Negotiations, Anything but Normal

Posted on Mon Dec 6th, 2021 @ 11:29pm by Captain Xavier Carey & Rotush Kenear Minister & Commander Marisa Sandoval & Lieutenant Commander Tony Johnson & Lieutenant JG Diana Morrison-Johnson & Chesire

Mission: The Mentarin Effect
Location: IKS Gree'tok
Timeline: Current

Xavier walked off the platform of the Klingon ship, the atmosphere was darker, just as it was before, than the Resolution, which was the klingon norm. "Captain." He turned to the rest of his team, Commanders Sandoval, and Dixon. Johnson was already present, as he was onboard already setting up security.

"Commander Johnson, a private word with you when you get the chance." Xavier replied as he leaned in to the commander.

Tony simply nodded to the Captain and waited for when the Captain was ready to address him.

Sandoval took a moment to look around. She hadn't been on a Klingon ship in several years, and then only for a few weeks. It brought back memories she wasn't sure she wanted to deal with at the present time. She focused on the ship, which was in a much better state than the other had been and forced back the memories.

Xavier turned. "Captain Drex, this is Lt Commander Isabelle Dixon, she will be negotiating on behalf of the Federation." There wasn't much of one barely visible to anyone else. Tal would most likely be the only one to notice the disappointment in his voice.

The blond woman nodded. "I will try my best to help in any way I can. We all want a positive outcome."

"You will not be negotiating?" Drex asked Captain Carey, "That seems a bit unusual to me."

"New Captain, they were hesitant to give me the CO position after Captain Leonard was injured." Xavier stated. "Plus she is highly recommended, with important negotiations, and in regards to the involvement of Orions, this can cause issues. Plus in terms of things that can be offered, her diplomatic connections can get things done quicker, and approved faster.

Drex nodded in a not entirely non-suspicious manner. "I see." He stepped to stand in front of Dixon, "In that case, welcome aboard Commander Dixon. I believe we will find a way to accommodate both our governments."

Dixon nodded. "Thank you. That is what I want too."

Marisa didn't think it was quite that black and white. It was probably one particular admiral who felt that diplomacy was best handled by diplomats, but she wasn't going to say anything to contradict the Captain. Then again, she'd been on ships where the best diplomat was the Captain.

Diana whispered to Tony. "And what exactly is my purpose here?"

"To observe and keep an eye out," Tony explained. "Your ability to read the room is quite valuable."

The Counselor simply nodded as she scanned the room. Everyone seemed to have a purpose and were a little uneasy on how the end result might turn out. But Chesire on the other hand seemed to be sure about something and his posture indicated that he was anticipating something. "Tony does Chesire seem to be a bit off?"

Commander Johnson looked over towards Chesire. "The guy seems to be a bit weird to me, but that could just be his personality. But we should keep an eye on him."

Chesire walked around the room as he observed the actions of everyone in the room. Spotting Drex, he quickly approached. "Captain Drex how are things going?"

"Things would be going better if we could get the negotiating started," Drex attempted to sound congenial but failed to do so on purpose. "How are things going for you?"

Chesire leaned in close to Drex. "Just a little weary about these negotiations," the Detective replied. "The Federation has a habit of looking out for their own best interests in my opinion."

"You are not entirely correct," Drex told Chesire, "The Federation is full of bleeding hearts. They will help others to a fault and even to the point of ignoring their own. The Mentarins are lucky to have their aid in cleaning up your environment."

"Perhaps your right," Chesire shrugged off. "But I'm sure their help will come with Federation rules and principles. You are right about us being lucky."

While Marisa waited for the negotiations to begin, she looked around the room, carefully observing those gathered. She wondered what Chesire had to say to Captain Drex. She wasn't particularly fond of political gatherings in general. As a scientist she'd dealt with enough of them to know that there were always negotiations going on in the background. Chesire was definitely angling for something. What, however, she didn't know.

Dixon looked at the captain. "They seem to want you to be in charge, I think the negotiations would do better with you leading. I can offer assistance."

Chesire looked across the room and noticed Diana Morrison observing. Quickly scanning the room, the Detective ensured that no one else was keeping an eye on him. Perhaps he spoke with Drex for too long. Grabbing a drink, he moved to the corner by himself.

"I am not taking your job away from you Commander." Xavier replied as he stood beside her. "Its what you trained for."

