Lilliputian's Dice Game

 Episode Name:  Lilliputian's Dice Game
   Written By:  Belgarath
         Cast:  A Teirian, Albertz, Alexi, Belgarath, Caeli, Cerene, Donavon and 
                Harris.
  Produced By:  Starfleet
  Directed By:  Belgarath
     Aired On:  Sun May 18 18:07:26 2003
     Stardate:  53223.7

Time: Sat May 03 20:25:58 2003

Stardate: 53187.9

The Rynkan government has asked the Federation's presence to review their evidence for Teirian terrorists attacking Bak'TUR. In what can be the stop of the impending Klingon war on the Rynkan Confederacy, this is a high priority for the Federation. Thus, a team of Starfleet officers is sent to Teirra to meet the Rynkans. After many hours of traveling in the USS Cape Fear, a globe of bright, blue waters and lush, green landmasses appear through the viewports. A number of Rynkan ships are in orbit, as well as a Ferengi Marauder

Harris sits down at Pilot.

Caeli sits down at Mission Command.

Caeli sits beside Harris in the front of the runabout, an auxiliary console open before him. For whatever reason, he's in command today. Tapping idly at something to open systemwide hailing frequencies, he speaks up to whatever vocal pickups are around him. "This is Lieutenant Junior Grade Zipok Caeli, in command of the USS Cape Fear to all Rynkan vessels. We have arrived to review the evidence in question, as per your request, and are awaiting instructions." That sounds good and professional, alright. Killing the com with a deft tap of his finger, Caeli glances around the cockpit. "Everyone ready?"

. o O Caeli thinks "Maybe Gwen wanted to test me."

Harris glances back over his shoulder at Caeli. "Ready as I'll ever be, Lieutenant. Standard orbit?"

Donavon nods her head in acknowledgement, emitting a brisk, "Born ready, sir." Eyes concentrate on the readouts upon the tactical console, swiveled upwards occassionally to view ahead at the main screen.

Donavon sits down at Tactical.

"Yessir..." Alexi mumbles from her place at a console, her gaze fixed on the outside space and the planet hanging at the viewports.

Albertz stands towards the after end of the cockpit area, peering out the forward viewport of the runabout. "Aye sir."

The small viewscreen at the side of the forward cockpit blinks to life as the response comes in. A Rynkan with leathery, brown skin, blue stripes across the back of the hairless head, and wearing a gray uniform is on the screen. "Welcome to Teirra, Lieutenant Junior Grade Caeli. I am Colonel Holnav of the Rynkan Defense Force. Thank you for your prompt response to our request."

Caeli swivels to face the viewscreen, his warm, winning, and friendly smile worn on his features now. His game face, if you will. "Call me Zip. It's our pleasure, Colonel. I can't think of anything more deserving of an expedited response than the aversion of a war. If you'd direct us to our landing or docking site, we'd be glad to get started."

. o O Alexi feels mild tension over the mission, but also positive about the nature of the assignment.

Harris turns back to the controls with a barely audible sigh as he's ignored, and engages the thrusters to enter standard orbit.

Console kept in sight out of the corner of her eye, Donavon places attentions upon Colonel Holnav. A slight inspection is made before ducking her head back to glance at readouts.

Alexi just remains where she is, watching the motions of the visible ships and planet outside. Its been a while since she was in a shuttlecraft, but the tall woman appears perfectly calm and relaxed.

Albertz fiddles with the tricorder on his belt as the craft heads for its eventual destination. He's silent but alert, keeping an especially close eye on the interaction between Lt. Caeli and the Rynkan colonel.

"The landing site is being sent to you right now...Zip," the Rynkan says the last part uncertainly. And as promised, the coordinates are transmitted.

Caeli tilts his head a little bit, nodding once and glancing down at the consoles, and then to Harris. "Thank you, Colonel. We're on our way down and will see you in a bit. Cape Fear out." Another tap to kill the transmission, before Caeli swivels forward again. "Ensign Harris, bring us down to the specified coordinates." And then a complete rotation in the chair, partly to observe the rest of the bridge crew, and partly because it reminds him of the chair in Security. Nice and swively.

"Landing coordinates, aye. Altering vector for atmospheric entry... and avoiding colliding with that Marauder out there," Harris states rather deadpan as his hands work the controls.

. o O Donavon thinks "What a nice swively chair Caeli is sitting in...just like in Security. Best benefit of being Temporary SDO."

. o O Harris thinks "Why does everyone make such *large* ships these days?"

Donavon quirks a short grin at her superior in the chair but hides the amusement glancing back at her viewscreen. Stats at tactical are normal; nothing out of the ordinary.

Alexi just continues to quietly observe the viewports, although superior officer Zip gets a brief glance as he swivels. A vulcan-like quirk of the brow finds its place, but it goes away almost as fast again. Not a word.

Albertz leans against the bulkhead, looking slightly bemused at something. A personal joke maybe?

The runabout zooms toward the planet under the eyes of the Rynkan and Ferengi ships nearby. As the ship approaches the given coordinates, one can see a large city. Some sections of the city are in piles of rubble, where workcrews are in the process of clearing. With the usual rumble, the runabout lands on the landing pad next to the capital building of the city, which the Rynkan Confederacy has taken over to run their occupational government from.

. o O Albertz thinks "Zip? Ach, that must be what passes for 'diplomatic' niceties among our goldshirted bretheren. Glad we have diplomats along with us, all I have is a couple of semesters worth of poli-sci. And that's probably the most of it."

Caeli rises from his seat, looking about to those assembled. "No weapons are drawn unless we're fired on or I expressly order it. We're representing the Federation, here, so everyone should be on their best behavior. If you've got something to say, don't hesitate to say it, but let's stick to business while we're here. This isn't a social call. Everyone who's qualified is to carry a Type II... business visit or not, we're here so that they can /prove/ that they have terrorists. That's not a very safe environment." He pauses for a moment, making eye contact with each officer on the flight deck. "Any questions?"

Harris' hands fly over the console as he secures the helm. "None, sir," he replies.

Knuckles crack as Donavon preps for departure. Eyes in meeting with Caeli's nod their affirmative and understanding. "Crystal clear, sir." Though can Caeli handle the truth? The Ensign swivels her chair back to the tactical console, verifying the sensors.

Alexi gives a quick shake of her head as she watches Zip, "None here, sir," the tall ensign replies in her usual somewhat mumbling voice. A quick touch to her mark II to make sure its secured in its holster, before she looks back up again. All ready for best behavior.

. o O Alexi thinks "Terrorists.... Its always so complicated...."

Albertz checks over his gear one last time, like a good Ensign should. Combadge, check. Medkit slung over shoulder, check. Tricorder prepped and ready to go, check. Conspicuously, perhaps, he does not check his phaser. "No questions, sir."

A young Betazoid woman, the only civilian along for the ride on this mission, strides through the archway and into the forward cockpit. "I take it we've landed?" Cerene smiles, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Are we ready to disembark?"

Outside the viewport, one can see three Rynkans dressed in gray uniforms approach the runabout.

Caeli nods to Cerene. "Just about, Legate. And it seems our welcoming party has arrived to meet us." Caeli turns to Harris. "The hatch, Mr. Harris?" The Bolian strides to where the door will be in a few moments, checking his phaser and tricorder in preparation for the Rynkan's arrival.

The door. Right. Harris presses the appropriate button, and the hatch parts. "Open sesame," he states lightly as he gives the panel one last look and stands.

All the essentials a security officer needs are safely fitted and worn. Donavon pats a hand over her phaser, ensuring it is in place, and laughs quietly to herself at the joke.

. o O Donavon thinks "Though we are suppose to be on our best behavior, I still think I should have brought my type II phaser. Gotta stay on my toes if something happens."

Alexi just rolls a strong shoulder briefly as she turns her attention towards the opening hatch. Taking care to maintain a neutral but polite expression, the security ensign just remains at the engineering console and watches her superior.

. o O Caeli feels can't help but wonder if we have enough security.

Albertz moves aside to allowing the other two officers access to the hatch. He stands with his feet shoulder-width apart, hands clasped behind his back. An expression that seems to fluctuate between neutral indifference and cold sterness plays across his face.

. o O Albertz thinks "I think this is how we're supposed tae look."

As the hatch opens, Cerene turns and strides toward it, walking past the Bolian towards the three Rynkans gathered outside. "Good evening! I'm Legate Aliana Cerene. Thank you for your hospitality. Whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?"

"Private Torran, ma'am," replies the Rynkan in the lead. "We're to escort your team to Colonel Holnav's office."

Caeli motions for the rest of the Starfleet contingent to follow, and steps right up, standing next to Cerene. Ah, the age-old conflict of military versus civilian. "Good to meet you, Private." Caeli says with a smile. "We're eager to get started."

Harris folds his hands behind his back and heads for the hatch, remaining silent for now.

Donavon follows into line behind her superior ready to walk the walk, that stride that screams out Security. Arms relax at her sides within reach to draw if ordered. But since this is not an aggressive mission, a friendly smile washes her face though not reflected in her eyes that observe their surroundings.

Alexi straightens up even more, if that's possible, and just falls in pace as she walks out, quite similar to Donavon, although she does look about quite a bit when the opportunity presents itself.

Albertz brings up the rear in silence, his eyes rest on the Rynkans a very long while, studying them intently.

Cerene inclines her head to the lead Rynkan. "Private Torran, pleasure to meet you." A nod and a small smile directed at Caeli. "And yes, indeed, we are eager to get started." Back to the Rynkan. "By all means, Private, lead on."

The Rynkan soldier says, "This way, please." The other two soldiers move to the rear of the group as Torran leads everyone into the capital building and through various corridors. Rynkan presence is very obvious in this Teirian government building, and while there is still a number of Teirians at work here, they are mostly in receptionist or other such positions. Upon reaching a tall, ornamented, wooden door that is guarded by two other Rynkan soldiers, Torran knocks on it. "Come in," says a muffled voice, and Torran opens the door for the Federation team.

