Things Remembered

 Episode Name:  Things Remembered

   Written By:  Lace

         Cast:  Hurley, Idrani, Javits, Jostin, Lace, Laco 
                and Novairen.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Lace

     Aired On:  Sun Apr 25 02:59:33 2004

     Stardate:  54045.4

Time: Sat Apr 24 21:14:19 2004

Stardate: 54044.8

Over Idrani's com badge, someone says, "Lieutenant Laco here."

Javits taps his com badge. "Lieutenant Javits to Lieutenant JG Novairen."

Into her com badge, Idrani says, "Lieutenant, we've had to clear out most of the Ops crew for an unexpected away mission. Are you available to take the Science station?"

Over Javits's com badge, someone says, "Lieutenant JG Novairen here."

Into his com badge, Javits says, "Lieutenant, an unexpected away mission has left us undermanned up here in Ops. Are you free to handle tactical?"

Over Idrani's com badge, Laco says, "I suppose. Who's on the roster? I guess it doesn't matter, they're obviously engaged in something more important. I'm on my way."

Laco steps into the bustle of Ops from the corridor. The door slides shut with a whisper.

Laco has arrived.

Idrani taps her com badge and terminates transmission.

Laco's com badge clicks as Idrani drops off channel.

Hurley steps into the bustle of Ops from the corridor. The door slides shut with a whisper.

Hurley has arrived.

Over Javits's com badge, Novairen says, "Is there an emergency, Lieutenant?"

Idrani looks over as Laco steps on the bridge. "Thanks for coming, Lieutenant."

Into his com badge, Javits says, "Negative, Lieutenant, not aboard the station. We simply need a qualified officer to handle tactical for this shift."

Over Javits's com badge, Novairen says, "And Lieutenant Kepler appears to have the evening off. Fine. I'll be up shortly."

Javits's com badge clicks as Novairen drops off channel. The channel closes.

Laco nods to Idrani without a word, and heads towards the sciences console.

Novairen steps into the bustle of Ops from the corridor. The door slides shut with a whisper.

Novairen has arrived.

Javits, from his place at engineering, raises a hand in greeting to Novairen, "Sorry for the short notice, Lieutenant. Thank you for taking the time for this."

Idrani sits in the command chair, "We've had to send a rescue mission after the crew of the shuttlecraft Levy. That's cleaned out most of our bridge crew. Thank you for putting off your Saturday evening plans and pulling relief shifts."

Hurley steps back into Operations, straightens at her uniform, then flashes a smile towards Idrani. "It looks like everything is getting in hand."

. o O Laco thinks "Idrani should be competant enough."

Novairen walks into Operations looking none to happy about the prospect. "It must've been one heck of a shuttle crash to require have the station to run around like chickens with their heads cut off," she grouses as she moves to the tactical station.

Javits nods slowly as he turns back to his station, "It does go beyond that, yes."

A security crewman turns aside to quietly answer his compin, before checking his phaser and walking quickly from the room.

Idrani looks over at the Science Station, "Lieutenant Laco, I don't want to step over you. You're a Department Head. Do you want the Big Chair and want me to sit at Science?"

Hurley, not in line for the Big Chair, nor likely to EVER be in line for the Big Chair, quietly makes her way to one of the open Operations consoles. This is, afterall, her job and her shift. In a much better mood than just an hour ago, she begins to lightly hum to herself.

Laco slides into the Sciences seat. "It's all yours Lieutenant. I imagine you're eager for the spot, and it isn't like anything is going to happen. I think we've recieved our allotment of bad luck for the day."

Laco sits down at Science I.

Idrani smiles, "As you like, Lieutenant. I've always been something of an optimist," she deadpans, "No matter how bad things get, they can always get worse." Yes, that's supposed to be a joke.

Novairen takes a seat at the tactical station and keys in for access to the console. "Merciful gods, don't say stuff like that. It's not like the bullseye on the hull isn't big enough already." She sets about configuring the LCARS display to her tastes.

Hurley eyes Laco carefully and the humming abruptly stops. It would seem that someone doesn't understand about jynx and Operations yet.

Hurley sits down at Operations.

Javits gives Idrani a curious glance before turning back to the primary engineering station to peer at its displays.

Idrani settles back in her chair, "I'd like everyone to run a Level 4 diagnostic of their station. We did a lot of reconfiguring and power drains. Let's make sure that hasn't had any effects on the systems."

<PROVE> Javits has the flaw of Rival at -3.

Laco performs the prescribed diagnostic.

Javits glances back to Idrani with a firm nod, "Aye , sir." This said, he turns back to his station to tap several glowing symbols.

Hurley eyeshifts and tests the internal communications while she's at it. Setting her combadge on her console, she contacts the most likely person to need to hear cheer at the moment.

Hurley taps her com badge. "Ensign Hurley to Ensign O'Carroll."

. o O Javits thinks "I hope the Levy's crew is well, at least as well as possible given the circumstances. They should have biobed three waiting for Thea. I've lost count how many times I've visited her in there. No, it's not funny in the least either."

Novairen doesn't respond verbally. She just sets about initiating the automatic diagnostic.

Over Hurley's com badge, someone says, "Go ahead."

A senior chief in Sciences blue does a double-take at some readings, before clearing his head and realizing his mistake.

Into her com badge, Hurley says, "Hey, just wanted to make sure everything was going well, test internal comms briefly and most of all wish you the best of luck, which I know you don't need."

Aside from the recent excitement, or perhaps because of it, it is rather quiet in Ops now. Consoles chirp and do their thing, as all systems are put into diagnostics. The forward viewscreen is tuned outward to space, likely to catch the shuttle in view when it lifts off.

Idrani listens to the converstation between Hurley and O'Carroll, antennae fixed on her.

