Dark Secrets, Part II
Episode Name: Dark Secrets, Part II Written By: Belgarath Cast: Avok, Belgarath, Dakin, Haven, K'net-mauri, Lace, Mirell, S'Terik,
Sarvok, Sovar and Zuh'raah'do. Produced By: Starfleet Directed By: Belgarath Aired On: Sun Apr 13 03:30:54 2003 Stardate: 53138.3
Time: Sat Apr 12 22:18:36 2003
Stardate: 53137.7
Haven's PADD beeps. Should she look at it, there is a text message. "L. You and Avok. Quarters. Casual. Now. --R."
The beep of a PADD brings Haven's attention there. She glances at it then rises and heads from the common room.
Avok stands in his room, in full battle armor. His eyes are sealed, as his body goes through the motions of mok'bara forms he has long since comitted to memory... an arm there, a leg there, careful to avoid the mek'leth strapped to your back, Avok... punch, kick, evade. Distract yourself from the fact that you're flying /away/ from a Vorta you should have killed.
Dakin waits in his quarters, sitting on the chair facing his computer terminal, which is now blank. His face is tense, as if rattling around several thoughts at once. Once Haven arrives, he asks her, "Where's Avok?"
Haven shrugs as she steps in and says, "I didn't know I was supposed to get him, but I will. Right back." Then she heads back out.
Avok kills an imaginary Vorta. By Kahless, that felt good.
Haven chimes the door to Avok's quarters and says into the comm, "Ambassador Avok, Lieutenant Dakin wishes to see you in his quarters." She doesn't wait to see if he answers, she simply leaves again, message delivered.
Avok looks towards the door. "Who calls?" He queries, in a gruff voice, before interrupting his practice session to open the door. Seeing nothing but an empty hallway, then a Sublieutenant, he ducks back into his quarters, slips his dk'tagh into his hip holster, and proceeds to pace quickly to Dakin's quarters. Not bothering to chime, he opens the door, striding into the room purposefully. Wow, his armor is shiny tonight. "Lieutenant. You wished to speak with me." His eyes narrow on seeing Haven, but he says nothing. She'll get hers.
Dakin gets up from the chair he was sitting in, then goes over to check the lock on his door. Secured. Good. He then turns to face the two of them. "We have a problem. The worst kind. I just got a call from the station. The station's computer's have been hacked. As for what was accessed, it would be an easier task to tell you what *wasn't.* As for who..." He then hands the PADD over for the two of you to view. According to the on-screen data, the access points are in a cluster, all situated on a central point. Ambassador S'Terik's quarters.
Haven peers at the PADD and asks, "What's the station doing about it right now?" Seems rather obvious what they'll need to do about it. Mostly, Avok is ignored.
Avok curls his lips back in a snarl, his free hand curling into a fist and uncurling again. He sets the PADD back down on the table, apparently convinced. "Your word would be enough for action, Lieutenant, but this data speaks truth. What are we to do about this?" He defers to Dakin's judgment, since its his ambassador; his question gets more to the point than Haven's. All the hu-mons always thinking about the others.
Dakin frowns and crosses his arms. "Medes and O'Rielly are searching the Ambassador's quarters and bringing the senior staff in the loop. I've instructed them to tell no one outside of them and Lt. Idrani. I've brought you two in on this, because if I brought everyone in, S'Terik would suspect something." He goes over to his duffel bag, pulls out his holstered phaser and clips it to his waistband. "I think our course of action's fairly obvious, Ambassador."
Avok shakes his head. "Not as obvious as you think, Lieutenant. I'm afraid my weapons cannot be set for stun." He loosens the straps on his mek'leth, preparing for action.
Dakin nods. "Swing to disable then. I want him breathing and in an interview room once we get back." He looks to Loni and hands her his Type I. "Just in case. All right, let's get this done." He then heads out of his quarters, drawing his Type II and setting it on maximum stun.
Haven accepts the Type I and straps the holster into place. She checks the setting on the phaser and nods, "Aye, Sir." Then follows close behind Dakin.
Avok nods curtly. "Strength and honor, Lieutenant. We shall seek glory in battle against those who would threaten the Alliance."
As the three walk through the Romulan corridors, they see the sublieutenant that previously passed by Avok's room. Seeing the armed team, she frowns. "What are you doing?" she demands.
