Episode 20 Farther from Home pt. 7

*"I do not have space for hope."*
—**First, Il'kat Et'lan**

### **Pre-Break**

The episode resumes where "Farther from Home pt. 6" left off. AMB Olyn, LTJG Lakat, and CDR EXEO are inside one of Olyn's offices on the promenade of USS *Ross*. They are watching a video of K'noll transforming into the Changeling Lee. EXEO realizes that Lee has been playing both sides from the beginning. This video, which Tirazz sneaked into their possession via Sprak, is a call for help from Tirazz, and it is also a warning.

Olyn says they need to figure out a way to inform CAPT Sull without tipping off Lee. EXEO says they will take over negotiations for Sull temporarily so that Olyn and Lakat can show Sull the video. EXEO is completely stone-faced as they speak, and it unsettles Olyn. EXEO then adopts a perfectly happy, calm, and peaceful expression and body language. She leaves. Lakat and Olyn both look at each other; they are a little unnerved at EXEO's ability to transform their apparent mood. Lakat repeats the suggestion of contacting MCPO Theq, but Olyn refuses again; Theq needs to finish his group counselling session first. Olyn says they have an idea that might help the situation, but it will take Lakat and Theq working together, and they need Sull's approval. Olyn asks Lakat if she's feeling alright. Lakat looks at her calmly, and Olyn gets a sense of relief from Lakat, since now they are going to take down the Changeling. Olyn makes some tea for both of them as they wait for Sull.

On another part of the promenade, Sull and Lee are continuing negotiations. Sull has already determined that there is something suspect about Lee's motivations. EXEO walks up, exuding calmness and politeness. She turns to Lee and apologizes for being rude. She says that she forgot about the cultural differences between the Federation and the Dominion. Sull knows EXEO well enough to know she would never apologize for defending the value of life. However, Lee accepts her apology, and she makes a snide comment about Dr. Redgrave's programming being responsible. EXEO says to them both that Olyn needs to speak with Sull about Nadran and his behavior. Lee orders the First, Il'kat Et'lan, to accompany Sull to see Nadran. Sull corrects Lee, saying that they are going to see Olyn, and not Nadran. EXEO takes over, and Sull departs.

In Olyn's offices, Olyn and Lakat play the video for Sull. Lakat informs them that Tirazz provided the video secretly, via Sprak. Sull starts to laugh. Lakat suggests they immediately throw Lee in the brig. Sull says that they can't arrest Lee until they have actual evidence of a crime; otherwise, it would create an international incident with the Dominion. Sull asks Olyn why they think Lee bothered to come to USS Ross just to convince them to help fight K'noll (who is Lee). Sull says Lee has nothing to gain from it, and they say that they need to hear Lee's plan in order to guess at her motive. Sull says that taking a Changeling into custody will be very difficult; Olyn says they have an idea. Olyn looks to Lakat, and asks if she is aware of the devices the Obsidian Order created to contain Changelings. Sull says that the devices caused permanent damage to Changelings. Olyn suggests that the Obsidian Order probably didn't bother trying to make the devices safe for Changelings. They say that they think Theq and Lakat can improve the device. Sull approves the use of the device as long as Theq and Lakat complete the modifications; harming Lee is not allowed. Olyn asks if there is anything they can do to help. Sull says they are concerned about the Jem'Hadar. Il'kat Et'lan and Ven'it Rex will never allow them to trap Lee. Olyn says they can't help with Jem'Hadar, but they do have a meeting scheduled with AMB P'jeeno and AMB Jahl. Sull sighs, exhausted. Olyn asks them to be careful dealing with Lee.

The focus moves to Theq. He is seated among several other crew members of USS Ross. It seems to him that this is a regular meeting group. Today, the subject is dealing with the presence of Dominion members on the ship. ENS Joran Zem finishes up discussing his anxieties with the others. Bobbydee, who is leading the discussions, thanks him. Bobbydee is a cetacean crew member, and so he is in the tank on the promenade. A hologram projection of him sits among the others. Bobbydee turns to Theq and asks if he wants to speak. Theq begins to speak. He says that they are all brave people who are dealing with their trauma in ways he cannot understand. He says that he never wanted to be in a military, and he never wanted his brother too, either. But, he promised his brother that he would take risks and explore, so he joined Starfleet. Theq says that he doesn't understand what he is doing on USS Ross, and that he doesn't belong in these kinds of situations. He says that he doesn't know if he can handle it in the future. He finishes by saying that, in his professional opinion, USS Ross might need a new Chief Engineer. After a few moments of quiet, a woman stands up. She introduces herself as Sorcha Santiago, a chef on board. She says that she had thought about joining Starfleet, but she didn't because of the war. She stumbles through some words about herself and Theq. She says that people often talk to her about how safe they feel working for Theq. She tells a story of her grandfather, also a chef, who said that service to others was the greatest form of love. She finishes by saying that, whatever Theq decides, the crew will support him, and that he is loved.

