compile summary -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.27 (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Meeting Room, FO Commander Eva Straton, 17:52) (USS Hades, Ten Forward, aCTAC/CSEC- Lieutenant Baylon Trinin, 1753) (USS Hades, Ten Forward - Engineer Ensign (jg) Arysha Tethlin - 1758.5) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1806) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Nilgik Slave- Vazkak - 1807) (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Meeting Room, FO Commander Eva Straton, 18:07.5) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Tch'Kairn Slave Nor'hath - 1808) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1809) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - ATAC Ensign(jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1810) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Tch'Kairn Slave Nor'hath - 1810.5) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - ATAC Ensign(jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1810.7) (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital Station, Science Sections , ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie, 18:19 hours) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Science Sections - ATAC Ensign (jg)Lo'ren T'Vof - 1819.5) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Science Sections - Waagoshin Escort-Knars- 1820) (USS Hades- Ten Forward - Engineer Ensign (jg) Arysha Tethlin - 1821) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Science Sections - Waagoshin Escort-Knars- 1825) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Science Sections - Waagoshin Escort-Knars- 1848) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Planetary Science Section - Waagoshin Escort- Knars- 1851) (USS Hades- Ten Forward -Sixth Alpha Sanra- 1855) (USS Hades- Ten Forward -CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere- 1856) (USS Hades- Observation Lounge -Sixth Alpha Sanra- 1857) (USS Hades- Bridge -Sixth Alpha Sanra- 1859) (USS Hades, Turbo Lift, ATT Lt. Commander Zzt, 19:00) (USS Hades- Bridge -Sixth Alpha Sanra- 1902) (USS Hades - Sickbay - Dr. Chase O'Neil - 1906) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- begin compile Stardate: 2408.07.27 (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Meeting Room, FO Commander Eva Straton, 17:52) ::I doubt that they'll be much of a threat here Commander,:: Lt.Trinin sent. ::But we're ready if I'm proven wrong. We'll grab you as soon as possible if something bad happens.:: ::If you haven't done so already, send extra security to Main Engineering and the Bridge,:: Eva replied back, ::Just to be on the safe side, and whatever you do keep Commander Zzt away from the Waagoshin on the ship. We don't need that oaf making a complete debacle of things by running his mouth or who knows what else.:: (Reply Trinin IYW) Eva suddenly became aware of Ensign Walsh behind her projecting his thoughts direction and scanned his surface thoughts. ::FO Straton, these vents are blowing into the room! They might be setting up something!:: Walsh's thoughts came through loud and clear. ::Understood Ensign,:: Eva sent to Walsh, ::Well done.:: (Reply Walsh) All this she did with never once breaking eye contact with Alpha 1 who's ear's suddenly flattened, his hackles rose, and he growled menacingly baring his fangs, thus causing his guards to do likewise. Eva kept her gaze locked on Alpha 1 knowing his guards would not move until he gave the signal. "I have been most patient Commander and you have aptly demonstrated that you have fangs in your mouth but that is not why we are here, if you wish to sit at a table of peace and discuss amicable terms then I suggest you drop the confrontational attitude and do so or I will revoke the terms demanded by the Kalya. As for your ship, do not overestimate its capabilities or underestimate mine," Alpha 1 said as his eyes narrowed. ~Time to put on my best Vulcan, I think.~ Eva thought as her only outward reaction was a raised brow. ~Now would not be a good time to blink, though I would really like to kill this SOB.~ "You misunderstand me Alpha 1," Eva said, her voice devoid of emotion. "I did not mean my words as a threat or insult, simply a statement of fact. If our intentions had been one of conquest, then we would have attacked the Graelridge on sight. This would have resulted in one of three outcomes: we would have destroyed the Graelridge, the Graelridge would have destroyed us, or we would have destroyed each other. Is it logical to send a single ship on a mission of conquest? You are not an ignorant being, otherwise you would not have obtained the position you have, so no, I won't insult your intelligence. Would you have sent a ship without adequate means of defending itself to make first contact with a completely unknown species? By your own admission your species has had some bad experiences with other races, so have we. A regrettable situation but one that happens more than I'm sure either of us would like. I realize that you are only looking out for the best interests of your people as am I. Trust is not something that comes easily for your people, I understand that now." She looked around at the armed guards standing around the room before looking back at Alpha 1. "I do not trust easily either. Both of us care deeply for our respective people, a commendable thing. Trust is something we must earn one from the other so I propose we do this slowly over time. Our meeting could be the first of many between our two people or the last. If you or your superiors decide you want nothing to do with us then we will respect your decision and leave peacefully. The only question is: are your people interested in a peaceful relationship with the UFP? If not then me and my officers will return to our ship and we will be on our way out of Waagoshin space." Eva stood as if to leave as she finished speaking. ~Lets see what he's up to.~ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, Ten Forward, aCTAC/CSEC- Lieutenant Baylon Trinin, 1753) ::If you haven't done so already, send extra security to Main Engineering and the Bridge,:: Eva replied back, ::Just to be on the safe side, and whatever you do keep Commander Zzt away from the Waagoshin on the ship. We don't need that oaf making a complete debacle of things by running his mouth or who knows what else.:: Baylon gave her a mental nod. ::I have already dispatched T'Sol with a team to engineering and have a security team standing by on deck one as needed, I didn't want a full security team getting underfoot on the bridge.:: He replied ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ten Forward - Engineer Ensign (jg) Arysha Tethlin - 1758.5) A single word came back from Lt. Wright. The affirmative flashed across Arysha's VID and the computer programmer sat back and sipped her drink, casting her gaze over the fox-people and the diplomatic team seated across from them. Arysha had to suppress a grin as D-boss' face twisted at the taste of the drink poured by the fox-leader. Arysha vowed to never be the first to try anything, she wasn't very good at having a poker face. She read every scrap of information the fox-man gave out about the drink -Kalya. Judging by the story, they would loose face - and likely rank if they were found to have tampered with such a sacred drink so there was little danger other than incompatibility by species. Arysha noted also the shifting and flattening of ears when the female Starfleet Officers drank the red liquid. She decided to reserve any reporting on that for the moment, itdidn't seem significant enough to warrant her flapping hands about it. She shuddered at the cannibalistic nature of the creation story, but it seemed to fit them - what she'd seen so far. Arysha could feel their posturing from here and could just bet that Sash could too, he was doing enough of his own. Arysha guessed that this was going to be a long evening, but she was glad she'd not only come but, for once, she was glad she'd not found a suitable conversation companion. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1806) Lo'ren felt her mind get a bit of freedom as Commander Straton took control of the link now extablished. She was satisfied with this as it gave her a bit more freedom in keeping a tactical eye on the now rather large assortment of aliens. She allowed her negative emotions to smolder a little as she observed Knars. The fool and the overeager Waagoshin he commanded were certainly not doing a good job of keeping her colleagues in check. ~Lax or overconfident...or completely stupid.~ Even as she continued her tactical assessment of the moment, she still caught much of what Vazkak sent across the telepathic link to Straton and it made her heart break to catch the feelings of inadequacy and sorrow he'd felt at his act of survival. Her heart leapt up a notch when his feeling of hope emanated through the link and Vazkak offered his help. Outwardly she allowed herself a small smile. Within the mind link she stepped forward slightly. ::Commander, I hope you are of the same opinion that I am under. If we should need tactical aid - and I get the impression that is the likely case. It would do well to have allies such as the Niglik. It offers a great advantage to have the knowledge and experience they provide.:: (reply Straton) ::If there is nothing else I would like to make contact with the Tch'kairn stationed here also.:: (reply Straton) ::Yes, ma'am. Vazkak, it has been my pleasure to converse with you and join with you. May your bravery in this be rewarded deeply and may you live long and prosper.:: (reply Vazkak) With that Lo'ren let go of the smaller alien and bowed her head as deeply as she dared. She gave him a significant look of trust and turned towards Eoin who was approaching. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Nilgik Slave- Vazkak - 1807) ::Commander, I hope you are of the same opinion that I am under. If we should need tactical aid - and I get the impression that is the likely case. It would do well to have allies such as the Nilgik. It offers a great advantage to have the knowledge and experience they provide.:: Lo'ren then sent to the more powerful female. (reply Straton) ::If there is nothing else I would like to make contact with the Tch'kairn stationed here also.:: (reply Straton) ::Yes, ma'am. Vazkak, it has been my pleasure to converse with you and join with you. May your bravery in this be rewarded deeply and may you live long and prosper.:: ::You have Honored me beyond belief, Lo'ren. I wait only to serve.:: He replied before the link was broken. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Meeting Room, FO Commander Eva Straton, 18:07.5) ::I have shown you all that I showed T'Vof and more besides. You have seen my heart, my sadness and my conviction. Let me aid you.:: Vazkak said as he finished sharing his species and personal history. ::Commander, I hope you are of the same opinion that I am under. If we should need tactical aid - and I get the impression that is the likely case. It would do well to have allies such as the Nilgik. It offers a great advantage to have the knowledge and experience they provide.:: EnsignT'Vof said in the telepathic link before Eva could reply. ::You have already aided us, and for that I give you my thanks,::Eva replied to Vazkak before turning her mental attention to T'Vof . ::I will take your opinion under consideration Ensign. I remind you however of the Prime Directive.:: ::If there is nothing else I would like to make contact with the Tch'kairn stationed here also.:: ::Do so,:: Eva replied, ::We need as much data as you can get.:: ::Yes, ma'am. Vazkak, it has been my pleasure to converse with you and join with you. May your bravery in this be rewarded deeply and may you live long and prosper.:: ::You have Honored me beyond belief, Lo'ren. I wait only to serve,:: Vazkak said before T'Vof left the link. ::We may well speak again Vazkak,:: Eva sent once T'Vof had left the link. ::Only time will tell. For now, you and your people stay safe.:: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Tch'Kairn Slave Nor'hath - 1808) Nor'hath watched as the new aliens seemed preoccupied by the smaller Nilgik and she seemed a little saddened. Perhaps it was their massive size that persuaded the new arrivals to avoid them, or maybe the massive mandibles that they possessed. It made no matter, it's just that the arrival and visit of these aliens was the most interesting thing to happen for at least the last 50 years and it appeared as if they were going to simply avoid her and her people. She had hardly completed that assessment when one of the soft-skinned aliens broke away from the Nilgik and strode towards her. "Hello, My name is Lo'ren and I am a linguist and diplomat, I would like to record your language for our database if that is all right?" "Yes of course," Nor'hath replied. A certain pride showing through in the clicking of her mandibles as she spoke. The soft skin raised a scanning device up towards Nor'hath, who cocked her head to get a better view of the display. Then suddenly, in a very poor but understandable rendition of Tch'Kairn, the females said, "We received a message for help from your people. Do you know of it?" ~SPY!