An Investigation Most Romulan

 Episode Name:  An Investigation Most Romulan

   Written By:  Eidolon

         Cast:  Crayn, Eidolon, Ghorev, K'net-mauri, Kran'dok, Lopez and Payne.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Eidolon

     Aired On:  Thu Oct 13 00:01:27 2005

     Stardate:  55331.5

Time: Wed Oct 12 20:54:49 2005

Stardate: 55331.2

Another quiet evening in 419-U's operations center has begun, with the distant stars drifting past lazily on the viewscreen as the station rotates about its axis. The consoles chirp in their muted way, and the lights are lower than they are during the day.

This is the night shift.

Lieutenant JG Lopez works down her list from her place at the forward stations, leaning far over her console. No whistling tonight, nor humming... but she does seem to be popping her knuckles with regularity. Everytime something runs from the queue... *snap*.

Crayn raises an eyebrow over to lopez' direction from his own seat at operations. He says nothing, as his hands run over to console. The standard *beep* *twerp* of the console run as a system diagnostic runs through.

GAME: Crayn spends a courage point.

GAME: Crayn contests his Shipboard Systems+A vs Impossible and Marginally Succeeds.

GAME: Lopez spends a courage point.

GAME: Lopez contests her Shipboard Systems+A vs Impossible and Fails.

The doors swish open, allowing an ensign in command red to enter on a course for one of the aft science consoles, where she stops to converse with the officer currently manning the station.

Lopez turns her head a bit at the door-sound, but not far enough to see the red-shirt entrance. And she's got data to mind.

A chirrup comes from the tactical console as something shows up. Jo looks oddly at it.. "Lieutenant.." He says towards Lopez.. "I'm reading a subspace distortion. It looks like it's circling the station, but I can't quite pin down the source."

"A what?" Yes, sharp as a tack, and twice as eloquent-- as the tack. Lopez clears her console, to bring up her own read-out of the sensors. "I need coordinates-- where are you reading it?"

Crayn checks the console.. "Bell distortions. They're about 5 kilos off the station, bearing 351 mark 21."

The blueshirt and his lovely redshirted companion stop talking, looking toward the viewscreen with interest.

Lopez directs, "Keep monitoring whatever it is for signs of hostility, and prepare for alert status. Shields to be readied. We're calling in the brass." She stands up from the Operations console, and taps her combadge.

Lopez taps the com terminal. "Lieutenant JG Lopez to Commander Ghorev."

Over the terminal, someone says, "Go ahead."

Crayn nods and taptaps. "Aye, Lieutenant. Shields on standby." He tries to focus his scan..

Into the com terminal, Lopez says, "Sir, Ops is reading a sub-space bell distortions, 5 kilos off and *revolving* the station, currently bearing 351 mark 21."

Over the terminal, Ghorev says, "How large a distortion?"

Crayn looks.. "It's fairly large.. I still can't get a good enough fix on it."

Into the com terminal, Lopez says, "Shields are on standby... Lieutenant Crayn, who is monitoring, reports that it is large, but difficult to get a fix on. Do you want us to upgrade to alert status?"

Lopez nods to Crayn and then glances to the blue shirt and red-shirt. She requests, firmly but politely, "Report?"

Crayn continues to try and get a focused read on the distortions.

"I can't get a fix on it either," the science officer reports, shaking his head after a moment. "It's like we've picked up a quantum singularity in station orbit somehow, and it's a large one at that."

The redshirt, in the meantime, hands off a PADD to the scientist and makes a beeline for the doors. Better safe than sorry.

Over the terminal, Ghorev says, "Not yet. But now would be a very good time to broadcast an open hail to all ships waiting for flight clearance that we are about to run a diagnostic on our shields. Then raise shields." A pause. "Then send a directed communications ping directly at the distortion and see if it answers."

. o O Lopez thinks, "And if that doesn't get a response, try insulting its mother..."

Into the com terminal, Lopez says, "Aye, Sir. Underway."

Crayn nods to Lopez and opens up a hail frequency. "Attention all ships. We apologize for the inconvenience, but Station 419-U asks that you remain patient as we run a diagnostic on our shields. It shouldn't take log. Thank you for your cooperation." He closes the channel and raises the shields.

Lopez meanwhile directs her fingers ever so daintily over her console, comparing position with Crayn's prior readings. "Now lets say howdy," she muses, and sends out the ping.

