~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: Scions, Day 1-3 Stardate: 2407.01.14-17 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List of Headers: (Planet Velorum IV - Near Medical Tent, by the Alien 'Golf-cart', - Lt Major Drizzt - 2008) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 2009) (Planet Velorum IV - Holding Area - 3O/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 2010) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre - Capt Sevant - 2010) (Planet Velorum IV - Near the Medical Tent, By the 'Alien Golf-Cart' - Lt Major Drizzt & Lt Cmdr Paul Casely - 2010) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 2012) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre - Capt sevant - 2013) (Planet Velorum IV - Holding Area - 3O/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 2013) (Planet Velorum IV - Holding Area - 3O/StratOps - The Archon - 2013) (Planet Velorum IV - Enroute to Medical Centre - Commander Trevan West- 2014) (Planet Velorum IV, Near the Medical Tent - By the 'Alien Golf-Cart', ATAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2015) (Planet Velorum IV - Holding Area - 3O/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 2015) (Planet Velorum IV - Near the Medical Tent, By the Golf Cart- LT Major Drizzt - 2015) (Planet Velorum IV, Near the Medical Tent - By the 'Alien Golf-Cart', ATAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2015) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp , MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 2016) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp By the 'Alien Golf-Cart' , Acolyte Pybarra, 2017) (Planet Velorum IV - Near the Medical Tent, By the Golf Cart - 3O/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 2018) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp By the 'Alien Golf-Cart' , MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 2019) (Planet Velorum IV - Near the Medical Tent, By the Golf Cart - 3O/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 2020) (Planet Velorum IV - Near the Medical Tent, By the 'Alien Golf-Cart' - Lt Major Drizzt / Pybarra - 2021) (Planet Velorum IV - Near the Medical Tent, By the 'Alien Golf-Cart' - 3O/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 2021) (Planet Velorum IV, Near Medical Tent - By the 'Alien Golf Cart', ATAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2023) (Planet Velorum IV - Near the Medical Tent, By the Golf Cart - 3O/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 2025) (Planet Velorum IV, Near the Medical Tent - By the 'Alien Golf Cart', ATAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2026) (planet, near the golf cart, ACEO LTJG McLaren, 2024) (Planet Velorum IV, Near the Medical Tent - By the 'Alien Golf-Cart', ATAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2029) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp By the 'Alien Golf-Cart' , MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 2030) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp Medical Center, COUNS, Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers, 2031) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - Day 3 - 2032) (Planet Velorum IV - Near the Medical Tent, By the Golf Cart - 3O/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 2023) (Planet Velorum IV - Near the Medical Tent, By the Golf Cart - 3O/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 2027) (Planet Velorum IV - South end of defense perimeter, Commander Trevan West - 2028) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp By the 'Alien Golf-Cart' , Lt Col Drizzt,2032) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 2033) (Velorum IV-Medical Base Camp-ACMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-20:33) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp, COUNS, Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers, 2036) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - TAC/SC Stolev - Day 3 - 2038) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp, COUNS, Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers, 2040) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp By Command Tent, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 2042) (Planet Velorum IV - Command Tent - TAC/SC Stolev - 2042) (Planet Velorum IV - Command Tent - Sevant - 2042) (Planet Velorum IV - Command Tent - Lt Isengard - 2043) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp By Command Tent, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 2044) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp By Command Tent - Lt Isengard - 2044) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 2045) (Planet Velorum IV - Command Tent - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - Day 3 - 2045) (Planet, on route to the command tent, ACEO LTJG Matthew McLaren, 2045) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp Medical Center, COUNS, Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers, 2048) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp By Command Tent - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - 2048) (Velorum IV-Command Tent-ACMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-20:49) (Planet Velorum IV, Command Tent, MCO, Lt. Colonel Straton, Day 3, 2050) (Planet Velorum IV - Command Tent - Capt Sevant - 2050) (Planet Velorum IV, Command Tent, ATAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2051) (Velorum IV-Command Tent-CMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-20:52) (Planet Velorum IV, Command Tent, Senior Chief Petty Officer Melody Haverstaad, Day 3, 2055) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Center - Petty Officer Jason Miller/Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 2059) (Velorum IV-Outside Command Tent-CMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-21:03) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 2115) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 2117) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Center - COUNS - Lt. Brian Rogers- 2117) (Planet Velorum IV- Some place dark-Dr. Madison Munroe- time unknown) (Planet Velorum IV - Someplace Dark - Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Unknown) (Planet Velorum IV- Some place dark-Dr. Madison Munroe- time unknown) (Planet Velorum IV - Someplace Dark - Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Unknown) (Planet Velorum IV - Someplace Dark - Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Unknown) (Planet Velorum IV - Scion Dungeon - Dr. Madison Munroe- sometime later) (Planet Velorum IV - Scion Dungeon - Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Unknown) (Planet Velorum IV - Scion Dungeon - CSO- Dr. Madison Munroe- Unknown) (Planet Velorum IV - Scion Dungeon - Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Unknown) (Planet Velorum IV - Scion Dungeon - CSO- Dr. Madison Munroe- Unknown) (Planet Velorum IV - Outside of the Scion Dungeon - Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Half Past the Freckle on my Arm) (Planet Velorum IV - Outside the Scion Dungeon - CSO- Dr. Madison Munroe- Quarter to my butt) (Planet Velorum IV - Outside of the Scion Dungeon - Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Half Past the Wart on my Left Pinkie) (Planet Velorum IV - Outside the Scion Dungeon - CSO- Dr. Madison Munroe- Miller time ) (Planet Velorum IV - Outside of the Scion Dungeon - Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Once Upon A Time) (Planet Velorum IV - Outside the Scion Dungeon - CSO- Dr. Madison Munroe- Time after time) (Planet Velorum IV - Outside of the Scion Dungeon - Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Now, not later, but before Straton finds us) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Start of Compile ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: Scions, Day 1 Stardate: 2407.01.14 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 1 - MCO Lt. Col. Eva Straton & TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - 1900) ==================================== "This is a place I used to go with my grandfather when I was a young boy," Sasha said as he tapped in a series of instructions into the holodeck control pad. "Computer, execute program Stolev-137." A beep from the console indicated the holodeck was ready, and the doors slowly opened to reveal the programmed landscape. Sasha and Eva stepped from the metal deck plates onto a grassy hillside sloping gently down towards a seashore, its waters softly lapping at the sandy beach. The sun was beginning to set, coloring the high, thin cirrus clouds above in brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple. The beach meandered along the uneven shoreline for quite a ways in both directions, and the water extended to the horizon as far as the eye could see. "This is the Black Sea, near Sevastopol in the Ukraine, on the Crimean peninsula. My grandfather had a cabin here that has been in the family for many generations." Sasha led Eva down the hill towards the beach, then sat down near the edge of the grass and took off his shoes and socks. "We would go fishing off that rocky point," he said, indicating a series of rocks that extended out into the lake. "Or sometimes we would just take long walks down the beach, feeling the sand between our toes, and talk of whatever came to mind. It is always very peaceful and relaxing here. Most of the tourists, both from Earth and other worlds, go to more popular beach locations like the French Riviera, or Mexico, or some tropical island. I always felt like this was our little secret here, and just as beautiful as any of those other places." Sasha stood up. "Would you care to join me for a walk down the beach? I have a story that I would like to tell you." "All right," Eva said, kicking off her own shoes and moving down onto the beach. She clasped her hands loosely behind her back as she looked around at the scenery. "Very beautiful place," she said, turning back to look at Sasha. "Which direction shall we go?" Sasha indicated left. "It doesn't really matter, it's pleasant either way, but this way there's a nice sheltered cove, with a view of some small islands out in the sea." Eva nodded and turned to face the direction Sasha had indicated. She put her arms behind her loosely, holding her shoes in one hand. They started down the beach in silence. Sasha had been thinking all evening of how to begin this conversation. His counselors back at Starbase Geneva had told him that the first time he told his story to someone who was not a therapist would be the hardest, but that it would also be the most beneficial to his long-term emotional recovery. After they had gotten about fifty yards down the beach, he looked up and turned to Eva. "I'm sure you have probably picked up on my emotional state," he began. "I don't know how much you have read my personnel file, if at all. I know I at least glance through them to assess potential security concerns whenever new crew come aboard. Are you familiar with what happened to me on Betazed?" "I reviewed your personnel file yes," Eva said, "and yes, I've picked up on your emotional state. As for knowing what happened on Betazed, I don't know any particulars. I know you served there for a short time, and were injured in the line of duty. Not being a marine under my direct command, the details of that injury and the particulars are not known to me. Patient-Doctor confidentiality forbids me from intruding on your right to privacy. The Captain, and First Officer may be privy to that kind of information, but only if it poses a security risk to the ship or crew. I don't think Captain Sevant would have made you Chief of Security if he thought you were a security risk." She smiled softly as she finished, looking Sasha in the eye. Sasha smiled sadly in response. "If only it were so simple as that. No, what happened there did not make me a security risk." He looked out to sea and took a deep breath. "I was not the only officer there when the incident in question occurred. I was not the only officer to be injured. I was, however, the only officer to survive." Sasha's voice quavered slightly, but he swallowed and kept talking. "When I found out I was to be assigned to provide additional security for a group of prisoners being transferred from the Nimitz to Betazed, I wasn't entirely pleased with the assignment. I had met a wonderful woman named Mara, and she and I were engaged to be married. I did not want to leave her behind. She was a scientist, not a security officer, so I could hardly justify her coming with me as additional security. But she was able to work something out with Captain Sash to be transferred to Betazed with me to some sort of liaison office between Starfleet and the Betazed ministry of science. It was a perfect arrangement, or so we thought." Sasha paused to consider how much detail he ought to go in to regarding the nature of his assignment on Betazed. With her clearance level, Eva could likely go look up all the details herself, but the "need-to-know" principle had been hammered into him too soundly during his intelligence courses at the Academy for him to reveal more information than was absolutely necessary to continue his tale. "I was on duty one evening, guarding a group of prisoners who were injured and recuperating in one of the medical facilities. Mara came to visit after getting off her shift at