State of Affairs

 Episode Name:  State of Affairs

   Written By:  Grey

         Cast:  Dane, Goodwin, Grey, Jatila, K'net-mauri, Kran'dok, Lo'vak and Strell.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Grey

     Aired On:  Fri Aug 05 14:26:41 2005

     Stardate:  55167.4

Time: Thu Aug 04 22:07:39 2005

Stardate: 55165.7

After almost three days of flight the vessel that the small group arranged transport on, a Starfleet ship assigned to allied fleet duties that Goodwin and Consul T'Pral arranged passage on, finally reaches Dulcais. After the typical red tape and waiting period the Romulans and their group finally transport down. When the transporter beam fades they are standing on Dulcais Prime outside of Starfleet headquarters.

Kran'dok materializes near the other Romulans and the Trill, strategicly placing the group of his fellows between him and the Vulcans. The Uhlan is dressed in his uniform, looking official and stoic. Slowly his eyes begin to scan thier immediate surroundings, getting a feel for the situation.

K'net-mauri sparkles into being and looks about the square. By his expression, he'd probably rather spend the rest of the day enjoying the pleasures of being planetside, rather than dealing with this peice of business. He sighs a bit and starts towards the entrance to Starfleet's building.

Goodwin beams down and nods his head. "If you'll come this way," says Goodwin, gesturing the group towards the Duclais Prime Headquarters. "We'll be checked-in to see the prisoner."

Strell immediately takes hold of the small Vulcan boy at his side's hand once the group rematerializes, dropping into Vulcan while he talks with him. "Remember my warning to you, Sanek-kan: we are here to observe and learn, nothing more. Most important, we should not interrupt the work of the Ambassador or Jatila; furthermore, you will stay away from Uhlan Brutae at all times. Is this understood?" The boy just nods wordlessly in reply.

Jatila graces Kran'dok with a rather amused look, before glancing about. And after a moment, attempts a compliment for the plain-looking place. "Efficient." After a glance (and a smile) toward the Vulcan males, she turns to fall into step with the Ambassador.

Dane comes in next to the Romulan her hands laying on her medical bag, which is slung over her shoulder. She nods at Goodwin and moves to follow him off.

. o O Jatila muses, without sarcasm, "Good point, ashau. Kran'dok might very well be crushed by Sanek's superior intelligence."

Strell straightens up after his exhortation to Sanek, turning toward the building. He's careful to remain between the boy and Kran'dok as well.

Kran'dok scoffs slightly as he overhears the elder Vulcan. After a moment he sighs heavily then follows after Goodwin and others, all signs of annoyance gone from his expession for now. He stands tall, walking with an official military precision that comes naturally after many years.

Goodwin moves to the front of the group, as the Starfleet individual and general red-tape cutter amongst them. After all, Dulcais Prime is Josh Goodwin's old haunt. He takes point, hoping to herd the cats to the building through example.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "And yet again I must swallow my thoughts. Who is this child and what is Strell's relationship. I had no idea they were allowing him to procreate. If so, I do not like that idea. Sadly the Ambassador still likes him. I will be good, though it will be difficult."

GAME: Kran'dok has the flaw of Intolerant at -2.

GAME: Kran'dok spends a courage point.

Jatila puts on her game face- polite and patient as she moves with the group. Jatila whispers to Kran'dok, "Do not worry. Strell will protect you from the child," she teases.

K'net-mauri doesn't comment. He just heads straight for the door. Which probably slides open in front of him.

Dane glances over at Strell but doesn't say anything, she looks up at Kran'dok and shakes her head as she follows along. She looks around her taking note of where she is and what's going on, hitches her strap back onto her shoulder and keep her. "He's not a child eater. " She mutters to no one.

As the group reaches the the main entrance they are greeted by a Consul and a security officer. "Please," says the diplomat, "Come in. We just need a moment to clear you through security." The security guard steps forward, tricorder in hand to begin a scan of the group.

Goodwin turns over his Type I duty phaser to the security officer as regulations require for visiting a prisoner. He then submits to the rest of the security scan, stepping across to the other side to wait for the others.

Strell doesn't dignify either Kran'dok's scoffing or Dane's muttering with a response, just keeping a grip on Sanek's hand. He continues on with a running commentary in Vulcan for the child, apparently explaining what's going on. "The security officer is searching for prohibited materials with the tricorder. This is a standard procedure to ensure that the building is not compromised covertly through its main entrance by any potential attackers."

Kran'dok grins slightly, though it is difficult to tell which woman he is responding to. "Indeed," he says with a mockingly level tone. His grin broadens for just a moment before it falls completely off his face and he is back to business. He presents himself to be scanned, clearly having no issue with the procedure.

Jatila draws to a halt, watching the security officers with an air of professional courtesy as she suffers the scan as well. Her expression doesn't change, so whether she approves or disapproves is debatable.

Dane sighs and follows the Uhlan, she allowed the guards to scan her also. She's not got anything but a medical kit and her PADD. No weapons are on her conealled or other wise.

K'net-mauri is silent for a long moment as he's scanned. He then nods to the Consul and says, "Jolan'tru."

The security finishes his scan and nods to Goodwin and the diplomat. "They are cleared," he says simply, snapping the tricorder closed and sliding it away. The Consul smiles to them and gestures to a hallway. "I'm afraid the holding area is in the back of the facility so it will take a few moments to reach the area. If you will follow me? Also, did you have special requests for the meeting?"

. o O Strell thinks, "Of course, I never suggested that he would eat children. Again, the superiority of logic over emotion is shown."

. o O Jatila thinks, "Special requests?"

K'net-mauri lifts a brow. "Special requests?" He smiles. "I doubt it. Perhaps I'll let you know."

