~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: Scions Stardate(s): 2407.01.13 - 17 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List of Headers: (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Capt Sevant - 1057) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Major Drizzt - 1550) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 0800) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Stolev - Day 1 - 0800) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Capt Sevant - 0900) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - TAC/SC Stolev - 0900) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Major Drizzt - 0905) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - CSO- Dr. madison Munroe- 0901) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - ACEO Enaj - 0902) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room -FO-Lt Trevan West- 0902) (USS Boudicca, Conference Room, MCO, Major Eva Straton, 0904) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Capt Sevant - 0910) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - TAC/SC Lt. Stolev - Day 1 - 0911) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Commander Trevan West - 0911) (USS Boudicca, Conference Room, MCO, Major Eva Straton, 0913) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Dr. Madison Munroe - 0920) (USS Boudicca, Hallway, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 0924) (USS Boudicca - Hallway - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - 0924) (USS Boudicca, Hallway, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 0926) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Capt Sevant - 1115) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Capt Sevant - 1119) (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay - Capt Sevant - 1125) (USS Boudicca, Hallway, MCO & TAC\SC, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton & Lt. Cmndr Stolev, 1756) (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - MCO Lt. Col. Eva Straton & TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - 1805) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 0955) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Commander Trevan West - 0956) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant & Lt Maddie - 1020) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt Cmdr Stolev - Day 3 - 1020) (USS Boudicca, MCO's Office, MCO, Lt. Colonel Straton, Day 3 - 1022) (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room One - TAC/SC Lt Cmdr Stolev - Day 3 - 1030) (USS Boudicca, Transporter Room One, MCO, Lt Colonel Straton, Day 3, 1032) (Velorum IV, Landing Site, MCO, Lt Colonel Straton, Day 3 - 1036) (Velorum IV - Landing Site - TAC/SC Lt Cmdr Stolev - Day 3 - 1035) (Velorum IV - Hillside Ledge - Security Senior Chief Melody Haverstaad - 1048) (Velorum IV - Hillside Ledge - TAC/SC Lt Cmdr Stolev - Day 3 - 1057) (Velorum IV, Hillside Ledge, MCO, Lt Colonel Straton, Day 3, 1057) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 1100) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Dr. Madison Munroe - 1105) (Planet Velorum IV- Hillside Ledge -Dr. Madison Munroe - 1115) (Planet Velorum IV- Deep in the forest-Dr. Madison Munroe- 1130) (Planet Velorum IV - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 1140) (USS Boudicca, FO Office, Commander Trevan West, 1200) (Planet Velorum IV, Deep Woods, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 1306) (Planet Velorum IV- Commander Trevan West - 1400) (Planet Velorum IV - Security Senior Chief Melody Haverstaad - 1402) (Planet Velorum IV - Commander Trevan West- 1403) (Velorum IV - Hillside Ledge - Spider Drizzt - Day 3 - 1510) (Planet Velorum IV- Base Camp - Counsellor, Dr. Domini Alizara- 1530) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 1536) (Velorum IV - Base Camp - Capt Sevant - 1620) (Planet Velorum IV- Deep in the forest-Dr. Madison Munroe- 1630) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - Day 3 - 1635) (Planet Velorum IV- Deep in the forest- Major Drizzt - 1637) (Planet Velorum IV- Base Camp -Dr. Madison Munroe- 1638) (Planet Velorum IV, Commander Trevan West, 1640) (Planet Velorum IV- Base Camp -Dr. Madison Munroe- 1640) (Planet Velorum IV - Forest - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - Day 3 - 1645) (Planet Velorum IV, Forest, Commander Trevan West, 1700) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - Drizzt - 1718) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - TAC/SC Stolev - 1719) (Runabout Drago - Command Center, Lt(sg) Walker Isengard - Drizzt - 1725) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - Captain Sevant - 1726) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 1726) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 1726) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - Capt Sevant - 1727) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 1728) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - Maddie & The Villagers - 1728) (Runabout Drago - Command Center, Lt(sg) Walker Isengard - 1729) (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp - Capt Sevant - 1729) (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 1733) (Planet Velorum IV= - Base Camp - Major Drizzt - 1734) (Planet Velorum IV- Base Camp -Dr. Madison Munroe- 1735) (Planet Velorum IV - Runabout Drago - Capt Sevant - 1737) (Planet Velorum IV - Runabout Drago - 3O/TAC/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 1740) (Planet Velorum IV - Runabout Drago - Capt Sevant - 1740) (Andoria - City of She'nah Hoorn, Control Center - ASD Commander Torval Reen - 1940, Day 1) (Andoria - City of She'nah Hoorn, The ruins - ASD Commander Torval Reen - 1120, Day 7) (Andoria - City of She'nah Hoorn, The ruins - ASD Commander Torval Reen - 51240, Day 10) (Andoria - She'nah Hoorn, Culture Center - ASD Commander Torval Reen - 0605, day 14) (Andoria - City of She'nah Hoorn, 1 block south of the Culture Center - Suvven D'nall - 0610, day 14) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Start of Compile ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: Scions, Day -2 Stardate: 2407.01.13 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Capt Sevant - 1057) ==================================== The screen shut down, leaving Sevant starting at the blank screen. The Captain fell back into his chair with a neutral expression on his face as he considered the implications of what Lee had said. He considered the situation for long minutes, and then shook his head. "Later." He said quietly to himself. "We'll discuss this later." He didn't know exactly how he was going to handle everything, he had a couple days to work out some plans and tell the crew. For now, it would be status-quo. He turned back to the screen again and looked at the results of last nights scanning. They were scanning a debris field on the edge of friendly space for listening devices. It was made difficult by high-radiation; they would probably be spending several days here. That was enough for the crew to keep busy and recovering after the tough recovery. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Major Drizzt - 1550) ==================================== "ALL HANDS ON DECK, fall out for review!" The Andorian put his hands behind his back as the squads on duty fell into parade formation for review. He kept a mental count, and stopped at 27 seconds when the final man had dropped what he was doing and made it into loose formation. "TEEEEEEN SHUN!" As one, the men came to full formal attention. The Marine took a breath and started slowly walking down the line. He took note of every face, occasionally pausing to give a small order about someone's personal appearance. One needed a shave, another to get a new uniform, and yet another needed to launder his uniform to get the creases out. Being a Marine wasn't easy, cleanliness and presentation had been drilled into the Corps since time immaterial. He came to the end of the first line, immediately turned on his heel for a couple steps, and then started down the second row. He wasn't badly disappointed, there was no-more and no-less then the average he found on review. The Marines were still in high-spirits after the successful incursion into enemy territory and the positive conclusion to the mission, even with the loss of comrades. Marines expected to loose friends, as long as the mission was worth-while and successful. Which it was, and had been. "Cmp'ny, Dismissed." He bellowed, leaving the men to pursue what they had been doing... or to fix up what he'd ordered them to fix up before the shift ended in a few minutes. He crossed his arms behind him as the relief shift of Marines stepped in for the afternoon shift, leaving the morning shift free for leisure. He waited until he was sure the shift was in place, half in BDU, and then turned for the exit. He had nothing that needed doing today, and the helldecks had already been filtered out for other squad-CO's to use for squad-level training. His afternoon and night, therefore, was his to use and abuse. So, like any good arch-typical Marine, he made his way for the bar. Ten-forward was almost like a second home now; he'd spent a lot of time there with his victorious forces in celebration and mourning of those lost. He wouldn't be alone there, even if it wasn't quite how he wanted to spend a night. A short time later found him in a corner, quietly drinking and watching people go in and out. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: Scions 2407.01.15 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 0800) ==================================== Sevant looked at the chronometer and muttered lightly to himself. Half a second later he said, "All hands, begin day watch." He sat in his seat just as the lights came up several lumens, indicating the start of Day Watch. The bridge crew rotated with perfect synchronization. This was standard stuff, done every day at least twice. The Vulcan folded his legs together and sat back in the chair, looking over reports and fuel consumption logs. Even in a ship of war, during wartime, there were reports to be looked over. Better then three-quarters of his paperwork had been abolished, and the Yeoman handled almost everything else. But whatever impacted the fighting trim of his ship always got his chop. Ten minutes later, with Sevant still looking at the reports, the officer at tactical suddenly said. "Sir, Klingon Bird-of-Prey decloaking on the starboard-bow!" Sevant looked up, his original orders for shields dying still-born on his lips as he realized the ships nationality. "We're receiving a hail." "Answer it." Sevant said as he put the reports aside and stood. The screen switched quickly from the starfield and asteroid belt they were scanning for listening devices into the bridge-interior of a Bird-of-Prey. A rough-looking Klingon was sitting forward in his command seat, looking all the world like a Sovereign on his throne. "This is the Imperial Klingon ship K'Va, reporting for Orders." A pregnant paused followed, "Commodore." The speech was just dry enough to suggest that he was speaking Klingon, and that the universal translator was picking up the thread. Sevant clasped his hands behind his back, "We're gathering the fleet, Captain." He said evenly. "This is the perfect opportunity for other ships to sneak in. Patrol this area and check every vessel entering against the manifest you've received for the task-force." The Klingon jerked his head and barked something, and the screen immediately reverted to the starscape. Sevant turned on his heel to look at the bridge-crew, a couple of which were looking at him in complete confusion. "Attention to stations." He barked. He waited until everyone's attention was back on their jobs, and then said, "Sevant to all senior officers, Officers conference in conference room one at 0900 hours, no exceptions." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Stolev - Day 1 - 0800) ==================================== Stolev walked onto the bridge, PADD in one hand and steaming cup of coffee in the other, as he heard Sevant announce, "All hands, begin day watch." The lights slowly brightened as Stolev made his way to the tactical console and relieved the third-shift officer there. After doing a quick status check at the main station, he turned to the secondary console and sat down. One of these days he hoped he would understand why Starfleet insisted on providing a chair for every console on the bridge except for tactical. He had just pulled up the duty roster and was pondering juggling a few assignments when several alerts on his console started flashing. He jumped up and logged back into the primary station. "Sir, Klingon Bird-of-Prey decloaking on the starboard bow!" he announced. NRPG: Cue Dr. Demento. RPG: Another light flashed, indicating incoming communications. "We're receiving a hail," reported Stolev. "Answer it." Sevant said as he put the reports aside and stood. The screen switched quickly from the starfield and asteroid belt they were scanning for listening devices into the bridge-interior of a Bird-of-Prey. A rough-looking Klingon was sitting forward in his command seat, looking all the world like a Sovereign on his throne. "This is the Imperial Klingon ship K'Va, reporting for Orders... Commodore." "We're gathering the fleet, Captain," replied Sevant evenly. "This is the perfect opportunity for other ships to sneak in. Patrol this area and check every vessel entering against the manifest you've received for the task-force." The Klingon jerked his head and barked something, and the screen immediately reverted to the starscape. ~Fleet? Task force? What the hell is going on?