[LogicalLeopard]

USS Lakota
Dorvan V– Main Village




The shimmering effect of the transporter gave way to the intense light of the twin stars of the Dorvan system, hanging lazily in the sky. The light was probably no greater than the star of the Sol System, but the natural light was surprisingly disorienting as he hadn't been planetside in some time.

It was a charming little colony, with simple edifices of wood, brick, and adobe. Instinctually, he noticed that the enclosed village was nicely set up for defense,. Biiqs began to mull over the question of how the buildings would stand up to phaser fire. Well enough to provide cover from standard discharged, he estimated, but what kind of firepower the Naausicans possessed had yet to be seen. Taking out his tricorder, he began to run a preliminary analysis of the surrounding structures.

Beside him, Dr. Svenson was studying his medical tricorder with a deep frown that was almost audible. He was generally an extremely agreeable and very cheery fellow - when off duty. On duty, he had the all the bedside manner of an impending thunderstorm. Officers felt compelled to get well before the rain came. It was a fascinating thing to behold...almost as if scorn had curative properties. Looking at him now, Biiqs couldn't tell if someone in the colony had a hangnail, or if a planetwide viral epidemic was spreading. Lt. Ogbah studied the doctor's reaction with concern. As a recent arrival to the Lakota from the Starfleet Corps of Engineers, he was unaccustomed to the doctors moods.

Luckily the Captain asked the question that was on everyone's mind.

"How bad is it, Dr. Svenson?"

Svenson grunted and closed his tricorder, taking a second to stroke his lush, blonde beard. "Bad," he murmured. "But not anything we can't fix. The radiation levels here are appalling, and and these people will likely need a considerable treatment regimen. Can't say much until I actually examine a few patients up close..." The last was said with a shake of this head and puncuated with a heavy sigh. It was hard to tell, but Biiqs concluded that the doctor had never been happier.

Across the plaza, Biiqs beheld a second group of Starfleet officers beam in. He now saw the Captain's wisdom in keeping their own away team to a minimum of four officers. The contingent from the Ares looked sizeable.

The quartet of officers from the Lakota strode over to meet them.


(( TAG: Away team ))

[Redking353]

U.S.S. ARES
Deck 4-Transporter room 1


Rosek took Teriir’s blank expression as an acknowledgement of his report and contemplation of his next move. He had not known Teriir as well as R’Turan but he knew him well enough to realize he was not getting a direct answer as soon as the captain stepped on the transporter.


~” I guess Dyrell wants to assess the surface conditions before we dedicate resources to gathering materials for the replicators. Hmmm, I guess I will have a snack before heading back to engineering” ~

Rosek’s thoughts were interrupted by the Max:

He nodded, then looked at the chief and said,

- Watch my blade, please.

After the away team dematerialized Rosek looked over at the transporter chief and received a slight shoulder raise.
Looking around the room quizzically Rosek spots Max’s sword in the corner. He picks up the sword and gives it swift spin before walking out of the transporter room.

TAG: ((As needed))

[WelshAvenger]

USS Ares
Dorvan V– Main Village






After Christopher materialised on the planet, he noticed the group from the Lakota had already arrived. Wasting no time, he pulled his tricorder out and began scanning. Ambient radiation was higher than normal but wasn't lethal, those colonists that his tricorder could scan were severely malnourished and dehydrated. Looking at these results, Christopher knew that the medical relief of Dorvan would not be easy. There was no easy way to treat people who were starving and malnourished, even now. The rehabilitation of the colonists would need to be carefully managed as one could actually harm them if one tried to put them on a regular, enriched diet. The careful phasing in of nourishing food would have to be managed along with an anti-radiation therapy regimen. One thing that Christopher could do straight away was ensure that the colonists received clean, uncontaminated water and medical treatment.

