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Thread: Star Trek RPG - Mission #1: "On the Brink"

  1. #501
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    Collins replies to Cheverez "Not yet, not unless it becomes necessary - I'm merely saying don't rule him out. Don't rule anyone out. Assuming there is any DNA to be found on the device, we'll know who to question. But if there is no DNA, and I'm guessing the culprit was careful, no one is above suspicion."
    Last edited by anyrose; 14 Dec 2010 at 02:52 AM.

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    Fujishiro goes to the meeting room to do a complete scan of the foreign object. Besides DNA, she will scan especially for any proteins or other organic matter. She will also scan for dust or other microscopic matter that may be stuck to the surfaces. She'll focus her scans at creases, concavities, and corners where tiny bits would be hard to clean out.

    She will only do internal scans once likely external areas have been completed.

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    Delaney asks Cheverez , "Should I remain here Sir or begin scanning the local areas with my tricorder?" Meanwhile pulling up the engineering drawings, paying attention to oddball nearby spaces like storage closets, repair lockers and the like.

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    Brownlock begins his search of Starfleet's Medical records...
    Where are we going, and why are we in this handbasket?

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    Cheverez looks slightly mollified by Collins's explanation. He replies to Delaney, "Stay here, please, Ensign, and begin your scans in this room."

    When she explains her orders, Fujishiro is allowed into the meeting room by the Security guards who are securing the adjoining rooms and corridors. Vargas believes you'll be able to get a better, more accurate scan if he drops the forcefield. Do you ask him to do so?

    Brownlock, at his console on the Bridge, accesses the Library Computer. "Computer, I want to run a search of the medical and personnel records of all current Yorktown officers and crew."

    The computer buzzes at you. In an almost-monotone tinny female voice it replies, "Access to those records requires Command, Security or Medical clearance."

    "Identify Brownlock, Nigel, M.D., Assistant Chief Medical Officer. Medical clearance authorization Alpha 7423 Omicron. Confirm."

    A chime. "Confirmed. Clearance accepted. Working... records accessed. Please state your inquiry."

    Brownlock thinks for a moment. "Search all psychological profiles, disciplinary reports, background checks, and performance reviews for the terms 'Saurian,' 'reptilian,' or 'Banij.'"

    "Working.... Search complete. There are 588 such references to the first two terms, but none to the third."

    "Narrow the search to include any contextually-related references to 'hostility,' 'hate,' 'hatred,' 'animus,' 'dislike' or similar terms."

    "Working.... Search complete. There are five such references."
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 14 Dec 2010 at 11:49 PM.

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    Fujishiro will first see if she can detect anything with the forcefield up. Once she's got what she can with the forcefield up, she'll request it be modulated. She'll sync up her scanner with the field modulations. That should be a good compromise between ship safety and scanner precision.

  7. #507
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    Brownlock addresses the computer, "display the five references."
    Where are we going, and why are we in this handbasket?

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    Vargas nods his approval of Fujishiro's proposal, and she proceeds. Soon she has compiled a solid database on the gadget. Although there are dusts, proteins and other organic matter on it, they are such as are common to any Starfleet vessel crewed primarily by humans, and entirely unremarkable. There are no discernible fingerprints or other identifiers.

    The Library Computer whirrs for a moment and this appears on one of Dr. Brownlock's display screens:

    Gordon, Ens. Charles E. Engineering. Psychological profile for Starfleet Academy admission, Stardate 3444.7. Excerpt: "'...Saurians just kind of give me the creeps. My brother's big pet lizard bit me when I was ten; I remember having to get a lot of shots afterwards, and it bothered me. I don't think it'd be a problem if I had to serve with a Saurian, but I've never met one, and I just don't know how I'd react....'"

    Kendin, Lt. Command. Personnel report, USS Yorktown, Stardate 3015.2. Excerpt: "...Kendin said that, as an Algolian, he was of course raised with his society's ancestral hostility towards reptilians, but that he had left home at an early age and long since 'outgrown such narrow-mindedness....'"

    Miller, Lt. Robert. Operations. Performance review, Mendel Research Outpost, Stardate 2490.2. Excerpt: "...the officer said his least favorite task was removing fragments of Saurian molted skin from the recycling machinery; he doesn't know which of the outpost's seven Saurians is responsible, but he has his suspicions...."

