USS Cherokee  11403.09
"The Small Spark"  
Part 10

Ship's log, Stardate 11403.09, Captain Ayidee reporting.  We are still trying to get to know the representatives of the Interstellar Federation.  I believe we had all built up a bit of an opinion on what we were seeing here, but now it seems those opinions may have been misreads of the actual situation.

Starring
Lea as Guest Producer, Ruby, 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
Trish Yarborough as Executive Producer
Jon Benson as CEO_Lt_Salor
Bruce Oriani as CSO_LtCmdr_Starr

Absent
None

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

SCENE: Dr. Pfarom continues to stand, back against the wall at the tunnel from which he arrived, Ruby hiding herself in his arm as he holds his arm around her shoulder protectively, eyes still on Talora across the room.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: Doctor, I think we've built a few theories based on insufficient data.  Would it be intruding to ask what happened to the Meenans?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
@<MO Rhapsody> ::Stands next to CSO's bio-bed, running scans::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Stands very still, meeting the Doctor's eye contact::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Trying to make sense of what he's seeing with Pfarom and Ruby.::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::watching and listening to all::

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Draws a deep breath, for the first time proceeding with upmost cautious with these Starfleet people, as he inclines his head slightly toward the Captain's question, eyes lingering on Doctor Talora a moment longer, before finally turning his full attention to the CO:: CO: Of course, Captain.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::trying to think positively, for River and Ruby's sake.::

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
CO: As I said, the Rantok have been "at war" with the Meenans for several decades now. They are quite ruthless, mostly raiding the Meenan homeworld for supplies, resources...other times, I believe, merely slaughtering for sport.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Pfarom: Doesn't your federation offer protection?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Stands back, out of the way::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: We've encountered a few species that were like that, or seemed to be.  Decades of war makes prospects for peace dwindle.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::slowly walks over to Dr Pfarom and Ruby's location.::  Ruby: Please, may I speak with you again?

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@::memories from past:: Out loud: WINNER BY KNOCKOUT!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO: That offers its own difficulties.  Think of it if it were us.  Prime Directive carries a lot of weight in such a situation, yes?

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
CEO: As the Rantok and Meenans share the same star, and the Rantok gained interstellar capabilities first, our non-interference policy prohibits us from simply stepping in without being invited. We had hoped the Meenans would petitions for ISF membership, but their strongly-held religious beliefs forbade allying themselves politically with aliens.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@::memories from past:: Out loud: Undisputed Champion of the caged circle…

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Pfarom: Then your prime directive, if anything like ours, would prohibit you from having them aboard your ships.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
@<MO Rhapsody> ::Looks surprised by the CSO's outburst::

Host River says:
::Lifts her face from its position hidden in Pfarom's arm, to look at Nash, as she hears the pleasant, maternal sound once more::

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
CEO: Our policy prevents us from simply going in and simply enforcing our own idea of what their system should look like, by force. However, it does not prevent us from attempting to influence the situation economically, which is what our council arranged.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@::memories from past:: Out loud: The Master of Deception...The King of Sting...the man with the fastest reflexes in the Outer Rim...Your Champion and mine...TRRRRRRIIIIKKKK SSSSTTTAAAARRRR!!!

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@::memories shift::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Pfarom: That is still interference.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
@<MO Rhapsody> ::Looks over the brain wave scans::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CEO: We have our rules, they have theirs.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: A difficult policy to balance without getting in too deep.  Brave.
CEO: Knowledge of outsiders is interference.  Our rules are supposedly set in stone, but "interpretation" of them is needed in nearly every case they apply.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Draws a breath:: CEO: I'm sorry, Chief, did you wish to know about the Meenans, or did you wish to argue with us the political and ethical boundaries our Federation has set up and defined and redefined over the past centuries? If the latter, we may wish to get a little more comfortable, as our best minds have been working on it for QUITE a while.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Ruby:  You know I won't hurt you or your brother.  I look at the two of you as my own children.  I will keep you safe if you still want to share your life with me again. ::she sits down on the ground near Pfarom and Ruby.::

Host Ruby says:
::Sees Nash nearby, and, keeping one hand on Pfarom's arm, she reaches out toward Nash::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Pfarom: No need to debate, my people have been working on it far longer then you may think.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she slowly reaches out her hand toward Ruby.::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@::memories from past:: Out loud: Reach for the sky, varmit!  I don't allow no stealing in this town. Not while I'm Sheriff!

