Compile July 01 - 31 ------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Letters of the Marques Day 5 Stardate: 2408.02.20 (Planet Barakos - Slave Market- Sec.O Lt. Ro'Dal - 2327) (Barakos IV- Slave Market- ACSO Ensign jg Dorian Weaver - Day 5- 2327.5) <-- .5+ To the time. (Barakos IV- Slave Market- Slave- Sodra- Day 5- 2328) (Barakos IV – Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex – aCSec- Ensign Chance Raschen [Chance Temerarious] - 2328.5) <-- .5+ To the Time. (Planet Barakos - Slave Market- Master less Pet- Nodel Sve- 2329) (Barakos IV – Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex - Vessel Master - CPT Ed Raschen - 2330) (Planet Barakos - Slave Market- Sec.O Lt. Ro'Dal - 2331) (Barakos IV - Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex - SR OPS NCO - SCPO Phillip Sheridan [Rocko Lundeen] - 2332) (Barakos IV – Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex – aCSec- Ensign Chance Raschen [Chance Temerarious] - 2335) (Barakos IV – Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex – MCO – Lieutenant Smith - 2338) (Barakos IV- Slave Market- ACSO Ensign jg Dorian Weaver - Day 5- 2340) <-- Continuation Post. (Barakos IV – Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex - 2O/CTAC - Lieutenant T'Larah Sullivan [Vakaris] 2340.5) <-- .5+ To the Time (Planet Barakos - New Slave Market- Soldier- Komas Dahl- 2341) (Barakos IV - Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex - Sr OPS NCO - SCPO Phil Sheridan [Rocko Lundeen] 2341.5) <-- .5+ To the Time. (Planet Barakos - New Slave Market- Master less Pet- Nodel Sve- 2343) (USS Rosenante, Hangar Bay 1 - FO, Lt. Jono Janeway - 2343) <-- Different Location ^ & Continuation Post. (Planet Barakos IV - New Slave Market- CMO Lt (sg) Josh Caskie - 23.45) (USS Rosenante- Ready Room- CO- Capt. Ahmed Ibn Salid- 2345.5) <-- .5+ To the time. (USS Rosenante- Officer Quarters- SEO- Lt. Matrix- 2346) <-- 1.0+ to the Time. (Barakos IV – Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex - T'eetcz - 2347) (USS Rosenante - Captain's Ready Room - SEO Lt. Matrix - 2355) <-- Continuation Post. (USS Rosenante- Ready Room- CO- Capt. Ahmed Ibn Salid- 2356) (USS Rosenante- Ready Room- ACEO - Lt. Steven Matrix - 2356.5) <-- .5+ To the post. (Planet Brakes - New Slave Market- Soldier- Komas Dahl- 2358) (Barakos IV- Slave Market- PFC Marta "Nun" Nunez - Day 5- 2359) ------------------------------------------------------------- Begin Compile ------------------------------------------------------------- (Planet Barakos - Slave Market- Sec.O Lt. Ro'Dal - 2327) The Takaran asked what the cute furry being was, and stated she'd never before seen a being like him/her or it. She asked if Caskie had. The smaller creature smiled and amazingly, for it's size, it managed to squeeze through the bars of the cage,to the outside, from where he leaped upwards and using it's hands, feet and tail secured itself to the bars so that it was at eye-level with Ro'Dal. "Me Nodel. Is name. Species is Amthopoid, bones...no." It replied and shook it's head slowly from side to side, "No bones. I am coming far from here." He sent a slight feeling of happiness towards the female Takaran. Suspicious, Ro' then asked it why it wanted to help her and if it wanted something. "Nodel want make provider happy. Nodel want leave here. Nodel is lonely." it replied, and Ro' sensed it's sincerity. "Nodel is good companion, Nodel make happy, Nodel help. You seek bones?" The strange being bounded up to the top of the bars, swinging it's feet up over it's head and landed easily on top of the cage. "Nodel can find bones or fishes or peoples or monies. Nodel here long time, too long time, want leave here. Nodel not disappoint Takaran.... or human," it stated and pointed one small clawed-finger towards Caskie. (reply Caskie iyw) "Oh, I understand now, you want me to purchase you and be your provider. Come down here to me so I don't have to speak loudly to you up there." Ro' told the small being. Ro' leaned in closely to speak softly into one furry ear. She felt that if it wanted to be bought so badly and had spent such a long time there, that she could trust it after all. It certainly couldn't have any affection for it's captors. "We are seeking a Meldovian male, have you seen any? If not, can you help us search the rest of the cages? I request you speak quietly, and if you help us then I give my word that I will purchase you." The Takaran smiled at it. "Then we have a deal." She stated, grasping it's free hand and shaking it to seal the deal. "And you may call me Ro' and I will use your name to address you." (posted by Sal) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV- Slave Market- ACSO Ensign jg Dorian Weaver - Day 5- 2327.5) ...So yes, I'd say I'm trainable, she answered." "That's enough. We don't need him to think he can increase the price now that you've stated all that. T'Kron, what's your verdict?" Dorian tried to ignore Nunez' smoldering look. He was the green hand here, yet he felt like she didn't have what it took to play a role, and push her boundaries the least bit. He was certainly going to have to answer for what he said, and he would gladly so. "We'll take her. Is there a way to make her more presentable before we leave here?" asked the Vulcan, his nostrils flaring in disapproval. "How about a robe or a shirt?" he added. "Those tattered rags are barely hanging on her. I suspect it is the dirt that is cementing them to her." Sodra rolled her eyes as she picked up on Harry's thoughts. "I'm afraid I haven't anything suitable, as I said before her last master left her with me rather hastily without any clothes whatsoever. These were what I had available when she arrived." Harry said in apology. "I imagine though, that for a few extra credits, something could be arranged..." ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV- Slave Market- Slave- Sodra- Day 5- 2328) After the woman named Nunez, with her help, had managed to negotiate the price down to a reasonable amount of money, it seemed that she would at last be free to return to the world beyond the bars of this cage. That however suddenly became questioned when the Vulcan asked her again, "What can you do? I am intelligent enough for both Weaver and you. Give us better reasons to purchase you over any of these other slaves. Are you indeed trainable?" The man that she had hoped was compassionate wasn't really any better than any of the other slavers that she had come to know, in some fashion, over the years. Instead he sounded just as arrogant and hateful as all the others, only more direct about it. At least with Vulcans she wouldn't have to worry about any sexual advances, except maybe once every seven years or so. Or so she hoped. She looked him in the eyes and said. "I'm a trained cutpurse and pickpocket. I'm also quite capable of convincing an idiot like Mudd to lower the price of one of his most valuable slaves by more than half her actual value. So that makes me smart enough to understand what's going on. I understand most basic science and I can speak nineteen local languages without the need of a translator. So yes, I'd say I'm trainable, she answered." (reply Weaver iyw) "We'll take her. Is there a way to make her more presentable before we leave here?" asked the Vulcan, his nostrils flaring in disapproval. "How about a robe or a shirt?" he added. "Those tattered rags are barely hanging on her. I suspect it is the dirt that is cementing them to her." Sodra rolled her eyes as she picked up on Harry's thoughts. "I'm afraid I haven't anything suitable, as I said before her last master left her with me rather hastily without any clothes whatsoever. These were what I had available when she arrived." Harry said in apology. "I imagine though, that for a few extra credits, something could be arranged." For once the man was telling the truth and the expense to clothe a slave were in the low thousands, especially for a female, if you wanted her to be covered and not showing a great deal of skin. Nunez looked at the slaver and said, "Get her clothed Harry. Something modest, when she's clothed, we'll pay for the clothing, not to exceed three thousand credits, and the salve at the same time." There was a slight pause. "Oh and if you cheat us on the cost of the clothing, my rifle and I will be making a return trip." She added. Harry nodded and immediately summoned a courier. He gave him explicit instructions about what to purchase and the courier left in a hurry. It wasn't a very long wait considering the way things normally worked. The courier returned, the clothing was passed into the cage for her to change into and Harry turned to her new masters to conduct the deal. She wished that she could control her power to read minds better, and use it when she wanted to, but with everything happening so fast, she wasn't able to piece together anything at all from the three individuals who now owned her. With the practiced skill of a female slave that had grown up without modesty, she changed into her clothes without a second thought as to whom may be watching her do so. The punishment burns were easily seen on her back, which she had at least turned away from her new owners so as not to tempt them any more than they may already be. Once the fresh and clean long shirt was in place, she shrugged into a pair of matching gray pants and a pair of gray slippered shoes. Once she was changed, Harry motioned her towards the cage door then looked up at those who had purchased her. "That will be eleven thousand credits, please." he said smiling , and held his hand out waiting for someone to pay him. (posted by Daniel Greene) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV – Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex – aCSec- Ensign Chance Raschen [Chance Temerarious] - 2328.5) "Is there anything special about this Khamal that's got you looking for him? I don't agree with slavery, I think it’s not right to own another sentient, as you do, cause you were raised right. Even so, with all my resources I can't rescue them all, it's too impractical, and neither can you.. Besides they'd just get more of them to replace the ones we saved. So that brings me to the question, you are going to a lot of trouble to rescue this one guy. What's he paying you? Or is there another motive?" Ed deduced. Chance started to snicker and said “My grandpa once told me ‘There are two kinds of jobs. The ones you take on for money; and the ones you take on to do the right thing.’ Well, apparently, finding this Ya-Hoo seems to be falling more into the second category rather than the first.” "I see, well that being the case, you may want to try "Dog-face" O'Banyon. He is one of the few people that could move a high profile client and get away with it. He's got the facilities, the know-how, and the experience, he's been slaving for almost as long as I've been retired." he said the last word with the kind of emphasis that it was a euphemism for something else. "Anyway word in the system is that the man is looking into expansion, but you know what they say about rumors, they're like brain stems; everyone's got them." “Yeah, but O’Banyon really has been trying to be the next king of the hill. Do you know where his base is these days?” Ed answered the question, "Sure, his operations are centered on Torven III, in a rather large building he's named Xanadu Gothos you may want to start there looking for him. You may want to think about how you are going to enter though. You can't storm in like you did with the Scarlet Pimpernel project. He's got way more men then a star ship and bigger and better guns. The guy he goes to for his weapons is a guy named Crisp, slippery little guy, only trust him as far as your disruptor fires." Ed warned. “Where is Crisp based out of these days?” Chance asked. (Posted by Charlie) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Planet Barakos - Slave Market- Master less Pet- Nodel Sve- 2329) "Nodel can find bones or fishes or peoples or monies. Nodel here long time, too long time, want leave here. Nodel not disappoint Takaran.... or human," it stated and pointed one small clawed-finger towards Caskie. (reply