Compile# 2 April 06-12 (USS Rosenante) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: A Fine and Private Place Day: 8 Stardate: 2408.01.22 Compile Summary ( Davros III mining colony - Lawson Residence - CEO- Lt. ( sg ) - Paul Bird - 1251 ) ( Davros III mining colony - Lawson Residence – SEO – LT Matrix - 1252 ) ( Davros III mining colony - Lawson Residence - CEO- Lt. ( sg ) - Paul Bird - 1311 ) (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- FO- Lt. Cmdr. Ahmed Ibn Salid-1314) (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- Sec.O Ensign Ro'Dal -1326) (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- CMO - Lt (jg) Josh Caskie - 1328) (Davross III Mining Colony, Mines - 2O & SEC/CTAC , Lt. Jono Janeway - 1658) ( Davros III mining colony - Below The Lawson Residence - CEO- Lt. ( sg ) - Paul Bird - 1659 ) (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- FO- Lt. Cmdr. Ahmed Ibn Salid-1700) (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- Sec.O Ensign Ro'Dal -1702) (Davros III Mining Colony- The tunnels under the Lawson Residence - CMO Josh Caskie -1704) (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- FO- Lt. Cmdr. Ahmed Ibn Salid-1715) (Davros III Mining Colony, Mines - 2O & SEC/CTAC, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1716) ( Davros III mining colony - Below The Lawson Residence - CEO- Lt. ( sg ) - Paul Bird - 1716.5) (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence - Chief Field Medic Nathan A. Fuller - 1330) Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- Sec.O Ensign Ro'Dal -1725) (Davros III Mining Colony– Tracker - Sharott Nachook - 1730) (Davros III Mining Colony- Mining Tunnels- FO- Lt. Cmdr. Ahmed Ibn Salid-1731) (Davros III Mining Colony - Sec.O Ensign Ro'Dal - 1732) (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- CMO - Lt (jg) Josh Caskie -1735) (Davros III Mining Colony– Tracker - Sharott Nachook - 1736) (Davros III Mining Colony- Mining Tunnels- FO- Lt. Cmdr. Ahmed Ibn Salid-1737) (Davros III Mining Colony – Mining Tunnels -Ops- ENS (jg) Chance Raschen-1740) --------------------------------------------------------------------- ( Davros III mining colony - Lawson Residence - CEO- Lt. ( sg ) - Paul Bird - 1251 ) Paul had only just got into the building and was in the process of scanning the house , when Dr Caskie informed the party that there was a hidden room behind the one wall .Paul turned his tricorder onto the wall as the F.O. spoke " Mister Matrix, you and lieutenant Bird find us a way into that compartment " , whilst he simultaneously tapped the offending object . His reply of ' Aye Sir ' , overlapped Matrix's and the two of them looked at each other , puzzlement in each others face . " Any ideas short of blasting a whole in it L. T. ? " Paul was asked . " Well , we could always let Ro' have a go at it " Paul quipped back , the prospect of a mystery hiding behind an engineering problem getting him intrigued . He continued to scan the wall as Mr Matrix replied , smiling , " I Think the Commander wants the element of surprise . " " By Khan's unholy strength , it's a good job we didn't . Here look at this . " And Paul showed his fellow engineer the readings on his tricorder . ( Reply Matrix ) " Yeah That's right , the force field would have thrown any energy back at us , so we would have blown a hole in us instead . " ( Reply Matrix) " Hmmm , the frequency of the field is 0.125 micro hertz , so if we could set up a pulse from one of the tricorders to match the low level output , we could try and bleed the energy dry ? " ( Reply Matrix) The two engineers quickly got down to altering Paul second tricorder to the relevant frequency and set it at the hidden doorway . After a short while there was popping sound , followed by a hum as the wall simple disappeared .Checking his handy work Paul noticed that replicator technology was being used , and would replace the door later , something the former engineering F.O. appeared to pick up on . " Now that's ingenious . " He said " Good work you two ." Behind the doorway lay some sort of lab , from which two tunnels lead away from . The room itself was scattered with disused power cords and leads , indicating some of the machinery that had been there had gone . Salid sent Ro'dal to quickly check out the tunnels for any signs of danger , before he turned to Paul and said " Mister Matrix, Mister Bird see if you can find out if there is something interfering with our tricorders here " . " I'll get right on to it Sir " , said paul taking his tricorder out and stepping into the lab to check it out . ~ Always seems weird to me to check out for interference to tricorders with a tricorder ~ .So intent on his task trying to find out where the interference was coming from with no luck , he failed to notice the arrival of Mister Janeway and a second security team until he nearly walked him into him . ~ Two teams , two tunnels , sensible I suppose. ~ ( Reply Any Present ) ( Posted By Paul ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- ( Davros III mining colony - Lawson Residence – SEO – LT Matrix - 1251 ) Paul had only just got into the building and was in the process of scanning the house , when Dr Caskie informed the party that there was a hidden room behind the one wall .Paul turned his tricorder onto the wall as the F.O. spoke " Mister Matrix, you and lieutenant Bird find us a way into that compartment " , whilst he simultaneously tapped the offending object . His reply of ' Aye Sir ' , overlapped Matrix's and the two of them looked at each other , puzzlement in each others face . " Any ideas short of blasting a whole in it L. T. ? " Paul was asked . " Well , we could always let Ro' have a go at it " Paul quipped back , the prospect of a mystery hiding behind an engineering problem getting him intrigued . He continued to scan the wall as Mr Matrix replied , smiling , " I Think the Commander wants the element of surprise . " " By Khan's unholy strength , it's a good job we didn't . Here look at this . " And Paul showed his fellow engineer the readings on his tricorder . “Ooh, there is a force field here...its masked by the composition of the wall material or cleverly disguised. The engergy signature is a bit odd. I’ve not seen this before. If we had opened up with a phaser on this wall...” Matrix looked over at Paul. " Yeah That's right , the force field would have thrown any energy back at us , so we would have blown a hole in us instead . " Matrix smirked, “...vaporized ourselves. That would have been a career ending move. Paul, check out this reading.” " Hmmm , the frequency of the field is 0.125 micro hertz , so if we could set up a pulse from one of the tricorders to match the low level output , we could try and bleed the energy dry ? " Apprehensive of what might have occurred just a few minutes ago, “We need to be careful, a tricorder pulse might also do us harm, but its worth a try. Lets get that case off and make some adjustments.” replied Matrix. The two engineers quickly got down to altering Paul second tricorder to the relevant frequency and set it at the hidden doorway . After a short while there was popping sound , followed by a hum as the wall simple disappeared .Checking his handy work Paul noticed that replicator technology was being used , and would replace the door later , something the former engineering F.O. appeared to pick up on . " Now that's ingenious . " He said " Good work you two ." Behind the doorway lay some sort of lab , from which two tunnels lead away from . The room itself was scattered with disused power cords and leads , indicating some of the machinery that had been there had gone . Salid sent Ro'dal to quickly check out the tunnels for any signs of danger , before he turned to Paul and said " Mister Matrix, Mister Bird see if you can find out if there is something interfering with our tricorders here " . " I'll get right on to it Sir " , replied Paul. Matrix and Paul seemed to be on the same page and were working well together. Matrix followed Paul into the lab and began their diagnostic testing. Matrix quickly punched up a few programs on one of his PADDs. Within a few seconds one of the two tricorders he had was stepping through a frequency diagnostic. Matrix looked up at Paul who was smiling and taking readings of the lab area. “You thinking what I’m thinking Paul?” asked Matrix. (Reply Bird) “It looks to me like whatever they were doing here they wanted it kept a secret.” said Matrix as he reviewed the diagnostic readings. (Reply Bird) “Just about done, so far nothing on the diagnostics. Tricorders check out clean. I’d be willing to bet that there is a large power source in the vicinity...either that or another force field.” said Matrix. (Reply Bird) “I’m not too excited about going down either one of those corridors, but that’s probably where we’re headed next.” said Matrix. (Reply Bird) (Posted by Steve) --------------------------------------------------------------------- ( Davros III mining colony - Lawson Residence - CEO- Lt. ( sg ) - Paul Bird - 1311 ) ~ Great minds think alike , we really are a like .~ Thought Paul as whilst he scanned the lab area he noticed , that like himself , Mr Matrix also wore two tricorders . ~ Or its just an engineers thing .