Over Hurley's com badge, O'Carroll responds softly and easily, "Aye. A little luck n'er hurts. We're gettin under way now, tho. See ye when we get back, lass. Out."

Hurley's com badge clicks as O'Carroll drops off channel. The channel closes.

Hurley, smiling to herself for just a moment, returns her combadge to her uniform and quietly acknowledges towards the Big Chair, "Communications and Operations in general seems back to normal, Sir."

Idrani nods, "Acknowledged, Ensign. Keep me informed." She smiles a little.

Javits turns back to Idrani, his diagnostics complete, "Engineering is green, sir." Looking to the rest of the officers in operations, he manages an unsure shrug, "The most i can relay on the present situation is that the Levy has suffered a complete systems failure and a rescue team is on the way. The crew will be taken care of."

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

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

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

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

"I assume the rest is considered classified?" Hurley asks, casting a quick glance in Javits' direction.

Idrani says, "Not officially, no. But common sense dictates a little discretion until the matter has been investigated more thoroughly."

Hurley nods quickly, her gaze falling on Idrani. "Understood. I just wanted to make sure so I don't somehow mysteriously disappear." She winks, then turns back to her console, humming softly to herself.

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

Javits shakes his head with a glance to Idrani, "I cannot be certain of that at present, which is why I'd prefer to remain as brief as possible on the matter. One thing I can say is this is a very unfortunate accident, brought about by one person lacking in the integrity and attention to detail required of Starfleet personnel, both officer and enlisted. It is through this one member's lack of attention to proper maintenance procedures that the Levy's crew is in this predicament."

Hurley adds softly, "And the Shoemaker's crew *could have been* as well." Yesyes, let's not forget it wasn't only one ship.

"It says something about Starfleet Intelligence when I was happier when the RSN was feeding us data and handling our leash," Novairen says sourly once it sounds like no real information is going to be forthcoming. "Tactical is showing green lights across the board."

. o O Javits thinks "She's lucky I don't come down there and have a word with her myself. It wouldn't help matters at all. She'll catch enough from others for her actions, or rather the lack thereof."

Idrani's antennae flick toward Novairen, "No, Lieutenant, that says something about how you /perceive/ Starfleet Intelligence. SI has a job to do, as do we all. The fact that we may not know /everything/ about /everything/ simply must be accepted."

. o O Laco thinks "Oh, this might be interesting."

A senior chief in Sciences blue does a double-take at some readings, before clearing his head and realizing his mistake.

. o O Javits thinks "I've no problem with Starfleet Intelligence personally, just one member in particular. I'm certain that he'll eventually overstep his bounds far enough and bad enough to warrant action from his superiors. I only hope he doesn't hurt or kill too many people in the process, much less inhibit mission effectiveness through the wanton slapping on of clearance requirements."

Hurley glances towards Novairen, then back to her console. Best not to comment. Nopenopenope.

Novairen laughs dryly in response to the chastisement. "I stand corrected then. My /perception/ is that SI intelligence may be too full of itself at this time. Better, sir?"

Finally, on the viewscreen, the sensors have picked up the departure of the USS Shoemaker, departing the shuttlebay and scooting out into space. The shuttle shrinks in size as it gathers speed, becomes a speck, and dissapears, leaving only the star-speckled view of space in its wake. And that space wavers, breifly, rippling in place for the span of a few seconds, before it becomes still again.

Hurley holds her breath as she watches the ship launch and head off into the distance. Straight faced once it's out of view, she looks back towards Idrani and confirms with only a small smile, "No boom."

. o O Javits thinks "Wait, is it supposed to waver like that?"

Javits turns to watch the shuttle depart. With an inquisitive expression, he cocks his head to one side as he continues to watch the main viewscreen, "Wait, is space suppose to waver like that? Sensor report?"

A gold-collared Tellarite steps away from a console, to be replaced by a Trill female in command red who winks, smiles, and gives him a little wave. The Tellarite grunts nonchalantly.

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

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

Novairen glances over her shoulder first at the viewscreen and then at Javits. "What?"

<CONTEST> Laco contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

Idrani's antennae flick over to Novairen, "You can have whatever perception of SI that you like, Lieutenant. I can't change that. Just keep your perception from turning into a misinformed judgement." As she watches the shuttle take off, Jaylas sits up a little straighter in her chair. "Lieutenant Laco, what just happened there?" she asks.

. o O Javits thinks "I've been seeing and hearing way too many odd things on this station lately. First those smegging Birvax waves, which I still need to work on more, now this. And we have to wonder why the station's senior leadership is a little on the eccentric side?"

Laco shakes his head as his fingers work. "I didn't see it. Space wavered?" A puzzled look at his console. "Sensor ghost..seems that some..thing..." He straightens up, and says more quickly. "I think there is something out there, Idrani. Cloaked, perhaps, but not particularly well. It is putting out heat, and it is very, *very* close."

. o O Idrani feels cold fear

Idrani rises to her feet, "Go to Yellow alert. Can you pinpoint where it is, Lieutenant? Run it against known patterns for Romulan cloaks."

. o O Idrani thinks "If Kassus tries to hit us, I'm going to make him a present of his own head."

Javits glances from Laco to Idrani with a dubious expression. At Idrani's order, he turns quickly back to his station, "Securing yellow alert mode. Auxiliary systems to standby, bringing the core up to full operational status."

Novairen turns back to her station with something more than "wavering" to work with. "Tactical and long range sensor queues have been cleared. Shields, phasers, and torpedo launchers to stand by. Initiating scans."

Hurley glances towards Laco, then back towards the viewscreen. How could she have missed that?! Drawing in a quick breath, she immediately dons communications headgear. "I'll see if I can pick up any strange chatter."

