USS Cherokee  11403.23
"The Small Spark"  
Part 11

Ship's Log, Stardate 11403.23, Captain Ayidee recording.  We have returned to the ship in order to regroup and see just what we are seeing here.  The Interstellar Federation will be ready shortly for another meeting, so we hope to have our ideas straight before then.

Starring
Lea as Guest Producer
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
Bruce Oriani as CSO_LtCmdr_Starr

Absent
Trish Yarborough as Executive Producer
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Begin Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::On Cherokee, in Observation Lounge, waiting for the rest of the crew to arrive.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::In his quarters, braiding his hair back up after eating a large plate of gagh and letting the sonic shower freshen him up.::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::exits the TL and starting to make her way to the Observation Lounge.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Looks at himself in the mirror and straightens his uniform before heading out the door::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she enters the Observation Lounge and sits down in her favorite seat.::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Entering the OL she quickly finds herself a seat.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Makes his way to the Observation lounge and sits across from CDR Nash::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Take a seat when ready, I want to get started quickly.  Get anything you need and be comfortable, but please take your seats.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Heavy sigh::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::asleep in quarters, getting much needed rest::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: I don't think I'm stating anything profound saying that we seem to have a lot of opinions on what we've seen from the Interstellar Federation.  We have only a short time before they return, and I want us all to have some sort of collaborative take on what we are dealing with here.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
:: wakes up, get dressed and speeds off to the OL for the meeting::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: I'm going to go around the room and each of us are going to give their take on things so far.  Counselor Daniels, would you like to go first?

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
:: slides to a stop in front of the OL, enters unseen, and pops into his chair::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
All: I haven't ruled out Ruby's reaction as just a frightened girl taking comfort in a familiar face, even if the face is of an abuser.  However, I really don't have a theory as to what's going on.  I think we lack information.  Mister Q'ten and I barely met these ISF people.  I'm not really sure what our involvement should be in this matter, if any.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: I know it's a very quick meeting, but do you think this is Stockholm Syndrome?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: I can't rule it out.  Commander Nash has had more couch time with Ruby.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Understood.  Hopefully soon we'll have more information for you to work with.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: Doctor, what is your take on this?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Do we really have any power in any of this?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: If it comes to that...no, not really.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: In my opinion, I believe information was deliberately held from us. We came here to investigate a crime. The bigger problem is that the colony is not protected by the Federation and the Interstellar Federation has it's own laws and its own jurisdiction. I hate to be a lawyer here, but if we've found the culprits, we have to hand this information over to the colony for them to handle their own law. We're not the police of the galaxy. I know that what's “right” but we've started to leave our jurisdiction.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: I understand, and you are correct.  I am not believing that punishment is in order, but it will be up to the colony if they want to push forward.  Given the current situation, though, not sure if they have any means of getting their hands on Ruby or River if they wanted.  Something to watch out for, though.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: I know you had the same disadvantage of Counselor Daniels in not having had much time with them, but your take?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: From what Commander Nash was telling us from what she was being told/shown, it seemed as if the Meenans were being exploited. But from Ruby's reaction to Doctor Pfarom's arrival I'd have to say she sees him as some sort of protector. Honestly the whole situation has me a bit confused at this point. Whatever the case I don't see where we have any say in the matter should the Meenans wish to stay with the Interstellar Federation.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Before the meeting commenced, Wally used the Observation Lounge's replicator to retrieve a protein shake and a large chocolate chip cookie.  Trying not to look like a slob, but is hungry and has little time for etiquette::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Even if they do not want to, unless they specifically ask for sanctuary our hands are tied.  But I'm not sure how "exploitive" it is, relatively speaking compared to, say, the Orions.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: A prisoner is still a prisoner even if he's kept in a gilded cage.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: I know, I am fully aware.  But our options aren't as wide open in such a situation as I would hope.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Your take on the situation so far, Commander?  I hope you are feeling better, by the way.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: If I may interject an ancient Takaran proverb: "No matter how hard the wind blows, the mountain will never bow to it."  And I am feeling much better, thanks for asking.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Not sure what you are meaning with the proverb here.  Can you elaborate?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Makes that slurping sound that's made when sucking down the last few drops of his protein shake.  He puts the empty glass on the table in front of him::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Glances briefly at the noise, then looks back to the CSO.::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: We can try and force these people to do things, but they are strong-minded and strong-willed and set in their ways. 

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: OK, understood.  Anything you saw that didn't match what the others have said so far?

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Another way to put it would be, "Ambition without knowledge is like a boat on dry land." which means that even if they want to change, they will need proper guidance, or all their efforts will be useless.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Very good.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Commander, so far all the rest of us have seen fits the Interstellar Federation's story on what is happening, but you've...seen would be the word, seen more than the rest of us.  Seen Ruby's view on things.  What is it you saw that made you think this was not quite as they said?

