- , Mission #

"Solace"

U.S.S. Hooke, Mission # 7

Stardate 11404.10

“Solace”

Directed by: Aoibhe Ni

Starring:

Aoibhe Ni as CO Captain Kesh Suder

Sophie Wakeling as XO Commander Anya Nicole Jameson

James Greenman as CMO Commander Kymar Dremel

Einar Sigurðsson as CEO Antony Adalberto

CJ Short as CTO Lt. Henry James Sumner

Mission Summary:

Summary: The crew of the USS Hooke have tangled themselves in an inadvertent breach of the Prime Directive, while millions suffer under the pressures of an ever-deepening ice age on Ira IV.

Will they find a way to reverse the path of the encroaching ice with the help of pioneering (and possibly reckless) climatologist Dr. Thadeus McKinnick, or will they step back, follow the Prime Directive and watch the oppressed underclass fight their losing battle unaided?

<<<<Resume>>>>

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

::steps off the turbolift and onto the bridge:: XO: Ma'am, we've got a problem.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::nods to Henry as he steps onto the Bridge::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

::Puts a hand to her forehead:: CTO: Tell me.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::walks over to Jameson and hands her a report of his discussion with Administrator Gol:: XO: You were busy.

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

::steps down to the command area:: XO: People are getting desperate down there, and the Administrator mowing people down isn't helping.

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

CTO: Suggestions?

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

::glances about:: XO: I have a couple. One, we inform the Ira'i of the options for terraforming, and have them decide which one to take. Two, we need to negotiate some kind of agreement between the various factions, or any humanitarian efforts we make are going to be wasted.

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

::Looks around the bridge:: ALL: Anyone else have any input? I want all ideas before it's decided how we proceed

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::tilts his head, as if weighing options:: XO: I think we need to restore order.

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

CEO/CTO: So we facilitate between the factions, to restore political order.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::nods his agreement::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

XO: One other thing.

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

::Mimics Adalberto's movement, and also tilts her head to one side:: Self: But the terraforming...

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

XO: I've been studying the good Doctor's plans......the calculations are true....I think we should attempt this on a lifeless system.

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

::steps off the TL and onto the bridge, his own PADD of suggestion in one hand, labcoat swishing around his legs::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

CEO: Is there one nearby we can utilise?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

XO: I'm not the man to ask...and I think Starfleet has to approve whatever system we try this one....have we even asked them ?

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

::rests his hands on the arch console and leans over:: CEO: And lifeless means entirely devoid of life. No microbes, no bacteria, nothing. There are strict criteria for experimental systems.

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

CEO: Considering this is the first time i've heard of the suggestion, I haven't looked into it as yet Commander

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

XO: See. He's the man to ask. ::motions towards Kymar::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

CMO: So, very unlikely we will find one in the vicinity we want

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

XO: But Starfleet approved THIS system, didn't they? Why?

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

CEO: Not for terraforming. We were only ordered to provide resources.

<@Administrator_Gol>

ACTION: A hail is received from the planet, with Administrator Gol's name attached.

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

CEO: Starfleet hasn't approved any of this for full scale use, it's all theoretical. Doctor McKinnick is here only to advise.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::looks over at his station:: XO: Administrator Gol calling ma'am.

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

CEO: On screen

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

::moves to the tactical console::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::puts him on screen::

<@Administrator_Gol>

@ ::looks a little flustered as he take a look at the Hooke's bridge:: *XO*: Are your people safe?

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson> :Gives him a quizzical look:: Gol: I am Acting Captain Jameson. Safe from what?

<@Administrator_Gol>

@ ::gapes:: *XO*: The... well, the attack on the replicator.

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

::fights the urge to say anything inflammatory to the administrator::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

::Smiles at him:: Gol: My crew are fine. I cannot say as much for the other people involved in the incident.

<@Administrator_Gol>

@ ::frowns:: *XO*: Irregulars, a scattered rabble who don't deserve any more than our patience. They are lucky we didn't see them off completely! ::looks at XO:: *XO*: I trust this won't disrupt the flow of aid to our poor people? ::seems rather keen it continue::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

::Starts subtly tapping her thigh softly, to stop herself reacting::

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

::raises an eyebrow slightly, glancing down at Jameson to see what she'll say::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::sets his jaw::

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

::tightly clutches the console::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

Gol: You do not consider everyone in your district as 'your poor people'?

