USS Cherokee 11404.13   
"The Small Spark"  
Part 13

Ship's log, Stardate 11404.13, Captain Ayidee recording.  As relations with the ISF continue to be built we have a new issue.  The arrival of a Cardassian warship has added complications to this situation, made worse by the fact that the Cardassians are currently ignoring our hails.

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

Absent
Trish Yarborough as Executive Producer
Andrew Cotterly as CMO_Lt_Talora

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

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Sitting on the floor in Sickbay holding Ruby's hand.  Envisioning disturbing images of the day Ruby lost her family::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::double checks his compliment of torpedoes just in case this situation gets ugly::

IMAGE: Daniels images remain a sort of empty void, filled only with pain and loss.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::in Sickbay::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::On Bridge, trying to find a way to sort through this without causing a major incident.:: 
*CSO*: Commander, with the arrival of the Cardassians I could use another set of eyes on the Bridge.  Could you join us up here?

Host Sky says:
::Slips off the biobed by Talora and walks slowly and dignifiedly toward Ruby, Nash, and Daniels::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Gently squeezes Ruby's hand, letting her know he feels her pain::  Ruby: I'm so sorry for your loss, Ruby.

Host Ruby says:
::Curls up on the deck floor between Nash and Daniels, reliving the grief::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  I can't even imagine what she went through to cause her so much grief.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Sir the Cardassians are hailing the Nordiss once again.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Puts a hand on Ruby's shoulder:: OPS: She's reliving the loss of her family.  It's much like you described. Except she saw them... you know, die.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Understood.  We need to get their attention.

Host Xeeth says:
::Standing on the bridge with the CO and CTO, watching intently, his mind at work::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
*CO*: On my way.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Attempts once again to hail the Cardassian ship::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  I understand a part of losing someone like that, being killed right in front of my eyes. ::remembering her best friend from childhood.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: I'm no stranger to loss myself.  I feel sorry for her though.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::hugs Ruby again:: Ruby: The Captain needs me right now, but I'll be back to check on you when I can.

Host Xeeth says:
CO: Captain, I believe I may have a way to extricate all of us from this situation. Only by your leave, however...

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: I'm open to suggestions, what did you have in mind?

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::narrows eyes and makes ‘em glow reddish hue:: Cheeo: You... I'll be watching. ::walks out, heads for Turbolift::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
COM: Cardassians: Attention Cardassian vessel, this is the Federation Starship USS Cherokee. Respond!

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::enters Turbolift:: TL: Bridge.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS/Cheeo: Maybe I could pick Ruby up and put her on the bio-bed, get her off the floor and me too?

Host Xeeth says:
CO: Doctor Pfarom suggested your medical staff might like the opportunity to examine the Meenans for hopes of a treatment for the Psychosis. I would like to ask, upon their approval, that you grant sanctuary to these two while you seek a treatment.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: They are still ignoring our hails sir.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
:;arrives on bridge:: CO: You paged?

Host Cheeo says:
CNS: The Meenan elder is about to help her up.  

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: That would be quite agreeable.  But we still need to get the Cardassians attention.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Cheeo: That's fine.  Sky: Thank you, Sky.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: perhaps if we informed the Cardassians that we currently have custody of the Meenans they will be more willing to talk sir?

Host Sky says:
::Rests her hands on Ruby's shoulders, lending her some emotional strength, then nods briefly to Nash and Daniels, before turning a broken Ruby back toward the biobed::

Host Xeeth says:
CTO: I would rather you didn't.  ::Looks back to Ayidee:: CO: If you will accept the Meenans, the Meenan elder and I will return to the Nordiss, and I will claim responsibility for the Meenans crimes and turn myself over to the Cardassians in their place.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Commander, we have a Cardassian vessel out there contacting the colony but ignoring our hails.  I need to have some idea exactly what they have there and, if things go bad, I need experienced hands on the Bridge.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Looking over some of the data Doctor Talora has collected so far, regarding the radiation induced psychosis::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO/ Xeeth: Agree with the thought that it's too dangerous to let them know where the Meenans are, but claiming responsibility may not be the best option.  Cardassians believe fully in "guilty until proven innocent".  I think you making contact is a good idea, but we need to get them to talk.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: I see.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Any ideas on how to get a Cardassian vessel to agree to talk?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS/Cheeo/Sky: So far everything collected, as far as data is pretty preliminary.  It’s too bad Doctor Talora was called away on an emergency.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: You as well.  Offering up what they want may open the wrong kind of doors.  But we do need ideas that don't put our new friends in danger.

