ST:UNI202 | "The Muso Pact"

Stardate 100208

News reaches the Annex of an historic occassion with the announcement of the Muso Pact being signed between the powers of the Alpha Quadrant. With the new political situation unfolding much is changing, including a new arrival at the Annex.

---

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Kayleigh and the rest of her class are gathered in a classroom as they await the start of the next lecture...

Mariel steps up to the table, taking a seat beside Kayleigh, "Hey Kay. How's everything going?"

Kayleigh:"I do not believe anything is going yet" she looks around, confirming that the lecture hasn't started

Mariel chuckles, "Oh I mean the day, not this specific class!"

Kayleigh:"Ah, of course. Well then I believe it would be aptly described as going ok"

Mariel: "I assume you've heard about the search mission already? I know, I'm a bit late on the news but it's been a busy few weeks!"

Kayleigh nods, "I am aware yes"

Mariel: "Apparently Lieutenant Tierno who came to our class is on one of the Terran ships as FIrst Officer. And there's a lot of the Valley Forge crew on board, too. If anything can bring the Guan Yu back safe, it's them," she gives Kayleigh a reassuring smile

Kayleigh:"I appreciate the sentiment, and I share it. Professor Se'Lai spoke with me after they shipped out as she believed I would have insisted on going with them"

Mariel: "Did you?"

Kayleigh:"It was already after the fact so there would have been no value in debating it at that time"

Mariel: "But you wanted to?"

Kayleigh:"Of course I would have tried to request assignment there had I known about it. But as the Professor explained, the emotional attachment would have been too inhibitive"

Mariel nods, "That makes sense. I wish I knew about it earlier so I could go help! I've never tried to use my abilities in space to see-"

The door slides open and their Political Studies instructor, the Tellarite Professor Skogg, enters the room

Skogg: "Alright class! I know this is short warning and you're all settled down with your stuff ready, but I want you to come with me. Special lesson, didn't want to miss the occasion."

Kayleigh perks a brow with a glance to Mari before promptly standing and gathering up her things

Mari and the rest of the class gather up their things before standing as well. Professor Skoggs gives a wave once everyone is ready and starts leading the way out

As they walk, the Professor asks, "Romulan Neutral Zone. Tell me what you know, Cadets. Shout it out, no need to raise hands. Save the curtesies for your Vulcan professors, heh."

Kayleigh wonders how her ancestors ever had the patience to forge relations with these people, and what the logic behind that decision was

Kayleigh | Miklos, "That's easy! It's a no entry zone along the Federation-Romulan border"

Mariel: "Established after the Romulan War that led to the founding of the Federation, its exact positioning has changed several times over the centuries due to shifts in the borders of both sides."

Iona: "I think it currently consists of a region in the Beta Quadrant between us and the Romulan Star Empire."

Skogg: "Alpha /and/ Beta Quadrants, though the bulk of it is in the Beta Quadrant so I can see why you remember it as such. Also..." he smirks back at the cadets, "not exactly currently."

Kayleigh:"What do you mean Professor?"

Skogg: "As of this week, the historical Muso Pact is in effect. Most of you out here probably haven't heard of it, but it was signed last month by the Federation, the Romulan Republic, the Romulan Star Empire and about two dozen neutral worlds and civilizations in the region. The details of the pact are available in our databases and will be your reading material after class."

Kayleigh:"From the context of your prelude Professor, is this a nullification of the neutral zone?"

Skogg nods, "That's a part of it. It's essentially a reorganization of Romulan space. It's meant to be the first step in the reunification of Romulans under one government, but for the time being the Republic and Star Empire are still separate political entities. However, both are now bound by the Muso Pact, making the Star Empire officially members of the Coalition."

Skogg: "We should also note that the Muso Pact supercedes the terms of the Treaty of Algeron signed between the Federation and Star Empire in 2311."

Kayleigh | Shavi: "What do you know, guess all the FNN was actually right for once!

Kayleigh | Miklos mutters to Shavi, "Well it is a news network!"

Kayleigh tries to ignore the banter, "Are there any pertinent changes between the former treaty and this new pact?"

Skogg: "The most important to us as Starfleet is no doubt the nullification of the terms on cloaking devices. To be fair, Starfleet's been ignoring those terms since the Romulan Star Empire was declared a hostile entity in the leadup to the Iconian War, but now it's official."

Kayleigh | TP: "I wonder if we'll start seeing cloaks as standard on our ships going forwards..."

Skogg: "It's possible. Some more idealistic officers might say cloaks aren't in the spirit of Starfleet, but it's an additional tool on a starship which could come in handy. Besides, they're just as useful as a defensive measure as they are in offensive tactical situations. As I see it, always good to have options at your disposal!"

Kayleigh:"It is better to have but not want, than to want but not have"

Skogg: "Exactly!"

The Tellarite Professor leads the class to one of the viewing windows. Someone else is already there, and as they approach, they can see it is Commodore Becket, looking out the window with his hands folded behind his back. The Commandant of the Annex turns as he hears their arrival

Skogg: "Commodore! Here to greet our newest recruit?"

Becket: "That's right. You've brought a whole class here?"

Skogg nods, "Taking the chance to talk Romulan politics."

Becket smiles, "Ah, that makes sense. Don't mind me, then."

The Commodore steps to the side to make way for the class

They settle in at the same window where they watched the VF return, with a good view of the main gateway

Mariel: "Oh, is the Romulan Star Empire sending representatives through?"

Kayleigh:"He did say they are officially Coalition members with this, so it would be logical to establish a presence here"

Skogg nods, "Among other things. One of the agreements made at the negotiations was the incorporation of several formerly independent worlds in the neutral zone into one of the larger signatory powers. The planet of Fenris has become a Federation member. Now, some of you might know that world as the home of the Fenris Rangers, a vigilante peacekeeper force that policed the former neutral zone."

Kayleigh | Miklos: "So they're Federation now, what are the Rangers going to do, join Starfleet?"

Skogg: "A few of them have, mostly Rangers with previous Starfleet training and experience. The majority of the Rangers have split between joining the Republic, who have more lenient entry requirements or remaining independent. With the region pretty much stabilized, there's not much call for independent peacekeepers anymore, but some of them don't trust answering directly to a government. The Coalition have offered them a new purpose- to keep order out here in the rim."

Kayleigh | Miklos, "If they're anything like I've heard, they'll be right at home at there!"

The main gateway springs to life, showing a view of space in the centre of the Iconian structure

Skogg nods, "That's why the Coalition's recruiting them. Many of them have family on Fenris or elsewhere in the neutral zone, these were the ones who generally chose to join the Republic or power down their ships and become Federation citizens. The ones that are in it just for the independence, they've taken up the offer. Here they come now..."

A Mogai-class warbird is the first to emerge from the gateway, displaying the livery of the Romulan Star Empire

Skogg: "That's the Star Empire's representative vessel. They've lost a lot in recent conflicts, so unlike the Republic, they can only afford to send a single ship out here. Sending a warbird like the Mogai-class is already a symbol of how importantly they hold this alliance. They don't have many ships that weight to spare."

Kostenko: "I heard that the Star Empire was in bad shape, but I had no idea it was /that/ bad."

Kayleigh:"It can't be a simple matter of fleet numbers if they've been able to contain all that stuff in the news about power struggles and distant invaders. All on top of reconciling with the Republic. Logically speaking, there must be something more to it"

Mariel: "What do you think is going on with them?"

Kayleigh:"I have insufficient insight to be able to speculate"

Behind the Mogai, five small ships seeming to be around the Federation's frigate weight class emerge, surrounded by a number of much smaller fighter craft."

Skogg points them out, "These are the Fenris Ranger vessels. The smaller, single-pilot fighter craft are what most associate with the Rangers. They've got a general design to them, but they're far from uniform, as expected from the conditions the Rangers operate in. The larger, frigate-sized ships are the Ranger Corsairs."

Behind the Rangers a number of cargo freighters emerge. Most of them are independent, but one is of clear Romulan design and a second is a Federation Caravan-class, most likely piggybacking on the gateway window to enter the Sphere.

The gateway closes behind the freighters. One of the Ranger Corsairs appear to break off from the rest, veering towards the Trinity administered region of the Heart

As the group passes closest to the Academy Annex, several ships veer off in their direction, including the Mogai, the Caravan-class freighter and a single one of the Ranger fighters. The other freighters spread out through the Heart, while the remaining Ranger ships head towards Coalition Command

Commodore Becket begins to make his way towards a nearby exit leading out to one of the Annex facility's landing platforms

The Mogai passes by the Annex, giving them a good view of the Romulan warbird before it heads deeper into Alliance territory. The fighter however seems headed directly towards them

It comes to a stop on the landing platform which is visible from the viewing area, giving them all a clear view of the craft

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They can see the Commodore approaching the landed vesse. A single figure disembarks from it, approaching Becket. He gives a bow, while the figure offers a hand. The two shake hands and begin making their way inside

Kayleigh | Shavi: "What's this now, a new recruit?"

Skogg nods, "One of the Rangers who want to join us but don't have prior Starfleet experience. Those have to start from a cadet, like all of you. Which is why many of them signed on with the Republic instead."

The Commodore and the new recruit enter from the landing platform door. As they pass by the class, the cadets can see that the Ranger is a (relatively) young Romulan woman

Kostenko: "I wonder why she's joining our Annex, and not one of the ones close to the neutral zone. Former neutral zone."

Kayleigh | Miklos: "I still can't believe a Ranger would settle for being a cadet at all..."

Skogg: "You'll have to ask her about her reasons. She doesn't have a very detailed official file in our databases yet."

Skogg: "Anyways, show's over! We still have a few minutes of class, so let's get back to the classroom. We'll go over some other effects of this new pact there."

—

Two days later, T'Mer and other first year security cadets are gathered in their Introductory Security Protocols class a few minutes early, waiting for the class to begin

As they sit and chat among themselves, the door opens and the Romulan Ranger seen by Kayleigh's class before steps in, except now she is dressed in a cadet's uniform

Ailmna approaches the table, eyeing T'Mer as she does, "Is that...an Iconian?"

