USS_Rosenante_The_Third_Law_Compile_22 ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 11 Stardate: 2414.3.26 ========================= (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 11 - 2308) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - LCRD Steven Matrix - Day 11 ­ 2312) (Asrai Prime - Cedlebrai City - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma-2342) ========================= (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 11 - 2308) Matrix yawned then smiled at Caskie. "Apologies...I guess I'm tired...yes...2am. I'll get some shuteye." replied Matrix as he tried to make himself comfortable on the cold ground. It would be too difficult given the level of exhaustion he was experiencing. Matrix took a look around at the bunch and noticed Caskie take watch. He wanted to give some words of comfort however useless they might appear. "We'll get them out Commander. Of that I have no doubt." said Matrix. Caskie smiled across at him and nodded. "Yes we will Commander." "We're a resourceful bunch us Star Fleet types...we'll find a way." he replied. Nodding again and wishing more than anything else that he would go to sleep and leave her in peace Josh smiled and answered him once again, but this time with more of the steel in her voice that she used to speak with. "Yes Commander Matrix, we will." (No reply needed, just closing off a reply) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - LCRD Steven Matrix - Day 11 ­ 2311) Matrix settled in and started to recall another away mission where he first took a life of another. The image of the alien officer vaporized at a well place phaser shot still haunted him. He hoped he would never be put in that position again, but he wouldn't hesitate if necessary. Phaser or by blade the results were the same. He hoped too that they would avoid any bloodshed in rescuing Fraser and the Captain, but that was likely a long shot. His gut told him that these people were more lethal than they appear. Matrix turned on his side away from the others and closed his eyes. ~I need rest however short.~ With that Matrix fell asleep knowing he would be awaken in a few short hours. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Steve) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Cedlebrai City - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma-2342) When the others arrived Ben stepped out of the trees to greet them, Davis wasted no time and got right to the point. "Are we changing the plan? And if so, why?" "We are changing the plan based on information provided by Kaso." Ben replied. "He believes we'll encounter heavy resistance, the bane posses pain belts which generate an energy field around them which inflicts great pain to those who come into contact with it." Davis nodded. "Understood." He looked at their group and then back to Soma. "In your opinion, do we need everyone or can we still send a small team to explore the caves?" Ben thought for a moment before responding. "For now it may be best for all of us to remain together," He said. "strength in numbers. Depending on the number of guards we may need to prepare a diversion, have a single member or two attempt to draw some of the guards off giving the rest of us a better chance." "Okay. Then that's what we'll do. We should move quickly--every second we waste is a second the Captain and Dr. Fraiser may not have." Ben nodded. "Agreed." He replied before turning to the others. "Stay close to my heels and don't deviate from the path I follow. There are some pretty nasty traps that you don't want to trigger." Ben lead them back through the traps and eventually to the cliff, he lead them to the hidden entrance and then inside. "What your about to see is going to surprise you." He said. "The Asrai posses some advanced technology, most of it isn't working anymore but some of it still functions." He lead them through the caverns into the catacombs, the path they took twisted and turned and Ben found it was hardly necessary to look at the padd containing the directions. Soon they entered the outerchambers of the Thilsoll and he slowed a little to allow everyone to take in the sights, the computer terminals were now dark but once a long time ago they hummed with power. It was anyone's guess what they controlled, maybe one day soon they may get to find out. Ben lead them into the inner chamber after Havi opened the door for them again. (reply any, none required) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 12 Stardate: 2414.3.27 ========================= (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City- Darkom Dungeon - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 12 - 0110) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City- Darkom Dungeon – aCMO Lieutenant (JG) Tayla Fraiser - Day 12 - 0113) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City- Darkom Dungeon - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 12 - 0115) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City- Darkom Dungeon - aCMO Lieutenant JG Tayla Fraiser - Day 12 - 0117) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 12 - 0140) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - CEO - LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 12 - 0144) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 0146) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 12 - 0148) (Asrai Prime - Golden Temple - The Oracle - Day 12 - 0150) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol- YEO Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 12 - 0200) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - ATAC/SC - Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos - Day 12 - 0203) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - Lt. sg Sanok - Day 12 - 0205) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol -CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma- 0207) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - Adom - Day 12 - 0209) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - Lt. sg Sanok - Day 12 - 0215) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - ATAC/SC - Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos - Day 12 - 0218) (Asrai Prime - Catacombs- Commander Soran - 0340) (Asrai Prime - Catacombs- CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 0345) (Interior Rogue Planet - First Engineer Linba - Day 12 - 0715) (Interior Rogue Planet - LT. Tom Jackson-COPS-Day 12 - 0717) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge - GSL- Lt. Xim - Day 12 - 0800) (COPS Quarters Dahlia Jackson Day 12 0801) (USS Rosenante - COPS Quarters - Lt. Tom Jackson - COPS - Day 12 - 0802) (Runabout DeMarco - GSL - Lt. Xim - Day 12 - 0810) (Asrai Prime- Ancient Ruins- ODCC - The Voice - Day 12 - 0855) (USS Rosenante - COPS Quarters - Lt. Tom Jackson - COPS - Day 12 0902) (USS Rosenante Shuttle Bay Shuttle DeMarco 0904) (Interior Rogue Planet – Warp Coil 7 - Science Department – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 0915) (Interior Rogue Planet - First Engineer Linba - Day 12 - 0920) (Shuttle DeMarco LT. Tom Jackson Day 12 0845) (Runabout DeMarco - Strat Ops/ QM - LT Chance Raschen - 1320) (Runabout DeMarco - Strat Ops/ QM - LT Chance Raschen - 2230) (Interior Rogue Planet – Engineering, Main Control Room – Science Department – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 2341) ========================= (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City- Darkom Dungeon - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 12 - 0110) Once their tormentors were gone, Ahmed allowed himself a moment of weakness as he struggled to stay standing. The shock of the pain field was more intense than anything he had ever felt before, and the close proximity of more than one of the fields was almost too much for him to handle. He felt Tayla's hands on his shoulders, guiding him to a sitting position against the wall of the cell. It was made of stone, and the coolness of the bare stone bled through the fabric of his merchant's robes and gave his aching muscles a little respite. "How do you feel sir?" Tayla asked. "Like I just went twenty-rounds in a locked cage match with a dozen Nausicaans who happen to be heavyweight boxers." he replied, "every muscle in my body is rebelling at this very instant. I think they'd actually consider mutiny if they had any better place to go." "Sir, I want to apologize." "For what?" Ahmed asked. Tayla squeezed her eyes closed briefly and said, "For getting us into this mess. This was all my fault." "It doesn't do either of us any good for you to take blame at the moment ensign; better that we stay focused on the problem at hand and figure a way out of here before it's execution time. Besides, this wasn't really anyone's fault, was it?" he said, trying to sound reassuring, instead she must have thought he was being recriminating. "The fight with Parker that I told you about by the fountain. That's what started all this and it wouldn't have happened..." she paused and Ahmed could tell that the next part of whatever she was going to say was difficult for her. "It's alright, you don't have to confess now." he offered, but once again, the young woman decided to forge ahead. She sighed deeply, resigned to the words that were forthcoming. "Parker and I... Well, we've been seeing each other." she admitted. The entire situation suddenly became more apparent to them, the reasons and the way that things developed since that moment. His analytical mind realized quickly that the cause of the fight wasn't the reason that they were here, it was only the vehicle by which they came to be in a specific location where a cultural faux pas was made. That mistake could have been made with or without the argument and the subsequent crying, so he considered her argument for this situation being her fault invalid. Yet there was still another aspect of the situation that he had to consider and that was the lack of disclosure concerning their relationship, and how it might have an affect on the dynamics of the away team and their mission. That aspect was fully within the confines of Tayla's, and for that matter Parker's, control. "I see." Ahmed replied, considering his next words carefully. "You're both right and wrong in your assessment miss Fraiser. Our discovery and imprisonment here is not a direct result of your argument with Parker. In fact, it is completely unrelated. The reason for our discovery and imprisonment is the social faux-pas that took place when you kept the Voice from face-planting into the cobblestone street. " "I think that would have happened regardless of why you were in that square. So put that aspect out of your mind. On the other hand, you know full well that relationships can jeopardize the success of an away mission, especially when they are not disclosed to the Commanding officer of that mission. At this very least, that knowledge could have given me second thought to team you and Parker together in the first place. Not to mention, being more aware of the potential emotional backlashes caused by your interaction." He