explaining herself, to be honest), that she was working in the fields when she was approached by the Hirogen and fled into the caves. As this was, in fact, exactly what happened, Talven accepted her explanation and sheathed his weapon. Youve been wounded. Come back to my base camp and Ill have those burns healed in no time he smiled.
Years of experience, even before she had become a cadet, had taught her there are no such things as coincidences. She did need to get deeper into these caves but there was something about this Romulan that she didnt trust, but she couldnt quite place her finger on it. Maybe shed spent too many years among Humans and picked up their racial prejudice against Romulans. She winced as the soothing sensation from the mud lost its effectiveness and decided to accept Talvens offer.
He led her through the caverns with ease despite the darkness. How can you see where youre going? She asked.
The native moss and lichen in these caves are somewhat luminous, if you look closely. Much like the schistostega pennata moss on Earth, due to the clear, spherical cells in the protonema that can collect even the faintest light like lenses, and the chloroplasts nearby in turn give off the faint glow from the reflected light. If you allow your eyes to relax youll find that they provide just sufficient light to navigate in here.
She relaxed somewhat, staring directly. Slowly, in her peripheral vision, she began to make out the faint blue-green glow of the moss. Soon she could make out the silhouette of the man in front of her as well as some of the finer features of the cavern wall. Thats pretty amazing. She said, genuinely impressed.
I take it you havent been on Mol'Rihan for long, have you? Talven chuckled. "A Romulan should be used to the dark. Our eyes are specifically adapted to it, like that of a Terran Cat. Just where have you been hiding all this time that you didnt know that?
Earth. She blurted, then winced.
Talven stopped and turned to face her. Earth, really? He questioned, then shrugged and continued to lead the way. I dont know whether to be envious of you or sorry, to be honest.
Youve been there, I assume. She asked, trying to change tactics slightly.
Many, many years ago. He said as they took a turn. She could make out a much brighter light coming into view ahead. Their destination, she assumed. I studied botany in Paris. I had, of course, already held a degree in xenobotany from the Empire when it was an Empire, but their data on Terran flora was extremely limited. Earth, it seems, is home to some of the most unique plant life in the quadrant. Watch your eyes.
She shielded her eyes, which had finally become adjusted to the dark, as Talven opened a door to his lab, allowing soft, white light to bleed in. The room was spacious but not oversized. Small but not cramped. In just about every corner were tables covered in some sort of plant, flowering, leafy, climbing and everything in between. He led her to his workbench in the center of the room. Have a seat and remove all jewellery, please. Well have to clean the area before I can treat it. She did as instructed.
He returned with a warm, wet towel and cleaned the mud away. You dont know just how smart that was, using the mud as you did. The base minerals combined with the ever-present ambient radiation of this area makes the mid a natural salve. See? The wounds have begun to heal already.
She glanced down at her wrists. It was true; the redness had already begun to subside.
This planet is a marvel of marvels, really. One would think that everything here would work against us, but in fact it seems to benefit us greatly. Some have even said that the Romulans that have lived here for a few months have begun to experience spontaneous healing effects. Wounds are healing faster, scars have begun to recede, even hair has begun to grow where previously the follicles have long since died off. He scratched his head subconsciously, then returned to his desk with a piece of thick leaf he had delicately cut from one of his samples. He proceeded to squeeze the fluid from it over her wrists. It was instantly soothing. Funny thing is, he continued, It only seems to affect Romulans. None of the other species here seem to be experiencing anything similar or different than they are accustomed to. Its a puzzle. Almost as if this planet was just waiting for us, you know?
She winced as he rubbed the sap into her skin. His hands were warm and soft, his touch gentle. She soon forgot about the burns altogether. He proceeded to wrap them in gauze, then smiled to her. There. You should be able to get back to work in no time. Now, I dont mean to seem rude but I do have quite a bit of work to and, if you dont mind me saying so, youre a bit of a distraction. He winked at her. Come, Ill walk you out.
This time, she ked the conversation as they walked. I was told these caves were dangerous and to be avoided. She said, But I see little danger lurking in here.
Dont be fooled. There are plenty of twisting and turning paths leading to dead-ends and whatnot. Its a labyrinth in here. If you didnt have me to guide you, you may never have seen the light of day again, to be honest.
They reached the mouth of the cave and he let her hand go. She hadnt even realized he was holding it and felt her cheeks burn a little. Now Id hate for you to get lost in there so here, take this. He handed her a small device. It was hexagonal-shaped and small enough to fit in the palm of her hand. Its a personal locator. I have to advise you to avoid these caves but if for some unforeseeable reason you manage to stumble your way into them and get lost, use this and someone will come to rescue you.
She smiled and closed her hand around the device. Thank you. For everything.
He grinned. Saurian brandy and Shre Lavaal He said to her, then added, seeing her confused look, In case youre wondering what a decent meal would be while youre here. I couldnt recommend it strongly enough.
Her cheeks flushed again. She turned quickly and headed back to the field to collect her notes she had left behind as she fled the Hirogen. Sleeping nearby was the driclae. It awoke and looked to her as she tromped through the grass.
A fat lot of help you were. She scolded it, then patted it on the head. She looked back to the cave and saw no sign of Talven. That nagging feeling was still in her gut but she pushed it out of her mind as she walked back to where Nael was stationed. The driclae stood and stretched with a yawn before following her.
Back in his lab, Talven took a seat. That was close, he thought to himself. Then a soft chirp of an incoming message rang from his console. He flicked it on. Talven here.
The image of a staunch, aggressive looking Romulan man glared back at him. Report.
One of your Hunters chased a worker into the cave. A young woman. I had to kill him.
And the girl?
Romulan, working in the fields. I treated her wounds and led her out. I dont suspect shell venture in the caves again but gave her a tracker just in case.
The Romulan on the view screen shifted uncomfortably in his seat. What did she see?
Absolutely nothing. Talven said. Aside from the inside of a dark cave and the contents of this room, that is. I assure you, he added, she is not a threat.
For your sake I hope you are correct. Our allies have expressly demanded that no outsiders are to come into these caves under any circumstance. Their work must not be interrupted.
Again, your Hunter chased her in here. She wasnt investigating on her own. Talven smirked.
Do not take that tone with me, Talven. It was I who ordered you to be stationed on Mol'Rihan, and I can just as easily station you in a research lab near Hobus. Remember your place. The man grumbled, his glare locked on Talven. If that girl, or anyone, as much as steps ten feet into those caves, I want them dealt with. Permanently. If need be, Ill assign Hirogen guards to watch over you to ensure your safety as you work.
That wont be necessary. Talven quickly added.
The Romulan on the screen brought a clenched fist to his chest. For the Empire!
Talven stood and offered the same salute. For the Empire!
The screen went black and Talven took his seat. Suddenly he had a very bad feeling about things.
Stelam is now sitting on the edge lf the colony, looking out at the forest. He had taken off the shirt and coat he had put on in the morning, and the sun felt good on his skin. He gets a few looks, of various appreciation, and suddenly feels very concious of how many scars he has. Of which there are many. He leans back into the grass, and decides not to care.
He sighs, feeling the scratchy feeling on his torso. He hadn't been able to actually enjoy a planet In years. It was nice. He smiles and looks at the sky. Then a person leans over him, their face shrouded in shadow.
"What the imirrhlhhse do you want?" Stelam growls. "Can't you see I'm busy here?"
"Of course sir." Gerrard says as he leans back and sits next to Stelam. "It's good to see that you haven't lost your personality sir." he adds.
"Was that sarcasm, Gerrard? Or am I hallucinating?" Stelam says incredulously.
"I would say hallucinating sir." Gerrard says matter-of-factly.
"Good. Then why don't you disappear?" Stelam says, closing his eyes.
"That is physically impossible sir." Gerrard replies.
"Fine. Fine! You have my attention. What do you want?" Stelam hisses as he sits up and looks Gerrard in the eye.
"I wish to advise you that you should come with me sir. Before the Starfleet captain finds you again..." Gerrard says.
"No. I still need more vacation time. And I have found something rather interesting to follow..." Stelam trails off, looking off into the horizon.
"That young Romulan girl Captain?" Gerrard asks.
"Perhaps. Oh, I would like you to station a few men here, just in case. But make sure they stay out of my way, and will jump when I call." Stelam orders.
"Yes sir." Gerrard replies.
"And inform them to have fun while their here." Stelam adds.
"Any other orders sir?" Gerrard ask.
"I want you to pull some connections and see what you can find out about this Aiel..." Stelam adds quietly.
"Good thing I already have her last name sir, or that would have been a useless request."
"More sarcasm! Now I'm sure I'm hallucinating! Now get out of here, you hallucination, before I order thee to walk the plank!" Stelam says loudly, the last part in a fake human pirate accent.
"Yes sir..." Gerrard says, followed by the movement of him getting up and leaving.
Stelam sighs and closes his eyess again. He rests there for a moment, then stands. Better get back to work. he thinks. And does so.
OOC: LOL you guys, my next course of action was to beam you both the hell off bloody my ship...LOL Its cool, i can work with what i have.
"...And he took our "slack security and made his way out?" Will asked.
"Yes he did. And i slipped the message into his pocket as ordered." The woman said. The message told the man just what Will wanted to do here on mol'Rihan. Will wanted the complete destruction of the Tal Shiar. That starfleet had rumors of them working with the hirogen, that they were here looking to take control of the republic from within. THAT he could not nor would not allow.
"He didnt find it odd a phaser was left a maximum?"
"No, he did not. The phaser was rigged to show a charge and max setting."
"Very well. It just nice to have those Faelirh ch'susse-thrai off my damn ship." Will spat, "I prefer those who are truthful and neither of them were. If only they understood that we are all working on the same damn thing. the Tal Shiar are HERE."
"Let it go sir...you can kill them all and even if you could, it would bring her back."
"Perhaps, but ridding the Republic of Tal Shiar scum was her dream. The least i can do is bring her that in death if she could not see it in life." Will thought of the young romulan Aiel. She looked so much like her...and if their child been born, she would have been about Aiel's age. Will thought it would be been nice to have a reminder of his daughter on board. Shame Aiel was such a damn dha'rudh. William has recieved the message from drake and it said just what he thought is would or rather, didnt say what you thought it would. William had been a covert agent for many years before the Rhode Island and even his business on THAT ship had been a mission. He was a master at listening to what people DIDNT say. "Everyone lies," See'ra, his romulan partner had told him, "Everyone lies. What you must focus on is what a person DOESNT say. that will be the truth when everything they say is not." It was then he began to learn and master that skill which he hid behind a mask of jovial incompetence. But it should of been easy enough for those agents to see through his ploy after all, Will seen them both as assets in the least.
Will then returned to the bridge just as the Sun Tzu grabbed a ship in its tractor beam, "I am Captain of the Covert Starfleet vessel Sun Tzu. I would like to know why you tried to track my vessel with this beacon, and why another starfleet team is doing here at mol'Rihan,"Will then noted the ship in the tractor beam," Or why you are here with starfleet tech tracking the TAl Shiar. Look, ive had enough cloak and dagger bull**** for one day. if you are here, then youre here for the same reasons i am. the Tal Shiar. I want them gone. and i WILL succeed wiith or without you," Will then spoke to his crew, "Send message. No visual, no sound, Text only. Continue to target them, but change targeting from their core to there engines. That should tell them at least i dont plan to kill them anymore."
"Sir," one of the officers called, "We have received a message on THAT channel. The message reads I am here. "
Will then returned to the bridge just as the Sun Tzu grabbed a ship in its tractor beam, "I am Captain of the Covert Starfleet vessel Sun Tzu. I would like to know why you tried to track my vessel with this beacon, and why another starfleet team is doing here at mol'Rihan,"Will then noted the ship in the tractor beam," Or why you are here with starfleet tech tracking the TAl Shiar. Look, ive had enough cloak and dagger bull**** for one day. if you are here, then youre here for the same reasons i am. the Tal Shiar. I want them gone. and i WILL succeed wiith or without you," Will then spoke to his crew, "Send message. No visual, no sound, Text only. Continue to target them, but change targeting from their core to there engines. That should tell them at least i dont plan to kill them anymore."