T'Mer looks up, then around behind her, then back to the Romulan, "If you mean me, then yes"

Ailmna narrows her eyes at T'Mer, "I heard there were Iconians in this Sphere, but in Starfleet...?"

T'Mer: "I am the first. In this regard we share something in common, as I am not aware of any other Romulan cadets here"

Ailmna nods, "Yes, but there have been other Romulan cadets elsewhere. Never heard of an Iconian cadet though- most people never even saw an Iconian till recently. I'm surprised they let you join so soon after the war."

Cadet Tansel, a human security cadet across the table, speaks up, "You're not one to talk. Your people worked with the Iconians before the war, too."

Ailmna:"The Tal Shiar's actions don't represent most Romulans. Plenty of us fought against the Iconians, and a lot more were affected by their invasion."

T'Mer: "And the naturally evolved Iconians you fought with don't represent the Rebirths who you will find here at the Heart"

Ailmna:"Rebirths? Is that why you're...fleshy?"

T'Mer: "Yes, we were born of those who once maintained this facility during the height of our Empire. As a final act when that fell and the gateways shut down, they added themselves to the genetic archives here. When Starfleet rediscovered this facility, we were the first to be reborn. The Evolved have acknowledged us here, but remain isolationist due to their tainted nature. It is not impossible, but highly unlikely that you will ever see them at the Heart"

Ailmna nods, "Do you have their memories or anything? Or are you just a completely new Iconian?"

T'Mer: "We are new, though we are provided with knowledge of how to perform our required functions at the Heart. No actual memories though"

Ailmna:"So you weren't part of the invasion or have any knowledge of it. I guess I can see why Starfleet let you join, then."

The door slides open and Professor H'Raarin steps in. The Romulan takes a seat at the far end of the table, giving T'Mer a cautious glance before looking to the professor

T'Mer seems oblivious to the Romulan's gaze

H'Raarin: "Cadets. I'm sure you've all noticed that you have a new classmate. She's joining us very late in the year, but with her pre-existing experience, the Commandant has deemed it acceptable for her to progress alongside all of you."

H'Raarin gestures to the Romulan, "This is Cadet Ailmna ir-Fenris t’Johnson. She'll be with us for this class and a few others. You won't see her in your combat training classes, though- she's actually attending the third year classes for those due to that aforementioned previous experience."

Ailmna gives an exaggerated pout, "Aww, I won't get to go in the ring with the Iconian? I was actually looking forward to that..."

T'Mer looks over with a multi-eyed blink then back to the professor

H'Raarin: "It's an expression for a one-on-one fight, usually unarmed." He turns his attention to the Romulan, "Our combat training is to teach you in self-defense and prepare you for the dangers you might encounter during security work. You shouldn't be looking forward to fighting with any of your fellow cadets."

Ailmna: "Not even to test your skills?"

H'Raarin: "That would be acceptable, but I think we both know your skills are well beyond anyone in this class."

Ailmna smirks, "Even you, sir?"

H'Raarin: "Any /cadet/ in this class."

H'Raarin: "Anyways, let's get started. Today, we're talking about basic brig protocols. Now all of you will likely be posted to brig duty at least once in your careers, especially as junior officers..."

—

Mariel | After finishing her last class for the day, Kayleigh receives a comm from Professor H'Raarin to meet him at his office. Just as she arrives and is about to ring the doorbell, she spots Mariel walking towards her from the other side of the hall

Kayleigh pauses, "Hello Mariel, I did not anticipate seeing you here"

Mariel pauses as well upon seeing Kayleigh, "Kay! You got called here too?"

Kayleigh nods, "Yes, I received a request to meet with the professor. If you are here too, I would surmise this has something to do with T'Mer"

Mariel:"That would make the most sense. Unless it's the Ferasan mercenaries again, but there's been no alert in the Annex, so your theory seems more likely!"

Kayleigh:"Indeed. Well, we should not keep the professor waiting" she turns to chime the door

Mariel | H'Raarin's voice sounds from inside, "Come in."

Kayleigh steps inside, standing attentively beside Mari, "Reporting as ordered Professor"

Mariel stands at attention

Mariel | H'Raarin: "At ease, Cadets. Have a seat."

Kayleigh sits, "Thank you Sir. You requested to see us both?"

Mariel also takes a seat

Mariel | H'Raarin nods, "Since you're both here, you've probably got a good guess on what this is about."

Kayleigh:"The logical conclusion would be something to do with T'Mer"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "That's right. Have you heard of the new Romulan cadet who joined our Annex yet?"

Kayleigh:"Yes, they arrived during our political studies class and so we went to watch them. We saw the Commodore welcome a new arrival from the Fenris Rangers"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "Yes, that would be her. I've noticed that she has a bit of...tension towards Cadet T'Mer. Now we don't have a lot of information on her, much less than we would on a Federation longtime citizen, but given the region she's from, she's probably seen the Iconian War firsthand. I have a feeling she lost family and friends in the conflict, and maybe she was even involved in the fighting herself."

Kayleigh:"That would be a logical conclusion"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "Normally in a situation like this, I'd just talk to both cadets and ask them to work it out. But our newest cadet's still pretty new to life in Starfleet, and T'Mer's pretty new to, well...everything," he chuckles

Mariel:"You want us to help them get along?"

Mariel | H'Raarin nods, "The Commandant put you two responsible for Cadet T'Mer. I think she could use a hand with this."

Kayleigh:"It is likely that T'Mer is not even aware that this is an issue"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "I don't think she is. I'll leave it up to you how exactly to go about doing this- figuring out interpersonal issues is an important part of being an officer. Everyone on a ship has to work together, and tensions between the crew can cause problems for the whole ship if left unchecked."

Kayleigh:"Is this a lesson for T'Mer professor, or for us?"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "Hopefully, both. And maybe our newest cadet can learn something in the process too. You'll probably have to talk to both of them anyways."

Kayleigh:"Very well then professor, we will attempt to analyze and resolve the situation then report back"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "Thank you, cadets. Dismissed, and good luck."

Kayleigh stands, "Thank you Sir" and heads out

Mariel follows Kayleigh out, "So...what's our plan, Kay?"

Kayleigh:"I am flattered that you presume I have a plan that goes beyond asking you the same thing at this juncture"

Mariel chuckles, "Well, you're better at logic than me! What would be the logical next step..."

Kayleigh thinks a moment, "Well since I still believe it unlikely that T'Mer is even aware that this new cadet has a problem with her, it might be prudent to try and better understand this new cadet’s problem”

Mariel:"We've had two professors say there's not much information in the new cadet's file. And my ability can only trigger visions where the events happened, so I can't get any special insight into her past since she's just arrived. So...I think the only way we can do that is to talk with her."

Kayleigh:"Agreed, this would be the most fruitful approach" she looks left and right, "Assuming that is, we can find her..."

Mariel nods, "She's not in any of our classes, but...maybe we can catch her in the dining hall if she goes there for dinner?"

Kayleigh:"It is the logical place to do so"

Mariel:"Let's head on there, then!"

—

Kayleigh and Mariel head to the dining hall, still a little early for dinner. The hall is rather empty and they take their usual seats, quietly doing their work as they try to catch the new cadet

As the dining hall begins to fill up with more and more cadets streaming in for lunch, they soon notice the Romulan cadet entering as well

Kayleigh:"Mariel, she has arrived"

Mariel looks over, "I see her! She looks different in a cadet uniform...should we approach her, or one at a time so it doesn't seem too intimidating?"

Kayleigh:"I was assuming you were going to approach her since you are more adept at these things"

Mariel nods, "Good point. I'll approach her." She stands and starts to make her way over, but someone else reaches the Romulan first...

Miklos: "Hey! You're that Ranger that arrived the other day, right?"

Ailmna doesn't stop, continuing towards the replicators as she answers, "That's right."

Miklos follows behind her, "So you chose to join Starfleet?"

Ailmna: "No, I just wanted to see how your uniforms look on me," she grins. "What do you think?"

Mariel pauses and looks over to Kayleigh, unsure of what to do with Miklos hijacking her approach

Kayleigh gives a slight defeated sigh and moves to interject, standing directly in front of Miklos, putting herself between him and Ailmna

Miklos: "You're wearing a first year pip, so you have to go through all the training-" he gives Kayleigh a look as she steps between them

Kayleigh:"Miklos you know if you you continue this conversation, Shavi is going to get the right idea again"

Miklos: "What, I'm just welcoming our latest cadet."

Kayleigh:"Yes, just like you tried to welcome me during our last field assignment no doubt. At least give her the chance to settle in first. After all, the... suspense of hearing whispers of your prowess would only increase the satisfaction of the pursuit at a later time, it is only logical"

Miklos: "I...guess you have a point. Still curious to learn why she left the Rangers to be a cadet, though...

Ailmna meanwhile has joined the queue for the replicators

Kayleigh:"And sating that curiosity will no doubt be part of that satisfactory conclusion"

Miklos chuckles, "Logical as always, Kayleigh. I'll let her settle in a bit, then." He pats Kayleigh on the shoulder before heading back to his table

Kayleigh glances briefly to her shoulder wondering what it did to deserve that and then returns to her seat

A few moments later, Ailmna has replicated her meal. Mariel tries her approach again and this time is uninterrupted

Mariel: "Hey! You're the new cadet, right? Want to come and sit with us?"

Ailmna: "Sure."

Mariel smiles and leads her to their table, "Thought you'd like an invitation, since you don't know many people yet and all!"

Ailmna sets her tray down and takes a seat beside Kayleigh. She notices that the food the Romulan had replicated was distinctly human

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Ailmna: "Well, thanks for the invitation."

Mariel smiles back, "You're welcome! I'm Mariel Tanglao, and this here is Kayleigh."

Kayleigh:"I feel I must apologize Cadet Miklos. You will undoubtedly learn of his reputation before long"

Ailmna chuckles, "From what you just said and what little I've seen of him, I think I might have an idea what you mean. No worries, I've dealt with plenty like him before."

