ST:SoD118 | "The Empress"

Stardate 99064.1

When the Imperial loyalists take Agrama, Nikki's place as a rival claimant to the throne of the Star Empire is solidified. Now, she must begin her leadership in the aftermath of the battle while her new right-hand admiral seeks to rally more support for the inevitable confrontation with the bulk of Vitellius' forces...

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Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The commandeered Zauger cruiser flies by as the camera circles the vessel before zooming inside. On the bridge, there is a mix of Latenter crew disguised as Romulans and holographic Zauger Goto Yuzuki@anncaris sits in the command chair while a disguised Ori works at a tactical console Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Zauger-Acey: "Incoming hail from Agrama, Commander." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Put it through." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | A well-dressed Romulan appears on the viewscreen, "Well, you aren't who I expected in the centre of that bridge." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Our Emperor /is/ a Romulan and many of our people are loyal to him." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Well-Dressed Romulan: "Of course, it's only that I was expecting to see one of these ugly aliens-" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | One of the holo-Zauger snarls at the screen Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Be careful. You wouldn't want to insult them. The Zauger have no capacity for empathy, you know. You should see their torture methods- it puts the Tal Shiar to shame." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Well-Dressed Romulan: "Perhaps one day I will. I am Voreer tr'Hakhoallieu. Why were we not previously informed of your arrival?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Because we didn't plan on arriving." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Voreer: "And why did you not inform us when your plans changed? Your presence could ruin the entire trap we've set for the rebels." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"The trap is set, but not yet sprung. You've yet to prove yourself, Hakhoallieu. I see no reason to share our fleet movements with you." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Voreer: "What is this, a test of our loyalty?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles, "You could say that. I prefer to call it...a gift." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Voreer: "A gift of what?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Information. Enriov Marek is inbound with his flagship and supporting vessels. He'll no doubt remain cloaked until he arrives at your defense grid, but we have his approach vector." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Voreer: "And we need this information why? As you said, the trap is set." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Even with your preparations, a Dhailkhina warbird might inflict some damage. I doubt you would be at risk of losing the fight, seeing how the rebels are flying blind into a trap, but it might just - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - put up enough of a struggle that you'll be forced to destroy it. Our Emperor would be most displeased if you allowed such a scenario to occur. I assume even on your idyllic little colony, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - you're aware of just how few warbirds we have left that can match a Dhailkhina?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Voreer nods, "We will ensure that the Enriov's flagship is captured intact." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"It will make a fine gift for our new liege. I am sure you will have his trust if you are able to deliver such a vessel to him in good condition." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Voreer: "Of course. It shall be done." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles and signals for Acey to cut the comm, "That went well. Take us into the system. Once we're past their detection grid, cloak us and wait for the trap to be sprung." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris stands, stepping over to Ori, "Have you worked out a way to fake our destruction once the fighting begins?" Rianni@crystyl nods, "We will put on a good show with vented plasma and disabling attitude control to make it appear that we're drifting. I will ignite the cloud right as we cloak to mask our shift in the - Rianni@crystyl - explosion. Not optimal, but should be convincing enough in the midst of everything else going on" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"If all goes to plan, the Hakhoallieu shouldn't be around by the end of the battle, and the loyalists will be busy with the counter-ambush. Have everything ready. Marek'll be here in a few hours." Rianni@crystyl:"Of course" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris returns to her seat, "And get some personal weapons ready as well. I want you for the boarding action to make sure Marek is eliminated." Rianni@crystyl:"I'll be ready Commander" --- Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Several hours later, the crew stands ready on the Zauger bridge. Yuzuki has a Romulan sword leaning beside the command chair as she waits Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Ori's console flashes as tactical sensors pick up a Dhailkhina-class warbird decloaking, along with a trio of T'Varos and two Dia Vectau warbirds Rianni@crystyl:"The fleet has arrived. Multiple warbirds decloaking" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Magnify on viewscreen." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris FX | https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/images/4/4c/Oh%27s_warbird.png/revision/latest?cb=20200327040814&path-prefix=en Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Wait for the Hakhoallieu to spring the trap, then engage and concentrate fire on the flagship. Take down its shields, target impulse engines and weapons as necessary, but be careful. We only want - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - her commander dead." Rianni@crystyl:"I have the targeting pattern" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Excellent. Decloak and attack on my mark..." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris FX | A Mogai decloaks behind Marek's flagship, supported by a pair of T'Varos. Another Mogai decloaks to its side, supported by a T'Liss, and on the other side, a refit 23rd century Thrai - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- warbird decloaks with another T'Varo Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"A Thrai and a T'Liss? That's just sad. As long as Imaella shows up, I think the loyalists will be able to manage the Hakhoallieu." Rianni@crystyl:"We shall see" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The shooting begins, with the ambushing forces supported by the planetary defense grid. Satellites ensnare the loyalist ships as the Hakhoallieu open fire on Marek's flagship Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Decloak and join the attack." Rianni@crystyl taps away and decloaks the ship, focusing fire to hit her optimum targeting pattern Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Ori's firing pattern, combined with the concentrated fire of the other ships, quickly begins to chip away at even the large Dhailkhina's shields. The Dhailkhina quickly gets rid of the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - satellite tractoring it and aids in freeing the rest of its group, but are still pinned in as it is surrounded on all sides. The smaller loyalist ships try to run interference, but the smaller - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - Hakhoallieu ships chase them down, allowing the larger ships to concentrate fire on the flagship Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Imaella better show up..." Rianni@crystyl:"Perhaps they are waiting for the opportune moment" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Knowing her record, most likely. Keep firing on the flagship." Rianni@crystyl continues her attacks Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Dhailkhina's shields drop. Before Ori has a chance to disable its systems, the Thrai and Mogais take down its impulse engines and a disruptor array. Assault shuttles launch from the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - central defense grid station, moving towards the flagship. The first two are shot down by the Dhailkhina, forcing a Mogai to disable a few more of its weapons Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Just then, more ships pop onto Ori's sensors- these ones not decloaking but revealed by the defense grid instead. They immediately open fire on the Hakhoallieu ships as well as the Zauger - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - cruiser, and Ori sees the IFF of Imaella's ship, the IRW Tarai, among them Rianni@crystyl:"Imaella's fleet has appeared; revealed by the detection grid and pressing the attack on the Hakhoallieu" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Perfect." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The bridge shakes as they take a hit Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Evasive maneuver delta-five." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Helm: "Aye Commander." The pilot taps her console. "But shouldn't we be using-" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Kirk Epsilon, yes, but we don't want to evade /too/ well. We need to actually take a few hits for our destruction to be convincing." She looks to Ori. "Time to start your show, Ensign." Rianni@crystyl nods, venting plasma and overloading numerous EPS relays around the ship and disabling attitude so the ship appears to drift. When sufficient plasma has been ejected, she would cloak the ship and - Rianni@crystyl:- ignite the plasma cloud to obscure the cloaking. Probably quite a rough ride… Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The bridge shakes violently through Ori's display, as well as from the fact that they take a few actual hits. A few of the crew are thrown off their feet and several consoles flicker out from - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - the power imbalances. As they cloak away, everyone around them still seems preoccupied with the battle Goto Yuzuki@anncaris sits up properly as the turbulence fades, looking to Ori, "We /are/ still operational, right?" Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Yes Commander, of course. Maybe next time a little less plasma..." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris chuckles, "That might be for the best." She stands, looks around to see where her sword was knocked off to and steps over to retrieve it Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Can we beam over to Marek's flagship?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "Negative. The warbird has anti-transportation measures." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "Hence the assault shuttles." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "However, we can beam over to one of the assault shuttles that have lost their shields in the fighting." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Good. No time getting down to the transporter room. Acey, Ori, you're with me." Rianni@crystyl grabs her weapon and promptly follows Goto Yuzuki@anncaris clips on the shealth and draws the sword and a pistol from her belt. Acey steps over as well Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "Transporters are ready to beam us over directly from the bridge." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Let's go." --- Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The trio materialize in the Romulan assault shuttle, where ten Romulan boarders are waiting, plus a pilot and copilot. The Romulans spring to their feet as they beam in, but Yuzuki fires her - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - pistol on a wide beam, immediately taking down half the assault team before they could respond. Not waiting for the pistol to recharge, she hurls it into the face of the next closest Romulan, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - stunning him and causing him to miss his shot. She lunges forward, impaling the Hakhoallieu soldier on her blade. Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Instead of trying to pull the sword back out, she uses the impaled Romulan as a living shield, blocking the next shot. As the shot disintegrates the Romulan's body, she slashes forward with - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - her now-freed blade, cutting a precise blow across the neck of the soldier that fired the shot and cutting him down instantly Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Two of the soldiers go for Ori... Rianni@crystyl opts for simple clean shots from her phaser given the tight quarters of the shuttle Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Ori quickly downs the two with her phaser, while Acey takes out the pilot and copilot with her own weapon. The last Romulan manages to let off a shot, but Yuzuki pushes the rifle aside with - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - her sword. It passes by her and she finishes the soldier off, but the beam hits the front consoles, which explode. Acey is showered in sparks and console fragments which pass through her - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - projection as she turns off the collision Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "There goes the controls. I will have to infect and manually control the shuttle." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, heading over to the front of the shuttle. They are still headed for the Dhailkhina warbird, but they are not yet lined up to its hangar and are moving straight for the hull Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Make it fast..." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey stands still and closes her eyes. The hull of the large warbird looms closer and closer outside the window... Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Acey..." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The shuttle pulls away just in time before they collide, moving parallel to the hull for a short distance before it ducks into one of the warbird's hangars Goto Yuzuki@anncaris glances back to Ori as Acey lands the shuttle, "We're off to an exciting start already, aren't we?" Rianni@crystyl:"As it should be. Right?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "Mischa's not going to be happy she missed this..." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris looks out the window at the hangar bay where multiple Romulan bodies are lying, "Looks like they've cleared the hangar already. Come on, let's get to the bridge to ensure we get the admiral." Rianni@crystyl nods and follows Goto Yuzuki@anncaris picks her pistol back up and steps out, "Try to stun or incapacitate if possible. We'll mostly be facing the warbird's crew, and I'm sure they'll fall in line with Imaella once she takes over - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - from the admiral." Rianni@crystyl checks her phaser setting to be sure she doesn't accidentally disintegrate anyone Goto Yuzuki@anncaris and Acey set theirs to stun as well and Yuzuki sheaths her sword for now, using just the pistol Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The trio moves through the warbird's halls, past bodies of Romulans from both sides. There is no resistance for some distance- the Hakhoallieu have definitely been making progress through the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - ship. Eventually though, they run into a team of five Romulans dressed in Imperial Navy uniforms. As typical for Imperial Romulans, they don't ask questions upon seeing the trio who aren't - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - wearing their uniforms and immediately open fire down the hall Rianni@crystyl takes cover and returns fire Goto Yuzuki@anncaris returns fire as well, and three of the Romulans go down. The other two duck into cover in time, one of them laying down covering fire around the corner Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey shifts the mobile emitter to the bottom of her foot, keeping that foot in cover as she leans out too much to return fire. As expected, this draws out the Romulans who returns fire, though - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - their shots go through her projection Goto Yuzuki@anncaris carefully lines up her aim and takes out one of the Romulans as Acey draws their fire Rianni@crystyl follows suit with the second Romulan Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Both Romulans are stunned and the hallway is clear! Acey steps out with a smile, "They never stop falling for that." Rianni@crystyl:"You do seem to have an affinity for this line of work. And an enjoyment..." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "It would be more fun if I could take over the ship's computer, but I don't think I should wipe the current computer system if the loyalists plan to use the ship anytime soon..." Rianni@crystyl:"Probably not the best idea in the grand scheme of things" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The three continue down the hall unimpeded until they reach a lift. The panel does not respond, stating that the turbolift has been locked down Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Well Acey, you wanted to do some more hacking," she smirks Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey steps up, setting her hand on the panel. A few seconds later, the lockdown message disappears and a few seconds after that, the door slide open to the inside of a turbolift Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Thanks." She steps into the lift. "If I remember the schematics right, this should take us right to the bridge?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey follows into the lift and gets it going once the team is inside. "That is correct." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Everyone take cover and be ready once the doors open." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | They take up positions on the side of the lift as it travels. Soon, the lift arrives at the bridge and when the doors open, there is already shooting on the other side, but no bolts or beams - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - are flying their way Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "Multiple Romulan lifesigns firing at one another. The Hakhoallieu must be assaulting the bridge as well from a different entrance." Rianni@crystyl takes the opportunity to thoroughly scan the room and verify her targets Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Ori sees a Romulan man dressed in the unmistakable red trappings of Imperial Navy command and flag officers. This one is dressed fancier than Imaella, and though Ori doesn't get a close look - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - at his face, he's almost certainly Enriov Marek Rianni@crystyl tries to line up a shot and take him out from her secluded vantage point Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The Romulan admiral, focused on the boarders from the other side, is caught unaware by Ori and is taken down! Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles, "Good shot, Ori!" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The rest of the defenders on the bridge see their admiral go down and immediately begin opening fire into the lift Rianni@crystyl:"Should we assist with securing the bridge or make a strategic withdrawal?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Let's get out of here. Even if the Hakhoallieu take the bridge, they're not going to hold it for long with loyalist reinforcements already winning in space." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey nods, setting her hand on the turbolift panel. The doors close again, blocking a few shots as the lift moves back down Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The team makes their way back through the halls without issue, though when they reach the hangar, they find an Imperial Navy team has moved in to try and secure it amidst the boarding action Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"The hangar should be large enough for us to sneak by. Stun them if we have to, but it's easier to avoid engaging if we can." Rianni@crystyl nods and cautiously makes her way around them Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey: "Two is easier than three." She flickers and disappears and Yuzuki catches the mobile emitter, pocketing it before she makes her own way through the hangar Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The two manage to sneak their way through the hangar, using cargo crates and shuttles for cover. They make their way back into the shuttle they arrived in and Yuzuki takes out the mobile emitter Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey's hologram reactivates and the remaining consoles around the shuttle lights up. The door closes and the Imperial Navy patrol realizes something is going on. They turn and open fire on the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - shuttle, but to no avail as the shields activate, easily absorbing the shots from handheld disruptors. The shuttle launches out into space, where the loyalists have all but won the fighting - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - already Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Acey, have the shuttle fly towards the Tarai. I trust Imaella'll wipe any evidence of our involvement." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Acey nods, "Done." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris taps her concealed combadge, "This is the away team, requesting extraction from the Romulan shuttle." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The three promptly disappear into transporter beams as the empty shuttle continues onwards. Soon, the shape of a Mogai appears in the distance with its wide, sweeping wings. Before the shuttle - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - can get close, two disruptor bolts shoot out from the Mogai, obliterating the unshielded craft --- Goto Yuzuki@anncaris returns to the bridge with Ori and Acey after their time on Marek's warbird. The fighting has now completely finished, and they observe quietly Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | After a few minutes, Acey announces, "The Tarai is hailing us on the same encrypted frequency we communicated last time." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "Put them through. And get Subcommander Nikki back on the bridge." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris looks to the screen as Imaella appears on it Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Imaella: "Excellent work here. There's nothing as effective as convincing an enemy they're in control of the situation, when in fact you were in control every step of the way." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles, "Indeed there is not. Your ships did admirably as well. Perfect timing on your arrival to the battle. The Empress is on her way, if you are wondering. We did not want to risk the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- Hakhoallieu recognizing her during our deception, so we kept her off the bridge." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Imaella nods, "A wise precaution. I doubt Voreer has heard of her, but it is always better to play it safe." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris stands as she hears the door open, "Empress. The chair is yours." Nikki@crystyl strides over with a nod to Yuzu before looking to the viewscreen, "Congratulations on a well executed strategy Admiral" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Imaella smiles, "Thank you, Empress. It was unfortunate that we did not arrive in time to save Enriov Marek, but we have eliminated all the Hakhoallieu boarders on his flagship. We are just - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - rounding up the rest of House Hakhoallieu's troops and sympathizers left on the surface. Your evidence of Hakhoallieu's secret cooperation with Vitellius has convinced most of the citizens of - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - Agrama that we come not as invaders. Well, it convinced the non-Hakhoallieu members of the colony's leadership to side with us, at least. The citizens don't much care who's in charge as long - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- as their lives can go on more or less the way they are used to." Nikki@crystyl nods, "As is to be expected" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Imaella: "We have lost three ships in the battle, a T'Varo and a Dia Vectau from Marek's battlegroup and one T'Varo from Sulleen's. Almost all remaining ships in Marek's former battlegroup - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - will require repairs, and a T'Varo from my group is disabled. Overall, damage and casualties have not exceeded initial projections. In addition to now holding Agrama, we were able to capture - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - the refit Thrai intact. It is an outdated design and it will require significant repairs, but it is a ship nonetheless." Nikki@crystyl:"Every asset counts at the moment" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Imaella: "Indeed. Marek's former ship is heading to dock with the old salvage station for repairs now. I've already sent several teams over for damage control and assessment. I will be heading - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - over myself to take command once it has docked. Would you like to join me and see our new flagship for yourself?" Nikki@crystyl smiles, "I look forward to it" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Imaella smiles back, "I will see you there, Empress." Nikki@crystyl dips her head slightly, dismissing her new Admiral Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | The call ends and Yuzuki looks over to Nikki, "We're off to a good start, I think. Helm, take us to that old salvage station." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | Helm: "Aye Commander." Nikki@crystyl:"I don't think we could reasonably ask for better results so far" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Let's check out your new flagship. From what I've seen, it's a good ship to have at the centre of any fleet." Nikki@crystyl stands, "Time for more pomp and circumstance then" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles as she turns to head off the bridge, "You're doing great. Just keep it up and we'll soon have what we need to contest Vitellius." Nikki@crystyl:"Do you have a plan for the next step or are we still making it all up as we go?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"A bit of both. We'll need the fleet repaired back to full combat readiness, so we'll have plenty of time to figure out the next move. But one thing's for certain- we need more ships and support. - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- This is a good start. It makes us a serious contender, but it's not enough to take on Vitellius' forces yet." Nikki@crystyl:"We shall see then what the Admiral has in mind. Something tells me she already has a next month on this campaign calculated out to the nth degree" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"She does seem the type. As long as she proves herself loyal, she's certainly someone we'll be able to count on. And she hasn't betrayed us yet, which is a good sign." Nikki@crystyl:"Perhaps. Either way, she is not one to let our guards down around. Even if she is loyal now, that could easily change if she senses weakness" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Agreed. We'll proceed with caution." --- Alien NPC@annpc#557 | As the battle finishes, Mischa returns to her ready room while the crew of the Latenter continues to monitor the situation from afar. She is working away when the doorbell sounds Mischa@crystyl:"Come in" she looks up from her work Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Glyph steps into the ready room with a PADD, "Commander. We have intel you may be interested in." Mischa@crystyl:"Glyph, interesting intelligence is always a welcome distraction. Please, sit, let's see what you have" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Glyph steps over and takes a seat, "As you know, the Zauger have cut off the cruiser we captured from all communications and altered the encryption. The cruiser's communications is no longer - Alien NPC@annpc#557 - of any use to us, but knowing the general frequencies utilized by the Zauger, we are still able to intercept some of their data and communications from here on the Latenter." Mischa@crystyl:"And this is where you have come across something of interest" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Glyph nods, handing over the PADD, "I have decrypted some of the data we intercepted earlier today. It appears all contact with the Zauger task force in the Noro sector has been lost late last night. - Alien NPC@annpc#557 - They entered the region with the star systems where we believe the Shadow Guard Vault may be located, but were not heard from afterward. There has still been no word on them as of the - Alien NPC@annpc#557 - time we intercepted the data." Mischa@crystyl:"Seems the Shadow Guard didn't take kindly to the intrusion" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Glyph: "Indeed. Even though no direct information about what occurred to the task force was relayed back to Vitellius, he will no doubt come to the correct conclusion that the Vault is being - Alien NPC@annpc#557 - occupied and utilized by another group. It remains to be seen how he will respond." Mischa@crystyl:"Likely that he'll throw a much heavier armada at it" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Glyph nods, "That is the most probable outcome. It is too significant of an asset for him to give up. Assaulting such a facility even with a larger armada will be difficult, but with his - Alien NPC@annpc#557 - inside knowledge from his time as a senator, he may be able to conduct some sabotage which will turn the battle in his favour." Mischa@crystyl:"Fortunately we have turned his plans on their head here which will give him pause to reassess. We will have to see what his next move is from here" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Glyph: "We shall keep monitoring for more intel. In any case, he will most likely be sending forces across the Agrama Sector. If he seeks to deal with what we have established here, he will - Alien NPC@annpc#557 - send a fleet to the Agrama system, and if he prioritizes taking the Vault, his ships will pass through this sector as well. The remnants of the loyal elements of the Imperial Navy are likely - Alien NPC@annpc#557 - not enough of a threat to warrant travelling the distance around the sector. The loyalists may have to fight regardless, as control of the Vault would also bode poorly for any resistance - Alien NPC@annpc#557 - against Vitellius' rule." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. Well, keep me posted if you find out anything more" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Glyph nods and stands, "I shall do so, Commander." --- Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella awaits by the transporter pad again as Nikki and Yuzuki beam down onto the Dhailkhina-class warbird. The transporter room is surprisingly undamaged, likely thanks to the boarders - Romulan@annpc#557 - having come through by shuttle and never reached this particular room. Without the damage, it is quite a large and impressive area, sporting two seperate transporter pads Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Welcome to the IRW Kaishaasi, Empress." Nikki@crystyl steps off the pad, looking around and turning a smile to Imaella, "Quite the prize Admiral" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles back, "I shall miss the Tarai. It was mine for many years, but the Kaishaasi is certainly a significant upgrade. Have you ever been on a Dhailkhina-class before? I do not - Romulan@annpc#557 - believe the Republic fields many of this class, if any at all. We have been very careful with the security of these vessels. It would not be easy for a rogue commander to defect over with a - Romulan@annpc#557 - ship like this." Nikki@crystyl shakes her head, "No, I was aware of them from my... interactions with the Tal Shiar, but this is my first time seeing one for myself" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Yes, the Tal Shiar utilized them as command vessels for their leadership as well. Many have fallen into the hands of the Tal Shiar after their betrayal as well." She turns to lead - Romulan@annpc#557 - the way out of the transporter room. "The reason it was difficult for the Republic to obtain these vessels is that the Tal Shiar would post loyalty officers on board. It was very difficult for - Romulan@annpc#557 - anyone on a Dhailkhina to defect, and impossible to do so with the ship. There was at least one attempt that I know of, but the loyalty officers led the still loyal crewmembers against the - Romulan@annpc#557 - traitor commander and his supporters. Unfortunately, the presence of Tal Shiar loyalty officers worked against us when the Tal Shiar became puppets of the Iconians." Nikki@crystyl:"An unfortunate turn of events I do not care to see repeated" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Of that you need not worry. The only Tal Shiar element here is my sister, who will not betray us. As for mutiny, I am transferring my own crews over. A few members of Marek's crew - Romulan@annpc#557 - will be retained for their familiarity with the ship, but some are dead, and some will be transferred over to the other ships. Besides, very few on his crew were loyal to him personally. That - Romulan@annpc#557 - man had little charisma." Nikki@crystyl:"Those crew - along with the civilian populations here - are no doubt now facing a lot of uncertainty about their future" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Yes. Taking Agrama was the easy part. Holding it will be more difficult, should Vitellius decide to move on us immediately. That is why we must rally as much support as we can and - Romulan@annpc#557 - dissuade him from this course of action." Nikki@crystyl:"And you naturally have an idea how best to achieve this" she smiles a little Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles back as they step into a lift, "Naturally." Nikki@crystyl:"I look forward to hearing the details" Romulan@annpc#557 | The doors close behind them and the lift begins ascending Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "First, we solidify your position among the fleet here." Nikki@crystyl:"As expected" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella steps out onto the bridge. Unlike the transporter room they came from, the bridge is very much battle-scarred, with engineers working on repairs throughout Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "The command chair is back in place. That is good enough." She gestures for Nikki to take a seat Nikki@crystyl steps over, looking around and sizing everything up - including the chair - before purposefully lowering herself into it Nikki@crystyl soon makes herself comfortable, "Yes, this will do quite nicely" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella steps over, positioning herself beside the command chair before nodding to her comm officer, "Open a channel to the fleet and record this as well." Romulan@annpc#557 | She turns to the screen, "This is Acting Admiral Imaella i-Keladan t’Atreev. As you may already know, Admiral Marek's battlegroup fell for the trap set by the Hakhoallieu. We arrived in time - Romulan@annpc#557 - to save some of his forces, but not the Admiral himself. As the next highest ranking officer among the forces still loyal to the Star Empire, I am taking command of this fleet." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella looks to Nikki, "With me is a woman you may not recognize. She is Nikee ir-Fethraie t'Rllaillieu- yes, a member of /the/ House-Clan Rllaillieu. As the closest living descendant of - Romulan@annpc#557 - Empress Ael i-Mhiessan t'Rllaillieu and holder of the Debrune Teral'n, Nikee possesses more claim to leadership of our Empire than Vitellius." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella steps over to kneel before Nikki, "As head of House-Clan Atreev, I pledge my personal loyalty and the loyalty of my House to you, Empress Nikee ir-Fethraie t'Rllaillieu. As commanding - Romulan@annpc#557 - officer of the remaining loyal elements of the Imperial Navy, I pledge the loyalty of this fleet to you, Empress Nikee ir-Fethraie t'Rllaillieu, and recognize you as the rightful ruler of the - Romulan@annpc#557 - Romulan Star Empire." Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki whispers to Nikki, "You should probably promote her from Wing Commander and acting Admiral to a full Admiral." Nikki@crystyl holds the Debrune Teral'n out to the side of the chair, "Imaella i-Keladan t’Atreev, your loyal service to the Romulan people has saved countless lives here today, I can think of nobody more proven - Nikki@crystyl:- to take command of the true Imperial Navy. You knelt as Wing-Commander, now stand - as Admiral of the fleet" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella stands, "Thank you, Empress Nikee. I will see to it that this fleet is prepared for battle should the usurper Vitellius strike against us. While we conduct repairs and reinforce our - Romulan@annpc#557 - position, there is one matter you must address. We have captured a number of House Hakhoallieu prisoners. Most were taken in after surrendering and are willing to pledge their loyalty to us. - Romulan@annpc#557 - A few are full members of the House. What shall be done with them?" Nikki@crystyl:"They are loyal citizens of the Empire and are not at fault because the head of their House had betrayed his own people to seek personal power alongside the usurper. They are of course welcome to - Nikki@crystyl:- continue that loyal service. As a soldier myself, I understand that many will feel the burn of Hakhoallieu's betrayal and be eager to punish those who tried to mislead them. We will ensure that - Nikki@crystyl:- they get that chance to remind the unfaithful of just how true and deep their loyalty runs" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, turning back to the screen, "You have heard the Empress' decree. Conduct your repairs. Integrate the Hakhoallieu who seek to join us into your ranks. Recruit any who are - Romulan@annpc#557 - willing to stand against the usurper among the colony's populace. Together, we will emerge victorious!" --- Romulan@annpc#557 | After the broadcast, Imaella leads Nikki and Yuzuki into the ready room Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella takes a seat in front of the desk, while Yuzuki casually seats herself on the couch behind Nikki Nikki@crystyl takes a seat across from Imaella, "Quite the bit of inspirational speaking there Admiral" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Thank you, Empress. We will be sending the recording to every colony that has not pledged loyalty to Vitellius. I expect many of them will rally behind you, as it is better to face - Romulan@annpc#557 - the usurper together than defy him alone. Many of these colonies will not have ships to offer us, but some will, and we need every ship we can muster." Nikki@crystyl:"We would present a stronger position if we were able to offer some form of protection to those who do not have ships to send to us" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles, "You are a wise ruler. I was about to say that the colonies which cannot offer ships will likely expect us to provide them. I see no need to gather the fleet here at Agrama, - Romulan@annpc#557 - save those that need immediate repairs. While this will remain one of the more important systems we hold and a likely target, once other colonies begin to pledge their loyalty to us, there is - Romulan@annpc#557 - no guarantee that they will attack here. And I am sure if you had the resources to know about the trap here, you will be able to provide us sufficient warning of any large fleet movements from - Romulan@annpc#557 - Vitellius so we can rally our forces for a defense if and when he does attack in full force." Nikki@crystyl:"I expect so, yes. I am certain some portion of those who rally to the cause will not be the most capable of assets for a heavy fleet confrontation, so we can redeploy those to planetary defense - Nikki@crystyl:- where required. Once that recording of yours gets around, it is unlikely that I will be able to use Republic