ST:SoD006 | "Trinity Followup Pt. I"

Stardate [redacted]

The Latenter crew finally start following the trail once more, which leads them to the Trinity Alliance.

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T'Lana@anncarise | The Latenter's CIC is filled with activity, with many consoles occupied by officers as they worked to gather information on their surroundings.

T'Lana@anncarise taps the seat of the chair, <C> "Commander, we are approaching Forli space."

Mischa@crystyll: <C> "On my way"

Mischa@crystyll emerges from the ready room after a few moments, "What's our status?"

T'Lana@anncarise stands as Mischa approaches, "Excellent timing, Commander. We have just crossed into what is marked as Forli space from the data given to the Valley Forge by the Trinity Alliance."

T'Lana@anncarise steps aside to give Mischa the seat, "There are a few patrol vessels on sensors, but no indications that they are aware of our presence."

Mischa@crystyll: "Stealth & monitoring systems online?" she asks casually, taking her seat

T'Lana@anncarise nods, "All functioning optimally, Commander. All we've picked up are idle comm chatter; our teams are still working to decrypt coded transmissions."

T'Lana@anncarise: "The inhabited system visited by the Valley Forge is also relatively nearby. That possesses the highest concentration of ship signatures in the region, unsurprisingly."

Mischa@crystyll: "Any remote assets of note?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "None on sensors at the moment. We have only detected frigate-sized patrols, cargo transports, mining vessels and comm buoys."

Mischa@crystyll: "If it is isolated, I'd like to keep those buoys in mind to tap directly into their communications if we're unsuccessful remotely"

T'Lana@anncarise: "That should be a viable option, Commander."

T'Lana@anncarise: "Strangely, we are seeing no signs of an ongoing civil conflict as reports would suggest, but debris do not actively emit signatures and would not be easily detected by a long-range sweep."

Mischa@crystyll peers to T'Lana, "Are you implying that the conflict may be over?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Perhaps, or simply that this particular region has been fortunate enough not to see high levels of unrest. Forli space stretches beyond our maximum sensor range, and the front lines may be -

T'Lana@anncarise: - located elsewhere."

Mischa@crystyll: "I find that doubtful given the Marshall's presence here during the Valley Forge's visit. By all accounts, this system should be the front line"

Mischa@crystyll: "Doubtful... but not implausible" she concedes, "He could have taken the fight elsewhere following local success, if the leadership was out of range maybe"

T'Lana@anncarise: "It is possible this was one of the first systems he secured, and he has proceeded on to other regions, likely moving towards the Forli homeworld."

Mischa@crystyll: "All the more reason we need to establish the situation here. All this second guessing will get us nowhere fast"

T'Lana@anncarise nods, "Agreed, Commander."

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "I have something! All the ships here belong to a faction called 'Reformists,' led by self-proclaimed Grand Marshall Caid Fel Dahn."

Mischa@crystyll smiles, "Excellent work Lieutenant. Keep on it, we need to build a picture of the Grand Marshall's current status"

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "There's not much I can gather from their broadcasts, but it seems the ships we see are either lighter patrols or part of a reserve of older models."

Mischa@crystyll ;hrms, "Perhaps this theory of him taking the fight elsewhere could pan out after all"

T'Lana@anncarise | Daurant: "Scans confirm, the designs of these ships vary from the ones encountered by the Valley Forge and were not commonly seen in the Forli invasion fleet."

T'Lana@anncarise | Daurant: "The technology looks relatively up to date with the rest of the fleet, likely refits of old vessels."

Mischa@crystyll: "Of course, we do not know what element of their core fleet sided with him. This may simply be all he has to work with"

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "Should we start tapping into the comm buoys for more information?"

Mischa@crystyll: "Distance to the nearest one?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Nethaydgea: "Two light years, ma'am."

Mischa@crystyll nods, "Dawoyva, adjust heading"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dawoyva: "Aye aye, ma'am."

T'Lana@anncarise FX | It doesn't take long for the Latenter to reach the comm buoy.

Mischa@crystyll: "Alright, lets see what the Forli are made of them. No assumptions; lets dig our way in nice and quietly now"

T'Lana@anncarise makes her way to one of the consoles, helping the analysts with tapping into the buoys.

T'Lana@anncarise: "Their encryption is impressive, possibly as a result of hostile encounters with virus-employing groups like the Nuhar. It is not uncrackable, however."

Mischa@crystyll: "Good, that means I won't have disrupt Root's regeneration cycle to assist. You know how cranky he gets..."

T'Lana@anncarise: "His assistance would be necessary if we were working under the pressure of time. For the moment, we should be fine. He can always assist once his regeneration cycle is complete, but I do not expect -

T'Lana@anncarise: - we would still need help by then."

Mischa@crystyll: "At least if we do, we won't have to take it with a day full of grumbling" she chuckles

T'Lana@anncarise: "I will let you know if assistance will be required."

T'Lana@anncarise FX | The encryption cracking does indeed take some time, much longer than it took to actually travel to the buoy. Eventually, however, Victoria lets out an exclamation of victory as they finally -

T'Lana@anncarise: - break through.

Mischa@crystyll slowly peers over, hiding a smirk at the reaction

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "There's a lot of data in here...it's not just for long range communication but the entire network of communication throughout Forli space."

T'Lana@anncarise: "I am seeing a significant amount of propaganda material. That would explain how the Forli Defense Agency has maintained their hegemony over the Forli people."

Mischa@crystyll: "Quite possible. What about secure comms for the Reformists?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "This communication network appears to be utilized primarily by the Loyalists, the original Defense Agency now under the leadership of Grand Marshall Tal Sorh Vex."

T'Lana@anncarise: "The information here is likely heavily biased, but there are still a number of raw facts that are unlikely to be complete fabrications."

Mischa@crystyll: "Makes sense that Caid would isolate his comms. See what we can pull to better build a picture of things here"

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "I think we have good news, and bad news. As usual..."

Mischa@crystyll cringes a little, "Alright, let's have it..."

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "Well, the good news is that the civil war isn't going on at the moment. The two sides have called a temporary ceasefire."

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "The bad news, according to the news here at least, is that the purpose of the ceasefire is to respond to Trinity aggression."

T'Lana@anncarise: "Quite possibly a fabrication or an altercation of the truth, given the nature of this network."

Mischa@crystyll: "Propaganda at it's finest..." she sighs, rubbing the bridge of her nose

T'Lana@anncarise: "Whatever occured, both Forli factions have moved the bulk of their forces to the Trinity border, currently still out of our sensor range."

Mischa@crystyll: "What about remaining Trinity operatives within Forli territory. Do we have leads on any of them?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "There is mention of one currently active Chlasi spy who is supposedly working for Grand Marshall Caid. It is framed in a context to discredit Caid, and its veracity is unknown."

T'Lana@anncarise: "All other information concerns captured spies."

Mischa@crystyll: "Hmm, alright clearly this situation is running wild here. Continue gathering data for now" She stands, "T'Lana" looking towards the ready room before heading off that way

T'Lana@anncarise follows Mischa over.

Mischa@crystyll heads in and replicates their usual drinks, "Quite the situation here, it would seem" she notes after a moment, handing Lana a tea

T'Lana@anncarise takes the tea, "Indeed. And thank you."

Mischa@crystyll gestures for her to take a seat as she heads over herself, "Obviously something must be done if the region is to remain in balance. I'm interested to hear your opinion on our options"

T'Lana@anncarise sits down as well, taking a sip of tea, "It would be difficult to act without a clearer image of what is occuring. I suggest we proceed to the Forli-Trinity border first and observe exactly -

T'Lana@anncarise: - what is occuring."

Mischa@crystyll: "Seems reasonable. Manouvering this political storm will be challenging from the shadows I suspect, what pros and cons are we looking at for revealing our presence to Caid, the Alliance, or both?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "The Chlasi are no stranger to intelligence services. Revealing ourselves to the Alliance will likely result in a fruitful collaboration, and I believe the Chlasi will be able to keep our existence -

T'Lana@anncarise: - secret from the Forli if we so desire."

T'Lana@anncarise: "Caid likewise demonstrated an impressive usage of the Forli stealth fleet and was clearly capable of keeping its existence from the Chlasi. The question is whether we wish to work with him, seeing -

T'Lana@anncarise: - as tensions with the Alliance appear to be building again."

T'Lana@anncarise: "I would not suggest revealing ourselves to both groups until we are certain that their agendas still align."

Mischa@crystyll: "Well even if the Reformists are not actively engaging in the same degree of propaganda, it is unlikely they will be as unbaised in the situation, being on the receiving end of it all"

Mischa@crystyll: "So we announce ourselves to the Alliance"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Agreed. Even though recent events may have made Caid more amenable to working with the Alliance, he has still been conditioned to hate them all his life, and such indoctrination is difficult to -

T'Lana@anncarise: - break. There are still many Vulcans who show disdain to Romulans, and vice-versa, despite the Romulan Republic's alliance with the Federation."

Mischa@crystyll: "Indeed. We shall proceed to the border then and observe the situation at hand before making our way into Trinity territory"

T'Lana@anncarise nods, "A sensible plan, Commander."

Mischa@crystyll: "And let us hope that their impartial stance presents us with sufficient information to act upon"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Indeed. Shall I give the order to make for the border?"

Mischa@crystyll nods, "See to it. I want to try and dissect some of this propaganda" she stands, moving to her desk

T'Lana@anncarise finishes her tea and stands, heading back out to the bridge.

T'Lana@anncarise FX | After a significant amount of travelling, T'Lana comms Mischa again, <C> "We are approaching the border, Commander."

