Max found out after beaming away from Sausalito that clan Schn T'Gai had assigned Soval to fulfilling the mandate to settle the new world. Which was why he found himself standing in Cargo Bay 13 of the ECA Heavy transport: Abram Hall with Soval, the team that had been with him at the Institute, and a mix of thirty other individuals. Standing with Soval facing everyone was a human male who looked to be about middle age. His clothing, Max noticed was an outdoor or bush uniform, he stood taller. About six feet, and Max also noticed something quite different that he couldn't quite figure out about the man. Soval had looked around at the newly assembled group. Satisfied that everyone was here that was needed. He began.
"I bring news that the time has arrived for us to commence." Indicating the tall newcomer standing to his right. He continued. "I would like to introduce you to the official Warden of Kitittan. We have the privilege of being invited to establish a settlement on the western continent of that world. It is my understanding that while his people as a civilization still consider that world their's, they have no objection to the establishment of a colony. The details will be shared at a later time." Turning to the man Soval addressed him. "Warden Dane, the floor is yours."
The man nodded, but continued to make eye contact with everyone. He focused his attention to Max a moment longer than the rest before addressing the group.
"From what I have seen, every institutional archive of consequence has now been purged of this information. I thank you because my task in this regard is complete. "
He paused, trading looks with Shran and Soval before resuming.
"As you have observed, I am not human in the sense you are familiar. In fact my race goes by a different name. Which I will reveal later. As has been made known. My people are the ones who still have a claim to this system. We have no desire to reoccupy it at the present time, but are open to allowing a people to settle there on one of the continents."
He paused again a moment his eyes focused on a point across the the bay.
"There will be certain responsibilities involved so this will be a mutually beneficial arrangement. Your people require sanctuary, our people require a stewardship to be maintain and over see the place. So system defense will be your responsibility, we have no assets nearby to cover that. There will be a host of other details that will be covered upon the formation of a civilian government at the settlement. On that note. There are five of you who are being considered for the responsibility for over seeing the establishment of the base. I can tell you that construction is well in hand at this location. The main body of the facility is ready for occupancy so you and your cadre will be able to hit the ground running."
Turning to Max. He continued. "I have need to speak with you as well." Max acknowledged him with a nod as Dane turned to address Soval.
"I would have you stand in this conversation as well OSU." To which Soval also acquiesced. Addressing the group again. He added.
"Again everyone, on behalf of my people you have our gratitude. Soval has the backstory of our reasons to carry out this mission which is to cut off contact from your home world and to be watchful of an old enemy."
Everyone perked up at this and he added.
"Your geologists will see what I will be referring to upon arrival. Ok. By thy leave. Ambassador Soval. They are all yours."
With a mutual handshake, Dane turned and walked over to one of living quarters set on the deck of the cargo pod. Soval and Max watched him go as the other team mates started to converse amongst themselves. Soval and Max were joined shortly by Captain Killian.
"The other ships have posted alongside so we can affect what transfers are required OSU."
"Get everyone together that is departing, they will be instructed enroute. Myself and Admiral Forrest have some business to attend to."
Captain Killian bowed his head and left, taking the team with him. Sevrin came up to his father and stood respectfully. Waiting for Soval to respond.
"There is a modest sized book upon your bunk from someone you admire. Now would be a good time to ascertain if all is well."
Sevrins eyes brightened and Max couldn't help but chuckle at the boys reaction. When Sevrin turned and made his way to the cube he'd been assigned. Soval turned to Max and with a small jerk of his head directed Max to follow him. But Max didn't fail to miss the humorous twinkle in his eyes. They made their own way to the temp quarters and Max soon found himself standing in front of the "day room". The quarter that had been set aside as a common area. Soval led the way in and seated himself at the table. Max sat down across from him. They didn't have to wait long until they were joined by Warden Dane who seated himself a couple of chairs down from Max.
"We might as well get the minutiae out in the open. The man in charge at Sol-Heln is of the mind that until the base is complete, it's not ready. But myself and my fellow Wardens have seen enough to determine that enough buildings are complete with systems in operation to get things going satisfactorily. I do say that lightly, because he is good at what he does. Now….."