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
CEO/CO: Suffice it to say, engagement does not necessarily violate non-interference. It is a non-interference policy, not a non-involvement one. Thus, we attempted to ameliorate the Meenan situation through other means.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
CEO/CO: The ISF negotiated an agreement with the Rantok in which we were permitted to engage the services of Meenans of certain ages. We are permitted a few visits each year in which to recruit as members of our crew. Individuals that apply and are accepted are paid fair wages as determined by our council. Most of the Meenans redirect these resources back home, to provide succor to their families and towns left behind. We facilitate this in any way we can, although ultimately we cannot be the ones directly providing said aid.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::gets close to the captain and whispers just so he can hear::  CO: Their morals are clearly far different from ours, be careful in dealing with them.

Host Ruby says:
::Takes Nash's hand in her own, holding it tightly::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Nods to CEO.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: I understand, a delicate compromise that would be.  With benefits, for certain, but some risk to say the least.

IMAGE: The visions begin once more in Nash's mind. She sees the youth, 1.1-1.6 meters in height, pushed forward, if not running, to form a line at the front of the ISF launch ramp. The two Trk stand there, PADDs in hand.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Ruby:  Thank you.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Pfarom: Do the Rantok get the same treatment?

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@::memories/dreams shift from one thing to another.  Shouting.:: Out loud: I got the ball.   Humback like a snow hill. It's a jolly Holiday!

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Pfarom: So, this certain age you recruit, are they children?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Pfarom: Excuse my interruption doctor, but Ruby seems relieved and even comforted by your presence, whereas you stated that you have River in custody but had to sedate him. Is there a reason why he was so much more agitated than his sister Ruby here?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::is getting upset with the images she is getting from Ruby but she let's Ruby continue.::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@::memories/dreams shift from one thing to another.  Shouting.:: Out loud: Smack that child again and I'll rip out your spine through your nose!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO: From what I am hearing, the Rantok would not need the aid.
::Turns to Pfarom.::  Pfarom: Correct?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> ::Gives the CSO a hypo, trying to settle the brain activity.::

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Glances briefly at the connection between Nash and Ruby, but turns back to continue his discussion with the rest of the crew:: CEO: We do not hire the Rantok, no. We retain the rights NOT to engage the services of anyone we choose. Given the Rantok have no desire to be directly engaged with the ISF, this has posed no problem in the past.

Host SMLea says:
CNS: Young adults, ages 22 through 28. By order and negotiations of the council, they are allowed to bring a single family member, of younger age, with them, as family, to stay with them on the vessel. Their room and board is provided free for as the Meenans choose to work for the ISF.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Pfarom: I understand, that's very generous of you.  What kind of work do these young adults perform?

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Pfarom: So you negotiated with the Rantok to give aid to their enemy, who as you say, have been at war for decades.  Are you sure the negotiations weren’t forcing the ISF to do as the Rantok wished them to do?

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@::memories/dreams shift from one thing to another.  Shouting.:: Out loud:  It's gonna EAT me...Captain. Don't let it eat me!

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> ::Frowns at the minor response:: Self: Alright...so much for that. ::Cannot do much except monitor activity.::

IMAGE: The moments seem to fly by. A series of youths are selected into a group on one side, nearly everyone that applies. But in Nash's image, she is ignored. She feels a great sense of hopelessness and despair fill her...and her arm begins to ache. The image looks down, to see a battered and torn arm, an injury from the attack, that will probably be lethal...and if not, make her arm useless.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO: It is possible, but any interaction between sentient powers has risks.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@::memories/dreams shift from one thing to another.  Shouting.:: Out loud:  Look Pa, I caught a fish...Sure is a ugly little cuss.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CO:  It does not make sense.  It is illogical.  Someone forced their will upon others and I am concerned as to who that may have been.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
@<MO_Rhapsody> ::Comes up with an idea and confers with a couple of other MO's before administering Stokaline to the CSO.::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@::memories/dreams shift from one thing to another.  Shouting.:: Out loud: Michealaaaaaaaaaa!!!

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
CNS: Whatever work to which they are suited...which is somewhat limited due to their verbal inabilities. Primarily, they are trained to work on computers, to make repairs. They frequently serve in operations capacities.

