Author Topic: S2 M10 - Advenæ  (Read 25827 times)

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Offline Rayek trLhoell

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #210 on: November 21, 2020, 05:23:38 am »
Karinne t'Movel Phara t'MovelReela t'Hava and  Caleema t'Thraiin
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - LDU] (October 17th)

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

Tess was relieved when Phara offered words of understanding. When Karinne stepped closer, scrutinizing 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, applauded 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 jæih, ehdhihss lou hvaedroalh aellei ehdhihss iu ænnh hvaedroalh ehdhihss mollais hædl." (*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.
.
.
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.

"Normally at this time you or one you appoint would fill out the Registration of Birth with the Romulan Census Department.  The form would be signed off by the eldest, witnessing that the child was born healthy and confirming what religion it was blessed under.  Since your husband does not wish this we will skip over that.   Though if you need witnesses for the Federation Registration we are happy to help with that."

She looked about to the others and they each nodded - all but Karinne. There was no way she'd sign off on some Federation form.

"Now if you are up for it... we can have tea together and share some of our advice on child care with you."  As Phara spoke, the other ladies began setting up for a bit of a tea and luncheon since it was near that time.

"We also have gifts." Reela spoke up as she carried in a chair from the waiting room so that there was seating enough for all.   

"Yes, gifts for you and the baby as well," Phara continued on picking up where the younger woman left off as Reela went to assist with laying out food on plates.  "Though since you didn't delivery at home, I'm not sure if you prefer to look at them here first, or us just have us bring them to your quarters when we each visit next and you can open them then.  Oh.. that is another thing, we each have set aside time each day to be with you - so that for the first few weeks you will always have support from someone."

Phara leaned forward and added in a half-whisper so as not to be heard by her mother-in-law or the others.  "Even mother has agreed to this, though I don't know whether it's best to schedule her at times when your husband is at home with you or not."  She smiled weakly trying to make light of what was obviously an uncomfortable conversation.   "Perhaps you can confirm with me later what your preference is?"

Soon the tea was ready and Tess would notice that hers was slight different that the tea the others were drinking.  It was Karinne who explained the difference.  "As a doctor you surely know that caffeine is not good for the baby...  on Romulus nursing women will drink 'milk tea' to help increase a mothers' milk.   The plant I used to nurse Lared is no longer.  But Phara researched teas among your Federation that do the same.. this is one version she thought you might like."


Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Meridian - Clearing]

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.

Appearing in a field next to a table and a planted flag Rayek had to contain a bit of a smirk.   "It feels like something is missing.. but I can't quite place it." he remarked in humour.

As typical for him, Rayek made sure to glance about.  It was especially notable this time because Rayek had been informed ahead of time that there would be shooters on site.   It was uncomfortable for the Romulan to 'feel' the cross hairs on him and not be able to do anything about them.

His first scan about showed only the Captain, Wessex and himself.  No sign of any shooters.. which Rayek knew as inaccurate.  It was concerning that his skills of detection had fallen so much.

A second study of the area... pointed out to him areas that he would have used to hide. 
He confirmed two locations but couldn't see to find a three or forth. 

He was glad that Tess had seemed to foregone the meeting... but no after a moment a holographic emitter padd appeared on the table.   Rayek frowned and moved forward to inspect it wondering if it was from Kurros - perhaps even implanted with a bomb.  But no, even as he reached for it, it activated and displayed a persons face and head in holographic 3D.  His wife. 

Rayek smothered is concerned reaction as a husband and tried to maintain just the demeanor of one of Katra's officers.  "Commander," he greeted, "Kurros has yet to arrive" 

Mrht Heis'he ehl'ein qiuu
Rayek's BIO : Romulan male. 6'1" (1.8m)

Offline Finn Moreno

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #211 on: November 21, 2020, 06:56:57 am »

'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."


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

Since the papers were in order and everything seemed alright to this point Finn was already picturing himself opening up his own chain of freighter services. Of course her mentioning how long it had taken to acquire the load was even more enticing. Whatever the cargo was seemed incredibly valuable.

Her stressing that he didn't stand a chance if he tried to run away with the cargo only stressed that. Finn had no intentions of taking that sort of risk, not even if the cargo was worth ten times his payment. He knew not to mess with his employers if he wanted to stay in business. That could not only put someone on a lonely detention planet but also in a dirty hidden chamber with all sorts of torture instruments. The human had no desire to go down that route. He was a business man, not a greedy liar.

Her pheromones did have their effect on him. He had undergone a training to resist this kind of physical temptation because he had fallen into that trap before, yet he wasn't fully immune. As soon as they hit him, a bit of his self control went out the non existent window. He wanted to get even closer and touch her, caress her face under the cloak, perhaps even more.
Being aware what was happening he forced himself to draw his hand back from almost touch her body and stepped back.
"I'd better get going."
He couldn't help but raise the file she had handed to him to his face and get a little lost in his fantasy while he walked back to his ship.

It took him a while to 'work through the effect' when he was back on the 'Wonderland'. As a precaution he actually took a pill before the nightly meeting to be on the safe side.

As midnight approached, his freighter arrived at the indicated coordinates inside a large crater. It slowly sank to the non active bottom of it where massive lights were indicating the landing zone.
« Last Edit: November 21, 2020, 07:04:19 am by Finn Moreno »

Offline Paul Wessex

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #212 on: November 21, 2020, 08:03:11 am »
<Meridian - Clearing>


Appearing in a field next to a table and a planted flag Rayek had to contain a bit of a smirk.   "It feels like something is missing.. but I can't quite place it." he remarked in humour.

As typical for him, Rayek made sure to glance about.  It was especially notable this time because Rayek had been informed ahead of time that there would be shooters on site.   It was uncomfortable for the Romulan to 'feel' the cross hairs on him and not be able to do anything about them.

His first scan about showed only the Captain, Wessex and himself.  No sign of any shooters.. which Rayek knew as inaccurate.  It was concerning that his skills of detection had fallen so much.

A second study of the area... pointed out to him areas that he would have used to hide. 
He confirmed two locations but couldn't see to find a three or forth. 

He was glad that Tess had seemed to foregone the meeting... but no after a moment a holographic emitter padd appeared on the table.   Rayek frowned and moved forward to inspect it wondering if it was from Kurros - perhaps even implanted with a bomb.  But no, even as he reached for it, it activated and displayed a persons face and head in holographic 3D.  His wife. 

Rayek smothered is concerned reaction as a husband and tried to maintain just the demeanor of one of Katra's officers.  "Commander," he greeted, "Kurros has yet to arrive"

As Rayek materialised and inspected the table and flag, Paul beamed and spread his previously-crossed arms in an expansive demonstration of 'voila!'! The wood table and limited technology was almost exactly how he had described his plan to Captain Solluk.