~ thought Stolev as he stared at the viewscreen. Sevant turned on his heel to look around at the bridge crew. "Attention to stations," he barked. Stolev snapped out of his daze and turned his attention back to his console, reconfiguring it from the search for listening devices to scan for incoming vessels. "Sevant to all senior officers, Officers conference in conference room one at 0900 hours, no exceptions." "Aye, sir," replied Stolev as his hands continued their dance across the console. ~This ought to be interesting...~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Capt Sevant - 0900) ==================================== Sevant nodded to his crew as he took a seat. "We don't have much time, so I will come directly to the point." The Captain said crisply. "Admiral Doenitz has taken completely control of the Federation and declared himself as President Doenitz. He has also attacked several member worlds for protesting this action." He paused and sat back in his chair, "Many other member worlds have gone to arms. Admiral LoDona's response is this." He tapped a button on his table and played a saved message he had gotten a couple days ago from the head of Strategic Operations. On the screen behind him, the face of Captain Lee popped into existence. "Captain Sevant," it began. "Your orders have been upgraded, you will find them attached. To make it short, your ship is now the designate flagship for Task Force 3 with you in command as Commodore. Your task force is receiving its orders; it will take approximately two weeks for all of them to arrive at your site. A complete list of Captains and ship is being included, as is all biographical data you might need. The closest ships are two days away, all the rest of the Klingons will be arriving together within the week." Rich paused and leaned forward. "Also, Rules of Engagement are now upgraded to Alpha Niner, effective immediately." Another pause, "In the mean time, a scout ship reported issues at a planet close to yours. I've included logs, you are to investigate it. Those general coordinates are being sent to all ships, that's the task force rally point. Also, while you're there, use the time to resupply your resources and crew R&R, you're not going to get a chance for quite some time to come afterwards. Preliminary reports of the planet indicated a very small native population, very low tech. As long as you keep your distance, you'll be fine." Rich leaned back again, "God Speed, Commodore." The screen shut off, leaving everyone in silence. Sevant had already seen the message several times so he had spent the time watching his crew. He folded his hands together, "ROE Alpha Nine is unrestricted warfare on enemy forces, people." He said quietly. "We are no longer mandated to take prisoners and save ships where possible." Before anyone else could say a word to that, Sevant pushed another button and loaded up a file that Lee had sent along. a recent clip taken from the news about the bombing of Tellar. NRPG: From the LoDona post a while back. I am not going to be reposting it here. Ill forward it to anyone who wants to read it again. RPG: As predicted, there were looks of outrage on the faces of his officers, along with a myriad of other emotions. Once the clip had finished, he looked around. "The first of the Task Force is already at our side, most of the others will be arriving within another four days. The entire task-force will be assembled within two weeks. I'll provide a full list later, as desired, to those stations that require them." He paused and looked around. "There will be no new commanding officer for the Boudicca, I am retaining command. Therefore, you will all call me Captain rather then Commodore. Objections, comments?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - TAC/SC Stolev - 0900) ==================================== "After you, sir," demurred Stolev as he and Sevant arrived at the door simultaneously. Sevant entered the room and nodded to his crew as he took a seat. Stolev took an empty seat across the room. "We don't have much time, so I will come directly to the point," the Captain said crisply. "Admiral Doenitz has taken completely control of the Federation and declared himself as President Doenitz. He has also attacked several member worlds for protesting this action." Stolev's jaw nearly hit the table as he absorbed this news. He listened as Captain Lee detailed the information regarding the task force and the changes to the rules of engagement. They were now fully at war. His shock then turned to horror as he watched a news clip of the bombing of Tellar and the massive casualties endured there by both the Tellarites and the Andorians. Once the clip had finished, Sevant looked around. "The first of the Task Force is already at our side, most of the others will be arriving within another four days. The entire task-force will be assembled within two weeks. I'll provide a full list later, as desired, to those stations that require them." He paused and looked around. "There will be no new commanding officer for the Boudicca, I am retaining command. Therefore, you will all call me Captain rather then Commodore. Objections, comments?" "Sir, will it be possible to send communications to home at an appropriate time?" asked Drizzt. "I will be putting a call to the crew as per usual standards." Sevant finally said. "Those with family on war-torn planets will be given first priority when our subspace communications are available for free traffic." The Andorian nodded at that. "Thank you, Captain." "When do we get to strike back at the bastard?" Straton asked, her voice hard. (reply Sevant) "Sir, since there is time until the task force arrives what are our mission parameter until that moment?" asked Commander West. "Also, I would like to start full scale readiness drills around the clock for each shift if the time permits it." (reply Sevant) "Alright everyone," continued West, "I know what you all must be feeling now but I need you to set it aside, do your jobs as you have done in the past. Let's continue to be the best in the fleet, and we will overcome all problems. "I want a full duty roster update and systems status report within the hour from all sections. Department heads, keep your staff calm and collected. No one will be able to do their jobs if we have widespread panic and people start killing each other." Stolev looked around the room. He knew his security department was highly trained and disciplined, and he assumed the same held true for the other departments, but this comment from the FO gave him pause. The thought that ths Boudicca could become a microcosm of the civil war occurring across the galaxy was a sobering thought indeed. "Security will be fully prepared to meet any challenges, sir," reported Stolev with a confidence that he didn't entirely feel. ~Hopefully even the ones they've never imagined they would have to face.~ (reply any) West then turned back to Sevant. "Captain, permission to go to yellow alert and increase to Security level 2?" he asked. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Major Drizzt - 0905) ==================================== "ROE Alpha Nine is unrestricted warfare on enemy forces, people. We are no longer mandated to take prisoners and save ships where possible." Drizzt frowned as the Captain pushed a button, and then sat forward immediately as he recognized the place being shown on the newscast as Tellar. Tellar was practically next door to his home planet. In fact, Spider had been stationed there during his training and had taken several R&R trips to his home due to the close proximity... and to escape the stifling world of the Tellarites. His face tightened as he watched the Marine base get pounded by Void Sphinxes, and it faded into an expressionless mask when he heard that Andorian forces were moving in for the attack. Considering the nature of the recording he was seeing, that could only mean that those brave Andorian Defense Force ships had been destroyed. That meant his people had been and were being killed by 'President' Doenitz. That pissed Spider off to absolutely no end. The report ended when the reporter was killed, and Sevant quietly shut the recording down. "The first of the Task Force is already at our side, most of the others will be arriving within another four days." The Captain said after several seconds of silence. "The entire task-force will be assembled within two weeks. I'll provide a full list later, as desired, to those stations that require them." He paused and looked around. "There will be no new commanding officer for the Boudicca, I am retaining command. Therefore, you will all call me Captain rather then Commodore. Objections, comments?" Spider looked over at his boss, then at the Captain again. He considered the situation briefly, the Captain hadn't said anything about advanced plans with the Task Force or when they were moving after their brief R&R, meaning it was likely he wouldn't say anything about it, even if he did. ~how could anyone rest knowing their was a war to be fought?~ "Sir, will it be possible to send communications to home at an appropriate time?" The Captain looked over for a moment, as if sizing up the MXO. "I will be putting a call to the crew as per usual standards." Sevant finally said. "Those with family on war-torn planets will be given first priority when our subspace communications are available for free traffic." The Andorian nodded at that, "Thank you, Captain." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - CSO- Dr. madison Munroe- 0901) ==================================== Maddie sat in her usual seat, listening to the captain. she had gotten used to his way of speaking directly to the point. There was usually little time for pleasantries with Sevant. "We don't have much time, so I will come directly to the point." The Captain said crisply. ~Like that's something new?~ "Admiral Doenitz has taken completely control of the Federation and declared himself as President Doenitz. He has also attacked several member worlds for protesting this action." Maddies normal sarcastic twist stopped in its boots. she couldn't believe what she was hearing. SHE knew Doenitz was mad, but now he's gone and proved it. He's become the despot that we all were afraid he would be. ~How can Starfleet continue to support that?~ "Many other member worlds have gone to arms. Admiral LoDona's response is this." He tapped a button on his table and the view screen came on with someone that she didn't recognize. He began by informing the captain that Boudicca has become a flagship for a Task Force, whatever that was, and he was now a Commodore. Maddie had to supress a giggle, think of Sevant as a Commodore. She always pictured commodores as little old men on the verge of retirement. "Your task force is receiving its orders; it will take approximately two weeks for all of them to arrive at your site. A complete list of Captains and ship is being included, as is all biographical data you might need. The closest ships are two days away, all the rest of the Klingons will be arriving together within the week." ~Klingons!! I heard they were joining our cause, but I had no idea to what extent.~ The man on the recording continued "Also, Rules of Engagement are now upgraded to Alpha Niner, effective immediately." Maddie didn't hear much else after that. ROE Alpha nine, Maddie knew what that meant. The very thought of it began to bring a tear to her eye. This was it. They were at full scale war. She couldn't help but let the tear in her eye fall down her cheek. She knew it had been inevitable, but still, there had always been that glimmer of hope. The next words she heard were, "God Speed, Commodore." This time there was no hint of a smile or humor at the title fro Maddie. Things in the universe had just becoma little too dark for that. Suddenly she felt the urge to hug someone. Sevant began by explaining ROE to the others. She already knew it. No prisoners, no survivors, unrestricted warfare. Then Sevant pushed another button. It was a recent clip taken from the news about the bombing of Tellar. Maddie covered her mouth with one hand, and tears began to flow freely down her face. The sight was making her sick to her stomach. The anger was boiling bile in her stomach. It took Maddie aminute to realize that Sevant was talking again. "There will be no new commanding officer for the Boudicca, I am retaining command. Therefore, you will all call me Captain rather then Commodore. Objections, comments?" All Maddie could think was, ~Thank God!~ She wanted to say something but her mouth wouldn't work. She concentrated on pulling herself together and cleaning hersel up with the sleeve of her tunic. she looked around the room for Domini and Saim, to see their reaction and see if they might have a moment together later. Besides Saim owed her a drink. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - ACEO Enaj - 0902) ==================================== Saim sat in her chair allowing the information to flow into her mind. The news that it was now open war do not surprise Saim that much. She had been feeling that it was war with Doenitz for quite a while now. This was just making it official. Saim was pleased at that in a way. She did not want any one feeling guilty for killing the enemy. This did not mean that Saim liked the idea of Boudicca killing people. She was not militarily minded herself and would have preferred to avoid a fight but they had to face the truth. They were all at war. They had to stop the self appointed tyrant, Doenitz. Saim looked around at the room to see everyone's reaction to the news. There were many stony faces present. Saim saw that Maddie was taking the new clip very hard. Saim just wanted to get out of there and back to the simple buzz of the engines. The reassuring noise of a powerful machine working perfectly. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Conference Room -FO-Lt Trevan West- 0902) ==================================== "There will be no new commanding officer for the Boudicca, I am retaining command. Therefore, you will all call me Captain rather then Commodore. Objections, comments?" Trevan looked around and then began to speak, he could feel the tension level in the room and no-one was apparently ready to accept a full scale war. Not even himself, but he was loyal to his ship and Captain. "Sir, since there is time until the task force arrives what are our mission parameter until that moment? Also, I would like to start full scale readiness drills around the clock for each shift if the time permits it." Trevan momentarily blinked out thinking of all the people who had just been killed while they were just sitting there doing nothing about it. But now was not the time to lash out, a precise strike and the correct time is what is needed here. Trevan directed his attention to the rest of the staff, "Alright everyone, I know what you all must be feeling now but I need you to set it aside, do your jobs as you have done in the past. Let's continue to be the best in the fleet," ~What was left of the fleet was more like it~ "and we will overcome all problems." he finished. "I want a full duty roster update and systems status report within the hour from all sections. Department heads, keep your staff calm and collected. No one will be able to do their jobs if we have wide spread panic and people start killing each other." With that comment, some people stirred in their seats, he knew he didn't need to say it but he did it anyway. Several officers looked like they were going to make an argument but thought the better of it for now. Trevan turned back to Sevant "Captain, permission to go to yellow alert and increase to Security level 2?" he asked. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Conference Room, MCO, Major Eva Straton, 0904) ==================================== Eva had watched the video clip in perfect silence, only her eyes betrayed the emotions she was feeling now. Her eyes had narrowed, if Doenitz had been anywhere close by he would of been dead. At the mention of Betezed and 'pacification fleets' her eyes went to Domini. ::Our people, even now, may be dyeing by the thousands. That butcher will pay for his crimes against Betezed, so I swear.:: (Reply Domini) Eva listened silently, her eyes still on the now dark screen that had shown the news clip. She could see her beautiful Betezed now in flames just like Tellar. She could do nothing at the moment, but when the time came, she would be ready to strike. To kill any who might bring harm to her home or her people. "When do we get to strike back at the bastard?" She said her voice as hard as death her eyes finally leaving the darkened screen and locking with Sevant's. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Capt Sevant - 0910) ==================================== "When do we get to strike back at the bastard?" Straton asked, her voice hard. Sevant turned his attention. "After we resupply and take the only R&R we're going to get for a very long while. Rest assured Major, the battle-groups wouldn't be forming if we weren't going to strike. Their formation is pulling ships off the picket line." "Sir, since there is time until the task force arrives what are our mission parameter until that moment?" asked Commander West. "Also, I would like to start full scale readiness drills around the clock for each shift if the time permits it." "Agreed, see to it." The Captain said. Sevant folded his hands together as the First Officer spoke to the assembled officers. They were good words, but there would probably be problems. He would have to speak to the Counselor about it later. War was hard enough, Civil War in Federation society was unthinkable. "Security will be fully prepared to meet any challenges, sir," The Captain nodded, then turned his head to West as he continued with, "Captain, permission to go to yellow alert and increase to Security level 2?" he asked. He weighed that for a bit, and then nodded. This was the perfect time to sneak in forces for an attack; nobody here had ever had contact with all the ships included in the task force. (reply: any) Once that part of the meeting was over, Sevant pulled a couple small containers out of an inner pocket on his uniform. "I had hoped to give these out at a better time, but that doesn't appear to be possible." He stood up. "But whatever the timing, I have promotions that are well deserved, I won't hold onto them for a happier time." He pulled out his case, "First. Lt Cmdr West. Front and Center." (reply: West) "Mr. West, you are hereby frocked to Commander. The full promotion should be confirmed soon." He unclipped the hollow pip on West's collar, pulled a solid pip out of one of the small packages he'd brought with him, and clipped it on. After a moment, he inclined his head. "Congratulations, Commander." (Reply: West) He crossed his arm behind his back once West had sat back down, and called out. "Major Straton." (reply: Straton) "Major, as you know, we are cut off from the typical Marine chain-of-command. I would usually have to jump through hoops for you, but directives came down giving Captain's more latitude in granting rank beyond the typical command structure. As such, and I've confirmed, that you are to now become a Lieutenant Colonel." He held up a Star, the only non-regulation pip in the box he had brought. After a moment, he also held up a small metallic cluster. "And, a cluster for your Ribbon of Sacrifice. And, for your excellent work and dedication, a Captains Commendation." (reply: Straton) Sevant nodded and looked over at his Security Officer. "Mr. Stolev." (reply: Stolev) "Mr. Stolev, for your actions in the last encounter, you also are receiving a Captains Commendation." He plucked a hollow pip up, and looked at the Security Officer again. "I am also confirming your appointment as the Chief of Security, with a commission as Lieutenant Commander." He pinned the small hollow pip next to his Lieutenants pips, then nodded. "Congratulations, Lieutenant Commander." (reply: Stolev) "Mr. Fredericks." Was next on his list. (Reply: Fredericks) "Mr Fredericks, you have preformed in your duties amply. With time, you will become an excellent Command Officer, though it would almost be a shame to promote you out of Engineering." He paused and picked up a solid pip, "Therefore, I hereby promote you to full Lieutenant." He nodded in satisfaction, "Congratulations, Lieutenant." (reply: Fredericks) Sevant touched two small bars and picked them up, "Doctor Monroe and Doctor Talda." (reply: Maddie & Talda) "Doctor Monroe. In the last couple months, you have become a valued member of my crew. And it has been a distinct pleasure to have you on the crew." He looked at Talda next, "And I can say the same of you. This promotion is not mine; it was handed down by the Admiral's staff after consideration of the records from our excursion through the multi-singularity." He offered both the medal, one at a time. "At Admiral LoDona's behest, I hereby present you both with the Fleet Commanders Commendation. Congratulations" (reply: The Science Staff) "Mr. Talda." He said, gesturing for the officer to stay in place. "You are hereby promoted to Ensign." He took up a solid pip, popped off his hollow one, and replaced it. "Again, Congratulations, Ensign." (Reply: Talda) "Ms Enaj." (reply: Enaj) "For your excellent work, Ensign, I hereby promote you to Lieutenant Junior Grade." He placed a hollow pip next to her solid one. "Congratulations, Lieutenant." (reply: Enaj) He looked at the last promotion he had to give, and then said. "Doctor Farley." (reply: Farley) The Captain took a few moments to consider the Borg hybrid, and then took up the last pip in his arsenal. "Doctor, your services have been exemplary. You are hereby promoted to full Ensign. Congratulations." (reply: Farley) The final award was something he had thought hard about, the symbolism was sketchy at best. "And finally, everyone receives a combat ribbon." He said as he sat back down. "Moral dilemma aside, I was pleased with how the Boudicca handled herself, how her crew responded." He frowned for a moment. "And my last order of business..." he started, with a look at their newest Medical Officer. "Lieutenant Lai is now officially listed as a member of this crew. Her dedication to the cause has been sufficiently proven. Mr. West, Mr. Mor'rel, you will see to it that she is put on the regular duty roster." Sevant crossed his arms behind him and looked at everyone. "I am satisfied with her loyalty. If I hear of prejudice against her because of her late arrival, and her previous loyalties, I will deal with it quickly and harshly." He looked back at the doctor. "Ms Lai, welcome to the Boudicca." (reply: West, Mor'rel, Lai, any) He took a breath, "Is there any other business?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - TAC/SC Lt. Stolev - Day 1 - 0911) ==================================== "Captain, permission to go to yellow alert and increase to Security level 2?" asked West. Sevant seemed to consider that for a bit before nodding in agreement. Stolev quickly tapped his comm badge. "Stolev to security. Increase security to level two. Alert condition yellow. Stay tuned for further information. Stolev out." (reply any) Once the rest of the mission related business had been discussed, Sevant pulled a couple small containers out of an inner pocket on his uniform. "I had hoped to give these out at a better time, but that doesn't appear to be possible." He stood up. "But whatever the timing, I have promotions that are well deserved, I won't hold onto them for a happier time." Stolev sat back and watched as the Captain began handing out the promotions. He had been expecting that a number of promotions and commendations would be given out after so trying a mission, however, he was still caught off guard when he heard his own name called. He looked up in surprise, then stood and approached the CO. "Mr. Stolev, for your actions in the last encounter, you also are receiving a Captains Commendation." He plucked a hollow pip up, and looked at the Security Officer again. "I am also confirming your appointment as the Chief of Security, with a commission as Lieutenant Commander." He pinned the small hollow pip next to his Lieutenants pips, then nodded. "Congratulations, Lieutenant Commander." Stolev managed a weak "thank you, sir" before returning to his seat. Even though there had been no evidence of long-term impairment from the mental probe that had been maliciously applied to Sevant in the midst of the rescue operation, Stolev still occasionally would wake suddenly in the middle of the night, subconciously reliving the whole incident. Each time, his hesitation in pulling the trigger seemed longer; each time, it seemed more and more clear that without his hesitation, the probe would never have been applied at all. He fingered the commendation ribbon thoughtfully as other officers stepped up to claim their awards and promotions. "And finally, everyone receives a combat ribbon," concluded Sevant as he sat back down. "Moral dilemma aside, I was pleased with how the Boudicca handled herself, how her crew responded." Sevant then introduced Lt. Lai as a new member of the crew. After the applause and other congratulatory expressions subsided, he took a breath. "Is there any other business?" he asked. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Commander Trevan West - 0911) ==================================== "Sir, since there is time until the task force arrives what are our mission parameter until that moment?" asked Commander West. "Also, I would like to start full scale readiness drills around the clock for each shift if the time permits it." "Agreed, see to it." The Captain said. Sevant folded his hands together as the First Officer spoke to the assembled officers. They were good words, but there would probably be problems. He would have to speak to the Counselor about it later. War was hard enough, Civil War in Federation society was unthinkable. "Security will be fully prepared to meet any challenges, sir," The Captain nodded, then turned his head to West as he continued with, "Captain, permission to go to yellow alert and increase to Security level 2?" he asked. . "I had hoped to give these out at a better time, but that doesn't appear to be possible." He stood up. "But whatever the timing, I have promotions that are well deserved, I won't hold onto them for a happier time." He pulled out his case, "First. Lt Cmdr West. Front and Center." Trevan made his way up to the other side of the conference room, aware all eyes were on him ~Great, here comes the part where I get busted down for almost destroying the ship~ he thought to himself. To his surprise the words that the Captain spoke were not the ones he was expecting. "Mr. West, you are hereby frocked to Commander. The full promotion should be confirmed soon." He unclipped the hollow pip on West's collar, pulled a solid pip out of one of the small packages he'd brought with him, and clipped it on. After a moment, he inclined his head. "Congratulations, Commander." Trevan smiled, nodded and spoke "Thank you sir!" with a little more gusto then usual, "I won't let you down sir." He frowned for a moment. "And my last order of business..." he started, with a look at their newest Medical Officer. "Lieutenant Lai is now officially listed as a member of this crew. Her dedication to the cause has been sufficiently proven. Mr. West, Mr. Mor'rel, you will see to it that she is put on the regular duty roster." Sevant crossed his arms behind him and looked at everyone. "I am satisfied with her loyalty. If I hear of prejudice against her because of her late arrival, and her previous loyalties, I will deal with it quickly and harshly." He looked back at the doctor. "Ms Lai, welcome to the Boudicca." ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Conference Room, MCO, Major Eva Straton, 0913) ==================================== Eva had been listening to everything that was being said, but her mind was already working out training scenarios to put the marines through. She considered strategy and tactics, fighting a defensive war required different tactics than fighting an offensive one. If they were going on the offence now, then the marines needed to be ready for that. She looked over at Drizzt a grim look on her face. ~We will have our work cut out for us old friend.~ Just then Captain Sevant called Lt. Commander West to the head of the table. Eva turned her attention back to the Captain as he promoted West to full Commander. ~As much as I dislike the man, he deserves the promotion. I just hope he learned something.~ Eva thought, giving West a grim nod of congratulations. "Major Straton," Captain Sevant said next. Eva rose, simply expecting to receive yet another cluster for her Ribbon of Sacrifice. Sevant next words, however caught her off guard. "Major, as you know, we are cut off from the typical Marine chain-of-command. I would usually have to jump through hoops for you, but directives came down giving Captain's more latitude in granting rank beyond the typical command structure. As such, and I've confirmed, that you are to now become a Lieutenant Colonel." He held up a Star, the only non-regulation pip in the box he had brought. After a moment, he also held up a small metallic cluster. "And, a cluster for your Ribbon of Sacrifice. And, for your excellent work and dedication, a Captains Commendation." "Thank you sir," Eva said, quickly recovering from her surprise. She took the star, cluster and medal, nodded at Sevant and moved back to her seat, clipping on her new rank. She watched as Lt. Stolev was the next called to the head of the table. She allowed herself a small smile as Stolev also received a Captain's commendation and a promotion. ~He proved himself quite well during the away mission. He deserves both.~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Dr. Madison Munroe - 0920) ==================================== Maddie had spent time trying to regain her composure. She barely paid attention the vengeful Retort that had been flung out. She knew she heard someone say, "When do we get to strike back," or something like that, but it wasn't what she really needed tohear at the moment. She was a scientist, dmn it, not a warrior. Hell, she barely knew how to defend herself. A fact that she uld most likely have to rectify. She was able to pull herself together and pay attention by the time promotions were being handed out. First was West being promoted to full Commander. If he were to maintain his position as FO she figured that was a good promotion. Then came the MCO, Mjor Straton, being promoted to Lt. Colonel. Even Maddie knew that those promotions were incommon. Stolev being promoted to Lt. Commander and mad Security Chief was no surprise. Then Fredericks was promoted to Lt. The next words from Sevant took woke Maddie up. "Doctor Monroe and Doctor Talda." She and Talda looked at each other and both rose. They stepped forward at the same time. "Doctor Monroe. In the last couple months, you have become a valued member of my crew. And it has been a distinct pleasure to have you on the crew." Maddie's cheeks burned a little in embarrassment. She wasn't used to having people say nice things about her, in front of others. Usually they were derogatory, in response toher lifestyle. "And I can say the same of you, Sevant went on, talking to Talda. "This promotion is not mine; it was handed down by the Admiral's staff after consideration of the records from our excursion through the multi-singularity." He offered both the medal, one at a time. "At Admiral LoDona's behest, I hereby present you both with the Fleet Commanders Commendation. Congratulations" Maddie gingerly touched the medal before picking it up. She never ever thought she'd earn anything like that. After Talda took her medal and Maddie took hers, Sevant promoted Talda to a fll Ensign. Overwhelmed, Maddie couldn't help herself. Between the medal and the joy of having her captain back, she lunged forward and gave her captain a strong hug. Then she stepped back. "Thank you... sir." Maddie returned to her seat felling a little foolish at the display, but then she figured she didn't really care what the others thought. She tried to look for Domini in the crowd, but didn't see her. The rest of thepromotions went on until the captain got a serious look on his face. "And my last order of business... Lieutenant Lai is now officially listed as a member of this crew. Her dedication to the cause has been sufficiently proven. Mr. West, Mr. Mor'rel, you will see to it that she is put on the regular duty roster." Sevant crossed his arms behind him and looked at everyone. "I am satisfied with her loyalty. If I hear of prejudice against her because of her late arrival, and her previous loyalties, I will deal with it quickly and harshly." He looked back at the doctor. "Ms Lai,welcome to the Boudicca." Maddie hadn't met the doctor, but was impressed by the stories she had heard, and knew that she had gotten injured on some crazy scheme to help the others make it back. As far as the CSO was concerned that was enough to make her one of the good guys. She was kind of cute to. Perhaps they could get a chance to get to know each other. Maddie refocused as the captain said, "Is there any other business?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Hallway, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 0924) ==================================== Eva stepped out of the Conference Room with the rest of the senior staff. She had not been expecting to receive a promotion herself. It had, along with the Captains Commendation, been a pleasant surprise to her. "Lt. Stolev," She said, moving up beside the new TAC\SC, "Or should I say Lt. Commander Stolev?" (Reply Stolev IWY) "I was wondering if you would be interested in joining me in 10 Forward after our shift tonight for a small celebration dinner?" She said casually. "We have not had a chance to really sit down and talk, you and I. So what do you say?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Hallway - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - 0924) ==================================== Stolev was exiting the conference room with the rest of the staff when newly-minted Lt. Colonel Straton sidled up to him. "Lt. Stolev," she said, "Or should I say Lt. Commander Stolev?" Stolev nodded. "Colonel," he replied. "Congratulations on your promotion." "I was wondering if you would be interested in joining me in 10 Forward after our shift tonight for a small celebration dinner?" she said casually. "We have not had a chance to really sit down and talk, you and I. So what do you say?" Stolev was momentarily taken aback, as he had never seen or heard anything from Straton that was not all business. "Absolutely, that sounds like a good idea," he replied after a slight hesition. He hoped that Straton hadn't noticed, but then remembered that with her exceptional telepathic abilities she likely picked up on it without even thinking about it. "Sorry, you just caught me a little by surprise," he offered lamely. "So... my shift ends at 1700, as I assume yours does. Shall we meet at, say, 1800?" (reply Straton) Stolev nodded. "See you then," he replied with a smile. As Straton walked away, he gazed after her thoughtfully, regarding her for the first time as something other than a ruthlessly cunning warrior. ~This ought to be interesting,~ he said to himself as he turned and headed back to the bridge. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Hallway, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 0926) ==================================== "Absolutely, that sounds like a good idea," Stolev replied after a slight hesitation. Eva noticed Stolev's shock and surprise at her offer. She smiled slightly as he continued. "Sorry, you just caught me a little by surprise," he offered lamely. "So... my shift ends at 1700, as I assume yours does. Shall we meet at, say, 1800?" "No need to apologize," She said, still smiling, "and 1800 sounds great. I'll see you then." Eva turned and walked away fully aware of Stolev's eyes on her as she left. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Capt Sevant - 1115) ==================================== Sevant crossed his arms behind him as he looked out his ready-room port-hole and considered his words. The Boudicca was to leave in another hour for their new destination. R&R and resupply, waiting to build the entire battle-group. Once the Task Force was built around the Boudicca, there would be no more time for rest, they would either win or die. "Computer, Captains Log. Stardate 2407.01.15. The new year has come, and with it the winds of war." He broke off, the log was supposed to be subjective, there was no room in it for poetry, not especially from a Vulcan Captain. He cleared his throat, "Start over, same date." The computer beeped, Sevant took a breath. "The Boudicca has received her battle orders, as of Today she is the flagship for Task Force 3. Doenitz has made a move against the very citizens of the Federation, so now we're at war. There will be no more mercy given." He took a breath and looked back out his window. "The promotions have been given for the Boudicca's actions in retrieving me from the clutches of the false court-martial I was forced to endure. I am well pleased with my crew, and with my ship. Whatever the implications of coming to rescue me, rather then silencing me in the face of superior enemy forces, I find myself pleased. The Boudicca, with the help of the Nimitz, preformed beyond my wildest expectations for such chaotic times." Sevant paused. "We have been given orders to restock and resupply while checking out some sensor anomalies in an area close to us. Two of my battle-group will be joining us." He shook his head to himself. "I can only hope we continue to aquit ourselves as well as we have, the trials to come will be infinitely harder." Sevant crossed his arms behind him, "End log." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Conference Room - Capt Sevant - 1119) ==================================== "End log." ~War.~ the Captain thought darkly as he watched out his porthole at the mass of asteroids that were tumbling around. Their mission here, to find possible devices that were spying on their frontier, was now almost worthless. The Fleet was now going to war; they would be leaving this area of space soon for home territory. They would be flying straight into bloody warfare. The half Vulcan closed his eyes and pushed aside a nagging worry in his mind, the feeling that something unseen was happening, something that should be including him. He would be involved soon enough. War was his mandate, and his ship had been born for combat. That it was his own was cause for worry, and it was probably one of the reasons that Sevant had been chosen as a Commodore, he could give the orders against his own which others might balk at. With the targeting of civilian planets and populations, their mission was now clear: even to others who had first thought that the 52nd were nothing but traitors. Many attitudes would be examined in the next weeks, hard choices would be made. Everywhere, people would be arming for war. Sevant had been in near constant combat since well before LoDona had pulled the fleet, starting with the Romulans. His resolve was unchanged; they would be going to battle for the very ideals the Federation existed for. Starfleet was tasked to defend against all enemies, foreign AND domestic. That nagging appeared again stronger; Sevant frowned and opened his eyes. This was more then just a feeling, something was poking at his mind, and he could almost tell a direction. He turned his head slightly and looked out over the plane of the asteroid field. The Klingon ship was out there somewhere, but it should be on the far-side of the planet. He was about to tap his badge to talk to other telepaths on the ship, to see if they felt the same, when a ship suddenly came out of warp. It was a Defiant class vessel. Sevant turned on his heel a moment before the ship went to Red Alert, and was out the door seconds later. "Report!" "Sir," someone at Tactical said. "The ship reads as the USS Warshrike." ~She must have really hauled.~ Sevant thought as he sat in his command chair. ~She shouldn't have been here for another two days.