2. Gnycish 2, Tyroth

The crew are at their stations throughout the USS Christa McAuliffe. Whether this will be a routine greeting or the first step in an act of war, no one knows.

Where abouts are you on the ship? The bridge, sick bay, engineering, other?

Drake arches an eyebrow as he sits at the tactical station on the bridge.

"Captain, I recommend raising shields and the ship go on yellow alert immediately."

The Doctor stands at a station in sickbay, a steaming mug in her hands. Her ears flatten as the call goes out. No rest in Starfleet, she thinks, and begins preparing for any potential problems, while also opening a channel to the bridge if she's needed further

Sitting in the XO seat on the bridge, Cole's brow furrowed, thoughtfully scratching at the stubble on his cheek and chin as he considered the approaching ship's request and Ensign Zarah's recommendations. With a confirming look towards the Captain he addressed the tactical officer, "Negative Ensign. Raising shields might be seen as an aggressive act. Be ready --- but let's see what they're about."

"Shields on standby - ready and waiting for your order."

No rest for the weary, Drake thinks as he remains poised for the command.

Aurin stooped over his PADD in his quarters, brow furrowed in concentration. He had taken his notes and readings from the incident at the asteroid belt, compiled them, and then set them aside, to percolate. There would be time to polish his findings, but he needed a moment's distance to put together any kind of coherent presentation.

At the moment, he was going over a few of the recommended readings for the upcoming summit. He absorbed the cutting edge of current nanotechnology research, allowing himself a moment of satifaction when his work on theoretically inert containment fields was cited, at least in passing.

The alert cut through his reading. Hopeful that it was a routine encounter, he tucked the PADD under his arm and made for the bridge. He trusted the science team to handle routine encounters, but, he supposed, he was technically a bridge officer.

He entered the bridge, striding behind the bridge arch, trying not to interrupt the proceedings as the captain considered his course of action.

As the ensign at the sciences station stood to be relieved, Aurin lifted his hand and gave a small wave of his hand, indicating they should remain. Aurin stood near the ensign, facing the main viewscreen as he folded his hands behind his back, not wanting to put pressure on them by peering directly over their shoulder. "Passive and routine scans only, Ensign, until directed, unless you spot something anomalous. Let's not spook them," he suggested quietly, below the channels of command.

Lunas is on the bridge, taking her shift as second pilot on the helm. She has had some rest since their adventure to another dimension and this is her first shift back on USS Christa McAuliffe. This was supposed to be a routine cruise to the summit but now it took a turn in a much more exciting direction.
She confirmes to the first pilot that the ship had come to a halt and relays the distance and bearing of the hostile ship to the commanding officers.

The captain says to the com officer, "Open a hailing channel, main view screen."


The screen flickers on and you see an alien face in a small cubicle. "Federation vessel, those is the Plynlik starship Gragolok. We're blockading the planet while we investigate the death of a diplomat. You may send a team of less than ten aboard our ship if you wish to make your case for access, but any unauthorized attempt to access the planet will be considered hostile."

The Captain responds, "This is Captain Syrran of the Federation starship Chista McAuliffe. Some of my officers were planning on attending a conference on Tyroth but we'll lend what assistance we can in investigating this crime. Expect our delegation in fifteen minutes. Christa McAuliffe out." The screen blackens.

He turns to Commander Walker. "Assemble an away team. I suggest Devar may be an asset for learning the truth behind their actions, but the choice of complement is up to you."

Ever ready for adventure, Drake is hopeful that he will be a part of the team.

"I'd like to volunteer, Commander."

"I'll like to volunteer as well, sir" Luna quickly jumps in. There no fun being a pilot on a halted ship. Visiting an alien space craft and possibly investigate and solve a murder case sounds much, much more fun.

