<Brett>
	Summary: The crew anxiously awaits the return of their doctor who has entered the local hospital in search of clues.  The signing is but hours away.

<Brett>
	<<<<Resume Mission "Armistice - Part 7">>>>

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::exits the hospital and comes down the stairs::

<CTO_Marshall>
	::Looks up at the entrance to the hospital and waits around impatiently, sighing quietly to himself.::

<CO_Mordane>
	::spots the CMO coming down the stairs and starts heading for her::  CMO: Were you able to discover anything?

<XO_Mash`ev>
	::Relieved to see the doctor again, even though the channel was open.::

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::blink blink blink:: CO: Sir? ::Thinks: were you not listening?:: They did receive the shipments from CRD but sent them to the lowlands by the swamps....

<CTO_Marshall>
	CMO: How far away are the swamps from here?

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::shrugs:: CO: If I recall from the flight in it was... what.... 15 minutes by shuttle if that?

<OPS_Knight>
	::Sighs deeply as the CMO exits and looks over to the CTO, nudges,:: CTO: Guess I can take back my sidearm now?

<CTO_Marshall>
	OPS: Hmmmm, yes of course.

<CO_Mordane>
	XO: I don't want to catch flak for missing the ceremony, why don't you head up the investigation, take the Doctor and Mr. Knight with you.

<CTO_Marshall>
	::Takes the sidearm from his pocket:: OPS: Here you go, try to keep it concealed, I don't want us to attract anymore suspicion.

<OPS_Knight>
	::Takes his Phaser and puts it away.:: CTO: Thanks.

<XO_Mash`ev>
	CO: Aye, sir.

<CO_Mordane>
	All: Mr. Marshall and I will make our way back to the main government building, relay the findings so far, to West, and attend the ceremony.

<CTO_Marshall>
	::Looks up and nods:: CO: Aye Sir.

<CMO_P`Trell>
	CO: Could you tell Mister West that I won't be meeting him for lunch like he had invited me to... unless we are back from the swamps quickly.

<XO_Mash`ev>
	CMO/OPS: Shall we?  ::motions towards the general direction of the shuttle::

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::nods::

<OPS_Knight>
	XO: ::nods:: XO: Aye sir.

<CO_Mordane>
	XO: Keep in touch every half hour.  CMO: I'll be sure to mention it. 

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::nods:: CO: Thank you, sir. ::follows the XO::

<XO_Mash`ev>
	CO: Yes sir.

<XO_Mash`ev>
	:: Heads off for the Grant::

<OPS_Knight>
	::heads to the shuttle.::

<CO_Mordane>
	CTO: Frankly, I'd much rather be heading off with them.  But I'm not one to put all my latinum in one bag.

<CO_Mordane>
	::starts off back to the city::

<CTO_Marshall>
	@::Walks next to the CO, and awaits his orders::

<CTO_Marshall>
	@CO: Agreed sir, will they be alright?

<Brett>
	Action: The group moves back through the streets and arrives at the palace.  The XO, CMO and OPS board the runabout Grant for their trip to the lowlands while the CO and CTO enter the palace.

<CTO_Marshall>
	@::Stares at the looming towers of the palace:: CO: Most definitely a Romulan design.

<CO_Mordane>
	@CTO: The Chief can handle pretty much anything.  I'd expect more trouble at the signing than I would where they're headed.  That's why you're here.

<XO_Mash`ev>
	OPS: Mr Knight, plot our course. CMO: Doctor, if you could assist with navigating?

<CTO_Marshall>
	@::Nods at the CO::

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::nods:: XO: Certainly... ::starts trying to access the local maps to find out where the clinic in the lowlands is::

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::finds the clinic and gives  the coordinataes to OPS::

<OPS_Knight>
	::mans Navigation and sets course via the directions the CMO gives.:: XO:Course plotted sir.

<XO_Mash`ev>
	OPS: Take us out, slowly. No need to raise an alarm. Keep us low, try to avoid detection as much as possible.

<CO_Mordane>
	@::enters the Palace foyer, and heads for West's office::

<CTO_Marshall>
	@CO: I'd appreciate it, if we could find one of the planners so I could get a guest list, as well as view the room the signing is to be taking place at, sir.

<OPS_Knight>
	::nods to the XO.:: XO: Aye sir.  ::makes adjustments to lower their signature and flies close to the deck as possible.::

<Brett>
	Action: The runabout lifts off and heads out of the city and down off the mountain.

<CO_Mordane>
	@CTO: I'm sure Ambassador West can accommodate your requests.

<Brett>
	INFO: The runabout soars out over the lowland areas.  The ship passes over massive mangroves, moss-covered vines and marshes.  Near the edge of the swampy area, a small settlement is seen.  Buildings sitting on raised pylons above the murky water.

<CO_Mordane>
	@::stops in front of West's office and chimes the door::

<CTO_Marshall>
	@::Looks over his uniform, trying to make a good impression on the Ambassador.::

<Brett>
	@<West> CO: Come in!

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::scans for a place for the shuttle to land where it won't sink::

<CTO_Marshall>
	@::Looks up at the Captain:: CO: Shall we sir?