Dakin says without stopping, "Internal Federation matter, Sublieutenant. Nothing you or any of your crew need to worry about."
Avok flashes some Klingon teeth in a broad grin as he walks by the Sublieutenant. Hullo, darlin'.
Haven bites back a sigh as she follows the pair along the corridor. Eyes moving from time to time to Avok and the weapon he carries.
The Romulan taps her communicator, "Security to Corridor 11!"
Avok murmurs very quietly to Haven as he walks, slowing his pace to walk alongside her and not Dakin. "You may have left your honor on Bak'TUR, but we have a duty to perform here and I will not let my personal disgust for your actions affect that duty--" He is cut off as the Romulan speaks, glancing to Dakin as if to say, 'Permission to kill her, sir?'
Dakin swings around and barks, "We're exercising an arrest warrant, Sublieutenant. A member of our own party. I respectfully ask you not to interfere." He then looks to Avok and Haven, cocking his head down the corridor before continuing on his way.
The Romulan does not follow, but there is no cancelling of her orders for security personnel.
Haven sets her jaw, biting back any reply that Avok's words might have brought from her. She's here to do a job and he can go directly to hell if he thinks she'll jeopardize that by playing his games. Therefore, she doesn't even look his way. "Jolan'tru, Sublieutenant" is said instead as she continues to move with Rann. He's calling the shots, afterall.
Avok grumbles, "You would do well to stay out of this, Romulan. It is none of your concern." before taking off after Dakin. Sure, he'd love to lubricate his blades before he gets to S'Terik, but this is an Alliance matter and Dakin's in charge.
The trio head to S'Terik's room without interference from any Romulans - at least, not yet.
GAME: Dakin spends a courage point.
<CONTEST> Dakin contests his Systems Engineering (Security) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!
Dakin comes over to the door and instructs Avok to wait over by the opposite side of the door, and Haven to come alongside and behind him. He then takes out his PADD and taps a few commands into it. After a couple seconds, the lock disengages and the doors slide open. He nods to Avok and follows the Klingon into the room, rapidly shifting aim between all possible ambush points.
Avok charges into the room, mek'leth drawn and a snarl rolling from his throat. He looks around quickly, hoping to find a pointy-eared spy. Vulcan, preferably; Romulan, if not.
You know that phrase? I've got your back, jack? Yup, that's what Loni is singing to herself right about now. As the two move inside, she takes up the six slot and watches behind and the sides of her. Rann will warn from of trouble from the front. The Romulans will be coming. She's sure of it.
The room is dark, the beam of light entering it from the hallway barely illuminates part of the floor. Aside from the three in the group, there is no sound.
Dakin braces himself, grip tightening on his phaser. "Computer... lights."
The lights come on, revealing an empty room.
Avok barks a cry of frustration. "ch'o'daQ! He has escaped!" His swords turn over in his hands, as if searching the empty air for a soft scabbard of flesh.
Haven rolls her eyes at the Klingon as she keeps watch on the corridor. "All clear," she announces to Rann.
A muttered Bajoran curse escapes Dakin's mouth. "Easy, Avok. We don't know that yet. All right. The last thing we need's the crew up our asses if the flotsam hits the ramscoop. Time to start exercising a little diplomatic finesse." He taps his commbadge. "Lieutenant Dakin to bridge."
"Lieutenant Dakin Rann," replies a male voice. "Whatever are you doing running around my ship with your weapons out?"
Avok raises a brow at Dakin. "Perhaps you would prefer to let the diplomat work the diplomatic finesse?" He lowers his blades, but does not sheath them.
Haven remains silent, half in and half out of the room. Her presence in the doorway, keeps the door opened, allowing her to see out into the corridor.
Dakin exhales. "We're exercising an arrest warrant, Subcommander. I've been informed a member of our party is facing criminal charges. I can't elaborate further for obvious reasons, but I respectfully request that your people stand down and let us perform our duty in this situation."
The sound of running feet is audible outside the opened door. "Tell me," says Tolsar's voice, "if a group of Romulans started running through your station with weapons at the ready, saying they're trying to arrest someone but won't tell you anything more about it, wouldn't you try to stop those Romulans?"
"Incoming," Loni hisses softly to Rann as she stands in the doorway.