~ At this Paul smiled to himself . " You thinking what I'm thinking Paul ? " asked Matrix . ~ I bet I'm not ~ but quickly recovering he replied " If you're reading what I'm reading tyhen I believe we are on the same page . "~ Trouble ! ~ " It looks to me whatever they were doing here they wanted it kept a secret ." said Matrix.Paul just nodded at his fellow engineer in agreement as he finished up his own diagnostics , a thought echoed by the other man . " Just about done , so far nothing on the diagnostics . Tricorders check out clean . I'd be willing to bet that there is a large power source in the vicinity ...either that or another force field . " said Matrix . ~ This is getting spooky how we seem to be as of one mind . or everything is just so plainly obvious ! ~ in reply Paul said " I agree total , it's what I get as well . IfI had to guess I would probably say it's another force field , although I wouldn't rule out it being both . Which tunnel do you fancy going down ? " " I'm not too excited about going down either one of those corridors , " came the reply " but that's probably where we're headed next . " Paul smiled at the other man , before turning to the F.O. and letting him know about their findings . ( Reply Salid , Matrix ) ( Posted By Paul ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- FO- Lt. Cmdr. Ahmed Ibn Salid-1314) Ahmed listened intently as Bird filled him in on their suspicions about another forcefield or perhaps a large power source. The first officer furrowed his brow at the news considering how much more difficult such a thing might make their task at hand. Ahmed turned back to Paul. Do we have any idea where this power source or forcefield may be located? Is it nearby or…" The first officer gestured to wards the tunnel mouth. " Down there?" (reply Bird) Ahmed looked at Matrix. "And do you concur mister Matrix?" (reply Matrix) Well, since we are going to need to search for survivors down those tunnels anyway, lets see if either of you two can help us pinpoint whatever it is your detecting. If you get a solid reading, let me know at once, either of you." Ahmed finished. (reply Bird, Matrix) (posted by Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- Sec.O Ensign Ro'Dal -1326) Raschen and Hezan had found a video log during their search and the rest of the party had watched it. It was disconcerting to say the least and Ro'Dal was certain they wouldn't find any survivors, although she prayed to her gods that they would. She listened while Salid gave his instructions to meet back at that spot no later than 1800 hours by ship's time. ~Looks like we're stuck here after dark after all.~ She thought, gloomily. Things didn't look good if the nanites were active more at night, and if they couldn't rely on an emergency beam out while down in the bowels of the planet, the situation would be extremely dangerous should they encounter anything animated by the nanites or the little beggars themselves, if she had to choose which, she'd choose infested body parts, at least she'd be able to see those. ~Can we just get on with it?~ All Ro' wanted was to get these people, the heck off the god-forsaken planet, and if she had her way she'd blow the colony to kingdom come once they were all safely aboard, to ensure the nanites didn't survive to infest anything else. If they'd infested humanoids, what was to stop them from evolving to infest anything sentient. At last the order she'd been waiting for came. It was time for her to lead her away team deeper into the depths of the earth. Taking up point once more, with the rest of her security party strategically placed, Ro'Dal switched on her torch and didn't waste any time leading the way into the right-hand tunnel, but kept the pace slow as her light swept over what lay ahead of them, and she and her people scanned the area thoroughly before proceeding. It was pitch black beyond the reach of their torches, and it was easy to imagine that nasty predators were lurking in the darkness waiting to pounce on them and wreak bloody mayhem. The hairs on Ro's neck were at constant attention and her skin crawled with goosebumps, she had seen the evidence of what happened to people who were attacked, and although she was a Takaran and hard to kill, she knew that being ripped apart was guaranteed to kill her quickly. Ro'Dal wished it was 1800 hours already. (reply any) (posted by Sal) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- CMO - Lt (jg) Josh Caskie - 1328) "Great, nocternal nanites, just what every away team needs. Those things give me the willies." he responed. "Oh, by the way, how do you want me treating these things? Do you want the priority to go to possible nanite injuries? Do you want a quarentine protocol to avoid introducing nanites to the Rosenante? Do you want some kind of priority in capturing a group or sample? Talk to me Doc.." Josh shook her head. "We already have quarantine procedures set up since we encountered the Sky. All away team members will be beamed into the quarantine facility set up by Sickbay and will be treated there and not released until it has been proved that they are clear. As for any samples. If it was simply me I would almost die for the chance to stay here and look over this research, but we have more than enough samples on the ship thanks to that hand we retrieved from the Sky. I'd rather not beam anything else up to the ship to be honest. As for casualties, treat them as you would normally. That is about all I can tell you just now." "Mind you, if I could get a clean nanite sample. One that had not been compromised by introducing it into a body.............. We could find a lot of information from that." Just as Josh had finished speaking the FO split them up into teams again to investigate the tunnels and Josh, picking up her kit again, shouldered it and got ready to move out. (Reply Nate, Any) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: A Fine and Private Place Day 8 Stardate: 2408.01.22 (Davross III Mining Colony, Mines - Second Officer & Security/Tactical Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1658) There was only one word for the mines that Jono could think of and that was 'Creepy.' The place sent shivers down his spine and the rock formations almost seemed to have eyes themselves; He shuddered, thinking about what could have happened to the miners which ventured down into these tunnels. About 5 minutes ago, Jono had made the quick decision to follow the mines further downwards, down towards what seemed to be hell. The rock began radiating immense amounts of heat, it was agonisingly hot but none of his officers had complained as of yet; he knew they were all trained for many types of weather - A hot desert summer, like this felt was one of them. He had tryed leaving a message with the FO's team but found that after a certain distance into the mines the comm. signals seemed not to be able to penetrate the creepy exterior. He had told Hewart to attach the mini security cam to his weapon, so they could keep a record of what was happening for the ship. All weapons were set on a heavy stun because of the FO's orders and Jono had let his weapon drop since they entered the mines around 3 horus ago. As he walked forward almost to the front of the group he could see all the torches of his group spreading out, they were entering a chamber. No longer like the thin and endless tunnels which they had been traversing for hours, this chamber caught the eye somewhat. It's beuty was masked by the thick and gloomy darkness, their torches were barley able to penetrate the thick and icy fog which lingered in the air. Without thinking Jono let his officers lead the team out into the middle of the circular room. They were all staring into the ceiling, it was too far above for them to see and Jono thought for a moment that their might not have been one, until he motioned for one of this team to scan the cavernous area which they were all enchanted by. As soon as their feet neared the middle of the room, they all instantly knew it was some sort of trap. Movement was quick, the fog lifted as if running away from an enemy. Bodies, 50, 60 no possibly 100 bodies surrounded the exterior of the room; exiting what they could see now to be many tunnels leading to this one cavern. They were all humanoids, the away team formed a circle formation with their weapons facing outwards; waiting for the order to attack. Jono didnt give it, at least not straight away the FO's word rang true in his ears; ~My standing orders are not to kill unless you have no other option, and then only if to save a life. If you make contact and the situation turns hostile, you are to withdraw if possible~ He looked around for options, ideally he would want to head out the way they came in. Therefore giving them a chance of escaping to the air of the planets surface - Unfortunetly the creatures had every exit covered, but they wernt moving. They were stood their as if waiting for something, Jono shined his torch in one of the faces to see who they were. What he saw gave him quite a fright, they were people. Frightened, mangled but something wasnt right; their eyes were all black. Pitch Black. As if the mans soul had been sucked through his eyes and then taken over by something else. He called out to them, "Do not fear us. We mean you no harm, we're here to help" he shouted out, wondering if they could even understand him. His last word lingered in the air for seconds before anything else happened. The creatures began to move towards him ~Ah crap~ he thought to himself. He looked around the room, and saw most of the creatures standing back; however this small group directly in front of him, consisting of 3 males and 2 females had began to traverse the distance between them and the 'outsiders.' "Dont come any closer or we'll be forced to incapcitate you." ~Dont use long words, they probably dont understand you idiot.."Stop or we'll shoot." He warned. The creatures took no notice to his warning they continued to approach. He lifted his rifle and aimed at the nearest man, his finger hit the trigger and a bolt hit the man square no the chest. The man recoiled slightly but didnt fall to the floor, they continued to advance and if anything the shot had just made them angrier. One of his officers jumped forward brandishing his rifle as a weapon, it gave Jono enough time to change his setting to kill on the rifle. He noticed all his officers had done so, "Milano, come back." it was no good, the officer has charged forward. What he was thinking was un-sumountable, maybe he thought the rest of the team were behind him. ~Or maybe hes just a foolish glory seeker.