Chapter Three

        Johnson strode into his ready room, seeing Selenta and T’yaanki standing before his desk. The captain looped around his desk and sat down, making a quick motion for the Romulans to do the same.
        “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice,” said Selenta. “I know our meeting was not scheduled for until later this morning.”
        “That’s fine,” Johnson nodded. “What is it?” he asked, frowning.
        Selenta turned to look at her young aide. “T’yaanki, would you please return to our quarters? See if Commander R’Mock has returned my enquiries?”
        “Yes, Selenta,” T’yaanki nodded demurely and stood up, leaving the ready room.
        After she left, Johnson drew a deep breath, rubbing his temples. “I’m sorry if I appeared angry. I’ve been under some pressure.”
        “Not at all, I understand,” Selenta nodded. “Especially after this incident.”
        “Mmhmm,” Johnson nodded. His frown dissipated, and was replaced by a curious expression. “What did you wish to talk about?”
        “First of all, I wish to express my apologies for the attack. It should have not happened at all. My government’s escorts should have afforded you better protection.”
        “It’s allright. I’m sure they were caught unawares just as I was,” Johnson waved his hand.
        “I also wish to assure you that my government had nothing to do with this attack.”
        “Oh, please. That was the furthest thing from my mind,” Johnson shrugged.
        “You needn’t lie. Our relations may be friendly, but not that friendly. At least, not yet.” Selenta smiled, placing her hands together on her lap. “We are currently investigating the attack. That is why I sent T’yaanki to our quarters. To see if the commander had news to report. I’m sure you’ve already launched an investigation of your own.”
        “Actually, yes we have. We have no new information at the time.”
        “I assumed as much,” Selenta nodded thoughtfully. “Perhaps we shall have an exchange of information?”
        “That is possible.”
        “Good. I’ll be in touch with you regarding that. About the other items on our agenda...”
        Johnson held up his hand. “Uh, it’s been a long day. Why don’t we postpone our meeting until this this afternoon? Say, 1400 hours?”
        “That is acceptable with me.”
        “Good, then.” Johnson stood up, and Selenta followed suit.
        “I do hope that this incident is not a severe setback to our goals here,” Selenta said, as Johnson escorted her to the door.
        “One thing I’ve learned in starship diplomacy is that setbacks always occur. The trick is not to let it become a roadblock.”
        “I’m glad to hear that, Captain. I look forward to our meeting this afternoon.”
        Johnson smiled cordially, as Selenta made her way to the turbolift. Johnson stepped over to Kyle, who was seated in the command chair. He put a hand on the back of the vacant lower chair. “I’m sorry I yelled at you earlier. I don’t know what came over me.”
        He sighed. “Well, maybe I do... I guess I just didn’t know who to be angry at and I guess I lashed out at whoever was available.”
        “Apology accepted, sir,” Kyle said, mollified.
        “Anything new to report?”
        “Nothing new,” Kyle replied.
        Johnson sighed, and looked at the viewscreen. “Any problems with the Romulan escorts?”
        “No, sir. They’ve rotated the lead ship though. They reported that they’ve effected repairs, but still have some more left to complete. But their warp drive is functional.”
        “Plus they’re wary for another attack,” Johnson inclined his head. “The lead ship was the first to be hit. They’re not willing to gamble on getting hit again, so the other ship, fresh for action, is in the lead now.”
        “Obviously,” Kyle nodded.
        “Oh, I’ve rescheduled my meeting with Ambassador Selenta for 1400 hours. Let Nathan, that is, Ambassador Favor, know that.”
        “Yes, sir.”
        “I’m going down to Engineering to see if there’s any progress. You have the bridge, Lieutenant.”
        “Aye, sir.”
        Johnson drummed his knuckles on the back of the chair, then walked up to the turbolift.

        LeAnn flopped down on the mauve couch that sat in Ruiz’s living room in her quarters. “God, that hard ass!”
        Ruiz walked from the replicator, carrying a mug of coffee. She sat down on another couch, sipping at her coffee. “What hard ass?”
        “The captain!” LeAnn replied, rolling her eyes at Ruiz’s missing the obvious. “Did you know he put a citation on my record for being drunk after the reception?”
        “Really?” Ruiz glanced at LeAnn in surprise.
        “Yeah, really!” LeAnn sat up on the couch. “You know it’s your fault, 'Manda.” LeAnn shook her head. “You’re not my best friend anymore,” she declared with a frown.
        “Oh,” Ruiz sighed. “Looks like that’s the third time I dropped in friend status.” Ruiz drank some more of her coffee. “I’ll just wait until you reinstate me again.”
        “Nope. Not gonna do it,” LeAnn shook her head.
        “Oh come on, LeAnn.” Ruiz switched to LeAnn’s personal Bajoran name. “Walker...”
        “Nope. I’m still mad at you. And at the stupid captain.”
        “Fine,” Ruiz shrugged. “I have reports to catch up on. I’d like it if you left now.”
        “Wait, are you kicking me out?” LeAnn frowned.
        “Yep. That couch is for my best friend and apparently you aren’t it. Out.” Ruiz pointed to the door, frowning at LeAnn.
        “Allright, allright. You’re my best friend again. I’m sorry.” LeAnn looked up at Ruiz. “Thanks for holding my hair in the head.”
        Ruiz smiled softly. “It was no problem at all. And I’m sorry.” Ruiz shrugged, “I really had no idea that Romulan Ale would affect you so much.”
        She finished her coffee and returned the silver mug back to the replicator pad. “Still, that doesn’t warrant a citation. Believe me, I know. I’ve gotten a few citations myself.”
        “Really?” LeAnn asked, her curiosity piqued. “For what?”
        “Well, I can’t really tell you about all of them... some of them are classified.”
        “Wow,” LeAnn grinned in admiration.
        “Still, the point remains. I don’t think you should have a citation. You can appeal to the captain later. Try to catch him in a good mood.”
        “Hah,” LeAnn scoffed. “Since when has he been in a good mood in the last 48 hours?”
        Ruiz shrugged. “Got a point there.” She walked from the replicator to the couch, and sat next to LeAnn. “All vomiting aside, did you have fun?” Ruiz smiled.
        LeAnn nodded, grinning in spite of herself. “Yeah, I did.” She glanced at Ruiz. “All vomiting aside, was I a good date after all?”
        Ruiz grinned broadly. “Yes, you were.”
        “Good. I’m glad.”
        Ruiz drew in a breath. “Maybe we should...”
        Suddenly, the red alarm alert broke out throughout the ship.
        Ruiz dropped her head down, looking at the floor in exasperation. Quickly she looked back up to LeAnn. “Back to work,” she declared with a sigh.

