Dissenting Opinions

 Episode Name:  Dissenting Opinions

   Written By:  Belgarath

         Cast:  Belgarath, Churas, Gr'laH, K'net-mauri, S'veralis, Taevan and 
                Turtledove.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Belgarath

     Aired On:  Fri Jul 11 01:37:53 2003

     Stardate:  53351.7

Time: Thu Jul 10 21:21:06 2003

Stardate: 53351.2

Gr'laH, wishing to investigate further into the Teirian terrorist affair, assembles a group to go to the homeworld of the Teirians to further study the Rynkans' alleged evidences. After a few days of traveling into the Neutral Zone aboard the House Ship Gharas, the bird of prey reachinges the Teirian system. Immediately, a Romulan warbird approaches the smaller ship, dwarfing it upon reaching it. After ensuring that the ship is indeed supposed to be here, the d'deridex allows the Gharas to pass. As the ship enters orbit around Teirra, the viewscreen shows a globe of bright blue and green.

Predictably, Gr'laH is slumped in the chair of his captaincy, his robes spilling over his dented and scuffed armor in a fitting contrast of Warrior and Diplomat. The fact that they go together so well is, perhaps, a testimony to the man that wears them both. When the Warbird squared with the Gharas, Gr'laH's single eye simply narrowed a touch, his lips drawing back in a sneer. He'd likely tackle two of them, given half a chance, says his expression. This role suits him well. It's good to be in such a chair again. Upon reaching the specified orbit, joining the unseen fleet of the Romulans, Gr'laH swings his gaze to the tactical console and Churas. "CHURAS! Do the Rynkans send ships to meet us, or is our presence unopposed?" The other stations are manned by various warriors of his House, the guests of the Star Empire and Federation allowed to stand by and watch, at least for the moment.

After a moment spent observing the readouts of her console, Churas, shifting uncomfortably in her chair for some reason that doesn't find display on her face, replies, "We are unopposed, Father." She looks at home at this station -- perhaps less so than Gr'laH in his captain's chair, but this is a fair match for her all the same. The feral upward curl of her mouth's corners would tend to imply that her statement is as she expected matters to be, and as she feels they should be.

. o O Churas thinks "I do not /remember/ my armor being this uncomfortable."

K'net-mauri simply stands by and watches. He's quite still. He seems more interested in Gr'laH's reaction to the warbird than the warbird itself. The question of Rynkan interferance doesn't seem to weigh very heavily on him either.

Taevan is as he tends to be - quiet, observant, perpetually amused. His hands are more visible than usual, not hidden within the cavernous expanses that are his sleeves, but fingers interlace where they rest comfortably on his abdomen.

Turtledove watches quietly as well, taking in the activity on the bridge with a curious eyes and an otherwise subdued expression.

S'veralis readjusts the weapons belt she wears, with the new weight of the disruptor she now bears at her side again, opposite of her sheathed Neca. She watches the view screen, her eyes occasinally going to the tactical station, but unable to read the Klingon language it means nothing to her other than dots on a screen. Staying close to the Romulan ambassador, the young female Romulan while not appearing to be so is slightly on edge. A light smile touches her face as the large warbird decloaks and checks their credentials, as it were, to be here. As the bird of prey takes up its position in orbit Lis watches the screen. Again she reaches down to readjust the belt still trying to settle it comfortably on her hip.

A hail comes from the surface.

Gr'laH snaps his gaze towards his communications officer, barking an order before the hail finishes its growl of complaint. "On screen!" Gr'laH's single hand smacks onto the metal arm of his chair, propelling his mass upwards into one stalking monolith of meat and muscle. He lumbers two steps down from his dais, flicking back his head with a growl. Proper Klingon Hail Reception Style.

Churas simply settles back in her chair, one hand on her console, to watch; her eyes flicker between the viewscreen and Gr'laH with the sort of expectancy of a kid waiting for her favorite TV program to come on. This is my /favorite show./

K'net-mauri remains quite still, and perfectly silent.

"This is the Teirra Global Traffic Control Center," a female Rynkan with the usual brown skin and blue stripes says. "Would you prefer to land or to beam down?"

