The_Veil_of_the_Sky_Compile_11

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Mission: Veil of the Sky
Day: 3
Stardate: 2414.04.24

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(Beta Aquillia IV–The Meeting – YEO- LT Mike Rosenbauer - Day 3- 0328)
 
"I am Sien, I have failed in my task. I can be no sorrier for what I speak from here on out." The young man lay there, eys firmly fixed on the point of the blade.
 
"Well then you have no need to hold your tongue." Mike replied, "Why were you following me and why attack me?"
 
"I was not supposed to draw the blade on you." The man replied, eyes still sharply affixed to the blade point, " I was sent to follow you home."
 
"Home?" Mike asked. "Who sent you? who do you report to?"
 
(reply Sien)
 
"Look, you are a brave man and with some experience you will be a strong and unbeatable follower for your cause.  BUt today, you have a choice to make. You can answer my questions, so that you can live on and gain that experience and continue to serve your people, or you can refuse and I can kill you. I know that you do not fear death, but if you die here today, no one will remember your sacrifice beyond a few years. If you live and prosper, you may establish a name for yourself among your people that will last for all eternity, but only if you survive.  I will not ask you to give me troop strength, or to reveal military information. I am only seeking one person on this entire world and when I find her, I will take her and we will gladly leave you and your people to their own devices. So if you aid me, I can assure you that you will avert a conflict that will kill millions of your people and millions of mine. What greater legacy can you have at such a
 young age, but to be remembered as the man who freed his world from the threat of war?"
 
Mike spun the knife around so that the handle was now facing the boy before him. "I could do worse than to trust you." he said, "Take it. and let us consider our options together like intelligent and thoughtful beings."
 
(reply Sein)
Daniel Greene

(Beta Aquillia IV-The Meeting - Spy Sien - 0330)

"Home?" Mike asked. "Who sent you? who do you report to?"

"I was taught not to trust offworlders. No matter what you do I will not
betray my people." He spoke almost mechanically, belying the brainwashing
he'd been through.

"Look, you are a brave man and with some experience you will be a strong
and unbeatable follower for your cause.  BUt today, you have a choice to
make. You can answer my questions, so that you can live on and gain that
experience and continue to serve your people, or you can refuse and I can
kill you. I know that you do not fear death, but if you die here today, no
one will remember your sacrifice beyond a few years. If you live and
prosper, you may establish a name for yourself among your people that will
last for all eternity, but only if you survive.  I will not ask you to
give me troop strength, or to reveal military information. I am only
seeking one person on this entire world and when I find her, I will take
her and we will gladly leave you and your people to their own devices. So
if you aid me, I can assure you that you will avert a conflict that will
kill millions of your people and millions of mine. What greater legacy can
you have at such a young age, but to be remembered as the man who freed
his world from the threat of war?"

His speach ended with a deft flip of the nightblade so the handle pointed
to the rightful owner, though by rights Sien should be dead.

"I could do worse than to trust you." he said, "Take it. and let us
consider our options together like intelligent and thoughtful beings."

Sien had never been spoken to like this before, like a true equal. It was
the first time he'd met an offworlder and all he was taught was crumbling.
~Kill or be killed, that is what the Veil has given me of these people.
Yet, I remain here, not gone to the ancestors. And his words ring true.~

Sien reached out and took his blade cautiously, his voice quavering as his
young years took their rightful place, "Whom do you seek?"

(Reply Rosenbauer)

"Political prisone of the Veil?" Sien felt himself stiffen at the mention
of Veil leadership.

(Reply Rosenbauer, Any)
(Posted by Lori)

(Beta Aquillia IV–The Meeting – YEO- LT Mike Rosenbauer - Day 3- 0332)

The young man reached out and took the blade cautiously. His voice quivered a bit as he asked, "Whom do you seek?"

A woman named "Joanne Turner, she was an ambassador to your people, but she has been kidnapped instead of being allowed to leave. Her safety is important to me, because if she is not released, there will be war between our people and a great many will die on both sides of the conflict. Daughters, parents, sons. No one will be spared the horror and I would like to prevent it."

