<SMDrew>	Patrolling the Frontier - Mission 15 - 10912.01

<SMDrew>	Summary:  Two hours have passed and in that time Prime Minister Drizik has requested help from the Federation to restore peace on the Lothian worlds.  In his dieing breath he passed on 4000 years of Lothian history and appointed Doctor Welland as The Lothian Contingency's new Prime Minister.

<SMDrew>	******************* Resume Mission ******************

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::arrives to Bridge level in the Turbolift, along with Gulash::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	::Turns to see the arrivals on the bridge from the Engineering station::

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	CEO: Commander.  ::moves out on to the Bridge, towards his usual station::

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	::at his station on the bridge watching the various communications going on around the Lothian planets::

<MOPS_LtJG_Gulash>  ::heads for one of the station adjacent to Hull's::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	::Nods in acknowledgement::  XO:  Sir!

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::moves in just behind Fong's station, taking in the scene on the Bridge, which seems docile for the moment::  OPS: What have you got, Ensign?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	MOPS:  Mr. Gulash, turning out to be an interesting day aboard ::grins::

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	::arrives on the bridge from the other lift and relieves the duty TO at tactical::

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	::Pulls a PADD from her pocket, and sets it on the console station of the overhead status, tapping several controls to initiate a sync between the overhead display and her PADD::

<MOPS_LtJG_Gulash>  ::hunts and pecks at the console in front of him, gathering what information the sensors have collected on the local planets in anticipation of an away team; he pulls up at Hull's comment::  CEO: It has been 217 days since I have killed a man in battle. I would hardly say this day is more interesting than any other in light of that fact.

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	::Sits up on his biobed and rubs his eyes groggily::

<CO_Capt_TShara>	::Steps off the lift and onto the bridge::

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	:: Leaning against the lounges main window, staring out at the planet, trying to figure out how to full fill the captains orders.::

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	XO: We have about sixteen hours left on the countdown from Lothian Prime, various attacks are ongoing, but nothing that would constitute a general distress call as yet, sir.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	MOPS:  ::Raises his right eyebrow at the comment::  Noted,...I'll try and keep that in mind, live for today! 

<CO_Capt_TShara>	::Nods to Davis and the others::  XO: Commander.

<MOPS_LtJG_Gulash>  ::grunts and eyes his console again::

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	::nods to T'Shara:: CO: Captain.

<CO_Capt_TShara>	::nods to Kizlev::  CTO: Commander.

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::considers how close they are from full-scale battle, teetering right on the edge of things right now; how long will this last?::  OPS: Very well.

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::moves inward on the Bridge, and away from Fong's station, towards T'Shara::  CO: Captain.

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	XO: Current orders from Starfleet are to hold position, unless we receive a call for help sir.  CO: Would you like me to contact Admiral Cosgrave ma'am?

<CMC_MCPO_Matthews>  ::arrives on the Bridge on the next Turbolift cart, moving immediately towards T'Shara and Davis, sniffing the action from the lounge and his last drink no doubt::

<CO_Capt_TShara>	::Walks past the others towards her chair::  OPS: Aye, Ensign.  Once you have made contact let me know.

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	::Looks around...none of his advisors appear to be awake yet::

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	::using the channel he has been forwarding data to DS3, and requests a new comm line with Admiral Cosgrave for Captain T'Shara::

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	::Hops up and walks around a little bit, stretching his legs::

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	::checks his console, getting the location of Lt. Senn:: Self: Why is she in the lounge. *CSO*: Lieutenant, is something wrong? You are not at your post.

<Admiral_Cosgrave>	COM: USS Claymore: The is Admiral Cosgrave Claymore.  How is the investigation going on the Thro Tal System?

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	FCO: Hold position for the time being. Have tactical and evasive maneuvers ready to go, though.

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	::Forwards the message to the View screen:: CO: Captain, Admiral Cosgrave for you ma'am.

<FCO_Ens_Lawrence>  ::turns halfway towards the center of the Bridge, her brown hair flashing back and forth as she does::  XO: Aye, sir.

<aMO_Lt_Sokov>	::Walks into Sickbay and approaches Raeyld at the master status board, folding his hands behind his back::

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	::As the continuous sync completes it configuration, she glances over her shoulder at the sound of footsteps, spotting Welland up and about again::

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::turns back towards Cosgrave, recognizing the sound of stuffy brass anywhere::

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	:: frowns and sighs::  *CTO*: Contrary to popular belief, I am not 
a permanent fixture at my post.  Archimedes is there if you need anything pertinent.  Otherwise, I am on my break, trying to figure out how we are supposed to find out information on Lothian minor without going down and not contacting them.