shook his head. "The moment that he was placed in a position of authority over you, you should have told me about your relationship. It potentially compromised his ability to remain objective as is required for his command position and you had a duty to make certain that I was aware of that Dynamic. And for his part, parker should have advised me as well, yet neither of you saw fit to disclose that detail to the Away Team commander, knowing that regulations clearly indicate that you should have done so." He looked her in the eyes. "And now I have to ask you, if you were arguing over an order that was given to you by the second in command of this away mission?" (reply Fraiser) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City- Darkom Dungeon – aCMO Lieutenant (JG) Tayla Fraiser - Day 12 - 0113) Salid shook his head. "The moment that he was placed in a position of authority over you, you should have told me about your relationship. It potentially compromised his ability to remain objective as is required for his command position and you had a duty to make certain that I was aware of that Dynamic. And for his part, parker should have advised me as well, yet neither of you saw fit to disclose that detail to the Away Team commander, knowing that regulations clearly indicate that you should have done so." He then, looked her in the eyes. "And now I have to ask you, if you were arguing over an order that was given to you by the second in command of this away mission?" Knowing that this question was coming, Tayla thought for a second and then said, “Sir, if I can explain for a moment. The reason for our argumement started before he ordered me not to do something. So, in effect, the reason for us arguing was not an order at all.” (Reply Salid) Sighing, a tear ran down her face as she said, “I can't apologise enough that we haven't told you. It was a mistake and for that, I can't apologise enough.” She rubbed the tear from her face and sighed, leaning back on the wall. She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them and continued, “All I can say is that I will never hide anything like this from you again.” (Reply Salid) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City- Darkom Dungeon - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 12 - 0115) There was a moment of pause before Tayla answered. The delay was long enough to be noticeable, but not long enough for Ahmed to be concerned. “Sir, if I can explain for a moment." she began, "The reason for our argument started before he ordered me not to do something. So, in effect, the reason for us arguing was not an order at all.” "And that is the very reason that these things are disclosed Miss Fraiser. Such an argument could have jeopardized the mission, which in this case could have resulted in the deaths of an entire inhabited world." There was a hint of disappointment in his voice as he spoke. Sighing, a tear ran down her face as she said, “I can't apologize enough that we haven't told you. It was a mistake and for that, I can't apologize enough.” She rubbed the tear from her face and sighed again, leaning back on the wall. She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them and continued, “All I can say is that I will never hide anything like this from you again.” Ahmed nodded, "Then you've learned a valuable lesson from all of this and I have no doubt that you will take it to heart. For the moment, maybe you should try to get some rest. I have a feeling that we're going to need all our strength and our wits about us if we are going to get out of this mess. I'll wake you in a couple of hours so we can shift the watch." (reply Tayla iyw, but not necessary) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City- Darkom Dungeon - aCMO Lieutenant JG Tayla Fraiser - Day 12 - 0117) Tayla nodded and said, "Thank you, Sir." Lying down on the floor, she sighed and tried not to think of what was going to happen. The reality of what had happened and what she had caused weighed heavily on her mind. As she fell asleep, she realised that there was a chance that she was never going to see her family or Parker ever again. Forcing a tear away, she closed her eyes. .:Parker, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I love you :. (Reply No-one) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 12 - 0140) Once they had been brought here Josh had imaged that she would immediately have something to do to help in the rescue of the Captain and Lt Frazier, however she was proved wrong. Everyone else began working on various schemes and ideas to help, none of which needed Josh in any way shape or form so she simply began prowling round the chamber in a smaller and smaller circle, simply listening to everyone speak, growing more and more frustrated with each circle until she heard Cmdr Matrix and Lt O'Neill's discussion. Crossing over to them she coughed to get their attention and removing the pendant from around her neck she opened it and took out the memory chip. "I've been using this as a tricorder. Here is the power source make as much use of it as you can gentlemen." (Reply Matrix, O'Neill iyw) Nodding and turning away she spotted Parker sitting in a corner and crossing over to him sat down beside him. "Mind if I join you Mr Davis?" (Reply Parker) Not giving him much time to answer she joined him on the floor and turning to him smiled. "It's never easy you know being in charge of an away team. You are either so busy that you don't have time to think or everything goes so slowly that you have plenty of time to second guess yourself and figure out what you did wrong. It's never easy Mr Davis, neither is it ever one thing or the other. So.... I am fairly sure you are second guessing yourself right about know, because if I was in charge that is probably what I would be doing." (Reply Parker) (Posted by Marilyn) -------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - CEO - LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 12 - 0144) Huddling over the alien mechanism like two school yard children playing marbles, Matrix and O'Neill started working on the power charge of the alien weapon. "No I think this is the power inducer, but it does look like an inverter." said Matrix to O'Neill as he picked up his tricorder. (Reply O'Neill) The scanner hissed and beeped in response to the engineer's inquiry. "Inconclusive....we'll just have to try it and see what happens." replied Matrix. (Reply O'Neill) Commander Caskie startled Matrix forcing his concentration to look up at her. She handed him a memory chip she kept in her pendant. "I've been using this as a tricorder. Here is the power source make as much use of it as you can gentlemen." Matrix smiled, "Thank you Commander." replied Matrix has he took the memory chip. He looked over to O'Neill, "a second chance should we burn out this other power cell. What do you think, we use the power cell from my second tricorder or Commander Caskie's? They both look like they might work. " asked Matrix. (Reply O'Neill) "I'm not sure we can trust the resistance compatibility between the two devices. Our power devices are self-adapting, but hard telling what the alien weapon will draw. Perhaps we should try the lesser power source? We can monitor the transfer with the other tricorder to see if it draw too much. If it does and we use the Commander's memory chip power source it might not burn out the weapon." replied Matrix. (Reply O'Neill) "Okay...lets give it a try." said Matrix. (Reply O'Neill) (Posted by Steve) -------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 0146) "Mind if I join you Mr Davis?" Parker looked up and saw Josh, and shook his head, indicating the spot next to him as she was in the process of sitting down anyway. "It's never easy you know being in charge of an away team. You are either so busy that you don't have time to think or everything goes so slowly that you have plenty of time to second guess yourself and figure out what you did wrong. It's never easy Mr Davis, neither is it ever one thing or the other. So.... I am fairly sure you are second guessing yourself right about know, because if I was in charge that is probably what I would be doing." He nodded. "I'm second-guessing just about everything I've done since we beamed down," he said, and rubbed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. Thinking about his relationship with Tayla, and their indiscretion of failing to tell the Captain, he added, "and perhaps before that, too." (reply Josh) "I give advice to fellow crewmembers all day long and I can't think of one good piece of advice to give myself in this situation," he said. "Our operation is something outside of my field of expertise. I'm not a tactical officer. I counsel tactical officers, but I'm not an expert in that field by any stretch of the imagination. I haven't even gone to command school. I have no choice but to defer to others' judgment and let someone else take the lead in our primary mission. So basically, as a Second in Command, I'm a failure." He was well aware that he sounded like he was feeling sorry for himself but in actuality, he honestly believed what he was saying. He had tried and failed to command. He didn't belong in charge of other people. And while that was somewhat disappointing, it was more frightening than it was harmful to his ego, because it was that very position that he now found himself in. (reply Josh) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 12 - 0148) He nodded. "I'm second-guessing just about everything I've done since we beamed down," he said, and rubbed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. Thinking about his relationship with Tayla, and their indiscretion of failing to tell the Captain, he added, "and perhaps before that, too." Josh simply nodded her head and smiled at him. "I give advice to fellow crewmembers all day long and I can't think of one good piece of advice to give myself in this situation," he said. "Our operation is something outside of my field of expertise. I'm not a tactical officer. I counsel tactical officers, but I'm not an expert in that field by any stretch of the imagination. I haven't even gone to command school. I have no choice but to defer to others' judgment and let someone else take the lead in our primary mission. So basically, as a Second in Command, I'm a failure." He was well aware that he sounded like he was feeling sorry for himself but in actuality, he honestly believed what he was saying. He had tried and failed to command. He didn't belong in charge of other people. And while that was somewhat disappointing, it was more frightening than it was harmful to his ego, because it was that very position that he now found himself in. Shaking her head Josh smiled at him. "Your are so wrong there. Yes you are not at tactical officer. Why should you be. You have more than enough tactical people around you to advise you. You do not need to be a tactical officer you only need listen to their advice and then make a decision." "And no you are not a failure. You are just suffering from