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High Cathedral of Spode, Industries Spirit, Avon, Avonite Enclave

Dar Malediction read the report from his Vigilant with some depair. The Vigilants were the Commonwealth of Spode's spies, watching everyone to make sure no one was a threat to the church. The Ecstatics were the muscle who made sure any threats were... neutralized. They were both part of the Spode Vigilantes. The report was from a plant in the ENP, the National Police. The evidence showed that the attack was orchestrated by one or more members of the council, or at least someone high up on the ladder. However, that evidence was being buried as they spoke. The report showed that all the councilors except Des Skyflyer had voted to keep it a secret. Malediction wanted to know why. He started to speak to Yul Deacon, leader of the Spode Evangelicals, and Jim Windwaver, leader of the Spode Reconciliators. "This is worrying. The Council is playing a dangerous game, if they go guns blazing the Commonwealth may be harmed. We need to find out more information. Unfortunately the Council is the one branch of government the Vigilants have not been able to infiltrate. But dont worry, I have a plan to sway one of the Councilors to our side..."

AES Redoubt, Sector  (-16, 14)

Captain Waverider bristled. "Keep calm, keep calm, Kli. Remember your a diplomat." He thought to himself. He responded to the Aesir message. "Thank you for the gracious invitation." He stood up and turned to his XO, Jik Cannonman. "You have the ship, Jik. If anything happens, fire the SuperMAGS and get outta here." He then turned to the staff that would follow him. Mostly admin, but he also had a representative from the Commonwealth of Spode, an Evangelical named Brother Kar Mensindigo and some one from the Vigilanties named Ecstatic Lyl Gillbreather. "Lets go men." He made his way onto the ship....

Capital Building, Industries Spirit, Avon

"Are you sure this will work?" Irk Flowchaser nervously paced up and down as he said so in Kir Darkcloaks room. "Yes, Irk, it will. Art and Jan wouldn't buy little miss perfect Skyflyer voting to keep something like that a secret and we need to get closer to them to find out who ordered the attack. Before it looked like they were just gung ho, now it looks like they are actually evil. One, maybe both of them! We need to figure this thing out, Irk. Together." Irk stopped, turned to face Kir and breathed deeply. "OK."

Art Marshwalkers house, Industries Spirit, Avon

Art Marshwalker never really liked company. He did not invite friends over, did not have neighborhood barbecues and did not entertain female guests. Which made killing him so easy. Ryy Sharptalon checked his injuries. The old man had put up quite a fight, leaving some permanent injuries for Ryy to remember the old General by. But in the end years of frontline combat experience won out and Art lay on the ground with a letter opener in his neck, a vacant stare on his face. The study was in tatters following the no holds barred fistfight. Ryy picked up his radio that had been dropped in the fight. "Ok, hes dead. Send in the droid." He waited a bit until the perfect android replica of Marshwalker came in....

Computer Staff Log Records
IRW Venator Stellarum
North of Kevarian Chain

"Begin Commander's Log, Venator Stellarm.  We have left the ICC convoy in the capable hands of their own private military forces and are proceeding to the coordinates of what the Tal Shiar reports is another empire.  I have ordered the standard Romulan greeting to be broadcast on all frequencies until we make contact with this unrecorded civilisation.  Another entry will be made after first contact in accordance with Combined Romulan Military Doctrine, Section 4, "Foreign Relations," Subsection 1, "First Contact," Paragraph 6, "...Upon the ending of a First Contact situation a full report by all crew members, officers and crew, will be submitted to the Tal Shiar for study, and shall consist of a detailed report of all interaction with the new species, the impression of the new species, and each crewmember's opinion of the capabilities of the newly met species' industry and military might."
Combined Romulan-Acarian Fleet
3 Days from the Wintreath Border

Praetor Relatrex walked past the masses of soldiers at attention, escorted by half of his Command Staff, to the entrance to the shuttle from the Acarian Command Ship, and, almost on cue, the ramp lowered and out came the Grand Admiral of the Fleet and his officers.  Relatrex cleared his voice and spoke, "We are very glad that you could make it, sir.  We are about to celebrate on the eve of a historic day for our great empires!  Please, follow me..."
Relatrex gestured back toward the back of the shuttle bay to the main ship entrance, the path still marked out by the thousands of troops standing clad in battle armour and at attention...

