"The Strength of Conviction" - Part III

Starring:
Empress Kaidalin t'Vriesu, Leader of the Rihannsu Empire (Syed)

Proconsul Omar, Head of the Rihannsu Senate (Ian)
Senator Aehkhifv tr'Khnialmnae, Representative of the Declared (Eric)
Senator Tal'Aehkhifv Khev of Khev'Nveid Province (Jeremy)
Senator Dhivael t'Vrentath of Korthre Province (Kat)
Senator Khiy ir-Kvurkhae Keirianh of Kvurkhae (Chad)
Senator Aren Rital, Represenative of Ch'Yem (Chris)
Senator Tal Vriha tr'Ahalaen of the Nn'verih Province (Syed)
Senator Sh'rev t'Sannellieu of the Chula Province (Robert S)
Senator Raev Maec s'Tei of Kotor Province (Cliff)
Senator Delon ir-Fethraie Valdran of Fethraie Province (Jola)
Senator Tolon Kerec, representative of Baratan Province (Pat)
Admiral Ael Donatra, Acting Commander, Rihannsu Star Navy (Pat)

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First Month of Earth (Khaidoa nuhwir s'Avilh)
Second Week (Dhaei nukrer)
Day 192, Rihan Calendar

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Remains of Hall of Senate
Ki Baratan
ch'Rihan

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"If I am, as you say, unelected and self proclaimed, I would be more arrogant than Shinzon and the first Empress put together. I am not here for power, profit, or personal safety. We here, as a body of Senators, should be looking towards policies to assist our Empire in regaining her Glory, not tossing about unwarranted and uncalled for insults." Seriously, some Senators could be such stupid people in their own intelligence ways. With regards to true inheritance, he declined to comment.

"Glory," a quiet, commanding voice drawled, with a sharp laugh. A tall, reserved aging Rihannsu rose to his feet, "You expect glory here? Look at this place. We sit in a broken building. We sit in an Empire the forces of which are decimated, the people desperate and wounded, homes burned, cattle dead, farms razed...and we talk about *the Federation*? Glory? Glory does not come from an obsession with one's enemies - glory comes from greatness, and greatness comes from within. You waste your time talking about one insignificant human and the Empire's relationship to his people. It is a small matter. First, as Tal'Aehkhifv has said, we must rebuild. First, I would direct this council's attention to the plight of our own Galae. Before anything else, we must have an army, the capacity to defend yourselves...and that should be our first order of business."

The regal man sighed softly and shook his head, "My apologies - I did not come here to give speeches...I came to get things done. So I say we introduce ourselves and get down the business of government. Know then that I am Tal Vriha tr'Ahalaen...and I stand for the Declared."

As Tal Vriha sat down, Tal Khev nodded in the direction of the man. It was good to know already that one had political allies, at least allies in their same vision of the future.

Having been sat quietly and listening to the conversation as it rolled across the floor of the Senate, Sh'rev t'Sannellieu stood slowly, not out of any sense of grandiose, but purely due to the aches he felt. Once stood he brought his cane up and rapped it on the floor twice to gain a small measure of attention. "Fellow Senators," he began courteously, "I am Sh'rev t'Sannellieu, Senator from Chula province, and am grateful to see so many familiar faces alive here this day," pausing a moment he looked around and frowned, "however, I would ask your indulgence a moment. We are here this day, bereft of Preator and Empress, and so it falls to us to lead our people. They look to us for guidance and aid, and so before we can seek glory for the empire, or retribution for this affront, it is my opinion that we must first ensure the safety of our people and our Empire." Pausing a moment he looked around the room to gauge the expressions on the faces around, "we could indeed strike back, but at what cost? Our people need security, now if this requires of us accepting aid from the Federation, so be it, there is nothing to say that we must always accept aid, we merely need they assistance to begin to rebuild. We are Rihannsu," he intoned proudly, "and we can stand on our own should the need arise, but at this point if we stand alone, we fall alone!"

"As has been said, the Federation has defeated many enemies, yet they have never shown themselves to be prepared to launch a war against us. If aid is offered, let us accept, for now. And has been suggested we rebuild and use their aid to make us strong again. The time for Glory and retribution will come. We are a patient people, time is, as always our ally."

"As for this Curran, let us do as we please with him. He is ours. If they choose to object, it will be too late. They can have the pieces back as has been suggested. What will they do? Withhold their aid, I think not for it is not their way. They will bleat and complain but what can they do for him?

Resurrect him, so much the better, for if their science is so advanced we can have the pleasure of torturing him to death twice." Smiling blandly at the thought he looked around again, "decisions that will affect our Empire for many years to come will be made in this room today my colleagues, let us not make them rashly though. We are the Rihannsu Senate, let us guide our people wisely."

Rital raised an eyebrow. "Indeed." The grandstanding of the other Senators, although amusing, was distracting them from the point in hand.

"The question of relations with the Federation is important, but of greater urgency to this body ought to be rebuilding the military and industrial structures necessary to rebuild our society. I suggest we entertain negotiations with the Federation... this would allow us to reform the Galae's... transfer valuable units to more openly hostile and imminently dangerous fronts. At the same time, it would allow us to refrain from any commitments, which will be of use while we modernize and rebuild the military. Likewise, to solve the issue of manpower... we might want to consider a citizenship for service program. There are many sentients in the Empire who, as of now, do nothing but cost us manpower to keep control of.

By allowing their best and brightest to serve a tenure in the military for full citizenship, we maintain our supremacy and at the same time make it easier on ourselves to keep these people subjugated, while solving any manpower issues we may have."

"And what of the Triad fleets just outside the sector?" The Proconsul had remained silent through the proceedings, content at listening for the moment, and gauging. It was a difficult onus placed on him to mitigate the group in this critical juncture, and how he loathed Hitan for not making an appearance as yet, but Omar felt the time was coming for the Pro-Federation Praetor to come out of his shell, for the tide was turning in a matter of conspiracy to use the Federation to their own ends. He decided to further entrench suspicion on the so-called 'saviors'.

"The Praetor sent away the Starfleet forces for a reason. Have the Hydrans returned? They have not. They simply content themselves in holding the border worlds captive and under their jurisdiction. Has Intelligence provided us with any reason for that? I say it is mnhei'sahe that we have been humbled. For daring to ask assistance to those we knew were the catalyst for the war drums beating on our doorstep. We provoked this disaster by appealing to their enemies. We had been neutral up until then."

"And why have the Hydrans chosen to attack us now, if not because of our dealings with the Federation?" Dhivael shifted her gaze from Omar back to the Senate body. "Have we learned nothing from our past? One need only look back to their war with the Dominion. The Federation fed us lies then, drawing us into their conflict. *Their* conflict, not ours." She thumped a fist against the table for emphasis.

"The Federation will never admit to their manipulative, duplicitous nature, but we all know it is there. They have used us to strike back at their enemies; should we be surprised that their enemies are now striking back at us? Or perhaps the more pertinent question is, how do we make them stop?"

"Terminate Curran and round up all Federation personnel still in Rihan territories for deportation." Omar interjected. "It will appease the Triad in that we are not in an alliance with the Federation, since the humans and their ilk do not believe in death penalties. If the Federation were truly what they say they are, they will respect our laws. If none are left on our soil, the Triad may continue on to Earth, where the Federation may then beg for our assistance. Then we shall be in control for the two sides will devastate each other in the inevitable assault."

"Weakening both, destroying one possibly, and giving us the time we need to rebuild, re-arm and reassert ourselves," t'Sannellieu mused aloud for all to hear. "This too is a plan with merit, and one worthy of consideration. We are faced with a choice that has no easy answer, and any decisions we make may have unforeseen consequences in the future that we cannot comprehend yet. Whatever we decide though, must benefit the Rihannsu people first, as is proper. Our first concern, as I see it, is to decide on whether or not to accept Federation assistance. Yes or no. If the answer is no, can our resources stretch to the task at hand? If the answer is yes, then what repercussions will this action have. Do our intelligence agencies have any inkling that the Triad will attack again?" Looking around the room he looked for a face that might have an answer to his question.

"I agree," a tall, thin senator stood up. He wore the Senatorial robes that seemed to big for him. His eyes were dark brown and looked as if they could see things miles away. "I am Taev Maec S'Tei of Kotor Province. You don't know me but I am taking my father's place as he was killed in action against the Invaders. I am sitting in his place until I win the senatorial seat or someone else is elected by the people of Kotor."

"The Strength of Conviction" - Part IV

Starring:
Empress Kaidalin t'Vriesu, Leader of the Rihannsu Empire (Syed)

Proconsul Omar, Head of the Rihannsu Senate (Ian)
Senator Aehkhifv tr'Khnialmnae, Representative of the Declared (Eric)
Senator Tal'Aehkhifv Khev of Khev'Nveid Province (Jeremy)
Senator Dhivael t'Vrentath of Korthre Province (Kat)
Senator Khiy ir-Kvurkhae Keirianh of Kvurkhae (Chad)
Senator Aren Rital, Represenative of Ch'Yem (Chris)
Senator Tal Vriha tr'Ahalaen of the Nn'verih Province (Syed)
Senator Sh'rev t'Sannellieu of the Chula Province (Robert S)
Senator Raev Maec s'Tei of Kotor Province (Cliff)
Senator Delon ir-Fethraie Valdran of Fethraie Province (Jola)
Senator Tolon Kerec, representative of Baratan Province (Pat)
Admiral Ael Donatra, Acting Commander, Rihannsu Star Navy (Pat)

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First Month of Earth (Khaidoa nuhwir s'Avilh)
Second Week (Dhaei nukrer)
Day 192, Rihan Calendar

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Remains of Hall of Senate
Ki Baratan
ch'Rihan

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"If I am, as you say, unelected and self proclaimed, I would be more arrogant than Shinzon and the first Empress put together. I am not here for power, profit, or personal safety. We here, as a body of Senators, should be looking towards policies to assist our Empire in regaining her Glory, not tossing about unwarranted and uncalled for insults." Seriously, some Senators could be such stupid people in their own intelligence ways. With regards to true inheritance, he declined to comment.

"I agree," a tall, thin senator stood up. He wore the Senatorial robes that seemed to big for him. His eyes were dark brown and looked as if they could see things miles away. "I am Taev Maec S'Tei of Kotor Province. You don't know me but I am taking my father's place as he was killed in action against the Invaders. I am sitting in his place until I win the senatorial seat or someone else is elected by the people of Kotor."

The younger representative looked around at his compatriots. "One easy answer to come by is to re-arm and gird ourselves for war. That is definite.

The Triad will be back. That is a sure thing." s'Tei looked around the chamber, "But the Federation is not our enemy. That was proven by recent events. While we should not join them, we should respect their actions. If they request help the next time the Triad attacks, I think it would be wise to lend aid as they aided us but not to the detriment of our own."

"Assistance from the Federation is not needed," Dhivael interjected, shaking her head slowly. How quickly these senators forgot their history lessons.

It seemed she would have to be the one to refresh their memories. "When our ancestors began their new life in this system, they did so with the assistance of no one. Brick by brick, piece by piece, they built this civilization using nothing more than the gifts of the earth and their own willpower. Are we now so weak that we cannot rebuild our civilization ourselves?"

"We can still rebuild ourselves without assistance," s'Tei answered, "brick by brick, piece by piece, but if the Federation and others want to aid in defense, I say let them. They make excellent targets for the enemy. Let them use their resources while we save our own."

"You are all fools." Donatra whispered quietly, under her breath.

He may have been sitting several dozen feet away across the opposite side of the ancient chamber - wasn't that where Donatra was standing when Shinzon took control of the Senate five years ago? - but by no means did the Proconsul not read the disdain etched on her features. He decided to let it slide. Alliances and opinions were like shifting sands in a newly rebuilt Senate. There were no Senatorial backers, no Remans, no Unificationists, and unfortunately, no Tal Shiar clamoring for their party recognition.

Without his Imperial Police party in a position of power, for he couldn't - and wouldn't - make a play for his agency to take up their rightful place again. Making enemies without a strong alliance is foolhardy. He'd bide his time. For now.

The time for single independents to claim their stake was at hand, and the weak shall fall by the wayside. Omar would not make a mistake of allying himself with anyone who would fail to stand on their own. So, he let the arguments continue unabated.