Goodwin goes to follow after the consular officer, shaking his head. "I don't have any requests outside of a general request to be present during the visit," replies the Joint Operations Commander simply. "The prisoner has his rights to a consular visit unimpeded."

Sanek asks his father, softly and still in Vulcan, "What is a consular visit?" This launches the elder Vulcan into a long, very dry dissertation about the rights of foriegn nationals within Federation space.

Dane nods her head a little and comes to Goodwins side she lay a hand on his shoulder gently and get his attention. "Sir, if I could also give him a once over. " She says quietly so not to affend the consular.

K'net-mauri glances at Goodwin. "I think your presence, and that of non-Romulan people in general, would be unwelcome." He looks at the Consul, "What security measures are you taking? Monitoring of the room we will use?"

Jatila glances toward Goodwin, lifting an eyebrow.

Kran'dok says nothing, but follows after the group. There is a cold and official expression on his face, the unyielding look of a guard. He looks back approvingly at Mir as she makes her offer.

K'net-mauri glances back at Dane. "You wish to give him a medical examination?"

The Consul glances over to K'net-mauri. "The room will have no monitoring," she says simply.

. o O Jatila thinks, "Oh please. If SI will not be listening in, I will eat my hat."

Dane nods her head. "Well, if no one minds. I am a doctor I'm sure he's been well taken care of. Call it professional curiosity. "

K'net-mauri nods to Dane. "I think that is a good idea."

Jatila gives 419's Second Officer a faintly apologetic smile. "Or in other words, your presence would impede."

Dane looks a little surprised, she bows her head at the ambassador. "Thank you sir. " She says softly.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "That is rather surprising that he would allow her to see him. I will have to thank him later."

Goodwin nods his head once. "Doctor Dane, I believe there would be issues if you were to perform medicine, due to your duty status" says the second officer, politely.

K'net-mauri lifts a brow at Goodwin. "Really?"

Dane shakes her head. "I'm off duty, I can do what I like it's not office. I'm still a medical office and medically trained. Just because I'm on medical leave doesn't mean I still can't place my skills to use. " She says.

Jatila listens curiously, then offers a dry remark in response to Goodwin's. "I do hope none of us is injured on the trip back to the station, then."

K'net-mauri glances at Jatila. His eyes laugh, though the rest of his face stays the same.

Kran'dok breaks his stoic expression for a moment to grin ever so slightly at Jatila, but remains silent.

"How about we let her look at him," says K'net-mauri to Goodwin, "But she doesn't attempt the kidney transplant?"

"And now we see the nature of emotion versus logic, Sanek-kan," Strell notes quietly to his son. "Observe well."

Jatila's lips twitch at K'net-mauri's comment, but she manages to avoid snickering.

Dane smiles at Jatila. "I would rather be kicked out of starfleet then to allow anyone in this room to die. " She says, her airly and nods at K'net-mauri. "I'd like do it, but I'll be charged. " She says not looking to happy at all away it. "I'm sorry. " She says looking down. "Figured I could have been useful. " She adds, "Guess not. "

. o O Jatila thinks, "Please, don't start a pity party, Mir. It was a good suggestion. Rest on your laurels."

K'net-mauri looks at Dane. "Ah. I'll ask why later. In that case, I'll have to ask the rest of you to hang about."

"The prisoner is being more than ably tended to by the medical staff here at Headquarters," says Goodwin. "As I am sure you will see for yourself. But I believe we should continue?"

Dane nods to the Ambassador. "I don't mind sharing. " She says, stepping back towards the rear. She looks upset but tries to hide it. Her hands play with the straps as she bites her lower lip.

Kran'dok glances up to the Trill doctor and gives her a reassuring glance. "Thank you for the assistance doctor. We will not be long." He falls silent again and steps closer to the Ambassador.

K'net-mauri nods to Goodwin, "I believe that is the case, but probably the prisoner'd prefer that I not. I didn't ask Dane to do this so I could look at her results." But he pays no more mind to Dane, looking to the consul to continue.

Both Vulcans watch the exchange with interest. Strell finally offers to his son, "I trust you have learned the lesson presented by the dilemma here today," to which the boy just nods.

The Consul continues to lead them through the hallways, as the group travels deeper into the bowels of Starfleet headquarters. "Just another moment.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "Hold your tongue you annoying beast. There is nothing to learn from this other than Starfleet needlessly regulating everything."

Dane nods her head, she places a hand on the Uhlan's cheek and nods her head as her fingers run down it and off. "Take you time, see to your comrad. " she says, looking around. "I'll amuse myself, reading reports. " She says looking a little better.

"My old office is around here somewhere," murmurs Goodwin, mostly to himself, as he makes his way through the corridors, occasionally peeking into the offices that they pass.

Both of Jat's eyebrows go up as she catches a glimpse of Dane, and looks toward the woman for a moment. Her gaze goes briefly to the Uhlan, then the Adjutant shakes her head and works on keeping up with the others.

K'net-mauri eyes Goodwin. "Learn anything in it?" he asks, offhand.

. o O Jatila thinks, "Really, Kran'dok, can't you teach your pet the proper time and place for such gestures?"

"Pardon me?" asks Goodwin, turning his head towards K'net-mauri. He seems both distracted by his little search and not quite catching the Ambassador's meaning.

Kran'dok's carefully maintained guard's expression breaks for a moment, something that seems to almost never happen. There is a distant and confused look on his face until his mind catchs up with what is going on. "Umm yes of course doctor. Thank you again," he says as he tries to collect himself again. He grins reflexively for a moment before he manages to get back in line and step back towards the direction indicated to see the prisoner.

"Why do you want to be present for this meeting? Why do you not want Dane to conduct a medical scan?" asks K'net-mauri. By his tone, the question is rhetorical and he doesn't really want to know, he's just passing the time as he walks.

