Quirinus Mission 10808.11

starring

Mitch Travis as CO Captain Sulek 
Jeffrey G. Brown as XO Commander Kraight
Jane Rowley as OPS Lieutenant Amarok Ki 
Christopher Dickinson as CTO Commander Billy Bob Powers, Jr. 
Ed Selgas as CEO Lieutenant David Telarus 
Karriaunna Scotti as CNS Commander Azhure Powers 

with

Keith LaHue, Ship Manager

MISSION PROLOGUE: The crew of the Quirinus have arrived on the planet Yaji, where the host Yzsx has set out a feast for them to enjoy in their capitol city.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10808.11: The Ties That Bind =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 3  =/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::sitting next to Yzsx, sampling the various dishes set before him::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looking at the foodstuffs on his plate... is the lettuce moving? ::
Host Yzsx says:
All: I hope you all like the food prepared. The Yaji-Cahd prepare all of our food here.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::seeing a possible opening:: Yzsx: I was curious about the Yaji-Cahd.  Are they solely servants or do they participate in your government?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Even though the food was scanned, Bill still approaches it cautiously, sniffing and inspecting ::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::pushing the food around on his plate::
Host Yzsx says:
Sulek: They are a simple folk, they cannot even speak. They are... unfortunate. But most of them are put to some use, as servants and such.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: glances at Sulek for his reaction to the 'they cannot speak' remark ::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::nibbles on something just to be polite::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Yzsx: Yet they seem to understand you and each other.  How is this accomplished?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: wonders if the lack of speech is due to lack of trying... or ability ::
Host Yzsx says:
Sulek: Oh there's nothing wrong with their hearing.
Host Yzsx says:
Sulek: They have basic intelligence, but they are a simple folk.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Yzsx: They live in the trees outside the Yaji community, is that correct?
Host Yzsx says:
Sulek: That's correct. They are most hardy, and brave the elements well. Some of them live in city houses, if their masters permit it.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Yzsx: Masters... Do you consider them pets?
Host Yzsx says:
XO: Well no... we have lived in this symbiotic relationship for millennia. We know no other way, as do they.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he looks over at one of the Yaji-Cahd servers:: Yzsx: They are however free, simply a lower caste, not slaves that are owned.
Host Yzsx says:
Sulek: They bond with their hosts at an early age, but yes they are free. They could leave if they wanted to.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Yzsx: Bond? In what way?
Host Yzsx says:
Sulek: It is a bond of friendship, and loyalty.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::listening as he chews::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Yzsx: How is the bond made... is there a ceremony?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Leans in close to Ki ::  OPS: Are we absolutely certain this is safe to eat?  I didn't see the bathroom on the way in...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::leans over to Kraight:: Kraight: A telepathic bond would explain much about the nature of the caste system.  ::quietly::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
Host Yzsx says:
Sulek: The bond generally passed down through the family, and so on.

ACTION: Ynrwa, a Yaji- Cahd servant, trips and spills a beverage on Kraight.

OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CTO:  I guess we'll soon find out.  As for bathrooms... ::shrugs::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Self: Whoops.  :: grabs a cloth and starts dabbing at the spill on his tunic ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks at Azhure, then back ::  OPS: Guess I'm just not hungry.

ACTION: Yzsx backhands Ynrwa, sending him sprawling. "You fool!"  He turns to Kraight. "My apologies, commander. It will not happen again!"

OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::startles at the violence::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::sets down his eating utensil::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: stands, interposing himself between Yzsx and Ynrwa :: Yzsx: Please... no real damage has been done. Such things happen.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Recognizes what he sees, but looks to the Captain for his move ::

