USS Cherokee  11403.02
"The Small Spark"
Part 9

Ship's Log, Stardate 11403.02, Captain Ayidee recording.  The Interstellar Federation crew is now coming back to our location, but we may have a situation developing here.  What if Ruby and River don't want to return?

Starring
Lea as Guest Producer, Ruby, Xeeth, and Dr_Pfarom
Steve Weller as CO_Ayidee
Dawn Freeman as OPS_Cmdr_Nash
Zach Farland as CNS_Ens_Daniels 
Topper Loghry as CTO_Ens_Q’ten
Andrew Cotterly as CMO_Lt_Talora
Absent
Trish Yarborough as Executive Producer
Jon Benson as CEO_Lt_Salor
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Begin Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::sitting with Ruby.::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Arriving back down into the tunnels, she quickly gets her bearings and moves quickly down tunnel 10::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Standing in  "base camp", wondering what the actual situation is here and what we are dealing with.::

ACTION: Pfarom continues through the tunnel towards the Cherokee crew.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Hanging with the group, giving Ruby her space::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: I think we need to figure out what we ask next and how we move forward.  Carefully, no matter how we go.

Host Ruby says:
::One hand still holding Nash's, her eyes closed::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: perhaps "what is actually going on here" would be a good question?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Which leads to "how do we handle it if things are as they are now appearing"?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Ruby:  It's okay. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you.  We just need to find River.

IMAGE: The visions continue for Nash, fiery destruction ripping through a small city.  A few scattered people running for a semblance of safety.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Commander, is she communicating with you?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::sees the images in her mind and she understands them.::

Host Pfarom says:
CTO: Chief...are you still there?  ::His voice not nearly so distant now.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Pfarom: We are all still here awaiting your arrival.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Yes, Captain.  Her world was under attack.  Her people were running as they were trying to find safe places to hide.  Images I wish I had never personally known.

IMAGE: The vision is suddenly warped again, filling Nash with flashes of twisted visage, green and grey, swirling before her eyes unintelligibly. Ruby's hand tightens her grip and her body jumps slightly at the image.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: I know this is rushed, but does Ruby seem mentally disturbed, in some sort of psychosis?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::her mind fills with images of her life on Betazed just before the Dominion War.  Then the Jem'Ha'Dar attacked and killed her best friend in front of her then chasing after her.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Or is psychosis just what we were told so we wouldn't believe what they may tell us?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: If it turns out we are dealing with those with bad intentions towards the Meenans, the only way we could interfere would be if they asked for asylum.  Whether the colonists want them all here or gone is their’s to decided.  As for Ruby.  I couldn't say.  I haven't done any kind of tests. Perhaps the Commander should be asked that question?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Continues to retrace her steps towards the Cherokee AT::

Host Xeeth says:
::Sees Talora approaching and smiles, waving slightly::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods cautiously and approaches:: Xeeth: Where did they go?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: I am going under the assumption that the help has been requested when she accepted Commander Nash's offer to help.  It is a stretch, but if it comes to it.

Host Ruby says:
::Makes sort of a vibrating noise from her throat...but nothing actually vocal::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: I think it’s the Meenan’s employers that are not leveling with us.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: A suspicion I share as well, although I can't explain why.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: I think she should be put in a medic’s hands as soon as possible. Perhaps on our ship as I suggested earlier.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Ruby:  What is it?  Show me.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: I guess it's just my trusting Klingon nature.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Trust no one, except your friendly neighborhood counselor.

IMAGE: The green and grey fades from Ruby's mind, resuming the image of carnage from her own city. A ship begins to descend from the night sky.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: There is a Klingon proverb: Trust, but know the exits.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Given they told us the psychosis is untreatable, I am hoping there will be no complaints from the Interstellar Federation.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Good one.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: They said it was untreatable.

Host Xeeth says:
::Smiles graciously:: CMO: They've entered this tunnel here, in search of...I believe you call it a hunch.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods and quickly moves down that tunnel::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Of course they told us it was untreatable. They don't want us trying to treat something that isn't real.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: I don’t think we can trust your new party friends, Sir.  At least not yet.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Doctor Talora didn't seem to like that prognosis either.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: She's a smart lady with good instincts.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::a small tear rolls down her cheek.:: CO:  I’m seeing a ship descend from a night sky over the city were she came from.  It looks familiar to me, Captain, but can't place it at the moment.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO/CTO: It might be interesting to see what the Cherokee medics learn from treating Commander Starr.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Anything like the ship in orbit?

