Blue Smoke

Posted on Sun Oct 11th, 2026 @ 3:13am by Enterprise Officer NPC & Lieutenant Commander Kuzos & Lieutenant Commander Aidan Datari & Lieutenant Rio Kholin MD & Lieutenant (J.G.) Calista Devon MD & Ensign Icarus To-Ennien

9,199 words; about a 46 minute read

Mission: 11. Recess
Location: Kecemen, Karemma
Timeline: 2439-10-21, 09:30

The humid air of Karemma’s administrative district pressed pleasantly against Lieutenant Ilbus Ilkun’s thick, scaled hide, though he adjusted his medical tunic to ensure his heavy carapace moved comfortably beneath the fabric. For a Rigellian Chelon, the warm climate was a welcome comfort compared to the chilly, over-recirculated air of the Enterprise’s sickbay, but Ilbus remained focused entirely on the duty at hand.

Walking half a pace behind Lieutenant Rio Kholin, Ilbus observed the grand architecture of the planetary public health complex with quiet, analytical precision. While some might have viewed a routine inspection of local dispensaries and botanical archives as low-priority duty, Ilbus approached it with the solemn, methodical dedication that defined his medical career. To Ilbus, real power lay in the service of others, and ensuring the health facilities of a key trading world met rigorous Starfleet standards was a responsibility he held in sacred regard.

He held a standard PADD in one massive, clawed hand, his dark eyes scanning the structural layout of the facility ahead.

"The atmospheric humidity in these public health pavilions is well-suited for biological stability, Dr. Kholin," Ilbus noted, his voice a deep, resonant rumble, measured and entirely devoid of unnecessary emotion. "However, preliminary telemetry indicates their sub-surface pharmaceutical dispensaries rely on localized refrigeration grids rather than redundant stasis fields."

Beside them, Lieutenant Commander Datari and Lieutenant Commander Kuzos maintained a steady pace, while Dr. Devon and Ensign To-Ennien reviewed the cataloging protocols for the nearby botanical archives. Ilbus glanced briefly toward his fellow medical officers, his straightforward, dependable demeanor offering a quiet, grounding presence to the away team.

"According to our mandate for Operation Group Delta, our primary objective is to evaluate these municipal care centers and cross-reference their medical archives," Ilbus continued calmly, tapping a entry into his PADD. "I suggest we begin with the primary triage wards before proceeding to the wellness facilities. A logical assessment of their emergency response capabilities will provide the most accurate baseline for our survey."

With a steady, deliberate stride, the Chelon physician stood ready to assist his Chief Medical Officer, completely devoted to the task of healing and systematic inspection that lay ahead.

Rio had been taking in all the conditions of these facilities on her way in. She noted the humidity that Ilbus had described and noted with interest that he had mentioned sub-surface pharmaceutical dispensaries which were under refrigeration. Cali whispered quietly to Icarus as they reviewed what looked to be a very interesting range of botanical archives. She looked up at Ilbus and asked politely "I don't mean to interrupt, Ilbus..... I hope it's appropriate to call you that?" she checked just in case but went on without waiting for a response to that. "May I ask a quick question?" again she went on without much ado, in the hopes that he wouldn't want to be paused for any longer than absolutely necessary. "Are the Biological Archives are just drawings, details and vid recordings, or are there actual plants in storage? I mean to ask if it's all historical or if some of it is current and if so, some of it actually alive? Is there an Arboretum?" It was clearly a subject dear to Devon's heart, judging by her enthusiasm. Kholin smiled softly, she was already aware of how much Cali was looking forward to seeing these archives and the high hopes she had of what they might reveal.

"Could we perhaps let Cali and Icarus start with those while the rest of us go with you, Ilbus, and make a start on the Triage Section?" Rio suggested what she hoped would be a helpful compromise.

"Your operational division is entirely logical, Dr. Kholin," Ilbus replied as he gave his Chief Medical Officer a single, deliberate nod of agreement. "Allowing Dr. Devon and Ensign To-Ennien to begin the living botanical survey immediately will maximize data intake while we conduct the structural and operational audit of the triage wards."

He shifted his weight, his heavy carapace settling comfortably as he gestured with a clawed hand toward the wide archway leading to the clinical wing. "If Lieutenant Commander Datari and Lieutenant Commander Kuzos are prepared to maintain our security and scientific coverage, I am ready to assist you, Doctor. I shall initiate the diagnostic scans of their emergency life-support redundancies as soon as we cross the threshold."

Aidan listened to the back and forth and smiled. "Sure, but can we also remember that this is supposed to be shoreleave as well?" He spoke up while crouching next to his four year old daughter who was about to pick a few flowers. "Saeri, until we know more about local regulations, let's not pick any flowers. But you can record them for me, if you like." He handed her a second tricorder and showed how to operate it.

Smiling brightly at being given an important task, the little girl started to scan every plant, flower and strand of grass in their immediate vicinity. Aidan straightened and took out his own tricorder.

"The little one can come with me," Icarus purred, her tail tightly coiled in amusement as she observed the child's enthusiasm.

"Actually..." Aidan smiled politely, "for now I'd like her to stay with me. I've already spent so little time with her recently. I am going to stick to the shade as much as possible though, I don't want to take any chances."

Ilbus gave a single, measured nod, his dark eyes observing the child with quiet interest before turning his attention back to Aidan.

"That's prudent, Commander," Ilbus replied softly with a single, measured nod. "Direct parental oversight reduces operational variables in unfamiliar civilian spaces, and remaining in shaded areas will protect young Saeri from excessive ultraviolet exposure. We don't need a repeat of the Edo situation from the Enterprise-D." He looked at the Vorta Security Chief, "Are you aware of any strange laws on this world, Commander, that we should be preparing for?"

Kuzos turned to address Ibus, "None that I am currently aware of Mr. Ibus but I would suggest we all remain alert as to not inadvertently violate a local law."