Scientific Imperial Fleet Observation Task Force
AFS Draþor
Sector (-17, 18)

As the Feynmann-class shuttle approached the Aesir ship, Mott noticed that much of the repairs were already complete. These Aesir work quickly, he observed. The Science captain watched in mild surprise as the Aesir ship they were heading toward blew off its own landing gates. The Feynmann-class shuttle flew into the ship, and the blast doors closed behind them.

Mott and his attaché exited the shuttle and greeted the Aesir that had come out for their arrival.
Personal Office of the Monarch
Frosthold Castle, Wintrean Remnant
Sector (-3, 3)

Ambassador Roger Murphy responded to the Monarch's words, "Yes, our nation is quite new. We were originally founded from a group of Wintrean scientists who crash-landed on an uncharted planet centuries ago."

He took a sip of tea, then continued. "So, what types of diplomatic relations would you like with our nation?"
Aboard the SES Actualization
Special Task Force of the Scientific Exploration Fleet
Sector (-15, 6)

"Excellent!" Director-General Bailey replied.

After the Lernaeans left the ship, Bailey told the communications officer, "Send a message to Vivaldi regarding our negotiations, and request them to send a diplomatic mission to establish an embassy."

Several days later, a diplomatic convoy departed the borders of Science, en route to Lernaea. For reasons of safety and speed, they would make the journey largely within the friendly territories of the Aesir.
Science Diplomatic Convoy to Laurentian Empire
Sector (-1, 20)

After a considerable delay, a the Laurentians responded. Interestingly (and logically, considering the delay) the message was made by the Imperial Prince Marinia himself.

Ambassador Robert Forrester replied to the message, asking for further instructions on where to go and establish their embassy.
Aesir Longboat AFS Jörmungandr
Main Aesir Fleet
Sector (-16, 14)

Ambassador Glass received instructions to go to the ship's conference room to Jarl Aragonn with the cookies. Taking the cookies, he walked to the conference room and entered.

"Hello," Glass greeted the foreign head of state.

Wintrean diplomatic convoy to New Witchmond
Sector (-9, -13)

A while later, a Witchian official opened communications with the convoy. "Alright, I want this quick and simple. What do you want?"

Representative Magnusson responded, "As I already said in our original broadcast, Wintreath, and the Monarch in particular, is looking to extend the hand of friendship toward its fellow nations. We understand that, given past history over the last few centuries, many nations might be uninclined to do so. However, we feel that making an honest attempt at friendship is better than making none, and so we ask if you would like to reestablish ties between us again."
Wintrean reception committee for Avonite Enclave
Monarch's spaceport, Frosthold Planet
Sector (-3, 3)

"The Endless War?" Jensen remarked. He had done some research into the historical records of regarding the Avonite Enclave, and decided to hazard a guess. "Are you referring to the war between the Shepard's Church and Conclave of the People? It was, if I recall correctly, both one of the first and one of the last parts of the Third Galactic Civil War."
Zuophus
United Acarian Empires
Sector (5,-9)

The Wintrean mission and its Acarian escort exited hyperspace near the Acarian capital planet. The Wintreans were then given instructions to land in the Imperial Spaceport, where they were escorted to the Imperial Palace. There, Representative Bergli and his entourage were invited to a feast by the Emperor.

Somewhat surprised by the warm welcome, Bergli did not know what to expect when he entered the banquet hall for the feast.
Wintrean Diplomatic Convoy
Near Lernaean Border
Sector (-14, 1)

The foreign diplomat hailed the Wintreans, saying, "Hello! I am David Barron, representing the Allied States of Lernaea. It seems that you have stumbled across our borders into a truly wonderful place."

Representative Julia Øye listened, thinking, I wonder how wondrous they truly are...

She then responded, "Thank you for the warm welcome! I presume you are here to negotiate terms of friendship? Where would you like to meet?"
Wintrean diplomatic convoy to the Laurentian Empire
Sector (-1, 14)

Representative Marko Göransson listened to the Imperial Prince's response, surprised at the lack of hostility. He responded, asking the Laurentians for further instructions.
Wintrean diplomatic convoy to the Aesir Empire
Sector (-13, 10)

Lundgren breathed a sigh of relief as the Aesir's aggressive stance subsided.

