=^= I don’t know what you want me to tell you Gul Torin? We are a scientific research station focusing on computer technology and inter connectivity of life systems, there is no weapons research or covert operations here? =^= Commander Nalor shrugged her shoulders in exasperation. She couldn’t for the life of her think where this Gul had been getting his information from but she knew if she couldn’t talk him down this was not going to end well.

Gul Torin leaned closer into the screen and gave an icy glare at the Trill scientist. =^= Well, I find that very interesting Commander because that is exactly what you would say if you were developing covert weaponry. =^= he replied with a menacing look. Nalor shook her head, beginning to realise that nothing she was going to say would convince him. Torin pursued his lips, obviously wondering how he could get her to slip up before his mouth extended into a sinister grin. =^= But I suppose if you have nothing to hide, you would be happy for me to bring a research team of my own down to peruse your research? =^= he suggested, raising an eyebrow but still maintaining his threatening smile.

Nalor shook her head adamantly at his suggestion. =^= No Gul Torin, I cannot authorise that. Any request to peruse our research will have to be made through the Federation science council. =^= she replied firmly with an almost imperceptible waver in her voice. The Gul’s face hardened into a cold stare as he shook his head. =^= So that you have time to hide whatever it is you don’t want the Cardassian Union to see? I think not. =^= he replied with firm resolution. =^= My ship will be arriving in 2 days and you will divulge what it is you are working on or it will be considered an act of war against Cardassia. Do you think me a fool? You have chosen to conduct your ‘peaceful’ research on one of the closest uninhabited planets to Cardassia and we will not be lab rats for whatever you are threatening to unleash! =^= Gul Torin practically spat the last of his words out before terminating the call.

Commander Nalor ran her fingers through her hair nervously before opening another comm line.

=^= This is Commander Darien Nalor of the Federation research station on Kabrel II calling star-fleet command, we are in urgent need of assistance from Cardassian aggressors, please respond! =^=

——————————————————————————————

Four decks down and completely unaware of the nightmare unfolding in the Commander’s office, Dr Arden paced up and down nervously. “So what can you tell me doc? What happened to her?” Daniel asked as he gently put a hand on Ensign Cade’s arm as she lay on a biobed. Her eyes were fixed on the ceiling above her and she was quietly muttering incoherent nonsense. Dr Chen shrugged his shoulders as he looked at the scans again. “I don’t know what to tell you sir, physically she is unharmed apart from a minor concussion, presumably from when she fell. Whatever is happening to the Ensign is in her mind and I’m afraid that really isn’t my speciality…” he added gently as he watched Cade whisper frantically to herself. Daniel threw his arms up in frustration before kneeling next to the young Ensign and gently stroking her hair. “Liris? It’s Daniel…” he said softly as he continued to stroke her head. “Please Liris, can you tell us what happened…” he urged as she continued to stare at the ceiling. “Can you hear me?” He added before sighing and rising back to his feet. As he shook his head and went to move away, Ensign Cade grabbed his arm, her eyes still in a fixied stare. Daniel put his hand on top of hers before kneeling down again expectantly. Cade slowly turned and for the first time made eye contact with him. “They’re coming…” she said quietly before returning her gaze to the ceiling and continuing to mutter. Daniel looked across at Dr Chen who looked just as confused. “Who’s coming Liris? Liris?!” He asked urgently but Ensign Cade would not answer him again.

Mother Hen (GM)