Turning to his captain, Christopher spoke up, "Sir, with your permission, I'll set up a triage centre inside the walls and begin the medical relief effort. Judging by my preliminary scans, it's going to take some time for the colonists to begin responding to treatment. We also need to make sure that we don't provide any supplies that are too rich for them." He saw the look of confusion on the Captain's face. "These people are malnourished and been surviving on a very poor diet for a while now. If we feed them regular rations, it will be like hitting their system with a huge adrenalin shot. They'll be sick which will increase their dehydration and compromise their immune systems even further. We'd literally kill them with kindness. Please, sir, trust me on this."




(( TAG: Captain ))

[Asteropax]

Dorvan V
Elder Village

Teriir took a deep breath of the planet's air, relieved to be breathing natural air for awhile. The away team drew their various tools and started looking around as he looked up to the sky for a few seconds. Even though there was much to do, there was always time to enjoy a simple thing in life. Lieutenant Storm spoke up next to him.

- Area looks clear, sir. The people of this colony don't seem worse for wear.

"This is the main settlement of Dorvan V," the Captain explained, "Following the attack on their world by the Dominion, this would've been the main focus of their reconstruction efforts because it would inspire the people to keep going."

Max nodded his head and said,

- Aye, sir.

Lieutenant Locke moved over towards the head of the group, putting his phaser back in its holster while turning towards him, "Somehow, this doesn't feel right."

Teriir nodded in agreement, "These buildings look pretty simple, maybe made from stone and clay. What makes this place a village though is its people but I don't see anyone, either busy in their daily lives or curious by our arrival."

"So where is everyone?" Locke observed, "The Nausicaans couldn't have taken all of them captive. From what I know of the Native Americans who live here, they are extremely resilient."

As they stood there, one or two people hurried past but they took no notice of the Starfleet Officers and kept close to the buildings surrounding the plaza. They seemed to be moving from one place of concealment to the next, afraid of showing their faces.

Turning to his captain, Christopher spoke up, "Sir, with your permission, I'll set up a triage centre inside the walls and begin the medical relief effort. Judging by my preliminary scans, it's going to take some time for the colonists to begin responding to treatment. We also need to make sure that we don't provide any supplies that are too rich for them."

The Captain flashed him a look of confusion. It was unlike a Doctor to make a recommendation like this so he waited for an explaination.

"These people are malnourished and been surviving on a very poor diet for a while now. If we feed them regular rations, it will be like hitting their system with a huge adrenalin shot. They'll be sick which will increase their dehydration and compromise their immune systems even further. We'd literally kill them with kindness. Please, sir, trust me on this."

He gave a heavy sigh, "Alright, but don't set up shop just yet. There may be a place already prepared which you can use as a hospital somewhere in the village."

A few somewhat muffled footsteps made him look away. A group of four Starfleet Officers had just joined them. He couldn't help but remember the request his Chief Engineer had made on providing security for their resourcing and construction operations just then. He didn't have an answer for him at the time beyond merely providing a fighter escort but seeing that there were two ships here . . . yes, that would work. He reached his hand out in greeting to Captain Terry, "Good to meet you Captain."

"Likewise, Captain," his fellow Captain replied before turning to her officers, "These are my officers; Dr. Svenson, Lieutenant Ogbah, and Lt. Commander Tarquin. I assume you'll want Mr. Tarquin to beam back up with you when we're done down here for the moment."

"If he wishes to," Teriir decided to be diplomatic about the transfer, "After all, I don't think he brought his luggage with him when you beamed down here."

Terry blinked at him, taken aback by his somewhat carefree demeanor, "Is that a yes or a no?"

"It's a 'lets leave it up to him' answer," he replied, noticed the more senior officers of her away team were surprised by something in their conversation. He would have to ask about it later. He turned and introduced the officers on his away team, "These are Lieutenants Locke and Storm, Science Officer Hood, Councilor A'Mand, and Dr. Cushing."

He paused and allowed the officers to mingle for a little while. He stepped closer to Captain Terry, who'd been analyzing him with piercing eyes as he made the introductions, "I know I was given the mission here, but you're the senior Captain. Do you want to take the lead here?"

She gave herself a shake before answering, "No. We were sent here to provide support and that's what we'll do."

