"Very good. As for your Starfleet technology, I have been looking into those warp drive engines that shouldn't disrupt subspace. Well, a Traquel technician might be able to come to a better conclusion, but from what I can see, those schematics aren't waterproof either. Granted, they will not cause as much damage as your previous engines at high warp, but damage they still cause. It will only take longer before the effects become apparent, and thus for your technicians to notice it."

OFF: well in this case, Ops would indeed be a bit of an all-round position. Helm and navigation, sensors, communications, ... And basically filling in for another bridge position if someone else doesn't have the time to post.

"I welcome you aboard my ship, and the position of Ops is yours. Please take your station, and drop the ship out of warp. I believe we should arrive at Avalon Station any moment now, and the Evolution probably just got there already. Put it on screen please."

"Mr. Rikan, Representative Mentora is right. We don't fight our own people, we defend them - even if they don't realise it. We need people like you on this ship, who can talk to them when the need comes, and convince them to unite with us once more... to defend the best interests of the Delta Alliance. Is that not what we all signed up for?"

*Ardwyad sits down in his chair.*
"Very well, you all heard it. Set coordinates, and engage engines!"

>-< We will soon be on our way, Mr. Tash. We will speak again upon our arrival. Ardwyad out. >-<

OFF: Rikan, the name of the Dralian merchant is Quarval, a female merchant (played by my wife http://expansionfleet.sparks.priorweb.be/ikonboard/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'> ). The only information the records should state, is that this merchant traded with a Loxian named Zentox on a journey through the Dark Passage, about 11 months ago. Quarval traded supplies, spare parts and 'artefacts'. But nothing is specified.

"Well, it's not my decision to send a science ship into the Van'Gu Cluster. The High Queen and her Council will have to decide such things."

*The Revox shudders heavily from the impact of the volley that the suddenly appearing ships are firing on them.*
"Damage report! Damage report!"
*The alert claxons are blazing, and Ardwyad checks the screen next to his seat for incoming damage reports.*
"We've suffered a serious hit, but nothing too bad. But the Traquel warships are much too strong for us. Their technology is, being Traquel in orgin, more advanced. We're a little match for them. What do you suggest we do, Mr. Mentora?"

"Aye, sir!"
*Ardwyad pushes some buttons, and the A.S.C. Revox opens fire on both the Evolution and Rivendell.*

*Ardwyad puts his hand on Mentora's arm, and lowers it so he no longer aims at Rikan, giving Rikan the chance to leave.*
"If what you say is true, Mr. Mentora, then the Traquel will come to understand the situation, and join us again, and as you said before, we will welcome them back. And at that moment, I will welcome back Rikan again as well. I am still in command of this ship, and I've decided to let Rikan go unharmed."
*Ardwyad looks at Rikan, and nods at him, letting him know he's free to leave safely.*

"Very good. Lock the ship with a tractor beam. Has the other ship responded to our hail yet?"

*Ardwyad turns to Rikan.*
"Did you find anything in the databases yet?"

"I won't argue with that, commander. Let's hope that the Council shares your opinion."
*Ardwyad smiles.*

"Very good. Don't lose them out there, space is a very big place! And I want to know what they're really after. An abandoned ship, he said... Why would they be so eager to look after an abandoned ship? Why is it important enough to accelerate to maximum warp? We need to find out what's behind this!"

"No time. We'll just have to reach the temples before the storm, and return to the ship once it has blown over. The temples are nearby, just a few minutes walk. Let us go to the temples' libraries."
*Gets up from his seat and heads toward the doors.*

*Ardwyad studies the map on the viewscreen.*
"I hadn't thought of that yet... It sounds like a good plan to me, though I am reluctant to take any offensive action against the Nigillians, my own species. But if we control Naederian space, they will be but little danger, and saving the Delta Alliance and securing the High Queen is our foremost task. Yes, let's do it! Helm, set course for Naederian space, and mask our signature, so the enemy won't know right away where we're off to!"