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

Ok, this seat looks as good as any...

Singh is seated between Ged and Treggint, and is soon animatedly talking to both. None of you are close enough to hear what's being said, but the Captain looks at ease.

Delaney finds a place between Chancellor Kyun and one of her Asl-Banij aides, both of whom are personable and ask some polite questions about the Yorktown and Starfleet technology. The aide seems to have had some engineering training.

Dr. Brownlock takes a chair between a Na-Banij diplomat and a Gir-Banij scientist. You learn that the Gir are what in Earth's ancient past would be termed a "Third World nation," blessed with natural resources but not especially wealthy or influential in international affairs.

Collins sits as close to the Captain as she can, and finds herself between a Deq-Banij diplomat who seems friendly (she soon invites you to visit one of their underwater cities) and a Soj-Banij military officer who asks curtly, "Why did your warship attack our defensive missiles? And when will you be leaving?"

Pev takes a seat next to Hayes. On her other side is a Soj-Banij military officer who glances at her and then coldly looks away.

Pourtash settles in between a Na-Banij government official and an Asl-Banij diplomat. They know each other from previous conferences and are soon chattering away together; the Universal Translator embedded in your communicator has a hard time keeping up.

Fujishiro takes a chair between two rather tall Banij, who introduce themselves as a Geu-Benij translator and a Becc-Banij diplomat. Their nations are on almost opposite sides of the globe and are on good terms, having had little reason to quarrel over the years. You learn that the Geu are noted for their communications technology, while the Becc are largely agricultural. Both invite you to visit their homelands, and express hope that you and your Captain will be able to avert a war between the Na and the Soj. Eventually the Becc diplomat says bluntly, "We would like to be friends with both, but the Na's system of [untranslatable] slavery and the Soj's militarism makes it difficult."

At a nod from Chancellor Kyun, the robots begin bringing out drinks and food from another room. She sees Brownlock, a few seats down, surreptitiously scan it and says in a friendly way, "Our physicians and scientists assure me that everything being served is safe for your people." Brownlock's scans do not indicate otherwise, so he tentatively takes a bite of a piece of spotted bluish-teal fruit and finds that it's delicious.

The Banij all begin drinking and eating with gusto.

Collins says to the Deq "I'm looking forward to it"; to the Soj officer, she asks, in a calm, friendly voice "Why did you send missiles against a ship that had taken no offensive action?"

Jeremi looks at the plate in front of her. It doesn't smell bad, and it's certainly colorful. She tastes something purple and smiles. Yum! She didn't realize how hungry she'd become.

Delaney takes the opportunity to scan the robots. Fascinating technology. He remarks as much to Chancellor Kyun and her Asl-Banij aide. He politely answers some questions about the Yorktown and asks mainly about the robots.

Pourtash begins eating, experimentally trying everything he can, while trying to follow the conversation around him in fascination. The Na-Banij government official and the Asl-Banij diplomat are clearly enjoying their conversation.

Seeing that Brownlock is eating, Fujishiro nibbles on the food as well. Best not to overdo it; safe does not mean too much will not cause indigestion.

Fujishiro cheerfully chats with the neighboring Banij. She formally introduces herself, "I am Ensign Fujishiro Tomoe Iota, Physics Officer of U.S.S. Yorktown. Please call me Fujishiro."

"The United Federation of Planets is a union of many species and worlds dedicated to peaceful coexistence. So it is our nature to try to resolve conflicts without violence. We also avoid becoming partisans within intraplanetary disputes. While we first met the Na-Banij, we will remain neutral. Our destruction of the Soj-Banij missiles was purely defensive and not intended to indicate any hostility. To be equally blunt, we truly do wish to be friends of all."

"Please, tell me more about the Na and the Soj. Your disinterested perspectives are much appreciated. In particular, what is '[untranslatable] slavery'?"

Later in the conversation, Fujishiro will try to change the topic. "As a scientist, I am primarily interested in unusual natural phenomena, rather than politics. In fact, exploration is the primary mission of the Yorktown and Starfleet. For example, did you know there is a radiation anomaly above this planet? I have been trying to discover more about it, without much success. Perhaps Banij scientists know more about it? I would be eager to share data and discuss hypotheses."

The Deq diplomat says happily to Collins, "Oh, wonderful! We hope you will come tomorrow, please, or the day after that at the very latest. Everyone will be so excited to have you visit. You haven't lived until you've seen Deqqen Main City, just under the surface, at sunsdown."

The Soj officer scowls and says to her, "If you hadn't formed an alliance with the Na and then approached our world without getting our permission, we wouldn't have had to launch missiles to warn you away. We have a right to defend ourselves against anyone, especially offworlders who favor our foes!"

Collins finds that most but not all of the food and drink is tasty or at least palatable, although the orange liquid with something stringy in it is definitely nasty.

Delaney sees from his scans that the robots are as advanced as any of Dr. Corby's models, the specs of which he's seen, although they are easily distinguishable - both to the eye and by scanning - from actual living Banij. Their brain structures are not positronic but neutron-fluidic. Their musculature is ingeniously arranged, and each is powered by a tiny, well-shielded and remarkably efficient fusion reactor in its lower chest. Chancellor Kyun proudly says that the Asl-Banij's robotics skills are widely acknowledged. She offers to let you visit a robotics lab whenever you like, "if that would be all right with your Captain."

Pourtash finds that he agrees with Collins about the orange drink, but everything else has an interesting taste or is, at worst, bland if not actually repulsive. The Na and Asl on either side of you continue to talk away, and seem almost to have forgotten you're even there.

The Becc diplomat is a little hesitant and Fujishiro has the impression that he might now realize that he was too candid. Nevertheless, he takes another drink, takes a deep breath and says, "Every nation has its strengths and its weaknesses, of course, and the Na and the Soj, for all their certitudes about their own superiority, are no exception. The Soj think, because every one of their people helps choose their leaders, that gives them the obligation to follow those leaders even when their policies will almost certainly lead to war. The Na, on the other hand, believe that their social structure, based on cloning and a supposedly scientific method of choosing their leaders, gives them the right to keep all of their non-cloned people in what, if you will forgive me, is little more than a thinly-veiled form of slavery."

The Geu-Benij translator on her other side hears all of this and says nothing, but seems uncomfortable. He changes the subject at the first opportunity and says, "I know of no radiation anomaly over our world, Ensign, but then, I am not a scientist. Perhaps you would like to speak to one of ours...?"

Ens. Hayes is definitely uncomfortable sitting next to the Soj military officer. Klingons come to mind. Rachel shudders slightly and hopes no one has noticed. She's glad Pev is on her other side and tries to focus on all of the colorful food in front of her.
"This looks very tasty, Pev. What should I try first?"

Collins pushes the nasty orange goo to the back of her setting. "I am sure the Captain has an itinerary," she says to the Deq "I don't know when we'll be visiting your land, but I will ask her at my first chance"
She turns to the Soj, and still calm and respectful in her voice and demeanor "We merely made contact with a ship foreign to us. We were not aware that, from your perspective, this meant an alliance. We will do our best not to show favoritism while on your planet."

Pev says to Hayes, "Well, let's see. The ugrull - this diced red fruit - very good. It's always been a favorite of mine. The polqin - the beige strips of meat, over here - is an ethnic dish of the Asl; I don't especially care for it, but many people do. Ah, now, this is yufini, a mix of six seasoned vegetables. I think you'll like it." He dives in himself, using one of the forklike implements arrayed on the table.

The Deq diplomat says to Collins, "Yes, please do ask your Captain about coming to see us. We would be delighted to have her visit, too."

The Soj officer says with a sneer, "Come now. You met the Na ship in deep space, you sent people aboard, you had one of their people on your own ship - look, he is eating and talking to one of your comrades now! - you accompanied the ship to Banij Prime orbit, your Captain first spoke to the Na's leader before any others, and you provided a case of something to them! A weapon, no doubt. If those aren't signs of an alliance, I don't know what is. It is clear that you intend to intervene in Banij affairs on the Na's side, and that can only be to the detriment of the Soj people. That is intolerable to us. There will be consequences if you continue down this dangerous path."

As you talk and eat, one wall rises silently into the ceiling, revealing in an adjoining room an ensemble of a dozen musicians with bizarre instruments of wood, metal and cloth. They begin to play a high-pitched, dissonant tune, but all the Banij just talk louder. Soon Delaney and Fujishiro feel splitting headaches coming on.

To the Soj officer, Collins says "perhaps you and the captain could talk privately this evening, and work out an accord; if we were to offer you the same item as we presented to the Na," she asked, knowing that without cloning technology, the samples would be nothing more than a means to understand humans, "would that help?" She is now completely amused by the officer and wants to push his buttons.

Delaney considers the music and decides to propose a toast to hopefully stop it politely. He rises to his feet. "I would like to propose a toast for this gathering if I may", he pauses, clears his throat and then continues louder, "To meeting with new friends and a chance to learn from each other. I hope through peace we can aid and assist each other and help all of our people to greater heights."

Hayes watches Pev closely and follows his lead. The food is very good. Rachel especially likes the mixed veggies and has herself a second helping. Rachel finds the music and instruments very interesting. "What can you tell me about this music and the instruments being played?" she asks Pev. Rachel is so grateful for this opportunity to learn all she can about the Banij culture.

The Soj officer seems a bit taken aback by Collins's offer, but replies, "Our leader, [untranslatable] Treggint, is already speaking with your Captain. I, as a colonel of the High Guard, would not presume to interfere in negotiations at such a high level, of course. But how could we be sure that you would give us the same thing as you had given those oligarchic cloners, anyway? I'm sure you wouldn't give us the same weapon, if any, as you gave to your allies the Na."

The half-dozen or so Banij closest to Delaney look up at him with interest when he stands, but none of them rise too, and the din of the music and conversations continues unabated. The Banij, it appears, have no tradition of toasting. The Captain is too far down the table to hear you over the noise, but she raises her glass and lifts it towards you with a smile.

