Host SM-Lyon says:
USS Seleya - 10506.26

"What the...?" - Part 12

SUMMARY: The decision has been made... Deleah is going to Earth to state her case to the President and the council. What happens from there, one can only leave it up to the Senate and Council.

The Seleya is to escort her through Federation space, and perhaps even testify to Deleah's credibility in their opinion, and so forth.

CIV_Whittiker says:
:: Walks out of the turbolift onto the bridge, and then merges into the background, watching what is going on::

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
:: Paces the bridge of the Phoenix eager to reach the stars and fight the bad guys::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Sitting in the Big Chair, liking it a lot::  Self:  Hmm, this is comfy.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
@ :: Stands in a quiet corner of the Phoenix' control room::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@:: On the Phoenix, watching the CTO walk around, fiddling with his tricorder::

SM-Lyon is now known as Deleah.

CEO_Ens_Nadex says:
:: In Engineering, going over technical reports while being distracted by the fascinating technical specifications of the Phoenix::

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
@:: Sighs at the end of his arc stands a moment contemplating the flooring in front of his feet and resumes his pacing::

XO_Cmdr_Darklighter says:
@:: Steps into the control room::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
<Lt.J.G. Kerrigan> FCO:  ETA for sector 1.1, 4 days sir.

Host Deleah says:
ACTION: On the Phoenix bridge, screens show their current location in relation to Deleah's home world, and all kinds of interesting trivia. There is enough to keep everybody entertained.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
Kerrigan:  Understood, maintain present course and heading.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Exits the Ready Room onto the Bridge ::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Stands and moves over to the XO position::   All: Captain on the bridge.

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
@:: Stares at the view screen and starts reading the data to see if there is any tactical knowledge to be gained from it::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Looks around, realizing that the Away Team is now aboard the Phoenix. Looks down to the FCO ::

CIV_Whittiker says:
:: Sees the Co walk onto the bridge, smiles his twisted smile:: CO: Good Morning, Captain.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Thank you, report?

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO: Nothing out of the ordinary so far, were on course for Sector 1.1, ETA 4 days.

Host Deleah says:
ACTION: Just in case someone didn't mention it - the two ships are en route to Earth and would take 4 days to get there.

CEO_Ens_Nadex says:
::yawns and sits back in his chair, having a relatively light work load and grateful for it::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Sighs, wondering why trans-warp never worked out ::

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
@:: Huffs in frustration:: Self: Can't this bucket of bolts go any faster?

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Notices the CO's lack of enthusiasm and chuckles a bit::  CO:  We could always try to open a trans-warp conduit?

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  Course then, we'd all probably die, but....

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: What, with your piloting? We'd probably only lose the nacelles...

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Nods:: CO:  True, I'm pretty amazing...

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Rolls eyes but smiles::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Struggles to suppress laughter::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
*CNS*: Captain Muir to Counselor Modalis. How is Deleah holding up?

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@All: So...

CEO_Ens_Nadex says:
::Steps out of his office:: Engineering Crewman: Stevens, I'm heading to the bridge. If anything goes wrong, you know where to find me.

CEO_Ens_Nadex says:
<Crewman Stevens> CEO: Aye sir.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
*CO* She's understandably anxious, sir.  She wants to see this resolved.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
*CNS* Remind her that this is her best chance not only to argue her freedom but to win support for her cause. She'll have to be very persuasive at the Federation Council. Am I correct in assuming that she has your support?

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
@CMO: yeah, indeed...

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
*CO* Aye, sir.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@:: Nods then sighs loudly::

CEO_Ens_Nadex says:
:: Leaves engineering and steps into a TL down the corridor:: Computer: Bridge.

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
@CMO: I now know why ships in Starfleet aren't fully automated... I've never been this bored to be on a spaceship, if only it hosted holo-decks...

CO_Capt_Muir says:
*CNS* Counselor, you're hereby authorized to provide her any assistance she needs in preparing her testimony - to the limits of your own conscience. It will give her a better chance, and will provide you with the opportunity to learn yet more about her.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
*CO* Yes, sir.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@CTO: Well, we can always carry on with "routine" duties and, err, read some books.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
*CNS*: The away team is at your disposal for this, but remember they are only to do things they agree with - this is a voluntary assignment.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
*CO*: Acknowledged.

CEO_Ens_Nadex says:
:: Steps off the TL on to the bridge:: CO: Captain. :: Takes his station, signing on and pulling up system status displays::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Listens to the CO and CNS's discussion, and can’t help but be a little concerned.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Nods at Nadex, glad to see him again... it's been a while::

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
@:: Walks to the nearest screen and brings up Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@Deleah: So, tell me about yourself...

CO_Capt_Muir says:
*CNS* Good Luck, Lieutenant, Muir out.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Senses the FCO's apprehension:: FCO: Your thoughts?

