ST:SoD223 | "Old Friends, Old Enemies"

Stardate 99897.3

When the Valley Forge finally begins to catch up to the Lexington, they learn that the matter is more complicated than they could have imagined...

---

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Keliaya@anncaris | The camera opens on the Valley Forge, still cruising through the Gamma Quadrant. It pans over the ship, towards and then through Keelah's ready room window, showing Keelah working away at the console behind her desk

Keliaya@anncaris | As she works, the comm chirps

Keelah@crystyl leans back and taps, "Se'Lai"

Keliaya@anncaris <C - Eva> "Captain, we're being contacted by the Namaset. The An Commander wants to speak with you."

Keelah@crystyl:"Thank you Eva. Please patch it through to my ready room"

Keliaya@anncaris | A moment later, Commander Kesa's visage appears on Keelah's console, "Captain Se'Lai. We have arrived in the vicinity of the tomb world raided by the Lexington."

Keelah@crystyl:"Thank you. Have you made contact with that world at all yet?"

Keliaya@anncaris | Kesa nods, "We have contacted them and while we've informed them of the situation, both the Commander on the world and I agree that it may be for the best that your vessels remain behind while -

Keliaya@anncaris - we investigate the tomb world. Even if you keep the Valley Forge concealed, similar species being present so soon after the raid can cause tensions, you understand. We've learned that some -

Keliaya@anncaris - of the Andarash has already put out a sizable bounty through illegal channels for the Lexington to be brought to justice."

Keelah@crystyl:"I see. That will certainly make it more difficult for us to investigate, but we can work with this. Do you have a proposed approach in mind here?"

Keliaya@anncaris | Kesa: "The Namaset will investigate the tomb world. Fortunately, we already have the heading of the Lexington upon departing from its raid. While there's no guarantee that their heading is -

Keliaya@anncaris - truly towards their destination, it lines up with their direction of travel so far. I suggest you continue in that direction and the Aberen and Makesis will remain with you. We have a higher -

Keliaya@anncaris - maximum speed and will be able to catch up with you once we are finished."

Keelah@crystyl:"With all due respect Commander, given the nature of the investigation here it would be illogical to proceed without at least someone from Starfleet in attendance since they are much likely to see -

Keelah@crystyl:- contextual relevance to things relating to the Lexington's motives that may go without consideration"

Keliaya@anncaris | Kesa: "That was the second part of my proposal. We've compared the lifesigns present at the raid to the information on your Starfleet that you've provided us and we've matched the species to -

Keliaya@anncaris - Human, Andorian, Vulcan and Saurian. Anyone not of those species shouldn't spark any tensions or misunderstandings, provided they visit without uniform and keep their connection to Starfleet quiet. We can take a team from your ship in plain clothes with us on the Namaset."

Keelah@crystyl:"Agreed. I will put together a team and have with you shortly then"

Keliaya@anncaris | Kesa: "Excellent. We'll hold position here until your team is on board, then we can go our separate ways until we catch back up with you."

Keelah@crystyl:"Very well, we will be in touch shortly then"

Keliaya@anncaris | Kesa nods and the comm ends

Keelah@crystyl taps her combadge, "Se'Lai to Keliaya. Kelly, could you join me in the ready room?"

Keliaya@anncaris <C> "On my way."

Keliaya@anncaris rings the doorbell a moment later

Keelah@crystyl:"Come in"

Keliaya@anncaris steps in, "Is this about our An escort? They just dropped out of warp right before you called."

Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, we are going to split up here; they will proceed to the tomb world to investigate the situation there while we attempt to pick up the Lexington's trail. I just spoke with Commander Kasa and -

Keelah@crystyl:- due to high emotional tensions there, we are keeping the Valley Forge out of their sight. But I would like you to put a team together to travel with them"

Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Do you want me to lead this team personally?"

Keelah@crystyl:"I think it would be prudent, we need somebody in authority to ensure the An don't get out of control or try to conceal anything. There is a caveat on the team selection though"

Keliaya@anncaris:"And what's that?"

Keelah@crystyl:"A racial one. Since they have identified the species who were involved in the raid there, they have asked that nobody of said species joins them for the investigation in order to reduce potential -

Keelah@crystyl:- high tensions. So no Humans, Andorians, Vulcans or Saurians. The team will travel out of uniform as well, in essence posing as a freelance investigation squad"

Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I can work with that. Fortunately we have a very diverse crew, and with many Orions on board. Is Lennie still busy with the work on Junior, or has that settled down into a nice manageable pattern by now?"

Keelah@crystyl:"I think it's sufficiently in hand if you feel her presence will be beneficial"

Keliaya@anncaris:"From what we know so far, the Lexington seemed to have raided this world to exhume some very specific bodies. Having someone with biological knowledge might be helpful, so I'm thinking to bring either her or Kazra."

Keelah@crystyl:"Kazra might be better suited on this occasion. Lennie is also much more clean cut Starfleet, which may be more difficult to work with down there under the circumstances. I would recommend -

Keelah@crystyl:- considering Emma for a familiar Orion presence if desired, since her experience is much more broader she 'feels' less like a Starfleet officer I believe"

Keliaya@anncaris:"Good suggestion, Captain. I was considering Sin, but she might be /too/ un-Starfleet. I can bring Eva along in case we need a psionic. I don't think Sin's particularly destructive talent is called for here..."

Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Possibly not, but I think she would be able to contribute. Ultimately, it is your call. These are simply ideas to consider"

Keliaya@anncaris smiles back, "I'll have the team ready soon, Captain."

Keelah@crystyl:"Once you're ready, report to the Namaset"

---

Keliaya@anncaris meets with Kazra, Emma and Sin in the VF's transporter room after instructing them to prepare for a mission in plain clothes

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Sin looks Kelly up and down and turns to Emma with a smirk, "Guess you were right"

Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, holding her hand out to which Sin reluctantly slaps a strip of latinum which Emma victoriously pockets

Keliaya@anncaris glances between the two curiously, "Do I get to know what that was about?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl smiles, "After seeing my culturally traditional choice of civilian outfit, the good Ensign wagered that you would find this as an excuse to wear something even more provocative. I wagered that you would have more dignity like usual"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Sin grunts at her defeat

Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "We're headed to a cemetery, not a club. And we're still technically on duty even though we ditched the uniforms, so I still have to look the part for an officer. Wouldn't look very commanding in swimwear now, would I?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Sin pulls a sideways look, "I don't know, you might be able to pull it off"

Emma Ralde@crystyl slaps Sin around the back of the head, "Oi! No talking her into changes just to win the bet. No backsies!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Kazra eyerolls, looking to Kelly, "See what I've had to put up with while we were waiting?"

Keliaya@anncaris:"You must've dealt with worse in sickbay. I've heard about some very nightmarish patients..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Kazra chuckles, "Yeah, /some/ can be quite immature..." she slooowly turns

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Sin shivers like someone just walked over her grave...

Emma Ralde@crystyl chuckles, "See what /I've/ been putting up with this time Commander!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Sin looks between the others, "Hey, what about me and all my suffering?!"

Emma Ralde@crystyl & Kazra just give her a look that says it all

Keliaya@anncaris:"Okay, let's transport over before this gets out of control..."

Keliaya@anncaris steps onto the transporter pad

Emma Ralde@crystyl & the others all follow, chuckling

Keliaya@anncaris:"Everyone do try to be on your best behaviour..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Sin, "Yeah you two..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl & Kazra, "..."

Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "Energize."

Keliaya@anncaris | The team disappears into transporter beams, rematerializing in the transporter room of the Namaset. It is significantly larger than the transporter room they left, consisting of multiple -

Keliaya@anncaris - transporter pads in one chamber. A female Vesan awaits them just off the pad

Keliaya@anncaris | Vesan: "Welcome to the Namaset. I'm First Lieutenant Meret."

Keliaya@anncaris:"I'm Commander Keliaya of the Valley Forge. This is Commander Kazra Meel, our Chief Medical Officer and Ensigns Sin and Emma Ralde."

Keliaya@anncaris | Meret: "We'll be arriving at the tomb world in just a few hours, but we've given a guest bunk to you for your stay. Depending on how long we're there, you might need it for the return journey when we catch back up with your ship."

Keliaya@anncaris nods, "Good thinking."

Keliaya@anncaris | Meret: "The credit goes to the Commander. Follow me, I'll show you the way," she turns to lead

---

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Back on the VF, the ship continues in the reported direction of the Lexington's course while the Namaset heads to the tomb world

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Two quiet hours of travel go by as Keelah idly monitors the bridge with Kelly away. The time for a shift change approaches and the lift door opens with Lennie and Ann stepping out to take their consoles on the bridge

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 smiles, "There you are Commander. I was worried Keelah was getting bored and was about to head into her ready room and leave me the most senior officer in charge."

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie pauses, and turns on the spot making as if she's going straight back into the lift

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 runs after her, "Wait, Keelah's still on the bridge! You've got nothing to worry about."

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie turns with a smirk, "Ah, I'm-a just messin' with ya. Go on, get yaself some rest"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 chuckles, "I'll wait until Tee gets here. Unless you want to take over comms for a change, but then Ensign Shankar is going to have to stay overtime on Science..."

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Oh right! Ok, you'd best wait for Tee then, yeah"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"I have a feeling Tiah's run off somewhere again and that's what's holding her up."

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie chuckles, "Yeah, probably!"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"Anyways, how's Junior doing?"

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie smiles, "Great, yeah! At this rate, we'll prob'ly be fit t'give him his own crew before long!"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"Is he making more of these...consoles still?"

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie nods, "Mhmm! Seems he's really tryin' a give us everythin' we need"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"Is it all just for monitoring still, or can we input information to him and actually like...pilot him like a ship?"

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "It's gettin' there. Still some work t'do in understandin' first though"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"Yes, he's still learning as-" she turns back to her console as something flashes up. "Captain, we're being hailed by the Aberen."

Keelah@crystyl:"On screen"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | A male Vesan appears on the viewscreen. Keelah has mainly communicated with Commander Kesa of the Namaset, though she still recognizes the Vesan as Commander Tahos of the Aberen

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos: "Captain Se'Lai. We have a problem."

Keelah@crystyl:"And that is?"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos: "The Makesis broadcasted a combat alert a few minutes ago, but we are unable to establish further contact with them. They must have run into something while scouting ahead, and either -

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 - they've already been destroyed or their communications are being jammed."

Keelah@crystyl:"Send us their last known position"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos nods, "This is where the combat alert came from."

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"We've got the coordinates, Captain."

Keelah@crystyl:"eta at maximum speed?"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ann: "We can get there in thirteen minutes, Cap'n. Shall I set course now, or do we wanna gather the other ships?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Engage at maximum warp. Eva, update the rest of the group and advise to follow with caution"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 nods, tapping her console, "Sending the update now."

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ann meanwhile increases the VF's warp speed, announcing, "We're on our way at maximum warp now, Cap'n. Looks like Aberen's just behind us too."

Keelah@crystyl:"Alright, let's push what we've got to spare to the long range arrays and get a glimpse of the situation as soon as we can"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | After just a few minutes, the Makesis appears on Lennie's long-range sensors. It doesn't seem to be moving, but its position is still at the coordinates they received

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "Seems they've definitely had a scrape with someone out here. I can see signs of damage on the exterior hull... looks like engines are disabled at the least too"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ann: "Who'd attack 'em here? Didn't the An bulk up this sector after the Lexington went an' raided the tomb world? Should be less problems with pirates, not more..."

Keelah@crystyl:"That is assuming it was pirates"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"You think it can be Dominion?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Or the Lexington, or someone else we haven't even considered yet"

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "I am seeing trace elements of polaron energy which would favour the Dominion theory. There is some heavy antimatter radiation in places too, but no sign of issues with their core"

Keelah@crystyl:"Any debris from other ships in the area?"

