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"Needs of Necessity"
Previous posts (ANU) "Medical Misery" / (BAS) "Houdini Switch"
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"Everyone who is successful must have dreamed of something."
- Maricopa
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Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 34024.1330
"Captain," Lt. Stark called out from the Operations Station. "We are receiving a communication signal from Commander Shar'El.
"This can't be good," the Native American noted to himself. The mission to ELAS lead by the Commander was meant to be a covert operation so it was not a good sign to have her contact them this way. "On the main viewer," the Captain ordered.
[/\] Greetings Captain, [/\] Shar'El said as soon as her likeness appeared on the bridge's forward screen.
"Am I to gather that the mission has taken a turn for the worse?" Erik inquired.
[/\] We definitively have gone through 'a turn', but strangely enough I believe that things are actually going to be getting better from this point on, [/\] Shar'El reported. [/\] It has been discovered that several clones were on ELAS, some impersonating faction leaders. This would explain why Ambassador Bonviva and Junior Ambassador Lopez had such a hard time getting the peace talks started. It would seem that the Lokustaar had planned for one contingency after another, each one trying to make sure that the federation was to blame for whatever conflict erupted here on ELAS. [/\]
"What changed?" The Native American asked, curious to see if the ANUBIS would be required to fly in and rescue the members of the crew.
[/\] In a nutshell, a great many things. I will have a more detailed report heading your way soon, but I thought you would like to know that we are all safe and sound. Ambassador Bonviva is assisting War master Daanold with the funeral preparations for his daughter Evaanku while the rest of us are comfortable and waiting in guest quarters. [/\]
"I am looking forward to reading your report, Commander," Morningstar said while being visibly stunned by the news of the passing of the War Master's daughter. "If there is anything we can do to assist, let us know."
[/\] Right now the Lokustaar plans seem to have been effectively derailed,[/\] Shar'El offered. [/\] The only issue we still have to deal with in that regard is finding the Lokustaar who orchestrated this whole thing. We had a first-hand account of a member of the Shadow being here. [/\]
"That is not good news," the Native American said, his concerns quickly mounting.
[/\] Under normal circumstances I would have to agree, but the Elasian are now fully aware of the presence of the Lokustaar and their clones on their world and they are taking every measure possible to end that threat. Part of these measures does appear to genuinely move forward with the peace talks, that is as soon as the faction leaders are in the right mindset to do so. Right now, feelings are running just a little too high for that. [/\]
"Understood," Erik nodded. "Keep us informed of your progress. ANUBIS out."
As soon as the communication channel was closed, Jayson spoke. "Captain, if there is an actual Lokustaar on ELAS, maybe we should move in and offer assistance."
"I would tend to agree with you Lieutenant, but the Elasians are a proud people, which is part of the reason why they are in the situation they are in at the moment. Right now, the safest course of action for us is to continue as we were. I am sure that Commander Shar'El, with the help of Ya'Han, Maya and Sonja, will be able to handle things on her end. The ANUBIS forcing its way into the orbit of ELAS might just make a bad situation worse, so we wait.
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Setting: USS ANUBIS, Captain's Ready Room
Stardate: 34028.1100
The Native American had just finished reading the latest report from his First Officer. The funeral arrangements for the War Master's daughter were complete and the state funerals would take place the following day. What truly surprised the Captain was the fact that Daanold personally invited the ANUBIS and its commanding officer to come. As unexpected as the offer was, Morningstar was not about to turn down this opportunity to be closer to his people. Also, he suspected that if he did refuse, Ambassador Bonviva would not let him live the decision down.
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Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 34029.0825
"The ANUBIS is in standard orbit of ELAS," Stark reported. "None of the Elasian Battle Cruisers in orbit seem to be paying any attention to us."
"Still expecting them to open fire on us?" Erik chuckled, but the truth was that the Native American was not entirely convinced that the fears of his Chief of Operations were not entirely unfounded.
"Captain, we are receiving a communication signal from the planet. It's War Master Daanold," Jayson could not fully hide his misgivings from his voice as he spoke.
"On screen, Lieutenant."
[/\] Welcome to ELAS Captain Morningstar. Thank you for accepting my invitation. [/\]
"War Master Daanold, please accept our deepest and most profound condolences for your loss," Erik said. The Native American would have liked this meeting to have occurred under better circumstances, but there was little either one of them could do to change things at this time. At least they were speaking to each other instead of firing at one another.