Avok speaks up into Dakin's combadge. "If they were guests of my crew, I would honor the terms of the Alliance that binds us all." He speaks in a calm, level tone, contrasting his earlier outburst. "We would permit one of your men to accompany us, if our word is not enough to sway you."
Dakin says, "Is that agreeable, Lieutenant? I have evidence that I'm willing to share."
. o O Avok thinks "If the Romulans are in on S'Terik's plot, then we will not make it off this ship alive. Best to placate them."
Chuckling can be heard over the combadge. "If they were guests on your ship, Avok of Qo'noS, they could very well be dead. Dakin," the voice is now serious, "I don't like what you're doing, but I'm curious as to these charges you have against someone of your own party. I might allow you to go forward with it if you tell me everything."
Haven stands fully in the doorway, arms resting lightly at her utility belt. "Jolan'tru" she offers politely to the Romulan officers that have arrived.
Dakin pulls out his PADD. "Given the sensitive nature of this, I'm not willing to speak about it on an open channel. If you'll allow me, I'll upload a copy of our evidence from my PADD. All you'll need to know will be there. Agreed?"
Avok keeps his blades in his hands, at the ready; ostensibly for the purpose of skewering S'Terik when he stops hiding. Mostly he just doesn't like being disarmed around Romulans. He smiles coyly, though, a sickly sweetness in his voice. "Jolan'tru."
The Romulan security officers appear, weapons in hand, but they just stand guard over the door until given further instructions. "Upload, Dakin," says the lieutenant's voice.
Dakin taps in the command to drop the uploaded info from 419 onto Tolsar's personal bridge console. "You should have it at your console, Lieutenant."
Haven loves being on the back side of this thing. Really. Reason 194: Why Haven isn't comfortable on this ship. Ahem. She keeps that pleasant smile painted on her face as she remains in position.
Avok glowers some more. He doesn't like spilling their guts to the Romulans. Nor does he like not killing the Romulans. Ah, things were so much simpler during the War.
There is a long pause while Tolsar reads over the information provided. "Interesting," his voice returns over the comm. "Very well, you may proceed. But the entire security team goes too."
Avok emits a low rumble that sounds something like, "ch'Un'dach." Roughly translated to 'Your mother consorts with scampering rodents.' Certainly not loud enough for any UTs to hear, though.
Dakin nods. "Understood and accepted, Lieutenant. Dakin out." He says to the Romulan security team. "The suspect is Ambassador S'Terik. The warrant calls for him to be taken alive." He lets that be the last word as he heads out of the room, purposefully but not shoving past the guards.
Avok takes the opportunity to shove past as well. Ooh, shoving Romulans. Always a special occasion. A low growl, to boot, as he follows closely behind Dakin.
That was all Haven was waiting to hear. She steps fully out into the corridor and almost smiles as the security unit takes a step back. "Welcome to my shadow, boys." She winks then turns and follows the pair down the corridor.
The three Romulan officers are stoic as they follow along.
The group of six enter the common room, finding K'net-Mauri and Zuh'raah'do there.
K'net-mauri sits not far from the viewports. Zuh'raah'do is across from him, the two are evidently engaged in a game of yelbrek, Romulan chess. The rather large group entering in so businesslike a formation draws the Ambassador's attention. He looks up at them, taking note of Avok's bared and raised blade with a sardonic and faintly irritated expression. "Good grief, Mr. Dakin. Am I about to witness another targ-hunt?"
Dakin frowns at the irony of Mauri's question. "Something like that. Either of you seen S'Terik?"
Avok bares his teeth as he chuckles back at the Romulan Ambassador. "This Targ has pointed ears and bleeds green, Ambassador."
Zuh'raah'do quirks a brow, looking at K'net-nauri. Mandibles rub together, but the Nausicaan remains silent.
Haven perks a brow at Avok's back and gives her head a bit of a shake. Oy, leave it to the Klingon.
K'net-mauri lifts a brow at Avok. "I suggest you put your weapons away, Ambassador. I do not imagine that they are quite called for at the moment, and I mistrust your judgement." His tone is dry, with a timbre of command but no edge to it, as if he expects to be obeyed. To Dakin he says, "What has S'Terik done that you wish to allow this Klingon to shed his green blood with primitive weapons?"
