Summary:
The trail has run cold - or at least, run out - and the Andromeda is left with two systems within 1 light year of its end: Zeta Bootis, with the early-warp tech society Neural, and an unknown planet behind a series of communication buoys politely warning ships to respect their borders.

With what information could be garnered from The Patriarchy, the nearest major power in the area, Commander Power has chosen to contact the Neural to ask them more about their stand-offish neighbors.

The time is 09:14, and Andromeda is about to drop out of Warp in the Zeta Bootis system after nearly a day at warp.

Host SMLea says:
~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~Begin USS Andromeda: "Recovery" Mission 2 - Stardate 11208.18~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Having finished with Light and completed other physicals ahead of schedule, she leaves medical with Sean and heads for the bridge::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::sitting in his chair on the bridge::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::in his RR, he slides his terminal away from him and gets up to head out to the bridge::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
FCO: Distance to the Neural planet?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
<LtCmdr_Knight> XO: Checking now sir.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
<LtCmdr_Knight> XO: Sir, we are three minutes out at full impulse.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
FCO: Bring us down to half impulse
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::steps out onto the bridge::  XO:  Status Mr. Power?
Host SMLea says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>XO: I'm picking up some general comm traffic in the area. There appear to be a few trade vessels, of non-Neural origin, in orbit, source of the chatter.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
::Stepping off the lift, she enters the bridge.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
<LtCmdr_Knight> XO: Aye.  ::brings the Andromeda to half impulse::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
OPS: Keep listening and scanning around. See what their trading outpost is like.
Host SMLea says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>::Nods:: XO: Yes Sir.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: We're just coming up on the Neural planet now. We're doing some recon right now.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  Understood.  Anything of interest as of yet?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Steps down to flight and quietly greets Aaron::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
<LtCmdr_Knight> ::looks up at Sierra and gives her a wink and a smile::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: Few trade vessels about, nothing really interesting so far.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
FCO:  You realize, when the others are back, you are going to have a jealous nephew on your hands.
Host SMLea says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>XO: All three ships are Patriarchy. Confirming their registries with the Patriarchy now.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::crosses his arms across his chest and lets out a sigh::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
<LtCmdr_Knight> CMO:  And why is that?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
OPS: Ask them what they know if anything about our friends to the west.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
FCO:  You have spoiled him.  He is used to having you all to himself now.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
<LtCmdr_Knight> CMO:  I have a feeling he'll forget all about it once he gets his brother and sister back.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::looks over at Sierra::  CMO:  Another late night?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
FCO:  I would not count on that my brother.  But maybe he will learn to share.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CMO: And what did you find out about them?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
OPS: Fair enough. Are there any warp trails leading into Calean space from here?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::brings up a copy of the CSO's report on his terminal::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Turns slightly::  All:  The Neural were first visited by the Federation by the USS Enterprise commanded by Captain Kirk in 2255.  The planet was earth-like with an under developed and peaceful civilization.  At Kirks request, it was placed under the Prime Directive.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CMO:  And the reason that it was placed under the Prime Directive?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
CO:  The usual... they were not a warp species.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
All:  Fifteen years later, the Enterprise discovered the Klingons had negated the Prime Directive by arming one of the two factions on the planet with increasingly more and more advanced weapons.  Kirk stepped in and decided to help maintain the balance of power by similarly arming the other side to prevent their slaughter.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
All:  The Federation permitted, this balance of power against the Klingons for another thirty years.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
All:  About then, greater problems at home caused both powers to abandon the stalemate between the two factions of Neural.  However, their society was now far more advanced though the technological 'gifts' the two sides had presented them.
Host SMLea says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>XO: Into Caealan space from Neural?   ::Checks his scans::  Nothing recent enough I can get a warp signature from, Sir.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CMO: But they now have warp capability, correct?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
All:  Within about five years of the end of the Federation/Klingon interference, the two factions came to peace with each other and began working together instead of against each other, which was more in their nature.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
CO:  Yes.  They launched their first warp probe around 2306.  It was unmanned and have since continued to developed their space program.
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The Andromeda falls into orbit around Neural.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO/CMO:  So is there any reason we couldn't just ask them outright what they know about the Caealans?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
All:  They continued at a rapid sociological and technological rate, aided in part by the introduction of Patriarchy contact around 2320.  The Patriarchy were not bound by the Prime Directive and found the Neural a pleasant and minorly profitable people to trade with.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
CO:  No.  They their planet is rich with certain medicinal plants along with valuable minerals which are their chief export.  They are used to guests.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
OPS: See if you can place some probes near their borders and get a good look and the people going in and out?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: It's why we came out here. This is the closest inhabited planet to their borders.