"Why not work as a team?" Marisa offered. "That way, you can both have input."

"Thats why you're here." Xavier replied with a smile. "Lets see where it takes us."

Drex stepped over to the Federation officers. "Have we wasted enough time yet? Are we going to get started?" he asked gruffly.

"I agree, this has been going on long enough" Xavier replied as he nodded to the Captain. "If you lead the way to the conference room than we shall begin."

"Ael, you have the meeting room prepared?" Drex asked.

"I do," Ael replied. Then, turning to the rest present. "If you'll all follow me," she gracefully requested. She left the room with the group following. They went down the corridor a few meters and turned into another room.

In the center was a large, round table with seats for everyone. This is what Commander Doctrine thought was best. At a round table, everyone would feel they had an equal say in matters. Drex scowled and attempted to tamp down his Klingon instinct to dominate. On the other hand, he trusted the Starfleet officer and took Diane's advice.

Marisa let the two Captains take the lead, finding a seat a short distance away where she could observe the others. She was especially interested in Chesire and his reactions, but she knew better than to make her interest apparent. As a half-Vulcan, she was well-practiced in the art of subtle observation.

Captain Drex took a seat that would allow him to see the door. Ael chose the seat opposite of her father.

Xavier took a seat which allowed him to see First Minister, as well as Captain Drex.

Dixon took a seat next to Xavier, so she could look around the room.

Marisa noted how everyone chose their seats. It was like a careful game of chess.

Scanning the room, Tony took a seat next to Dixon. Clearly there was a bit of tension in the room suddenly.

Rotush sat down next to Chesire, standing behind him was his two body guards. ""First of all I want to tell both your people that we are grateful you have decided to assist us"

Chesire smiled and nodded in agreement with the Minister.

"We're sorry we weren't aware of the situation earlier," Marisa said. "We want to help you and your people."

Rotush nodded, "I appreciate that Commander. But one cannot dwell on what hasn't happened, and dwell on what can happen. "

The half-Vulcan nodded. "Which is why we are here now. To talk about the future."

Xavier nodded, "So where do we begin? Commander Dixon, you have read about their needs, what is Starfleet set to offer?"

Drex grinned, "Yes, we'd all like to know... what does Starfleet have to offer?"

Xavier noticed Dixon hand him a padd. After reading it over. "Our scientific and medical expertise, advisors." He looked to her. "We offer people to advise you on how to change things for the better." He didn't like that what all Starfleet thought Mentar was worth.

Marisa raised an eyebrow. "What do you want Starfleet to offer?"

"Offering advisors, is nice and all." Xavier replied, "In fact it is all they can offer. What does the Klingon empire offer."

In Marisa's experience, there was a bit more they could offer. Humanitarian aid was definitely within the parameters, even for a colony like this one. They may not, technically, be warp-capable, but they had been working with the Federation for a while now, and under the circumstances, she was sure there were some gray areas that could be exploited.

Drex was not sure he should bring up the Orions just yet. After a few seconds he made his choice and spoke confidently. "The Empire is prepared to offer the same things the Federation are pledging... with the addition of protection from other... shall we say harassing entities that may show up. The Empire would like to deal with the Mentarians with no middle men getting in the way." The Klingon captain looked around the table to see if the other delegates were understanding what he meant.

Rotush smiled at the news about that. "Well it looks like the Klingons are making a deal that is quite generous."

"Generous indeed." Xavier replied as he paused, he glanced over at the Klingon Captain. Stroking his beard as he done so, contemplating. He turned to Commander Sandoval... "With all due respect to the Klingon empire, but your medical and scientific expertise is lacking to what the federation can offer." He was tapping onto his pad a few things to Sandoval, asking her input into what the Klingons were offering.

"Thank you, Captain Drex. The colonists will be well-served by your offer," Sandoval said. She turned to Rotush. "The Federation will provide essential supplies to help with the immediate health crisis. In addition, we would like to send medical and scientific teams to train personnel and help them upgrade your medical and mining facilities. We believe that teaching you and your people, in addition to providing basic supplies, will lead to long-term solutions to your immediate problems."

"There is still the problem of the Orions that is causing all these issues. The federation likes to negotiate, rather than bring a hammer down." Xavier replied, he paused "Captain, I have a proposition. Before Rotush makes a decision, how about something that aids all of our people."

