=================================================== =================================================== Mission Heads or Tails Day 2 Stardate 2413.10.16 =================================================== =================================================== (Boudicca - Bridge - ACSO Ens. (jg) David Martin - (2-1022.5) David was running several scans when he received a comm message from one of the acting Chief Medical Officer stationed on the planets surface. =^= Dr Candle to Ensign Martin =^= David tapped his comm badge. "Go ahead Doctor." =^= I have been thinking is there anyway we can monitor the seismic activity on the ground here? I've traveled to Topaline mines before and have heard about mining techniques that can cause seismic events or rock bursts, is there any way we can check on that? =^= "Yes Doctor, I am currently running scans checking for more seismic activity and locations of the mines that have been built on the planet, and cross referencing that with the epicenter of the quake. However any determination of if the mining is the cause of seismic event will probably have to wait some time as I am currently running the ships scanners at maximum, scanning the surface several times over. I wouldn't dare to even attempt to try and make a determination as to what happen until I was able to thoroughly go through all of the data that is currently pouring in. Is there anything else I can help you with, Doctor?" (Candle, Any) (Posted by David Deffenbaugh) ******* (Jahdara III - Temporary Sickbay - ACMO Basil Candle - (2-1023.5) Ensign Martin replied =^=Yes Doctor, I am currently running scans checking for more seismic activity and locations of the mines that have been built on the planet, and cross referencing that with the epicenter of the quake. However any determination of if the mining is the cause of seismic event will probably have to wait some time as I am currently running the ships scanners at maximum, scanning the surface several times over. I wouldn't dare to even attempt to try and make a determination as to what happen until I was able to thoroughly go through all of the data that is currently pouring in. Is there anything else I can help you with, Doctor?"=^= “No …” ~No telling him to look for other non-natural signs. Always thinking the worse Candle~ “… thank you Ensign, Candle out” (None) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ******* (USS Boudicca - Bridge SPC aFO/CCOUNS/CDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1113.5) Captain Durand wasted no time returning to the bridge and asked Jerome for a report and was quickly informed of the latest developments as soon as he reached the centre well, together with the solutions that the aFO had come up with. “Very well Commander, thank you for filling me in. I concur with your decision to send another engineering team down. Let’s make certain that things are moving. I expect--” He was interrupted in mid-sentence by the officer at OPS who reported that a priority message from Starfleet had just been received, reporting that the leading hospital ship, the USS Boyce, had warp engine issues and would no be arriving for approximately twenty six hours. He continued to add that the lead transport with relief supplies and heavy equipment would be about 5 hours behind them. “Very well, Ensign.” The CO replied. “That’s a bit of a game changer, isn’t it Commander?” Jerome's lips twisted derisively, "My Grandfather use to say that it never rains but it pours, Sir, but I don't understand why the transport with relief supplies is going to be so late, surely it doesn't have warp engine issues too?" (Reply Durand, room for more iyw) The CO resumed what he was talking about before he was interrupted with the bad news, telling Jerome that he expected that Kowalski would be tied up making rescue efforts in the primary mine shaft, due to the sheer depth they have to operate at. He paused as if thinking things over. “Say... just how strenuously would you object to me going planetside, Commander? I believe I have as much, if not more, climbing experience than anyone else aboard, you know.” Jerome smiled and shook his head slightly. "No objections at all, Captain. I am all for sending anyone down who can improve the situation, but couldn't we use transporter enhancers down in the mines to beam the rescue workers to the trapped miners?" (Reply Durand, Any) (Posted by Sal) ******** (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room 2 - ACEO Ensign Enright - 1115) After getting and acknowledging the order from Commander ManyHorses, Enright sprang into action. She first secured a relief for herself, then organized a four person damage control team, with all the requisite tools and equipment she thought they might require. And then some. Toting the tools in an antigrav tool carrier, she placed it just so on the transporter pad, then shut down the antigrav function so it rested stably in place. Two of the other crew were doing the same job with the small grav-sled which carried the rest of the team’s equipment. When they were all ready, she gave the transporter operator their destination, and told her to energize. (posted by Russ) ******** (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aCO Commander Durand - 1115) Durand smiled at the ‘never rains but it pours’ comment. *His* grandfather used to say that on occasion as well. It was amusing to see the same generation from different cultures using common anecdotes and such. No time for that now of course. “They don’t pay us for speculation, Commander... at least not about the behind the scenes operations at Starfleet. However, if I had to guess, my guess would be some difficulty in getting things loaded and stowed, and getting the ship underway. Rescue priority or not, if they are using a regular service freighter, she would have to be diverted from whatever run she were on, and they may have underestimated the time required to do so. After all, we are hardly in the heart of the Federation... shipping can be scarce out this way as you well know. Alternatively, they may be pressing a reserve ship into service, in which case all sort of delays getting her activated are possible. Either way, we are stuck ‘holding the bag’ as they say.” (Reply ManyHorses iyw) When asked about Durand going planetside, ManyHorses surprisingly raised no objections. Apparently not a stickler for protocol... Alan liked that; he was a person of action more than a beaurocrat himself. Clearly there was a kindred soul in ManyHorses. He shook his head slightly. “I’d need an engineering opinion of greater expertise than mine to be sure, but I suspect there are a few difficulties there. First, the topaline itself. No matter how much we compensate, the same sensor reflective properties are likely to impact the transporter’s annular confinement beam. I don’t think we can take a chance, certainly not with living beings in the balance. Secondly, and for the same reasons, I don’t think we can take a chance beaming pattern enhancers or any equipment down either. What if the targeting scanners are off a half meter and beam a cargo container onto a victim? I think the rescue teams should carry pattern enhancers with them; once they reach the victims they can have the ship attempt to lock onto something inanimate and do a test transport. I think that the search teams already active have them, but if not they must get them. Failing that, Commander, we will have to haul the victims -- the miners, at any rate -- up the shafts the old fashioned way at least to a level where they are clear from interference. Does that seem reasonable?” (Reply ManyHorses, Any, Room for more) (Posted by Russ) ******* (Jahdara III - Processing Plant - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1115) Detron waited for Gesar to set up his equipment then moved into position on one side of the reactor. Detron used what little experience he had to determine how to shut off the reactor without causing it to explode. Seeing that Gesar was taking his time making a decision , Detron took over. Detron used his great Klingon strength to turn the valve shut with more than average difficulty. Detron turned to Gesar and told him to contact his teams telling them to pick up the pace. Detron detected some Trihydrazine radiation on his tricorder. He and Gesar moved from the area to where others were dealing with a lot more Trihydrazine in the cooling system. Detron gave all the order to do what you can and meet at the control room in five minutes. Detron had a disappointed look on his face over the performance from Gesar but thought he did the best job he could under the tremendous pressure. Detron went to the control room with Gesar and took a defensive position at the far wall. ~You are going to have to handle pressure much better son to make it as an officer. We will see in time.~ (Reply Gesar) (Posted by Edward) ******* (Jahdara III - Processing Plant - ACEO Ensign Anton Gesar - 1115.5) Anton was looking over the controls of the reactor. Something was odd about the controls, as if they had been modified somehow. Anton took out his tools and began looking them over. It was as if the facility engineers had ran out of parts and had to bypass some systems. Without doing a proper check he was not sure what would be the best way to shut down the reactor. A wrong move could cause damage. As he looked over to Trei he noticed him moving toward a mechanical valve that seemed to be connecting the reactor to a power coupling. Before Anton could say anything the Lieutenant using his strength shut the valve and cut the power from the reactor. Flabbergasted Anton just stood there not sure what to say. Turning to Anton, Trei told him in a somewhat disappointed tone to tell his teams to hurry up and turned and walked out. For a moment Anton stood there not sure what to do. ~What was that all about? I hope we don't live to regret that.~ Unfortunately it was too late to check as the system was shut down. Anton followed Trei as he was going around giving people orders to hurry up. Anton thought about going back to the reactor to run a quick tricorder scan to make sure that everything was shut down but Trei ordered everyone to finish up and meet in the control room. Eventually they ended up back in the control room and took up position where he stood before they left. Still not sure that not checking the reactor is a bad idea Anton walked up to Trei, "I may be overstepping my bounds here Sir, however I am the engineer here. You should not have just shut power to the reactor like that without checking with me first. There were modifications made to the system and we don't know if we could have done more harm than good. I should go back and run a scan to make sure everything was indeed shut down." (Reply Trei) Before Trei could finish the structure shook a little. Anton ran over to the control console and started punching in commands. "Damnit, it's as I feared," he turned to Trei, "The control panel was modified. They were probably missing parts and had to bypass certain systems. Shutting down the power conduit shut down the reactor but the circuit designed to discharge any power already built up in the reactor did not. And now it's causing a power buildup. It's causing instability and will be looking for a place to discharge. The only other place it can go..." Anton tapped his comm badge. "Tarson this is Gesar. Do you have the second reactor shut down?" =/\=Almost sir, we are completing the final shutdown sequence.=/\= "Get out of the room, get out NOW!!!" The structure shook again, more violently this time. The control panels made a strange noise as if overloaded before they sent sparks everywhere. One of the panels on his left threw sparks in his face. There were screams heard through the comm badge and the communications were cut off. Anton felt blinding pain in his face and noticed the smell of burnt hair. Anton staggered back but was able to stand as he tried to back away from the panels. "Tarson come in," Anton managed as he pulled his hand away from his face to see blood and finally pass out. (Reply Trei) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ******** (USS Boudicca - Bridge - SPC aFO/CCOUNS/CDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1115.5) Durand smiled in amusement at Jerome's quaint anecdote about things getting worse instead of better and his speculation about why the transport vessel would be arriving late as well as the hospital ship. “They don’t pay us for speculation, Commander... at least not about the behind the scenes operations at Starfleet. However, if I had to guess, my guess would be some difficulty in getting things loaded and stowed, and getting the ship underway. Rescue priority or not, if they are using a regular service freighter, she would have to be diverted from whatever run she were on, and they may have underestimated the time required to do so. After all, we are hardly in the heart of the Federation... shipping can be scarce out this way as you well know. Alternatively, they may be pressing a reserve ship into service, in which case all sort of delays getting her activated are possible. Either way, we are stuck ‘holding the bag’ as they say.” "Yes, well......That is not a new scenario for this ship, Sir." Jerome replied matter-of-factly. "We are all very good at filling breaches, so to speak. Flexibility and adaptability, the backbone of the Federation in some respects." (Reply Durand iyw) When asked by Durand about him going planetside, ManyHorses raised no objections. He could see no reason to oppose the acting CO's wishes, especially as the man had good reasons for doing so. Jerome's respect for Commander Durand upped a couple of notches knowing that his superior wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty along with his crew. He asked if it was possible for transporter enhancers to be utilized below the planet's surface, to beam rescue teams directly to the miners who were trapped. Durand shook his head slightly. “I’d need an engineering opinion of greater expertise than mine to be sure, but I suspect there are a few difficulties there. First, the topaline itself. No matter how much we compensate, the same sensor reflective properties are likely to impact the transporter’s annular confinement beam. I don’t think we can take a chance, certainly not with living beings in the balance.....Secondly, and for the same reasons, I don’t think we can take a chance beaming pattern enhancers or any equipment down either. What if the targeting scanners are off a half meter and beam a cargo container onto a victim? I think the rescue teams should carry pattern enhancers with them; once they reach the victims they can have the ship attempt to lock onto something inanimate and do a test transport. I think that the search teams already active have them, but if not they