assets so freely under the ruse of protecting independent colonies after all" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "It has served its purpose well so far. The colonies which cannot provide ships can help us in other regards as well. Many of them produce exports of value. Some may be directly - Romulan@annpc#557:- useful for supplying and maintaining the fleet, but even those that do not have immediate applications can be put to use buying off criminal cartels or hiring mercenaries. Vitellius is a newcomer - Romulan@annpc#557:- here. This region has changed drastically since he left, and he will have to depend on his new local vassals, whom he will not fully trust. That means we hold an advantage and must capitalize on - Romulan@annpc#557:- it to forge beneficial relationships before he has a chance to." Nikki@crystyl:"And we have a significant head start in not being strangers to the region" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Precisely. We will have to look at other opportunities for allies individually, and some colonies may be willing to join us in name, but require more persuasion before they are truly - Romulan@annpc#557 - willing to commit their forces or their resources and work together with us. There are many things we will have to deal with on a case-by-case basis." Nikki@crystyl:"We may well have to take this new flagship and put in a few personal appearances no doubt" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Quite likely. I assume you will be remaining on the Kaishaasi for now, as we will be coordinating the fleet largely from here." Nikki@crystyl:"As long as that is where I am most needed" she nods Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "It will be beneficial for you to be present on the flagship during these personal appearances. What of the captured Zauger cruiser- was it truly lost in the battle, or did you sneak - Romulan@annpc#557 - it away?" Nikki@crystyl smiles, "What do you think?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles back, "It seems like you were still on a non-Romulan bridge when we spoke earlier. It could come in useful again in the future, but it would be best to keep it hidden for now. - Romulan@annpc#557:- The other commanders may get ideas if they learn how we planned Marek's death, and we do not need such complications at the moment." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella stands, "Come, let me show you to your new quarters on the Kaishaasi." Nikki@crystyl:"Of course. As I'm sure your sister would agree; one should never reveal assets that do not need to be revealed" she stands, "Lead on" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella leads the way to a room one deck below the bridge. It opens to a sizable living room with a door to one side, "These are the quarters intended for the commander of the vessel. They are - Romulan@annpc#557 - the largest on board, fit for a flag officer. Not quite intended for an Empress, but then again, you've never enjoyed the luxuries of life as Empress before, have you?" Nikki@crystyl:"No..." she looks around, "Though I could get used to this, I would be equally content bunking with soldiers" she chuckles Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella chuckles, "I thought you might say that. Some of them might look up to an Empress who is just one of them. Her record as a soldier was a major reason why Empress Ael was popular, but - Romulan@annpc#557 - soldiers are not the only people we want to persuade. They will fight better for a leader they respect more, yes, but they will all follow orders when needed. To persuade the ones who /give/ - Romulan@annpc#557 - them orders, we will need to ensure you look like a proper Empress. So think of this more as a reception hall than your own private lounge." Nikki@crystyl:"I'll keep that in mind. And I do appreciate the nuances of maintaining the right impressions, personal preferences aside" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella motions to the door on the other side of the living room, "The sleeping area is beyond there. I've already had someone remove all of Marek's belongings. Is there anything you would - Romulan@annpc#557 - like to get from your previous ship?" Nikki@crystyl:"I travel light as a rule, but there are a few personal effects I will retrieve while the opportunity is present" Romulan@annpc#557 | Yuzuki nods, "Let's head back there and decide where to keep the cruiser as well in the meantime and who stays with it." Nikki@crystyl nods, "Yes, we can return here once everything is in order there" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "There is no rush, we still have some repairs to make on the Kaishaasi, and we will not be leaving the system soon." Nikki@crystyl:"Exactly" --- Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | After Nikki and Yuzuki returns to the Zauger cruiser, Yuzuki moves them away from the planet through the gap in the defense grid created during the battle, allowing them to reconvene with the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - Latenter. Yuzuki beams back over, materializing on a transporter pad Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Welcome back Yuzuchan" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles back, stepping off the pad, "It's good to be back, Mischa. There's worse ships to stay on than the Zauger cruiser, but nothing quite like a familiar environment. How've things been on - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - your end?" Mischa@crystyl:"Quiet enough all in all. We've just been sitting back and enjoying the show you and Nikki have been putting on" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"It's been quite a show, hasn't it?" She begins heading out the transporter room and into the hall beyond. "Sorry you had to miss the boarding action. You would've enjoyed that for sure." Mischa@crystyl:"From what we saw on sensors, I can believe it" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Nikki did a great job with the message as well, but you've definitely seen that already." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "She is taking her to her now role nicely" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"That she is," she steps into the turbolift. "Bridge. Speaking of which, I wanted to come over and discuss how to proceed from here." Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, I imagine we are something of a precipice right now" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "Imaella wants Nikki to stay with their new flagship, and I agree. It's the best place for her to be at the moment." Mischa@crystyl:"Makes sense" she nods Goto Yuzuki@anncaris steps out of the lift as it arrives on the bridge, "And they want the Zauger cruiser to remain hidden for now, understandably. Well not for the usual reasons, since finding a way to get rid of - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - your superior to ascend the ranks is quite expected in the Imperial Navy, but Imaella doesn't want to complicate things any more than they need to be at this time." Mischa@crystyl:"It is almost a shame Imaella is an Imperial. She is turning out to be quite the asset" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris heads towards the ready room, "Perhaps there'll be a way to retain an alliance with her once this is over. But for now, she's of significant help to us, and she hasn't betrayed Nikki even though - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- she's obtained command of the fleet, so I believe we can rely on her at least during the conflict against Vitellius." Mischa@crystyl heads to the replicator for some tea, "Perhaps. That will likely depend on how the Romulan politics end up being reshaped in the long term. Nikki is still a Republic loyalist at the end of the day" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris takes a seat on the sofa, "It's difficult to predict where things will be going with so many moving pieces. We have the Imperial loyalists, Vitellius, the Shadow Guard, the future element, and I - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - have no doubt the Republic will only get more involved in this situation as it goes on." Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "Once that little broadcast reaches their attention I'm sure it will be all over the RNN", sitting and pouring them both out a tea Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I wonder what their response to that will be..." Mischa@crystyl:"Like you said, I doubt they will continue to sit back and ignore the situation once they see this" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "The most preferable outcome would be to defeat Vitellius and his forces and have Nikki find a way to unite the Star Empire with the Republic. It won't be easy, but the Star Empire has - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - been on the decline since the Republic formed. A civil war of this scale would likely prove to be enough of a Praxis event to make a union unavoidable. It's either that or the Empire fractures - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - into smaller states consisting mostly of independent colonies or confederations of several colonies. And over time the Republic'll absorb then anyways, but there will be a lot more hardship - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - for the people of those colonies leading up to that. A smooth transition under Nikki's leadership is the ideal scenario to work towards." Mischa@crystyl:"Exactly why I have been steering her towards for this the last few years now" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Vitellius and his invasion might actually prove to be helpful to that goal, if we can prevent him from getting any further than he has now, that is. Without him, it would've taken longer for the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - Star Empire to reach this fracturing point and its leadership would probably be less amenable to Nikki's claim to Empress. But back to the situation on hand...I assume you want at least one of - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - us to go over to the Kaishaasi with Nikki in order to continue guiding her?" Mischa@crystyl nods, "It would make sense, assuming you don't see any unacceptable risks arising from it based on your first hand experience so far?