"Sir," one of the officers called, "We have received a message on THAT channel. The message reads I am here. "
"Good," Will thought, "It good to have back up."
Jacob received the message, and sighed when it was text only. As he read over the message, he noticed that the targeting of the other Starfleet vessel swapped to the Competitor's engines, not the warp core. Even so, Jacob was still frustrated that he was being targeted by a fellow Starfleet vessel. "Open a voice and video channel, two way, to the Sun Tzu. If they wish to speak, they will do it where we can clearly see each other," Jacob said to Erin.
When the channel was opened, Jacob recorded the initial message, which would open up the video channel if it was responded to. "USS Sun Tzu, this is Captain Jacob Downy of the Starfleet alien technology testbed vessel, Competitor. I believe I have met your Captain on the surface before, and due to that, he should know one of the reasons I am here, to capture a the Starfleet traitor Nathan Connors and the crew of the former USS Leviathan, his ship. The other reason I am here is to pick up two Scorpion fighters to complement my shuttlebay. I sent that beacon to your ship because I noticed that the coordinates that were set on the public transporter pad in the staging area were set to a location that was apparently in empty space. This beacon was not meant to do any harm, and it was a tightband link straight to my house, which your pilot attempted to destroy, merely there to quell my curiosity. I apologize if I have caused you any trouble, but believe me, you have caused me a lot of trouble as well. By any rights, I should put you in custody for targeting a Federation starship that is still loyal to the cause and for endangering the lives of fellow servicemen and the citizens of Mol'rihan, but I won't. I have remained in the system so I could settle this matter, and I do not know why you assumed I was after the Tal'Shiar at all."
None of what Jacob had said was a lie, but William mentioning the Tal'Shiar in the message to Jacob was interesting. "So that's why Drake sent Aiel here as well," Jacob thought to himself. He sat down and leaned back in his chair, waiting for the comm link to be established or denied.
Will was surprised, slightly. He had heard too many lies for the day and didnt know is this was another however, he had heard of the Competitor.
"Open channel. Visual and audio," Will ordered, "So that is the Competitor. You've got to expect trouble from your own with you command such and alien vessel." Will then spoke to his tactical officer after giving the mute signal, "Stop targeting their ship and disengage tractor beam, but keep weapons charged. If Nathan Connors is here, then so is his ship. Last thing i want to happen is to get jumped by the Leviathan." Will then ordered the channel unmuted, "Captain. For the future you may try a simple hello as opposed to trying to track a convert vessel. I maybe here on a different mission, but if the Leviathan shows up you might be outgunned. I have may be able to help...for a price. The price would be any information Connors actions here, a small price for the aid of one of Starfleets most powerful warships."
"Captain. We received another another message from THAT channel," an officer interrupted, "Message reads They are close. They are coming. NOW."
"Red alert, battle stations. Deploy armor, send full power to weapons. Captain Downy you should-" As William gave orders a massive ship decloaked cutting off his words. Its cloak was a perfect one, its weapons deadly. T'rell had been busy to get his hands on that ship. Decloaking Right the Scimitar, a mogai decloaked and opened up with its disruptors slamming into the scimitar. It was the Mogai William recognized. THAT was T'rell's ship. "That means the scimitar was..." Before Deveros could finish his thought the Scimitar fired on the Sun tzu. Will ordered his ship to return fire, the Sun Tzu's Phaser cannons released rage and destruction, "Downy unless you want to fight, i suggest you get out of here!" The two ships the Mogai and the Sun Tzu took turned firing as the scimitar cloaked and yet continued to fire under cloak. Will knew they were there for him. He had to get them away from mol'Rihan before civilians were hurt. He decided to use guile. "Damn Tal Shiar. you think you pitiful romulans are a threat? I dont have time to fight you so i am leaving. I will be sure to continue meddling in your affairs!" Will shouted into an open channel as the Sun Tzu headed for out of system. If the Tal Shiar felt the need to attack him here, Deveros was close, damn close. The only reply Deveros got was continued weapons fire from a cloaked ship as he and T'rell's Mogai headed out of system.
"Ryak'na!," the scimitar commander spat, "You have been a thorn in our ship for long enough. Still still and die!" The nimble avanger was proving a hard target to hit even for a cloaked scimitar. The Sun Tzu danced and jinked left and right and even executed a roll now and then.
"Urru Areinnye!" William returned, "Then he said, I will send you there myself!" The Sun Tzu had moved beyond the system. Now the real fight could begin.
[OOC]The funniest thing about this is, Aiel genuinely has no interest in the Tal Shiar at this point. She was being 100% truthful. Of course shes hiding her true agenda but the reason why will become clearer in the future [/OOC]
Aiel handed in her worksheet for the day before heading to one of the local eateries that had set up outside the Staging Area. Everyone was trying to make a new living for themselves. Some volunteered to work, others attempted to make a living on their own wares. Crime was low, morale was high. If only it would stay this way. she thought to herself. She sat back in her chair and watched the goings on around her as a Talaxian woman approached her table with a smile. Welcome to Naals, where Romulan food isnt just our speciality, its our pride. Can I take your order?
Do you serve Shre Lavaal? Aiel asked.
Yes. And no. The Talaxian said, enthusiastically. Traditionally speaking, Shre Lavaal is prepared with a savoury tuber root and large molluscs, neither of which are actually found on this planet. Weve managed to take advantage of the local produce, however, and have come up with a substitute that we feel is about as close to the real thing as you can get these days. You see, we start by sautéing river reeds found in the valley with a creamed sauce, then add young nanov
Thats enough. Aiel interjected. The less I know about whats in it, the more Ill enjoy it, Id wager.
Fair enough. The Talaxian smiled. And to drink?
Saurian brandy.
I think I can replicate some of that for you with no issues. Ill bring it to you immediately.
Aiel shook her head as the odd woman scurried away to fill her order. She then reached into her pocket and pulled out the device Talven had given her earlier, flipping it over and over in her fingers.
"Better make that two." Aiel called out, "I may be expecting a guest to join me."
The Talaxian nodded to her and disappeared behind the counter.
Jacob quickly thought over the situation at hand. A Romulan Scimitar Dreadnought was firing on another Starfleet vessel. Unlike William, who didn't seem to know the regulations about how to handle relations with other Federation ships, Jacob knew he had to help. Tapping the comm panel on the captain's chair, he called down to the shuttle bay, "Launch the two drone piloted Attack Ships and have them target the dreadnought, set them to ram it if they get too damaged."
With a distraction planned, Jacob ordered Kolez to ready all plasma beam arrays. Flying straight for the dreadnought, Erin quickly activated another antiproton sweep, revealing the cloaked Scimitar and decreasing its shield strength. She then quickly turned, at least as quickly as a Dreadnought Carrier can turn, the Competitor to expose all of the beam arrays to the target. Knowing that the advanced cloak of the Scimitar wouldn't be down for long, Jacob ordered Kolez to open fire with all weapons and to target the Dreadnought's engines, hopefully immobilizing it, allowing the Federation ships and one unmarked Romulan ship to fire in the general vicinity and still hit the target at least sometimes.
[OOC]The funniest thing about this is, Aiel genuinely has no interest in the Tal Shiar at this point. She was being 100% truthful. Of course shes hiding her true agenda but the reason why will become clearer in the future [/OOC]
Aiel handed in her worksheet for the day before heading to one of the local eateries that had set up outside the Staging Area. Everyone was trying to make a new living for themselves. Some volunteered to work, others attempted to make a living on their own wares. Crime was low, morale was high. If only it would stay this way. she thought to herself. She sat back in her chair and watched the goings on around her as a Talaxian woman approached her table with a smile. Welcome to Naals, where Romulan food isnt just our speciality, its our pride. Can I take your order?
Do you serve Shre Lavaal? Aiel asked.
Yes. And no. The Talaxian said, enthusiastically. Traditionally speaking, Shre Lavaal is prepared with a savoury tuber root and large molluscs, neither of which are actually found on this planet. Weve managed to take advantage of the local produce, however, and have come up with a substitute that we feel is about as close to the real thing as you can get these days. You see, we start by sautéing river reeds found in the valley with a creamed sauce, then add young nanov
Thats enough. Aiel interjected. The less I know about whats in it, the more Ill enjoy it, Id wager.
Fair enough. The Talaxian smiled. And to drink?
Saurian brandy.
I think I can replicate some of that for you with no issues. Ill bring it to you immediately.
Aiel shook her head as the odd woman scurried away to fill her order. She then reached into her pocket and pulled out the device Talven had given her earlier, flipping it over and over in her fingers.
"Better make that two." Aiel called out, "I may be expecting a guest to join me."
The Talaxian nodded to her and disappeared behind the counter.
Stelam walks out into the Staging Area with a few friends he had made during work. They are talkimg in Rihannsu loudly, and laughing uproariously. Most looked at this and smiled as well, glad to see young ones so happy at their work. Others not so much, but didn't mind to much. They quiet down after a look from the foreman and walk to a resturaunt. Stelam waves goodbye to them, saying he has somewhere else to be. He was about to walk out of the Staging Area, when he sees Aiel. He immediately puts on a purposefully annoying smile and walks over to Naal's and asks for a table. They give himt he table a few feet away from Aiel. An Orion server comes up to him.
"Welcome to Naal's! Where Romulan food is not just out specialty, it's out pride! What would you like to eat?" She asks.
"Do you know what she's having?" Stelam says, pointing at Aiel.
"No sir. Why do you ask?" She replies.
"Could you find out, please? I have a feeling she very good taste, and would like to find out if I am correct." Stelam says this with a smile.
"Um.. Okay! I'll see what I can do..." she walk off.
Stelam sits back and simply enjoys the view of the Staging Area. Elements, he thinks, it's so peaceful here. It's almost like it's a seperate dimension. He shakes his head. It won't last. As soon as it becomes the capital, it'll become a hive of deciet, career murder, and politics. Just like ch'Rihan was... he thinks depressingly. Then a person sits down in front of him.
"Hello Captain." Gerrard says.
"Elements Gerrard! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Stelam says.
"Well, please forgive me sir. That was not my intention." Gerrard says. "Would you like me to tell you what I found out?"
"No. Wait till we get back to my place. Besides, she is over there." Stelam says nodding. In her direction discrietly.
"Okay sir. I'll have whatever he's a having." Gerrard says to the waitress.
"Okay. Two orders of Shre'Lavaal and Saurian brandy." she replies.
"Actually, I'll have water." Stelam and Gerrard say at the same time. Stelam laughs and Gerrard just twitches his mouth.
Stelam walks out into the Staging Area with a few friends he had made during work. They are talkimg in Rihannsu loudly, and laughing uproariously. Most looked at this and smiled as well, glad to see young ones so happy at their work. Others not so much, but didn't mind to much. They quiet down after a look from the foreman and walk to a resturaunt. Stelam waves goodbye to them, saying he has somewhere else to be. He was about to walk out of the Staging Area, when he sees Aiel. He immediately puts on a purposefully annoying smile and walks over to Naal's and asks for a table. They give himt he table a few feet away from Aiel. An Orion server comes up to him.
"Welcome to Naal's! Where Romulan food is not just out specialty, it's out pride! What would you like to eat?" She asks.
"Do you know what she's having?" Stelam says, pointing at Aiel.
"No sir. Why do you ask?" She replies.
"Could you find out, please? I have a feeling she very good taste, and would like to find out if I am correct." Stelam says this with a smile.
"Um.. Okay! I'll see what I can do..." she walk off.
