Arcadia Mission 11003.22
A Small War, Part One: Episode 4

starring

Gregory Kleiner as CMO Ensign Christopher Halliwell
Christina Doane as SC Captain Paige Juliet Harker
Keith LaHue as CEO Commander Milwood Oliver Hayward
Jeffrey G. Brown as XO Commander Kraight
Kyle P. Cordek as TO Ensign T'Pring Lenara
Gina Hembrook as CTO Lieutenant Commander Brianna Murphy
Karriaunna Scotti as CNS Commander Azhure Powers
Christopher Dickinson as CSEC Commander Billy Bob Powers, Jr.
Bruce Oriani as CSO Lieutenant Commander Trikk Starr
Mitch Travis as CO Captain Sulek

with

Nicholas Moline, Ship Manager

Last time on Arcadia: The crew witnessed a very unpleasant protest on the planet. Meanwhile, the Quirinus has made contact with the Ja'Hia, and are about to meet with them face to face...

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Arcadia Mission 11003.22 A Small War, Part One =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 4  =/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: as the ship approaches the Ja'Hia home world :: Helm: Standard orbit
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Running continuous scans of Tactical SRS and LRS as they enter the system ::

ACTION: The Ja'Hia grant permission to assume standard orbit.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: Hail the planet
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: Spends exactly three brain cells to wonder where that hopelessly green and unaware Ensign TO got to, and why a tactical officer was assigned to surface duty ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Contacts the AT they are to gather to go and meet the clerics now. ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Does a Tactical assessment of all the vessels in the system and any planetary defense capabilities ::

ACTION: The planet responds, and a hairy operations officer appears on screen on the Quirinus.

Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Heads out of her quarters and waits for Powers before going to meet their hosts. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Planet: This is Sulek.  Would you prefer to meet on board the ship or on planet? If you do not know, then ask K'talk.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Ja'Hia> COM Sulek: We were informed of your coming. We would like to meet you here, on our planet.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Ja'Hia: Please send coordinates.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight/Murphy/Azhure: Please join me in Transporter Room 1 for away team duty.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: Snorts heavily, thinking there's something on this planet not playing well with his sinuses, as he meets up with the station commander.  It's strange to be taking orders from her still, instead of Sulek, but he's getting used to it ::  SC: What's on the agenda, Captain?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Ja'Hia> COM Sulek: Will do. :: sends the coordinates ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: rises, heads for turbolift ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: rises :: FCO Flyer: You have the conn.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ CoSec: We're off to meet some clerics, Mr. Powers. The CSO and TO will remain here to observe and the like.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: Joins Kraight in the turbolift ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Heads to where they are to meet the clerics, walking with the Cosec. ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO: Sir, recommend we have OPS keep a constant transporter lock on us once we beam down, just in case. I'd also like to keep the SRU on standby just in case.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: holds door for Murphy :: Murphy: Agreed.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO: They have about 45 ships in the system Sir, and some solid planetary defenses I scanned. However, as I said earlier, their level of tech isn't up to snuff compared to ours. :: walks into the TL ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
CPU: Transporter room one.

@ ACTION: As the crew enters the clerics' chambers, there is scant furniture, a few places to sit, and an altar. The room is lit by candlelight, and three clerics appear to be praying.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: they arrive at deck and head down the hall to the transporter room ::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: Takes stock of the room - fairly straight forward, low lighting ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Follows the CO at a discrete distance ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I have not had time to make a full study of the herb sample that Captain Harker provided, but there do seem to be some unusual metabolic pathways involved in its growth cycle.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Harker stands quietly looking around for their contact as she waits a moment, unwilling to interrupt the prayers just yet. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: enters TR1, finding Azhure already there :: Kraight: Can its growth be replicated?  Perhaps something that simple might stop this war.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<TR Chief> :: hands the Captain his AT gear :: Sulek: Coordinates input and ready to go.

@ ACTION: :: Soundlessly, the three clerics look up, and nod at there guests. One of them speaks :: <Zoos> SC/CSec: I am Zoos. I was told to expect you.

CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: Wonders what's with the Z names, as he nods politely ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Chief: Thank you.  :: He steps up on the pad. ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I haven't yet determined the exact nature of the pathways. However, a search of the botany library for similar pathways indicates that whatever the critical factor is, it is likely to be highly location-specific.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Collects her tricorder and checks her type 2 phaser and the omnipresent Klingon d'k tahg she keeps in her boot before taking her place on the transporter pad ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Thinks to self, "No, that's not creepy at all..." :: Zoos: Yes, we wish to discuss the war and the recent loss of your members.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: accepts his own equipment from the Chief ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Said politely and respectfully. :: Zoos: There is much we still don't know.

