Nine
Stardate 59433.4, USS Aegis, Romulan Moon Lleiset
"Captain, a word?" zhNon asked as she caught up with Theus.
"We're about to leave Commander, is something wrong?"
Theus and Bullock were heading to the launch bay to meet with daise C'Ulos on the moon. After some tense back and forth at their request, the Lleisetian leader had informed them that he would 'do what he could' to facilitate the meeting with representatives from the Children of the Wing. The meeting would be held outside of the city, in a more rural area that had recently been cleared for agriculture. Though punctuality was not a major concern, Theus did not want to leave the two factions together by themselves for too long.
"In private sir." zhNon said.
"I'll meet you on board." Bullock said and went ahead.
Theus looked about the corridor and led them to a small auxiliary maintenance room. It was cramped, but would do the job.
"What is?" He asked.
"…Permission to speak freely sir?"
This moment was days in the making, so it didn't surprise him. "Go ahead."
"Sir, is there something you're not telling me?" She asked.
"zhNon?" Theus said in confusion. "You're my first officer, all information that I have unless classified, you have as well."
She crossed her arms and her antennae folded back. "You say that sir, but since the beginning of this mission I can't help but notice your reliance on Major Bullock."
"I've relied on her because our mission dictates a more militaristic posture. Everything she has been called upon relates directly to her specialty as a MACO." Theus huffed in exasperation. "Frankly I'm surprised that we're even having this conversation. Jealousy doesn't seem to suit you."
"This has nothing to do with me being jealous!" She shouted.
"You're out of line Commander." Theus said strongly.
zhNon ground her teeth and continued. "Sir this is not just about the MACOs. Our fight when entering this system, your tactics, the way you task the crew. As your First, it's my duty to among other things, help and support your decisions. Coming from your background in science, I was prepared to offer my counsel, but you rarely accept it because you don't need it."
"Your problem is that I am too competent a commanding officer?" He asked.
"Yes…no!" She said in frustration. "Captain Williams told me-"
"You've been speaking to Adjunct Williams about me?" Theus asked.
"N-not about you sir. He and I have history, we've just discussed issues dealing with adjustments to the new ship."
He didn't let up with his gaze.
"Regardless, it still doesn't address my primary concern. Many of us aboard were concerned that you wouldn't be a good fit for this command. Again not because of any personal bias, but because you lack starship command duty. But you're much more experienced than you let on. Than anyone knows."
Theus thought for a moment, considering how much he would disclose to his first officer. "You're correct, I do have experience and expertise that are not apart of my official file."
"I know, I checked sir." She said.
"…My point, Commander, is that despite my not telling you this information, it should not give you any reason to be suspicious or distrustful."
"I wish I could tell you with confidence that your word is enough." zhNon said with a disappointed look in her eyes.
"You don't have a choice." Theus said. "In the meantime, I suggest you focus on your performance as first officer."
"…Meaning sir?" She asked.
"I recall our battle with the Revolt as well Commander. Those tactics you spoke of, you didn't even consider them."
"Because I didn't know the Aegis had projectile weapon countermeasures." She said.
"My point exactly. Why don't you know the full defensive capabilities of this ship? What else don't you know? Could it be, that while you were supposed to be familiarizing yourself, you were too busy reporting to Captain Williams? Confident in the belief that I would soon be relieved of command?"
zhNon cleared her throat and stood up straight. "Permission to return to duty sir?...I think it would be best if we forgot this conversation."
"I don't think we should." Theus said. "Return to the bridge, Commander. We'll need your support, all of us." He said and left the room without another word.
"We're cleared for launch sir." The MACO shuttle pilot said.
"Take us out." Bullock ordered.
On the underside of the Aegis, two launch bay doors slid back vertically into the hull. The atmospheric shield painted a blue screen over the opening, as the sleek troop drop ship; the Champion, fell out and accelerated toward the planet. It was a variant of the Delta Flyer class shuttles developed by the former lost starship Voyager, with a longer front end and nacelles on each pylon. Initially, Starfleet R&D had tried to incorporate a retractable armor onto the ship via emitters obtain from the Voyager, however the damage done to them during their trip back made it impossible.
The idea still intrigued the Earth Military Assault Command HQ, and in the greatest naval tradition, what the Fleet didn't want, the MACOs corrupted for themselves. They had updated the design, as well as placed a permanent layer of armor around the ship. It became a multipurpose transport. Capable of fitting an entire platoon if necessary, or troops with supplies and land vehicles.
"5000km to exosphere of the moon sir." The pilot reported.
"Eridos to Aegis, initiate jump sequence." He ordered.
From inside the flight cabin, those with a view of space through the transparent aluminum watched as the vast darkness shimmered away and was replaced by clouds as the transporter beamed the entire vessel directly to the preprogrammed location.
"We're in the stratosphere sir."
"Bring atmospheric thrusters online, full power to inertial dampeners, and initiate evasive maneuvers." Theus ordered.