Kayleigh:"You just joined from the Fenris Rangers, yes?"

Ailmna nods, "I did, yes. I'm Ailmna, by the way. Ailmna ir-Fenris t’Johnson, or Cadet Johnson to be short but still formal as you do in Starfleet."

Kayleigh:"A Human name?"

Ailmna: "A human clan name. Your name sounds pretty human, too."

Kayleigh nods, "I am half-Human on my mothers side"

Ailmna takes a bite of her chicken, "That would explain it. I'm not half-Human myself, so the name might be a little misleading there."

Mariel: "There goes my theory of why you've joined Starfleet..."

Ailmna: "Your theory could still be half-right."

Kayleigh perks a brow, "If her theory about being half human would be half right, that would logically mean you were a quarter human. Though that seems unlikely as a reason for joining Starfleet"

Ailmna chuckles, "I didn't mean half right literally. I'm not quarter human, either. I'm just a Romulan, but good guess."

Kayleigh:"Your prssence has certainly made it a topic of popular debate, as you saw with Miklos. I don't believe the Annex has obsessed over a new arrival like this since T'Mer joined"

Ailmna: "That's the Iconian cadet, right? I can see why she'd be a topic of discussion."

Kayleigh:"Yes, that's her. Have you met yet?"

Ailmna nods, "She was in my first class, and a few others. I was a little surprised by her, I knew there were Iconians here, but I had no idea one had joined Starfleet already."

Kayleigh:"She is something of an exception, the Iconians generally are not interested in associated with other children species"

Ailmna: "Why did she join, then?"

Kayleigh:"I suppose it might be a little complicated to explain without context... do you by chance know about the modern Iconians like T'Mer and how they differ from those fought against in the war, besides the obvious physical differences I mean"

Ailmna: "She said she was born...or is it created, in this Sphere. And that the Iconians who survived from the war are still very isolated."

Kayleigh nods, "Accurate, if a little vague. Though with T'Mer that does not surprise me. I do not suppose you know about the Heart itself and it's nature as a genetic archive from that era?"

Ailmna shakes her head, "No, I haven't heard of that yet. It's a genetic archive for the Iconians?"

Kayleigh:"The Heart was built as their final solution to the Horde problem. The psionic weapon actually came later on, almost an after thought. Have you considered why the Heart is exponentially larger than any other sphere, or why it is actually not even spherical as the name suggests?"

Ailmna: "I assumed the size had something to do with the nature of the station as a weapon against the Horde. Bigger Sphere, more power, and I've heard something about this sphere being able to channel the star's energy directly without using gateways. So bigger star might have something to do with that."

Kayleigh:"That is the afterthought weaponization. The actual reason for the Heart's proportion and shape is it's function as a galactic archive, or an ark if you favour the religious reference"

Ailmna nods, "An archive for all the planets the Horde destroyed?"

Kayleigh:"All life in the galaxy that the Iconians were able to catalogue before their downfall. Those non-sentient lifeforms with sufficient remaining numbers were relocated here to the various biomes which are the reason for the spheres size and scale. All of these, plus many more records apparently, were included in their genetics archive"

Ailmna: "So that's how T'Mer was made. I assume the Iconians catalogued themselves, too."

Kayleigh:"Correct. Their scientists compiling the archive were stranded here when the gateway system collapsed. As a final act after relocating the Heart for safety, they added their own genetics to the archive. It is these records from which T'Mer and the other new breed Iconians were created"

Ailmna: "I sure hope they turn out better than the old ones..."

Kayleigh:"The matter of quality control - as it were - is the answer to your original question about why T'Mer is in Starfleet"

Ailmna: "What'd you mean, quality control?"

Kayleigh:"Arguably not in the sense you meant, but in the vain of 'turning out better' at least. You see, T'Mer came from the first batch of Iconian rebirths, which of course was handled by non-Iconian's. As a result, there were imperfections by the Iconian's standards apparently, and so of those who survived many assumed lesser roles as they did not possess the intellectual capacity to function within the core Iconian society. To this end T'Mer initially got assigned to a security detail, however she was found to possess an inquisitive temperament which was later determined to be a better fit for Starfleet, and so she was transferred to the annex"

Ailmna: "You mean she's some kind of...Iconian reject?"

Kayleigh hrms, "Reject may not be entirely accurate, as she is still a welcome and recognized member of Iconian society. But the analogy fits, yes"

Ailmna: "Not quite what I expected, but it explains why she seems a little...oblivious. I thought it was because she was young and all."

Kayleigh:"That may well be a factor. We know so little about them after all, almost everything is supposition"

Ailmna: "I'm surprised Starfleet let her on as a cadet with so little knowledge of her people still. Not to mention so close to the war. I know the Iconians helped here and all, but after what they did before...even shorter-lived species are still going to remember losing people to them. She's going to have to serve with all these people."

Kayleigh:"The same has been said before for Klingons and Romulans in Starfleet"

Ailmna: "But Klingons and Romulans didn't join until a period well after any wars with the Federation. Wasn't there a scandal in the mid 24th century about an officer having just a quarter Romulan ancestry? And we didn't even have that much contact with the Federation in the first half of that century, let alone any wars. The last war was with the individual founding planets before the Federation was even a thing."

Kayleigh:"True. But then we also have the AI situation, where the Federation ban is still in recent memory for many. Yet, we have the likes of the Nuhar Constructs as allies in the Coalition, not to mention AI officers and personnel back in Starfleet. Even one of our professors here is in AI in fact. Perhaps it is the spirit of the Coalition and the Heart that makes these things more commonplace?"

Ailmna nods, "I hear this is the most cosmopolitan place in the galaxy right now. So, no one at all had anything against T'Mer joining Starfleet, then?"

Kayleigh shakes her head, "None that I am aware of at least. You seem surprised by this"

Ailmna: "I would've thought more people would've had an issue. Some of the professors here were probably involved in the war, and I wouldn't be surprised if some cadets had lost people in it too.”

Kayleigh:"Perhaps more people outside of the Heart will have, and it is something that she will have to face sooner or later. What about you, do you have issues with her presence? As a Ranger, I would not be surprised if you were much closer to the front lines that most people here during that conflict"

Ailmna: "We were mostly doing scouting work- even our Corsairs aren't any match for the smallest of Herald ships. We usually fended off small pirate operations and warlords- we were totally outmatched against Iconians. Starfleet and the larger Romulan powers did most of the actual fighting. But we saw plenty of the Iconians at work, still."

Kayleigh:"That is not something I have first hand experience of, only what I have learned here. So I can not pretend to relate in any way"

Ailmna: "Did you lose anyone you know in the war?"

Kayleigh shakes her head, "No..." attention clearly drifting to more current affairs

Mariel notices her attention drifting off, "It's...a bit of a touchy topic for Kay right now."

Ailmna nods, "Ah. I understand," she gives Kayleigh a smile. "You seem pretty...Vulcan. I take it you follow the Vulcan side of your culture more?"

Kayleigh nods, "Correct"

Ailmna: "Losing someone can shake up even a logical Vulcan. I'll try not to mention it, if it helps."

Kayleigh:"You do not need to regard me with precautions at all. Yes, it is an emotional subject at present. But it is one that I am dealing with openly"

Ailmna: "You sure? Emotional and openly aren't two terms that usually mix with you Vulcans."

Kayleigh:"At my age, few Vulcans are truly masters of emotional control and those who claim they are, are simply lying to themselves. I am conscious of the emotional stress of the situation, and I am dealing with it in a logical manner"

Ailmna finishes the last of her meal, "I know you Vulcans are a private people, so...if you ever want to talk about it somewhere less open, I'll be happy to help," she smiles. "I'm pretty familiar with loss myself, and as one of your Romulan cousins, I'm /definitely/ more familiar with the emotions around it."

The Romulan cadet stands, picking up her empty plate, "Thanks for inviting me to your table. I'll see you around. Let me know if you need anything, yeah?"

Kayleigh:"Your offer is most gracious, thank you"

Ailmna: "You can probably track down my bunk easy enough if you want to take me up on it," she gives a wave as she goes to recycle the plate material before departing

Once she leaves, Mari looks to Kayleigh, "Well, I think that was pretty insightful."

Kayleigh:"It was?"

Mariel: "She didn't outright confirm it, but from what she said, I think it's a pretty safe bet she lost someone to the Iconians. There might also be a little bit of resentment over the first Iconian joining before the first Romulan, but I don't think that's a big part of her tension with T'Mer. It's probably the first one since that's more personal."

Kayleigh:"I see. So what do we do with this insight now as I do not get the impression that we have done anything to dissuade her feelings towards T'Mer"

Mariel: "I think we've furthered her /understanding/ of T'Mer, which...could help, but that's really up to her. I feel like she needs more of a push in the right direction so she comes to change her feelings towards T'Mer more positively too. Do...you plan on taking her up on her offer?"

Kayleigh:"I do not"

Mariel: "It could be a good chance to give her that push in the right direction, by talking about who she lost and all. But I know it's also going to be personal for you, so I don't want to ask you to go or anything."

Kayleigh:"I would prefer a method which did not involve inviting a relative stranger into my emotional affairs"

Mariel nods, "Yeah...you think it could be worth explaining this to T'Mer so she knows what's going on and can avoid provoking her somehow? Or do you think T'Mer will just mess up if we let her know the new Romulan cadet doesn't like her..."

Kayleigh:"I believe it is only fair that she is made aware of it"

Mariel: "I'll talk to her about it first, then. And we can think of how to bring Ailmna around in the meantime. Who knows, maybe T'Mer will even have some suggestions too!"

Kayleigh:"No doubt"

—

Mariel | The next day, Kayleigh and Mariel are sitting in Mia's class

Kayleigh | Mia: "... and so now hopefully you see the importance of contextual relevance when regarding galactic affairs like the new situation with the Romulans, when seen through the eyes of history!" she claps her hands together, "But that is enough for today we think, so run along and get yourselves a quick bonus refreshment break before your next classes!"

