From: sks1@Ra.MsState.Edu (Sujay Shaunak)
Subject: DELPHI : Chapter 7
Organization: Mississippi State University
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1993 16:21:34 GMT




DELPHI : Chapter 7

	"Old Friends"


	Akimbe Assali watched as Commander Tarva entered the transporter
room. She was dressed in a mustard-yellow StarFleet uniform. Commander
Norton, whom Meede had initially speculated as being a Romulan, also wore
the standard mustard-yellow uniform, and stood beside Assali. Transporter
chief Swanson stood manning the transporter controls as Tarva addressed
him. Assali merely listened to the exchange.

	"Have you been able to spot any of our people on the DELPHI?"

	"We think we've spotted Valerta and Galleran.  We also feel
that we can transport through their shields.  As they stand,
they're at minimum power and we've been able to determine the
pulse frequency.  I think however, that it wouldn't be prudent
to just pull them out."

	"Agreed, what's the Delphi's Transporter activity been like?"

	"There's been some activity but there hasn't been any way to
tell if any of our crew but Valerta and Galleran are still on the ship."
Swanson replied.

	"Can we get in?" She asked Norton.

	"Yes, Sir" Norton said "StarShips generally relax security
a bit around a StarBase, or at least there is increased
transporter use which leaves windows of opportunity into both."

	"Okay we'll keep that in mind." Tarva said "First I'll go to
the Star Base and try to contact Captain Malory from there.
	Whenever your ready chief", she said as she stood on a transporter
pad.

	Assali looked on as she transported off. He and Captain Anthony
had spoken at great length about how the crews would be returned to their
respective ships without incident, as the VIGILANTE lurked for the DELPHI
near StarBase 89. Assali knew that the VIGILANTE could cloak, but was
unsure as to why StarFleet would use such a vessel, and, more importantly,
how the DELPHI could fail to detect it. Assali stared at the transporter
pad.

	'THE CAPTAIN CAN TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF .....'


.......


	Commander Elayne Hause, administrative aide to Admiral Hrgon, and
effectivley Executive officer of StarBase 89 strode down one if the
StarBase's many corridors. She was on her way to the lounge as she had
scheduled a meeting with the newly arrived Commander Shelby. She turned
a corner.

	Surprisingly, she saw a figure in front of her.
	'NOW WHERE COULD THIS PERSON HAVE COME FROM??'

	She was not in a well-traveled corridor of the StarBase, and moreover
although it was hard to tell, the figure looked to be a Kalonian female.
	'THERE, THAT'S IT, DEFINITELY KALONIAN.'

	Hause saw the smooth high forehead, characteristic of Kalonians
as the figure glanced around. Also, the figure was definitely female.
	'SURELY SHE CAN'T BE LOST..'

	Hause slowed her pace just a bit and followed the Kalonian female.
The figure was now walking with certainty and surprisingly, was apparently
headed for the lounge. She watched as the figure was intercepted by Lt Bloom
just outside of the lounge.
	The figure quickly finished her conversation with Bloom and
went into the lounge. Hause shrugged and followed. As the figure went
to a comm booth, Hause spied Commander Shelby, the light blonde
hair quickly singling her out, even in the rather spartan lounge.

	"Commander Shelby" Hause started, after walking to Shelby.

	Shelby's attention seemed to be fixed on the figure who had
just walked into the comm booth as well.

	"Commander Hause, it's good to see you again...." Shelby glanced
again at the booth.
	"Look Commander, I must apologize but I see another member of the
S.F.S.C.C. Let's schedule our meeting for some other time. I really must
meet with this person."

	'THE STAR FLEET SECURITY CONSULTING CORPS... WHAT WOULD THEY BE
DOING HERE RIGHT NOW... I'D BETTER GO AND VERIFY CURRENT BASE OPERATING
STATUS..'


	"Very well, Commander Shelby. We can reschedule the meeting later.
I too must be going."

	With a nod, Hause left, but spared a parting glance as she left
the lounge. It seemed as though the Kalonian and Shelby were in
intense conversation.
	'THIS MUST BE A SECURITY CHECK....' Hause quickly departed.