Host Xeeth says:
CO: On ISF vessels, the Prime Construct is indeed to be held responsible for every member of his crew. I am legally responsible for the Meenan's crimes, thus my offer to make payment to the colony. 

Host Ruby says:
::Is led quietly to the biobed, and sits on it, staring into nothingness beyond::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Cheeo/Sky: Perhaps it’s good we take a break from running tests.  Ruby can get some rest.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Short of firing a warning shot across their bow sir, I can't think of any way to MAKE the Cardassians talk.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS: Can you tell what she thinks is wrong with Ruby?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: perhaps just the mere act of powering up weapons will loosen their tongues?

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: I could send a Trimithian Signal through the deflector dish, make them think that their systems are shutting down. They won't really be shutting down, just give the illusion.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: A concept we follow also.  But I'm not quite so sure there was a true crime.  If it was a result of an involuntary act caused by an illness, well, not certain that there is anyone needing punishment.

Host Xeeth says:
CO: Nonetheless, if the act of violence was perpetrated against a Cardassians citizen, I believe that is up to the Cardassians to adjudicate.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: I think it’s too early for any kind of diagnosis, even a theory.  I'm not sure where Talora was going with this.  Whatever it was, the scans she's taken so far are inconclusive.  ::Looking at a computer console, to double check::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: What if we sent you back to your ship and then you requested they meet here to try to find a viable solution for all sides?

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: then THEY will contact YOU for help, and then YOU offer to "help" THEM, after they tell you what you want to know.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  I see.  I hope she can get help with her illness and find a way to cope with her tragic loss.

Host Ruby says:
::Pulls her knees to her chest, sitting silently.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: I'm not so sure her past is where we should put our focus, I'm more concerned with her present situation and even her future, the future for all Meenans.

Host Xeeth says:
::Nods slowly:: CO: Yes...I could try that.  Tell me, would it be possible, if we arranged in advance, that while you sent the Meenan elder and I back, we also sent in the same signal the other Meenan? I would feel better if they were both here for safe-keeping.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO/ CTO: Both ideas could be easily viewed as an attack.  
Xeeth: That should be possible, and would probably be best.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  I've got a feeling that knowing her past will save the Meenans future.

Host Ruby says:
::Suddenly reaches out, grasping Nash and Daniels each in a different hand, tugging them close to her and sending the familiar sensation of an oncoming vision through their minds::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::gets pulled closer to Ruby::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: There is one little quirk about Trimitrhian Signals.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Honestly, getting the Cardassians to listen and agree that it was a result of illness may be a bit difficult.  However, when faced with us and the ISF vessel, they may be a little more willing to listen.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: I think they lived underground, at least that's where her wedding was.  They all seemed happy, safe and comfortable where they were celebrating.  It must be where they live.  I'm not sure how long ago she was married or lost her family though.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Quirk?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Sir the Cardassians have broken off communications with the Nordiss.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Watching tactical sensors for any signs of hostility from the Cardassians::

Host Xeeth says:
CO: If communications between Neleese and the Cardassians have ended, I believe it may be imperative that we act immediately.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: They ricochet several times before hitting target and are impossible to trace, unless you know what your doing, so finding point of origin is damn near impossible.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Lets Ruby take his hand, leans against the bio-bed with Ruby in the middle of him and OPS::  Ruby: Isn't this cozy?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: Agreed.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  Shhh...let it happen.

IMAGE: Daniels and Nash find themselves once more underground, a room that at first seems like the little cavern carved out by Ruby and River in the Tarix III mines.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Having been officially shushed, goes silent::

Host Xeeth says:
::Nods:: CO: Very well...then I will contact Dr. Pfarom and ask him to bring the Meenan elder along, as well as have the Meenan from my vessel prepared for transport.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*OPS* Have space prepared for the Meenans, and for one additional guest.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: How many Meenans did you have aboard actually?

Host Xeeth says:
::Already turns to head toward the bridge's Turbolift, he pauses, turning back to face the Captain blinkingly:: CO: I'm sorry...What?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
*CO*:  In a moment, Captain.  I'm in a conference with Ruby and Counselor Daniels.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: How many Meenans did you need to send over?  Just River or more?

