Compile July 01 - 31 ------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Letters of the Marques Day 5 Stardate: 2408.02.20 (USS Rosenante – Captain's Mess – Engineer Ensign T'Kron – 1835) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1840) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - Sec.O Lt. Ro'Dal - 1843) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Second Mate - Phell Kassyl - 1843.5) <-- .5+ To the time. (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Scout - Lir Kuz- Day 5-1845) (USS Rosenante – Deck 1, Observation Lounge – Engineer Ensign T'Kron – 1845) <-- Same time; Different Location. (USS Rosenante - Deck 1, Observation Lounge - ACSO Ensign jg Dorian Weaver - 1845.5) <-- .5+ To the time. (USS Rosenante - Deck 1, Observation Lounge - CMO, Lt (sg) Josh Caskie - Day 5 - 1846) (USS Rosenante – Deck 1, Observation Lounge – Sec.O Lt. Ro'Dal – 1846.5) <-- .5+ To the time. (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1846.7) <-- .7+ To the time. (USS Rosenante – Deck 1, Observation Lounge – ACSO Ensign jg Dorian Weaver – 1848) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Second Mate Phell Kassyl - 1850) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1853) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Second Mate - Phell Kassyl - 1857) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness- Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1900) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Scout - Lir Kuz- Day 5-1901) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness- Second Mate Phell Kassyl - 1902) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1904) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Second Mate Phell Kassyl - 1905) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1908) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Second Mate Phell Kassyl - 1910) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Scout - Lir Kuz- Day 5-1912) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1914) (USS Rosenante- Sickbay- aCSEC- ENS Chance Raschen- 1915) (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Scout - Lir Kuz- Day 5-1915.5) <-- .5+ To the Time (Gladius - Barakos IV - Transporter Room - Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1917) <-- Continuation Post. ------------------------------------------------------------- Begin Compile ------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Captain's Mess – Engineer Ensign T'Kron – 1835) After listening intently and contenting himself only with a glass of fruit juice and some raw vegetables, T'Kron was approached by the Assistant Chief Science Officer. "Hello Sir," said Ensign Weaver. "How are you on this fine evening? I'm guessing you're not nervous at all about the assignment, right?" "I am concerned and will be as prepared as possible, Ensign Weaver. Focus and planning will leave me little time for needless worry," answered T'Kron. "I do think that we should have alternate names and identities and we should know them for our own away team members." "Well Lt. Ro'Dal wants us to leave at the same time as her and proceed to the Observation Lounge so we can get our cover story straight and discuss general strategy. She wanted me to tell you. See you later." "I will see you soon in the Observation Lounge, Ensign Weaver," replied T'Kron (Reply Sheila Mayer) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1840) The Andorian replied with, "When you find a good boss, you stick with him. I'd never dream of working for anyone else. The old man has been treating me right, and that is a lot more precious than latinum these days." He stopped for a second at the bottom of the path. "Are you OK, Crisp? You seem on edge." "I'm fine." Frank said, "I'll be a lot more fine when I get rid of this." The blue man unzipped the bag he was carrying to show his payment. Crisp took out his simple mining tricorder and scanned the metal bars. "Yeah that's what I'm talking about." Crisp said. " I suppose you'll be wanting to see my end of the bargain?" (Reply Phell) Crisp pushed a button on the side of the crate, and a whoosh of air issued forth as it depressurized. He unlatched the clasps and lifted the top off letting the lid hang from the hing. (Reply Phell reaction if you wish) Inside there was a two meter by one meter oblong capsule secured with semi-soft foam spacers and three nylon webbing straps, each three inches wide. The capsule it's self was a gloss black with red markings which read: "United Federation of Planets Star Fleet Quantum Torpedo Mark II Properly Trained Handlers Only" "I also have, as we discussed, one chip containing many things including the procedures for making one yourself." he offered. "Of course I've kept a copy for myself." His 'used shuttle salesman' grin returned. (Reply Phell) Up on his perch the marksman was deathly quiet. ~Wait for it.~ (Posted by Todd) ------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - Sec.O Lt. Ro'Dal - 1843) Ensign Weaver suggested that if they stated they came from a ship that wasn't in orbit, it might be suspicious and Ro' saw his point of view, he also suggested beaming to one of the orbital way-points and then transport down from there in a shuttle. He then went on to tell them that they could address him by his middle name or by his combined initials that spelled D.A.W.N. "...and kids would tease me about it growing up, so I'll definitely know you're talking to me." Once he had finished the Doctor spoke up to state that she liked 'Dawn's' idea about the orbit way points, and that she presumed that since they all were going to the Slave Pens that they'd be posing as buyers. She stated that beaming down from the orbital stations would cause less interest than beaming down out of nowhere. The Doctor then went on to say that it would be easy for her to an older, or a non Federation type tricorder, but that she would prefer not carry any other medical equipment or supplies with her. Ro'Dal nodded in agreement to the orbital station beam out and the less medical equipment. "...As for my name, perhaps Josh might not be the best name to call me either. One of my other names is Olivia perhaps it might be better to use that." "Actually, I specified that we would use surnames, is there a particular reason for both of you wanting to be called Dawn and Olivia rather than Weaver and Caskie?" Ro' then looked at T'Kron who had been noticeably silent. "And you, Mister T'Kron, do you have a preference also?...I will add that my decision stands and that you will be addressed by your names, however please feel free to enlighten me. As for your idea about the orbital station, I concur that it would be ideal and will have the transporter attendant do so." (reply Weaver, Caskie, T'Kron) It occurred to Ro' that she should inform the marine Nunez of her decisions. She hadn't seen her at the dinner meeting but that could have been an oversight on her part for there were quite a number of people assembled in the Captain's Mess. The Captain had told her she could take any other security she wished, but Ro' felt it best to keep her party's numbers small. The less people involved the less likelihood that something bad would happen. The Takaran dismissed her team to prepare themselves and when they left the lounge, she then tapped her commbadge. "Ro'Dal to Nunez please meet me in transporter room 3 at 2220 so I may apprise you of some plans." (posted by Sal) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Second Mate - Phell Kassyl - 1843.5) "Yeah that's what I'm