Federation Starbase 23 - Hydran Stories

Solev 01: Ashes of the Fallen

By Ambassador Solev







Introduction


I welcome Ambassador Solev to Starbase 23's newly refurbished VIP/Diplomatic quarters and wish him a long, happy, and hopefully productive stay, as well as thanking him for his permission to keep his stories up on my site. His stories are good and I've enjoyed having them shown to all for the good works that they are, as well as giving the Trek fan fiction universe some much-needed diversity. I am just happy that these stories, told from the rare and unique viewpoint of a Hydran character, have a permanent, and authorised place on the 'Net.




The Story


Ambassador Solev looked across the field that used to be the city of Sireth. He walked passed the foundations of the burnt buildings and fallen ruins. When he reached one dead building in particular, he stopped, and picked up a fragment of metal. It used to be a sign; the word ‘shelter’ could be dimly made out.


The fires burned high into the night, the ground shook as the Klingon drones pounded cities just over the horizon. Inside the Shelter for Outcast Children, a dozen matriarchs huddled with some forty small children. Many were crying, and they shrieked when each drone hit the ground. Solev held tight to his matriarch, dry tears in his eyes. The drone barrage stopped, and the sound of transporters was heard as both Lyrans and Klingons appeared protected by odd-looking environmental suits…


“Ambassador?” Solev’s aide had beamed down. Solev dropped the plate he was holding, and composed himself. He then turned around.

“Yes, what news?” He asked.

“Well, sir. The long-range scans have picked up a ship. A frigate I believe, it's Lyran. They should be here within the hour.”

“Thank you. Return to the ship. Be sure the captain understands that we are to accord them with full honors and respect. There are to be NO hostilities. Understood?”

“Yes, Sir. Right away sir.” The Aide signaled the ship and beamed back up.

Solev continued his walk. Sireth had been the largest city on Akkrev. It was spared from the drone barrage only by its defensive gatling phaser arrays. Debris from destroyed missiles floated down to the surface for three weeks after the assault.

Solev walked into the rubble that used to be the shelter. It had once been a long low building full of small bunks for the outcast children; Children who were born without brothers, children with deformities, children with mental problems. All of whom were considered as outcasts, useless in Hydran society. Solev had been one of those without the bond of brotherhood; his parents had born only him. According to society, those children were mentally impaired, as they did not have the benefit of sharing their lives with siblings. The bond of brotherhood is a very deep and religious thing, stronger even than the bond of friendship, or the bond between parent and child. Those who had no siblings usually developed extreme mental difficulties. Without any testing they were usually just set aside and ignored.

He walked down the rows of beds, and stopped at one in particular, third from the end. The frame was twisted and the bedding burned, only a stark skeleton remained…


Solev sat on the edge of the bunk, a book about Stokoran the Great in his tentacle, the priest sitting next to him.

“And so Stokoran threw off the chains, and declared in a loud voice ‘I am not a slave!” The priest was teaching him of this ancient god. “No one is a slave, to anyone!”

“Kevre, why did the ones from the stars try to enslave Stokoran?” Solev asked.

“Because, young one, Stokoran looked vastly different from the ones from the stars. They feared him because of his unusual appearance, and so tried to enslave him so that they would have no reason to worry about him anymore.”

“What do the ones from the stars look like, Kevre?”

“It is hard to explain. Let us hope that you have the opportunity to meet them on friendly terms. I doubt, though, that that will happen.”

“Why, Kevre?”

“Because they hate us. We have done nothing to them, and they attack anyway. We will not be able to stay on Akkrev for much longer. They come with destruction, and they are almost here.”


Solev looked down into the valley. Sireth was a dead city, but Tothuul had been built just below. It was still not as large as Sireth had been, but it was well on its way to that point. No one wanted to rebuild Sireth. The memories were too painful. A new city was built in the shadow of the old, but only after many years of mourning.

*****

Later, aboard HMS StarFinder, Solev pulled up dossiers on Heath and S’tyr, the two diplomats due to arrive within a few minutes. He spent several quiet minutes reading the information, then turned off the display. He reflected on the events to come, when his door alert sounded.

“Enter.” He said, as calmly as he could manage; his twin stomachs felt as if they were tied in knots.

Hyrian entered. Hyrian was first officer of the StarFinder, and was also department head of sciences. “Ambassador?”

“Yes, what is it?”