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"Imaella and her people haven't shown any signs of suspecting that I'm not a Romulan. I can maintain cover easily enough if it's just me." Mischa@crystyl:"Then yes, I think it makes sense for you to continue keeping an eye on Nikki" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "What about the Zauger cruiser? Should we continue to keep it crewed, cloaked and travelling alongside the Latenter, or hide it somewhere until such time as we need it, so we don't have to - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - keep running both ships and can get Latenter back to full crew?" Mischa@crystyl hrms, "I'm open to recommendations on that one. Handy as it might be to get a full complement back here, we can manage if we believe it is worth maintaining control there" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"The comm is useless now since they've long since shut the cruiser out, and we have what information we need to intercept messages from the Latenter. The Third Eye system is still an advantage - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- though, but I don't know how effectively Eirril can use it in battle with his lack of training in using it. And he has to run the Network cell, too. It might not be too useful in our hands, but - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - hiding it always has some risk of losing it, and I think it's too valuable to let go of." Mischa@crystyl:"We can reduce it to a skeleton crew and keep it at our side for now then" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris takes a sip of tea, "That's what I was thinking, but...there might be another option." She sets the tea down and stands, gesturing to Mischa's console across the room, "If I may?" Mischa@crystyl:"By all means" she stands to follow Goto Yuzuki@anncaris steps over to the console and leans over to tap on it Goto Yuzuki@anncaris brings up a census of psionic ability conducted by the Republic, turning the console around for Mischa to view, "For reasons still not fully understood, Romulans seem to have been one of the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - most impacted by the rise in psionic activity. The percentage of Republic Romulans who have gained psionic ability is almost 1.44 times higher than the total average - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - percentage of Federation species combined. It's significantly higher than the percentage of Vulcans who have documented an increase in their ESP rating, and we both know how meticulous Vulcan - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - testing and documentation is, so chances are the gap's even wider since there might be psionic Romulans we don't know of, but the Vulcans probably tested nearly everyone already." Mischa@crystyl:"A curious outcome" she nods, sipping her tea as she listens, "Perhaps owing to their less regimented neurology" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"One theory is that they're just as psionically capable as Vulcans but have all but lost the techniques to control these abilities, so we're actually seeing the same spike in both species. It's - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - just that when the Republic actually began looking into it, they realized Romulans were more psionically capable than they thought and many of these who gained psionic capability had it all - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- along, they're only learning to tap into it now that attention has been shined on the subject." Mischa@crystyl:"Also a distinct possibility. So where are you going with this in regards to the Zauger cruiser?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"With these numbers, we're going to be able to identify a few Romulans who are powerful enough to use the Third Eye between the fleet and the loyalist colonies. If we have Eirril practicing with it, - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- that'll divide his time between training and the Network. You can oversee things when needed, but Eirril still knows the Network better than we do and we want his eye on it as much as possible. - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- As I said, the Zauger cruiser isn't much use to us right now, but the loyalist fleet can use every ship they can get to stand against Vitellius. And since they're fighting the Zauger, they'll probably - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - manage to capture a ship with a Third Eye sooner or later for study." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I'm suggesting one of Imaella's ships can pretend to have newly captured a cruiser and bring it into the loyalist fleet formally. They can identify Romulan psionics and start training with the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - Third Eye. If more Zauger ships get captured, they'll have people capable of turning its most unique weapon against the enemy. That way we don't have to maintain it, but it's still going to be - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- on our side, since the fleet is ultimately Nikki's." Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds good to me. We'll make the necessary arrangements" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "I'll head back over to the Zauger cruiser. When we speak with Imaella again, I'll mention the plan and she can make the preparations on her side." Mischa@crystyl:"Excellent" --- Romulan@annpc#557 | Some time later, Nikki has settled into her new quarters when the doorbell rings Nikki@crystyl stands at on side, arranging personal effects, "Enter" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella steps into the room, "Empress. I hope I am not disturbing you?" Nikki@crystyl:"Not at all, just making myself at home. What do you think - here, or here?" she offers the two positions for a small random artifact Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella points at the second position, "There. It complements the rest of the decor better." Nikki@crystyl sets it in place, "Good, we continue to share opinions on what is best. Long may it continue" she smiles, making the double meaning clear as she moves to sit, "But I am sure you did not come simply- Nikki@crystyl:- to critique my decor" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella chuckles, joining her at a nearby seat, "No, I did not. Though you have done quite well in it. Of course, I am no expert on interior decoration." Nikki@crystyl:"It is a small start, but short of lavishing it with House banners there is little more I can think to do at present. Besides, I doubt we have any Tholian silk on board" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "I'm afraid not, though if you like, we may be able to find some in the Hakhoallieu estate on the surface." Nikki@crystyl:"Oh right, of course the estate. Now we have deposed Hakhoallieu I need to lay claim don't I? Well then, perhaps we will find some and I will be able to create something suitably regal for my... - Nikki@crystyl:- reception hall was it?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "It is our hope that you will be able to claim the Empress' estate on Rator once all this is over. But on the subject of deposing Hakhoallieu and their properties...that is why I am - Romulan@annpc#557 - here now." Nikki@crystyl:"Oh?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Voreer tr'Hakhoallieu was killed in the fighting, but we have identified the closest successor to the House-Clan among our prisoners. Haelhen t'Hakhoallieu, daughter to Voreer's - Romulan@annpc#557 - younger brother, who perished holding the bridge of the Thrai warbird we captured." Nikki@crystyl:"A stroke of good fortune. Does she know she is now successor to the House?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "She has been informed and she wishes to speak with you regarding the future of her House." Nikki@crystyl:"Good. What is your impression of her?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Like all Hakhoallieu, she seems cunning and politically adept. She is less experienced than her father and uncle, but she has what it takes to lead a House. Despite her significantly - Romulan@annpc#557 - disadvantaged position, she did not try to lie about her knowledge of the trap. She knows what she can and cannot get away with. If she is out for revenge, she could be dangerous to keep - Romulan@annpc#557 - alive. But if she cares for the continuation of her House, then she may just be wise enough to lead them out of this situation they have put themselves in." Nikki@crystyl:"Well, there is one way to find out. Have her brought here, so I might oblige her request discuss the future of her House" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "As you wish," she taps a communicator. A few minutes later, the doors open as two Imperial Navy guards escort a Romulan woman inside Nikki@crystyl looks up and smiles, "Haelhen t'Hakhoallieu, I am so pleased that you could find room in your current schedule to join me. Refreshment?" she offers, already pouring out a a second glass of - Nikki@crystyl:- recognizable blueish-green liquid Romulan@annpc#557 | Haelhen: "Thank you, Empress." She takes the glass with a bow of her head. "I am glad you are willing to meet with me. If we were still dealing with Empress Sela, she would have no second - Romulan@annpc#557:- thoughts about eliminating my House. As would Vitellius, I suspect." Nikki@crystyl:"Yes, your predecessors don't exactly have a good track record of aligning your House to reputable leaders" Romulan@annpc#557 | Haelhen: "We did what we must to survive. It is the story of many House-Clans of the Star Empire. My uncle pledged his allegiance to Vitellius because his force was clearly the superior one, - Romulan@annpc#557 - and he swept past all resistance on the way to Rator. He set this trap in an effort to show his loyalty and gain more favour, because he believed standing in Vitellius' way would be the end of - Romulan@annpc#557 - our family." Nikki@crystyl:"I have seen the aftermath of colonies who did not yield to Vitellius and his Zauger. Suffice to say, it