<CONTEST> Laco contests his Shipboard Systems skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

Alternating blue and yellow flashes of light emit from an open Jefferies tube, before a lithe Bajoran swings out and re-seals the hatch, her work complete.

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

<CONTEST> Hurley contests her Shipboard Systems (Communications) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Idrani says, "Computer, Yellow Alert."

The computer acknowledges Idrani with a bleep.

The yellow alert lights flash throughout the station.

Idrani slowly sits back down. "Mister Hurley, open hailing frequencies. Let's see if this thing is in the mood to talk. And keep comchatter down to a minimum for on-station inquries, please."

Laco works at his console, "It isn't Romulan."

Javits responds from his station amid a flurry of tapping and checking its display, "Yellow alert mode secured, sir. Damage control teams standing by."

. o O Javits thinks "It's cloaked and not Romulan. How many known groups possess cloaking technology?"

Novairen shakes her head as she messes with the tactical sensors. "I'm not showing anything out there. Are you sure you saw something, Lieutenant?"

The terminal chirrups. "Lt Commander Gwen Poole to Operations."

"But it's there," Hurley adds in confirmation to Laco's earlier comment, "and it's emitting a com signal of sorts. I'm trying to make sense of it to get a channel open. I may need to cut non-emergency chatter on the station more if it's.." Biting at her lower lip, she continues working at her console, then lifts her gaze towards the viewscreen and states, "communications initiated. We're online, so to speak."

Idrani taps the com terminal. "Lieutenant Idrani here."

Over the terminal, Gwen Poole says, "Report."

Into the com terminal, Idrani says, "We have detected an unknown cloaked vessel immediately outside the station. Lieutenant Laco has confirmed that it is not Romulan. We're attempting to establish communications."

Over the terminal, Gwen Poole says, "Good. Keep me informed. Poole out."

The terminal clicks as Gwen Poole drops off channel. The channel closes.

Piped through Ops speakers, Hurley's work pays off. Unfortunately the Universal Translator doesn't catch it at first, and most of what is heard is a deep voice speaking gibberish. In that gibberish, the Translator picks up two words: Trespass...and home. There is a pause, and then the communication is fully translated: "We seek no harm. We come to investigate those who trespass our home."

. o O Javits thinks "Come again?"

Officers move about Operations, busily keeping Four One Nine in running order.

Idrani settles back in her chair, "Ensign, send copies of that to the Social Sciences lab, get the techs working on the linguistics patterns. We can't afford any translation errors while the UT is working on this." She sends out a response message, "This is Lieutenant Idrani, of Station 419. Greetings from the United Federation of Planets. We also mean you no harm."

Laco sits at his console quietly. It would appear that it is friendly, and might not find a probing scan to be polite, or non-hostile. So, for now, he will wait.

Yellow alert preparations over, Javits sits quietly at his station as well, listening with a curious expression to the exchange.

Novairen announces, "We've just been actively scanned. It looks like they're probing our offensive systems."

. o O Javits thinks "Probably trying to figure out just how much no harm we mean them."

"Communications being routed on a delay to social sciences lab," Christine chimes from her console. "They're confirming the UT is functioning appropriately."

The terminal chirrups. "Magdala to Operations."

"This is the Juk'ar'at," the disembodied voice responds. "We will drop our defensive cloaking. You are able to recieve visual communications?"

Hurley taps the com terminal. "Operations here."

Over the terminal, Magdala says, "Excuse the interruption, please. I had an unusual telepathic experience some minutes ago, before the Alert, and was advised to report that to you."

. o O Javits thinks "Magdala...? Oh, Miss Dagen. I wonder if she's sensing anything."

Idrani lets Hurley handle the other incoming communications. She addresses the vessel, known as the Juk'ar'at. "We can indeed receive visual communications. Standing by."

. o O Javits thinks "Love when my questions are answered so nice and neatly."

A moment later, a shape begins to take form in the blackness of space, radiating from the 'center' outward, giving it the appearance of 'growing' from a center point. The shape tranforms into an apparent starship. Starlight and its own light reflect off of a gleaming silver surface that resembles liquid metal poured over a frame. The 'hull' is an arrow shaped affair, beginning at a sharp point and widening and stretching to side corners angled back, and narrowing again to a square aft. Comparable in size to the largest of battleships, it is an imposing image in its sheer size, graceful in its design. There are no visible markings on its hull, only apparent viewports that stretch around the nose point and along the raised middle section that runs from front to back. The ship turns from it's orientation of pointing 'downward', and with the grace of a large bird, reorientates itself to 'face' the station.

Into the com terminal, Hurley says, "Yes, this is an important note.. please hold for just one....... *long pause* uh.. moment."

Over the terminal, Magdala says, "Certainly."

Laco casually takes some passive-ish scans of the now decloaked ship.

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

Javits glances back towards the main viewscreen, then does a double-take, holding his gaze on it for a long moment with an appreciative smile before turning back to his station to tap at its console.

Novairen begins taking her own passive readings of the now visible alien vessel. "Lieutenant, permission to return the favor and initiate a scan?"

. o O Javits thinks "Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Whoever they may be, they certainly know aesthetically how to build a starship."

<CONTEST> Javits contests his Computer (Research) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

. o O Idrani feels a sense of appreciation for the asthetics and majesty of this magnificent ship.

Javits adds with a faint frown of disappointment, "Nothing I can find in the databases to match that name, sir."

Hurley stutters for a moment, awe-inspired at the massive ship just outside. "Oh... um.. Sir, I have a citizen who claims to have felt a very unusual telepathic experience right before we went to Yellow Alert. It appears to have telepathic capabilities of some sort."

