USS Cherokee
11401.12   
"The Small Spark"    Part 5

Starring
Lea as Guest Producer, Proconsule_Jareth, CS_Trin, and Xeeth
Steve Weller as CO_Ayidee 
Dawn Freeman as OPS_Cmdr_Nash
Zach Farland as CNS_Ens_Daniels 
Topper Loghry as CTO_Q’ten
Andrew Cotterly as CMO_Lt_Talora
Bruce Oriani as CSO_LtCmdr_Starr

Guest Starring
Aaron as Dr_Pfarom

Absent
Trish Yarborough as Executive Producer
Trent Worthington as FCO_Ltjg_Worthington

Ship's Log, Stardate 11401.12, Captain Ayidee recording.  We are continuing our investigation of the events on the planet's surface.  However, we are also granted the chance to make first contact with a new species.  We have prepared a banquet to get to know them, and after a bit of rush believe we are ready to go with it.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Begin Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::With CTO, still examining the industrial Replicator partially assembled::

ACTION: Operations receives a set of coordinates for the transport of five life signs from the TI Nordiss.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Standing on the bridge:: CO/OPS: We just about ready to go?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::On Bridge, waiting the arrival of our guests.::  OPS: Is everything ready for our guests to arrive?

Host CS_Trin says:
@::Wiping her hands on a cloth as she rounds a corner into the cavern, looking for the Starfleet folks she was told were searching for her::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::on Bridge::  CO: As ready one can be in an hour.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@CTO: So, why reassemble this here?  Were they going to move it after it was rebuilt?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Then send word to our guests and let us go greet them in the Transporter Room.
Manuel: You have the Bridge.  Keep me informed if the Away Team reports in.

Host CS_Trin says:
@::Clears her throat:: CNS/CTO: Ensigns...

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Aye Sir.

ACTION: Another light flashes on the OPS console. A message is incoming, bearing a Starfleet signal.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
<Manuel> CO: Yes sir.  I'll let you know right away, Captain.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Sees a woman approach them::  Trin: Yes, Ma'am.  I'm Ensign Daniels, this is Ensign Q'ten.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
COM:  Xeeth:  We received your coordinates, See you in a few moments.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*CSO*: Commander, the TI Nordiss delegation will be arriving in Transporter Room 1 in a matter of minutes.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO: Sir, we got a message from Starfleet.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
@Jareth: I think I'd like to talk to your security Chief Trin now.

Host CS_Trin says:
@CNS/CTO: Uh, Proconsule Jareth said you wanted to see me. ::Offers her hand:: Chief Trin, of security.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS/ CMO: Let us...Starfleet?  On screen.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Starts moving towards the TL, and turns to listen.::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO: It's in written form, Sir.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Shakes the lady's hand::  Trin: A pleasure to meet you.  It seems we just found what we were looking for, but not the who, who took it.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
*CO*: Acknowledged Captain. Standing By.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Should I put the message on screen anyway?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Please.  Written orders?  Wonder if that's good or bad?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
:: puts the message on screen::

Host CS_Trin says:
@CNS/CTO: I heard. My people have been cataloguing the find here. Looks like everything but some food was found. No signs of DNA, though.

MESSAGE:  
To: Commanding Officer-U.S.S. Cherokee
From: Chief Tactical Officer, Ens. Felicia Thorson-U.S.S. Cataria, C/O U.S.S. Cataria

I am requesting any available results regarding a vessel silhouette that one of our probes discovered on Stardate: 11401.11. Any information would be appreciated

Regards,
Ensign Felicia N'Leth Thorson, CTO U.S.S. Cataria

***Silhouette attached

END OF MEESAGE

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
@Trin: Do you know anything about different factions among the colonists?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Computer: Display silhouette from message.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Trin: No traces of any kind?  That's odd.  Almost as odd as why they'd put the Replicator in this location, at the end of a cavern.  It's not exactly hidden or secure.