"A political prisoner of the Veil?" Sien asked.

Mike nodded, "Yes. I am afraid so. But I am not interested in stopping the Veil from governing this planet. I only want to take my kinsman off this world and leave you be as you desire. Isn't that all that the Veil wants? Isolation?"

(reply Sien)

"I understand your concern, but right now, there are two starships in orbit carrying enough weaponry to vaporize entire cities. The Veil is fighting against the last regime at present. Ask yourself, what will happen if we are forced to join the war because they refuse to release our ambassador? Would we join your enemy?" Mike paused for a moment.

"You are smart enough to decide for yourself. Is it better to fight one enemy or two? Is it better to consolidate your power or to try to overstretch your reach? If our Ambassador is not released or returned to us, here will be a war and there will be a lot of deaths. You have the opportunity to stop that. You can make a difference in the lives of millions of your people by having the vision to understand the consequences of holding Turner hostage rather than releasing her. You can decide for yourself, you don't need to depend on others to tell you who to hate or what to feel. You are your own man. If you help me, then you will help yourself and your people. If you do not, then go home and think about the consequences of your decision. And when the war comes you will know that you had the chance to stop it before it ever started."

"What do you say? Will you help? Or will you go home and let others think for you? Either way the decision is yours."

(reply Sien)
Daniel Greene

(Beta Aquillia IV–The Meeting – Spy Sien - 0333)

"A political prisoner of the Veil?" Sien asked.

Mike nodded, "Yes. I am afraid so. But I am not interested in stopping the
Veil from governing this planet. I only want to take my kinsman off this
world and leave you be as you desire. Isn't that all that the Veil wants?
Isolation?"

Sien paused, he was only a young man, on his first assignment and he had
already gone far from his orders. "I don't know what can be done, the Veil
is strong and won't give up what we have gained easily."

Sien listened to the impassioned plea. It reached a place in him that had
gone numb. ~You are your own man, Sien.~ The words broght back memories of
his father. Dead to a bandit, but Sien remembered him.

"What do you say? Will you help? Or will you go home and let others think
for you? Either way the decision is yours."

Sien thought carefully. Lost in his memories, he wispered. "Father liked
outworlders."

(reply Rosenbauer iyw)

After his father's death Sien had no thoughts for a ear - until the Veil
gave him thoughts to think. But old ones were surfacing. He looked at the
stranger again, "How can you stop those ships?"

He needed to know as much as possible, in order to do as much as he could.

(reply Rosenbauer, any)
(posted by Lori)

(Beta Aquillia IV–The Meeting – YEO- LT Mike Rosenbauer - Day 3 - 0335)

The young man paused for a moment before replying, it was clear he was conflicted. "I don't know what can be done, the Veil is strong and won't give up what we have gained easily."

Mike could understand the type of thoughts that were rushing headlong through the man's head. It was a conflict that he had once been forced to face himself at the end of the civil war. It destroyed some men, but in others it strengthened them and they flourished from the new insights that they gained. But time was short and Mike had to push a little harder, "What do you say? Will you help? Or will you go home and let others think for you? Either way the decision is yours."

The young man before him stared off into space for a moment lost in thoughts. Then there was an almost whispered comment that issued from his lips. "Father liked outworlders."

"Your father was an enlightened man. All outworlds are different from each other just like no two people on this world are the same. People should judge for themselves, not be commanded in dogma or given their opinions by another. You live with the consequences of your decisions you make. The only question is are they your decisions or someone else's?" Mike asked.

His words must have hit home, because Sien looked up at him and asked, "How can you stop those ships?" 

"Our mission is only to recover our people and take them off the planet. But we have been told that we must take all our people, that includes the ambassador. Currently our ships are under orders to defend ourselves only, to render aid where possible and to begin evacuation. Once we have our ambassador, we have been ordered to leave your planet in peace. So in answer to your question, if I were to tell my superiors that I have found the ambassador and she were returned to us, then the threat of war between us would be no more. One of those ship's is our ally, and they also have an ambassador missing. While we have sway with them, we would have a hard time preventing them from conflict if their ambassador was not returned as well, but I have found that it is best to handle one thing at a time." Mike replied honesty.