~ "Open frequencies, and warm up the weapons." he said coldly. He was going to take no chances with anything that didn't go according to plan. The Boudicca turned on her Z axis and pointed just shy of straight-on at the smaller ship, the ideal angle for the Keltoi's weapons to bear. Seconds later, the screen switched from a space-scape to the inside of a Starfleet vessel. "Commander Krieger, Captain of the Warshrike, Commodore." the Captain of the other vessel said without hesitation. "Our personnel shuttle met us enroute, we managed to shave several days off our estimated arrival time." Sevant folded his hands together and looked over at his tactical stations. The officer in charge looked up and nodded gently. "She reads as the Warshrike, her weapons are down." Sevant looked back and nodded, "Very well Commander, Take up flanking position and prepare for further orders." Commander Krieger nodded, "Aye Sir. And, Sir? I also have personnel for you as well, they were on my mix. I would appreciate if you took control of them; they are straining my ships life-support." "Very well, send them in a shuttle." He gestured for ops, "Guide the shuttle," (reply: ops, if desired) "If that is all, Commander?" He waited for a nod, and finished with "Very well, Boudicca out." He stood again, "Get a team to the shuttle bay and screen anyone incoming. And stand down to yellow alert." he said quietly. (reply: Security) Sevant stepped into his ready-room again, his screen had risen from the desk and activated. Orders and messages from the Warshrike, no doubt, things considered sensitive and sent by tight-beam between ships. There would also be a pile of personal messages, not classified enough to clutter the subspace lanes with, for Sevant or Security to look through and 'hand out' to others in the crew. He ignored them for the moment and went back to his window to the outer universe, just in time to see a shuttle depart from the Warshrike. It was a larger cargo variant, and must have made things very tight in the Defiant's shuttle bay. It had only small weapons, and nothing followed it. The Commander must have been taking things cautiously, or he planned on doing multiple runs. Either was possible, since there was a fully loaded battleship just off its quarter that was still more then a bit suspicious of the Warshrike's arrival. Besides which, that psychic tickling was only getting stronger. He steeled his mind and tapped his badge, "Colonel Straton, make your way to the shuttlebay immediately and be prepared for... the unexpected." (reply: Straton) He crossed his hands behind him and watched the shuttle until it had disappeared from his view, around to the rear of the ship. Minutes ticked by, no alarm was raised. He sighed; apparently he was a bit high-strung. Still, a touch of paranoia was required for a combat Captain. To be sure, he closed his eyes and opened his mind by increments to the ship. There was the usual range of emotions, nothing he could specifically point out. He wasn't strong enough to single out people who weren't attached to him, or who reached... Something grabbed at him blindly, and he found himself leaning against the window, both fists supporting his weight as if he had punched the transparasteel. He had caught a hint of surprise before his shields instinctively locked down and cut the connection, long years had taught him well. He tapped his badge, "Captain to Security, something just reached out to me. What's going on down there?" Seconds passed with no answer, and his patience began to run thin. "Report!" he barked. =^=... you're sure, chief?=^= a male voice said over the open line. Another second passed, followed by a =^=Yes Sir, no doubt, and her records seem to confirm it.=^= Sevant frowned, he recognized that name. He had served as a Chief under Sevant's security team on the Nimitz and had come aboard Boudicca not long after Sevant had taken command. Another voice he recognized as Senior-Chief Haverstaad's came over the line, =^=Captain, I think your presences is required at the shuttlebay, along with the Counselor.=^= ~What the hell?~ "Very well," he said. "Counselor Alizara to the shuttlebay immediately." (reply: Couns) Without a pause he stepped onto the bridge, "First Officer has the bridge." he barked before stepping into a turbolift. "Main Shuttlebay." (reply: FO, any) The seconds ticked on as the turbolift door closed and whisked him off to his desired location. He crossed his arms behind him and made a mask of his face. Whatever it was, he had a well trained crew around him, and no doubt the situation was well in hand. The door opened, by impulse the Captain stepped out. But whatever his earlier resolutions, he was stopped dead in his tracks, his mouth agape, as he took in the sight that greeted him. He stepped forward slowly, his eyes never leaving the small group of people before the cargo shuttle. A woman pushed around Chief Anderson, one of the security personnel who had followed him to the Boudicca. Not that Sevant noticed, his attention was all on the woman, who appeared to have an expression of disbelief on her face that Sevant could well imagine he also sported. Hers was the face he had dreamed about every night for a very long time, one he should never have seen again. Yet, in his heart (if not his mind), there was no doubt. Sevant shook his head several times, and he had to place his hand on the transporter-panel for the cargo transporter and put his weight on it to keep from toppling over. The crushing weight of unbelieveability pressed on his chest and made it nearly impossible to take a breath. He didn't even spare a glance at anyone else in the room. His eyes were glued onto the female face before him. But it wasn't the face that was causing his heart to alternately leap, and then fall. It was the link. He had shut it out before, but now proximity made it impossible to ignore. He had felt it -SNAP- into place again once he had viewed her face, it felt for the first time as though he were whole. The link he had never expected to feel, the link he never should have been -able- to feel again. Nothing could recreate that link, it had been, was, unique. Not even marrying another woman would have felt the same; it was as unique as the woman involved. From the look on Victoria's face, many of the same thoughts were going through her mind. Sevant shook his head again; he had been able to set aside the first feelers of the mental connection as nothing more then his over-active imagination, or an attack designed to ensnare him. But in such close proximity, now, he couldn't deny the truth. The link was there, he could feel her as he had only been able to feel his wife. But this woman couldn't be his wife, SHE WAS DEAD! Yet, how could he have the marital mental bond with someone he hadn't taken it with? There was only one other thing that needed to be tested, his whole body trembled uncontrollably as he raised his hand. He ignored a gasp from someone, and seconds later the Woman who appeared to be Vicki matched the motion tentatively. He extended two fingers and made to touch her, the only acceptable form of physical contact allowed in public by a Vulcan couple, but paused mere inches from her. His whole arm was shaking, he had already been pole-axed, how would he handle this... one way or another? He took a breath and worked up his resolve, then reached past the last couple inches and came into contact with her bare fingers... (Dreamscape - Sevant & Vicki) "But, you died...." Vicki's mind voice had always been sweet to him, but now it was cracked with thick emotion and not a little bit of denial. It was the same voice that Sevant himself was about to speak in. He was still 'touching' her, though this was a meeting of mind-to-mind, in a way that only those who had been bonded could experience. He was confused, however, by her choice of words. "I lived, you and the children died..." he said, brokenly. And then, it was clear. In a meeting of the minds, nothing could be hidden for long. In the space of a single heart-beat, Sevant became aware of all her memories, as she became aware of his. In a universe of infinite possibilities, anything is possible. Nothing he saw, up until the date she had died to him, was any different then he remembered it. Only from the time of the murders did their lives deviate. From the shock he felt from her, she had discovered the same thing. Sevant tried to think logically about alternate universes, but everything became a muddy haze in moments. He saw her own wild confusion, but the answer was in her mind. He saw the face of Captain Winters, he saw moments of terror, punctuated by a willingness to die, only to be rescued by someone who wasn't from their own universe. He felt Vanyssa's light touch on her mind and the shock at finding her unaltered except for the last year, from the Vicki that she had known. And Sevant felt that same shock, magnified. He shook his mental head; it was too much to take in... it couldn't be, but it was! Only in his wildest dreams had he ever considered talking to her again, and none of that had been within the realm of possibility. Yet, here she was..her, but not her. But... "What are we to do?" she asked softly. She had echoed his own internal question, one he hadn't dared ask. What would they do, what could they do? Here they were, bonded, and themselves... but were they married, were they the same people? Their memories previous seemed to suggest there was no difference. Yet, in the last year, so much had changed. She wasn't from his universe... but they were still close enough that the bond snapped back into place? She wasn't Vicki, yet she was, only his wife could have the attachment he felt. "I don't know," he said gruffly. "I can tell you, logically, that you are not my wife... that my wife is dead." He reached out to her mental self, "Yet, beyond all logic, you are my wife... nothing in known science or mysticism can recreate the bond we share... and here we are, living it. My heart says..." he paused, almost in tears. Here he was, in a meld with someone who appeared to be his wife, and even his mental self couldn't be controlled. "... my heart says, never let you go again." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay - Capt Sevant - 1125) ==================================== The close link dissolved as they broke physical contact, Sevant had to force his voice to work. "Escort her." He cleared it again, "to some quarters, we'll discuss the ramifications of this later." He watched her tear-streaked face until she had disappeared into a turbolift, and then slowly turned to the Counselor & Colonel. "You two, with me." He said as he attempted to regain his composure and made way for the turbolift. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Hallway, MCO & TAC\SC, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton & Lt. Cmndr Stolev, 1756) ==================================== Eva approached the door to Stolev's quarters, her long red hair flowed loosely around her bare shoulders and down her back. She was wearing a simple, yet tasteful, Betazoid dress that left her shoulders and arms bare and stopped just below her knees. She stopped in front of Stolev's door and pressed the chime and waited for the doors to open. Meanwhile, inside his quarters, Sasha was looking at his reflection in the mirror. He was wearing a simple maroon wraparound tunic and comfortable black pants. He still wasn't sure if his dinner with Eva Straton constituted a date, or simply two comrades celebrating a successful mission. If it was the former, it would be his first date since he lost Mara on Betazed. The fact that Eva was herself Betazoid added an unwanted bit of irony to the whole situation. In any event, Sasha was nervous. With Mara, he had opened up his heart, and left himself vulnerable in ways he had always cautiously guarded against. She had been his inspiration and his support system for overcoming his addictions to both alcohol and sex. Without her, he had already fallen once back into the pit of alcoholism. Could another string of casual sexual encounters be far behind? Would his hardened heart ever allow for something more than that again? Did he even want it to? The sound of the chime snapped Sasha out of his reverie. He took a deep breath, walked over to the door, and pressed the switch to open it. "Are you ready?" asked Eva. "Of course," replied Sasha with a smile. It heartened him a bit to realize that he could still turn on the charm when necessary. He hoped it would at least disguise his underlying unease. "I don't believe I've ever seen you not in uniform," he remarked as they began walking down the cordor towards the lift. "You look very nice this evening." "Thank you," Eva said with a smile. ~He is uncomfortable. Understandable.