@ACTION: With the last outburst, Starr's eyes suddenly pop open as his vitals indicate full consciousness.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
CNS: But the options are varied. Some Meenans serve with me in sickbay.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> ::Nods:: CSO: Welcome back to the world of the living.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::not liking what she is seeing and feeling::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Pfarom: Can you tell us about the Meenan's homeworld?  What is the planet's biggest resources, what are their biggest industries?  What's there economy like.  Are they totally dependent on this type of employment or are there good alternatives?

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Pfarom: And what is their reward for serving you in that manner?

IMAGE: Nash's view looks up once more, to see a single Xatrovian step onto the landing platform, as if by mistake. She sees his eyes fall on her, then her arm. The familiar Xatrovian approaches one of the Trk. Meanwhile, around her, younger Meenans are being pushed to the front of the crowd, while the "chosen" Meenans grasp a relative to take with them.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@::looks at her confused:: MO_Rhapsody: Land of the living? What are you going on about?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO: The doctor said they send their compensation home, in terms of resources and so forth.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
@<MO Rhapsody> CSO: You're back on the Cherokee. You seem to have been hallucinating for a while now.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
CEO: ISF credits, which can be exchanged at will for trixen crystals. 

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Pfarom: so your federation still uses currency for services?

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CO: This sounds like the history of humans I studied about.  A system that lasted to about their 22 century.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@MO Rhapsody: Have you been into the Romulan Ale? I do NOT hallucinate!

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CEO: Yes imagine that, an honest day’s wage for an honest day’s work.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO: Yes, and I think they have found a workable solution.  Again, dangerous and risky in some ways, but if they can make it work, it's a good thing.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CTO: How barbaric.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
@<MO Rhapsody> ::Is not phased by his reaction.:: CSO: How then can you explain being in Sickbay when you were just down in a cave on the planet? Anger and confusion is normal after coming to. It'll all clear up.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CEO: However did humans ever pull their way out of the dark ages?

Host SMLea says:
CNS: They have extensive mineral resources. Unfortunately, they had not yet developed the means to take advantage full advantage of them before the Rantok laid claim to the world. Beyond that, they were really just about to transition from the industrial age to the information age, when the Rantok offensive began. We're currently the only power that's successfully negotiated rights to affect the Meenans in any way.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CTO: Some would debate that back on Vulcan.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@Mo Rhapsody: ::insulted:: I am neither angry or confused.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Ruby:  Who was the one with the injured arm? Any relation to you?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Pfarom: And nothing is being done to resolve the conflict between the Meenans and Rantok?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: That wasn't said, Ensign.  But picture it.  Peace is not usually an option when one side has nothing to gain from peace compared to the war.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Pfarom: Seems to me the Xatrovians are in a perfect position to act as arbitration between these two warring factors.  Wouldn't peace be welcomed by all parties?

IMAGE: Nash's view shifts as the Trk to which the Xatrovian spoke nods to the Xatrovian, then makes a few intelligible sounds toward the second Trk, who reaches a hand out, inviting Nash forward to join the other youths. She quickly stumbles forward.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CNS: Nicely put.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: As am I, but life is seldom so simple.  Honestly, what do the Rantok have to gain from peace?  A nearly defeated enemy that they can plunder at will?  Without direct interference, likely in the form of war, how do you convince them otheriwse?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Hears the CO and goes back to his corner::  CO: I'm just trying to make sense of this, Sir.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
@<MO Rhapsody> ::Shrugs and keeps working::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: You must think there's something more to this than what we've seen or why else would we still be here.  We were to find out what happened to the colonists stuff.  We did that.  Isn't our mission complete, Sir?

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
CNS/CEO: Your Captain is quite right. We have engaged in ongoing negotiations for years, but until someone poses a threat to the Rantok, they have everything to gain from pillaging the Meenan homeworld, and nothing to gain from agreeing not to. The Rantok are, in my opinion, cruel, malicious, sadists, that enjoy their stronghold over the Meenans, and won't release it until forced to.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: That is complete, yes.  Now we are on our continuing missions, exploring, learning.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Pfarom: I believe it was a human from Earth who once said "You can more from a kind word and a gun, than you can with just a kind word".