Caskie iyw) "Oh, I understand now, you want me to purchase you and be your provider. Come down here to me so I don't have to speak loudly to you up there." Ro' told the small being. "No Nodel is no slave. Nodel only survive here. But you can be provider for Nodel." he replied. He then dropped back down to the ground level near the Takaran female and looked both ways to see if anyone was threatening them nearby. Certain that they were safe for the moment, Nodel leaned forward as the female spoke quietly into his ear "We are seeking a Meldovian male, have you seen any? If not, can you help us search the rest of the cages? I request you speak quietly, and if you help us then I give my word that I will purchase you." "Not here. Meldovians not here, they new slave. Only old slave here." he replied shaking his head slowly. Other side." he pointed across the quad. "I can show, Takaran and Human." The Takaran smiled at it. "Then we have a deal." She stated, grasping it's free hand and shaking it to seal the deal. "And you may call me Ro' and I will use your name to address you." Nodel looked at his hand, at first he was frightened that the Takaran was going to bite him, but his hand went no where near her teeth and was none the worse for wear for the odd shaking it had received. "Ro' you follow Nodel." he said then with an incredible spring nearly straight upward he caught a bar at the top of the cage and started bounding westward towards the edge of the slave pen enclosures. (Posted by Daniel Greene) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV – Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex - Vessel Master - CPT Ed Raschen - 2330) Where is Crisp based out of these days?” Chance asked. "He's actually based in the Barakos system. He has a frigate that he owns called the Gladius. It's got an old Klingon cloaking device and of course is armed to the teeth. He uses the vessel as a mobile weapons platform and base of operations. It's hard to find him unless you know where to look." he said and took another swig from his brandy, "Why, you looking into getting some questionably owned used merchandise?" he asked with a disapproving look. (Reply Chance) "Well that's good. I don't want you dealing with the likes of him unless you have to. Heck, I don't deal with him unless he's the only one with something I want. He commonly changes his mind about the price at the last minute, unless you have an advantage, something he wants or if you manage to intimidate him." Ed added. (Reply Chance) "Well good, I was just about to get going myself. I have a dinner later to attend." he said smiling. (Reply any, room for more IYW) "Well it was good to meet you all too, you take care, and if there is anything you need Chance, you know how to get in touch with me." he said. (Reply Chance) "You too." Ed turned to Vakaris as she turned to leave, he slapped her on her posterior. "You take care too, wouldn't want anything to happen to your pretty little head." (posted by Todd) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Planet Barakos - Slave Market- Sec.O Lt. Ro'Dal - 2331) "No Nodel is no slave. Nodel only survive here. But you can be provider for Nodel." The small, furry being replied and dropped down to the ground. Looking around it leaned forward while the Takaran spoke quietly into his ear, telling it that they were seeking a Meldovian male, and was pleasantly surprised when it told her that Meldovians weren't there as they were new slaves, explaining that only old slaves were kept outside. "...Other side." It pointed across the quad. "I can show, Takaran and Human." Ro' smiled at it and tried to shake it's hand though it didn't appear to know what that meant, stating that they had a deal. She would be it's provider if they found any Meldovians. "And you may call me Ro' and I will use your name to address you." "Ro' you follow Nodel." It said then jumped upwards with an incredible spring, and catching a bar at the top of the cage it started bounding westward towards the edge of the slave pen enclosures. "Let's go!" Ro'Dal told Caskie and together they sprinted after the little creature as quickly as was possible, considering the press of bodies interested in viewing the merchandise for sale. (reply Caskie, Any) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex - SR OPS NCO - SCPO Phillip Sheridan [Rocko Lundeen] - 2332) Rocko had not said much the last few hours. He was tense as he was sure they all were. Rocko blurted out " Dinner sounds good to me too" and immediately shut up as Captain Ed looked at him. (reply: Cpt Ed IYW) Lundeen watched as CAPT Ed Rashcen affectionately swatted Vakaris behind. Phil/Rocko smiled as he imagined the restraint it took her to stay in character. In any other situation - the swatter would regret the act! Rocko stood and stretched his tired muscles. He was curious about this Ed Raschen and how far he could be trusted. Lundeen suspectd that Ed would turn on family if given the right circumstances - much like the Ferengi did. (posted by: BiLL West) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV – Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex – aCSec- Ensign Chance Raschen [Chance Temerarious] - 2335) "Why, you looking into getting some questionably owned used merchandise?" he asked with a disapproving look. “Ed, I’m hurt. You taught me better than that. You know I wouldn’t have anymore dealings with him than you would” Chance said with an innocent smile and knowing eyes. "Well that's good. I don't want you dealing with the likes of him unless you have to. Heck, I don't deal with him unless he's the only one with something I want. He commonly changes his mind about the price at the last minute, unless you have an advantage, something he wants or if you manage to intimidate him." Ed added. “I promise, not unless I have to.” "Well good, I was just about to get going myself. I have a dinner later to attend." he said smiling. “Oh yeah, that reminds me, I have to see some folks upstairs before I leave.” he said to his teammates “I’ll meet you all at the front