the liaison office. She had..." His voice broke suddenly; he blinked back the tears, cleared his throat, and continued. "She had stopped on the way to pick up a bag of tea leaves from a local farmer that we had discovered. She was always so thoughtful like that..." His voice trailed off as he stared out into the sea, trying to summon what little composure he still had left. "The prisoners were all still unconscious, or so we thought," he continued. "Mara came into the ward with her bag of tea, and started to walk across to the station where I was sitting. I looked up and smiled. She smiled back, not knowing that one of the prisoners had come to, and in a lightning quick fashion broken free of his restraints and hurled himself at her. Even now, when I close my eyes, sometimes I still see her face, changing from a smile to a look of shock and pain as he drove her awkwardly into a console on the wall." Sasha looked down at his feet as his toes sunk into the fine sand. "They told me she didn't suffer, that she died instantly as her neck was snapped. That's a pretty small comfort though, you know?" he said, looking up at Eva with a watery smile. "The Betazed security and medical personnel showed up right away, of course, but by then it was too late. Apparently the restraints weren't completely secure on that prisoner. The last medic to check him hadn't secured them properly, and neither I nor any of the other Betazed personnel noticed it." He heaved a deep sigh and looked back out towards the horizon. "So, maybe now you can see how I have, at best, mixed emotions when reminded of Betazed." Eva kept silent, keenly aware of the emotions Sasha was feeling. She could feel them herself. She let herself feel Sasha's grief and guilt over what had happened. She gazed out to sea, as she thought of what to say, a sad expression on her face as she thought of the loved ones she had lost over the years. "It is so easy," she said, after a few seconds, "for us to focus so hard on our loss, when we lose someone we love, that we forget to remind ourselves of the good they brought into our lives. I too have lost someone I loved with all my heart." She smiled a small sheepish smile. "Yes, even I have a heart. Despite any rumor you might have heard." The smile vanished and she was serious again. "We miss them. We somehow blame ourselves for their death, even if there was nothing we could have done to prevent it. We can not let the guilt and grief we feel at their loss to keep us from living. I don't think that would be what they would want for us. They will always be in our heart, and no one will ever change that, or the good they brought into our lives. Unless we allow it." She turned then and looked Sasha dead in the eye, placing her hand lightly on his cheek. "Don't let your grief and guilt spoil the person you are now because of her love. Cherish her memory always by being the person she helped you become." Sasha felt the blood rushing to color his cheeks. Eva's touch, however slight, felt like a jolt of electricity, bringing back so many emotions he hadn't felt in so long. It was the first time in months that anyone had shown him genuine compassion, a concern for him and his feelings that transcended the duties of a counselor or a psychiatrist. He returned her gaze as steadily as he could. "You're right, of course," he said. "She helped me overcome so many of my own shortcomings. After her..... after she was gone, I was so consumed with my own grief, pain, and guilt, that I let myself slide back into old habits that I had overcome with the help of her support and her love. Eventually I saw that my actions were doing a disservice to her memory, and to what she had done for me." He looked away for a moment. "I'm an alcoholic. Did you know that? I'm sure it's in my file, although it might be classified under medical." He looked back at Eva, fully aware that he had just revealed himself to have a condition that made him something of a security risk. "With Mara's support I was able to get my alcoholism under control. That was the worst of my old habits, and one that I fell back into full bore during my recuperation. So I suppose that what happened on Betazed actually did make me a security risk, however indirectly," he added with a rueful smile. "Don't worry, they wouldn't have cleared me to return to duty if I hadn't gotten it back under control. It is a daily struggle though. Not a day goes by when I don't want to have a drink. Before, it was Mara that gave me the will to overcome those urges. Now, it is her memory, the piece of her that lives in my heart still. So, at least in that respect, she is still with me, even though there are so many other ways in which she is not." "You *were* an alcoholic," Eva said. "Her love helped you overcome that, and you do not need to be one any longer. You can let the memory of her love carry you into the future or trap you in the past forever. What do you think she would want for you?" Eva then turned and started to walk slowly down the beach once more, her eyes on Sasha. Sasha watched Eva walk away as he turned her words over and over in his mind. ~She clearly doesn't understand what it really means to be an alcoholic, but then, why should she? Is it even possible for a Betazoid to become an alcoholic?~ As he mulled over these thoughts, he began to walk down the beach after her. Once he caught up with her, he slowed to walk beside her. "You're right, of course," he said, continuing to look straight ahead as he walked. "She would want me to get on with my life, to not be trapped in the past. I've fallen into the trap already once, and every morning I pray for the strength to continue to avoid it for one more day." ~He missed my point, I think,~ Eva thought, picking on Sasha's emotions and that he did indeed not completely agree with her. ~Perhaps I did not express myself properly. Spoken language can be so imprecise.~ He walked on for a few moments in silence, then turned back to face Eva. The thought of getting on with his life had rekindled his curiosity. "So, Eva, I have been wondering about something all evening. What prompted you to invite me to dinner with you?" He looked at her and smiled. "I'm sure it wasn't so you could hear about how depressing my life has been lately," he added with a chuckle. "No," Eva admitted, "indeed that is not the reason. I was curious. That and I have few friends on board the Boudicca. I was hoping we could become friends. I was impressed with you on our recent mission to rescue Captain Sevant. I do not impress easily, and I make friends even less easily. Currently, I can count my friends on the Boudicca on one hand, and I would have several fingers to spare. I am fiercely devoted and loyal to my friends Sasha, and I choose my friends very carefully. I was hoping to get to know you better and see if we could indeed become friends. What prompted you to accept my invitation?" Sasha felt his cheeks color as he looked down at his feet. "That's very kind of you to say," he replied. He was, of course, fully confident in his own abilities, but he still was embarassed to be paid such a high compliment, particularly from someone whose abilities far exceeded his own, at least by his own estimates. "You and I seem to be in a very similar boat, so to speak," he continued, smiling slightly at the irony behind his choice of euphemism, given their current location. "I have precious few on the Boudicca that I consider friends. I've been so withdrawn and so closed off, so consumed with my own sorrow, that I was totally focused on simply getting through each day. Your invitation was like a lifeline, a chance to break out of my cycle of self pity, so I took it." He looked back at her and smiled. "I would like it very much if we became friends, Eva." "Then let us take this time to talk and get to know each other a little better," Eva said, as the two walked down the beach. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: Scions, Day 3 Stardate: 2407.01.17 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Enroute - Lt(jg) Walker Isengard - 1904) ==================================== "Sorry, just mumbling to myself. So, Lt. It appears we have some time to pass, if you can keep the voice down, I would be very interested in hearing what has happened to you, your craft and you personally. Please," Walker said nothing for long moments, "Everything was going according to plan, I had already offloaded a number of non-essential crew to the Boudicca and passed through their security checkpoints. I was moving away from the Boudicca at full thrusters, preparing to enter the atmosphere to drop off the crew and the eyes-only messages when a flash of light caught my eye. I tried engaging the shields by reflex, but an energy wash hit us and knocked the runabout sprawling before they had even come close to fully engaging. I only got a brief glimpse of the ship; she was surrounded by what appeared to be a blue energy matrix. That is my impression anyway, as I said, I only saw it for a moment." He paused as they rounded a dead log. "Most of our systems had been disabled from that energy wave, or whatever it was, and we were flung head-first into the atmosphere tumbling on all axis'. It was all I could do to bring her nose down and stabilize before we burned up. That done, however, me and whoever took over the copilot seat fought the craft all the way down with systems failing at random. I do not know what hit us, or why it caused such a massive system overload, I didn't have time to do any internal scans or read over more then the most cursory of status reports. We were fighting for our lives from the second that flash of light enveloped the Boudicca." (reply: West) While speaking, they had stepped through the security line and up to the runabout. The ship was a mess, unrecoverable probably. He stopped in front of it for a moment, then shrugged and stepped inside. Smoke still hung in the air, and a lot of gear had been tossed about. That wasn't the purpose of his trip here though, he made his way aft and into one of the few cabins. Once there, he tapped his personal identification code into the secure lockup and yanked the door open. Inside was a small storage area and one more secure lockup. He tapped another separate code in and pulled that door open, and extracted a single PADD. "Commander West, these are eyes-only messages, delivered as ordered." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Enroute - Commander Trevan West- 1905)  ==================================== "Sorry, just mumbling to myself. So, Lt. It appears we have some time to pass, if you can keep the voice down, I would be very interested in hearing what has happened to you, your craft and you personally. Please," Walker said nothing for long moments, "Everything was going according to plan, I had already offloaded a number of non-essential crew to the Boudicca and passed through their security checkpoints. I was moving away from the Boudicca at full thrusters, preparing to enter the atmosphere to drop off the crew and the eyes-only messages when a flash of light caught my eye. I tried engaging the shields by reflex, but an energy wash hit us and knocked the runabout sprawling before they had even come close to fully engaging. I only got a brief glimpse of the ship; she was surrounded by what appeared to be a blue energy matrix. That is my impression anyway, as I said, I only saw it for a moment." He paused as they rounded a dead log. "Most of our systems had been disabled from that energy wave, or whatever it was, and we were flung head-first into the atmosphere tumbling on all axis'. It was all I could do to bring her nose down and stabilize before we burned up. That done, however, me and whoever took over the copilot seat fought the craft all the way down with systems failing at random. I do not know what hit us, or why it caused such a massive system overload, I didn't have time to do any internal scans or read over more then the most cursory of status reports. We were fighting for our lives from the second that flash of light enveloped the Boudicca."  Trevan just shook his head, "Terrible, I am curious to the nature of this energy wave. Strange, since nothing that can generate that kind of field exists on this planet, let alone this star system. Very curious indeed. You did your best Lt, I am sure, without your experienced piloting skills, we would not be having this conversation right now."     They walked though the security line and into what was left of the Runabout. Most of the systems had exploded, soot and smoke damage was most apparent. Conduit wires were everywhere and there were several items so badly damaged he couldn't recognize their purpose. Trevan surveyed the damage while Walker obtained the messages from a security locker. "Commander West, these are eyes-only messages, delivered as ordered."     Trevan eyed the PADDS and powered the first of them up. The cool and soft familiar Starfleet computer voice appeared from the device,         "This is a priority one encrypted communication. Please enter access code."     Trevan typed his code into the device and within seconds the message appeared.  