DSB Mission 1: Dissary

[Metrel]

"I am afraid there has been some rather devastating news in regards to the good Captain. He passed away earlier today; the details are still being confirmed however I see no reason to postpone these talks. I am sure Captain Caspian would have wanted us to continue." He said with a gracious, yet mourning smile. Acting was one of his strong suits.

Metrel could see through the facade that this man was, Metrons were very strong telepaths and even Metrel could feel the deceit coming from the man on the view screen.

"That is not my problem human, that means I will only meet with Captain Kirk," Metrel said and ended communications.

"High Chancellor, we are being deceived, I have just located Captain Caspian’s life signs on the Cole.”

"Strange," Metrel said thinking about what was happening. Metrel quickly understood what was happening and he did not like it. Since this new man came to the station things have not seemed right.

"This is up surd Chancellor we don't need these lower beings, we are the Metron Consor..." Cylia started before being stopped by Metrel.

"Administrator when I ask for your opinion you may give it, otherwise do not speak," Metrel said a bit forcefully.

"Chancellor we are being hailed."

"Who is it?" Metrel asked, but before he could say anything he was pleasantly surprised to see Captain Kirk.


“High Chancellor Metrel, this is Captain Kirk of the United Federation of Planets.”

The screen blinked on and Metrel appeared on the main view screen. If Kirk did not know better he thought he could see a smile on the Metron’s face.

“I think it is about time we get these peace talks started.” Kirk said.

"Yes Captain I agree and it’s very pleasant to see you," Metrel said truthfully.

"Captain arrange your teams, I will be transporting everyone to Metrona in fifteen minutes," Metrel said.

<Tag Kirk>

[Intelligence Officer Ikar]

Ikar left Command after his conversation with Metrel had been abruptly ended. It bothered him little, whether the Consortium liked him or not did not matter. The result would be the same, he would make sure of it.

Taking the Turbolift he headed to the Infirmary where he would check the corpse of Caspian, he could not have any interuptions from anyone alive, let alone the 'dead'.

The Turbolift slowed and then halted. Ikar exited and made the short journey to the Infirmary. He received many a sceptical look on the way and once or twice a look of pure hatred. He had expected no little, he was after all a member of Intelligence and was responsible for the 'death' of Caspian. Rumours were bound to spread, even on a Station this size. However it mattered, especially when this Station was ground to dust...

"Doctor Fenel, report." He said entering the well lit Infirmary. It had a similar lay out to that of a general Starship, although considerably bigger.

<TAG Fenel>

"I would like to inspect the body myself Ensign."

<TAG Fenel>

"Please don't make me have you removed from duty Doctor, now show me to the corpse."

Fenel led the way and Ikar followed. Slightly apprehensive. If Caspian was dead then there would be no problem, however if this was all a rouse then he would face serious issues...

He approached the casket and peered in. There, beneath him, was what certainly looked like a body covered with a white cloth. He moved his hand to remove it and saw Fenel twitch out of the corner of his eye.

"Is there a problem Ensign?"

"No... No Sir." She replied.

Ikar leant forward again and stretched out his arm...

=^= Command to Ikar =^=

Ikar snatched back his hand immediately and tapped his comm badge.

"What is it?!" He snapped irritably.

=^= Ambassador Metrel of the Metron Consortium and Captain Kirk have begun the peace talks, they said... =^=

"WHAT?!" IKar yelled before closing the comm link and storming out of the Infirmary. Caspian and Fenel totally forgotten. Little did he know that as the Infirmary doors closed Ensign Fenel let out a sigh of relief. Now there would be plenty of time to sort things out...

[Fenel]

"Doctor Fenel, report." Ikar said entering the well lit Infirmary. It had a similar lay out to that of a general Starship, although considerably bigger.

Fenel jumped, Willow hadn't got the body to the Transport yet! She took a moment to recover. "I've completed all the paper work required, and the auopsy is complete. I was about to send the body back to earth with the request of the family. The transport is leaving in less then ten minutes, Could we talk a little later, there won't be another transpirt headed to earth for a week at least."

