S2 M10 - Advenæ

[Tess tLhoell]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - LDU] (October 17th)

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - Labor and Delivery Unit] (October 17th)

Tess' murmured 'I love you' in his native Rihanssu as she drifted off to sleep widened Rayek's already contented smile.   He spent much of the first hour alternating his gaze between Tess and their son, Fvienn.   It was only when the door to the room began to open that Rayek became aware of just how restricted in movement he actually was with the baby in his arms and Tess half curled atop him.   He looked over sharply as a figure entered then relaxed a bit noting it was Dennix.

With his one free hand he gestured a finger to his lips to indicate to be silent yet gestured the man further in.  He recognized that the doula was here to check on the health of Tess and the baby.  They spoke in whispers.  Rayek informing the doula how there had been a bit of difficulty encountered in getting the latch the first time.

When asked if there was anything he needed, Rayek indicated his PADD and the Denobulan brought it to Rayek who laid it out on his lap for getting updates on the Klingon situation later after the doula left.

The first thing Rayek did was to send out the pic of Fvienn to those he considered closest.  His Vulcan 'brother' Solluk, his former love-interest who was still a dear friend even if it was awkward Saqa7, his counselors Beja and Miss Judy, Doc Vaughan and his former Captain Dylan Torngate.

The image was sent with a brief announcement of the baby's name - Fvienn ir'Katra tr'Lhoell - and the date and time of birth: Oct 17th 11:15 AM or Stardate 75793.06.   In addition, Rayek requested that the image not be distributed widely.  Those who knew him best would recognize it as an quirk of his paranoia - worried that the picture might fall into the 'wrong hand'.

It was exactly that reason that Rayek held off sending the same announcements to Hrafn and to Lek.  Hrafn, instead received a message indicating that they should get together soon.  He made no mention of the baby in the message however since he knew she was headed into Romulan territory.   Informing Lek would be much more problematic.

Any signal he sent to the Discovery while it was in Romulan territory would have to go through Romulan subspace buoys which Rayek knew for a fact were monitored by Tal'Shiar.   He couldn't risk his message being intercepted.  Informing Lek would have to wait... unless maybe Hrafn would be willing to carry the message to him directly.  There was still a risk that the message could be found, if she were held for some invented crimes and then searched but it was a much less likely scenario.

He would need to think on the idea more.

After sending out his messages, Rayek, read through the engineering updates on embassy build.  Things were progressing there nicely.  He then moved on to ship movements and that was where things got interesting.  A fast approaching ship... that was recently identified as being Kurros from Thinkers Inc.  Rayek tamped down on a spur of fear.   Only Tess' presence sleeping at his side and that of the baby in his arms kept Rayek in place.   If Kurros was allowed to approach the station, there was much the Romulan needed to do to prepare.

Which Rayek did over the course of the next two hours.  Rayek informed Solluk of his preparations and let him know that he was "˜on call' should he be needed.  Dennix' third check-in and waking of Tess to feed the baby was timed almost perfectly for when the Thinker shuttle was due to arrive.

As Tess smiled up at him sleepily, Rayek dreaded having to tell her about the Thinker presence so near to home.  So for the moment he kept quiet.  He had his PADD's notifications on silent being sent to his earbud so he'd know when Kurros arrived.

He had also tied his PADD into the security channels so that all comm activity among the security would filter through his PADD.   The filter would ping his notification on anything mentioning, Thinkers, Kurros, Klingons, Tholias, Republic of Kahless, Embassy or any message flagged priority.    He would be able to skim through all the mundane messages at a later time but for now Rayek was choosing to split his attention.

With Tess now awake, he watched her as she answered the Denobulan doula about how she felt.   Her own question to him was answered with a nod.  "Yes, he slept straight through."

At her request, he carefully handed over the baby and then let Dennix instruct Tess on how to improve Fvienn's latch.   Rayek quietly observed in case it was something he might need to remind her about.    The advice helped and soon Fvienn was nursing much more effectively as was evidenced by rather loud (for his size) grunting and gulping sounds the infant made while feeding.    It was so adorable!

The topic of the Romulan women had Rayek grimacing.  But knew that this was important to Tess.  Well perhaps he had a solution for both this situation and his work. "E'lev if Phara and the others will be here to assist you while doing the H'dl Aefvadh  perhaps you will permit me to slip away briefly to attend some duties?  If I stay, Karinne will be more sour than if I gave her time with just you women.  Are you okay with that?"

Rayek's question made Tess divert her attention from Fvienn to her husband. She looked at him questioningly, trying to read something in his face. While everyone else might have thought nothing of it, Tess knew Rayek very well. There wasn't much that would make her husband leave her and his newborn son's side, especially not with the upcoming H'dl Aefvadh. Her overprotective Romulan husband would refuse to leave to make sure Karinne wouldn't do anything to his son that he didn't agree with. That he used consideration for that woman's sensitivites as the reason to leave was even odder to Tess. Did he really believe she would buy that? Blue eyes in a confused face scanned his, looking for a confirmation of her gut feeling being right. If Karinne and the H'dl Aefvadh had become a minor thing to Rayek then there must be something else going on.

