ST:SoD116 | "Houses of Romulus"

Stardate 99023.9

The Latenter crew continues their unseen efforts against Vitellius, who has seized control of the Star Empire with his brutal and effective campaign. Nikki must further embrace her Empress role to rally the remaining elements of the Imperial Navy who still opposes their new dictator.

---

View Episode

NPR@annpc#557 | RATOR III NPR@annpc#557 | CAPITAL OF THE ROMULAN STAR EMPIRE NPR@annpc#557 | Three figures walk down a decorated hall. The central one is a Romulan man dressed in a long black and white robe with green trimming. He is clearly much older than the other two, with greying - NPR@annpc#557 - hair. Beside him are two younger Romulans, one male and one female, both wearing variations of Star Empire uniforms. The female's uniform seems more extravagant and decorated, while the male's - NPR@annpc#557 - is more practical, even having a toolbelt with attached grenades, a pistol and a knife, as well as a rifle on his back. From the dossiers seen in the previous Latenter episode, the trio are - NPR@annpc#557 - recognizable as Vitellius and his two children, Viria and Averius NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "The Star Empire falls to us in under three weeks. Even the old internal struggles took more planning than this, and they were taking over from the inside, not out. I don't think - NPR@annpc#557 - history has seen a takeover as efficient as this!" NPR@annpc#557 | Vitellius: "Do not be overconfident, child. They have surrendered the capital and officially recognized our claims, but there will still be holdouts across our territory. The Star Empire was - NPR@annpc#557 - weak and fractured when we arrived. Not all will heed the Senate's official decree." NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "Unleash me upon these rebel worlds, father, and I will have them brought in line." NPR@annpc#557 | Vitellius: "No. I have another task for you. Viria will reunite the Imperial worlds." NPR@annpc#557 | Viria: "As you wish, father." NPR@annpc#557 | Vitellius: "Take a third of the Zauger fleet. That should be more than enough." NPR@annpc#557 | Viria: "I would like to exchange some of the Zauger ships for our new subjects in the Imperial Navy." NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "You trust them?" NPR@annpc#557 | Viria: "Of course not. But Imperial worlds will be more likely to fall in line when they see Imperial ships rather than alien ones. The Zauger forces will still vastly outnumber the warbirds, - NPR@annpc#557 - of course, and they will remain in cloak to join the fray should it come to violence- or betrayal from within. The warbirds will simply be the face of our expedition, one of diplomatic - NPR@annpc#557 - outreach rather than bloody conquest. After all, every Romulan ship we destroy is one less for our Empire when affairs settle down." NPR@annpc#557 | Vitellius smiles, "Now that is how a Romulan thinks, Viria. You shall have your warbirds." NPR@annpc#557 | Viria: "Thank you, father." NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "What of my mission, then?" NPR@annpc#557 | Vitellius: "We shall speak of that when we are at a..." NPR@annpc#557 | The trio stop as they step past a door into an empty chamber. Looking around them, they can see the shapes of Romulans lying face down in the dark shadows around the edges of the room, clearly - NPR@annpc#557 - corpses. The door shuts behind them NPR@annpc#557 | Vitellius: "...more secure location." NPR@annpc#557 | Averius reaches behind his back, drawing his rifle. Viria meanwhile raises her arm as her eyes begin to glow NPR@annpc#557 FX | https://i.imgur.com/5eyoWoe.jpg NPR@annpc#557 | Six figures each leap out from pillars around them. Viria pushes her hand outwards, knocking the three on her side back. Averius opens fire, a wide disruptor beam slicing one of them apart and - NPR@annpc#557 - forcing the other two into cover. Meanwhile, a single figure steps out from behind a pillar on the far side of the room, a woman dressed in purple Qowat Milat robes holding their signature - NPR@annpc#557 - blade in hand NPR@annpc#557 | Vitellius: "I was wondering when a member of your order would get involved. You and your ways of candor are all too predictable." NPR@annpc#557 | Sister: "As are you and your ways of deception." NPR@annpc#557 | As the fight rages around them, one of the assassins raise a disruptor to fire at Vitellius. His eyes light up as he casually waves his arm, sending the assassin slamming hard into a pillar - NPR@annpc#557 - without even breaking eye contact with the Qowat Milat sister NPR@annpc#557 | Vitellius: "I do not walk the path of a traditional Romulan either. Deception is sometimes necessary and often useful, but we have been harmed by it as much as we have benefitted from it. My - NPR@annpc#557 - Empire will be far less self-destructive, and far more effective. Your order could have a place in it, without sacrificing any of your ideals." NPR@annpc#557 | Sister: "Save your speech. We will never serve the likes of you. Whatever your path is, it is one of self-glorification. We both know that, and it ends here. Please, friend, choose to live." NPR@annpc#557 | Vitellius reaches behind his back, drawing a long, curved blade. Even compared to the Sister's tan qalanq, which was by no means a poor weapon, the quality of the masterwork sword forged by - NPR@annpc#557 - S'harien is clearly superior. The blade is absolutely flawless, as much a piece of art as a weapon of war, and despite the ages, there is not a single chip or other sign of degradation. The - NPR@annpc#557 - Sister widens her eyes at the sight of the ancient artifact NPR@annpc#557 | The other assassins lie dead around them, and Vitellius' children approach, but he holds up a hand, stopping them in their tracks as he begins to circle the Sister, "Let our skill with the - NPR@annpc#557 - blade determine who lives and who dies today." NPR@annpc#557 | The two duelists clash in a blur of strikes. Vitellius moves with the speed of a much younger man, easily keeping up with the Qowat Milat Sister. Perhaps his psionic abilities are augmenting - NPR@annpc#557 - him, though he seems to restrain from using any observable psionic power, holding what seems to be a fair fight that a Klingon would call honourable NPR@annpc#557 | As the two fight across the chamber, the door behind them opens and several Zauger come charging in. Averius raises his arm in a gesture identical to his father's and the guards stop behind - NPR@annpc#557 - the pair, watching the fight NPR@annpc#557 | Viria: "Is this really necessary? Let me trip her." NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "You know father will never forgive you if you took his victory from him. Besides, today is a special occasion. Give him this. You can deal with assassins however you like once you're - NPR@annpc#557 - Empress." NPR@annpc#557 | Viria sighs, "Very well..." NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "I'm rather enjoying the show, myself." NPR@annpc#557 | Viria: "You're nothing but an adrenaline-fueled brute, brother." NPR@annpc#557 | Averius smirks, "Most people respect that more than cheating with magic tricks.” NPR@annpc#557 | Meanwhile, Vitellius finds his opening. He darts forward and blades flash from both sides. The Sister cuts a light gash along Vitellius' right arm, tearing apart the robe. A trickle of green - NPR@annpc#557 - blood begins to run down his arm. The Sister, however, freezes for a moment before topping to the ground, her torso cleanly severed from her lower body by a single stroke of the masterwork - NPR@annpc#557 - blade that cleaved through both muscle and bone with minimal effort NPR@annpc#557 | Averius and Viria step forward as the Zauger guards fan out across the room, searching for more signs of danger NPR@annpc#557 | Viria: "There were Remans among the assassins. And the Qowat Milat is willing to work alongside them. It's most likely this new Republic who sent them." NPR@annpc#557 | Vitellius: "Not in any official capacity, I expect." As he sheathes the Sword of S'task, we can see that it is still clean. Not only did it manage to bisect a person, it did so quickly enough - NPR@annpc#557 - that not a single drop of blood has stained the blade NPR@annpc#557 | Vitellius: "Even if we can trace it back to the Republic, we cannot declare war on them just yet. Not with the allies they have. And they clearly know what they are doing as well. Either take - NPR@annpc#557 - us out early, or push us into performing something rash. We must not be baited. We will proceed according to our initial plan." NPR@annpc#557 | Viria and Averius: "Yes father." NPR@annpc#557 | Vitellius: "And give her a warrior's funeral. She has earned as much, but more importantly, it will show the people that I was the better warrior. Any would-be assassins will think twice - NPR@annpc#557 - before they follow in her footsteps." --- Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Meanwhile in the Latenter's briefing room... Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Vitellius has just reached the Rator system, and the Star Empire's officially surrendered to him. He's been recognized as Emperor Vitellius II, but there are still elements of the Imperial Navy - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - who haven't pledged their loyalty. And no doubt elements who have pledged their loyalty but aren't actually loyal, knowing Romulans." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Hassan: "Vitellius II?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Bee: "There was another Emperor by the name of Vitellius in Romulus' past, who this Vitellius was most likely named after." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Hassan nods, "Right. That makes sense." Mischa@crystyl:"He's moved fast and is now a public figure. This will make it a lot more difficult to shut him down covertly, we may have no choice but to stir up open civil discourse" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "We've received word of an assassination attempt on him just earlier today. They managed to trap Vitellius and his children in a chamber alone, but failed to take out any of them." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "It's just come up on official Star Empire news channels. He's using it to further his legend." Mischa@crystyl:"Of course he is..." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"On our side of things here, we believe we've learned everything we can from the Zauger ship. Officially, the two task forces that split off from the main fleet are to ensure the loyalty of smaller - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - settlements, generally mining operations and such. One of the groups seems to be doing just that in the Lirss Sector. The other, however, has visited only two colonies and engaged in a single - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - confrontation with a group that didn't recognize their authority. For the most part, they appear to be making for the Noro Sector." Mischa@crystyl:"Noro? What is there of interest to them?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris taps on the console beside her, "The Star Empire don't have much territory left in that sector. Specifically, their course suggests they're heading towards one of these five systems displayed - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - here, none of which are under Star Empire control nor have anything documented of interest. The most likely explanation is our initial vault theory- that Vitellius knows where the vault we're - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - looking for is and he's sending out a force to reclaim it or scout it out." Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds like it's worth looking into" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Fel: "He must be unaware that the Shadow Guard have claimed the facility already. The task force he sent would not be capable of taking the station by force, even without account for any - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- supporting vessels. Once he learns that the vault is currently being occupied, he will have to either send a larger force to reclaim it, or give it up. I find the latter unlikely due to the value - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - of such a facility, though he may delay reclaiming it depending on the level of resistance." Mischa@crystyl:"If his forces get drawn into things there it could open up weaknesses elsewhere" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "But even though we're going after the Shadow Guard as well, if Vitellius gains control of that vault and its supposed shipbuilding capabilities, he might be able to recoup any losses - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- dealt to him elsewhere." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | T'Fel: "Indeed. We will either have to deal a serious enough blow for him to be unable to recover, essentially trapping him at the vault after he defeats the Shadow Guard for us, or ensure the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- facility does not fall into Vitellius' hands, perhaps cooperating with the Shadow Guard and dealing with them another time. Fortunately, the vault facilities are immobile, so once we know their - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- location, they will not be able to hide from us. They will either have to make a stand, or abandon the facility and become considerably less of a threat." Mischa@crystyl:"Trapping a man as powerful as Vitellius in a vault with such capability does not seem overly fruitful in the long course. Rallying to the Shadow Guard's side could be the preferable option, since - Mischa@crystyl:- we can rally all of the Imperial dissidents under Nikki's banner as an official standing against this new emperor" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Agreed. Once we know the location of their vault, the Shadow Guard will be much easier to deal with. If we keep Vitellius under control first, we should be able to deal with the Shadow Guard after." Mischa@crystyl:"So, we stalk the area until we get a bite. Meanwhile, we need to ramp up the PR on our homegrown Empress" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Victoria: "We've been spreading word through Seginus colony, and Eirril's been helping out with the Network as well, but I think we have something that might be able to help." Mischa@crystyl:"Oh?