Star Trek: Death of the Federation

[Cynical Cat]

"Get me data on those Klingon vessels," ordered Kadon. K't'ingas were a venerable design and accordingly, some were in held by lines wealthy enough to buy starships to further their own interests. "Sensor data on the crews as well."

"Acting," replied Arikel.

"Getting a deeps scan on to us good enough to read that we are armed with tricobalts is no small accomplishment in this soup. It would have also taken a lot of power. Check the sensor logs, find that scanning beam, and identify the one that emitted it. Kallor."

"Captain."

"That ship is to be secondary target. If we need to puncture the smiling one's hull, I want those eyes plucked out. I fought the Cardassians and the Dominion in here during the war. There are evasions and deceptions that involve no cloaking devices and I would have us being the ones that perpetrate them."

[General Havoc]

Tyran smiled knowingly, as he conceded the point with a shrug and a gesture.

"I'm afraid, Captain," he said, "that the notion of discussing the procurement of my Federation escorts while a guest aboard a Federation warship is not... precisely the most tempting in the world. To say nothing of doing so aboard a Romulan vessel."

The ersatz Admiral sat back in his chair for a moment, thinking on the matter.

"Perhaps, Captain, we can come to a more commodious arrangement. The Avenger, as you've no doubt noticed, is of Romulan design. So, I note, are two of your warships. This class of tender was designed to interface directly with Romulan warships, and has the capability to dock directly with them. If you wish to ensure that me and mine don't pose a threat to your people, Captain, then let me propose another option. Dock that Warbird of yours with the Avenger directly, and we can meet on the threshold. If I try anything funny, your biggest warship and several thousand of your people will be on hand to punish my presumption."

Tyran shrugged once again. "I'm afraid this is the best option I can think of, Captain. I'm open to reasonable suggestions otherwise however."

[LadyTevar]

Kirk, easedropping on the conversation and having her comm muted, snorted at 'Admiral' Tyran's best option. "Take one of our best vessels in close to dock with your tender, where we'd be surrounded by all your warships, plus whatever you might have hiding in those civilian models?"

Serin, knowing his captain's sense of humor deadpanned "It would be a target-rich environment."

The bridge crew broke up, as they always did when forgetting that Serin was -not- a Vulcan and did have a very sly sense of humor. Eoife herself blinked, startled out of her train of thought, before grinning as well.

"So, what do you suggest, sending our own pet Orion in?" she asked Serin, referring to the Barbarosa.

"Unless he has past dealings with this Tyran, which could quickly sour relations," Serin answered.

Eoife snorted again. "With our luck, Hizir stole his ship and wife and ran off."

[Charon]

The Barbarossa
Captain's Quarters

Hizir was sitting in his quarters, on the edge of his bed. Danava was behind him, already only half-dressed, with her arms wrapped around his shoulders as she leaned her head next to his. Hizir was not paying her much mind at the moment, too busy watching the feed that was being piped into his room.

"He knows something."

Danava smirked. "You are being paranoid. There is no ship safer than a Warbird." she whispered into one of his ears. "That is why he chose it."

Hizir frowned despite the whispering of the Orion woman. "Perhaps. But I do not think Anderson is taking this threat as seriously as he should."

Danava sighed and moved away from Hizir, reaching back and grabbing his ornate hat and plopping it on her head as she got a rakish grin on her face. "There I will agree with you, oh mighty captain." Hizir glanced back to see Danava sitting seductively on the bed, she leaned forward slowly and crawled towards him. "You worry too much. Let Khoal actually do something for once. Maybe he won't screw things up."

Hizir laughed some and smiled, pulling the hat down over Danava's face. "You tempt me sorely woman. But not now." Slowly, and not without some effort, Hizir turned back to look at the screen.

The Bridge
Khoal sat in the captain's chair, watching the screen as intently as Hizir had been. The Romulan sneered some at the prospect of holding the conference on the Barbarossa. There was too much chance of something going wrong. On the other hand however, they would be perfectly positioned to strike if things went wrong. Leaning back in the chair now, Khoal considered his options even as Ereiss smoothly kept the ship exactly where she was supposed to be. Perhaps if they could take the fleet, he could get his own command again. Khoal grinned. That would be worth a little risk.

