S2 - M9A - Katra - Snake in the Garden

[Paul Wessex]

"You aint got nuffin' on me"

That was the defiant claim by the young Bajoran girl that had been brought to Wessex by Lina Parcetti. Her face, creased with indignation to match her natural ridges, portrayed none of the hardship that her people had endured almost half-a-century ago; Paul had been too young to see the suffering for himself, but the people of Bajor wore their triumphant strength of spirit and determination as a rallying cry. Clearly the hardiness was a trait chiselled deep into their DNA.

Folding his arms and adopting an almost bemused expression, Wessex countered her bold protestation. "Other than the bulging pockets of...", he made theatrics of peering over her, into the said, inky receptacles, "is that a Spican flame gem? A little young to be in the gemstone trade."

"Its me mam's" came the not unexpected defence. "Carry it around for good luck, innit."

Paul nodded sagely. "Well, it's not done very well for you today has it, Miss. Crewman Parcetti here will take you to the Security Office where you can detail all the...good luck charms..."

The girl looked like she wanted to kick him in the shin and make a run for it, but both he and Lina had sufficient angle and reach to inhibit any escape. So instead she jutted her jaw out in bravado and allowed his colleague to escort her to the nearest station. Wessex wondered, briefly, if a pair of shoes would, incredulously, make up part of her spoils.

Turning back to the crowd to continue to monitor the gathered mass, Paul realised he had just tensed up, half-expecting to again be hoisted into the air by a thunderous assailant. And briefly - just briefly - he missed sitting at his station aboard a NavPat boat.

[Tess tLhoell]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell (7 months pregnant)
[Katra Station - Promenade - Morning of day 5]

Tess' eyes finally found Ensign Wessex who was in a conversation with a little Bajoran girl. Then her gaze found Kol and one of the Dord ambassadors - they all looked pretty much the same, Tess wasn't able to make out who it was from this distance. She also saw the Numati waiting to hear what was said. Tess tried to find out if there were some Meridians among the crowd, but for now she couldn't see any.

When it was time to begin her speech, Tess stepped up on the little podium that had been set up for this matter and the video screens throughout the promenade would show her as well.
Tess took a moment to look through the crowd while she tried to look not as nervous as she felt. She knew it was important for her to come across confident. Taking in another calming breath she smiledd and made out a face - someone random - who looked friendly at her. She would orientate herself on that person to help her get through the speech.

"On behalf of the station's command team, I would like to thank you all for coming in such large numbers to attend this announcement.

As most of you are probably aware, in the last few weeks some Meridians have developed a condition characterized by seizures. Not least because of a seizure suffered by the local reporter Kit Kincaid yesterday, fears were raised among the population that the disease could be contagious.

I stand before you today to address some of these fears and to inform you of our current findings regarding the situation. Transparency and openness are very important to the command team and I believe that as First Officer and Chief Medical Officer I am qualified to answer your questions satisfactorily.

The question that probably occupies most people is whether the disease is contagious. The answer is: no. To transmit a disease, the presence of viruses or bacteria is necessary. This is not the case in all cases examined.

We are able to treat the disease. At the moment we are working intensively with a competent team to find out the cause of the disease and thus prevent the occurrence of the it.

The fact that up to now it has only been Meridians that suffer from this particular form of seizure suggests that the cause lies in a detail of their physiology." Tess faltered when a thought suddenly occurred to her. It had been clear to her before, but now that she said it out loud, it set something in her motion. A detail of her physiology ...

A faint murmur in the crowd made it clear to her that the pause had probably been too long, so she quickly continued speaking. "Another question that has been on some people's minds is whether the incident with Miss Kit Kincaid was related to Meridian Disease. This I can deny. In the examinations we conducted, no parallels to the disease pattern were found."

"So you're telling us it was a coincidence?"

Tess faltered again. The interjection irritated her briefly. Tess looked in the direction from which it had come and saw that it was Mrs. Papadopulos, the wife of the owner of the local Greek restaurant 'Alpha & Omega'. "The causes that can trigger a seizure are very diverse and also very individual. However, I can tell you with certainty that it had nothing to do with the presence of President Tarin."

"With what then?", the rather indignant woman asked.

"My doctor-patient confidentiality prevents me from discussing this here." Tess could tell by the incredulous look on the woman's face that she did not really believe her.

Tess tore her gaze away from her, while her heart started pounding hard in her chest after all. It was almost done. Hopefully ...

"Are there any more questions I can answer for you?," she asked the group.

Riov (Commander) Kemala t'Lhoell of the New Romulus Republic
[ChR Vauthil - Romulan space - Commanding officer's office]

NPC Major Telmuk tr'Lhoell
[Tryka system - Tryka IV - capital city]

Telmuk knew, his sister was being far too naive - to think that their brother even if alive would ever be welcomed back.  It was more than just that those who fled like cowards after Hobus had no place among the Rihannsu; if Rayek somehow escaped Faicol lhui then his return would be met with death because of his past among the Tal'Shiar.   One did not 'retire' from this type of service - and one certainly wasn't permitted to just leave it.

On top of all that, Telmuk was hindered in what he could divulge to his sister. While Kemala might be aware of Rayek's past service with the Tal'Shiar, he knew his own current service was still kept hidden from her.  She would not understand -  his loyalty to such an organization on the eve of reformation.

If this 'relocated Romulan' was his brother, Telmuk would be obligated to inform his superior.  He didn't see that conversation going well.

Telmuk watched his sister's attention focus elsewhere on her screen.  She had received some message and evidently thought it was important enough to leave him just waiting.  When she finally looked back to him, it was him who was distracted by an image of a human woman she sent to him.  The woman's name was Tess.  But that seemed to be all that his sister knew.  Yet that didn't seem to deter her any.

"Kemala, I think you are being conned and it's going to cause nothing but trouble... but continue to pass on anything you or she finds out." he advised.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noted his informant across the street, moving on.  "I gotta go for now.  Be careful."

He waited until she acknowledge his warning, then closed the comm.  He then continued his tailing of the informant.  As he did so he sent a message to his superior requesting an in person meet either later that night or for in morning.  Telmuk had some questions to ask.

Telmuk's warning was met with a defiant pout as Kemala regarded her brother on the screen. The pout turned into a small grin when he advised her to send any more information to him. So he was curious about this too.

When he then started to finish the call, Kemala leaned forward with a nod. "I will do that. And you take care. I will contact you soon. Jolan tru, dinam."

Kemala flopped back in her seat, staring at a random spot pensively. Of course she was aware that it was dangerous to try and bring Rayek back home. But there had to be a way to redeem him. Times had changed. Now could be the right time to reunite their family.

Blood was thicker than water, after all.