talking about." Crisp said. " I suppose you'll be wanting to see my end of the bargain?" "I think it's only natural that, among un-trustworthy bastards, we only give a show of good faith." So far things were going smoothly. Maybe, just maybe he could get this one to go according to plan. Crisp pushed a button on the side of the crate, and a whoosh of air issued forth as it depressurized. He unlatched the clasps and lifted the top off letting the lid hang from the hing. Phell let go of a long-winded, appreciative whistle. Something that deadly had never been that beautiful. Inside there was a two meter by one meter oblong capsule secured with semi-soft foam spacers and three nylon webbing straps, each three inches wide.. The capsule it's self was a gloss black with red markings which read: "United Federation of Planets Star Fleet Quantum Torpedo Mark II Properly Trained Handlers Only" "I also have, as we discussed, one chip containing many things including the procedures for making one yourself." he offered. "Of course I've kept a copy for myself." His 'used shuttle salesman' grin returned. "And how much more are we talking about, for this 'valuable information'? It strikes as not entirely your type to provide this for free." Phell studied him attentively, trying to discern if he was being lied to or not. What wouldn't he give to have a little Betazoid blood right about now. At the very least, they had this one torpedo, which was something to show for. (Posted by Mathieu Raymond) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Scout - Lir Kuz- Day 5-1845) Lir being what she was had not survived on skill alone. She had developed a strong attachment to staying alive, despite the inherent dangers that came with being a Chameloid bounty hunter. To those ends, she had learned a long time ago to trust her instincts. And something just wasn't right. She'd had that nagging feeling since she'd seen Crisp all but point out his personnel, almost as if he knew she was there and it was all staged for her benefit. And while she knew that it was not possible for him to have KNOWN that she was present, he had probably suspected that someone with Kell would be scouting out the area. Which meant in turn that if it had not been for HER benefit, perhaps it was for SOMEONE'S benefit for him to have made such a clear indication of where everyone was located. Then any team lead by Kell would be bolstered with the knowledge that they knew where all the opposition was located. Or did they? Lir couldn't help but shake the feeling that she was missing something. And that whatever it was could very well get her in deep trouble, if not killed. Lir slung the rifle over her shoulder and belly crawled away from her shooting position, she needed more information than she had and she didn't have time to do it the old fashioned way. Once she was clear of the ridgeline, she concentrated long enough to shift her shape into that of one of the other men on the perimeter. the lay of the land prevented them from seeing each other and at least if she was spotted, they'd be less inclined to shoot first. She picked her way in a slightly circuitous route around the outcropping of rock that she had used before and began approaching the shooter farthest from the spot where the transaction was taking place. She got almost on top of him before he spun around and pointed the rifle at him. "Holy @#$% Mike, you about got yourself wasted you stupid #@$@!" he swore in an under-his-breathe statement. For her part Lir raised both hands in a don't shoot gesture which seemed to work, because a moment later the other man had rolled over on his belly and took up his shooting position again. "What the hell are you doing here anyway? Your position is down the way. What were you feeling lone-" The man's words stopped immediately when he felt the tip of Lir's knife pressing against the skin over the joint between the fifth and sixth vertebrae. "Holy &%#$ man." the prone man said, "I didn't mean what I said about you and the Andorian Gigalo, okay? %#@$ relax, it was a joke." he said almost too quietly. It was as if he was worried that any loud noise would cause Lir to push the blade into his spinal column and kill him instantly. The doppelganger had not heard her simulacrum's voice, so she answered quietly in her own, which must have frightened her quarry even more. Perhaps he felt that he could talk to his friend Mike, where as now, he had no idea what would happen. "Where is he?" she asked him. "Who, where's who?" She pressed the blade tip into his soft skin, a drop of blood welled up from the surface of the wound. It was rich and red. "You know who." she replied, "where's the designated shooter." The man took a deep breath. "He's behind Crisp." Lir pressed the blade a little deeper, so far it was still only a flesh wound. There would be no permanent damage beyond a slight scar at this stage. "Try again." "Really, seriously...he's behind Crisp" the man added in a Soto Voce tone of excited worry. "He's in the blind." As if to accentuate his claim he raised one hand towards the rock wall that turned the meeting area into the proverbial box canyon. "A blind?" she asked him. "It's there, I swear." he pleaded, "It's a federation xenological study blind. we put it in two years ago. We use this place a lot." "Are you planning on killing the Bounty crew?" she asked him. He shook his head, " I don't know, I don't know... I was just told to watch for the signal and if I saw it to start shooting." he said. Lir looked down into the canyon, the meeting was well under way. "What's the signal?" she asked him. ... She shifted her weight, "I'm not going to ask again." she said simply. "The sniper blows Kell's brains out." he said, then in a defeated tone added, "that's the signal." Lir looked back up at the negotiations. That meant that Crisp had a separate signal worked out for the sniper. Without removing the blade from the base of the man's neck, she unscrewed the handle of the weapon and revealed an airhypo embedded within. The blade was reduced to a palm weapon now, but that hardly mattered. She turned the air hypo over and pressed the newly revealed discharge spray nozzles into the flesh of her prisoner's neck. There was a sharp hiss as the device unloaded it's single dose of tranquilizers into his system. a moment later his body went slack as the drug took effect. If things went poorly, this man would at least survive. She screwed the handle back onto her knife and wiped the tip on the back of the man's shirt before sheathing it. She shifted her appearance to look like the now unconscious informant and later, if she was required to do so, she could even imitate his voice now that she'd heard him speak. She slinked back away from the position until she knew that she was clear from possible observation. She seriously hoped that Kell was wearing his earpiece as she advised him to do. "Kell, we have a problem," she said into her sub vocal radio. The small device was a tiny little stamp-sized adhesive that was applied to her throat just in front of her larynx. "There's a sniper in a holographic duck blind behind crisp on the rock face somewhere. I can't see him, but crisp has told his men to open fire when your head explodes. I suggest you keep Crisp between you and the sniper, otherwise you're all dead. I'm working on it." She knew that he could hear her if he was wearing his earpiece, but there was no way that he could respond. Lir would have to figure out how to deal with this problem on her own. (posted by Daniel