    Ryan, Lt. JG Melissa J. Sciences. Security report, Provost Marshal, Starbase 7, Stardate 2317.2. Excerpt: "...Ryan was involved in a bar fight with three Saurians who, she said, had 'repeatedly insulted' a shipmate. She was arrested. One Saurian was treated and released by the Starbase medicenter; the others declined treatment...."

    Ryan, Lt. JG Melissa J. Sciences. Personnel report, USS Yorktown, Stardate 3902.3. Excerpt: "...Ryan confidentially reported personality clashes with Ens. Sathev.... She denied that she was prejudiced against Saurians in any way. She declined mediation, as did Ens. Sathev...."


    Pourtash hears Capt. Singh turn to Lt. Thalen at the Communications station and say, "We're going to need more time. Send a message to our guests. Tell them that an important Starfleet matter was just brought to my attention, and that I have to deal with it right away. Offer our apologies, and advise them that the diplomatic session will begin... two hours later."

    "Aye, Captain."
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 15 Dec 2010 at 10:57 PM.

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    Brownlock studies the readouts. "Hmmm... even though Lt. JG Ryan has had clashes with Ens. Sathev in the past, Lt. Miller's report seems a little more unsettling to me," he thinks. He will report to the Captain when asked.
    Where are we going, and why are we in this handbasket?

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    Scan and analyze, Scan and analyze, Scan and analyze ...

    Repeat.

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    After just over an hour, no other unauthorized devices are found throughout the ship, either by tricorder sweep or internal sensors.

    When Fujishiro has completed her scans, Cheverez drops the forcefield and Chief Harrison, in the Transporter Room, beams the gadget off the ship and into a higher orbit. Fujishiro could not identify the origin of the device, nor the precise nature of the gas in its cylinder. She has a hunch that a medical opinion might be useful.

    Singh asks Fujishiro, Collins and Delaney to return to the Bridge. Dr. Brownlock reports on his search of Starfleet records, and the Captain asks you all for recommendations.

  12. #512
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    Fujishiro send her scan results to Brownlock, saying, "Can you take a quick look at these scans of the foreign object? Just in case I'm missing something."

  13. #513
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    Brownlock looks over Fujishiro's scans...
    Where are we going, and why are we in this handbasket?

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    Hayes continues to scan for anything unusual. She decides to offer her expertise as xenosociologist directly to Lt. Cmdr. Roble.

    "Excuse me, sir, but I believe I would be of more help dealing with the potential xenophobia issue. If a crew member is responsible for that device, I might be able to provide some answers. Perhaps I could give Dr. Brownlock a hand with this?"

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    Collins assists her shipmates in their scans and data analysis, all the while keeping a watchful eye on all entries to the room to ward off lookie-loos

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    Brownlock sees that the gas in the cylinder appears to have some complex organic compounds in it. It looks vaguely familiar, but you're not quite sure; you would need to go to the Medical Lab on Deck 7 for an in-depth study. You could ask Chief Harrison to beam a small sample of the gas out of the orbiting cylinder and into a secure, airtight but scan-permeable container, under standard Starfleet biohazard protocols, if you wish.

    Thalen reports some grumbling from the Banij leaders over the postponement, but nothing too bad. Capt. Singh orders a reduction to Yellow Alert. She overhears Hayes's offer to Science Officer Roble, and says, "Good idea, Ensign. If we're dealing with a xenophobic crewmember, what approach would you we take suggest with him or her?"

    Roble adds thoughtfully, "And which of the four individuals that Dr. Brownlock found in the records, if any, do you think we should talk to?"

    Vargas and Collins see no problems with the meeting room or further unauthorized access to it. It is now far and away the most heavily-guarded compartment aboard the Yorktown.
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 18 Dec 2010 at 12:11 AM.

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    "Sir" Collins addresses the Captain, "I suggest we bring the Banij here and do our best to make them comfortable"

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    "We should talk to all four of them," Hayes replies. "And we should be direct in our questioning. If they are innocent and want the ship, crew and our Banij visitors to be safe, then they shouldn't take offense." Hayes continues, "Body language and tone of voice could reveal more than words. Also, it's important to consider the possibility that more than one individual is involved."

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    "All right," says the Captain. "We'll proceed with the conference with the Banij leadership, as rescheduled, and maintain tight security. Although I'm not entirely convinced that it's necessary, I'll authorize the questioning of those four officers. Mr. Vargas, I'll leave the details to you, but their legal rights must be protected, of course."