Dane looks towards Jatila, catching her look and slides her eyes off the woman and down to the floor. She looks around perhaps for a bench or piece of grass. She takes out her padd and looks over the novel she was reading a few days ago.

"I have an interest in seeing Doctor Dane not briged and stripped of her medical license," replies Goodwin, simply, as he follows after. Despite the rhetorical nature of the questions, he answers them. "As for being present, I am just as curious as you to know why the officer was present on Torda."

Strell continues his running commentary with Sanek as they walk.

Jatila murmurs conversationally,, "I wasn't aware that Starfleet runs the medical boards."

K'net-mauri smiles at Goodwin. "As I understand it," he says, "This man has not spoken to anyone since he was taken into custody. Given that he has surely now refused to speak to a great number of humans in Starfleet uniforms, do you think it wise to suppose that he's unlikely to speak in the presence of yet another? Do you think he'll want to speak to me if he percieves me as your ally?"

The Consul reaches a door and pauses, turning to the others. "This is the holding area. If you'll step through the door and wait, the prisoner will be brought out and you'll travel to the interview room together." With that she taps the control and the door hisses open."

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "Yes, Starfleet interrogation and diplomatic techniques leave much to be desired."

"All valid points, Mister Ambassador," replies Goodwin. "Which is, of course, why I did not object further after you expressed concerns regarding my presence." He allows the Romulan delegation to precede him into the holding area.

"See if you can be proactive about it," the Romulan Ambassador suggests as he passes Goodwin and enters the holding area.

Jatila chuckles dryly. "That is the only reason you did not object further?" She shakes her head, moving to follow her superior.

Strell pauses as well, glancing up and down the long hallway. "Perhaps now would be an appropriate time to practice our meditation," he offers to Sanek. "This bench will serve for that purpose."

Dane finds a bench sits down, she glances at the Romulan's nods her head and then proceeds to read her book.

Kran'dok follows in close beind the Ambassador. He takes a moment to glance back down the hall in the direction of the Trill, giving her a faint grin through his mask before he disappears in to the room.

K'net-mauri walks through the open arch of the hallway, footfalls echoing softly on the tile floor.

K'net-mauri has left.

Kran'dok walks through the open arch of the hallway, footfalls echoing softly on the tile floor.

Kran'dok has left.

Jatila walks through the open arch of the hallway, footfalls echoing softly on the tile floor.

Jatila has left.

Goodwin walks through the open arch of the hallway, footfalls echoing softly on the tile floor.

Goodwin has arrived.

Inside the holding area, a pair of security officers wait. One of them nods to Goodwin in recognition. After a moment the Romulan comes in from a hallway, hands in handcuffs before him and flanked by a pair of security officers. The guards lead him past and the two guards waiting gesture for the Romulans to follow. "This way please," the who recognized Goodwin says. The Romulan is being lead towards a doorway only about ten meters away.

K'net-mauri scarcely looks at the security officers, watching the Romulan instead. He obeys that gesture to follow without even seeming to notice it.

"Hey, Levin. How's that little girl on yours?" asks Josh, nodding his head to the security officer that recognized him, recognizing him right back. He then notes the Romulan being brought them with an impassive curiosity, not following to the interrogation room.

Kran'dok stops several feet throught the door, effectively attempting to block the hall way as he notices just who follows them. "Ambassador?" he asks, looking back towards Goodwin briefly, in a level and official tone. The Romulan waits for a moment before continuing.

Jatila glances toward Kran'dok with an approving nod, then dismisses the Fleeters from her attention as she moves to follow the Ambassador.

K'net-mauri glances back at Kran'dok, humour in his eye that does not reach his face.

Levin nods to Goodwin with a little smile. "She's doing alright, Commander. Nice seeing you around," he says, before moving with the others. The Romulan is lead into the room, leaving the others to follow.

Kran'dok follows the Ambassador, giving up his position as he heads for the room with the prisoner.

Now with room to move, Jat falls into her usual flanking spot behind the Ambassador and a little to the side as she walks, her curious eyes on the back of the prisoner.

"Tell your wife I said hi, Ensign," says Goodwin with a small smile. "I'll go and keep our stragglers company." He nods to the Romulans and goes to step outside to join Strell-and-son and Dane.

Goodwin walks through the open archway into the Lobby, footfalls echoing softly on the tile floor.

Goodwin has left.

The room is rather small, but large enough for the purposes its being used for. The Romulan is sat down on one side of the table and then the security guards withdraw, closing the door behind them. Its now him, K'net-mauri, Jatila and Kran'dok. The prisoner for his part is healthy, though his hair shows the signs of a few months of growth. He glances carefully over the three assembled, but remains silent.

K'net-mauri sits down across from the Romulan man and looks at him, his expression one of mild annoyance. "Report," he says, blandly. He speaks as if it is inconcievable that the result could be anything but immediate compliance, and he somehow manages to turn the searing force of his considerable presence on the fellow while still seeming a trifle bored.

Kran'dok moves in to the room slightly and takes up a guarding position near the door, placing himself almost between the Ambassador and prisoner, but keeping a respectable distance from the conversation. He is back to his guard posture and expression, giving away little if anything.

Jatila settles in, standing in her usual Ambassador-flanking spot. Her expression remains... well, expressionless.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "I rarely get to see him like this. Hopefully this goes better than the time he tried to talk with Jolvan. Maybe this Romulan will not dance arround the subject."

. o O Kran'dok feels surprised and a little excited.

GAME: K'net-mauri spends a courage point.

GAME: K'net-mauri contests his Intimidation vs Routine and Succeeds.

. o O Jatila decides, "I don't /ever/ want that look turned on /me/."