Riov (General) Vandar - Tal'Shiar Operative
[Tryka system - Tryka IV - capital city - secret Tal'Shiar headquarters]

Vandar observed as the bright orange liquid slowly filled the tumbler in his hand. The distinct smell of the alcoholic beverage filled his nose although he had not yet put the glass on his lips. It was almost midnight and yet he had another meeting coming up in his office. Vandar didn't feel tired. Decades of service in the Tal'Shiar had pretty much ruined his sleep schedule - if he ever have had something like that. He couldn't remember. It was too long ago.

The man he awaited her for a briefing was Telmuk tr'Lhoell. It was almost ironic that he would deal with a member of that family still today. He recalled vividly his time with the man's older brother, Rayek. Though the brothers were not very alike. At least not from his point of view. Rayek had been obstreperous, hard to control. Telmuk was different. He had been shaped into a decent agent in a way Vandar would have wanted Rayek to go as well. But things had developed differently.

And so it was that Vandar still worked with telepaths. Just that Telmuk had been formed in a way that it served the Empire- ... the Romulan Republic. Vandar grimaced. Oh yes, times had changed indeed. Even the Tal'Shiar wasn't anymore what it used to be. Having to fight for dominance with multiple fractions that had formed after their homeworld was destroyed. Usually the Tal'Shiar agents liked to pretend that their influence and power was the same as it had been, but Vandar was grounded enough to see that it wasn't that way. Which did not mean that he didn't want to restore that state. That was why he was here.

When Major tr'Lhoell had contacted him to meet with him, Vandar's hopes were high that the man's investigations had brought some information in the obversations of an alliance that opposed the Tal'Shiar and operated here on Tryka IV. Right now, he was waiting for Telmuk's arrival.

With satisfaction Vandar tasted the strong aroma of the beverage after he had taken a sip from it. Hopefully Telmuk's report would satisfy him just as much.

[Paul Wessex]

[Katra Station - Promenade - Morning of day 5]

A faint murmur in the crowd made it clear to her that the pause had probably been too long, so she quickly continued speaking. "Another question that has been on some people's minds is whether the incident with Miss Kit Kincaid was related to Meridian Disease. This I can deny. In the examinations we conducted, no parallels to the disease pattern were found."

"So you're telling us it was a coincidence?"

Tess faltered again. The interjection irritated her briefly. Tess looked in the direction from which it had come and saw that it was Mrs. Papadopulos, the wife of the owner of the local Greek restaurant 'Alpha & Omega'. "The causes that can trigger a seizure are very diverse and also very individual. However, I can tell you with certainty that it had nothing to do with the presence of President Tarin."

"With what then?", the rather indignant woman asked.

"My doctor-patient confidentiality prevents me from discussing this here." Tess could tell by the incredulous look on the woman's face that she did not really believe her.

Tess tore her gaze away from her, while her heart started pounding hard in her chest after all. It was almost done. Hopefully ...

"Are there any more questions I can answer for you?,"she asked the group.

Despite spending most of his career, even his life, under the surface of an ocean, Paul knew the signs of a brewing storm; of the gradual building of sea swells would eventually transform into truly staggering waves of terrifying height and power.

This also applied to crowd behaviour, and as Commander t'Lhoell delivered her public health message, the winds of fear, paranoia and speculation began to pick up. Wessex didn't envy t'Lhoell's role, as First Officer and Chief Medical Office, in a health emergency, but he felt - if it were ever in his remit to be asked - she had handled the interjections with poise and professionalism.

Unfortunately, that meant little to the audience.

As the tremors in the air began to pick up, and visible signs of unrest were beginning to manifest, Paul looked towards his fellow Security colleagues, ready to provide some guidance and instruction as to what actions to make ready.

But, he was troubled to see signs of worry, concern and unsettlement on some of their faces also. Could it be that they had been through much in their time aboard, that they too were unsure of their First Officer's reassuring words? That they had seen enough to believe that this was an attempt to cover up the truth? Paul couldn't quite bring himself to accept that, so perhaps it was the mere spectre of a mysterious, airborne pathogen that rattled the cages of even these stoic members of Katra's guardians.

And if they fell prey to their panic...what chance could the rest have at halting that tempest of fear?

[Solluk]

Katra Station - Promenade

A Bajoran in the crowd raised her hand.  "Ria Yoris, Bajoran Galactic News.  Commander, if the cause of this Meridian illness is not a contagion, is it possible there is some environmental factor at work?  And if so, could there be a toxin on the station which they are susceptible to?  And if so, might other species fall victim to this toxin eventually?"

A small cybernetic implant just under her right eye gleamed, recording Tess in high-resolution holoformat for the viewers on Bajor and beyond.

Noh'ves shuffled his way through the crowd, stopping close to the podium.  He watched his executive officer to see what she might say.  One reporter stepped up to him when they noticed him in attendance.  As they opened their mouth to ask him a question, he turned and growled, "Silence.  The Commander holds the field."

Then he looked again towards the podium.

[Rayek trLhoell]

NPC Major Telmuk tr'Lhoell
[Tryka system - Tryka IV - capital city - secret Tal'Shiar headquarters ]

Riov (General) Vandar - Tal'Shiar Operative
[Tryka system - Tryka IV - capital city - secret Tal'Shiar headquarters]

Vandar observed as the bright orange liquid slowly filled the tumbler in his hand. The distinct smell of the alcoholic beverage filled his nose although he had not yet put the glass on his lips. It was almost midnight and yet he had another meeting coming up in his office. Vandar didn't feel tired. Decades of service in the Tal'Shiar had pretty much ruined his sleep schedule - if he ever have had something like that. He couldn't remember. It was too long ago.

The man he awaited here for a briefing was Telmuk tr'Lhoell. It was almost ironic that he would deal with a member of that family still today. He recalled vividly his time with the man's older brother, Rayek. Though the brothers were not very alike. At least not from his point of view. Rayek had been obstreperous, hard to control. Telmuk was different. He had been shaped into a decent agent in a way Vandar would have wanted Rayek to go as well. But things had developed differently.

And so it was that Vandar still worked with telepaths. Just that Telmuk had been formed in a way that it served the Empire- ... the Romulan Republic. Vandar grimaced. Oh yes, times had changed indeed. Even the Tal'Shiar wasn't anymore what it used to be. Having to fight for dominance with multiple fractions that had formed after their homeworld was destroyed. Usually the Tal'Shiar agents liked to pretend that their influence and power was the same as it had been, but Vandar was grounded enough to see that it wasn't that way. Which did not mean that he didn't want to restore that state. That was why he was here.

When Major tr'Lhoell had contacted him to meet with him, Vandar's hopes were high that the man's investigations had brought some information in the obversations of an alliance that opposed the Tal'Shiar and operated here on Tryka IV. Right now, he was waiting for Telmuk's arrival.

With satisfaction Vandar tasted the strong aroma of the beverage after he had taken a sip from it. Hopefully Telmuk's report would satisfy him just as much.