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

A Bolian makes some adjustments to his console display.

Idrani stands up slowly, antennae shifting in a manner that denotes awe and appreciation among her people. "Passive scans only, Lieutenant Novairen. Active scans can be considered... rude. And yes, I know they scanned us first." To Hurley, "Please get a report from this individual, Mister Hurley and forward it to me." Finally, she addresses the alien ship, "You have a magnificent vessel," she says, "How can we be of assistance?"

Into the com terminal, Hurley says, "We would be very interested if you could detail your experience in a report and send it our way. May I ask to whom I am speaking?"

Laco watches the vessel closely as well. It *is* quite impressive, after all.

Over the terminal, Magdala sounds very distracted by something, now... "Hmm? Oh, certainly, I shall have that to you promptly, thank you. And I am sorry--Magdala Dagen... please, do not let me distract you from that stunning ship... Magdala Dagen out."

. o O Laco thinks "Now, that is a nice ship. I wish Starfleet was still interested in fielding vessels that size. Cost-effective, perhaps not. But while a half dozen steamrunners may have more power than a single galaxy, they just don't compare when it comes to psychological impact."

The terminal clicks as Magdala drops off channel. The channel closes.

. o O Idrani thinks "Now, if there was a way to get that silver finish on the Flemming...."

The view of the ship transforms into an inner view: that of a room that can be described as 'sterile'. Bare metal walls can be seen in the background, with only a single identifying emblem of sorts. A stark white shield with what appears to be a scale of some kind in blue. Three humanoids man stations at unseen consoles, the formost at the center of the field of vision, the other two behind and to either side of him. The three bear similar characteristics: Angular faces and olive-toned skin, thick, straight black hair and heavy eyebrows, and a sturdy build. The humanoid to the rear right appears somewhat smaller in stature, thick hair falling well past shoulders and obviously female. Her gaze looks on the visible crew of the station with an apparent haughty pride. The other two simply seem to glare, hawklike gazes locked on what they see from their side of the communication. It is the one at the front center who speaks finally, his voice a rumbling barritone to match the gaze.

"I am called Jor'al. I command this ship. We seek to reclaim what was taken from our world by some of your people. And..to say hello to our neighbors."

. o O Javits thinks "They look Vulcanoid, but their behaviour tends more towards what is most commonly associated with Romulan traits."

Idrani smiles easily, falling into the diplomat's role. "I am Lieutenant Jaylas Idrani. Welcome to S419. We are pleased to make your acquaintence. I can send over the Federation's First Contact data package, which explains in more detail our culture, laws and traditions. Likewise, we would be happy to review similar data on your culture. Perhaps you can explain more fully what was taken from your planet, Jor'al?"

. o O Javits feels quite impressed by the magnificence of the ship, but something about the crew and their behaviour kindles a spark of distrust and caution.

. o O Hurley thinks "My /GOD/. Who are they? Amazing. Magnificent. Regal. Royal. Wait. I wonder what they're thinking about us. Hmmm, gold is not my best color. Why can't communications uniforms have better color coordination?"

. o O Idrani thinks "...."

. o O Laco thinks "Taken? Well, my alien friends, you'll get much further being polite than with scowls."

. o O Javits thinks "That name sounds Romulan, the crew looks closer to Romulan that anything. Who are they?"

<CONTEST> Javits contests his Computer (Research) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

. o O Javits thinks "Whoever they may be, they've certainly mastered aesthetics of starship design ."

An operations ensign spins in his chair once before returning to his sensor sweeps.

Javits turns back to tap at his console a second time, then looks to Idrani with a shake of his head.

Novairen brings the sensor window on her terminal into focus as the computer begins crunching the incoming data. "I'm showing nothing that looks like weapons, though I think it unlikely that a ship of that size would be unarmed. No signs of active shielding either." Still, better to be safe than sorry. As the computer continues to process the information, Novairen expands another window and begins to plot firing solutions. Manually of course. Time to prove that all those trig courses weren't a waste.

. o O Javits thinks "Whoever they may be, I can't find a single match for that name they provided. I only hope they stay friendly in the event we can't or for some reason won't give them what they want."

"Well," Hurley notes softly, "if we wanted to keep this fairly hushed, it's a little late now. Apparently our telepathic friend has somehow seen the vessel as well. Should I inform Commander Poole about anything?"

Jor'al seems to consider Idrani's offer, after giving Novairen a non-comprehending glance. Vulcanoid hearing. "We will accept your package. But I suspect you already have enough data on us." He smiles then, a decidedly odd gesture on a Vulcanoid face. And it is now more obvious that they are of Vulcanoid stock, as the female turns her head to attend to her console, revealing a delicately pointed ear. "Here," Jor'al says, and he flicks a visual into the air above his console. A very detailed recording, clearly visible to the viewscreen. And he sits back rather smugly and lets the visual play. It is a mosaic of images, beginning with a small ship arriving. The ship looks suspiciously like a Federation Danube class runabout. That image blinks out to be replaced with a another setting: A dark, powerless room, and 5 EVA suited figures exploring and taking readings, and then transporting out. And then, another room, this one bathed in a red glow, with four figures standing around three rather large containers, all of them wearing Federation cold-weather gear. And familiar faces, to some of the crew. A Vulcan, Garak. And three humans. McAnally, Evans, and Dakin. It is a breif image, before all four and the three containers dissapear in a shower of transporter affect. And the final image, of the runabout turning and departing, and the unmistakeable identification of the ship. USS Amazon.

Idrani looks the images over carefully, her fair features composed and unruffled. "Ensign Hurley, please transmit the UPF First Contact package to Jor'al's vessel. And yes, keep Commander Poole appraised." She doesn't seem bothered that her words are overheard by the visitors. Andorian hearing, after all. To Jor'al, "These images are unknown to me. Please allow me a little time to review them with my superiors. As to what was taken, are you referring to the three containers depicted?"

