USS Cherokee 11403.30
"The Small Spark"  
Part 12 

Ship's Log, Stardate 11403.30.  The Interstellar Federation delegation is about to Transport over for another meeting.  We are hoping to be able to get some answers as to what is actually happening with them and their relationship with the Meenans.  I hope we're not that far off the mark here.

Starring
Lea as Guest Producer, Xeeth, Pfarom, Cheeo, Ruby, Sky and SO_Ens_Shells
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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Stands up and moves to stand against the wall.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Sitting back in his chair trying to make sense of everything.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Rises after the meeting.::  All: Then let's make sure we're ready for the Interstellar Federation.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::In the Conference Room with everybody, waiting for the ISF people to beam over::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Putting dirty dishes in Recycler::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
<Lt Dawn Tiernan>  ::receives word of the delegation from the Nordiss that they are ready for transport.::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
<Lt Dawn Tiernan>  *CO*: Captain the delegation from the Nordiss, their team consists of 6 members.

ACTION: The transporter whirs, and six figures materialize in the corner of the conference room: four are immediately identifiable as Xeeth, Pfarom, and their respective aides: Treea and Cheeo. Two additional figures stand in long clean, unadorned robes, the hoods of which obscure their faces...but their diminutive heights of 1.3 and 1.8 meters peg them as likely Meenan.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Sees the company arrive and vows to be on his best behavior::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Rises from his seat as the delegation beams in::
Host Xeeth says:
::Steps forward, reaching his hand out amiably to Captain Ayidee in human fashion:: CO: It is good to see you once more, Captain Ayidee.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Turns to the ISF delegation.::  Xeeth: Welcome back, I hope our peoples come to know each other a lot better in the future.

Host Pfarom says:
::Waits quietly with the two hooded figures, nearest the 1.3 meter all one, while Cheeo holds his typical position beside him. His expression in a guarded one::

Host Xeeth says:
CO: As do I.  <Move up one>

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: But there is an issue or two we need to work out.  A few concerns shall we say?

Host Xeeth says:
CO: Yes, so I've gathered from my discussions with Doctor Pfarom.  ::Glances only briefly back at the doctor, before giving the CO his full attention once more:: He also tells me that you've requested the opportunity to examine the affected Meenans, to see if you might be able to formulate some treatment for the Psychosis.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::looking at Dr. Pfarom and the two hooded figures next to him, hoping that one of them is her new friend.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Stands facing Xeeth and the CO, trying to look friendlier::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Looks up and waits patiently::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Stands next to Wally not caring how "friendly" he looks::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Accepts Xeeth's hand and shakes it.::  Xeeth: My crew has some questions about the Meenans also, but the medical situation is something we'd welcome the opportunity to see if we can help with.  Sometimes a fresh point of view can help, right?

Host Xeeth says:
CO: Certainly! And we would certainly appreciate any inroads you may be able to make with regards to the Psychosis.  ::Releases Ayidee's hand after a firm shake:: Ultimately, in our culture right to examination is up to the patient.

Host Pfarom says:
::Finally speaks up, although his voice still holds some reticence:: CO: However, Ruby has agreed to be examined by your people. Unfortunately River is still quite unstable, and under sedation. Ruby has asked another Meenan to accompany her.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: That is fair, gives them control of their situation.

Host Pfarom says:
::Nods reluctantly::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: I hope that River recovers, doctor.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::glaring at the Meenans, who stand really not much taller than him, somehow knowing that they are responsible for his recent "hallucinations", and trying to decide how they will pay for it::

Host Xeeth says:
::His steady amicable smile breaks into a grin:: CO: While Doctor Pfarom and the Meenans work with your people, let us see what we can work out between ours, shall we?  ::Gestures questioningly toward a nearby chair at the conference table::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Privately says to Q'ten:: CTO: Try to play devil's advocate for the colonists.  It was our original mission here.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Nods at Wally, then turns his attention back to the Captain and delegation::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: Indeed, make yourselves comfortable.
OPS/ CMO/ CNS: Would you like to continue to work with Ruby and see what you can learn?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Aye, Sir.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods:: CO: Aye Captain. Would moving to Sickbay be appropriate?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Yes, Sir.  ::tried to hide her enthusiasm to work with Ruby again.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS/ CMO/ CNS: Sickbay would be an excellent choice, see if you can find some of the answers we seek.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods and starts to walk out of the room::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::nods as she almost jumps up to head to Sickbay::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Xeeth: Excuse me Mister Prime Construct, but there is also the question of the injuries done to the colony and at least one of its citizens.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Follows the OPS, Ruby, Pfarom and CMO::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: I'd like a crack ::cracks knuckles:: at the Meenans ::continues to glares at them::

ACTION: Pfarom nods to Cheeo, who closes his eyes momentarily in concentration. The next instant, the two hooded figures fall into line behind Pfarom, followed finally by Cheeo, to follow the Starfleet officers to sickbay.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Certainly Commander.
CTO: We can deal with that shortly, it is not forgotten.