"Oh this has nothing to do with local law," Aidan chuckled, "this is to do with teaching a little girl that flowers are best kept where they are and enjoy them from a distance. They'll wither if she picks them and they'll stay beautiful when in the ground. And she can play with the tricorder to take readings so it's all an educational purpose." He smiled brightly at the rest of them. "Do you have children, Doctor Ilbus?"

Ilbus blinked his dark eyes slowly, his expression remaining entirely composed. "I do not, Commander," he answered softly, his deep voice carrying a quiet regret. "Chelon reproductive cycles and rearing practices are deeply tied to family lineages. My complete focus has remained dedicated to my medical duties within Starfleet." He adjusted the PADD in his clawed hand, glancing toward young Saeri before meeting Aidan's gaze. "However, I find your method highly efficient. Redirecting instinctual impulse into scientific observation fosters both discipline and appreciation for living things."

Kuzos nodded. "Excellent point Aidan. I am not parent and it seems I have much to learn when dealing with children."

"You did great with Saeri while I was stuck in sickbay," Aidan smiled, "I have no doubt that, when you feel you're ready, you'll be a good father. I never thought I would be one either and here we are."

Saeri ran up to the alien doctor and proudly showed him her scans. "I think I found something alive doctor, and I think it's hurt?" She pointed at the readings which were clearly different from the rather static plant life. "It's not moving when I get closer, can you fix it so it'll be safe?"

"You are very kind Aidan. Saeri was a joy to take care of. As for being a father, I am not sure. I will just wait and see what happens next." Kuzos answered with a quiet certainty.

"You could always foster," the Trill suggested quietly, while watching his daughter interact with the doctor. "And you're always welcome to spend time with Saeri. She did enjoy it, she said."

"It is an option to be sure." Kuzos replied. "And one I had not considered. I wonder though if the adoption process would look favorably on me as a single father." Leaving unsaid that he was a Vorta.

Ilbus knelt down with deliberate care, his massive, heavy frame moving with surprising grace so as not to startle the young girl. His dark eyes softened with quiet, compassionate focus as he looked at the tricorder screen held out in Saeri's small hands.

"Let's examine your findings together, Saeri," Ilbus boomed softly, his deep voice dropping into a gentle, soothing rumble. He tapped a single clawed finger lightly against the casing of her scanner, adjusting the sensor resolution. "You have performed an exceptional preliminary sweep. Your readings indicate an injured Karemman burrowing arachnid. It has sustained a minor structural fracture to its exoskeleton, likely from civilian foot traffic near the flower bed."

He looked up toward Aidan and Kuzos, his expression a blend of rigid logical assessment and deep medical devotion. "Your daughter's observation is both scientifically precise and remarkably empathetic, Commander. A living organism in distress warrants immediate medical intervention, regardless of its size or complexity."

"Would you assist me with the treatment, Saeri?" Ilbus asked calmly as he retrieved a compact, low-yield dermal regenerator from his kit. "If you hold the tricorder steady to monitor its vital resonance, I shall seal the fracture. Healing requires both logical application and proper care."

The four year old hybrid girl nodded as they carefully approached the injured creature. She dutifully held the tricorder and took continuous scans. "I don't know what this means," she whispered pointing at a particular reading, "but it's spiking."

Aidan observed the interaction with interest, doing his best not to hover. "I wouldn't be surprised if she continues to show an interest in either the medical or botanical field," he remarked, "I'm not trying to steer her in a particular direction. And she's only four, of course she's empathetic towards creatures. She's used to help care for one." He smiled at the Vorta security chief. "And I think you'll make a great parent when you're ready. And you have a whole ship to vouch for you when necessary."

"I believe that whatever Saeri field decides to follow she will be quite good in it as she has as she has a true desire to help. As for being a good parent, I thank you for the confidence Aidan. We shall see if and when the time comes." Kuzos replied.

"All in due time commander," Aidan smiled.

Icarus trailed around the group, watching the interaction between fellow doctor and child as well. "Perhaps we should find its family," she suggested, "and observe the care for one of their own?" She looked around. "Though I'm interested in visiting the local medical centres as well."

Rio nodded her agreement but stood watching the interaction between Icarus, Saeri, the creature she had found and Ilbus as he showed her what he was about to do.

Ilbus kept still as he guided Saeri through the scan, allowing her to watch the Tricorder screen as he prepared the treatment. With a single, swift application of the dermal regenerator set to an ultra-low frequency, the hairline fracture on the creature's exoskeleton seamlessly knit back together. The small arachnid’s erratic vital signs instantly stabilized, and it burrowed safely into the soft soil, fully healed.

"The creature's been healed, Saeri," Ilbus said softly, offering the little girl a quiet, warm nod. "Your steady scanning ensured a quick recovery." Rising back to his full height, the heavy Chelon surgeon adjusted his tunic over his carapace and turned back to Dr. Kholin with methodical efficiency. "Dr. Kholin, the patient is rehabilitated. I am ready to proceed to the triage wards for our visit."

Rio smiled widely in response, very much impressed with the Chelon's gentleness and patience.

"Thank you doctor," Saeri offered happily as she wrapped her arms around the Chelon's leg for a moment. "Can we find somewhere with other children too? I want to meet others..."

"That would be a question for Doctor Kholin, Saeri," Ilbus replied smoothly, his deep voice carrying a respectful deference as he motioned toward his Chief Medical Officer. "Doctor Kholin directs our mission."

"I am happy to be flexible and to be guided by Lt. Ilbus" Rio responded to all who were gathered together here. "I should very much like to see the Triage Facilities, naturally, but I'm willing to divert a little, bearing in mind that we have a set amount of time overall into which we must all carry out our data collection." she added, nodding to Ilbus for him lead on and inferring that she was happy for him to take an overview of what they could all achieve during this visit.

"If Saeri needs to be in a different part of the facility in order to spend a short time with other children, then I'm happy for us to split up and providing there are at least two adults willing to accompany her then a short diversion could be arranged. With Dr Ilbus' permission?" she agreed, giving the child a green light to explore more of her interests for a short time.