She entered the rest of the way into the room, her hesitation to come in a mark of respect for a senior officer. “We have been contacted by two ships, sir. The MSV Dark Hunter, and the DSV Evening Rain.”

“Thank you. Can you give me a report on their alert status?”

“Both ships have approached under yellow alert, shields are up, phasers charged. No other preparations seem evident.”

“Of course. They are here under a flag of truce, but neither truly trusts the other. Very well, tell the captain that my orders are to remain on Green alert, and that I shall be out in a moment to start a dialogue with our distinguished guests.”

“Yes, Sir. As you wish.” Hyrian turned quickly and left the office.

Alone again with his thoughts, Solev again felt a surge of anxiety. He was certain that he and the two diplomats could bring about the beginnings of peace. What he wasn’t sure of was every other person here right now. Solev took a deep breath and went out to the bridge.

“Captain, if you’ll please open channels to both ships…”

“Of course, sir.” The captain gave the orders and soon the main viewer was split into two screens. On the left, was a Lyran. His narrow face full of pride and curiosity. There were low, almost inaudible sounds behind Solev. Many of his crew had heard stories of the massacre and occupation. All of them had been taught that this was the face of the enemy. If the Lyran noticed, he made no indication.

“Commander Heath. Thank you for coming.” Solev bowed to the screen.

On the right side of the screen was a Mirak. His face was scarred from countless brawls and two assassination attempts. “Captain S’tyr. It is a pleasure and an honor.” Solev bowed again.

The Mirak momentarily showed surprise, then respect. Most non-Mirak mispronounce his name.

The Lyran spoke next. “Ambassador. Let me say that I am pleased to be here at your request, and I represent the Countess of the Dark Star County in everything I say and do. The Countess and I are at your disposal. At least for the time being.”

“And Ambassador,” S’tyr spoke next. “I bring you word that you have been offered full support from the Star League if you should need it.”

“Thank You, gentlemen. I welcome you to Akkrev. Before you come to my ship to begin the discussions, I felt it would be appropriate that we all see each other’s faces without the hindrance of environmental suits. Perhaps when we leave today, we can look upon those faces as friends. Now, as far as today’s itinerary is concerned, we have prepared a traditional meal from both Lyran and Mirak cuisine. We have adjusted the atmosphere of the dining hall so that you may eat in comfort. I of course shall be in an environmental suit, but as I do not eat, that will not be a problem. After that, we shall all meet at the city of Sireth below. This is where our negotiations shall take place, so be prepared to wear your suits. I hope you both have permission from your respective fleets to spend a few days here?”

S’tyr spoke, “The Dark Hunter can stay for as long as you need her to, but do not expect these negotiations to last very long at all. We are all aware of the Lyran tendency toward violence…”

“We would not attack without provocation. We are guests here. We would not dishonor the Ambassador with craven attacks. The Evening Rain is yours, Ambassador, for as long as you need her.”

“Please, gentlemen. We are here under truce. Please, try to calm your anger. Otherwise this entire meeting will be for naught. Supper will be served in thirty minutes. Is that acceptable?” Both nodded silent agreement. “Good, then I shall see you in the dining hall.”

After the screen went blank, Solev felt a bit more comfortable. He looked around the bridge, the crew worked silently. All, that is except Hyrian. “Sir, if I may?”

“You may.”

“Sir, we cannot trust these two. I protest your decision to stand here defenseless when they are here. I protest your bringing them aboard this ship. The Lyrans slaughtered our people. The Mirak eat their prisoners. There can be no hope of peace with savages such as these!”

“Commander, I understand your comments. However, you are a scientist. I am a diplomat. The only way to impress on these ‘savages’ as you call them is to show them that we are not afraid of them. Therefore we remain at green alert. Furthermore, I believe that nothing will happen here. If Heath were to attack us, S’tyr would certainly destroy his ship. S’tyr will not violate the truce because he is our ally, and he is known for his support for our alliance. That leaves only Hydran feelings. I know the captain will honor my wishes. He fears what would happen to him if he crossed me or the King, whom I represent. Aboard a Hydran ship such as this, a crew cannot operate without the highest brand of loyalty, both to the captain and the crown. The crew will not attack without provocation. That leaves you. Will you obey my wishes, and do everything in your power to help this day be successful, or will you be spending the rest of the day confined to quarters?”

Hyrian glowered at him, but backed down. She returned to her station. A single question went through Solev’s mind: How can we change others if we are ourselves unwilling to change?