Tess hesitated as she made herself aware of Dennix. He likely couldn't talk in front of him of such matters. "Sure, I understand", she said and not tried to make the slight disappointment show through too much. She could find out what was going on herself by getting a PADD.

[Paul Wessex]

At Solluk's quizzical, but open-minded, invitation to relay his idea, Paul outlined his thinking as to how to receive the approaching 'delegate' and perhaps mitigate the threat of this unsolicited visit. The idea was, to put it mildly, low-key. Basic. Perhaps even unsophisticated. But Paul hoped the august Vulcan wouldn't dismiss it out of hand. It would take co-ordination with a number of Departments, and many of them were already caught up with preparations for the upcoming diplomatic event, but Kurros would be arriving many hours before the Assembly and Empire met, and the beauty of this proposition was that it would take limited resources to put into fruition.

[Solluk]

Katra Station - Operational Control Center

Solluk smiled as Wessex laid out his plan.  Now he understood.  If an enemy had the advantage of sophistication, then simplicity was the way to beat them.  There would be no electronics for them to manipulate.  No computers to hack.  No possibility of using secret agents.  No nothing.  Just an open landscape and all the cards stacked against them.  It was perfect.

"I do believe you've hit the nail on the head, Lieutenant.  Begin preparations for a spot near Kir'Shara where we have pre-authorized access.   Ops, notify the Healy to escort Kurros in.  We're going to have a picnic."

[Nimbus III, Planet of Galactic Peace]

Krelys shook her head.  This man was trying to set the terms of their encounter.  Manipulate the parameters of the scene.  That was always a red flag.  Perhaps he wasn't trying to maneuver her into a trap.  Perhaps he genuinely wanted to sit in the shade.  But she wasn't interested in taking chances.

"You can call me Regina Red.  That's the name I use in the business.  And no.  I won't be joining you in the shade.  This meeting is happening in the middle of the desert, in broad daylight, for a reason.

I also won't be sharing any information about my employer.  You work for me.  The person I work for is immaterial.  I can assure you that your cargo is legal.  But it is also quite valuable.  Exceedingly so.  Valuable enough that security is our primary concern.  Even Federation citizens might find themselves tempted to interfere with such a valuable shipment.

If any of this is a deal-breaker for you, let me know now.  Otherwise, if you accept the job, I'll tell you where you can land on this dead rock to receive the goods.

As I said, the job is legal.  So I can pay you in Federation credits or Latinum, whichever you please.  It's enough compensation to buy yourself a new ship, if that strikes your fancy.  Conversion to latinum will require a 20% charge.  It's up to you if having untraceable currency is valuable enough to you to take the income hit.

If you do accept the job, you'll need to be on guard until it's done.  We have taken every effort to ensure operational security, but there are a lot of people involved in this supply chain.  Someone, somewhere, may have slipped.  You'll need to be ready for trouble till the delivery is complete.

So... are you in?"

[Finn Moreno]

[Nimbus III, Planet of Galactic Peace-Finn Moreno]

It was soon clear that his business 'partner' was pretty stiff and would not even step into the shade of the rocks with him so Finn had to sit out in the burning sun. Small beads of sweat had already built on his forehead and were starting to run down his temples. It was incredibly warm here, making it hard to focus.

The amount, they...yes they- there was some sort of powerful player in the background- were willing to pay made all other concerns fly out the window. Who would deny a chance to buy a second ship? Only and idiot or someone with a great sense of security. Well, that someone wasn't Finn. He had taken risks for much less. And he had the right crew to help him keep an eye out.

"I'm glad to learn that all of this is legal. I'm assuming you'll provide me with the shipment files, if I get into a Starfleet check."
He pretended to be actually thinking about the offer but then nodded at her.
"I take it I have to agree to your terms before I find out what you're actually going to load on my ship. That's okay with me. I've got a small crew of three but they have been able to defend every single shipment so far. We haven't lost any."
He held out his hand in good old human fashion to seal the deal.

[Don Damien Addams]

Katra Station - Operational Control Center

Solluk smiled as Wessex laid out his plan.  Now he understood.  If an enemy had the advantage of sophistication, then simplicity was the way to beat them.  There would be no electronics for them to manipulate.  No computers to hack.  No possibility of using secret agents.  No nothing.  Just an open landscape and all the cards stacked against them.  It was perfect.

"I do believe you've hit the nail on the head, Lieutenant.  Begin preparations for a spot near Kir'Shara where we have pre-authorized access.   Ops, notify the Healy to escort Kurros in.  We're going to have a picnic."

[USS Healy - Bridge]

The comm alerted to have the USS Healy to escort Kurros to Katra station. That was something he was had wished had not been ordered. He had wanted to tell the Kurros to go back and don't enter.

Kal playing sub Commander for now had told to tell the Kurros to await their border and the Healy will be 'gladly' to escort them to the station.

On the side he had the ship to stay alert for anything like another Thinker ship decided to jump and take them by surprise. That was why they had operations constantly scanning the area. Then they will be told to scan the Kurros as well. Anything they do will cause the Healy to action.

When they came about to meet the Kurros the two ships was head to head of course the Healy was bigger. Then told the Kurros to match their warp speed as the headed to Katra.