Delon had been making several attempts to get a word in edge-wise, but his timing was poor, always coinciding with the greatest eruption of voices.

Finally he got to his feet and remained there, refusing to give ground until the tumult had at last subsided. His back stood unnaturally straight, only serving to emphasize the way his belly had gone to seed with his advancing years. "We are all people of action as well as words." His words began slightly louder than absolutely necessary, declaring his intention to continue and be heard. "I have listened now to the words of action that have traversed from one end of this hall to another and I would say that we are loosing sight of what our goal must be. We are not yet in ruins, but we do not stand far from it. As for the Federation, we can deal with them, contracts expire, alliances are meant for expedience, not friendship. We need, strength, we need allies, and we need 'confidence.' Our infrastructure is shot right now, but as it lies bleeding on the ground it struggles to regain its feet. Give it a hand. Set our economy in order, provide for our business leaders and trade companies, and we will find our old selves again.

I am Delon ir-Fethraie Valdran, from Fethraie."

"We are, for the large part, in agreement with the Senators from the Fethraie Valley and from Ch'Yem," a quiet voice with the ring of both youth and command told the room full of Senators. As one, everyone rose in silence to greet the Empress Kaidalin t'Vriesu. She walked in to the broken Senate alone - a gesture of trust in those gathered here. The slender young woman gestured for the senators to be seated as she walked towards the throne.

"And while We acknowledge that the need to rebuild our own homes before discussing whether or not we shall have guests within seems logical, as Senators Khev and tr'Ahalaen point out, it cannot be said that these visitors - the Federation - cannot help us lay down a solid foundation and carry bricks to the structure we seek to build." Kaidalin smiled, "So know that We have heard what you had to say Senators, and We are content that everyone here has to best interests of the Rihannsu at heart."

The Empress made a steeple with her long, delicate fingers and sighed. "So the table pounding declarations of virtue and patriotism end here.

We will mediate this session. And We are currently inclined to use the aid the Federation can give us so that we may rebuild our infrastructure.

Whether we shall honor our 'alliance' with them once our needs our fulfilled...that is a subject for another time. Therefore, for now, We will only hear arguments from those opposed to this course of action for the purpose stated." The young woman smiled at the Senators who had spoke in support for using Federation aid. "Do not be concerned. All will speak and all will be heard. Now...who claims the floor?"

"With her majesty's permission." Rital decided there indeed was something to be said on the issue of Federation aid, and favored the Empress with a grateful smile for taking the lead in organizing the debate.

"Fellow Senators, both sides here have convincing arguments. To be honest, I've not yet decided whether a formal alliance with the Federation is, in my opinion, beneficial to our people. What I have heard, however, is more than one Senator suggest accepting Federation aid... that what happened is due to our faults as a people, be it hubris or whichever fault you may attribute the attack to. If this is true, we owe it to ourselves to decline Federation assistance. If we are to rediscover our ways, it must be through our own sweat and tears. How can we honestly expect the loyalty of our people, if we replace our own workers with Federation technology and personnel? Many of you, honestly, are unpopular in your own districts...what will your people say to lose employment because we, in our laziness, decide to take the easy way out? I suggest we politely decline any assistance...

our world will be rebuilt, but we owe it to ourselves, and our posterity, to insure it is our own hands who do the rebuilding."

"Might I point out an obvious compromise, Senator Rital," Khiy Keirianh responded. "You are right. Our own people are more than capable of putting their homes back together again, and I would not dream of depriving them of that simple right and most rewarding pleasure. So, let us import the Federation technology and materials to assist us in rebuilding, but shut out the spies they will undoubtedly send posing as laborers and engineers."

"If it pleases your Majesty, I would speak. Fellow Senators." came a new voice, from the seat of the Senator representing the Baratan province, where the Capitol itself was located. It was a prized seat in the Senate, but it's newest owner was the source of much contention within the ranks of those present.

After all, the man sitting in it, Tolon Kerec, was two things that most Rihanssu politicians hated. He was a Unificationist, and a Commoner.

And now, he was a Senator. "Forgive me if I speak out of place. I am, after all, a simple common man who only has his seat because my predecessor has no family. I am the child of shopkeepers. I was a soldier for the Empire in my time, and also, I have been a spy. And yes, as many of you will delight in pointing out, I am a Unificationist. I do believe that we should be rejoined with our ancient Vulcan cousins, and that both races have much to learn from the other. They could use our passion, certainly. But we could use some of their rational thought, I think."

So much for the Unificationists not having a seat on the Senate, thought Omar. He mentally ticked off the new representative's name. He'd not be around long. The city was or will be under major reconstruction. It would be not be that hard-pressed to 'create' an accident that ended with the commoner being unified with the pavement at the foot of the Senate building.

Or anywhere else equally poetic. The Proconsul admitted to himself that was a romantic at heart.

Kerec crossed to the center of the floor, over the great diorama depicting the former Neutral Zone - the border with the Federation.

"For Centuries, we have been obsessed with the people of Earth, and their Federation. The only war we ever lost, and it has ruled our people ever since."

"We have just been handed the worst defeat in our history. We had to rely on Federation assistance to reclaim our world - and still, members of this body insist on blaming them. Their own personnel were used as tools of our enemies, and of ourselves. And, as ever, we are our own worst enemies. The door for the Hydran Invasion was not opened by the Hydrans themselves, or any Federation operative, but by the Tal Shi'ar. You have ALL seen the recordings and the files, the confessions of the Federation double agent - a Federation spy working not for the Hydrans, but for the damnable Tal Shi'ar!

Mind scanners of some of the senior Tal Shi'ar operatives have revealed their plan - to give the Empire a short, victorious war to reclaim glory."

Omar felt the need to point out, "That has not been proven definitively.

The Hydrans have been known to insert their own operatives into key positions to undermine governments. It is still under investigation. Do not introduce circumstantial and unproven evidence to the floor."

Kerec ignored the Proconsul's comment. "Are we so sad now, that we must engineer victory? Are we so pathetic that we cannot, as a people, take responsibility for ourselves?"

Passionately, the newest member of the Senate continued across the floor.

"Our identity does not have to be determined by what we blame the Federation for. We must look at ourselves. The Empire has been saved, fellow Senators.

Now, we must make it an empire WORTH saving."

Standing again t'Sannellieu make a respectful bow to Kaidalin, "If I may Empress," he said politely. Turning to face the majority of the senate he raised one hand, "colleagues, at this point in our history we have suffered a serious defeat, and we must rebuild. I personally do not care where the aid to make our reconstuction possible comes from. If the Federation offers aid so be it, let us accept, but with no provisions for future talks or trade or joint ventures. We must look after our own. Should the Triad attack the Federation, and considering the defeat that they have just been dealt at the hands of the Federation I believe this a possibility, then we can at that time make a decision, just as we did during the Dominion War. For now, and by any means necessary let us heal our people, rebuild our world, and more importantly rebuild our defences and intelligence divisions so that this can not only never happen again, but should anyone try we can ensure they pay the ultimate price for attempting it!" his voice raising slightly toward the end of his statement he slammed his cane down on the desk next to him, "we ar Rihannsu, our people were once feared, our name once sent terror into the hearts of any who heard it. We must ensure that we are prepared, and strong enough to prevent this from 'ever' happening again!"

OOC: The Truth series takes place on Galaxy's return trip to Federation Space.

"Truth - Part Three"

Featuring
Saul Bental
Naranda Roswell
Eve/Valentina

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Nara thought a moment. How to say it without divulging the secret, "Valentina, I believe they did something to prevent anyone from knowing what happened to you. Eve didn't know. You don't know. They made sure no one would find out. But...if you'll let me, I can perhaps try to find something out for you." She looked at Saul, "I've done it twice. If the information is available, it could be helpful."

Tina nodded her consent and looked over at Saul.

"If Valentina agrees, and if there's no danger to her, then I'm good. Just make sure you work with Boris Shtazai, Eve's predecessor. He's still on board, and he's Russian."

Nara furrowed her brow, "Why would I need him? As I said, I've done this before. I did it when she was in Sickbay. Speaking Russian and I had to do SOMETHING."

The frown was countered with a grimace. "Nara, Boris Shtazai is intelligence's technical officer. Do I need to spell it out for you? He'll be present, or else I'm not authorizing this. And I want Ella informed, too."

Nara had to consent to the first part. It was a subtle way of pulling rank. No need for him to make it obvious. However, "Why Ella?"

Tina closed her eyes and sighed softly. "Whatever you're going to do, please do it. I want to know what I've been turned into."

Saul smiled reassuringly. "I just want to make sure all goes well. And don't worry about it - in the end, you're still you, no matter what they did to you. You remember what's home is like, and what you are like, and that's the most important thing."

He returned his attention to Nara, having came up with an answer which would hopefully put her mind at ease. "I don't want the Chief Engineer to think that intelligence is stealing her people's work time. I wouldn't want Boris to help upgrading the computer core without me being informed first, for example."

Nara sighed, "Fine, but we do this asap. None of that damned red tape. I'll contact Ella and you get Boris."

================

Two hours later

================

Saul Bental and Boris Shtazai stood outside Eve's quarters. Both men looked solemn. Shtazai even had a sour face, and Saul knew exactly why - the Russian technical officer was supposed to transfer off the Galaxy as soon as Eve took over. Now, with the unexpected turn of events, the new assignment and the second pip looked as far as they ever did.

"Hardly a cybernetics workship." The Galaxy's intelligence technical officer said.

"Bora." Saul spoke up, "If anything looks out of order at any phase, put a stop to it immediatly."

"It's your girlfriend." Shtazai shrugged. Saul wasn't sure if his subordinate was rebuking him for doubting Nara's abilities, or if he didn't care too much about Eve's fate.

"We don't know why she returned to her anicent self." The Dutchman replied harshly. "But at her present state she's dangerous. We can't just tell her that since she doesn't remember anything, she's free to go on her way; The woman is an SFI operative, with all the implication."

Shtazai smirked. All of them knew too much, from the director to the lowest analyst or technician.

"Not to mention that she could snap your neck with the blink of an eye." Saul countiued. And then, softer: "But she's a friend and a crewmate, and right now what I care about is to keep her alive. So I'm telling you again--"

"Yes yes, if anything looks funny, put a stop to it and return to the drawing board." Shtazai shook his head violently. Saul tapped on his shoulder, appreciative, and sent him to the room where Tina awaited.

Nara looked at Boris and nodded. There wasn't much to say to him.

Inside, Tina sat on the couch, closing her eyes. She remembered this from the first time, before anyone could understand her. Who WOULD forget such an experience? When nara aproached, Tina opened her eyes and looked into Naras.

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Within The Mind

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Nara sat across from her, focusing into Tina's eyes and soon...

Nara appeared this time in the foyer of a grand, gothic patterned cathedral. The lighting was dim, illuminated by a smattering of carefully placed candelabras, and all was quiet, not a soul to be seen.

"Well, isn't this chipper. Guardian?" Nara stayed in her place, not exploring with her mind. She had been in this mind a couple times before and knew now the protocol somewhat.

The now familiar form of the guardian apeared, this time with everything intact and undamaged. "Yes, child?" the avatar inquired politely, her tone sounding every bit the armored nun she apeared to be.

"Valentina...and Eve. Is it safe for them to know of each other? Is Eve still here somewhere? Valentina needs answers. I don't ask this for me. I don't even have to see, but I ask you to show her things."

The Guardian indicated the grand doors behind Nara, "come with me, child." Through these doors one found, not a world as was expected, but a massive cooridor, the architecture matching that of the interior of the cathedral. "Due to the recent alteration of Eve's mental pathways," she spoke, as they walked down the vastly tall corridor, "certain subroutenes were inacessable to us. This was discovered quite by accident when you repaired the Translator, and prompted a complete system Search. Others were damaged and required rebooting from the stored firmware backups. The Primogenitors handled their craft quite well."

