Log:Guild Expedition, Scene 5

Guild Expedition 2016/05/17 	 Dorian Wasp Inforcer Sarek Torus Sapphire Robe

5

The interior of the Takaga Explorer is relatively spacious. What would be a normal exploration vessel has been outfitted to feel like a cruise liner for the diplomatic mission to the Guild. As a result, it feels much warmer than it might have otherwise. Aboard there are twenty crew members, twenty scientists, ten stewards, and a diplomatic staff of about twenty.

That's in addition to the Starguard Gamma contingent and Captain Tamli Yosho.

Everyone is back on board the Explorer. The intercepting Lancian ship was driven off by a combination of things, including heroes in space, a timely illusion of an escorting fleet, and the arrival of one of the Guild's Inforcers. The official Guild ship is now pacing the Explorer on the way to the planet Cerule. Or rather, to the space station that orbits the planet. The Inforcer has asked permission to come aboard, which the captain has granted after conferring with the diplomatic staff on board.

Jackie changes back to Jackie after returning to the ship.

After a quick docking procedure, the airlock opens and Inforcer Sarek walks onto the ship. Dorian is there to meet him (her? Hard to tell). A couple of the diplomats are there as well.

Inforcer Sarek(#2779TOn)

An obvious extraterrestrial, wearing what appears to be lightweight armor with a clear blue and white color motif. The being's skin tone is chitinous and dark navy in tone, and it has small black bead-like eyes. There is a badge on the right side of the chest. He also has what appears to be a sidearm in a holster in the thigh of his armor.

Robe hovers on the edge of the meeting group obersving quietly. After the incident at the party before launch, Dialydd has returned to wearing his hat and veil for some reason.

Jackie tells Dorian when she gets a chance, "I need a small spacesuit. I figured on using a suit so I could use the radio system but I didn't think it through. A normal sized suit is hopeless when I've shrunk."

Grimm waits until the ship crew say the Lancian ship is out of sensor range. Hopefully they won't notice as the fake escort suddenly warps out of existence. After such a big illusion, Gabrielle's shoulders sag and she leans against the helmsman's chair for a moment to catch her breath.

Dorian smiles to Jackie, "Hmm. We'll see what we can do."

Inforcer Sarek makes his way out of the airlock and bows to the diplomats. He speaks in the Guild trade language, which is then in turn translated to English by a device on his armor. "Thank you for allowing me on board. I trust no one is seriously hurt?"

And Vicki is in a blue on blue variation of the ship's crew uniform. "Careful. We don't -know- for a fact that the Inforcer who visited us isn't another representative of the Cartel. So.. just let's not assume flat out that this is all on the level eh?" she asks as she stands near the captain, hands clasped behind her back as she waits and observes.

The captain says quietly to Vicki, "It's possible that the fight was a ruse, yes."

Dorian bows slightly to Inforcer Sarek, "No serious injuries. A few minor ones. Your arrival was quite timely."

The Inforcer makes a chittering sound and looks around at the assembled crew. "Your people are so...diverse. Fascinating. And some of you can survive in space, it seemed?" He looks from person to person, with his gaze settling on Jackie. "I have seen you before, I think. In a report."

Robe continues to stand quietly at the edge of the small crowd. Only slightly movements from time to time reveal he's paying attention.

Jackie nods to the Inforcer, "It is possible. I have visited Guild Space before."

The Torus drifts idly by- currently shaped as one of the maintenance droids that can be seen maneuvering along the hallways, moving from system to system performing automated tasks.

The Torus has programmed a route that mimics these patterns and yet- keeps it in the room with the others, more importantly it is close enough to hear the Inforcer's words before they are translated just in case there might be some double speak going on that the others could not be aware of.

On a private line to the Commander, The Torus acknowledges its presence here with the others. It says nothing of what it thinks of the Inforcer yet. <>

Sarek nods, "It was from an investigation headed by Inforcer Diviak. I believe he learned of what happened to you while he was on Earth. And he followed up when he returned."

Well, she's no diplomat, so Vicki keeps her trap shut for the moment. She merely stands there and neither confirms nor denies any statements of capabilities. Her blue.. (very blue!) eyes aren't hard or mean looking. She merely studies the Inforcer. In the privacy of her mind, she thinks. . o o O O (Funny, he doesn't -look- like Mister Spock's father..)

Jackie nods again as the Inforcer speaks. "What happened to me is, I believe, less important than what happened to the population of Lancia. I'd hope any investigation also dealt with that." she says.

Robe murmurs softly in a smooth deep baritone, "Lancia?"

Jackie turns to Dialyyd, "That's as close as I can come to pronouncing the name of their home world." she explains.

The Inforcer adds, "Diviak made a couple of arrests in that case not long ago. They are being held in the Shuushan." (The name fails to translate) "I suspect he would like to speak to you about it, if you have the opportunity."

Jackie nods, "If the chance arises I'll be pleased to speak with him."

Grimm straightens up after having given herself some time to recover, listening curiously.

The Inforcer nods, "Thank you." He looks those assembled, "As it appears I am the first official Guild representative you have run across since entering our borders, let me welcome you. I will also be happy to answer any questions you may have."