Drex's eyes narrowed. He leaned forward somewhat and growled. "I'm listening."

"Well, as I have said our scientific and medical expertise far outweigh the Klingons, no offense or disrespect intended. Starfleet isn't in the business to 'take out' problems. Klingons have no issue with it. How about we handle the planet, you handle the Orions. In the end, Orions are gone, with Starfleet equipment, and expertise on the ground. We will both get better quality out of the people and the people will not suffer as they have."

Drex sat back and folded his arms across his chest. He looked right at his daughter. Ael made the same gesture and looked right at her father. It was as if they were communicating wordlessly. Finally Drex asked, "You want us to be the security force for this endeavor?"

"We can assist, but you are better equipped to deal with the Orions," Marisa said, not sure what the Captain was getting at. "And your scientists are welcome to help with the planet as well, if they wish."

"Security isn't exactly what I would call it. I would call it protecting your asset."

And I would call it protecting colonists, Marisa thought, but she would not voice that thought. She was a scientist first and she put lives above minerals. That, too, was not something she would say out loud. Not here, anyway. Her face remained placid while she waited for someone else to speak.

Ael and her father exchanged looks once more. Then she said, "It sounds like we'll be protecting our assets... and the Empire does employ scientists, engineers, and doctors. We're not the barbarians some of you believe us to be."

Dixon looked at Ael. "We are not calling you barbarians, I am not calling you barbarians. We would be there to assist, and perhaps give suggestions that haven't been thought of. All of us working together can only be an advantage to the problem on hand, can't it?"

"I agree, we have not nor will ever call the Klingons barbarians. However, the Klingons do value resources, namely scientists. Would the High Council want to waste those resources when the Federation already has them available. Just think, Starfleet fixes the things on the planet, Klingons just sends a couple ships to take care of the Orion threat. when all is said and done, your people do what you do best we do what we do best. We each get what we want."

Ael and Drex looked at each other again. Then Drex replied, "The High Council may part with one or two to work with Starfleet but that is something I would have to confirm with them. As for guarding against the Orions, I agree that is something we could handle on our own."

"The cooperation between our two people within this endeavor should be and should always have been something that we both take care of. We have several ships available to help, however, Starfleet is more inclined to negotiate. Orions however do not."

"No. Orions are not good at negotiating," Marisa agreed. She looked at Drex and Ael. "I've had several opportunities to work with Klingon scientists. I, for one, would appreciate their input here. I believe we'll be better-served by working together for both security and science."

"The Orions have no honor," Drex affirmed. "And I am confident the High Council will agree to have Klingon scientists work with Starfleet scientists especially if Starfleet can add a ship or two to help, as you say, with protecting the assets and keeping the Orions out of our business. I believe working together on both of these fronts will be good for our two peoples."

"As do I," Marisa said. "In addition, the Orions will have a harder time against a united front." The lack of communication between the Federation and the Klingon Empire was quite likely a contributing factor to the current problems. With open communication and shared responsibilities, the first officer had no doubt they'd soon drive the Orions out of the system. The Klingons were a formidable ally.

"It appears we may have come to an agreement," Drex announced to the Starfleet representatives, " he looked at Rotush and Chesire, "You two have been... quiet. We are eager to hear your opinions."

Chesire still smiling broadly. "I am glad that the Orion syndicate were wrong about how barbaric you guys are supposed to be. My people will be humbled by both your peoples offer."

Xavier nodded as he tapped a few buttons on a padd which brought up . "Captain, the USS Washington, and the USS Moscow are in the area awaiting missions. They are small ships but know how to punch a hole when needed, both Captain Shran, and Captain Freeman have had previous dealings with the Orions."

Marisa watched Chesire's reaction. His smile seemed...forced. As a counselor, she paid attention to body language and there was something she didn't like about the man, but she couldn't put her finger on what. She turned to Xavier. "I suggest we inform the Orions that we will deal directly with the Mentarins from now on."

"And in no uncertain terms," Ael added.

Marisa smiled at Ael. "Indeed."

"So, I have everything fixed up here on the pad." Xavier replied as he raised the pad. "Just need everyone's thumbprint, and its all set."

Marisa turned to Rotush. "Do you have any questions or concerns?"

Dixon glanced at the counselor then at the others assembled. "I am glad that we have came to terms we all seem happy with."