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni shakes her head, "Nothing that I can identify. But the radiation is making it difficult to get a good reading out there, I can't even determine life signs or not"

Keelah@crystyl:"Alright, take us to red alert"

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni does so

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"We can send the readings to the Aberen. They're more familiar with this region than we are, not to mention their own ships."

Keelah@crystyl nods, "Please do"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 taps on her console, sending the data. Barely half a minute later, she says, "The Aberen is contacting us again."

Keelah@crystyl:"Hopefully that means they see something we don't. On screen"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Commander Tahos appears on the viewscreen again, "This is bad. Looks like they were hit by the Rak'Hadar."

Keelah@crystyl:"The... Rak'Hadar?"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos: "Means 'Poison Warriors' in the Dominion administrative language. One of the nastier bands of zealots out there."

Keelah@crystyl:"Alright, what do we know about them?"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos: "That radiation in your readings is their signature. They use dirty antimatter torpedoes designed to flood their targets with radiation. Weakens the crew and makes it impossible to -

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 - transport survivors out. Hence the name. The Rak'Hadar themselves, they specialize in fighting in irradiated environments."

Keelah@crystyl:"I take that to imply that they would have attempted a boarding action to face the crew head on?"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos: "Most likely. Which means they must have a ship or ships cloaked nearby. Once we arrive, Aberen will conduct antiproton sweeps to reveal them."

Keelah@crystyl:"Alright, we can work with that"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ann: "ETA two minutes, Cap'n."

Keelah@crystyl:"Take us into a standard perimeter survey once we arrive"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ann: "Aye Cap'n."

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "I can see boarding craft attached to the hull now, and there are definitely lifesigns on board. But it's impossible to distinguish one from the other with the radiation"

Keelah@crystyl:"Alright, get the MACO's on standby for boarding and brief them on what we know"

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni nods, "On it"

---

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Two minutes later, the MACOs are assembled and the VF drops out of warp with the drifting An escort in front of them

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | As the VF begins a perimeter survey, the Aberen drops out of warp just behind it and starts its own search using antiproton sweeps

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | It only takes about a minute of searching before a ship decloaks

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 FX | https://ca.startrek.com/sites/default/files/styles/830xx/public/images/2020-10/38._jemhadar_f.jpg?itok=4R-tBrb1

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ensign Nqakula: "Looks like a Dominion attack ship. One of the old classes from the Dominion War."

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | The attack ship immediately turns and seems to flee as it is revealed. The Aberen fires a few shots after it before beginning pursuit

Keelah@crystyl:"Can we get a tractor beam on them?"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Lennie manages to get a tractor lock on the fleeing ship! The sudden stop causes the Aberen to overshoot, and as it turns itself around, a second old attack ship decloaks on its port, opening -

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 - fire with its polaron beams followed by a salvo of three torpedoes. There's nothing the VF can do about the beams from this range, though Rianni can try to shoot down the torpedoes

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni does so with the PD system

Keelah@crystyl:"Return fire. Target to disable"

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni begins a strategic firing pattern in an attempt to disable the second ship's engines

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | The PD system shoots down the torpedoes, each of which releases significant antimatter radiation as it detonates. Fortunately, it's harmless detonating in the middle of space. The polaron -

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 - beams still do good damage to the unsuspecting Aberen's shields, but they hold. Rianni's return fire causes the second ship to begin turning and fleeing...

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Despite being from roughly the same era as the VF, the old Dominion ship hasn't been through as many upgrades as the VF. It does its best to evade, but the phaser bolts disable the little attack ship's engines, leaving it adrift

Keelah@crystyl:"Nicely done. Now we just to let our An hosts decide what they're going to do with the first one"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Before the Aberen can act, a third ship decloaks behind it, placing the An ship right between itself and the VF

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 FX | https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/sto_gamepedia/images/f/f8/Ship_Variant_-_DOM_-_Legendary_Jem%27Hadar_Vanguard_Pilot_Attack_Ship_%28T6%29.png/revision/latest?cb=20220824165734

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Nqakula: "That's not an old design!"

Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed it is not"

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "I can't get a clear line of sight without letting the first one go to reposition us. Tactical analysis is underway though"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | The new attack ship immediately fires two pulses of its cannons, stripping away what's left of the Aberen's shields before activating a tractor beam of its own, holding the An ship firmly in the middle as a ship-shield

Keelah@crystyl:"How far out are the rest of our group?"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ann: "Aethon is closest but it'll be another eleven minutes till they get here."

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "This must be what the Dominion has been using since the war. The forward cannons bear an uncanny resemblance to the configuration of a Defiant"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"Captain, the newer Dominion ship is hailing us."

Keelah@crystyl:"Did not think I would hear that again in this context... alright, put them through"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | A male Vorta appears on the viewscreen, "Starfleet vessel. Cease fire. We are not your enemy."

Keelah@crystyl:"Last I checked, we have not fired on your vessel yet so there is nothing to cease. All we have done is return fire on your support ship who decided to attack us first"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "We are not attacking you. We are attacking the An. My instructions are to bring you to the Lexington without any An presence. We had hoped they went with the other ship to the tomb world. Unfortunately, they're keeping a very close eye on you."

Keelah@crystyl:"That is because they are our friends and are travelling with us"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "The An cannot be trusted."

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ann scoffs a little at such a statement coming from a Vorta

Keelah@crystyl:"And I am quite certain they would say the same of you. Yet both you and they are our friends - last I checked - and so I have no interest in your conflict, nor your subjective opinions of one -

Keelah@crystyl:- another. Unfortunately when you go and attack our escort scout ship, that makes things rather more of interest to me"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "We did not attack either of these ships. We were trying to approach you when that first ship found us. They attacked us first, forcing us to retaliate. And, as you were here to -

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 - see for yourself, the second An ship also fired upon us first when the Rak'Hadar vessel attempted to disengage. As you can see, we are only defending ourselves."

Keelah@crystyl:"You are implying that you are not associated with the Rek'Hadar who first attacked the scout ship then?"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "We are. The Rak'Hadar are our escorts. I admit, they may have been a little...overzealous with the first scout ship. But we have secured some of its crew alive. If you care so much for these An, we will leave them to recuperate here, permitted they do not attempt to follow us."

Keelah@crystyl:"And now I assume you would like your escorts' people back who went ahead and boarded the An ship"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "Actually I don't much care about them, and they're all too willing to give up their lives for the Dominion. If it helps, the An may board the other ship and get some degree of satisfaction from avenging their fallen. It might keep them occupied while we depart and throw them off."

Keelah@crystyl:"Of course you don't... and just how far do we need to go to reach the Lexington now?"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "About a two week journey at our maximum speeds. They couldn't very well loiter right by the tomb world, after all. The An are still quite furious about that."

Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, and that is why we need to speak with the Lexington. Still, if they are that far out then they can easily halve that journey time by moving to rendezvous with us"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "If it means you are willing to throw off the An, I'm sure that can be arranged."

Keelah@crystyl:"I need to speak with them, as I am sure you can understand. We have yet to establish the extent of the damage your people caused in the initial 'overzealousness' as you put it, so we must first tend to our allies relief needs"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | The Vorta sighs, "Ah yes, the famed Starfleet kindness. Fine, if you must. But the Lexington will not under any circumstances meet with you if these An escorts are present. And none of us here will give you their location otherwise, if you attempt to force it from us."

Keelah@crystyl:"If the Lexington is still the ship and Captain I remember, she will not sit idly by and play your games while her sister ship is inexplicably just a few days away"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "Captain Omar was the one who set these parameters for the meeting, not the Dominion."

Keelah@crystyl hrms, "As you say. Well then, the sooner I confer with our An friends the sooner we can get things moving forwards again"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "As you wish. Oh, and if the deaths of the Rak'Hadar boarding parties will no longer serve a purpose to distract the An, would you allow them to pull back to their vessels?"

Keelah@crystyl:"That is not my decision to make"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "Very well. I never like to see good resources go to waste, but sometimes sacrifices must be made for the sake of diplomacy, I suppose."

Keelah@crystyl:"Sacrificing sentient life is not typically something I associate with diplomatic negotiations" she smiles, "But then this is why we come out here to explore other cultures after all. So, we'll-

Keelah@crystyl:- be back in touch once I have spoken with the An. Valley Forge out"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | The Vorta nods and the comm ends

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ann: "Vorta. Their ships might've changed, but their people's still the same as ever..."

Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed... Eva, you know what comes next"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"I have the Aberen on a channel. The Aethon and Loki are also approaching under cloak, what instructions should I relay them?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Hold position out of range for the moment. Put the Aberan on screen and relay all transcripts to the Loki for a rolling update"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 nods and taps her console. Commander Tahos appears on the viewscreen again

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos: "Zealots we were expecting, but we didn't think a proper Dominion ship would be in this region. I take it we're being held hostage against you?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, they claim to have come here on behalf of the Lexington to find us. The Rek'Hadar are their escorts and supposedly acted without authority in their initial attack. They are requesting that we -

Keelah@crystyl:- accompany them to the Lexington with the caveat that none of you accompany us from here"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos: "We have orders to accompany you due to the Lexington's actions. Don't get me wrong, I don't think you're in league with them and a danger to the Commonwealth. But I can't just go against my orders."

Keelah@crystyl:"I appreciate that, and have already laid the groundwork for one potential workaround"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos: "What're you suggesting?"

Keelah@crystyl:"I have already established our intention to send assistance to your boarded vessel under the guise of providing medical support and relief. Of course it may be genuinely needed for all we know too. -

Keelah@crystyl:- The point being that this will provide a window of opportunity for you to send representatives back to the Valley Forge with our returning away teams. Further to this, we have our cloaked support -

Keelah@crystyl:- ships on the sideline still. We can play along with the Dominion's insistences, and then more of you can join the QanwI’ which is capable of catching up with us even at high warp. The Loki can remain here in stealth support for your ships while they await our return"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos thinks for a moment before nodding, "That sounds like a reasonable plan. We'll send some aid teams to the Makesis as well. Some of them will board your shuttles and come back with you, -

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 - others will probably have to take over some positions on the Makesis. I doubt anyone there is in the shape to join you, and if they are, their own ship needs them."

Keelah@crystyl:"I understand, have you been in touch with them at all yet? Do we know the current situation over there?"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos shakes his head, "Ships like the Aberen and Makesis don't have much crew. Anyone who isn't down from radiation sickness would've been downed by the Rak'Hadar. How many lethally...well, -

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 - we're going to have to see for ourselves. But I don't think anyone's conscious over there."

Keelah@crystyl:"We'll send an armed escort as well then. The Dominion have conceded to resign the fate of the boarders to you. How do you want to handle them?"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos: "Are there Jem'Hadar or Vorta on the Dominion military ship?"

Keelah@crystyl:"It was a Vorta we spoke with"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos: "Good. Ask the Vorta to order them back to their ships. As much as I'd like to avenge my fellow soldiers on the Makesis, the Rak'Hadar aren't going to go down without a fight. And I'm not throwing away more An lives just to get some revenge."

Keelah@crystyl:"Very well then, I shall do so"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos: "I'll have my teams ready. Stay alert. The Vorta aren't as honourable as the Jem'Hadar. They may promise ceasefire one moment and break it the next."

Keelah@crystyl:"Oh I am very much aware of that from our last war against them, but thank you for the concern"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Tahos nods, "Take care, Captain." The comm ends

Keelah@crystyl sighs, "Alright, nearly there. Rianni"

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "They're already gathering alongside the relief crew in the starboard hangar Captain"

Keelah@crystyl smiles, "I had a feeling. Alright Eva, let's get back to our Vorta friend"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 nods and brings the Vorta onscreen again

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "Captain. Have you reached an arrangement with the An?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, they anticipate the entire crew to be either sick or injured at this point so welcome our aid. We will shortly despatch a shuttle or two to ferry them back and forth as needed while the An -

Keelah@crystyl:- will do the same to restaff the ship with their own personnel. As for your people, they have instructed me to ask that you recall them all to their ship"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "Good." He nods to someone offscreen. "They're pulling back now. We're also releasing the second An ship from our tractor. I assume you'll be coming with us once the situation on the An ship is under control?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, the An were understandably displeased by the arrangement. But fortunately for you the provision of our aid to their sick and wounded served as sufficient offset to earn their favour this time.-

Keelah@crystyl:- As soon as the medical situation is stabilized we can get underway" turns to her side, "As soon as the An vessel is free, release the tractor beam"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | The Dominion ship does indeed keep their word and releases the An ship!