"I do however, need anyone who does accompany Saeri to keep back sufficient time for their own work or interests as well. The time allocated may need to be short to allow for this too." Rio added for guidance. She looked towards Ilbus to see if her had any problem with these proposals. "Would this be appropriate Dr Ilbus?

"Your proposal is well within parameters, Dr. Kholin," Ilbus replied, his head slightly inclined. "As Chief Medical Officer, the allocation of away team resources ultimately rests at your discretion, and separating into smaller units to accommodate both survey objectives and personal requirements will optimize our overall time management."

He adjusted the PADD in his clawed hand, gesturing toward the archway leading to the clinical sector. "If you are satisfied with the arrangement, Doctor, I am prepared to lead our contingent into the primary triage wards whenever you give the word."

"Her spending time with local children may be beneficial for our cultural observation," Aidan suggested, "as her father, obviously I will accompany her and report on this and probable engagement with other parents as well."

"I would like to see the triage facilities if I may doctor," Icarus requested.

"If you do not object Aidan, I will accompany you and Saeri as she interacts with local children and we can also evaluate their facilities used for caring, teaching children." Kuzos replied.

"Right well, that's all sorted then." Rio nodded her head and smiled broadly. "Lead on then please Lt Ilkun" she gestured with an open arm to give Ilbus the green light to set off towards the Triage Department at last.

Ilbus inclined his heavy head, his dark eyes sweeping over the divided team with quiet, logical satisfaction. "Then our operational vectors are established," he rumbled softly, adjusting the PADD against his clawed palm. "Commander Kholin, Lieutenant Devon, Ensign To-Ennien, and I shall proceed directly through the main archway to execute the structural audit of the triage wards and life-support redundancies."

He turned briefly toward Aidan, Kuzos, and young Saeri, his massive, scaled frame shifting with deliberate care. "Commander, Lieutenant Commander Kuzos... monitor the localized pediatric facilities for any uncalibrated environmental hazards or regional pathogens while Saeri interacts with the local youth. A stable social environment is essential for biological developmental metrics."

Turning back to face the wide clinical archway, Ilbus raised his medical tricorder, its active sensor array humming as he initialized a sweep of the facility's power couplings. "Chief Kholin, I am leading the way. Commencing initial telemetry scans of the primary triage wing... now."

"Of course," Aidan answered, "I wouldn't want anything to happen to her. And I'm sure that between me and Kuzos she'll be utterly safe."

"Your oversight is optimal, Commander," Ilbus rumbled softly, giving Aidan a single, deliberate nod. He turned his dark eyes toward the archway leading to the clinical sector. "Comm channels remain open on frequency Delta-Three. Notify us immediately should any uncatalogued biological anomalies or safety variances arise."

With a steady, deliberate stride, the Chelon physician crossed the threshold into the primary triage wing, his tricorder humming smoothly as he swept the structural housing. "Dr. Kholin, initial sweeps confirm stable atmospheric scrubbers, though their primary power conduits indicate a four percent variance in energy load..."

"I've made a note of that Ilbus, thank you" Rio confirmed. "How often do you normally experience variance in power? I presume 4% is of no danger to equipment but do you sometimes see if vary to a higher percentage?"

"The four percent variance is well within nominal parameters for Karemman municipal grids, Dr. Kholin," Ilbus rumbled, his clawed hand making a precise entry into the PADD. "Their infrastructure relies heavily on secondary localized geothermal taps to power the sub-surface refrigeration, which routinely causes minor fluctuations during peak usage hours."

Holding his daughter by the hand, Aidan smiled at Kuzos. "It's just a children's ward, and I have no doubt that the facilities will be in order. Not that we have a say in things if they're not..."

"Doctor Kholin... Commander," Ilbus interrupted, tapping the interface of his Medical Tricorder with a massive, clawed finger. "I was attempting to route our initial structural logs back to the Enterprise via our secondary comm-link, but the handoff protocol is failing. Primary, secondary, and sub-space carrier frequencies are unresponsive. The loss of signal is not due to structural shielding within this wing. Sub-space comms to the Enterprise are completely dead; we've lost all contact with the ship."

Rio's eyes widened. "How is that possible?" she asked rhetorically and more just a sudden thought expressed without checking it back as she ought to have done.

Addressing all of the group with them and those within earshot from the other group who were just leaving to go to the Childrens' Ward with Saeri.

"All Wait" she commanded, keeping her tone calm. "I want to look into this before we all separate." she explained, gathering them all back together and trying her own commlink to see if it was simply a problem from the Medical Facilities' end or if the crew were equally shut out of contact.

To her disappointment, Kholin's Communicator also found no signal to link back to the Enterprise. "I seem to be having the same problem. Commander Kuzos would you please try. We can't all bombard the ship with calls but I wouldn't like to miss the chance of finding out that if only one more person's attempts were to succeed or fail, we would have a clearer answer to whether or not we truly are disconnected from the ship?"

"Certainly." Kuzos tapped his combadge....nothing. He tried again and again silence was his answer. "It would appear that I too have no signal back to the Enterprise. An unusual coincidence is it not?"

"Since it is all three of us, I believe it's more a confirmation Sir. What could have happened to cut us off?" Rio wondered aloud. Turning back to Ilbus she asked him "Where can we see the main comms Lieutenant Ilkun? Do you have any kind of centre where we could investigate what is - or is not - in the space above this planet's atmosphere?" she asked, her language in addressing Ilbus had turned more serious - more formal - in light of the situation that may or may not be unfolding and was now in urgent need of more intense investigation. As leader of this excursion, she had a responsibility to discover if anything was more wrong than just a communication failure and if so, to collect enough information to make a fully informed judgement as to what they would all need to do next.

"Good question," Ilbus grumbled, "A communications failure across all standard Starfleet, secondary, and subspace frequencies - simultaneously affecting three separate combadges - eliminates localized hardware failure as a reason. This is a systemic disruption."

"Commander Kuzos," the Chelon turned toward the Vorta, "as the Dominion Attaché, your insight into Dominion communication architecture would be invaluable." Ilbus continued, his tone respectful and precise, "Do Dominion communications utilize an automated dampening protocol during orbital shifts, or should we assume an external network failure?"

