<Brett>
 Summary:  The crew has split into two teams and is exploring the capitol city, speaking with the people.  It seems that the populations is divided in its opinion of the Federation, and the Romulans.  But what exactly the majority feel is still unknown.

<Brett>
 <<<<Resume Mission- "Armistice, Part 4">>>>

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @::Looks around him, now that the local merchants seem to be staring at the StarFleet officers. ::

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::standing with the Captain wondering how the XO is faring::

<CO_Mordane>
 CMO/OPS: Let's move on, perhaps we can find out more elsewhere.

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::nods and follows the captain delicately nibbling on fruit::

<OPS_Knight>
 ::nods to the Captain.:: CO: Aye Sir. ::and follows suit.::

<Brett>
 @<Merchant> XO: Why are you here?

<CO_Mordane>
 ::turns down a street that seems to lead somewhere:: 

<Brett>
 @Action: The market slowly returns to its normal activities, but voices are hushed and it seems individuals are leaving quietly.

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @Merchant: We're looking for ... goods. And to see what your market has to offer.  ::smiles::

<Brett>
 @<Merchant> XO: ::Nods, warily::  I see.  Well, we are happy to have customers.  Is there something specific you are seeking?

<Brett>
 Action: The CO's party walks through the city, noting the Romulan architecture and the old wounds of civil war.  After a time, they find themselves in a run-down area near the outskirts of the city.

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @Merchant: Well, I can see you have a wide variety of goods here. I haven't seen any like this in some time... good quality, durable...

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @::Tries to estimate how new the goods are. ::

<CO_Mordane>
 ::walking down a narrow alley, the scene becomes a bit more desolate, with run down houses and unkempt dirt paths:: 

<Brett>
 @<Merchant> ::Looks directly at the XO:: Yes, the Romulans make excellent items.  Something we liked very much.

<OPS_Knight>
 # Appears as BOLO

<Brett>
 Action: The CO's team emerges onto a narrow street.  Small housing units rise up along it's length, standing two stories tall.  It takes a few moments to notice that the street is deserted.

<CO_Mordane>
 ::feels a chill run up his spine as he hears... and sees nothing, in what should be at least a habited part of town, if not a busy one:: 

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::also feels the same chill, antennae move slowly, listening::

<Brett>
 INFO: The shutters on the windows are closed, and the doors are secured shut.

<CMO_P`Trell>
 CO: Let's go back the way we came...

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @Merchant: Yes, the Romulans make excellent goods. So does the Federation. ::smiles:: I hope you can learn to like that, as well. In time.

<CO_Mordane>
 ::looking around carefully::  CMO: I quite agree.  ::turns around and begins heading back the way they came:: 

<OPS_Knight>
 ::Takes a deep breath and lets out a sigh as he looks down the narrow alley.::

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::whispers:: CO: There's someone about 20 yards down the street... he or she just slipped down an alley way to the left...

<Brett>
 @<Merchant> ::Looks at the XO for a few moments, then nods once, accepting.::

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::turns around with the CO but her antennae are pointing in the opposite direction of her face::

<CO_Mordane>
 ::whispers to the two of them::  CMO/OPS: Let's keep him 20 yards away, shall we?  ::quickens his pace:: 

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::follows the CO::

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @Merchant: Are you a part of a trade union or collective?

<OPS_Knight>
 ::notices some movement in the corner of his eye and looks up to the second story of a nearby building.:: CO: Sir.

<Brett>
 Action: A door opens in a building ahead of you and a simply dressed female Pselliad steps out in front of you several yards ahead.  She is dressed in peasant garb, but her mane and leader marks reveal her to be more than she appears.

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::stands ready, knows well she can handle herself in a fight::

<Brett>
 <Woman> ::Holds up a hand::  All: Do not be alarmed.  We mean you no harm.

<CO_Mordane>
 ::stops and looks to where OPS is looking, unsure of what to say::  Woman You have a funny way of coming off as inviting ma'am. 

<Brett>
 @<Merchant> XO: Smiles slyly.  Not really.  We are simply trying to make a living, as any businessperson would.  We sell items that people want, but are not usually for sale in the marketplace.  ::Shrugs::

<Brett>
 <Woman> CO: What are you doing here?

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::eyes and antennae warily scan the immediate vicinity::

<CO_Mordane>
 ::stops to think... What ARE we doing here?::  Woman: We're representatives of the Federation, here for the signing.  We've been walking through the city trying to get a better idea of how the ceremony will be received, and to meet the people who are to become Federation citizens... like yourself. 