must get them.....Failing that, Commander, we will have to haul the victims -- the miners, at any rate -- up the shafts the old fashioned way at least to a level where they are clear from interference. Does that seem reasonable?” With a nod, Jerome agreed. "Entirely reasonable. I presume you will be beaming down with the new Engineering away team? I think they are due to depart in short measure." (reply Durand, room for more) "Good luck, Sir!" The aFO stood respectfully and watched Commander Durand stride to the turbo lift. ~ I'm sure you will need all the good luck you can get. This won't be a cakewalk by any means. ~ As the lift doors slid closed, ManyHorses sat down once again, in the centre chair just as more bad news was reported concerning the planet....an explosion had occurred in the Processing Plant. ~ It's not just pouring, it's coming in torrents! ~ (Reply Durand, Any) (Posted by Sal) ******* (Jahdara III - Temporary Medical Site - ACEO Ensign Enright - 1116) The repair team arrived at the designated coordinates safely, equipment intact, but no doubt unexpectedly for the medical personnel. They were busy, clearly... with final preparations for the casualties they were expecting, but this was a priority from the Commander. She found her way to where Dr. Candle was busy working; he was the senior medical officer within sight and she needed this done quickly. If the processor was too far away, they were going to need to do a site-to-site transport as a matter of fact. “Doctor Candle? Ensign Enright. My repair team and I are here on orders of Commander ManyHorses. There is a trihydrazine leak at the atmosphere processor... is there anything you can give us to prepare for potential exposure? We need something quickly if you have it ---” she turned and pointed to the cargo containers on the grav-sled for emphasis “--- we have environment suits and whatnot for anyone else working there. This is a hot priority Doctor... can you help us please?” (Reply Candle, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******** (USS Boudicca - Bridge aCO Commander Durand - 1117) With a nod, Jerome agreed. "Entirely reasonable. I presume you will be beaming down with the new Engineering away team? I think they are due to depart in short measure." Durand nodded in return. “If I can get my climbing gear together and get to the transporter room in time, I will. Otherwise I will have to catch up with them, I don’t want to hold up their progress.” He headed for the turbolift, and stopped in mid-stride, turning back to face ManyHorses. He smiled at the Commander and quipped, “Try not to get too used to that chair, Commander... I’ll want it back later.” He turned back for the turbolift and headed for his quarters. (Reply ManyHorses iyw, Any) (posted by Russ) ******* (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aFO/CCOUNS/CDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1119) The aFO stood respectfully and watched Commander Durand stride to the turbo lift. He began sitting down in the command chair but he froze as as the aCO stopped in mid-stride and turned back to look at ManyHorses, causing Jerome to freeze where he sat, wondering if he'd done something wrong, or whether Durand had forgotten something. To ManyHorse's relief Jerome just smiled at him and quipped before turning back for the turbolift... “Try not to get too used to that chair, Commander... I’ll want it back later.” "I will just keep it warm for you." Jerome replied while thinking that he never much enjoyed sitting in the big chair anyway, finding that he much preferred the role of Chief Counselor even over the role of First Officer, even though he'd been a number one for several years and had assumed command of the USS Saratoga on numerous occasions, as well as his brief stint as aCO on the USS Boudicca. As the lift doors slid closed, ManyHorses completely sat down in the centre chair just as more bad news was reported concerning the planet....an explosion had occurred in the Processing Plant. ~ It's not just pouring, it's coming in torrents! But what to do about this new catastrophy? First you best inform the boss man, but first see about sending more people down to help out. ~ Tapping his commbadge he quickly ordered two more teams to go planet-side and aid in any way needed. Once he was sure that process was well under way, he made sure that the aCO was informed of the current situation. Hopefully there were no fatalities of crewmembers in the explosion and that any injuries sustained were non life threatening. A few short minutes later a message came through from Gesar to Boudicca stating that he was still on location at the processing plant and reporting that the status of two crew members who had been close to the explosion when it occurred, was unknown, and that Lieutenant Trei may have gone to investigate. He then sent the location coordinates. The console in the command chair arm beeped and ManyHorses noted the coordinates had arrived. =/\= ....Are sensors able to pick up any life signs? =/\= Gesar asked. Jerome looked expectantly at the young officer at the Science station who told him he was picking up three life signs, one set was weak. "Ensign Gesar, we have four life signs in the coordinates you gave us, one is you of course. One set is very faint...." (reply Gesar) "Another engineering party has recently been sent down and Captain Durand has beamed down to assist in the rescue mission. All the medical personnel we can spare are down there, but I will call upon anyone with any first aid or medical training to go down and assist. Keep us notified, Ensign." (reply Gesar) It wasn't long after that Durand hailed the ship to tell them he was diverting the new engineering team to the processing plant to check on the explosion. Unfortunately mine shaft 4 would have to wait unless Jerome could get another climbing team together due to the ship's personnel getting priority until the situation at the plant was ascertained. =/\= Stand by to beam us to the vicinity of the atmosphere processor. =/\= The aCO ordered. "Understood, I will see what I can do to drum up another climbing team." "Transporters are standing by, sir." (reply Durand, any) Once communications with the aCO were finished for the time being, ManyHorses sent out an all stations request for anyone with climbing skills and or medical knowledge to make their way to the transporter rooms for immediate transportation to the planet. (Reply ANY) Once Jerome received notification of how successful his request had been, he notified the aCO and team leaders to expect more help. ~ At this rate I'll soon be manning the Bridge alone! ~ Some time later, the next voice from the away teams was Lieutenant Trei's to inform them that there were injured officers at the Processing Plant and requesting medical help. "Assistance is on the way, Lieutenant, but I think it would be best if you got those injured officers out of the Processing Plant if they can be moved and you can exit. Until we know more what caused the explosion we must believe that it's highly likely that another could occur." (reply Durand, Gesar, Trei, Any) (posted by Sal) ******** (Jahdara III - Processing Plant - NPC - CPO James Tarson - 1120) James opened his eyes. His head was pounding and his right thigh felt like someone stabbed him. He tried to recall what happened. Gesar had asked about the reactor and told him to get out. He noticed the sudden buildup of power and ran for the door. That was the last thing he remembered. James looked toward the exit to see that it was blocked. ~There was someone else here with me,~ he thought. James tried to look around and noticed the body of the other CPO. He could not remember his name, he had only just recently arrived on the ship. For a moment James felt ashamed for not knowing his name. He reached for his comm badge but jerked his hand back as something had cut his finger. The sudden movement made the pain in his leg shoot up through his body. ~Damnit.~ James looked down to see that he was indeed stabbed through his right thigh. A piece of metal was sticking out of his leg. Carefully he turned onto his back, making sure not to disturb the right leg or the piece of metal jutting from it. Taking a moment to examine the injury he noted that the piece had not gone all the way through. James has had enough medical training to know that there are major arteries in the leg and if the metal had gone through one pulling it out would do more harm than good. Unfortunately he was not trained enough to know which way to go. Looking over at his communicator he noted that it was damaged and that it was it's harp edges that had cur his finger. The attempt to get up left him back on the ground panting as he tried to shut out the pain and keep from passing out. He was barely successful. ~So much for that idea.~ Moving slowly on his back using his hands on the uninjured leg seemed to be the more successful approach as James made his way toward the body. The other CPO lay on his side with his back toward James. Carefully he extended his hand toward the neck to look for a pulse and found none. Pulling on the right shoulder James turned the body to get access to the communicator. (posted by Oleg) ******** (Boudicca - Bridge - ACSO Ens. (jg) David Martin - (2-1120) David had just reported to Commander ManyHorses that there were 4 life signs and that one was weak, when he heard ManyHorses make an announcement that all officers that had medical experience to report to the surface, when the Chief Medical Officer stepped up and volunteered to go down to the surface, leaving a possible vacancy on the ship. "Commander, I have medical experience mainly surgical, and some climbing experience, However I am the only Science Officer on Active duty. That being said I can set up my station to a tricorder and be able to be technically be in both places at the same time. I leave the decision to you, Sir." (ManyHorses) "Yes, Sir" (ManyHorses, Any) (Posted by David Deffenbaugh) ******* (Jahdara III - Processing Plant - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1121) Detron heard what Gesar said about the modified controls and what could happen if the reactor is shut down. A wave of vibrations shook the control room. Detron used the wall to regain his balance. He looked over to Gesar and saw he was injured from a minor explosion from the control panel. Detron approached Gesar. "I am sorry for my impatient reaction but a decision had to be made quickly so I took action. I will go see if anybody needs assistance to be removed from danger. You stay here and shut down the reactors that can be. I will be back shortly." (Reply Gesar) (Posted by Edward) ******* (Jahdara III – Temporary Medical Site – ACMO Ensign Candle – Dr Candle - Day 2 - 1123) As always when he was waiting his mind had been ticking over and the nagging that had been slowly growing flared up again. Something didn’t feel quite right, ~Where is everyone?~ Basil flicked through the mission brief in his mind. He was late for the meeting so after he had to play catch up. There were supposed to be 5000 people here. Not everyone will be miners and even if they were the chances are people worked in shifts. That would mean not everyone would be trapped in the mines and even the fickle law of averages would have some survivors on the surface yet … noone, nothing. It was, to Basil anyway, unusual. He was going over, for the umpteenth time, final checks when a young female ensign walked up to him “Doctor Candle? Ensign Enright. My repair team and I are here on orders of Commander ManyHorses. There is a trihydrazine leak at the atmosphere processor... is there anything you can give us to prepare for potential exposure? We need something quickly if you have it ---” she turned and pointed to the cargo containers on the grav-sled for emphasis “--- we have environment suits and whatnot for anyone else working there. This is a hot priority Doctor... can you help us please?” “Trihydrazine? By the stars …. Hmm I can give you a mixture of di-pyridoxine and argotine. That should cover being close. Now whatever suits your wearing you make triply sure there are no holes. Trihydrazine can be lethal if exposed to flesh.” Basil was sure he was telling the young ensign to suck eggs but unfortunately when he was in the flow he hadn’t leant to shut up. He started to mix the two - enough to give to the ensign, her team and others. He would have to ask Roberts for more though. “Compounds of Hydrazine are also used as fuel so, obviously, can be explosive in the right conditions. Tri-hydrazine is a more viscous liquid but if they have tri then they may have others. Also keep a look out for anyone. They must have engineers to fix things, like you are doing. The first thing these engineers would do is check what is broken. No-one has ….. Just strikes me as odd is all.” (Reply Enright iyw, any) He gave the ensign a jab with his hyprospray containing the solution. “Right here you go, should be enough for a couple of days. If you are going to expose yourself to more then let me know. There should be enough for your team and others where your going. Hmm perhaps I need to send a couple of medics with you, in case those engineers are there” (Reply Enright, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ******* (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room 2 - aCO Commander Durand - 1123) It had been a simple matter to sprint to his quarters and grab his backpack which he always kept ready with his climbing gear and assorted other necessary equipment. He checked with the transporter operator, and found that he had indeed missed the engineering team. Inquiring as to their transport destination, he was informed that they had beamed down to the temporary medical site on the surface. “Okay chief... send me to their coordinates please. Energize.” He felt the all too familiar sense of dissolution into non-existence, as he was converted into energy and whisked to the surface. (posted by Russ) ******* (Boudicca - Bridge - aFO/CCOUNS/CDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1124) ManyHorses had made the general stations announcement requesting anyone with medical experience, and or climbing experience to report. Dr. Caskie, the Chief Medical Officer shad promptly volunteered to go down to the surface and Jerome had accepted her offer, making her the team leader. The young science officer addressed him. "Commander, I have medical experience mainly surgical, and some climbing experience, However I am the only Science Officer on Active duty. That being said I can set up my station to a tricorder and be able to be technically be in both places at the same time. I leave the decision to you, Sir." It didn't take Jerome much time to make his decision. "Make it so, Ensign." He ordered, "I am certain there are capable science officers available to take over here if it becomes necessary." "Yes, Sir" Ensign Martin replied as Jerome gave him a nod of dismissal. (reply Martin, Any) (Posted by Sal) ******* (Jahdara III - Temporary Medical Site - aCO Durand - 1124) Alan rematerialized at the perimeter of the medical site. He took a moment to orient himself, immediately noting the relative thinness of the atmosphere, as compared to shipboard. ~Might be a challenge for our people, but no doubt the colonists are used to it. Something to keep in mind... that smell... sulfurous almost? Must have been a real picnic before the processor was set up...