"Ambassador Gr'laH," the Klingon suffices with that, "my flag will remain in your orbit. Myself, Ambassador K'net-mauri, Delegate Churas, Delegate Taevan, Uhlan Severalis and Lieutenant Turtledove will be accompanying me. I wish to be received in your government center by your most convenient foreign affairs ambassador. If you cannot fufill this wish, forward my hail to such offices as are able to do so."

"Understood," comes the Rynkan's reply. "Please stand by for coordinates" After several minutes, the transporter coordinates are sent as promised.

"Thank you, Teirra Control. The Gharas. Out." Gr'laH lowers his chin slowly as the view of the planet is reclaimed, at which point he turns to address his crew. "Warriors of the Empire! We have come to this speck of dust in the heavens for one purpose! To find the truth amidst the lies we have suffered since Bak'TUR's burning! If a vessel challenges you, you will destroy it! If two challenge you, you will destroy the one and board the other! So that when they return with four, you are no less matched! Where we now rest, so rested Krotar of the Kang! But /WE/ will not be driven back! Not until we have our answers! So are my orders, die well by them!" Gr'laH flicks his gaze to Churas, snarling out a growl as he jerks his head towards the bridge doors. "To me. We have an appointment." He turns about sharply, snatching the sidearm from one of his officers as he does so, clipping it to his belt. The guard at the door earns a growl and a gamely glare before the old bastard chucks his skullplate against the younger man's. "Q'PLA!" Humans buy fast cars and date younger women. Klingons buy starships and headbutt their lessers.

Closing out her tactical console, Churas rises to her feet and follows after her father without comment or apparent concern whatsoever. Her expression says it all: what could she possibly want or fear? Right to the Gates of Hell? No problem, as long as Gr'laH's leading.

K'net-mauri lifts a brow at Gr'laH's rather inflamatory rhetoric to the Gharas' crew. He doesn't seem pleased but he holds his silence. He doesn't seem very pleased at the order, 'to me' either, and his lips curl in a faint but bitter grimace. The Romulan Ambassador doesn't comment on that either. He simply moves to join the Klingons on their way to the transporters, his pace as always unhurried.

One of Lis's delicate eyebrows arch up slightly at the Klingon Ambassadors words, but she says nothing, a barely concealed smirk trying to fight it's way to her lips, she waits until K'net-mauri begins to make his way to the transporter room before falling into position a pace back and to the left.

Taevan turns smoothly on one heel to follow in K'net-mauri's wake, eyes never still as he takes in the... splendor... of the ship around him.

Turtledove's eyes move over the Klingon warriors, her interest quietly intensified, as she, too, turns and walks to the transporters.

The Klingon transporters activate and the group soon finds itself in the courtyard of what appears to be a busy capital building. A couple of Rynkans, one wearing the Rynkan military attire and the other civilian garments, briskly walk up to the group. "Welcome to Teirra," the latter says. "I am Vice Envoy Hunan, and this is First Lieutenant Hiren of the Rynkan Space Defense," he gestures to the military man.

Gr'laH steps to the fore of the entourage, having ignored -- as is his habit -- the lack of amusement shown by the Romulans in his company. He eyes the Rynkans in silence for a moment before inclining his head in diffident politesse. "Vice Envoy Hunan. First Lieutenant Hiren. I am Ambassador Fleet Captain Gr'laH, son of Go'laH, Elder of the House of Gr'laH. My daughter, Delegate Churas, Ambassador's Aide, Order of Kahless. That is Ambassador K'net-Mauri of the Romulan Star Empire. His adjutant, Taevan. Uhlan S'veralis, his Guard. The remaining female is Lieutenant Turtledove of Starfleet's RRT. We have come to continue our probe into the matter of Bak'TUR and to ask questions that require answers. I regret that your Ferengi Allies have barred us from direct communication. Which is why I have come directly and personally, circumventing their interference into our peaceable resolution to these warlike matters." A pause as he plucks the disruptor from his hip -- the one he never bothers carrying and borrowed from a suboordinate. "My weapon as a gesture of good faith." Clever. Bastard.

Churas blinks. Twice. Her head might move a hair in what might be a bow, or that could just be a subtle adjustment of her stance for comfort's sake. Massive hands hang loose at her side, idly twitching as she waits. Her father's actions are eyed with some detatchment, and she waits.