Mariel leans in towards Kayleigh as she gathers up her stuff, "Hey I was just thinking..."

Kayleigh:"Yes?"

Mariel:"You think the Professor might have some advice about T'Mer and the new cadet? With Romulans and history and all?"

Kayleigh:"The history aspect is naturally her area of expertise, though I do not know her well enough to determine any expertise applicable to this situation or not. That said, she does have the demeanour of a people-person, if you think that might help?"

Mariel:"I think it could be worth asking."

Kayleigh:"Very well, is this your subtle way of asking me to consult with her? Or for me to gather your belongings while you speak with the professor?"

Mariel:"I'll talk with her! I'm more of a people-person too," she smiles

Kayleigh:"I am glad you did not choose to make me attempt to convince you of that first. I will gather our things and await your outside"

Mariel makes her way up to Mia, "Professor?"

Kayleigh | Mia smiles and turns, "Allo Ms. Mariel! Was there something further you wished to learn from us today?"

Mariel nods, "I was hoping to ask you about something. Something...kind of related to what we were talking about today. Have you met the new Romulan cadet yet?"

Kayleigh | Mia takes a perch on the edge of her desk, patting an invite for Mari to join her, "Non, but we are curious to do so!"

Mariel takes a seat in a chair by the desk, "Well, you were talking about historical context and all. Professor H'Raarin thought there was some tension between her and Cadet T'Mer, due to the Iconian War. He asked us to help them get along, so I was wondering if you had any insight on these things."

Kayleigh | Mia thinks long and hard on it, "Tell us Ms. Mariel, had you not yet heard about the new Pact with the Romulans, nor seen any news of them to provide context, what would have been your first thought upon seeing a large convoy of Star Empire vessels appear through the gateway?"

Mariel:"I...guess I'd be worried, given their reputation and previous relations with the Federation."

Kayleigh | Miadrone gives an affirmative beep and Mia smiles, "Exactly! But with prior knowledge of the situation, this feeling did not come. So we would take the same approach with your friends! Right now, you are watching something unfold without any context and so it maybe even seems worse than it is. If that were us, we would seek to remedy that by extracting data from the source"

Mariel nods, "We talked to her last night, but I don't think we got to the source of the problem. We /think/ she probably lost people in the war, but it's probably a good idea to talk to her some more."

Kayleigh | Mia: "Have you witnessed her negative reaction to your Iconian friend for yourself? Because if not, seeing how they are together could also provide valuable insight"

Mariel:"Hmm...we haven't, we've only heard about them together from Professor H'Raarin. You're right, maybe it could be helpful to see how they interact..."

Kayleigh | Mia smiles, "It sounds to us like you have a way forwards then!"

Mariel smiles back, "Thanks, Professor! I'll go talk to Kayleigh about it!"

Kayleigh | Mia beams happily, "It is always a pleasure to talk with our students! If you need anything more, you can always come to us"

Mariel:"I'll let you know if we need more advice!"

Mariel stands and heads out to catch up with Kayleigh

Kayleigh loiters in the hallway just outside, squatting gracefully while reading a PADD with their things on the floor next to her

Mariel steps up to her, "Didn't keep you waiting too long, I hope?"

Kayleigh stands as Mari approaches, "Not at all. Was your consultation fruitful?"

Mariel nods, "It was! The Professor had a good suggestion- instead of just talking to Ailmna on her own, she said it could be helpful to see how she actually interacts with T'Mer."

Kayleigh:"That could indeed be helpful, though I do not imagine she will be amenable to such a suggestion if what we have been told is accurate"

Mariel:"Yeah, me neither. Maybe...we could arrange to meet them separately, in the same place? And then see how they interact when we run into each other."

Kayleigh:"A deception?"

Mariel nods, "I asked T'Mer to talk already, I can easily just set a location we want. The question is how we get Ailmna to go there too..."

Kayleigh:"I get the feeling that has become my responsibility...2

Mariel:"Well, you talked to her more in the dining hall! And you two seemed to get along fairly well!"

Kayleigh hrms, "Very well, let me know where and when you plan to meet with T'Mer and I shall attempt to get her along there as well"

Mariel considers, "What about...the shopping area! You don't want to invite Ailmna to a private discussion on emotional things, and I get that. But maybe you can invite her to a social meetup there or something."

Kayleigh:"I believe I can make that work"

Mariel smiles, "Perfect. We can arrange for them to both meet us and each other there this Saturday, then!"

—

Later in the day, Kayleigh enters the dining hall to find Ailmna in her seat...

Kayleigh stops at the replicator, per routine, before turning and noticing

Kayleigh approaches her seat and pauses upon seeing it occupied. She stands there awkwardly for a good while figuring out what to do about the situation

Ailmna is eating her own food and doesn't notice Kayleigh immediately. She still noticed her before Kayleigh figures out what to do though, looking over at the Vulcan standing awkwardly, "Oh, you don't have to ask for permission to sit at the table with me, if you're wondering. You can just sit down," she smiles

Kayleigh:"But you are in my spot"

Ailmna: "Your spot?" She glances over to the chair she's sitting on, then back to Kayleigh, "You want...this particular chair?"

Kayleigh nods, "Yes, that is my spot"

Ailmna stands, shifting her plate over as she takes the seat beside it, "Sure, you can have it. All the same to me."

Kayleigh takes her spot, slightly adjusting the alignment of the chair, "You are most considerate, I appreciate it"

Ailmna: "Why that spot specifically, though? I mean, I get people favouring specific spots to sit, even seen a few bar fights start over it in rougher towns, but it doesn't strike me as a logical sort of thing."

Kayleigh:"Really? It is equidistant to both the replicators and the exit, has a clear view of all of seating areas in the hall without any risk of compromise from outside of the field of view"

Ailmna looks around the room slowly, then back to Kayleigh, "So you're telling me you prefer that seat because it gives you the best view of the room with minimal risk of being stabbed in the back?"

Kayleigh:"That. Or someone approaching me unseen without the chance to avoid them should that be the preferable option"

Ailmna narrows her eyes, "You sure you're not half-Romulan?"

Kayleigh:"Quite sure" she responds indifferently as she organizes her food on her plate

Ailmna smirks, "Just that it's a very Romulan thing to consider is all. Might be why I naturally gravitated towards your seat without even really thinking about it. That and your friend inviting me to sit at this table last night, so the table's familiar to me now."

Kayleigh nods, "The sense of familiarity is important, I can relate. Though I get the feeling that your implied Romulan-esque nature of it is more to do with your assumption about backstabbing than mine about unwelcome interruptions"

Ailmna nods, "Well, yeah, but what you said about compromise outside of your field of view and all...sounds like something a Romulan would consider," she grins

Kayleigh:"Perhaps. I simply prefer to be in full control of my situation"

Ailmna: "I can respect that. I'll be sure to leave this seat open for you from now on."

Kayleigh:"The difficulty always come when visiting a new place for the first time"

Ailmna: "Exactly why I've seen bar fights break out over this sort of thing."

Kayleigh:"Fortunately I am not in the habit of starting bar fights. Still, you mentioned the sense of familiarity with this table now so does that mean you are getting accustomed to life here?"

Ailmna: "Well, I've been here for a few days, so I'm starting to get used to things. The environment, the way of life, the uniforms," she chuckles. "Nowhere near as used to it as you are, but I'm sure it'll come in good time. This was pretty new to you too when you arrived, wasn't it?"

Kayleigh:"Naturally, it would be impossible to be familiar with a place prior to first arriving there"

Ailmna: "I don't imagine any cadets here have been in an Iconian facility before. What about Starfleet though, you have family working in Starfleet?"

Kayleigh:"Yes, that is actually why we came here. And the sensitive subject we touched on last we spoke..."

Ailmna: "Oh, right, sorry. I thought it was just mentioning loss, but I should've figured this, too."

Kayleigh shakes her head, "It's fine, and honestly you will hear it sooner or later regardless so just as well from me, My father is XO of a ship that was reassigned to the Heart. While scouting former Horde space, they went missing. The second ship to have gone missing there in fact. Now a third ship has just departed from here to investigate"

Ailmna: "Ahh, so that's what the sensitive topic is. I thought you'd lost a family member in the battle that happened here with the Horde." She offers Kayleigh a smile, "Thanks for trusting me with the personal information."

Kayleigh:"It is common knowledge around the annex, so only logical that I tell you an accurate accounting before the rumour mill presents you a more elaborate one. But moving on, my mother is also in Starfleet and took reassignment to the operations centre here"

Ailmna: "My mother's here, too. If you're wondering why I'm here at this academy instead of somewhere closer to Fenris, that's why."

Kayleigh:"Is that so? Starfleet too?"

Ailmna shakes her head, "No, she commands one of the Ranger Corsairs that came through."

Kayleigh:"Then might I ask why you have joined the academy? If you came here together as Rangers I would have thought it most desirable to remain so"

Ailmna: "Thought you'd ask that next." She takes a bite of her food, keeping Kayleigh in suspense as she chews for a moment before answering. "My father was Starfleet. It's also why I've got the human clan name." She simply smiles, watching Kayleigh's reaction as she clearly implies having a human father despite saying she's not half-human in their last conversation

Kayleigh 's brow furrows as she tries to logic it out

Ailmna takes another bite, having too much fun watching Kayleigh try to logic it out

Kayleigh:"You do not bear the usual diluting physical tells of Human parentage... an adopted clan perhaps?"

Ailmna smiles, "Great guess. I didn't know my biological father, he died when I was very young. He was killed in a scuffle with the Orion Syndicate, back when they were still a thing."

Kayleigh:"An all too famliar story, sadly. I am sorry to hear that"

Ailmna: "I don't remember him at all, so I don't really have any emotion about him. I'm glad the Syndicate's gone, though. My mother remarried after, and that's where we get the clan name. What'd you know about Romulan clan names?"

