AQ/E01-Away Missions

[Jez Mala]

Jez knew that she was right they needed to use every advantage they had to solve this mystery, Commanders Kurasa and Velaul were assuming that they would be caught using their gifts, or that the locals would know that they had been telepathically scanned; especially considering their extensive use of implants. In all likelihood a telepathic scan would be one of probably a dozen or more signals.

Jez wasn’t sure what to say, she was beyond conflicted. She knew she was right in her opinion. Jez followed them towards the turbolift. Jez then looked back over her shoulder to see if anyone appeared relieved or more relaxed knowing that the Aquila crew was leaving. Jez thought about it,  chances were excellent that the Riani was probably aware that the Federation had telepathic species and prepared for interactions with said species.

Jez just felt that they were somehow heading into a trap. Maybe it was her imagination, but she didn’t think so. Maybe because Jez grew up in the field with her parents, exploring ancient temples and tombs where heightened awareness was necessary, as many of these ancient tombs and temples had boobie traps to prevent intruders. Jez found this mission to be very overwhelming, thus far.

Jez, relax, you're getting distracted. Distractions cause one to make mistakes.

Jez double checked her personal weapons, She checked her hair, her Kanzashi was secure. The concealed Katana was secure in her boot. Her Type I phaser snug in the small of her back. She knew that her personal weapon might be overkill, but she felt it was necessary.

Jez neared closer to Commander Velaul, as she would be the most likely target should someone figure out who she is and what she represents.



== Tag All. ==

[GM-07]

== For Taylor ==

As Reese approached the bar, he noticed that it was manned by another automaton. As its head turned toward Reese, the digital face projected on its screen shifted from a pale-skinned Riani with dark narrow eyes to the familiar one that had greeted him at reception. It seemed that the hotel tailored a specific persona for each guest. She listened patiently as Reese gave his order.

“Certainly, our specialty is called a short circuit. It’s quite popular with visitors from off-planet. I’ll bring a round up to your suite once you’re settled.” The automaton laid out a set of glasses and began to mix ingredients.


== For all ==

The team overheard pieces of a few different conversations as they walked toward the elevator.  One sharply-dressed Riani was reciting a children’s story from memory into their personal communicator. Another was flirting quite aggressively with someone who seemed more interested in reading something on their padd.

Eventually, something interesting caught their ear. An earnest-looking businessman was attempting to convince a skeptical Ferengi that, under President Khushku, the Tanndi nation had emerged as a stabilizing force on Riani. In ten years, he insisted, the planet would become a galactic trading hub.

“Spare me,” the Ferengi replied, narrowing his eyes. “I’ve done my research. The crime families here are too afraid to let anyone else move in on their turf. I’ve heard that the Xha family even has some operatives working for the government.”

"Well, I don’t think that’s—" the Riani replied, suddenly quite pale in the face. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

[Jez Mala]

Jez couldn’t help but overhear a very interesting conversation between a local businessman and a Ferengi .The Riani was an earnest-looking businessman, he was was attempting to convince a skeptical Ferengi that, under President Khushku, the Tanndi nation had emerged as a stabilizing force on Riani. In ten years, he insisted, the planet would become a galactic trading hub.

“Spare me,” the Ferengi replied, narrowing his eyes. “I’ve done my research. The crime families here are too afraid to let anyone else move in on their turf. I’ve heard that the Xha family even has some operatives working for the government.”

"Well, I don’t think that’s—" the Riani replied, Jez noticed that the Riani businessman suddenly turn quite pale in the face. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, as if he realized he shouldn't be talking about this in a public place.

Now things were starting to make more sense, this wasn’t a civil war, but a mob war, two criminal organizations bidding for power to control a planet. That probably meant the Orion Syndicate wasn’t far behind

Jez remembered Ferengi Rules of Acquisition Number Thirty-Four: War is good for business and Number Thirty-Five Peace is good for business, but the question was which path would the Riani follow, War or Peace.

Jez looked at the other members of the Away Team to see their reaction to the conversation.

