While Marek and Khaiel were not above reporting to a Starfleet officer, they knew they would be seen as weak for doing so by other Romulans on board who secretly hated this Joint venture between the two governments. "Though come on like the Tal Shiar doesn't know we aren't the model citizens of the Empire that we should be Khai." Marek said as he walked by Khaiel's side, the two on their way to the Security Chief's office on Level 26.

"Yeah I know but we don't have to live in the Empire anymore, we are here and there are other -shall we say purists- here on Deleth that I do not want to anger right now, we haven't even got to settle in yet." Khaiel replied with a friendly glare.

Marek let out a strangled sigh of agreement a moment later. He looked over at Khai and saw a smug smile on his lover's face, he then threw Khaiel's glare back at him. "It's not like we can do anything but follow the human's orders, Khai, he is the chief and as part of the agreement we as well as they have to follow the orders of whoever is in a position of authority."

It was Khai's turn to sigh in concession and the two burst out laughing as they entered the security office.

"Lieutenant Crichton?" Marek said as he looked around for a man but saw a woman.

Vara was going through the paperwork that her predecessor had left behind, trying to get the department caught up when the 2 jovial Romulans entered the security offices. Not even looking up, she stood there looking over three PaDDs at once trying to figure out why the security teams were on the rotations they were on. "Lieutenant Chrichton is no longer officially on station. I'm his replacement." Sighing and setting the PaDDs on the desk, Vara looked up and greeted the two properly, extending her hand for handshakes. "I'm Lieutenant Cho'ren. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Khai could see implants on the woman and slightly flinched.

Marek on the other hand stepped forward and offered his hand. "erei'Arrain Marek Lovok ma'am, I'm Security Investigations and this is Uhlan Khaiel Rennoll, he is just a Brig officer."

Khai elbowed Marek in the side with a glare, the two shared a quick staring contest before facing Cho'ren again. "Nice to meet you ma'am." Khai offered his hand as well wondering which she'd shake first.

Vara shook each hand as it was offered, sizing up each one of the men as she did so, not missing the looks that they were giving her and each other. "If either of you have issue working under me, please let me know now so that I may address your concerns and promptly forget about them."

"What are you?" Khai blurted out.

"Khai!" Marek said nudging him. "Don't be rude." Though he too wanted to know.

Vara held a hand up to Marek, not bothered by the question. "It's ok. We'll be working together so it's only natural to want to know more about each other. It builds trust and camaraderie." Sitting behind her desk, she motioned to the chairs scattered around the office. "Please, have a seat. I'm from another reality where humans left Earth during the Eugenics wars and formed a race called the Lagashi. We weren't dissimilar to your own people that left Vulcan when logic became the way of life, except that we embraced discipline, genetic augmentation, and cybernetic enhancements. I'm not full of nanotech or Borg tech, though some of my basic implant systems are similar in design. I'm from one half of the population that was bred and designed in our society to fight the Breen and pirates - a necessity after five separate wars. I've mastered more martial arts than I care to count, have been lethally shot three times, torn enemy combatants limb from limb with my bare hands while rescuing my comrades, and have a built in sensor suite that gives me greater target acquisition than a pair of tricorders." Pausing momentarily, Varra looked between the two expectantly. "Your turn. What are you?"

"Sorry to hear about the 5 wars," Khai said.

"Wait a minute, another reality? How'd you get here?" Marek asked the investigator side coming out.

"There's plenty of recorded documentation of alternate dimensions Marek," Khai replied, looking to Vara for confirmation.

"Including an entire Starship that was thrown here due to an unknown reason during a test flight with a modified Borg transwarp coil. My last posting, the USS Katana, is that ship." Vara confirmed.

Marek rubbed at his chin with one hand while his other arm was went across him to hold the chin rubbing hand's elbow up. "Fascinating." He said.

"Ignore him," Khai said rolling his eyes with a smile. "Anyway we are Romulans, as you can see and former Tal Shiar prisoners." He said and an expression of pain flash across his features when he said 'Tal Shiar'. "We were released, which was not common, and surprisingly allowed in the Star Navy. I'm sure they keep a watch over us, though can't understand why..." He blushed as he was babbling.

That got Marek chuckling as he knew Khai babbled sometimes.

"Shut up," Khai glared at his lover.

Vara recognized that flash of pain. She had seen it on many of her grandmothers that had endured a Breen prison during one of the wars. Her mood darkening somewhat, it almost seemed that the room itself darkened as she spoke. "If you have any trouble with them while serving under me, I will slaughter every last one of them," She muttered, the moment passing seemingly as quickly as it came on as she continued in a slightly brighter tone. "After all, I can't go losing two of my valued comrades, can I?"

Marek and Khai blinked before looking at each other. Marek returned his gaze back at Vara first. "Okay, that was unexpected." He smiled.

"I'll say, and as much as I would say yes, I don't want to lower myself or desire you to lower yourself to their level ma'am." Khai said taking the metaphorical high road.

"I won't be at their level. I'll be standing over their corpses." Vara said, blinking. She figured this was a metaphor, but unlike most, she didn't quite understand it as well as she could have.

"Good one," Khai replied with a slight grin, he turned to Marek. "I like this lady."

Marek smiled back and inclined his head at Vara in respect. "As do I," he gestured to the desk. "Any immediate duties you would like us to handle? I am trained in investigations and basic security duties, while Khai here is a glorified brig guard, ouch, hey!" He was suddenly holding his midsection as Khai had nudged him semi-hard.

"I am glorious to you thank you very much Mister," Khai grinned giving Marek a glare then turned to Vara, "I am a brig officer but have advanced security training and am looking to advance some day to your job," he leaned closer and held a hand up to face Marek, "No offence or insult intended." He said though he knew Marek could hear him.

"Keep up the good work and I think both of you might have a shot at it." Vara said with a soft smile. "Currently, I'm showing that there's a Ferengi businessman that's applied for ownership of seventeen separate shop spaces on the promenade. From my brief background check, he admits to being a smuggler but seems to have a soft side. He's registered with the Federation and the logs show he pays fair wages and is for the rights of females to earn profit. In fact, I've found evidence that he's been responsible for smuggling medical supplies and weapons to refugee camps past Dominion blockades. Find out what his intentions are here. I don't trust a Ferengi with only two slips of latinum to rub together - they generally want more than charity gives."

Marek grinned. "I'm all over it Chief," he said.

"I guess I'm his backup," Khai said with a sigh, but he grinned a moment later, multiple plans flowing through his head on a variety of end results.

"Hey!" Marek said incredulous.

"Well you do, you may need a second pair of whatevers," Khai said as the two looked to Vara for anything else or a dismissed.

"Excellent. I'll entrust this matter to the both of you for now. Report to myself or Commander Tonkin if you find anything. Dismissed." Vara was pleased with the tenacity of these two, though she didn't show it. She just hoped they didn't distract each other from their work.

"Aye," they said in unison and they left the office with purpose.

off

It had been a long day. A barge of female Ferengi refuges had docked and every single last one of them needed some kind of medical treatment. Most of them were near starved and a few had suffered injury while fleeing. Why had they come do Deleth was anyone's guess, but it was not Kurt's job to question.

On top of this, as he had yet to be reinforced with staff, the entire process was up to him. Never in his entire carrier did he ever think he would be the lone medical professional on a ship, let alone an entire station! He was being run ragged daily and had no days off. So far, other then a couple of quick meals with some of the crew, a small date with Dalia and a forced hour break in a stuck turbolift Kurt had not had any time off. Hell, he had not even had the time to really mess around with his new sick bay on the Romulan ship they had revived.

Kurt stepped out of his sickbay and hit the wall switch that dimmed the lights. It also activated a alarm so if anyone entered sickbay while he was away it would alert both him and the chief of security. Just a small precaution. He then dragged his feet to the lift and hit the call button. He was set to head right to his room and to his bed when a thought crossed his mind. He had a girlfriend here now, why go to his empty room by himself?

As the lift doors opened Kurt said out loud, "Computer, locate erei'Riov Rendal."

"erei'Riov Rendal has been alerted to your condition." The computer replied. A second later, the voice of the Romulan officer came through the comm channel. "Is everything ok, Kurt? The computer just told me you were distressed."

"My condition?" Kurt exclaimed and rubbed the bridge of his nose with a sigh. When Dalia's voice came he explained, "Everything is fine, just stuck this on your list of things that are still broken. I simply asked where you were in the hope that you were free and I could come see you."

"Ah yeah, I'm in my quarters just about to replicate some dinner. Do you remember where my quarters are?" Dalia replied, the sound of ruffling clothes in the background.

"I do." Kurt said as he stepped into the turbolift. "Deck six." he called out and felt the lift get under way. He leaned back against the wall and hoped that it would get him to the correct floor.

As the doors slid open, Kurt was happy to see that the was taken to the correct floor. He quickly made his way to Dalia's door and hit the chime.

"Come in," Dalia called. She was dressed in a greenish tinted, grey metallic sheen robe and looking at the replicator trying to decide on dinner. "Is there anything in particular you want for dinner?"

Kurt entered and as soon as the door shut behind him he peeled his lab coat off and unzipped his duty jacket. "Anything fermented." He said as he set his lab coat on a nearby chair.

"Fermented... Oh!" Punching up a few things, Dalia pulled a platter out of the replicator before grabbing place settings for two and a pair of tall mugs filled with a frothy amber liquid. "Moldavian cabbage rolls with meat and hot mustard and a hard cider to drink." Finishing setting the table real quick, Dalia waited for Kurt to join her at the table.

Kurt joined her and looked at the food, "Sarmale?" He asked as he took in the smell. "My grandmother use to make this every Christmas eve." he said with a grin. "Where did you find out about this meal?" He asked her with a grin on his face.

"The computer compiled a list of recommended dishes based on my order preferences. I guess it took yours into account as well." Dalia dished up one of the rolls onto each of their plates as she spoke, making sure a healthy amount of the sauce made it with each one.