Mischa@crystyll: <C> Thank you T'Lana, I'm on my way"

Mischa@crystyll: "ETA to the border?" She enquires as she arrives

T'Lana@anncarise stands and gives Mischa the seat as she arrives once again.

T'Lana@anncarise | Dawoyva: "Six minutes, ma'am."

T'Lana@anncarise | T'Fel: "There is significant military presence on this side of the demilitarized zone. Vessels appear to be both Loyalist and Reformist."

T'Lana@anncarise | T'Fel: "They are in separate battlegroups of their own factions, but they are clearly non-hostile to one another at the moment."

Mischa@crystyll: "Anything on long range sensors from the Alliance side?"

T'Lana@anncarise | T'Fel: "There are also vessels, many of which appear to be Gaton ships, but it is difficult to obtain any clearer identification at this range. However, there are a small number of vessels -

T'Lana@anncarise: - inside the demilitarized zone. Four Forli, three Gaton and one Chlasi."

Mischa@crystyll: "Interesting... perhaps in the thralls of negotiation?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "Two of the Forli ships are identifying as Reformists, the other two Loyalist."

T'Lana@anncarise: "That is a likely explanation, Commander."

Mischa@crystyll: "Not an ideal time for an unexpected arrival. Take us into neutral territory while we monitor, and bring the lateral arrays online. Let's see who's hosting who out there"

T'Lana@anncarise heads over to a console as the ship moves into the demilitarized zone.

T'Lana@anncarise taps for a few moments before speaking, "It would appear that they are meeting on true neutral ground rather than trusting anyone to host. The ships are gathered around a Class-P planetoid."

T'Lana@anncarise: "Breathable air, but extreme temperatures which make it unappealing for neither Trinity Alliance species nor Forli."

Mischa@crystyll: "What about the presence on the ground? Even representation?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "It would appear so. Even distribution of Trinity Alliance members and Forli inside a structure buried under the ice."

T'Lana@anncarise: "There's energy signatures indicating technology from both sides, but the structure itself doesn't appear to have any native technology. It is neither Forli nor Alliance and would appear to have -

T'Lana@anncarise: - been here for a significant period of time, before the ice formed."

Mischa@crystyll: "Impressive. I would have expected at least one faction to be harboring reinforcements. The situation must be serious indeed"

Mischa@crystyll looks to T'Lana, "Can we gain enough resolution through the surface ice to see what's going on in there?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "It is buried deep within the ice, too far to see from here. I am not detecting any interference, and transporting in and out of the structure is possible; it is merely the sheer amount of ice."

Mischa@crystyll: "Alright, if we move into range we can send down a recon bug. If the situation from there warrants it, we'll prepare to join them"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dawoyva: "Moving us closer."

T'Lana@anncarise | Daurant: "We have a bug standing by for transport."

Mischa@crystyll: "Send it down" she nods

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "Transporting."

T'Lana@anncarise FX | The image shows a number of red-glowing armoured Forli, meeting with several Chlasi, a number of armoured Gaton and one of the spider-legged Erudis.

Mischa@crystyll leans in slightly as she watches closely

T'Lana@anncarise FX | The area is lit up by various yellow lights. The surroundings are difficult to discern, but visibly an ancient ruin.

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "Clarifying..."

T'Lana@anncarise FX | The background clarifies as the colours adjust.

T'Lana@anncarise | T'Fel: "The general architecture structure aligns with the other information I have been extrapolating and analyzing, Commander."

Mischa@crystyll: "Oh?"

T'Lana@anncarise | T'Fel: "The geological position of this structure dates it to several billion years old. The composition and architecture match one of the few structures known to exist at that time."

T'Lana@anncarise | T'Fel: "This is a Preserver ruin."

T'Lana@anncarise: "Or what is left of one. There is no sign of Preserver technology; it has long since been stripped of anything except the base structure."

Mischa@crystyll: "Fascinating"

T'Lana@anncarise | The Forli, who were gathered among themselves, make their way over to the Alliance group.

T'Lana@anncarise | Forli 1: "We both know the skill of your Chlasi spies. How do we know these records you have provided are real?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Gaton 1: "How else can we prove that these ships were stolen? We don't have them anymore, we can't hand them over to you for inspection."

T'Lana@anncarise | Forli 2: "You cannot, or you will not?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Gaton 1: "You know how Gaton society works by now. We cast out ones who aren't worthy. That's what started the first war between our people. The actions of rogues and outcasts do not speak for -

T'Lana@anncarise: - the Gaton or the Trinity Alliance!"

T'Lana@anncarise | Forli 1: "And do your rogues and outcasts usually field your latest military equipment?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Gaton 1: "No, but-"

T'Lana@anncarise | Forli 1: "Then we will need proof that they are what you say they are."

T'Lana@anncarise | Gaton 2: "What if we catch these rogues and hand them over to you?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Forli 2: "Along with their ships."

T'Lana@anncarise | Erudis: "Certainly not. That is Trinity technology."

T'Lana@anncarise | Forli 2: "Well it's already leaked if somebody stole those ships, isn't it?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Chlasi 1: "And how do we know /you/ didn't steal it and hide it somewhere in your space? Isn't this a little convenient?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Forli 1: "For the last time, this is not a setup."

T'Lana@anncarise | Chlasi 1: "And how can you prove that? Just when your people are tearing each other apart, you find a way to make us the enemy again. Sounds like a desperate attempt to reunite the Forli."

T'Lana@anncarise | Gaton 2: "We'll find who stole those ships and bring them as proof. You better hope it's not your own people."

T'Lana@anncarise | Forli 1: "We are not fools. We know we cannot win a war against you after recent events."

T'Lana@anncarise | Gaton 1: "Never stopped you from trying to start one before."

T'Lana@anncarise | The two sides stare at one another before moving to discuss in their own respective groups again.

T'Lana@anncarise turns to Mischa as the talks come to a temporary halt, "Interesting. It seems that some Gaton ships must have attacked the Forli, ships that the Gaton claim were stolen."

T'Lana@anncarise: "I do not see any reason for the Gaton to lie. As they stated, the Alliance would win a war against the Forli in their weakened state, and an open declaration of war would suffice if they wished to -

T'Lana@anncarise: - invade."

Mischa@crystyll: "Indeed. Hardly fitting of the profile we have for the Gaton thus far, and there is no denying the visible effect of uniting the Forli"

T'Lana@anncarise nods, "The primary suspect is the Loyalists. The Reformists started the civil conflict and also intended to make peace with the Alliance once they are victorious. The Loyalists have the most to -

T'Lana@anncarise: - gain by making the Alliance their enemies once again."

Mischa@crystyll: "That does seem the most likely. Though the implied minority factions can't be ruled out either"

T'Lana@anncarise FX | On the screen, the Forli turn back to the Alliance species. This time, two of them set down a device each. Light emits from them and slowly forms into two holograms.

T'Lana@anncarise | Despite the relatively low quality of the images, SFI recognition manages to identify them as Grand Marshall Caid Fel Dahn and Grand Marshall Tal Sorh Vex.

Mischa@crystyll: "Oh this should be good..."

T'Lana@anncarise | Caid: "Find me evidence that this was indeed done by another faction. Something more than your ships somehow vanishing from your shipyards, and my people will stand down."

T'Lana@anncarise | Tal: "Not enough. Deal with whoever is responsible for this, even if they are your own. We will not rest until we see justice done!"

T'Lana@anncarise | Gaton 1: "Exiles are not our peoples.

T'Lana@anncarise | Tal: "Then you will have no qualms about killing them."

T'Lana@anncarise | Caid: "Do as you will with them. All I ask for is proof, and you may deal with the Loyalists as you wish."

T'Lana@anncarise | Tal: "Let me guess, perhaps you'll even help them, Caid?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Caid: "What next, you will start accusing me of having worked with the Alliance to set this up?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Tal: "You have murdered the former Grand Marshall and split our people! Nothing is beyond you."

T'Lana@anncarise | Chlasi 2: "Enough! We're not here to offer you a platform to bicker amongst yourselves. We will obtain the evidence for you, and if it is within our capabilities we will bring whoever -

T'Lana@anncarise: - responsible to justice."

T'Lana@anncarise | Tal: "We will be watching."

T'Lana@anncarise FX | Tal's hologram fizzles out.

T'Lana@anncarise | Caid: "The Trinity Alliance has nothing to gain from provoking us with preemptive attacks. If anything, letting us war among ourselves is what you want."

T'Lana@anncarise | Caid: "I do not believe you did this. You must truly be fools if you did. But my followers will not take my word alone. Enough have already joined the Loyalists because they think I am becoming -

T'Lana@anncarise: - too soft on you. I need evidence, or there is nothing I can do to prevent another war. If I do not declare it then, I will be killed and replaced as my father was."

T'Lana@anncarise | Gaton 2: "We will find you evidence."

T'Lana@anncarise | Caid: "I hope so, for all our sakes."

T'Lana@anncarise FX | Caid's hologram disconnects as well, and the Forli take the projectors and step back.

T'Lana@anncarise | Chlasi 1: "We will arrange another meeting when we have something to present."

T'Lana@anncarise | Forli 2: "It better be good."

T'Lana@anncarise FX | Both parties disappear into transporter beams, the Alliance members first, then the Forli.

Mischa@crystyll: "Well then. Seems everything is riding on solving this mystery"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Indeed. I believe it will be prudent to assist the Alliance with this investigation, either by revealing ourselves directly, or pursuing our own investigation."