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	::Paces back and forth, too many things floating through his head to really give any one thing the due thought it requires...rubs his forehead and sighs, increasing the speed of his pacing::

<Admiral_Cosgrave>	ACTION:  Admiral Cosgrave's image appears on the main view screen.

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	::Also sees Sokov, waiting at a respectful distance as if he would stand there 40 hours, if necessary, while waiting to have her attention. She smiles faintly, and tilts her head, looking up from her seating position, at the Vulcan:: aMO: Doctor?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	CO:  Captain, we are battle ready, Operational Readiness 

<CO_Capt_TShara>	::stands in front of the view screen, glances back at Hull and nods in acknowledgement::

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	::was about to get the duty TO resume tactical, but sees Cosgrave appear on screen, and doesn't move an inch::

<CMC_MCPO_Matthews>  ::smirks at the remark, wondering how a fellow engineer could say that::  CEO: When we are not at "operational readiness"...?

<aMO_Lt_Sokov>	MO:  Mister Amica paged me.  I thought I should return to Sickbay...he mentioned that Doctor Welland had been involved in an unspecified incident.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	CMC:  ::smirkingly stated::  Yesterday!

<CO_Capt_TShara>	COM: DS3: Admiral Cosgrave: Admiral we have gotten new information.

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	:: As the other end goes quiet:: *CTO*:  Commander?

<CMC_MCPO_Matthews>  ::pulls at his uniform a bit::  CEO: When I was keeping things running, we didn't go more than five seconds out of 'operational readiness' I'll have you know.

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	::thinks, ''that's no lie'' to what the captain just said, then decides to have the TO take over as he heads for the turbolift against his own better judgment::

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	::Nods once to confirm, drawing a deep breath, and stands, to achieve something vaguely resembling almost-not-really-anything-near equal height:: Sokov: Due to a series of circumstances, Doctor Welland has been infused with thousands of years of memories and knowledge concerning the Lothians.

<MOPS_LtJG_Gulash>  ::in a low voice, audible only to Hull::  CEO: Operational readiness to him is a glass in his left hand, and a bottle of scotch in the right...

<aMO_Lt_Sokov>	::Raises an eyebrow, but continues listening::

<CO_Capt_TShara>	COM:DS3: Admiral Cosgrave: We have rescued 38 Lothian's that were adrift and unconscious headed for the Nebula.  They all have been treated and are resting in sickbay.  Prime Minister Drizik was one of the Lothian's we rescued.

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	*OPS*:  Welland to Fong.

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	Sokov: So far, he seems to be handling it, but it's important he not be stressed by any additional responsibilities. As such, until further notice, I will be leading the department in his stead, until such time as he can be reinstated.

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	::enters the TL:: *CSO*: I'm here, on my way to your location. We need to talk, you and I.

<Admiral_Cosgrave>	::Nods as he listens to T'Shara over the comm.::

<aMO_Lt_Sokov>	MO:  I see.  You, of course, have my full support, Commander.  ::Nods once deferentially::

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	::glances at his comm badge as if it had just become a spider and was trying to bite him:: *CMO* Fong here.

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	*CTO*:  Sounds ominous... if so, I am more then willing to get one of the lab rats to take the blame.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	::grins at the MOPS's almost inaudible sidebar::

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	::Smiles again, if a bit more warmly, but not overdoing it since is, after all, dealing with a Vulcan:: aMO: I appreciate that, Doctor. It is...very significant to me.

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	:: Starts to take a drink of her tea only to find the cup empty.::

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	*OPS*:  I was curious as to whether arrangements had been made for a meeting room for the... ::Pauses a moment, constantly rethinking his pronouns and placing::  ...Lothian delegation, as well as quarters assignments.

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	aMO: There is a more unfortunate issue to address, however.

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::looks at T'Shara, then back at Cosgrave, wondering how long a simple conversation can possibly take between these two::

<CO_Capt_TShara>	COM: DS3: Admiral Cosgrave: Unfortunately, he didn't make it.  ::Continues to stand in front of the view screen, hands behind her back::  Before he passed I was able to speak to him and he asked for our assistance in stopping the war and regaining peace.  Also, he made contact with Doctor Welland our CMO aboard the ship and with his telepathy he managed to pass along 4,000 years of history to Welland and proclaimed him the new Prime Minister of Lothian Prime.