Telmuk arrived at the office building located adjacent to the market.  The building looked like any other on the street.  It's architecture designed to be reminiscent of the home they'd lost.  But it's exterior and lobby were the extent of it's similarity.  For the building housed the hidden headquarters of the Tal'Shiar.  The organization originally a policing force under the oversight of the Praetor, now was just another political faction attempting to keep it's influence and control.  A hidden faction that played the other splintered Romulan governments against one another so that they could once more be the power behind the government.

Nodding to the male receptionist in the lobby, who Telmuk knew from study of his record was a trained assassin, Telmuk announced his appointment time with the 'senior financial advisor'.   He could have entered the building through one of its secret entrances but given the time of day there was no reason for the added level of care.  Telmuk's cover was that he was a financial advisor and part-time officer in the Deuteus Alliance interstellar militia.

After a quick bio-scan, which the receptionist took note of, Telmuk was granted access past the lobby and into the offices beyond.  The Tal'Shiar Aendeh (*Major) made his way along the familiar route to Riov Vandar's office, knowing that his arrival had been announced.   As such when he presented himself at the door, it slid open automatically to show the Riov seated at his desk drinking.  The tumbler in the Vandar's hand held a bright orange liquid that Telmuk immediately recognized as Votacus a type of Trykan spirit - similar to whiskey - made from a specific grain native to the planet.  A pleasant tasting drink.

Telmuk offered a salute to the Tal'Shiar General here in private "" a show of respect that he never was able to display when they met in public.  He remaining standing afterward waiting to be acknowledged.

Following that, Telmuk handed over the intell he'd been given by the Republic officer earlier.  Only after that was passed on did Telmuk broach the reason he'd asked for this meeting.

"Riov, I bring news that I dared not risk others intercepting."  He knew full well that Vandar would have checked over the office prior to the meeting, yet still the urge to check for himself was nearly overwhelming.

"It would seem that my brother is alive."

Telmuk would then summarize how his sister had contacted him after being contact herself by an old family acquaintance who had been contacted in regards to the fate of their father"¦ along with the information that Talen had been held at Faicol lhui by a former Romulan officer - t'Movel - at the behest of a human married to another unnamed Romulan.  Telmuk would forward the image of the woman 'Tess' and then highlight the reflected image showing the s'Lloell family that the woman possessed.

"I can only assume Rayek was imprisoned there as well, and that you would have known.  Did he escape or was he released following Hobus?  I could search like Centurion t'Raghaellh is doing but I'd rather know the truth and not what story has been planted to cover up my brother's Tal Shiar ties and save face at his defection."

Telmuk met Vandar's hardened gaze as he summarized his view on things.  "He'll need to be dealt with... permanently."

[Tess tLhoell]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell (7 months pregnant)
[Katra Station - Promenade - Morning of day 5]

Tess noticed the crowd becoming slightly unsettled and it disturbed her that her explanations didn't seem to have a calming effect at all. Now she realized for sure that this situation should have been approached publicly way sooner - and that it might be too late now. Yet, Tess wanted to try her beat to alleviate any concerns and fears the people might have.

Turning to the Bajoran reporter - and at the same time saw Noh'ves joining the crowd - Tess tried to avoid to give her answer too quick but to take a small moment to think about it.

Before she could answer then, someone else from the crowd raised his voice - but not with a question, but to make a bold statement as Tess had to realize. "The Meridians are behind all this! They spread this disease around to get us off the station. They don't want us here! And having been made sharing their planet with billions of refugees was the one thing too much!"

"Yes! It's a foreign world! What if they know any toxins that are unknown to the Federation and so are undetectable while it slowly makes all of us sick!"

The last words had almost drowned in the murmur that went through the crowd. The Bajoran's question must have given them an idea ... or the conspiracy about the toxins had been a thing way longer already.

Tess was shocked. Shocked about the negative force that had built up so quickly. She was scared she might lose control over this.

"The station's environmental factors are monitored constantly by the station's personnel. Any changes there would be noticed there and our knowledge of the Meridian world is very extensive, any-"

Her words were cut off by a call coming from someone in the crowd. "Meridians off the station!"

[Paul Wessex]

As the crowd began to get more animated, Paul looked towards his colleagues, before reaching for his ear-comms to request additional bodies.

Idiot...

Pretending, as cool as possible, it was just an itch to scratch, his other hand slapped the combadge on his chest. "=/\= Ensign Wessex to Chief Solen ".

The response was immediate, almost as if she had been waiting, like a predator. "=/\= Solen here. "

"=/\= Senior. We're seeing an increase in crowd agitation. Suggest readying additional personnel to- " His eyes glanced around to take in the developing image, but she cut him off.

"=/\= I'll have a tactical team sent down. " Her voice was taut, like a Guldaian spring-eel.

But he frowned at her solution to bring in a heavy response. He wondered if her working with M'Kai had given her some licence to take more of their attitude. "=/\= Negative, Senior. I don't want an escalation. Just send down some more personnel to separate the crowd into more manageable groups. "

The reply was hot, and yet cold. "=/\= Ensign, you've been here all of five minutes. I'm the more experienced- "

At her accusation, Wessex found the voice of his old rank. Cool. Collected. Prim. Stern. "=/\= Senior Chief. Your expertise is noted and appreciated. However, as an officer, you have your instructions. You may report your concerns to Leftenant M'kai, or Leftenant Commander tr'Lhoell on his return, but for now I'm taking the lead. Allocate resources to the Promenade, please."

A heavy breath, like a powerful gale, blew her reply's sails towards him. "=/\= Understood. Solen out. "

Paul wasn't quite sure what she had clarified she understood. He only hoped it was more to do with the increased personnel, not the fact she could bring her concerns to M'Kai. Although he didn't doubt she would.

[esanc]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell (7 months pregnant)
[Katra Station - Promenade - Morning of day 5]

Tess noticed the crowd becoming slightly unsettled and it disturbed her that her explanations didn't seem to have a calming effect at all. Now she realized for sure that this situation should have been approached publicly way sooner - and that it might be too late now. Yet, Tess wanted to try her beat to alleviate any concerns and fears the people might have.

Turning to the Bajoran reporter - and at the same time saw Noh'ves joining the crowd - Tess tried to avoid to give her answer too quick but to take a small moment to think about it.

Before she could answer then, someone else from the crowd raised his voice - but not with a question, but to make a bold statement as Tess had to realize. "The Meridians are behind all this! They spread this disease around to get us off the station. They don't want us here! And having been made sharing their planet with billions of refugees was the one thing too much!"

"Yes! It's a foreign world! What if they know any toxins that are unknown to the Federation and so are undetectable while it slowly makes all of us sick!"

The last words had almost drowned in the murmur that went through the crowd. The Bajoran's question must have given them an idea ... or the conspiracy about the toxins had been a thing way longer already.