"Please don't make me have you removed from duty Doctor, now show me to the corpse."

Fenel led the way and Ikar followed. Slightly apprehensive. If Caspian was dead then there would be no problem, however if this was all a rouse then he would face serious issues...

He approached the casket and peered in. There, beneath him, was what certainly looked like a body covered with a white cloth. He moved his hand to remove it and saw Fenel twitch out of the corner of his eye.

"Is there a problem Ensign?"

"No... No Sir." She replied.

Ikar leant forward again and stretched out his arm...

O please don't do that, Come on.... Fenel's heart seemed as though it was stopped and she held her breath. She was going to be thrown out of Star Fleet, she was going to go to prison...

=^= Ambassador Metrel of the Metron Consortium and Captain Kirk have begun the peace talks, they said... =^=

"WHAT?!" IKar yelled before closing the comm link and storming out of the Infirmary. Caspian and Fenel totally forgotten.

Little did he know that as the Infirmary doors closed Ensign Fenel let out a sigh of relief. Now there would be plenty of time to sort things out...

=A= Doctor Fenel to the USS Tadpole, prepare to recieve transport=A=

=A= About time doctor, we almost had to leave without it =A=

It a moment od sheer glory the casket dissapeared. Fenel would have to suffer the results of that, but no matter.

[Jonathan Kirk]

The main view screen blinked back the two cargo ships jockeying for position for the only open docking bay. Kirk turned around as the Operations Officer started to sort out the mess that way right in front of him, Kirk did not have his crew aboard the station at this time but he had a good idea of one crew member who would provide the help he needed, Dr. Fenel.

“Computer locate both Commander Ikar and Doctor Fenel.” Kirk order as he made his way off he command deck.

Commander Ikar is in corridor 36 Alpha and Doctor Fenel is currently located in Sickbay.

“Doctor Fenel I need you to meet me in transporter room one with a medical kit. The peace talks are about to start on the planet’s surface and I want you there. Kirk out.”

<Tag Fenel>

Kirk headed for transporter room one with out any hesitation, he had just about ten minutes before Metrel was expecting him on the surface and he did not want to be late. Entering the transporter room Kirk signaled to the transporter chief to get everything ready to go. Figuring it would be Metrel to transport them to a secure location there was not much for the chief to do.

Standing on the transporter pad Kirk could only wait for Fenel to arrive with her medical gear. He wanted Fenel to devise a chemical agent to help ward off the effects of the Thalaron Radiation pouring through the atmosphere of the Metron world but there was no time. As Kirk waited for Fenel to arrive he thought of the crew of the Darkhawk and the ease of their mission, he guessed they should have arrived at the first system by now. Kirk looked up from the transporter pad and watched as the doors slide open.

[Fenel]

Fenel watched ernestly from a viewscreen as the USS Tadpole and another Transport attempted to leave at the same time, Ikar could be back any moment and if that ship was not out of range, he'd call it back. She breathed a sigh of relief when whoever was on Opps let the Tadepole go first.

darkhawk said:

“Doctor Fenel I need you to meet me in transporter room one with a medical kit. The peace talks are about to start on the planet’s surface and I want you there. Kirk out.”

The Metrons, I've hardly had time to think about them Fenel thought, at least if she was on the planet and was busy Ikar would most likely not bother her. She grabbed a fully equiped medkit as well as her tricorder and headed to meet Jonothan.

He was already waiting for her, a tired look on his face which she was certain her's duplicated. She looked around carefully before speaking. "The package has been deliverd and I cleaned up the mess in sickbay, But I haven't been able to contact that friend I mentioned to you." She said casually, hopeing he'd read between the lines. "We should go we don't want to keep them waiting."

Kirk nodded and they both stepped onto the platform. Kirk signeled the Transporter tech, and a moment later the room began to vanish.

