Brett
	Summary: With the crew reunited at the Taigu's palace, it is but half an hour before the armistice signing between the Legion and the government, which will bring an end to the terrorism and civil war that has plagued the planet for many years. The crew gathers to compare notes and prepare for the ceremony.

Brett
	<<<<Resume Mission "Armistice - Part 8">>>>

CO_Mordane
	::wanders in, looking worn out, and finds a nice comfy chair to flop down in::

CMO_P`Trell
	::goes to meet up with the Captain and Mash'ev, sees the CO:: CO: Sir. ::nods politely::

CTO_Marshall
	::Follows the Captain out of Taigu's office:: CO: What next sir?

CO_Mordane
	::meekly smiles:: Doctor, good to see you back.

XO_Mash`ev
	:: Leaves his quarters on Psellius after a quick shower and nibble of food, heads towards the rendezvous. ::

OPS_Knight
	::meets with the CO & CMO and takes a seat.::

CO_Mordane
	CTO: Now we wait... until which point we act like good little officers and attend a diplomatic function. ::ponders:: I'm sorry, I suppose I should have phrased that better... oh well.

CTO_Marshall
	::Frowns:: CO: I'm not very good in diplomatic situations, sir.

XO_Mash`ev
	:: Sees the assembled crew. ::

CMO_P`Trell
	CO: Thank you. ::hears what he said to the CTO:: Sir, shouldn't we be going there now? Maybe do a scan of the crowd... you know?

CMO_P`Trell
	::hears familiar footsteps behind her, turns to see the XO and smiles at him::

CO_Mordane
	CMO: Will it do any good? I'm on strict orders that we're only observers and not to interfere... from both the Taigu and West.

CTO_Marshall
	CMO: Did you guys have any luck on your end?

CMO_P`Trell
	CO: Well... ::looks a bit worried and concerned... then her antennae wilt::

XO_Mash`ev
	:: Walks towards the CMO, whispers so only she can hear:: CMO: Have I missed anything?

CO_Mordane
	XO: Ah good, you're here Chief. What's the report?

CMO_P`Trell
	::hears the XO, antennae perk up as he whispers to her, feeling his breath tickle her ear::

CMO_P`Trell
	::steps back to widen the circle around the CO to let the XO step forward and give his report::

OPS_Knight
	CMO: Doctor. ::he nods curtly.:: CO&XO: Sirs. ::he responds sharply.::

XO_Mash`ev
	XO: Sir, we followed the trail to an outlaying area. The people there showed us around. They were hungry and downtrodden yet they still showed us hospitality. I didn't see any evidence of a Romulan influence there.

CMO_P`Trell
	::nods politely back at OPS::

XO_Mash`ev
	CMO/OPS: Anything to add?

CMO_P`Trell
	CO: No... nothing

OPS_Knight
	XO: None worth noting sir.

CO_Mordane
	XO: I suppose I should be happy at that...

XO_Mash`ev
	CO: They took us on a tour of the area... honestly, I can't imagine a friendlier people, sir.

CTO_Marshall
	XO: How far did you explore?

XO_Mash`ev
	CTO: About 5 miles or so from the village.

CO_Mordane
	XO: I get it... we're nothing more than guests, and any hint of conspiracy was just that, conspiracy theory.

Brett
	<West> ::Rushes in, dressed immaculately in his formal civilian attire:: All: Well, are you ready to witness history? ::Looks happy:: Not every day you see the foundation being built for a new Federation world eh?

XO_Mash`ev
	CO: I haven't seen... ::stops when West enters::

CMO_P`Trell
	West: No, sir. ::smiles at him, unaware that she stood the ambassador up for lunch::

CTO_Marshall
	::Stands quietly and frowns at the Ambassador::

CO_Mordane
	::He's so... bubbly... it's disgusting:: West: Not a better day in my life Ambassador. ::puts on a fake smile::

OPS_Knight
	::nods respectfully to the Ambassador but shows no other quarter as he minds his PADD.::

CMO_P`Trell
	West: Ambassador, is there some place in particular you'd like us to be during the ceremony?