The Elasian General bowed his head in thanks for the offered sentiments. "Your crew is waiting for your arrival Captain. We will see you shortly, Daanold out."
"Not the talkative sort is he?" Jayson noted aloud.
"We cannot look upon him as a War Master," the Native American offered. 'Right now, he is a grieving father who is about to say his final goodbyes to his daughter. That is something that will change a person in ways that none of us can fully understand, and in some ways, I hope that we never have to."
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Setting: ELAS, Hall of Assembly
Stardate: 34030.1800
It was customary for Elasians of higher social status to be laid to rest as sunset, and Evaanku most certainly fit the bill. The Hall of Assembly was filled beyond capacity, every seat taken and every spare space occupied by someone who had come to pay their final respects to the War Master's daughter. The crew of the ANUBIS had been granted front-row seats as guests of honour, a consideration that Erik was still struggling to fully understand.
"Have you had the chance to read my latest report?" Shar'El asked in a barely audible whispered voice to the man sitting right next to her.
"No," the Captain admitted. "Since my arrival onto ELAS I have not had a single moment's rest. I have been intercepted by every faction leader there is, each one thanking me for everything that you and the rest of the away team have done for them."
"There is still one last thing for us to do though," Shar'El sighed. "We have yet to locate the Lokustaar who created this mess in the first place."
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Setting: USS ANUBIS, Captain's Ready Room
Stardate: 34037.1300
The Native American sat at his desk, stacks of PADDs resting in front of him, each device containing reports on the status of things on the planet ELAS.
"Captain Log, supplemental. It has been a week since the state funeral of Evaanku. Ambassador Bonviva and Junior Ambassador Lopez have voiced their confidence in the outcome of the negotiations that are set to restart tomorrow. Both are in agreement that the process will not be an easy one, but it does seem that every party involved is committed to making this peace treaty become reality. Commander Shar'El and Lieutenant Ya'Han have remained on the planet surface continuing their efforts to locate the Lokustaar. As of their latest report, no other clones, or replicants as the Elasians refer to them, have been identified. It is my hope that both of these matters will be dealt with quickly so that the ship and its crew can return home."
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Setting: USS ANUBIS, Captain's Ready Room
Stardate: 34038.1600
"How can I be of assistance Ambassador?" The Native American asked following a call from Xana.
=/\= I only called to let you know that the peace negotiations have officially restarted. The faction leaders are all here, in a completely secluded building. Everyone agreed that due to the importance of these talks, none of us will be permitted to leave until a final agreement is reached. =/\=
"Sounds like you have been put in some sort of jail," Erik pointed out sounding a little concerned.
=/\= There is no need to be concerned Captain, =/\= Xana reassured. =/\= If this is a jail, I will be booking my next incarceration here. We are being treated like royalty with every possible comfort with only a few exceptions, namely no visual communication in or out. This was done to avoid delegates from being distracted from our ultimate goal -- to see this peace treaty finalized. =/\=
"Good luck," Morningstar said with a smile.
=/\= Thank you Captain, I am not sure if luck is what we will be in need of, but the sentiment is greatly appreciated. =/\=
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Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 34039.0600
The Captain stepped onto the command deck to find his Chief of Security at her station. "Lieutenant Ya'Han, glad to see you back at your post."
"Sorry Captain, but I am not here for long. Commander Shar'El requested that I return to the ANUBIS to synchronize our tactical systems with those of the planetary defense net. We believe that we might have a lock on the Lokustaar's position. We are dispatching a group of Marines to join forces with the Elasian military. The operation is to take place shortly, so I need to get this ready and return to the planet surface, with your permission of course captain."
Erik chuckled. It was evident that Shar'El had things under control as far as cornering the Lokustaar, and as much as he might have wanted to get involved he knew better than to interfere. "Good hunting Lieutenant."
Ya'Han smiled and rushed off the bridge leaving the captain to wonder if the Chief of Operations had been aware of the Chief of Security's presence on board the ANUBIS.
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Setting: USS ANUBIS, Observation Lounge
Stardate: 34052.0900
Ambassador Bonviva and Junior Ambassador Lopez sat on opposite sides of the table, the Captain sitting at the end looking at them both. "So what happened during these last two weeks?"