        Favor walked into 11-Forward just when red alarm alert was turned off. “Condition Green,” the com system declared for all nearby listeners. Favor spied Quark’s head rising up from behind the bar.
        “Is it over?” Quark asked.
        “Guess so,” Favor shrugged.
        “Who was it? Did the Romulans finally go berserk?”
        “What I heard in the corridors was that it was those mysterious raiders again. Anyway I wanted to ask you for some help.”
        Quark stood fully erect, and surveyed the empty lounge. Chairs were overturned, and several bottles were broken on the carpeting. He sighed and set to the clean up effort. He glanced at Favor. “What do you want?”
        “You have some contacts with some of the mining consortiums in Romulan space?”
        “I have contacts with pretty much any business in Romulan space,” Quark smugly replied.
        “Good. I’d like you to find out some information for me.” Favor placed an isolinear rod on the bar top.
        “What’s this for?”
        “Negotiations,” Favor replied.
        “I see...” Quark nodded slowly. “Well, speaking of negotiations, how are your meetings with the Romulans going?”
        “They’re going as well as can be expected.” Favor stooped to pick up a shard of glass, and dumped it into a waste bag.
        “Sure wish I could be there with you,” Quark muttered.
        Favor gave the Ferengi an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, but that can’t be arranged. Your presence at the meetings wouldn’t be helpful. To the Romulans, you’re just...” Favor struggled to find a word.
        “Untrustworthy,” Quark offered helpfully.
        “Uh, yes.”
        “I still don’t understand you non-Ferengi. What does trust have to do with anything? You have something the Romulans want. They have something you want. Make a deal! Trust doesn’t enter into it at all. Remember number 99, ‘Trust is the biggest liability of all.’ ”
        “Well,” Favor smirked, “unfortunately, not everyone does business the Ferengi way.”
        “And that is why the Ferengi are and will continue to be the major economic power in the Alpha Quadrant,” Quark wagged a finger at Favor. “Eh. If you ask me, the Romulans do have something to hide. I mean, look at their Emperor!”
        “Hmm?”
        “No one’s ever seen the Romulan Emperor. You know, I heard a rumor that the Emperor is really a changeling.”
        “I’ve heard that one a dozen times before,” Favor leaned against the bar top. “Even heard that there wasn’t really an Emperor, the male son of the Empress was just a hoax to keep the Romulan people calm.”
        “Heard that one too,” Quark nodded, carting off a full waste bag to the back room. After the Ferengi dumped the broken glass, he walked out of the backroom and leaned against the bar top. “You know what else I heard?”
        “What, Quark?” Favor asked.
        “That you and that Romulan diplomat are going at it every night.”
        “Uh well,” Favor stood up, slightly taken aback. He straightened his collar and replied, “A gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell.”
        “I don’t care about the kissing part, it’s what happens afterwards I like hearing about,” Quark grinned lewdly.
        “You know what, Quark?” Favor narrowed his eyes at the Ferengi. “I would just love to continue this conversation with you, but I really must be going.” Favor shot Quark a smile and walked out of the lounge.
        Quark shook his head. “Bah, these hew-mons and their morals. They’re no fun.”

        “Captain’s Log. Supplemental. I have some time before my next meeting with Ambassador Selenta. Our meetings have been very productive so far, in spite of the mystery attacks several that have happened over the course of the past few days.
        “Concerning those attacks, I am sad to say there is no news to report on that front. Chief Fonda and Dr. Joh have been unable to devise an early warning system for this new form of cloaking device, but they feels confident with the sensor readings gathered from the last several attacks, they should be able to jury rig some sort of detector. As I mentioned in my logs earlier, I sent along the readings along with the new visual data back to Starfleet Command for analysis.
        “The only thing we know for sure of these attack craft is that they appear to be of Romulan design, thanks to Garak’s recent production of some extrapolated images of a single fighter. He continues to work on sensor data in Astrometrics.
        “The new knowledge that the mystery ships appear to be Romulan gives me no comfort. Naturally, I have not informed Selenta of our findings. Garak’s extrapolated images, also sent along to Starfleet Command, tells us nothing of their motives. Ambassador Selenta has not informed us of her government’s findings, either.
        “I have to say, I’m very frustrated with these random attacks. Each time they attack, our escorts dutifully fight back, while I sit in my chair, my fingers on the fire buttons.
        “So many times, I’ve had to bite back the command to open fire on these ships. To let loose the full firepower of the Courageous on these assailants. But I’ve had to push those feelings down in the interests of interstellar diplomacy. This is a Romulan matter. It should be handled by the Romulans.
        “At least, that’s what my mind tells me. But deep down...that’s another story...
        “Back to the meeting with Selenta...I shall be proposing an addendum to the agenda. The trade treaty the Federation has with the Romulans is due to expire within six months. We have the option of extending the expiration date, or replacing it with a new treaty. I want to look into the possibility of a new treaty, one with more latitude, also including the need for increased trading, and hopefully the construction of an emitter array in Romulan space.
        “Those two things would go a long way towards helping us both in this ongoing war, and for the Borderlands mission. Nathan and I have been talking about this for the past two days. We’ll bring it up at the meeting.
        “We also have to consider many of the concessions the Romulans are requesting of us, before they consider a continued alliance with us. It won’t be easy, but our alliance is worth preserving. The results of that meeting will be in this evening’s log. End log entry.”
        Johnson sighed, and unclenched his fist. He looked at his hand in surprise. He hadn’t realized he was clenching it. He looked at his palm and saw indentations from his fingernails. He tried remembering the Bajoran meditation techniques Raven had taught him in the Academy.
        He closed his eyes, and drew in a deep breath, listening for his heartbeat. He held his breath in for ten heartbeats, then slowly exhaled for another ten heartbeats. Then he drew in his breath again, repeating the process.
        “Agh!” he groaned, expelling his breath. He hit a nearby PADD on his desk, sending it skittering over the edge and down to the deck. How could he relax at a time like this? When an Romulan attack was coming at any moment? True, he knew it may not actually be the Romulans but in his heart of hearts, he knew the truth. The Romulans were out to get him and his precious ship, the U.S.S. Courageous.
        He couldn’t sit there. No, he had to get out and do something. A quick glance at his chronometer told him he still had nearly twenty minutes before he had to meet Selenta and Favor.
        “Engineering,” he told himself. He stood up and headed out of his ready room. He saw Lieutenant Kyle sitting in the command seat, ever alert. He shot her a quick glance.
        “I’ll be going down to Engineering. See if Fonda and Joh have made any progress,” he told Kyle.
        She nodded back to him, acknowledging his comment. Johnson gave her a curt nod and walked up to the turbolift. As he waited for the turbolift to arrive, he turned.
        “Helm, ETA to Romulus?”
        “At our current speed and course,” Ensign LeAnn consulted her console, “Four days, 9 hours, and 27 minutes, sir.”
        “Very well, carry on,” Johnson said, as he stepped into the recently arrived turbolift.