La'vok watches the Ambassador for a moment and then leans forward slightly. "I am Sublieutenant Lo'vak, of the Kassus senatorial fleet. I was stranged on the planet Torda when my shuttle crashed during a mission."

"Elaborate," says K'net-mauri flatly, betraying no interest in the fact that long months of silence have just been broken.

Jatila folds her arms across her chest in continued silence, watching Lo'vak.

"Its a classified mission for the benefit of the Tal Shiar and the Romulan empire," replies Lo'vak. "Its not something I can disguise with someone outside of my chain of command."

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "Possibly true, though a convenient fall back excuse in any case. Were he important the Tal Shiar would already have the information they need from him."

K'net-mauri raises an eyebrow at Lo'vak, the movement slow, his gaze hardening. Not very bored, but not a bit entertained. "You crashed a shuttle for the benefit of the Tal'shiar and the Star Empire?"

Lo'vak smiles thinly. "As I said, I was stranded when my shuttle crashed during a mission."

"And then?" asks K'net-mauri.

"And then I woke up after escaping from it, injured and lost, and shortly after found myself captured," replies the Romulan. "Now I sit here."

GAME: Kran'dok contests his Intellect/Logic vs Challenging and Succeeds.

GAME: K'net-mauri contests his Intellect/Logic vs Challenging and Succeeds.

GAME: Jatila contests her Intellect/Logic vs Challenging and Fails.

K'net-mauri eyes the man. "And what became of your shuttle?" he inquires, a faint touch of exasperation in his tone.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "And now is the time to convince him we are here to get his report and complete the mission or something to that effect. Again it would be unimaginable to just leave him and the information here. That would be more strange then us being Tal Shiar agents."

"I suffered a concussion and was lost," replies the officer. "Last I saw it was still smoking in the forest. After that, I do not know. I thought I remember where it was, but when I lead the Tordan officals back there was I could find but a few broken trees."

K'net-mauri shakes his head, looking disgusted. "You've got to be a fool to think that is going to hold up," he says, flatly. "You have screwed up good and proper, and I can only hope it is not too much to expect you to have noticed that. I'm told you have not said anything here, or to the Tordans. Is it true?"

Lo'vak glowers a little at that. "I did happen to notice I was currently in a Federation jail. I haven't spoken a word since I arrived here, so I am happy that I recall how to speak. As for the mission, maybe if the engineers could do their job and give us working equipment then we could have made the delivery."

. o O Jatila thinks, "Delivery?"

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "A slip already? Either the Ambassador is really quite good or this prisoner is not so crafty as he would like to think. Most likely it is both."

K'net-mauri smiles humourlessly and very briefly. "I'll make sure the supervising officer of those engineers finds out you said so," he says. "Is there anything to be done to salvage the tattered remnants of your failure, or should I have better used my time thinking a quiet way to write this off and dispose of you?"

"I guess depends on how much you know," replies the man, settling back in his chair. "If you know the nature of the mission you'd know the answer to that. If not, then maybe you're playing a game. I don't think all three of you came out here just to find out what tattered remnants are left."

K'net-mauri emits a little bark of laughter. "I came here to find out what tattered remnants are left. They came because I am a feeble old man and due honours. Do you want me to send them away? I'm sure neither of us has had enough exercise lately to play games."

. o O Jatila thinks, "News flash: Ambassador K'net-mauri Va'raeh assassinated in Starfleet prison. Kassus would have a field day with that."

Jatila just lifts an eyebrow slightly.

Kran'dok gives no indication as to his thoughts of feelings, simply standing there as is his job.

"Tell me what my Theta class was carrying cargo wise and I will tell you all," replies Lo'vak. "If you can not then perhaps you can I can work out some wort of deal?"

"How duplicitous of you," replies K'net-mauri. "And just what sort of a deal did you have in mind?"

Lo'vak smiles slightly. "How about one where I live and do not return to the Romulan Empire, since I will surely be...removed should I return."

Jatila allows a trace of amusement into her expression.

K'net-mauri lifts a brow. "Treacherous even," he says. "But probably not spectacularly difficult. Carry on."

Lo'vak leans back a little more in his chair. "I think the Federation would be, as allies, would be willing to assist with this. I belIeve I saw a Captain escort you in?"

"I thought he was a Lieutenant Commander," says K'net-mauri, "But it hardly matters. One of them is very much like another."

"I confess, I do not know their senior ranks very well," replies Lo'vak. "I would ask you bring him in here so he can hear your acceptance of this plan."

. o O Jatila thinks, "This man cannot possibly be working for the Tal'shiar. They don't hire anybody that stupid."

K'net-mauri narrows his eye a little at Lo'vak.

Lo'vak remains seated and quiet, looking back to K'net'mauri.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "So he gives us nothing and we give him a deal with the Federation? Hardly."

Jatila points out quietly, "The Ambassador hasn't yet assented. And you give us no reason so far to do so."

Lo'vak leans forward slightly to look at Jatila. "Perhaps the Federation would like to hear my tale? Hm? I have been nothing but loyal to my cause and my fleet, and yet I rot here forgotten. I know not your part in this, and I will not trust you with my loyalty like I trusted my fleet. I wish to tell you. I wish to tell you because as Romulans you may actually bring me some resolution. So once the Lieutenant Commander hears the deal then I will share all that I know."

. o O Jatila thinks, "Resolution? Does wringing your cowardly little neck count?"

K'net-mauri casts a glance at Jatila, then looks back at Lo'vak. He nods. "Given that the Federation does not hear your tale, you may call upon them to hold me to a promise to let you slip away to Cestus or wherever it is you want to go."

Lo'vak says, "Bring the Lieutenant Commander in here to hear the deal and I will agree to that."

