(Events take place during recon of Maasune) The readings continued to pass through to their stations. Jylliene continued to study the scans from ops. Not because she knew a great deal about what was coming in - as far as she figured, anything she'd notice would be picked up by their science officers much more quickly. No, it was just trying to see what she was missing. This was a scouting mission, wasn't it? To check out potential sites for colonization? So...well, this planet CERTAINLY wasn't colony material – not anymore. Maybe once everything resettled to the surface, and things stabilized, but she highly doubted the Romulan refugees would wait the - what, hundreds, at least, given the state of the planet right now? – of years necessary. Might be something to remember if they need a new location for their great-great-great-great-great-great-great (she caught herself nearly counting generations on her fingers) grandchildren. She was unsure why they weren't moving on to the next location. Yes, THIS planet had some kind of cataclysmic event, but given the underground structures and the continued lack of any sign of a fleeing culprit, she imagined this was far more likely to be an isolated incident than a security risk to their endeavor, such as someone with a vendetta against the Romulans. So why exactly ARE they still here, even preparing to risk the fighters from the Revenge among all of the unknown hazards (nevermind the *known* debris and radiation)? It just seemed like everyone had forgotten the reason for their journey - the refugees - to go off on their little exploratory trip. Could they not make a note of the situation and continue onward, instead of wasting the refugees' time (both now and during any possible repairs or re-equiping that might be needed afterward)? Mouth shut, Ensign. You're not of a sufficient rank, nor have you had nearly enough time here, to make any protests. Jylliene leaned back in her chair, sighed a bit, then returned her attention to monitoring her station.

Captain’s Log, Stardate 2387.105 Chirakis Kirel, Commanding Officer Sky Harbor Aegis Kirel swiveled her chair to the side and tapped one finger on the marbled desktop as she eyed the monitor’s image, a pasted smile revealing her skepticism. “And may I can ask the reason?” From the director’s expression, the question was expected. “Of course you may ask.” “Then I am asking.” “All I know is that it came down from the Romulan High Council and Starfleet agreed.” “Convenient, wouldn’t you say, Mr. Director?” “Convenient?” SI-5 Director Torak leaned forward, his expression slightly changed. Kirel’s expression, on the other hand, did not change, the same pasted smile a mirror of her thoughts. “Convenient in that SubCommander Tylus Petrinius Jorahl would then be left in command of perhaps the most strategic station in this area of space.” Her grin broadened suggestively. Torak shrugged, hands spread before the screen before re-clasping them. “I don’t believe I need remind you, Captain, that he is an ally, and a very strong ally, with ties to the High Council. He is completely capable of commanding and defending the station. “As for you accompanying the exploration vessels, the High Command is particularly interested in the next planet, the...” Torak reached to the side for a data slate “...planet Maasune, in the Kirsha 716 system. For some reason they believe it to be the most promising for relocation and they want your opinion.” “Since I am no scientist, they want a strategic assessment? Tactical?” Torak nodded. “Maasune. Seven point five light years and three days’ travel. They have reconnaissance on the planet already?” “Long-range, taken in passing. Nothing in detail. I’ll forward all the information to Dr. Feretti’s team. They also request your best medical personnel for a full assessment of the planet’s effects on the Rihan species as a whole. I trust your medical department is not involved in a major plague or catastrophe in system at the moment?” “You would have been informed.” Another curt nod. “You have your orders, then, Captain. Godspeed.” Before she could reply, the screen blanked and the Sky Harbor Aegis logo appeared. Kirel sat for a moment before snatching the data crystal from her console. Suspicion continued to gnaw as she slipped it into the main system to decrypt and forward... first to Roberts, then to all department heads. Had the High Council an ulterior motive? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Or perhaps she’d just been in the business too long. Giving a derisive snort, she pressed send.