Zuh'raah'do waits for a reply to K'net-mauri's query. He notes who has weapons and, since the Romulans are with Dakin, he remains sitting.
Dakin eyes Mauri before answering. "We're arresting him on charges of espionage, Ambassador. Now that the recap's out of the way, once again... have either of you seen him or know where he is?"
Avok lowers his weapons, but does not fasten them to his person. He merely smiles at the only Romulan of any import in the room. "It is not a matter of allowing me, Ambassador. I freely choose to honor the terms of our Alliance and assist my erstwhile allies in weeding a threat to all three Powers from their midst."
K'net-mauri shakes his head a little. He glances at the game-board and moves one of his yelbrek pieces absently, then looks back at Dakin. "You're going to arrest him on charges of espionage, on our ship, all dressed up for the targ-hunt and waving swords about? I suppose you must have insisted that you, and not the security forces on this vessel, take charge of the matter? A trusting ally. Why must you turn everything you do into such a circus?" He doesn't wait for an answer to that question, "He's around here somewhere, I imagine. His access to the ship is limited."
Zuh'raah'do can't help but smirk at the idea of Alliance cooperation. That, and the possibility that the Federation and the Klingon Empire are taking a stab at damage control. "I have not seen him lately. Perhaps the ship's sensors would assist you." Zuh moves his own piece.
Dakin nods then looks to one of the guards. "It's your ship," he says, indicating that he's allowing the Romulans to access the info themselves rather than doing it himself. Ah, diplomacy.
One of the Romulans contacts the bridge and promptly receives, "Room Six, Second Legate Sovar."
Avok raises one arm, sword still clutched in the hand, and grins, more to K'net-mauri than anyone else. "To the hunt!" He roars, looking to Dakin as he begins to walk in the direction he thinks Room Six is. It seems a good direction to go in, honestly, but Avok has no idea.
Haven flashes a look Rann's way then sighs and steps out behind the Klingon. Someone needs to be a voice of reason if Avok gets there before Rann does. Right.
The three Romulans are not far behind.
K'net-mauri glances back at the gameboard and frowns at it. Hmm. He doesn't get to consider it long before the anti-espionage crew has discovered a better way of learning S'Terik's wherabouts than asking two sarcastic and ostensibly evil old men engaged in a chess game. Avok's shouting does interfere with one's concentration. He looks at the Klingon heading off down the hall, then looks at Dakin. And the Romulan security guards. He says in Romulan, "Someone probably ought to subdue that vermin before he does a serious harm."
Zuh'raah'do chuckles and plays on.
Dakin storms ahead, trying to get alongside Avok, if not in front. "All right, we're looking at a possible hostage situation. Prophets, this is just great..."
While the group is still a ways down the corridor, they see three other armed Romulans already entering Room Six.
Avok allows Dakin to get /slightly/ ahead of him, and moves to speak, before catching sight of the armed party. "They steal our prey! Hurry, Lieutenant!" He redoubles his pace to get there faster. Later, Dakin.
Haven groans to herself and shakes her head yet again. How many times is that now? She's lost count. Bloodshed is all she sees coming from this and no doubt Avok will be the greatest cause of it. Her hand falls to her weapon as she paces along behind the group. This is not the way to test the medical bay on this vessel.
Dakin blinks and picks up his pace. "What in the name of Kai Opaka...??" He breaks into a run so as to keep up with the Klingon, checking behind him to make sure Haven and the guards are still proceeding with them.
One of the Romulans at the door steps back up and points his disruptor rifle down the hall at the charging Klingon. "Stand down!" he shouts. From within Sovar's room, one can hear S'Terik saying, "What is the meaning of this?"
Sarvok sees the guard in the hallway raise a disruptor rifle, and comes immediately to his feet. Moving towards the door he asks the Romulan security officer, "Excuse me, but please explain the nature of this interruption, as this a meeting between person traveling under diplomatic seal."
Sovar sits quietly, holding a cup of tea. The others have said it for him. He watches, for now, his expression unreadable, as usual.
Avok comes to a halt before the Romulan guard, glaring angrily at him. "/You/ stand down. I have yet to take up arms against an Alliance member this night and do not intend to." Mmm. Klingon Diplomacy /does/ exist, apparently. "My target rests within that room. Stand /aside/." He fairly bellows at the hapless Romulan.