IMAGE: Nash turns to face the crowd, and sees a couple she implicitly recognizes as her parents, and a younger Meenan Nash recognizes as her younger brother. He is defiantly struggling against her parents, who tearfully push him toward her.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Ruby:  I'm going fill in my people of what you just shared then I'll be ready to resume our talk.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Goes to stand next to the Doctor.  Maybe she can help him keep his mouth shut::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Your questions are good, Ensign.  But I think this isn't a cut and dry situation.  Something that there are far too few of in life.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Pfarom: So the Meenan are content to work with the ISF without aid in their war? That must prove to be very difficult dealing with their pleas for help.   Them getting attacked and you sit and watch.  What do you have to gain other than the suffering of them?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Aye, Sir.  ::Isn't convinced::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Gives the CNS a comforting look, then looks back at the doctor::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@MO Rhapsody: I am perfectly fine ::sits up and tries to hop of the bio-bed and falls flat on his face:: :;muffled:: Ooouuuccchhh

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Shrugs:: Pfarom: If these Rantoks won't listen to reason, then perhaps you should give them a reason to listen.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: A short time ago Chief Salor suggested that the Interstellar Federation was going too far in their interference.  Now you are suggested they go to war to end this?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
@::Another MO picks the CSO up and puts him back on the bio-bed.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Someone should.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
@<MO Rhapsody> CSO: I wouldn't move if I were you.  I'd rather not have to restrain you to prevent you from hurting yourself.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Perhaps.  But it is far easier to find enemies than one would hope.  But it is not, must not, become the "best choice" in diplomatic situations.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: We're not part of the ISF, we could go and interfere a lot with the blasted Rantok.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Looks to Salor, with a grave solemnity to his demeanor:: CEO: We do what we can for them. I do not personally run the ISF...which may be a good thing, as I have seen some of the slaughter in person, and would likely make grave errors based on emotion instead of long-standing principles.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::breaking the link for a moment, she looks around to focus again on the current activity, she glance over to Dr. Pfarom and a wave of recognition floods her mind.  She then looks up to the Captain::  CO:  Captain, I need to speak with you.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@::still not fully with it, even though awake:: MO: Unhand me you rapscallion. Maaa. T'puc is touching meee!

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Pfarom: Then it seems your prime directive is flawed.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
@<MO Rhapsody> ::Blinks::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: If there's nothing more we can do for the Meenan, why are we still here?  I'm hungry.  Are you hungry?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO: So is ours, at times.  But no system is perfect, Lieutenant.
OPS: Of course.
All: One second please.  ::Steps aside with OPS.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: yes, I am!

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Hunger could be why we're all so cranky.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: yeah, that's the ticket! Hunger! yeah, that's it!

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::With the Captain pulled away, and the others seeming to take a moment to process, he merely pats Ruby reassuringly on the shoulder, casting a concerned glance toward her, and draws another deep breath::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@ :snatching the medical Tricorder from the MO's hand:: MO: WHAT have I TOLD you about touching MY things?!?!

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Couldn't we take this pow wow back to the ship, Sir?  We might all be more comfortable there.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::whispers.::  CO:  I know why Ruby clings to the good doctor over there.  He was part of invasion force that took her and River and other children from Meena.  From what I saw, the children were allowed to take one family member with them and Ruby chose River, her younger brother.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Invasion?  Or what he said, recruiting from war refugees?  There is a big difference there.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@::plays "keep-away" with the MO as he tries to get the Tricorder back from him::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
@<MO Rhapsody> ::Forces the CSO down and restrains him.::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  In Ruby's mind, it's an invasion.

ACTION: The CSO is restrained.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Shakes her head:: CNS: Not now...

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All:  Let's move this back to the ship.  I think we need to regroup and get things settled.
Pfarom: Can we get together again in say an hour, on our ship?

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::standing there watching Pfarom and the girl, studying him::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
@MO Rhapsody: It was mine…He shoulda asked.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
CO: I will need to confer with the Prime, but I don't see why not. Would you like us to bring Ruby and her brother as well?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: Please, if they can manage it.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Nods:: CO: I will see what I can do.  
::Turns back toward the tunnel from which he entered, gently guiding Ruby around as well:: 
Ruby: Come...let's go, Ruby.

<<<<<Pause Mission - USS Cherokee  11403.09   "The Small Spark"  Part 10>>>>>

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse 10 minutes>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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