~ Having gotten his bearings, he made his way over to the treatment area, where he found a party of engineers, one of whom, a slim blond ensign, was in conversation with a doctor. ~That would be Enright, I presume... with Doctor... Candle? Sounds correct.~ He was about to speak when Enright did. She had her back to Durand, facing the Doctor. No doubt she hadn’t heard his approach. “Doctor... has anyone searched the main settlement yet? Now that you mention it, I do find it odd that we haven’t seen anyone. I mean, someone sent the distress call...” “Someone *did* send the distress call, Ensign, you are correct,” interjected Durand. She whirled at the voice, and swallowed in surprise before replying. “Ahh, I didn’t know you were here sir.” “I wasn’t here until a moment ago. We’ll get on with that part of the search shortly... but for now we are going to the processor, to see to our people. Were you notified of the explosion?” “We were sir... we are all set to go now. We were just getting our shots from Doctor Candle.” Durand turned to Candle. “Doctor, I’ll take a dose of whatever you gave them... and a really fast lesson on trihydrazine while you do so.” (Reply Candle, Any) After listening carefully to what the doctor had to say as he administered the hypospray, Durand nodded in understanding. “Alright Doctor, thank you. Now... can you spare a medic to come with us to the plant? No doubt there may be injuries among our people.” (Reply Candle) “Boudicca, this is Durand. We are diverting the engineering team to the processing plant to check on that explosion. Mine shaft 4 will have to wait, unless you can staff another climbing team. Our people get priority until we know the situation at the plant. Stand by to beam us to the vicinity of the atmosphere processor.” (Reply Boudicca, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******* (Jahdara III – Temporary Medical Site – ACMO Ensign Candle - Day 2 - 1126) The ensign replied “Doctor... has anyone searched the main settlement yet? Now that you mention it, I do find it odd that we haven’t seen anyone. I mean, someone sent the distress call...” The voice behind her took Candle by surprise “Someone *did* send the distress call, Ensign, you are correct,” it was the aCO Durand. Whirling round at the voice Basil saw her slightly stiffen as she realised who was speaking to her. “Ahh, I didn’t know you were here sir.” “I wasn’t here until a moment ago.”, he replied, “We’ll get on with that part of the search shortly... but for now we are going to the processor, to see to our people. Were you notified of the explosion?” ~Explosion what explosion~ “We were sir... we are all set to go now. We were just getting our shots from Doctor Candle.” Durand turned to Candle. “Doctor, I’ll take a dose of whatever you gave them... and a really fast lesson on trihydrazine while you do so.” Grabbing another hypospray he began to use it on Durand, “Firstly Hydrazine is an inorganic chemical compound that has many uses in many guises, di and tri are some of those. Genrally Tri is highly toxic, smells of ammonia and in some forms extremely unstable. In a mining facility it could be utilised in a few ways, controlling the Ph of water for coolant, fuel for any transport on and off this …. planet” He was going to say something derogatory, he had been ignoring the feeling of the earth but with the wait for patients he started to notice it again. “Simply, sir, wear a suit, don’t let any of the liquid touch your skin and make sure its back where it was in the first place” “Alright Doctor, thank you. Now... can you spare a medic to come with us to the plant? No doubt there may be injuries among our people.” “Actually sir I would rather go myself, if I can” (Reply Durand, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ******* (Jahdara III – Temporary Medical Site – aCO Commander Durand – 1127) Durand rubbed his upper arm without any conscious thought, worrying his fingers briefly over the injection site, even though the hypospray was virtually painless. He had committed the Doctor’s rapid but detailed briefing to memory. He was surprised, but only slightly, by the Doctor’s offer to lend his own assistance to the effort. ~The more I see of this crew, the more impressed I am. A Captain is only as good as their crew… and these people had to be a major part of Susan Rivers’ reputation.~ “As long as you can be spared Doctor, it’s good to have you with us.” (Reply Candle iyw, Any) He paused a moment, allowing the doctor to gather his equipment and step to the rest of the team. He glanced quickly around the group to ensure that all were ready, then he tapped his commbadge. “Durand to Boudicca. Six to beam to the atmosphere processor. Put us a safe distance out of the hot zone, but as close as you can. Energize when ready.” (Reply Boudicca iyw) (posted by Russ) ******* (Jahdara III – Atmosphere Processor – aCO Commander Durand – 1130) The Boudicca had beamed them as close as possible to the plant without entering the danger zone. They were putting on their environment suits just as quickly as they could, but even as practiced as they all were it was a time consuming process. Several minutes passed in busy silence as the six Boudicca crew struggled into, and helped each other with their suits. As always, seals were checked and rechecked, connections and functionality confirmed. As they finished up, Durand started a scan with his suit sensors. “Ensign Enright, can you give us an engineering assessment? I want to make sure we are not going to walk in to a collapsing structure. What was the extent and force of the explosion damage, and where was it?” She worked the controls on the tricorder she carried. Though the environment suits were not nearly as bulky and cumbersome as a full fledged EVA suit, they were still relatively awkward to work in and they slowed any task. Fortunately, Enright had spent a great deal of time suited while performing her engineering duties, and she had long since specially reconfigured a tricorder with larger and less sensitive controls for just such use. She tapped the interface and slowly swept the device left and right, up and down, making a slow hemispherical scan. She frowned and manipulated the controls once more before speaking. “Captain, I can’t be absolutely certain… there must be a vein of topaline hereabouts… my scans are being oddly reflected and refracted. I’ve done my best to compensate. I’m going to try to establish an uplink to the ship’s sensors. Comparative resolution should…” She realized she was rambling and stopped herself. “Sorry sir… you asked a question and need an answer. Just another moment sir.” Durand turned to Candle. “Doctor, can you correlate your readings with Enright’s ? See if we can find the fastest and safest route in to check on our people?” (Reply Candle, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******* (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 1132) Josh had been pacing up and down Sickbay waiting until she finally realised that her continued pacing was actually distracting the medical staff. She had retreated into her office in the hope that she might actually hear something there but even monitoring the channels just sent her pacing again. Although this time simply up and down her office. She knew that the wait for everything was always the worst of it but this wait seemed to be indeterminable and she could feel herself ready to simply stretch out and gather up the wounded and bring them back to the ship. ~Oh, if it were only that easy.~ Just as she was about to get herself another cup of tea that she honestly did not need, she heard the aFO ask for volunteers with First Aid and climbing experience. Josh thought about it for all of about ten seconds before she hit her comm badge and contacted the Bridge. "Caskie to Cmdr Many Horses. I indeed have the experience you require, both in climbing and medical. Do you wish me to report to the transporter room?" (Reply Many Horses) (Posted by Marilyn) ******** (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aFO/CCOUNS/CDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1135) The aFO's call to the ship's population asking for volunteers with First Aid and climbing experience to go planet-side on a dangerous rescue mission did not go unheeded. The first to respond almost instantly was the Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Caskie who stated that she had both the climbing and the medical skills required. =/\= ....Do you wish me to report to the transporter room? =/\= The Doctor finished, and Jerome was almost certain he heard a hint of eagerness in her voice. ~ Likely tired of waiting for action and eager to get something done. ~ He thought. The smile on his face reflected in the tone of his voice as he quickly responded. "Certainly Doctor, that will be perfect. Go to Transporter room 1 and I will send any other volunteers there. Consider yourself as Team Leader and thank you for responding to the call." (reply Caskie iyw) "Good luck!" Jerome stated before closing the connection and beginning to receive more offers to help from both crew and civilians. He couldn't fault the people that called the Boudicca home. When the chips were down they didn't falter to step up and aid anyone who needed their help. (Reply Caskie iyw, Any) (Posted by Sal) ******* (Jahdara III - Processing Plant - ACEO Ensign Anton Gesar - 1135) As consciousness returned, Anton became painfully aware of the pain in the left side of his face. Trying to recall what happened he remembered the control console exploding in his face. Eyes still closed a sudden fear took over him. Slowly Anton opened his right eye, his vision slightly muddy, possibly from the injury to his head. Bit by bit his eyesight began to clear. He carefully looked around the room and found that he was still alone. Taking a deep breath he tried to push the fear down deep, as he knew is expected of a Starfleet officer. Hesitantly he began opening his left eye. Though there was some pain, it was not severe. Growing more brave Anton fully opened his eyes and allowed it to adjust. Satisfied that he still had vision in his left eye he stood up. Taking a clearer stock of the room he noted that Trei was not in it. Some of the controls looked like they were damaged beyond repair. Others flashed on and off, buzzing with each attempt to remain functional. Anton walked up to the panels and took stock of what was working and what was not. Fortunately the diagnostic panel was not too badly damaged though the power conduits leading to the panel were questionable. Anton took out his tools and began testing the other power lines, finding one he was satisfied with he rerouted power to the diagnostics panel. The readout was pretty much as dire as he expected. Reactor number 3 had exploded, likely the result of the power overload. According to the diagnostics, all the monitoring sensors in the room were either destroyed or not functioning so there was no way to look into the room even if he could get that control panel working. ~They probably know about the explosion already. I hope they are sending someone to help.~ Anton tapped his comm badge. "Gesar to Tarson, respond." Silence. "Gesar to Tarson, please respond." Still nothing. ~Damnit.~ "Gesar to Boudicca. I am still on location at the processing plant. We have two men who were near the explosion, status unknown. Lieutenant Trei may have gone to investigate. I am sending coordinates for location, are sensors able to pick up any life signs?" (Reply Boudicca) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ******* (USS Boudicca - Main Sickbay - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 1137) "Certainly Doctor, that will be perfect. Go to Transporter room 1 and I will send any other volunteers there. Consider yourself as Team Leader and thank you for responding to the call." Josh heard the reply from the aFO and acknowledged it. Leaving the quiet of her office she sought out the next most senior doctor in Sickbay and on finding him took him aside for a moment. "I am going planet side since they need more people with climbing experience. This leaves you as the next senior MO. You are in charge of Sickbay until I return. I know you'll do fine. I have organised coffee and sandwiches to arrive in a couple of hours. Make sure that everyone gets a break then and remember to take one yourself. I will be back as soon as I can." With that Josh made her way back to her quarters, picked up her climbing gear and made her way back to the transporter room. (posted by Marilyn) ******* (Jahdara III - Atmosphere Processing Plant - ACEO Ensign Anton Gesar - 1140) =/\= Ensign Gesar, we have four life signs in the coordinates you gave us, one is you of course. One set is very faint....=/\= "Is medical help on the way?" =/\=Another engineering party has recently been sent down and Captain Durand has beamed down to assist in the rescue mission. All the medical personnel we can spare are down there, but I will call upon anyone with any first aid or medical training to go down and assist. Keep us notified, Ensign.=/\= "Will do sir." (posted by Oleg) ******* (Jahdara III - Processing Plant - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1145) Detron stood at the far wall looking over the room. Gesar attended to Tarson. Tarson was lying on a table away from the control panel. He felt his pain and fear but could do nothing to help. Detron also felt an angry need to lash out from Gesar no doubt against him. He wouldn't blame Gesar for wanting to beat him up for being so impatient. Detron actually would respect Gesar more if he did hit him. Detron could take it and would probably treat it as a matter of honor. Detron stood postion. ~Come on Gesar. Do it. I know you want to.