Turning his attention to Max. He studied him for a moment.
"So you are T'Sai Genevieve's father?"
"I am." He replied.
"You have probably heard this before but I cannot express adequately how impressed I am with your daughter. For several years I had made many clandestine trips to your home world in trying to locate archives containing information on Kitittan and during some of my investigations I had encountered her in the middle of one of her discussions."
Max actually laughed at that, while Dane's smile only grew larger.
"Where was that particular discussion at? I know Soval would be there because he's the only one she would be that intense with. And I don't recall seeing someone of your build anywhere near her."
"It was near Golden Gate Park in the Arboretum. And you would not have seen me, I would have been out of phase from this present reality. However, Soval would have been aware. I do remember him looking around and right at me, frowning. My presence did stop the discussion as Soval took her arm and backed away from me. Yourself, you had looked around then Soval gestured for you three to leave. I was a bit disappointed since I wanted to see who would win."
Max was shocked at hearing that.
"I was never aware that multi phasic shielding was even possible. And that happened when she had been around 12 years old. You'd been ghosting them the whole time?"
"That is correct Max, those interactions I witnessed as well as the actions involving this group that gave you so much grief we're one of the deciding factors in deviating from my mission objective and approaching Soval. I have been in contact with Soval and Genevieve and in a limited capacity with Katherine. You have the back ground on what is required to live there. I am presenting a personal agenda that is hopefully still agreeable to Soval."
Max looked at Soval in surprise. "Is he suggesting what I think?"
Soval nodded. " A bonding Max. He has approached this in the correct manner and he has earned myself and Genevieve's trust. Katherine is vaguely aware of him as was Genie back when she first met Dane. This bonding will only come to fruition with Katherines decision. I am aware of the closeness she and Sevrin share, but that is a union that cannot happen. Overall this bonding that Dane suggests is separate from the invitation to settle Kitittan."
"I was not aware of arranged marriages happening in a highly technological society. And though you say this would be separate from the invitation, it would appear to be a side effect of an alliance."
Max observed thoughtfully. Dane answered him.
"They are still common in some parts of every society. However, this would be more of a match in the Vulcan matter. Soval has told me that despite her human disposition, she is very much a Vulcan physiologically, and her time is approaching. I have been widowed for a great many years Max, and I have expressed a willingness to step up and meet that need. In my society, we establish telepathic bonds much the same as Vulcans. I am not going to beg or demand of you. I am simply informing you of what myself, Soval and Genie had discussed. Your blessing would be willingly appreciated."
"Your forgetting something that may not be important but is still painful in the long run and that is how much I'm going to miss my sidekick."
Dane bowed his head in understanding.
"I do understand indeed Max. Fortunately we would be spending most of our relationship there on Kitittan, so she won't be far. And with the final implementation of the sharing, she will want to be involved, so you may get sick of seeing her."
Max chuckled at that. Despite just having met the man, he liked him. Looking at Soval.
"After Katherine meets and interacts with him and I am comfortable with how their relationship shapes up, then I will give my blessing. As Genie shaped her life and relationship with you, so shall we allow it with Katherine."
"It will be done Max." Soval affirmed, bowing his head slightly. Dane also agreed. Turning in his chair, he reached over to the counter and retrieved three packets, using his height to his advantage. Twisting back, he divvied them between himself and the other two. Max realized they were rations reserved for deep space missions. Opening them up and digging in. Silence reigned as lunch was served.
Outside the bay, four small ships had undocked from the much larger Abram Hall, after drifting clear of the big ship and their sister ships, lined up on their headings and disappeared in the warp effect. Gone to their destinations. Gradually. The other ships in flotilla also began to head away into the black until all that was left was the Hall and a Vulcan light cruiser. The T'Mell. Their course and heading running parallel with Risa's home star off their port beam. They were scheduled to make their next jump early tomorrow evening ships time after a final wave of transfer ships had met them well outside of Terra of Sol's system. Though Max was gladdened by these happenings, he still was left fuming since his own family was left in harms way. Watching the exterior view of the ships departing on the quarters vid screen only reinforced the feeling of helplessness. Though he knew they were protected. Soval remained with Max and Dane for a few hours more before beaming across to the T'Mell. His responsibilities never ending. Dane himself had become quite helpful to Max. Telling him details of their new home no one else would know. It was 2200, ships time when Dane finally took his leave, placing a hand on Max's shoulder in encouragement as he left the quarters. Max himself took a moment to him self to think a moment, then left. Going out the door and turning left. Made his way to the temp quarters assigned to him. He made short work of cleaning up, then relaxing on the couch in the commons, just lay there staring at the ceiling. Reaching out to the wall shelf above and behind. His hand closed round a familiar object, and retrieved it.