~ Jono thought to himself as he shouted again, "Come back now, Thats an order Crewman" But nothing the man continued to charge, as he met up with the small group of creatures he shot several blasts at the head creature. Nothing happened just as before the creature recoiled with every blast but nothing happened ~I hope to god he was still on heavy stun,~ Jono found himself thinking as the shots were just as useless as the ones he had shot. Jono turned his head slightly as he watched the mans suicide mission take on a mind of its own; he swung the rifle and hit the lead man in the head. Bludgeoned he fell to the floor and Jono looked up in hope, as Milano raised his already crumpled rifle to the woman behind him the man pulled him down an bit his leg. Milano slumped unconcious as the group pulled him back to the main force of the creatures. He must have awoken half way across the floor as a tussel began once again and as they pulled him behind one of the corners a bone chilling scream erupted. Jono had no doubt that he was dead. He looked around and told himself to thank-god he and his team were still alive. But he didnt have a clue how they would escape this impending doom. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Jono) --------------------------------------------------------------------- ( Davros III mining colony - Below The Lawson Residence - CEO- Lt. ( sg ) - Paul Bird - 1659 ) The party had been walking for what now seemed like an age . Paul had been initially surprised that Salid had chosen to take both engineers in this party , leaving the other group without ~ not what I'dve done , but hay , he's a lot more experienced at this than me ~ .He had been scanning and musing whilst they had been on this endless seeming trek , and so as a result was at the very back of the group . A few times he had nearly fallen behind , but some scowling glances from Ro'dal , and his own interest in self - preservation had kept him in line . Paul was just wondering how Jono and the other away team was doing , when the party in front of him stopped . They had arrived at a crossroads , ahead the corridor continued on and down , whilst the corridors to the left and right were level and ended in heavy pressure doors . " Looks like we have a choice to make . " said the F.O. Paul swung his tricorder in the direction of one of the sealed of compartments , but only got as far as his first reading , when from ahead of them came a sound of , to Paul's ears , weapon fire .He looked dumbly in the direction of the noise , when it came again , this time accompanied by the deep thud of explosives . " Everyone we're moving down this tunnel , post haste . " Salid announced , as at an indication from him, Ro'dal set of down the tunnel . The Takaran security guard led them at a fast pace . The party moved out at double time , with Paul again bringing up the rear .As they rushed to see what was happening , He made the unwise choice of trying to swap round his tricorder and pull out his mark III phaser rifle , unwise as this took his concentration of where he was putting his feet . The floor was uneven and strewn with loose material and debris plus the lighting was poor , leaving patches in darkness . Invariably , Paul placed his foot in the wrong place , tripped and fell heavily to the floor . ~ Blood and spit ! ~ He wasn't hurt , apart from his pride maybe , but was a little winded . Getting himself up and adjusting his rifle into the correct position , Paul set of after the others , now he had fallen behind . Paul caught up to the others on the edge of a large cavern . What immediately caught his eye was the large almost crab like creature standing in the middle of the room .The bipedal creature stood on evil looking clawed feet . Also it had four 'arms 'that ended a sponge like substance . It's lobster like head contained six eye-stalks and a large fearsome mandible . The awesome creature also wore a bandoleer , which contained tools or possibly weapons . Three of the miners were running away from this monstrosity , towards the safety of the landing party . Paul raised his rifle , ready to fire at the creature , and wondered why no-one had opened fire yet . Paul was stunned as Salid opened fire , not at the creature but at the lead human of the advancing trio. This turned to shock when the blast , which should of brought him crashing to the ground had no effect on him . ~ Damn , have I read this wrong ~ . As Paul re-aimed his rifle to the other colonists , one of the security guards jumped in front of the FO , so that he could smash his rifle into the head of the charging foe . The savage blow staggered the man forcing him to stumble back , but didn't stop him . As the man approached again , Salid shot him again as did others of the party , as they did so Ro'dal shouted at them to turn the phaser rifles to the kill setting . As Paul did so , he was interrupted by a scream from the security guard , ~ Abernathy was it ? "~ , and saw a patch of black slime encase him as th e two other aggressors held him . By now the heavy fire had finally taken down the first attacker . Paul aimed at one of the two men holding Abernathy and stared to fire . As he fired he noticed that the eyes of the men where pitch black , like looking into the pits of hell , the same sort of blackness as the slime that had gripped Abernathy . Paul quickly glanced at the security guard , whilst he continued to fire , and saw those same black eyes stare back . ~ Damn , we're up against three again , and one of them is one of ours . ~ Paul concentrated his fire on the other two men , somehow hoping that he would not have to fire on one of his crew mates , and wondering if , indeed , he could . ( Reply Any in Away Team ) ( Posted by Paul ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- FO- Lt. Cmdr. Ahmed Ibn Salid-1700) Ahmed and his team had been searching the seemingly endless catacomb of mines without even a sign of a single miner. Ahmed could only hope that Bravo team was faring better than his own team was. Smith had joined his team just a short while before they had departed the Lawson residence. Ro'Dal and Hezan led the way, followed by Ahmed, Bird, Matrix, Fuller, Caskie, Raschen, Smith, and the remainder of the security detail. Alpha team had been out of contact with the ship and Bravo team since they entered the tunnels; And as they descended deeper into the mines, Ahmed could feel his apprehension levels rising even as his expectation of finding survivors dropped. They came to a four way junction. The way ahead continued deeper into the planet, while the corridor to the right and left leveled off and moved towards more of the mining chambers. Ro'Dal and Hezan stopped at the intersection and Ahmed moved forward to their position. "Looks like we have a choice to make," he said when he arrived. He looked in all three directions, The corridors to either side were sealed with heavy pressure doors, the corridor ahead was not. The first Officer was about to suggest that they check one of the compartments, when there was a sound from directly below then, down the corridor that lay straight ahead. It sounded like some sort of weapon discharge. Ahmed looked back at Ro'Dal as if to ask, Did you hear that?' when the sound repeated itself this time it was accompanied by a deep thud as if some sort of explosive had been detonated. "Everyone we're moving down this tunnel, post haste." Ahmed announced then indicated to Ro'Dal to lead the way. The First officer was close behind the Tanarkan's heels. He was no stranger to tactical unit combat. He'd seen enough of his share in the civil war, but he would most definitely lead by example. The followed the tunnel down into the depths of the planet, moving as fast as they could. The miniature islands of lights suspended from the ceiling did very little to actually illuminate the tunnels. The sounds of weapon fire grew louder as they moved deeper. Ahmed had expected to see survivors dug in and fighting for their life against something that his imagination had not yet identified. What he saw was entirely something else. In the center of a large chamber there was a creature. It was exceptionally tall and thin and covered with salmon-colored exoskeletal plates. It had three wickedly clawed prehensile toes on each of their two feet. It possessed four arm-like structures that ended in a cluster of sponge-like growths. A massive insect -like mandible and very lobster-like head with six eyestalks gave them a gruesome appearance. It wore some sort of belt to which was attached a few tools. It was not alone. There was another of it's kind laying face-down on the stone floor of the cavern. And there were at least thirty human corpses scattered about the room. They appeared to be rapidly dissolving almost as if Ahmed was watching the time-lapse putrification of the bodies at high speed. A black liquid pool was rapidly forming around the bodies and seemed to be moving contrary to the tilt of the floor of the cavern. The large creature was engaged in physical combat with a trio of humans, armed with makeshift clubs they were pummeling the alien with vigor. An energy shield of some sort flickered into existence as each blow landed against the shield. Ahmed quickly scanned the chamber. About midway down the lower wall there was a pile of rubble, it was already shifting. It was apparent that something was trying to dig it's way through the portion of the collapsed hallway and into this chamber. Ahmed raised his type three phaser rifle at the group of combatants in the chamber and ordered them in a clear voice, "Hold your positions, drop your weapons!" At his declaration, one of the miners turned and faced Ahmed and the first officer could almost feel the calculations going on behind his strange black eyes. He charged the group, and was immediately joined by the other two miners in a desperate charge towards the away team. "Halt or we will fire!" Ahmed said loudly. They didn't stop. Ahmed discharged his phaser rifle blast into the chest of the closest miner. The weapon was set for heavy stun and should have knocked his assailant senseless. Instead the blast didn't seem to have any affect. Abernathy stepped between Ahmed and the assailant and struck the miner with a nasty rifle butt stroke to the head, even as the other two miners reached the lead element of the away team. The miner recoiled and Ahmed quickly stepped back to change the setting on his weapon to a kill setting. The miner grabbed Abernathy and suddenly exuded a black oil-like substance from the pores in it's skin. The Security Officer managed to pull himself away from the miner, but almost immediately collapsed in a heap of writhing pain. The miner, instead of continuing his attack, turned his attention back to Ahmed. There was a barrage of phaser fire, as the first officer tried to back pedal away from the assailant, even as Abernathy stood and turned his black-lensed eyes towards the first officer. (reply All on away team) (posted by Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- Sec.O Ensign Ro'Dal -1702) It felt like they'd been down in the depths of the mining tunnels forever, although the light of Ro'Dal's wrist chronometer indicated it had been approximately 3.5 hours. ~Just another hour of fruitless searching and we can get out of here!