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
CTO: Chief, I believe I'm nearly there.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Perhaps.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Moves quickly, keeping her eyes alert to everything around her.::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Ruby:  Show me the people from that ship you just showed me.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Pfarom:: Excellent, we're all beside ourselves with excitement.

IMAGE: The images come into more focus as the ship lands. The image grows closer, as if approaching the ship. People, torn and tattered, run from the buildings, toward the ship.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: We need to be very careful, and watch how we move forward.  Don't forget, this isn't a Federation world, so we are guests here as well.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO/CO: Let's not let on we suspect them of anything. ::Whispered before Pfarom arrives::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: I will do my best, but subtlety is not a strong Klingon trait.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::the ship becomes clearer in her mind::  CO:  Um Captain, the ship she showed me is similar in build but I believe it's different class as the one in orbit.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Finally emerges from the tunnel, pausing at the entrance to dust off his attire, as he looks around the room, taking things in::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Sees Doctor Pfarom arrive and clams up::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Pfarom: Doctor, so glad you could finally join us.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Understood, thank you Commander.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Smiles:: CTO: Chief. Good to see you again. Thank you.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::turns her focus more on Ruby.::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Steps into the chamber with the crew and Dr. Pfarom.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: Greetings doctor.  We seem to have rescued Ruby, and you said you found River?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Steps back and observes... everyone.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Happy to see Talora is back.::

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Nods:: CO: Yes, Captain Ayidee, Cheeo is holding to him now. We were able to sedate him, and perform some initial scans.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Doesn't like what he's hearing::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: He required sedation?  Ruby seems...normal.  Sedation seems unnecessary if their condition is the same.

IMAGE: Nash sees the ship open a hatch near the bottom, and a single individual, identifiable to Nash as Trk (like Treea and Cheeo) steps forward, with several armed guards behind.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Then sir, I recommend we reunite our two captives and return to the ship.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::after she saw the last images from Ruby, she let out a loud audible gasp::

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
CO: He was quite...agitated. I felt it was more merciful to perform the scans with him unconscious, rather than risk exacerbating his agitation by holding him against his will.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: You said on the Cherokee that their condition is untreatable.  Would you mind if we took them back to our ship to see if Doctor Talora can find a treatment?  Perhaps our different points of view might help with the issue.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Looks on with a patient look.::

IMAGE: In Nash's image, the people, of all heights, crowd toward the landing hatch, while maintaining a slight distance from the hatch. The crowd churns.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Captain, a word please.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Yes Commander?  What do you have?

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Tilts his head, thoughtfully:: CO: I don't personally see the harm in a second opinion. Although, and I mean this with no disrespect intended, but the many doctors of the Interstellar Federation have had much more experience with both the psychosis and the Meenans and their physiology. It seems perhaps a bit...wishful, that a few hours aboard your ship would provide some new insight that our doctors haven't found.  ::Nods respectfully to Talora::  I will recommend it to the Prime, but ultimately it is his decision.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::in a hushed tone::  CO:  I was just shown that the people from the ship where armed and that the inhabitants ran up to the ship in hopes of salvation, but I get the feeling the ship people caused the chaos.  Captain, the people look like Treea and Cheeo.

IMAGE: The silent crowd shifts in Nash's mind. The people push and pull.  Gradually, the crowd self-filters - people are pushing and shifting their children to the front of the crowd.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Doesn't return the nod and merely looks at him.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: I understand.  But I also know that our medicine has reach into many species skills.  We may be able to help just the same.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Whispers back.::  OPS: Thank you, that helps but we still need to take care.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Self:  Oh no.  CO:  Captain, the crowd around the ship shifted to where mothers moving children to the front of the crowd almost as if in a offering for salvation.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Nods:: CO: I'll be glad to make the recommendation.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: You didn't mention that the Meenans were telepathic beings.  From what we've seen, they seem to be strong telepaths.  Perhaps even to the abandonment of vocal language.  Were you aware of that?

