S1E3 - New Horizons

[J.B Dersch]

Lt. Sven Aune, Overlook Cafe.

Lt. JG Maria Martinez, Overlook Cafe.

Sven looked on with pride as Kinley was being decorated and promoted.  But all that changed when Xolo charged in with a dozen thugs, like a winded matador, huffing and puffing and making a scene.

Sven frowned and didn't like the look of the situation.

He quietly tapped his communicator, and a soon enough a dozen of his own security arrived, inconspicuously, like secret service, ready to take action if things escalated.

He stepped up next to Kinley. The massive bodybuilder glared down at Xolo.  He didn't need to say anything. His large imposing presence would be enough.  However he had a concern.  He didn't trust Dersch, and worried that he might actually jump the gun and pull a trigger causing a firefight to break out.

Deputy Martinez found Dersch and quickly took post next to the man. Sven gave them both "the look."

She knew better than to make a move. Stay quiet and let Admiral Carter work his magic.  She placed a hand on Dersch's shoulder.

"Steady Amigo." She said to him. "Nothin' rash."

Sven had deliberately put his two hottest-headiest officers together.  They were to hold each other accountable and teach each other how to remain calm and make logical decisions.

[Lt. JG JB Dersch | Overlook]

Dersch stodod there ready to move, He wasn't in the mood to deal with Xolo's shit. He tensed a bit when Martinez walked up.

"Steady Amigo." She said to him. "Nothin' rash."

"Only if he threatens the safety of my Famliy and the Station's Crew" JB Replied quietly. He then looked to Katie and Freya. "Once you can leave, Leave"  Freya just nodded.

[Lindsey]

Not wanting to be rude, She watched the mini promotion ceremony politely, and joined in for a few claps at the appropriate time.
Startfleet was starfleet, a strange organisation but at least it was consistent.
"I don't get it"  she asked whoever was standing next to her "Don't you have to have a ship - in order to be a captain?"

Then things got more.. 'intresting', and louder.  that jumped up busybody of a pretentious so and so had a lot to shout about.
"Left or right?" she wondered out loud "my credits on a good slap with the left hand"
and then nothing happened.  it was almost disappointing.

She made to finish her drink, only to discover that it was already empty.  The green stuff was apparently better than she thought.
a refill was required - obviously.

several minutes later, she was sat happily on the floor against a bulkhead, half eaten something or others on a plate and a twice emptied glass on the floor next to her.

"Through the stars, we glide with ease,
No need for phasers, no need to seize.
Pirates fire and fight with might,
But we slip past in the cloak of night.
*hic *
We know the routes, the secret ways,
While they cause trouble, we make our pays.
With hidden holds and coded maps,
We stock our cargo while Starfleet naps."

*hic *

[Feeva Drylo]

{Outpost Solaere|Overlook Restaurant}

Fee had moved her seat nearer to the back of the group-she felt more comfortable observing, and with TWO Admirals here? She'd certainly say something out of nervous energy that would not only embarrass herself, but also the House, the Heirs, the keepers of the Chalice, every God in the Universe, and probably her late husband's memory. It was for the best, really. PLUS she could sneak out when no one was looking. She wasn't much for parties.

She smiled, though, when she saw the one Admiral with the same accent as she and Sven had extend a box to Kinley. It wasn't a "party", it was a promotion. She blushed. She was underdressed, then. She SHOULD HAVE worn her uniform. Ah, hell. She clapped politely. She'd extend her congratulations to the Captain later, in private. She looked down at her plain clothes-she'd always dressed like this, even as a child-but it had become part of her identity in the past few years, as she'd adopted it as her unofficial "mom" look. It is what her own mother had worn, and her grandmother, and so on. All the women in her House were more...demure. People like Commander Said were wild. Dowdy, some people called it. She preferred "comfy." A pat at her knees as she sat back down caught her attention. She looked down.