was not pretty - and likely a fate your people would have shared had your family stood - Nikki@crystyl:- against Vitellius. But that was then, and this is now and we must look to the future for your House-Clan once more" Romulan@annpc#557 | Haelhen: "Yes. We did not know of you when we pledged our allegiance to Vitellius. Imaella has told me of your claim to Empress, and I have seen the fleet you have gathered here with my own - Romulan@annpc#557 - eyes. You may have a chance against Vitellius and his alien forces." Nikki@crystyl chuckles, "It would be fair to say that /I/ did not know of me when Vitellius began his march. It was only after I saw what he was doing to our people that I realized I could not stand idly by. But - Nikki@crystyl:- fleets are neither our only - or best - weapon against the Zauger backbone of Vitellius' forces" Romulan@annpc#557 | Haelhen: "Of course. A Romulan's greatest weapons are information, and misinformation." Nikki@crystyl:"Very much so, and that is Vitellius' greatest weakness. You - on the other hand - are not so naive - and clearly appreciate the value of such commodities" Romulan@annpc#557 | Haelhen takes a sip from her glass and nods, "I do not expect you to allow my House to continue on under your leadership without something to offer you, to prove ourselves after these - Romulan@annpc#557 - circumstances we are meeting under. You have already taken Agrama, and all our remaining ships and holdings are yours unless you see fit to return any. But there is information I may offer." Nikki@crystyl smiles, "I am glad we have an understanding" Romulan@annpc#557 | Haelhen smiles back, "There is the remnants of a Tal Shiar cell hidden on the fourth planet of the D'Surren system. My House have known about them for some time. Like most of the Tal Shiar, - Romulan@annpc#557 - they pledged their loyalty to the Iconians and came to regret this after the war when both Empire and Republic began hunting them down. We did not reveal their location because this was a - Romulan@annpc#557:- research and development cell. We permitted them to continue their existence as long as the fruits of their research were shared with us." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "So that's how you obtained all these modifications for the Thrai, and explains the unique disruptor designs you use." Nikki@crystyl:"Quite the nice little arrangement" Romulan@annpc#557 | Haelhen: "Strictly speaking, they are traitors to the Empire, but they joined the Iconians to better understand their technology and never participated directly in any military actions against - Romulan@annpc#557 - their own people. They are scientists- somewhat aloof at times, but not a threat to the Romulan people. If you take me with you to D'Surren, we can negotiate another such agreement, or - Romulan@annpc#557:- reintegrate them as a formal research facility of your Star Empire, if you so desire. Their skills will no doubt be of use to you." Nikki@crystyl:"This information is quite the olive branch for you to open with" Romulan@annpc#557 | Haelhen: "What better way to gain forgiveness for what our House has done so far? These scientists will not respond to just anyone. I can open up dialogue with them, and once the deal is - Romulan@annpc#557 - complete and that I have proven my loyalty, then you may decide what power to restore to my House. For now, all I ask is that you give me this chance to prove myself." Nikki@crystyl:"That is not an unreasonable request, and no more than I have offered to your forces. The difference is, they did not know they were being used by Vitellius to lure out and kill loyal Romulans. - Nikki@crystyl:- You did. And now you sit with the one responsible for killing your family only hours after the fact and speak only of earning forgiveness? Can you see what is wrong with this picture?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Haelhen: "You suspect I am luring you into a trap," she smiles. "That is only to be expected. You may keep me in your brig for now, and send another ship ahead to scout out the system. This - Romulan@annpc#557 - one needs to finish repairs anyways, judging from where it is docked and what i have seen on the way here. You have time to spare without rushing into my offer." Nikki@crystyl:"I think luring us into a trap would require more foresight than you have had any opportunity to put in place. Of course, you could have standing contingency plans, but that is getting far-fetched. - Nikki@crystyl:- No, I do not believe you are luring us into a trap. But I do not yet believe either that you are interested solely in forgiveness - I would not be, were I in your place. Perhaps in time we will - Nikki@crystyl:- find a way to satisfy your vengeance in an amenable manner. But for now, I will consider your olive branch. In the meantime, a lady of your standing should not have to rot in a brig; you - Nikki@crystyl:- will provided quarters where you can properly refresh while you await my decision" Romulan@annpc#557 | Haelhen: "Thank you, Empress." She finishes the drink and sets it down, turning to head out with the guards Nikki@crystyl lets her leave before turning to Imaella, "Make sure said quarters remain under guard. She is still to remain in a cage, albeit a gilded one" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "Of course, Empress. Shall I send one of our undamaged warbirds to scout out the system?" Nikki@crystyl nods, "Pure stealth reconnaissance. I suspect that her offer is genuine, and so do not wish to antagonize this research cell" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella stands, "Understood. I shall have one proceed there immediately." --- Romulan@annpc#557 | As the repairs on the Kaishaasi continue, Imaella calls Nikki down to one of the ship's decks Nikki@crystyl exits the turbolift and wanders around, exploring curiously - and cautiously, of course Romulan@annpc#557 | Nikki spots an area ahead where a large number of engineers seem to be working Nikki@crystyl makes her way over, seeing nothing else of interest Romulan@annpc#557 | As Nikki approaches, she realizes that the engineers are putting up a large tank, very similar to the one she saw on the Tarai where the Arachnian war pets were being kept. This one is not yet - Romulan@annpc#557 - complete and there are no Arachnians inside, but the dry environment has already been set up, and two crewmembers are erecting the some desert shrubs Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella steps into view from around the corner of the tank, "Hello, Empress. We are making good progress, as you can see." Nikki@crystyl smiles, "As well I can. Making room for your Arachnians I take it?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles back and nods, "There is a shortage of security personnel as most of the Kaishaasi's perished in the boarding action. I've transferred some over from the Tarai, but fortunately, - Romulan@annpc#557 - we have the Arachnians to supplement our numbers if there is any boarding action. I dispersed the surviving ground forces from the original Kaishaasi crew to the rest of the fleet, who will - Romulan@annpc#557 - need them more, since their ships don't have Arachnians." Nikki@crystyl:"Sounds good to me" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "I'm glad you approve. The rest of the repairs are proceeding along smoothly, but that is not what I primarily wished to show you today." Nikki@crystyl:"I had a feeling..." she smiles a little Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella turns and leads the way, "Follow me." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella leads Nikki through the halls and into a room with multiple consoles. At the very front is a larger, prominent console with screens attached to the wall behind, as well as - Romulan@annpc#557 - holographic interfaces stretching out from either side of the screens. In front of this console sits a figure in a hovering chair Nikki@crystyl:"An intelligence centre?" she surmises Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "Meet Faedani i-Keladan t’Atreev, my sister." Nikki@crystyl:"Aah, a face to the elusive sister at long last. It is good to see you actually exist" Romulan@annpc#557 | The hoverchair turns around, revealing a woman who bears some resemblance to Imaella, "I prefer to work in the shadows. It is good to see you as well, Empress." She hovers over towards Nikki. Nikki@crystyl:"I can relate" she nods, observing the curious chair Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani notices her gaze, "You wonder why I am in this chair." Nikki@crystyl:"I do not mean to stare, but must confess a certain curiosity. I take it this is a mobility thing and not a luxury thing?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani nods, "Yes. I was a field agent once. The Tal Shiar did not repair my injuries the traditional way, but enhanced me with cybernetics based on Borg technology. Unfortunately, despite - Romulan@annpc#557 - their significant advances, they are not the Borg. These cybernetics eventually failed, and here I am." Nikki@crystyl:"I see, and I appreciate the indulgence. But I am glad to see you making yourself at home here too" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "As a flagship, the Kaishaasi came with a rather impressive intelligence centre," she smiles. "It shall come in very useful, I believe. Especially with a leader such as you." Nikki@crystyl:"I assume you refer to my background with Republic Intelligence" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani nods, "Indeed. From your record, you seem to be one who would respect the importance of intelligence gathering and subterfuge, as a Romulan should." Nikki@crystyl smiles, "Wouldn't be much of an Intelligence Officer if I didn't" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "So how did you come to be here, if you do not mind me asking? The last thing on your record is serving as an exchange officer with a Starfleet ship all the way out towards the rim." Nikki@crystyl nods, "Yes, and it was my time out there that soured my love for the Republic and it's... eager relationships" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "Its willingness to send our soldiers and ships to fight for other factions, you mean?" Nikki@crystyl:"Standing beside