For Max the discovery of Kitittan had been an eye opener. Officially explored in 2154 by an unofficial consortium of ships contracted by StarFleet. It was a hidden gem. Not far from Earth but it's star being hidden from direct view by an extraordinarily large field of asteroids so if any astronomers on his home planet ever saw it, it would be an intermittent sighting. If any. His new shadow. Sevrin, had told him of what he'd learned the next morning while they had breakfast. Max had always been impressed with the knowledge and maturity of Vulcan children. And Sevrin was a big help. What amazed Max more was that the StarFleet report had mysteriously vanished as soon as it had been filed. And as soon as they finished eating the two would be sitting down with Soval and formulating the beginnings of a base there. He knew that it would not be a military camp exclusively, with civilian infrastructure needed to support it. What Soval was proposing was an unsanctioned colony. With no ties to either Vulcan or Terra. For terrans, it would be a simple matter to upship and go while for the Vulcan clans it would be seen as a slight to the High Command and High Council. So Soval's clan and the other clans participating were treading on thin ice. Max was not sure how politics worked on Vulcan and had little desire to look further in that venue. What amazed him even more was the magnitude of the project and how many were knowing of it. And still nothing was revealed to Vulcan. Max's respect for Soval had deepened on this realization and he was grateful his sequestration had kept him incognito. Glancing at Sevrin as they Ate. He was actually happy to have been included into Soval's family than just being the father to the bride. Soval had understood this and had tasked Sevrin to spend time with Max. The isolation had been harsh on him as the time in the gardens had demonstrated. He missed Abigail. He missed Genie and Katherine. But for now could not see a viable way to get back with without giving away his presence. Focusing his attention back on his meal. They had finished in short order.
Pushing their plates to the center of the table. They rose to their feet and made their way out of the room. Their movement eventually placed them in the gardens we're Sevrin came to a halt at that same sharp bending in the pathway where he had met him a couple days before.
"Osu?" Sevrin asked as they stood there. They look through the foliage to the pools where the children had been a few days previous. Max regarded him for a moment then turn back to look through the foliage before answering.
"I had been making my way to the pools that morning when I heard children playing. So I stopped to see what was going on before I decided on walking out. That was all I had in mind when your mother and you encountered me."
Sevrin nodded before answering.
"You seemed so sad Osu. I was unsure on how to respond. Please forgive me."
"That is totally all right Sevrin. I was still in pain from the injuries. I am still coming to grips with the fact that I could never go home. And I was unsure about where I stood in regards to interacting with, who technically were my grandchildren. I understand that they had their reasons to keep me under wraps. So I was totally unprepared."
"Father mentioned this to me before he asked to accompany you. I do not understand all of your behavior but you are worthy of being a friend. And I would eventually desire to meet my sister."
"Katherine? You will. Eventually." Sevrin nodded but looked anxious.
"What's wrong Sevrin? Are you anxious? She has always known about you, and I am surprised neither of you have written."
"It is simply that we had been told not to. Word had reached us that missives were being intercepted and we could not risk compromising the family."
Understanding dawned for Max.
"So if you've been writing her, how are you accomplishing it now?" He asked. Curious to what Sevrin's answer would be.
"I know she has an interest in old books and have procured copies of clan manuscripts from many years ago. I know she adores Vulkhansu script, I believe that is the term you utilize. When Father had gone back to earth he would present them to her and in return, Katherine would hand him a journal book."
Max smiled at Sevrin's explanation. Even on Vulcan his granddaughter was highly regarded and cherished.
"Did you even meet her face to face, Sevrin?"
"We have spoken on sub space, however, we have yet to see each other face to face as you say."

Max chuckled at that. They resumed their walk through the gardens coming out into the pool area, then crossing a small plaza before moving on to the boundary fence. It was a two-meter-high masonry wall that with the help of shielding, kept the worst of the sand out of the garden. Coming up to it, then swung right and followed it to the southeast corner where they were met by T'Sar. Max had lived among Vulkhansu long enough to note T'Sar's change in demeanor when she saw her son approach. When they stopped, facing her, T'Sar and Sevrin automatically reached out with their right hands to form ozhestia. Max noticed the soft regard mother and son shared. And was impressed. With a look at Max, T'Sar turned and led them though the gate. Going down a short hallway before entering into a courtyard. T'Sar led them across into another hallway before entering a large doorway on the right. There was a large group awaiting them when they'd arrived. Soval stood and gestured for them to approach, indicating three seats next to his. They came up and sat down. Max did not miss Soval reach into his robes and pull out a small but thick artist notebook and pass it to Sevrin. Despite his stoicism, one could not mistake the young boy's eagerness to claim it. Eyeing the size of the book. Max thought wryly on how chatty the two youngsters were with each other. He turned his attention back to the others around the table, noting humans, a couple Andorians, and various Vulkhansu made up the bulk of the group. Around fifteen individuals.
Clearing his throat, Soval turned his head to an elder Vulcan presiding at the head of the table.
"We are now ready Eldest." He addressed him in formal Vulkhansu.