[frigidmagi]

"Perhaps, Captain, we can come to a more commodious arrangement. The Avenger, as you've no doubt noticed, is of Romulan design. So, I note, are two of your warships. This class of tender was designed to interface directly with Romulan warships, and has the capability to dock directly with them. If you wish to ensure that me and mine don't pose a threat to your people, Captain, then let me propose another option. Dock that Warbird of yours with the Avenger directly, and we can meet on the threshold. If I try anything funny, your biggest warship and several thousand of your people will be on hand to punish my presumption."

Tyran shrugged once again. "I'm afraid this is the best option I can think of, Captain. I'm open to reasonable suggestions otherwise however."

"A sound proposition Shodar Tyran. I am willing to accept, however I am afraid that Starfleet regulations state that debriefing must take place on Starfleet ships or instillations. I will happily met you on the threshold between our ships and as we speak, my XO can receive the reports and statements of the commanding officers of the Starfleet ships of the on the Immortal." Captain Anderson offered.

[General Havoc]

Tyran seemed to consider the proposal for a moment.

"I will agree to this proposal in theory, Captain," said the El-Aurian. "I'll need a moment to confer with my Captains of course, as I assume you will. I will await your call, Captain. I'm certain we can do business. Avenger out."

[frigidmagi]

"I will agree to this proposal in theory, Captain," said the El-Aurian. "I'll need a moment to confer with my Captains of course, as I assume you will. I will await your call, Captain. I'm certain we can do business. Avenger out."

The picture blanked out and Captain Anderson turned to the XO and the com.

"Get the Romulans and the Klingons on the com, narrow beam laser only. Narrow laser the Barbarossa an encrypt package and instructions to reply as sneaky and quietly as possible. Federation ships, send quietly to assume all communication are bugged unless instructed otherwise." Captain Anderson said, the comm section exploded.

"To Romulan and Klingon vessals, message as follows. Meeting leader of opposing fleet, goals of meeting to find out status of Starfleet and allied crews. Do you wish to send representative? To Romulans only. Does S'harien wish to dock with fleet tender for meeting or have the Barbarossa do so? To Klingons only, I am having my science ships store full readings of ships for future reckoning would appreciate if you did so as well."

"To everyone, Captains comm meeting, to discuss business with other fleet."

[Cynical Cat]

"Neither K't'inga is crewed by Klingons or any of the Empire's major species," said Arikel.

"Not much chance of turning their captain's then," said Kadon. "Tight beam the Immortal that the K't'inga's are hijacked ships."

"Transmission incoming," said Aaveroke. "The Immortal intends to accept the pirate's offer of a meeting. They want to know if we intend to send a representative."

"What is that one playing?" asked Kadon.

"Perhaps he believes he can talk a Starfleet Captain into a compromised position," said Morizan. "It has happened before."

"Not to Anderson," replied Kadon. "There is another move here, but I do not see it."

"Then do not go," said Menmoth. "Anderson is no fool and is hard for an Earther. Stay on the bridge and monitor the situation. You will be here, able to act, if the situation warrants. Send someone else in your stead."

"Are you volunteering Force Leader?"

"There are no cowards in the Marines Squadron Leader."

"The Immortal is signaling for a general com meeting," said Aaveroke. "It's possible that the pirates may hack into the coms."

"The one understands, but has lived much of his life under Security's eye." The joke produced several chuckles. "Force Leader, assemble your away team and prepare for the meeting."

[LadyTevar]

USS Spector
Battle Bridge

"Acknowledge the Immortal, have a secure channel ready," Kirk ordered, turning away from the screen and walking over to Serin for a quick chat.

"You are thinking of joining the meeting," Serin stated quietly, two steps ahead of her as always. "You are hoping to use your name as leverage."

Eoife nodded. "Might as well put the legend to use, but if Anderson wants me here, I won't argue."

"If it reaches the point of negotiation, we will be able to offer some of our stores from Nivoch IV," Serin consulted the computer. "We did receive both fresh produce and seed stock. The seed stock would be particularly effective as a bargaining chip."

"I have no doubt they've been inside here for several years," Eoife agreed. "I know I loved having something that wasn't replicated when we got it onboard. I'll mention it to Anderson."

Serin took a breath. "I do not think it wise that you go to the meeting."