Host Deleah says:
ACTION: A hologram flickers to life next to the CMO.

Host Deleah says:
@CMO: What would you like to know?

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Waits until the CO signs off::  CO:  I'm a little concerned sir.

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
@ :: Jumps, startled at the apparition that appeared suddenly right behind him::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@Deleah: Anything really, I want to find out more about your species.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Elaborate.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  Despite our mutual belief in Deleah's intentions, we may be moving a bit fast

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Scares himself in how Vulcan he can be at times - his upbringing there is tougher to hide than he'd sometimes like::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  In all reality, we know next to nothing about her, her race, or her intentions.  We've only begun scratching the surface, but we're allowing her more and more insight into ourselves.

Host Deleah says:
@CMO: That could take some time. Is there specifics? I can give you the data on physiology, culture and all the rest.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@Deleah: That would be nice, I'm interested in the medical aspects, but general data would also be helpful.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  Maybe we should let her make her case on her own merits, rather than assisting her in gaining the councils trust.  Err on the side of caution.

Host Deleah says:
@CMO: You can use any terminal to access the data. My interfaces are comparable to your ships'.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: I understand your concerns, but I'm not completely sincere in my aims.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  I just can’t shake the feeling were rushing into this without thinking.  Better to let her be on her way than commit ourselves to a course before were prepared.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Nods ::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@Deleah: Ok, I'll have a look at that.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: By asking the Counselor to assist her, I've chosen her staunchest supporter - someone she trusts. The counselor is more on an information gathering mission, I'd like to know more about these things before we get to Earth.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: I doubt any help the CNS gives her will affect the Council's decision too much, and they will be informed of the assistance.

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
@:: Can’t concentrate on the late 19th century literature and decides to read up on the different ship specs in the enemy fleet::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: The course we take from here will be the Council's decision. They need as much information as possible. Trust me; the way it stands now, you'll get your wish.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: But as they say... be careful what you wish for...

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@:: Starts to play with one of the terminals and downloads some data onto his PADD::

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
@::Spots an interesting bit on beam weapon power relays that might increase power output at the loss of ship illumination::
.
Host Deleah says:
@:: walks towards Roalla, a pensive look on her face::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  All I want is to avoid disaster sir.  If it comes down to us assisting the Phoenix against their enemies, I'll be there.  I just think we need to be a little more cautious in our dealings.

Host Deleah says:
ACTION: As the CMO walks off to the terminal, the hologram disappears in a flash.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
@Deleah: What is it?

CEO_Ens_Nadex says:
:: notices a quarter-micron misalignment in the warp field, and readjusts the warp plasma flow to correct it::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  Until then, I'll defer to those with better understanding of such political machinations, I’m just a soldier.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@Deleah: One more thing...

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: There are Councilors far more cautious than you or I, Mr. A’an. This will not be an easy fight for Deleah - no one wants to commit us to anything, after the Borg, the Dominion and the recent upsets in Romulan space...

Host Deleah says:
@CNS: How much do you think will I need to convince the Council and your President?

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
@:: Makes a note in his PADD to install some power couplings on the Seleya to the same effect::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
CEO: Do you have an opinion, Ensign?

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
@Deleah: That depends on how they feel about it.  From what I can tell, there's not much in it.

Host Deleah says:
@CNS: Are they about evenly spread for and against?

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
@:: Gets a bigger appetite for Darkness technology and starts to scan all weapons databases available::

CEO_Ens_Nadex says:
:: snaps up, noticing that the captain is talking to him:: CO: Sir? I.... can't say I'm too excited about the prospect of starting another all-out war with someone we don't know. Also, we don't have the perspective of the "Darkness." Perhaps there's a different story they would tell. I don't know sir...

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
@Deleah: It would appear so, yes.  It's going to be a presidential call.

Host Deleah says:
@CNS: So basically I need to convince him...

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
@Deleah: That depends on your argument.  If it goes well, you may need to convince less people after all.  If not, then it's going to be even harder.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
CEO, FCO: Since it's founding, the Federation has been an adept peacemaker. Perhaps, with more information, we can do the same here.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@ :: Starts to read their medical database as she doesn't answer::

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
@:: Notices the weapon emission frequency and smiles to himself:: Self: Fools, those frequencies went out of use a long time ago, who makes a weapon that functions in the "Jam-band"?

Host Deleah says:
ACTION: The hologram appears again with soundless flash.

Host Deleah says:
@CMO: Yes?

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Nods:: CO:  Lets just make sure out influence on their decision is warranted.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@Deleah: Ah there you are, if you don't mind I have another question.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  I like her, and she seems friendly, but so did the Cardassians when they first showed up on Bajor.

Host Deleah says:
@CNS: All I can do is tell them what I know and show what I have. Maybe there are reports of such ships already...

Host Deleah says:
@CMO: Ask away.