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::knows the woman is not alone, remains poised and ready to respond to attack::

<Brett>
 <Woman> CO: And what makes you think the people WANT to become Federation citizens?

<OPS_Knight>
 ::does his best not to be rude and keeps his eyes on the woman, occasionally glancing every which way...::

<CO_Mordane>
 ::Oh crap... I was afraid I was going to hear that::  Woman: Well... to be honest, from outside the system, that's all we hear.  In part, that's why we're here... because it is our belief there are just as many Psellians opposed to the signing as for it, and we'd like to better understand the situation and motives.  ::where am I pulling up this BS?:: 

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @Merchant: Ah, I believe I understand. ::smiles::  I sincerely hope the Federation can assist the Pselliads. I'm afraid I don't have any currency on me, at the moment. But I will return.

<Brett>
 @<Merchant> XO: Very well.  Good day to you.

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::keeps her eyes front, but her antennae are doing the looking for her::

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @:: Motions for CEO to follow as he leaves the market. ::

<CEO_Jakuharrr>
 @::follows the XO::

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @CEO: Well, what do you think?  ::sotto voice::

<Brett>
 <Woman> ::Pauses, considering::  CO: And if we wish to not be a part of your Federation, you will annex our planet anyway?  After all, our world possesses many rich minerals and resources.  I am sure the Federation could use them in its conquests.

<CMO_P`Trell>
 Woman: We don't annex people. ::a bit angrily::

<OPS_Knight>
 ::Interupts:: Woman: No Way. We're not like that!

<Brett>
 <Woman> All: Well, I would have been surprised if you had admitted it.  ::Smiles wryly::

<CO_Mordane>
 ::Can I shoot her yet... oh right, no phaser::  Woman: The Federation isn't in the business of conquest.  If a significant portion of the populace is against the signing, then perhaps we can bring it to the attention of the diplomats and come to some sort of compromise. 

<CEO_Jakuharrr>
 @XO: Well, we now about as much know as we did when we left early today.

<Brett>
 <Woman> CO: So all the worlds in the Federation joined of their own accord?  You expect me to believe this?

<CMO_P`Trell>
 Woman: You already have your mind made up don't you?

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @CEO: I think these people ::indicating the market they just left:: aren't conspiring - I think they're just trying to get by and make a living.

<CEO_Jakuharrr>
 @XO: Perhaps, but then it was in a market similar to this that I was sold into slavery.

<Brett>
 <Woman> CMO: ::Crosses her arms::  I have heard about your Federation.  And I don't like the idea of being brainwashed into believing what your "StarsFleet" wants the people to believe.  (Note: She says Starsfleet, with the 's')

<CO_Mordane>
 ::tries to remember his history::  Woman: Um... yes, as far back as I can recall.  There have been and still are some minorities that oppose the agreements, but to be honest, most of them are radical isolationists.  Most people, even those wary of the Federation come to accept and even embrace the Federation and what it has to offer. 

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @CEO: Really? ::shocked::  I didn't know the details of that, my apologies.

<CMO_P`Trell>
 Woman: Why are you even talking to us then?

<Brett>
 <Woman> CMO: Because I still have a will of my own.  I have heard of you... now I wish to see for myself.

<CEO_Jakuharrr>
 @XO: It was a difficult time for me, I had lost most of my family.   Forced to fight for my life.  But the market place I was sold after my capture, looked a lot like the one we just left.  I would imagine if there any illegal activity on this planet or system it has its thumbs in that market

<CO_Mordane>
 ::catches the slip in speech::  Woman: Excuse me, but I'm curious to know where you heard about "Starsfleet".  ::intentionally puts the 's' back in:: 

<CMO_P`Trell>
 Woman: It seems to me you already made up your mind before you even met us. How can that be seeing for yourself?

<Brett>
 <Woman> CO: I have... friends, who were here when the Romulans were.  They told us about your ships and your ways of annexing planets.  My friends tell me you will do this to us next.

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::still putting out a lot of attitude, almost like she has a chip on her shoulder::

<Brett>
 <Woman> CMO: ::Sneers::  I am a good judge of character, your words make up my mind for me.

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @:: Looks back at the market, wondering if his gut instinct was wrong. ::  CEO: Maybe you're right. We can certainly keep an eye on this place. Let's face it, though, none of us look the least bit like native Pselliads.