"Okay," Teriir murmured as he kicked his earlier thought up from the back of his mind, "My Chief Engineer has concerns on providing security for collecting the raw materials we'll need to manufacture the orbital defense systems. I would like your ship to provide that security. We'll send over some of the industrial replicators to your ship so you can make them on site. If you can spare a few officers to assist my science, medical, and security teams here, I'll have some engineering crews join you. This way we're in two places at once and are accomplishing all our goals at once."

"Divide and conquer," Captain Terry mused for a moment, "That's a good plan. We'll be ready when you are."

"H-Hello?" Both Captains spun around quickly to find the source of the voice which just joined their conversation. A Native American was peering at the group from around the side of one of the nearby buildings. He stepped into view and moved towards them, "Phew! When we heard the transporters, we though the Nausicaans were back."

"I'm sorry we startled you," Teriir dipped his head in an apologetic greeting, "Gul Enok gave us this location to beam down to and must've assumed you'd be alright with it. To my knowledge, you've had a lot of unwelcome surprises lately."

"Yeah. Oh, I'm Wakoro," The young man introduced himself, "I'm the son of Wakasa, one of our Tribal Councilors. My father, the other councilors, and the Cardassian Envoy are in the Embassy. I'll take you to meet them now."

"Lead the way," Captain Terry gave him a wave, gesturing him to guide them to their destination. They went no more than a few steps before she pointed something out, "Isn't the Embassy right here?"

"No," Wakoro began explaining. Teriir took this chance to see that he looked healthy, but his eyes betrayed the fact he was tired. He knew the look well from his own experience in surviving tough situations. Although the Native Americans were getting by, they needed help to ease their burdens. It was hard for a proud people to ask for help, "It's in another section of our village nearby. The Cardassian's Detapa Council didn't want us to have to change any of our reconstructions in the main plaza. They setup a . . . I think they called it a pre-fabricated building. It pretty much appeared overnight about three years ago in an area which we had set aside for them to build an administrative building on. You'll know which one it is when you see it; it's clearly Cardassian architecture."

"Alright," Teriir gave him a reassuring grin, "Let's go."

(( TAG: Away Team ))

[Josh Broughm]

Dorvan V
Elder Village

"Alright," Teriir gave him a reassuring grin, "Let's go."

Max spoke up and asked of the Captain,

- With your permission, sir, I would like to do a walkabout the village to do a little better assessment of the people & to sus out if this radiation has an origin point.

((TAG Terrir))
Max smiled slightly and said,

- Its an itching thought I had when we beamed down. The Nausicaans might have planted something down here.

((TAG Terrir))
He turned to the away team and said,

- Mr. Hood, Madame A'Mand, with me if you please.

((TAG HOOD & A'MAND))

(( TAG: Away Team ))

[Allan Hood]

Dorvan V
Approaching Native American Village

Teriir took a deep breath of the planet's air, relieved to be breathing natural air for awhile. The away team drew their various tools and started looking around as he looked up to the sky for a few seconds.

"Don't breathe in too deep, sir," Hood said, half-joking. "Not only is the planet suffering from the effects of antimatter radiation, it's suffering from an additional dose of radiation from their sun due to their deteriorated ozone layer. I'm picking up traces of both galactic cosmic radiation and solar particle event radiation. At these levels, just like on Cardassia, DNA damage is inevitable, for both flora and fauna."

"This damage has created increased levels of chromosomal aberrations in the surrounding plants," Hood said to the away team as he pivoted his tricorder around. "The ionizing radiation has produced reactive oxygen species, chemically reactive chemical species containing oxygen."

"I'm detecting elevated amounts of peroxides, superoxide, hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, and alpha-oxygen, which is damaging the cell structures of these plants," Hood said after kneeling for a closer scan of native plants and insects. "The lifespan of these plants and insects are expected to be shortened due to the lack of specific antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress."

Storm turned to the away team and said,

- Mr. Hood, Madame A'Mand, with me if you please.