Kirk raised her hand, knowing what was coming. "Refused. You are not going in my place either. We'll see what Anderson has in mind first." Kirk ended the discussion by going back to her seat, prepared for the meeting.

With a nod, the comm was opened, the viewscreen splitting as other captains joined. "This is Kirk. What do you have in mind, Commodore Anderson?"

[Hotfoot]

Alpha Quadrant
Badlands
Empyrean Bridge

“Sir, unknown fleet moving to intercept,â€

[Comrade Tortoise]

Bridge, U.S.S. Humboldt

There was a knot in T'Lorn's stomach. A knot. He had never felt that before. He had been careless and asked too much of one of his officers. On the other hand, even that officer had thought the matter doable. T'Lorn suspected he had been overwhelmed by the sheer volume and intensity of emotional outpour, one of which he could have dealt with.

"Captain to sickbay"

"Yes Captain? This is Hal. You are not calling to ask if you can fry my holomatrix by sending me through a back-door in enemy security protocols are you?" he asked pointedly and with his usual shrill voice. T'Lorn deeply regretted the outfit of his ship with a Mark 2 EMH. Despite attempts at improvement, Doctor Zimmerman had actually managed to create a second generation of Emergency Medical Hologram with a worse bedside manner than the first. T'Lorn did not mind the first generation, as a matter of fact. chiding sarcasm worked fairly well with Vulcans. The condescension did not offend--naturally--and the advice was sound, and engineered well to point out the flaws in behavior which might lead to easily preventable injuries. However, the attempt at creating a more emotionally intuitive program had only ended up creating a program shrill enough to annoy even a vulcan. Still, T'Lorn had been of the view--ever since The Doctor had come back aboard the U.S.S. Prometheus and re-captured it from Romulans--that a sufficiently advanced Hologram should have all the rights that other sentient beings and the few Androids in existence did. As a result, it would not be morally permissible to go mucking about in Hal's Holomatrix.

"No Doctor. I have no such intention. I am only inquiring into Sabin's condition. "

"Oh, well that being the case... There will be no permanent damage. Betazoid telepaths learn how to avoid being completely overwhelmed like this, they sever the neural connections between their metacerebral cortex, and their frontal lobe and lymbic system. The connections are regenerative and he will be conscious again within the hour. Doctor Kareth has been helping him rebuild the connections."

Doctor Kareth was the Vulcan cognitive therapist who came aboard from Nivoch, already showing his usefulness.

"Very well. Keep up the good work. T'Lorn out."

...

"Captain, we are getting a narrow beam transmission from the U.S.S. Immortal. Requesting communications conference, security may be breached" Lt. Sevrin said. "Additionally, be advised, the Barbarossa has changed IFF. They are showing up now as the IRW Gannius"

That was odd. Then it struck him. Probable pirate fleet; and the Barbarossa was a pirate ship. The logical explanation was that there may be, to say the least, some awkwardness. Perhaps the two were not on the best of terms, they were part of rival factions, or Hizir had gone AWOL from the Syndicate. It stood to reason then that one of the Romulans would be standing in for Hizir in case the codes were broken and the conference eavesdropped.

"Mr. Sevrin, send a communication to all duty stations via hard-line print out. The Barbarossa is to be referred to in all transmitted communications--even communicators--as the IRW Gannius. If a Romulan poses as her commanding officer in any way, you are to accommodate said Romulan, and behave as if they are the proper Commanding Officer. It must be a ruse to not draw uncomfortable questions regarding the Barbarossa. Am I understood?"

"Yes captain" she said, typing out the orders and sending them to each duty station via print out.

How, he needed a way to appraise the Scylla of the situation. Leaving them completely in the dark could lead to disaster should they get the wrong impression. He decided that a simple Stand By would suffice.

"I need a transmission sent to all four sensor probes via the comm relay, no changes in security protocols save to make them as narrow and low powered as possible to still reach their destinations. It will reduce the chances of the transmissions being picked up" This was standard of course, but it bore repeating just to make sure there was no mistake.

"Instruct the probes to make one last sensor sweep and update Telemetry, and then stand by. The Scylla should be monitoring the probes, and pick up the instructions. Hopefully her captain is smart enough to know the communication is meant for him." After a few moments, the protocols essentially being preset into the ship's computer, Ms. Sevrin signaled that the task was complete with a nod of her head.