Stelam sits back and simply enjoys the view of the Staging Area. Elements, he thinks, it's so peaceful here. It's almost like it's a seperate dimension. He shakes his head. It won't last. As soon as it becomes the capital, it'll become a hive of deciet, career murder, and politics. Just like ch'Rihan was... he thinks depressingly. Then a person sits down in front of him.
"Hello Captain." Gerrard says.
"Elements Gerrard! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Stelam says.
"Well, please forgive me sir. That was not my intention." Gerrard says. "Would you like me to tell you what I found out?"
"No. Wait till we get back to my place. Besides, she is over there." Stelam says nodding. In her direction discrietly.
"Okay sir. I'll have whatever he's a having." Gerrard says to the waitress.
"Okay. Two orders of Shre'Lavaal and Saurian brandy." she replies.
"Actually, I'll have water." Stelam and Gerrard say at the same time. Stelam laughs and Gerrard just twitches his mouth.
They sit there together, waiting for their food.
Aiel watched as Stelam and his Vulcan friend took their seats and spoke to the Orion waitress, glancing her way as they did. Right on time.' she thought as she stood, motioning to her waitress that she was moving tables. She strode across and, seeing there wasnt an empty chair available at Stelams table, liberated one from a nearby Romulan who was about to enjoy his super.
Stelam. Aiel said, then looked to the Vulcan. And Gerard, I presume. Not waiting to ask permission, she took her seat and smiled up to the Talaxian as she brought the brandy, then looked to the two. Water? Huh She shook her head, somehwat surprised, poured herself a drink and downed it. now that weve all been properly introduced, She said, pouring herself another brandy, Just why the hell are you following me?
Aiel watched as Stelam and his Vulcan friend took their seats and spoke to the Orion waitress, glancing her way as they did. Right on time.' she thought as she stood, motioning to her waitress that she was moving tables. She strode across and, seeing there wasnt an empty chair available at Stelams table, liberated one from a nearby Romulan who was about to enjoy his super.
Stelam. Aiel said, then looked to the Vulcan. And Gerard, I presume. Not waiting to ask permission, she took her seat and smiled up to the Talaxian as she brought the brandy, then looked to the two. Water? Huh She shook her head, somehwat surprised, poured herself a drink and downed it. now that weve all been properly introduced, She said, pouring herself another brandy, Just why the hell are you following me?
Stelam blinks at her bluntness. He sighs, and then leans back in his chair. He makes sure that his holdout knife in his boot. He then smiles at Aiel.
"Well. The reason I came to this resturant is because I saw you, and wanted to continue our conversation on more... equal terms..."
He nods at the waitress when comes with more water. He thanks her in the traditional Rihannsu way.
He takes a swig. "Ahh. Thats rather refreshing." he says. "You should try it sometime, Aiel. It really does help." He sets down the glass.
"Well, really I have no idea what your talking about. I don't believe I've ever had it in mind, specifically.
"Perhaps she means how you seemed to see her on her first day here, then appear when she is kidnapped." Gerrard suggests.
"Ah. Thank you Gerrard." Stelam says with overt happiness. "In that case, it was a coincidence, the first time. The ship thing, that was on purpose. Because you had been kidnapped and I felt like helping a fellow Rihan." Stelam smiles at her.
Stelam blinks at her bluntness. He sighs, and then leans back in his chair. He makes sure that his holdout knife in his boot. He then smiles at Aiel.
"Well. The reason I came to this resturant is because I saw you, and wanted to continue our conversation on more... equal terms..."
He nods at the waitress when comes with more water. He thanks her in the traditional Rihannsu way.
He takes a swig. "Ahh. Thats rather refreshing." he says. "You should try it sometime, Aiel. It really does help." He sets down the glass.
"Well, really I have no idea what your talking about. I don't believe I've ever had it in mind, specifically.
"Perhaps she means how you seemed to see her on her first day here, then appear when she is kidnapped." Gerrard suggests.
"Ah. Thank you Gerrard." Stelam says with overt happiness. "In that case, it was a coincidence, the first time. The ship thing, that was on purpose. Because you had been kidnapped and I felt like helping a fellow Rihan." Stelam smiles at her.
She considers his words, inwardly smiling at his reaction to her abruptness. I felt the time for playing games was over, as I am sure you are as well. We could have easily sat on opposite ends of this restaurant trying to ascertain the strengths and weakness of the other but to what avail? She then turned her attention to Gerrard. I wonder, what possible motive could a Vulcan have in following a Romulan through his shall we say, shady, endeavours? Ive heard of Vulcan loyalty but, truth be told, what logic is there in committing petty acts of crime throughout the systems?
The food arrives. Aiel looked down to the plate before her and raised an eyebrow. It looked good. It smelled good, but the overly distinctive shape of the native land octopus used as the main ingredient gave her some cause for alarm. She looked to the Talaxian who smiled down at her expectantly. She then felt the eyes of Stelam and Gerrard on her as well.
Nothing ventured, eh? She said as she delicately cut off what she assumed was a tentacle, popped it into her mouth and began to chew. Slowly at first, then more relaxed. Its good, actually. Kind of tangy and brown, if brown could be a flavor.
The Talaxian beamed at her and bowed. As I said, the closest to homemade as can be. Then she wandered off.
Aiel took another drink of brandy. Would either of you care for a bite?
[OOC]Either way, Stelam was coming to her table or vice versa hence the extra drink LOL[/OOC]
She considers his words, inwardly smiling at his reaction to her abruptness. I felt the time for playing games was over, as I am sure you are as well. We could have easily sat on opposite ends of this restaurant trying to ascertain the strengths and weakness of the other but to what avail? She then turned her attention to Gerrard. I wonder, what possible motive could a Vulcan have in following a Romulan through his shall we say, shady, endeavours? Ive heard of Vulcan loyalty but, truth be told, what logic is there in committing petty acts of crime throughout the systems?
The food arrives. Aiel looked down to the plate before her and raised an eyebrow. It looked good. It smelled good, but the overly distinctive shape of the native land octopus used as the main ingredient gave her some cause for alarm. She looked to the Talaxian who smiled down at her expectantly. She then felt the eyes of Stelam and Gerrard on her as well.
Nothing ventured, eh? She said as she delicately cut off what she assumed was a tentacle, popped it into her mouth and began to chew. Slowly at first, then more relaxed. Its good, actually. Kind of tangy and brown, if brown could be a flavor.
The Talaxian beamed at her and bowed. As I said, the closest to homemade as can be. Then she wandered off.
Aiel took another drink of brandy. Would either of you care for a bite?
[OOC]Either way, Stelam was coming to her table or vice versa hence the extra drink LOL[/OOC]
Stelam chuckls.
"Get ready Gerrard. That's what our food will look like!" Stelam says.
"Really sir? Good. I have a... fondness for seafood." Gerrard replies.
Their food arrives, and they eat as well. Gerrard takes a bite and then looks at Aiel.
"I wish I could explain to you the logic behind our... misadventures, but I sadly can't." he says.
"Gerrard gave an oath, as did all of our fellow crewmates, to the previous Captain. It extends beyond death. And new Captains." Stelam says this, adding a smile to the end.
"Get ready Gerrard. That's what our food will look like!" Stelam says.
"Really sir? Good. I have a... fondness for seafood." Gerrard replies.
Their food arrives, and they eat as well. Gerrard takes a bite and then looks at Aiel.
"I wish I could explain to you the logic behind our... misadventures, but I sadly can't." he says.
"Gerrard gave an oath, as did all of our fellow crewmates, to the previous Captain. It extends beyond death. And new Captains." Stelam says this, adding a smile to the end.
Hmmm. An oath. As I said, Vulcans are known, among other things, for their loyalty. Believe me, Gerrard, she said, taking another bite, I am not attempting to extract any secrets from you. I am merely curious. As a Romulan, even one living on Earth, we hear of the history between Vulcans and Romulans, how Surak led his people towards logic whereas those led by S'Task the Raptor followed their emotions, eventually leading to the division between the Vulcan and Romulan people. Ask anyone on nearly any planet in the Alpha Quadrant who is more likely to join in the misadventure of crime and few, if any, would consider the Vulcans.
She sipped her brandy and took another bite, allowing the moment to linger somewhat. So I just find the situation, as I said, as curious. As TPlana-Hath once said, Logic is the cement of our civilization, with which we ascend from chaos, using reason as our guide. She offered him a slight, friendly smile. So what, I wonder, could give a Vulcan reason to abandon the ancient philosophies and join a life of crime? As well as abandon the traditional herbivorous diet Vulcans are also well known for. She chuckled.
Hmmm. An oath. As I said, Vulcans are known, among other things, for their loyalty. Believe me, Gerrard, she said, taking another bite, I am not attempting to extract any secrets from you. I am merely curious. As a Romulan, even one living on Earth, we hear of the history between Vulcans and Romulans, how Surak led his people towards logic whereas those led by the Raptor followed their emotions, eventually leading to the division between the Vulcan and Romulan people. Ask anyone on nearly any planet in the Alpha Quadrant who is more likely to join in the misadventure of crime and few, if any, would consider the Vulcans.
She sipped her brandy and took another bite, allowing the moment to linger somewhat. So I just find the situation, as I said, as curious. As TPlana-Hath once said, Logic is the cement of our civilization, with which we ascend from chaos, using reason as our guide. She offered him a slight, friendly smile. So what, I wonder, could give a Vulcan reason to abandon the ancient philosophies and join a life of crime? As well as abandon the traditional herbivorous diet Vulcans are also well known for. She chuckled.
OOC: That one comes from my ignorance of canon. Now I have to come up with a reason!
Stelam looks at her. She seems to have taken Gerrard as the weak link in this. Might as well answer for him.
"Well, who ever said crime was the reason of our misadventures?" Stelam says with a smile.
"Quite. And on the subject of my kin's herbivorous diet, I have found such a thing illogical. Nature, at it's core, is logical. Nature itself designed us to eat meat as well as vegetables and fruit, so therefore, I partake of... what do the humans say?" Gerrard asks.
"I partake of nature's bounty?" Stelam offers.
"Yes. That's it." Gerrard nods at Stelam in thanks and eats his meal in silence.
"Well. I saw you twisting something in your hand earlier. What is it? A communicator to your handlers perhaps? Or a similar device to call your boyfriend with?" Stelam asks, while twisting his fork, which has a tentacle on it, and eating it at the end. He swallows it and smiles at Aiel.
OOC: That one comes from my ignorance of canon. Now I have to come up with a reason!
Stelam looks at her. She seems to have taken Gerrard as the weak link in this. Might as well answer for him.
"Well, who ever said crime was the reason of our misadventures?" Stelam says with a smile.
"Quite. And on the subject of my kin's herbivorous diet, I have found such a thing illogical. Nature, at it's core, is logical. Nature itself designed us to eat meat as well as vegetables and fruit, so therefore, I partake of... what do the humans say?" Gerrard asks.
"I partake of nature's bounty?" Stelam offers.
"Yes. That's it." Gerrard nods at Stelam in thanks and eats his meal in silence.
"Well. I saw you twisting something in your hand earlier. What is it? A communicator to your handlers perhaps? Or a similar device to call your boyfriend with?" Stelam asks, while twisting his fork, which has a tentacle on it, and eating it at the end. He swallows it and smiles at Aiel.
[OOC]LOL[/OOC]
I see. She sighs. Its a pity, really. As I said, I was raised on Earth. The Vulcans there are still so distant, even those that were in the academy with me. Ive always been fascinated about the combined history of our people. You were the first that Ive had an actual opportunity to discuss the matter with. Perhaps another time then. She raised a glass to him in salute, then drank.
As for you, her tone dropped the friendly demeanour as she turned to Stelam. You still havent answered my question. Why are you following me and what do you want from me? If its information Im afraid I have little to offer. However, she lowered her tone somewhat, I may be willing to engage in a little quid pro quo..