*****

“How have the births been coming along?” The overseer asked.

“Very good.” The nurse answered. “Of the ten matriarchs here, six have given birth to very strong triples. They will be strong children when they grow.”

“And the others?”

“Two are still laboring, their time will be soon. One aborted its birth, all three children stillborn.”

“What of the tenth matriarch?”

The nurse motioned to one of the matriarchs. It came over carrying a small bundle, and handed it to the nurse. “The tenth bore only this male. There were no others, not even still-born.”

The Overseer took the bundle from the nurse, and uncovered its face. One of its tentacles wrapped itself around his. He frowned, “Solevetya. An outcast. Send it to the priest. His shelter will care for it.”

“Sir, shouldn’t we dispose of it? It is an only child after all…”

“No, if nothing else, he can be trained to care for the matriarchs.”

The outcast cried briefly. The nurse took it back and had it sent to the priest. No one would want it. It had no brothers, and therefore, was incapable of a normal life. There was nothing that could change centuries of traditional thought. Solev was forever branded by a chance occurrence.

*****

“Security chief, collect all sidearms from the transporter crews and lock them away. I don’t want anyone taking a shot at our guests.” Solev was standing before the transporter pad, ready to receive the two diplomats.

“Sir, is that really a good idea? I mean if they try to start something, there’d be no way to stop them before they killed several of us!”

“You may keep your weapon, if it will make you more comfortable. However, it must be kept out of sight. No one else is to have one.”

“Yes, sir. As you order.” The security chief went around the small room and took all of the weapons from the transporter crew. He locked them in a cabinet behind the control panel. “Everything is ready sir.” He said.

“Ambassador, the Lyran and Mirak captains signal their readiness.”

“Bring them aboard, then.”

“Yes, sir.”

The transporter hummed to life, and a dim glow filled the room. A few moments later, a Mirak and a Lyran were standing in the cramped chamber, complete in environmental suits.

“By the gods, they’re huge!” muttered the transport officer under his breath. It was true. Hydrans generally measure less than four and a half feet tall, and their equipment was designed for people of that stature. The Lyran fit with only a little bow. The Mirak on the other hand was bent nearly double.

The Mirak spoke first. “This ship smells even through the suits.” He then looked over at the Lyran. “Hmmm. Maybe it’s just him.” He then proceeded to step put of the transporter bay where there was more room for him to stand. The Lyran stepped out at the same time, keeping quiet despite the remark made by the nameless one.

Solev extended his tentacles and bowed. “Welcome aboard the HMS StarFinder, gentlemen. I believe the two of you have met before?”

“We have.” Heath affirmed.

“Then we can dispense with the niceties, and get on with supper. If you would follow me, please?” He motioned out the door, and then led the two to the dining hall. S’tyr stood up fully when he entered, as the ceiling was eight feet up, a vaulted ceiling to a Hydran. Solev put on a breathing mask, then turned to his guests. “You may remove your masks here. The atmosphere has been adjusted to be more comfortable to you.”

The two removed the helmets from their suits, and looked around the hall. It was large by Hydran standards, but seemed to be dwarfed by the presence of the Mirak and Lyran. On one wall hung the flag of the Mirak Star League, and on the opposite, the flag of the Dark Star County. On the wall in between were the flag of the Royal Hydran Kingdom, and the seal of Hydraxan XXIV. The table was long, and allowed for more than enough room for everyone to sit, though it was low enough that S’tyr sat on the floor. Set in front of each of the diplomats was a plate of food. At first, the two simply sat and looked across the table at each other. Then after a few glares of hatred, S’tyr began to eat. Again he was surprised that the food would be so good. It was difficult for him to believe that a non-Mirak could provide such good food.

After the meal was finished, Solev ordered drinks. “Gentlemen, I would like to present a toast, to a new era. May it rise from the ashes of the fallen and fill the galaxy with a new light.” He raised his glass, and the two echoed him. “Now, if you would like, we can now beam down to the planet. While you will have to wear your helmets again, there should be much more room for you to sit and be comfortable. I apologize for the conditions here. It was simply short-sightedness on my part to not realize the difference in size among our peoples.”

*****

Aboard the MSV Dark Hunter, things were quiet. The first officer, Tanor, and the weapons officer, Shandar looked out the main viewscreen at the Lyran frigate hanging in space above the planet.

“Have they done anything, yet?” Tanor asked.