K'net-mauri only nods to the Rynkan Envoy and Lieutenant, a slow and solemn gesture. He is, so far as can be seen, already quite unarmed, his clean precise hands calm and empty at his sides.

Taevan inclines his head only minutely faster that Mauri, similarly appearing unarmed.

Turtledove nods to Hunan, a comparatively brisk, if short, gesture of greeting. She does flick a quick glance to Gr'laH as he 'offers his weapon', but she diverts her glance towards Hiren, studying the military man's tack and rig while the initial pleasantries, such as they are, are exchanged.

Dark blue eyes narrow as Lis looks around the room that they have materialized in, unlike Gr'laH she does not hand over her weapons, as she continues to study the room and those here not of the contingent from the Gharas. She gives the speaker a once over look, then her eyes fall onto the Rykan Lt., but her eyes never rest for long on any one person. If the rumors of Teirian terrorists are true then a political target of this magnitude would cause their mouths to water much like that animal the humans talk about Pavlevs dog or something, and hard to resist.

Hunan gives a greeting nod to those introduced, but looks uncertain when the disruptor is offered. "Oh, why, thank you," he says as he reaches out for it and quickly handing it over to the lieutenant, who manages to find some place to tuck it into. "The Romulans have notified us of this visit," continues the vice envoy. "How may I be of assistance?"

"I will have that back before I leave," Gr'laH informs the Lieutenant before turning his attention to the Envoy, "How kind of them." Gr'laH's gaze shifts to K'net-mauri for a moment of silent scrutiny before he shifts his attentions back to the Rynkan concerned. "I wish to review the evidence presented, hear more fully and with my own ears your explanation of the Teirian conspiracy you claim is responsible for this matter, and then ask you questions from there. The information I have been given from all sides of the matter is incomplete. The Supreme Chancellor awaits my report."

"All of the evidence has been taken by the Klingon fleet that was here," Hunan says. "But if you're here to talk about it rather than look at them then there shouldn't be any trouble. Let's go to a conference room; I don't think you would enjoy a discussion out here in the courtyard," a smile, then he leads the group to a room in the building that contains a long, polished, wooden table with seats all along it. Gesturing for everyone to take a seat, Hunan himself sits down near the head of the table and begins, "When we first learned about the attack on Bak'TUR and of how nuclear devices that could be traced back to us were the weapons used, we immediately expected the Ylinnor terrorist group. At that time, we still haven't found all of the rogue Teirians. Immediately after the announcement of the nuclear devices, the Ferengi Alliance poured resources into helping us find these terrorists, which I believe is the only way we could have caught them. Without the Ferengi Alliance's help...well, the Teirian resistance would probably still be fighting us. Anyway, we found more hidden bases than we ever did before, two of which had actual possession of one nuclear warhead each. Our records show that seven nuclear warheads went missing shortly after we conquered Teirra, while we were still a bit disorganized. We figured that the five launched against Bak'TUR and the two here are those seven warheads. We rounded up as much of the terrorists as possible, but most of them kept fighting instead of surrendering, so we had no choice but kill most of them. Those who did surrender were usually so weak and feeble that they likely didn't participate in any of the actual fighting themselves."

<CONTEST> S'veralis (claiming disadvantage) contests her Presence (Empathy) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

"Have you captured the ringleaders? Any conclusive evidence? Anything damning at all?" Gr'laH asks this from the chair he has taken, slouching into it as he does at the table on 419. A stewing brooding sort of slouch, far different than the one he adopts in the chair of his captaincy. "It is no simple matter to smuggle such devices out of a warzone, across a sector, onto a planet, and then synchronize detonation without detection. Without meaning disrespect, Vice Envoy, it would be a far simpler matter to place these weapons in the cities of Rynka and slaughter your people by the hundreds of thousands, rather than provoke the wrath of the Klingon Empire who seeks to repay the slaughter by blood and to the drop." Gr'laH is silent for a moment before continuing on. "Seven warheads are missing, you found two, five were detonated at Bak'TUR. Why not seven? Why keep two to be found? What were their ambitions with those two? Where did they claim them? How did they claim them? How did they do so in secret? Who claimed them, moved them, guarded them, sent them out, to whom, how, upon what, under whose nose, at what time-- you see? If I steal seven buttons from your shirt, throw five of them at Taevan, two at Churas, and point at her? That is, essentially, what you now do to me, Vice Envoy."