door in a few minutes. Vakaris, you’re in charge till I meet up with you.” (Reply Any) "Well it was good to meet you all too, you take care, and if there is anything you need Chance, you know how to get in touch with me." he said. As chance stood up, he hugged the older man and said quietly into the man’s ear “Love you.” "You too." Ed turned to Vakaris as she turned to leave, he slapped her on her posterior. "You take care too, wouldn't want anything to happen to your pretty little head." (Posted by Charlie) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV – Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex – MCO – Lieutenant Smith - 2338) Eddy nodded to Ed as he sipped his beer. "You too." He was about to get up when he was Ed turned to Vakaris and slapped her on her posterior. "You take care too, wouldn't want anything to happen to your pretty little head." ~Not F*****g way pall~ Eddy carefully placed his mug onto the table and stood up. He glared at Ed Raschen as he watched Vakaries reaction. If she brushed it off he would let it be and ignore it. If she took offence he would pan his face in whether he was related to Chance or not. (posted by Robbie) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV- Slave Market- ACSO Ensign jg Dorian Weaver - Day 5- 2340) Time was quickly running out as they were waiting for the courrier to come back and for their acquisition to change. Dorian averted his eyes as much as possible, but in a very indirect manner, the last thing he wanted was to give the impression that he was a prude. Even though he was. Once she was changed, Harry motioned her towards the cage door then looked up at those who had purchased her. "That will be eleven thousand credits, please." he said smiling , and held his hand out waiting for someone to pay him. "I'll take care of this one. After all, I found her, it's only fair." Dorian fished for his credit chip in his pocket, handed it to Harry in a sort of tired way. The adrenaline of the whole situation was fleeing him, and he felt weaker in the knee after all this excitement. ~She had better be worth it. What in blazes are we going to do with her after the mission?~ "One last thing, Mister Mudd. I assume she is tagged for tracking? I would hate to have to come back here and buy her again from you." (Posted by Mathieu Raymond) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV – Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex - 2O/CTAC - Lieutenant T'Larah Sullivan [Vakaris] 2340.5) "Dinner sounds good to me too." Sheridan blurted out, T'Larah wasn't sure why. ~We might have to talk to counseling about that problem.~ She thought off handedly, then Ed responded. "Wasn't asking you, tough-guy." Ed said off-handedly. (Reply Sheridan, if you want) “Oh yeah, that reminds me, I have to see some folks upstairs before I leave.” Chance said to his teammates “I’ll meet you all at the front door in a few minutes. Vakaris, you’re in charge till I meet up with you.” "Well it was good to meet you all too, you take care, and if there is anything you need Chance, you know how to get in touch with me." Ed said. Chance stood up and embraced the older man and said something in his ear barely perceptible even to T'Larah's sensitive hearing.“Love you.” "You too." The senior said. With that Chance left, as the others in the group stood to leave T'Larah felt a slap to her hind quarter, "You take care too, wouldn't want anything to happen to your pretty little head." came the older man's voice. T'Larah's eyes narrowed, she saw Sheridan's smile and Smith's glaring at the seasoned bounty hunter. She put her hand up asking his restraint. "You touch me like that again, and I'll be sure that all you pull away is a bloody stump." she promised in a threatening tone only the two of them could hear. "Fair enough, I've been warned." he said put his hands up in a non-threatening manner and backed up two steps. "After you." he said eloquently. T'Larah walked off motioning to the other gentlemen not giving Ed a second look. (Reply Smith, Sheridan IYW) When the group minus Raschen the younger made it outside the complex, T'Larah didn't seem to notice four pairs of eyes watching the group. (Reply any, room for more) When Chance caught up to the group, T'Larah spoke. "Was your excursion fruitful?" she asked. (Reply Chance) "You don't have to, yet." she said and looked around to ensure no one was watching, satisfied, "Sullivan to Rosenante, four to beam up." she said and the transporter beam enveloped them. A tall looming figure walked around the corner. " I knew it was that Starfleet Tart, Sullivan." the Nausicaan said. "Soon, I shall pay her back for all that I've lost." (Posted by Todd) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Planet Barakos - New Slave Market- Soldier- Komas Dahl- 2341) Komas stood near the cage bars watching as the parasites looked at he hand his comrades as if they were animals locked in a cage, rather than sentients. Already the number of his ship mates from the V'nek had been sold or killed during their week long captivity. Mosdo, Amok, Lascar, Sedran- All had been sold to a slave master renown for fighting his slaves in various blood sport arenas throughout the Orion Syndicate. Komas had been injured in the attack and so was not fit enough to be considered for sale. While this may yet turn out to be beneficial for him, he still missed his countrymen, and couldn't help but wonder what had happened to the Prince. He gently pulled the fabric of his tunic away from the seeping wound on his ribs. There was a moment of pain and he grit his teeth as he did so. The disruptor burn had turned pink and was scabbing over nicely, although there were signs that an infection had begun. Of the twenty Meldovians that had been captured only three remained in the cage waiting for sale. Frolek was close to death, the injury that he had sustained while trying to escape would most likely claim his life soon, and Ambia sat next to him on one of the few benches. His head was in her lap and she was gently stroking his crown. Ambia was a nice girl, the