"Forgive me, child. In responce to your inquiries, there is little I can do. The Primogenitors did not include any parameters related with organic memory as the original model included the entire memory pathways of the organic recipient. The memory wipe was a last ditch effort to allow Eve the possibility of a "normal" existance once she had been awakened. I have postulated that the intent was to drop her off back on Earth in the vicinity of where she had been taken from a hundred years before, with no memories. She would have asimilated herself back into the culture and proved an admirable and hardworking member of society. "

At this point the corridor ended in a wall with a massive door set into it. Touching a selection of controlls, adamantine rods within the structure began to move, and with a *clank * the door swung free. The next chamber shattered all thoughts of this scape being on a planet, as the view of two worlds out the massive floor to ceiling transplas windows indicated. Their entry was at the highest tier in a 4 level control center, which level featured a rather ornate command chair one could only describe as a throne, in which the Guardian took her seat. Officers and crew worked tirelessly at a variety of stations, some human, others apearing to be an amalgamation of humans and machines, many of them barely recognizable.

Of the two worlds, one was surounded in a blue haze, the atmosphere peacefull and calm. The other was shrouded in dark, angry, forboding clouds, a sheet of red encasing it. "These are the two personalities you refer to," the guardian said. Pointing to the red, "Eve, the one you met first, and Valentina: the original patterns," to which she indicated the blue. "These patterns are genuine, but had been thought lost after the memory wipe. Let it not be forgotten that the human being in its entirety is a force to be reckoned with."

Nara was nothing less than surprised. It was awe-inspiring. Reminding her of a movie Saul had convinced her to watch called the "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." The name itself intriqued her and the movie was so full of horrible perversions of science and engineering, she had to laugh. The dolphins, however, were just about the truest thing of the movie.

She looked back at the Guardian, "What information am I allowed to convey? And is there anything we can do to help?"

"My programming does not include suficient computational lines to accurately process these requests," the Guardian replied as she looked upon the two worlds. "Likewise there are no restrictions that exist with which to prevent Eve, or Valentina as she is now known, from knowing or learning any information presented to her. Simply put, the reason she knows nothing is because these memory patterns were created prior to the Primogenitors aproach. I only caution that you monitor her mental welbeing. As to the actual merging of these two worlds, I have no postulations. Perhaps it will happen in it's own due time, perhaps it wil never happen. I have insuficient computational lines relating to organic memory processes to attempt these calculations."

"Are our conditions the same? You and these other beings aren't to be mentioned?"

"I have not previously placed any imperitive concerning information to be restricted from Eve's access, child." The guardian tapped a few commands into the consols built into the arms of the command throne. "Eve already knew that her existance in her curent form was due to a species external to Earth. Had more logs survived the entropic decay of the Primogenitor vessel she may have had more information available to her, none of which I have jurisdiction over. I am merely a Guardian. I protect her internal assets from threats and damages. All else is the perview of either the Avatar or the organic conscious mind."

"I mean from the doctors and her superiors. And her counselor. Perhaps the information that you exist...might help."

"Again, child: such activities are not within my perview."

Nara frowned, "Well, you threatened to kill me before."

The guardian loked over at Nara for a moment. "That was only when the System had yet to determine if you were a threat or not."

"I see. Is there anything else you can give me? Is there anything I can look at that I haven't seen yet?"

"Not at present," was the responce.

Nara sighed and nodded, "Thank you for your help."

Nara looked at the guardian again, "If she's survived such a long time, is her lifespan still as human? Is she now aging normally?"

"Eve's physical body survived as long as it has due to having been placed into suspended animation, something your technology is refered to as 'stasis.' However," the guardian continued, "I cannot caculate her current aging pattern. It is not within my protocol."

Nara nodded again, "I do hope we get Eve back. Until next time, Guardian."

================

Once more unto Reality

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The scape melted into reality without so much as a 'cherio.' Valentina's violet eyes slowly regained focus, and once she had the world back in perspective she cocked her head to the side. "Uh .. did you do something different? All I saw was blackness."

Nara frowned and shook her head. There wasn't as bad as side effects as usual, but she still felt the need to sit a moment, catching her breath and letting her mind settle.

- Hide quoted text -

After a few moments, Nara turned to Boris. "Is Saul still out there?" She turned to Valentina, "You have more than you know caring about your welfare. With that, you really will be ok. I'll tell more later."

"He should still be out there." Shtazai told her, looking confused.

“Definition of Home, Part Three; Memories of the Past”

Lieutenant Dhanishta Eshe - Assistant Chief of Engineering - USS Galaxy

***Location USS Galaxy***

As the doors hissed gently closed behind her, Dhanishta took a moment to look around the space. Kimberly's scent laced the air, something that Dhani had never noticed before. It was the little things that stuck out to strike you most. There was a haphazard pile of data padds stacked on one corner of her desk, looking like they would fall and slip to the floor with just the slightest movement. The pot plant behind her had certainly seen better days. There was little in the way of destruction to the room, either the battle didn't see fit to tear, rip or rattle this area of the ship to the point that the vibrations themselves caused fractures to the structure, or they had simply cleaned up already. Dhani was really too tired to bother to investigate further to attain the answer. Crossing the room she sat heavily on the couch and sunk back into it.

The sheer amount of pleasure she received from sitting down was almost perverse. The groan that escaped her lips as she exhaled slowly did nothing but add to the previous statement and almost pushed the whole image into an x rated novel! She closed her eyes and felt her head spinning slightly with fatigue. Her eyelids felt extremely heavy and the temptation to just lie down and succumb to the sleep her body and mind yearned for was overwhelming.

Pushing through it, her desire to be awake when Kimberly returned was strong. She was looking forward to seeing her, even if her anticipation showed little physical attributes; she was just too dammed tired. It had really snuck up on her as well. Pushing herself off the couch she crossed the room slowly using anything that was grababal to steady her along the way.

Knocking into the restroom door frame she bounced for a moment from side to side until she gathered enough energy to adjust her momentum into a forwards direction. Once inside she came to stand in front of the mirror.

For a while she just stood, looking, staring; mesmerized by the vision she saw. Is that really me? She asked herself. Squinting, she shuffled forward until she was pressed right up against the basin. Brining up her bloodstained hands to her face she touched it lightly, all the while watching her reflection intently; still completely shocked at what she saw.

She traced a finger over her dried, cracked, chapped lips, inhaling sharply she winced as the drag caused a split to open. She frowned and stared harder into the image in the mirror. Her dark green eyes had lost some of their spark, leaving them dull and flat. The dirt that covered her face hid the bruising on the skin underneath yet did nothing to hide the swelling. Running her finger over her temples she felt the rise and fall of the welts, at least they were symmetrical, she thought sourly as her fingers gingerly traced the curve on either side.

Her eyes trailed upwards to her forehead and the ‘thing' that rested above it. “OH MY GOD!” Dhani breathed as she brought her hands up as a secondary investigatory tool, “MY HAIR!”

It looked as if she had spent a week with her hand permanently in an electric socket. She had an afro larger than any she had seen. She shook her head, she had been only marginally aware of the fact that she had split ends, it happened, that was life, but *FRIED* ends!!!

She tried to smooth down the tangled mass so that she might at least look slightly presentable, yet to no avail. Not only was it matted worse than an overzealous backcombing session, parts of it were literally fused, melted together. She could have cried at that moment. She never realized how much she prided her long, silky, dark locks until this second. Right now the only thing she could think of to do was to pick up a razor and start shaving! Her breath caught in her chest for a moment as she stifled the want to weep over her it. Of all the things to be upset about! She turned her face away from the repulsive image and stared out across the bathroom for a moment.

Rubbing her eyes she bent over the skink and filled it with warm water. Rolling up her tatted, frayed sleeves she noticed just how much grime covered her. There was a noticeable tide mark around her wrists yet even so the dirt had traveled up her arms. Her fingernails were caked in dirt and the dried blood, that she assumed was Bailes, stained her cuticles.

Plunging her hands into the water she murmured softly, the warmth was comforting. Lathering up she washed as much of the imbedded dirt from her fingers, and then tenderly began to wash her face. Part of her was reluctant to do so though, and it wasn't because of the pain caused by her fingers as they gently rubbed the skin, it was deeper than that. She wanted to be clean, but on the inside too. Sure, she could wash away the blood, the dirt, the mud, the grime and the grit, but she couldn't wash away how she felt, she couldn't erase everything that had happened.

Drying her hands she patted down her face and once again returned her gaze to the mirror. Even her uniform told a story. With every hole, tear and rip, mud splat and grass stain. It was almost like reading a book. Her hand lingered over the spot where a large tear in her duty jacked remained; the only reminded of the fragment from the Galaxy that had impaled her as she was sucked out of the ship.

She sighed at herself, she looked better; she had to admit, even if the swelling bruising and general discoloration to her face wasn't pretty to look at. She unzipped her jacket to reveal her naked torso. She had long since lost her shirt, ripped it up to make a sling for Michael; all that remained was the collar that miraculously still held her pips. She smiled at that before her eyes fell on the dark purple bruises that marked her neck. Nice, she thought as she admired the oversized finger prints; another reminder.

It would heal, she knew that, the bruises would fade and her skin would show no signs of that fact that Baile had almost strangled her to death. All that would remain once she took off this uniform and her wounds healed would be the mental scars. And there was no dermal regenerator that could heal those wounds.

All in all, she summarized, she hadn't come off too badly. The large gash to her leg had been healed along with her guts on the T'Kengra, everything else; her swollen temples, split lip, general cuts and bruises, were all superficial. She closed her eyes exhaling slowly; she wished that the ordeal was as easy to dismiss. Feeling slightly refreshed, and marginally awake she trundled back into the main office.

Refusing to sit, afraid that sleep would just take her whether she wanted it to at this point or not, she began to pace the length of Kimberly's office.

It wasn't a large office, she realized on the tenth pass of the forlorn pot plant. In fact it was down right small, slightly suffocating really. Could really make you claustrophobic after a few hours. Perhaps days. It would take a longer incarceration to make someone succumb to that, wouldn't it?

When would Kimberly finish her rounds? How long had it been? How many people were out there? Did she really care? Was it important? Was anything important? She should really spring for a larger office! As the Chief Medical officer on a Starship she should have more room to work in. It's not an unreasonable request.

I wonder if Baile is okay. He could have died, he should have died! No normal human would have taken that shot and not. But he isn't a normal human. He's worse than that. I should have killed him when I had the chance. Why did I stop her? Or was that me? Did I want him dead, or did she?

Did she see what he was too, or was that just me? Does she know what I know? When will she come back? Will she take over me, will I cease to exist? Is she a parasite? What does that even mean? How did they get rid of them, I don't remember…

"Saturday Night Poker"

Death
Destrucion
Darkness
The Devil

Location: Devil's Padd-Seventh Layer of Hell

----------------------------------------------------------------

"Would you morons hurry up? She's going to be here in a while!" He brushed off his jacket, with his eyes scanning his surroundings. His goal, to impress her enough to stay with him for an eternity. She was coming!

The main foyer was large, and almost completely decored in dark crimson and elegant black gloss. A vase of black opulent long stemmed roses awaited her in a crystal Waterford vase. Only the best would do for his very important visitor. To him, it was more that just a normal Saturday night. For in a few days, his true love would arrive.

Upon hearing the dim chime of his door, he gasped. "Gooo on.....git."

His fleshy hand shoo'd the skeletoned maids from the room as they smirked him with mocking.

"Hey hey!" His baritone voice chimed as he entered. The Devil's face instantly fell as he viewed Destruction walking through the door, beer in hand as normal. "Poker night....bring on the booze, cigars, and underworld strippers!"

The Devil brought his hand up. "Stop right there."

"What?" Destruction quizzically posed.

"Your shoes....take them off.....Their filthy."

"But....."

"Do it." A few short blue flames shot out of the top of head, signalling that Devil was in no mood for games. At least, not know anyway.

"Fine. But I should warn you....I have a rather large hole in my sock....and my big toe sticks through it." Destruction mused as he pulled his shoes off and left them in a muddy heap by the entry way as he wiggled his rather large big toe.

With a snap of his fingers, the Devil produced a pair of socks and held them out to Destruction.

"I don't do Argyle Dev." The furrowed brow caused the foyer to start to shake.

"Yes, you do....and stop that!"

"What is your problem? Did Houdini sneak up on you and give you another colossal wedgie this afternoon?"

"Grow up." The Devil pivoted on his foot as the door bell rang yet again.

"WASSSSSUPPPPP????" Came the overly buoyant voice of Darkness as he slid through the door in a style only Darkness could pull off.

"WASSSSUUUPPPP!" The reply came back to him. Destruction walked over, gave him a high five that showered dust all over the once dust free foyer.