"Everyone agreed to take a break," Adriana said rubbing the back of her neck.
"The factions have been very cooperative in their efforts," Xana added. "Unfortunately they are not being as cooperative when it comes to giving concessions to the other side. I am afraid that the peace talks are going to take a lot longer than I had initially anticipated."
"Well, at least you are out of there now," Erik grinned.
"For two days," the Junior Ambassador said. "If it is all right with you Captain, I would like to take the opportunity to not be confined to four walls. As beautiful as the negotiation chambers are, and the quarters we were assigned to are, I would like to be able to stretch my legs and look upon a horizon or something other than a flat surface."
"Of course," Erik said. "In fact, I might even join you. Following your daily reports, there is one location that I would like to personally visit."
"Tomorrow, please," Xana begged. "I would like to spend at least one day doing nothing. My brain feels like it has gone through a pin-hole sized quantum rift a few hundred times."
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Setting: ELAS, Fields of Heroes
Stardate: 34053.1000
With Junior Ambassador Lopez by his side, the Native American made his way to the monument created in honour of Evaanku.
"Quite impressive," Erik noted as he looked upon the larger than life recreation of the Elasian woman. "I am also quite impressed that her death did not lead to an increase in her faction's beliefs of isolation."
"It did," Adriana said. "At least for a short period of time. War Master Daanold had to remind them that it was thanks to the intervention of outsiders that the threat of the Lokustaar was stopped. There is still a lot of apprehension towards the Federation and non-Elasians, but Xana is working hard at shifting mentalities away from that."
"I am sure that the two of you will manage to bring peace to this world, one way or another."
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Setting: ANUBIS, Captain Ready Room
Stardate: 34054.0800
The sound of the door chime made the Native American look up at the door to his Ready Room. "Enter."
The Chief Engineer followed by the Chief Medical Officer walked in, both women appearing to be on a single-minded quest. "Captain," Sonja began, "we need to talk to you about Lujem. The man was instrumental in getting us where we are today with the Elasians, and yet his death is being completely ignored by the planet's inhabitants. I would like to remedy this."
"What did you have in mind Commander?" Erik asked knowing all too well that the engineer would have told him even if he had not asked.
"You saw the monument for Evaanku in the Elasian Fields of Heroes," Satella said. "We would like to do something similar."
"There is no way the Elasians would allow a statue, no matter how small, of a non-native to be placed in the Fields of Heroes," Erik pointed out. "Please tell me that you have not already done this. News of such a monument could undo everything Xana and Adriana have been able to achieve thus far."
"No," Sonja said reassuringly. "We found a little spot out in the wilderness. It would not be much but it would be something that acknowledges what he did for all of us."
"I believe he would have liked the area as well," Satella added. "All we want to do is to put a small plaque in his memory. The man has no home for his body to be returned to, so it only makes sense that he is laid to rest on ELAS."
"I will contact Ambassador Bonviva and see if she can get the authorization to do this," the Native American said. "In the meantime, do not proceed with this idea of yours. Understood?"
"Yes, Captain," the two women replied in unison.
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Setting: ANUBIS, Transporter Room 1
Stardate: 34075.0830
"Welcome back," Erik said as the Ambassador and Junior Ambassador materialized onto the transporter platform. "I can only imagine that you are happy to be back after the lastest three-week session of talks.
The two women mumbled to themselves quietly as they stepped down. "Here," Xana said slapping a data chip into the Captain's hand before making her way out of the room.
"We are both exceptionally tired, Captain," Adriana explained. "The data chip contains the authorization for the memorial plaque you requested."
"Splendid," Erik said with a beaming smile. "Sonja and Satella will be very happy to hear this. I hope that it was not too complicated to obtain this."
"Complicated?" the Junior Ambassador shrugging her shoulders. "Guess it all depends on whether or not you believe that the Ambassador having to give up an entire case of her favorite wine was a complicated transaction."
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Setting: ANUBIS, IGC
Stardate: 34076.1630
The Elasians had authorized only a specific number of Federation personnel to be on the planet's surface, hence why Commander Shar'El had been there instead of here in the IGC. With all of the time and work involved in their search, the First Officer wanted to be there when they would apprehend the missing Lokustaar.
Erik watched as multiple groups surrounded one particular location, blocking any and all escape routes.