Pev tells Hayes, "Those are traditional Asl instruments. They're called yuve'en and come in several different shapes, sizes and pitches, as you've seen - and heard. They are soothing, are they not? I believe they're playing Asl folk tunes. The one they're now playing is called 'On the Summit of Proud Mount Yundin,' about a legendary explorer from early Asl history, I believe." He notices your appetite and pats his cheek in approval. "Here, try the gulire. It's a fish stew that the island is famous for." You taste it and find that it's delicious, although a bit too spicy for your taste.

The musicians stop for a moment, and three Banij in costumes which seem to be made of some kind of palm fronds run in. The music resumes, more rhythmically now, and three - apparently one male and two females, although it's hard to be sure - begin to dance spasmodically. A few of the Banij around the table glance at the dancers now and then, but most just keep talking.

Delaney's and Fujishiro's headaches are worsening.

Delaney is fearful and wishes he had a sonic screwdriver or earplugs. Instead he rigs his tricorder to generate white noise, brings it to near his ears and looks to see if any other crew members are suffering. He gets up and heads for Dr. Brownlock, knowing he needs help.

Fujishiro replies positively to the translator, "Yes, a meeting with a few Banij planetary-science scientists would be very useful to all. We have already had a successful scientific exchange with the Soj, and meeting with other Banij would be beneficial."

After her headache shows signs of not going away, she excuses herself. "I must apologize for stepping away. It seems the food here does not quite agree with me. I enjoyed our conversation." She heads to Brownlock to see if he can help her.

Brownlock studies his med scanner... Is it just the dissonant music causing the headaches, or something else?

"I apologize" Collins says to the Soj officer "I meant "you" collectively. Where I come from the distinction between 2nd person singular and second person plural is often only a matter of context" She'd hoped a change of subject work calm him down "I'm guessing that your grammar works differently?"

Brownlock's medical scanner detects no particular physiological, chemical, viral, organic or any other identifiable explanation for the two officers' headaches. In your best clinical judgment, they are simply caused by the noise and stress. You don't recall from your brief review of Delaney's and Fujishiro's medical records if either is prone to headaches. Do you ask them?

The Soj officer is somewhat mollified and says to Collins, "Yes, our language has different words for identifying [untranslatable] and [untranslatable]. We would not confuse the 'second person,' if I understand you correctly, in that way. I can see that we still have much to learn from each other."

The Captain, Ged and Treggint seem to be getting along rather well.

Ens. Hayes continues to stuff herself with the delicious Banij food offerings. She will definitely have to swim quite a few laps later on to neutralize the calorie count she's accumulating! Hayes is actually enjoying the music. Pev has been a very good host. Rachel has almost forgotten about the Soj officer sitting there.

Brownlock does indeed ask Delaney and Fujishiro about their headaches...

Delaney answers, "I'm not prone to headaches actually, I rarely get them at all."

"I've never been prone to headaches, except when I've forgotten to eat or sleep," answers Fujishiro with a slight grin. Or maybe grimace. "Is there something you can give to alleviate the symptoms?"

Delaney asks, "By any chance are we the only ones to not try the food and drink?"

"No, I've been partaking of everything. I was thinking it was the food causing the headache. But if you have not, then it can't be the cause." replies Fujishiro.

Brownlock offers the two a hypospray of pain reliever.

Delaney accepts as his other option would probably be to request to beam up. "Yes please and thank you Doctor."

Dr. Brownlock pulls his hypospray out of his medikit, sets the vial to Metorapan, and administers 2 ccs each of the mild analgesic to Delaney and Fujishiro. In seconds they start to feel better.

The dancers leave the room to a smattering of applause, and more than two dozen small silvery, spiky discs, apparently remote-controlled or robotic, fly into the room and begin swooping in interesting patterns overhead. Sometimes they pass only a meter or so over your heads. A few more Banij watch this than watched the dancers. The band plays on, a little more quietly, in time with the discs' movement.

Collins, watching the Captain and alert for any sign of danger, notices that Treggint seems to be making a particularly important point, leaning close as he jabs the air in front of Singh and Ged. The Na leader is impassive; Singh listens closely. You still cannot hear what they're saying.

Pourtash notices that the Banij suns are beginning to set, and the shadows in the room are lengthening.

While continuing to discuss grammar and syntax with the Soj, and marine life with the Deq, Collins manages to keep part of her focus on the Captain and the Banij she is talking with. Collins sits slightly forward in her chair, ready to leap up and take action if it becomes necessary.

Hayes is quite interested in the flying discs and asks Pev about them.

Now that she is feeling better, Fujishiro looks around for a new Banij or two to introduce herself to.

Delaney's and Fujishiro's headaches are now almost entirely gone.

Pev says to Hayes, "I believe those are a Geu invention. They use ionic impellers to fly, and a simple form of artificial intelligence to remember a preprogrammed flight pattern. They've become popular for public entertainments in recent years. This is the most I've seen in one place."

Before Fujishiro can meet any more Banij, Singh stands. At a gesture from Chancellor Kyun, the band stops playing, and the discs at once fly from the room. The Captain says, "Chancellor, friends from across Banij Prime, honored guests: My officers and I are grateful for your hospitality and warm welcome. I'm also thankful to Treggint, First Citizen of the Soj-Banij Republic, and to Ged, Chairwoman of the Governing Council of the Na-Banij, for their candor and willingness to talk. I've been pleased to offer the good offices of the Federation in helping them move toward a peaceful resolution of their differences. I learned that this is the first time they have themselves met face to face, and the first time they or their predecessors have done so in more than a decade. I think they have found, as many people in conflict do, that differences which seem intractable at a distance become more manageable when you look in the eyes of your adversary. In our brief time together we have made important progress, I believe, and the First Citizen and the Chairwoman have authorized me to announce that they will now reduce the alert level of their respective militaries, and withdraw forces which have, in recent days, been moved to their shared border."

The assembled crowd of dignitaries almost all make the throaty sound you heard before, apparently indicating approval. Ged and Treggint make the same gesture of agreement, twice touching the backs of their hands.

Singh continues, "This is a good start, but it is only a start. Many more issues remain to be addressed, and at the request of both leaders, the Federation will continue to play a role in in helping them do so. Accordingly, and as a gesture of our goodwill, I invite all of the Banij leaders now gathered in this room to come aboard my ship tomorrow, to further discuss how we might, together, build a lasting peace among all of your people."

The throaty sounds get even louder, and there is now an excited babble in the air. You all catch snatches of conversation around you: "Aboard their starship?... unprecedented for Treggint to... know what she's doing... never been in space before!... Ged must be confident that... yes, in orbit, on an offworlder ship, no less!... must tell my government that... never work... why not, if it will....."

Singh's voice rises above the commotion as she concludes, "We will be in touch with each of you shortly to make arrangements for your visit. For now, though, please accept my thanks, and excuse my officers and me as we return to the Yorktown. This has been a good day, and I have every hope that tomorrow will be better still."

Over the excited babble of the VIPs, the Captain says her farewells to the top leaders and goes outside with you six. It's getting dark and Pourtash notices a flock of sleek seabirds flying towards one of the setting suns. The Captain takes out her communicator and says, "Singh to Yorktown. Stand by. Seven to beam up."

Anything you say or do before returning to the ship?

Brownlock comments, "I'm still curious about Delaney and Fujishiro's headaches. Too fast and too intense, especially for two people who rarely suffer from them. I recorded some of the music after they started complaining about it. Hopefully some analysis of the sonic properties will shed some light on the issue..."

Ens. Hayes is sorry to leave, but is very much looking forward to the Banij visit aboard ship tomorrow. She will find it hard to sleep after such an exciting time. On Andor, events like this could last all night or even several days. Rachel looks forward to learning more and exploring everything the Banij and their culture have to offer. She prepares herself -- if that's even possible -- for beaming back to the ship.

Collins says a pleasant good night to her two dinner companions and moves to her position, behind and to the side of the Captain.

Singh looks to see that the landing party is properly assembled around her, then says into her communicator, "Yorktown, we're ready. Beam us up."

The transporter effect takes you at once, and you find yourself standing on the platform in the Transporter Room. Cmdr. Vargas is behind the console with Chief Harrison. The First Officer says, "Welcome back, everyone. I hope it went well?"

Singh says, "Thank you, Mr. Vargas. Yes, I think it did." She briefly fills him in on what happened, and asks him to set up the next day's meeting for 1230 hours, with Communications Officer Thalen to broadcast specific invitations for each of the eleven Banij leaders and no more than two aides each. Vargas's eyes widen just a little, and after a moment he points out that this would be too big a crowd for the Wardroom. He suggests one of the mess halls be adapted for the meeting. Singh agrees, yawns, stretches and says, "I think it would be best if we debrief after everyone's had a good night's rest. You're all off-duty, effective immediately. Let's meet at 1000 in Conference Room 1. Thank you all. Good night." She heads for the door.

Delaney checks his tricorder's chronometer and is surprised to see that the dinner lasted nearly three hours. He fights a yawn himself; Collins and Pourtash see this and feel the urge as well.

What would you like to do tonight and/or before the morning debriefing?

Collins briefly considers going to work off some of dinner, but decides that sleep is a much better idea, so she returns to her cabin, moving as quietly as possible in case her roommate is already asleep.

After an hour of tossing and turning, Jeremi decides some light aerobics may be in order, so she gets dressed and heads to the gym

Delaney would like to grab a fast meal and then report to sickbay. He does not trust the odd headache. If he checks out clean he will get some sleep. He will do a quick check on the sensor scans and then get some sleep.

There is no way Ens. Hayes can sleep after such an exciting, interesting experience. She will add her tricorder information to the library computer and check it later after some much-needed laps in the pool -- to relax a bit and work off whatever extra calories the very enjoyable (and filling) Banij feast has added. Hayes rarely sleeps that much and her metabolism is quite high. Still, the Banij meal has given her a bloated, heavy feeling. Then again, Rachel did eat more than is usual for her. She just couldn't help herself. The Banij food was delicious!