Suddenly, the focus of the viewscreen changes as it focuses on the area of distortion, and the starfield begins to wobble with visual distortions, the source of which soon becomes apparent.

A D'Deridex-class Romulan Warbird ripples out of cloak, raptor-shaped prow pointing directly at the station. Two seconds after that, another Warbird ripples into existance, rapidly circling around the station to take up a flanking position. Two seconds after that, another Warbird appears, moving in the opposite direction and taking up the opposite flanking position.

. o O Lopez thinks, "Caca."

Crayn jumps! "Lieutenant! Three Warbirds de-cloaking. Shields up and weapons ready.. I suggest we go to alert." Jo already runs his fingers over the console, bringing station weapons on standby.

Into the com terminal, Lopez says, "Sir, we've got company. Three Romulan Warbirds uncloaking, D'Deridex class. Shields are up."

Over the terminal, Ghorev says, "On my way."

The terminal clicks as Ghorev drops off channel. The channel closes.

Ghorev steps into the bustle of Ops from the corridor. The door slides shut with a whisper.

Ghorev has arrived.

The operations console begins to chirp quietly, indicating an incoming hail. The warbirds continue to hang on the viewscreen, as if staring down the station and daring it to blink first.

Ghorev makes a brisk pace down into the command well. "Answer that, put it on screen."

Lopez holds the side of the console, standing, just the tiniest bit tighter. She eyes the door as it hisses apart, moving aside to her proper station to give the Commander the bridge. "Aye, sir," she says, complying.

Crayn nods. "They're not making an overt threats." He says before putting the hail through on the screen.

A rather grim-faced Romulan commander appears on screen. "Station 419-U, this is the Warbird Decius. Our apologies if we startled you; we are carrying a science team to examine a... document which your scientists recently uncovered, and were ordered to proceed with the utmost secrecy."

Ghorev says, "Understood. You understand, likewise I trust, our caution in this matter. We are well aware of how ... sensitive this situation could be." A pause. "Will you be transporting your people aboard, or sending a shuttle, Decius?"

Crayn taps the console and prepares for the order to drop shields.

The Romulan folds his hands before him. "We will dispatch a shuttle and remain on station, along with our escort vessels. We have reason to believe that recent events on Romulus may be related to the discovery of the document." He pauses, voice filling with distaste. "If it is genuine, then it may very well be the last example of Tellus' writings left in existance... as distasteful as that prospect is."

Ghorev says, "I can, in a sense, only imagine your discomfort, from what I have read of the discovery, yes." A nod. "I shall advise the Star Empire's Embassy aboard this station of your arrival, and have our Operations Manager arrange lodgings, if this will suffice?"

Lopez continues to standby for marching orders, watching her own console and the readout thereon.

The Romulan tips his head once. "That is more than acceptable. Our shuttle will be dispatched within the hour. Decius out." With that, the screen returns to the visual of the three Romulan ships, which change orientation to circle the station, rather than point directly at it.

. o O Lopez thinks, "If Crayn hadn't picked up distortion, how close would they have come?"

Crayn nods as he awaits orders to lower the shields.

Ghorev says, "Stand down for now, Mister Crayn, but keep things on hot standby, and .... refrain from blinking. Or if you must blink, have someone on the backup console when you do."

Lopez says, "Shall we relay an advisory to science-level security, sir?"

Crayn nods. "Aye sir." He says, bringing shields down, but keeping both shields and weapons at the ready.

Ghorev turns to Lopez. "Indeed. Notify MIster Endilev, as well, and if you cannot reach Mister Endilev, then notify up the chain of command through Mister Forbes and the to the Second Officer. I will notify the Romulans."

Ghorev taps his com badge. "Commander Ghorev to Crew Quarters 1203."

Over Ghorev's com badge, someone says, "Ambassador K'net-mauri here."

Into his com badge, Ghorev says, "Ambassador. The Warbird Decius, along with two other warbirds for escort, have arrived with regards to an scientific matter of which I believe you are already aware. They will be sending their people for this ... consultation ... within the hour, on a shuttle. Will you be meeting them?"

Lopez makes her notations for dispersal as activity continues in Ops.

Over Ghorev's com badge, K'net-mauri says, "I suppose I ought to."

Crayn keeps a close eye on the warbirds..

. o O Lopez thinks, "Well there's a ringing endorsement."