Jacob quickly thought over the situation at hand. A Romulan Scimitar Dreadnought was firing on another Starfleet vessel. Unlike William, who didn't seem to know the regulations about how to handle relations with other Federation ships, Jacob knew he had to help. Tapping the comm panel on the captain's chair, he called down to the shuttle bay, "Launch the two drone piloted Attack Ships and have them target the dreadnought, set them to ram it if they get too damaged."
With a distraction planned, Jacob ordered Kolez to ready all plasma beam arrays. Flying straight for the dreadnought, Erin quickly activated another antiproton sweep, revealing the cloaked Scimitar and decreasing its shield strength. She then quickly turned, at least as quickly as a Dreadnought Carrier can turn, the Competitor to expose all of the beam arrays to the target. Knowing that the advanced cloak of the Scimitar wouldn't be down for long, Jacob ordered Kolez to open fire with all weapons and to target the Dreadnought's engines, hopefully immobilizing it, allowing the Federation ships and one unmarked Romulan ship to fire in the general vicinity and still hit the target at least sometimes.
They could see it. The Competitor had somehow reduced the Tal Shiar's cloak and their ship could be seen. "T'rell, attack pattern Sierra Bravo." William called to his firend. The two ships cloaked, the warbird and the Sun tzu both leaving the Scimitar with nothing to target but the Competitor. The Tal Shiar ship swung around and headed for the ship who dared to interfere in its work, only to have two ships, The Warbird and the Sun Tzu decloak and pound the Scimitar with two overloaded beam shots which tore through sheilds and hull alike. Damaged the scimitat tried to escape but thanks to whatever the Competitor did, cloaking was not an option. Then the front of the warbird lit up as an ion stream jumped from the warbird nailing the scimitar. That was followed by cannon and torpedo burst from both the warbird and the Sun Tzu. The Scimitar explosions and somehow managed to escaped by jumping to warp. Then the Warbird cloaked leaving only the Competitor and the Sun tzu.
"The tal Shiar are here and they dont want us to be. What ever is going on here, we are close to it." William said.
I see. She sighs. Its a pity, really. As I said, I was raised on Earth. The Vulcans there are still so distant, even those that were in the academy with me. Ive always been fascinated about the combined history of our people. You were the first that Ive had an actual opportunity to discuss the matter with. Perhaps another time then. She raised a glass to him in salute, then drank.
As for you, her tone dropped the friendly demeanour as she turned to Stelam. You still havent answered my question. Why are you following me and what do you want from me? If its information Im afraid I have little to offer. However, she lowered her tone somewhat, I may be willing to engage in a little quid pro quo..
Stelam puts two fingers to his temple. Elements. This girl is paranoid! he thinks.
"Listen." he says in a whisper, dropping all pretense of joviality. " I'm not following you. It was merely coincidence. While I do understand your paranoia, know that it is unfounded. I hoped that I could explain to that I had hoped to help you when I beamed aboard that ship, hence my presence here. Now, I am interested in some quid pro quo, as you put it, but not for information. Perhaps hired muscle or eyes in places you need them? I can be... persuaded to drop my vacation time to help a Federation spy." He takes a sip of water. "And don't even deny it. You know what, I don't care. If you wish to deny it, fine. But know that I don't believe it."
Stelam puts two fingers to his temple. Elements. This girl is paranoid! he thinks.
"Listen." he says in a whisper, dropping all pretense of joviality. " I'm not following you. It was merely coincidence. While I do understand your paranoia, know that it is unfounded. I hoped that I could explain to that I had hoped to help you when I beamed aboard that ship, hence my presence here. Now, I am interested in some quid pro quo, as you put it, but not for information. Perhaps hired muscle or eyes in places you need them? I can be... persuaded to drop my vacation time to help a Federation spy." He takes a sip of water. "And don't even deny it. You know what, I don't care. If you wish to deny it, fine. But know that I don't believe it."
What a very odd, interesting turn of events. She thought to herself. She regarded him carefully and decided he was, for some strange reason, being sincere. She pushed her plate aside and leaned back in her seat.
Let us assume for the sake of argument that I am spy, without, I might add, discussing your paranoia. That I am here on some covert operation for whomever and for whatever goal that demands I maintain my cover. Despite this I make a point of being seen publically with you and your First Officer just days after the coincidence aboard that Captains ship. She looks to Gerrard. Does that even sound remotely logical?
She sighed and looked to Stelam again. Try to look at this from my point of view. The day I arrive here I have that Human hovering outside my door and you wandering around my house. Later that evening my home is broken into and I am beamed, without warning, aboard a Starfleet vessel in orbit. Moments later, YOU beam onto that same vessel and now here we are, enjoying a meal together. How, exactly, is any over that covert?
Believe what you will. I shall neither deny nor confirm anything so ridiculous. What does interest me, however, is what you and they are both so desperately searching for that both of you would attempt to gain my attention and assistance immediately upon my arrival. So, in the spirit of things, tell me everything you know about whats going on and then I will decide whether or not to work with you.
This was it. Somehow, by the elements or whatever gods there were, things were finally falling into her favour. It didnt matter to her whether this man or the Humans believed her a spy. It simply didnt change anything. Perhaps they could help each other and, truth be told, she may need some assistance in gaining access to the deeper areas of the caves. She sipped her brandy and contemplated this as she waited for whatever information this young Romulan was willing to share.
What a very odd, interesting turn of events. She thought to herself. She regarded him carefully and decided he was, for some strange reason, being sincere. She pushed her plate aside and leaned back in her seat.
Let us assume for the sake of argument that I am spy, without, I might add, discussing your paranoia. That I am here on some covert operation for whomever and for whatever goal that demands I maintain my cover. Despite this I make a point of being seen publically with you and your First Officer just days after the coincidence aboard that Captains ship. She looks to Gerrard. Does that even sound remotely logical?
She sighed and looked to Stelam again. Try to look at this from my point of view. The day I arrive here I have that Human hovering outside my door and you wandering around my house. Later that evening my home is broken into and I am beamed, without warning, aboard a Starfleet vessel in orbit. Moments later, YOU beam onto that same vessel and now here we are, enjoying a meal together. How, exactly, is any over that covert?
Believe what you will. I shall neither deny nor confirm anything so ridiculous. What does interest me, however, is what you and they are both so desperately searching for that both of you would attempt to gain my attention and assistance immediately upon my arrival. So, in the spirit of things, tell me everything you know about whats going on and then I will decide whether or not to work with you.
This was it. Somehow, by the elements or whatever gods there were, things were finally falling into her favour. It didnt matter to her whether this man or the Humans believed her a spy. It simply didnt change anything. Perhaps they could help each other and, truth be told, she may need some assistance in gaining access to the deeper areas of the caves. She sipped her brandy and contemplated this as she waited for whatever information this young Romulan was willing to share.
Stelam leans back himself. This girl had obviously assumed that he was actually here for some reason. Well, better tell her what I know. he thinks.
"Well, I know that Captain Jacob Downy of the U.S.S. Competitor is here, trying to capture a traitor named Nathan Connors. Who has been apprehended, at your house actually. Captain William Deveros of the U.S.S. Sun Tzu is here for some reason that I have not been able to glean." Stelam says.
"I believe it is Tal'Shiar investigations, sir." Gerrard offers.
"Thank you." Stelam replies.
"I also found out that Miss Aiel was attacked by a Hirogen Hunter today, and somehow survived." Gerrard adds.
"Oh really? That's interesting. A Hirogen you say?" Stelam says emotionlesy. "Why, how did you ever beat one of those Aiel?"
Stelam leans back himself. This girl had obviously assumed that he was actually here for some reason. Well, better tell her what I know. he thinks.
"Well, I know that Captain Jacob Downy of the U.S.S. Competitor is here, trying to capture a traitor named Nathan Connors. Who has been apprehended, at your house actually. Captain William Deveros of the U.S.S. Sun Tzu is here for some reason that I have not been able to glean." Stelam says.
"I believe it is Tal'Shiar investigations, sir." Gerrard offers.
"Thank you." Stelam replies.
"I also found out that Miss Aiel was attacked by a Hirogen Hunter today, and saved by Romulan scientist in a cave. A scientist that is not registered in the citizen banks of mol'Rihan." Gerrard adds.
"Oh really? That's interesting. A Hirogen you say?" Stelam says emotionlesy. "Why, how did you ever beat one of those Aiel?"
OoC: Actually, it is just the Competitor. Since it was such an alien ship, I, or for the purpose of the story, Starfleet, didn't think USS fit it so well.
Also, this is all I can post for right now, as I need to go out in a minute, so I will post more later.
OoC: Actually, it is just the Competitor. Since it was such an alien ship, I, or for the purpose of the story, Starfleet, didn't think USS fit it so well.
Also, this is all I can post for right now, as I need to go out in a minute, so I will post more later.
OOC: Stelam doesn't particularly care, so he just considers it a Fes ship and refers to it thusly. Just as he would call a Republic vessel I.R.W. instead of R.R.W. or anything like that.
They could see it. The Competitor had somehow reduced the Tal Shiar's cloak and their ship could be seen. "T'rell, attack pattern Sierra Bravo." William called to his firend. The two ships cloaked, the warbird and the Sun tzu both leaving the Scimitar with nothing to target but the Competitor. The Tal Shiar ship swung around and headed for the ship who dared to interfere in its work, only to have two ships, The Warbird and the Sun Tzu decloak and pound the Scimitar with two overloaded beam shots which tore through sheilds and hull alike. Damaged the scimitat tried to escape but thanks to whatever the Competitor did, cloaking was not an option. Then the front of the warbird lit up as an ion stream jumped from the warbird nailing the scimitar. That was followed by cannon and torpedo burst from both the warbird and the Sun Tzu. The Scimitar explosions and somehow managed to escaped by jumping to warp. Then the Warbird cloaked leaving only the Competitor and the Sun tzu.
"The tal Shiar are here and they dont want us to be. What ever is going on here, we are close to it." William said.
Jacob ordered full power to the starboard shields in case whatever they were doing failed. As the Scimitar slowly turned towards the Competitor, Kolez kept pounding it with plasma beams. Just as the Scimitar exposed it's cannons, however, the two ships decloaked, and shredded through the weakened shields and the aft hull with overloaded shots from their weapons. Jacob saw on his scanners that the Scimitar tried to cloak, but was failing. He hadn't thought that the antiproton sweep would have lasted this long, but he was thankful it did. He saw an ion stream hit the extremely damaged Scimitar, and the sensors determined that the Dreadnought was trying to warp away. Before it could execute the jump, Jacob had the Chief Transporter Officer scan for and beam a member of the Dreadnought's crew aboard directly to the brig, and disarm all weapons while he was in the Transporter stream. When this was done, he contacted William.
"I have beamed a crew member from the Dreadnought to my brig when its shields were down. I was wondering if you would like me to transfer this captive over to your ship, seeing how it was you that the Dreadnought attacked."
Jacob recorded the message, and sent it to the USS Sun Tzu. He sat back down in his chair, which he hadn't noticed he had left during the fight, ordered the hangar to recall the attack ships, and awaited the response from William.
Stelam leans back himself. This girl had obviously assumed that he was actually here for some reason. Well, better tell her what I know. he thinks.
"Well, I know that Captain Jacob Downy of the U.S.S. Competitor is here, trying to capture a traitor named Nathan Connors. Who has been apprehended, at your house actually. Captain William Deveros of the U.S.S. Sun Tzu is here for some reason that I have not been able to glean." Stelam says.
"I believe it is Tal'Shiar investigations, sir." Gerrard offers.
"Thank you." Stelam replies.
"I also found out that Miss Aiel was attacked by a Hirogen Hunter today, and saved by Romulan scientist in a cave. A scientist that is not registered in the citizen banks of mol'Rihan." Gerrard adds.