"Commander Dixon, can you make sure these terms are sent to HQ, and arrange the Moscow and the Washington to rendezvous with the Gree'tok." Xavier replied.

"Questions. With everything, how does one apply to be a part of the Federation, I know Klingons have no such ability, that I know of." Rotush inquired.

"Oh, we have the ability," Drex replied, "We just choose not to."

"Very well." Rotush answered.

Xavier turned to Rotush, "That will come in time, and I am sure both the Klingons, and the Federation, will want a permanent presence on this planet to deal... with anything the Orions may try."

"You can count on that," Drex added.

Chesire stood up, "On behalf of the Mentarin people." He looked to Rotush, and then to Drex, and then to Xavier. "I want tp present both of your people with these gifts." Bringing out two boxes that they had arrived

Rotush caught by surprise. "Gifts?"

"I only thought it was fitting, that these two peoples, who are going to help us a great deal deserve a gift." Chesire replied a smile still on his face, "With the agreement all but signed, I thought it would be best to offer something of our own, as Gratitude." He turned to the group. "If that is all that is needed, as security for the First Minister, we had best be going, immediately. There are things to discuss, and prepare for."

Leave immediately? he was in far too big a hurry for her comfort. Marisa smiled. "On the contrary, As our host, you should at least stay while the gifts are opened so we can thank you appropriately." She glanced at the Klingons, wondering if they noticed Chesire's odd behavior. "Besides, it is customary to drink a toast to our new alliance."

"I... heartily agree," Drex added. Something was odd, the Klingon captain decided, based on Sandoval's expression and his own gut feelings about Chesire. Ael picked up on it as well. Drex went on with, "Have our finest vintage of blood wine and glasses for all brought up."

Ael tapped out the command on her wrist communicator. "Aye captain."

Now Drex leveled his gaze directly as Chesire. "Surely you two can spare a few more moments to celebrate this momentous occasion."

Before anyone could answer, the door opened to reveal the Gree'tok's first officer. Drex turned with an angry expression. "Pardon the intrusion m'Lord..." the XO looked around nervously at the assembled delegations. "... and for this extremely gross breach of protocol. Sir," he looked back to his captain. I have something most urgent to tell you."

Drex massaged his goatee as he stood and walked over to his XO. The captain knew this wouldn't be happening unless there was some sort of imminent danger to the ship or crew. "Excuse me for a moment," Drex said to those at the table. He walked over his second in command and all but hollered, "QIt Hoch yInDaj qIj!" The two Klingons spoke together in whispers with their backs to everyone else. All anyone at the table could see were the two men nodding.

Ael watched the two men speak with narrowed eyes. There was something going on.

Drex turned around finally with narrowed eyes. As he started pacing around the table his expression turned gleeful. "Well, my first officer has reminded me of an ancient Klingon tradition regarding newly minted pacts between the Empire and it's allies." His eyes went from one person at the table to the next as he circled. "Since we're all here mingling and learning more about each other's culture I find this a perfect opportunity to share this old Klingon custom with you all."

Marisa watched Drex, that conversation with his first officer had her wondering what he learned. She hoped it would be something to force Chesire to show his hand.

Dixon picked up on the tension and looked at the Drex, wondering waht was going on.

Xavier turned to Drex "nuq 'oH mIwvam'e'" He inquired, knowing that Chesire shouldn't know the Klingon language it was the safest bet to inquire.

"Allow me to explain," Drex replied to the other captain in the room.

Drex stopped a moment and picked up one of the boxed that contained a gift from the Mentarins. He then resumed pacing around the table while tossing the box up a few centimeters and catching it again. "The tradition is called ghe''or lupoH... or 'the honor of the gifts'. It's a simple thing really. In a show of mutual trust... because after all, we are all allies now," Drex stopped across the table from where Chesire sat. "You open the gift you brought and show us what's inside." Drex then placed the box back on the table and pushed it just enough so it stopped sliding right in front of Chesire.

There was no such custom. Sandoval knew enough about Klingons to know that, but it was a clever ploy. "I'd forgotten about that custom." In support of this action, she added, "Mr. Chesire, if it helps, this is an ancient tradition that demonstrate that you will keep no secrets from your new allies. The open gifts are then given and toasts are made with bloodwine. Anciently the parties would cut their palms and shake to seal the alliance, but that won't be expected here."