Aidan had so far said nothing but as soon as the communications error sank in, he had drawn the little girl closer to him. "The error could be ship side too," he suggested, "rather than split up I suggest we continue together until we can figure out a way to get back to the ship. Our tricorders still function, perhaps they pick up something local along the way. Remaining here to dwell on it is a waste of time." Problem or not he was fully intending to spend some quality time with his daughter, especially since he didn't feel he had fully recovered yet from his prior ordeal.

Kuzos looked at Ilbus, "You are referring to subspace dampening fields are you not? And yes Dominion communication devices do indeed use automated dampening fields during orbital shifts. However..." He continued, "We have not encountered any sign of a Dominion presence here and I would urge caution in suggesting Dominion involvement."

"Ilbus, please guide us all to your communications centre." Rio asked firmly cutting off the aforementioned's references to guessing who might have been involved. They hadn't even established that there was any interference yet, let alone who might be suspect yet. This was snowballing and they needed more facts to prevent that. Having brought the group back together again, she now agreed with Aidan and moved in the direction that Ilbus had been starting, hoping to shepherd him and the others into starting off to find out more. "I feel we are facing more urgency now and I would appreciate it if we could pick up the pace." she explained.

Ilbus turned his heavy, scaled head toward Dr. Kholin, his dark eyes blinking in a slow, deliberate pace as he considered her request.

"Doctor, this public health pavilion is a local Karemman municipal facility, not a Starfleet installation," Ilbus rumbled softly, his deep voice remaining entirely even and respectful. "I don't have enough familiarity with their internal layout beyond the information on my tricorder, nor can I guarantee the local authorities will grant us access to their primary communications array." He raised his wrist strapped Tricorder, tapping the interface with a single, massive claw to project the facility's directory for the team. "The map we pulled from their registry suggests that their municipal communications hub is located two levels below us, adjacent to the central environmental scrubbers."

"Are you saying we would need to get permission to go down there - or is it your experience that it would be sufficient to just turn up?" Rio asked Ilbus, whilst rapidly taking on board a sinking feeling.

"We can't be sure until we ask them," Aidan suggested, "we can only hope our communicators remain functional so we can continue to talk to people and to each other. Does everyone here speak Federation Standard, just in case? Otherwise I have to learn some languages very fast...."

"I suggest we proceed in a logical manner. Investigate the communication problems and proceed from there on the next steps if any." Kuzos answered.

Rio was keen to move onwards but she stopped to look at Ilbus to see if he was going to answer about whether they needed to apply to access the Communications Centre, since he was the local and she assumed he would know what protocol would be expected.

"Protocol dictates caution," Ilbus replied smoothly, his deep voice carrying a quiet, unwavering stability, "However, in standard municipal care complexes such as this, local authorities maintain strict jurisdiction over primary engineering corridors. Approaching their central communications array unannounced could be considered an unauthorized intrusion."

"I suggest we proceed directly to the administrative reception on Level One," Ilbus continued, his tone measured and entirely devoid of panic. "By presenting our credentials as an official Starfleet delegation we can logically request access to their primary comm-line to contact our ship. This satisfies both diplomatic protocol and our need for immediate assessment."

"Perfect" Rio felt they were finally getting some clarity and agreed with the suggestion as it matched with her own expectations on how it might be likely to be best to approach this situation, smooth the way and thentry to enter the communications Centre with authorisation in their utility bags. Far better than to barge in and give offence.

"Well currently we are a team in need of any assistance we can get in re-establishing contact with our ship," Aidan suggested, "it's either that or give it to us actually enjoying some time away from it. Personally, I'd rather make sure the ship is safe first so we have a home to return to."

"Securing access through official channels remains our most logical course," Ilbus rumbled, "but, I'll configure my Tricorders to maintain a continuous, passive scan for any localized carrier waves as we proceed to Level One. If the disruption is external, we may detect atmospheric attenuation patterns en route. Who knows, this could be as simple as Enterprise's transceiver assembly failed."

"I hope something that simple, indeed" Rio agreed again and set off behind Ilbus as he began to move forward, his attention on his configurations as he walked, giving everyone time to catch up.

"This way everyone, it's better for us all to stay together as suggested earlier." the CMO called across to all of their party and gathered them together, ushering them on behind Ilbus as she hesitated long enough to see that all the group were accounted for before bringing up the rear.

Keeping his daughter firmly by the hand, Aidan followed close on the doctor's heels. The situation was baffling, and somewhat frightening at the same time. "Daddy what's happening?" Saeri asked, "aren't we visiting the children anymore?"

Aidan shook his head. "Maybe later Saeri," he promised, "we need to do something work related first. Keep your eyes open for anything strange and warn me or anyone else alright?"

Icarus stepped up beside them. "I can carry her, if we're moving too fast," she offered quietly, feeling a little out of place. Her fur was fluffed up to indicate her anxiety as this was all very new to her.

Aidan nodded in gratitude. "When it becomes necessary doctor," he acknowledged.

Kuzos turned his head to look at Icarus and gave her a wink.

As the reunited Away Team made their way toward the central lift to access Level One administrative reception, Ilbus kept his Tricorder active. The passive sensor sweeps hummed with a quiet, rhythmic pulse, but the subspace bands remained stubbornly silent.

"The Tricorder is picking up standard environmental telemetry from the complex, but nothing on Starfleet emergency frequencies," Ilbus reported, his dark eyes scanning the readout with methodical focus. "Whatever is dampening or blocking our signal, it is uniform across all primary and secondary bands."

They reached the wide, glass-walled administrative concourse overlooking the public health pavilion. Ahead stood several Karemman officials dressed in formal civil robes, busily managing local health registries.

Ilbus paused near the entrance, allowing Commander Kholin to take the lead while remaining at her shoulder, a calm and grounding presence. "We have arrived at the Level One administrative hub, Doctor," he noted softly to Rio. "If we present our credentials to the chief administrator, we can verify whether this communications blackout is isolated to our commbadges or impacting local orbital transmissions as well."