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni promptly follows suit

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "Excellent. We'll effect repairs to the Rak'Hadar ship you hit while we wait."

Keelah@crystyl:"Hopefully we did not cause too much of an inconvenience, but if you require assistance you need only ask" she smiles

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "I think we would have things under control, judging from these preliminary damage reports."

Keelah@crystyl:"Glad to hear it"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | The comm ends and the new Dominion ship locks a tractor beam on the damaged old attack ship. All three move off, putting some distance between themselves and the An

Keelah@crystyl:"Alright, get the shuttles moving. Eva, does T'Lana have anything to add after following all of that?"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"Only some intel on the ship. The Loki can't get an ID on the Vorta, it's not one the Federation has encountered before."

Keelah@crystyl:"We'll take all we can get"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 nods, "I'll send the intel over to Tactical."

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "Thanks Eva!"

---

Keliaya@anncaris | As the VF deals with the Dominion, Kelly and her team materialize in a transporter room on the tomb world. The Namaset team, led by First Lieutenant Meret, beams in on the pad next to them. A -

Keliaya@anncaris - male Masan awaits them off the pad, the same one from the intro sequence where the Lexington attacks

Keliaya@anncaris | Meret steps off the pad, raising a hand as if performing a Vulcan salute, though without the accompanying hand gesture, "First Lieutenant Meret, cruiser Namaset."

Keliaya@anncaris | The Masan returns the gesture curtly and formally, and it becomes clear that this is more equivalent to a human military salute, "First Lieutenant Alyan, tomb world Nekh'tentau."

Keliaya@anncaris | Meret: "As you've been informed Lieutenant, we're tracking the ship that attacked here." She gestures to the undercover Starfleet team. "We've brought some specialists to examine the scene and see what we can learn."

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "Yes, I've been told the purpose of your visit," he turns and starts to lead the way. "The environmental systems at the area they raided have been activated for you to traverse."

Keliaya@anncaris | Meret looks to the Starfleet team, "Tomb worlds keep the environmental systems off in most of their installations unless they have visitors. They're usually defended and maintained by a very -

Keliaya@anncaris - small crew, so there's no need to have it all powered up."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"And I guess the lack of environmental conditions generally makes for a more undisturbed tomb. So what happened with the attackers then, did they take out the monitoring team and run the -

Emma Ralde@crystyl:- environmental systems for their raid?"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "We tried to stop their ship with our defense turrets first, but they were no match and quickly taken down. Then they transported into the control area, where we keep the environmental -

Keliaya@anncaris - systems on and stunned us. The ones who attacked us had combat suits, but according to our system logs, they engaged the environmental systems after we were out."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Huh"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "Everything we know from there on comes from our computer systems. More of them beamed in, without suits we believe, opened the two tombs, stole the remains of our honoured dead, and promptly departed."

Keliaya@anncaris:"Our information indicates they disturbed two tombs specifically. Did they search around, or go directly for these ones?"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "The database logs show that after we were stunned, someone searched for where these two specific officers were buried. The other raiders then transported in near these tombs and went directly for them."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I guess having a limited number of suits might explain it. But then, why go to the trouble of beaming others in when there were already suited ones here who could have just gone on themselves?" she ponders aloud

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "My guess, the ones who stunned us were warriors. They were well-coordinated and disciplined. Fought like soldiers. The ones that beamed in, they were either bosses of the operation, or -

Keliaya@anncaris - maybe scientists or doctors to identify that the remains really belonged to the right people. They definitely came here with a specific purpose- this wasn't some attempt to get to us psychologically."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It sure does sound that way, and that makes a certain sense for an approach"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "The problem is, neither officer has any enemies that would want to disturb their bodies like this. They fought against the Dominion, but so did everyone else entombed here. They didn't -

Keliaya@anncaris - serve together either, nor were the previous investigators able to find any connection between them other than the fact that they were Andarash officers."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Hopefully we can spot something of relevance to this particular group then"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "Speaking of the previous investigation, what exactly do you specialize in? I assume the Namaset brought you with reason to think you might find something we've overlooked so far."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"We specialize in the people who carried out this raid. Been tracking them a while now in fact"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "Have they wronged you as well?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Nothing personal, it's just the job"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan nods, "If you've been hired to track them, then they must've wronged others."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"In my experience, everyone's wronged someone at some point"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "I suppose so. But the officers whose tombs were disturbed here certainly didn't wrong someone enough to warrant this."

Keliaya@anncaris | Meret nods, "There's more to this than we're seeing. That's why we brought the specialists."

Keliaya@anncaris | The group arrives in one of the big chambers, surrounded by tombs on all sides

Keliaya@anncaris FX | https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/halo/images/9/97/H2A_CinematicRender_MausoleumoftheArbiter.jpg

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan gestures to one of the empty spots, "That's one of the sarcophagi that was taken."

Emma Ralde@crystyl looks around, "So they actually took the sarcophagi itself, not emptied it?"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan nods, "Our sensors indicate the sarcophagus was opened first. That's why I suspect they might've had medical specialists confirm the identities before transporting the whole unit away."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Alright, well we should probably take a look around. No problem if we do a little scanning and all right? Don't worry, we won't do anything disruptive"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "Go ahead. I'll observe from here. I can provide you with copies of our sensor and system logs, and lead you on to the next site when you're ready."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Appreciate it"

---

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Back on the VF, the shuttles are away and begin docking with the Makesis, using external docking ports as the much smaller vessel's bays have already been occupied by the Aberen's two shuttles

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 listens to something in an earpiece before reporting, "MACOs and away team are on board, Captain. The ship is clear of any potential hostiles and the crew is all down. Initial assessment shows significant fatalities, but some of the crew can be saved and medical personnel are doing what they can."

Keelah@crystyl:"Thank you. We'll let the MACO's coordinate with the personnel swap while the medical personnel focus on their jobs"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 nods, tapping her console, "Some of the An are working on purging the radiation from the ship."

Keelah@crystyl:"Good to know"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 announces a few minutes later, "The An personnel are starting to board. The survivors are being stabilized and moved to their sickbay now."

Keelah@crystyl:"Alright, let's keep a close eye on things"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"The An's unlocked the systems on the bridge and our people have access to their logs as well now. It looks like the Vorta was telling the truth, the Makesis did open fire first. The Dominion ship -

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:- was given a warning first and didn't try to explain its presence, just turned and ran. That's when the Makesis gave pursuit and attacked."

Keelah@crystyl:"The Vorta are expert manipulators, they know better than to try and lie about something we can easily call them out on. As for the An scout ship, they should know better than to pick a fight when they are scouting"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 nods, "They were definitely overzealous. They probably thought it was one old ship, which the Makesis was more than a match for. They were surprised by the second ship, which pulled off a -

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 - similar flanking maneuver to the one on the Aberen. That's when their engines went down and they were hit by the radioactive torpedo."

Keelah@crystyl:"True. But after they issued their warning the Dominion ship turned about, they should have left it at that"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ann: "This is technically Commonwealth territory now, an' the Commonwealth's at war with the Dominion. I can see why they engaged, but yeah, it definitely would've been smarter to call for backup. Least have the Aberen present before attackin'."

Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, if it was a solo patrol then understandable. But they were advanced scouts for a larger task force which means that is their first responsibility, but also that said task force is within support range"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 nods, "It was definitely an impulse action. The medical personnel are on their way back now. Radiation's cleared enough for Aberen to beam additional support over, and the An should have things in hand here."

Keelah@crystyl:"Do we have all of the personnel transfers in hand?"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"They're all on board the shuttles and ready to go."

Keelah@crystyl:"Perfect. Let's wrap things up before the Vorta starts getting ancy"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"Recalling the shuttles now."

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | On the viewscreen, the shuttles undock from the Makesis and return to the Valley Forge. A short while later, Rianni gets confirmation that everyone is back

Keelah@crystyl:"Alright, signal the Dominion that we are ready to depart"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 nods, sending the signal before announcing, "The Dominion ships are ready to go as well."

Keelah@crystyl:"Helm, form up with up and engage a parallel course"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Ann: "Aye Cap'n. Formin' up now."

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | The VF veers away from the An vessels and joins the three Dominion ships further out. As they jump to warp, the VF follows and the stars turn into starstreaks

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 glances to Lennie, "I assume Junior's still following us?"

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie nods, "Yeah, no tellin' him t'stand down jus' yet"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"Hopefully we can figure that out soon, so he won't follow us into dangerous situations or anything."

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "I wouldn't worry too much. From all we seen so far, he an' th'Forge often got a better read on tha' kinda thing than we do"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557:"Good point. Does he seem nervous about us following the Dominion at all?"

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie nods, "Aye, but he's always nervous around unfamiliar ships at first"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 glances back to her console, "The Vorta's ship wants to talk again."

Keelah@crystyl:"Probably curious about Junior. On screen"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | The Vorta appears on the viewscreen, "I'm glad you chose to come with us. As you've kept your word, I shall keep mine- once we're far enough away from the An, I shall send an encoded message to the Lexington to meet us halfway."

Keelah@crystyl smiles, "I'm glad to see we can all be mature about this little misunderstanding back there and proceed forwards in the spirit of friendship"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | The Vorta returns the smile, "As am I. What exactly is this...creature following you? Our computers have no record of such a lifeform. It is not associated with the An, is it?"

Keelah@crystyl:"No, it is quite honestly an unknown to us as well. Some time ago now the Valley Forge was investigating an anomalous energy field out towards the far rim. Something in that energy used part of the -

Keelah@crystyl:- ship to incubate a new lifeform which - after we found ourselves in this corner of the galaxy - grew to become the creature that you see"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "That would explain why we have no information on it. An interesting and unusual story, but I have no reason to doubt its validity. The Andarash has never been known to employ sentient spacefaring creatures, after all."

Keelah@crystyl:"I'm glad you think so, because there is nothing we can do about it either way. The creature has its own mind and we hold no influence over it. So far; where this ship goes, he goes"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vorta: "Very well. We shall take this opportunity to catalogue it for the Dominion."

Keelah@crystyl:"Of course. Just take it under advisement to keep it to passive scans. He still gets nervous around strangers"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | The Vorta nods, "I will keep that in mind. And allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Vilgoth, loyal servant of the Founders."

Keelah@crystyl bows her head in greeting, "Captain T'Keel Se'Lai"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vilgoth: "We should be meeting with your fellow Starfleet vessel in about a week. You're welcome to contact us if there's anything else you'd like to know. I can't share classified Dominion state secrets, of course. But I can tell you more about your friends."

Keelah@crystyl:"I would welcome the opportunity to learn more of them. It has been too long since we seen them now"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vilgoth: "They've received a few repairs and upgrades during their time here in the Gamma Quadrant, but for the most part they are still the same ship you remember. The crew haven't changed -

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 - from what I'm aware. One of my fellow Vorta is on board as an attache- Eris 9. I believe you would be familiar with her, the newest incarnation of the first Vorta to make contact with your Federation."

Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, I recall the name. Though I do not believe she was a 9 back then"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vilgoth: "That she was not. More recently, the Lexington's received a Commonwealth attache as well."

Keelah@crystyl perks a brow at that

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vilgoth smiles slightly, "I thought that would surprise you. I shall let Captain Omar explain their presence once we meet with the Lexington. You're more likely to believe her than me, anyways."

Keelah@crystyl:"Perhaps. However right now I am mostly curious about the chosen term attache, since this implies a government action driving the assignment. But were that the case, then the Commonwealth would be aware of them"

Evanne Dra@annpc#557 | Vilgoth: "The Commonwealth is not aware of them by design, but it is official...to an extent. You will see, Captain."