Host Xeeth says:
CTO: Yes, that is terrible business... I understand the issues are quite muddied, with neutral territory and no extradition treaties. I'm afraid I will have to contact the homeworld at some point for further counsel.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Pfarom: Have you seen our Sickbay, Doctor?  ::Making polite talk::

Host Pfarom says:
::Mutedly, his demeanor one of a somewhat beaten spirit, though still clinging to something:: CNS: I have not.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Nods at the Captain and sits back down, knowing when he's been brushed off::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Walking along:: Pfarom: I think you'll find it interesting.  Doctor Talora runs a top notch infirmary.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::As she walks:: Pfarom: Something bothering you, Doctor?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: Would you like anything before we begin?  Some drinks perhaps?

Host Pfarom says:
::Almost, but not quite, coldly:: CNS: I'm sure she does.    ::Glances momentarily, almost lingeringly to Talora:: CMO: ...I appreciate your sudden concern, but my thoughts are not mine to share.

Host Xeeth says:
CO: Thank you, Captain, whatever you would suggest.  ::Sits back comfortably in the conference room chair::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Shrugs lightly:: Pfarom: As you wish. ::Turns to enter Sickbay::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Walks to Replicator.:: Computer: Milk, make it chilled.  Two glasses.  ::Takes the cups and turns back.::  
Xeeth: This is milk, I thought we'd go non alcohol for now.  It's actually one of my favorite drinks.  ::Hands him a drink.::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::approaches the Meenans backing the little guys into a corner::

Host Pfarom says:
::Glances around slightly, distantly, as they enter the Starfleet medical facility:: ::Flatly:: CMO: Cheeo is trained to interpret as needed in a medical setting.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::After exiting the Turbolift, follows others into Sickbay::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::follows the others into Sickbay::

Host SMLea says:
<Meenan>::Huddles closely to the other as they find themselves stared down into a corner with the one member of the Starfleet crew closest to their height::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::pretending to look confused:: Meenans: No need to be afraid. Self: YET.

Host Cheeo says:
::Having been following behind the Meenans, he sees the CSO uncomfortably close to them, and quickly joins the other three, pulling himself up to his full, not inconsiderable height:: ::Bluntly:: CSO: Need something?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: Now, Ensign Q'ten's point is a pressing concern, but I thought first we need to clear some background up.  About the relationship with your people and the Meenans.

Host Xeeth says:
CO: Yes, of course. I apologize for Doctor Pfarom... He worked on a ship that made an emergency stop to the Meenan homeworld...he hasn't quite been the same since. Somewhat obsessed with them.  ::Smiles:: Not that I can fault him too much, as I'm similarly obsessed with your Federation. I like to learn everything I can of its practices and history.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Walks over to MO Rhapsody and whispers something in her ear and proceeds to set up a Bio-bed for Ruby::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Finds a place to observe from::

Host SO_Ens_Shells says:
::Still sitting back on her Bio-bed, idly reading a PADD::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::ignoring Cheeo:: Meenans: Come. We go my workshop. Talk plenty. Questions many.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Dr. Pfarom:  Would it be permissible if I can join Ruby while she is being examined by our Medical Staff?

ACTION: Bright pink eyes void of understanding, but filled with fear, stare back out at Starr from the hoods of the Meenans.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
:;gestures direction of workshop:;

Host Cheeo says:
::Firmly:: CSO: They don't understand. We are going into your sickbay.  ::Moves to place himself between Starr and the Meenans::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::looks over at Starr::  CSO: Stand down and back away from them.

