Brett
	<<<<Resume Mission : "Armistice - Part 2">>>>

CO_Mordane
	::enjoying the dinner prepared by Taigu's people, still in awe that they are being welcomed with open arms::

CEO_Jakuharrr
	::sits at the dinner table with his nose just barely reaching the top of the table::

Brett
	Action: The food is brought out and served. It is a variety of local dishes, many of which smell quite spicy. Glasses are filled with the local Psellian Ale

CMO_P`Trell
	::sitting next to the XO, looks questioningly at the ale::

XO_Mash`ev
	:: Looks at the spread, mouth starting to water. :: CMO: It looks quite good, don't you think?

Brett
	Action: As the meal begins, odd, sharp, music begins playing in the background.

CMO_P`Trell
	XO: Looks good... smells good... ::antennae cringe, as does the rest of her as the music starts::

OPS_Knight
	::is seated next to the chief staring intently as his data PADD.::

XO_Mash`ev
	:: Tastes the ale. ::

CO_Mordane
	::tries not to cringe at the music, the alien sound clashing to his ears::

CEO_Jakuharrr
	::Drops ears to the side of his head when he hears what sounds like pure torture::

CO_Mordane
	::whispered:: XO: I wonder if West has gotten used to all of this yet.

XO_Mash`ev
	:: whispers:: XO: Let's hope so! I'd hate to think he was forced to sit through this all the time if he didn't at least like it a little bit.

CMO_P`Trell
	::watches the XO taste the ale:: XO: How is it?

CEO_Jakuharrr
	::reachs for his ale and takes a sip of it::

Brett
	<Taigu_Sissal> CO: It must be quite exciting, traveling the stars as you do. Meeting other peoples and incorporating their cultures into your own. I am sure the Federation, as well as those cultures profit greatly by this?

OPS_Knight
	::shakes his head lightly when the music plays trying to drown out the sound by concentrating on his PADD.::

XO_Mash`ev
	CMO: Well, it's a bit spicy but... actually quite good.

CO_Mordane
	Taigu: We profit only in the intellectual sense. We aren't in this for monetary concerns, simply to share what we have with others, and get the same in return. I believe unique sums up the experience nicely, though most of the time exciting works.

CMO_P`Trell
	::takes a taste of the ale::

Brett
	<Taigu_Sissal> ::Looks slightly puzzled but smiles:: CO: I see. Well, Psellus will no doubt be a valuable asset to the Federation; with its strategic location and rich resources.

CEO_Jakuharrr
	::takes a bite of the food::

CMO_P`Trell
	::is surprised at the taste:: XO: Its a lot better than I thought it would be... hm.

XO_Mash`ev
	CMO: That's the spirit, doctor. ::smiles::

CO_Mordane
	::gets the odd impression that West may have misrepresented things on this planet:: Taigu: As will the Federation be to Psellus, I am sure.

OPS_Knight
	::after feeling satisfied with the amount of Pselliad history he presses a few keys on his PADD and puts it away, taking a sip of the Pselliad Ale.::

CEO_Jakuharrr
	::eats some more food::

OPS_Knight
	: leans and whispers to the CEO.:: CEO: This isn't all that bad.

XO_Mash`ev
	:: tries a bit of the food ::

CO_Mordane
	::tries to make a show of eating, though in reality limiting himself to small portions, the spicy food not being his norm::

Brett
	<Taigu_Sissal> All: Well, you will no doubt find useful the technology we liberated from the Romulans when we forced them from out planet. Eh? ::Laughs and looks proud::

CEO_Jakuharrr
	::shrugs as he goes on eating::

CO_Mordane
	::can't help but smile:: Taigu: There's no hiding that, is there? If you don't mind my asking, what did cause the Romulans to leave?