“No. They have been keeping station and their shields are still up. Their phasers are still charged. Other than that, I get no readings on their ship.”

“What of the Hydran?”

“The StarFinder remains on standby, no shields, no weapons. Sir if we were to strike now, the Lyrans would have no chance to respond. We could destroy their ship and claim they attacked us.”

“An interesting idea. But, no. We are here on orders from the countess herself. Besides, I think this ‘Solev’ intrigues Commander Heath. While he remains on the planet below, we won’t do anything. However, I want you to keep ready. We cannot trust the Lyrans. Be ready for anything.”

Shandar grinned. “Yes, sir.” He licked his fangs.

*****

“Sensors, are they doing anything?” The first officer of the DSV Evening Rain was getting nervous.

“Nothing yet sir. They still have phasers ready and shields up.”

“Damn! I hate waiting. Has there been any word from Heath?”

“No sir.”

“Keep a lock on him. Be ready to beam him back at a moment’s notice. I don’t like him being down there with a nameless savage, and a Hydran with a grudge. There are too many enemies down there for my comfort. Weapons! Keep an eye on that Mirak ship. The Hydran vessel too. Be ready to leave in a hurry. If one of them attacks, the other is sure to help. The odds are horribly against us.”

“Aye, Sir.”

*****

“Young Hydran, today is the day you become an adult. You have passed the tests of adulthood, and have proven yourself worthy to take your place among others of your kind. It is time for you to select a name for yourself.”

“I choose Solev, the outcast.”

“Why such a name? You have lived for so long under the moniker of ‘outcast’ I would think that you would choose a better name for yourself. Anyone else in your position would wish for a different name, one with fewer bad connotations.”

“Others, but not myself.”

“Tell the tribunal then, why you wish the name Solev.”

“As you have mentioned before, I have lived as Solevetya to this point. I have had to fight my way to this point more so than any other child does. I choose to be called the Outcast so that others will see my origin, and see what I have accomplished. They will see my name and realize that the outcasts are not just some animal, some unintelligent creature like a matriarch. They will see that we are as much a Hydran as any other. And they will have to respect me for it. That is why I choose the name Solev. It is who I am.”

“Very well. We will record your name. From now on, you will be known as Solev.”

*****

The meeting place Solev had chosen was larger than the dining hall, though it had obviously been the target of several raids during the occupation. The room was lit by three small emergency generators set up beforehand by a crew from the StarFinder. The crew had cleaned up the room, and set up a new table, complete with small computer screens.

“Gentlemen,” Solev began. “Thank you for meeting here. We have much to do. The building we are in right now was the council hall for the city of Sireth. Sireth was the largest city on this planet before the occupation. I have chosen this place so that we might make a new symbol of this place, one of peace and friendship as opposed to one of death and hatred. For two of us, this place has a historical meaning. It is a painful place for me to be. But I have chosen to be here to show you that I can set aside my feelings for the better good of the Kingdom and all of her potential allies.”

“Solev. You are a good speaker.” Heath stood. “But all you say are words. Words can be dangerous. I think you are not here for the sake of a ‘new symbol’ but for the sake of an old grudge you cannot let go of.”

“Your concerns are warranted. I have much to hold a grudge for. I was here during the massacre. I watched Klingons and Lyrans kill thousands of my people. This is a place no Hydran would visit lightly. You can believe me when I say that I have set aside my grudges for the betterment of my people.”

“Heath, I think you can trust Solev.” S’tyr said. “I have supported the Mirak-Hydran alliance for many years now, and have had many occasions to meet Hydrans. In my past experience, the Hydrans have proven that they are beyond petty bickering. We are all here in the interests of our people. Solev wishes to prevent another occupation, as is his right, and the right of his people. You are here because a war with the Hydrans would be costly to you and your countess. Millions of your clan would die if either side crossed the borders. I am here, because I am not concerned about the Lyrans as a threat to my people. Lyrans and Mirak have fought for centuries. There is no way to change that. I respect Lyrans as warriors who are willing to test their mettle on the field of battle. The real threat to the Mirak comes from the Klingons. They enslave everyone they conquer. We would benefit much from an alliance with the Lyrans. We would have them surrounded on three sides, four if you consider the Federation. The Klingons could not stand up to such a force. They could be enslaved for a change, and get a taste of what they do to others.”