Tess was shocked. Shocked about the negative force that had built up so quickly. She was scared she might lose control over this.

"The station's environmental factors are monitored constantly by the station's personnel. Any changes there would be noticed there and our knowledge of the Meridian world is very extensive, any-"

Her words were cut off by a call coming from someone in the crowd. "Meridians off the station!"

[Katra Station - Promenade - Morning of day 5]

Nervously gazing out on the scene before her, Ensign Sula stood beside fellow medical personnel as her superior struggled to maintain the crowd's growing fears. She was beginning to deeply regret her words to Javed from the day before, the medical staff were not facing the intriguing medical discovery in the way she had envisioned. The newbie was getting a dose of reality as the unruly crowd called for the removal of the innocent and ailing Meridians, completely skeptical of her commanding officer's facts, acting out of irrational hatred for those that could not harm them. The Bajoran had not been given the pleasure of formally introducing herself to her superior, it seemed she'd have to make a rather curt one, her own overwhelming anxious need to help the situation pushing her toward suggesting a plan. Something, anything.

"œDoctor, Commander" she began with an awkward stammer, "œPerhaps it'd be best if we were to enforce some sort of quarantine aboard the station, purely for the safety of the Meridians. The disease may not be infectious, but it could bring a sense of ease upon Katra, and we could hold the Meridians in a secure location safe from all of this. At the same time, it'd afford us proper medical surveillance if we were to corral them in some part of the Medbay, for quicker treatment should one suffer another seizure."

Sula knew the plan was rather rough as the words escaped her lips, the quarantine would probably only raise more suspicion and skepticism depending on how it was handled, but the Ensign believed it was always best to offer solutions when they thought of one. At the very least it could inspire a better idea from her superior, it never hurt to begin brain storming before the situation got out of hand. As she peered into Tess' eyes, the novice officer began to blush when she realized that her Commander was probably wondering who they were being bothered by.

"My apologies" she said as she gestured toward herself, "Ensign Sula Niri, it's a pleasure to join your medical personnel. Pardon my poor introduction."

[Tess tLhoell]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell (7 months pregnant)
[Katra Station - Promenade - Morning of day 5]

The crowd became more worked up by the minute and Tess struggled to not let the panic well up inside her too much and overwhelm her. She didn't even realize how hard she was clutching the PADD in her hand. Her gaze wandered to the Captain but he didn't seem to react much. Well, maybe that was best. She wouldn't want him to enforce his initial plan from the night before because he thought otherwise they wouldn't be able to deal with the crowd. Tess felt now even more pressure to get the situation under control with words, but that seemed difficult with a crowd that didn't seem to want to listen. Tess briefly glanced over to Wessex who was in discreet but it seemed heated conversation with someone via the comm.

As Tess tried to make her brain work and bring some words out she hoped would reach the crowd eventually it was the unfamiliar voice of a Bajoran officer in a teal uniform that then gained her attention. While she briefly wondered who the woman was, Tess listened to her suggestion - and it made her wince inwardly. The thing the woman who introduced herself a little shyly as Sula Niri suggested seemed to be not far to seek, but Tess saw a couple of problems with that. It would be a bad sign to take up on the station's population irrational fear and 'punish' the Meridians with restrictions in their lives although there is no justified reason to burden that on them.

Even if Tess didn't fully agree, it had been Sula's comment that helped Tess' brain put in gear to keep on talking. "I understand your motivation, however, I don't think enforced quarantine is the right way with this." Tess tore her gaze away from Sula Niri to address everyone gathered. "There will be talks with the Meridian President. Self-quarantine might be an option if they choose so voluntarily." She then felt like she had to say something to the false assumptions made before Sula Niri had spoken up. "The Meridians have been very cooperative from the very beginning. All encounters with them had been friendly and positive. They also have accepted willingly to take the Etrosians as refugees." That was all she wanted to say about politics.

Then she was about to wrap this up. With more trust in her she hoped. "Before I end this here, I wish to tell you something about myself. I come from a world, where there are no diseases or ailments. People are healthy and live for centuries on end. Only when I came to Earth as a young girl I learned that there are things like illnesses people on other worlds have to deal with. Something that was not known to me up until then. Already as a little girl with the background I had I wanted to help people. That is why I became a doctor. Wanting to help people was the main motivator for me. And that has not changed one bit. I am grateful to have the finest equipment and a team of excellent doctors and nurses at my disposal to help people - each and everyone of you - as best as I can."

"With this situation it's not different. I ask you to believe me that the decisions that are made serve your interests and that we wouldn't let come harm to you. I will not stand for hush-ups or conspiracies. While the command and medical teams are working on this, we need you to help us get through this easier. Your concerns are taken seriously. I promise you there will be updates on our progress or new findings regularly."

"Thank you."

Tess turned away and left the podium, her knees feeling shaky.

[Solluk]

Katra Station - Promenade

Noh'ves watched the crowds as Tess spoke.  At first, it seemed that the sentiment of the crowd might reach a crescendo and then break into chaos.  He mentally cursed himself for not insisting on a heavy security presence so that rabble-rousers could be quickly confronted and detained.

But something in her voice drew his attention back to the podium.  There was some fear, there.  He sensed it as surely as a war hound might.  He clenched his jaw, and began to shake his head, thinking that this was going to be a disaster.

Yet there was more in her voice than mere fear.  There was also perseverance over that fear.  And a deep earnestness.  The earnestness of someone who genuinely believed what they were saying.  Someone who sincerely cared.  It created a simultaneous sympathy and resoluteness.

This combination seemed to settle the crowd.  Raised voices began to reduce in volume.  Murmurs replaced calls for action.  The mood of the crowd was not ideal, but it was also no longer in danger of becoming explosive.

The commander had delayed disaster till another day.  Perhaps she'd bought them enough time to avert disaster altogether.

When she stepped down, Noh'ves moved towards her.

"Well done," he said.

Then, "Let me know when this meeting with the Meridians will be held.  We will continue doing things your way."

[Tess tLhoell]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell (7 months pregnant)
[Katra Station - Promenade - Morning of day 5]

Katra Station - Promenade

Noh'ves watched the crowds as Tess spoke.  At first, it seemed that the sentiment of the crowd might reach a crescendo and then break into chaos.  He mentally cursed himself for not insisting on a heavy security presence so that rabble-rousers could be quickly confronted and detained.

But something in her voice drew his attention back to the podium.  There was some fear, there.  He sensed it as surely as a war hound might.  He clenched his jaw, and began to shake his head, thinking that this was going to be a disaster.

Yet there was more in her voice than mere fear.  There was also perseverance over that fear.  And a deep earnestness.  The earnestness of someone who genuinely believed what they were saying.  Someone who sincerely cared.  It created a simultaneous sympathy and resoluteness.