~ (Reply Gesar) (Posted by Edward) ******* (Jahdara III – Temporary Medical Site – ACMO Ensign Candle - Day 2 - 1147) Basil stared at the mountains, imposing, threatening. He felt enclosed despite the fact they were outside especially as he could see an horizon. He preferred it when the distance was just that - continually going, never faltering. Shaking from the thought he started to put on his environment suit. As he did so, like some sickening impulse, his eyes drifted back to the mountains and the two story structure nestled amidst the peaks. “Ensign Enright, can you give us an engineering assessment? I want to make sure we are not going to walk in to a collapsing structure. What was the extent and force of the explosion damage, and where was it?” said Durand. As Basil struggled with the suit’s legs he heard the Ensign tap a variety of commands on her interface. “Captain, I can’t be absolutely certain… there must be a vein of topaline hereabouts… my scans are being oddly reflected and refracted. I’ve done my best to compensate. I’m going to try to establish an uplink to the ship’s sensors. Comparative resolution should…” She paused then continued, "Sorry sir… you asked a question and need an answer. Just another moment sir.” Suddenly Durand said “Doctor, can you correlate your readings with Enright’s ? See if we can find the fastest and safest route in to check on our people?” Basil hadn’t been taking readings, distracted by the looming landscape. He stalled, “Sir, can’t we not beam them out here? If there is enough signal from the boosters to detect life signs - is it not enough to get a coherent lock?” (Reply Durand or Enright) Basil listened to the carefully explained reasoning why that couldn‘t happen. Instead he thought about something else “The only thing I can think of is to somehow instigate a passive resonance frequency scan - trouble is the range of such a thing would me we would have to be inside the building to do it” (Reply Durand, Enright, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ******* (Jahdara III – Outside the Atmosphere Processor – aCO Commander Durand – 1149) “Command protocol Doctor. Simply put, as soon as the ship got the explosion report, they would have attempted to lock on and beam anyone out of the affected area, likely directly to sickbay or the temporary facility you have set up on the surface. I don’t make a habit of assuming… but in this case I will. If the transporter chief could have gotten a clean lock on them, they’d be safely out of there, and we wouldn’t be about to go in. As to why, I’d surmise it to be the topaline, or perhaps the structure of the plant itself, or some other factor of which we are not aware.” (Reply Candle, Any) “The only thing I can think of is to somehow instigate a passive resonance frequency scan - trouble is the range of such a thing would me we would have to be inside the building to do it” Durand mulled that over for a second or two, then replied as he headed for the service entrance ahead of them. “Alright Doctor, do your best to keep us away from the worst of it. Between you and Enright I’m sure you’ll get it done. Let’s move people.” (Reply Candle, Any) The bulk of the processor loomed above them, and he keyed the transmitter inside his environment suit. “Boudicca, this is Durand. We are moving inside the structure of the atmosphere processor. We will investigate and advise, standby for further information.” (Reply Boudicca, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******** (Jahdara III – Temporary Medical Site – CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 1149) On beaming down to the Temporary Medical Site Josh strode into the middle of it, stopped one of the nurses and asked to be directed to Dr Candle. The nurse hummed and hawed and directed her to the Head Nurse. Thankfully the Head Nurse was more direct. "Dr Candle is no longer here. He left with one of the rescue missions." Josh simply sighed. "Understood, please direct me to whoever he left in charge." The nurse sighed again. "Unfortunately Dr Candle left without leaving anyone specifically in charge." Josh sighed again. "I see. Very well. Since you are the Head Nurse you will know who the senior doctor is here. Go find him, bring him to me right now." Not too long after she had asked the senior doctor appeared before her and Josh smiled at him. "Dr Walen. I apologise but I am going to have to ask you to take over this site as the senior Medical Officer. Dr Candle has been called away and I have beamed down specifically to check out one of the mine shafts." Josh was trying her hardest not to let anyone see how furious she was. How dare Candle simply walk away in the first place without even checking with her and not even designate someone else to be in charge. Josh was furious and she would have words with him, but it most certainly would be later, a lot later. Once the situation was under control. At present she had work to do. (Reply any or none) (Posted by Marilyn) ******* (Jahdara III – Outside the Atmosphere Processor – ACMO Basil Candle– 1151) "Command protocol Doctor. Simply put, as soon as the ship got the explosion report, they would have attempted to lock on and beam anyone out of the affected area, likely directly to sickbay or the temporary facility you have set up on the surface. I don’t make a habit of assuming… but in this case I will. If the transporter chief could have gotten a clean lock on them, they’d be safely out of there, and we wouldn’t be about to go in. As to why, I’d surmise it to be the topaline, or perhaps the structure of the plant itself, or some other factor of which we are not aware." replied the Commander. Listening to the reply Basil was thinking ahead. There has been some success with what the science officer on the Boudicca had started. They had picked up life signs despite the Topaline seams. He was starting to realise why or at least a way around it. So he made a suggestion regarding passive scanning, "Alright Doctor, do your best to keep us away from the worst of it. Between you and Enright I’m sure you’ll get it done. Let’s move people." ordered Durand He went over to Enright, "My idea ... not my idea it was ... um Ensign Martins, in a way. He had people carry emitter arrays and used those to detect the lifesigns. The problem with Topaline is it interferes, mainly, with active sensors. You send a signal out it will distort, get in the way. Passive scanning is all about collecting data, we need to let the structures and radiation do the work for us." Basil knew that he wasn't teaching the ensign anything new - he was going through the process out loud for his own benefit, hoping to see any flaw or problem with his plan. "We still need something to help stimulate the readings hence the resonance ,it is just I am unsure what frequency is best to use" (Reply Enright, any) The remaining of the journey was swift as the Ensign set up the resonace frequency. It helped take Basil's mind from the mountains and the enclosing building of the processor plant. "Boudicca, this is Durand. We are moving inside the structure of the atmosphere processor. We will investigate and advise, standby for further information." With everything set they all entered. Enright started the passive scans and slowly the initial readings were coming in. There were already indications of low level radiation in the upper level coupled with something else which Basil wasn't sure of. They were probably too far from the source as their scans were not penetrating deep enough. Looking around they were in a large empty room, two exits either side of the room led off to the left and right. Looking down the right Basil could see it leading to a lift that led to the main areas of control and the reactor rooms. "Sir, there is a lift down the corridor here shall we head that way" (Reply Durand, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ******* (Jahdara III - Atmosphere Processing Plant - ACEO Ensign Anton Gesar - 1151.5) Anton was standing in the reactor room where the reactor had exploded. Sparks were still occasionally shooting out from several panels and on the walls and sealing where power conduits had exploded. Anton was thankful for the forethought of Starfleet regulations that insisted on not only packing first aid kits but sedatives within those kits. The odd ammonia smell in the control room had freaked Tarson out. He was becoming hysterical and Anton was forced to dig out the med kit and sedate him. It was then that he decided to investigate. He carefully navigated among the debris as he walked deeper into the room. In the middle of the room was the shell of the reactor. The reactor itself was behind a metal wall. The wall was very think and now looked very menacing looking as if some force had punched it's way out from behind it, which is exactly what happened when the reactor exploded. Large, sharp and spearhead like pieces were protruding outward like a dangerous reflection of the awesome power that brought them forth. The wall was not shielding. It was there for aesthetic purposes, it's thickness only meant to give a false sense of security. Hiding the large reactor behind it, out of sight and out of mind. Anton tore his eyes away from the wall and surveyed the room, finally spotting the body of the second CPO he had sent into this room to work on the reactor. He knew the man was dead but something drove him to approach. It only took an instant. He saw the body, then the face and the next thing he knew he was bent over, vomiting on the floor. ~No wonder Tarson is so freaked out,~ he thought when his body finally stopped pushing out whatever it was he had for breakfast that day. Collecting himself he dared another look. The initial shock gone his body did not react so violently, though this did not ease the mental shock at what he was seeing. He looked at the body and made the decision. At first he contemplated calling Trei for assistance, but looking at the vomit he had just deposited on the floor he decided not to. ~I would rather not give him the satisfaction.~ Anton took a deep breath, approached tho body and lifted it onto his shoulders. When he arrived at the control room he tried not to look in Trei's direction as he looked around for a place to put the body. Though Tarson was out, he had had enough shock for one day and Anton wanted to put the body where he may not see it. Choosing a dark spot not far from the lift he made his way in that direction. He tried to be very careful as he lowered the body. Strange that even knowing that he could just drop it and it would not matter to the man either way he laid him down as if he was merely asleep. He stood up and walked toward the lift control panel and just like last time he looked, it had no power. He had gone over every inch of the panel but could find no way to power it up. The oddest thing was that the damage was in no way related to what had happened here. There was no power routed to anywhere near where the panel was. This would mean that the only way to get the lift down to this level was to have someone up top send it down. A strange thing to do, result of design or poor workmanship. Either way it had them trapped down here, a poor thing to discover once you're down here. Anton hit the lift door with his fist as if it would miraculously route power to the door. For some reason he felt really tired, more winded from carrying the body than he felt he should have been, mind a little foggy. The air felt like it was getting thin as the ammonia smell, though very slowly, was beginning to get stronger. Anton sat on the ground and finally looked in Trei's direction and contemplated what might be going through his head as he seemed perfectly happy standing there leaning against the far wall. (Reply Trei iyw, Any) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ******* (Jahdara III - Processing Plant - NPC - CPO James Tarson - 1153) James opened his eyes. Looking around he tried to recall what had happened. Looking over to his left he still had to control the desire to jump back. He decided that perhaps the second time it was easier to see. The other CPO in the room with James was laying on his back, missing half his face. The first time James saw it as he turned the body it caused him to jump back, which caused the metal in his leg to move. The pain so intense it cause James to pass out. James looked over at the body again, concentrating on the chest area to avoid looking at the face. Reaching he took the comm badge. Taking a moment to breathe James tapped the badge. "This is Chief Petty Officer James Tarson, can anyone hear me?" (Reply Any) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ******* (Jahdara III – Atmosphere Processor – aCO Commander Durand – 1153) As they had moved forward, Durand listened to the technical discourse between Doctor Candle and Ensign Enright. "We still need something to help stimulate the readings hence the resonance ,it is just I am unsure what frequency is best to use" Enright paused a moment and fiddled with her tricorder as she considered the question. “We certainly don’t need anything overly complex Doctor… not like multimodal reflection sorting or anything of that nature. I think your application of Ensign Martin’s ideas should work well enough.” She paused again, tabbing in another complex sequence into the tricorder controls. “I’ve established a link between our tricorders. The ambient radiation… at least the dominant background ‘noise’ is near the microwave frequencies… approximately one hundred sixty gigahertz. I’ll perform my passive scans in that range, as that should be optimum for my engineering tricorder. If you’d select a disparate frequency, something up or down scale, we should be able to perform comparative passive analysis and get the data we need.” (Reply Candle, Any, Room for more iyw) Durand kept quiet as he led the party forward, lest he interrupt the train of thought of his two specialists. ~Let them do their work… they don’t need micromanaging!