M'Ress puts down her mug, sighs and taps her comm. I will join you, you may need my expertise, perhaps I can figure out what caused the death

A slight narrowing of the eyes, a small tightening of the lips, the only betrayal of emotion as Cole considered the alien's news and warning, his hopes of a less stressful mission after their harrowing encounter in another reality seemingly dashed. Mentally he begun to assemble an away team even as the Captain responded to the alien delegate and nodded as Syrran's cool, logical eyes met his and issued his orders. A small smirk as volunteers already began to speak up.

"I'll clear it with our Security Chief but I think it wise that they remain aboard in case things go South. I'll take Ensign Zarah for the Away Team," he stated with a nod towards Drake before shifting his attention to helm control.

"Sir. If I could procure a shuttle and Lieutenant Vilchis. I'd prefer shuttling over to the alien craft rather than beaming aboard in the event our hosts see fit to not let us leave we'll at least have a way to 'force' our way out --- should it come to that.

"Doctor M'Ress and Lieutenant Ah to examine the body and evidence

"And Lieutenant Devar to assist me in diplomacy."

---

"Excellent. Ready to assist where needed." Drake looks questioningly at Dr. M'Ress and wonders why she was less than enthusiastic. Nervous perhaps.

"I'll keep us safe Doc."

I'll have it ready at once Luna replies excited to be good. Good call yo take the shuttle.
Permission to be relieved of bridge duty as a matter of formality and gets up before any answer is given. She heads for the shuttle bay to prepare the craft. On the way, she checks that her phaser is charged.

She smiles and gently pats his arm as she enters the room Im fine, just disappointed I didn't get my tea. Or my nap

"Ah, well I hear that. Good I'm glad all is well with you and you can always make up for missed naps. Missed tea on the other hand, well that is pretty serious..." he says jokingly.

That it is She gives a firm nod, unable to hide her smile

"Aye, sir."

Aurin expected to pack little more than his tricorder and the tiny type 1 phaser he kept in his coat pocket, and the PADD he had clutched under his arm. He trusted that, acting in good faith, the interdictors would allow equipment to be beamed down to the planet to help investigate the mystery.

But a small frown pulled at his cheeks behind his beak. If someone wanted to make some kind of political statement at an event like this...

He turned towards the ensign at the console. "See if you can get atmospheric readings from inside the ship. Keep an eye out for metallic particulates, especially. But don't get... too aggressive. Inform the captain if you find anything unusual."

"I will join you in the bay shortly, gentlemen." He took a separate turbolift from the bridge to his lab on his way to the shuttle, picking up a small hazardous materials kit, no larger than a briefcase, with a sample container and hand tractor. He had been prepared for a summit on nanotechnology, after all...

"Alright. Atmospheric readings it is, in stealth mode where possible."

Drake runs a few standard routines from inside the ship that shouldn't lift eyebrows too much.

Drake's scans meet with no luck, at least on settings that they may not detect. More powerful probings would certainly be apparent and likely deemed a hostile act. With your sensors unable to penetrate their shielding, you have no choice but to load up in the Raven and make for the potentially hostile ship.

The captain says, "Good luck, officers. This is potentially a first contact scenario so learn what you can."

Luna leads the way from the bridge to the aft shuttlebay where the runabout awaits, and the crew from other parts of the ship meet you there.

Luna at the control pushes a few buttons once everyone is onboard. "All clear. Permission to debark?" she asks into the comm link.
First contact the Captain's word replays in her mind. This is something else.

"Alright here we go" she says out loud as the permission to depart is given. "Heading 052 mark 80"

Luna was a bit taken aback and awed by the alien technology of the alien craft. But she hid it well under jer usual cool composure.

"I guess that is the welcome committee. Let's hope they aren't overly hostile or this will be a short visit."

Drake's wide eyes didn't hide his surprise as the intense colors of the alien vessel reflected across them.

"Yes, let's hope. I'd rather learn than fight."

