USS Seleya Mission Transcript 11003.28
Mission Number 593
Reunion of a Past II

DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Lília Perfeito as Captain Alexandra Margarida Gomes (CO – Commanding Officer)
Eldad Ben-Tovim as Commander Maor (CIV – Starfleet Intelligence Specialist) npc Mupese, Rural
Tim Schols as Lieutenant Dylan Cedric Pandora (OPS – Operations Officer) npc SB Control, OPS Andersson
Charlie Nance as Lieutenant JG T’Rae (CMO – Chief Medical Officer) Nurse
Mike Hiles as Lieutenant Maximus Heller (CTO – Chief Tactical Officer)
Karriaunna Scotti as Lt Brianna Rose (SO – Science Officer) npc Aide Daran, Ambassador Arant, Bartender, Grak

Time lapse:  4 hours on station, 2 days travel to Atar IV

Ship Manager 
Karriaunna Scotti

Last week on the Seleya:

Arriving at Starbase 129 the captain found Ambassador Erant's aide ready and waiting for them.  Technically polite, the aide was unable to hide their cultures evident belief that females main purpose was for mating and working.  The Talarian are a warrior race that are also xenophobic.

The standard warrior wears a padded uniform-vest, black leather gloves and black trousers.  Under the brown vest is worn a ribbed silvery-black undergarment.  On their heads are standard black helmets and close to their sides are large rifles.

Against the Aide Daran's advice, the ambassador had invited in the captain and her team, offering them refreshment which he serves them himself.  For now they are gathered around the conference table in the non-descript conference room on the base.  Outside stand two guards.

The second group, lead by Commander Heller has begun to roam the station in civilian clothes, their intent to visit a few bars and gather and see what information they can gather on their current mission... an assignment that has them going into the Beloti sector to explore the ruins of an ancient race that holds the possible mystery of a connection to the Cardassians and Talarians.  What questions they will ask is uncertain as they do not yet know what exactly is going on... something they all hope to learn soon.

Captain's log, Stardate 11003.28. We met with the Talarian Ambassador. I am not sure what to expect but I hope he will offer all the information he has on this matter.

<<<<<<<<<< Reunion of a Past II>>>>>>>>>>
SO Lt Rose says:
:: Following behind the new CTO with Pandara close by.::
CMO Ltjg TRae says:
::sitting in the conference room, her job, become small, become insignificant to the conversation so she can observe, without partiality what is happening around her:: 
 Amb Erant says:
:: Taking his seat, he turns to look the captain in the eyes, expectantly::
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
::Leads the others into the bar and looks around::
OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Heading towards the bar ahead, keeping his eyes and ears open to anything interesting that might be going on around them::
 
Scenery:  The usual smells and sounds of a station bar wrap around the trio as they enter the bar.  Throughout can be seen species throughout the Federation.
 