Almost exactly.

It was fair to say Wessex was a little frustrated that the holocom was present, as the purpose of the surroundings and basic functionality of the meeting environment was that there would be no technology in the immediate vicinity that this Kurros could take advantage of or somehow co-opt. But Commander t'Lhoell had wanted to be present, as was her right as First Officer, if not in person So, to keep the plan as pure to the original concept as possible, Paul had arranged for this limited two-way communications link. Or as described to him, a "you mean a narrowband quanta-entangled subspace hololink, sir?"

He had stared at the Science and Engineering officers whom he had approached with his notion, and repeated his request with a face of mixed bafflement and patience. "Speaking tube". It was an old naval device, no more advanced than two self-sealing stembolt tins and a line of fibre - just a metal tube connecting two rooms. The officers had looked at each other with almost pity, nodding that they understood, and got to work.

The device now linking between Tess and the table on Meridian was essentially the same concept. An isolated, paired device that did not rely on any of Katra's, Kir'Shara's or Meridian infrastructure to send . It was the best that he could manage, but was working as he had intended. He only hoped even this wouldn't be something the representative could utilise for his own gain.

He watched as the Romulan Second Officer scanned the horizon for his concealed snipers, and while he noted the tell-tale signs of Rayek spotting one, and perhaps two, of their locations, he was comforted that the continued search suggested the remainder was hidden to even the seasoned Starfleet officer. That had some promise that Kurros wouldn't nearly quite so observant.

The final stage in the plan, and would be at the direct discretion of Captain Solluk, would be the orchestration of the transporter signal whisking the new arrival off his small ship - by prior agreement - and then bouncing it across various relays to assess any biological and technological threats, as much as the filters could detect, then finally depositing him at the meeting location. The transport would be only a few seconds longer than a standard transmat, but there was a risk it could be construed as an act of 'roughing up a delegate' rather than the precautionary measure it was intended. Thus, its activation would be down to his Commanding Officer with input from Chief Diplomatic Officer Beja, when the time came.

Offline Kirok

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #213 on: November 21, 2020, 08:57:59 am »
[Tholian embassy -> OCC]

After Zex finished her conversation with Eydis, she excused herself.  Then she changed into her normal clothes.  Then  headed back to the OCC. 

She expected Beja to be disappointed with news the Deltan had to present.  But Zex knew that Eydis was committed to putting off gifting the vessel to anyone at this time.  There was no way to change that, in the Deltan's opinion.

As she got off the lift, she saw Solluk and Beja.  She walked over to them.  "Sir, Lieutenant" she said by way of announcing herself.

Species:  Betazoid/Vulcan.
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Offline Eydis

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #214 on: November 21, 2020, 11:36:35 am »
[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.


[Tholian embassy] Eydis would nod to hir friend and then turn to get on hir modified much slimmer suit then a normal tholians evo suit. It looked more like a federation space suit then a tholian one. That was save for it being design to tholian physiology. The gift of the lattice would begin to glow and pulse with a bluish glow.

Eydis was reaching over the lattice to hir deltan friends. Focused radiation waves travelled through the space station to reach the deltan. Will you join me friend of the tholian people. The other captains and my own second in command and science officer will be part of the tholian representatives

Offline Tess tLhoell

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #215 on: November 21, 2020, 12:11:18 pm »
Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - LDU] (October 17th)

Karinne t'Movel Phara t'MovelReela t'Hava and  Caleema t'Thraiin
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - LDU] (October 17th)

"Normally at this time you or one you appoint would fill out the Registration of Birth with the Romulan Census Department.  The form would be signed off by the eldest, witnessing that the child was born healthy and confirming what religion it was blessed under.  Since your husband does not wish this we will skip over that.   Though if you need witnesses for the Federation Registration we are happy to help with that."

She looked about to the others and they each nodded - all but Karinne. There was no way she'd sign off on some Federation form.

"Now if you are up for it... we can have tea together and share some of our advice on child care with you."  As Phara spoke, the other ladies began setting up for a bit of a tea and luncheon since it was near that time.

"We also have gifts." Reela spoke up as she carried in a chair from the waiting room so that there was seating enough for all.   

"Yes, gifts for you and the baby as well," Phara continued on picking up where the younger woman left off as Reela went to assist with laying out food on plates.  "Though since you didn't delivery at home, I'm not sure if you prefer to look at them here first, or us just have us bring them to your quarters when we each visit next and you can open them then.  Oh.. that is another thing, we each have set aside time each day to be with you - so that for the first few weeks you will always have support from someone."

Phara leaned forward and added in a half-whisper so as not to be heard by her mother-in-law or the others.  "Even mother has agreed to this, though I don't know whether it's best to schedule her at times when your husband is at home with you or not."  She smiled weakly trying to make light of what was obviously an uncomfortable conversation.   "Perhaps you can confirm with me later what your preference is?"

Soon the tea was ready and Tess would notice that hers was slight different that the tea the others were drinking.  It was Karinne who explained the difference.  "As a doctor you surely know that caffeine is not good for the baby...  on Romulus nursing women will drink 'milk tea' to help increase a mothers' milk.   The plant I used to nurse Lared is no longer.  But Phara researched teas among your Federation that do the same.. this is one version she thought you might like."

At the suggestion of tea and sharing baby caring advice, Tess sat up a little straighter in bed while she held Fvienn in her arms, rocking him gently. It had not taken long for the infant to fall back asleep. Frankly, Tess felt like sleeping, too. But she appreciated and enjoyed her Romulan Baby Welcome ceremony despite her tiredness.

While the women worked to prepare the tea Phara mentioned that they even had gifts. Tess beamed at them. "That is so nice of you." When the question came up if she wanted to open the gifts here or at home, Tess thought briefly about it. "I think it would be better if they would be brought to my quarters and I can open them when you come by." That chance also was higher that Rayek could be present for that. The announcement that each of the four women had set aside some time to spend with Tess and the baby was very touching to her. "I do appreciate that." Listening to Phara's whispered comment, Tess had to hold herself back from glancing at Karinne. A small smile played around her lips. "I think it would be best to avoid for them to spend too much time together", Tess murmured back, half chuckling.

Reela then handed her a hot mug of tea which Tess accepted from her with a respectful nod and then looked over to Karinne as she explained what kind of tea they had selected. Lifting the mug to her nose she noticed the beverage smelt quite herbal but had something to it she didn't know yet. She took a small sip of it. The taste was very mild and fresh. "I like it a lot", Tess told Karinne and smiled.






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

Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Meridian - Clearing]

Appearing in a field next to a table and a planted flag Rayek had to contain a bit of a smirk.   "It feels like something is missing.. but I can't quite place it." he remarked in humour.