.......



	Olgin Penthrach looked as his incoming message panel *BLEEPED*.
He noted that the message was on a public channel from the Starbase.
	"This is the DELPHI, Lieutenant Penthrach, can I help you?" he
answered.

	The message identification came through as the sender made her
request.
	"Yes, I'd like to speak with Captain Malory."

	Penthrach read the identification.


	      NAME    : Sashon Tarva
	      RANK    : Commander
	      POSITION: Security Specialist --
			Star Fleet Security Consultant Corps.
	      NOTES   : Currently on Assignment along Romulan
			Neutral Zone assessing possible security
			Lapses.

	He looked at the visual identification. There was no mistaking here,
'ANOTHER KALONIAN ', he thought. Everything checked out. Penthrach knew
however that the Captain was currently involved with the transport of
'Ms Smith' from the DELPHI to the StarBase.

	"I'm sorry Commander Tarva, but the Captain is not available at
this time. May I take a message, or arrange a call back?"

	"Yes. Tell the Captain I'd like to speak with him as soon
as he is available .. Entering communicator frequency now."

	Penthrach logged the message and the frequency in the Captain's
mail. This way, Malory would be able to contact the lady at his leisure, and
would be able to get the message without prior notification.   

	"Very good Commander, I'll pass your message to the Captain
as soon as he is available."

	"Thank you, Tarva out."


.......


	Admiral Hrgon stood at his large window aboard the StarBase,
gazing out at the vast expanse of stars.

	*BLEEP*

	Hrgon swirled the reddish ale in his goblet around one more time,
before moving to his desk, and his message console. Hrgon submitted himself
to the standard retina scans and some otherwise poor security measures as
he prepared himself for the message.


		--	StarFleet Priority 1 Notification	--
		--						--
		--Re. Death of Commodore Albrit			--
		--						--
		-- Preliminary cause of death :                 --
		--  			Congestive Heart Failure--
		--						--
		-- Initial Toxin report :			--
		--			Inconclusive		--
		--						--
		-- Follow-up Toxin report :                     --
		--			Inconclusive		--
		--						--
		-- Examination of Commodore's quarters : 	--
		--			Inconclusive		--
		--                        			--
		-- Conclusion : Undiagnosable heart problem     --
		--              resulting in death		--
		--						--
		--		End Notification		--


	Hrgon slammed his fists on his table.
	'OF COURSE ITS BLOODY INCONCLUSIVE. WOULD A FOOL ROMULAN
 LEAVE ANY EVIDENCE? OF COURSE NOT.'

	*BLEEP*
	Another message began coming through on his console.


		--	StarFleet Priority 1 Notification	--
		--						--
		-- Subject : Ship assignments			--
		--						--
		-- The following ships have been placed under	--
		-- your durisdiction for patrol of the Neutral	--
		-- zone as well as Exploration...		--
		--						--
		-- U.S.S. Estel		Excelsior-class		--
		--	Commanding officer : Cmmdr Grtag	--
		--						--
		-- U.S.S. Targon	Orazzin-Class		--
		--	Commanding officer : Cmmdr Sardoc	--
		--						--
		-- U.S.S. Palomine	Nebulae-Class		--
		--	Commanding officer : Cpt Hampton	--
		--						--
		-- Ships are en route.				--
		-- Arrival time 40-60 hours.			--
		--						--
		--		End Notification		--


	"Ahh, this is much better. Now we have the power we need.

	....With few, you prepare for the enemy; With many, the 
	enemy must prepare for you..."

	*BLEEP*

	A final message came across the Admiral's console.


		--	StarFleet Priority 4 Notification	--
		--						--
		-- Subject : Personnel Transfer			--
		--						--
		-- Proclamation :				--
		--	Due to experience with the DELPHI 	--
		--	project underneath Commodore Albrit,	--
		--	Lt Herlt Yarin has been assigned to 	--
		--	StarBase 89.				--
		--						--
		-- Effective Immediately.			--
		--						--
		-- U.S.S. Targon transporting.			--
		--						--
		--		End Notification		--


	Hrgon grunted as the StarFleet record of Lt Yarin began
scrolling before him. He half-heartedly looked at it, preferring to
think about ship assignments. Unexpectedly, his eyes widened.