"I'm afraid to see how the colonists are doing," Hood said to Storm and A'Mand, rising and closing his tricorder, replacing it back in its holster. "Even the Nausicaans may suffer from gastrointestinal effects, such as nausea and vomiting. I'm expecting to see a higher risk of infections and bleeding among the colonists and visitors. After years of exposure, humanoids usually suffer from neurological effects, like seizures, tremors, and lethargy. Our doctor may have his work cut-out for him."

(( TAG Away Team ))

[LogicalLeopard]

USS Lakota
Dorvan V– Main Settlement




As they approached the group from the Ares, Biiqs studied the security officer at the forefront of the group. That'd be Locke, he presumed. Recently, he had taken the liberty to study a few of the personnel files of the officers he'd be working with in the department. Locke appeared very well suited for the Chief of Security position, his eyes alert and studying the surrounding buildings. He didn't appear relieved that there appeared to be no immediate threat, but instead wary of threats he couldn't see. A good quality to have in his line of woek.

Most interesting in the group was the captain. Tall and fit, and still in the blossom of youth, the captain appeared to be exemplary of the new generation of Starfleet officers: forged in the fires of war and wise beyond their years. A sudden promotion was unthinkable decades before, but many of the young, bright veterans of the Dominion War had more than proven their leadership and command abilities.

He expanded his focus outward to the web of officers connected to the captain. The interactions seemed typical enough of a new crew, acclimating themselves to one another. They-

A flash of movement in the distance caught his eye. A young man moved swiftly from a the entrance to a dwelling, long hair streaming behind him as he ducked behind a staircase. A moment later, he darted out and disappeared inside of another doorway.

Biiqs pondered this strange behavior as they finally approached the Ares' crew.

He reached his hand out in greeting to Captain Terry, "Good to meet you Captain."

"Likewise, Captain," his fellow Captain replied before turning to her officers, "These are my officers; Dr. Svenson, Lieutenant Ogbah, and Lt. Commander Tarquin. I assume you'll want Mr. Tarquin to beam back up with you when we're done down here for the moment."

"If he wishes to," Teriir decided to be diplomatic about the transfer, "After all, I don't think he brought his luggage with him when you beamed down here."

Silence. Biiqs was ready to personalize the captains introduction with a polite greeting of his own, but those words hung on the precipice of his open lips as he looked from Teriir, to Terry, and back to Teriir. Not easy to strike a Bolian speechless. But the unexpected response from Captain Teriir and the delicious look of confusion on Captain Terry's face combined to do just that.

Terry blinked at him, taken aback by his somewhat carefree demeanor, "Is that a yes or a no?"

"It's a 'lets leave it up to him' answer," he replied, noticed the more senior officers of her away team were surprised by something in their conversation. He would have to ask about it later.

He shot a glance over at Captain Terry, with a quick widening of his eyes to acknowledge the interesting development, then turned to Captain Teriir. "Well, sir...luggage aside, I think I'm ready to join the crew now. Prior to the Naausican incident in orbit, that was what was anticipated. At Captain Terry's direction, I've settled the affairs of the Lakota's tactical department and handed them over to my successor. It is good to meet you sir, and I look forward to working with you."

He turned and introduced the officers on his away team, "These are Lieutenants Locke and Storm, Science Officer Hood, Councilor A'Mand, and Dr. Cushing."

He paused and allowed the officers to mingle for a little while.

"Lt. Locke, Biiqs Tarquin." He met Locke's eyes and extended his hand to render the firm handshake he'd learned years ago, back home in the high plains of Wyoming. "I've heard good things about you, and look forward to working with you. We'll be speaking soon about the situation here after the briefing."


"Lieutenant Stor-" As his hand extended, Biiqs noticed his robotic arm. He was well used to seeing officers with artificial limbs after the Dominion War, but this didn't resemble any artificial limb he'd ever witnessed. Attempting to salvage the situation and not appear rude, he completed the handshake and said, "My...that's an interesting prosthetic. I've never seen the like. It looks...very advanced."


After his interaction with Lt. Storm, he extended a hand to Hood. "Mr. Hood, a pleasure to meet you."

Amand required no handshake, so he politely raised his hand in the Vulcan salute. "It is agreeable to meet you, Counselor."