Kayleigh:"I am aware that Romulan naming conventions are among the more intricate, and typically carry much more significance than most. But I would not pretend to understand the nuances"

Ailmna: "Well, not all Romulans have got clan names. Only the ones who are part of clans. Neither of my parents were born to families with any significance, so we were those Romulans who only used one name most of the time. When my mother remarried a human, we decided to take his family name as a clan name, like in some human traditions."

Kayleigh:"Thus honoring both old and new traditions to the family unit, very commendable"

Ailmna smiles, "That's the idea. Your parents, which one of them's the Vulcan and which one's Human?"

Kayleigh:"My father is Vulcan"

Ailmna nods, finishing her food, "I'm sorry about what's happening with your father and all. I'd point out that a ship being missing doesn't necessarily mean he's gone, but I'm sure you know that already. And I don't want to provide any false hope, in case it's the worst-case scenario. So I'll just give you my condolences."

Kayleigh nods, "I am holding no dellusions on the situation. Going back to your settling in, I am curious; have you seen much of the Heart outside the annex yet?"

Ailmna shakes her head, "Only what I saw on my flight in. I've been busy getting prepared for classes and all, so I haven't had a chance to go exploring yet."

Kayleigh:"Then, perhaps I could show you some more of it. A few of us have developed quite the attachment to one of the plaza's in the Arshai region which would be worth you getting familiar with, even if not of immediate interest"

Ailmna smiles, "Getting to know the place sounds good. We have no classes tomorrow with the weekend and all, right?"

Kayleigh:"Correct. If it suits you, we can meet here and I can show you how we get around too"

Ailmna: "I was going to offer my ship, but that holds only one additional person and probably isn't great for getting around in groups. It's probably a good idea to get familiar with the transport system just in case too. I'll meet you here, then."

Kayleigh nods, "Very good then. I shall endeavour to be a useful host"

—

The next day, Kayleigh and Ailmna enter one of the Sphere's ferries to travel to the Promenade

As they step inside, the Ferry's voice sounds as usual, "Welcome. I am Ferry-245, at your service."

Kayleigh:"Hello 245, it's Kayleigh. We're going to the shopping district again"

Ferry-245: "Destination set. Preparing for departure now. Estimated arrival time, 16 minutes."

Ailmna meanwhile looks around the shuttle, "Well this certainly isn't a Federation shuttle. Doesn't look Iconian either, though."

Kayleigh:"Thank you 245" she turns to Ailmna, "Correct, this is a Nuhar construct"

Ailmna: "Nuhar construct, as in those AI ships?"

Kayleigh:"Yes, the ferries are of the same origin. Though they are not on the same sentient level as the constructs you are thinking of. No offense, 245"

Ferry-245: "My programming is incapable of taking offense. As you have described, I am a simpler construct made for a specific purpose within the Sphere. The larger constructs are intended for independent function, potentially far from any support. They are given far more complex programming for that role."

Ailmna: "Didn't a lot of the constructs go rogue and turn into scavengers and pirates or something? Or so I've heard."

Kayleigh nods, looking back to Ailmna, "Some of them, yes. They did what they had to in order to survive, and some faltered along the way when suffering betrayed trust and the like"

Ferry-245: "Their advanced programming has resulted in them developing personalities much like biological individuals. This leads to very biological actions, such as prioritizing self-preservation above the well-being of others."

Kayleigh:"And that's the really good thing about ferries like 245; they are most informative and engaging"

Ailmna: "The ferries can't go rogue, right?"

Kayleigh:"The ferries are like an extension of the Heart itself, they are a part of the overall infrastructure here, so no"

Ailmna: "But they're machines, so they /could/ be hacked."

Ferry-245: "We are equipped with Nuhar security countermeasures and connected to the Heart's overall systems. While we could be compromised, it would require a significant amount of skill and effort to do so. Considering that ferries are not equipped with weaponry nor faster-than-light capabilities, that effort would be better expended on something else."

Kayleigh:"And about the only lifeforms in existence right now who could even do that are the Constructs themselves"

Ailmna nods, "Right. And they've got no reason to mess with the Sphere, which is their last way to make more of themselves, as I understand."

Kayleigh:"Correct. Part of their desperate survival was due to the fact that the foundries were all gone, or at best being used by the likes of pirates to coerce Constructs. Rediscovering the Heart gave them a new means to both survive and be self sufficient again, which is why they have congregated here now and guard the whole sphere zealously"

Ailmna moves over to take a seat, "Guess there's nothing to worry about with transport safety, then. Still quite a lot to get used to with all the AI around it," she chuckles. "Can't say you didn't warn me, it's just...different."

Kayleigh considers her briefly, "If I might venture... you seem quite apprehensive about the subject"

Ailmna: "I've sure you've heard before, we Romulans don't like AI. I'm one of those /less/ apprehensive about it. Grew up around a lot of humans and other aliens. There's Romulans who think holoprogram characters are too extreme."

Kayleigh:"I see, Now that you mention it, it does sound somewhat familiar. Though I have not been around many Romulans so it never occurred"

Ailmna: "Most of the Romulans here before we came through were probably Republic ones, too. They've got a reputation for being more open-minded."

Kayleigh:"So you do not consider yourself the same then? I had assumed given your transition from the Rangers to Starfleet that was the case. Though if I think about it, the whole nature of the Rangers is neutrality, yes?"

Ailmna: "Kind of. It was about protecting people that no one was there to protect. Systems and worlds that weren't part of any galactic superpower like the Federation or Star Empire."

Kayleigh:"I see. So does the timing of your change to Starfleet relate to the new pact that has everyone excited?"

Ailmna nods, "My family home is on Fenris, so it's my official planet of residence. With Fenris becoming a Federation member world, that makes me officially a Federation citizen. Which means I can join the Academy without having to find a sponsor."

Kayleigh:"Does that mean you wanted to before but couldn't obtain a sponsor?"

Ailmna: "I didn't know any command officers. Not personally at least, a couple through other people. But those weren't the kinds of officers you just waltz up to," she chuckles

Kayleigh perks a brow, "I have never even considered waltzing with a command officer... curious..."

Ailmna laughs, "That was a figure of speech."

Ferry-245: "We are arriving at the destination now."

Kayleigh:"Ah, thank you 245"

Outside the window, the shopping district begins to loom into view...

—

Kayleigh and Ailmna arrives at the shopping district. The Romulan looks around as they make their way through, "Wow. This looks like those images I've seen of the Federation core worlds."

Kayleigh:"It is a very similar aesthetic" she agrees, "Though much of the actual design here is of Arshai and Orion influence"

Ailmna: "So this is proper Orion design. I've heard that Orion art and infrastructure is something to look at, but I've only ever seen those Syndicate ships. Always figured that wasn't real design, that or they've got a /really/ different taste than Romulans," she chuckles

Kayleigh:"Yes, it is one the reasons I have always gravitated towards this plaza above the others"

Ailmna: "I can definitely see why. It's quite a pleasant place to be. I'm guessing it has dining, shopping, all the usual for a place like this?"

Kayleigh:"And entertainment"

Ailmna: "What kind of entertainment? Holodecks, clubs, bars?"

Kayleigh:"All of the above, and probably more beyond that if you go further from the centre. One of things I find fascinating here is the rapid growth and diversification of an increasingly multicultural society"

Ailmna: "This part of the Sphere is divided into districts, isn't it? From what I saw of the information we were given before coming through."

Kayleigh:"Yes, six provinces in total and each with a multitude of districts within"

Ailmna: "This must be the Arshai Orion one then...what's it called again?"

Kayleigh:"This is in the Colonial Province"

Ailmna: "Colonial! Right, that's the name. Is it only the Arshai and Orions who build here? Or can other people open stores or even build here with their permission?"

Kayleigh:"They are like adminstrators for the overall Province, just as the Federation is for the one where the academy is. They in the same manner as local governments to each Province, and most are now starting to evolve their own unique identities such as this being the epicentre of social activities. There are no restrictions that I'm aware of for who can or can not gain permission to open a premises here outside of the standard regulations governing all of the Heart"

Kayleigh checks her chrono to make sure they don't keep Mari waiting

They still have five minutes before the appointed time to meet Mari in one of the cafes!

Ailmna nods, "That explains the diversification and all that. I imagine a lot of others are going to want to open up business in the best shopping area in the Sphere right now."

Kayleigh:"Exactly what I meant by the rapid evolution of the area. I try to come here at least once a week, and every visit presents something new to experience. However, first we should head to a cafe we often frequent here as I expect Mariel will be there to meet us shortly"

Ailmna: "Lead the way!"

Kayleigh:"It is not far"

Kayleigh sure enough soon leads them to her usual haunt ready to meet Mari

Kayleigh takes her regular seat with a welcoming wave to the waitress who disappears inside to get Kay's standard order

Ailmna follows along, setting down at the opposite seat and looking across at Kay, "You frequent this place often, don't you? She didn't even have to ask what you wanted."

Kayleigh:"She is already aware of what to provide so it is not logical to ask the question. Worry not, this arrangement also includes a standard offering for a companion. This is of course normally Cadet Tanglao, and since she will be joining us it will be an acceptable provision either way"

As she mentions Mariel, Kayleigh catches a glimpse of Mariel and T'Mer from their vantage point. Ailmna notices them as well not long after, looking over and narrowing her eyes, "Is that the Iconian cadet? What's she doing here?"

Kayleigh:"Cadet T'Mer often joins us on these outings since this is the plaza she looked after when she worked for security. It is where we first met, and since Mariel and I are her assigned mentors she is often with us outside of classes. This seems quite fortuitous really since you expressed a great deal of curiosity about her the other day"

Ailmna: "I...ran into her in class and was wondering about Iconians in Starfleet. So this is the place she was assigned to as security before she joined?"

Kayleigh:"Yes, it is where we first met in fact"

Mariel and T'Mer make their way into the cafe, joining them at the table

Mariel: "Hey Kay! Hope we're not late!"

Kayleigh:"Not at all, our opening order is still being prepared"

Ailmna gives T'Mer a slightly uneasy glance, but remains quiet

Mariel looks to T'Mer, "T'Mer, I think you've already met Ailmna in your classes, haven't you?"