Theq says that he is a big fan of her work as a chef, and that he understands what she is trying to do for him. He tells them all that he is coming from a different place, but he doesn't know what that is. He talks about how USS Ross hasn't had a chance to slow down since they left spacedock. He says that he would love to be a part of a crew that serves a purpose, but lately it is unclear to him what purpose USS Ross is serving. Bobbydee thanks him for being so open, and agrees with the others that they will all support him. At that moment, Bobbydee sees Lakat in the corner trying to be conspicuous. Theq notices and leaves with her.

Lakat tells Theq that the Changeling is on a different part of the promenade at that moment, talking with Sull. Lakat takes him to Olyn's office. When they walk in, Olyn gives her a disapproving stare for interrupting his group counselling session. Olyn offers Theq a drink, and he asks for water. Olyn shows him the video, but Theq isn't sure what he's supposed to discern from it. Olyn tells him that they need his help to build a Quantum Stasis Field Generator, which is a device that can prevent Changelings from transforming. Theq says such technology is impossible, but Olyn says that it does. Theq repeats it, and he says that Starfleet had such technology, they would have used it in the war; since they didn't, it cannot exist. Olyn repeats that it does exist, but it also hurts the Changelings it is used upon. Olyn says that they need him to modify the technology so it doesn't hurt the Changeling, and that they need it as soon as possible.. Theq is a little exasperated at being asked to build another piece of impossible technology in an impossible amount of time. Olyn gives him an encouraging speech, and Theq sighs resignedly. He asks if Olyn has a blueprint or a starting plan. Olyn says that Lakat does. As Lakat and Theq leave, Lakat whispers to Theq that she has no idea how to build it. They head to Theq's lab on Holodeck 4.

The focus moves to LTCDR M'Qrell. She is in sickbay at the end of her shift. She stands up as her relief, Dr. Kari Serana steps in to take over for her. She asks M'Qrell if everything is alright, and M'Qrell says that the tension of the ship is too high for things to stay quiet for long. M'Qrell says she is concerned about the morale of the crew. Serana points out that she is a Betazoid; she's very aware of the crews mental state. M'Qrell says she saw the war first hand, and so did many of the crew. She says that no one was ready to have these feelings brought to the forefront. M'Qrell tells Serana that the crew of USS Ross is special; no other crew could successfully pull off this mission. M'Qrell says to inform her if something exciting happens, and she leaves.

As M'Qrell walks into the corridor, she sees Sprak. A security officer spots him at the same time. M'Qrell greets Sprak and asks what he's up to. He says he wanted to see the ship, and M'Qrell warns him about curiosity. Sprak starts to ask her for a favor, but the security officer interrupts, and asks if Sprak is with her. Sprak nervously says that he is, and that he and M'Qrell are old friends. M'Qrell agrees, and adds that he likes it when she rubs his ears, and she rubs his ears. Sprak stiffens, speechless. M'Qrell says "Come, Sprak. Let's go and...chat." The security officer is clearly uncomfortable and walks away. M'Qrell tells Sprak that the goal was to make them uncomfortable so they would leave, and asks what favor he needed. Sprak says that the favor was to make the security officer leave. He asks M'Qrell for a tour of the ship, and M'Qrell says that she'll need permission from Sull in order to take him into non-public spaces. Sprak gets nervous, and says he would like a smaller tour that didn't require Sull's permission. M'Qrell suggests sickbay, but Sprak awkwardly refuses. She suggests the promenade, and they head there. Sprak says that he has a business opportunity to discuss with her, and he begins to tell her about his brother, Skrag.

### **Post-Break**

The scene resumes with M'Qrell and Sprak in the turbolift. He asks M'Qrell what he would have to do in order to get Sull to help him get his ship back. M'Qrell asks about his ship. He says it is called Liquidator, and tells the story about his brother taking it from him. She asks him why he is talking to her and not to Sull. Sprak says that he can tell Sull doesn't like him. He tells her that Orions and Ferengi have a history. A lot of unscrupulous Ferengi captains assisted Orion slavers. M'Qrell points out that Sull isn't a normal Orion, and that they are likely to be a person who will listen to him. Sprak says he has an angle to help with convincing Sull; Skrag is a pirate. M'Qrell agrees to help him as long as he promises to be honest and run a good ship when he gets it back. Sprak agrees, and says that he would anyway. M'Qrell says they should check out the promenade while they wait; she says he might have a purpose on USS Ross in the meantime. Sprak formally requests asylum from M'Qrell, but she points out that he needs to ask the captain.