sort that you might take home to mother, and Komas had already vowed to protect her as much as he could. The problem was, that he realized that he really couldn't protect her from anybody except the other slaves. Two of them he had encountered already. A pair of males from a species that he had never seen before. There had been a fist fight, and despite being out numbered, the Meldovian Soldier third-rank had managed to convince them that they should back off before they suffered injuries worse than a few bruises and a blackened eye. Since then, Komas and Ambia had taken turns sleeping to prevent an ambush by the still angry males. And because Frolek was injured and the guards would not provide him with food, they had cut their already meager rations in half in order to ensure that their friend and mentor didn't die of starvation. The reduction of food was already taking it's toll on his body. He was beginning to feel sluggish and had shed several pounds. Ambia was beginning to show similar symptoms. And so, he had decided that it was best to try to get them both sold, hopefully to someone that would feed them. With that hope, he had taken to standing near the bars of the cage hoping to catch the eye of anyone that might be somewhat sympathetic to their cause. So far most of the would be buyers that had never seen Meldovians had been initially interested had declined to buy when they saw the sorry shape that the trio were in. That didn't stop Komas, it just strengthened his resolve. (posted by Daniel Greene) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV - Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex - Sr OPS NCO - SCPO Phil Sheridan [Rocko Lundeen] 2341.5) Ed Raschen was speaking about dinner when Rocko blurted out "Sounds good to me too". Ed replied off handily ""Wasn't asking you, tough-guy." Sheridan bristled at the reply but said nothing. Phil/Rocko was finding it harder and harder to keep his temper. Chance and the senior Raschen continued to talk for a few moments more. Chance left, after speaking so softly to Ed that Sheridan could not her what had been said. As the rest of the group stood to leave, T'Larah felt a slap to her posterior, "You take care too, wouldn't want anything to happen to your pretty little head." came the older man's voice. Rocko noted Ed's slap to T'Larah's posterior. For some reason it amused Sheridan as he watched her reaction. T'Larah's eyes narrowed, she saw Sheridan's smile and Smith's glaring at the seasoned bounty hunter. She put her hand up asking his restraint. She then warned Ed Raschen by telling him "You touch me like that again, and I'll be sure that all you pull away is a bloody stump." she promised in a threatening tone only the two of them could hear. "Fair enough, I've been warned." Ed said as he put put his hands up in a non-threatening manner and backed up two steps. "After you." he said eloquently. T'Larah walked off motioning to the other gentlemen not giving Ed a second thought. Rocko rose and trailing the group followed the others out of the facility. Rocko/Phil nodded his understanding and headed out.Once on the outside, the Lieutenant swiftly had them beamed up to the ship. As Phil was enveloped by the transporter beam, many things swirled through his consciousness. Some good, some bad. (posted by: Bill West) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Planet Barakos - New Slave Market- Master less Pet- Nodel Sve- 2343) "If you know where they are, take us to the Meldovians, Nodel." Ro' told him in a normal tone, and for any who might be listening, "we have heard they are interesting and might be worth looking at, I have never seen a Meldovian." Nodel nodded his head slowly slightly flexing his shoulders in a sympathetic motion as he did so. "Nodel knows. Follow Nodel." In a moment, the nimble creature was dodging pedestrians, , weaving between them or using the occasional cages as a byway until he eventually was standing just a few feet in front of the cage which held the Cartenians. "There Meldovians." He said pointing with his stubby little fingers as Ro and the Human woman, called Bones reached him. He looked at the human woman for a while wondering why she was named such. She was healthy, and there were no bones showing that he could see. Additionally, she was not carrying Bones, and it made Nodel wonder about the questions that Ro had asked him earlier, 'Do you have Bones?' Perhaps there was a more cryptic meaning there that he did not understand. "Bones," Ro' pointed out the other two, as the one at the bars was plain to see. "there are three of them at least, but two appeared to be injured and the third is just a puny female. Use your tricorder to ascertain their physical states and whether they can be brought to full health. Perhaps we can get them for a bargain price." This conversation struck Nodel as odd. This Takaran did not project the usual turmoil of greedy emotions that most slavers had, yet here she was trying to buy slaves. Nodel didn't understand, he had thought that all she wanted to do was see them. The Slaver came over sensing the potential for a sale. Now Nodel could sense the greedy desire in him. He was a slaver and his words were reflecting his heart, But that was not the case for Ro or Bones as they discussed the slaves. Nodel detected nothing but concern for the slaves from them, yet, their words were full of comments that reminded Nodel of a slaver. Confused and reduced to watching, the Amthopoid tried to understand what was happening, but fell short of the task. He had never encountered words that were disparate from hearts before, and so he suddenly grew very nervous and he watched and tried to understand the exchange. He froze as Ro grabbed the Bones and threatened to hurt her. It was not what he was picking up from her, it made no sense to Nodel at all. He was detecting concern… The details of the transaction were worked out and instructions given. And Nodel wondered if he had made the right choice in his selection of the strange Takaran who felt one thing and did the opposite. "We go now?" Nodel