Keelah@crystyl:"I look forward to it"

---

Keliaya@anncaris | On the tomb world, the team is now onto the area with the second sarcophagi after the first area reveals nothing of interest. Once again, through all the scanning around they are only able to -

Keliaya@anncaris - locate some fingerprints left behind by the Lexington personnel

Keliaya@anncaris steps up behind Emma as she does some scanning, "Anything Ens- Emma?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl shakes her head, "Nothing beyond those fingerprints yet"

Keliaya@anncaris nods, "And they don't tell us anything new..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I had hoped to find something astray in the latent transporter signatures at least"

Keliaya@anncaris | Meret steps over to the two, "The previous investigation collected some hair samples too. But I don't suppose that will be particularly useful either."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It can be useful to verify findings at least"

Keliaya@anncaris | Meret nods, "I'll ask Lieutenant Alyan for it."

Keliaya@anncaris looks around the area again, "I wonder..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl turns to Kelly, "An idea?"

Keliaya@anncaris:"A thought," she calls after Meret who is just turning to talk with Alyan. "Lieutenant?"

Keliaya@anncaris | Meret turns around, "Hm?"

Keliaya@anncaris:"Do bodies ever get misfiled in tombs like this?"

Keliaya@anncaris | Meret: "Almost never. You know how important honouring our dead is to us. There's a full genetic and medical record of every member of the Andarash, so we can identify bodies easily. And every -

Keliaya@anncaris - body gets checked before they're entombed, in addition to the initial identification upon death."

Keliaya@anncaris:"And the Lexington would've had no reason to suspect you would've switched the bodies, or otherwise put the wrong people in the tombs marked for them."

Keliaya@anncaris | Meret shakes her head, "None that I can think of, at least."

Keliaya@anncaris glances back to Emma, "What if they weren't checking the bodies to verify their identity, but for something else? The plague we saw passed through this region, and it has mutagenic properties..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"It's a possibility, sure"

Keliaya@anncaris:"And if they double check identities here, then Lieutenant Alyan would have access to the medical files of everyone entombed here, wouldn't he?"

Keliaya@anncaris | Meret nods, "The tomb world should have access to that information, yes."

Keliaya@anncaris:"Ask him if he can provide the records of the two whose bodies were stolen."

Keliaya@anncaris | Meret turns back and resumes her way towards Alyan

Keliaya@anncaris waves Kazra over as they wait for Alyan to fetch the files

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Kazra joins them, "Got something?"

Keliaya@anncaris:"Not yet, but I'm asking them to fetch some medical records. No idea if there's anything there, I just have a feeling."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Kazra: "No problem, I'll take a look at them"

Keliaya@anncaris | A few minutes later, Alyan returns holding a PADD with a slightly perplexed expression on his face

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"That doesn't look good..."

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan hands Kelly the PADD, "Here's the data on all the samples collected in the last investigation. The medical files you requested are there as well, but...we're missing some info."

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Kazra starts looking over the data, "What is missing from the files?"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "All the data on the verification before entombing. It's nowhere to be found in the system."

Keliaya@anncaris:"Did the Lexington team delete it?"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "No, the changes were made /after/ the raid. During the first investigation."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"You're saying that the investigation team deleted the files?"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "It lines up, but it makes no sense. Why would the investigation team be covering up for the raiders?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Simple; because the raiders clearly revealed something that they did not want to be revealed"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"And given the circumstances, I'd wager good latinum that it's the reason these two were targeted in the first place too"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan nods, "This is very unsettling. The investigators were Andarash officers as well. Could someone high up in the Andarash be involved in the deaths of these officers? One /was/ a former Marshal..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"That is more likely than this investigation team acting of their own accord"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Kazra turns to Kelly, "Take a look at this - you might be on to something with this Marshall - since he retired, his medical state has not changed in the slightest"

Keliaya@anncaris nods, taking the PADD and looking at what Kazra pointed out, "And I assume most people don't age as gracefully as Emma here..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl beams proudly

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Kazra shakes her head, "/Nobody/ goes so unchanged, especially at later life"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "These files haven't been changed. They come straight from Commonwealth and Andarash records. If someone tampered with them, it wasn't here at the tomb world."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah, I don't believe it would be anyone here. Seems to me this guy is suspect in a big way and this is some way of hiding his identity"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan: "Very troubling. Should we keep this quiet until you've completed your investigations?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I would if I were you. If this Marshall is suspect, there's no telling who else is involved. If these people are up to no good and they realize you're on to them, then you'll be in danger"

Keliaya@anncaris | Alyan nods, "Sensible advice. I won't let anyone else in on the missing information, unless they discover it for themselves."

Emma Ralde@crystyl looks to Kelly, "So what now? Seems we need to look into this first more"

Keliaya@anncaris:"Let's go back to the first one, see if we can find anything else there. I have a feeling there's not much more to be learned here. If they deleted the data, that first team might've covered up any -

Keliaya@anncaris:- more evidence to be found. Still, the fact that we know there's a coverup is something we didn't before."

Emma Ralde@crystyl nods, "Works for me"

Keliaya@anncaris | After some more searching on the tomb world, the team is unable to find any more information beyond the erased data and the Marshal's suspicious medical files. They beam back up to the Namaset with what they have and are gathered in the common room by their bunk

Keliaya@anncaris looks to Sin, "I know this is more Eva's speciality than yours, but did you sense that anyone down there might've been untruthful to us? Or withholding some information. Either Alyan or the Namaset team?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Sin shakes her head, "Nothing fun whatsoever. They were like a planetfull of dutiful little drones"

Emma Ralde@crystyl scoffs, "Try not to sound too disappointed"

Keliaya@anncaris:"We found something still. It's only a few pieces, but it could potentially explain the Lexington's actions. What do you all think?"

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"All this cloak and dagger stuff just makes me think back to the Loki and the infiltrators"

Keliaya@anncaris:"Commodore Fox was a changeling. If he's involved with infiltrating Starfleet, it's possible the people he's working with have been active in the Gamma Quadrant."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah, exactly"

Keliaya@anncaris:"What could the medical records be covering up, though? More changeling infiltrators? The An have specialized procedures for detecting them, though. Even the Federation have developed counters, and -

Keliaya@anncaris:- we've only had one conflict with the Dominion while the An have had four now. I feel like a changeling might be able to infiltrate them temporarily, but long term placement as an officer, especially a marshal seems like a stretch."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Just because Fox was a changeling doesn't mean they all are. It could be something else the An can't detect, and so yeah maybe there's a link to the bodies"

Keliaya@anncaris:"And the Lexington stole them to check if they were infiltrators, which was why they were opening the sarcophagi first before beaming them up."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"That would seem the most likely"

Emma Ralde@crystyl | Sin: "Or the Lexington is with the bad guys now and had to cover up the infiltration by removing the bodies"

Keliaya@anncaris:"As much as I hope that isn't true, it's possible. If these are the same 'bad guys' that Fox and the Loki infiltrators were associated with, we know they have people in Starfleet."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Yeah... we might not like to consider it, but having seen it already we'd be foolish to rule anything out"

Keliaya@anncaris:"Exactly. We-" The door slides open and Commander Kesa of the Namaset steps in

Keliaya@anncaris stands, "Commander. I wasn't expecting you to visit down here. Can we help you?"

Keliaya@anncaris | Kesa: "Actually, I wanted to inform you all of something. There's been a development. A...slight complication."

Emma Ralde@crystyl 's eyes narrow, "What kind of complication...?"

Keliaya@anncaris | Kesa: "The Makesis was attacked by a small Dominion force seeking the Valley Forge. They know the location of the Lexington and wanted to lead your ship to it, with one caveat."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Sounds about right for the Dominion"

Keliaya@anncaris | Kesa: "They demanded that no An ship follow them. Captain Se'Lai snuck a small team from the Aberen on board, but the Aberen and Makesis have to remain behind. As well as the Namaset."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"I guess they really put the Captain on the spot there huh"

Keliaya@anncaris | Kesa nods, "From what I've been told, they certainly did. She's gone with them for now, but your other ships have remained behind with the Aberen and Makesis. We'll be heading to their -

Keliaya@anncaris - position to await the Valley Forge's return. Once we get there, we can transfer you to your intelligence ship, the Loki."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Fair enough"

Keliaya@anncaris:"A good plan. Thanks for the update, Commander."

Keliaya@anncaris | Kesa: "It shouldn't be long until we're there, as they've been holding position since the skirmish. We'll let you know when we're there."

Keliaya@anncaris | Kesa turns and makes her exit from the room

Keliaya@anncaris sits back down, "I bet T'Lana wasn't expecting me back so soon..."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Maybe she'll have some more insight on what we've found at least"

Keliaya@anncaris nods, "She was at the centre of this infiltration business with Starfleet after all, and the Loki's clear of infiltrators now. It'll be safer to discuss this with Starfleet Intelligence than the -

Keliaya@anncaris:- An, knowing they probably still have enemies within."

Emma Ralde@crystyl:"Makes sense" she nods

---

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | After a week of quiet though uneasy travel at warp with their new Dominion escort, Keelah arrives on the bridge as they begin to near their destination

Keelah@crystyl takes her seat, "Any word from our escort?"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Eva shakes her head, "Nothing yet. We've just entered long-range sensor range of a system the Dominion ships seem to be headed towards, but there's no sign of the Lexington yet."

Keelah@crystyl:"Anything noteworthy about the system itself?"

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Yeah, actually... Th'second planet looks like it could be inhabited, or at least was once. Th'surface shows clear signs o'artificial development an' I'm-a seein' debris in orbit"

Keelah@crystyl:"Interesting"

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Looks consistent wit' worlds th'Dominion's purged - whole surface's melted down an' re-crystallized"

Keelah@crystyl:"A curious choice of destination. Keep an eye on it and see what else you discover. It may just be happenchance, but it may also be pertinent"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Ann: "Well, a purged world's a good place for a secret meet up. Nobody else's got reason to be here. But if this was a Dominion system before, could have traps or somethin' else hidden."

Keelah@crystyl:"A very good point"

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "I'll keep an eye out"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | A few more minutes pass as they approach the system, then...

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "There's a ship decloaking, hidden in the outer asteroid belt. It's a Dominion cloaking signature but it's mass is far greater than any of the ships with us at the moment"

Keelah@crystyl:"The Lexington?"

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "I'm trying to get a fix through the asteroid field... yes! That's the Lexington alright"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | As the Lexington starts to emerge from the asteroid beld, Eva announces, "They're hailing us, Captain."

Keelah@crystyl:"Good. I was afraid this was going to be an awkward approach. On screen"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 appears on the viewscreen in her command chair on the Lexington's bridge, "Keelah. I'm glad you found your way here. I'd ask what you're doing in the Gamma Quadrant, but I assume you have just as many questions about our operations here."

Keelah@crystyl:"One or two perhaps, yes..."

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"I don't blame you. Getting involved in a foreign conflict, it would seem to go against everything Starfleet taught us, wouldn't it?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Even on our rimward journey we had to get our hands dirty on occasion but it was always within acceptable parameters. However that did not include taking sides in an open conflict, I have to admit"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"We haven't taken sides with anyone. Not in this conflict you're seeing, at least. Though I imagine the An have been presenting it otherwise. Rumour has it that you've been travelling with them, -

Leila Omar@annpc#557:- and their official story is that we're fighting for the Dominion. We're working /with/ the Dominion, but we're not fighting their war or taking orders from their Founders."

Keelah@crystyl:"All evidence to the contrary. That stunt on the tomb world pushed it beyond political portrayals and into the public eye. There are independent bounty hunters out for your blood after that"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"That was a gamble to get your attention, yes. We could've done it a little more subtly, but if the An didn't realize it was us, neither would you. You did investigate the tomb world, didn't you?"