By now the ship's lights are dimmed for the "night." The corridors are quieter and less crowded.

Collins finds that her cabinmate Ens. Terezis has left a comm message: I'm out on a date. Hope the mission went well! Might be back late - don't wait up. EUTERPE. She changes into athletic gear and goes to the Gym. After ten minutes of aerobics she's worked up a light sweat and feels much better. She hears a friendly voice behind her say, "Hello, Ens. Collins. I was hoping I'd see you here again. How'd things go on the planet?" It's Ens. Ben Cooper, the shuttle pilot she had noticed earlier. He's toweling off after apparently running laps and is looking good.

Nurse Perry is standing watch in Sickbay; she scans Delaney and finds nothing wrong. She takes a blood sample and promises to have either Dr. Villa or Dr. Brownlock take a closer look when they come in. Delaney learns from the Sciences duty officer, Lt. Gennadi Antonov, a sensor specialist, that there have been no readings out of the ordinary, Zheng rays or otherwise. After dinner, Delaney falls asleep almost the moment his head hits his pillow.

Ens. Hayes downloads her tricorder information to the Library Computer, changes into her swimsuit and has a good swim, having the pool almost entirely to herself at this hour. When she returns to her cabin she sees a message in her comm account that the Science Officer has already taken a look at the tricorder readings: Nice work, Mr. Hayes. Some interesting data here. We'll discuss it tomorrow. ROBLE.

Jeremi smiles at Ensign Cooper "Please call me Jeremi, or Jeri for short" She subtly looks him up and down and approves wholeheartedly. "I was just finishing up - Would you like to join me in the lounge?" Collins doesn't do the "coy" thing. She feels certain her invitation will be accepted.

Cooper returns her smile. "That sounds good, Jeri. Let me take a quick shower, and I'll meet you there."

He's not long, and soon both of you find a table in the small lounge just off the Gym. Another couple in workout clothes and a group of five Engineering techs, none of whom you recognize, are also there, drinking, talking and laughing. It's a comfortable room; the lights are low and some Arcturan jazz is playing in the background. Cooper gestures to the bank of replicators along one bulkhead and says, "Would you like a bite to eat? Maybe something to drink? Name your poison."

"Rum and Coke, please" Jeremi smiles "and anything salty and crunchy"

Brownlock decides to look over the tricorder readings, but finds his mind drifting and his eyelids closing, so he decides to tackle the puzzle after a good night's sleep.

Ens. Hayes is glad she decided to bring her tricorder along. She looks forward to discussing the information with Lt. Cmdr. Roble. It's always good to receive positive feedback from your superior officer. Rachel has never been a "people pleaser", but she does want to do well and move ahead in her Starfleet career. What young officer doesn't....

Fujishiro is slightly disappointed the landing party had to return so quickly, but realizes that she probably needs to rest anyway. Once in her quarters she takes a quick shower and then sleeps.

Cooper orders a Rum and Coke (although Coca-Cola no longer actually exists by that time, several similar beverages do, and the name has persisted) for Collins, and a glass of Saurian brandy for himself, as well as a plate of fresh-baked hard pretzels. "They're actually pretty good," he says, setting them down on the table in front of Collins. "Not as good as my Uncle Al bakes, but not too bad. So how were things on the planet today? See anything interesting? Did anyone shoot at you?"

Brownlock, Pourtash, Delaney, Hayes and Fujishiro quickly drift off to sleep in their respective bunks.

And around you, the Yorktown sweeps along in standard orbit high above the cloud-flecked Banij homeworld, advancing towards the dawn.

Jeremi tells Ben about the meal, the musicians, the dancers, and the robots; but not about her conversations with the Banij who sat on either side of her.

Cooper is very interested in what you have to say, and has a lot of friendly questions. You enjoy your visit with him. After an hour or so, though, you find yourself yawning; it's been a long day. He walks you back to your quarters and says he hopes to see you again.

The next morning you all awake after a sound sleep. What do you do before the senior staff meeting?

Fujishiro will review the ship's and probes' sensor data to see if there's anything more conclusive about the radiation anomaly. She will also log the details of her conversation with the Banij.

Hayes will swim a few laps in the pool, then eat a light breakfast (she's still quite full from the Banij feast) and hopefully have a chance for a brief discussion with
Lt. Cmdr. Roble about her tricorder readings before the meeting.

Jeremi hits the snooze bar a couple of times, but manages to get up, washed, and dressed in plenty of time.

Brownlock stops by Sickbay to look over his readings in case there is something to report at the meeting

Delaney reviews all the data collected on his tricorder the night before for anything odd or interesting.

Fujishiro learns that no additional radiation anomalies have been discovered overnight, although the small satellites have been gathering a lot of useful information.

Roble meets with Hayes and Fujishiro in one of the Sciences labs and praises them for their tricorder readings. He thinks they might someday even be used in training Starfleet personnel for First Contact situations.

First Officer Vargas asks Collins to assist him in looking over the planetary leaders' meeting site, a converted mess hall, after the senior staff meeting. You are struck again by what a cold fish he seems.

When Dr. Brownlock stops into Sickbay, Nurse Perry asks him to look over Delaney's medical scan and blood sample from the night before to see if anything is amiss; she doesn't think there is. Although a fine nurse, of course she isn't a trained diagnostician.

Delaney's tricorder readings of the robots and the flying discs are particularly interesting; the technologies are dissimilar to those known to the Federation. There may be commercial applications, or trade possibilities, for these particular examples of Banij engineering.

Capt. Singh convenes a meeting of the Yorktown's senior staff at the stroke of 1000. Over a piping hot cup of tea she says, "Good morning, everyone. Mr. Vargas tells me that the Na and Soj have overnight, as agreed, reduced the alert level of their forces and begun to withdraw the troops which they'd moved to their shared border. I want to build on those first steps in this afternoon's meeting. Any particular thoughts or observations about what happened yesterday, and what our approach should be today?"

After a quick review of her conversation with the Becc and Geu representatives, Fujishiro forwards, "I believe we have much to gain by actively engaging the other Banij factions. In addition to demonstrating our impartiality among the factions, we can gain more neutral information about the Soj and Na. As a suggestion, scientific exchanges may be most useful, both on their own merits and to establish personal contacts."

"Ens. Fujishiro has a good point," Ens. Hayes says. "The Soj and Na have clear agendas that are in conflict with each other. The other Banij factions could play an important role here." Hayes pauses a moment, then continues. "I'm also quite curious about the Soj and their 'cooperation' now after such a hostile start. Our presence and the realization that we have the upper hand might have something to do with it, but I'd be on the alert for a hidden agenda from the Soj."

"Yes, sir" Collins responds to Vargas. "All business with him", she thinks to herself, "that's fine. But what does he expect to find in that mess hall?"

"Are they actually factions," Vargas asks Hayes and Fujishiro, "or nation-states as would have been found on Earth at that analogous point in its socio-political development? Won't that make a difference as to how we deal with them?"

"Did you learn anything yesterday about the various Banij cultures that would be useful in today's discussions?" Science Officer Roble also asks. "Points of interest, particular strengths or weaknesses, or social concepts that will better help us bring the parties together in agreement?"

"History is not my strong point," notes Fujishiro. "I'm not entirely clear about the the fine distinctions between 'nation-state' and 'faction'. But now that they are aware of the larger galaxy that their world is a part of, perhaps they will find that their own intraplanetary differences matter less." She adds with an impish smile, "and if they are not aware, our priority should be to make them so."

Having already reviewed her conversation during the meeting, she allows others to give input.

"Ensign," Collins addresses Fujishiro, "even if you're kidding, it's a bad idea. Putting aside the Prime Directive, our goal should be to encourage them to work together. They know it's there, even if they don't yet grasp the galaxy's enormity. They have a better chance of exploring it safely by cooperating, than by racing to see who gets there first with a "casualties be damned" attitude."

Fujishiro looks at Collins with a confused expression. "I think you must have misunderstood me, since your suggestion is the same as mine."

Collins apologizes and explains she was reacting to Fujishiro's jibe about "making them aware of it"

Brownlock waits his turn to report on his finding about the sudden and intense headaches.

Delaney will add to the headaches his own experience and the data he collected on the robots.

Dr. Villa says, "Captain, Dr. Brownlock would like to report on two of the landing party members' headaches, I know. Nurse Perry helped him with some bloodwork and a scan last night of Mr. Delaney."

"Go ahead, Doctor," Singh says encouragingly.

Later in the meeting, everyone is very interested to hear about the young engineer's findings about the robots and the flying discs. Chief Engineer Cheverez suggests that as to those devices, at least, the Banij are on a par with - and perhaps slightly more advanced than - the Federation.

Capt. Singh also says, "I thought I overheard something about the Na-Banij actually practicing slavery. What do we know about that?"

Fujishiro purses her lips and silently wonders how much attention the other officer give to her reports. "Captain, as I covered in my review, the Becc diplomat stated that the Na keep their non-cloned people in a form of slavery. I don't believe we have any further information about that."

"The various Banij cultures all seem to be quite different from each other," Ens. Hayes says. "If we can find out how they are alike -- if at all -- that would be a good starting point in the discussions." Hayes ponders a moment, then adds, "I'd like to know more about how Banij culture began. They all may be at odds now, but perhaps they were not at one point in their distant past. The past can tell us much about the present."

"Or they might have been even further at odds," comments Pourtash. "A bit of history would be valuable, though. I'd be particularly interested in knowing how the political bodies that exist now came to be and what was occurring when the cloning became ubiquitous among the Na."

"Those are all questions worth asking our guests this afternoon," Roble says, nodding. "As Mr. Hayes knows from her studies, where a people come from can be enormously important in figuring out where they're headed."

"But war - or the threat of war - can distort societies in ways nothing else can," Vargas added. "It sounds like the Banij have lived under the threat of global war for awhile now."