ACTION: The crew from the Quirinus beams down to the surface. They are deposited in an area obviously suited for a landing craft. The Ja'Hia apparently were not expecting them to use the transporter, as evidenced by the surprised looks the crew receives from the airstrip crew.

CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO: Sir, who will have command of the ship if we are all on the Away Team?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Well, as we are down on the planet, we may be able to discover more as the computer works on the analysis.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: That is my hope.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: looks around :: Murphy: Perhaps we should have made our mode of transport clearer.  :: raised eyebrow ::
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Zoos>  SC/CSec: As is ours. It was... my faction that initiated the actions that led you here.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO: I did warn ya Sir, their tech is a little bit behind ours, aye? :: smirks ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Nods :: Zoos: What can you tell us?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Murphy: Indeed you did.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: steps off the landing pad and approaches the crew :: Ja'Hia: I am Sulek.  Who is in charge?
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: She asks wanting to get to the bottom of this as quickly as diplomacy allows. ::
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Zoos> SC/CSec: It was the legislative and worker cast that  got us into this war. It is a war we want to end. Without the use of the herb that our people have come so dependent on.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Ja'Hia> Sulek: We were not prepared for you to use your... transporters? The main building is that way. I can have a hover craft bring you there. It is some distance away.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@Zoos: You are against the war because of the herb or for it's own merits?
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO: Be a good way to see the sights and get the lay of the local landscape, Sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: at first thinks that perhaps a direct rebeam might be good, but finds Murphy's suggestion solid :: Ja'Hia: We await our ride, then.
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Zoos> :: gently, but forceful :: SC/Csec: We would never have made it into space without the herb. It has brought us nothing but sorrow.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: Wonders if they regret going into space ::

ACTION: A hovercraft arrives for the Quirinus crew.

CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Checks out the craft before boarding ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Nods not judging. :: Zoos: Anything beyond the war? Or is that your only reference?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: steps into the craft :: Kraight/Murphy: Scan. Let's get a good lay of the land.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO: Aye Sir. :: Gets out her tricorder and starts a multispectral scan of the area ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: opens his tricorder and begins scanning, especially the nearby plant life ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: sits back and observes the area as the hovercraft starts to move ::
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Zoos> SC/SSec: Don't you see?! It was the herb... it altered us, accelerating our evolution. Our mental capacity has increased ten fold since we started using it. Now we are more intelligent than the Ja'Hia. And we have used it most unwisely.

ACTION: The hovercraft arrives at the administrative building. A handsome structure of wood, with natural highlights. They are met by an armed contingent.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: packs away his tricorder... no point chancing that it would be mistaken for a weapon ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Keeps up scans until the vehicle comes to a full stop ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: stepping out of the car, he bows slightly :: Ja'Hia: We have come to talk with your leaders.  We are not a danger to you.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Keeps her hand resting on her phaser, keeping an eye on the armed mob, standing quietly and watchful ::

ACTION: A lone figure appears in the door to the building. He stands, beckoning them. "They will not harm you. You just surprised us with your mode of travel".