ask, "Nodel keep word. Show Meldovian." (posted by Daniel Greene) ------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Hangar Bay 1 - FO, Lt. Jono Janeway - 2343) Jono quickly relieved his away team and then quickly arranged some round the clock security for the shuttle and then made his way with George to the turbolift and then said '"Bridge" Once the turbolift reached its destination Jono stepped out onto the bridge to find the same sombre expression on everyone that he felt he carried also. Ahmed wasnt on the bridge so he made his way to the ready room and rang the door chime awaiting an answer. ~Probably with someone~ Jono thought to himself. (Posted by Jono) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Planet Barakos IV - New Slave Market- CMO Lt (sg) Josh Caskie - 23.45) Josh had allowed Ro to lead the way since she was ostensibly the First Mate of their ship and 'Bones' as the doctor would only ever contradict her on certain pre-proscribed circumstances. Ro turned to her, "I think we may be a little late for our meeting up with our shipmates, Bones, but I am sure they will realize that we have found some slaves of interest if we aren't there in time." Batting her eyelashes in an attempt to look bored out of her skull, Bones sighed and muttered under her breath, although still loud enough for anyone close to her to hear, "I believe the words you are looking for moron is 'on time'. Goddess knows how you ever managed to be First Mate, and that stupid animal that you want to follow could probably do a better job that you to be honest. And since you have decided that we will follow him them why not, indeed. Let's go, what could possibly go wrong after all?" Eventually both Ro and Josh were lead to a trio of Moldovians and Josh hid her excitement by bringing out her medical tricorder and scanning all of them. "Bones," Ro' pointed out the other two, as the one at the bars was plain to see. "there are three of them at least, but two appeared to be injured and the third is just a puny female. Use your tricorder to ascertain their physical states and whether they can be brought to full health. Perhaps we can get them for a bargain price." Josh had already scanned all three of the slaves although she did it once again so that whoever was selling them would see her do so. Pursing her lips and then laughing she turned to Ro. "You are joking, seriously you are, aren't you? To be honest I am surprised to see any of them in this enclosure. They should be out front with the rest of the rubbish. Both of the males are seriously injured and the female, well she will probably last a day or two at most. If you think our Captain will be happy to have these sorry specimens then you go girl, but I want it logged if you do buy them, that I an not happy with your choice." "As for a cheap price, to be honest you would have to pay me to take them. They will cost us more in food and medicine that they will ever produce in work. But hey, what do I know. I am only a doctor after all. (Posted by Marilyn) ------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Ready Room- CO- Capt. Ahmed Ibn Salid- 2345.5) The doors to the ready room closed behind Jono as he exited and Ahmed felt a distinct sense of loss over the death of Lieutenant Bird. The man had served with both the captain and the first officer on the Champlain, he had been a solid officer, an excellent engineer and a good friend. To think that the man was nothing more than a fond memory was painful to Ahmed. He had given Jono Orders to have the body stored for transport back to Federation space. Once they were home, there would be a memorial service and Bird would be laid to rest among the stars where he belonged. Ahmed put aside his thoughts of the smiling easy-going man and brought himself back to ship's business. The ship needed a Chief Engineer, despite the fact that the position had only just become available. Currently he didn't want to put a single engineer in charge of the overall functions of the ship, but he at least needed two Assistant Chief Engineers to keep things working smoothly. T'Kron was already in that position. And that left, in Ahmed's mind only one other qualified engineer on the ship suitable to act as an assistant to the chief: matrix. Originally Matrix had been ordered to depart the ship at Aldus IX with the rest of the non-essential personnel. Ahmed had suspected it was because Command did not want to risk matrix, with his expertise in the experimental systems on the ship, falling into Orion hands. Ahmed had argued that the engineer was essential to the success of the mission and had won, but only just. At the last moment, the engineer's orders had been rescinded. Ahmed took a deep breath and tapped his commbadge. "Captain Salid to Lieutenant Matrix, please report to the ready room" (posted by Daniel Greene) ------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Officer Quarters- SEO- Lt. Matrix- 2346) Matrix was visibly shaken by the loss of Lieutenant Bird. No doubt the crew was also coming to terms with the loss. The CEO was a fine officer, one of the finest Matrix had been honored to have served with. Life in Star Fleet was filled with risks, but losing a young officer was never easy. In time the crew would heal, a type of honor only afforded by a fallen comrade. Matrix reflected on those legendary words of a former captain, "While we cannot replace those who have served and sacrificed, we can however, honor them by performing to the best of our abilities, and in service to our shipmates in celebrating the values they upheld in excellence and in the line of duty." Matrix felt a larger sense of loss too as he had been ordered to report to Aldus IX, then eventually back to the Geneva. For what duty he didn't know. Matrix felt uneasy leaving the ship under these circumstances. He wasn't sure why his tour aboard the Rosenante was cut short, but orders were orders. Matrix slung his duty bag over his shoulder and surveyed his quarters one last time. "Captain Salid to Lieutenant Matrix, please report to the ready room" =^= Aye