Greene) ------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Deck 1, Observation Lounge – Engineer Ensign T'Kron – 1845) "Actually, I specified that we would use surnames. Is there a particular reason for both of you wanting to be called Dawn and Olivia rather than Weaver and Caskie?" (Reply Dorian Weaver, Josh Caskie) "And you, Mister T'Kron, do you have a preference also? I will add that my decision stands and that you will be addressed by your names, however please feel free to enlighten me. As for your idea about the orbital station, I concur that it would be ideal and will have the transporter attendant do so." "I would prefer to be referred to during the mission as S'Lel. I doubt I am famous, but we do not know how easy it might be for nefarious criminals that we will be dealing with to be able to hack into Starfleet records. Though the computer security we have is very good, there is often a way around it, depending on the tools the hackers may be using and how well they know Starfleet's computer encoding. Alternate identities would add another layer of deflection for us to use, though if you insist that we should not do so, Lt. Ro'Dal, I will abide by your decision." (Reply y'all, if ya want: Dorian Weaver, Josh Caskie, Ro'Dal) "I am curious to know what is suitable attire to wear when shopping for slaves. I have never been to a slave market and I confess it to be unfamiliar territory for me. Which set of attire from our given list would be most appropriate?" asked T'Kron. "And how many weapons does one wear for slave shopping?" (Posted by Sheila Mayer) ------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 1, Observation Lounge - ACSO Ensign jg Dorian Weaver - 1845.5) "Actually, I specified that we would use surnames, is there a particular reason for both of you wanting to be called Dawn and Olivia rather than Weaver and Caskie?"Ro' then looked at T'Kron who had been noticeably silent. "And you, Mister T'Kron, do you have a preference also?...I will add that my decision stands and that you will be addressed by your names, however please feel free to enlighten me. As for your idea about the orbital station, I concur that it would be ideal and will have the transporter attendant do so." "I would prefer to be referred to during the mission as S'Lel. I doubt I am famous, but we do not know how easy it might be for nefarious criminals that we will be dealing with to be able to hack into Starfleet records. Though the computer security we have is very good, there is often a way around it, depending on the tools the hackers may be using and how well they know Starfleet's computer encoding. Alternate identities would add another layer of deflection for us to use, though if you insist that we should not do so, Lt. Ro'Dal, I will abide by your decision." "Same here, lieutenant. If it makes our interactions easier, it's fine, I just thought it would give us one more opportunity for anonymity. On top of that, they are rarer than most surnames. If you deem it unnecessary, I'll abide. I never meant to question your authority, sir." But he had cut off his Vulcan superior, and so left it at that, allowing him to continue. "I am curious to know what is suitable attire to wear when shopping for slaves. I have never been to a slave market and I confess it to be unfamiliar territory for me. Which set of attire from our given list would be most appropriate?" asked T'Kron. "And how many weapons does one wear for slave shopping?" ~Amen to that. He has a knack for putting his finger on the heart of the matter.~ The way he worded things also seemed to incur very little wrath or reprimand, which meant this was probably one more trait to emulate. (Posted by Mathieu Raymond) ------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 1, Observation Lounge - CMO, Lt (sg) Josh Caskie - Day 5 - 1846) Josh walked into the Observation Lounge along with the rest of Team 3 and took a seat with all the rest of them once Ro had seated herself. "Thank you for coming. First, Mr. Weaver, to answer your question about which weapons to take, you may take whatever you are comfortable with, bearing in mind that pirates would not necessarily have up-to-date Starfleet phasers in their possession, other than that I trust you have your attire already?" "Of course it is imperative that we all know the name of the ship we supposedly arrived at Barakos on, as I am sure the slavers and pirates are extremely paranoid and suspect everyone, especially those they have not seen before... Any suggestions? Also you will refer to me as the first mate should any ask, and to avoid any hesitation when we address each other, we will use the surnames we have, in my case I only have one name so use that." Ro'Dal pointedly looked at the Doctor. "I think you should be the sawbones on our ship, which will enable you to carry a tricorder but naturally it will be an older 'looking' model." She sat back and waited for the others input. Ensign Weaver was the first to speak and Josh listened to him carefully liking what he had to say. "Well, if they are that paranoid, stating we come from a ship that is not actually in orbit, crowded as it may be, could be tricky. The shuttle traffic, on the other hand, could easily disguise the fact that we don't have one, especially to people who might not have all the time in the world on their hands. I'm almost tempted that we request to be beamed to one of the orbital way-points and "document" or transit down from orbit. If it's not out of line to suggest a change to our illustrious captain's plan, sir." He frowned, trying to think of something more. "I'm just trying to create information flow choke points that could slow down investigations into our cover story. Oh, and you can address me by my middle name, Alexander. Or if you want to be even more esoteric, my initials spell our Dawn, and kids would tease me about it growing up, so I'll definitely know you're talking to me." Once he had finished Josh chimed in. I like 'Dawn's' idea about the orbit way points to be honest. I presume that since we are going to the Slave Pens that we will be posing as buyers and if we beam down from one of the orbital stations it would cause a lot less interest from the wrong type of people than if we simply beam down out of nowhere, so to speak. It won't be any trouble for me to replicate and older, or possibly a non Federation type tricorder, however I would rather not carry any other medical equipment or supplies with me given the nature of our mission." "As for my name, perhaps Josh might not be the best name to call me either. One of my other names is Olivia perhaps it might be better to use that." Josh sat back and waited for Ro or anyone else to comment. (Posted by Marilyn) ------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Deck 1, Observation Lounge – Sec.O Lt. Ro'Dal – 1846.5) "And you, Mister T'Kron, do you have a preference also? I will add that my decision stands and that you will be addressed by your names, however please feel free to enlighten me. As for your idea about the orbital station, I concur that it would be ideal and will have the transporter attendant do so." "I would prefer to be referred to during the mission as S'Lel. I doubt I am famous, but we do not know how easy it might be for nefarious criminals that we will be dealing with to be able to hack into Starfleet records. Though the computer security we have is very good, there is often a way around it, depending on the tools the hackers may be using and how well they know Starfleet's computer encoding. Alternate identities