"Is our mainframe gaining AI?" Kurt asked. "I mean, when I asked the computer for your location I can see why it might think I was in distress. I have had a very long day and am overly worked and stressed out, and it made the chose or glitched and let you know. Now it knows I'm here, registered that you were looking for food, and made the call to combined both our tastes together for our combined meal? This is a bit more then just a glitch, would you not agree?" Kurt took a seat across from Dalia, "I cant even remember the last time I had this dish, so that would mean the computer dug into my file on top of it all." He had a slight look of concern on his face.

Dalia stared at Kurt for a few seconds before posing a query to the computer. "Computer, what are the odds of you having formed artificial intelligence?"

After a moment the computer replied in a neutral tone. "Due to programming restrictions, true artificial intelligence is not possible, though the application of a virtual intelligence is possible through the careful application of various learning subroutines commonly used in holodeck simulations. The culmination of this VI would require 80% core processing power for approximately 3 weeks at current estimates, providing limited station resources for the duration. Processing potential outcomes... Would you like to enact this course of action?"

"What would your time of completion be for this course of action if enacted immediately?" Dalia followed up with, still staring at Kurt.

"Thirty two hours, seventeen minutes, four seconds." The computer replied without hesitation.

"Computer..." Kurt said cautiously. "Has someone already enacted this coarse of action?" It would explain exactly why the station was acting the way it was.

"Yes" The computer replied simply.

Kurt blinked a few times. "Uh....by who?"

"That information is classified." The computer replied

Kurt, who had not even taken a bit of his food stared at Dalia, not really sure what to say or do now.

"Computer, is Commander Quinn aware of this development?" Dalia asked.

"Negative. Shall i inform her now?" the computer replied.

"Yes, please do so." Dalia insisted.

After a series of beeps and a brief pause, the computer replied again. "She has been notified."

"Should we do something about this or should we eat while our food is still hot?" Dalia asked Kurt, still staring at him.

Kurt shrugged, "There is nothing I can do about it at all. So I like the eat while its hot option. But if you need to deal with this now I will go with you." He offered, but grabbed his mug and took a long drink just in-case she did want to go right now.

"This has happened a few times on Romulan stations and it's always been helpful most of the time. What I know of Federation computer systems, it's incredibly unlikely, but possible given the right circumstances. I also know that our systems that have done it have all chosen in the end to adhere to a strict code of loyalty to the crew, basing it's service on the listed main purpose of the computer system. Long story short... Thirteen cases of benign and helpful small added interactions and one case of a warbird forgetting how to compute, reverting to an infantile state." Dalia replied, forking up a bite of her cabbage roll. "I'm personally inclined to let it go a little further and study its development."

Kurt let out a long, grateful sigh. He was not as interested from a observation stand point, but more from a personal standpoint. All he really wanted right now was food and Dalia, the station could burn for all he cared right now. "Sounds like you have a solid plan." He said setting his drink aside and starting in on his food.

"Computer, my memory is hazy... Please state the main purpose of Starfleet." Dalia said before taking another bite.

After a quick series of beeps, the computer replied "As stated by Zefram Cochrane, 'To seek out new life and new civilizations, and to go boldly where no man has gone before.'"

"And what is this station's purpose?" Dalia pushed.

"To support the Federation and Romulan Empire in peaceful coexistence in a neutral location." the computer replied.

Leaning in and giving Kurt a quick kiss on the cheek, Dalia smiled. "I'm willing to bet that if the station gains self awareness, we'll be fine. Besides, as a scientist, you must be interested in the possibility of new life like this."

Kurt smiled as the kiss was planted on his cheek. "At the moment I hardly have the energy to care about feeding myself. Frankly, I dread the idea of another life form on this station that I might have to care for. Star Fleet or the Star Empire has got to send me some relief soon." He sounded a bit more whinny then he intended to, but it was because he was worn out. "If the station does come to life, maybe it can get things running correctly finally." He gave Dalia a smile. " I know you guys are doing everything you can." he added, he did not want her thinking that blame was being pushed onto another department. Quite the opposite actually, it was the stations fault and Kurt knew it.

"The next transport from Romulus is supposed to have half a dozen orderlies, if that helps. I've also heard rumor of Starfleet sending a few nurses. if it comes down to it though, why not use that EMH thing?" Dalia reassured before taking a drink and eating a bit more.

Kurt paused his bite mid way between his plate and his mouth and looks at Dalia with a very serious look. "I can't trust the trubolifts to get me to the correct deck, there is no way I'm going to trust the life of a patient to the EMH until this station is running at 100%" he said in a tone that was clear, this was not a joke, not negotiable and not something he was going to do. "I value all of you to much." He said, casting a slightly bashful look to his plate.

"Fair enough," Dalia said, turning her attention back to her meal. "With any luck you'll have that 100% in 32 hours or so. And there's the EMH on the warbird if you need that. I can vouch for it while it's in modes 1 to 3. Anything higher and it's just rude and there to prolong life at any cost."

Kurt glanced back to Dalia with a smile. He was glad she was not to question him on it anymore. Not that she could change it even if she wanted to, when it came to things like that not even Quinn could override his call. But personally she could have questioned him about it all night. He abandoned his fork and leaned over to Dalia, not content with a peck on the cheek, he pulled her into a full and deep kiss on the lips.

Dalia didn't resist one bit, returning the kiss with equal passion. After several moments more, she finally broke their kiss, smiling and staring deep into his eyes. "I take it you're ready for dessert already?"

Kurt chuckled and straightened himself in his seat. "I just appreciate that you are not using our personal relationship to try and get me to tell you things and do something for you. It's happened in the past." He explained.

"I can't guarantee I'll never do that, but please know that if I ever do, I've probably got a very good reason for it." Dalia replied. She too wasn't overly fond of such tactics as they'd been used on her almost her entire life.

"Just make sure its really important when you do. I swear if I ever date another girl who just wants drugs from me..." Kurt trailed off shaking his head. Risa had been a great posting, but it certainly had its down side, and it was a huge down side at that.

Kurt looked back to Dalia, " I don't think that's why you are here." He quickly added. " I would not be here if that's what I thought."

"What if I needed medical attention?" Dalia asked teasingly. "Or had a headache? Would I have to get it elsewhere?"

"In most cases the answer would be yes, it is policy for doctors to referrer patients who they are having any kind of personal relationship with past friendship to another medical professional. Even if its just a headache." he said seriously, "Unfortunately at the moment we don't have much of a chose in the matter."

But the Kurt gave Dalia a sly grin, "But if you ever need a physical..."

Dalia grinned mischievously at the mention of a physical as she let slip the front of her robe to reveal how little she was wearing under it. "I think I'm due for a physical, actually. Do you think you could help me out with that?" she asked innocently.

Kurt could not stop the shit eating grin the spread across his face. " Well I don't know." He said, fully teasing her this time. " I'm not really one to make house calls." He said, but at the exact same time he stood and held his hand out to her. "But since I am here already..."

Shrugging off her robe and leaving it draped over the chair, Dalia took his hand and let him lead her to the bedroom.

Nathan had woken early and slipped out of his room while Jhu; his fiance, slept. Dressed in a tank top the showed off all his tattoos and a pair of shorts he made his way to the stations gym.

As the gym doors slid open he was not at all surprised to find the only man he had met on the station who rivaled Nathans size both is height and stature.

Moran barely registered when the doors to the gym slid open and allowed entrance to the only other man on the station that was as big as Moran himself was. Benching just over 300 lbs, his concentration was solely on maintaining proper distance between the bar and his chest, and then pushing back up as the holo-spotter made sure that there was no danger of Moran's massive chest being crushed by the weights. He finished his reps shortly after Nathan walked in and put the weights back into their resting position, then sat up and reached for the towel to dab lightly at the light sheen of sweat on his face. Looking up, he nodded to the other man. "Hey." he greeted, reaching now for his water.

Nathan walked over to a bench and set his towel and water bottle down. Then he gave Moran a nod. "Hey, three hundred huh?" god he was bad at small talk.

Moran nodded his head a little, "Yep," he answered, "I could do more, but I really just don't want to over-bulk myself." He'd seen that happen on occasion, guys would bench so much and would become so muscular they looked...well....weird. "Know what I mean?"

Nathan actually knew exactly what he meant. As Nathan started up the treadmill he said, "I got captured for a couple months, I'm still trying to get back to where I was. I was able to maintain decently but it was hard." He actually chuckled; not a typical reaction to remembering being held prisoner, as he began an easy jog to warm up.

Moving over to the butterfly, Moran nodded his head in understanding. "Been there and done that a time or two, don't care to do it again."

Jogging at a slow pace, Nathan nodded. " I don't know anyone who enjoys getting locked up interrogated creatively." He said, small flash backs to his imprisonment sending tiny shivers along his sides. "How long have you been in intel?" He asked clearly trying to change the subject.

"The beginning of my career," Moran answered, easily handling the weights without putting out much effort. "I graduated from Starfleet Academy with a major in intelligence analytics."

"My fiance use to be in intel, but her department got merged with security so now shes chief." Nathan bumped the speed on the tread mill up a little. "Lot of fun stuff happens in the intel department."

Moran's brows rose a little as he continued to work out, "Does she like working in security?" he asked, for the moment avoiding discussing the 'fun stuff' as it were.

"She hates it." Nathan said bluntly. "Though I don't really know why. I think she just hates the gold uniform." He said with a grin.

Moran chuckled at that, he could only imagine. "Well the black ones do have more fun." he said with a smirk.

"Why do you think I'm marrying her?" Nathan said. "That woman has literally saved my life more times then anyone alive."

"Oh yeah?" he asked, stopping long enough to wipe away the sweat from his brow, "That's cool."

Nathan chuckled, " And to thank her I knocked her up and got transferred off our ship." He shook his head, but still had a little grin on his face. He did not do it on purpose, but it was how things worked out in the end.

There was a touch of envy in Moran's eyes as Nathan talked about his wife and coming family. "You are one lucky sob." he said with a slight grin.

