Summary:
The Inferno shuttle crew of the USS Andromeda, reunited with the Knight children, are waiting within the stone cell meters beneath the surface. Their written notes have been collected, and a tray of dried fruits and meats, and four-cups of water per individual, has taken its place. But no more communication.

~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~Begin USS Andromeda: "Recovery" Mission 6 11209.22~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~

CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::settled against the wall with a cup of water and some fruit:: CO: So what now, Captain?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO: Well, I'm hoping something useful will come of these notes. I just find it odd that we cannot talk to these people face to face.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CNS: We wait to see whether any of the notes has an effect.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::jots his questions down on the paper:: CO: This whole situation is a giant mess.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO: Yes, but unfortunately right now they have the upper hand.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::does a little mental arithmetic looking at the four glasses of water, she takes a small selection of the dried fruits and one of the glasses of water sitting away from the others with her legs crossed::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::nods and takes a sip of water:: CO: One can hope it does.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: Turns out shooting up their cells gets their attention though...
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::gives a small laugh at the XO's comment::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::walks over and whispers to Conor:: XO: Any ideas on what to do should these notes not work?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: Guess it depends on what you asked for. If you don't get your pony, we should regroup somewhere their tech can't reach us and discuss that then.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::watches the CO & XO confer, then moves his attention over to Sky and the children who seemed loathe to leave their mother's side, which was quite understandable::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::looks around the room:: XO: I doubt there's any place private. They're probably listening to everything we say right now.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: I know, I'm thinking more along your ready room several light years from here.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::eats one of the smaller pieces of fruit and takes a measured sip of water, then lays the rest of the fruit out on her leg, She sets the water next to her side and folds her hands in her lap, she then closes her eyes::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::manages a smile:: XO: Oh, what I wouldn't give to be there!
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: Hopefully not much longer and we'll be all back there. ::looks over towards the CO's kids::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::starts poking at his food and then throws a piece at the roof seeing if it will stick to it::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::shakes his head:: CO: What are we going to say to these people?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CNS: Simple......release us and we'll be on our way.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::nods:: CO: Sounds simple enough.

ACTION:
The room is filled with a flash of light -- and the Andromeda crew (children included) dematerialize.

Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::self:: Now what?!
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::grumbles to himself while toying with his food:: Self: Nothing is ever simple.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::drains the cup of water and places it on the floor just as the flash of light happens again::

ACTION:
The Andromeda officers and children flash blue into a new area. As their eyes adjust to the light, those without helmets can pick out the first clues to their locations - the sweet, clean scent of the fresh air that was piped into their cell is in abundance here.

SETTING:
Eyes adjust to the filtered light as an idyllic breeze brushing through the foliage above causes ever-shifting mottling of sun and shadow across the mossy ground around them. Their feet, however, stand upon roughly hewn stone, of the same substance as their cell.

The stone platform the center of which upon they stand is a perfect square, approximately 10 meters to each side. Two long, narrow tables are staggered to each corner, perpendicular to the diagonals.

At the corner-most table of each sit three quiet, acolyte-looking individuals. The hoods of their robes unadorned and worn up, obscuring some of their faces. They watch the proceedings or take notes: One upon paper, one upon a digital device, one...with nothing apparent.

At the center-most table of each sits a single individual. At one, is the woman the Andromeda crew knows from their cell; however, her white robe is now carefully adorned with black thread along a border about three centimeters wide, and her hood drapes elegantly down her back.

Diagonal from the woman is a man who appears to be well past a hundred years old from a human perspective. He sits with a dignity that transcends time, and his clean-shaven chin seems almost an affront to his obvious stature. A thick, wide border trails his garment with ornate detail.

Between the young woman and old man sits a man of apparently 35 years. The border of his robe is somewhere between that of the old man and the woman. He sits with an easy posture bespeaking considerable experience and a familiarity with getting his way. His hair is cut neatly, but not cropped, and his smiles come readily; his frowns evoke thunder.

Across from the mid-aged man is a seeming youth, barely twenty. His hair is somewhat longer than his companion's and he sits with an uncomfortable stiffness. His posture belies his every internal struggle as he moves slightly in the response to each of the others. He carries an almost eternal frown and stubbornly wears his hood up, clearly displaying its thin, embroidered border.

ACTION:
They are in the midst of debating when the crew appears.