	'THE FOOLS! HOW COULD THEY HAVE MISSED THIS!' again he
slammed his fists against his desk, this time with anticipation.



.......


	Malory calmly strode into his quarters. He hadn't really wanted
to let go of WhiteCloud so soon, but he couldn't do anything in the face
of the Admiral's direct orders. Malory ran a hand through his hair and
then dropped onto his couch. He decided to check his message logs.
His eyes riveted on the second one, to which he immediately responded.

	He heard a familiar voice.     
	"This is Commander Tarva."

	'DEFINITELY TARVA, VERY COOL.'
	"Commander, Malory here.."

        "Captain, I need to talk to you, it's quite important."

	'IT MUST BE THIS STARBASE .. SOMETHING IS ALWAYS HAPPENING HERE.'
	"I can arrange for you to beam over if you want."

	"That would be best."

	'AT LEAST SHE HASN'T REQUESTED A SECURE CHANNEL.'
	"Very good, I'll release authorization."

	"Acknowledged, Tarva out."

	Malory leaned back on his couch. He ran his hands through his hair
for a moment, then he signaled the bridge.

	"Lt Penthrach, inform transporter room 1 that Commander Sashon
Tarva will be beaming aboard from the StarBase. I am on my way there."

	"Acknowledged Captain. Glad to see you got your message.
	Penthrach out."

	Malory rose, straightened his tunic, and glanced in the mirror
for a moment.

	'NEVER MIND.'

	He waved of his reflection and exited his quarters, on his way
to transporter room 1.


.........


	Lt Anna Zalvosta stood in the center of the main security
traing hall.
	"ATTENTION !"

	She kept her face as stern as possible as she looked over
her comrades. All were in a state of Attention, and Zalvosta really
couldn't see anything wrong.
	"AT EASE."
	
	There was a brief shuffling as all 18 security personnel came
to a more relaxed position. She had called a meeting of *ALL* ship's
security, regardless of watch.

	"As most of you know, there was an incident a couple of 
days ago, which involved several members of Security. In fact,  
there was nothing short of a conspiracy involved amongst some
of our own... The Captain has had me inform the members in question,
that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. I however, am
going to add to that.
	These three have gone against the basic code of StarFleet
security. They have brought disgrace upon our whole group by their
actions. Look at the Captain, he is not pleased with our
performance so far. I challenge every member of Security to work
even harder. We can have no lapses or such gross breaches of conduct again.
	Thus, while we are at the StarBase, we will be conducting
continuous level 3 drills. These means that the transporter crews
will be on hour shifts as will all security members. We will be 
running constant checks and cross-checks so that our security will
be airtight.
	Yeoman Upaw, you are the most familiar with transporter security,
you will assign transporter duty shifts as well as being on hand when we 
transport our 'guests' to the StarBase. Do you have any recommendations
as to what procedure we should use?"

	Upaw stepped forward.
	"Yes sir. I suggest that we have a force field around each
individual pad. This way, each 'guest' will be isolated from the rest.
As well, there will be a blanket field covering the front area of the 
transporter pads."

	"Very well Yeoman, make it so.
	Also, we will use standard prisoner escort procedure Alpha. Are
there any questions?"

	Zalvosta looked over the gathering, she had tried to be as 
"Meede'esque" as possible.

	"Good. Now, before you are dismissed, Ensign Hamden, Yeoman
Greely, and guard Klepling step forward."

	She watched as the three tentatively stepped forward.

	"Members of security, these three are responsible for 
the incident with Ms Smith in the security hall. As such, a mark
has been placed on each one's StarFleet record. Moreover, shore
leave has been cancelled for the next 6 months effective on any
StarFleet vessel, and they will work double shifts until the 
Captain specifies otherwise.
	Members of StarFleet security CAN NOT violate the trust with
which they are charged. I expect everyone to be attentive so that
nothing like this ever happens again.
	Company dismissed."