[Jonathan Kirk]

Kirk watched as Fenel entered the transporter room. He breathed a heavy sigh of relief thinking it would be Commander Ikar storming through the doors demanding to join the team of peace talkers. Kirk thought for a moment, what do I have to be worried about, I am a Captain, and he is only a Commander.

"The package has been delivered and I cleaned up the mess in sickbay, but I haven't been able to contact that friend I mentioned to you." She said casually, hopeing he'd read between the lines. "We should go we don't want to keep them waiting."

“Understood doctor,” Kirk said trying to keep from saying to much, “Chief, let the Metrons know we are ready.”

“Aye sir.” The Chief said.

Just seconds after Kirk gave the order he watched as a bright green glow surrounded himself and Fenel. With in seconds they were beamed directly down to the surface of the planet and in the company of High Chancellor Metrel. The Chancellor was surrounded by his two bodyguards Kirk recognized from the ship, and two more Metron’s he had not met you.

“High Chancellor it is good to see you again,” Kirk said making sure not to extend his hand to shake Metrel, “Let me introduce the stations Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Fenel.”

<Tag Metrel/Fenel>

After the introductions Metrel led Kirk and Fenel to a secure building to avoid the normal public from spotting foreigners on Metron soil. Kirk understood these were desperate times for such an advanced culture and he would have to choose his words carefully as to not offend Metrel or any of the other high ranking officials during this meeting.

“You will understand that I have to keep the location of our meeting secret.” Metrel said as he continued to walk.

“Of course High Chancellor, I would do the same.” Kirk replied.

“You will understand that this area is of course shielded and beaming in and out is only permitted on my command. You will find also that your communication devices do not work down here as well.”

The information about the shield was understandable but the lack of communication to DSB was something that bothered Kirk. The communication badges they wore on their uniforms was their life line to a starship, knowing it was no longer working sent a feeling of helplessness through out Kirk. Pressing through the slight feeling of dread Kirk realized these were peace talks and typically peace talks never ended badly.

Walking into a large room much like the one on the Metron flagship Destiny Kirk was motioned to sit down to Metrel’s right with his officials sitting down to his left. Fenel sat down next to Kirk’s right hand side letting him be the closest officer to Metrel.

“Shall we get started?” Kirk offered.

<Tag Metrel>

[Fenel]

darkhawk said:

“High Chancellor it is good to see you again,” Kirk said making sure not to extend his hand to shake Metrel, “Let me introduce the stations Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Fenel.”

"It's good to finaly meet you High Chancellor." Fenel greeted, bowing her head slightly as a sign of respect. She was never very comfortable with these types of meetings. Dignitaries liked to see into the eyes of someone, most cultures saw it as a window into the person's character. Fenel's condition made this impossible. She did see Metral's eye's flicker up to hers, and then quickly away, but unlike normal they remade contact shortly after.

Fenel followed Jonathan and Metral into a secure building. Fenel did not like the idea of not being able to beam out, if there was an emergency they would be stuck. However the idea that Ikar could not enter was very reassuring, the same went for the lack of contact.

"High Chancellor, I understand that there is currently a radiation seeping into your planet's atmosphere. If it is alright with you I would like to take a few scans and see if there is anything I can do to help. I understand that the treaty is not made yet, but I see no reason why The Federation should not assist you in this matter." Fenel carefully presented her stance on the issue. She ahdn't done much research on the Metrons yet, was she out of line?

[Intelligence Officer Ikar]

"They have already beamed down Commander." The frustrated transporter tech said in response to the same question that Ikar had been repeating over and over again.

"WHERE?!" He yelled.

"I am not at liberty to say, nor are you at liberty to order me to tell you. Captain Kirk and Doctor Fenel are currently meeting with Metrel. Please calm down, or I will be forced to call security."

Ikar of course did not calm down and stormed out of the transporter room. Immediately halting a Turbolift and taking it to Command.