<CMO_P`Trell>
	OPS: There's a place on a low hill... near a group of trees... about 300 meters out from the settlement... here....

<OPS_Knight>
	CMO: Acknowleged Doctor. ::he puts in the landing point:: CMO: Thank you.

<CO_Mordane>
	@::opens the door and walks in to West's office::  West: Ambassador, this is my new Chief Tactical Officer Mr. Marshall.  I believe he has a few items to address, before you and I sit down and discuss the current situation.

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::smiles:: OPS: You are welcome... wouldn't be good if our ride home sunk into the swamp ::chuckles softly::

<Brett>
	@<West> ::Raises an eyebrow but stands and offers his hand to Marshall::  CO/CTO: Really.  Alright, have a seat and tell me what is on your mind.

<OPS_Knight>
	::smiles sheepishly.:: XO/CMO: Bringing her in for a landing. ::he sets to land.::

<XO_Mash`ev>
	OPS/CMO: Yes, let's make sure we can get out of here again.

<CTO_Marshall>
	@West: Hello Ambassador, it is an honor to meet you. I just wanted to ask for a list of all the dignitaries that shall be attending the signing of this treaty. As well as preliminary access to the banquet hall it will best hosted in, to make sure the area is secure.

<Brett>
	Action: The Runabout settles onto the low hill, the ground beneath soft but secure enough for a good resting place.

<Brett>
	@<West> ::Begins laughing::

<XO_Mash`ev>
	OPS: Excellent work Mr Knight.

<XO_Mash`ev>
	CMO: Doctor, I'd like you take a phaser, for a while at least.

<OPS_Knight>
	::blows upward as he successfully lands the shuttle, thankful everyone is alive.:: XO: Aye sir.

<CO_Mordane>
	@West: Is there a problem Ambassador?

<CTO_Marshall>
	@::Stares somewhat irritated at the Ambassador::

<Brett>
	@<West> CTO: Mr. Marshall, you are not here as security for the signing.  You are an honored guest, as are all of your crew.  There is no "security".  And everyone on the planet is invited to attend; after all, this affects them all.

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::frowns:: XO: Alright.

<Brett>
	@<West> CO/CTO: I admit I have not kept you fully apprised, I will provide you with a schedule of events and a small map of the area.  The signing will take place at the foot of the mountain, in a glade that is sacred to the Psellians.

<XO_Mash`ev>
	CMO: Hopefully you won't need it.

<CTO_Marshall>
	@::Sighs and looks at his CO for some support::

<CO_Mordane>
	@West: Wait a minute... you're telling me, that you have absolutely no security for this event, when you yourself called us here to investigate rumors of a terrorist cell?  I'm sorry Mr. West, but I think it's my turn to laugh.

<Brett>
	@<West> CO: I didn't call you here to investigate anything.  I called you here to serve as representatives of the Federation.  When I suggested you look around and get to know the people, that is what I meant.  Now, I admit your "investigations" have uncovered some interesting developments.  But nothing we did not know about. The Legion is a terrorist organization, which has agreed to lay down its arms and rejoin society.  This we already knew.

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::sighs:: XO: Sir if we need it or not... the appearance of having one is what I keep telling you about.

<XO_Mash`ev>
	CMO: I understand, doctor. You're the expert here. Do you believe we should leave the phasers here and proceed without protection?

<CMO_P`Trell>
	XO: We won't look any better than the Romulans if we wear them.

<CTO_Marshall>
	@West: Ambassador, it would be foolish for us to assume that there are currently no threats to the signing of this treaty, some security is needed.

<Brett>
	@<West> CTO: ::Sighs::  Yes Mr. Marshall, you are correct.  There is an element of risk here.  But that is part of the peace process.  If it prevents more bloodshed, I will risk it.

<XO_Mash`ev>
	:: Regrets not having an old-style type I phaser that could be easily hidden.::

<CO_Mordane>
	@West: Did you know that they may still be active, and that we're currently following a lead that has links to bioterrorism.  Did you know that we were confronted by a faction of the population here in the city that were quite against the idea of the signing.  And did you know... or have you been too holed up in your little office... that there have been demonstrations bordering on riots going on out there?  ::points violently:

<XO_Mash`ev>
	CMO: But if there are Romulans down there... I'm just worried for... everyone's safety.

<CMO_P`Trell>
	XO: I know. Ultimately its your call.

<OPS_Knight>
	::rises from the conn and adds.:: XO\CMO: I recommend we bring the Phasers.  Though I share the doctors opinions it is far too great a risk to agree.

<Brett>
	@<West> CO: Yes.  The bio-terror threat is actually concerning a shipment of vaccine that is used to treat the deadly Ssielpsi fever.  And yes, I am aware that we are not welcomed by 100% of the population.  The demonstration was by the Island movement, who favors isolationism.  But they do not speak for the government here.

<CTO_Marshall>
	@West: Ambassador, I know my opinion as an inexperienced raw Ensign, may not be very persuading, but you must consider what could happen if appropriate measures are not taken, how would we look to the people of this planet if we can't even protect those we are vowing to look after?

<CTO_Marshall>
	@West: All the more reason for security in case the locals try to "disuade" the government from the treaty.