"Oh really? That's interesting. A Hirogen you say?" Stelam says emotionlesy. "Why, how did you ever beat one of those Aiel?"
Aiel laughs at the final question. Tell me again how youre not following or watching me again. Nearly ten thousand on this planet and you have an expressed interest in just me. Im flattered. She takes a sip. Well, me and this Connors person., and the abductive Captain it almost seems youre building some sort of fan club.
I was unprepared for a Hirogen Hunter. In truth, I hadnt heard any reports of them until now, and when I reported the incident to my foreman she advised me that the matter would be brought to DTan. I trust it has. As for defeating it, I got lucky; I was able to escape into the nearby caves where, as it happened, a Romulan scientist was researching the luminescent flora native to those caves. If it hadnt been for him we wouldnt be having this discussion right now.
She finished her brandy and set the glass aside. Now, your turn. Gerrard. She turns to the Vulcan. I understand you are not at liberty to give details as to your current circumstances and I will respect that. However, my initial question still stands. How, exactly, did you find yourself in the company of such a person as Stelam?
Before Stelam can answer for Gerrard again, Aiel points a finger. This man is your First Officer. Surely hes intelligent and competent enough to answer for himself, no? She smiles.
[OOC: I am beginning to wonder how, exactly, Stelam is so omniscient. I dont mind him keeping tabs, thats fine, and the Hirogen attack was, as I said, recorded, but how, without being privy to the conversation in the cave, would Gerrard be able to ID Talven without even knowing his name? Of course hed be registered under his alias, for sure, but registered none the less. Is Stelam actually a member of the Q Continuum? >_>[/OOC]
Aiel laughs at the final question. Tell me again how youre not following or watching me again. Nearly ten thousand on this planet and you have an expressed interest in just me. Im flattered. She takes a sip. Well, me and this Connors person., and the abductive Captain it almost seems youre building some sort of fan club.
I was unprepared for a Hirogen Hunter. In truth, I hadnt heard any reports of them until now, and when I reported the incident to my foreman she advised me that the matter would be brought to DTan. I trust it has. As for defeating it, I got lucky; I was able to escape into the nearby caves where, as it happened, a Romulan scientist was researching the luminescent flora native to those caves. If it hadnt been for him we wouldnt be having this discussion right now.
She finished her brandy and set the glass aside. Now, your turn. Gerrard. She turns to the Vulcan. I understand you are not at liberty to give details as to your current circumstances and I will respect that. However, my initial question still stands. How, exactly, did you find yourself in the company of such a person as Stelam?
Before Stelam can answer for Gerrard again, Aiel points a finger. This man is your First Officer. Surely hes intelligent and competent enough to answer for himself, no? She smiles.
[OOC: I am beginning to wonder how, exactly, Stelam is so omniscient. I dont mind him keeping tabs, thats fine, and the Hirogen attack was, as I said, recorded, but how, without being privy to the conversation in the cave, would Gerrard be able to ID Talven without even knowing his name? Of course hed be registered under his alias, for sure, but registered none the less. Is Stelam actually a member of the Q Continuum? >_>[/OOC]
OOC: Uhm. Well, let's say my '2 am in the morning' mindset isn't exactly logical. I literally spent most of the time after that post trying to think of ways that Gerradd could know that. If you would be ever so kind as to let me edit it so that Talven wasn't mentioned. The Hunter, if it was recorded, and transmitted to somewhere, Gerrard could have intercepted it, or grabbed a connection in D'Tan's office and read the report. I hope you can forgive me for that.
Stelam looks at Gerrard and shrugs at him. Gerrard raises an eyebrow.
"Is that permission to explain how I became your First Officer, or how I ended up on the ship in the first place?" he asks.
"The first one. But leave out specifics." Stelam says, then focuses on his food.
"Okay." Gerrard looks at Aiel. "I was the Third Officer of our ship. Stelam was Second Officer, by ability not seniority. While we where in the process of repairing our ship after a recent fight, a Klingon general appeared and attacked us, beaming over the current Captain and his First. They hailed us and we expected a ransom. What we got was an execution and a boarding." He takes a sip of water, and a bite of food.
"Stelam had been asleep, and he helped repel the boarders, while I and the Bridge crew tried to maneurver the ship into a better position. As soon as the boarders were eradicated, Stelam came to the bridge, ordered a boarding party of his own, and was beamed straight to the Generals bridge. The other killed the crew while he deuled the General and won. After that, he beamed back, ordered me First officer and to rearrange the crew as I saw fit, and retired to his new quarters. After the fight, his role of Captain was undisputed..." Gerrard continues. He looks at Aiel, waiting for her response.
OOC: Uhm. Well, let's say my '2 am in the morning' mindset isn't exactly logical. I literally spent most of the time after that post trying to think of ways that Gerradd could know that. If you would be ever so kind as to let me edit it so that Talven wasn't mentioned. The Hunter, if it was recorded, and transmitted to somewhere, Gerrard could have intercepted it, or grabbed a connection in D'Tan's office and read the report. I hope you can forgive me for that.
[OOC: No worries. Let's assume he didn't mention that the, ya? That's why she didn't react to it IC... and, GET SOME SLEEP! LOL I hear you, though - wife went ot the ER again due to a bad reaction of the meds and we were there from 1030 - 330 am AFTER a full day of work... and work again the next day so I was buggered too. [/OOC]
OOC: Uhm. Well, let's say my '2 am in the morning' mindset isn't exactly logical. I literally spent most of the time after that post trying to think of ways that Gerradd could know that. If you would be ever so kind as to let me edit it so that Talven wasn't mentioned. The Hunter, if it was recorded, and transmitted to somewhere, Gerrard could have intercepted it, or grabbed a connection in D'Tan's office and read the report. I hope you can forgive me for that.
[OOC: No worries. Let's assume he didn't mention that the, ya? That's why she didn't react to it IC... and, GET SOME SLEEP! LOL I hear you, though - wife went ot the ER again due to a bad reaction of the meds and we were there from 1030 - 330 am AFTER a full day of work... and work again the next day so I was buggered too. [/OOC]
OOC: God, that cat really messed up your week, didn't it? I would ask you to tell her I hope she gets better, but that would be weird...:P
Stelam looks at Gerrard and shrugs at him. Gerrard raises an eyebrow.
"Is that permission to explain how I became your First Officer, or how I ended up on the ship in the first place?" he asks.
"The first one. But leave out specifics." Stelam says, then focuses on his food.
"Okay." Gerrard looks at Aiel. "I was the Third Officer of our ship. Stelam was Second Officer, by ability not seniority. While we were in the process of repairing our ship after a recent fight, a Klingon general appeared and attacked us, beaming over the current Captain and his First. They hailed us and we expected a ransom. What we got was an execution and a boarding." He takes a sip of water, and a bite of food.
"Stelam had been asleep, and he helped repel the boarders, while I and the Bridge crew tried to maneurver the ship into a better position. As soon as the boarders were eradicated, Stelam came to the bridge, ordered a boarding party of his own, and was beamed straight to the Generals bridge. The other killed the crew while he duelled the General and won. After that, he beamed back, ordered me First officer and to rearrange the crew as I saw fit, and retired to his new quarters. After the fight, his role of Captain was undisputed..." Gerrard continues. He looks at Aiel, waiting for her response.
Fascinating. Aiel said, borrowing the standard Vulcan expression. It seems you are an enigma, Gerrard and I appreciate that about you. So in essence you own Stelam here a life debt. Mundane enough. She waved the Talaxian girl over to the table. A bottle of She glanced to her table guests, Risian Sparkling water and three glasses, please. She then looked to Stelam. I believe it is your turn to ask a question.
Fascinating. Aiel said, borrowing the standard Vulcan expression. It seems you are an enigma, Gerrard and I appreciate that about you. So in essence you own Stelam here a life debt. Mundane enough. She waved the Talaxian girl over to the table. A bottle of She glanced to her table guests, Risian Sparkling water and three glasses, please. She then looked to Stelam. I believe it is your turn to ask a question.
Stelam looks at Gerrard. Gerrard shrugs.
"I have no question, at least none that she would answer." he says.
Stelam leans back. "I guess I get to ask then." he says, looking her in the eye. "Okay. What I want to know is... what's Earth like? And no one sentence or one word answers please." He smiles.
Comments
Then he smiled. He had a plan. He stood and hid his knife, knowing that the Cap probably hadn't told the guards about it. He moves to the field.
"Hey! I'm starving over here! Could I have some food?" Stelam says.
The guard on duty walks over. "What do you want?" he asks.
"Anything that I can digest, really. Uh, water, bread, and cheese is fine, I guess." Stelam replies with a shrug.
"Okay." The guard walks off. Stelam starts walking around and stretching. The containment field prohibited any transporter, so the guard will have to open it. Stelam takes his knife out of his boot and hides it in his sleeve.
The guard comes back with a tray in one hand, a phaser in the other. "Alright. Back up against the wall, and turn around." he orders.
Stelam does as he says. When turned, he takes his knife out, and waits. He hears the field deactivate and turns incredibly fast. The guard points his phaser. Stelam throws his knife, and it flies end over end, hitting the guard in the middle of the forehead with the hilt. But not before he fires. Stelam quickly leaps out of the way, and the blast hits the wall.
He gets up and moves over to the inconcious guard. He grabs his knife and the guards phaser, then walks out. He finds the girl from earlier, grabs her by the neck, and puts the phaser to her head.
"Now, this phaser here is set on maximum setting. You know what that means?" Stelam asks.
She nods.
"I want you to take me to the nearest transporter room, or I'll decide that vaporizing your body is necessary. Get it?" He says with a hiss at the end.
She nods.
"Good. Now do it." Stelam turns her around and puts her infront. He hides the phaser.
They walk out of the brig and make their way down the hall. He could tell when she started thinking about something because she started to fidget. Each time, he'd act like he was starting up a conversation about new weapons. That stops her. They make it to the room with almost no problem. He tells the girl she can go, and looks at the transporter operative.
"Jolan'tru. Would you be ever so kind as to beam me down to the Staging Area on mol'Rihan?" Stelam asks.
"Sure. Here let me get the coordinates set in... Okay, step on the pad." The Transporter Operative says.
"Thanks. Jolan'tru." Stelam says as he is energised.
He immediately goes to the foreman and says that he needs a new home, preferably in the same district. When the foreman asks why, Stelam waves him off with fake answer and a look. He soon gets a new home, moves his stuff there and passes out.
"Well. This has been an eventful day..." he mutters as he passes out.
The next day, Stelam wakes up and gets dressed in work clothes. He heads out and aks around for work, and eventually finds himself building houses for some moderate pay.
"Well, it's work. I never thought it would be glorious..." he mutters as he starts.
OOC: Sorry, but I thought that he had spent enough time in that brig, and it wouldn't have been very fun for me to just let him stay there during the fight.
She reached the mouth of the cave and continued deeper until she came to a tight three-way T intersection. The Hunter would surely be tracking her with infrared, this she knew. She always used to scoff at the fact that Hirogens considered themselves great hunters yet relied on just about every technical gadget they could to improve the odds to their favour. She didnt have a lot of time to consider what she would do next; she ran down the left, then quickly retraced her steps, turned, and ran down the right. Hopefully this Hunter was so overconfident that he would chase after her at a leisurely pace, savouring the hunt. She retraced her steps again, a little further back this time, then leapt behind a large stalagmite, crouching herself into as little a ball as possible and adjusting her weapons settings to provide the cover she would need to finish the job.
She didnt have to wait for much longer. The Hunter stepped into the cave and lowered his visor. The darkness was filtered and her fresh footsteps glowed in a familiar orange-red. He smiled to himself as he followed such easy prey, until he came to the intersection. Seeing tracks leading in both directions gave him pause. Then he smiled even wider. So youre a tricky one. Good. I was worried this hunt would be over all too soon. He turned to look down the right path, then the left. Whichever way shall I choose, I wonder? Then he proceeded down the left.