"Can you find out where they are keeping her? Or take me there?"

(reply Sien)
Daniel Greene

(Beta Aquillia IV – The Meeting – Spy Sien - 0336)

"Can you find out where they are keeping her? Or take me there?"

Sien ran a hand over his ridges as he thought. There were things that
weren't adding up in his head. All he had been taugh by the Veil was
crumbling.

~Father liked outworlders, but the Veil called him a traitor. He was no
traitor, he was a merchant. The Veil said that outworlders killed him. I
just... heysh, I don't know anymore.~

His thoughts turned to a day in the past.

(Beta Aquillia IV – Ardren's Shop – Sien - Distant Past)

Sien watched as the men swaggered into the shop. These weren't nice
shoppers, these were little more than bandits.

As young as he was, his father Ardren had told him to stay out of sight
when this type came into the store. He did as he had been told, but
watched from between the crates where he had been sorting items in his
role as junior stocker.

"Why do you serve the outworlders old man? They taint our people. You
betray us by giving them anything." One of them sneered as a younger woman
grinned beside him.

Ardren stood his ground, "I serve any who agree to my fees and who go out
of their way to be courteous. Rude beggars however," Ardren spoke with
rancour on his words, "Get no quarter here."

The young thugs mockingly put up their hands and backed off 'accidentally'
knocking over some jars as they left. Ardren muttered something under his
breath called his son to help with the mess.

(Beta Aquillia IV – The Meeting – Spy Sien - Present moment)

Sien looked at the other man, his looks strange, and yet not as strange
others might see him. Sien hadn't served many outworlders at his father's
shop, but he had seen a few. It had been one reason why they chose him -
he wouldn't stare because he'd never seen one before, only to watch his
target - but he hadn't done that very well either.

Sien remembered that he still owned the shop - though it had been closed
up by his mother before she died.

"I can't get you to her right away, but I can provide a place to work from
and contact certain people who might help us." Sien wondered if this would
be enough to hold off the ships.

(Reply none needed)
(posted by Lori)

(Beta Aquilla IV - Atlantis Station - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 3- 0018)

Eian was summoned on comm, =^=Caskie to O'Neill.  "Engineering has assured me that CentComm is now up and running.  I expect you to meet me there asap.  This is our primary station so turn everything else you are doing over to the next senior officer and make your way there.  Caskie out.=^=
"Understood, Sir, on my way," he said, and turned over his engineering duties to the next senior engineer present.
When he arrived in the area that CENTCOM was relegated to, he approached Caskie and said, "Sir, I suggest we have a staff briefing to assign duties.  CENTCOM will run most smoothly if everyone has a clearly defined job."

(reply Caskie)

"I also think we should give the triage unit of the refugee center immediate access to the Rosenante's Sickbay to minimize the number of steps they need to take to get people the help they need.  We can monitor that line of communication and ensure it's not intercepted by anyone."
(reply Caskie)
(posted by Morgan G)

(Beta Aquilla IV - Atlantis Station - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 3- 0021)

 As soon as Lt O'Neill arrived at Centcom he approached Josh and suggested a staff briefing and a way to run Centcom efficiently.
 Josh smiled at him and took a deep breath before she spoke.  "A very good idea Mr O'Neill, sadly it is you and I that are running Centcom at present.  As of now we are on 12 hour shifts.  Should that change I will let you know.  You have the first shift wake me at 6am and I will take over."
 (Reply O'Neill)
 "I also think we should give the triage unit of the refugee center immediate access to the Rosenante's Sickbay to minimize the number of steps they need to take to get people the help they need.  We can monitor that line of communication and ensure it's not intercepted by anyone."
 Josh thought about it and finally shook her head.  "I disagree, since without a secure channel most of those ways can be intercepted.  At present, and until Sanok or Commander Soma say otherwise lets leave it as it is.  At present we haven't had to many seriously injured personnel  having to be sent to the Rose and our security procedures are working fine.  Let's leave it at that just now and see how we go from here.  If things change we can revisit it but at present we are doing fine and I see no need to change anything."

