> > He looked up, suddenly aware again that he was
> > in the presence of High-Ranks. "Sorry," he said, "Well, the Bond is
>still intact. Nothing's changed, except that your cells aren't
> > receiving a signal anymore. I mean, what I mean is... it's like the
>comm channel's open, but nobody's speaking on the other end."
> >
> "That is interesting. Have any idea as to why? To continue with your
>metaphor, is the other side not speaking because they just don't want to,
>or because something is preventing them from speaking. Or would this be
>where we should turn to your talents, Healer Sulin?"
>
Lucas Ryan shrugged, mystified. "It's not exactly something I've seen
before. The person best-equipped to say anything is Dr. D'amondra, but I
haven't heard from her since she left on that temporary assignment."
M'Rrenn had not heard from Markus Garibaldi either, and he should have
come into contact with D'amondra. He made a mental note to check in on
them.
Sulin nodded. "If you'll allow, Admiral," she asked.
"Please proceed." Lasiter responded.
Sulin approached Lasiter, and carefully, gently touched his head. They
became one mind, and the gentle probing began, just as it had before.
The link was still there, but it was strangely quiet. As if the plumbing was
there, but nothing was flowing. The Healer confirmed the block, but
could not say specifically what it was that was doing it. All in all, what Dr.
Ryan was saying was confirmed.
The thoughts from around the room were of surprise. Just what was
happening... Carrhae had a few thoughts.
"Perhaps I have something that could add some thoughts on the matter. Before
I got the call to meet all of you here. Reports from around the Federation
are that Venasian colonies are being attacked. People are being killed.
Military forces are moving on colonies, then dissapearing. Ambassadors to
various worlds have been requesting asylum, and getting it. From the
Cardassians to the Betazoids. Contact with the Venasian Council on Pacifica
has been lost. By all appearances a coup is in progress. Intell Operatives
on Terra have also reported that the Venasian compound has pretty much bottled
itself up, and extra guards have appeared. Military guards. Perhaps this has
something to do with the... unexpected happening with the bond.", Admiral
t'Llhweiir offered.
Lasiter did not like what he heard. This had huge ramifications for both him
and the Federation-Venasian Peace...
M'Rrenn picked up on Lasiter's change in mood.
"Healerrr Sulin, would you be kind enough to give the Admirrral's a moment to
speak in prrrivate." the Commander said to the Vulcan.
Sulin, nodded and followed M'Rrenn out of the office, to give the "Admiral's a
moment".
Lasiter was silent for a brief moment after the door shut. He looked up and
broke the silence.
"t'Llhweiir, you have to go to Pacifica. You have to go find out what is
going on out there. I have to know what is happening with the Bond, and
Starfleet needs to know what is happening. We could have a Venasian civil war
within the borders of the Federation."
Sensing her objection, the CinC cut her off.
"Look, we have little time for this. You have to go. For one, I am still
the CinC of Starfleet, and I gave you an order. Second, Brennan, who can't go
because I need him here to see to this bond crap if anything happens, is
perfectly capable of seeing me to the appointment with President Montgomery.
I also wanted him to be there to explain the medical side of this bond thing,
as well as help me deliver the news to the President. If need be he can
relieve me, which he has better grounds and authority than you do. Third, who
else can go? Most of Starfleet Command is still suspect of either corruption
or is incapable of handling this. Kitanya is out dealing with the Felinids
out on the Klingon Border. Boulay and Garibaldi are also off station, and can
not go find out what is happening. Brennan is needed here, and that leaves
you. There is no other choice." Lasiter said laying out his argument.
Everyone passed gazes at each other, considering what was said, what was at
stake.
After a few odd feeling moments t'Llhweiir spoke, and thus breaking the
silence.
"What you are suggesting is agreeable, but only if Dr. Brennan agrees to
it."
With the focus now on the good doctor, all eyes.
The Doc, with the uncomfortable position of sealing he deal between the two
Admirals, answers, "I think that I can handle that."
"Good, then it's done. I have a meeting to get to upstairs, as do you
folks. Renaud needs to talk about something with all members of SF Command.
Take a few moments to arrange what you two need to. Doc, you can fill me in
after the meeting upstairs. I will see you both up there when you can. Don't
forget to pack." Lasiter said standing up from his chair inside Brennan's
office.
"Sir." they both said as he left.
***** Outside the office..... ******
"Healer, thank you again. I am again in your debt." Lasiter said to the
Vulcan standing with M'Rrenn.
The Vulcan nodded.
"Doctor Brennan will be out shortly. Thank you again. Commander, with me
please."
With that they left.....