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
@::Is startled:: Self: Oh... you do if you have that much power output ::Goes slightly pale::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: The CNS has been given the freedom to do as she would wish to. I can't say that I feel too concerned - I would give other officers the freedom to present a case against, if need be.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  I do trust your judgment sir, don’t take my concern for the opposite....I just think it needs to be said.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@Deleah: What made you choose this assignment?

Host Deleah says:
@CMO: If your people were under threat and every available person was sent out to find allies... or should I say ship, wouldn't you volunteer?

CIV_Whittiker says:
:: Just watches what is going on, memorizing everything for later analysis::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@Deleah: I think you misunderstood me, I meant, being assigned to this ship in the first place.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: I appreciate your candor - it's one of the reasons you were made Second Officer. So keep it coming, by all means, Commander.

Host Deleah says:
@:: Blinks:: CMO: Oh... that. I was given a choice after my training as a child. I could become a city manager, or a station manager, or a ship. I liked the idea of being able to fly.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@Deleah: But being confined for the rest of your life? I'm assuming you'd have been able to live a "normal" in the other positions.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Settles back into his chair, goes quiet for a moment, taking in the discussion::

Host Deleah says:
@CMO: I had severe genetic deformities that we cannot fix. It was the life of a mind trapped in a crippled body, or being a useful part of society.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@Deleah: I see. :: Surprised that a race with obviously very advanced technology couldn't treat her::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Sighs and leans to one side::  CO: Well, assuming we do accept her interpretation and decide to align ourselves with the Phoenix, its going to take more than the Federation to stop this "Darkness" threat.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
@Deleah: Deleah, I have been authorized to use whatever means necessary to help you put your case forward, and I have an idea I think might help.

Host Deleah says:
@:: Smiles:: CMO: There are some limits to technology, Doctor. You may have advanced in medical technology, we advanced in other areas. We make do with what we have.

Host Deleah says:
@CNS: Oh? Do share.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO: Deleah may better serve herself if she uses this as an opportunity to make her plea to the entire Alpha Quadrant.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@Deleah: That we do, maybe we can share some time in the future.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
Deleah: The Vulcans call it a "mind meld".  Now, I can't achieve something as intimate as that, but I do believe that, if we join our thoughts together, we could be able to make best use of our abilities - your experience, and my knowledge of Starfleet.

Host Deleah says:
@CNS: Sounds very interesting... I am willing to try, but that would mean close contact?

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
@Deleah: Not necessarily.  We can try it at a higher level first.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Let's see what the Federation has to say. If we don't agree, she's open to go to others... For now, we're working on a remote possibility we could actually muster up enough to beat the Darkness - but perhaps we have more advanced technology in certain fields, that working together we would be able to defeat them.  Hypothetically speaking, assuming we can't broker a peace deal.

Host Deleah says:
@CMO: An exchange of ideas is always a good thing. You might also want to know that we don't have your transporter technology... so you advanced further in some areas then we did, and vice versa.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@ Deleah: Anything else we have that you don't?

Host Deleah says:
@CNS: I'm willing. Perhaps it’s best if you do take a position as close to my physical self as possible at any rate.

Host Deleah says:
@CMO: Obviously advanced medical technology, we just compensated by adapting our engineering to the situation.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@Deleah: Like what, apart from your engines, that is? :: Smiles at the hologram::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO: Well, again assuming she's correct, this Darkness doesn’t seem interested in peace.  She described them as a race with a singular purpose bent on obliterating everything in their path.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
@Deleah: Of course.  ::moves toward the column::

Host Deleah says:
@CMO: Are you trying to pick my brains here to see if there is adaptable technology here? :: Smiles at him::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: We'll see. We don't have enough information to decide that yet.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@Deleah: I'm just making conversation, I'm always eager to learn, and we'll see, I'm always happy to get my hands on new toys for my sickbay... ::continues to smile::

Host Deleah says:
@:: Giggles:: CMO: I think your sickbay can be a model for mine to play with. But you can investigate the one I have if you want. I'm sure we can teach each other a lot.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
:: Settles back into his chair and resumes his duties.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@Deleah: I didn't know you had one here, I'd love to have a look at it. I'll reciprocate the favor some time.

Host Deleah says:
@CMO: Just follow one of the droids; my holograms are mostly stationary interfaces.

Host Deleah says:
ACTION: A droid comes clanking up, waiting expectantly.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
@Deleah: Ready?

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@::Nods:: Deleah: Ok, see you in sickbay. :: Faces the droid and motions for it to guide him to sickbay:::

Host Deleah says:
@CNS: As ready as I can be.

CTO_Ens_Drum says:
:: Gives the screen an annoyed tap at the threat of the darkness machines and switches it off::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
@:: Follows a droid to sickbay::

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
@ Deleah: Here goes.  :: Closes her eyes and starts the connection::

Host Deleah says:
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