        “In four days, they will be in orbit around our homeworld!” Ent’sei shouted.
        Danek sighed, nodding. His high rank as the chairman of the Tal Shiar still didn’t exclude listening to these occasional rants. “Yes, Ent’sei. I know. Our plan is proceeding very well.”
        “But we are behind schedule!”
        Danek nodded, and raised a slanted eyebrow. “Yes, I know. We’re all surprised that this Fed captain is not the trigger-happy human we all assumed he might be.”
        Ent’sei paused in her pacing. She slowly turned around in the dark light of the office chambers. Danek tensed for a moment, and he saw her angry eyes, lit by the dim green glow of various monitors.
        “Have a care, honored Chairman...” she spoke deliberately, and without emotion. “While you may hold this honored position, this does not give you license to speak as thus to me. Remember... as you got this position, you may lose it.”
        Ent’sei tilted her head. “Remember what happened to poor Chairman Koval...”
        Danek gulped and nodded slowly. “I apologize, Ent’sei. It will not happen again.”
        The mysterious leader tilted her head. “You do have a point however. We did not expect the captain’s reactions. These reactions remind me more of Captain Picard... restrained and diplomatic. Perhaps things should be stepped up.” She glared at Danek. “Make yourself useful. Contact our operatives. It’s time to force Captain Johnson’s hand.”
        “Yes, sir.”

        Johnson noticed the man standing next to him was none other than his first officer, Major Ironsides. Had he been so lost in thought in the turbolift that Ironsides had been there all along? Johnson was sure the turbolift was empty when he entered it on the bridge.
        “Hello, Major,” Johnson nodded.
        “Good afternoon, sir,” Ironsides nodded back. “Where are you headed to?”
        “Ah, Engineering.”
        “Same as me,” said Ironsides. “We’re having energy supply problems in the barracks on deck 40.”
        “Ah.”
        Ironsides looked at the captain expectantly. After a moment, he cleared his throat slightly.
        “What is it?” Johnson asked.
        “Why’re you going down to Engineering?”
        “Oh um, I’m just checking on the progress of the early warning system.”
        Ironsides nodded, frowning thoughtfully. “Mind if I tag along?”
        “Sure.”
        After they arrived to Engineering, Ironsides went to drop off the report, while Johnson headed to the Master Control Station, where he was sure he’d find the Chief Engineer. His guess borne out, he found Fonda at work. Joh Emmeril was with her as well.
        “Commander,” Johnson nodded at them. “Any luck with breaking that cloak?”
        “Not quite, sir,” Fonda stood up. She stretched her arms and bent backwards. Johnson winced at the audible crackling of Fonda’s vertebrae.
        “That’s not quite correct,” Joh interjected.
        “Damn it, I told you I don’t like that option!” Fonda snapped at Joh.
        “But we should go ahead and tell him,” Joh shrugged, now used to Fonda’s curt tone. Johnson stood there, his hands clasped together behind his back. Apparently the two women were arguing on a point. He didn’t like being left out of the loop.
        “Uh, tell me what?” Johnson broke in.
        Joh looked at Johnson. “Well we have detected a spike of multiphasic theta radiation, but on a bandwidth that our sensors usually gloss over. It seems to coincide with the ships dropping out of warp.”
        “Well that’s good, isn’t it?” Ironsides asked, from behind Johnson.
        The captain turned to see that the commander had just showed up, and was standing at attention behind him. Johnson turned back to face the engineers.
        Fonda shrugged. “It’s such a minuscule spike, it barely gives us enough warning. Plus we’d have to divert quite an amount of energy from sensors to keep watch on that bandwidth.”
        “Sensors would be affected,” Joh added.
        “Well, what’s the problem in telling me?” Johnson shrugged, furrowing his brow.
        “It’s not a good solution. It’s messy and interrupts too much of the Courageous’s operations. I wanted a better option to offer you,” said Fonda.
        “You haven’t changed a bit since the Kitty Hawk, haven’t you?” Johnson smiled softly. “Always the perfectionist. Well, beggars can’t be choosers.” Johnson stepped closer to the computer station to glance over the displays Fonda had running. “I can see why that option isn’t very viable but right now, it’s our only edge.”
        “But, sir,” Ironsides said, “that’d interrupt our long range scans of Romulan space. We may not get another chance like this.”
        “I’m aware of that. But these long range scans aren’t entirely necessary. This is not a covert mission, Commander. We’re not secret agents skulking about behind enemy lines.”
        “You’re right, sir. Old habits die hard, sir,” Ironsides smiled.
        Johnson chuckled softly. He patted Ironsides on the shoulder, then looked over at the women. “See if you can calibrate sensors so that we can monitor that theta bandwidth without interrupting standard sensor functions.”
        “We’re already on it, sir,” Fonda gave the captain a lopsided grin.
        Johnson smiled, knowing that Fonda had already figured out what the captain would say. His combadge vibrated, alerting him of his appointment. Johnson checked the time on the MCS, and saw that it was nearly time for his meeting with the Romulans.
        “Well, I have to leave. Carry on the good work.” Johnson stepped back and walked to the turbolift. Ironsides joined him in the turbolift.
        “Deck 11,” Johnson spoke to the computer.
        “Bridge,” Ironsides added. The doors closed and the two men started traveling up through the interior of the Courageous. “Your meeting’s in Eleven-Forward?”
        Johnson nodded. “We decided to have it over lunch. Break up the monotony of having it in the Conference Lounge.”
        “I see.”
        “Be sure to inform Chief Bogarde and Lieutenant Kyle of the work on the sensors,” Johnson added.
        “Will do, sir.”

        The turbolift slid to an halt, and the computer announced the deck. Johnson stepped out, and headed down the corridor.
        Ironsides remained behind, heading up to the bridge. The car stopped, and Raven stepped into the turbolift. Ironsides gave the taller man a tight smile.
        Raven smiled back, and rubbed his temples.
        “What’s wrong?” Ironsides asked.
        Raven sighed. “More of these headaches.”
        “Ah, I’m sorry to hear that. Hope you feel better soon.”
        Raven looked down at Ironsides, grinning. “ ‘Shut your mouth!’ ”
        “What?” Ironsides looked up in slight surprise.
        “That is the next line, is it not?” Raven asked. “To the song? The one that’s running through your mind now.”
        “Oh, yes. That’s right. ‘Just talking ‘bout Shaft,’ ” Ironsides nodded.
        “Don’t look so surprised. You should know I’d have picked that up, being next to you in a closed environment. You know the limits to my telepathic abilities.” Raven shrugged nonchalantly.
        “Yeah, that’s right. I remember now.” The doors opened onto the bridge, and Ironsides quickly walked out. “I hope you feel better,” he said, leaving Raven behind in the turbolift.
        “ ‘Shaft!’ ” Raven smiled at his former CO as the turbolift doors closed.