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: As far as anything different, I did experience some sort of psychotic episode as a result of something from the Meenans, but I could not tell you for sure of what or the cause thereof.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
ALL:  Well, as I can interpret from the mental images given to me by Ruby, the Xatrovians forced the Meenans to choose to give up their some of their children.  It was also revealed to me that Ruby was part of that selection.  From what I can tell, she was pushed from behind and that was when she was "chosen",  She also showed me that each member was allowed to take one family member with them to ease them into their new so-called lives. According to what I saw, Ruby chose her younger brother to join her.  Also, she showed me that one of the people that was part of the Xatrovian team was Dr. Pfarom. That is all I can give you now. However, as a mother, I can't fathom the idea of choosing which child to send away forever.  There had to be something else to presented the Meenans with such a heartbreaking decision.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: You felt she was forced, but can you tell by whom?  Could it be her family perhaps, or others who needed her help, or her support?  I don't want to accuse them of slavery unless we are certain.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Just someone from behind her. It wasn't shown to me who did it.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Even if they are slavers, what can we do about it; nothing?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Frowns:: CO: If the Interstellar Federation makes any sort of uproar about this, we can't do anything. We were asked here as consultants, that's all.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Sighs.::  CNS: Not honestly.  The Prime Directive has certain...side effects.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: As much as I don't like it I have to agree with Mister Daniels.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: What would you say was Ruby's reaction or emotion when going to the Trk and their ship?  Was it happiness for being 'chosen' of fear?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Believe me, I hate it.  I'm afraid my feelings towards the ISF have made me resentful.  I want to tear their heads off and the Prime Directive be damned.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Our opinions on the...morality of slavery is irrelevant.  You cannot force another power to be what you want them to be.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  She was saddened because her world was ripped to chaos. And she told me that she was injured, her right arm was severely damaged.  At first she wasn't going to be chosen but was eventually chosen.  I think it was because no one wanted to care for her due to her injuries.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: So, why are we discussing it?  Do I have to remind everyone, our mission was accomplished when Mister Q'ten and I discovered the loot and the crooks hideout?  The colonists have a say in how the Meenans are judged for their crime.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
All: Are the Meenans capable of speech? If not, would you consider the images a plea for help? If so, it's rocky, but sturdy enough for me.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: I can't help wonder why they need to recruit Ruby's people so often.  And they never return home or are seen again? That's just plain creepy.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: So they not only provided her with a means of supporting her family, but healed her of an injury?  Fear of leaving home, that's a common thing.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Maybe we can use that.  It is the colony's right to detain people for crimes on their world.  A life in a colony prison has to be better than slavery.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
<Lt_Dawn_Tiernan>  ::at OPS when she received a textual message from Tarix III in which she forwards to OPS in the Observation Lounge.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: If they really need the help.  What if the Federation is telling the truth, that it's their way of providing aid?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: With the Meenan's psychic abilities the Colony may not be equipped to handle such a prisoner.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
All: We need to come to a conclusion here, but we need more information.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Then, if nothing is wrong here, we should be on our way... maybe take some shore leave or something?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Maybe.  ::a message appears on her PADD.::   CO:  Captain was given a message from Lt. Tiernan. It's from Jareth.  I'll put it on screen for us all to read.  ::puts it on the screen in the Observation Lounge.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Exploration and meeting other beings is our primary mission.
OPS: go ahead, Commander.

ACTION: The message comes on screen.  "I understand from Chief Trin that you've apprehended two suspects in the theft cases, and that personnel from the Interstellar Federation were seen escorting them from the colony. Can you confirm if these were the perpetrators of the thefts, and assault on Saret?  And if so, when will they be remanded to our custody? I appreciate your attention to this matter, and your aid in apprehending the criminals. - Proconsul Jareth, Tarix III Colony."

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: See, they do want to keep them.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: It does appear that way.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Have a message prepared, tell them that we will bring this up with the ISF representatives and try to find a solution that works for both...no, that works for all parties fairly.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Aye Captain.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
All: That gives us a loophole. We're the go between now. We should investigate further if there's going to be any sort of prosecution.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: We may have to stick around.  We might be needed to testify if there's a criminal hearing.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: It seems we may have a tightrope walk ahead of us.  But we have a clear first step, find out exactly what is the story working with the ISF representatives.  There are a lot of toes that can be stepped on here.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she prepares the message and forwards it to Lt. Tiernan to send off to Jareth.::

ACTION: The Bridge receives a message from the TI Nordiss: The ISF representatives are ready to come aboard.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
ALL: Has anyone thought about "questioning" River? So far all we have to go on is Ruby's view of things.  However it would seem that River is the more physically violent of the two.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Are we ready to get the rest of the answers. Calmly as possible?  And we can request that Ensign Q'ten.  It is a good way to go.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
<Lt_Dawn_Tiernan>  ::receives the message from Commander Nash and she sends it off to Jareth, Where it basically states that the ISF will have to be consulted in this matter as well.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: I'm all for meeting new species, Sir but, I don't think I want to know the ISF.  Not if this is typical for them.  Ruby and River still ran and I believe they ran from something, sickness or not.
Self: I think I need another cookie.

<<<<<<<<<<<Pause Mission-USS Cherokee 11403.23   "The Small Spark" Part 11>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse 10 minutes>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This is an official A Call To Duty © Transcript of Stardate 11403.23   This may not be reproduced in any way, shape, and/or form without express permission by its participants and/or official Star Trek: A Call To Duty Game Staff. Please Visit Our Web Site.