"Very well, put the conference through. Highest security protocol compatible with non-federation systems. Now that we know who the Federation ships are, we know they probably do not have the latest codes. Use the newest one shared with all vessels in our taskforce."

Code: Select all

Conference Initiated

Clarification for OOC Purposes: I am not relaying any transmissions, data, or information to the Scylla. Only telling them to stand by, and not do anything crazy

[Charon]

The Barbarossa
Captain's Quarters

Hizir frowned as the call between Tyran and Anderson ended. "Damn Federation. Gonna risk all our hides just to confirm something they already know." Danava smirked, leaning against Hizir again. "That is why you should be in charge of this fleet."

Hizir smiled and laughed. "You are right again, most likely. But why subject myself to the charge of a fleet that will hate me for little gain. Perhaps if things go poorly Anderson and the others will be more likely to heed my advice."

Danava curled her arms around his waist and kissed at his neck. "You should just grab the power you need. That is the only way."

Hizir laughed again. "Is that why you hang about me? Here I thought it might be m striking good looks."

Danava smirked. "I have seen better looking Ferengi."

Hizir turned around and grabbed Danava around her waist. "You wound me greatly."

The two sank to their bed.

Bridge
Khoal idly scratched at his chin as the screen meeting ended. "Sensor station. Take a closer look at that fleet, lifesigns. See if we can see how many of those people are Orions."

The Romulan at the comm station turned around. "Sir, The Immortal has sent us a tight beam message. They're asking if we or the S'harien will take the honor of docking with the enemy fleet."

Khoal considered the options for several moments before responding. "Inform the Commodore that the IRW Gannius, captained by Commander Khoal Mliessan Othan, is willing to take the honor of docking with the opposing fleet. Captain Hizir is currently indisposed and Shodar Tyran is a hgh ranking commander of the Orion Syndicate. We will be prepared for the meeting." Khoal leaned back in his chair. "Encrypt the message with the best we've got. Narrow beam response to The Immortal."

Once that was done, Khoal tried to remind himself not to look too comfortable in his seat. If truth be told, he had spent too much time with the charismatic human Captain, he had begun to unconsciously emulate his mannerisms in some ways. He was Romulan. He must show his pride, he must not show any sign of comfort. That was tantamount to showing weakness.

Soon enough, the communication channel was open. "Commodore Anderson. We have much to discuss."

He would secretly enjoy the look on the faces of the rest of the Captains.

[frigidmagi]

Captain Anderson walked into his ready room and keyed a wall monitor. He had chosen that over having a fish. He waited as everyone commed in and then spoke.

"Captains, as you are no doubt aware I have been in communication with the leader of the unidentified fleet, one Shodar Tyran. After some... negotiations we have reached a tentative agreement. As his flag ship is a Romulan fleet tender, one of the Romulan ships will dock with it and I will met him with a delegation on the crossways between ships. I will be on board along with 3 other ship Representatives, not counting the Captain of the docked ship. Captain Othan of the IRW Gannius as communicated to me his willingness to take on this role. Unless you object Captain Cretak?" Captain Anderson highlighted the comm signal from the Barbaossa, so as to clue in the other Captains just who the hell Othan was and what ship Anderson was talking about.

He had no idea what that pack of pirates were playing at but given the most likely nature of Shodar's fleet, it was likely that Hizr had had... disagreements with him. Over a ship, a women or maybe he had just shot someone the Shodar liked more then him, Anderson imagined that the list of people that anyone liked more the Hizir was likely a long one.

[LadyTevar]

One eyebrow raised, but that was the only tell on Kirk's poker face as she nodded at the Romulan who was now Captain of the IRW Gannius. So, she was right, Hizir had done something to these pirates and was in hiding. She had been informed of the change in IFF, but she didn't realize that Hizir would take the ruse that far.

Honestly, she'd not have been able to give another 'captain' her chair, especially in a situation like this. Hizir must trust this Othan. Unfortunately, Battle Bridges didn't come with private ReadyRooms, so she could only hope her crew was keeping their poker faces on. Looking away to judge them would only acknowledge something was wrong.

Kirk had her questions for Anderson, but she waited for Cretak to answer the question first.

