USS Cherokee  
"Infinity's Child" Part 15 
11410.26

Starring_
Lea as Guest Producer, Shault, and Ethan_Burke
Steve Weller as CO_Ayidee
Topper Loghry as CTO_Ens_Q’ten
Dawn Freeman as OPS_Cmdr_Nash
Zach Farland as CNS_Ens_Daniels 

Leave of Absence
Trish Yarborough as Executive Producer
Andrew Cotterly as CMO_Lt_Talora

Ship's Log, Stardate 11410.26.  I have sent a message to the Shault to try and bring him up to speed on what we are doing.  Being the local authority it is necessary, although somewhat risky to bring in another being to this situation.

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

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::In shuttle, attempting to contact the Shault.::  *Shault*: This is Captain Ayidee, there is an issue with the accident victim that we need to discuss.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::At a console station reviewing Korin's local broadcasts and media sources looking for anything else Starfleet Intelligence might have their big noses into::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::trying to make sense of everything.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Waiting for the tracking device to be switched on so they know where to go::

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Sitting on the bench as before, waiting::

Host Shault says:
*CO*: Hello Captain!  How goes your investigation?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Before we move forward we need to discuss things with the Shault.  He has jurisdiction, and needs to know that Burke did not die from the accident.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Actually he did die.  He just recovered.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Shault*: We have made great progress, but what we've learned is not something that we want to discuss over airways.  Can you come to our shuttle so we can bring you up to speed?
CTO: Technically yes, but you know what I mean.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Maybe I'm just a better doctor than we thought?  ::Smiles::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::with a grin:: CO: Just keeping the facts straight sir.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Burke: How long does it take you to recover from being dead?

Host Shault says:
*CO*: Of course. What is your location?

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CTO:  It depends on the severity of the wound.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: Have you tried to kill yourself before?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Shault*: Landing Pad eight.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: I haven't needed to. Live long enough, and you have plenty of opportunities to die....except you don't.

Host Shault says:
*CO*: I'm in the area...  I'll be right there.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: I mean, what would happen if you like, say, had your head cut off or if you dived into a wood chipper or maybe used a transporter to scramble your molecules to the four corners of the galaxy?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Looks at transponder for a minute then hands it to CTO.::  CTO: Set this thing up to activate the tracking. But see if you can somehow hide from anyone on the outside noticing what we are doing.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Sighs, clearly finding the content a bit distasteful, but also loathe to disappoint the counselor's curiosity:: CNS: From what I was told, when I was decapitated, my original head quickly decomposed, while my body grew a new head.  Several hours later, I regained consciousness.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: Whoa!  That's pretty extreme, growing a new head?  I sure would like to know how you got that way.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Lets just say... assuming that I do not one day die in battle as a warrior, and I live long enough to see my beard turn white and all hope of honor has passed me by, and I choose to perform the Mauk-to vor', are you going to have a problem with that?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: If it is something within our level of understanding.  Nothing against your ability to understand things, but what if it's beyond our knowledge?  Try explaining Warp Drive to an Iron Age being...if the Prime Directive allowed it that is.

ACTION: There is a knock on the shuttle door.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Probably because I'd miss you.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Should be the Shault, but be ready.
Shuttle: Open hatch.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::has Phaser ready::

ACTION: As the hatch opens, the image of the Shault becomes visible.  He steps forward, spots Burke, and gets an odd look of surprise on his face.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: If I'm going to take Mister Burke up on his offer to become immortal, I'd just like to be able to ask a few questions, to fully understand what I might be getting myself into, Sir.

Host Shault says:
Burke: You, sir, look rather chipper for being dead.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
Shault: That's what being well-rested will do for you, I suppose.  

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Goes back to looking at Korin's media sources, while the Shault and CO talk to Burke::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Shault: That is why I didn't want to discuss this over the air waves.  This is...not normal.

Host Shault says:
::Looks to the CO, with question across his face, but quickly steps inside the shuttle, hands raised with an eye on the CTO, to avoid making himself a threat::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Shuttle: Close hatch.
CTO: Relax, it is the Shault, he is not a threat.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Puts his Phaser away once more::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Shault: It seems Mister Burke has a form of immortality. He can be killed, but it has never been permanent.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Looking at the shuttle sensors to see if the transponder has been located yet::

Host Shault says:
::Raises all six eyebrows a moment, sort of focusing his back eyes on Burke behind him with some curiosity, while he remains facing the Captain:: CO: I suppose he won't be transferred to our morgue after all then?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Not finding anything relevant on public local channels, Wally digs in deeper, working to access any underground news sources::

Host Shault says:
CO: I would say this is good luck, but I have the feeling there's a "but" coming here...

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Sir! I've got a signal from the transponder! It's about 12 kilometers from our location.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Shault: It is good luck, even if it will cause some confusion in your records.  But we have also learned that Starfleet Intelligence may be after the information of what makes him as he is.  That is why he was killed...knocked out perhaps is a better phrase.  But it is why he was attacked when we stumbled on it.