T'Mer nods once, "YYes, this is the new Romulan cadet who wished to be my partner for combat training. It is agreeable to see you again"

Ailmna nods, "Right. Combat training partner..."

Kayleigh looks between the two

Mariel also looks between the two, "So, umm...how are you liking the place, Ailmna?"

Ailmna: "It's a very nice shopping area. Good aesthetics." She looks to T'Mer, "I hear you used to work here?"

T'Mer: "Yes, this was my area of operation before I joined Starfleet. It is also where I first met these two"

Ailmna: "How'd you go from security in this shopping centre to a Starfleet Secuity cadet, anyways?"

T'Mer: "There were some... misunderstandings involving these two, when the incident was reported it made our respective superiors decide that the academy would be a better place for me"

Ailmna: "So your superiors...basically sent you off to the Academy?"

T'Mer, "Yes"

Kayleigh:"...te elaborate; they had already found that T'Mer's inquisitive nature was not well suited to the role here so felt that the academy could be a more nurturing environment for it"

Ailmna looks to T'Mer, "Did you even /want/ to join Starfleet, personally? Or was it just decided for you?"

T'Mer: "It was suggested, and I had no objection to it"

Ailmna: "But you never went out of your way to apply or anything, either."

T'Mer: "No, since no Iconian had joined Starfleet before the thought had never occured to me. I simply did as I was told before that"

Ailmna: "You know how much work the first cadet of a non-Federation species /usually/ has to do to join Starfleet? Especially one that's fought a war with Starfleet in recent memory. And you just got handed a place in the Academy on a silver platter."

T'Mer: "I can not speak to the intentions of those making the decisions"

Kayleigh:"Again to speak sense on her behalf; after the idea was tabled, she did complete the entrance examinations and was ultimately a sponsored entry"

Ailmna: "She has the skills, sure, but does she have the initiative? The first cadet of other non-Federation species all had to work very hard to even have a chance at taking the entrance exams. Plenty of non-Federation people /still/ have to."

Kayleigh:"If I had to guess, I would surmise that it is a combination of this being a new annex so short on cadets and looking to increase numbers, along with a desire to demonstrate a more inclusive environment in keeping with the Coalition's ideals. But that would just be a guess, like T'Mer I am unable to speak to intentions of others"

As they talk, T'Mer is distracted as she notices a suspicious Clenduros. At first, the alien looks like he's just window shopping, but as she continues watching it becomes obvious that he is clearly following a Starfleet officer. He is right behind the officer as he enters a public bathroom, clearly glancing around to make sure no one nearby notices before slipping in after him

T'Mer stands and before the others can ask, is vaulting over the balcony to the level below where she quickly chases into the restroom after them

Ailmna looks at T'Mer as she suddenly vaults over and runs off, "...what's she doing? Did I scare her off?"

Kayleigh watches as well, "I do not believe so. She must have seen something..."

Ailmna stands as well, following after T'Mer

Kayleigh follows after them

T'Mer of course enters the restroom first, just in time as she sees the Clenduros quietly sneaking up behind the officer. One of the alien's hands seem to have been reshaped into a bony knife, which is definitely not a natural ability to the Clenduros species

T'Mer doesn't give it much thought right now as she just focuses on restraining him before he can hurt the officer; slipping in quicky but quietly to grab him from behind and pull him away from his target

T'Mer grabs onto him, but his muscles start to shift under her grip and his clothes suddenly develop a slippery texture, making it impossible for T'Mer to maintain her hold on him. He manages to squeeze away, but at this point the officer has realized something is up and moves out of the way. The Clenduros looks between T'Mer and the officer and his skin and clothes suddenly start rippling like water as his body reshapes, forming an Andorian in a Starfleet uniform

T'Mer: "A Changeling?" she shakes her head, "No matter. You are still under arrest now come with me"

Ailmna steps in just in time to see the 'Clenduros' change and immediately rushes forward, tackling the alien just as he finishes shifting into an Andorian. The two crash into a mirror with the alien taking the brunt of the force. The alien however once again slips free from Ailmna's grip, though she has it pinned against the wall. It choose to counterattack instead, using its freed arms to grapple the Romulan instead and tripping her onto the ground

T'Mer intervenes, grappling the alien and preventing him from countering against Ailmna

Kayleigh meanwhile has heard enough going on inside to have figured something bad and has called for emergency backup from outside

T'Mer manages to pull the alien away from Ailmna, but it once again slips free of her. It turns to her, both hands fusing into knives now and ready to strike when Ailmna slashes its leg with a shard of broken glass. It lets out a wail and spins around, slashing wildly and missing the Romulan who was still half-kneeling. Its second strike is better aimed, but Ailmna rolls out of the way just in time. As it misses and strikes the ground, the Romulan immediately plunges the shard of glass up into its chest and the alien staggers back before dropping

T'Mer takes her turn again, wrapping a large hand around the aliens face and pinning it back to the floor

The alien appears to be mortally wounded as she pins it down. It manages out, "I go...to Ha...Ha'ade... Your Coalition...will soon...f-follow. A hun...hundred...c-curses..."

—

As we come back from the ad break, Ailmna steps up behind T'Mer, "How'd you spot him out?"

T'Mer: "He looked suspicious"

Ailmna: "Huh. Well you've got good instinct. Why exactly did Coalition Security not want you again?"

Kayleigh comes in after them, eyeing the chaos, "Because she had a habit of labelling too many people suspicious and received numerous complaints over harrassment"

T'Mer lowers her head in shame

Kayleigh:"However, it is clear that those instincts were invaluable today"

T'Mer perks back up

Two Orion security officers in Colonial Fleet uniforms follow Kayleigh in with their signature bladed polaron pistols in hand, looking around

T'Mer points them to the culprit on the ground

Ailmna: "I've never dealt with Changelings before, but from what I've heard of them, it usually takes more than a piece of glass to kill one. Be careful."

The two Orions move over to the downed culprit, pistols still held and ready. One of them cautiously removes a tricorder from his belt and conducts a scan

Security 1: "These readings say he's dead. And it's not registering him as a Changeling, either."

T'Mer: "Well he was definitely squirming like one. He didn't have this form initially either, if you check the security feed on the entrace you will see that he was a Clanderus when entering"

Security 2: "We'll check all our security feeds and report this incident to Coalition Security, see if the Sphere as a whole has more data on him."

T'Mer nods, "This could be a new threat from the infiltrators, and if you're saying that he does not register as a changeling then a more in depth medical analysis is needed. I would recommend a Junayd consultant"

Security 1: "Good advice. We're going to need formal witness statements from all of you too."

T'Mer: "Of course"

Security 1 steps aside for a moment to call his superiors. Ailmna looks over to Kayleigh, "Guess I was wrong about her lacking initiative. If anything, looks like she's got a little too /much/ of it," she chuckles

Kayleigh:"That would... not be entirely inaccurate"

The security officer steps off to speak with the Starfleet officer that was being targeted by the mysterious shapeshifting assassin. Ailmna looks over too, "Well, I'm sure he's glad she was a bit too enthusiastic this time."

Kayleigh:"Indeed. She is fortunate also that you were here to help control the situation. I do not believe she would have fared so well alone against a changeling"

Ailmna turns back to the culprit on the ground, "Or whatever that is..."

Kayleigh joins her for a closer inspection, "Are there different species of shapeshifter besides the Founders?"

Mariel joins them as well, "Undine?"

Kayleigh turns, "That is true. But I would have thought the security officer's scanner would have made that identity"

Kayleigh:"Then again, it should also have identified him as a Founder were that the case..."

The security officer makes his way back to the group of cadets, "Whatever it is, we'll conduct an autopsy on the body once we have it secured. More security is on the way to clean up and take you for witness statements. Those are trainee uniforms, right?"

T'Mer: "Yes, we are Cadets at the Starfleet Academy annex"

Security 1: "You made a good catch here. We'll be sure to inform your Annex of your contributions today."

T'Mer: "Before the academy, this was my patrol section. Protecting the civilians here has always been my responsibility"

Security 2: "Oh, you were the Iconian Coalition Security around here! I wondered where you had gone."

T'Mer appears to smile, "Yes, I was transferred to the academy"

A much larger group of security arrives behind them. They are all in Colonial Fleet uniforms as well, but are a mix of Arshai and Orion. An Arshai female at the head of the group speaks to an Orion female beside her as they enter the room

Arshai: "All witnesses, please clear the scene and follow Maishi," she gestures to the Orion female

Kayleigh turns to follow the Orion

Ailmna and the others turn to follow as well

The Orion, Maishi, starts leading the way out, "I'll take you to the security office where you'll record your statements on what happened. Then you'll be free to go. We'll ocntact you if we need anything else after that."

T'Mer nods, "Standard procedure, of course"

Maishi: "You all live in the Sphere, right?"

T'Mer: "Yes we are cadets from the Starfleet annex"

Maishi: "Perfect. It won't be difficult to contact you if any followups are necessary."

The camera zooms out as the cadets and the officer they rescued follows Maishi across the Promenade...

—

After giving their witness statements, the cadets step into another ferry to return to the Annex

Ferry: "Welcome. I am Ferry-301, at your service."

Kayleigh:"Hello 301, it's Kayleigh. We're going back to the academy annex"

Ferry-301: "Destination set. Preparing for departure now. Estimated arrival time, 16 minutes."

Kayleigh:"Thank you 301"

Ailmna: "I guess this is the upside of using these ferries. My Ranger ship would only be able to fit two, and the rest of you will have to find a ferry anyways."

Ailmna looks to T'Mer, "Actually, I'm not sure it could fit you comfortably at all..."

T'Mer: "Your Ranger ships are... compact, I take it?"

Kayleigh:"Also, no chance of a ferry turning out to be a shapeshifter"

Ailmna: "And that." She nods to T'Mer, "Yeah, our small one-pilot ships at least. They're designed for Romulanoids and humanoids. You Iconians are taller than the typical Ranger," she chuckles

T'Mer looks down at the cadets around her, "That is accurate. Should I start research compression methods?"