Mischa@crystyll: "Given the circumstances, I believe an independent investigation would be counter-intuitive"

T'Lana@anncarise: "There is one argument for it- the Gaton claimed that their exiles do not usually have access to their military technology, and it was somehow stolen from them this time. It is possible that there -

T'Lana@anncarise: - are rogue elements within the Gaton who support these exiles, and working with them may alert these elements to our presence as well."

T'Lana@anncarise: "However, the Alliance likely also possesses more information and personnel who will assist us."

Mischa@crystyll: "We could present this as an argument for us to step in and lead the investigation as an independent authority. At least cooperation will get us open access"

T'Lana@anncarise nods, "An excellent idea, Commander."

Mischa@crystyll: "Alright then. Let's wait for the gathered parties to dissipate and follow the Alliance out of sensor range before announcing our presence"

T'Lana@anncarise | Nethaydgea: "The ships are starting to move away."

T'Lana@anncarise | Dawoyva: "Tailing them now, ma'am."

T'Lana@anncarise | T'Fel: "Fascinating. I have detected a brief spatial fluctuation near the Forli vessels. It may be a sign of a stealth ship or some other occurance, perhaps even a sensor glitch."

T'Lana@anncarise | T'Fel: "I am unable to locate any further fluctuations."

T'Lana@anncarise: "A tachyon sweep may give off our presence, and alerting the Alliance to the presence of Forli stealth ships will only destabilize the situation. I suggest we leave it be."

Mischa@crystyll: "I don't believe in sensor 'glitches', especially not on this ship. Go back over the data with a fine comb"

T'Lana@anncarise | T'Fel: "Analyzing, Commander."

T'Lana@anncarise | Dawoyva: "The Alliance vessels have gone to warp. Should we follow?"

Mischa@crystyll: "No further anomalies on sensors?" she looks to T'Fel

T'Lana@anncarise | T'Fel: "None, ma'am."

Mischa@crystyll nods back to Dawoyva, "Take us out then"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dawoyva: "Aye aye."

T'Lana@anncarise FX | Stars streak on the viewscreen as Latenter jumps to warp after the Trinity Alliance vessels.

T'Lana@anncarise FX | After a short period of travel, the Alliance ships drop out of warp and the Latenter exits after them.

Mischa@crystyll: "Alright, time to break the silence. Hail the lead vessel and bring us into position at the head of the group ready to decloak"

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "Hailing...we have a response, Commander."

Mischa@crystyll: "Put it up"

T'Lana@anncarise FX | A silver-armoured Gaton female appears on the viewscreen, "This is General Junan. Who am I addressing?"

Mischa@crystyll smiles politely, "This is Commander Leveson-Scott on board the Starfleet vessel Latenter. A pleasure to finally make your acquiantance"

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "That's the fleet the Valley Forge belonged to, isn't it?"

Mischa@crystyll nods, "It is"

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "Well, your people are always welcome in Trinity space. I take it you must've seen the standoff at the demilitarized zone?"

Mischa@crystyll: "You... could say that, yes. Suffice to say we are of the situation and have come to assist"

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "It's a complicated situation. Saves me explaining if you already know what's happening. If you want to try a diplomatic approach like the Valley Forge did, the Chlasi's already tried -

T'Lana@anncarise: - everything they can. I'm told the Forli won't budge unless we figure out who's behind the attacks."

Mischa@crystyll: "That's where we come in. I believe that - with your support - our independent stance presents the best odds of finding out what happened to the Gaton ships"

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "We'll take all the help we can get. We've never had ships stolen out from right under us like that, and even the Chlasi are pretty lost on who did it."

Mischa@crystyll: "Which further reinforces the Forli's suspicion of potential insider action. I suggest we discuss matters in person to determine our best course forwards here"

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "A fair precaution. I can come over to your vessel."

Mischa@crystyll: "That works. Standby to receive transporter coordinates"

T'Lana@anncarise | The General nods and the image fades from the viewscreen.

Mischa@crystyll: "Alright, decloak and provide coordinates to the General's flag"

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "On it, Commander."

T'Lana@anncarise FX | Latenter decloaks in front of the Gaton fleet.

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "Coordinates away. Transporter room is ready to receive."

Mischa@crystyll stands with a glance to T'Lana, "Let's go welcome our guests"

T'Lana@anncarise follows Mischa over to the turbolift.

T'Lana@anncarise FX | The Gaton general Junan materializes on the transporter pad in her silver armour, alongside a black-haired Chlasi.

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "Call my people old fashioned, but I much prefer to speak in person."

Mischa@crystyll steps forward, "General. Welcome aboard the Latenter" she smiles, "You are not the only ones, trust me. It is a pleasure we are too often denied in this modern age"

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan nods as she steps off the pad, "Too true. This is Aphadil, Spymaster of the Chlasi."

Mischa@crystyll dips her head, "And allow me to introduce my second in command here, T'Lana"

T'Lana@anncarise gives the two visitors a nod of greetings.

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "Your people don consistent dress like the Gaton, but there are differences between what I have observed with those of the other Starfleet ship."

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "May I ask why?"

Mischa@crystyll: "Likewise. And yes, the Latenter is a highly specialized intelligence asset. So you will understand and forgive any more... stringent security measures observed here"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "Absolutely. Intelligence is pointless if you do not have the necessary safeguards to prevent your enemies from learning of you as well."

Mischa@crystyll: "On that note, if you'd care to follow me we can convene in a conference suite to review the situation" she gestures to the door with a polite smile

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "Lead the way."

Mischa@crystyll heads out along a predetermined route through unrestricted sections

Mischa@crystyll: "So you counted among those who met our colleagues from the Valley Forge?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "I have only spoken with the captain through a holographic conference, but I have a fairly complete picture of the vessel from the various reports I have read."

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "Or at least, a complete knowledge of what our people have learned of you. I was not previously aware that vessels such as yours existed."

Mischa@crystyll: "For what it's worth, many within the Federation go their whole lives without knowing vessels such as this exist"

Mischa@crystyll: "So you're not alone in that" she smiles

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "Alas, the work of espionage and information gathering often goes unsung. Such is the nature of what we do."

Mischa@crystyll: "The unsung heroes" she chuckles as they enter the conference room. She takes a seat at the table that's totally there...

T'Lana@anncarise takes a seat as well, alongside the General and the Spymaster.

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "The General here informs me that you are already aware of the situation?"

Mischa@crystyll nods, "Correct. We know about the missing fleet and the Forli's accusation of it being a rouse. We are also aware that Caid is... suprisingly forthcoming and even-toned in declaring his intentions"

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "He is a warrior. He is no stranger to deception and trickery in battle, but he is often straightforward with his intentions."

Mischa@crystyll: "As I understand it, it is deception and trickery which led him to forge his uprising"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "Indeed. And it seems deception and trickery is attempting to undermine his willingness to make peace with the Trinity Alliance."

Mischa@crystyll: "From what we have seen thus far, a ploy by the Loyalist Forli seems a likely scenario in this. Given their penchant for such crude deceptions..."

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "It is the one that best matches if we look for motivation behind the acts, but not method. The Forli are not inept at espionage, far from it. But they have never managed an operation -

T'Lana@anncarise: - of this scale before, even when they were united and determined to destroy us."

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "I do not see how they could have managed to acquire these vessels, especially with our increased vigilance following the attack by their stealth fleet."

Mischa@crystyll: "Though not a thought anyone wants to entertain, what about the possibility of inside help? It would not be the first such instance where a member of the faction in the Alliances position actually +

Mischa@crystyll: + favoured the lifelong conflict enough to subvert their own"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "I cannot dismiss the idea, as this would be nearly impossible to do without inside help. But I have never known anyone in the Alliance to benefit from conflict, or believe they will."

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "My people always strive to improve ourselves, and we often host competitions or duels, but even we know we do not benefit from open war."

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "The damage inflicted by modern weaponry is far too devastating."

Mischa@crystyll: "I understand, believe me. It is not a pleasant thought to entertain, but all it takes is one individual with a warped perspective. This is why we opted to present ourselves to you now, as I believe +

Mischa@crystyll: + our independent standing makes us ideally suited to investigate without bias"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "I agree. There may be forces working against us within our own peoples."

Mischa@crystyll smiles and nods, "Good. We maintain Starfleet's stance that unilateral peace is in the best interests of the region as a whole and will do all must in order to maintain it"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil nods, "You have our blessing to deal with any threats as you see fit. We will want a report with clear reasoning after it is done, of course. But for the moment, unfriendly eyes may be -

T'Lana@anncarise: - watching, and what you tell us could be seen by those behind this plot."

Mischa@crystyll: "Of course. First things first then, we need to get up to speed on your investigation to date"

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "The ships disappeared from the planet Dalor, one of ours. The ships were Gaton design, two heavy and three light."

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "My people carried out our own investigation, but everyone who was there at the time was convinced they did everything right."

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "When the situation grew to encompass the Forli, I dispatched a team of specialized agents to investigate. They've reported no success so far."

Mischa@crystyll: "When you say it grew to encompass them. How exactly did this transpire?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "We have an agent attached to the Forli Reformists as an advisor and a source of information. She informed us that Gaton ships, matching the number and configuration of those lost, -

T'Lana@anncarise: - have conducted hit-and-run attacks on Forli assets near the border."

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "It wasn't long before the Forli responded and amassed their ships along their side of the demilitarized zone."

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "The attacks ceased then, and the ships have not been seen again to date."

Mischa@crystyll: "During which time, the attack proved sufficient motive for the Loyalists and Reformists to call a truce while they dealt with the external threat"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "Precisely."