"We are please to escort for diplomatic meeting. However, be warned we are carefully weary of you. However, Captain Solluk seemed to have accept you as a second chance." Then he had communication to cut him off.

"Bring us to Katra at warp speed 4," he ordered. They would go faster if the Kuros could. They would match their. "Sensors constantly on THAT ship. Tactical be prepare to take their engines if they do so. "Oh operations gather all information on their ship.

As they moved along that what exactly Kal was doing. He was doing all the data reading on the Thinkers, ships and info that Starfleet had. He would do more when they get back unless there was another matter he had to do. It was honor to serve Starfleet. They where his first duty as an officer.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - Labor and Delivery Unit] (October 17th) (just prior to arrival of Kurros) (~5hrs into mission day  and  ~7hrs until Klingon meeting)

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - LDU] (October 17th)

Rayek's question made Tess divert her attention from Fvienn to her husband. She looked at him questioningly, trying to read something in his face. While everyone else might have thought nothing of it, Tess knew Rayek very well. There wasn't much that would make her husband leave her and his newborn son's side, especially not with the upcoming H'dl Aefvadh. Her overprotective Romulan husband would refuse to leave to make sure Karinne wouldn't do anything to his son that he didn't agree with. That he used consideration for that woman's sensitivities as the reason to leave was even odder to Tess. Did he really believe she would buy that? Blue eyes in a confused face scanned his, looking for a confirmation of her gut feeling being right. If Karinne and the H'dl Aefvadh had become a minor thing to Rayek then there must be something else going on.

Tess hesitated as she made herself aware of Dennix. He likely couldn't talk in front of him of such matters. "Sure, I understand", she said and not tried to make the slight disappointment show through too much. She could find out what was going on herself by getting a PADD.

Rayek withstood Tess' scrutiny half expecting her to call him out.  Her expression was one of confusion and Rayek wished he didn't feel he needed to protect her from the news of Kurros' arrival, for he knew she wouldn't appreciate it.  But he did feel protective... so kept the news to himself.. she could reprimand him later.  For now he wanted her to focus on recuperating and bonding with their son.

He noted her disappointment even as she agreed to his suggestion and it weighed on him heavily that he was upsetting her.  "I'll be as quick as I can. I'll send in the ladies  to keep you company. I-jol au, e'lev"

He leaned over and gave her a tender kiss.  Then placed a cupped hand atop the tiny head of his son as the baby continued to nurse.  "I love you too, little one. Be good to your mother," he murmured to his son.

Then headed out of the delivery room.

In the waiting room he found Phara and the others still ... waiting.  "Thank you ladies for your patience.  Tess has woken and is feeding Fvienn. She's still quite tired but she is feeling up to having the H'dl Aefvadh now and would welcome your advice and experience.  I'll return when I can."

His words prompted a flurry of activity among the women who gathered up their bags and followed Karinne as eldest into the room.

Rayek then made his way up to the OCC.     

[Tess tLhoell]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - LDU] (October 17th)

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - Labor and Delivery Unit] (October 17th) (just prior to arrival of Kurros) (~5hrs into mission day  and  ~7hrs until Klingon meeting)

Rayek withstood Tess' scrutiny half expecting her to call him out.  Her expression was one of confusion and Rayek wished he didn't feel he needed to protect her from the news of Kurros' arrival, for he knew she wouldn't appreciate it.  But he did feel protective... so kept the news to himself.. she could reprimand him later.  For now he wanted her to focus on recuperating and bonding with their son.

He noted her disappointment even as she agreed to his suggestion and it weighed on him heavily that he was upsetting her.  "I'll be as quick as I can. I'll send in the ladies  to keep you company. I-jol au, e'lev"

He leaned over and gave her a tender kiss.  Then placed a cupped hand atop the tiny head of his son as the baby continued to nurse.  "I love you too, little one. Be good to your mother," he murmured to his son.

Then headed out of the delivery room.

In the waiting room he found Phara and the others still ... waiting.  "Thank you ladies for your patience.  Tess has woken and is feeding Fvienn. She's still quite tired but she is feeling up to having the H'dl Aefvadh now and would welcome your advice and experience.  I'll return when I can."

His words prompted a flurry of activity among the women who gathered up their bags and followed Karinne as eldest into the room.

Rayek then made his way up to the OCC.

Rayek's words first and then the tender kiss to her lips appeased her a little and she kissed him back. "I love you." She smiled as she watched the hand that seemed so huge on the tiny head and listened to Rayek's words directed him.

"Take care, ciccino", she called after him just as he was about to walk through the door. She felt a small knot forming in her stomach at the feeling that something might be wrong but it faded somewhat again when she looked at the most adorable being nursing in her arm.

Dennix took a step towards the bed. "You're doing amazing, that's perfect now", he encouraged. Then with a half-glance to the door through which the Romulan entourage must come in any moment he directed some more words at Tess. "I will continue to check in regularly. And keep in mind that rest and quiet is best for you and the baby now."

Tess smiled, no doubt reading a doctor's concern in his words. "I will. Promise."

Just as she finished the sentence, the doors slid open to grant entrance to the group of Romulan women - Karinne first, of course.