"Thank you for bringing us here Lieutenant, it's extremely helpful. Will they speak Federation Standard in here? I'll go on in and find out. Is there anything I need to know about protocol? Is there anyone I should approach or ask for in particular, do you know offhand?" Rio asked Ilbus as she approached the indicated doors.

Ilbus stood straight, his hands clasped behind his back in a measured, composed stance. His dark eyes glanced briefly toward the desk before returning to Rio with a calm, dependable focus. "Karemma commercial and administrative hubs universally operate using active translation matrix protocols," Ilbus explained, his tone even and rigidly logical. "They will comprehend Federation Standard without difficulty, though opening with a formal greeting - referencing mutual trade harmony - is standard civic courtesy among their administrators."

He made a subtle gesture toward the central desk with his hand. "You should request to speak directly with the Duty Administrator of Communications or the Senior Trade Registrar. State our mission clearly as a routine medical and administrative delegation. If the blackout is local, they will likely be addressing it as an infrastructure disruption; if it is deliberate and broad-spectrum, their telemetry logs will reveal whether orbital relay handshakes are failing on their end as well."

"Thank you again for your guidance, it will be most helpful!" Rio responded. "I'll go over and approach the Duty Administrator. I suggest everyone else remain here for a few minutes so we don't seem to be coming in all at once. Ilbus would it be acceptable and polite enough if everyone were to occupy those seats over there until I return?" she went on, hoping it might be a rhetorical question as it appeared to be logical to her mind.

Ilbus offered a single, measured nod, his hands remaining composed behind his back as he glanced toward the designated seating area.

"That is entirely logical, Doctor," Ilbus replied in his even, dependable cadence. "Occupying the waiting lounge maintains an orderly presence and respects local administrative decorum while you initiate contact."

Before Rio could take steps toward the central reception desk, a sharp rustle of feathers and the rhythmic snap of large, avian wings echoed down the marble concourse. A tall, slender Aurelian officer wearing the gold-trimmed uniform of the John Kelly glided down from an upper gallery, alighting gracefully onto the polished floor between the Enterprise team and the Karemman administrators. Her large, iridescent wings folded neatly against her back, and her keen, amber eyes swept over the group with sharp, predatory focus.

"Hold position, Enterprise personnel," the Aurelian officer commanded, her high-pitched voice carrying a crisp, authoritative trill as she adjusted the security belt across her chest. "I am Lieutenant Kree'ak, Security Detail, Starship John Kelly. You are entering a restricted diplomatic envelope. Step away from the administration desk immediately."

"You don't have the authority to command this team, lieutenant," Aidan answered firmly, looking sideways at Kuzos, hoping the Vorta would speak up.

Abruptly halted in the midst of her first stride towards the desk, Rio was wrong footed, literally, and suddenly much too close to the sudden and somewhat hostile 'arrival' who had descended dramatically and placed herself right in the way with the intention of turning their entire group away.

"I am Chief Medical Officer to the Federation Starship USS Enterprise, which is why I am leading this particular Group in this official, fully authorised medical assessment." She began perhaps a little quickly but in view of the surprise demands, she felt hers was a more than reasonably polite defence.

"I have to concur with my colleague - and by the way, both yours and my superior officer - Lieutenant Commander Datari..." she indicated Aidan with a small polite gesture. "...whom I believe to be completely correct in his point that it would be most unusual for us to expect to recognise commands from crew of another Starship attempting to prevent us from seeking local assistance from the public administrators on an authorised and pre-arranged essential inspection like ours. Perhaps you have a very reasonable explanation for your sudden and frankly rather unorthodox approach, Lt Kree'ak?" Rio came back with a great deal of restraint and some fairly demanding rebalancing of her momentum to effect an abrupt stop without stumbling. She straightened her top to steady herself and her breathing as she waited, head tilted to one side in apparently calm curiousity, for a response from Kree'ak.

Lieutenant Kree'ak's iridescent wings gave a sharp, rustling twitch, her amber eyes narrowing as she held her ground between the Enterprise group and the Karemman reception desk. Her long, taloned hand hovered with practiced discipline near her side, though she kept her posture strictly formal.

"My authority derives directly from Captain Tazari under Joint Operational Directive 12," Kree'ak replied, her high-pitched trill cold and unyielding as she addressed Lt. Commander Datari and Doctor Kholin. "Under active diplomatic containment protocols, all Starfleet personnel assigned to this sector fall under the immediate tactical umbrella of the lead vessel: the U.S.S. John Kelly."

She took a half-step forward, her sharp gaze sweeping over Aidan, Rio, Kuzos, and Ilbus. "This administrative hub controls the primary municipal telemetry and orbital relay nodes for the entire planetary sector. Given the current... sensitivity of ongoing Karemman trade negotiations, Captain Tazari has ordered all non-essential Starfleet access to local data networks restricted until further notice."

Ilbus stood rigidly at Rio's shoulder, his hands securely clasped behind his back. His dark, reptilian eyes met Kree'ak's with calm, unblinking focus.

"Lieutenant," Ilbus spoke up, his voice measured, deep, and strictly logical. "Doctor Kholin is leading a pre-scheduled medical and public health evaluation authorized under Second Contact Protocol. Inquiring into the nature of a regional communications blackout with municipal civic authorities does not constitute a breach of diplomatic containment, nor does it access restricted tactical telemetry. Preventing a Chief Medical Officer from fulfilling an official health mandate requires a specific, written interdiction order signed by both commanding officers—or a formal declaration of a Level Four planetary quarantine."

Kree'ak's feathered crest flared slightly at the Chelon doctor's precise recitation of protocol. Her eyes flicked toward the Karemman administrators behind her, who were beginning to look up from their registry terminals in mild concern.

"The order stands, Doctor," Kree'ak insisted, though her trill carried a rigid, defensive edge. "You will refrain from approaching the administrative terminals or attempting to query local orbital channels. I am instructed to escort your team to the concourse." She paused a moment before continuing, "If you fail to comply, I am to place you under arrest."