"I am glad that you value the truth," she told the Aesir officer, "So I will answer your question honestly as well. The answer, as usual, is politics. On a larger scale, our seeking you out is a byproduct of our Monarch implementing reforms in Wintreath. Our current Monarch has been pushing for a repeal of the archaic laws declaring all other nations in the galaxy as traitors, but ultimately has been unable to. However, he has won legal approval to send out de facto ambassadors to other nations, and so here I am."
Personal Office of the Monarch
Frosthold Castle
Sector (-3, 3)

The Monarch nodded at the Science ambassador's words. He then responded, "Legally, unfortunately, there are laws preventing the Frozen Realm of recognizing your nation. However, we are open to trade agreements and establishing cultural and economic representation, which would be embassies in all but name."

Ben paused for a long 5 minutes If we accept, we could finally get what our people wanted. But, at the same time, our people have longed to get revenge upon them. Ben tossed around the ideas. He muted his side of the communication link and turned to face Zenten, "What are your relations with the remnant?" he asked.

Avonite Enclave diplomatic convoy to Wintreath Remnant, Frosthold Planet

Admiral Innsmoth nodded. " Yes, we call it The Endless War. No one from the beginning is alive. It touched all of us." He gestured with what was left of his hand to what was left of his face. " Some more than others. I ask because it has become ingrained in all of us. We breath it. We live it. We see it when we sleep." Admiral Innsmoth's eyes glazed over , lost in a memory of battle's long over. He snapped back to the present. " And many of our people partially blame the Remnant. You could have stopped the war, reigned in the Conclave and the Church. You were on good terms with them. And you did nothing. So your response, and the response of the Monarch, will determine how the Transitional Council proceeds." Innsmoth stopped walking and turned to Jensen. " So, what do you have to say?"

Behind him, part of the team that followed Admiral Innsmoth, Ecstatic Sul Gravemind watched the preceding earnestly. He would have to report to the Commonwealth....

Which is exactly what diplomat Jik Lowfloater was doing, watching, to report to his master, one very special member of the Council...

Capital Building, Industries Spirit, Avon

It was Art Marshwalker and it was not Art Marshwalker. It wore his face. But it also knew he was dead. It supposed it did not matter. It had a mission. It made its way into the Council Chamber. Jan Lightbringer looked up from his work and spoke. " Ah, Art. Glad you're here, we need to discuss this situation. " It logged the start of the conversation for its master later.

Message between Agents Regret And Truth of the Conclave of the People

Regret

Yes Truth

We are losing the war. How long will we last

We can win. We can prevail

How

Spode is with us, not the Shepard's Heathens

Can we win

Yes. We just need to believe

How is Art Marshwalker

Dead like the Heathen he is. The Shepard's influence on the Council is gone

What about the Remnant?

They will not help those Heathens. I Will Not Let Them

Avonite Enclave, Sector Y,4, X,20

The border post got the Romulan message. Soon a diplomatic convoy was at the border led by Captain Gry Breabbaker. " We do not see many Romulans around here. What brings you to the Enclave? "

Zuophus, United Acarian Empires
Imperial Palace
Sector (5,-9)

The diplomat was shown to a long, elegantly designed table. Emperor Zemas XVIII was seated at the head of the table. Facing the emperor, his wife, Theodora, was seated to the left of him. A noticeably empty chair was at the right of him, which was meant for the heir. Little did people know that the heir to the throne caught terrible disease. 6 others were seated as well. The consul was seated and so was the Minister of Foreign Relations. 4 people were diplomats. The Wintrean Representative would be seated across from the emperor. Court musicians were playing elegant waltzes in the background.

It might have been extravagant to others, but this was a regular tradition in Acaria when meeting in their home territory. Plus, it was a historic meeting between Wintreath and the United Acarian Empires, who had done many things together in the past, considering the Acarians originally lived on Frosthold.

"Welcome Wintreath! To the United Acarian Empires. We have watched for you to make an appearance in the galaxy after the civil war. Now tell us, what brings you to our fair nation?" boomed the Emperor.

Combined Acarian-Romulan Fleet
3 Days from Wintreath Border

The Grand Admiral of the Fleet, Aedyn Zaegun, was impressed by the thousands of troops standing at attention. His officers murmured behind him.

"We are also glad to celebrate this day with you." he said as the group followed the path. Aedyn Zaegun was worried, as Zuophus has sent a message of halting further movements towards the border since a Wintrean representative has come to visit them. Hopefully this military invasion won't vanish in a puff of diplomacy and politics...