 (Reply O'Neill)
 (Posted by Marilyn)

(USS Rosenante - Ready Room- CSO/Lt. tlha’nISta’- Day 3- 1002)

 Lani’ smiled. The situation pleased her. Not only would there be combat (and soon, beginning at 1500 hrs) – aboard the orbital Aquillian drydock, there was the scientific project of the sensor net to set up. Plus there was the matter of the Skorr. Before the meeting, the Captain had said: ‘I want you … to make yourselves known to the ambassador, … observe … pose any questions…’ The CO had also said that he especially wanted their ‘impressions’ of this militant species ‘more likely to declare full-scale war’. Salid had initially suggested that some way covertly assist the Skorr should be considered. 

Lanista viewed having a Skorr to assist was less likely to happen – in this mission – than having a Score to settle. Lani’ still believed Jovek would, ultimately, become a liability. However, the hybrid Klingon/Vulcan was glad that Signos had said what she did to prevent the situation from degenerating into a battle with the Federations so-called ally – at least, for the time being. Signos’ suggestion that the warp core to be weaponized would be used against the Skorr vessel was also a valuable contribution. 

Fraiser’s observations regarding the tenuous ‘truce’ between Federation and Hierarchy were also valid.

Jessica’s revelation that she had advanced training in dealing with terrorism was a surprise to Lani’, though. That was a matter that might have to be discussed in greater depth when planning the assault on the spacedock.
 
The Captain weighed in on the feedback, then asserted that decisively setting an example to the Skorr would be called for. He reiterated the call for a plan of zero-body-count action aboard the spacedock. At least Salid had said ‘if possible’ regarding the action being bloodless. He addressed each of the other officers present and, once they’d responded, he told Lani’ “let me know as soon as the sensor grid is up and working."

 “Captain, my estimate that it could be set up by 1300 stands. My emphasis will be on automating the process, since we are spread thinly enough already.”
 
The captain then adjourned the meeting.

Lani’ stuck close by Signos as Fraiser remained behind with the CO. There was a need to plan the assault.

 “Thoughts?” tlha’nISta’ said to Signos.

(Reply Salid, Signos, Fraiser)
(Posted by Frank)

(USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos - Day 3- 1005)

Lani’ stuck close by Signos as Fraiser remained behind with the CO. There was a need to plan the assault.
 “Thoughts?”tlha’nISta’ said to Signos.

"The alliance is tedious at best, I hope we can work taking the space dock to our advantage of course, by keeping it a secret it can also blow up in our face. That we did not trust the Skorr enough to be included in this raid. I know I would welcome the additional forces. but I understand where the Captain is coming from if we allow them to assist can they be controlled. I hate having to choose between evils, in this case I agree with the captain in this matter. Now the issue of the  space dock, we need to find out how to by pass the docks shield. Do you have any thoughts in that regards."

(reply Lani)
(posted by Matthew Locke)

 (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge – CSO/Lt. tlha’nISta’ - Day 3- 1007)

 In response to “Thoughts?” from tlha’nISta’, Signos said, "The alliance is tedious at best, I hope we can work taking the space dock to our advantage of course, by keeping it a secret it can also blow up in our face. That we did not trust the Skorr enough to be included in this raid. I know I would welcome the additional forces. but I understand where the Captain is coming from if we allow them to assist can they be controlled. I hate having to choose between evils, in this case I agree with the captain in this matter. Now the issue of the  space dock, we need to find out how to by pass the docks shield. Do you have any thoughts in that regards."

 “As a matter of fact…” Lani’ answered, tapping a few times on her PADD/’corder before handing over the composite PADD/tricorder device, “I have planned for reconfiguring the nanites we originally planned to use in disabling the freighters. I intend to have Viskhard do most of that work, however, as I have the sensor net to attend to, and we have this boarding to achieve. Once the nanites are prepared - to drop the spacedock’s shields – Engineering and/or Ops can coordinate delivery using a tunneling neutrino ray. Such a beam, fired at close range and between shield generators, would allow deploying the nanites. Once the whole shield array falls, we board.”