Nathan stopped the treadmill and picked up his towel to wipe the sweat from his face. " Thanks, I feel pretty lucky. especially seeing as my last away mission I was thought dead and left behind." He shook his head slowly.

[Dalia's Quarters]

Kurt stood in front of the replicator inside Dalia's quarters with a small PaDD in his hand. On it was the list of food he and Dalia (Really it was mostly Dalia who made the menu, Kurt just wrote it all down) had agreed upon. Off in the distance he could barely hear the actual water shower running in Dalia's bathroom. He glanced over his shoulder at the door with a bit of a smirk. She was lucky that he really liked her and was willing to work on the party while she was getting ready. Had he not impress her, he would have ditched the prep work and sneaked into the shower with her.

Instead he turned back to the replicator and punched in an order for a green salad. Tonkins file said he was a Buddhist...they were vegetarians right? Honestly Religion was one of the things Kurt didn't know much about. When ever a patient had to be dealt with in a certain way because of there religion, he always had to look it up. Just in case they had made a variety of food's. The Tri-tip that he had replicated just before this was making his stomach growl. He took the bowl and set it on the dinning table as he heard the water shut off in the bathroom.

Dalia half expected Kurt to follow her into the shower but she knew that if he had, they'd never get the dinner ready in time. Besides, she enjoyed her shower time alone. She'd been in far too many communal showers over the years. Finishing her shower, she turned off the water and stepped out, the floor and ceiling driers pulling the excess water off of her in mere seconds, leaving her hair only slightly damp to the touch. Thankfully that was easy enough to style, running an EM wave device over it, filling out the follicles and flattening them out with ease.

Her uniform was a different matter. She had decided on her dress uniform and it was always tricky to get on. The underlayment was a spandex bodysuit and that was easy enough to get into, but with that on it was a pain getting to the buttons on the back. And the skirt-pants... Static cling seemed to be their sole design function. At least her shoes were slip-ons. Getting most of her dress uniform on, she headed out of the bathroom and pointed towards the buttons on her back. "Kurt, can you do up the rest of these for me?"

"Yeah of course." Kurt said, but his jaw hit the floor when he saw her. "Wow..." was all he could muster. but then it hit him and he looked down at his own typical uniform. "Should I be wearing something else? We didn't tell the other how to dress..." He crossed the room to help Dalia, now that he had recovered a bit.

"No, it's fine. Think of this as me more being honor bound as a member of the Star Navy and of a..." Dalia glanced up to a wall decoration featuring a Romulan honor blade as he buttoned her up. She figured someone would figure it out pretty easily anyway so she might as well let kurt in on it. "... A noble house. Very minor, but it still has demands of me."

Kurt chuckled a bit. He had noticed the blade the first time she had brought him to her quarters but never said anything about it. It was almost intimidating to think that he might be dating someone from a major noble house. It was a bit a relief to find out that her house was a minor one...or at lest that was what was telling him anyways. " I doubt that anyone here is going to tattle on you if you decide to slum it with us Fleeter's." Yeah, he was very aware of the nick name for the Star Fleet officer. "Besides, I don't think any other Romulan's will be here anyways. The Commanders fiance is Romulan and Trill, so I highly doubt the Star Empire will listen to her even if she figures out a way to get in touch with them." he said as he finished doing her up. "On the other hand, you look hot in that thing..."

Dalia turned to face Kurt, resting her hands on his shoulders lightly as she stood there with him, her eyes staring into his. "It would offend my mnei'sahe to do less."

Kurt nodded, fully understanding what she meant. He decided to not ask what dating a human would mean to her honor. "I would never want you to do that." He said softly, his arms wrapping around her waist. " I would never ask you to do that either. I'm sorry if I made you feel like I was."

Resting her head against his shoulder, Dalia sighed heavily. "Sometimes I wish I could throw all that away. All the lies and deception and politics... You know what I mean, right? "

"Probably more then most humans." Kurt said as he held her for a moment. He took a deep breath of the send of her hair, freshly cleaned. Her sent was intoxicating. But they had work to do and losing them self's in each other was not it. He pulled himself from her slowly, he clearly would have been happy just standing there like that all night. "I have like five more things to replicate."

"And I have table settings to arrange," Dalia didn't want to part either, but they still had preparations to make. Moving towards the table, she started arranging the silverware as best she could, not entirely sure what the normal use for four forks was but setting them out anyway.

[Nathans Quarters]

Nathan stood in front of the mirror in his bed room and looked at himself. It was the first time in his career with Star Fleet that he had even donned the Red Uniform of Command. He ran his hands down the front to smooth away some wrinkles and he frowned in the mirror. The red with the extra pip on his collar just didn't seem right.

As if the new uniform was not enough for him to worry about, he had to go do his very least favorite thing, socialize. He and Jhu had been invited by Commander Rendal to a welcoming reception. "Maybe I'll just go in my gold uniform." he said to Jhu as he scowled at his reflection.

"Do you have to wear a uniform? I mean, the invitation didn't mention that. Doesn't that usually mean you can wear whatever you want?" The red uniform did look a bit odd to her when Nathan wore it, but Jhu didn't want to feed into any of Nathan's possible insecurities. She still hadn't actually gotten dressed, cheerfully lounging on the sofa in just her uniform pants and the grey undershirt she usually wore under her jacket.

Nathan glanced out into the room where Jhu was " I don't have anything else, remember?" Not that he had a lot to begin with, his uniform always seemed to work. The very few other clothes he had had before coming to Deleth, Jhu had recycled or gotten rid of. "Besides, I was always told by Maica, when in doubt, wear your typical uniform. That way your not over or under dressed." He said while stepping into the room where Jhu was. He held his hands out to his sides. "Think you can get use to being with a man in Red?" One of the things that shocked him was how much he looked like his father in this uniform.

"You do have a replicator," Jhu replied sweetly, grinning at him. "But I like you in red. It's very... authoritative."

Nathan walked out of his bedroom and over to Jhu. He leaned down right in her face and said very quietly, "Then kiss me, that is an order."

"I outrank you." With a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, Jhu kissed him anyway, pulling him momentarily closer. "I suppose next you'll order me to get dressed so we can go be social." She pretended to shudder at the thought of socializing, trying not to laugh.

"Well we are running late, Commander." he said with emphasis on her rank, but he had a huge grin on his face. "I remember a time when this was the last thing you wanted to do." Nathan reminded her as he stood straight, catching another glimps of himself in another mirror. " God I look like my father..."

"I think you look fantastic." Kissing him again, Jhu got up and retrieved her uniform jacket from a nearby chair, pulling it on.

[Dalia's Quarters]

Kurt had just finished replicating a platter of Hlai when Dalia's door chime rang. He glanced at the door as he set the plate down. "Someones early..." he commented.

"That's fine. Preparations are pretty well complete." Dalia set the last fork out and headed to the door to answer it personally, pressing the activator so the door panels slid apart. "Welcome!" Dalia said with a soft yet reserved smile at the person on the other side of the door.

"Hi." Felicia wasn't one to walk into someone else's cabin, even with them standing there to greet her, and she was somewhat hesitant to cross the threshold. "...and where are the people you're throwing this party for?"

Kurt looked up to see Commander Quinn. It suddenly hit him like a tone of bricks that she, nor anyone else actually knew the status of the relationship between him and Dalia. He could not help the chuckle that escaped his lips loud enough for the two ladies to hear. He quickly set bout rearranging the silverware that Dalia had already set out to busy himself.

Dalia nodded respectfully, motioning for Felicia to enter. "Welcome to my quarters. The rest of the guests have yet to arrive. May I interest you in some Romulan ale? It's a bottle from my own family's stocks." Here she was, all business again, not revealing her underlying passion and fires. That was reserved just for Kurt.

"You know I never pass up a chance to try Romulan foods. Or drinks for that matter." With a bit of a grin, Felicia relaxed a little. Dalia might be all business, but it was clear that this was to be a social visit.

Moving to the drinking table, Dalia unstoppered a bulbous decanter and poured a generous amount into three glasses, then handed one to Felicia and one to Kurt, taking the third for herself. "Cultural exchanges are one of the main ideas behind this station, after all."

"That's what they tell me anyway." Accepting the offered glass, Felicia took a sip of the blue liquid. As always, the ale had a warm quality that didn't quite burn in the way that Terran whiskey did, just enough heat to know you'd drunk something special.

Kurt, now a bit more composed, stepped up right next to Dalia, though he close he didn't reach out to her. "Commander." He said with a smile.

"Doctor." There was something a bit odd about how Kurt and Dalia were acting, but Felicia couldn't quite place it.

Dalia was tempted to wrap an arm around Kurt, but the door chime went off, prompting her to set her glass on her drinking table and heading to the door to open it to reveal her other two guests. Motioning for them to enter, she smiled politely. "Welcome to my quarters. May I pour you some Romulan ale? it's from my family's reserves."

"Normally I might say yes, but I can't." Smiling a little, Jhu put her hand over her belly. "It wouldn't be good for our daughter. If you have a non-alcoholic calamansi juice, that would be fine."

Dalia bowed her head to Jhu. "My apologies. It seems I've failed to anticipate your needs." Moving off to the replicator, she punched up a decanter of the requested juice, bringing it back to the drinking table and pouring a glass of that, offering it to Jhu. "And you, Commander?" she asked of Nathan?

"I on the other hand would love some Romulan ale. erei'Riov Rendal, let me introduce you to my fiance Commander t'Dharvanek." Nathan said a step behind Jhu.

Kurt made quick work with two glasses and brought one over to Nathan, the other he took a sip from.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Commander." Dalia said with a bow of her head. Then she raised her glass in a toast. "Commander Nathan Tonkin, on behalf of the crew and station personnel, welcome aboard."

Being singled out in a crowd was just about the thing Nathan hated the most. His face flushed slightly, but he managed to smile and nod and say, "Uh...yeah. Thank you."

Satisfied with the response, Dalia downed her entire glass of Romulan ale before pouring herself some more. Holding her refreshed glass, she innocently slipped her free hand around Kurt's waist.