All was quiet as the elder acknowledged. He indicated to one of the Andorians to speak. The Andorian in charge rose to his feet and addressed Max.
"Let me be the first to congratulate you Admiral, that is a feat that even in my worst nightmares, I could never accomplish. I understand that your existence shall remain secret, so all I ask is permission to hold this over Captain Archer."
Max actually chuckled. "Commander Shran, by all means, if it keeps Jon on his toes, please. I can see you intend to enjoy this, so ensure he never lives it down."
Shran and Max both shared a laugh at that. Looking over at Soval, he noted that even the Vulcan was amused. His eyes twinkling in that stoic mask he often affected around non-Vulcans. With the mood of the room considerably lightened. They began. And what was one of the most detailed in-depth discussions involving a new world. Max found himself more of an observer than a participant for most of this first day. He, Sevrin and T'Sar simply sat, watched everyone and listened. Glancing over at the young Vulcan, he was mildly amused at the rapt attention the youngster was displaying. Smiling to himself. He turned his attention back to the meeting.

"As we all know. The report made by Group 13 mysteriously vanished 6 months after it was tendered. The only reason we have if it's existence had been the Captain and the First Officer of one of the ships: the Bleifrei. Had retained a copy of the original logs. Investigation of the date/ time block of that time period indicated that the report had been filed, However the physical copy in the archives vanished without explanation. Out of curiousity, our investigations found indications of the existence of this system, but the actual material describing the system had mysteriously vanished from the archives. Now Max. I know this is recent for and you can be forgiven for not knowing of this. It had been removed shortly before your assigned position as liaison, and oddly, no one noticed. We will have to assume that some individual parties in Terra Prime may have knowledge as well. It should further be noted that the world's on whose archives we have researched also have an interest in this project to which we may be able to use to our benefit. The Andorians and Tellar in particular."
Soval reached down and picked up a data chip off the table in front of him, held it up while holding Max's attention, passed it over to him.
"This is all we have found of this world and its immediate surroundings. It also contains information on the world itself which you should find helpful in helping forming a base and eventually a community. It will hold the status of an unsanctioned colony. No charter will be applied on behalf of Vulcan or Terra. It has become obvious that the governing body's of both worlds are hostile to the needs and freedoms of their people. There fore great care will be undertaken to ensure the location remains incognito from both. Much of what you need to know is also in the file Max. Study it carefully."
And with that. Soval went along with the meeting. Max perused the file with Sevrin, both kept an ear on the progress made by the rest of the group. T'Sar had been seated beside both Max and her son, but had remained focused on the activity. It had shaped up for a long meeting with quite a bit of preparations to be arranged for the building of this new community. Max realized quickly why there were members of the other coalition races at the meeting and in later retrospect had come to realize why. There was an overall disappointment about Terrans with their hypocritical stance towards off worlders. And an overwhelming disgust that some would go so far as to endanger children or destroy families. This last had been high lighted by Soval stepping up and reaching out to help a host of human children. The Andorians and Tellar had been peripherally curious about the humans trained by Vulkhansu, what had caught their attention had been the half pint spit fire that had never backed down to Soval. Max had been more amused when Captain Archer had told him during a check in that in one of his occasional meetings with Shran, the subject of Genie's discussions with Soval had been brought up. It was not lost in Archers perception that Shran was slightly awestruck at the tenacity of Max's daughter. Wether Genie liked it or not. She had a following that admired her greatly and respected her even more when she'd bonded with Soval.
Max wasn't shy about the grin he wore on his face as he remembered Shrans conversation with him about it.
