USS Cherokee 
"Infinity's Child"  Part 14
114011.02  

Starring_
Lea as Guest Producer, Present_Figure, and Ambassador_Krellit
Steve Weller as CO_Ayidee
Dawn Freeman as OPS_Cmdr_Nash
Zach Farland as CNS_Ens_Daniels 
Andrew Cotterly as CMO_Lt_Talora

Absent
Topper Loghry as CTO_Ens_Q’ten

Leave of Absence
Trish Yarborough as Executive Producer
Captain's Log, Stardate 11411.02, Captain Ayidee recording.  We have come to a decision to move along with our task of helping Mr. Burke, but first we have an obligation to take part in the ceremony of present.  If we were not there we would be missed, after all, and our other mission would likely be found out.

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

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::With others 0n the rooftop.::  All: We have a job to do before we can continue with our new task.  Keep yourselves sharp however.  There are still threats out there likely.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::with the others at the current festival ceremony activity::

ACTION: The city square swells with people, draped with the distance and faint sound of lively melodies, caressed by the savory scent of local specialties, as balloons of many colors fill the streets, occasionally gracing the sky.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Up on the roof again, looking at the fun below::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Walks up to the rest of the crew on the rooftop shaking her head and frowns about having to be at a party when things are going sour.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: It's like I haven't seen you in months.  Have you learned anything that will help Nadi?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Turns, noticing the CMO's return, then waits for the answer, hoping it's good.::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Shakes head:: CNS: Officially she's being well taken care of, but my contacts are saying otherwise...I'm a little concerned.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: Me too I've been doing some research too and I'm not liking how people just up and go missing and how casual the local authorities are about it.

ACTION: A figure emerges onto the city square's circular dais, and the dais begins once more its ascent into the sky.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO/ CNS: Starfleet has some sway here I hope.  Once we get things settled we can see what we can do for her.  Anything we can do up to the limits of the law.

Host Ambassador_Krellit says:
::Emerges onto the rooftop a bit belatedly, sparing a quick and imperious glance around, before moving forward, through the crew, to the edge of the rooftop, not far from Daniels::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Ambassador: Ambassador, good morrow to you.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: If we're able to be here around the right time, I could speak on her behalf in any court proceedings, but it's all run through the municipal government.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
All: I guess the show is starting.  ::Looking down over the edge of the roof and thinking “well, look who decided to show up”.  Goes silent because the Ambassador is present::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: Hopefully we can help her some.

Host Ambassador_Krellit says:
::Ignores the captain for the moment, focusing her attention on the spectacle rising into the air::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::notices the Ambassador’s return and nods and smiles at her to show respect despite how she feels towards her.::

ACTION: The dais stops moving, several meters above the highest rooftop, and the city-wide PA system begins to kick in.

ACTION: The disparate melodies throughout the city fade away, then pick up once more in a united tune.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Wait patiently and watches the event::

Host Present_Figure says:
All: Today we shout!

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::watches the event::

ACTION: As the figure's words sound through the system, the entire population raises its voices in spirited cheer.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Remains silent::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Shrugs and does best imitation of the cheer, trying to take part.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Standing next to CMO, looking up to see what's going on atop the center ring::

Host Present_Figure says:
All: Today we mourn.

ACTION: The city falls silent.
Host Present_Figure says:
All: Today we dance. We love. We lose.
All: Today we stand in the moment, the precious instant, between the Past and the Future.
All: It is here that we have power. Here that we can control. Here that we can experience. 
All: It is here that we can honor our past and carve out our future.
All: It is here, always here, that we live!
All: Let not the past hold us back, or the future frighten us!  
All: Live!

ACTION: The crowd cheers once more, and the partying resumes and intensifies, as the dais begins its descent.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: A bit focused a point of view, a bit dangerous as a way of life...

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Claps like everybody else down there is doing, not really knowing why::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Folds her arms and remains silent::

Host Ambassador_Krellit says:
::Claps politely as the ceremony comes to an end::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Joins the applause, wondering how dedicated these focus people really are.::

ACTION: The city below mills with adults and children.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: I wonder who it is they are mourning for today; maybe for the missing?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Just a guess, but I'd guess it's the brief life span of the present running out.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Keeps her eye on the ambassador::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Notice there are no teenagers down there.  You gotta wonder where they are and how they feel to be excluded.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Noticed, but to be honest, they may be taking part elsewhere.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Nope.

Host Ambassador_Krellit says:
::The ceremony now ended, she moves away from the edge, heading inward toward the lift, and pauses at the table spread out with foodstuffs, starting to load up a plate while she speaks with a Korin representative::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: One issue at a time, Ensign.  There may be something to what you are seeing, but to change a part of their culture to fit our mores?  Not likely to happen quickly...if at all.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO:  I'm not expecting them to change no matter what I think.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Turns, and making sure she can't be heard...:: CO: Captain...I'm growing suspicious of the ambassador. Outside of personal dislike, we've been avoided since we got here. If the Ambassador wanted a ride here, that's fine, but we're being wall flowers. Decorations and no more.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: There are parts of this job that are not easy.  I know.   There are others as well.  Like this one.  One moment.  
CMO: Agreed.  Time to spring the hunt.  ::Walks over to the Ambassador.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
All: I just don't know how we can accept their membership into the Federation when they give so little regard to a certain sect of their population.