Most of the message regarded crew information, the orders transferring some crew from the Geneva and their associated Starfleet files. There was one other message on the device that required a second code. His own personal code. Trevan wondered who would know he was going to be there. As the message appeared it was from the Admiral. At once Trevan shut the device off, he didn't want anyone reading it now. It would be best to show the Captain as well. He did not have any luck with the other PADDS, they were all code 47 messages. Captain's eyes only. "West to Captain Sevant, I have obtained the messages and I am now returning to the center of camp. Please meet me there. There are several messages coded code 47 sir. West out." "Ok Lt, lets roll." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - The Runabout - Lt Walker Isengard - 1905) ==================================== Walker grabbed his small satchel from the bed as the Commander was digging through the PADD, opened it up, and dumped the few belongings he had onto the bed. There was a small holo device, a ring on a chain, and a couple other small items of a personal nature. He touched the device for a moment and resisted flicking it on. All appeared to be well. He reloaded the satchel and pulled out one more package, an instrument case for a violin. He took a breath as he opened that case to look inside, and was relieved to find the instrument unharmed. "Ok Lt, lets roll." "Can you scan these two bags so I might get through security with them, Sir?" he asked. (reply: West) NRPG: I'm going to assume the answer is yes. There really is nothing harmful in there :-P RPG: He snapped both cases shut and hefted them. Both were light, but he hated having both his hands tied up in a combat zone. "Very well Commander, as you say... 'lets roll'." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - Day 3 - 1917) ==================================== "I have a tactical team ready, and we've got plenty of marines, but we don't know the planet, the terrain, or anything about what's going on here. I think we should do whatever we need to do for them to help us get our people back. If that means letting them believe we are wizards, elves, smurfs, or whatever, fine. Let them think it if it means they'll help us." Eva's brow rose in surprise. "I was not talking about your comment Commander," She said, calmly looking at Casely, "When we first arrived here we took every precaution to avoid all contact with these people in observance of the Prime Directive. I was simply stating that, as it is obvious at this point that these peoples development has already been grossly affected by outside interference, that we are no longer restricted by the Prime Directive. In response to both yours and Commander Stolev's comment, I'm afraid I must agree with both of you. If acting the part better facilitates their assistance, then by all means. Though I am no actor -- I make no promises for an award winning performance on my part." After she had finished speaking, Eva looked over at Sasha with a confused look on her face and mouthed the word 'Smurf?' shrugging her shoulders. Sasha smiled weakly in response. 'Later,' he mouthed in reply as he tried to figure out how to explain his fascination with hand-drawn animated features of the twentieth century, particularly when juxtaposed with first computer generated flat animation and then fully 3-D holographic animation. "Very well, it looks like we'll be striking a pact with them then," replied Sevant. "Mr Casely, you're the closest thing to a friend with have with them now that our cultural expert has been taken. Become her friend, threaten her, cajoale her, I don't care. Find a way to get a couple scouts. Mr Stolev, you will be in charge of all defenses here, I agree with the Colonel, odds are they will test our perimeter shortly. Pull everything back as tight as you can and hold the line. Mr Straton, you'll have the extraction team once we know enough to move." "Aye, sir," replied Stolev. "We'll be ready here for whatever they'll throw at us." "Sir, before I start on that," added Casely, "could I please contact one of my officers to ensure that they give you full cooperation? They might be disoriented and I haven't been available for some time. I'll use my comm badge and do it from here." Sevant nodded his consent to the request. Casely nodded in reply and tapped his comm badge. "Commander Casely to Lieutenant Rogers. Just wanted to let you know I'm okay. This is the Boudicca crew, this is our new assignment. They're having some problems that have now become our problems. I won't be available for awhile. I want you and the rest of the crew to help out where you can and do what is necessary to meet the Boudicca mission objectives. Is that understood Lieutenant?" =^= Yes, sir, =^= came the reply. "Good, Casely out." Casely then moved to converse with the Archon, and Stolev headed towards the security perimiter. "Stolev to security. All active and able personnel to the perimiter defenses. We anticipate that we will encounter hostile forces soon. At the first sign of incoming activity, notify me immediately. Stolev out." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Holding Area - Archon - 1930) ==================================== The Archon frowned as the group broke up. The head man left with the golem following close behind to speak with someone else after giving the acolyte a brief nod, and the energetic young acolyte spoke a brief spell to someone not in her hearing. ~Someone must teach these people mannors.~ she thought sourly. Finally, the acolyte decided to grace her with his presence. "M'Lady, I have been asked by Sevant to aid you during your visits to us. I would be honoured to do so. I know you have many questions as our ways seem strange to you. I would be honoured and overjoyed to discuss our culture with you, and to show you some areas of our settlement, within of course my Captain's allowance and perview," "I would like to know the spell you use to... change your voices." She said shortly. "Further, many more of my order will be arriving within hours to help guide you to the Fortress, make sure your protective spells allow them access." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Holding Area - 3O/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 1934)  ==================================== While Paul came and talked to the Archon, it was clear that her mood was currently degrading. Paul was certain that she wasn't used to being kept waiting, nor was she likely used to not understanding or being considered in things that went on. However, they weren't used to people from other cultures flouncing into private meetings unannounced, some of the diplomacy had to come from her side too after all. ~Good luck with that,~ Paul thought grimly to himself.   "I would like to know the spell you use to... change your voices." She said shortly. "Further, many more of my order will be arriving within hours to help guide you to the Fortress, make sure your protective spells allow them access." Paul considered this for a moment. Of course, speaking other languages might seem strange to someone from a culture that seemed to only carry one. There was little in terms of ways that he could explain the universal translator, and that would not allow her to speak the strange new language, only understand it. This would carry with it the side effect of her anger, mistrust and possible desire to have Paul whipped again. ~No thanks to that!~ Instead, Paul decided on a different tactic, one that was actually much more truthful in its full essence.   "M'lady, due to our disconnection from others on this planet, a different mode of speech, or language, has evolved that all of our group commonly and easily understood. It is generally used only for quick discourse between us. I would be pleased teach you this language, but it would take some amount of time, and to be honest, it is a foolish mode of speech that would not be suited to your great personage. I believe that our poor and foolish lower language would befoul the very tongue of such a dignified and great person. The choice is, of course m'lady, yours," replied Paul graciously. He hoped that this would plecate her, teaching her Federation Standard would take a good amount of time which they presently did not have. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Holding Area - 3O/StratOps - The Archon - 1935) ==================================== "M'lady, due to our disconnection from others on this planet, a different mode of speech, or language, has evolved that all of our group commonly and easily understood. It is generally used only for quick discourse between us. I would be pleased teach you this language, but it would take some amount of time, and to be honest, it is a foolish mode of speech that would not be suited to your great personage. I believe that our poor and foolish lower language would befoul the very tongue of such a dignified and great person. The choice is, of course m'lady, yours," "You may begin teaching me," she said after a few moments of thought. "We have several marks before my fellow brothers and sisters arrive, and at least one more Archon." She sat in a conjured chair and gestured to the ground before her feet, which was almost a place of honor that he didn't deserve. "But before you do, I also need to know how many wizards of any strength you will bring with you to recover your lost brothers and sisters." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - TAC/SC Stolev - 1936) ==================================== “That looks good, Cooper," said Stolev as he handed the PADD back. "Looks like we're ready. Keep scanning those woods." "Aye, sir," replied Cooper. She took the PADD and headed back to her station along the perimiter, and Stolev turned to see a security officer that he didn't immediately recognize. "Sir, I am Ensign Samantha Chandler, the new ATAC/ASC. I was told to report to you," she said. "Ah, you must be from Geneva," replied Stolev. "We've got a secure perimiter around the camp at present, and all the security personnel available are actively involved in that operation. Feel free to find an area that needs help. I'm afraid I don't have anything more specific for you at the moment." (reply Chandler, iyw) Stolev watched Chandler head off towards the perimiter. It bothered him that he didn't know anything about her background or skills, but under the circumstances, that couldn't be helped. He pulled out the PADD that identified the survivors from the crash and began scanning through what little it contained about Ensign Chandler. The whistle of his comm badge interrupted Stolev's reading. =^= Casely to Stolev. I'm here with the Archon, she is asking about our current numbers. That's why my universal translator is presently off. I would like the numbers, but would also ask your opinion on giving her this information. =^= Stolev quickly tapped a few keys on his PADD and brought up the current roster. Most of the crew was on the surface -- only a skeleton crew remained on the Boudicca to face whatever it was that had her imprisoned. "Current count in base camp and on active duty is 253, spread across all disciplines and departments. Why does she need our numbers? I don't want to give out any more information than she absolutely needs, and certainly without knowing exactly what it will be used for." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Holding Area - 3O/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 1937) ====================================   As she gestured for him to sit before her, it became clear to Casely that this tactic wasn't working. Diplomatic language of this level only worked if the other person was willing to behave in a civilized manner, she was definitely not doing so. She was not treating him as an emissary or an ambassador, but rather as a toy. Paul turned and began to walk out of the holding area.   "I will not sit at your feet like some prized lapdog. You have gone too far. I am a leader to my people in my own right. Do not expect because I use diplomatic language and desire to be courteous to you, that the courtesy belies a lack of strength or purpose, for I will not have it. If you do not wish to treat me as someone at least approaching an equal, you can sit in your fancy chair by yourself. I will discuss this affront to Sevant, I'm sure he will not be amused by your treatment of his number three person," stated Paul clearly unamused. Paul then clicked off his universal translator, "What's more, you will never understand this," he stated knowing she had no way of understanding at the moment. He was banking on the fact that she needed their aid as much as they wanted hers. In the end, Paul knew that they could go blasting away without the people of this planet, however Paul would prefer to solve this with diplomacy rather than force... at least towards the Archon and her ilk. With that he continued exiting, ensuring that his removal of a palm phaser was out of her view. While he didn't want her to see it, he had no way of knowing what she was capable of if she was angered. He also clicked his universal translator back on, in case there was a response.   