Dixon looked at Mr. Chesire. She knew traditions and also knew that this was a ploy. "Though it wouldn't be a bad idea for all traditions to be followed. I would highly suggest that each tradition is carried out, a show of faith. Klingons take the blood oath very serious, and it would show that you, Mr. Chesire, take this as serious as we do. Of course, any breaking of the oath does result in death, but none of us have to worry about that, do we?"

Drex was pleased with with the Starfleeter's reply. The astute officers knew something was up and they weren't happy about it either. The next few moments would be most interesting. The imposing captain leaned on his hands which were placed on the table palms down. He stared at Chesire intensely. "Well, friend, what do you say?"

Xavier sat back, with what's going on with the intrusion of the XO of the Gree'tok something was up. He merely watched and waited to see what was happening.

Chesire paused. Looked at the boxes, looked at the people. His smile quickly went off his face... "I am sorry my friend." he replied turning to Rotush as he reached into his pocket pulling out a detonator.

At that point several things happened at once.

Ael leapt across the table grabbing Chesire's wrists as the chair he sat in tipped backwards to the floor. She had been cued to expect something like this by her father as he paced around the table explaining ghe''or lupoH. She would not let Chesire activate the device in his hands.

The doors to the conference room opened and several Klingon guards ran in pointing disruptors at the two Mentarins.

Drex drew his own disruptor hopped over the table to join his daughter.

The two boxes on the conference table became surrounded by containment fields.

Drex followed his daughter and Chesire struggle across the floor. "I suggest you stop this futile attempt at sabotage Chesire. If you want to live that is." Then he spoke to the comm unit on his wrist, "Beam those two boxes into space. Three thousand kellikams should be far enough."

"I only wanted to keep the people of this world safe." Chesire replied "The federation and the Klingons are out to destroy everything... with promises of peace, yet they themselves are on the brink of war." He turned to Rotush. "Your people could have been part of something bigger. Something that is on the horizon. A change for the better." Within seconds, Chesire arched back, and 'jellified'. and slipped out of the Klingon woman's hold. solidifying feet away. His arm now a long spike, with one thrust, he sent it through the back of Rotush, out the other side.

"Chesire?" Were the only words out of his mouth before collapsing to the ground.

Xavier could only watch, as he reached he remembered that part of the deal was everyone in the room would be disarmed. Guessing that Drex had ignored that part himself. He stood as he watched the leader of the Mentarin people collapse after being impaled by a large spike. By the look on his face utter surprise, dread and by someone who was betrayed by someone close to him

Marisa went over to Rotush to see if she could help him, but he was dead by the time she got there.

"Changeling protocol the third, NOW!" Drex shouted. Every armed Klingon in the room aimed their weapon at the Chesire.

The room shimmered in purple light. The conference room was now surrounded in a containment field. "The room is now sealed in a biological containment field," Drex explained, "The field will shrink. As it shrinks it will take a deep DNA scan of any biological life form in it. It will keep shrinking until the only life form in it is the changling." He took a step towards Chesire. "There is no escape for you now. You can cooperate or die. It is your choice."

"Also, if you so much as twitch, you die," Ael added drawing her own disruptor. "I suggest you don't move."

"Change is nigh. Keep fighting against yourselves. This will only hasten what is to come." Chesire replied he shimmered into his liquid form once again, and made a beeline to the ceiling.

At that point the Klingon guards fired at the liquified form until there was nothing left. Drex walked over the the steaming blob of ooze that was once Chesire. "You are wrong," he said as he fired one last time vaporizing the last vestiges of what was once a changeling.

Xavier walked over to the body, with the look of his first officer was giving, it was already too late. "Contact the surface... let's finish this." Turning to Drex. "Glad some people ignored protocol."

Marisa nodded her head and stood. She moved away to contact the surface and the Resolution.

Drex nodded solemnly in agreement. "Indeed. I knew it was serious for Qlang to interupt us. Our sensors picked up something dangerous being brought aboard. We can beam the gifts back to the lab and find out, or we can leave them in the cold of space."

"Starfleet HQ had a peace conference with the Romulans... which was attacked by the Changelings. All members of the conference were killed." Xavier replied. "Rotush seemed as surprised as anyone about the packages, not a doubt in my mind that this was a part of a plan to cause friction between our two people. Lock phasers, and destroy the packages."

"Can we scan them first?" Maris asked. "That should give us an idea of what they are, then we can transport them away."

