2. Gnycish 2, Tyroth

Cole took in the discussion in contemplative silence, rubbing the stubble of his beard in thought as he considered his colleagues questions and theories. Most intriguing however was the alien captain's proposal, a proposal with the potential for further diplomacy, though he wasn't exactly thrilled with the idea of exchanging fire with the strange vessel as there seemed to many ways for the situation to get out of hand. Holding up a hand, a gesture intended to cut off any further questions and theories from the Away Team that at the moment seemed to be increasingly enthusiastic towards the mystery of who might have killed the ambassador and with what, "What do you have in mind Captain? As towards an appropriate subterfuge that is."

He says, "Whoever killed our ambassador may bear my people ill will. If you appear to be opposed to us, you may be sought out as allies in whatever grudge they have with us. A simple ruse. My people have a saying: 'Your friend's enemy is your enemy, too.'"

There were too many "mays" for this so-called simple ruse and Drake didn't like it one bit. Something felt off but he was in no position to say anything out of line here unless ...

"Commander, may I have a word in private?"

Charged with the security and safety of the crew, Drake would be remiss if he didn't at least express his concerns.

Cole considered the Captain's words, lips drawing into a thin line as he contemplated the request and not liking the idea of the two vessels firing on each other, falsely or otherwise not knowing how powerful the strange alien vessels armaments were nor how strong their defenses would be even against Federation phasers, even at low power. He was about to say as much when his security lead begged his attention for a side bar. Meeting the Ensign's eyes he nodded, leaning an ear towards Drake.

That was actually a clever gambit, Luna thought. She knew it wasn't up to her to decide to put the Chista into a live fight. Ruse or otherwise. But the plan might work and create an opportunity to resolve this matter.

"We say it the other way around. The enemy of my enemy is my friend..." she trails off as she realizes this might come across wrong as this saying emphasizes enmity rather than friendship. She stopped talking and looked down.

Drake had hoped they would leave the table but this would have to do.

"I advise against as it puts us all in jeopardy," he says in a very low voice to Cole. At least he had said his piece and exercised his duty but that would be small consolation if their team got hurt or could never return home again.

Cole nodded his agreement to Drake's concerns, face pinching in mild frustration as he saw no other real alternative, the Captain's plan certainly having merit despite the unknown dangers.

"Aurin," he said aloud, turning to his science officer, "Assuming those on the surface are monitoring all communication, any theories on how we can inform the Christa of the ruse without endangering our new friends here?"

"If they have cracked our strategic encrypted channels, Commander, we have much bigger problems than pantomiming a space war." Aurin remarked dryly. He held his piece on the plan - he found the deception distasteful, but he was also no great politician. These aliens seemed willing to go through quite the ordeal to try and save face.

The doctor listens and shakes her head. While she did serve more directly in war, and even came up with a brilliant strategy for delivering aid to an endangered battalion, this was not her expertise anymore. A false fire fight could indeed end poorly. There should be a way to do this without further violence.

Momentum: 0
Threat: 4

Hearing his own doubts expressed through his teams words settled the decision in Cole's mind as he turned to the captain, meeting the alien's eyes, "The Federation and Starfleet are founded on peaceful ideals - meaning it would be far more believable that we would have negotiated an outcome that would allow us to conduct our own investigation rather than coming to blows. Our stance always is to respond violently only in defense.

Perhaps you would allow us to conduct our investigation jointly? Or without restriction? You may leave and return if you think that is beneficial though I would suggest you remain, however lift the blockade. We of course would assist in questioning anyone attempting to leave the planet"

Momentum: 0
Threat: 5

The alien captain quietly contemplates your proposal. After Jayce adds his own contribution, about how the Federation are known as impartial arbitrators, he agrees.

"I accept your proposal. We'll make it known if we're asked that we delegate the investigation to the Federation as a neutral third party. We'll remain in orbit and continue to blockade the planet. When you're finished your investigation, successful or not, we'll allow you to leave. Does this meet your ethical requirements?"

Cole considered the alien's concessions, scratching at his stubble in thought and not entirely enthused that the captain still intended to blockade the planet, even after their findings, but agreed to the terms with firm nod of his head. Despite the awkwardness of their initial greeting Cole extended his hand, "Not all cultures do but my own seals agreements with a handshake."

Taking the alien's hand, he met the captain's bulbous gaze, nodding again as he applied firm pressure and turned to his science officer, "Aurin. Do you have all you need? Or do we need to detour to the ship?

"Otherwise we'll head planetside and begin our investigation."

"I think a tricorder should suffice for my purposes. Anything else I should be able to replicate from the Raven."

He turned to Doctor M'Ress. "Do you think you'll have what you need to perform a forensic analysis?" He did not want to demean their hosts, but a second opinion on the victim could not hurt. And her insight would be critical in matching up the means to the act itself.

Their anatomy is unknown to me, but I believe I can.

Drake breathes a subtle sigh of relief. He was glad there would be no ruse. Down that path lay disaster in his mind.

"I'm ready to bring the Raven planetside. Though, are we sure we have the proper guarantees in regards to leaving again?" Luna asks. With the talk of shape-shifter earlier, Luna couldn't help wondering if the blockading aliens had changed their mind in this matter.

With a final, firm shake of their host's hand Cole nodded, "If that is all I guess we will be on our way. As I'm sure your eager to put the matter to rest and find justice for your colleague."