Caeli paces in on the heels of the lead Private, smiling as he approaches the desk and bows somewhat from the waist. "Good to see you in person, Colonel. Allow me to introduce the rest of my team - Ensigns Harris, Donavon, Alexi, and Albertz, and Legate Cerene of the Federation Diplomatic Services." Caeli motions to each figure as he or she is named, then back to the Colonel. "We're ready to have a look at what you've got to show us." A glance to Cerene, to see if she has anything to add.

Harris inclines his head respectfully to the figure behind the desk, eyes skipping around the room before he returns his attention foreward with a half-grin on his face.

The corner of her mouth quirks to a faint smile of greeting added with a brief incline of her head upon being named. Then Donavon straigthens, exchanges a look at Alexi who is at her side, followed by a gradual survey of the office.

Alexi just nods her blond head a fraction in greeting, but doesn't smile as she watches the office. She's mostly looking thoughtful right now.

. o O Alexi thinks "I wonder what the real situation is here... What people are thinking about the change."

Albertz gives the office the requisite once-over before turning his attention to the conversation between diplomat, Starfleet officer, and colonel.

Cerene strides to the desk and smiles, nodding in greeting to the Colonel. "Colonel Holnav, thank you for the warm welcome. As the Lieutenant here said, I am Legate Aliana Cerene, and I will be representing the Federation during the course of this inspection. I must say, the Ambassador's office is very interested in seeing what you have to show us this evening."

Colonel Holnav stands up and gives each person a nod as they are introduced. "Yes. I hope that, in light of this new evidence, that the Klingon Empire would decide not to invade the Confederacy."

Caeli nods, pursing his lips and raising his brows in the Bolian expression of resigned agreement. "Indeed, you share that hope with Starfleet as well, which is why I have high hopes for this inspection. I'm not quite as experienced with the Klingons as Legate Cerene, here, but I'm sure they'll be as interested in this as we are."

. o O Caeli thinks "And now you take us to /see/ the evidence, instead of talking about it... right?"

Harris's eyes flick to Caeli before returning to the Colonel. He sizes up the man with an appraising glance.

Donavon listens intentively to the conversation, offering no comments. Head craned to the side, she continues to examine expressions from the Rynkans.

Albertz remains still and silent, little call for his expertise right now, although it certainly is interesting.

Alexi mimics Donavon's actions of controlled nothingness as she remains in the background, hands clasped lightly behind her back.

Cerene smiles. "I'm sure that if the evidence is convincing as the reports would indicate, it will be far easier for us to negotiate a more peaceful resolution in this conflict. Shall we begin at once? I don't want to waste any of your valuable time, Colonel."

"All right," Holnav says. "Follow me to the brig, where we're keeping the Ylinnor terrorist group members that we've captured. There's also two nuclear warheads that we captured from their base, which I'm sure you'll like to see as well." He heads toward the door.

Caeli nods, smiling happily. "Sounds good." With only that said, he looks back to the other Fleeters and motions them on with a jerk of his head. Off we go, then... and off Caeli goes, two steps behind the Rynkan colonel.

Harris turns to follow as well, raising an eyebrow and glancing at Donavon before carrying on.

. o O Harris thinks "Nuclear weapons? How... crude."

One step, two steps, three steps...each stride is counted to discover a decient pace behind her superior and Cerene. Donavon steals a glance at Harris, then back at the rest of the Fleeters.

And Alexi just moves along aside Dona, disciplined and quiet, without anything to betray the few stray thoughts that comes up.

. o O Alexi feels slightly concerned.

Albertz watches his fellow officers file out and follows suit. A few hummed notes escape from his lips before he catches himself and abruptly stops, realising the need to maintain and observe the proper decorum.

Cerene keeps stride with the Colonel as she walks along side him, talking quietly with him. "I would indeed like to see them. No doubt this will be most illuminating."

Two Rynkan soldiers follow the group the whole way as the colonel leads everyone outside to a waiting vehicle, which drives everyone over to a prison. Going through some security posts, the team eventually arrives at a wing specially devoted to the terrorist group known as Ylinnor. Inside each cell, which use metal bars instead of forcefields, is a Teirian. Some of them look extremely pale with darkened rings under their eyes, some are shaking slightly and uncontrollably, while others still have injuries that are bandaged up. All of them are males ranging from young adults to middle age. A few look up at the Federation team, while others do not bother to pay any attention. "These people were captured mostly from the terrorist base we uncovered," Colonel Holnav states. "You can question them if you want. There's an interrogation room nearby if you need it."

Caeli tilts his head somewhat. "Rather than question suspects I don't know about a case I'm unfamiliar with, perhaps you could sum up what you've discovered in detail for us? I'm a security officer by trade, and though I have experience in interrogations, I'd hate to waste everyone's time getting my bearings on the case."

Harris peers inside the cell, eyeing the bars critically before taking a step forward to inspect them more closely. Of course, he's careful to stay outside the range of anyone reaching out from inside.

Past the shoulders of those blocking ahead, Donavon is barely able to capture a view of the cells and its occupants. Lips press into a firm thin line. Aside from that, she is quiet, withholding her thoughts.

. o O Albertz feels is rather distressed at the state of the prisoners. Not angered or horrified, simply saddened to see other beings in a state like this. Stronger than his distress is a desire to aid them somehow.

. o O Donavon is suspicious, knowing what one sees is often not the entire truth.

Alexi just gives a very tiny shake of her head, without thinking about it as she observes the prisoners and how they are kept. She's looking very attentive as she moves a bit away from Caeli, a very slight frown on her features.

. o O Alexi thinks "These conditions... its really barbaric."

Albertz breaks from the groups path and studies a prisoner in his cell. Leaning close and practically pressing his face up against the bars, he sniffs a couple of times, his distaste evident on his face.

Cerene frowns slightly at the state of conditions in the prison, but doesn't mention it. For the moment. "I believe Lieutenant Caeli makes a good point. An interrogation would be helpful, but it would be far more so if you'd bring us up to speed first."

"Ah, a soldier," the colonel says with an approving tone towards Caeli. "They've all admitted guilt to terrorist activities, including the attack on Bak'TUR, which they did in order to make the Klingon Empire attack the Rynkan Confederacy." He glances over at Albertz and his medical kit. "I wouldn't try to help them; they're dangerous. But I can have some men come down here to stand guard if you insist."

One of the Teirians moves up to the front of the cell, both hands holding onto the vertical bars dividing him from the group. He looks at everyone almost with an empty vision, as if his spirit is completely broken.

Caeli glances towards his crew with an approving nod, as if to encourage them to gather their own observations, before turning back to Holnav. "Do you have transcripts of the interviews we could examine? If they could be uploaded to our ship for later review and transmission to the Klingons, it would aid us greatly."

Arms gradually are placed at the small of her back while Donavon paces slowly down the rows of cells and out of reach. Each face and expression is noted, instilled into memory, but she offers nothing in return to the 'prisoners.' Eyes dart about, also noticing where the guards and Rynkan stand.

Harris settles onto his knees as he takes a look at the base of the bars, nose wrinkling in distaste.

. o O Harris thinks "What is this? The dark ages?"

. o O A Teirian thinks "Life...what's the point..."

. o O A Teirian thinks "We will get our vengeance..."

. o O A Teirian thinks "Why don't they just kill us and get it over with?"

. o O A Teirian thinks "Maybe these people will free us?"

. o O A Teirian thinks "Teirra will be free on day..."

. o O A Teirian thinks "Please...end...it..."

Albertz draws back from the cell he was examining and turns to Caeli, "Sir, with the Colonel's permission I'd like to offer what help I can in treating these detainees. Certainly I'm no use to you around captured weapons." His tone is as insistent as one can be when making a request of a superior officer. A polite smile for the colonel, "A guard wouldn't be necessary, sir. Today's a day for good faith, after all."

Cerene turns to the Colonel and nods. "Surely you will allow the Ensign to tend their wounds? The Rynkan Confederacy does, after all, wish its prisoners to be treated humanely, doesn't it?" She nods in Caeli's directions. "Any transcripts of the interviews would be useful, and I would also like to speak with one or two of the prisoners, at least."

The colonel nods to Caeli, "We'll send you copies." To Albertz, he shakes his head, "I'm liable for your safety." A brief glance at Cerene before continuing with Albertz, "Guards are a must if you're going to be treating any of these felons." Back to Caeli, "If you don't want to question them, then I can show you the nuclear warheads they stole from the Teirian military before we were able to take full control of the planet."

Caeli taps his chin thoughtfully before reaching a decision. "Misters Alexi and Donavon, plus myself, will be more than enough security for Ensign Albertz, Colonel. I'm sure we can take care of him. Legate Cerene, if you'd accompany me, perhaps we could speak with the one Ensign Albertz is treating..." And then he turns to Alexi and Donavon. "And perhaps you two, with Ensign Harris, could look over the logs and speak with some of the others. See what else you can't find out." He makes eye contact with each of the junior security officers on the mission as he says his next statement. "We want to paint as /clear/ a picture as possible for our Klingon friends." That said, he looks to the colonel for a moment, and then, with a nod to Cerene, walks towards Albertz.

Harris glances toward Caeli, raising a brow for a moment. "Aye, sir," he replies before looking back at the bars. His hand moves to his tricorder for a moment, then stays - and he comes to his feet, instead.

Sights forced to turn away from a cell, Donavon nods to her superior, meets the look, and retrieves her PADD. In two strides, she returns to where Harris and Alexi stand; conversing begins in muted tones.

. o O Albertz thinks "I just realised all these prisoners are men. Surely there would be women involved as well?"

A quick nod and a curt "Yessir" from Albertz acknowledge the officers command. Looking up and down the rows of cells he exhales slowly, "I'd like to treat this man first, please." He walks infront of a cell containing one of the prisoners wracked by what appear to be spasms or convulsions. Flipping open his tricorder, he waits for the cell to be opened.

Cerene exchanges glances with Caeli before nodding slowly. "That seems a reasonable enough course of action, Lieutenant." And then turns to face the Colonel. "If you would be so kind, Colonel?"

The colonel calls a guard over and says, "Please open this cell. Then show them the interrogation transcipts." He gestures to Alexi, Donavon, and Harris. The guard does as ordered and waits for the three indicated Starfleet officers to follow him.

Caeli squats down on his haunches by the cell door, smiling to the guard as he opens it and nodding with a brief "Thank you." before looking to Albertz and murmuring, "Go ahead, Ensign."