"Damn it Destruction! Keep your hands to yourself will you? I just finished remodeling this place from last week when you inebriated yourself on Jose Cuervo." The Devil smirked with anger.

"Well, hey..I offered to hold poker night over at my place...."

Destruction offered innocently.

Darkness glanced sideways, shooting him a look of utter disdain.

"Um.....didn't the health department condemn your place over a year ago?"

"Yep!" Destruction stated proudly.

"Boyaa Baby!" Death announced flamboyant as he formed from his mist.

"Wassssuppppp."

"Wazzzzzzzzzzzzzuup?"

"Oh would you guys give me a fucking break already? That went out with the 2003 Superbowl." The Devil was obviously not in a jovial mood.

Pointing his index finger at Darkness, Death spoke. "Houdini again?"

Darkness just shrugged. "I have no clue."

"Oh..." Death smirked. "'She's' coming in a few days. I just got the order for delivery early this afternoon."

"She?" Destruction muttered.

"Boy, you really are few conduits short of a full panel, aren't you?"

Darkness chided. "You know....she she?"

It took a moment as The Devil waved his hands until the eternal light bulb lit up in Destruction's head. "Ohhhhhh." He smiled. "She."

"Come on you guys...Let's get this game started." The Devil pivoted on his heels, leading them to the game room.

"Hey....um....you have the mud pit set up this week?" Darkness asked in anticipation.

The Devil looked over his shoulder. "Yeah.....the repair guy finally came out to fix the side after that lusty minion popped the side of it with her talon."

A peaceful look washed over Death's face. "That....was one hell of a match."

"Ante up boys...the night's young." Devil announced as they found their usual seats around the elegant poker table.

"Spring Cleaning"

Ella Grey
8-ball Hunter
Samantha Widdlestein, npc

***

USS Galaxy

In the short time that Ella had known the infamous Samantha Widdlestein, she'd never seen the young girl speechless.

Until now.

Samantha's mouthed worked a few times before the girl gathered herself, narrowed her eyes with suspicion and asked the engineer to repeat what she had just said.

Ella repeated herself. Samantha looked dumbfounded.

"ALL of it?" Sam practically sqweeked. "You wan't me to take ALL of it."

"Well, aside from what 8-ball wants and the things that I've already taken. Yes," Ella replied.

Samantha blinked. Then giggled and jumped up and down a bit. Then calmed and looked over at the science officer. "That sparkly blue dress is MINE."

8-ball shrugged. "Have it. I don't DO sparkles. I like a little more slink." 8-ball fingered the long red dress with the slits up the thighs. "This. This is mine." She sipped her drink (wasn't hanging with Ella if there weren't brownies and booze around) and looked speculatively at her favorite, and only, mute-ish friend. "You sure you want to do this? You got some nice damn dresses in this collection."

"I kept a couple that I might want someday but I think I need to free up some space, especially if I get where I'm going. Sam, that dress will never fit you."

"I got a friend I was thinking of," Samantha replied defensively.

8-ball ignored Sam. She wasn't entirely used to having the little brat around anyway, but the second she said something, she knew Sam would say something like, "But you tortured me!" As 8-ball did indeed torture Sam, she couldn't really say much. It made things awkward.

Instead, she said to Ella, "I still feel like I'm missing a connection here. You're going to be a fighter pilot. . .therefore you're never allowed to wear a cute dress again? Fill in the blanks for me."

"I'm all about grand gestures," Ella said, snagging up a red stringed bikini that she had forgotten. "Besides, how many fighter pilots do you know who own last year's entire fall collection of [fill in blank]? Do you think I should cut my hair?"

"Yeah, I think you should shave it. Cause most of the fighter pilots I know are all bald and super muscle-y." 8-ball rolled her eyes. "What do you care what dresses the other fighter pilots have? This isn't Starfleet Junior High."

"Sure it is," She replied. "But this is really more for me anyway and as much as a hair cut or a dress doesn't make you a fighter pilot, it might make me feel less like a debutante who's trying to play at one.

I know I can do it, of course, but any extra boost in ego is always helpful."

8-ball sighed. "Okay, okay. Whatever floats your boat." She studied Ella's face, frowned, and shook her head. "Get rid of the dresses if you must, but I don't think short hair is for you. You don't have the right face shape for it." She glanced over at Sam. "What do you think, shrimp?"

"I think this is SO my color," Sam replied, holding up a pale pink halter.

"Thank you, Sam, for that wonderful contribution. That is so helpful. I don't even have the words."

"It's amazing that I can contribute at all," Sam said brightly. "It's been a harrowing couple of weeks, not to mention the mental and physical scars or previous torture, the hours of therapy I've had to endure because of it, the lack of any real passion for my creative genuis, the monumental waste of ..."

"Oh, shut up, Sam."

"The Strength of Conviction" - Part V

Starring:
Empress Kaidalin t'Vriesu, Leader of the Rihannsu Empire (Syed)

Proconsul Omar, Head of the Rihannsu Senate (Ian)
Senator Aehkhifv tr'Khnialmnae, Representative of the Declared (Eric)
Senator Tal'Aehkhifv Khev of Khev'Nveid Province (Jeremy)
Senator Dhivael t'Vrentath of Korthre Province (Kat)
Senator Khiy ir-Kvurkhae Keirianh of Kvurkhae (Chad)
Senator Aren Rital, Represenative of Ch'Yem (Chris)
Senator Tal Vriha tr'Ahalaen of the Nn'verih Province (Syed)
Senator Sh'rev t'Sannellieu of the Chula Province (Robert S)
Senator Raev Maec s'Tei of Kotor Province (Cliff)
Senator Delon ir-Fethraie Valdran of Fethraie Province (Jola)
Senator Tolon Kerec, representative of Baratan Province (Pat)
Admiral Ael Donatra, Acting Commander, Rihannsu Star Navy (Pat)

*************************

First Month of Earth (Khaidoa nuhwir s'Avilh)
Second Week (Dhaei nukrer)
Day 192, Rihan Calendar

*************************

Remains of Hall of Senate
Ki Baratan
ch'Rihan

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We must ensure that we are prepared, and strong enough to prevent this from 'ever' happening again!"

Delon ir-Fethraie Valdran shook his head with pursed lips and roseonce again. "That is naive talk and will only further our own desolation, not enhance our strength. We need those trade treaties, the ability to expand our commerce beyond the crippled economy that envelopes Romulus and our member worlds. Without a strong business sector and thriving economy, we're staring into the jaws of a major recession. That is a future we 'cannot' afford!"

Rital waited and watched. Valdran and himself seemed to be of fairly like minds... hardly surprising giving the former's economics background and the rare opportunity presented to the surviving industrial areas, such as Ch'Yem, to play an important and profitable role in rebuilding the Empire, and their homeworld. Truth be told, he didn't like the so called 'compromise' offered. It still meant Federation personnel would have knowledge of what was constructed, how it was constructed... outside of the immediate security concerns it also took away opportunities from his fellow citizens. Nope, it seemed a polite 'Thank you but we'll manage' followed by long, excruciating peace talks to buy them time was the best way to go.

"Yes," Kaidalin drawled with a sigh, folding her arms across her abdomen, "That much is clear to us as well. Now...it seems to us that a majority of you are in favor our accepting aid from the Federation. Under normal circumstances, we ourselves might disagree with such a judgment and side with Senator Rital. However, the circumstances of the Rihannsu are far from normal." The Empress smiled ever so slightly first in Rital's direction and then at Dhivael, "If We thought there was time, Senators, it would indeed be best to use our own 'tears and sweat' to rise again. However, the Galae must be rebuilt and rebuilt quickly. The Empire cannot stand otherwise."

The Empress t'Vriesu drew in a deep breath and continued, "So 'for practical purposes in a hopelessly practical world', We propose the following - for the time being, as a short term policy the Rihannsu will accept aid from the Federation in order to rebuild that infrastructure and industry which is necessary for the Galae and our planetary defenses. For all other needs, we will turn to the other worlds in the Empire and the open market. We will not take as alms any more than we now must. During this rebuilding process, on a trial basis and currently as a temporary measure, we will also endorse Senator Rital's 'Citizenship for Service' program, in order to encourage self help by the Declared and others in the Empire. We have heard you, Senators, and that is the proposal from the Throne. These effect of these policies will be monitored and they will be up for a Senate vote again in two years. What say you?"

"I say you're rushing the vote, Empress. We've been here for all of what, one verak, and we're ready to make a decision that is to remain legally bound for two years? That's a long time to pay for a rushed decision." The Proconsul stood up to take the floor. "My apologies for interrupting, but this is an extremely important decision to be made. It cannot be done with hardly any discussion of alternatives."

"The what is it you suggest, Proconsul? Be careful, We will tolerate no unnecessary delays."

"The Federation seems determined to offer its aid. To the point of being overbearing and intimidating. They know they are in a position of bargaining power, yet they also need us for a buffer defense of their border. How do we know the next time the Triad attacks they won't retreat and not return? They could simply be using us as fodder for their war."

His eyes penetrated each person in the room. "Yes, *THEIR* war. If we enter into their program of assistance, we'll then be obligated by mnhei'sahe to provide their war machine with our materials and personnel. Where is our rebuilding process in that plan? We'll become part of a war we did not ask for. The Hydrans baited the Federation into committing their forces to our world for a reason. They do not want us allying with them. Up until they arrived with my dead son - whom the Federation could not protect on their mighty ship I might add - the Hydrans had no interest in us.

"Why not open a diplomatic function with them, and establish a non-aggression treaty? The one we had with the Dominion during the war served us well. It allowed us to build our fleet with no outside interests preying on our doorstep. If the Federation so heartily wishes to offer us aid, let them do it from anywhere but ch'Rihan. Let us revive Rihan's Pride on our own terms, on our planet. Let the people create a memory of standing on their own two feet and picking up the rubble and dead with their own hands, and take honor in what they did for themselves! There is no other incentive and motivation for defending a world you built with your own flesh and blood. Not one shared with offworlders like beggars in the street. We are the Rihanha. We do not need assistance. What would that say to our subjects? Let the Federation fight their own wars, and leave us out of it.

We can seek supplies and trade goods with other worlds. Let us explore developing a partnership with the Reman Protectorate, who also have a healthy distrust of the Federation.

"I do not apologize, but if you are determined to count the ballot on this motion, I cast my vote as NO to Federation assistance. I do not wish my children to grow up a mockery of their former glory, or learning dependence on anyone but their own people. Especially after knowing one of the Federation you wish to beg for help killed the leader of the government. You who would vote yes would throw aside your pride for the sake of a cup of tea, or a cushy pillow. Where is your PASSION?"

The dark eyes of Kaidalin t'Vriesu narrowed dangerously and she rose from the throne, regal and imperious. "Sit down, *Omar*," she commanded, emphasizing her use of the man's name. "And remember who it is you address.

I grant you only this: your sense of mnhei'sahe is either odd or confused."

The Proconsul simmered under the Empress' withering gaze, but knew he could not prolong a continued battle without support. He was not alone in his stance, but the others would not oppose the will of the Empress. Not if they wanted to replace the Praetor they did not know was still alive and watching from his personal niche. Omar seethed underneath, realizing the trap Hitan had placed him in by forcing him to either stand with the issues the Empress and tr'Chandrix' supported, or play out his cards and destroy all hope in ascending to the Praetorship. He *needed* his Tal Shi'ar influence on the Senate again, if he were to take ch'Rihan back to the slendor it once enjoyed, and re-anoint its heavenly seat in the cosmos.

t'Vriesu turned to the Senators and shook her head, "Will you go groveling to the Remans - the same people who assassinated our Senate - for help? How soon have you forgotten your fathers and brothers, in whose very places you sit. Will you reject aid that is given freely, and beg the Triad not to attack you - the very people who have just finished devastating this world?

Will you trust the promises of people that keep no oaths and honor no bond?

Will you let their ships pass over your own undefended worlds, trusting those without mnhei'sahe to keep themselves from conquering an Empire that is ripe for the plucking...because of their word?"

With a weary sigh, she added, "And will you also go asking the Klingons for restraint, while we take our sweet time in rebuilding the Galae? Do you think they will not take this chance to finally avenge their previous losses to us? By the Elements - Will you trust those who are not the Declared within our fold not to use this opportunity to rise up and rebel against the Empire?"