would add another layer of deflection for us to use, though if you insist that we should not do so, Lt. Ro'Dal, I will abide by your decision." Ro'Dal berated herself, she should have known that good sarcasm, or for that matter any kind of sarcasm was lost on a Vulcan, apparently T'Kron really thought she wanted to know what other name he wished to go by, when in fact Ro' had already stated they'd be addressed by their own names. "I sincerely doubt any would be bothered to hack into Starfleet records in order to find out about any of us, and I would imagine it is very busy at the Slave Auctions therefore wouldn't take the time to do so. All they are concerned with is hard cash for their wares and don't really care where it comes from, though I sincerely doubt that we will be actually purchasing any slaves." (Reply any iyw) "I am curious to know what is suitable attire to wear when shopping for slaves. I have never been to a slave market and I confess it to be unfamiliar territory for me. Which set of attire from our given list would be most appropriate?" asked T'Kron. "And how many weapons does one wear for slave shopping?" "Supposedly you are a pirate, Mr. T'Kron so anything durable and well used will do, as for the weapons I suggest no more than three of varied types. Personally I am taking an antique starfleet phaser, a Klingon MeqleH and a marine dagger which I carry inside my boot." (Posted by Sal) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1846.7) So come on, Crisp, talk to me." the Andorian said while he sat down. "Well, it was no mean feat securing this for you let me tell you. The strings I had to pull and the favors I used, will cost me. So I need to be compensated." he started. " For the whole package, it's one million bars of latinum." (Reply Phell) "Okay, okay, 500k. You realize though this is going to be my retirement fund, after this I'm out. It's getting too risky taking from the Feds." he said, his resolve dropped for just a second as he quickly glanced around, then the 'face' was back up. (Reply Phell) "All right, all right, we got a deal or not?" he said. ~If he don't take it he's a dead man.~ Crisp thought to himself. He couldn't afford to let someone have knowledge of his dealings without being threatened by that knowledge them selves. (posted by Todd) ------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Deck 1, Observation Lounge – ACSO Ensign jg Dorian Weaver – 1848) "Supposedly you are a pirate, Mr. T'Kron so anything durable and well used will do, as for the weapons I suggest no more than three of varied types. Personally I am taking an antique starfleet phaser, a Klingon MeqleH and a marine dagger which I carry inside my boot." "For my part, I'm fine. You know what they say: when the going get's tough, the tough go shopping. With your permission, I'll hit the replicators, lieutenant." (Posted by Mathieu Raymond) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Second Mate Phell Kassyl - 1850) "Well, it was no mean feat securing this for you let me tell you. The strings I had to pull and the favors I used, will cost me. So I need to be compensated." he started. " For the whole package, it's one million bars of latinum." "Francis, I know we haven't seen eye to eye a couple of times over the years, and I've hated your guts more than not, but come on, now, you have to be reasonable." Phell pondered for a few seconds for his next sentence. "In order for us to get you a million bars, we'd probably have to sell the Bounty, and then we wouldn't really need your 'package'. You have to sweeten the deal a little bit." "Okay, okay, 500k. You realize though this is going to be my retirement fund, after this I'm out. It's getting too risky taking from the Feds." he said, his resolve dropped for just a second as he quickly glanced around, then the 'face' was back up. "I understand. We can't keep doing this forever. And it is quite a stunt you must have pulled, I'll give you that." "All right, all right, we got a deal or not?" he said. ~If he don't take it he's a dead man.~ Crisp thought to himself. He couldn't afford to let someone have knowledge of his dealings without being threatened by that knowledge them selves. "I'll tell you what. I'm interested. I'm not going to lie to you, or try to toy with you. I appreciate the efforts and the risk. I'll need to clear the amount with Easy Ed. He is my boss after all. Take this money, it's yours anyway, and tell me what you want to make sure you believe in my good faith." ~Careful now. I'd rather be a live hostage than a smear on the rocks..~ "Let's just not do anything rash, ok?" ~Shit, did I just tip my hand?~ (Posted by Mathieu Raymond) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1853) "I'll tell you what. I'm interested. I'm not going to lie to you, or try to toy with you. I appreciate the efforts and the risk. I'll need to clear the amount with Easy Ed. He is my boss after all. Take this money, it's yours anyway, and tell me what you want to make sure you believe in my good faith." There was a slight pause, merely a moment as if he pondered something very quickly, "Let's just not do anything rash, OK?" ~I need that money, real bad. I can give him some time though. If any Feds are anywhere near Orion space, we'd know right?~ He told himself, silently bolstering his resolve. Using the tricorder readings, which told him the total mass of the latinum that Phell brought, and Crisp's own trained eye, he guesstimated the amount of latinum in the satchel. "So you got what 100k here?" (Reply Phell) "OK, One fifty, we can keep this one fifty, and the merchandise stays here. You got thirty minutes, to talk to your boss and OK the deal. If the latinum ain't here in that time, then we leave with the merchandise, and the money." Crisp said smiling. (Reply Phell) "Why do we get to keep the money? Insurance, Mister Phell, insurance. As I've mentioned my associates and I went to a lot of trouble to procure this. And if Mr Raschen decides that he just doesn't want it any more, we are still payed for our risk and troubles." he explained. (Posted by Todd) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Second Mate - Phell Kassyl - 1857) "So you got what 100k here?" "Woo Francis, are you sure your scanner is calibrated? I'd have sworn I packed in a bit more than that… and it didn't get any lighter as I coming down the path. Trust me, there's a lot more than that." "OK, One fifty, we can keep this one fifty, and the merchandise stays here. You got thirty minutes, to talk to your boss and OK the deal. If the latinum ain't here in that time, then we leave with the merchandise, and the money." Crisp said smiling. "That hardly seem like a fair deal, Crisp. I've agreed to all of your shenanhigans to meet here, and you spring this extra expense on me and think I'll have it as pocket change? You have to give me more time, I don't even see why you should get to keep it at all." Phell knew that he was bargaining from an extremely weak position, but the Andorian in him just kept trying to push to the surface. "Why do we get to keep the money? Insurance, Mister Phell, insurance. As I've mentioned my associates and I went to a lot of trouble to procure this. And if Mr Raschen decides that he just doesn't want it any more, we are still payed for our risk and troubles." he explained. There really was no other option, especially with a rifle pointed at his head from who-knew-where. "I can confirm the transaction in 30 minutes, but you have to give me more time to get the money physically here. It's just basic logistics, Francis. Don't be stupid, you'd be throwing away a lot of money, and you'd have to find another buyer for the loot. One that might not be as safe as us, shall we say." Phell stepped back, preparing to return to where he had left his team and the communication equipment. (Posted by Mathieu Raymond) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness- Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1900) "I can confirm the transaction in 30 minutes, but you have to give me more time to get the money physically here. It's just basic logistics, Francis. Don't be stupid, you'd be throwing away a lot of money, and you'd have to find another buyer for the loot. One that might not be as safe as us, shall we say." the Andorian said. ~What are you thinking? He's right, you can't transport Latinum, it doesn't hold up in the transporter, that's why it's so valuable, fool. Keep your cool, you're still the man.