Consequences of Displeasure

[Sorehl 0]

As Excalibur secretly investigates the Romulans at T-Rogora, other events unfold in the Avalon system...

 

From the communication console on the Command Center, Lieutenant Commander Corris Sprint received the awaited response. About time, he mused; I was beginning to think they were giving us the silent treatment.

 

It had been several hours since Admiral Day’s request to make subspace contact and open a formal dialogue with the Gamma Quadrant’s ascendant power. Although a Jem’Hadar attack craft remained at the LeGrange point beside Camelot Station, it no longer bore its official representative.

 

Sprint saw the other end had signaled their readiness, the twenty-third century equivalent of being on mutual hold. The Bijanni operations manager thumbed a button on the tripolymer surface that would send a summons to the office one deck below. “Captain,” he announced, “I’ve reached a representative of the Dominion.”

 

Captain Sorehl looked up from a review of logistic schedules, setting down his chilled glass of Altair water. “On my way,” came the even response.

 

It took only a few purposeful strides out the door of his ready room and up the ramp into the upper deck. Sprint had already swiveled toward him, offering further information, “We have a real-time encrypted link. You’ll be addressing Keevan, who has identified himself as an interim representative to the Federation on behalf of the Vorta Council.”

 

Sorehl tilted his head slightly as he walked past the central strategic display and stepped up to the Administration dais. A Vorta by this name, he recalled, had been captured during the Dominion War, although later killed during a failed prisoner exchange. This incarnation was no doubt a subsequent clone. Still, it was interesting that their selection of spokespersons had been chosen from Vorta with prior contact with the Federation. He made a mental note to update Starfleet files accordingly.

 

“Onscreen,” he ordered.

 

The L-shaped Dominion symbol was replaced by the image of a graceful, but frowning, Vorta male.

 

“Captain Sorehl,” Keevan spoke first, preempting any lengthy introductions, “we’ve been expecting contact.”

 

“I regret the need for such exigency,” Sorehl offered. “No doubt you are already aware of Romulan action against planets in the T-Rogoran system.” He spoke in measured tones, looking to gauge the emotional response. “Let me assure you that the United Federation of Planets had no foreknowledge of this aggression and does not condone the incident.”

 

Onscreen, the Vorta merely blinked, betraying no response. The image he presented was one of being singularly unimpressed. “I’m afraid the happenings on an insignificant border world are of little concern to the Founders,” Keevan explained, exhaling a gentle sigh. “It sounds as if this matter is more of unease to you,” he added, “perhaps some indication of strain in your alliance?”

 

Sorehl raised an eyebrow. “Hostile events near your border could be perceived as a provocation, or at least, a prelude to future action . I want to assert that in no way…”

 

“Unless you are speaking for the Romulans themselves,” Keevan cut him off, “your promises are simply of no value and of no matter. In fact, I’m surprised you’re so…” The Vorta trailed off. “But of course,” came the realization, “you’re worried about your station in light of their little adventure.”

 

Sorehl nodded. “The Avalon agreement included declarations of good faith regarding the purpose of this station and its supporting fleets,” he noted. “The Dominion might choose to view those provisions in abeyance.”

 

The Vorta onscreen smiled thinly. “And we might just send in the Jem’Hadar to enforce our displeasure on the offenders?”

 

The captain chose his words with care. “It would be consistent with historical pattern.” Even if the Romulans chose to act brashly, the Dominion had thousands of ships that could descend on T-Rogora, Avalon, or even New Bajor, if they chose. It was ill-advised to provoke them so close to their position of strength.

 

“Quite true,” Keevan admitted, “if the Dominion were displeased. I take it your earlier assertion is meant to convey that we should not hold your station, and by extension the Federation, complicit in such offense?”

 

A more emotional officer might have risen to the challenge. “I merely wish to advise you that the military action took place without Federation consultation.”

 

“Captain, the Vorta Council recognizes the real danger is in the unchecked activities of the Hundred,” Keevan answered dismissively, “not the petty posturing of a frustrated Alpha Quadrant power.”

 

“Then I have your assurance...” Sorehl began.

 

“Captain, I’ve made no assurances and I tire of this subject. Do you honestly feel this Romulan issue outweighs the demise of a Dominion envoy aboard your station?”