Host SMLea says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>::Raises a breath, then restarts:: XO: Their entire border? Or just the area nearby?
Host SMLea says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>XO: I'd have to check with science...but I'm not sure we'd have enough probes to cover even the border area confirmed by the Patriarchy.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
CO:  They took the profits from those exports and continued to purchase more and more advanced technology from the Patriarchy, mostly scientific and engineering technology which again, has accelerated their advancement.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
CO:  I should mention, that over the last fifty years, they have continued to develop trade relations almost exclusively with the Patriarchy, but again, they have also traded with new partners from surrounding areas.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CMO:  Well, let's see what preliminary data Conor comes up with first.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
OPS: I know we'll never be able to watch it all. Try figure out potential trade routes people would use based on nearby systems and put them there.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
All:  Their own ship designs however are more along the first Enterprise era, so we are advanced in that with them.  So they themselves have not traveled to far beyond their system.  They started manned warp voyages about twenty years ago.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
OPS: Did you find if they have a public broadcast from a trading post or similar?
Host SMLea says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>::Pulls up the sensor probe specs, trying to determine the best deployment:: XO: Do you want me to send only probes that could reach their destination, then return to us when ordered, without running out of fuel? Or are you okay with just one-shotting these?
Host SMLea says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>XO: We do have a full complement, since resupplying at Starbase 121.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
OPS: One shot them.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
CO:  From what reports we have, the two factions, which are not two different branches of their society, have continued working peacefully together since the Federation and Klingons left.  However, with all the technology thanks to the Patriarchy, their development has been contaminated.  But not as much damaging as ours and the Klingons interference
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  Conor, do you think it wise that we just come here and start sending out probes in their area of space?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
CO/XO:  It would be wiser, to be forward with these people.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO/CMO:  I tend to agree with Sierra.  I do not want to start off with a bad impression with these beings.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO/CMO: Fair enough. OPS: Hold off on the launch for the time being.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
CO/XO:  For that matter, I would appreciate acquiring some of their medicinal herbs.
Host SMLea says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>::Frowns, as he works to coordinate the sensor probes while monitoring traffic, then glances up in relief, as the probes are called off:: XO: Yes Sir.  Forwarding that trading info to you now.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  I know this might sound radical, ::grins:: but why don't you see if you can just contact the Neurals directly.....see what they could tell us about these Caealans.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Simply lifts a brow.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All:  The Neurals have to know that we're here......and probably are waiting to hear what we want or what we are doing here.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: I'm not sure we could follow those crazy ideas ::smirks::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  If anyone could deal with crazy, it would be you!  ::grins wider::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
OPS:  Hail the Neurals.
Host SMLea says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>::Actually grins:: CO: Aye sir.   ::Works the controls a moment, slipping the earpiece over his ear, while he works his way through a few low-level bureaucrats::
Host SMLea says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>::Pauses a second:: CO: Sir, why should I say we're calling? For their trade commission, or political division?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
OPS:  Well, if we are trying to find something about their neighbors, I would try the political division.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
CO:  Though one of us is not opposed to some trading.
Host SMLea says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>::Draws a breath, and nods, hunching back into his seat and unmuting the earpiece:: Com: Yes, yes, I know. But, there's a couple kids at stake and--- Yes, that Federation. Well, but--  .....  Thank you!   ::Removes the earpiece, and hits another control, piping the call to the main view screen::
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The view screen is covered by the Neural Insignia for a full 20 seconds, before it finally flashes away, revealing a woman apparently in her fifties, in a mocha-colored simple suit.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
COM: Myhree: This is Captain Ethan Knight of the Federation starship Andromeda.  Did I just hear you speaking about a couple of kids?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
<Delete Last>
Host Myhree says:
@::Turns in her chair to face her viewer as the comm activates, a low-level buzz of activity is evident from the background, but not enough to obscure her voice:: ::Smiles:: COM: Andromeda: This is Hilean Prime Consul Myhree. How can I help the Federation today?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
COM: Hilean Prime Consult Myhree: This is XO Lt Cmdr Conor Power of the USS Andromeda. We are hoping you can offer us assistance in tracking down some criminals who attacked and abducted Federation citizens.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::whispers to Sierra::  CMO:  If you would like, feel free to use one of the terminals to contact their trading post.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Quietly watches as she stands near Aaron.::
Host Myhree says:
@::Raises her eyebrows in shock:: COM: Andromeda: Oh, Minea.  I'm very sorry to hear of your troubles. If there is some way we can lend assistance, we'd be glad to.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Turns toward Ethan and with a nod, steps away, heading toward a terminal, listening intently.::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Taking a seat at one of the auxiliary consoles, she logs in::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Pulls up the data Matthew had acquired and pulls up a manifest of items for trade.::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
COM: Myhree: We believe that they may have come from within the Caeal federation territory. We are hoping you may have some intelligence on the people within this sector.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
::Noting a few items of interest, including a powerful antiseptic and some roots, one claiming it can ward of death, one to cause false death and the third to cure powerful poisons, she sends a request for cost and what they will take in trade.