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Victoria: "The Zauger killed all the Imperial military personnel they could find, but they left most of the military equipment intact. Through the Imperial Navy channels, we picked up a - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- heavily encrypted message. The cipher they used isn't a modern one, it's an older cipher but new enough to be after Vitellius' departure, and probably made specifically to avoid him breaking it. - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - Fortunately, SFI has enough information for us to break the cipher. The message is asking all remaining Imperial Navy elements who aren't submitting to Vitellius to rally at the Agrama System. - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- It's a very convincing message, especially with the outdated cipher part." Mischa@crystyl:"Worth making a show there you think?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Victoria: "Worth making a show, but not there. If we didn't also have access to the Zauger communications, I would've been convinced by the rallying call, and most likely a lot of Imperial - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- Navy personnel are. Luckily, the Zauger communications reveal that House Hakhoallieu secretly surrendered Agrama to Vitellius and have kept it unknown from even Agrama's residents to set up this - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- trap. They don't have official Zauger support yet, only a few warbirds. Too many for us to destroy ourselves, but if we can warn Imperial Navy ships of the trap and rally them /before/ they reach - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - Agrama, they can handle Hakhoallieu themselves." Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds like a plan to me" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "I know just where to start. Remember the Zauger task force that's actually performing their official mission in the Lirss Sector?" Mischa@crystyl nods and listens Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"They were being harried by an Imperial Navy force. After a battle near the Lirss System, the Romulans took more losses and damage and fled into the Dimorus Sector. The Zauger didn't pursue because - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- they had taken some damage as well and weren't certain of victory. This group's somewhere nearby, in the same sector as us. With the damage they took, they'll probably be looking for fellow - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- Imperial Navy to regroup with. We should look for them and intercept them before they reach Agrama." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "This could be the same Imperial Navy ships who showed up for repairs at the independent Sarita colony that I've heard about. They were turned away, and it's a good bet they'll try - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- Agrama upon receiving this message. If we leave now at high warp, we can catch up with them and warn them of the trap. One of their ships has a damaged cloaking system as well. If they haven't - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- been able to fix it on the move, then we can locate them through that ship." Mischa@crystyl:"Do we have a crew ready for the captured cruiser?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"We do. It has a cloak as well; it's not a ship built for stealth, but it'll do for not getting shot at by the Romulans before we can announce we're not actually Zauger. And it's better than - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- revealing the Latenter." Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, any sign of SFI involved in this affair right now could be disastrous. We'll get underway immediately and shuffle personnel as needed while en route" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "I'll get us underway. Do you want one of us to take command of the cruiser, or should our Empress get some more leadership experience?" Mischa@crystyl:"She's a capable enough officer, but she's still learning our ways. Why don't you accompany here and make sure to steer her true" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles, "I'll shape her into a proper Empress." Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "As long as you get to have your fun too. Alright then, let's get ready to disembark" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | As everyone stands and sets out, Eirril approaches Mischa, "There's something else I have to report. It's not relevant to the Romulan situation so I didn't bring it up here, but it's, well, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- concerning. Meet me in the Cell room?" Mischa@crystyl stands, "Certainly. Let me see to the mission arrangements and I will join you shortly" --- Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | A short while later, Mischa proceeds down to the Cell room Mischa@crystyl moves to a console in silence where she taps a moment, "Alright, we're locked down. What have you got for me?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "Remember the Halls, the retired, ex-Starfleet parents of Ashley Hall who I concluded aren't actually the Halls and quite likely people who went through species reassignment to - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - masquerade as the Halls?" Mischa@crystyl nods, "Of course. You have something more on them now?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "Not on them specifically, not yet. There's a doctor that owes the Network some major favours. We're getting him to transfer to Mantilles to get a closer look at the Halls without - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - tipping anyone off that we're onto them, but planting a person takes time. I'll let you know once we have confirmation, but in the meantime, I've had people dig through records for other - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - unusual medical conditions that could suggest species reassignment." Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds promising" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "I found a few other cases, as I expected. Some of them might be freak occurrences- you know, a condition or disease that somehow surfaced in a member of a different species due to some - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - mutation or another, but it's unlikely all of them are. Especially given how many of them are ex-Starfleet retirees as well. The troubling part was, these aren't just seen in contemporary - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - records. There's people who fit the criteria in records dating to more than a century ago. And most suspiciously of all, the vast majority of them who have since died have requested a funeral - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - by cremation. As if they have something to hide about their bodies." Mischa@crystyl:"So, the plot thickens" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "Naturally, I dug deeper. Literally. I hired some people to dig up the graves of the ones who weren't cremated. Not exactly respectable, I know, but I think it's called for. They - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - retrieved a few remains but ones without signs of species reassignment surgery, probably those freak occurrences I mentioned. But it's what they didn't find that's even more suspicious. A - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - number of the graves were empty. Someone got there before us and took the bodies." Mischa@crystyl:"Honestly, what is the galaxy coming to" she jests Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "Don't worry, I had my grave robbers rebury the bodies we did recover after the examination, since they're clearly not what we're looking for. But the efforts paid off in the end, and - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - not just in revealing that many of the bodies were taken. Whoever these people are behind this coverup, they missed one." Mischa@crystyl:"Fortunate. And a little convenient" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "Convenient only because of the connections I've got," he grins. "This one was a Starfleet retiree who served in the last decade of the 23rd century and retired in the early 24th. Or - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - at least, that's who she claimed to be. She developed a problem with stimulants and got into some serious debt with local criminal elements of the time. In 2347, she was murdered by some - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- Orion thugs and buried in desert sand. One of these thugs went on to be an operative for the Network for some time. He's retired now, but still alive. A little latinum was enough to buy the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - location of the body. Since it was in sand, the skeleton was still preserved. And since she was buried in secret, no one knew where to recover the body." Mischa@crystyl:"Fair enough. Sounds like you've got quite the history on this one, so what's the story?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "Well, we examined the skeleton, and we found it- signs of species reassignment surgery. We can't say for sure what species she was before- we suspect possibly one of the Ferenginoid - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- species, possibly a Dopterian, but it's difficult to say for certain. Whoever did the surgery was very professional. In any case, she was not a retired human Starfleet officer. I believe she was - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- replaced after she left Starfleet from extensive review of her records; her personality seemed to have changed from the actual officer, and the medical problems also only began to surface a few - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- years after retirement. It's odd, normally something as extensive as species reassignment is done specifically to infiltrate another organization. I don't know why people would be replacing /ex/ - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- Starfleet, but whatever it is, it's been going on for at least a century now. Hence, very troubling." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. Well, let's see if your doctor finds anything on the Halls" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril nods, "I'll keep you updated on his progress and whether he proves or disproves the species reassignment suspicion." Mischa@crystyl:"Thank you, now back to the matter at hand" she smiles, heading out --- Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | On the Zauger cruiser, Yuzuki leads Nikki into a sizable office. It resembles a Starfleet ready room to some extent, with a desk and work area as well as a small lounge with sofas to the side. - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - However, Nikki notes that it is more decorated than a Starfleet Captain's ready room as well. Four long banners are hung across the room, one behind the desk, one by the sofas and two on - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - either side of the door. She recognizes the emblem on the banner from her family record- the symbol of House Rllaillieu Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Sorry for the extravagance, Subcommander. We've set up this office for you to receive guests, and we have to keep up appearances." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Looking around more closely, she would also notice the Debrune Teral'n placed on a weapon rack, as well as several pieces of decoration, including one of a 23rd century Romulan helmet Nikki@crystyl:"I suppose it is a necessary evil" she sighs, looking around, admiring the handiwork, "I'll say this much, you guys don't skimp on the details. I might just have to keep one of these banners as a - Nikki@crystyl:- true memento when this farce is all over with" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"You are certainly welcome to. You can redecorate a little here if you like as well, make it more...uniquely you. Not that any guests will likely know the difference, but a little personal touch - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - could help appearances a little." Nikki@crystyl:"By which I assume you mean making me feel more like this is really me and not a facade" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Well, getting more into character couldn't hurt." Nikki@crystyl:"Fear not, I may not have been around you Starfleet types for so long but remember I was Republic Intelligence for a lot longer before you came along. I know how to put on a show when needed" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Perfect. You'll have to fully embrace your Empress role this time- we're not dealing with colonists who are already in your debt from helping liberate them. These are Imperial Navy officers who - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- stuck with the Star Empire even after all these hardships, despite droves of people turning to the Republic around them." Nikki@crystyl looks around the office, trying to make herself at home, "So am I still a former Republic soldier who turned away from D'Tan or have you cooked up a whole new backstory for me now too?