[Cologero Coppola]

==NPC Reese Taylor NCO==

Satisfied that the drinks were going up to the suite, Reese decided to rejoin the group. He heard a lot of chatter along the way not making it look like he was paying attention, there were a few things that he had observed but kept on going. The Commander had made herself clear that she wanted him to go there, and return as soon as the task was done.

It was complete leaving only one more thing to do. "The drinks are going to be delivered to the room." He reported before hitting the button for the elevator, the next action he did was turn his back to the elevator because he knew what was going to happen next. The First Officer was going to go in first with Talion, then Kurasa leaving him and Jez going in last. He was the lowest on that totem pole as an enlisted. As he waited for the elevator to get there, he continued to observe what was going on around him.

==Tags and GM input if there was anything more of note.==

[Beno Velaul]

Now that the team was together again, they went onto the elevator. The meeting had to take place because they had the answers they need, if there was some sort of peaceful solution to be had it was going to start there. Chances were high that they would want to keep what they have the way they have it, and if Beno was to provide an opportunity to do so they would take it. What was going on in the planets population, it really wasn't Federation business unless they made it that way.

Once the lift doors opened, Beno would assume a certain poker face. One that wasn't hostile, but friendly. They were guests in a different environment, and certain traditions had to be followed.

==GM input lets get this meeting started==

[GM-07]

The elevator doors slid closed as the away team stepped inside. Scanning the key padd in Velaul’s hand, a mechanism sprang to life and the platform began to raise. The wall facing the atrium was transparent from the inside, showcasing an impressive view as the lobby shrank into a haze of dim light and holographic glitter.

After a short journey, the elevator eased itself to a halt. Another pair of doors slid open to reveal a luxurious penthouse suite. The room was bathed in a rich orange light that lent more color than luminance. A large window on the room’s back wall showcased the skyline of Saule’s commercial district, adorned with neon lights and video advertisements.

There was plenty of room for the away team to spread out as they waited for their host to arrive. The expansive suite included a separate office and a miniature replicator. Clues about the identify of their host, however, were sparse. If their mysterious contact had been to the room before, they hadn’t left anything behind.

The party waited for several minutes, the settling quiet interrupted by an automaton carrying a tray of neon green cocktails. The drinks smelled strongly of citrus and left a tingling sensation on the lips.

Finally, the penthouse doors slid open again to reveal the stern, chrome-jawed face of General Alukh. He looked at each member of the party with the practiced eye of a tactician, then nodded and stomped inside.

“Thank you all for coming,” he said. His voice reverberated with a mechanical echo. He walked over to the replicator and made himself a hot drink that smelled like coffee.

“Ambassador Saida Gebrezghi is being held in a detention center near Tanndi’s industrial district. She’s alive, and her injuries are being treated by our best doctors. Unfortunately, the pilot who was with her did not survive the crash.

“Earlier this week, an unknown alien spacecraft entered our space. According to official reports, it failed to respond to hails and it was shot down over the Tanndi wasteland. However, I’m afraid that this tragedy seems convenient, considering the desire of the Xha crime family to cut off contact with outworlders. I strongly suspect foul play.

“I swore an oath to President Khushku, but I recognize that she’s now faced with an impossible conundrum. She faces down the threat of war with other Riani nations, and now with the Federation as well. I’ve kept close tabs on Jonas’s career since he arrived on Riani, and I believe in his vision for Riani. Now I’m asking you to help me find a solution that brings us closer to peace."

The General took a long sip from his drink, waiting for someone else to speak.

[Jez Mala]

Jez felt uneasy as the Turbo lift carried them upwards, she felt as if they were heading into a trap, a private Penthouse. A gilded cage is still a cage and a cage is meat to trap, thought Jez. Suddenly the lift stopped and the door parted to reveal a lavish Penthouse , the view of Saule’s commercial district, adorned with brilliant neon lights of various colors and shapes and video advertisements was very impressive, if not a bit annoying. After all, with an expensive Penthouse view one expects a peaceful relaxing vista if nothing else.

Jez didn't know what to think was this Penthouse meant to impress or to intimidate them. On one level it was impressive, such grandeur and opulence could convey the message that whoever called this meeting was a civilized and wanted to protect their lifestyle and that war could end this lifestyle and they would do anything to protect it, or that they are used to the power and influence that gets them such a place? Jez never understood greed, in this day and age when technology could provide for everyone, why do people want more than what they need to survive; it was truly a mystery to her why people did such things.