The Champion began a series of hard rolls and turns as it accelerated. By design, it was meant to handle more stressful landings and G-forces, but that increase in the durability of the ship did not apply to its passengers.
"Next jump in 3…2…1."
They were transported again, this time into the lower troposphere. The pilot continued with his maneuvers, not giving anyone on the ground the time to get a positive lock with any weapon that could've been aimed at them.
"Cutting engines, standby for final jump."
The ship began falling through the sky. Though the pilot had put them on a relatively stable trajectory, gravity did not care for all the technology that the Federation was able to produce. They were beamed one final time, and when they materialized, all motion had stopped as they were on the ground at their designated landing position.
"Everyone okay?" Theus asked.
Several of the MACOs looked groggy and two needed the bags from under their seats. A Corpsman walked up and down the aisle with a hypospray, administering a digestive sedative before informing Bullock and Theus that they were ready to go.
"Let's move out Major, I don't want our people exposed any more than we have to be."
The rear hatch of the Champion flipped down, and out rolled two Hercules class land vehicles, an updated and larger variation of the Argo. Each vehicle carried four MACO troops along with Theus and Bullock commanding each and Keln joining Bullocks vehicle. One troop was tasked with driving, while two provided security on their flanks, and the final manned a heavy phaser turret.
This particular location was chosen because of how flat and expansive the terrain was. It reminded Theus of the plains he had seen on field trips in the Midwest of the North American continent in which he lived. There was little to no tactical coverage, but that also meant that there would be little to no concealment either. This also gave the Aegis the opportunity for unobstructed scans, seeing as there was very little power or geological interference.
"Here we go." Theus heard Bullock say over the open channel they all had.
The two teams pulled into what looked like a rest area for travelers that commuted between the city center and the outlying areas. It was large enough to hold a few hundred people at any given time, as it was now, they were the only ones present.
"Let's go!" Corporal V'Riss shouted. "I want two, on the roof! Sniper, get into position. Roving patrols around the perimeter and check-in every three minutes! Set all tricorders to active scan and everyone double check pattern enhancers for emergency beam out!"
The young Caitian had everyone moving. Only the officers and another Sergeant named Hightower out ranked him, but he didn't need to be told what to do.
"He's in raw form, barking orders like that." Theus said to Bullock.
"'Barking' you say?" She asked and chuckled.
"Yeah, I heard it as soon as I said it."
"He's feeling guilty." Bullock said seriously.
"Guilt? Major I ordered him to transport back before the attack started. There's no way he could've known."
"That doesn't matter. He wasn't there during a fight that one of his fellow MACOs lost their life in. I'm sure mentally he knows there is no one to blame but the attackers, but in his heart, he feels like he let us down."
"I hope you can help him see that he is not to blame." Theus said. "Our ship wasn't large enough to rate a Counselor, but hopefully with you're support he can get through this."
"The only therapy he needs comes from using those claws sir."
They walked into the building and were directed to a conference room by an attendant. Fully armored, the MACO's were a fearsome presence as Bullock, V'Riss, Keln, and Hightower escorted their captain. Theus for his part also took more precautions. While he didn't wear the same defensive gear his escort brought, he did have an advanced science module kit from Starfleet R&D. It looked like a smooth metallic harness with storage pouches and energy cells, and it also emitted visible force fields that looked like blue holographic projects contouring the frame of his upper torso, and extremities.
"How long are we supposed to wait?" Bullock asked.
Theus brought up his arm in front of his body and made a fist. Starfleet personnel and MACO's that wore armor had their tricorders slaved to a display on their forearms with the sensor diode being emitted from their wrists like old style chronometers. He took some scans and said, "They're already here."
At the end of the oval shaped room, the wall moved in a warped distortion as a cloaking field was lowered.
"I have to give it to you Starfleet, your ability to see through our screens is more formidable than I thought. At least on the ground." A middle-aged Romulan male said.
He was joined by two others, male and female, both about his age.
"I am daise Y'Borom." He said. "Jolan tru, Centurion."
"Jolan tru, daise." Keln said back steadily.
"How refreshing, to see a loyal officer of the Empire returned to our outpost." One of the representatives said.
Theus stepped forward. "I think it would be best to wait until all parties have arrived to begin our talks." He said. "I understand that it has required a great effort of trust on your part to attend, but if we are to negotiate in good faith, then we shouldn't give the appearance of deception."
"Spoken like a true politician." C'Ulos said as he entered with the two representative Theus had met earlier. "I think you may have missed your calling, Commander."
"And miss the opportunity for these discussions? I think not."
They all took their seats and poured water. Once they were settled, Theus began.
"Gentlemen. Ladies. We find ourselves in a tenuous position that needs to be resolved."
"I'm sorry Commander, but who is 'we'?" Y'Borom asked. "We are dealing with the ungrateful bruchon on this moon in the ways of our Empire. What right have you to interfere?"
