Host SMLea says:
USS Cherokee 11404.06   "The Small Spark"  Part 13
Host CO_Ayidee says:
Ship's Log, Stardate 11404.06, Captain Ayidee recording.  We continue our efforts to figure out the actual situation between the ISF and the Meenans.  I am still hopeful relations can continue to grow between our two powers.

Starring
Lea as Guest Producer, Xeeth, Pfarom, Cheeo, Ruby, Proconsul_Jareth and Sky 
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
Bruce Oriani as CSO_LtCmdr_Starr

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

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::In Sickbay, standing by Sky, out of the way of Ruby's examination::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::With Xeeth, trying to set up a good relationship with the ISF.::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::in Sickbay, keeping Ruby company as she gets examined.::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Continues with the examination::

Host Cheeo says:
::Standing with the CNS, CMO, and OPS, as well as Sky, while Ruby is examined::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> ::Sits down across from Pfarom in CMO's office:: Pfarom: Tell me what you can.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
<TO Wilcox> *CO*: Bridge to Captain, we've just had a Cardassian vessel decloak to starboard!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: It seems our people are alike in a lot of ways, even if we are seperated by vast differences.  If we can establish...hold on.
*TO Wilcox*: Cardassians?  Understood, on my way.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
<TO_Wilcox> *CO*: Keldon Class cruiser sir.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*TO_Wilcox*: This is Q'ten. What is their weapon status?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: This may prove to be an issue, our relations with these people have been strained over the years, and given the situation on the planet... I think it is a good idea if you would join me on the Bridge, so you can be up to date as quickly as possible if things...escalate.

Host Pfarom says:
::Continues to stand, somewhat high-strung, with a slight pacing:: MO: What is it that would be helpful? About Ruby? Her medical past? Her family? The slaughter on the Meenan homeworld?

Host Xeeth says:
::Nods:: CO: Of course, Captain. Any way I can be of assistance.  ::Stands to join Ayidee::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*TO Wilcox*: Bring us to Yellow Alert for the crew but do not raise shields or arm weapons without an order from myself of Chief Q'ten.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> ::Remains completely calm and says very kindly:: Pfarom: Why don't you start at the beginning. You seem to have a lot weighing down on you.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Jumps up and follows the CO to the bridge::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: Right this way.  ::Walks from the lounge to the Bridge.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
<TO_Wilcox>*CO*: Aye sir. ::sounds yellow alert::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*All*: All hands, we have a Cardassian vessel off our starboard side.  Continue your duties but be prepared to go to action at any moment.  If you can, bring our guests to the Bridge under escort.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
TO: Report!

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
<TO_Wilcox> CTO: They have not armed weapons sir, but I am picking a com signal between them and the colony.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: I hope that this will go peacefully, but if you need to contact your ship I can provide you with a direct link at one of the stations along the Bridge's edge.

Host Pfarom says:
::Pauses momentarily, and turns to face the MO:: MO: I served a brief time on a vessel that made an emergency stop on Meena. A city had just been fiercely attacked by the Rantok, and our vessel landed to attempt to provide what aid we could, and evacuate those allowable by our "agreement" with the Rantok. ::With clear disagreement toward the arrangement::

Host Xeeth says:
::Smiles solemnly:: CO: I appreciate the offer, Captain. Currently, I am more concerned for your own ship's welfare.

Host Ruby says:
::Wipes her eyes slightly and sighs with resignation, then stares out across the medical bay, past the CNS and OPS::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
TO: Can you tap into the signal, and see what they are discussing?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO/ TO: Hold off on that, the colony is a foreign power, Let's respect their privacy.  I would assume we will be contacted very shortly concerning the situation.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: One of the beings that the Meenans injured on the planet was a Cardassian.  It may be nothing but I am afraid that this "visit" is related to that attack.  In that case, both of us will get their attention.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::looking to where Ruby was looking at, not sure of what she was seeing, Kyleigh looked back at Ruby with questioning eyes::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Starts making notes::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> ::Nods quietly and keeps listening::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
<TO_Wilcox> CO/CTO: Sir, the Cardassians are now hailing the Nordiss.

Host Xeeth says:
::Raises an eyebrow::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Wonders if he shouldn't go to the bridge, not being needed in Sickbay::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
TO: Let's cut to the chase, hail them directly.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
<TO_Wilcox>::hails the Cardassian vessel::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
All: She's a little malnourished at the moment...most likely from her week long stay down on the colony. ::Keeps running tests and scans::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
COM: Cardassians: Cardassian vessel, this is the Federation Starship USS Cherokee. Please respond.

ACTION: The Cardassian vessel, still in communication with the Nordiss, does not respond.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: What about the radiation sickness causing her psychosis, which I've seen little evidence of in Ruby?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: If they are hailing your vessel, they are indeed interested in your people more than mine.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
<TO_Wilcox> COM: Cardassians: Cardassian vessel, I repeat, this is the USS Cherokee. Please respond.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CNS: Still working on it. I'm starting from the ground up, since I know next to nothing about them.