"Will you hold on to your pride, like children worrying about lost toys, while the sky is falling? Will you cut the throats of your own children to spite your enemies? Yes, there is a time for passion - but unbridled passion, like untempered pride, is foolishness. This is a time for cunning, for careful planning, not rampant emotions and stubborn ego," she added, whirling upon Omar once again, she added almost mildly added, "Besides, Proconsul, you have no vote here unless the Senators tie. I should have thought you would have remembered that...but wounded pride and unthinking emotion can often lead us to mistakes."

"My pride is what sustains me." Unlike others. They thought only of the pretty trinkets the Federation would replicate for them.

"We have heard enough here. The discussion on this matter is going in circles, and time precious for the Rihannsu now. There are other matters of importance that the Senate must address. So, Senators, We call a vote.

Those in favor of our proposition will rise."

There was a moment of silence. t'Vriesu waited. Omar once again took his seat.

She had initated a risky gambit - one that could have failed even before Omar's rant. Seeing that she had enough support for letting her accept Federation aid, Kaidalin had added a rider to her proposition - Rital's 'Citizenship for Service' plan. It would allow non-Rihannsu to become full citizens of the Empire, going a long way towards her personal dream of increasing the social equality among her subjects. Empires did not fall because of outside forces - Empires fell because of injustice, be it social or legal.

With the rider, she hoped to gain Rital's vote at the very least. And she hoped that support for Federation aid would be enough to overwhelm Khiy ir-Kvurkhae's hatred for all races non-Rihannsu long enough for her to gather his vote as well. The young Empress had seen what a sharp division among political views had done to the Federation, with their Hawks and their Doves. She was determined to make certain that a unity remained within her people's hearts and minds, for if that failed...all would be lost. After the Proconsul's violent outburst, however, the two sides may have gotten polarized once again.

There were ten Senators present. The Empress and the Star Navy's representative, Admiral Ael Donatra, had no votes. Omar voted in case of a tie...and he had already voiced his opinion. It would take six votes for Kaidalin to prevail.

So she stood, the weight of an Empire on her young shoulders, and waited for the Senate.

"What the?"

Lt. JG Faylin McAlister
1st Lt Steven Jonas

Location: Lower Promenade, Deep Space Five
____________________________________

She grasped his hand, walking beside him like a proper couple should.

They did not stick out, except for the fact that they had love in their eyes and everyone saw it. It radiated out from them brightly, causing their lost focus to be an easy target to some less than savory person.

Steven was in paradse. Having Faylin in his life had brought him back from the personal hell he had been going through. She was his shining star, guiding him from the path to destruction and towards the heavens themselves. He was in love. Plain and simple. And the thought that she loved him back as much as he love her sent him into the stratosphere.

So enraptured with Faylin was he, that he almost missed the man that was coming at them with a knife in hand.

"Look out" he called as he tried to push Faylin behind him. The man backhanded him with a force that sent him flying to the ground. "Fay..." he called just before he landed.

"Steven...let me handle this." They found her already.

Sighing, she circled the pair as they fought. Steven would be no match for this guy, period. He was coming for her. What didn't make sense was the choice of weapon. Knifes were so....primative.

Obviously, David did not truly have any faith in her.

Shaking his head grogily, he tried to stand. "No Fay, let me fight him. He'll kill you."

She nodded, knowing full well she could not vocalize her feeling concerning the man that had all his focus on her. Faylin narrowed her gaze at him, warning him with her eyes. Moving into position, she smirked as he tossed the knife from his left hand to his right. This man could not be a part of IS, for if he was, David had just scrapped the bottom of the Ferengi chum barrell for this one. He finally chose a hand and gripped the knife tighly, waving it at her. She waited patiently until the top of his hand was pointing down towards the ground. When this occured, she sharply brought her foot up forcefully, kicking the knife away.

He charged at Faylin, kicking her with a round house to her mid section. Barreling over in pain, she groaned and backed up a step.

Straightening herself out again, she charged back, punching him with a left fist that landed on his right cheek.

Finally managing to get to his feet, as wobly as they now were, he stepped forward to help Faylin, who seemed very capable against the man with the knife. Almost too capable. Shaking the thought, he took a stepp towards the man. He wasn't going to let Fay have to fight him by herself. She shouldn't have to fight at all.

"Steven....back off!" She muttered plainly.

Steven couldn't believe that she was waving him off. He was the Marine, she the JAG. It should be him protecting her. Ignoring her comment, he stepped towards the man, but received a kick to his stomach for his troubles, sending him flying to the ground again.

Advancing, she brought her foot up, kicking the man in the groin. If all else fails, kick them in the nuts. She heard her initial instructor's voice in her mind. It was as clear as a bell as it was the first time she heard his advice many years ago. Watching him fall, she failed to notice Steven's full attention on her.

As Faylin's eyes glassed over and narroed, her hands raised, gluing themselves to the sides of his face. Digging her nails in his skin, Faylin swiftly pulled apart the c6/c7 vertebrea, causing a tear across the mid of his neck. Instantaneous death as well as a nice crisp cracking noise caused McAlister to shudder with dirty pleasure. Her hands crossed her chest and she took a small step backwards as she watched him fall face first to the deck plate. Her eyes once again glazed mysteriously as the thud of his dead body filled her with satisfaction. Wipping her hands on her black pants, she turned to watch Steven's horror laced face. "What?"

Steven just sat there, watching wide-eyed at her actions. "You just..."

"I know. Just a second." Walking over to the corner, Faylin took a device from her pocket and spoke into it, varifying her location and ordering a 'clean up.' Flipping the device shut, she came up beside Jonas and grasped his hand. "We need to get out of here.....now."

Steven allowed her to help bring him to his feet. "Okay, but what the heck just happened?"

"Retribution." Faylin stated simply.

Steven kept up as she took off away from the scene. She was avoiding the question, he could see that. But the clean crisp way she dispatched the man was something even he, in his ten plus years in the Marines had never seen. "There's something you aren't telling me, isn't there?"

Sighing, she permitted her vision to look left, then right. Pulling him into a darkened ally, she placed her hands on his shoulders and gave him a look of total confidence. "Steven. You do not know who I am."

"I realize that, but I want to. I really want to know you." He said as he placed his hands on hers and squeezed gently.

Swallowing, she pulled her hands down to her sides. "I am in big trouble right now, and it's nothing that you can help me with." She had just made a crutial decision, although she could not tell him right now, if ever. Faylin had to go to the Captain as soon as they arrived back on the ship....perhaps.

"I know some people, they could probably help." Steven said.

Faylin just shook her head. "I apprechaite it, but no."

"Okay... I'll respect your wishes. I do want to know, but I will wait until you are ready to tell me." He drew her close and kissed her. "I love you Fay. And that was an impressive display of yours."

McAlister glanced sideways at him. "It was nothing....really." And in all honestly, that little display was nothing.

"Lets get out of here." he said as he took her hand.

"Yeah.....lets."

"The Chalet"

Lt. jg. Faylin McAlister
1st Lt. Steven Jonas

****

Holodeck 4

****

Steven was psyched. He had spent the last day preparing for the evening and he was eager to have it be a success. He had the holodeck booked for three hours, which wasn't something that usually occurred,

- the usual maximum limit being 2 hours - but he knew a few people in the right places and they had allowed it. He hoped she would like the setting he had chosen for their quiet time alone together.

So he stood waiting for Faylin, who had just had a meeting with the Captain. He hadn't a clue what it was about, but as with everything in Faylin's life, it was something he had to put up with. He just hoped one day she could let him in on all the secrecy.

The door swished open and there she stood before him.

"Hi." he said in greeting.

"Hey stranger." Fay leaned over, kissing him lightly.

Returning her kiss with interest, he felt more alive than he had in ages. God he hoped this worked.

Pulling away for a moment, he spoke, "Computer, load program Jonas-Delta-Three" before turning to see Faylin's reaction as the holodeck grid was replaced the the beautiful snow covered mountain setting he had chosen. Their clothes change from their uniforms into climbing gear. A small chalet could be seen nestled in some trees up the mountain a short way.

Protection, a curious word. Faylin thought to herself as she walked along with Steven. The protection M'Kantu could offer her, in reality, was not much. But, it was better than nothing. She also discovered that once he was aware of her involvement in IS, he....wasn't too happy. Understandable. Yet, as she understood his position and offer, she knew he did not fully understand her stance and position.

It was best if she just took it all in her own stride.

"Shall we go?" Steven asked with a smile as he pointed towards the chalet.

"Sure, what's going on Steven? This is a lot of work just for dinner....." She answered.

"I thought we could just get away from it all for a few hours. Relax and enjoy each other's company. I have the holodeck booked for three hours. Or would you prefer to go back to work?"

"Oh, I think this will work for while." McAlister stated with a simple manner.

Steven took her hand and they started up the short distance to the chalet.

Though the snow was not deep, it gently fell from the heavens creating a blanket of powder that gave the mountain a wonderful glow.

As they reached the door, Steven let Faylin walk in first. He hoped the candles and incense gave off the right mood for the evening. He wanted it to be perfect. The roaring fire, wine, and huge platters of all sorts of wonderful things, and especially the big bowl of Strawberries that lay in the center. It was perfect. Would Faylin see it that way.

"Those are some big strawberries." She giggled as she recalled how she teased him their first date.

"Care for some wine?" he asked as they settled down on the blanket inside.

"K." Contentment filled her for once. If this was how it was meant to be....being with someone for more than a few dates, she could handle it. There was only one thing that stood in her way. One agency that continued to hold her happiness in the palm of it's hand.

Steven smiled as he poured two glasses of wine. He was only going to have one. He was still recovering for all that alcohol he had consumed weeks ago, and he was sparingly drinking anything that had alcohol in it.

This was a special occasion though, and it called for it. He handed her one of the wine glasses.

Faylin took a sip of the wine, permitting it to gently glide down her throat. "So, what else does my baby have planned?"

"Well, for starters a little of this." he said as he leant forward and kissed her passionately.

"Yeah?" McAlister grinned, totally enraptured by the show he was putting on just for her.

"And, if you're hungry for anything other than me, " he grinned, "then there is plenty of food."

Arching an eyebrow, she surveyed the food. Reaching for a plate, his voice made her stop for a moment. She turned all her attention to him and kissed him yet again.

"Hang on a moment." he said pulling back from the kiss. "There's something I need to do." Standing up, he moved over to a table in the corner and turned on the antique player, letting the romantic music begin to play. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small object.

Glancing down, he took a deep breath. This was it, the moment of truth. Sure, it was way to early and she'd probably say no, but after they had been attacked on the station, he realized he couldn't live without her.

He quickly closed his hand, the one holding the ring, into a fist as he felt her hands encircle his waist.

"How did you know? I mean...where did you find this song?" Etta James song 'At Last' crooned in the atmosphere. Her eyes softened.

"It took a lot of effort to find this particular song. There wasn't much in the database to help me." He smiled, happy that the song was indeed her favorite.

"You always surprise me Steven." Leaning in, she hugged him.

Faylin's face looked past his shoulder, her chin tucked down just a ways. Looking at her, her face held much of the same expression her daughter's did the day Saul watched Faylin carry Olivia down the corridor. She felt secure and loved.

Steven extracted himself from her loving embrace and turned to look into her eyes. "I'm glad everything is perfect cause there is one more thing." He paused. He had gone over what he was going to say over and over again, yet now that he stood in front of her, he couldn't remember what it was he was going to say, so he just made it up as he went. "I know we've only been back together for a month now, but I know I want you in my life always. I want to be there for you, and you for me..."

McAlister swallowed hard. Closing her eyelids, then opening them, her mind refused to focus on Steven. It kept whipping back to the conversation with David. 'It's been nice knowing you McAlister.' Her heart rate quickened. With all the things she was going through, she at last found what she wanted most. Faylin wanted this.....

"I had this whole speech in my head but seeing you here looking so amazing made it slip from my mind. So all I'm gonna say is I love you, I want to spend the rest of my life with you and I don't mind if you want to wait three years or more before the day, but," He dropped to one knee and produced the ring. "Faylin McAlister, Will you marry me?"

Duty dictated the the woman standing was trained to be calm, cool, and collected. Except when her boyfriend was proposing marriage to her.

Her eyes widened, then narrowed, then widened again as he patiently crouched on one knee. The good tension in the air, made it difficult for her to breath. "As in....be your wife?"