This combination seemed to settle the crowd.  Raised voices began to reduce in volume.  Murmurs replaced calls for action.  The mood of the crowd was not ideal, but it was also no longer in danger of becoming explosive.

The commander had delayed disaster till another day.  Perhaps she'd bought them enough time to avert disaster altogether.

When she stepped down, Noh'ves moved towards her.

"Well done," he said.

Then, "Let me know when this meeting with the Meridians will be held.  We will continue doing things your way."

Rigidly Tess stepped down from the podium, so tensed up as she waited for the reaction of the crowd to her leaving that even the fine hairs at the back of her neck started to tingle in fear of hell breaking loose behind her now. But that fortunately did not happen. Yet, just as she wanted to let out a sigh of relief, Captain Noh'ves stepped up to her. Instantly, Tess felt the tension gripping her once more in anticipation of yet another disapproving or sarcastic comment from her Klingon superior. She was aware that it didn't go as well as she had hoped and it would be reason enough for Beja's father to feel he had been right in wanting to go a more strict route - but to her surprise and even more to her relief, Noh'ves did something unexpected. The words of recognition was very welcome and gave Tess back some of the confidence she had struggled to maintain.

At Noh'ves order to inform him when the meeting with the Meridians would be and that they would continue to do things 'her way' Tess let out a breath and as the tension fell off of her, she gave a smile to the Klingon. She made sure to catch his eyes as she nodded her head in acknowledgement, knowing it was him declaring his support to her suggestions - for now.

"Yes, Sir", Tess said dutifully, but felt more light-hearted now. Also, because now her brain was more open to register that indeed the crowd had not turned into an angry mob as she had been afraid it would. "I will arrange a meeting right away."

Giving a respectful parting nod to Noh'ves, Tess turned away from the crowd a little bit, for one to get some space between the crowd that was about to dissolve slowly, but also to seek a more quiet spot to make a call to the President Tarin's assistant.  "Commander t'Lhoell to Miss Keshara." Tess wetted her lips, but it was her mouth that felt very dry. She wondered if she or the President had heard of the crowd's reaction already. "I would like to arrange a meeting with President Tarin at his earliest convenience. There are some things regarding the most recent events we would like to discuss with him."

After her conversation with Keshara, Tess caught sight of the new Ensign Sula Niri. Now that she wasn't that much under pressure anymore she recalled that they had an addition to the medical department and that Ensign Sula had already arrived the day before. Walking up to her, Tess gave the Bajoran woman a smile. "Welcome to Katra Station, Ensign. I'm afraid you came here at a rather ... enthralling time. It is due to this that I haven't had time to welcome you here as I try to with new personnel as best as I can." It was a habit she had picked up from her husband really. While his motivation mainly might have been other reasons, Tess thought it was a nice way to give it a more personal touch.

"I would like to assign you to the team that works on researching on the Meridian illness. Every additional hand to help with it is welcome. Your task will be to re-evaluate the brain scans and patterns of all scans we have from the Meridians from the very beginning. Have Ensign Kumar assist you if you need to." Tess smiled at her again and then nodded. "Dismissed, Ensign. I will pop in to sickbay as soon as I can."

Riov (General) Vandar - Tal'Shiar Operative
[Tryka system - Tryka IV - Capital city - secret Tal'Shiar headquarters]

NPC Major Telmuk tr'Lhoell
[Tryka system - Tryka IV - capital city - secret Tal'Shiar headquarters ]

Telmuk arrived at the office building located adjacent to the market.  The building looked like any other on the street.  It's architecture designed to be reminiscent of the home they'd lost.  But it's exterior and lobby were the extent of it's similarity.  For the building housed the hidden headquarters of the Tal'Shiar.  The organization originally a policing force under the oversight of the Praetor, now was just another political faction attempting to keep it's influence and control.  A hidden faction that played the other splintered Romulan governments against one another so that they could once more be the power behind the government.

Nodding to the male receptionist in the lobby, who Telmuk knew from study of his record was a trained assassin, Telmuk announced his appointment time with the 'senior financial advisor'.   He could have entered the building through one of its secret entrances but given the time of day there was no reason for the added level of care.  Telmuk's cover was that he was a financial advisor and part-time officer in the Deuteus Alliance interstellar militia.

After a quick bio-scan, which the receptionist took note of, Telmuk was granted access past the lobby and into the offices beyond.  The Tal'Shiar Aendeh (*Major) made his way along the familiar route to Riov Vandar's office, knowing that his arrival had been announced.   As such when he presented himself at the door, it slid open automatically to show the Riov seated at his desk drinking.  The tumbler in the Vandar's hand held a bright orange liquid that Telmuk immediately recognized as Votacus a type of Trykan spirit - similar to whiskey - made from a specific grain native to the planet.  A pleasant tasting drink.

Telmuk offered a salute to the Tal'Shiar General here in private "" a show of respect that he never was able to display when they met in public.  He remaining standing afterward waiting to be acknowledged.

Following that, Telmuk handed over the intell he'd been given by the Republic officer earlier.  Only after that was passed on did Telmuk broach the reason he'd asked for this meeting.

"Riov, I bring news that I dared not risk others intercepting."  He knew full well that Vandar would have checked over the office prior to the meeting, yet still the urge to check for himself was nearly overwhelming.

"It would seem that my brother is alive."

Telmuk would then summarize how his sister had contacted him after being contact herself by an old family acquaintance who had been contacted in regards to the fate of their father"¦ along with the information that Talen had been held at Faicol lhui by a former Romulan officer - t'Movel - at the behest of a human married to another unnamed Romulan.  Telmuk would forward the image of the woman 'Tess' and then highlight the reflected image showing the s'Lloell family that the woman possessed.

"I can only assume Rayek was imprisoned there as well, and that you would have known.  Did he escape or was he released following Hobus?  I could search like Centurion t'Raghaellh is doing but I'd rather know the truth and not what story has been planted to cover up my brother's Tal Shiar ties and save face at his defection."

Telmuk met Vandar's hardened gaze as he summarized his view on things.  "He'll need to be dealt with... permanently."

Vandar had just taken a sip from the Trykan drink when the doors to his office opened and revealed the figure of Telmuk tr'Lhoell. The General made no move to interrupt his savouring of the pleasant drink while the other Romulan greeted him with a proper salute. Only when Vandar had set down the tumbler on his desk did he acknowledge Telmuk and prompted him for the reason of this meeting. Vandar had made sure to have his mental shield raised up, especially when he dealt with a known to him telepath. Not there was concern at this point that the Major would use his abilities on him, it was more Vandar's paranoia about it that had only grown over the decades.

Vandar accepted the intel Telmuk had collected from the republic officer. He would check for the verisimilitude of the information himself. He then regarded the Major questioningly for a moment, wondering if this had been the reason to arrange a meeting with him even at this late hour. This surely could just as well have been forwarded to him via secured channels. So why had Telmuk insisted on a personal meeting?