Host Pfarom says:
::Shakes his head:: MO: I wasn't even supposed to be down there. I was new on the ship and took a wrong turn...I ended up at the landing hatch. I saw the throngs of Meenans, begging to be brought aboard. Parents, knowing they would never be able to escape, still wanting a better life for their children. It was heart-wrenching.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Xeeth: Sir, we could attempt to intercept the signal if you would like to know what they are discussing with your crew.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> ::Nods:: Pfarom: Must've been a terrible sight to see...

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: I'm sure the physical exam and tests will take a while.  
CMO/OPS: Perhaps I should return to the bridge and wait the results?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
<TO_Wilcox> CO: No response sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: Or we could hail your vessel and put you in contact with them directly.  However, I would be willing to guess they will get to us very shortly.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods:: CNS/OPS: Perhaps you should both return to the bridge. I can handle things down here and the CO might need you both.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  Go ahead, I'm going to stay here and keep Ruby company.  Maybe I can be of better here with her.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Looks at the OPS:: OPS: It's your choice. ::Smiles::

Host Xeeth says:
CTO: I appreciate the offer, but I do not wish to prod you into an action that may increase hostilities between yourselves and the Cardassians. My third officer will assuredly report in shortly-- ::Breaks off, as a small blue light behind his temple flashes:: CO/CTO: Excuse me a moment.  ::Steps aside and presses his fingers to his temple::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO/OPS: Understood, if you'll excuse me. ::Nods and exits Sickbay::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: Of course.

Host Ruby says:
::Sees Daniels leave Sickbay, and suddenly jumps off the bio-bed in chase after him::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: I think we're being snubbed.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Looks startled at the sudden response::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Not really, we have no direct stake in this.  Hopefully this will allow us to provide unbiased aid in finding a viable solution for all parties.  Hopefully.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Could lead some people to think the Cardassians were being a bit uppity.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Hears footsteps running after him and stops::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Tries not to laugh, but breaks into a smile.::  CTO: That it probably could.

Host Xeeth says:
::Speaking quietly, but audibly::**: Yes...yes, I understand. No, that was the right call. I have full confidence in your ability to handle the situation, Neleese. Keep me apprised. Xeeth out.  ::Releases his temple, and the light fades::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Sees Ruby following him, not expecting that response or any::

Host Ruby says:
::Running so frantically, she crashes directly into Daniels, grasping at his waist to keep from falling over::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Xeeth: is everything alright?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Keeps her from falling:: Ruby: Whoa! Its okay I'm here.  I'll stop.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Turns back to Xeeth, not wanting to intrude despite curiosity.::  Xeeth: All settled?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Confused but knows Ruby should return to Sickbay.  Offers her his hand to take::

ACTION: As Ruby takes his hand, Daniels' vision suddenly fades and is replaced by a darkly idyllic scene. Deep underground, a gathering of Meenans, surrounding a young male Meenan, barely a meter tall. He smiles radiantly down an aisle surrounded by friends and family.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
<TO_Wilcox> CO: Sir, we have an incoming hail from Proconsul Jareth.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Sees what Ruby is showing him::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO/OPS: She's doing that mind thing with me.

Host Xeeth says:
CO/CTO: Not quite, I'm afraid. The Cardassian introduced himself as the brother of the female assaulted by the Meenans whilst on the surface. He is understandably, if a bit over passionately, concerned about the assault on his sister. The planet apparently reported that we escorted the attackers from the surface, and Neleese chose not the share Ruby's presence here.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  Just relax and let her take the helm.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
TO: On screen.  ::Turns towards the view screen.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
<TO_Wilcox> ::Activates the view screen::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Ruby: Is this a wedding you're showing me?  Is it your wedding?

SCENE: Daniels approaches the young man at the end of the aisle, and joins hands with him. Suddenly, all the surrounding friends and family close in around them, laying hands either on the couples' shoulders, or on the shoulders of those touching the couple, creating a circle of blessing around the couple.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Knows not to interfere and waits patiently::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Crouches down closer to the floor.  Sits on floor holding Ruby's hand::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> ::Continues to listen to his story, nodding politely, trying to learn everything she can about the Meenan's past::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: Then that should teach the Cardassians to answer hails, cut out the middle man here so to speak.

Host Proconsul_Jareth says:
@::Looking haggard and harried, yet still dignified, he looks directly into the screen:: COM: Cherokee: Captain Ayidee, thank you for taking my call. I assume you're well aware of the Cardassian presence, uh, in the system?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Turns:: Sky: Perhaps, if you'd allow, I could examine you as well, in order to try and identify any anomalies in Ruby?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: Hey it my wedding and I'm marrying a dude!