CO Capt Gomes says:
::relieved he is actually talking to her, or at least he seems to:: Amb: I know people have disappeared from the region, other places as well. And that this is all connected to unusual activities around Atra IV but I am not sure of the details around them. 
 Amb Erant says:
:: Quietly sighs as he wraps his gloved hands around the cup of his hot drink::  CO:  As in all cultures, there is the inevitable disappearance of individuals.  It is a given.  Most cultures have their police out searching for the missing and reasons why.  Sometimes they are lucky, sometimes they are not in retrieving them.
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
::Heads over to the bar, figuring that is the best place to start::
 Amb Erant says:
:: looks around at the others and back to the captain::  CO:  It was finally noted a few years ago, that disappearances were starting to escalate... no reason found.  It was mostly women ::shrugs:: then it seemed about a year ago, it began to include children.
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::makes an effort not to frown. what a weird logic:: Amb: Of course, that is true. However, just before we abandon their fate to luck, we should gather as much information as possible and do what we can to find them. Don't you think so?
Bartender says:
CTO/OPS/SO:  What can I get you folks?
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::nods as the ambassador continues::
CMO Ltjg TRae says:
::notes the comment about women, somewhat typical of male dominated cultures::
OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Follows Heller towards the bar, nodding at the bartender:: Barman: I'll have a root beer, please.
 Amb Erant says:
:: simply nods his head to the captain's comment and continues::  CO: Then it was discovered, that our problem was not just ours.  It would appear that surrounding areas are also suffering similar missing.
 Amb Erant says:
:: Leans slightly forward::  CO:  And the fingers are pointing in the direction of my people as the cause.  You can imagine where such a situation of accusations could lead.
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
Bartender:  Scotch on the rocks for me.
SO Lt Rose says:
:: Looks at Pandora and orders one as well.::
Bartender says:
 :: Brings the drinks, not asking any questions.::
 CO Capt Gomes says:
Amb: All sorts of misunderstandings and even wars have come from similar situations. We are here to make sure the many are not judged by the few. The very fact that you are helping us and allowing us into your territory shows your government wants to solve this as much as we do
CMO Ltjg TRae says:
::Wonders who exactly is pointing the fingers::
SO Lt Rose says:
:: Nods her thanks and quietly leans toward Heller::  CTO:  Got any plan in mind from here?
 CO Capt Gomes says:
Amb: What was the furthest report of a missing person that you believe is connected to this?
 Amb Erant says:
CO:  Some may consider it a weakness, but as I grow older, I have come to enjoy peace and the advantages it brings us.  I do not want to see my people go to war... and definitely not over something such as this.  :: Turns to pick up what looks like a padd to scan through it.::
OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Takes the drink and, after a thank you nod to the barman, takes a sip::
Amb Erant says:
CO: We have a number of people, mostly children now along with a few females and now it appears there are some men who have gone missing... all reported by their families to government officials.
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::nods:: Amb: I have reason to believe they went as far as to kidnap Federation citizens on Federation soil. This will mean they are growing confidant they can do what they want. Are there any theories as to what their objectives are? Any ransom notes?
Amb Erant says:
CO:  Or they are expanding outwards in the hopes of covering up what has been going on here.  Obviously things have now started to come to the attention of... outsiders, if you will.
CMO Ltjg TRae says:
::Shudders slightly, almost unconsciously at the description, way to reminiscent with some run ins the Scotsman had with slavers from time to time::
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::nods slowly and gravely::
 CO Capt Gomes says:
Amb: What do you think they want? There must be some clue as to who they are
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
::Takes his drink and takes a sip trying to decide his next move::
CMO Ltjg TRae says:
::Makes a note on her PADD to have the Captain ask about who is pointing fingers, knowing that often this is a tactic to deflect blame from where it might rightfully fall.  She gently passes the PADD to the Captain::
 Amb Erant says:
:: Hands over the padd, showing a map::  CO:  There has come to light only two leads.  One is Atra IV and the other is a rather... obscure ancient ritual... so obscure, under normal circumstances, it would not even be considered.
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::covertly accepts the PADD and takes a look as she is also looking at the admiral::
 Amb Erant says:
Scenery:  There are various conversations going on throughout the bar.  A few stray looks toward the three new arrivals standing near the bar... especially the female.
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
::leans on the bar and gets the bartenders attention::  Bartender:  Me and my friends were on our way to cardasian space with a shipment of beritium when we heard of troubles along the border, we are looking for information about what is going on.  Know of anyone who might be able to help us?
 CO Capt Gomes says:
Amb: The more information the better, even if its unlikely, it may be the only lead as to a motive. Can you tell us about this ritual?
 Amb Erant says:
CO:  I mentioned not wanting to go to war... but there will always be those within a warrior race who crave such activities.  It is what they were born and raised for.  Peace is not their way except for short periods of times.  It is my belief :: he emphasizes 'my'::, that we may be dealing with a group of men, not just form my people, who are tired of peace.
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::nods briefly at the CMO. She will ask the question when the ambassador finishes elaborating on the leads::
Bartender says:
CTO:  Hmmm... there are a couple of Cardassians over in the corner over there.  You might as them.  Though they have been holed up here a few days.
CMO Ltjg TRae says:
::Gets the impression that the Ambassador is stepping out onto a very dangerous limb.  If this is his personal belief it would be one explanation for why there are no aides to carry his words back to others::
 CO Capt Gomes says:
Amb: And this would be a way to start war? Tell me Ambassador, has there been anyone pointing fingers on this matter? Anyone too eager to expose someone else? People such as these are the culprits themselves.
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
Bartender:  Thank you,  ::puts a couple of strips of latinum on the counter::  SO/OPS:  Seems a good a place to start as any.  ::Begins to work his way over to the corner.::
SO Lt Rose says:
:: shrugs, her drink in hand and follows::
OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Looks at the CTO:: CTO: Indeed.. Perhaps they do know more, and haven't gone through the area because of what they know...
 Amb Erant says:
CO: The cardassians have, a few planets along the border have... basically those who are finding themselves drawn into this situation.
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
OPS:  Makes sense, lets hope they can help.
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::nods:: Amb: I understand ::glances at the CMO, wondering if this was the answer she was looking for::
 CO Capt Gomes says:
Amb: What about the Atra system, what has been observed there? 
 Amb Erant says:
CO:  What do you know about Atra IV?
SO Lt Rose says:
:: Moves closer toward her team to avoid a few exploring hands reaching toward her as she passes.::
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::glances at the PADD the ambassador passed along ... the mentioned ritual involves the sacrifice of children, often burying them under the house of the person seeking wealth and power. Who would sacrifice their children like his?::
Mupese says:
 ::Taps the OPS's shoulder:: OPS: ::Grumbles something incoherently:: Negola dewaghi wooldugger?!?