"Why was I not informed of Kirk's departure before he left?!" He yelled.

No one answered. Ikar walked down from the raised platform and accessed the weapons targetting system. He locked onto a small town on the smallest continent of the Metron Homeworld.

"Load Quantum Torpedoes!" He yelled. The Command crew just gawped at him. "Do it!!"

"Step away from the console John." A calm voice said from the back of Command.

Ikar spun round and saw him standing there. His entire body, including his face, covered by a long black robe.

"Leave now, return to your quarters." Ikar said stubbornly.

"Join me in your office John, come on." The man replied, still quite calmly.

Ikar relunctantly nodded and began to walk away from Command and towards his office. "All crew leave the Deck."

The officers paused and looked at their CO. "Now!"

They hurriedly obeyed when they saw the phaser attached to Ikar's belt suddenly appear in his hand.

"Office John." The man said.

"No."

The Command crew cleared out leaving Ikar and the robed man alone.

"Computer terminate and erase all security logs from the last three hours on the Command Deck. Cancel all recordings from this point forward. Clearance Code: 444kjh87320-422---2222."

=^= Accepted =^= The computer replied.

"Come John, if you will not join me in your office, at least come and rest with me here." The man said, motioning towards the floor.

Ikar snorted and turned away.

"John, after all I have done for you. Will you not sit with me for a while?"

Ikar turned and faced the robed man who now sat on the floor.

"I will, but only for a while." He replied.

"That is all I ask."

The two sat alone in silence for a good while. These times greatly helped Ikar. His life had been filled with chaos of one degree or another. A career in Intelligence has promised that from day one. However, it was down to this man that he was still at all sane. This man who had stoo by him at his trial, that beginning of the downhill slope, that man who had rescued him from the ruins of the Embassy on Andor, that man who he had experienced a whole new level of intimacy.

"Meld with me John." The man said.

Ikar shook his head. "I need clear thoughts." He replied.

"This will help, you know it will."

John nodded, deep in him he knew it would help but he also knew that everytime they melded, everytime they became a little more connected, he lost a little bit more control.

The robed man lifted his arms and pulled back the hood that covered his face. Beneath the cloak of darkness was a truly horrific image. The mans face had been totally mutilated by what looked like years of beatings. His sallow skin and sunken cheeks were yellow and wrinkled and were covered in areas of green scarring. This man had endured a lot, a lot more than any alive should have to handle.

The man raised his right hand and placed it on Ikar's right cheek. Ikar raised his left hand and placed it on the mans left cheek.

"My mind to your mind." The man started. "My thoughts to your thoughts." They stared into each others eyes and Ikar felt that same burning intensity again. It was beyond love and compassion, beyond hate and loathing. It was shear intensity, shear passion. It was pure and unadulterated. "My emotions to your emotions." He continued. When this had first happened Ikar had been shocked and mildly confused. A Vulcan openly displaying emotions, in a meld? However he had gone onto explain the reason behind it. Only when they share everything that is within them can they truly meld. Ikar had been dubious, until they had first connected.

"It is my own form of meld." A much younger and healthier looking Vulcan had told him. "Do you not trust me? He had asked. Ikar shook his head. "Of course I do Ora, You have protected me and saved me enough times for me to trust you." Ikar remembered seeing the Vulcan smile and shake his head, something that at the time had deeply unsettled him. "Trust goes deeper than that, now you will see."

Ikar's thoughts came back to the room they were in. Ora was softly muttering to himself, Ikar braced himself. The intitial stage of the meld always stung him, shocked his body. Ora had informed him it was their bodies connecting on a molecualar level.

A flash of light and it had happened. They were in each other's consciousness.

"Now unburden." Ora said.

Ikar did so, happily. All that had happened in the last few weeks since his arrival. All that had happened in the build up to his arrival. The deaths, the pain.

"It is all for a good cause John." Ora said. "You are saving the Federation from a certain doom. I can see that, SFI can see that, you can see that. Unload..."