=/\= Move it... NOW! =/\=
The coordinated efforts between the Federation Officers, Marines and Elasian military appeared to proceed perfectly and the Native American was certain that this would be the end of this part of their mission.
=/\= WHAT! HOW? =/\= Shar'El sounded as angered as she was disappointed. The Lokustaar had escaped once again.
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Setting: ANUBIS, Captain Ready Room
Stardate: 34077.0545
[/\] Good Morning Captain Morningstar, [/\] the Admiral said. [/\] It is the morning where you are right? [/\]
"Yes Admiral," Erik sighed. "To what do I owe this call?"
[/\] I read Shar'El's latest report on the failed capture of the Lokustaar. I just wanted to make it clear that you and the ANUBIS are to remain in orbit of ELAS until the Lokustaar is found, dead or alive. Their fleet is on the run and i want the one you have cornered to stay there and not get the chance to regroup with its kind. As long as the ANUBIS is in orbit, the Lokustaar are not likely to try and send a ship to rescue it. So, until further orders, you are to stay there. Koniki out. [/\]
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Setting: ANUBIS, Transporter Room 1
Stardate: 34098.0830
The Native American stood in front of the transporter platform as only one beam appeared. As soon as the form of the Junior Ambassador materialized, Erik stepped forth. "Where is the Ambassador?"
"Xana requested to be beamed directly to her quarters," Adriana explained. "The last three weeks have been quite grueling. That said though, we are making progress. It is taking time, but we are making progress. I believe that another two or three weeks will be enough to finalize the treaty.
"I hope so," Erik noted. "I am starting to worry about Xana. It is not like her to be like this."
"She will be fine, Captain," the Junior Ambassador said. "Just give her time."
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Setting: ELAS, Wilderness some 20 kilometers from the nearest city
Stardate: 34099.1400
Sonja and Satella had requested for the Captain to see what they had done. It was not much but it would have to do. As they arrived by a small pond, the redhead engineer removed the coverings to reveal a small stone-made monument with a plaque affixed to it.
Satella knelt down and gently ran her fingers over the inscription written in Romulan as she read it. "The sacrifice of one's self is not something to be stated with sadness or even sweet sorrow, Instead, see it with serene satisfaction in the savoir that this spirit did so in sympathy of fellow sentient souls."
Erik appeared puzzled by the words spoken by the Chief Medical Officer, and yet both she and Sonja smiled hinting that the inscription meant more than just the words engraved upon it.
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Setting: ANUBIS, Transporter Room 1
Stardate: 34128.0830
Erik watched as once again only one transporter beam activated following the latest four-week negotiation session. This time, even Adriana appeared emotionally drained as she stepped off the platform.
"Rough four weeks?"
"Yes and no," Adriana replied. "We are making progress and suspect that we should have everything resolved within the next three to four weeks."
"Was it not what you claimed the last time?" The Captain pointed out.
"This time though it's true... I hope."
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Setting: ANUBIS, Captain's Ready Room
Stardate: 34132.1445
"Captain's log. I am receiving a large number of reports from Lieutenant Stark about transport vessels going and coming from ELAS. Ambassador Bonviva is still in the midst of negotiations with the Elasian faction but it would appear that some progress had been made in reopening trades with other worlds. As good as this news might be, it, unfortunately, is going to make things much more difficult for Commander Shar'El, Lieutenant Ya'Han and the rest of the security detail who have not yet been able to locate and apprehend the Lokustaar. With all of these new vessels coming and going, it is likely that the Lokustaar will find a way to leave ELAS. The ANUBIS remains on high alert trying to avoid this from happening."
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Setting: ANUBIS, Transporter Room 1
Stardate: 34153.0830
To the Captain's great joy, two transporter beams were active on the platform. Expressions of great relief were visible on the faces of the Ambassador and Junior Ambassador as they stepped off the platform.
"It is done," Xana announced. "Peace has officially returned to ELAS, and the agreement in place should last for quite some time as everything that could be thought of was brought up and addressed."
"Congratulations Ambassador, this will be a nice addition to your list of achievements."
"It was not easy," Adriana said looking at Xana, "but she did it. The Expansionists have what they wanted, a more open trade system with other worlds, while what is left of the Puritans have locked in the Elasian's control of their own affairs. This should not have taken as long as it did, but emotions were still running very high following the death of Evaanku. In the end, though, Xana was able to make them see that they are all part of a greater universe, one that they needed to be an active part of."