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: disembarks ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@Zoos: I know the war started because of the lack of this herb. Are there other reasons I am not aware of?
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Zoos> :: shakes her head :: SC: No. It is a simple game of oneupmanship.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ja'Hia Speaker: Our fault.  We should have been clear.  K'talk mentioned that you had not perfected transporter technology.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Glances at Powers with a look that says if he wishes to ask anything he may do so. ::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: Nods then looks at Zoos ::  Zoos: If you had a choice, what direction would you take your people's future?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> :: Steps forward :: Sulek: Since you have made it clear you are not our enemy, come inside, away from the cold. How you survive without fur is beyond me. Come.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kirt: Thank you.  I am more furless than most.  I suppose one simply gets used to it.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: She has more questions then answers these people do not seem big on explaining, she orders her thoughts as they await Zoos' reply. ::
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Zoos> SC/CSec: It was all about the herb. The Ja'Hia claim that it has died out on their planet. But somehow, some of it gets through.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kirt: May I ask what your position is here.  How should I address you?
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@Zoos: But what is it that you desire?  Beyond the cessation of hostilities?
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Follows the CO, keeping a wary eye out for details and the layout of the area and the building, especially egress points and potential sources of hard cover if needed ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> :: says something the UT chokes on :: Sulek: It does not appear to translate on your device.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> Sulek: But I am the commander, for lack of a better term.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kirt: Commander then.  Are you a leader here or responsible for the security of the building?
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Zoos> CSec: We want to stop the widespread use of the herb. But it does not seem possible, with so many dependent on it.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@Zoos: So perhaps if we can confirm where it is and is not, this herb. It may help the cessation of hostilities.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@Zoos: Are there any ill effects you have noted?
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Not disagreeing people being advanced beyond their emotional levels can be a problem. She looks concerned and polite. ::
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <Zoos> :: surprised :: SC: No. There are no ill effects. Only benefits. But it is artificial. That is what we are against.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Nods :: Zoos: artificial doesn't have to be wrong.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt>  Sulek:  I am the leader here. You may speak freely with me
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Another glance at powers with a vague look of 'I think we're nearly done here.' ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kirt: How does one become leader? The leader of the Federation is for example freely elected.
Host SM_Keith says:
@ :: looks away :: SC/CSec: Only one who is pure may enter the light when their time here is done.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Keeps an ear on the conversation but keeps her eyes and the other ear on the surroundings ::
Host SM_Keith says:
:: smiles :: <Kirt>: Sulek: As am I.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ Zoos: I see and your people felt very strongly about this enough to end their lives in protest?
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <Zoos> SC: They are extremists. But they do exist. And they are growing in number.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kirt: Then already we have something in common.  Tell me of the war and of the plant.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@Zoos: Your people have had much to deal with in a short time, they are afraid and look to their leaders for solace.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> :: Laughs :: The war is our fault. We gave them spaceflight. We should have left well enough alone. We gave them the gift, and this is how they repay us. By starving us.  :: rancorous voice ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kirt: You gave them warp technology?
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
Self: No good deed ever goes unpunished, mate.
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Zoos> :: Nods :: SC: So how can you help us?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> Sulek: Yes. We gave it to them freely. Then they discovered the herb. It was only too late that we discovered what it did to them.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: Turns slowly to look at the Captain, wondering how she will get herself out of that question ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@Zoos: We're trying to mediate a peace that is a good first step.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kirt: What did it do?
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@Zoos: It will be up to you and the other leaders to make peace with your people.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@Zoos: Thank you for taking time to see us. :: She gives bow. ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> Sulek: It made them smart. More intelligent than they should be. That is why they have eclipsed us technologically.
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Zoos> :: Nods, and returns to prayer ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Kirt: Do you know the mechanism by which the herb acts on Xephyerian physiology?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kirt: I do not mean to doubt you, but you have proof of this?
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Turns and leaves quietly with Powers. Once outside :: Cosec: Any thoughts?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> :: shakes his head :: XO: We have no idea. It's a simple spice here. One which of course, is no longer growing in abundance.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@SC: He seemed... passive.  Simple minded goals, but no idea how to accomplish them, wanting someone else to achieve them for him
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Nods :: Cosec: He did have one point these people have been jumped ahead on their natural evolution.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> Sulek: The proof has been documented by the Xephyerians. 
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@SC: A side effect of their own decisions.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@Cosec: And they are not handling it well, case in point. They find they can no longer get the herb as much and they raise prices on their food, causing a war.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kirt: Indeed.  Then our team on their planet will find this documentation.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Keeps listening to the conversation as she stands watch quietly ::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@SC: Addiction and withdraw are difficult things to deal with.  I have seen this.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Speculate - If they lose the use of the herb... will the progress they made begin to falter or is the change possibly a genetic code rewrite?
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@Cosec: This just keeps getting better and better.. :: She mutters. :: Cosec: We need to talk to Captain Sulek see if he's found out more on this herb and the situation from his end.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@Cosec: They say there's no ill effects and the Xephyerians are concerned they will lose their intelligence if they don't keep taking it...
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Impossible to say at this point... I would have to make a detailed bioscan of several Xephyerians to determine that.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Rubs eyes, she hadn't been sleeping well. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Have the ship contact Harker.  Get your information sent to the ship.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: Walks with Powers back to their quarters. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kirt: We will help, if possible.  Are there food or medical supplies that your require? We cannot give you weapons, but we will offer social aid.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> Sulek: Some food would be most welcome.

=/\==/\= END Mission =/\==/\= 

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