Kayleigh raises a hand, "Please... don't"

Ailmna smirks, "Yup, definitely a little /too/ much initiative." She pats T'Mer on the back, "Sorry for accusing you of not having enough."

T'Mer: "Is a lack of initiative problematic?"

Ailmna: "Depends. On a backwater colony in the Neutral Zone with a secret Tal Shiar base, too much initiative's likely to get you killed. But for Starfleet, well pretty much every officer agrees it's a good thing."

Kayleigh perks a brow, "That's on oddly specific comparison"

T'Mer nods

Ailmna chuckles, "It happens more often than you think in the neutral zone. Or former neutral zone, now."

T'Mer: "I understand this is quite a significant change for the children of the alpha quadrant"

Ailmna: "Children? Oh right, because your species is so old. You're probably the youngest out of all of us here..."

T'Mer looks confused, "Did I get something wrong?"

Kayleigh:"No T'Mer" looking to Ailmna, "She means Children species. You get used to hearing that collective term here"

Ailmna: "That a term the Iconians use often?"

Kayleigh:"It is not specific to the Iconians, it is simply a more commonly used generic terminology here"

T'Mer: "Most likely due to the fact that there are so many species here now, some Coalition, some not. Some Children, some not. It can get very confusing with political allegiances, even just in Coalition terms"

Kayleigh:"And perhaps as well, since this is home to the Chlasi temple where new psionics are gathering from across the galaxy, since that was something which effected all Children species"

Ailmna nods, "Yeah, a few Rangers had started developing these abilities too. One of our Corsairs went up to that temple to deliver them for training when we arrived, you might've noticed it pulling away from our group."

Kayleigh:"I do recall seeing that, yes"

Mariel: "Speaking of which...by joining Starfleet you're not technically a Ranger anymore, right? I don't imagine Starfleet'll let you be members of both in case there's any conflicts of interest or anything."

Ailmna: "That's right."

Mariel: "But you still have your ship? You don't have to return that to the Rangers or anything?"

Ailmna chuckles, "The Rangers aren't Starfleet. There's no central authority. We're less of an organization, more just people who banded together under a common cause. All the ships are private property."

Mariel: "So that's why you got to keep it."

Ailmna: "What does Children mean, anyways? Is it just the species that rose to power after the Iconians?"

Kayleigh:"Apologies, I did not expect you to be unaware. It refers to those species seeded by the Progenitors"

Ailmna: "Oh, I've heard of the Progenitors. Guess the Children term hadn't become common where we operated yet."

Kayleigh:"Right. So yes, this is generalized here as a collective term for all such species, including all of ours. Essentially any species with that shared heritage, and so subject to the psionic awakenings"

Ailmna nods, "Does that include the Iconians too, or?"

T'Mer, "It does. We were the first of the Children"

Ailmna: "So that's why you were so advanced so early on. Even after discovering your gateways, we still haven't figured out how to create them ourselves, just use them."

T'Mer: "The Iconian Empire dominated this entire galaxy for longer than the rest of the Children have travelled it. It is only natural that our technologies are still beyond your grasp"

Ailmna smirks, "Now you're sounding like how I'd expect an IconiaT'Mern to sound."

T'Mer: "Was I not before? I apologise if my vocal tones have fluctuated unexpectedly"

Ailmna: "And there it goes... No it was just something about saying how your tech is better than ours," she chuckles

Mariel: "I think she means it makes you sound more prideful. Which is what she expected from Iconians."

T'Mer: "Was that prideful? I was simply agreeing on the point"

Ailmna: "No, no, it's a fact, but the fact that your tech is superior coming /from/ an Iconian makes it sound prideful."

T'Mer: "It does? How curious"

Mariel: "I guess it's easy to sound that way when talking good things about yourself or your people, even if you don't mean it to. And there's also people's preconceptions, of course."

T'Mer: "I see. I will have to consider this in future interactions..."

Kayleigh eyerolls, "Clearly you do not see, but do not fret. That is why we were assigned to guide you"

T'Mer bows her head, "I am grateful for the continued guidance to you both"

Ailmna smiles, "Well with what happened today, I'd say you're guiding her pretty well."

—

Mariel | A few days after the Promenade incident, Kayleigh and Mariel are called to Professor H'Raarin's office again

Kayleigh looks to Mariel as they approach the door, "Are you ready?"

Mariel nods, "Let's go."

Kayleigh turns and chimes the door

Mariel | Professor H'Raarin's voice sounds from within, "Come in."

Kayleigh heads inside, standing attentively exactly as she did last time, "Professor"

Mariel follows in and does the same

Mariel stands attentively for Kayleigh

Mariel | H'Raarin: "Trouble sure has a way of following you around, Cadets. I ask you to smooth out some issues between Cadet T'Mer and Ailmna, and they end up taking down a shapeshifter in the Shopping District?"

Kayleigh:"That is all to T'Mer's credit, Sir - she saw the suspect and acted without hesitation. We were not actually involved at all"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "So I've seen from the reports. But T'Mer and Ailmna are getting along quite well now, and I imagine you had /some/ part to play in that."

Kayleigh:"I wish I could say we did Professor. But to be honest, all we did was bring them together in an effort to better understand the dynamic between them. The rest of the resolution appears to have come from them"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "Bringing them together was a good idea. I have a feeling if you didn't take that step, neither of them would've made the initiative to do it themselves. At least not in a peaceful way.”

Kayleigh:"And if that incident hadn't occurred, it might not have been a peaceful way"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "Maybe. Maybe luck was on your side, but you still managed to achieve a good result. If you hadn't tried to bring them together, there'd probably still be tension between them, and they might still come together in a non-peaceful way at some point in the future."

Kayleigh:"It is not for us to question, but to simply accept the fortunate outcome however little design is behind it"

Mariel | H'Raarin nods, "In any case, have a seat. I have something you might be interested in, Cadet Kayleigh. Cadet Tanglao, you're welcome to stick around too if you like."

Kayleigh perks a brow with a glance to Mari before taking a seat

Mariel gives Kayleigh a curious glance too, "Well, I don't have anything urgent to get to..." she takes a seat too

Kayleigh looks back to H'Raarin, "Is this to do with unusual suspect from that incident?"

Mariel | H'Raarin nods, "Excellent guess, Cadet. I haven't been involved in the investigation beyond the initial reports of your involvement, but I've got plenty of contacts in Starfleet and Coalition Security alike. That changeling T'Mer discovered, it definitely isn't one of the Dominion Changelings."

Kayleigh:"So it is not a Founder?"

Mariel | H'Raarin shakes his head, "Or an Undine. It's an entirely new species with shapeshifting capabilities. Fortunately, these capabilities are much more limited than the changelings Starfleet has previously dealt with."

Kayleigh:"That is indeed fortunate. Does this mean there is a way to secure against them going forwads?"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "We already have. The shapeshifting is largely visual. These aliens can remould their flesh, but they have underlying bones and organs. These can be moved around slightly, but not changed to any significant degree. A simple scan is enough to identify them, and we did find a second one trying to sneak into Coalition HQ."

Kayleigh:"Fascinating. Hopefully this one was not a fatal incident and allowed for some questioning"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "We tried to take it in alive, but it took its own life before we could."

Mariel:"Wait, the one T'Mer found had turned its hands into knives. If its shapeshifting is so limited, how did it do that?"

Kayleigh:"Logically that rigid substructure is smaller than the average Child species frame"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "I'm no xenobiologist, but from I heard of the autopsy, they have bones in their forearms shaped like blades. The slight rearranging lets them use those as weapons."

Mariel nods, "Like your retractable claws."

Mariel | H'Raarin smiles, "Exactly. Just longer and more dangerous. One of you recommended a Junayd consultant, didn't you?"

Kayleigh:"T'Mer did, yes"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "Coalition Security took her advice and handed one of the bodies to the Junayd. Between their analysis and our own, we're pretty confident these shapeshifters are a result of genetic engineering. Whether the entire species is engineered, or they only augment specific members for infiltration missions like the Undine, that we can't say from the two samples we have."

Kayleigh:"Is this a new form of the same infiltrator threat we've seen before?"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "We don't know yet, but I'm leaning towards no. These infiltrators had at least one Founder among their ranks, and the latest intel suggests they have the ability to create synthetics with the same abilities as a Dominion Changeling. And their deep cover agents are completely indistinguishable from any of us. This feels too rough of a job for them."

Kayleigh:"If not them, then who?"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "That's what I thought you might be interested in. The one you encountered, it took on the look of an Andorian when it died. Probably as a last-ditch effort to get away by shedding its previous disguise."

Mariel | H'Raarin taps on his computer before turning it around for Kayleigh to see. It displays a Starfleet file of the same Andorian whose shape it had taken on

Kayleigh studies the file

Mariel | The file identifies him as an officer who is currently MIA: LTJG Kybaoth Ch'ozirrohr, Assistant Chief of Tactical, USS Faraday

Kayleigh perks a brow, "The Faraday..." leaning back in her seat contemplating the clear implications

Mariel looks to Kayleigh, "That's the other ship that went missing just before the Guan Yu..."

Kayleigh nods

Mariel:"You think these shapeshifters might be responsible for whatever happened to the ships?"

Kayleigh:"That would be the logical conclusion"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "Like I said, it's too early to say anything for certain. But I thought Cadet Kayleigh would want to know."

Kayleigh:"I appreciate your sharing this information with me, Sir"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "Just don't go running off starting any unsanctioned investigations of your own. Now that we know these aliens are a threat, we'll be screening all incoming individuals. They shouldn't get inside the Heart again."

Kayleigh:"What about all of the traffic that has passed through since the Faraday went missing? If there are more of them, it is more likely that they are already here than yet to arrive"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "The ferries are going to start scanning their passengers for any potential shapeshifters too, and all transporter operators have been given the biological data. If there's still any here, it'll be impossible for them to move around soon enough."

Mariel | H'Raarin: "Not without exposing themselves, at least."