        Johnson stepped into the crew lounge to find Favor, Selenta, T’yaanki, and Selari already seated at a table near one of the large bay windows. Favor was munching on some chips while the others were starting on their meals. Johnson frowned and walked up to them.
        “What’s going on? The meeting’s already started? Why didn’t anyone tell me?”
        Favor held up a hand as he swallowed his food. “Hold on. The meeting hasn’t started yet. We just got here early and decided to order. I put in an order for a hamburger, medium-rare with onions, just the way you like it.”
        “Oh,” Johnson’s frown softened. He sat down in the empty chair, as Favor waved for the waiter to bring Johnson’s order.
        “If I had known that ordering before you arrived would have angered you,” Selenta said, “we would have waited.”
        “Oh, no. I’m not angry at all,” Johnson shook his head.
        “Then why are you still frowning?” Favor pointed with a fork.
        “Oh, sorry. I wasn’t aware I was.”
        “You’re still doing it,” Favor said, in between chews.
        “Well if you’d just give me a second, just back off, allright, huh??”
        Johnson heard silence drape across the room.
        “Well, sorry, sir,” Favor replied. The waiter put down a tray containing Johnson’s meal. The captain quickly gulped down some water. Soon, conversation resumed around them.
        “I’m sorry,” Johnson said at last.
        “It is allright,” Selenta nodded.
        “We’ll be sure to wait for you next time,” Selari smiled.
        “So, shall we start?” Johnson mustered a smile.
        “No time like the present,” said Selenta.
        “That’s good,” Favor smiled. “You’re picking up our idioms very well.”
        “Thank you, Nathan,” Selenta smiled in reply.
        “She has a point,” Johnson nodded, as he picked up a French fry. “No time like the present. So, here’s what Nathan and I were talking about after our last meeting. I wanted to broach the subject of the construction of an emitter array within Romulan space.
        “As you’re aware, the Courageous will be tens of thousands of light-years away from Federation space. Through the use of tachyon-created artificial wormholes, we’ll be able to establish subspace connections over such great distances. However, a massive tachyon pulse has to be generated, necessitating the use of emitter arrays.”
        Selenta sipped at her water. “We know of your new method of communications, and know how it helped your ship, the Voyager return home. What we don’t know is the specifics of it, though.”
        “Oh, we’re prepared to share the technology with you, in return for permission to build an emitter array near one of the pulsars located within Romulan space.”
        Selenta considered Johnson’s words for a moment. “At first glance, that seems to be a fair trade. I still need to consult with my superiors on Romulus first.”
        “Naturally,” Johnson said.
        Favor leaned forward. “Also, inform them that we are prepared to consider more of the concessions you proposed in the last few meetings.”
        “Excellent. We appear to be making headway now,” Selenta commented.
        “We also would like to see increased trading between our territories,” Johnson declared.
        “Oh?” Selenta tilted her head. “That would be very acceptable to us. However, we remain firm on our request for the freedom to conduct surprise boarding and inspections of the trading ships.”
        “Well, right now, that’s not possible. How will we know your investigators aren’t spies? Starfleet also has a problem with your ships having carte blanche to board any Federation ship at any time.”
        “Once again we are stalled at this point,” Selenta sipped at her water.
        “Perhaps we’re going at this from the wrong angle,” Favor suggested. “Perhaps what you need to do is merely change the wording of your request from ‘an unlimited number of surprise inspections’ to ‘a number of surprise inspections?’ Perhaps that will be more acceptable to the Federation.”
        Selenta and Selari shared a glance, and Selari shrugged.
        Favor pressed on. “Another thing- some of these concessions you’re asking for are huge ones. Perhaps if you started smaller. For example, I noticed that your shipyards construction output is 21% less than last year.”
        “Yes,” Selenta nodded. “What of it?”
        “And the year before, you had a 9% drop.”
        “Correct,” Selenta admitted.
        “Where are you going with this, Nathan?” Selari asked.
        “I assume this drop is due to the depletion of your teritarium mines.”
        “How did you know that?” Selari eyed Favor.
        “I have my sources,” Favor shrugged. “Anyway, after the fifth year of the war, your government has been rationing your mines, hence the productivity decline.”
        Selenta nodded wordlessly, waiting on Favor’s next words.
        “Now, what would your government say if I were to offer you a percentage of the Federation’s teritarium output for your construction efforts?”
        “Excuse me?” Johnson said, not entirely sure what Favor was doing. “Just where is this supply coming from?”
        “You forget that you’re also talking to the owner of Juvian Mining Operations,” Favor said. “I’m ready to authorize shipment of some of my teritarium to the Romulan Star Empire.”
        Selenta sighed, and leaned over to whisper in Selari’s ear. Selari whispered a reply back. Selenta straightened in her seat. “That is an...interesting offer. I would have to consult with my superiors on the homeworld before I comment on that offer. I also shall try to make a case for the construction of your emitter array.”
        “That’s a good start,” Favor smiled. “Now, let’s move on to things we can resolve right now...”

        The table before them was clear, save only for glasses of various beverages. T’yaanki, as always, was dutifully recording the conversation on her green hued PADD. Johnson took a gulp from his water and set his glass back down onto the table in front of him.
        “So we’re settled on this point?” he said looking at the Romulans around the table with him.
        “Yes,” Selenta nodded. “Medical supplies and other humanitarian aid will not have to face a tariff from the Romulan Government.”
        “Nor from the Federation,” Ambassador Favor tilted his head.
        “Good. I think that takes care of the last of today’s agenda. Am I correct, T’yaanki?” Johnson glanced over to the young lady seated across from him.
        She nodded as she looked at her PADD readout, and brushed away a strand of her short raven black hair. “Yes, you are correct, sir.”
        “We have accomplished a lot today,” Selari declared, her hands grasping the tall glass before her.
        Favor looked over at her, smiling. “We can only hope all further meetings are as productive as this one.”
        “Agreed,” Selenta nodded briskly. “I suggest we end on this good note, and contact our respective governments to secure final approval.”
        “I second that idea,” said Johnson. “Nathan, why don’t you contact the Federation offices, and I’ll inform Starfleet Command?”
        “Sure.” Favor cleared his throat. “There’s the matter of the next meeting...”
        “Why don’t we wait until we have received confirmation from our governments?” Selenta suggested.
        “Good idea, although it’ll take us a little longer to get a response from our government than yours,” Favor shrugged. “Since we’re further away from ours. Now, if we were to use wormhole-aided subspace communications...”
        Selenta smirked at Favor’s implications. “Understood.”
        “I would like to have some things taken care of before we arrive at Romulus, so we better get going,” Johnson stood up, signaling the end of the meeting. He looked around the lounge and saw that there were more people than when he first arrived. He realized that it was now lunch hour. He was glad Favor and the others had decided to have a early lunch.
        “We can still have informal meetings, can we not?” Selenta asked.
        Johnson pushed his chair back to the table. “Of course.”
        Favor nodded. “We still have a variety of issues we need to explore before meeting with the Praetor in a few days.”
        The group made their way through the crowd of crew people, exiting out into the corridor. “By the way,” Selenta spoke to Johnson, “have you made any progress on your investigation on these mysterious attacks?”
        Johnson looked into Selenta’s dark brown eyes, tightening his mouth. At length, he finally spoke. “No. No we have not made any progress. What of your people?”
        She gave him an apologetic shrug. “We have not made progress either. Unofficially, I suspect...”
        Johnson walked alongside Selenta, and when she didn’t complete her thought, the captain looked at her. “What?” he prodded.
        “Hmm?” she looked at him.
        “You were about to say something about the attacks?”
        “Was I? Oh no, I was merely thinking aloud about the report I need to compose for the homeworld on our meeting. I enjoyed lunch as well.”
        “Ah. Well, anytime,” Johnson smiled, nodding. At the turbolift, he let the Romulans take it. After Selari, Selenta and T’yaanki left, Johnson got in the next turbolift with Nathan. He turned to his friend. “Didn’t that seem odd to you?”
        “What seem odd?” Favor responded.
        “What Selenta said earlier, after I asked her about any information her people had?”
        Favor furrowed his brows and shook his head. “Uh, sorry, but I wasn’t listening. I was talking to Selari. What did Selenta say?”
        “Uh, never mind.” The computer prompted Johnson for his destination. “Bridge.”
        “Deck Five, please,” Favor declared. “I’ll contact the Federation Council right away. I’ll forward a copy of my report to you when I’m done, so we can coordinate our reports.”
        “I’ll do the same thing for you.”
        Favor nodded. He glanced over at his friend. “We did good today.”