Nows my only chance!' Aiel thought, and crept out to slip behind him. She stopped, her back pressed against the cold stone wall of the cavern, then turned, weapon ready.
The path was empty. She barely had time to register this before she felt the familiar sensation of a weapons barrel pressed against the back of her head. Youre not the only one that can play tricks, Little Meat. The Hunter said. Im almost tempted to let you run again. He paused, thinking it over. No. I dont think so.
A shame, Aiel said, her grip tightening on her pistol. This was just getting interesting. She closed her eyes and pulled the trigger. The weapon erupted in a brilliant green light. The Hunter screamed, blinded as his visor amplified that light a hundredfold. Aiel seized the opportunity, turning to face her would-be assassin and pressing her wrists against his neck and pressed hard activating the bracelets and releasing a strong electric current through his body, stunning him. She yelped as the heat from the energy seared into the flesh of her wrists, but she did not let go until the Hirogens eyes faded and he slumped to the ground. The smell of burned flesh, his and hers, filled the cavern with its putrid stench. With him finally down she knelt and rubbed mud around her wrists. Sanitary? No, but the cold mud provided some sense of immediate relief. She stood, took another look at the creature on the floor, then picked up her weapon. Spent and no longer able to fire, she tucked it in her holster still. Better no one else stumble across it and find it. She began to make her way back to the mouth of the cave when she heard movement from behind her. She spun around to see the Hunter, still on the ground, raising his rifle at her with a weak, shaking hand. Clever bird. Your skull will make an excellent trophy.
Perhaps, but not today. Came a voice from the darkness, followed by the green glow of disruptor fire. The shot caught the Hirogen in the back, killing him instantly. A moment later a tall Romulan male stepped into the pale light. Are you alright? he asked in native Romulan.
Yes, she responded in kind, shaken. Who are you and what are you doing here? she asked.
My name is Talven. I am a researcher in these caves, but more importantly, he added, levelling the weapon at her, Who are you and what are you doing here?
Years of experience, even before she had become a cadet, had taught her there are no such things as coincidences. She did need to get deeper into these caves but there was something about this Romulan that she didnt trust, but she couldnt quite place her finger on it. Maybe shed spent too many years among Humans and picked up their racial prejudice against Romulans. She winced as the soothing sensation from the mud lost its effectiveness and decided to accept Talvens offer.
He led her through the caverns with ease despite the darkness. How can you see where youre going? She asked.
The native moss and lichen in these caves are somewhat luminous, if you look closely. Much like the schistostega pennata moss on Earth, due to the clear, spherical cells in the protonema that can collect even the faintest light like lenses, and the chloroplasts nearby in turn give off the faint glow from the reflected light. If you allow your eyes to relax youll find that they provide just sufficient light to navigate in here.
She relaxed somewhat, staring directly. Slowly, in her peripheral vision, she began to make out the faint blue-green glow of the moss. Soon she could make out the silhouette of the man in front of her as well as some of the finer features of the cavern wall. Thats pretty amazing. She said, genuinely impressed.
I take it you havent been on Mol'Rihan for long, have you? Talven chuckled. "A Romulan should be used to the dark. Our eyes are specifically adapted to it, like that of a Terran Cat. Just where have you been hiding all this time that you didnt know that?
Earth. She blurted, then winced.
Talven stopped and turned to face her. Earth, really? He questioned, then shrugged and continued to lead the way. I dont know whether to be envious of you or sorry, to be honest.
Youve been there, I assume. She asked, trying to change tactics slightly.
Many, many years ago. He said as they took a turn. She could make out a much brighter light coming into view ahead. Their destination, she assumed. I studied botany in Paris. I had, of course, already held a degree in xenobotany from the Empire when it was an Empire, but their data on Terran flora was extremely limited. Earth, it seems, is home to some of the most unique plant life in the quadrant. Watch your eyes.
She shielded her eyes, which had finally become adjusted to the dark, as Talven opened a door to his lab, allowing soft, white light to bleed in. The room was spacious but not oversized. Small but not cramped. In just about every corner were tables covered in some sort of plant, flowering, leafy, climbing and everything in between. He led her to his workbench in the center of the room. Have a seat and remove all jewellery, please. Well have to clean the area before I can treat it. She did as instructed.
He returned with a warm, wet towel and cleaned the mud away. You dont know just how smart that was, using the mud as you did. The base minerals combined with the ever-present ambient radiation of this area makes the mid a natural salve. See? The wounds have begun to heal already.
She glanced down at her wrists. It was true; the redness had already begun to subside.
This planet is a marvel of marvels, really. One would think that everything here would work against us, but in fact it seems to benefit us greatly. Some have even said that the Romulans that have lived here for a few months have begun to experience spontaneous healing effects. Wounds are healing faster, scars have begun to recede, even hair has begun to grow where previously the follicles have long since died off. He scratched his head subconsciously, then returned to his desk with a piece of thick leaf he had delicately cut from one of his samples. He proceeded to squeeze the fluid from it over her wrists. It was instantly soothing. Funny thing is, he continued, It only seems to affect Romulans. None of the other species here seem to be experiencing anything similar or different than they are accustomed to. Its a puzzle. Almost as if this planet was just waiting for us, you know?
She winced as he rubbed the sap into her skin. His hands were warm and soft, his touch gentle. She soon forgot about the burns altogether. He proceeded to wrap them in gauze, then smiled to her. There. You should be able to get back to work in no time. Now, I dont mean to seem rude but I do have quite a bit of work to and, if you dont mind me saying so, youre a bit of a distraction. He winked at her. Come, Ill walk you out.
This time, she ked the conversation as they walked. I was told these caves were dangerous and to be avoided. She said, But I see little danger lurking in here.
Dont be fooled. There are plenty of twisting and turning paths leading to dead-ends and whatnot. Its a labyrinth in here. If you didnt have me to guide you, you may never have seen the light of day again, to be honest.
They reached the mouth of the cave and he let her hand go. She hadnt even realized he was holding it and felt her cheeks burn a little. Now Id hate for you to get lost in there so here, take this. He handed her a small device. It was hexagonal-shaped and small enough to fit in the palm of her hand. Its a personal locator. I have to advise you to avoid these caves but if for some unforeseeable reason you manage to stumble your way into them and get lost, use this and someone will come to rescue you.
She smiled and closed her hand around the device. Thank you. For everything.
He grinned. Saurian brandy and Shre Lavaal He said to her, then added, seeing her confused look, In case youre wondering what a decent meal would be while youre here. I couldnt recommend it strongly enough.
Her cheeks flushed again. She turned quickly and headed back to the field to collect her notes she had left behind as she fled the Hirogen. Sleeping nearby was the driclae. It awoke and looked to her as she tromped through the grass.
A fat lot of help you were. She scolded it, then patted it on the head. She looked back to the cave and saw no sign of Talven. That nagging feeling was still in her gut but she pushed it out of her mind as she walked back to where Nael was stationed. The driclae stood and stretched with a yawn before following her.
Back in his lab, Talven took a seat. That was close, he thought to himself. Then a soft chirp of an incoming message rang from his console. He flicked it on. Talven here.
The image of a staunch, aggressive looking Romulan man glared back at him. Report.
One of your Hunters chased a worker into the cave. A young woman. I had to kill him.
And the girl?
Romulan, working in the fields. I treated her wounds and led her out. I dont suspect shell venture in the caves again but gave her a tracker just in case.
The Romulan on the view screen shifted uncomfortably in his seat. What did she see?
Absolutely nothing. Talven said. Aside from the inside of a dark cave and the contents of this room, that is. I assure you, he added, she is not a threat.
For your sake I hope you are correct. Our allies have expressly demanded that no outsiders are to come into these caves under any circumstance. Their work must not be interrupted.
Again, your Hunter chased her in here. She wasnt investigating on her own. Talven smirked.
Do not take that tone with me, Talven. It was I who ordered you to be stationed on Mol'Rihan, and I can just as easily station you in a research lab near Hobus. Remember your place. The man grumbled, his glare locked on Talven. If that girl, or anyone, as much as steps ten feet into those caves, I want them dealt with. Permanently. If need be, Ill assign Hirogen guards to watch over you to ensure your safety as you work.
That wont be necessary. Talven quickly added.
The Romulan on the screen brought a clenched fist to his chest. For the Empire!
Talven stood and offered the same salute. For the Empire!
The screen went black and Talven took his seat. Suddenly he had a very bad feeling about things.
He sighs, feeling the scratchy feeling on his torso. He hadn't been able to actually enjoy a planet In years. It was nice. He smiles and looks at the sky. Then a person leans over him, their face shrouded in shadow.
"What the imirrhlhhse do you want?" Stelam growls. "Can't you see I'm busy here?"
"Of course sir." Gerrard says as he leans back and sits next to Stelam. "It's good to see that you haven't lost your personality sir." he adds.
"Was that sarcasm, Gerrard? Or am I hallucinating?" Stelam says incredulously.
"I would say hallucinating sir." Gerrard says matter-of-factly.
"Good. Then why don't you disappear?" Stelam says, closing his eyes.
"That is physically impossible sir." Gerrard replies.
"Fine. Fine! You have my attention. What do you want?" Stelam hisses as he sits up and looks Gerrard in the eye.
"I wish to advise you that you should come with me sir. Before the Starfleet captain finds you again..." Gerrard says.
"No. I still need more vacation time. And I have found something rather interesting to follow..." Stelam trails off, looking off into the horizon.
"That young Romulan girl Captain?" Gerrard asks.
"Perhaps. Oh, I would like you to station a few men here, just in case. But make sure they stay out of my way, and will jump when I call." Stelam orders.
"Yes sir." Gerrard replies.
"And inform them to have fun while their here." Stelam adds.
"Any other orders sir?" Gerrard ask.
"I want you to pull some connections and see what you can find out about this Aiel..." Stelam adds quietly.
"Good thing I already have her last name sir, or that would have been a useless request."
"More sarcasm! Now I'm sure I'm hallucinating! Now get out of here, you hallucination, before I order thee to walk the plank!" Stelam says loudly, the last part in a fake human pirate accent.
"Yes sir..." Gerrard says, followed by the movement of him getting up and leaving.
Stelam sighs and closes his eyess again. He rests there for a moment, then stands. Better get back to work. he thinks. And does so.
"...And he took our "slack security and made his way out?" Will asked.
"Yes he did. And i slipped the message into his pocket as ordered." The woman said. The message told the man just what Will wanted to do here on mol'Rihan. Will wanted the complete destruction of the Tal Shiar. That starfleet had rumors of them working with the hirogen, that they were here looking to take control of the republic from within. THAT he could not nor would not allow.
"He didnt find it odd a phaser was left a maximum?"
"No, he did not. The phaser was rigged to show a charge and max setting."
"Very well. It just nice to have those Faelirh ch'susse-thrai off my damn ship." Will spat, "I prefer those who are truthful and neither of them were. If only they understood that we are all working on the same damn thing. the Tal Shiar are HERE."
"Let it go sir...you can kill them all and even if you could, it would bring her back."
"Perhaps, but ridding the Republic of Tal Shiar scum was her dream. The least i can do is bring her that in death if she could not see it in life." Will thought of the young romulan Aiel. She looked so much like her...and if their child been born, she would have been about Aiel's age. Will thought it would be been nice to have a reminder of his daughter on board. Shame Aiel was such a damn dha'rudh. William has recieved the message from drake and it said just what he thought is would or rather, didnt say what you thought it would. William had been a covert agent for many years before the Rhode Island and even his business on THAT ship had been a mission. He was a master at listening to what people DIDNT say. "Everyone lies," See'ra, his romulan partner had told him, "Everyone lies. What you must focus on is what a person DOESNT say. that will be the truth when everything they say is not." It was then he began to learn and master that skill which he hid behind a mask of jovial incompetence. But it should of been easy enough for those agents to see through his ploy after all, Will seen them both as assets in the least.