Keelah@crystyl:"It is ongoing"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"You sent a team there, didn't you? I suppose it would be a bad idea to approach that world with another Sentinel-class cruiser," she pauses and frowns slightly. "You sent them with the An, and -

Leila Omar@annpc#557:- with your escort gone, that's when the Dominion decided to approach you."

Keelah@crystyl:"That pretty much sums it up"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"Well, this is going to be more difficult to explain. I was hoping you'd already have your findings from the tomb world with you by the time you found us. You know the An well by now, don't you?"

Keelah@crystyl:"We knew them well before we arrived in this quadrant as they have long been friends and allies to us and the Coalition since the escalation of the Horde conflict"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"Then you must know that even though they're structured very differently from the Federation, and their Andarash is more militaristic than Starfleet, we're ultimately not too different from each -

Leila Omar@annpc#557:- other. They're not conquerors like the Dominion. The Commonwealth exists for mutual cooperation between civilizations who want to work together, much like us. They just go about it differently."

Keelah@crystyl:"That is consistent with our overall understanding, yes"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"And with that view of who they are, does this recent war seem like them? Capitalizing on the misfortunes of the Dominion to seize their territory? They have a troubled history with the Dominion, -

Leila Omar@annpc#557:- that's true. But the Federation has fought some harsh wars with the Klingons and the Romulans. Did we use the Praxis incident or the destruction of Romulus as an opportunity to expand into Klingon and Romulan space?"

Keelah@crystyl:"That sounds like a very one sided perception of their actions. From what we have seen they have been doing exactly as the Federation would have, albeit a little more loosely insofar that they -

Keelah@crystyl:-welcome far more into their ranks than we would. As we have seen they have reached out to provide aid and support to troubled words, and accepted those who requested Commonwealth membership whilst -

Keelah@crystyl:- also respecting and supporting those who desired independence. We even helped them arbitrate the decision on a conflicted world"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"That's because you've only seen what the An want you to see. The Dominion are fighting this war defensively. The An have chased down Dominion ships wherever they're seen. Hunted down Founders who -

Leila Omar@annpc#557:- aren't even directing the war effort. The Great Link is divided. Most of the Dominion has chosen to consolidate what they have and allow worlds to secede. A few Founders are still clinging to the -

Leila Omar@annpc#557:- past, but they don't represent the Dominion. And then there's the impostors, some kind of synthetic lifeform with the abilities of a Changeling."

Keelah@crystyl:"Synthetic 'imposters' you say..."

Leila Omar@annpc#557 nods, "The Dominion has taken to calling them False Founders, or False Gods for the more brainwashed of them. I know the Dominion aren't saints. My father gave his life protecting the Federation -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - from them. I've thought a lot about this over the last few months. The Gamma Quadrant would probably be better off if the Commonwealth becomes the dominant power over the Dominion. But this -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - isn't the way to achieve that. This entire war, it's part of something larger that we don't fully understand yet. All I know is, someone is pulling the strings of both the Dominion and the Commonwealth to make it happen."

Keelah@crystyl:"A bigger picture that sounds more familiar than might expect"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"What do you mean, Keelah?"

Keelah@crystyl:"You were probably already out here at the time. But an enemy who may well be your false gods tried to divide the Coalition. They made a number of attempts at subterfuge including undermining -

Keelah@crystyl:- Captain LaForge. Prior to that they used Starfleet Security to undermine the Admiral and attempt to force all of DSEC into drydock. All efforts have been countered of course, but their presence is known and widespread. Their interests are galaxy wide"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 narrows her eyes, "Is that so? That might explain some of our latest findings..."

Keelah@crystyl:"Perhaps it would be prudent for us to discuss this in person then"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 nods, "Yes, I think so. The Lexington has the recent evidence we've collected, as well as representatives from both the Commonwealth and the Dominion. It would be the more logical place to meet, but I understand if you're still a little apprehensive."

Keelah@crystyl:"I am not foolish enough to believe a convenient story without evaluating all of the facts first. So yes, right now our 'facts' are that the Lexington - by design or manipulation of events - had -

Keelah@crystyl:- such a reputation as a rogue vessel serving the Dominion that the Valley Forge was attacked on sight by those we know as our allies. Our 'facts' tell us that this notoriety has expanded to the -

Keelah@crystyl:- public domain and serves as a catch all for Starfleet as a whole at this point. And finally, our 'facts' include data on a seemingly unsolicited raid on a tomb to defile the honoured dead. Logic -

Keelah@crystyl:- dictates that these 'facts' must first be weighed against your facts before determining which is the more accurate reflection. Of course I am apprehensive, but that does not induce fear. I will join you shortly to review the situation more thoroughly"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 smiles, "I'm glad to hear that. I'll see you on the Lexington shortly then, Captain."

Keelah@crystyl nods, "Valley Forge out"

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie watches the comm close and looks to Keelah, "Sooo... not much of an axe t'grind then...?" she smirks

Keelah@crystyl glances back, "Not at all. But this our current perception of things and even if Captain Omar is correct in all of this, I remain skeptical about some of the decisions and her due consideration for-

Keelah@crystyl:- the larger impact of her actions"

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "Well I hope with that in mind you're planning to go alone. I could have Daz and his squad polish their boots up for escort duty if you like, Captain? That would certainly get the point across"

Keelah@crystyl:"A little excessive perhaps" she stands, "But no, I will not go alone. You're coming with me"

Keelah@crystyl turns, "Lennie-"

Keelah@crystyl | Lennie's shoulders slump, "I know, I know... just don't go startin' any fights an' expectin' me t'handle 'em!"

Keelah@crystyl:"I shall make every effort to comply" she smiles, heading out with Rianni trotting to catch up and join her

---

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Keelah and Rianni materialize in one of the Lexington's transporter rooms, where Leila stands to greet them

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"Welcome to the Lexington. She's more or less as you remember her, with a few modifications here and there. Not quite as extensive as the Forge from what we've seen on sensors."

Keelah@crystyl:"Thank you Captain, I hope we shall get to compare notes while we are here. Permission to come aboard?"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"Permission granted, Captain."

Keelah@crystyl steps down with a smile, "Circumstances not withstanding, it is good to see you again Leila. This is LT Tierno, my CTO"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 smiles back, "Likewise, Keelah." She looks to Rianni, "Your name sounds familiar. You've been serving on the Forge for a while, haven't you?"

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni nods, "Yes Captain, I joined as a cadet before we set out on the rimward voyage"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"Yes, I thought you weren't a lieutenant then, or Chief of Tactical. Rising through the ranks quickly, I see."

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni flushes a little and smiles at the acknowledgement, "Thank you Captain"

Keelah@crystyl:"You could call her a victim of her own success"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 turns and starts leading the way out, "Making your way up the ranks is the dream of many young officers. But actually being able to handle the responsibility that comes with it is something -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - else. I take it that the Lieutenant's doing well so far, which is why you've made her your CTO."

Keelah@crystyl:"In addition to overcoming emotional trauma that would break many seasoned officers in her first year as a cadet, she had already severed a more than satisfactory term as a fully qualified bridge -

Keelah@crystyl:- officer during her field training. Believe it or not, she is also the brainchild behind our tactical coordination upgraded which was widely regarded as a determining factor in the battle of the -

Keelah@crystyl:- Heart. And to top it all off, she gained her first solo command experience with the Voyager scenario. So when her predecessor took a promotion to command following that battle, it was only logical to appoint her to the role"

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni shuffles along quietly behind the pair, suddenly feeling like a cadet again as she listens to them talk about her

Leila Omar@annpc#557 nods, "It certainly sounds like she's had quite a career so far. You've all had a very eventful journey to the rim, from what we gathered from the reports we picked up."

Keelah@crystyl smiles with an almost maternal pride, "She certainly has. And yes it has been quite the experience for us all"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"How did you get from the sphere on the rim to the Gamma Quadrant? An Iconian gateway?"

Keelah@crystyl:"We owe that - at least in part - to the aforementioned unseen enemy"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"Did they bring you here against your will? Another Voyager scenario?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Not exactly. We exposed some of their activity and got into a skirmish with one of their ships. They fled into an artificial wormhole, but a gravity well had been generated in the vicinity as well.-

Keelah@crystyl:- We were drawn into their wake and seemingly deposited somewhere along their route"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"If these people are as dangerous as we suspect, it's lucky you survived the encounter at all."

Keelah@crystyl:"I have every reason to believe that they are at least as dangerous as you suspect"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 steps into a lift, selecting their destination before continuing, "We were first made aware of them through the Dominion. As you know, we came to the Gamma Quadrant for peaceful exploration for -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - the first time since the Dominion War. Since we were exploring in their territory, we received a Vorta attache, Eris."

Keelah@crystyl:"So I heard. I am sure it was no accident that it was an Eris assigned to you"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"Oh it certainly wasn't. The Dominion tried to hide the conflict with the An from us at first, put on a strong image. But we saw through the cracks, followed the trail of worlds going independent -

Leila Omar@annpc#557:- to the regions along the Commonwealth borders. Much like you I favoured the An. I tried to remain as neutral as I could, staying out of active conflicts, helping refugees and dealing with pirates and slavers trying to take advantage of the situation."

Keelah@crystyl:"For the record I would not say we favour the An per se. But we encountered them first and knew them as allies. At the time we did not even know they bordered Dominion territory, let alone about the-

Keelah@crystyl:- conflict. Once it came to light after they attacked us on sight thinking we were you, we had no choice really but to prove ourselves friendly by aiding them"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"Yes, that was probably partly our fault, but the An normally aren't that aggressive. There are people in the highest levels of the Commonwealth who are part of this conspiracy, and they're doing -

Leila Omar@annpc#557:- all they can to stop us from exposing them. Hence the push to brand us as enemies."

Keelah@crystyl:"As I said before, it is a concept that certainly fits with what we know. But there is a lot of context still to be established"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 nods, "There's still a lot of that for us to learn as well." The lift comes to a stop and she leads the way out. "Anyways, Eris wasn't very pleased at some of our actions. Defending peoples' -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - rights to independence, rescuing An survivors and the like. She manipulated us into extracting a Founder who was infiltrating the Commonwealth. It was this Founder that made us aware of the -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - conspiracy. I was apprehensive of this, naturally. It wasn't until I encountered An who also believed in the conspiracy that I realized this might be more than a Dominion deception."

Keelah@crystyl:"I have to admit, I was rather surprised to hear that you had an An with you"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"There are many in Commonwealth territory who oppose this war as well. It's out of character for the An, and plenty of their own people view it as unnecessary. Some of them began looking into it and came to the same conclusions as the Dominion."

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | The three step into the Lexington's sickbay, where Keelah and Rianni see a male Masan in a familiar uniform. This An is not wearing the uniform of the militaristic Andarash, but instead the similarly coloured but distinct Tel'darash uniform seen among the defenders of the Motherships

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | There are a few minor differences; the uniform has changed slightly since the departure of the Suvoseh expedition, but it is still very recognizable to the VF crew

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Further back behind the An are the two sarcophagi taken from the tomb world, as well as the Lexington's CMO, LCDR Zhuge

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"Captain, Lieutenant. This is Vice Marshal Esan of the Nos'telari."

Keelah@crystyl:"A Vice Marshal? You certainly are full of surprises"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Esan smiles, "Vice Marshal means I serve directly under a Marshal. Under normal circumstances, that is. I understand it has similarities to your Starfleet's rank of 'Vice Admiral,' but my -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - rank is closer to that of a Vice Commander. Think of it as a Marshal's personal assistant. I am outranked by ship commanders and wing commanders."

Keelah@crystyl:"Still, not what I expected for an attache"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Esan: "The Imkalath sent me here to aid in the Lexington's efforts to uncover this conspiracy within the Commonwealth."

Keelah@crystyl:"I'm sorry, the... Imkalath?"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Esan smiles again, "I do not expect you to know the title. Even most within the Commonwealth do not recognize it. I suspect we will be working together for the future, and there will be time to explain the history of our people later."