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Let's keep the story as is. The more truth we can fit in, the more convincing it will be. As for your reasons for claiming the position of Empress of a sudden now, you could say that you weren't - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- happy with the Republic ignoring the plight of the Romulan people under the Star Empire's reign because your government has no authority here, and Vitellius and his Zauger fleet was the final - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- straw. Unless you have a better explanation; these are your people, after all." Nikki@crystyl repositions a few items, "No, I think that makes the most sense. Anyone who looks up my record will see that my allegiance in my youth was more to the Empire so it makes sense" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles, "Excellent." She steps over, taking a seat on a sofa. "What made you join the Republic, if you don't mind me asking." Nikki@crystyl joins her, "I believed in the Empire growing up, but saw nothing but failure and relics in it. Meanwhile the Republic was establishing new worlds and rebuilding a name for our people so they seemed - Nikki@crystyl:- like the strongest future for us" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "Was that why you didn't stay at the hunting lodge on...Abraxas, was it? You wanted to help rebuild, rather than just living out a comfortable life on a remote colony?" Nikki@crystyl:"Yes, it was never in my blood to sit around on a quiet remote colony and simply... exist. I was barely old enough to remember the evacuation from Romulus, but it stuck with me still. As a survivor - Nikki@crystyl:- I felt it my duty to do my part in restoring the Romulan people" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I understand. I can only imagine everything you've been through, but I think just about everyone who joined Starfleet understand the desire to do something, be a part of something larger than - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- ourselves, instead of living our days out, whether it's on a remote colony or a bustling core world." Nikki@crystyl:"Honestly, simply settling on New Romulus and helping to rebuild more literally would have been a valid contribution for me. But having been raised at the lodge, all I knew was hunting. If I didn't - Nikki@crystyl:- seek out a military career then one would have found me before long" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Indeed. That desire to rebuild is probably something Imperial Romulans have as well, even if their actions tend to lean closer towards tearing themselves apart. But self-destruction isn't their - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - goal, just a byproduct of the Star Empire's internal politics and corruption." Nikki@crystyl:"Over the years I have seen more turn away from them - either for independence or the Republic - because of the same broad reasoning I first joined the Republic. I chalk the delays down to Imperial - Nikki@crystyl:- misinformation; making the remaining loyal citizens believe things are better than they really are" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Propaganda is a big part of the Star Empire's methods, isn't it?" Nikki@crystyl nods, "As many things, it is something we are exceptionally good at but the rest of the galaxy seldom appreciates the finesse of" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Good image is important. The Federation doesn't much like the /word/, but we practice a version of the actual idea as well. Not quite as manipulative most of the time, and generally referred to - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- by terms such as morale boosting or public image, but we promote successes like James Kirk's five year mission or Voyager's journey from the Delta Quadrant, while doing our best to downplay - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- failures and shortcomings where possible. One of the greatest cases of that is actually still in play, and it's surprising how overlooked it is." Nikki@crystyl:"And to which failing exactly do you refer?" she asks with a wry grin Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"The loss of the USS Defiant. When a ship is lost and a second ship is a direct successor instead of simply reusing the name, the registry is kept with a letter added behind it. If it already has a - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- letter, it advances to the next letter, like the various Enterprises. The Defiant is an exception to that rule, and even today it still bears the registry NX-74205. No A, nor NCC, even though - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- it's no longer a prototype either. Starfleet did that on purpose because we wanted to hide the loss of our most powerful ship of the time, a vessel that had spearheaded multiple operations - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- against the Dominion. We didn't classify the records of the battle though or lie about the Defiant's loss. If you knew which reports to look at, the information was accessible to every officer. But - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- most didn't know where to look, so when they saw the new Defiant with the old registry, the majority of Starfleet was under the impression it was the same ship, at least throughout the rest of the war." Nikki@crystyl chuckles, "Meanwhile you less glamorous Starfleet types skulk around in the shadows pinning puppets on thrones and secretly manipulating the galactic underworld to suit your own ends. It is a shame - Nikki@crystyl:- really that your people are so stuck up about the utopia they believe they exist in. If there was room in your society for people like us - as there was in the old Star Empire - then you would all - Nikki@crystyl:- be on the fast track to the Senate by now. Maybe even beyond that" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris chuckles, "Maybe. Speaking of Romulan propaganda, Vitellius is using his victory over his would-be assassins to promote himself. His daughter Viria was apparently wearing a concealed camera - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - which caught him besting a Qowat Milat sister with the sword he holds. He's using his skill with the artifact to show that it is rightfully his, and to push the image that he's a strong - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - leader." She glances over to the Debrune Teral'n on the wall, "You wouldn't happen to know how to use that, would you?" Nikki@crystyl follows her gaze, "Not unless it extends a long barrel and a hunting scope when you wield it..." Nikki@crystyl:"That said, I am not entirely unrefined in suck skills. Though if Vitellius can best a Qowat Milat sister I highly doubt I could compete" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Don't worry, I'm not expecting you to defeat Vitellius in a duel. Hopefully you won't have to use it as a weapon at all, but if you are seen wielding it in combat from time to time, it could build - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- a good image to rival Vitellius, and demonstrate that you know the weapon and deserve to possess it. Besides, you'll be having the artifact nearby fairly often, if not carrying it ceremonially. - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- In the case someone sets up a damping field or uses an EMP, it could turn out to be the best defense you have at hand." Nikki@crystyl:"I will begin a stringent practice regime for it then" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I was the best close-quarters combatant in our class. Mischa can corroborate if you ask her, she tried to challenge my record a few times and pushed me to try even harder," she smirks. "I could - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- help you train in the holodeck sometime, if you like. I'm not the best person to train you in using a teral'n, since neither Romulan nor longer weapons are my forte. I prefer shorter blades, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- which most assassins tend to as well due to their concealability, so I could emulate opponents you're more likely to encounter." Nikki@crystyl:"Sounds like a fun way to pass the time during our journey" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles and stands, "Let me know when you want to get some practice in then, Subcommander." Nikki@crystyl:"Will do Commander, thank you" --- NPC@annpc#557 | As the Latenter travels with the Zauger cruiser, Buena calls Mischa down to her sickbay office Mischa@crystyl strolls in, "Hello Buena, you wanted to see me?" NPC@annpc#557 | Buena nods, "Don't worry Commander, it's not about checkups or anything." She spins her chair around, tapping on a larger console behind her to display a DNA strand Mischa@crystyl watches curiously NPC@annpc#557 | Buena: "We've been studying Zauger physiology and genetics. T'Bee sent a copy of our data to Starfleet Science, and they've confirmed Acey's theory that this was an early creation of the - NPC@annpc#557 - Architect and his team. The data was compared to samples being studied by the USS Maharashtra, one of the science ships at Eden. They discovered multiple unfinished or failed specimens with - NPC@annpc#557 - high degrees of shared DNA, ranging from 95 to 99.2%." Mischa@crystyl:"If the Zauger are indeed creations of the Architect, that must mean they have some form of genetic backdoor too right?" NPC@annpc#557 | Buena shakes her head, "Not that we've been able to determine. The standing theory is that they were a failed experiment. According to what we learned from Ensign Sin's account of the - NPC@annpc#557 - Architect's history, he initially attempted to design beings with increasingly potent psionic ability, but hit some sort of barrier. He determined that the only way forward was to let natural - NPC@annpc#557 - evolution take over and then possess the Children species who have developed powers bordering on ascension. The Zauger seems to have been genetically engineered for psionic power, which is - NPC@annpc#557 - more in line with his earlier experiments. Somehow they ended up loose in the galaxy rather than contained on Eden or another laboratory." Mischa@crystyl:"Set loose by Vitellius perhaps" NPC@annpc#557 | Buena: "That doesn't fit the records on the Zauger cruiser, though. They were already a spacefaring Empire and captured Vitellius and his crew. They've been active in the galaxy for some time, - NPC@annpc#557 - just far enough beyond Romulan space that we've never heard of them. Our leading theory at the moment is that the Architect left them on a world of their own to reproduce and observe, but - NPC@annpc#557:- either abandoned them when the results weren't favourable or their location and existence was lost after the Architect was imprisoned. In any case, they were left to their own devices and - NPC@annpc#557 - developed into the Zauger we know today. By all accounts, they were basically his lab rats- he never intended to possess them, which is why they lack any backdoor." Mischa@crystyl:"Makes sense. Also unfortunate, as I would have hoped that all experiments - even early ones - included something in the base setup to accommodate future potential. After all, he had no idea when - Mischa@crystyl:- he started that they would fail so you would have thought he would have prepared somehow. Might be worth continuing to look as it may not be the same backdoor, but I would be very surprised if - Mischa@crystyl:-there was not at least something there" NPC@annpc#557 | Buena nods, "That's a good point. We were just looking for the Children backdoor so far, but it could be something different. We'll keep looking into it. So far, we've discovered a few other - NPC@annpc#557:- interesting things about them as well." Mischa@crystyl:"Let's hear it. We're going to need to know all we can to stand up to these people" NPC@annpc#557 | Buena: "Well to start, the Zauger are essentially a race of augments. I mean proper, Eugenics War type augments, with their genetics not very heavily balanced, as opposed to Colonial Arshai, - NPC@annpc#557 - who are all artificially bred but without any exaggerated characteristics. In the Zauger's case though, the majority of genetic engineering went into their brains and psionic powers. - NPC@annpc#557 - Physically, they seem to be a predatory species, but their prowess comes from the natural weaponry, teeth and claws. In terms of raw physical strength, the average Romulan is stronger than the - NPC@annpc#557 - average Zauger. They're not Lupan, they weren't bred for war." Mischa@crystyl:"That's something at least" NPC@annpc#557 | Buena: "What makes them particularly disturbing is their psychology. You know how Eugenics War augments have heightened ambition due to the unbalanced augmentations?" Mischa@crystyl nods, "Of course" NPC@annpc#557 | Buena: "Well, the Zauger have a whole host of psychological issues. We'll need to examine live specimens to get an accurate look into their psyche. From what we can learn from biological data - NPC@annpc#557 - corroborated by examples of their behaviour, ambition doesn't seem to be affected. Some of their Sorcerers can be quite ambitious, but no more so than a Romulan or a human could be. And their - NPC@annpc#557 - lower castes can be quite unambitious because there's not much room for social mobility for them. What their engineered genetics affects most is their empathy. Zauger can range from - NPC@annpc#557 - high-functioning psychopaths to complete sadists, but it seems like the entire species lacks any sense of empathy whatsoever. From the logs and reports we retrieved, many of them seem to revel - NPC@annpc#557 - in sensing the pain and fear they inflict upon others. Like the Klingons or Lupan, they tend to enjoy battle, but not for the challenge of combat or glory of victory, but for the suffering." Mischa@crystyl:"Troubling, but perhaps something we could exploit with a suitably capable empath" NPC@annpc#557 | Buena nods, "That's something else we learned about them. The engineering to further their psionic abilities has another major drawback. Members of their species can become quite capable at - NPC@annpc#557:- psionics because their brains are designed in such a way to make their use of psionics more effective. This also has the effect of making their brains particularly susceptible to psionic - NPC@annpc#557:- attacks by others. Their brain has been wired to better conduct signals, and it goes both ways. In short, what they're best at is also what they're weakest to. Chani believes that's the reason - NPC@annpc#557:- behind their psionic-based caste system in their society. It's certainly something we can take advantage of." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. Nice work as always Buena" NPC@annpc#557 | Buena smiles, "I aim to impress. There's nothing too special about physical confrontation with the Zauger. Weak points are where you'd intuitively think they are- head for the brain or centre mass - NPC@annpc#557 - for vital organs. And if you're in close range, avoid their claws and bite." Mischa@crystyl:"Duly noted, thank you" NPC@annpc#557 | Buena: "I'll keep you updated if I learn anything else, Commander." Mischa@crystyl nods, heading back out --- Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The next day, Nikki steps into one of the Zauger cruiser's holodecks to meet with Yuzuki. She is already inside, dressed in a white sparring outfit. A replica of the teral'n has been created - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - by the holodeck, lying on the ground in front of Yuzuki along with a pair of sai Goto Yuzuki@anncaris looks up from her seated spot on the ground, "Good morning, Subcommander." Nikki@crystyl:"Commander. I see you are... very well prepared. Why do I get the feeling you've been looking forward to this a little too much...?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris grins and collects the weapons before standing, "I'm curious to see what you're capable of." She steps forward, handing the teral'n to Nikki. "I had one of our engineers scan the teral'n so - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - the holodeck reproduction is exact. And I've had engineering check the safety systems as well. We'll be safe as long as we use weapons we replicate in here." Nikki@crystyl takes the weapon and acclimatizes to it, "It is good of you to consider my wellbeing" she smiles Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles back, "Don't sell yourself short- you might score a few hits as well. After all, you have the advantage of range with that weapon." Nikki@crystyl:"I 'might score a few hits'..." she scoffs, "Something tells me I'm about to spend the next few hours on the floor..." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smirks as she steps back, assuming a ready stance with the sai, "Don't worry, I'll go easy on you. The point is to make you more comfortable with using the teral'n, not to show off." Nikki@crystyl:"Mhmm..." she utters disbelievingly as she readies herself with a flourish Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Not a bad display. Shows you can handle the balance of the weapon, at least. I'll let you strike first." Nikki@crystyl:"As I said yesterday, this might not be my forte but I have done my share of practice with such weapons during military school as well" she lunges in Goto Yuzuki@anncaris steps aside and forward, letting the bladed tips of the weapon pass her by before trapping the shaft of the teral'n with one of her sai before lunging forward with the other. Nikki can force her - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - way out of the weapon lock, though it would not be fast enough to avoid the lunge of the other sai. She could also let go of the teral'n to dodge the strike, but she would lose her weapon Nikki@crystyl lets it go to avoid the hit Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles, "A good choice in an actual combat situation. It will leave you unarmed, but unarmed is better than dead, after all. If this weren't a holodeck, you could always grab something else to - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - defend yourself with, even if it's less optimal than the weapon you dropped." Nikki@crystyl:"Exactly, yes" she retrieves the weapon, "Living to fight another day is somewhat instinctive" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "It was a little unfair to start with the weapon I was most familiar with, but I wanted to show you the advantage of a weapon lock. I don't know what the official techniques of a teral'n - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - is, but the way the points at the front of that one is shaped certainly looks ideal to trap and twist away someone else's weapon. That's a little hard to do against a sai though. Computer, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - ninjato." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris FX | Nothing happens Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Right. Zauger holodeck. One moment." She steps over to the console Goto Yuzuki@anncaris picks up a chip she left by the console, sliding it in and tapping. A few seconds later, a ninjato blade appears on the ground and she moves back, setting down the sai and picking it up Nikki@crystyl:"My turn to defend?" she guesses Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "I'll start with a basic strike. Try to catch the blade with the teral'n and twist it out of my grasp.” Nikki@crystyl does her best to do so Nikki@crystyl:rolls 11 (1-100) Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The ninjato hits the teral'n, but Nikki doesn't manage to catch it between the teral'n's blades and the sword slides down the weapon's shaft, impacting Nikki's hand. She feels only a slight - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - tap, but a holographic red mark lights up along the impact as the holodeck highlights the hit Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"It's more difficult to do with a longer weapon, because the further it is from your arms, the harder it is to control. But conversely it's more dangerous with a shorter weapon like the sai. It's - Nikki@crystyl recoils, shaking her hand from the sharp pain Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - easy to control, but because the weapon's so close to your own body, if you do make a mistake, you will likely get hit." Nikki@crystyl:"Less margin for error. So based on the design, do you classify this as an offensive or defensive weapon?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I think it's fairly ideal for both. Longer reach is useful in hitting an opponent before they have a chance to strike at you, but also for keeping them at bay. With the multiple prongs at the tip, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - it leans a little more into defensive for the ability to trap an enemy's weapon, since the additional prongs don't make it much more effective than a regular spear for striking enemies. It's - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- certainly not bad at offense though, it's just more catered towards defense than the base spear design." Nikki@crystyl:"I see, that makes sense" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles, "That's why I want you to practice the weapon trapping. It's the benefit of that design and you should take advantage of it where you can. Let's try again." She readies the ninjato for - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - another strike Nikki@crystyl readies to do the same again. Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | This time, Nikki manages to catch the blade between the teral'n's prongs! Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles, "Not bad. Now that you've caught the blade, you want to twist it out of your opponent's grip immediately. Don't give them time to retrieve their weapon. If the weapon is of a low - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - quality, you might even be able to snap it outright. I won't try to get out of the lock this time, just so you can practice the twisting." Nikki@crystyl nods and does so, using the length of the weapon to do the work rather than her own strength Goto Yuzuki@anncaris has the blade twisted out of her hands, "Just like that. This is where you have several advantages. The longer weapon means more leverage, but you're also stronger than I am. From our recent - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - findings, it seems most Zauger aren't as strong as Romulans either, so you'll hold that advantage with them too, but you won't have that benefit against fellow Romulans." Nikki@crystyl:"Like Vitellius" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "An advantage you do have is versatility. As I said, I don't expect you to best Vitellius in a one-on-one duel. But, if two versions of Vitellius were fighting, one using the Debrune - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- Teral'n and the other with the Sword of S'task, the version with the teral'n would more likely win. In addition to the range, the teral'n could also be used to slash at an enemy like a battleaxe; - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- not as effectively, but it's an option. Not to mention the rear end, which makes for a decent blunt force weapon. Meanwhile, the Sword of S'task is primarily a slashing blade, not unlike a katana - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - in design." Nikki@crystyl:"I believe I understand. There is a certain elegance to be found in such versatility" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, stepping over and picking up the ninjato again, "Your primary advantage is still going to be range, though. The teral'n is a long, two-handed stabbing weapon. Your very first attack was - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - in the right vein. But instead of lunging forward, try to keep me at a distance with short, quick jabs of the weapon." She steps back, assuming a ready stance with the blade Nikki@crystyl flourishes again to reposition the weapon in her hands and then attacks as indicated with a rapid flurry Goto Yuzuki@anncaris parries the blows adeptly, but is clearly on the defensive due to it, "Yes, just like that!" Nikki@crystyl smiles, "Your guidance is most intuitive" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I'm happy to help, Subcommander. I wonder...try keeping one of the side blades of the teral'n pointed in my direction at all times as you thrust. When I dodge over to one side, spin the weapon so - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - the edge follows me." Nikki@crystyl nods and does so with another similar flurry, adjusted as suggested Goto Yuzuki@anncaris parries the blows just as effectively, except this time she takes a risk, trying to bat aside the teral'n and advance by closing the distance. However, having a side place pointed towards her - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - allows Nikki to swing the teral'n back around to hit her with that blade as she tries to advance Nikki@crystyl sees the opportunity it created and goes for it Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The bladed prong hits Yuzuki's leg as she advances, knocking her off balance. A red hit highlight appears along her thigh Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Well done. I thought that would be a good way to ward off an enemy closing the distance." Nikki@crystyl:"I shall have to remember that" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Now, if someone does manage to close the distance fast enough, you won't have time to bring the front of the weapon around to strike them. If that happens, step back and use the blunt end to - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - strike at them. It's no lirpa, but a solid hit still hurts and will break their advance. Like this," she readies her ninjato again Nikki@crystyl stands ready Goto Yuzuki@anncaris bats the weapon aside, quickly closing the distance beyond where Nikki can use the tips of the teral'n effectively as she described Nikki@crystyl hops back, swinging the blunt end of the weapon at Yuzu's abdomen Goto Yuzuki@anncaris grunts as she is hit and stumbles backwards. She stabilizes herself after a moment, "Finely executed." Nikki@crystyl:"Thank you. Though it is again owed more to your intuition regarding the weapon than my own skill" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"With some more practice, I'm sure it'll become a part of your repertoire." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris steps back over to the sai, "The teral'n is probably better matched against another teral'n, but as I said yesterday, most assassins tend to use shorter weapons. I'm fairly sure the weapon isn't - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - a part of the modern Romulan armoury, so it's unlikely you'll come across an opponent with the same weapon." Nikki@crystyl:"A valid observation. So mastering it as far as I'm able should further help on those grounds since most opponents would not be familiar with it and so find themselves unprepared" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Exactly. But there is one other advantage shorter weapons have." She sets down the ninjato, picking up both sai again. "Ever heard of an Earth sport called baseball?" Nikki@crystyl shakes her head, "I assume it would be some form of martial competition. Presumably involving... balls?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris chuckles and stands, "Yes, but not a martial competition. It's a team sport involving hitting small balls with a long bat." Nikki@crystyl:"Well. I hope these balls are deserving of such abuse..." Nikki@crystyl:"I mean, I knew yours was a violent species but I had no idea" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"They're being thrown at you. Though not to hurt you. It's not really that violent once you see it, even some Vulcans have developed a liking for the activity." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"But, that's why I made the competition. Hitting a small, fast-flying object in mid-air." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris steps back, raising a sai Nikki@crystyl:"Curious" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"See if you can block this." She hurls the weapon at Nikki Nikki@crystyl turns away, swinging her blade up try and intercept the throw Nikki@crystyl:rolls 20 (1-100) Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Redirecting the thrown sai with the long and thin weapon turns out to be quite difficult and the sai impacts Nikki. It bounces off thanks to the holodeck safeties instead of doing real damage, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - and a red dot appears to mark the hit Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"It takes some practice, especially with a weapon and not a bat designed for this. But it's quite likely you'll encounter enemies who throw their weapon at you. Many shorter weapons like the sai - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- are designed to be thrown as well as wielded, and that's something you can expect from assassins." Nikki@crystyl:"I shall then have to make sure I incorporate an exercise like this into my regime then" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris makes her way close again, "The last thing you probably want to know about is fighting multiple enemies. Not something I'd be particularly good at simulating, but you can load up holos to - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- practice against for that. The length of the teral'n is also useful for that. You can make wider sweeping attacks with a weapon of that length, or spin it around yourself to ward off enemies - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - coming from multiple directions." Nikki@crystyl nods, "I recall there being some Klingon martial forms which focus on this aspect. Albeit for a bat'leth, but many of the principles apply" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I could find some programs for them on the Latenter and load them up here for you. I also know of a few decent quarterstaff training programs which have similar techniques." Nikki@crystyl:"That would be most useful" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I'll have those programs ready for you, then. And feel free to let me know if you want a real, live opponent to practice with again," she smiles Nikki@crystyl:"Give me a few days to run through the available regimen, then I believe it would be prudent to make it a regular part of the sessions" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "I look forward to seeing how you improve then. Good luck with your training, Subcommander." Nikki@crystyl:"As do I Commander" --- Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | A few days after Nikki's practice session with Yuzuki, she is dining in the Zauger cruiser's mess hall Goto Yuzuki@anncaris steps into the mess, spotting Nikki and stepping over, "Hello Subcommander. How goes your training?" Nikki@crystyl looks up and nods, "Progressing well I feel" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles, "Excellent. Mind if I join you?" Nikki@crystyl gestures, "By all means. I suppose it's too early to expect news on the fleet we're looking for?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris sits down opposite Nikki, "Actually from our calculations, we should be catching up with them soon. They have several smaller vessels that aren't capable of holding high warp for long, not to - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - mention the damage they took in confrontations with the Zauger. But we haven't seen any sign of them yet." Nikki@crystyl:"Not that I'm in any particular rush to begin this facade. It is hard enough with the few colonists who came aboard" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "And they're only colonists. Have you done anything like this before with Republic Intelligence? Not masquerading as an Empress specifically, undercover or other similar work in general." Nikki@crystyl:"Close to it was infiltrating a Tal Shiar operation" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"How did that mission go? And who were you masquerading as, a member of the organization?" Nikki@crystyl:"Yes, it was simply information gathering. So I was masquerading as a mid level operative. Simple in and out job" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "It went without any incident, then?" Nikki@crystyl:"Yes, a very smooth operation in all" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Well, this should be easier than a Tal Shiar operative in some ways, since we're mostly going with your life story as is. But perhaps harder in others, because being a Tal Shiar operative is - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- closer to an Intelligence officer than being an Empress is." Nikki@crystyl:"Also because that guise was all about going unnoticed in order to reach an objective point. This is drawing attention very publicly in a prominent position which in itself invites scrutiny" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "And drawing attention goes against the very nature of our regular jobs, doesn't it." Nikki@crystyl:"Very much so. The whole ethos of Romulan Intelligence is to see and not be seen. This is literally going the exact opposite way" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I can sympathize. Drawing attention isn't exactly something I've been trained to do, either. Perhaps you could learn something from the Romulans we are about to seek out, though. Many of the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- people who chose to remain with the Star Empire are members of old prominent Romulan House-Clans, like your own. Plenty of them have military traditions, and you'll find quite a few of the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- ranking officers in the Imperial Fleet come from such families. They're essentially Romulan nobility and many of them were raised with the expectation of eventually attaining a Senate position or - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - leading their families, or both." Nikki@crystyl sighs, "Nobility... military prestige... you sure we wouldn't do better sticking some fake pointed ears on the Commander and letting her do this?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris chuckles, "She likes to be at the forefront of the action. If there was any benefit to that, you'd be sure she would've done it already. She wanted you here because she thinks you're a superior - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- option, even if you might not think so." Nikki@crystyl:"She's been eager for an opportunity to shoehorn me into this ever since she learned of my heritage. I think she is not satisfied with ruling the underground spy network and can't resist the allure - Nikki@crystyl:- of pulling the strings of a puppet leader at the head of Romulan society" she chuckles Goto Yuzuki@anncaris chuckles, "Maybe a little bit of that too. But even if you wanted to be Empress, you also want to see a better future for the Romulan people, don't you? And taking over as Empress and standing - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- in opposition to the Republic is just retreading ground that Sela's already tread, and we all know how that went. If you ask me, I think what would benefit your people most is to get rid of the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- Republic/Empire divide. That's something every Romulan agrees with to some extent- it's just a question of method. The Republic wants everyone in the Star Empire to adopt their new ways, while - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- the Star Empire wants to conquer the Republic and reassert old traditions." Nikki@crystyl:"It is a dilemma" she nods Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Even if you wanted to really embrace this Empress role, I think the best way forward would be reintegrating the Empire with the Republic peacefully, by compromising on both sides. Something like - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- what Mischa's people did back in Earth's history; keeping the ancient royal families as rulers, but in a more ceremonial position. I think it's as optimal as a situation could get for reuniting - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- the Romulan people, but it requires an Emperor or Empress who's willing to give up power. I can't imagine you'd go against the Republic, so it's the option you'd most likely have, but it wouldn't - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- make you much of a puppet for Mischa," she chuckles. "Since ceremonial role and all." Nikki@crystyl leans to one side, scrutinizing Yuzu's features, studying them, looking for something... Goto Yuzuki@anncaris grins, "Trying to figure out if Mischa put me up to this?" Nikki@crystyl:"Trying to see evidence of vulcanoid ears. Arguments like that almost make it sound perfectly logical..." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Well, I did have a few Vulcan teachers..." Nikki@crystyl hrms, "Evidently" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris 's combadge sounds and she taps it, "Goto here." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris <C - T'Bee> "Commander, we have picked up a Romulan warp trail. Most likely that of a warbird." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris stands, "There's the news you've been waiting for. Let's head to the bridge." --- Romulan@annpc#557 | Nikki arrives on the bridge first as she doesn't have to put on any Romulan makeup to look the role. The rest of the bridge are staffed by Latenter crew, wearing Romulan disguises Romulan@annpc#557 | T'Bee: "Subcommander. We are following the warp trail now." Nikki@crystyl looks around, "Still no Goto? I assume you have the bridge then" Romulan@annpc#557 | T'Bee: "Affirmative. She should be with us momentarily. I am monitoring sensors, but we do not yet have the vessel on sensors." Nikki@crystyl:"Guess I didn't need to rush so much after all" Romulan@annpc#557 | T'Bee: "It is always better to be early than to be late." Nikki@crystyl:"True enough" Romulan@annpc#557 | A minute later, Yuzuki steps onto the bridge in her Romulan disguise, "Any updates?" Nikki@crystyl looks over, smiling a little at the appearance Romulan@annpc#557 | T'Bee: "Still no sighting, but analysis of the warp trail indicates it is most likely a Dia Vectau class." Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki notices Nikki's smile and returns it, "Glad you approve of the look, Subcommander." Nikki@crystyl:"It is as I thought. The ears suit you" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki grins, "You should see Mischa when she's in green. That part suits her more." Nikki@crystyl:"Why am I not surprised..." Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki chuckles as she makes her way to the centre of the sizable bridge, "You've got a pretty good look going yourself." Nikki@crystyl looks down at herself, "I did my research. It is far less ornate than that which is generally seen, but the last of my family who led our people did so more from the bridge of her flagship and so also- Nikki@crystyl:- favoured attire more akin to a dress uniform than anything else" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods, "A good choice. We'll be dealing with military officers, so they'll respect someone who's in touch with the military more than just someone who dresses fancy." Nikki@crystyl:"That much at least should come rather naturally" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Another reason Mischa probably chose you for this. You have actual experience serving in a Romulan military. Starfleet might be comparable in some ways, but there's nothing better - Romulan@annpc#557 - than genuine experience." Nikki@crystyl:"Perhaps. But the Republic is not the Star Empire, so I don't expect this to be easy" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "I'm confident you'll manage, Subcommander. Or should we start calling you Empress now so we don't slip up later?" she smirks Nikki@crystyl sighs, "I suppose it is inevitable. Now is as good a time as any to get into character I suppose" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods, "As you command, Empress." Nikki@crystyl eyerolls, sensing a little too much satisfaction in Yuzu's voice, "I suppose you want me to take centre stage?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "That's right. You should be seen commanding your own ship, not leaving it to someone else. You don't have to take position just yet though." Nikki@crystyl:"Fair enough" Romulan@annpc#557 | T'Bee: "I have a Romulan warbird on long-range sensors. Readings are unclear from this distance, matching with the Latenter now." Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods, "Stay in cloak for now until we announce ourselves to them. They have one warbird with a damaged cloak but likely others in the vicinity. If they see a Zauger ship, they'll - Romulan@annpc#557 - probably attack, and not from a direction we're expecting." Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki looks to the helm, "Get us into comm range and send out a hail. Don't go too fast though, this ship has a cloak but it's not as effective as Romulan ones." Romulan@annpc#557 | T'Bee: "Latenter has given confirmation. The vessel is a Dia Vectau class and the same one whose trail we have been following." Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "It matches the description of one of the ships the Zauger said they damaged in their reports. We should be on the right tracks." Romulan@annpc#557 | A short while later, the pilot announces, "Approaching comm range in one minute." Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "Time to take your place, Empress." Nikki@crystyl nods, walking around taking the command chair. Maybe it's just her Romulan demeanour but she immediately has a look of self-importance and superiority about her Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki smiles, "Looking good! We'll send out the hail on your order." Nikki@crystyl looks around a moment and nods, "Do it" Romulan@annpc#557 | Comm Officer: "Hailing them now." Romulan@annpc#557 FX | A few moments pass in silence... Romulan@annpc#557 | Comm Officer: "We are receiving a hail from a different nearby location. No vessel in the area, likely a cloaked source." Nikki@crystyl:"Alright, let's see what they have to say" Romulan@annpc#557 | A Romulan woman appears on the viewscreen, dressed in an Imperial Navy uniform, "This is Ael’Riov Imaella i-Keladan t’Atreev of the IRW Tarai. To whom am I speaking?" Nikki@crystyl purses her lips, taking a moment to study the woman, "You are speaking to your rightful Empress, you would do well to remember that when choosing your next words. I am Nikee ir-Fethraie t'Rllaillieu" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Another claimant to leadership? I recognize your House name, but not you. I take it you stand in opposition to Vitellius?" Nikki@crystyl:"That is fair" she nods, "There is no reason you should recognize me yet. And yes, after seeing what Vitellius was doing to our people I could no longer sit idly by" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Does House Hakhoallieu side with you as well?" Nikki@crystyl scowls, "House Hakhoallieu betray even those they are sworn to protect! Which is exactly why I have sought out your convoy; the summons to Agrama is a trap" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "That...does seem like a scheme the Hakhoallieu would develop. I would be impressed, if I was not looking for a safe harbour to conduct repairs. But how do I know /this/ isn't a trap?" - Romulan@annpc#557 - She narrows her eyes. "You are not on a Romulan bridge. In fact, the design of your bridge seem like that of an enemy ship." Nikki@crystyl:"Yes, this is the bridge of a Zauger cruiser I captured after liberating the Seginus II colony. You will find a true safe harbour there for your convoy" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella thinks for a moment, "Seginus. How many ships do you have there, if you must travel on a captured enemy vessel?" Nikki@crystyl:"The Imperial military presence there was completely decimated by Vitellius' forces. This cruiser was the only ship present - left behind to maintain a grip on the world" she leans in, "I will be - Nikki@crystyl:- forthright with you, I have not risen through the ranks of the Imperial Navy, but the Republic one. I turned away from them after seeing Romulan lives thrown away at the behest of Starfleet in the- Nikki@crystyl:- battle of the Heart. After leaving I sought a fresh start back with my Star Empire only to find it in this current state of disarray thanks to Vitellius. I may no longer serve D'Tan's fetishes for- Nikki@crystyl:- reunification with the Vulcans enacted through the Republic regime, but I do still carry sway with their fleets. So you will find Romulan vessels at the colony with resources ready to aid your - Nikki@crystyl:- convoy. But they are a relief effort sent by the Republic to what they consider an independent colony, though the new government I have installed there are loyal to the Empire of course. That is, - Nikki@crystyl:- /my/ Empire, not Vitellius'" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "We shall not turn down support at this time, and if we must work with Republic forces, it is a far better compromise than swearing fealty to Vitellius. That is, if you can truly - Romulan@annpc#557 - be trusted. Your words do not seem to be false- they are not as honeyed as that of House Hakhoallieu. You admit you do not have many forces and are receiving the support of the Republic. - Romulan@annpc#557 - However, we must be certain." Nikki@crystyl:"Which is why I invite you to make contact with the colony for yourself to verify all I have said" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "We shall do so. May I extend an offer of my own as well?" Nikki@crystyl smiles, "By all means" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Then I invite you to visit the Tarai. You shall be received as a member of a fellow major House while we verify your claims and your intentions." Nikki@crystyl:"Our mutual distrust notwithstanding. To what end do you propose this?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "We will lower our cloak and shields for you to transport over, without the use of our own transporter systems so there will be no danger of sabotage. You may bring an armed escort - Romulan@annpc#557 - with you. I find it far easier to judge one's intentions through interaction, rather than facts. A sufficiently well-orchestrated deception can be difficult to unravel with information, - Romulan@annpc#557 - especially if you do not have the resources to seek out all the facts. But even the best liars cannot manage to fake every single reaction perfectly." Nikki@crystyl smiles, "A woman after my own heart. Ordinarily I would insist that you first come to me, but I must confess a certain... longing to be surrounded by more pleasing aesthetics. As you can see, the - Nikki@crystyl:- Zaugar clearly lack a Romulan's sense of style" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles back, "That would be an understatement. Their ships are cold and dark- as if someone managed to identify the worst elements of Federation and Klingon design and combined them - Romulan@annpc#557 - together. I will prepare my crew for your arrival." Nikki@crystyl:"I look forward to it" she bows her head lightly in parting Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella bows in return and the comm ends Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "I think she's sincere. She has no reason to lure you into a trap, especially as the Zauger comms identify her ships as having sided against Vitellius rather than with him. It told us - Romulan@annpc#557 - about the Agrama trap; if her people were also another trap, we'd probably know about it." Nikki@crystyl:"Let's hope you are right. I assume you will be posing as the honour guard?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods, "Bring the teral'n with you. It will further legitimize your claim, and in the chance that I am wrong, you may want a reliable, non-energy weapon at your side." Nikki@crystyl nods and stands, "I will meet you in the transporter room then" --- Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki materializes first on the IRW Tarai in her Romulan disguise, wearing a trio of Romulan daggers as well as a disruptor pistol. She is met by Wing Commander Imaella, who awaits her off - Romulan@annpc#557 - the transporter pad, with two Romulan guards behind her on the door Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles, "Ensuring this is not a trap for t'Rllaillieu?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods as she looks around, "That's right." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods in approval, watching as Yuzuki comms Nikki to beam over Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki: "All clear, Empress." Nikki@crystyl appears between Yuzu and the others, her ceremonial toy in hand to walk with like a sorcerer with his staff. She looks around and smiles, "Now that is a bit more like it" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Welcome to the Tarai, Nikee ir-Fethraie t'Rllaillieu. You clearly know what you are doing, despite coming from the Republic." She narrows her eyes on the weapon. "That is no ordinary - Romulan@annpc#557 - teral'n, is it?" Nikki@crystyl smiles, stepping off the pad, "No it is not. Vitellius is not the only one who can return to the Empire wielding a long lost artifact of our ancestors" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles back, "I don't suppose you'll be willing to divulge how you came by this artifact?" Nikki@crystyl:"Oh I could tell you very fun and exciting story to that effect. But it is one those that you would walk away from believing only to be fiction" she chuckles, "The short version is that it was - Nikki@crystyl:- indeed lost through time as suspected. I changed that fact" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "You're right, that does sound rather difficult to believe. Next you are going to tell me time travel is how you survived the destruction of the homeworld..." Nikki@crystyl:"Nothing so fanciful. I was born on the homeworld, but I survived like everyone else of my generation there - a frightened child shoehorned into a fleeing shuttle" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "I see." She turns, beginning to lead the way out of the transporter room. "Do you know much about my family, House Atreev?" Nikki@crystyl follows, "I don't even know much about my family save for the heritage. And that was relatively recent" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "That explains why you have only just returned to make your claim for Empress." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella leads Nikki and Yuzuki into a lift, which begins to progress up Nikki@crystyl:"That. And the recent turn of events. When I saw what was happening at the colony it reminded me of the Elachi attacks on early Republic colonies. Not a fond memory" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "What brought you to Seginus to begin with? Were you considering to claim the position of Empress already, and what you witnessed at the colony solidified your decision? Or were you - Romulan@annpc#557 - there seeking direction after you had left the Republic and Vitellius' occupation was what sparked the decision?" Nikki@crystyl:"The latter. I went there looking for a fresh start, nothing more. Though there is no denying that my heritage has weighed heavily on me ever since I learned of it for myself. Perhaps that was - Nikki@crystyl:- part of the reason why I felt the need to take stock" Romulan@annpc#557 | The lift opens and Imaella steps out into the halls beyond, "And your supporters at the moment consist solely of the people you liberated from that colony?" Nikki@crystyl:"For the moment" she nods, "But I did not decide to make a stand for the purpose of gaining public opinion. I am a soldier and I found my people under attack. So I fought back, and will continue to - Nikki@crystyl:- do so by whatever means necessary. So far, that means claiming my heritage in order to dethrone the usurper" Nikki@crystyl:"If I have the entire Star Empire behind when I face him, or just my crew, it matters not" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "You think you can defeat him, even with this alien fleet he commands?" Nikki@crystyl:"The Zauger are insignificant. They rely on psionic prowess both to rule and organize themselves and to control our people. Their parlour tricks have no effect on me and mine, and so their advantage- Nikki@crystyl:- is moot. As is Vitellius' since to stand against me he does so as a simple man, not a powerful psionic. One man - even one skilled and armed with a powerful weapon - is still but one man" Romulan@annpc#557 | The three step into a small lounge area with a window outside, where the Mogai-class vessel's sweeping wings can be clearly seen outside Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "How are you able to resist their effects?" Nikki@crystyl:"I mentioned before that I fought in the battle of the Heart. Thought the Star Empire was not affiliated with activity there I assume you are at least aware of events" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods as she retrieves a drink from a small shelf, "We are aware of the battle, yes, though not all the details involved." Nikki@crystyl:"Well stories of gruesome battles and more bloodshed than a Klingon could stomach aside, the whole thing came down to the Progenitors and their true plans for all of us they called the Children - Nikki@crystyl:- species'. The Horde - or the 'army of the dead' if you're more for the Klingon poetry, were centrally controlled by a Progenitor called the Architect using a genetic backdoor he secretly encoded - Nikki@crystyl:- into the shared genetics of all they seeded. It is how they could manipulate entire civilizations from sectors away because they could influence people without them even knowing they were doing - Nikki@crystyl:- anything out of the ordinary. We developed a countermeasure - a subdermal implant - which was distributed to all forces at that battle. And since Vitellius' has been out of the loop through all of - Nikki@crystyl:- this, probably just putting his own psionic prowess down to the Elements, he and his forces have no countermeasure for this defense. It is another reason I wanted to put Republic troops at the - Nikki@crystyl:- colony since they would share my immunity should the Zauger decided to counterstrike" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella steps over to a small table near some sofas, pouring out the drink into three glasses, "I can see your reasoning. Is there any chance that you would share this countermeasure with - Romulan@annpc#557 - forces who join with you against Vitellius?" Nikki@crystyl:"Of course, that is a given" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella hands Nikki and Yuzuki a glass before taking her own and sitting down, "We have experienced these psionic capabilities used by the Zauger. That is what made ship combat with them so - Romulan@annpc#557 - difficult and how we almost always suffer more damage than they do when it comes to skirmishes in space." Nikki@crystyl:"It does allow them to coordinate with extreme efficiency, and being immune to their abilities would not change that. It does still take away their ability to interfere with you though. It also - Nikki@crystyl:- makes the susceptible and vulnerable since they are so heavily reliant on those abilities. You know how we took that cruiser from them? Even with them on high alert after we caused trouble on the - Nikki@crystyl:- planet's surface we were able to fly right up to it with an infiltration team, board and seize them before they knew what going on" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "A significant advantage