        “End dictation. Send to Admiral Nechayev, and copies to Starfleet Command and Ambassador Nathan Favor,” Johnson said to his desktop computer.
        “Sent,” the computer announced. The captain gave the keypad a casual tap, turning off the computer. He drank the last of his coffee, and walked over to the replicator, setting his silvery mug on the pad. The computer recognized the empty beverage container and it disappeared in a twinkling of yellow lights.
        Johnson walked over to his hobby bench, set at the far side of the ready room, near the single tall rectangular window. He glanced at the models that were in various states of assembly. He took note of the paints, seeing that he was nearly out of ‘bulkhead grey.’ He’d have to replicate some more later.
        Above the hobby bench were the shelves on which the completed models were displayed. He frowned when his eyes fell upon the model of the U.S.S. Cabot. He sighed, and reached out to the small keypad on the shelf, deactivating the magnetic restraining field that kept the models in place. Using his foot, he pulled a small stool to the front of the shelves and moved the Cabot to a higher shelf, out of his view.
        While up there, he noticed his model of the U.S.S. Lexington, his mother’s ship. Like the Cabot, the Lexington stirred painful memories for Johnson. He could still remember the day he learned the news that his mother was dead, killed in action. He had only been a teenager then. Johnson could still remember the feeling that his mother could step through his house’s door at any time...that she wasn’t really dead, merely gone. It took him a long time to deal with the fact that she wasn’t ever coming back. And he had the Breen to thank for that.
        Oddly, the pain still seemed fresh to Johnson, even though it was decades ago. Johnson shook his head and drew in a cleansing breath. He expelled the air out, sighing.
        After stepping down, Johnson pushed the stool back underneath his hobby bench and reactivated the mag field. He nodded, satisfied with the new arrangement. Perhaps someday, when he was really over the whole sordid situation, he’d move the Cabot back. But he wasn’t there yet. He didn’t think so. He supposed he’d have to make another appointment to see the ship’s counselor some time later. But not now. He was too busy. Too much going on.
        Johnson sighed, and opted to leave his ready room, before he got too bogged down in his thoughts. He walked out into the bridge and took his seat of command as Ironsides wordlessly moved to OPS. He brought up the status display on the command screen near his seat, and began catching up on what happened while he was off the bridge.

        “More wine?” Favor asked as he stood near the replicator in his quarters. He smiled at Selari, who sat at the table near the window. She tossed her hair back, and nodded.
        “Yes, that would be nice,” she told him. Favor nodded and keyed in the order. The replicator hummed and two glasses materialized. Favor picked them up and carried them back to the table.
        The flame on the tip of the violet-colored spiral candle flickered, casting light on the two of them. Favor set down a glass of violet liquid in front of Selari, and set the other by his plate. “How’s your chicken?”
        Selari said, “It’s fine. It’s a nice meal.” She cut herself a small portion from the chicken breast on her plate, and raised her fork to her mouth.
        Favor spiked some vegetables on his fork and ate them, chewing thoughtfully. He swallowed and picked up the cloth napkin from the table and dabbed the corners of his mouth. He leaned onto the table, propping up his chin with a hand. He smiled at Selari. “Have I told you today how beautiful you are?”
        Selari stopped eating, her fork and knife hovering over her plate. “Yes, you have. This morning, in bed,” she replied with a warm smile.
        “Do you mind if I tell you that again?”
        “Not at all.”
        “You’re beautiful. As beautiful as the day I met you...perhaps even more beautiful.”
        “That’s very sweet and redundant,” Selari smirked as she sipped at her wine.
        Favor chuckled and resumed eating his meal.
        “I was talking with Selari earlier. She’s quite taken with your mission...to the Borderlands?” Selenta remarked.
        “Mmhmm,” Favor mumbled as he chewed.
        “In fact, she wishes she could be able to join you.”
        Favor washed down his mouthful of food with wine. “Unfortunately, the Courageous already has a diplomat...me. Well you could consider Quark another diplomat, but.... well Ferengi diplomacy usually entails bilking an unfortunate party out of his hard earned latinum.”
        Selari nodded in agreement, smiling slightly. “I mentioned it because I thought you’d like to know that. We do have an interest in exploration, you know.”
        Favor smiled and pushed his nearly empty plate forward on the table. “Yes, I know that.”
        “Admittedly, a lot of it has been exploration for the sake of conquest, but the Empire has been changing in recent decades,” Selari sighed. “Conquest and domination is no longer such an attractive prospect for the Romulan people. This war with the Dominion has shown us a different perspective on that. Not to mention that this war has taxed our resources as well. If...no. When we win this war, the Romulan Star Empire will be in no shape for expansion through conquest.
        “The Praetor knows this. And I feel the Emperor also knows this.”
        Favor nodded, keenly aware of all the things she had said. He had known them for a long time. Federation political analysts on Earth had pointed out the very same things. In fact, those things were the very same things that prompted this Federation-Romulan alliance. It might have happened anyway, with or without the Dominion War.
        Still, the waters of diplomacy were turbulent at times and a skilled navigator was needed. That’s where Ambassador Favor came in. His easygoing demeanor and charming personality facilitated the formation of many friendships with many people from many worlds, both in Federation territory and outside. He had a natural skill for diplomacy, and he used it well.
        “I’m still working out a policy of disclosure with Starfleet Command,” Favor spoke. “I believe that we should share our findings in the Borderlands with our allies.” He drew in a deep breath then exhaled slowly.
        “Unfortunately, Starfleet Command isn’t as firm a believer in full disclosure as I am. They feel that since we are making the effort, we should reap the benefits. But give me some time, and they’ll change their point of view.” Favor winked at the Romulan woman seated across the table.
        “Yes...you are very persuasive for a human.”
        Favor collected his plate and Selari’s plate and took them to the replicator for disposal. Selari gathered the silverware and placed them on the dirty dishes. Soon, the plates and silverware vanished in yellow light. “Speaking of the Emperor, isn’t it odd that he hasn’t been seen in public since his mother died?”
        Selari shrugged. “Yes, but in this era of changeling assassins that could be anywhere, I can understand his position. Besides, the Empire hasn’t suffered with having a reclusive Emperor. After all, he did grant the Courageous permission to enter Romulan space and a chance to make a case for a continued alliance with the Romulan Empire. That’s a good sign. Besides, the Praetor has things well in hand.”
        He looked at her by his side. He reached out to stroke her hand. “Have you thought about what I asked before?”
        “About Clause 4a?” Selari tilted her head at him.
        “No, not the treaty. About us. You staying with me...” Favor hesitated before continuing. “Marrying me?”
        Selari paused, staring at him with her almond brown eyes. She blinked slowly, and looked away from him.
        “What is it?” Favor asked, as she began walking away from him. He watched as she slowly walked up to the large window.
        She crossed her arms and stood by the window, staring outwards. “So you were serious.”
        “Yeah, I was.”
        “You never did have good timing,” she smiled, unseen by him. Favor walked up to her, and put an arm around her shoulders. Selari continued, “You want me to leave my home, and live on a Fed ship with you? Now, all of a sudden?”
        “Well, I’d leave my home for you.”
        She turned to look at him. “You don’t have a home.” Her mouth quirked into a slight smile.
        “Well...now I do. At least for the next five years- the Courageous.”
        “Exactly. Do you think Starfleet will allow me to live aboard this ship with you? Do you think my government will allow me?”
        “I could pull some strings,” Favor offered.
        Selari shook her head, her braided hair swinging.
        “Well... what then?” Favor lifted Selari’s chin up so he could look into her eyes. “Do you love me?”
        “Of course I love you. Very much. But...marriage. That’s a difficult decision to make in normal situations, let alone in the middle of a treaty negotiation and raids.”
        “Ah. Bad timing,” Favor smiled. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to put you on the spot. These past few days and nights with you have been wonderful. Especially the nights,” he added with a slight leer.
        Selari chuckled and lightly slapped Favor’s arm.
        “But seriously,” Favor’s tone changed, “I have been thinking about this ever since I left you that day on Romulus. I didn’t want to wait another ten years before I proposed to you.”
        “I’m sorry, Nathan, but I cannot answer you just yet.”
        Favor nodded, “Fair enough.” He looked at her earnestly. “Can you answer this question at least?”
        “What question?”
        Favor smirked. “Your place or mine?”
        Selari smiled. She looked around Favor’s quarters, and noticed the candle. She walked over to the dining table and leaned, blowing out the candle. In the darkness, she answered, “Since we’re already here....yours.”