~ He chastised and praised himself simultaneously, the emotion played on his face only slightly. "Tell you what, you have a faith in your crew?" he asked darkly. (Reply Phell) "Good, then two hours for you and your gallant crew, to obtain the remaining bars and deliver them here." as Phell started to walk off, "Not so fast blue, you stay. I'm sure Ed will respond more quickly if you stay here as added insurance." (Reply Phell, iyw) Crisp reached up to his neck tie and adjusted it, loosening it a bit. ~Ready.~ In the distance the shooter adjusted his sights zeroing in on the target. (Posted by Todd) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Scout - Lir Kuz- Day 5-1901) Lir had been messing with the computerized sights on her rifle now for a good many minutes. She had jury rigged a connection to the Romulan tricorder that she was carrying and was routing the information received back through the visual imager. Her hard work had finally paid off, and not a moment too soon, in her opinion. Just as she had managed to resolve the image of the shooter, despite the holographic duck blind that hid him from everyone else's view, she noticed Crisp make a hand motion towards his neck tie and then watched as the shooter tightened the rifle into his shoulder and lowered his head to look through the scope of his rifle. ~ That must be the ready signal~ she thought then decided that since she didn't know what the execute signal was that she couldn't take any other chances. "I've a firing solution on the shooter and I'm taking the shot. Crisp just gave him a ready signal with the neck tie.~ she whispered into her subvocal radio. A moment later, she had aligned her weapon on the target, and held her breath as she squeezed the trigger. A bolt of brilliant green energy jumped from the barrel of her Romulan disruptor rifle, crossed the space between her and her target in a microsecond, and slammed into the relatively hard flesh and bone of his head. The shooter's body jerked grotesquely sideways, like a rag doll which had just been lobbed against a bedroom wall by a child throwing a temper tantrum. There was a brief lull, since apparently crisp's men all expected their shooter to kill Phell about now, and so they had checked their fire as they prepared to open up on the crew of the Bounty. This lull had been very much to Lir's advantage. She immediately unplugged the scope from the tricorder and took aim on one of the shooters on the far side of the clearing. She put a bolt of green disruptor energy through his chest and was taking bead on a second ambusher when they finally opened fire. A hail of phaser fire suddenly lit up the clearing, both incoming and outgoing. Lir pulled the trigger again and another shooter fell to her rifle. A phased energy blast slammed into a rock just past her head and it exploded into a shower of sharp shards. A few slivers of that stone buried themselves in her cheek, and Lir rolled out of position and behind a much larger stone that offered her some semblance of protection. She took a moment to change her appearance, hoping that such a shift might confuse anyone that came upon her while she was repositioning and afford her the opportunity to handle it before things went worse. She could clearly hear the weapon's fire and hoped that Phell was doing well enough. She could care less about Crisp, but she'd rather not have to explain to Ed how she had started a weapons exchange and cost him one of his best crewmembers. She heard footsteps rapidly approaching from behind her and then a voice. "Garrett, you see the shooter?" the new arrival asked her. 'Garrett' nodded, then motioned for the other man to move slightly around and down hill to give the impression of flanking the position that the shooter was likely to be in. The man asked no questions and shifted his position rapidly down the hill as indicated, taking cover behind a large boulder. The stone would have been adequate cover if Lir had still be in place but for 'Garrett' it was an easy shot. The disruptor bolt struck him in the ribs, instantly looking his internal organs and scrambling them for good measure. Lir turned now, shifting her form once again to that of her latest victim and assumed his shape as well as his voice. She/he then crept along the backside of the ridge making her way towards the next shooter on her side of the clearing all the while hoping that Phell and the others were going to survive this mess and that Crisp was going to get his just desserts. (posted by Daniel Greene) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness- Second Mate Phell Kassyl - 1902) "Not so fast blue, you stay. I'm sure Ed will respond more quickly if you stay here as added insurance." Phell felt a cold finger creep up his back. "Crisp, man, you are going way over the line." But he had to thread carefully. He slowly raised his communicator from his pocket, in a deliberate way. He pointed at it while looking at Crisp. He seemed not overly interested as he adjusted his neck tie. Not even a second after he did so, his earbud popped and he heard Lir's cold, concentrated voice over the comm channel. "I've a firing solution on the shooter and I'm taking the shot. Crisp just gave him a ready signal with the neck tie." Phell tensed as he heard her, probably the surest sign that he knew something was afoot. ~Dammit, I'm getting too old for this!~ From where he stood, he could see the bolt of green light hit the rock behind Crisp, disrputing the duck blind that hid the shooter. With nowhere else to go and no chance of reaching safety if he ran, Phell crouched and ran directly at Crisp. ~I swear, Lir, I WILL bring a weapon next time.~ Crossing the short distance seemed to take forever. He saw Crisp reaching for something under his jacket, but his momentum was already into it. If he stopped now, he would only leave himself open to a number of possible attacks. ~I really hope this torpedo isn't armed.~ Trying to block Crisp's arm under his jacket, Phell's hands flew in front of him… his left hand triumphantly grabbing a hold of the silk neck tie. With no time to spare, he yanked hard on it, tightening the knot. The surprise was lost now, though. If the other man had a phaser or a disruptor up his sleeve, the game was over. A fraction of a second later, he bowled into the man, both of them crashing on top of the torpedo container, and sliding clear past it. ~How in hell did this happen…~ (Posted by Mathieu Raymond) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1904) The air crackled with intensity as the fire fight began. Green bolts of death lanced in all directions. Crisp instinctively ducked, not knowing where the shots were coming from. As he reached for his weapon Phell charged into him like a bowling ball striking so many pins. The pair landed on the shipping crate which was made of a carbon polymer that was friction resistant and slicker then snot. Crisp hadn't noticed but the Andorian was now on top of him and had a hold of his necktie. While on his back struggling to pass air through his trachea he noticed all the shots were coming from and going to where his shooters were stationed. ~We've been infiltrated.