With his curiosity getting the better of him, Cole opted to stand rather than taking a seat with the - now familiar - away team. Casually, so as not to startle his talented pilot, he placed a hand on the back of Luna's chair, leaning forward slightly, eyes wide in anticipation as he peered out the Raven's expansive viewport. Expertly, Luna maneuvered the runabout out of the Christa's main shuttlebay, taking a wide arc around the ship that slowly brought the strange alien vessel. With a small shake of his head accompanied by a smirk, Cole marveled at the sleek and elegant design - that reminded him of the eggs he would collect on the ranch as a youth.

Coordinating with the alien flight controller, Luna eased the shuttlecraft into the vessel's own vehicle bay, where the were to be greeted by two armed individuals and a third that Cole could only assume was their host. The Captain's remarks regarding first contact still prominent in Cole's mind, he could only frown slightly, his lips tightening as he considered what kind of first impression he wanted to make. With a sniff of finality, he turned to Drake and Luna, "Lieutenant Vilchis. Ensign Drake. As they have two armed security guards I think it only fair that we're allowed the same. You two are on security.

"Luna, keep the Raven on standby in case we have to make an ... unauthorized exit.

"Aurin. Doc. Better keep your equipment on board until we can make sure they'll allow us more than our tricorders."

---

M'Ress nods and follows behind the Commander. I wonder what their anatomy is like

"Yes, Commander. Drake places his hand over his phaser holster ready to react quickly should there be a situation. To the doctor he nods. "I am very curious about that too. Let's hope we have some time to determine those things and maybe even have a conversation."

"Sure, XO. I'll be able to get us out in a jiffy if things get hot" She checks her phaser. For a moment she considers whether it should be on stun or not. No need to ask Cole, she knows the answer and keeps it on stun.
"I'm ready" she reports

Aurin leaned back as he contemplated the ship. From the outside, it was certainly a sight, but his inward concern was their mission. He saved his real fascination for when he could get a good look at how it might work from the inside. But the intermediary stop between here and the site of the death (not yet proven a murder, he reminded himself) did concern him.

"This is quite a vessel to arrive uninvited to this event."

M'Ress smiles and takes out her PADD ready to take notes

Silently Cole followed their escort, jaw and mouth taut at finding having to go single file a bit disconcerting despite having positioned Drake at the front of the column and Luna at the rear, and still a bit unsure of the somewhat cool reception they received. Much like the exterior, the interior was just as strange and alien, unlike the architecture of the Federation member species nor adversaries, and were the situation a bit less tense Cole supposed he would have found his self marveling at the differences. Arriving at what was clearly a conference room, a familiar environ, put him more at ease as he confidently strode forward to grip the Captain's hand.

"Commander Cole Walker, XO of the USS Crista McAuliffe," he stated in greeting before gesturing towards the Away Team, "Ensign Zarah. Lieutenants Vilchis and Ah. And our Ship's Counselor Commander Devar and Ship's Doctor, Doctor M'Ress."

Taking a seat he nodded for the team to do the same, pausing for them to add to his hasty introductions, before deferring to the Captain to continue.

Luna just nods as she is introduced. Experience has taught her that it is best for her to try to remain silent and not offend anyone. In Star Fleet a small reprimand was usually the only consequence of being a bit out of order. But in this situation consequences could be far worse. So, she did her best not to say anything.

Drake is on high alert as he follows the fascinating looking alien down the strange and slightly claustrophobic corridor. Breathing slowly and deeply he calms himself and thinks not of the threat but the marvel of being the first to meet these creatures. That euphoria is short-lived as they enter a more familiar environment. He takes his seat and nods politely as he is introduced. Then subtly but with a purposeful nonchalance, surveys the room, assessing potential threats, possible escape routes if any and other things that jump out at him as incongruous. Of course, incongruous to him might be perfectly normal to these creatures. That's where training and intuition came in. At least that's what he hoped.

As they emerged into the bay, Aurin did a cursory scan of the environment. He doubted there would be any immediate risk of asphyxiation, but the composition of the atmosphere would provide clues to the biology of these creatures - and detect any trace toxins they may want to minimize their exposure to, or medicate away after their mission.

It was also a subtle test of their hosts' tolerance of his tricorder.