XO_Mash`ev
	:: The spicy food suits the palate of the Bolian. He tries not to overdo it, though. ::

CMO_P`Trell
	::starts eating the food:: All: ooo... spicy... I haven't had food like this in quite some time! ::almost eagerly scarfs it down and actually almost guards her food.... the competition and all from being a slave for a year::

OPS_Knight
	::notices a few Pselliad's watching him and tries a bit of the food on his plate.::

Brett
	INFO: Servants appear throughout the meal, refilling glasses and plates as needed.

Brett
	<Minister> OPS: You have not eaten much? Is our food not to your liking?

Brett
	<Taigu_Sissal> CO: ::Almost puffs up with pride:: Why, we had finally had enough of them of course! Their oppressive rule, their imposed government... we had had enough and forced them into a treaty that allowed us to govern our own world again. They had no stomach for it and left after a short time.

OPS_Knight
	::sets down a piece of the food and looks up to the minister.:: Minister: Oh it's not that, I just don't eat very heartily. The food is delicious.

Brett
	<Minister> ::Nods and smiles:: OPS: I see. Well, I guess it is all part of learning about new customs and peoples. Are all of your people such delicate eaters?

CEO_Jakuharrr
	::tries some of the fruit because the meat a little too well done::

CO_Mordane
	Taigu: That is very impressive... to force the hand of a Romulan is a difficult thing indeed.

OPS_Knight
	Minister: In my family yes, we had to conserve what we ate as much as possible, so that there would be enough food later.

Brett
	<Taigu_Sissal> CO: Well, you will find we are a strong people Captain. A worthy addition to your Federation, if I do say so myself.

CMO_P`Trell
	::does not really believe what Taigu is saying finds the Captain is most courteous with his words skirting that fine line of diplomacy::

CO_Mordane
	Taigu: Tell me... what was the purpose of the Starbase the Romulan's had in this sector?

Brett
	<Minister> ::Turns to his fellows who all mumble and seem to find this comment worthy of some discussion::

Brett
	<Taigu_Sissal> CO: It was an orbital base for their ships. They refueled, rearmed and repaired there. They used it during the great war with your people that Mr. West told us about, the one centuries ago. The Romulans destroyed it when they left, no doubt to keep us from using it against them.

CMO_P`Trell
	::leans over, quietly:: XO: Is there food like this on your world?

XO_Mash`ev
	:: whispers :: CMO: We enjoy a wide variety of foods. We constantly add dishes we've found from all over the galaxy.

CMO_P`Trell
	::smiles and laughs a moment:: XO: That's right... you were raised on Earth. ::slightly teases::

XO_Mash`ev
	:: Smiles impishly and takes a sip of ale. ::

Brett
	Action: Dinner progresses nicely for about an hour. Finally, it is time to retire for the evening. Accommodations are made for the officer in the Taigu's palace. West arranges for you all to meet with him in a lounge area following dinner.

CMO_P`Trell
	::feels stuffed, pats her belly then lets forth a loud belch... a perfectly acceptable thing on Andoria, but remembers her SF manners:: All: Excuse me. ::smles::

Brett
	<West> Ushers everyone into a comfortable but garishly decorated lounge area of the palace and closes the ornate doors for privacy::

CEO_Jakuharrr
	::finds a seat and sits down::

XO_Mash`ev
	:: Tries to stop the room from tilting from side to side. ::

CO_Mordane
	::seated in the lounge waiting to hear what West has to say::

CO_Mordane
	::looks slightly askance at the CMO but just smiles and shakes his head slightly::

Brett
	INFO: West is a young human male, dashing in appearance, with sandy brown hair and light blue eyes. He is immaculately dressed and well poised. He exudes confidence.

OPS_Knight
	::catches up with the CO and takes a seat.::

CMO_P`Trell
	::notices the slight wobble in the XO's walk and touches his elbow to steady him:: XO: Sir I have something for you in my bag if you desire...

