ST:SoD125 | "Search and Destroy"

Stardate 99204.8

Realizing that the Zauger fleet is not headed for Agrama but another, potentially even more valuable target, the Imperial Navy scrambles to stop them before they can complete their objective. Meanwhile, Mischa tries to decipher the motive of a suspicious Cardassian mercenary who has for some reason signed on with the Imperials.

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T'Lana@anncaris | The Latenter is still hidden in the Agrama System, watching the Imperial Navy prepare as Vitellius' fleet draws closer and closer T'Lana@anncaris | Mischa is working away in her ready room when her combadge chirps Mischa@crystyl taps, "Leveson-Scott" T'Lana@anncaris <C - Victoria> "Commander, we have another transmission from the Loki." Mischa@crystyl:"Ah thank you. I'll take it in here" T'Lana@anncaris | A few seconds later, T'Lana's visage appears on Mischa's console, "Commander. I am finally able to contact you- we've only just managed to re-establish communications back to the Heart." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Worry not Lana. Much as I enjoy our catchups they are a far cry from mission check in schedules" T'Lana@anncaris:"There have been some interesting developments in the meantime. I am sending you the relevant reports now." T'Lana@anncaris | The reports of T'Pia's kidnapping and subsequent rendezvous comes through to Mischa's console Mischa@crystyl:"I see" she taps, securing her systems before reviewing the files, "There's a lot here indeed. Why don't you give me the cliffnotes version" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "In short, one Commander Marion Watson, a former Starfleet officer who we believe to be working with these future vessels, kidnapped Cadet T'Pia from the Sphere and set a rendezvous with - T'Lana@anncaris - Keelah to return her. When Keelah arrived on the Aethon, T'Pia had apparently convinced Watson to give up her original plan and reveal details of their operations to Keelah. Meanwhile, the - T'Lana@anncaris - Loki also intercepted the rendezvous message, while the rest of the Coalition was in the dark as Watson had sabotaged several comm buoys. We made our way to the location as well." Mischa@crystyl:"Well, quite the little adventure you've been having. How is young Pia?" T'Lana@anncaris:"She is quite well. She was returned to the Aethon without incident, but during the extraction, Commodore Fox transported the two first under the suspicion that it was a trap. Apparently, Watson - T'Lana@anncaris - was discovered to have turned her body into a bomb and was subsequently transported into space to detonate. However, both Keelah and T'Pia question the validity of this claim, and it does not - T'Lana@anncaris - appear to be a logical course of action on Watson's side either." Mischa@crystyl 's eyes narrow, "They question it, Lana... or you do? It is not like you to use inconclusive abstracts" T'Lana@anncaris:"They were the ones to question it first, but their logic for doing so is sound. While they are relying on T'Pia's intuitive trust of Commander Watson's intentions- even if Watson was acting with - T'Lana@anncaris - an ulterior motive, transforming herself into an explosive still seems to be an unlikely plan given the other methods she must have had at her disposal." Mischa@crystyl:"But still, you got there in time to intercept their transport and uncover the truth of Watson's deception, no?" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Yes, but there is no way to verify whether the deception is Watson's. The explosion could easily have been faked, and I was not present in the transporter room at the time. Given the - T'Lana@anncaris - infiltrator situation, it is possible that Watson was either silenced or captured, with help from on board the Loki." Mischa@crystyl:"Lana, this is a troubling revelation. But one that I would also not be willing to rule out" T'Lana@anncaris:"Precisely why I must investigate Keelah's suspicions. You have not had any further contact with the future vessels or their infiltrators, I assume?" Mischa@crystyl shakes her head, "Not that I know at least. Though I still believe them to be monitoring things here, We've seen nothing more of them" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Any unusual occurrences from within the Romulans? It is a near certainty that they have infiltrated more than the Federation." Mischa@crystyl:"I have unconfirmed intel suggesting that the Shadow Guard unveiled an infiltration before ours came to light, and that they contained it" T'Lana@anncaris:"Interesting. Do you know how they were able to do so? I presume it may be related to the heavy Reman presence among their ranks, and the resulting telepathic ability?" Mischa@crystyl:"I made the same assumption, but as I said this whole thing is hearsay at best so it is anyone's guess. But if there is anything to all of it, then you might have allies among the Romulan - Mischa@crystyl:- contingent out there. I would expect the Shadow Guard to maintain a discrete presence among the Heart forces after all" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "It would only be logical for them to keep an eye on the Heart. I will see if I can contact them. This also reminds me of one method I have yet to conduct for my investigation." Mischa@crystyl:"Even if present, they may not know anything of this. Or worse, they are subject to infiltration themselves. I have nothing solid to offer, but during the course of this mission I have seen enough - Mischa@crystyl:- to make me question the integrity of our own organization and even our silent brethren who do not officially exist. If they are compromised, the Shadow Guard could easily be too. But hopefully - Mischa@crystyl:- your other line of inquiry yields results for you as well" T'Lana@anncaris:"A fair point, Commander. I do not intend to rely on them, but someone else who is more worthy of trust. Or at least, someone we may trust more." Mischa@crystyl:"The rarest of commodities. I trust your judgement Lana so need no more detail, just... be careful" she smiles T'Lana@anncaris:"I shall. Take care as well. These infiltrators seem to have quite an interest in what is occurring in your region as well, judging by what you have discovered." Mischa@crystyl:"Because stalking on the Tal Shiar's doorstep just doesn't get me going anymore; need something to keep it interesting!" T'Lana@anncaris:"It seems your wishes have come true. Live long and prosper, Mischa." Mischa@crystyl:"Peace and long life, T'Lana" she offers a rarely seen proper Vulcan response, a clear sign of how heavily all of this weighs T'Lana@anncaris | The comm ends, but Mischa only gets a few seconds of peace before the doorbell sounds Mischa@crystyl sighs softly, filing away TL's reports, "Enter" T'Lana@anncaris | The door slides open and Eirril steps inside, "Commander. I was told you were in the middle of a call, so I waited until you were finished. Not interrupting anything, I hope?" Mischa@crystyl gestures, "Not at all, thank you for waiting. Please, come, what can I do for you?" T'Lana@anncaris | Eirril takes a seat, "Actually, I've got a theory for you. I don't need any Network data to support it though, so I thought I'd take a trip up here rather than calling you down." Mischa@crystyl smiles, pouring out two drinks and leaning back, "Well this is a rare treat. I do enjoy a good theory" T'Lana@anncaris | Eirril smiles back, "Thank you. So we've recently received the intel that these future infiltrators likely come from the same alternate reality you visited back during the Thunderbolt search, - T'Lana@anncaris - right? The one where the old Constitution-class Enterprise found the Heart instead of the Valley Forge." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Yes, confirmed by the Valley Forge upon discovery of the Defiant-now-Gallant originating from that universe, which appeared conveniently in their mission flight path. This quantum signature - Mischa@crystyl:- matched a mystery vessel encountered by the Aethoon during said mission" T'Lana@anncaris | Eirril nods, "Now, I was looking over your reports of the incursion into that universe. Apparently Spock came up with the theory that they might actually lose their war against the Horde, and - T'Lana@anncaris - it's the survivors of their universe who came through to create our Klingon Neutral Zone and prevent our Enterprise from encountering the Horde, thus delaying the confrontation until we have - T'Lana@anncaris - superior technology. Now the discovery of the Gallant disproves that they fail to defeat the Horde, but the theory could still be true. They just fled their universe due to some future - T'Lana@anncaris - threat instead." Mischa@crystyl nods, "You are not the first to consider this theory" T'Lana@anncaris | Eirril: "Someone else has suggested this already? Well, I suppose these dots aren't too difficult to connect." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "We are talking about exceptional analysts here. You are bound to draw the same conclusions as one another sometimes" T'Lana@anncaris | Eirril smiles back, "Great minds think alike." He takes a sip from his drink, "But...my theory doesn't end there." Mischa@crystyl:"Music to my ears!" T'Lana@anncaris | Eirril: "The Survivor group that was poaching remnants of the Scryer Network- we had theories of them being a splinter faction of the Network itself, but we were able to trace its history back - T'Lana@anncaris - to long before the Cardassian Scryer's death, so that's certainly not the case. There were other theories, such as them being a Romulan group and designating themselves Survivors of Romulus or - T'Lana@anncaris - something. Clearly the name Survivors has some major significance to them, as you've pointed out. But maybe it isn't because they survived the collapse of an organization or the loss of a - T'Lana@anncaris - star system. Maybe it's something even bigger, which is why they've taken it as a name to identify themselves by..." Mischa@crystyl:"An intriguing idea, and one certainly no more far fetched than any other" T'Lana@anncaris | Eirril: "It explains the name. If they survived the fall of the old Network or the destruction of Romulus, well, they're not the only ones. It seems a little unusual for them to take on that - T'Lana@anncaris - name when all the other groups haven't. After all, you don't hear about a Romulan Survivor Empire. If they're the survivors of this other universe, then they'd be the only people from their - T'Lana@anncaris - reality of origin here. Perhaps the only people to have survived whatever they had fled from." Mischa@crystyl:"Were that so, then it makes a very tempting question as to who sent that Defiant across..." T'Lana@anncaris | Eirril nods, "Indeed. But the overall picture does add up. We know these future people have been infiltrating and manipulating our galaxy for a while now, but galactic powers aren't the only - T'Lana@anncaris - thing of significance. It's almost guaranteed that they'd have a presence in the seedier elements of society as well. Which explains why they immediately began poaching from the Network after - T'Lana@anncaris - the Cardassian Scryer's death, and why we've never heard of them until now. The Survivors are good, too good not to be some major player." Mischa@crystyl:"You may be onto something with this" T'Lana@anncaris | Eirril smiles, "I'm glad you think so. The name, efficiency, and motivations match up better than any other options we have." Mischa@crystyl:"It fits as a working theory, but until we prove it that is all it will be sadly" T'Lana@anncaris | Eirril nods, taking another sip, "Of course. I don't have any solid evidence to support it either way, so it's only conjecture. But what we do know is that Gul Selesk was approached by these - T'Lana@anncaris - Survivors, and never rejoined the Network after that, indicating he's probably made a deal with them. Since he's here now...we might want to consider the possibility that he's here at the - T'Lana@anncaris - behest of the Survivors. Who may or may not be the same as the future infiltrators..." Mischa@crystyl:"If they are, his presence carries a very different context. Not to mention opportunities" T'Lana@anncaris | Eirril: "Precisely. Selesk is mostly staying on his ship, but I'll let you know if the situation changes." Mischa@crystyl:"You've given me a lot to think about here. Thank you as always for your insights" T'Lana@anncaris | Eirril smiles and stands, "Come by anytime you need anything else, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:"I'll be sure to do so" she smiles --- Romulan@annpc#557 | On the Kaishaasi, Nikki is in her quarters when the doorbell rings Nikki@crystyl:"Come in" she looks up, sat relaxing in an armchair Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella steps into the room, "Empress." Nikki@crystyl:"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "There have been developments. Not positive ones, I'm afraid." Nikki@crystyl gestures an invitation to the sofa, "Then please sit and bring me up to speed" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, stepping over and taking a seat on the sofa Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Our scouts report that the Zauger task force previously operating in the Lirss sector has been sighted here in the Agrama sector, on a direct vector here to Agrama. They're - Romulan@annpc#557 - approaching from a different angle, likely to support the main fleet headed this way. They were travelling uncloaked as well, for reasons we do not yet fully understand." Nikki@crystyl:"So just as we marshall a force to push back the first fleet, another appears..." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "This one's smaller than the primary fleet, but they are still additional forces for the enemy. And there's more, as well..." Nikki@crystyl:"Of course there is..." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "We've managed to hire a small number of mercenaries, including that Cardassian in a Dominion ship. I'm not quite sure what to think of him. But our intel suggests Vitellius has - Romulan@annpc#557 - recruited more. Mostly Corvallen hired guns working for the highest bidder, but there's at least two Lethean ships with rather elite crews among the mercenaries heading here after taking - Romulan@annpc#557 - offers from Vitellius' people." Nikki@crystyl:"This would be the part where you offset all of this by telling me your devious plan to counter this" she smiles Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Well, we do have the Istvaenen. They are settling in well, largely thanks to my crew's experience dealing with the Arachnae. They will be very helpful, especially if we deploy them - Romulan@annpc#557 - to the larger Zauger vessels and seize control, turning them against their own while we focus on the Corvallen and the smaller ships. But even then, Faedani's projections estimate our chances - Romulan@annpc#557 - of victory at around 30%." Nikki@crystyl:"That is just unacceptable. We must find a way to turn the tide back in our favour" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "I agree. We are looking into every possible strategy to even the odds, but there is something...strange about the approach of our enemy." Nikki@crystyl:"The fact that they are not using cloaks you mean?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Exactly. The main fleet, I can understand why. Intimidating an enemy and making them feel like they have no chance at victory is sometimes as important as the tactics of the battle - Romulan@annpc#557 - itself. But the task force moving in to strike us from a different direction? Revealing that just gives us a chance to anticipate their angle of attack. I would keep it cloaked, keep its - Romulan@annpc#557 - entire existence a secret until it's needed." Nikki@crystyl:"As would I. Unless I were to trying to force our hand maybe, shepherd us into a desired direction" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Perhaps, but where to...and for what purpose? We control Agrama now, and if a battle were to occur, we would hold here for as long as possible to defend it. If they defeat us here - Romulan@annpc#557 - and drive us out of the system, I can't think of any place that would benefit them to drive us towards. Perhaps a trap to ensure we don't escape, but if we lose Agrama our chances of - Romulan@annpc#557 - re-establishing a presence would be low. We wouldn't be much more of a nuisance to them after such a defeat." Nikki@crystyl:"True, but Vitelllius is hardly the type to deal in half efforts" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "A fair point. Perhaps this is part of a plan to wipe us out in one fell swoop with no survivors. But it would still seem more efficient to decloak the second force when they arrive, - Romulan@annpc#557 - rather than giving us time to anticipate it. The surprise of it would easily lead us to make hasty decisions without considering the implications, perhaps pulling a retreat exactly the way he - Romulan@annpc#557 - wants us to. Showing all his forces before the battle, on the other hand, gives us time to analyze his true intentions, like we are now." Nikki@crystyl:"Could it be that these aren't his full forces?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "It's a possibility, but I don't think he /needs/ more forces to take us on. Though we cannot discount the possibility that he may be making a statement by crushing us - Romulan@annpc#557 - so completely that it dissuades anyone else from standing up to him. Though there is one other thing of interest about the fleet headed towards us..." Nikki@crystyl:"He doesn't, which makes me wonder about the reality of these fleets... What is the other thing first?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "So far, Vitellius has always been at the head of his forces, in direct command of the military operations. This time however, our sources on Rator state that Vitellius has remained - Romulan@annpc#557 - on the planet. We believe this fleet is commanded by his son, Averius." Nikki@crystyl:"Who could be using a different tactic. Like misdirection..." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Yes, but our intel also suggests the exact opposite. His daughter, Viria, is the most devious among the family. Averius is said to have been born and raised among the Zauger. He's a - Romulan@annpc#557 - soldier. He is still Romulan and no stranger to using deception to his advantage, but largely as tactics within a battle. In short, everything we know about him suggests he's not the scheming - Romulan@annpc#557 - type. A good tactician like his father, though." Nikki@crystyl:"And this could be a good simple military tactic. Maybe the daughter is working with him too..." she moves to her desk, searching for something on the console Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella follows over curiously, "What are you thinking?" Nikki@crystyl:"Classic Romulan battle tactics always revolve around the advantage of cloak, it is what we do. But another classic combat tactic is misdirection, used more by those without such advantages as a - Nikki@crystyl:- cloak, like Starfleet. While I was posted to a Starfleet facility with the Republic, I got to know a particularly gifted young tactical officer who had a keen interest in learning from her - Nikki@crystyl:- people's history. In particular, a book she shared with me one time called The Art of War, written thousands of years ago by a master of the craft when her people were still barbarians" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "And you believe this old text is relevant here?" Nikki@crystyl:"A particular tactic rings true to this..." she calls up a regional starchart, showing the indicated fleet positions, "Numerous as the enemy forces are, they are not infinite. Now these two fleets, - Nikki@crystyl:- what actual verification do we have on each?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "The first left Rator and have been sighted by scouts most recently one week ago, still headed towards Agrama. The second was only just sighted in the sector as well by a scout warbird.” Nikki@crystyl:"With visual confirmations, or sensors only?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Visual confirmation leaving Rator, but sensors only on route here." Nikki@crystyl:"This is what comes back to a particular teaching from this ancient master; Make a sound in the east, strike in the west. With these two fleets visibly bearing down on us, all our attention is - Nikki@crystyl:- focused on these fronts" she indicates on the map, "So what if both are partial decoys; mercs with sensor ghosts and holos, then the real attack force is coming at us from here" she indicates the - Nikki@crystyl:- blank area in the opposite direction Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "That is certainly a possibility. I will dispatch our scouts towards that direction immediately and begin sweeping the area for cloaked vessels." Nikki@crystyl:"I might be wrong, but it would explain the odd approach of the two fleets. Especially if they are not all they seem and actually headed by non-cloakable hirelings" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "And we have fairly reliable intel that they have hirelings involved in this operation, but do not yet have eyes on them. Excellent intuition, Empress." Nikki@crystyl:"Only if it proves to be correct. Despatch your scouts, discretely. If there is a cloaked fleet out there, we do not want them growing wise to your scouts presence" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "I shall do so immediately. If you are right, we will find that fleet." She begins to head out of the room Nikki@crystyl:"Right or wrong, we will get this figured out and find the true face of our enemy before choosing our battlefield" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "I will ensure that we do, Empress." --- NPC@annpc#557 | Some time later, Eirril calls Mischa down to the Cell room... Mischa@crystyl strolls in, "Here we are again, so I assume you have something to show me?" NPC@annpc#557 | Eirril nods, "That's right. Gul Selesk is on the move. He transported down to the surface of Agrama five minutes ago. I'm tracking his movements, but so far it just looks like he's gone - NPC@annpc#557 - shopping. Nothing suspicious or unusual at all." Mischa@crystyl:"Unless Agrama has a penchant for fish juice I wasn't aware of, I can't imagine a shopping trip being high on the Gul's to-do list" NPC@annpc#557 | Eirril: "Exactly. He's up to something, I'm sure of it. Maybe he just hasn't done it yet and is wandering around to try and throw off any tails. Or there's someone undercover in the markets he - NPC@annpc#557 - has a rendezvous with." Mischa@crystyl:"Then it might be time to get a little fresh as well" NPC@annpc#557 | Eirril smiles, "I thought you might say that. A Cardassian shouldn't be hard to find on a Romulan colony, but you'd probably want to go with a Romulan disguise so as not to stick out similarly." Mischa@crystyl:"I already have my best ears picked out" she smiles, "Thank you Eirril, continue monitoring and prepare for live support to my ground team" NPC@annpc#557 | Eirril nods, "I'll be your eyes up here, Commander. Good luck on the field." Mischa@crystyl nods and heads back out to get ready --- NPC@annpc#557:| In their Romulan disguises, Mischa and Acey transport down to the surface of Agrama... NPC@annpc#557:| Acey looks around, "Interesting. This place has quite the amount of flora and fauna. I believe a biological mind would find it beautiful. I always imagined Star Empire worlds to be oppressive and - NPC@annpc#557:- depressing. Or perhaps I'm conflating the Romulan Star Empire with the Klingon Empire..." Mischa@crystyl:"It is quite natural to visualize the lives of those viewed as enemy or opposition in a manner which befits our political perspectives. In reality, even Qo'nos has it's aesthetics and artistry. - Mischa@crystyl:- Just as Earth does, despite how Imperial Romulans might think it looks as you imagined this place to look" she smiles, "Were it not for fear of insulting you, I might suggest yours is a very Human- Mischa@crystyl:- reaction" NPC@annpc#557:| Acey: "Perhaps it is a bias inherent to all thinking beings. The Zauger-occupied colony we went to was also not exactly a good first impression." Mischa@crystyl:"True but had we seen it free of that external oppression, think then about how the people would have seemed to you" NPC@annpc#557:| Acey: "A good point. We shall do our best to ensure this place remains free of external oppression as well, then." Mischa@crystyl:"Well, unless it's our oppression they feel" she jokes dryly NPC@annpc#557:| Acey: "We are preparing to oppress this place? Well, I suppose we are secretly supporting Nikki as the new Empress..." Mischa@crystyl:simply smiles, for once leaving Acey with the question of the humour NPC@annpc#557:| Acey stares at Mischa for a moment before realizing, "Oh. That was a joke." Mischa@crystyl:"Of course it was. Unless it wasn't..." she winks NPC@annpc#557:| Acey glances back to Mischa with a stare before they continue on. The market is just outside the transporter they materialized at. It is not particularly abuzz with activity; most of the - NPC@annpc#557:- residents are probably aware of the looming battle. There are still some people about, but not all the shops are open NPC@annpc#557:| Acey: "For all the natural life, the market here does not appear to be very lively, though." Mischa@crystyl:"Because they know what comes" NPC@annpc#557:| Acey tilts her head, "Vitellius' forces are not yet here. Being in the market at this moment does not pose any risk of death by invasion forces or bombardment." Mischa@crystyl:"No but it is more than that. These people have seen change, disruption, devastation. When one survives something like that, a sense develops to be able to feel it looming. The Imperial fleet is - Mischa@crystyl:- here, the ruling family who had sworn to protect this world betrayed them and now the people here live again in fear of uncertainty" NPC@annpc#557:| Acey nods, "I see. It is a psychological state that is keeping them out of the market, then?" Mischa@crystyl:"Pretty much" NPC@annpc#557:| Acey: "The mood here will improve once we defeat Vitellius' forces, I assume?" Mischa@crystyl:"Perhaps. That all comes down to how Empress sells the victory" NPC@annpc#557:| Acey: "I see. Psychology plays quite a key role in warfare, and it seems manipulating that may be as essential as the tactics of battle." Mischa@crystyl:"Which is exactly why we have a thing called propaganda. Look it up, you draw interesting parallels to the intelligence world" NPC@annpc#557:| Acey smiles: "I shall be certain to do so when we return to the ship. But for now, I am registering a Cardassian lifesign nearby." Mischa@crystyl:nods and starts working her way into visual range NPC@annpc#557:| Before long, they are able to see a Cardassian in the distance, browsing what appears to be a Romulan bakery of some sort Mischa@crystyl:casually peruses at a safe distance NPC@annpc#557:| The Cardassian doesn't seem to do anything suspicious. Instead, he simply purchases a small pastry and heads out, contently munching on it as he continues down the market. As he walks, Mischa is - NPC@annpc#557:- able to visually confirm his identity as Gul Selesk Mischa@crystyl:continues browsing her way through the market, keeping a distant eye on him at all times. Even purchasing some fresh produce for herself NPC@annpc#557:| Acey follows Mischa, keeping up the image by helping her make her purchases by pointing out what was fresher using her sensors. Soon, the pair notice the Gul veering out of the market and heading - NPC@annpc#557:- down an empty alley near the edge of the market area... Mischa@crystyl:follows with added caution NPC@annpc#557:| As they move towards the alley, Acey whispers to Mischa, "There is a Romulan lifesign entering the alley from the other end." Mischa@crystyl:nods, "See if you can get audio" NPC@annpc#557:| Acey nods back, "Enhancing audio now. I have it, Commander. Patching you in now." Mischa@crystyl:loiters around the corner eating a piece of her fruit and watching the world go by like other locals while she listens NPC@annpc#557:| The audio soon comes through, with the Gul's voice being recognizable as Mischa had heard it in an intercepted transmission earlier, while the other voice is presumably the Romulans NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk: "Is everything ready?" NPC@annpc#557:| Romulan: "Yes, it is." NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk: "Excellent. I knew I could count on a Romulan. Give the signal now." NPC@annpc#557:| Romulan: "Now? Are you being tailed?" NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk: "We shall see." NPC@annpc#557:| Acey: "I am detecting movement towards the alley. Five Romulans, three of them armed with disruptors." Mischa@crystyl:"Time to go" NPC@annpc#557:| The pair don't make it far before they find themselves on a path with a Romulan headed towards them, holding a drawn disruptor NPC@annpc#557:| Romulan Thug: "Going somewhere?" Mischa@crystyl:"Home to prepare a meal for my husband" she offers meekly showing her supplies and trying to shuffle on without stopping as one would expect an innocent farm girl to do NPC@annpc#557:| Romulan Thug: "Not so fast. Someone wants to talk with you. We won't hurt you, I promise. Just a quick chat." Mischa@crystyl:protests, still meekly, "Please, I- I don't want any trouble. Now if you don't mind, I must get home before he has cause to worry" she tries to shuffle past still NPC@annpc#557:| The Romulan thug points his pistol point-blank at Mischa, allowing her to easily disarm him with her combat training, "No, you're coming with us. If you're really just a citizen out for some-” Mischa@crystyl:eyerolls and does some quick handiwork to disarm the thug and turn the blaster back on him, "I tried to give you a chance. Jolan'tru" THWACK! she swipes it across his face for a quick KO NPC@annpc#557:| The thug, lacking Mischa's combat training, is easily disarmed and knocked out. As he drops however, two more find their way over. They quickly shout for Mischa and Acey to stop before breaking - NPC@annpc#557:- into a sprint towards them Mischa@crystyl:"Definitely time to go" she runs off NPC@annpc#557:| Acey follows along as the two thugs chase after them. Despite one of them having a disruptor, she doesn't fire it at the pair. As they run however, two transporter beams form in front of them and - NPC@annpc#557:- Gul Selesk materializes with the other Romulan beside him, both with their pistols raised NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk: "Well well well. Look what we have here. Told you there would be tails." Mischa@crystyl:skids to a halt, brazenly training her disruptor on Selesk, "Filthy spoonheads! Leave us alone already, we've had our wars and we don't need any of yours here!" NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk, surprisingly, raises his arms, dropping his disruptor and garnering a confused look from the Romulan beside him, who was still holding his weapon NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk: "Let's not be hasty throwing around accusations, now. I'm not here to harm you." Mischa@crystyl:sharply turns her weapon on the Romulan with him, "And YOU! You're just as bad, bringing the likes of them here!" letting her gaze drift back, with a suspicious squint, "Explain..." NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk: "I know very well that you don't trust me. Not you personally I mean, but I don't imagine you do either. I'm talking about the entire Imperial fleet here. Why would a Cardassian randomly - NPC@annpc#557:- show up all the way out here and lend his aid to an uncertain cause, you're thinking? That's why you're here, isn't it? You're what- Tal Shiar, or whatever intelligence service the Star Empire - NPC@annpc#557:- uses now after the Iconians stole your spies?" Mischa@crystyl:"I'm hearing a lot of talk but not a lot of explanation. This is why I always hate having to deal with you lot" NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk: "You want an explanation? It's simple, really. The only thing I was up to was making myself seem suspicious just to see what I'd reel in. I knew you Romulans were keeping an eye on me, - NPC@annpc#557:- and this was the best way to reel you in- by making myself suspicious. Well, more suspicious than I already am," he smirks Mischa@crystyl:"To what end?" NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk: "So we can have a little talk, of course. Not on comms, or in some formal interrogation room somewhere. Just a nice, civil discussion to get you off my back so we can all work together." Mischa@crystyl:smiles, "How uncharacteristically civilized of you. Well, your little stunt did cost me my groceries. So you want to walk and talk, fine. But you can do so by buying all of that back" NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk smiles back, "Very well. Let's go shopping then, shall we?" Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, lets" she stands aside making a clear gesture of not turning her back on him NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk nods in understanding, walking beside her as they begin to peruse the market once again... --- Romulan@annpc#557 | On the Kaishaasi, Nikki is called down to the intel room... Nikki@crystyl walks in, "I do hope you have some good news for me. I'm much more in the mood for good news today now" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "I do indeed, Empress. You were right. The real fleet /was/ being cloaked in a different direction. Fortunately, Zauger cloaking devices are not as effective as Romulan ones, - Romulan@annpc#557 - especially on their larger ships. Our scouts have just caught the trail." Nikki@crystyl:"That is good news indeed. What are the early indications on the fleet strength?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "It's almost exactly the same as that of the decoy fleets. They made them /very/ convincing decoys. But there's other news about the fleet." Nikki@crystyl:"Oh?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani turns her hoverchair to Nikki, "You know what they say, finding an answer simply leads to more questions..." Nikki@crystyl:"Only too well..." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Well, we did find the real fleet, but it only leads to more questions." Nikki@crystyl:"What questions then?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani turns back to her console, bringing up a map of the region, with the Zauger fleet's trajectory as well as Agrama's location. It is clearly not heading towards Agrama Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "Questions such as where this fleet is headed, and what it's objective really is." Nikki@crystyl:"You don't believe it's to attack us at Agrama while our forces are distracted by the decoy fleets?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "Look at their heading when we spotted them. They're not moving towards Agrama. Why would a fleet that's already cloaked travel under a false heading?" Nikki@crystyl:"So what is there along that flightpath?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "That's precisely it. Nothing of interest." She taps on the console, zooming the map out. Nikki notices it quickly- the flightpath will put the fleet in the region with the five - Romulan@annpc#557 - systems, one of which the Latenter crew believes the Shadow Guard Vault to be situated within or nearby. To anyone who has no idea that there is a vault in the region, the five systems here - Romulan@annpc#557 - look totally unremarkable Nikki@crystyl hrms, "Where are we now with recon on the decoy fleets? Sure, we've confirmed the true hidden fleet now but just what exactly are we looking at with the decoys?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "I had my scouts go in closer, knowing they're not the real fleets. They're small groups of Corvallen mercenaries, with a Lethean ship at the centre of the fleet. Probably trying to - Romulan@annpc#557 - keep up the ruse with mental projections, but thanks to your implants, those don't work on us anymore." Nikki@crystyl smiles, "So - ignoring the stealth fleet for the moment - what are your latest projections for the engagement?