	As the company slowly dispersed, Zalvosta allowed herself to 
take a deep breath. She had never had to discipline a security group
before. She hoped she would never have to again.
	'I WONDER WHAT MEEDE WOULD HAVE DONE..' she thought, as she
herself departed, on her way to her own station.





.........



	As fate would have it, Yeoman Upaw and Yeoman Bronsdale
were now on duty in the DELPHI's main transporter room as Malory
walked in for the second time in less than a half-hour. Malory noted
the shift. He decided that Zalvosta must have transporter security
shifting more frequently or have some form of security excercise underway.
He decided to note it for future reference.

	"I hope you are quite recovered now after that unfortunate
incident Mr. Bronsdale." Malory said as he faced the Yeoman.

	"Yes Sir!" the security officer responded quickly.

	"Good."

	"Sir", Upaw reported, "Party of one ready to transport".

	"Go ahead", Malory said as he stood beside the console operator.


	Malory watched as the sparkling lights coalesced into a human
form. A form which came crisply to attention. Malory gazed at the short
dark Kalonian on the pad. Her hair was tied in a long braid.
	'DEFINITELY TARVA.'

	"Captain. Permission to come aboard, Sir?"

	"Permission granted, Welcome aboard the DELPHI."

	"Thank you sir."

	Malory couldn't help but smile.

	"So Commander Tarva, how have you been?"

	"I've been fine, Sir, I do need to talk with you."

	"Yes, of course", Malory responded as he motioned to the door.
He was curious at this very formal attitude that Tarva was displaying.
It was almost as if she had been serving on a very strict and ordered ship.
	"Won't you come with me."
	They strode into the hall and went to the nearest turbo-lift.
As they entered the lift and headed for the bridge, Malory spoke again.
	"So Commander, you're doing security consulting now, must be 
very interesting."

	"Yes sir, I get to do a lot of traveling, it keeps me quite busy."

	As they stepped onto the bridge, Malory gave Tarva a moment to
take in the scene. As well, he noted that Qhasmon was there and
currently 'had the bridge'.

	"Mr Qhasmon, please make sure that I have minimum interruptions while
I talk with Commander Tarva". 
	
	"Aye sir", Qhasmon responded immediately.

	As Malory and Tarva stepped into the Captain's ready room, Qhasmon
heard the backup ORACLE 1 operator, Ensign Findel mutter,
"Two Kalonians in less than a week, that's one for the record book."

	"Is there something that you would like to report Ensign?" Qhasmon
hissed, turning to face her as the door to the Captain's ready room closed.

	"No. No sir."
	Findel's gulp would have been barely audible to a human.

	"Very well..." Qhasmon resumed his facing in the Captain's chair.


	Inside the ready room, the door closed. Malory turned and faced 
Tarva, embracing her.

	"Sashon, what are you doing here?" he asked after their short hug.

	As she spoke, he strode over to his desk. He leaned against its
edge as he held his hands at his side.

	"Percival, I'm here on business. I've got a problem that I need 
your help with."

	"You know I'd do anything I can for you. What do you need, passage
somewhere, someplace to stay, what?"

	Malory looked as she frowned and took a step towards him.
	
	"It's not that easy."

	"Well, let's hear it then." Malory was interested now. He had never
known Tarva to be this evasive.

	He watched her casually look around the room. He knew she was
thinking about something.

	"Is this room totally secure?" she asked after a moment.

	This question really threw Malory, and it both puzzled and troubled
him. He stood up, no longer leaning against the desk.
	"Computer."

	"WORKING" chimed the generic computer female voice.

	"Alpha security, initiate."

	"ALPHA SECURITY IMPLEMENTED" the voice replied.

	Malory looked around the room. The only sign of the change in 
security status was that the light beside the door control panel had changed
from green to red.

	"Satisfied?" he asked, now walking around to the other side of his
desk. He gestured for her to sit down, and after she did, he himself sat.
	"Now, what's with all the secrecy?"

	He looked on as she crossed her legs, and with a straight face said,
	"I'm here to get my crew back?"
	She smiled as she continued.
	"I believe you picked them up in AR-24. I'm here to retrieve them."