"Captain," Xana interrupted having had enough of being the target of all this praise. "We have been invited to the official celebration of the completion of the treaty. This celebration is to be held in two days. It would be nice for you and all members of the Senior Staff to be in attendance as a show of support from the Federation."
"Of course Ambassador, we will all be there."
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Setting: ELAS, Hall of Assembly
Stardate: 34155.1000
By the looks of those gathered in the Hall of Assembly, everyone was beyond happy with the peace treaty, either that or everyone was putting on quite a show to make it seem that way. Either way, Erik was glad to see this part of their mission finally concluded.
"Commander Shar'El, glad you were able to join us," the Captain said to his First Officer. "Where is Ya'Han?" He added as he searched for the Chief of Security.
"She's busy," Shar'El replied, a grin dancing on her lips. "We finally caught it. It was trying to board an Orion freighter but Ya'Han was there waiting for it. Good or bad, she started thinking the way it did giving us the advantage we needed to finally corner it."
"Where is it now?" Erik inquired.
"Heading up to the ANUBIS where it will be safely locked away."
"Today is a good day," the Captain smiled. "We are actually going to be able to head home."
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Setting: ELAS, Military Headquarters
Stardate: 34156.1400
With the peace treaty completed and the celebrations done and over with, life on ELAS could finally return to normal thanks to the Lokustaar threat having been dealt with.
"Captain Morningstar," the War Master said as he greeted the ANUBIS' Commanding Officer in his office. "Thank you for accepting to see me like this. I wanted to personally express my thanks for all that you and your people have done for the people of ELAS. There is still a great deal of distrust towards the Federation but I believe that following what happened those sentiments will gradually fade and be forgotten."
"I am glad that we were able to help, War Master," the Native American offered. "I am sorry that peace came at such a high personal price though."
"The price would have been greater for us all had the replicants succeeded in carrying out the Lokustaar's plan. Your Ambassador was kind and patient enough to make us all see that, and I am sure that Evaanku would have been pleased with the results. Despite all of our different views and opinions, peace for ELAS was all that any of us truly wanted."
"I am glad to hear that," Morningstar said extending a hand in friendship. "I wish you and your people peace and prosperity. Maybe one day my crew and I will return under better circumstances."
"I hope so," Daanold said accepting the Native American's hand into his. "You and the ANUBIS will always be welcomed to ELAS."
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Setting: ELAS, Mountain Observation Ledge
Stardate: 34157.1300
"Why are we here?" Adriana asked of Xana following the two women making their way to a small ledge on the side of a mountain.
"I have been on this world as an Ambassador since day one," the Bolian/Human hybrid stated. "I just wanted to enjoy the scenery as someone without a title, without responsibilities and without having to worry about someone else's agenda. I just wanted to be able to remember this world without seeing the same four walls that we both have been looking at for far too long."
Adriana smiled and quietly joined the Ambassador in her admiration of the natural landscape stretching before them.
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Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 34158.0700
"All stations are reporting ready, Sir," Lt. Stark reported.
"We have been cleared to leave orbit, Sir," Lt. Ya'Han followed with.
"Cargo is safe and secured behind more force field that I thought were able to be put in one place," Maya announced referring to the Lokustaar.
"What?" Sonja chimed in. "I was not going to take any chances with that *thing* on board. That is why it is in one of the cargo bays that can be jettisoned in case of trouble."
"Nothing like a healthy dose of paranoia," Counsellor Lopez said, the Junior Ambassador having resumed, for the time being, her role and duty as Ship's Counsellor for the time being.
"I will just be happy to put some distance between us and that world," Doctor Bruxa added. "I think we have spent enough time there for a while... a long while I hope."
"Captain," Shar'El grinned as she came to stand next to the Captain. 'I believe everyone is anxiously waiting for you to give the order."
The Native American smiled and nodded. "Helm, take us out of orbit and out of the Elasian Star System on a course for NEW ALEXANDRA. As soon as we are cleared, engage at maximum warp speed. It is time for us to head home."
--==(/\)==--
Francois Charette
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC 18501
AND
Robotics Engineering Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA (currently on OLTHAR PRIME with his fiancée)