Diplomatic Convoy
Allied States of Lernaea Border

Soon the shuttle landed in the docking bay of the Diplomatic vessel. The ramp lowered, and Katarina Marianne was very impressed at the sight of the honor guard.

Diplomatic Convoy to Science
Sector (-15, 6)

After boarding their own ship again, Donovan let out a sigh. That went well, he thought. He went to the terminal to inform ISA about the negotiations, and requested a ship be sent to establish an embassy.

"Oh, and be sure to ensure that it gets there safely," he concluded.

Aesir Diplomatic Convoy to Lernaea
Protheus

Wallace wasn't sure what to say. How could anyone question Lernaea's safety? he thought.

He quickly came back to reality and said, "Crime is almost non-existent, besides a few petty thieves that are cracked down on immediately, thanks to a capable police force. If you must know, there is a gang, they call themselves the Gobblers, but they haven't troubled anyone for the past 25 years. They mostly keep to themselves now."

"Now, right this way, ma'am." The honor guard took the front and led the way. "Would you like any refreshments before we start?"

"Sorry, excuse me for a second, I have an urgent message coming in," Wallace apologized. He quickly took the message and came back. "I apologize for the hastiness, but it seems that we have a ship bound for Science. Do you grant us safe passage through your territory?"

Diplomatic Convoy to Witchians
Orbiting Protheus

"I will also let my superiors know about this trade route. Now, I was wondering, have your people met any other civilizations? We haven't had much communication with the outside world since the war until now. We'd love to get acquainted with the outside world."


Wintrean Diplomatic Convoy
Near Lernaean Border, Sector (-14, 1)

Barron responded, "Indeed, we are here to negotiate terms of friendship. How about we meet aboard your ship."

He wanted to get a feel for Wintrean culture, and what better way to do it than to observe the ship!

Diplomatic Convoy to Acarian Fleet
Allied States of Lernaea Border

"Welcome aboard!" announced Rananyus Nosus. "It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Ms. Marriane."

She snapped three times and the honor guard opened the doors, leading to the conference room. "Right this way! Would you like any refreshments before we begin?"

Witchian Convoy to Learnaea
"We know Acaria, the Wintrean Remnant, we just met th Romulans not too long ago, and we also know you." The scout answered.

Communications Records
IRW Venator Stellarum
North of Kevarian Chain

"Good day, Captain, I presume.  I am Commander Gela of the Warbird Venator Stellarum, on orders from the Emperor of the Romulan Star Empire to re-establish communications with the outside world.  We are pleased to meet you, and the rest of the Avonite Enclave.  How would you like to proceed?"
Diplomatic Complex
City of Gypite
Toobek, New Witchmond

"The Romulan Star Empire has..." Zentren temporarily paused, thinking of the appropriate phrasing, "...interesting relations with the Remnant.  We have no official relations at all, actually.  They were all broken off immediately after the Empire was able to re-establish itself and drive out the occupying Wintrean forces.  In fact, many in the Senate are calling for an invasion of the Remnant, to ensure that it can never again enslave the Romulan people.  Additionally, the Tal Shiar reports that conservative leaders still block all official communication with any state in the galaxy, and that the Monarch is attempting to override their say."

Combined Romulan-Acarian Fleet
North of Acarian Empire
3 Days From Remnant Border

Praetor Relatrex smiled, "I'm glad to hear it, Admiral!!  How is the Acarian portion of the Joint Fleet?" Relatrex then led the Acarian Fleet delegation down the corridor toward the formal dining hall.

Head Security Tower
Gypite, Toobek
New Witchmond
"Very well then, let's get this response in." Ben talked unmuting the communication link. "Wintreans, at this time, I must decline your offer." He paused, "Farewell, safe travels." Then the communication link was shut down.

Aesir Frigate AFS Draþor
Sector (-17, 18)

Ulfír was standing outside the landing bay with his helmet off and power double spear magnetically attached to his back, waiting for confirmation that the bay had been sealed and pressurized with the Science shuttle inside. Once he had it, he entered the bay and approached the Scientists.

"Welcome aboard! Please excuse the mess. I assure you that it will be cleaned up, or at least mostly cleaned up, after our chat together. This way, please."

He then guided them to a briefing room which wasn't being used. He sat on the raised platform in front of the rows of seats and motioned for them to be seated as well.