Laco watches quietly.

. o O Javits thinks "I recognize only one person there, but I definitely know the name of that ship. Now to try and find the information for that mission. Hmm, a smiling Vulcanoid. How intriguing."

Javits watches the main viewscreen silently, his expression an inquisitive frown. Without a word, he turns back to his station and begins tapping away at a steady pace.

Jor'al dips his head, nodding to Idrani. "They are artifacts from our world, left behind accidentally." He pauses at a murmered comment from his Second, presumably. And nods again. "We await your 'packet' then, and will review it." Again, he smiles. "While you review your own information. We will contact you again in one of your hours." And without another word or warning, the communication cuts off, leaving the alien ship's image in it's place.

Idrani sits back down and, from the Command chair, peruses the station's databanks for any reference to this incident or these people. "Lieutenant Laco, do you know anything about this?" she asks, without looking up.

Hurley, as requested prepares the First Contact package and transmits it without pomp or fanfare to the other vessel. The moment she finishes with the transmission, her hands immediately find her combadge and she speaks into it quickly, animatedly, considering this situation could get ugly in just about an hour.

GAME: Javits spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Javits (claiming advantage) contests his Computer (Research) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Laco nods. "I know the crates. They're stored in one of the labs, maybe the archaeology one. I'm not sure, as I have not touched them in a long time. They're filled with texts written by Tellus and Surak themselves, as well as assorted other writings. Some technical drawings as well."

A senior chief in Sciences blue does a double-take at some readings, before clearing his head and realizing his mistake.

Javits turns to give Laco a curious look, "Well, that might better explain the name of their ship, Juk'ar'at." He has considerable trouble with the pronunciation, rendering it barely recognizable, "It's an ancient Vulcan word meaning 'Source'. Took me forever to find anything using multiple search parameters. This word isn't found in Romulan or the present Vulcan dialect either."

Novairen doesn't have anything to add so she continues to mess with the sensors and her math.

Hurley continues rapidly preparing her message to Poole, attaching documents, communications, anything else the Commander may request, her concentration completely absorbed for the moment.

Idrani's antennae flatten slightly, a gesture of annoyance. "Why didn't I read or see something about them, when I was the Social Sciences officer?" She asks, "Can we verify that these artifacts belong to these people?"

Laco says, "I can say with a moderate amount of certainty that they probably originated from their culture, but I can say nothing for that particular group outside."

Javits glances from Laco to Idrani with an inquisitive expression, "Provided we can positive identify them as the rightful owners, is there anything preventing us from simply beaming the artifacts over to their ship?"

. o O Javits thinks "It can't be that simple, can it? After all, this is four one nine upsilon. It's never that simple here."

. o O Javits thinks "Being Saturday doesn't help either."

Novairen turns her chair to face toward the center of the room. "I'm showing 60 Vulcan or Vulcanoid lifesigns aboard that ship. Are we just going to take them at their word?"

. o O Laco thinks "I certainly hope not. Those artifacts are priceless. I don't want to just give them away to the first random vulcanoids that show up."

"The information has been forwarded to Commander Poole, Sir," Hurley states with quite the sigh of relief as she turns to look towards Idrani as well. "Awaiting a response from the Commander."

Idrani considers, "Lt. Laco, if there was an AAR from this mission, I'd like to see it. If not, I want to hear from witnesses. In the meantime, I want to compare what we know of these people against the artifacts themselves, look for correlation and/or discrepencies in language syntax, data skematics and so forth. But to answer your question, Lt. Novairen, no. We're not going to take their word for it. We'll treat this like any other 'lost and found'. The burden of proof, that these artifacts are belong to them, rests on their shoulders. If they are, we'll return them immediately." She checks her PADD as a message comes through from Commander Poole. Frowns slightly, then types a response.

The deckplates hum underfoot as the power plants work to provide the station with energy.

Laco says, "I'll have Prochazka get on it in the morning, Ms. Idrani. I'll start looking for any AAR that may still be in the computer."

Javits glances to laco with a shake of his head, "They gave us an hour, a period of time I suspect they are aware of is too short or adequate confirmation. If we don't hand over the artifacts in that time period, who knows what actions they might take? They've already shown considerably psionic abilities. Given our admittedly limited understanding of ancient Vulcans, who's to say that this is not one of their weapons? We should be prepared as best we can for any sort of retribution."

"Perhaps we should contact the Vulcan government," Novairen suggests as she turns back to her station. "They might be interested in knowing that there's a bunch of people running around out here with pointy ears wanting some original Surak writings out of our storage locker. They might be able to shed some light on this for us."

. o O Javits thinks "Excellent idea, Lieutenant. It'll definitely help."

The communications panel lights up again, indicating an incoming request. From the Juk'ar'at.

. o O Javits thinks "Besides that, who's to say that this isn't some radical Vulcan group? There are records of one such group, but little is known of them."

"Incoming communications request, Sir," Hurley notes with her finger hovering over da button. "Shall I initiate?"

Idrani nods to Novairen, "Excellent idea, but it will take some time for a subspace message to get there and back. Ensign Hurley, notify the Aegis, the Thomas Paine and the Gharas of our situation. Have them prepare to disengage from the station if things don't go well." She nods, "Then accept the hail, yes."

. o O Javits thinks "Time is up. Either they show adequate proof, or they make a difficult choice."

Laco speaks up from his spot. "Well, if we need to hurry, perhaps I can ask them a few questions, try to catch them in a lie. Or, if they seem to check out...well, I guess they check out. Either way, they don't seem willing to wait, and we can't just hand them over without any proof, I don't think."