~ The away team members busied themselves with their individual tasks, and Durand played his handlamp around the huge chamber, looking for any signs of damage or activity. Quake damage seemed to be less severe here, due either to the distance from the evident epicenter of the event or to the overall bunker type heavy construction of the plant itself. There was less obvious damage, he was sure of it, but right now his concern was getting to the other away team and removing them from harm’s way as quickly as possible. He was craning his neck to look up at the high ceiling when Candle put the question to him. "Sir, there is a lift down the corridor here shall we head that way?" He replied without hesitation. “Dante went left Doctor… let’s go right and see where that lift goes. If this is a standard layout, it should go down to the reactor areas, and up to the upper maintenance access areas, with this level being about central between those.” (Reply Candle, Any) They party made their way quickly to the lift, finding the doors shut tight. Cursory examination of the panel found it to be devoid of power and non-functional. He gestured at the panel with his hand, and Enright moved up to it, scanning as she did so. “As it appears, sir, no power. The car appears to be stopped above us at the upper level. Odd though… I’m not reading any evident damage from either the quake or the explosion… there’s just no power to the system.” “Can you bypass?” “Absolutely sir… but there is no power anywhere near the system. I’ve got nothing to steal the energy from, and we didn’t bring any portable APUs that would do the trick. Sorry sir.” “We’ll do it the old fashioned way. Trigger the manual release for the doors, would you please Ensign?” Popping off a quick access panel, Enright did as requested and nodded at Durand to indicate that the task was done. She slid the thin blade of a multitool in the seal between the doors to give purchase, and with some effort parted the doors slightly. With just enough room to get their gloved fingers inside the space, they each took a door, and with audible and evident effort, they slid them apart, revealing the darkness of the empty shaftway. Gripping the edge of the door for purchase, Durand leaned into the shaftway and shined his handlamp first up, then down, playing the light slowly around. He leaned back in and turned to the rest of the group. “The lift car seems to be stopped at the upper level above us, maybe forty or fifty meters up. The safety brakes look to be engaged, so barring an aftershock or more explosions it won’t be dropping on our heads.” ~I hope!~ “That’s the good news. The not so good news is that the only thing between us and the reactor level is about a hundred meters of empty shaft. If anyone is prone to vertigo, I’d like to know now.” (Reply Any) As he had been talking, he slipped out of his backpack and was laying out and checking his climbing gear. He paused and looked up at the rest of the team. “I’ll rappel down the shaft and take a look. If our people are down there, I’ll belay the line and more of you can come down. I’ll need a volunteer to stay up here and monitor the anchor, as well as maintain communication with the ship, in case we need more help. Questions? Comments?” (Reply Any) He located a suitable spot in the floor and took the piton gun from his pack, driving an anchor spike into the duranium sheeting. He tested it – twice – to ensure it was holding then hooked the descent line to the anchor point, and that to the carabiner on his harness. After that, he tossed the free end of the tightly coiled line down the shaft, where it disappeared into the blackness. He checked everything one more time and then sat at the edge of the shaftway with his legs dangling down into the void. He picked a small disposable ‘glo-stick’ from his pack, activated it, and dropped it down. He watched it spin and flutter down then pulled his gaze away just as it appeared to touch bottom and create a barely discernable pool of light.. He smiled up at the assembled party. “Anyone that has a problem with heights… or the dark, for that matter… I suggest you don’t look.” With that, he rolled off the floor and into the shaft, dropping almost a meter before the slack was taken in the line. He grinned up at the party as he pushed off with his legs and dropped out of sight toward the tiny pool of light at the bottom of the shaft a hundred meters below. (Reply Any) (Posted by Russ) ******* (Jahdara III - Processing Plant - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1154) Detron looked at Gesar attend to Tarson and sedate him. Gesar was emitting various emotions such as fear and stoic spitefulness. Detron felt it was time to get moving so he walked over to Gesar. He bent down to get on eye level with Gesar. "You have every right to be angry, but it is time to act. You can wait for the rescue party to get us out or you can let me try to climb us out. I can carry you and Tarson out one at a time then we find the rescue party to get treated. It is your choice." (Reply Gesar) (Posted by Edward) ******* (Jahdara III - Processing Plant - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1155) Detron went out to find Jason Tarson who Gesar reported to leave his position. He found a blocked passage to a room he thought Tarson was working in. Detron kicked open the door with his Klingon strength and found Tarson lying on the floor. Detron told Tarson to be calm and picked him up to carry him out of the room. Detron carried Tarson out of the room and returned to the control room. Detron slowly lowered Tarson to the floor of the control room and tapped his badge. ^= Trei to Boudicca. We have injured officers here at the Processing Plant. Send medical help. Will hold position in the control room until help is received. Trei out. ^= Trei took a defensive position at the far wall. (Reply Gesar) (Posted by Edward) ******* (Jahdara III - Atmosphere Processing Plant - ACEO Ensign Anton Gesar - 1155.5) Having decided that sitting by the lift was solving nothing Anton decided to check on Tarson. He was kneeling down next to Tarson, running a scan with a medical tricorder. He had just completed a medical scan on Tarson and did not like what he saw. He himself was also feeling odd. More tired than he should, a headache was starting to develop as his breathing was becoming more difficult. He was waiting for the results of the scan of the room when he noted, out of the corner of his eye, Trei approach and bend down towards him. "You have every right to be angry, but it is time to act. You can wait for the rescue party to get us out or you can let me try to climb us out. I can carry you and Tarson out one at a time then we find the rescue party to get treated. It is your choice." "HAHAHA!!!," Anton simply could not contain himself. "I'd really love to see it. Seriously, I really would love to see you try to climb a lift shaft with no climbing gear while carrying someone on your back. Should be a snap, I mean it's only a hundred, hundred and fifty meters or so." Anton shook his head as he stood up. "How about the body? You plan on carrying him too, or were you just planning on leaving him here? I think, LIEUTENANT, that perhaps it is time to curtail this need to act all the time." Anton coughed, the air getting more toxic by the minute. "So far your need to act has caused a reactor explosion which resulted in a death of a crew member. Your second need to act was to rush into the reactor room. You did not bother to check to ask what kind of reactor it was and whether it would vent any type of hazardous gas as a result of an explosion. And now you would like to open a door to a lift shaft without knowing if it's contaminated with the tri-hydrazine that has slowly been leaking into the room. Perhaps you have noticed the growing smell of ammonia, breathing is a bit more difficult, maybe you're starting to get a strange headache? So I tell you what, SIR. My plan is to see if I can reroute power to the bio-filtered vent system in the room to vent out the gas. That way we are still alive when the rescue team the ship told us was already on the way gets here. If you want continue to just act randomly be my guest. Perhaps once you kill one crew mate it's easier to kill a few more." Anton turned to head toward the vent controls and immediately turned back toward Trei. "Oh and one more thing. If you lay a hand on me to carry me or for any other reason, be prepared to lose it." Anton turned and headed toward the vent power controls again. (Reply Trei) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ******* (Jahdara III – Atmosphere Processor – ACMO Basil Candle– 1156) “We certainly don’t need anything overly complex Doctor… not like multimodal reflection sorting or anything of that nature. I think your application of Ensign Martin’s ideas should work well enough.” She paused again, tabbing in another complex sequence into the tricorder controls. “I’ve established a link between our tricorders. The ambient radiation… at least the dominant background ‘noise’ is near the microwave frequencies… approximately one hundred sixty gigahertz. I’ll perform my passive scans in that range, as that should be optimum for my engineering tricorder. If you’d select a disparate frequency, something up or down scale, we should be able to perform comparative passive analysis and get the data we need.” “I’ll try something on the lower levels” Basil said fiddling with his tricorder, “we would get a lot of that frequency and whatever is left should give us a much clearer picture of what we are dealing with“ ~At least I hope it will~ He replied without hesitation. “Dante went left Doctor… let’s go right and see where that lift goes. If this is a standard layout, it should go down to the reactor areas, and up to the upper maintenance access areas, with this level being about central between those.” ~ Dante? who in all of hell’s depths is Dante?~ thought Basil unsure if Durand was referring to some unknown, to Basil at least, crewmember. Heading to the lift Basil fought his usual ability t think things through out loud. “The structure here seems intact so doubt it was near to the epicentre of the quake, if quake it was. Where are the aftershocks? This should be part of our concerns, frequent aftershocks yet in all the time we have been here nothing. Okay, Basil if not a quake then what? Over mining. It can cause the effects of a quake and may explain the damage but not the people. Where is everyone? Trapped in the mine What everyone? Come on where’s administrators, engineers, the ancillary people its as if they have vanished. Or kidnapped or just left? Either way it would indicate there is something here to take or keep quiet about. Yes and what about the ….no power to the system?~ Basil was shaken from his thought processes by Enright’s observations. “Can you bypass?” said the ACO “Absolutely sir… but there is no power anywhere near the system. I’ve got nothing to steal the energy from, and we didn’t bring any portable APUs that would do the trick. Sorry sir.” “We’ll do it the old fashioned way. Trigger the manual release for the doors, would you please Ensign?” ~That’s weird – why would there be no power to the lift, almost as if access was prevented for some reason.~ Again he was getting a strange sense about this place, more than his usual planetary feelings. Pieces that should fit together had rougher edges or were missing a part, it just didn’t fit. ~Anyway if this was an attack then its an elaborate one, you would have to place explosives at stress points, powerful ones too. But again why? Sabotage? Revenge? Cover up? Its almost as if … well the Durand doing?” He was leaning into the shaft, shining his hand lamp up and down. The shadows flickered back into the gloom, hiding away from the trespassers with their brutal light. “The lift car seems to be stopped at the upper level above us, maybe forty or fifty meters up. The safety brakes look to be engaged, so barring an aftershock or more explosions it won’t be dropping on our heads.” ~Above us? ~ “That’s the good news. The not so good news is that the only thing between us and the reactor level is about a hundred meters of empty shaft. If anyone is prone to vertigo, I’d like to know now.” ~I’m prone to not getting into dark tight spaces if I can help it.~ Basil said, “No” and regretted it straightaway as climbing gear was being laid out and checked. “I’ll rappel down the shaft and take a look. If our people are down there, I’ll belay the line and more of you can come down. I’ll need a volunteer to stay up here and monitor the anchor, as well as maintain communication with the ship, in case we need more help. Questions? Comments?” Basil was going to volunteer to stay but he thought about why he was here. “You’ll need me down there. If all out crew are injured they could possible need immediate medical help.” (Reply Durand, Enright) The commander withdrew a gun-like weapon from his pack and fired it into some duranium sheeting. There was a sharp protruding piece of metal affixed into the sheeting which was tested then a line was hooked onto it Then the other end of the line was thrown into the darkness. As the Commander sat at the edge of the shaft, legs dangling down into the void, Basil checked his readings again. “Anyone that has a problem with heights… or the dark, for that matter… I suggest you don’t look.” ~Height is never a problem, it’s the fact that once you are falling you hit something. Not like space at all, there you have a better chance of just floating to your death not splatting~ With that, he jumped or fell or whatever the technical term was, Basil carried on checking the readings and realised, probably with the shaft open, what the readings were telling him. He contacted the Commander hoping their communication devices will not be affected, “Sir, we have a big problem. There are growing levels of Tri-Hydrazine coming from the area below. If we don’t hurry and get them away from the source within the next half hour they will be dead, ” (Reply Durand, Any) “Enright is there anyway we can get a transport lock down there – anyway to boost the signal if we have to quickly get them out there?” (Reply Enright) Basil looked down into the chasm of the lift shaft, “How is everything down there Sir? Is it clear?” (Posted by Durand, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ******* (Jahdara III - Main Mine Shaft - CPO - Med Tech Simon Kawalski - Day 2 - 1157) What Kawalski thought was the bottom of the shaft turned out to be a blockage. Part of the lift shaft had fallen in on itself and had blocked the shaft half way down. He radioed back up to the rest of his squad requesting that all the transporter enhancers be passed down to him, since this was hopefully the one safe way to clear this shaft without having any debris fall down on top of any survivors. As the enhancers were passed down to him he began to attach them to various bits of debris and once this was done he contacted the ship. "Kawalski to Boudicca. Can you lock on to the enhancers nearest my signal and beam them out. I'm trying to clear a blockage in the main mine shaft and I think that this is the quickest way" (Reply anyone on the Bridge) Seeing finally a clear route through the blockage Simon squirmed his way though and began to work his way down the rope, calling out every fifty feet or so. "Hello down below. Is anyone alive down there?" (Reply any) (Posted by Marilyn) ******* (Jahdara III - Mine Shaft 4 - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 1158) Finally Josh and her team made it to the head of Mine Shaft 4 and began laying out their gear and checking it With the ease of long practice Josh checked everything over and once happy, slipped into her harness. Looking around she checked various structures for their strength to see which ones could be used as belaying points. She identified four or five and pointed them out to the rest of the team, happy to see that they did not simply take her word for it but checked them out themselves. Attaching her rope to her chosen point she secured her harness to the rope and crossing