(reply Signos)
(posted by Frank)

(Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 3 - 1249)

Tom groaned aloud when he heard of the request to include a detention area and said, "Counselor, I don't see how we can, to be honest.  If we had a company of Marines it would be a good move."

Parker sighed.  "Okay, then we might have to find another solution..."
"Is a higher authority pressing you on this?" Jackson asked.

"Yes, Sir, the request came from CENTCOM."

"Let CENTCOM know I am against this.  If you get grief from them, come get me, okay?" He ordered, and Parker nodded.  

"I'll explain that we can't accommodate them considering our present resources and personnel and if they ask us to reconsider, I'll refer them to you," he spelled back his orders.  He knew Tom Jackson was a man with a solid military record and that reiterating that he understood what he was ordered to do would be appreciated.

(reply Jackson iyw)
(posted by Morgan G)

(Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - Centcomm - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 3 - 1305)

Josh finally back at work at Centcomm was simply at present listening in to all the comms traffic going back and forth and monitoring it when something caught her attention and she decided to intervene.

 "Counselor, I don't see how we can, to be honest.  If we had a company of Marines it would be a good move."

Parker sighed.  "Okay, then we might have to find another solution..."

"Is a higher authority pressing you on this?" Jackson asked.

"Yes, Sir, the request came from CENTCOM."

"Let CENTCOM know I am against this.  If you get grief from them, come get me, okay?" He ordered, and Parker nodded.  

"I'll explain that we can't accommodate them considering our present resources and personnel and if they ask us to reconsider, I'll refer them to you," he spelled back his orders.  He knew Tom Jackson was a man with a solid military record and that reiterating that he understood what he was ordered to do would be appreciated.

Josh opened a channel and began speaking.  "This is Commander Caskie at CentComm.  This request should have gone through Security and not straight to yourselves since it is a security matter first.  Leave it with me and I will sort it out.  Caskie out."
Opening another channel she contacted Sanok.  "Lt Sanok.  The Refugee Camp has serious considerations regarding the security of their mentally challenged patients. Can you help them with security please?"

(Reply Sanok, anyone)
Posted by Marilyn

(Beta Aquilla IV - Atlantis Station - COPS -LT. Tom Jackson  - Day 3- 1315)

Jackson sighed yet again. More Injuries more pain more sorrow. 

The Veil reportedly was now attempting to intimidate Beta Aquillans from seeking refugee. Tom prayed they'd move out and force the Veil forces to let people pass.

The old Tom was surfacing - he was mad and desperate to do something to extract revenge. He was struggling to control his temper.
He was formulating something in the back of his mind. The plan might cost him a Courts Marshal but he'd be satisfied in his soul and he knew Dahlia would understand.

He sighed as - Tom would miss his friends if things went sour. Tom had been through a lot lately. The one good thing was Dahlia and his babies.
His career was at a impasse.  Tom thought of his mom and Pez. 

~Pez that infernal finagler~ Tom cursed silently as he smashed his fist against the Triage Center wall.

He was developing both a hate and love complex for the little Ferengi. The mixed emotions tugged at his guts. Mother adored the cursed little bugger.

Mom was not one to make bad judgements. 

Tom looked up at the sky and nade a vow.

~If I get out of this I'll make peace with Pez~ Tom muttered. He was not one to eat crow lightly.

(Reply: None)
(Posted by:  Bill W.)

(Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma  - Day 3 - 1640)

After Ben had finished speaking with Captain Salid he heard footsteps approaching his position, he turned to see who was coming and found it was the hotel's owner.

Niambh did waste any time on pleasantries when she spoke to him but got right to the point.  "Commander Soma I believe you are meeting with a representative of the Veil soon.  I would like to be included in your delegation since I am the owner of the only point of contact you have on the surface at present."

Ben was surprised buy her request, he had just moments ago finished speaking with Salid and now it seemed to be common knowledge.

"I must commend your intelligence network Mrs. McNulty." Ben replied. "Ambassador Tzorn has requested I meet with him tomorrow morning to discuss our current situation."

Niambh was familiar with the Aquillian's and likely knew Tzorn or at least knew of him.