At a nod from the CMO, Dr. Brownlock changes the subject. "I found no particular cause for the headaches our two officers suffered. Mr. Delaney's medical scan and blood sample told me nothing I didn't already know. I still think it very likely that stress and the high noise level in the dining room was probably responsible." Delaney and Fujishiro have both felt fine since getting the Metorapan shot and returning to the Yorktown.

"Very well. Thank you, Doctor. Anything else anyone would like to say?" Singh asks.

Lt. Thalen says, "Cmdr. Vargas suggested that, since the landing party saw a bit of Banij culture on the planet, the musicians, dancers and so forth, that we might return the favor here. I've arranged for several members of the Lyceum to briefly perform." Soon after you boarded the Yorktown, as part of your orientation briefing, Lt. JG Bennett explained the Lyceum to you. It's a shipboard arts and cultural organization which Thalen heads. It sponsors regular concerts, plays, lectures, poetry readings, movie showings, art displays, a debating society and at least four different book clubs. He continues, "Right now I have Dr. Bucci playing the violin, Lt. Dahlquist singing, and Spec/3 Anand playing the khim or Thai hammered dulcimer. We could probably have another performer or two; would any of you like to do anything as part of the entertainment?"

"I could sing," Jeremi volunteers, "I have several accompaniment tracks in my personal collection"

"Sorry, I have no performance skills. Break a leg though."

Ens. Hayes is eager to contribute her talents. "I would be happy to give a short poetry reading. Perhaps a bit of Shakespeare sonnets and some Robert Frost? Also, Edna St. Vincent Millay is a real favorite of mine."

Thalen makes a note on his data tablet. "Mr. Collins and Mr. Hayes. Very good. Limit yourself to five minutes each, please; I'll let you know later this afternoon in what order you'll appear."

With nothing else needing to be discussed, Singh adjourns the meeting. "Get some lunch, everyone. I have a feeling the diplomatic session might run long."

Captain's Log, Stardate 5985.3. We remain in orbit around Banij Prime, and will soon welcome aboard a contingent of its leaders and diplomats. I'm determined to see that we succeed, to keep a world with so much to offer from slipping into a catastrophic global war. Mr. Vargas has done a fine job preparing for this shipboard conference.

Collins, mindful of Vargas's orders, goes to look over the large meeting room, a converted mess hall. Viewports along one bulkhead provide a breathtaking view of the planet below, wreathed in clouds; she sees why Vargas picked this room. Chief Nguyen and his maintenance crew have scrubbed it thoroughly, arranging tables and chairs to accommodate Capt. Singh, her officers and all of the thirty-some Banij visitors, and placing the Federation and Starfleet flags behind the Captain's seat. Four stewards are setting up a long serving table for food and drinks. The galley staff next door is bustling, and the replicators are also available, if needed. A small raised platform at one end of the room awaits the Lyceum performers. Everything looks shipshape.

Collins walks the route from Transporter Room 1 to the meeting room and finds that it takes about three minutes. She double-checks the placement of Security officers along the way, and orders the corridors adjoining the route to be closed for additional protection. As she makes a few notes for her report to Vargas, she realizes that she should probably rehearse her songs at least once before the conference begins, but she has a nagging feeling that something's not yet done... or is wrong.

Collins stands for a minute and mentally retraces her steps. Even though the nagging unease does not subside, she is confident that she has done her job well, and rushes off to her quarters to pick out some music.

Before lunch, Ens. Fujishiro checks her shipboard comm account and finds a message from Ens. Giya, a Deltan chemist and younger woman with whom she has worked a little since coming aboard. Giya wrote:

Forgive me for bothering you, but I need to ask your advice. The Starfleet Chief of Staff has just released a statement about a proposed new policy which might mean the difference between me making a career of Starfleet, which I had hoped to do, and leaving within weeks. Please take a look and let me know what you think. Many thanks. G.

There are two attachments. The first is a statement by Fleet Adm. Daniel Hirsch, the Starfleet Chief of Staff:

Starfleet, like the Federation that it loyally and honorably serves, values diversity and welcomes the talents of all of its personnel. Individuals from more than a hundred worlds now serve in Starfleet. From time to time, and in a nondiscriminatory manner, the Fleet's policies must be changed to reflect the innate characteristics of its personnel.

Since the first Deltans joined Starfleet five years ago, there have been several incidents in which their entirely natural pheromone release has had unintended consequences for those who served with them. Deltans are, both physiologically and culturally, highly sexualized beings, and this has, frankly, created some difficulties in terms of their service in Starfleet. Especially in shipboard situations, these regrettable incidents have sometimes had, and always carry the potential for, a harmful impact upon the Fleet’s chain of command, good order, discipline and readiness.

After careful study and after extensive consultations with the Deltan Government, and consistent with the professional opinion and thoughtful recommendation of the Starfleet Surgeon General, Starfleet is now proposing a policy by which Deltans serving in Starfleet will be required to swear an oath of celibacy, promising to refrain from any sexual contact with fellow non-Deltan personnel. Although, to be blunt, I can't say I am entirely comfortable with this policy, I believe it's the best approach possible under the circumstances.

The President has approved the policy, and we anticipate that it will be adopted by the Federation Council during its current session. If Starfleet is persuaded that the policy should be revisited, or changed, of course we will do so….

The second is the proposed Starfleet regulation:

All Deltan personnel serving in Starfleet shall, within 90 days of the adoption of this Section, take the following oath:

“I, [name], do solemnly swear or affirm that I shall refrain from any sexual contact or sexual conduct whatsoever with non-Deltan personnel while serving in Starfleet. I shall, if necessary and upon recommendation of the medical officer directly responsible for my care, undergo drug therapy to suppress or alter my pheromone release. I understand that, if I fail to abide by the terms of my oath, I may be subject to appropriate stepped discipline, up to and including, in serious cases, criminal prosecution and dishonorable discharge.”

Any Deltan personnel serving at the time of the adoption of this Section who cannot, in good faith, take the aforementioned oath shall, upon application to the Starfleet Administrator within 90 days of its adoption, be honorably discharged, and awarded any service citations or medals otherwise earned, as well as pension benefits commensurate with their service to date.

What do you do or say in response?

Do the rest of you do anything before the Banij leaders begin coming aboard?

For more info: http://memory-alpha.org/wiki/Deltan

Fujishiro knows a few dances and some Japanese drumming techniques, but both require groups and preparation to perform properly. She'll pass on an ad hoc performance.

Fujishiro will make time to go talk with Giya. Based on her message, it seems like she will be unable to take the proposed oath. Enforced celibacy is rather draconian. Fujishiro assumes there are no other Deltans aboard the Yorktown? Even if there were, the restrictions might be untenable.

Fujishiro doesn't have much definite assistance to offer Giya, but offers help as she can. Perhaps the Captain can try influence the policy makers. Are exemptions possible? Maybe it's possible to get an acceptance period of longer than 90 days. It's unfortunate that Starfleet will lose good officers by this.

Fujishiro will try to check up on the sensors. Surely, there'll be something of interest? In any case, she'll load a data chip with a summary of the data to date, with the hope that there'll be a Banij scientist she can talk with.

Fujishiro finds Giya alone in her quarters. She is bald like all Deltans, of course, and very attractive.

She takes your hand and says gratefully, "Thank you for coming so quickly. I know we haven't talked much up to now, but I've admired what I've seen of you on duty. You've been in Starfleet longer than me, and you strike me as someone with a good head on her shoulders. I'm just not sure I can take this oath. My sexuality is part of who I am. I don't force myself on anyone, obviously, but there have been... opportunities to share pleasure with several people since I was assigned to the Yorktown, and I've done so. I haven't hurt anyone; quite the opposite." She shrugs. "It is our way. I'm the only Deltan aboard and this policy is just too harsh. I don't know what the Captain can do about it - it'll be a Starfleet reg. It doesn't look like there will be any exemptions, either, although I suppose I could ask. What would you do? This is very difficult for me. I feel honored to serve in Starfleet, and I would truly hate to end my career so soon after starting it."

Collins gets halfway to her quarters, then stops in her tracks. She wonders if she's being paranoid but decides that, to be on the safe side, she will scan the meeting room with a tricorder.

Ens. Hayes will plan for her poetry reading. She will choose a few poems and practice reading them out loud. She enjoys sharing her love of poetry with others and this is a wonderful opportunity to share her culture with the Banij.

Fujishiro shrugs, "Ah, perhaps I am not the best person to ask, since I have chosen to be celibate myself. So the particulars are difficult for me relate to."

"Since you say your sexuality is an integral part of your self, if I were in an analogous situation, I'd resign. Starfleet has unique opportunities, but it is by no means the only career path for skilled scientists."

"If you're inclined, it may be satisfying to become politically active about this. Such a sudden change in policy is certain to generate controversy. You should be able find many supportive people. At the very least, you can make formal complaints up the chain of command and to your Federation representatives."

Brownlock checks his dress uniform (and decides to check to see if it's required - hate to be the only one wearing it) in preparation for the upcoming activities. He's more than a little interested in what hidden talents his shipmates posses.

Collins does a full sweep of the room with her tricorder, then studies the readout.

Hayes finds it hard to narrow down her favorite poems to just five minutes' worth. What will she do?

Giya wanly thanks Fujishiro for her advice, but doesn't seem much closer to a decision.

Brownlock checks his comm account and sees that dress uniforms aren't required.

Collins notices an odd reading on her Security tricorder from behind one bulkhead panel, which is sealed. She calls Delaney and asks him to bring his toolkit. They soon remove the panel, and Collins sees a unmarked cylinder as big as her forearm and some kind of miniaturized control box tucked away among the ducts and wiring. It doesn't appear to be Starfleet equipment, and in any event Delaney knows at once that it doesn't belong there.

Collins call Cmdr Vargas and fills him in, then asks Delaney if he knows anything about diffusing bombs.

Hayes decides to read a few poems written by Robert Frost. She's from Vermont and Frost wrote many of his most well-known poems while living there. Though not really homesick, Hayes does miss the snow and beauty of winter in New England. She hopes to share her love of this place with the Banij using Frost's poems.