Will then returned to the bridge just as the Sun Tzu grabbed a ship in its tractor beam, "I am Captain of the Covert Starfleet vessel Sun Tzu. I would like to know why you tried to track my vessel with this beacon, and why another starfleet team is doing here at mol'Rihan,"Will then noted the ship in the tractor beam," Or why you are here with starfleet tech tracking the TAl Shiar. Look, ive had enough cloak and dagger bull**** for one day. if you are here, then youre here for the same reasons i am. the Tal Shiar. I want them gone. and i WILL succeed wiith or without you," Will then spoke to his crew, "Send message. No visual, no sound, Text only. Continue to target them, but change targeting from their core to there engines. That should tell them at least i dont plan to kill them anymore."
"Sir," one of the officers called, "We have received a message on THAT channel. The message reads I am here. "
"Good," Will thought, "It good to have back up."
Jacob received the message, and sighed when it was text only. As he read over the message, he noticed that the targeting of the other Starfleet vessel swapped to the Competitor's engines, not the warp core. Even so, Jacob was still frustrated that he was being targeted by a fellow Starfleet vessel. "Open a voice and video channel, two way, to the Sun Tzu. If they wish to speak, they will do it where we can clearly see each other," Jacob said to Erin.
When the channel was opened, Jacob recorded the initial message, which would open up the video channel if it was responded to. "USS Sun Tzu, this is Captain Jacob Downy of the Starfleet alien technology testbed vessel, Competitor. I believe I have met your Captain on the surface before, and due to that, he should know one of the reasons I am here, to capture a the Starfleet traitor Nathan Connors and the crew of the former USS Leviathan, his ship. The other reason I am here is to pick up two Scorpion fighters to complement my shuttlebay. I sent that beacon to your ship because I noticed that the coordinates that were set on the public transporter pad in the staging area were set to a location that was apparently in empty space. This beacon was not meant to do any harm, and it was a tightband link straight to my house, which your pilot attempted to destroy, merely there to quell my curiosity. I apologize if I have caused you any trouble, but believe me, you have caused me a lot of trouble as well. By any rights, I should put you in custody for targeting a Federation starship that is still loyal to the cause and for endangering the lives of fellow servicemen and the citizens of Mol'rihan, but I won't. I have remained in the system so I could settle this matter, and I do not know why you assumed I was after the Tal'Shiar at all."
None of what Jacob had said was a lie, but William mentioning the Tal'Shiar in the message to Jacob was interesting. "So that's why Drake sent Aiel here as well," Jacob thought to himself. He sat down and leaned back in his chair, waiting for the comm link to be established or denied.
"Open channel. Visual and audio," Will ordered, "So that is the Competitor. You've got to expect trouble from your own with you command such and alien vessel." Will then spoke to his tactical officer after giving the mute signal, "Stop targeting their ship and disengage tractor beam, but keep weapons charged. If Nathan Connors is here, then so is his ship. Last thing i want to happen is to get jumped by the Leviathan." Will then ordered the channel unmuted, "Captain. For the future you may try a simple hello as opposed to trying to track a convert vessel. I maybe here on a different mission, but if the Leviathan shows up you might be outgunned. I have may be able to help...for a price. The price would be any information Connors actions here, a small price for the aid of one of Starfleets most powerful warships."
"Captain. We received another another message from THAT channel," an officer interrupted, "Message reads They are close. They are coming. NOW."
"Red alert, battle stations. Deploy armor, send full power to weapons. Captain Downy you should-" As William gave orders a massive ship decloaked cutting off his words. Its cloak was a perfect one, its weapons deadly. T'rell had been busy to get his hands on that ship. Decloaking Right the Scimitar, a mogai decloaked and opened up with its disruptors slamming into the scimitar. It was the Mogai William recognized. THAT was T'rell's ship. "That means the scimitar was..." Before Deveros could finish his thought the Scimitar fired on the Sun tzu. Will ordered his ship to return fire, the Sun Tzu's Phaser cannons released rage and destruction, "Downy unless you want to fight, i suggest you get out of here!" The two ships the Mogai and the Sun Tzu took turned firing as the scimitar cloaked and yet continued to fire under cloak. Will knew they were there for him. He had to get them away from mol'Rihan before civilians were hurt. He decided to use guile. "Damn Tal Shiar. you think you pitiful romulans are a threat? I dont have time to fight you so i am leaving. I will be sure to continue meddling in your affairs!" Will shouted into an open channel as the Sun Tzu headed for out of system. If the Tal Shiar felt the need to attack him here, Deveros was close, damn close. The only reply Deveros got was continued weapons fire from a cloaked ship as he and T'rell's Mogai headed out of system.
"Ryak'na!," the scimitar commander spat, "You have been a thorn in our ship for long enough. Still still and die!" The nimble avanger was proving a hard target to hit even for a cloaked scimitar. The Sun Tzu danced and jinked left and right and even executed a roll now and then.
"Urru Areinnye!" William returned, "Then he said, I will send you there myself!" The Sun Tzu had moved beyond the system. Now the real fight could begin.
Aiel handed in her worksheet for the day before heading to one of the local eateries that had set up outside the Staging Area. Everyone was trying to make a new living for themselves. Some volunteered to work, others attempted to make a living on their own wares. Crime was low, morale was high. If only it would stay this way. she thought to herself. She sat back in her chair and watched the goings on around her as a Talaxian woman approached her table with a smile. Welcome to Naals, where Romulan food isnt just our speciality, its our pride. Can I take your order?
Do you serve Shre Lavaal? Aiel asked.
Yes. And no. The Talaxian said, enthusiastically. Traditionally speaking, Shre Lavaal is prepared with a savoury tuber root and large molluscs, neither of which are actually found on this planet. Weve managed to take advantage of the local produce, however, and have come up with a substitute that we feel is about as close to the real thing as you can get these days. You see, we start by sautéing river reeds found in the valley with a creamed sauce, then add young nanov
Thats enough. Aiel interjected. The less I know about whats in it, the more Ill enjoy it, Id wager.
Fair enough. The Talaxian smiled. And to drink?
Saurian brandy.
I think I can replicate some of that for you with no issues. Ill bring it to you immediately.
Aiel shook her head as the odd woman scurried away to fill her order. She then reached into her pocket and pulled out the device Talven had given her earlier, flipping it over and over in her fingers.
"Better make that two." Aiel called out, "I may be expecting a guest to join me."
The Talaxian nodded to her and disappeared behind the counter.
With a distraction planned, Jacob ordered Kolez to ready all plasma beam arrays. Flying straight for the dreadnought, Erin quickly activated another antiproton sweep, revealing the cloaked Scimitar and decreasing its shield strength. She then quickly turned, at least as quickly as a Dreadnought Carrier can turn, the Competitor to expose all of the beam arrays to the target. Knowing that the advanced cloak of the Scimitar wouldn't be down for long, Jacob ordered Kolez to open fire with all weapons and to target the Dreadnought's engines, hopefully immobilizing it, allowing the Federation ships and one unmarked Romulan ship to fire in the general vicinity and still hit the target at least sometimes.
Stelam walks out into the Staging Area with a few friends he had made during work. They are talkimg in Rihannsu loudly, and laughing uproariously. Most looked at this and smiled as well, glad to see young ones so happy at their work. Others not so much, but didn't mind to much. They quiet down after a look from the foreman and walk to a resturaunt. Stelam waves goodbye to them, saying he has somewhere else to be. He was about to walk out of the Staging Area, when he sees Aiel. He immediately puts on a purposefully annoying smile and walks over to Naal's and asks for a table. They give himt he table a few feet away from Aiel. An Orion server comes up to him.
"Welcome to Naal's! Where Romulan food is not just out specialty, it's out pride! What would you like to eat?" She asks.
"Do you know what she's having?" Stelam says, pointing at Aiel.
"No sir. Why do you ask?" She replies.
"Could you find out, please? I have a feeling she very good taste, and would like to find out if I am correct." Stelam says this with a smile.
"Um.. Okay! I'll see what I can do..." she walk off.
Stelam sits back and simply enjoys the view of the Staging Area. Elements, he thinks, it's so peaceful here. It's almost like it's a seperate dimension. He shakes his head. It won't last. As soon as it becomes the capital, it'll become a hive of deciet, career murder, and politics. Just like ch'Rihan was... he thinks depressingly. Then a person sits down in front of him.
"Hello Captain." Gerrard says.
"Elements Gerrard! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Stelam says.
"Well, please forgive me sir. That was not my intention." Gerrard says. "Would you like me to tell you what I found out?"
"No. Wait till we get back to my place. Besides, she is over there." Stelam says nodding. In her direction discrietly.
"Okay sir. I'll have whatever he's a having." Gerrard says to the waitress.
"Okay. Two orders of Shre'Lavaal and Saurian brandy." she replies.
"Actually, I'll have water." Stelam and Gerrard say at the same time. Stelam laughs and Gerrard just twitches his mouth.
They sit there together, waiting for their food.
Aiel watched as Stelam and his Vulcan friend took their seats and spoke to the Orion waitress, glancing her way as they did. Right on time.' she thought as she stood, motioning to her waitress that she was moving tables. She strode across and, seeing there wasnt an empty chair available at Stelams table, liberated one from a nearby Romulan who was about to enjoy his super.
Stelam. Aiel said, then looked to the Vulcan. And Gerard, I presume. Not waiting to ask permission, she took her seat and smiled up to the Talaxian as she brought the brandy, then looked to the two. Water? Huh She shook her head, somehwat surprised, poured herself a drink and downed it. now that weve all been properly introduced, She said, pouring herself another brandy, Just why the hell are you following me?
Stelam blinks at her bluntness. He sighs, and then leans back in his chair. He makes sure that his holdout knife in his boot. He then smiles at Aiel.
"Well. The reason I came to this resturant is because I saw you, and wanted to continue our conversation on more... equal terms..."
He nods at the waitress when comes with more water. He thanks her in the traditional Rihannsu way.
He takes a swig. "Ahh. Thats rather refreshing." he says. "You should try it sometime, Aiel. It really does help." He sets down the glass.
"Well, really I have no idea what your talking about. I don't believe I've ever had it in mind, specifically.
"Perhaps she means how you seemed to see her on her first day here, then appear when she is kidnapped." Gerrard suggests.
"Ah. Thank you Gerrard." Stelam says with overt happiness. "In that case, it was a coincidence, the first time. The ship thing, that was on purpose. Because you had been kidnapped and I felt like helping a fellow Rihan." Stelam smiles at her.
She considers his words, inwardly smiling at his reaction to her abruptness. I felt the time for playing games was over, as I am sure you are as well. We could have easily sat on opposite ends of this restaurant trying to ascertain the strengths and weakness of the other but to what avail? She then turned her attention to Gerrard. I wonder, what possible motive could a Vulcan have in following a Romulan through his shall we say, shady, endeavours? Ive heard of Vulcan loyalty but, truth be told, what logic is there in committing petty acts of crime throughout the systems?
The food arrives. Aiel looked down to the plate before her and raised an eyebrow. It looked good. It smelled good, but the overly distinctive shape of the native land octopus used as the main ingredient gave her some cause for alarm. She looked to the Talaxian who smiled down at her expectantly. She then felt the eyes of Stelam and Gerrard on her as well.
Nothing ventured, eh? She said as she delicately cut off what she assumed was a tentacle, popped it into her mouth and began to chew. Slowly at first, then more relaxed. Its good, actually. Kind of tangy and brown, if brown could be a flavor.
The Talaxian beamed at her and bowed. As I said, the closest to homemade as can be. Then she wandered off.
Aiel took another drink of brandy. Would either of you care for a bite?
[OOC]Either way, Stelam was coming to her table or vice versa hence the extra drink LOL[/OOC]
Stelam chuckls.