"Doctor, good to meet you. I look forward to serving with you." He extended his hand for a shake, and leaned in a bit to murmur quietly. "I also look forward to not having physicals that seem like courts martial. Dr. Svenson is very good, but his bedside manner is not unlike a class 4 ion storm." A chuckle followed.


(( TAG: Away team, as appropriate ))

[Allan Hood]

Dorvan V
Approaching Native American Village

After his interaction with Lt. Storm, he extended a hand to Hood. "Mr. Hood, a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise, sir," Hood greeted friendlily, allowing his slight south-central Florida accent to seep through into their conversation. The only naive Floridian accents left are found around the west side of Lake Okeechobee. He detected a slight Wyoming/Texas sounding accent from the Bolian. "I heard there was a Bolian from Wyoming in Starfleet, sir. That wouldn't be you, would it, sir?"

(( TAG Biiqs ))

[WelshAvenger]

USS Ares
Dorvan V– Main Settlement

"Doctor, good to meet you. I look forward to serving with you." He extended his hand for a shake, and leaned in a bit to murmur quietly. "I also look forward to not having physicals that seem like courts martial. Dr. Svenson is very good, but his bedside manner is not unlike a class 4 ion storm." A chuckle followed.

Christopher smiled and shook the man's hand warmly, "Well, we can certainly do better than Dr Svenson, my bedside manner doesn't rate more than a class 2 ion storm. I tell you what, you come in for a physical when we're all done here and I promise you'll leave with the same amount of internal organs that you arrived with. Anything more than that and I won't make any guarantees. I'm about to head off to see if the colony has a medical centre that I can commandeer so come look me up later."

[Scarlett]

Dorvan V
Village area

Amand required no handshake, so he politely raised his hand in the Vulcan salute. "It is agreeable to meet you, Counselor."

A’Mand appreciated the gesture and returned the greeting, “likewise Lieutenant Commander. Welcome to Dorvan V.”

As she spoke, Mr Storm had been speaking to Captain Teriir, yet her attention was captured when he turned to her and Lt. Hood.

Max turned to the away team and said,

- Mr. Hood, Madame A'Mand, with me if you please.

She nodded to Biiqs Tarquin to signal her departure from the conversation as Hood and Storm started walking away from the assembled officers.

"I'm afraid to see how the colonists are doing," Hood said to Storm and A'Mand, rising and closing his tricorder, replacing it back in its holster. "Even the Nausicaans may suffer from gastrointestinal effects, such as nausea and vomiting. I'm expecting to see a higher risk of infections and bleeding among the colonists and visitors. After years of exposure, humanoids usually suffer from neurological effects, like seizures, tremors, and lethargy. Our doctor may have his work cut-out for him."

“Based on initial impressions, I concur. Yet physical trauma will be relatively easy to determine, diagnose and provide appropriate treatment. There will also be mental stresses associated with the Naussicaan attacks. As we have already seen; avoiding open spaces suggests a pervasive need for safety. Such insecurity will certainly affect not only their physiological functions, but also their ability to rationally deal with our presence and willingness to assist. To be sure, reports on the Dorvan culture places some emphasis on resilience and adaptability, yet sustained pressure by the Nausicaans may dampen cultural mores.

I recommend enhanced caution when interacting with the Dorvans in the short-term, especially near their artifacts. Although their prime concern may be their own safety, they will likely not abandon links to culturally sensitive icons or locations."



((TAG: Storm, Hood))

[Josh Broughm]

Dorvan V
Village area

I recommend enhanced caution when interacting with the Dorvans in the short-term, especially near their artifacts. Although their prime concern may be their own safety, they will likely not abandon links to culturally sensitive icons or locations."

Max smiled slightly.

- Understood. I know all too well the history of my ancestors is painted with the blood of many Native American tribes during the United States' expansion into the western portion of North America. Rather disgusting, if you ask me.

((TAG Hood or A'Mand))

- Born in San Antonio, but moved to Dallas when I was three. Then we hopped on Dad's first ship, the USS Bolton.