Host Sky says:
::Looks silently in response to Talora::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
COM: Proconsul: Yes Proconsul, is it a stretch to say we should have predicted this?  But I am assuming you didn't just call to ensure we saw their arrival?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: Is it like you see what Ruby sees?

SCENE: Daniels is filled with, perhaps, the greatest sense of well-being and love he's ever experienced...like a life of pain is washed away in this single outpouring of togetherness.

Host Cheeo says:
CMO: May I translate for you, Doctor?  ::Closes his eyes, and focuses on Sky::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  Yes, just let her tell you her story her way.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Self: That's a relief.  ::Heavy sigh::
Ruby: Hey, this is nice.  ::Can't help but want to give her a gentle friendly hug, feels all warm and fuzzy inside.  He smiles::

Host Pfarom says:
MO: So many were chosen...as many as we could accept under the law, but I saw one...Ruby. I could tell her injuries would be fatal...even if they wouldn't have been, the city was so destroyed, it was unlikely many left behind would survive the season. I insisted she be brought along.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods:: Cheeo: It's polite to still talk at the person being communicated with. ::Smiles politely:: We used to use that practice with those who cannot hear.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Cheeo: Was her husband shorter than Ruby?

ACTION: Sky glances from Cheeo to Talora, then nods, and climbs up onto bio-bed and looks to Talora patiently.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Begins running comparison scans::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Feels the love::

Host Cheeo says:
CNS: I'm afraid I do not have that data on her husband. He died before we visited her city.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Cheeo: That's sad.  Say, are Meenans empathic?

Host Proconsul_Jareth says:
COM: Cherokee: No, no. I just, want to apologize, Captain. I didn't realize....  The Cardassians called, claiming to be Saret's brother, and very stringently demanded to speak with her. I connected him through, given the circumstances. I just found out what Saret told him...  I'm sorry, Captain. I should've communicated the information directly.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> ::Nods:: Pfarom: You insisted?

Host Cheeo says:
CNS: Yes, it is part of their telepathy.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Ruby: Show me more.  This feeling is addictive.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
COM: Proconsul: I understand, and honestly I don't think much harm was done by it, if any.  Their arrival adds layers of complication, not what was said to them.  But what exactly was said, if I may ask?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Her eyes widen as she realizes what the psychosis is::

Host Pfarom says:
::Nods:: MO: With the Trk. They didn't want to bring her along, as her chances of survival were slim...they saw her as taking up a slot that could be used to save someone's life, and spending it on someone who was going to die anyway. I convinced them otherwise.

SCENE: The image in Daniels mind shifts...he's now laying in blankets, a small child, barely the size of a newborn puppy, in his arms, his husband beside him, a new glow of love, though not quite the same as the marriage ceremony.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
<MO Rhapsody> Pfarom: By healing her yourself?

Host Proconsul_Jareth says:
@CO: As I understand it, Saret explained it - given her understanding, which was limited - that while she was trying to help a small child that had strayed into the tunnels, someone attacked her from behind, with a dangerous blow to the head. That last she heard, the alien attackers had been captured by their own people and taken back onto their ship. She says her brother vowed to make those responsible pay, and cut off the communication.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Lying on the Sickbay floor quite comfortable.  Sees the baby Ruby had with her husband::  Ruby: Cute baby.  ::Looks to Ruby with love and affection, not knowing what it means.  Slightly confused but, feeling fine, very fine::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
COM: Proconsul: That isn't much of a surprise, but hopefully they will see reason when the situation is explained.  Given past history the odds aren't spectacular but given the current situation, I'm not sure how far they can push "vengeance".

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Starts making notes to alter the radiation treatment regimen::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Holding the baby looking at it lovingly::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: they have to know that we won't sit idly by as they attack the Nordiss.

SCENE: Daniels image shifts once more...this time to an above-ground scene. Energy weapons are striking the ground around him, husband, holding his child, are a few meters away. Arms reaching toward each other, smoke and debris obscuring the view...one last glance at an image of husband and child running away as something loud and hot screams through the air....then nothing but indescribable pain at the view of a smoldering crater in the ground.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: The Nordiss do not have Ruby, Ensign.  We couldn't sit idly by even if we wanted to.

Host Proconsul_Jareth says:
@CO: I of course would appreciate being updated as to the status of the attackers, but I understand the situation is extremely intense at the moment. Captain, you have my full faith in handling this situation, and I officially ask you to mediate in the interests of the Tarix Colony. We will accept whatever decisions you make in this situation.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
COM: Proconsul: Thank you for your confidence, Proconsul.  We will try to find a viable solution for all sides.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Rolls over on his stomach with a sudden look of alarm.  He looks scared and in pain.  Reaching out.  They were there, running, then they were gone.  Terrified and a broken feeling overwhelms him.  Tears fall from his eyes::

<<<<<<<<<<<Pause Mission-USS Cherokee 11404.06   "The Small Spark" Part 13>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse none>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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