The Hanger Bay:

Forty, while in the main hanger on the Liberty, receives confirmation as to the disposition of Guardian One and it’s repair on board the Defiance.  He also receives orders that he is temporarily assigned to the diplomatic party, and Tehl and Ghaloon in particular.

Forty rolls over to Kira Thracken, who is on duty in the hanger, and plugs into a wall socket.

[Guardian One will be repaired on the Defiance, but they need an astromech in the ship while the tugs transport it over.  Could you assist?]

“Of course, Forty.”

Forty and Kira move over to the astromech-loading arm and Forty is placed into Guardian One.  Firing up the systems that the crew has managed to repair, Forty gets the fighter ready to leave.

A few minutes later, the tug signals that all is ready and the hanger door opens.  The landing tractors move Guardian one into space and the tug moves it out of the way.  The replacement fighter, borrowed from Defiance, is put in Guardian One’s place.  Kira, who waves a goodbye as the door shuts, helps out the replacement droid, R2-N3.

The trip to the Defiance is uneventful and, after landing in the repair bay, Forty is taken out of the ship.  As Forty is being set down, Ghaloon and Tehl walk in.

“Thanks for coming overr, Forrty,” Ghaloon says.

“We had better get over to the shuttle,” Tehl says, “It’s getting ready to take off.”

The move across the landing bay and climb up the boarding ramp of the shuttle that will be taking them to the surface.

bleep tweet <twit>
 
(a look about for communications plug in, presumably finds one)
 
*beep* blort ni!
 
[Never a protocol droid about when you need one]
 
bleep tweet <twit>
 
[I'm here.  What do you need me to do?]

“One moment, Forty,” Tehl says, “I need to take care of something.”

Tehl speaks into his comlink, “Lieutenant Amzenki, this is Tehl Dashwood.  I have been informed by the Executive Officer on board the Defiance, Captain Mitun, that the Defiance repair crews will be able to repair your X-Wing and that they will loan you another, along with an astromech, until yours is completed.  In fact, the new X-Wing should be there now.”

{Thank you.  I do appreciate it, however, I will only be needing the x-wing, as Forty is still fully operational, for the moment.}

Tehl looks confused.  “I thought that Captain Nadur had informed you.  Forty is assigned to us for the next week, which is why we have gotten you a replacement.”

The comlink switches off.

“Well,” Tehl says, “That was interesting.”

[Yes, but why did these orders come through.]

“Ourr plan, Forrty,” Ghaloon says, “is to set up an operration on the planet to both trry and mitigate the rrioting and explorre the arrea the TIE’s came frrom.  We’d like yourr help with that.”

[Of course.]

Captain Nadur’s Quarters:

Zir knocks on the door and hears an “Enter.” from within.  The door opens and Zir storms in.

“With all due respect sir, just why is it that my astromech is suddenly at the beck and call of some buffoon who thought he was spy before?  I thoroughly resent the fact that he is given priority over the defense of this ship.  You know as well as I do it is about knowing your shipmate, and frankly, I will not stand for another mech again.  You know what happened the first time.  You want to court martial me, so be it, but I will not fly my or any other x-wing with out Frosty, period.  And with all due respect sir, even with a direct order, I will not.  I don't know what this Ghaloon is up to, but I will be damned if he's going to do something to get Frosty's memory wiped.  That is my job...”

“That will be just about enough, Lieutenant!” Nadur says, “I have my reasons for assigning R2-4T to the diplomats, and they are not for you to question.  If you do not like my decisions, please feel free to take it up with the Commander.”

Zir turns to walk out, but Nadur stops him.

“One more thing, Zir.  I know that you’re a bit of a loose cannon, and that’s part of the reason I wanted you on this mission.  You can’t be a flight leader if all you know is how to fly a desk.  However, I will not stand for insubordination from those under my command.  You will do your duty.  And next time you have something to discuss with me, be civilized about it.  Dismissed.”

Zir leaves.

The Commander’s Office:

Commander Genfore opens his door to an irate Lieutenant Amzenki.

“Come in, Lieutenant.  What’s on your mind?”