IMAGE: Nash's image shifts forward as well, toward the ship... Others of the same height move forward...not only pushed, but running, running toward the ship.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Pfarom: It would have been useful information to have while looking for supposedly psychotic fugitives.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
CO: Yes, as the chief physician I'm quite aware of Meenan physiology. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to communicate directly with them myself...so I tend not to think of it.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::tearing up as the images move forward in the story.::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Raises an eyebrow::

IMAGE: The image in Nash's mind twists once more, again twisted by the green and grey visages, and intense fear flows through Nash.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: Then here again our Doctor Talora and our staff may have more luck.  Commander Nash is currently communicating with her, and some of the images were transmitted to the rest of us.

ACTION: Ruby tries to jump to her feet and run.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::jumps up::  Ruby: Ruby!!  ::goes after her.::

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Blinks:: CO: I'm afraid I don't understand the re---  ::Pauses as he sees Ruby bolt::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Quickly darts over to block Ruby:: Ruby, no need to run, no one is going to hurt you.

Host Ruby says:
::Dashes through the officers surrounding her, trying to run to Pfarom::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Steps out of Ruby's way::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Glances back.::  Pfarom: She seems to find comfort with you.  How was she recruited to your ship?  And how do you communicate with them?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Captain, I got many twist grey green mental images and this latest batch came with extreme fear, then she jumped up.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: And ran right to Doctor Pfarom.  Not quite what I had expected from what we have seen so far.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::tries to reach out to Ruby with her mind as if to ask "who is Doctor Pfarom to her?"::

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Wraps an arm around Ruby, soothingly, as she runs up to him, then looks up to the Captain, sympathetically:: CO/OPS: It sounds as if she's remembering the Rantok... They've been...well, the overly optimistic term is "at war" with the Meenans for decades.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Listens intently trying to make sense of this latest turn::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Pfarom: Who are these Rantok?

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Shakes his head:: CO: I'm sorry, Captain, everything is happening so quickly. I cannot communicate directly with the Meenans; usually Cheeo or my other aides serve as translators.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: It seems there is much we do not know, and we seem to be trying to fill in the blanks.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Dr. Pfarom:  I have seen what has happened her people.  From what I was shown, Cheeo's people caused the initial war with her people.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Pfarom: Are Ruby and River actually siblings?

Host SMLea says:
<Dr_Pfarom>CTO: The Rantok are th--  CO: And we're glad to--  OPS: No, you don't under---  CTO: Yes!    ::Exhales strongly::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Remains silent at the other end of the room.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Pfarom: Are you alright?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Calm we need to go slowly and not overwhelm the good doctor.  As I said, we need to proceed carefully.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Sounds like a broken robot.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Draws a deep breath:: CNS: I understand that your people have questions, but--- ::Clenches his jaw at the Counselor's remark:: Counselor! That is--!  ::Shuts his mouth firmly, holding Ruby securely to his side, while he recomposes himself::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Pfarom: My apologies Doctor, I did not mean to overwhelm you with questions. I just find it rather curious that while Ruby seems to find great comfort with your presence, her brother would be so agitated that you felt it necessary to sedate him.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Pfarom: I didn't say anything.  Why are you so tense?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Her eyebrows are in danger of disappearing into her hairline::

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Meets Talora's eyes across the room::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Calm yourself Counselor.  Part of our job is to find what is true.  With an open mind.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Pfarom:  I'm just concerned for Ruby.  I believe we formed a bond of some kind.  I just want her safe.  She reminds me of my own children.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: I'm calm.  I haven't said anything much in the past hour.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Slowly, through gritted teeth:: CNS: "Sounds like a broken robot?"    ::Takes another breath:: CO: Captain, I would like an opportunity to answer all your questions...one at a time...and preferably without whatever hostile ideas your crew seem to have formed. All I ask is an opportunity to explain myself, without being attacked in the process.  And an opportunity to help Ruby.  I plead with you Captain...we have done nothing but try to help you, and Ruby and River.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: I understand, and apologize.  It is just things seemed...different.  Not what we anticipated for what's that worth.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Remains a silent sentinel, watching everything intently, not letting any emotions play across her face.::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::looks at Ruby from a mother's perspective.::

<<<<<<<<<<Pause Mission: USS Cherokee 11403.02 "The Small Spark" Part 9>>>>>>>>>>

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse: None>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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