over to the shaft got down on her stomach and leaning over the shaft shone her wrist torch down it. Her torch did indeed light up the shaft for a long way down, but what it lit up was a large amount of twisted metal protruding here and there from various points. She sighed, got to her feet and began addressing her team. "Ok, there is a lot of debris and twisted metal down there but it looks like there is a way through. Unfortunately we cannot simply rappel down, we are going to have to climb. Everyone secure yourself to a different belaying point. I would rather not put too much stress on anything here. Johnstone, T'val and Kingson, I want you three to stay on the surface and keep an eye on our belaying points at present. Once we start bringing casualties up I want Johnstone and T'val to start ferrying them to the Triage Centre. Kingson, your job is to make sure that our belaying points are secure." "Unfortunately it looks like we will be unable to carry stretchers down with us so load up with extra rope and make sure that your triage kits are attached securely. We will go down at ten metre intervals. I will go first and the rest of you can follow me down. Everyone keep your comm channels open since although I will be the first to find any casualties, I will not be able to bring them up without causing a bottleneck, so, the last person down retrieves the first casualty. I want all of you to be aware of where you are in the line so that you know when it is your turn to retrieve the next casualty. Have I made myself clear on everything? Anyone who doesn't understand anything sing out now please." Getting a nod from the rest of her team Josh took a deep breath. "Ok boys and girls, lets go do this." Lying down flat she shone her torch around the opening again playing it around the top of the shaft. Finally nodding to herself she lowered herself slowly over the edge and using the handholds she had found she lowered herself down a foot or so. It took Josh a while feeling around with her feet to secure herself but eventually she found a couple of footholds and taking a can of fluorescent spray paint she quickly dabbed a touch on the hand and footholds she had used so that it would be easier for the people behind her. Doing the same thing every foot or so, Josh made her way down the shaft. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Marilyn) ******* (Jahdara III - Processing Plant - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1158) Detron heard Gesar berate him on his suggestions and raised his eyebrows to the level of anger being vented toward him. It was his nature to act on instinct and use his strength to get out of tight spots. Perhaps Gesar was right this time and it was prudent not to act. Detron responded. "Very well. We will wait but know this. Any attempt to bash me with malicious intent will be considered an attack on my honor. You don't want to go down that road. Now if you wish to perform the Klingon Death Rite to honor those dead, You let me know." Detron went back to his post. ~My Gesar. You have to control that temper or you will be dead. Reminds me of some Klingons.~ (Reply Gesar) (Posted by Edward) ******* (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aFO/CCOUNS/CDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1200) Just a few minutes previously, Durand had contacted the ship to inform them that the rescue party was about to move into the structure of the atmosphere processor. He had told them that they would investigate and advise, and the ship was to standby for further information. ManyHorses had acknowledged the message and hoped it would not be too long before he got more information and hopefully some good news. There was nothing he hated more that the tediousness of waiting and not knowing exactly what was happening. He glanced at the chronometer and noted it was high noon; no wonder his stomach thought his throat was cut, he hadn't eaten or drank anything since he'd had breakfast six hours ago. ~ And no doubt the same applies for the rest of the bridge crew. ~ He thought, making up his mind to do something about it. He tapped his commbadge. "ManyHorses to Arania.... I was hoping that you could rustle up some sandwiches and beverages for the bridge crew. It looks as if we won't be able to leave our posts any time soon. Nothing fancy required." The response from Arania was immediate and there was almost a tone of relief in her voice, perhaps she'd been bored and this was a welcome diversion. =/\= Of course, Commander. Please, for how many is the food required? =/\= "Make enough for nine healthy appetites, I think that will be plenty, and thank you!" Jerome concluded. =/\= As you wish! It will be brought very soon, Commander, farew... =/\= The accented voice of the bar manager was cut off as she severed the comm link. (reply any) (posted by Sal) ******* (Jahdara III – Atmosphere Processor – aCO Commander Durand – 1202) A hundred meter rappel would ordinarily be a rapid and routine descent, but this was neither. He was descending virtually blind. As he slowly lowered himself, the interference from the topaline, or perhaps radioactive contamination, became progressively worse. He was barely a third of the way down when Doctor Candle sent his message. =^=Sir, we have a big problem. There are growing levels of Tri-Hydrazine coming from the area below. If we don’t hurry and get them away from the source within the next half hour they will be dead.=^=” The communication was slightly distorted but readable. He switched over to direct mode, bypassing the ship entirely, sending his reply straight to Candle’s comm badge. “Alright Doctor, that changes our rescue plan. Minimum personnel exposure, in and out as fast as we can. I’m reading building levels of trihydrazine as well. I’ll expedite my descent. Update the ship on our status please; I’m continuing my descent.” (Reply Candle, Any) Meanwhile at the main level outside the shaft doors, Enright was continuing to monitor the Commander’s progress as best she could. “Enright is there anyway we can get a transport lock down there – anyway to boost the signal if we have to quickly get them out there?” She smiled at the Doctor as she replied. “I’m afraid the Commander thought of that already. He has two sets of pattern enhancers in his pack… one to set at the base of the shaft, and another as a spare in case he finds a need for it.” She paused a second, then continued. “I get a funny feeling that he might have done this or something like it before,” she finished with a light chuckle. She needed it. The tension was getting pretty thick as they waited. (Reply Candle iyw, Any) Shortly afterwards, she watched Candle lean in to the shaft doors and peer downwards. “How is everything down there Sir? Is it clear?” Durand mistimed his landing slightly, and instead of the very light touchdown he was planning he took a fair shock, but nothing he couldn’t handle. He took a breath to shake it off. “That depends on your definition of ‘clear’ Doctor. There is no debris or anything in the shaftway, I’m at the bottom. Getting trace readings of trihydrazine here, it must be weeping through the door seals. Also getting life readings in the chamber beyond. Readings are indistinct, but there seems to be three distinct, one weaker than the other two. Stand by a moment, let me belay this line.” He unclipped from his climbing rig and secured the free end of the line so that the others could descend more easily and rapidly. He then set out two more of the glo-sticks to give the others a better lit target. “Ready when you are Doctor. Send an engineer down, and we’ll need your services also. I will wait on releasing the doors until you two are down safely.” (Reply Candle, Any) Durand proceeded to set up the first trio of pattern enhancers, which, with luck, would also double as an effective communication relay. When that was done, he turned back to the inside of the shaft doors. Taking a piton from his gear, he wrapped it sharply against the doors, hoping the noise would carry through and attract attention. He raised his voice to a near shout. “On the other side of the doors! Durand and company! We are setting up to get these doors open so we can get you out! Make some noise if you are able!” (Reply Any) (Posted by Russ) ******* (Jahdara III – Atmosphere Processor – ACMO Basil Candle – 1203) =^=Alright Doctor, that changes our rescue plan. Minimum personnel exposure, in and out as fast as we can. I’m reading building levels of trihydrazine as well. I’ll expedite my descent. Update the ship on our status please; I’m continuing my descent.=^= Basil had to really strain to hear some of it - communication was going to be bad. “Will do sir” He thought about maybe asking the ensign about trying to sort out the communication somehow whilst he was listening to the reply from the Ensign about the transporters “I’m afraid the Commander thought of that already. He has two sets of pattern enhancers in his pack… one to set at the base of the shaft, and another as a spare in case he finds a need for it.” She paused “I get a funny feeling that he might have done this or something like it before,” she chuckled Basil tapped his communicator again, “Dr Candle to Boudicca, the commander is attempting to get to the crew by rappelling down the only available option, a lift shaft. Unfortunately the levels of TriHydrazine have reached such levels that if we don’t get out there soon it will be lethal to them. There may be a need to transport them swiftly out there if that is possible. Inform Dr Caskie in sickbay that she may be getting severe radiation poisoning,” (Reply Boudicca, Any) Basil acknowledged the Boudicca’s response and turned off the communication to the ship. He decided he needed to check the lift shaft when the Commander replied, =^=Crackle … depends on your …… ‘clear’ Doctor. debris or anything in , I’m at the bottom. ,crackle> trihydrazine here, weeping . ….. getting life readings I. …… indistinct, but …. one weaker than … two. Stand by ….. belay this line.=^= “Ensign is there anything you can do about that interference?” (Reply Enright) The next communication seemed to indicate that the commander was ready for the next person. Gearing himself up as best he can he grabbed the rope the commander had set up and began to climb down. Before his head went below the level of the floor of the shaft he looked up at the Ensign, “Are you going to follow close behind?” (Reply Enright, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ******* (Jahdara III - Atmosphere Processing Plant - ACEO Ensign Anton Gesar - 1204) Anton was running another scan with the medical tricroder. The damage to the vent system had been severe but Anton was able to get some parts of it running. Unfortunately the tricorder has confirmed what he already suspected. The tri-hydrazine levels in the room had leveled out but were not going any lower than they already were. They were all starting to feel the effects as the headache was getting stronger, Anton was coughing a lot more often now. Though frustrating, he decided to shake off his earlier exchange with Trei. Anton could not understand how he could talk about Klingon honor and be so casual about causing the death of the CPO. There was nothing more that he could do. They did not have the equipment to climb out even though the medical tricorder did not detect any tri-hydrazine in the shaft, and they could not stay here too much longer. Just then he thought he heard a hard knocking coming from the lift side of the room. Anton walked toward the lift and up to the lift doors. "...and company! We are setting up to get these doors open so we can get you out! Make some noise if you are able!” The voice was pretty muffled but Anton was able to make out all of it. Anton grabbed the first heavy tool he could see and hit the door several times. "Be aware," Anton spoke between coughs, "room is... contaminated. Protective equipment will be...." he could not speak anymore as his lungs were burning and making it difficult to inhale. (Reply from Durand) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ******* (Jahdara III - Atmosphere Processing Plant - ACEO Ensign Anton Gesar - 1205) Anton was standing over the control panels still functioning looking over the readouts. Trei was still standing in a defensive position at the far wall having once again posted himself there after returning with Tarson. James was laying down on a cleared tool table on the other side of the room and appeared to be stable at the moment. They were able to stop the bleeding from his leg, but did not pull the metal shard from his leg. He paused for a moment, his mind in turmoil. At this point he just wanted to walk over to Trei and deck him in the face. He didn't care that he was a Lieutenant or that he was Klingon. His impatience resulted in the death of one of his men. The look on Tarson's face when asked about the other CPO told Anton all he needed to know. "How... how long has it been?" James spoke up. "About twenty five minutes." Anton looked over form the panels. "What's taking them so long?" "The reactor waste containers were already damaged when we arrived. It seems that the reactor explosion damaged them further and are leaking a lot more radiation. They likely had to get into environment suits to even attempt to get down here, which will slow them down even more. Don't worry, they'll get here in time to save that dancing leg of yours." Anton tried sounding as positive as he could. The Atmosphere Processing Plant was built inside a small valley surrounded by mountains on three of it's four sides. Though on the surface it appeared as a small two story structure, but underground it was a vast web of tunnels and pipes. This was a well run operation and whoever was in charge cared about the miner safety. Rather than handing out personal atmosphere filters and telling them it's safe, the Plant recycles the air in the mines to make sure that it is clean of hazardous materials. It occurred to Anton as odd that the control room would be one level below ground rather than up top. If the lift systems were damaged as a result of all that's happened it would slow down the rescue team even more. Unfortunately the panels in front of him were only designed to monitor the lower levels. The top side communication and status panel was the one that blew up in his face and was beyond repair, so he had no way of knowing the status of the lift system. Unable to get any more useful information out of the panels he stepped away from them. He turned and walked over to check on James. "Hold on James, help is on it's way." "I know sir. I'm trying." There was a moment of silence. "Sir?" "Yes James?" "I think my injury is getting worse sir." "What makes you say that?" "I think I'm starting to smell ammonia. What does that mean sir?" (Reply Trei