The next step

Posted on Monday, 11 May 2020 - 12:45pm by Commander Soral & Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali

Mission: Operation: Recall
Location: USS Fontana | Soral’s Office
Timeline: 2393 MD 04 - Late in the day close to early evening

{ON}

T’Lanna arrived at Soral’s office, she was ready to follow up with Soral and see if they could find out just what was going on with Chief Eyelaya’s background that others were so desperate to discover or hide.

Soral had been going over reports. Victrix was off duty and repairs were on their way. He had to give it to the crew. They were working overtime to get things done. He brought up the desk holo controls, that he was now getting used to, and opened the door.

“Commander” T’Lanna smiled as she walked in PADD in hand.

"Excellent timing. I am about to establish the call. He pointed to the monitor on the wall. While we are speaking to a Vulcan your psychological skills will be necessary. The slightest thing could be important."

T’Lanna nodded. “I’ll do my best Sir” She took a seat and brought up a page on the PADD for taking important notes.

The screen shimmered and soon a beautiful older Vulcan woman filled it. She gave the customary greeting.

Soral returned it. "Thank you for speaking with us professor. This is Doctor Vali. She will be joining us on the call."

The woman, sharp as whip raised a delicate eyebrow, the epitome of the stuffiest of Vulcans. "Indeed. To ensure you of my sanity."

Soral traded looks with Vali.

"Hello Doctor Vali." Said the Vulcan.

“Greetings Professor” T’Lanna smiled warmly.

"We are here to speak to you about a former student."

The Vulcan inclined her head. "I will assist as best as I can."

"This is some time ago. A half Bajoran and half Cardassian child. Eyelaya."

The Vulcan's eyes narrowed. "I do not recall. I have so many students." It was clear that this was not a topic she would want to discuss.

“Professor, both you and I know that you are withholding information.” T’Lanna looked at the Vulcan female. “It’s well known that Vulcan’s do not lie. Are you going to prove that notion wrong?”

"I have nothing to say on..."

"She may be in danger." Soral said.

The Vulcan was silent. "Indeed. I thought her safe when I had sent her to Vulcan."

“You were the one who sent her to Vulcan?” T’Lanna looked at the woman curiously. “May I ask what made you believe Eyelaya was in danger?”

She sighed, "This is not a short conversation."

“Then shorten it as much as you can, please!” T’Lanna looked at the Vulcan woman. “If you care for Eyelaya we need to know.”

"Very well. In addition to the fact that her adopted parents used her as a method of getting sympathy and advancing their status she was brilliant. She needed to be allowed to flourish. Also a group of Cardassians came looking for her. As a former member of the Vulcan Intelligence council I recognized one of the group as a member of what was the Obsidian order. If they were looking for her that meant trouble. I arranged it so she could go to Vulcan as the Engineering Academy was the best and I knew those that would watch her. I made the wrong choice. I should have sent her to Earth."

“The Obsidian order!” T’Lanna looked at Soral then back at the Professor. “Did they give you any ideas as to what they wanted with Eyelaya?”

"No but I did contact the head mistress of the Orphanage."

Soral, who'd stayed silent thus far said, "And why is that?"

"She was the one who initiated the transfer of the child to Betazed."

Soral looked at T'Lanna and then turned to the Professor. "Can you tell us why?"

“It would certainly help us if you could Professor” She waited for the response.

"Eyelaya's parents are rather...special." She said.

"Indeed." Soral said. "How?"

The woman looked uncomfortable. "Her mother is Arali Prin and her father Enilem Topen."

Soral's eyes widened. "Are you certain."

The woman gave a nod. "Do not contact me again Commander. Keep her safe."

Soral sat back rubbing the bridge of his nose processing the information.

T’Lanna looked at Soral. “I’m sorry I’m not familiar with those names, who are they?”

"Arali Prin was a resistance leader. Enilem Topen was the deputy head of the Obsidian Order. He was booted out for rescuing Bajorans and getting them to the Federation. He betrayed many Cardassians to Starfleet for arrest and detention."

“Oh...” T’Lanna nodded. “So Eyelaya would be a pretty prize for the Obsidian order. But how do we know those looking for her aren’t looking out of some sense of loyalty to her parents? They may be trying to help her get away from the Obsidian order. Though it does seem unlikely given that they haven’t asked the Federation for help.”

He sighed. "I do not know. But it is a lead. Will you speak with the Chief. See if she knows about her parents and who they are?"

“I can try” T’Lanna nodded. “That’s if she’ll even talk to me.”

Soral gave a nod. "Of course." He stood and paced a little. "May change the topic?"

“By all means” T’Lanna smiled. “What’s on your mind?”

"You seem tired, more so then is considered normal?"

“The Commander has asked me to concentrate more on my Intelligence duties as well as the Counselling side of things.”

"Indeed. The EMH has a counseling program. I would suggest using him to take on more counseling duties."

T’Lanna nodded. “Doctor Rose already volunteered for anytime I’m not feeling up to it during my pregnancy, but I’m aiming to do as much as I can.”

"You must not over tax yourself. Commander Stillwater is a priority we have the EMH and Doctor Rose. One is not an island on ones own. You must relay on others."

T’Lanna nodded. “Your Logic is undeniable Soral. I’ve been burning the proverbial candle at both ends lately, it’s definitely not helping.”

"Then you will take the rest of the day and evening to rest. We need you well and ready for this task." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Do not harm yourself, or the child with lack of sleep."

T’Lanna nodded and smiled. “I’ll do that, thank you.”

"Indeed. If you will excuse me. I have some more reports to complete." He stood to walk her out.

“You know where I’ll be if you need anything Sir” She smiled warmly.

"Indeed. Rest Lieutenant." He paused. "Let us shelve the investigation into Chief Eyelaya for the moment you have plenty on your plate."

“But...” T’Lanna was going to argue the point but she knew arguing with Soral wasn’t going to get her anywhere. “Very well”
She nodded as she stepped out of the door and headed on her way back to her quarters.

As soon as the doors closed Soral turned on his computer. He pulled up the journals from Bajor and began to read.

{OFF:}