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	*CSO*: I was once like you not so long ago. Feeling stuck to a certain place on the bridge, introspective and wondering if your actions are your own...
	
<aMO_Lt_Sokov>	::Tilts his head slightly::  MO:  Of what issue do you speak?

<CO_Capt_TShara>	::Waits to see his reaction::

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	*CMO* Those arrangements are currently pending the Lothians being cleared by med...you sir.

<SOO_LtCmdr_K’han>  ::also arrives on the Bridge, heading right for Hull and Gulash::

<SOO_LtCmdr_K’han>  MOPS: Anything new, Lieutenant?

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	::Maintains her professional dispassion as she passed the information along to Sokov, although it affects her to a deeper level within::  aMO: The process of "downloading" so much information and so many memories into Welland's brain is causing obvious physiological consequences.

<Admiral_Cosgrave>	::Rubs his head as he takes in the information.::  COM: USS Claymore:  Captain that is sad news.  Minister Drizik was a good man and one of the few to envision peace on the Lothian worlds.

<MOPS_LtJG_Gulash>  ::sits up a little at the semi-familiar voice of the ship's Strategic Operations Officer, who he has had occasion to work with several times since taking on Mission Operations::  SOO: Outside of our normal sensor data, no sir.

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	:: chuckles wryly::  *CTO*:  At the moment, everything is in the hands of the fed... we have no action to chose from... at least not one without some serious consequences.  :: Moves to get another cup of hot tea.::

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	aMO: Although he is stable for the time being, and will improve somewhat as his neutral pathways repair themselves. However, if my readings are correct, the situation will continue to take a certain "toll," on the doctor, and would likely decrease his lifespan by a considerable margin.

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	aMO: I'd like to avoid that, if possible.

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	*OPS*:  Ah, well... ::Is feeling stressed enough at the moment, and makes a conscious decision to try not to shift any of that stress to anyone else::  ...then, I suppose you can let me know at your convenience when those arrangements are possible.  Thank you, Ensign.

<SOO_LtCmdr_K’han>  ::crosses his arms, a little more expressive than most full-blooded Klingons::  MOPS: Hmm. I can't make any damn decisions off of this.  ::turns around to see what the rest of the command staff is doing::

<Admiral_Cosgrave>	COM: USS Claymore:  I will pass along the information to Starfleet and the Federation.  It will take time to get official support for any operations in the Thro Tal system.  ::Pauses and thinks about the situation.::  Looks like you have a war to stop Captain.  ::Taps a button calling up vessel information.::

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	*CMO* Are the Lothians well enough to be placed in quarters sir?  If so I will make arrangements shortly...but I was under the impression that they were not very well.

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	CO: With one of our officers neck deep in it, also..

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	*OPS*:  They aren't all in particularly good shape, no.  There are probably a few that could be released shortly, if everything goes well.  If you need any information, you should probably contact Doctor Raeyld...she'll have a bit more working knowledge of the situation than I do at present.

<Admiral_Cosgrave>	COM: USS Claymore:  I will redirect the Hoyte and Corvair to the Thro Tal system.  It will take fourteen days for them to get to you.  In the mean time you must get your doctor to Lothian Prime.  Whoever has taken over the government must be stopped before they damage the Lothian's further.

<CO_Capt_TShara>	::Turns to Davis::  XO: More than you know Commander.

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	:: Pouring the hot beverage out, she glances at it a moment, contemplating that for those on the planet, this simple item is probably a treat.::

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	::exits the TL on his way to the lounge:: *CSO*: I know what you mean. The dilemma seems complex, but there's usually a simple solution that's easily overlooked.

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	*CMO* Very good sir...is there anything else I can do for you?

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	COM: DS 3: With all due respect, Admiral, our chief medical officer doesn't belong in the middle of this. This is highly improper.

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	*OPS*:  No, Ensign...thank you very much for your cooperation.  I apologize if I have at all inconvenienced you.

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	:: broken from her revier she turns to return to the back table and window::  *CTO*: Nothing is ever simple... but I can go with overlooked.