what every new mission leader suffers from. A crisis of confidence. Believe me I have been there. Remind me later to tell you about my first mission as FO. It's not a tale for today in any way shape or form. but you might find it instructive later. Now you need to get up off you rear end and go find out what is happening and start getting us organised." "Soma, Sanok and Rosenbauer are over there planning the rescue. You should be over with them. Or should I just take over because you have given up. Get your ass up off that floor now Lietenant and take charge of this mission. Because if you don't I will." (reply Parker) (posted by Marilyn) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Golden Temple - The Oracle - Day 12 - 0150) The doors to the inner sanctum swung open soundlessly as the group of banes escorted the young Asrai male into the chamber. The man was frightened and it was easy to determine through the use of the many sensors available to the Oracle that the young man was on the verge of complete and total terror. The Banes came to an abrupt stop as soon as he commanded them to do so. The man in their midst not so quickly and in his fear he bumped into the Bane who had been leading the small guard a moment before. The man stood, trembling, as he looked around the chamber, wondering what was going to happen to him now that he had come forward. The oracle brought up the various displays and devices that would give him an unfair advantage over the young man standing before him. His biological signs, heart rate, respiration, blood chemistry, and bioelectrical energy were all recorded and monitored. [Statement: I am the oracle. You are here because I command it.] The young man glanced around looking for the source of the voice that echoed around the room. All of the banes raised their hands and pointed directly at the vitrotank that supported the oracle. [Command: Step forward] The young man took a step forward and then forced himself to take another and another until the oracle commanded him to stop. [Inquiry: Why have you come to us?] The young man squeezed his eyes closed, the sensors picking up the acts of focus and calming that the young man was attempting. He was only partially successful. "I... come because.... because I have information..." he stammered. [Inquiry: You refer to the Tilshol?] The man standing there shook his head. "Yes...and the others..." [Inquiry: Others?] "Those demons... the ones that you arrested." the young man seemed to be getting control of his fear. "There are more of them, they are... hiding." [Command: Continue] "They are going to try to rescue the prisoners... fromthedungeon." he blurted out. "I am faithful, I can now see the errors of my ways. The demons, they only want to destroy us." The Oracle began to consider his options. [Inquiry: why have you come here?] "I do not wish to be cast out into the depths of non-essence. I seek forgiveness. I regret my foolishness in ever questioning the true faith." [Command: Identify yourself.] "My name is Adom. I was once a member of the order of the Scholars of the Reliquary. I was cast out for my ignorance." the young man replied. "Please forgive me." [Inquiry: How many of these others were there?] "I saw only three, but they spoke of more. They were going to gather and then come here to rescue their friends." [Inquiry: Do they know that you have gone?] "Yes, I told them I would scout the way. I could think of no better way to warn you of their attack." He commanded one of the Banes forward. The soldier raised a small device and pressed it roughly against the man's back. There was a dull crunch as the micro-cellular tracer was embedded under the man's skin and into his scapula. "Ouch!" the young man exclaimed as he stepped away from the Bane with the device. [Command: Do not fear. Statement: You have been given a great gift that will protect you from harm. Command: Return to the Tilshol and guide them to the dungeons as you suggested. Bane shall lie in wait and you shall be rewarded for your piety.] "Thank you." Adom replied, "I remain your humble servant." [Command: You will follow the bane back to the catacombs.] "Of course." the young man replied and then followed as the Banes turned about in perfect precision and led him back into the catacombs. (reply None) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol- YEO Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 12 - 0200) Mike had taken the time to doze for a few moments to keep his mind sharp. It wasn't much of a nap, but the combat veteran in him knew that he should try to get all the sleep he could whenever the opportunity presented itself. He could tell that the majority of the crew were hard at work, or taking what opportunities they could to get some rest, and so he didn't feel guilty about grabbing a few minutes of a power nap for himself. He glanced around the room, as he stood and stretched. Matriz and O'Neill were still hard at work charging and working on the alien weapons using the tricorders as power sources. It was a trade-off, losing scanning capability in exchange for firepower, but one that Mike felt was necessary after their conversation with Kaso. As the ranger stretched his aching muscles, he took a few moments to really consider everything that had happened since they had arrived. There was the problems with Kenovan, the difficulty of the native gestures and the complexities of their Caste systems. In addition they were now under the city in an alcove that strongly indicated that the Asrai had once possessed advanced technology. Kaso himself was knowledgeable enough to realize they were from another planet, and Mike was still trying to figure out if the Prime Directive still applied to these people. Morally, he couldn't stand by and let these people die, even if that meant breaking the directive. But under the auspices of his duty, he couldn't really help them if they were completely certain that the Prime Directive no longer applied. The most complicated law in the Federation, open to so many interpretations and exceptions that he couldn't even begin to fathom all the variations in the General order. He noticed Sanok, still keeping watch over the tunnel entrance where Adom had gone earlier. He suspected that the Vulcan was contemplating their next move, especially since it seemed that the young Asrai male had not yet returned. Mike made his way over to the Vulcan, standing slightly off to one side as he surveyed the area. "Everything quiet, sir?" he asked Sanok. (reply Sanok) Mike nodded, "maybe he ran afoul of some patrol or he's having difficulty finding us a path?" he suggested. (reply Sanok) "There is one other option, " Mike stated, "he could be dead." (reply Sanok) Just then, there was a slight shuffling noise coming from the tunnel and out of the gloom, Adom appeared. He was dirty and his light was very dimly lit. He stopped and waved at the entrance before continuing towards the compartment. "Or maybe not." Mike added to Sanok before the boy arrived. As he stepped into the room the cry of "Adom's back! Adom's Back!" was called out by some of the other members who flocked towards him with a sense of admiration. The Boy shushed them all and moved over to a table and half-fell, half-sat in the chair. Mike followed the young man inside and stood nearby. "What did you find?" the ranger finally asked him. "The tunnels are crawling with Bane." he finally said, "the tunnel was clear of collapse, but there were Bane everywhere, I had to look for another way." he explained. (reply Any, Sanok) Daniel Greene -------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - ATAC/SC - Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos - Day 12 - 0203) After the group convened in the abandoned court yard, Jessica kept herself to the shadows. Something told her that a fight would be inevitable. While Jessica knew she could hold her own in a fight. But she also knew that there was someone who could fight harder and survive better than most of the gathered away team. She would be needed and now in the darkness of the catacombs while she seemingly rested peacefully, she gave herself to her more murderous personality. She knew that the Bane would make the same mistake that most have paid with there lives. They would see her has a child, they would not fear her, and they would not consider her the assassin she truly was. There was only a few of the away team that knew the truth to the small girl that seemed the become one with the shadows. Jessica and Lily wondeed how much longer her past would remain a secret. The time was fast approaching that the actions of Lily and how Jessica was linked to them would be known. Sanok already had his suspicions of her it seemed. Yes she knew it, the sidelong glances the way he seemed to keep her placed on the outside of what the security aspect of the away team needed to be doing. The signs were small and logical what she would expect from a Vulcan. If you can't trust a fellow member of your team your not gonna place them in a position where they would do the most good but rather keep them in a place where eyes could be kept on them. She glanced over to Eian and watched him work, she wished she could help, wished she could do more than just sit here and wait. Soon however time would change and her skills would be needed and more will come to know what the Small girl is capable of. (reply none) (posted by Matthew Locke) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - Lt. sg Sanok - Day 12 - 0205) Sanok was standing at the entrance to the tunnels, deep in thought and meditation. Though he urged the others to get a few hours of sleep before the rescue mission, he really did not expect that any of them would. Vulcans could go without sleep for long periods of time and still function normally, so he had no plans to sleep himself. At the edges of his mind, Sanok heard shuffling sounds in the distance. Opening his eyes, he peered into the darkness of the tunnel. Someone was coming. He heard a sound from behind him that he recognized as Rosenbauer. "Everything quiet, sir?" "I am waiting for Adom to return. He should have been back by now." Sanok suspected the sound he heard in the tunnel, was Adom. "Maybe he ran afoul of some patrol, or he's having difficulty finding us a path?" suggested Rosenbauer. "Perhaps," said Sanok. He had been suspicious of Adom when he noticed the man staring at the Rosenante team. The Tilshol had been hiding in this place for years, so it was unlikely Adom was having a difficulty finding a way through. "There is one other option," said Rosenbauer. "He could be dead." Sanok could think of another possibility. The noise from the darkness became loud enough for Rosenbauer to hear, and the two men waited silently to see who was coming. As if on cue, Adom appeared. "Or maybe not," said Rosenbauer. When the other Tilshol saw that Adom had returned, there was shouting, and they rushed to greet him. To Sanok, this seemed a bit over-the-top. Rosenbauer approached Adom, while Amok stayed back and observed. "What did you find?" "The tunnels are crawling with Bane." said Adom. "The tunnel was clear of collapse, but there were Bane everywhere. I had to look for another way." At this time, Sanok joined the others. "Please give us a detailed report. Show us everything on the tunnel maps." Everything within Sanok, told him something was wrong. (reply Adom, any) (posted by Bob B.) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol -CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma- 0207) Ben found he was growing impatient, all this waiting was getting to him. He wanted to move, to rescue his Captain and Ensign Fraiser. Unfortunately he had to wait, Adom was out scouting their route and Matrix and O'Neill were trying to modify some weapons for them. He had tried to sleep but knew that was futile. Sanok was standing at the entrance to one of the tunnels, quietly waiting for Adom to return. It was apparent to him his friend didn't trust the young Asrai, he didn't seem to trust any of the Asrai. His friend did have a point, it wasn't Ben's place to reveal who they were but what was done was done. He felt that the time had come to drop the charade passed on what he saw and Kaso knowledge, he also hoped it would speed up the process. Ben moved off to a quiet corner and knelt, he began some meditation exercises to clear his mind and help him focus on the task at hand. The Bane had three advantages over them, they knew the catacombs, they had the pain belts and they were adapted to the lower oxygen content in the air. Most of the away team were humans who were used to a higher oxygen content in the air they breathed. Up until now that hadn't been a problem, up until now they hadn't had to fight. Ben had trained in Japan many years ago and at that time he became used to breathing thinner air, but now he wasn't sure he could. If the team became exhausted the Bane could easily overpower them, the only one among them who wouldn't notice the decreased oxygen would be Sanok. But even after all this time away from Vulcan could he hold out as long as he previously could? For the moment is seemed that relaxation and meditation were outside of his grasp and he was about to give up when he heard someone approaching them through the tunnels. He stood in time to see Adom enter the chamber covered in dust, Ben stood and moved towards the young Asrai as the questions started. "What did you find?" "The tunnels are crawling with Bane." said Adom. "The tunnel was clear of collapse, but there were Bane everywhere. I had to look for another way." Then Sanok joined in. "Please give us a detailed report. Show us everything on the tunnel maps." Ben added his two cents worth. "Show us the Banes locations and strengths, patrol routes you noticed." He said. "How many patrol in a group, possible ambush sites anything that might help us avoid a confrontation until we reach the holding cells." He wanted as much information as he could get on the Bane before they ran into them, if they could stay out of their reach until the time was right they stood a greater chance of succeeding. (reply Adom, any present) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - Adom - Day 12 - 0209) The aliens had not wasted any time in bringing their questions to bear once he arrived. They were persistent and it took a great deal of concentration for Adom to answer them clearly, rather than let show the fear he had of them. What did you find?" One of the alien demons asked him. "The tunnels are crawling with Bane." said Adom. "The tunnel was clear of collapse, but there were Bane everywhere. I had to look for another way." "Please give us a detailed report. Show us everything on the tunnel maps." Another demanded. Adom took a deep breath and led them into the chamber, where the maps were spread out on the central table. As he reached it, a third demon joined their conversation. "Show us the Banes locations and strengths, patrol routes you noticed." He said. "How many patrol in a group, possible ambush sites anything that might help us avoid a confrontation until we reach the holding cells." Adom nodded, forcing his fear into a small lump in the pit of his stomach. "I am not trained to be a Bane." He began as he placed his hand on the map. "So I do not know how well I will convey these things, but I will share what I know." "Here, we are." he said pointing to a section of the catacombs. "This branch of the tunnel is that one there." he added as he pointed at the tunnel that he had used. "The route that I took was here." The traced a rough path along the various tunnels that led towards the Golden Temple. "The Banes traveled in groups of six or more. They were watching the main tunnels, looking for intruders, it was almost as if they knew someone would be there." "Here, there are a series of small rooms. That is one place where we may be ambushed, or as we cross under the concourse here, where there is a partial floor overlooking the large room which is the center of the catacombs." He pointed out the locations as he spoke about them. "The tunnels to the east of this place are long ago collapsed, so we must take the northern tunnels if we are to continue to the dungeon. I was not able to go much further. I turned back for fear that I would be seen. The groups of Bane seemed to be most thick here. They were very frequent, and three times I was forced to hide from them. I thought once that I was going to be caught, so it will be difficult." He pointed to the map again, highlighting the tunnel that ran north from the central chamber. "There is only one tunnel that leads to the palace complex, it is this one. I have only one time before travelled it, and it exits into the outer courtyard of the palace. To get to the dungeons from there is fairly easy, it is only a short distance to the heavy door that leads down to them. That door was guarded when I was an acolyte there, so it is probably still guarded. There is only one way into and out of the dungeons. I have never been there, so I know nothing else." (reply Sanok, Soma) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - Lt. sg Sanok - Day 12 - 0215) After hearing Adom's plan, a plan Sanok fully expected was a trap, he began assigning roles to each team member. There were eight of them, but only six weapons, so two of them would be unarmed. He gave the first to Ben and asked him to take the point. Rosenbauer would have the second and would follow Ben. Sanok took a weapon and would be third in line. He wanted to have the others follow behind, separate from the three leading the rescue. That way, they would have a back up team in case something went wrong. After talking with Ben and Rosenbauer, Sanok found Signos and took her aside, speaking in a quiet tone. "Ensign Signos, you will be leading the second team. I am counting on you to be the cavalry, so to speak. I do not trust Adom, and I feel we are being led into a trap. If Soma, Rosenbauer, and I are captured, or worse, it will be up to the rest of you to find Captain Salid and Lieutenant Fraiser. Give us ten minutes head start before your group leaves. You, Matrix, and O'Neill, will carry the last three weapons." Doctor Caskie was a healer and dedicated to saving life, so Sanok felt it was logical that she be one of the two not given one of the energy weapons. Counselor Davis was technically in command, but the man was clearly distraught over the current situation. In fact, since their arrival in the caverns, Davis had done little other than mope. For everyone's safety, Sanok felt the counselor should be the other not carrying a weapon. Sanok did not want Adom to go with them, but if he said as much to the Tilshol, and if Adom was not on their side, it would raise suspicions. If the Voice and his Banes were somehow tracking Adom, or able to listen through a covert device on his person, it would alert the enemy. He did not like it, but it was best to play along, despite the danger. "Are you ready for this mission, Ensign Signos?" (reply Signos, any) (posted by Bob B.) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - ATAC/SC - Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos - Day 12 - 0218) She watched all from the shadows, she watched has Adom returned. Jessica noted the uneasy nature of how the man stood. She also glanced at Sanok when he came up to her, and pulled her to the side. "Ensign Signos, you will be leading the second team. I am counting on you to be the cavalry, so to speak. I do not trust Adom, and I feel we are being led into a trap. If Soma, Rosenbauer, and I are captured, or worse, it will be up to the rest of you to find Captain Salid and Lieutenant Fraiser. Give us ten minutes head start before your group leaves. You, Matrix, and O'Neill, will carry the last three weapons." Sanok spoke in low tones."Are you ready for this mission, Ensign Signos?" Jessica nodded it made sense to her before she spoke. She kept her voiced hushed. "You know your being lead into a trap, I know a traitor when I see one and Adom has other alliances that he wants kept. Call it a six sense." She lied her knowledge and training has a assassin allowed her to pick out a traitors in her mist. (reply Sanok) "You can tell by the uneasy way he stands, he's sweating far to much for this area and the amount of exertion he's been though. Be careful." She warned. Jessica knew Sanok did not trust her, she wondered why Sanok placed in charge of the second team. Maybe he was hopefully that they would no be needed, or maybe he was trying to expose her for what she truly was. Jessica was sure if he saw in combat a few more times he would make the connection that she was trained far beyond the normal standards of the federation and Sanok would try to figure out where that additional training came from and why it was not in her personal file. He was problematic and now was not the time for additional problems. "We will be ready." She finally answered at length. (reply Sanok) (posted by Matthew Locke) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Catacombs- Commander Soran - 0340) Commander Soran stood in the catacombs with his men and said, "They will come to rescue their commerades but we will not let them pass. They cannot be allowed to rescue the other devils. The Voice has commanded that we meet them with all the force that the Bane can muster. Can we do that?" The men around him yelled their agreement and began to spread out amongst the tunnels that lead off the main chamber. He turned to his second in command and said, "Let's get this place ready. You have the extra pain belts i asked for?" He nodded. Soran smiled and said, "Hide them in the agreed places. If these devils think that they are going to get around us, they will have a rude awakening." The man moved off and Soran sighed. This was to be their test then so be it. These intruders, these devils would not pass. He reached for his weapon and checked it as was his training. After a few minutes, these devils walked into the chamber. The Bane, their training evident, moved to surround them. Soran stood from his concealed position and said, "Who is the leader here?" (Reply