Max noticed a well close to a dwelling. He approached the door of the dwelling & knocked. It opened and out came a slim built man, with simple clothes and a pair of glasses. He thought this was a bit weird, as there was medications to fix eyesight. The man said in a slightly croaky voice,

- May I help you?

Max smiled and said,

- Hi! Do you mind if we take a drink from your well? I'm feeling kind of parched.

The man nodded and said,

- Knock yourself out.

Man nodded, then proceeded to the well. He took the bucket and lowered it to the water level and scooped up a bucket full. Once it was up to the surface, he took his bionic hand and stuck it in.
((TAG A'Mand))
Max chuckled a bit, saying,

- Analyzing the water. Seeing if there's any-

A light went off on his forearm. He pulled his hand out and activated a small holoprojection with a graph depicting the water's chemical composition.

- Allan, isn't water supposed to not have radiation in it?

((TAG Hood))

- Think it could be the ambient radiation affecting the water?

((TAG Hood))


((TAG: A'mand, Hood))

[Asteropax]

Dorvan V
Elder Village

Just as Wakoro started to lead the group towards the Cardassian Embassy, Lieutenant Storm caught the Captain's attention.

Max spoke up and asked of the Captain,

- With your permission, sir, I would like to do a walkabout the village to do a little better assessment of the people & to sus out if this radiation has an origin point.

"I believe you'll find the numerous impact craters left from the Dominion's orbital bombardment to be the focus point of the radiation here," Teriir explained, remembering the information they'd been provided when they first departed DS9, "These craters are so spread out there are a lot of challenges cleaning it up."

Max smiled slightly and said,

- Its an itching thought I had when we beamed down. The Nausicaans might have planted something down here.

This caught his attention, "I trust your instincts. Take a look around but try to avoid interfering with the lives of the Dorvans."

As Storm gathered up Hood and A'Mand to join him, he looked over to Wakoro, "Was it alright calling your people that? Dorvan?"

"We address our own by our tribe and heritage, but It is what the Cardassians have been calling us for the last few years," the local man replied after some consideration, "It's acceptable for you to call us that as well."

"Okay," Teriir smiled and fell into step behind him, Captain Terry next to him and the rest of their away teams after them.

As they walked, Terry and Wakoro struck up a conversation on the Lakota, with how she was the Captain of a starship bearing the name of a Tribe. His ears drifted away from this conversation as he tried to focus on the colony. The Dorvans had managed to restore a lot of their homes all on their own, with very little outside aide. Yes, the Cardassians may have provided a lot of material support, but it was their people who put it all to use. It must've been hard for them to accept the idea of receiving help, especially from the Federation and Cardassians. Both parties had once tried to remove these people from their homes for the sake of keeping themselves happy. Perhaps this time they could do better.

They reached the Cardassian Embassy fairly quickly and they all paused just before its entrance. Made from a patterned brown metal, the Embassy looked far out of place from the stone, brick, and mortar homes surrounding it. It was by far the tallest building in the village and supported four decorative spires which had large hooks curving towards the domed roof. There were two lifts on either side of the entrance, both rising up to the other levels of the Embassy. They were likely outside so people could view the surrounding landscape rather than walls. The doorway reminded him of the one found in OPS on DS9, sealed only with glass and various bronze arches to appear welcoming to those outside. He noticed that there were a lot of people inside on makeshift beds in what would usually be the lobby. He realized this was now the local hospital.

He was suddenly pushed to one side as Dr. Cushing hurried inside. The Captain didn't bother calling him back as he knew the sooner the medical staff got started, the sooner they could heal everyone. The other Doctor followed him in much more slowly. He observed as the two of them spoke to someone inside, probably one of the Dorvan's medical personnel, for direction on where they could begin.

(( TAG: Cushing ))

"I'm pleased to see your people are eager to help us," Hakoro commented with a mixture of pleasure and relief.

Locke grunted nearby, "We'll get your people back on their feet in no time."

Hakoro stiffened and whirled on the Security Officer, clearly offended by the statement. Thinking quickly, Teriir managed to speak first, "What my officer means is, we are glad to be able to assist you in restoring your people's homes, like a forest that has been burnt but regrows and becomes stronger than before."

