Quirinus Mission 10808.18

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 has traveled to the planet Yaji, where they have found a newly spaceflight capable race, or races. The Yaji live under a caste system, with the Yaji-Cahd as the lower of the two. Then there was an explosion, one not meant to harm, but possibly to warn...

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10808.18: The Ties That Bind =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 4  =/\==/\=

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Standing near the captain, quietly observing.::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@  ::in Engineering looking over reports::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks Ynrwa awaiting a reply::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::poking away at his PADD looking for any historical references to conflict between the two peoples::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: scanning the room, but keeping a close eye on the Captain ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: his arms crossed across his chest, he waits ::
Host Ynrwa says:
::pulls on the captains sleeve, trying to pull him outside::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Obviously, he wishes you to follow.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sidles over to Azhure ::   :: in a low voice ::   CNS: Counselor... do you believe that the Captain is in any danger from the Yaji-Cahd?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ynrwa: ~~Is it safe for me?~~ ::speaking:: So you do not know what the explosion means?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ ::makes his rounds around the core and moves about Engineering::
Host Ynrwa says:
::nods, and pulls on his sleeve again::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::wonders if they have newspapers or libraries or anything like that::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO: I do not sense any ill intent here.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::  CNS: Neither does the Captain, apparently.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: I think it will be alright, but we should go as if it were a part of the investigation.
Host Ynrwa says:
<Yzsx> CO: I'm sure he means you no harm Captain
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::as they haven't been given leave of the place, decides he'd better not go wandering around::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers/Ki: Please continue the investigation, I wish to make sure that all are safe.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure/Kraight: with me
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Yzsx: I am sure you are correct.
Host CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Quietly lifts a hand to his commbadge and contacts the shuttle ::  *Rast*: Ensign Rast, we've had a minor incident.  Be on the alert.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows, putting away the tricorder for now ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: nods and smiles gently at Ynrwa::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::not sure what else to investigate in the dining hall::
Host Ynrwa says:
<Yzsx> I'm curious about the explosion though... we have such devices, but they are only used for peaceful purposes. ::nods to them as they leave::
Host Ynrwa says:
::leads the Captain and the others outside, where it is still daylight::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::begins to follow the Yaji-Cahd::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::looks around::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Yzsx: I am sure Commander Powers and Lt. Ki would be most interested in the history of such a device. ::over his shoulder::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Sees Ki's face ::  OPS: Anything useful from the scans of the explosive?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he stops and for Azhure and Kraight's sake speaks aloud:: Ynrwa:  Tell me what you wish me to know.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CTO:   Not really.  Common materials.  ::notices some monkeymen running around looking upset::  Maybe we should question those guys?
Host Ynrwa says:
:: motions for them to come with him, being unable to speak ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::still sensing no ill will::  Ynrwa: Will you at least show me how specifically you talk to the others? ::follows::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Thinks ::  OPS: If they would talk to us, maybe.  If we had any indication of how long that thing might have been there, that would be helpful information.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CTO:  I can't think of any way to find that out from the tricorder readings.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: They use telepathy.  Apparently they have made the choice not to speak any other way.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: In the current open sense of my mind, your concern is noted.  I do not think the Yaji-Cahd are capable of a concerted mental attack, but I have been wrong before.  I do not mean to eavesdrop on your concerns, but strong emotions read very clearly to me.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
OPS: Perhaps you should ask them... I fear I am terrifying them even more.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: grins ruefully ::  CO: I shall endeavor to be less transparent, sir...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Do scans show that they have the appropriate vocal structure to speak?
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CTO:  Maybe its the rifle?  ::approaches Yzsx::  Yzsx:  Excuse me.  These people seem upset.  Are you an excitable folk?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Yes.
Host Ynrwa says:
<Yzsx> OPS: Not generally, but things like explosions never happen here unless it is an accident, and that is rare.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ ::goes to the Bridge for his duty shift:: Self: Hey some command time at the big chair.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: raised eyebrow :: Kraight: I knew that you would accept my apparent faux pas. Please accept my apology, among Vulcans what I read is considered rude.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::looks toward the CTO to see if he wants to question this guy further.  Is a bit out of his league::

ACTION: Ynrwa has lead the party to a clearing where Yaji and Yaji - Cahd children are playing. The children interact easily, playing as only children do.