~ Nor'hath's mind screamed at her. ~They want to know about the resistance! They must be working for the Waagoshin. How else would they have gotten into this compartment with scanning equipment? And for what other reason would they be allowed the speak to the slaves in their native tongue.~ Nor'hath regarded the alien with glittering multi-facetted eyes for a moment before responding in Tch'Kairn. "I know nothing of this. I am a worker in the waste reclamation facility of this station. I have never seen a radio,let alone know anything about a message that was sent. And even if I did soft-skinned alien, I could not and would not tell you anything, even if the Waagoshin that you work for were to split my carapace." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1809) Lo'ren thought the Tch'kairn was rather thoughtful before making an answer that sounded defensive. "I know nothing of this. I am a worker in the waste reclamation facility of this station. I have never seen a radio, let alone know anything about a message that was sent. And even if I did soft-skinned alien, I could not and would not tell you anything, even if the Waagoshin that you work for were to split my carapace." She had to stop and think before being able to form a response. ~Could not eh? Working for the Waagoshin?~ She shuddered at the idea. "I understand, but you are mistaken if you would think I would work for the Waagoshin." If she could have expressed her anger in their language she would have... as it was she found her eyes lighting with flame again. "I have been a slave in my own time and will not do it again. The Waagoshin call you workers to us, but my own experience tells me otherwise." (reply Nor'hath) "Evidence of my own past slavery." Lo'ren offered as she raised her sleeve to again expose the scar that started there. She hoped it would mollify him or her. Having eased the larger alien's mood slightly she tried a different tack,"Whom ever sent the message used fractal technology. The Waagoshin seem not to know of this and it took our scientist some time to discover it. The language I am able to stutter in now was embedded in that message. Do you know about fractal technology?" (reply Nor'hath) Lo'ren nodded her head, "Very well. Thank you for you time." Lo'ren sensed that the alien did know what the message was about and turned to leave hoping that her show of respect would garner a better response than she'd already gotten. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - ATAC Ensign(jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1810) She approached one of the Tch'kairn, who towered over her, and smiled."Hello, My name is Lo'ren and I am a linguist and diplomat, I would like to record your language for our database if that is all right?" (reply Tch'kairn) She made a show of bringing her tricorder to bear on the gigantic praying mantis, but what she then did caused it to cock its head curiously. She hissed slightly and tapped her nails against the casing of her 'corder hoping she had the correct inflections and accents. "We received a message for help from your people. Do you know of it?" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - Tch'Kairn Slave Nor'hath - 1810.5) "I understand, but you are mistaken if you would think I would work for the Waagoshin. I have been a slave in my own time and will not do it again. The Waagoshin call you workers to us, but my own experience tells me otherwise." Nor'hath would have frowned if she had been able to do so, instead she made an irritated sound with her mandibles. The soft shelled being was most assuredly confrontational, and this caused Nor'hath no amount of emotional discomfort. "I would not presume to know of your experience." she finally answered, measuring her response carefully. "Evidence of my own past slavery." Lo'ren offered as she raised her sleeve to again expose the scar that started there. Nor'hath regarded the scar intently it looked real enough. This did somehow manage to put her a little more at ease with the smooth skinned creature standing before her. "Whom ever sent the message used fractal technology. The Waagoshin seem not to know of this and it took our scientist some time to discover it. Thelanguage I am able to stutter in now was embedded in that message. Do you know about fractal technology?" Nor'hath cocked her head slightly to the left in thought before answering truthfully. "I was a merchant before this, I sold cooking vessels and storage vessels. I know nothing of science." Lo'ren nodded her head, "Very well. Thank you for you time." Nor'hath watched with some sense of interest as the alien turned then and walked away. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Waste Reclamation Facility - ATAC Ensign(jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1810.7) Lo'ren stopped mid-stride and grunted to herself - frustrated that she'd been so idiotic. She realized what the Tch'kairn must have thought of her,considering her behaviour. She shook her head and lowered it, taking a moment to properly compose herself. An image came to her mind from amongst the information shared with her and Commander Straton by Vazkak. Lo'ren now knew what she needed to do and made a slow about face. She deposited her tricorder in its requisite holder at her side and went back to the larger alien she'd previously addressed. Stopping about two feet away from the Mantis-like alien, Lo'ren spread her hands and arms out to the side. She bowed her head slightly in a gesture of respect before coming up once again. Folding her hands in front of her, she made eye contact with the Tch'kairn, which made her look up a significant amount. "My apologies, I intended no disrespect just now. I am a passionate personand to see fellow sentient beings in a position such as yours and such as I once experienced causes me much alarm and anger. Please, be assured that my anger is not directed at you but at those who would presume their dominance." (reply Nor'hath) Lo'ren didn't take out her tricorder, explaining that she'd set it to passive. "My scannning and recording device will record our conversation adquately without being opened. I will speak in my own language and you will hear yours because of the translation matrix embedded in that device and this one." Lo'ren pointed to her commbadge in reference to 'this one'. (reply Nor'hath) "Please, tell me what you can. I will listen to anything you might be able to say to me." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital Station, Science Sections , ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie, 18:19 hours) "Mr. McKenzie, you may have indeed stumbled on a result of our presence in that section. But I don't think it was malicious, if you recall - all the workers were given a half rosek break to interact with us. Did you considered that the lack of workers active may have contributed to that?" "TBH, it does not seem logical to let the readings go up this high, this place could blow at any minute, and by the looks of it, the Wagoshiin could replace any losses which they suffer. I don't think they are as concerned with public safety as we are. "Speaking for myself, ma'am. I'm scared. and I find this far too... weird." Kenny admitted." Kenny replied, trying to keep this voice stable. "I understand Kenneth, the situation is rather... different from what we are used to." she said under her voice. She handed the tricorder back to him. Kenny thought about this. Her words told Kenny that she thought he was being over-dramatic, but her tone of voice made it clear that she was trying not to make a commotion. Kenny decided to play along, but it was hard, with the feeling that me may be killed any second. Kenny looked down at his tricorder but before he closed it, he noticed that something had been written. He read it. [I have reason to believe we have been selected as slaves - or our ship has. Keep your eyes on that tricorder, but don't tip off Knars. Sorry for the harsh words.] Kenny's heart skipped a beat, not from shock, but because he knew he had been right all along. These Wagoshiin were not their allies, but their new enemies, yet another thing for the Federation to worry about. He turned and nodded to her, showing that he understood to keen silent about the whole thing and play along. he wiped the message from the screen and reactivated the scanning beam to scan around, trying to look like he was clam, but he was not sure if he could. he was no marine or solider, he was not a man bread for battle. He was a scientist and a man of learning. Lo'ren spoken to him off-topic, most likely trying to keep them all clam. "Both the Niglik and the Tch'kairn have interesting languages, which I have managed to collect a fair amount of data on. I don't know about you, but for me the Waste reclamation centre was mentally stimulating." she said. "A..Aye." he said, trying not to sound scared and forced himself not to gulp. "I didn't hear as much as you... but...uhh it's something to study." Kenny cursed. he was not a good bluffer when it came to acting like everything was cool in a deadly situation. He kept fighting the urge to check his phaser to see if it was still stable, so instead he turned around to see if Adams was still there, being part of Tactical, he could rely on a man like him. Kenny suddenly felt glad that that none of them were wearing red, but he was unsure why. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Science Sections - ATAC Ensign (jg)Lo'ren T'Vof - 1819.5) Their escort spoke with disdain about the work being conducted - almost as if it were beneath him to have to explain these things to potential slaves. "This is the Botanical sciences area. These...sl...scientists record avariety of data on plants from the planet below. Many drugs, poisons and foods have been discovered in this way. There is also work being done to increase the productivity of luxury foodstuffs as well as staple foods here. In this manner we can see to it that we can feed all the population of this planet." ~I think they were likely doing fine on their own you Denebian Slime Devil.~Lo'ren could barely supress her rage and the memories that were flying around in her head. Knars' attitude was similar to that of many overseers of her work group. They were never very pleased to be placed in charge of children and had always let it show in some way or another. She noted the fact that the dogs weren't touching the plants being studied here, like scientists would, but they were barking at the Tch'kairn'scientists' quite a bit. The UT had heard enough Waagoshin language for Lo'ren to catch snipets of what they were saying, "Hurry up!" seemed to be a consistent theme as they overseers got impatient and bored being around so many plants and *obviously* not enough meat. She turned her attention to Knars. "So, have they discovered any new foods unknown before your ships arrived?" Lo'ren could almost bet not, but waited for Knars. (reply Knars) She nodded, "I see, anything suitable for consumption by the Tch'kairn or Nigliks?" (reply Knars) She nodded again, keeping her reactions very close and guarded. Lo'ren decided to test her luck again with some interaction, though nothing on as grand a scale as the Waste Reclamation Centre. "Would we be able to observe some of the work close up? I'm sure the methodology would be interesting to our scientists back home and I can see that Mr. McKenzie here is interested also." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Science Sections - Waagoshin Escort-Knars- 1820) "So, have they discovered any new foods unknown before your ships arrived?"The female asked him. "Yes, There is quite a market for Nozarra roots in Waagoshin Markets. The money made from it's trade is used to support social projects locally." he replied honestly. "The root is a natural stimulant that heightens the taste, texture, and self-life of meat as well as having other beneficial side effects of a dietary nature." She nodded, "I see, anything suitable for consumption by the Tch'kairn or Nilgik?" "Yes the Tch'kairn have discovered three species of plants that they had not discovered previous to our arrival that are very nutritious for them. The Yoccav bean, the Zoatoc leaf and the Magto fruit. They have made a significant impact on the infant mortality rate as well as adding much needed minerals into the diet of the young and the old. " he replied. "Likewise the Gosgos is a grass like plant that has proven to be a boon to the Nilgik Immune system. It is a regular part of their diets and since it's implementation, the Nilgik here have a significant decrease of workhours lost as a result of illness. It is also very mineral rich and the Nilgik seem to like it." he added. She nodded again, "Would we be able to observe some of the work close up? I'm sure the methodology would be interesting to our scientists back home and I can see that Mr. McKenzie here is interested also." "You may observe from here. The work of the Tch'Kairn undertaken here is vital and is not to be disturbed. They work very diligently with their categorization and identification. Even a slight delay could have unforetold consequences." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Ten Forward - Engineer Ensign (jg) Arysha Tethlin - 1821) Arysha was privy to every word uttered at that table and to the body postures of every being. She'd already gotten used to how the Waagoshin used their bodies and when the fox-leader answered his communications device she noted a grand difference - his ears zoomed forward and he came up on the balls of his feet. It was incongruous to his words. She started to sign out that something was wrong when the Captain, Lt. Wright and the Doctor were wisked away in a transporter beam that was not federation standard. ~Melted Core! Not good that.~ She continued to observe however hoping for something good to happen. Arysha ducked as shots were fired but she was in a spot that kept her well away from the firefight. She saw three security go down - one taking a beam meant for Trinin - before the fox-murderers were beamed away. As soon as that happened Arysha went into motion. She slapped her vox, activating it and tapped into a display, setting it to track the energy signature of those weapons and the transporter beam. The skills of being a quick thinker and able to re-program and work under high pressure had been her saving grace at the Academy. {{Lt. Trinin}} Arysha waved him over. {{Foxes beam-in Observation Lounge. Weapon fire-power happen bridge now!}} (reply Trinin) She tapped the impromptu display again and located the bridge and engineering of each sub-section on the Hades, placing them side by side on the panel. She signed again and gestured at the display. {{See Foxes only Main Bridge. Captain, D-Boss and Doctor can't see-find.}} Another tap of the display showed the comm signatures and thus the names of the crew on the Bridge, some of which blinked out within moments signalling either their commbadges being destroyed or their lifesigns going dead. (reply Trinin) {{Am go Plegathon or Acheron, engineering or bridge, but first scramble will Main bridge controls to hide other bridge engineer section from view.}} (reply Trinin iyw) Arysha barely waited for a nod, let alone full confirmation of what she would attempt before her hands flew over the display, sending code flying upto the main bridge and locking out the location of the Acheron and Plegathonbridge and engineering sections. She also locked out any reference to tri-vector if they cam across it. That quickly finished, she turned back to the security chief, {{Where go now?}} ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Science Sections - Waagoshin Escort-Knars- 1825) The female nodded again, "Would we be able to observe some of the work closeup? I'm sure the methodology would be interesting to our scientists backhome and I can see that Mr. McKenzie here is interested also." "You may observe from here. The work of the Tch'Kairn undertaken here is vital and is not to be disturbed. They work very diligently with their categorization and identification. Even a slight delay could have unpleasant consequences." Knars replied. "I would be interested as well. These look like very interesting systems. I may not be a scientist, but I would be a poor engineer if I didn't know my way around the laboratory." Knars turned to regard the engineer. ~Now he would be worth keeping alive~the overseer thought. "Very well." Knars finally said with a slight bark. "You may observe, but do not disturb the workers, do not touch their machines and do not get in the way!" he added with a slight growl. "I will give you some time to look around in this compartment, but we will not tarry long. We have yet one more area to show you." he added. Noting the circular dot display on the wall that signified the station time. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Science Sections - Waagoshin Escort-Knars- 1848) Knars had allowed the aliens to look around for a while. There really wasn't much of value here to be honest, but he'd wanted to make them curious, since they were a little bit ahead of schedule by the time that they had reached this location. He had allowed them to observe under the watchful eyes of the Alpha guarding the scientists. They were not normally assigned this task, and knars knew that their presence here was completely in preparation to deal with the aliens. He had watched with a certain degree of amusement as every single Tch'Kairn scientist refused to even acknowledge the aliens. It had been made abundantly clear that any such interaction would result in severe punishment. He glanced back up at the chronometer display on the wall and finally barked out his orders. "This portion of the tour is now completed. We will now move on to the final stage of the tour before you return to your ship." Knars said, "The planetary sciences lab, where we study the weather, tectonics and geology ofthe Tch'Kairn home planet." The alphas shifted their attention to the aliens and he could almost feel their desire on an instinctual level. They remained focused however, and remained stationary. "Come this way." he ordered and led the way to the adjacent section. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station - Planetary Science Section - Waagoshin Escort- Knars- 1851) The planetary science section was very bare compared to the section that they had just exited. There was a single large window that dominated one wall of the room, through it the planet could be seen with extraordinary clarity. A massive weather pattern was being tracked, and call outs were displayed on the window for the attending scientist to review. A large three operator display was in the center of the room. It controlled the display wall. The room was even more dimly lit than the others in the station. That scientist normally assigned here was not surprisingly enough absent. "This display is the heart of this department. It can track weather patterns, locate mineral deposits or track geothermal activity or stresses caused by volcanic or tectonic activity." Knars explained, still playing the role of tour guide. "Please, feel free to observe the planet. The scientist that normally works here is ill today, so I am afraid that I will be unable to answer many questions." As the aliens spread out to look at the console, which was inoperable although powered, or the display screen, Knars gave a slight nod to the younglings who shifted towards the window as well, as if looking at things for the first time. This action was actually one that placed them reasonably, but not suspiciously close to the alien named Adams. ~Just any moment now.~ Alpha one must have been in complete synchronicity with his thoughts because in that very moment, Knars' communication device chirped three times for attention. "One moment." he said excusing himself a little closer to the entry door, "I have a communication." He pulled the rod that served as scanner, weapon and communications tool and pressed the small stud that sent the message to the alphas just on the other side of the door, it also sent a message to the younglings. In an instant, there was a flurry of sharp teeth and claws as the entire pack of younglings pounced on the alien named Adams. He was not needed, nor was he valuable. He managed to at least grab his weapon, but he did not manage to get off a single shot before he was gurgling from the wounds to his throat and chest. The younglings had now become adults and they were ready to take their place as warriors. As the aliens were starting to react, the doors opened and a group of ten alpha, weapons already drawn stepped into the room ready to quell any resistance from the new slaves. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Ten Forward -Sixth Alpha Sanra- 1855) Sanra sat across from the ever silent and brooding alpha of the federation starship. That he was in charge among these people here was not in question. The one called sash was very much a predator, watching for the moment of weakness when the pray would make a fatal mistake. The Waagoshin and his men had been willing to discuss things with the Federation Officers. And to him it was no surprise that it was the females among the alien group that had asked the most questions. They had also provided the most answers to them in return. But that was the way of females. They were educators by their very natures. Strong, quick and clever. Where the male was strong and lean and a natural born killer that would kill by tooth and claw, females were the ones that were the clever and methodical stalkers. ~Soon, ~ he thought ~It will be time for the station to contact me.~ He had guessed very close to correct. Almost as soon as his thought had completed, the soft chime of the communication sounded gently from the handle of his utility rod. He glanced down at it, then looked up at Sash. "It is a communication." he said, as he slowly reached down for the rod, which also served as a scanning device and weapon. He raised it carefully noting the slow nod and fixed eyes of the Federation alpha upon him. He pressed the stud that activated the communications unit and spoke, "Sanra." =^=Sanra, you are overdue with your report!=^= the slightly angry voice replied from the device. Sanra snarled a little at the tone, but kept his cool as he replied, "All is well, as it should be. There is no danger here from the federation Alpha." Those were the words that he was to speak if everything was set to spring the trap and no he would reap his reward. =^= very well. You are to be returning soon. Do not keep Alpha One waiting too long.=^= "We will be ready within the minute." Sanra replied, another coded message to the transporter operator that he was speaking with. "Sanra out." ~Alpha One's plan is perfect.~ He stood then slowly, so as not to add any additional attention to his already unorthodox stance. "Captain Sash, It has been a pleasure to speak with you and your crew, but as you heard we must be leaving now." (reply Sash iyw) It was then that the transporter operator on the station carried out his orders. It was not Sanra and his men that disappeared from the table, but Sash, Trommashere and Wright. They had been grabbed by the transporter and transported over to a holding area on the Graelridge. Their equipment would be stripped from them in transport and they would be handled if they became violent. Even as the realization spread across the room, Sanra and his people were armed and had already fired a couple of energy bolts into some of the aliens that had responded first. Sanra would have killed their chief of security in that instant, but another alien had risen from his seat and blocked the bolt of energy meant for him. Even as those in the room were just beginning to draw their weapons to return fire, Sanra was howling as the transporter caught them and deposited them back in the observation lounge on deck one of the Hades. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Ten Forward -CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere- 1856) Angeni had been sitting quietly mulling over the Kayla. When the tarry black liquid washed over her tongue, she felt like her tongue had been set ablaze, a conflagration of flavors filled her mouth. Her heart began to throb rapidly in her chest as the intoxicating factors of the drink soaked into her tongue, which provided an escape route into her blood system. A warm, almost soothing sensation washed over her body, which was almost immediately replaced with a...unique sensation. It started slow at first, like the morning waves lapping silently against the shore. A feeling of agitation, no, anticipation came over her. She realized with a start that her adrenal system had been jump started as if she were nothing but a toy car that was getting a jump from a souped up Mustang. She reasoned, through the cloud of epinephrine and endorphins coursing through her veins that to "new users" of Kayla, it could produce similar reactions and possibly cause the destruction of the "Kayla Pact" between the Waagosin and whomever they were trying to talk peace with. It is said, that, imbibing in alcohol gives people courage that they usually wouldn't have, so she stood at the same time Sanra did, her voice husky, pointing a finger at Sanra, rage in her eyes. "You treacherous dog you! There's nothing peaceful about this drink! You want us to break the conditions of the Kayla so you are justified in killing us!" But in reality, all she got out was "You......" Befor the transporter whisked them away into a holding area. By the time they re-materialized, she was done with her rant. Dawning realization struck her and her hands flew to her pockets; her tricorder was gone. Her mind flashed back to leaving her med pouch in her quarters. She stood straight, keeping her standing tall and proud. She glared menancingly at the guards, then she turned to the others in her party. "Are you guys okay?" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Observation Lounge -Sixth Alpha Sanra- 1857) They rematerialized just a few feet from where the bridge would be located and immediately Sanra was barking orders to his men. He pointed a single clawed hand towards the one door that they had not used when they arrived and he ordered his men through the door. "Take the bridge it is through there!" he ordered, then turned his weapon towards the other door just as it was opening. The first smooth-skinned alien was struck in the chest before he could even cross the threshold. The blast burned through the material of his uniform and impacted against his furless flesh with enough force to throw him backwards against his fellow officers. The door closed and Sanra turned the weapon against the control panel and fired. Two short bursts destroyed the mechanism with a glut of sparks and flame. He then turned to head out onto the bridge. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Bridge -Sixth Alpha Sanra- 1859) The smooth skins were well trained. They had already dropped one of his men, but Sanra could see that they had also taken two casualties of their own. His men has secured a couple of positions near some consoles, and a cross fire of energy beams were cutting across the room with a great deal of frequency. Most of the blasts were simply slamming against consoles or walls as their targets and those firing were keen to keep moving. Sanra charged forward, the hunger of the hunt beating deep in his chest. He charged a pair of smooth skins that had taken refuge behind one of the consoles at the rear of the bridge platform. Two red phaser beams narrowly missed him as the two aliens realized the danger they were in and tried to shoot him down before he could reach them. They had missed, but Sanra was a hunter. He landed between them, and with a smooth swift spinning motion, raked his razor sharp claws against the soft underbelly of the first alien. The flesh split and the harsh acid smell of the iron in the alien's blood signaled the first kill. Sanra sensed rather than felt the second alien spinning towards him, intent on shooting him at close range. The Waagoshin officer, however was having none of that. With the practiced move of a Waagoshin warrior, he raised his right foot and raked the sharp claws against the soft flesh of the being's inner left thigh. It was a critical injury, rending flesh easily and sending a great spray of blood from the femoral artery flowing onto the deck. The leg gave way and the alien collapsed, even as he was firing his weapon. The blast went wide and slammed into a console at the rear of the bridge. The Waagoshin officer, thrust his own weapon downward and fired a bolt of brilliant blue energy into the back of the critically wounded Starfleet officer. He was now no longer a threat. A second mercy shot killed the disemboweled officer as well. As the firefight raged around him, Sanra spun and blasted the controls to whatever doors seemed to lead onto the bridge. There were three of them in total, the one that he had come through to get here, another marked ready room and a third marked turbolift. Now outnumbered the soft-skinned aliens were fighting desperately for their lives Sanra turned and raised his weapon taking aim at a blue uniformed soft-skin who was using the center chair for cover even as his phaser beam struck one of Sanra's men. "Throw down your weapons!" he ordered ready to pull the trigger from his superior position if need be. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Turbo Lift, ATT Lt. Commander Zzt, 19:00) ~Why won't the doors open?