K'net-mauri adds, dryly, "But you might rather simply tell me and trust that we serve the same thing, even if the cargo of your vessel was not my property and I am not privy to its nature. You were not forgotten. You're in a Federation prison."

Jatila catches the glance, and settles back once more into silence.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "And still a Romulan with loyalties there, none of which should extend to the Federation. No agreement should require their involvement."

Lo'vak gestures to the door. "The sooner that officer hears, the sooner I will tell all I know."

K'net-mauri glances back at Kran'dok. "Get him."

Kran'dok nods and steps out momentarily.

. o O Jatila thinks, "Not that the Ambassador could be held to such by the Federation. Or that an assault team would rush to break into a major Starfleet base to snatch you out of here. Fool."

Kran'dok walks through the open archway into the Lobby, footfalls echoing softly on the tile floor.

Kran'dok has left.

Lo'vak remains still and quiet while waiting on Kran'dok.

K'net-mauri doesn't try to press the man. He simply stares at him.

Kran'dok walks through the open arch of the hallway, footfalls echoing softly on the tile floor.

Kran'dok has arrived.

Goodwin walks through the open arch of the hallway, footfalls echoing softly on the tile floor.

Goodwin has arrived.

Lo'vak glances up to Goodwin as the man arrives, then gestures to K'net-mauri wordlessly.

Kran'dok steps through the door just ahead of the Lieutenant commander. He says nothing, but resumes his prior position in the room.

Goodwin makes his way into the interrogation room, following after the Uhlan. "Gentlemen. Adjutant," greets the second officer, professionally. He then turns his head to the Ambassador to hear what he has been summoned for.

K'net-mauri looks at Goodwin. "He says he'll tell me what happened if he is not subjected to a penalty of death, nor to returned to the Star Empire. He wants you to witness that I do, in fact, agree to that."

Jatila continues to watch Lo'vak wordlessly.

"The Federation does not have the death penalty, nor does the Tordan government," says Goodwin, simply. "As for being deported to the Star Empire, if the government does not request it, as the Ambassador indicated he will not, then it is not an issue for the Federation to even consider." In other words, he agrees.

. o O Jatila thinks, "Of course, /I/ didn't agree to that. Nor did Uhlan Kran'dok, come to think of it. Oh, hide deep, in the darkest, scummiest pond you can find, Sublieutenant. It may buy you a few days."

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "That is amusing. From my experience, they consider deportation on a daily basis with or without the consent of the Star Empire."

Lo'vak glances over to Goodwin. "Since my information is of value once I have shared it I want to be absolved of charges, freed and assisted with a cover identity."

K'net-mauri glances at Lo'vak, now somehow amused, "You get more expensive by the minute," he observes.

"Hang on," says Goodwin, holding up his hands, his posture changing into a much more interested one. "Back on up. Because it's a long way from no death penalty or deportation to immunity and a cover identity." He pauses. "Now, I can make that happen, but I need to know what kind of info you have for us."

GAME: Goodwin has the merit of Shrewd at 1.

Jatila's eyebrows shoot up as she looks toward Goodwin. "For /us/?" She clears her throat, her gaze returning to Lo'vak.

Lo'vak says, "I have no information for you. I have information for your allies, whom are asking you for a cover identity, I hope, so they can gather that information for the betterment of the Romulan empire. You do want strong allies agianst the Doninion, do you not?"

"And you'd like to not be prosecuted for espionage, so I wouldn't be so flip," says Goodwin, looking over at the Romulan delegation. "It's up to me, not them, whether you walk out of here a free man or not."

"Actually as allies they can demand my deportation," replies Lo'vak with a shrug. "I go free or I rot in a Romulan jail or I die. I want to give the information to the people who can use it and understand it."

Jatila looks over her shoulder again at Goodwin, rather intently.

Goodwin shakes his head for a moment. "It doesn't work like that," he says. "Now, if we're going to make a deal, you need to tell me the topic of what you're going to talk about, or else I can't convince anyone above me to make this happen." He speaks matter-of-factly, drawing closer to the prisoner. "Because I'm going to have a hard time telling someone here at Sector that I sprung a suspected Romulan spy just because he told me to trust him."

. o O Jatila thinks, "Stop playing hardball, Commander. Trust /me/. I've given you plenty of reason to do so."

K'net-mauri looks at Goodwin, then back at Lo'vak, wryly. For some reason, he seems to think this is a little humourous. "I think he means to say that he's somehow the man who decides if the Federation is going to prosecute you or give you back to the Tordans, who don't seem to want you. I don't think this is true. This could take a while to arrange, but I'll send you a novel." Again he looks at Goodwin, "Send him to me, and you haven't sprung him."

GAME: Goodwin spends a courage point.

GAME: Goodwin contests his Persuasion+A vs Challenging and Succeeds.

Lo'vak watches Goodwin for a moment and then sighs very softly. "Valine Thether Bats and their use in espionage by Senator Kassus and possibly the Tal Shiar. " He holds up a finger. "That is all I will say. You see Lieutenant Commander, unlike the Federation if I am deported to the Romulan Empire then I will be killed. This information means my life. I will have my freedom, or take it to the grave."

Goodwin tosses his head to Jatila and K'net-mauri. "May I see you outside, Mister Ambassador, Adjutant?" asks the second officer, gesturing to the area outside of the interrogation room.

. o O Jatila thinks, "Bats? He's gotta be kidding." She snorts. "You're a dead man, Lo'vak. You just don't know it yet."

K'net-mauri gives Lo'vak a dark look. He seems to think that all the man will say is rather much.

. o O Kran'dok feels angered, but slightly sypathetic.

K'net-mauri nods to Goodwin, after a moment, and stands.

