Mission: Witch Hunt Day 3 Stardate: 2414.01.15 ==================== (USS HADES – FO's Quarters – FO LCmdr. Dale Bracken & COUNS Ens. Anamitra Ripley – 0728) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, CTAC/CSEC Lieutenant Baylon Trinin - 1308) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, COUNS Anamitra Ripley - 1311) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, ATAC Ensign Mil Nicolae, 1315) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, ATAC Ensign Mil Nicolae 1325) (USS Hades, Sub Station 3A, Ops, CPO Janey 'Chief' Brown, 1350) (USS Hades, Auxiliary Control , Ops, CPO Janey 'Chief' Brown, 1358) (USS Hades, Holo-Deck 2, COO Lieutenant H'retor - 1438) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, COUNS Anamitra Ripley - 1440) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, COO Lieutenant H'retor - 1442) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, COUNS Anamitra Ripley - 1443) (USS Hades, Bridge, SO, Ensign T'Sol, 1517) (USS Hades, Holo-Deck 2, CO Captain Eva Straton, 15:40) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, COUNS Anamitra Ripley - 1542) (USS Hades, Holo-Deck 2, COO Lieutenant H'retor - 15:43) (USS Hades, Holo-Deck 2 - CEO Lt. Peter Holland - 15:44) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, ATAC Tallac Dragovar - 1545) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, ATAC Ensign Tallac Dragovar - 15:49) (Lertain IV - Observation Post 'The House', Command Center – Outpost FO, Lt. Lo'ren T'Vof - 1809) ==================== (USS HADES – FO's Quarters – FO LCmdr. Dale Bracken & COUNS Ens. Anamitra Ripley – 0728) Seething. that was the best word that could be used to describe the way that Ana felt about her Away Team assignment. Sure she was on an away team, which was something that she wanted, but she had not planned on being on an away team that did not include Dale. To be more precise, she was angry that Dale was also on an away team and that they were different teams. To make matters worse, Dale hadn't even tried to tell her directly, instead she had sent her an official communique that detailed her involvement on team Two. The decision was impersonal and very calculated and as far as Ana was concerned the decision should have been a bit more personal. Still, despite everything, Ana had to admit that there could be some sort of very good reason for the lack of direct personal communication. Perhaps that was the reason that Dale had invited her to have an early breakfast with her in her quarters this morning: to explain things. At least Ana hoped that would be the case, otherwise she didn't know what she'd say or do about the situation. To be fair she didn't even know IF she could do anything about it in the first place. She had been assigned to an away team and she wasn't about to refuse to go, against orders, especially since they needed a medically trained person on each team. And granted that although, she wasn't an actual medical doctor, she had more than enough trauma and medical studies education to act as a limited doctor for the duration of this mission. Short of performing surgeries she was confident in her ability to handle small injuries, organize test samples , and conduct basic medical observations. She paused in front of the door leading to Dale's quarters and using her PADD, tipped at just the right angle checked her hair. It was shorter than normal, to better conform with native practices and her yes had been darkened to a near black which was a much more common color than her own rich brown. She almost didn't recognize herself, but that feeling passed quickly enough. She was just lucky that her slightly darker tanned skin-tone was more prominent on this world than the more pale light colors she had feared. At least she didn't have to deal with skin lightening techniques. She steadied herself and took a deep breath, then reached out and pressed the door chime. Dale looked up from the table that she had been laying ready for breakfast. A pot of strong coffee; and another of an aromatic tea stood, steaming on a tray. In truth she wasn’t really looking forward to this, the first time since she had met Ana that she didn’t look forward to her company. She hadn’t had much sleep; five hours at the most. Dale knew that she must look utterly dreadful, but she also knew that she had so much more work to do before the mission even started. She shifted a stack of PADD’s from the edge of the table and unceremoniously dumped them at the end of her bed. She sighed, feeling for the first time in a long time completely alone. She looked around the room, the one that she previously shared with her daughter, she had complained about the messiness of it when Aimee was here, now the tidiness of it all was all too oppressive. Rather than calling out, Dale walked over to the door, and opened it manually, welcoming her closest friend, and the person that she was falling in love with more each day. "Ana," Dale forced a smile, but it fell from her face, even though she felt her heart skip a beat as she greeted the counsellor. "I’m so glad you came, there’s so much to talk about," She stood to one side, and held out a hand, opening the room to her friend. "Please?" She asked, hoping the anger that she read on Ana’s face wasn’t as deep set as she thought it may be. As the door slid back and Dale stood inviting her inside, Ana took stock at the woman standing in the doorway before her. Dale looked haggard, ill-rested and to be truthful worried. For a moment the personal anger seemed to flood away and Ana's clinical training kicked in. As a caregiver personality, it had always been most difficult to express her own feelings when in the presence of another person with personal issues. This made her a good counselor for others, but also caused her to fall within the category of 'Doctors make the worst patients.' She slipped into the room without saying anything, trying hard to hold onto the anger that she had felt just a few moments before, needing, or almost wanting to be able to vent her frustrations aloud to Dale. Yet somehow, she allowed the anger to slip away into the deep dark pit where she hid most of her emotions. Perhaps there it would fade and be extinguished, or it could smolder, either was possible. Her eyes wandered the room, taking in the hurried mess of PADDs at the end of Dale's bed, visible through the open portal to her sleeping area. It was an interesting juxtaposition to the rest of the otherwise sterile aesthetic that seemed to rule the compartment. It was a jumble of chaos surrounded by a sea of order and tidiness. The next thing she noticed was the table, neatly arranged plates, juice glasses and flatware, each in their perfect placement. The carafe of tea and another of coffee; centred perfectly in the middle of the table. A stack of buttermilk flapjacks stood precariously stacked in a tall tower in the centre of the table. The smell of the steaming maple syrup mingled with the tea and coffee and assaulted her saliva glands which were helpless to resist their attack. She sighed. "Peace offering?" she