Host Shault says:
CO: I see. So there are still some criminals of concern about?  ::Side glances toward the CTO:: Transponder?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Cross references Starfleet Intelligence and Korin Prime, in Starfleet's records::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Adjusting Shuttle sensors to zoom in:: CO: It appears to be inside some sort of glass building, perhaps a green house.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Shault: The attack resulted in a data chip being stolen from Mister Burke, containing the data about what makes him as he is.  It is what the attackers were after.  I do believe that the identity of the attackers will include Federation citizens.  Depending on how deep cover they are, they may even come back as Starfleet, Intelligence Branch.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Sir, I'm not finding anything about SFI in and of the local media sources.  Would you like me to check non-civilian channels?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: If they are doing their jobs right we wouldn't find much.  Given time you may find clues, but I do not think we have the kind of time.  I was hoping they slipped up and made it easy for you.

Host Shault says:
Shault>::Lets out a low whistle:: CO: Wow...okay...    CTO: Glass house at that distance? Sounds like the botanical gardens on Norst Street.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Public building, glass walls, will make covert entry difficult.  Especially during the day period.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Reading up on Korin society.  They keep their children to grow up in a separate place, raised by others who are not their parents.  There's hardly any crime within the adult community so, he begins checking the crime rate amongst the youth of Korin::  CO: There doesn't seem to be much trouble on Korin, at least not on the surface.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Shault/CO: then we have the assailant’s location sir. I suggest we go after them.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: better yet, we could just lock transporters on them and beam them here. Save the effort.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: Didn't you say they can't open your file because its bio encrypted or something?  
All: That gives us some time.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Or we could just walk in and ask for it.  Maybe even just beam the chip out?  Could we lock on to it with the Transponder to aid lock on?

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Nods:: CNS: They can't open them without my physical presence.  That's why I tried so hard to elude you before.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Starts working on transporter controls::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Shault: This all falls under your jurisdiction, however.  What are our legal options, not wishing to drag you in so much as making sure we do not break your laws getting this done?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Sir, something is interfering with the transporter signal. I'm unable to get a lock.

Host Shault says:
CO/CTO: Could be the power junction just beside the botanical gardens.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: We may not have a choice but to beam ourselves to that location sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Just trying to see what our options are, Ensign.  It is the most obvious, but want to make sure we don't miss anything.

Host Shault says:
::Draws a breath and rubs his chin:: CO: They're likely to see you easily if you enter during the day, especially if there are any Korin about.    Norst Street is within my jurisdiction, but... ::Rubs the back of his neck, uncomfortably:: ...This is beyond anything my men and I are trained for. We typically handle disputes, not potentially foreign intelligence agencies.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Shault: I'm impressed by your low crime rate amongst your adult population.

Host Shault says:
::Tilts his head slightly:: CNS: Thank you... but I'm afraid I can't take the credit. We're a fairly easy-going people... We prefer to debate with ideas, rather than weapons.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Shault: I did not mean to get you involved.  This is not your area of expertise as you just said, but it is also not your issue to deal with.  Officially, I do not even think you have a complaint about the theft of the data.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: I think we should wait until dark and then go in on foot.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Shault: How active is the botanical garden this time of day?  Could we "hide in the open" so to speak?

Host Shault says:
CO: Perhaps, although I suppose this gentleman here could make one.   What I CAN do, is give you authorization to enter the botanical gardens, as well as to detain any Federation or Korin personnel you find in there... as long as no one is harmed.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Shault: I can promise to make every effort to do so.  All weapons set to stun, and will only be used as last resort.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Self: Better than nothing.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: If there's intelligence guys there, I hope they have their Phasers set on stun.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: I'd rather beat them with my bare hands anyway.

Host Shault says:
::Glances to Daniels, then back to Ayidee:: CO: I'm sorry, Captain. It sounds like this is pitting you against your own.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: If they use weapons first, once they are stunned what setting they have their weapons on does not matter.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Shault: How vegetated are these botanical gardens?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Shault: Someone put us in that position, but it was not you.  Starfleet Intelligence works on their own rules at times, and often that puts them at odds with the rest of Starfleet.