Jatila just... /looks/ at Lo'vak, then she stands back to give the Ambassador room before turning to follow him. "Watch him, Uhlan." Meaning Lo'vak.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "I know the feeling of being held captive and the need to be out. Romulans are made for better than that, but we are also made for better than trying to weasle out of our duty."

Kran'dok nods once in response to Jatila, but says nothing. He fixes a cold gaze on the seated Romulan, simply waiting.

Goodwin steps outside of the interrogation room with the two Romulan diplomats, letting the door close behind him. "Well," he tells the two of them. "Is what he saying of interest to the Romulan Empire?"

K'net-mauri follows Goodwin out. "I ought to have guessed," he says to himself as the door slides shut behind them. He looks at Goodwin again, directly and speaks in a more conversational tone: "Absolutely."

Jatila pulls out her PADD as soon as the door shuts, stabbing rapidly at it with her fingers. "I think..." She glances up toward the Ambassador, an eyebrow lifting.

GAME: Goodwin spends a courage point.

GAME: Goodwin contests his Administration/Bureaucracy+A vs Challenging and Marginally Fails.

GAME: Goodwin contests his Administration/Bureaucracy+A vs Moderate and Succeeds.

Goodwin folds his arms over his chest, considering this. "Well, I can't just give away the guy's freedom and give him a cover identity as a parting gift." He tilts his head side to side. "I can make this happen, but he gives a written statement about what exactly he was doing on Torda which I'll file under seal and we get the info he gives you."

K'net-mauri shakes his head to Goodwin. "He will not tell you. He has said as much," he says. "Why do you think he will tell you now? I will tell you what he says and you will assist me in completing his 'deal', or I will begin to attempt to extradite him and see what I can do for him myself. I imagine he'll take what he can get."

Jatila just keeps tapping at her PADD, frowning at the recalcitrant device.

"I didn't say he has to tell /me/, but I want a recording of the conversation you have with him," says Goodwin, firmly. "And I want to know what, exactly, he was doing on Torda. Immunity means he needs to allocute. I can't change that."

K'net-mauri smiles a bit. "No recording." he says, shaking his head slighyly. "And I'll tell you what he was doing on Torda. Allocute?"

"I gotta have a record, Mister Ambassador. Not that I don't trust you, but I need it for the boys at the UFP attorney's office's file," says Goodwin, shaking his head at that. "Allocute. He needs to tell us what he did."

Jatila's frantic tapping stops, and she pauses, pondering the Romulan text on her screen for a moment. Then she looks up toward Goodwin, slipping the PADD into a pocket of her robes. "Full and truthful confession of his activities there," she translates for her Ambassador. "Commander, your officers have been investigating these bats for months. Do you have any information to sweeten your end of the deal?"

K'net-mauri smiles at Goodwin, "He's going to tell us what he did for somebody else," he says. "Evidently, he really is a spy. That's all. He's unlikely to be a threat. He does not wish to be prosecuted as a spy. You will have my report for the attorney's office file. But you must understand that this is a matter of secrecy. Recall his uniform."

"Mister Ambassador, if you're going to give me a full and truthful report, what objection would you have to a verbatim transcript for the file?" asks Goodwin, pointedly, leaning against the wall. "It ensures the most accurate information is recorded. I can assure you it will be adequately classified to protect any security interests." He offers to Jatila, "I have no information I can promise now, no. I would have to made various declassification requests."

Jatila settles back against the opposite wall, and glances toward her Ambassador.

. o O Jatila thinks, "I don't think you understand Romulan security interests, Commander."

K'net-mauri looks at Goodwin. "Look," he says. "I can probably take him from you. It's just inconvienient and time-consuming. And I didn't say I'd give you a /full/ report, that is the point. Maybe I will give you a full report. If I can I will give you a full report. But you must understand something. This man accuses a very powerful Romulan person of a crime. Federation openness will absolutely not do in this situation. I need time to move on such information before it makes it to the ears of certain people in the Empire. I am also aware, to a certain degree, of how easily we discover your secrets."

"And you have to understand something," replies Goodwin, folding his arms over his chest. "The Federation has been and is willing to cooperate with this investigation, both from Torda and the Romulan Star Empire. All we are asking for, Mister Ambassador, is a recording of the conversation you have with him." He tosses his head to the interrogation room. "Now, here's how this can work: either your prisoner doesn't get deported, and he'll sing like a canary to me because I hold his keys to freedom. Or, if he does get deported, someone associated with the good Senator may find out, disappear him, and none of us get anything."

K'net-mauri sighs gently. "He /won't/ 'sing like a canary' for you, Goodwin, he has already said as much. In words, most recently, and in months of silence previous to that. Either you get something, or I get something and you get nothing, or you we both get nothing."

"I wouldn't be too sure about that," replies Josh with a shrug of his shoulders. "He may be able to get over his considerable distaste of the Federation if it's the difference between his freedom and life in a Federation prison. Life is a long time as opposed to a few months." He nods to the door. "But if you want, I can walk in and see if he'll take the deal from me alone."

K'net-mauri smiles dryly at Goodwin. "Didn't somebody try it earlier?"

Jatila chuckles. "He won't take your deal, Commander. I can guarantee it."

Goodwin shrugs his shoulders. His bluff called, he'll have to follow through on it. He goes to open the door of the interrogation room, heading for the table. "Well," says Josh to the prisoner, abruptly. "The Ambassador and I seem to be at a bit of an impasse. I want to give you the deal, but we're quibbling over some of the details. Now, the Ambassador's threatening to have you deported, where, of course, you'll probably experience a 'tragic accident' on the transport carrying you to Romulan space. I'm willing to let you go, but if that's the way it's going to work, it'd be talking to me and not the Ambassador." He looks over his shoulder. "What do you say?"