Keelah@crystyl:"Of course"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Esan: "First, you'll want to see what we discovered here," He turns towards the sarcophagi before glancing back at Keelah, "And you're probably wondering, why aren't I upset by the tomb robbing? Isn't this sacrilege for my people?"

Keelah@crystyl:"I am sure if that were the case you would not be here in the first place. So what is the connection?"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Esan: "Both the entombed officers were members of the conspiracy. One of them isn't even An. The other...that's where you'll be interested."

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Dr. Zhuge makes his way to a sickbay console, motioning for Keelah to join him, "Well, both bodies are interesting. But take a look at this, Captain."

Keelah@crystyl watches curiously

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Keelah has been shown similar displays by Kazra enough times to recognize that she's looking at a genetic analysis, though both she and Rianni lacks the medical knowledge to say what exactly is so special about this analysis when the Lexington's CMO brings up a specific genetic sequence

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Dr. Zhuge: "I thought it was a striking coincidence at first. Parallel evolution, something like that. But I checked through all the medical data on An we have. Even had Vice Marshal Esan here -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - contact their specialists. In some ways the An are extremely genetically diverse due to their eugenics practices. The four An breeds are at the very boundary of what we could classify as -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - variations on the same species. But since each breed is near the apex of the traits they excel at, there's much less variation /among/ the breeds than say among different Vulcan ethnicities-"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 interjects, "Commander. I'm not sure the Captain needs a full lesson on An genetics."

Keelah@crystyl:"Oh I'm sure I do, but perhaps trimming it to captain-speak might be prudent for the time being"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Dr. Zhuge nods, "Right. The point is, I'm certain this particular gene isn't An in origin. It's human. And looking through the rest of her DNA, it all lines up. One of this An's ancestors was -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - a human. Somewhere far enough down the line that her appearance is indistinguishable from other An, but the markers are still there in her genetics."

Keelah@crystyl:"That seems... unlikely, but there are extraordinary accounts of Humans from their pre-warp era finding their way into the wider galaxy"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Esan: "That's the problem. We have no record of encountering your people before now. Not on one of our expeditions or in Commonwealth territory. And her official record doesn't state anything about alien ancestors either."

Keelah@crystyl:"I take it you already have an alternative theory to explain this?"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"No, actually, but when you mentioned a similar situation where you came from, we thought this may be connected."

Keelah@crystyl hrms, "Be that as it may, I am unable to offer any insight into the Human DNA here"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Dr. Zhuge: "My best theory is some sort of temporal event, but there's no evidence of that on the body. No chroniton or tachyon traces, no temporal radiation."

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "Unless the temporal event involved that ancestor, not the body you have here"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Dr. Zhuge smiles, "Exactly. Unfortunately with what we have on hand, there's no way to prove or disprove that hypothesis."

Keelah@crystyl nods, "It is a convenient theory, especially when there is a known temporal element involved with the infiltrators. But we can not allow convenience to cloud our judgement"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Dr. Zhuge: "Yes, it's only unconfirmed conjecture at this point. The fact that she has human genes is definitely interesting, though. We might learn more about how it all fits together as we -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - dig deeper into this. As for the second body, the former marshal's..." He taps the console, switching to a different medical analysis, this one seemingly focused on bones

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Dr. Zhuge: "Examination of his remains suggest that he's been through species reassignment surgery, and probably wasn't An in the first place. Esan passed the information on to their -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - scientists, who believe that he was originally a Namdrian, a nomadic species whose home was destroyed by the Dominion three centuries ago."

Keelah@crystyl:"More feasible than the Human ancestry at least. But still, species reassignment. The most logical reason for that is long term subterfuge"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Esan: "This is where it gets interesting. Looking into the Marshal's medical files, it looks like his medical evaluations after retirement were fraudulent. But his records before retirement -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - seems convincing enough, and they show no signs of this surgery. He was a natural An then. It's only /after/ he was retired that they appear to have replaced him with the Namdrian. He -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - re-enlisted at the start of this war, but at a significantly lower rank. It doesn't make sense what they were hoping to achieve."

Keelah@crystyl:"There is indeed no clear logic behind these actions. Clearly we are missing some crucial information"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 nods, "One of the reasons we had to remove the bodies before someone tampered with the evidence."

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Dr. Zhuge: "Though it feels like the more we investigate, the more questions we uncover..."

Keelah@crystyl:"And how exactly did you come to know of the suspect bodies in the first instance?"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Esan: "My organization identified the former Marshal's records and recent behaviour as suspect. Lieutenant Tesen, the one with human ancestry, was identified through Dominion espionage."

Keelah@crystyl:"That explains that much at least"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Esan: "And if you're curious on how I'm fine with the raid on the tomb world, well, our people pay great respect to our honoured dead. These conspirators are not honoured. They wear the -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - Andarash uniform while working against the interests of the Commonwealth. They have no place among our fallen soldiers. Removing them is a favour, and the Commonwealth will realize this once -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - we expose and deal with these conspirators."

Keelah@crystyl:"Perhaps. But I still do not comprehend why everything has been done in such an aggressive manner"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"The raid on the tomb world was to try and get your attention as well, when we heard that you were in the area. Everything else, we've been doing as subtly as we can. The An are vilifying us due to -

Leila Omar@annpc#557:- the conspirators in their ranks, blowing anything they learn about out of proportion or putting a more aggressive spin on it than it really was. We're having to be more and more careful, hence -

Leila Omar@annpc#557:- the installing of a cloaking system. When we first got involved, we had to do a lot of the dirty work. Esan's people don't have the ships to do what was needed, and the Dominion was at war and -

Leila Omar@annpc#557:- couldn't access An territory without trouble while we could. I didn't like it either, but someone had to do what was needed to expose this whole affair."

Keelah@crystyl:"You are assuming it is something which can be exposed, and that it is a local problem"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 nods, "We didn't know about the human gene connection and what was happening on your side of the galaxy at the time. If the conspiracy really is galaxy-wide, how are we planning to approach this?"

Keelah@crystyl:"The one thing in this which is clear right now is that we know next to nothing about this enemy. We learned of them attacking DSEC and the Coalition so have been working on the premise of returning-

Keelah@crystyl:- there to reconcile our findings. I still believe this is the best course of action, but there are other matters we are working to resolve here first"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Esan: "I must agree. As much as we would like to put an end to this conflict, we need more intel first. This enemy, as you've pointed out, is much more than we imagined."

Keelah@crystyl:"Unfuertunately, given the political position we are in here I do not believe simply turning around and making for the Bajoran wormhole is an option"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"You'll have to collect your team investigating the tomb world. Which means going back to the An still taking orders from the conspirators, assuming there aren't enemies among your escorts keeping a direct eye on you."

Keelah@crystyl:"I also fear for how we would leave overall relations with the Federation. For both the An and the Dominion"

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "And there's that whole plague thing we said we'd look into as well"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 nods, "We've got no special intel on that which the An and Dominion don't already have. Something tells me it's all connected, though. The plague was one of the causes of the war, after all. The -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - Dominion was weakened by it and the An blamed it on the Dominion to rile up their people before the fighting started."

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Esan nods, "Rather frustrating, isn't it? The pieces for the plague being tied to the conspiracy fit, but we have no evidence of it. Meanwhile, all the evidence we're uncovering about this conspiracy, we have no idea how it all fits."

Keelah@crystyl:"We were following a trail which pointed towards the origin of the plague being within Dominion territory, or rather somewhere beyond it"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"That's what our information suggests, too. Do you plan on heading into Dominion space, then?"

Keelah@crystyl:"That was our intention before we got drawn into this hunt for you"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 nods, "So you'll return to the An for now. What'll you tell them about what transpired here?"

Keelah@crystyl:"It would be helpful if we could use this opportunity to alleviate our respective parties' concerns"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 | Esan: "You mean convince the An with you that the Lexington isn't a threat?"

Keelah@crystyl:"And vice versa. We may convince the An and Dominion to stop the war just because we ask nicely. But if I can go back to them with reassurances that the Lexington is operating in everyone's best -

Keelah@crystyl:- interest with a Dominion escort - just as we are doing with an An escort - that might take some of the pressure off you. Similarly, if you report a similar state back to the Dominion then we at -

Keelah@crystyl:- least plant the seeds of consideration among those closest to us"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 nods, "I suppose if you were already involved in thwarting their efforts against the Coalition, there's little risk of tipping them off that you're aware of the conspiracy by talking with the -

Leila Omar@annpc#557 - An. They might learn that you've found out about their presence specifically in this quadrant, but no doubt they already have their eyes on you, so it shouldn't change much."

Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, I am more interested in restoring amicable relations on all fronts. That brings it back to their public vilification of you, whatever else comes out may be tied to our investigation on the -

Keelah@crystyl:- tomb world. As you already said, it seems increasingly likely that the conspiracies and plague are connected. So if the conspiracies are working to keep us at bay by tying us in knots around the -

Keelah@crystyl:- conflict, then the logical course is to ensure that this does not come to pass. Sustaining our relations with the An and Dominion between us will allow us the flexibility to chase down the origin of this plague and hopefully a cure"

Leila Omar@annpc#557 nods, "A good plan. I should let you get going, in case your An escorts get anxious and start searching for us themselves. No doubt they've already informed the rest of the Andarash about our presence in the area."

Keelah@crystyl:"Perhaps. We should take care to coordinate our efforts moving forward now though"

Leila Omar@annpc#557:"Esan's people can help us coordinate and keep in contact while in An space. I'll speak with Eris about doing the same when you cross over into Dominion territory."

Keelah@crystyl nods, "Very well then. We shall part ways once more for now"

---

NPC@annpc#557 | After their visit to the Lexington, Keelah and Rianni returns to the bridge of the Valley Forge

NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Welcome back, Captain. How did things go over there?"

Keelah@crystyl takes her seat, "Surprisingly well actually"

Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "Suspiciously so, if you're that way inclined"

Keelah@crystyl:"Fortunately, we are not so inclined"

NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "I sensed no deception from Captain Omar when we were talking over communications. Nor any indication that she was under psionic influence."

Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, for all intents and purposes she is in very much the same position as we are, by all accounts"

NPC@annpc#557 | Eva: "Our An guests from the Aberen are eager to hear about what happened there as well. Should I have security escort the Vice Commander up here?"

Keelah@crystyl hrms, "Better had. And signal our farewell to the Lexington. Get us underway back to rendezvous with the fleet too. I'll greet the Vice Commander in my ready room"

NPC@annpc#557 | Eva nods, "On it, Captain."

NPC@annpc#557 | A minute later, the doorbell to the ready room chimes

Keelah@crystyl:"Come in"

NPC@annpc#557 | Vice Commander Isen enters the room, moving up to Keelah's desk. She pauses, clearly about to salute before remembering their first interaction here and simply takes a seat, "Captain. You've met with the Lexington, and there's been no shooting. I take it that's good."

Keelah@crystyl smiles, mostly at the effort to adapt, "I would certainly say so, yes. Needless to say; the situation is far more complex than we realized. But I am now confident that they are no more your enemy than we are"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen: "Really? I'm...glad to hear that they're not a threat, but with the things they've done, it's difficult to see how that's the case."

Keelah@crystyl:"I know, and whilst I appreciate this will not help the situation; I would prefer to reconcile with our investigation team from the tomb world before considering the details certain enough to -

Keelah@crystyl:- discuss. Their Captain has provided me with compelling evidence which not only justifies their action on the tomb world, but arguably implies that it was in the favour of the An too. However given this delicate balance, I want to verify this with our independent findings before leading anyone else on"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen nods, "Very well. I'll inform Commander Kesa of this, but expect a little caution until you provide a full explanation. You've shown yourself cooperative and helpful so far, so I'm sure the Commander will give you a chance on this."

Keelah@crystyl:"I would expect no less. This is also aimed at solidifying our position as do not forget; our goal here is to identify the source of the plague in order to develop a true counter to it"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen: "You think this is all tied to the plague? Or is this among the things you'd rather not say until you've verified it?"