On the other end of the promenade, Sull returns to the meeting. EXEO excuses herself, but notices a tiny signal coming from the First, Il'kat Et'lan. She whispers to Sull that Il'kat is trying to signal them. Lee resumes discussing the plan. She begins discussing a complicated plan using only her forces and involving USS Ross' transporters, but Sull suggests that USS Ross could just do the job more directly. Lee is surprised, and asks Sull if they are willing to commit USS Ross security forces to take down K'noll. Sull says that, if K'noll is a pirate, they have a duty as Starfleet Officers to arrest pirates. Sull suggests a two-pronged assault. First, Tirazz and some of USS Ross' security forces will engaged in a large ground assault; at the same time, a small insertion team will try to sneak into K'nolls hideout and arrest him. Lee excitedly agrees. Sull can tell that she is genuinely interested; she has taken the bait. Sull says the next step is to coordinate security teams. Lee orders Il'kat to go coordinate with USS Ross' security forces. Lee asks if she should wait there, and Sull says that she should coordinate with Prahl. Prahl moves over and begins to speak with Lee.

Sull and Il'kat go to Sull's ready room. A Jem'Hadar walking through the bridge raises several eyebrows. Sull orders his security escort to wait outside. When Sull and Il'kat are alone, he begins to speak. Il'kat begins by saying that he is in an unusual position for a Jem'Hadar. He says that his orders (and Nadran's orders) are to are to kill Lee if she refuses to return to the Greak Link. Odo believes that Lee is a grave threat, and personally ordered Nadran and Il'kat to stop her at all costs. He says that Nadran has committed treason; by pledging himself to Lee's service, he has betrayed Odo. Il'kat says that he is speaking to Sull because Odo ordered him to bring in Starfleet if things got complicated. Sull says that, if Lee has committed a crime, Starfleet intends to take her prisoner. Il'kat says that Odo considers this an acceptable outcome.

Sull says they will need evidence, and they think Lee will try to kill them during the assault. Il'kat points out that he doesn't require evidence; he has Odo's orders. If there comes a moment where Sull is unable to imprison Lee, Il'kat will carry out his duty and kill her. Sull says that they will not request him to deny his duty, and that their interests are aligned. Il'kat says that Odo made clear that peace between the Federation and the Dominion must be upheld at all costs. Il'kat tells Sull that the Second, Ven'it Rex, is unaware of the orders. Ven'it will try to stop them from harming Lee, and Il'kat will be forced to kill him. Sull tells Il'kat to order Ven'it to stay with Nadran, and then neither will know about Lee until it is too late. Sull says they will just have to hope for a peaceful solution. Il'kat wishes them luck, and Sull wishes him victory.

They begin to discuss tactics. Il'kat proposes several brute force ideas using his presence to panic the pirates. He points out to Sull that they are placing a lot of trust in him. Sull says that they trust he will carry out the will of the Founders. He says that he wishes to speak with Sull more, if they both survive.

Meanwhile, Olyn is busy trying to get plans for the Quantum Stasis Field Generator. They realize that all of their Cardassian contacts are too far away for them to get in contact soon enough. It occurs to Olyn that the Tal Shiar know everything, and likely have the plans. They decide to begin their meeting with Ambassadors P'jeeno and Jahl. Olyn calls Jahl first. When he answers, he is bare chested, and he has clearly just woken up. Olyn says that they would like the meeting now, and they say it's an emergency. Olyn calls P'jeeno. His assistant Nalee answers. When Olyn asks for P'jeeno, she goes to get him. P'jeeno appears and they exchange some pleasantries. Jahl soon joins them on the call.

Olyn asks the two of them if they are aware of Dominion technology appearing in the hands of the Orion Crime Syndicate near Klingon space. They specifically mention the incident on Pa'thor ("Before Hell pt. 2"). Olyn asks Jahl what technology the Klingon Defense Force removed from the pirates. They are particularly interested in technology for containing Changelings. At that word, P'jeeno become alert. Olyn begins to discuss the Romulans and the Dominion, but Jahl gets impatient. He asks Olyn to get to the point. Olyn says they need information on technology to contain Changelings. P'jeeno asks why, and asks whether they've found a Changeling. Olyn says that they aren't sure if they have or not. P'jeeno accepts that. He says that even the possibility of a Changeling is serious, and that he will make inquiries as a favor to Olyn. Jahl clarifies that all three governments will benefit from a technology exchange. Olyn and P'jeeno agree. Jahl hangs up. P'jeeno stays on the call.