~ The Andorian's grip was tightening on the outdated fashion statement that crisp wore. ~So that's why these things aren't worn any more.~ Crisp forced air from his lungs in an effort to speak, hoping that the sub-dermal throat mic picked it up. "...tiate infiltration protocol." he choked. One of the rifleman was able to understand. =/= Initiating infiltration protocols, switching to secure frequency Gamma Echo 2.=\= The three remaining shooters winked their left eye which changed the frequency to the appropriate channel. =/= Status report.=\= =/= Four taking fire.=\= =/= Seven ready, no joy.=\= =/= This is One, shoot on all positions except One, Four and Seven, fire when ready.=\= Each shooter began putting six round bursts into each position that their comrades once held. (Reply Lir Kuz) Meanwhile down below Phell and Crisp continued their struggle. ~This is it, either I get out of this alive to live what short life I have left, or one of his former wives gets to cash in his insurance policy.~ While still reaching for his hold out with his right hand he activated the cuff link injector. A small needle issued out and nanites issued forth into his circulatory system releasing endorphins, and other potent performance and strength enhancing chemicals into his blood stream. The concoction added new strength to his limbs and he lashed out at the Andorian with an all too powerful back hand. ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Second Mate Phell Kassyl - 1905) Said backhand shove crashed on Phell's cheek and sent him reeling from the shock. He had not expected such a powerful blow from a strangled individual, so he had not paid careful attention to his stance. Which hadn't been wide enough. He went sprawling on the floor, letting go of the tie. The rock at the bottom of the valley was just as hard as anything, and he sprawled on his side. ~Owww!~ Given what had just happened, Phell was not eager to close the gap again. He rolled on his side to hide behind an outcropping (NRPG: Thank the gods for outcroppings, heh?) and glanced at Crisp in time to see the butt of a pistol in his hand, coming out of it's holster. ~Oh dammit!~ There was no point in keeping his communicator a secret anymore. He activated it while skittering for better cover. The latinum was spread on the ground, the bag was ripped; the torpedo wasn't going anywhere. He hadn't even brought a knife he thought Crisp would have been too paranoid and shot him on sight. Turns out it was just a matter of time anyway. =\= Can anyone reach the ship and activate transporters? =\= Probably not, at least not fast enough, but it was worth a shot. At least tell his team bugging out was always an option. =\= Lir, I need some help.. =\= a short pause. =\= and if you can't help, make them pay. =\= (Posted by Mathieu Raymond) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1908) When Frank got up from his blind rage the Andorian was no where in sight. Thought of homicide and blind rage raced through his mind. ~Thatbluebastardcan'tbelievehe'dattackmeIwascuttinghimahellovadealillkillhim.~ His mind raced on it's murderous thoughts that he couldn't think coherently. The drugs did their job all too well, which is why they were banned in the first place. The nanites had now made their way into his carotid artery. The vessels bulged darkly with activity. "Oh come out, come out where ever you are!" Crisp taunted in a child like manner. The sparkle of the transporter could be heard around the bend, and foot falls soon followed. The team came back when sensors picked up weapons fire at their Second Mate's position. Crisp's transport inhibitor stopped them from beaming in closer. They rounded the corner to sell Phell had taken shelter behind a large out cropping and Crisp madly blasting at random rocks trying to find Phell's hiding spot. Luckily he was way off. "Has he gone mad!?" One of the crewmen asked which drew Crisp's attention to them. ~Atarget!KILLKILLKILL!~ His mind raced and ranted for him to take lives. "Ah something else to shoot at.!" Crisp said with an evil grin and fired at the farthest left crewman. A white-hot bolt issued from Crips's weapon and the crewman dropped to his knees in agony as the energy consumed him from the inside out, and he vanished in a pop and a puff of vapor. The two remaining crewmen took cover behind their own rocks and returned fire blue phaser bolts which struck true but Crisp shrugged them off like an amateurs fisticuffs. The nanties coursing though his system absorbing the energy making them stronger. "IS THIS ALL YOU GOT!?" Crisp yelled and taunted returning fire. Black marks and deep pitting resulted from his hip-fired pistol shots as they hit the cover the crew was hiding behind. One of them rushed up to join Phell under a hail of weapon's fire. "OK boss, what do we do? Heavy stun isn't even phasing him and we need to take him down. I think that's a Veron-T that he's got. Glad there aren't many of those." (Reply Phell) Topside Crisp's team had fired at all their targets and no movement could be seen or weapons fire returned. =/= Team this is One sweep each of the stations, find that son-of-a-prostitute who killed my guys.=\= =/= Roger.=\= came the response from both. No one seemed to notice that there were four up walking when there should only be three. As Lir Walked around she came upon a small device about the size of a football, which was obviously activated and was issuing a soft thrumming noise and a green glow, a Romulan Transport inhibitor. (Reply Lir Kuz) (Posted by Todd) When Frank got up from his blind rage the Andorian was no where in sight. Thought of homicide and blind rage raced through his mind. ~Thatbluebastardcan'tbelievehe'dattackmeIwascuttinghimahellovadealillkillhim.~ His mind raced on it's murderous thoughts that he couldn't think coherently. The drugs did their job all too well, which is why they were banned in the first place. The nanites had now made their way into his carotid artery. The vessels bulged darkly with activity. "Oh come out, come out where ever you are!" Crisp taunted in a child like manner. The sparkle of the transporter could be heard around the bend, and foot falls soon followed. The team came back when sensors picked up weapons fire at their Second Mate's position. Crisp's transport inhibitor stopped them from beaming in closer. They rounded the corner to sell Phell had taken shelter behind a large out cropping and Crisp madly blasting at random rocks trying to find Phell's hiding spot. Luckily he was way off. "Has he gone mad!?" One of the crewmen asked which drew Crisp's attention to them. ~Atarget!KILLKILLKILL!