iyw, Any) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ******* (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aFO/CCOUNS/CDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1205) A report came through from Durand's team that there was a big problem. Apparently the levels of Tri-Hydrazine was growing dangerously high deep in the shaft they were attempting their rescue, and time was quickly running out for the people trapped. ManyHorses was becoming very concerned for the ship's crew on the planet and ordered the transporters to be on hot standby should the opportunity arise that the endangered crew and miners could be beamed away from the contaminated area. He told Dr. Candle who had reported the problem, that he was to keep him apprised of the situation frequently. (reply Any) (Posted by Sal) ******* (Jahdara III - Atmosphere Processor - aCO Commander Durand - 1206) Durand looked again up the shaft, trying to gauge the progress of the engineer and doctor who were on their descent. Just a moment after he had shouted to the other side of the closed doors, there was a heavy clang -- several, actually -- from the other side, then came a muffled voice. It was distorted by the closed doors, but clear enough to be understood. It certainly sounded like a man in dire straights indeed. The voice, he believed, belonged to Ensign Gesar, the engineer. Durand briefly wondered if he had been hurt by the explosion, or was suffering the effects of trihydrazine exposure. In the final analysis it didn’t matter. Boudicca personnel were trapped, and they had to be gotten out. Now. He decided he couldn’t wait any longer... or rather, they couldn’t. He quickly considered his options. The fastest and easiest way would be to disintegrate or cut the doors open with his phaser, but he dismissed that as too dangerous. He had no idea how the trihydrazine laden atmosphere on the other side would react to something as energetic as a phaser shot, and the last thing he wanted to do was exacerbate the problem. After transmitting a request for the pair coming down the shaft to expedite their descent, he searched for a manual release to the doors. He was unable to locate one on the inside of the shaft. He would have to try forcing the doors against the resistance of the unpowered motors that normally actuated them. With effort, he managed to wedge a multitool from his pack into the door seals. With a mighty effort, they budged... ever so slightly. He took a moment to focus, and took a few deep breaths. Again, he put all the leverage he could on the tool, and the doors parted slightly... but not nearly enough. (Reply Trei, Gesar, Candle, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******* (USS Boudicca – Bridge – AOPS Lt(jg) Roberts – 1206) Doug emerged from the turbolift onto the bridge just in time to catch the report from the surface by Doctor Candle, and the order from the aFO regarding the transporters. He had quickly and quietly made his way to the OPS console in the forward portion of the bridge during the exchange and relieved the officer who had taken Roberts’ position earlier. Rapidly calling up his preconfigured control layout, he finished performing the task that the Commander had ordered. “Sir, both transporter rooms one and two have been alerted, and are standing by, along with the medical emergency transporters in sickbay. Cargo transporters are also active beaming replicated supplies and equipment to the surface as needed.” (Reply ManyHorses, Any) Roberts turned back to his console and continued monitoring the multiple system displays he had selected, switching out one or two every few seconds to provide supplemental or additional information. He was really just overseeing the functions that the ship’s computer routinely supervised, and monitoring the mission critical systems at the same time. He scanned the instruments diligently, looking for any abnormalities or changes in the current situation. Just such a thing triggered an alert display as he was cycling through. He tabbed in a command inquiry, prompting the computers to further elucidate. He took another few seconds to confirm the readings before turning once again to face ManyHorses. “Sir, a set of transporter pattern enhancers has been activated below… or rather, inside the atmosphere processor substructure. There is considerable interference… however…” he worked the controls to refine several parameters, and then went on. “The signal is located just over one hundred meters beneath the surrounding terrain, which would put them just outside one of the reactor control rooms. They appear to be in or near the base of a lift shaft. Two way signal established Commander… we should be able to achieve a clean transporter lock within bounds of the target area as long as the enhancers remain active. Provided no additional interference crops up of course. Also sir, if our people below ground think of it, those pattern enhancers can be configured to act as a rudimentary comm. relay. That has to be done locally however, I can’t initiate it from here.” (Reply ManyHorses, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******* (Jahdara III - Atmosphere Processing Plant - ACEO Ensign Anton Gesar - 1207) Anton was sitting down by the lift with his ear on one of the lift doors trying to hear what was going on on the other side. He could hear something, muffled voices, maybe, probably not even speaking to him at the moment. He was concentrating to see what else he might be able to hear when the business end of a multitool poked out, right in front of his eyes, wedged between the seals of the lift doors. Anton shuffled back a little as the doors moved apart a little. Then as the person on the other side made another push, it opened a little further. Anton scooted forward and from the sitting position grabbed onto the door closest to him with both hands while propping his foot on the opposite door. Mustering up all the strength he had left he started to pull with his hands and push with his leg at the same time. The doors opened more, not all the way, but enough for a person to be able to squeeze through. He looked through the opening. "One... more... time," he said to Durand as he tried to catch his breath. (Reply Durand) He moved into the opening, propping his back against one side and foot against the edge of the other. Concentrating he gave it another push and could not help letting a screm escape as the doors parted nearly the whole way. The rush of fresh air from the shaft felt incredible as it began to circulate and dissipate the toxic air inside the room. Anton looked out into the lift shaft where Durand was standing wearing a protective suit, the floor of the shaft lower than the control room which came up to Durand's waist. Anton stood up and extended his hand offering to help the Commander to get into the control room. (Reply Durand, Any in vicinity) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ******* (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aFO/CCOUNS/CDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1207) Commander ManyHorses concern level was rising rapidly as he listened to the reports from for the ship's crew on the planet. He immediately ordered the transporters to be on hot standby should the opportunity arise that the endangered crew and miners could be beamed away from the contaminated area and ordered Dr. Candle to keep him apprised of the away team's status. A movement at the turbolift caught Jerome's attention and he saw from the corner of his eye, a young officer move directly to the OPS console in the forward portion of the bridge to relieve the officer already there. “Sir." The young man said. "Both transporter rooms one and two have been alerted, and are standing by, along with the medical emergency transporters in sickbay. Cargo transporters are also active beaming replicated supplies and equipment to the surface as needed.” While he was being spoken too, Jerome's mind was rapidly sifting through the personnel data of the crew, at least the Operations department, and a picture of the young man's face zipped forefront together with his name and rank. ~ Roberts, Douglas! Lieutenant junior grade. ~ "Excellent, Lieutenant." ManyHorses gave praise where praise was due, finding that it elicited the furtherance of excellence in most cases. (Reply Any) Roberts turned back to his console and continued working silently on whatever was necessary to the efficient monitoring of the ship and whatever else was necessary, but soon he was addressing Jerome once more, turning to face ManyHorses. “Sir, a set of transporter pattern enhancers has been activated below… or rather, inside the atmosphere processor substructure. There is considerable interference… however…” he worked the controls and then went on. “The signal is located just over one hundred meters beneath the surrounding terrain, which would put them just outside one of the reactor control rooms. They appear to be in or near the base of a lift shaft. Two way signal established Commander… we should be able to achieve a clean transporter lock within bounds of the target area as long as the enhancers remain active. Provided no additional interference crops up of course. Also sir, if our people below ground think of it, those pattern enhancers can be configured to act as a rudimentary comm. relay. That has to be done locally however, I can’t initiate it from here.” "As soon as you can get a lock on anyone, I want them beamed up directly to one of the sick bays, starting with the main sick bay, Mister Roberts....make sure our medical team is informed of incoming casualties." (reply Roberts, Any) He was bypassing the medical teams on the planet surface, but ultimately the injured and sick crew would be tended to aboard ship, and Jerome was sure that the off-ship medical teams had plenty to do already, tending to the survivors. Feeling restless, Jerome got up and began to move from station to station, gently patting each of the bridge crew on the back and telling them they were doing an excellent job. (Reply Roberts, Any) (Posted by Sal) ******* (Jahdara III - Processing Plant - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1209) Detron leaned against the wall mildly feeling the effecrts of the radiation but would be in trouble soon. His Klingon makeup allowed for longer exposure before damage would incur. Detron saw Gesar work with whoever was outside the shaft doors open the door with great effort. Durand was on the other side taking with Gesar. Detron held position until something could be done to transport them out of there. Detron closed his eyes to breath in the fresh air from the shaft and conduct his Klingon damage control mental exercise. (Reply Gesar iyw) (Posted by Edward) ******* (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aFO/CCOUNS/CDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1210) The aCO and his team had been beamed as close as was safe for them without their suits on, as requested by Durand. In the main mine shaft, the rescue mission was still underway and so far there had been no complications with that undergoing. Jerome was feeling confident that despite the setbacks, the mission would be completed with minimum injuries or fatalities for the crew. He was offering a silent prayer of thanks to Manito when a call came through from the main shaft. =/\= Kawalski to Boudicca. Can you lock on to the enhancers nearest my signal and beam them out. I'm trying to clear a blockage in the main mine shaft and I think that this is the quickest way. =/\= ~ Kawalski, Kawalski? ~ ManyHorses mentally tried to call up the records of the man. ~ Ah yes, if I remember correctly, he's a Med Tech. He must be in charge of that specific SAR. ~ "Understood, Mister Kawalski, we can do that for you, please stand by." "Locked on to the enhancers, sir. Where do you want...." Jerome smiled and interrupted the officer's sentence. "Just beam them to the surface - far enough away from the settlement not to get in anyone's way, close enough so that the enhancers can be retrieved easily." "Aye, sir....Transporting now!....Transport completed." "ManyHorses to Kawalski, I trust that gave the desired results?" The response was affirmative and again ManyHorses smiled. He loved it when things went smoothly, although he did enjoy a challenge occasionally, but this was one of the times he wanted nothing more than for everything to go according to plan. (Reply Kawalski iyw, any, but none necessary) (Posted by Sal) ******** (Jahdara III - Atmosphere Processor – ACMO Basil Candle - 1211) = … fast as you possibly can =^= sparked from Basil’s communicator. Basil resisted the temptation to loosen his grip. He was very aware that doing so would cause severe burns on his hands but the temptation was there all the same. As best as he could he tried to speed up his descent with actually dropping down. Despite all his mental precautions he still managed to drop sharply a few times, mildly burning his hands. The sharp pain, after the second time he slipped the rope through his hands, he let go from the sharp pain. Luckily he was close to the bottom and all he did was make a inelegant landing with a ‘woof’ sound bursting from his lungs. Gathering his wits as quickly as he can and planning on getting out of the way of the descending Enright he called out, “Commander you there?” (Reply Durand) “Hearing the commander and other noises he followed the sound to see an opening, doors had been pulled open. Hearing voices from in there Basil approached, grabbing his tricorder. The indicators that the radiation was getting to highly dangerous levels prompted basil to say into the room, “Commander I think we may need to transport them out” (Reply Durand, any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ******* (USS Boudicca – Bridge – AOPS Lt(jg) Roberts – 1211) "As soon as you can get a lock on anyone, I want them beamed up directly to one of the sick bays, starting with the main sick bay, Mister Roberts....make sure our medical team is informed of incoming casualties." Roberts turned in his chair to face the Commander. “Sir, sensor readings are not what I would call ‘precise’. We may not be able to discriminate between the injured and non-injured, let alone pick out individuals.” As he was speaking, his hands played over the controls to make the notification to the ships’ medical department. He paused for a moment, wondering if he was pushing the Commander too far. Certainly that was not his intention; he merely wanted ManyHorses to be aware of the situation. After all, that was his responsibility, to make certain that the officers above him were kept well informed. “If we can’t get a positive lock sir, do you still want me to beam up anyone in the area of the pattern enhancers?” (Reply ManyHorses, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******* (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aFO/CCOUNS/CDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1212) Lieutenant Roberts turned to face ManyHorses and informed him that the sensor readings weren't precise and that they may not be able to discriminate between injured and non-injured or individuals. "...If we can't get a positive lock sir, do you still want me to beam up anyone in the area of the pattern enhancers?" The Commander thought it over. Things were getting more dangerous for the crewmembers and any survivors that were anywhere close to the radiation, but if they started beaming people aboard indiscriminatingly, then some medical personnel could be whisked away while giving aid, perhaps even in a life or death situation. "Stand by, Lieutenant. We will wait for more information from the rescue teams." (reply Roberts iyw, any) Time appeared to crawl by as Jerome waited for news from the rescue teams. It certainly was a good test of patience when one was left to man the ship, while all the action was happening down on the planet. ~He also serves who stands and waits.