CHRIST. It was the damned holoraptor. "STEVE!" She exclaimed, her voice a few octaves higher than she'd hoped. Damn it!! Quickly, she dropped her head low so the dinosaur could hear her. "Hello, Steve. How did you get out again?" She asked, rising to her feet to escort the wayward lizard out and back to Garrison's office. Still, she supposed it wouldn't hurt TOO much if the lizard was allowed a singluar treat, so, unthinkingly, she retrieved a baggie of apple slices from her pocket-she always kept a snack on her for Leena, in case, never mind that the child wasn't here-by now, it was habit, and handed one to the hologram. It didn't occur to her that holograms didn't need a snack.

After the ceremonial bits were finished, the small woman rose. "I will get a plate, and then take you home," she said. She made her way to the bar. She had already ordered a simply meal-Oskoid salad and a glass of ale. She had asked for some Sol shrimp on the salad if possible, and was happy to see that they were able to accommodate her. She was pretty certain it was replicated, but she didn't mind. She took the plate happily back to her hidey-hole in the back of the room, and sat cross-legged, balancing the plate on her feet. She ate quietly, and quickly, holding gently onto one of Steve's clawed "hands" so he couldn't wander around, scaring folks. She was busy enough without having to deal with station-wide PTSD from a random holographic beast wandering about willy-nilly. She sipped the ale, and wondered if anyone would notice if she took it with her-it seemed TOO rude to ask for it "to go."

She spoke to the Dino once more. "Stay here, please," she said. "I need to speak to Lt. Aune for a mo," she said. Just to alert someone she'd be leaving alone to return to her quarters. Safety was always key. Besides, she wanted to ensure he was well. She'd go down to Sickbay later that evening to check in on the rest, too.

She made her way towards the large man.

"Sven," she said. "I am leaving," she said, "in case of my untimely demise, just so you know," she explained. "How are you feeling?" She asked. "Your woman, Martinez?, she saved us all," she said.

[Therem Estraven]

[Walkway Hub| Deck 17 | Outpost Solaere]

After an exhausting night of coordinating between all sorts of scavengers, collectors, and other business-starved traders, Therem decided to talk a walk to Desk 20 Green Houses to clear his head. Thanks to his efforts, he had a lot of extra spending cash to blow on something expensive to mark the occasion, and he already had something in mind. There was a special tree from his homeworld that he wanted to import, but it would require a lot of tech to maintain. However, his thoughts of plants were interrupted by some sort of screaming match going on on the sub-deck below.

Peering over the edge of the walkway, Thereme could hear someone screaming angrily. It sounded like Governor Xolo, but Therm had no clue as to why he's show up on the station. Maybe he was trying his hand at diplomacy to free his recently captured granddaughter? Either way it didn't seem to be going well, but at least Xolo had broadened his horizons and now hated both the Romulans and the Federation Officers equally.

Fumbling around in his pocket, Therem pulled out a tricorder that the Federation had given him aboard the Horizon. The recent events had gone by so fast he nearly forgot about it, but luckily now he could record Xolo's outburst from half a deck up. Therem had heard that Xolo was good at throwing knives (and forks, probably), so he didn't want to be within range while recording potential evidence.

[Stryker]

Sven stood stoically next to Kinley, and was surprised when the diminutive Drylo came up to him, though he didn't say let his face show it.

He told her about Martinez actions and he nodded to her, but kept his eyes on the eminent explosion from mount Xolo.

He would have to read the debrief sooner than latter.

Meanwhile, Martinez stood next to Dersch. She knew exactly what he meant about protecting family. Hell, is someone threatened her abula, she would make sure that person would spend the rest of their life sucking nutrients through a straw.

[Nira Said]

[Lt. Litt · Overlook Restaurant · Outpost Solaere]

Just as the celebration was reaching its peak, the atmosphere took a sharp turn when Governor Malaquías Xolo stormed into the lounge, his fury palpable. Litt's attention was drawn to the heated exchange between Nira and Xolo as accusations flew. Nira's sharp retort about Xolo's granddaughter being a war criminal and the rightful ownership of the confiscated goods made the tension even thicker. Xolo's rage intensified as he yelled at everyone present, denouncing them as traitors and accusing them of selling out to the Romulans. Litt watched in stunned silence, realizing that the festive mood had been replaced by a serious confrontation that could have significant repercussions for their mission and their relationships with New Jericho.