Chapter Four

        Several dark green beams lashed out against the Courageous’s shields. Naturally, the shields absorbed the blows, but Johnson still felt the impact through his boots as he sat forward on the edge of his chair. The viewscreen showed a dozen small, dark green fighter craft darting in between the Romulan Warbirds and the Courageous.
        The fighters had appeared out of nowhere, as they had done so very often before. Not even a half-second had passed when Ironsides warned Johnson that a radiation spike was detected when the fighters raked the Romulan Warbirds and the Courageous with disruptor fire.
        “Hull damage minimal,” Ironsides declared after the shields had been raised. “The ablative armor took the brunt of the energy,” he said.
        Johnson frowned angrily watching the fighters wheel and loop around with impunity. They flew between the Courageous and the Warbirds, taking advantage of the Romulans’ blind spots.
        The lead Warbird fired at a fighter, but missed. The disruptor beam struck another Warbird instead. Johnson observed the fighters’ strategy. The main bulk of the squadron fired at the Courageous, while the others ran interference between the Warbirds.
        “Shields down to 70 percent,” Bogarde called out.
        “What?” Johnson turned back to look at the chief in surprise. “Already?”
        Bogarde sighed, shaking his head. “They’re scoring too many direct hits and shields haven’t fully recovered from the last attack.”
        Fury welled up in Johnson. He clenched his right fist and slammed it down on the armrest. Johnson snapped around, looking at the viewscreen. “Helm! Evasive maneuvers! Get us out of this sitting duck position!”
        “I’m trying, sir!” LeAnn said, quickly manipulating the Courageous’s flight controls. “Our escorts have us pinned in!”
        Suddenly, a static-filled shriek filled the bridge accompanied with a jarring vibration, setting Johnson’s teeth on edge. Sparks erupted from various consoles on the bridge, and the lights flickered then faltered. The bridge was plunged in darkness and a few seconds later, light was restored.
        “What the hell was that?” the captain demanded.
        “Sorry, sir,” LeAnn replied. “I managed to squeeze out from between our escorts, but our shields impacted against a Warbird’s shields.”
        Immediately after LeAnn’s pronouncement, Bogarde gave a update. “Shields at 67 percent strength. Structural integrity has been weakened.”
        “Helm, move us into a firing angle,” Johnson growled. “Chief, target the nearest fighter and fire phasers!”
        Ironsides glanced at Johnson momentarily. “Sir, are you sure you want to do that? Won’t that interfere with your current diplomatic negotiations?”
        “Noninterference be damned!” Johnson shouted at her. “They’re firing on my ship! Nobody does that to me! Ever!”
        Johnson glared at Ironsides after his tirade. The expression ‘if looks could kill’ came across Ironsides’s mind.
        “Bogarde! Fire!” Johnson shouted.
        The tactical chief gave Ironsides a look of uncertainty, but his soldier’s instinct was too finely honed to disobey his commanding officer. A beam of red phaser energy erupted from the Courageous’s saucer, striking at a nearby fighter.
        “Direct hit,” Bogarde announced. Yet, the fighter flew on by, completely unfazed.
        “Keep firing!” Johnson shouted.
        Bogarde obliged, and the Courageous struck out at her tormentors. Multiple phaser beams flew out at several surrounding fighters as they swooped by. Johnson and the bridge crew could see what Bogarde was about to announce.
        “All direct hits. No effect,” the chief said.
        “What the-?” Johnson muttered. He got out of his seat and went up to Bogarde’s station to see what the sensors were telling them.
        “Confirmed, no effect,” Ironsides said from OPS.
        Johnson slammed a palm against the edge of the tactical console, letting out an angry grunt. “Try torpedoes!”
        “Sir, at this range, torpedoes could harm the Romulan Warbirds,” Ironsides pointed out.
        Johnson glared at her. “I’m aware of that, and I don’t care!” He looked at Bogarde. “You heard me. Fire torpedoes.”
        “Wait!” Ruiz called out.
        Johnson turned his head to look at the viewscreen. He saw that the fighters were flying off in formation. Then they winked out at warp.
        “Tracking...” Bogarde said, as he looked down at his console. “Lost ’em.”
        Johnson stood in place, breathing heavily, his right hand gripping the corner of the tactical console. Slowly, he let go of the tactical console and walked back to the command chair. He sat down, and gave another order.
        “Attend to repairs.”