ACTION: The viewscreen changes to display the silhouette attached to the Cataria's message: a silhouette that the Cherokee itself had searched for not long ago. The silhouette of the TI Nordiss.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  It matches the TI Nordiss, Xeeth's ship.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: Well, that solves that mystery. ::Folds her arms::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Have your staff prepare a message informing Ensign Thorson and the Cataria that we have made contact with this vessel, further information to follow as available.  We have guests to greet.

Host CS_Trin says:
@CTO: Nothing beyond the normal cliquish behavior. Everyone gets here by being a friend-of-a-friend...that tends to create sort of "lines."  Plus the odd racial tensions still at play. Klingons never really like the Cardassians...the Cardassians never really like the Klingons.  ...No offense intended, Ensign.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Looks around at the stone walls of the cavern::  CTO: Are we sure this is a dead end path, no secret passages?  There's sometimes secret passages, like in the fictional holo-novels.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS/ CMO: Let us go meet our guests, see if we can get some more solid answers?  ::Turns and heads for the Turbolift.::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Steps into the TL::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
@Trin: None taken. Is there any reason that you may suspect one group of attempting to trying to discredit another group?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Aye, Sir.  ::gives her staff their assignment, then she gets up to greet the guests and more than likely another prayer session, something she is so looking forward to.  She follows the CO and CMO into the TL::

Host Proconsule_Jareth says:
@::Looks to his wrist as something beeps::  CNS/CTO: Excuse me, gentlemen. My office is paging me.    CS: Chief Trin, please put yourself at the Ensign's disposal.   CNS/CTO: Please contact me via the com system if you need anything further from me.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
@::Nods his head in dismissal to the Proconsule::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Turbolift: Transporter Room 1.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Jareth: Understood, thank you, Sir.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
@CNS: I suspect that these thefts were not meant as some sort of illicit gain by one group, but rather an attempt by one group to discredit another.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Exits the Turbolift and walks into Transporter Room.::  All: Are we ready?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::nods::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Shrugs::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
TR Operator: Initiate Transport.

ACTION: Transport initializes, and in the familiar hum, five figures materialize. 

ACTION: First a figure recognizable as Xeeth, well over six feet tall, and a second, nearly as towering, standing beside him. The two wear long baby-blue robes of some soft, but silky material, leading up to hoods, currently pushed back and draped across their shoulders. The borders of the hoods and hem of the robes are adorned with meticulous silvery embroidery. 

ACTION: On the other side of Xeeth, at a less impressive 5'8, a single figure stands with an almost imperious posture. His attire is substantially more utilitarian, sharp, fitted cuts of a firm, dark green fabric, yet with still a slight golden embellishment upon the edge of each shoulder. His stance is nearly protective of the first two.

ACTION: To either side of Xeeth's companions is one more individual. The two are less than five feet tall, attired in simple charcoal robes of a thin, yet opaque, unadorned material. The hoods are drawn entirely over the individuals' heads, obscuring any glimpse of their faces.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Watches the Proconsule leave:: CTO: That's weird.  I thought this criminal investigation was his top priority?  We were just getting somewhere too.

Host CS_Trin says:
@CTO: I suppose it's possible...our individual earnings are determined by a percentage of the profits. But it's supposed to be more than enough to satisfy anyone.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Looks at the newcomers in a calculating way::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Snaps to attention as the guests arrive.::  Xeeth and company: Greetings, welcome to the Federation Starship USS Cherokee.  I am Captain Ayidee.  ::Extends hand in the commonly used greeting.::

Host Xeeth says:
::Steps forward first, from the others, and bows, spreading his hands and arms widely in an open greeting, before standing upright and taking Captain Ayidee's hand in a firm, practiced shake:: CO: Thank you, Captain Ayidee. It is an honor to be your guests.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
@Trin: When we found the Cardassian woman, her husband was questioning why she was even on that level of the mine. What can you tell me about that?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: Before you get too far, would your team require anything before we begin the banquet?  It is ready when you are but do not wish to rush you.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Trin: We were interested in speaking with Saret after she was out of surgery and able to answer some questions.