He didn't have to wait long for the answer to that. While he had regarded the inferior with cautious curiosity at the announcement that he had received news that were better not intercepted by others the expression on his face hardened instantly at the mention of the man's brother being alive. The confusion very soon made space for suspicion and wariness, but yet the notion of Rayek possibly being alive had Vandar raise to his feet and round the desk to pace the room slowly while he listened to Telmuk's report about the many contacts that had been made that day. Hearing about this for the first time, it all sounded a little muddled and Vandar had to concentrate to get the details right - there were many persons involved in this. The more were involved the more complicated it became to keep track with every single person's actions.

Would he have heard a story like this, Vandar's wariness likely would have kept him from believing this in the first place. What did he care about the inquiry of some random human woman? Right now he even doubted it was directly connected to the Lhoell clan and wondered why Telmuk believed this would prove his brother was alive - which he was not. That Vandar did know. His despite for Rayek tr'Lhoell had never really worn off. Vandar had kept tabs on Rayek ever since their ways had parted and Praetor Chulan had assigned the telepath to a mission involving the Federation. He had waited to get the chance to satisfy his hateful sentiments toward Rayek, but was denied this when Rayek had been imprisoned in Faicol lhui. While it had not been what Vandar had envisioned for the telepath, it gave him a small amount of satisfaction at least knowing Rayek carve out a miserable existence in the infamous penal facility. After Hobus, Vandar had learned about the violent riots there and had investigated on the prisoner Rayek tr'Lhoell. The information he had been given was clear. Rayek - like many other prisoners - had been killed during that event. So Vandar wasn't keen on Telmuk's assumption that Rayek could be alive. But Telmuk would hold a surprise for him, Vandar just didn't know it yet.

One of the things that prevented him from dismissing the story right away was the apparent involvement of Commander t'Movel. Vandar didn't usually venerate a person, but t'Movel had been one of the officers that had served the Empire - well, the former Empire - greatly, and it would be a name that would be spoken of highly in many generations to come. What did her involvement in this mean? What had moved her to help the human woman? This was puzzling to Vandar.

When Vandar's computer beeped with the message of the picture Telmuk had just forwarded to him, Vandar stopped his pacing and called out to the computer to open the message and show the picture. He took a long moment to regard the human woman on the screen. He didn't waste time to look at her to take in the impression she made on him - no, his only focus was on searching and finding useful details. He picked up on the same things like Telmuk - the background that gave away nothing, or well - not nothing. The design looked very Federation-like. But he too noticed the absence of anything that might give away personal details about that woman - or her husband. He noticed the Romulan wedding bracelet at her wrist. It didn't look fake. But then again it was hard to tell from a mere photo.
Turning his attention then to the highlighted detail of the picture at the wall reflecting in the woman's eyes, Vandar's face became actually astounded. He knew the Lhoell clan and he saw at the first glance that the Lhoell family was pictured there - without Rayek. Vandar's mind began to race to make things make sense. It had been confirmed to him that Rayek tr'Lhoell had been killed, but the fact that this human woman possessed a portrait of the tr'Lhoell family with Rayek the only person not on it and that the woman inquired about former Proconsul Talen, made the assumption that Rayek was still alive and lived among the Feds now was a valid one.

Despite the reaction that most might have expected from him, Vandar began to grin to himself. If there was one thing he could take pleasure in this, it was the chance for him to give Rayek what he deserved after all - even with a valid reason now. Besides of being a telepath, he was a traitor - an ex Tal'Shiar agent who defected the Empire. Even these days that was a no-go.

Telmuk's words that followed then showed to Vandar that his brother's fate had been unknown to him as yet. He likely assumed Rayek had been killed during Hobus. Vandar tore his gaze away from the screen to look at Telmuk as he stated his view on things. With satisfaction, Vandar acknowledged that Telmuk set his priorities right and did not shy away from eliminating any defectors and traitors - brother or not. There was a possibility that he could have withhold all of these information and try to save his brother. But apparently Telmuk's loyalty to the Rihanssu was stronger than family ties.

Holding the man's gaze, the grin on his face gone, Vandar turned away from his desk and moved to the sideboard that held a half-empty bottle of the Trykan Votacus and three empty tumblers. The fourth one of the set was sitting on his desk. He answered deliberately while he pushed one of the empty tumblers closer to him and then opened the bottle that contained the bright orange beverage. "Your brother was imprisoned in Faicol lhui - just like your father. He had failed to meet the Praetor's expectations. My investigations after Hobus had revealed that he had been killed during the riots that had wiped out almost the whole prison shortly after that." Vandar picked up the bottled and poured some of the Votacus into the tumbler, his eyebrows knitting briefly. "At least that had been told to me." He definitely would investigate on the person who had given that false information to him, whose life would become significantly more unpleasant now. Who knew if the misinformation had been given deliberately - which would mean having helped a traitor. But even if it had happened not on purpose, this was a mistake that must not happen.

Vandar put the bottle back down and picked up the tumbler to hand it to Telmuk, stopping right in front of the young Major. "As you can see we can't trust anyone. Can't rely on others." With the drink given to Telmuk, Vandar turned to pick up his own one from the desk and resumed in filling Telmuk up about his brother. "Rayek was in service for Praetor Chulan himself. Like you, he had been trained in his abilities and been assigned for special operations the Praetor thought him useful for. That was how we met, as the Praetor's right hand he had to report to me." Yes. He missed those times. He pondered briefly if he should mention to Telmuk about his dynamic with Rayek but chose not to. "At one point, your brother had failed to live up to the Praetor's expectations and so had met the end he deserved, along with your father for having had ties to a Senator who was associated with a conspirator who was planning an attempt on the Praetor's life."

With the tumbler in hand, Vandar observed Telmuk's reaction to all of this. "You are nothing like your brother." He deliberately let the younger one of the Lhoell sons know his recognition. It was all about psyhocholgy. "You have chosen the path we had wanted for your brother as well, but he had opted against it. You though have proven your loyalty to the Rihanssu." He raised his glass, holding Telmuk's gaze for a moment before he took a sip.

"Your work here on Tryka IV will end now. You will solely work on tracing his steps and finding him. I want reports daily. When you have found him - eliminate him. And when you have done so, I want proof of it. What that proof will be is up to you, but I won't get fooled again."

[Rayek trLhoell]

   
NPC Major Telmuk tr'Lhoell
[Tryka system - Tryka IV - capital city - secret Tal'Shiar headquarters ]

Riov (General) Vandar - Tal'Shiar Operative
[Tryka system - Tryka IV - Capital city - secret Tal'Shiar headquarters]

Vandar had just taken a sip from the Trykan drink when the doors to his office opened and revealed the figure of Telmuk tr'Lhoell. The General made no move to interrupt his savouring of the pleasant drink while the other Romulan greeted him with a proper salute. Only when Vandar had set down the tumbler on his desk did he acknowledge Telmuk and prompted him for the reason of this meeting. Vandar had made sure to have his mental shield raised up, especially when he dealt with a known to him telepath. Not there was concern at this point that the Major would use his abilities on him, it was more Vandar's paranoia about it that had only grown over the decades.