"I will come back later", Dennix discreetly retreated to leave her alone with them.

While Fvienn was still nursing and Tess looked down on him briefly to see if he was still okay she then looked up and smiled. "Thank you for your patience. I'm sorry I've made you wait so long." Her gaze wandered over the faces looking at her, and she definitely saw some curiousity in Phara's face. But Tess wasn't sure if there was anything specific that needed to happen for the Romulan Baby Welcome ceremony, so she waited.

[Solluk]

The Planet 'Meridian' in the Trialus system, In a large clearing near Kir'Shara Outpost
Three Hours before the Tholian-Klingon Embassy Meeting

Solluk stood in a large circular field about one mile from Kir'Shara outpost.  There was a table here, and several chairs.   The nearest tree was 80 meters away.  The Federation flag was planted near the table.  Diplomatically, it served to declare that this space was Federation sovereign territory.   Essentially, it was part of the space allotted to the UFP and Starfleet for their presence here.  While they were here at the sufferance of the Meridian government, this space was legally the Federation until that permission was revoked.

In fifteen minutes, Kurros would arrive.   He would be beaming down from his shuttle, while the shuttle itself remained in orbit.  Eli and Kal were on the Healy, standing guard over his small ship.

Solluk had invited several officers to join him: Tess, Rayek, Wessex, and Beja.  He did not expect all of them, but he wanted to keep his XO and SO in the loop.  He hoped he hadn't misjudged that.  He didn't want Tess to feel guilty for not showing up.  She'd just delivered new life into the world, after all.  Beja's presence would depend on the progress at the Klingon Embassy.   Unfortunately, their diplomatic assets were spread thin at the moment.  It might be just Wessex and He.

Glancing to the treeline, he asked Paul, "How many shooters?"

[Nimbus III, Planet of Galactic Peace]

'Regina' nodded, "Certificates for the cargo, including a complete chain of custody and purchase agreements, will be provided to you.  There should be no problem with the authorities.  My employer was quite strict about everything being acquired in a completely legal fashion.  Your cargo has been sourced from 15 worlds across the Federation over the past six months.  All of it on the up-and-up."

She hesitated for a moment, and then reached out to take his offered hand.  As she drew near, the waft of pheromones common to Orion women permeated the air and were also concentrated in the perspiration of her skin.  What this meant was particular to the individual:  Some people took anti-pheromonal treatments to prevent having their wits addled by such interactions.  Some species or individuals were just naturally resistant.  For those that succumbed, the effect could render them quite suggestible and highly distracted.

None of this was part of her diabolical scheme.  It was simply a consequence of her biology.

She slowly- very slowly- produced a PADD once the handshake was complete, handing it over.

"Here is the relevant paperwork and the coordinates for the pickup.  It will be in a crater 500 miles from here, at local midnight.  The people who deliver the cargo to you will also have your full payment, up-front.  Don't even think of rabbiting.  I'm sure you know that anyone who can assemble goods of this value can make sure you are not safe anywhere in the Galaxy.  They'd find you in your mother's womb if you betrayed them.  Finding you in Wonderland?  That would be child's play."

[Eydis]

[Tholian embassy]

Zex had put on the crystal lattis devise on hear bare head before putting on her evo suit.  The devise allowed to access the lattis system the Tholian's used to communicate.  It was a gift she had received while visiting Tholia.

She liked it because it was pretty.  It looked like a crystal crown and made her feel special.  Like the princess she dreamed of growing up to be s a child.

The side effect, it seemed, of tapping into the lattis system was that she could hear the tone of their voices.  And they could hear the tone of hears.  Thus, the ability to better understand the other emotions came as a result which seemed to be happening at this moment in time.

Her shoulders slumped.  She failed like she had failed.  "Yes, you guessed correctly, Eydis friend of Zex.  My superiour officer does not believe the 'pirates stole the ship' idea will be believable by the Empire or anyone else.  Thus, everyone would likely think you responsible for it's disappearance" the Deltan said honestly.

Well it would seem the situation is a little more violate then I had first thought. I did tell the Klingon empire representative I would give the ship up to the rightful owners.I believe that they inferred it was them. Perhaps the federation could oversee the process and weigh both the republics and empires claim to the ship. I suspect if it is returned to the empire it will be scrapped or rushed back to service to be used against the republic itself. I do not believe the republic can win in a military conflict but I do not want to supply the empire with another ship to destroy the republic and the crew of the lod'qan

[Paul Wessex]

The Planet 'Meridian' in the Trialus system, In a large clearing near Kir'Shara Outpost
Three Hours before the Tholian-Klingon Embassy Meeting

Solluk stood in a large circular field about one mile from Kir'Shara outpost.  There was a table here, and several chairs.   The nearest tree was 80 meters away.  The Federation flag was planted near the table.  Diplomatically, it served to declare that this space was Federation sovereign territory.   Essentially, it was part of the space allotted to the UFP and Starfleet for their presence here.  While they were here at the sufferance of the Meridian government, this space was legally the Federation until that permission was revoked.

In fifteen minutes, Kurros would arrive.   He would be beaming down from his shuttle, while the shuttle itself remained in orbit.  Eli and Kal were on the Healy, standing guard over his small ship.