Mischa@crystyll: "This is inconsistent..." she frowns

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "How so?"

Mischa@crystyll: "Whoever stole the vessels is clearly skilled at executing subterfuge. But using the ships to launch a single attack to achieve this goal and then... nothing. That is the action of a group less +

Mischa@crystyll: + experienced in such matters. It makes me suspect a more multi-faceted problem, like a 3rd party stealing the ships then turning them over to the Loyalists to use in their deception"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "That...is a possibility. The Forli have employed mercenaries and assassins in the past."

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "Maybe even Gaton exiles, though I doubt they could infiltrate us so effectively without some special assistance."

Mischa@crystyll: "It would be more consistent than looking simply at a single group as the two aspects do not align with our current understanding of the parties involved"

Mischa@crystyll leans back some, focusing on Junan, "What can you tell me about this rogue element of yours?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "It is not a single rogue elements. If the exiles could work together well as a unified force, they would never have been exiles in the first place."

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "The Gaton people live by two major principles- that each person should work for the good of the whole, but each be a capable individual."

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "A soldier must be willing to sacrifice their life so the rest of the squad can survive, but at the same time, if the soldier is separated from the squad, they must be expected to be -

T'Lana@anncarise: - able to fight and survive to some extent on their own."

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "Our people go through physical and mental training to live up to these ideals. The ones who fail, who are deemed too incapable or selfish, are cast out from Gaton society."

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "That is why the Gaton you see in the Alliance are so disciplined and effective. Those unable to live up to those standards are forbidden to live among their people, and typically -

T'Lana@anncarise: - become mercenaries or pirates."

Mischa@crystyll: "So they are cultural exiles?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "Yes, but they're not a unified faction. At best they've formed roving bands of marauders or mercenary companies."

Mischa@crystyll: "At what point at these individuals exiled? Is it always during a selection process of sorts at an early age, or do serving officers have occassion to be dismissed in this manner?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "Serving officers?"

Mischa@crystyll: "As in, Gaton who have passed their initial training & evaluation and gone on to serve as part of the Alliance, for example?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "Gaton who have passed their trials may be exiled in extreme cases, usually if they commit a crime or demonstrate a major failing in their ability or morality. It is not common."

Mischa@crystyll: "Good, then shortlisting them for cross reference shouldn't take too long"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "Not at all. There won't be too many of those still alive and active out there."

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "You think one may be responsible? They are barred from our society like other exiles, with all their priviledges revoked."

Mischa@crystyll: "Could be quite the motive for someone wanting to take revenge on their society for making them an outcast, couldn't it"

Mischa@crystyll: "And would also explain the presently inexplicable nature of the theft; someone with inside knowledge of the system. Maybe the ships, or the shipyard itself"

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan nods, "That's a good point."

Mischa@crystyll: "It's a start at least. We should probably look at the facility they were taken from as well, subject to local security concerns of course"

T'Lana@anncarise takes out a datapad, "Here is our map of your territory. Can you identify where the facility is located?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil takes the datapad and examines it for a moment before selecting a system, "This is the star system Dalor is situated in."

T'Lana@anncarise retrieves the datapad, "Thank you. It is not too far from our current position, and close to the border, unsurprisingly."

Mischa@crystyll: "With your permission, I'd like for us to conduct our own thorough survey there"

Mischa@crystyll: "It may also be prudent to determine exactly how the vessels were stolen, if you have not done so already"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil nods, "You have our permission."

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "That's why our investigations so far haven't found anything. We don't even know how they did it, let alone who to track."

Mischa@crystyll: "Then it would also be prudent to interrogate your security systems and procedures at the facility"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Five vessels were stolen from your facility. Surely someone must have noticed."

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "Everyone noticed. We've found no flaw in security systems and procedures, but everyone was convinced it was just routine launches of ships."

Mischa@crystyll: "Then we have two clear objectives to begin this investigation"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "You may proceed to the colony whenever convenient. Should I notify my team there or keep them in the dark of your investigation?"

Mischa@crystyll hrms, "Let me get back to you on that one. I would like to blind test this facility for myself; probe for weaknesses et al"

Mischa@crystyll: "So for the moment, we shall remain dark. Once we have performed this initial test, you can then advise them of our investigation as we will likely move to more open cross-analysis and review"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "You can notify me on long-range communications once you are there, then."

Mischa@crystyll: "If you wish to remain on board, or assign a representative to preserve the integrity of your assets then you have my blessing"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "That may be prudent. I will attach a trusted agent to your vessel."

Mischa@crystyll nods, "We will endeavour to be open and accommodating with regards to mission parameters"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "Excellent. Is there anything else you wish to ask before you proceed?"

Mischa@crystyll: "I believe we have all we need to commence"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "I will dispatch my agent and you can be on your way, then."

Mischa@crystyll smiles, "Excellent. We'll soon get to the bottom of this, mark my words"

T'Lana@anncarise | Junan: "I hope so. It's a bad mark on the Gaton, to have lost these ships to thievery. It will be worse if this ends up starting another Forli war."

Mischa@crystyll shakes her head lightly, "We won't let that happen"

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "We await your results."

T'Lana@anncarise FX | The two visitors rise from their seats.

Mischa@crystyll stands with them, "Thank you for the assistance and accommodation in this"

T'Lana@anncarise stands as well.

T'Lana@anncarise | Aphadil: "Thank you for agreeing to assist. An unrelated party is a boon we did not expect to have."

T'Lana@anncarise FX | After meeting with Alliance leaders near the Forli border, the Latenter picks up the Chlasi agent Ethen and heads to the Gaton colony of Dalor to investigate further...

Mischa@crystyll: "ETA to the colony?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dawoyva: "Two minutes, Commander."

T'Lana@anncarise accompanies the Chlasi agent onto the bridge as they near the system.

Mischa@crystyll: "Alright people, this is it. Remember for all intents and purposes, this is not an allied colony but a classified target deep behind enemy lines"

Mischa@crystyll: "They have a ship in port that Starfleet needs if it has any hope of defending against this ruthless enemy, and it's our job to find a way in and seize it without them ever knowing we were here"

Mischa@crystyll: "Cloak us before we enter range and bring all arrays online. Let's figure out how this can be done"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "I would suggest holding position by the edge of the star system first. It has become standard Alliance practice to utilize periodic tachyon scans."

Mischa@crystyll looks over with a nod, "A little inside knowledge goes a long way. And since we are working to the assumption that the real thieves had such intel, I'll take it"

Mischa@crystyll turns to the front, "You heard our advisor. first hurdle"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dawoyva nods, "Dropping us out of warp on the system's edge."

T'Lana@anncarise | T'Fel: "A single vessel should be capable of sneaking past the patrols, once we have analyzed their patrol patterns and scan frequency."

Mischa@crystyll: "Alright, let's start building up a picture here so we can formulate our strategy to suit"

T'Lana@anncarise moves over to a console, tapping away, "I will assist in analyzing an optimal route."

T'Lana@anncarise | Daurant: "Shipyard facilities seem fairly standard from this range, but it does possess heavy armaments and a constant patrol in its vicinity."

Mischa@crystyll: "I would expect nothing less"

T'Lana@anncarise: "If we wait for the patrol to reach its furthest point, we should have a 36 second window to beam onto the station and still maneuver away before it catches our presence with another tachyon sweep."

T'Lana@anncarise: "Still working ot an optimal evasion course for the remainder of the patrols in the system."

Mischa@crystyll: "Sufficient enough for a transport window. Still, this challenge is not to simply get in, but to get something out"

T'Lana@anncarise | Daurant: "Getting out is a different matter. None of the ships here, docked or patrolling, have any cloaking technology."

T'Lana@anncarise: "And even if they did, the Gaton would certainly notice one of their ships vanish and immediately begin searching for it."

Mischa@crystyll: "Then the key is ensuring they do not notice"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hassan: "Didn't the Colonial Fleet pull off a starship theft in front of the Kiingons and the OSN? I recall they had to use a clone of the ship's CO, though."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Gaton exiles may be able to pass as Gaton from a distance, but they will never have the authorizations required to commandeer a ship."

Mischa@crystyll: "What do we know about the ships themselves? Moreso, what is likely that the thieves could have known with regards to capability, minimum staffing and such?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "The heavy ships typically have crews in the hundreds, and you would need at least thirty or so for the vessel to function to any extent."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Lighter ships can be crewed with a minimum of ten to fifteen people."

Mischa@crystyll: "And the ships that were stolen?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Two heavy and three light. At the minimum, it would have required 90 thieves."

Mischa@crystyll: "Transporting a small team inside 30 seconds is one thing. But 90... that is quite another"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "They could have done it in intervals, but it would be impossible for the shipyard personnel to overlook 90 infiltrators."

Mischa@crystyll: "One would certainly hope so. What about beaming directly to the target vessels?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "That is possible. The docked vessels are not shielded."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "But they will still have to release the vessels from the shipyard."

T'Lana@anncarise | Hassan: "Another team could infiltrate the shipyard and release the vessels, couldn't they?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Yes, but without authorization, the patrols would respond immediately."

Mischa@crystyll: "First things first. So in theory, a task force of small craft could bypass the patrols and deliver personnel to the target vessels. Maybe a select team to the shipyard itself too"

Mischa@crystyll: "Now we have people in place ready and able to take the ships. Next hurdle is bypassing lockouts to release them without raising an alarm. What can we find from the shipyard computer network?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "Their network defenses are strong. We might be able to steal information about their ships, but I don't see a way to bypass lockouts remotely without raising an alarm."