In the time he had been afforded during his recovery and then during his work with the Schn T'Gai. He had been keeping a journal of activities and facts he'd found along the way. And reviewing what he'd wrote. Was able to continue the train of thought he had stopped at. Sitting up and leaning back against the arm rest. He quickly composed the final paragraph he needed to finish. When Soval stopped by tomorrow. It would be on its way to where it was needed. And eventually he knew it would end up in the care of his wife. He focused on his work. Knowing that after today, he could finally face going forward in the next endeavor. That of establishing sanctuary for others as well as his family. And the feeling that he was able to make it this far was fulfilling. The next day. Abram Hall lumbered it's way into warp on schedule after having taken on the last contingent of personnel and supplies. According to its orders, in 6 months time, they would meet with and run parallel with an ECS boat from Ptellememnon. It would also be when resupply for both ships would occur and essential people would transfer. Their areas of responsibility ready for them to step up to. To his amazement. T'Sar had boarded to accompany him and her son.
"Soval understood you would need some responsibility, so educating his son might be in order."
The Reldai's explanation brought a chuckle to Max. As they stood on the observation deck to watch the transition from normal space to warp. Max put his arm across his grandson by proxy and hugged him close. Sevrin by now was used to Max's human mannerisms so relaxed into the hug. T'Sar observed the gesture and was secretly pleased by it.
The T'mell stood to at the coordinates as they observed the Hall jump into warp. After verifying the boat was safely away, they themselves resuming warp to Risa.
For Max and Sevrin. The next six months on what would have been long, arduous and boring if not for the fact that they had so much material and planning to do. As the Abram Hall made its way through the void. They were in cargo bay 13 shelter 26. The common room going over the layout of the base, inventorying the supplies and reviewing the progress of the crews. According to what he was seeing, the infrastructure was at least 90% complete for the bases operating area. What would eventually be needed was the establishment of the town site itself. When Dane left them. He had taken Soval aside. According to the reaction Soval gave it was asking for a lot of trust. Soval had appeared taken aback and was reluctant to give consent, but had eventually nodded with great reluctance. Max quickly noticed Soval looking at him and the intensity of his stare did not look encouraging. Dane had turned and approached Sevrin and Max. With a quiet request and raising of his hands. Max quickly understood that he had requested a meld. Sevrin appeared as surprised as Soval but had bowed his head, allowing Dane to affect what he requested. It didn't take long and Sevrin appeared quite surprised when the meld was broken. Dane turned his attention to Max and offered to do the same. Soval however had stepped up, speaking out for Max's benefit.
"We will have to wait until he's ready Dane. There is much involved in getting his mind prepared to handle what you are requesting."
Reluctantly, Dane turned toward Soval and agreed. He left soon after that in a Vulcan scout ship that shot to warp soon after leaving the Hall.
Soval then took Max aside and briefed him quickly on what Dane had requested. And Max was surprised to know Dane had wanted to activate telepathic centers in Max's brain. To make it easier for the work involved. He was not surprised to know that it wasn't the telepathic ability that would be the problem but the discipline required to accommodate the information and being able to control it. As well as being able to protect oneself from invasion.
"And when were you gonna tell me that I was going to be undergoing this Soval?"
"Soon Max. When the colony would be further along to completion would have been preferable. However. I have a hope that we can accomplish this sooner."
Max had reluctantly agreed and together with Sevrin had farewelled Soval.
After that day when they had completed a project, Max's attention had wandered back to his family that still stranded on earth. As well as the gift that Dane would have offered.