As typical for him, Rayek made sure to glance about.  It was especially notable this time because Rayek had been informed ahead of time that there would be shooters on site.   It was uncomfortable for the Romulan to 'feel' the cross hairs on him and not be able to do anything about them.

His first scan about showed only the Captain, Wessex and himself.  No sign of any shooters.. which Rayek knew as inaccurate.  It was concerning that his skills of detection had fallen so much.

A second study of the area... pointed out to him areas that he would have used to hide. 
He confirmed two locations but couldn't see to find a three or forth. 

He was glad that Tess had seemed to foregone the meeting... but no after a moment a holographic emitter padd appeared on the table.   Rayek frowned and moved forward to inspect it wondering if it was from Kurros - perhaps even implanted with a bomb.  But no, even as he reached for it, it activated and displayed a persons face and head in holographic 3D.  His wife. 

Rayek smothered is concerned reaction as a husband and tried to maintain just the demeanor of one of Katra's officers.  "Commander," he greeted, "Kurros has yet to arrive"

The first thing Tess saw once the connection was established was the face of her husband, looking directly at her. He seemed a little surprised and she thought to see a hint of concern flicker across his face before he steadied himself to acknowledge her dutifully. "Commander", she acknowledged him back, smiling slightly at him. "I think we all dread his arrival. Let's see what he wants." Tess didn't look her best. Very tired and paler than usual. She had taken a shower before this but hadn't felt much motivation to take care of her hair like she normally did, so they were done in a bun. Phara - who had accompanied her here and taken care of Fvienn while she had refreshed herself - was now in the adjoining living room, waiting to be of assistance should Tess need it. At the moment Fvienn was asleep in the crib next to her.

From the computer she had the option to let her holographic 3D self turn so she could take in her surroundings. She saw Captain Solluk and Lt. Wessex, to who Tess then too nodded.

Species: Ba'ku
"You explore the universe. We've found that a single moment in time can be a universe in itself."
Tess' biography (updated Nov 14th, 2020) - Previous name: Tess Moreno

Offline Don Damien Addams

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #216 on: November 21, 2020, 03:08:31 pm »
Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - LDU] (October 17th)

At the suggestion of tea and sharing baby caring advice, Tess sat up a little straighter in bed while she held Fvienn in her arms, rocking him gently. It had not taken long for the infant to fall back asleep. Frankly, Tess felt like sleeping, too. But she appreciated and enjoyed her Romulan Baby Welcome ceremony despite her tiredness.

While the women worked to prepare the tea Phara mentioned that they even had gifts. Tess beamed at them. "That is so nice of you." When the question came up if she wanted to open the gifts here or at home, Tess thought briefly about it. "I think it would be better if they would be brought to my quarters and I can open them when you come by." That chance also was higher that Rayek could be present for that. The announcement that each of the four women had set aside some time to spend with Tess and the baby was very touching to her. "I do appreciate that." Listening to Phara's whispered comment, Tess had to hold herself back from glancing at Karinne. A small smile played around her lips. "I think it would be best to avoid for them to spend too much time together", Tess murmured back, half chuckling.

Reela then handed her a hot mug of tea which Tess accepted from her with a respectful nod and then looked over to Karinne as she explained what kind of tea they had selected. Lifting the mug to her nose she noticed the beverage smelt quite herbal but had something to it she didn't know yet. She took a small sip of it. The taste was very mild and fresh. "I like it a lot", Tess told Karinne and smiled.






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

The first thing Tess saw once the connection was established was the face of her husband, looking directly at her. He seemed a little surprised and she thought to see a hint of concern flicker across his face before he steadied himself to acknowledge her dutifully. "Commander", she acknowledged him back, smiling slightly at him. "I think we all dread his arrival. Let's see what he wants." Tess didn't look her best. Very tired and paler than usual. She had taken a shower before this but hadn't felt much motivation to take care of her hair like she normally did, so they were done in a bun. Phara - who had accompanied her here and taken care of Fvienn while she had refreshed herself - was now in the adjoining living room, waiting to be of assistance should Tess need it. At the moment Fvienn was asleep in the crib next to her.

From the computer she had the option to let her holographic 3D self turn so she could take in her surroundings. She saw Captain Solluk and Lt. Wessex, to who Tess then too nodded.

[USS Healy]

The USS Healy was indeed sitting high above the planet Meridian as a big brother watching over the Thinker's shuttle as they waited for Kurros to beam down.

Kal leaned forward in his chair. "Stay high alert all times. Has the Thinker's shuttle showed they preparing to beam down....yet?" he asked. The hair stood up on his skin now. It felt ages for Kurros beamed down.

FIFTEEN MINUTES later which felt like an hour or so.----

Offline Solluk

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #217 on: November 21, 2020, 03:48:20 pm »

Surface of Meridian - Meeting Site

Solluk nodded at Wessex as he described the forces that had been arrayed in preparation for the possibility that Kurros would prove hostile here.  The addition of a kinetic kill weapon was a wise precaution.  He hoped none of it would be needed. 

Rayek and Beja arrived, and then Tess- in a manner of speaking.  Solluk knew that appropriate precautions had been taken for the holographic projector as well.  Still, even if only present by hologram, her attendance here so close to her delivery was astounding.  Her commitment to duty was unparallelled.  If anything ever happened to him, he had no doubt she could run Katra just as well as he... if not better.

Knowing that was a weight off of his mind.  If anything untoward did occur here, he had the best people in place to carry on.

"Well, it seems our party guests are almost all here.  Let's take our positions and wait for the guest of honor."

They did not have to wait long.



Kurros arrived in a flash- not the usual gradual materialization Solluk associated with normal transporter use.  Yet another indication of the technological superiority of the Thinkers.  It was an uncomfortable sensation to be faced with a foe who seemed able to outclass you in areas where you had considered yourself powerful.  The Federation was a technological powerhouse of cooperation between nearly 200 member worlds.  It was rare for them to encounter a species that seemed to exceed them in every way.

No... not every way.  The Thinkers were conniving traders and ruthless kidnappers.  No amount of technological superiority could overcome the willing cooperation of countless beings working towards a common goal.  Things might seem balanced against them now, but Solluk had to have faith that they'd overcome this challenge in the end.

"Ah," Kurros said, looking around at the environs, "How quaint.  On behalf of Thinkers, Inc., please allow me to thank you for receiving our envoy.  I realize there has been some difficulty in our relations in the past, but I hope we can leave the past behind us."

Solluk narrowed his gaze, "Our envoy?  You mean yourself, Kurros?"

Kurros smiled, "I am a replicant of Kurros, assigned to conduct negotiations on behalf of Thinkers, Inc.  I have all of the original Kurros' memories and skills, and when I return from this mission, my memories will be re-integrated with his."

Solluk's lips turned down at the corners of his mouth, in an expression of distaste.  "Worried that we might blow you out of the stars at first sight?"