    Vargas says, "Aye, Captain. I'll have the four report to the pair of conference rooms on Deck 17 immediately. We'll question them one at a time, and keep them from talking to each other. I'll see that they're kept well away from the Banij leaders during the time they're aboard - confined to quarters, if necessary." He asks, "Mr. Collins, would you rather assist in the questioning, or be in charge of the Security detail for the diplomatic conference? And do any of the rest of you have a preference as to assignments for the rest of the day?"

    Before turning away to review a datapad which an Engineering yeoman is offering, the Captain adds, "Mr. Hayes, I must say I'd hoped to have you assist with the conference, given your rapport with the Banij astronaut, but if you think you could be of greater service in the questioning of those four, you should do that. I leave it up to you."
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 19 Dec 2010 at 11:57 PM.

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    "Commander, I think assisting Brownlock with the gas analysis would be the most productive use of my abilities," states Fujishiro.

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    "Captain, I am sure Cmdr. Vargas can handle the questioning of our crew members. If my assistance is needed, I could excuse myself from the conference. I think my presence at the conference would be more helpful at this time." Hayes pauses a moment. "I would, however, appreciate the chance to speak with those four crew members at some point -- or at least review the information gathered by Security."

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    Collins replies to Cmdr Vargas "I would choose to stay with the conference, but I will go wherever you need me"

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    Vargas nods. "Very well. Dr. Brownlock, Mr. Fujishiro, please proceed with your analysis in the Medlab. Mr. Hayes, report to the Transporter Room with the Captain and greet our guests as they arrive. When the last one is aboard, go the meeting room, but keep your communicator with you, so that you can be silently paged if necessary. You can review the report on the interrogation, er, questioning of the four later. Mr. Collins, I'm placing you in overall charge of security for the conference. I'll be conducting the questioning aft, but will be available if needed. Mr. Delaney, Mr. Pourtash, you're both under Mr. Collins's orders until further notice. Any questions?"

    Half an hour now remains before the start of the conference.

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    Collins nods to Cmdr Vargas and turns to Ensigns Delaney and Portash, "The room is secure. Post yourselves outside the doors and make sure noone unauthorized approaches."

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    Delaney looks puzzled, "Should I draw a phaser?"

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    "With the corridors blocked off," Collins tries to sound authoritative and reassuring at the same time, "I doubt it will be necessary. But both of you should have one set to stun just in case."

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    Pourtash looks somewhat uneasy about this, but sets his phaser to base cycle stunning force. "If you do have to fire at anyone, in close range it's still possible to cause fatal trauma on stun if you aim for a vital organ," he reminds Delaney softly.
    So now they are just dirt-covered English people in fur pelts with credit cards.

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    Delaney calls to closest weapons locker, "This is Ens. Delaney, Ens. Pourtash and I will be coming swiftly to draw out phasers. Please have them ready."

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    The Armory on Deck 6 will issue phaser-1s (the smaller, more easily-concealable weapons) to Delaney and Pourtash. Collins and her Security colleagues routinely carry them while on duty, of course. The pistol-shaped phaser-2s, into which the phaser-1s fit on top, are available when firefights seem more likely, and are issued to Security personnel under Red Alert and Intruder Alert conditions.

    As ordered, Dr. Brownlock and Ens. Fujishiro go to the Medlab to carry out an analysis of the gas from the now-removed gadget.

    Ens. Hayes reports to the Transporter Room with the Captain. Chief Harrison is calibrating the transporter for the eleven different beamups he'll have to shortly perform from eleven different points on the Banij homeworld's surface. A six-man Security honor guard wearing white gloves is just entering the room, along with a yeoman with a bo'sun's pipe on a white lanyard, ready to pipe the VIPs aboard. Collins joins them shortly afterwards, having made one last walkthrough of the meeting room and the corridor route to ensure that all is ready - which it seems to be.

    Cmdr. Vargas has gone to begin questioning the four individuals under suspicion, having already ordered them to report aft.

    Lt. Cmdr. Roble is in command on the Bridge.

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    The eleven Banij leaders and their two aides apiece are beamed up without any difficulty, the Yorktown altering its orbit to pass over their respective capitals. The delegations are each piped aboard and the Security contingent renders honors, which seems to please most of the Banij. Collins, Delaney, Hayes or Pourtash escort each delegation to the meeting room and help them get food and drink. The great majority of them seem thrilled to actually be aboard a starship, and they look around and out the viewports, talking rapidly and with great enthusiasm with each other. Collins looks over them all and sees nothing amiss, under the circumstances, although the Na and Soj delegations seem to keep their distance from each other.