[Overlook Lounge]

Carter turned to look at the shouting, a slight sigh leaving his lips. "Just when I think I'll get a single quiet day." He whispers to himself. He turned to face Stryker a moment, offering a slight shrug and before saying anything else he moved to stand next to Nira once again. The expression on his face was as cold as the arctic but conveyed that he'd calculated every possible eventuality and occurance ages ago. "Might I suggest we lower our voices?" His voice carried a venom seldom heard by even his worst enemies. "After all...I can't imagine shouting like that will have the results you're hoping for. Let me make one thing clear, violence against any officer under my oversight won't be tolerated and that includes the verbal variety."

Carter's eyes bore into Xolo's as he crossed his arms. "I'm all for open dialogs Governor. Especially ones that can lead to peace on all sides and a mutually benefitial coexistence. However, if you intend to threaten the people aboard this outpost...let me just say I strongly discourage that course of action." For a moment his eyes trace over the six body guards, clearly analyzing each of them carefully.

[Restaraunt outlook]

Kinley had to hold back her emotions and tears as she heard all the wonderful congratulations from everyone.  "Thank you all.... You have no idea how much this means to me. I really hope I can be the best Captain for you guys. I promise you guys that. "

The mood seemed to drop like a sack full of bricks when all of a sudden,  she heard a commotion in the back, and saw Governor Xolo come in, spitting fire and fury.

She gave a long, hard look at Mr. Xolo as he came barging in, putting a major dampening on the happy moment she was having.    You could have waited a goshdarn moment until after I was back in the office to have this fit!

Giving a look to Nira to keep her XO from punching the man upside the head for now, she stood up to the much-taller man, straightening herself in the process. Unfortunately, this was in her domain, and she had two members of the Brass looking at her to see if she did the right decision, right after they gave her this promotion too, to boot.

"Mr. Xolo, We have told you multiple times: Our goal is to help everybody in this sector and on this planet. That has been and always will be our goal here.   We have been stretched thin due to your granddaughter's hindrance to us to get resources.  You realize her interference has hindered us from helping your own people, right?   She asked, not sure if he got the memo or not.

" Piracy of goods does not and will not help the situation on the surface. We are on your people's side, as best as we can with what resources we can allocate, but I will not allow any racist or intolerant remarks on my station. Is that clear?" She folded her arms, really trying to drive the point that she was not in the mood to deal with party crashers.

" We can talk about things in my office after the party is over, and I'll make it available to have a discussion as soon as possible.  You are more than welcome to get a drink and celebrate with us until then, or you have the option to leave and we can still talk later. That is your prerogative, but right now, you will not ruin the mood here. Am I clear?"

Lt. Sven Aune, Overlook Cafe.

Lt. JG Maria Martinez, Overlook Cafe.

Sven looked on with pride as Kinley was being decorated and promoted.  But all that changed when Xolo charged in with a dozen thugs, like a winded matador, huffing and puffing and making a scene.

Sven frowned and didn't like the look of the situation.

He quietly tapped his communicator, and a soon enough a dozen of his own security arrived, inconspicuously, like secret service, ready to take action if things escalated.

He stepped up next to Kinley. The massive bodybuilder glared down at Xolo.  He didn't need to say anything. His large imposing presence would be enough.

Lieutenant Danjar-Torra Addams
[Outpost Solaere - Hangar Module - Overlook Restaurant - Private Lounge] (several days later)

Torra had smiled and applauded at seeing Admiral Carter offer Kinley her 4th pip. Then in typical Scottish fashion Admiral Gillespie had to upstage his colleague, with Nira following in Gillespie's  shadow.  Torra sighed softly.  The Betazoid couldn't help but have to be in center of attention. Torra supposed that was perhaps one of the reasons Nira had made it to Command in such a short time.

Just as Torra was leaning in towards Don, about to suggest they call it an early night, a sudden ruckus drew her attention.  Seeing Xolo, Torra scowled; having met the Governor once, she found the human to be rather distasteful.  His insults and threats only proved her opinion right.

As she glowered at the man, her head and horns lowered; not in her usual demure manner but in defense and prep for a charge.

[Commander Nira Said | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere]

Nira could understand the gesture for her not to attack, though in truth, she had responded in a defensive nature, the same way she had when Nunia attacked at her after her capture. She noticed Torra was ready to charge and she was surprised; she never saw a gesture like that before.

