In reply to Farah Greene (msg # 30):

"Yes, Ma'am."  The temperature in the room had dropped about a dozen degrees between the last time he'd said anything and now.  And it apparently had something to do with an event previous in Cadmus history.  Something this woman had been involved in, and was now being given a chance to redeem herself.  So, clearly something had gone wrong, and she was to be held at fault - H'Raal imagined that he was being asked to remain behind to be informed about the event.

In reply to Katherine Seward (msg # 34):

Farah noticed Kate's reaction, it was hard not to, and if Kate wanted to ask later, that was certainly her prerogative.  Farah had more important things to do at the moment, however, than smooth ruffled feathers.  Hearing the others in the room acknowledge her decision, she moved onto the rest of the briefing.

"To answer your question, while Lt. M'Lera Rr'zah will be joining the team as a cybernetic specialist under Chief Blatt, this mission is not cyber related." She glanced to Nynev.  "It's more security related.   You're heading to Tolen IV to mediate a dispute between the pro-Federation faction who want full membership and separatists who want to establish independent rule.  Besides a good observational point to the Romulan Neutral Zone, Tolen V is rich in dilithium, tritanium and Trillian-D and High Command consider these resources critical towards us fortifying our defenses in case the Dominion become hostile.  Cmdr. Geary will have full operational command while I've been called to Starfleet Headquarters to further discuss the time jumps I reported out of Jouret IV.  To be clear, however, the Federation must remain a neutral party in this.  Our presence is solely to ensure the talks' security and fairness."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:17, Fri 25 Sept 2020.

In reply to Farah Greene (msg # 38):

At the mention of cybernetics, Bart perked up and looked at the catian giving her a slight wave and a smile, acknowledging who he was.

Alex listened calmly. Seemed like a fairly simple mission.

Provide security and ensure fairness.

Based upon the last simple mission he’d be getting additional supplies, just in case...

“Thanks captain,” If it was clear the brief was over and leave the room so the captain could speak to those indicated to stay back.

Well, that sounded rather dull for a change. It would allow her to focus on more testing and hypothesis challenges. Very little need for science on a security mission.

If the briefing was done then Thani would exit the conference room. The captain had a lot to do and Thani would not impede her.

She does glance at the odd pink skin female that has altered the mood in the room. Seems humans are touchy about past grievances and have issues moving forward.

Maybe there was something different, she looked different and less nervous. Quite interesting, maybe she could add additional studies into the human behaviors. They were such a peculiar species after all and she loved them all the more for their quirks.

Nynev perked up at the new mission. This would fall heavily on her and her team. She gave the Captain a nod in acknowledgement, but also understood that Commander Geary would be overall lead for the mission. She looked forward to working with him and hoped it went smoothly.

Jessica noted the nod from Lt. Cmdr. Zh'Idrani and returned a half nod with the tiniest bit of a friendly smile on her face.

Listening to the captain, Jess would wait until it was clear she was finished. If no one else needed the captain's attention, she would ask quietly, "Captain? Would you like me to remain? Or shall I return to my quarters?"

In reply to Jessica Laurent (msg # 43):

Farah pursed her lips and Jessica's question.  She had given the order to the crew, but some things, such as trust, could not be commanded, only earned.  "Remain as we'll be discussing your assignment, but if you wish to say anything to those gathered, Ensign, now's the time."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:27, Fri 25 Sept 2020.

M'Lera nodded towards Bart with a soft smile.  The approval for her transfer had only just come through, so despite her presence at Teala's party, she hadn't formally introduced herself as part of the team.  Later, once they were on their way, she would speak to Bart in a more professional manner.

In reply to Farah Greene (msg # 38):

Well.  This was...not quite what he had expected from a ship of their sort.  While he hadn't yet studied the deckplan in full, Saber-class ships like the Mihoshi were designed as chase and pursuit ships, also for border operations and basic survey operations.  But here they were, being expected to handle security arrangements at a peace conference in what appeared to be a vital system.  Near the Neutral Zone...of course...H'Raal hated Romulans.  For more reasons than one.

The captain herself would be out of action for this mission, and Geary would be in command...the ops chief supposed that made him next in line.  Hopefully it would not come to him to negotiate anything.

The captain's offer to speak was unexpected, but Jessica realized that she had to take every chance she had in order to begin to make some headway. Also, with the captain leaving, Jess would have fewer… she wasn't sure 'allies' was the right word, but fewer people who she could talk to.

Taking a step forward and facing those who remain, Jess looks at each of them. With a bit of strength she didn't know she possessed, and a heart full of contrition and hope, she speaks. "Officers, whether you know me, or my mistakes - or not - I ask you to be upfront with me if any of my actions or words are ever in question. I understand that things will be difficult, and I'll have no trust. I do not expect you to turn around and smile at me just because the captain has said that I will remain. I only hope, given time, you will allow a seed of trust to be planted again, and give it a chance to grow." She takes a deep breath. "This opportunity means everything to me." Looking down briefly, Jess looks at the captain first, and then the officers to see if she can determine whether any of them are willing to give her the chance she hopes for.

Attentive to the young woman who was speaking. "You have injured fellow crew members, but own up to your mistake now. I am curious as to this sudden shift in behavior, but I believe humans have a saying to prove yourself through actions. The captain is giving you another opportunity, this bodes well for you. Perhaps we can speak later when you are free?"