	Malory mused for a moment, half aloud, half in his head.
	"So she wasn't lying when she said StarFleet was involved."
Some more pieces were now in place in Malory's head.

	"Who is that, Captain?"

	Malory sat for a moment, and merely looked at Tarva, then spoke.

	"I should have known that you were involved. WhiteCloud is too
damned cold to be associated with anybody else."

	"I hope that the Lieutenant hasn't caused any trouble, I must
want you that some would refer to her as, I believe the proper 
phrase is, 'a Loose Cannon'. Lieutenant WhiteCloud is a good Warrior 
though. From her transmissions, we knew that she survived."

	'WE?' Malory thought.

	Malory smiled.
	"Thanks for the warning, but it's a bit late.
Don't worry though, no one was injured too severely..."
	
    	"I do apologize for any incident that may have occurred.
Most of our crew is a bit 'over the edge'.  We've learned how to
deal with them, but they can be a bit of a handful if your not
prepared."

	'AGAIN THE "WE'VE", NOW WHAT CREW ?"

	"So I found out" Malory agreed.

	After a brief pause, Tarva spoke again.
	"Now, if you could tell me who else is alive and where they are."

	"Now wait a minute, Sashon, three of my officers were killed in
AR-24. I can't just turn them over to you without finishing the
investigation."
	Malory knew that something was up, and he wasn't about to just
drop everything blindly, even if the security of the Federation was 
at stake. He had a duty to his ship and crew, both dead and alive.

	"What I was hoping for is not going to be that easy Captain.
But that brings me to another topic I wanted to discuss."

	Malory was open for anything now.
	"And what might that be?"

	"Your landing party was not killed at AR-24."

	"What?"

	"We were able to retrieve them, just before the explosion."

	"If my people are still alive, where are they?"


    	"They are quite safe, you can trust me on that.  Right now
they're just waiting for me to arrange a proper exchange."

    	"Well, that's going to be difficult.  Lieutenant Whitecloud
has been transferred to Star Base 89 for interrogation.  I was
delivering her when you called."  Malory seemed quite aware of
the irony.

    	Tarva seemed to consider for a second then said "Can you get her
back?"

   	 Malory laughed.
   	 "Get her back? I couldn't even keep her myself!
As required, I had to inform the Admiral of the deaths of my three
crewmen. As such, the Admiral wanted all of the details... After
I informed him of the party that I beamed up, he almost went berserk.
He wants to interrogate all of them personally, I would have liked to
have asked my own questions... I have to deliver the other four 
survivors within a couple of hours ..."
 

    	"I thought there were six survivors?" Tarva said concerned.

    	"Oh yes, the Vulcan S'Turlek, did not survive his injuries."

	Tarva was quiet for a few moments.
	"Let me lay this on the table. We have to get this taken care of.
Not only do we want to get both crews back to where they're supposed to be,
but we also need to adjust ship's logs to erase all data collected."

	"Now wait a minute. Your asking me to forge my logs on your word?
I'm sorry, Sashon, but I can't do that on what little you've given me."

	Tarva spoke as she stood.
	"We knew that this would be your response, so we've arranged to give
you more than my word."

	Malory watched as she pulled out a large old-style communicator
from under the back of her uniform. She flipped it open and said,
"Have you made arrangements with Commander Shelby?"

	'IF SHELBY IS INVOLVED IN THIS, IT MUST HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE 
BORG..', Malory shuddered. 'IF THAT'S TRUE, NO WONDER THEY NEED SUCH TIGHT
SECURITY.'

	Tarva listened to the response on her communicator and then
spoke to Malory again.
	"Can you at least promise me not to make any new logs concerning
this incident and especially this conversation until I've had further
opportunity to convince you?"

	Malory smiled, this was an easy question. 
	"I will not make any new logs or investigate this incident further
until you have had that chance."

	Tarva smiled.

	 "Now would be as good a time as any to get started."

	Malory stood as well, ready for the intrigue.

	"Where do we go?"

    	"Let's start by going back to Star Base 89."