"Get ready Gerrard. That's what our food will look like!" Stelam says.
"Really sir? Good. I have a... fondness for seafood." Gerrard replies.
Their food arrives, and they eat as well. Gerrard takes a bite and then looks at Aiel.
"I wish I could explain to you the logic behind our... misadventures, but I sadly can't." he says.
"Gerrard gave an oath, as did all of our fellow crewmates, to the previous Captain. It extends beyond death. And new Captains." Stelam says this, adding a smile to the end.
Hmmm. An oath. As I said, Vulcans are known, among other things, for their loyalty. Believe me, Gerrard, she said, taking another bite, I am not attempting to extract any secrets from you. I am merely curious. As a Romulan, even one living on Earth, we hear of the history between Vulcans and Romulans, how Surak led his people towards logic whereas those led by S'Task the Raptor followed their emotions, eventually leading to the division between the Vulcan and Romulan people. Ask anyone on nearly any planet in the Alpha Quadrant who is more likely to join in the misadventure of crime and few, if any, would consider the Vulcans.
She sipped her brandy and took another bite, allowing the moment to linger somewhat. So I just find the situation, as I said, as curious. As TPlana-Hath once said, Logic is the cement of our civilization, with which we ascend from chaos, using reason as our guide. She offered him a slight, friendly smile. So what, I wonder, could give a Vulcan reason to abandon the ancient philosophies and join a life of crime? As well as abandon the traditional herbivorous diet Vulcans are also well known for. She chuckled.
Stelam looks at her. She seems to have taken Gerrard as the weak link in this. Might as well answer for him.
"Well, who ever said crime was the reason of our misadventures?" Stelam says with a smile.
"Quite. And on the subject of my kin's herbivorous diet, I have found such a thing illogical. Nature, at it's core, is logical. Nature itself designed us to eat meat as well as vegetables and fruit, so therefore, I partake of... what do the humans say?" Gerrard asks.
"I partake of nature's bounty?" Stelam offers.
"Yes. That's it." Gerrard nods at Stelam in thanks and eats his meal in silence.
"Well. I saw you twisting something in your hand earlier. What is it? A communicator to your handlers perhaps? Or a similar device to call your boyfriend with?" Stelam asks, while twisting his fork, which has a tentacle on it, and eating it at the end. He swallows it and smiles at Aiel.
[OOC]LOL[/OOC]
I see. She sighs. Its a pity, really. As I said, I was raised on Earth. The Vulcans there are still so distant, even those that were in the academy with me. Ive always been fascinated about the combined history of our people. You were the first that Ive had an actual opportunity to discuss the matter with. Perhaps another time then. She raised a glass to him in salute, then drank.
As for you, her tone dropped the friendly demeanour as she turned to Stelam. You still havent answered my question. Why are you following me and what do you want from me? If its information Im afraid I have little to offer. However, she lowered her tone somewhat, I may be willing to engage in a little quid pro quo..
They could see it. The Competitor had somehow reduced the Tal Shiar's cloak and their ship could be seen. "T'rell, attack pattern Sierra Bravo." William called to his firend. The two ships cloaked, the warbird and the Sun tzu both leaving the Scimitar with nothing to target but the Competitor. The Tal Shiar ship swung around and headed for the ship who dared to interfere in its work, only to have two ships, The Warbird and the Sun Tzu decloak and pound the Scimitar with two overloaded beam shots which tore through sheilds and hull alike. Damaged the scimitat tried to escape but thanks to whatever the Competitor did, cloaking was not an option. Then the front of the warbird lit up as an ion stream jumped from the warbird nailing the scimitar. That was followed by cannon and torpedo burst from both the warbird and the Sun Tzu. The Scimitar explosions and somehow managed to escaped by jumping to warp. Then the Warbird cloaked leaving only the Competitor and the Sun tzu.
"The tal Shiar are here and they dont want us to be. What ever is going on here, we are close to it." William said.
Stelam puts two fingers to his temple. Elements. This girl is paranoid! he thinks.
"Listen." he says in a whisper, dropping all pretense of joviality. " I'm not following you. It was merely coincidence. While I do understand your paranoia, know that it is unfounded. I hoped that I could explain to that I had hoped to help you when I beamed aboard that ship, hence my presence here. Now, I am interested in some quid pro quo, as you put it, but not for information. Perhaps hired muscle or eyes in places you need them? I can be... persuaded to drop my vacation time to help a Federation spy." He takes a sip of water. "And don't even deny it. You know what, I don't care. If you wish to deny it, fine. But know that I don't believe it."
What a very odd, interesting turn of events. She thought to herself. She regarded him carefully and decided he was, for some strange reason, being sincere. She pushed her plate aside and leaned back in her seat.
Let us assume for the sake of argument that I am spy, without, I might add, discussing your paranoia. That I am here on some covert operation for whomever and for whatever goal that demands I maintain my cover. Despite this I make a point of being seen publically with you and your First Officer just days after the coincidence aboard that Captains ship. She looks to Gerrard. Does that even sound remotely logical?
She sighed and looked to Stelam again. Try to look at this from my point of view. The day I arrive here I have that Human hovering outside my door and you wandering around my house. Later that evening my home is broken into and I am beamed, without warning, aboard a Starfleet vessel in orbit. Moments later, YOU beam onto that same vessel and now here we are, enjoying a meal together. How, exactly, is any over that covert?
Believe what you will. I shall neither deny nor confirm anything so ridiculous. What does interest me, however, is what you and they are both so desperately searching for that both of you would attempt to gain my attention and assistance immediately upon my arrival. So, in the spirit of things, tell me everything you know about whats going on and then I will decide whether or not to work with you.
This was it. Somehow, by the elements or whatever gods there were, things were finally falling into her favour. It didnt matter to her whether this man or the Humans believed her a spy. It simply didnt change anything. Perhaps they could help each other and, truth be told, she may need some assistance in gaining access to the deeper areas of the caves. She sipped her brandy and contemplated this as she waited for whatever information this young Romulan was willing to share.
Stelam leans back himself. This girl had obviously assumed that he was actually here for some reason. Well, better tell her what I know. he thinks.
"Well, I know that Captain Jacob Downy of the U.S.S. Competitor is here, trying to capture a traitor named Nathan Connors. Who has been apprehended, at your house actually. Captain William Deveros of the U.S.S. Sun Tzu is here for some reason that I have not been able to glean." Stelam says.
"I believe it is Tal'Shiar investigations, sir." Gerrard offers.
"Thank you." Stelam replies.
"I also found out that Miss Aiel was attacked by a Hirogen Hunter today, and somehow survived." Gerrard adds.
"Oh really? That's interesting. A Hirogen you say?" Stelam says emotionlesy. "Why, how did you ever beat one of those Aiel?"
OoC: Actually, it is just the Competitor. Since it was such an alien ship, I, or for the purpose of the story, Starfleet, didn't think USS fit it so well.
Also, this is all I can post for right now, as I need to go out in a minute, so I will post more later.
OOC: Stelam doesn't particularly care, so he just considers it a Fes ship and refers to it thusly. Just as he would call a Republic vessel I.R.W. instead of R.R.W. or anything like that.
Jacob ordered full power to the starboard shields in case whatever they were doing failed. As the Scimitar slowly turned towards the Competitor, Kolez kept pounding it with plasma beams. Just as the Scimitar exposed it's cannons, however, the two ships decloaked, and shredded through the weakened shields and the aft hull with overloaded shots from their weapons. Jacob saw on his scanners that the Scimitar tried to cloak, but was failing. He hadn't thought that the antiproton sweep would have lasted this long, but he was thankful it did. He saw an ion stream hit the extremely damaged Scimitar, and the sensors determined that the Dreadnought was trying to warp away. Before it could execute the jump, Jacob had the Chief Transporter Officer scan for and beam a member of the Dreadnought's crew aboard directly to the brig, and disarm all weapons while he was in the Transporter stream. When this was done, he contacted William.
"I have beamed a crew member from the Dreadnought to my brig when its shields were down. I was wondering if you would like me to transfer this captive over to your ship, seeing how it was you that the Dreadnought attacked."
Jacob recorded the message, and sent it to the USS Sun Tzu. He sat back down in his chair, which he hadn't noticed he had left during the fight, ordered the hangar to recall the attack ships, and awaited the response from William.
Aiel laughs at the final question. Tell me again how youre not following or watching me again. Nearly ten thousand on this planet and you have an expressed interest in just me. Im flattered. She takes a sip. Well, me and this Connors person., and the abductive Captain it almost seems youre building some sort of fan club.
I was unprepared for a Hirogen Hunter. In truth, I hadnt heard any reports of them until now, and when I reported the incident to my foreman she advised me that the matter would be brought to DTan. I trust it has. As for defeating it, I got lucky; I was able to escape into the nearby caves where, as it happened, a Romulan scientist was researching the luminescent flora native to those caves. If it hadnt been for him we wouldnt be having this discussion right now.
She finished her brandy and set the glass aside. Now, your turn. Gerrard. She turns to the Vulcan. I understand you are not at liberty to give details as to your current circumstances and I will respect that. However, my initial question still stands. How, exactly, did you find yourself in the company of such a person as Stelam?
Before Stelam can answer for Gerrard again, Aiel points a finger. This man is your First Officer. Surely hes intelligent and competent enough to answer for himself, no? She smiles.
[OOC: I am beginning to wonder how, exactly, Stelam is so omniscient. I dont mind him keeping tabs, thats fine, and the Hirogen attack was, as I said, recorded, but how, without being privy to the conversation in the cave, would Gerrard be able to ID Talven without even knowing his name? Of course hed be registered under his alias, for sure, but registered none the less. Is Stelam actually a member of the Q Continuum? >_>[/OOC]
OOC: Uhm. Well, let's say my '2 am in the morning' mindset isn't exactly logical. I literally spent most of the time after that post trying to think of ways that Gerradd could know that. If you would be ever so kind as to let me edit it so that Talven wasn't mentioned. The Hunter, if it was recorded, and transmitted to somewhere, Gerrard could have intercepted it, or grabbed a connection in D'Tan's office and read the report. I hope you can forgive me for that.
Stelam looks at Gerrard and shrugs at him. Gerrard raises an eyebrow.
"Is that permission to explain how I became your First Officer, or how I ended up on the ship in the first place?" he asks.
"The first one. But leave out specifics." Stelam says, then focuses on his food.
"Okay." Gerrard looks at Aiel. "I was the Third Officer of our ship. Stelam was Second Officer, by ability not seniority. While we where in the process of repairing our ship after a recent fight, a Klingon general appeared and attacked us, beaming over the current Captain and his First. They hailed us and we expected a ransom. What we got was an execution and a boarding." He takes a sip of water, and a bite of food.
"Stelam had been asleep, and he helped repel the boarders, while I and the Bridge crew tried to maneurver the ship into a better position. As soon as the boarders were eradicated, Stelam came to the bridge, ordered a boarding party of his own, and was beamed straight to the Generals bridge. The other killed the crew while he deuled the General and won. After that, he beamed back, ordered me First officer and to rearrange the crew as I saw fit, and retired to his new quarters. After the fight, his role of Captain was undisputed..." Gerrard continues. He looks at Aiel, waiting for her response.
Fascinating. Aiel said, borrowing the standard Vulcan expression. It seems you are an enigma, Gerrard and I appreciate that about you. So in essence you own Stelam here a life debt. Mundane enough. She waved the Talaxian girl over to the table. A bottle of She glanced to her table guests, Risian Sparkling water and three glasses, please. She then looked to Stelam. I believe it is your turn to ask a question.
Stelam looks at Gerrard. Gerrard shrugs.
"I have no question, at least none that she would answer." he says.
Stelam leans back. "I guess I get to ask then." he says, looking her in the eye. "Okay. What I want to know is... what's Earth like? And no one sentence or one word answers please." He smiles.