Mischa@crystyll: "Maybe not bypass them. But can we learn enough to then fabricate the necessary access for an insertion team?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "Yes, we should be able to."

Mischa@crystyll: "Ok, so far so good. Next hurdle then is getting the ships out"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Convincing the Gaton on the shipyards may be more difficult. The Gaton are a social people. They do not rely on access cards and mechanical identity confirmation. They use sight, scent -

T'Lana@anncarise: - and general instinct as well, which is surprisingly efficient for identifying infiltration sometimes."

Mischa@crystyll: "Perhaps the insertion team can simply work around any direction interaction?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "They could do so to get close to the areas they need to be, but to actually shut off the lockouts, they'll have to enter areas that always have someone working inside."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Yes, they could simply kill or incapacitate the actual Gaton, but that will leave evidence."

Mischa@crystyll: "There are methods of incapacating that would leave the victim unaware"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "True. Perhaps a chemical agent through ventilation systems."

Mischa@crystyll: "Possible. But such an approach would leave trace evidence with the recovering Gaton afterwards"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "What other methods are you suggesting?"

Mischa@crystyll: "Telepathic manipulation for one"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "The only people we know with such an ability here is, well...us."

Mischa@crystyll: "And tell me, is such a feat with a Chlasi's capacity?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "It depends on the Chlasi, but yes. There are those with such abilities and more."

Mischa@crystyll: "Even if not a Chlasi, we previously concerned the utilization of mercenary forces in this. That could introduce any number of species with similar capability"

Mischa@crystyll: "So for the purposes of this exercise, if it is a feasible approach then it will be part of our strategy"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen nods, "It is not a pleasant possibility, but it is feasible."

Mischa@crystyll: "When getting into the mindset of those capable of acts such as this, pleasant rarely weighs in"

Mischa@crystyll: "So; we have a way to get our people inside, staffing the ships and overriding security to release the vessels. What about getting the ships out?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "If the proper lockouts are overridden, will the patrols allow the ships to leave?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Only if it is not a Gaton ship. If a Gaton ship leaves without instruction from the proper chain of command, it will raise suspicion."

Mischa@crystyll: "Are non-Gaton ships a frequent sight here?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Chlasi occasionally visit Gaton worlds for their natural splendor. Sometimes our shipyards are used by travellers for repairs, but the most common visitors are by far Chlasi."

Mischa@crystyll: "And would Chlasi vessels be challenged departing in the same way a Gaton ship would?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "No, but it is easy to distinguish a Chlasi vessel from a Gaton one."

Mischa@crystyll: "Ordinarily perhaps. But there are techniques to subvert that"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "There are only so many Chlasi visitors at one time, though. Having five Chlasi vessels leave in a short span would be unusual of itself, unless the Chlasi were visiting in numbers for -

T'Lana@anncarise: - some special reason."

Mischa@crystyll: "And has there been any such occassion on record recently?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Not since the last Forli aggression when emergency meetings were held and vessel movements were quite hectic."

Mischa@crystyll hrms, "we are assuming that all vessels left together. Tell me, if we use Chlasi capability as a baseline. How long could your telepathic ability leave someone incapacitated?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "If we use the average Chlasi telepathic ability as a baseline, it would not be possible to incapacitate someone with our mind. If we use one such as Spymaster Aphadil, a few minutes."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "A powerful Esoteric, perhaps a few hours, or even the better part of a day."

Mischa@crystyll: "I feel that we are stretching the realm of reasonable assumption to assume an Esoteric as being part of this theft"

Mischa@crystyll: "So what alternatives do we have for getting the ships out, people?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Fabricating an order from superiors to move the Gaton ships would be possible, but that would also leave a trace as it would become clear once the ships are gone that no such order was truly issued."

Mischa@crystyll: "A means to an end, and a likely avenue perhaps. But not the solution we're looking for as no such inconsistency has been reported"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Unless it was never noted..."

Mischa@crystyll: "Possible. You believe this is the most logical approach?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Telepathy could also be used to erase memory, or to persuade someone to do something they otherwise would not."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "That would imply the involvement of multiple Esoterics, or perhaps one Chlasi with especially great ability."

Mischa@crystyll: "Or a third party with similar capability"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen nods, "If there is a third party with such ability to influence minds and an interest in this region...we would have heard something of them."

Mischa@crystyll: "Well, we can work on the assumption of falsified orders for now then and cross reference against Gaton records later if successful"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Once they manage to leave the system with the ships, patrols become significantly less dense, and it would be feasible for them to go anywhere."

Mischa@crystyll: "Agreed. So how is our heist looking now?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "It would require the presence of at least a small team of Gaton exiles to infiltrate the facility and beings with telepathic power, but with both such assets it would be possible."

Mischa@crystyll: "That doesn't seem an unreasonable level of preparation for someone planning a move of this scale"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Gaton mercenaries can be hired by essentially anyone with resources. Beings of significant telepathic skill may be more difficult to come across. Freelance agents with significant telepathic skill -

Mischa@crystyll: "Well if there is nothing further then, I think we should convene with the Gaton authorities here and look for evidence of falsified orders"

T'Lana@anncarise: - are both rare and coveted."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen nods, "There is nothing more I can think of."

Mischa@crystyll: "Then let us proceed to the shipyard"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dawoyva: "Setting course for the shipyard."

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "Should we drop cloak now, Commander?"

Mischa@crystyll nods, "No need to conceal our presence any further"

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria nods, "Disengaging cloak."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "I will notify our team and the Gaton here of your presence."

Mischa@crystyll: "Of course" she indicates towards the comm console and whoever is operating it today

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen moves over to the comms console to notify them. A few moments later, another Chlasi appears on the screen.

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Hellir."

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "Welcome, Ethen." He turns his gaze to Mischa, "And you must be the independent investigators."

Mischa@crystyll dips her head, "Commander Leveson-Scott"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "A pleasure to have you along, Commander Leveson-Scott. Would you like to come to the shipyard to speak further?"

Mischa@crystyll: "That would be fruitful, yes. We have already conducted an initial assessment and would like to check some facts in line with this"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "Excellent. I will provide you with transport coordinates."

Mischa@crystyll: "Thank you, we look forward to speaking in person"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "Likewise, Commander."

T'Lana@anncarise FX | The image fades as the call ends.

T'Lana@anncarise | Victoria: "We have the coordinates and transporters are standing by."

Mischa@crystyll looks between T'Lana and Ethen, "Time to pay our hosts a visit"

Mischa@crystyll stands and moves to depart

T'Lana@anncarise follows Mischa to the turbolift.

T'Lana@anncarise FX | Mischa, T'Lana and Ethen beam down onto a transporter pad in the shipyard, where an armoured Gaton awaits them.

T'Lana@anncarise | Gaton: "I'm Merekar, part of the original Gaton investigation. The Chlasi are waiting for you in the meeting room."

Mischa@crystyll: "A pleasure to meet you. Please, lead on" she smiles

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar nods curtly and leads the group through the shipyard.

Mischa@crystyll takes in their surroundings as they pass through the station

T'Lana@anncarise FX | The station has a rather industrial look to it, not unsurprising for its function as a shipyard. The Gaton seems to have made some little effort in aesthetics.

T'Lana@anncarise | They pass by numerous Gaton, all wearing the colour-coded armour and giving the personnel a rather 23rd century Starfleet feel (if Starfleet were comprised solely of Caitians).

T'Lana@anncarise | Mischa notices that some Gaton wear a lighter variant of the armour with more clothing, but everyone is wearing some form of armouring.

T'Lana@anncarise | Their Gaton guide leads them into one of the rooms off the side of a hallway.

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "This isn't the meeting room..."

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "There's something I need to tell you first before you speak with the Chlasi."

T'Lana@anncarise | He steps to a discreet corner of the room...

Mischa@crystyll follows, "What is this about?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar looks to Ethen, "You're not with the team, are you?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "No, Spymaster Aphadil assigned me personally to assist the Starfleet investigation."

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "Good."

T'Lana@anncarise | He looks to Mischa, "The Chlasi team is acting...strangely. I've met many Chlasi before, and I know how they're supposed to act."

Mischa@crystyll glances between him and Ethen, "Could you elaborate?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "I know they have mind powers, but this team acts unusually in sync. I don't just mean work well together, they sometimes finish each other's sentences, and I've seen them moving the -

T'Lana@anncarise: - exact same way. Shifting their body weight to the same side. Crossing the same leg at the same time. It's subtle, but it's unnatural."

Mischa@crystyll: "Who exactly is this team?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "An investigation team we sent to figure out what happened to the ships when the Gaton investigation didn't turn up anything."

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "We found nothing done wrong, nothing in our patrols or guard shifts that could be exploited. And everyone who was working that day was convinced the ships were supposed to leave."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "So we dispatched our own specialists."

Mischa@crystyll: "Ethen, do you have prior experience with this team at all?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "I've never worked with Hellir, but he's a capable investigator from what I've heard. I've worked with some members of the team, others I'm not familiar with."

Mischa@crystyll: "At least some familiarity is better than none. I will be interested to see if you share any of Merekar's observations"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Never in my experience. Some of them don't even possess any mental abilities. They won't be synced through a mental link or anything."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "The only time I've ever heard of such links is Esoteric rituals."

Mischa@crystyll: "Then let us proceed to speak with them. Afterwards we should convene again to discuss your views"

Mischa@crystyll: "Merekar, we may wish to review your findings. Perhaps joining us on board the Latenter afterwards would be most amenable"

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar nods, "I will do what I can to assist."