Churas drops -- more lightly than she has of late -- into a chair next to her father, and keeps up her silent vigil at his side. She leans forward, propping her elbows onto the table and her chin in one hand for a moment. Then again, perhaps not. Perhaps she'll lean back and fold her hands over her stomach with an irritated and brief expulsion of air.

K'net-mauri takes his seat slowly. He listens to the Rynkan, still and attentive. None of this information is news to him, by the look of it. It's the Klingon leader's reaction that interests him, and he watches Gr'laH carefully. His expression is chilly, but otherwise unreadable.

Taevan furrows his brow in a scowl at the analogy, and glances briefly to Churas, and then to the buttons on the Vice Envoy's shirt before returning his attention to Gr'laH. Finally he sinks smoothly backwards into a seat beside K'net-mauri.

Turtledove sits quietly in her seat, meanwhile, observing, her eyes roaming from Gr'lah to the Romulans and back to Hunan. Less acclimized, perhaps, to this sort of environment, but accustomed to being tossed into unfamiliar surroundings.

S'veralis stands behind KM and Taevan but arches an eyebrow at the reports of 'to weak and feeble'. her eyes continue to move as the words sink in as does the tone in which they are spoken. She remains silent as she is supposed to do unless something rather wicked this way comes. Her mind races going thru the possible tactical reasons on why two warheads were kept back from the strike.

"We were unable to capture the leaders," First Lieutenant Hiren answers the parts that he is more familiar with than diplomats would. Some were killed immediately when we stormed their bases. Others committed suicide. Ylinnor terrorists, especially their leaders, are fanatics for their cause and would never allow themselves to be captured. As to the warheads..." the first lieutenant shifts uncomfortably, "I admit that we let them slip through fingers. It's not something we're proud of, and we made sure that they wouldn't be able to attack again after the unfortunate event on Bak'TUR."
"We're not sure about how exactly they did it either," Hunan says after Hiren finishes. "We believe that they used an outside source to carry those warhead to their destination on Bak'TUR. Maybe they preprogrammed the timing of the detonations, I don't know. And I don't know why they attacked Bak'TUR instead of Rynka. Maybe because Rynka checks every incoming ship, whereas maybe Bak'TUR didn't? I don't know. Like the lieutenant said, we weren't able to capture the leaders, and those we did capture...well, they weren't able to reveal much to us in their condition. The Ylinnor terrorists who were able to be interrogated said they knew nothing about the warheads. I don't know if they were telling the truth or not, but the reports say that those terrorists weren't from the cells that held the two warheads. And to why they didn't use all seven, maybe they had other plans for those two? Again, I can't say I know for sure myself."

"That is exquisitely convenient, Lieutenant, Vice Envoy, that the ringleaders are dead, the survivors fit for interrogation from cells other than those concerned in the alleged terrorist attacks, that you cannot explain to me how they got them, nor how they were sent away. We are currently in possession of a freighter that may have carried the weapons from their planet of origin to Bak'TUR. It comes to us from Nausicaa, she and her crew and captain. You realize that you are asking me to accept a story with holes to fit a D'Deridex through as an explanation for the deaths of tens of thousands of my brethren? Sight unseen? It is convenient, too convenient. And I wish you had more to say." Gr'laH shifts his gaze to Churas for a moment, then back to the Rynkans. "Many of the prisoners we have been given have a rather unfortunate condition in that their minds are barely minds at all. It makes interrogation somewhat difficult, as you can imagine. I must question what made them so."

Churas remains as she has been: but for her eyes and the slow, subtle rhythm of her breathing, she does not move at all.

K'net-mauri is silent. His dark eyes are sharp as he watches the exchange between Gr'laH and the two Rynkans.

Taevan tends to turn his head as he looks between the conversants, but other than his increased movement, he remains rather like Churas.

Turtledove's brow has furrowed slightly, giving her a mildly discerning expression.