Ikar had little idea of how much time had passed however soon the meld broke and he found himself lying on the floor breathing hard, Ora stroking his face.

"How do you feel now?" Ora asked.

"Better." He replied in a hoarse whisper.

Ora nodded and smiled, rasing the hood over his gaunt face once more. If Ikar had been paying attention he would of noticed that Ora's face was worse now the meld was over but he was far too content to notice such a fact.

"What now John?" Ora asked.

"You are to return to your quarters." Ikar said. "I will remain up here. I have a feeling the situation will soon be changing."

Ora shook his head. "No more seperation. I am by your side now. The Federation will hear of both of our achievements."

"Indeed they will Ora. Indeed they will." Ikar replied.

[Metrel]

Metrel was ready for the talks in fact he had been ready weeks ago. He had decided that Cylia and the Chief Undersecretary, Atasar would accompany him to the planer. Metrel himself had chosen the place for their meeting and only he knew where it was.

“High Chancellor it is good to see you again,” Kirk said making sure not to extend his hand to shake Metrel, “Let me introduce the stations Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Fenel.”

Metrel found it strange that Captain Kirk would bring a doctor to the meeting, but this was not his choice. Metrel guided them to where they would be meeting and asked them to all sit down. It was a beautiful green room that resembled green sapphire.

“Shall we get started?” Kirk offered

"Yes we shall start," Metrel said as he sat down.

"High Chancellor, I understand that there is currently a radiation seeping into your planet's atmosphere. If it is alright with you I would like to take a few scans and see if there is anything I can do to help. I understand that the treaty is not made yet, but I see no reason why The Federation should not assist you in this matter." Fenel carefully presented her stance on the issue. She hadn't done much research on the Metrons yet, was she out of line?

Metrel knew that Atasar and Cylia would object to anyone other than a Metron to study thier planet no matter what they could do for it.

"I'm sorry Doctor you will not be aloud to do any type of scans on this planet," Metrel said. This response seemed to shock Captian Kirk and his doctor, but to the Metrons it seemed to please them.

Metrel did not like the silence that had come upon the group and so he decided to break the silence.

"As you know Captain, our planet Metrona is in peril," Metrel said," which as it turns out is our fault entirely, but we have come to ask the Federation for their help."

<Tag Kirk, Fenel>

Off: For the talks I would like to do a JP with one of you, to make it a bit more real.

[Fenel]

(O.O.C how should we do that?)

Fenel felt a little degected when Metral turned her offer down, but at least he did not seem offended.

"High Chancellor, I think that it would be best if you understood the Captain and My current predicament..." Fenel began, she looked sideways at Jonathon to see if she had his permission to continue.

"This has to do with Captain Caspain does it not? we detected his Bio signatures on a transport leaving the station, but Commander Ikar said he was dead. I do not trust this man, you need to be careful around him." Metral replied.

"You detected his bio signature? I was sure I had masked that." Fenel thought aloud. "I'm sorry. Commander Ikar shot and nearly killed Caspian, we needed to find a way of getting him off the station safely. Ikar has also put me on probation and Captain Kirk has been relieved of duty. Although I can assure you that this is not how Star Fleet composes itself, Commander Ikar's actions are inexcusable."

[Jonathan Kirk]

"You detected his bio signature? I was sure I had masked that." Fenel thought aloud. "I'm sorry. Commander Ikar shot and nearly killed Caspian, we needed to find a way of getting him off the station safely. Ikar has also put me on probation and Captain Kirk has been relieved of duty. Although I can assure you that this is not how Star Fleet composes itself, Commander Ikar's actions are inexcusable."

Kirk was a little shocked at the amount of information the young woman was freely giving away. Kirk quickly turned to the good doctor and quietly tried to put out the fire she had started.

“That will be all doctor.” Kirk said just above a whisper.