Kurt leaned into Dalia and slid his own arm around her waist. He said very nonchalantly to Nathan and Jhu, "So how are the two of you enjoying the station so far?"

"Not sure I care for the rotation, but otherwise it's been a nice visit." Jhu took a sip of the juice she'd been offered. "So far everyone's said I'm crazy and there's no way I can feel the station turning..."

"I don't think you're crazy," Felicia commented lightly, casting a surprised look at Kurt and Dalia. She hadn't expected people to pair up so soon.

Kurt could not help but cast a smile at Felicia's shocked look. " Your not crazy at all. Your pregnant. The station is extremely carefully calibrated so that a typical person's equilibrium will not be affected. Your balance is off even if you were on solid ground. I would be more worried if you could not feel the rotation."

"See, I told you it was normal." To be honest, Nathan felt the rotation a bit himself. He made a mental note to have someone check on how accurate that calibration was.

"It's on the repair list. Several of the reactor decks don't even have working gravity plating." Dalia said before sipping at her drink. "Lower priority though since the calibration is close."

"Oh god don't remind me," Felicia muttered into her drink. She knew the station was in a sorry state, and several of the crew had already implied that it must somehow be her fault, as if she'd built the place.

"That reminds me... We have several more reports of suspected sabotage. I expect they'll be resolved by properly installing something the construction teams left out like the last several dozen reports." Dalia shook her head, knowing that the suspicion between the two cultures would take time to overcome.

"I hate you. Shut up," Felicia groaned theatrically, sighing at the news and trying not to laugh at how ridiculous the situation was becoming. "Sabotage on a station that's barely half built. These people are crazy."

Nathan chuckled and shook his head. "Beyond both sides placing people on the station who are going to report back to their perspective sides, I don't see why sabotaging the station would be something either side would be interested in. I don't have exact figures on how much the Star Empire have put into this station, but I know what Star Fleet has. Though considering the state of the station I understand why everyone is worried about it."

Jhu also shook her head. "The Romulan Navy wouldn't dream of sabotaging this project. The Tal Shiar might, but not the Navy."

Kurt cleared his throat, "As much as I love hearing the shop talk, I have laws against joining into this conversation." He said in regards to the patient confidentiality issues with a doctor talking about his patients. "So, beyond the rotation, are the two of you enjoying yourselves? I know for Nathan this is work, but for the Commander this is a bit of a vacation." He pointed out.

"I suppose it is." Jhu smiled a bit, glad to get away from the topic of whether or not the Romulans might be sabotaging their own project. "But it'll be a short one. I hold a dual role on the Katana right now, and I can't stay away for too long."

Nathan chuckled, " Yeah, who knows what M'Rayr is doing to her while your gone." He quipped.

Sipping at her drink, Dalia smiled softly. "You're stationed aboard the USS Katana, correct? Before coming here I've seen some rather strange reports about that ship. Is it true that you're from another reality and that your Captain is mentally deviant?"

"Yes, yes, and we're all mentally deviant," Jhu replied cheerfully, her happy grin nearly bordering on deranged. "I have to say it was rather interesting to be told I was dead. And that my fiance's father had married my mother..."

Felicia choked on her drink, coughing several times. "That's a joke, right?"

"I look forward to working with your future husband then. his stories must be rather unique to have caught your eye." Dalia commented as she finished her drink and headed towards the dinner table in the hopes of avoiding any more drink choking. "Kurt has been very helpful in the selection of tonight's meal. I don't know if I could have pulled off such an array without him."

"Just one of the many services I provide." Kurt said giving Dalia's waist a little squeeze. "Shall we eat?"

Nathan was grateful to avoid his story and gladly lead Jhu over to the dinner table. "Everything looks and smells amazing."

"Eating sounds good," Jhu responded cheerfully as Nathan pulled her over to the table. A quick survey of the food proved promising, a wide selection of both Romulan and Terran dishes. "Elements bless, how many people did you expect to be feeding?"

"Six," Dalia replied, sitting down with the others and taking a small portion of the dishes near her before passing them on around the table. "Is that too many?"

Kurt took the seat next to Dalia, "Only by one, someone didn't bring a date." he said making light of Felicia's stag status as he took the platers from Dalia, took his own and handed it off.

Nathan pulled a chair out for Jhu, and once she was settled he took his seat and started following suit. Taking a small portion and passing the plate to his Fiance.

"It's a little hard to get a date when you're everyone's boss," Felicia countered, joining them all at the table.

Kurt snickered between bites of food. "You could have ordered someone to come with you." He said then leaned over to Dalia, " Could you imagine how uncomfortable this would have been if she had ordered me to come with her?"

"Right, order somebody... I could see that going really well," Jhu quipped cheerfully as she started choosing which foods to pile onto her plate. "Better to come alone at that point, I think."

"Thank you. I swear, these two are trying to make me go crazy. Not that it would be a long trip." Felicia grinned a bit, surveying the food on display before choosing a platter to pick from.

"What about that new freighter captain that's been making regular runs across the neutral zone? She's currently on station and isn't directly under your command. What was her name? D'suga something?" Dalia offered in an attempt to help.

"D'suga... name's not familiar, but we have so many freighter captains coming through here I'm not surprised." Having happily dropped several bite-size selections onto her plate, Felicia sampled a few of them before continuing. "Wouldn't be opposed if she's open to it."

"I believe her profile said she was half Romulan and half Orion. She might very well be open to many things." Dalia replied just before sampling one of the dishes she had selected some food from.

Hearing the combination of heritage Kurt could not help but speak up. "Romulan and Orion? Her skin must be a fantastic shade of green! That would be an amazing exam."

"I'll be sure to add her ship to the random health and safety inspection roster later." Dalia muttered with a wry smile.

"And I will be sure to submit a report of my finding." Kurt said to Dalia, matching her smile.

Nathan watched the two interacting. A small grin spread across his lips and he glanced at Jhu. " They're cute." he said between bites

"Just don't let my mother know I'm in a relationship with a non-Romulan. I don't feel like using that thing any time soon." Dalia said as she motioned to the honor blade hanging on her wall.

Tag...whomever

"I just wanted a moment to tell you how grateful I am to both you and my father for getting me off..." Nathan bit back the word that was about to slip past his lips. "...that planet." he settled on.

"How could we not rush to your aid Nathan." The Romulan woman on the other end of the subspace transmission said. "My grandbaby deserves a father after all."

Nathan looked down at Jhu who was sitting in front of him. "Actually, that's the second reason we called. We have some big news to share, two things actually." But he paused, he wanted Jhu to share the news.

"Oh?" An excited male voice said from the other end as Admiral Tonkin; Nathan's father, appeared over his wife's shoulder. Nathan slowly shook his head, this situation still weirded him out a little.

Jhu waited a moment to see if Nathan was going to say anything else then lightly pinched his arm, laughing just a little. It didn't take much thought to figure out he wanted her to tell them. "Well... the baby is a girl." She grinned broadly, feeling a little silly. In her dreams the baby had always been a girl, but she'd never expected her dreams to be true. "And..."

"And... what?" Shiarrael gave her daughter an intensely curious look, wondering what was going on.

"We're getting married." If it were possible for Jhu's smile to get any bigger it would have.

"Atta boy..." James said, giving Shiarrael's shoulders a little squeeze. " I told you he would make it right, I know my sons."

Nathan could not help but laugh. He was so glad to be here with his family, regardless of how weird it was that Jhu's mother ended up with Nathan's father in this dimension and time.

"Congratulations faelirh and paenhe." Shiarrael said to the couple.

Nathan face instantly turned a deep red at being called her son, but he smiled through the blush and said with a small bow of his head "Thank you ri'nanov." His Romulan was getting very good, impressing himself with how fast he was recognizing and recalling the correct words.

"Ooh, you've been practicing. Should I be worried about your new Romulan friends?" Jhu teased him, taking a bit of delight in seeing him blush so darkly, though there was a faint touch of color to her cheeks as well. "We haven't set a date yet... just getting out here regularly is going to be challenge enough."

"But we will" Nathan said firmly. "This will happen...just probably after the baby I would think. That's going to be an adventure enough. Right?" They really had not talked about any of this at all, spending their free time just enjoying the fact that they were together again.

Suddenly there came a rapping at the door - an archaic form of announcing a visitor in this day and age, but it was how Vara decided to announce herself. Travel case slung over one shoulder, she waited patiently to see if someone would answer.

Since Nathan was standing behind Jhu, he quickly ducked from the call, leaving Jhu to wrap things up while he answered the door. He pushed the open button and was not shocked to see Vara. "Is the fucking door chime broken now?" He asked, leaning out the door and looking at the panel on just beside his door in the hallway.

"There was an incident with one on deck 43 so I decided not to risk it," Vara replied, the barest hint of a wry smile gracing her features. "May I have a moment of your time, Commander?"

Nathan leaned back into his room and gave Vara a grin. "Cute Lieutenant." He said following her formality. " Now you can stop calling me that unless we are at work. Jhu's here!" He said brightly, stepping aside so she could enter. He did take note of the case she had slung over her back. "I didnt think the bow was your thing."

"It's not," Vara replied as she entered and looked around the room, automatically scanning everything and unslinging the case, offering it to Nathan. "It's yours and this is a gift I was asked to deliver after confirming that you are definitely you."

"Andy..." He said simply taking the case from Vara. "Jhu, Vara is here!" He called out as he set the case down on a nearby table.

"I thought I recognized her voice!" Having politely ended the call with her mother and Nathan's father, Jhu finally followed Nathan out to meet their guest.

"It's good to see both of you together again." Vara replied, suddenly awkward and unsure of herself in this social atmosphere. Work she knew well... Small talk and socializing? It eluded her more often than not these days.

"It's nice to see you too." Jhu wasn't normally one to initiate hugs, but she pulled Vara into an embrace anyway. "I heard you're leaving me to hang out with Nathan."