ACTION: Ynrwa scurries away.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: I am sensing distress from the Yaji-Cahd...and not just at the accident.  ::to Yzsx::  Yzsx: Friendship, Yzsx? Do you treat all friends in such a way?
Host Yzsx says:
Kraight: I'm sorry it had to happen.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::has lost his appetite::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Yzsx: Calm yourself, sir. No offense is taken.
Host Yzsx says:
::embarrassed:: Sulek: I lost my temper. I'm sorry. I was afraid we had offended you.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Thinks - "You have" ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: shakes his head ::  Yszx: Not at all. Please. Let's continue the meal.
Host Yzsx says:
XO: Very well. Why don't you tell me more about your society?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sits ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Yzsx: An accident is never of offense, but violence from that accident is not what one would think of as appropriate.  Still, the matter is past.  We have not come to condemn or condone what your society is.  We are only here to observe and report.
Host Yzsx says:
Sulek: I hope you will leave my indiscretion out of your report. All: Is the food to your liking? I can have something else prepared if not.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::  Yszx: It's quite good.

ACTION: In the back of the hall, in a room off of the main assembly area, a loud explosion is heard. Yaji and Yaji Cahd alike spill out of what is presumably one of the food preparations areas.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Yzsx: A sharing of information that will perhaps lead to a better understanding of both our cultures is all that we seek.  If it is but a one time incident, then I see little reason to report it.  Still, I would not like to discover that the Yaji-Cahd are abused by their masters.
Host Yzsx says:
::alarmed::  All: What is this?
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::gets to his feet at the sound of the explosion::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rising:: Ki: Scans... check for injured.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: stands, opens his tricorder in one motion, begins scanning ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Stands close to the Captain ::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::scans::  CO:  There seems to be no serious injuries.  May I investigate the cause of the explosion?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Chemical explosion, low yield. A compound similar to trinitrotoluene.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::looks puzzled::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Yzsx: An accident in one of the food areas? We will assist in any way that we may without violating our protocols. ::looks at Ki:: May Lt. Ki. investigate?
Host Yzsx says:
::finally gets to his feet:: Sulek: This has never occurred before. Your assistance is welcome.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: A bomb?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ki: Go.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CO:  Aye Captain.  ::heads off towards the food preparation area::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: continues scanning :: CO: Possibly. I'd like to accompany Lt. Ki, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Nature of the chemical? I would feel better if Ki had company, XO.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Not unlike the explosive known to ancient Earth as TNT.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::begins scanning as he approaches::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Understood.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Perhaps a questioning of the survivors is in order.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::entering the food preparation area, finds the source of the blast, an empty pantry just off the main kitchen::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Yzsx: You have no factions that oppose you or our being here?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: With all due respect, Captain... my place is here for the moment.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::focuses his scans on that area::
Host Yzsx says:
CO: No, we have been at peace for longer than any of us can remember.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::scans the debris to determine what was stored in the immediate area::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows Ki ::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::frowns as the evidence starts to come together::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: finds Ki in the pantry ::  OPS: What have you found, Lieutenant?
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
XO:  The explosion occurred in an out of the way area.  There was nothing stored there that was combustible.  It seems to have been deliberately set, but meant to cause no harm to anyone.  More like a message than a threat.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::becomes increasingly aware of the telepaths... interlopers... turns and looks pointedly at Yzsx::   Yzsx: Are we interfering in someway with our arrival?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
OPS: That would seem likely. The question becomes: Who sent the message, and to whom was it directed?
Host Yzsx says:
::taken aback:: Sulek: Why no. Why would you think that?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Frowns, not liking the way this is shaping up ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
OPS: Report your findings to the Captain. He will want to follow up with our hosts.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
XO:  I believe the servant class were the only ones with easy access.  As for whom.. I don't know.  Maybe in response to the violence we witnessed earlier.  ::shrugs::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
XO:  I don't think now would be a judicious time to interrupt him, Sir.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::runs further scans to double check his findings::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Yzsx: A feeling....of sorts.  I wonder if I might talk with one of the Yaji-Cahd.  Even though they do not speak, they can surely shake their head to yes no questions.  The one called Ynrwa would suffice.
Host Yzsx says:
Sulek: You may speak to anyone you like.  ::looks around::  I'm not sure where he is right now...
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
OPS: All right. Continue your scans.   :: leaves ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Yzsx: then if you will excuse me, I shall seek him out.  The sooner we discover the nature of the attack, the better, do you not agree?
Host Yzsx says:
Sulek: By all means, do as you will.