Brett
	<West> All: You all did very well this evening. I commend you on your diplomatic skills. ::Smiles::

XO_Mash`ev
	:: looks pleadingly into CMO's eyes :: CMO: Please, doctor? I'm afraid that ale snuck up on me.

CO_Mordane
	::for once they worked!::

Brett
	<West> All: I wanted to brief you on the situation here, as the reports in the database don't do Psellus justice.

CEO_Jakuharrr
	::hates it when diplomats smile, it reminds him of them being used Starship sales men::

CMO_P`Trell
	:: steps behind the XO and pulls out a hypospray, configures it to a mild anti-toxin for alcohol and injects the XO discreetly::

Brett
	<West> ALL: I have been here for about six months, and I have recommended that the Psellians be admitted into the Federation. This is provided, of course, that the rebels here on planet agree to lay down their arms.

CMO_P`Trell
	::quietly eases into a chair::

XO_Mash`ev
	:: sits carefully ::

Brett
	<West> ALL: Let me tell you about Psellus.

CEO_Jakuharrr
	West: Rebels or freedom fighters?

OPS_Knight
	::takes no comfort from west's grin and hopes no one else does either, and sits back listening to whatever data is revealed about Psellus 3.::.::

Brett
	<West> CEO: Well, that depends on which side of the phaser you're on doesn't it Commander. ::Chuckles::

Brett
	<West> ALL: Psellus III is a largely agrarian planet that was ruled for many years by the Romulans. Initially they were quite brutal, assassinating all Pselliads with the markings of leadership and forcing the people to grow food for their troops.

Brett
	<West> ALL: A small number of Pselliad leaders escaped and hid in the low-land swamps. With the various fevers that plague that area, the Romulans couldn't go there. By the time of the treaty, conditions had improved somewhat.

Brett
	<West> ALL: The Romulans allowed the Pselliads to come out of the swamps and govern their people, so long as they pledged allegiance to the Empire. Trade with the Romulans brought some prosperity to the planet as well. The Romulans have a thing for the Psellian ale. ::Chuckles::

Brett
	<West> ALL: When the Cheron Treaty forced the Romulans to leave the planet, they took some of their loyal subjects and abandoned it. The people were devastated. They lost the stability they had come to depend on. With their economy destroyed, the planet fell into civil wars with various factions vying for leadership.

Brett
	<West> ALL: When a Federation evaluation team arrived, they were attacked by all of the existing factions who blamed the Federation for their troubles. Appropriately, the Federation Council quarantined the planet from all contact with outsiders until the Pselliads could sort matters out.

Brett
	<West> ALL: Now, I don't have proof, but I am certain that the Romulans took advantage of this and established a presence here. Over the years there has always been pro-Romulan support among the people. Not a majority, less than 25% actually, but support none-the-less.

OPS_Knight
	West: "Two Civil Wars, did they learn nothing of the first one?"

CO_Mordane
	West: So they didn't, as Taigu would like to believe, force the Romulans out.

Brett
	<West> CO: ::Chuckles:: No. But the Taigu is a self-important man, and wants to make us feel that Psellus is a worthy addition to the Federation. He is quite the salesman. In truth, I think he believes we are akin to the Ferengi.

CMO_P`Trell
	::nods at West hearing the story about how the Pselliads did not actually force the Romulans out::

Brett
	<West> CO: I have never been able to convince him that we are not a "profitable" organization.

XO_Mash`ev
	:: The room stops spinning during West's speech, a bit at a time. ::

CO_Mordane
	West: That explains quite a bit.

Brett
	<West> ALL: Now, thirty years ago, a dominant faction emerged made up of the major land owners on the planet. Taigu Sissal is one of them. They were staunch supporters of the Federation and wanted to bring financial prosperity back to the planet.

Brett
	<West> ALL: They knew they wouldn't be allowed to join the Federation easily, so they have been taking steps to make Psellus more desirable.

CEO_Jakuharrr
	west: and the rebels?