<@Administrator_Gol>

@ *XO*: Well, of course! ::grasps for the right words that will ensure they stay in the Hooke's good graces:: *XO*: Please don't misunderstand... I simply meant that, well... we have only so much land left. People were given the option of volunteering to remain in the icelands, but few stepped forward. We had to make difficult choices.

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

::unable to stop himself:: Gol: Like what?

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

All: How can the Federation just watch and let this happen?

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

Gol: And that called for deadly force against them?

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

::Gives both Sumner and Adalberto hard looks at interrupting her conversation without invitation::

<@Administrator_Gol>

@ *CTO*: Well... ::trails off, almost glad when the XO butts in::

<@Administrator_Gol>

@ *CTO*: The decision was made for our people's good. I don't like it, but it has ensured we survive, if in smaller numbers. The ice-lands have resources still, they are simply harder to come by.

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

Gol: But they both have a point Administrator. What kind of choices were made?

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

Gol: and how were these few chosen?

<@Administrator_Gol>

@*XO*: There was a lottery. It seemed fairest. ::looks away guiltily::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

Gol: And you believe that, with our additional resources provided, you cannot reinclude your deserted?

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

::Feels hostility towards Gol, realising that it's coming from her telepathic senses showing her he is hiding something::

<@Administrator_Gol>

@ *XO*: YOu can bail out a boat all day if you wish, but if the water keeps flooding in faster and faster... there will soon be no point in bailing at all. We take care of those we can. And those we can't... well...

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::takes a deep breath, trying to surpress his anger at this situation::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

Gol: We are here to help plug the holes in your metaphorical boat. So there is no need to continue oestracising (sp) those not picked in said lottery

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

::Makes a quick gesture at Adalberto to mute her end of the line::

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

::has a harsher set of terms in mind, but keeps them to himself::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::nods and mutes the line::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

CMO/CTO: Doctor, Sumner, I want you two to beam to where the people are living on the ice. I want confirmation of what Gol was saying.

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

::leans forward again:: All: This situation is too unstable. This is exactly why the Prime Directive is in place, our presence here is causing - and will continue to cause - major problems and global repurcussions.

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

CEO: And I want you to find a way of hacking into this lottery. Gol is hiding something. I'm going on a hunch, but i think it was rigged.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::nods:: XO: I shall attempt to access their computer systems remotely.

<@Administrator_Gol>

@ ::looks perplexed at not being able to hear the bridge all of a sudden::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

CMO: You don't think we have caused enough problems already we need to fix? ::raises an eyebrow::

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

::thinks the Prime Directive can eat a dick in this circumstance, but keeps that to himself as well::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

CEO: Unmute, and I don't want him to know what i've requested. CMO: Think on it for the next few minutes Doctor.

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

::nods:: XO: The damage is already done. To fix it will take a lot more resources than the Hooke has on hand, this isn't just about food, medicine and terraforming anymore. This is persecution of an underclass.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::nods and unmutes::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

::Smiles back at Gol:: Gol: My apologies, we had some technical issues

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

::mutters darkly and nods to Sumner, then to the Turbolift before stepping inside::

<@Administrator_Gol>

@ *XO*: I understand... ::looks at her questioningly:: *XO*: So... that aid...?

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

::follows the doctor::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

Gol: We will continue providing what has been promised, for now, with the proviso that you consider assisting those on the outer edge.

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

TL: Transporter Room 1. ::waits for the doors to close and the pod to whirr it's way through the ship:: CTO: Thoughts, Henry?

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

CMO: This is bullshit. ::looks over at Kymar::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::accesses the communication satellites in orbit, using a low band frequency::

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

::nods slowly, staring ahead:: CTO: Which part?

<@Administrator_Gol>

@ *XO*: Well, we welcome your help, to be sure... but I rather think how we deal with our insurgent population should be a domestic matter, Captain.

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

CMO: All of it. The Ira'i deserve better officials, and we shouldn't get to decide a fate we don't have to live with.

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

CTO: We shouldn't be here full stop. This is an internal planetary matter, and we're now actively involved in it. This isn't going to end well, whatever happens...