~ His mind raced and ranted for him to take lives. "Ah something else to shoot at.!" Crisp said with an evil grin and fired at the farthest left crewman. A white-hot bolt issued from Crips's weapon and the crewman dropped to his knees in agony as the energy consumed him from the inside out, and he vanished in a pop and a puff of vapor. The two remaining crewmen took cover behind their own rocks and returned fire blue phaser bolts which struck true but Crisp shrugged them off like an amateurs fisticuffs. The nanties coursing though his system absorbing the energy making them stronger. "IS THIS ALL YOU GOT!?" Crisp yelled and taunted returning fire. Black marks and deep pitting resulted from his hip-fired pistol shots as they hit the cover the crew was hiding behind. One of them rushed up to join Phell under a hail of weapon's fire. "OK boss, what do we do? Heavy stun isn't even phasing him and we need to take him down. I think that's a Veron-T that he's got. Glad there aren't many of those." (Reply Phell) Topside Crisp's team had fired at all their targets and no movement could be seen or weapons fire returned. =/= Team this is One sweep each of the stations, find that son-of-a-prostitute who killed my guys.=\= =/= Roger.=\= came the response from both. No one seemed to notice that there were four up walking when there should only be three. As Lir Walked around she came upon a small device about the size of a football, which was obviously activated and was issuing a soft thrumming noise and a green glow, a Romulan Transport inhibitor. (Posted by Todd) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Second Mate Phell Kassyl - 1910) "OK boss, what do we do? Heavy stun isn't even phasing him and we need to take him down. I think that's a Veron-T that he's got. Glad there aren't many of those." "Normally I'd say wait for it to drain, he should be exhausted." This sentence was punctuated by another blast on a nearby rock. "But frag it, he killed one of ours, he tried to do us in. He's not even likely to want to talk, so full of chems right now." Phell looked at his surroundings. Crisp's reflexes were bound to be razor-sharp. "I'll roll for cover over to my left. This should draw him out. You do what you have to do, and no half measures. Better him, than us." (Reply crewman) He waited for a few seconds. Crouched, listened. "Now!" and jumped for cover. (Posted by Mathieu Raymond) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Scout - Lir Kuz- Day 5-1912) The torrent of phaser and disruptor blasts sterilized entire sections of the ridgeline where other members of Crisps team had been before Lir had encountered them. Luckily for the Chameloid, she had chosen to stay on the move behind the defilade side of the ridge. She felt for the man that she had sedated, the evil hand of fate seemed to have decided that his time had come despite Lir's best intentions. She/he had been moving carefully to allow her to flank the last three shooters that were on the far side of the clearing. She had just dropped down into a jagged rock strewn wash when she realized that she was standing on what appeared to be a device of some sort. It was green and smooth, and to Lir reminded her of something that a Romulan might build, although she had no idea to what purpose. Hoping that it wasn't a demolitions charge of some sort, she gave it a wide berth and continued down the wash towards the clearing. Her earpiece crackled for attention and Lir leaned back into a long shadow of the wall of the wash as she listened to what was said. =\= Can anyone reach the ship and activate transporters? Lir, I need some help.. =\= a short pause. =\= and if you can't help, make them pay. =\= The voice belonged to Phell and Lir immediately recognized the tone as one of desperation. There was a soft sound of stone grinding against stone coming from further down the wash. It was the type of sound that was made when you stepped on a lose stone that caused it to grand against another while under your foot. Lir very slowly moved into a crouch, selecting a nearby vertical run of feldspar to act as cover. Someone was coming up the wash, probably using it in much the same manner that Lir was. Using the natural shape to hide their approach from anyone that may still be atop the ridge. The Chameloid took careful aim on the only reasonable gap in the wash, where anyone approaching would be exposed for a good thirty seconds as they negotiated the rock strewn bed of the depression. Short of one a few skull sized rocks and a few sparse dry looking plants, there was nothing that they would be able to use for cover. A few moments later a man appeared in that narrow gap and slowly made his way up the wash towards her. Lir held back her urge to blast him into next week, there was a chance that he was not alone. Her patience paid off, because the man had almost reached the end of the open area when a second man appeared following the same path laid out by the first. Lir shifted the barrel of her weapon slightly, took aim at the man closest to her and pulled the trigger. He fell as the green bolt slammed into him. Gravity pulled him down and out of the way and before the second man could turn and scramble back for cover, she had fired a second time and hit him in the ribs. She jumped up and rushed past the bodies of the two men, expecting a third, but was pleasantly surprised when no return fire was forthcoming. She maintained the fastest safe speed that she could and within a few more moments she could see the point where the wash opened out into the clearing. At the juncture of the two geographical features, the mouth of the wash widened to roughly 4-meters. This would normally have been a problem, except that mother nature had decided to plant a large thirty-ton boulder squarely in the center of the widened mouth. Lir used it as cover to close enough distance that she could see into the clearing. She dropped down and crawled into the shadow of the stone, allowing a natural overhang to protect her from direct line of sight from the hillside to her left. The natural bulk of the stone protected her from the right side and so she need only concern herself with what lay behind her, and what lay ahead of her. As she knew what remained behind her, namely two dead members of Crisp's crew, she turned her attentions instead to what lay ahead of her. The clearing wasn't particularly wide, spanning maybe 8 meters wide. It was strewn with a rough mix flat open spaces, punctuated by the occasional upturned tips of field spar and the occasional rocky deposits left by prehistoric glaciers. Crisp was half-crouched half-standing behind one such large glacial remnant. He was shouting insults or some such. Lir could tell he was screaming although the acoustics of the place prevented her from deciphering his words. Roughly four meters away and directly to his front were the remnants of her shipmates. Phell and a couple of the crew were undertaking some sort of planning committee. There was enough body language that she at least understood that much to be true. The Chameloid smiled to herself raised the rifle to her shoulder fro prone firing and started to line up on Crisp. Suddenly the world turned upside down. There was the whine of a weapons blast and a spray of superheated rock had exploded all around her. A sizeable chunk of the boulder that she was hiding under sheared loose and trapped her legs. A second blast slammed into the ground short of her position, allowing her to at least realize where the shooter was located. With a great deal of pain, she twisted her body, brought the disruptor rifle to bear and squeezed the trigger. The bolt of green energy flew too wide and her target, obviously emboldened by her lack of accuracy, broke cover and moved into a standing firing position. Lir corrected the end of her barrel and fired a second blast, this time striking the man in the belly just as he was settling