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Holding Area - The Archon - 1937) ==================================== The Archon's mouth fell open as the emissary turned on his heel. "I will not sit at your feet like some prized lapdog. You have gone too far. I am a leader to my people in my own right. Do not expect because I use diplomatic language and desire to be courteous to you, that the courtesy belies a lack of strength or purpose, for I will not have it. If you do not wish to treat me as someone at least approaching an equal, you can sit in your fancy chair by yourself. I will discuss this affront to Sevant, I'm sure he will not be amused by your treatment of his number three person," She was on her feet in an instant, her face cold ice, as the man tapped something on his chest and continued on in babble. "You dare..." she breathed in fury before covering it. "I am one of the Archons, second only to the Arch Archon in the known world. You, sirrah, desperately need to learn manners." Her faced smoothed out again and she waved back her two apprentices, both of which were ready to fight if need be. "There is no need to fight," she told them both. "Casely here is going to behave better and watch his tongue, if he wants his fellow friends and wizards back from the Scions." She gave a pointed look at Casely as she sat back down. "Very well then, if you wish to stand like a convicted criminal before a high wizard, you may... I am not one to infringe upon whatever strange customs you have. I was asking about your strength of numbers..." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Holding Area - 3O/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 1940) ====================================   Paul stopped short on hearing the Archon's response. In a sense, it had surprised him. He had expected fire and brimstone, instead he got capitulation, at least as close to capitulation as he ever expected from her. ~They need us, as much as we need them.~ thought Paul to himself. This ploy had unravelled things a bit, let things bare more plain. He doubted she would be happy with him and was sure she'd demand another whipping, but at the same time the way she was speaking to her subordinates about him was almost charged with respect... almost. ~Best not to overplay this card,~ thought Paul as he slowly turned to her.   "Very well then, if you wish to stand like a convicted criminal before a high wizard, you may... I am not one to infringe upon whatever strange customs you have. I was asking about your strength of numbers..." she stated.   Paul cocked an eyebrow, "I'm sure you do find many of our customs strange. I'm also sure the likewise is true. If I took offense when none was meant, I apologize. However, now to the task at hand. I must converse with the person in charge of that area to ensure my figures for numbers are accurate. We have had injuries and, as you know, disappearances."   (reply Archon)   Still standing, Paul tapped his comm badge once to turn off his universal translator and then once more to open the channel. ~I'll ask Stolev of the numbers and then ask him his opinion on what he feels should be reported. I know what it's like to be Security Chief and not have a chance to give input.~ Paul thought to himself.   "Casely to Stolev. I'm here with the Archon, she is asking about our current numbers. That's why my universal translator is presently off. I would like the numbers, but would also ask your opinion on giving her this information," asked Paul. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Holding Area - The Archon - 1940) ==================================== "Very well then, if you wish to stand like a convicted criminal before a high wizard, you may... I am not one to infringe upon whatever strange customs you have. I was asking about your strength of numbers..." she stated. The man had turned to face her, but didn't take his position at her feet, though she had begun to expect that by now. He was a hard headed one, he just needed some proper attention. "I'm sure you do find many of our customs strange. I'm also sure the likewise is true. If I took offense when none was meant, I apologize. However, now to the task at hand. I must converse with the person in charge of that area to ensure my figures for numbers are accurate. We have had injuries and, as you know, disappearances." "Very well, you may weave your spell." She said. She folded her hands together as he began speaking his strange tongue, and though she appeared to be relaxing, she was on high guard as he wove his communication spell. He made no bones about it, no ceremony, he was either very sure of his power, very arrogant... or of a mind so alien that she couldn't understand his reasoning. The Archon almost shivered in excitement. Here, finally, was the chance to break the Scions and stop the rape of their culture. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Holding Area - 3O/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 1942) ====================================   Paul stood and waited for a response.   =^=Current count in base camp and on active duty is 253, spread across all disciplines and departments.  Why does she need our numbers?  I don't want to give out any more information than she absolutely needs, and certainly without knowing exactly what it will be used for.=^=   Paul listened to the voice of Stolev. He knew he agreed with the sentiment. Having been a tactical/security officer for most of his career, Paul understood what Stolev was saying. Unfortunately, desperate times...  "I would honestly believe she's planning a military manoeuver to get our people back... although I would also say it isn't unlikely that she's planning on annihilating the Scions. My guess is that she's gauging our strength to see how much aid we'll be in a battle. I guess the question becomes, is it worth giving her the information to continue talks to get our people back. Just because we tell her numbers, doesn't mean that we have to agree to her battle plans."   (Reply Stolev)   "Listen, I'm uneasy with this too. What we really need is the consent of the Captain somehow, but I also need it to look like the senior staff, myself included, have 'magical power'. I need something to allow us to stall, to give her information that plecates her, but doesn't give away the farm. What about the jarheads? How many of them do we have?" asked Paul.   (Reply Stolev)   "Maybe we can give our armed strength and leave out some of the others. I'd rather underestimate that overestimate or give the correct number. You have any ideas?"   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - Day 3 - 1942) ==================================== "Current count in base camp and on active duty is around 330, spread across all disciplines and departments. Why does she need our numbers? I don't want to give out any more information than she absolutely needs, and certainly without knowing exactly what it will be used for." =^= I would honestly believe she's planning a military manoeuver to get our people back... although I would also say it isn't unlikely that she's planning on annihilating the Scions. My guess is that she's gauging our strength to see how much aid we'll be in a battle. I guess the question becomes, is it worth giving her the information to continue talks to get our people back. Just because we tell her numbers, doesn't mean that we have to agree to her battle plans. =^= Stolev considered this for a minute. "I am uneasy with this, Commander. Having her help us get our people back is one thing, but annihilating her enemies using our forces? That's a gross violation of the Prime Directive no matter how you slice it." =^= Listen, I'm uneasy with this too. What we really need is the consent of the Captain somehow, but I also need it to look like the senior staff, myself included, have 'magical power'. I need something to allow us to stall, to give her information that plecates her, but doesn't give away the farm. What about the jarheads? How many of them do we have? =^= asked Casely. Stolev tapped his PADD and brought up the breakdown. "We have about 150 marines on the surface. We also have 60 or so security. We'd certainly need to consult with Colonel Straton before giving out any marine-specific information." =^= Maybe we can give our armed strength and leave out some of the others. I'd rather underestimate that overestimate or give the correct number. You have any ideas? =^= Stolev frowned and stared at the PADD. "I suppose you could give her a figure of 200 armed personnel. That's a bit low considering as how we've also conscripted some non-security and non-marines, and issued phasers to most of the crew. It'll do for an estimate though, until you can consult with the Captain." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp Medical Center, COUNS, Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers, 1951) ==================================== "Lieutenant, one of your crew was removed from the vessel and was virtually unharmed, yet we have not seen him for some time. He was last seen exiting the crash site carrying a Starfleet issue container. Scans indicated that whatever was inside it was inert. It seems likely that he is somehow damaged psychologically from the crash, as his race is not well disposed to violent activity," stated Mor'rel. Brian thought and couldn't figure out who it was, then figured out it must be Engtamn-Jensi, who he must of had talked too a grand total of only five times. "Why me?" Brian asked. "You are a counselor, due to my very nature that is not a logical vocation for me. I would ask you to find Doctor Engtamn-Jensi, return him and his container here. I will perform medical tests while you examine his mental fitness." Brian nodded "Very well..." he said slowly, before turning. Then he saw a man with Captain's rank walk and speak in his general direction. "Report?" He asked. Brian looked him over, then assumed that this was his new commanding officer. "Lt. Rogers. Counselor. I have been assigned by Dr. Mor'rel to find Dr. Engtamn-Jensi and return him here," Brian said. (reply Sevant) NRPG: Room for conversation RPG: When Brian was done with his new CO, he headed away from the medical area and into the thick jungle region. He glanced around, and didn't see any sign of the science officer. ~Whoa, better not get lost...~ Brian said, turning back towards the distant make shift medical area. ~If I just keep going straight, I can just turn back around.~ Brian thought, before heading forward. After a few more minutes. He stopped, and looked around. He cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "DOCTOR ENGTAMN-JENSI! CAN YOU HEAR ME? THIS IS LIEUTENANT ROGERS!" Brian yelled at the top of his lung. However, nothing replied. He looked around. ~Wait... whatever is causing problems from the Boudicca's crew, just found out my location...~ Brian suddenly took off running and stopped, and ducked down, tapping his comm badge. "Rogers to Engtamn-Jensi. Come in," Brian said. A silence followed. Brian stood up. ~I better head back to the crash site, maybe he found his way back.~ Brian thought, suddenly, he looked around, and he had gotten himself lost. "Great....~ He muttered under his breath. He started walking towards what he though was the direction of the crash site, but then thought he recalled was a familiar tree, and changed course. After a few more paces, he thought he spied another smilliar landmark in the land, and again changed course. But, he came to the realization that he was lost... ==================================== (Velorum IV-Base camp-CMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-19:52) ====================================       As Kaitlyn was busy treating some of the injured from the crash, she noticed how the crew seemed to be thinning out more and more as they were allowed to go back to duty once more.  She hoped Rogers wasn't giving anyone any problems, specifically Mor'rel.  Kaitlyn wondered just how much Vulcan patience was left in him.       "Alright, just lie back down now, you'll be ok," she said to the next person she triaged.  ~Looks like I'll be working all night tonight.~  Sighing, she abosolutely hated when things, specifically like this, went wrong.  There was limited staff and technology therefore making things harder for the medical staff to treat the injured.       Kaitlyn realized she must have spent too much time thinking and not enough time paying attention to the patient in front of her as he bounced up and pulled a phaser out.       "Get away from me!  Stay back!  I know what this is all about and I'm not letting you touch me!"       Stepping back slightly, Kaitlyn wondered if this crash had done any serious harm to his brain.       "What are you talking about?" she asked.       Scoffing at her, he replied, "Don't act like you don't know.....you're all in on this!  Everyone of you.....you're all......"  Stopping, he put his hand on his head as if he was in pain.        Kaitlyn chose that moment to attempt and regain control of the situation, but failed.  He still stood there, half pointing a phaser at them.  She could tell he was weak, and fighting to be in control of himself, only he wasn't doing a very good job.       "At least let me treat your injuries," she pleaded.  "You have a severe concussion and if you don't let me treat that, you could end up worse off then you already are."        As the situation and word began to spread, she noticed Mor'rel coming into the situation as well.  Holding up a hand to Mor'rel, she was giving him the sign to back off a little bit.  She then quickly gave him information as to what was going on.       "Yeah.....I heard.....I heard what the guy said!"  He was now stark raving about something Kaitlyn had no idea about.       "Will you at least tell me your name?"       