Sanok) Soran smiled and said, "You will take your devils from our sight and you will not pass." (reply Sanok) Soran raised his eyebrow and then said, "You do not seem to understand what i am saying to you. You will not go further than here." (Reply Sanok, any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Catacombs- CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 0345) After the teams had assembled Ben took point and lead them out into the tunnels, he was glad they were finally in motion and heading out to rescue the Captain and Ensign Fraiser. Adom had shown them where they would likely run into patrols and Ben did his best to avoid them when ever possible. Occasionally they were forced to back track a little to avoid the patrols and a couple times they had to hide in side tunnels to avoid detection. So far they had been successful, though part of him believed this was almost too easy. He stopped for a moment to listen for movement in the next tunnel, nothing could be heard so he slowly moved out. When he was certain the coast was clear he waved the others to advance, some two hundred feet in he heard footsteps approaching and signaled the others to fall back. Once they were hidden he watched as five bane marched past them, waiting several minutes he signaled the all clear and the moved off again. The cat and mouse routine was getting tedious and playing on his nerves but he had to focus and lead the others. He was following the route Adom had laid out for them, but a part of him was urging him to use his own instincts. He was tempted to do so but Adom was the expert here and he had to defer to the Asrai's expertise. Time past and they continued to avoid the Bane, something inside him was shouting something was wrong but he didn't know why. As they progressed the tunnel became wider and eventually opened into a great chamber. Ben turned to the others before moving on. "Signos hold your team here for the time being." He said. "Sanok, Rosenbauer and I will scout ahead." Turning to Sanok and Rosenbauer he said. "Let's move ahead nice and slow." Ben moved back to the point position and entered the chamber ahead of the others. So far he didn't hear anything, turning to Sanok to see if his friend heard anything he caught movement from the corner of his eye, someone was in the chamber.Turning back he saw one bane and then another followed by another enter the chamber ahead of them, soon there were half a dozen bane in the chamber moving to surround them. Ben had one hand on the Asrai weapon and the other on the on the hilt of his sword, he wanted to save the weapon in case it's use was limited by the modification O'Neill and Matrix made to it. He was also curious as the to range of the banes pain devices. His sword was nearly twenty inches long not including the hilt, would he be able to strike the bane without feeling the effects of the pain belt? He also didn't want to kill anyone if he didn't have to. He glanced to Sanok to see what he intended to do, he was the team leader and the call was his. (reply all) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet - First Engineer Linba - Day 12 - 0715) The aliens seemed friendly enough. At least they didn't seem intent on eating him or his people. "We are a group of many races from a long distance away. Your vessel is on a direct collision course with a populated planet of beings similar to yourself." Linba nodded, "Yes, we are attempting to reach one of our colonies, we suffered catastrophic damage to some of our critical systems during a supernova. But we are damaged too badly to adjust our course." "Linba, we need your help to determine if this is avoidable. Will you help us?" the male asked. "Yes, certainly, but I do not know what I can do. The mass displacement device is damaged beyond my ability to repair it. Our reconstructors are destroyed and we can not repair them." Linba added. "What if we were able to replace the components using our own ship?" Xim asked, "Would you be willing to help us manufacture the pats you need to your required specifications?" The First Engineer looked at the tall alien and thought for a moment. "Yes. If you are capable of building them, I will help you build them correctly, and you will need help to install them. I will need engineers here knowledgeable enough to help with the work." The tall alien nodded. "We will send engineers to work with your people, as well, so that we have enough people to get the work finished in time. " Xim then turned his attention to Jackson and their medical officer. "Ensign Vukov, get a list of engineers from Linba and start the resuscitation process to bring them back to life, we'll need their help." (reply Vukov) "Mister Jackson, I need you to return to the ship with me, to help coordinate the repair efforts. Notify Lieutenant Raschen as well. We'll need his quartermasters expertise as well. Meet me at the beam up location within 10-minutes." (reply Vukov, Jackson, Raschen) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet - LT. Tom Jackson-COPS-Day 12 - 0717) Tom explained briefly what their mission was supposed to be to Xim 's next order was like music to Tom's ears - he was going back ship side and he could check on Dahlia. inba nodded, "Yes, we are attempting to reach one of our colonies, we suffered catastrophic damage to some of our critical systems during a supernova. But we are damaged too badly to adjust our course." "Linba, we need your help to determine if this is avoidable. Will you help us?" the male asked. "Yes, certainly, but I do not know what I can do. The mass displacement device is damaged beyond my ability to repair it. Our reconstructors are destroyed and we can not repair them." Linba added. Xim once again came up with a brilliant thought. "Mister Jackson, I need you to return to the ship with me, to help coordinate the repair efforts. Notify Lieutenant Raschen as well. We'll need his quartermasters expertise as well. Meet me at the beam up location within 10-minutes." Xim ordered. "Understood Lieutenant " Tom replied as he tapped his comm badge and told his pal of the change in plans. "Jackson to Raschen. We are going back to the Rose. Meet Xim and I at the beam out location in ten minutes understood?" Tom asked partner in crime. (Reply: Chance) (Posted by:Bill W. ) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge - GSL- Lt. Xim - Day 12 - 0800) Xim sat in the Observation lounge of aboard the Rosenante, looking over his latest set of orders from the First Officer. Commander sullivan had decided that due to the fact that the Rogue Planet was carrying Asrai, and that the planet was normally capable of Faster than light travel, that the Prime Directive no longer applied to the Asrai as a civilization. Her orders were based on that assessment and it meant that Xim, Jackson and Raschen would be taking a runabout and making their way to Asrai Prime with haste. Their mission was to make contact with the away team, advise them of their findings and to assist as required to achieve whatever goals the captain then set for them. While they were doing that, the Rosenante's engineering and operations teams would be working with the now fully revived First Engineer, to replicate replacement parts and to repair the systems necessary to render the threat moot. The first order of business would be to replace the mass displacement system, which caused a massive reduction in the mass of the planetoid through advanced quantum physics. The end result being that the gravitational pull and the mass of the rogue planet would no longer be sufficient to threaten the orbit of Asrai Prime. Once those systems were repaired, the others could be handled at their leisure, since they were only necessary for actual travel between systems in the first place. Xim shook his head. He didn't like the idea that he and the other two members of the away team would not have the time to undergo a cosmetic adjustment like the captain and the others, so there would be some danger there. As a result he had authorized equipment to be made available, enough so that they could fight a battle if necessary, although withdrawal was their first option. He had the mission plan ready and with the speed of the Lorimar class runabout available for them to use, there would be a relatively short trip to the main planet. It was, of course getting shorter with every passing moment. He reached out and tapped the intercom controls on the table top. "Lieutenants Jackson and Raschen, please report to the DeMarco in Shuttle bay three. Bring your standard security and mission operations load out. We are going to meet the Asrai. I will brief you en route." (reply Raschen, Jackson) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (COPS Quarters Dahlia Jackson Day 12 0801) Dahlia wasn't in the best of moods. She had spent a very restless night. The twins had been very active. Her insides felt like a soccer field after the World Cup! She was under tremendous stress - Tom was once again off ship and could not provide much needed support. As she was worrying over all of this she started feeling especially odd. Her body began to experience excruciating pain. Dahlia started to worry. ~Could this be the onset of labor?~ she thought. Based on her worry and the cycle of contractions she contacted Sick Bay. "Sick Bay this is Dahlia Jackson. I think the babies are on the way". (Reply: Sick Bay) (Posted by: Bill w.) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - COPS Quarters - Lt. Tom Jackson - COPS - Day 12 - 0802) After working with MCPO Phil Sheridan and explaining what was needed he left and entered his quarters and hugged his wife. She kissed Tom as only she was able. They walked to their couch and sat for a few minutes. "Honey I was worried about you. I figured you'd be a Stinker and have had the kids and surprise me." Tom said smiling. Dahlia leaned in close to her husband and whispered " that did cross my mind" and playfully punched his arm. As Tom started to speak Xim's voice interrupted their idyllic interlude with =/\= Lieutenants Jackson and Raschen, please report to the DeMarco in Shuttle bay three. Bring your standard security and mission operations load out. We are going to meet the Asrai. I will brief you en route.=/\= Tom sighed and rose. "Impeccable timing as usual". He kissed Dahlia and replied to Xim "Jackson here. On my way from out" and left. (Reply:Chance or Xim) (Posted by:Bill W ) ------------------------- (Runabout DeMarco - GSL - Lt. Xim - Day 12 - 0810) With both Jackson and Raschen aboard the runabout, the mission to make contact with the captain and the others was about to get underway. The need for urgency, in letting the Captain know several of the new developments that were in the works with the colony ship, necessitated the small three-person team foregoing the cosmetic alteration that they would normally consider crucial. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, Xim had secured the agreement of Commander Sullivan to carry additional weapons for the Away team, just in case the arrival of the runabout proved to be dangerous or to turn hostile. Jackson's experience as a diplomat, on more than one occasion would probably be put to the test, but Xim wondered if that would be enough to make everything alright. There was a slim chance that diplomacy wouldn't be an option at all, which would mean that Raschen's experience might come into play. Hopefully Xim was worrying for no valid reason and everything would be 'roses and sunshine' as the human expression went. Jackson had taken the pilot's seat, with Raschen at the co-pilot's position. Xim meanwhile had placed himself at one of the auxiliary stations in the main compartment. He taped his commbadge, "Rosenante this is runabout Demarco, we are ready to depart." =^= Demarco, this is Rosenante, you are cleared to depart, safe travels and godspeed, DeMarco.=^= Xim smiled. "Thank you Rosenante, DeMarco out." The mission commander looked at his two away mission members and issued his first official order of the mission, "Mister Jackson, take us out. Mister Raschen, plot us the most direct course you can to the planet Asrai Prime, Once you have it plotted, Mister Jackson will take us there at maximum warp." (reply Raschen, Jackson) "Very good work Lieutenants. I am showing our tentative arrival time as 2300 hours today at full speed. Mister Jackson, can you confirm that ETA?" (reply Jackson, Raschen) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime- Ancient Ruins- ODCC - The Voice - Day 12 - 0855) The voice stood on the raised platform as the mind-locked Scholars of the Reliquary undertook the daunting task of repairing the damage that time and the Freelacer Mayrud had caused to the command and control systems of the Orbital Defense Command and Control Center. Now that he had his memories back, the Voice, once called Sagri, understood all that was passing around him. The Scholars were actually engineers in a sense of the word, controlled automatons now performing rote repairs as if they were nothing more than complex robotics units. Their freewill subsumed by Kalos' force of will and neural interface technology. He was directing them all, each one individually, a sign of supernatural ability to multitask, granted to him by the sheer processing power of the central computer that was directly wired into his genetically enhanced and technologically-wired brain. He was some sort of hive master, directing the actions of all the minions that he had gained over the decades. The Banes were the soldiers, the scholars the engineers and the others under his influence could act as additional processing space should he require it. It was the very sort of technology that the Asrai had come to this planet to escape, the technology that had turned entire nations on their homeworld into mindless automaton killing machines. Soldiers without emotion, weapons without fear or regret. It was this very technology which had helped destroy their homeworld so long ago, yet despite this fact, it persisted on here on a world that was supposed to be the final bastion of agrarian life remaining for their species. That fact was long lost now, that dream, once bright and true, now tarnished and discarded like so many others before. Sagri was here to finish the task that his forbearers had begun when they had seized control of this world, to protect it against technological infection, and it was no small irony that they were forced to use the very technology they eschewed to fulfill their promise. There was a hum and the lights of the cavern flickered on as the massive view screens sprang to life. The primary power links had been restored and Sagri knew that it would only be a matter of time before the main computer systems could be brought online in anticipation of destroying the Colony ship that was rapidly approaching their ever-shrinking world. There was a crackling sound as the command center's communications came to life. Kalos' voice sounded from the sound system, [Statement: The remote firing controls are badly damaged, it may be necessary for you to initiate the firing of the weapon manually. I will dispatch a repair crew to work on the repairs, but analysis shows inconclusive that repairs can be completed in time. Command, you will begin manual checks and initiation of the primary energy collator in preparation for the firing of the weapon.] "I understand," Sagri replied into thin air, realizing for the first time that there must be a reason that he was not simply subjugated into a mindless drone like all the others, or more importantly, why Kalos could not simply order one of them to perform the firing of the weapon. There was something about the situation that he was missing, some crucial detail. He stepped over to the command console, and using his recently reacquired knowledge, began to enter the series of command that would begin the hundreds of component diagnostics and charging process that would power the massive weapon. When the capacitors and collimators were fully charged and checked out, the weapon would have the ability to fire twice before requiring a recharge. It mattered little, since the energy output of the device was more than enough to vaporize a planet twice as large as the one that housed it. He tried to think about the details he could remember about the device and was rewarded with an unexpected flood of information. He understood that the weapon created and directed a beam of particles, trapped within a unified energy matrix. That beam, when it made contact with solid matter would cause a reaction that would instantly break down the molecular bonds between matter, in a very violent manner. When the beam fired through the atmosphere, the molecules that made contact with the beam would vaporize, creating a aurora-like effect as the molecules excited the surrounding gas. Making contact with something much more solid, however, like a planet or a starship would cause an irrevocable breakdown of the matter it was comprised of, resulting in a massive buildup of energy that would spread outwards in a massive sphere of raw force that would tear apart the object struck. It was a brute force weapon, one designed to obliterate massive objects. It was more than capable of destroying the colony ship without a second thought. It would be hours as the system prepared for it's first firing in three centuries, and Sagri had nothing to do until then except think. (reply none) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - COPS Quarters - Lt. Tom Jackson - COPS - Day 12 0902), After working with MCPO Phil Sheridan and explaining what was needed he left and entered his quarters and hugged his wife. She kissed Tom as only she was able. They walked to their couch and sat for a few minutes. "Honey I was worried about you. I figured you'd be a Stinker and have had the kids and surprise me." Tom said smiling. Dahlia leaned in close to her husband and whispered " that did cross my mind" and playfully punched his arm. As Tom started to speak Xim's voice interrupted their idyllic interlude with " . "Lieutenants Jackson and Raschen, please report to the DeMarco in Shuttle bay three. Bring your standard security and mission operations load out. We are going to meet the Asrai. I will brief you en route." Tom sighed and rose. "Impeccable timing as usual". He kissed Dahlia and replied to Xim "Jackson here. On my way out" and left. (Reply:Chance or Xim) (Posted by:Bill W ) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante Shuttle Bay Shuttle DeMarco 0904) Ton entered the shuttle and stowed his gear. Next to being Dahlia's husband Tom loved to fly. In piloting a shuttle you got the chance to prove your personal skills. Jackson began systems pre-flight checklist with Chance reading off each item. Tom had no real clue as to what was going in planet side. He was concerned that they could not be cosmetically altered to look like Asrai. He could not help but wonder how they'd react to 'aliens'. Cmdr. Sullivan had authorized the issuance of weapons.Tom hoped they would not be needed but it was wise to prepare for a fight. Turning to the team leader Tom reported "All systems checked out Lieutenant. We are ready to depart in your command". (Reply: Xim) Responding to Xi's o.k. to depart Jackson opened a channel and requested "Rosenante thus is LT. Jackson in the DeMarco. Request permission to depart". PO2 Emily Graatz was pulling Shuttle Ops duty replied =^= DeMarco cleared to launch. - Good luck". Ton responded "Roger Rosenante thanks DeMarco out" closing the channel. The massive bay became awash in blaring klaxxons and strobe lights as the bay began its de-pressurization cycle. The force field keeping the cold darkness of space was shut off. Tom tapped the shuttle controls and they rose slightly and left the Rose. They were now free of their mother ship. Tom pushed the shuttle into full impulse away from the ship. The Rose radioed =^= DeMarco you are free to enter warp drive safe journey=^=. Tom replied "Thank you Rosenante DeMarco out". Chance entered the course and engaged warp drive. They were 14 hours away. (Reply: Any in shuttle) (Posted by:Bill W.) -------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet – Warp Coil 7 - Science Department – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 0915) Andrew had volunteered to help with the restoration of the Rogue planet’s impulse and warp reactors. Usually his expertise with engineering was more along the lines of fabrication of equipment to prove the theory he was working on. He was, however rated first class on damage control procedures, and the Rose’s many battles have given him the opportunity to use his knowledge. He reported back to the Rogue planet wearing his blue one-piece coveralls carrying an engineering kit and a Rad-suit still in the case. Commander Sullivan had informed him and the engineering team that since the warp engine was fully functional the warp coils and impulse drives were to take priority. The coils so that they could gain full control of the navigation, and the impulse drives to take them off of battery power. “First Engineer Linba, I’ve been sent by Commander Sullivan to aid in effecting repairs to your planetary vessel.” Andrew said. He didn’t feel right ‘reporting’ to someone outside of Starfleet. (Reply 1Eng Linba) “I’m sorry where are my manners, I’m Crewman Andrew Maddox.” He said. (Reply 1Eng Linba) “No I’m not the Rosenante’s Chief Engineer, I’m a member of her Science Department.” He explained to him. (Reply 1Eng Linba) “I don’t profess to any insight to Commander Sullivan’s motivations for sending me, but I do have a First Class Damage Control Rating, that probably has something to do with it.” He admitted. (Reply 1Eng Linba) “Well first I recommend that we get our selves off of battery power. You are limiting your resources using just batteries, you can’t turn on any of your reactors it would flood half your compartments with toxic levels of radiation.” He said. (Reply 1Eng Linba) “I suggest a power transfer. Our ship has two warp reactors, we could loan you power to aid in the effecting of repairs.” He said. (Reply 1Eng Linba) “No we don’t need a really long cable, we would use a collimated beam to add energy to your power grid. We would just have to make sure that there wasn’t much of a resistor between space and your power grid. We find the closest point to your power conduits and the surface and if it’s not close enough drill a hole with the phasers. Then our ship maintains a geosynchronous orbit and just sends you the energy. We’d also have to disconnect all the power sources that may feedback, warp cores and impulse engines.” He explained further. (Reply 1Eng Linba) “With some assistance from the other engineers and Commander Sullivan we can make that happen. I however am here to help you repair these damaged warp coils. What materials do you use for your warp field coils?” He inquired. (Reply 1Eng Linba) “ Interesting. We use a verterium cortenide. Maybe we could use that it would probably boost your efficiency.” He said. (Reply 1Eng Linba) “I will enquire. I will have to see what the Commander will allow us to supply you with. Maddox to Commander Sullivan.” He said tapping his combadge. =^= This is Commander Sullivan, send your traffic.