Brett
	<West> CO/CMO: Ah good, good. Well, let's be off eh? Now remember, you won't be allowed to accompany the procession down the valley but you may travel anywhere else within it you like. The best view will, of course, be in the Garden itself. ::Moves to the doors to begin the trip to the valley.::

CMO_P`Trell
	::looks to the CO:: CO: Do you have any place you'd like us to be?

XO_Mash`ev
	:: Mentally prepares himself for the trip, wondering if he can fake an illness. ::

CTO_Marshall
	::Shakes head and falls to the back of the group::

CO_Mordane
	CMO: Be my guest Doctor, lead the way.

CMO_P`Trell
	::shrugs and follows the ambassador out::

Brett
	<West> ::Looks over his shoulder:: CMO: I missed you at lunch today. But, I understand. Perhaps tomorrow then?

XO_Mash`ev
	:: Gestures to the captain to go next. ::

CO_Mordane
	::falls into step, praying this won't be as boring as other diplomatic functions in the past::

CMO_P`Trell
	::nods:: West: I hope so ::smiles::

XO_Mash`ev
	CO: ::whispers:: Any orders, sir? Should we spread out when we get there?

CO_Mordane
	XO: Are you still expecting foul play? After everything I've heard, and your report, I don't have any reason to think this is anything more than a celebration anymore.

OPS_Knight
	::follows suit behind and listens in as the XO & CO discuss tactics.::

XO_Mash`ev
	CO: ::whispers:: Anything could happen. But, without phasers, I'm not sure what we could do other than point and throw rocks.

CO_Mordane
	XO: We were told we weren't supposed to provide security, so we won't. We're guests and we'll act like it.

XO_Mash`ev
	CO: Aye, sir.

OPS_Knight
	::nods to the XO as he thinks he's spotted listening in and continues.::

Brett
	ACTION: The crew makes its way through the city toward the valley below. The walk is surprisingly short, and they are soon near the entrance. Ahead, the way is lit with simulated torches and a large crowd is already present, lining the route into the valley.

Brett
	<West> CO: This is where I must leave you. ::Indicates the Taigu's small group waiting at the valley entrance:: You and your officers may proceed. Enjoy yourselves!

CTO_Marshall
	::Looks at the large crowd of people as the crew inches closer::

Brett
	<West> ::Moves off to join the Taigu::

CTO_Marshall
	All: I don't like this.

OPS_Knight
	::observes his surroundings as the Ambassador departs and then questions how one is to enjoy themselves at a political meeting.::

CO_Mordane
	CTO: You were expecting perhaps a small tea party?

CMO_P`Trell
	CO: Should we go to the garden so we can get... the best view?

CTO_Marshall
	CO: Not really, but now that you mention it they could have at least provided some refreshments.

XO_Mash`ev
	:: Looks at the CTO with an amused grin. ::

CMO_P`Trell
	::looks towards the XO a moment all this lush greenery is quite alien to her but a bit romantic::

CO_Mordane
	::chuckles:: CMO: I suppose we might as well, we didn't come all this way to miss it.

Brett
	INFO: As the crew observes the crowd and setting, they see government security forces stationed in the crowd and along the route.

XO_Mash`ev
	:: Looks around the valley, trying to estimate where likely trouble spots might be even though he can't actively do anything about it. ::

CMO_P`Trell
	::nods at the CO appreciating his good spirits:: CO: Sir I must say it is good to hear you laugh and see you smile... though I do appreciate how tiring diplomacy and politics can be.... making one rather grumpy. ::smiles::

CO_Mordane
	CMO: Yeah well, don't expect it to last Doctor, I'll be quite happy when this is all done with.

CMO_P`Trell
	CO: And we are back on the ship? Me too.

Brett
	ACTION: As the crew enters the valley, they see the Legion contingent arrive at the entrance. Seven Pselliads approach and, once close to the Taigu's group, lay down their weapons symbolically. Several bear gifts.

Brett
	INFO: Some in the crew recognize the leader of the Legion; a slim Psellian woman. She was last seen on a back street of the capital two days before.