"I will give you something to be grateful for in the form of a semi-painless death!" C'Ulos threatened.
"Not even a minute!" Bullock said. "I don't know how long you two have been at this, but it's obviously taken its toll. Otherwise, none of you would've agreed to sit down."
Y'Borom looked to Keln. "And what is your position here, Centurion?"
Keln jutted his chin. "I am here, to serve the citizens of Romulus. The Federation is offering their help during our darkest hour. If I can help them, to help our people, I do so willingly."
"Exactly." Y'Borom's representative said. "Help the citizens of Romulus! They have renounced their citizenship, and will be dealt with accordingly. You know the punishment for disloyalty, Centurion."
Theus shot up from his seat and pounded his fists on the table.
"I'm not about to go down this road!" He said. "We are here to negotiate an end to hostilities. Even if it is only temporary, a stop to the bloodshed is the first step in moving forward."
"You still haven't answered what business you have here, Federation." The other Wing representative said.
"How about you answer for the man you murdered!" V'Riss hissed and bared his fangs.
The representative was about to speak but Y'Borom patted her shoulder.
"That was…an unfortunate casualty of our conflict." He said. "We did not intend to harm any of your crew. In fact, we had no idea you were even on the moon."
"Is it only unfortunate because you killed someone you didn't mean to? Because you didn't seem to mind firing explosives with no targets in mind!"
"Corporal!" Bullock said. "Go check on the squad."
V'Riss growled low and left the room, his eyes catching the light and shinning menacingly at the Wing delegation.
"Thank you, it is so difficult to keep enlisted-"
"Do not make the mistake of assuming me to be the reasonable one, daise." Bullock said coldly. "My anger is only tempered at the prospect of relieving the suffering of those forgotten by the Empire to which you swear allegiance, and the people on this planet caught in between the crossfire of both sides."
"The fighting only began when you refused to stand aside and allow the Lleiset government to serve its people. People that selected us as their leaders." A representative with C'Ulos said.
"Again, I do not care about your political differences." Theus said with a sigh. "Let's come right to it. Both of you lay claim as the rightful governing body of this moon, and while there is nothing I can do about that, I can assist both parties with medical supplies to treat your wounded."
No one interrupted so Theus continued.
"The larger issue, is whether or not to supply you with more mechanical items." He tapped some controls on his forearm and his tricorder projected a holo-screen onto the center of the table for all to see. "This is a list of what we can provide. It will not be a problem to replicate any of these materials, and with the amount of deuterium you produce and have on hand, we can produce even more."
The two leaders looked to one another and then back to Theus and nodded for him to proceed.
"I have no problem authorizing the transport. What I do have a problem with, is providing fabrication materials, refined metals, and power cells to factions that are determined to kill one another. I can start with the medicine and even food replicators, but nothing more until there is some form of concrete agreement that prevents the fighting long-term."
They sat in silence for a long while. After mulling over the proposal and speaking to their respective delegations, they both came back to speak with Theus.
"The Lleisetian Government will agree to a ceasefire, pending more discussions." C'Ulos said.
"As with the Empire's Children of the Wing." Y'Borom said."
"It's a start." Bullock sighed.
"Eridos to Aegis, Chief Bloss are you there?"
"Where else would I be?" He asked.
"Chief, stand-by to receive coordinates for transport. The parties have agreed to a ceasefire, and I want to get started on the relief supplies. Have Doctor Utan join you."
"Yes sir."
"Eridos to zhNon, Commander did you copy?"
"I did sir." She said. "We'll get things moving immediately."
"Trust but verify." Theus said. "Ensure that a security and MACO team beam down with each landing party."
"Yes sir." zhNon said.
Theus closed the channel. "I believe our work for the day is done. We all have our counterparts and superiors to report to, I suggest we take the time to do just that."
They exited the building and headed back to the vehicles. Just as they were approaching, V'Riss came running up to Theus and Bullock both.
"Sirs! There's something you should know!" He said sounding agitated. His ears and whiskers were extended in a rigid manner and his tail was curved up.
"Slow down Corporal, what is it?" Bullock asked.
"Sirs, while out here with the Romulan and Lleiset guards, well, we talk. Like all enlisted do."
"I'm a Mustang, Corporal. You don't have to explain talking trash like a garbage scow to me. Get to it." Bullock ordered.
"Something is very wrong here." He said. "One of the guards from the Wing walked up to a Herc, and spat on the tire. I just shook it off, but noticed this."
He held up a micro data chip, the kind used in covert operations.
"Why would an Empire loyalist slip you a secret message?" Bullock asked.
"I knew it was too good to be true." Theus shook his head. "Sergeant Hightower, take the Champion and your squad into the city and meet up with Chief Bloss to help with security."
"Sir!" V'Riss said in an almost pleading tone.
"Don't worry Corporal, you Keln, and Bullock are with me. We're taking a trip to the Wing headquarters."