"Do you know of another definition for the words 'will you marry me'?" He asked with a smile. "Yes, as in being my wife."

"Wife..." She was purely teasing him now. "Well...."

Steven shook his head slightly. "Don't leave me hanging here Fay."

A smile lit up her face. "Yes, Steven. I will marry you." In a second, she felt herself lifted up into the air. Out of amazement, she gasped, scrabbling to get a hold of anything part of Jonas' body she could use to steady herself as he spun her around. "STEVE!"

Steven smiled as he whirled her around. He was the happiest man in the universe and nothing could change that. Save perhaps that he might wake up and find it all a dream. But it wasn't, this was real, and she had said yes. Lowering her to the ground, he reached up for her hand and carefully slid the ring onto her finger.

"This was my mother's ring. It is all I have of her left and I..." Tears formed, happy tears, and he had to stop talking for a moment.

Chuckling, she embraced him yet again. At this point in time, she felt nothing could hurt her, let alone kill her.

"Deliverance, Part I"

Lieutenant Branwen London, SFMC
Lieutenant Magnus Nielsen, Botanist, Ship's Chaplain (NPC)

Sickbay, USS Galaxy
================

The tall man stood out from the other people in Sickbay. Certainly his height set him apart, bordering close to seven feet, but it was his awkward detachment from the area's busy activity that caused his presence to be noticed - in the busy ebb and flow of a crowded sickbay, few people these days had time or patience for someone like the newcomer. The Reverend Magnus Nielsen, Lutheran chaplain and ship's botanist, didn't mind - gingerly, he weaved through the milling medical staff until he saw the one person in the ward who wanted to see him there.

"Hello again Lieutenant London!", he said smiling, his deep bass voice barely a whisper. "I wish we could meet under less trying circumstances."

"Father." Branwen smiled happily. She tried to sit up straight to in bed, but was still restricted by everything that was attached to her. "I'm so glad to see you."

The large man's brow furrowed as he looked at the young woman's bloodshot eyes. "Me too Lieutenant... me too. What happened on ch'Rihan was terrible, and I'm very thankful you've made it through.

As you can imagine, the aftermath has given me much to do. I see the Almighty's still has plans for you - but how *are* you, tubes and medicines aside?"

"I am much better, Father. But I am glad to see you. Something has been on my mind, when we last met I left in rather a hurry, and you forgot to instruct me in forms of punishment. I have tried to sin no more in the meantime. And I am very sorry I have not been to church regularly."

Nielsen's eyes widened at Branwen's words. "Sin? Punishment?

Lieutenant - you weren't listening to me the last time we met... or you didn't hear what you wanted to. You haven't sinned, and you've done nothing that merits punishment. What happened with the emerald woman you described wasn't your fault. As I told you, it was a product of her biology... it was the way in which God created her people. If you've other sins, you left them behind on ch'Rihan."

The tall Norwegian looked at a bald, older physician Branwen had become all too familiar with. "Doctor Mathieson told me of what you accomplished under the Rihannsu capital - dozens, perhaps hundreds are alive today because you ran the hospital unit there." He smiled at the sick woman before him, amused at the confusion on her face. "Sins are absolved by good deeds and the desire to live a virtuous life - based on what's happened over the last three weeks, how can you say you've done otherwise?"

The tears flowed freely from her eyes. "Truly? You are such a kind man, so unlike the priest I knew growing up. You think God... God truly loves me."

More tears.

Nielsen's smile vanished. "How could He not? You've given Him so much to be proud *of*, Lieutenant. A virtuous life is it's own reward, as the old saying goes - but it's also the best way of showing and proving God's love."

"They don't understand, Father. My father and our priest always told me what a bad child I was, and that I could never atone enough. After I left home they said I was cursed, our priest wrote to me that he will personally see to it that I go to hell." She was quiet for a little bit. "But now, and was only trying to atone a little down on the planet. I failed at so much, there were children asking for my help and I could not." She choked.

"And instead of being angry you tell me that god loves me and will not give me more punishment, and the captain promoted me. I don't understand."

"They're no longer responsible for you, Lieutenant", the vicar offered gently. "You've taken responsibility for yourself, and now you need to think of the values you've learned - not the ones... beaten into you. Whoever taught you that the word of the Lord is accented by the strike of the rod has no business dealing with people, let alone a child. Embrace your new life, and believe that you're worthy of the graces your virtue merits."

"IT's difficult. I know I have tried since my sister rescued me. She is 14 years older then I am and she still struggles with it herself. Things learnt in childhood are very difficult to get rid off. Sometimes I don't know what to believe and what is right or wrong."

After some hesitation the tall Norwegian gave the marine a penatrating stare, making thedecision to finally deal with what had been danced around for so long. "Then we should speak of your childhood Lieutenant. I think you've been running from that conversation for quite long enough, don't you?"

Her eyes grew large, then she swallowed.

"The Strength of Conviction" - Part VI

Starring:
Empress Kaidalin t'Vriesu, Leader of the Rihannsu Empire (Syed)

Proconsul Omar, Head of the Rihannsu Senate (Ian)
Senator Aehkhifv tr'Khnialmnae, Representative of the Declared (Eric)
Senator Tal'Aehkhifv Khev of Khev'Nveid Province (Jeremy)
Senator Dhivael t'Vrentath of Korthre Province (Kat)
Senator Khiy ir-Kvurkhae Keirianh of Kvurkhae (Chad)
Senator Aren Rital, Represenative of Ch'Yem (Chris)
Senator Tal Vriha tr'Ahalaen of the Nn'verih Province (Syed)
Senator Sh'rev t'Sannellieu of the Chula Province (Robert S)
Senator Raev Maec s'Tei of Kotor Province (Cliff)
Senator Delon ir-Fethraie Valdran of Fethraie Province (Jola)
Senator Tolon Kerec, representative of Baratan Province (Pat)
Admiral Ael Donatra, Acting Commander, Rihannsu Star Navy (Pat)

*************************

First Month of Earth (Khaidoa nuhwir s'Avilh)
Second Week (Dhaei nukrer)
Day 192, Rihan Calendar

*************************

Remains of Hall of Senate
Ki Baratan
ch'Rihan

*************************

So she stood, the weight of an Empire on her young shoulders, and waited for the Senate.

Then Tolon Kerec stood. With him rose Tal Vriha tr'Ahalaen. Then Sh'rev t'Sannellieu. After a moment, Delon ir-Fethraie rose to join them.

Four.

There was a long pause.

And then stood Aren Rital.

And then Khiy ir-Kvurkhae Keirianh and s'Tei.

Seven.

She had them.

Empress Kaidalin stood tall, her heart pounding with pride and victory. They were together, her people, whatever their reasons, doing what she knew in the very depths of her soul to be right. She fought back relief, she fought back happiness, she fought back the tearful and desperate desire that her parents could see her now....

Still the Senate continued to speak. Slowly, Aehkhifv tr'Khnialmnae stood as well.

Eight.

Tal'aehkhifv Khev slowly rose to his full height, out of the need of the so-called Federation Aid. It was that need for the aid that would help them become strong again. It would be just like his colleague had said; The Federation would waste precious resources in order to rebuild them and then pray to their loathsome gods that the Rihannsu would remain their allies.

The fools.

The vote stood at Nine.

"The Senate has spoken for the Declared," Kaidalin announced in a careful, measured tone. "So We now order that Ambassador Aerv tr'Ahalaen begin talks with the Federation to arrange for the aid agreed upon here today, and invest him with such executive authority and discretion as he might find necessary to achieve his ends in the name of the Declared. Of Senator Rital, who was suggested the idea, and of Tolon Kerec, who stood first, we ask that they collaborate to further the 'Citizenship for Service' Plan and its objectives...for the Declared."

The Empress then drew a deep breath. This was but one victory, complete though it was, she reminded herself. The Battle for Romulus had been won...however, there were still much fighting to be done before the sun set on the Battle for the Rihannsu. Returning to the throne, she began to fight...again.

"We move on now to our concerns about our intelligence agencies. It is obvious to us that serious consideration must be given to reform and restructure both the Tal'Shiar and the RNI, and that methods to hold them accountable need to be found. We open the floor to suggestions."

"Again, by her majesty's permission." Rital wasn't necessarily in favor of accepting Federation aid, but then again who among them would be so incredulous as to cast a vote against the recommendations of the Empress? If out of nothing more than respect for the title, he was enticed to acquiesce.

"Our intelligence agencies seem to have often engaged in squabbling amongst each other, wasting resources that might be better applied to accruing information on the powers outside the Empire, and their influences inside.

May I suggest the Tal Shiar's mission be centered around internal security measures, and expanded to include more than simple internal espionage?

There are any number of additional responsibilities that may best be handled by them, in addition to the traditional role of counter-espionage. I would also recommend the RNI be chartered exclusively for external intelligence gathering missions, pertaining to the tactical capabilities of our neighbors and opposing forces. A new agency may be better suited to handling the role of strategic and political intelligence gathering...by clearly separating these three fields we can help curb these 'turf wars' that have seemed to adversely effected our capabilities."

Having given up on the thought of getting comfortable in his chair t'Sannellieu had remained standing, but leaning on his desk while the Empress spoke. Stepping forward to indicate his desire to talk he waited until he was ackowledged. Bowing again he raised his voice to be heard, "If I may ask, why create new agencies, why split them even further and create more divides. It is these divisions that have caused so many problems in the past. Why not simply amalgamate them all under one roof. One director, overseen by members of this very senate, and his assistants, again overseen by us, who will run the various sections of this agency. Surely one organisation will be easier to run, manage and coordinate than many? And yes," he agreed to the as yet unspoken thought, "one agency is easier to infiltrate, which is why we will have dedicated teams to prevent this, and why I propose placing this agency on the one place few if any offworlders or non Rihannsu for that matter have ever gone. Ch'Havran." he said, referring to the planet known to the Federation as Remus.

"That is the most ridiculous notion I have ever heard, Senator t'Sannellieu.

Your prized Federation tried that, and still it fails to protect itself.

Who will police the police, then? The Senate you say? And who provides the Senate with the hard-earned information? Can you say any of your lives to obtain that which is needed to protect your interests? The Senate has been known to be the most corrupt aspect of all. I would sooner see the Tal Shiar regain their seat on the Senate. Just to make sure you are keeping their interests close to your hearts, as the Senate has in the past with the RNI.

"You're basing your opinions on amalgamating the two departments based on what? A video feed of an interrogation that cannot be proven to be truthful?" Omar waved his hand absently, the jewels glinting in the firelight. "You are old. These matters should not be of concern to you. You should be more concerned with the fact that the Tal Shiar has been shunted aside for the last three years. It's all too easy to blame them for the invasion, isn't it? How do we know it wasn't you providing false data to throw off attention from you? Or any of you?" He turned back to the Empress.

"See how easy it is to objectify any argument without facts? We cannot make decisions based on emotion. We must establish infrastructure and policy first. I say we elect a new Tal Shi'ar Chairman first, and give them equal representation on the Senate."

The Empress raised a pert eyebrow at the Proconsul, "Come now, Omar...just a few minutes ago you were arguing for passion, not reason." She gave him a playful smile, "If you keep this up, you will have me quite confused.

I...." The young woman caught herself and corrected her slip, "We are not prepared to begin handing out seats in the Senate - certainly no intelligence agency is going to get a vote if the Galae does not," t'Vriesu declared, nodding towards Ael Donatra, "As for an advisory position to observe....we will take your suggestion under advisement."

Omar bit back a retort, coming to a realization of a simple fact that he was powerless to effect any kind of change during this point in the debates.

The Empress was weak, yes, but she had the favor of many of the Senators, for no reason other than the ones remaining had no spine. The fact he was received with a notice of 'advisement', though condescending, was better than an outright refusal. He needed to take Hitan out, and soon, while he was still in isolation. The Federation-loving destroyer of the Rihan culture was spreading his cancer amongst the others, especially the Empress, who he thought was acting out of honor to the 'fallen' Praetor. Such heart.

Bleeding, that is. Her passion was in the wrong place.