<CONTEST> Albertz contests his Personal Equipment (Medical Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

Harris straightens up, glancing at Donavon as she approaches. "Where do you want to start?" he asks softly as he glances around the cells.

<PROVE> Caeli has the merit of Synergy at 3.

Gesture noticed, Donavon signals to Alexi and Harris with an arched eyebrow. "The cell with the blanked face prisoner."

GAME: Albertz spends a courage point.

The cell door creaks open and the guard is ready for the three Fleeters. Donavon halts her approach to the blank-faced Teirian, murmuring an aside to Harris and Alexi about retrieving the logs.

Albertz approaches the man in the cell slowly, crouching by his patient he takes the medical peripheral over the man's body, one eye on the readouts on his tricorder. Peering at the tricorder and pursing his lips, he snaps the device shut with a *clack*. "He's as well as a person could be in a place like this sir, no major concerns here. Medically speaking."

Cerene crouches next to Albertz as well, looking into the man's eyes. "Hello... I don't suppose you'd be willing to tell us what you told them?"

The Rynkan guard continues waiting as the colonel watches Albertz and the prisoner. The Teirian, when approached, scrambles off into a corner. He glances over his shoulder at the Federation team every once in a while, still spasming.

. o O Albertz feels concerned and frustrated with the results of his examination. Clearly there is something wrong here and he's missing it.

Caeli glances to Albertz with a minute nod, then turns and moves a bit closer to the Teirian. Just a bit. Smiling softly, and extending both hands, palms up, he speaks as one would speak to a child. "It's alright... we're not going to hurt you." Giving his compin a bit of time to translate that, he continues, "My friend here, her name is Aliana. She'd just like to talk with you for a bit... maybe be your friend." He tilts his head a bit at the last part, still smiling and trying to make the alien feel comfortable.

Harris pauses next to Donavon. "You're not planning on going in there alone, are you?" he asks in a low tone, eyes shifting to the Teirian inside.

. o O Harris doesn't believe that these people are necessarily terrorists, he just doesn't trust them... and especially with Donavon.

. o O Caeli feels so sorry for the poor thing, and just wants it to stop shaking like that. He hates seeing people in pain, and somehow the quivering form doesnt seem very terroristy.

"What I plan on, first, is to review those transcripts," explains Donavon briskly. Another glance over her shoulder, the guard is still there. "We'll speak with that one afterwards." The security officer twists about in approaching the Rynkan guard and follows.

Albertz scratches one of his sideburns with the tip of his finger and stares at the floor of the cell, oblivious to the others attempts to coax a response out of the Teirian. Eyes still on the floor, he walks out of the cell and stands in front of the one across from it. "I'd like to treat this man now, please." he says to one of the guards, indicating a man who's arm is held in a bloody, dirty sling.

Cerene glances over at Caeli and nods her head in Albertz direction, an eyebrow raised in inquiry, before she turns her attention back to the man before her. "It's OK, we just want to know what happened. We won't hurt you," she murmurs, echoing the Lieutenant's words.

The guard leads the two Starfleet officers out of the hall and through the prison.

The Teirian continues to jerk every now and then in his corner, not replying to Caeli nor Cerene.

Colonel Holnav says, "I'd rather not have more than one cell opened at a time."

Caeli looks to Cerene. "Perhaps this one is a lost cause, for now? Better to move on and let Albertz work." He stands and walks from the cell, motioning for Cerene to do the same.

<CONTEST> Cerene contests her Psi (Focus) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Harris follows along with the guard and Donavon, hands folded behind his back.

Surveying the conditions of the prison, Donavon bites upon her tongue from uttering phrases that best not be said. Steps are kept to a minimual distance from the guard, yet close enough to observe the Rynkan. Hands dangle at her sides before drawn in place at her back.

Albertz smiles in slight embarrassment. "Of course. Security concerns." he nods to the colonel as if that concern was self-evident and he knew it all along.

Cerene hesitates just a moment, before she blinks and nods, standing and exiting the cell with Caeli. "Very well. Let's move on to the next one."

Another guard comes to lock up the cell and unlock the one Albertz is standing in front of. The injured Teirian inside rolls his eyes up to look at Albertz, but otherwise stays motionless.

Caeli stays standing this time, nodding for Albertz to proceed before leaning in to murmur something to Cerene.

Caeli whispers to Cerene, "Are you getting anything beyond what they told us? Somehow these dont seem like a battle-hardened revolutionary group to me."

<CONTEST> Albertz contests his Personal Equipment (Medical Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

. o O A Teirian thinks "Someone in the cell? Now's my chance!"

<CONTEST> Cerene contests her Psi (Focus) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

<CONTEST> Donavon contests her Personal Equipment (Padd) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

<CONTEST> Harris contests his Personal Equipment (Padd) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

Albertz snaps his tricorder closed and opens up his medkit. "How did this man lose his arm?" he the question is clearly for the Rynkans though he's busy treating the man. "I don't detect any signs of infection, but I'm going to sterilise and patch the wound up anyway. As a precaution."

Cerene leans in towards Caeli and responds quietly.

Cerene whispers to Caeli, "I'm getting all kinds of things. Defeat, desire for revenge, a hope for the comfort of death, the thought that we might release them, the commitment to a free Teirra, a need for it just to end--"

Suddenly, Cerene's eyes fly wide open, her muscles tensing, her voice soft. "Lieutenant, look sharp..."

The Teirian prisoner watches as Albertz comes up to him. Just as Cerene calls out, he jumps at Albertz with his good arm reaching out.

<CONTEST> Albertz (claiming advantage) contests his Dodge skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

The Teirian collides into Albertz and the two go rolling into the floor, the prisoner's hand at the nurse's throat.

Caeli wields his Type II Phaser.

Caeli, at Cerene's warning, snatches his phaser from the holster, and on seeing the commotion in the cell, levels it at the blur of a Teirian. "Donavon!" He calls out over his shoulder, before taking a step forward and speaking to the alien. "Release my medical officer or I will open fire. You have five seconds, starting /now/." The count begins in Caeli's head. His thumb keys the phaser to its lowest stun setting, because it stands to reason he might miss. And hit Albertz. "One..." he begins.

<CONTEST> Albertz (claiming advantage) contests his Unarmed Combat (Aikido) skill vs a Teirian's Unarmed Combat skill (given disadvantage) and Succeeds!

Albertz's eyes briefly become wide as saucers as the Teirian lunges at him. Pinned under the one-armed man, he immediately grips his opponents forearm and removes it from his throat. As he removes the man's hand from his throat he carries the moment through and pushes the man off him. In one flowing movement, Albertz is suddenly on top, pinning the man's arm at his side.

Cerene tenses, then relaxes as she sees Albertz taking control of the situation. "We need to incapacitate this one... stun him or hit him with a hypo, treat his wounds, and move on. He's too far gone."

The Rynkan soldiers raise their rifles while the guard calls for backup. The colonel takes out a hand gun and aims it, but keeps his finger away from the trigger. "That's why I suggested against doing this!"

<CONTEST> Caeli contests his Energy Weapon (Phaser) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Dramatically Fails!

Caeli as the movement and scuffling continues, Caeli waves off the Rynkans - not knowing whether or not their weapons can be set to stun - and takes two steps forward, again making sure that the weapon is still on its lowest setting before depressing the firing stud. There goes the orange light.

The Teirian prisoner, still struggling under Albertz, suddenly hits the phaser with his good hand and it spins toward Albertz. As the medical officer goes down, stunned, the Teirian instantly grips onto the phaser and yanks it out of Caeli's hands before backing up a few steps and pointing it at the lieutenant.

Albertz gives Caeli a shocked look as the blast misses it's intended target and hits the ensign instead. Luckily the phaser is on a low setting and he's left on the floor, doubled up in pain, certainly better than the alternative. For the time being, he's out of the fight.

GAME: Cerene spends a courage point.

Ohhhhhh dear. Time for the diplomat to earn her keep. Cerene turns on the charm as she gets the doe eyes and speaks softly to the crazed prisoner. "Please, put it down. We don't want to hurt you, we're trying to make sure you get treated for your injuries. We want to take care of you. Please set that down and *let* us take care of you."

<CONTEST> Cerene (claiming advantage) contests her Charm (Influence) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

The Teirian looks back and forth between Caeli and Cerene, phaser held tightly in one hand. After the initial indecisiveness, he slowly starts to lower his arm, but one of the Rynkan soldiers approaches the cell and sticks the muzzle through the space between the bars. With a thunderous rattle and bursts of light, he unleashes a volley of bullets into the prisoner, who promptly falls to the ground, dead. "Hold your fire!" Colonel Holnav shouts at the soldier.

Caeli sighs, and looks at the ground for a moment. He says in Bolian, "May the Great Bird bless and keep you." He kneels beside Albertz, checking the ensign's vital signs before reaching to retrieve his weapon and set it back in his holster. 'My apologies, Colonel.' Caeli says, before looking up, and then following through by rising. 'I... saw movement, and reacted. My soldier's instinct. I trust you understand.'

Albertz coughs violently a couple of times, and struggles to his feet. "Ach. Tha's horrible. It's like a squad of hooligans stompin' aboot in my 'head. I'd like to shake the hand of the man who invented 'stun'." His voice is hoarse and accent thick all of a sudden. He spits on the ground and shakes his head, as if to clear it.

Cerene whirls on her heel to glare angrily at the soldier responsible for shooting the prisoner, before turning to frown at the Colonel. "Is this what passes for treatment of prisoners here?"

"We're leaving," Colonel Holnav says in a voice that implies that he would not accept any other options, ignoring Cerene in the process. "Follow me." More guards are running into the hall now.

Caeli takes a step towards Holnav. "Hold on a minute. What about the rest of the evidence? We still haven't spoken with the rest of these men!" Apart from the one step, he goes no further.

Albertz looks down at the dead Teirian and lets out a resigned sigh. "Poor bastard. He's in a better place than this now." he mutters to himself. Gathering up his medical kit, he slings it back over his shoulder and leaves the cell as the colonel requested, apparently not noticing Caeli doesn't want to leave just yet.

. o O Albertz feels rather crestfallen that things have taken such a bad turn. No being should have lost their life in this mission.