Dorian smiles. "Thank you. My understanding is that the Inforcers are your law enforcement organization?"

Sarek nods, "Yes. And no. We are the Guild's official law enforcement, but each Guild member species maintains their own as well. We are the equivalent of your...." (there's a pause) "...'Marshal Service'?"

The Torus/Maintenance bot opens up a lighting panel above the Inforcer and drifts inside, closing the panel door behind it with a thin manipulator arm.

The Torus is eager to hear what questions the others might have. Many of its own questions might give its true nature away and that could put the mission in jeopardy- so it holds its queries.

The device dedicates the majority of its attention to the tiny details that are often overlooked translating from one language to another- wholly different one.

Over its private Comms line to the Commander, it says <>

Dorian nods as he hears the Torus's comments. "What are the requirements to become a member of the Guild?"

Still unconvinced, Vicki stares at this Inforcer. "So.. you compare yourselves to our UEMS Marshall Service?" She nods a bit and looks to Dorian pointedly with a single brow raising.

Robe tilts his head to one side as he listens to the Inforcer speak with Dorian and the others.

Sarek nods to Vicki, "The Inforcers are like...an umbrella organization, led by the Inforcer Prime, who is a member of the Guild Council. So, I believe that it is the most...accurate comparison? At least I hope it is."

"Excellent." says Vicki with a nod, "So... is your agency as thoroughly corrupt and compromised as the UEMS service was... you know, thanks to The Cartel?"

Sarek had turned to answer Dorian's question, but instead turns to look to Vicki again, "I do not know. How thoroughly corrupt and compromised was your own law enforcement?"

Robe murmurs something that sounds like 'Cha?!' at Vicki's comment. His attention then turns to Inforcer Sarek and he chuckles softly.

"Local Leos were fine. Only the UEMS Service was Cartel infested." replies Vicki, "So, I assume you are -aware- of the Cartel? They passed themselves off for years as The Guild. So you must understand our skepticism." But she gestures to Dorian and looks his way, "Please forgive me for being less than diplomatic Captain."

Dorian nods, but he does lose his normal smile. "I understand." The captain of the vessel also nods, but he blanches, looking over toward the diplomatic staff.

Inforcer Sarek chitters again, though the words don't translate. They're not in the Guild trade language. He then says something that does manage to get through the device successfully, "Yes, we are aware of the problem. It is of course tied to the investigation that Diviak is working on."

Sarek adds, "The cartel you are referring to is the Nar'qu. There are multiple trading consortiums in the Guild. Some are legal. Some are not. The Nar'qu are a criminal organization, specializing in raw ores and biological materials."

Robe murmurs softly. "My apologies for interruption, Commander Dorian. But, The Nar'qu strip mine planets and enslave/sell local populaces, Inforcer Sarek? Play Gods-from-space to overawe natives?"

Shrugging her shoulders, Vicki states simply, "Well, they spent years manipulating our world to believe -they- were The Guild. We learned the truth recently and planned this trek out to find the Guild. Then you showed up... claiming to be from the Guild just before we launched our mission. Hence.... timing and such."

"I was a member of our local law enforcement before my life took a turn for the weird." she states as she gestures to Robe, "Yes. I think it would be more than... an investigation. So much as.. condemning their actions and taking decisive action against them. That is.. if you yourself are whom you claim to be."

Inforcer Sarek nods to Robe, "Those are among their crimes, yes." He looks back to Vicki, "I did not realize you had details of what the Council has or has not done."

"That is just my point. Since we have been deceived for so long... we have no way of knowing who is or who is not whom they claim to be. Also, no way of knowing what others may or may not be doing. All we are able to do is to go try to see for ourselves, and seek Justice for the crimes perpetrated upon our entire world." says Vicki. "So... here we are." she adds blandly.

Robe murmurs soothingly, "Emotions run high on Earth about Guild. Apologies, about false Guild. Doubt not you are Inforcer, Inforcer Sarek, and not Nar'qu. Would not bristle as much if one was, yes?"

Dorian rubs his chin, considering what to say that might defuse things...at least a little.

Robe then murmurs quietly over the SG comm link, "Inforcer Sarek is highly skilled at getting information from others. Less so with concealing own emotions. Seems like a guardsman not a dark sist...a thief."

Sarek looks at Vicki for a long moment, and then to Robe, "I understand. Ambassador Gusdana's report mentioned a little of this sentiment, but it was buried in typical diplomatic speech. I had not realized just how strongly some of your people felt, though it should not have surprised me either."

Grimm arches a brow and Vicki. "I didn't think this was a mission to see justice or retribution," she mutters under her breath.

The Torus listens, and watches through the opaque paneling overhead. Its perspective is undiminished though.

The Torus opens his comms to the others present and adds to the Commander, <>

"You must understand.. this trip was planned before you ever arrived on our world. We seek truth and justice. That what the plan was from the start." says Vicki.

She pauses to look to Grimm, "I never said retribution. But bringing the actions of the Nar'qu to the attention of the Guild... was a mission objective."