~ Progress had been slow due to caution and the darkness, but now Ro' and Hazen who were leading the search party had stopped at a junction that split into four different directions. As she stood in the centre of the junction awaiting further instructions, Ro' wondered if the one to her left led to the other searchers and then she wished she knew how they were faring. Were they having little luck, like them? Would Salid break up the party into smaller groups to cover all the tunnels or would the press on downwards, deeper into hell's half acre? The FO approached. "Looks like we have a choice to make," he said when he arrived. Ro' smiled grimly as she thought to herself. ~No, Sir. You actually do, we just follow orders.~ She nodded in agreement anyway and waited while he scanned the area. With the light from their combined torches, it was clear that the corridors to either side were sealed with heavy pressure doors but the corridor ahead was not. In the silence of anticipation, a sudden noise from the downward sloping tunnel could be heard. It sounded like some sort of weapon discharge. The FO looked back at Ro'Dal and she read the question in his eyes as clearly as if he'd spoken. She was about to tell him she'd heard a noise when the sound repeated itself together with another sound like an explosive had been detonated. "Everyone we're moving down this tunnel, post haste." Ahmed announced then indicated to Ro'Dal to lead the way. Swiftly Ro' leaped ahead and began moving at double time, jumping over small obstacles in her path. Behind her she could hear the thud of boots and glanced back to see if it was Hazen, but to her consternation it was the First Officer following close on her heels. Now the tunnels were sparsely lit by recessed lights set so far apart there were pools of semi-darkness between and the sounds were growing louder until abruptly Ro' found herself at the edge of a large chamber. The Takaran stopped so quickly that she hoped Salid wouldn't plow right into her and immediately stepped aside to avoid a collision, and allow him to see what she was looking at as she almost gaped open-mouthed at the sight before her. A creature she had never seen before was being attacked by what appeared to be some of the elusive miners. It was an ugly individual and reminded Ro' a little of a ocean dwelling creature that her people used as a source of food, only this crustacean was huge! Much taller than she was and equipped with similar claws as the edible sea creature, but this one's claws were far more deadly. Yet it was a bi-ped though it's feet also bore some impressive looking claws. Lying on the ground was another of it's kind, obviously either did or severely injured. Reflexively she switched off her torch as there was enough light to see all of the chamber even though it was dim. ~You're one ugly freaker!~ Ro'Dal thought as tore her eyes away and scanned the chamber, taking in the sight of two dozen or more human corpses that looked as if they were purtrifying and decomposing at a horrifyingly rapid rate. ~Did that do that?~ A repulsive stench hit her and she retched in response and then brought her reflexive impulses under control. She raised her rifle, bringing it to bear on the alien life form, mouth breathing so she didn't have to suffer the full onslaught of the gagging smell. Three humans were assaulting the alien with club like weapons but it appeared to be armoured with a defensive energy shield that flickered around the creature as the humans blows landed on it. Ro' glanced at the FO who had taken up a position beside her. What will he do about this? ~Just say the word boss, and I'll render the lot harmless.~ To their right it was apparent that a hallway had collapsed, judging by a pile of rocks and dirt that had spewed into the chamber. Something must have been trapped beneath the rubble and was still alive, because some of the rocks were moving and dirt was tumbling to the ground. Whatever it was it was trying to get into the chamber. Ro'Dal prayed that whatever it was that was friend not foe. Raising his phaser rifle at the struggling group of combatants in the chamber, Salid ordered them in a clear voice to drop their weapons and hold their positions. causing one of the miners to turn and face the FO. Something about the human struck Ro' as strange and for a couple of seconds she couldn't pinpoint it, and then it struck her. His eyes...They were completely black, no whites, no pupils and devoid of any resemblance to human. With a gulp, Ro' realized that this didn't look good . ~Not good at all! I wouldn't be surprised if those creatures were attacked without cause, that they are victims not perpetrators.~ The Takaran surmised just as the human charged towards them followed by the other two. Alarmed for the safety of the First Officer and the others, Ro' lifted her rifle prepared to fire immediately, but Salid warning them to halt or be fired upon, stopped her, though she really wanted to just shoot first and ask questions later. Just as Ro' figured, there was no way in hell that they would stop, they just kept coming. The FO shot at the closest one but it had no effect, even though it should have knocked him on his backside and out for the count. It just didn't have any effect on the human at all. Abernathy stepped between Ahmed and the assailant and struck the miner on the head with the rifle butt just as the other two miners reached the lead element of the away team. Ro' crouched and spun aside as one of the others made a grab for her, bringing her phaser rifle around to smash the butt of it against his skull with all her might, sending him crashing to the ground where he skidded along and stilled. For an instant she thought she'd rendered him unconscious but he sprang to his feet and shook his head. If nothing else he was slightly dazed. Glancing to see that the FO was okay, she noticed him changing the setting of the rifle to kill and followed his example, calling to the others to do the same as the miner charged towards her again. It took three shots from Ro's phaser rifle to down the human. A muffled scream drew her attention to Abernathy who was writhing in agony on the ground, a patch of oily black slime was on his face and neck. She hoped he would be okay but there was no time to check on him or drag him to safety for she could see that one of the aggressors was honing in on the First Officer and then a movement from Abernathy caught her attention and she was horrified to see that he too now had those awful black eyes, that whatever the miners had become, he had become, and it looked like he wanted Salid as well. Ro'Dal grumbled a Takaran obscenity and leaped to Salid's side. Grabbing his sleeve she dragged him behind her so he'd have time to muster, set the phaser to rapid fire and began shooting at Abernathy and the miner as they started towards them. Around them the other team members were shooting too, and under the barrage of phaser fire, the attackers crumbled and fell to the ground where they twitched and stilled. They could be dead or unconscious, Ro' didn't know for sure, but she wasn't going to touch them and find out, she would just make sure they were watched closely. Signaling to her remaining security team, she pointed to one of them and then to the aggressors, then to her eyes. ~You watch them.~ She then pointed to another, her eyes and at the pile of rubble. ~You keep your eye on that!~ Ro'Dal had the unpleasant feeling that whatever was under that pile of rubble was not friendly. Seeing her officers following her orders, she then turned her attention to the alien, who seemed to be just observing them. ~With all six of your beady little eyes!~ (reply All on away team) (posted by Sal) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony- The tunnels under the Lawson Residence - CMO Josh Caskie -1704) The FO had decided that they needed to check out the tunnels under the Lawson residence and Josh had fallen in, in the middle of the away team, as they made their way down the tunnels. It had been a long drawn out hike and although Josh thought that some folk on the away team felt like giving up, she knew that, eventually, down this tunnel, they would find another lab. Josh needed to see that lab since she had to make certain that the stasis chamber and the rest of the missing equipment from the first lab was there and that this was the last and only lab that Dr Lawson had set up. As they reached a junction what sounded like weapons fire reached them from the tunnel below and the FO ordered them to proceed down the open tunnel. Dialling her hand phaser up to it's highest setting she began running down the tunnel. Her phaser in one hand and her tricorder in the other. Her tricorder was set to scan for nanites and just as she finally caught up with the FO and Ro'Dal her tricorder started bleeping like a maniac. The smell asaulted her first, although to be honest she didn't really notice it. It was just something that her senses registered and dealt with as normal. Suddenly she realised that the away team was being attacked and holstering her phaser she brought her rifle to bear and started firing at the people attacking the away team. She saw Abernathy taken down and over run by the attackers, and finally hearing Ro shout out about changing phaser setting Josh dialed hers up all the way and kept on firing towards everyone who attempted to come towards her. (Reply any) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- FO- Lt. Cmdr. Ahmed Ibn Salid-1715) ~Those eyes are so black~ Ahmed thought, even as he struggled to stay out of the reach of the attacking miners. The two miners