Post 564) Full Circle

Stardate: 71124.2100
Title: Full Circle
Author: Zanh Liis and Commander Salvek
Scene: USS Independence
Time: Three Days after "Showtime"
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Acting First Officer's Log, Stardate 71124.20

The shuttle landing party has returned to us from their trip to the planet Ikiia, with little resulting from their efforts.

It was discovered that the Trikz weapons manufacturing facility was abandoned some time ago, and if Biggs' father and sister had ever been there, they were no longer on the planet.

We found the ship called Blizzard in a Ferengi impound yard upon arrival to Ferengi space, the vessel having been abandoned by Vely and the rest of his crew as soon as they reached their destination.
Whether or not Biggs' family is still alive, or if the whole plot was a ruse to get Vely aboard the Independence in order to kidnap Zanh Liis, is still unknown.

Lt. Biggs has chosen to resign his commission aboard this ship in order to go with the Blizzard's crew and continue the search for his missing family members, as Starfleet has refused to allow any further involvement on the part of this ship or its crew.

As for the Independence herself, two days ago we were ordered by Starfleet to hold off on attempting a rescue mission to retrieve Zanh Liis --whom we have reason to believe was and still may be on Ferenginar-- until we rendezvous with the USS Odin, which is about to deliver a very important passenger to us.

End log.
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A few moments later, Salvek stood at the foot of the transporter pad and waited for the word to be given.

"Energize," he commanded, when signaled that the person he awaited was ready to beam aboard.

-- Meanwhile, on the bridge--

All officers had been alerted to the imminent arrival, and were told to stand at attention at their stations.

February Grace bit her lip, and looked at the floor as she waited for the turbolift doors to open.

*It'll be all right, Bru.* Reece thought to her, and she nodded just slightly, so he would know she'd heard him.

A moment later, the lift arrived, doors whooshed apart, and a familiar sound echoed through the room.

Click, step.

Click, step.

"Commanding Officer on the bridge," Salvek announced.

TC Blane stepped forward, extending his hand as RJ Gilmore stepped up toward the chair at the center of the room and took in his surroundings. "She looks no worse for wear."

"Welcome home, Sir." TC remarked, and he felt Gilmore grasp and shake his hand firmly.
"So, it's Lt. Commander Blane now?" Gilmore observed, counting the pips on TC's collar.
"Yes, Captain."

"Very well." Gilmore looked at the center seat a moment before sitting down. "Senior staff meeting, observation lounge, five minutes," he instructed, and he turned his attention now to a report with the latest data available on the ship's current status.

-----------Observation lounge------------

Gilmore looked around him and saw faces that were familiar, even if not all well known to him.

Salvek. Blane. N'Dura, Reece. Lair. McKenna. Jariel. Grace.

"So, Zanh Liis has finally gotten herself into real trouble this time, has she?" Gilmore clucked his tongue. "Can't leave that woman alone for a moment."

"As near as we can figure, Sir, it was a set up." Blane remarked, sitting forward in his chair. "And now,"

"And now, Starfleet does not want the Independence anywhere near this debacle." Gilmore concluded.

"Captain Gilmore," Salvek felt his hands forming into fists beneath the table, as he tried to steady himself and maintain the appearance of unruffled logic. "We were prepared to take the Alchemy and go after her,"

"And that is exactly what you shall do. Commander Salvek, as of this moment, I am officially retaking command of this ship. You may assemble a team of volunteers to take along with you and go after Zanh Liis. But if you do," Gilmore pointed a finger at each officer sternly, "you will be on your own. Starfleet is prepared to offer no additional assistance, beyond providing you with that ship."

Looks were exchanged between the officers surrounding the table.

February didn't even have to wait to hear Reece volunteer out loud. She knew already that his mind was made up, and she would follow him anywhere. They'd be going on the Alchemy- no doubt.

"Mr. Blane, I would ask that regardless your personal feelings on the matter, that you remain here, and continue as Chief of Operations until we are certain how this is going to turn out. N'Dura, I make the same request of you." Gilmore continued.

Salvek and Kellyn locked eyes across the table. Lair knew that they'd be going, and this time, they wouldn't be leaving Arie behind. She would go with them.

"Those of you who wish to go on the Alchemy, please make it known."

Salvek and Jariel both stood at the same time, followed by Lair, Reece, and finally, February Grace.

"Very good. McKenna, Blane and N'Dura will stay behind." Gilmore made a note on the PADD in his hands. "Mr. Salvek, you may recruit whomever you wish to take with you from security as well to help your efforts. When will the Alchemy be ready?"

"She's ready now, Sir."

"Then you may depart at your earliest convenience. I wish you Godspeed, and hope that you will all return to us safely, soon. You are dismissed."

Outside the conference room, Salvek's forming crew circled around him in a huddle.

"We will depart as soon as possible, gather up whatever personal belongings you cannot live without and be aboard the Alchemy within the hour," he commanded. "We leave as soon as everyone is aboard."

"Then what?" Kellyn asked nervously.

"Then," Salvek stood tall, his jaw set with determination. "We find Zanh Liis, and bring her home."

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Zanh Liis
and
Commander Salvek