T'Lana@anncarise | He steps out of the corner and continues to lead them towards the meeting room.

T'Lana@anncarise FX | The group arrives in a meeting room with far more attention to aesthetics than the rest of the area they've passed through. There is a large window with a view of the planet -

T'Lana@anncarise: - orbited by the facility. Five Chlasi are gathered around a table, one of them wearing the distinctive robes of the Esoteric Order.

T'Lana@anncarise | They seem to turn all at once towards the new arrivals.

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "Welcome. A pleasure to see you in person. Come, sit."

Mischa@crystyll looks to the group, instantly registering the unified movement, "Thank you" she smiles effortlessly

T'Lana@anncarise takes a seat as well. Merekar and Ethen joins at the table.

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Who is the Esoteric, if I may ask?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "Lachor is a talented Esoteric that the order has lent to Spymaster Aphadil for the purposes of assisting this investigation. His ability to instantly recognize any lie is very useful -

T'Lana@anncarise: - to such things, and he has assisted me in previous investigations."

Mischa@crystyll: "I would be interested in seeing what you have learned beyond the original Gaton investigation then"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "Well, the Gaton are convinced that they have done nothing wrong, but we wouldn't be missing five ships if they made no mistakes, would we?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "There's a few tweaks in the security protocol we would make. Changes to patrol routes, facility security, but they still don't explain how all of this was done with no evidence."

Mischa@crystyll: "We have also reached a similar conclusion"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "So we're both similarly perplexed, then."

Mischa@crystyll: "I wouldn't quite go so far as saying we are perplexed. We have simulated a successful heist, however I need to cross-check against the original Gaton investigation before reconciling some +

Mischa@crystyll: + problematic assumptions we had to make"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "I believe Merekar here can provide you with all the data you need on the Gaton investigation. What is so problematic about your assumptions?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar does indeed take out a datapad and hand it to T'Lana, who begins examining it.

Mischa@crystyll: "If this cross check verifies our suspicions then we should be in a position to pursue the investigation to the next step. What of our requested shortlist of names?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "Of Gaton who were cast out after they became full members of society? The Spymaster asked us to look into that."

Mischa@crystyll: "And were you successful in generating said list then?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir nods to one of the other Chlasi, who was already producing a different looking datapad before she was even prompted. She slides it across the table to Mischa.

Mischa@crystyll: "Thank you. I assume you have already reviewed the list of names. Do any stand out to you?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "There's one who might be capable of this- Moradon."

T'Lana@anncarise: "What can you tell us about this suspect?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "He is one of the more infamous Gaton exiles, certainly the highest profile of this generation. A prime example of a psychopath, capable of blending almost seamlessly into society while -

T'Lana@anncarise: - sharing none of its moral beliefs."

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "But Moradon isn't a mercenary. He's a sadist. He torments people for his own pleasure and nothing else."

Mischa@crystyll: "Nonetheless, he seems a little well tailored to these events to be ignored"

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "He's never been involved in anything with political ramifications. From what I know about him, his crimes are always much more personal to their victims."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "And a theft of this scale would require more than one agent skilled at infiltration."

Mischa@crystyll: "Just because we can not see facts which fit, does not mean to say they are not there"

Mischa@crystyll looks to Ethen, "True enough, but a key missing link was finding one with the right skillset. And we appear to have now done so"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir nods, "We do not know what Moradon has been up to following his exile. We have only scattered reports and rumours."

Mischa@crystyll: "Are there any other names on this shortlist that you feel are worth mentioning now?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "Kirrian has made a name for herself in the mercenary business, but she is not a leader. Even if she is involved, I doubt she was more than muscle."

Mischa@crystyll: "Good to know, nonetheless"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "These are the only potential suspects in that category. In any category, really."

Mischa@crystyll: "Then, if there is nothing further? We have a lot of work to do"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "Indeed we do. We will look into Moradon's recent activities and see if he may be connected. We have had little luck narrowing down those responsible from examining the scene; perhaps -

T'Lana@anncarise: - we will yield more results by starting with potential suspects with ties to the criminal world."

Mischa@crystyll: "As you wish. We still have a little cross examination to conduct while we are here, and I would like to inspect the scene for myself. We will keep you under advisement on our progress"

T'Lana@anncarise | Hellir: "Thank you. Do let us know if you manage to find something we did not."

Mischa@crystyll dips her head in acknowledgement before standing to leave

T'Lana@anncarise stands as well, and Merekar and Ethen follow suit.

Mischa@crystyll: "Likewise" she comments to Hellir before walking away

T'Lana@anncarise speaks as they walk, "I have examined the report Merekar handed to us. There was no authorization logged for allowing the stolen ships to pass."

T'Lana@anncarise: "However, all facility controllers and patrols ships report seeing proper authorization in separate questioning sessions."

Mischa@crystyll: "A rather glaring inconsistency" she notes, glancing to Merekar, "Can you show us to this control room? I would like to get a feel for the scene with my own eyes"

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar nods, "This way."

T'Lana@anncarise: "I doubt they were all lying to save their reputations. It is far more likely to have been some form of mental influence."

Mischa@crystyll: "That would be my theory at present too"

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "Gaton do not lie to save ourselves. I will not pretend my people are perfect, some of them make mistakes. But they would not all have lied."

T'Lana@anncarise FX | The group soon enters a central, control-room looking part of the facility manned by Gaton in their colourful armour.

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "This is it."

Mischa@crystyll looks around, "Do you recognize any of the personnel present from previous rounds of questioning?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar points out a blue-armoured Gaton female, "We questioned her. She was here during the time of the theft."

Mischa@crystyll smiles, "A prime opportunity for us then. We should cross examine"

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "Agreed."

Mischa@crystyll gestures for him to lead on, "After you then"

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar steps over to the female, "Hello, Dagan."

Mischa@crystyll follows, hanging back initially in part to observe the interaction & her response

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan: "Merekar. This is about the investigation again, isn't it?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "Unfortunately, yes. We don't normally deal with such complicated cases."

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan: "It's an issue for all of us. Believe me, I understand."

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "Could you tell us again what happened on that day?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan: "I've already told you and the Chlasi team. Who are these new people, Regulators or something?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "They're with Starfleet, the group that averted the last Forli offensive."

Mischa@crystyll steps forward with a pleasant smile, "Starfleet, actually. Please, I apologize for the frustration of repeating yourself but ask that you indulge us"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan: "If it may help prevent another conflict. I saw nothing unusual, nothing that suggested ships were being stolen, at least."

Mischa@crystyll squints a little, "So you saw something unusual that didn't suggest ships were being stolen?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan: "We cleared a Chlasi shuttle from one of their Temples. We don't get that many visitors, let alone Temple ones, but it's not the first time one of their monks with mind-powers took an -

T'Lana@anncarise: - interest in our natural landscapes."

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan: "They have a whole school about that. Naturalists, or something like that."

Mischa@crystyll: "Indeed? But yet, this is a rare enough occurence to stick in your memory. Could you show us the flight logs from that day? Starting from the arrival of that shuttle through to it's departure?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan nods and turns to the console: "Sure. And yes, after I was cleared to come back, I checked the records and saw there was no departure authorization logged."

Mischa@crystyll: "For the shuttle?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan: "For the stolen ships. I thought I'd seen the authorization, and no one else here commented otherwise so we let the ships leave. I accept full responsibility."

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan steps back as she finishes typing, "This is the logs for the shuttle. Fully authorized by their Esoteric Order."

Mischa@crystyll: "Nobody is looking to blame you or any of your colleagues" she smiles reassuringly, "We are simply trying to fathom how this was able to occur. That we may prevent it repeating"

Mischa@crystyll steps closer to see, "Thank you" she looks through the data, cross checking with records and time indexes for the ship theft, and anything else of interest

T'Lana@anncarise FX | Indeed, everything appears to be properly authorized for the shuttle. Mischa would notice that it arrived about two hours before the stolen ships left, and departed by the end of the day.

Mischa@crystyll: "You mentioned this shuttle was here to take in a particular landscape. Could you show me their flight plan?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan nods and brings up the flight plan. It seems the shuttle landed on the surface...almost exactly beneath the station. There is a scenic canyon there, but most of the planet is pretty -

T'Lana@anncarise: - scenic and filled with natural environments and wildlife.

Mischa@crystyll: "This is their logged flight plan, or actual sensor records we are looking at?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan: "Both. They didn't deviate from their plan, it was all fairly standard. Which is why I said the visit was unusual, just not suspicious."

Mischa@crystyll: "Thank you, and I assume this data was corroborated against independent relays at the landing site?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan: "It's unaltered terrain. There's no official landing pads or sensors, all our data comes from up here, either this facility or other satellites."

Mischa@crystyll: "Fair enough. The other satellites then?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan nods, "They don't show anything different."

Mischa@crystyll: "Good, perhaps this scenic spot will suit us for a little shore leave while we're in the neighborhood" she smiles, "What about the shuttle itself; previous records of it's warp signature"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan: "It came from the direction of one of the outer Chlasi colonies, Anulinn. At least according to the authorization and its arrival vector. Our sensors can't see if it actually departed -

T'Lana@anncarise: - from there, that's significantly outside their effective range."

Mischa@crystyll: "Understandable. Any previous records on file for the same shuttle?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan: "We've never seen it around here before."

Mischa@crystyll: "Interesting... what about previous excursions from Anulinn, how many different warp signatures have made the trip?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan types on the console, "Let me check...the earliest is a hundred and five days before the theft, a merchant freighter stopping by."