As they filed into the meeting room, he nodded as he was introduced, carefully taking a seat, reaching down and subtly rubbing his ankle after their awkward walk through the tubes. "I am the Chief Science Officer aboard the Christa MacAuliff. It si my honor to be welcomed aboard," he offered, by way of elaboration.

The alien captain waits for the two guards to step in and sits down cross legged on the bench beside Cole. "Thank you for coming. I understand that you've come to this system to attend the so-called ethics conference on nanotechnologies. The facility that hosts the event was originally built by the Order of the Cosmic Compass. It's a somewhat grandiose name, granted, and their order originally focused on 'Biological and Biotechnological Sciences'. It was disbanded centuries ago for crimes against sentient life that occurred in the very same structure. The facility is well designed, a marvel of unique construction, so it is understandable that it support new ventures. Yet, we remain vigilant."

He brings gestures and a view screen pops on table showing an image before each of you. "It's tethered to the sea bed with cables, has more than a thousand staff, with 39 levels, radioisotope thermoelectric generators for power, has been under operation for 12 years since being reactivated, and of course contains sealable bulkheads and positional force fields throughout. Yet, despite the advanced technology, our ambassador, LL Gillokol was murdered inside one days ago." He checks his data feed, and adds, "Thirty-one of your hours has passed, and they offer no explanation or access to their security systems. Somewhere on that subsea platform is a murderer, and we are growing more convinced that the conference managers are covering up."

He gestures to the room. "This brings us to here. My civilization will not allow anyone to leave the institute before the murder of our ambassador has been solved. If you wish to go down, we will not stop you, but we will not allow anyone to leave. Some of the aliens attending the conference are sublime shapeshifters with technology that defeats even genetic scans. You are free to do what you want, but in the interest of risking this situation escalating into a broader conflict, we ask for your understanding."

Drake doesn't know whether to be excited or petrified. The facility was indeed a marvel of technology and engineering and being resident within would offer a glimpse of so many wonderous things. But being held against their will was another story.

"You could send an escort to take us back. Surely these shapeshifters aren't that good as to be able to seamlessly become one of us without anyone noticing?" Drake hoped he wasn't out of line, but these aliens were violating their rights and surely, they expected some kind of push back.

And just who are you to decide if we can go to that planet and leave it again? Luna DIDN'T say. If that diplomat was as arrogant and obnoxious as this guy everyone could be a murder suspect.

That last thought made her wonder and blurt out loud "How do you know he is in fact murdered?"

Cole took the Captain's words in with a mix of wonderment, at the history behind and technology of the research facility, and astonishment at their drastic measures put in place after their ambassador's untimely demise. At mention of shapeshifters his brow furrowed slightly, eyes narrowing, thoughts drifting to his own experiences with the Dominion War and recalling that Starfleet had leaned on some actions many would have considered draconian.

Making a calming gesture with his hand towards his two security officers, he turned to the Captain, "Under the circumstances I think we can agree to your terms.

"Lieutenant Vilchis does raise a valid, if perhaps a bit blunt, question. Were you told that Ambassador LL Gillokol was murdered? Or were you told he had passed and suspect he was murdered? Or have you been told anything at all or simply lost communications with the Ambassaador?"

Holding his hands up in a display of innocence, "And please don't take the questions as an indication that I, we, don't believe you. I am simply trying to remain unbiased while I gather as much fact as I can before we assess the scene and situation below."

Aurin nodded, making a gesture of acknowledgement with Luna. "We would be very interested in seeing the evidence you have gathered before we commit to locking ourselves under the ocean."

He listens to the conjecture, and says, "We have his body. He was stabbed in the back at a place fatal to us. The precision of the blow indicates familiarity with out anatomy, and a trained hand. We have no doubts that he was murdered. While we have recovered his body, we were unable to detect anything of note regarding the murder, save for one thing."

He taps his throat and mumbles. The viewscreens before you turn to a recording of the scans taken. You see data forms before you that are difficult to make sense out of, given the alien way of communicating ideas.