had become three again and Abernathy was no longer a member of the crew. The depth of the blackness in his eyes reminded Ahmed of a black pit that had no bottom. The First officer raised his phaser rifle and was just about to pull the trigger on Abernathy when Ro'Dal grabbed his sleeve and pulled him back and away. The weapon discharged at that very moment, the beam of the phaser slamming into the pile of rubble and sending shards of super heated rock flying into the room. Ahmed noticed the alien jerk suddenly, then it's knees buckled and it fell to his knees one strange pair of arms pressed against the stone floor for support, while the other pair grasped it's mid section. It appeared that it had been struck by a piece of debris. A rain of phaser fire followed, the miners and Abernathy jerked and spasmed under the onslaught, before finally collapsing in a heap on the rock floor. The most immediate threat, the three miners were neutralized. Ahmed noted Ro'Dal giving orders to her people to watch the fallen assailants and for others to observe the ever moving pile of rubble that marked an exit to this room. There was something inside, behind or beneath it that did not bode well for the away team. By the time that Ahmed had looked back that the mysterious Alien, he had risen to his feet and held in his hand something that resembled a energy sword and rifle. He stood observing the away team and Ahmed wondered if they looked as odd to it as it did to him. There was a luminescent orange liquid dripping from the creature's midsection. "Doctor Caskie, I believe this sentient is injured. Chief Fuller Please use extreme caution and check our personnel for injuries. "Ahmed said as he regarded the alien. (reply Caskie, Fuller) "Mister Bird, Doctor Caskie you're with me. Mister Matrix, get a some solid readings of the miners that attacked us and these bodies. Mister Raschen assist Lieutenant Matrix." (reply Caskie, Bird, Matrix) Ahmed stepped forward toward the unidentified alien, who raised his weapon in response. Ahmed stopped, and turned slightly handing his rifle to Bird. "Greetings, I am Ahmed Salid, I am the First Officer of the USS Rosenante, of the United Federation of Planets. I would like to speak with you in peace about what is happening here." Ahmed continued moving slowly forward. His open hands palm out to show that he held no weapons. "These are my Officers. This is Doctor Jennifer Caskie and this is Chief Engineer Paul Bird" gesturing to each of the officers in turn. The creature looked at him for a moment, focusing three of it's six eye stalks on the approaching party, while the other three maintained a vigil of the area. It opened it's mandibles and a sound like a gurgling whistle came from the creature. "Please continue speaking" Ahmed said, hoping the creature had some sort of universal translator similar to their own. Otherwise communication was going to be very difficult if not entirely impossible. (reply Any on away team, Tracker) (Posted by Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony, Mines - Second Officer & Security/Tactical Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1716) Voice Over: Previously on ST: Freedom, Adventures of the Rosenante; Jono now stood with this team in what seemed to be the main hub of the mines. It was a circular room in which at first they had thought to be quite beautiful and were amazed by the splendid colours and rock faces. That was until the room filled up with hundreds of 'beings', they blocked of every exit and allowed for no escape. The beings were humanoid but not human, the blackless eyes told Jono and his team this. After several attempts at communication and finding that their phaser rifles didnt work all to well on the highest stun setting one of Jono's team ran towards the small group of 'beings' on a kamikaze mission, he knocked one of the humanoids down but was dragged down to the floor; bit and dragged away. There was a shrilling scream from around the corner.... and now the conclusion; Jono tryed to see around the corner that Milano had just been dragged around, he didnt want to move encase of providing the creatures with enough venom and thought to throw a full out attack at them. The other members of his team were still stood their, silent and still; they had remembered their training it had seemed. Jono was breathing deeply, he hoped the same thing hadnt happened to the First Officer. Infact he was hoping Alpha Team would silently move down one of the tunnels and stumble across this chamber from a different direction, providing a distraction long enough for Jono to figure out how to immobalise the creatures... But that idea didnt seem to be viable, considering Alpha team were probably walking in the opposite direction to them. He sighed again as the male creature who was leading the small 'team' of creatures we immerged from around the corner and so did his team. They began advancing again, but this time with one more member. Jono took a longer look at this man. "Oh S*it" He said under his breath, it was Milano. The officer who had just been dragged to his death, or so it seemed to Jono and his team and walking towards them. His eyes were as black as the devils and Jono closed his eyes and silently prayed. "Ok this is what we do," He silently whispered to his group. Hardly daring to move his lips. He dropped a bag into the middle of the circle the officers were forming. "There are several ionic, federation standard grenades in that bag. All take several. When I say so throw them around the group of creatures nearest to that exit." He nodded towards the right hand exit. He knew it wasnt the one they came in, but it was the nearest. "Set your rifles to kill and use any means necessary to get out of here alive. Oh and dont panic." He added at the end. Members of his team bent down keeping their rifles raised one-by-one. Jono took 3 grenades and unsheathed the small dagger he carried around on away missions; it singled in the somewhat dimly lighted cavern and as the team of 5 - 6 creatures neared them he said "NOW" He loosed one of the grenades at the creatures and the lead 'man' caught it, looked at it but by the time he realised what it was about to do... "KA- BOOM" He was blown backwards and as he hit the wall Jono noticed most of his body had seperated from the main torso. He looked at the floor, the teams limbs were still heading towards them. "Oh you have to be kidding," He said but he doubted any of his team heard it over the "KA-BOOM's" which were erupting around the cavern. "GET OUT, NOW!" He shouted, the team began to move through the cavern to the exit they had just cleared of creatures. All of the other humanoids had began moving now, they were racing towards them. Jono through the other two grenades he had into them and then began to run. It looked like they were going to make it until several 'arms' managed to catch up with them, as Jono saw the arms advancing, one of them jumped and amazing height onto 'Crispy's' head. Within second the security officer was on the ground, dead. A very loud resounding crack was heard as the 'arm' had snapped his neck. ~Oh fuuck, Superior Strength~ Jono thought to himself as he lined up a shot at an advanding female. He shot, the rifles 'killing' shot hit the woman throwing her backwards. However she got back up and continued to run at the team. However she did have a rather large whole where the phaser blast had hit her in the chest. The race was on, Jono was unsure who out of his team was with him and who had been killed, all that mattered was to get the ones which were alive to the exit. Visions of his childhood flashed by his face, his mother and father after the war, the death of his brother, the funeral's... All of it didnt seem to matter if he was going to be 'taken' by these creatures. He shook the feeling off and continued to concentrate. He could almost feel the exit now, it was calling to him. He dived for it and tucked himself under the low arch-way. As he did so he left the last grenade in the bag at the entrance. Knowing he was the last one to make it out the grenade exploded, bringing down the archway onto the persuing creatures. They were cut off. He looked around, There was himself and 2 others out of his security team. He began breathing heavily, "We need to continue moving. That wont hold them for long." "Y-yes, Sir" They both said. They both looked beaten and badly worn-out. They looked like Jono felt. He put his hand to his leg and found blood pouring out, "F*cking B*sta*rds" He swore outloud, It wasnt like Jono to swear but this was a rather... unique situation. "Hand me that med kit would you?" He said to Jones; The man quickly gave him the med kit. Jono pulled it open and took a bandage out which he quickly rapped around his leg and then secured. "Right lets go. We need to get out of here and possibly find Alpha Team" He said, "Be on awares" 20 Minues had past. It felt like they had been walking at this rather quickened pace for at least 1 hour, they were all exhausted and there was something about the mines which was rather de-morilising; it certainly wasnt helping them on figuring out how to get out. The good news was that the creatures hadnt attacked again, maybe they had lost them; maybe they had just given up. Jono thought the first was more likely but he preffered the latter. They made their way through the winding tunnels and after another 3 or 4 minutes they heard something. "Shhh" Jono said as he knelt down, the floor was cold a little icy but it felt good on his cut. It sounded like recognisable speach, 'real human speach.' "The Away Team?" He asked himself quietly. Never the less it might have been another trap by the enemy; he signalled his 'team' to move forward and as the moved around the corner Jono could see in full light the Alpha Team. He stood up but continued to move forward with his rifle raised and full caution. They were speaking with some sort of alien and after what Jono had seen earlier that afternoon, he wasnt going to take any chances. None of them had seen them yet, they were facing the alien who seemed deep in conversation with them. "Turn around with your hands up, No Joke Alpha. Do it NOW" He shouted his rifle raised