ACTION: A small group of Yaji-Cahd Gather at the end of the room and form a circle.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Since you are my guard, you're with me.  Yzsx: Thank you for your trust.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: meets Sulek and Powers halfway ::

ACTION: On the wall facing the crew, a symbol appears. It is the symbol of Yaji and Yaji-Cahd unity. It has a dagger-like tear down the center of it.

OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::feeling uneasy, moves out of the pantry and through the kitchen::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he moves towards the circle he sees forming:: Kraight: I am going to try and talk to the Yaji-Cahd.  They seem to be quite distressed over perceived interlopers.  Since we are the recent arrivals, it is logical to believe that it is us.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Sir... the explosion was deliberately set to cause little damage and no casualties. This was less an attack than a message.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::notices no one left in the kitchen, moves back towards the dining area::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: points out the symbol ::  CO: Sir...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: and the message was?... I see it, Commander.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::notices the odd formation of Yaji-Cahd, then looks to where the XO is pointing::

ACTION: The circle begins to disperse.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:; scans the symbol, looking for the point of origin ::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::looks back at the circle of Yaji-Cahd and shudders involuntarily::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he stops one of the Yaji-Cahd:: Yaji-Cahd: I seek Ynrwa. Can you point him out to me?
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::creeped out::

ACTION: Out of the corner, Ynrwa comes forward, hearing the sound of his name.

OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::moves back into the kitchen and begins scanning for anything else that shouldn't be in a food preparation area::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I can't locate the source of the projection, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ynrwa: May I ask you some questions?
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::continues to poke around in the kitchen::
Host Ynrwa says:
::Nods at the captain::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::finds nothing out of the ordinary in the kitchen area::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ynrwa: No matter what I say, you may hear different. Do you understand?  ~~I am capable of talking to you as you talk to each other~~
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::cautiously emerges from the kitchen back into the dining room::
Host Ynrwa says:
::alarmed by the unexpected telepathy with a race outside his own, he puts up a mental wall, and simultaneously warns the others to do the same::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::approaches the XO and CTO::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns :: OPS: Anything new to report, Lieutenant?
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
XO:  There doesn't seem to be anything else amiss in the kitchen.  Although I gotta say, these guys may not use speech but they sure at effective at communication.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
~~Ynrwa:: The Yaji do not have this capability.  Is this correct~~ ::aloud:: Were you near the explosion?  ::feels the wall:: ~~Do not pretend.  That option has already disappeared. I will not give away your secret.~~
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
OPS: Telepathic communication is perhaps the most efficient of all.
Host Ynrwa says:
::nods, but maintains his telepathic silence::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
XO:  That and actions that speak louder than words.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
OPS: Indeed.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ynrwa: I see.  Did you see who planted the explosive?  ~~Even if you will not communicate to me, I will talk to you.  Do not be afraid.  Are we the interlopers?~~
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::watching the CO closely::
Host Ynrwa says:
::shakes his head, but lowers the telepathic wall a bit. Sulek gets the general idea that the Yaji-Cahd are afraid of the Quirinus crew::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ynrwa: We are sorry that you were treated in such a harsh manner.  ~~The symbol that the group created is significant to you? We come in peace.  We do not seek to change your society, only to understand.  Since you can read my thoughts, I will allow you to read me at a deeper level, so that you know this is true. ~~
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::feels the hair stand up on the back of his neck.  Wanders off back towards the dining table just to give himself some space::

ACTION: The Yaji-Chad does not speak, but simply inserts the image of Yaji and Yaji-Cahd unity. Sulek recoils with the force of the impression.

OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::feeling extremely uncomfortable, would like nothing better than to get off this planet::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ynrwa: Commander Kraight believes the bomb was to send a message.  Do you know what was meant by it?  ~~With what do we interfere?  Several of you have called us interlopers~~ ::taken back:: ~~You seek one level of society then? To end the caste?~~

=/\==/\= END Mission =/\==/\=