Mischa@crystyll: "That probably wasn't from the Chlasi temple, was it..." she chuckles, "Still, please continue"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan: "No recent records of any Temple shuttles from Anulinn, though."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Esoterics do not usually leave the Temples on other craft."

Mischa@crystyll looks to Ethen, "You view the merchant freighter as anomalous?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "No, merchant freighters stop by other colonies all the time. There's no indication anyone from the Anulinn Temple came here anytime except for during the theft."

Mischa@crystyll: "Fair enough. We can pursue further verification from the temple itself. Dagan, thank you for your time. We should let you return to your duties"

T'Lana@anncarise | Dagan nods and gets back to work.

Mischa@crystyll walks away, looking to the others

Mischa@crystyll: "A curious insight there. Any further thoughts on this element before we proceed?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "This Esoteric with the Chlasi investigation team- what Temple is he from?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "I'm not sure, but he was added rather last-minute. It's not unheard of for Esoterics to assist with investigations. This situation is certainly severe enough to request aid from them, -

T'Lana@anncarise: - but I would have chosen one of the few who possess the rare ability to detect imprints of the past."

Mischa@crystyll: "I believe it may be worth you finding out"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen nods, "I'll look into it. I can contact the Temples as well for more information on the shuttle that came here, if you like."

Mischa@crystyll: "Everything you can find would be of use, thank you"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen heads off, using one of the consoles to contact other Chlasi.

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "The Esoterics are peaceful monks. Why would they use their power to try and start a war?"

Mischa@crystyll: "We are making no assumptions yet, Merekar. Simply following leads; to rule them out if nothing else"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen returns a few minutes later, "Lachor is from the Haerel Temple. And there's no indication of anything unusual with the departure of the Anulinn shuttle."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "At least the Attendants there say it was a fully authorized visit."

Mischa@crystyll: "It may be a coincidence. But have never believed in coincidences, myself. T'Lana, do you think we could run the station sensors logs through the Latenter's computer, check for any anomalies that may+

Mischa@crystyll: + not have registered from the shuttles journey?"

T'Lana@anncarise nods, "I can forward the data to the ship."

Mischa@crystyll: "It may be nothing, but we won't know unless we check" she smiles

T'Lana@anncarise heads to Dagan's console to coordinate the data transfer when the wristcomp built into Merekar's armour flashes.

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "Seems the Chlasi team wants to speak with you again. Says they found something."

Mischa@crystyll: "Well, best not keep them waiting then"

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "Just you, though. They're worried about infiltrators still among the Gaton, apparently," he scoffs.

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "I'll take you there and wait outside."

Mischa@crystyll perks a brow, "Fair enough..." a cursory glance to T'Lana as she turns to follow

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar stops in front of the meeting room, "They were acting weird, and now they don't want me along when they talk to you. I don't like it."

T'Lana@anncarise | Merekar: "Be careful in there."

Mischa@crystyll nods, "I always am Merekar, and thank you" she smiles and proceeds into the room

T'Lana@anncarise walks into the room as well along with Ethen.

T'Lana@anncarise FX | The meeting room is the same, but the team is arranged differently now. Lachon sits in the centre, with the four other members of the team are standing.

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "You are the commanders of the Starfleet vessel, are you not?"

Mischa@crystyll: "You know perfectly well that we are"

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "Just wanted to confirm. Have a seat."

Mischa@crystyll 's eyes narrow with a little suspicion as she sits, "I was told you have news regarding the investigation?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen suddenly exclaims in pain behind them.

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Commander! He's...trying to take control...I'm sorry, he's too..."

Mischa@crystyll: "Ethen?!" she proclaims, jumping back to her feet, "T'Lana, see what you can do to help him"

Mischa@crystyll spins back around to Lachon, "Stop this, now!"

T'Lana@anncarise turns around and Ethen stands calmly by the door.

T'Lana@anncarise | One of the other Chlasi tosses him a pistol and he catches it, holding it casually towards T'Lana.

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "He called the Temple, under your directive. You're getting close."

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "I must say, I was not expecting to contend with your people. Your other vessel has already moved on from this region."

Mischa@crystyll: "I'm still waiting for you to release him..." she insists, stubbornly

Mischa@crystyll is not impressed.

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "I'm afraid that won't happen. I didn't wish to harm any of you, but I'm afraid I will have to change your mind."

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "I don't suppose you'll willingly tell the rest of the Alliance that you're clueless as to what happened?"

Mischa@crystyll: "It's hard to suppose anything when one does not have all the facts. Why don't you enlighten me so that I can answer you from an informed decision instead of a gut reaction"

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "Well, there's no harm in telling you now. My people will never submit to the true gods. They believe that they can ascend to become gods among people, but they are wrong."

Mischa@crystyll: "But you, of course, know better..."

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "The Esoterics do not give purpose. We give false consolation to a lost society. We survive for the sake of surviving, just as the Forli conquer for the sake of conquering."

Mischa@crystyll: "So the 'true gods' give you that sense of purpose? Who exactly are they, it is not a term that I have heard referenced by your people to date"

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "Few among us know of them, and fewer still of their purpose. But one of our Exalted Ones, she who was once called a False God, ventured forth into the unknown and her eyes were opened -

T'Lana@anncarise: - to Truth. And she returned as their Herald and enlightened us."

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "They are coming, and we will pave the way for them."

Mischa@crystyll: "Their Herald you say... so do these 'true gods' have a name?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "Their names are incomprehensible to us, for they are beyond our grasp. Our people know them only by the names we give them, and we fear them for they bring change to ways we live."

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "If the Forli are to join with the Trinity Alliance, it may become a force to be reckoned with. So our Herald bid us divide, so we may be united when the right masters come."

Mischa@crystyll: "Doesn't sound like much of a god to me if they instill fear in their followers whilst hiding in the shadows"

Mischa@crystyll: "And don't even get me started on turning their followers against their own people. These are not the actions of gods, these are the actions of cowards"

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "You have not seen their glory. Let me open your eyes..."

T'Lana@anncarise | He begins to rise to his feet when there is a noise behind them...

Mischa@crystyll: "Choose your next mover carefully Lachon. You do not want us as enemies, I promise you"

Mischa@crystyll slowly turns to the source of the noise, not taking an eye off Lachon still

T'Lana@anncarise | As she turns, she sees that Merekar had made his way into the room and knocked Ethen to the ground. Before he can bear his weapon on the others however, the four Chlasi investigators fire their -

T'Lana@anncarise: - pistols at the exact same time, all striking the Gaton and knocking him back.

Mischa@crystyll curses, rushing to his side

T'Lana@anncarise steps over carefully as well.

T'Lana@anncarise FX | Ethen is unconscious but alive, but Merekar doesn't seem to have survived the attack.

Mischa@crystyll snaps back to Lachon, "That was not necessary!"

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "He attacked first. And now that I don't have to control Ethen, it shall make controlling you easier."

T'Lana@anncarise: "I would not advise such a course of action."

Mischa@crystyll stands, moving to T'Lana's side with a glance, "I warned you once already. I shall not do so again"

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "You have no say in this."

T'Lana@anncarise steps in front of Mischa protectively as he raises his arms towards them...

Mischa@crystyll: "T'Lana, no..."

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "You will submit...why do you not submit..."

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon throws down his hands in frustration, "Your mind is closed to me. How?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Lachon: "It matters not. If you cannot be controlled, your Commander will."

T'Lana@anncarise moves for Ethen's fallen weapon as Lachon raises his arms again. This causes all four Chlasi to fire simultaneously at where T'Lana would be if she grabbed the weapon, but she jumps back after -

T'Lana@anncarise: - making her initial move, causing the four synchonized shots to miss and leaving Merekar's weapon open for Mischa to grab...

Mischa@crystyll rolls backwards, grabbing the weapon and landing prone. She doesn't hesitate in firing at all four Chlasi

T'Lana@anncarise | The four Chlasi are downed and the Esoteric takes a step back, hands still raised as he tries to take control of Mischa's mind...

T'Lana@anncarise: "Commander! Take him out before he can control you."

Mischa@crystyll fires again on the Esoteric as she slowly rises to her feet

T'Lana@anncarise | The Esoteric collapses as he is hit.

T'Lana@anncarise moves over to the downed Chlasi, "Excellent reaction speed, Commander."

Mischa@crystyll steps back to check on Ethen, "Are you alright?"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen slowly gets up, "Strained, but alive..."

Mischa@crystyll looks to T'Lana, "And you?"

T'Lana@anncarise nods, "He was unable to affect me. Unfortunately, it does not seem that he nor the other Chlasi have survived the shots."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "He's not the only one. He limited the connection when he was in my mind, but I still caught glimpses."

Mischa@crystyll sighs, stepping closer, "Regrettable, but necessary. This corruption clearly infests the higher levels of Chlasi society. This is not over"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "No, I'm afraid it isn't..."

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "From the fact that the Anulinn Temple authorized the excursion here and the Haerel Temple assigned Lachon, there are more Esoterics involved. How many, I cannot say."

Mischa@crystyll: "Well, we still have nothing to report as we are sorely lacking evidence thus far. We still need to recover the stolen ships"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "We may wish to investigate the Temples, but with the powers the Esoterics possess, it will be difficult. Especially without knowing exactly how far this spreads..."

Mischa@crystyll: "Agreed. The temples are the next logical step, but I am concerned for your wellbeing Ethen. If they conduct such a mental attack again, you will be just as vulnerable"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "I will indeed. It is easier for Chlasi to communiciate and affect each other mentally. He overpowered me much quicker than you."