"Your presence at the meeting could prove beneficial." Ben continued. "You know the Aquillian's so your presence might help them feel more at ease and break some of the tension. I'd like the talks to be peaceful but if I show up with armed security the Veil will likely turn hostile, a familiar face may curb that likely hood." 

Ben turned to start walking and indicated that Niambh should join him.

"Tell me what you know about this Ambassador Tzorn." He said once they were moving.

(reply McNulty)
(posted by Milo Young)

(Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - Hotel Owner - Niambh McNulty  - Day 3 - 1643)

The Commander regarded her for a moment and Niambh simply stood there with a half smile on her face.  Finally he began to speak.
 "I must commend your intelligence network Mrs. McNulty.  "Ambassador Tzorn has requested I meet with him tomorrow morning to discuss our current situation."

 Niambh simply dipped her head once in acknowledgement.  "Thank you Commander.  Running a hotel here is not without it's risks and I pay my security staff top credits to be extremely efficient.  I would suggest that you not discount David merely because he runs hotel security for me.  He has far more 'ears on the ground' than you could ever hope to have in the short time you have been here."
"Your presence at the meeting could prove beneficial." Ben continued. "You know the Aquillian's so your presence might help them feel more at ease and break some of the tension. I'd like the talks to be peaceful but if I show up with armed security the Veil will likely turn hostile, a familiar face may curb that likely hood." 

"It might but then that all depends on who turns up to the talks."

"Tell me what you know about this Ambassador Tzorn." 

Niambh smiled.  "To be honest Commander I don't know him well.  I have met him several times at Ambassador Blake's meet and greets and that is all.  He seemed honourable and honest but as far as I was aware he was never a proponent of the Veil.  The fact that he is working for them now makes me, how shall I put it, disquiet."
 
Sighing she carried on talking.  "I'm not sure why he has agreed to work for them, but I certainly don't plan to trust him or anything he says or promises."  
Niambh thought for a moment and then turned to the Commander.  "Perhaps as a gesture of good faith you could ask them to allow Ambassador Blake to be present.  She is after all the senior Federation representative and it would at least let us know if they actually plan to talk to us in good faith or if the talks are just a sham to keep us busy whilst they try something else."

"Its just a thought but you could tell them that the Federation would not be able to agree to any decision without the Ambassador being present at least.  That way we would still know that she was alive even if she was still in the Veil's custody."

"Think about it and let me know.  Would you like me to bring David with me?  He is good at this kind of face to face thing."

(Reply Soma)

Niambh grinned at Soma.  "No problems, I'll be ready when you are.  Now if you don't mind I still do have a hotel to run regardless of whether Starfleet is here or not."

Walking away she stopped momentarily and turning back smiled somewhat.  "Oh and Commander,  It's Ms McNulty."  Looking him up and down she smiled.  "I haven't married... yet."

(reply Soma)  
(Posted by Marilyn)

(Beta Aquillia IV – Meeting Place – Lt Alaya - Day 3 - 1644)

Walking into the meeting room, Alaya stood infront of the assembled Aquillans and smiled, “Gentlemen, thankyou for meeting with me. You are amongst the most loyal people to our cause. I want to thankyou for your continued support. I have a task for you. The Federation interlopers have set up a refugee camp for those citizens of theirs that are still here and require medical treatment.”
A chorus of disapproval rose up and Alaya smiled and held up her hands to silence them. “I know, I know. That is why I have called you here. We need to stop this. I want you to go to the refugee camp and stop them from entering. Do whatever you need to do short of killing them. Rob them, force them back.” She paused and then said, “Hop to it!”

Watching them walk out, Alaya smiled again and knew that this was the way forward. Even if Habrii didn't want to see it or even consider it. This was the way to get what they wanted. ~And if this does not work, then I have an ace up my sleeve that no-one will see coming.~

(Reply No-one)
(Posted by Jackie Smith)

(Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - CEO- LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 3 - 1645)

Matrix overheard Ben's discussion with Commander Soma. The fact that Mrs. McNulty knew of their plans so quickly put that uneasy feeling back in Steve's veins. He was sure Ben shared the same concern, but there was nothing they could do about it at the moment.  Matrix turned to his PADD and read the update on the deployment and decided to test a theory.