    It takes about forty minutes for all to be brought aboard. After the last has been beamed up and ushered down the corridor by Pourtash, Collins is in the Transporter Room when Science Officer Roble calls the Captain on the intercom. He reports, "Our satellites have just detected several small spikes in Zheng radiation here in orbit. The location has shifted as we have. I'm cross-checking the readings and realigning ship's sensors to see if we can get a better idea of what's out there, and where it might be now."

    "Another ship?" Singh asks.

    "I think so, Captain, but it's still too soon to say. These readings are frustratingly low-level, and very brief. Whoever it is has very good emissions control."

    "Thank you, Mr. Roble. Raise shields but don't go to any alert without my authorization. I don't want to alarm our guests."

    "Understood, ma'am. Bridge out."

    In Medlab, Brownlock and Fujishiro take all necessary biohazard precautions as they scan the gas from the concealed cylinder. Its complex organic compounds appear to comprise some sort of sophisticated bioengineered toxin, perhaps a virus or other microscopic pathogen. The preliminary DNA readings of the organic matter are Banij. It will take time to fully study and understand the gas.

    There is no word from Vargas as he questions the four suspects.

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    Collins is concerned, but knows the importance of this conference. "Captain, we should go. If we don't show up in the conference room, the Banij may become restless." Jeremi is uneasy about the ship producing the Zheng rays, but hopes the Yorktown and her crew can handle whatever approaches.

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    Ens. Hayes does her best to be a perfect host to their Banij guests while observing everything that goes on around her.

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    Singh says, "You're right, of course, Mr. Collins. Lead the way."

    The Security honor guard deploys along the corridor as guards.

    Hayes's astronaut friend Pev is not part of the Na-Banij delegation, but she chats easily with those present. She is struck overall by the good mood of those who've come aboard. There is a sense that the Yorktown's arrival, and Capt. Singh's willingness to help with negotiations, may have broken a logjam in the search for peace among the Banij.

  34. #534
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    Hayes is a bit disappointed that Pev is not present, but enjoys her interactions with those who are. She is curious as to how the Banij will react to the food and drink offered them. Will they like the entertainment to come? Rachel has not forgotten about Cmdr. Vargas and the four crew members who are now being questioned. She hopes all goes well and that useful information is gathered.

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    Jeremi suddenly realizes she forgot to chose an accompaniment recording for her contribution to the entertainment portion of the conference. She excuses herself and finds a private corner to talk to the ship's computer.

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    The Banij seem to like most of the food and drink. They don't seem to have much a sweet tooth, though, and put down the desserts offered - Georgia pecan tarts and Riskian cheese pastries - after just a bite or two.

    What would Collins like to ask the Ship's Computer?

    Capt. Singh steps into the middle of the room, waits for the dignitaries to quiet down, smiles and says, "Welcome, one and all, to the Yorktown! We're very glad to have you here. I apologize for the delay in beginning this meeting today, but I'm afraid it was unavoidable. I know that many of you, perhaps most, have never been in space before, and I hope you'll find it an enjoyable experience. This ship is a home away from home for more than four hundred officers and crew from dozens of Federation worlds, all committed to the peaceful exploration of the galaxy. I'm confident that, with courage and wisdom, your people can achieve a lasting peace and, if all goes well, perhaps someday join the Federation yourselves. Some of your own children or grandchildren may in time, if they wish, serve aboard this ship, or others like her, but even if they don't, the stars should still be within their grasp. Let us together, starting here and now, make every effort to see that that dream comes true."

    The Banij make their characteristic throaty applause sound.

    The Captain continues, "For now, please take your seats. Since you shared some of your fascinating culture with us yesterday, we'd like to do the same for you today. Several of us will perform for you, to give you just a glimpse of some of the many worlds which have joined the United Federation of Planets while preserving their own unique cultures."

