SM – Karen Barkas

XO – Scott Knight
CSO – Patrick DeRuiter
CMO – Rob Lemmens

NPC – Karen Barkas – Arillian Minister
NPC – Karen Barkas – Ambassador Childs

Summary… The Scimitar hangs in space, before her the Guardian remains suspended… flashing life signs constantly update from the away team yet their location seems fleeting across the entire Arillian Ship…

The Away team have gained some insight into the cost of peace. Having offered what he can in response to the Scimitar's demands, the Minister tires of these proceedings, he demands their response…

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CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::On the bridge, looking back at his console… his scans should show some weak spot::
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@::stands and looks the minister straight in the eye:: Minister: Please understand, our crew did all they could to rescue the two individuals you seek.
CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
::Pacing through sickbay, finding the courage to look at Lenny's file.::
Host Minister says:
@XO: You have ten minutes to consider this, refreshments shall be provided.
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@Minister: We're talking round in circles here. If you truly want these talks to succeed I need your word that none of my crew will be harmed.

Action... The Minister touches his wrist and a panel slides forward and across the golden wall, to reveal some form a replicator, drinks appear a support is left for them as the panel closes...

CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::Looking at his scans he notices that the weak spots seem to be the gaps in the ship. What's also odd is that there are energy signatures in that area::
CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
::Finally decides to go have a look and walks over to Lenny.:: Lenny: Hang in there, I will find out what's wrong with you... ::Waits another few seconds, then sighs, before turning around and heading for the computer.::
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
*CMO*: How's everything going down there Zoran?
CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
::Is a little spooked by the CSO's call... all was pretty silent until that moment.:: *CSO* Jonathan, sorry. Yes, well... all is pretty quiet around here... too quiet actually.
Host Minister says:
@::sighs wearily:: XO: I have given you my word that all will be done in our power to ensure their safe return.
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::While waiting for an answer he thinks about the possibilities here:: *CMO*: You sound a bit… strange. Are you alright?
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@Minister: And what if your best does not prevent them from being executed?
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::Looking back at his console he takes charge of the probe that was just launched and steers it well of to the side of the Arillian ship… he wants more readings, not a declaration of war::
CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
::Shakes and rubs his head slightly.:: *CSO*: Yes... well... I guess I am. I have just been dealing with this thought about loosing Lenny.
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::While making sure no one sees what he's doing he launches the probe. He needs more info. If the CO wants him to regain a lock he needs more info. He can't work miracles on scraps of info::
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::While the probe is on it's way he takes another look at the scans of the energy readings. They definitely appear to be from a power source::
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::Looks up::*CMO*: Loosing Lenny? Why? What’s wrong?
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@::shakes his head:: Minister: Ok, this is getting tedious... I have an idea. Let me present the evidence of the officers actions to those who would decide their fate and let them tell me what is to become of them. Then I can make a decision.
Host Minister says:
@::rears up once more onto his hind legs, stamping down to the ground:: XO: I grow weary of your persistent stalling, we have met your demands. ::glares down::
CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
::Sighs:: *CSO*: Well, it would seem she is suffering from some kind of virus. According to the ships database there is a vaccine that matches something that cured people back then. Just not sure it matches with what Lenny has.
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@::squares up to the massive Arillian and raises his voice slightly:: Minister: You have NOT met our demands! I asked that my crew not be harmed and you wouldn't even grant that simple request!

Action... from a lower quarter of the Guardian, a small shadow can be seen emerging out of the light, quickly followed by another...

Host Minister says:
@ ::chuckles at the small humanoid, with one swipe of his hand the XO is thrown from his feet:: XO: If I wanted you dead or you would not be alive speaking to me now.
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
*CMO*: Are you sure it's a virus and not some kind of relapse from the failed attempt to take over the ermm... spirit of our deceased guests?
CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
*CSO*: That has been a thought of mine too, but why would she react as though she is fighting a virus?
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@::flies across the room and hits the wall.. After a few seconds he gets up coughing:: Minister: Then maybe we can *cough* get to the reason we were brought here. ::his voice calm and quiet::
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::As he steers the probe he notices 2 small, kaneda sized objects making their way to the probe. Scanning the objects he detects they have a phaser and shields and 2 occupants. Looking closer at the occupants they appear to be a Morach and an Arillian each. Are they on their way to destroy the probe? He steers clear of the vessels to see if they are tracking the probe::
Host Minister says:
@<Amb_Childs> ::steps forward and rests his hand on the XO's shoulder, then offers him a hand up::
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
*CMO*: Well, I’m on uncharted territory there. I have no idea what that would do to someone
Host Minister says:
@<Amb_Childs> ::smiles:: XO: Will it be more palatable with different words, the Minister has made his request quite clear.
CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
::Sounds a little more at rest now.:: *CSO*: I wouldn't know, but I will take that under consideration as well. Perhaps I'll have the computer check up on that too.
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
*CMO*: Can you trace to any source of the infection?
Host Minister says:
@::looks impatient watching the scimitars diplomatic team::
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@AMB: And so have I Ambassador.
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@Minister: I was under the impression we came here to talk peace.
Host Minister says:
@<Amb_Childs> ::asks softly:: XO: What is it you want? ::watches him carefully::
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@AMB: What I want is to be sure none of my crew will be harmed.
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::Looking at the sensors the vessels are indeed on an intercept course to the probe. What to do.. He could contact them. Or he could keep on avoiding them while trying to get a scan or 2 in::
CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
::Checks his computer.:: *CSO*: I am running some checks on it, see if the computer finds something similar. Please wait.
Host Minister says:
@XO: No more then I can guarantee your ship is not trying to harm us at this very moment... Life is not something to guarantee.
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::He decides to avoid them as long as he can. He keeps the probe outside of shooting distance from the vessels, while manoeuvring closer to the big Arillian ship, trying to get some scans of the holes::
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
*CMO*: I have nothing else to do but wait ::smiles:: and playing catch with a probe against 2 Arillian vessels
Host Minister says:
@XO: Peace talks take two sides, yet you wished to arrive here with weapons. ::watches accusingly::
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@Minister: Then if I can guarantee our ship does not attempt any attack you will guarantee the safety of my officers?
CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
::Chuckles:: *CSO*: It certainly beats trying to find a virus in a database, which lists more than a trillion different types. ::Watches the computer scan.::
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::Seeing 2 more small vessels coming out he decides he will not risk the probe. Sighing he steers the probe back into the Scimitar loading bay::
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@Minister: That is standard procedures and as you said yourself, Peace talks take two sides. Need I remind you that the Arillians started this war by attacking the Federation during the first set of peace talks? How do I know you don't have an armada heading for one of our outposts right now?
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::Instead he tries to find out more about this ship. The Arillian can't have many of these or the war would've gone a whole lot different::
Host Minister says:
@ XO: Your officers are dead, I give my word that we would do what we can to return them to you, we want only what you have taken.
Host Minister says:
@::turns his back:: XO: But words are wasting time.. You have ten minutes