~ Zzt thought as he stared at the turbolift doors that refused to open and let him onto the Bridge. His keen hearing then made out the sound of weapons fire on the other side of the door along with the painful cries of dying. Zzt bared his fangs and forced his claws in between the turbolift doors and with a mighty heave forced the turbo lift doors apart. The sight that greeted Zzt only made him even more angry as the scent of freshly spilled blood filled his nostrils, freshly spilled human blood. He saw some strange alien that looked like a dog-man standing over Lt. Haynes with a weapon raised at his head with several dead or dying security personnel laying around the Bridge. Zzt bared his fangs and growled menacingly. Just then a bolt from one of the other dog-men's energy weapons struck Zzt in the shoulder and Zzt roared in pain and anger. His roar filled the Bridge echoing off every wall and console. Without a second thought, Zzt charged the dog-man foolish enough to shoot him and was on top of him in the blink of an eye. With the swipe of one massive paw Zzt decapitated the dog-man sending it's head and corpse flying across the Bridge. Not even slowing down, Zzt moved on to the next dog-man as a second and third energy bolt struck him driving him deeper into a berserk frenzy. His fangs ripped one dog-man's throat out while he ripped another clean in half with a single swipe of a massive paw, sending the two half's flying toward the one standing over Lt. Haynes forcing him away from the CSO. Zzt roared again as another energy bolt whizzed past his head scorching one of his ears, spinning he turned on the one who had fired and charged bowling the dog-man down and tearing him limb from limb. Zzt turned on one of the few remaining dog-men standing, the one who had been standing over Lt. Haynes, as more security started to arrive on the Bridge. Dog-man blood dripped from Zzt's fangs and claws and covered him from ear tip to toe claw. Zzt's own uniform tunic was charred and burned as the smell of burned hair and flesh mingled with the smell of blood in the air. Zzt stepped in knocking the dog-man's weapon away with a backhand swipe of one paw sending the weapon flying across the Bridge. He then grabbed the dog-man by the throat with his other paw, claws digging deep into dog-man flesh. Zzt bared his massive fangs as he prepared to bite the dog-man's head from his shoulders and end it's miserable life once and for all. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades- Bridge -Sixth Alpha Sanra- 1902) He had the smooth skin in his sights when suddenly there was a massive tearing sound at the turbolift doors. Sanra turned in amazement to see two fur covered paws the size of his head poke through and then rend the massive doors apart. Then it was upon them. What it was, he had no idea, but to say that it was incredibly fast and ferocious was an understatement. Three times Sanra fired at the creature,it's massive hulking form, rending his security teams to pieces. Once he actually managed to hit it and watched with a sense of horror as the thing completely ignored his attack. Then it turned on him. It was incredibly fast for a creature of it's bulk and despite the fact that Sanra had been watching it as it moved around the compartment disrupting his plans, He still hadn't judged it's speed well enough to get clear of it's bloodlust filled rage. In an instant the creature had batted aside his weapon, shattering bones in his left forearm as if they were made of glass. The quickly it grabbed Sanra by the throat and lifted him from the deck. There was terror as Sanra saw the massive jaws of the creature sliding towards his face and he did the only thing he could, he fought back. His right hand was still in good working order and HE USED IT TO HIS BEST ABILITY. With a hard slash that cut through flesh, Sanra brought the razor sharp claws downward, cutting the massive tendons of the creature holding him off the ground. As the tendon's lost tension, the hand spasmed open and Sanra fell to the deck feet first. He then swiped at the creatures gut in an attempt to disembowel him. The claws caught flesh, but the creature was solid. The gashes were only enough to cur into the muscle and did not have the effect of dropping the creatures entrails onto the deck at it's feet. Instead the attack only served to infuriate the creature further. With a single powerful backhand, the beast slammed it's injured arm against Sanra'schest, breaking bones and rupturing organs. The Waagoshin flew bodily through the air spinning almost lazily until he collided with a console, which shattered under the force of the impact. Sara's mind had just enough time to realize that he was dying before he ceased to exist. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Sickbay - Dr. Chase O'Neil - 1906) Chase leaned across a biobed, his deep green eyes focused on the Andorin nurse that occupied the space across from him. "...All I'm asking for is a chance. You, me, the holodeck, and..." His sentance was cut short by the red alert klaxon going off. He heard Lieutennant Trinin's message and he looked at everyone with a bemused expression. He never had the chance to get the question out when Zzt appeared out of thin air onto the biobed he was leaning over. He flew backwards at the sight of the enormous bear that was just put before him. "Good Lord what is that?!" "That's Zzt!" Yelled Ranae, a medic who entered the bay. "Go into Angeni's office. Under her desk is a blue bag that says 'Zzt's Sedation' bring that here." Chase nodded his undying appreciation to the medic, and he called out orders as he began rummaging through Angeni's things. "Start getting that arm patched up, make 'em naked, find ad fix other injuries. Get a neural stim on him and get some of that volumizer into him, Stat! I want vitals report every 5 minutes!" He picked up the kit and unrolled the set out on another biobed. He smirked slightly as he saw a set of hypo vials for Haldol, several large bottles of Propofol, and even several ampules of high dose Ketamine. Reading the enclosed PADD, he discovered that the proper dosages had been methodically written out so that an unsuspecting fill-in like himself would be able to keep Zzt nicely sedated untill he could be woken properly. "Let's start off with one sub-cutaneous infusion of Propofol at 75 micrograms per kilo per minute, titrate some good painkillers to effect. Now, let's get that arm ready for some serious repair. Get Dr. Darla Gray and Dr. Amy Wong in here immediately! I think this is going to turn out to be a long night." With that, he pulled up a stool, lowered the operating light to where he had the best view, and he began to work. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ end compile