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles, "If they even do engage. Our current simulations project an 81% chance of victory. But Corvallen aren't Klingons. They're not /trying/ to get a death in glorious battle. I - Romulan@annpc#557 - suspect they're just here to make us think the main fleet is headed towards us, and will likely break off before they arrive." Nikki@crystyl:"Which means they are pure distraction to keep our attention from the stealth fleet. So whatever they are gunning for along this flight path, must be something of use to us" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani nods, "I have no intel that suggests any such thing along their path, but it must be the case." Nikki@crystyl:"At least they think so, strongly enough that they're committing this whole battle plan to it. So now that we have the advantage, what say we seize it and send an undeniable message to Vitellius" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "How do you propose we find what they are looking for? We could follow their extrapolated flightpath, but we don't know what precisely it is. It could be on a planet or an asteroid, - Romulan@annpc#557 - cloaked or hidden in a layer of subspace." Nikki@crystyl:"Which means we may never find it. No, I propose we worry about that afterwards. First, we take our initial plan to convert the attacking fleet - only now we direct that attack at the stealth - Nikki@crystyl:- fleet. With that force commandeered, we then use it to bolster our own numbers and overwhelm both of the decoy fleets, forcing their allegiance or destroying any who decline. Then we publicize it - Nikki@crystyl:- as a rallying cry to the rest of the Empire. When they see us taking down three of Vitellius' fleets with seemingly minimal forces at our command, a good propaganda piece can turn it into the - Nikki@crystyl:- stuff of legend. And that makes for a far more compelling rallying cry" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods and smiles, "I like it. And we should have sufficient time to hit the real fleet, then confront the decoys. Engaging the real fleet will be difficult, but this time around, we'll - Romulan@annpc#557 - have the element of surprise- multiple elements in fact. They won't expect to be attacked, and they won't expect the Istvaenen." Nikki@crystyl:"Hopefully the Istvaenen will still make a significant impact before we even have to decloak a single vessel. I would like to think they could achieve at least that much from what we have seen, - Nikki@crystyl:- we only have to reveal our forces when they start shooting at themselves. We can deploy our forces in an encirclement around their fleet, so they'll be completely blindsided by the reveal and - Nikki@crystyl:- quickly dissolve into chaos. The bigger challenge will be to seize the fleet rather than destroying it all" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "Indeed. There will certainly be some ships that will be destroyed, but we shall capture as many as we can. We know Vitellius has other forces, and we need every last ship to - Romulan@annpc#557 - stand against his other fleets." Nikki@crystyl:"And the more of this stealth fleet in particular we capture, the more likely we are to find details on their true objective, saving us the trouble of searching blindly" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani smiles, "An excellent idea, Empress. Soon our fleet shall perhaps double in size, and we will have our hands on whatever it is they seek, something they deem more important than - Romulan@annpc#557 - our stand against Vitellius here." Nikki@crystyl:"And it will be a decisive victory in the rebirth of Empire" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Yes, yes it certainly will. Such a victory will draw significant support to our side, once we demonstrate that we can stand a chance against Vitellius' forces." --- NPC@annpc#557:| Back on Agrama, Mischa and Acey browse the market with Gul Selesk... NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk: "So, who are you here by the orders of? The Imperial Navy here? The Tal Shiar? A different party?" Mischa@crystyl:"Something like that" she answers elusively, "But I'm not the one under scrutiny here, you are the fish out of water" NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk: "A fair point. I assume you know at least something of my history, if you're here keeping an eye on my activities?" Mischa@crystyl:"Let's pretend that I don't, and see how forthcoming you are. After all, I was but a concerned citizen reacting to a hostile presence here" NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk: "Well, then let me tell you that I am working for a group that wants Vitellius gone as much as you do. You're right to think that my presence here is suspicious; after all, I have all - NPC@annpc#557:- the reason to sign up with Vitellius instead. He has a better chance of victory, probably more payment to offer, and I'm not Romulan so who wins couldn't matter less to me, could it?" Mischa@crystyl:"We are already perfectly familiar with your people's lack of scruples when it comes to picking sides in conflicts. But even in the Dominion War, there was reasoning behind the choices" NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk: "Just because you do not see the reasoning here, does not mean it is not present. As I have told you, I am working for certain...benefactors who have an interest in seeing Vitellius - NPC@annpc#557:- defeated. I am not truly here to work for Admiral Imaella, but I'll take the payment. You do not have to be concerned about betrayal though- I assure you, our goals are aligned." Mischa@crystyl:"Oh, well in that case we'll just drop the whole thing and leave you to your business then. Because obviously we would be quite content to leave a dangerous spymaster like yourself loitering around - Mischa@crystyl:- our colony simply on your word of good faith" NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk smiles, "Of course not. I could show you- if you trust me enough to come with me to my ship." Mischa@crystyl:"Tsk tsk, what sort of a girl do you take me for? Going home with a strange man without even one drink first?" NPC@annpc#557:| Selesk: "Very well, a drink it is, then." Mischa@crystyl:"It is far from a guarantee, but my curiosity may get the better of me yet. Meanwhile, my faith would be heavily swayed were I to understand more about the benefactors of yours. After all, if what - Mischa@crystyl:- you say is true, then they sound like good friends to our people so couldn't possibly have anything to hide" she smiles NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk leads Mischa and Acey to a nearby bar, which is still open for business though there are no patrons inside, "This will do for your drink, I hope?" Mischa@crystyl looks around, "That is really down to you now isn't it" NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk opens the door and steps inside, "Come on, then." He heads over to the counter, "Three Romulan ales, on me!" NPC@annpc#557 | The bartender looks rather surprised at the unexpected Cardassian patron, but gets to work on pouring the drinks as the Gul sets down the latinum on the counter NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk picks up the drinks, handing one to Mischa and one to Acey NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "Thank you." NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk smiles, "Happy to prove that I'm on your side however I can." Mischa@crystyl sidles up beside him, "You know, walking in here and ordering 'Romulan ales' is like me entering a bar on Cardassia Prime and asking for 'Cardassian fish juice'" she smirks Mischa@crystyl turns before he can answer, "Then elaborate on these supposed benefactors" NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk chuckles, "Force of habit, I suppose. I'm not always on a Romulan world." He gestures for the pair to follow him to a table NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk sits down at the table, taking a sip from the ale before setting it down, "These benefactors...to be honest, I don't know that much about them myself." Mischa@crystyl:"But you know enough to be compelled to do their bidding, even if it means going against your every instinct and supporting the Empress here" NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk nods, "I know they have access to some impressive toys." He takes out a small device, setting it on the empty chair beside him and tapping it, "No need for concern, just a dampening - NPC@annpc#557 - device to ensure no one can listen in," he smiles casually Mischa@crystyl nods in approval, "I like toys as much as the next girl, but they alone would not compel me to fight for someone else's cause" NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk: "Well then you haven't seen those." He retrieves something else and this time sets it on the table between them. Mischa easily recognizes it as a variant of the anti-Horde implant they - NPC@annpc#557 - developed with the Regulators NPC@annpc#557 | Acey: "The anti-telepathy implant. We already have those. The Empress distributed them among the fleet." Mischa@crystyl smiles, gauging his response NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk: "Oh I know. But I received mine not long after I began working for these benefactors. Around stardate 97500. I didn't think much of it at the time, but that was long before this - NPC@annpc#557 - technology became widespread. Perhaps even before it was invented. Take it back and quantum date it- you'll see that I'm telling the truth." Mischa@crystyl:"So you believe your benefactors are from the future, and have enlisted your aid as temporal operative" NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk: "That's my theory, at least. It lines up with everything else I've learned of them, their surprisingly accurate intelligence, the strange tasks they send me on, like supporting this - NPC@annpc#557 - outgunned little resistance of yours, and the diversity of their ranks. My primary contact with them is one of those potatoheads from the Delta Quadrant. Even the Scryer Network never had - NPC@annpc#557 - connections with the Hierarchy." Mischa@crystyl:"So they say, but if you're half as astute as your reputation would suggest then you wouldn't need me to tell you that the Network is still full of surprises. Let me pose this another way then; what- Mischa@crystyl:- possible difference do your benefactors expect to gain from adding one ship to - as you say - an outgunned little resistance, better known as the true and loyal Star Empire for the record" NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk grins, "You haven't seen my ship in action yet." He takes another sip. "But you're right, a single ship won't make too much of a difference in a battle. I was told to assist directly - NPC@annpc#557 - wherever I could, but also to keep an eye on the situation. I assume that means they'll provide further assistance if things start going poorly, but until then they won't reveal their full - NPC@annpc#557 - hand. So you could say I'm more of a scout." Mischa@crystyl:"Seems an odd choice for a scout if you ask me" NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk: "My thoughts as well. As we've both noticed, I stick out like a sore thumb here. It would've been better for them to send Romulans. My only conclusion is that they don't have Romulan - NPC@annpc#557 - operatives to spare. I've noticed a purge of sorts through the ranks of your Republic counterparts. Several high profile individuals dropping off the grid and replaced by new faces. Something - NPC@annpc#557 - tells me that might be connected, though my benefactors refused to elaborate." Mischa@crystyl:"Or maybe they've picked up on your interest in their affairs and sent you here to die" NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk: "I think they know me well enough to know that if things do go very poorly for you here, I'll find some way to slip off. It'll take more than a defeat in battle to kill me. If they - NPC@annpc#557 - really want to get rid of me, they'd have to do it themselves." Mischa@crystyl:"Maybe that's their plan, could explain why they're not reinforcing themselves when they claim to have an interest here. Maybe they're flying Vitellius' colours" NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk: "Hm. You make a fair point there. I've yet to see them actively intervene in a battle, but their Romulan agents could all be working on Vitellius' side instead. It's certainly not - NPC@annpc#557 - impossible, but I have a feeling my benefactors have more intricate plans than simply supporting one side over the other." Mischa@crystyl:"That would stand to reason" she nods, "But my concern is still with your plans. This open 'cards on the table' approach is not exactly your forte" NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk chuckles, "Not quite. The plans of my benefactors, as you know by now, I'm not privy to. /My/ plan is to remain here and support you. I doubt they'll give me different directives this - NPC@annpc#557 - close to battle, and there's no sense in planting a single ship here to stab you in the back. Like you said, how much damage could I do?" Mischa@crystyl:"Battle is not your purpose, intelligence is. And you could still do a lot of damage as just one ship simply by surveilling the defenses here before your benefactors arrive" NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk: "True, but you're keeping an eye on me, making sure I don't get any opportunity to pass on this intel. You Romulans are quite competent at this espionage, counter-espionage business, - NPC@annpc#557 - aren't you? You shouldn't have much to fear from me. If I really wanted to gather your tactical data, I would've remained stealthed, or infiltrated your fleet." Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, we are. And will continue to do so. But I think we are done here for now" NPC@annpc#557 | Selesk nods, finishing his drink and deactivating the dampener, "Very well. I don't blame you for keeping an eye on me- I know I would. When the battle starts though, you'll see that our - NPC@annpc#557 - interests are indeed aligned." The Gul smiles, collecting the dampener and heading out, but leaving the implant on the table Mischa@crystyl watches him leave before taking it and slipping out as well --- NPC@annpc#557 | Upon returning to the Latenter from her trip to the surface of Agrama, Mischa is immediately called back up to the bridge Mischa@crystyl strolls in, "What have we got?" NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria stands from the command chair, leaving it open for Mischa, "There's been some developments while you were gone. The Imperial fleet has started to mobilize and are preparing to move - NPC@annpc#557 - out. Apparently the fleets currently heading towards Agrama are nothing but decoys." Mischa@crystyl:"Is that so? Has there been any word from within?" NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria moves towards her console, "We have. Commander Goto's informed us that the fleet's current course suggests their real target is the Shadow Guard Vault. They're headed to the region - NPC@annpc#557 - where we believe the vault to be located. The current plan is apparently to intercept the Zauger fleet and destroy them in a surprise attack before they can reach the vault." Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds like they've got a solid plan then if they are mobilizing" NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "It seems so, but apparently Nikki's also promised the Imperials to find and capture what Vitellius is seeking using data on his ships. Commodore Fox's orders are to locate the vault - NPC@annpc#557 - but he never specified whether he wants it destroyed or captured under our control, or something else. We were only supposed to get coordinates on its exact location." Mischa@crystyl:"I'm sure she had her reasons; likely the only way to put them off trying to race ahead first" NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria nods, "This way, Vitellius won't get it, and the Imperial fleet will be busy with his forces. I can see the reasoning. What're your orders for us with this new information? Should we - NPC@annpc#557 - follow and continue to monitor the loyalists? Perhaps try to obtain these coordinates before they do once the fighting is over?" Mischa@crystyl hrms, "How much of the fleet is mobilizing from here?" NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "About 90%. They're using Vitellius' own strategies against him, keeping some of the mercenary ships back along with the oldest and weakest warbirds to put up the illusion of a - NPC@annpc#557 - bigger defense fleet, just in case Vitellius' mercenaries in the decoy fleet get bold when they see Agrama with so few defenses." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright then, yes. In that case we will move out and locate the vault first" NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria nods, "Understood. Shall we set course to the identified region and begin our own search?" Mischa@crystyl:"Shadow the fleet for now. In particular, Selesk" NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "Learn anything new about him on your excursion?" Mischa@crystyl:"Only that I want to keep him on a tight leash" NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria nods, "And we'll do just that, Commander." NPC@annpc#557 | Nethay: "We're ready to tail the fleet as soon as they depart." Mischa@crystyl:"Very good" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Fel: "Gul Selesk's ship is forming up with the light warbird group he's been assigned to. No sign of any suspicious activity yet." Mischa@crystyl:"As well there shouldn't be. I suspect his true objective is also the vault, so we'll see what happens" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Fel nods, "If that is indeed the case, then he will likely be after the intel on the Zauger ships. We will be alert for any moves he may make during and after the battle." Mischa@crystyl:"It will be interesting, that much is certain" NPC@annpc#557 | T'Fel: "Indeed it will..." --- Romulan@annpc#557 | A short time after the Imperial fleet has set out, Nikki is called to the bridge of the Kaishaasi... Nikki@crystyl walks on a short time later, "Status?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "We're coming up on the Zauger fleet now. Our advanced fleets have just confirmed their location. ETA to intercept is five minutes." Nikki@crystyl:"And are our new friends ready to do their part?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "The ships carrying the Istvaenen are in position at the head of the fleet and are ready to deploy." Nikki@crystyl:"Excellent" she sits, "Then let's get them in there" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "The Istvaenen who calls himself Curiosity hasn't managed to determine how to give his people voluntary control over their ability to touch minds yet, but we have two psionics who've - Romulan@annpc#557 - spent some time with the Third Eye on the Zauger cruiser we currently control. Once we have fully secured enemy vessels, we'll deploy them to begin turning those devices against our enemy." Nikki@crystyl:"Sounds like we have all our bases covered. I expect a smooth victory here then" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "They still have significant numbers and firepower, but I believe our element of surprise more than makes up for this. The difficulty will be effectively capturing as many enemy ships - Romulan@annpc#557 - as possible rather than defeating their force in battle. We will have to avoid destruction where possible, as well as stop them from fleeing when they realize they are losing." Nikki@crystyl:"That is where the deployment of the rest of our fleet who aren't delivering the first wave will be critical" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "We shall encircle them and ensure they do not escape." Nikki@crystyl:"If we play this well, we might even get a voluntary surrender out of them when we reveal ourselves. Not likely, but... possible. It would be a nice surprise at least" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "From the psychological profiles we have of the Zauger, it does not seem likely. But the Romulans who have sided with Vitellius...I suspect many of them will surrender once the tide - Romulan@annpc#557 - turns against their favour. After all, most who pledge their loyalty to Vitellius did so not because they accepted his claim to leadership, but his military might." Nikki@crystyl:"Exactly. And if they hold any semblance of leadership over the Zauger with them, they could force them to fall in line. But we shall see" Romulan@annpc#557 | Tactical Officer: "The vanguard has entered weapons range of the enemy fleet." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "We are ready to deploy the Istvaenen and begin the battle on your signal then, Empress." Nikki@crystyl:"Unleash the Istvaenen" she nods Romulan@annpc#557 | The comms officer nods as well, sending the command... Romulan@annpc#557 | Comm Officer: "The Istavenen are away." Nikki@crystyl:"And now, we wait..." Romulan@annpc#557 | A few minutes pass by, and the comm officer announces, "Faedani's managed to tap into their primary communications channel. The Istvaenen are working through the larger Zauger vessels. Their - Romulan@annpc#557 - efforts to deal with the intruders have been ineffectual so far." Nikki@crystyl continues to observe quietly, waiting for signs of a turn Romulan@annpc#557 | Tactical Officer: "Scouts report the Zauger fleet has come to a halt. Some of their vessels are transferring personnel to the ones that have been boarded, and their raiders and light warbirds - Romulan@annpc#557 - are establishing a perimeter and beginning anti-stealth sweeps. Shall we pull back our own scouts?" Nikki@crystyl nods, "Yes, pull them back. We want to reveal our presence on our terms only" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "If they're holding position, begin our encirclement so we have them surrounded and are optimally positioned to strike when the time comes." Romulan@annpc#557 | The tactical officer nods an affirmative, quickly getting to work. The viewscreen shifts as the Kaishaasi moves into place with the rest of the still cloaked fleet... Romulan@annpc#557 | A few more minutes tick by before the comm officer reports, "The enemy has lost control of one of their carriers. Some onboard resistance remain, but the Istvaenen have seized all command - Romulan@annpc#557 - areas and are systematically eliminating the remaining Zauger." Nikki@crystyl:"Stand ready to engage. With a ship lost to them, they will be looking to purge it any time now" Romulan@annpc#557 | Comm Officer: "You're right, Empress. They're already contemplating scuttling the carrier, and a cruiser that is quickly falling to the Istvaenen are also considering self-destruction." Nikki@crystyl looks to Imaella, "Give the order to engage when you feel it most prudent now. If we push it too tight we may lose our assets, so I defer to your judgement" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, waiting for a few seconds. As the comm officer announces that the enemy has given the order to scuttle, Imaella quickly responds, "All ships, commence attack." Romulan@annpc#557 | The Imperial fleet swoops in, decloaking en masse as they open fire on the outermost patrols of the Zauger forces. Though alert due to the mysterious boarding actions, they are caught unaware - Romulan@annpc#557 - by the size of the attack and the Zauger raiders are quickly taken out. Several light warbirds on the perimeter are disabled, the fleet opting to spare their fellow Romulan ships for capture - Romulan@annpc#557 - or surrender, if they were willing to give up." Romulan@annpc#557 | The Zauger fleet immediately begins to return fire, but Nikki notices that a good number of the larger Zauger ships are not shooting, likely too busy dealing with the boarding situation to - Romulan@annpc#557 - take part in the battle. Supported by a pair of light warbirds, the Kaishaasi guns for one of the still active Zauger carriers. The heavy disruptors of the large command warbird pummels the - Romulan@annpc#557 - enemy ship. The bridge shakes slightly from the return fire Romulan@annpc#557 | Tactical Officer: "Shields holding at 90%." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Keep the attention off our weaker vessels, and make sure they're too occupied to scuttle the compromised ships." Romulan@annpc#557 | Tactical Officer: "Yes Admiral." Romulan@annpc#557 | Comm Officer: "Faedani and the Tal Shiar researchers have jammed the enemy fleet communications. This should add even more chaos to their attempts at coordination." Romulan@annpc#557 | Indeed, the enemy warbirds begin flying out of formation or moving more erratically with an obvious lack of guidance, though the Zauger ships still appear to be decently coordinated Romulan@annpc#557 | Tactical Officer: "Their telepathy must still be allowing them to commune with each other." Romulan@annpc#557 | Just then, another Zauger carrier turns its weapons on the carrier in the standoff with the Kaishaasi, and it suddenly finds itself under assault from both directions. The carrier's shields - Romulan@annpc#557 - quickly buckle, and several volleys of precision fire soon leave it disabled. Around the battlefield, compromised Zauger ships are starting to fire back at their allies." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles, "Let's see if we can mess with their concentration. Deploy the psionics to the carriers under heaviest Istvaenen control." Romulan@annpc#557 | The admiral turns to the comm officer, "Use the sabotaged comms against them. Taunt Vitellius' Romulan supporters and offer them a chance to surrender or switch sides." Romulan@annpc#557 | The comm officer nods, immediately getting to work Romulan@annpc#557 | There is a flash on the viewscreen as a Zauger cruiser explodes in the distance, taking out a few raiders in the vicinity Romulan@annpc#557 | Tactical Officer: "One cruiser has successfully self-destructed." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Well, we can't have them all. Let's make sure not to destroy too many of them with our weapons fire. A few are bound to be lost to their resistance efforts." Romulan@annpc#557 | Comm Officer: "Several of the disabled light warbirds are surrendering. Commander Evaim has switched sides and is turning his Mogai on the Zauger now." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "At least we have that to compensate. Nothing like a little psychological warfare, is there?" Nikki@crystyl grins Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles, "The battle is going as anticipated, which is quite well. There is more work to be done, but I believe with this start, we shall soon have a good portion of the Zauger fleet - Romulan@annpc#557 - disabled or under our control." Nikki@crystyl:"Then let us maintain vigilance. Now could also be an opportune moment to give them the chance to rethink their allegiance" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, looking to the comm officer, "You heard the Empress. Continue the work with the comms." --- NPR@annpc#557 | Meanwhile, the Latenter is cloaked and quietly observing the battle from a safe distance... NPR@annpc#557 | T'Fel: "Three Zauger ships have begun turning on the Zauger fleet, and one warbird has switched to supporting the loyalists as well. Make that two warbirds." Mischa@crystyl:"Credit where credit's due, the Romulans seem to have really mastered this situation" NPR@annpc#557 | Victoria nods, "Indeed. This is quite a plan they're pulling off, and it looks like Vitellius' fleet has definitely been caught by surprise." NPR@annpc#557 | T'Fel: "I am monitoring Gul Selesk's movements closely. His attack ship is doing an excellent job taking down the numerous Zauger raider craft." Mischa@crystyl:"Are our allies behaving so far?" NPR@annpc#557 | T'Bee: "These Istvaenen are seizing the larger Zauger vessels and turning them against the rest of the fleet. They are cooperating with the loyalist Romulans, as several boarding parties have - NPR@annpc#557 - transported onto the captured vessels and appear to be assisting in their operation." Mischa@crystyl:"Let's start probing for a defense opening we can use to remote onto their computers. With luck, we can pull the navigation plans and slip right away" NPR@annpc#557 | Victoria: "On it, Commander." NPR@annpc#557 | On the viewscreen, they watch as Gul Selesk's heavily modified Jem'Hadar attack ship guns down yet another Zauger raider, easily outmatching the small and light vessels. The last carrier still - NPR@annpc#557 - under Zauger control begins laying down covering fire as the attack ship moves in towards it. The attack ship dodges nimbly, returning a volley of fire along its shields NPR@annpc#557 | The carrier's raider squadron breaks off its current engagement, moving back to defend its mother craft. However, supported by the three T'Varos of the task group Selesk was assigned to, they - NPR@annpc#557 - take out the raiders, though one of the T'Varos suffers damage and is taken out of the fight NPR@annpc#557 | Selesk's ship however is still in very good condition as he makes another attack run towards the carrier with the two other T'Varos. The powerful antiproton beams of the modified attack ship - NPR@annpc#557 - pummels the carrier's shields, followed by a volley of quantum torpedoes, then two glowing plasma torpedoes from the two T'Varos. The section of the carrier's shields quickly buckles, and - NPR@annpc#557 - while the two warbirds break off their attack run, Selesk's vessel suddenly flips around, darting through the shield opening... NPR@annpc#557 | In a maneuver one would expect of Lexi, Selesk's attack ship makes its way into one of the carrier's hangars. However, Selesk doesn't shoot his way through and emerge on the other side, though - NPR@annpc#557 - flashes of energy weapons fire can be seen from the hangar Mischa@crystyl crosses one leg over, leaning back and enjoying the entertaining showmanship NPR@annpc#557 | T'Fel: "Selesk appears to have destroyed the shuttlecraft still within the hangar and landed his attack ship. I believe he is boarding the carrier." Mischa@crystyl:"He could be after the nav data. Where are we with access?" NPR@annpc#557 | Victoria: "Almost there. The Zauger have updated their security since our last encounter, likely with the help of members of the Star Empire who now serve Vitellius." Mischa@crystyl:"Let's step it up. Now we need to wipe it all once done now too" NPR@annpc#557 | Victoria nods, "I'll be in soon." NPR@annpc#557 | T'Fel: "Other lifesigns are emerging from his ship, protecting it from the Zauger crew. Likely the members of his attack ship's crew. No sign of Selesk himself, though he is likely using a - NPR@annpc#557 - lifesign concealing device." Mischa@crystyl:"he has one of the future psionic implants, and seeing how the rest of their tech is augmented I would not be surprised" she nods NPR@annpc#557 | Victoria: "I'm in! Searching for the relevant data now..." NPR@annpc#557 | T'Fel: "There is extensive fighting around the attack ship, but Selesk's crew is managing to hold the hangar with the help of their shipboard weaponry." NPR@annpc#557 | Victoria: "I have the coordinates, Commander. Wiping them from the carrier's computers now." NPR@annpc#557 | Victoria taps on her console, "Interesting..." Mischa@crystyl looks over, "What have you got?" NPR@annpc#557 | Victoria: "There's someone accessing data from on board the carrier, whom I can only assume to be Gul Selesk. But if that's him, he's not looking anywhere near the navigational data." Mischa@crystyl:"Perhaps an ulterior motive. See if you can get a feed on what he's accessing" NPR@annpc#557 | Victoria: "He's accessing ship specifications. Downloading weapon designs, shield configuration and everything on the Third Eye system." Mischa@crystyl:"Looking to bolster his shy paycheck on this job by the sounds of it" NPR@annpc#557 | Victoria: "Looks like it. Should I purge all data, or let him have his winnings? The Vault coordinates are already erased, so he won't be learning that, though he doesn't seem to be searching - NPR@annpc#557 - for it to begin with." Mischa@crystyl:"Try to at least corrupt the Third Eye data" NPR@annpc#557 | Victoria smiles, "On it, Commander. Speaking of- do you want me to wipe the coordinate from all captured Zauger vessels so the Imperials don't get their hands on it? They'd be suspicious, but - NPR@annpc#557 - they might just assume Vitellius' people did it themselves to prevent intel from falling into enemy hands. Or do you want to allow the Imperials to find the location of the Vault?" Mischa@crystyl:"Do what you can to wipe it" she nods, "It's not likely we'll get to every ship so there's still a chance they will find it, but we can at least slow them down" NPR@annpc#557 | Victoria nods, "It should be easier to get into the other ships now that I've broken into one, but some remnants of data might still be tucked away somewhere we overlook, given the size of the - NPR@annpc#557 - fleet. We'll do our best." --- Romulan@annpc#557 | Back on the Kaishaasi, Nikki and Imaella observe Selesk's activities from a different perspective along with the rest of the battle, which is continuing to progress in the loyalists' favour Romulan@annpc#557 | Tactical Officer: "Other than the scuttled cruiser, all other boarded vessels are now fully under our control, though one is largely disabled and out of the fight." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles, "Excellent," She glances to the comm console, "And the surrenders?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Comm Officer: "As expected, Averius and the Zauger are refusing to surrender, but most of our fellow Romulans have given in. There's only one warbird that's refused to surrender and is still - Romulan@annpc#557 - in active combat. The rest are either disabled, standing down or now turning against the Zauger." Nikki@crystyl hrms, "Stubborn as they are being, we could give them the chance to stand down. Unless you object Admiral?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "Do it." Romulan@annpc#557 | Comm Officer: "The last enemy warbird is standing down." Nikki@crystyl:"Ah, well, nevermind then" she smiles Romulan@annpc#557 | Tactical Officer: "The Zauger are now attempting to break the encirclement and flee, but their attempts so far appear to be quite disorganized. They are pushing in all directions rather than - Romulan@annpc#557 - rallying for a concentrated attack to punch a hole through our fleet." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Seems our psionics are playing their role well, then." Nikki@crystyl:"£-Perfect. Disable as many you can. If needed, we can have a small hunting party track down any stragglers" Romulan@annpc#557 | Tactical Officer: "As you command, Empress." Romulan@annpc#557 | On the viewscreen, most of the fighting moves to the edges of the encirclement as the remaining Zauger try to retreat. Through the crossfire, most of them are disabled. One squadron of raiders - Romulan@annpc#557 - centred around a cruiser manages to break free, though the cruiser's warp systems are damaged and is unable to jump away. It is disabled, but the raiders manage to make their escape. A - Romulan@annpc#557 - group of light warbirds quickly form up, jumping to warp after them. Across the battlefield, the fighting starts to die down as the remaining Zauger ships are soon disabled, with a few - Romulan@annpc#557 - standing down Romulan@annpc#557 | Tactical Officer: "Two ships lost, four disabled on our side. Six full sized Zauger ships lost along with a number of raiders, but the rest have been captured, disabled or stood down. Out of - Romulan@annpc#557 - these, a cursory examination indicates 75% are repairable, and the remainder can be salvaged for components to facilitate the repairs." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Quite a significant boost to our forces, and more than enough to make up for our losses here." Nikki@crystyl:"An excellent execution of our strategy" she nods, "Now let's get boots on deck and start interrogating those computers" Romulan@annpc#557 | Ops Officer: "We're dispatching personnel to fully secure all the enemy vessels now and find whatever was in their systems." Nikki@crystyl:"And please relay a sincere message of congratulations to the Istaeven on a successful first operation" Romulan@annpc#557 | The Comm Officer nods, "I'm sending the message to all ships the Istvaenen boarded. I'm also getting messages from the warbirds who switched sides mid-battle, asking to formally join our fleet - Romulan@annpc#557 - and be allowed to remain in command of their vessels." Nikki@crystyl looks to Imaella, "How do you want to play it with these?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella thinks for a moment, "Taking their ships from them sets a poor precedent, and others will be less likely to turn to our side during battle in the future. Let them keep their commands, - Romulan@annpc#557 - they can't do much even if they suddenly turn against us, which is unlikely now that the battle is won. We'll keep a closer eye on them in the future to ensure they don't simply flip when - Romulan@annpc#557 - the odds seem against us. I suggest we allow them to retain their commands, but perform some crew shuffling when we return to insert some proven loyalists into their ranks." Nikki@crystyl nods, "Sounds good to me. Once the initial aftermath is in hand with casualties here, perhaps we will convene all of the new Commanders here to officially welcome them back into the fold, and make - Nikki@crystyl:- clear how things will progress" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "A good idea. Let's have everything cleared up here first and all the ships ready to be moved back to Agrama, whether on their own or being towed." Romulan@annpc#557 | Comm Officer: "There's a hail coming in from Gul Selesk's vessel. He wishes to speak to the fleet leadership." Nikki@crystyl:"Yes, definitely see to everyone's needs first" looks over, "The Gul? Alright, Admiral do you want to take this as the fleet is really more your thing than mine" Romulan@annpc#557 | Comm Officer: "He's also asking for you as well, Empress. Apparently he has something we'll be interested in." Nikki@crystyl:"Very well then, on screen" Romulan@annpc#557 | Selesk appears on the viewscreen, though it's clear that he isn't being filmed from the viewscreen of his own ship. He still seems to be on his ship, as some of the Dominion interior - Romulan@annpc#557 - architecture is still recognizable despite the extensive modifications he's done on his ship, but he must be elsewhere on the vessel Romulan@annpc#557 | Selesk: "Empress. Admiral. I'm glad you decided to take my call. You won't regret this, I promise." Nikki@crystyl:"We would never ignore a hail from an allied vessel, Gul. Just because you are not of our fleet does not mean you are not appreciated by it. You truly excelled in combat out there, your crew should - Nikki@crystyl:- be commended" Romulan@annpc#557 | Selesk smiles, "I'm glad to have proven myself to you. But I thought if just shooting some of these Zauger wasn't enough, I've got something else to show you that I'm on your side." Nikki@crystyl:"We saw that you were prompt on the boarding action. I take it you have found something already?