Keelah@crystyl:"There is certainly potential, but we just don't know enough at this point"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen nods, "Fair enough. We'll return to the others for now and await a more complete explanation once you've spoken to the investigation team."

Keelah@crystyl:"I appreciate your understanding. The last thing we want to do is share what we learned here only to then find it false by evidence from the investigation"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen: "I see where you're coming from. I'll be sure to explain it to the Commander when we get back."

Keelah@crystyl:"Thank you. In the mean time, now that we have established contact with the Lexington it should be easier to keep in touch with them and ensure that nothing else done on either side works to provoke-

Keelah@crystyl:- the other. By which of course I mean the An and the Dominion, I want to consider the Lexington as a neutral attache to the Dominion just as we are acting with the An for now"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen: "So the Lexington /is/ working with the Dominion, but in the same way you're working with us right now. I can see them cooperating with the Dominion, I believe you mentioned your people -

NPC@annpc#557 - were tentative allies with the Dominion before you met us. They better have some good explanations for their actions like raiding the tomb world, though..."

Keelah@crystyl:"As I said, I do believe it will be justified if we can corroborate their claims with our own investigation"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen nods, "And assuming you do corroborate their claims and verify that they're a neutral attache to the Dominion, what's your plan from there? Continue your search for answers about the plague, since we would no longer need to hunt for the Lexington?"

Keelah@crystyl nods, "That is still our objective here. And if we can establish the Lexington in this mirrored role to our own, then we will be able to work more closely with them in brokering affairs between your people and the Dominion"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen: "A sensible plan. What if you can't corroborate the information? Do we return to hunting the Lexington once more, or do you plan to play along, pretend you believe them to expose their goals?"

Keelah@crystyl:"If they are found to be deceiving us, then I will be bound by my duty as a Starfleet Captain to cease their activities and take their Captain into custody until such time she could be put to trial -

Keelah@crystyl:- by the Federation. As for how such a turn of events would play out, then yes deception and 'playing along' would be the best way to get close enough while they are escorted by Dominion forces"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen nods, "I agree, and it'll give you more information on why they've gone rogue. Let's hope you don't have to take down your own people, though."

Keelah@crystyl:"As it stands, I do not believe that will happen any more than I believe they have gone rogue"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen: "You've shown that you have good instincts so far. I'm not sure what could possibly justify a raid on the tomb world and exhuming our fallen soldiers, but I'll give them the benefit of -

NPC@annpc#557 - the doubt for now. What about this mention of the Lexington having An representatives? Did that turn out to be true?"

Keelah@crystyl nods, "It is true"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen: "And they're aware of the Lexington's actions at the tomb world, I assume?"

Keelah@crystyl:"They are. It is through them that I have the potential positive framing for their actions as they provided some contextual insight"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen: "If there are An on board when it happened, then there must be some good justification, yes. Who are these An they're working with, do you know? The Andarash certainly has no record of anyone attached to the Lexington."

Keelah@crystyl:"That is something I am hoping to verify when we get back"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen: "With your team investigating the tomb world, or Commander Kesa?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Withe the team initially. But once I have what I need from my people, you can tell the Commander that I will be eager to have her input too"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen nods, "Is there anything else you believe might be relevant to mention to the Commander once we meet back up with the Namaset?"

Keelah@crystyl:"I am sure there will be a great deal of relevance when the time comes. But for now, I believe the less said to speculate on, the better"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen: "I understand." She stands, "I'll await the full explanation alongside the Commander, once you've had a chance to verify your information. Thanks again for letting us come along, Captain."

Keelah@crystyl:"This affects us all Vice Commander, working together is the logical path to a resolution"

NPC@annpc#557 | Isen: "That it is. I hope it turns out to be true that the Lexington's just doing the same, but with the Dominion."

Keelah@crystyl:"You and me both"

---

T'Lana@anncaris | Another week passes without incident as the Valley Forge makes its way back to the rendezvous point. This sector of space is surprisingly quiet, with them only coming across a few freighters -

T'Lana@anncaris - and the rare Andarash patrol. This lack of activity was probably why it was chosen as the meeting point with the Lexington

T'Lana@anncaris | Keelah makes her way onto the bridge as Eva informs her that they are nearing the rendezvous

Keelah@crystyl takes her seat, "Any communication from them yet?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Eva shakes her head, "Not yet, we're just entering sensor range."

T'Lana@anncaris | Ann: "Looks like all the An ships are there, Cap'n. Along with the Loki an' our new Nuhar friend."

T'Lana@anncaris | Eva: "I'm receiving pings from the Aethon and QanwI' as well. They're cloaked and patrolling the area."

Keelah@crystyl:"All as expected. Open a channel to the Loki as soon as we are in range"

T'Lana@anncaris | Eva nods. A few minutes later, she announces, "Channel open, Captain."

Keelah@crystyl:"On screen"

T'Lana@anncaris appears on the viewscreen, "Welcome back. I presume from the lack of battle damage that your meeting with the Lexington went well?"

Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Yes, fortunately we were able to avoid such nastiness. How have things been here?"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "It has been quiet so far. The An have completed repairs to the Makesis; fortunately, the damage to the vessel was not extensive. The personnel lost was more significant, but the Namaset was able to provide enough additional crew that all three vessels are now operating optimally."

Keelah@crystyl:"That is most welcome news. I apologize for the unexpected delay, but I trust your extra guests have not been too much of a burden?"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Not at all, Captain. We are used to having Commander Keliaya on board, and I have worked with most of the other officers in the past. Ensign Ralde has quite a history with SFI -

T'Lana@anncaris:- as well. Now that you have returned, I shall transport them back to the Forge. They have some findings to report to you from their investigation."

Keelah@crystyl:"Glad to hear it, and while on the subject it may be prudent for you to join them so we can get all caught up from our side of things as well"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "I will see you on the Valley Forge, then."

Keelah@crystyl:"Until then Commander"

T'Lana@anncaris | The comm ends and Ann announces, "Two minutes till transporter range, Cap'n."

Keelah@crystyl:"Thank you" she stands, "I'll see them in my ready room"

T'Lana@anncaris | Several minutes later, the doorbell to Keelah's ready room chimes

Keelah@crystyl:"Come in"

T'Lana@anncaris steps inside with Kelly behind her

Keelah@crystyl:"Good to see you again ladies, please join me"

Keelah@crystyl has already poured out some tea for them both

T'Lana@anncaris and Kelly take seats in front of Keelah's desk

T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "It's good to be back again. I wasn't expecting to end up on the Loki once more so soon," she smiles. "But I enjoyed my stay there of course, Commander."

Keelah@crystyl smiles, "Glad to hear it"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "We found something interesting at the tomb world. It raises more questions than answers, but we think it might help explain why the Lexington raided it. Of course, you probably know that from speaking with them now."

Keelah@crystyl:"I know the reasons they cited, but up to now I have been walking a delicate tightrope with the An on the premise of verifying those findings with your investigation"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly nods, "I guess the information we found can come in useful after all. While we were investigating the tomb world, I asked Lieutenant Alyan, the officer in charge there, for the medical -

T'Lana@anncaris - and burial records of the two whose bodies were stolen. Apparently, the records that were filed concerning the verification process, that's the IDing of the deceased, were erased from their -

T'Lana@anncaris - computers. And it was done after the Lexington's attack, some time during the initial investigation carried out by the An."

Keelah@crystyl:"So that first team was covering something up?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "It would seem so. We suspect the bodies aren't who they're supposed to be, and that's why the Lexington was after them. There's another piece of information, too."

Keelah@crystyl:"And that is?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "The medical records that were there to access." She slides a PADD across the table. "Specifically, that of the former Marshal. Kazra noted they're practically unchanged after his -

T'Lana@anncaris - retirement. No signs of aging at all. The only person whose records look anywhere remotely like this is Emma, and I doubt he went through the same accident. More likely, they're just filing -

T'Lana@anncaris - the same medical results over and over again to cover up for something."

Keelah@crystyl:"That does seem more likely, yes. So, your conclusions?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "We suspect this might be tied with what's going on back at the Heart. Fox turned out to be a Changeling, so it's not inconceivable that the infiltrators have a presence in the Gamma -

T'Lana@anncaris - Quadrant as much as the Alpha, if not even more so. There's definitely something going on inside the Andarash to cover this up. The Lexington might've taken the bodies to verify that they were -

T'Lana@anncaris - infiltrators, but we can't discount the possibility that they're playing a role in the coverup too, since we know Starfleet has been infiltrated as well."

Keelah@crystyl:"That pretty much sums things up, yes. The Lexington seemed to have learned about the infiltrators through their activity here. Though they believed it to be a localized issue surrounding the An specifically"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "There is no direct evidence connecting the issue here to the infiltrations at the Heart. It is a leap in logic, though one which I must admit is sensible to make. The chances of two -

T'Lana@anncaris - unrelated governments both simultaneously suffering from a nearly identical crisis is unlikely, and we know the infiltrators' vessels easily have the capacity to access the Gamma Quadrant. -

T'Lana@anncaris - There is also the matter of the Loreadon Ministry of Secrets, which spoke of a synthetic mimicking the abilities of a Changeling with potentially temporal origins."

Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, these synthetic changelings are becoming a common theme and are part of the Lexington's ongoing investigation. I have documented all that transpired for you" She pulls a PADD from a pile and hands it to TL

T'Lana@anncaris takes the PADD and begins reading through it, "Fascinating. As I suspected, there must have been a logical explanation for the Lexington's actions here." She pauses on something and raises a brow, "Human genetic ancestry in one of the An?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Indeed. I thought that might pique your curiosity"

T'Lana@anncaris nods, "It is too circumstantial to be classified as evidence of connection to the Alpha Quadrant infiltrations, but it certainly suggests a relation."

T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly meanwhile peers over at the PADD, "One of them had human genes? That would explain the coverup, yes."

Keelah@crystyl:"The question now is what to do about our An escort. They are waiting for an explanation, and whilst your findings certainly fit in verifying what we learned, we do not know if any of them are also compromised"

T'Lana@anncaris considers for a moment, "We will have to explain the situation to the An if we are to proceed without antagonizing them. We must presume that the infiltrators are already aware of the true -

T'Lana@anncaris - reasons behind the Lexington's actions. Even if they have no direct evidence, they must have deduced it by now. Likewise, they are aware of our actions against their efforts on the rim. It -

T'Lana@anncaris - would thus be natural for them to assume that we would connect this information upon dialogue with the Lexington. If they are intelligent enough to infiltrate galactic powers such as the -

T'Lana@anncaris - Federation and the Commonwealth, then they no doubt already know that we are aware of their presence."

Keelah@crystyl:"That is true. Alright then, I will speak with them after and let us see how they choose to respond as that may be the most telling"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Agreed. In any case, we should be prepared in case the enemy makes their move. I do not expect it will come immediately, however."

Keelah@crystyl:"That does seem rather unlikely, but yes we must be prepared. In the meantime, I intend to continue our path of investigating the plague origin while the Lexington will continue it's investigation.-

Keelah@crystyl:- It is becoming quite apparent that the infiltrators are attempting to destabilize this region by turning the Commonwealth and Dominion against one another. At this point I would not be surprised if they were behind the plague as well"

T'Lana@anncaris:"I am also suspecting a significant possibility of that."

T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly: "Even out here, we don't seem to be able to get away from these infiltrators..."

Keelah@crystyl:"Let's not forget that it was through our confrontation with them that they fled in this direction and we got pulled here in the first place. Not that we know their ultimate destination, but it is certainly narrowed down by the general bearing we took"

T'Lana@anncaris:"Indeed. I expect the An are eager to hear from you. I shall let you report to them, unless there is anything else the Loki may provide."

Keelah@crystyl:"I think I've got what I need for now, thank you. If you find anything else pertinent upon closer review of our meeting with the Lexington then let me know"

T'Lana@anncaris nods and stands, "I will inform you if there is anything else, Captain."