stated gesturing towards the table, "I never thought you'd try to seduce me with pancakes, but I have to admit, it's a solid tactic, considering how much I enjoy them. Or is this something else entirely?" Dale wasn’t entirely prepared for the word ‘seduce’ but she pulled herself together quickly, moving closer to Ana. "I think that you should know me better than that, I prefer a long, slow seduction, I wouldn’t try and start seducing you 25 minutes before the shift started." Dale replied and Ana wasn't sure it that was a serious comment or one that was meant to be light hearted. Since she was uncertain her own response was spoken in a similar tone. "Well, it gives a girl something to look forward to at least. So it is a peace offering then?" Ana asked, half serious and half jokingly. "No," Dale sighed. "This is…well, this is a way of catching up with someone I’m becoming very attracted to, before we hit Lertarni." She stopped. "I wish that were the only reason though." Dale waved to the table, "Please start while it’s warm. Tea? Coffee?" "Some tea would be nice." Ana replied as she settled into one of the chairs at the table. Dale poured the drinks, enjoying serving someone, it seemed a long time since she had served Aimee at this table, and though she was serving someone else for entirely different reasons; it brought a smile to her face as she did so, one that she didn’t even realize lit up her tired eyes. "What's the other reason, Dale?" Ana asked as she assembled her breakfast. Dale poured her own coffee, and put a couple of pancakes on her own plate, poured some syrup over them, then sat down at the place next to Ana. Dale looked across at her companion, her intellect, though tiredness dulled, providing insight into the lady who even now she felt she knew reasonably well. "You were angry when you came in, you’ve buried it haven’tyou?" There was a moment when Ana considered denying it, but she realized that it wasn't a fair thing to do. "Yes." she finally replied as she picked at her pancakes, "but to be honest it's an irrational and very selfish anger, not justifiable really." She replied. Dale smiled, sipping deeply from her coffee, "Ana, we’re all allowed to be irrational sometimes, even you." her tone was gentle, hopefully comforting. "I was angry, no that's not right; I am angry because after our conversation in Ten Forward I was placed on a different away team than you. It's a petty thing really, but I felt that the reason I brought it up to you was so you'd realize that I wanted to be on the same because I need to be. I need to be certain that someone looks after you and that you come back safe." She pushed her plate forward and wrapped both her hands around the steaming cup of hot tea that Dale had poured for her. "I mean what if you get sick, or hurt or I don't know. It's hard to explain Dale, but I'm having a hard time not thinking about all the terrible possibilities that can happen on that planet. I mean if I had my way, there would be no away mission. Not until we worked out the disease and how to treat it, it somehow seems backwards to me to send an away team down to the surface without equipment during an epidemic and expect them to develop an inoculation without the benefit of modern equipment. It just seems that it increases the lethality of the mission by factors." She looked up into Dale's eyes, but didn't pause long enough to allow the first officer to reply. "I know we talked about the Prime Directive and the need for this mission. And I'm on board with that, it's just I think there should be some precautions taken before people beam down, not trust in luck after the fact." Dale nodded, "I don’t disagree, we’ve taken every precaution that the mission will allow. Although the disease is nasty, we’re preloading with the most advanced drugs that we have, there’s no reason that we can discern that it will have any effect at all." "And if we have to do it this way, I… I don't want to be alone." Dale sighed sadly, putting her hand on one of Ana’s "Oh Ana. You know…" Dale took another sip of her coffee. "…It wasn’t my decision about the away teams, but…" Dale paused, wording her next sentences very carefully in her mind. "…but even if it had been mine, I’d have had to make the same one." She paused, holding her hand up to silence any response from Ana. She smiled gently, uncharacteristically shyly. "I can’t concentrate when you’re near me. You destroy my resolve and derail my every train of thought. You reduce me to a lovesick teenager. It’s for that reason, that worrying though it is, it’s for the best that we’re on different teams." She grinned naughtily, "besides, the temptation to take advantage of you would be far too great to resist." It was an admission that thrilled Ana to the very core of her being. She could feel the warmth gathering through her body and forcing its way up into prominent display on her cheeks. "Is it now?" Ana asked somewhat coyly, "At least I know your intentions, which makes it a lot easier to know what to expect." The counselor gave a little chuckle and allowed it to fade as Dale picked up where she left off and continued to explain her feelings. "I love being around you, I love everything about you. You make me happier than I’ve felt in such a long time. Ana…my love…I’ll never let you be alone." She said playfully. "I told you it was a completely selfish reason." She said in response, as the tiny little voice in the back of her head warned her about getting involved with a member of the ship's crew, especially the First Officer. Yet, while the voice of reason tried to be heard, the voice of desire and affection easily out-voiced it. "I accept that we have some emotions that we both need to discuss, some concerns to air and some very real consequences to face, so while I may want to do this now, it's probably better if we discuss these things when this mission is over and done. I think it will be better than mixing up our emotions any more than they already are, as hard as that is for me to admit." Ana replied. "For now why don't we have breakfast and talk about something other than the away mission for a while?" Dale smiled. “Why don’t we.” Topping up her coffee, and Ana’s tea. (Reply none) (Posted by Mark and Daniel)   (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, CTAC/CSEC Lieutenant Baylon Trinin - 1308) As the teams separated for their own separate simulations, Baylon couldn't help but notice that the cart that they were given was much smaller than he had originally thought. That coupled with the distinct lack of native life to pull the cart would make for a difficult traversal through this semi-rugged terrain. Baylon took a good look around him. The narrow winding path was barely large enough for a cart. The unpaved pathway was filled with tree roots and ruts that would make even the most hardy of travelers riding in the cart uncomfortable. The press of the forest around the cart track was almost palpable and as a result Baylon realized that the team couldn't really see far enough into the overgrowth to be certain that they were