Kirk turned back to face Metrel and the other Metrons at the table, it seemed the Metrons were more interested in Commander Ikar than he had thought they were due to the look of interest and concern on their faces. Kirk felt like he was walking a tight rope, fearing that the Metrons would see a conspiracy with in the Federation as a reason to end all talks at once.

“Tell me more about this Commander Ikar.” Metrel said with interest.

Kirk and Fenel looked at each other for a second to see who was going to speak first. Kirk could tell that the good doctor was going to give him the right away due so he began to speak up.

“Commander Ikar is an intelligence officer who just recently boarded our station and began to relieve key officers on the station of their duties. I have no idea why, and I have not received any orders explaining his actions. I assure you though that these peace talks will not be effected by Commander Ikar.” Kirk said trying to reassure Metrel.

Kirk watched as Metrel looked on with increased curiosity, it seemed the Metrons were with out drama and conspiracy in their advanced civilization. Metrel leaded back into his seat putting himself back into a stance of authority.

“In the coming days we shall witness the true face of your Federation Captain.” Metrel said.

Kirk was confused by the statement, did Metrel know something Kirk did not, was he intercepting messages from Commander Ikar, it seemed that the only person who knew for sure was Metrel and he was not going to tell Kirk.

“We can discuss Commander Ikar later, right now I want to get to the heart of these talks,” Metrel said adjusting his positions, “When is the Federation going to leave our space?”

[Jonathan Kirk]

OCC: Sorry I killed the JP, but I wanted to keep the story moving forward with out having it spend a few days in the freezer.

“When is the Federation going to leave our space?”

The words smacked Kirk square in the face as they spilled out of Metrel’s mouth. Kirk had hoped for a different opening to the meeting, but it seemed deep down inside no matter how diplomatic Metrel was, he was still a pure blood Metron. As a Metron he wanted nothing more than to go back to being reclusive and superior.

“I am sorry High Chancellor but I cannot even begin to answer that question right now,” Kirk said pausing to smooth over the apparently frustrated Metron, “I would image that once the Federation has helped the Metron people through these difficult times you shall receive you answer.” Kirk finished.

Metrel seemed to think about Kirk’s response, it was honest and unrehearsed, Kirk had shown to be a trust worthy man but the Federation was a long way from showing the people of Metoria that they were anything but savage creatures in space ships. Metrel had been monitoring the in and out bound communications through the station and the ships passing through, he found nothing that would enlighten him of a impending Federation assault on his home planet.

“Captain you must understand that just because one Starfleet Officer shows good faith that does not mean the entire bunch is the same way. I do not trust the Federation; I do not trust anybody except a fellow Metron.” Metrel stated as cold and bluntly as he could.

“I understand. Believe me if I was in your shoes I would probably approach this the same way you are.” Kirk replied, “What I would like to know, if you do not want our medical assistance than why have you called us here? What could we possibly offer you?”

“Protection Captain.”

“Protection?” Kirk questioned.

“Yes, our home world is now visible and utterly defenseless. Captain, we are a proud people, but we are also a people who are stretched beyond our means,” Metrel said catching a stray look from one of his advisors, “We have expanded for centuries and now finally our expansion has out grown the size of our fleet. We have spent the last fifty years protecting our holdings from the Borg. They are a ravaging plague that spreads across our galaxy.”

Kirk looked away partly in shame, partly in thought. The Borg had been a thorn in the side of Starfleet for sometime now. Many failed attempts to conquer the Federation has brought about many changes in the way Starfleet views the Borg and advancement in technology. The Darkhawk and all Defiant class starships would not be in production today if not for the Borg.

“Captain, I bear no malice toward your past relations with the Borg,” Metrel said referring to the Borg implants on Kirk’s face, “It just shows me that beyond all those cybernetic devils could possibly contain a peaceful kind hearted life form.”

“I have seen your weapons, why do you feel you need protection from the Borg? You can clearly destroy them at your will.”