Vandar accepted the intel Telmuk had collected from the republic officer. He would check for the verisimilitude of the information himself. He then regarded the Major questioningly for a moment, wondering if this had been the reason to arrange a meeting with him even at this late hour. This surely could just as well have been forwarded to him via secured channels. So why had Telmuk insisted on a personal meeting?

He didn't have to wait long for the answer to that. While he had regarded the inferior with cautious curiosity at the announcement that he had received news that were better not intercepted by others the expression on his face hardened instantly at the mention of the man's brother being alive. The confusion very soon made space for suspicion and wariness, but yet the notion of Rayek possibly being alive had Vandar raise to his feet and round the desk to pace the room slowly while he listened to Telmuk's report about the many contacts that had been made that day. Hearing about this for the first time, it all sounded a little muddled and Vandar had to concentrate to get the details right - there were many persons involved in this. The more were involved the more complicated it became to keep track with every single person's actions.

Would he have heard a story like this, Vandar's wariness likely would have kept him from believing this in the first place. What did he care about the inquiry of some random human woman? Right now he even doubted it was directly connected to the Lhoell clan and wondered why Telmuk believed this would prove his brother was alive - which he was not. That Vandar did know. His despite for Rayek tr'Lhoell had never really worn off. Vandar had kept tabs on Rayek ever since their ways had parted and Praetor Chulan had assigned the telepath to a mission involving the Federation. He had waited to get the chance to satisfy his hateful sentiments toward Rayek, but was denied this when Rayek had been imprisoned in Faicol lhui. While it had not been what Vandar had envisioned for the telepath, it gave him a small amount of satisfaction at least knowing Rayek carve out a miserable existence in the infamous penal facility. After Hobus, Vandar had learned about the violent riots there and had investigated on the prisoner Rayek tr'Lhoell. The information he had been given was clear. Rayek - like many other prisoners - had been killed during that event. So Vandar wasn't keen on Telmuk's assumption that Rayek could be alive. But Telmuk would hold a surprise for him, Vandar just didn't know it yet.

One of the things that prevented him from dismissing the story right away was the apparent involvement of Commander t'Movel. Vandar didn't usually venerate a person, but t'Movel had been one of the officers that had served the Empire - well, the former Empire - greatly, and it would be a name that would be spoken of highly in many generations to come. What did her involvement in this mean? What had moved her to help the human woman? This was puzzling to Vandar.

When Vandar's computer beeped with the message of the picture Telmuk had just forwarded to him, Vandar stopped his pacing and called out to the computer to open the message and show the picture. He took a long moment to regard the human woman on the screen. He didn't waste time to look at her to take in the impression she made on him - no, his only focus was on searching and finding useful details. He picked up on the same things like Telmuk - the background that gave away nothing, or well - not nothing. The design looked very Federation-like. But he too noticed the absence of anything that might give away personal details about that woman - or her husband. He noticed the Romulan wedding bracelet at her wrist. It didn't look fake. But then again it was hard to tell from a mere photo.
Turning his attention then to the highlighted detail of the picture at the wall reflecting in the woman's eyes, Vandar's face became actually astounded. He knew the Lhoell clan and he saw at the first glance that the Lhoell family was pictured there - without Rayek. Vandar's mind began to race to make things make sense. It had been confirmed to him that Rayek tr'Lhoell had been killed, but the fact that this human woman possessed a portrait of the tr'Lhoell family with Rayek the only person not on it and that the woman inquired about former Proconsul Talen, made the assumption that Rayek was still alive and lived among the Feds now was a valid one.

Despite the reaction that most might have expected from him, Vandar began to grin to himself. If there was one thing he could take pleasure in this, it was the chance for him to give Rayek what he deserved after all - even with a valid reason now. Besides of being a telepath, he was a traitor - an ex Tal'Shiar agent who defected the Empire. Even these days that was a no-go.

Telmuk's words that followed then showed to Vandar that his brother's fate had been unknown to him as yet. He likely assumed Rayek had been killed during Hobus. Vandar tore his gaze away from the screen to look at Telmuk as he stated his view on things. With satisfaction, Vandar acknowledged that Telmuk set his priorities right and did not shy away from eliminating any defectors and traitors - brother or not. There was a possibility that he could have withhold all of these information and try to save his brother. But apparently Telmuk's loyalty to the Rihanssu was stronger than family ties.

Holding the man's gaze, the grin on his face gone, Vandar turned away from his desk and moved to the sideboard that held a half-empty bottle of the Trykan Votacus and three empty tumblers. The fourth one of the set was sitting on his desk. He answered deliberately while he pushed one of the empty tumblers closer to him and then opened the bottle that contained the bright orange beverage. "Your brother was imprisoned in Faicol lhui - just like your father. He had failed to meet the Praetor's expectations. My investigations after Hobus had revealed that he had been killed during the riots that had wiped out almost the whole prison shortly after that." Vandar picked up the bottled and poured some of the Votacus into the tumbler, his eyebrows knitting briefly. "At least that had been told to me." He definitely would investigate on the person who had given that false information to him, whose life would become significantly more unpleasant now. Who knew if the misinformation had been given deliberately - which would mean having helped a traitor. But even if it had happened not on purpose, this was a mistake that must not happen.

Vandar put the bottle back down and picked up the tumbler to hand it to Telmuk, stopping right in front of the young Major. "As you can see we can't trust anyone. Can't rely on others." With the drink given to Telmuk, Vandar turned to pick up his own one from the desk and resumed in filling Telmuk up about his brother. "Rayek was in service for Praetor Chulan himself. Like you, he had been trained in his abilities and been assigned for special operations the Praetor thought him useful for. That was how we met, as the Praetor's right hand he had to report to me." Yes. He missed those times. He pondered briefly if he should mention to Telmuk about his dynamic with Rayek but chose not to. "At one point, your brother had failed to live up to the Praetor's expectations and so had met the end he deserved, along with your father for having had ties to a Senator who was associated with a conspirator who was planning an attempt on the Praetor's life."

With the tumbler in hand, Vandar observed Telmuk's reaction to all of this. "You are nothing like your brother." He deliberately let the younger one of the Lhoell sons know his recognition. It was all about psychology. "You have chosen the path we had wanted for your brother as well, but he had opted against it. You though have proven your loyalty to the Rihanssu." He raised his glass, holding Telmuk's gaze for a moment before he took a sip.