A frown decorates her lips, as something pops into Lis's mind after mulling over the words from both the Lt. and the Civilian. Thinking out her words carefully she brings up the only inconsitancy that has not been pointed out so far, perhaps if only to provoke a reaction that her Superiours might be able to detect better than herself, "I know of one tactical reason for keeping two war heads behind," she says quietly as she looks directly at the Rynkan Lt. "And that would be to destroy those raiding their bases, and destroy evidence." she pauses slightly again, "If they were not detonated then why else?"

"I'm haven't seen any of the reports about the imprisonment and interrogation, so I can't really say," says Hunan. "But as I said, a lot of the terrorists couldn't even be interrogated in the first place, most likely because of the same conditions you're speaking of, Ambassador. That leads me to conclude that they might have started off that way." He looks over to Hiren.
Hiren nods, "As I mentioned, many of the captured terrorists were not in fighting condition. It looks like most of the prisoners who surrendered were there simple to hide from us, rather than fight."
"I'm sorry if we haven't been able to solve every single question," returning to the vice envoy. "I'm sure you understand that not everything is so easy to solve." When S'veralis speaks, Hunan's face blanches noticeably. He looks over at Hiren questioningly. "Could that be it?"
The military officer does not react as surprised as the civilian does. "It was always a possibility, especially given their zealous nature," says he. "There were Teirians in the caverns holding the warhead when the Space Defense forces entered said caverns. If that is the case, we are fortunate that the terrorists weren't able to before we secured the warheads."

"Yes. I am certain that a terrorist cell capable of interplanetary terrorism and synchronized detonation of five devices in five cities at the same second of a day would have considerable difficulty in suiciding with the same weapons singularly at an attack." That, ladies in gentlemen, is Gr'laH's sarcasm. "Oh, yes, very fortunate. Very fortunate." Gr'laH stews back into his seat with a drawn back lip and a growl, a bit of the warrior leaking in to his diplomatic mein. "Your technology is inferior to that of the Klingon Empire, Lieutenant. Envoy. I ask -- and similarly ask of my colleague, Ambassador K'net-mauri -- that we be allowed to station a K'vort in your orbit to liase with your ground forces in continuing the investigation on the ground. In tandem. To perhaps answer some of these questions that elude you. I lack the evidence to lay your planet low. I lack the evidence to execute those in my custody. In short, we are at an empasse. And I suggest we work our way through it together, rather than progress into a stonewall against which will be fired the volleys of a war perhaps just, perhaps not, but lethal either way." Gr'laH ammends somewhat obviously. "For you. Lethal for you."

Save for the way in which one corner of her mouth curls up at her father's sarcasm, Churas remains entirely unchanged.

K'net-mauri looks at Gr'laH. He nods, a faint gesture. "Perhaps our assistance in such an investigation here will be welcome." A flicker of a glance at Hunan accompanies the quietly spoke words.

Taevan turns his head to regard S'veralis for a moment while she speaks, then continues his routine of watching whoever is talking. The slightest expression of distaste crosses his face at Gr'laH's threat.

Turtledove remains as quiet as always, but now with a mildly critical expression. Her eyes move from Klingons to Romulans to Rynkans, her curiousity tempered with a sort of quiet surprise. There is no hesitation in her voice, however, as she states, after K'net-mauri, "As well as ours."

S'veralis her face hardens slightly at the threat made by Gr'Lah but the light of doubt is within her eyes at the Rynkans response to her inquiry as well as the Klingons words prior to the threat. she glance back to the Rynkan LT. keeping him under her gaze.

"I know you and many others doubt that it is the Teirians who did it," says Hunan. "But think of it this way: the Klingon Empire is beyond a doubt more advanced than we are. A single Klingon ship could wipe out our entire fleet. Why would we want to attack you just to hang ourselves? Where is the point in that? We have nothing to gain from Bak'TUR's destruction. We can't conquer it, we can't get its advanced technology, we can't profit in any way whatsoever from it. So why, Ambassador? Why would we even think about attacking your people? If Teirian terrorists attacking Bak'TUR has holes, despite what evidence we do have to contribute to that, then wouldn't the holes in Rynka trying to fight Bak'TUR be even bigger?" The Rynkan looks down, as if troubled. Shortly, he looks back up and says, "As for your ship, I'm sure my government wouldn't mind - it'll only prove our innocence. But it really depends on the Romulans."