=^= “I am calling to enquire what limits are being placed on replicating the parts we need down here to repair, and to request a power transfer.” He asked. =^= The power transfer is no problem and an excellent idea, send the specifics to engineering and I will arrange the specifics. Elaborate more on the replication. What specifically are you asking for?=^= “Could we supply enough verterium cortenide for 8 warp coil replacements.” =^= That is a substantial amount of material, Crewman. We may not have the time to replicate all that. Is that what they are using, down there? Perhaps we could beam up their damaged coils in sections and replicate what is needed to replace or maybe it could be resequenced.=^= “No, sir they are using a platinum coated copper alloy for the coils, re-enforced with a nano-pump.” Andrew said. =^= Then I’m going to deny your request for verterium cortenide. You know the rules Mister Maddox, we can’t advance their technology four centuries, warp capable culture or not. We will replicate what parts are needed, complete your primary survey and report it back to engineering. Then start conducting repairs with their consumables, putting in requests for more when it looks like you are running out. By that time engineering should be ready to start sending you the replacement parts, understood?=^= “Yes sir, completely. I had not thought about it advancing them, just doing the work as efficiently as possible.” He said. ~Crap, now I’ve definitely impressed the First Officer.~ =^= Are you saying the Prime Directive ‘slipped your mind’? Mister Maddox as you continue to work in Star Fleet, the Prime Directive should be upper most in your mind while you are interacting with other sentient species, that’s why it’s the prime directive. =^= Maddox was obviously displeased in his own performance. “Understood.” =^= Mister Maddox I am also taking into account that you are working outside your usual discipline on two counts. The engineering is apparent, but you are also pulling diplomatic duties. Keep your head up it’s not going unnoticed. Sullivan out.=^= Once the channel was closed Maddox turned to his Asrai companion. “Well then, let’s get to work.” (Reply 1Eng Linba) (Posted by Todd) ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet - First Engineer Linba - Day 12 - 0920) Linba, along with the help of the alien medical officer had begun the process of reviving the one-dozen surviving engineers that were part of the original crew of the colony ship Aowa. he had to admit, that despite the differences between himself and the humans, that he was pleased to discover that there were even more similarities. They seemed to be happy to help him conduct repairs and do his best to safeguard the last survivors of his planet. It was possible that his people could be only one more part of a fraction of the once prosperous Asrai culture. From what he understood, the colony was inhabited, but he had not taken the time to ask how many people lived there, nor had he asked them if they were Asrai. For all he knew they belonged to another species entirely and the last remnants of this colony vessel were the final members of his species. He squeezed his eyes closed at the thought of failing and being the one who caused the extinction of his entire race. despite any personal feelings of concern or distrust where the aliens were concerned, he had no real choice but to cooperate with them. There was a sound of someone approaching him and Linba opened his eyes in time to see a member of the human crew from the Rosenante stop beside him. “First Engineer Linba, I’ve been sent by Commander Sullivan to aid in effecting repairs to your planetary vessel.” he said in introduction. "I understand," Linba replied, " you have me at a disadvantage, as you know my name and I do not know yours." “I’m sorry where are my manners, I’m Crewman Andrew Maddox.” He said. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Linba. Now we have been formally introduced. You are the Rosenante's First Engineer?" he asked. “No I’m not the Rosenante’s Chief Engineer, I’m a member of her Science Department.” He explained to him. "A scientist? Why would we need a scientist to help with repairs?" Linba asked surprised. “I don’t profess to any insight to Commander Sullivan’s motivations for sending me, but I do have a First Class Damage Control Rating, that probably has something to do with it.” He admitted. Linba nodded. He had no idea what that rating meant, but he suspected that it was very much like their own positional assessments. If that was the case, then a First Class rating meant that this man was very proficient indeed. "Very good." the First Engineer exclaimed happily, "Since you know better the capabilities of your vessel and her resources, where do you think we should begin?" “Well first I recommend that we get our selves off of battery power. You are limiting your resources using just batteries, you can’t turn on any of your reactors it would flood half your compartments with toxic levels of radiation.” He said. "Yes this is true, but there is no way that we can repair our reactors in the time remaining to us, so we have no other option." Linba replied solemnly. “I suggest a power transfer. Our ship has two warp reactors, we could loan you power to aid in the effecting of repairs.” He said. "Amazing" Linba said with a sense of awe, "And you have managed to find a way to synchronize them?!? That is incredible." There was a moment of silence as Linba shook the realization out of his head, before he continued. "Still, such a transfer would take an exceptionally long power transfer cable. Does your ship carry such a cable?" “No we don’t need a really long cable, we would use a collimated beam to add energy to your power grid. We would just have to make sure that there wasn’t much of a resistor between space and your power grid. We find the closest point to your power conduits on the surface and if it’s not close enough drill a hole with the phasers. Then our ship maintains a geosynchronous orbit and just sends you the energy. We’d also have to disconnect all the power sources that may feedback, warp cores and impulse engines.” He explained further. Linba's eyes must have expanded to the size of durog eggs at the ease that the human spoke of transferring power between their ships. It took him a moment to regain his composure. ~Perhaps this is possible after all~ he thought. "I can direct you to the primary umbilical socket that was used to draw power for the ship while it was in dock before it was launched. It is readily accessible. As for the disconnect, I disconnected the coils and the primary impulse drives a long time ago. All that remains are the smaller mass thrusters, which can be disconnected from here, using the automated systems. Is it really possible that we can repair the mass displacement equipment, and the other critical systems?" He inquired, his appreciation and awe of the advanced technology used by the humans was staggering. “With some assistance from the other engineers and Commander Sullivan we can make that happen. I however am here to help you repair these damaged warp coils. What materials do you use for your warp field coils?” He inquired. "We use platinum coated copper alloy for the coils, re-enforced with a nano-pump lasers and collimators." Linba replied proudly. "What do you use?" “ Interesting. We use a verterium cortenide. Maybe we could use that? It would probably boost your efficiency.” He said. "I have never heard of this material, but am eager to see it used. Do you have enough in store to help us?" Linba asked expectedly. “I will inquire. I will have to see what the Commander will allow us to supply you with. Maddox to Commander Sullivan.” He said tapping his commbadge. =^= This is Commander Sullivan, send your traffic.=^= “I am calling to enquire what limits are being placed on replicating the parts we need down here to repair, and to request a power transfer.” He asked. =^= The power transfer is no problem and an excellent idea, send the specifications to engineering and I will arrange the specifics. Elaborate more on the replication. What specifically are you asking for?=^= “Could we supply enough verterium cortenide for 8 warp coil replacements?” =^= That is a substantial amount of material, Crewman. We may not have the time to replicate all that. Is that what they are using, down there? Perhaps we could beam up their damaged coils in sections and replicate what is needed to replace or maybe it could be resequenced.=^= “No, sir they are using a platinum coated copper alloy for the coils, re-enforced with a nano-pump.” Andrew said. =^= Then I’m going to deny your request for verterium cortenide. You know the rules Mister Maddox, we can’t advance their technology four centuries, warp capable culture or not. We will replicate what parts are needed, complete your primary survey and report it back to engineering. Then start conducting repairs with their consumables, putting in requests for more when it looks like you are running out. By that time engineering should be ready to start sending you the replacement parts, understood?=^= “Yes sir, completely. I had not thought about it advancing them, just doing the work as efficiently as possible.” He said. =^= Are you saying the Prime Directive ‘slipped your mind’? Mister Maddox as you continue to work in Star Fleet, the Prime Directive should be upper most in your mind while you are interacting with other sentient species, that’s why it’s the prime directive. =^= Maddox was obviously displeased in his own performance. “Understood.” =^= Mister Maddox I am also taking into account that you are working outside your usual discipline on two counts. The engineering is apparent, but you are also pulling diplomatic duties. Keep your head up it’s not going unnoticed. Sullivan out.