~ Jerome thought with amusement. ~Obviously a remark from someone who did a lot of that. ~ As if in answer to an unvoiced prayer, a status report finallycame through. =/\= Crewman D’Amato to Boudicca. Status report. The officers are in contact with the trapped away team members, they ask that you standby for medevac transport from their position. =/\= "Acknowledged Crewman, transporters are hot to trot, we are just waiting for the green light." (reply Roberts iyw, Any) (posted by Sal) ******* (Jahdara III - Processing Plant - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1212) Detron heard Durand ask if he was alright. Detron opened his eyes to see Enright and Durand attend to Gesar and Tarson. They also acted like he would have helped them if he wasn't hurt. The fact of the matter was he sustained some radiation damage but not enough that he was in serious trouble. Detron walked over to Durand and Gesar. "I will be alright. I was doing Klingon healing exercises to control the radiation damage. I would have helped to open the doors but Gesar seems to not want my help. It seems Gesar thinks of me as a murderer and has said it to my face as such. I acted to shut off a reactor which in turn sent a build up to an area that caused an explosion killing a member of the team. My intention was to shut down the reactor that is all. I suggested that I could carry us out one by one to the higher level. Gesar refused my help in this regard. That is my story. ~See how you like the spotlight now Gesar. Grinnnn.~ (Reply Durand, Gesar, others) (Posted by Edward) ******* (Jahdara III – Atmosphere Processor – aCO Commander Durand – 1217) Durand listened to the recounting of events by both Gesar and Trei with something akin to outright disbelief. ~Are am dealing with Starfleet Officers or children??? I have to assume they are under the effects of the trihydrazine… or perhaps radiation, or trauma from the explosion. There is *no way* they would be acting this way under normal circumstances, I’m sure of it…~ He put that aside for the moment. There would be time enough later to reconstruct the sequence of events. Right now, they had work to do. He started by asking where the rest of the team was located. "There were three others we sent to try and repair the Try-Hydrazine leak, but we have been unable to establish any sort of contact with them. The contamination in this room began after the explosion so I can only assume they were not able to do so. I can only assume that where they are the contamination is much greater and their chance of survival is much lower. And then there is the petty officer there," Anton pointed to the body next to the lift. Durand chastised himself for missing the obviously dead crewmember. He had been so intent on the survivors that he had overlooked the victim. “So you are not sure where they are then? The lower control level perhaps?” (Reply Gesar, Any) “I don’t think we should put much stock in the readings from the ship. They are doing their best to compensate but we will have a better opportunity to assess things from down here. Can anyone get any sort of readings from their tricorders?” (Reply Any) “Doctor, how soon can we get the injured out of here? I don’t want anyone exposed down here any longer than is absolutely necessary.” (Reply Candle) “Durand to D’Amato.” The scratchy but readable reply came immediately. “Go ahead sir.” “Inform the ship they should be able to beam our casualties out shortly.” “Aye sir.” (Reply All on away team, Boudicca, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******* (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aFO/CCOUNS/CDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 2 - 1220) As promised, lunch was brought personally by Arania with Cy Tudor tagging along to help hand out the individual thermal lunch containers. The two civilians parted company at the turbo lift, each taking opposite directions and working their way around the bridge, giving each crew member a pleasant smile and a few words of greeting before moving on to the next officer. It was Arania who personally handed Jerome his lunch, and he felt a little like a child at a picnic as he opened it up to find out what was inside. Not only had they made everyone sandwiches, but contained in a lidded bowl, was some hot soup that smelled wonderful. It set Jerome's taste buds watering in anticipation. Another small lidded box held some raw vegetables together with a dipping sauce. There was also a large sealed cup of cold, sparkling water. Jerome beamed at Arania and thanked her profusely. "We may be calling on your services again later if we're still here at supper time!" He stated half joking, and praying that he wouldn't be, but fully expecting that he would be. Arania gave him a little bow and a big smile, nodded and hurried over to Cy who was already on his way to the turbolift. (Reply Any) (Posted by Sal) ******* (Jahdara III - Main Mine Shaft - CPO - Med Tech Simon Kawalski - Day 2 - 1220) It had taken a long time but eventually Simon reached the bottom of the shaft, or what he hoped at least was the bottom of the shaft. Playing his palm torch around the area he realised that it was the crushed remains of the elevator car and easing himself inch by inch down, all the while keeping a firm grip on his rope he began settling his weight on it bit by bit all the while praying that it was indeed at the bottom of the shaft and not simply snagged on some outcrop. Eventually he took a deep breath and stood firmly on the top of the car. It stayed where it was, with no hint that it was likely to fall further. Letting out the breath he had been holding Simon played his torch over the top of the car and around the sides looking for a way down. Relaying back up to the people who were following him he told them what he had found and suggested that they wait and not put anymore weight on the car until he had investigated it and made sure that it was indeed secure and not simply hanging in the middle of the shaft. Getting an ok from his team he opened the top hatch and played his torch around the interior. The sharp tang of fresh blood hit him immediately quickly followed by the sight of something that looked like nothing more than a painting of Dante's idea of hell. Simon had seen a great deal of death in his time but this went way beyond what he had seen before. Sliding himself through the hatch and trying not to step only anyone he lowered himself into the car. He checked body after body, every single one of them dead. The bodies on top had died from severe trauma, no doubt due to them being riccoched around from the car plunging down the shaft. The bodies on the bottom of the pile would no doubt have suffered the same injuries. The ones in the middle would probably have suffocated. Squeezed between the bodies above and below them. He played his torch once more around the elevator and noticing that the doors were open he called out in the hope that someone still might be alive in the main shaft. "Hello down here. Is anyone still alive here. (Reply Grantham) Knowing that he was unlikely to get a reply he was just about to call the rest of his team down to do a search when he heard a whisper. The reply was so faint that at first Simon did not realise what it was but playing his torch round the elevator one final time he found one person who was still alive. Crossing to him he realised that he had been half thrown out of the car as it had stopped but his lower body had been trapped by the press of bodies half lying on top of him. Calling down the rest of his team, informing them of the casualty and telling them to be careful he started treating him. (Reply Grantham) (Posted by Marilyn) ******* (Jahdara III - Primary Mineshaft - Gamma Shift Supervisor Grantham - 1223) Time was crawling... and, leaping... at the same moment. He was spending more and more time in the twilight world of semi-consciousness as time crawled by. During his increasingly shorter and more infrequent lucid moments, the seconds seemed like hours as he waited for rescue that he now knew was not coming. ~Whatever happened... it hit topside too... must have done. Otherwise they would have got us out by now. That blasted Tellarite, whatever else he is... one tremendous mining engineer...~ Oh how he wished he had been able to hang on to the water container he had dropped ever so long ago! He was so very tired... no, thirsty... no... tired and thirsty. The darkness came again. He couldn’t tell how long this time, but he awoke -- as much as he was able -- to the sound of voices. ~Mind is going... playing tricks. No one is coming... no one is coming...~ The noises. Noise? Noises? Again. They became more distinct... he fought to hear them, to stay with them this time... stay in the light. The light! He could swear that he could see light. Beautiful, brilliant light. ~Is this the end, at last?~ The light moved. He blinked, heard voices and sounds again. He tried to speak... to answer a question he could barely understand. His throat, dry from hours of disuse, coupled with his injury, was barely up to the task. What should have been a shout of joy and deliverance instead was a strangled croak, barely more than a whimper. Evidently it was enough. The light grew closer and brighter. Then, a face. A blessed human face. Scarcely could he see it in the wash of light, but never had he seen such a glorious sight, not even of his beloved wife on their wedding day. With a superhuman effort, he spoke to the upside down face and light. (He was the one dangling but he had so long been that way it seemed perfectly normal, as though the stranger were inverted) “Back... legs... maybe broken. Numb. Help.... please.” Even that fragmented statement was a bare whisper. He hoped it would be loud enough, and understood. (Reply Kawalski, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******* (Jahdara III - Mine Shaft 4 - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 1225) It had taken Josh a long, long time to work her way down to the bottom of the mine shaft but eventually her feet touched ground and securing the belaying rope she unclipped herself and began looking around. Sweeping her torch around her she saw nothing, but following her training she closed her eyes for a few moments, turned off her torch and eventually opened her eyes again. The darkness wasn't as black as it had been beforehand and she could see the outline of a shaft leading off to her right. She hit her comm badge and informed everyone else that she was going to explore it and turning on her torch again began playing it around the entrance Walking a metre or so into the tunnel she stopped and called out. "Hello, is there anyone here? Suddenly a light flickered on in front of her and a voice called out. "Hello. Survivors here. Smiling Josh began walking towards the faint light and eventually reached a group of 20 or so survivors. Tapping her comm badge again she contacted the rest of here team. "I've found a large group of survivors. Get down here as soon as you can. Ensign Martin, I believe you are the last on the rope. Bring down as many pattern enhancers as you can carry please." (Reply Martin) (Posted by Marilyn) ******* (Jahdara III - ‘Bishop’s Landing’, Admin Building - Deputy Administrator Cole - 1225) Regina Cole had somehow managed to make the arduous trek back down the hill and the few kilometers to the center of the settlement. The town (just slightly more than a village, really) was named for one of the Federation surveyors who had made first planetfall, and later disappeared. No trace of him had ever been found. ~I wish I could disappear! But we have to get moving... doesn’t seem as though help is coming anytime soon...~ She had single handedly managed to lug the bulky emergency transmitter up to the high ground on the outskirts of the colony, and gotten out a single burst distress signal from the badly damaged transmitter. It had failed after the initial burst, and despite her best efforts she had not been able to repair it. There was, therefore, no way for her to know if anyone had received the message, or if help was on the way or not. Here she was, spared by happenstance. She had been having trouble sleeping, and was walking in the empty courtyard of the admin building when the quake -- or whatever it had been -- struck. She had been spared initially, only to suffer the horror of watching so many others perish. After making it back from the transmitter site, she had headed for the mine supply staging area, hoping to find someone alive that might help her search for and rescue survivors. She had found, to her dismay, that both the second and third mining shifts were underground, or on their way to or from the working galleries. Almost as bad, the equipment staging building had collapsed, preventing her from getting any sort of rescue gear or heavy equipment. So, she had made her way back to the admin area. She could hear a few weak cries from within the piles of rubble that had been buildings, and each sound tore at hear heart like a ragged blade. Her hands bled, as she was kneeling in the rubble near what should have been a doorway. She scratched and clawed with her bare hands, moving whatever rubble she could. She had moved an amazing amount of debris so far, considering. There was so much more to do, and she knew time was short. ~I only hope someone got that signal!~ (Reply Any, None) (Posted by Russ) =================================================================== =================================================================== E N D T R A N S M I S S I O N =================================================================== ===================================================================