allies is one thing, but allowing them to abuse that relationship is another. The Battle of the Heart was one of the biggest and bloodiest battles in known history, and I watched - Nikki@crystyl:- from the bridge of a Starfleet cruiser as countless warbirds were thrown to the mercy of the Horde - all because they could cloak, and were more amenable to following Starfleet directions than the - Nikki@crystyl:- Klingons were" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani nods, "And that led you to return home, to the territories of the Star Empire?" Nikki@crystyl:"It led me to question the wisdom of D'Tan's movement. Since I was a child, I always felt more at one with the order of the Star Empire from the stories I was told when growing up. But when it came - Nikki@crystyl:- time to leave my home in the outlying territories, I had to make a choice. And at that time, there was little to suggest that the Empire had any kind of future while the Republic was progressing - Nikki@crystyl:- in leaps and bounds. And so, I chose what I felt would be the strongest future for our people. Of course, since my time with intelligence I learned why I felt such a connection to the old ways - Nikki@crystyl:- and - well - I guess I've been questioning my sense of belonging and my future for some time now. Recent events were more just a catalyst for my decision to leave" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "I see. And now you intend to lead the Empire to a new future?" Nikki@crystyl:"Don't get me wrong; it's not like I had a sudden epiphany at the battle, I just decided I'd had enough and had to get away to reassess things. So I found a quiet outlying colony away from Republic - Nikki@crystyl:- space where I hoped to reconnect with my roots and find my path. What I found was Zauger oppression and mutilation of Romulan citizens - all in the name of Vitellius. /That/ was when I decided to - Nikki@crystyl:- make a stand. Not necessarily to claim my birthright, just to stand up for our people. Circumstances have led that decision to where we are now, and the realization that the best way for me to end- Nikki@crystyl:- Vitellius' insult is to replace it with something better by my own choosing" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani nods, "We are fortunate to have you here, Empress. Without someone such as you for those of us standing against Vitellius to rally around, it would be far more difficult to get rid of - Romulan@annpc#557 - his new regime." Nikki@crystyl:"I am glad you think so. I am equally fortunate to have you and your sister to help steer our campaign" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani smiles, "I have something for you. Haelhen t'Hakhoallieu provided my sister with the names of those she know to be a part of this R&D cell. While I cannot confirm the existence of this - Romulan@annpc#557 - cell on D'Surren IV, I have crossed referenced the names with the Tal Shiar records I possess. They are indeed individuals who were known to be members of such a cell. She could have memorized - Romulan@annpc#557 - the names from these same records, but she had no reason to do so before, and no opportunity to do so after she was captured and needed to make a deal with you. I believe she is being truthful." Nikki@crystyl:"As do I. The question remains though if she is genuine or not. This R&D cell more than likely does exist, and will be willing to renegotiate their position. But we are yet to see if Haelhen is - Nikki@crystyl:- truly seeking to make recompense for her family's discretions, or if she is simply throwing us a line in order to reel us into a false sense of security around her" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "That we will have to see. I can tell you that the Hakhoallieu are known for an attitude of power at any cost. They are also rumoured to have very harsh upbringings to ensure they are - Romulan@annpc#557 - ready for the cutthroat nature of politics." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "From my conversations with her, she certainly didn't seem to have too much love for her parents and uncle." Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "I do not believe she seeks to lower our guard for vengeance. But she is also unlikely to be interested in true recompense. She simply wishes to give the impression of recompense, so - Romulan@annpc#557 - she and her House can regain some measure of power. Keep an eye on that one. She will not think twice about stabbing you in the back, if doing so allows her to gain more power." Nikki@crystyl:"Then the prudent course would be to ensure that stabbing me in the back doesn't allow her to gain more power" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "Indeed. In her current position, she has nothing to gain from doing so. Simply take care to maintain this if you decide to return some power to her House in the future." Nikki@crystyl:"Wise words" she smiles Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani smiles back, "If there is any information you need, or wish for me to look into, you are welcome to come down here, Empress." Nikki@crystyl:"Now that you are all settled in, I will be sure to do so. It's been a few years now since I got to work with the Tal Shiar, so I look forward to seeing how things have changed" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "And I look forward to showing that we, or at least some of us, may still benefit the Star Empire, despite the missteps of our organization in more recent times." Nikki@crystyl:"Well then, do not let me keep from your work Faedani. And if you need anything, just let me know" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "Of course, Empress." --- Goto Yuzuki@anncaris | As Nikki relaxes in her quarters, the doorbell rings again Nikki@crystyl:"Enter" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris steps inside in her Romulan disguise, "Hello Nikki. I assume you've already made sure this room is secure and free of any monitoring?" Nikki@crystyl taps on her console and nods, "I left one of Faedani's monitoring devices in place, just so she can continue to feel like she is doing her job and not get any ideas about trying harder. But I have - Nikki@crystyl:- a localized dampening field in place which will nullify it when desired" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles, "Perfect." She takes a seat, "We can talk freely in here, then. We'll need a little sanctuary to do that on this ship." Nikki@crystyl:"I felt the same. It is quite exhilarating isn't it" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles, "That it is. How are you settling in with being Empress full-time? On the Zauger cruiser, you only had to assume the role on specific occasions, unlike here." Nikki@crystyl shrugs a little, "It does not really feel like I am being a full time anything, other than an operative" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"But you do feel some kinship for the struggles of these people, don't you? They might be Imperial Romulans, but they don't deserve the oppression Vitellius is bringing upon them." Nikki@crystyl:"Of course. Imperial or Republic, we are all still Romulan" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "It is in all our interests to see Vitellius defeated." She glances around the room, "At least these surroundings are probably more familiar to you than the Zauger cruiser. Or even the - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - Latenter or Valley Forge." Nikki@crystyl smiles, "It is nice to be home" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles back, "I thought that part would be nice. And it seems you have quite the luxurious room, too." Nikki@crystyl:"That part is still... less familiar, but I believe I could get used to it" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris chuckles, "Larger quarters are always nice. Though entertaining guests as Empress, perhaps less so. Speaking of our undercover work, practically everyone's assuming that I'm your right-hand - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:- woman or something along those lines, but we never specified anything to the Imperials. I've been vague about it so far. It's entertaining to watch them guess, some of them think we might be in a - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - secret relationship or something," she laughs Nikki@crystyl:"You do make a good Romulan..." she considers playfully Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smirks, "You did say you liked me better with pointed ears." Nikki@crystyl:"As for the 'real' story. I - of course - defer to your judgement" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "I'll continue to keep it vague. Your people like secrets, after all- especially traditionalists on the Imperial side. And I think there's an advantage to someone mysterious who's often at - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - your side, but no one knows exactly why. It will make people think about what assets you have at your disposal, and letting them run wild with their imagination." Nikki@crystyl smiles, "I'm glad to see you are still enjoying this too" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris smiles back, "That's the fun of working with Romulans." Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"As for the more personal rumours, you're an Empress-claimant now. They're going to happen sooner or later, so we may as well have one we can control." Nikki@crystyl:"Indeed, hopefully just the first of many" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "This mission I hear we are about to embark on, do you want the Latenter to come with us, or should we proceed with just the Kaishaasi, so there's no risk of our wider operation being - Goto Yuzuki@anncaris - discovered?" Nikki@crystyl:"I don't think we'll need the Latenter, but the Commander knows best" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris:"I'll inform her of our destination and let her make the decision, then." Nikki@crystyl:"Are you managing to maintain contact with her well enough here?" Goto Yuzuki@anncaris nods, "It's not easy getting past the Romulan monitoring, but I have my ways," she smiles coyly Nikki@crystyl:"Glad to hear it. Not that there's much I can do about it anyway" she chuckles