Rachel is looking forward to hearing Lt. Dahlquist sing. She hasn't forgotten the handsome Swede. With so much going on, Rachel hasn't had the chance to ask
Lt. JG Bennett about him yet. Others on board have been socializing and making friends. Rachel hopes to do the same.

Delaney replies, "Scan, lock and transport off to a safe distance. That is how engineers diffuse bombs." He says this as he scans the odd unit and then calls for both the CHENG and the transporter room to standby for a possible emergency in ship transport.

What does my scanner tell me about the device?

From the Bridge, Vargas curses in Spanish in response to Collins's report, but thanks her and tells her to do nothing until he gets there. Moments later the Red Alert klaxon sounds and the First Officer's voice comes over the Yorktown's shipwide intercom: "All hands, this is not a drill. Repeat, this is not a drill. Initiate Damage Control Measure F. All personnel will immediately evacuate any compartments adjoining Mess Hall 8C. This order extends to compartments on that deck, and above and below. All primary-hull gastight doors are then to be closed and sealed until further notice. Stand by for further instructions." You know that Damage Control Measure F anticipates severe internal damage, up to and including a breach of the outer hull.

Delaney's scan shows that the device is made of an unfamiliar tritanium-gelanicite alloy. There are some trace elements in the alloy which the tricorder doesn't recognize; you've never seen anything quite like it before. The cylinder reads as a gas canister with a silent, ultrafine spray-dispersal nozzle. The gas inside, stored at 50 atmospheres, is also unfamiliar to you. The control box has several unmarked buttons and indicators.

Chief Engineer Cheverez and the Transporter Room acknowledge your message. Cheverez says he's on his way.

The Banij leaders and their aides are now due to arrive in less than half an hour.

"At least you have some time to make a decision," Fujishiro says as she excuses herself when the alert sounds. She heads to the bridge by the quickest possible route.

Brownlock hurries down to Sickbay, in case things go badly and there are injuries.

Dr. Villa reminds Brownlock that his post during a Red Alert is on the Bridge, unless otherwise ordered, and he goes there. Capt. Singh is in the center chair. Fujishiro is already at Sciences, under Roble's watchful eye. Pourtash takes the Helm; Bennett is at Navigation.

The Red Alert klaxon continues to sound, and Vargas and Cheverez arrive in the meeting room just a few seconds apart. Cheverez is followed by two Engineering technicians in red coveralls carrying a portable forcefield generator. They set it up carefully near the hidden cylinder and control box, which are linked by a half-meter of thick cable, and the Chief Engineer's fingers fly across the control panel. In seconds there is a low hum and a forcefield springs into existence, its slight, spherical distortion of visible light showing you its reach, which includes the entire object. "That should hold it if it explodes," Cheverez says, rubbing his chin.

"Maybe," Vargas says, a little skeptical. "Or at least minimize the damage. Recommendations, Mr. Delaney, Mr. Collins?"

"Find another room for the meeting," Collins offered quickly, "to keep the Banij safe. The Captain and other senior staff should go ahead as planned while we deal with this."

"Although it occurs to me," she continues, "that may have been the plan, so I suggest using a room not ordinarily used for such purposes. The gymnasium, perhaps"

Delaney is pondering the make up of the device. Could we perhaps simply beam it off? "Sir, I had a few thoughts, 1) can we beam the device off. 2) we need to get a full scan done on the Yorktown to look for other alien devices. 3) We almost surely have a spy/saboteur on board. As this is a first contact, this is especially surprising. Someone might have beamed on board the Yorktown or we could have a crew member that was taken control of remotely. Also an outside chance of just a crazy crew member."

Ens. Hayes gets to the bridge quickly and takes her station at sciences.

"A fair point, Mr. Collins," Vargas says, frowning, "but there's no time to prepare another room for all of these Banij if we're going to stick to the original schedule. I don't know if they're sticklers for punctuality like the Tholians, but I doubt it'd reflect well on us if we postpone the talks. I also don't know if the military situation down on the planet would permit it."

Cheverez looks over his tricorder readings and says, "I think, sir, that we could safely beam it off the ship, as Mr. Delaney suggests, and just atomize it in space. There's no indication of a boobytrap or transporter-sensitive trigger, although I have to admit, I've never seen a gadget quite like this before." He purses his lips. "A scan of the entire ship would obviously take quite awhile, but it could be done. Might be a necessary precaution."

On the Bridge, Hayes notices that the Captain is listening to the First Officer and the others' discussion over the intercom. Singh finally says, "Mr. Vargas, obviously we don't have any bomb-disposal experts aboard. If you think you can safely beam the device off the ship, then do so. Don't atomize it, though - beam it into a higher orbit, well away from the ship, so we can recover it later for study." She turns to Roble, Hayes and Fujishiro at the twin Sciences stations. "Begin scanning the ship using internal sensors, looking for any other device with that distinctive alloy. How long will you need?"

"At least an hour, to be sure," Roble says.

"Very well. Begin at once. I don't want to delay the conference, so we'll go forward with it, and at the original site as planned. Mr. Vargas, go over that room with tricorders and a fine-tooth comb again, and check the Security visual logs to see who's been in there since it was selected for the conference."

"Aye, Captain."

"Sir, I recommend we speed the scan in two ways, begin ship scans with the ventilation system and other accessible voids. Meanwhile issue tricorders to as many hands as possible to scan rooms and passages. Additionally, could medical review records for crew that might have a strong distaste for Saurians?"

Collins looks at Delaney and a lightbulb lights in her mind. "Sir," she addresses Cmdr Vargas, "why couldn't the mole be our Saurian Ens. Sathev! Perhaps his race is kin to one of the Banij, possibly even the Soj!"

Fujishiro concurs with Delaney about scanning the interstitial spaces first. She also suggests scanning the foreign object for DNA before it gets beamed off the ship, since the DNA is likely to be irretrievably degraded once it leaves the protection of the ship.

Hayes continues with her scans. She's troubled by the idea that a member of the crew could be involved in sabotage, but anything's possible.

The Captain hears you all out, and nods. "Very well. Mr. Delaney, commence scans along the lines you suggested. Mr. Collins, I think we have about 60 tricorders aboard. Issue them to all trained Security and Sciences personnel, and devise an efficient search pattern centered on the meeting room and then spreading out from there, including the Jefferies Tubes and ventilation ducts. Also, ask Dr. Brownlock to check Starfleet Medical records as to Yorktown personnel who may have an animus against Saurians. Mr. Fujishiro, that's a good idea; get down there and scan the device for DNA or analogous alien identifiers. I'd also be curious to know exactly what gas is in the cylinder."

Cheverez listens to Collins but looks skeptical, maybe even a little offended. He says, "Ens. Sathev is a fine officer. His work in my department as an environmental systems specialist has been very good. I highly doubt that he would be behind this gadget, and I wouldn't want his reputation to suffer because of speculation solely due to his race. Are you proposing to arrest or interrogate him, Mr. Collins?"

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."

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.

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.

Brownlock begins his search of Starfleet's Medical records...

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."

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.

Brownlock addresses the computer, "display the five references."

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."

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.

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

Repeat.

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.

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."

Brownlock looks over Fujishiro's scans...

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?"

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

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.

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

"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."

"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."

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

"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."

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

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.

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."

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

"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."

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 "Corner of the Sky" to a piano accompaniment. As the applause dies down, she says "Computer, play CollinsBroadway2" and gives "Could I Leave you" her best comic turn.

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

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

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...."

"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."

"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."

"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."

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."

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?

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.

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.

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

Collins has a good swim and a good bake in the sauna, but doesn't see Ens. Cooper.

Fujishiro looks over the sensor data again very thoroughly, and makes this entry:

Sciences Log, supplemental, Ens. Fujishiro recording. I have found no more Zheng rays in the sensor records since the incident of which Science Officer Roble spoke yesterday to the Captain. I remain puzzled. In my best judgment, there is probably at least one, maybe two, other ships in orbit over Banij Prime, using an unusual form of cloaking device and maintaining very good, although not perfect, emissions control. Whoever it is has not made the same mistake twice about being spotted either by occultations of stars or leaks of telltale radiation while the Yorktown is in a position to locate them.

She forwards her findings to the comm accounts of Roble and Hayes, and goes to bed.

Hayes has a relatively good night's sleep before descending into a vivid nightmare about being chased by a threatening figure, the details of which she can't quite remember when she awakes in a cold sweat. The chrono by her bedside says it's 0316 hours. It is more than an hour before she can fall back asleep. In the morning she is still vaguely troubled.

Delaney says out loud, "I wonder if we will be relieved by security soon? I would like to at least help analyze that device."

All of you had been relieved by Security and joined the Captain for debriefing at the conclusion of the second day's negotiations, and then been dismissed for the night. (See the end of post 547).

The next morning at 0602, Thalen contacts each of you and asks you to report on the double to Conference Room 1. You find the Captain and First Officer already there, looking grim. Vargas says, "There was an attempted military coup about five hours ago in the Soj-Banij capital. Mr. Thalen has analyzed broadcasts over the state broadcasting nets, as well as military communications, and it appears that First Citizen Treggint is still in control, at least for the moment. It looks like he's facing considerable resistance from some in his government to his peace policy."

Singh says, "Old habits of militarism can be hard to break, and I suspect there are powerful vested interests who don't want to end the low-level hostilities that have persisted so long with the Na. I spoke with Treggint a few minutes ago and he wants today's session to proceed as planned, but his Foreign Minister, Gregel, will lead the Soj delegation instead. I have the impression that the First Citizen needs to remain in the capital to ensure his hold on power. Recommendations...?"

After the discussion, the Captain grants permission for Delaney to be excused from the day's diplomatic session to conduct his analysis. "I suppose you don't all need to be there again today, although I hope it's been a useful experience for you all to see how slow and tedious the diplomatic grind can sometimes be," she says. "But if anyone else would like to be excused, speak up."

Ens. Hayes reads Fujishiro's log entry with great interest. Once again, she is reminded of Romulans and Klingons and their cloaking technology. Or there could be an as yet unknown entity in their midst.