Haven comes to a stop behind Avok but to the side so Dakin can get by her, at least. Then she whispers to Avok.
Haven whispers to Avok, "Ambassador, please wait and let Lieutenant Dakin handle this. Tempers are high enough as is, wouldn't you agree? He's got the clearance from the SubCommander to do this."
Dakin steps aside Haven and Avok, phaser at the ready, PADD in his other hand, held up to display the screen. "Apparently no longer, Ensign. Ambassador S'Terik, under authority of the United Federation of Planets, you're under arrest for multiple counts of computer espionage and illegal surveillance. You have the right to remain silent; anything you say can and will be used against you at trial. You have the right to legal counsel and have said counsel present during interview. Do you understand these rights as I've explained them to you?"
Avok only snarls briefly at the Romulan and hisses back to Haven, "/We/ were given clearance to do this." Unity seems to be on his mind this evening. He steps into sight of S'Terik beside Dakin, artificial lighting glinting off the well-polished blades of his mek'leth.
Avok winds up chest to chest with the Romulan, glaring down at him. Stoic little feller.
The Romulan at the doorway steps aside for Dakin, and only Dakin. Inside the room, S'Terik is standing and regards Dakin outside the door. Arching an eyebrow, he says, "What is your evidence if this, Lieutenant?"
Sarvok also stands aside when Lt. Dakin enters. Hearing the charges and the reading of rights, he looks to the Ambassador.
Sovar turns in his chair to tap on the communications terminal in the room. "Second Legate Sovar to Lieutenant Tolsar," he says, his deep, rich voice easily heard by those at the door.
Haven doesn't bother sparing a glance at Avok as she steps forth, behind Rann. The thought of Avok at her back makes her skin crawl but she's following Rann's orders. Behind him, she waits, a Romulan between the pair.
Dakin places the PADD back in his jacket. "I'm under no obligation to show off my proof. I have it. It's a large amount. It's damning. And you have a lot to answer for." He says to the Romulan guards without looking away from S'Terik, "This ship have a detention facility?"
S'Terik stands still, his hands inside the wide, long sleeves of his robe. "Very well, then, Lieutenant. I will comply."
"This is the bridge," comes a feminine voice from Sovar's combadge.
Sarvok looks to Dakin then back to S'Terik, "Lt. Dakin may I see a copy of the arrest warrant at your convenience?"
The Romulan guard says, "No, but forcefields can be erected over every room."
Sovar says, "Good evening. This is an official request to the acting commander of this vessel from Second Legate Sovar of Vulcan. Has your commander granted Lt.Dakin Rann the jurisdiction to make an arrest, under the Federation-Klingon-Romulan Alliance of 2375, in accordance with Chapter 5, Subsection VII, Paragraph 3? Please respond immediately, as time is of the essence."
Avok is tired of this. Honestly. The little Romulan is getting on his nerves, and he wants to see the traitor with his own eyes. He's already seen enough of one traitor, and /she/ got to go into the room. He shoulders his way past the Romulan, standing on the other side of Dakin from Haven and looking at S'Terik with a glower on his face. As he passes the guard, he offers a little smirk, as if to dare the man to shoot.
<CONTEST> Avok (claiming disadvantage) contests his Dodge skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!
Through Sovar's combadge, the reply is, "Yes."
The guard's eyes follow the Klingon. As Avok passes by the smaller man, he brings the butt of his disruptor up and nails it down on the Klingon's shoulder.
GAME: Avok spends a courage point.
<CONTEST> Avok contests his Unarmed Combat (Mok'bara) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!
The Romulan dodges out of the way of Avok's leg sweep.
Haven's response is immediate. A few steps to the right and she's between the Romulan and Avok. To the Romulan, she says, "khdi!" (Hold) Her voice firm but low. "There is a job to do and this isn't getting it done." Her gaze never leaves the Romulans face as she stands there, a little Bajoran target between fighters. Guess she learned a thing or two from KM, as she doesn't appear intimidated by the guard at all. "Tensions are high, I know, but let us stay on track."
Dakin frowns at the scuffle alongside him, but then says to the Romulans, "All right, everyone out then. You too, Mr. Sovar. Lt. Dakin to Lieutenant Tolsar. Once Ambassador S'Terik is alone in his room, I'm requesting a forcefield be placed on this room and that all computer access be blocked." He starts backing towards the door, nodding to the Starfleet and Romulan contingents, Avok, and Sovar, as indication they should do the same.