"Your work here on Tryka IV will end now. You will solely work on tracing his steps and finding him. I want reports daily. When you have found him - eliminate him. And when you have done so, I want proof of it. What that proof will be is up to you, but I won't get fooled again."

Telmuk had kept his gaze on his superior as he related his information.  That Vandar had risen from his seat showed a level of interest in the topic that the man rarely displayed.  When Vandar poured a a serving of Votacus into a new tumbler and offered it out to him as the Riov was explaining the situation of Rayek's past with the Praetor, Telmuk knew he'd impressed the Riov with his loyalty.  Why else would the man in his statement say 'WE can't trust anyone'.  It was either that... or he was about to be poisoned.

Trusting to his instincts, Telmuk nodded and took an unconcerned swallow of the liquor, as Vandar went on to compare his to his brother.  That had happened a lot as he was growing up - and it was a change to be seen as the better sibling for once.   The new orders were not surprising, and Telmuk was grateful that Vandar trusted him with the task.  It would have been humiliating to have another operative be aware of his brother's disloyalty.

"Ie rekkhai!" Telmuk acknowledged the new assignment.  "If you give me the name of your previous source.  I'll deal with that while looking into if the lie was intentional or not."

The youngest Lhoell sibling drained the tumbler in his hand before setting it down on the counter.  After receiving the information he needed from the Riov, Telmuk offered a parting salute and left the office.  There was much to do.

Part of him wondered if it was best to conduct his search solo or to involve his sister.  She (and Taheen) could be of use... but it would be problematic eliminating Rayek with either of them present.  No, it would be best to do this alone and swiftly before they managed to track his brother down as well.  As much as he was loyal to his superiors and to the Romulan people, he loved his family and he would save his sister the pain of knowing that it was by his hand that Rayek must die. 

[Paul Wessex]

[Katra Station - Promenade - Morning of day 5]

Spotting that the First Officer was departing, Paul let out a relieved breath and nodded to his comrades to begin to stand down, as he drew a PADD to update the day's report.

[Tess tLhoell]

Cmdr. Tess t'Lhoell (7 months pregnant)
[Katra Station - Morning of day 5]

After Tess had arranged a meeting with the Meridians, she had retreated into her quarters for an hour to help her release the tension and stress a little before she would continue with her day, which had only just begun and she felt exhausted and drained already. She missed Rayek ever since the minute he left the station, but right now ... right now she missed him so much it was almost physically painful. How much she wished she could go to him now and have him comfort her with a long gentle hug.

Tess pondered a moment, but then decided it was safe enough to send Rayek a message. She needed to at least have the feeling in some way to 'talk' to her husband about all that had happened. She cleared her throat and closed her eyes for a moment in the hopes to release the stress in her voice too before she called out to the computer to begin recording a message.

'Jolan tru, ciccino. I hope this message finds you safe and well.' Tess paused a moment as she pondered her words about Noh'ves. She didn't want to concern Rayek too much. 'The Klingon exchange officers are managing well so far. Although it had become apparent at more than one instance that the Klingon way is way different from how we deal with things in Starfleet. It's rather ... challenging having to try and steer the Captain's decisions in more acceptable directions all the time. I fear Noh'ves finds this unsatisfactory, but I just had to try and offer alternatives a Klingon Captain of course would not choose.' Tess sighed as she thought about this going on for weeks. She hoped she would get better in dealing with it.

'Things regarding the Meridian illness have worsened during the last 24 hours. A local freelance reporter suffered a seizure during a public interview she had held on the promenade with President Tarin, which I did know nothing about.' The bitterness about it was audible in her voice. She really wished she could have been present there and maybe could have avoided the worse things that had developed after this. 'As it had turned out, people on the station are starting to fear the illness was contagious and they demanded the Meridians off the station. I had to give a speech this morning to try and explain the situation to calm everyone down. As you can imagine, Captain Noh'ves' approach on such a diplomatic matter had been a different one.' Tess faltered and swalloed, the crowd's reaction still shocking her. 'It had worked in the end, but I'm fearing more damage had already been done over time. I have failed to react earlier to this.' Tess had only become aware of this now and then had reacted right away, still she blamed herself for it.

'Right now I'm preparing for a meeting with President Tarin and Captain Noh'ves. To be honest I'm so nervous about this. At the same time I have every medic I can spare working on finding the cause and cure for the Meridian illness. How can I not have find it out by now?' It bothered her. She sighed.

'I miss you very much, ciccino. I think of you every minute of the day. Please take care of yourself and I hope your mission will turn out successful. I-jol au, forever.'

With the message recorded and marked as personal to Rayek she sent it out and then prepared to leave for the meeting.

[Katra Station - Deck 11 - Meridian Embassy]

Tess had taken a moment in her quarters to collect her thoughts and write down some notes she wanted to talk to Tarin about. Prepped with her PADD Tess arrived at the Meridian Embassy on deck 11 where all Embassies on Katra were located. As she stepped into the reception area, Tess briefly glanced around for Noh'ves but he didn't seem to have arrived yet.

[Solluk]

Katra Station - Meridian Embassy

"Hello, Commander," a friendly voice intoned, approaching Tess.  "My name is Belladra.  I'm President Tarin's personal secretary.  Please, let me-"

She stopped talking as a new figure approached.

"Station matters delayed me," Noh'ves said as he walked up, "I apologize.  No dishonor or disrespect is intended."

Belladra smiled, "No need to apologize, Captain.  You're right on time.  Please, follow me."

She led them into the embassy, and several desks could be seen with Ferengi working at them, tapping away at the strange globular interfaces common to Ferengi consoles.  It was clear that most of the embassy staff were actually Ferengi.

Catching the gaze of her guests, Belladra explained, "We have entered into several agreements with the Ferengi to manage various aspects of our planetary administration."

Noh'ves' eyebrows lifted slightly, "I have been familiarizing myself with the history of this station, and the planet below.  Reading about Meridian politics.  President Tarin campaigned and unseated his opponent based on a 'Meridian for Meridians' platform, did he not?"

Belladra's smile became somewhat strained.  "Given that there are only 30 Meridians, Tarin reluctantly agreed to hiring outsiders.  However, he made sure to negotiate administrative contracts that preserved Meridians' rights to all planetary assets.  The Ferengi only manage our affairs.  They do not gain any ownership.  But with 190 million square miles of planetary resources to manage for the benefit of the Meridian people, and so many unknowns in the galactic landscape, it was more than we could manage.  The Ferengi work hard to benefit the Meridian people, and if we do well, they earn a small percentage of profits made via the careful exploitation of Meridian resources."

Noh'ves scoffed, "Exploitation, hmm?  I think some of their ways are rubbing off on you."

Belladra's smile faltered, but they had arrived at their destination.  "This is a private conference room where President Tarin will meet with you.  He should arrive shortly.  Please make yourself comfortable."