<aMO_Lt_Sokov>	MO:  I see.  ::Nods again::  The psychological strain will surely be a heavy burden.  ::Looks to her::  Do you propose corrective measures?

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	::Watches Sokov carefully as he gives his response::

<Admiral_Cosgrave>	COM: USS Claymore: Commander Davis it is the Lothian government that needs its Prime Minister.  If Drizik passed the position onto your doctor then the only way to begin restoring peace is to get Welland to the Central Hall.

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	::Makes his way over toward the replicator, and begins programming in a recipe for Lothian spice water, suddenly wanting to give it a try::

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	*CSO*: First, we need to probe Lothian Minor, then... ::enters the lounge, spots her, and heads to her table:: ...we try to get both sides talking. Short of that, we'll have no choice but to cripple their means of mutually assured annihilation.

<Admiral_Cosgrave>	COM: USS Claymore: I'm not saying I like placing my officers in harms way, but there is no other way to take over the situation with out Welland.

<CO_Capt_TShara>	COM: DS3: Admiral Cosgrave: I have to agree Admiral.  We don't know all of the circumstances between the two and there is a timer counting down as we speak on Lothian Prime.  I'm not sure that we have the firepower to stop it.

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	COM: DS 3: I assume, then, that we have permission to aid in the security measures for our officer? He'll be under added risk as a result of this, as you just mentioned.

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	::takes a deep breath:: *MO* Fong to Raeyld

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	:: Looks up from the table, her hands firmly wrapped around the warm cup::  CTO:  Probe them how?  We cannot go down and last I heard, we were not to make contact with them.  Has that changed?

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	::Nods:: aMO: If at all possible. Due to the mass quantity of transferred memory ingrams, the material has become very well integrated...making it highly difficult to extract and eliminate the foreign engrams. Finding a solution...will be a challenge perfect for your skills and talents.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	XO:  Commander, the Captain wants a way to disarm the aggressors in the system, but I'm not too sure we will be able to get to the planet without a fight...I'm just not coming up with any alternatives

<Admiral_Cosgrave>	COM: USS Claymore: CO/XO: You will need to take whatever precautions you need to ensure the success of this mission.  Welland must take over the government from whatever radical group now controls the senates.

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::moves towards Hull's station, noticing K'han and Gulash as well::  CEO: What kind of 'aggressors' are we talking about exactly?

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	aMO: Unfortunately, due to our schedules, and the assumedly busy schedule of Welland, this cannot be your first priority. We're preparing to enter a veritable war zone. And Welland needs those memories for the time for his own tasks at hand.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	XO:  Whatever factions will want to keep the good Doctor from assuming his contingent prime minister role on the planet

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	aMO: But I will ask Welland to report to you from time to time for additional scans or tests as you deem necessary, and as his schedule allows. ...Thoughts?

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::sort of shrugs::  CEO: Well, right. Do we have any ideas about their weaponry?

<aMO_Lt_Sokov>	MO:  I have no objections.  ::Nods again, though doesn't appear as though he has already debarked from the conversation::

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	::waits what he feels is a long enough time:: *MO* Operations to Lieutenant Commander Raeyld, please respond.

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	::As Fong's voice queues over her comm badge, she holds a hand up to indicate a brief pause, and taps her comm badge:: *OPS*: Raeyld here. What can I do for you, Ensign?

<Admiral_Cosgrave>	COM: USS Claymore:  I will contact Starfleet as soon as we are done here and update them on the situation, but the Claymore is now our contact with the Lothian Government.  She is to act as policy and peacekeepers until the Lothian Government is restored.  ::Pauses.::  Good luck Captain.  Cosgrave out.  ::Turns off the comm.::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	XO:  At the moment, all I scan at the moment are standard disrupters

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	CSO: Not in the slightest, but our scouts can detect audio from orbit with their sensors. ::takes a seat at the table:: In any case, I'm afraid Starfleet is going to support our interference in trying to make peace in this system. I say it is not possible unless the natives desire it themselves.

<SOO_LtCmdr_K’han>  ::arms still crossed, he shifts his weight and looks towards Davis::  XO/CEO: I don't have any specific data beyond that.

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	*MO* Commander Welland informed me that he believed some of the... ::closes the comm channel on the claymore side as second nature::  *MO*... Lothian survivors would be requiring quarters soon, ma'am? Is this correct?