K'net-mauri follows to the doorway looks past Goodwin at the Romulan man. "What he means is that he's insisting we record our conversation and give it to him afterwards."

Jatila shakes her head a bit, leaning over to look in as well.

Kran'dok turns back at the two men as they enter, speaking at the prisoner. There is a slight look of surprise on his face, but he remains quiet.

Lo'vak glances between the two man, quiet for a moment. He looks to K'net-mauri, leaving his gaze there wordlessly for a moment, before his eyebrows raise slightly.

Goodwin places his elbows on the table, leaning forward slightly. "That's right - a PADD on the table recording your statement is the only thing between you and leaving here a free man with a new life to look forward to." A pause. "You've got a lot of years ahead of you. Where would you like to spend them?"

K'net-mauri smiles dryly at Lo'vak and steps unto the interrogation room properly. "I don't like the idea," he says. "I'll see what I can do. Some tragic accidents are not as tragic as others."

Jatila follows the Ambassador in. "I would not," she remarks mildly, "Count very heavily on Starfleet's protection, of your freedom or your life, were I you, Sublieutenant. The Ambassador's is rather more effective."

Lo'vak continues to watch K'net-mauri before speaking. "One way or another, I will make a deal. Its in your hands. You came a long way for noting." Jatila gets a smir.

Goodwin suppresses a thin smile. He looks over his shoulder at the Ambassador. "You can start working on those deportation requests, Mister Ambassador, but I cannot necessarily guarantee that the Sublieutenant will be here when they are complete." A pause. "My offer's still on the table to you, though."

K'net-mauri grimaces at Goodwin. "Set your recorder."

Jatila's gaze shifts from Lo'vak to Goodwin. "And then kindly excuse us," she suggests icily.

Goodwin places his PADD on the table, pressing some buttons on it. "It's voice activated and locked to my clearance codes," he explains. "Just hand it to the security officer when you're done." He gets up to his feet. "Sublieutenant. Adjutant. Mister Ambassador. The paperwork'll be processed as soon as possible."

Lo'vak takes his seat and remains quiet, watching Goodwin until the man leaves.

K'net-mauri loks at Goodwin, gravely.

Jatila watches him too. Say hello to the triple spotlight, Commander.

But is is the spotlight of victory, and so Joshua Goodwin leaves a happy man. He waits, however, until he is outside to pump his fist. It's not sporting to do so in front of the competition, you know.

Goodwin walks through the open archway into the Lobby, footfalls echoing softly on the tile floor.

Goodwin has left.

K'net-mauri sighs irritably and sits down across from Lo'vak again. He withdraws his own narrow Romulan PADD from the sleeve of his robe and sets it on the table in front of the man.

Lo'vak waits until Goodwin leaves and then turns back to the others. "So, where to start. You know my name and rank," he says, and raises his hands, gesturing in a rectangle and then makes poking gestures at the invisable rectangle. "I'm a member of Kassus' fleet and have been since the end of my Serona. I was a damn good officer too and that's why I was choosen to help his smuggling operation." As KM sets the PADD down he lifts it and taps a few times and then the PADD goes silent, though he continues to enter information. Kassus is quite greedy it would seem, and the Valine Thether Bats are worth quite a bit of latinum to those interested."

Jatila shakes her head after the door leaves, and turns... and quickly has to stifle a smile, settling back into her flanking stance once more.

K'net-mauri lifts a brow, looking at the PADD's little screen upside down. "Smuggling animals."

K'net-mauri says, "To whom?"

"Yes, animals," replies Lo'vak, his tone slow and easy. "See, they are born as twins and are linked. I don't exactly understand how, but they are. If one bits you then you see what the other sees. Some cultures pay quite a bit of latinum for the bats. Like the Ferengi and the Kunra, for example." A very different message takes shape on the PADD. 'Took delivery of Valine Thether Bats from Orion Smugglers inside Neutral Zone. Delivered them via cloaked Theta class shuttle to Sandstorm. Met there by Kassus fleet ship stationed at base inside storm. No coordinates on base, never went to it. Kassus trying to use quantum link of bats and develop it for spying.'

Jatila settles her hip on the edge of the table, twisting slightly so the information on the PADD is only slightly askew for her.

K'net-mauri lifts a brow. "And the Tordan?" he asks.

"Tordan?" Lo'vak asks. "I don't know about a Tordan, but we crashed on Torda making a deliver." On the PADD he taps out 'Crashed going to met.' "I know we found where the shuttle crashed, but it wasn't there. It couldn't have gone far. It couldn't have been space worthy."

Jatila lifts a brow of her own. "It just disappeared? No signs of being dragged away or the like?"

"Your delivery-point was not in Tordan space?" asks K'net-mauri. "We found the crash site? You were not alone?"

Lo'vak shakes his head to K'net-mauri. "No, the shuttle started to fail passing through Tordan space. We means me and the Tordan officials who captured me. I was wounded and delirious and couldn't stop from mumbling about the shuttle. After healing me me enough I could focus they made me take them back to the crash site." On the PADD 'Kassus doesn't care about Torda. Trying for technology to use against Federation and Dominion.' Lo'vak chuckles. "You know, the Ferengi were going to send a bat to an Admiral. What's his name? Admiral Kavenson."

Jatila slips her own PADD out and sets it on the table beside the Ambassador, should he wish to make silent inquiries of the prisoner.

K'net-mauri nods. "Ah," he says. "I wonder where he wanted the other one sent. What do you know of the delivery connection?"

"He wanted the other one," says La'vok. "Once the twin is delivered then he would get the one he kept to bite him, and the Ferengi would then see out of the twin's eyes. Not sure why they like it so much. Its short term and not all that useful, but they pay quite a bit for it." On the PADD he taps out 'Different ships for each of the three deliveries. Used us for contact with the Orions, so Orions would not go anywhere near base.'