The Penthouse didn’t show any sign of being occupied, or had been lived in. As she looked around and deep in observation mode, a voice pulled her back to the here and now, “Thank you all for coming,” Jez looked up and saw the stern,chrome-jawed face of General Alukh. She wasn’t sure if his words of welcome were genuine or not. Jez normally could read a lot from one’s body language. But the General was playing it close to the vest.
Jez listened as the General continued “Ambassador Saida Gebrezghi is being held in a detention center near Tanndi’s industrial district. She’s alive, and her injuries are being treated by our best doctors. Unfortunately, the pilot who was with her did not survive the crash.
“Earlier this week, an unknown alien spacecraft entered our space. According to official reports, it failed to respond to hails and it was shot down over the Tanndi wasteland. However, I’m afraid that this tragedy seems convenient, considering the desire of the Xha crime family to cut off contact with outworlders. I strongly suspect foul play.
“I swore an oath to President Khushku, but I recognize that she’s now faced with an impossible conundrum. She faces down the threat of war with other Riani nations, and now with the Federation as well. I’ve kept close tabs on Jonas’s career since he arrived on Riani, and I believe in his vision for Riani. Now I’m asking you to help me find a solution that brings us closer to peace."

Jez wasn’t sure what to say and as she was a Junior Officer she really couldn’t say anything. Jez stood there watching and observing the General to see if any subtle twitch or movement that might indicate danger for the away team.



== GM Input: Does the General give off any signs that he is lying or that the Away team is in any danger?==

[Beno Velaul]

“Thank you all for coming,” he said. His voice reverberated with a mechanical echo. He walked over to the replicator and made himself a hot drink that smelled like coffee.

“Ambassador Saida Gebrezghi is being held in a detention center near Tanndi’s industrial district. She’s alive, and her injuries are being treated by our best doctors. Unfortunately, the pilot who was with her did not survive the crash.

“Earlier this week, an unknown alien spacecraft entered our space. According to official reports, it failed to respond to hails and it was shot down over the Tanndi wasteland. However, I’m afraid that this tragedy seems convenient, considering the desire of the Xha crime family to cut off contact with outworlders. I strongly suspect foul play.

“I swore an oath to President Khushku, but I recognize that she’s now faced with an impossible conundrum. She faces down the threat of war with other Riani nations, and now with the Federation as well. I’ve kept close tabs on Jonas’s career since he arrived on Riani, and I believe in his vision for Riani. Now I’m asking you to help me find a solution that brings us closer to peace."

Beno was relieved that Sadia was still alive, but saddened that the pilot didn't. Those were the kind of conversations that Beno didn't enjoy, and did her best to honor their memory. Peace was always the preferred path over war, too many innocents die in the process.

"Thank you for Hosting us General." Beno started with a friendly tone. "Peace is always the best path for all involved, especially when acts of violence is kept to a minimum." The act of violence happened and there was no way to go back and stop it. "We also have to admit that one way or another there could have been the inability to communicate, this would make it difficult to determine intent." The argument could be made that it was in self defemse, and not an attempt to kill an Ambassador.

"The Federation had made it clear we have no intrest in going to war, the Federation is built on peace." There were a few thoughts that Beno had about the timing of everything, the shuttle being shot down and Jonas being shot. All of this was done with the changing of the diplomats. 

"In order to properly broker a peace, as you are well aware we need to know who we are dealing with and common ground." Peace can inspire more peace. "Exploring common ground can be a good start, just to get people talking." The longer the talks, the easier it is for peace.

==GM input please.==

[Alexander Talion]

As before, the first thing Alex did was to scan the room. He half expected there to be some more sophisticated devices for recording or jamming signals. He wanted to know what they were and how he might need to counter them. He had no interest in the drinks and didn't trust what might be in them. The General sounded like every other experienced diplomat or highly placed military leader. He spun a plausible story that was not offered as fact, simply what would be their story, should it become debated. It was unfortunate that a life was lost in the process, but it was worth noting that the ship was not headed on a direct path to the port he would have expected them to attempt to land at.