"That is a question I have asked since the beginning myself," Gr'laH admits frankly, "in truth there is no reason that the innocence of the Teirians need mean the guilt of the Rynkans. There is, after all, a third power concerned that stands to gain much from a conflict between us. A third power that has proven less than cooperative in the matter of this issue's resolution. They money DaiMon Klouk has poured into this investigation is nothing compared to the money they would acquire from you -- in resources and currency -- to arm and prepare yourselves for war. With us." Gr'laH's fingers drum on the edge of his chair arm for a silent moment of scrutiny. "It is easy -- simple -- for people to, in the midst of a war, wreak atrocity. Simpler yet to blame that atrocity on the obvious or the innocent. Or the obviously innocent. I have not come here for war, Envoy, Lieutenant. I have not come here for vengeance or vindication. I have come here to learn the truth, and in finding it, execute justice for those killed in the misery of such dishonor. I lost my arm and my eye freeing Bak'TUR from the Siinogans. I will not lose my name and my integrity -- my Honor, all I yet retain -- for the sake of the sort of vengeance wrought by the young on their rivals. If I learned tomorrow that either of you were involved in Bak'TUR, I would strangle you with my hand and choke the other on my stump. I would take no pleasure in it. But I would do it. If you are innocent, as you say you are innocent, I will believe you. And ask that you help me to prove you are so. As I seek to do so to the Teirians. We will vindicate our way to the culprit, should it take me until the end of my days. And then? Perhaps your hands will help me." Gr'laH shifts his eye to the Romulan, lowering his chin slightly. "Having been granted once more passage to Teirra, it is only right that we allow your presence as well."

Churas, as a sort of odd counterpoint to her father's expansive speech, blinks. Twice.

K'net-mauri nods gravely to Gr'laH. "I will see about this. I suggest you present to me a list of personell for this investigation, and their immediate plan of action for when they arrive here." A glance to Turtledove, "And perhaps Starfleet will do the same." His tone is dry, unkindly so. "Disorder has surrounded this issue since its start. No doubt this fact is very pleasing to whoever is responsible for that start. The miscommunication and chaos will not continue. I do not wish to see anyone run roughshod over this region in hopes of tripping over the evidence we seek."

Taevan looks over reactions as Mauri speaks, knowing in advance that his superior's will remain unchanged.

Turtledove regards Gr'laH with quiet boldness. She is put-off, of course, at having been ignored, and it manifests like a cracked whip in her eyes. Glancing to K'net-mauri, she nods, politely. "Yes, Ambassador. I will see that the information is delivered to you with all reasonable haste."

Hunan's eyes goes from Gr'laH to K'net-Mauri to Turtledove. "Would the Ferengi Alliance do that?" he asks the three representatives, then looks around the room almost as if expecting to see a Ferengi. "They're our allies. They wouldn't do that..."

"Would they? They did not fight in the Dominion War when the whole of the Quadrant was at risk of extermination. But now they are here with forty vessels to stand between Rynka -- one little planet in a nowhere place -- and the tyrranical and unfair onslaught of the Klingon Empire. They would not battle for their very survival, yet the battle for yours. Have you read the rules of acquisition, Hunan? War, they say, is good for business." Gr'laH shifts his gaze slowly to K'net-mauri, lifting his brow slightly at the commanding tone employed. "Nor do I. It pleases me we are in agreement, Ambassador." That said, Gr'laH takes in a deep breath and shifts his gaze to Turtledove. "You speak for Starfleet here, Lieutenant?"

Churas slowly shifts her attention from the Teirians to the Romulans and over to the lone Starfleeter at the table, who becomes the subject of her patient and complete focus.

K'net-mauri casts a rather bitter glance at the Rynkan's question, his lips twisting in the faintest of smiles. There is no humour is it. Gr'laH's reply to him only makes him nod, the Klingon's reaction to Mauri's proprietary manner seems to escape the Romulan's notice.