Solluk had invited several officers to join him: Tess, Rayek, Wessex, and Beja.  He did not expect all of them, but he wanted to keep his XO and SO in the loop.  He hoped he hadn't misjudged that.  He didn't want Tess to feel guilty for not showing up.  She'd just delivered new life into the world, after all.  Beja's presence would depend on the progress at the Klingon Embassy.   Unfortunately, their diplomatic assets were spread thin at the moment.  It might be just Wessex and He.

Glancing to the treeline, he asked Paul, "How many shooters?"

Enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, reliving the pleasures of NavPat where often vessels rose to the surface and, if environs permitted, opened their mighty hatches to the elements for the previously entombed crew, Paul looked about at Solluk's query. "Four, sir" he said, nodding at their rough locations in sequence, at various ranges. The standard was three, triangulating their target, but Paul was almost tying himself up in knots trying to second guess a chap who referred to themselves as a 'Thinker', but he decided that it was the best he could do whilst not driving himself mad; three plus a 'tie breaker' was sufficiently paranoid. "Three with Type-IIIs, and Senior Chief Solen with a 'T-116' projectile that she recommended from the armoury to account for any energy refractive surprises".

[Kirok]

[Tholian embassy]

Zex nodded to convey her understanding and empathy.  "It is true that you made the decision without the benefit of being briefed as to the changes that had occurred since leaving Katra.  I, too, was at the same disadvantage having arrived just yesterday" the Deltan said.

"I'm sure that the federation will participate in the discussions between the republic and the Empire.  They both will have embassies here now.  So there is no getting around that" she added.

"And I see your point about the ship, me personally, Zex friend of Tholia.  Your announcement to take more time to make a final decision about it, though, may cause a few ruffles on our side.  But honesty and deliberating decisions with all of the information is something I think the Captain will appreciate and understand and thus support" she said.

[Beja]

Katra Station - OCC

Beja silently wished Zex well when the Deltan left to go speak to the Tholians. The situation was a precarious one that could push a lot of them into danger in a second. But Beja had faith and confidence in Zex, the Deltan had proved herself quite skilled in the art of diplomacy, so she had no doubt that Zex would succeed in their current mission. While Beja waited for Cat to finish the new Klingon Empire's embassy, she made her way back to the operation command center.

There were a lot of new problems that had suddenly come up, that Beja knew the Captain  needed to be apprised of. When she arrived at the OCC, to appraise the Captain on the situation she became aware of just how precarious a situation they all were in.

When the time for the encounter came, Beja transported down to the surface of Meridian. An oncoming war with the Klingons was enough to keep Katra balancing on a tightwire, now The Thinkers had arrived. Not at all what any of them needed. And to think the biggest worry they all had when they woke up was today going to be the day that the Rayek and Tess little one would greet them? None of them could have anticipated just how everything could have gotten so out of hand.

But they would get through any difficulty, Beja knew that. If anyone could help steer them out of troubled skies, it would be Solluk. She straightened out her uniform before she sought him out, a bright confident smile on her face, "œSir, Zex is currently talking with the Tholians. She will give us a briefing once their discussions have concluded."

Right now the Thinkers' arrival was a much more urgent issue at hand for them all.

[Rayek trLhoell]

Karinne t'Movel,  Phara t'Movel,  Reela t'Hava and  Caleema t'Thraiin

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - LDU] (October 17th)

Just as she finished the sentence, the doors slid open to grant entrance to the group of Romulan women - Karinne first, of course.

"I will come back later", Dennix discreetly retreated to leave her alone with them.

While Fvienn was still nursing and Tess looked down on him briefly to see if he was still okay she then looked up and smiled. "Thank you for your patience. I'm sorry I've made you wait so long." Her gaze wandered over the faces looking at her, and she definitely saw some curiousity in Phara's face. But Tess wasn't sure if there was anything specific that needed to happen for the Romulan Baby Welcome ceremony, so she waited.

Phara smiled at Tess' apology and nodded her acceptance.  "Your change of decision was explained to us.  We are just grateful that you feel up to our assistance and celebration now."

While Phara spoke, Karinne approached the bedside and looked down at the suckling babe rather assessingly.  "He appears healthy enough." her tone sounded mildly surprised, as if she'd expected otherwise.

"Mother.." Phara called out the old woman's familial title in to censor her.

Karinne glanced back towards her daughter-in-law. "Yes, I know.. 'Mind my tongue'. I am well aware of what I am not permitted do to or say today.  You have been quite thorough... 'Daughter'."  The last word was spoken pointedly.

The elder Romulan looked back to Tess.  "Apparently the respect earned from age doesn't hold much weight that I get treated so." Karinne complained as she reached out a hand towards the nursing infant to uncover the blanket from around his ear unconcerned that it might be considered rude to do so while the baby was still at his mother's breast.  Little Fvienn at the disturbance waved his tiny hand and grasped the wrinkled finger of the elderly woman, who then smiled and nodded approvingly.