"Help everybody in the sector, especially on Ciden IV?" scoffed Governor Xolo. "Then why the hell are more crap being delivered to the Oasis than to New Jericho?"

"Because of the conditions the refugees are living in at present," Nira put in; she had suspected the pirates had been connected to New Jericho, given that they left transports and convoys heading to New Jericho well enough alone, but that accounted for one percent of the convoys that came to the Ciden System in the past two months. "Why do you think the Romulans have called their collective establishment Oaish'le? Do you even know what the word Oaish'le means?"

"I do not know, and I do not want to give a f..."

"Oaish'le is a Romulan word that means 'harshness,'" Nira interrupted. "Since Hobus, the refugees had lived in the most harshest conditions. These are people without a home..."

"And too many of the pointy-eared bastards have flooded to the planets in this system, in this sector, and in every planet along the Neutral Zone since Hobus!" snarled Xolo. "Let them live in harshness! Let them die!"

Nira flinched at the heartlessness at Xolo, then narrowed her eyes. "Perhaps would you even be aware that not putting an effort to help your neighbors has prompted the fact that Starfleet has put priority over Oaish'le than New Jericho?"

"And were you even aware of what we had said before when we first met, Commander?" said Roshard, lowering his voice, so gently yet menacingly, it look little imagination to picture Roshard as an angry Vorta. "I had warned you before that we had been about to take matters into our own hands before Starfleet's return here. We had hoped you would expel the Romulans from the Oaisis, from Ciden, from the Tarod Sector. Now that you voiced who you fore, well and truly, then perhaps we WILL actually take matters into our own hands after all."

"And perhaps yeh lot aren't even aware of what my colleague, Admiral Carter, has pointed oot," retorted Gillespie. "Any threat will not be tolerated. We can discuss what can make a peaceful resolution."

"You want us to cooperate, Jamon?" Xolo sneered. "Then let me lay it down for you and your younger friends," he added, nodding at Carter, Kinley and Nira. "There will be no more materials, supplies and cargo to the Oasis. The supplies and convoys go to New Jericho."

"Excuse me, but are the Federation colonists of the boundaries of New Jericho going hungry, having to deal with adverse weather, living with a direct opposite of comfort?" Nira asked indignantly.

"As I said, let them die," Xolo said. "We, of course, will be up for discussion since you offered. We can haggle, but don't expect us to favor the Oasis. We will wait in our ship that's docked at Freighter Dock Three for you."

Nira sneered back at Xolo. She remembered that freighter dock, that a ship docked there was a base for a mercenary the New Jericho government hired; chances were, that dock was exclusively reserved for the authorities of New Jericho. She made a note to let Stryker know to keep an extra eye on that dock, particularly when somebody from New Jericho came to visit.

Xolo looked back at his angry grandson and his number two and his body guards and said, "Vamanos." He gave one last glare at Kinley and Nira and left, but Nira noticed, out the window, he took time to get a good long glare at the Horizon and spat in its direction, his contempt for the ship evident. Nira looked over at Gillespie with an inquiring look: How did he know old man Xolo? Gillespie gave a gesture and mouthed "Later" at Nira before turning back to the party.

"I'm sorry about that, Admiral," Nira said to Admiral Carter. "But that, unfortunately, is Governor Xolo for you. If the Romulans say never turn your back on a Breen, the same principle can be applied in regards to Xolo and his ilk."

Nira looked back at the direction the Xolo party went. Whatever peaceful solutions Admiral Carter had in mind to propose to Governor Xolo, she was concerned that, even if it allowed a peaceful resolution, it would only be a temporary ceasefire. She took Roshard's warning seriously. And she recalled that whole armory of illegal disruptors; She mentioned that armory to Gillespie after the Starfleet raid on the booty tribute, but they found the armory was removed. Even if a peaceful overture was made, Nira was sure New Jericho was going to use this opportunity to train a mob army from its civilians.

Still, the mood improved with Xolo's departure. Nira would enjoy herself now, but she intended to keep a closer eye on New Jericho, and as many officers as possible amidst Solaere's refit and humanitarian aid. A storm has cleared for now, but another, and potentially stronger storm, was coming.