“With all due respect commander, I resent the fact that the Senior Aide on this mission has taken it upon himself to determine the best usage for my astromech.  He may belong to the new Republic, but his place is on my X-wing, and his not being there is partly to blame for me being shot down.  To the best of my knowledge, this Dashwood fellow is not even in the Republican Army, he is a diplomat.  Since when do they get jurisdiction over military personnel?  I will not fly any patrols without Frosty, Captain Nadur knew that before bringing me aboard.  So do not expect me to.  I have already informed Captain Nadur as much.  I am a reasonable Arkannian, but I have my limits.  Besides, this Dashwood seems to be hanging around with Ghaloon an awful lot, the same Ghaloon who suspected Frosty of being a spy.  Yet now they find it convenient to bring him in on their little unauthorized rescue, with out your knowledge, and without my own.”

“These are very serious charges, Lieutenant,” Genfore says, “I’m disturbed that you believe that Captain Nadur, a very fine officer, is trying to subvert the military by assigning an astromech to the diplomatic team.  I’m further disturbed by your accusation that R2-4T was responsible for your fighter being damaged, when I have no report from you backing this up.

“Just so that we are clear, Lieutenant, I expect you to perform your duty no matter what.  Now, I am prepared to consider this outburst as just a result of the battle we have all been through.  Dismissed.”

Zir leaves and goes to his quarters.  Punching up the communications system, Zir contacts Tehl, via comlink.

“Your usage of my astromech was both unauthorized and unappreciated, the next time either of you try such a stunt, I care not who you are, what you are, nor what rank you may be, we will have more than words.  Your recklessness could have cost a lot of people their lives, or did that little fact never cross your little bantha brains?  And you, who were so certain Frosty was an imperial spy, now seek to have him accompany you?  I will personally do everything I can to see that all those involved are properly punished.”

{Although the 'stunt' was a bit reckless, I felt it was justified.  The risks were necessary to discover the ambassador's whereabouts, and affect her rescue.  If there is anything further we need to discuss, it can be done at a later time.}

“My life, nor the life of Frosty is a necessary risk to take. If you wish to get yourself killed, by the force so be it, but you keep your damned conniving ways to yourself.  This is by no means over, when you are back ship side we WILL discuss this further.”

Zir shuts down the comlink and throws it across the room.

Over the Liberty’s Speakers:

{All senior officers, this is Commander Genfore.   We will be attending a dinner held by General Bel Iblis on board he NRS Defiance.  The ship will be left in command of Lieutenant Duo for the duration.  The Ambassadors and their aides are also invited, as well as Jedi Ghaloon.  Class A uniforms for the military personnel will be the dress of the day.  That is all.}

On the Surface:

The shuttle lands and the passengers disembark.  Lieutenant Hranzia immediately starts setting the office up in the building provided by Zedd.

“We’ve only got a little while before we have to head back up to the Defiance for the dinner,” Tehl says, “What should we do?”

[We should probably get a preliminary look at the area the area and see if there is some type of landing strip or base there.]

“Agrreed,” Ghaloon says, “But we won’t have much time.  Tehl, could you please have Bail brring overr some things forr us frrom the Liberrty?”

“Of course,” Tehl says, and then speaks into his comlink.

The group, including several of the security guards and 3 technicians.  The shuttle flies north and discovers a set of hanger doors, open, in the mountainside.

“I don’t detect any power in use,” one of the techs says, “I believe it’s safe to land.”

“Land and we’ll take a look arround,” Ghaloon says.

The shuttle lands in what looks like an Imperial landing bay.  After a quick look around the group decides to set up sensors and come back with a bigger party.  The shuttle drops off all but Tehl, Ghaloon and Forty at the “embassy,” then flies back to the Defiance.

The Shuttle:

Erilla and ‘leich pilot the Dove into the Defiance landing bay.

“Defiance Flight Control,” Erilla says, “This is Dove I, ready to land.”

{Acknowledged, Dove.  We have control.}

The Dove is brought in by the hanger bays tractor beams and is set down in a landing space next to the other shuttles.

“We’ve arrived everyone,” Erilla says, lowering the ramp.

The Officers and diplomats that have come over from the Liberty disembark.

“Commander Genfore,” says the Ensign standing there, “I’m to escort your party to the Officers’ Mess.  Follow me please.”