For a moment he actually complied.  "Jay......Jay Thompson."  Standing still, it looked as if he was starting to calm down, until..."Why do you care what my name is?!  Like you don't know already, you're all in on the secret plan that I wish to destroy!"       Glancing from Thompson to Mor'rel, she then watched as Mor'rel tried Vulcan logic to regain control of the situation.  Sadly, his attempts failed too, and it wasn't looking any better.       "You're all with Doenitz and his force!  I overheard....."  He grabbed his head in pain again, then shouted, "YOU!  I overheard you and that counselor guy....Rogers.....talking about the plan!  You're part of the scum behind this mess I see here!"       ~D*mn it!  Rogers is in trouble now.....if not by anyone else, by me!~  She was only thinking figuratively, she really didn't want him in trouble for that as he was only trying to make sense of things as well.  She was prepared to use a medical clearing defense for him if needed, as that is what she deemed it was.       Tapping her commbadge, she said, "Mackenzie to Security....we have a situation ......."  She stopped talking and left them hanging as she then watched Thompson pass out from his concussion and fall straight to the floor.       =^=Mackenzie?  What happened?!  Is everyone alright?=^=  She heard security on the other end.       Blinking for a moment, she said, "Yes....situation under control."  Kaitlyn then calmly went up to Thompson and gave a direct medical order.        "I don't want this man leaving this area, is that understood?  He has a concussion so I want him kept under at all times until we get to the Boudicca.......whenever that may be."  She said the last part to herself quietly, then stated loudly, "We may not have enough medicine to keep him unconscious, so we'll have to use someone from security to watch and stay with him.  Any volunteers?"   <>       Letting out a sigh, she turned to Mor'rel and said, "A little strange, this happening to two of the crash victims, wouldn't you say"   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre -  CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 1957) ====================================   Mor'rel worked on yet another patient from their landing party. This one had apparently encountered what she thought was a pretty flower. Apparently some pretty flowers have teeth on this planet, once again proving that 'pretty' was an illogical and often erroneous descriptor. During this time, he had become interested in Doctor Mackenzie's patient. One of the last crash victims. He seemed delirious. That could be symptomatic of many things on this planet. Mor'rel watched as she dealt with the problem effectively and quickly. She seemed to be a fairly logical human, of course that made sense as logic was a pre-requisite for medicine.   "A little strange, this happening to two of the crash victims, wouldn't you say," stated Mackenzie to him.   Mor'rel considered that for a moment before answering. "In the last twenty four hours I have treated a person who was attacked by the equivalent of a bunny rabbit, his words not mine, two crew members who had burns left by plants, a woman who needed a neuralogical scan after a rock spoke to her and another man who needed one due to hearing screaming trees, and now this woman has been bit by a flower. That is aside from the strangeness of your arrival. Nothing, at this point, that occurs on this planet would surprise me. At least we have been kept busy."   (Reply Mackenzie)   "Just a thought doctor, you might want to see if this man has been affected by any local flora or fauna as well. It could be that he's under the influence of anything from pollen to an insect bit. While we do not have the adequate equipment to properly ascertain a course of action, doing a rudimentary medical scan, especially of his blood, may be able to tell you a bit more about what we are up against," stated Mor'rel evenly.   (Reply Mackenzie)   Mor'rel paused to remove the last 'tooth' left behind by the flower from his patient and then continued, "I do believe that we should be doing a toxilogical scan of the area. It is possible that even the very air we are breathing is infused with something chemically abnormal. There has to be some logical explanation for the events that are taking place here."   ==================================== (Velorum IV - Base camp, The Line - Senior Chief Melody Haverstaad - 19:58) ==================================== Melody frowned as she listened in to whatever was happening at the Medical tent. Especially when someone called for volunteers. She cut her connection, "I've got this one." She growled. She pulled away from the tree with her phaser-rifle still pointing out at the trees and backed away slowly, until she was far enough that she felt comfortable turning on her heel and heading away. She wasn’t far from the medical tent; she'd been working her way down the line, strengthening their position and placement. So when she stepped into the tent already saying, "Alright, what in the blazes is going on in he...." and saw the Captain, she freezed briefly. "Sorry Sir, I am responding to a call for Security." The Captain's eyes narrowed, as if he were memorizing her face. "Very well Senior Chief, carry on." Melody, still ramrod straight, turned slightly. "What's the problem?" ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base camp - TAC/SC Stolev - 1958) ==================================== =^= Mackenzie to Security....we have a situation .......=^= Stolev turned at the sound of the comm notification from Mackenzie. He hit his badge as he tried to remember which of the new arrivals was Mackenzie. "Mackenzie? What happened?! Is everyone alright?" =^= Yes....situation under control, =^= came the reply after a moment. Stolev sighed and looked around, spotting Chief Haverstaad positioned nearby. She obviously had heard the conversation as well. He gave her a questioning look and nodded his head in the direction of the medical tent. "I've got this one," she growled. She pulled away from the tree that had been providing her with cover, her phaser-rifle still pointing out at the trees as she backed away slowly, until she was far enough that she felt comfortable turning on her heel and heading away. ==================================== (Velorum IV-Base Camp-CMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-19:59) ====================================       In the last twenty four hours I have treated a person who was attacked by the equivalent of a bunny rabbit, his words not mine, two crew members who had burns left by plants, a woman who needed a neuralogical scan after a rock spoke to her and another man who needed one due to hearing screaming trees, and now this woman has been bit by a flower. That is aside from the strangeness of your arrival. Nothing, at this point, that occurs on this planet would surprise me. At least we have been kept busy."       "Hmm..."  Kaitlyn was thinking about the patient's Mor'rel had been treating and was fascinated by their claims ot having had inanimate objects attacking them.  She'd never heard anything like it.       "Just a thought doctor, you might want to see if this man has been affected by any local flora or fauna as well. It could be that he's under the influence of anything from pollen to an insect bit. While we do not have the adequate equipment to properly ascertain a course of action, doing a rudimentary medical scan, especially of his blood, may be able to tell you a bit more about what we are up against," stated Mor'rel evenly.       "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.  But then what?  We're stranded on this damn planet with no equipment except what's attached at the hip."  Taking a deep breath, she then tried again.  "Yes, I agree that it's a good idea to find out what's going on here.  Then we should tell Casely or Sevant or whoever the hell's in charge around here," she muttered.  Kaitlyn was starting to get increasingly angry at the predicament in which they all seemed to be trapped in.       "I do believe that we should be doing a toxilogical scan of the area. It is possible that even the very air we are breathing is infused with something chemically abnormal. There has to be some logical explanation for the events that are taking place here."       "Great, now we could be infected too," she stated sarcastically.  She knew Vulcan's didn't much appreciate the human need to express emotion outright as she just portrayed, but she was getting angrier by the second it seemed like.       Stepping away from Mor'rel, she then noticed Marta coming up to her.       “Sir, You know that I am a counselor and I would be willing to help out in this situation.”       As Kaitlyn was about to respond, she heard a female voice coming from what seemed like nowhere at first.  ~Must have been in hiding.~       "Alright, what in the blazes is going on in he...."     "Report?"      Noticing she chopped her question short, Kaitlyn figured it was Sevant's voice she responded to hearing. Turning around, she then faced Sevant as he walked up to her and Mor'rel.       "Sir, right now the situation well.....is no more for the time being.  We've had several complaints from the crash victims about some rather strange things."   <>       Kaitlyn didn't want Sevant to think she was losing her marbles, but she went ahead with the explanation anyhow.       "People have been complaining that they hear screaming trees, rocks attacking them, and even been convinced we're some of Doenitz's forces," she said, remembering Thompson who now layed unconscious.   <>       "This recent situation is one of just that....a man convinced we were working for Doenitz.  I had been scanning him ealier and he has a concussion, but he just snapped and wouldn't let anyone get close enough to touch him.  It was only a matter of seconds before he finally collapsed because of his injuries."   <>       "Sorry Sir, I am responding to a call for Security."       "Very well Senior Chief, carry on."       Noticing the security officer taking over, Kaitlyn said, "And that was our need for security."   <>       Once again, she was finding herself back in square one, wondering when they were going to be able to leave.   ==================================== (Velorum IV – Base Camp – COUNS Lt Kassia Marta – 2000) ==================================== Kass had been ordered to assist in Medical, which, she was happy to accomplish as she was once a doctor. Well, at least one of the life times of her symbiant had been. The knowledge her symbiant had gained while a doctor, she know had also. It made things much easier for her in this situation. She had been moving around assisting other medical personnel when she heard a commotion around Lt. Commander McKenzie, who used to be the Starbase CMO. The commotion had started to gain onlookers, which, also made her think that maybe she should see if she could help Kaitlyn. Moving over closer so she could hear what was happening she managed to see a man with a phaser backing away from Kaitlyn.   "Get away from me!  Stay back!  I know what this is all about and I'm not letting you touch me!" The man had said as Kaitlyn started to back slightly.   "What are you talking about?" she asked.   Scoffing at her, he replied, "Don't act like you don't know.....you're all in on this!  Everyone of you.....you're all......"  Kass watched as he stopped and put his hand to his head as if he had pain shooting through it. As he did that, Kaitlyn tried to move in as if to regain control of the situation, but, he was not having nothing of it. He was still half pointing the phaser at her and Kass thought it could get out of hand really quick.  Kass wondered where the heck Security was during all this commotion.   “At least let me treat your injuries," she pleaded.  "You have a severe concussion and if you don't let me treat that, you could end up worse off then you already are." She finally saw that all the talking and people coming to see what had been happening caught the attention of Doctor Mor’el. As he approached, Kaitlyn put up an hand giving him the signal to back off. Kass was unsure that was the right move as she thought that Kaitlyn needed the help. Kaitlyn then gave him the information as to what had been going on.   As they were talking the man started up once again. "Yeah.....I heard.....I heard what the guy said!"  He seemed now to be stark raving about something someone had said. "Will you at least tell me your name?" Kaitlyn had asked softly not wanting to agitate him more. Kass was surprised that the man actually stopped and thought for a moment then answered her. "Jay......Jay Thompson." It seemed that the question caught him off guard somewhat as he seemed to calm down a bit until he asked, “Why do you care what my name is?!  Like you don't know already, you're all in on the secret plan that I wish to destroy!" "You're all with Doenitz and his force!  I overheard....."  Jay said then grabbed his head in pain again, then shouted, "YOU!  I overheard you and that counselor guy.... Rogers..... talking about the plan!  You're part of the scum behind this mess I see here!" Kass closed her eyes as she knew that Rogers had messed things up once again by not watching what he said around people. She knew that he would be severly talked to when things calmed down, Kaitlyn had that look in her eyes. Kaitlyn then had enough as she tapped her commbadge, she said, "Mackenzie to Security....we have a situation ......."  