The reception to Jessica was as expected. Alex knew the captain and him were not doing her any favors, but if she could overcome her past with the crew she betrayed, then she would become a much better Starfleet officer. She still had to face those who had been hurt, that would be a tougher reception than the friends of those hurt.

Passing closely to Jessica.  Before leaving the room to prepare for departure.

Surprised by Lt Cmdr. sh'Elliaph's request, Jess nods. "I'd like that," she says with a small, but genuine smile.


As the doctor passes, Jess nods appreciatively before returning her attention to the room.

Jason waited a moment for the room to clear and then paused near Jessica, frowning a little. "Hey, glad to see you trying to do better." He understood all too well about being given second chances and with that he gave a nod to her before heading for the door.

H'Raal had noted the apology offered, and he, too, wanted to find a time to speak with the now-Ensign...but now was not the time.  They would be leaving for the Tolen system within the day, and Tolen was not a nearby system, that much he knew.  He would try and find a suitable part of the journey to sit down with her and offer a few words.

Nynev took in Laurent with what could be considered a stern gaze, her antennae seemingly focused onto the human woman. Her jaw clenched a couple times, almost as if she were chewing. The breach of trust Laurent had created was vast but not irrepairable, she supposed.

She had already given the Captain her nod. What else could she do in that regard. But this was a request from Laurent herself. She finally nodded. "Nurture that seed, Ensign," she said, matter-of-factly.

In reply to Nynev zh'Idrani (msg # 53):

Bart paid full attention to the comments in the meeting, but he could not bring himself to look in the Ensign's direction.  He knew he would have to deal with her eventually, but now was not the time.

In reply to Your Loving GM (msg # 1):

Deckar waited for the people to leave after the briefing was completed and for those that remained to sit down.  "As Captain Greene stated, we are to assist and mediate with the Tolen IV government and opposing faction for their membership into The Federation. Our job is not to directly influence the outcome, but to ensure that both parties are fairly represented in the negotiations."  Tapping on a few buttons on his PADD he brought up the orbital view of Tolen IV. With another push of a button a distinguished visage of a Tolen appeared on the screen.  "The main people at the meeting will be Parak Joffies.  Parak is the title of the spokesman of the planetary government.  Heis a staunch supporter of full membership into the Federation."

Another image appeared, "Senator Phregg. Another supporter of membership.  He is currently the head of the Tolen Defence Advisory Council. He has taken a hard line against the Separtists/  To the point of advocating a heavy-handed reactions to demostrations the past few weeks."

A Third picture rested besides the other two, "And Halan Rizel. A former Senator, he is the leader of the Separtists.  He is quite passionate about Tolen IV remaining independant and sees the Federation as an occupier.  At this time he does not advocate violence and, as far as we know, prevented the more radical members of the separtists from doing so."

In reply to Decker Geary (msg # 55):

H'Raal watched Geary take over the briefing, cuing them in on the various faces on Tolen that they would be dealing with. "If the Tolens didn't live practically on top of the Romulans, I'd probably understand their desire for independence a little more...Commander?" He prompted Geary.  "Do we know if the Romulan government has made any overtures to the Tolens?"

In reply to H'Raal (msg # 56):
Looking at the catian, "As far as the Federation knows, there has been no interference from the Romulans.  The separatists just want to remain independant. While we are, per the Prime Directive, not allowed to interfere with their decisions, we can be good examples of what the Federation has to offer.  We are to be availabe to answer any questions the Tolen's might have."

Deckar changed the screen and added a picture of Ensign Laurant,"Commander H'Raal, your concern is valid though, one which I have thought about, which is why I am assigning ensign Laurant as part of the security detail during the negotiations."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:25, Tue 29 Sept 2020.

Jessica couldn't think of anything that would have surprised her more, and her eyes showed it. Her eyes widened as far as was possible without straining them. However, keeping her comments to herself, Jessica composes herself again. This was her new assignment, and she was going to do it to the best of her ability.

In reply to Jessica Laurent (msg # 58):

Turning to ENS Laurant, "I know this is a surprise to you, but my understanding is that you still have your natural ability to tell if someone is hiding something or lieing.  If we are to ensure the fairness of the negotiations, we will need this information."

"It's a suprise to me, as well, Commander," Nynev spoke up after her eyes went from the man to the Ensign and back.

"Even if she can still do as you say, it would not be our place to interfere with the negotiations, correct? How would our standing there and calling out either side before helpful  to our presence there. In fact, I would argue it would hinder our position and strengthen that of the separatists," she went on.

She looked at the Ensign, once more. "This is not necessarily an issue I have with you, Ensign. This is an issue I have with the idea of using you in such a fashion."

OOC: Using Jessica's telepathy can get into a gray area as far as Federation/Starfleet rules go.  Jess could passively sense someone isn't telling the whole truth or flat out lying, which may simply be part of their negotiation tactics.  Actually reading the mind of a citizen of a sovereign world, however, can be seen as a kind of espionage, especially since a number of the players are part of Tolen's government.  Of course it can all be done covertly and Geary does have operational control.

Tread carefully. ;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:05, Wed 30 Sept 2020.