"Nonevasive scans only... nothing too deep." Xavier replied as he looked at the boxes.

Sandoval nodded. "Just enough to find out what it is." She glanced at the Klingons. "Unless your crew know what it is."

"Qlang told me the sensors detected something explosive," Drex informed everyone present, "At least one of those boxes could have taken out this entire section of my ship."

Ael added, "Perhaps if we examine it closer we can find its origin?"

Drex let out a low growl, "I highly suspect we'll find Orion influence."

"The Dominion working with the Orion syndicate. That is a scary thought." Xavier replied as contemplated the ramifications. "If thats the case a simple thing will not suffice. We need a permanent presence here, the only way that would be would be to offer the Mentarins a protectorate status. That will give more powers to allow us to make sure no more outside interference which is not warranted."

"I thought we'd already decided that we were already going to have a presence here," Marisa said. "And before we offer them anything like that, you need approval from the Federation. However, this may help them decide."

"My understanding on it, is that being a protectorate member of the Federation, it gives more power and gives the Federation more of a duty to make sure these people do not fall under another regime like the Mentarins, or what seems to have happened, or almost happen, the Dominion. This planet was forgotten once before, we got what we want and that was it. Its more official, we don't control the people, however we do make sure no one else does either."

"Captain, I do believe he was right, about one thing." Xavier replied. "A war is coming, the more we fight amongst our two peoples, the faster we will both fall."

At that point another of Drex's command crew came into the room. She apologized for the intrusion and asked to talk to her captain alone. Drex excused himself. The two went outside the conference room and the doors closed behind them.

"Why do I get the feeling this is not good news?" Marisa asked Xavier. "I wonder what else they found?"

"Something about the Planet or the packages I presume."

Moments later, Drex re-entered the conference room with a grim expression. "Captain Carey I'm afraid I have some... unfortunate news."

"This day just gets better and better doesn't it."

Drex took in a deep breath. It was clear he didn't agree with what he was about to say. "We have just been contacted by the High Council. Despite our best efforts at cooperation and peace... The Klingon Empire is pulling out of our agreement with the Federation and the Mentarins."

Ael's eyes went wide. "We did all that... for nothing?" she exclaimed.

"I thought the Klingon Empire wanted to have a say in what happened here?" Marisa asked. "They do realize you signed the agreement with their consent?"

Drex was quiet a moment before answering. He was clearly frustrated and embarrassed by this turn of events. "You do not understand the Klingon High Council. They can easily rescind my diplomatic powers and make my signature worth nothing."

"This doesn't make sense." Xavier replied, "With the Mentarin ore, they would supply the Klingon fleet with enough for years. Is it the Mentarin accords... Convince them to keep the treaty with the planet. They need that help."

Drex looked to Xavier, "I have already sent messages to that effect but I don't think it will change anyone's mind. Something drastic has to have happened for the High Council to make such a drastic change in such a short amount of time."

Xavier had thought back to his teachings his father had taught him. Old rituals. "Captain what about the 'Iw bIQtIqDaq jah '' the Klingon right of fingers and blood. It's old, and rarely used. Each member would sacrifice a digit on their hand. I believe this planet is in position to become a major turning point when the war comes. If we lose this supply. It would create a shortage. I think that's what the Changeling was here for."

"I'm willing to stay behind and help them," Marisa offered. "They need someone who will stand up for their rights."

Drex considered the options. "Allow me some time to hear from my contacts on Q'onos. Let's say, two hours. Then we'll decide on 'Iw bIQtIqDaq jah. Is that acceptable to you Captain?"

Xavier Paused and turned to the Commander, "I highly hope it does not come to that Commander. Starfleet does have people that specializes in that sort of thing." He paused as he sat and turned. "Let's clean up this mess, bring Rotushes body back to the planet. Meet in my ready room in two hours."

Marisa nodded. She'd need to do some explaining as well as delivering Rotush' body. It was likely there were still Orion agents on the planet.

Xavier looked at his people, then at the Klingons. "Resolution, Beam everyone to the Resolution. Captain, the Resolution is open to your men should they want to try our bars. In good faith, I hope none make it a point to exercise the councils order."

"My men will follow me Captain. You have nothing to worry about there. As soon as I hear from Q'onos I will contact you."

Xavier nodded. "Understood Captain. Until then."