        Johnson looked up from the PADD in his hand at Ironsides. “So what you’re saying is we don’t know why phasers seemed to be ineffective against the fighters?”
        “That’s right. It could have been a new form of shields we’re not familiar with. On the other hand, phasers weren’t at full strength. The previous attack had affected some of the starboard phaser banks. Chief Fonda promised that phasers would be back to full strength within the next two hours.”
        “They just keep wearing away at us. Picking and picking and...” Johnson gritted his teeth. “Damn it, the Courageous is the largest ship in Starfleet and it’s being hurt by ships a fraction of her size! Do we even know how big they are?”
        Ironsides shook his head. “Garak hasn’t come up with more on them. Apparently, they’re resistant to sensor scans. We come up with echoes and garbled readings. And they move too fast for an accurate visual reading.”
        Ironsides shifted on his feet. “I wanted to talk to you about something else.”
        “What?”
        “What you said about the Romulan escorts... your decision to fire torpedoes regardless of the consequences to the escort ships.”
        “Don’t you dare tell me what I should know!” Johnson tossed the PADD down with a clatter. “I am your commanding officer! Your only duty is to obey me! The Courageous is my ship, to do what I think best with!”
        “I think you’re being unreasonable, sir” Ironsides said calmly.
        “And I think you’re being insubordinate,” Johnson said. “You better leave now and reconsider your words.”
        With a slow nod, Ironsides whispered “Yes, sir.” He turned on his heels and walked briskly out of the ready room.
        Ambassador Favor nearly collided with Ironsides as he walked out of the ready room.
        “Oh, I’m sorry, excuse me,” he said.
        “It’s no problem,” Ironsides said. As they paused to move out of the other’s way, Ironsides looked at Favor. “What’re you doing here, Ambassador?”
        “Oh, I wanted to talk to Tom- the captain- about what just happened. I just finished talking to Selenta.”
        Ironsides looked back at the closed door of the ready room. “I wouldn’t recommend talking to him just now. Why don’t you tell me instead?”
        “Okay, if you think so,” Favor shrugged.
        “Trust me.” Ironsides walked to the turbolift and waited for the doors to open. Favor walked up to him, standing by his side.
        “Where are you headed to?”
        “Deck 25. I have to inspect some damage.”
        The two of them entered the turbolift. “So, um,” Favor began, “everything okay with the ship?”
        “Nothing serious, just some moderate damage. This last attack took a little more out of us than the one before.”
        “So that makes it, what, the sixth attack?”
        “That’s right, Ambassador,” Ironsides nodded.
        “Ambassador Selenta wanted to know how the ship fared. She also wanted to apologize for these terrorist attacks again.”
        “You know,” Ironsides said with a bitter grin, “if she really wanted to help, she could get her government to stop these attacks.”
        “She’s trying her best,” Favor shrugged. They walked out into the corridors of the Courageous, Favor trailing behind Kyle. Several engineers lined the walls, working on exposed circuitry. “I’m going to have dinner with Selari tonight,” Favor continued. “I’ll ask her if she can find out anything through unofficial channels.”
        “Mmm,” Ironsides nodded. He approached a lieutenant, and spoke to the young man. Favor stood to the side, letting the major take care of his business. He turned back to the ambassador. “Is that all?”
        “Uh, yes. So, why wasn’t the captain taking visitors?”
        Ironsides paused, thinking on whether or not to tell Favor. Finally, he decided to relay his conversation to Favor, and the events on the bridge earlier. When he was done, Favor shook his head.
        “Oh...” he sighed, rubbing his temple. “Thank goodness he didn’t fire torpedoes. If we caused damage to the escorts, it could have been interpreted as an act of aggression towards them. They could have fired back on us.”
        “I know. It was hairy out there,” Ironsides nodded.
        “Do you know why the captain is acting like this?” Favor asked as they walked back to the turbolift.
        “I couldn’t hazard a guess,” Ironsides replied. “It could be the stress of being in Romulan space and facing these...attacks. He’s not likely to tell me anything, either.” The two of them entered the turbolift. Ironsides requested the bridge while Favor asked for Deck 8.
        The turbolift stopped on Favor’s designated deck. Favor was about to step off, when Ironsides spoke.
        “Pardon me, Ambassador.”
        “Yes, Major?” Favor turned to look at Ironsides.
        “Perhaps it’s not my place to ask...”
        “Go ahead,” Favor prodded.
        “Seeing that you’re a old friend of the captain’s, perhaps you could get to the bottom of the captain’s odd behavior.”
        “Well,” Favor demurred, “we aren’t that close anymore... but it’s a good idea. In fact, I’ll talk to Dr. Hartman first chance I get.”
        Ironsides nodded.
        “Thanks for the suggestion. I understand what it meant to ask.”
        Ironsides nodded again, silently.
        Favor stepped out of the turbolift, letting the doors close.