"My name is Ulfír. I've been assigned to be my nation's diplomat to you. And I suppose you want to know what happened during the pirate attack. Am I correct?"
Captain Dagfinn
AFS Odin
Sector (-13, 10)

"I should have you know that politics is why we fired upon our arrival. Our past five Jarls have blamed Wintreath for the deaths of so many Aesir during the War, and it wasn't difficult for them to get everyone to despise your people.

"If you wish for an audience with our Jarl, I will escort you to him. But you must leave your armed escorts behind. You mustn't worry about your safety, for we will not harm you so long as you wave the banner of peace."
Jarl Aragonn
AFS Jörmungandr
Sector (-16, 14)

"Greetings, Scientist Ambassador. I apologize for the delay, but I am waiting for one more ambassador to join us before discussing anything."

The Avonite Ambassador arrived soon after via Drekrekkr escort.

"Welcome to the conference room. I must say you're shorter than I thought you'd be.  Please, join us."
Ambassador Herjall
Protheus

Herjall sent a quick coded message to the convoy in orbit which relayed it to the Empire.

"Your ship will have safe passage as long as it identifies itself. And no, I am not in need of any refreshments.

"Now, if you don't mind, I'm not really one for small talk, so let's try to stay on track with our discussions. I will give you time to ask any questions about us that you want, but don't ask anything too personal. Understood?"

Scientific Imperial Fleet Observation Task Force
AFS Draþor
Sector (-17, 18)

"Glad to meet you, Ambassador Ulfír," Mott replied to the Aesir ambassador. "I am Captain Tobo Mott, as you may already know. And indeed, I would like to know what happened in the attack."
Personal Office of the Monarch
Frosthold Castle, Wintrean Remnant
Sector (-3, 3)

"That's most interesting," replied Murphy. It certainly explains some of the earlier strangeness we encountered. "The Democratic Empire would be pleased to open unofficial relations with the Frozen Realm. We'd also be open to some trade agreements."
SES Actualization
Special Task Force of the Scientific Exploration Fleet
Sector (-15, 6)

Bailey contacted the Lernaeans one last time, asking them if they had guidance on where best to continue their explorations in the galactic south.
Diplomatic Mission to the Aesir Empire
AFS Jörmungandr
Sector (-16, 14)

"Who is this new ambassador, and where are they from?" Glass asked the Aesir Jarl. Before he could respond, however, an Aesir escort brought the diplomat in.
Diplomatic Convoy to Lernaea
Near Aesir Border
Sector (-15, 17)

The convoy to Lernaea, led by Ambassador Jessica Rogers, approached the Aesir border via an oft-traveled trade route. She began broadcasting, "This is Science Ambassador Jessica Rogers, en route to Lernaea. We request permission to travel within the Aesir border and make use of domestic hyperlanes for the purpose of speed in transportation."

Capital Building, Industries Spirit, Avon

Jan Lightbringer looked around at what was left of the Council Room. The Blast had been sudden and unexpected. Only Art and Jan had been in the Capital Building. He scanned the room to try and find Art. It came as quite a shock when he saw that pieces of Art had been blown near him, worse still was what those pieces were. Bone, skin, gristle was expected. Not circuits and electronics... what the hell? The bomb wasn't planted.....Art was the bomb. Or whatever this thing was. He examined it closely. It looked like Kir's android prototype. Jan felt rage build up inside him. Kir must have done this! But why? His thoughts were interrupted by the distinctive CRACK of laser fire. Every laser had a distinct sound and this one.... he hadn't heard it in a long time. His spine tingled as he made his way out.

Ryy Sharptalon reveled in the chaos. Finally, some proper action! Not killing some hapless navy boy or an old general, some real gritty work. He kept walking down the corridor. The Avon Dragoons put up a valiant defence but the Councilor was kind enough to cut power, give us an access point and provide weapons and armour. He liked how this was going, even if they were using the junk that the Shepard's Church used before. He wondered how the Councilor had gotten hold of these. It did not matter in the end. He had a job to do.

Bastion of Spode, Industries Spirit, Avon

Dar Malediction hefted the gun in his hand. It was a relic from the start of the Endless War, the MAG Dragoon Model, a huge hand cannon revolver with 6 shots. It had a 6 inch barrel that made it very accurate up to 100 meters. It's fixed cylinder made reloading the single use energy cells a bit troublesome but it was a reliable and powerful weapon. One shot, one kill. Dar kept it as a reminder of everything that happened from the start of the War. Now he would need it. He put it in his cross draw holster and gunbelt before addressing the Ecstatic's around him. All were loaded for bear. " We have a mission. Heathens long thought dead are a threat to us again. For Spode, we must extricate this threat. The High Cathedral has approved our mission. We attack the Capital Building now!"