Since Phara wasn't certain if Tess had met the other ladies, she did a round of introductions.  "Tess, this is Reela t'Hava and Caleema t'Thraiin.  Reela is Ensign tr'Hava's wife - they have two children.. and Caleema is a widower and has been assisting in the shop while Tordel finishes her schooling and studied for the Academy entrance exam." Phara was rather proud of her daughter's ambition.

Reela nodded towards Tess standing near to the door uncertainly. This was her first H'dl Aefvadh, given that her husband's first child was from a previous marriage.. and their one child together had been born on Earth in San Fransisco while Darek had been in training.  She hadn't known any other Romulan's at the time so her birthing had been Earth standard she assumed. "Jolan'tru, lhhei Lhoell"

Caleema, a Romulan in her mid-50's, was quite familiar on how to be diplomatically polite in most social situations given her late husband had been an Ambassadorial aide for 20 years,  so though she might have found the wait outside rather insulting she knew not to bring it up.
She too nodded a greeting then bowed more formally.  "Jolan'tru."

Phara continued on.  "The flrst thing we will do will be to clean the room. It should have been done before the birth, and I recognize that your medical facilities are sterile unlike most Romulan home births.. so our 'cleaning' would not have truly been needed.. but we will do so now to adhere to custom.   Then when you are done feeding.  Mother will look over your son and declare him 'Hale and health - a fine son of Romulus.'"  As she said this she gave Karinne a look to drive home the point that irregardless of if something was 'off' the declaration would be made.

Karinne huffed out in annoyance but said nothing to counter Phara's words.

With that settled the three ladies other than Karinne pulled cleaning supplies from their bags and set to work giving the room a once over while Tess nursed Fvienn.  Karinne remained by Tess' bedside with her finger still held by the baby.

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Meridian - clearing near Kir'shara Outpost]

The Planet 'Meridian' in the Trialus system, In a large clearing near Kir'Shara Outpost
Three Hours before the Tholian-Klingon Embassy Meeting

Solluk stood in a large circular field about one mile from Kir'Shara outpost.  There was a table here, and several chairs.   The nearest tree was 80 meters away.  The Federation flag was planted near the table.  Diplomatically, it served to declare that this space was Federation sovereign territory.   Essentially, it was part of the space allotted to the UFP and Starfleet for their presence here.  While they were here at the sufferance of the Meridian government, this space was legally the Federation until that permission was revoked.

In fifteen minutes, Kurros would arrive.   He would be beaming down from his shuttle, while the shuttle itself remained in orbit.  Eli and Kal were on the Healy, standing guard over his small ship.

Solluk had invited several officers to join him: Tess, Rayek, Wessex, and Beja.  He did not expect all of them, but he wanted to keep his XO and SO in the loop.  He hoped he hadn't misjudged that.  He didn't want Tess to feel guilty for not showing up.  She'd just delivered new life into the world, after all.  Beja's presence would depend on the progress at the Klingon Embassy.   Unfortunately, their diplomatic assets were spread thin at the moment.  It might be just Wessex and He.

Glancing to the treeline, he asked Paul, "How many shooters?"

Having arrived at the OCC and being updated on the Thinker situation, Rayek then went to his office - it was strange having an actual office after having used the Briefing room for so long -  and scrounged through Saxon's reports on the Thinkers, looking for some advantage that he could exploit against Kurros.    This kept him occupied for much of the time until this meeting.  Though he did take a brief break at one point to check in on Tess and the baby to be certain they were doing fine without him.

Now with Kurros shuttle approaching, Rayek beamed down to the planet to meet up with the Captain, Wessex, maybe Beja and possibly his wife...? 

[Tess tLhoell]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - LDU] (October 17th)

Karinne t'Movel,  Phara t'Movel,  NPC Reela t'Hava and  Caleema t'Thraiin

Phara smiled at Tess' apology and nodded her acceptance.  "Your change of decision was explained to us.  We are just grateful that you feel up to our assistance and celebration now."

While Phara spoke, Karinne approached the bedside and looked down at the suckling babe rather assessingly.  "He appears healthy enough." her tone sounded mildly surprised, as if she'd expected otherwise.

"Mother.." Phara called out the old woman's familial title in to censor her.

Karinne glanced back towards her daughter-in-law. "Yes, I know.. 'Mind my tongue'. I am well aware of what I am not permitted do to or say today.  You have been quite thorough... 'Daughter'."  The last word was spoken pointedly.

The elder Romulan looked back to Tess.  "Apparently the respect earned from age doesn't hold much weight that I get treated so." Karinne complained as she reached out a hand towards the nursing infant to uncover the blanket from around his ear unconcerned that it might be considered rude to do so while the baby was still at his mother's breast.  Little Fvienn at the disturbance waved his tiny hand and grasped the wrinkled finger of the elderly woman, who then smiled and nodded approvingly.

Since Phara wasn't certain if Tess had met the other ladies, she did a round of introductions.  "Tess, this is Reela t'Hava and Caleema t'Thraiin.  Reela is Ensign tr'Hava's wife - they have two children.. and Caleema is a widower and has been assisting in the shop while Tordel finishes her schooling and studied for the Academy entrance exam." Phara was rather proud of her daughter's ambition.