Kurros nodded, "Quite.  Understandable, given past events.  But I am glad to see that did not transpire."

Solluk lifted his chin, "You kidnapped my personnel.  Took cellular samples and memories.  Impersonated them.  Impersonated our ship.  Then, when that didn't work, attempted sabotage and violence using planted agents or co-opted freighter Captains.  Our relationship with you people has been an endless series of unprovoked assaults."

Kurros hesitated a moment, then bowed his head, "I concede, again, our relationship has been fraught with... misunderstandings."

Solluk grimaced again.  "What is Thinkers, Incorporated?  Are you part of some larger government?"

"You could say that we are a government organized as a corporation.  Anyone can purchase stock and become part owners, gaining a vote in our affairs.  It's all very democratic and fair.  We were not always organized this way.  Originally, we were a small group of exceptional individuals who perceived that the galaxy was in danger.  We knew it would take an advanced plan, and the cooperation of the finest minds, in order to solve the problem.  We were not called Thinkers, incorporated at that time... nearly two hundred years ago.

It was an encounter with your Captain Janeway, only about a quarter of a century ago, that planted that gem.  It was also that encounter which convinced us we had to change tactics.  Limiting ourselves to voluntary exchange, casual recruitment, and small acts of manipulation was not acquiring the knowledge we needed quickly enough.  So, we established Thinkers, Incorporated.  We built a base of operations closer to the problem.  And we began more aggressively acquiring the knowledge we needed in order to save the galaxy."


Solluk shook his head, "Save the galaxy?  From what?"

"Captain... there is an ancient and powerful force which has been sleeping for some time.  Hidden away by powerful, long-dead jailers in a prison which even we, with all of our resources, were not able to access in time.  Now, that jail's walls have crumbled, and the powerful force hidden behind those walls has taken its first tentative steps out into the galaxy.  In their current state, weakened and finding their footing, this danger is nearly beyond us.  Soon, when they take stock of the current state of the galaxy, they will become unassailable by all but the most ruthless means.  This is what the Thinkers have been preparing for, for over a century.  That is why we have been trying to remove you, Captain."

Solluk's forehead creased.  The way Kurros spoke made the situation seem like a myth or fairy tale, rather than a real situation, "But why oppose us, then?  Why not tell us about the problem and work with us to solve it."

Kurros sighed, "I wish we could.  But the problem at hand requires ruthless, decisive action which the Federation is incapable of.  Starfleet is not an agency of aggressive action.  It is an agency in denial about the universe.  You believe that if you hope hard enough, everything can end with a peaceful resolution.

That is a pleasant fiction.  Thinkers, Incorporated must deal in reality.  We know what we must do.  We must marshal the forces available in this Quadrant to move in lockstep, and perform incredible acts of violence and sacrifice, in order to save the galaxy.  You, Captain... you and Starfleet, the Federation... you would try to build peaceful coalitions.  Move cautiously.  Try to have diplomatic relations.  You would slow the progress of the war, slow efforts to manipulate, dominate, and control the local powers.  Outlaw the taking of necessary resources and technologies.  You are a speed-bump on a race-track.  We can't have you.  You will be the death of us all."


Solluk scoffed, "If that is so... why are you here?"

Kurros smiled, "Katra station, the Federation's most forward presence in the quadrant, has proven unexpectedly difficult to remove.  So I am here to offer you a trade:  We will give you any technology you desire, if you will withdraw from the quadrant for a period of ten years.  This will allow us to do what we must.  To defeat the foe.  And then we will be happy to return the Trialus system to you and allow you to resume your exploration and expansion into the Gamma quadrant."

He leaned forward, "Almost anything you imagine could belong to the Federation, Captain: The most perfect Replicant technology- generations beyond what the Founders are capable of- so that no one ever needs to die.  Advanced Propulsion technology allowing your smallest shuttles to cross a light-year in a little over an hour.  Advanced Transporters that can reach from Earth to Pluto in the blink of an eye.  Advanced weapons that double the power of Quantum Torpedoes.  Ship repair systems that excrete replacement parts instantly to repair damaged systems and seal missing bulkheads.  Anything the Federation might want... if you just step aside for a single decade."






Katra Station - Operational Control Center

As Zex came in, the Operations officer on duty turned and addressed her.

"Oh, hello, Ensign.  You just missed the Counselor and Captain Solluk.   They've departed to the meeting site with the Thinkers on Meridian.  I know you've been meeting with the Tholians, so you may not have been briefed.

A Thinkers shuttle arrived under a flag of truce.  The Captain and the senior staff are meeting with Kurros, the Thinkers CEO, down on the planet's surface.   We are monitoring from orbit.  The Thinkers have tried dirty tricks before.  We could use someone else on the Auxiliary Science Station if you're free.  We're looking for anything sneaky, on any sensor frequency. 

Maybe they're being honest about their intentions, but if not, we need to be on alert."









USS Healy, in Orbit above Meridian near Katra Station

Soon enough, the sensors of the Healy would report that Kurros had beamed down to the planet's surface.  The meeting between the senior staff of Katra Station and the Thinkers was beginning.  This was a moment of high tension, as the Thinkers could attempt anything at any time.  With their technological superiority, there was no telling what they might be capable of. 

Fortunately, all of the Starfleet assets in the area were on high alert.  If the Thinkers wanted to try something, it would not be made easy for them.









Nimbus III - Coordinates: 25° 45' 42.0516'' N and 80° 11' 30.4368'' W

The Wonderland touched down in a nondescript patch of desert, whose only distinguishing feature was a collection of hover-trucks parked in a depression in the landscape.  The figures among the trucks parked here were hard-looking, world-worn men and women wearing loose desert garb which might conceal any amount of hidden weapons or devices.



"I am Duros," the apparent lead man said when Captain Moreno presented himself, "I recognize you from the image Regina sent us.  We will load your cargo quickly: Ten tons of Tetracellium Crystals, as agreed.  But be careful.  We just received word the Syndicate has been tracking recent unusual purchases of Tetracellium.  They have eyes everywhere.  They may know a large supply is in the area.  After we load you up, you'll need to make haste through the Wormhole to the Trialus system.  You'll be handing this off to another freighter called the Conundrum, in orbit of the Trialus sun."

Tetracellium was a rare and precious compound in the galaxy.  It shared five-dimensional physical properties with a handful of other elements, like dilithium or benamite, but its matrix extended far further into the fifth dimension than most of the others. 

Starfleet used the crystals in advanced sensor devices designed to study singularities, quantum filaments, and trans-dimensional anomalies. 

Other governments sometimes experimented with them while researching next-generation propulsion, or dimensional transporter technology. 