Host Shault says:
::Chuckles cynically:: CO: I know the feeling.
CTO: Depends on the area. Some are quite vegetative, others are sparse this time of year.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Looking into non civilian channels mostly Korin military, police and government, just because::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Brings up a layout of the botanical gardens on the sensors and pinpoints where the transponder signal is coming from::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Shault: Do you know about this section of the gardens?  ::points at the transponder signal::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Reading a Korin intelligence report::  Shault: There's seems to be a lot of missing persons lately, Sir.  Any explanation for that?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Moves to the sensors, attempting to see how clear a picture the sensors are able to give us with the power station disrupting them.::

Host Shault says:
::Leans in to examine the sensors, and scratches his head a moment in thought:: CTO: Yeah...Yes, I think that's the Trees of Chula display. Transplants from Chula Isle, tropical region.  Going to be lots of large, palm-like trees and bushes.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO/Shault: If that means dense vegetation then we may be able to beam in there without being seen.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: You could disguise yourself as a potted plant.  ::Smiles::

Host Shault says:
CNS: Lot?  ::Shrug:: Just about as much as always, I'd say.  We're the first line of reporting in these matters. Even though I don't get to run the investigation, I've still asked around a bit, here and there. Usually there's already been signs of discontent with their lives.  Sometimes one turns up on one of the smaller continents.  Seems to be mostly the younger adults.  Probably general malaise with adjusting to adulthood, wanting something new and different and better.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Shault: Some have never been found.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Anything in those reports specifically make you ask about this?  Some connection?

Host Shault says:
::Sighs:: CNS: Yeah, a lot never are. We keep the best records here... some of the other continents are much more difficult to search.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: It's just curious, that's all.  The reports don't really provide a lot of information, like these missing people aren't a priority. ::Continues his research::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Shault: There's definitely a separation of classes on Korin.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Tactical advice, you are suggesting an after dark insertion, correct?

Host Shault says:
::Tilts his head:: CNS: Of classes?  How so?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: If so, then we should return to the celebration for now.  If we are not there questions may be asked.  Burke can stay here, or in our room at the hotel.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Shault: The younger generation seems to take a back seat to the adults.  They don't even live with them.  There's seems to be some discord with some of the younger people.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Sir I believe that if that area is heavily vegetated as the Shault suggests we should be able to beam in undetected before nightfall.  Besides we don't know if they will still be there then.

Host Shault says:
::Chuckles:: CNS: The Trials of Youth. We all went through it, Ensign. I imagine the youths on your world have been just as eager to get out and into the "real world," and just as critical of their adult counterparts.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: I suggest we go in Phasers drawn and set on stun.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Shault: Maybe, but speaking as a youth, I think children need the adults and the adults need the children.  That's how it works on my world.  
Burke: You rest up.  We'll get your chip back soon, don't worry.  I think I want it back almost as much as you do, now.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: We go, take part in the ceremony as expected.  Afterwards we will go to the chip, at the botanical gardens if it is still there.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::grumbles under his breath::

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CO: To be honest, if Intelligence is indeed involved, I'm not sure I feel safe waiting in your shuttle.  If anyone saw you pick me up, that's probably where they'd expect to find me.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: You're taking a risk that the chip may be relocated, maybe even taken off world by SFI.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Burke: Our rooms good or somewhere else in mind?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: They need to get in, and the transponder can track it.  Without Burke it's got no value.

Host Shault says:
CNS: Adults are still thoroughly involved in the children and youth's upbringing. But as adults, we feel no cultural imperative to have children in our lives. It is pleasant enough to see them wander the streets for the special days, but they are better off with those trained and prepared to meet their needs.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO I have to agree with Mister Daniels sir.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: If they know we are on to them, they might worry about getting Burke later.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CO: With all due respect, Captain, if you're going to be away and in public before we retrieving the chip and stop whoever is behind this, I would very much prefer none of you know my location in the meantime.  ::Nods to the Shault:: Shault: No offense meant.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Shault: Children should be seen and not heard.  Where have I heard that before?

Host Shault says:
::Smiles wryly:: Burke: None taken.    CNS: Ensign, please don't try to conflate your own history and morals with ours. We, as a society, love the children, in that we want the best for their welfare. They can be seen AND heard, by those best equipped to care for them.  And if not those, then who?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Burke: Very well.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Shault: I guess we see parenting in two different ways.  I'm not saying one is right or wrong, just different.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: We have a duty to be at the ceremony.  The chip is going nowhere, at least not far or fast.  We can keep tracking it.  If it moves then we move.

Host Shault says:
::With a brief look of confusion on his face:: CNS: Paren--what?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: By your command sir.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Shault: Parents, your mother and father, the pair that raise you from infant on...  I used to have parents, it was great.

Host Shault says:
::Shakes his head:: CNS: I'm sorry, Ensign. I'm not sure what this--- ::Again, pronounces haltingly in Fed Standard:: --pahrent --  ::Resumes in his native language, being translated by the UT::--thing, or person, is.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Shault: Yeah, I gathered you were clueless about parental units.

Host Shault says:
CNS: What is one?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: A man and woman conceive a baby.  If the baby is lucky these two people care for, love and teach their offspring until they grow up and sometimes beyond.  We call these groups of people a family.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Clenches claws at the discussion, trying to hide discomfort over it.::

Host Shault says:
::Just shakes his head in disbelief, but decides it's best to stop before he risks insulting the human's weird reproductive and development methods::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Shault: It seems I have something in common with the Korins - we're all orphans.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Pause USS Cherokee: "Infinity's Child" Part 15>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse: 55 minutes>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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