pointed at members of the team, cycling through targets. They slowly turned, he wanted to make sure there was no black in their eyes. A minute lingered as he checked them, while he and his 'team' of 2 continued to advance forward slowly. As he saw them properly he could recognise their eyes, "Oh thank-god." He said as he lowered his phaser rifle. He moved forward slightly quicker but then stopped, his leg hurt like hell. He looked down, he had lost allot of blood... and the next thing he could remember was his head falling agaisnt the rock and then darkness. Nothing. There was nothing. Was this the 'afterlife'? Surley not. He always assumed he would be greeted by somebody. ~Well this is crap~ He thought to himself as he walked through the darkness. I cant be dead. Its not THAT easy to kill me. Surley. Oh dear. It cant be now, I'm well to young to die. But as he thought about it, he remembered all the officers younger than him which had died, it made him angry at the war. Why? What was the cosmic reasoning for this? For that! As he thought about it, the darkness opened up, it felt like he was falling and then light! He heard someone mention about him waking up, and someone mentioning that he'd been knocked out. He was dazed and rather confused. The pain in his leg returned. (Reply all on away team) (Posted by Jono) --------------------------------------------------------------------- ( Davros III mining colony - Below The Lawson Residence - CEO- Lt. ( sg ) - Paul Bird - 1716.5) Paul and Josh poured laser fire into one of the miners as he came perilously close to Fuller , who was at that moment himself unslinging his weapon . Under their combined fire-power he finally went down . Fuller grinned in their direction and said " I owe you two a drink when we get back . " ~ If we get back ~ , " for that one , you can owe me a double . " Paul smirked back , and with all the colonists at least temporarily incapacitated shouldered his weapon and took a look at there current situation . He now noticed two things that he had not before . Firstly the alien creature had been wounded and was bleeding from his mid-rift , the other thing was that a pile of deris of to one side was moving and rumbling as if something was trapped below . ~ Wish we had a Horta with us . ~ The FO was quick to take in the situation , " Doctor Caskie , I believe this sentient is injured . Chief Fuller please use extreme caution and check our personnel for injuries . Mister Bird , Doctor Caskie you're with me . Mister Matrix , get some solid readings of the miners that attacked us and these bodies . Mister Raschen assist lieutenant Matrix ." Along with the rest of the party , Paul acknowledged Salid's orders . He stepped next to the commanding officer , his head full of wonder ,~ First Contact , Wow ~ . After looking after engines , for Paul , exploration and meeting new creatures was what Star Fleet was all about , the reason he had joined . The three officers , accompanied by Ro'dal approached the creature , who made no aggressive manoeuvres towards them . Stopping Salid passed his rife for Paul to hold . Paul , now with his hands pretty full , relied on doctor caskie , who had puled out her tricorder and begun to take readings , to inform him of anything he should know . Salid began to speak . " Greetings , I am Ahmed salid , I am the first officer of the USS Rosenante , of the United Federation of planets . I would like to speak with you in peace about what is happening here . " As he spoke , he inched closer hands open in the universal gesture of peace ~ At least I hope it's universal and not an insult in whatever language ~. " Salid continued " These are my officers . This is doctor Caskie and this is Chief Engineer Paul Bird " , as he was introduced Paul bowed slightly towards the creature , not quiet sure what else to do " . The creature let out a strange mixture of sounds , presumably its language . the universal translator would need more before it was to work , something Ahmed knew well ,"Please continue speaking " . The creature began to ' speak' again , but this time part way through , the translator finally started to pick up on the words . " .... infested your colony , alien . You would do well to kill those colonies tat you have behind you , as they are not yet dead and pose to you a great threat . Time is essential , and flows away quickly . I must be allowed to complete my mission . " Paul nodded at Salid when he looked at him , to let him know that he as hearing and understanding the alien . salid continued " I do not wish to be rude . what is your name and position again ? I am afraid that my translator is just now understanding your speech . " " I am senior specialist Sharott Nachook . I am with the Biological Cleansing Bureau . Who are you ? " " I am ahmed Ibn Salid , I am First Officer of the Federation Starship Rosenante . I am human . This Doctor Jennifer Caskie and this is Chief engineer Paul Bird . They are also humans . This is Ensign Ro'dal . She is Tanarkan . What is the Biological cleaning Bureau ? And to what species do you belong ? " ~ Come on Ahmed ~ Thought Paul ~ enough of the pleasantries , ask him what he's doing here , whats going on , about the nianites and just what is under that damn pile of rocks . ~ " The bureau is an elite unit that is tasked with the destruction of hazardous life forms , I am Opthidian . My mission is vital I must not fail and I no longer have time to speak pleasantries with you . " ~so I'm not the only impatient one , am I ~ " You should leave this place at once before you are infected . " ~ Like Abernathy ~ . Some one else was in agreement " Sir , I strongly recommend that we do as Mister Nachook suggests . " Said Ro'dal " I think that the away team should return to the surface and then to the ship immediately . However , He is wounded and may not accomplish his mission , so I also recommend that a security team remain to assist him and I would volunteer to remain behind if you decide top take my advice . " Paul decided that he needed to make his point known , " I agree that Mister Nachook needs help , but believe we should all stay and help . We need to know whats going on and what we need to overcome this threat . Remember we have had no communication wit either team Bravo or the ship for hours , and it will take us hours again to get back to a beam out point because of this interference . I believe we need to find the source of this interference and do something about it , so as to aid all or situations . " ( Reply Salid , Any ) ( Posted By Paul ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence - Chief Field Medic Nathan A. Fuller - 1720) Nate nodded his understanding to the good doctor. ~Some senior NCO you are Nate, letting something like that escape your notice. How could you not know that quarantine protocols were in effect? Must be old age, you geezer,~ he thought to himself, ~young officers like that lady are what's up and coming, maybe you should move out of the way.~ As soon as that thought bounced around in his thick, stubborn skull he regretted it. ~This old dog's got some tricks up his sleeve yet!~ he assured himself. Some time had passed after the teams had split up before anything note worthy had happened, a lot of walking. It reminded Nate of those foot marches that his old Master Chief used to like to take. He'd say: "Before warp drives, and ground vehicles soldiers used to walk everywhere, and if that fancy machine breaks down, it's the only means of transportation that the enemy can't take from you with out killing you." Those were the days. Nate had his tricorder out in case they came upon some survivors, though it's range was limited in these insulated tunnels, they would still give some clue as to where and if there were any life forms roaming about. Nate looked up from his tricorder and saw the three different paths, it seemed as if the XO was going to make a decision, but then it was made for him. Nate's tricorder alerted him to spiked energy discharges of indeterminable origin. He was just about to report it then he heard the XO announce loud enough for all to hear, "Everyone we're moving down this tunnel, post haste." Nate started a double-time to keep up with the group. He kept his phasers slung and holstered, and left his kit and stretcher on his back, for now and readied his personal shield, but didn't activate it. The tunnel was still dark as the fields at midnight, the artificial light overhead like a series of half moons barley lighting the night, as the team rushed to their possible confrontation. What greeted the group was some weird cross between a lobster, an octopus, and some other sea creature that if Nate had seen it before, he must have forgotten. Corpses of humanoid and crustacean origin laid in a pool of black viscous fluid that looked like Metamucil and black printer's ink, which may have been eating up the bodies like some acid, or maybe the fluid was a byproduct, Nate wasn't sure of it, but he was sure he didn't want to touch it. Three humans were attacking the creature with metal bars taken from forgotten machinery. The creature was obviously protected by something analogous to Nate's personal shield, and it looked like to Nate it was getting close to failing. No doubt in an effort to stop the fighting and perhaps obtain a way to a peaceable resolution, the XO brought up his rifle, and ordered them in a clear voice, "Hold your positions, drop your weapons!" To which the miners turned toward his voice and looked at the XO like his next meal,and started after him. "Halt or we will fire!" Ahmed said loudly. That had a fart's chance in a whirlwind the crazed man kept coming and the Officer opened fire. A blue bolt issued from his rifle, powerful enough to drop a charging Cardie, Nate knew, but like some bad zombie movie, he just kept coming. The XO withdrew to change the settings on his rifle and one of the security detail stepped in with a nasty butt-stroke to his head which only staggered the crazed man. ~Shoulda busted his head clean open!