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	::Takes a sip of the water, and immediately scrunches up his face and sticks out his tongue...then looks at the glass a moment, blinking...and takes another sip of the water, scrunching up his face and sticking out his tongue all over again::  Aloud:  Glagh!  ::Shivers::

<SOO_LtCmdr_K’han>  XO/CEO: Once we get to the planet, it could be a situation where our marine unit comes into play for protection and all.

<CO_Capt_TShara>	COM: DS3: Admiral Cosgrave: Of course we will protect......  ::stops as the channel is closed::

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	*OPS*: Correct. I estimate five will be ready to be discharged by the end of the day. The rest will require an additional day or two or monitored care.

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	::Walks over and kneels down next to his security advisor, who is still lying on the floor, and taps his shoulder::  Mirthbirm:  Mirthbirm, try this.  Is this how this is supposed to taste?  ::Extends the glass of pale orange water::

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	CTO:  One, I would never trust something broadcasted especially be government officials.  Two, why would the Federation change its mind about not interfering?  Did our guests have that much pull?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	XO/SOO:  Aye! that much is a given, I'm referring to just arriving in orbit

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::nods::  CEO: I'm not sure how we could simply disable them. We'd need more data.

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	*CTO*: Davis to Kizlev.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	XO:  Agreed

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	CSO: It's not the Federation so much as it's Admiral Cosgrave's reputation with such matters... *XO*: Kizlev here.

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	*CTO*: Commander, report to the Bridge please.

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	*XO*: On my way. CSO: Do you need more time to meditate? The aroma of your beverage is relaxing to me. ::stands from the chair:: I wish I could stay.

<CO_Capt_TShara>	::Walks away from the view screen and towards Davis and Hull::  XO/CEO: I need to see you both in my ready room.  ::Walks towards her ready room before they can respond and steps inside::

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	*MO* Understood ma'am.  They will be housed in the VIP quarters on deck 3.  I'm forwarding you the details now.  Are there any particular concerns regarding their housing ma'am?

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	:: sighs::  CTO:  That got us a lot accomplished.  :: stands up::  What exactly do you have in mind for info gathering besides the comm lines?

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::nods at the response, then looks back to Hull::   CEO: I think we ne---::interrupted by the Captain, he immediately heads towards the Ready Room::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	::Looks at the XO as he turns to follow the Captain::

<CO_Capt_TShara>	*CTO/Prime Minister Welland*: Please report to my ready room immediately.

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::turns and gestures for K'han as well::

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	*OPS*: Please be sure to have at least one, if not two, general meeting rooms available for their use. Otherwise, there are no special issues to address, to my current knowledge.

<SOO_LtCmdr_K'han> ::scoots quickly to follow Davis::

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	*CO*:  Right away.

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::as he veers off towards the Ready Room::  OPS: Mr. Fong, you have the Bridge.

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	:: Upon hearing the captain, lengthens her steps as she follows Kizlev.:

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::enters the Ready Room, finding it to be a little more musty than usual::

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	*MO* Thank you ma'am.  May I ask....::stares at the XO's back for a long time::

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	*CO*: Acknowledged. ::taps his badge and walks with Senn:: CSO: There's the option of interviewing the Prime Minister's staff, although I'm tempted to press the Minister himself, if only to have an excuse to shake Welland up a bit.

<SOO_LtCmdr_K’han>  ::arrives right on Davis's heels, nearly running into him as he comes to a halt::

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	::looks around the bridge than tries to remember what he was doing::

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	::Leaves the glass on the biobed::  Mirthbirm:  Get back to me later on that.  ::Speeds out of sickbay and gets into a waiting turbolift car::

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	CTO:  Why would that shake the doc up?  And I thought it was the other side of the coin we needed to know.

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	Turbolift:  Bridge, please.

<CMC_MCPO_Matthews>  ::sitting in the XO's usual chair on the Bridge, he laughs aloud::  OPS: Lord almighty, I hope nothing happens in the next five minutes!

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	::Tilts her head a bit, although it's not visible to Fong:: *OPS*: Yes, Ensign?

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	CMC: You and I both Master Chief.

<FCO_Ens_Lawrence> ::Looks at Fong for a moment, feeling sorry for him for a moment, then looks back somewhat scornfully at Matthews::

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	::Arrives on the bridge, and continues briskly onward, entering the Ready Room::

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	*MO* May I ask why Commander Welland was not aware of the situation regarding the Lothian survivors?