. o O Caeli thinks "How the hell did I miss that shot? I can get perfect scores in the firing range, but then when it comes down to crunch time I shoot my own officers. Sure, Zip, this is the way to get your own command."

Cerene narrows her eyes. "Colonel, if we leave now, the only 'proof' I will have to report to the Ambassador is proof that prisoners are treated with a barbarism I have not witnessed in a culture for a long, long time. I do not believe that report would be productive in our mutual search for a peaceful solution."

"Your officers no doubt have the interrogation transcripts by now," the colonel whirls around to face Caeli. "You don't need to speak to any more of these prisoners. Tell the Klingons that they may take the prisoners if they want them. Until then, I will not tolerate any more endangerment of the prisoners' lives by your presence."

Caeli closes his eyes and breathes deeply, once, before responding. "Colonel, my weapon was set to stun, and we sought to help that man. The only dangers to your prisoners are some trigger happy guards, as I see it. Right now, all I've seen is a desperate man executed after he surrendered his weapon. If you'd like me to see something different... like, say, some terrorists... let my team continue here. If it makes you more comfortable, the cells can stay closed."

Harris comes back down the hall with a Rynkan guard, carrying a stack of paper and looking mostly disgruntled. "Okay, okay... we're going... geez..."

A single piece of paper is held in Donavon's hand who hastens her steps eagerly towards the prison cells. Alert is immediate when noticing the state of her Lieutenant JG and the phaser drawn. Whatever questions she has can wait. The security officer assumes a defensive position, standing in closer proximity to her Team members.

Albertz watches the exchange between Caeli and the colonel rather impassively. No comments, no interest either, really. He casts a rather hangdog glance towards the returning security officers.

. o O A Teirian thinks "We're going to die. We're going to die. We're going to die."

. o O A Teirian thinks "That idiot. He's going to get us killed."

Cerene raises an eyebrow at the colonel's words. "Perhaps, Colonel, the endangerment of the prisoner's lives would end if your guards were a little more disciplined. Shooting a prisoner as he lowers his weapon is hardly a justified homicide."

. o O A Teirian thinks "I wonder if that's what the Klingons are going to do to us..."

"I saw a dangerous man who would have shot you if it weren't for the quick action of my soldier," Holnav returns. "The soldier was protecting your lives. Plus, these other prisoners are in no shape to be questioned after seeing that," he waves a hand across the hall. "Surely you must know that." He looks at Harris, "Those must be the confessions. That's all the Klingons really need. I can show you the other evidences we have, but there will be no more harassing of prisoners at this time."

. o O A Teirian thinks "...what does it matter..."

. o O A Teirian thinks "We're doomed."

. o O A Rynkan thinks "Ugh, what a mess."

. o O A Rynkan thinks "Great. The Klingons probably won't accept dead evidence."

Caeli looks at the Colonel for a long moment, then says calmly, "He was lowering the weapon. That aside, you have made your choice and left your impression, and that is what we will have to report. I'm going to recommend that a weapons specialist comes to look at the nuclear arms at a later date... your preservation of them would be most helpful. Unless you have anything else you wish to show us, I think this will be sufficient." It's a bad sort of sufficient. The sort of sufficient your assistant principal uses when you're wadding up bread and throwing it across the cafeteria.

Harris slowly comes to a halt, eyeing the ongoing confrontations. He decides to just let Caeli and the Colonel duke it out for a moment, although he's not quite satisfied with what he holds in his hands, and it shows.

A silent observer, but one who shall defend if the need arises, Donavon makes visual examinations at what remains at present-a dead prisoner and two superiors aruging with another. Eyes darken to a deeper hue upon reading another portion of the logs before she returns attentions back upon the cell.

. o O Harris thinks "Well... this is certainly amusing."

Albertz has a look about him of a man clamping down on his tongue, hard. To distract himself he fiddles with his belt.

. o O Albertz thinks "The sir's about to go off half-cocked here. If something untoward is going on here, we have to get to the bottom of it now."

Cerene narrows her eyes. "I find it hard to believe in the integrity of these confessions, Colonel, after seeing the conditions you keep them in, after seeing how willing your guards are to slay them in cold blood. I will verify the truth of these confessions now, or I will submit my recommendation that they be regarded as unreliable evidence."

Colonel Holnav says to Caeli, "The warheads will be safe." To Cerene, "You would be hard-pressed to find a prison that resembles a vacation resort, miss. And it's not cold blood if they did it in defense of your life, which from what I saw was the case. If you know anything about how Teirian minds work, you would know that questioning them now, right after such a traumatic experience, would be what's unreliable - and not what we got out of them."

"Speaking of unreliable evidence..." Harris notes as he raises the paper. "There's no information on how these confessions were extracted, and under what circumstances. I was wondering if perhaps there were video logs or audio recordings availible that we could have a look at?" He offers his most sincere smile to the Colonel. "Not that I don't believe the veracity of what's here, I would just like to see some evidence to present a better case to the Klingons when the time comes."

Donavon confirms Harris' statement with a slight bob of her head before glancing at the Colonel. "Since I have had little interactions with a Teirian compared to your expertise and experience, Colonel, could you tell us how a Teirian mind work and how were you able to get these confessions about of each prisoner? If Teirians resort to chicanery, your method of extracting information and confessions is exceptional."

Albertz winces in sympathy as the security officers descend on the Colonel, if he has any reservations about what's going on, they're going to have to wait.

Cerene chuckles softly. "Colonel, I'm a Betazoid. You may not understand the significance of that, but trust me when I say that I know more about the workings of the Teirian mind than you could learn through an entire lifetime of study. And all I know right now is that they're all scared to death of you. You and your guards, and what you'll do to them. Now, you may be innocent enough in all this, but it hasn't been proven yet. And I'm willing to take a few risks for the sake of peace. The investigation will continue."

"I didn't interrogate them. The warden should know," Holnav tells Harris and Donavon. He looks at Cerene and crosses his arms, "Is that so? Then anything that happens will be on your hands. If the Klingons don't accept the dead terrorists, then you will offer yourself in the place of the dead Teirians. Are you willing to take that chance, miss?"

An eyebrow shoots up on Harris' forehead as he glances between Cerene and Holnav. Stubbornly, he presses on. "Where may I contact the warden, Colonel?"

The answer is waited upon. Donavon though casts eyes upon Cerene to judge her reaction to the Colonel's question.

. o O Donavon thinks "Starfleet is here to investigate and not become a scapegoat if the Klingons find the evidence and findings not to Rynkan's liking."

Albertz's gaze cycles through the trio of interlocuters, waiting for the stonewalling to end.

Cerene narrows her eyes. "Colonel, if your guards will holster their weapons and hold their fire, there will *be* no dead Teirians. Now, I don't want to have to return to Ambassador Meridian and report that it seems the Rynkans are destroying the evidence. Do you want me to have to do that? It would be far more prudent of you to allow our questioning to continue. Without having your men fire on the prisoners, preferably."

"The control room," Holnav says without taking his eyes off of the young Betazoid. "That should have been around where you got the transcripts." To Cerene, "Again, which wouldn't have happened if you had followed my suggestion that you not enter the cell. If any of you had died, it would have been my responsibility - something you don't seem to be able to grasp. This is an occupation, miss. You can't just wander about doing whatever you want to without /taking responsibility for your actions/. Is that understood?"

Harris takes a deep breath as he once again glances between the two combatants. He makes no attempt to move quite yet, waiting for the resolution of the arguement.

. o O Donavon thinks "Your responsibility is to protect not only us but your prisoners. Death is the LAST resort."

Lips thin as a deeper strain of thought commenses. Donavon, back rigid, pays attention to every detail as much as possible. Eyes widen in focusing upon the situation.

Albertz finally breaks his silence, "So it's settled then? We're going to go to the control room." He looks to Cerene and then the Rynkan Colonel, "We can stand here until the cows come home, but I don't think our reason for being here is to monitor the Rynkan prison system and it's not up to us what the Klingons do with the information provided to us. We're supposed to be investigating and confirming, no?"

. o O Albertz feels slightly agitated, certainly unsure if he should have spoken out like that. Hopefully it will get the ball rolling again.

"I am quite willing to take responsibility for my actions, Colonel," the young Legate replies. "I had managed to talk the prisoner into lowering the weapon so we could tend to his wounds. Your own men should follow your advice, and accept the responsibility for slaughtering that man as he was surrendering the phaser. I had managed to gain his trust, and your guard betrayed that trust. Perhaps your rivalry with the Teirians prevents you from seeing *any* murder of their kind as a bad thing, but if you expect me to endorse a conclusion that will prevent you from going to war with the Klingons, you're going to put that bias aside for now. Your guard. Killed that man. As he was lowering the weapon. Just as he trusted me enough to put it aside." She shakes her head. "It is our job to confirm your allegations, and I cannot do that with a clear conscience unless I can confirm these confessions first-hand. The Starfleet personnel will take responsibility for my safety if you cannot do so without killing your prisoners."

"Believe me, Miss," says Holnav, "the soldier will be punished for his actions." A medical crew comes in, carrying equipment. The colonel raises his voice towards the guards, "Everyone who doesn't need to be here, clear out!" Back to Cerene, "I don't see how your death would convince the Federation of our innocence." The onlooking guards begin to depart, making space in the now-crowded hall.

Caeli steps forward now, having listened for quite some time. "Colonel," He begins in a bright, significantly less hostile tone than Cerene, "We were sent here for the purpose of helping avert a war your government clearly is not in a position to win. I don't want this war, Legate Cerene doesn't want this war, and nobody on our station wants it, but unless we can come back with some clear and conclusive proof that these men are behind the attacks - and as I'm sure Legate Cerene can confirm, those confessions will /not/ be enough for the Klingons. The incident before was simply a collision of tense nerves with tenser reflexes... I assure you that we will not allow Legate Cerene, or any other officer, to come to harm. If you so insist we will leave the cells closed, but we /must/ be allowed to persist in these questionings before we return home."

A sigh is all that comes to mind for Harris at the moment, and that is what he releases before glancing at Meg with a raise of his eyebrow. It says it all in a single glance - this song and dance is getting the team nowhere, and he's starting to get frustrated.