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Selesk nods. His camera turns away from him, facing an active brig cell with an unconscious prisoner within. The prisoner is visibly a Romulan male wearing a high ranking Imperial uniform with - Romulan@annpc#557 - some similarities to Imaella's Romulan@annpc#557 | Ops Officer: "Checking identity...that's Averius." Nikki@crystyl 's eyes widen slightly, "Quite the prize indeed" Romulan@annpc#557 | The camera turns back to Selesk, who is still smiling, "I thought you'd be impressed. My intelligence on Averius suggests he was more likely to go down fighting than allow himself to get - Romulan@annpc#557 - captured. That's not so good for you, since it means a harder fight and losing a very valuable prisoner. So I decided to stun him and drag him into captivity. I'll have him transferred to your - Romulan@annpc#557 - flagship; or some other ship in your fleet if you have security concerns about this being some sort of trick." Nikki@crystyl:"The Admiral will liaise with you in due course on that, once we have finished containing the aftermath with injuries and critical repairs" Romulan@annpc#557 | Selesk nods, "Very well. I'll keep him on my ship and make sure no harm comes to him." Nikki@crystyl:"Thank you for your exemplary service here Gul" Romulan@annpc#557 | Selesk: "My pleasure, Empress." He gives an exaggerated bow before the comm ends Nikki@crystyl:"Quite the unexpected boon" Nikki@crystyl:"And not even a hint of holding him to get a bigger pay out of this job. For all the rest of his reputation, he does not seem very... mercenary" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "I'm not quite sure what to think of that Cardassian. I've got a feeling he's playing at something bigger than latinum here, though. What it is, we've yet to see, but we Romulans are - Romulan@annpc#557 - used to schemes and betrayals. If he thinks he can trick us, he'll be in for quite a surprise." Nikki@crystyl stands, "Indeed. I am going to review his movements since he joined us and during the battle, see if anything stands out" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "I'll take over the cleanup efforts here." --- NPC@annpc#557 | On the Latenter bridge, they continue to observe the situation as the battle dies down and finally ceases completely NPC@annpc#557 | T'Fel: "All fighting has stopped. The loyalists have suffered some losses, but overall won a decisive victory." Mischa@crystyl:"Remind me next Yuzuki checks in, to put her on active ego dampening with the new Empress" she smiles NPC@annpc#557 | Hassan chuckles, "I'll be sure to give you a reminder, Commander." NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "Gul Selesk's ship is leaving the Zauger carrier. And he's communicating with the Kaishaasi. Seems he's captured Averius and is willing to turn him over to the Imperial Navy." Mischa@crystyl:"Well. Isn't that convenient. Now we know what his true objective there was" NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria nods, "Strangely, he doesn't seem to be asking for extra payment...or anything, even. He claims he's just doing it to prove he's on their side..." Mischa@crystyl:"Well obviously delivering Averius to the Empress was his whole reason for coming here to begin with. What we must now determine is whether that is truly to ingratiate him to the Empire, so that - Mischa@crystyl:- they might expose themselves to him for further advantage, or if he is in fact doing this for Vitellius and it is a ploy to plant Averius at the heart of the loyalist leadership" NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria: "Both potential possibilities. I just don't trust that he's doing it purely to help with the loyalists' war effort here." Mischa@crystyl:"Our most likely guarantee is that not being the case" NPC@annpc#557 | Victoria nods, "Do you think we should remain to keep an eye on him? Or go ahead to the Shadow Guard Vault now that we've got its location?" Mischa@crystyl:"Much as I want to keep an eye on him myself, we have our people here still and they are perfectly capable. Let's go scout this vault" NPC@annpc#557 | Hassan: "I'm sure the Romulans know not to turn their back on Selesk. If anyone can compete with a Cardassian scheme, it's the Romulans." Mischa@crystyl:"Set course to follow the stealth fleet's original trajectory then, warp 7" NPC@annpc#557 | Nethay nods, tapping his console for a few moments, "Course set, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:"How long before we are in range of the target area?" NPC@annpc#557 | Nethay: "Between two to three weeks, assuming we continue to travel at around cruising speed. But with the Zauger fleet down, we shouldn't have anyone racing us there." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, well then we can ramp it up in small doses but we don't need to push maximum" NPC@annpc#557 | Nethay: "Understood, Commander." NPC@annpc#557 | The Latenter quietly jumps away to warp, leaving the Romulans to clear up the aftermath of the battle... --- NPR@annpc#557 | As the loyalist fleet cleans up the battlefield, the captured Averius is transferred to the Kaishaasi's brig. Imaella notifies Nikki that he has arrived without incident, and invites her to - NPR@annpc#557 - join for the first talk with the prisoner Nikki@crystyl meets Imaella outside the brig, "So how do you want to approach this?" NPR@annpc#557 | Imaella: "We've put additional security measure to ensure there's no chance of him breaking out or harming himself. The Cardassian's right about one thing- he's much more valuable alive. Not - NPR@annpc#557 - only as a prisoner, but he could also shed light on what his fleet was going after." Nikki@crystyl:"What about anyone from elsewhere in the fleet seeking to free him? Given our new acquisitions that seems a likely scenario too" NPR@annpc#557 | Imaella: "We have maximum security precautions in place. They can try, but in order to get to him here, they'll have to start another battle, one they're in no position to win anymore. I've - NPR@annpc#557 - also recalled and borrowed a few of the Istvaenen, not to mention the Arachnians we have. If they try to break him out with a small team, they're not going to succeed." NPR@annpc#557 | Imaella: "If you want to be very safe, you can add a final line of defense and ask Serenity to take guard shifts watching him." Nikki@crystyl:"Perfect, we'll see how this goes first as she may prefer to stay close. Let's go see what he has to say for himself then" she heads in, looking to the newly occupied cell NPR@annpc#557 | Imaella follows, deactivating the sound dampening as they reach the cell Nikki@crystyl stands before the cell, "Well now, look what the Cardassian dragged in" she smiles, her tone making light of the situation NPR@annpc#557 | Averius turns from his seat on the bed as Nikki speaks, "So I take it you're the so-called Empress claiming the throne against my father?" Nikki@crystyl:"There is nothing 'so-called' about it. But yes, I am she" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius looks to Imaella next, "And you must be her right-hand Admiral, then." NPR@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "That I am." NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "This battle plan was yours, I take it?" NPR@annpc#557 | Imaella: "A combination of our ideas, with contributions from other officers of the fleet." Nikki@crystyl:"This surprises you" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "It was an impressive plan. I'm not happy about it working, of course, but I have to admit the brilliance of your strategies. I'm sure the use of troops we are unfamiliar with helped - NPR@annpc#557 - a great deal, but we pulled a similar advantage on you during the beginning of the war, so I can hardly criticize you for that." Nikki@crystyl:"A very mature stance to take, I approve" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "Brooding will do me no good. And I recognize good strategy when I see it. Unfortunate that you're working against us and not with us." Nikki@crystyl:"Well you can thank your father for that. It was seeing the way your unfamiliar troops were oppressing and abusing Romulan citizens that convinced me I had to make a stand in the first place" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "We've been doing the same thing to ourselves long before we brought the Zauger to Romulan space." Nikki@crystyl shakes her head, "Not like this. I was quite content with my former life as a Republic soldier. Well, not that content else I'd have never left to go soul searching. But the lifestyle there and - Nikki@crystyl:- everywhere else was something respectable. The point is that when I saw the atrocities being committed in your father's name, that was powerful enough to drive my decision. This was no Tal Shiar - Nikki@crystyl:- shadow oppression - this was outright slaughtering of innocent and loyal civilians; burning mountains of bodies in the city centres and hanging people from the buildings. For all our forebearers - Nikki@crystyl:- may or may not have done throughout history, doing such things to your own protectorate were never even close" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius nods, "I admit, the Zauger can be difficult to reign in at times. They revere my father now, but he cannot manage every aspect of their affairs, and they have a tendency towards - NPR@annpc#557 - cruelty. They are good soldiers, but not well-suited to enforcing conquered territory. The Zauger are blunt instruments, but we have few other options to use." Nikki@crystyl:"There are always options. What your campaign seems to have lacked is the patience to explore any of them. I have seen no evidence of anyone actually wanting to lead the Empire here, just a - Nikki@crystyl:- fanatical power grab. And - as these things always go in the end - such moves, though quick to gain an early upper hand, inevitably fade and fail" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "It is the Zauger way. Zauger society is filled with constant power grabs and shifting allegiances. I was told our own was, as well." Nikki@crystyl:"ahh, I believe I see my error now. I thought that your father was the one in charge and these Zauger were tools of the Romulan people. Now I see that it is in fact the other way around" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "He has gained the respect of the Zauger, and unified them in a way they have never unified before. But they are still difficult to control by nature. They fight amongst themselves - NPR@annpc#557 - for power at every opportunity, they merely know they have no chance to overthrow my father and thus listens to his commands." Nikki@crystyl:"Keep making excuses for them. Who knows, one day you might even come to believe the lies yourself. Oh don't give me that look; you clearly don't approve any more than I" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius scowls, "My father is not a pawn of the Zauger. It is true that they too desire this expansion, but Vitellius has long wished to make his triumphant return to the Romulan people." Nikki@crystyl:"And yet so far he has done nothing to endear himself as a worthy leader to those people. As I said, and you have now confirmed, it is nothing more than a fanatical power grab" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "Because he has not had the chance to. He only returned recently." NPR@annpc#557 | Imaella: "We've had even less time than you did, yet our Empress is gaining quite the amount of respect." Nikki@crystyl:"The true and loyal Empire is already building up to become what your father's should have been, and without slaughtering our citizens" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "Only because you need to do something to gather supporters. If you destroy us and become the only Empire, how long will you keep up this benevolent image?" Nikki@crystyl:"Indefinitely, of course. Do not mistake a lack of brutality for benevolence either" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "Oh after you did to my fleet, you need not prove that point to me." Nikki@crystyl gives a very Romulan smile at that NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "We should have turned our attention to you first, but Vitellius was adamant on our objective. And my father is not the sort of person you disobey." Nikki@crystyl:"Try telling that to the Zauger... Sorry, couldn't resist after you set it up so nicely. So this objective of yours was worth trying to distract our attention to reach" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "They do not dare disobey him. They merely...act more liberally in things that have not been specified." Nikki@crystyl:"Fun as it is to tease you about your maintained self delusion that this whole campaign of yours is somehow justified, I am more interested in this objective of yours" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "Now that I cannot reveal to you. The distraction was not my idea, though. I had wanted to crush you first, and then take...our objective afterwards. But my father had tasked me with - NPR@annpc#557 - taking it and he would accept no further delays. He said that with it under our control you were nothing but a trivial threat. Clearly, we should have taken you more seriously and dealt with - NPR@annpc#557 - you first." Nikki@crystyl:"Clearly. So you were to secure a military asset out there. One which would have reinforced your dwindling fleet and empowered you to try and reign the Zauger in" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "Something like that. You are trying to deduce what it is, which means you do not know of its existence. And with me as you prisoner, I see no reason for you to be deceiving me, which - NPR@annpc#557 - confirms my suspicions that you are not the ones in control of it." Nikki@crystyl:"Ok, we can work with that angle, sure. So say we are trying to deduce what 'it' is now that you've made us aware of it. You know it is only a matter of time before we obtain the details from your - Nikki@crystyl:- computers anyway, so why not be forthright and add a little context" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "Our computers hold no detailed data. You may find its location, but you will be in for quite a surprise if you visit. Our first task force was, at least." NPR@annpc#557 | Imaella: "You're not the only one with psionics, you know. And you don't have the protective implants. We'll get the information from you, one way or another." Nikki@crystyl:"But I'm sure there will be no need for such uncivilized behaviour here. Will there?" she looks to Averius NPR@annpc#557 | Averius sighs, "The Zauger sorcerers told me you were interfering with them and must have people who can use the Third Eye, so I know you're not bluffing. Fine. I may as well tell you- I doubt - NPR@annpc#557 - you'll be able to take it after our recent battle anyways." Nikki@crystyl:"Take... what, exactly?" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "You know of the Vault by now, I assume. That massive Tal Shiar experiment facility." Nikki@crystyl:"I think the whole galaxy has noticed by now, yes" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "My father oversaw a project that involved constructing a second facility based on that design. But this one was not for experimentation. It was a shipyard, the scale of which the - NPR@annpc#557:- Romulan people had never built before. The Vault mostly modified ships with the fruits of Tal Shiar experiments, Borg technology and such. The second facility would be dedicated to building new - NPR@annpc#557 - vessels, the next generation of the Imperial fleet." Nikki@crystyl:"So it is another vault you seek, and believe to be already occupied by unfriendly forces" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius nods, "We do not know what happened in the years between my father's exile, but the Zauger task force sent to claim it did not return, and the Star Empire today has no record of it. - NPR@annpc#557 - Someone has occupied it, but we do not know who. The purpose of my fleet was to retake the vault." Nikki@crystyl:"and that is your whole premise for our predicted failure at taking it?" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "The vault has significant defenses, but if someone has occupied it, it is likely they have access to its shipbuilding functions as well. You will be facing down a station far - NPR@annpc#557 - stronger than the average military starbase, supported by an enemy fleet. You will only deplete what forces you have against it, leave yourself open to attack, and soften the enemy for us." Nikki@crystyl:"You assume that the current tenants there will be our enemy" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "If you seek to make an alliance with them, you will only find yourself subservient to them. They have the means to produce more ships than you with that facility. Together you may - NPR@annpc#557 - defeat us, but someday they will discard you and take over for themselves. That is assuming they are even willing to ally with you." Nikki@crystyl:"Such certainty when you don't even know who 'they' are" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "You can see why my father prioritized the station over you. At least you are a largely known factor. We have no idea who may be in possession of such a powerful asset." Nikki@crystyl:"Well, we shall soon find out won't we" NPR@annpc#557 | Averius: "I suppose you shall. My father underestimated you, but there is nothing to be done about that now. I can only hope that your newfound confidence drives you to your doom at the vault." --- Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella and Nikki step out of the brig after their conversation with Averius, making their way through the ship Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Another vault, and one dedicated to shipbuilding. That could certainly turn the tide of this war for any side that obtains it." Nikki@crystyl:"So the question now is; if someone is already there, why haven't they made a move. I mean, why setup camp in an epic shipbuilding vault if you don't want to build a fleet. And why else would you - Nikki@crystyl:- build a fleet unless you needed it's strength" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "I think I might have an idea why. Numbers. We abandoned the first vault not long after Hobus. This was before colonies began breaking off to form the Republic, when the Star Empire - Romulan@annpc#557 - was much closer to the height of our power even with the loss of Romulus. Even then, we didn't have the resources to keep the vault running. It's likely whoever occupies this vault is using it - Romulan@annpc#557 - more as a secret base like the Reman Resistance did, as opposed to taking full advantage of its shipbuilding capabilities." Nikki@crystyl:"That does make sense" she nods, "So, any ideas who?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella shakes her head, "I have theories, of course. Another splinter faction, pirates and criminals, it could be anyone. The only people we can rule out are the Federation and the Klingons. - Romulan@annpc#557 - Aside from the Iconians, they're probably the only ones in this region who actually have the means to use the vault to its fullest potential, and if they've found it, we'd know by now." Nikki@crystyl:"So we'll just have to rock up there and see who's loitering" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Once we have the coordinates. We're still working on that, let's see how Faedani's coming along." Nikki@crystyl nods Romulan@annpc#557 | The pair make their way to Faedani's intel room, where she is busy working at her consoles Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Faedani. How's searching for the coordinates coming along?" Nikki@crystyl smiles at the sight, "I trust we're giving you plenty to get your teeth into. First with the convenient Princeling, and now a hidden vault" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani turns her hoverchair and smiles, "You two certainly know how to spoil a spy." Nikki@crystyl:"We aim to please" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "They tried to erase the coordinates from all their computers, but short of vapourizing their computer cores, it's very hard to completely erase data, especially when you're in a - Romulan@annpc#557 - rush. All the actual coordinates are gone, but we're scouring the Zauger vessels' databanks now to find fragments that's still left here and there." Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "It may take some time, but between all the ships we have access to, we will be able to reconstruct the coordinates in their entirety." Nikki@crystyl:"What about the ships who saw sense and joined up with us. Surely they haven't also wiped their computers?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "The Romulan ships weren't given any coordinates. They were only told to follow the Zauger fleet. I've checked their computers already and they're not lying. Vitellius didn't trust - Romulan@annpc#557 - them with his real destination. Many of them thought they were about to attack Agrama before they realized the Zauger weren't heading for our fleet." Nikki@crystyl:"So the would-be Emperor of the Romulan people trusts the Zauger - known to be hamfisted and barely controllable - more than loyal Romulan soldiers..." Nikki@crystyl:"It really does feel more like the Zauger are really in charge, doesn't it" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "It really does. All the more reason to remove Vitellius; for all his talk of restoring the glory of the Star Empire, he's really making us subservient to the Zauger and - Romulan@annpc#557 - expanding /their/ empire instead." Nikki@crystyl:"Maybe there actually is something to this theory. Even Averius seemed accepting of the arguments, but some part of him was just unwilling to acknowledge them. I had presumed it stubbornness and/or - Nikki@crystyl:- pride. But what if it's more than that..." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "You think Vitellius might be being controlled by the Zauger, perhaps even unknowingly?" Nikki@crystyl:"The more we learn, the more plausible it seems. Don't you think?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "I agree. In any case, our enemy remains the Zauger fleets. Hopefully our victory here will prompt more Romulans to join us, but we must explore this vault option as well." Nikki@crystyl:"Definitely" Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "Did you just say vault?" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "That's what the coordinates are, according to Averius." Romulan@annpc#557 | Faedani: "This must be a second vault then, constructed in secret like the first one but never found..." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "That's what Averius claimed." She looks back to Nikki, "Once we have the coordinates, we can approach this several ways- we can send a scout ship as we did with D'Surren to confirm - Romulan@annpc#557 - the vault's existence, but that would take much more time. We could go ourselves so we can negotiate with whoever holds the vault immediately, which is a more efficient but risky option. If - Romulan@annpc#557 - these people are hostile, we'd be putting you in significant danger. Or we could wait until we restore our strength and bring the entire fleet there, but once again, that'll give Vitellius - Romulan@annpc#557 - time to make his next move, whether that's taking the vault before we do or just striking at us with what ships he has." Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "Which approach do you prefer, Empress? Or do you have a different idea altogether?" Nikki@crystyl:"I think that if we send a discrete scout in there, they will be destroyed on sight and whoever hides within will be on high alert as a result" Nikki@crystyl:"So we will go in openly and see what occurs" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella: "A reasonable assumption. Averius said they sent a Zauger force to scout out the vault and it was met with a 'surprise,' probably of the unpleasant variety. Granted, the Zauger might - Romulan@annpc#557 - not even have tried negotiating, but going in openly might be the better call for us. Do you wish to wait until we have a full fleet, travel there now with what ships we have, or bring only - Romulan@annpc#557 - the Kaishaasi with an escort force and have the rest of the fleet remain at Agrama?" Nikki@crystyl:"Our first duty is to the Romulan people. We asked faith of them when we took the fleet away from defending territory in order to shut down this stealth fleet. Now we must reward that faith by - Nikki@crystyl:- having the fleet return - stronger than ever - to defend Agrama against the two decoy fleets, should they proceed still. We will take the Kaishaasi and a escort wing to search for the vault" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "Then I shall have a task force assembled and ready to launch as soon as Faedani's reconstructed the coordinates." Nikki@crystyl:Thank you - both of you - as always" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella smiles, "It is our honour to stand beside you and free our people from Vitellius and the Zauger." Nikki@crystyl:"In the meantime, we still need to address the new fleet Commanders. It is our last chance to weed out any troublemakers before setting them loose without our direct oversight, so let's make sure - Nikki@crystyl:- we have a psionic present as well" Romulan@annpc#557 | Imaella nods, "I'll pry one of them away from playing with their new Zauger toys," she chuckles Nikki@crystyl:"Alright, we'll gather shortly again then. Ladies" she offers with a nod in parting before heading out