AFS Jormungandr

At 2.10 meters Captain Kli Waverider hardly considered himself short. The lizard in front of him was barely taller. His feelers rose at the slight but he ignored it. " It is nice to meet you, Jarl Aragonn, Spode has looked upon us kindly this day. He turned to the other person, some human. Humans were delicious and Kli thought of food. " And it is a pleasure to meet you to. My name is Captain Kli Waverider of the Avonite Enclave. "

Message from Agents of the Conclave of the People Regret and Truth

Regret

Yes Truth

The Attack Is Underway. The Merc Is In Position

Good. Start The Attack On Your Side. Spode Watch Us

Admiral Fir Hanover closed the message with a smile. The Conclave will finally rise again. He turned to his bridge crew. Those that were not on their side had been either killed or detained. Only those still loyal to the true government still stood. He ordered the ships loyal to him to open fire. In a matter of minutes the burned husks of a dozen ships began to fall back into orbit.

AES Blader, North of the Kevarian Chain

Captain Gry Breabbaker laughed and responded. " Oh, just follow us to our Capital, Avon. Nothing around these parts would interest a Romulan Warbird. Gotta say, having the name Warbird in your diplomatic ship is a bit of an oxymoron.  " he laughed again. " Anyway, I'm Captain Gry Breabbaker of the AES Blader. Welcome to the Avonite Enclave."

Tal Shiar Headquarters
Capitoline Senatorial Complex
Romulus, Romulan Star Empire

The Tal Shiar Headquarters was temporarily in a panic.  General D'Deridex VII himself was working as quickly as possible. 

"Order IRW Vigilax to disrupt Wintrean communications with Frosthold!!  Employ Wintrean communications techniques!  It must look like the hawks on Wintreath are sabotaging the diplomatic meeting!!"

"Yes M'Lord!  It shall be done!"

"Get me Ambassador Zentren!! We're going forward with unconventional diplomacy!  Permission to reveal the Invasion of the Remnant granted, just no specifics, and only to their Leader!!  Prepare the Potentator for immediate departure!  I will be heading to Acaria myself!!"

"As you wish, General!"  "Command complies, sir!"

"Good!  Instruct IRW Venator Stellarum to follow the Enclave vessel to their capital and conduct reconnaissance.  Operatives placed before official first contact report religious war.  Find out who is winning!  We will support whoever is!"

"By your command, General!"

 "Potentator responding ready for departure in one hour, sir!"

"Wonderful!  Take me to my shuttle!  General Trex, you are in temporary command during my trip to Acaria.  General Trex, the security of the Empire's Citizens are in your hands.  Do not fail them!!
Head Security Tower
Gypite, Toobek
New Witchmond

Ambassador Zentren received the orders from the Tal Shiar.  "Yes... yes... very well.  It shall be done, General... no, that shouldn't be a problem, General.... as you wish, sir.  I will proceed with your commands immediately.  Ambassador Zentren out."

The Ambassador paused, unsure as to how to bring up the invasion of the Remnant.  "I'm sure you are wondering what that little communique was.  The good thing is, I can tell you now.  The Acarian Empire and the Romulan Star Empire have launched an invasion fleet against the Wintrean Remnant.  Would New Witchmond be willing to aid in this invasion?  You would be entitled to your share of the Remnant, too.  And you would also lose an enemy.  What do you say?"

Communications Records
IRW Venator Stellarum
North of Kevarian Chain

"I'm sure that it could seem as such!"  Commander Gela responded, a little smile escaping before she realised.   "The Venator Stellarum is technically a warship... we were only redirected by Fleet Command after they got a request from the Tal Shiar.  We were the nearest vessel, and consequently, we were dispatched!  Thank you for your welcome!  We're standing by to follow you to Avon, Captain Breabbaker!  Gela out." 

"Helm prepare to follow AES Blader to Avon."  Gela turned around as a communications officer announced, "Commander, message for you from the Tal Shiar!  Shall I route it to your command room?" 

"Certainly.  Subcommander Semal, you have the bridge."  Gela headed off into her command room, perplexed.  What on earth the Tal Shiar want with this ship?