"The Strength of Conviction" - Part VII

Starring:
Empress Kaidalin t'Vriesu, Leader of the Rihannsu Empire (Syed)

Proconsul Omar, Head of the Rihannsu Senate (Ian)
Senator Aehkhifv tr'Khnialmnae, Representative of the Declared (Eric)
Senator Tal'Aehkhifv Khev of Khev'Nveid Province (Jeremy)
Senator Dhivael t'Vrentath of Korthre Province (Kat)
Senator Khiy ir-Kvurkhae Keirianh of Kvurkhae (Chad)
Senator Aren Rital, Represenative of Ch'Yem (Chris)
Senator Tal Vriha tr'Ahalaen of the Nn'verih Province (Syed)
Senator Sh'rev t'Sannellieu of the Chula Province (Robert S)
Senator Raev Maec s'Tei of Kotor Province (Cliff)
Senator Delon ir-Fethraie Valdran of Fethraie Province (Jola)
Senator Tolon Kerec, representative of Baratan Province (Pat)
Admiral Ael Donatra, Acting Commander, Rihannsu Star Navy (Pat)

*************************

First Month of Earth (Khaidoa nuhwir s'Avilh)
Second Week (Dhaei nukrer)
Day 192, Rihan Calendar

*************************

Remains of Hall of Senate
Ki Baratan
ch'Rihan

*************************

"As for the appointment of a new chair for the Tal Shi'ar," the Empress reminded them all, "That is the province of a Praetor. Until such time as he

- well, as We said, We will take your suggestions into consideration.

However, the floor is still open with regards to the structure of our intelligence agencies."

It was this oppertune moment that Tal Khev had been waiting for, after watching with great interest his fellow Senators pick up the sparring match on the floor after he'd sat back down. Now he rose to his feet once more.

"If I may, your highness," he said softly with a head bow and a smile that could light up the darkest sky. "Why not bolster up the Tal Shi'ar?" he asked. "If we are not keen on giving a chairman for the Tal Shi'ar equal standing on the Senate, then why not simply give the position to a Senator who is already in place? Someone who has experience in the Tal Shi'ar already?" he asked. Tal opened his arms wide, almost as if he were taking in all of the Senate. "There are many of us here who have served in the military already, and even a couple of us who have served in the Tal Shi'ar." he pointed out.

The Proconsul's heartrate increased. He hadn't anticipated this. All Senators had skeletons in their closet. Ones worthy of blackmail and extortion. He paid rapt attention to Tal Khev.

"Many different agencies will only promote the 'turf wars' that you seek to prevent. We should go with what has been tried and tested. We should elect one of our own Senators to take up the reigns of the Tal Shi'ar and have them rebuild the agency. That way they can keep the Senate directly apprised of what is going on."

"With all due respect, Senator." Aren spoke calmly, and as politely as he knew how. There was little reason to fear debate after all. "A single agency would accrue the power, ultimately, to challenge the political leadership of our people for control. We all feel passionately about what is right for our people, from the masses to the Empress herself. We all have different ideas... I for one argued against the acceptance of Federation aid, and voted for it in the end anyway. Why? Faith, fellow senators. Trust... words that have for too long been functionally absent in these halls. I have faith that the Empress works for what she believes to be in the best interest of our people, even if I may not be able from my vantage point to see this. That being said, we must put a 'certain' amount of faith in the hands of our intelligence specialists... that they too are working for the good of the Empire.

We've held the Tal Shiar preeminent before... and that was a mistake.

Whenever there's only 'one' way of doing things, 'one' service, we risk the possibility of blatant power plays over-shadowing the otherwise diligent and patriotic work of the service whole. Allowing a one agency system to fall into the hands of the misguided is, in effect, more dangerous than any inter-agency 'turf wars'. I come from a long line of civil servants from a variety of levels fellow Senators, and I am asking for your trust when I tell you the best solution is to have multiple agencies, with clearly defined missions and responsibilities. My plan offers this... there is no reason to fight over turf you legally can not win, ergo why would the Tal Shiar, the RNI, and this proposed agency waste resources bickering if their missions provide for little if any overlap in jurisdiction?"

"Quite simply: there are situations in which the lines of jurisdiction are not as clear cut as one would like," tr'Khnialmnae spoke. "Granted, under this proposed situation there would be less bickering between agencies, one must clearly define everything where the Tal Shiar are involved, or they will take every advantage they can squeeze out of things." He never had a liking for that organization, especially since it had attempted to have his daughter killed for claiming something rightfully hers in the first place.

"However, I second this proposal: the Declared need security and information, both from within her borders and without. Agencies that can concentrate on fewer specific goals have higher chances of a more productive mission outcome than a single agency having to look at everything."

He paused, and it looked as though he was going to sit. "However, I must make one thing clear. Any attempt to place a senator within two positions of power and responsibility - the aforementioned suggestion that a Senator also speak for the Tal Shial - is, in my humble opinion, downright insane, not to mention completly irresponsible. We have all seen what happens when too much power and authority is placed with one person. The Tal Shiar, the Galae, they are not responsible for the governing of the Declared. That is the sole perview of the Praetor, Empress, and Senate. Their leaders are taught to do the jobs their positions require of them, and as such their advice and input is highly valued. No offence is meant to the Admiral, her job is to fight our wars and defend the Declared, and well she performs this duty. Likewise the Tal Shiar in their time and duties. No seat, only advice." With that said, he resumed his seat.

What an odd sense of reclamation. Yet, this would be most opportune, thought the Proconsul. tr'Khnialmnae was and has not been the most well-liked or respected Senator in Rihan history. The fact that the Senator was in support of Omar's agenda - albeit unknowningly - would serve them both in the long-term. Omar would have to 'run into' tr'Khnialmnae at some point outside the Senate chambers. An offer of support here, a favor there.

They could both profit from this new venture. Though, it would not do to have a Senator control the Senate with the vast knowledge that would be available to him or her at the touch of a fingertip.

"Do you both fear the Tal Shi'ar so much that you wish to put even more reigns in on them?" Tal Khev asked in an amused tone with an arched eyebrow and a quirked smile. "That is precisely the reason why I would like to see the Tal Shi'ar under the Senate's control." he said, almost in a friendly voice. "My dear Senators, with one of us at the head of the Tal Shi'ar, we not only would have the information at our fingertips, but we would have their loyalty to the Senate, the Empress and the Praetor. With that kind of backing, who would stand against us as a whole?" he said.

"Or rather who would stand against this Senator, as a whole." Rital countered. "Your moves are indeed worthy of what this Senate has become, but my colleague is falling behind the times, it is not what we 'should' be.

We must not confuse a Senator in control for the Senate 'entire' to be in control. One individual with too much power is one individual with too much power, regardless of whom lip service loyalty is paid to, or his position in the Empire. I can not... 'will' not in good conscience support such a measure, Senator. I am sorry, but there will be 'no' new job for you, today." At least not if he could help it.

Tal Khev seethed under the implied insult, but otherwise remained quiet and impassive as the Senate continued the debate. He knew when he was beat and sat down while the others argued the point further.

"I can't find where you would interpret fear of the Tal Shiar, Senator Khev, or the RNI or Galae for that matter, in my statements," Aehkhifv retorted.

"If the system worked the way it should they are ALREADY under our control.

Besides which, anyone standing against the Praetor and Empress is already wrong. We shouldn't need the backing of the Tal Shiar simply to impose the will of the law. As to information, as stated before I would not be opposed to an advisory position, much like Admiral Donatra of the Galae. The information would already be present, and not skewed by a senator with his or her own aims and visions of what is the correct path we should tread."

"We appreciate the sentiment," Kaidalin told Aehkifv with a wry smile, "But if both We and the Praetor were always in the right, We would not need a Senate. Sometimes, as the humans say, a little revolution can be a good thing. No...the problem is not that the Tal Shi'ar, if an organization composed of that many sentients can come to agreement at all," she added, "Might as a general matter disagree with the policies established by the government. The problem is that the Tal Shi'ar does so in secret, and that tempts them into being disloyal. Disagreement is welcome. A lack of loyalty and mnhei'sahe...that cannot and will not be tolerated. "

Valdran took to his feet again, folding his arms across his chest, fingers tapping against his arm as he thought out his words. "We are talking about placing the Tal Shiar in a monopolist position. Such a proposition is untenable. As has been well stated and bears repeating, we could trade one rule for another - a form of rule that would not permit advice, would not allow such debates as we are now enjoined in. It is foolhardy to give over so much power to one group, nay one individual. We should look at our intelligence agencies as we would any other business conglomerate. Keep their objectives separate, foster the competition that will drive them to excell and appoint an oversight committee to monitor their reports and return to the Senate with the findings."

Kaidalin leaned forward on the throne slightly, and put forward another idea. "We are in agreement...in essence, with Senator Valdran and those of you who have spoken against giving any one senator both a seat and the reigns of an intelligence agency. We can also see the wisdom behind the seperation of agencies. As for an oversight committee we would like to hear debate on this possibility: we could create a third agency, na Terrh Saeihr

- the Night Stars. The function of this agency would be a little more than oversight and simply reading reports - it would something akin to a constant internal investigation for both the Tal Shi'ar and the RNI. To ensure loyalty to the government, Terrh Saeihr would be composed of a family member of each senator currently holding a seat in Senate and two more appointees - one from the Throne and the other from the Praetor. Each senator could handpick any member of their family after taking office. This way every watcher is being watched." she smiled, "And we can finally shed some light into the shadowy darkness of this area. Suggestions and concerns, Senators?"

OCC: Slight backpost to before Party

"Clearing House"

Cmdr. Brian Elessidil
Asst. Chief Counselor

Lt. JG Faylin McAlister
JAG

Counselor Elessidil's Office
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Her steps were a little less confident as of late as she entered the counselor's office. Steeling her gaze upon his lowered head, she smiled as she recognized the focus to duty. It was an all too familiar look, one that she had mastered.

"Counselor? I'm here for my appointment." Faylin stood, arms at her side, with an expression that just reeked of someone that needed to unload on an unsuspecting person. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how one looked at the situation, Brian was the scapegoat.

"Ensign, hi, come in," Brian replied, standing up from his chair and coming around his desk with hand extended.

She gently shook his hand before sitting. "Ensign Faylin McAlister.

I'm positive you have my file, and have read on my recent visits with Lieutenant Terrik?"

"I have," Elessidil answered as he walked to the replicator.

"Anything to drink, Ensign?"

"Just....no, thank you." Faylin let a sigh escape her, signaling that this was difficult.

Retrieving his seltzer, Brian joined Faylin, taking a chair opposite her in the cluster of seats where he met with his patients. He resumed their previous conversation. "Yes, Counselor Terrik has filled me in on some of the details."

"Good. Look, let's cut to the chase. I'm not here to talk about my daughter. How are you at offering advice concerning relationships?"

The counselor raised an eyebrow. "I suppose it depends on the relationship," he answered. "But bear in mind I'm a counselor, not a matchmaker," he said, curious to learn more about her. Her posture and tone suggested there were other things she'd rather be doing, and those were usually the most interesting people to work with.

Her lip curled upwards into a sly grin. "I'm not looking for a matchmaker counselor. Generally speaking, I have no problem attracting men. I'm wondering when pursuing someone becomes detrimental."

"It's you who's doing the pursuing, I take it? Who's the pursuee?"

"Yes, I'm the one pursuing. A man from my past on board. He's in the Intelligence department, and I prefer to keep his identity to myself considering his position. We've....shared a lot of intimate information with each other. The relationship, well, it was electric in not so many words. He has told me that he has some feelings for me, and I for him. Yet, twice I have tried and nothing. Zip. Nada.

It's as if, somewhere along three years, he's become frozen. Am I crazy to keep trying to win his affection?"

"I don't know. I think that would depend on exactly why you're trying to win his affection and how it will affect you if he remains aloof."

"I see." Faylin stood, walking up and down the length of his office, her hands expressive as she spoke. "Honestly, it would bother me considerably if he remained aloof, just due to the fact that I believe he's being stubborn as hell. I've always had a need for attachment with men. That in itself is unnerving to me."

"Need for relationships of any kind with other people isn't necessarily a bad thing in and of itself, Ensign. It becomes an issue when it completely takes over and you lose all control and sense of self."

"Commander, I am an overly confident, aggressive, take charge type of woman.

Ask anyone that knows me. However, I can never just be content with myself." Her head tilted to her left ever so slightly, the brown coloring of her eyes bored into his with her next statement. "It's as if I'm scared to be alone."