indeed. So they are used to using their psionic abilities to detect enemies, and your immunity seems to disorient them?" Nikki@crystyl:"More than that, they seemed completely oblivious to our presence" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella takes a sip of her drink, "That will certainly be most useful. My people have studied bodies we managed to retrieve from battlefields. They do not seem to have much physical advantage - Romulan@annpc#557 - aside from their psionic abilities." Nikki@crystyl:"Sharp teeth and claws, but nothing any capable soldier can't handle. We have gathered a lot of information on them both from our conflict and their own computers. My people can make everything - Nikki@crystyl:- available to you" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Excellent. We shall share with you everything we have discovered as well. Regardless of our allegiances, we have a common enemy. But speaking of which- let us discuss your claim as - Romulan@annpc#557 - Empress. Do you know of any other surviving members of your family?" Nikki@crystyl shakes her head, "There are none. Everyone perished when the homeworld fell. Of course I can speak for immediate family, distant relations are all but a mystery now as they are to anyone" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "If they have not yet resurfaced, then they are either dead or have no intention of making a claim. I am aware of your House's name and history, and your claim is stronger than - Romulan@annpc#557 - that of Vitellius'. Of course, many are siding with him still because he has superior military forces, but should you turn the tide, you may find others quickly rallying to you instead." Nikki@crystyl:"My initial concern is with the trap we came to warn you about before your convoy was lured in and destroyed. Many people are falling in line out fear and a lack of choice, but those who speak out - Nikki@crystyl:- are being aggressively targeted. My first priority is stopping this trap and saving any more people from being needlessly killed" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "And for that we thank you. We do not currently have a true contender to support, but I suspect the Admiral has ambitions of seizing power for himself, should we prevail against - Romulan@annpc#557 - Vitellius. Knowing him, I do not think he will join with you, but he too is headed for Agrama." Nikki@crystyl:"Regardless of what he may or may not want to do afterwards, the first thing we have to do is divert him from this course. We can argue semantics of leadership when he's not facing imminent death" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "I agree, but unfortunately he is a fool. Enriov Marek only attained his position from seniority alone, and he fears losing this power. That is the only reason he has not joined - Romulan@annpc#557 - Vitellius, because he knows a leader who has personal military experience would quickly replace him. If Enriov Marek were to gather all our vessels, he would be rally enough ships to overwhelm - Romulan@annpc#557 - Hakhoallieu and take Agrama. But knowing him, if he learns of the trap, he will flee, and he will never submit to you after that. We need to save his ships, yes, but we need to get rid of - Romulan@annpc#557 - him, and not after he reaches safety. We cannot risk further contention among what little forces we have remaining. We must make the remaining loyalists believe that somehow he has fallen to - Romulan@annpc#557 - Vitellius without actually sacrificing his forces to the enemy." Nikki@crystyl smiles a little, "So it is 'we' now then, is it? Well you clearly have a strategy thought out in this, I take that to mean you have a plan to implement it also" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles back, "Once Marek is dead, I will be the next highest ranking officer. I may rally the remaining loyalists and pledge loyalty to you, so we will have both a fleet and a leader - Romulan@annpc#557 - to back. As for how we eliminate the Admiral..." Nikki@crystyl leans back, a curious gaze on Imaella Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "We shall take Agrama and deal with Marek in one move. I will send my two damaged vessels back to Seginus for repairs and make contact with the remaining loyal elements of the Imperial - Romulan@annpc#557 - Navy to warn them of the trap. Instead of turning them away, I will forge orders from the Admiral of a planned attack to take Agrama from the Hakhoallieu. You, meanwhile, are flying an enemy - Romulan@annpc#557 - ship. Your record indicates you have a background with Republic Intelligence, correct?" Nikki@crystyl smiles, "You have been busy in the short time since we met haven't you. Very good, I would expect nothing less from a capable military leader. And yes, the majority of my service was with Republic - Nikki@crystyl:- Intelligence" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles back, "The credit is not mine. My sister was a member of the Tal Shiar, one of the few members who did not go rogue around the time of the Iconian War. She serves as my - Romulan@annpc#557 - Intelligence Officer. You may not be Tal Shiar, but I expect a fellow Romulan serving in an intelligence capacity to possess similar talents. You will approach House Hakhoallieu at Agrama as - Romulan@annpc#557 - an envoy of Vitellius. Tell them that you have intelligence stating Enriov Marek is about to fall into their trap. Marek commands a Dhailkhina warbird, the IRW Kaishaasi. It is a prize Vitellius - Romulan@annpc#557 - will want. Instruct the Hakhoallieu forces that they are to capture the Kaishaasi in as pristine a condition as possible. Make it clear to them that their new Emperor will be very displeased - Romulan@annpc#557 - if any harm were to come upon the vessel. This will not only ensure that they board the ship and kill Marek, but also focus their attention on his forces when he enters the trap, allowing the - Romulan@annpc#557 - rest of us to ambush the ambushers. You may wish to send some of your own people along, to ensure that the Admiral is killed in the skirmish. Of course, there will be others lost with him, but - Romulan@annpc#557:- that cannot be avoided even in a regular battle." Nikki@crystyl:"Quite the thorough strategy. I hope you don't expect me to believe that you came up with all of this in the short time since we made contact, whilst digging up my paat of course" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "The specifics have been adjusted, of course, but I have been planning a way to see to Marek's removal since the beginning of this conflict. And my former plans also involved the - Romulan@annpc#557:- capture of an enemy vessel, which you have already conveniently achieved. Why else do you think my ships were hounding them in the Lirss Sector? To prevent them from capturing a handful of - Romulan@annpc#557 - mines? Mines can be useful, but we hold no facilities to process raw materials yet." Nikki@crystyl smirks a little, "So that explains your willingness to accept me; I am a means to and end to achieve your own goals" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "You could say that. But once I have command of the fleet, I will honour my word and be in turn yours to command. I will not vye for leadership myself. The Atreevs are an illegitimate - Romulan@annpc#557 - line descending from Valkis the Twelfth. We have very little claim." Nikki@crystyl:"Fear not, I prefer to know where I stand with those I stand with" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "And you need not fear either- we have no intention of becoming your rival. My House-Clan were quite prominent once, but never have we attained the position of Emperor or Empress." Nikki@crystyl:"That does not mean it can't become a prominent clan" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles, "That is what we are hoping to achieve. Ironically, it was our fall from favour that saved us," she sets down her drink and stands, gesturing for Nikki to follow Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "We were assigned to Arachnae, a remote planet near the Federation border, but we all knew it was really exile. A small colony had been set up on the world since it was ceded to the - Romulan@annpc#557 - Star Empire, but most progress has been halted by the local Arachnians, an intelligent but non-sentient hive minded species. Anyone who was previously sent to the world had failed to make - Romulan@annpc#557 - anything of it, and it gained a reputation as a place where Romulans were sent away to fail." Nikki@crystyl:"Charming" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "We struggled there, but our exile allowed our family to survive the destruction of the homeworld. And in time, we came to realize that the greatest resource of Arachnae was not - Romulan@annpc#557 - whatever could be extracted from the planet, but perhaps the native fauna..." Nikki@crystyl:"Sounds intriguing" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella leads Nikki and Yuzuki to an observation glass. On the other side is a large area filled with sand and the occasional shrubs. It was a huge tank simulating an otherwise dull desert - Romulan@annpc#557 - environment if not for the large creatures moving within. They were about the length of a person, crawling on the floor on six legs, and possessed features of both insects and arachnids Nikki@crystyl studies the creature, "Quite the taste in pets you have" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella chuckles, "They are not here for our entertainment. They are battle pets, not unlike the Klingons' targs. Using techniques based on the Tal Shiar's study of Borg technology, we - Romulan@annpc#557 - developed a method to intercept their hive mind signals and assert our own. So far, we have found that they are especially effective against the Zauger. Their telepathic attacks do not seem to - Romulan@annpc#557 - work on the Arachnians; not the ones already controlled by us, at least. And their natural teeth and claws are not strong enough to effectively penetrate an Arachnian shell. If one of them - Romulan@annpc#557 - manages to close the distance without being vapourized, it can take out an entire Zauger squad in close-quarters." Nikki@crystyl:"Very impressive" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "They are the reason we have been successful against the Zauger in ground engagements. With your implants, we will be more effective in space as well. Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "As you said, they will not change the enemy's ability to coordinate, but at least we will be immune to mental interference from them." Nikki@crystyl:"I hope so. But remember my warning; they might make you invisible to them, but not your ships or your actions and they still have the benefit of their psionic link. Taking them out is like killing - Nikki@crystyl:- a serpent - you have to cut off the head. When I killed the psionic commander of the cruiser, all of the forces under his command fell into disarray" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Perhaps it may be effective to board their ships and send down Arachnians to take out their commanders. That was how you managed to capture your cruiser intact, was it not?" Nikki@crystyl:"Pretty much" she nods, "These cruisers themselves also seem to be key in the fleet deployments as well. They possess a psionic amplifier they call a 'third eye', and it is the primary means for the- Nikki@crystyl:- commander to at least direct his forces if not directly influence them. It was in use at the colony to coordinate ground forces and continuously monitor the entire population for thoughts of - Nikki@crystyl:- insurrection" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "I shall keep that in mind. We have obtained some data on their ships through confrontation and debris, but never captured one as you have. That information will be very beneficial to - Romulan@annpc#557 - our future engagements with them." Nikki@crystyl:"This is certainly starting to feel like the beginning of a fruitful new alliance. I can see us doing great things together, starting with your plan to correct the Admiralty" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles, "As can I, with the data you can provide us. But you are more than an Intelligence Officer. I can see from our conversation that you truly care for our people. That is a - Romulan@annpc#557 - quality no other contender for leadership possesses, and something which will draw people to you." Nikki@crystyl:"Let us hope then that it is enough" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "On its own, not likely. But once we can break, or at least hurt Vitellius' superior military might to show the people his army can be defeated, then it may be enough. But let us - Romulan@annpc#557 - focus first on taking Agrama and House Hakhoallieu's trap. When the remaining loyalist forces are unwillingly properly rallied by this attempt to destroy them, then we can make our move on the - Romulan@annpc#557 - Zauger forces properly." Nikki@crystyl:"Agreed" --- Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | After meeting Wing Commander Imaella on the Tarai, the Imperial Navy vessels move off, two for repairs while the rest goes to rally other loyalist ships. Once they are gone, Yuzuki and Nikki - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - transport over to the Latenter to inform Mischa of the plan and everything else they have learned Goto Yuzuki@anncaris rings the doorbell as they arrive at the ready room Mischa@crystyl:"Come in" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris steps inside with Nikki, "I don't suppose you heard much of what the Emp-" she smirks, "Subcommander was discussing with Imaella? Their ship was well-guarded against surveillance." Mischa@crystyl:"Was it? I wouldn't know" she smiles, "There was no need to risk detection through subterfuge when you ladies were on site. Please, sit, I am curious to hear all about it" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles back as she takes a seat, "Imaella certainly seems to know what she's doing. The question is whether we can trust her, since she is in it for her own power and her family's as well. But - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - it'll be a significant gain just to make her way to the leadership of a new Imperial Navy under our new Empress here. She might be honest about not making a try for Empress herself." Mischa@crystyl:"Well you two are the ones who have met with her, what is your opinion? Can we trust her as much as we need?