Host Xeeth says:
CO: What precisely are your concerns, Captain?  ::Takes a sip of the milk::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: I understand.  But there are concerns that your people may be treating the Meenans almost like a commodity.  Just short of slavery.  Obviously we need to make sure that the situation is not exploitive shall we say?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Cannot interfere with the senior officers, let's OPS and CMO handle it.  Stands nearer the Meenans::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> ::Nods and walks over to Dr. Pfarom:: Pfarom: Hello, you must be Doctor Pfarom. I am one of the medical staff here. I have a few questions that I'd like to ask you in private if that's alright?

Host Xeeth says:
CO: I see. If I understand correctly, both from your words, and the account of Doctor Pfarom, you are concerned we exploit the Meenans because we allow them to serve in our Federation, on our ships, even though we do not take a direct hand in their struggle against the Rantok?

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
Cheeo: Why? They ill? I think they'd find my workshop more interesting.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: That is the concern, I see where it comes from but honestly, I think I see how it works out for both sides.

Host Cheeo says:
::Simply:: CSO: Yes, she's ill.  ::Reaches an arm around, to help guide the Meenans out of the corner::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
OPS: Just wanna make "friends" with ‘em. ::childish grin:: 
Cheeo: Oh, then by all means let's get her to Sickbay. My workshop can wait.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CSO:  She was frightened.  How would you react if you were frightened?

Host Xeeth says:
CO: I appreciate that, Captain. Quite like your own arrangement with the Bajorans, if I understand correctly, during the Cardassians' occupation of their people and systematic rape of their world's resources...yes? You did allow Bajorans to join your Starfleet, despite not intervening in any open way in their conflict? I apologize...is my understanding of your history correct? ::Very carefully non-accusatory::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: Yes, it is a difficult situation, trying to help and not interfere...often the two ideas are conflicting.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
OPS: ::insulted:: I am Zaldan. I don't get frightened Commander.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CSO:  Not even as a child, like she is?

Host Pfarom says:
::Looks concernedly over toward the Meenans, who are being extricated from some situation by Cheeo:: MO: I suppose...as long as Cheeo remains available to watch for their care.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
OPS: Though frightening her was not my intention.

ACTION: Cheeo guides Ruby and the other Meenan toward the Bio-bed where Nash is. The smaller robed figure steps up close to Nash, and wraps her arms around Nash's waist in a hug.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
OPS: Commander, I was raised in the fight rings in the Outer Rim, fear did not exist...those who gave into fear DIED!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: Is there any hope for them to extricate themselves from the situation?  Again, there are many instances where a so called "inferior" society cannot overcome such intrusion.  When the stronger power uses their force to keep them down...

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CSO:  She was already frightened due to the situation she was in, being alone.  ::gets surprised by the big hug from Ruby.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Moves closer to Bio-beds, but doesn't get in the way::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Ruby:  Good to see you too.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> ::Nods and sees everyone gather around the bed:: Pfarom: It seems like he's here. Shall we? ::Gestures towards the CMO's office::

ACTION: The second Meenan reaches out a hand toward Ruby, and Ruby immediately releases Nash and steps back to join the other, head bowed.

Host Pfarom says:
::Still looking uncertain, nonetheless he nods:: MO: Very well. As long as we don't go far.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Smiles politely at Ruby:: Ruby: Welcome. ::Turns slightly:: OPS: Would you like to assist me, Commander? Having someone who she trusts will help things considerably.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CMO:  Of course.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CSO:  We'll continue this some other time.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> ::Smiles brightly:: Pfarom: Just in this room here right here. ::Steps into the office::

Host Xeeth says:
CO: I would like to hope that one day the Meenans will be able to put up enough of a struggle that the Rantok find it no longer worth their effort... I fear that is a shallow hope, however.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Stands nearer to the Meenan who is not Ruby:: Cheeo: What's this one’s name?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she joins the others::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Xeeth: From my personal experience with the Meenans and their telepathic abilities, they should be more than able to deal with any external threat.

Host Cheeo says:
::Stands watch, near enough to be of help to the Meenans or medical staff, but also giving them some space to work:: CNS: Sky. She is a junior elder amongst the Meenans on our ship.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: Unfortunate.  There are times when having a non interference policy creates more issues than it solves.  Ensign Q'ten's people may be in a better position with this, but again, that would be "interference".