Alex knew that the Federation couldn't allow their people to be used as bargaining chips in a local dispute. He was uncomfortable with trying to hold a diplomatic position in this event. This was something to be worked out by those designated for the political arena. He had to hold his opinions to himself for now, as his job right now was to try his best to support the FO and how she was going to attempt to carry out the orders of the CO and those above him. If it were up to Alex, he would extract their people politely if possible and by force if necessary. Naturally, you try one first, but you have to be prepared for the other. The fact that they were holding Ambassador Saida Gebrezghi and had not given the coordinates for her medical evacuation said that they intended to have conversations other than about her safe return and medical care.

It was difficult, but Alex maintained his poker face and let the FO do the talking. He was very attentively listening with his own ind for any stray thoughts from the General. he had been very specific to Mala about how they should not misbehave with their gifts, but he was certainly prepared to try his best to read every aspect of this man's actions and words. Talion presumed that this man had been briefed about Betazoids, but it was unlikely that he knew one was in the room with him. Although full Betazoid, he didn't have some of the telling physical traits. If anything, Alex looked more the part of a body guard than a Chief Science Officer with diplomatic upbringing.

== Tag for any GM input that Alex might pickup through stray thoughts or non-verbal communication. The implants might help hide certain traits, but there can be many tells. Also, any devices or jamming being done to their location. ==

[Jez Mala]

Jez looked at Commander Tallion, she could tell just by looking at him his big beautiful brain was thinking at least a million thoughts a second. She had no doubt that he had something on his mind. Jez couldn’t help but think that Tallion and her were thinking the same thing, about using their abilities to read the Generals thoughts, but there was the possibility that the Riani’s couldn’t be read or had the ability to resist telepathic scans or both.

Jez looked at Commander Tallion and raised an eyebrow as if to say, ”Well, should you and I use our gifts on each other to see if we get a reaction from the General?’’ Jez waited to see if Commander Tallion would give her some visual confirmation, a head nod, or pretend to scratch the tip of his nose, as if to say spot on, or widen his eyes as if to say no bad idea.

Jez couldn’t help but think that the General was not being completely honest with them, that he was hiding something. Maybe the General was acting as a distraction, she couldn’t shake the feeling that his job was to keep the Away Team busy. Jez waited to see if Tallion would give her some kind of a sign as to what to do next. Jez felt uneasy as. Her mind went down a path of thinking, If the people who snatched the Ambassador knew the shuttle's flight plan, it stood to reason that perhaps they knew of the Aquila’s presence and of the Away Team. If one Federation hostage was good, several would be better especially if they were Star Fleet.



== Tag Tallion.==

[GM-07]

Alukh gave a firm nod as Velaul finished speaking.

“I’m glad that Jonas’s image of the Federation is more than a fairytale. The president still doesn’t believe in it, but she’s preoccupied with more pressing concerns. I wish we had more common ground, but I think my planet still has quite a way to go.”

The general took the steaming cup and gazed out the window for a moment, collecting his thoughts.

“The way I see it, you have two options:

“Option 1: you can send an extraction team to the detention center. Security is tight, but your team has the tactical and technological advantage by most measures. I think you would be justified in taking this route.

“Option 2: I can organize a meeting with President Khushku. Keep in mind that backing down to a threat from the Federation would severely weaken her position, and would likely open the door for this government to be replaced by something more violent and isolationist. I would recommend offering her something to help her save face.”

== For Talion/Jez ==

The general had the posture of a lifelong soldier, but the way that he shifted his balance seemed to indicate discomfort or guilt. Cybernetic noise was noticeable in his surface thoughts, though any augmentations didn’t appear to extend to his cognitive processes. Surface thoughts did not appear to indicate any deception or malice toward the away team.

== For Talion ==

During his sweep of the room, Talion identified a moderate jamming signal, more powerful than that used in the restaurant. There was also a low level forcefield reinforcing the window.