CMO_P`Trell
	::nods listening::

Brett
	<West> CEO: I was just coming to that.

Brett
	<West> ALL: To demonstrate their good intentions, they outlawed pro-Romulan sentiment among the people and created a stable government to rule the planet and embark on a long program of development.

Brett
	<West> ALL: But, In the past few years however, a new threat has emerged. They call themselves The Legion, and are a pro-Romulan rebel group. They blow up government buildings, assassinate leaders... the usual terrorist activities. This instability has, up till now, kept Psellus inelligable for Federation membership.

CO_Mordane
	::admires the interest, but isn't keen on all the interruptions::

Brett
	<West> ALL: Recently though, the Legion has offered to lay down its arms. Now, I am very suspicious about this. They really had no reason to do so. I know the Romulans have been supporting and supplying them; some of the explosives they used were of Romulan manufacture. Although, ::looks thoughtful:: they might have come from old stockpiles on planet...

Brett
	<West> ALL: ::Shrugs:: And, maybe the Legion figured if they started a Revolution, their benefactors would come and support them. Since the Romulans have failed to show... maybe they really have given up.

CMO_P`Trell
	self: Hm... ::antennae curl inward as she thinks::

OPS_Knight
	::raises his hand.::

Brett
	<West> OPS: Yes, ensign?

CMO_P`Trell
	::antennae go outward and she visibly perks up as she listens to Knight::

OPS_Knight
	West: Sir, have any scans been done to try and locate the weaponry planet-side?

XO_Mash`ev
	:: Watches the exchange between West and the rest of the crew, trying to get a better feel for West. Is this someone they can trust? ::

Brett
	<West> OPS: ::Nods:: Yes, some. But the Romulans possess a weapon-masking technology. It is not used very often, mostly by Tal Shiar agents and the like. Coupled with normal ground interference from rock caverns and so forth, no stockpiles have ever been located.

OPS_Knight
	West: So do you believe we're dealing with elements of the Tal-Shiar? sir.

CEO_Jakuharrr
	West: There no evidence that there are weapon caches on the planet

CO_Mordane
	West: If there are Romulans invovled, then our presence here could be exactly what they're looking for.

CMO_P`Trell
	::Her eyes scan the room, idly looking over the other people and stop as she looks at the Bolian::

Brett
	<West> ALL: The signing is in two days, roughly 46 hours. You should all be present of course. In the meantime, I suggest you see the sites; meet the people and so forth. I think many of them are still harboring sentiments placed by the Romulans about us, and your interaction could sway them.

Brett
	<West> CO: The Romulans don't dare try anything on their own. We are inside Federation space and, while Psellus is neutral, any incursion into this sector is a violation of treaty and could start a war.

CMO_P`Trell
	::is uncertain about being a good-will ambassador, looks worriedly at the XO::

CEO_Jakuharrr
	::wonders if going out in the pubilc is such a good idea, they would make great targets::

CO_Mordane
	West: Of course, when have you ever known the Romulans not to sit behind the curtain and pull strings from safety... I don't like this sudden change of heart, I'd like to dig deeper into the reasons for this cease fire.

Brett
	<West> CO: Good show.

Brett
	<West> OPS: And yes Ensign, if there is a presence here it is no doubt at least led by the Tal Shiar.

OPS_Knight
	::nods slowly.::  West: Understood sir.

Brett
	<West> ALL: One thing. Remember you aren't here as investigators. You must not offend the people. They are a good people and will make outstanding members of the Federation, after they have learned to work with others for awhile. So look around, ask questions, press the flesh...but don't trod on toes.

CO_Mordane
	::Yet another 'do you job with your hands tied behind your back'::

XO_Mash`ev
	:: Looks at the CMO, quizzically. ::

Brett
	<West> ::Smiles, showing bright teeth:: Be....diplomatic.

CO_Mordane
	::nearly gags at the fake smile::

Brett
	<<<<Pause>>>>