Host Myhree says:
@::A brief shock of horror crosses her face:: COM: Andromeda: Oh--Ohhh... You believe they've been taken into Caeal space? I do hope, for their sakes, that they were taken by the Caeal. We've never heard of anyone trespassing very far into their territory and returning. To my knowledge, no one's even met a member of the Caeal.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Turns around at the prime ministers information.  If they never let anyone in and no one had ever seen them, then the odds of their taking her children was not high.::  ~~~~ CO:  We need some more information on them to discover if they match what we gleaned from our sons mind.~~~~
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
COM: Myhree: Any other information you may be able to provide on ships you've seen enter or leave their space and anything else you think might be helpful would be very much appreciated.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Seeing they traded in latinum, she informs operations of the items she is considering and the cost.::
Host Myhree says:
@::Pulling up a series of records on a secondary console, scrolling through to confirm:: COM: Andromeda: I'm afraid I'm not aware of any ships traveling into their space from here recently... Although..::Suddenly perks up:: I do have record of one of our vessels...it was headed for Yed, but struck an ion storm shortly after leaving our space. <c>
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: a bushel of fresh herbs used for the antiseptic, 2 strips of latinum.  Antipoison root, 10 strips, saves off death root 23 strips, and a kit of roots.  They would be using about two bars of latinum.  If they worked, they would be worth it... besides curiosity was priceless.::
Host Myhree says:
@COM: Andromeda: The storm took out its navigational sensors, and it unfortunately found itself in Caeal space, apparently in a Caeal system, with no way of making out which way to leave their space.
Host Myhree says:
@COM: Andromeda: Apparently, they were contacted - audio only - by the planet they had drifted near... According to their records, they quickly explained their difficulties, and the Caeal, presumably, placed a series of transmission buoys, guiding them back out of their space and toward Neural.  They returned home safely to make repairs.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
COM: Myhree: That is very helpful, by any chance would you happen to know if they trade with anyone in particular?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: As OPS reminds her of the confiscated goods, she nods and with a shrug, goes ahead and has him place the order.::
Host Myhree says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>::Notes the Doctor's trade request, places his stamp of approval on it, and puts the latinum transfer in the cue::
Host Myhree says:
@::Shakes her head:: XO: I'm afraid not.  I haven't heard of anyone making contact with them, with the exception of the Ivarsis, the ship I mentioned. But I can transfer their mission logs and records from the incident to you.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
COM: Myhree: Those logs would be very helpful in our search. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. We would like to do some final trading with your outpost and then we will continue along our journey.
Host Myhree says:
@::Smiles:: COM: Andromeda: We're glad to have made a new trading contact. I do hope you find your people... But please take care.  Neural out.
Host Myhree says:
ACTION: The view screen flickers to the Neural Insignia a moment, then flashes back to the images of the idyllic planet below.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
OPS: What is it going to cost to pick up the materials on the CEO's shopping list?
Host Myhree says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>::Pulls up the CEO's list and compares it to the Neural trading post offerings::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
All:  As soon as we have those logs, I would like to review them.
Host Myhree says:
<OPS_Lt_Matthew>XO: Looks like four bars, 8 strips of latinum, total.   ::Reviews their GPL stores, then cringes ruefully:: Looks like we'll be dipping into the credits fund to cover it all.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CMO:  Sierra, I want you to review those logs as thoroughly as you can.  Do not leave anything out.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: nods::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
OPS: See if you can swap the latinum for all credits. We may need it later on, otherwise buy the minerals.
Host Myhree says:
~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~Pause Mission - Time Lapse: TBD~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~

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