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::scoffs:: Woman: You don't know that.... only what your Rommie friends have told you... ::still heated in tone::

<CO_Mordane>
 Woman: It sounds to me like your information is out of date, and slightly faulty.  You see ma'am, StarFleet, not "StarsFleet", is the exploration arm of the Federation.  I believe there may be some bias in your source.  If you'd give us a chance, I'm sure we could come to a better understanding of each other, without having to rely on second-hand assumptions. 

<CMO_P`Trell>
 Woman: Want to talk about being brainwashed... the Romulans have annexed plenty of planets... we of the Federation joined together in harmony.

<CEO_Jakuharrr>
 @XO: True enough and I doubt we find out anything wearing StarFleet uniforms.

<CO_Mordane>
 ::whispered:: CMO: Doctor, you may want to tone it down a little... we are here as diplomats. 

<OPS_Knight>
 ::tries to lighten the tension.:: Woman: Miss.  What is a Federation annexed world?

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::crosses her arms and obeys the Captain, but still glares, as it is hard for an Andorian to hide her true feelings::

<Brett>
 <Woman> CO: ::Watches him::  Perhaps.  But I am confused.  So, as a first step tell me this:  Are you the leader of your people here?

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @CEO: Maybe. Although I don't relish the thought of being a target, we might draw out any conspirators just be being here and being seen in our uniforms. Plus, there aren't many off-worlders on Psellius III so we'd still stick out just by not looking like natives.

<CEO_Jakuharrr>
 @XO: I disagree. As a former tactical officer, I know that crimals know how to hide their activity, and to do so were we will not notice

<Brett>
 @Action: The XO and CEO make their way back through the city, toward the palace.

<CO_Mordane>
 ::extremely wary of the situation now::  Woman: Ambassador West is in charge of the Federation presence here on the planet.  ::endeavoring to not answer the question directly:: 

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @CEO: You may be right. I just don't want to see us chasing innocent beings, looking for a conspiracy that isn't there.

<Brett>
 <Woman> CO: ::Nods knowlingly::  I know.  And I have heard him speak.  You and he say the same things.  But you know, she ::points to the CMO:: is the only one whose words sound as if they come from the heart.

<CEO_Jakuharrr>
 @XO: I am not sure we should be looking period.  After all, the planet not part of the federation yet and, once it is, it's still a matter for their police.

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::blinks surprised that her anger has more of an effect on the woman than the diplomacy of the Captain::

<CO_Mordane>
 ::Right, so if I'd just said what I felt and chewed the woman out in return, we'd be all good here... bloody stupid diplomacy:: 

<CEO_Jakuharrr>
 @XO: At least that what I was told was the reason StarFleet never prevented or interceded in my slavery ::voice dripping with acid, very unlike Jake::

<CO_Mordane>
 Woman: I think you see it as coming from the heart only because it matches your views.  West and I may be diplomatic in our approach, even nauseatingly so.  But what we speak is truth.  The Federation does not conquer, and it listens to every one of its citizens... and citizens to be.  As I see it, you have that chance to be listened to, to have your words heard by those in a position to make a difference.  Will you throw that away because of prejudice?

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @CEO: I don't understand StarFleet diplomacy, either.

<CEO_Jakuharrr>
 @XO: It's not just StarFleet diplomacy.

<Brett>
 <Woman> ::Stares at the three officers for a few moments, then turns and enters the building, closing the door behind her.::

<CO_Mordane>
 ::looks to the CMO and OPS::  CMO: Well, we're either going to be let in or killed.  I'm curious to find out which, myself. 

<XO_Mash`ev>
 @CEO: What, then?

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::nods:: CO: EIther way... I'm with you.

<CO_Mordane>
 CMO: By the way... I envy you.  I would have loved to say some of those things outright.  Just don't let it get out, OK? 

<CMO_P`Trell>
 ::smiles:: CO: Yes sir.

<CEO_Jakuharrr>
 @XO: The Federation is 90% talk and 10% action.

<OPS_Knight>
 CO: Oh yeah, killed for entering a house that seemed inviting.  That's the way to go. ::he mutters sarcastically.::

<Brett>
 Action: The palpable tension on the street around the CO and his group lifts, and it is felt by the three officers that their unseen watchers have gone.

<Brett>
 <<<<Pause>>>>