"May the battle continue to strengthen two worthy foes."
Had been Shrans comment. Spoken with a predatory gleam in his eye and his characteristic smirk a bit more pronounced.
The overall discussion so far had been mainly maintaining operational security and preliminary preparations to stage needed supplies. A task made easier on the fact that three of the humans were ECA captains whose families had a history with the Kitittan system. Much of what they needed had been shipped off Terra to outlying world's already to be transferred to a long hauler for the two year journey past the Florent Cluster. Being warp two vessels, it was no surprise that they would be arriving at the same time as many of the first colonists. Having seen one of those long haulers, Max was staggered at the size of them. A large space tug with a long penstock boom on which a very large cluster of cargo bays could be docked. It would be loaded to max capacity, then sent out. Resupplied at six month intervals until arriving at its destination. With the crew complement of no more than fifteen. Sevrin had mentioned to him that he had heard that one company had committed five of these monsters for the operation. Starting out at Corridan and winding out past Risa before turning spinward and vectoring far past Terra of Sol. They had to affect this in order to keep away from Terra and to swing well clear of the Florent Cluster. Max couldn't help but be impressed by the efforts made so far. This conference had continued til mid afternoon before recessing for later. Max, Sevrin, T'Sar and Soval hung back. They were joined shortly by Shran whose face still sported that smirk which denoted bloody mischief to any who got close. Max had looked up from his reading at Shran, who simply raised his brows, which amazingly softened the hard lines of his face.
"You look like you've been stuck with baby sitting duty Shran? Otherwise, how has things gone?"
"As well to be expected Admiral. Nothing more. It is however getting harder to get close to your home world, even to take care of the embassy. They appear to be doing an amateur job of harassment whenever we do send a ship and it's become down right hazardous to try anymore. I'm sure Soval can relate to to our dilemma in this regard."
Glancing over at Soval they noticed his nod of agreement.
"It has also become more difficult to protect those we are entitled to protect. Fortunately many have been making good on their considerations. It is however not feasible to extract Abigail, Genie and Katherine at the present. If we do so, then Terra Prime will most definitely consider things amiss."
That got Max's attention. He'd been curious for a long time as to why his family had not been extracted, as well as his grandchildren, daughter and daughters in law. He didn't say anything. Just looked at Soval.
"It has been made clear to EarthGov that Abigail, Genevieve and Katherine are under the protection of Vulcan. And while several efforts had been successfully thwarted in harming them. We have successfully demonstrated the seriousness in which we uphold that commitment to our own. Thus far no further efforts have been made against them. But they are noticing the shadows. While attention has been focused on them, we had been withdrawing the other families. It appears they will be the last ones retrieved and with that will come the end of all grace. EarthGov has respected our stance thus far and Terra Prime has held back but they are getting impatient. They also have installed transport inhibitors in the nearby area to prevent beam outs and we have no idea how many are in place. We have tried to impress upon Genevieve the importance of her position at this time, however I am in agreement with her on this so called twilight war. It needs to end."
Max sighed as he sat back in his chair. Sevrin who had been dividing his attention between his father and Max looked at Max, worriedly.
"So they are hostages in name then?" He asked.
"Decoys for sure. We are hoping to have a base open in two years, however they are going to force our hand. Which is why I have no problem with you carrying out a little mission of no small consequence. I will discuss this with you tonight Max."
Max gave a small nod in acknowledgment but Soval knew he was seething inside. He knew right that then he had not been wrong in taking Shrans suggestion to get Max back into the fight. Sevrin looked to his father with concern, but Soval silenced him with a look.