ACTION:  The two cardassians who have been nursing their drinks for awhile, look up a the approaching strangers.

OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Looks over his shoulder briefly, before deciding to ignore the person and walk on with the CTO and SO::
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::passes the PADD that the ambassador gave her to the CMO and then the CIV. It has the information about this ritual::
Rural says:
 ::Taps the OPS's shoulder as well:: OPS: He doesn't like you.
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
::Approaches the cardassians seated in the corner::  Cardasians:  Mind if we join ya?
Grak says:
 :: Looks the stranger over::  CTO:  Why?
CO Capt Gomes says:
Amb: Not much, I'm afraid since its an important place for you and the Cardassians. We know it was the home of a thriving civilization, which some claim are the ancestors of both Talarians and Cardassians .. though officially that is not accepted
OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Ignores the tapping and continues walking towards the cardassians::
CMO Ltjg TRae says:
::Looks over information on the ritual::  Self: Barbaric, absolutely barbaric.
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
Grak:  I was hoping you might be able to help us, we are in need of information.
Amb Erant says:
:: grimly chuckles:: CO:  That would be an understatement.  But because of this... belief and disbelief, there is an unspoken taboo that both our races avoid that area.  And that has in the past extended to others.  However, there has been some activity seen in that area.  My... counterpart no more wants to see this situation escalate into war then
Rural says:
 ::Taps the OPS's shoulder yet again, a bit rougher this time:: OPS: I don't like you either. 
 Amb Erant says:
I do... and as such is willing to allow you to do some exploration.
Grak says:
CTO:  Information comes at a price... for some.  What do you want to know?
SO Lt Rose says:
:: Stays just off in the background, listening::
OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Turns around, annoyed:: Rural: I don't care.. ::Turns back to the conversation with the cardassians::
 CO Capt Gomes says:
Amb: I assure you ambassador, whatever we find about your past will not be made public without your consent. We are explorers but we appreciate the need to keep secrets, at least until everyone is ready to accept them. Do you think Atra's past is connected with the kidnappings?
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
Grak: Of course, I'm sure we can work something out.  ::pulls up a seat::  We are heading into Cardasian space or were planning to but have heard about a number of problems along the border.  I was hoping to find out more about these . . problems.
 Amb Erant says:
CO:  At this point, captain, I do not know what to believe.   We have only a few small pieces of a puzzle.  And as such, I am grappling at ideas and we are willing to bring in what we believe to be disinterested outsiders.
Rural says:
OPS: Don't insult us. You just watch yourself. We're wanted men. I have the death sentence on twelve systems, thirteen if you include the planet where you win a complimentary death sentence on each visit.
 CO Capt Gomes says:
Amb: We are interested in finding the fate of the missing people, some of which we believe are Federation citizens. But we have no interest in re writing your history and we will treat the information collected on Atra with the up most respect. Is there anything else we should know Ambassador?
Grak says:
 :: looks at his officer who simply shrugs his shoulder.  Turns back to the stranger::  CTO:  I would avoid the triangular border of Beloti for sure.  Odd happenings going on there.  Or so we have heard.
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
Grak:  Old happenings?  What exactly does that mean?
 Amb Erant says:
CO:  I will help where I can, but do not expect much as both my government and the Cardassian, at this point, are trying to keep things under wrap.  Once it hits the general people... :: his face becomes grave as he leaves the rest unsaid.::
OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Ignores the annoying convicts and listens, instead, to the conversation::
 CO Capt Gomes says:
Amb: I understand. What you have given us is already invaluable, especially the authorization to visit Atra ::gets up:: Amb: If that is all, I would like to get going as soon as possible.
Grak says:
CTO:  The disappearance of a few ships over the past few months... ::lowers his voice::  rumor of slave trade...
Amb Erant says:
:: Stands::  CO:  Of course.  And for what it is worth, thank you.
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
Grak:  Slave trade?  Any idea of who is behind it?
Grak says:
:: shakes his head::  CTO:  Take a pick.  I have heard just about every other planet in this sector mentioned.
CMO Ltjg TRae says:
::Stands with the Captain::
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::smiles:: Amb: Thank you Ambassador ::gives him a long nod, or a short bow and then turns to leave::
CMO Ltjg TRae says:
::Bows to the ambassador, before following the Captain out::
 Amb Erant says:
:: Returns the nod and politely sees them to the door.::
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::before leaving:: Amb: Good luck Ambassador, yours is also not an easy task. ::smiles briefly and exits the room::
CIV Cmdr Maor says:
::Follows the two officers, offering the Ambassador a courteous nod::
 