    	"Okay, but first I have to talk with my officers, won't you
wait on the bridge for a moment. Computer, cancel alpha security."

	"ALPHA SECURITY CANCELED."

	As Malory ushered Tarva out, he called Lt Penthrach and
Ensign Findel in. He noted that the red light on the control pad
had changed from red back to green, as was standard.

	After the door had closed, the trio stood just inside the ready-room.

	"Mr Penthrach, has there been any unauthorized communications
to or from the Delphi, say in the past ten minutes?"

	Malory watched as Penthrach stiffened in his large frame and then
scratched his chin reflectively as he relaxed again.

	"No sir, our systems would alert us to any unauthorized
transmission."	'IN THEORY', he mentally added.

	Malory faced Ensign Naine Findel.
	"Ensign, have there been any unusual Oracle anomalies since we
arrived at the StarBase?"

	The Ensign stiffened as well, coming to attention.
	"No Sir, We've been doing the standard calibrations since
arrival.  We have not had any unaccounted for readings."

	Malory frowned, he wondered at how many more tests and calibrations
ORACLE would need. It was beginning to wear on his patience. He doubted that
anything would show up while the sensors were being recalibrated. Penthrach
interrupted his reverie.

	"Is there a problem, Sir?"

	"No Lieutenant, dismissed."

	With that all three stepped onto the bridge.

......


	Aboard the Karise, Praetor Kh'arna sat in his stone chair.
Tests of the plasma weapon had been completed, and the debris from the
Federation starship had been scattered. Everything was going by the
plan. The only problem was the DELPHI. Apparently something had happened
to it, and it was returning to StarBase 89.
	'NO MATTER. A MOMENTARY DELAY IS ACCEPTABLE...'

	His plan was in motion and he had more than competent Commanders
and Sub-commanders. This change would cause no great change in his plan ...
yet.

	He called his tactical officer in.

	"Sub-Commander. Have the ships redeploy themselves 
as follows .... Soon we will move."

	The Praetor had full confidence in his tactical officer's ability
to get the message to the ships without alerting any suspicion. He was
after all, Romulan....




......

	Malory watched as he apparently materialized in a small transporter
room on StarBase 89. The room was empty, save for the transporter operator,
a blond-haired woman wearing a red uniform, whom Malory recognized instantly.

	"Commander Shelby, how nice it is to see you again", he said.
Malory had worked with Shelby only briefly as she had wanted to try something
different with the weapons systems aboard a Pentalia-class ship, the New
Auckland in this case.

	As usual, Shelby was all business in her reply.
	"Sir, won't you come with me please?"

	Malory grimaced slightly as Shelby turned and exited the room
before either Malory or Tarva even had a chance to step down off of the
transporter pad.
	'FINE, WE CAN PLAY FORMAL TOO COMMANDER', he thought. He had never
cared much for Shelby, she was a little too self-assured for his taste.
Now he didn't regret ever putting her 'in her place' while they had
' discussed ' Pentalia-class weapons systems.

	Without a word, both he a Tarva followed her through. Soon they
all stood in the security section.
	Malory guessed that this was a 'secure' room or something of that
nature that they had been led too. For what purpose, he wasn't quite
sure. He doubted that it was for a round of laughs and a stiff drink
however.
	Shelby opened the door, the room was unoccupied. Then,
she promptly closed the door. Malory noticed both Tarva and Shelby
glance down the hallway. No one else was present. Shelby slowly
nodded to Tarva.
	Quickly and efficiently, Tarva pulled out her old-style
communicator.
	'WHAT ARE THESE TWO UP TO?' Malory thought, as she spoke into
the communicator.

	"All is clear, you may proceed when ready."
	Quickly, she closed the communicator, returning it to its
place underneath the back of her tunic.
	Curiously, the light on the control pad of the door blinked,
indicating that the door was being operated from the inside. It
then slid open, and Malory could only stare.

	"Captain, it's good to see you again." Assali said with a wide smile.

........



--
----
   Sujay S. ---- "Sooge"            sks1@ra.msstate.edu
   Senior, Computer Engineering     Mississippi State University