~ Nate reasoned in disbelief. Now the security man had some of that black ooze on him, and began writhing in pain. Quickly as one could blink the security man was now up and he joined the group of miners attacking the away team, the XO had two nearly on him. The security officer had called for weapons to be set to kill, Nate activated his shield and just in time as it's energy crackled in resistance to the once human now creature tried to reach around it. Nate grabbed for his type II, just as twin beams one from either side of him intercepted at the assailant to his front and staggered it back a bit. This gave Nate room to back up and his orange beam joined their weapon's energy and the thing collapsed and didn't move. He looked back and saw Bird and Dr Caskie, bring down their rifles from the ready stance. With a grin, "I owe you two a drink when we get back." Nate promised. (Reply Lt Bird, Dr Caskie) Soon the fight was done, and Ro'Dal was giving silent commands to ensure 360 degree security, and the XO gave some orders as well, "Doctor Caskie, I believe this sentient is injured. Chief Fuller Please use extreme caution and check our personnel for injuries. " Fuller gave a 'thumbs up' to the XO and tended to the triage as the Doctor gave her own affirmative to the Officer in Charge. The XO then turned his attention to the alien from the black lagoon, and attempted an on-the-spot first contact. ~Good luck, sir, you may need it.~ Nate thought while he tended the wounded. (Reply any) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony– Tracker - Sharott Nachook - 1730) Sharott hurt, the piece of stone debris had struck him solidly in the lower torso with enough force to push past his sterilization shield and crack his exoskeletal armor covering that region of his body. The fragment was buried somewhere deep inside his body and Sharott knew that he was going to die, not because of the trauma caused by the injury, but because of the failsafe enzymes that were even now coursing through his body. He would be dead within an standard demi-cycle. In that manner there would be no chance that he would carry the infection off this planet and risk the lives of billions more sentients. He had forced himself to his full height once the painkiller in the enzyme had blocked the pain receptors in his body. He was bleeding, but it was a slow trickle as was common with such injuries. He would die faster from the enzyme than he would by fluids loss. The room was littered with the infected remains of the aliens that had been inhabiting this planet. He did not know what they were, but apparently the colonies were able to adapt to their unique physiology quickly. They turned rapidly upon outset it appeared and the bodies seemed very resilient once infected. He swiveled three of his eye stalks toward the recent party that entered the chamber. They were odd species, and it appeared that there was multiple species in the group. There were distinctions in color, size and general shape, although the body design seemed to be basically the same. They had at least incapacitated the colonies. If they had killed the colony hierarchy the other nanites would scavenge the bodies as they had done with the corpses that Sharott had killed. The decay was rapid as the nanite fought for usable resources at an accelerated rate then died off. Only when the body was being digested in this manner were they truly safe. Three of the odd species moved toward him. They were armed although Sharott was not concerned with their weapons. He would die soon enough anyway. If they wished to kill him, it made little difference. He knew that he had to find the hive pool and unleash the Socarian Matrix before he died. Only by destroying the pool would the infestation be brought to an end. One of the aliens was making strange sounds. Nachook listened, waiting intently for the phonic analyzer to work out enough of the language to allow him to understand the alien. The device was well built. It did not take long, apparently the alien language was very simple. [...Caskie and here {gesture made} is Senior Builder Paul flying creature with wings and feathers...] The device vibrated against his pressure organ. "I am Senior Specialist Sharott Nachook. I am with the Biological Cleansing Bureau. What are you?" he asked, anxious to put a name to the bizarre species that he was seeing. [{This one} entreats you to continue to make sounds of a communicative nature.] "Very well." Nachook replied. He lowered his weapon , then suspended it from his belt. "I am here to seek out the colonies that have infested your colony, alien. You would do well to kill those colonies that you have behind you, as they are not yet dead and pose to you a great threat. Time is essential, and flows away quickly. I must be allowed to complete my mission" [I do not wish to cause insult or slight. What is your designation and function again? I am fearful my phonic analyzer is just now able to comprehend your method of communication.] "I am Senior Specialist Sharott Nachook. I am with the Biological Cleansing Bureau. What are you?" Nachook replied. "I am Ahmed Ibn Salid, I am the First Officer of the Federation Starship Rosenante. I am a human. {gesture made} is repairer of injuries to the body Jennifer Caskie and {gesture made} is Senior Builder Paul flying creature with wings and feathers. They are also humans. {gesture made} is Ensign Ro'Dal. She is Tanarkan. What is the Biological Cleansing Bureau? What is your species designation?] (reply Ro'Dal, Bird, Caskie) "The bureau is an elite unit that is tasked with the destruction of hazardous life forms, "he replied, "I am Opthidian." The Opthidian regarded the small cluster of officers. "My mission is vital I must not fail and I no longer have time to speak pleasantries with you. You should leave this place at once before you are infected." (reply Any) (posted by Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony- Mining Tunnels- FO- Lt. Cmdr. Ahmed Ibn Salid-1731) Ahmed watched as the alien continued to make the odd watery sounds. It took it's tool, which Ahmed presumed to be a weapon and attached it to it's belt. The three lead officers and Ro'Dal stopped as the creature continued to make noises, then suddenly, Ahmed's universal translator started talking. "...infested your colony, alien. You would do well to kill those colonies that you have behind you, as they are not yet dead and pose to you a great threat. Time is essential, and flows away quickly. I must be allowed to complete my mission." Ahmed glanced at Bird then Caskie to see if they were also hearing the translation as clearly as he was. "I do not wish to be rude. What is your name and position again? I am afraid that my translator is just now understanding your speech." "I am Senior Specialist Sharott Nachook. I am with the Biological Cleansing Bureau. What are you?" Nachook replied. "I am Ahmed Ibn Salid, I am the First Officer of the Federation Starship Rosenante. I am a human. This is Doctor Jennifer Caskie and this is Chief Engineer Paul Bird. They are also humans. This is Ensign Ro'Dal. She is Tanarkan." Ahmed replied. "What is the Biological Cleansing Bureau? And to what species do you belong?" (reply Ro'Dal, Bird, Caskie, Tracker) "The bureau is an elite unit that is tasked with the destruction of hazardous life forms." he replied, "I am Opthidian" Another eyestalk swiveled towards Ahmed and the others. "My mission is vital I must not fail and I no longer have time to speak pleasantries with you. You should leave this place at once before you are infected." Sharott said. (reply Any) (posted by Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony - Sec.O Ensign Ro'Dal - 1732) Standing by on guard, Ro'Dal listened to the interaction between 'lobster man' and the FO. She got the general idea (or perhaps it was just intuition), that the creature's gender was male. His name was Sharott Nachook and she smiled when she heard it and felt like saying 'may the Gods bless you', instead she just nodded congenially to him when Salid introduced her even if the FO did get the name of her race wrong. Still it was close enough and really didn't matter under the circumstances, no doubt the FO was excited about meeting a new species and it was affecting his memory. First contact was always a big highlight in all of their lives. Fondly she remembered the crystal-like spiders, but she couldn't remember the name of their species except she thought it began with an H and was almost unpronouncable, so she forgave the Commander his transgression. It was obvious, listening to him, that the alien was no threat to them, and Ro'Dal relaxed a little and began visually paying more close attention to the rubble at the other entrance that was still in a state of disturbance, while still listening and occassionally looking at, the 'lobster man'. ~Interesting, he says he is a specialist with a Biological Cleansing Bureau, has he come here to cleanse the nanites?~ She listened closely as the alien answered Salid's question about what the Bureau was and his species designation. "The bureau is an elite unit that is tasked with the destruction of hazardous life forms, "he replied, "I am Opthidian." The Opthidian regarded the small cluster of officers. "My mission is vital I must not fail and I no longer have time to speak pleasantries with you. You should leave this place at once before you are infected." ~So...I am correct, this does have something to do with the nanite infestation, but I wonder...Is this his home world?