Reela nodded towards Tess standing near to the door uncertainly. This was her first H'dl Aefvadh, given that her husband's first child was from a previous marriage.. and their one child together had been born on Earth in San Fransisco while Darek had been in training.  She hadn't known any other Romulan's at the time so her birthing had been Earth standard she assumed. "Jolan'tru, lhhei Lhoell"

Caleema, a Romulan in her mid-50's, was quite familiar on how to be diplomatically polite in most social situations given her late husband had been an Ambassadorial aide for 20 years,  so though she might have found the wait outside rather insulting she knew not to bring it up.
She too nodded a greeting then bowed more formally.  "Jolan'tru."

Phara continued on.  "The flrst thing we will do will be to clean the room. It should have been done before the birth, and I recognize that your medical facilities are sterile unlike most Romulan home births.. so our 'cleaning' would not have truly been needed.. but we will do so now to adhere to custom.   Then when you are done feeding.  Mother will look over your son and declare him 'Hale and health - a fine son of Romulus.'"  As she said this she gave Karinne a look to drive home the point that irregardless of if something was 'off' the declaration would be made.

Karinne huffed out in annoyance but said nothing to counter Phara's words.

With that settled the three ladies other than Karinne pulled cleaning supplies from their bags and set to work giving the room a once over while Tess nursed Fvienn.  Karinne remained by Tess' bedside with her finger still held by the baby.

Tess was relieved when Phara offered words of understanding. When Karinne stepped closer, scuritinizing her baby, Tess felt a little uncomfortable. That increased when the woman pulled the blanket away from her baby. Tess felt a surge to grab the woman's hand and push it away, thinking of it as kinda rude, but held herself back long enough to notice that Karinne merely looked at her child. Tess watched as Fvienn grabbed hold of her finger and Tess relaxed a little again.

"It's alright", Tess said softly to Phara after the little verbal dispute between the s'Movel women. When then introductions were made, Tess looked at each woman and inclined her head respectfully. "Jolan-tru. I'm very glad to have you here."

Tess listened then as Phara explained to her what would be done first. That they would declare their son to be a 'Fine son of Romulus' made her smile. It was probably odd to feel that way, but it was the only way she could honor Rayek's culture, really.

Looking up to the oldest of the Romulan women, the baby still holding onto her finger, she explained the baby's name, not knowing if Rayek had already done so. "We named him Fvienn. The birth was rather quick but all the more intense." She smiled down at the baby boy who slowly stopped to suckle. Tess carefully pulled him away a little to button up the top of her gown again.

"An apt name", Karinne confirmed.

Once the women were finished with the cleaning, they gathered around the bed and Tess looked at them curiously.

"Mother will now inspect the baby", Phara explained and smiled at Tess. The Ba'ku looked to Karinne as she moved to pick up the baby boy. Tess watched closely to notice any discomfort of her child immediately. But Karinne was an experienced mother - she knew exactly how to hold an infant.

Reela, who stood closest to Karinne, helped her unwrap the baby from the blanket, leaving the boy naked as he was. Fvienn didn't like that and he started to wail as Karinne held him away from her so she could take a look at him. Fvienn was crying now, kicking about with his tiny feet. Tess felt herself becoming agitated inwardly but kept it together for a little longer, knowing it was part of the ceremony.

"Kjumnaihsou kuoku 'hh aellei hifvarhkh - yuuhhai aadhoiurr'u hvaedroalh ch'rihan!" (*This child is hale and healthy - a fine son of Romulus!), Karinne finally declared. The other three women uttered a cry of joy, applaused briefly before each of them leaned down to hug Tess separately. Tess smiled, reciprocating the hugs while Karinne carefully put the boy back down and loosely wrapped the blanket around him.

The women then retrieved an item, one each, and started a very beautiful melodic chanting.

"T'hea mehre ehdhihss ajoi ...", they sang together before Reela stepped forward, a tiny box in her hand. She dipped the tip of her finger in it which came out white and then moved to the baby and painted a line on his forehead.

" ... ehdhihss hvaedroalh aoni'rhnniohsyrrhihdh ihhuein jÁ¦ih, ehdhihss lou hvaedroalh aellei ehdhihss iu Á¦nnh hvaedroalh ehdhihss mollais hÁ¦dl." (*We call the elements, the Air, the deep breathing of labour and the first breath of the new baby.)

Tess watched, stunned. And she wished so much that Rayek was here. But that wouldn't be 'wanted' even if he had not have to deal with duty.

Caleema was next after the women chanted the same line again. "T'hea mehre ehdhihss ajoi ..." The woman painted a red line on Fvienn's forehead and Tess started to realize that it was some kind of symbol they painted on his forehead. Probably a sign of approval.

" ...ehdhihss hna'h, iebhe hlumir hvaedroalh colloq. Draed'et aellei hvaedroalh." (*We call the elements, the Fire, light of life and intensity of labour.)

The chanting continued, next was Phara, whose finger tip was painted blue. While they repeated the first bit again, the woman added another line to the boy's forehead. " ... ehdhihss aoni'rhnniohsyrrhihdh, aoni'rhnniohsyrrhihdh hvaedroalh colloq. Draed'et aellei ehdhihss hvaedroalh ehdhihss." (*We call the elements, the Water, water of life and the waters of the womb.)