Dakin says, "And if you would also be agreeable, please scan the Ambassador for any weapons or other devices."
Sarvok spares the /former/ Ambassador one last look, before trying to depart the room, though the doorway is highly congested by the Klingon-Bajoran-Romulan standoff.
The Romulan guard brings his disruptor rifle up to aim at Avok, but stills his trigger finger as Haven steps in the way. He looks intently at her briefly before he lowers his weapon. The other two guards inside the room point their weapons at the Klingon, but do not fire.
Before anything else can happen, however, the ship rocks hard, flinging anyone without sure footing onto the ground.
Sovar was just standing and saying, "Thank you," into his combadge, when the ship rocked. He goes flying.
Sarvok is almost to the doorway when he is throw into the wall. He manages to stay upright, but leans into the bulkhead for support.
Avok had recently regained his footing from the blow when Haven stepped between them. His original intention was to simply push her aside and resume hostilities with the Romulan who had the chuz'pa to attack him from /behind/, but the blow to the ship sends him sprawling, the blades in his hand clattering to the floor. He comes to rest against the opposite wall, standing as quickly as possible. His mind is seemingly more focused on the guard than the ship being under attack.
Haven seems to rock up hard against the Romulan guard but she doesn't fall, however. It must be all those years of gymnastics. She maintains her feet and her position between the Klingon on the desk and the guard.
Dakin staggers towards the bulkhead adjoining the door, which is probably what saves him from tumbling to a prone position. He winces at the impact to his back, but the phaser he carries is still in hand, and is now reflexively pointed at S'Terik.
The red alert lights and klaxons go off just as the small ship shudders violently again for another wave of falling people. As this happens, green transporter lights encircle around S'Terik's body, now sprawled on the ground. His form quickly fades out of existance.
Sarvok stays by the bulkhead again using it's support to narrowly avoid going prone. However it is all that the ensign can do to stay upright, as the traitorous Ambassador fades away.
Sovar stands slowly, and straightens his robes. He looks at the place where S'Terik was, then to Dakin, frowning. Not his usual little frown, but a deeper one. "I am now the primary ambassadorial figure here. As this is an ambassadorial mission, in accordance with" and he quotes several Federation laws and Starfleet regulations referring to the powers of Federation ambassadors, "I am assuming command, effective immmediately." He taps his combadge. "Sovar to the bridge. Is there any possibility of stopping the ship which just beamed out Ambassador S'Terik?"
Avok bypasses the guard, leaving his swords on the deck where they lay and yanking his dk'tagh from its hip holster. Not even bothering to spring the side blades free, he charges into S'Terik's room, looks around for a moment or two, and stabs directly down into the table S'Terik was reading at with the tip of the blade. He says in Klingon, "Find him!" He yells, as if that was not the predominant concern of all present.
Haven just shakes her head as Avok storms off. Her gaze sweeps those in the corridor before it lands on Rann. "Everyone in one piece?"
Dakin frowns and holsters his phaser, then stretches his arms out, causing his shoulders to pop. "Yeah, I'm all right... I'll be better once we hear who snagged that traitor and run them down." He looks to Sovar with a deeper scowl, as he waits for a response from the bridge.
One last shudder, tinier than the other ones, and all is silent. The lights blink on and off, as if unsure of which position they want to be in. "Lieutenant Dakin," comes Lieutenant Tolsar's voice over the comm, "report to the bridge with your team immediately. Bring K'net-Mauri." He sounds very irritated.
Sarvok looks to Second Legate Sovar while waiting for Lt.Dakin to leave as befits the actions of a junior to a senior office, "I am sorry Second Legate Sovar, but your interpratation of Federation and Starfleet regulations is in error. As this is a Romulan vessal, operational authority rests with the Romulan officers and /their/ Ambassador."
Sovar starts to head for the door, and the bridge. He says, in his usually placid tone, "Lt.Dakin. Dr.Haven. I believe you have done quite enough this evening. You will remain silent, unless I order otherwise, or I will see you court-martialed. I shall assume that no response is indicative of your intention to obey my command." He looks to Sarvok as they walk. "You are in error. The senior ambassadorial representative may assume command of a Federation team at any point in any ambassadorial mission. I am not presuming to command the Romulans, Sarvok."