"You will stand down, lieutenant," Aidan ordered firmly but without raising his voice, "without confirmation from our own commanding officer we will do nothing of the sort. Now you will step aside to allow Doctor Kholin to complete her endeavour or it is you who will be arrested. Without proof you can claim anything and we outrank you, and our captain very much outranks yours, until we receive word from our captain it is you who will stand down." As he spoke, he never once raised his word.

A heavy silence settled over the marble concourse as Aidan's firm command echoed against the glass walls. Kree'ak's feathered crest flared fully, her amber eyes locking onto Aidan in a sharp, predatory glare, her posture rigid as her taloned fingers twitched near her side.

Standing rigidly behind Doctor Kholin, Ilbus did not flinch. His dark, reptilian eyes remained fixed on Kree'ak, his internal sensors calculating strike angles and line-of-sight metrics with unhurried, Chelon precision.

"Lieutenant," Ilbus interjected, his deep voice cutting through the rising tension like cold steel. "You are currently isolated on a civilian concourse, attempting to enforce an unverified interdiction against senior officers - including two Lieutenant Commanders and the Chief Medical Officer - without written authorization or local municipal backing. Proceeding with physical restraint under these conditions constitutes a direct violation of Starfleet Disciplinary Code."

He took a single, measured step forward, his broad, formidable frame shielding Rio while maintaining his composed stance, his dark eyes remaining entirely even.

"Furthermore," Ilbus added logically, "drawing a sidearm or initiating physical hostility in an open Karemman administrative pavilion will immediately alert local authorities to an active internal Starfleet dispute. That single act would compromise Captain Tazari's alleged desire for diplomatic discretion far more severely than a routine medical inquiry ever could."

Kree'ak’s jaw set tightly, her wings shifting with a tense, rustling snap as her amber eyes swept over the rest of the team. She took in Doctor Devon and Ensign To-Ennien standing at the ready, but her sharp gaze locked onto Kuzos, her feathered crest flaring with sudden, sharp suspicion.

"And a Vorta officer in the middle of a delicate Karemman administrative sector?" Kree'ak rasped, her high-pitched trill laced with cold hostility as she gestured toward Kuzos. "Given the Dominion's historic footprint in this quadrant, and with the Karemma, having a Vorta parading through a local registry hub during high-stakes trade talks is an absolute security nightmare. Captain Tazari specifically highlighted the risk of unauthorized Dominion ties or local panic! Your presence here alone is enough to derail the entire envoy."

She reached down and tapped her Tricorder with a sharp, deliberate click, refusing to yield an inch of ground.

"I am not standing down," Kree'ak declared, her talons scraping tensely against the marble floor as she planted herself directly in front of the reception desk path. "I have already signaled my security detail on the upper gallery. Two more officers are en route to reinforce this perimeter. If you take one more step toward those administrative terminals, you will be in direct physical defiance of an active containment protocol, and we will detain this entire away team until Captain Tazari arrives to handle the breach personally."

Aidan smiled thinly as he moved to Kuzos' side. "He belongs with us," he said firmly, "and the doctor will be allowed to complete her mission. Right Kuzos?" He directly addressed the Vorta security chief.

Tail twice as thick as normal, her fur standing on end and her ears flat against her head, Icarus watched the proceedings while also keeping close to Aidan's daughter. She was clearly distressed and was making a valiant effort of keeping her claws sheathed.

Kuzos looked at Kree'ak, "You are very short sighted or just refuse to see. Yes, I am Vorta. However right here, right now I am a member of Starfleet with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. So you are either terribly short sighted or just blind. Did your eyes also refuse to recognize the uniform I wear?" His violet eyes locked on hers. Only after several seconds did he acknowledge Aidan. "Yes Aidan, you are quite correct."

The Trill's smile was acid as he turned his gaze back to the avian. "We still outrank you," he said smoothly, "and we outnumber you. Your continuous disruption to our duty is drawing quite a bit of attention. I recommend you do stand down and we can discuss this as civilised Starfleet officers, after Doctor Kholin has verified your situation with the Enterprise. Your approach is very undiplomatic, shall we say? We will not comply without verification from our own commanding officer." He watched her calmly but he was definitely studying her body language, the way she ruffled her feathers or clicked her talons against the tiled floor but he also listened to the cadences in her voice.

"Aidan, you cannot reason with unreasonable people or person." Kuzos said his violet eyes on Kree'ak "And to expect diplomacy from such a person is both unrealistic and foolhardy."

Lieutenant Kree'ak’s wrist console chirped with a sharp, rhythmic pulse, cutting off her next retort. She tapped the display with a swift, irritated flick of her talons, leaning her head down as a tight, encrypted audio transmission buzzed in her ear. Her feathered crest flattened instantly against her skull, her amber eyes narrowing as she absorbed the message from Lieutenant Edrakt.

"Clear the concourse," Kree'ak snapped, her high-pitched voice dropping into a harsh, clipping cadence as she raised her left arm, signaling to her two security officers on the upper gallery. "By order of Captain Tazari, all Enterprise away teams are being recalled to the primary extraction coordinates at the concourse archway immediately. You are to maintain strict radio silence and return to your ship."

Beside Doctor Kholin, Ilbus stood with unyielding composure, his broad chest barely rising as his dark, reptilian eyes tracked the two gallery guards stepping down to reinforce Kree'ak. He did not reach for a phaser, nor did his posture shift into an aggressive stance; instead, his hands remained firmly clasped behind his back in a stance of disciplined restraint.

"Lieutenant," Ilbus spoke, his deep voice carrying a calm, unhurried cadence that contrast sharply with Kree'ak's rising tension. "A verbal recall issued through an unverified channel does not supersede standard Starfleet chain of command. As Lieutenant Commander Datari has stated, our team remains under the direct authority of Commodore Targaryen. Escorting senior officers under physical threat while an active communications blackout remains unexplained is logically unsound."

Kree'ak’s feathered crest flared in a sharp, defensive display at the Chelon's deliberate rejection of her mandate. Her talons scraped tensely against the marble as she stepped forward, refusing to yield an inch of ground.