[Nira Said]

--

| Lt. JG Fawkes | Science Officer | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere |

Fawkes applauded for the new Captain Garrison. The look on Kinely's face, coupled with the tears in her eyes, said more than her words of gratitude. Though she didn't know the new captain well, Charlotte knew such honors were due Garrison. Commander Said's pride for her friend was a testament to the new captain's leadership. For Charlotte, she was happy to celebrate and much on a trio of leek and mushroom croquettes. And then the party was over.

While Governor Xolo pounded on his chest, stirring the crew and dignitaries into a frazzle, Fawkes slinked into the background. Though not proud of herself for retreating, Char witnessed how many others had their say. Assurances were made, though Fawkes surmised it all sounded like politics as usual to the governor. Tensions rose, and no one seemed particularly willing to de-escalate. If anything, Xolo, Carter, and Said appeared as if they would explode at any moment. The newly adorned Captain seemed to be holding the peace.

Charlotte cleared her throat and approached the head officers. "Please, begging everyone's pardon, there is a matter we should discuss. The asteroid, which was destroyed spectacularly, did not originate from the Ciden system. This is only a guess on my part, but it's very likely that the object was a small remanent of Romulus due to the iron and nickel content. Due to the electromagnet fields," Fawkes motioned to Ms. Aubrey, who used the idea to great advantage, "these asteroids tend to group forming clusters. In a nutshell, there could be more asteroids coming. Some could be larger, much larger than the one Commander Said utilized – possibly extinction-level magnitude. So, perhaps cooler heads could prevail tonight and get to work on more important matters."

Fawkes knew her play was a gamble, but it wasn't untrue. Unfortunately, she didn't have the time to test her thesis. "My apologies, Commander, Captain. After tonight's festivities, I had planned to bend your ear on this matter."

[Commander Nira Said | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere]

Nira looked over at Fawkes when she made her announcement. The fact that the asteroid they used against the pirates, magnetized as it was, was a part of the debris from the destroyed Romulus was certainly an eye-raiser. She was glad Governor Xolo had left before she announced it, because, otherwise, he'd get on ranting further about Romulans.

"We'll have to keep an eye out for more such asteroids, then," Nira said. "And we have the Horizon handy to reduce any threatening asteroids to rubble if we need to."

[Richard James Litt]

[Lt. Litt · Overlook Restaurant · Outpost Solaere]

As the tension slowly dissipated from the room, Richard Litt found himself reflecting on the whirlwind of events that had unfolded since his arrival at Outpost Solaere. What was supposed to be a routine assignment had quickly turned into something far more complicated and dangerous. Pirates, political intrigue, and a governor who seemed more like an enemy than an ally—it was a lot to take in. He had barely settled into his new role, and already, the stakes were higher than he had imagined.

Watching as the party resumed after Governor Xolo's dramatic exit, Litt couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. He had seen a lot in his time with Starfleet, but this was different. The challenges ahead were not just about piloting or tactical maneuvers; they involved navigating the complex web of politics and personalities that defined this part of space. As he looked around at his new colleagues—some still visibly shaken, others already laughing and toasting—he knew that this was just the beginning.

Taking a deep breath, Litt resolved to face whatever came next head-on. He had a crew to support, a station to help protect, and a new chapter of his Starfleet career to write. The Outpost Solaere was already proving to be a place where the unexpected was the norm, but Litt was ready. Whatever new adventures awaited, he would be prepared, and he would face them with the same courage and commitment that had brought him here.

[Kinley Garrison]

{Outpost Solaere|Overlook Restaurant}

Fee had moved her seat nearer to the back of the group-she felt more comfortable observing, and with TWO Admirals here? She'd certainly say something out of nervous energy that would not only embarrass herself, but also the House, the Heirs, the keepers of the Chalice, every God in the Universe, and probably her late husband's memory. It was for the best, really. PLUS she could sneak out when no one was looking. She wasn't much for parties.