. o O Harris thinks "We have more important things to do than sit around here and argue..."

Someone must have blinked, surely someone did because now there are two chess pieces against the single rook of the Rynkans, the Colonel. Save for the slight uplift to the corner of her mouth, Donavon's face is free of emotion for that's what Security Officer is trained to do-be the poker face. Except here almost all cards are shown, but the trump. And that trump is what Starfleet needs to finish this investigation. "Colonel, we only wish to do our jobs and that is to gather proof and information."

Cerene crosses her arms over her chest. "Would you feel better about this if we didn't talk to every single one of them? What if we were to only speak to one, maybe two more. Would that ease your fears, Colonel?"

Holnav looks directly into Caeli's and Cerene's eyes, looking deep for signs of anything he does not like - or in the case of Cerene, anything /more/ that he does not like. "One or two, but no more. And keep in mind what they just witnessed."

Caeli nods. "We'll limit ourselves, Colonel. You have our thanks." A warm smile at this, as the Bolian does one thing he is exceptionally talented at: Putting people at ease. "Legate, I'll accompany you while you speak to them." Turning to Harris and Donavon, he gives them orders quietly. In Bolian, so that the Teirians cannot understand.

Caeli says in Bolian, "Ensigns, I want you at least five meters away from us if not more. Remember that we guaranteed no more incidents... go over the logs, and compare notes with what you hear, but keep an eye on us. Phasers /holstered/."

Green eyes swiveling back to face the Bolian, Harris nods. "Aye, sir," he replies.

Donavon inclines her head slightly before taking steps back, say five meters.

Cerene slowly lets her dark eyes drift over the prisoners. "Let's get one more of the quieter ones and one of the badly injured ones," she murmurs softly. "And I'll try to be a little more alert this time. They shouldn't be able to catch me off-guard again."

Holnav says, "Go ahead."

Caeli walks alongside Cerene, speaking in the same murmured tones. "Don't blame yourself for the incident, Legate. Everyone acted too quickly for their own good." He pauses before one of the Teirians who is, surprisingly, sitting quietly. "Perhaps this one?" He raises an inquisitive brow to Cerene, motioning for her to begin.

Harris follows along behind Caeli, staying next to Donavon. 'I'm not going to hurt you... honest' says his body language.

Hands remain away from the hip, planted at the small of her back. Donavon keeps a slight distance while eyeing the documents Harris holds with both hands.

Cerene nods a couple of times as Caeli indicates the Teirian in the cell, and approaches the bars. "Hello, there," she says softly, kindly. "Will you speak to us for a moment, please?"

The addressed Teirian's eyes move up to look at Cerene from his sitting position. He keeps his gaze on her, but does not say anything.

Caeli keeps silent, only smiling gently to the Teirian. The good cop, if you will.

Ah, yes, the pages upon pages of confessions. Harris starts thumbing through them with feigned interest, at the very least... although he angles the pages so he can keep an eye on the cell at the same time. Blessed are those who can multitask.

Cerene raises an eyebrow, as she adds softly, "What's your name? We'd like to talk to you, just for a few minutes..."

The Teirian looks around, his breathing becoming deeper. He then looks down at the ground, shaking his head.

. o O A Teirian thinks "No. No. No. No. No."

Caeli speaks up, now, in a similarly gentle tone. "We're from the United Federation of Planets. Not the Confederacy. Are you sure you won't talk to my friend and I for just a little while?" After this query, he murmurs to Cerene, "Are you getting anything?"

Cerene murmurs softly, under her breath. "Nothing very comforting..." And then raises her voice. "We want to know if this confession is an honest, true one, or if they forced it out of you, or anything like that. We won't hurt you. I promise."

The Teirian looks up at Cerene again, then returns to staring at the ground while rocking back and forth, shaking his head all the while.

. o O A Teirian thinks "They know. They know. They know. They know we did it."

Caeli purses his lips, looking to Cerene. Similarly under his breath, he says, "Can you... look for it? In his mind, I mean." Caeli's not exactly read up on Betazoid abilities.

. o O Donavon thinks "Ask about how he got here. Or something about his childhood. Might loosen the guy."

Harris' gaze sweeps over the Teirian, then over the two Federation citizens, then to Donavon, then back to his page. Reading.

Donavon glances once at the cell, ensuring that no one makes any false moves, and pondering something. Then she fingers the logs with Harris, reading.

Cerene glances over at Caeli. "I could, yes, but without permission," she responds quietly, "probing into his mind like that would be... unethical. To say the least. All I'm getting right *now*..." She pauses, and turns back to the Teirian. "What's your name? I'm Aliana."

Still with the rocking, still with the heavy breathing.

. o O A Teirian thinks "Go away. Go away. Leave me alone."

Caeli murmurs, "Desperate times..." before taking a step towards the cell and smiling to the Teirian, "And I'm Zip. Are you sure you won't talk to us for a while?"

. o O Donavon thinks "I remember when I was afraid, my Pa would talk about silly things. Got me to relax and laugh and broke through those defensive barriers. Maybe with this one?"

Cerene stares into the man's eyes for a moment longer before she straightens up. "He's snapped," she murmurs softly. "Nothing in those eyes... not going to get anything from him." She glances sidelong at the Colonel. "What exactly do you *do* to this prisoners to make them so... vacant?"

"That," replies Holnav, "would be the warden's area of expertise."

Caeli sighs slightly, not really wanting to know. "Moving on, then..." he says, more to himself than to anyone else. The next cell he picks has a Teirian with a poorly bandaged arm, and a bulk that is likely some sort of dressing under his shirt. "Shall we try door number two?" He looks to Cerene as they come to a stop.

Harris's gaze turns to Holnav. "You don't keep track of what your men do to your prisoners?" he asks rather incredulously.

Donavon shifts from her reverie in thumbing through logs, lifting an eye towards the Colonel in waiting for a reply.

. o O Harris is now completely focused on Holnav, suspicion creeping into his whole body. He trusts the confessions he holds as much as he'd trust a Klingon to babysit his firstborn child at this point.

Cerene shakes her head gently at the Colonel's words, before turning to Contestant Number Two. "Hello there," Cerene says softly. "My name's Aliana. What's your name?"

Holnav tells Harris, "The warden isn't one of my men. This prison isn't my jurisdiction." The Teirian with the injured arm looks Cerene up and down for bit before jerking his head at Caeli and saying, "Door number two, according to him."

Caeli purses his lips slightly before responding. "My apologies. In theory I was referring to the cell door, but it's a moot point now... I'm Lieutenant Zipok Caeli, and this is Legate Aliana Cerene. We're from the United Federation of Planets... would you be willing to speak with us for a little while? We'd like to discuss the allegations against you." Note how he refers to them as allegations. Innocent until proven guilty.

Eyes narrow with obvious disapproval now at Holnav. "Then, if I may be so bold, could you please locate the warden for me? I'd be most interested in speaking with him." Robert doesn't really ask, to be honest, he commands - albeit very gently.

Add a third into the mix of questioning the prisoner would become chaotic. Security prevents such a measure, therefore, Donavon silently observes the interactions, then is drawn out of her reverie. "The warden wasn't present when we retrieved these transcripts else Ensign Harris and I would have spoken with him."

Cerene nods several times in response to Caeli's words. "Yes, we've read a bit about what they *say* you said, but given the way you've all been treated, we're a little concerned about what might really have happened, and we'd like you to tell us anything that you can."

"I'm sure one of the guards can bring you to the warden," says the colonel. "But I'm sure the warden's a very busy man." The Teirian says, "What's there to say? We blew up a bunch of Klingons. End of story."

Caeli glances to Cerene, then back to the Teirian. "You /were/ behind the attacks, then? And all of these men as well?" An arm motions to the other cells as he speaks. "We can vouch protect you, if you fear for your safety on speaking truth." His tone is low enough so that it does not carry throughout the prison, especially with the second conversation going on.

. o O A Teirian thinks "Hmm, check out that cute one..."

Harris doesn't waver, his back stiffening even more. "I'd like the warden brought here," he replies to Holnav, still holding the man in a steely half-glare. "I'm certain he can make time for the people trying to make sure that your people aren't wiped out by a bunch of enraged Klingons." His head tilts slightly as he continues to gaze at the colonel, sizing him up as he lays it all out. And they said that Donavon was the bad cop.

"We wouldn't occupy too much time from the warden. We'd only like to clarify these transcripts so that we have a complete understanding. Wouldn't want misinterpretations," adds Donavon in the kindest tone possible. She can play the good cop if need be.

. o O Harris thinks "Enough with the nice act. If they're not going to cooperate, time to get mean with them."

Cerene raises an eyebrow. "Did you, really, blow up the Klingons? We just want to make sure you really did this, and that the Rynkans aren't trying to pass off the blame on you simply because of your heritage."

Colonel Holnav starts chuckling, "You're giving the orders now?" His face becomes straight. "We invited the Federation here as a sign of good will. We could have just as easily have asked the Romulans. At least they didn't make a habit out of blowing up Rynkan ships for fun like the Federation did a year ago." He looks at Donavon, then softens his tone, "I'll send for him. But he is not a military personnel and is not obligated to listen to me." With that, he waves a guard over. The Teirian, eyes briefly looking over Cerene from head to toe again, says, "Oh sure. We killed millions of people. Rynkans, Klingons, women, children, it doesn't matter to us. We're /terrorists/, don't you know. And that's what terrorists do." With a touch of sarcasm.

. o O A Teirian thinks "Women and children, good one."

Caeli picks up on the sarcasm, now, and moves to eradicate it. "Listen, if you all aren't actually terrorists - false confessions and snide sarcasm aside - then we are your last, best hope of getting out of here alive and well. We want to help you, but you need to help us before we can."

There's no amusement on Harris' features whatsoever as he continues to stare at Holnav. "Thank you," he states rather darkly, neither thankful nor pleased with how this whole situation is developing.

"Thank you, Colonel for your assistance. We really do appreciate your efforts to smooth this investigation and would be more so if the warden arrived." No fake smile appears on Donavon's face who grins graciously. Finally there is a step made forward at least with the transcripts. A slanted look is shot at Harris upon hearing his tone.