While others might find the "diplomatic grind" slow and tedious, Hayes finds all aspects of it fascinating and can't wait for the next session to begin. She tries -- and fails -- to forget about last night's nightmare.

Collins frowns internally - she thought she was due for two days off; but the Banij negotiations are important, so she keeps her mouth shut.

Given the deadend she's apparently stuck in with Zheng radiation, Fujishiro will be fine working the diplomacy.

The delegates are beamed back up to the Yorktown and the negotiations resume on schedule that day, still under tight security.

Soj Foreign Minister Gregel, an older and rather haggard-looking Banij, apologizes to the other delegates for his leader's absence, saying, "Recent events have shown that the First Citizen's commitment to peace is obviously not without risks, but he is certain that it is worth the effort, and wishes to proceed with our meeting today. I agree with him that we should let no one stop us in our determination to build a better world for all of our peoples, now and for all time." Singh, Ged and the other Banij welcome him warmly, and soon the VIPs and diplomats are getting down to the nitty-gritty of walking back both the Na and Soj nations from the brink of war.

With the Captain's permission, Delaney beams aboard the gas bomb - for that is what he determines it to be - to a secure Engineering lab, and safely disables it. He locks the gas cylinder in an airtight storage box. He has no more success than Fujishiro in determining who might have made the device.

Brownlock goes back to the MedLab to further study the toxin. He realizes Fujishiro raised an excellent point - was the DNA engineered by the Na, or by someone else who wants to target them?

Dr. Brownlock believes that the gaseous neurotoxin is probably, although not necessarily, too sophisticated to have been bioengineered by the Banij themselves, but he has to admit he doesn't know everything about their sciences. He and Dr. Villa discuss his findings at length.

Delaney is asked by Chief Engineer Cheverez to take a look at the latest deuterium fuel-consumption reports to suggest possible emergency conservation measures.

With the Captain's permission, Pourtash also excuses himself from the negotiations, and instead stands a watch on the Bridge. Lt. JG Bennett is in the big chair. Thalen, at the Communications post, is still monitoring Banij military and civilian comm traffic, as earlier ordered.

By late afternoon the alien leaders and diplomats have made considerable progress, and take a break for refreshments. Singh is talking to Fujishiro, Hayes and Brownlock about how things are going when the intercom's bosuns's whistle sounds. "Bridge to Captain."

She strides over to a bulkhead comm panel and hits the white button. "Singh here."

"Thalen here, Captain. There is an unconfirmed report on Na-Banij state media that the Soj leader, Treggint, has been deposed in a coup. His whereabouts are currently unknown. The Soj military has gone to a high state of alert and martial law has been declared."

Singh sighs and rubs her eyes. "Damn it. Any response from the Na yet?"

"No, Captain."

Moments later, there is an outbreak of quiet chirps and other tones from around the negotiating table, and virtually every Banij leader pulls out his or her personal communications device. Soon there is a cacophony of discussion as everyone reacts to the news from the surface. Singh huddles with Ged, the Na national leader, and Gregel, the top Soj diplomat present.

Delaney happily throws himself into the deuterium fuel-consumption reports and starts by doing a search of Engineering Journals for deuterium fuel-consumption articles. He then begins a full analysis, planning a fun night of running stats and possibly writing algorithms to find some suggestions from past usage and trends.

Since he's on watch Pourtash will scan for any further detail on the Soj military response in addition to the communications Thalen is monitoring, just in case there are further details to corroborate the reports.

Ens. Hayes lets out a sigh of frustration. Though not entirely unexpected, this turn of events is a real let down after the negotiations had been going so well. Rachel does not envy the captain right now. Peace is never easy, she thinks to herself. Nothing worthwhile ever is.

Delaney finds his work quite engrossing. The Starfleet Engineering Journal and the civilian Warp Drive Sciences Digest both have articles which might prove useful.

Pourtash is in the thick of things on the Bridge; Thalen is glad to have your input. It is becoming clear that things are going from bad to worse on the Banij homeworld.

Down in the meeting room, the diplomats chatter away. After ten minutes or so it becomes clear that most of the Banij want to be returned to their respective capitals as soon as possible, although several seem a little reluctant to leave (Hayes suspects it's because they realize they're safer aboard the Yorktown than they will be down on the planet). Singh stands and says, "Anyone who wishes to return to the surface is free to do so, of course; we won't hold you here against your will. But I hope some of you, at least, will choose to...."

The bosun's whistle sounds, and she goes to the intercom again. "Singh here. Report."

From the Bridge, Lt. JG Bennett says, "Mr. Thalen has news from the Soj capital, ma'am. It's a speech on all channels by the new First Citizen, whose name is Velgeb; we just recorded it. I'll put it through...."

There is a crackle of static, and you hear a harsh voice saying, "People of Soj-Banij, and of the world! The military and security forces of our great nation, refusing to throw away the honor of Soj, and sworn to be forever hostile to the aggression and perfidy of the cloners of Na, have risen up and forced the traitor Treggint from power. The High Command has appointed me as your new First Citizen, and I now stand ready to face and overcome the challenges of a global emergency. A new day has dawned for our great people, a day of pride, of national purpose, of unity in the face of presumptuous offworlders, their cloner allies and other weak-willed Banij who would dictate terms to us. Of course we will not let them! Never, no, never will we yield! We will reclaim our place as the preeminent nation of this world, and...."

Bennett cuts in and says, "It goes on like that for awhile, Captain. Treggint has apparently been killed in the coup. Most of his top advisors have been arrested or gone into hiding. There have been anti-government riots in several Soj cities, and a crackdown is underway. Soj forces are now at highest alert, and Foreign Minister Gregel and his aides been recalled to the capital."

All eyes turn to the diplomat, who seems to have aged years just in the time it took Bennett to report.

"Captain," he says, his voice cracking, "I request asylum aboard your ship." His two aides quickly echo him.

Collins is not surprised by the news, given the combative nature of the Soj. She suggests to the Captain that the Banij who wish to remain aboard be assigned bodyguards.

Singh says to Gregel, "Subject to the approval of the Federation, which I expect will be forthcoming, I hereby grant you and your aides asylum."

Upon hearing Collins's suggestion, she nods. "See to it, Mr. Collins. Assign them non-adjoining quarters and post guards outside each. They're not restricted to quarters, but should remain under guard wherever they go. Escort those who wish to beam down to the Transporter Room at once." To Hayes she says, "Liaise with Mr. Thalen, and see that Gregel and his aides have full communications access to their friends and allies in the Soj government. If they can help restore the lawful government, or slow down this rush to war, so much the better."

Ged, the Na leader, and her aides are particularly eager to return to the surface. "I must be with my people, Captain," she says. "The new self-styled First Citizen, Velgeb, is no friend to Na-Banij, and some of his cronies in the High Command are even worse. I fear that war may soon be upon us."

"If it comes, ma'am, I hope you will do your best to limit its scope," the Captain says earnestly. "You must not allow a fusion war that would knock your world back to the stone age at the very time it's poised to reach the stars."

The Banij woman looks shaken by recent events. "I fully understand, and I agree with your sentiments, but I can make no promises, Captain. I must and will defend my people, whatever the cost." Collins sees to it that her party is the first to beam down.

Of the eleven Banij delegations, seven beam down, and four remain aboard: the Soj; the Dunas- and Yemi-Banij, both of which were aligned with the Na; and the resolutely neutral Yed-Banij, who had little to say during the previous negotiations.

After the Yorktown changes its orbit to beam down the seven delegations, Science Officer Roble notifies Fujishiro that Zheng rays have again been detected by the ship's sensors. He has begun an analysis of the readings.

The Captain asks you all to join her on the Bridge, and asks for recommendations.

Fujishiro will help Roble analysis the newest Zheng data. She will focus finding an orbit that matches the locations. Would deploying more sensor probes be helpful?

She advises Singh, "Captain, I don't know how many resources we wish to commit or how long we plan to remain here, but we may want to deploy satellites to give us early warning of missile launches. Both for our own protection, but also to give us a good opportunity to neutralize attacks among the Banij factions."

Collins has a very bad feeling about recent developments. Her gut has been churning since the Yorktown learned of the coup. "Captain," Collins chooses her words carefully, "while no one wants war, could it not be viewed as the natural course of events on Banij, and therefore against the Prime Directive for us to actively prevent any attacks?"

"Captain, with your permission, I'd like to assist the Banij who remain on board -- make them as comfortable as possible under the circumstances and keep things as stress free as possible." She pauses a moment, then continues. "After helping Lt. Thalen with communications, of course."

Hayes has been thinking about Pev and how he's doing right now. Clone or not, she feels a connection to Pev and is worried about him.

Fujishiro realizes that the multipurpose satellites already deployed, added to the Yorktown's own sensors, are sufficient to keep an eye on every square kilometer of Banij Prime. After an intensive analysis, she and Roble conclude that there is most likely a single cloaked or otherwise concealed ship in orbit, within approximately 200 kilometers. It is almost certainly less than a fourth the Yorktown's size. The readings seem to indicate that its orbital pattern, including altitude and velocity, has changed at least eight times since your ship arrived in orbit itself.

The Captain says to Hayes, "Yes, you may remain with the Banij belowdecks. Keep in touch with Mr. Thalen, and let me know if the Banij wish to speak to me further."

After Hayes leaves, Singh leans back in her command chair, looking pensive. "Mr. Collins is entirely correct to raise the issue of the Prime Directive. I must admit, it's been on my mind for the past several days. The Banij are a less-advanced society, true, but they've also achieved warp drive, or we wouldn't have made first contact in the first place. And if this cloaked ship weren't here, I wonder if events would be unfolding as they are."

Vargas nods. "I've asked myself if they're just passive observers, or somehow mixed up or even intervening in what's going on below."

Singh asks, "Any other thoughts on our options, or responsibilities, given the requirements of the Prime Directive, gentlemen?"