Then she looks back to Sarek. "So... please forgive my undiplomatic words. As I said, I am not a member of the diplomatic corps. I am merely a former cop who listens to her gut more often than not."

Sarek listens to Vicki's words and says, "No offense is taken. But...one word did not translate. 'Cop'. What is this? You are a spindle of thread?"

Snickering, Vicki shakes her head, "It means Police Officer... law enforcement official..."

Robe smiles gently behind his heavy veils as Vicki speaks. He thinks. o O(We must find some way to get the two of them alone. With whatever it is guardsmen eat on their worlds. I imagine they will end up talking shop and reveal much to each other. Good way to build trust...What do guardsmen eat on their worlds I wonder?)

Sarek nods. "Ah. Thank you. That makes much more sense now."

Dorian chuckles quietly. "The translator is quite good, but clearly not without flaws."

One of the diplomats speaks up, "Thank you for your assistance, Inforcer. Your offer of an escort is greatly appreciated as well.

The Inforcer nods. "I am happy that I could be of help to you." It's very difficult to read his mood based on his facial expressions, since he's more 'bug-like' than anything else. The only clue is the tone of his voice.

The next couple of days are relatively uneventful. The Inforcer returns to his own ship, but they continue to pace the Explorer on its travels. Nearing the end of the second day, the ship arrives at Cerule One, which is the massive space station orbiting the mostly-water planet of Cerule. The station can be seen though the bridge windows and the various screens through the ship. The station is large...larger than expected, likely the size of a small city on Earth. It's cylindrical with a series of docking bays scattered around its exterior. There are also weapon ports around the station, but they don't appear to be online at the moment. Various ships of many major races pass by in the commerce and tourist traffic.

And images from all manner of Sci Fi shows pass through Vicki's mind. She's apologized several times over the last couple days (to the Captain and the diplomats of course). But she also spends time compiling data and evidence of the Cartel's actions and crimes to present when the time comes.

But yes.. she stands on the bridge as everyone approaches the Citadel.. we.. station. Yes, station...

Robe watches the space station come closer as the ship approaches it. He murmurs as the station fills the viewscreen, "Marvel of engineering, yes? Think of skills needed and resources to make such a place." His tone is wistful.

Dorian nods. "It's quite impressive." He looks at the station for a long moment. "The diplomatic team will be meeting with the Guild Council." He looks over to Vicki, "By the way, they've requested that you not be in attendance at the meeting with the council."

Jackie nods as she overhears Dialyyd. "I'm thinking of the medical facilities that must have to deal with so many different species. We have the Xeno-biology department at the CBUS hospital but this... this is far more demanding a task. I hope I'll have time to see what I can learn from them."

"Not at all surprised." offers Vicki. She hands a memory card with all of her data and evidence on it to Dorian. "I don't need to be there if the evidence can be there."

Grimm is gazing out one of the widows of the ship to get a chance to see it with her own eyes. She may be glued to that window.

Dorian rubs his chin and hands it back, "Make a copy for me. I want you to present this to Inforcer Diviak while I'm dealing with the council." He looks at the team as a whole, "No one goes off on their own. Remain in teams of at least two."

The Torus has attached itself to the ships visual systems so it might also get a true look at the looming space station. It is impressed by its size, and wonders what it protects on the watery world below.

Once satisfied, it severs its connection and teleports to the ready room with the others.

It is shaped as it normally is aboard the vessel, as a softball sized sphere- completely black. So black it

It scans the room for who might be its partner.

The sphere appears next to Dialyyd next. 'Would you care for some company, Dialyyd?' It asks quietly.

Robe gazes up and over at the sphere. "Certainly, the Torus. Your company would be enjoyable. Welcome? Which is better word?" His tone conveys his good will though.

Nodding slowly, Vicki shrugs her shoulders, "I can do that. If he's willing to meet with me. I'll make a copy right now." she states as she heads over to a terminal and inserts the card to start copying to a fresh card.

"I believe welcome would be most apropos, Dialyyd- and thank you." The Torus adds.

Dorian nods to Vicki, "Thanks. I'll present it as well at the council. It can't hurt to hit both."

Grimm blinks and peels away from the window, glancing over at Dorian as he announces the buddy system. She grins a bit to herself, and looks down at her shadow. Her shadow looks back up at her. "Well, since I've got you, I guess I have a permanent buddy," she says playfully to her shadow. Who needs an escort?

Jackie heads over to Vicki. "I'll team with you if you like, Vicki. Inforcer Diviak wants to speak with me anyway I gather. Afterwards would you mind if we visited the medical facilities of the station?"

"So... who's my partner for the duration? Who gets to put up with my BS?" asks Vicki as she works. She grins to Jackie, "If you can tolerate me, who am I to say no?"

And then she nods, "Absolutely, we can visit the medical facilities easily enough."

Jackie nods to Vicki, "Thanks."

Robe looks over at Grimm. "I would be happy to have you accompany me, Ms Grimm. I would feel more comfortable with a female along."

Grimm was just starting to think she'd be home free to explore with just her shadow when the stranger asks her to join. She looks conflicted about being stuck babysitting. "I, uh..." she sighs a little. "I guess."