Cerene nods solemnly. "We're not here to condemn you, and we haven't judged you yet. We just want the truth. That's it."

Some whispering before the guard departs, then the colonel glares briefly at Harris before giving Donavon a nod. The Teirian regards Caeli, "...and how would I go about doing that?"

Caeli purses his lips, trying to keep his brows down as his face tries to do that Bolian expression of concern. "Just tell us the entire truth about the Bak'TUR incident. That's all we ask."

Not fazed at all, Harris glares back at the Rynkan colonel. He's old, he's stranded in some primitive dungeon surrounded by catatonic accused terrorists, and, to top it all off, he was insulted by a bunch of farmers less than twenty-four hours ago. Imagine your grandparents when they get cold corn with their discount meal at any restauraunt- that's the foulness of his mood at the moment.

Caeli says, "That's potatoes."

"Colonel, please excuse Ensign Harris' mood," begins Donavon in a sweet tone, though still keeping watch on Caeli and Cerene. "I believe he has forgotten that patience is a virtue and demanding haste isn't the way to approach this situation."

Cerene is either oblivious to or ignoring the other discussion going on, her voice soft and directed at the prisoner alone. "The truth. That's all we want."

"Hmph," goes the colonel. The Teirian says, "The truth. By telling you how it wasn't me who blew up Bak'TUR, right?"

. o O A Teirian thinks "This could be my ride out of here..."

Caeli's shoulders droop slightly with exasperation. "Whatever actually happened, we want to hear it. One way or another."

A single gaze is flicked to Donavon, lingering for just a moment before Harris' eyes return to Holnav, a bit lighter now.

Donavon meets the gaze, slight scowl upon the face, then turns sights towards the hall in the hopes that the warden will arrive soon.

Cerene frowns at the man in the cell. "Listen... I'll be able to tell if you're lying or not. I just want to hear you tell us, one way or the other, what the truth is. That's all."

The Teirian's eyes narrow on Cerene. "/I/ didn't do it."

. o O A Teirian thinks "She's bluffing. People can't read minds."

Caeli looks around. "And what of your companions, here?"

Cerene raises an eyebrow. "You're welcome to call my 'bluff' if you like. Just tell us the truth, and we'll do whatever we can to make sure things work out as best as we can."

The Teirian shrugs, "Go ask them yourself. None of them are from my cell." His attention then snaps back at Cerene, once again narrowed on her. Holnav returns his attention to the questioning.

Caeli leans to murmur to Cerene, "We seem to be on the verge of overstaying our welcome... I think comparing notes would be best saved for the runabout."

Harris glances down the hallway. There *is* a warden, right?

. o O Donavon thinks "Isn't this leading the witness? Getting the prisoner to say what you want? I'm sure in court this line of questioning would be thrown out."

Donavon looks as well with Harris. No warden.

Cerene sighs gently and closes her eyes. "Look. I just want the *truth*. Are you guilty of what you're being held here for? Did you actually--" She stops, and glances over in the direction of the Colonel and the two Starfleeters with the info on their stacks of papers. "Do we have a record of what this gentleman is charged with?"

<CONTEST> Donavon contests her Intellect (Perception) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Harris contests his Intellect (Perception) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

The colonel and the Teirian remain vigilant.

. o O A Teirian thinks "How in the world did she do that? Agh, stop thinking, stop thinking!"

Caeli listens to the answer to Cerene's question.

Harris turns his gaze toward Cerene. "If we had his name, we could tell you."

Donavon nods in agreement with Harris, ready to cue the document once the name is retrieved.

Cerene folds her arms over her chest. "So. Are you going to tell us your name, or do we need the warden to look it up when he arrives?"

Stare. Scan. Stare some more. "Tohlar," says the Teirian. "Tohlar Pollim."

Caeli repeats it, louder. "His name is Tohlar Pellim. What have you got, Ensign?"

. o O A Teirian thinks "This isn't going to get anywhere. We're dead men anyway."

Harris shuffles through his pages for a moment. "I think Ensign Donavon's got this one."

Donavon zips and filters through the papers and finally locates the name. "Tohlar Pollim," she states in a flat tone, one often used in reporting, "Says he admitted to guilt in working with the terrorist group Ylinnor."

Cerene turns from the report to face the man more directly. "So. Why did you admit to working with this group? Or--perhaps the better question--why did you work with them?"

The Teirian shrugs, "To get rid of the Rynkans. Why else?"

Caeli raises a brow. "By using the Klingons? Wouldn't an invasion of the Confederacy just replace one overlord with another?"

Harris falls silent as he listens once again.

Donavon scans the held document further in the hopes of locating any further pertinent information.

Cerene blinks several times. "So you bomb the Klingons... to frame the Rynkans? Why would that improve your situation any?"

Tohlar says, "Hey, I didn't say /I/ attacked the Klingons."

. o O A Teirian thinks "Get labelled Ylinnor and everyone jumps on you for bombing Bak'TUR. Bah. Oh wait, stop thinking!"

Caeli narrows his eyes, now, the security officer in him overriding the nice guy. "Stop with the word games. We're giving you what amounts to a second chance here, and for all intents and purposes you're laughing in our faces." His tone softens minutely as he continues, "You freely admit to the allegations of your terrorist activities?"

"Hmm," hums Donavon quietly before eyes glance up from the transcript to steal a gaze with the Teirian prisoner. "Not involved with the nuking yet all those who were in your cell were killed. Could you clarify this a bit more?"

Cerene frowns at Tohlar and shakes her head several times. "What did you hope to accomplish? Really? I mean, did you really think the Klingons wouldn't figure out you were responsible?"

"Yeah yeah," Tohlar says to Caeli. He looks over at Donavon, eyes roving up and down again, "No." Then to Cerene, "What was I thinking? I was thinking that I could keep the Rynkans off my planet! I don't know about this whole blasted Klingon business, so stop bothering me about it!"

Caeli turns to Cerene, apparently done with the Teirian. "If you're not getting anything off of him," he murmurs, "Then I think that's about all we can do. We're not here to solve their terrorism problem, we're here to investigate the Bak'TUR incident."

Harris folds his arms over his chest. Something stinks to him, he just can't put his finger on what.

"What I hold here is your confession to crimes, a document with your name," explains Donavon, not scolding but attempting a gentle explanation. "The Klingons will base their decision upon these transcripts. If you could clarify or offer further information, perhaps this Bak'TUR incident could be better understood. Else, this is the truth, all of it. No other chance offered to add or change what is written."

Cerene nods several times. "Unless you're going to explain to us how, exactly, you thought bombing a Klingon planet would keep the Rynkans off your planet, we might as well move on..."

. o O A Teirian thinks "Ugh, they're so dense!"

"We're all dead men anyway," Tohlar says through clenched teeth before stomping to the back of the room and sitting down, back to the company.

Caeli looks to the mission co-leader, shaking his head minutely at the diplomat. She knows his feelings on the matter.

Another sigh as Harris looks to the floor, scuffing his boot on the stones for a moment.

The report previously held between fingers is returned to the piled stack held by Harris. Solemn in retrospect, Donavon holds her tongue thus remaining blank with her expressions.

Cerene straightens and nods. "Nothing to disprove what the report says... alright. Let's move on." She turns to the Colonel. "Where shall we proceed next? The warden, perhaps? Or something else?"

The colonel holds back the urge to say 'I told you so,' and instead says, "I don't know whether the warden is coming or not until the guard returns with the reply from the warden. If not, then I can show you the nuclear warheads."

Harris' gaze comes up from the floor, and he looks between Caeli and Cerene.

Cerene nods a couple of times. "That would indeed be beneficial." She turns to leave the cell and start after the colonel. "Thank you for your patience, Colonel. I appreciate you giving us the time to verify at least one of those stories."

A curt nod from the colonel as he heads toward the exit and away from the unsightly bunch of terrorists. When the guard sent to retrieve the warden returns, he announces that the warden is unavailable. "It's late," says Holnav. "I didn't expect him to be anyway." To the Federation group, "Care to move on?"

Caeli nods. "That would be a good idea, yes." And moves to follow the colonel, fully expecting the other 'fleeters to do the same.

Harris follows along. Whee.

Cerene simply nods. "Fair enough." She continues along with the colonel. "I would like to speak to him, though, at some point. Several of them seem... rather broken."

Donavon executes beta, gamma, delta manuever - she follows at paces of five meters.

And so the group heads on over to the next destination. Driving into a military base and going several stories beneath a warehouse, the Federation team is brought to a room with a large window in one wall. On the other side of the window is a big, bare room, save for the two nuclear warheads kept in safety there.

Caeli looks to the Colonel as they enter. "What circumstances were they found under, Colonel?"

Harris pulls his tricorder from it's holster and flips it open. He's not interested in how they were found - he just wants to verify that they are indeed nuclear bombs.

<CONTEST> Harris contests his Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Donavon strolls through the bare room, examining the warheads at a glance while listening to Harris work his tricorder.

Cerene slowly lets her eyes run over the complex, taking everything in.

"In one of the Ylinnor bases," says Holnav. "We discovered where it was, raided the base, and stopped the terrorists from setting off the bombs right there and then. The trained soldiers of the Confederacy saved -" A loud klaxon goes off throughout the entire complex.

Caeli reaches down instinctively to his belt, withdrawing his phaser but keeping it pointed downward. He looks to the Colonel again, with concern. "What's going on, Colonel Holnav?"

Harris continues scanning the area, widening the tricorders range to maximum. Just to get that independent analysis thing on whatever's going on.

On instant alert, a quick draw when needed, Donavon brings her hand upon her hip. A spin is exacted upon the balls of her feet, scanning about for signs, a reason for the alarm.

As the sound of the siren starts screaming out across the complex, Cerene closes her eyes and murmurs something softly to herself about how these 'basic diplomacy missions' always seem to go badly recently. "Colonel?"

Holnav frowns and goes up to a comm to figure out what's going on. A small viewscreen in the nearby computer terminal shows a Rynkan in military uniform saying, "Teirra System Perimeter Defenses under attack, sir! We're receiving this from Outpost 21:" The small viewscreen switches from the young Rynkan to a more elderly one in the midst of a bridge on fire. The man says, "The Klingons came out of nowhere! I've lost over half of the perimeter fleet already and not even the Ferengi shields on this station can last very long! Get ready for -" A bright explosion goes off, followed by static.