As she and everyone watched Thompson pass out, she stopped talking and left them hanging. =^=Mackenzie?  What happened?!  Is everyone alright?=^=  She heard security on the other end. "Yes....situation under control." She replied to them as she calmly walked up to Thompson then gave a medical order. "I don't want this man leaving this area, is that understood?  He has a concussion so I want him kept under at all times until we get to the Boudicca.......whenever that may be."  She said the last part to herself quietly, then stated loudly, "We may not have enough medicine to keep him unconscious, so we'll have to use someone from security to watch and stay with him.  Any volunteers?" As she asked, Kass stepped forward, “Sir, You know that I am a counselor and I would be willing to help out in this situation.”   <>       "I was the chief medical officer aboard Geneva before this.  So....though I hate to get aquainted this way, what do you say we get to stocking those medkits?"   <>       So far the two seemed to be stepping off in the right direction as far as working together went.  She only hoped they could maintain a strong working relationship.       Heading towards the medical tent, they gathered what all they would need in the way of supplies to keep themselves stocked in case of any emergency that may arise while on the mission.  Kaitlyn was especially concerned about the hostages, as were they all, but since her main field was in medicine, she prayed they were in a safe place until they were discovered.   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre -  CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 2115) ====================================   Mor'rel took his half hour of peace to meditate and put his emotions back in place. It had been a trying day, and Mor'rel had no doubt that it would become even more difficult as time went on. He needed to be at the top of his game. He needed to be effective. Mor'rel's thoughts drifted to the humans and other alien species of the crew, he knew that some of them would be dead on their feet by this point. He hoped that some had taken the time to rest in the midst of this mess. He knew, almost certainly, that the upper eschelon of officers had forced rest on their younger staff... he also doubted that most of them had taken any time off. Sevant, like Mor'rel, would be capable of going for extended periods of time without rest but the others were not so capable.   Finally, Mor'rel stood and walked back into the main medical area. Seeing Rogers treating some minor wound or another he turned to him.   "Lieutenant, have there been any difficulties in my absence?" asked Mor'rel cold and impassively.   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre -  CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 2117) ==================================== Mor'rel listened to Rogers' report on his half hour in the Med Centre. Clearly, Mor'rel had chosen a good time to meditate. It sounds like it was the slowest it had been for at least the last two days.   "Lieutenant, the swollen ankle? Are there any indications of what caused it?" asked Mor'rel calmly.   (Reply Rogers)   Mor'rel looked at the man. "You must understand, there have been some odd occurrences over the last while. All things must be looked into."   (Reply Rogers)   Mor'rel nodded dispassionately at the man and considered things for a moment. "Lieutenant, we must ready the med centre for triage services. There is an enormous chance that we will have injured after the assault. We must also continue with the work started by Doctor Mackenzie and myself. There are many odd properties to the flora and fauna of this planet. The indigenous life forms assert that it is magic, however we were attempting to find a scientific reason for the events. We are currently working on the theory that some of the plants exude a strange pollen that acts as a hallucinogenic for us. That, coupled with some strange wildlife, may account for some of the injuries. You will find equipment set up with several plant and animal specimens. If we find the cause, we can inoculate the crew against some of the atmospheric effects. That would make them more effective battling our foes."   (Reply Rogers)   "While I do understand that this is not as exciting as preparing for the assault, it is a necessity, we must find an answer quickly. This may limit the number injured or killed from our battle group greatly," Mor'rel stated.   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Center - COUNS - Lt. Brian Rogers - 2117) ==================================== "Lieutenant, the swollen ankle? Are there any indications of what caused it?" Mor'rel asked Brian. Brian gulped hard. He didn't even ask. "Well, I assume it was the officer tripped and fell," "You must understand, there have been some odd occurrences over the last while. All things must be looked into," Mor'rel scolded. Brian nodded. He knew very little of what was going on outside the Medical Center. "Yes, sir. I'll inquire has to why if I see the officer later" "Lieutenant, we must ready the med center for triage services. There is an enormous chance that we will have injured after the assault. We must also continue with the work started by Doctor Mackenzie and myself. There are many odd properties to the flora and fauna of this planet. The indigenous life forms assert that it is magic, however we were attempting to find a scientific reason for the events. We are currently working on the theory that some of the plants exude a strange pollen that acts as a hallucinogenic for us. That, coupled with some strange wildlife, may account for some of the injuries. You will find equipment set up with several plant and animal specimens. If we find the cause, we can inoculate the crew against some of the atmospheric effects. That would make them more effective battling our foes," Mor'rel explained. Brian just nodded in agreement. "While I do understand that this is not as exciting as preparing for the assault, it is a necessity, we must find an answer quickly. This may limit the number injured or killed from our battle group greatly," Mor'rel said. "Sir, I'll start my research at once," Brian said, before heading over to a small station of medical equipment. He sat down and began pouring over the sensor results at a basic level before directing the sensors to scan the samples at a higher degree. He looked at the results. ~Nothing out of the ordinary, they look like normal microgametophytes.~ So, there Brian sat, trying to figure out the mystery of the flora and fauna. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV- Some place dark-Dr. Madison Munroe- time unknown) ====================================   Maddie screamed at the touch of the black robed figure.  It burned without leaving a mark on her body, which was now fully exposed for any to see.  Through her fear she could still sense a light feeling of relief as she realized that they hadn't stripped her and chained her to wall in order to unspeakable sex acts with her.   No, rather they had been committing unspeakable acts of pain upon her.    And they had yet to ask her a question, or even speak to her for that matter.  It was as if they were testing her, perhaps to see her level of pain endurance.  Unfortunately, she was a scientist, not a soldier, and she wasn't really prepared, mentally or physically, for this.   ~Oh Lord, help me through this and I will never go on another away mission again.~   Another touch, and the burning pain wracked her body, as sweat dripped from the backof her hair, down her back.  She tried to fight the tears, but couldn't hold in the scream.   "What do you want?  Why are you doing this?" she asked for the uncountable hundredth time.  She had lost track of any sense of time.  Unceratin as to if she had been in this chamber for a few minutes or a few hours.  All she knew was that it felt like days.   Then someone new entered the scene.  This one was wearing a black robe with a blood red trim, that stood out.  Maddie was still unable to make out the features of his face, but she could almost taste the sense of fear that ran through the others.  They didn't even move.  She, herself, caught herself holding her breath.   With a wave of his hands she felt the shackles that held her upright release, and the scientist fell to the floor.  ~Scientist, yeah right.~ she snorted at herself.  Here was a golden opportunity to observe a culture that was obviously based on some kind of... there was no other way to put it... magic, be it telepathic abilities or some form of advanced technology, and all she could do is whine and worry about her precious modesty, as she lifted her arms to cover her revealed body.   With a sweeping gesture the others were cast back.  Maddie wasn't sure if she should be grateful, or panic stricken.  Red Trim came towards her.  He lightly touched her cheek.  Maddie's instinct was to reel back, but she couldn't move.  She heard the creature say something, but wasn't sure if it was her imagination or not.   There was a slight tingle over her body and the pain she had been feeling was gone.  She breathed easily again.  Then she noticed that her venue had changed.   She was back in her cell, at the foot of the stairwell.  In order to stop herself from crying she began to laugh.   That was when she noticed that she wasn't alone.    "Who's there?" she cried out.   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Someplace Dark -  Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Unknown) ====================================   Engtamn felt the world wavering around him. He was barely concious after they took him. They forced him along, all the while he was somewhat shrouded in darkness. One thing that Engtamn was sure of... they took his container. He tried to wrestle with them, he tried to hold onto it, but it didn't matter. Looking back on it, when he first saw them, he probably should have tossed it away, but then they probably would have found it anyway.  A short time later he was pushed in a dark, dank room. Exhausted he fell to the floor.   "Who's there?" a woman's voice cried out in Federation standard.   Engtamn collected himself for a moment, his first response was to hide in fear. He hated conflict and violence. Then, it dawned on him, she must be in the same position he was. Crying out in the dark light that. When they had stripped him, they too his communicator. No universal translator... Engtamn could understand Federation standard well enough, but that strange earth tongue was often difficult to pronounce for his species.   "I... ith... Engtamn-Jensi... doctur. From... the... Roonabout... off... Geneva.  My... thandard... ith not... gud... thorry," stated Engtamn carefully. He did not want to make a greater mistake and frighten this poor woman even more. "I... ith... a...phythitht... I... thudy... worp... tezcnogoogleagy and wuz... tranthfurred... to... Bowdika." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV- Some place dark-Dr. Madison Munroe- time unknown) ====================================   The voice that hit Maddie's ears was not altogether unintelligible.  But it took a lot of concentration to understand it.   "I... ith... Engtamn-Jensi... doctur. From... the... Roonabout... off... Geneva.  My... thandard... ith not... gud... thorry. I... ith... a...phythitht... I... thudy... worp... tezcnogoogleagy and wuz... tranthfurred... to... Bowdika."   She recognized the words, "Geneva" and "Boudicca" although it didn't really sound like Boudicca.  The poor voice sounded almost as scared as she was, if that were possible.  What she did get was that this creature was from Starfleet, andmost likely a friend. She could use a friend right about now.  Of course, she could use a shirt right about now as well.   She crawled across the floor towards the voice.   "Ummm... doctor?  How did you get here?"   (reply E-J)   Maddie began to tear up again.  "I'm sorry I'm being so unscientific.  I'm not trained to cry at the drop of the hat.  I don't even kow what they want." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Someplace Dark -  Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Unknown) ====================================   The naked human female crawled across the floor towards Engtamn. He wasn't sure what to do. He was in the same state she was and felt very vulnerable, but then she was most likely as lost and scared as he was.   She crawled across the floor towards the voice.   "Ummm... doctor?  How did you get here?"   Engtamn held up a finger while he composed his thoughts. He believed he understood what she was asking, "Flythip... hit... ground... flath firtht, then down. Mutht... get... out... here. Devith... they... took... my... devith. Any way out?"   Maddie began to tear up again.  "I'm sorry I'm being so unscientific.  I'm not trained to cry at the drop of the hat.  I don't even kow what they want."   "Me either... but... out... any way? Mutht find devith." Engtamn had to make her understand. They were in grave danger unless the dark matter/antimatter device was recovered. While Engtamn doubted they even knew what they had, the possibility for disaster still remained.   