A Reason+Science check TN 3 will allow you to interpret the scans in a more familiar way.

Momentum: 3
Threat: 4

Aurin narrows his eyes, peering at the data curiously, thumb gliding along the underside of his beak as he tried to decode it.

Aurin-Ahs concentration pays off as he finds the key to interpreting the alien presentation of data. He's seen many ways to show such information, and while this is new, it slowly makes sense to him.

As he focuses and learns the method employed by the aliens, he comes to understand that he's seeing a medical scan of the murdered captain, along with analysis. The anatomical displays show the point of entry of a small object. The edges are clean without tearing, such as from a sharp cutting instrument. Other than that, the hormonal balances are shown to be within expected tolerances, save for adrenaline and fear which indicate that the captain was aware of the danger, but died before he could fight back. (There are no defensive wounds suggesting he got any hits in.)

The unusual part comes from a materials analysis of the murder weapon. Tiny shards of crystallized metal were examined from microscopic fragments in the wound. It's a composite metal-ceramic implement that is likely extremely high tech, even by the Federation's standards. It would not be inappropriate to say that it's 'cutting edge' materials science.

The images on the screen make no sense to Luna, but through Aurin-Ah's explanations, she gets the gist of it.
"So, he was stabbed with a high-end weapon. He knew he was in danger but likely he didn't get a chance to fight back. Is that it, what we know of this murder, I mean?"
She contemplates the facts for a moment. "Where was he stabbed? Was it in the back ... If that is applicable to this life form... Having a back, I mean. Also, why was he murdered? Who stood to gain from it?" she asks

Once the data has been pointed out more clearly to her, she hums in thought. Is anyone missing any items? This is a tech summit isn't it?

After parsing the data for his crew, Aurin leaned back, thumb still running along his lower beak. His bright blue eyes closed as he contemplated.

"We may not be looking for a weapon, per se. The use of such material to make a knife would be... an astronomical waste."

He nodded at the Doctor's suggestion. "If the area is closed, as you suggest, is there a manifest?"

The alien captain says, "You have ideas on how to proceed. Let me propose this subterfuge. We publicly have a firefight in the skies above the planet and your Federation starship drives us off. Then, you attend the summit and discover the murderer. Present to us scientifically credible evidence and we'll ... open formal contact between my people and the Federation."

Drake was speechless. How did they manage to get mixed up in all of this. And the alien captain's idea was an expensive one.

"Sir." Drake addresses the science officer. "Would you mind expounding on your theory about the weapon?

"Well... as the good doctor reminded us, this is a scientific conference. One centered on nanotechnology - and perhaps ironically, its ethical uses and hazards." He turned to face the ensign. "If the material analysis is correct, the weapon could be a component of a scientific instrument or demonstration apparatus. Concealed purposefully, or repurposed for use as a weapon. Such a material's hardness and nonreactivity could have many possible uses beyond... cutlery." He waved his hand, uncomfortable with the thought of swords and combat knives making their way into the conference.

"More worryingly, the murder implement could have been constructed and then disassembled on-site by the technology available. There may be nothing left of it but component atoms in a materials feed hopper for a nano-scale replicator. We must be prepared for material forensic evidence that has been tampered with at perhaps unforseen levels, especially if there is some sort of premeditated conspiracy."

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."

He says, "Good endeavors. We'll open and maintain a coded communication channel with your vessel, the Christa McAuliffe. If you've questions for us, you'll relay them through your own ship." The alien seems determined that some sort of subterfuge is the way forward. Whether that's a cultural proclivity or insight into what happens at the Ethics Summit remains to be seen.

Now, as to getting to the conference held in an underwater research facility targeted to the bottom of an ocean, you have two choices. The first, while enroute the Raven has been equipped with minor modifications that will allow it to operate safely underwater. You could actually dive and then dock in the station's submarine bay. Or you could use the transporters.

What's your preference?

