Summary:
Eight days of observation and rest have passed. The Andromeda senior staff have assembled in the Iota station briefing room, per their mission orders, for an important announcement from Captain Knight.

~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~Begin USS Andromeda: "And All the Stars Fall" Mission 5 - Stardate 11211.14~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~

CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Sitting at the table, making some notes as she waits for the meeting to begin.::

ACTION:
As the crew assemble, the single large monitor at the front of the room plays a scene from the infirmary observatory, video only.  The view itself includes both the inside of the infirmary, as well a view of the village from the roof of the infirmary.

CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::settled at the table next to Sky, comparing notes on what they have observed in the week::
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Enters the room.  PADD in hand and takes a seat.::  Outloud: Morning everyone.
ACTION:
$A small child, approximately 8 years old, the village mute, is barely visible, hopping and pinwheeling merrily around the streets beyond the military buildings.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: nods a slightly distracted  greeting to McQuade::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::looks around the room::  All:  Hopefully by now, you have all found time to adjust and observe.  The PADD's you received have your more permanent duty schedules on them.  You will now be working 12 hour days as opposed to 10.
Host Reex says:
$::Dashes from one side of the street to the other, using his running momentum to allow him to climb right up the side of the building there, propelling himself some eight feet into the air before dropping back down, landing firmly on his feet::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All:  I do want to point out, that if you decide to put in some work on your off day, you are free to choose the posting of your choice.
Host Reex says:
$::Grins in glee at his own acrobatics, and sticks his arms out, spinning more and more quickly, as he wanders back the other way across the street. Passerbyers ignore his antics, come to expecting nothing else from him::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All:  Does anyone have any questions concerning your observations from the past week?
Dr_Wullj says:
$::In the infirmary, writing at his desk::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Having already discussed many things with her husband, she simply listens, occasionally looking at the view screen.::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::shakes his head at the question::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All:  Dr. Medina was nice enough to provide the video feed you now see on the screen.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: as she watches the screen, she cannot help but wish she could get her hands on the child to help him.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All:  Right now, I'd like to see if anyone does NOT want to go on an excursion.  Is there anyone who prefers not to go on one?
Host Reex says:
$::Suddenly falls off-balance, tumbling to the sandy road, a look of shock, then abject terror on his face::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All:  By your silence, I will take that as a no.  ::smiles::
Dr_Wullj says:
$::Looks up and out his window as he catches some intermittent movement out of the corner of his eye::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::smiles at the child's antics, recognizing him from the schoolyard::
Host Reex says:
$::Scrambles across the sandy ground, away from the village and toward the military buildings, quickly getting to his feet, and moving in a mad dash toward the infirmary::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All:  So with that said, I have submitted an official request to Dr. Medina for an off-site excursion and he has approved.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::perks up at that news::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All:  You will report to the transporter room, along with your cloaksuits you will be given at 0900 hours today.
Host Reex says:
$::His momentum takes him right up to the infirmary, and his little hands strongly grasp the drain pipes running its exterior, using them to propel himself upward, right past the infirmary's window, and onto the building's roof::
Host Reex says:
<grasp>
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All:  Any questions before you are dismissed?
Dr_Wullj says:
$::Sets down his writing instrument as he sees one of the civilians running toward the building, then practically falls backward as the child launches himself up onto the roof -- immediately works one of the windows open and pokes his head out, shouting something at the climber::
Host Reex says:
$::Continues forward, reaching the rock face itself (well, actually the transparent aluminum of the fed installation), and he starts jumping, trying to get purchase on the smooth cliff wall, to climb up higher::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
CO: Nothing from me, sir.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
CO:  Sir.  What is our primary objective for todays walkabout?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CEO/All:  Pretty much to see things more up-close and perhaps investigate any possible off-world interference.
Host Reex says:
$::Claws at the cliff-face with his little fingers, drawing blood, in his intense, inexorable desire to climb upward::
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Nods to Captain Knight.::  CO: Understood Sir.::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: turns her eyes to the group.::  All:  The Village is preparing for a festival.  It will take place in the town square and will feature a series of plays on the center stage among the usual things that occur in such an event.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
CO: No thoughts on that interference other than its possible?
Dr_Wullj says:
$::Heads out onto the fire escape landing and trots up the steps toward the roof::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All:  Remember, you are to always be in your cloaksuits.  Under no circumstance are they to be removed.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CNS: Correct Varesh.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::frowns at the scene on the wallscreen::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All:  Okay, if that is all.....you're dismissed!
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::distractedly gets up and walks closer to the wallscreen, watching the scene unfold::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: turns toward Varesh, regret in her voice::  CNS:  There is nothing we can do.
Host Reex says:
$::Some of the adrenaline begins to fade, and the child falters in his climb, eventually running instead to the adult who has joined him on the roof, sobbing silently into the adult's stomach::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
CMO: I know, but I'm trying to figure what made him go from playing child to someone in abject terror.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Looks at the screen, tilting her head.::  CNS:  A past memory that led to his being orphaned?
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
CMO: It's possible. ::sighs and turns away:: I'll have to keep myself in check when we're out there.
Host Reex says:
Time Warp: 90 minutes pass, and the crew assembles in the transporter room for beamout.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Standing on the transporter, the items she is permitted scattered about her person and the suits holoemitter activated.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All: When we will break off into two teams when we get down there.
Host COPS_LtJg_Wils says:
::Standing at the transporter room controls, waiting for the CO's command to go ahead. Meanwhile, she monitors the transporter activity of all stations::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All: Team one will consist of myself, SOPS, CMO and CEO.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::stands near the transporter pad::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All: Team two will consist of XO, CNS, CSO and Dr. Mills.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All: We should all be transported to cloaked ATV's.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::smiles to himself in his suit, wondering if Ethan purposely put Conor and Mills in the same team::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Finds it odd to be visible and yet not.  To be present and yet not.::
Dr_Mills says:
::Standing near the transporter pad, in her suit, waiting for beamout::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All:  Everyone please step up onto the transporter pad.  ::walks and gets onto the pad::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
~~~~ CNS:  If you are able to copy down some of the recipes, which seem almost infinite, please get me some.  I am curious to try a few.~~~~
Host COPS_LtJg_Wils says:
CO: We're cleared for transport...just say the word, Captain.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Steps quickly aside as someone almost steps on her.::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
~~~CMO: I'll try to get some for you.~~~ ::steps onto the pad::
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Walks onto the transporter.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
COPS: Now Mr. Wils.
Host COPS_LtJg_Wils says:
::Activates the transportation sequence::

