Boul stepped forward and kept his voice low, as if worried that the air itself would here him.

“Over the past few centuries there have been a few reports of hikers going missing while on trips to the nearby mountains…Mmmmm, and there has been rumor of a blind hermit who lives in those same mountains.” Boul said, as if admitting a deep shame.

‘There hasn’t been any reports about any of anything in this region for more then 50 years though.” The DefSec finished.

Lotharys and K’lev exchanged glances again.  “Has anyone who’s been taken ever been rescued?”  Lotharys asked anxiously.

K’lev nodded his agreement to the question.  “Also, do the rumors and reports say anything about where this hermit lives?  If they live in the area, they could know something, even if they couldn’t see it.”

“No one who went missing around these parts was ever seem again…as for the hermit, they’re just fables and rumors about him living in a hovel in a cliff side somewhere in this mountain range. I’m sorry we cant be more helpful then that.”

Jenkins, who had been hanging out a few metres off of Lotharys shoulder, turned and walked away, kicking some dirt as he went. “Great, a rogue Vezda kidnapped him…this ain’t ending well…I just want some fuckin fried chicken.” he was heard mumbling to himself as he walked away.

K’lev glanced in Jenkins’ direction at the muttered interjection, as Lotharys took a mental note to thoroughly scan the mountain range in search of this hovel.  “All the same,” K’lev said, turning his attention back to Boul and Barka, “I would consider it a great personal favor if your people could keep an eye out for our missing crewman, and if you can rescue or recover him please let us know so Starfleet can send a runabout to bring him home.”

“Of course Lieutenant Commander K’lev. We will immediately inform your people aboard the orbital station if anything turns up after you depart. We are very sorry to hear about your missing crewmate.” Boul replied.

“Not to sound heartless or cold, but will the disappearance and ongoing search for your man require an extension to the exemption in the treaty that is allowing this dig to be completed?” Barka asked. He was genuinely inquiring, as he would be one of the 3 specified officials who would have to sign off on any such exemption.

“My crew and I appreciate it, Secretary Boul.  And to answer your question, Director Barka, naturally, we’d like to stay and keep looking if you’ll allow us to, but we’ve also got other places to be and other people to help.  If you’d permit it, though, we could ask Framheim Station – a larger starbase a few sectors away – to send a team to assist in the search, though, acting under your leadership.”  K’lev replied.

“Sadly, I think that might clash with our Presidents recent series of edicts and executive orders moving forward. But I will prepare the paperwork and communiques that will authorize the extension of the exemption in our treaty by a few days. Would that be enough time for you to conduct a more thorough search for your missing man?” Barka said, trying to sound conciliatory.

“Hopefully,” K’lev replied.

While the extra few days of search time did help the archaeological team more-thoroughly map the complex and the tunnels beneath it, no further signs of the missing Xoritsa were found.  So it was, then, with a heavy heart, that K’lev had to call off the search and recall the team to Culver City, out of respect for the Dergans’ wishes.  While he, and Lotharys, both held hope that perhaps the Dergans might succeed where Starfleet had failed, it then fell to them both to compose that one message dreaded by all Starfleet captains and executive officers: messages to the family of a lost crewman, to inform them of their loved one’s fate.  Meanwhile, Lieutenant (jg) Tiza arranged a team to solemnly pack up Xoritsa’s effects for transfer to Framheim Station upon their return, and thence on to Xoritsa’s family.