Sir, I'm on my way. Matrix out. =^= It wasn't customary for the commanding officer to bit farewell to transferred crew, but Matrix thought he had earned the respect of Captain Salid and perhaps this was part of that regard. Matrix stopped just short of the door sensors to the Captain's ready room and straightened his uniform, but kept his duty bag over his shoulder and entered. (Posted by Steve) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV – Treasure Chest Entertainment Complex - T'eetcz - 2347) T'eetcz was a large man who was used to getting his way. The memory of the most recent time that didn't happen still burned in his memory. He came to this place to start over, barely escaping his would be fate at the hands of his own crew. He came to this pleasure palace to forget, the only way he could truly start over. He had since assembled a small group of ruffians, a gang if you will, of varying races, to help him amass his fortune once more. He sat down at one of the side tables next to one of the smaller stages. He put his back to the wall so no one could sneak up ~Not taking any chances.~ he promised himself. His group four in total, took their cue from him and sat down as well. A couple of the gang had swiped their sticks to the readers to attract the dancing girl's attention. She was still mostly clothed, so she had just started her routine. Decadence of this sort rarely amused the Nausicaan, only one thing could settle his lusts, blood. He blankly stared ahead waiting for his drink, and he couldn't believe his eyes on what he saw. ~HER. ~ His eyes focused on that damnable tart that put him in this position in the first place. She had companions, too many for now. And the old man had a reputation. Now was not the time to strike, but soon. "Boss?" one of his minions had noticed that he was staring off into nothingness when the drinks arrived. His concern was met with a powerful left-handed shove from the Nausicaan, sending his chair and him clattering to the floor. "Shut-up." "b-b-but boss, your drinks here." he stuttered picking himself up. He took a gulp of the drink that he ordered and waited. His time would come. (Posted by Todd) ------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Captain's Ready Room - SEO Lt. Matrix - 2355) "Lieutenant Matrix reporting as ordered Captain." - stated Matrix as he stood at attention. (Posted by Steve) ------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Ready Room- CO- Capt. Ahmed Ibn Salid- 2356) The door slid open immediately after the chime sounded and Ahmed looked up to see Lieutenant Matrix enter with his duty bag over his shoulder. "Expecting to leave still Lieutenant?" Ahmed asked rhetorically, "It seems I've finally convinced the brass that you are an essential part of this crew. BUPERS wanted you off the ship because of the nature of our mission, but I seem to have convinced them that without you, the hazards to the rest of this ship's crew is dramatically increased." "You've heard about Lieutenant Bird?" he asked. (reply Matrix) Ahmed was already very certain that the word had moved through the ship with great rapidity. It was a blow to the crew's morale and it couldn't have happened at a worse time. Bird was one of those rare officers that had natural leadership ability. Men respected him and everyone thought him a fair and capable officer. His loss had hit the crew hard and even Ahmed had to admit that he was going to miss the Birdman when they were in the thick of it without him. "I'm going to talk straight with you Mister Matrix," Ahmed said in reply, "Lieutenant Bird was an excellent Officer and a good friend- and he will be missed by a great many people, myself included. This incident has left my Engineering department understaffed. Ensign T'Kron can not run the department alone, despite his dedication. So effective immediately I am transferring you from the position of Special Engineering Officer to Assistant Chief Engineer. You and T'Kron will work out a shift rotation and divide duties accordingly. once this mission is completed, I will be reviewing your performance and then deciding what direction I need to go in Order to either promote one of you to Chief Engineer or to request a replacement from BUPERS. Now you have experience on the Paladin, and so right now you are the top contender for the position. if you want it, you need to prove to me you can handle it. Any questions?" (posted by Daniel Greene) ------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Ready Room- ACEO - Lt. Steven Matrix - 2356.5) Matrix entered the Captain's ready room expecting a farewell and perhaps a job well done by the Captain. He stood at attention as best he could. He realized, too late, that he should have left his duty bag outside. "Expecting to leave still Lieutenant?" Ahmed asked rhetorically, "It seems I've finally convinced the brass that you are an essential part of this crew. BUPERS wanted you off the ship because of the nature of our mission, but I seem to have convinced them that without you, the hazards to the rest of this ship's crew is dramatically increased." "You've heard about Lieutenant Bird?" he asked. Matrix's demeanor changed when he heard Bird's name, "Aye Sir, I have. Unfortunately bad news travels fast." responded Matrix. "I'm going to talk straight with you Mister Matrix," Ahmed said in reply, "Lieutenant Bird was an excellent Officer and a good friend- and he will be missed by a great many people, myself included. This incident has left my Engineering department understaffed. Ensign T'Kron can not run the department alone, despite his dedication. So effective immediately I am transferring you from the position of Special Engineering Officer to Assistant Chief Engineer. You and T'Kron will work out a shift rotation and divide duties accordingly. once this mission is completed, I will be reviewing your performance and then deciding what direction I need to go in Order to either promote one of you to Chief Engineer or to request a replacement from BUPERS. Now you have experience on the Paladin, and so right now you are