ACTION:
The crew dematerialize from the Iota pad, and rematerialize in an open field beside the fruit groves. Their visors allow them to see each other, as well as the two ATVs cloaked nearby.

CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::wants to take a lungful of the air to get a sense of the smell of the place, but sighs as he sees the others in their suits as ghostly forms::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Makes her way to the waiting ATV::
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Taps the arm controls on his suit to verify it’s still operational after transport.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::looks around just to take in the surroundings::
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Pulls the tricorder out and scans the ATVs.::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
~~~~ CO: On our return, I would like to collect some fruit.  I find the history of it rather interesting... time to try some.~~~~

ACTION:
A few children can be seen in the grove, shimmying up trees to pick fruit from their tops. The children have in no way reacted to the presence of the away team.

Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CEO/SOPS/CMO: You're with me.  ::starts walking toward one of the ATV's.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CEO:  How are your driving skills Mr. McQuade?  ::grins::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::walks over to the ATV that the CO didn't choose:: All: Who's driving?
Host Dr_Mills says:
::Follows the counselor, shyly::
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Follows the Captain as he completes the scans of the ATVs.::  CO:  As good as they can be Sir.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
~~~CMO: You are always the curious one Sierra!~~~
Host Dr_Mills says:
::Hesitantly:: CNS: I've...driven one several times before.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CEO:  Okay then, you have the wheel!  What is it they say....I call "shotgun"? ::smiles::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Climbing in, she looks over at the children finding it odd intuition has not set in on someone.  Or had they just gotten used to it.  ~~~~CO: Trying foods of other cultures is one of the enjoyable parts of traveling.  I promise not to make you visit the porcelain god.~~~~
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::tries to smile but his face wouldn't really be visible:: Dr Mills: Then, by all means. You have the wheel.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Puts the tricorder away and enters the ATV.::  CO:  Aye sir.  ATVs look in fine shape.  Other than a little transporter residual they are both clean.  ::Adjusts the seat a bit.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::almost chokes as he holds back a laugh after hearing his wife::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CEO: Oh, and Tavish, try not to kill us! ::grins::
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Puts on the seatbelt and snugs it as he waits for the others to enter.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::grabs hold of the rollbar and jumps into his seat::
Host Dr_Mills says:
::Climbs into the driver's seat of the ATV, buckling in, then turns to the CNS:: CNS: Uh...sir?  Where would you like to go first?
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Starts the ATV.::  CO: Not making any promises Sir.  ::Smiles at the Captain.::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::settles in the ATV, waiting for the XO & CSO to get in as well:: Dr Mills: The marketplace. It is the social center of the town after all.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
~~~~ CO:  Don't you find it odd that no one ever seems to 'sense' something is off around here?~~~~
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
~~~CMO: Let's just go with the flow for now Sierra.~~~
Host Dr_Mills says:
::Nods, with a small smile:: CNS: I agree. I'll go the backway, to avoid the more populated roads, if that's all right with you?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::reaches over and buckles himself in::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
Dr Mills: You're the one that knows the way, Doctor, I trust your judgment.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CEO: I believe the other team is heading for the marketplace.  Since you are the driver, you have the privilege of taking us where you want.  ::smiles::
Host Dr_Mills says:
::Smiles a little more:: CNS: Okay. ::Activates the ATV's engine, and grasps the steering column, making a tight turn to bring them back pointed toward the back roads::
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
CO:  Town Square work for everyone?  I'd like to take a closer look at the Festival setup.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::points forward::  CEO:  Engage!  ::chuckles::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
~~~~ CO:  Of course.  But it makes one wonder.  I always know when someone is near-by or in a room, as do you.  Of course we are both empathic to that, but the XO almost always knows and he is not.  Just an observation of curiosity~~~~
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