Host Ynrwa says:
::points at the children::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: shakes head :: CO: No offense taken, Captain. After all, isn't it the duty of a First Officer to offer his Captain the best advice possible? I can hardly complain if you find a more efficient way for me to communicate it to you.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Tries not to be menacing ::  Yzsx: We need some information... how long would these workers have been in there?  Would they have seen someone leave the explosive.... if we could determine who placed it, that might be helpful
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Smiles but stays back, not wanting to present anything threatening.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Ynrwa has sent me the feeling that they have found the spoken word to limiting.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Not looking at the captain, she drops down to her knees to watch::  CO:  He is of course, correct.
Host Ynrwa says:
<Yzsx> CTO: I - I am at a loss for words. I have no idea who would do such a thing. None of the workers would deliberately put themselves or others in danger.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he observes the children playing:: Azhure: Once their relationship was like this.  It is before they understand the meaning of the caste.  Unity....
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
Yzsx:  But no one was in danger.  It was carefully placed to only cause damage to property.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: So it is the caste system, not any inherent biological differences, that actually separate the Yaji and the Yaji-Cahd?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Tries not to get frustrated ::  Yzsx: They might not have, you're right.  But they might have seen something.  :: Refrains from pointing out that SOMEONE planted the device, no matter how out of character it was ::

ACTION: One of the Yaji children falls, and begins crying. Three Yaji-Cahd run to help her.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: considers::  CO: In most caste systems, children are not allowed to play with each other outside of it.  And yet here, they are.  :: Looks up::  Why?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns to watch the interaction.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: So it would seem that it is an artificial construct.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@  ::gets a message to go join away team::
Host Ynrwa says:
<Yzsx> ::looks at the commanders tricorders:: CTO:  We have scanning devices as well, but they are not a sophisticated as yours. Maybe they will help determine how put the explosive there?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::  CO: But a socio-cultural one... and therefore very difficult to change or abolish.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks towards Ki ::  OPS: Didn't you run a scan already?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ ::makes way towards the equipment locker to get an Engineering kit and EOD gear::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO:  At least not without choice.  But... we could ask how it came about.  Perhaps there is a reason.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: The master/servant arrangement was most likely rationalized into what it has become by the Yaji.

ACTION: The Yaji child is helped to her feet by the Yaji-Cahd, and begins playing again.

OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CTO:  I did, but I didn't find any DNA evidence.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Agreed. And now the Yaji-Cahd want to change that.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Squints ::  OPS: Absolutely none?  Curious.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Sir, I don't think this is something we can allow ourselves to be drawn into.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: They wish the Yaji-Cahd to be simple, an equal would be unthinkable as an alternative to what they have done in the creation of the caste.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO/XO: If the Yaji-Cahd stopped talking as their way of communication was different... it is possible the Yaji see them as... lesser.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: I agree.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::shrugs::  CTO:  I assumed any biomatter would have been incinerated by the blast.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
OPS: Was there any debris or material found?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: However, as a warp capable civilization, arbitration may be requested if I understand the protocol correctly.  In any case this is a job for diplomats of some accomplishment if that were to come to pass.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: We may well be forced to abandon the first contact mission. If the societal change that the Yaji-Cahd seek is beginning to happen now, then our presence introduces a wholly unpredictable factor into the situation.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CTO:  Bit of the pantry it went off in, traces of food stuffs stored there.  Want me to go and focus on a biomatter scan?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: nods ::  OPS: But not alone.  Let's inspect the scene again.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ ::heads to the TR::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: hence the term of the Yaji-Cahd calling us interlopers.
Host Ynrwa says:
::presses his hand against Sulek:: Sulek:  ~~~ You are alone in speaking the high tongue? The language without words? ~~~ 
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Yes. Their meaning is clear now.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CTO:  All right.  Yzsx:  Thank you for your help.  We'll go and have a closer look if you don't mind.
Host Ynrwa says:
<Yzsx>OPS: Please do.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::nods at Yzsx and heads back to the kitchen area::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ ::enters and instructs the Crewman on duty to beam him to the surface where the OPS officer is at::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ynrwa:  ~~~ There are others, but they remain on my ship.  Many races have this ability.  Even some humans have a rudimentary form ~~~
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Pulls out his tricorder and tries not to look menacingly at the workers as they move about.  Based on the debris spread, he quickly triangulates the central point ::  OPS: The blast was right here.  :: points ::
Host Ynrwa says:
Sulek: ~~~ It is only now I am beginning to grasp your language. It is so... inefficient. ~~~ 
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight/Azhure: Ynrwa call telepathy the high language.  Until now they did not know others could do so.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CTO:  Yes.  In the pantry just there.  ::adjusts his tricorder to scan for biomatter and/or DNA residue::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Not surprising.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ynrwa: ~~~ I understand.  You use not words in your speech but entire symbols to represent your speech, true? ~~~
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::commences scanning::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Waves his tricorder ::  OPS: There.  Yaji-Cahd signatures.  I wouldn't hope that this planet has a biological database of all their people... :: discretely scans the surrounding area, trying to place it in connection to any other skin, hair, or reside around, linking it to a current worker ::
Host Ynrwa says:
Sulek: ~~~ Exactly. ~~~ 
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::starts to rematerialize in front of Lt Ki::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: They are symbolic telepaths.  Even spoken telepathy is difficult for them.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::notices someone materializing right in front of him.  Steps back alarmed::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Symbols are easy within a group with a common reference.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS, CO: Such as the Tamarians' language of metaphor.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::realizes who it is and swears under his breath::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: But they learn quickly.  Already, Ynrwa is taking the language.  I have little doubt that he is teach the others as he speaks with me.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Quite so.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CTO:  What do you plan to do with that information?  Not turn it over to the local authorities I hope?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stands up, dusting her knees off.::  CO: Language is considered a higher order ability.  It is still in the realm of possibility that the Yaji believe them lower.  It bears some investigation.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Sighs as he sees who is coming ::  OPS: Lieutenant.  :: Points to his screen, and it's analysis - Ynrwa ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ynrwa: ~~~ The Yaji do not hear you or they choose not to hear you? ~~~
Host Ynrwa says:
::walks over to Azhure and takes her hand:: CNS: ~~~ Can you understand me?  ~~~  ::curious::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CTO: He was just sending a message.  We don't know what their laws are.  He meant  no harm.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns and smiles::   ~~~  Ynrwa:  Yes.  But I do not have the gift to initiate. ~~~ 
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: If the Yaji carry the same basic genetic structure, then perhaps their ability is latent.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
OPS: I'm going to find the Captain.  Let's see if we can locate him ourselves anyway... if he slipped away.  :: Goes to exit the room ::
Host Ynrwa says:
Sulek:  ~~~ The Yaji cannot hear us. They thing we are 'lower' life forms. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is *they* who need us, not the other way around. And we do not wish this to change. ~~~ 
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::follows the CTO gesturing for the CEO to come along::
Host Ynrwa says:
CNS:  ~~~ We are pleased. ~~~ 
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ynrwa: ~~Then you maintain the caste system to protect your friends. ~~~ 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: simply bows her head slightly::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: spotting their hairless Commanding Officer, he makes a straight line ::  CO: Captain?  A moment of your time?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: You've discovered something?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks over at Bill::
Host Ynrwa says:
::nods: Sulek:  ~~~ They would be lost without us. And this new 'spaceflight' they have attained. We think they plan to leave us behind. ~~~ 
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Possibly... but do we even dare tell them that?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
OPS: Lt, whats the situation?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Hands the Captain his tricorder, showing that the DNA analysis seems to indicate Ynrwa planted the explosive ::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::quietly::  CEO:  Some sort of conflict between the two classes here.  Not sure what its all about.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he looks at the data:: ~~~ Ynrwa: You placed the explosive.  What is it you wish to tell us? ~~~
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::handing the tricorder back to Powers:: Powers: Well done, commander.
Host Ynrwa says:
::looks ashamed:: Sulek: ~~~ I just wanted you to realize... they the Yaji and the Yaji-Cahd are as one, and must remain so. The torn symbol, after the explosion, we were trying to tell you. We never meant to hurt anyone. ~~~ 
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
OPS: The message I received is that we have some sort of explosive device.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CEO:  That is true.  ::hands the CEO his tricorder with all the scans of the site of the explosion::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Takes his tricorder back, folds it closed, and slips it back into his belt ::  CO: Thank you, Captain.  :: Crosses his arms, but doesn't look anywhere in particular ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ynrwa: ~~~ I understand.  We will not take the Yaji from the planet, but it is up to the Yaji-Cahd to make sure they remain indispensable to the Yaji.  We cannot do this. ~~~
Host Ynrwa says:
Sulek/Azhure:  ~~~ Can you tell them for us? For an advanced species, they are quite dense!!!! ~~~
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::looking from one person to the other and frowning::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Ponders playing with his rifle, just to upset the locals ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he speaks aloud:: Azhure/Kraight: The Yaji-Cahd ask for our help, but not the kind I expected.  They wish us to tell the Yaji that as they venture into space, they need to serve them there as well.  It would seem the Yaji-Cahd created and maintain the caste.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Turns back to the Lieutenant ::  OPS: How did you find the food?  Tasty?  Filling?
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::startled::  CTO:  Hummm.... oh, the food.  It was a bit bland.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Opinions of this limited involvement? We cannot reveal the Yaji-Cahd's secret.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Making idle conversation ::  OPS: What type of food do you prefer?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::reviews the scans::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I concur. I do not believe we can act as the intermediary in this.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
OPS: Give me a minute while I plan out what we will start off with the device.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CTO:  Meat.  ::looks at the Captain quizzically::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CEO:  What?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
OPS: What has been done so far?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: We can simply state that I have sensed these poor servants fears that they will no longer serve the Yaji in space and as a truly magnanimous gesture on their part, they need reassurance from their masters.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CEO:  I think we've got it figured out now.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ynrwa: ~~~ Will this suffice? ~~~
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Quite frankly, we've done what we came to do.  The Federation wouldn't be interested in admitting or even accepting as a protectorate a species that does not have a unified ruling system encompassing their entire population.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Blinks, wondering where that sentence came from, then thinks his wife is starting to rub off on him ::
Host Ynrwa says:
Sulek: ~~~ We accept what you have offered. ~~~ 
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: It may be because of that limited ability that the Federation may wish to make the Yaji a protectorate while they develop their system.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::has no idea what's going on, but tries to look interested::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
OPS: Let me know what you need. I want make sure this thing is fully disarmed before we move it for controlled detonation.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ynrwa:  ~~~ We can do no more.  The rest in in the unity. ~~~
Host Ynrwa says:
::nods:: Sulek: ~~~ Then thank you. ~~~ 
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CEO:  It blew up already.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he does his best to send the symbol without the rift to Ynrwa::
Host Ynrwa says:
::slowly smiles at Sulek:: Sulek: ~~~ Maybe someday they will learn. ~~~ 
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he turns:: All: The banquet continues and I must tell Yzsx of my new found sense of the Yaji-Cahd.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::sighs.  Was hoping they could leave now::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
OPS: You said it...

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