Because it was a five-dimensional meterial, it could not be replicated.  The only amount of it that existed in the galaxy was as a byproduct of the universe's moment of creation.  It was scattered in small quantities on a few dozen lucky systems, who could often support their entire economies off the sale of the deposits.  There was calculated to be less than a million tons of the crystal in the entire galaxy.  A few tons of it was worth enough to buy a moon. 

Nothing on this entire planet- indeed, nothing in the entire solar system- was likely to be worth as much as this shipment of Tetracellium.








« Last Edit: November 21, 2020, 03:57:02 pm by Solluk »
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Offline Finn Moreno

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #218 on: November 21, 2020, 06:33:46 pm »
[Nimus III]

Finn was used to shady places but this sort of nightly operation carried out by tough as nails armed Mars Legionairs was something else. It instantly made the freighter captain second guess his agreement.
Had it not been so lucrative, he would have stepped away.

"Is the stuff dangerous?" He asked obviously oblivious to the nature of his cargo.

With knitted brow and his hand close to his own phaser he watched as the ship was loaded. His own crew showed them where to put it.

Finn drew his tripple layered coat closer around him because the temperatures out here at night were dropping rapidly.
"I was told I get paid upfront."
The men and women weren't hiding their own weapons so he spotted one of them. Since he knew much more about phaser rifles than minerals, he asked. "Sell me the 2373..Looks like I could use it."

"We have to be careful. Keep everything powered up." Finn told Kathy's over the com badge.

Then he opened the loading doors and allowed the strangers to load his ship. Inside he trusted Juuran to keep an eye on them, while he was receiving a payment so large that it made him break out in nervous sweat.
Yet he told them. "Pleasure doing business with you. Anytime again."

It took a while but when everything was on board and the doors closed he let out a long cheer.
"We're rich, baby!"
Then he sat down in the pilot seat, fastened his seat belt and looked at Kathy and Juuran.
"Have you ever flown a ship through a worm hole?"
The wonderland took off with the precious cargo and a mostly inexperienced crew.
« Last Edit: November 22, 2020, 03:53:38 pm by Finn Moreno »

Offline Eli Ferris

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #219 on: November 21, 2020, 08:30:16 pm »
[USS Healy - Bridge]

“Gladly will do it,” Kal had replied. It seem the two work very well. That could be interesting to see. Kal had raised his display console up and over his lap. He had brought the scan of the other. Ship to see the design.

First he knew appearance can be very deceiving but he knew the ability of Healy. They could not trust them. He found a file on the Thinkers ships.

“Just curious why are they called Thinkers?” He had to ask.

“You know we can play their game if they seem to be a threat. There is a maneuver where you can set the ship to a very fast leap. The Thinkers will see our ship at the old spot but we can be behind them and take them surprise,” he paused. “We can ask them stop where they are until we see what Captain Solluk.”

Kal had even wanted to see if there was a file on the Thinkers. Did they went on Trial for their crime? That was something he want to know.

Funny, he was starting to enjoying this mission. But he had not like this other party. It was to soon. If they were Klingons there would be a chance they be blown up for crossing the border. An enemy usually stays as an enemy until it’s dead.
[U.S.S. Healy|Bridge|Prior to arrival at the planet]
Eli was running over scenarios in his own mind, taking in the officers on the Bridge and their ideas. Kal’s inexperience was merely an opportunity to refresh his own mind. To his credit, Kal was already asking questions.
“That is how they introduced themselves-the Thinkers or Think Tank. They strike me as always be duplicitous, and that makes me incredibly suspicious.” Eli glanced at Kal. “Even more suspicious than the average Romulan. But, their tech is not to be underestimated.”

He glanced at the readout, as the shuttle arrived. Kal took the appropriate steps for the escort, while Eli took in what he could of the Thinkers’ shuttle. Which, to be fair wasn’t a lot.


USS Healy, in Orbit above Meridian near Katra Station

Soon enough, the sensors of the Healy would report that Kurros had beamed down to the planet's surface.  The meeting between the senior staff of Katra Station and the Thinkers was beginning.  This was a moment of high tension, as the Thinkers could attempt anything at any time.  With their technological superiority, there was no telling what they might be capable of. 

Fortunately, all of the Starfleet assets in the area were on high alert.  If the Thinkers wanted to try something, it would not be made easy for them.
Eli didn’t like sitting around. Flying was one thing-he could plot courses, set plans and anticipate events. Here, he was tasked with a different level of anticipation.
Saqa7 had asked, prior to the rendezvous, what level of interference he had wanted. Part of him wanted to survey the whole planet, but would that be a reasonable use of their resources?
“Bring up the map of the area where their meeting is.” He walked over towards the main viewscreen, thinking.
“Are there any detectable emissions from their shuttle?”
Eli was trying to recall the last contact. It had been highly stressful, and his paranoia had been over the top. He had to create a measured way to balance his own worries. He would stick to the knowledge route.

Offline Beja

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #220 on: November 22, 2020, 12:03:40 am »
Katra Station - Surface of Meridian - Meeting Site

Honestly Beja couldn’t have even pretended to know what the Thinkers were wanting to discuss with this impromptu meeting, but what the clone spoke of wouldn’t have even made the list of possibilities she could have come up with. The Thinkers wanted them to leave for 10 years and then Starfleet could come back. Some enemy that the Thinkers needed 10 years to battle against before victory would be achieved?

Starfleet didn’t know a lot about the Thinkers, but from Beja’s personal experience with them, she wouldn’t have described them as lying. So if they were to assume the Thinkers were telling them the truth, the bigger question was, who was this enemy? And why would the Thinkers need 10 years to defeat this unknown entity?

Beja soaked in all the information and watched the others in the meeting to gauge their own response to everything. What would the Captain make of it all? And surely Solluk was not about to just leave the Gamma quadrant and have them all come back in a decade. Not even for the highest of technology did Beja think the Captain would agree to such an idea.




Offline Rayek trLhoell

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #221 on: November 22, 2020, 04:40:29 am »
Karinne t'Movel Phara t'MovelReela t'Hava and  Caleema t'Thraiin
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - LDU] (October 17th)


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

At the suggestion of tea and sharing baby caring advice, Tess sat up a little straighter in bed while she held Fvienn in her arms, rocking him gently. It had not taken long for the infant to fall back asleep. Frankly, Tess felt like sleeping, too. But she appreciated and enjoyed her Romulan Baby Welcome ceremony despite her tiredness.

While the women worked to prepare the tea Phara mentioned that they even had gifts. Tess beamed at them. "That is so nice of you." When the question came up if she wanted to open the gifts here or at home, Tess thought briefly about it. "I think it would be better if they would be brought to my quarters and I can open them when you come by." That chance also was higher that Rayek could be present for that. The announcement that each of the four women had set aside some time to spend with Tess and the baby was very touching to her. "I do appreciate that." Listening to Phara's whispered comment, Tess had to hold herself back from glancing at Karinne. A small smile played around her lips. "I think it would be best to avoid for them to spend too much time together", Tess murmured back, half chuckling.