=^= Once the channel was closed Maddox turned to his Asrai companion. “Well then, let’s get to work.” "Yes, let us begin." Linba replied, "and thank you for helping us. I realize you did not have to do so. especially since you are so much more technologically advanced than we are." (reply Maddox iyw) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Shuttle DeMarco LT. Tom Jackson Day 12 0845) Tom and Chance input the shuttle's course and speed. Turning the auto-pilot on, Jackson turned to team commander Xim and asked "What's the plan?". (Reply:Any Xim) Tim listened closely and mulled over the plan as outlined. Several questions were amended to mind. "Any thought of how to explain our appearance to the Asri?" Jackson asked. (Reply:Any ) "Also, has any thought been given to the method of linking up with the teams?" Chance asked (Reply : Xim) Tom was feeling his old sixth sense kicking into high gear. (Reply: any) (Posted by Bill W ) ------------------------- (Runabout DeMarco - Strat Ops/ QM - LT Chance Raschen - 1320) A 14 hour long trip is slow, no matter how fast you are actually traveling. Plus, max warp for a Runabout isn’t anywhere near as fast as that of a capital ship. Tom had spent most of the last four and a half hours in the Pilot’s seat, but Chance could tell his friend had more on his mind than the mission. He could empathize with his friend. Going over to the replicator “Lunch menu number 5 with Cola; two orders.” Raschen instructed. With a beep, two plates with Double Bacon Cheeseburgers with fries and drinks appeared. He knew he would have to make two trips, so he took Tom his food first before getting his own and sitting down n the Co-Pilot’s seat next to Jackson. (Reply Jackson) Raschen reached down into the backpack he brought on the trip and placed under the Co-Pilot’s seat and pulled out a flask. The small tan pack also contained his personal Disruptor pistols, Bowie knives, plain blue freighter’s coverals with no patches or insignia, a pair of sneakers, and a t-shirt. Opening the flask, Raschen poured a small amount of the amber liquid into his cola before silently offering it to Tom. (Reply Jackson) Once Chance placed the flask back into his pack, he took a bite of his burger. After swallowing the first bite, he turned to his friend and said “Okay Tom, start talking” before taking another bite of food. (Reply Jackson) “I know you are worried about Dahila and the twins. I know you would rather be by her side than here. In fact, I have an idea.” (Reply Jackson) Turning his seat around standing up, Chance went over to the passageway that led to the aft section of the runabout. When he saw the Betelgeusean, Raschen asked “Xim, do you have a problem with us setting up a voice link to Dahlia in the Rose’s Sickbay? ” (Reply Xim) (Reply Jackson, Xim) (Posted by Charlie) ------------------------- (Runabout DeMarco - Strat Ops/ QM - LT Chance Raschen - 2230) The 14 hour long trip seamed slower and longer than originally expected. Lets face it, boring is boring. Fortunately it allowed everyone an oppertunity for a nap and a meal if so desired. Raschen’s turn for watch while Xim and Jackson rested up. Chance only had a rough idea of what they were in for when they landed. Hopefully Xim had a clearer picture of what they were getting themselves into. When the alarm signaling that they were 30 minutes out from their destination, Chance got up from the Co-Pilot’s seat and headed toward the bunk section of the Runabout after he acknoledged the alarm. “Xim, Jackson, we are 30 minutes out. I suggest we change out of our uniforms and into something less…less…conspicuous shall we say.” (Reply Xim, Jackson iyw) “Roger that.” Chance said as he went back to prepare the DeMarco to drop out of warp just before hitting the atmosphere of Asrai Prime. It was an old pirate manuever that almost never failed to work. There was that one time during the Civil War before Raschen (a.k.a.: Captain Temerarious) defected to the 52nd when he tried to raid what was supposed to of been a supply depot. Instead it was a trap laid by the ‘rebellious’ 52nd; a trap that he barely escaped. Then Chance had a bad thought cross his mind. Then raising his voice to be heard by the other two on board “Does anyone know if they have some kind of early warning system on the planet looking for UFOs or ICBMs?!” (Reply Jackson, Xim) (Reply Jackson, Xim) (Posted by Charlie) ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet – Engineering, Main Control Room – Science Department – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 2341) It had been a long day. Replacing the warp coils wasn’t as hard and Andrew thought it would be, as most of them were either horribly misshapen or impercievably cracked to the eye. His tricorder, however picked up all the cracks and once fed the specifications for the Asrai warp coils, were able to detect the most minute of variances in the structure that would throw off the warp field. With a vessel of this size and magnitude a misaligned warp coil could literally tear the planet in half. All the required parts were either requested through a replication queue or in the case of a misshapen or cracked warp coil segment, transported away for reforming. Maddox was really pleased to see the look of wonder on the First Engineer’s face as he saw entire segments of a coil snatched away into a sparkling oblivion, only to be reassembled perfectly new. All the green corrosion gone, white and orange metals back to factory conditions. The inertial dampers were easy enough to repair. The impulse reactors soon followed, and once the fuel was replaced, plenty of deuterium was gathered with the Rosenante’s Bussard collectors, not enough to ‘top them off’ but enough for their journey home especially once their own hydrogen collectors had the power to work again. “Finishing up the final repairs now.” Maddox announced. “Are you ready on your end Linba?” (Reply 1Eng Linba) “I’ve got it handled, “ he said tapping his combadge, “Maddox to Rosenante we are nearing completion of the necessary repairs. She’s not space dock clean but she’s space worthy.” =^= Good work Crewman.=^= Came the Commander’s voice. =^=I was just about to call and check on your progress.=^= “Requesting cessation of power transfer on my mark.” Maddox said. =^=Standing by Mister Maddox.=^= (Reply 1Eng Linba) Once the Asrai First Engineer had delivered his announcement to his crew of switching from external to internal power, and that there would be a brief cut in power, he nodded to Andrew. “Mark.” The lights dropped and then Linba pushed the start button. The fusion reactor came on-line with a lethargic roar and rumble. The yips and cheers of the Asrai crew could be heard throughout the underground passages of the planetoid. This continued for a few moments. =^= Is everyone OK?=^= Came the Commander’s voice with what Maddox could have mistaken for concern, had he not known who it was that was inquiring. Maddox actually laughed out loud, with the widest of grins on his face, “No, Sir, we’re all fine down here, now….” =^= Functions checks of all equipment, I’ll need a status report in thirty minutes. Sullivan out.=^= “Congratulations.” Maddox said still grinning. (Reply 1Eng Linba) “Well it was a group effort, without your familiarity with the equipment and extra labor it would have taken us much longer. Days or weeks.” He said modestly. (Reply 1Eng Linba) “I agree, let’s go crank up the warp core so we can be on our way to your new home.” (Reply Linba) (Posted by Todd) ------------------------- ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 13 Stardate: 2414.3.28 ========================= (USS Rosenante – Bridge – FO – Commander T’Larah Sullivan – 0012) ========================= (USS Rosenante – Bridge – FO – Commander T’Larah Sullivan – 0012) “Sir I’m detecting warp signature from the planet.” Someone said from the back of the bridge. ~Way to go Maddox, good work.~ “Put me through to Crewman Maddox.” She said in response. =^= Maddox here. =^= “Well done Mister Maddox. How soon can we be getting underway?” she asked. There was a pause and then the response. =^= Probably the better part of a few hours.... sir.=^= “Can you make it happen sooner?” she asked. =^= I don’t think I want to rush this, sir. We’ve got 8 warp cores with twice as many fusion reactors that combined have enough antimatter and deuterium to not only make a pretty light show, but also make this entire planet and everything in orbit nothing but a memory and a whole lot of background radiation and subspace interference.=^= Maddox answered, a steely determination in his voice T’Larah couldn’t ever recall hearing. “Fine I’ll put it to you this way, we’ve been out of communication with the Captain for over a week, the away team for almost a handful of days, and given our findings on this planet now it’s for no good reason. For all we know the away team has arrived at our destination, and the revelation that not only is there life on other planets but they’ve been spying on them, from their perspective this whole time. Do you know enough about Earth history to know what many of the Earth cultures would have done to the ‘space men’ if they’d have just shown up out of the blue?” she explained. =^= I have some idea, yes. =^= “Keep that in mind when you judge your time table. They may not be as forgiving as I am.” She warned. =^= Then let’s go. =^= “Excuse me?” she asked. =^= Let’s go now. The designs are proven and solid. We aren’t in an experimental design, this is the second of her type. The work is solid and all the math points to go. If the Captain could be in trouble then let’s do it. =^= “So there are no miscalculations or oversights perhaps? You are telling me we are ready to go?” she tested. =^= No miscalculations, no oversights. We are ready. =^= He said. To T’Larah he almost sounded insulted. ~Good he’s got his confidence.~ T’Larah had kept OPS scanning for any trouble down on the planet so as to be kept silently apprised of their progress. Last report everything down there was working within the specifications given to her by their 1st Engineer. “According to the specifications given to us by the First Engineer, on our scales the planet should be able to make warp 5.5. Is that correct?” She asked. A slight pause during which T’Larah could pick up muffled conversation, an interrogative in Maddox’s timbre, then a statement from the distance. =^=That is correct.=^= “Very well, I want warp 5 within the next twenty minutes. The Rosenante will follow behind then catch up and ride the planet’s warp wake. That should put us in orbit around the colony all being equal at about…” she said. =^=Early morning tomorrow around 0400.=^= Maddox finished for her. “Yes, that is right. Don’t you have an engine to get running mister?” she inquired. “Yes sir.” He said. “Then get to it. Sullivan out.” She said closing the channel. She nodded to the helmsman. “Think you can do that?” “Absolutely. I’m used to flying fighters, so this should be no problem, even if it does steer like a boat.” Masters said grinning. (Reply None) (Posted by Todd) -------------------------- ========================= Compiled by Marilyn =========================