“Heath, S’tyr. We are here to talk peace, not temporary alliances. The peace I propose would be a lasting one. We three have between us enough hatred for an entire galaxy. We must show ourselves to be honorable and capable of putting these differences aside. I know that you are both here because you are interested in peace. We need to form a lasting bond. The Klingons will have to consider the bigger picture at the same time all of us do. We are all under the same threat. The Interstellar Concordium believes we are all savages and warmongers. If we can prove to ourselves that we are not, perhaps we will be strong enough to turn them away.”

“I think you overestimate the ISC, Ambassador.” S’tyr laughed. “There have been but few reports of their ‘pacification attempts’ and they are laughable. Any ISC ships that enter our space will be destroyed with ease, whether we have your support or not.”

“Do not take the ISC too lightly,” Heath warned. “I have had many discussions with the one that calls himself Overon. They believe in their cause, and they have more ships than we do. If they are determined to enter our space, they may well be able to. In regards to why I am here S’tyr, you are right. I seek a way to protect my people from being destroyed. No matter who the aggressor is, Dark Star County will bear the first wave of the attack. I know that many of my people feel the same way. Dark Star County is dangerously close to declaring independence from the rest of the Lyran government. We are simply that determined to prevent our people from being slaughtered as Solev’s people were.”

“So you do not see us as a threat?”

“The Mirak are always a threat. But as you said yourself, only on the field of battle. We do not seek to enslave your people. We merely wish to prove that we are the stronger.”

“Stronger!” S’tyr roared. “I could snap your scrawny neck with one hand! Do not speak to me about who is stronger. We are enemies, and we always shall be. I simply offered you an alliance that would benefit everyone and eliminate the Klingons as a threat. Do not let your pride get in the way of your seeing this!”

“You may be larger than us. You may have better ships. But after you run out of drones, your ships are no better than those the Klingons make. If you truly wanted to be stronger than us, you would get rid of that damned clan system your people trust in so much and coordinate one fleet. As it is, you are too busy fighting among yourselves to be any threat to anyone!”

“You will die with those words on your lips!”

“QUIET!” Solev shouted. Surprised the two sat back down, and listened. “Is this how your people arrange alliances? You trade insults and attack each other? How are we to come to a peaceful agreement if you can’t stop fighting long enough to have one civil conversation?”

“It is impossible to talk to a nameless one.” Heath growled. “They will not listen to anything.”

“We listen when it is important. I did not come here to be insulted. I came to work towards a peace agreement.” S’tyr took a deep breath, and regained his composure. “I will try to keep my temper down. Please continue, Ambassador.”

Heath sat down again. “I too shall listen. What do you propose, Ambassador?”

“Thank you.” Solev paused for a moment, his anxiety growing with every outburst. “As you may know, I have the ear of the King. Everything I say comes from him and everything I hear goes to him. His Majesty is supremely interested in finding a way to create a peace between us. He understands that a lasting peace can only be attained if Mirak and Lyran pledge not to attack each other until the diplomats can work everything out. To that end, His Majesty pledges that no Lyran vessel, or Mirak vessel for that matter, will be attacked without provocation. Our borders are still to be considered closed, so any incursions will be an act of war. However, we will not invade your space either. Any Hydran vessel that enters Lyran space and attacks without due cause or orders from above is to be considered a rogue. We will deal with these rogues ourselves if capture is possible. I ask that both Mirak and Lyran make a similar pledge. We will all consider each border inviolate, and we will not seek to expand into another’s space. Is that agreeable?”

“It is agreeable to us, but as allies, the Mirak would have accepted such a ruling anyway. I will mention these proceedings to the Patriarch, and will of course send along his response.”

“For the time being, you can trust that all Lyran vessels will remain within Lyran space. Any invaders are not of Dark Star County. I can only guarantee the compliance of Dark Star however. The other counties have their own views and may not be willing to come to any agreement with the Mirak.”

“I imagine that to be true. I realize that all of our people have much to learn. Change will not come easily. It is my hope that…”

“Ambassador!” Solev’s communicator interrupted him. “The ships! They are attacking each other!”

“What!” shouted S’tyr, incredulous. “You set us up! This was your plan to destroy my ship!”

“I swear, that is not true!” Heath answered. “I have no idea what is going on!” Heath took out his own communicator. “Bridge! What is happening?”

“Commander, the nameless ones fired on us first! We’ve taken heavy damage!”

S’tyr opened his communicator “Beam me up now!” Within seconds, he was gone.