She smiled, though, when she saw the one Admiral with the same accent as she and Sven had extend a box to Kinley. It wasn't a "party", it was a promotion. She blushed. She was underdressed, then. She SHOULD HAVE worn her uniform. Ah, hell. She clapped politely. She'd extend her congratulations to the Captain later, in private. She looked down at her plain clothes-she'd always dressed like this, even as a child-but it had become part of her identity in the past few years, as she'd adopted it as her unofficial "mom" look. It is what her own mother had worn, and her grandmother, and so on. All the women in her House were more...demure. People like Commander Said were wild. Dowdy, some people called it. She preferred "comfy." A pat at her knees as she sat back down caught her attention. She looked down.

CHRIST. It was the damned holoraptor. "STEVE!" She exclaimed, her voice a few octaves higher than she'd hoped. Damn it!! Quickly, she dropped her head low so the dinosaur could hear her. "Hello, Steve. How did you get out again?" She asked, rising to her feet to escort the wayward lizard out and back to Garrison's office. Still, she supposed it wouldn't hurt TOO much if the lizard was allowed a singluar treat, so, unthinkingly, she retrieved a baggie of apple slices from her pocket-she always kept a snack on her for Leena, in case, never mind that the child wasn't here-by now, it was habit, and handed one to the hologram. It didn't occur to her that holograms didn't need a snack.

After the ceremonial bits were finished, the small woman rose. "I will get a plate, and then take you home," she said. She made her way to the bar. She had already ordered a simply meal-Oskoid salad and a glass of ale. She had asked for some Sol shrimp on the salad if possible, and was happy to see that they were able to accommodate her. She was pretty certain it was replicated, but she didn't mind. She took the plate happily back to her hidey-hole in the back of the room, and sat cross-legged, balancing the plate on her feet. She ate quietly, and quickly, holding gently onto one of Steve's clawed "hands" so he couldn't wander around, scaring folks. She was busy enough without having to deal with station-wide PTSD from a random holographic beast wandering about willy-nilly. She sipped the ale, and wondered if anyone would notice if she took it with her-it seemed TOO rude to ask for it "to go."

She spoke to the Dino once more. "Stay here, please," she said. "I need to speak to Lt. Aune for a mo," she said. Just to alert someone she'd be leaving alone to return to her quarters. Safety was always key. Besides, she wanted to ensure he was well. She'd go down to Sickbay later that evening to check in on the rest, too.

She made her way towards the large man.

"Sven," she said. "I am leaving," she said, "in case of my untimely demise, just so you know," she explained. "How are you feeling?" She asked. "Your woman, Martinez?, she saved us all," she said.

[As Steve]

Steve perked his head as the counselor noticed him, somewhat surprised. He guessed that she wasn't expecting him here. not that anyone would really expect  a velociraptor here.

Steve purred as the Counselor brought him out a snack! He would never say no to snacks! Apples weren't his typical food of choice, but he gratefully took the slices with a delicate little bite. The counselor seemed pretty   Looking around, there seemed to be a bit of cheering, and then someone yelling. His processors indicated that whoever was yelling was really mad. Maybe a threat? Steve wasn't in a very good position to help if he needed to, not to mention the Counselor told him to stay, and he was told to be a good raptor an stay, so what to do? Steve didn't know.

[Danjar-Torra Addams]

Lieutenant Danjar-Torra Addams
[Outpost Solaere - Hangar Module - Overlook Restaurant - Private Lounge]

[Commander Nira Said | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere]

Nira could understand the gesture for her not to attack, though in truth, she had responded in a defensive nature, the same way she had when Nunia attacked at her after her capture. She noticed Torra was ready to charge and she was surprised; she never saw a gesture like that before.

"Help everybody in the sector, especially on Ciden IV?" scoffed Governor Xolo. "Then why the hell are more crap being delivered to the Oasis than to New Jericho?"
...

"As I said, let them die," Xolo said. "We, of course, will be up for discussion since you offered. We can haggle, but don't expect us to favor the Oasis. We will wait in our ship that's docked at Freighter Dock Three for you."

Listening to Xolo talk so easily about letting the Romulan refugees die, and even going to far as to suggest that New Jericho would deal with the Romulan encampment themselves, Torra was repulsed by the man.