Javits looks to Laco with another shake of his head, "Of course not." Looking to Novairen, he nods firmly, then turns back to watch the viewscreen in anticipation of the incoming hail.

Before accepting the hail, Hurley works diligently to contact the aforementioned ships. Once communications have been established with the ships and switched to private, she looks up to the viewscreen and comments softly, "Accepting communications request now."

A senior chief in Sciences blue does a double-take at some readings, before clearing his head and realizing his mistake.

The communications channel is opened, and once again the stark interior of the Juk'ar'at is on the screen. A composed Jor'al faces the screen. "Greetings, again, Federation station Four One Nine." He pauses, glancing aside, probably to make sure he got it right. "We have read your information packet. It appears our method of approach was impolite. For this I apologize." He sits back and regards Idrani and the others breifly. "We have not had contact with others outside of our kind except in defense of ourselves. And we have been gone from this region for many years. Our..manners, escape us. Have you had time to locate our artifacts? I do hope they are safe?"

. o O Javits thinks "An isolationist group of Vulcans following the ancient ways. Let's see if they can tap the proper buttons for the prize."

Idrani nods, smiling politely, "We have, Jor'al and yes, they are safe. However, we are in a bit of a quandry. As you have undoubtely read, one of our founding Federation member-species, the Vulcans, seems to have a close cultural and evolutionary tie with your people. Perhaps you share a common ancestry. This is the situation in which I find myself. You claim these artifacts belong to your people and the Vulcan people also have a cultural attachment to them. I would like time to confer with the Vulcan government and time to review your people's claim to the artifacts. Please understand that I mean no disrespect to your people, but these artifacts obviously have great cultural and historical significance. It would be remiss of me to relinguish them until we have proof of your claim. And, due to the connection to them by the Vulcan people, this decision cannot be made without consulting the Vulcan government. I'd like to reiterate that the artifacts are very safe and have been treated with the utmost care and respect."

. o O Javits thinks "I'm glad we have Lieutenant Idrani in the chair today."

Jor'al looks alarmed at Idrani's suggestion. "They are not /Vulcan/ artifacts. They are /Marcedan/ artifacts." He narrows his eyes, visibly angry, but controlling it. "My people left that world when we were not wanted. We brought some of its history with us. And now, those artifacts our /our/ history, the history of my people! Left behind when we evacuated to avoid contact with a warring race. And now we return, to find your people have taken them from us. They belong on Marceda, and we will return them!"

. o O Javits thinks "Oh hell, here it comes."

. o O Javits thinks "I hate it when I'm right."

<CONTEST> Novairen contests her History (Federation) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Idrani doesn't react to the angry Jor'al. Indeed, her dulcet voice drops in volume, an oft-used de-escalation technique. "Jor'al, do not mistake my caution for reluctance to return the lost artifacts to its people. We have been safeguarding these artifacts and I have to make absolutely sure that they are being returned to their proper owners. I hear from you how important this is to your people and I do take that with its due reverence. Please try to view this situation from another point of view. Can you offer some proof of your people's ownership to these artifacts so that I can, with no reservation, return them? It would be irresponsible of me to simply hand over these culturally invaluable items without being absolutely certain of those I am returning them to."

A security crewman turns aside to quietly answer his compin, before checking his phaser and walking quickly from the room.

. o O Idrani feels Not afraid. She gets yelled at by Gr'laH, K'net-mauri and Zuh'raah'do on a regular basis. This is nothing new.

Javits turns back to his console with a distinctly concerned frown and taps away for a short moment before poring over the display.

Novairen seems to be busy reading something at her terminal. After a while, and while still reading, she taps something in on the console.

Hurley, now being overly careful, begins routing transmissions to the Shoemaker as well, so they don't waltz into a possible warzone without warning. Before transmitting the non-voiced subspace transmission, she routes it through Idrani's console for approval, then glances back towards the Big Chair as she patiently waits for the yay or nae to send it on.

Idrani glances at the command chair's console, reads Hurley's message and gives it the thumbprint of approval. She waits for a response from Jor'al.

Jor'al grits his teeth, causing a twitch in his jaw, but he sits back and forcibly calms himself. Amid the angry chattering between his cohorts, which he silences with a single barked command. The language isn't quite Vulcan, nor Romulan, and the translator doesn't pick it up. Again his attention is on Idrani. "What kind of proof do you desire?" He puts another projected image up in the air for the viewscreen to pick up. A rotating view of the planet Marceda, with it's disabled orbital. Identical to the images the station's computers would have, but with a marked difference. The Orbital has been..reconstructed. Put back together. And there are ships, many of them, of similar construction to the ship outside. Jor'al explains. "This is our world. We call it Marceda. We settled this world, harnessed it's energy. Our ancestors did. And we, their decendants, have returned. Our historical archives showed three library crates left behind. In those crates, there is also history of Marceda. Have you not looked?"

A gold-collared Tellarite steps away from a console, to be replaced by a Trill female in command red who winks, smiles, and gives him a little wave. The Tellarite grunts nonchalantly.

. o O Javits thinks "Hmm, he does present some very convincing information. Perhaps we could send a ship to Marceda with the crates aboard."

Idrani looks at the images carefully, "Jor'al, I would like to introduce our Chief Science Officer, Lieutenant Philip Laco. Lieutenant Laco has done a good deal of follow-up study on the library crates and is able to pose specific questions about the artifacts."

The terminal chirrups. "Siri to Operations."

. o O Javits thinks "Now who might that be?"

Hurley taps the com terminal. "Operations here."

Over the terminal, Siri says, "Apologies for any interruption. I was asked by Lt. Gellan to hail if I... felt anything strange. And so I am complying. I am sensing things from what I believe is the... rather large ship outside."