safe. Apparently Kgrik must have had the same thought, as it didn't take very long for him to issue commands. "Spread out Marines," he ordered, " I want a perimeter around the wagon." He even took the time to give each individual marine placement instructions. Baylon found himself nodding in appreciation of the Marine unit leader's natural understanding of tactical deployment for escort duties. The Catian officer, modified to look like a native stepped over to him and said in a matter-of-fact tone, " It would probably be best if one of us was in command of all the mercenaries, at least for the sake of interacting with the locals. You want to take the role as, captain-of-the-guard or shall I?" Baylon agreed, it would be better for one of them to be in apparent command. "I agree Major." baylon replied, As the team is comprised of mostly marines, I think it only right that a Marine command the marines. I am fine with that arrangement, unless commander Bracken has any desire to adjust that arrangement. Please carry on with the position unless she says otherwise." (reply Kgrik) Baylon then turned his attention to Bracken. He walked a few feet over to her as she surveyed their surroundings. "Sir, We're going to have some difficulty with this cart over this terrain. Without a beast of burden to pull it along, we'll have to use one or more of our people and along this track, that's going to be slow and exhausting work." (reply Bracken, Kgrik) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, COUNS Anamitra Ripley - 1311) Ana's muscles were already beginning to burn with the effort of pulling the cart over the rough terrain behind the rest of the away team. There was sweat on her forehead and already a few of her muscles ached in protest at the unexpected burden. Still it needed to be done and she was not about to be the weakest link in the chain that comprised the away team. Although she may not be as experienced in away team operations as the others, she had tenacity and that would serve her very well on this mission. "Drop the cart Ensign," Eva ordered, and Ana was more than pleased to comply with the captain's order if only for the fact that it offered her a few moments of rest despite the fact that they had only been moving for a few minutes. "Computer, modify program. Replace hand cart with a large cart pulled by two local beast of burden. Authorization Straton Alpha 245 Sigma." Eva added. "Thank God." Ana muttered under her breath. The small hand cart was immediately replaced by a technologically superior version, pulled by animal power rather than by hand. There were two bovine-analog creatures tethered to the cart and that somehow made Ana smile in memory of her childhood in India tending to some of the Brahman sacred cows for her community. At least she understood how to handle animals. Eva gestured for her to climb up onto the cart, and indicated that she should take the reins. Ana would have to assume that the gestures for directing the animals would be universal, otherwise this was going to be quite a learning experience. Ana allowed herself a moment of personal respite, sitting still and allowing some of the soreness of her muscles to diminish through a personal application of quick meditation. She felt more than saw Eva give her the indication that they should restart their journey, and Ana, opening her eyes, set the team of oxen-like creatures in motion, glad that something unexpected with the animals did not take place. The cart moved forward, rocking on it's travels over the rough terrain. (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, ATAC Ensign Mil Nicolae, 1315) As the room changed to a landscape Mil noticed many additions to his programme. The wind blew around him and he pulled the cloak tighter. The protective elements of his new uniform were good on his torso and legs, but exposed most of his arms. Looking around he saw the teams prep for battle ~marines, always getting ready~ Mil laughed to himself. The men formed around the cart, Mil tightened his grip on his staff; slightly uneasy at the thought of such an exposed position. Mil grabbed Crewman McManns "you boy, check all the supplies in the wagon, ensure each man has their weapon" The man rushed to the wagon and started an inventory. Grinning Mil walked to the command team. "Sir, McManns is checking all the weapons and supplies; we should be ready to pass out shortly wherever that may be." (Reply Trinin, Bracken, Kgrik) (Posted by Mat Hodson) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, CTAC/CSEC Lieutenant Baylon Trinin, 1317)   The security team deployed and Mil seemed to fall into his natural place as a member of the security team. It seemed easy for him to assume the role of a local, and Baylon was glad that someone on their team possessed such a skill that could be applied within a moment's notice.   The junior officer stepped up to the command team  just as the cart suddenly transformed into a version that was drawn by a pair of local animals. It seemed to Baylon that the captain had decided that this version of the cart might serve them better, as the other alternative would be to pull the cart by man. this version was much better in his opinion.   He looked at Bracken and raised a single eyebrow in recognition of the change.   "Sir, McManns is checking all the weapons and supplies; we should be ready to pass out shortly whatever may be needed."   "Excellent work, Ensign." Baylon replied, "let's focus on weapons for the time being. Make certain that anyone unarmed, becomes armed. After that, poll the team and see who has experience with draft animals or riding. I have only experience in the latter and would prefer to let someone with more experience to drive the cart."   (reply Mil)   He turned to Kgrik and Bracken. "It's my suggestion that we send a small scouting group  of three forward to reconn the road and to get a lay of the land. They wouldn't need to get too far ahead to get an idea of the lay of the land. Then we'll know what to expect. I'd say 500 yards should be enough. Major?"   (reply Kgrik)   "Fine with me. Sir?" He replied looking to Bracken.   (reply Nicolae, Bracken, K'grik) Daniel Greene (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, ATAC Ensign Mil Nicolae 1325)     "Excellent work, Ensign." Mil nodded his head as Baylon continued. "let's focus on weapons for the time being. Make certain that anyone unarmed, becomes armed. After that, poll the team and see who has experience with draft animals or riding. I have only experience in the latter and would prefer to let someone with more experience to drive the cart."   