Reela then handed her a hot mug of tea which Tess accepted from her with a respectful nod and then looked over to Karinne as she explained what kind of tea they had selected. Lifting the mug to her nose she noticed the beverage smelt quite herbal but had something to it she didn't know yet. She took a small sip of it. The taste was very mild and fresh. "I like it a lot", Tess told Karinne and smiled.

When Reela had handed over the tea for Tess, Caleema offered to hold Fvienn while she drank her tea, warning that it was always wisest to not get into the habit of drinking hot liquids while holding the baby - their skin was far too susceptible to burns and the baby would eventually try reaching for the hot mug themselves. 
 
Caleema would also note the loosely wrapped blanket around the baby and comment on it. "I can't be certain of your species.. but Romulan infants settle easier if they are swaddled tightly for the first few weeks after birth.. it reminds them of the comfort of being in the womb.  Children that are left unwrapped and tend to flail when they sleep and if the blanket covers the face they could suffocate.  Swaddle the baby tightly."   Tess might recall this was a piece of advice from Dennix' pre-natal class as well.

If permitted she would offer to check Fvienn's diaper and show Tess how to swaddle him properly.


Lt Cmdr Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Meridian - Clearing]

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

The first thing Tess saw once the connection was established was the face of her husband, looking directly at her. He seemed a little surprised and she thought to see a hint of concern flicker across his face before he steadied himself to acknowledge her dutifully. "Commander", she acknowledged him back, smiling slightly at him. "I think we all dread his arrival. Let's see what he wants." Tess didn't look her best. Very tired and paler than usual. She had taken a shower before this but hadn't felt much motivation to take care of her hair like she normally did, so they were done in a bun. Phara - who had accompanied her here and taken care of Fvienn while she had refreshed herself - was now in the adjoining living room, waiting to be of assistance should Tess need it. At the moment Fvienn was asleep in the crib next to her.

From the computer she had the option to let her holographic 3D self turn so she could take in her surroundings. She saw Captain Solluk and Lt. Wessex, to who Tess then too nodded.


Surface of Meridian - Meeting Site



Kurros arrived in a flash- not the usual gradual materialization Solluk associated with normal transporter use.  Yet another indication of the technological superiority of the Thinkers.  It was an uncomfortable sensation to be faced with a foe who seemed able to outclass you in areas where you had considered yourself powerful.  The Federation was a technological powerhouse of cooperation between nearly 200 member worlds.  It was rare for them to encounter a species that seemed to exceed them in every way.

No... not every way.  The Thinkers were conniving traders and ruthless kidnappers.  No amount of technological superiority could overcome the willing cooperation of countless beings working towards a common goal.  Things might seem balanced against them now, but Solluk had to have faith that they'd overcome this challenge in the end.

"Ah," Kurros said, looking around at the environs, "How quaint.  On behalf of Thinkers, Inc., please allow me to thank you for receiving our envoy.  I realize there has been some difficulty in our relations in the past, but I hope we can leave the past behind us."

Solluk narrowed his gaze, "Our envoy?  You mean yourself, Kurros?"

Kurros smiled, "I am a replicant of Kurros, assigned to conduct negotiations on behalf of Thinkers, Inc.  I have all of the original Kurros' memories and skills, and when I return from this mission, my memories will be re-integrated with his."

Solluk's lips turned down at the corners of his mouth, in an expression of distaste.  "Worried that we might blow you out of the stars at first sight?"

Kurros nodded, "Quite.  Understandable, given past events.  But I am glad to see that did not transpire."

Solluk lifted his chin, "You kidnapped my personnel.  Took cellular samples and memories.  Impersonated them.  Impersonated our ship.  Then, when that didn't work, attempted sabotage and violence using planted agents or co-opted freighter Captains.  Our relationship with you people has been an endless series of unprovoked assaults."

Kurros hesitated a moment, then bowed his head, "I concede, again, our relationship has been fraught with... misunderstandings."

Solluk grimaced again.  "What is Thinkers, Incorporated?  Are you part of some larger government?"

"You could say that we are a government organized as a corporation.  Anyone can purchase stock and become part owners, gaining a vote in our affairs.  It's all very democratic and fair.  We were not always organized this way.  Originally, we were a small group of exceptional individuals who perceived that the galaxy was in danger.  We knew it would take an advanced plan, and the cooperation of the finest minds, in order to solve the problem.  We were not called Thinkers, incorporated at that time... nearly two hundred years ago.

It was an encounter with your Captain Janeway, only about a quarter of a century ago, that planted that gem.  It was also that encounter which convinced us we had to change tactics.  Limiting ourselves to voluntary exchange, casual recruitment, and small acts of manipulation was not acquiring the knowledge we needed quickly enough.  So, we established Thinkers, Incorporated.  We built a base of operations closer to the problem.  And we began more aggressively acquiring the knowledge we needed in order to save the galaxy."


Solluk shook his head, "Save the galaxy?  From what?"

"Captain... there is an ancient and powerful force which has been sleeping for some time.  Hidden away by powerful, long-dead jailers in a prison which even we, with all of our resources, were not able to access in time.  Now, that jail's walls have crumbled, and the powerful force hidden behind those walls has taken its first tentative steps out into the galaxy.  In their current state, weakened and finding their footing, this danger is nearly beyond us.  Soon, when they take stock of the current state of the galaxy, they will become unassailable by all but the most ruthless means.  This is what the Thinkers have been preparing for, for over a century.  That is why we have been trying to remove you, Captain."

Solluk's forehead creased.  The way Kurros spoke made the situation seem like a myth or fairy tale, rather than a real situation, "But why oppose us, then?  Why not tell us about the problem and work with us to solve it."

Kurros sighed, "I wish we could.  But the problem at hand requires ruthless, decisive action which the Federation is incapable of.  Starfleet is not an agency of aggressive action.  It is an agency in denial about the universe.  You believe that if you hope hard enough, everything can end with a peaceful resolution.

That is a pleasant fiction.  Thinkers, Incorporated must deal in reality.  We know what we must do.  We must marshal the forces available in this Quadrant to move in lockstep, and perform incredible acts of violence and sacrifice, in order to save the galaxy.  You, Captain... you and Starfleet, the Federation... you would try to build peaceful coalitions.  Move cautiously.  Try to have diplomatic relations.  You would slow the progress of the war, slow efforts to manipulate, dominate, and control the local powers.  Outlaw the taking of necessary resources and technologies.  You are a speed-bump on a race-track.  We can't have you.  You will be the death of us all."


Solluk scoffed, "If that is so... why are you here?"