"With the new modifications, The Raven can go all the way down to the depth of the Summit. The station's submarine bay, I mean. Having our own vessel as means to escape might be prudent, I reckon." Luna suggests

"From a security standpoint, it is without doubt the best course to take," Drake agrees, trying to tone down his excitement at the idea of visiting the underwater research center.

I agree, and it will also allow me to have extra supplies nearby if needed

Cole offered the alien captain a nod in the affirmative and stood, pulling his uniform straight and tapping his comm badge to provide a SitRep to the Christa, also informing Captain Syrran they would be taking the Raven to the surface. Thanking their hosts once more, Cole promised to be impartial and any findings in their investigation would be transmitted immediately in the interest of transparency and diplomacy.

Yes. This is going to be so much fun. Luna thought. She had only ever done an underwater trip in a simulation. Now it was the real deal.
As soon as it was appropriate, she returned to the Raven to prepare for departure.

You return to the Raven through the uncomfortable tube-like corridors, the aliens providing further communication protocols to keep your tacit alliance a secret - they seem determined that subterfuge is the proper course forward.

Once you've made it to the Raven, and seated yourselves aboard, the trip to the planet is uneventful. The last few kilometers may be a different story.

Luna, how about a Piloting roll for this new maneuver. Difficulty 1 just to keep things interesting. If you succeed, please feel free to narrate the journey to the station under the ocean.

Leaving the strange alien craft feels like a release to Luna. The descent to the planet is easy and trival. Upon entering the planet's atmosphere a vast ocean reveals itself. It is an impressive sight. There is no end to it, at least not one Luna can see.

She pushes a few buttons on the consol to activate the underwater system.
"Hang on tight, this is not a Zero G maneuver." the warn the rest of the crew before hitting the water with a mighty SPLASH!!The manufacturer is well-executed and even yhough the splash was big, the crew didn't feel it too much.

Luna is a quick study, and takes the entry easily. The water parts before the modified frequency shield, adapted to sluice through the water rather than evaporate it in a spray of plasma. The powerful engines of the runabout are enough to drive the vehicle at cataclysmic speeds through the salty ocean, and Luna find a threshold that doesn't unleash titanic forces in the ecosystem but still allows them to make solid headway.

The ocean is living, with strange animals swimming past and darting out of the path of the speeding spaceship. You see little signs of bony specimens and most seem to be fluidly shaped invertebrates.

The Raven is hailed on the frequencies provided by the Summit's organizers in their invitation. "Greetings delegation from the United Federation of Planets. We have been quarters set aside for you, and a liaison will join you at the submarine bay. Please follow the guidance prompts in the side frequency and welcome to Tyroth."

The station when you find it looks much like a space station only it is magnetically and physically tethered to the seabed. Luna pilots the Raven between hanging equipment into a bay. The force field allow the Raven through while keeping the ocean out. The runabout settles onto the bay floor, completely dry.



Near a bulkhead hatch, you see an elegant alien waiting for you. They're wearing an exo skeleton that provides support to their body which appears reasonably humanoid. The biologically attuned of you would recognize as boneless like a cephalopod from Earth. Perhaps the humanoid shape is a construct of the exoskeleton.

Aurin marveled at the elegant complexity of the modifications to the shield and propulsion, watching through the viewscreens as they dashed through the ocean as if soaring through the air. He had clearly had more modest expectations, a skimming of the surface followed by a leisurely submergence to the facility. It pleased his sensibilities, and he was looking for uplifting diversions in the face of the tragedy they were racing towards.

He was inordinately glad that the aliens had agreed to proceed in good faith. Apart from his ethical objections to the subterfuge - the potential legal and moral quagmire that concealing their motivations might invoke - he had little confidence in his ability to uphold a ruse. He had been told he had the poker face of a five year old klingon. The white lie of wobbling a few power conduits to buy time was a far cry from trying to remember his imaginary motivation in the face of numerous possible suspects.