[Comrade Tortoise]

"Commodore" T'Lorn said, raising his head "Perhaps, given the large compliment of Remans aboard, and the large number of refugees present aboard the IRW Gannius" he continued, without even a hint that something was off in any way

"It would be more prudent--barring the refusal of Captain Cretak--to use the S'harien for this meeting. If things were to go poorly, for whatever reason--meetings such as these are unpredictable, and wars have been started under less precarious conditions--it would be wise to have the extra security offered."

He was of course alluding to the fact that a casual life form scan would reveal a reduced romulan crew aboard the 'IRW Gannius', and the fact that Hizir could potentially be discovered accidentally. Keeping the 'IRW Gannius' away from that fleet tender should obviously be relatively high on the priority list.

[General Havoc]

Commander Kalpov said nothing initially as the message from Captain Anderson played for the bridge crew, followed by the comments from Captain T'lorn. Around him, the bridge crew said nothing, did their best not to react, save for Ereshal, whose antennae turned slightly towards the Commander of the USS Argonaut.

Still, even Kalpov could not suppress a soft shudder when T'lon mentioned the value of S'harien's excess security. If there were interlopers listening in, they could not be stupid enough to imagine that a complement of hundreds of Reman Imperial Space Marines would "provide additional security". Trained though they might be, Reman marines were designed, literally, to fight wars, not to prevent them. Granted, they'd be of immense help in a firefight, but if the objective was to ensure non-hostilities, they were hardly a step in the right direction.

Kalpov however said none of this, instead looking into the screen with some equanimity. "Sir," he said, "Whether Captain Othan or Captain Cretak host the meeting, I'd like to be in attendance. Our ship has had dealings with independant operators like this before. Depending on who else is on that fleet, I might be able to be of assistance."

[Cynical Cat]

"I see no purpose in meeting this Orion Syndicate crime lord face to face," said Kadon. "Not in this time and place. If you go forward with this it would be advantageous to have Force Leader Menmoth present."

[rhoenix]

U.S.S. Gilgamesh
Badlands Sector
Bridge

After Commadore Anderson's message, the main viewer of the U.S.S. Gilgamesh now showed each Captain of their makeshift fleet as they joined, showing in a small grid in front of the bridge crew. The feed from the Gilgamesh was muted for now, allowing the crew to speak freely.

Captain Solheim smirked slightly at the announcement of Riov Othan, of the IRW Gannius, though he said nothing as the other Captains added their opinions as well. Seeing the giant d'Deridex with its prow painted a blood red now innocently proclaiming itself as a standard IRW warship was utterly hilarious, but he kept that to himself for now.

Struck with a sudden thought, Captain Solheim turned slightly to his right before addressing his Tactical officer. "Lieutenant Adranis?"

Somehow knowing what was going to be asked, the older Romulan looked at his Captain with narrowed eyes. "Yes, Captain?" he asked.

"You'd be able to handle security for escorting this little group, right?" Captain Solheim asked, with no trace of the smile that still threatened to show on his face.

The Tactical officer of the Gilgamesh narrowed his eyes slightly more as he stared at Captain Solheim. He continued his almost-glare for a few moments before replying. "You of all people should remember my last two escort missions for the Tal'Shiar, Captain. Why must you bring this up?"

Still valiantly keeping a straight face, Captain Solheim only raised his eyebrows in response. "Come on, Adranis, it's not like there'll be a Senator present."

Lieutenant Adranis muttered to himself in Romulan, something that sounded very like "O Universe, great and glorious, give me the strength to not stab this man in the face while he sleeps" before replying in a more common tone of voice, this time in Federation Standard. "There's a shuttle involved, so probably not, Captain," he said, a note of exasperation creeping into his voice.

"Oh come on Adranis, that was only one shuttle," Captain Solheim continued, keeping a straight face only with the skill borne of long practice.

"Captain," replied Lieutenant Adranis with more than a note of irritation in his voice, "you do realize that the Tal'Shiar went crazy trying to figure out how that happened for more than a year, before they went the usual route and claimed incompetence of the officers, right?"

At this, Captain Solheim raised his eyebrows with what appeared to be surprise. "Why? It's not like they had much area to check."