Kurros smiled, "Katra station, the Federation's most forward presence in the quadrant, has proven unexpectedly difficult to remove.  So I am here to offer you a trade:  We will give you any technology you desire, if you will withdraw from the quadrant for a period of ten years.  This will allow us to do what we must.  To defeat the foe.  And then we will be happy to return the Trialus system to you and allow you to resume your exploration and expansion into the Gamma quadrant."

He leaned forward, "Almost anything you imagine could belong to the Federation, Captain: The most perfect Replicant technology- generations beyond what the Founders are capable of- so that no one ever needs to die.  Advanced Propulsion technology allowing your smallest shuttles to cross a light-year in a little over an hour.  Advanced Transporters that can reach from Earth to Pluto in the blink of an eye.  Advanced weapons that double the power of Quantum Torpedoes.  Ship repair systems that excrete replacement parts instantly to repair damaged systems and seal missing bulkheads.  Anything the Federation might want... if you just step aside for a single decade."

The sudden flash of arrival had the already tense Romulan, flinching and stepping back into a defensive martial arts posture anticipating an attack.  It was only a moment later, after an immediate attack didn't occur, that Rayek grimaced at his display and moved back into his At-Ease stance beside the Captain.

He listened to the conversation between 'Kurros' and the Captain without interrupting.  That the man was a replicant of the original wasn't surprising at all to Rayek.  He'd have been more surprised if it hadn't been a clone. 

The history of the Think Tank group was noted and would be reported out to Starfleet Intelligence for addition to their files on the organization.  The notion of a galaxy-wide threat almost seemed laughable except that the replicant seemed dead serious. 

The Thinkers' view of Starfleet and their means of dealing with threats was all too familiar to Rayek.  It was view that he often struggled with himself - that Starfleet wasted so much time and energy in 'playing nice' when the situation obviously could be resolved so much simpler and faster with a bit of coercive force.  It was the Romulan way of thinking.... something he was trying to get out of.  To hear it from the Thinker replicant left Rayek feeling uncomfortable.  He didn't like it that his own outlook was so much like theirs. 

When the 'Kurros' replicant finished up with his offer of technological advancement in exchange for 10 years away from the Gamma Quadrant, Rayek had to wonder what their ultimate plan was to defeat this threat.   He glanced to the Captain, but doubted the Vulcan would show much reaction. 

If they agreed... what would be changed in the Quadrant?  How would those that remained be changed by those 10 years?

Mrht Heis'he ehl'ein qiuu
Rayek's BIO : Romulan male. 6'1" (1.8m)

Offline Paul Wessex

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #222 on: November 22, 2020, 06:48:47 am »
<Meridian - Clearing>

Eel. Yes, that was the right word for him.

It was only by virtue of his centuries-old, almost genetic, disposition of a stiff-upper lip that prevented Paul from jumping from alarm at the instantaneous appearance from Kurros; Paul couldn't blame him, he supposed. He was also grateful the rifle-team had the presence of temperance not to fire at the surprised flare of light. Clearly, he made the decision to beam down himself rather than subject to the transmat offered by Katra.

But any sense of devil's advocate evaporated as the smug, yet faux-deferentially oily smile unfurled itself like a surprise gift wrapped in a luxurious carpet waiting to be rolled open.

Standing at-rest, similarly to the Second Officer, whom Wessex had developed a lot of respect for, he listened to the matter at hand, trying to keep all expression of surprise and distaste buried in the depths of his professionalism. Tales of a dark and terrible enemy. Yarns about how the Thinkers thought themselves as the great Grand Admirals of the Galaxy to combat this Delphic threat. Shanties about how the Federation was an obstacle to resolving the matter to a positive outcome. Okay, Starfleet. Which wasn't a particularly unfair comment - from a NavPat's perspective, Starfleet had been central to much of the matters across the Quadrants; granted, a lot of good had come from their exploratory guile among the stars...but it was also true that much of the Federation's tragedies had come from Starfleet's temerarious actions to matters that should not be unilaterally decided. As a counterpoint, since the terrible actions of Earth's navies during World War III, NavPat had certainly not started any systems-spanning conflicts themselves...

So as Kurros finished his offer, Paul tried hard not to frown - he felt strongly this was not a decision Captain Solluk and the senior staff should be making. To roll up operations in the Gamma Quadrant was a decision that should be made at the highest levels.

While he had every confidence a decision made at this table would be reflected by an official verdict up the chain, the fact remained that this was a matter for the Federation at large - too many factors rested upon something of this magnitude.

Offline Tess tLhoell

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #223 on: November 22, 2020, 08:18:50 am »
Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - LDU] (October 17th)

Karinne t'Movel Phara t'MovelReela t'Hava and  Caleema t'Thraiin
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - LDU] (October 17th)


When Reela had handed over the tea for Tess, Caleema offered to hold Fvienn while she drank her tea, warning that it was always wisest to not get into the habit of drinking hot liquids while holding the baby - their skin was far too susceptible to burns and the baby would eventually try reaching for the hot mug themselves. 
 
Caleema would also note the loosely wrapped blanket around the baby and comment on it. "I can't be certain of your species.. but Romulan infants settle easier if they are swaddled tightly for the first few weeks after birth.. it reminds them of the comfort of being in the womb.  Children that are left unwrapped and tend to flail when they sleep and if the blanket covers the face they could suffocate.  Swaddle the baby tightly."   Tess might recall this was a piece of advice from Dennix' pre-natal class as well.

If permitted she would offer to check Fvienn's diaper and show Tess how to swaddle him properly.

Tess looked to Caleema when she took Fvienn while Tess was sipping at the tea, feeling caught a little by the Romulan woman. When she then commented on the blanket, Tess nodded. She probably should have declined the tea first before she had swaddled Fvienn. Despite her knowing how to swaddle a baby how Dennix had showed them, Tess was so polite to pay attention anyways. And it was quite interesting since there seemed to be different styles of swaddling.

"Hann'yyo (*thank you)", Tess smiled at her with a slight dip of her head.

The following hour, Tess learned a lot more from the experienced mothers. Tess would have to thank Phara later for having arranged this and how much she had enjoyed to experience a very special bit of Romulan culture.








Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell
[Katra Station - Deck 22 - s'Lhoell quarters] (October 17th - later that day)

The sudden appearance of Kurros surprised even Tess although it didn't have that much of a strong effect on her because she wasn't personally there. With growing skepticism she followed Kurros' report. Tess could not help but doubt his statements. He was vague and made promises that no one knew if he could or would ever keep. Everything about his account made her stomach ache as she tried to fight the leaden fatigue that seemed to weigh even harder on her after the hot shower.

Tess also knew immediately that Kurros was asking them to make a decision that they could not make. But she did not want to hide her doubts. However, she addressed them to her captain, and not to Kurros.