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Someplace Dark -  Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Unknown) ==================================== It had been awhile since they had taken the woman who shared the cell with him away. Engtamn hoped that she was alright. He was sure that she was as frightened as he was. Engtamn was a scientist with honourary rank, not suited for this. When they had tried to take her, he had protested, even offered himself in place of her. They where resolute. His reward for his protestations was something hard slammed into the side of his head, and the reoccurance of the lack of consciousness which had been the intermittent hallmark of his capture. When he recovered his wits, the woman was gone and he was again alone. He was no longer in a heap on the floor, but rather chained to what seemed a rock wall. He also knew he was not alone. The figure in front of him was only a rough outline in the darkness. He could only see a flash of the whites of his eyes and cheshire grinning teeth. He babbled incoherently to Engtamn. Engtamn not understanding only shook his head and spoke first in his own language and then in broken common, "No underthand!" It was then, that the Grazerite scientist saw something glowing red and orange, he could feel definite heat radiating off of the article. It was then, that Engtamn recognized heated metal. Engtamn protested loudly and in vain, for the attacker could not understand the scientist. The next sound that filled the cell was the sound of a scream of pain, as the red hot metal was pressed against Engtamn's prone flesh. The sizzle echoing through the cavern was almost louder than Engtamn's screams. The smell of seared flesh filled the area. The figure continued to babble to the Grazerite, the Grazerite continued to protest in a language incoherent to the figure. Finally, mercifully, Engtamn passed out from the pain. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Scion Dungeon - Dr. Madison Munroe- sometime later) ====================================   Darkness and pain.  That's all there was now.  Not really pain though, just the memory of it.  A memory so vivid that it all hurt again.  It hurt to move, so she stayed still.  It hurt to breath, so she tried to hold her breath, and that hurt to.  Breathing was easier, a little, so she decided to keep living, for the moment.   In all of her studies, Maddie had learned that torture was the most ineffective way to get information from somebody.  More like as not, they either wouldn't talk, or would wind up telling a lie to make the suffering end.  She had the bague memory that she had been talking, but no memory of what she had said.   She rolled from her back onto her side and began to cough.  The coughing became a fit as she could not stop her body from contracting.  Finally the fit passed and she breathed a little more easily.  Slowly her senses began to return, starting with her sense of smell.  It was suddenly the one sense she wished hadn't come back, as the fetid and decaying smell almost over whelmed her.   Next to return was her sense of taste.  All she could taste was blood.  She assumed it was her own.  Carefully she probed the inside of her mouth with her tongue.  She still had all of her teeth, but apparently she had bit into the insides of her cheeks, and that was where the taste of the blood originated.  She winced as the tongue probed the wound.  It was uncertain how deep the injury was, but Maddie was certain that it was fairly substantial.   The next sense to return was her hearing.  But she was unsure of that since there was little to hear.  There was a steady drip, drip, drip of water somewhere.  And there was another sound that she didn't recognize.  The sound caused her to try and use her next sense too early, her sight.  As she opened her eyes all she could see was a blurred darkness.  Perhaps it wasn't blurred, just dark.  Was this it?  Was she dead?   No, if she were dead she wouldn't hurt so bad, or at least, she hoped she wouldn't.  Of course, the cruel joke could be that she was dead and destined to feel like crap for all eternity.  Typical!  She tried to chuckle, but it hurt to bad and turned into another coughing fit.   Maddie rolled over and it felt as if every nerve in her body ached.  Her movements were slow and spastic, but she finally made her way to a sitting position.  She examined herself, and found that there was no mark or open wound on her body.  Wait, there was something she didn't notice before.  Right babove her left breast, there was some kind of wound.  As she touched it, it burned and she realized what it was.  She cried out in anger and pain.  The bastards had branded her.   The cry of anger turned to just tears.  She was a scientist damn it, not some flippin' amazon.  Her head dropped as she wished she could rmember what she had told these things.  Then she was glad she couldn't rmember, because it would probably bring back the memory of the torment, and she didn't need that.  Sometimes ignorance was indeed bliss.   Then she heard the new sound again.  Curiosity began to take over from her sense of anguish.  Perhaps this would be a respite from wallowing in self pity.  As she crawled across the floor she became painfully aware that she was still naked.  The filthy straw was getting to places she wished it wouldn't.  It was time to try out her feet and legs.  Leaning against the wall she managed to get herself upright.   As she came closer to the noise, it began to sound like a whimper, but not a human sound.  More like a cross between a whine and a moan.  She peered into the dim light to see another body lying on the ground.  It was the other scientist... she couldn't remember his name... Englandjensen... or something like that.  And was he crying?  She managed to sit down next to him and touch him gently.   "Are you all right?" she asked. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Scion Dungeon -  Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Unknown) ==================================== The pain that enveloped Engtamn remained after he regained consciousness. In his mind's eye, the gentle Grazerite could see the red hot poker seering his flesh. He had been branded... branded like an animal. The embarrassment ate away at his feelings of self worth and brought memories rushing back of a time long forgotten. A time when the Tzaluzi had wanted to colonize Grazer and took them as unintelligent cattle. Before the Grazerites received help from the Federation, many members of their society had been coralled, branded and even eaten. The time was a black mark on his race's history. Engtamn began to sob.   "Are you all right?" came a female voice out of the darkness. Engtamn started at first, and then came to recognize it as the other Starfleet officer.   "Burnth... hurt," replied Engtamn cautiously, "You... okay?"   (reply Munroe)   "No... underthand...me... cut, burn 'cuz no underthand," stated Engtamn, "They no... get... informathion on... devithe. Get devithe back...we mutht." Engtamn's thoughts were still on the generator he was carrying. The item, if used improperly, had the potential to blow apart a section of this planet, and them along with it. Engtamn had been working long and hard to find a way to harness the reactive energy of dark matter/antimatter, the device was part of the solution, although a safe application was still most likely decades off. Engtamn was unsure whether he should tell his collegue exactly what the device was, after all, it was still classified and only Captain and his First Officer would be cleared for the information. ~Would she understand me anyway right now?~   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Scion Dungeon -  CSO- Dr. Madison Munroe- Unknown) ====================================   "Burnth... hurt," replied Engtamn cautiously, "You... okay?"   Listening to the other prisoner her ears began to adapt to his speach pattern.  The true joy of being a cultural anthropologist is understanding another species.  Maddies particular talent was in the area of language.  She spoke several different languages, and had a knack for picking up on new ones.  She was starting to pick up on these speach pattern's though.   She reached over to touch the Grazerrite.  "I'll live."  Then she reached up and gingerly touched her brand.  "Although, I'll bare a memory of this time forever."  She tried to get her mind off her own woes.  "So what happened to you?"   "No... underthand...me... cut, burn 'cuz no underthand," stated Engtamn, "They no... get... informathion on... devithe. Get devithe back...we mutht."   Now that she was beginning to get the speach pattern she caught what he was saying about a device.    "Device?  What device?  Why is it so important?" ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Scion Dungeon -  Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Unknown) ==================================== The woman, Moonrock had she said? She was asking about the device, at its importance. Engtamn's mind raced, he couldn't just tell her everything, it was classified. Still, he had to impart the importance.   "Me work in propulthion. Trying to go warp ten, thtill long way off, trying to harneth energy thource. Devithe aidth with energy thource. No believe in violenth, not weapon... but... if uthed wrong... dethroy... whole area... maybe more," stated Engtamn feeling more confident with his Federation Standard although annoyed that his Grazerite physical features wouldn't allow him to mimic all the natural sounds, "Clathified."  He had told her a great deal, perhaps too much. However, he had not told her exactly the source of the energy.  He hoped that this, coupled with the extraordinary circumstances they were in, would justify his indiscretion. He had to trust someone, they had to survive.   (Reply Munroe)   "Lucky... hard to uthe... difficult to thumble on... acthidentally..." said Engtamn, knowing full well that their captors were likely studying the device extremely closely at this very moment. Every so often Engtamn waited for the tell-tale signs of dark matter/antimatter collision. So far, nothing had come. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Scion Dungeon -  CSO- Dr. Madison Munroe- Unknown) ====================================   As fascinating as the other scientists propulsion unit was, it was not her area of expertice.  However, when he told her it was classified that sent off warning flags in her head.  There was very little that was that classified.  It usually spelled out dangerous.  And his reaction reinforced that feeling.   "Ummm... exactly how classified?" she asked.  "I mean, can they set it off on accident?"   "Lucky... hard to uthe... difficult to thumble on... acthidentally..." Engtamn-Jensi replied.   She still wasn't happy about it, but there was little they could do.  They weren't exactly in any shape to do anything about it, or even dressed for the occasion, for that matter.  Although she seemed to recall someone telling her that the best time to attack someone was when they least expected it.  That had sounded like good advice then.  Now it just sent foolish thoughts through her mind.    "Doctor, we have got to get out of here," she began.  "I do not believe that these people will leave us be, and that their ... methods of persuasion are only just beginning.  If they continue, they will kill us, of even worse."  She envisioned herself being driven mad by their torture.   "Yeth... mutht get back devithe. At leatht dethroy it..." Engtamn trailed off. He was in complete agreement, but unsure how to proceed. "How?"   "I don't know what to do," she said, frustrated.  "I'm not, what you might call, very handy with self defense."    Maddie climbed the stairs to look out the window of the door.  She was, once again, aware of her state of undress.  She sighed as she looked out the window to the empty corridor.  Suddenly a dark face appeared in the window, making the scientist's heart skip a beat.  She stepped back with a gasp and almost fell off the stairs.    All she could hear was the laughing as she threw herself against the solid wall.  Her hands clung onto the post that held the flaming torch.  She cried out as the hot metal stung her hand.    Surprised by the cry the guard opened the door to make sure everything was alright.  The last thing he needed was for one of these creatures to die on his shift.  It would definitely lead him to a most unpleasant remained of his life.   Maddie was equally surprised by the head that popped in the room.  Instinctively she turned around.  Her hand had managed to hold onto the wooden handle of the flaming torch.  As it came around it struck the guard in the head, sending him tumbling down the same fall that she, herself, had almost made moments ago.  As she looked down, she saw the impossible angle of the guards neck, and knew that he was dead.   "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god," she kept saying as she ran down the stairs.  "What did I do?"   Engtamn recoiled in horror as he watched what Maddie did, violence of all kinds was repugnant to him. Still though, a drive to survive still existed in him. He saw her reaction, her horrified look as the full impact of her actions seized her. He looked at the woman and despite his hatred of her action forced out the words, "Gave uth a chanthe to live. Will hith clotheth fit you?"   As she got closer the realization of what he asked her caught Maddie by surprise.  "You mean you want me to..., oh no, no, no.  