Turtledove turns her attention back to Klingon male. "I speak for the Federation, actually, in the capacity of reviewing evidence in this investigation."

Hunan quiets down, but there is a slight frown on his face that would indicate that he is trouble with something.

"Do you." Gr'laH tilts his head to the side slightly in reviewing Turtledove. One might think him unimpressed. "One Lieutenant. For the whole of The Federation. Your superiors Honor me, Lieutenant, with so fine a delegation to make such weighty choices about so sensitive a matter." His lips draw back slightly in a vague sort of leer. "Have your Ambassador speak with me about this matter, Lieutenant. He speaks for the Federation -- or it should be said more properly -- he is silent for the Federation. It is well that you have come. Well that you offer what he never has. Well that Idrani trusted you with this. It is well. But you presume too much upon a lenity you have not earned and that your superiors have in so short a time squandered. You are here, more properly, to observe the Klingons here. Not to review anything at all. If your government wishes involvement in this matter formally, it will come from the FDS Offices in Meridian's hand, pass through Churas to me. If we are to start this relationship, it starts properly or it ends with a snort. At best."

K'net-mauri nods a little sharply at what Gr'laH said. "Very well, then," he comments, blandly.

Turtledove quirks an brow at Gr'laH. Well, she can't argue with him. He's right. Despite better judgement, perhaps, her mouth curls slightly on the left side. Very slightly. It's a respectful curl, and not unfriendly. Her head tilts forward slightly as well, but her eyes remain firmly on the Klingon. "Your point is well taken, Ambassador. I will, then, see that the decisions follow the appropriate channels." She almost stops. But she has to add. "Thank-you."

S'veralis allows her gaze to leave the Rynkans face long enough to measure Tera's expression to the Ambassadors words, before returning them to the Rynkans.

The Rynkans are silent.

"Lieutenant," Gr'laH says in turning his attention back to the Rynkans, "Vice Envoy, the Empire thanks you for this audience." Gr'laH smacks his hand onto his chair arm and pushes himself from his seat slowly, adjusting his robes once on his feet. "I will have my sidearm and an escort back to the courtyard for return to my flagship. We will then retire from your space, prepare our investigation team and return as soon as we are able. May we have your permission to contact you without the interference of the Ferengi Alliance?"

Churas slowly extracts herself from her chair as Gr'laH does, turning her eyes briefly back toward the Rynkans and idly adjusting her armor once she's on her feet.

K'net-mauri looks peevish, at best. His face is cold, half scowling. He says nothing but gets slowly to his feet.

Taevan rises somewhat faster than Mauri, his own face placid as he glances to the elder Romulan.

Turtledove stands up quietly, her eyes moving towards the Rynkans one final time.

S'veralis remains in her position, until the Romulan ambassador beings to walk towards the trasporter area, and takes up her normal position a pace back and slightly to the left, her face shows no expression, nor do her eyes as sthe slide acorss the Rykans pone last time before resuming their normal flicking about the room.

The Rynkans stand up too, and Hiren takes out the disruptor, passing back the weapon handle-first. Hunan says, "We aren't allowed to give out such permission, I'm afraid."

"I wonder why," Gr'laH asks with all due rhetoric, "it would make resolving matters peacefully so much simpler." Hmm. And hmm. Gr'laH accepts his sidearm and clips it back into place, shifting his gaze to K'net-mauri for a moment of consideration. "I apologize, Ambassador, if these events have given rise to a foul mood. Perhaps you might have remained behind." There's a point in that statement somewhere, and Gr'laH waits a few moments to see if it is caught before turning more fully to begin stalking for the exit from the chambers and back into the courtyard.

K'net-mauri lifts a brow at Gr'laH. "Perhaps I might have," he says blandly. "I had hoped that this visit would prove more informative." He too heads back to the courtyard and transport, though he does not stalk. Just that same unchanging stately pace.

Turtledove, for her part, proceeds to the courtyard with fluid grace. Her expression is comparatively untroubled, though perhaps somewhat pensive. That was, perhaps, a new experience for her.

Hunan and Hiren follow the group to see them off. Soon enough everyone is back in the courtyard, and with the order to beam back to the ship given, the group disappears in a column of green light.