    The Banij VIPs get settled, and Singh acts as M.C. She first introduces Dr. Bucci, who plays a lively Mozart concerto on his violin. Lt. Dahlquist, in a strong tenor voice, next sings three short love songs with lyrics by Tarbolde - "Nightingale Woman," "In Your Eyes, Dear One," and "This Must Be Heaven." Lt. Thalen follows him, reciting an excerpt from an old Andorian lem'ul'ka or mythic poem, "The Triumph of Galev." Crewman Horell'in provides a brief demonstration of Bolian ceremonial dance, and then Spec/3 Anand plays a pleasant, upbeat tune on the khim or Thai hammered dulcimer. Most of the Banij seem to like it all.

    The Captain next introduces Ens. Hayes; Ens. Collins will perform last.
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 01 Jan 2011 at 11:49 PM.

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    Fujishiro asks Brownlock if we have sufficient Banij tissue available to do a few tests of the effects of the toxin on Banij cells.

  38. #538
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    Ens. Hayes smiles, then recites from memory her three favorite Robert Frost poems: "Good Hours", "Going For Water" and "The Road Not Taken". The last poem chokes her up a bit (as it always does) because it reminds Rachel of her own life and decision to join Starfleet -- definitely the road less traveled by and one that has made all the difference in Rachel's young life.

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    Collins is impressed with Hayes' presentation. During the applause, Jeremi walks behind a partition, removes her tunic, and slips on a sequin covered black dress that covers her pants. She reemerges and says "Computer, play CollinsBroadway1". Collins sings her best comic turn.

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    Brownlock checks Sickbay's cell library and finds that there are indeed sufficient Banij tissue samples to run tests of the toxin. You could also run computer simulations without actually using the samples, which Brownlock knows would be almost as good but would have the benefit of not actually using up the samples.

    The Banij seem to like both Hayes's and Collins's performances, and make their throaty applause noise loudly. Singh and the Yorktown personnel present also applaud, and then the Captain opens the diplomatic negotiations. After a smooth and calm start, things get a little out of hand. There are charges and counter-charges by the Na and Soj leaders, and some helpful and a few not-so-helpful statements by other leaders. Everyone wants to speak, and the Captain is sometimes hard-pressed to get the Banij to take turns and to give a respectful hearing to others; Hayes is helpful to her on this front. Then the talks drag on a bit. After several hours it becomes apparent that the Soj stand virtually alone, other than leaders from some neighboring regions who, Hayes sees, have been either frightened or intimidated into supporting Soj foreign policy.

    Singh patiently tries to help them all find common ground. She reminds them, "You say you all want peace. We want that for you, too. But you have to be willing to work for it...!"

    Here are links to the Robert Frost poems:
    "Good Hours": http://www.bartleby.com/118/17.html
    "Going for Water": http://www.bartleby.com/265/126.html
    "The Road Not Taken": http://www.bartleby.com/119/1.html
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 04 Jan 2011 at 12:25 AM.

  41. #541
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    Fujishiro suggests one live test, with which results can be used as a calibration check for more vigorous testing via computer simulation.

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    Brownlock apparently has no objection to this. You both run a live test; it and subsequent computer simulations confirm that the organic compound in the gas includes apparently bioengineered Banij DNA - specifically, Na DNA, as it shows subtle signs of the replicative fading which is characteristic of cloning.

    Negotiations go on for several more hours, until Singh murmurs to Hayes that they've probably gone about as far as they can for now. It is now almost 2100 ship's time. She proposes an adjournment for the day, to which the Banij, with varying degrees of weariness, all agree. The VIPs are escorted back to the Transporter Room and beamed down to their respective capitals.

    The Captain asks you all to join her in Conference Room 1, where First Officer Vargas meets you. He says that each of the suspects, after being advised of their rights under Federation law and Starfleet regs, vehemently denied placing the device in the meeting room bulkhead. Each insisted that they do not hate Saurians or other reptilians. None have an ironclad alibi, as such, for every minute of the day or so before the device was discovered by Collins.

    Singh thanks Vargas for his report. She says, "We'll resume the negotiations tomorrow, of course. Any thoughts or suggestions for then? And what should we do next in determining how the device got there? I hate the thought that there might be a saboteur among my crew...."

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    "Has anyone checked the computer for records of entry into this room?" Collins uses her last spark of energy on this thought "I'd suggest checking the logs beginning with the day before we established orbit around Banij Prime."