P'jeeno suggests that he and Olyn are in similar circumstances; they are dealing with governments that sometimes put them at odds with their own diplomatic goals. Olyn stays silent, and P'jeeno nods, knowingly. Olyn says they will do what it takes to protect their captain and their crew; P'jeeno says he will do the same (for Olyn's captain and crew). P'jeeno says that Olyn will owe him a favor, but they shouldn't worry. All he wants is the stability of the Romulan Star Empire. He expresses displeasure at Sela's rise to power. He says that he may someday require the help of Olyn and Sull. Olyn says Sull would greatly enjoy "putting fascists to sleep." P'jeeno is taken aback by such a direct statement. Olyn thanks him and begins to end the call. P'jeeno starts to say "Before you go, I should make you aware that in the past 48 hours we-" and the transmission cuts off, jammed. Olyn immediately calls Sull, and requests their presence in Theq's lab.

Meanwhile, M'Qrell and Sprak have been walking the promenade. M'Qrell realizes that Sull isn't present on the promenade anymore. M'Qrell calls Sull, and says she has someone who wishes to speak with them. Sull says they don't have time right now, but they need M'Qrell's assistance in Theq's lab. Outside Theq's lab on the holodeck, Lakat, M'Qrell, Sprak, Olyn, and Sull arrive. M'Qrell tells Sprak to wait there and they all go inside. Theq orders his "assistant program" to appear, and a hologram of Dr. Redgrave appears in the holodeck. Theq asks about the progress of Olyn's call. She mentions that it was cut off by jamming. Sull calls Prahl, and orders him to determine if the jamming was on the Narendra Station end or the Yukovar System end. Theq calls CPO Singh and orders him to come down and help them, too. They all get to work. Lakat and M'Qrell focus on scientific research. Theq, Sull, and Singh work on the engineering. Olyn performs the role of project manager and snack provider. The Redgrave hologram builds the prototypes. Almost the entire senior staff are working together on a single goal. Theq finally feels comfortable for the first time since USS Ross left spacedock.

Late into the night, Prahl arrives. His face is terrifyingly serious. He says that the transmission was jammed from nearby, and not from Narendra Station. Prahl says that the ghost ship must know that jamming the signal has given them away, and they are preparing to take advantage of the situation with the assault. Sull thanks him, and gets back to work. Outside the doors of Holodeck 3...

Sprak is still waiting.

## **Cast**

* Eric Campbell - Game Master
* Revati Dhomse - Jane Lakat (absent)
* Gina De Vivo - EXEO (absent)
* Sam de Leve - Azeri Sull
* Aki - Olyn Madzhin-Nil
* Xander Jeanneret - Theq Lynadas
* Bonnie Gordon - M'Qrell

## **Non-Player Characters**

* Yeri Prahl
* Lee
* Il'kat Et'lan
* Ven'it Rex
* Joran Zem
* Bobbydee
* Sorcha Santiago
* Kari Serana
* Sprak
* Jahl
* Nalee
* P'jeeno
* Amandeep Singh

## **Notable Lines**

*"It's been a hell of a day."*
—**Azeri Sull**

*"Experiencing the Dominion War from afar is one thing, but having your nightmares up close and on the same vessel is something else."*
—**Theq Lynadas**

*"Never go against the fur."*
—**M'Qrell**

*"Most of the stupid things I hear come from hoomans[sic]."*
—**Sprak**

*"Sometimes, you can find the most interesting things in the smaller packages, yes?"*
—**M'Qrell** to Sprak

*"I do not have space for hope."*
—**First, Il'kat Et'lan** to Azeri Sull

*"Apologize less."*
—**Jahl** to Olyn Madzhin-Nil

*"If there is one thing I know about my captain, they take great joy in putting fascists to sleep."*
—**Olyn Madzhin-Nil** to P'jeeno

## **Notes and Trivia**

* Sam's choice to automatically fail the perception check for Sull is the first acceptance of automatic failure in Clear Skies.
* At the end of the episode, Eric predicts (for the third episode in a row) that the next episode will be the last episode of the "Farther from Home" arc.