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "I believe so. I don't see any benefit to her betraying Nikki now, at least. I did some research on her family after the meeting, and she was telling the truth about that. Even with the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - remaining loyalists rallied, I doubt she'll have enough forces to challenge Vitellius directly. She doesn't have much of a claim to Vitellius, but Nikki has a stronger claim than him. She'll - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - want to work together with the Subcommander to gather more support." Mischa@crystyl:"Very well, so what's our next move? We saw the Imperial vessels breaking off in different directions" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Two of them with damage they couldn't repair while travelling are headed to Seginus II for repairs. The other four are off to contact the remaining loyalist forces that they know of to warn them - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - of the Agrama trap. All of them except the forces of one Admiral Marek that is, who will be walking into the trap blind. Imaella wants us to use the Zauger cruiser and pretend to be envoys - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- from Vitellius to the Hakhoallieu to give them intel that Admiral Marek is inbound with his command ship. We need to instruct them that they are to focus their efforts on capturing the command - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- ship and ensure the Admiral is killed in the process. While the enemy forces are occupied with that. Imaella will strike with the other loyalist forces she's gathered to defeat the Hakhoallieu, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- 'rescue' the Admiral's people and capture Agrama." Mischa@crystyl:"Quite the operation. Seems like a lot of variables outside of our control though, how do you feel about it?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"We're going to have to rely on Imaella for her side of the plan. As I said, she has no reason to betray us now; if she wanted to side with Vitellius, she would've declared her fealty to him - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - already, openly or secretly like the Hakhoallieu. The question is whether she's capable of pulling it off, and I believe the answer to that is yes," she hands a PADD over to Mischa. "This is - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - what I found on her while researching her and House Atreev. Back during the Iconian War, the Star Empire was in complete chaos after Sela's disappearance, the Tal Shiar's betrayal and - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - everything else happening at the time on top of that. Imaella, who was still a fresh Commander at the time, was key to rallying the scattered Imperial Navy. She's practically the main reason - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - their navy survived after the Tal Shiar sided with the Iconians. If she could pull that off, I think we can count on her to carry out her end of the plan." Mischa@crystyl:"Very good then. It would seem we are well on our way here" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "We'll just have to play our part and see how it goes. I have a few ideas for that." Mischa@crystyl:"Glad to hear it, you know I don't like having to rely on others for success - especially Imperial Romulan commanders" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I agree. Our job of convincing the Hakhoallieu shouldn't be too difficult, because we have much better assets at our disposal than Imaella thinks we do. We'll proceed as planned, with the Zauger - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - cruiser pretending to still be one of Vitellius' ships, but the Latenter will wait on the edge of the system. With our equipment, we can more effectively and discreetly hijack their comms to - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - confirm that the cruiser has indeed been sent by Vitellius." Mischa@crystyl:"That should certainly help our credibility" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"As for the convincing itself, we don't need an Empress for this. It might be better if they don't see Nikki at all, in case they've heard of what happened at Seginus already. One of us can - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - masquerade as Vitellius' envoy and give them the intel of Marek's arrival and instructions to capture his flagship intact." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Agreed. Do you want to handle that from your captured bridge still or rather we do so from here?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"It's probably easier to do it from a holodeck, but let's use the real thing just in case there's a reason for them to come on board. There's some time before we reach Agrama anyways, I'm thinking - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - of dismantling one of the Zauger cruiser's holodecks and installing holoprojectors to have false Zauger crew in the parts of the ship they might see. I don't think they'll come over, but it's - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - good to have in case we need to pretend to be the enemy again in the future." Mischa@crystyl:"Not a bad idea, let me know if you require any assistance" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "I'll see if the engineers we have on board can handle it on top of their regular work of maintaining an unfamiliar alien cruiser, and let you know if we need more hands. We also have to - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - decide what to do with the cruiser once the fighting breaks out. Imaella might not tell the other Imperial Navy ships that we're friendly, since she doesn't want them to know there's a plot to - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - get rid of Admiral Marek. We can't open fire on the loyalist ships, but we do want to stick around to ensure Marek dies, which means we'll have to aid the Hakhoallieu to some extent. Maybe the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - cruiser can make an exit, but we leave a team at Agrama to ensure the instructions are carried out by being on the front lines of the boarding action?" Mischa@crystyl:"That, or we sacrifice it and evacuate those on board to Agrama" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"That's also an option, but we'll lose access to their Third Eye system until we manage to capture another one of their larger ships. But it'll be more convincing for the deception." Mischa@crystyl:"If we can find a way to achieve our goals without sacrificing it then all the better. But we should at least consider the option if all else fails" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "We'll get to work on the holoprojector systems, in case we get to keep it. If nothing else, we'll get increased familiarity with Zauger systems, and there's nothing more vital to do on - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - the journey to Agrama anyways." Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds good to me" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I'll head back to the Zauger cruiser and coordinate the holoprojector installation, then." She looks to Nikki, "Anything to add about our meeting with the Wing Commander?" Mischa@crystyl | Nikki shakes her head, "No, I think everything is going as well expected so far" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "Let's get to work, then." --- Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | As the Latenter and Zauger cruiser travels towards Agrama, Mischa is called to the cell room again Mischa@crystyl wanders in, "Hello Eirril, you have news?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "We're still getting our doctor in place, but I found something else on the suspected species reassignment surgeries you might be interested in." Mischa@crystyl:"Oh?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "The Halls were the first one we found after we knew their daughter was helping these future ships, right? But they're by far not the only family this happens to." He taps his console, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - bringing up multiple different Starfleet dossiers. "We haven't confirmed most of these, because cremation and lack of remains to examine, but there's multiple generations of the same family, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - all retired from Starfleet and seemingly replaced after their retirement. Everything from enlisted personnel to captains, even an admiral." Mischa@crystyl:"Most unusual" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "Whatever's going on, it's big, and it involves some families with a long history in Starfleet." He points at one collection of dossiers, "The Zagros family, for example. Nasr Zagros - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - was an Ensign and later a Lieutenant Junior Grade on board the USS Enterprise during her famous five-year mission. His granddaughter Ester Zagros became captain of the USS Excalibur in the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - 2340s. Another member descended from the family, Dilin al-Shahidi, was a member of the Diplomatic Corps involved with drafting the Treaty of Bajor. We have nothing to say that Ester or Dilin - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - were replaced after retirement, but we do have indications that the Nasr Zagros post-retirement was someone who underwent species reassignment, as well as similar evidence for another member - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - of the family in the mid-24th century." Mischa@crystyl:"Is it just me or are we only managing to find more questions instead of answers here... This is seeming to be a veritable can of worms" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "Want me to stop digging? It gets even worse..." Mischa@crystyl:"No, that won't make the questions go away. How... does it get worse...?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "During the Undine infiltrator hunt in the Klingon Empire at the start of the century, the House of Korath wiped out the House of Lorghan believing them to be Undine infiltrators. It - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - turns out they weren't Undine at all, but Korath found something interesting. Several older members of the House were not Klingon, but had instead undergone species reassignment surgery. - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - One used to be a Nausicaan and the other two were of undeterminable species. Klingon Intelligence assumed it was a part of a different conspiracy, but they were never able to find out what. - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - They assumed whatever these infiltrators' plans were, they died with House Lorghan. But it looks suspiciously related to the Starfleet cases, especially since the actual leading members of the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - House were confirmed to be originally Klingon. Only the older warriors who in Klingon society are practically just waiting for a chance to go out in a blaze of glory were replaced, not anyone - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - with a real voice in either politics or the military." Mischa@crystyl:"So this is bigger than the Federation, and spans back - God only knows how long - throughout history; the only consistency being that people who are past their prime, in retirement, are replaced..." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril nods, "Exactly. I can't get much data on the Klingon side of things, because you know Klingons; they don't care much about medical treatment, nor keeping clean records. But I wouldn't - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - be surprised if there were plenty of Klingon cases we don't know about. Klingons have been known to use these types of surgery in their own espionage work, which just muddies the water even - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - more." Mischa@crystyl:"Is it just me, or does it seem increasingly like this is the work of some... unknown element, another species perhaps. But rather than the usual subterfuge, they are... hiding, taking refuge in the- Mischa@crystyl:- identities of people who are at the end of their natural lives..." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "It's certainly a possibility, but how would this all tie to the future ships, the Coalition, whatever they're up to out here..." Mischa@crystyl:"Perhaps those who are hiding in these identities are actually hiding in time as well. That could certainly explain the long historical span we are seeing" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "Maybe. Whatever it is, it's much bigger than a can of worms. More like a cargo bay of gagh, if you ask me..." Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "A very apt analogy" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Eirril: "I'll keep digging and let you know if I find anything. I've just started to look into Romulan records, but I don't know what's worse, the mess that's Klingon record keeping or the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - layers of deception that's Romulan records. I don't expect to find much, but I'll let you know if anything comes up." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, thank you"