Host Xeeth says:
::Smiles:: CO: Nothing so important, nor so urgent, that it must supercede a historic moment. But thank you for your consideration, Captain.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: Gods, my apologies.  Before we begin that, I would like to introduce in person Commander Nash, our Chief of Operations, and Doctor Talora, our Chief Medical Officer.  I am hoping more of my senior staff will join us as they wrap up their pressing tasks.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Inclines her head slightly::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::nods::

Host CS_Trin says:
@CTO/CNS: Yeah, just a second. ::Pulls a PADD-like device, although somewhat smaller, from her bag, and starts pulling records:: CTO: I...don't know. Says here she's assigned to 10 B, but this is 12D. The two share a passthrough shaft back near the lifts...but there'd be no particular reason for her to be here. It looks like...the Maras, the Durgaqs, and the Johnsons usually work this section.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
@Trin:  The Durgaqs? the Klingon sisters?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Takes some digital images of the 'crime scene' with a Tricorder::

Host Xeeth says:
::Bows slightly at the waist to each of the Starfleet crew members as they are introduced:: OPS: Chief...    CMO: Doctor...  All: It is a pleasure.   May I introduce... ::Gestures to the tall individual on his left:: Doctor Pfarom, my second in command, ::Gestures to the shorter, more militant individual on his right:: ...and Treea, my valued aide.

Dr_Pfarom says:
::Bows as well::  All:  It is indeed an honor to be here.  ::Smiles cordially::

Host SMLea says:
<Treea>::Bows perfunctorily and sharply from the waist, keeping a keen eye on the Starfleet crew::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: It is an honor to have you here.  There is nothing more important to us than meeting new cultures.

Host Xeeth says:
CO: As to us. You may say, it is our life blood.  ::Smiles::  We thank you for your gracious hospitality.

Host CS_Trin says:
@CTO: Yes, the Klingon sisters. Why?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: Then let us move to the banquet.
::Life blood?::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Raises an eyebrow, but remains silent while keeping a close eye on the newcomers::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
@Trin: I had a talk with them earlier today. They seemed convinced that the Cardassians were behind the thefts. Now we find the stolen goods and a Cardassian woman is assaulted on "their" level of the mine. Quite a coincidence wouldn't you say?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@CTO/Trin: Maybe those families you mentioned, the ones that work this section, should be questioned too.  After all, the 'stuff' was found in their work station.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: And we have to learn whether they are responsible, or was it planted here to implicate them?

Host CS_Trin says:
@CTO: I suppose it's plausible...although it would seem odd for them to draw so much attention to themselves, always announcing...::Mimics Gritta:: "How no one would DARE steal from the Durgaq sisters!"

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@CTO: So let's gather all the players together and see what happens.

Host Xeeth says:
::Smiles:: CO: Of course. We will follow your lead, Captain.   ::Nods::   CSO/OPS: Chiefs.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Starts to lead the group for Holodeck 1.::  Xeeth: We have set up the Banquet in one of our Holodecks, which uses a combination of Transporter and graviton field manipulations to create realistic, three dimensional models of environments for interaction.  If needed, a bit of programming can adjust it to any set up needed.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::nods again to Xeeth and company.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Maybe we should wait and speak with Saret first.  It may better prepare us as to what to expect and from who.

Dr_Pfarom says:
::Looks to Xeeth and smiles, then averts his glance to the Starfleet crew, looking them over with a curious glance as he falls in line with the diplomatic entourage::  OPS:  ...Hm.  Are you the second in command, then?  ::Holds his hands in front of his chest, pressed together at the fingertips::

Host Xeeth says:
::Smiles:: CO: Impressive, Captain. And very handy, I imagine. Must make the long voyages more bearable.

