Brett:
 Summary: The USS Delphyne along with the USS Sharikar and a small fleet of escort vessels, have arrived at an unremarkable spot in space which now lies along the federation border with their newest members and allies, the Amenti.  The ships are there for the historic signing of documents which will welcome the Amenti into the fold, and usher in a new era of prosperity, growth and strength for the Federation.  Acting as a patrol ship, and representatives of the federation and Starfleet, the Delphyne remains in the background, patrolling the area discreetly.

Brett:
 <<<<begin Mission "Sanctum - Line of Control - Part 1">>>>

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::on the bridge at her station, a watchful eye on sensors::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Having arrived on board the USS Delphyne, and having spoken to the duty officer about access codes and security clearances, Zach Bauer has just begun to unpack and get his dog settled in their new quarters. He finds it odd to be in uniform again::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 :: Sitting in the Big Chair, watching the ships patrol. Proud, on the one hand, that the Delphyne was chosen to represent the Federation but, on the other hand, wondering if there's more to it than this? ::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 GOLIATH: I think my old blue uniform fit better, I never liked how I looked in the red. ::Checks his look in the mirror::

Brett:
 INFO: Operations reports that the signing ceremony will be starting shortly aboard the Sharikar; if the CO would care to have it put up on the screen.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::looks up as the Operations officer reports, then placidly gazes at the Captain::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 OPS: Yes, put the signing ceremony on screen.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Gets a bowl of water from his replicator and puts it on the floor in the corner:: GOLIATH: Okay boy, I gotta go to the bridge. Be good and I'll see you later. ::Pats dog on his big head and exits his quarters::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Takes the short trip to the bridge via the nearest Turbolift::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::a beep from her console takes her attention from the screen and she raises an eyebrow curious as to what could create this "blip"::

Brett:
 <OPS> ::Engages the screen and the starfield view changes to the main conference room of the USS Sharikar.  A number of Starfleet and Federation officials and crew sit watching the large, flag draped table at the head of the room. At the table, standing behind it, are several Federation dignitaries and two sentients who must be the Amenti.  They are tall and slim, with long limbs and pale skin with a medial crest of hair covering the scalp, merging with a mane that covers the back of their neck, shoulders and upper chest.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Enters the bridge and notices everybody watching the view screen.  Approaches the Bolian Captain:: CO: Captain Mash'ev? Commander Zachariah Bauer reporting for duty, Sir.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO:  ::Standing:: Ah, commander. You're just in time. ::Smiles:: The treaty signing is about to begin.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::focuses the sensors on the mysterious blip about six light years away::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Looks at the view screen to enjoy the show:: CO: Thank you, Sir. History in the making.

Brett:
 INFO: Aboard the Sharikar, the Federation ambassador steps forward and begins his speech.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO:  Indeed. We might as well sit.  :: Indicates the chair next to his for the XO ::    I trust you've found everything in order?

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::inwardly concerned:: CO: Sir... I have detected five ships. The largest of which is two-thirds the size of the Delphyne... the other four are about 100 meters. Their configuration matches no known species... but the area of space they currently are in has been long off limits to Starfleet... and is the territory of a race known as the Synod.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: Yes, Sir. My quarters are great. ::Sits after the CO::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: The information we have on the Synod is scarce and decades old. But it is noted that they guard their space jealously and we should avoid contact with them.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: Relay sensor information to the Sharikar. See if there's anyone there who can recognize them.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Listens to the report of the CSO, who seems to have at least some Vulcan DNA::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 OPS: Alert the other ships on patrol about the sensor readings as well as current known information.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::raises an eyebrow:: CO: Aye sir. ::sends a data packet to the Sharikar::

Brett:
 <OPS> CO: Aye sir

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: Well, it looks like this could be even more interesting than anticipated.

Brett:
 INFO: On screen, the Federation ambassador steps back with a round of applause.  One of the Amenti, with peach colored skin and reddish hair, steps forward and in a reedy voice begins his own speech.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO/CSO: Can we tell where these five ships are headed?

Brett:
 INFO: You notice this male has a cadaverous appearance with deep-set eyes.  Streaks of white in his hair give him the appearance of an elder of his race.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::keeps an eye on the ships:: CO: They are sitting there.. as if perhaps they are waiting for something to happen.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: If we can avoid unpleasantness with these anti-social people we should. They seem to pose no immediate threat. I recommend we keep an eye on them.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: Keep an eye on them. Perhaps they're just here to watch the festivities?  Still, better we alerted the other ships than be caught unawares.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: Understood. ::shares current information with rest of fleet::

Brett:
 Action: The escort vessel acknowledges receipt of the Delphyne's sensor logs and indicates they too have the alien vessels on scanners.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: I agree. It would be a shame to ruin a perfectly good treaty with agression.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Continues watching the ceremonies:: CO: Doesn't do much for the party mood after, either.