Avok collects his various blades, walking past the Romulan guard with impunity, and sticks them where they belong. On his back and hip, of course. He prepares to follow Dakin, because while there's no I in T E A M, there is a Klingon.
Haven is about to say something but stops as Sovar speaks. She flicks a glance at Rann then simply stands down, hands at her sides.
Dakin says, "Acknowledged," to Tolsar then stalks towards Sovar. "Number one, Ambassador. The mission, according to the official record, concluded once we left Nausicaa III. Meaning there's no mission, meaning you have no authority in this case. Number two, I received permission from the commanding officer of this vessel to exercise the arrest warrant." He pulls out his PADD and shows Sovar the screen. "Which leads to number three. The evidence. S'Terik. Accessing over half the info in our classified databases. S'Terik. Bugging our shuttlecraft. And now. S'Terik. Beamed away when we're trying to arrest him and find out who he's working for. All due respect, Ambassador? You want to court-martial me, go ahead. Because this is my job. This is what I do. And this was by-the-book, 100 percent. And if this is what I have to go through to *do* my job, then I'll hand my commbadge over the *millisecond* I return to 419. And you can take the fact that I'm telling you *you*are*in*error* that I'm ignoring your command, because, with the mission over, you have no authority over me. *SIR.*"
Sovar turns to Dakin. "You have disobeyed my order. Ensign Sarvok, please accompany Lt.Dakin to his quarters, where he will remain confined for the duration of the trip. My authority in this matter is clear."
Sarvok nods to Sovar, "The senior Ambassadorial offical may assume command of any ambassadorial mission. While this was declared an ambassadorial mission on Nausicaa III, and not say...a matter of Starfleet security. Lt.Dakin as senior Starfleet officer, in exercising direct orders from his superiors has now declared it as such. You are of course correct that yo may command /Starfleet/ personele during diplomatic missions, such is no longer the case, and so I must respectfull decline.
Avok takes this opportunity to approach Sovar. A quick aside to Sarvok, before he begins his tirade - "Ensign, under my authority as a Captain in the Imperial Klingon Defense Forces, belay that order." Now he turns to Sovar. "You command no authority here, /second legate/. I outrank you as a military officer and I outrank you as an ambassador. Under the terms of the treaty to which you cling, I assume command of this 'mission', if such exists, and put it back in Lieutenant Dakin's hands where it belongs." This was not said in the most pleasant of tones.
Dakin ignores Sovar as he taps his commbadge. "Lt. Dakin to Lieutenant Tolsar. My apologies for my delays. I'm on my way with my team presently. Dakin out." He then looks to everyone. "Everyone coming?" He then leaves the room and makes his way to the bridge, whether anyone follows or not.
K'net-mauri can be found in the common room, still. He's no longer playing yelbrek, as the pounding that just rocked Ts'lux T'Gora has spilled the pieces across the table and the floor. Rather than pick them up, the Romulan ambassador is just speaking to the Nausicaan over the little mess that fate has made of their fun. He seems put out by recent events. By the look on his face his quiet words to Zuh'raah'do are undoubtedly a malediction of somebody, but the camera's eye doesn't get close enough to catch what he's saying. He looks away from his conversation to a Romulan officer who's come to inform him of the request for his presence, rises from the table and heads for the bridge.
In her quarters, the shaking of the ship brings two reactions from Mirell. Her eyes open. And her brow arches. After quickly pulling on her tunic, she steps out into the corridor and heads for the bridge.
Zuh'raah'do nods gravely towards K'net-mauri as they speak. He also looks up as the Romulan arrives. "I'll be here." he says simply.
Upon reaching the scout's bridge, you see that it is in somewhat of a mess. Blown consoles, charred equipment, broken panels. But all in all, the damage to the bridge is not too bad. Tolsar is standing in front of his chair, facing the viewscreen at the front of his ship. His head turns back as the group enters, then returns to the viewscreen. "He wants to speak to you," Tolsar says, quite nonchalantly. For on the screen, seated in front of a logo showing a green dagger with the wings of the Romulan bird of prey emblem ( http://nevaren.0catch.com/talkaden.jpg ), is S'Terik.