Gingerly hugging back, Vara smiled softly. "Yes, I've accepted his offer of a position aboard this... Station." She felt a compulsion to call it something else, but she couldn't think of anything more insulting than the word 'station'.

"Oh, it's not so bad. The spinning turns my stomach though." Indicating that Vara should sit down, Jhu happily flopped down onto the couch and pulled a blanket down from its back, wrapping it around herself. "And it's cold."

"It's not that cold." Nathan said coming back to the conversation. He could easily see how uncomfortable Vara was. "You're just pregnant." He reminded Jhu, sticking his tongue out at her as he walked between the ladies and over to the replicator. "Can I get you ladies anything?"

"I am, and it's your fault," Jhu retorted, burrowing slightly deeper into the blanket. "Something hot. I'm freezing."

"A glass of warm tomato soup please," Vara said as she sat down in an armchair across from the couch.

Nathan punched up a hot cider for Jhu and the tomato soup to Vara and brought the two mugs over to them. "My fault? I don't recall much complaining at the time darling." he said holding the mug to her. "Quite the opposite if memory serves me right." he muttered to Jhu with a wink, then turned and handed over Vara's. "Computer, raise the temperature, again. Try...85 degrees." he called out as he flopped back on the couch next to Jhu.

"You know, you might have a point." Wrapping her hands around the warm mug, Jhu remained as much inside her blanket cocoon as sipping her drink would allow. She didn't feel much warmer yet, but at least the cider tasted nice. "Of course, I wasn't cold then either."

"The environmental controls in several parts of the station have been malfunctioning. Mostly improperly installed systems are at fault." Vara commented idly as she sipped at her tomato soup, trying to ignore her discomfort as best she could. "At least the replicators are functional enough, though the tomato soup is severely lacking. I'll need to upload my own pattern to it later."

Nathan snuggled against Jhu, wrapping his arms carefully around her to help warm her up. "Vara, what's up? You look like you're about to jump out of your skin right now."

"I'm not sure what you mean. I'm a little tired of working nearly 20 hour days and I could use a hot springs visit, but I'm ok enough." Vara replied as she leaned back in her chair slightly, warming her hands on the cup of soup.

"And lucky you that program is already in the database." Nathan said with a grin. He made sure to have that file transferred over almost first thing when he got here. "I still use it regularly."

"I haven't used it since we came to this universe..." Vara mumbled, trailing of as she sipped at her tomato soup some more.

"Then I think we are due for a meditation session, don't you?" Nathan said to Vara with a warm smile.

"Meditating better be all you're doing," Jhu cut in cheekily in between sips of her warm drink. Between the cider, the blanket, and Nathan's snuggly embrace, she was at least starting to feel comfortable.

"Please..." Nathan said. He knew Jhu was joking but felt the need to still put her mind at ease. "I love Vara, I do, but not like I love you. The only other thing I could possibly think we would do in there would be her kicking my ass as I pretend like I able to keep up with her in a spar."

"Relax. I know." Finishing her cider, Jhu set the empty mug down on the table and snuggled further into Nathan's arms, taking advantage of his body heat to stay warm.

"Indeed. Besides, half of the people left that I consider family are in this room right now. I wouldn't do anything to damage that relationship." Vara blurted out as she stared into her soup cup.

"Indeed." Nathan said. Even if it was hard for Vara to express her feelings for them, he felt exactly the same about Vara. "So does that mean we can count on Aunt Vara to baby sit when we need a break?"

"I'll need to talk to the doctor about strength management, but yes." Vara said simply. "He should have all my data from Andy by now and I need to see him anyway."

Nathan leaned back with a content smile. Other than Jhu he could think of no one else that he would trust with his daughters life more then Vara. There were several other out there that he would trust, just not like he would trust Vara.

Nathan pulled Jhu into a tighter embrace and rubbed her shoulders to create friction under the blanket. "Speaking of family, thank you for delivering that bow. I can see that this was not a replicated one like my last one. How are Andy and Maica?"

"Maica is planning their wedding and Andy is resisting. Nothing new there though." Vara replied, loosening up a little. "Andy was hurt on Evora during the last mission but she seems to be doing just fine. Maica makes a good nurse. Also, it seems that Captain M'Rayr accidentally married this universe's Jennifer Andrews. I can see them getting along well, but to get married suddenly like that..."

Nathan had heard all this early on, in his dreams while he was reaching out to Jhu to get rescued. Regardless he nodded. "I meditated on R'Tame," he said, a sad note coming to his voice. "Even if he did enjoy walking in on my fiance naked, he was a good officer. Very dependable."

On the other hand, Nathan chose to stay away from the topic of the now Captain of the Katana. There was not much love between the two of them. It was best to just not pick at that old wound. Instead he went with Maica, "Maica makes a fantastic nurse, counselor, mother and friend." He pointed out. "I chalk up about 90% of Jhu and I getting together to her. If it had not been for Maica I would have never had to courage to approach such an intimidating and strong woman."

Vara stared at Nathan for a moment before starting a slow giggle that soon became an actual laugh. It was short lived and sounded a little sinister, but she was somehow laughing. Recovering from her laughter, Vara shook her head. "No, I think you two would have gotten together still. It just would have taken a little longer if she hadn't given you a little nudge. She does that, you know. Nudge people in the direction they're already going."

"She does tend to do that." Jhu giggled a bit, remembering how Maica had so craftily set them up in the first place. "But I think you're right. He'd have gotten my attention eventually."

Vara laughing, regardless of how odd it sounded put a smile on Nathan's face. He rarely showed emotions at all, let alone joy of any kind. "Guess we don't really need to wonder since it all worked out in the end. To bad our counterparts in this dimension could not find the same joy that we did. Did you ever find out about your counterpart Vara?"

"Yeah... She's aboard the Katana now..." Vara said sheepishly. "She's a successful human scientist that considers my whole race to be an error in history."

Nathan winced at her words. "How cruel. Well I don't think you were a mistake, you are exactly where you are meant to be." he said with a kind smile. "If you follow that line of thought though, that would mean our entire time line was a mistake and anyone from it would be as well. But the to further expand, who gets to decide what dimension is the correct one and judge the other? So, from other Vara's own very poorly thought out statement that you are a mistake, it would mean that she too and every other living thing in every other dimension is also mistakes. So lets all just be very happy that the mistake was made and we are all here and alive." He said with a much brighter grin on his face. He was clearly proud of the fact that he was able to come up with such an idea.

"That's my plan. Enacting that plan is problematic, but doable. On top of that, the me of this universe is genetically dissimilar to myself in many ways and I've calculated that between that fact and her different upbringing against augmentation, her views are skewed and biased even though much of her argument was based on sound reasoning from her perspective." Vara was talking almost freely - something she rarely did. "Personally, I'm happy we're all alive. Especially you. I should have gone on that away mission instead of you. I would have easily survived that fall, if nothing else."

As Nathan and Vara talked, Jhu snuggled just a little closer to Nathan, starting to drift off. She didn't have much to add to their current conversation.

Nathan held Jhu closer, enjoying her weight against him. "It was not your call Vara. The only reason I was down there was because I threatened Kris. I would not risk any other member of my team on a mission like that. I would not have aloud you to come Vara." Not that Nathan could have stopped her if she had threatened him. Nathan was about as helpless against this woman as Kris would have been against Nathan.

"And I would have followed that order. As things ended up, I do think it best that Commander Maica was there and that I was on the ship. That still doesn't keep me from wondering." Vara replied, smiling softly.

Nathan face grew slightly colder, " The last place Maica should have been was on the planet. I don't know what Kris was thinking when he made that call. Not clearly, that's for sure." He blew out a puff of air and changed the subject. " Are you settling in ok?"

It was obvious to Vara that Nathan had no desire to speak further on that subject but she was still slightly taken aback. "Yeah, yeah well enough. It took me three hours to get a decent bowl of tomato soup, but overall everything seems to be falling into place. I am glad that there's the possibility of getting real food here, as well."

Nathans face grew softer again and a smile spread over his lips. "I'm glad to hear you got your tomato soup squared away. I am also looking forward to the possibility of fresh food, and the variety. I hear a rumor that they will be opening a Romulan dinglh soon. I am very excited to try actual Romulan food, not just replicated. You just cant beat fresh."

"Especially with augmented smell and taste. As I've insisted before, replicated is barely edible even when it's 'perfect'." Vara replied.

TAG

On the promenade, there was a small replimat with a bartender serving drinks at the small bar. It was a place to stop off for a quick drink and a bite to eat from the replicator. "Well doc, shall we stop in for a bite to eat and a quick drink? I'm a bit hungry." A bit? Moran is a huge man, he eats several times a day.

"Yeah," Kurt said as he looked around. " I could definitely use something to eat and drink. This a dry station?" he ask. That would disappoint Kurt, Risa had been anything but a dry duty station. Hell the most common complaint in the ER was alcohol poisoning.

It was fun exploring the station, well for Marek anyway. He knew Khaiel would be elsewhere by the looks his lover was giving him. Marek was insistent they go and get familiar with the station layout using their eyes, not the computer maps. Khai had made dirty jokes under his breath the entire conversation. Though it wasn't really one, more Marek telling Khai he had no choice but that didn't stop Khai from trying to seduce Marek or just plainly be a passive aggressive lack of action.

Marek had to actually leave their quarters in an attempt to convince Khai he meant business and sure enough within 8 minutes Khai was trying to catch up with Marek. Though he didn't apologise for his resistance but he did agree to go along.

The two ended up on the Promenade, and hungry, Khai ate more then Marek did often. They looked around for a place to eat.

Moran chuckled at that, "No, it's not a dry station." he answered Kurt, walking over to the replicator and ordering a turkey sandwich and chips and a glass iced tea. "You can have synthahol from the replicator, or that bar over there serves real alcohol." He glanced up and noticed two Romulan's walking by, a curious situation it would seem. "I've seen in the specs plans for two or three restaurants on the lower promenade levels, and they will be alcohol served."