IMAGE: However, as the image shifts slightly (Ruby appears to be waking up), to gain a better view of the room, to find that it is not actually the Tarix III room. Several more rough beds of cloth, straw, and debris are littered about, similarly occupied by sleeping Meenans.

Host Xeeth says:
CO: Ah... Just the one, Captain, if that is agreeable.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: That is, and is probably for the best.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Self: What's this?  ::Sees the room change a bit::

Host Xeeth says:
CO: Should I proceed then to your transporter room?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Xeeth: If the Cardassians ask who we are Transporting from your ship to ours we will say we sent over a team to exchange information.  Yes, that is best.

Host Xeeth says:
::Nods:: CO: Very well. I will proceed to your transporter room, and notify you once Dr. Pfarom and I, as well as the Meenans, are ready for transport.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Overhearing the CO:: Self: Don't tell them any HugTaGH thing.

ACTION: Xeeth leaves the bridge.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Actively scanning the Cardassian vessel::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Otherwise they may realize Ruby and River are here, Ensign.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Leaves the office with Rhapsody, and quickly approaches Ruby, Sky, Nash, and Daniels::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Not that they could do anything about it. The Cardassians are in no position to start a war.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: No, they are not.  But that does not mean we should push them towards one.

IMAGE: Daniels and Nash sees two Meenans approach Ruby...the emotional ties to these two make clear quickly that they are Ruby's parents. In Ruby's arms are a set of empty infant's swaddling.

ACTION: Sky begins to reach out for Ruby, as if to break her out of it once more, but Pfarom quickly steps in the way.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
Cheeo: Tell the elder, the three of us must return to the Nordiss at once. Ruby will remain here under the care of Starfleet. The Prime Construct is awaiting us.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: This must be after the battle that took her husband and child, recuperating with Mom and Dad.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  It appears so.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO/ CSO: We need a means of ensuring that their scans do not show the Meenans.  Can we rig something that will appear to be some form of medical quarantine field in Sickbay or some such?  To limit their scans?

ACTION: Pfarom, Cheeo, and a reluctant Sky leave OPS and CNS, and exit sickbay.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Looks down and over to the CSO for an answer::

Host SMLea says:
<TC>*CO*: Captain, I have the ISF delegation here in Transporter Room 1, ready to return to the Nordiss.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Takes note of those leaving and wonders what's going on::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*TC*: Then proceed, and transport the Meenan River aboard as close to simultaneous as possible.  Then have River brought directly to Sickbay.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS/Ruby: It looks like it's just us now, ladies.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Sir, I think it's safe to assume that the Cardassians have no idea what a Meenan transporter signal looks like, so...:shrugs::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  So it seems.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Good point.

Host SMLea says:
<TC>*CO*: Understood.

ACTION: The Cherokee initiate the transport beam, exchanging Xeeth, Pfarom, and Sky for River.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: ::perked up:: Yea, I could... ::dejected:: Oh, never mind....You wanted to do it diplomatic like. ::half-smile:: I sure we can do something.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Sir!!! the Cardassians are powering up their weapons!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Sickbay*: Prepare for the arrival of the Meenan River very shortly.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Still holding Ruby's hand::  *CO*: Oh, understood, Sir.

Host SMLea says:
<TC>*CO*: Sir, we have, well, probably River. An unconscious Meenan. We're carrying him to sickbay now.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Quarantine field, can it be adjusted to limit scan effectiveness?  No need to go active defense when we can use passive.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Ruby; You're brother is coming to join us, Ruby.  ::Smiling, hoping she'll be pleased by the news::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: the Nordiss is hailing the Cardassians but are being ignored!  All weapons are standing by sir!

IMAGE: The underground sanctuary shakes and rocks, as if from explosions above. Debris begins to fall, raining down around the Meenans, who silently struggle against the wreckage.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Prepare shields.  We're going to see if we can poke the beast by getting between them and their "prey".
Helm: Move us between the Cardassians and the Nordiss.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Sir! The Cardassians are targeting the Nordiss!

IMAGE: A break, followed by a sudden "whoosh" is heard, and water begins to flood the cavern from a break in the rock at the back.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Activates full shields, and powers all weapons::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Shields up, bring the ship to full Red Alert.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Of course sir. ::clears throat:: Computer: Give me a Lever 15 Quarantine Ray Shield around Sickbay. I want no scans to get in or out.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Witnesses what looks like another attack, this time damaging what may be the dwelling of Ruby's parents.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Done.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
<aFCO> CO: Aye Captain.  If you say so sir.  ::Moves the Cherokee between the Cardassians and the Nordiss.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Activates red alert::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: All weapons standing by sir!