Into the com terminal, Hurley says, "Understood. Could you privately transmit those experiences you're sensing directly to me? I would like you to be as ... detailed.. as possible."

Laco pulls up something on his console, and scrolls through it quickly. Once that's done, he stands and steps away from his console. He heads down into the Pit, stopping to the right and forward of the command chair. He tucks his hands behind his back and smiles as best a laco can. So yes, it would probably come across to another human as pretty fake. "Greetings, Captain. I wonder if perhaps you'd be willing to, to the best of your ability, tell us what the three crates contain."

Over the terminal, Siri sounds rather uncomfortable as she replies, rather as if Hurley had just asked her to go about kicking kittens or stealing other people's underpants. "I... could. Ah. To... May I ask to whom, exactly, I am speaking?"

. o O Javits thinks "If it's an extremely unhappy Vul... pardon me, Marcedan, we can see that for ourselves right here. I hope it's nothing too big and nasty, this being the perfect day for it an all."

Into the com terminal, Hurley says, "Ensign Christine Hurley. This information will only be shared as necessary to resolve the current.. situation. Please understand that we won't in any way share your experiences by unprofessional means."

. o O Javits thinks "Yes, we have three crates. Please describe the contents in detail so we can be certain they're really yours. Good call."

. o O Idrani thinks "A huge wall of blue Andorian glacial ice... an unmovable barrier between her thoughts and telepathic intrusions."

Javits turns to quietly observe the images, then briefly refers back to his station before returning his attention to the main viewscreen.

Over the terminal, Siri doesn't sound so sure about that, but her grandmotherly voice replies, "I believe I... can do that. Because YaSharra asked it. LaSiri Dasan out."

The terminal clicks as Siri drops off channel. The channel closes.

Hurley doesn't even hesitate as she gets the moment to fire off the subspace communique. Once approval is granted for her warning to the Shoemaker, it's sent off - a fully text message stating that 419 was facing a First Contact, potentially hostile situation with a ship that could quite match the station and ships held therein. It instructs the Shoemaker to approach the area with caution as the vessel has shown abilities to cloak. Christine adds to the end quickly that there are apparently numerous vessels, though it can't be verfied how many are near the station. Proceed to the area with extreme caution.

. o O Javits thinks "Dasan? I wonder if she's related to the current ambassador?"

Jor'al eyes Laco with an expression of curiosity. Intense curiosity. "You have been through them?" There's a hopeful lilt in that voice. "They are well preserved, yes?" A nudge from the woman behind him gets his attention, a look is shared, and then he nods. "Inside the crates.." The Vulcanoid taps at his own console and glances at it. "Texts, mostly. As I said, from Vulcan. Surak. Jarok." The second name is said with some degree of reverence. "Early texts from the originators, those of our people who made our society. Tanshas, Saran." He sighs audibly. "The diagrams are not of so much importance. Duplicates were obviously taken with our ancestors when they left." He gestures to the repairing orbital for emphasis. "But for their historical value, as originals.."

. o O Javits thinks "Alright, now we're getting somewhere."

A gold-collared Tellarite steps away from a console, to be replaced by a Trill female in command red who winks, smiles, and gives him a little wave. The Tellarite grunts nonchalantly.

Idrani listens, silently.

Laco nods, continuing to smile. "I understand. Now, perhaps you could tell me exactly how many years ago you abandoned the crates aboard the orbital. We have fairly exact dating methods, and were able to determine about how long the crates sat there abandoned before we discovered them."

Hurley has been rather busy with the influx of communications, but gets a moment to sit back in her chair and look onto the bridge of the visitors' ship. Strangely enough, a warm, bright smile forms as she finally gets the opportunity to 'look around' their bridge and examine the crew from her comfy chair in Operations.

Jor'al stares at Laco. The woman behind him looks insulted. And the third officer does some work on his console. Jor'al's attention is diverted to read what comes up on his display. He looks back to the Operations crew with a long-suffering expression. "Yes, yes, I see now. Give our computers a moment to compare your date schemes to ours." And then, he nods. "Ah. Over 1000 of your years ago. The space station was taken offline in 935." He spares a dry smile for Laco. "Have I passed your little history test yet, Laco?"

. o O Javits thinks "They keep answering correctly, but are they the right people to claim the crates. How do we know that they're not just one small faction of the Marcedans?"

Laco says, "Very well, then. That seems to be correct. I hope you enjoy the works of K'trella, I found them to be particularly facinating. And do you still field the t'Thain class vessels? I would love to be able to see an actual example.""

. o O Novairen thinks "I don't think they're that stupid."

A Bolian makes some adjustments to his console display.

Jo'ral stares. "K'trella? That is..the ancient language, but we have no use of it in ours. Nor these t'Thain class vessels." He smiles slightly. "Do not confuse us with those whom we apparently resemble. In any case, our technology is not what it was then. We have advanced well beyond." Obviously.

. o O Javits thinks "Warning, anomalous reading detected. I see a hole."

Idrani continues to listen, emotionless.

Laco lets the fake smile slide off his face, and his arms drop to his side. He turns to Idrani. "Alright. Either they rifled through the crates before we got there, found some way to break into our databases, or they were the ones to actually put the stuff inside. I suppose the second could be true, but this is a bit elaborate for an antiquities scam. Unless I'm mistaken, we've made our own copies of the texts and the schematics. I see no reason not to hand them over."

Javits glances to laco with a faintly inquisitive frown, then turns his attention back to the viewscreen.

"Other than getting the approval of one of the big three," Novairen notes, speaking up for the first time in a while.

Hurley, as well, glances towards Laco, bites at her lower lip, then looks back towards Jo'ral. Yeah. That's a .. big ship.