“As you know Captain the Borg are a very adaptive culture. We had been forced to change our weapon systems because of constant engagements with Borg scout ships, and Cubes. We have lost words and generations of technology to the Borg, they know all that we know and our weapons are becoming almost useless against their ships.” Metrel said.

“High Chancellor, I think that is enough about us. Discuss their conditions to remain here.” A senior advisor said sternly.

Metrel shot the man a angry gaze and quickly corrected himself once he realized he was showing far too much emotion in front of Kirk and Fenel.

“Conditions?” Kirk asked.

“Yes, conditions for you to remain here in our orbit,” Metrel said looking down the table at the senior advisor again, “Do not at any time attempt to scan the planets surface, do not at any time attempt to send any away teams through transporters or in shuttle craft down to the surface. If face-to-face talks are needed we shall arrange the transportation. No more than 3 Federation ships are allowed to be stationed at your Space Station, if anymore than 3 ships are found docked at the station we will consider that an act of war. Control your Klingon allies Captain, they are animals. Those are the conditions, obey them and we shall prosper, do not and you shall all be destroyed.”

Kirk had finally heard what he wanted to hear, the reason for these peace talks. It appeared or Metrel wanted it to appear that they were becoming a helpless people, some how Kirk doubted that. He could see the grandeur and the power this civilization possessed, it showed no signs of weakness, but these terms boarded on the impossible.

“High Chancellor as you probably know I must run these terms by the Federation President and the Fleet Admiral at Starfleet Command before I am able to accept these terms. I can say with great confidence that your first terms are acceptable, but 3 starships limited to this lone Starbase is going to raise issues. This station is our stepping-stone to the Beta Quadrant and a pivotal point for re-supply since the destruction of the of the other two space station construction sites. Those losses set us back years in exploration.” Kirk said.

"I shall await you next communication Captain."Metrel said waving his hand in the air.

Before Kirk could say anything else the bright green transporter light surrounded him and Fenel again, instantly transporting them back into the transporter room onboard DSB. Kirk caught the transporter chief’s expression as they materialized; he was shocked to see them back with out any form of warning.

“Captain, your back.” He said, “Commander Ikar was a little upset that you went with out him.”

“Thank you for the update.” Kirk said leading the way out of the transporter room.

“Doctor please make a note in your log about the meeting and include any and all details you can remember. I also need you to send your report to Starfleet Medical telling them the Metrons at this time do not wish for our medical help.”

<Tag Fenel>

[Fenel]

"I'll do so immediatly." Fenel replied, and then blurted out "and sir, I realise you felt I said to much back there, but honesty can only deepen a relationship in my opinion and sooner or later they would discover the truth and it would quickly turn them away from us if it appeared concealed."

<tag Kirk>

"Yes sir." Fenel replied before heading to sickbay.

[Jonathan Kirk]

"I was just worried the Metron's would view us as an unstable Starfleet outfit orbiting over their home world," Kirk said looking at the doctor, "It does seem that Metrel knows more about what's going on here than he is leading on. I need to go send my report in and contact Starfleet Command, I shall be down to sickbay once I am done on the Command Deck."

"Yes sir." Fenel replied before heading to sickbay.

Kirk walked slowly through the corridors of the station thinking about the talk he just had with Metrel on the Metron home world. He saw an unwillingness to compromise, and who could blame him for being hard to work with about issues concerning his home world. The Metrons had been a far superior civilization for such a long period of time they grew large egos and wished every other civilization to bow down to them. Kirk found himself in a sticky situation, the terms Metrel had spelled out for Starfleet were borderline acceptable but he knew Starfleet was not going to simple agree to the first set of demands, they are going to want something that could possibly benefit them in the long run.

Stepping onto the Command Deck Kirk looked around and did not seem to spot Commander Ikar, so Kirk proceeded to make his way to the First Officer’s office again and use that as his base of operations.

“Computer, prepare message for Admiral McArthur’s office.” Kirk ordered taking a seat behind the desk.