~ Would Salid ask him? Ro'Dal hoped so, she found the alien to be quite fascinating, but his wound concerned her. If many humanoid species she knew of, were wounded in the same area of the body, it usually meant a slow and painful death unless medical attention was given, however the urgency to complete his mission seemed more important to him than medical treatment. Either he was not mortally wounded, or (to her the most likely conclusion), he was willing to die rather than waste precious time, and if the latter was the case she agreed with him about leaving the place. "Sir, I strongly recommend that we do what Mister Nachook suggest. I think the away team should return to the surface and then to the ship immediately. However, he is wounded and may not accomplish his mission, so I also recommend that a security team remain to assist him and I would volunteer to remain behind if you decide to take my advice." (reply Salid, Any) (posted by Sal) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony- Lawson Residence- CMO - Lt (jg) Josh Caskie -1735) Josh had slung her phasher rifle over her back as soon as the FO had passed his over to Bird and reached slowly for her medical tricorder. Whilst Ahmed and the alien were talking to each other she began taking readings and although the tunnels seemed to cause problems she didn't like what she saw. Listening in whilst the translator matrix finally found a common ground for communication Josh checked her scans of the alien again and stepped forward hoping that the translator would work well enough for her to get her message across. Before she could the alien replied, mentioned hostiles behind them. ~Oh great, just what we need. We fought our way in, now we have to fight our way out too.~ He carried on mentioning a pool that had to be destroyed and Josh was confused for a second or two until she remembered the black substance that had overun Abernethy and she realised that nanites were more easily spread in a fluidic form. The world pool didn't sit well wish Josh. She had been hoping for a vial or a hypospray, or at least something small. The word pool conjured up a larger, much larger amount of nanites than this team might be able to deal with. Given that Josh needed a whole lot more information that she already had and it sounded like this alien was the only person they had found so far that could give them that information, she took a deep breath, and took a few steps closer to him. "Excuse me, I am a healer and whilst your injury doesn't seem to be severe to me I am reading a type of toxin spreading through your body that is life threatening. I might be able to do something to at least mitigate this infection until we can contact your own healers. Might I be permitted to try?" (Reply Tracker, any) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony– Tracker - Sharott Nachook - 1736) Sharott listened as his phonic analyzer translated the words of the humans as they discussed among themselves. [{Title}, I with great physical strength recommend that we do what {title} Nachook suggests. I think the team {from this place} should return to the surface and then to the ship immediately. However, he is wounded and may not accomplish his mission, so I also recommend that a security team remain to {render aid} and I would {sacrifice myself in glory for a great cause} if you decide to take my advice.] The furry faced Ro'Dal spoke. [I agree that {title} Nachook needs help , but {subscribe to an outmoded religious system} we should all stay and help. We need to know what's going on and what we need to overcome this threat . { Hold always in your memory} we have had no communication with either team {untranslatable name} or the ship for {undefined length of time} , and it will take us {undefined length of time} again to get back to a beam out point because of this {purposeful obstacle} . I believe we need to find the source of this {purposeful obstacle} and do something about it, so as to {render} aid all or situations. ] the senior builder added. [{Many appreciations to you}, your recommendations are {transcribed for review}.] The human Salid replied before returning to speak with Nachook. [Are you here {in this place} because of the {untranslatable word}, then?" Ahmed asked candidly, " And are you native to this {planet}?" "I am here to destroy the colonies that have infected the sapiens here. The source of the infection is a micromolecular machine that was stolen from my people by a species called the Ferengi. It appears that they brought it here to profit from the sale of the colonies and subsequent slaughter of the inhabitants here. I am not from this world.=^= [I {have comprehension}. We {also} have had dealings with the Ferengi. Are they here on this {planet}, now?" "No, we destroyed their ship and everyone aboard it to prevent further contamination." Nachook answered. [Did you have anything to do with the {starship} that was in orbit? Or with {it's} crew?] ~Have they been aboard the ship? If so, are they harboring any infection?~ Sharott wondered. Nachook turned all his eyestalks towards the human's leader. He made a visual scan to see if he could notice any signs of infestation. After a few moments he could not so he answered. ["The crew of that ship was dead before we arrived. We released a matrix aboard that ship to sterilize it. The colonies there should be dead by now. I regret that we were required to destroy the remains of those of your species." The human looked back at him. "I am certain that you did what you {emotional reference} was necessary." There was a pause as both sides considered carefully what had just been said. It was interrupted after a short while by the repairer of injuries to the body. [{I seek forgiveness for an offense}, I am a {repairer of injuries} and whilst your injury doesn't seem to be severe to me I am reading a type of toxin spreading through your body that is life-threatening. I might be able to do something to at least mitigate this infection until we can contact your own {repairer of injuries}. Might I be permitted to {attempt}?" The Opthidian turned three of his eyestalks towards her. "The toxin you are detecting is a genetically created enzyme. It deadens pain and will prevent infection by the colonies as long as it courses through my body. Eventually it will kill me, usually within a demi-cycle. When I am dead, the Socarian Matrix will be released and this planet's biosphere will be biologically sterilized. No healer among my people would aid me. What would you be able to do, repairer of injuries to the body Jennifer Caskie?" Nachook queried. (reply Caskie, Any) (posted by Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony- Mining Tunnels- FO- Lt. Cmdr. Ahmed Ibn Salid-1737) The Opthidian regarded the small cluster of officers. "My mission is vital I must not fail and I no longer have time to speak pleasantries with you. You should leave this place at once before you are infected." "Sir, I strongly recommend that we do what Mister Nachook suggest. I think the away team should return to the surface and then to the ship immediately. However, he is wounded and may not accomplish his mission, so I also recommend that a security team remain to assist him and I would volunteer to remain behind if you decide to take my advice." Ro'Dal added. "I agree that Mister Nachook needs help , but believe we should all stay and help. We need to know what's going on and what we need to overcome this threat . Remember we have had no communication wit either team Bravo or the ship for hours , and it will take us hours again to get back to a beam out point because of this interference . I believe we need to find the source of this interference and do something about it , so as to aid all or situations . " Bird chimed in. he was apparently in agreement. "Thank you, your recommendations are noted." Ahmed replied before turning back towards the alien. "Are you here because of the nanites, then?" Ahmed asked candidly, " And are you native to this world?" =^=I am here to destroy the colonies that have infected the sapiens here. The source of the infection is a micromolecular machine that was stolen from my people by a species called the Ferengi. It appears that they brought it here to profit from the sale of the colonies and subsequent slaughter of the inhabitants here. I am not from this world.=^= ~The Ferengi?~ Ahmed nodded. "I understand. We too have had dealings with the Ferengi. Are they here on this world, now?" =^= No, we destroyed their ship and everyone aboard it to prevent further contamination.=^= "Did you have anything to do with the freighter that was in orbit? Or with her crew?" Nachook turned all his eyestalks towards Ahmed. =^= The crew of that ship was dead before we arrived. We released a matrix aboard that ship to sterilize it. The colonies there should be dead by now. I regret that we were required to destroy the remains of those of your species.=^= Ahmed looked at the very tall, very strange alien. "I am certain that you did what you felt was necessary." There was a pregnant pause as both sides considered carefully what had just been said. It was interrupted after a short while by Doctor Caskie. "Excuse me, I am a healer and whilst your injury doesn't seem to be severe to me I am reading a type of toxin spreading through your body that is life threatening. I might be able to do something to at least mitigate this infection until we can contact your own healers. Might I be permitted to try?" The Opthidian turned three of his eyestalks towards her. "The toxin you are detecting is a genetically created enzyme. It deadens pain and will prevent infection by the colonies as long as it courses through my body. Eventually it will kill me, usually within a demi-cycle. When I am dead, the Socarian Matrix will be released and this planet's biosphere will be biologically sterilized. No healer among my people would aid me. What would you be able to do, repairer of injuries to the body Jennifer Caskie?" (reply Caskie, Any) (posted by Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Davros III Mining Colony – Mining Tunnels -Ops- ENS (jg) Chance Raschen-1740) "...No healer among my people would aid me. What would you be able to do, repairer of injuries to the body Jennifer Caskie?" After hearing what the Opthidian had to say about the freighter, Chance started to get upset at the idea that these beings may have been the ones that tried to kill him. Raschen managed to conceal his anger except in his eyes, as he eased up close to Commander Salid and quietly said “Sir; please ask him if they were the ones that attacked my ship and if so, why.” (Reply Salid, any) Looking around at the faces around him “I think everyone has a right to know who tries to kill them and why. Besides, he may want to know what happened to his compatriots. I am making a reasonable request commander; wouldn’t you agree sir?” Raschen said calmly and respectfully as he focused his attention on Salid. (Reply Salid, any) (Posted by Charlie) --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------