 

The Vulcan tilted his head, noting the sudden shift in topic. “I am at your disposal to provide additional details,” he offered, “as well as my regret that the incident took place aboard this facility – under my command.”

 

Keevan looked mildly pleased. “Yes, I’ve reviewed the Klingon’s report. Rather bold of him to take personal responsibility, but then, his species waxes romantic with the thought of honor killings.”

 

“You should be aware of mitigating circumstances regarding Semil’s death,” Sorehl interjected, “I was a witness.”

 

“Well now,” Keevan leaned it, practically oozing his next words, “that’s getting to be quite a tradition for you, isn’t it?”

 

Sorehl stood silently for a moment. “Is there an implication in that question, sir?”

 

“Not at all, captain. Semil knew he was walking into a lair filled with his personal enemies. If he wasn't clever enought to mind himself, then perhaps the next model will need some adjustment.” Onscreen, Keevan leaned back. “But I’m not the one who’ll be conducting that inquiry.”

 

“Inquiry?” Sorehl noted.

 

“Yes,” the Dominion agent confirmed. “I’m authorized to inform you that a small task force bearing another representative of the Council is enroute to the Avalon system.”

 

Sorehl glanced toward Sprint, who had already spun, reconfiguring his console to display a tactical overlay. The Bijanni was soon nodding, confirming the approach.

 

“I’d like to stress that we expect this envoy to be returned to us alive,” Keevan noted, “having been accorded full diplomatic status in accord with the Avalon agreement. If not, I would hate to see it become necessary to ‘enforce our displeasure’ on your station. Good luck.” And with that, the connection was severed, leaving only the ominous Dominion symbol hovering over the Command Center.

[Sorehl 0]

Bad to Worse

 

Sorehl led Admiral Day and Romulan Ambassador N'Kedre toward the reception area where they would greet the newest envoy from the Dominion. Given the nature of the upcoming investigation, Day had also summoned the Klingon Ambassador K'Vorlag, under escort of Yeoman Random Perfect.

 

Since the VIP Transporter Room was also on Deck 2, the group walked directly from the Admiral's office. As they passed through a waiting room, Sorehl reflected on the subspace conversation he'd just closed with the Vorta named Keevan...

 

“You should be aware of mitigating circumstances regarding Semil’s death,” he had asserted, “I was a witness.”

 

“Well now,” Keevan had leaned in, practically oozing his next words, “that’s getting to be quite a tradition for you, isn’t it?”

 

It had taken the full range of his mental discipline to avoid outwardly bristling at the remark. Even after six years, memories of his role in the death of the first Semil were still quite fresh - the katra-like imprint of the dying Vorta had made that all too certain. [An account of a Semil's "first" death is contained in Variations on a Theme of Semil, Part IX here.]

 

Instead, he'd merely stood silent for a moment, then asked “Is there an implication in that question, sir?”

 

“Not at all, captain," Keevan answered dismissively. "Semil knew he was walking into a lair filled with his personal enemies. If he wasn't clever enought to mind himself, then perhaps the next model will need some adjustment.”

 

Sorehl followed N'Kedre into the transporter room, reflecting on why the Dominion continued to send Vorta who shared a history of past dealings with the Alpha Quadrant. He questioned the logic of selecting those who had brought them defeat and garnered so many enemies. As if timed with his thoughts, he noted the arrival of Governor K'Vorlag and the yeoman.

 

With a nod from the Admiral, Sorehl gave the order. "Energize, Lieutenant."

 

As the forms materialized, the Vulcan recalled that Keevan had not provided the identity of the envoy sent to investigate Semil's recent murder. Perhaps the Dominion would learn from the incident and send a new face. And yet, he realized, they might actually send a new version of Semil himself.

 

But as the transport ended, Semil did not appear on the pad.

 

Instead, it bore the figure of the most notorious face of the Dominion War, flanked by an "honor guard" of four well-armed Jem'Hadar soldiers. An apparent clone of the chief Dominion liaison to the Cardassian government stood there and smiled pleasantly at the assembled group.

 

Sorehl failed to contain the upward shooting of his eyebrow as others in the room voiced mild shock.

 

Beside him, Admiral Day was heard to utter but a single word of recognition.

 

"Weyoun."

 

For his part, the Vorta extended his arms in welcome, "I can't tell you how pleased I am that you remember me."

Edited July 19, 2005 by Sorehl