“Solev to StarFinder, what is happening up there?”

“We aren’t sure, sir, but both sides have taken severe damage. I am going to maneuver between the two ships and try to intervene…”

“No!” shouted Solev. “They’ll just destroy you, stay out of their way!” Solev turned to Heath. “You had better get up there and take command of your ship again.”

“I am sorry that we could not work out a better agreement.”

“Don’t worry about that now. Your ship will be destroyed.”

“You are a warrior. But you are compassionate. There may be hope for our people after all. Bridge! Beam me up!”

*****

Later, the viewscreen was split again. On one side was the proud Mirak with all of his scars, on the other, the Lyran, still curious.

“Captains, I thank you for your coming here. I only wish we could have had more time to talk.”

“Thank you, Ambassador. And do not worry about our little fight. I have put the instigators in the brig. The countess shall deal with them herself. S’tyr, I apologize for the attack on your ship. Do not let this incident color your report to your Patriarch.”

“I shall not.” S’tyr agreed. “There were many aboard my ship who were to blame as well. We will continue this dialogue in the future. I still believe that there may be a way to come to a peaceful agreement.”

“I am glad to hear the two of you say that. “ Solev smiled, twice. “If you wish, we can have an escort take you to the neutral zone…”

“No, Ambassador.” Heath smiled. “I think I can find the way.”

“No escort is necessary. Ambassador, I wish you luck in your endeavor. Dark Hunter out.”

“Thank you for your hospitality. When I tell my people of how you had let go of your grudges, they may be a bit more inclined to listen to me. Until next time, Ambassador…”

“Until next time.” The screen changed to an exterior view. A Lyran frigate and a Mirak light cruiser pulled away, side by side in the same direction. Then the Lyran changed course a bit, and both ships went to high warp and disappeared.

Commodore Solev looked around the bridge of the HMS StarFinder, a newly commissioned Lord Marshall. No matter what others would think of him, he was not a failure. He had a ship of his own, a fleet under his command, and a willingness to make a change. Stokoran would be proud.

“Solev means outcast. That is what I am. Respect what I have accomplished.”







Epilogue One

By Heath

Commander's War Journal: Supplemental.

We have concluded our mission in Hydran territory and are proceeding at high warp back to Dark Storm.

Ambassador Solev met a Lyran frigate and a light cruiser of the Unnamed at green condition: no shields, no weapons. In my conversations with him I have determined that he is not a fool. I am therefore left with the impression that he is tremendously brave. We will take news of his actions back to our people. Perhaps this will finally convince them of Hydran courage, (as if the occupation wasn't enough). It will make it at least difficult, if not impossible, for the clanless sycophants at the Imperial Court to find a reason to continue their disdainful attitude.

Whatever the decisions of the other clans, we will not fight the Hydrans. They are noble and to do so would be base.

As for S'tyr…why can't his people be more like him. Some day he and I will duel. Not to the death, but we will test each other. I greatly look forward to that day, and the drinking afterward.

Oh yes. Three of my crew conspired to draw the Unnamed into a confrontation. I considered beaming them over to the Mirak ship covered in hilenel sauce. No. Computer, strike that. I'm sure that Her Grace will have appropriate plans from them.

We continue on course to the Matawan shipyards for refit to the DW class.

Heath
DSV Evening Rain
Dark Storm Clan
Far Stars County
Lyran Star Empire






Epilogue Two

By TheSatyr

Personal Log:
We are on route back to Mirak space following my all too brief talks with both Ambassador Solev and the Lyran Heath.

Ambassador Solev was almost exactly the way his dossier describes him. A being of great bravery, courage, honesty and conviction. It was an honor to finally meet him.

Heath was an unknown quantity. Intelligence had very little on him. By coming to a meeting with his people's two greatest foes, He has earned my deepest respect. He also impressed me greatly with his honesty. After speaking with him, I feel that I can trust him and his word. I hope to meet him again someday, not as an enemy but as a friend.

As for the incident between our two ships, I have had those responsible beamed out into space, including their leader, my weapons officer Shandar. I will NOT tolerate any insubordination on my ship.

Finally, I have advised The Patriarch that I believe that peace is indeed possible with the Lyrans…at least with the Dark Storm Clan. I hope that what happened at Akkrev will be just the beginning. Perhaps in the time of my children’s children the Lyrans and Mirak will be one people again.

End Log.


The End