Idrani nods, "Indeed," she agrees with Novairen, then addresses Jo'ral, "Please allow me a moment to get final authorization from my superior officers and we'll get the crates to you. I am assuming that you would want them brought over physically, as opposed to being transported?"

Laco quietly returns to his seat.

Javits returns to monitoring his station with an obvious expression of relief.

Jor'al frowns a bit, but he nods. "You have made copies? I had not thought they would be of such importance to you. Very well," he says to Idrani. "And brought over, yes." He does, finally, smile. "We thank you for your understanding. And for your..interest. Perhaps once we are again settled on our world, this will be a common starting point for further relations."

Jostin has arrived.

Jostin heads out of Operations and into the main corridor.

Jostin has left.

Idrani smiles, "We would like that very much, Jor'al. I will contact you with final arrangements for the transfer."

Jor'al nods again, visibly relieved, and cuts the communication. Once again, the image of the ship occupies the viewscreen.

. o O Javits thinks "I'd love to gain a firsthand look at that ship's interior."

Hurley glances towards Idrani with an 'I told you so' expression and smile. "Well. That could've gone worse," she states with a small nod.

The computer clicks and beeps to itself as its parameters change.

Idrani quirks a little smile, "Mr. Hurley, contact Commander Poole and appraise her of the situation. Inform her that both Lieutenant Laco and I recommend that the artifact crates be given over to our visitors. Mr Javits, you'll need to determine the best way to physically bring the crates over. I don't know if that ship can dock or if we'll have to send over a shuttlecraft. Well done, everyone."

Idrani says, "Computer, stand down."

The computer acknowledges Idrani with a bleep.

The station stands down from its alert status.

"Acknowledged," Hurley responds brightly and immediately reaches for her communicator. Afterall, private messages aren't as necessary now as they were just moments ago.

Javits glances back to Idrani with a firm nod, "We can ask Captain Jor'al for confirmation, though I would recommend the use of a shuttlecraft." He starts to turn back to his station, but stops and looks back, "Would it be possible to accompany the crates? I'd very much like to gain a firsthand look at their ship."

Novairen begins going through the process of bringing all the tactical systems back to cold stand by.

Hurley taps her com badge. "Ensign Hurley to Lt Commander Gwen Poole."

Over Hurley's com badge, someone says, "Go ahead."

"Having a squadron or two of those ships would certainly come in handy." Laco comments. "I'm going to head down to the labs. See if I can locate the crates, and move them down to the shuttlebay."

Into her com badge, Hurley says, "Sir, after a brief moment of.. tension, the situation with the visiting ship seems to have resolved itself. Lieutenant Idrani and Lieutenant Laco both recommend relinquishing the artifact crates to the visitors. Lieutenant Javits is currently making arrangements to transport the crates to the vessel."

Idrani says to Javits, "My recommendation is to follow Jor'al's lead on that. Both Vulcans and Romulans have a strong cultural tendency toward privacy. If that is also true for Jor'al's people, it may be considered very rude to ask for an invitation." She looks over to Laco, "Thank you, Lieutenant."

Over Hurley's com badge, Gwen Poole says, "Good work, then, all of you. Thank you for keeping me informed throughout."

Into her com badge, Hurley says, "Do we officially have your approval to relinquish the artifacts?"

Over Hurley's com badge, Gwen Poole says, "Yes."

Over Hurley's com badge, Gwen Poole says, "They never belonged to us in the first place."

Into her com badge, Hurley says, "Thank you, Sir. I'll make sure Lieutenant Idrani is informed of your stance on the issue. Have a good evening, Sir."

Over Hurley's com badge, Gwen Poole says, "And you as well. Poole out."

Hurley's com badge clicks as Gwen Poole drops off channel. The channel closes.

Javits nods to Idrani with a faint frown, "Understood, sir. Perhaps you should go with them then? We could simply land the shuttle in their bay, if they have one, or dock with them and allow members of their crew to board the shuttle and remove the crates."

Laco closes down his station, leaving the Sciences consoles in the easily-distracted hands of the blue-shirted crewman. He heads for the exit, for some early-morning lab-ransacking.

Novairen closes down all the open displays on her terminal and logs out of the station. "Or maybe they want to send one of their own shuttles over here. You never know."

Javits looks to Novairen with a nod, "True. It's completely up to them on how they'd like to claim their property."

Hurley removes her communications headpiece and exhales. Another shift. Another night. And no quarters yet. After proper shutdown protocols, since, afterall, Christine has to be perfect when it comes to protocol, she turns towards Idrani and inclines her head, "Commander Poole concurs with 'returning' the artifacts to our visitors. Did you have anything else for me, Sir?"

Idrani nods to Hurley, "Hail the Juk'ar'at, inform them that the crates are being brought to our shuttlebay. We can either bring them over in one of our shuttlecraft, or they can pick them up in one of their own, whichever is appropriate. We'll meet them down in the shuttlebay. Also inform them that, when they are ready, the Federation Diplomatic Service will want to speak to them about formalizing diplomatic relations and an exchange of Ambassadors. But we understand that they've had a long journey. When they're ready, we'll be happy to take the next step in our relationship."

Hurley nods. "I'm on it, Sir," she states as she plops back into her seat to send the message as requested.

Javits turns back to his station, closing it down and logging out for a waiting petty officer to take over for the next shift.

Javits stands and leaves Engineering I.

Idrani looks over at Javits, "Let's go to the shuttlebay then, and greet our new friends."

Idrani stands and leaves Commander's.

A yeoman leaves the CO's office with a look of relief on his face.

Javits looks to idrani with a smile, probably his first fro the entire encounter, "Right with you, sir."