Mil nodded again "at your command sir" remaining in character Mil walked across to a stunned McManns who had been looking inside the cart as it changed form and two large beasts appeared. "Forget the supplies, we need to make sure everyone in armed. Take the short swords and make sure each person has one, arrows are good but not too good hand to hand!" Mil slapped McManns on the back, "you don't know how to drive do you?" "Not these things sir" The crewman replied. Mil stood and watched the command team pointing and moving around, he seemed comfortable here; the time on Bajor had helped him, yet another meeting with Ana! After having checked most of the team Mil finally moved to a Bolian Marine "you're my last hope Kinet, can you handle a cart and ox?" The Bolian turned from the conversation and looked at the Ensign "hmmm, if I must Ensign" Mil stood and tried not to laugh at the once blue skin, Kinet looked slightly strange with the new pale skin. "Very good, stay close by...and you'll need this" He handed the now pale skinned bolian the sword, he turned and ran back to Trinin. "Sir, Kinet has experience with track animals; McManns is handing out the last of the weapons. Just so I know, are we acting as one unit or separating the Marines from Security personnel?" (Reply Trinin) Mil didn't like to ask the questions but having missed most of the command teams conversation he was intrigued. It was a strange position to be in, normally he would have preferred to have taken charge of a team or at least have been informed of the plans. Still despite being the assistant he was still a junior officer. (Reply Trinin) (Posted by Mat Hodson) (USS Hades, Sub Station 3A, Ops, CPO Janey 'Chief' Brown, 1350) Her feet pounded on the deck plating, the lower decks of the ship always sounded so isolated and the echo was a strange comfort to Janey. Still allowing the conversation with Ana to hang in her head Janey had been distracted and also delaying meeting H'retor again, pleased to have heard he would be going down to the planet and also held up in the holodeck she entered the almost secluded area of the ship. The plasma conduits hummed behind her as Janey continued the decent to the secondary control areas. A hypothesis had made her believe she could save a little more power by altering the power matrix to the back up eps regulator, she wasn't going to do it, just get the computer to simulate it; then suggest it. (USS Hades, Auxiliary Control , Ops, CPO Janey 'Chief' Brown, 1358) She entered her access code and walked into the room. Sitting down at one of the terminals "Computer activate console Delta 3" the terminal lit up and Janey tapped a few buttons. "Computer, start a simulated access to the main computer; allow voice controls. Display secondary systems." [Working] nothing changed on the screen but the computer bleeped to indicate the access was now separate to the main ship. Brining up the EPS systems she switched the secondary intake from four power nodes to two and allowed the computer to compensate. "Computer, what is the power outlay for the secondary EPS systems now?" [Power Output has reduced to 60%] "Would the secondary system be able to perform at this power output?" [System is down to 40% efficiency still within recommended usage] Came the reply. "Computer, if the main EPS system was to fall below operating parameters would the secondary back ups be able to compensate?" [Affirmative] "For how long?" [After two hours performance would drop below 10%] "Not good, record findings computer". [Download complete] Janey turned back to the terminal, bringing up the other back-up systems she searched for another plan. As the room continued to hum Janey checked even more ideas; she had tried routing secondary life support from non essential decks for one day and in the end decided it best to cut 10% off each secondary system and route it to the warp core, this giving an extra 40% power ~not much but it will do~ "Computer download data to PADD and close" [Download complete] Shutting down the console Janey stood and left the room. (Reply None) (Posted by Mat Hodson) (USS Hades, Holo-Deck 2, COO Lieutenant H'retor - 1438) While some officers were sent through the wood, Ensign Dragovar ordered H'retor to remain with the cart and cover it's back. H'retor couldn't really argue about it. Klingons were better know for their strength and constitution than for their agility. And being in an open area was definitely more dangerous, and therefore more honorable than moving in the forest. With all the trees, archers would not be as much efficient as they would be in an open area, and truth is, with all the noise the cart made, it would be quite difficult to hear the sounds of a bending bow. The risk was that they will be aware of their enemy only once the first arrows has fallen....and that probably meant, while the first arrow was deep into their skin. Nevertheless, Klingons as such a constitution than an arrow should not be enough to stop a Klingon. Moreover, if he was a true Klingon, then its hunting and warrior skills had to be equal to none, so H'retor expected of himself nothing less than being able to hear a coming enemy before they were even able to come close.  While following the cart, H'retor had his axe ready to attack. His ears where all open, concentrating on the noise made around.....more especially in the forest. As the few officers who were walking made some noise....despite their best effort, it was difficult for H'retor to isolate this noise, but as his attention and concentration where far ahead of the cart....in the areas where they had no officers, it was easier to separate them..... Suddenly, H'retor heard a noise from the wood. Without any delay, he run toward it. He was completely focusing on the surrounding, and at the sign of any movement, he would strike. As he saw some branches move, his eyes moved quickly, trying to follow the movement. It was going to his right, but there could be more people. Again, another noise. H'retor moved even closer to the wood. He here a false movement.....a very close noise. Without waiting any second, he slashed in the direction of the sound, knowing it's enemy was about to strike..... the axe smashed the enemy...only to realize it was a little wild animal. The poor animal had no chance and died instantly.  H'retor looked once more around. Their could still be some people around. His guard still high, he looked all around the area. After a long ten seconds, H'retor finally moved, taking the dead animal in his hand, while still being strongly aware of his surrounding. H'retor then took another look around, and as he saw and heard nothing, he moved back to the cart.  "I have part of our supper!"......then H'retor realized he was in the holodeck.......somehow, he was so much going into it he forgot he wasn't in a real forest...... "An holodeck beast.....not very nutritive." moaned H'retor to himself. As he was back to the cart, H'retor handed the dead beast to Ana....a bit as a joke. "We must eat our trophy!" he then added proudly. "And as we cannot stop to make a fire, a though warrior must eat it raw!"  (Reply Ana) After his brief discussion with Ana, H'retor turned to the Captain.  "Ma'am. What is the Federation way in such a situation? Rations? Or would you eat local beast if you had one to cook?"  (Reply Straton)  (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, COUNS Anamitra Ripley - 1440) As the team's progress had ground to a halt with the discovery of the downed tree across the path, Ana couldn't do much with the animals other than keep them steady. A small scouting team wen to check out the area, and Ana felt herself becoming a little paranoid, imagining that they were being watched by someone nearby. The Klingon must have heard something that eluded her, as he rushed into the thick forest that lined the roadway to the left side of the small group. The noise that was caused by his uproarious tromp through the forest would have been comical had it not been almost dangerous. Ana found herself gripping the handle of her hooked dagger weapon in anticipation of a counterattack or sudden change in the tactical situation, but it didn't seem to materialize right away. Instead H'retor emerged from the foliage with the carcass of some sort of wild animal clutched in his hands. " I have part of our supper!" he bellowed, "A holodeck beast…not very nutritive." Ana smiled at the realization that must have struck the klingon as he understood that the animal was nothing more than a holographic construct. perhaps he didn't realize that among the functions connected with a holodeck was he ability to replicate matter into a very real and tangible if unliving form. He thrust the animal at Ana, who accepted it without real desire. She didn't dare shun it since H'retor would see that as a sign of weakness. She inspected the carcass, a rabbit-like creature with long legs well developed for jumping. It was the size of a small dog and required her to handle it with both hands. "We must eat our trophy!" The operations officer added promptly, "and as we cannot stop to make a fire, a true warrior must eat it raw!" ~Ah, so that' the nature of the challenge.~ Ana thought as she nodded, ~okay, I can play this game.~ She gave him a nod and pulled her blade from it's sheath. Turning the animal away from her, she made a single cut across the animals soft belly, spilling it's guts out onto the roadway. With another single passage of the blade, she detached the inedible parts, stomach and intestines. Then putting the lade in her lap, she reached up with her free hand and pushed it into the open cavity and closed her fingers around the creatures liver. With a tug, she pulled it free. A pinch of her fingers removed the gland that resembled the gall bladder of the animal and she discarded it easily. Knowing that the computer would not allow her to eat anything dangerous, and having no real compulsion against eating replicated meat, she leaned forward and sunk her teeth into the blood soaked liver. It took a phenomenal effort of will to get through the ordeal without gagging, but she just focused on the fact that the meat in question was replicated and that was more than sufficient for her to push past the initial revulsion of the act of eating animal flesh. Blood from the ruptured liver ran down her face and dripped off her chin onto the roadway beside the cart. With Herculean effort she swallowed the mess and took a deep breath. She then held the carcass out to the Klingon. "I saved the best part for you, warrior. The brains of this creature should prove…" she smiled, "…enlightening." (reply H'retor) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, COO Lieutenant H'retor - 1442) H'retor looked at the counselor at every bit of her cutting part of the beast and eating it.....with the blood even coming out of her mouth. H'retor was flabbergasted. Seeing that 5'5 woman, he really thought she would be the kind to be afraid of a dead beast.....Not only was she not afraid, but as she ate, H'retor was wondering if she wasn't braver than him. As she handed him back the beast, H'retor felt like a fire the incredible respect growing on him for how honorable she was to have accepted it. It was clear now he could never look at her the same way... He underestimated her.....even mocked in a way her honor, but she proved H'retor completely wrong..... and he was now ashamed to have doubted her honor.  H'retor bowed his head, and took a few second to look back at her. He wanted to say "you honor me" but somehow, his shame make him waver, unsure he would be able to say it as it should be said......gloriously..... Rather, he decided to simply take the beast back.  "Ahah! I prefer the heart....it gives bravery and strength!" H'retor took the heart of the beast and swallowed it..... The taste was quite similar to a real heart..... but it was not exactly the same....  H'retor looked at others to see if anyone would ask for a bit of the beast.  (Reply any) Then, after a second, H'retor realized that not having glorified Ana was a sign of weakness, and decided to finally give her what she deserved. "Ensign Ripley. You have greatly honored me. I am honored and proud to fight alongside you."  (Reply Ana)` H'retor put his hand on his chest. Then he looked at the captain.  (Posted by Nick) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, COUNS Anamitra Ripley - 1443) The klingon warrior regarded her for a few moments and almost seemed to waiver in thought for a moment. Perhaps he had not expected her to take up his challenge and would have had a good laugh at her expense. But then again, as a counselor, if she was going to ever be of any use to him, she first had to earn his trust. "Ahah! I prefer the heart…it gives bravery and strength!" he declared in response to Ana's suggestion to eat the holographic beast's brains. H'retor did not pause but consumed the heart of the creature without hesitation. "Ensign Ripley. You have greatly honored me." he then said suddenly, "I am honored and proud to fight alongside you." "I also am honored to fight with you, H'retor, Klingon Warrior." she replied. Once he had moved on, she dug a piece of cloth out of her small belt sack, wet it with water from her water skin and used it to remove the blood from her face. that done, she went back to the task of remaining vigilant from the seat of the wagon. (Reply none needed, Any that desire to do so) Daniel Greene (USS Hades, Bridge, SO, Ensign T'Sol, 1517)   T'Sol was had watched with a detached sense of clinical interest as the newest member of the ship's crew, Ensign Williamson exited the turbolift and made his way across the bridge to the captain's ready room.   She turned the central command chair slightly to regard the new arrival as he reached out an pressed the door enunciator to the room and then stood somewhat nervously waiting for the door to slide open. to permit him entrance.   In her usual Vulcan fashion, T'Sol rose to her feet quietly and approached the new officer, knowing that he was perfectly focused on the door and the protocols for reporting to the captain once those doors opened.   "I do not think that you will gain entrance to the ready room any time soon ensign." she spoke evenly. "The captain is not present to answer your chime."   (reply Williamson)   "I am ensign T'Sol. Currently I am the acting Duty officer in command of the Boudicca. Captain Straton and Commander Bracken are currently engaged in a simulation on holodeck 2, where they are likely to remain for some time. It seems that you were so focused on reporting to the captain, that you failed to check the duty roster to determine who was in the position of the Officer of the watch. Enthusiasm has its place, however, provided that it does not make one act hastily."   (reply Williamson)   "Your orders, please mister?" T'Sol asked as she reached out to accept his orders.   (reply Williamson) (USS Hades, Holo-Deck 2, CO Captain Eva Straton, 15:40) They had been working on cutting through the fallen tree for a little over an hour now. The rain had stopped about 30 minuets ago and Eva had managed to get a small fire started a safe distance from their cart and was in the process of heating some water to make some hot tea for those working on the tree. ~At least it's what passes for tea on this planet.~ She thought. "Ana, could you get some cups from the wagon ?" She asked as she filled a pitcher with some of the hot water. Wrapping the handle of the pitcher with a rag, Eva lifted it and followed Ana over to the wagon and then up the road to where Dragovar and others were working at chopping through the fallen tree. "Some hot tea to chase away the chill," Eva called out, putting the pitcher down on a nearby stump and motioning Ana to do the same with the cups. "Help yourselves." Eva stepped back and watched as some of the crew moved over and helped themselves to a cup of the tea. She moved over and assessed their progress and nodded. She then turned and headed back toward the wagon. A sudden cry from down the road from whence they had come arose suddenly. Eva dashed back down the road in the direction of the cry. Reaching the wagon she could see one of the marines who had been sent out to scout leaning against the wagon out of breath. "Report," Eva snapped as she came up to the wagon. "A large group coming down the road behind us," Private Donaldson reported between gasps. "They are armed." ~Damn we are trapped between their approach and that damn tree.~ Eva thought as she went into command mode. "Form up!" She shouted at those around her, then turned toward Ripley. "Head back up the road and warn Dragovar and the other. Tell them to return to the wagon immediately and get their weapons ready." She then turned and pointed to H'retor and three marines. "You four head into brush and back down toward the approaching group. If it comes to battle, I want you four to jump out and attack them from behind. Now MOVE!" She turned back toward the fire and picked up her quarterstaff. "Everyone else, form up." (Reply All on Team 2, Any) (posted by Wes) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, COUNS Anamitra Ripley - 1542)   Ana did not offer to climb down from the wagon and help the team chop their way through the tree that blocked the roadway. As far as she was concerned she was within her role as a healer to stay seated in the wagon and to stay alert for any signs of potential trouble. The time that they had spent there in the rain wasn't entirely unpleasant either. It had been a very long time since she had felt real rain, well at least rain simulated to be this real, on her face. Even the slight chill caused by a very slow meandering breeze wasn't entirely unpleasant.   She realized that her attention had started to wonder somewhat, as she considered the realism of the holodeck. She had almost missed the captain, speaking to her.   "Ana, could you get some cups from the wagon ?" Straton asked her.   The alienness of the captain using her name rather than Ensign, or ensign Ripley surprised her enough that she just gave a slow dumbfounded nod as she climbed out of the driver's seat on the cart.  She rummaged around in the back of the cart for a moment until she found the large burlap-like sack that contained the fired clay dishes. She removed the mugs and carried them over to the spot where the captain waited. The counselor followed the captain the short distance along the muddied cart track to the place where the members of the away team were chopping away at the obstacle that barred their progress.   "Some hot tea to chase away the chill," the captain announced as she placed the pitcher, and Ana the mugs on a nearby tree stump. " Help yourselves."   Ana would have normally been one of the first people to grab a hot steaming cup of tea, but the fact that there were others working hard in the rain caused her to decline the offer of the hot tea. It was better served to those who had need of it, rather than to someone that had thus far only taken up space on the seat of the animal drawn cart.   Ana and the captain headed back for the wagon. Just a short distance from their destination, there was a shout and once of the marines came running up to make a report.   "Report," Eva snapped and the marine immediately  did so.   "A large group coming down the road behind us," he explained a little breathlessly. The atmosphere here wasn't quite as oxygen rich as it was on Earth or aboard a ship, but it was well within tolerances and people would adapt to it pretty quickly. "They are armed." he added.   ~Isn't everyone?~ Ana questioned internally.   "Form up!" Eva snapped, the ex-marine commander in her taking over. Ana had no idea exactly what to do. She could only assume based on entertainment programs that she had experienced. She stepped over next to some of the others nearby and they formed a line abreast.   Eva turned to her, "Head back up the road and warn Dragovar and the others.  Tell them to return to the wagon immediately and get their weapons ready."   "Aye, sir." Ana replied and then immediately headed back for the fallen log. She was a good runner and from a place where the atmosphere was naturally lighter than normal. So she didn't suffer any of the serious side-effects from sprinting nearly the entire way, beyond the normal heavy breathing.   "Dragovar!" Ana shouted as she approached the group. "We have company. We need you to grab your weapons and head back to the wagon right away."   (reply Dragovar, Any others on this team) Daniel Greene (USS Hades, Holo-Deck 2, COO Lieutenant H'retor - 15:43) H'retor was covering the back of the wagon, as requested while some of the team was preparing a fire. His skin was hitching, probably a consequence of the physical alteration......or maybe it was only mental....not being very please with that whiter skin. H'retor remarked one of the recon personnel coming back in a hurry. While keeping a look at the surrounding, H'retor was all hears towards what he had to say to the captain. Finally.....some actions..... actions the captain planned herself, but actions nevertheless. Holding his axe very firmly, he was gonna make them regret to have existed artificially, as their life would be a short and painful one.  The captain quickly approached H'retor who moved to hear what she had to say.   "You four head into brush and back down toward the approaching group.  