Mischa@crystyll: "T'Lana, with the research we've been pursuing in such defenses, do you believe there is anything we can do to protect Ethen?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "We have several potential devices, but we may need to tailor it more specifically to Chlasi."

T'Lana@anncarise: "Even then, it may only weaken mental assaults and not nullify them completely."

Mischa@crystyll turns to Ethen, "We won't force you into anything. But if we can't implement a suitable defense for you, we may have to enter the temple without you. For your own protection, you understand"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen nods, "It may be safer to do so. It is very likely that I will become more of a liability in the face of such abilities."

Mischa@crystyll: "Well, we have the time it takes us to reach the first temple to come up with something. We'll get underway as soon as this facility is secured"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen: "Shall I cover up this incident so the other Chlasi do not find out what transpired? We do yet know how deep this corruption spreads. If they are aware that one of their own has been -

T'Lana@anncarise: - killed, they may be more difficult to locate."

Mischa@crystyll: "Indeed. We will transport the bodies onto the Latenter and inform local security that we are pursuing the investigation elsewhere"

Mischa@crystyll: "That will give us a chance to perform a more detailed analysis of the Esoteric's mental development as well"

T'Lana@anncarise | Ethen nods, "I will inform the Gaton and omit the details, then."

Mischa@crystyll: "That would be the best for now" she nods

T'Lana@anncarise begins tagging the bodies for transport.

-------

T'Lana@anncarise FX | The Latenter has been underway for the better part of an hour towards the Chlasi colony of Haerel.

T'Lana@anncarise | The doorbell to Mischa's ready room rings.

Mischa@crystyll glances up from her work, "Come in"

T'Lana@anncarise steps into the room holding a PADD, "Commander. I have discovered something through Network channels which may be of interest."

Mischa@crystyll: "Oh? Sounds promising" she smiles, gesturing for T'Lana to take a seat as she leans back attentively

T'Lana@anncarise takes a seat, setting the PADD down on the table, "It does not contain any information which we can act on, but it does pertain to the current situation, so I thought to bring it to your attention.”

Mischa@crystyll: "Sounds intriguing"

T'Lana@anncarise: "You recall the potential suspects brought up by one of the Chlasi investigators, Moradon and Kirrian?"

Mischa@crystyll nods, "The alleged psychopath and ruthless merc"

T'Lana@anncarise: "As we did not have any other leads, I decided to investigate them to see if there was some truth in Hellir's statements. The psychopath has kept well-hidden, it seems. If he is active somewhere, he -

T'Lana@anncarise: - must do so under an alias we are not aware of. The mercenary, on the other hand, had an abundance of information on her."

T'Lana@anncarise: "It was more difficult sorting through all the data concerning her to find something potentially relevant."

Mischa@crystyll: "What did you turn up?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Everything Hellir said about her was true. With such a narrow avenue of research, he was forced to present information on the few potential suspects, in case we had looked into the same people."

T'Lana@anncarise: "I believe his placement of Moradon as the primary suspect was intended to mislead us. Having reviewed what is known of his past personally, I doubt he would be involved in such an operation.”

T'Lana@anncarise: "But I do believe Kirrian was to some degree, as a hired mercenary."

T'Lana@anncarise slides the PADD over to her.

Mischa@crystyll takes it to review with a smile, "There's a reason I baited them to specify names off the list. Given our early warning about them, I had a feeling that they would take the opportunity to steer us"

T'Lana@anncarise nods, "A clever move, Commander."

T'Lana@anncarise: "The PADD contains a message from Kirrian to one of her associates. Poorly encrypted and easily accessed with the Network's resources."

T'Lana@anncarise: "Among the mostly irrelevant details is a mention of a job where she and her company were hired by employers she was surprised to discover were Chlasi."

Mischa@crystyll: "It's not much to go on, but could at least indicate the same groups being connected even if this merc wasn't involved with the ship theft"

T'Lana@anncarise: "The details of the job they were hired for is not specified, but the timeframe of the message, and the way she noted that they hired exclusively Gaton mercenaries which she saw as highly unusual, -

T'Lana@anncarise: - suggests it is very likely the ship theft."

Mischa@crystyll: "A worthwhile connection" she nods

T'Lana@anncarise: "Unfortunately, she did not say much of her employers, though she does make an off-hand remark about their behaviour being 'cult-like' and something she had not seen with Chlasi before."

Mischa@crystyll: "Seems like it would be worth tracking this merc's movements at least. Not likely to hold any meaningful connection like the temple, but could still be useful"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Agreed. We are tracking her through the Network. She is currently in neutral space approximately one half-sector distance outside Trinity Alliance borders."

Mischa@crystyll: "It's an outside chance, but maybe watching her movements will provide further leads to the location of the missing ships"

T'Lana@anncarise nods, "I will notify you if we see anything which may hint at the location of the ships."

T'Lana@anncarise: "There is one more matter that I wished to address."

Mischa@crystyll: "Which is?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Our science teams are not yet confident on the effectiveness of our defenses against telepathic attacks."

Mischa@crystyll: "I am not surprised. We have only just started looking to develop these defenses and have limited means to even test any ideas"

T'Lana@anncarise: "It works in theory, but when we tested it with Eirril, he was only hindered for a time. It is more akin to a shield, a layer of defense which can protect a starship for a period of time but will -

T'Lana@anncarise: - eventually collapse under sustained assault. A telepath of enough potential will eventually break through."

Mischa@crystyll: "It's not ideal, but it's a start. What about the Esoteric's body we brought on board, have medical made any headway with their scans?"

T'Lana@anncarise nods, "Medical reports that the brain has quite advanced telepathic capabilities which have been exercised to their limits."

T'Lana@anncarise: "Unsurprising, given the ability of the Esoteric and his use of them in dominating others' minds."

T'Lana@anncarise: "Unfortunately, they are not able to determine more. There is no sign of foreign influence, but it may be impossible to tell when the brain is no longer active."

Mischa@crystyll: "Anything that may help us devise a defence, or better yet a method to supress?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "We are working on it, but I do not expect any improvements will be ready by the time we reach the Temple at Haerel."

Mischa@crystyll: "Me neither, but we have to try. If we can't protect Ethen, we'll be at a disadvantage without him at the temple"

T'Lana@anncarise nods, "We will endeavour to have something implemented as soon as possible."

T'Lana@anncarise: "What of yourself, Commander? The Esoteric does not seem to be able to affect me due to my condition, but you are vulnerable as well."

T'Lana@anncarise: "It may be more difficult to control someone who is not Chlasi as Ethen claims, but likely not impossible."

Mischa@crystyll smiles a little, "One does not need telepathic ability to be able to defend oneself against it"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Our training includes mental defenses, but as I understand, the Esoterics are very powerful. I suspect Ethen possesses such training as well but was easily overwhelmed."

Mischa@crystyll: "I have... capability beyond our standard training. It is one reason I will not consider anyone else for this mission beyond you or I"

T'Lana@anncarise: "We will do what we can to shield Ethen, then, if you are certain you will not need such protection."

Mischa@crystyll: "I will still exercise whatever means we can implement. But can fall back on more extreme defenses if it comes it"

T'Lana@anncarise nods, "We'll prepare a prototype device for you as well. I will let you know when we are ready.""

Mischa@crystyll: "I appreciate it." she leans back thoughtfully, "So what's your feel on this situation so far?"

T'Lana@anncarise: "It is not unheard of for powerful beings masquarading as deities to exert control over a civilization, but the natural abilities of the Chlasi increases the danger."

T'Lana@anncarise: "The fact that these deities do not appear elsewhere in Chlasi culture indicates that this influence is relatively new."

Mischa@crystyll: "And highly focused on disrupting the status quo"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Indeed. The Esoteric we encountered mentioned one of their Exalted as a Herald of these beings. From the Valley Forge's reports of the Chlasi Exalted, they have powers even beyond the Esoterics and -

T'Lana@anncarise: - are borderline worshipped by the Chlasi people."

T'Lana@anncarise: "However, there is only one Exalted in present day, referred to commonly as a male and living in isolation with no sign of corruption."

Mischa@crystyll: "The one who reached out to one of Keelah's crew"

T'Lana@anncarise nods, "The Esoteric referred to this Exalted as a 'she,' and she seems to be the primary reason for the formation of this...cult among the Chlasi religion."

T'Lana@anncarise: "I suspect that this Exalted may herself be one of these beings manipulating the Chlasi. Perhaps there are even no others beyond her."

T'Lana@anncarise: "It is too early to come to any conclusions, of course, but impersonating a respected and arguably already worshipped member of a society is an ideal way to manipulate it."

Mischa@crystyll: "My concern as well..."

T'Lana@anncarise: "According to our information, there was a prior Exalted One that preceeded the one encountered by the Valley Forge, an Exalted referred to as 'she' in all accounts who vanished without explanation."

T'Lana@anncarise: "It is a perfect role to step into for any beings seeking to sway the Chlasi."

T'Lana@anncarise: "Given that they have the ability to replicate similar powers to that of an Exalted, of course."

Mischa@crystyll: "It's possible that they are one and the same. But this all just supposition until we learn more"

T'Lana@anncarise: "Indeed. I suspect we will find more in the Temple."

Mischa@crystyll: "We have to. Anyway, we have a lot to do and little time to make progress"

T'Lana@anncarise stands, "I will inform you if there are any further updates, or when we have reached the colony."

Mischa@crystyll: "I appreciate it" she nods

T'Lana@anncarise nods back and heads out of the ready room.