Message ready

“Admiral, the talks have been completed for the day. I was given a list of terms in order for us to stay in orbit of Metoria. If we break any of these rules the Metron’s say that will view it as an act of war. First we are to not scan the surface of Metoria under any circumstance, second we are not allowed to send away teams down the planet. The final term is that we are never allowed to have more than 3 starships docked at Deep Space Beta at one time. Metrel abruptly ended our talks before I was able to get a clarification on that last term. I feel the terms for the most part are acceptable, but I would really like to work on the number of ships we will be allowed to keep docked here. I await your reply, Kirk out.”

Closing the message Kirk quickly double checked to see if he had gotten a message from his long time friend Admiral McCormick, but as he scrolled through the messages he had waiting his viewing time it seemed she had not had the chance to reply to his message. Either that or it never got there. Kirk wondered if Commander Ikar had been filtering his out going and incoming messages.

“Computer, play first in coming message.” Kirk ordered.

Sitting back Kirk watched as the screen blinked and a familiar face popped onto his screen. Kirk smiled and enjoyed the brief rest that came with this personal message from Earth.

[Intelligence Officer Ikar]

Ikar stared down at the console he had manned for the past couple of hours. He was tired and his mood expressed this. He had been waiting from any sign from Intelligence to suggest that he might be allowed to inititate the next part of the plan.

Command was still relatively empty, few of the Officers had returned since their abrupt dismissal earlier in the day. Ikar did not care, he was focussed, partly thanks to Ora but it was also because of his grim determination to see this mission through to the end. The Federation was weak, she proved that in the Dominion War but for a time after that, although stretched, she was strong. She had proved that she could stand up to a force, even of the Dominion's magnitude. The Federation needed wars to keep it on it's toes... The Klingons, The Dominion, The Romulans, The Borg... The Metrons...

His console flashed and he immediately accessed the message.

Now Was all it said. Ikar wasted no time in trying to determine who sent it or where it came from. The simple message was all he needed.

"All Decks, stand by for immediate Battle Conditions." He said into the open comm. "Computer, Red Alert."

The lighting dimmed and the red lights flickerd on, accompanied by the tell tale sirens.

Ikar punched in a few codes on his console, to which the computer responded to.

=^= Traget set =^=

He paused for three seconds, thus giving plenty of time for Kirk to get onto Command. He wanted the stuckup Captain to see this.

"Fire." He ordered.

Beta rocked slightly as the Station fired everything she had at three targets. Two of which were unseen, but one was...

"The planet!!" Kirk yelled.

Ikar turned and smile. "And so it begins..." He said and laughed.

On the viewscreen, it could now be seen what Ikar had fired at. There were two Klingon scouts badly damaged off the port side. Immediately, three other vessels decloaked and began to fire on Beta.

"This is madness!" Kirk yelled, jumping down to Ikar's level and attempting to deactivate the weapons.

"It won't work Captain. It's a preset program. Were living this one out..." He smiled wickedly. "Or not..." He added.

The station rocked again as more fire reigned to and fro. Two minutes into the battle and Metron vessels had begun to arrive. Kirk had dissapeared but Ikar no longer cared.

"IT'S WAR!!" He cried. "THE FEDERATION WILL SURVIVE!"

A phaser fired across the Command Deck and the console exploded close to Ikar. The Station immediately stopped the attack. Ikar spun round and screamed at Kirk.

"You've condemned us to death Kirk, but the war has already started!" He laughed. "Starfleet will have to fight, against both the Klingons and the Metrons. There is nothing you or I can do..."

Ikar stopped as he felt a phaser wound hit his chest. He looked down.

"Is this how it is to end?" He questionned, almost to himself.

His consciousness failed him and he fell to the floor, hitting his head on the way down. Unknown to him, Kirk stepped down to him and activated a sight to sight transport to the Brig.

The Station continued to be fired upon...