If it comes to battle, I want you four to jump out and attack them from behind. Now MOVE!" Eva ordered. H'retor nodded. He took a look at the three marines and started running towards the wood. He was not long after joined by Gunnarson (NRPG: I have assumed Gunnarsson is added to the three marines so we will be five in total). During the run, H'retor had a few seconds to analyze the fields. As they walked silently towards the enemy, H'retor took a few look behind to see where was gonna be their own front line. As they took position behind the wagon (NRPG: I mean between the wagon and the enemy), H'retor whispered his orders....he was not a tactical officer, but there was no time to argue for a plan.   "You two, yours bows will be useful. Position there and attack them as soon as they are at range. Concentrate on their left flank and try to draw a few of them running towards you. If there is too many of them, just lead them the wrong way and fall back on the wagon position. If they don't take the bait, reinforce Dragovar. Our three will hide a bit further and we will wait they are committed to engage them. Qa'pla!" (Reply any, iyw) As the group of five splitted up, H'retor and the two others moved closer to the enemy....but still far enough not to be detected. As they considered the place being just close enough to launch a surprise attack on their rear, H'retor stopped and with his hands, he indicated to the others to hide.  As Dragovar came to meet the enemy, H'retor was at a perfect spot to see what was going on.......despite not hearing very well what they were saying. H'retor wasn't sure the two bowmen would not start firing already, as he did not expected them to talk to an enemy.....but hopefully, no arrow was shot, meaning they understood they needed to see if their was going to be a fight.  Hopefully, the 40 meters between the two lines gave everyone the extra second necessary to maneuver.  H'retor heard only a word here and there......unable to complete a whole sentence. However, as the raider leader turned to his tribesmen, the words 'take the women alive' was louder and clearly understood from where H'retor was hiding. His regard was fixed on the enemy. At the moment they will start running to engage Dragovar, this will be their chance. And has he was thinking about his own action, he saw the arrows falling on the enemy left as he hoped.  The enemy was surprised as they weren't expecting enemy attacking them from their left flank......One of them was badly hurt, having an arrow piercing his left shoulder. However, as he expected, the enemy were good warriors....not afraid by the arrows falling on them. The surprise was short lived as the enemy focused once more on the front line and was about to charge.... but H'retor hoped they would be enough pissed off or worried about those bowmen that they would send people attacking them....and that would be there end. Their left flank would be outnumbered by H'retor attack. Looking a last time at the surrounding, just in case there was no other enemy force hidden somewhere, H'retor saw nothing and looked back at the enemy who just started charging. H'retor moved his hand up......just waiting for the enemy to be within 30 meters of Dragovar to give the signal.  (Reply any, iyw) (USS Hades, Holo-Deck 2 - CEO Lt. Peter Holland - 15:44) Peter was using his lower legs, powerful after years of judo and running - to give him extra leverage on his end of the long two-man saw. His tunic, an olive-brown woolen thing, was looking darker with each passing moment. When Straton came over with Ana, he nodded to his partner and whipped his own forehead. "Some hot tea to chase away the chill," Eva called out, putting the pitcher down on a nearby stump and motioning Ana to do the same with the cups. "Help yourselves." Pete nodded his thanks and, assuming a squat position, drank down the first cup without pause. It slid down with that pleasant near-but-not-quite burning sensation when Straton turned sharply towards a cry and bolted back to the wagon. Pete gave a sharp whistle to the rest of the crew to be alert and headed towards the wagon when the Captain hollered. "Form up!" She shouted at those around her, then turned toward Ripley. "Head back up the road and warn Dragovar and the other. Tell them to return to the wagon immediately and get their weapons ready." She then turned and pointed to H'retor and three marines. "You four head into brush and back down toward the approaching group. If it comes to battle, I want you four to jump out and attack them from behind. Now MOVE!" She turned back toward the fire and picked up her quarterstaff. "Everyone else, form up." Pete picked up his own staff and held it like a familiar friend - a deadly one - but very familiar. ~Today is a good day to die, but a very good one for victory.~ Pete cleared his mind and prepared for the coming onslaught. "Captain, should we douse the fire?" Pete eyed it, worried that an inexperienced fighter could easily fall in. (reply Straton, any in group, any) (posted by Lori) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, ATAC Tallac Dragovar - 1545) The top of the tree separated with a satisfying creak and a crunch. The rest of the tree had been stripped of branches so it would slide when the beasts bulled it.   Both Dragovar and Van Der Brugar gratefully took the offered cups of steaming tea, savouring the warmth it brought, although not the bitter flavour.   “We just have to sever the roots so the tree will slide easily. No more than fifteen minutes.” Van Der Brugar said.   Before Dragovar could reply, they notice the commotion at the wagon, and Ensign Ripley running towards them.   "Dragovar!" she shouted. "We have company. We need you to grab your weapons and head back to the wagon right away."   Both men buried the heads of the axes into the tree. “Alamo.” Dragovar said as the pair slipped and slithered through the mud to reach the wagon, and collect their arms.   “What is an Alamo?” VDB asked.   “A place to make a last stand, if it should come to that.” Dragovar explained. The axes there would provide weapons if they should need them.   As he strapping his shield to his arm, he spoke rapidly. “Gunnarson, go with H’retor and the marines into the woods. Go past them, then circle into the rear of them if they attack. Use that whacking great axe of yours to break up any formation they might take. Ferguson, Van Der Brugar. Join the remaining marines, form a line between them and the wagon. I’ll join you in a moment.”   He checked his sword was loose in the scabbard. “Pendragon, Ana stay in the wagon, use the bows to shoot at them over the top of our guys. Anyone else I’ve missed. Stay with the wagon, protect Sretal Straton. You are our top cover if we need to fall back. Apologies for being bossy, but this is my responsibility now.”   “I suppose it would be a waste of time asking you to stay in the wagon, Sretal?” He asked the captain with a wry smile.   (reply Straton)   The party of raiders moved down the track, stopping 40 metres from the wagon. He handed Pendragon a bundle of arrows, then the spear she had strapped to the side of the wagon before they set out “Anyone who gets past us, kill them. Ana, if you can shoot a bow, use one as well, if not, use the spear and skewer anyone who comes within range.”   (reply Ripley)   Without waiting for a reply he stepped forward, 5 metres in front of the line of marines and security personnel, and raised a hand to the party facing them. “Greetings. I am Sur’gal Dragovar of the Tragothian Temple Guard.” He raised his voice loud enough to carry to the rabble in front of him. “We have little food, but you are welcome at our fire and we have hot Cabbanak tea we would be happy to share, although we do not have enough cups for everyone.”   He hoped the offer would avoid a conflict, but knew in his heart they were after their equipment, their supplies or worse.   A huge man stepped forward, with long black hair, and a massive beard. He stood taller then Dragovar at about 7 foot 2, carrying a crude, but evil looking four foot hammer. “I am Barator, Kratal of the Stone men of the valley. You give us all you own, and we will let you live.”   “You impudent creature.” Dragovar barked. “This is Sretal Straton, An envoy from the high priestess of the Tragothian temple of Clenia. Show the proper respect, or the gods will not show you mercy.” He hoped the show of aggression would scare of the people, incurring the wrath of your gods had a remarkable effect on some civilisations.   Unfortunately this group were obviously not the religious type.   Barator raised his hammer. “This is all I respect. Let the gods do what they will.” He turned to his tribesman. “Take what you can, to the victor the spoils. Take the women alive.”   Dragovar took several steps backwards and joined the middle of the line. 6 men stood between the horde and the wagon. “Well, that went well.”   Ferguson muttered. “Insult and annoy the only man we have ever found bigger than you. Genius, if I may say so Sur’gal”   Dragovar could not help but grin. “I try. Now remember lads, pointy ends into the other man.”   With that all smiles faded, as the wildmen roared, then charged.   (reply any) (Posted by Tim) (USS Hades, Holodeck 2, ATAC Ensign Tallac Dragovar - 15:49)     Dragovar and his men stood on a bank of rocky ground, able to get purchase on the slippery mud that Barator and his stone men now charged across.   A couple of the stone men fell on the flanks, suddenly growing an arrow from their bodies. The marines on the flanks were doing their jobs, un-noticed.   30 metres away.   More fell to the sniping of the bowmen. Pendragon’s bow sang as an arrow lodged into the neck of the man next to Barator.   25 metres   Dragovar took a deep breath, then as loud as he could shouted. “H’RETOR”   10 Metres   Dragovar drew his sword as he saw the party led by H’retor begin to move to flank the attackers. Despite working as a mercenary for several years, Dragovar had never been in a shield wall like this before. He had been in battles on the holodeck, but this one felt much more real than a simulation.   “Lock shields!” Everyman with a shield in the wall overlapped the edges of them, forming a solid barricade   The wild men smashed into the wall of shields, one marine staggered back, but regained his footing to fill the gap in the line.   Dragovar stabbed over the top of his shield, hearing a man scream, a second crash as the flanking party smashed into the tribesmen, causing the planned confusion.   Before they could recover Dragovar shouted again. “Advance!” They men pushed the tribe back, hacking and slashing as they went. Most was wild swings, of enthusiastic amateurs. Dragovar feinted left, then rammed the tip of his sword through the throat of one fighter. Arterial spray from the wound slattered across his shield and tunic. Smashing his shield into the face on another, with a crunch audible over the chaos, he stabbed downwards killing the man. He looked for the leader, take the head of the snake the mantra was when dealing with mobs. Moving to fight him, Dragovar was confronted by another man, with a spear, who knew how to use it. Dragovar tried to move in close enough, but the man kept moving away, the tip of the spear tapping his shield. A sudden lunge, moved him past the point, and Dragovar stabbed his sword into the mans rib cage. Blood poured from the mans mouth, as he sank to the floor with a gurgle.   Barator had a marine on the floor, behind his shield, as the massive chieftain pounded on the marines shield with his hammer. Dragovar reached them just as Barator raised his hammer to strike again, slashing upwards to block the blow.   The distance was misjudged slightly, and Dragovar’s sword slashed into the wrists of the huge chieftain, severing his left hand cleanly, and biting into the wrist of the right arm. The man fell to the floor, howling in pain. Dragovar then slammed the rim of his shield into Barator’s head, knocking him to the ground.   With H’retor and his party assaulting them from the rear, and Dragovar’s team from the front, the fight quickly went from the tribesmen and they broke, leaving their wounded, and dead behind.   Dragovar felt something scrape along his side, pivoting he turned as a boy, no more than 12 years old, had tried to stick a dagger in his back, but had failed to have the strength to pierce the chainmail. Dragovar was shocked, but as the boy drew back the dagger to try again, he smashed him in the side of his head with the flat of his blade, knocking him to the floor, and out cold.   The remaining tribesmen had fled. The area was silent, but for the moans of the wounded. The silence was sickening. The men stood, chests heaving as they sucked in oxygen. They had driven them off, for now.   (posted by Tim) (Reply Any) (Lertain IV - Observation Post 'The House', Command Center – Outpost FO, Lt. Lo'ren T'Vof - 1809) "Anything new?" he sounded slightly hopeful, but his visage told her thathe already knew the answer. Lo'ren looked back at the CO with an apologetic expression, "No, sir. The situation has remained as is, unfortunately. "I didn't think so." he replied with a sigh. "I just received word from Starfleet command. They have already dispatched the USS Hades to investigate. The ship is commanded by Captain Eva Straton and seconded by Commander Dale Bracken. The communiqué was a it more vague than I would have liked, but they should be arriving any day now. I'd like for you to be ready to provide them with everything they may need. I also think that it would be a good idea to have someone from our staff accompany them during their investigation. I'd like for that someone to be you, Lo'ren." Lo'ren gave a slight start, the Hades was home in some ways - but after she had been transferred to the House, she'd come to the conclusion that she'd never see that family again. Her thoughts half turned to Jack - he'd quit the fleet when she left the Hades and stayed with her for the duration of her command training - but he'd dropped out of contact when he wasn't allowed to come with her to Lertain IV. At least she could still feel him faintly in the back of her mind - one day... Lo'ren came out of her revery, "Sir, I don't know if that's such a good idea - Captain Straton will have certain... expectations of me as her former 2O and Tactical Chief. I don't think she will confuse the issue, but others on the ship might." (reply Simms) (posted by Lori) ===================