Lopez raises an eyebrow, but refrains from verbal commentary.

Into his com badge, Ghorev says, "I have given orders for our diplomatic staff to be notified to support you in case that was your decision. If, given the hour, they are unavailable, I will be leaving instructions with our regular Security staff." A pause. "I know that must sound somewhat paranoid, Ambassador, but until I have confirmation of credentials, I would rather ... err on the side of discretion, unless you have objections."

Over Ghorev's com badge, K'net-mauri says, "Explain?"

Into his com badge, Ghorev says, "The warbirds arrived under cloak, circling the station somewhat suspiciously. They give discretion as their reason, but I would be lying if, under the circumstances, and given the subject matter, I did not feel this a little ... well, suspicious, frankly."

Over Ghorev's com badge, K'net-mauri makes a sort of rumbly snorting sound and says, "Understandable, Commander. I would not describe such behavior as 'discrete,' myself. How do you intend to handle these visitors?"

Lopez reports, "Decius is launching her shuttle, Sir."

Into his com badge, Ghorev says, "I intend to greet them as if they were legitimate visitors, until they prove otherwise. However, under the circumstances, they cannot blame us for precautions."

Over Ghorev's com badge, K'net-mauri says, "We shall see if they try. Is this archeological discovery actually on the station?"

. o O Lopez thinks, "Three card monty with priceless artifacts... just follow the red queen..."

Into his com badge, Ghorev says, "Yes. And they have just launched a shuttle. Is your guard awake or do you require an escort from my people?"

Over Ghorev's com badge, K'net-mauri says, "I'll wake him."

Into his com badge, Ghorev says, "Very well. Ghorev out."

Ghorev taps his com badge and terminates transmission.

Lopez asks, "Sir, permission to scan the shuttle to determine the size of the landing party?"

Ghorev eyes Lopez. "Hail them and ask them. We *are* to be obtaining quarters for them."

Crayn stands quietly at the ready.

Lopez applies a thin little expression, and obediantly does so. "Shuttle Lirash, this is Station 419-U Operations. For the purposes of quartering, how many may we expect from your vessel?"

Ghorev says, "Mister Crayn, I want a cutaway view on the mainscreen of the passive energy levels on those warbirds. I repeat: Passive scan only."

GAME: Crayn contests his Shipboard Systems+A vs Moderate and Succeeds.

Crayn nods.. "Aye sir." he taps the console. "On screen." He says, as he pulls it up.

"Station 419-U Operations, this is Lirash. We currently have six people aboard; transmitting personnel files now." The shuttle pilot is nothing but efficient, so it would seem.

On the viewscreen, a profile of the three warbirds come up. Their defensive systems are powered, and their weapons appear to be on standby.

Ghorev says, "Give them clearance on an approach that will keep the shuttle between us and one of the Warbirds. But ... try not to make that obvious, Mister Lopez."

There are times when one just wants to give one's XO a "look"... They usually correspond with those times when one absolutely lacks the stones. Lopez clears her throat, and says, "Right. Discreet... Flight Deck," she says, and begins routing through a proposed flight plan, and pin-pointed shuttle bay, and some alternate plans for nearby moving vessels.

Payne steps into the bustle of Ops from the corridor. The door slides shut with a whisper.

Payne has arrived.

Payne heads out of Operations and into the main corridor.

Payne has left.

Crayn continues to keep a careful eye on the warbirds.

. o O Ghorev thinks, "Every so often, at times like this, I wonder if this is how the Captain feels when dealing with them. Is it a cold and growing suspicion, or something hotter?"

The shuttle moves through its motions, landing safely in the bay, and the warbirds make no hostile moves.

For now, at least.

Time: Wed Oct 12 23:13:33 2005

Stardate: 55331.4

The interior of the Romulan embassy is quiet this evening, filled with the air of anticipation as the brilliant green double-hulled structure of a Romulan D'Deridex-class Warbird blocks the view of the stars beyond the window during its slow revolutions about the station. Apparently, K'net-mauri and his staff will be recieving visitors from home.

Kran'dok walks through the door to the quarters. The guard's posture and expression is very official, but there is an actual hint of emotion about his eyes, quite unusual for him.

K'net-mauri just sits in his armchair, looking more or less the same as the last time he was seen. He nods to Kran'dok when the younger man enters.

There's silence for several moments more, and then the door chimes.