Second Prefect says:
 All: And what would that say about us, as a society? As a people?
Fourth Prefect says:
 Second: That we keep our promises! That we value our privacy! That we--
Third Prefect says:
 ::Cuts off the Fourth:: Fourth: --condemn innocent children to life prison or death? ::Glances to the Second, as the Andromeda crew appear::

ACTION:
The flash fully fades, every face looks up, even those of the acolytes, as their eyes widen.

Fourth Prefect says:
::Jumps to his feet, sending his chair tumbling into the table behind his:: All: What is the meaning of this!?! ::Looks sharply to the Third:: Third: You did this, didn't you?! Have you no respect?!
Second Prefect says:
::Stands with considerable more dignity to his feet:: Second: In fact, I arranged this. I don't believe we should be so callous as to condemn the lives of these people without first seeing them. Really seeing them.

ACTION:
Suddenly the telepathic members of the crew hear a single voice cut through the telepathic interference in their minds - the voice of the woman from the cell, the Third Prefect: ~~~For Praea's sake, be cooperative.~~~

Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::before looking at anything else, he immediately checks the area to see that his family is safe with them::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::takes in the scene, enjoying the fresh air and then looks at the woman as she clearly speaks to the crew with her mind:: Self: Interesting...
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
Self: We're not in Kansas anymore...
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::Moves the fruit to one of her suit's pockets, and returns her helmet to her head sealing it calmly before rising and standing with her hands clasped calmly behind her back, her face a mask of neutrality..::
Fourth Prefect says:
::Turns to the old man:: First: I object! They should be sent back immediately! Their very presence here---
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::once he sees that his children are safe with their mother, he begins to look around::
First Prefect says:
::Finally speaks to interrupt, his voice crackling slightly with age, but remaining strong:: Fourth: --Their presence here is here. What is done is done. ::Looks to the other two:: Continue.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
All: Greetings mysterious beings. I figure you know who we are already but how about we go around the table and introduce ourselves?
Fourth Prefect says:
::Grudgingly straightens his chair and reseats himself::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::decides to let the Captain handle this one - he'd make suggestions if needed::
Second Prefect says:
::Nods to the First, then steps around his bench, approaching the Andromeda officers, but pausing about one meter from them, unthreateningly.:: XO: We will, but only one at a time.
Second Prefect says:
:: He looks them over a moment, then kneels to one knee and reaches a hand out to Brianna, in silent invitation, with a look up to the CO::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::attention focuses to his daughter as he moves closer to her::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
All: Also sorry just before you begin. Couldn't help but overhear your other conversation, just for your information we are generally against the idea of death or life in prison.

ACTION:
The others of the court eye Conor oddly for speaking out of turn, just as much as they eye the Second oddly for answering him, but no else speaks::