Keelah@crystyl:"Thank you Commander"

T'Lana@anncaris makes her way out of the ready room and Kelly asks, "Should I have Eva contact the Namaset, or do you want some more time to formulate what exactly to tell them?"

Keelah@crystyl:"More time will not be necessary. Please arrange the debrief"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kelly nods, "On it, Captain." She stands and exits as well. A minute later, Keelah's combadge chimes

Keelah@crystyl taps, "Se'Lai"

T'Lana@anncaris <C - Eva> "Captain, I have the Namaset on the line. Should I put them through to your console?"

Keelah@crystyl:"That would be perfect, yes please Eva"

T'Lana@anncaris | A few moments later, Commander Kesa's visage appears on the console, "Captain. Vice-Commander Isen told me you were confirming some information with your investigation team before you reported what you learned of the Lexington to us?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, the Vice-Commander has been most accommodating in all of this"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kesa: "I take it you're ready to tell us your findings now?"

Keelah@crystyl nods, "As I suspected, the investigation of the tomb world confirmed what the Lexington told us. Are you aware of what they discovered?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kesa nods, "Yes. The head of my investigation team suggested that the previous investigators were covering something up. That there might be some conspiracy within the Andarash. The information you received doesn't confirm that, surely."

Keelah@crystyl:"It doesn't exactly expose a full conspiracy in all its detail I'm afraid. But it certainly supports the theory. You see, some of your own people have come to suspect this conspiracy; those who do -

Keelah@crystyl:- not view the aggressive stance against the Dominion as being in keeping with the Commonwealth's values. It is one such officer who is on board the Lexington and working with them as part of their -

Keelah@crystyl:- investigation which led to the tomb world. What they learned there from the exhumed bodies is that the two officers were apparently not the officers they were believed to be. Part of the reason -

Keelah@crystyl:- for removing them was not only to safeguard the caretakers of that world from the risk of discovering this, but also to remove the dishonourable presence from a sacred place. The assault was done in the aggressive manner it was in order to draw our attention and prompt this recent meeting"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kesa nods slowly, clearly still thinking things over, "Yes, that would be an acceptable reason for exhuming the bodies. Who is this Commonwealth officer on board the Lexington?"

Keelah@crystyl:"I believe he is a Nos'telari, so I do not expect the name will mean anything. But it was a Vice Marshal Esan, and he was working under the instruction of someone - at least I presume someone from -

Keelah@crystyl:- the context - called the Imkalath, does this mean anything to you? I have been rather curious all this time to verify this"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kesa narrows her eyes, "The Imkalath? Interesting..."

Keelah@crystyl:"I take that name does mean something then. Could you elaborate?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kesa: "The Imkalath is somewhat of a...myth among our society. Prior to the Second An-Dominion War, there was an organization within the Commonwealth called the Ankalath that worked alongside -

T'Lana@anncaris - the Andarash. The People's Eyes, and the People's Defenders. The Ankalath was our intelligence branch and played a vital role in the Cold War between the First and Second Wars. After the -

T'Lana@anncaris - First Treaty of Varaxi, a major internal investigation was conducted into the Ankalath. They were found guilty of acts unbefitting the virtues upheld by the Commonwealth and subsequently -

T'Lana@anncaris - disbanded. Many of its members were incorporated into Andarash Military Intelligence, our primary source of intelligence today. But there has always been conspiracies about members of the Ankalath operating as a rogue entity beyond its official dissolution."

T'Lana@anncaris | Kesa: "Many of these theories claim that the modern Ankalath is led by an elusive individual known only as the Imkalath- the Great Eye."

Keelah@crystyl:"The elusive rogue shadow intelligence group is almost a staple of every civilization, it would seem we have found yours"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kesa nods, "If the Imkalath is real, then their people are the most likely to be involved with inserting false officers into the Andarash and covering their trail after their deaths. The old -

T'Lana@anncaris - Ankalath near the end of its days carried the attitude of defeating the Dominion no matter what, even if it meant committing the same acts as our enemy. A modern incarnation might wish to -

T'Lana@anncaris - provoke aggression against the Dominion. Are you sure this Vice Marshal, and by extension the Lexington can be trusted?"

Keelah@crystyl:"I am not. But in this time, absolute trust is inviting trouble. I do however believe it is quite likely that they are being honest with us. Tell me; from what you know of this Imkalath myth, what -

Keelah@crystyl:- do you suppose they would do if they learned of a more sinister threat than the Dominion? One so powerful it potentially had influence over every major power in the galaxy, and was already at work manipulating the An themselves?"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kesa: "I suppose they would do anything and everything to safeguard the Commonwealth from them."

Keelah@crystyl:"Which is exactly what I believe is happening now. I have no solid evidence yet, but what we have learned here and on the tomb world leads to an increasingly strong suggestion that this is the work -

Keelah@crystyl:- of a known enemy who has already made similar moves against us. It was in pursuit of this enemy that we arrived in this quadrant in fact"

T'Lana@anncaris | Kesa nods, "Yes, it does seem to follow. Do you intend on continuing to pursue this enemy, then?"

Keelah@crystyl:"That is our ultimate goal, but that will likely conclude once we return home. Before that however, we still have a commitment to investigate this plague"

NPC@annpc#557 | Kesa: "Of course, that was your initial objective here. Does this mean you will be continuing towards Dominion space?"

Keelah@crystyl:"That does seem to be where the root of the plague sits" she nods

NPC@annpc#557 | Kesa: "Or as far back as we've been able to trace it, at least. We will not be able to accompany you into Dominion space, not without provoking firefights and likely marking you as a target. -

NPC@annpc#557 - We can escort you as close as possible to the edge of the conflict zones beyond which lie fully Dominion-controlled territories."

Keelah@crystyl smiles, "We welcome the company for as long it suits you"

NPC@annpc#557 | Kesa nods, "Then we'll take you as far as we can. Judging from your interactions with the Dominion group here, hopefully they'll be friendly towards you once you cross over."

Keelah@crystyl:"I'm not sure if that is better or worse than the alternative" she chuckles, "But I would certainly settle for a little animosity towards a neutral party"

NPC@annpc#557 | Kesa chuckles, "As for what you've told me, I'll have to report it to the Andarash. Or do you think that would tip off your enemy and cause trouble?"

Keelah@crystyl:"Well consider this; what happened when the Lexington's raid got reported up through official channels?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Kesa: "They sent an investigation team that covered up all the evidence they could."

Keelah@crystyl:"Exactly. So it is fair to say that this enemy has eyes on what's going on within the Andarash. So if you make an official report, it will likely bring them down on you. And let us not forget that they are as much your enemy as they are ours, and even the Dominions to name but a few relevant parties"

NPC@annpc#557 | Kesa: "But if we don't report on your friends' true motivations, the Lexington'll have to continuing avoiding the Andarash, until the situation's resolved."

Keelah@crystyl:"Even if you do report it, I doubt their standing would change overnight. I understand though that you may still feel obligated to report your findings. If so, I would simply recommend you -

Keelah@crystyl:- exercise caution and consider how selective you are on the details that imply your knowledge of the infiltrators"

NPC@annpc#557 | Kesa nods, "I understand. I'll have to report /something/, otherwise the Andarash won't be pleased with me for letting you off my sight and into Dominion space, infiltrators or not. I'll think -

NPC@annpc#557 - about just what to tell them, though. We'll still be travelling with you up to the edge of Dominion territory, so I should have time to think about it."

Keelah@crystyl:"We have dealt with this kind of thing before so if we can be of any assistance even if just to use for sounding out ideas, we will be more than happy to"

NPC@annpc#557 | Kesa: "I would be interested in hearing what you suggest. Something that'll make sense to let you off the hook with what the Lexington's been doing, without tipping anyone off that we know too much."

Keelah@crystyl:"Well, you could tell them that the Lexington learned of... something about those two bodies specifically. Since we don't actually know all of the details, you would not be lying by remaining vague.-

Keelah@crystyl:- I am confident that given their ties to the Dominion it would not be too difficult to suggest something on that front without actually saying anything or being specific. Perhaps something tied to -

Keelah@crystyl:- the plague as an implication which would not only justify our continued investigation into Dominion space, but also the Lexington's actions in removing the bodies"

NPC@annpc#557 | Kesa: "Excellent idea. I'll work out the details, I'm sure I can come up with a convincing story to fill the gaps."

Keelah@crystyl:"Call on us any time if you would like further assistance or guidance moving forwards with all of this"

NPC@annpc#557 | Kesa: "I'll be sure to do so. Do you have anything else we should know from your encounter with the Lexington and their Dominion escort?"

Keelah@crystyl:"I think we've covered everything"

NPC@annpc#557 | Kesa nods, "Thanks for telling us everything you've uncovered, Captain. We'll contact you again if we need anything else."

---

NPC@annpc#557 | The scene fades to a very different office, this one occupied by a huge, muscled man. He seems almost like the archetype of Syndicate Orion male, complete with cybernetics, except his skin is -

NPC@annpc#557 - human toned with no hint of green, he sports a distinct head pattern beneath his implants, and he's even bigger than an Orion- more like a Pakled with the muscular build of an Orion

NPC@annpc#557 | Two aliens of different species are beside him, while another two of his own species cover the door with rifles in their hands. Outside, the sounds of energy weapons fire and yells can be heard

NPC@annpc#557 | The door begins to glow as something begins disintegrating it. The two giants take a step back, aiming their rifles as the entryway. As the door is burned away completely, they open a long -

NPC@annpc#557 - volley of fire to hit nothing. Then, a small round device rolls through the doorway, releasing smoke into the room and clouding everything. Sounds of coughing can be heard, followed by the flashes of weapons fire. Then, a heavy thud and a second, and the flashing stops

NPC@annpc#557 | The smoke clears to reveal the big alien behind the desk on his feet with a knife in hand. Facing him, on the opposite end of the table...

NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ae/f6/0a/aef60a175aa515b4fc82788e574b576f.jpg

NPC@annpc#557 | Alien Mobster: "Who are you? What do you want?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Organic Armoured Man: "Don't recognize me, Drash?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Drash: "...Maar?"

NPC@annpc#557 | Bendral Maar: "You turned down my business offer."

NPC@annpc#557 | Drash: "I thought you were dead!"

NPC@annpc#557 | Bendral Maar: "I'm a hard man to kill. Unlike you," he begins to raise a pistol and the large alien takes a step back, raising his hands

NPC@annpc#557 | Drash: "Now, wait a moment. I thought it was somebody else, trying to take advantage of your name and rep! Everyone said you were dead! Finally went after a bounty too big for you, one of those new telepathic, telekinetic freaks."

NPC@annpc#557 | Bendral Maar: "I'm not dead. And I'm looking to finish the job."

NPC@annpc#557 | Drash: "Let's be reasonable here. What you're asking, I don't have the ships or bodies to spare for that!"

NPC@annpc#557 | Bendral Maar gestures to the two dead giants by the door, "Seems like you've got plenty of bodies to me."

NPC@annpc#557 | Drash: "I've got a business to run now! Routes to maintain, shipments and people to protect, you know how it is."

NPC@annpc#557 | Bendral Maar scoffs, "And you clearly didn't hire the best protection. I know you haven't been spending your resources on the business. You've grown weak and complacent, Drash. And you know what happens to the weak and complacent in our line of work."

NPC@annpc#557 | Drash raises his arms, "No, wait, wait, I'll give you anything you-"

NPC@annpc#557 | Bendral Maar fires a single bolt straight through the giant's forehead, "I think I'll just take it."

NPC@annpc#557 | The now organically armoured bounty hunter glances between the two others cowering behind the table, "Any complaints in the change of leadership?"

NPC@annpc#557 | The two shake their heads

NPC@annpc#557 | Bendral Maar: "Good. We have a ship to hunt."

NPC@annpc#557 | FADE TO BLACK

223_Old Friends, Old EnemiesBonus.txt

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