"Okay, sounds to me like you know yourself pretty well, then. *Are* you scared to be alone?" he asked, meeting her gaze.

Faylin steeled her gaze against his in a challenging manner. "Yes."

"And now you are alone," Elessidil continued in summary.

"Lately, I've alienated almost everyone except for the man I mentioned above....he, in turn alienates me. It's a catch 22. I don't want to appear desperate. I'm not that type."

"Then be true to yourself; don't be desperate. You're reasonably self-assured, intelligent, successful; doesn't sound like there's any reason to be 'that type' to me."

"You forgot to mention that I'm attractive, but I'll let that slide."

Faylin offered a slight grin, then pursed her lips for a moment in thought, taking in his comment. "In your opinion, do you think it's wise to cut ties with him.....and just start over? Is it the healthiest option?" She sat after she posed the question, crossing her legs and biting her bottom lip as she waited for a response.

"It sounds like maybe he has," Brian noted in an empathetic tone, "so why shouldn't you? Think of it another way, pursuing something that's already gone is the very definition of an exercise in futility.

Maybe your energies would be better spent elsewhere?"

"Possibly. Right now, I just feel so tempted to be stubborn.

Although, I am aware it's not the best option." Faylin shook her head, glancing down at the floor then up to meet his gaze yet again.

"Well then it seems the real issue here is whether you can maintain control and act out of reason rather than giving in to a sheer emotional response, and that takes us back to your original question of when pursuing someone becomes detrimental. In my estimation, the choice you make will determine that. You can be the desperate type you say you aren't and invest your energy in what by all indications is a lost cause, or you can follow what you yourself have indicated is the better option. It's really entirely up to you."

"My control over my emotions, Counselor, has wained since the death of my daughter."

"I thought you weren't here to talk about your daughter," Brian said, understanding that despite Faylin's reticence, the topic was not immaterial.

"I'm not. I'm just stating fact." Faylin stated stoicly.

"You're dealing with a huge loss, Ensign. There's no way that can't have an affect on you emotionally."

"I know that. I know every step in the grieving process that I have gone through and that I will go through. It's old hat. I know I came to you, but is there anything else you would like to know about me....while I'm here? Honestly, I can't stand counselors."

A wan smile formed on Brian's lips. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, you're not alone in that regard. Okay, you're well versed in psychological theory and you know yourself better than anyone. So why

*did* you come to see me? It wasn't for my benefit; if there's something more I needed to know about you I could have looked it up in your files or simply have called you in for an assessment myself. And don't tell me it was just to ask for relationship advice; neither of us is so naive as to think that's the sum total of what's on your mind," the Betazoid casually noted. "I suspect it's because despite your dislike for counselors, you're looking for help with much more than your relationship."

"Yeah....well. I lost myself Counselor. I've lost practically everything." A hint of anger toned in her voice. "And, I'm sure....you're going to sit there and analyze why I feel like I've lost everything. It's a cold, hard fact Commander. I've lost my daughter, my relationship with Steven, my relationship with Saul......everything that was important to me is gone. Vanished. I have no family left, they've all been murdered before me." Her posture stiffened. "So, how do I handle that without loosing my marbles?" It was a good show, yet there was a part of her that inwardly laughed at her dramatics.

"Well first, I'll make you a deal, Ensign. You you don't make assumptions about what I am or am not going to do and I won't make any assumptions about your state of mind, okay?" he said, trying to be clear yet gentle.

"That's fine." McAlister stated simply as her eyes shifted to the floor.

"Yes, you have lost a lot that's very clear. I'm really, really sorry about that and believe it or not I wish I could just give you a few lines of wisdom and undo all the pain and anxiety and whatever else you're going through, but I can't. But I promise you Faylin that if you're willing to work on building up some trust between us and to do the hard work that this is going to require, I will help you in any way I can for however long it takes. Can we start with that?"

"Okay." She paused. "What comes first then counselor?"

The first step had already been taken, Elessidil thought, glad that it seemed Faylin would give this a serious go. "You said you've lost everything that was important to you; I don't disagree, except that you left out one very important thing: you. I know it sounds trite, Ensign, but it's true. And I think on some level you understand that or else there'd be no point in even trying to work through everything.

So I just want to remind you that however you may feel right now, you're not weak, you're not hopeless, and you're not crazy. So that's where we start; we start with you and then build from there. And I think we should start with the present before looking at the past or the future."

He paused for a second to allow her to catch a sort of mental breath.

"Tell me what's swirling through your head right now. You don't have to be eloquent, you don't have to worry about whether it makes sense or not to me or to you; just talk."

"Before I do, I need to know that you are aware of Starfleet Regulation 18436-24 which states the parameters of Doctor-Patient confidentiality."

"Of course," Brian verified. "It applies to counseling as well."

She nodded and sighed. "I'm not who everyone thinks I am Counsellor.

I've done things....that no one knows about. Well, certain people know about and they are not good. I've distanced myself from these people and they are threatening to kill me." Her eyes grew focused, with a scary sort of tint to them. "And, they will do it."

Elessidil regarded her carefully. "This isn't insignificant, Ensign.

How long have you been in this situation?"

"I've been in the organization for a very long time. Until recently.

I have evidence that will bring them down, permanently. However, if I bring this evidence to light, it will be my life in exchange.

So.....I have an idea that I need to run by you......................."

"The Galaxy's Goodies"

Lt. 8-ball Hunter
Lt. JG Faylin McAlister

Location: Ten Forward

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8-ball sipped her drink, scanned the room carefully, and then nodded twice.

"There," she said, pointing to the dark haired lieutenant standing in the corner with some friends. "That one. Definitely the hottest in the room.

Also, I haven't sleep with him yet." She frowned. "I wonder why."

Saying nothing, McAlister glanced over quickly, then turned back to 8.

Holding her hand up somehwhat, she made a 'tiny' gesture with her hand. "That's why."

8-ball glanced at the guy again. Even from over here, she could see the shape of his arms. "Too bad," she said. "Guy with arms like that. Tragedy."

~Course,~ she thought, ~bigger doesn't always mean better. But there had to be something to be work with.~

"Okay, who exactly have you done on board 8?" Fay took a sip of her drink.

"You want me to list them all? That could take sometime. The most recent guy I slept with was Lieutenant Marx from Engineering. Big guy, bald, speaks in deep, gravelly, wishes-he-was-Victor-Krieghoff tones. Ever slept with him?"

"Nope, I haven't. How was he?"

8-ball winced. "Trust me. Not worth it. I haven't taken to timing my men's.

. .performances. . .yet, but he may have taken the cake for shortest fucking thrill of my life. Or un-thrill. I'm thinking twenty-five seconds, tops. It was disappointing in the truest sense of the word."

"Oh, god...are you serious?" She snickered a bit. "Ummmm, what about Bental?"

8-ball's eyebrow went up before she could stop it. Saul was. . .different than some of the other guys she hung around. He was actually her friend, for starters, where most guys were just playmates but. . .there had always been that line there, that flirty, what-if-we-did line. 8-ball couldn't help but admit to herself that she held some definite interest in crossing. She knew, too well, that he was at least a little interested himself, since she had accidentally pulled the thought from his mind once. That had been weird. So these were all good reasons, except. . .

"No," 8-ball said. "We never got around to it before he and Nara hooked up, and Nara's sort of a friend so. . ." 8-ball frowned. "Have you?"

A sly grin crossed her mouth. "No comment."

"Oh, no no no. You can't leave me hanging like that. Tell me if you have or haven't, with juicy details if you have, and I'll tell you about my experiences banging a Klingon commander."

This wasn't a light offer for 8-ball, as she sort of missed Kol before he got his damned Klingonself killed, but curiosity always got the better of her. Whole anti-Vulcan thing.

She grinned, shaking her head from left to right. "Ohhhkay. Well. It was a while ago." McAlister giggled. "He's...He has this 'thing'

that he does with his tongue... Oh, and that man has passion. He could set my panties on fire with just a look. When I wear any that is." She thought about it, then blushed looking back at her companion. Nodding her head, all she could say was. "Damn..." Faylin paused. "Have you ever seen a finer butt on a guy? Seriously 8....It takes everything I have not to squeeze the Charmin when ever I see him walking away."

8-ball snorted and had to put her drink down. "He does have a pretty cute ass, I'll admit," she said. "All right, gimme someone else."

"Rex."

8-ball let a slow smile drift across her face. "Yeeees," she said. "And THAT one does the tongue-thing, for me, at any rate, that's just. . .mmmm. I guess it helps to have, like, 5000 previous sexual lives."

A dreamy look lit across her face. "Your telling me. I had the extreme pleasure just the other night after the holodeck party.

There's something to be said for that much experience. I don't know if it was the alcohol or him...but I've never had a room spin that fast before." Fay paused. "The Ambassador.....That boy is smoother than silk....and his sheets.....there's something to be said about Romulan silk. I like them alot when I wasn't slipping all over the place. I needed tape on my ass to stay still."

"Silk is nice, but I'm not so into Romulans anymore. Had a thing going with Omar's flunkie once, but that. . .didn't work out. Bastard. Ahem.

So no. No ambassador."

8-ball flagged someone to refill her drink and tried to think of someone to ask Fay about. "Let's see, who was a good one. . .oh, did you ever hook up with Baile? Baile was veeeeeeeery fun. Surprising, even, considering the lack of humor, or, you know, personality."

"Baile? Hell no! That dude scares the shit outta me. I'd be worried that his hair would attack me before he did." Faylin stated with an arched eyebrow.

"Ummmm....okay....Jonas." Another slight grin crossed her features.

Her left hand rested below the table, not speaking of her recent developments with the Marine.

"Yeees, I have had some fun with Jonas," 8-ball said dryly. "It was. .

.good. Very good, even. But there was some awkwardness later, you know, emotional aftermath stuff. I don't know. Plus, a bunch of holographic characters tried to kill us, and that could do some damage to a relationship. You understand."

She slowly raised her hand from underneath the table, waving it in front of 8. "Be careful, you are talking about my fiance'."

"Oh, not seriously." 8-ball stared. "Seriously? SERIOUSLY?" 8-ball was stuck between open-mouthed gaping and full-on laughter. She ended up grinning with super-sized eyes. "How the hell did THAT happen?"

"Oh...pffttt....long story 8. Things just happened. I can't really explain it. So, it appears I am off the market...." McAlister sighed contentedly. Leaning forward, she grinned. "So, hands off my man 8 ball...." Chuckling softly, she took a drink.

"You know, extracting details from you is like getting a Klingon to do a little romantic lute-playing." 8-ball finished her drink and rolled her eyes. "Anyway, my hands are nowhere near your man, trust me. He's all yours.

But does that mean you're actually doing the whole 'settling down' bit, cause let me tell you, Fay, you don't seem the type."

She looked at 8 seriously for a moment. "It's something I've wanted for a long time, just have never had the chance to explore it. I was always exploring other things....so to speak. I don't know...part of me will miss being so, 'free'."

"Well, free has its advantages," 8-ball admitted. "But there's something to be said about being, I don't know, restricted to. Just for once, it'd be nice to have a steady boyfriend around Valentine's Day. I don't think THAT's ever happened."

"Anyway, engaged could be cool. . .as long as you don't turn into one of those scary, annoying, humorless engaged women, who do nothing but try to get other people married and talk about, I don't know, curtains and things."

8-ball looked Faylin directly in the eye. "You change into one of those scary people, and I'm going to have to break up the engagement for your own good."

"Oh fuck you!" She stated with a giggle. "That'll never, ever happen. There are things in this universe that a person must accept.

One, you will always be 8-ball.....female extraordinaire. Two, I will always be Faylin McAlister.....wanna be 8-ball. Just because I'm engaged, doesn't mean I can't look. What's that phrase taken women use? "I can look at the menu, as long as I eat at home."

Besides...you yourself said Jonas was good. He's just my good now."

8-ball grinned. "Fair enough," she said.

Her face grew serious for a moment. "8, I need to ask you a favor."

~Uh-oh~ "Yeah, okay," 8-ball said. "You can ask." She wasn't about to say 'Sure, I'll do anything.' That was just asking for trouble, even for a friend.

"I.........I'll be going some where soon for an undetermined amount of time. Look after him for me.....he'll need someone to talk to." She stated quietly.

8-ball frowned. "What, I don't get more specifics than that? I mean, I know you're