Caeli follows closely behind Holnav, speaking intently to the Rynkan. "Let me speak to them, Colonel; perhaps I can dissuade the attack." The last thing he wants is to be in the middle of a ground war. To the rest of the team, he calls out, "Stay together, and near me. You too, Legate. We're not getting caught in the middle of this."

Harris puts his tricorder away, glancing at Donavon with an odd glint in his eyes. "Klingons..." he mutters.

Donavon sucks in a breath, a million and one things going through her mind, the least not about the oven being left on. Eyes meet with Harris, then turn upon her superior and the Colonel. "How far away is that Outpost from here?" Distance, could be five minutes before the next shot is made by the Klingon warbirds.

Cerene turns to Caeli. And chuckles. "Perhaps *I* should talk to them, Lieutenant. I *am* the representative voice of the Federation along on this mission." And then to the Colonel. "Is there a comm system I can use anywhere?"

Holnav continues speaking with the command center of the base. After exchanging some words with a raised voice, the colonel turns off the screen and slams a fist on the computer terminal. "The Klingons aren't responding to any hail." To Donavon, "Half an AU." He looks oddly at the Betzoid chuckling in the middle of troubles.

Caeli sighs. "What kind of setup do you have for repelling a ground assault, Colonel?" He looks around, considering the defensibility of the position. "I don't intend to trade shots with the Klingons unless they specifically fire on us, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared."

Harris glances at Caeli. "Maybe if we got to the runabout, we could hail them?" His eyebrow perks. "They can't very well blow us up while we're in a Federation ship - there'd be hell to pay with the Alliance." Well, he hopes, at least.

Donavon blinks, "In all due respect, sir- " But Harris has the same idea as her. The Ensign doubly nods. "If the Klingons won't respond to hails from this base, they might from a Federation vessel."

Cerene grins wryly. "Great. Now the two of you are reading *my* mind..." She turns to Caeli, all-business again. "I would assume that the difference in comm signal would be distinct enough for them to tell the difference."

Colonel Holnav nods, "They're far more likely to respond to the Federation."

Caeli nods, and reaches up to tap his compin. "Caeli to Cape Fear. Computer, lock on to the entire team, plus the Rynkan biosign nearest to me, and transport back to the Runabout." With that, he moves to stand right next to Holnav. The little tiger is coming too.

Harris prepares for the cool wash of the transporter beam to claim him.

Donavon stands ready for the fizzy bubbly aura to consume her body and transport her to the stated location.

Cerene is quite prepared for the transport as well.

With a whir and a light show, the group dematerializes and reassembles in the Cape Fear.

Caeli moves immediately to slide into the command chair. "Mr. Harris, hailing frequencies to the Klingons for the Legate, if you please." Caeli himself is checking over systems. Tactical ones, no doubt.

Caeli sits down at Mission Command.

Harris slides into the pilot's chair, because he seems to be relatively certain that they'll need to leave shortly. "Aye, sir," he replies as he activates the console and attempts to open a channel to the rampaging Klingons.

Harris sits down at Pilot.

Donavon hurries over to her console before tactics, fingers flying to draw up the location of the Klingon warbirds.

Donavon sits down at Tactical.

Cerene strides up behind the officers at the consoles, waiting for communications to be established.

Holnav seems a bit out of it as he experiences his first transporter transaction ever. A response from the Klingons comes fairly quickly, and a male Klingon appears on the viewscreen at the side of the cockpit. "What is the Federation doing here!?"

Caeli looks to Cerene, swiveling in his seat to face her. "You're on, legate... that's your cue." He'd like to do it himself, but even a Prantares Ribbon doesn't qualify him to talk down an angry Klingon.

Cerene takes a couple of steps closer, her brow furrowing... almost but not quite looking like forehead ridges. As much as she can look like she has forehead ridges, anyway. "I am Aliana, daughter of Naran, proud wearer of the Klingon Imperial Star. I ask you to cease this attack on the defenseless Rynkans at once. There is no honor in crushing a defenseless enemy, especially when there is nothing to justify such an action. The Federation has been asked to come verify evidence that the Rynkans are not responsible for the attack on Bak'TUR. We are currently in the process of investigating their claims."

Harris' hands dance over the console, and there's a slight hum that runs through the ship as the propulsion systems come online. Just in case the Klingons don't like what Cerene just said, he's getting ready to leave.

The Klingon gets noticeably less angry, but still looks quite grumpy. "We have enough evidence to make them guilty. You are already blocking us from attacking Rynka, do you block us from Teirra too? They are NOT defenseless; they have Ferengi technology to fight back with!"

The hail being acknowledged is but one relief for the junior security officer who has checked her uniform for red but sees gold. Donavon glances at the viewscreen, then is drawn back towards the Legate. It is time to witness those Klingon diplomatic skills in action.

Cerene frowns. She says in Klingon, "The evidence seems to indicate--so far, at least--that neither the Rynkans nor the Teirians are responsible, but rather, that small terrorist Teirian cells have been the cause of the activity against the Klingon Empire. If you will cease your attack, we will continue our investigation, and pass along our conclusions to Ambassador Avok. Save your wrath for when we have verified a target for you, but do not fight a dishonorable battle against those who cannot fight back."

"We will have our revenge now!" cries the Klingon. "If you claim to have proof, give it to me now, or step aside so we can repay them for the dead of Bak'TUR! No more delays!"

Cerene takes a few steps, advancing on the screen. She says in Klingon, "I understand your need for revenge, but it will be meaningless if it does not come against the real guilty party. If you make your move and you learn you did so against an innocent party, you will be dishonored." Her face softens. She says in Klingon, "Do not risk the loss of your House's respect because of a mere desire for vengeance. You will have it, but you must have it against the true criminals. Until we verify this evidence, we cannot be certain who that is. If you wish, we can send you what information we have, but I ask you not to act on it until we can be certain it is not simply lies."

"I am Krotar To'Ghelj of House Kang, and I will not allow those responsible to escape the wrath of the Empire!" the Klingon declares back in Klingon. "Who does this...'evidence' implicate?"

Caeli looks toward the viewscreen, then, replying to the inquiry. "It implicates a specific group of Teirian terrorists who have already been apprehended by the Rynkan government and are awaiting trial. If you wish to extradite them for punishment, I would encourage you to contact the Rynkan Confederacy." That said, Zip returns to the business of prepping the runabout for launch.

. o O Caeli thinks "Instead of attacking it while your allies are here trying to help you."

Donavon sits down at Tactical.

Eyes remain affixed upon the viewscreen at tactical. One especially Donavon must be prepared to offer readouts in case the situation grows dire. So far, all remains the same - a Klingon /ship/ is in orbit.

Alexi just watches from her place near the rear of the cockpit, paying attention to the exchange but keeping silent.

Cerene shoots a frown and rolled eyes over at Caeli. Silly Starfleet security types. Why couldn't more of them be like Dylan... "We are verifying the truth of this evidence, and we will be sure to inform you as soon as we are assured of its authenticity."

The Klingon crosses his arms, not looking too pleased. "How far along in this verification are you?"

Caeli catches the look, and shrugs back at the diplomat. She wants to deal with the Klingon? Fine with Zip. He murmurs to Harris, "Start the pre-launch checks."

. o O Caeli thinks "Have a blast, Legate."

"Fifteen steps ahead of you," Harris mumbles in reply, fingers continuing their dance over the console.

Next phase, entering space. Donavon settles more comfortably upon the chair, yet tenses a little. The unexpected could arise and all need to be on their toes. Tactical readouts remain the same.

Alexi just keeps watching in silence.

Cerene crosses her own arms over her chest. "So far, we haven't seen anything to prove their claims false. But we need more time. I don't want any innocents getting hurt, and I know you don't want to be dishonored by attacking the wrong people. I assure you, I will pass along my findings to Ambassador Avok as soon as we return to 419."

. o O Harris thinks "I wonder what that Klingon has in orbit..."

"I will not allow anyone to escape," Krotar repeats. "Do your work, but this system is under Klingon martial law and those responsible will be held in our brigs to make sure they don't escape. Bring that to your ambassador as well."

Caeli sighs almost inaudibly, leaning back in the mission command chair.

<CONTEST> Harris contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Harris frowns thoughtfully at his readouts, surreptitiously transfering a sensor report to Caeli and Donavon's stations about what exactly the Klingons have in orbit as he finishes out the preflight sequence.

Donavon ensures that no expelling of breath is made, not wishing for a visible reaction at what the sensor report entails. Lips only firmly plant together to a thin line, concentration intact. This could get tricky.

Alexi keeps watching, with just a hint of a frown as she listens on at the conversation with the Klingons.. that seems to go the wrong way.

Cerene raises an eyebrow. "Under Klingon martial law? HoD, this is not a Klingon system. It can hardly be under Klingon martial law. How, exactly, did you get here? Did you cross Federation space or Romulan space? Because either way, you've breached an agreement."

The Klingon lets out a chortle. "Neither, child. In case you haven't checked your starmaps recently, this system is in the Neutral Zone, and both the your people and the Romulans didn't say that we couldn't attack the Teirra System there!"

The Bolian in what amounts to the center chair grits his teeth, frustrated with the way things are going.

Green eyes to the flick to the viewscreen, then to the readouts before Robert Harris as he starts to plot a course to evade all of those ships in orbit. He's looking for a way out that doesn't get the runabout blown up.

Shields are operational according to her readout. All that is necessary is a tap of a finger /if/ defensive measures are needed. Donavon swivels an eye to her superior, then back to tactical. A silent reminder is repeated in her head.

Cerene raises an eyebrow. "I am well aware of the geography of the sector, HoD. As such, I am equally aware that, as I said, this is not Klingon space, and Klingon martial law cannot be implemented, especially by a force that does not represent the Klingon Empire. No doubt you must have made a very long trip to get here, and have been out of communication for some time. Ambassador Avok and Chancellor Martok both gave me personal assurances that the Empire would not act before this evidence was reviewed. Do not dishonor the Empire with your actions."