K'net-mauri makes a wry little sound. "There must be some logic to it," he says. "Or perhaps there is a drug effect for them. What is the source of the animals?"

Jatila lifts an eyebrow a bit as she reads.

Lo'vak shrugs a little. "Some planet. I don't recall. The bats are protected by Federation law because their twins."

K'net-mauri sighs faintly. "How long has this been going on? How many delieveries have been made, and how many animals were transported? Did you intend to deliver them by ship-to-ship transport to another vessel, or to a world?"

Lo'vak says, "I only know about the three deliveries I made over the four months before the accident."

K'net-mauri looks at the man, seeming to expect more.

Jatila tips her head a moment, gaze flicking sideways and distant, then she nods to herself and refocuses.

Lo'vak chuckles a little. "They were all to Ferengis. Our shuttle to their ship, where ever they told us to met. All in the Mandel Sector, near Torda."

K'net-mauri sighs. "I'm sure it would be too much to hope that you have some information that might help us track the payment and put proof to your claims."

"Watch for Orion pirates coming through the Mandel Sector," replies Lo'vak. On his PADD he types, 'Orion pirates through Dulcais or Nequencia Sectors to meet inside Neutral Zone.

K'net-mauri nods to Lo'vak again. "Anyone else involved that you are aware of?"

Jatila glances toward Lo'vak, still amazingly silent and patient.

Lo'vak smiles slightly. "The men on my shuttle, who I assume are dead. I know most of them were when I climbed out."

K'net-mauri leans back in his chair. "Anything more?"

Lo'vak shakes his head slightly. "Not that I can think of."

K'net-mauri looks to Jatila.

Jatila considers for a moment, then shakes her head.

K'net-mauri nods slowly. "Than I suppose we are finished here."

Lo'vak nods to K'net-mauri. "A plearsure," he says simply.

Jatila gives a wry face at the prisoner's comment, reaching for her PADD as she slips off the table.

K'net-mauri smiles dryly. "Something like that," he says. "I understand there is a Romulan colony on Cestus III." He starts to stand, slowly.

Lo'vak remains quiet, smiling slightly.

Jatila beckons for the Ambassador's PADD as well. "May fortune favor you, Lo'vak." As it often does the foolish.

K'net-mauri adds, "I am K'net-mauri. Perhaps you will let me know if the Federation makes your arrangement ameneble. Jolan'tru." He heads out.

Lo'vak nods a little to K'net-mauri, but still remains quiet.

Jatila follows her boss without another glance for the prisoner.

K'net-mauri walks through the open archway into the Lobby, footfalls echoing softly on the tile floor.

K'net-mauri has left.

Jatila walks through the open archway into the Lobby, footfalls echoing softly on the tile floor.

Jatila has left.

Both Vulcans are seated on a bench still, calm, serene, and eyes closed. One could almost mistake them for statues, they're so quiet and still. Of course, though, the child is the first to react, one of his eyes popping open as the group emerges from the holding area. "Father, they're back," he murmurs before he slides off the bench.

K'net-mauri smiles at the boy. "I apologize for the delay," he says. "I trust you were not uncomfortable?"

Jatila offers the boy a smile. "Indeed we are."

Sanek shakes his head. "No, we were practicing our meditation," he replies to both, with just a hint of non-Vulcan excitement shining through his eyes.

Slowly, languidly, Strell stands. "There is no need for apology," he offers. "Are you permanently adjourned?"

"You might say that I was practicing mine," says K'net-mauri to Sanek, smiling. "I'm sure it's put me in a fine temper. What would you like to do now?"

Jatila nods to Strell. "As far as this trip goes, yes." She chuckles, moving to Strell's side to watch Sanek and the Ambassador interact. She loves doing that.

The child considers that for a moment. "I'm hungry," he decides after a moment. "It would be logical to find a place that serves food."

Strell tips his head slightly. "It is Sanek's meal interval," he offers softly. "I would not wish to alter his schedule too much."

Jatila teases the boy. "You just want the toy that comes with the items on the children's menu." She does, however, nod her firm agreement with Strell.

K'net-mauri nods to Sanek solemnly. "Let us go onto the street and find some place that serves food. While we eat, perhaps you will assess how we can use the rest of the day to our best advantage." He looks at Jatila, raises a brow in a vaguely befuddled way.

Strell takes hold of Sanek's hand once more. "I have no doubt that it will involve fossils," he remarks blandly, his gaze traveling to Jatila, while Sanek imitates K'net-mauri and summons up all the gravitas he can in returning the nod. "The toy that comes with the items on the children's menu will, undoubtedly, be educational," he notes. "And I will think about the rest of the day to settle on a satisfactory diversion for all."

"Everything is educational," remarks K'net-mauri. "Just not necessarily usefully or effectively so. In any case, I propose that you tell me what to do today, and I will most likely do it." He glances at Jatila and Strell, "I don't know what they will do."

Jatila just smiles, looking rather contented. "Oh, I'm sure we'll find something educational to do as well, if Sanek wishes to spend time alone with you, sir."

. o O Jatila thinks, "I would find shoe shopping very educational indeed. Or something like that."

"Undoubtedly. I understand that the Tugala Lakes are a rather popular tourist destination; perhaps we could find a suitable locale for a new painting subject," Strell replies with a tip of his head.

Sanek actually smiles -- it's a brief flirt with emotion that quickly goes away before his father can spot it. "I think that we should look at fossils. I understand that there is a large museum with many of them on display -- if that is acceptable to you, Ambassador."

So the group wanders off to enjoy their short stay on Dulcais before its time to return home. While they received answers, no doubt they have new questions too. Such always seems to be the nature of affairs of state.