ACTION:  The doors slide open to reveal the Talarian guards along with Daran politely waiting.

CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
Grak:  And the disappearances have only happened with that area?  Is there anything else you can tell me?
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
Grak:  Are only specific types of ships going missing or anything that enters the area?
Grak says:
:: narrows his eyes::  CTO:  The remains of ships have thought to have been found.  Another good reason to go into Cardassia using a different route.
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::turns to the aid:: Aid: If you don't mind, we would like to find our one way to the Seleya. I haven't been in a Starbase for a few months and there are people I need to talk to
 Aide Daran says:
:: his eyes just above her shoulder:: CO:  Of course, captain.
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::looks at him in the eyes and smiles. Then turns to the corridor, hoping to get out of ear range as soon as possible::
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
::Sees he's pushed this as far as he can::  Grak:  Thanks for the info and suggestion, sounds like it's going to take us longer to get to Cardassia than we originally planed.  ::Stands up from the table.::

ACTION:  As the Federation officers turn the corner, Daran joins the ambassador between closed doors, the guards not leaving their position before or after.

CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
OPS/SO:  I think we've gotten as much as we can here, time to move on.
SO Lt Rose says:
:: Nods and pushes away from the wall, remaining close to her crewmates.::
CIV Cmdr Maor says:
::Clears his throat:: CO: Captain?
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::makes sure they are far enough:: CIV: Yes Commander?
SO Lt Rose says:
CTO: Another bar?
CIV Cmdr Maor says:
::Shakes his head:: CO: Never mind, it can wait, Captain.
 CO Capt Gomes says:
::nods:: CIV/CMO: I am looking forward to know what you make of all of this
CTO LtCmdr Heller says:
SO:  Once we are out of here I'll report to the captain and see if she wants us to keep digging.
SO Lt Rose says:
:: nods::
 
<<<<<<<<<< Pause >>>>>>>>>>