Fujishiro addresses Singh, "Captain, given that the Banij are now aware of interstellar civilization, and that there appears to be another advanced ship in this system, I think it is too late to decide not to interact with them. It is our duty to promote the ideals of the Federation."

"Also, Captain, although we have not definitively detected it, the bulk of evidence indicates there is a cloaked ship of unknown intent and capabilities near the Yorktown. Data also indicates the device planted on board is possibly beyond the capabilities of any Banij faction. I think we should be taking stringent security precautions against covert actions against us or our guests."

Delaney, "I concur Captain, we appear to be past the prime directive and into the realm of diplomacy with another interstellar people. I am very nervous about the unknown ship and fear that some of the Banij have already had contact with a more advance group of people on the sly."

"There is some other factor here besides Banij civil war," Brownlock observes. "Zheng rays, a possible cloaked ship, and the bioengineering of a toxin that is beyond their level of sophistication. Someone or something else has to be affecting this situation."

The Captain thanks you for your suggestions. She orders Vargas to double the guard on the Banij who remained aboard.

An hour passes, and then two. Late in the watch, Thalen reports to the Captain, "Soj-Banij propaganda is becoming increasingly hostile towards the Na, sir, and it was pretty bad before. The new regime seems to have consolidated its grip on power. There've been no other references to civil unrest in the Soj cities, or resistance within the military, security or intelligence services to Velgeb's and his colleagues' orders."

Then the sensor alert light on the console between Pourtash and Bennett begins to blink.

Fujishiro, at the Sciences I station, sees new data - appalling in its implications - pour across the display screens. She says, "Captain, ship's sensors are detecting a massive launch of missiles from Soj territory and also, apparently, from at least ten oceanic warships as well. There are 130... 150... almost 200 missiles now in boost phase."

"Targets?" Singh asks, already knowing the answer.

Collins is closely studying the data at the Security station. She's eerily reminded of books she's read about the early hours of Earth's World War III. She says, "All targets are within Na borders, or those of its closest allies. Each missiles is bearing between one and eight high-yield fusion warheads."

Singh asks calmly, "Projected casualties?"

Collins had run a simulation several days earlier, and this is about as bad as she'd expected. "For a fullscale attack like this, ma'am... between 150 and 200 million Banij."

Dr. Brownlock says, "There would be severe ecological damage, as well, Captain. Radiation poisoning and subsequent famine would kill many more." He is horrified by what he sees. Such a waste... such insanity....

Delaney quietly adds, "And if the Na reply in kind, it could be far worse."

"Damn it," the Captain says with feeling. "Mr. Thalen, hail the Soj government."

"Aye, sir... no response."

"Keep trying on all channels. Set up a repeating signal. Also, hail the Na chief of state."

"Aye, sir. Contact established... um... it's an aide. He says Chairwoman Ged is unavailable. She's on her way to a secure command center and is out of contact at the moment."

"Let's hope she remembers what we talked about," Singh mutters just loud enough for Pourtash and Bennett to hear. She gently pounds her clenched fist on the arm of her chair. "How long until missile apogee, Mr. Collins?"

The Security officer checks a readout. "For the earliest-launched of them, 9 minutes, 39 seconds, Captain. Mark."

The Captain is silent for a moment. The Bridge is quiet except for the sound of the control panels and the soft murmuring of reports from belowdecks. She stands. "Red Alert, Mr. Thalen." The klaxon begins to sound. "Advise Mr. Hayes of the situation. Raise shields, Mr. Pourtash."

"Aye, sir," the helmsman replies, moving to comply.

Singh raises her voice. "Gentlemen, I refuse to concede that the Prime Directive requires me to stand idly by and permit a sentient race to virtually annihilate itself. I'm going to do my best to stop this... monstrosity. Anyone who, in good conscience, believes my decision to be illegal or wrong should leave the Bridge at once. You will not be disciplined for doing so."

She looks around....

Delaney shouts, "Hell No Ma'am, lets blast those missiles and stop this immediately." He starts procedures to be ready to divert extra power to phasers, shields and tractor beams. When completed, "Captain, The Yorktown is ready power is amped up for phasers, shields and tractor beams."

Leaving the offensive and defensive procedures to those most skilled in implementing them, Fujishiro closely monitors all available sensors and sensor probes for Zheng rays and other indications of a cloaked ship. "On station, Captain."

"My calling is to preserve life," Brownlock says. "I'm with you all the way, Captain."

The thought of leaving the bridge doesn't cross his mind. Instead, Pourtash only breathes in relief to hear Captain Singh is taking action.

"Shields up and weapons ready, Captain."

Science Officer Roble looks stricken. "Captain, I fully understand your decision, and I appreciate the gravity of the situation, but... I cannot participate in this. I believe your plan violates the Prime Directive, which I swore an oath to uphold, as you did."

Command Subsystems Crewman Nahida Farunia, a Kuwaiti woman, is near tears. She says with obvious reluctance, "I agree with Lt. Cmdr. Roble. I'm sorry, Captain."

Singh says quietly, "I understand. It's all right. You're both relieved of duty for... one hour. Confine yourselves to quarters for that time. Dismissed."

They leave the Bridge at once, and the Captain snaps off a rapid-fire series of orders: "Mr. Bennett, Mr. Pourtash, take us directly over Na territory; move the ship as may be most advantageous to stop the missile barrage. Mr. Collins, lock phasers on the earliest-launched missiles when they're at or near their apogee points, and fire at will; use photon torpedoes on any particular dense groupings, as you see fit. Mr. Delaney, see if you can use the tractor beam to make any missiles not currently under fire collide with each other, and maintain full power to the shields. Mr. Fujishiro, try to foul their guidance systems with electronic countermeasures, if possible. Dr. Brownlock, run continuous scans for radiation exposure, either from the detonated warheads, or on the Zheng emission wavelengths."

Vargas adds, "Mr. Thalen, keep trying to get through to the Na and Soj leadership."

You each waste no time in carrying your orders.

Belowdecks, Ens. Hayes asks the Banij who are still aboard to reassemble in the meeting room, and explains what's going on. The diplomats and dignitaries have about a million questions, and she answers them as best she can.

Soon the orbital space outside the Yorktown is ablaze with detonating missiles, and the viewports automatically dim. For Hayes it is a dazzling but terrible sight to behold.

Collins is enjoying the target shoot. She is reminded of the late 20th Century video games she'd read about and wonders if they offered the same thrill she is feeling now.

Delaney enjoys the task at hand. Nudging missiles off course and into each other is a unique opportunity to test the capabilities of the system and reviewing the job later should reveal some useful information.

"Captain, I suggest transporter crews standby to try and lock onto any missiles that make it past the phasers, once back in atmosphere, even phasering them is likely to lead to some radioactive fallout." He keeps an eye out for the same to assist with tractors.

The Banij on board are quite upset with what's happening. Hayes listens to many strident vocalizations from them -- a few of which she's never heard before. She tells them, "I'm heading to the Bridge now. I'll return shortly with more information for you."

Upon reaching the Bridge, Ens. Hayes gives the Captain a brief report. "I'd like to stay with our Banij guests, Captain, if not needed here." She looks about her. "I agree with your decision one hundred percent, Captain. What are your orders?"

There is a satisfaction for Pourtash in using all of his training to keep the ship maneuvered for maximum strategic advantage. The destruction of the missiles and the death they could cause is rather chilling, however.

Fujishiro concentrates ECM efforts at the missiles still in boost phase since active guidance is minimal once they've gone ballistic. She'll use electromagnetic pulses to try to overload electronics, gravimetric pulses to try to confuse inertial navigation, and x-rays beams to disable solid-state devices. She'll try to keep intensities low and sweep angles small to minimize collateral damage to the surface, but won't hesitate to ask Singh's permission if she thinks the current effectiveness is hampered too much.

Pourtash and Bennett have to move the Yorktown just three times; in its current synchronous orbit over Na territory the ship is well-positioned to block the incoming missiles. The helmsman keys the Tactical display on the Bridge main viewscreen. The cool blue Mercator projection of the Banij homeworld is now overlaid with a spiderweb of ominous trajectory lines.

Collins's hands are practically a blur over the phaser ops console as she targets the missiles, fires, confirms kills and repeats the process, over and over again. She soon loses count and finds herself acting on instinct; her aim is true again and again. Cmdr. Vargas is at her elbow, and now and then quietly points out a missile that seems to be slipping past.

Delaney does well with the tractor beam, as well. Some of the apparently older, one-warhead missiles actually come apart as the beam takes hold of them, and he decides to leave them alone so as not to spill any more fissile material in low orbit than is necessary. He advises his colleagues of this, and they acknowledge. Singh agrees with his proposal about using the transporters, and orders Chief Harrison and the other transporter specialists to stand by.

Capt. Singh thanks Hayes for her expression of support and says, "By all means, stay with our guests, Ensign. Mr. Thalen, set up a data relay to the meeting room so that she and the Banij diplomats can keep posted on what's going on."

"Aye, sir," says the Andorian.

Fujishiro has mixed results with X-ray beams, but EM and gravimetric pulses seem to be more effective, especially with the larger, eight-warhead missiles. The oceanic-launched missiles prove to be especially robust, however, and she brings this to the attention of Delaney, who's only too happy to knock them into each other with the tractor beam.

Dr. Brownlock notes relatively high and still-rising levels of gamma, theta and M-radiation in the planetary exosphere and in low orbit. He knows that blindness is a real risk for any Banij or animals who are watching from below; radiation burns are less likely but possible, depending on sensitivity and proximity.

Vargas says to Singh, "The Na have been showing commendable restraint. There've been no missile launches from any Na base or ship yet."

She nods. "The Chairwoman knows we're up to the task, I hope. Any luck contacting her yet, Mr. Thalen?"

"No, sir, nor for the Soj leadership. Still trying. There's significant signal degradation for all planetary radio sources due to missile detonations, and that's not helping, either."