There were a few moments wherein Lieutenant Adranis massaged the bridge of his nose before replying, looking back up at Captain Solheim with a look of long-suffering patience. "The shuttle was equipped with a transport-inhibitor to prevent the tricks you loved employing so much, and a doubly-powerful shield - and yet, the Senator still died from a headshot from a physical round, fired by a TR-116 that wasn't on the shuttle. Do I seriously need to spell out for you why that annoyed the Tal'Shiar?"

At this, Captain Solheim grinned as he reminisced. "Yeah, that took a little bit of planning. So, are you up for it?"

Raising an eyebrow, Lieutenant Adranis took a moment before replying. "Are you going to tell me how you managed to headshot a senator and my career in the Tal'Shiar with one bullet? If so, then I'll volunteer for it."

There were a few moments when Captain Solheim put his index finger to his lips, as if thinking about the problem. However, Lieutenant Adranis restrained himself from rolling his eyes at this, knowing that by this point Captain Solheim was just stalling for a properly dramatic response.

Lieutenant Adranis, to his dismay, was not disappointed as Captain Solheim responded. "Yeah, I'll tell you. But," he raised a cautionary finger with a small smirk, "you can't get mad."

The Lieutenant's response was to continue glaring at his Captain. "Fine. Explain the Federation technological trickery that allowed you to mock the entire Tal'Shiar."

"Well," Captain Solheim with a small smile, "the security profiles of the workers on the shuttle weren't double-checked, even though the Tal'Shiar made sure they were all shot afterwards. I just rigged one of the bulkheads in the shuttle with a single bullet, glue, and a pin."

For a few moments, Lieutenant Adranis was speechless. When he regained his ability to speak, it was in a low growl. "I hate you so much."

"So, will you go?" asked Captain Solheim asked with a friendly smile.

"Yes, Captain," Lieutenant Adranis replied, glowering at his console as he studied sensor readings for a moment before looking up. "But for the record, I sincerely hate you sometimes."

With that, Captain Solheim un-muted his end of the Captain's teleconference. "For additional security, I would also like to volunteer my tactical officer. He has relevant experience in these matters."

"Yes, thanks to you," replied Lieutenant Adranis in Romulan to himself, but not loud enough for the comm speakers to pick up.

[Marcao]

Alpha Quadrant
Badlands, IRW S'harien

His expression darkened as there was no response to his ciphered message to the Romulan Warships that were part of the opposing task force. The lack of a response hinted at what he already suspected and his grip on his command dais tightened for a moment. How many Warbirds will I meet in my travels to Bajor that are no longer in their proper hands? How many tools of the Empire will I see desecrated for the gain of others? The thoughts danced in his mind until he forced himself to dispel them. With a ship full of civilians and their task force outnumbered by a significant amount now was not the time to give in to anger.

I can't be fire. I have to water. Over time water conquers everything. So will I.

The heavily encrypted and secured communication channel that linked several ships of the task force was established and he found himself forcing a neutral expression to his face. There was no need to clearly inform the others of his feelings on the current situation. The Romulan in charge of the Barborossa was known to him and he nearly instantly began to form reasons for his presence rather than that of Captain Hzir. When Captain Anderson began to speak he listened closely. Ultimately, he saw little choice to the situation. The Barbarossa was a mighty ship but its crew was not fully Romulan. He disliked placing his ship in harm's way but he saw no other way. "I am willing to dock the S'harien to the Saeihr". He said flatly.

There is no other place I would rather be right now. I have questions that need answers.

"There are questions that need answers regarding the Romulan ships in this task force and I was part of the design committee that dreamed up this fleet tender class. I am the superior choice in this particular situation. " He added. His head turned for a moment glancing at the images of Kalpov and Captain Kadon before he nodded. "I would be honored by the presence of both Commander Kalpov and Force Leader Menmoth."

[Charon]

Othan listened as each other captain spoke up. "Keeping in mind Captain T'Lorn's interest in keeping this from becoming a fight, I think it would be in our best interests if a Romulan who did not have a history with the ship in question was present, rather than one who was. As for the question of security, I have quite a number of Romulan marines aboard my ship if the matter comes to fighting, more than enough to keep any boarding parties away, though I find it very unlikely that this, apparently Orion Syndicate member will be so blatant or foolish enough as to board a D'deridex."