As they emerged into the bay, he took a moment to take in the biology of their host. He inwardly mused at their overt admiration of the humanoid form, and their potential misunderstanding of... certain human cultural mores vis a vis their... mammalian traits. Perhaps he would have a chat with them later, oviparous species to oviparous species.

Despite it all, he was glad to finally set down at the conference. He glanced curiously towards the Commander. He would definitely wanted everyone to be on the same page as to the tenor of their interactions, so he held back any pithy comment to let him set the tone.

Cole joined the rest of the crew in marveling at the view provided by the runabouts forward viewscreen as Luna expertly raced through the water, sea life abundant and scattering out of the way as they sped towards the station that oddly, despite wondering what else he had expected, looked much like a space station. Offering praise to a job well done and an appreciative smile to his pilot he made to disembark.

The delegate that met them was no less strange and elegant than their recently met allies and despite his fascination with the aliens biology Cole made every attempt not to gawk, instead approaching with his hand extended and his best most diplomatic smile as he made introductions before inquiring about the business at hand.

"We were met upon arrival in system by a delegation who had been in attendance before the murder of their ambassador planetside. In the interest of diplomacy, as well as to allow our own delegation to attend the conference, we agreed to assist in uncovering the truth of the incident," he stated, his tone non-threatening.

"We make no accusations, just hoping my science officer might be allowed to examine the scene?" he said, a single brow arching in both question and pleading as he attempted to gauge the elegant beings reaction and mood at the question.

---

Definitely, anyone who wants to assist in the commander's negotiations, describe how you're helping and then make a single die roll for a relevant helper skill check and focus.

Luna scans the arrival bay and the welcome committee. This place is supposedly the scene of a murder and someone could be hostile towards the crew. Worst case all of them.
She knew Cole was doing the same. Attitude, body pose, unbuttoned weapon holsters, watchful glaces. Any small thing could be a sign of hostility.

Drake made use of his psychology training as it related to security. To be forewarned is to be forearmed and in this case, Drake was taking body language into account. Harder with an alien species, yes but he had studied medicine too and many alien lifeforms, some not unlike this one.

M'RESS stands back, scanning the area with her eyes holding her bag of portable med gear. Diplomacy is far from her strong suit

Aurin stood next to the doctor, holding his own package of gear, trying to project an air of professionalism without interfering with the Commander's first impressions. The experts were, he hoped, here.

"I am designate Zza. Please follow me to your quarters. We can talk there and speak of whatever you wish."

The alien in the exosuit, seemingly ignoring your request for access to the crime scene, leads you down a hallway. The station is built for the humanoid form, and it seems (she?) is the only one finding that awkward. In a turbolift she says, "Brown 17," to the attendant computer and when you're all inside, the lift ascends a couple levels. In the welcoming hallway, she leads you to a door.

"These quarters have been delegated to Starfleet for your time here." The doors open, revealing a suite with eight cabins off of a central sitting area. A huge floor to ceiling window takes up the entirety of the far wall. "Privacy controls are here," she shows you the panel before the door, "and the resident software will provide you what you need to know about the station. Welcome to Tyroth."

Before you can remind her, she says, "I understand you'd like to speak with our head of security. He will arrive in five Federation minutes."

Cole's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, brow furrowing, and face pinching in the beginnings of a frown as the even stranger alien seemingly ignored his request and motioned for he and the team to follow her to their assigned quarters. Exchanging a look with the rest of the team, he shrugged, nodding towards the attendant in an indication to follow. The station, odd considering their host's apparent awkwardness with her exosuit and bi-ped means of locomotion, seemed designed with the humanoid form in mind, reminding Cole of the countless space stations he had visited across the galaxy. They were taken to their quarters, an expansive suite with rooms off a central sitting area, but what drew his attention was the large floor to ceiling view at the far wall. Whistling he stepped to the window, taking in the underwater scene with a small grin of wonderment before acknowledging their hosts helpful instructions. Turning from the seascape, he smiled and thanked Zza for her hospitality, stating he appreciated her setting up a meeting with their head of security.