. o O Donavon thinks "Steer clear of the fire button. Don't want to start a war here. Stay on the defensive, stay on the defensive."

"Subspace is fast," states Krotar. "It takes only hours to get a message from Qo'noS. And I received no such message. If martial law is not enough for you, then I will conquer this wretched system and /make/ it Imperial sovereignty! Is that what you want to hear, child?"

Caeli glances from Cerene, to the viewscreen, to Harris, and finally Donavon, before tapping out a message to their consoles. 'If they start shooting, we start flying. Get ready.'

Two chirps emit from Harris' console, and he eyes it with another frown. Two more Birds of Prey inbound - and that information is transferred to Caeli and Donavon's console.

Donavon is a step ahead and verifies that all systems are intact. Sure enough shields are prepped. Between registering the positions of the Klingon ships, she quickly raps a message to her direct superior. 'Should hail Federation about this. Uncertain about these odds if shooting does happen.' An eye lands upon the pilot, then steers quickly back to her viewscreen.

Alexi just remains at the rear, and silently raises an eyebrow at the klingon treat. Fascinating.

Cerene chuckles softly. "Chancellor Martok would not have awarded the Klingon Imperial Star to a 'child,' HoD. And I think 'conquering' this system would be a bad idea. Your House is in enough trouble with Martok because you couldn't control yourselves with the Nausicaans. I would hate to think of what would happen to your House if you made the same mistake twice."

Krotar narrows his eyes and makes a throaty sound of disapproval. "I will carry out my duties until I'm given new orders. I suggest you get your information to your ambassador as quickly as you can." He shouts something in Klingon, and his image disappears from the small viewscreen.

Caeli swivels in his seat to regard the diplomat. "Legate, I'm inclined to agree. I hope there's nothing left you want to see on this rock, because we're getting out of here. Any objections?"

"Is it wise to leave them like this?" Them obviously being those planetside. Donavon clears her throat once, then forces her attentions to her next duty - keep the shuttlecraft protected. Judging by the Klingons' reaction, they might not be allowed to escape.

Alexi grips the seat and narrows her eyes at Donavon's words, and she glances towards the readouts. Hmm.

Cerene blinks a couple of times. "*Leave*? We haven't even done what we came here to do--haven't verified their reports or anything--and you want to just leave? How brave, Lieutenant. No, I think we should stay. And if he wants to dishonor himself and his house by firing on a Federation envoy, on a Starfleet team, and on a recipient of the Klingon Imperial Star, he's going to fire at us whether we're here or if we're leaving. If, however, he's just trying to bluster us out, so he can fire at will... he won't attack until he knows we're gone."

Caeli shakes his head. "No, Legate, it's not a matter of bravery. I don't think he's quite stupid enough to open fire on a Federation vessel. Foremost on my mind is getting what we have back to the people who need it. I somehow doubt we're going to get much more out of the Rynkans with this attack going on, and our being here certainly isn't going to stop those ships from attacking /them/. We can't do any good here... we've got our statements and we've seen what the Rynkans have to show us. Let's take that information to where it can do some good."

"And if he does open fire on us... this isn't exactly prime real estate to be sitting on," Harris tosses over his shoulder. "I'd rather be able to dodge than a sitting duck."

"Being dead isn't going to help this matter either," comments Donavon quietly. "A Danube Class Runabout is no match for those Klingon Warships. The more we sit here, the more they'll get antsy. And in ansty situations, itchy trigger fingers are found. Are you going to place this entire crew who was ordered to investigate only in the middle of the upcoming battle?"

Alexi keeps doing what she does best - keeping quiet, but her eyes moves to the person speaking as she listens to the exchange, and is keenly paying attention to the tense situation.

Albertz watches the conversations unfold, sitting quietly in his seat where he's been alllll along. If his reactions to people's comments is any indication he seems to agree with the Legate on what to do.

Cerene simply raises an eyebrow at Caeli's words. "Oh, and I suppose we can't get this information back over, say, a subspace signal?" She shakes her head. "No, leaving won't do a bit of good, we've hardly learned anything anyway. Send a signal to 419 with the information we've gathered, then contact the Klingon ship, and tell them that if they want to fire while we're here, if they want to risk House Kang waging a private war against the entire Federation, they're welcome to attack while we're sorting this out. Or they can go home, wait, let us conclude the investigation, and we'll let them know what we find."

. o O Albertz thinks "She's right, we're better off to stay put. They wouldn't have sent us on a mission with a diplomat who doesn't know how the various concerns in the part of the galaxy are going to operate."

Colonel Holnav stays quiet as well.

Caeli narrows his eyes for a moment at Cerene before looking from Donavon to Harris and back again. "Legate Cerene, at the first sign of hostile action against this ship and crew, we're beaming back to the runabout and going home. Moreover, let it be noted that I'm officially objecting to this course of action, but deferring to your authority as the purpose of this mission is diplomatic in nature. I encourage you to go work your Imperial Star magic on whoever it was you were just talking to, while I contact the station. Let's get this over with." He turns his head to Harris and Donavon, then, lowering his voice somewhat. "Mr. Harris, bundle up all the evidence we have so far and prepare it for a subspace burst back to 419. Mr. Donavon, keep your eyes glued to those sensors. The second someone turns their guns on us, I want to know." The Bolian's eyes flit to Cerene, then, as if to query if she is content with their course of action.

. o O Caeli thinks "You've got balls, Legate, I'll grant you that."

"Lieutenant, I don't type fast enough to upload all the information we have," Harris replies as his gaze turns back to his console. "We've got hardcopy, not data."

Glued are those eyes to Tactical. Donavon's eyes suddendly bulge as she announces firmly, "Legate, you better hail a superior that the the HoD will listen to. Half a dozen K'vort class ships have arrived and another Vor'cha. That makes thirteen Klingon Warships in orbit. We aren't going to be able to get off this planet now."

Alexi hmms silently to herself and looks to Don, the vulcan-like quirk growing.

Albertz clears his throat and addresses Caeli, "Sir. Have you considered using the tricorders image record function? We could image the pages of the data we have and send those images back to the station..."

Cerene raises an eyebrow at Harris' objection, then grins at Albertz' idea. "Good idea, Ensign. Or you could try reading it into digital form out loud. Quickly. The computer takes dictation, you know." She grins slightly, and then turns to nod and acknowledge Donavon's words. "Alright, then, we'll try talking to the other Vor'cha... perhaps its HoD will be a good deal more reasonable than the first. Are they all House Kang ships?"

Caeli nods to Albertz. "Get to it, Ensign. Mr. Harris, lend him a hand. Ensign Alexi, if you wouldn't mind, run a check and see what other allied ships are nearby... and Meg, keep me apprised of the situation. Help the Legate if she needs anything." Meanwhile, Caeli turns back to the console before him, trying to open a subspace channel to the station. "This is the USS Cape Fear to Station 419 Upsilon. Come in, 419."

<CONTEST> Alexi contests her Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

Alexi acknowledges with a brief 'Aye sir', and turns to the nearby station. Tap tap. Tap.. tap.. Well, she doesn't come up with something for a bit at least.

"Aye, aye sir," states Donavon who clearly is attempting to remain calm. Reading the sensors, a report is tossed back to Cerene. "It's an assorted group of Klingon Warships. Not all are from House Kang. Here's to hoping, one will listen to your reasoning, Legate."

Albertz flicks open his tricorder and begins scanning images of the Rynkan documents, working from the bottom of the pile as Harris (presumably) works from the top. He bites his lip and lets a quiet oath escape as he cuts his finger on one of the papers. "Will be done in two shakes of a lamb's tail, sir."

Cerene nods a couple of times. "Alright... patch me into one of the ships that's not from House Kang. Biggest one out there."

And so another ship is hailed. However, the computer chirps in with, "All transmissions are being blocked."

Caeli turns to face the rest of the runabout. "Ladies and gentlemen, subspace is being jammed. Plan B is over and done with, and we're getting this information back to the station. Colonel Holnav, I recommend you minimize resistance to the Klingons to prevent as many casualties as you can until we can return with help. Unless you wish to accompany us, in which case just head to the back and strap in. Duty stations, people, we're going home." He turns back to his console, then, awaiting Harris' return to the pilots' station.

GAME: Donavon spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Donavon contests her Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

Holnav shakes his head, "I won't leave my post. Even if the Klingons are about to blow it up. Please hurry." With that, he heads toward the exit.

Donavon clenches her teeth together, shaking her head ruefully. "Can't detect any Federation ships nearby, sir. We are sitting ducks unless we get off this planet."

Alexi just sighs quietly under her breath and leans back from the station, to just watch for what's happening now.

Albertz continues scanning in pages at a frantic rate, muttering to himself the entire time. The whole exercise may be academic at this point, but there's always a chance the runabout will get a chance to make a transmission in the clear.

A K'vort swiftly flies in, slowing down to hover over the runabout while it scans the smaller ship, then moves on without giving the Federation team any trouble.

Caeli keeps his fingers dancing over the controls as he assists Harris however he can. "Mr. Harris, take us up and away from the planet. Break orbit away from the Klingons and plot a course for the station, best availible speed. Mr. Donavon, keep the shields /down/. We're not going to present a threat to them in any way." Caeli, meanwhile, begins a broad-band hail on all frequencies. Jamming or no, maybe somebody will hear him. "USS Cape Fear to all vessels... we are proceeding at best speed away from this system. This is a Federation diplomatic mission. Do not fire. Computer, loop message on all hailing frequencies." Hah! /This/ Saturday night seems to have plenty of action. Maybe he can be back home in his own bed by the next nice, quiet, Sunday.

No finger will land upon raising shields unless those Klingons Warships give her a reason to. Donavon already had that planned despite what her superior states. But she does nod her head in agreement, eyes focused upon Tactical hoping not to see any ships nearing the runabout in an aggressive manner.

Albertz finishes scanning the last of the pages, "All complete sir. I'm encoding the images now." A few tapped commands to the tricorder, "Assuming that jamming stops, the documents are ready to be sent to 419 at the earliest opportunity, sir."

The runabout zooms away from a surrounded Teirra. Another dozen Klingon ships are moving in after completing their tasks at the system's border, scanning the Cape Fear as they pass it by, but otherwise leaves the Federation crew be.