        Favor’s stomach rumbled as he walked down the hallway to the Mess Hall. He glanced at the PADD in his hand, tapping it on his other hand. Ironsides’s suggestion earlier in the day rose unbidden to his thoughts. He looked up and stepped into the large room, skirting past the line to the replicators. He noticed one head taller than the others. That head also sported a long mane of white hair. It was Raven, Johnson’s mentor and long-time friend. As good a place to start as any, Favor told himself.
        He picked up a tray and stepped into the replicator line. After he got a small snack, he headed over to where he watched Raven sit down. He was seated at a small table in the corner of the mess hall, rubbing his temples. Seated across from him was Dr. Joh Emmeril, the science officer.
        “Pardon me, I don’t mean to interrupt anything,” he said to the two of them.
        “It’s allright. I was just leaving now,” Joh said, picking up her empty plate, setting it on her tray, and standing up.
        Favor moved so Joh could take her tray to the recycling replicator.
        Favor glanced at the tired looking Raven. “Mind if I sit?”
        Raven sat up, and gestured to the empty seat across the table. “Not at all. Please.” Favor set his tray down and sat down. Favor noticed the slight clench in Raven’s jaw.
        “Still having those headaches?”
        Raven nodded, sighing. “Yes.”
        “Do you know where they’re coming from? Has Dr. Hartman come up with anything?”
        “I haven’t told him that these headaches have been coming back,” Raven admitted. “I’ve just been taking the traditional Betazoid analgesics for my headaches. They seem to help some.”
        “Why don’t you go back to Sickbay? Perhaps he can help put an end to them.”
        Raven shook his head. “The first time it happened, the doctor couldn’t find a cause for it. There is no point in going back if I’m going to get the same answers.” Raven looked at Favor as he chewed on a carrot stick. “Something’s troubling you.”
        Favor smiled. “I should have known...can’t hide anything from a telepath.”
        Raven smiled a gentle smile. “Well, a non-telepath could tell something was troubling you.”
        “Lately, Tom has been acting erratic, so I’ve been told. He’s been more harsh, tense, and controlling. I was wondering if you knew why he might be acting this way?”
        Raven clasped his hands together and leaned forward at the table. “Well, his ship is in the midst of the Romulan Star Empire. One would assume it to be a stressful situation.”
        “Yes, I know that,” Favor nodded. “I’ve already thought of that. That still doesn’t quite explain his behavior. Might there be some animosity towards the Romulans I don’t know of?”
        Raven shook his head. “No, there is none. Thomas is one of the more fair-minded people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. He is slow to making judgments, but strong in his actions. No, he harbors no ill will towards the Romulans.”
        “Are you sure? Perhaps something happened with him early on in his career... he hasn’t told me very much of that.”
        “I can only remember one incident. I was aboard the U.S.S. Kingsmen at the time, being transported to a classified location. He was lieutenant commander then.”
        “Oh yeah?”
        “The ship was one of the first Akira class ships off the line. It was a prestigious assignment to be on the first crews.
        “In any case, we were near the Romulan Neutral Zone, when a Romulan outpost sent out a distress signal. It had been attacked by the Orion Syndicate. Thomas was one of the people in command of the shuttles that helped evacuate the station. He did his very best to rescue as many Romulans as he could, and he felt guilty for not saving the handful that were left behind when the outpost exploded.”
        Favor pursed her lips thoughtfully. “That’s him allright...always a good man, a kind man. Striving to do more.”
        “Yes,” Raven slowly nodded.
        “That’s the only incident Thomas was in, involving the Romulans?” Kyle asked.
        “That and Operation: Lady Liberty, commonly known as Operation: Betazed. You, of course, know what happened then.”
        Favor smiled. “Yeah, pretty much everyone knows.”
        “Thomas has no cause for animosity towards the Romulans.” Raven drew a deep breath. “The only race he holds bitterness towards is the Breen.”
        “Yeah. They killed his mother when he was a teenager.”
        “I don’t think he has ever forgiven them for that.”
        He sighed and looked around at the other crewpeople eating their meals. “So it’s your opinion that Tom doesn’t hold a secret grudge against the Romulans?”
        “That is my opinion, yes.”
        “Well, that answers my question.”
        Raven nodded slowly. “Please come to see me at any time if it is necessary.”
        “Thank you, Raven. I appreciate that.”
        “Have a good evening, Ambassador,” Raven tilted his head. He left the table, and made his way out of the mess hall. Favor sat by himself, looking at his tray.
        He looked up from his tray and noticed that the number of crewpeople in the mess hall had dwindled down to only a few people. The night had gotten late. Favor yawned and got up, carrying his tray back to the replicator. Then he left the mess hall, heading to back to Selari and bed.

        “Good morning, love,” Selari said as she brushed her hair. Favor laid in bed, scratching his ribs.
        “You know, I can never figure out how you always wake up before me,” Favor smiled.
        “It’s a gift,” Selari shrugged. She looked in the mirror, checking her hair clasps. “Don’t forget we have a meeting at 1100 hours.”
        “Yeah, I know. I’m going to meet with the captain later this morning to go over some details.” Favor yawned and slid out of bed, walking over to the bathroom, scratching his bare behind. Selari paused, and glanced at it as he walked past her.
        “You said last night that Selenta wished she wanted to join us, right?” Favor said from within the bathroom.
        “That is correct,” Selari replied.
        “Interesting,” Favor mused. Selari could hear him gargling for a moment. “You know, you haven’t told me much about Selenta. What part of Romulus is she from?”
        “The Capital City,” Selari answered back. “I first met her when I was invited to speak to the Military Academy about interstellar relations.” Selari stepped back to look over her dress in the mirror. After a minor adjustment to her collar, she continued. “After the speech. she came straight to me, and asked if I was free to talk with her for a while.
        “I told her that I was. She went on to ask some very insightful questions regarding my speech. She struck me as a very bright and perceptive individual.”
        “I can believe that,” Favor attested.
        “She told me that she had been following my career since I was a junior aide to Senator Kremel, and that she thought I was the best diplomat on Romulus.”
        “Ahh, flattery gets you everywhere.”
        “True. We went on to have lunch that day. I think...perhaps I saw a little of myself in her. That may be why I took her under my wing, as the Terrans would say. I’m quite proud of her. She’s grown into a very accomplished woman,” Selari concluded.
        “Quite good looking too,” Favor added as he stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped only in a towel.
        “Is that so?” Selari fixed a cold gaze on Favor.
        “Yes,” smiled Favor. “Although her mentor is much better looking.”
        Selari stepped up close to Favor, and kissed him warmly. As she stepped away, she tugged on the towel, causing it to fall to the deck. “I shall see you later,” she said as she walked out of the quarters, leaving Favor behind to pick up his fallen towel.
        
        Favor walked down the corridor towards the turbolift. He stopped, waiting at the door. He glanced down at his boots, checking the shine on the toe. The turbolift arrived, and Favor looked up to see Kyle. He smiled, “Good evening.”
        Kyle gave Favor a wry grin. The ambassador had taken to giving her that greeting, in light of her nocturnal work hours and diurnal sleep hours.
        “Good morning,” she replied.
        “How’re you doing?” he asked, as he stepped into the turbolift.
        “I’m allright. And you?”
        “I’m wonderful. Where you headed to?”
        “My quarters.”
        Favor glanced at her. “Ready for bed, huh?”
        Kyle nodded tiredly.
        “Well, sleep tight, and don’t let the space mites bite.”
        The turbolift doors opened, and Kyle headed out, walking out into the corridor. Favor sighed, watching her walk away until the doors slid shut. A moment later, he was on the bridge.
        He glanced around and saw Johnson sitting in the command chair. Favor made his way around the tactical station to stand near Johnson. “Morning, Leo,” he said to the security chief.
        “Morning, Nate,” Bogarde replied with a casual nod.
        Favor stood by Johnson’s chair. “Morning, Tommy.”
        “What?” Johnson snapped.
        “Uh, we were supposed to go over some notes before we met with Selenta at 11?”
        “Oh. Do we have to do that now?” Johnson looked at Favor.
        “Yeah. I need to find out if Starfleet gave you authorization to approve Clause 6...you know, the disclosure one?”
        Johnson sighed. Favor noticed the bags under Johnson’s eyes. The captain pressed in a few commands on his command screen. “You can go into my ready room and review the messages I got from Starfleet. You don’t need me, I’ve gone ahead and opened my files for you.”
        “Okay. We’ll talk when I’m done, then we can head to the conference room.”
        “Fine, whatever,” Johnson waved his hand. Favor shrugged and walked over to the ready room door.
        Ensign LeAnn’s voice made Favor pause. “Captain, something’s happening.”
        “Hmm?” Johnson asked.
        “The Romulan Warbirds have just dropped out of warp!” LeAnn called out. Favor stared at the viewscreen in confusion. The Warbirds indeed were gone.
        Johnson leaned forward, looking at the viewscreen as well. “What the... Go to impulse! Shields up!”
        “Ahh...crap,” Favor muttered.

SECTION ONE | SECTION TWO | SECTION THREE | SECTION FOUR

 MISSIONS | PERSONNEL | SHIP SPECS | COMMENTS | CREDITS | MAIN