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Cheeo: Thank you.  Sky is a nice name.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::walks over to a Replicator and quietly asks it for a small doll::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Cheeo: So, what's the relationship between these two, if I can ask?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
Ruby: Would you like to lay down on this bed that way we can take a look at you? ::Trying her very best to be sweet and have a good bedside manner::

Host Xeeth says:
CTO: An astute point, Chief...but you encountered the Meenans in tight, close quarters, within the caves. This gives them the opportunity to produce such defenses, even against the Rantok. Indeed many Meenans take refuge in such underground caves. But they have limited resources underground...and it's really no way for them to live. Once on the surface, the Rantok are free to attack from a safe distance.

Host Cheeo says:
CNS: One moment, while I transmit your doctor's request.  ::Nods, then closes his eyes in concentration::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::stands near Ruby in hopes of giving Ruby comfort knowing that she is nearby.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Observes CMO's maternal instincts, with Ruby and has a strange image in his mind of her and him and children.  Looks distressed::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Xeeth: The Klingon High Council would not view dealing with such a conflict within its space as interference, but rather maintaining the stability of the Empire.

Host Ruby says:
::Glances a moment toward Cheeo, then at Sky, before climbing up onto the Bio-bed::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::picks up the doll, walks back to the Meenan child, holds out the doll in a friendly manner hoping she'll like it:: Meenan: For you.

Host Xeeth says:
CTO: I understand. However, the Rantok/Meenan system lies outside our space, not within it.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth/ CTO: Difficult to defend against space faring beings to begin with, but at range...And yes, the Klingon Empire could deal with them, but they also could just take both sides.  Difficult situation to say the least.

Host Cheeo says:
::Turns back to Daniels:: CNS: Sky is...a religious and political leader...as much as a dispersed people can have.

Host Ruby says:
::Lowers her hood, revealing her face, then looks down at the doll. She reaches one hand out toward it, but not quite touching it...then breaks into tears::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Cheeo: I see.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: I am satisfied with the situation.  It's not perfect but I do not see any fixes that would work better for both sides.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Sees Ruby crying.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Not to mention that How the Empire would deal with the situation has absolutely no bearing on our own situation.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::looks confused at Nash:: OPS: What???

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> ::Waits until Pfarom is in the CMO's office with her and the door closes behind them before turning to him.:: Pfarom: Doctor Talora is worried. With this unstable situation, she'd like to know everything she can about the Meenans if we're to help them. She's told me that you're close to them. Please, if you know something, anything at all, we're alone here and this would be a good opportunity to let us know.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::looks at Ruby::  CSO:  She's okay, she is happy that she has a new toy.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: But there is still the issue of the apparent crimes on the planet.  The planet's government has asked for extradition, but again, that causes difficulties.  Perhaps more than said extradition would solve.  But we need to figure out what to do about it before we contact the colony.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::sigh of relief::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO/Xeeth: Perhaps the colonists would be satisfied with some sort of restitution?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Begins to run basic scans, both physiological and mental::

Host Xeeth says:
CO/CTO: I must say I appreciate your measured response to our situation, Captain, Chief. However, I understand...though regret...if this situation somehow makes further contact between our people less likely.  

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: I do not think it needs to.  I am fairly confident we can iron out any issues still before us.  Starting with the colony's request.

Host Xeeth says:
CO: Regarding the colony...perhaps they would take the Meenan's mental illness into consideration and, as Chief Q'ten suggests, accept restitution instead, on the agreement that the Meenans be remanded to your vessel for a time for possible treatment?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Goes to start analyzing the data from the scans CMO is running at an empty med station::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO/ Xeeth: And I am fairly certain we can make that work.  Given the colony's status, having prisoners may prove troublesome for them anyway.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Xeeth/CO: I think I can convince Chief Trin and the Proconsul to accept those terms.

Host Cheeo says:
::Frowns terrifying at Starr, and reaches out, carefully taking the toy and turning around to set it elsewhere out of Ruby's sight:: All: She lost her husband and infant in an attack.

Host Pfarom says:
MO: Of course... I would be glad to share anything I can that might help Ruby and River.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Cheeo: Ruby was married and had a kid?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> ::Nods and gestures to the seat next to CMO's desk:: Pfarom: Why don't we sit and you can tell me all about it.?

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::wraps arms around Ruby:: ::whispering: Ruby: I'll protect you. ::glares at Cheeo::

ACTION: A vessel de-cloaks just starboard of the Cherokee...The Cardassian Keldon-class Entara.

<<<<<<<<<<<Pause Mission-USS Cherokee 11403.30   "The Small Spark" Part 12>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse none>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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