The group moves off, out of the docking bay.

“Well,” Erilla says to ‘leich, “I guess we get to amuse ourselves.  Care to head over to the pilot’s lounge?”

‘leich growls in the affirmative and they both head out of the hanger.

On the Defiance:

Ghaloon, Tehl and Forty, having just gotten off of the shuttle, go their separate ways.  Forty, not being invited to the dinner, sees Erilla and ‘leich leaving the hanger and decides to join them.

Ghaloon and Tehl head to the quarters that were provided for them.  Tehl rushes in, gets cleaned up and dressed before Ghaloon can do much of anything.

Ghaloon sees the package, still wrapped in the plas from the Liberty’s laundry, which Bail brought for him.  He opens it and is shocked.

Tehl, now completely dressed, runs out of the room.

“I’ll meet you later,” Tehl says, “I want to check in on the Ambassador.”

“Fine,” Ghaloon responds automatically, “I’ll see you at the dinnerr.”

When he has recovered, he goes to the computer, punches up the communications section and connects to the Liberty.

“Rrex,” he says, “I’m going to descrribe a patterrn to you and I want you to tell me the significance it has, if any, in any known culturre.”

{Of course, sir}

Ghaloon describes the pattern and Rex is quite for a few minutes.

{Sir, it appears that this pattern is used by the primitive tribes of the planet Quaxor, in the Elrood Sector, when honoring a dignitary returning from some courageous effort but who has been grievously injured in the attempt.  I hope that helps you, sir.}

“I’m not sure yet,” Ghaloon says and shuts the connection down.

Sickbay:

Tehl walks into sickbay and sees Bail Martok, the Senior Secretary for the Diplomatic Detachment, is sitting in the waiting room with a worried look on his face.  He jumps up when he sees Tehl walk into the room.

"Tehl," he says, "I need to talk to you."

“Now calm down,” Tehl says, “and start from the beginning.”

"The doctors," he begins, "they did all they could, but ... but, it looks like she was just stunned one too many time in one area.  Tehl, she hasn't regained the use of her legs.  She might be paralyzed for the rest of her life!"

Recovering from his initial shock, Tehl tries to put a good spin on things.  “Bail!  That could be an advantage in negotiations.  No one would want to pull underhanded tricks on a woman who can't use her legs... Let's get her  in a hoverchair and get her up to the dinner.”

"She's already in a hoverchair and waiting to go to the dinner,” Bail responds.  “But, what should we do?   I don't think it's hit her yet."

“We’ll just go in and see her and assess the damage,” Tehl says.  “Now, fix your tie.  And smile.”

“Yes, sir."

They head into the room where the Ambassador is and find her sitting in the hoverchair and staring out of the porthole and into space.  She's dressed in one of her more formal gowns and looks quite lovely.  She hears them come in and turns from the window to greet them.  

“Welcome, Tehl," she says, "I think we should be heading up to the dinner, don't you?"

"Of course, Ambassador.  You look quite lovely tonight." Tehl pus on his best smile and stands aside to let her 'drive' past and go to the dinner.  Tehl and Bail follow.

Along the way, Tehl explains what has been happening.

"You asked about the 'embassy' business.  I needed the resources of the Defiance - about 25 troops in all.  If I had asked for 25, I would've gotten 5.  If I had asked for an office, I would've been able to staff a closet. So I told them we were going to start an embassy (which is an eventuality, you know), but quickly scaled back to an office staff for the investigation."

"Things are getting complicated on the surface, by the way.  The CorSec officer who helped us is a great supporter of the New Republic.  But his faction is in the minority, it seems.  Most of the Corellians do seem to be a bit isolationists.  Other than the investigation itself, is there any sort of action you'd feel comfortable permitting?"

“Not at the moment, Tehl,” Justinian responds.  “Please continue.”