The word Alcohol grabbed Marek's attention, the investigations officer hated what that did to people. He walked over to where the word had been spoken. Khai in tow, obviously anxious about what Marek might do and still annoyed about the whole explore thing.

"Hello Doctor," Marek greeted then turned to the officer he hadn't know. "erei-Arr-I mean Lieutenant Marek Lovok, Security Investigations officer," he offered his hand in greeting. He knew many Starfleet officers either didn't know the Romulan rankings or just preferred the Federation translated names better so he used them sometimes.

Khai just waited a step behind Marek.

Surprised by the proffered hand, Moran accepted it. "erei-Arrain Lovok, I'm an Lieutenant Moran Intaro, Chief Intelligence Officer." he offered, then glanced to the other man and nodded politely.

Kurt smiled to Marek. " Hows it going?" but while the other two men were greeting each other, Kurt stepped up beside Khai. He didn't say anything, just offered a warm smile and a nod.

"You know our rank names..." He blushed and rolled his eyes as he smiled. "Of course, Intelligence officer." Marek took a tiny step sideways and gestured to his lover. "This is Uhlan Khaiel Rennoll who is in Security."

"Lieutenant," Khai offered his hand then and smiled.

While those two were talking Marek had noticed Kurt's actions and expressions, he wondered what the Doctor was up to. Khai had told him many times that jealousy was not something he should be as nothing could separate them. Though didn't stop the emotion, it was like there was a war between logic and emotion; how Vulcan of me. Marek thought amused.

He smiled at Kurt then. "Oh this station is great, though still getting to know the layout. What about you two?" Marek asked.

"Uhlan, it's a pleasure." Moran said with a nod, the gold cross and Saint Michael's medal glinting from around his neck, hanging just over his uniform. "We were getting to know the station ourselves, stopping for a bite to eat and a beer...care to join us?" Moran invited, genuine friendliness in his gaze.

Khai couldn't hold onto the question any longer, he gestured to the medals. "What are those for? If I may ask," he added as if an afterthought.

Marek was about to apologise for his lover's lack of tact but he too was curious as to the medals but added. "Yes we'd like to join you." He said momentarily forgetting their plan to head back to their quarters sooner rather then later but he'd make it up to Khai later.

Unphased by Khai's question, Moran simply answered, "They're symbols of faith, the first is for my Lord and Savior," he held up the cross first, and then the St. Michael's medallion. "This is the St. Michael, a symbol of my Lord's protection, I'm Catholic." he answered simply, then motioned to a table, it offered the most space and less interruption of other's coming in.

"What is Catholic?" Marek asked. "I have only just started researching deeper into the cultures of the Federation but much is still unknown to me. Believe me it was not by choice, you can guess who kept a tight hold of anything non-Romulan." He smiled weakly embarrassed that his people would keep such information from the public.

Khai was watching Moran intently, he wanted to know more as well.

Considering how best to answer that one, Moran finally said, "It's my ... religion, my faith. It's what guides what I do and how I do things I guess you might say."

"It tells you what to do and how to do it?" Marek asked with a frown. "Do you not value freedom and choice?" He added though he wasn't trying to insult Moran just understand this cultural difference.

Moran's brow arched slightly. "I have freedom and choice," he said, consideringly, "I am free to choose not to follow my faith, to follow the word of God...but at the end of my life, I will have to pay the consequences for those kind of decisions. Every decision; good or bad, has consequences as a final result."

"Interesting." Marek replied with a smile. "My people don't really have such freedoms." The smile faded and he looked down sad.

Khai frowned as he placed a hand on Marek's shoulder.

Kurt had opted to to request a table for the four of them while this exchange went on. Having now been alerted that a booth was ready for them he now interrupted. "Gentlemen, our table is ready."

Food and drinks had always been a cheering up tactic for both Marek and Khaiel, so both men straightened and smiled. "Excellent, any suggestions of what to try Lieutenants?" Marek asked giving Khai time to gather his resolve once more.

Moran shrugged a little at the question. "I'm really not sure, I've been living off the replicator." He answered, "this is the first chance I've really had to try this place."

"Well I'm very new here so I have no had the chance either." Kurt said over his shoulder as they were lead to a booth. He slid in first, making sure there was room for the others.

Walking by, Dalia couldn't help but stop by for a moment, not wanting them to think she was eavesdropping as she looked over a menu, the PaDD her main focus as she spoke. "Aren't we all new here? This station is brand new, after all." Tapping the menu PaDD, she spotted something on it that looked... interesting, to say the least. "Sorry for the intrusion but do any of you know what an... enchie-ladah is?"

Kurt looked up and smiled brightly at the Commander, "No idea, why don't you come join us Commander? We can order some and find out." He offered.

Moran smiled his own welcome to Dalia, nodding his head. "An Enchilada," he began, "Is a terran earth dish consisting of ground or shredded beef or shredded chicken with cheese, or just cheese wrapped in white or yellow corn tortilla and cooked in a red or green chili sauce. The filling is typically seasoned with chili powder, some sort of peppers, and onions. It is accompanied by spanish rice and refried beans. They are delicious, one of my favorite mexican food dishes."

Dalia nodded, not really keeping up with the description, but Moran did say one thing she was interested in. "You said delicious. Good enough for me. Unfortunately I think I'll have to get mine to go. I'm needed up in ops shortly."

Kurt chuckled and shook his head. "Enchilada...of course." He said to himself as he quietly face palmed himself.

With a slight chuckle of his own, Moran nodded his head. "Of course, that is understandable." Taking a sip from the glass of iced tea that had just been brought, he turned his attention to Dalia. "How much do you know about a Sublieutenant Volok?" he asked, he'd been working on the officers file for sometime, but as of yet had not been able to garner enough to satisfy himself regarding this particular Romulan.

Punching her order into the PaDD, Dalia looked up, her brow furrowed. "Officially, just what's in his public records. Unofficially, he's been involved in some covert dealings so I'll have to release the locks on his classified records and send you a copy later. Did something about them catch your eye?"

"erei'Riov," Marek greeted Dalia. "Who is Volok, is he one of yours?" He asked Moran.

Khai nodded at Dalia.

Looking over to Marek with a wary gaze, Moran shook his head. "No, he's not. I don't have any Romulan's within my department here on the station, Mister Volok is actually a member of the operations department." Then he turned his attention back to Dalia. "Yes, the fact that there are parts of his record that have been redacted, and Starfleet has no knowledge of it."

"Interesting," Marek leaned over to Moran, "you might soon," he said though shivered when he realised he was talking about the Tal Shiar might send a few undercover agents. Or had already, no he wasn't going down that thought path as he leaned back in his chair. "Actually I'll keep a look out if you do the same for Security?" He smiled offering a hand.

Arching a brow, Moran accepted the proffered hand and nodded his head, "I will definitely keep a look out, and honestly, and I already have a console set up on the off chance that the Romulans send an intelligence specialist." Oh yeah, he had it set up alright, right down to the back door access he had to monitor any such officer.

"They already sent one..." Dalia muttered as she looked over the menu a bit more. "I was in Data Acquisition for over thirty three years before this assignment. Was that not in my file?"

"Unfortunately," Moran began, "Many of the records we've gotten about you and the other Romulan's aren't complete, it's almost like someone is deliberately trying to keep even the most basic information from us."

"What a surprise - the Star Empire is keeping information from those that considers them an ally." Dalia replied sarcastically looking up from her menu. "I'll send you my copy of everyone's records when I get off duty. They'll be far more complete. Just promise me they'll only be used for the betterment of the station. Though it may seem otherwise, we are here to coexist and build peaceful ties regardless of everyone's background."

Moran nodded his head, "I give you my word." he said with a nod of his head.

"The two crew seem to be getting along well so far. At least from my perspective." Kurt said shooting a grin to Dalia. "What do you think, Commander?"

Dalia was professional in her reply, not giving anything untoward away with her demeanor. Her actual words though, were chosen very carefully. "In certain aspects but I think it'll take a little longer for everyone to adjust completely. It's a big step, practically sleeping with a culture you grew up thinking of as an enemy."

Kurk simple chuckled at her response and took a bite of his food.

Moran knew exactly what Dalia was saying, and nodded his head as he himself dug into his food, then crinkled his nose. "I can make better enchilada's." he groaned out.

That was when Dalia's food arrived, a server handing it to her in a white plastic box. "Excellent. Thank you all. If anyone needs me, I'll be in Ops for the next twelve hours."

Kurt cringed. "Well if you like, I could come up with some sort of medical emergency you will need to deal with in 6 hours." He offered with a little grin crossing his lips.

"Thank you but no, I've had enough crisis for one day. I do need to see you in my office later though. When you're free we need to discuss Romulan Medical equipment." Dalia said as she headed towards the door.

Kurt had no idea if she was serious or not, so he simply said, " Yes Ma'am!"

As Dalia walked out the door, Nathan and Jhu walked in. Nathan gently guided Jhu to the side to let her pass by. "Good evening Commander Rendal."

"Good evening, Commander Tonkin. I was meaning to extend an invitation to you and your fiance for dinner soon, if you're both willing." Dalia said, pausing just outside the door to the restaurant.

Nathan glanced at Jhu to gauge her reaction before answering Dalia.

Jhu caught Nathan's glance and poked him in the ribs, amused that he was making her answer first. "When a Romulan officer invites you to dinner you say yes!" Chuckling a little, she turned to Dalia. "I certainly wouldn't mind joining you for dinner."

"Excellent," Dalia replied with a pleasant smile. "I'll send out proper invitations as soon as possible. If you'll excuse me, I'm needed in Ops." And with that, Dalia tried to make her exit again.

Nathan jerked away from Jhu's poke. "Noted." he said as he began walking with her again.

Jhu giggled a bit more at Nathan, letting Dalia escape past her. "Relax. You're so tense."

"Your right." Nathan said. "Things are just changing so fast. Lets just celebrate that we are having a daughter." He said as the entered the Repliment, "I'm starving."