CTO_Marshall
	CO: There's no singing in this right?

CO_Mordane
	CTO: I have no idea.

OPS_Knight
	::raises an eyebrow at the gesture and then stands at attention as he recognizes the hostile woman from a few days ago::

XO_Mash`ev
	OPS: Thoughts, Mr Knight? :: indicating the valley before them::

CMO_P`Trell
	::nudges the XO:: XO: Isn't that....? ::subtly points::

CTO_Marshall
	::Looks at the crew, confused::

Brett
	ACTION: The crowd begins to quiet, sensing the ceremony is about to begin. Both groups approach each other, each bearing gifts for the other, which they exchange with much ceremony.

XO_Mash`ev
	:: looks in the direction CMO is 'pointing'. :: CMO: I don't know?

CMO_P`Trell
	::whips out her tricorder and does a quick scan of the area::

OPS_Knight
	::snaps back to the present at the XO's inquiry.:: XO: Sir, umm... Not really sir, just don't fall.

CTO_Marshall
	:::Covers his mouth and yawns::

CMO_P`Trell
	XO: the woman we saw in the back alley... two days ago?

Brett
	<Sissal> Ruissi: ::Looks surprised:: Ruissi? I would never have thought you were involved in this! ::Shakes his head:: All those business meetings we attended....

XO_Mash`ev
	CMO: Doctor, I think you have me confused with another blue-skinned officer? I was at the market when that happened. I heard the report though.

CMO_P`Trell
	::slaps her forehead:: XO: I am sorry... I don't have you confused with another blue skinned officer... I could never confuse you with another... ::looks in his eyes:: but, yes you are right in that you were elsewhere... ::doesn't add that he always seems near... well near to her in her thoughts anyway::

Ruissi_Bwevoss
	::Simply looks at Sissal for a long moment, then sets her lips:: Sissal: You know now, Sissal.

CMO_P`Trell
	::shakes her tricorder frowns at her readings:: Self: That's odd...

XO_Mash`ev
	CMO: What is it, doctor?

CTO_Marshall
	CMO: What's wrong?

Brett
	<Sissal> ::Nods, accepting the fact that he has been duped all these months by a woman he knew only as another wealthy land-owner and gestures to the valley:: Ruissi: Shall we?

CMO_P`Trell
	XO: Well I have a strange reading... not sure what it is exactly... something in the wood or the metal of the sculptures...

XO_Mash`ev
	:: Growing alarmed :: CMO: Keep scanning, doctor. I'll alert the Captain.

Brett
	<West> ::Takes his place behind the Psellians in the procession::

CMO_P`Trell
	::continues to scan::

Ruissi_Bwevoss
	::Nods and leads toward the meeting place::

XO_Mash`ev
	CO: ::whispers:: Sir, Doctor P'Trell is scanning the 'gifts' exchanged between Pselliads.. and she's getting an unusual reading. I asked her to continue scanning.

OPS_Knight
	CMO: What is the trouble Doctor? ::he watches her operate her Tricorder, silently reprimanding himself for not bringing his own.::

CO_Mordane
	::sighs heavily:: XO: Define unusual Chief?

Brett
	ACTION: The procession forms up, each group making a column which will move in parallel down the valley.

Brett
	INFO: The crowd watches, silently and in awe of the moment.

CMO_P`Trell
	::sighs as she doesn't detect anything new:: OPS: I'm not sure... I am a doctor not a metallurgist... but these metals may have properties that have intrinsic abilities to deflect the tricorder readings... not sure... ::frowns::

Ruissi_Bwevoss
	::Steps up to her place, her instinctive senses still on high alert - far too practiced to stop now::

XO_Mash`ev
	CO: Something beyond the simple wood and metal. It may be nothing but it could potentially be noteworthy.

Brett
	ACTION: The two groups begin moving into the valley.

CO_Mordane
	XO: Well, what do you think, does it warrant alerting security, or is this just more conspiracy theory?

OPS_Knight
	CMO: Hmmm, perhaps it is the density that is interfering with your scans? ::He does his best to guess what material the gifts are made of by looking at them closely.::

XO_Mash`ev
	CO: Does their security have tricorders or scanning devices?