"Oh, and I did tell Harkonan what was going on - but you know how he is.  I couldn't really tell him about the embassy, because it would've blown my story - 'We should have an embassy' followed quickly by 'Hey ambassador Harkonan, I'm just kidding'"

The Defiance Officers’ Mess: 

Those in attendance are:

Liberty:					Defiance:
Commander Genfore 			General Bel Iblis 		(Fleet Commander)
Captain Nadur 				Commander Clatoor 	(Commanding Officer)
Lieutenant Antia 				Captain Brikar Mitun 	(Executive Officer)
Lieutenant Runaar 			Lieutenant Juaxur Nabraal (Chief of Bridge Ops.)
Lieutenant Amzenki 			Captain Ambrigar 	(Chief Engineer)
Lieutenant Attlan				Captain Grancia Mital	(Chief of Flight Ops.)
Captain Mercia Attlan 	(Chief of Medical Ops.)
				Lieutenant Aniria Netjor 	(Chief of Security)

Ambassador Justinian		
Ambassador Harkonan
Mr. Dashwood
Mr. Martok
Mr. Ardine
Mr. Ghaloon

There is a group of security guards at the doors, also in dress uniforms and at parade rest.

 The General and Genfore, who were off in a side alcove, return.  The General can be heard saying, "... I really wish you'd reconsider."  Genfore is smiling but shaking his head.

Then Dashwood, Martok, and Justinian arrive.  There is a collective gasp from everyone but the two doctors at Justinian being wheeled in, apparently unable to walk.  Everyone tries not to stare but not very many succeed.

There is another gasp (albeit a bit more of a laugh) as Ghaloon enters wearing robes in a pattern of butterscotch and burgundy plaid with lime green piping.  He tries to look calm and peaceful, but has trouble when Bail Martok is in view.

After about half and hour, the small talk is over and the steward announces that dinner is ready to be served.  Everyone shuffles into the Captain's Mess.  The tables are set up in a U shape and the seating in assigned.  At the head table are (from left to right) Commander Genfore, Commander Clatoor, Gen. Bel Iblis, Ambassador Justinian, Ambassador Harkonan.  

On Clatoor's left sit the officers of Defiance in the following order, Captain Mitun, Captain Ambrigar, Captain Mital, Captain Attla, Lieutenant Nabraal, Lieutenant Netjor.  

To Harkonan's right sit the Liberty Officers in the order Captain Nadu, Lieutenant Attlan, Tehl Dashwood, Ghaloon, Lieutenant Antia, Lieutenant Amzenki.

Bail Martok and Ardine are sitting behind Justinian and Harkonan (respectively) and acting as servers.  Bel Iblis, Genfore and Clatoor have servers assigned to them and each side table has 3 servers, or 1 per 2 people.

In the center of the tables, on the deck, is the New Republic crest superimposed on a picture of the galaxy.  There is light jizz music playing over the speakers at a pleasant level.  The servers ask if anyone would like drinks or refills and then fill the order.  When everyone has something, Bel Iblis stands and makes a toast.
"Ladies and Gentlebeings," he says, "I would like to propose a toast.  To Crewmen Tarinna Klotial and Hictor Letan.  They gave their lives in the line of duty.  They will be missed."

Everyone drinks and Bel Iblis motions for dinner to be served.  It is a very good meal, served in 5 courses.  During dinner, the general tells his server something that cannot be made out and the server moves away.

After dinner, the General again rises and motions to the door.  'leich and Forty are led in.  "Mr. Dashwood and Jedi Ghaloon," the General says, "would you please join your friends."

The two diplomats move to the center and all four stand over the New Republic Seal.

"Gentlemen," the General begins, "you have shown a distinct lack of finesse in your handling of the situation with Ambassador Justinian.  You took it upon yourselves to infiltrate a compound that you believe the Ambassador was being held in, completely disregarding the fact that you might have been placing innocent people in danger.  You did not inform your superiors of you activities and even tricked them into believing you were at your duty station.

"However, in light of all of your actions to the contrary of New Republic Military and Diplomatic policy, you did manage to rescue the Ambassador and to expose the Imperial threat in the system.  Therefore, on my own authority, I am proud to award you, Mr. Dashwood and Jedi Ghaloon, the New Republic Freedom Medal.  And to you, R2-4T and Aleichibek, I award you the Distinguished Service Cross with Star Cluster.  Flight Officer Korona will also receive the same, when he returns from leave."

Bel Iblis stands back and applauds.  The Defiance Officers and all of the Liberty representatives, with the notable exception of Lieutenant Amzenki, stand and applaud as well.