[Beno Velaul]

There were a lot of lessons that Velaul went through that would apply, the top of then made her walk to the nearest window to really look out  "General on the surface both of thoes options look equally as good, however below that they both fallapart. With that said neither one of like what is being said, change the conversation." There was a lot of ground to cover, and they were not going to achieve this by beating the dead horse.

"As you said if President Khushku backs down from a threat from the Federation, the opposite is also true. The official stance of the Federation is all we want is our Ambassador back, Jonas was shot because someone was scared of that Federation threat. Option three is this send a small team of Doctors to the ship to help save Jonas, the technology is something we haven't encountered before. We get Jonas back here to receive proper treatment, and recover in the one place he has the greatest chance of a full recovery." She turned from the window to look the General in the eye.

"Jonas has no diplomatic standing with the Federation, and if his greatest shot of survival is here we have no other choice but to leave him here. The President tells the Federation that at this time she needs to broker a peace agreement on this planet before considering a place in the Federation. This will place her in a position of strength, and make peace easier to achieve. Now that is just the appetizer, ready for the main course?" If they were going to broker any peace someone has to put the guns down, or this will never last.

==Tag and GM input please ==

[Jez Mala]

Jez wasn’t sure what was happening beyond two groups that appear to love engaging in violence to achieve power and don't care who gets hurt in the process. Jez looked at the General with a look of disgust and pity, but then it occurred to her that maybe the General was an unwilling pawn in this whole mess. Maybe this was the only way the Legitimate Government of Riani, could ask for Federation’s help?

Jez stood watching Commander Velaul , the Commander was like a Chess Master studying the General and his words, anticipating his next move, in many ways the Commander reminded Jez of her Grandmother, a straight forward no nonsense kind of a woman, a powerful force of nature.

Jez suddenly recalled the saying, Si vis pacem, para bellum, ("If you want peace, prepare for war") , the well-known quote attributed to Roman author Vegetius. It suggests that a strong defense is the best way to deter aggression and maintain peace, emphasizing the importance of military strength for discouraging conflict. However, some argue that true peace requires more than just military might, highlighting the importance of justice, understanding, and peaceful intentions.

Jez, couldn’t help but think that maybe what was needed was a small break, “Excuse me Commander perhaps we should take a small break, you know get something to eat and come back to this from a fresh perspective?” Said Jez, hoping that the Commander would pick up on the hidden meaning in Jez’s words, suggesting that the Away Team should talk in private and confer with the Captain and see what he has to say.



== Tag Velaul.==

[Beno Velaul]

“Excuse me, Commander,” Jez said, her tone measured yet firm. “Perhaps we should consider taking a brief recess—something to eat, a moment to recalibrate. A fresh perspective might serve us well.”

Beno paused, regarding her colleague. Jez was right. It wasn’t unusual for Beno to become so focused on progress that she overlooked the necessity of reflection. “My associate speaks wisely,” Beno continued. “We also have updates that must be transmitted to our respective command structures.” It was protocol, but more than that—it was essential. Both people understood the implications of every development. The President was still operating under the assumption that the Federation posed an immediate threat, though recent intelligence suggested otherwise.

Crucially, the Captain needed confirmation that the Ambassador was alive and in stable condition. That alone could reframe the entire situation and bring them closer to a diplomatic resolution. Any use of force at this juncture would not only compromise that objective but risk portraying the Federation as the aggressor. That perception would be detrimental. If Beno could present the new intelligence first—clearly, credibly—it would place her, and their delegation, in a position of strength.

“There is one more matter,” Beno said, turning toward Reese. She accepted the case he had carried since their arrival and opened it with deliberate care. Inside rested a bottle of fifty-year-old Scotch.

“I brought a tribute,” she said, her voice calm and respectful. “A token of friendship and mutual respect. I recognize that true diplomacy begins with gestures, not demands.” The offering was strategic, yes—but it was also sincere. It underscored her intent to facilitate peace on the planet, even if integration into the Federation would not occur immediately. That step could come in time, and if it did, it would be on more solid, equitable terms. The pause would also allow Beno the opportunity to confer with her team. Their insight would be invaluable. She was too enmeshed in the situation—too close to see every angle. And in diplomacy, clarity was everything.

==Tag and GM input please==