CMO_P`Trell
	::hands OPS her tricorder:: OPS: I don't know... you might have better expertise... having been an engineer

Brett
	ACTION: The group passes the crew which stands to one side near the crowd.

CO_Mordane
	XO: I have no idea, it wasn't a topic that got discussed.

Brett
	<West> ::Frowns at the crew as he passes::

OPS_Knight
	::sighs deeply as he takes the device.:: CMO: I'll be sure you get it back, ma'am. ::he reconfigures to check the size and weight of the gifts to guess the material rather then depend on the scans.::

CMO_P`Trell
	::looks up to see the ambassador frown and feels badly::

CTO_Marshall
	::Smiles at the Ambassador::

Brett
	ACTION: Psellians in the crowd begin moving about, trying to get a better look or a better spot. The excitement of the occasion is tangible in the air::

XO_Mash`ev
	CO: Sorry, sir, this whole business has me jumpy. I'm seeing conspiracies where there be only shadows. And I tried to convince Jake not to get jumpy, too... ::sighs::

XO_Mash`ev
	CMO/OPS: Anything more?

CO_Mordane
	XO: Better safe than sorry though... right? CTO: Ens. Marshall... make your way to the nearest security guard and relay the information. Just inform them of what we found, we'll let them take it from there.

Ruissi_Bwevoss
	::Looks out over the growing crowd with an outward confidence and calm::

CTO_Marshall
	XO: Aye Sir.

OPS_Knight
	::frowns as he overlooks the readout from the Tricorder:: XO/CMO: I'm not entirely sure yet, sir. I can see the problem the Doctor was having.

CMO_P`Trell
	XO: Best guess I have is that the metal sculptures may be made of a substance that interferes with the scans... I gave Knight my tricorder to see what readings he gets... after all he was an engineer...

CTO_Marshall
	::Looks around and spots a nearby patrol::

XO_Mash`ev
	::smiles at the doctor::

CMO_P`Trell
	::smiles back at the XO::

XO_Mash`ev
	CMO: Thankfully, you brought your tricorder and caught something.

Brett
	ACTION: The procession moves down the valley.

CMO_P`Trell
	XO: I had said I would. It seemed prudent. ::smiles:: With Romulans nothing is ever as it seems.

XO_Mash`ev
	OPS: Keep scanning, Mr Knight. Hopefully there will be something to report to the captain.

OPS_Knight
	::returns the Tricorder back to the CMO.:: XO/CMO: That is correct doctor, the metals used in each gift is generating some sort of jamming field which scatters each scan. The field appears to be larger than the gifts themselves.

XO_Mash`ev
	CMO: That is too true, doctor.

CMO_P`Trell
	::blinks:: OPS: That doesn't seem right... if there is some metal that is native to this planet that does that... then its no wonder the Romulans have a continued interest in it.

XO_Mash`ev
	OPS/CMO: Well, that's something, at least.

XO_Mash`ev
	:: relays information to the CO. ::

CTO_Marshall
	::Runs toward the nearby security patrol::

Brett
	ACTION: The procession disappears around a corner in the valley and is lost from sight to the crew.

CO_Mordane
	*CTO* Marshall, we got a bit more data for you. Apparently the gifts are emitting jamming fields that are larger than the gifts themselves.

OPS_Knight
	CMO: Indeed. These objects appear to have been made to inhibit our scans.

Brett
	<Guards> ::Watch the approach of the CTO with some wariness::

XO_Mash`ev
	CO: Hopefully, their security chief will have some procedure to follow, right?

CTO_Marshall
	@Guards: You need to evacuate this signing now!

CMO_P`Trell
	::is worried about the procession as they disappear around the corner::

XO_Mash`ev
	CO: Should we move closer, sir?

Ruissi_Bwevoss
	::Momentarily lets her eyes drift up to the horizon, trying to spy the future::

Brett
	ACTION: Ruissi is rewarded by a faint spec of light, moving across the heavens. A good omen?

Brett
	<<<<Pause>>>>