ACTION: The Nordiss suddenly jumps to warp within the star system, headed toward the system's star.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she cannot believe what tragedy Ruby and River had endured.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
RUBY: The water!  That's why you made Q'ten and me think we had drowned.  You were trying to tell us your story even back then!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Excellent.  Now let's see if we can call their bluff without weapons fire.

ACTION: The Cardassians jump to warp in pursuit of the Nordiss.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Starting to do the "potty dance" in anticipation of hitting the firing button::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Wondering if her parents drowned::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
aFCO: Follow them, get us and keep us between them.

IMAGE: The Meenans, including Ruby, struggles toward the cavern's exit, trying to get above ground, away from the water. Ruby seems to have to be dragged along by her parents, doing little to keep herself away from the water flooding behind.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
<aFCO> CO: Yes sir.  ::Engages Warp trying to get between the two vessels.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Shield power full to rear, all available power.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Sees Ruby's reaction to the near death situation::

ACTION: The Cardassians open fire on the fleeing Nordiss vessel. Their weapons impact the rear shields of the vessel.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
COM: Cardassians:: Cardassian vessel, this is the USS Cherokee. Cease your attack immediately or we will be forced to open fire!

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: the Nordiss is travelling into the inner asteroid field sir, at warp 9.9.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: How far until the two ships leave the colony's space and enter Federation space?

IMAGE: As the Meenans emerge to the surface, they are surrounded by fire. Unfamiliar ships fly in strafing runs along the surface, destroying houses and structures and farms.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Doesn't recognize the ships but assumes they are the Rantok's::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Unless their deflector shields are far more advanced than we can dream of, they'll never survive.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Umm 15 minutes, if they fly past the sun and exit the other side, cause they are heading toward the center of their system, not its edge.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Fire a warning shot across the Cardassian flight path, two torpedoes.

ACTION: The Nordiss hits the outer edge of the inner asteroid system, and begins to flicker on sensors, as scans experience interference from the asteroid field.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Aye sir!  ::Fires the torpedoes::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: I have the Cardassian engines targeted sir.

IMAGE: The eerie image, the sounds of weapons, the hungry flicker of flames devouring homes, the "whoosh" of vessels passing overhead, all framed by not a single solitary cry from the verbally mute species, as they struggle to find some shelter from the carnage raining down from above.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: It's their turn to call bluffs, Ensign.  If we fire on them we are in the "unprovoked aggressor" category.  In "neutral" space.

ACTION: Sensors register a large surge of energy near the Nordiss expected location. The Cardassians are closing in on the location.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Feels Ruby's anger and fear, her loss and her pain::  OPS: I wonder how long ago this happened?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  I'm sure she'll tell us soon.

ACTION: The Cherokee's torpedoes fly across the Cardassians' engines, just barely clearing the engines, as the Cardassians disappear into the asteroid field as well.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: I'd like to know how old Ruby is too, but I'm not supposed to ask a woman's age, I was taught it was rude.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::Self:: Hit ‘em with a Trimithian Signal I said. Wanted to try things Diplomatic he said...Now we chase them down like a rabbit named Jack or rabbitjackking..or whatever the infernal word is.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO:  Full scans of the asteroid field.  Try and sort through the interference.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  I believe Cheeo mentioned that she is in her 28th year.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: I wouldn't exactly call it "unprovoked".

Host CO_Ayidee says:
aFCO: Maximum Warp, go around the field but maintain maximum Warp.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: Oh, thank you, that helps.

IMAGE: The attacking vessels seem to grow quieter, then fade from view. For now, the attack if over. But Ruby's mind reels with the psychic expressions of grief and loss spreading throughout the small town, despite the lack of audible cries.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: The spike of energy is now growing. It looks uncontrollable. Like Shock wave exploding from location. Impact in 7 seconds.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Full frontal shields!

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::reinforces forward shields::

ACTION: The shock waves scatters the asteroid field, clearing the way for sensors but showing aught but Cardassian wreckage and a few small sensor blips. As the shock wave strikes Cherokee, the wave also hurtles toward the system's star, driving several of those sensor blips toward it. The star's energy readings flicker...then shift to indicate an imminent supernova.

<<<<<<<<<<<Pause Mission-USS Cherokee 11404.13   "The Small Spark" Part 14>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse none>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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