"Matrix to engineering. I need a portable comm generator down here within the hour. Have Mister Cohen set up a level three comm repeater and beam it to my coordinates." said Matrix.

(Reply Engineering)

~I don't know if that will get any notice by their intelligence network, but we'll see.~

(Reply Engineering, any)
(Posted by Steve)

(Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - Owner - Niambh McNulty - Day 3 - 1648)

 "I'm sure Mr. Right is out there somewhere.  It's been my experience that love finds you when your not looking for it, I'll leave you to your hotel while I tend to a few matters of my own. Good day Ms. McNulty."

Niambh didn't bother watching him walk away but just kept on walking towards Hotel Security, but with a small smile on her face.  Sometimes it was fun to suggest, hint or otherwise gently make suggestions.  Sometimes they were taken up, sometimes they weren't.  It really didn't matter one way or the other to Niambh.
  
 Something told her that this one just wasn't interested and she was curious.  Was it simply because he was all Starfleet or was there someone else.

 Shrugging her shoulders Niambh shelved the question.  She could always pick it up again if she chose to.  For now she headed off to security to speak to David about the conference in the morning.

 (No replies needed)
 (Posted by Marilyn)

(Beta Aquillia IV, Joba, Refugee Camp, 2O Lt. Sanok, Day 3, 1755)

The refugee camps had been up and running most of the day. 
Sanok had expected trouble at some point, but things had not 
turned out that way.  Normally, in a crisis such as the one 
on BA4, there would be panic.  There was some, but far less 
than Sanok thought there would be.  Perhaps it was an 
inherent trait of the Aquillians, but he did not know enough 
about their nature, so it was simply speculation.  He was 
beginning to think this part of their mission wouldn't be so 
bad.  However, that wasn't to be the case.

Sanok had completed walking his rounds and made it back to 
the main entrance.  A group of Aquillians were talking to 
the guards in an agitated and animated tone.

"What seems to be the problem?" said Sanok.

Two guards and four Aquillians began talking at once.

"Please, one at a time," said Sanok.

The largest Aquillian began speaking.  "Veil of the Sky 
rebels are harassing people and stopping them from coming 
here.  People are being threatened, robbed, beaten, whatever 
it takes to keep them away.  They must be stopped."

"Over the last half hour or so, the number of refugees has 
almost stopped, sir," said the guard in charge of the main 
entrance.  "This would explain it."

"Thank you for telling us," said Sanok.  "Ensign, see to 
their needs."

"Yes, sir."

Sanok moved off by himself and tapped his comm badge. 
"Sanok to Lieutenant Commander Soma."

After Ben responded, Sanok gave his report.

"Sir, I am at the main refugee camp.  I have been told by 
the last group of Aquillians to arrive, that Veil forces are 
using intimidation tactics to prevent people from coming to 
the centers.  No deaths have been reported, but it is only a 
matter of time."

(reply Soma, any)
(posted by Bob B.)

(Beta Aquillia IV, Joba, Refugee Camp, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, 
Day 3, 1759)

Ben said, =^=See what you can do to increase security 
patrols.  Extend their range, if possible, but don't stretch 
yourself too thin.  Tell your people to intervene if they 
can, but avoid fighting.  Under no condition are they to 
openly engage Veil forces.  The Veil leaders are hostile 
enough towards us now.  We needn't add fuel to the flames. 
I have a meeting with a Veil representative in the morning. 
  I'll see if I can convince him to have the Veil forces 
back off.=^=

"Yes, sir.  Sanok out."

Everything Ben said would be difficult, as their personnel 
and resources were already stretched too thinly, but Ben 
didn't want to hear any of that.  He had given an order that 
needed to be done, so it was Sanok's job to see that it got 
done.

Sanok decided to take one other person with him to scout 
away from the camp and into the city.  A small team had a 
better chance of avoiding detection, and they could move 
faster or find a place to hide.  Finding Ensign Ron Marks, 
Sanok briefed him on the current situation.  Once they were 
equipped, they moved out....

(reply any)
(posted by Bob B.)