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    "Several dozen people were in the meeting room before Mr. Collins discovered the device," Vargas says. "Security, the stewards, mess personnel, maintenance staff, and so on. I've seen nothing in my review of the internal surveillance records to raise any red flags. I didn't look any farther back than from the time the Captain decided to use the room on my recommendation, though, as I doubt anyone would have anticipated we'd use a converted mess hall for that purpose."
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 05 Jan 2011 at 11:13 PM.

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    "Captain, I think regular breaks from the negotiations would be most helpful, giving us all a chance to stretch our legs a bit." Hayes pauses a moment, then continues. "I also think the Banij would enjoy more social interactions, perhaps even some physical activity. We could introduce them to some of the sports available on board. A little healthy competition never hurt anyone." Hayes grins. "Of course, that could lead to a brawl or two -- which can be healthy as well." Hayes continues with a more serious tone. "We need to promote membership in the Federation and its benefits. That it is a worthwhile goal for all Banij to strive for. And peace, of course, is a means to that end."

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    Fujishiro will summarize the compound results to everyone. "Contains bioengineered Na-Banij DNA, but nothing conclusive as to what it does. Our next goal should be to determine what the effects may be. I am particular interested to find if the Na DNA is present because it was engineered by them, or if it was designed to specifically target them."

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    Singh thanks everyone for their input, and adjourns the meeting, apologizing for her yawn as she does so. "It's been a long day. Good night, everyone."

    After intensive study, Fujishiro and Brownlock find that the gas would, if breathed by Na-Banij, function as a very effective neurotoxin, causing paralyzation and then death within two minutes of exposure. Computer simulations suggest that no other Banij subspecies would be affected. Dr. Villa concurs with your findings, and you report them to the Captain and First Officer.

    The next morning, the 33 Banij are beamed back up and the negotiations resume. Security remains tight, and Collins tries to grow eyes in the back of her head. The Captain works in more frequent rest breaks, and offers short tours of the ship to any Banij who is interested. Many are, although they are a bit too dignified to want to engage in sports. Each of you takes a turn or two as a tour guide.

    During one of the breaks towards the end of that day, Singh takes Ged, Chairwoman of the Governing Council of the Na-Banij, and Treggint, First Citizen of the Soj-Banij Republic, for a walk in the Arboretum. They are gone longer than expected but, when they return to the meeting room, Singh is clearly pleased.

    Ged addresses the diplomats, saying, "I thank Capt. Singh for her able assistance, and First Citizen Treggint for his courage and statesmanship. The First Citizen and I have been in close touch for the last several days, and have built on those discussions in our meetings here. I am happy to now announce a breakthrough. We have agreed to the establishment of a demilitarized zone along our shared border, the exchange of ambassadors, and the negotiation of a treaty for the withdrawal of all offensive orbital weaponry. We have also agreed, in principle, to negotiate major reductions in our strategic arsenals, and to look into the possibility of a joint Na-Soj deep space exploration mission."

    There is a hubbub throughout the room, and Treggint says gruffly, "Ged has spoken truly. As you all know, I am a military man and have been for many years. But I have come to realize that there is no point in continuing to quarrel over relatively minor issues while the stars await us. Capt. Singh has told us that no divided world may join the Federation, and it is obvious to me that it would be in the interests of all Banij to take our place as part of a mighty interstellar government. We must now rise above our prejudices and our ancestral hostilities, and embrace the future. I choose the stars over a radioactive grave. Peace is, or should be, the birthright of all our people."

    The other Banij are momentarily dumbstruck, but then unleash a tidal wave of applause-noises. Hayes notices, however, that Treggint's two aides do not look especially pleased.

    Early in the evening, after a celebratory banquet, the dignitaries beam back down again to Banij Prime. Then, after a short debriefing, Singh dismisses you all until the next morning's concluding negotiation session. What will you do until then?
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 06 Jan 2011 at 10:22 PM.

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    Needing to work off some tension, Collins heads to the pool to swim a few laps, then to the sauna. She hopes to run into Ensign Cooper, but realizes that would be a long shot. "What are the odds he's on the same shift as me?" but Jeremi certainly is taken with him.

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    Fujishiro goes to her station in the Science lab, so as to not disturb her roommate. She wants to look over the Zheng ray anomaly data again. This puzzle is making her brain itch. Maybe the latest observations will point to something. She'll come up with a list of hypothetical scenarios that might explain the data and see how how well they fit.

    She will work until she's too tired to be productive.

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    Ens. Hayes, more tired than usual, heads back to her quarters for some much-needed rest.

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