There was a bit of an awkward silence as the Dorvan took his words in. He could only hear his own nervous breathing, hoping he hadn't further offended Hakoro. Finally he gave a nod of understanding, "You feel you are here because we are equals and not beggars?"

"Your people are well known for their pride and resilience through centuries of hardships," the Captain answered, relaxing while doing so, "You are anything but beggars."

"I'm glad you understand." Hakoro replied as his eyes narrowed, clearly pleased by his answer. He motioned over to one of the lifts, "We'll be heading up to the top floor, where the conference room is located."

Upon boarding the lift, Teriir considered the sudden turn of events. He would have to remind everyone to be very careful around these people when discussing their hardships and the reason for their being here. Because of the attacks on their world, the Dorvans didn't have much left beyond their pride. Hopefully, his swift explanation would be enough for Hakoro and other villagers to accept their aide. He knew he was going to have an equally interesting conversation with Gul Enok when the lift reached the top.

(( TAG: Away Team ))

[WelshAvenger]

Dorvan V
Elder Village





As they walked towards the main embassy building, Christopher could see inside that there was a small makeshift ward. Against all protocol, Christopher rushed forwards, oblivious to those around him.

He was suddenly pushed to one side as Dr. Cushing hurried inside. The Captain didn't bother calling him back as he knew the sooner the medical staff got started, the sooner they could heal everyone. The other Doctor followed him in much more slowly. He observed as the two of them spoke to someone inside, probably one of the Dorvan's medical personnel, for direction on where they could begin.

Passing through the doors, Christopher set down his pack on a table and approached the staff member he had seen through the doors. Holding out his hand, he introduced himself. "Doctor Cushing from the USS Ares. The slower moving gentleman behind me is Dr Svenson from the USS Lakota, we're here to provide whatever medical assistance that we can."

The grey haired colonist smiled, his exhaustion apparent, "Achak Nakamo, I'm one of the few remaining healers. We've been doing what we can with the few supplies we had but it's not been enough." His shoulders slumped and his legs started to crumble as relief took over him.

Christopher surged forward and caught the old man, "Easy. Easy now, I've got you," Christopher soothed as he lowered the healer into a chair, "you've held on for so long it's a wonder that you're not in a bed alongside your friends."

Doc Svenson passed a tricorder over the old man and handed Christopher a water flask and a hypo.

Christopher nodded his thanks and held the flask up for Achak, "We're going to take care of you Achak, first things first, have a drink of water while I give your system a boost. You've got dehydration, malnourishment and radiation sickness. Are you familiar with Probianic 4?"

Achak nodded, "Immune system booster without the side effects of Neurotak."

"That's right, assuming you're not allergic to it, I'll give you a shot right now." Christopher explained. "When was the last time you ate?"

A wry smile crossed the healer's lips, "Two days ago, I've been feeding the patients with my share."

Christopher felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see that Doc Svenson had already brought a ration pack for the aged man.

"Alright then Achak, we're going to give you something to eat, not much at first but enough to raise your body's energy levels. After that, Doc Svenson and I will set up in here and start treating your friends and staff. We can get supplies and personnel from the ship but I'd like you to be our liason. We're going to need someone to get the word out to the remaining colonists here and in outlying regions that there is help available and we need then to either come here if they're able or we need to know where they are so that we can arrange for a shuttle to go to them. Are you willing to be that person?" Christopher asked.

A spark lit in the old man's eyes that hadn't been there a moment ago, "Yes, yes, I am." He took Christopher hand in his grasp and held it firmly, "Thank you. u-na-li-i ."

[Scarlett]

Dorvan V
Village area

Attachment 8042

((OOC: Hood has the response about Max’s history ))

The group approached a dwelling and Max started a polite conversation. The Dorvan allowed the officer to access a nearby water-well.

He took the bucket and lowered it to the water level and scooped up a bucket full. Once it was up to the surface, he took his bionic hand and stuck it in.