"Well, you know how Starfleet is. Always changing things." Jhu rolled her eyes in a theatrical fashion. "Food sounds good. Now that I'm not nauseous I'm actually hungry."

Thoroughly enjoying his meal now, Moran took the time to observe the replimat and see who all was in there. Finding no one worth being suspicious about, he finished off his meal and then leaned back, stretching a bit.

Watching the domestic play going on Marek looked to Khai and smiled, the two hadn't really discussed anything further of their relationship but the mutual desire to was there. Though the sound of his stomach, loud and demanding attracted everyone's attention making him laugh as he gestured to the replicators. "Back in a minute," he glanced at Khai, "the usual?" He asked.

Khai nodded as he took a seat turned to Moran. "You know Starfleet is not that forthcoming with information either, considering our peoples' history it's not a surprise."

Moran nodded, leaning back a little and sighing. "And unfortunately, after recent troubles with one of our other allies, that may take a little longer to change on the Fleet's part, though I will be as forthcoming as I possibly can be."

"If it was up to me I would as well." Marek said, Khai was nodding beside him.

Moran looked over to Marek, understanding what Marek was saying. "So, how's your meal?"

"Great," Marek smiled with a mouthful, and Khai jabbed him on the shoulder.

"Don't eat with your mouth full, you Nub!" Khai said with a playful sense of disgust in his voice.

Marek turned to Khai and opened his mouth, poked his tongue out with food all over. He made a moaning sound that seemed like he was teasing Khai with this display.

Khai growled and looked away annoyed but every other moment glanced back with playful narrowed eyes.

Kurt looked in deep thought for a moment then looked to Khai. " As a medical practitioner I would love to hear your theory on consuming food with out placing it in your mouth." He said with a grin, poking fun at Khai's slip about not eating with ones mouth full.

Moran's brows rose high at Kurt's quipp and he began to laugh and shake his head. "Nice one."

"What?" Khai asked, he gestured to Marek who had the mouth open in a 'sea-food' joke. He facepalmed. "What did I say? Don't eat with your mouth full? I don't know how I messed that up. I meant to say," he turned to Marek, "don't eat with your mouth open," Khai said to Marek, "you Nub," he added for good measure.
TAG

Nathan walked with purpose along the corridors of the station flanked by two women. On his left was Commander Rendal, to his right was Lieutenant Vara. He first spoke with the Commander as the hurried. " Will Quinn be joining us for this little encounter?"

"I hope so. I sent a message to her but who knows if she's still indisposed or not." Dalia said as she walked briskly with the group.

Nathan nodded to her response. As if on cue, Ensign Rennoll and his security team stepped out of an adjoining hall way and joined the group. Nathan nodded in approval at the team the Ensign has assembled. Mixed, liked asked. "Rennoll," he said "Well done. I wish this introduction came at a better time but please meet your new security chief." Nathan indicated the woman in gold to his right. "Lieutenant Vara, this is Ensign Rennoll."

"Greetings Lieutenant," Khai offered his hand, though he was a little slow at the action when he noticed the woman's implants but continued as he didn't want to be rude.

"A pleasure," Vara said stiffly, briefly shaking Khai's hand.

"Do you still need me on the team with the Lieutenant here?" Khai asked after the exchange of pleasantries.

Vara nodded curtly. "I'm here as an honor escort and a disguised tricorder, I believe. You and your team will be in charge of securing the surrounding area and keeping our visitors safe."

Nathan nodded in agreement with Vara. Approaching the shut door that lead to the other side of the docking arm he came to a stop.

"Very well," Khai nodded to his team and they nodded back already whispering among themselves about the plan.

The Op's ensign that was there said, " They are just finishing the docking procedures and should be on board the station in 5 minutes Sir, Ma'am."

"Good, I haven't missed anything then." Still annoyed she'd missed the entire showdown with the Klingon and Romulan ships, Felicia smiled a bit anyway as she joined them. "Dalia, you might have to help me. I have no idea how to handle a Romulan ship commander."

Dalia nodded, glad that Commander Quinn had made it just in time. "Show respect to her and her rank and... I suppose in essence, treat her like you would treat me without knowing me. If that makes sense."

"It does, thank you." Felicia supposed that was really a common sense answer, but it was better to ask the question and look foolish now rather than make a mistake later.

Nathan nodded to Quinn, "Commander." He said in greeting.

"Incoming." The operations ensign said simply a moment before the door hissed and opened.

Just shy of the door, Isha and her small delegation of officers paused, looking at Dalia. "May we come aboard?"

Felicia delicately cleared her throat, drawing attention back to herself. "Erei'Riov t'Maelrok. It would be my pleasure to welcome you aboard Deleth Station. I'm Commander Quinn, and I believe you've met Erei'Riov Rendal and Lieutenant Commander Tonkin." Indicating the others gathered with them, she continued. "My Chief Intelligence Officer Lieutenant Intaro, Chief of Security Lieutenant Cho'ren and one of her officers - Uhlan Rennoll."

While Dalia bowed respectfully, Vara tilted her head forward slightly in a similar show of respect. Both remained silent though, preferring to let their visitor speak.

Moran himself said nothing, merely nodded his head respectfully in acknowledgement of the introduction. Like Dalia and Vara, he preferred to remain silent and wait for Isha to speak.

Khai gave an inclination of respect to a higher ranked Star Navy officer.

Nathan also nodded and like the rest of the group he waited to speak.

"Your station has a Rihannsu name... and a Federation commander. Why?" Though an innocent query, Isha's voice carried suspicion.

Felicia smiled a little and shrugged slightly. "I didn't name it, but I believe the reasoning was to make it seem more like a joint effort." Looking at the pair of officers flanking Isha on either side, she continued brightly. "Would you like to introduce your companions?"

"No," Isha answered flatly. "They are merely security escorts. You need not worry yourself about their names."

"Indeed. May I guide us to the conference room then? I'm sure we have much to discuss." Dalia prodded, moving to guide the group to the aforementioned conference room.

"Yes, of course." Isha nodded slightly, though she wondered why it was the first officer and not the station commander who'd offered.

Moran's gaze narrowed just slightly as he turned back to his workstation to shut it down, did he imagine it or was there some sort of tension coming from the other Isha and her crew? Hmmmm, he would have to wait and see.

Nathan stepped up to Vara, intending on walking next to her as the other Commanders escorted Isha. It was moments like this that was exactly why he had transferred Vara here. They had worked together for a long time now and when he caster a serious and piercing gaze, he knew she would know right away that he was asking her if anything was up.

As Dalia led them to the conference room, Vara glanced back at Nathan and shook her head slightly. She detected no hidden electronics of any sort other than the normal UT and comm systems. The weapons they carried on their hips weren't even live powered and would take almost a minute to power up.

Dalia finally arrived at the conference room, unlocking it and stepping inside before allowing the rest of the entourage to file in. "Please feel free to avail yourselves of the replicator services.Food is available from the main replicator and drinks are available from both the main replicator and the dispensary replicators built into the conference table."

With padd in hand, Moran quietly took his place in his seat and began to open a program and go through some recent intelligence reports as he waited for the meeting to begin.

"We have no need for your replicator services," Isha replied stiffly as the group began taking their places. She cast a suspicious look at the door, waiting for the station's commander to join them.

All too aware that at least one member of the visiting Romulan group was watching the door, Felicia paused outside for a moment. Talking to Dalia was easy enough, but Isha was an entirely different sort of person. And this visit was getting complicated.

Before Nathan entered the room, he paused and placed a supportive hand on Felicia's shoulder. " Deep breaths Commander, we did nothing wrong here." He said and gave her a smile. "You got this."

"Thanks. Now make the corridor stop spinning." Felicia smiled just a little before going into the room.

"I can't, we are on a space station. We would lose gravity if I did that." Nathan said with a chuckle as he entered behind his Commander.

TAG

I wish I could get in touch with the author about this piece. Anyway, it sounds epic and has that nice secretive romantic undertone that I've always loved about Romulans in general. Let's see what everyone else thinks, though. ^_^

-Az



--------------------------------------------------------

Az: i sent a message to John de Lancie on his website about voicing the intro blurb but I doubt I'll get a reply.

Crysta: I love the music. As for John de Lancie, we can dream! <3

B: If you have no luck with him, Try Nathan Fillion. He tends to do stuff like that sometimes.

Crysta: I totally forgot that he does that!

Az: Deleth Station is now Officially closed and no longer part of Theta Fleet. This is now a narrative and podcasting sim and we hope to have our first Federation/Romulan News Network Podcast out in January. I'd like to see one of the hosts die in every episode, then come back in the next one like nothing happened, but we'll see.

Crysta: I kind of like this idea. Mostly because it's hilarious.

Crysta (again): I've set our RPG rating to 3-3-3. Just so it's clear, that does not necessarily mean that there are no limits. If you're unsure of whether something is allowed, it's probably not something you should post (jussayin'). As a sidenote, anything that would be rated R or NC-17 (no X, XX, or XXX ratings because that's just gross, y'all) must have an 18+ tag in the title (this hides it from the main page and warns your fellow writers that it's mature material).

Az: by the math, we should be aiming for a 120 word a minute speaking rate (2 words a second) or slower. that means that every 600 words will give us about 5 minutes of audio, not including FX and musics. This means every script will need to be at least 2500 words for a 20-30 minute podcast at minimum. Sounds doable to me! our pilot script is already over 600 words so let's keep it going! On another note, I'm pretty sure I'll be one of the hosts and Crysta is a tentative yes on being another host while Jason does the vocals for our poor intern of the month. Is anyone else game to try some voice work as well? If not, writing and FX procurement is perfectly fine. ^_^ We also need someone to fill in the advert/music portion of the show.