Dakin draws himself up a little, not displaying any surprise at learning S'Terik's apparent true allegiances. "I'm listening," is all he says.
Sarvok looks to Sovar, face passive "The senior Federation Ambassadorial offical may assume command of Starfleet personnel during any ambassadorial mission when it affects diplomatic matters. While this was declared an ambassadorial mission on Nausicaa III, Lt.Dakin as senior Starfleet officer, in exercising direct orders from his superiors has now declared it a matter of Starfleet security. Such a designation superceeds your authority and therefore Lt. Dakin is in operational command of Starfleet personnel. You may check my interpratation of Starfleet regulations, and if you wish to report my refusal Second Legate, such is your prerogative." With that he follows Dakin to the bridge just in time to see S'Terik on the screen.
Sovar responds, simply, "I shall. In all of your cases." He then looks at the viewscreen, impassively.
Avok watches the viewscreen, the expression of disgust plain on his face. "Speak now, worm, while you can."
Haven remains silent, eyes on the screen before her. Her arms cross as she's far from happy right now.
K'net-mauri lifts a brow. "Does he? Let him speak, then." He crosses the room to stand not far from Tolsar, looking at the screen.
Mirell remains standing off to the side, saying nothing.
S'Terik says, "Your people did well, Rann. I was expecting to be at the station for longer than these past...oh, three or so years. Give them my regards. Especially Idrani, I became rather fond of that child." He grins, which when combined with the slight forward tilt of his head, causes angled shadows to flood over his face.
To Avok, he says, "Do not worry, Klingon. Your pitiful little empire will be conquered and abolished soon enough."
He looks over at the Romulan ambassador, "K'net, tell your government this: the Star Empire is weak. People like you have diluted the purity of our ways. The true Romulans will one day retake the Star Empire, and the Tal'Kaden will rule over the galaxy." He pauses, scanning the T'lux T'Gora's bridge and developing a half grin. "It's been fun working with all of you these past years." The grin grows wider and more predatory before the image of S'Terik blinks out, to be replaced by the green dagger and wings.
Tolsar takes a deep breath and says, "He's disabled my ship. I can't stop him. A Romulan ship will be contacted to retrieve you and return you to your station."
The wing dagger is now gone, showing another Romulan scoutship. The other ship cloaks and disappears into the darkness, bringing with it former Ambassador S'Terik of the United Federation of Planets.
Sarvok furrows his brow slighty, "Most....distressing."
Sovar looks at the viewscreen thoughtfully. He turns to Avok. "It was not my intention to proclaim command over you, Ambassador. However, the treaty does not apply to you overriding a Federation official's ambassadorial command of Federation personnel. I shall forward you the appropriate documentation, that you may review that aspect of the treaty." He looks to the others. "I shall be in my quarters. I have several reports to write." With that, he walks out.
Avok watches quietly. Sovar gets no more than a passing glance as Avok turns away from the viewscreen and slams a gloved fist into a section of wall that contains no control panels. He says in Klingon, "Your day will come, coward. And I hope you will stand and fight."
Haven glances up as Sovar leaves and shakes her head. A worried glance is tossed from Rann's way then to KM and Zuh. Worry, not for herself but for the others. Quietly she steps forth and rests a hand on Rann's shoulder.
Dakin clasps a hand briefly over Loni's, then says to Tolsar, "For fear of inconveniencing you further, Sublieutenant, I'd like to contact my superiors...on a secure line, if your comm systems aren't damaged beyond the capability for that. I'll be in my quarters, regardless. And in the face of all that happened... my thanks and sincere apologies." He then turns and walks off the bridge.
Zuh'raah'do, not knowing what is happening upon the bridge, quietly goes about the business of picking up the game pieces from the common room floor. Every so often, black Nausicaan eyes cast over towards the hallway where K'net-mauri disappeared. Finally, the last piece is back on the board. Almost as an afterthought, Zuh'raah'do turns his king piece over on its side.
K'net-mauri is quite silent. He lifts a brow at the screen. The cloaking ship. The starry darkness that is left when it is gone. His face is unreadable, more thoughtful than angry. But stony and quite cold.
And so the Advent of Sorrow, ironically named, hangs in space, almost helpless in the vast emptiness.