his sights on her. By the time Lir managed to painfully twist her way back towards Crisp, Phell and the members of Ed's crew were already in motion. Lir struggled to bring her rifle to bear, hoping that she could take a fatal shot on Crisp before he killed any more members of her crew. She dialed up the lethality of the weapon, brought the weapon to bear, and held her breath as the sights settled on Crisp's spine. She moved her finger to the trigger and… (posted by Daniel Greene) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1914) "I'M GOING TO KILL YOU! YOU LITTLE BLUE PUNK!" Crisp yelled in frustration and anger. He was shooting his Veron-T disruptor at any sign of movement. Scorched and melted rocks were everywhere, signs of his indiscriminate fire. The remaining officer and crew of the Bounty began their counter offensive, weapons set to kill. On the rock face above the jury rigged Romulan device began throbbing faster and faster, until it's improvised circuits could handle no more. The device exploded in a mountain shaking rumble. In that instant emergency transporters activating beaming Crisp aboard his vessel the Gladius. Lir's shot was partially absorbed and partially deflected by the transporter beam. What had to be several tons worth of talus and scree came tumbling down the cliff side stopping it's advance just short of Phell's away team on one side and Lir on the other. (Posted by Todd) ------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Sickbay- aCSEC- ENS Chance Raschen- 1915) When Chance saw Phil leave sickbay in a huff, he had a hunch that the Meldovian didn’t accept the apology of the Ops NCO. Raschen felt responsible for the trouble Sheridan was in. Chance strolled up to Frendol’s bed, kneeled down enough to whisper into the diplomat’s ear “Don’t talk, just listen sir. That man just obeyed his orders. Nobody said you had to accept his apology; but I promise, you will. Before we find the Prince; one way or another, you will accept his apology.” Then standing up straight Raschen spoke normally saying “You have a good night sir.” Raschen then turned and left sickbay without even looking back or even giving Frendol a chance to respond, and headed for the brig. (Posted by Charlie) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Somewhere in the Wilderness - Scout - Lir Kuz- Day 5-1915.5) …squeezed the trigger just as some sort of massive explosion sounded behind her. There was the sudden sound of a thousand angry stones cascading down the side of the ridge and down the wash behind her. She had stayed focused and watched as the beam ricocheted off crisp and burned a hole in the stone that he was using for cover just a moment before. There was a hum of power and suddenly Crisp was gone. The debris had stopped it's movement short of Lir's position although the initial shaking of the ground had shifted the boulder, freeing her trapped legs. They hurt, but nothing was broken and she was not seriously injured. Lir stood up looked at the massive mess that the landslides had made, shook her head and headed down into the clearing. She walked towards Phell, shaking her head as she went. "I suppose the next time I tell you to carry a weapon you might just listen to me, eh?" she said in jest. (reply Phell) "If I were you, I'd have the bounty beam up that torpedo before Crisp remembers it's down here. Otherwise we're going home empty-handed and Ed isn't very keen on stuff like that. As for the latinum, we should gather it up and head for the shuttle." She suggested. (posted by Daniel Greene) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Gladius - Barakos IV - Transporter Room - Arms Dealer - Francis Crisp - 1917) When Frank materialized on the transporter platform of his salvaged B'rel class cruiser the effects of the would-be fatal disruptor blast became immediately apparent. He had received flash burns on the left side of his face, head and neck and was instantly wracked with pain, which fueled his ire. "WHY!? I ALMOST HAD THEM!" he screamed at the transporter chief, pointed his weapon and fired. It produced no death dealing energy. "Mr Crisp, we deactivated your weapon as soon as we realized it was still out of the holster." the tech said coldly. Crisp began to sputter in anger his voice began cold and soft but filled with malice and hate, finishing with a crescendo, "on my ship, you DARE?!" he screamed and charged the tech. Reaching him in an instant Crisp wrapped his now all too powerful vice like hands around the tech's neck and flung him to the ground, his eyes wide with anger. ~KILLHIMKILLHIMKILLHIMNOW!~ his mind screamed at him, compelling him to obey. While being strangled the tech desperately fished around in his jacket pocket for the hypo spray. Finally reaching it, he pushed the nozzle against Crisp's neck and with out paying attention to the dosage pressed the actuator three times in rapid succession. In a moment Crisp's iron grip relaxed and he collapsed on top of the tech. Soon he regained consciousness as the nanites and chemicals were all made inert by the hypo injection. "Whoa.... what's going on?" Crisp asked weakly. Clearing his throat the tech responded rather raspily. "Sir.. you were down on the planet. Making a deal, it went south, waaay south. You are lucky to be alive." Crisp coughed and started to regain his normal strength. " The cargo, get the cargo." he said and picked up his disruptor. Crisp had been in business for a long time because he never gave up the cargo unless he had to. "Right away." the tech responded and started the transport process. The machine hummed to life and began making strange noises as if malfunctioning, and exploded in a shower of sparks. "What happened?" Crisp demanded. "It seems that last disruptor blast, the one that almost killed you, the transporter couldn't handle it, and it fused some of the connections." he explained. "How long?" Crisp asked pain was creeping back, the adrenaline had wore off and agony was playing on his features and his words. "Better part of a day..." he answered. "I'll see you tomorrow, and it better be done." he said with a finality that told he wasn't joking. He left the transporter room and was met by his FO. "Status" "Cloaking device is nominal, but it's due for some maintenance, all other systems nominal, except the transporter, damn you look like hell, you look like your Mom now." the tall Cardassian female chided him while giving the report. "I still probably look better then yours though." he grinned through the pain. "Also you have a client waiting for you in the observation deck." she added. "Tell them it will have to wait." he said and began to walk off. "You want to hear this one." she said. "Why, explain." he said impatiently. "He says he knows of Starfleet Operatives in Orion Space." she said, that raised Crisp's good eyebrow. " All he wants is some weapons and first rights to only one of the officers." she finished. "I'll see him now." Crisp said and walked towards the observation deck. Upon arriving the dull green doors opened revealing a tall sentient humanoid that Crisp mistook for a Klingon until he turned around. The Nausicaan smiled, what passed for a Nausicaan smile and greeted the Captain of the ship, "Crisp?" he asked and was answered with an impatient nod from Frank. "My name is T'eetcz and I believe we can be of some use to each other." Both of them began talking, planing and scheming. (Posted by Todd) ------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile -------------------------------------------------------------