All: Remember to keep an eye out for all and anything that seems out of the ordinary.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Slowly puts the ATV in drive and pushes the throttle.::  CO:  Heading to the Town Square.  Slower than impulse speed Captain.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
~~~CMO: But, we know nothing about their physiology.  Perhaps they don't have that type of intuition.~~~
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CEO:  Just keep clear of any asteroid fields Tavish!
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
CO: If there are asteroid fields down here we have more problems than just the locals.  ::Drives the ATV around a few obstacles.::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
~~~~ CO:  It has been noted all animalistic species do.  But in those more technologically developed, it is used less and less, especially by adults.  But children still tend to retain it until their teens.~~~~
Host Dr_Mills says:
::Runs the ATV down to the beach, the side areas where many fishing homes reside near the tide-less water, then along the coast, stopping short of the naval facilities:: CNS: You can see here how the natives and the Mirrum have managed to develop quite a symbiotic relationship.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Follows farther behind the other ATV.::  CO:  I find it funny we are driving on a beach and leaving tracks and no one is concerned about it sir.   This entire thing just feels odd at times.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
Dr Mills: How long have the Mirrum been in the area? That detail slips my mind for the moment. ::sensed she was a little shy and thought to get her to talk a bit::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: nods in the CEO's direction. It is one of the things she and Ethan had discussed.  That and dirt clouds.::
Host Dr_Mills says:
::Turns the ATV up a nice, wide street with plenty of leeway to work around those who might be in it, and slows the speed of the craft:: CNS: About fifteen years. Due to increased concern about the Touk Union across the ocean.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
CO: Looks like we will be in the town square in about 8.5 minutes.   ::Looks at the lack of waves.  Finding it completely different then back home.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CEO: Sierra and I have spoken about the same thing.  But, I'm sure it's all good otherwise Dr. Medina would not have approved.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
Dr Mills: And the increase in technological advance on the planet puzzles you as much as the rest of us?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CEO: Understood Tavish.  ::continues to take in the surroundings as they drive::
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Exits the beach onto a street, slowing to observe and not hit anything.::
Host Dr_Mills says:
::Nods:: CNS: The advances don't seem to be...I don't know how to explain it.  ...Level?  They're strangely balanced, without being level. The three powers are developing, but not in the same ways. I realize that's to be expected to a certain degree, but still. It just feels...off, here.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
Dr Mills: That is the general consensus. And you have observed nothing that could shed any light on the subject?
Host Dr_Mills says:
::Shakes her head, as they approach a nicely out-of-the-way area near the market, and she brings the ATV to a stop:: CNS: None, I'm afraid. But I am hopeful...there's some new officers that arrived with a recent ship. Included some Mirrum military R&D. Perhaps watching some of their inventors and scientists will shed some light.
Host Dr_Mills says:
::Smiles hopefully, then looks around:: CNS: We're here. The market is just around that corner.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
CO: One concern.  I noticed that they are actively working on the current leaders burial tomb.  I wonder if his death will destabilize things.  ::Pulls up to the Town Square and parks in a designated safe area.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::looks ahead::  CEO/CMO/SOPS: Looks like we're just about there.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::gets out of the ATV:: Dr. Mills: Thanks for that observation, I will tell the Captain about it. ::looks around:: Shall we go to market?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CEO: Unfortunately, we might not be around to see what would happen.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Her eyes, which had been roaming to their surrounding turned to the village which has become rather familiar to her, including some of the language, not that she would have an opportunity to use it.  At least, she hoped not, for otherwise, that would mean that something had gone wrong.::
Host Dr_Mills says:
::Smiles shyly:: CNS: Indeed.  ::Sets foot on ground, and watches for the rest to make it safely::

~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~Pause Mission - Time Lapse: 5 Minutes~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~

Notes:
The time lapse will be long enough for the team members to reach their destinations on foot.

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