Brett:
 INFO: On screen, a new burst of applause signals the end of the Amenti ambassador's speech and the dignitaries step back while aides move in to prepare the documents.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: These things could go on for quite awhile.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::goes back to watching sensors::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: How well I know. ::grins::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: You sound like you have had some experience with diplomatic matters?

Brett:
 <OPS> CO: Signal from Sharikar sir.  They have no one available who knows any more about the aliens than us.  They figure the Amenti probably do, but all of them are involved with the signing.  They say they will forward any information they can when they can.  ::Looks apologetic::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 OPS: Thank you, lieutenant. Keep an eye out for any updates.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Hears the OPS report and looks to the CO::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: My parents were ambassadors on Earth when I was growing up. I believe I've been to more diplomatic functions than I can recall?

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: Sounds kind of dull. ::Thinks:: CO: Maybe we should try and confirm if they are, indeed, friends of the Amenti just here for the festivities.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: Dull? Sometimes, I suppose. But I also got access to restricted areas that many people didn't get to see.

Brett:
 INFO: The aides complete their duties and the dignitaries return to their place behind the table.  With great pomp and circumstance, the Federation Ambassador offers a gold ink pen to the Amenti elder and sketches a slight bow to him indicating he may sign the treaty.  The Amenti accepts the instrument with a smile and bends to sign the document.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::placidly gazes at the new XO as he speaks, a warning sounding in her head about contacting those unknown ships as he suggests::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: I wonder if they are friends of the Amenti? I suspect not but that's just my instinct talking.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Watches screen:: CO: Yeah, but for a kid those things...well, I'd rather be elsewhere.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::goes back to looking at sensors::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: Five ships in the area maybe something that needs a bit of looking into.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: Are there any protocol notes on contacting the Synod?

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: Just to avoid contact as I mentioned earlier.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: They could just be protecting their border. After all, there are several Federation ships here.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CSO: Maybe someone on the hosting ship has a guest list or would know about them?

Brett:
 INFO: The Amenti ambassador signs the paper with a flourish and them hands the pen to his Federation counterpart.  The diplomat steps forward and sketches his signature on the document.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::nods her head slightly in agreement with the CO as that is her thought as well:: XO: The operations officer reported earlier that maybe the Armani know more about the Synod... and certainly as they are in Synod space... given what we do know of the Synod... it is logical to assume they are Synod.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: That could be all it is but, someone somewhere must know why they are here. If not maybe we have need of concern.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: All of our ships in the area know they are here. We should keep an eye on them and let the treaty continue without interference as long as we can.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: Agreed. 

Brett:
 INFO: With a rousing round of applause, the treaty is signed.  The audience stands, clapping as the ambassadors of the two races shake hands and pose for snapshots from the dozen news reporters and camera people present.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Watches view screen:: ALL: So that's it, it's done?

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::watches to see if there is a status change in the ships::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO:  ::laughs:: This step is done. There's still a bit to go in festivities.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::blinks:: CO: The unknown vessels have departed... and quite quickly I might add... they seem very agile and fast. And they are now off our sensors.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: Yeah, the parties which we wasn't invited to. ::Smiles::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CSO: Hmmm, they must not have been invited to the party either.

Brett:
 INFO: With the signing completed, the media feeds from the Sharikar splinter into the various networks and reporters offering their post ceremony opinion and interviews.  OPS Closes the channel, as nothing relevant is said.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: Check sensor logs and see if you can determine how fast they traveled? We might need to know that.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: There will be plenty of parties. Some people just need the slightest reason...

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::the smallest upturn of a corner of her mouth as she enjoys the wry humor from the XO, then her face returns to normal as she hears the CO:: CO: Aye. ::goes to retrieve that information::

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CO: I'm wondering if they took off like that to make a report to someone that the treaty has been signed. Someone who might not like hearing the news.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: Sir, we do not have a great deal of detail at the distance from which they departed... but it seems that they departed at at least warp nine.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 CSO: Wow, in a hurry, you think?

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 XO: Quite.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: Possibly... If so, I'm sure we'll hear about it. :: frowns just a bit ::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::goes back to watching the sensors to see if there's anything else unexpected out there....::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: Thank you, lieutenant. Rely telemetry reports and a timeline with respect to the signing to the surrounding vessels and include a copy to Starfleet.

Brett:
 INFO: With the departure of the alien audience, the scanners show clear space.

XO_Cmdr_Bauer:
 ::Thinks - So my life on the Delphyne begins::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 XO: Let's hope the star charting mission is as uneventful.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::nods:: CO: Yes sir.

Brett:
 <<<<pause>>>>>