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	CSO: If it's anything I know about politics, there's always what the humans call a 'Brutus' or 'Judas' in your midst among staff you supposedly trust. One of them may be a double agent from Lothian Minor, but that is just an intuition.

<CMC_MCPO_Matthews>  ::smirks, his thoughts lingering on a moment longer as he contemplates the biological logistics required to actually give birth to a ginormous Ferengi head; at that instant, he decides he's thrilled at not being a Ferengi female::

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	*OPS*: Welland is no longer functioning as Chief Medical Officer for the Claymore. He will be serving in a strictly diplomatic capacity for the foreseeable remainder of this mission.

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	:: steps on the lift and orders it to the bridge as Kizlev joins her::  CTO:  Hmmm... but you have my curious... what has the doc to do with any of this?

<CO_Capt_TShara>	::Nods to the officers as she waits for the CTO::

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	CO: On the planet Captain, I definitely think we're going to have to provide additional security if we want to guarantee Welland's safety.

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	*OPS*: And, erm...if you should see him, he is not currently "Commander," but rather "Prime Minister." Of Lothian Prime and Lothian Minor.

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	::blinks:: *MO* I see...  I assume that means you will be Chief Medical Officer ma'am?

<CO_Capt_TShara>	XO: Agreed Commander I don't intend on taking any chances in this matter.

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	CSO: Minister Drizik somehow transferred his memories to the doctor. I still have no idea how, aside from tactile touch. Perhaps something similar to Vulcan touch-telepathy. It disturbs me.

<CO_Capt_TShara>	::Glances over at Welland::

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	::Looks to Davis and nods::  XO:  Commander Davis.  CO:  Captain.  ::Nods again::

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	*OPS*: I will be fulfilling the Prime Minister's medical duties during his absence, yes.

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::gestures towards K'han::  CO: Commander K'han suggested possibly using the marines as a security detail. I think this might be a good assignment for Staff Sergeant Oley's men.

<CO_Capt_TShara>	CMO: Prime Minister.  ::nods::

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	:: Both eyes widen and then a touch of a smile appears as she shakes her head::  CTO:  Poor Marcus...  :: as the doors open, she steps out.

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	*MO* Understood ma'am.  I will make the necessary changes in the computer than.  Congratulations, even if it is only temporary.

<CO_Capt_TShara>	XO: Aye, Commander.

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	*OPS*: Thank you, Ensign.

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	SOO:  Commander K'han.  Good to see you, as well.  ::Bows in the traditional Lothian greeting, figuring he'd better start getting used to it::

<CO_Capt_TShara>	XO: Our first order of business will be to get to the planets.  We know that there are at least 200,000 fighters and at least 80 weapons platforms to deal with.  And we need to get close enough so we're able to get down to Lothian Prime.

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	CSO: My sympathies reside with Doctor Raeyld... ::they arrive and enter the ready room:: CO: Captain, I thought it would be a good idea to have Lieutenant Senn present as well...for scientific analysis and input.

<SOO_LtCmdr_K’han>  ::nods in return to Welland, not sure how to address him at this moment, and deciding nothing is the least offensive option::

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	::Slides out of the way toward the other side of the room, near K'han, as there seems to be a good deal of talking around him at the moment, not that he minds in the least::

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	::Looks back to Sokov:: aMO: My apologies, Doctor. What there anything further?

<CO_Capt_TShara>	::nods to Kizlev and Senn::  CTO: Very well Commander.  We are just going over the facts at the moment and the fact that we need the marine compliment for protection for Welland on Lothian Prime.

<SO Archimedes> *CSO/XO*:  Sirs, I have some incoming data 
you should know about.

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::raises his eyebrows unintentionally at the simple assessment of the Lothian weaponry::

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	*SO*:  Go ahead....

<SO Archimedes> *CSO/XO/CTO*:  I am picking up a pattern that repeats itself from both planets and both of them now have a countdown.

<CO_Capt_TShara>	CEO: Have you been able to make any progress with working around the weaponry?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	CO:  Captain, my immediate concern is getting to a stable orbit, apart from a out and out fire fight, I don't see the Claymore arriving without causing a whirl wind on the planet...even before the Doctor arrives with his Marine escort

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	::alters the computer to recognize the ship's Second Officer as a 'Visiting Dignitary', without altering his clearance level, than alters the crew manifest to list Lieutenant Commander Raeyld as Chief Medical Officer than issues orders to housekeeping to prepare the VIP quarters on deck three for use, as well as any nearby meeting rooms::

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	::Overhears::  XO:  Countdown?  No one told me about a countdown.

