<USS Avalon> Asylum

Asylum
by Captain Keith Ketchum and Sr.Lt.Cmdr Anthony Manson (as T'Pex)

The two entered the Captain's office as T'Pex noticed the man was behind his 
desk. "It's about time you wanted to see me. Don't your subordinates know when 
something is important, they are supposed to snap to and direct their 
attention to the matter?"
 
"Yes, they do.  But you were just detained by your own willingness to go to 
the quarantine field.  I've been waiting to see you since you came aboard the 
second time."  Keith was not at all pleased with the tone of the Romulan.
 
"And when I tell your transporter witch to send me to you, I would've 
expected you to be with your detachment of your security entourage, not your 
head of 
security holding me in some dark room to intimidate me. And then just for the 
humor of your security officer, they had me sent to deck thirteen, apparently 
a few of your engineers do not know when to stop tempering with things they 
don't understand." T'Pex and his escort had long since moved away from the 
doors 
of Ketchum's office and the alien took a seat opposite of the human.
 
"If we knew you were coming, instead of just beaming in, we would have been a 
little more hospitable.  As for the stuff on Deck 13, my team is set to 
investigate something that shows up also unannounced."  He finally looked into 
the 
eyes of the Romulan, "Now to why we are here, and what has been asked to 
happen.  We have been ordered to rescue you, which we have done, and return you 
to 
the awaiting Romulan vessel on the other side of the Neutral Zone."
 
"Naturally," T'Pex said dryly, "what you don't understand Captain is that I 
cannot be delivered into the hands of the Romulans. They will see me finish my 
work, implement it, and of course schedule my execution. I'm afraid the 
Romulan ways of betrayal and redemption hasn't changed."
 
"Are you asking for asylum?  And what is your work?"
 
"I suppose you can call it that," T'Pex answered carefully, "as far as my 
work is concerned, I need guarantees first. I cannot assume that I will be safe 
and under your 'protection' when you can just easily hand me over to the 
Romulans."
 
Looking to the Romulan, and readying his bluff, "If you ask for it, I will 
take it to my superiors.  However, they will want to know what you are working 
on also, but I can assure you that we will try to protect you."  
 
"Captain," T'Pex said slowly, "my work is rather sensitive. I'm sure your 
doctors cannot figure out what my work exactly is. And nor do I have confidence 
in them to get an inkling of how much a threat it can be. After all, several of 
your officers experienced what I would say a rather watered down version of 
my work."
 
Keith sat there and just blinked at the possible admission of bio-terrorism.  
"I can understand the sensitive nature of your work.  However, even if this 
is a 'watered-down version' as you say, how am I to believe that the real 
version won't be used against the Federation once asylum is granted ?  I need 
assurances also."

The Romulan sighed, obviously his current circumstances needed more 
explanation, "Because I'm more important to the Romulan Empire. Haven't you 
heard a 
single word I've said? You cannot deliver me to the Romulans. And your 
assurances 
has already been made," T'Pex hands were open, "I am here, they are there. 
Without me, their entire operation is doomed to failure." 

"Then at this point asylum is granted, but this is pending further approval 
from Starfleet Command."  Keith leaned over and tapped the comm, "Commander 
Manson, send a message to the Romulan ship that due to unforeseen 
circumstances, 
T'Pex will not be returning to the Romulan Empire at the moment, lay in a 
course away from the Neutral Zone, then open a channel with Commodore Crusher 
at 
Starfleet."

"Understood Captain," Anthony responded and clicked off immediately.

T'Pex stood up, "Good. Now, do I have quarters? Or am I to be confined to the 
brig?"

"I believe that you have quarters on the other side of Deck 2.  Room 207." 

T'Pex didn't say anything, he turned and left.

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