"Your Commodore is currently unreachable behind a localized dampening field, Lieutenant," Kree'ak rasped, her amber eyes locking onto Ilbus and Aidan with rigid determination. "Lieutenant Edrakt has already detained Commander zh'Roothi's group, and your Counselor's team is about to be picked up as well. Captain Tazari considers any unbriefed presence of Enterprise personnel on this world a direct liability to our mission."

She gestured firmly toward the glass doors of the administrative pavilion, her wings giving a tense, rustling snap. "You can walk to the concourse archway voluntarily under your own power, or my detail will escort you there under physical restraint for breaching a diplomatic boundary. Either way, your shore leave is officially over."

Ilbus remained rooted to the spot, his formidable frame positioned as a quiet, protective wall in front of Doctor Kholin. "We will await direct confirmation from Commodore Targaryen," he stated evenly, his expression unreadable. "Until such confirmation is provided, proceeding with physical restraint will only serve to escalate an unnecessary conflict in full view of Karemman civil authorities."

"Doctor," the Aurelian continued, "I have no desire to use force, but I will if necessary to ensure my mission." Her hand hovered above her Phaser, waiting for their answer.

"Doctor, please continue," Aidan injected calmly, "Ilbus please accompany her while we wait here. Lieutenant, I strongly recommend you stand down before you end up injured." The Trill shifted minutely, ready to draw and throw the ushaan he had concealed under his shirt. "Your claim is unverified, your identity unconfirmed. Until such confirmation from our commanding officer I suggest you withdraw. It is you, who is the liability at this point, not us. Had you allowed us to continue we would have already completed our directives and would be in our way to continue with our leisure time.

Rio nodded her affirmation of both Ilbus' and Aidan's comments and stepped to one side, then continued towards the Main Administration Desk, glad of the accompaniment of Ilbus if she were honest but keeping that entirely to herself as she walked confidently away from the odd, suspiciously behaving Arian. Silently she wondered if this "Captain Tazari" they were hearing about might have taken his alleged mission so far as to actually be the cause of the so called 'local dampening field' that was conveniently making it impossible for the Enterprise Crew to confirm or receive orders directly from their own CO. She didn't get a lot of time to consider this possibility further as the hostile Arian Lieutenant was continuing her efforts to prevent their progress.

"Aidan." Kuzos whispered. "Be prepared to move. I am going to engage in something the humans call misdirection." With that Kuzos abruptly turned away and began walking away from the rest of the group and the Airian Lieutenant. Putting more distance between himself and the group with each step he took.

Lieutenant Kree'ak's feathered crest snapped upright in a sharp, furious fan, her amber eyes flashing with predatory intensity as she watched Kuzos pivot away and Doctor Kholin step deliberately toward the administrative counter.

"That is far enough!" Kree'ak shrieked, her high-pitched trill ringing off the marble columns as she stepped directly into Doctor Kholin's path, her hand unholstering her phaser and leveling it squarely at the Chief Medical Officer's chest. On the upper gallery, her two security officers unclipped their weapons, training them down on the group below.

"You speak of unverified authority, so listen closely!" Kree'ak rasped, her eyes darting fiercely between Kuzos, Aidan, Ilbus, and Rio. "Captain Tazari is not acting on local initiative. These orders come directly from Flag Priority Command under the express authority of Vice Admiral Loatha Targaryen! The Admiral herself sanctioned this diplomatic interdiction to protect the trade accords, and her mandate overrides your local shore leave!" She pressed a control on her Tricorder, the holographic replica of the orders hovering above the scanner before them with Loatha's biometric signature verified.

Her talons scraped against the polished floor as she raised her voice, her crest quivering with absolute resolve. "If any member of this team takes one more step toward those administrative terminals - or attempts to interface with the Karemman network - I will place this entire away team under formal arrest for breach of operational security. You will surrender your sidearms and proceed to the concourse archway immediately for return to the Enterprise, or my detail will arrest you!"

"I wouldn't recommend that," the Trill answered, a small smile touching the corner of his mouth as he seemed to hear or sense something. A second later, the Aurelian found herself without a phaser as Sherlock zipped in, grabbed it from her claws in a whoosh, and zipping out again. "Up there I recommend you don't move, or my companion will take yours as well."

Seeing the opportunity presented by the disarmament of Kree'ak, Rio was tempted to take faster steps towards the Administrator's desk but the holographic proof of her orders and the signature of the Admiral clearly showing at the bottom made her hesitate instead. She turned and addressed the Security Officer directly.

"I wonder if you'd be able to explain to us please, Lieutenant, why we can't contact the Enterprise? If this truly IS a legitimate over-riding order, why can't we hear it from our own CO who would surely be informed and contacting us himself?" she asked, not wanting to disobey Loatha but at the same time, not being able to trust to an endeavour that apparently needed to cut the Enterprise crew off from their direct command chain.

Lieutenant Kree'ak's feathered crest bristled into a wild, frantic fan, a shrill screech tearing from her throat as the small creature zipped out of nowhere and snatched the phaser clean out of her talons.

"Insolence!" Kree'ak shrieked, her amber eyes burning with unbridled fury as she completely ignored Doctor Kholin's question. She violently threw her left wing outward, pointing her sharp talons directly at Aidan and Rio while shrieking to her security team on the gallery above: "Detail, open fire! Neutralize their targets—stun setting, full volley!"

On the upper balcony, the two John Kelly security officers didn't hesitate. Raising their phaser rifles, they unleashed a rapid succession of bright orange stun beams cascading down into the administrative concourse, forcing the Karemman clerks to scatter in panic as energy bolts snapped across the marble floor toward the Enterprise team.

Kuzos stopped his 'retreat' when he heard Kree'ak shriek. he stopped to face the visibly angry officer. "You really should learn to control your emotions Lieutenant." He stated calmly his violet eyes on her. His talking caused the security officers to stop firing at Aidan and Rio and swing their phaser rifles toward him. "I'd be careful where you point your rifles and who shoot at unless you wish a visit from the Jem'Hadar and the Dominion." Hoping to give Aidan and Rio a chance to slip away.