Second Prefect says:
 CO: I would like to introduce your daughter to the First Prefect, please.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::continues to stay still and silent, wondering if the captain and the executive officer will ever be on the same page::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Second Prefect: Why is it you need to do that?
Second Prefect says:
~~~CO: Do you want to be seen as the innocent victims or the defensive adults who intruded upon our privacy, regardless of the worthiness of the motive?~~~ ::Outwardly just laughs, addressing the others:: All: See, we already share the same sense of caution. ::Turns back, still kneeling, and offers his hand to Brianna once more::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::looks down at his daughter, gives her a wink and a nod to let her know it is okay::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
~~~Second Prefect: Of course I don't want to be seen as defensive. Will my daughter be harmed in any way?~~~
Host SMLea says:
ACTON: The CO is struck by an overwhelming stab of pain directly into the brain as he attempts to communicate telepathically, intense enough to threaten his knees to buckle.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::drops to his knees and grabs his head in pain::
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The members of the court eye the CO knowingly, but chalk up his transgression to concern for his daughter.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::looks over at the CO and points:: All: Really? Is the active denial of telepathic communication still really necessary?
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::moves to the Captain's side:: CO: It will pass.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::puts up his hand:: XO: Conor, please.
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The acolytes actively take notes on Conor's words, but none take action.
Second Prefect says:
::Waits for the CO to regain himself and his people, then takes Brianna by the hand and stands, gently leading her before the First:: First: This is Brianna. She was kidnapped from her home. Imprisoned. Drugged. Then placed in near-complete isolation with no explanation. She deserved better than the fates my colleague would suggest.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::looks at the CO and remains silent for now::
Fourth Prefect says:
::Jumps once more to his feet:: Second: Sending them to The Place is a standard Life sentence, and would give them---
Third Prefect says:
::Speaks up:: Fourth: --A death sentence. These are not criminals. They would not survive in a prison camp. And they are too small a group to form one of The Societies.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::as the pain subsides he composes himself and stands up again::
Second Prefect says:
::Nods:: Third: I agree. ::Kneels once more, and smiles to Brianna:: Brianna: Thank you. You may go back now. ::Releases her hand::
Fourth Prefect says:
Second/Third: Then just what would you have us do? Nothing else would be acceptable by traditi--
Second Prefect says:
::Stands:: Fourth: Then I suggest we step outside of tradition once more, and listen to prophecy. ::Turns back to the First:: You know as well as I The Fate?
Brianna says:
::walks slowly back to her father::
First Prefect says:
::His attention fully arrested, he merely nods::
Fourth Prefect says:
::Starts at the Second's mention, and darkens his expression::
Third Prefect says:
::Watches with curiosity::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::perks as he hears prophecy and Fate mentioned.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::bends down and picks Brianna up in his arms::
Second Prefect says:
::Turns to address the others:: All: The Ministry of Prophecy has been working overtime to analyze everything any of our peoples have about The Fate. "Cleave together and cease to exist. Cleave apart and die."
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: Everyone, acolytes included, nods with varying degrees of discomfort.
Second Prefect says:
 ::Turns back to the First:: Due to information still currently classified, I believe these people - and not just them, but an ongoing relationship with them - may be our key to escaping The Fate. Would we really risk that, to protect tradition?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::self:: Fate?
Fourth Prefect says:
 Second: But the others--!
Third Prefect says:
 Second: --The others will not risk reprisal. Not on any meaningful level. Not against us.
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The First Prefect stands suddenly to his feet, and all others fall still and turn to face him.
First Prefect says:
 CO: Captain Knight.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::feels like a pawn in some game, one that they don't know the rules to::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::looks toward the Prefect:: First Prefect: Yes?
First Prefect says:
 CO: Our longstanding tradition… ::Nods to the Fourth respectfully:: …holds that no outside individuals may know of our existence and return to the outside. This we have held to for centuries.
First Prefect says:
 CO: Our diplomatic policies are also based upon such an agreement. ::Nods to the Third respectfully:: Any violation of this agreement, if it becomes known, would jeopardize our place in the Coalition.
First Prefect says:
 CO: And yet, it appears... ::Nods to the Second:: ...that our continued existence may be dependent upon not only allowing you to live, but continued cooperation with you and your people.
First Prefect says:
 CO: What can you do to help us here, Captain Knight?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::looks around the room and then back towards the First Prefect:: First Prefect: I can guarantee you that the Federation respects the rights of all civilizations. Had we known about your existence and your policies, we never would have violated it. But you have to understand, we were only here to rescue my children.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::thinks long and hard, trying to come up with something that could help the Captain::

ACTION:
The Fourth Prefect adjusts slightly with discomfort, unhappy with something in the CO's words...but keeps his peace. The rest of the court merely listens with the same respect they would accord the First::

Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
First Prefect: I would have the authorization to deploy a network of warning buoys.

ACTION:
The Fourth Prefect scrunches his face slightly, again displeased.

Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
First Prefect: And you would have our word that the Federation will never interfere unless you came to us.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
CO: Perhaps a mutually agreeable place of contact between the Federation and these people?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
First Prefect: We are explorers, people of peace and would never look to harm you or anyone.
First Prefect says:
::Lowers wordlessly into his seat, and gestures with his hand to invite the Third to continue::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::waits and hopes something positive comes of it::
Third Prefect says:
::Stands to her feet, addressing the Captain:: CO: I'm afraid you misunderstand us, Captain. The internal politics of our people cannot withstand the knowledge that we have let you go, let alone collaborated with you. It doesn't matter how peaceful you claim to be, the others would violently object.
Third Prefect says:
 CO: We need, specifically, to know that no one on the outside, your own Federation included, will know that you made it to our space then returned. No reports. No discussion. For peace between us, we will need you to lie. And any future communication between this court and your crew will need to be through undetectable channels.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::keeps quiet and watches::
Third Prefect says:
 CO: Can you make that happen? Can you give us your word you will speak nothing, write nothing, of us once you return? Pretend this never existed, construct a cover story, yet remain open to speaking with us, when we learn more of how you fit into our prophecy?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::looks around and then back:: Third Prefect: I give you my word. All communications concerning you and your space will be purged.
Third Prefect says:
::Looks to the Second, and nods, settling into her seat::
Second Prefect says:
 ::Looks to the First, expectantly::
Fourth Prefect says:
 ::Draws a breath, and holds it::
First Prefect says:
 ::Stands once more to his feet:: All: My vote is then decided. I pledge my ministries to the release of the Andromeda Crew. Eighteen to three. The Crew of the Andromeda will go free.
Second Prefect says:
 ::Leans back in his seat with a self-pleased grin and a glint to his eye::
Third Prefect says:
 ::Smiles quietly with relief::
Fourth Prefect says:
 ::Tightens his jaw and clenches his fists...but holds his place. The Court has spoken::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::takes in a deep breath and then exhales::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::smiles at the words, already beginning to construct a cover story in his mind... it wasn't going to be easy, but they could do it.::
First Prefect says:
 Third: Third Prefect, please see to the comfortable accommodations of the Andromeda crew until their return can be arranged. They will need time to conspire as to how to make this happen, and I am certain they have many questions for us. Answer them.
Second Prefect says:
 ::Looks up with blatant surprise::
Fourth Prefect says:
 ::Looks up with sharp disgust::
Third Prefect says:
 ::Bows her head:: First: Of course. ::Steps around her desk to join the Andromeda personnel::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::looks to the First Prefect and bows his head:: First Prefect: You have our gratitude and apologies.
First Prefect says:
 CO: Of course. ::Intones formally:: All: We are done here.

ACTION:
With the pronouncement, the court finally becomes abuzz with the soft chatter of the acolytes, two of which from each table join together to one side of the pavilion, while a single remains by their respective Prefect's side.

Third Prefect says:
 ::Smiles sincerely:: CO/All: Congratulations. Are you ready to go?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Third Prefect: Very much so!
Second Prefect says:
 ::Turns back to his remaining acolyte and jots a few notes on the pad there, instructions to carry out::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::waits to see where they were being taken, ready to hash out a cover story::
Fourth Prefect says:
::The Court now called, he stands from his seat still with obvious intense dissatisfaction with everything, and gestures to gather his acolytes, gathering together papers and digital devices from his desk. He pauses only to cast a derisive gaze at the Andromeda crew, before turning away with his people::
Second Prefect says:
 ::Turns back to the Andromeda crew:: CO: With your permission, I'd like to speak with your science officer a moment, send her on to join you later. She asked a science question I think better shown than explained. With your permission, of course. ::Nods to both the CO and CSO::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::looks at the Fourth Prefect:: CO: I'm not sure he likes us
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::looks over at Ivara:: Second Prefect: I don't think she will object.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::turns her head slightly within the helmet looking at the Second Prefect. Her face holds its neutral mask::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::gives a faint smile::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO: I guess we should be glad he was not in charge.
Second Prefect says:
 ::Smiles pleasantly:: CO: Excellent. CSO: This way, then.
Third Prefect says:
 All: If the rest of you will join me, we'll move to the beamout coordinates. Accommodations are being made ready as we speak, including a considerably more pleasant meal than the meager fare we were able to provide to the cells.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::slowly nods:: CO: Wide scale log tampering and forged reports back to SF command? Not the worst deal I think we've ever made.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::follows the second prefect quietly::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO: Think of the alternate outcome ::grins:: Now, we will just need to come up with a good story as to how we were here and how we escaped so to appease these people.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Third Prefect: I believe we are all ready. ::looks down at all three of his children standing next to him and smiles::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: Survey of uninhabited planet. Shuttle accident, waited for Andy to show up and collect us. Easy.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
XO: Explain the children's return?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: Of course due to some stronger magnetic field from the planet we should deploy a navigation buoy warning people to avoid it.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CNS: Who said they were ever missing?

~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~Pause Mission - Time Lapse: 18 minutes~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~
Notes:
The majority of the Andromeda crew will be led along a fifteen minute hike through the woods, directly out from the Third Prefect's corner of the pavilion. At the end of the fifteen minutes, they will find themselves presented with a circular dais, approximately four feet off the ground, scalable via four steps hewn into its side.

The side of the dais is etched and engraved with similar embellishments as the robe of the Third Prefect, carved of the same white stone as the court pavilion and the cells. Its surface is covered with concentric circles and squares at ever increasingly small angular intervals as they grow smaller, an almost dizzying effect.

Once the entire crew is upon the dais, the Third Prefect will speak into a small communications device, and the crew will be beamed out in a flash of blue.
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