A’Mand raised an eyebrow, absolutely surprised by the gesture, yet Vulcan standards easily deflected revealing her emotion. Quickly glancing to the villager, she surmised the man was more curious and puzzled than insulted or offended. A’Mand then looked to Max, quietly asking for an explination.

Max chuckled a bit, saying,

- Analyzing the water. Seeing if there's any-

A light went off on his forearm. He pulled his hand out and activated a small holoprojection with a graph depicting the water's chemical composition.

- Allan, isn't water supposed to not have radiation in it?

Trying not to look alarmed by the query, A’Mand slowly pulled out her own tricorder. Facing it toward no one in particular to not look like she was targeting the villager, she conducted a wide biometric scan, filtering out the three Federation officers. As suspected, Max’s comment raised various neurochemical levels: the villager started to show signs of worry.

Before Allan could respond, A’Mand asked the villager, “Sir, my name is A’Mand. What is your name and that of your tribe?”

The middle-aged man looked between the three wearily, still curious about the limb-plunge and replied, “Sh-Shokaso of the Lakara Tribe. I’m glad to see the Federation has not forgotten us.”



((TAG: Hood and/or Storm))

[Asteropax]

Dorvan V
Elder Village - Cardassian Embassy

Teriir moved to the interior facing door of the elevator, letting the others get close to the windows. He knew there would be a good scenic view of the village and the surrounding area but he felt the best one would be at their ride's destination on the top floor. Wakoro moved over to him and stood almost shoulder to shoulder with him.

"What is your view on other cultures?" The Native asked as the elevator slowly started up.

"I believe other cultures are very interesting and should be respected," he replied, and quickly drew on his past experiences to explain, "On my first two postings, I served alongside more than 50 different races, each with their own unique cultural identity. Even people of the same race had their own culture and I made sure to respect them."

"Did you take the time to learn from them?"

"Whenever I could. It was hard at times because there is so much we can learn from each other and there is only so much time. The same goes for your people. If anything, I want us to walk away understanding each other better."

Wakoro tilted his head and narrowed his eyes inquisitively, "Understanding rather than knowing?"

"Facts and data can only tell us so much about each other; for us to really know one another, we have to understand where we all come from," Teriir commented, thinking hard to keep his thoughts in order. He had a lot of questions he wanted to ask but knew he had to gain Wakoro's trust beforehand. Given that the Federation had tried to relocate his people a decade ago, he had an uphill battle. Continuing, he said, "Although I was born and raised on my homeworld, Trill, I was always somewhat rebellious and have become more accustomed to Human societies."

"I see," the Dorvan replied, "Aren't you worried that you've lost touch with your own people in the process?"

"I know I've changed a lot, but it was my choice."

"My people never had a choice," Wakoro murmured, "We were persecuted for being ourselves, finally fleeing our original homes to find one where we could be at peace and live. When we got here, the cycle continued. I understand your people's original plan to remove us was to be carried out by your people's flagship, the pride and role model of all your people. If they were willing to abandon your ideals of accepting others, for any length of time, then what hope do my people truly have of existing here? How long will it be before I'm talking to you the way my ancestors spoke to their oppressors?"

"I . . . " The Captain felt a new wave of panic. These people had gone through centuries of hardships and were well within the right to accuse him of merely hiding a knife behind a smile. Although every instinct told him to inform Wakoro that everything would be alright, but he was right. Teriir had orders that any significant discoveries on Dorvan V were to be reported back to the Federation. In doing so, he could very likely cause more people to come here to try and claim the findings for themselves. He was literally walking a tightrope, "I won't let that happen. This is your home and only you can decide what to do here."

He was saved from further conversation from the doors opening onto the top floor, 7 levels above the ground. He held back and let Wakoro and Captain Terry get off first. He needed a second to absorb everything before going on to speaking with Gul Enok. There was a lot he didn't know about the Dorvans but he understood now that they were rightfully suspicious of their presence. Although the "average" citizen would likely accept the assistance the Federation ships were offering, their leaders were going to need far more than an olive branch to come to start trusting them.

(( TAG: Away Team ))