"Captain, in all these many words, there was very little substantial information, not to speak of proof. We do not know who or what this mysterious superior power is, or if it even exists. Nor do we know who were those who apparently have been successful in fighting this power and how they did it. Besides, I don't deny that it would be tempting and useful to have even one of these highly developed technologies, but the knowledge of these technologies has been stolen by force." Tess voice shook only slightly, but she had to make a brief pause to clear her throat. Memories of her time in the Thinkers headquarters swapped to the surface, memories that still got to her.

"I'm not sure that the situation described justifies us doing business with a criminal organization like Thinkers, Incorporated."

Species: Ba'ku
"You explore the universe. We've found that a single moment in time can be a universe in itself."
Tess' biography (updated Nov 14th, 2020) - Previous name: Tess Moreno

Offline Solluk

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Re: S2 M10 - Advenæ
« Reply #224 on: November 22, 2020, 04:02:30 pm »

Surface of Meridian - Meeting Site

Solluk listened to Tess, and then turned his attention back to Kurros.   

Replicant Kurros.   

Who knows... maybe no one had ever met the real Kurros.

"In order for there to be any chance at an agreement," Solluk said, "there must first be trust.  But there is no trust between us, Kurros.  You've given us no evidence that what you say is true."



"And what would be sufficient to convince you of a power capable of destroying the galaxy, Captain?" Kurros asked, "Why surely, only the destruction of the galaxy would be sufficient evidence.  And that would hardly be useful."

Solluk frowned, "So you expect us to take everything you say on faith?"

Kurros smiled, "No.  I expect you to act in self-interest.  Choose a technology.  Dominate the other quadrants of the galaxy, if you wish.  Or sing songs of peace and joy.  Just get out of our way.  It's a simple transaction."

Solluk's lips turned down at the corners of his mouth, in an expression of distaste.  "Nothing is simple if you can't be trusted to hold your end."

Kurros nodded, "Of course.  We'll let you test the tech we give you, before you withdraw.  How about that?"

Solluk gritted his teeth, and then forced his jaw to relax, "If it were up to me, there is nothing you could offer to make us go away.  I would not surrender the people of this quadrant to your tender mercies for one year, let alone ten.  I certainly would not trust you to withdraw at the end of it.  And given what we know of your Thinkers, Kurros, you are as grave a threat to this galaxy as any I can imagine, and that includes the Borg."

Kurros laughed, "Then I think you need a better imagination.  What if I told you that you are already familiar with this threat?  Do you remember an entity who called himself... Sargon?  Do they still teach about him at your Academy?"

Solluk couldn't recall such a person, beyond remembering an ancient Earth figure by that name.  But surely that had nothing to do with this.  He looked to his companions at the Federation side of the table, a question in his eyes.  Do any of you know what he's talking about?





Katra Station - Operational Control Center

On the Science consoles in the room, an odd waveform appeared for a second on one of the lateral scientific arrays.  Usually, the array measured subspace particulates.  Today, it had been re-tasked to focus solely on Kurros' shuttle which was 'parked' in orbit.  The waveform was brief, and then gone.  It was so brief as to have possibly been an aberration.  An error of measurement...








USS Healy, in Orbit above Meridian near Katra Station

Aboard the Healy, the Ops and Science consoles simultaneously detected something different.  The temperature of the shuttle's power core increased by 72 degrees for one second.  Then, it gradually returned to normal.  The increase of temperature suggested that the core had momentarily produced additional energy.  However, there was nothing obvious to show where that energy might have gone.  The shuttle remained in stationary orbit.  Nothing seemed to be amiss.









Nimbus III - Coordinates: 25° 45' 42.0516'' N and 80° 11' 30.4368'' W



"I suppose so," Duros said, taking out a PADD and tapping some icons, "If you're not properly armed, you might not get far.  I'll deduct the price from your payment."  He nodded to his man, who came over, and then spoke to him in a language that somehow was impervious to translation.  The man nodded in reply, and then loaded his personal rifle and even his sidearm with the rest of the cargo. 

"Your thumb-print here, and the cargo and payment will be transferred to your Federation credit account."



Not long after, the cargo loading was completed.  With no official traffic control to contend with, the Wonderland was free to go on their way.  There were no hostile forces in sight, and no danger presented itself on sensors.   However, when the Wonderland broke orbit with the goods, three vessels were indeed waiting for them.  While the Wonderland saw nothing amiss, these ships received an alert on their sensor scopes. 



The vessels were Syndicate stealth ships, known in the underworld as the 'Eclipse Class,' used when the Syndicate needed to exert some overt muscle without being noticed.  The Eclipse was covered in what was commonly known as a 'Sensor Sheath.'  This coating prevented detection on long-range sensors, and made even short-range sensor locks difficult.  As long as the ships didn't use any active sensors, or fire weapons, they were exceedingly difficult to detect.   

However, this stealth did come at a cost.  Their warp drives were fully enclosed internal models, and could not be operated at high-warp without cooking the personnel on-board.   That meant they were limited to Warp 5.  With most prey, that wasn't a grave danger.  Common freighters couldn't go very fast, and could be disabled before they got far.  But a few newer models, like this speed-freighter, were problematic.  They were almost as fast as Federation cruisers.





"Racer One to Racer Two and Three," Vettice said over their encrypted channel, "I have target on passive lock.  Follow me in close pursuit.  We will wait for them to begin to engage their warp engines, and then fire controlled phaser bursts to disable their warp core.   Remember: We need that cargo.  So, minimal fire only.  Once their core is down, we'll initiate Quick Transport of boarding parties."

Each of the Eclipses had one pilot in the cockpit, and two boarders in a cramped space behind the cockpit.  The cramped conditions weren't the reason why few volunteered to be boarders.  The craft wasn't made for long trips, and used a mother-ship to move between systems.  That meant the 'boarding chamber' didn't have to be endured for long.

No, comfort was a secondary concern.   The primary concern was the 'Quick Transport.'  In order to board a ship as quickly as possible, all safeties were removed from the transport process.  It was one quick burst, and if anything went wrong, there was nothing to save you.  About one in every hundred transports resulted in a fatality due to failure to materialize.  One in every thousand resulted in a fatality due to transporting inside a solid object... or worse, a scrambled pattern.

Some people with a sense of historical irony had called the boarders 'Forlorn Hopes.'  Men and women willing to risk a hideous demise for a chance at a fat paycheck.  Those who made it might never need to do it again.  Not only would they get a year's salary in one go, but they'd be promoted to a better job.  That was the lure. 

Still, Vettice wouldn't have done that job for all the latinum in the galaxy.  A botched transport was the worst way to go.  Anyone willing to risk that was crazy.

"Reading buildup to warp.  Fire on Three... Two... One... MARK!"








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