Kran'dok clears his throat and takes a deep breath, calming himself as he looks out the window to the Warbird then back to the Ambassador. "Jolan'tru sir. Sorry it took me so long. What can I assist you with?"

"We have some visitors," replies K'net-mauri. "Just hang about and say hello."

K'net-mauri answers the door chime with: "Enter."

The door obidiently slides open, allowing the entrance of four Romulans -- two males and two females. The eldest of the group, a woman with snowy white hair, steps forward as soon as the door slides shut on their Starfleet escort. "Ambassador K'net-mauri, I presume?" she asks, her voice filled with a cool tone.

K'net-mauri nods solemnly and replies, "Indeed. Jolan'tru."

Kran'dok snaps to attention beside the Ambassador, face now a complete mask as he pushes the other thoughts from his mind.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "Tay better be keep an eye out for her. Mir made me choose my duty over her, but I do not have to be happy with that choice."

The woman nods, presenting a PADD to the Ambassador. "I am Doctor Kasara, and these are my colleagues from the Science Ministry. We are here to examine the document that the Federation claims was written by Tellus." To say she's dismissive of the Federation's claims is likely an understatement.

K'net-mauri nods at that, "A pleasure, doctor," he says, accepting the PADD. "I am sure it will not be long before we can put this ridiculous incident behind us." He examines the data-pad.

Kran'dok maintains a neutral gaze, not focusing on any one individual, but managing to see them all.

Kesara smiles, although it's very thin. "Of course it's not anything more than a Federation trick," she replies. "But, we are to go through the motions of examining the document to placate our allies." Her companions remain silent, fanning out slightly to inspect the decor.

K'net-mauri nods, seemingly satisfied. "Indeed," he says. "How can I assist you?"

"It is our intention to destroy the document when it is determined to be a forgery," Kesara replies, straightening up slightly. "To allow it to continue to exist would be an affront to our entire culture. We would, of course, appreciate any assistance you can provide in making sure the aquisition of the document proceeds smoothly."

GAME: Kran'dok contests his Intellect/Perception vs Difficult and Fails.

GAME: Kran'dok contests his Intellect/Perception vs Moderate and Succeeds.

"I'm not sure precisely where it is," replies K'net-mauri. "I have no doubt that local Starfleet expects you to attempt to destroy it." He shrugs slightly. "I'm sure they also intend to prevent it. Though I am, of course, willing to assist."

Kran'dok breaks from his statuesque pose to turn his head, glancing at those accompanying the woman. He shifts ever so slightly in his stance, getting more comfortable on his feet.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "These do not look like any scientist I have seen. To fit, they carry themselves too well. They must have some sort of military or other formal training."

Kesara nods once again, extending her hand for her PADD. "Any assistance you provide will be beneficial, of course. But, the hour is late, and the trip has been long. With your permission, we'll retire to whatever sort of animal den Starfleet feels fit to classify as our 'quarters', then start our work in the morning."

K'net-mauri nods to Kesara. "Very well," he says. "Contact me when you see fit. I don't sleep much. Jolan'tru."

Kran'dok waits paitnetly as the Ambassador bids the delegation farewell.

Offering a nod to K'net-mauri, and a much less respectful one to Kran'dok, the old woman rounds up her delegation and exits with them, like a gaggle of Romulan ducks, all in a row, and the doors slide shut behind them.

K'net-mauri shakes his head and sighs, when they've gone. "What an enormous pain in the neck," he says.

Kran'dok relaxes slightly as he turns to look at the Ambassador. "I should point out that her fellow scientists, who apparently did not have names, did not seem to be the bookish type. I would suspect the pain in your neck will only get worse. Chronic perhaps?"

K'net-mauri nods. "Chronic," he says. "I wonder why our people like to over-react so."

Kran'dok sighs a little, clearly different from the guard he was a moment ago. "Well whatever the case they are here for more than study. I suspect they have some sort of military training." He looks about the room. Would you mind if I searched your quarters where they were before I leave? It would be safer that way."

K'net-mauri shrugs, "If you like," he says. "I'm not worried at the moment."

Kran'dok nods as he walks over and begins to search. "Indeed. And it is my job to make sure that you have nothing to be worried about." He grins as he turns over a few items the others seemed to look at. "It is a luxury I should like for you to continue to enjoy sir."

GAME: Kran'dok spends a courage point.

GAME: Kran'dok contests his Search+A vs Challenging and Succeeds.