Action: With a flash of the transporter the Away team remain alone with colourful drinks before them...

CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
::Looks a little surprised as the computer displays a possible match.:: *CSO*: Jonathan, I think you might find this as interesting as me. The closest match the computer can find, is also found on the mysterious pair.
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@AMB: I need to contact the ship.
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
*CMO*: You mean they have the same anomaly?

Action ... the small Arillian ships form together close to the Guardian as tiny shadows, they do not give chase to the probe...

Host Minister says:
@<Amb_Childs> XO: And how do you suggest we do that?
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::Relieved he sees the vessels staying with the mother ship. Loosing a probe would be a bit hard to explain::
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@AMB: You're the ambassador here. How do you suggest we do it?
Host Amb_Childs says:
@ XO: You have a choice, they are your crew.
CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
::Double checks the computer's search result:: *CSO*: Affirmative. I think that Lenny did get something from them... we can only hope that this will be all.
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@AMB: And I'm not about to let the Arillians execute them.
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
*CMO*: But did she touch them? Or is it airborne? Or is it something else? Do you think it's contagious?
Host Amb_Childs says:
@XO: Peace is never easy or free. ::he takes a drink::
CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
*CSO*: As far as I can tell now, it is not airborne. We did try to present her as host for the pair. Perhaps the only thing that was actually transferred, was this virus. I think I will go check whether either of the pair is the host of the virus. If so, it would be easy to synthesize a new anti virus vaccine.
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
*CMO*: Have you tried isolating it?
CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
*CSO*: Not yet, I have just discovered what is actually going on with her. I'm about to set up the computer in a few minutes, when I have gathered all possible information on the virus.
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@AMB: Maybe I could name the officers involved on the condition that I am to be taken with them to ensure a fair trial.
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
*CMO*: I hope you can isolate it. It would make the testing a whole lot easier
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::He tries to intensify the scans on the gaps. 10 power sources. Are these weapons?::
Host Amb_Childs says:
@XO: If it so please you, perhaps an attempt at a cease fire? ::raises an eyebrow with a smile to him::
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@AMB: Someone's got to drop their weapon first and it might as well be us.
Host Amb_Childs says:
@ ::nods:: XO: With the advantage of having some influence all need not be lost.
CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
::With just a few commands the computer starts to isolate the virus from the healthy cells::
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::Then he notices that in some 2 holes there are only 8 power sources left. Aha, so these power sources are the vessels. They don't appear to pose a real threat to the scimitar by themselves. But being swarmed by so many of them would make it a lot harder. Looks like this big vessel is some sort of carrier::
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@::shouts:: Outloud: MINISTER!
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@::taps his foot::
Host Amb_Childs says:
@::Appears in a transporter light, spins to face the XO::  XO: Yes...
CMO_Lt_Abmeraz says:
::Waits for the computer to isolate them, then request the computer to display the information on the pair's blood.::
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@Minister: I'm willing to come to a compromise... I will name the officers you want on the condition that you allow me to go with them to represent them in a fair trail.
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@::coughs and holds his bruised ribs::
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::Looking at the scans more closely he notices that the power source in 4 of the holes have slightly different signatures::
CSO_Lt_Pierce says:
::Also vessels it seems, but there appear to be 3 different sizes. He needs to look more closely at this::
Host Amb_Childs says:
@ XO: As you wish.
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@::nods:: Minister: Also if I may ask one small favour...
Host Amb_Childs says:
@::Snaps:: XO: Which is...
XO_Cmdr_MacAllister says:
@Minister: I require medical attention, allow me to return to my ship for treatment and I will return with the officers you require.

Action... A transporter light grips the away team, once again the team is returned to the scimitar... everyone except the XO

Host Amb_Childs says:
@XO: No we have medics.

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