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	::shrugs::  CMO: Me either. It happens.

<CO_Capt_TShara>	CEO: Understood.  And at this point I'm sure we couldn't handle a firefight with their compliment.

<SO Archimedes> *CSO/XO/CTO*:  I am picking up what I 
believe is a large-scale military action happening on both Lothian Prime and the space between the planets.  The conflict appears to be escalating... about 30% from when we first entered the system.

<CO_Capt_TShara>	::Looks at both Welland and Davis::  XO/CMO: This is why I called you here to get everyone up to speed.  There was an 18-hour countdown detected on Lothian Prime during the time of Drizik's passing.  We have been monitoring the continually countdown and trying to figure out a way to stop it.

<aMO_Lt_Sokov>	MO:  I...believe I have been properly briefed on all of the requisite information.  Thank you, Sir.  ::Nods again::  Your orders?

<SO Archimedes> *CSO/XO/CTO*:  I cannot tell you why, but there is has been a large drop in populations from several different locations.  The most obvious is from the capital city of Lothian Prime.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	CO:  Perhaps sending a class 1 probe, we can recon what 
platforms and weaponry awaits us, we can formulate an arrival plan...perhaps at one of the planet's poles

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	::shakes his head, now knowing that good marine and security lives may be lost over this pathetic situation, and now an additional countdown and a new flashpoint between the planets:: CO: Captain, we must get both sides to the negotiating table as soon as possible, preferably in a neutral location.

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	::Sighs heavily::  CO/XO:  It's the countdown for the planet-to-planet missile systems...plasma warheads.  Terrible weapons, capable of burning away atmosphere and raining plasma fire onto the surface for days.  ::Sets his jaw, very concerned::

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	CO/CEO: Traveling in at warp and executing a stop and go transport of our people might be a way to get Commander Welland on scene at least.

<SO Archimedes> *CSO/XO/CTO*:  The second main location is in the mountains north of the capital.  From military chatter, it would appear large ground operations started there and from what we can tell, there is a leave nothing alive policy.  Ma'am, I am hoping we are reading that wrong.

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	*SO*:  You and I both.

<MO_LtCmdr_Raeyld>	::Gives sickbay a sweeping glance:: aMO: Well, we're missing our Chief Medical Officer, have two wards full of physiologically unfamiliar diplomatic delegates, and are preparing to enter a war zone. ::Stands to her feet once more, looking squarely to Sokov:: aMO: Sounds like it's time to head to the holodeck.   ::Smiles oddly, and turns for the exit::

<CSO_Lt_Senn>	:: Looks at the others.::

<CO_Capt_TShara>	CTO: The logical choice being Claymore is what you are referring Commander?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Hull>	XO:  An intriguing notion, we will still need to send a class 1 probe for planning our approach, don't want to smack into a weapons platform on our way in

<aMO_Lt_Sokov>	MO:  I -- Doctor?  ::Starts to follow her, as confused as he has ever looked::

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	XO:  It would be difficult if not impossible to transport inside.  The shielding systems are very complex, and no doubt the peace resisters have already changed the frequencies and the command codes.  ::Folds his hands behind his back and rocks from his heels to the balls of his feet a few times, a habit he's picked up from Prime Minister Drizik::

<CTO_Cmdr_Kizlev>	CO: You're a mind reader, sir. Sending away teams to the surface may be nothing short of a suicide mission, not without far more intelligence than what we already have. Even with the Minister here, the situation on his world may have changed dramatically since his exile.

<CO_Capt_TShara>	CEO: Aye, Commander as soon as we are finished here begin prepping a probe for launch.

<XO_Cmdr_Davis>	CEO: The probe could tip off our approach to begin with, though. I understand what you're saying, but we don't want to spoil our own surprise.

<CMO_LtCmdr_Welland>	XO:  Secondly, the electromagnetic field of Lothian Prime renders most such activity impossible to begin with.  I don't believe we should pursue that course.

<OPS_Ens_Fong>	::glances at the SO than back at his communications panel, and mutters about being distracted::

<Admiral_Cosgrave>	********************* Pause Mission ********************

<Admiral_Cosgrave>	********************* Pause Mission ********************

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