Host Ambassador_Krellit says:
Teela: Oh yes, I quite agree.  It was certainly a difficult enough decision for the Federation to make, I assure you.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Ambassador: Ambassador, good to see you again.  How are things going?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CNS: It's not really our decision though.

Host Ambassador_Krellit says:
::Remains otherwise still, although her voice lilts slightly differently as Ayidee joins them:: CO: As well as can be expected, given your incidents.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Ambassador: Which incidents specifically are you referring to?  Being attacked?  Learning Starfleet Intelligence is on this world?  You really need to be more specific.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: Well, I'm not sure I can recommend the Korin for membership.

Host Ambassador_Krellit says:
Teela: Please excuse me.   ::Turns more directly to Ayidee:: CO: I've read the reports, Captain. You were not attacked - another man was. You then proceeded to initiate some sort of hunt for them - without proper authorization - which resulted in their response to you.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Ambassador: A being was attacked immediately in front of us.  The fact that he appeared likely to be a Federation Citizen made it more pressing, but either way we lend aid where possible.  If you have a problem with that take it up with Starfleet's charter.
Ambassador: Is the issue that this was part of a plan you were involved in?  You seem to know an awful lot about this...more than us perhaps.

Host Ambassador_Krellit says:
CO: Merely because you have a right to do a thing, does not mean that it is the right thing to do. One day, Captain, you'll learn that. You were lucky this time, that the Shault saw things your way. But you may have done irreparable harm getting involved in another world's affairs without so much as a by-your-leave.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Turns back:: CNS: Things are falling apart...How are things on your end?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Ambassador: But if we have a duty to do it, that does mean it's the right thing to do.  We saw a being in need and responded.  The local authorities were informed at the earliest opportunity.  And we provided full disclosure of what happened to them.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: Things were going well.  We were finally getting some answers but now, we are stuck here on a rooftop.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods slowly::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: The Captain and Commander Nash think I'm crazy.  Mister Burke made me a generous offer, immortality.  I'm considering it.  What do you think about it?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Ambassador: Has a complaint reached you?  From local authorities or off world I wonder?

Host Ambassador_Krellit says:
CO: You find it so easy, because everything simple fit, yes? But you will be here but one more night, and you will make your recommendations, whatever they may be, and then you will be gone on your starship, to the next shiny thing in the universe. While I will remain here months, even years, nurturing this relationship between the Federation and the Korin. Who are you really to think you have the best long-term health of either in mind?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Blinks a few times:: CNS: Immortality? ::Looks down for a moment and thinks before speaking.:: It's your choice I suppose but I will say this about it, there won’t be anyone else to share your burden. All the loved ones around you will pass and you'll keep going. You know as a counselor what that can do to a mind.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: I've lost loved ones before.  It hurts, sure but, life goes on.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Ambassador: I am acting in the Federation's best interest, long term.  This planet is a potential member, so their best interest is also my care.  Again, long term.  But what would you have preferred, letting a being be attacked and just watch?  Is there some cultural point we missed here?  Because the Shault seemed to have no issues with it.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: Besides, I don't think it's immortality.  Burke obviously has aged since he was an infant.  I just think he's aging slowly.

Host Ambassador_Krellit says:
CO: According to the reports, you found the man dead, then your officer continued on to chase down the attackers. There was no life to save - the man was already dead. You acted out of your own sense of justice - rather than considering what might be your place for the unfamiliar culture in which you were visiting. And THAT is the issue, Captain. You didn't even think, for a moment, that there MIGHT be a cultural point, until AFTER you had acted.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: Just think of what an asset I'd be to Starfleet, an indestructible officer.  I might even change occupations.  I think my new indestructability would be wasted as a Counselor.  Maybe I could train to be a TAC officer.

Host Ambassador_Krellit says:
CO: And bear in mind, Captain, as you finishing out your final twenty-four hours here, that the Shault is but a local authority. There are others much higher to which we answer.  Bear that in mind, Captain.  ::Turns to leave::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Ambassador: I will indeed, Ambassador.  ::Watches as the Ambassador leaves, wondering how high her connections go and whether her last line is a threat or not.::

ACTION: The occupants of the roof begin to thin, as most mill their way back down to the lobby and out into the street, to enjoy the pleasures found there.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Goes to CO:: CO: Are we going to track down that chip, Sir.  My future is waiting.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::not sure what to think after hearing Ambassador Krellit and the Captain heated discussion.::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Sighs softly:: CNS: I'll put this another way. Yes, loved ones pass and life goes on, but it will become a central part of your life. You tac team all dies, except you. Your squadron...your family. You're okay with that?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: It is a good time.  Let's contact the shuttles and arrange transport.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: I don't know.  I haven't been faced with that probability yet.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Aye, Sir.
CMO: Besides I don't have any family left to miss.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Blinks at the CNS, before sighing and walking away::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: That's not a positive thing to have, even if it were true..  Family is something of a state of mind to most, isn't it?

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Pause USS Cherokee: "Infinity's Child" Part 16>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse: 30 minutes>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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