Tess looked to Karinne since she was the only one left and sure enough the woman dipped her finger in light brown paint as they continued to sing.

" ... ehdhihss avilh, ehdhihss iorrha'edh hvaedroalh ehdhihss aellei yearhoaiumm'u klhu fvi adv fv'r'astev d'navassa." (*We call the elements, the Earth, the direction of the ancestors and Grandmothers who watch over women during birth.)

Karinne had completed the sign on Fvienn's forehead and picked him again before she turned to Tess, giving the child back to its mother. Tess swallowed down a small lump in her throat as she took back her son from the old Romulan woman.

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 2 - s'Lhoell quarters] (October 17th - later that day)

Tess sat at the desk of the small work space they had in their quarters. She felt a knot in her stomach, had since she had received the news of Kurros coming to Katra. Memories of the Thinkers had come up and the nightmare of the clones ... it had Tess have Security double check for the measurements they had taken to prevent the clones from happening again. She was relieved to learn that Captain Solluk wouldn't even let them set foot on the station. But still they needed to be very watchful. Tess was almost tempted to call Silent Red Alert, but decided against it. She needed to keep her cool. Be prepared. Cautious. And you still have time to react.

Solluk had left it up to her if she wanted to join the meeting or not, given the circumstanced. Finally Tess had agreed to join via video so she could look after Fvienn if needed and she wouldn't have to give him to Phara but she could be with him.

With the baby crib out of view from the camera - Fvienn was finally sleeping; he had sensed Tess' nervousness and had become unsettled as well - Tess called out ot the computer to establish the connection to the place where Solluk had set the gathering on planet Meridian.

[Catherine Goodspeed]

Katra Station - Klingon Empire Embassy

Cat rubbed a hand over her stinging right eye hard until she saw the lights of the universe behind its lid.

Testing the heating system whilst being up near the top of the vaulted ceiling attaching the last of the banners was not one her best and brightest ideas.

Sweat had bypassed an eyebrow and slid into her eye like a worm under a beating sun finding a hole in the ground in which to disappear into.

Cat was currently at the top of what most people would call an antiquated tall fold out metal ladder, it's paint job flaking and old welding repair marks were there for all to see. Cat had gotten it out of storage and beamed to the room around half way through the refit.

Each leg was being held by one of 4 members of the refit team to help stabilise and keep it in place as the metal device was positioned on wheels which enabled Cat to be moved around the Embassy hall like a gliding sweaty and mildly grumpy fairy.

Frankly this was quicker than using and programming one of the 'floating death traps' as Cat like to call them.

Cat stopped rubbing her eye and pulled a face as she squinted through her unsullied remaining sweat free eye.

"Does that look straight now??"  Cat resisted the urge to look down at the group of engineers who had gathered round to check the final piece going into place. It always made her feel uneasy.

"Up a bit more Chief?"

"Up a bit more?  A BIT more??  That's what... 4 'Up a bit more' times?   Bugger this... Emily, throw up that scanner, I want to check something"

Cat clenched her knees outward to brace against the outer rails of the extended ladder system she was currently up so she wouldn't fall and caught the small device in 2 hands then grasped the side railing again for comfort.

She ruddy hated heights.

Cat proceeded to scan the large hooking points which held the banner and used the unsophisticated method of holding her little finger up to measure the current distance.  She placed the scanner into an empty slot of the old battered tool belt that was slung on her hips and with her free hand produced a battered and chewed pencil from behind an ear like a magician and marked her finger.

"Scoot me over boys"   The 4 man team holding the ladder slided her across to the other banner holding and Cat placed her marked pinkie up and then took a spanner from her belt.

Cat smiled and using the spanner proceeded to loosen the hook slightly "righty tightey, lefty loosey".

"What Chief??"  Timmy called out

"Old Earth saying to remember which way to turn something to tighten or loosen something... Didn't Starfleet teach you that?"

Timmy looked confused. "not that I remember Chief"

Cat blew her lips out and exhaled.  Starfleet most probably had some sophisticated wording than ran over several pages on that issue.

Cat replaced the spanner and checked the scanner readings again.  Excellent, just the ceiling hook had been over tightened and it wasn't an issue with a wonky ceiling.

"What about now?"

"Looks perfect Chief!"

With that Cat climbed carefully down the ladder and looked up.   That was much better.

She checked her watch.  Only 20 minutes to go and all that needed to be done was equipment to be put away and the cleaning crew to come in and give everything a quick once over.

"Well boys and girls... It looks like a slap up meal and a round of drinks for you and your chosen companion is definitely on me!  Tidy up everyone!  Emily let the cleaning crew in, if they can get everything shiny in 15 minutes then I'll buy them all drinks!"

She was not only warm due the heat of the place but also with a warm glow of pride at the team.  It might end up costing her a few pretty slips of gold pressed latinum but it was worth it.

"Chief!"  Gus, her blonde haired friend and co-worker called out to her "Lt Beja has been called away for an urgent task... Should I.."  Cat waved her hand at him

"Don't bother the lass Gus.  It'll be waiting for her to inspect when she gets back."