<XO_Mash`ev>
	CMO/OPS: We'll take the phasers. Mr Knight will carry the doctor's phaser.

<XO_Mash`ev>
	CMO: If we run into anyone, I'm counting on you to do the talking. You're unarmed but we'll be backing you up.

<Brett>
	@<West> CTO: In the first place, we are not here to protect the people from themselves.  That is a violation of the non-interference policy.  Secondly, if the people rise up against their governement... well, then I guess we know they are not ready for membership yet.  ::Smiles::

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::nods:: XO: Alright then.

<OPS_Knight>
	::nods slowly.:: XO: Aye sir.

<CO_Mordane>
	::very quickly getting a headache::  @West: West, are you going to tell me, that you're sitting here in your office, knowing all this, but not about to do anything about it... that we were brought in as a mere formality, yet led to believe there was more going on than meets the eye.  What in god's name are we doing here, if you're telling me you know everything and we have both hands tied behind our backs?  ::his spots get darker::

<Brett>
	@<West> CO/CTO: Oh, let me clarify something.  This signing does not bring the Psellians into the Federation, it is simply an armistice between the terrorists and the government.  Perhaps I misled you at some point.

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::exits the Grant::

<CTO_Marshall>
	@West: Ambassador, and in the meantime I am supposed to sit back and watch innocents be hurt, does that also go against StarFleet orders?

<OPS_Knight>
	::retrieves the doctors Phaser pocketing it he leaves the shuttle.::

<Brett>
	INFO: The lowlands are oppressively hot and humid; the bright sun beats down from overhead, drenching you in the steaming humidity of the area.

<CO_Mordane>
	@West: You've damn well been misleading us from the minute we set foot on planet, and I think it's about time we got some answers.  ::pounds the desk with his fist, now quite furious::

<XO_Mash`ev>
	:: Exits the Grant, double-checking the security measures before stepping away. ::

<Brett>
	@<West> ::Ignores the CTO in favor of the angrier and higher ranked Captain::  CO: Ask me anything.

<CO_Mordane>
	@::narrows his eyes, unconvinced::  West: What's the Federation's interest in this world?

<CTO_Marshall>
	@::Taps his foot and drums his fingers on his knee, quietly giving way to the debate to the more senior men::

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::walks over to the small settlement::

<Brett>
	Action: As the lowland away team makes its way into the trees, they encounter a small group of Psellians who are apparently waiting for them.

<XO_Mash`ev>
	CMO: ::whispers:: Doctor?

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::looks over at the XO:: Yes?

<Selesia_Ssree>
	::Watches the aliens disembark the gray craft...tapping her foot::

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::follows the XO's eyes and spies the group waiting::

<OPS_Knight>
	::tails the away team and keeps an eye out::

<Brett>
	@<West> CO: The Federation's interests are the same as with most worlds; to bring these people a better life.  Also, their world has many natural resources that would be of use to us.  And, Pselllus happens to be in a strategic position in this sector.  Since the Romulans still want it, we want it first.

<CO_Mordane>
	@West: Although an extremely diplomatic answer, I'll buy it.  Is there still a Romulan influence on this planet?

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::goes over to them, gives them a friendly smile:: Selesia: Hello...

<CTO_Marshall>
	@All: If there is a Romulan presence even a minor one, why is security not top priority?

<XO_Mash`ev>
	::hangs back just a little bit with OPS.::

<Selesia_Ssree>
	::Evaluates the CMO, OPS, and XO somewhat hesitantly, her eyes resting on the XO and OPS phaser, then focusing on the CMO:: CMO: Hello...

<OPS_Knight>
	::nods silently to the XO and falls back.::

<Brett>
	@<West> CO: Influence?  Well, look around you.  The answer to that is yes.  If you mean agents; none we can find.

<Brett>	
	@<West> CTO: We do not believe there is a Romulan presence here.

<CMO_P`Trell>
	Selesia: I came here to visit the clinic. Can you tell me where it is?

<CO_Mordane>
	@West: I'd hate to hear the scandal develop if there was a presence and we were considering them for admission...

<Selesia_Ssree>
	::Looks down at the medkit at the CMO's side, then back up to the CMO's face:: CMO: Yes, please. Please come.

<CO_Mordane>
	@CTO: Come on Mr. Marshall, we're done here.  It's been made quite clear that we're nothing more than guests.

<Brett>
	@<West> ::Chuckles::

<OPS_Knight>
	::does his best to conceal his phaser.  after noticing the failure he simply pockets it leaving the handle out in view.::

<CMO_P`Trell>
	::follows Selesia down to the settlement::

<CO_Mordane>
	@::turns and walks out of the office::

<XO_Mash`ev>
	:: Looks at Selesia, trying to estimate how dangerous she might be. ::

<CTO_Marshall>
	@::Opens mouth to speak, turns and follows the Captain:: CO: Aye Sir.

<Selesia_Ssree>
	::As she turns for the settlement and clinic, picks up one of the ragged children that followed her down to the landing - despite her warnings::

<Brett>
	@<west> ::Calls out::  CO/CTO: See you this evening.

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