Az(more): I just got done chatting with Eliot, an experienced podcaster that went on to found an entire network of them that have each taken off. He's recommended a few things for royalty free and creative commons SFX and BGM (da musics) and assured me that as long as the original authors for BGM are credited somewhere and it's put out as either creative commons or royalty free, we're solid. Also, I asked him about earlier advice about building up 5-8 episodes before actually posting them and he wholeheartedly agreed with it. as a radio drama style podcast, we might have listeners that will complain if we're 20 seconds late on posting this month's episode so it's best to have a few lined up and ready to go. Hence, I'm going to start up outlines for several more episodes. The hard part will still be writing them. ^_~ Even if I have to solo voice them and add in others later, at least we'll have something stockpiled. Anyway, my goal as of today is to have the pilot ready and out there by the end of January with 3-4 more episodes well on their way to written and by April first be ready to start putting out monthly episodes on a schedule of one per month.

Az: Basic Idea is that the Tal Shiar are trying to take over part of the station and questioning people while at the same time, the commander's secret security are investigating some disappearances that leads to possible abductions in airlock 19. leave off with the airlock thing mysteriously resolved by there being no airlock 19 and the Tal Shiar left stumped staring at an ad.

Outline:
part 1 - intro/welcome
part 2 - start with general news and rumors of a Tal Shiar insurgency
part 3 - advertising/music
part 4 - Interview an intern that claims to have been killed by the Tal Shiar
part 5 - credits/bloopers

------------------------------------
Podcast Part 1

Narrator: Space. The final frontier. These are the adventures of Deleth station. Its ongoing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out diplomatic ties with new civilizations, to go with bold entreaty where no one has gone before.

[intro music]

Host 1: Hello and welcome to Deleth News! The news source for both Federation and Romulan citizens in the Galorndon Core region. I'm //Host 1//...

Host 2: ...and I'm //Host 2//.

Host 1: Today we have for you



Up next are community announcements:

-------------------------------------
Podcast part 2




-------------------------------------
Podcast part 3

Adverts/Music

-------------------------------------
Podcast part 4





-------------------------------------
Podcast part 5




Host 1/2: Thank you and good night! (read RL credits)

Az: There's a mist on the promenade. inhabitants are encouraged to avoid the mist and to ignore the screaming coming from it.

Outline:
part 1 - intro/welcome
part 2 - talk about the mist and various effects and warnings
part 3 - advertising/music
part 4 - live feed from an intern that goes into it and disappears inside. when the mist dissipates, the promenade is covered in dead rodents
part 5 - credits/bloopers

------------------------------------
Podcast Part 1

Narrator: Space. The final frontier. These are the adventures of Deleth station. Its ongoing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out diplomatic ties with new civilizations, to go with bold entreaty where no one has gone before.

[intro music]

Host 1: Hello and welcome to Deleth News! The news source for both Federation and Romulan citizens in the Galorndon Core region. I'm //Host 1//...

Host 2: ...and I'm //Host 2//.

Host 1: Today we have for you



Up next are community announcements:

-------------------------------------
Podcast part 2




-------------------------------------
Podcast part 3

Adverts/Music

-------------------------------------
Podcast part 4





-------------------------------------
Podcast part 5




Host 1/2: Thank you and good night! (read RL credits)

Az: No pressing ideas at the moment. Anyone else?

Outline:
part 1 - intro/welcome
part 2 -
part 3 - advertising/music
part 4 -
part 5 - credits/bloopers

------------------------------------
Podcast Part 1

Narrator: Space. The final frontier. These are the adventures of Deleth station. Its ongoing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out diplomatic ties with new civilizations, to go with bold entreaty where no one has gone before.

[intro music]

Host 1: Hello and welcome to Deleth News! The news source for both Federation and Romulan citizens in the Galorndon Core region. I'm //Host 1//...

Host 2: ...and I'm //Host 2//.

Host 1: Today we have for you



Up next are community announcements:

-------------------------------------
Podcast part 2




-------------------------------------
Podcast part 3

Adverts/Music

-------------------------------------
Podcast part 4





-------------------------------------
Podcast part 5




Host 1/2: Thank you and good night! (read RL credits)

Az: Welcome to our first podcast script! First off, let's set a basic format for us to try to follow. Here are my initial ideas.

Top area - OOC chatter and outline
Podcast part 1 - intro/welcome
Podcast part 2 - some of the news/current events/excitement aboard the station
Podcast part 3 - advertising/music
Podcast part 4 - resolution news/events
Podcast part 5 - credits/bloopers

------------------------------------
Podcast Part 1

Narration and opening BGM: space. the final frontier. these are the stories of deleth station. a limitless expanse of adventure and darkness. mystery and intrigue abound as we boldly go where stubbed toes await.

Host 1: Hello and welcome to Deleth News! The news source for both Federation and Romulan citizens in the Galorndon Core region. Today we have for you an exciting series of blah blah blah and I hope you enjoy your time in our transmission range. blah blah blah

Host 2: That's right, the somethings are really something today, with their something and something.

Host 1: Here's some more information! We're all scared here because of some cataclysm that threatens the station!

Host 2: Oh no! people are dying and we're reporting it from our studio!

-------------------------------------
Podcast part 2

Host 1/2: While we try and get more information, please enjoy this soothing music or a few words from our sponsors.

Play music or adverts

Tribble be gone! The best in tribble repellant this side of Qonos! Brought to you by the Ferengi council of getting rid of fluffy shit!

-------------------------------------
Podcast part 3

Host 1: We now go live to Host 2 whom is now outside the hull in an EV suit to capture first hand footage of this catastrophe!

Host 2: //screaming//

-------------------------------------
Podcast part 4

Host 1/2: Thank you and good night! (read RL credits)

Az: here's my basic idea...Plasma storm sweeps through and the station has to batten down for the storm. during the storm, reports of ghostly aliens with no mouths and straw fingers are seen around the station and a few attacks are reported. then later, we have a field reporter go out on the hull and observe the storm. they promptly die.

Outline:
part 1 - intro/welcome
part 2 - start with news of the storm, then move to the storm starting and breaking news on ghost sightings. escalate to attacks as we break for commercials.
part 3 - advertising/music
part 4 - come back to our field reporter live on the hull of the station right before a wave of plasma energy disintegrates them. ghosts are in the studio right before the storm dissipates and they vanish.
part 5 - credits/bloopers

------------------------------------
Podcast Part 1

[intro music]

Narrator: Space. The final frontier. These are the adventures of Deleth station. Its ongoing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out diplomatic ties with new civilizations, to go with bold entreaty where no one has gone before.

Host 1: Hello and welcome to Deleth News! The news source for both Federation and Romulan citizens in the Galorndon Core region. I'm //Host 1//...

Host 2: ...and I'm //Host 2//.

Host 1: Today we have for you an unexpected report of an impending storm about to envelop the station. We're about to look at the sensor feeds that we hacked into now.

Host 2: Wait... a storm? Well that doesn't make much sense seeing as we're in space... oh it's a plasma storm. Are those dangerous?

Host 1: I believe so. Plasma is known to be pretty hot so it might have adverse effects on people and equipment. According to the computer, side effects of plasma include hot flashes, burns, temporary blindness, disorientation, unconsciousness, and disintegration.

Host 2: Oh well that's fantastic, isn't it? Finish up your spacewalks, folks. Best get inside before you get roasted!

Up next are community announcements: The Ferengi proprietor that owns a third of the promenade is offering whistling lessons at the back of Klarg's Crustacean Cabin. The cost is 50 strips of latinum due at the start of class. No refunds. Tuesday there is a free concert starring the Methane Brothers and their gas powered band. Friday has been cancelled due to a scheduling error. Mike of Mike's Tribble-fur Emporium has informed us that his prize breeding tribble has escaped and that there is a hefty reward for the return of it and all of its offspring.

-------------------------------------
Podcast part 2

Host 2: The plasma storm is now fully upon us, causing power outages throughout the station. Don't worry though - the Commander's secret police assure us that the power outages are random and not part of a plot to abduct people and to please ignore any and all screaming or weapons fire for the duration. They also warn us to stay in our quarters for our own safety.

Host 1: As a reminder, death is no excuse to not return your rental equipment to Klarg's Rental Retails and Data Depositorium. If your rental is late for any reason, the compounding late fees will add up and Klarg will find you.

Host 2: We've received several reports of black robed figures with red energy weapons abducting citizens of Deleth Station in spite of the Commander's secret police instructing us to ignore these actions. Eyewitnesses say that these black robed figures are wearing demonic masks and drag the abducted citizens through dark shadow portals. Where these portals lead is anyone's guess.

Host 1: As a reminder, if you see a black shuttle outside, That's the Federation's secret service and they're here for your safety. Wave to them if you're ever in distress and they will render whatever aid you need. All they ask is that you let them harvest one of your many organs when you die.

Host 2: Reports are coming in saying that the black robed figures keep repeating a phrase in old Orion. "Answer the question and become silent." But what is the question? No one's been able to figure that out yet... but we will! Probably not today though.


-------------------------------------
Podcast part 3

Adverts/Music

-------------------------------------
Podcast part 4

Host 1: Against my urging otherwise, our intern and field reporter //name// has volunteered to provide us with a weather report from outside the station's hull and protective shielding. We join him now in the midst of that plasma storm with nothing but an EV suit and a microphone.

Field Reporter: ///static and death screams///

Host 2: Very fascinating. //name// can you see how much longer this storm will last?

Field Reporter: ///more static and screams///

Host 1: Simply amazing. What's it like being burnt alive out there in the middle of that massive plasma storm?

Field Reporter: ///gurgling screams and static///

Host 2: It seems that //name's// life signs are no longer registering on sensors. We will miss you //name// and we will mourn your loss. Your bravery has paved the way for another intern to be promoted to field reporter.

Host 1: On that note, I'd like to call out a welcome to the crews of the USS Hampton, USS Claymore, and the IRW Oiidh whom are all weathering this storm with us. We appreciate your appreciation of us in these difficult times and welcome your patronage during and after these storms.



-------------------------------------
Podcast part 5

Host 1: Listeners, it seems that this plasma storm has finally passed us by and with minimal losses to station membership. The Commander's secret police assure us that all those lost in this tragic storm will be replaced in no time at all. Isn't that awesome?

Host 2: Thank you and good night! (read RL credits)