Arcadia Mission 11003.29
A Small War, Part One: Episode 5

starring

Gregory Kleiner as CMO Ensign Christopher Halliwell
Christina Doane as SC Captain Paige Juliet Harker
Keith LaHue as CEO Commander Milwood Oliver Hayward
Jeffrey G. Brown as XO Commander Kraight
Kyle P. Cordek as TO Ensign T'Pring Lenara
Gina Hembrook as CTO Lieutenant Commander Brianna Murphy
Karriaunna Scotti as CNS Commander Azhure Powers
Christopher Dickinson as CSEC Commander Billy Bob Powers, Jr.
Bruce Oriani as CSO Lieutenant Commander Trikk Starr
Mitch Travis as CO Captain Sulek

with

Nicholas Moline, Ship Manager

Last time on Arcadia: The crew had split in two, with one squad questioning the clerics on Xephyerian and the others talking with the Ja'Hia. Now the two teams will have to decide how to proceed.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Arcadia Mission 11003.29 A Small War, Part One =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 5  =/\==/\=
`
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: pauses and looks at the Ja'Hia leader ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt>: Sulek: It has been some time since our people were well-fed.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: has the runabout pilot send a message to the Q informing them they are on their way to the ship for the mass debriefing. ::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks to his side at the station commander as the runabout heads through space ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kirt: We have given what supplies we have, and I will discuss with the Federation the possibility of aid until we can perhaps develop an accord in this war.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
@ :: When ready has the runabout head out then sits down with the away team with a small sigh.:
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> Sulek: Bless you, Captain.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
SC: Something wrong, Captain?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Kirt: Your short growing season is the primary reason for the food shortages, is that correct?
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
:: Opens her recently closed eyes and glances at Powers :: Powers: Fine, just mulling things over.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: If you would clarify to Kirt what we need in the way of understanding the plant that caused the change, as well.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
Kirt: If you will give me a set of coordinates to a secure location, such as a depot, Sir, I'd be happy to arrange the transport of the supplies we have fer disaster aid. Ye can then hand them out where the need fits, aye?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> XO: And ... :: :flash of anger :: We became so dependent on the Xephyerians before the war. We used to be self-sufficient.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> :: Nods :: CTO: The central square would be best. :: gives her the coordinates ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
Powers: Not as clear cut as I would like...
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Kirt: Indeed? How did your trade with the Xephyerians affect your self-sufficiency?
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
SC: From experience, things rarely are.  There is not often the proverbial "smoking gun"...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Ops> Com Sulek: Sir, we have just received word that the other away team has left and is on their way to the ship in the runabout.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Contacts the ship and arranges for OPS to beam the supplies and the Special Response Unit to the central square, with orders for the SRU to guard the supplies until the locals hand them out, then to return to the ship ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Quirinus: Understood.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
:: Gives a wan smile :: Powers: Well one can hope. The Xephyerians have been intellectually advanced beyond their ability to deal with, but we can't just leave them like this...
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
SC: Why not, Captain?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> XO: As time went on, we grew less and less each year. The herb grows, or rather grew, wild. It needed no tending. So our stockpiles dwindled, and we depended on the Xephyerians. It will take us years to get back to our pre-war state.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
Kirt: The supplies and a team to guard them should be on the way soon, Sir. :: nods ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
SC: It is the Federation way to lend assistance if we can.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kirt: We have another ship on its way here.  I would appreciate safe passage for it.  It is a small vessel for short transport.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> :: Nods at the CTO ::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
SC: The Prime Directive only applies when we want it to....
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
:: Looks troubled but thoughtful. ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Kirt: Because of a lack of manpower, or some other factor?
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
SC: It's already been broken... not by us, but broken never the less...
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> Sulek: I will inform the planetary defenses to allow it to pass.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO: Captain, a word, if I may Sir, in private?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Murphy: Of course.  Kirt: Please excuse me.  :: steps off to one side with the CTO ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> XO: Lack of manpower is not the problem. We simply aren't getting the maximum yield that we had before the war, and our population has grown considerably. Remember, we were at peace with the Xephyerians for almost 100 years.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
Powers: These people should not be at their present state but they are, we can only deal with the situation as we find it not how we'd like it to be...