I don't think so.  Maybe you should."   Engtamn looked at her, hard for a second. "We cannot be thquemithh about it. Their clotheth are the key to our ethcape."   Maddie knew that he was right, but still... dead bodies... ewww.  She bagan to slowly peel the acolytes clothes off him.  She found a type of rod hidden in his robes.  She looked at it curiously.  "I wonder what this is?"  She handed it to Engtamn-Jensi.   Engtamn took the rod and looked at it curiously. "Perhapths some form of weapon. I have thworn an oath, even now..." Engtamn trailed off considering this sadly. When he had sworn his oath of pacificsm this did not seem a possibility . In fact, the day when he swore his oath seemed like a long way off. He had been acting and reacting in ways that he never though was possible for himself or any other Grazerite. He began to examine the rod more closely and it did, indeed, look like an energy weapon. "Thith," he said pointing to a small button midway up the rod, "thould activate it." He handed the weapon back to Maddie.   Maddie's eyes opened wide as Engtamn handed the thing back to her.  She held it gingerly, between her thumb and fore-finger.  "And you're expecting me to use this?  We don't even know what it does."   The scientist in her began to emerge and she took a stronger grip on the device.  She pressed the button, and was suitably impressed by the bolt of lightning that shot out from it.   "It must by some kind of Leydan Capacitor, only very powerful," she said amazed.  "This could give someone a nasty pain."   She had managed to pull the robes over her, and felt a little less vulnerable, now that she was somewhat clothed.  Along with this weapon, she believed that they were about to embark on something that was completely dangerous and thoroughly stupid.  But it was better than waiting to die.   "You ready to go?" she asked.   Engtamn nodded. He hoped they'd be able to find him some robes soon... he was cold and felt odd naked along with her. He felt better that she was able to use the weapon, although he wondered what he would do if put into a position that endangered both of them.   "As she lead the Grazerrite up the stairs she said, "I guess the first order of business is get you some clothes."  then she gave him a wicked glance.  "Although, this could make an interesting study."   As they entered the hall way she noticed that it was empty.  However she could hear the sounds of footsteps coming their way.  She lead Engtamn-Jensi the other way.  She was not sure she was ready for a conflict, just yet. Unfortunately, that way lead around the corner, straight to another acolyte.   Without thinking  she thumbed the triger on the weapon and a bolt of electricity shot out and struck the guard.  it sent him flying across the hall and he hit the wall on the other side with a dull thud, then he slid to the ground.   She shrugged her sholders at Engtamn and said," Well, I guess these robes are yours."   Engtamn looked at her and nodded. He quickly removed the clothing from the prone figure and put them on. He also carried one of the rods with him. Engtamn picked it up and hooked it to the rope sash around the robes. It could come in handy at some point later, or at least be something relevant for study. "The devithe... were would it be?"   Suddenly, Maddie realized that she wasn't going to get this one out of here without his device.  "I have no idea.  I suppose we're going to have to go searching for it."   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Outside of the Scion Dungeon -  Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Half Past the Freckle on my Arm) ====================================   Engtamn looked around cautiously with Maddie close behind. He hoped that things would be easy at this point, after all he had dragged her along to find the device. A device that she didn't really even know about, but still had decided to help anyway. So far, they'd been able to pass through most of the complex fairly easily. It was as if the people who had taken them were out doing something.   "Where do you thuppothe everyone ith?" asked Engtamn with his voice dropped to a whisper.   (Reply Munroe)   Engtamn nodded, somehow it was even more crucial that they get out of the complex as fast as possible. Engtamn snuck cautiously through the complex in the dark robe taken from one of the Scions. The hood was cautiously pulled up around his face and his cloven hands pulled deep inside the sleeves of the robe. More than once they passed other black robed figures, heads down moving swiftly. So far, there had been no difficulties. They had been lucky.   Peering in every doorway of the hewn complex had so far been a useless affair. One room after another looking more or less the same. Then, finally, Engtamn saw it. A large grey case bearing the Starfleet emblem on the side.   "There it ith... wait here. If there ith a problem, thignal me," said Engtam softly as he shuffled in the room and began to secure the case.   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Outside the Scion Dungeon -  CSO- Dr. Madison Munroe- Quarter to my butt) ====================================   Given a bit of courage, now having something over her body, and a weapon of some sort in her hand.  So far their trek through the maze of the dungeons had been easy.  A little too easy.  She was begining to wonder where everyone was.  Not that she wanted them to show up or anything.   Then Engtamn's voice cut through the silence in a whisper.  "Where do you thuppothe everyone ith?"   "I don't know," Maddie replied, "but let's just hope they bloody well stay there."   They looked into each room as they passed it, with no luck.  Although, she had to admitte, tat they had been lucky enough, not to be captured.  Just what in the bloody blue blazes were they thinking.  Their priority should have been to get out of there.  But no, they had to go looking for some device, that she was certain was using some dubious technology.  Engtamn openned a door and froze.    "There it ith... wait here. If there ith a problem, thignal me," the Grazerite said softly.   ~Exactly what kind of flamin' signal were you thinking.~  But she held her tongue.  Looking around she thought she heard a sound, but it turned out to be the wind.  Then she turned to look the way they had come.    Her heart just about stopped as an acolyte was standing right behind.  The shock of seeing the acolyte made her step back.  She tripped on a step and cried out.   "Where is the other," the black figure demanded.    "Other?" she asked ignorantly.  "What other?  Oh that guy?  Well we split up to make sure that one of us made it out of here alive."   She noticed the door of the room start to open and what looked like a hoof poke out.  So she decided to up her voice level.  "So he's most likely at the other end of the dungeon." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Outside of the Scion Dungeon -  Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Half Past the Wart on my Left Pinkie) ====================================   Engtamn had retrieved the case and started to leave the room when everything started to go wrong. He could hear voices in the hallway in front of the office he was in. One was Madison's, one was male. Engtamn could hear Madison increase the volume of her voice. He shuddered slightly thinking about what they would do to his new friend. He couldn't bear the thought of her being tortured again, but he also lived by a code so integral to his species' survival, so much a part of them that it was almost impossible for him to see past it. He wrestled with the decision he had to make. His species were pacifists, committed to peaceful resolution of problems. They had decreed that they would never do harm to another species. Even the various occupiers had never been fought with, even the carnivoristic felines of his homeworld had been humanely transferred to another planet to be a reserve for them. Still, at this time, Engtamn felt himself raising the strange alien device in one hand.   His hand on the door, Engtamn slowly opened it, weapon in hand while Madison continued to protest and speak loudly to the guard who had found her. Suddenly, Engtamn pushed his way out of the door and pushed the rod into the surprised guard. There was a crackling sound as the guard fell to the ground in a heap, and then a clatter as Engtamn dropped the weapon horrified by what he had done. He wanted to weep, to sit and cry, but to do so and get caught would make his action against the guard even more reprehensible than it already was.   "Got it," Engtamn said softly, in a shakey voice, his eyes downcast.   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Outside the Scion Dungeon -  CSO- Dr. Madison Munroe- Miller time ) ====================================   The next thing that Maddie knew, there was a flash of lightning and the acolyte went flying across the hall, a fell to a heap on the floor.  She rushed over to him and tentatively shook him.  He didn't move.  Then she even more tentatively, reached inside his cloak and felt for some kind of a pulse.  Of course, she wasn't sure if it had a pulse to begin with.    She looked up at Engtamn-Jensi, who looked like he was going to throw up.  She couldn't really blame him, as she had never killed anything larger than a bug in her life either.   "Got it," he said, showing her the small box.    Maddie came to his side and put anunderstanding hand on the Grazerite's shoulder.  "It had to be done, if we were to escape.  Come on, let's get out of here."   Now their plan consisted of them getting out of this place alive.  They ducked and dodged their way through corridors and hid in doorways.  As they pressed against a doorway, Maddie heard a hum coming from inside.  Out of curiosity she opened the door and peeked inside.    "Psst," she said to Engtamn, "what do you make of this?"   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Outside of the Scion Dungeon -  Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Once Upon A Time)  ==================================== Engtamn listened as the woman tried to comfort him. She didn't understand, she couldn't. Her entire species abhorred violence, now he had killed. Engtamn let the full realization sink in. He would be outcast as a deviant. He had no place in his family, in his society. In an instant Engtamn's entire life, his entire culture had crumbled around him. He was now left with nothing.   Engtamn was deep in thought as Madison opened a door and asked him what the item in the room was. Her voice snapped him out of his introspective state. Engtamn stared intently at the machine inside the room for a moment.   "It ith hard to tell without my tricorder," replied Engtamn looking in the room tentatively. Was this important? Could this help them somehow? There was definitely a whirr of energy. It was definitely mechanical and definitely active.   "A machine of thome thort. There appearth to be a forth field projetor on it. That maketh it hard without a tricorder to figure out. If we could thut down the forth field I might be able to figure it out," stated Engtamn.   (Reply Munroe)   Engtamn thought for a second. Was it worth staying and possibly getting caught? He stared at the machine again. ~In for an ounce of grain, in for a pound.~ "I would thay that if they put a forth field around it, it mutht be important. We thould try to find a way inthide."   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Outside the Scion Dungeon -  CSO- Dr. Madison Munroe- Time after time) ====================================   Maddie stepped out of the way so the Engtamn could take a look.   "It ith hard to tell without my tricorder," replied Engtamn.  "A machine of thome thort. There appearth to be a forth field projetor on it. That maketh it hard without a tricorder to figure out. If we could thut down the forth field I might be able to figure it out."   ~Duh, it's a machine.~  "  "Do you think it's important?" she asked.   "I would thay that if they put a forth field around it, it mutht be important. We thould try to find a way inthide."   Maddie edged her way inside the room and began to look around.  She could feel the energy off the force fields being projected.  Unfortunately, even though she was a sientist, gadgets and electronics were not her specialty.  She had no idea what to do.  She backed up to an instrumant panel and saon it to contemplate what to do.   Her butt check felt something hard as she sat and then there was a click.  The humm of power died down to a purr, and the hairs on her arm relaxed.  She turned around to see that she had sat on a red button, ith words written above it.  If she didn't know any better she'd swear that the button said, "Power to force field."   She giggled a little and turned to Engtamn.  "I think I just turned off the force field."   ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Outside of the Scion Dungeon -  Research Scientist - Doctor Engtamn-Jensi - Now, not later, but before Straton finds us) ====================================   She giggled a little and turned to Engtamn.  "I think I just turned off the force field."   With that, Engtamn wordlessly walked to the machine and flipped a few switches. The machine's hum died away.   "It wath the thing keeping uth from contacting the thip," stated Engtamn, "If we had comm badgeth we could go to the Boudicca now."