When the doors slid shut, the smiled faded from his face and replaced with a serious narrowing of the eyes and grim, tightening of his lips, "Drake. Luna. Check for listening or other security devices.

"Aurin. See what the computer will give you access too --- or more importantly what it might not give you access too."

Turning to the remaining members of the team, "Doc. Jayce. I want you to join me in speaking with the security chief, mainly Doc so you can ask what specifics you may have regarding the ambassador's body and Jayce to observe and provide your opinion on the chief's overall presentation and demeanor. Should something seem off I want to know about it when he leaves ..."

"Right away, Commander." Drake runs a series of tests on his tricorder.

Meanwhile, Luna is doing a more traditional search of the room, looking for hidden devices and threats and just opening every cupboard and closet to see what is inside. She also goes to give the huge window a knock just to test if is strong enough to prevent all the water behind it from flooding the suit.

Of course. Im curious for sure

Luna and Drake scour the suite using tricorders and determine that the only listening device is the passive voice control system on the computer panel, which can be disabled and re-enabled at the panel. Further checking that when disabled, it does not continue to listen.

"Commander, I can disable the voice control system and stop it from listening. Shall I do that now?"

"Let's see what the computer can tell us." Aurin sat down at the computer, trying to pull up as much information as it would allow on their environs, the local newscast, and other publicly available info, but also the information that a diplomatic mission with its own security detail might want - local security feeds, historical feeds of their own domicile, and any alerts they may want to be aware of - and any information on the recent murder, of course.

He didn'ttry to hack anything - no need to get intrusive right away, when they hadn't shown themselves to be uncooperative.

With a brief considering look, Cole turned towards the ensign and shook his head, "Negative, Ensign. Let's see what Aurin can find out from the interface and let's meet with our host first."

It did however beg the question, he couldn't help but think, did the interface 'listen in' on the Amabassador's murder.

The panel gives the level of information that is guidance to newcomers. From a description of the station's purpose (marine biology) to maps to all of the facilities, and even descriptions of the technology used to operate the station (all of which is of limited access for security purposes - guided tours are available), the panel provides you with everything you might need to know to attend the conference.

Speaking of the conference, an itinerary is available which indicates that the conference officially opens tomorrow morning at what the Federation would call 9 am, local time.

As to news of the possible murder of the alien diplomat, the wording around that is vague, speaking only of tragic circumstances that result in a participant species withdrawing.

"It looks like we are esteemed attendees of tomorrow's talks on...." he scrolled for a moment, "The potential hazards of decentralized alignment in self-fractalizing picomechanical networks."

He glanced up. "I do remember signing up for that one, but it doesn't look like we have any secure access, yet."

The high tech security system seems well designed. It's possible that an experienced engineer might be able to defeat the firewalls and access the broader systems, but it wouldn't be easy and chances are you'd be noticed.

This leaves you only a few options:
* Attend the conference and gather information through conversation with the other attendees
* Operate as a spy cell and steal any information you can from security
* Attempt to ingratiate yourselves to the hosts and have them give you access

"Sounds really interesting, Aurin-Ah. I always wanted to learn more about picomachanics' dangerous decentralisation." Luna replies ironically but friendly "But attending the conference may create opportunities to talk to people and find out more about the murder in a discreet manner."

Perhaps while we attend, we can make friends and influence people as the Earth saying goes she smiles and her tail flicks while she speaks

"Indeed, I've come across that saying a few times myself, Doctor. The conference could prove to be very enlightening for our investigations and educational as well."

Drake had never been to a conference of this scale, and he was quite excited by it.

Scratching at his scruff, Cole considered his options, his face scrunched pensively and hearing his colleagues suggestions. "Agreed. We continue on as we were meant to and attend the conference. Doc. Aurin. As you are the more scientifically minded of us you will most likely have to lead that charge," he finally intoned.

"When the security chief arrives I'll see if I can't also plead our case regarding solving the mystery of the ambassador's murder and ingratiate ourselves to security."