When almost three-quarters of the missiles have been destroyed or disabled, Collins and Fujishiro both simultaneously see a second Soj salvo rising from the planet's oceans. Collins is feeling very tired by now, and her heart sinks. Still, she reports, "Sensors indicate another... 83, no, 84 missiles, apparently all submarine-launched, now inbound on Na targets."

Someone on the Bridge gasps, and Fujishiro forces herself to focus. She says, "Most have much lower and shorter trajectories than the first wave."

"This is not going to be easy," Vargas says to the Captain, in what everyone knows is a very grim understatement. "Those are city-killers, not strategic weapons."

Singh leans forward in her seat, her fist clenched. "You know what to do, gentlemen. Carry on."

While continuing to destroy as many missiles as she can, Collins says, over her shoulder, to Cptn. Singh "Sir, I recommend someone from Sickbay give us each a shot of B-12, since we'll obviously be at this for a while."

Delaney, "Captain, we may need to demand their immediate cease fire and be prepared to demonstrate our ire on some of their military targets. Also we could threaten to deposit a few of these latest missiles into government offices potentially though that seems extreme, they might not choose to play chicken with us. I strongly recommend we at least disable their sub fleet."

"Thank you, Captain," says Hayes. She leaves the Bridge quickly and returns to the meeting room. She will do what she can to keep the Banij on board informed and calm. Not easy under the circumstances, but she feels up to the task at hand.

The Banij in the meeting room are soon glued to the display screen, watching everything that’s going on below. Hayes still has her hands full, but not quite as much as before.

On the Bridge, the Captain says firmly, "I will neither threaten nor authorize attacks on hard targets, Mr. Delaney. I'm afraid I've bent the Prime Directive almost to the breaking point as it is."

"For what it's worth," Vargas says, "judging by Mr. Collins's earlier military analysis, the Soj have now fired everything they've got. I don't think they've got any more missiles left."

Singh just nods as she stares at the Tactical display.

Collins continues to find and target the Soj weapons as quickly as she can, but it now is much harder - and the margin of error is significantly smaller - for these submarine-launched missiles. Chief Harrison and his counterparts in the other transporter rooms implement Delaney's recommendation at once, dematerializing any missiles that make it past Collins's sharp eyes and adept hands. Photon torpedoes cannot be used so low in the Banij atmosphere without endangering those on the surface. Delaney finds the tractor beam's effectiveness has been badly degraded by high-altitude ionization, and Fujishiro realizes the same is true of ECM. Time crawls by as the Yorktown's Bridge crew strives to destroy, divert or dematerialize all of the missiles, but real fatigue is now setting in. Dr. Brownlock reluctantly administers small hypospray doses of Cortropine, a stimulant, to any who request it.

At the Helm, Pourtash finds himself holding his breath as the tally of remaining Soj missiles drops to 30, then 20, then 10, 9, 8… and in moments there are just five missiles left.

"Tracking target S207," comes Chief Harrison's strained voice from belowdecks. Delaney knows it’s fiendishly difficult to establish a transporter lock on something as large, and moving as fast, as a missile. "Stand by, Bridge. Tracking... locking on... got it... energizing... it's gone!"

Collins wipes a sweaty strand of hair from her forehead and nails another missile with the forward phasers, then turns her attention to those which remain.

But at that moment there is a bright flash of light far below, then two more, washing out the Tactical display.

"Visual," the Captain orders in a whisper.

Thalen presses a switch, and you all see three mushroom clouds blooming skyward with a terrible, roiling fury.

Fujishiro looks dumbstruck at her instruments, and directs a scan of the surface. "Three thermonuclear detonations, Captain, all of which are over or near Na territory. One 20km offshore; nothing in its path, I think. Another over farmland; probably minimal casualties." She falls silent.

"And the third?" the First Officer finally prompts her.

"Over an inhabited area, sir. Tydelnn, a port city. Population...." She checks the cartographic database, and stares at the Captain, hating what she must now report. "Population 1.3 million."

Again a hush falls over the Bridge.

Singh says, “Scan for survivors. And damn it, Mr. Thalen, get me someone in the Na leadership!”

“Aye, sir. Still trying….”

Collins is shaken from her silence by a new reading. She says, “Captain, sensors show three missiles now rising from a Na border base. Target… the Soj capital. Impact… eight minutes.”

With current tactical situation preventing effective ECM, Fujishiro goes back to double-checking all sensors for any sign of Zheng radiation or a cloaked ship. She intends to stay at her post until Singh explicitly relieves her.

Brownlock grabs his hypospray and waits for any break in the action to administer the B-12 and a small stimulant.

Collins realizes there is very little time to act; no time to lock on the biosignals of the Na and Soj leaders and beam them to each other's capitol, but she remembers something from her Enterprise days. "Captain!" Collins exclaims, "Corbomite!"

The Captain looks a little startled as she asks Collins, "What's that, Ensign?"

Fujishiro notices that there have been four very short additional bursts of Zheng radiation in the past half-hour. She begins triangulating using the Yorktown's earlier-placed satellites, but finds that the readings shift location each time, indicating that whatever it is, it's moving.

Dr. Brownlock asks around, but no one on the Bridge wants an additional hypo injection at this time.

"A bluff, Captain" Collins speaks excitedly "Captain Kirk did it on the Enterprise, and it worked. We broadcast a message back to Starfleet, on an open frequency, saying that we've determined this culture is dangerous to the Federation, and to themselves, and since they can't reach a truce, we're going to follow standard procedure and set off a Corbomite device to destroy the entire planet." Collins takes a quick breath "Starfleet knows about Corbomite. It's in the history files."

Hayes remains calm and professional while watching the display screen. She thinks of Pev. She thinks of the Banij she has met. She can only hope the situation going on below ends and ends soon. The Banij with her in the meeting room are silent as they watch events unfold.

Pourtash frowns at Collins's suggestion before turning to the Captain. "It's a clever plan, but it's operating on the assumption that their chief concern is survival. In some cases hate between cultures is strong enough that suicide missions and self-destruction in order to destroy an enemy are glorious and noble ends. If our bluff is called and we don't do something drastic, we may be seen as cowards and liars and only escalate the situation. Delaney's more direct approach may be preferable."

"I've never heard of Corbomite," the Captain says, almost bemused, "but I don't think I'll take that approach either, for the reasons Mr. Pourtash states. Thank you, though, Mr. Collins."

Thalen says suddenly, "I have a link to Chairwoman Ged now, sir. Audio only." Pourtash notices less than five minutes remain until the Na missiles' impact.

Singh dives for the comm button on her chair arm. She says, "Chairwoman, you have my deepest sympathies for your losses. I am so very sorry. We did our best, but we could not stop every missile. Please let us know how we may assist you in rescue and recovery operations for Tydelnn."

The Na leader's voice is scratchy over the speaker. "I understand, Captain. We would surely have suffered much worse losses had it not been for your ship's defense of our homeland. But now we must retaliate for the three missiles which struck us. Every Na demands revenge for this outrage."

Singh purses her lips. "You know I can't let you do that, Chairwoman. This war must stop now. No purpose would be served by a continuation of hostilities."

"No purpose! No purpose? Tens of thousands of my countrymen are now dead, Captain Singh, maybe even more, thanks to this monstrous and unprovoked Soj aggression. If we don't strike back they will never learn."

"With respect, I think the lesson for all Banij today, ma'am, is that no one will win this kind of war. No one can. You'll only kill even more of your species and lay the groundwork for the next war, when the Soj have rearmed and this ship won't be here. Consider carefully what might happen then."

"But...."

Singh cuts her off. "I did my very best to stop the Soj attack on you, and now I'll do the same for your attack on them. You've seen the capabilities of this ship, Chairwoman. I know that your arsenal is not as large as that of the Soj. I urge you as seriously as I possibly can: stop this war now, and know that history will remember you as a peacemaker."

There is no reply. Thalen says, "Signal broken at the source, Captain."

She sighs and nods. "Mr. Collins, lock phasers on the Na missiles, and fire at will."

Collins turns back to the console and does as the Captain orders. It's easy, compared to what she had just gone through with wave upon wave of Soj missiles. In moments the three weapons are no more, utterly destroyed by the pale blue lances of the Yorktown's forward phaser bank.

With the destruction of the Na missiles, the meeting room erupts with loud chitters from the Banij. They don't understand why the captain would follow the same path with the Na as she has with the Soj. Hayes patiently does her best to explain that this ship, Starfleet and the Federation will not take sides here and want only to stop this war and bring peace to all Banij. The Banij around Hayes grow silent once again.

Brownlock sends a message to Hayes: call me if you feel any of the Banij might need medical attention based on the current circumstances...

Ten minutes pass, then half an hour, and the Na launch no more missiles. Ged and her advisors refuse to reply to any other messages from the Yorktown.

An hour later, Thalen reports that Soj state media are broadcasting solemn music but no news; there are scattered reports of weapons fire on or near some Soj military bases. Neither the Na, the Soj nor their allies have crossed into the territory of their respective enemies. The Na are rushing emergency aid into Tydelnn; early casualty projections are for more than 700,000 dead or wounded.

After another hour, Singh orders the ship to Yellow Alert, and goes to meet with the Banij leaders and diplomats belowdecks, leaving Vargas in command on the Bridge. Hayes is relieved to see the Captain arrive. The aliens immediately barrage Singh with questions, which she calmly answers. There is considerable distress at what has happened to Tydelnn, and not everyone agrees with the Captain's decisions, but they seem to understand how she arrived at them. Gregel, the Soj-Banij Foreign Minister, is particularly grateful to Singh for "having prevented a much bigger war." One of his aides looks near tears (or its equivalent among the Banij), but none of the Banij need medical attention.

On the Bridge, Fujishiro suddenly has an idea: if the ship's deflector dish were reconfigured to emit a phased muon pulse, it might briefly reveal the cloaked ship or ships. She mentions this to Delaney, who thinks the concept has potential, although it's never been done, to his knowledge. Vargas gives his approval for them to begin working on it.

Fujishiro, despite growing fatigue, eagerly works on the new idea.