"The sentiments you speak are unworthy of a proper Federation colony leader.  You and those who think like you, like your daughter, are nothing but criminals!" she called out as the man turned and walked away.  Torra snorted, upset that he was being allowed to leave.

The stress of it made her stomach sour - she'd end up with an ulcer at this rate.

[Therem Estraven]

[Walkway Hub| Deck 17 | Outpost Solaere]

Therem watched with interest as the scene unfolded, but was left disappointed that Commander Said didn't slap Governor Xolo as well. It's look pretty good on her record to say she "slapped 100% of the remaining Xolos in the universe", but at least there was still time in the future to make it a reality.

Personally, Therem worked with the people of New Jericho and knew that most wouldn't blindly pick up arms against the Federation or Romulans. Still, it did seem that Xolo held an grip on power so perhaps he would force them to fight. Therem's own family was in control of a similar government on Gethen VI, so he knew what it was like to live under such conditions. However, there were always other politicians looking for their opportunity in the background, so Therem began to mull over the prospect of building some more politician connections in the future.

For now though, Therem was content to visit the station greenhouses and to plan out his fancy ice-tree purchase. It had been a long couple of days, with enough plotting and action for at least a couple months, so he'd try to enjoy the calm while it lasted.

[Nira Said]

Lieutenant Danjar-Torra Addams
[Outpost Solaere - Hangar Module - Overlook Restaurant - Private Lounge]

Listening to Xolo talk so easily about letting the Romulan refugees die, and even going to far as to suggest that New Jericho would deal with the Romulan encampment themselves, Torra was repulsed by the man.

"The sentiments you speak are unworthy of a proper Federation colony leader.  You and those who think like you, like your daughter, are nothing but criminals!" she called out as the man turned and walked away.  Torra snorted, upset that he was being allowed to leave.

The stress of it made her stomach sour - she'd end up with an ulcer at this rate.

[Commander Nira Said | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere]

Nira heard Torra call out at Xolo in passing. She came alongside her and saw them leave in her line of sight. "I couldn't agree more," Nira said to her. She had behaved calmly thus far, perfectly aware she was in the presence of two admirals. Still, she was determined to keep an eye on them. Xolo and his ilk had a level of power that was concerning.

[Kinley Garrison]

Commander's Captain's Log:  Supplemental

Ever since we have apprehended the leaders of the Pirates, it seems to have given them a pretty good message, and they've been pretty quiet since Ms. Xolo and her co-conspirator Dralin were captured.  Those two have been sitting in our comfortable brigs for now until we have a chance to send them over for a proper trial, especially as these two were former Starfleet. Looking at some of their alleged crimes,  they have some pretty horrifying records and definitely need to be kept away from society and the sector at large.

I cannot ascertain if the quiet of the pirates is attributed to them being scared straight, or if they are simply seeking to find a new leader and regroup. Time will tell on that front, I suppose.  As for our friend, Governor Xolo, He is still the racist, bigot that he is. However, with his most recent outburst, more people have seen him for who he is. I'd like to make for a move to remove him from office, if anything on behalf of the people he is supposed to care about,  but I'm not exactly sure just how much power I have in that matter.

(Note to self: Should probably look into other penal colonies closer than the one on Earth. It feels a bit far to send all our criminals over there, especially since we're so far from Earth,  but given the particular state of these two, I think New Zealand is probably the most appropriate until they can face their own trials. )

We have been repairing the damage that the Mole has created to the station and have made sure to update the Station systems so there's far less of a chance for someone to hack us again. The Engineer Corps have already arrived on the Ammon and Wegener and more should be on their way, thanks to the reinforcements we've been getting from the Admirals.

The crew has done very admirably in helping throughout the pirate crisis. I could not commend them more. We couldn't have stopped these pirates without them and the civilian volunteers who have helped. I need to find some way to thank them all once we've all recovered. A party isn't really enough, but I'll figure out something. They deserve it after this rough patch.

In other news, being promoted to Captain is weird. I never thought I'd get to that point after my hiatus so long ago. I really hope I can do it justice. Especially for my crew and the people here.  I don't care what Xolo says. I'm not going to stop trying to help them and the refugees here. I swear on it.

[END LOG]

[FIN]