Kayleigh:"It seems like counter-espionage is fast becoming the core of our learning experience at this annex"

Mariel | H'Raarin: "I wouldn't be surprised if Starfleet Intelligence starts opening up a training program here too in the future. But don't worry, we're pretty confident the annex is safe at the moment.

Kayleigh:"Well I know neither of us are security, and you have a rapidly growing class in that department now. But whatever we can do to help, I for one would certainly like to see this put to an end"

Mariel | H'Raarin nods, "I'll let you know if there's any way you can help. For the moment, I think Security has things under control. That's all for now, Cadets."

Kayleigh stands, "Thank you Professor" and heads out

Mariel stands and follows Kayleigh out

—

Later that day, Kayleigh is in her usual seat eating dinner

As she eats, Ailmna steps into the dining hall, making her way towards Kayleigh's seat

Ailmna: "Mind if I join you?"

Kayleigh looks up, "Not at all"

Ailmna smiles and takes a seat, "So, how're things going?"

Kayleigh:"As well as one would typically expect"

Ailmna: "Well, I've got some news you might want to hear. Have you learned more about that changeling we ran into in the shopping district?"

Kayleigh:"I understand that they caught a second one"

Ailmna: "And the one we saw, apparently the shape it had when it died was an officer from one of the missing ships. So the Coalition suspects there's a connection."

Kayleigh nods, "Yes, he was an officer from the Faraday"

Ailmna: "Is that the ship your father is on, or?"

Kayleigh shakes her head, "No, my father is on the Guan Yu which is the ship first sent to investigate the Faraday's disappearance"

Ailmna nods, "That was the ship that went missing after, the one that made everyone suspect comms might be compromised, right?"

Kayleigh:"Correct. There is an unseen enemy targeting Starfleet, and they have made multiple attempts at attacking this installation. Given what seems to be a strong affinity for espionage, Command must have concluded that there was at least a possibility of the comms being compromised which is why the last rescue mission was despatched from here"

Ailmna: "Well, the Rangers are being deployed tomorrow. My mother's Corsair and a number of the smaller ships are being sent to the region where the ships went missing. They’re not tasked with finding the ships, but the Rangers have been asked to pass on the new intel to the ship that's on the rescue mission. That way Starfleet doesn't have to contact them through comms to inform them of the shapeshifter development and potentially expose their presence to the enemy."

Kayleigh:"A prudent course. It will take some time still for them to reach that region though"

Ailmna nods, "They'll be going through a gateway, so they won't have trouble getting there. Finding the search mission might take a little longer, though. The ship has a cloaking device and is running with their transponder off, just in case the enemy has a way to trace Starfleet transponders. They'll have to search for the rescuers."

Kayleigh:"That will certainly present a challenge"

Ailmna: "Luckily the ship is still sending reports, so they've got an idea of where to look. And they're interacting with locals too who might be able to give a few pointers."

Kayleigh:"It is reassuring to know that all is being done to aid the mission"

Ailmna smiles, "That's why I thought you'd want to hear the news. And even though the Rangers aren't going out there to search for your father, they'll be patrolling the area. And if they find anything, they'll let the rescue ship know."

Kayleigh:"Then we can only now wait patiently until they return"

Ailmna: "I know a lot of the Rangers who'll be heading to that region. They're good at what they do. I'm sure between them and Starfleet's rescue mission, we'll find the missing ships soon."

Kayleigh:"I was fortunate enough to meet some of the command crew who took the current Starfleet mission out. I share your confidence"

Ailmna: "If my mother tells me anything about the search progress, I'll be sure to pass it on to you. Until then, like you said, we'll have to wait it out."

Kayleigh thinks a long moment, "Does it affect you at all, her going out on this search knowing the current situation with ships going missing out there?"

Ailmna: "I'm a little concerned for her, obviously. But we're used to friends and family going on dangerous missions. Living in the old neutral zone, there's always the potential of danger. Those of us who joined the Rangers, we're strong enough not just to keep oursives alive, but dedicate ourselves to defending those who can't protect themselves. We've got ships, weapons and the will to fight. We aren't invincible, but we've already got the advantage over most people who've got no choice but to live in these conditions."

Kayleigh:"That sounds more like preparedness for the one going on the mission than the one being left behind"

Ailmna sighs slightly, "Well, part of me does wish I could be out there with them. But I won't throw away this opportunity I have to be a part of Starfleet. Seeing T'Mer as an Iconian in a cadet uniform...it was a surprise at first, but it wasn't her species I had an issue with. I'm not some bigot. I was concerned about the responses she might get from fellow officers being an iconian in Starfleet so soon after the war, but my problem with her personally was because of how hard other non-Federation races have to fight for a position like hers, when it kind of looked like she was just handed it."

Kayleigh:"I can see that" she nods, "But your tone suggests that opinion has shifted now?"

Ailmna nods, "She might not have gone through the same struggles as the firsts of a lot of other species, but she clearly wants it, and does a good job at it. I'm used to life outside the Federation, where you've got to fight tooth and nail for every little scrap. I forget that's not how things work in places with luxury like the Heart. Just because someone got in through a recommendation...I guess it doesn't necessarily mean they're not going to be a good fit."

Kayleigh:"Whilst I have no doubt that there was at least some consideration as to the diplomatic overtures of it, I know the Commodore would not simply take in a cadet for that sake alone. I remain confident that it was a calculated decision"

Ailmna nods, "I think I see that now. And there's no better place to do it than here, inside an Iconian Sphere, in what might be the most diverse place in our galaxy right now. Sends a message of inclusivity, to the Iconians as new allies and every other species out there who wants to be a part of Starfleet. Especially ones that have a rocky past with the Federation like mine."

Kayleigh:"What we have to remember is that here of all places, it is not just a matter of others wanting to be a part of the Federation or Starfleet, but Starfleet itself wanting to be part of the Coalition. And such arrangements seldom come without some degree of compromise"

Ailmna: "I wouldn't call recruiting T'Mer a compromise. Sure, she's a little clueless about some things, but she's good at her job. Kind of like Reg Barclay."

Kayleigh:"It was not my intention to imply that she was, simply that the established rulebooks may not always apply in such black and white terms as we are accustomed to here"

Ailmna: "I think I get what you mean. We're in new territory here. As busy as the Heart is, I suppose this is still the frontier."

Kayleigh:"And I think it is a different situation for the Federation to be in here. Since they are normally the larger body that others are wishing to become members of, wheras now they are the ones vying for membership as it were"

Ailmna: "I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

Kayleigh:"It does make for quite an interesting dynamic. I did my first year at the central academy on Earth, so I find it quite interesting to compare the differences like this between the two regions"

Ailmna: "I haven't been to Earth yet. Plan to visit someday. It'll be interesting to see all the things I've heard about for myself."

Kayleigh:"It is definitely a worthwhile experience"

Ailmna: "I'll be sure to visit. No doubt I'll have plenty of chances to once I'm a full officer posted to a ship."

Kayleigh:"Is that your goal then, a ship security posting?"

Ailmna nods, "What about you? Ship command, tactical?"

Kayleigh:"Unfortunately I can not answer with your level of conviction. I started on the command path because it was almost a preconception that the expectation in joining Starfleet was to one day rise to that level. However I do find other areas of interest appealing as well, so it is still an ongoing debate"

Ailmna: "Not sure which of your parents' footsteps to walk in?"

Kayleigh:"Well at present I am following neither. My father is a science officer, and my mother works in operations. Presently I am tactical, but find appeal in the sciences and even some engineering"

Ailmna: "I'm open to other careers if things play out that way, but I'm definitely walking in my stepfather's footsteps. It's what my skills from my time as a Ranger is best suited for too."

Ailmna smiles, "Why he made such a good Ranger, too."

Kayleigh:"Your father was also a Ranger?"

Ailmna: "Actually, both my biological father and my stepfather was. Stepfather was Starfleet before that, my biological father was just a tough Romulan who cared about the folks around him."

Kayleigh:"I see. You have quite a complex family structure, at least compared to mine"

Ailmna: "Like I said, it's the nature of life where I'm from. My biological father died not long after I was born, so my mother remarried. She's one of the few with the skills and luck to have stayed alive after all this time."

Kayleigh:"She sounds quite remarkable"

Ailmna: "She's one of the best the Rangers have to offer. And you're probably wondering why I'm following my stepfather's footsteps and not hers," she chuckles

Kayleigh:"It is a point of curiosity"

Ailmna smiles, "Well, life as a Ranger isn't easy, and romantic tales of Starfleet does capture a teenage Romulan's imagination," she smirks

Kayleigh:"Describing it that way certainly does paint a very poetic drive to it"

Ailmna: "My stepfather might've left Starfleet behind, but he still had quite the fond memory of it."

Kayleigh:"What did he do?"

Ailmna: "Oh, he didn't exactly save the galaxy by his actions, but he went on a lot of missions, received a lot of medals. He was a decorated officer, not quite a legend, but he certainly served with legends."

Kayleigh:"That is a highly respectable and distinguished career"

Ailmna nods, "You probably haven't heard of him, his name's not exactly uncommon among humans anyways. Lieutenant Antony Johnson. But you definitely know some of his postings."

Kayleigh:"Oh?"

Ailmna: "Security crewman, USS Mumbai, Starbase 375. Security officer, USS Enterprise, USS Verity."

Kayleigh:"An impressive resume indeed"

Ailmna: "Man like him had quite a few stories to tell about Starfleet. And that's not mentioning the stories passed on to him by even older and more experienced officers."

Kayleigh:"I would imagine so"

Ailmna smiles, "I'll be happy to share some of them if you like. You're probably familiar with the missions, maybe even read the after action reports. But the firsthand accounts, passed down from those who were on the bridge or the ground, complete with the emotions of the moment...that's something reports can't capture. Something my people respects the value of more than most who have advanced database tech."

Kayleigh:"That would indeed make for a fascinating comparison, I would like to take you up on that offer"

Ailmna stands, "Just let me know if you ever feel like hearing about what first contact with the Tamarians was like. Or how the battles at Chin'toka played out."

Kayleigh:"I will do so"