"Sah-mehk. It is not logical. We must do something."
Despite his self control. Even Max could sense the frustration in the young Vulcan's tone.
"Young one, we honestly wish we could, but as your father has implied, we have done all we are able to do. It's alright to be frustrated, then you can understand what we're having to deal with.
Both Soval and Max were surprised at Shran stepping in as he did. But both appreciated his gesture. Sevrin blinked in surprise at the reply coming from an unexpected quarter, but with a sigh, acknowledged Shran with a nod.
"Another thing to consider, is if we have to abduct StarFleet crew, we have to disable their ships to where even we can't use them. The newer NX, NA, and VF class in particular."
Shran, Soval and Sevrin turned their attention to Max, clearly this was something new to them. Max looked at the three, all serious.
"The newer ships have been fitted with redundancies both in electronics and software. And I had suspected that they had spyware installed running below the regular traffic. Several ships had unexplained changes in personnel with the outgoing crewmen facing charges. And the only explanation is that they no longer trust the captain's. Even though some have had more exposure to non-humans than others, the only reason they haven't resolved more crew is it would leave them severely undermanned. It seems to be a fine line between ushering in a more ideal environment and having to affect changes with what one has available."
Even Soval was disgusted with Max's explanation. It was obvious that they would stop at nothing less than a totalitarian regime. Not a very encouraging sign for earth's future.
"Soval, there is only one way to counter this. And no one is going to like it. Bring it down to a battle of attrition. Try to keep as much of the planet out of it but knock them out of space and cripple their technology. Just target select activities. There is no surgical precision in this. Just specifically selected targets for shock value."
Sevrin had never seen his father when he looked sick, but there was always a first time. And the topic of this conversation that was brewing made things appear that both Shran and Soval would wish for a far more refreshing subject. Max's face had hardened as he registered Soval's reaction to his words.
"I may be human Soval, however, even we have a point where there is nothing left to say. Where all other means have been exhausted. I had more grief brought against both In my professional and family life. They have usurped my children from me, gone to great lengths to compromise my command and hinder my job. Then trying to have me murdered. Believe me sirs. This has gone beyond honor."
Shran straightened up at that. His attention sharpened at Max's tone. Beside him Soval seemed to intensify his attention towards his friend. Sevrin had been dividing his attention between the three elder men. Plainly curious but wary. T'Sar who had been taking in the conversation had reached up , laying her hand on her son's shoulder. Reassuring him.
"You can rest assured Admiral that you are considered family in the eyes of my clan. You are one of the reasons that we now have an exceptional Telsu and Matriarch among us. Whose daughter would be highly coveted as a bond mate."
Soval said that to reassure Max. In his way allowing him to know he was not alone. Shran's smirk only got deeper as he finally gave his own response.
"You are the Commanding Officer of a pink skin that I have grown to respect much. If I may be of service, I will do what I can to help you and your family, and technically you're a part of his now so it does include you Soval."

Even Soval couldn't conceal the smirk on his face at Shrans remark. It was. Not often those two would agree on anything. So for Max it was encouraging. And he couldn't help smiling himself. Glancing over at the ECS captains. He didn't mess the small hand signal that one of them gesture towards Soval. Glancing back over to Soval in time to see him give a small nod in acknowledgment, And wasn't surprised when his son-in-law turned towards him and gestured for him to follow. Leaving the rest of the group out into the hallway, then standing just outside the door. Soval turned to face him and asked.

"Would you be willing to carry out a mission in the near future? It will be earth side though."

surprised. Max shrugged.

"If you're willing to let me risk it. It will be saddening that I cannot see my family. But I would be willing to do what you asked."

"I am willing to send my son and a small contingent of ex-patriots to earth to check out one more repository in pursuit of information that we have been finding strangely missing concerning this world we are hoping to settle. You are familiar with the San Francisco/Sausalito area and the facility in question is very much on Starfleet's radar in terms of deep space knowledge. In comparison to the Science Academy it's more like a historical archive. The main reason we would be accessing this facility is that we have discovered a significant amount of information that had not been transcribed to data servers. The captain that signaled me a moment ago has contacts at this facility, family. And he thinks it is possible to smuggle a small contingent in to access the archives. Unfortunately there is a group of scholars who are sympathetic to Terra Prime whose mission will be similar to ours. We have this opportunity because of them. This institute should be familiar to you Max. The Pacific Institute of Stellar Cartography."

Max nodded at the name.

"Indeed I do Soval. My middle son Oliver used to practically badger me to take him there when he was in high school. It was disappointing when the fleet sent him dirt side to work in ordnance. So what exactly is it we're looking for?"

Soval regarded him silently a moment. Before with sigh and a glance at Shran, answered.

"We will be meeting someone there, Max. And with his assistance. Ensuring no written record is available for reference, if there is, it is to be scrubbed, I believe is the term."

Shran spoke up then, looking quite intrigued.

"Is this person known to us Soval? Why do I have the impression that I am going to be surprised."

"I assure you Shran, it will be a pleasant surprise." Soval's answer brought an amused grunt from Shran. Who turned to Max and said.
"We leave in two weeks time. And we will not be traveling Vulcan or Andorian ships near 001. We will travel to just outside the system on The Andorian cutter Zh'Ehndt, then transfer to an ECS inbound to earth. One of the cargo bays is set up as temp quarters, so we will be able to stay out of sight. This bay has a transporter so we will beam down at night. It may be a little late in life for an adventure Admiral but I'm confident your still up for it."

Max snorted at Shrans comment and tipped an imaginary hat towards Shran. Plainly amused. They then parted ways to finish out their day