As Kuzos spoke, Aidan took the opportunity to draw Rio to safety behind the counter. He pointed towards where Sherlock had dropped the phaser, which was just out of their reach. At least though, it was out of the aggressor's reach too. "Either that or deal with a very defensive dragon," Aidan announced, knowing Sherlock was waiting for the order to do so. "Last chance to stand down, you will not win."

Rio gratefully sheltered behind the counter with Aiden muttering "thank you" to him for the quick thinking, saving snatch of her out of the firing line. She looked up and around for Sherlock. "He won't get hurt will he?" she asked anxiously, hoping that the "stun only" order would apply to him as well.

"Your winged pest is irrelevant, Doctor—you are all officially under arrest!" Kree'ak rasped, her high-pitched trill sharp, hostile, and absolute. She tapped her wrist console, sending a direct tactical ping to her balcony marksmen. "By authority of Captain Tazari and Joint Operational Directive 12, this entire away team is under formal tactical detention for interfering with an active interdiction! Surrender your equipment and step into the concourse, or my detail will utilize full force to subdue and secure you!"

Aidan shook his head at Rio's question. "Have a little faith in him doctor," he whispered, now casting an anxious look over his shoulder towards where Icarus was trying to keep his frightened daughter from running towards him. At the same time he gave Sherlock the instruction to disarm the remaining guards.

"Without verification, I don't acknowledge your authority lieutenant, and we outrank you. Stand down before it is you who gets arrested for using firearms in a medical facility." As he spoke, Saeri broke free from the Sivaoan's grasp, desperate to get to her father. He watched in horror as she started to run towards them and hoped Sherlock would be fast enough to disarm both guards. Eyes locked on the girl, he reached under his shirt, drawing his ushaan just in case. In the same thought, he wished he had brought a phaser.

Kuzos had stopped his 'retreat' and now turned to watch the scene before him. "I would suggest you stop and rethink what you are doing before you dig a hole so deep you cannot get out ot it." He told Kree'ak. "You have lost control of this situation, stand down."

Lieutenant Kree'ak’s feathered crest flared in a frantic, rage-filled fan as Kuzos spoke, her eyes burning with unbridled, cornered fury. Seeing the young Trill child break away and sprint directly across the open concourse toward Aidan, her vision narrowed into pure tactical obsession. "Detail, maximum yield!" Kree'ak shrieked, pointing a razor-sharp talon at the fleeing child and the Enterprise officers. "Shoot to kill! Eliminate all hostile targets immediately!"

On the upper gallery, one of the John Kelly security guards adjusted his rifle's power setting, but his hands visibly hesitated as his crosshairs locked onto Saeri. "Lieutenant, wait!" the guard called out frantically over the concourse noise. "That's a child! There's a kid in the line of fire!"

"I don't care!" Kree'ak screamed, her voice cracking into a harsh, piercing screech. "They are actively defying Joint Operational Directive 12! Execute the order! FIRE!"

The guard on the balcony stared down at Kree'ak in sheer disbelief, his face hardening as he made his decision. Without a second thought, he swung his phaser rifle down from the upper railing, adjusted his emitter to stun, and fired a single, precise beam directly into Kree'ak's back. The high-yield stun bolt struck the Aurelian squarely between her wings. With a stifled squawk, Kree'ak collapsed limp onto the marble floor, her iridescent wings fluttering once before falling completely still.

Lowering his rifle, the security guard leaned over the gallery railing, shouting down to Aidan, Rio, and Kuzos. "Get the kid and get out of here now! Captain Tazari's orders have completely compromised this detail... we're not murdering Starfleet officers or children!" He pointed urgently toward the far exit doors. "Evacuate the administrative building immediately and head to the staging ground at the north concourse! Go!"

Aidan's face had drained of all colour as Kree'aks order and he could only watch in horror as none of them would've been able to save his daughter in time. Relief washed over him as the derailed officer was stunned by her own team and Saeri threw herself into his arms, sobbing hysterically. Still, he narrowed his eyes as he wrapped his arms around the sobbing child. "Kuzos, you're in charge now," he said flatly, his expression bordering on a rare display of reigned in fury. "Orders?"

"We get out of here and get Saeri and ourselves to safe ground." Kuzos replied his violet eyes cold and hard.

"Doctor, can you give her something to calm down a little?" Aidan asked, turning to the chief medical officer, "it'll be easier to carry her and it'll draw less attention." Even if they'd already drawn plenty of attention by getting shot and shouted at. The Trill was shaking in shock and fury as he tried to get to his feet with an equally shaking child in his arms.

"Of course" Rio answered quickly diving back to where she had dropped her medical bag earlier and withdrawing a tiny paediatric hypospray, loading it and returning with both her bag in one hand and the little spray ready in the other. In the current century the medical advances had almost completely eliminated allergies so there was no need to ask Aidan if his daughter had any of those kind of primitive conditions as by now, she would already have been aware of such a rarity being present in any of her on-board charges or patients. Having already had her father's permission Saeri was in a very short time given the shot of suitably dosed mild sedative by the CMO who made soft soothing reassurances to her as it began to work calming her.

"That should last long enough, Commander" Rio told Aidan, and began picking up her med-kit again, ready to leave.

Standing protectively over the group, Ilbus kept his dark, reptilian eyes locked on the upper gallery and the fallen security detail, his broad frame remaining a resolute wall against any further threat. His internal sensors hummed quietly, registering the shifting energy signatures of the Enterprise finally breaking through the atmosphere's carrier suppression grid.

"The dampening field is collapsing," Ilbus announced in his deep, unhurried cadence, stepping closer to Aidan, Rio, and the sedated child. "Transporter locks are re-establishing. Stand ready."

Before anyone else could move, columns of silver-white transport beam materialized across the marble concourse, enveloping the team in a bright, familiar hum. Within a heartbeat, the fractured confrontation on the Karemman floor dissolved into light, sweeping them safely away toward the Enterprise Transporter Room.

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