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO: It occurs to me Sir, if we got these folks interested in Federation membership also, it would greatly help our cause, eh? We could then mediate the dispute with authority, and offer these folks agricultural and terraforming assistance to help their situation, aye? Might make yer job a fair bit easier. :: nods ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Kirt: So it is primarily an agricultural problem, rather than a logistical one.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Smirks ::  SC: It's so like a Starfleet Captain to think they need to solve every problem they ever find.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> XO: Precisely.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
Powers: It's part of our job description but don't tell anyone. It's a secret oath we all swear to. :: Small twinkle in her eyes in her otherwise deadpan face. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Murphy: This too has crossed my mind.  I am unclear though if we can offer an application.  I would prefer that they ask... still it is a point I think you should bring up in our debrief.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO: Certainly Sir. Getting them some help with their environment and crops would solve the problem. Crisis over, and we all go home. :: grins ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Kirt: Will you grant me permission to connect our ship's computers to your agricultural databanks? I would like a chance to study your situation in greater detail.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
SC: I enjoy solving problems as much as possible... but those aren't our orders here.  We were to assess these people for admission to the Federation; criteria they clearly fail to meet.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Murphy: It is more likely more complex, but we must be considerate of the economy of both worlds.  A balance of power is frequently a difficult thing to keep or maintain.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Checks to make sure the supplies and the SRU have arrived safely ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
Powers: Before we come to that I'd like to see what Captain Sulek has found, we've time to be cautious and more information can only help...
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> XO: You are more than welcome to.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
SC: One of the criteria of Federation membership is a unified planetary government.  That clearly isn't evident here.  And the Federation clearly frowns on those who are currently involved in a border conflict; once they would be members, they would be entitled to protection from our stellar fleet.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO: Aye Sir. I was more looking fer a way to end their dependence on the other mob and to break the cycle and the need. Once that happens, they can go their own way, aye?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Kirt: Many thanks. I must report to Captain Sulek now. Good day, Commander.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt>XO: Thank you.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
Powers: I am aware of the standards, Commander.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Murphy: The problem would remain for both.  One has become reliant on foods and the other on a plant that affects them mentally.  :: turning back to their host ::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Tries not to smirk, thinking he was just chastised slightly ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
Powers: There's a chance we might be able to salvage the situation but I must have the information Captain Sulek is gathering. Especially on this herb..
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Do you have what you need?
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO: Aye Sir. That's why I'm a gunbunny, not a diplo-dink. By the way, the supplies and my team have arrived. :: nods ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I have a way to get it. Kirt has agreed to allow us access to their agricultural databanks. It should greatly facilitate my research.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
Powers: I expect if we can find some way of convincing the Xephyerians that the Ja'Hia are really out of it and come up with options we may be able to mediate a peace... :: She says musingly, almost to herself.. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Return to the ship then and make the necessary link and downloads.  I think it might be quicker if we went to meet the runabout.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
Kirt: Minister, the supplies have arrived, and I have one of my teams keeping them safe until ye can see them distributed. :: grins ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> CTO: We are most grateful.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
SC: Big if there, ma'am.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
Powers: Just so.  :: nods ::  Powers: Once people find a shortcut they rather dislike the slower pace of regular development....
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
Kirt: There is enough food there to feed about 6,000 people one good meal. I'm sorry that's all we carry ready to issue, but we might be able to make more if we can arrange things, but that's up to me Boss. :: hooks a thumb at the Captain ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kirt: Thank you for your hospitality.  Are there any questions I might answer for you?  We will leave shortly to meet with our other team.  From there perhaps, we can set up an arbitration.  If not through us, then perhaps through the diplomatic corp of the Federation.  There is much for us to understand.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
:: Runabout pilot informs SC that they are expected ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> CTO/CO/XO: Again, I thank you for all your help.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Gives Kirt a slight bow ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Quirinus:  Away team to beam up.  Kirt: We will be in communication.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Quirinus: Energize.

ACTION: The away team is beamed back to the Quirinus

CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO: Well, that went better than I expected...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Murphy: I have noted that tactical often expect the worst of the unexpected... it is I think something  of an occupational hazard.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Go make your connections and then we will warp out to meet Harker and company.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO: Yer not paranoid if they really ARE out to get ye Sir. Better to be a pessimist and disappointed than an optimist and dead. :: nods ::

ACTION: Twelve hours pass, and the shuttle and ship meet up.

Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
:: Waits for the shuttle to dock ::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Yawns and stretches on the cot, waking from his nap ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Shuttle Harker: We have transferred all data to ships computers.  We can meet in conference room upon arrival.  XO Kraight has been working on the agriculture of the Ja'Hia for some time.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
Com Quirinus: Sulek: Understood. Sending our report to you now. We'll meet you in the briefing room.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Heads to the Conference Room, bringing her raktajeno with her ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
:: As soon as they are landed and secured, the away team heads for the conference room ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: enters the conference room and sits at the table ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Nods to the CO as he enters ::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Stretches again, and hurries after everyone else ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: arrives with PADD in hand, and is seated ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
:Waits for Powers and when the entire team is together they continue to the conference room. ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
:: They arrive in the conference room and Harker greets those already there, as she heads for her seat. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: You have spent the most time on the issue of agriculture which seems to be the primary issue. What conclusions have you arrived at?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I have determined that the Ja'Hia herb requires a rare amalgam of the minerals cormaline and fortanium in order to mature and pollinate. This amalgam is found only on Ja'Hia Prime, and not on the Xephyerian homeworld. I have not yet determined if, given a soil with the proper composition, the herb could be grown offworld.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
XO: Do the Xephyerians really need to take it forever to maintain the effects or is that merely an addictive property?
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
<TO_Gunn> *CO*: Captain, Tactical here. Long range sensors are detecting fleets from both sides approaching each other. 3 Ja'Hia vessels facing off against 4 Xephyerians.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
:: Harker makes as if to stand then remembers she is not the CO here, then glances at Sulek. :: CO: we can't do much without a cease fire... :: Is all she says. ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
SC: We'll need further biodata on the Xephyerians to say for sure, but the early indications are that continuous doses of the herb are required to maintain the psychotropic effects.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he looks down the table at Harker :: Harker: Agreed.  Neither are Federation members.  I would suggest that we each contact the leaders and perhaps ask for a stand down.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Harker: or perhaps... look at this as an opportunity... to get the two leaders to look at each other face to face... even if it is on our screen.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
CO: I had hoped we'd have more time but yes lets see if we can get a cease fire.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO/SC: None of those ships are a match fer us, but I'd not like to waltz into the middle of a fracas and try to break them up, given a choice. :: nods ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Murphy.  If we are to remain neutral... it is not our war.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
:: Nods at Murphy ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CO: Roger that.
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
CO: Well let's get the leaders on the screen then by all means Captain.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: this meeting is adjourned until we have contacted the two warring groups ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*OPS*: Hail both planets' leaders.  I want them ready to go on screen by the time we reach the bridge.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Heads to the Bridge to take her position at Tactical, and puts up a holoimage of the battle as it develops in one corner of the Main Viewer so all can keep track of the situation ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
:: Stands heading for the bridge. As the others are with her information she has the basics of what they went through on their mission though she had hoped to get more information but such is life. ::

ACTION: As the crew files out to the bridge, operations puts the leaders of both races on screen.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: enters bridge :: COM  Kirt/Zax: I believe you two know each other.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Keeps an eye on the LRS and puts Tactical systems on hot standby, waiting on word from the CO ::
Host SC_Cpt_Harker says:
:: arrives with Captain Sulek, standing nearby. ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Zax> :: furrowed brow, sneers :: Sulek: All too well.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Follows the rest of the crew onto the Bridge, no longer having a console to attend to.  Instead, he stands off to one side of the command center, eyeballing the two leaders ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> :: angry :: Sulek: Yes....we do know each other.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Zax: I just thought perhaps you had not seen each other in awhile.  Perhaps you have forgotten what your worlds shared at one time.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Kirt: Do you wish to stop the savagery of war?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Zax> COM Sulek: I doubt we have much to say.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Kirt> COM Sulek: I curse the day we gave them warp power.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Zax: You asked us here... yet you would risk all by escalating while we are here?  Not a good sign for your application.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Zax/Kirt: If you want this to stop... then I have a proposal... but first we need a cease fire.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he looks at Harker :: Harker:  We are going to need the station.

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

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