Othan paused. "As for Captain Kalpov or your tactical officer, Captain Solheim, I do not believe it will be necessary for everyone to attend this meeting, unless you do not trust that the Commodore and Force Leader Menmoth will be able to achieve a favorable negotiation." Othan smiled.

[frigidmagi]

Captain Anderson listened to the various suggestions his face immobile, his metal arm resting on the chair arm while his human hand was up at chest level, his thumb moving in a circle around his first 3 fingers. When he reached his decision he held up his human hand in a stop motion.

"As I said Gentlemen and Ladies, there will be three of us in attendance. Since Captain Cretak would prefer to use his ship, that's the one we will use. Myself, Force Commander Menmoth and Captain Kalpov will represent the fleet. Captain Solheim, I appreciate the offer but your tactical officer would do best on your bridge. Captain Othan, your points are noted but I trust Captain Cretak to conduct himself as a professional in accord with the high standards of the Imperial Romulan Navy. Now, that said, I would prefer that all of you remain on alert for the duration of the meeting. Make sure you rotate and feed your crews of course but stay on alert. Captain Dubois and Captain T'Lorn you will be on sensor overwatch, while I trust everyone will be keeping an eye on the opposing fleet, I want at least one of you keeping an eye on the approaches. Let's make sure we don't get surprised by unwelcome company. Captain T'Lorn I will be sending you some additional material. Any questions Captains?"

[LadyTevar]

And that quickly, it was decided. The other captains wouldn't like it, but it was clear to Kirk that Anderson had made up his mind. "Unless you have any specific orders, Captain Anderson, I believe I will keep my birds in the roost unless needed. A full fighter patrol might send the wrong message at this time, and I do not want to have a pilot out in the storm just yet."

The Spector hadn't had enough fighters for a 'full patrol' per the books in months, and the action at Nivoch IV had cost her four more of the precious Peregrine Fighters. The other captains would know Kirk had a fraction of what an Akira-class could fly, but if they were being overheard it never hurt to seem more prepared.

"I will have them on standby, if you need rescued," Kirk added, adding a boyish, carefree grin that would have matched The Kirk's best. "Good luck."

[Cynical Cat]

Force Leader Menmoth walked through the corridors of the Riskadh towards the transporter room. Five Imperial Marines followed him, all but one members of the Imperial Race. Menmoth was on the tall side of average for a member of the Imperial Race, which made him taller than most other species. He was, however, massively built and immensely powerful. A scar crossed his nose and another ran down his left cheek. More marked his body, hidden under his uniform. In short Menmoth looked like the stereotypical image of two centuries of anti-Klingon propoganda huge, brutish, warlike, and terrible.

Morizon stepped out of a side corridor and into the Force Leader's path. "Force Leader."

"Is there a reason you are wearing the tabs of senior lieutenant in the Marines Operations Master?"

"I was thinking of joining your party as your aide."

"You want a look at the Rom warbird."

"It's true this one might get lost and stumble into certain less public sections. see some unusual sights, and overhear all kinds of conversations," said Menmoth, "and that will certainly be of use to the captain and the ship. I believe, however, that you are correct in this matter. A Klingon needs to look into this pirate's eyes and judge what he finds there."

"Lieutenant Moreketh you may return to your duties," said Menmoth. "Lieutenant Morizan will take your place."

[Comrade Tortoise]

"No questions Commodore." T'Lorn turned to captain DuBois "Captain DuBois, if you do not object, I will primarily keep watch on the approaches." he left silent the fact that he had sensor probes out in space, just in case they had not been detected. With those, sensor range was enhanced considerably, and their relative positions could be reconfigured to watch from all sides. He was primarily concerned with the ones serving as comm relays to the Scylla, the others could easily be repositioned and even if detected, would pose no practical danger.

[Charon]

Othan leaned back in his chair, his fingers crossed underneath his chin as he considered the proposal before him. "No, Commodore. I have no questions." Othan waited a few moments to see if there were any interesting questions before he shut the communication channel.

One of the Romulans looked back. "Sir?"

Khoal smiled. "We are Romulan. I could not simply let Commander Cretak have that honor without putting up some resistance. Now let us keep an eye on those pirates. Perhaps we will still get our chance to reclaim a Romulan fleet tender."