Host CS_Trin says:
@::Reviews her PADD again:: CTO/CNS: Update says she's out of surgery...so we could if you like.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@CTO: Sounds like a plan.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Dr Pfarom:  Something like second in command but without the actual title.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: That is the primary use, yes.  Also helps with training and even emergencies, such as needing non standard environments quickly for medical treatment.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Trin: Lead the way.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Follows along::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
@::Motions for Trin to proceed:: Trin: After you.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: The ship typically is not out of port for extended periods, but even a few weeks can grow...trying.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Trim:  Umm, not that I'm complaining of the close quarters, but is the post op for surgery out of the mine at least?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: ::Smiling:: Relax, I don't think we'll suffer a cave in.

Dr_Pfarom says:
OPS:  Ahh, I see...very interesting.  ::Nods::  ...Hm.  You have other responsibilities, then?  ::Cranes his neck a bit, feeling the closeness of the corridors relative to his usual traveling arrangements::

Host Xeeth says:
CO: Of course. Our own voyages usually keep up within weeks or months of home.  ::Reflexively ducks ever-so-slightly as they pass through a doorway, as the ceiling is not quite as high as he is accustomed:: But sometimes we can go years between ports.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@CTO: I'm beginning to feel like a gopher, running around in all these underground tunnels and holes in the ground.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Dr Pfarom:  Making sure things run smoothly here is enough for me, as well as raising my family.

Host CS_Trin says:
@::Laughs:: CNS: Yeah, it's back up in the colony.  ::Turns to address several of her security forces, still examining the area:: Bring me the full report as soon as you've completed sweeping for traces.      CNS/CTO: This way.  ::Turns to guide them back through the cavern, and back toward the lifts::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: This ship is capable of long runs, but Starfleet understands the stress that can cause and attempts to avoid that issue.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Don't know what a gopher is, but we'll be done here and back aboard the Cherokee before too long.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::looks around the Holodeck turned banquet hall, to make sure all is perfect for the guests::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Follows Trin, gladly::  CTO: Don't be slow, Mister Q'ten.  Keep up.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::pleased that all is ready::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Keeps quiet and merely listens::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
@CNS:  You're telling ME to keep up?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Arrives just outside the Holodeck.::  All: May I present our first chance for social interaction between the TI Nordiss and the Federation.  ::Taps console to open Holodeck 1.::

Host Xeeth says:
CO: I see.   CMO: And you, Doctor, what are your challenges of providing care for so many people so far from home?

Host CS_Trin says:
@::Chuckles:: Boys.   ::Heads into the single remaining operating lift, nodding to the security standing to either side:: Gentlemen.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@CTO: You're easily distracted.  ::Smiles, knowing he's risking a sock in the jaw::

Dr_Pfarom says:
OPS:  Then we are not in dissimilar positions.  I am the ship's physician, as well as the second in command.  ::Nods::  Very interesting.  ::Smiles once, then glances to Talora::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Hops onto the lift::  Trin: Up and out if you please, Madam.

Dr_Pfarom says:
CMO:  And you...they said you were the Cherokee's physician?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
Xeeth: I don't typically run into challenges with providing care. I have a staff, but everyone is working together as a team.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
Dr Pfarom: Yes, Doctor. I am a Doctor.

Host CS_Trin says:
@::Smiles:: CNS: Yeah yeah.  We shut down two of the three lifts, and I've got two men logging everyone who goes in and out of the mines via lift...so at least we'll know who's where when.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
@CNS: I am NOT!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: If there is anything you would like that you do not see, just let one of our staff know.  We can have most things prepared in a few minutes at most.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Trin: Uh huh, up please.  ...and, he is too.

Host Xeeth says:
CO: I'm sure whatever you've arranged will be quite exemplary, Captain. We've heard such impressive things regarding the Federation.

Dr_Pfarom says:
::Smiles congenially::  CMO:  Yes, of course.  You must have a broad range of specializations in order to be able to manage the health issues of such a diverse crew.  Very impressive.

Host CS_Trin says:
@::Shakes her head:: Babies.    ::Presses the control to send the massive lift upward::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Attempts a smile in return:: Dr. Pfarom: I've had a lot of practice.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Pause Mission - Time Lapse: 2 minutes>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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