the top contender for the position. if you want it, you need to prove to me you can handle it. Any questions?" Matrix felt both gratitude and unease in the new challenge, "Only one at this time Sir. Given we'll have two ACEOs in engineering until further notice and that I came aboard into a provisional position, will T'Kron be the officer charge?" asked Matrix. (Reply Salid) "Understood Captain. I will do my best not to disappoint you. I don't see this as a competition, simply a logistical necessity and an opportunity to continue my service where needed." replied Matrix. (Posted by Steve) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Planet Brakes - New Slave Market- Soldier- Komas Dahl- 2358) Komas stood near the bars of the cage trying to generate some interest, just by appearing to be novel. He didn't know any other way to convince people to consider buying him, but apparently it was enough. Not long after he had taken up his post he noticed a strange little creature come bounding up to the cage. He had never seen anything like it before and so he was staring a little bit. It was only a few moments later that the shorter creature's lack of height was eclipsed by a taller creature, also one that he had never seen before, and a human female. "There Meldovians." the small creature said pointing with his stubby little fingers as Ro and the Human woman, called Bones reached him. This surprised Komas considerably, since he had never heard of any creature that resembled this dwarven looking hairy creature, and yet, he could not only identify a Cartenian by sight, but he could apparently distinguish between Meldovians and Arturians, where it took a genetic scan to do so on their own world. "Amazing" he muttered. The taller female started into a discussion with the proprietor and the human woman ran some medical scans. Komas almost felt his three hearts fall out of his chest when he heard her tell her companion that they were all three worthless. He wanted to shout out at her, but he didn't have the energy. He was almost done for and he knew that they would probably lose Frolek soon. With their waning energy, either he or Ambia would fall asleep during a night watch and the two males would murder them both as they slept. He was only half listening as the banter and barter went on. He was deep in the recesses of depression already, not because of his own fate, but because of Ambia's and Frolek's fate. He knew that he would fail them eventually and that they would all die as a result of his weakness. He was mentally bemoaning their fate when his ears caught something and his heart leapt for joy. "You drive a hard bargain Takaran. Twelve thousand and they're yours." the slaver announced. "And you'd better make sure they're still alive when they're delivered, Orion, or I'll be back." Ro' told him as she moved closer to complete the transaction, pressing her thumb to the transfer pad he held out to her, after reading the details. "Have them tagged with my name, Ro'Dal, and get them cleaned up and delivered immediately to Orbital Station V's holding pen. I will collect them later." The tall stranger added. Comas smiled for the first time in a week and walked back over to Ambia and Frolek. "We've been sold" he said smiling, "thank the guiding breath of the ancestors that command fate, we're going to leave this awful cage alive." Ambia looked at him and started crying, a low nearly quiet sob. "You know what that means?" she asked him softly. "It's not likely Ambia, the people who purchased us were females," he said trying to be reassuring even though he didn't feel that way. Have faith in me I will protect you to the best of my ability." he added. "You must stay strong." She nodded as she wiped a tear away from her face with the back of her hand. "I know, It's just so hard." "You there, Meldovians!" one of the Orion guards shouted from the entryway of the cage, "You've been bought, let's go!" (Posted by Daniel Greene) ------------------------------------------------------------- (Barakos IV- Slave Market- PFC Marta "Nun" Nunez - Day 5- 2359) Nunez stood by patiently as Weaver handled the last of the transaction. Stepping forward with cred chip in hand the young ensign added, "I'll take care of this one. After all, I found her, it's only fair. One last thing, Mister Mudd. I assume she is tagged for tracking? I would hate to have to come back here and buy her again from you." Mudd for his part in the act frowned and put on his best hurt look before replying, "Sir, I am appalled that you would think so little of me. I may be a crook, a pimp and a smuggler, but I am an honest one." he said with a sense of indignation. "Does that mean she does or doesn't have a tracker?" Marta asked. Harry worked his jaw a few times, still apparently remembering Marta's earlier aggressiveness. "She does indeed," he finally admitted; defeated. "But I assure you it was only to be used in the event of her escape. I do have a stake in her you know? An investment?" Marta looked at T'Kron and Weaver with a questioning glance. (reply T'Kron, Weaver) Mudd in the meantime walked over to the newly attired slave girl and took her by the right wrist. Sodra resisted him at first but Harry shot her a terrible look that held some sort of threat and she relented. Harry thrust the young woman's arm out so that it could be easily seen. There in her forearm was a very dull red light that was barely visible. "It's embedded here in her left forearm, just beneath the skin, it can easily be removed by a skilled doctor without worry of harm to the girl," the slaver said as he slightly pinched the device between his thumb and forefinger to force the device closer to the surface of the skin so that the light could be easier seen. "Anyway, the deals done," he said as he snatched the credit chip from Dorian and swiped it across the reader, "Just press your thumb here." Harry held out the device for Weaver's use. (Posted by Daniel Greene) ------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile -------------------------------------------------------------