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

Gol: Your insurgents and forces involved my crew, and therefore my ship Administrator.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::tries to crack the encryption using a self modulating algorithm::

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

CTO: We're dangerously close to picking a side in a civil war. We could all end up on the chopping block for this, Lieutenant. ::glances over at the man briefly before the TL stops and he steps out::

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

CMO: God forbid anything should happen to our precious careers. It's only millions of lives we're talking about. ::follows along::

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

::seems particularly bothered::

<@Administrator_Gol>

@*XO*: For that, I am sorry, Capotain, truly. But withholding aid at this point wil mean more people will be forced onto the ice. I... ::looks down and up again sadly:: *XO*: I can't imagine you'd be so cold.

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

::stops, turning back:: CTO: You think it's our careers we should be worrying about? We're giving aid to one side in a civil conflict, it could be this that turns it into a mass subjugation. How are you going to feel, Henry, when you find out that you took part in an ethnic cleansing based upon whether you won a lottery or not?

<@Administrator_Gol>

ACTION: CEO's algorithm is blocked by a wall of random data, rendering his attempt to hack into the planet's computers a failure.

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

Gol: At what point did I state we would withhold aid? I feel like you are interpretting my words in a manner you wish.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::grinds his teeth and starts looking into security bugs::

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

CMO: If it were my call, we'd be taking back our replicators until Gol and the rest agree to let everyone into the camps, and to new elections once the crisis is resolved. I want to help everyone, doctor.

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

Gol: As stated, aid will be provided. We will continue this conversation at a later date. ::Gestures at an Ensign to cut the communication::

<@Administrator_Gol>

@ *XO*: Not at all... not at all.. ::looks perturbed:: *XO*: My apologies, of course. We are all on edge these days.

<@Administrator_Gol>

@ ::is cut off mid babble, and is rather relieved to be::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

::Rolls her shoulder, feeling the tension in her neck, missing Suder acutely, realising she never really wanted to be a Ship's Captain again::

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

CTO: Spread yourself too thin like that, and you might end up helping nobody. ::turns back and steps into the Transporter Room, pulling out some cold weather gear for the two of them::

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

CTO: The only thing we're going to do down there is gather information, understand? We're on thin ice, quite literally, and the last thing this planet needs is us sticking our noses even further in. We get information, we report back to Starfleet.

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

::inputs his clearance and retrieves a pair of hand phasers, tossing one to Dremel:: CMO: Sure. I'll let you do the talking.

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::smiles as he notices a glitch in the manner their comm system transfers handles data uplinks::

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

::grabs the phaser, checking the power level and the charge before slipping it into his belt beneath the rigid winter jacket, zipping it up:: CTO: It probably won't be pretty. Just...be aware. ::steps up onto the pad, waiting for Henry to do the same before nodding to the Chief:: TR Chief: Energise.

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

::shakes his head:: CMO: Like you need to tell me. ::prepares for transport::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

XO: Ma'am, I think I found a way in....it will take some time though, I will have to make sure not to raise any alarms.

<@Administrator_Gol>

<TR_Chief_Shakleton>::beams the Away Team to the surface close to a small, tightly-focussed group of lifesigns::

<XO_Cmdr_Jameson>

CEO: Take all the time you need, as long as you do it fast and invisibly. ::gives him a wan smile::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::smiles and nods, before turning his attention back to his console::

<@Administrator_Gol>

ACTION: CTO and CMO materialise in a light snowfall, instantly feeling the intense cold and the crunch of ice and snow underfoot. In the distance is evidence of habitation; smoke, some trails cut in the snow leading to a good old Star Trek cave.

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

@::pulls up the hood of his jacket after rematerialising, turning to make sure Henry came down alright before pointing towards the signs of life:: CTO: That'll be it. ::begins the trek through the snow::

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

@::follows along, eyes looking for patrols or guards::

<@Administrator_Gol>

ACTION: CEO's console beeps once as he picks up a short burst of a signal through the gap he's found.

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

@::Takes out his tricorder and tries to get some readings from the cave::

<CEO_LtCmdr_Adalberto>

::smiles in appreciation of his mad skills::

<CTO_Lt_Sumner>

@CMO: Looks like a hundred or so occupants, minimal power readings.

<CMO_Cmdr_Kymar>

@::steps up to the entrance of the cave, noting the lessening of the wind and the snow under it's massive cover and feeling the light heat radiating outwards before calling out:: All: This is Doctor Kymar from the starship Hooke, we've come to speak with you!

<@Administrator_Gol>

ACTION: A crackling blast shoots its way out of the cave and between CMO and CTO, barely missing them.

<<<Pause Mission>>>