~ "You look very nice yourself. As for being out of uniform, well I tend to be a bit of a workaholic, but even workaholics need to unwind from time to time. Don't you agree Alex? May I call you Alex?" "Actually, my friends call me Sasha, and I would be honored for you to do so as well," he replied. "And yes, unwinding is certainly very important. Otherwise, we tend to break." He chuckled slightly, more to get himself to relax than anything else. "Alright, Sasha it is then. Though I think I like Alex better," Eva said, her smiling broadening, as they got to the end of the corridor. The doors to the lift opened, and Sasha gallantly gestured for Eva to enter ahead of him. "Deck ten," he intoned, then he turned back to Eva. "So, what do you usually do to unwind, Eva?" he asked as lift hummed to life. "I will meditate, visit the holo-deck for some hand-to-hand training, or listen to some classical music," replied Eva. "How about you?" Her mention of classical music intrigued Sasha, but he decided to go the more obvious route first. "Ah, well, I enjoy a good training session in the holodeck as well. Unfortunately I have yet to find a good sparring partner on the Boudicca." He made a show of eyeing her critically. "Perhaps we could have a joint training session some time, if you're up to it," he said with a wink, a smile tugging at one side of his mouth. "If you don't mind getting your butt beat by a woman,"Eva said, eyeing Stolev critically as well. She chucked softly. "Having someone else to spar with would indeed be welcome. A bit of a change from Major Drizzt and other marines. I promise to take it easy on you." Her smile turned into an impish grin as she nudged him softly with her shoulder. Sasha smiled and felt himself relax a little bit more. "That's good. Taking it easy for you will probably still be all I can handle." When she nudged him, Sasha had become acutely aware for the first time that she was actually a couple of inches taller than he was. He figured he must have just assumed before that the extra height was due to the body armor and other marine gear. The lift slowed to a halt and deposited them on deck ten. "After you," said Sasha. As he followed Eva out of the lift, he said, "It's interesting that you mention enjoying classical music. Both of my parents are concert musicians, and I had a lot of exposure to it in my youth. I even took quite a few piano lessons, although I was never that good," he added with a smile as they arrived at the entrance to ten-forward. "I still love to listen to it, though -- especially Russian composers. Are there any composers or artists that you prefer especially?" "I would have to say I am partial to a certain contemporary composer," Eva replied, "You might have heard of him. Juran Straton. He is my younger brother. Though I have not seen or talked to him in some time, I have all of his work. As for Earth composers; Beethoven, Bach, Strom, and DuPree are some of my favorites. Perhaps we can compare collections sometime. Though I must admit, a large portion of mine are from Betazoid composers." Sasha nodded as they made their way into Ten Forward. He recognized quite a few of the people there, as he was sure Eva did as well. "Betazoid compositions are quite beautiful; at least the few I've heard were," replied Sasha as he looked around for a table. He noticed a couple of crewmen getting up from a table by one of the view ports, and he inclined his head towards it and began to make his way over towards it. Once they arrived at the table, Sasha pulled a chair out for Eva. "Would you like anything to drink? I can just run up and get us something." "An Andorian Frost,"Eva said, looking out at the stars before turning her attention back to Sasha. "Coming right up!" replied Sasha. He turned and headed for the bar. "What'll it be?" asked the bartender. "Altair water and an Andorian Frost, please." The bartender quickly assembled their drinks and handed the two glasses to Sasha. "Thanks!" he said as he turned back into the room and returned to the table. "Your drink, madame," he said as he presented it to her with a flourish, before sitting down opposite her with his own drink. Eva smiled as Sasha set down her drink before sitting down himself. "We've turned a few heads, you and I," Eva said, softly nodding toward the rest of the room. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - MCO Lt. Col. Eva Straton & TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - 1805) ==================================== Eva smiled as Sasha set down her drink before sitting down himself. "We've turned a few heads, you and I," Eva said, softly nodding toward the rest of the room. Sasha smiled in response. "Well, I don't know about you, but I don't often come in here out of uniform." He looked down at his shirt. "In fact, I'm not sure I can remember the last time I wore something that wasn't regulation." He took a sip of his water and suppressed the urge to go ask the bartender to add a little something to it. "And I've certainly never come in here to sit with a lovely woman at a table overlooking the stars. So there are a lot of unusual things for them to wonder about." Eva smiled at Stolev's compliment. ~Flattery my dear Mr. Stolev will get you nowhere, but it doesn't hurt.~ "I'm rarely seen out of uniform period," Eva said, "let alone in something so feminine." She motioned at her dress. "I think people tend to forget that I am a woman, even if I do take my job VERY seriously. However, we did not come here to talk about work, now did we? I don't know about you, but I'm starved. What shall we have to eat?" Eva lifted the menu from the table and began looking it over. After a couple seconds she typed in her order and passed the menu over to Sasha. "So," Eva said taking a sip of her drink, "both of your parents are concert musicians? What are their names? Have they ever been to Betezed? Perhaps I've heard of them?" Sasha glanced over the menu and tapped his order in as well, then looked back up at Eva. "Their names are Yevgeny Stolev and Elena Bolkvadse. My mother already had established herself as a performer before meeting my father so she did not take her name, as is still customary in Russia." He took another sip of his water and chuckled. "As for going to Betazed, no. My parents, they are scared to death of space travel. They won't even use transporters; they take shuttles to all of their concerts. When they can get away with it they take a train or some other ground transportation, as even flying through the air makes them nervous. They were pretty amazed when I signed up for Starfleet, let me tell you." Eva nodded, taking another sip of her drink, then looking out the window at the stars streaking by. "I would imagine so," she said, setting her drink down as the waiter showed up with their meals. Setting their meals down, the waiter bowed and withdrew, leaving the two alone once more. Eva looked over her steak and mixed vegetables as she picked up her knife and fork. Cutting off a small piece of her steak, Eva popped it in her mouth and chewed it slowly, watching Sasha. "I do believe I heard your mother play in Paris when I was on Earth at the Academy. Very good performance," Eva said, "She played a lot of the classic Earth composers. So why did you choose to enter Star Fleet and as Security no less?" Eva took a bite of vegetables while watching Sasha with her eyes. Sasha continued chewing a bite of his veal cutlet, making a mental note to never again order replicated veal. Some subtleties were beyond even the most sophisticated replicator's capacity. He swallowed, took a sip of his water, and leaned back in his chair. "Well, it's an interesting story, really. One day when I was young, my father and I were looking through some old family things, and he was telling me about some of the family history. I was particularly interested in a photograph -- that's an image printed on paper, from back in the days before holoimages -- of a very dashing looking fellow in some sort of uniform. My father explained that he had been in something called the KGB, which was a military spy agency in Russia about 300 years ago or so. I became fascinated and learned all I could about the KGB and that era. I knew that the closest thing I could get to that today would be in Starfleet, so I applied." He flashed a mischievous grin. "I have to admit that part of the lure was being able to fly in space and leave the planet, which was of course something I had never been able to do given my parents' phobia. So I got in, and the first time I left the atmosphere of Earth on the way to Starbase One was totally exhilarating. Even though we just went up into orbit, I knew that this was absolutely what I wanted to be doing. Unfortunately, some things in my medical history disqualified me from pursuing a career SFI, so I figured security, with as much of an emphasis on espionage and investigation as possible, was the next best thing." He shrugged. "I was never going to be a concert musician like my parents; I just didn't have the aptitude. So I had to find something else to do with my life." Eva nodded, taking another bite of her steak and following it up with a sip of her drink. Sasha took another swallow of his water and turned to look out the window. He knew the next logical question would be to ask Eva how she joined the marines. That, however, would inevitably lead to a conversation of military and security forces on Betazed, and Sasha wasn't sure how or if he would be able to handle that. Avoiding the topic, however, would be a total slap in the face, conversationally speaking. He swallowed again, then made his decision. "So how about you?" he asked casually as he turned back to her. "How did you end up in the marines?" He took another bite of his veal, hoping that somehow Eva would be able to answer without bringing up the general topic that he desperately wanted to avoid. Eva looked at Sasha for several seconds, suddenly feeling his discomfort, but unsure as to the cause. ~Why would such a question cause him such emotional distress?~ she thought, but decided not to press the subject yet. "To fight," she replied simply, putting her drink down on the table, looking directly into Sasha's eyes as she continued. "I joined the Marines as a Combat Engineer to fight. To defend Betezed and the Federation against all threats. My entire life I've trained to defend the Betezed way of life. Over the past century or two, the fate of the Federation and Betezed have become intertwined. By defending the Federation as a Star Fleet Marine, I also defend Betezed." Sasha nodded, feeling the tensions in his shoulders dissipate somewhat. "That's certainly a more noble reason than mine," he replied. He took another drink of his water and began cutting a few more bites. ~The foundation of any relationship is honesty, Sasha.~ He could still hear the echoes of his grandfather's voice in the back of his mind. It had seemed so simple a statement to him at the time, but at seven years old one rarely has a broad enough base of experiences to truly understand the depths of its implications. If he wanted to have any sort of relationship with Eva, even just a simple friendship, he had to admit his feelings to her, and that meant telling his sad story once more. He looked up from his plate to find Eva scrupulously studying him. She evidently had picked up on his unease -- even a non-telepath would likely have noticed something. "I have a story I would like to tell you," he began, looking around the room. "It's a little bit personal for this setting, though. Would you care to accompany me to the holodeck after we finish our dinner?" "Where ever you feel comfortable talking," Eva said, looking around the large room before looking back at Sasha. "Why don't we change the subject for now?" She smiled. "That little trick you pulled on the away mission. Using your phaser to blind the enemy guards, as well as your self and our new ACMO. Why did you pick that particular maneuver? Sasha smiled as he took another drink. He had been wondering when someone would ask him about that -- he was glad it was in this setting and not in some sort of disciplinary review meeting. "Well, I know it was a little unorthodox. See, I figured I might only have one shot at rescuing her. The guards around the complex were going to be wearing some sort of armor, so a wide-beam phaser stun wouldn't have affected them. And since I had only heard them and not seen them or their relative positions, I knew that the odds of being able to jump out around the corner, sight up whatever gaps might be in their armor, and take both of them out with tightly focused shots before they either attacked me or did something unpleasant to Lai, were very slim. And if we had gone charging around the corner as a team, they surely would have done something bad to her, and she was a high-value defector at the very least. So, I took a chance that they wouldn't have their eye shields down inside the base. I know from my own experience that those shields are a bit disorienting and uncomfortable to wear indoors. Fortunately for Lieutenant Lai and me, I was right." "Yes you were," Eva said, pointing her fork at Sasha before taking a bite of steak. She chewed and swallowed the steak before continuing. "It was quite a gamble, but also displayed unconventional thinking. I doubt the enemy expected one of us to just stroll up to them like you did. You took a risk, and it paid off. This time. It was very clever. You took a situational weakness and exploited it. I wouldn't have done the same thing if it had been me, but I have other methods available." She smiled before taking another bite, watching Sasha the entire time. The rest of the meal consisted of fairly typical small talk. Sasha found that Eva was much easier to talk to than he might have imagined. They both finished their meals at about the same time, and the waiter reappeared to take their meals. "Anything for desert?" he asked. "None for me, thanks," replied Sasha. Eva declined as well, and the waiter bowed slightly and left with their empty dishes. Sasha placed his elbows on the table and stared at his steepled hands for a few moments, then looked up. "So, do you have time for that stroll on the holodeck?" he asked. "Of course," Eva said. Sasha nodded, and they both stood from the table and walked out of ten-forward, bound for the holodeck. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: Scions, Day 3 Stardate: 2407.01.17 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 0955) ==================================== Sevant frowned as he found himself drifting off in thought, and knuckled down on the report he was reading with almost savage determination. Ever since Vicki, his wife (of a sort) had come on board... He growled and pulled his mind yet again to the Klingon's report about the energy fields that had been reported in this area. The Bird of Prey hadn't been able to stop, she was en-route to a patrol zone, but the report had been sent off according to Starfleet directives. Any strange readings were given close attention during wartime. The Klingons understood and accepted this. It didn't look like much to Sevant, nor to his CSO when she had looked it over. But the Klingons sensors weren't up to the Boudicca's standards, even if the Boudicca wasn't a science ship. They would know for certain once they came within range. Which would be soon. They had fired off a cultural probe a few hours ago, the information it had provided seemed to indicate a bronze-age society on the planet, with no more then 20,000 inhabitants. It was a lush planet, They would be able to find, forage and store quite a few fresh foods and raw materials for their replicators. There were a number of tropical beaches as well, places most of his crew would easily be able to relax in. And they needed it, without a doubt. He sat back in his chair and sighed. It was enough for now, he could do nothing more re-reading the report for the 200th time. Instead, he opened his mind gently, and with the utmost care began a self-examination. Or so he told himself, he ended up testing the link to Vicki without realizing it... ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Commander Trevan West - 0956) ==================================== He came back to a neutral position, facing the screen. "Mr. West, prepare a rotating for R&R starting as soon as the site is secured. And liaise with supply for foraging teams. No more then half of the crew is to be on the planet at once for any reason. All senior officers are required to go, make sure that the transporters have emergency locks on them at all times." "Aye sir." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant & Lt Maddie - 1020) ==================================== Sevant folded his hands together as the ship inserted itself into a high orbit over the target planet. "Full scan." Maddie watched her sensor readings, and tapped the controls to widen the spectrum. "Aye, sir full scan." The scans seemed to show that everything was in good order for an away team. There was a strange energy reading, that she wanted to investigate further, but it seemed to be a natural occurrence from the planets EM field. "Everything looks good here Captain," she told him. The Captain turned in his chair, "Any indication of the energy readings reported by the Klingon cruiser?" "There is a strange EM fluctuation," Maddie replied, "that might match the Klingon's report, but it seems to be a natural occurrence. I'm tightening the scans and concentrating on it, but at this point it appears to be harmless." "Hmm." Sevant considered that for a moment, and then nodded. "Very well, find us a quiet spot well away from any indigenous people that suits our resupply needs." Maddie smiled, now this was her kind of mission. When she heard the words "indigenous people" she knew she was going to enjoy her time here. "Already done sir," she replied. "The coordinates have already been sent to the transporters." "Very well." He turned in his chair again, "Mr. Stolev, take a team down and secure a landing perimeter. Take Colonel Straton with you." (reply: Stolev) Sevant tapped his badge, "Bridge to Colonel Straton, prepare a squad for planet-side duty, they'll go down once we begin rotating crew to the planet." (Reply: Straton) He came back to a neutral position, facing the screen. "Mr. West, prepare a rotating for R&R starting as soon as the site is secured. And liaise with supply for foraging teams. No more then half of the crew is to be on the planet at once for any reason. All senior officers are required to go, make sure that the transporters have emergency locks on them at all times." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt Cmdr Stolev - Day 3 - 1020) ==================================== Stolev adjusted his tactical sensors as the ship settled into orbit around the planet. "Full scan," ordered Sevant. "Aye, sir, full scan," replied Dr. Munroe. Stolev conducted his own tactical scan of the planet. He could detect no unusual activity aside from a small EM fluctuation that could easily be what the Klingons had reported. The profile of the fluctuation was not consistent with any sort of cloaking device or weapons system that he was familiar with, so he decided to leave the detailed analysis to the science department. "Everything looks good here Captain," reported Munroe. The Captain turned in his chair. "Any indication of the energy readings reported by the Klingon cruiser?" "There is a strange EM fluctuation that might match the Klingon's report, but it seems to be a natural occurrence. I'm tightening the scans and concentrating on it, but at this point it appears to be harmless." "Hmm." Sevant considered that for a moment, and then nodded. "Very well, find us a quiet spot well away from any indigenous people that suits our resupply needs." "Already done sir," she replied. "The coordinates have already been sent to the transporters." "Very well." He turned in his chair again, "Mr. Stolev, take a team down and secure a landing perimeter. Take Colonel Straton with you." Stolev nodded. "Aye, sir." He tapped his comm badge as he logged out of his console. "Mr. Sasine, please take over on the bridge for me. Cooper, Patel, Haverstaad, meet me in transporter room one for landing party duty. Stolev out." (reply Sasine) NRPG: Is Sasine still on the ship? He doesn't appear to be on the roster. Also, I know West asked Haverstaad to join him on a picnic on the planet, but her being in the landing party shouldn't preclude that. RPG: Stolev paused by the turbolift as Sevant hailed Straton. "Bridge to Colonel Straton, prepare a squad for planet-side duty, they'll go down once we begin rotating crew to the planet." (reply Straton) Once Straton had finished her reply, Stolev entered the lift and hailed her himself. "Stolev to Straton. Please join me in transporter room one with enough marines to secure a landing perimeter. I am bringing three security officers with me. My scans haven't detected any weapons or unusual activity in the target landing area, but better to be safe than sorry." (reply Straton) ==================================== (USS Boudicca, MCO's Office, MCO, Lt. Colonel Straton, Day 3 - 1022) ==================================== Eva sat behind her desk going over duty rosters, training plans, ammo requisitions, and a dozen other reports. All part of the logistical nightmare of keeping a full company of Marines feed, housed, equipped, and battle ready. Eva looked up from her PADD when the comm came alive. =/\=Bridge to Colonel Straton, prepare a squad for planet-side duty, they'll go down once we begin rotating crew to the planet.=/\= Eva considered the situation for a brief second before replying. "Two squads will be ready for planet side duty," She replied evenly. (Reply Stolev IYW) =/\=Stolev to Straton. Please join me in transporter room one with enough marines to secure a landing perimeter. I am bringing three security officers with me. My scans haven't detected any weapons or unusual activity in the target landing area, but better to be safe than sorry.=/\= "The Death Dealers and I will meet you in 10 minuets," Eva said, putting the PADD down, glade for any excuse to put off the pile of 'paper' work ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room One - TAC/SC Lt Cmdr Stolev - Day 3 - 1030) ==================================== Stolev entered the transporter room to find his squad already assembled. Straton and her marines came in just behind him. "Everyone ready?" he asked rhetorically as he stepped up onto the platform. He unconsciously fingered his supply belt, reassuring himself that he had his phaser and his tricorder with him. (reply any) Once the group was on the platform, Stolev stole a quick glance over at Straton, and the corner of his mouth quirked upwards just slightly. "Energize," he commanded, and the transporter room slowly faded from view. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Transporter Room One, MCO, Lt Colonel Straton, Day 3, 1032) ==================================== Eva and the Death Dealers strode into the transporter room in full BDU armor. Even a routine scouting mission could go wrong. Eva wasn't expecting trouble, but she was going prepared for trouble. Eva stepped up onto the transporter pad followed by the rest of the Death Dealers who formed up around her and the others. ==================================== (Velorum IV, Landing Site, MCO, Lt Colonel Straton, Day 3 - 1036) ==================================== Eva lifted her phaser rifle as soon as the transporter beam released them. The Death Dealers immediately spread out forming a perimeter around the rest of the away team and slowly moving outward, phaser's at the ready. Eva looked around the clearing checking her tac-corder as Stolev checked his the rest of his team. "Good. Let's fan out." Stolev said, walking over to Straton. "Colonel, I suggest you and I investigate that hillside to check for safety and stability. We probably could also get a better vantage point from that ledge up there," he said, pointing to a flat area about a hundred meters up the hill. "The rest of the group can investigate the forest and secure a perimeter, say, 25 meters in from the edge of the clearing on all sides. What do you think?" Eva simply nodded, turned and lead the way up the hill while the rest of the marines and security forces moved out to secure the perimeter. ==================================== (Velorum IV - Landing Site - TAC/SC Lt Cmdr Stolev - Day 3 - 1035) ==================================== As he materialized, Stolev pulled out his tricorder and watched with satisfaction as the rest of his team did the same. "Cooper, report." "Looks good so far, sir," replied Cooper as she turned to scan the entire clearing. The grassy area in which they had materialized was bordered on three sides by towering redwood trees that stretched hundreds of feet towards the sky. To the north, the grass ended at the base of a rocky hillside which signified the base of a towering mountain peak, its snowcapped top brushed lightly by passing clouds. "No other humanoid life forms within scanning range. Plenty of variety to the plant life, and plenty of small animals, but nothing that looks hazardous." Stolev nodded. "Good. Let's fan out." He walked over to Straton. "Colonel, I suggest you and I investigate that hillside to check for safety and stability. We probably could also get a better vantage point from that ledge up there," he said, pointing to a flat area about a hundred meters up the hill. "The rest of the group can investigate the forest and secure a perimiter, say, 25 meters in from the edge of the clearing on all sides. What do you think?" ==================================== (Velorum IV - Hillside Ledge - Security Senior Chief Melody Haverstaad - 1048) ==================================== Melody planted her foot on a rock and looked out over a small ridgeline, drinking in the scenery. After a couple moments she brought up her tricorder and did a scan of the visible horizon. This planet was... very alive. And not far from here was a beach, either to a large lake or ocean, her tricorder couldn't tell. NRPG: Looks like we're building up a good Pacific North-west type area here. Sounds peaceful ;-) RPG: The air was warm and humid, and even from the rocks it smelled of greenery. Melody turned after a few more moments and continued walking along the small ridgeline, using the slightly elevated position to increase the range of her scans. Eventually, she tapped her badge. "Haverstaad to Chief Stolev, everything looks clear from my lookout." (reply: Stolev, as desired) She turned to talk back, and rubbed at her nose, which was itching slightly. ~Bloody hayfever~ she thought as she looked over the camp. They had been caught up in the ship so long, the pollens were bugging her. She'd have to stop by medical later for a shot or something. Sneezing her entire time here would make her miserable. ==================================== (Velorum IV - Hillside Ledge - TAC/SC Lt Cmdr Stolev - Day 3 - 1057) ==================================== "Very good, Cooper. Stolev out." Sasha tapped his badge and turned back to Eva. "Sounds like we're secure. I'll call the captain and let him know... provided you concur, of course," he added with a smile. (reply Straton) Sasha stood up and tapped his comm badge. "Stolev to Boudicca. The landing site is secure. Advance teams have found a variety of indigenous flora and fauna, but no humanoids, weapons, or any hazardous conditions... well, except for one particular animal that sprayed Ensign Patel with a particularly noxious substance when he startled it. Advise any personnel coming down to avoid this particular species. It has distinctive black-and-yellow markings. It's not necessarily dangerous, just highly... inconvenient. Stolev out." (reply Sasine, Straton, Haverstaad, any) (posted by Aaron Scifres) ==================================== (Velorum IV, Hillside Ledge, MCO, Lt Colonel Straton, Day 3, 1057) ==================================== "Very good, Cooper. Stolev out." Sasha tapped his badge and turned back to Eva. "Sounds like we're secure. I'll call the captain and let him know... provided you concur, of course," he added with a smile. Eva looked around once more at the clearing and the surrounding terrain, before nodding at Stolev. "Looks good," She said, slinging her phaser rifle over her back. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 1100) ==================================== Sevant tapped his fingers together as he considered the Security report. "Very well, begin beamouts. Marines and Security first." (reply: any) Sevant considered the report he was given deeper, especially the quick description of the layout. His crew had been quarantined on their ship for months, any viruses they might have picked up last leave were long since decimated. But, this was a new planet. Besides, this was also a R&R and foraging mission. It was very likely that things would go wrong, bones would be broke. That sort of thing. "Sevant to Medical. I want you to set up a permanent presence on the planet for the duration of our stay for any of our medical needs." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Dr. Madison Munroe - 1105) ==================================== Maddie listened to the reports as they came. Everything seemed to be going well, but to interesting for her. Then something peeked her interest when Stolev reported aboout a run in with a native animal. =^=Except for one particular animal that sprayed Ensign Patel with a particularly noxious substance when he startled it. Advise any personnel coming down to avoid this particular species. It has distinctive black-and-yellow markings. It's not necessarily dangerous, just highly... inconvenient.=^= Before he signed off Maddie cut in. "Lt. commander, can you avoid decontaminating Patel until I get down there with a science team. I'd like to get a sample of the spray. It may seem like some inocuous skunk type creature, but I'd like to make sure." When Stolev signed of she looked over at the captain. "With your permission, of course, sir." (reply Sevant) With that she tapped her comm badge. "Ensing Talda, please grab a team and meet me at transporter room 1. Make sure we have someone from xenobiology." (reply Talda) "Ten minutes dear," Maddie said, "or I'm leaving without you." She gigled with excitement of going to a new world. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV- Hillside Ledge -Dr. Madison Munroe - 1115) ==================================== The science team materialized close to the away team. Patel was easy to find, although the others had shunned him to another part of the camp. The smell was a lot more potent than they had been told. It made skunk juice smell like a fine Parisian perfume. Talda and the others went to work on him immediately. Maddie was really there to "supervise" as this wasn't her area of expertice. She wandered around the camp. taking in the sights, sounds and smells (omitting the smell from Patel) of the new world. It smelled so fresh, and clean. There was a slight ozone smell, as if it had just rained. Maddie had grown up near a woods in Australia, and this place reminded her of it. She could even hear the babbling brook close by. The call from the brook was to tempting and she began to wander towards it, and away from the camp. As she wandered through the trees, she got the distinct impression that she wasn't alone, as if someone were watching her. it was like that time she cought Johnny Miller watching her and her friends skinny dipping in the lake. That was the first time she'd kissed another girl, and discovered how much she liked it. The snap of a broken twig brought Maddies mind back to where she was. There was that feeling again. the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, and she stopped walking. Suddenly she held her breath. She spun around to see a pair of huge, black eyes, staring at her. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV- Deep in the forest-Dr. Madison Munroe- 1130) ==================================== Maddie took a deep breath, then relaxed as she looked into the deep eyes of some bunny looking animal. It looked so cute. She wanted to reach down and pet it. Maybe she could take it back to the ship. After all, it kind of looked the stuffed bunny on her bed. It was even pink. The "bunny" looked up at Maddie and sniffed the air once or twice. Then a strange, hungry look came over it. Suddenly it's mouth opened. It was a great deal wider than she would have given the creature credit for. Nearly its entire head tipped back, showing off two rows of, what appeared to be, razor sharp, needle like teeth. Maddie pulled her hand back as the "bunny" snapped at her. With the shape of it's teeth, if it had gotten hold of her, the only way for her had to get released would to be going further into the mouth. She was pretty sure that was a bad idea. The "bunny" sniffed the air again. Its ears turned around, almost a full circle then it bounded into the brush. Looking after it Maddie made a mental not to put away all of her stuffed bunnies when she got back to the ship. Although she still had the sensation that she was being watched. The call of the brook was no longer such a draw, and Maddie decided to go back to the camp and see what was going on with the sampling of poor Ensign Patel, who got sprayed. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 1140) ==================================== Mor'rel looked at the various plants in front of him as he walked around with the combined scientific and medical team. He saw great logic in visiting these pre-industrial planets. Often the varieties of herbs and other plant life held untapped medicinal qualities. In truth, there were still several remedies that could not be artificially replicated and only found their homes in plant life. Mor'rel had to tersely tell one member of the scientific team that just because something, in high doses, could be a poison not to discount the fact that potential medicinal benefits could be in evidence. Mor'rel thought back to Doctor Lai. He was sure she was competent, but was still worried about her loyalties. It would take time for the entire crew to trust her. With that in mind, he tapped his comm badge. "Doctor Mor'rel to Doctor Lai, how does your study go? I have found several plants with regenative properties, as well as a few moulds that fall in the ergot range," stated the Vulcan impassively. (Reply Lai) "Understood. We will meet later with the rest of the medical staff and discuss our findings and how best to preserve and distill the medicinal properties," replied Mor'rel before closing the channel. With that, he turned and contacted the sisters Farley, "Doctors, we will meet later with any plants, minerals, herbs or fungus' you have found to discuss how best to extract their properties. How are you finding your study so far?" Mor'rel listened to the response. (Reply either Farley) "I see, thank you for your report, Doctor Mor'rel out," stated Mor'rel before closing the channel. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, FO Office, Commander Trevan West, 1200) ==================================== Trevan was just finishing his lunch off while he finished the landing party details. '"There, that should do it." he said to himself, "Computer Transmit the following to all terminals." The display showed the confirmation that the r&r roster was sent to all stations. Alpha and Beta shifts first and then 12 hrs later Delta and Gamma shifts. Then a 12hr rotation would follow according to the roster. "Trevan to Haverstaad, would you care to join me in a little r&r on Velorum IV? I'll bring lunch, you bring whatever you want." he said with a slight smirk to his face. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV, Deep Woods, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 1306) ==================================== Eva moved through the deep foliage carefully, following one of the many game trails she had found. She had set out early in the morning and was now several miles from the base camp and any of the ship crew. She was officially off duty, as her and Drizzt had set up a rotating schedule so that each of them got an equal amount of RnR as well as keeping one of them close to base camp and on call at all times in case of trouble. Drizzt had insisted on taking the first duty cycle. Eva had reluctantly agreed. ~Sometimes I think he is more paranoid than me.~ Eva thought with a small smirk. Dressed in a simple hiking attire, Eva had left her uniform behind, but not her side arm. Her phaser was clipped at her waist while a small pack was strapped on her back. She carried a walking staff in one hand. Finally she came to a small clearing in the dense wood land. Eva stopped and looked around taking stock of the clearing. The game trail she was following wound right through the middle of the clearing. Wild flowers bloomed along the clearings edges, with insets buzzing about the various colored blossoms. ~Perfect.~ Eva thought as she un-slung her pack. She moved out to the middle of the clearing and slightly off the game trail. Opening her pack she pulled out a small meditation mat and laid it out on the ground. She then pulled out a small ornate bowl, a package of herbs, and a small container and set them in front of the mate. Moving back over to the game trail, Eva set down the empty bag and then began to undress, placing her clothes in the bag along with her phaser. Now completely naked, Eva placed the pack on the ground and moved back over to the mat. Sitting crossed legged on the mat, Eva took the bowl and placed it in front of her. ~The bowl of my ancestors.~ She then picked up the small bottle and pulled the cork. She poured a small amount of clear water into the bowl. ~Water from the Crystal Falls of Betazed.~ Next she picked up the small pouch of herbs, took out a pinch full and sprinkled it in the bowl on the surface of the water. ~Crushed Turakn root, ground Kul'ta bark, and petals from the Aurka flower. The life's blood of my forebears.~ Eva lifted the bowl and breathed deeply the heady scent rising from the bowl. The scent of her world, light years away. Eva held that breath for several seconds then let it out slowly. Then she opened her mind, lowered all her mental shields and felt the life of this alien world all around her. The primitive minds of the animals as they moved around her. She breathed deep the scent of a planet rich in life alien though it might be. She cleared her mind of all distractions, and centered on the primal life around her. Life everywhere began in the primal. The animals, plants, and insects. From these did civilizations spring and to which civilizations crumbled. ~Never forget where you come from, or you will lose sight of where you can go. The past builds into the present. The present becomes the future. To forget the past is to lose the future.~ Eva recited the ancient mantra in her mind, attuning herself once more to the primal foundation of all life. Centering herself once more in mind and soul, confident that the body would follow. Finally she lifted the bowl to her lips and drank the contents finishing the ritual. As Eva sat there, unmoving, reaching out with her mind. Touching the primitive life all around her. She became aware of the presence of sentient minds. Several of them. She focused on them. Sensing their emotions. Hearing their thoughts. Eva blinked and opened her eyes. ~We are not as alone as we thought.~ She thought looking off in the direction where she still felt the alien minds. ~I'll need to notify the Captain.~ Eva rose then rolled up the mat, and picked up the bowl, container and pouch and moved back over to the game trail and her back pack. She dressed and put the items back in the pack before putting it back on. Lifting her walking stick, Eva gave one last look in the direction of the primitive village she could still feel. Then putting her mental shields in place once more, she turned and moved off back toward the base camps. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV- Commander Trevan West - 1400) ==================================== The planet dissolved in front of them out of the usual transporter mist as he liked to call it. Majestic trees towered over them, almost like the extinct redwoods from Earth but much taller. Thousands of different plant and animal species were all around them in the clearing. Up ahead the sun was peeking through the branches of the trees and the morning mist was still dissipating from the ground. Trevan took a deep breath in and exhaled, "Ahh, real air!" he exclaimed. Truth be told, the ships air was identical to the air he was breathing now but something just invigorated him, perhaps the view. He started on a walk at a good clip towards the clearing to the north of them, "I think that would make an excellent spot don't you agree?" he asked but without waiting for a reply he continued marching towards it. Behind them, the snowcapped mountains were covered in a thick cloud like haze but you could still see the peaks popping out of the top, the birds were chirping and he could have sworn he saw something rather large in the shadows but wasn't sure so he didn't raise the alarm. His cool blue shirt billowed in the wind when they arrived at the spot, "So, what do you think Mel? Is this not the best spot in the world? Well, on this world anyway?" Trevan laughed at his really bad joke but to his liking, he saw that Melody was laughing as well. (reply Haverstaad) "Good, then I suggest I start unpacking the food. I should tell you, my cooking is famous throughout the sector!" he said smiling as he unpacked the portable cooking unit and his ingredients. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Security Senior Chief Melody Haverstaad - 1402) ==================================== Melody, still dressed her in her uniform, crossed her harms behind her as she followed the Commander good-naturedly. "So, what do you think Mel? Is this not the best spot in the world? Well, on this world anyway?" Melody, spurred on as always by his apparent nativity, laughed and finally sat. "Considering I haven't seen the rest of the world, yup... absolutely." "Good, then I suggest I start unpacking the food. I should tell you, my cooking is famous throughout the sector!" "That's good, else I'd have to tie you up here when we left, for bird-food." She said as he began unpacking their lunch. As he did, she looked out into the trees with her hand on her phaser. Even off duty, she was always a security guard, her training showed. She narrowed her eyes when one of the shadows moved, and ignored Trevan as he said something. A moment later, her eyes widened and she spun on her heel and leapt at him. "Down!" Seconds later, she was sprawled out on top of him with her phaser drawn... and feeling foolish. A beast that looked something like a really large goat pranced out, looked at them, and then bent its head and went right on grazing. She sighed and holstered the phaser, "Sorry Commander." She said after a moment of looking at it. "Apparently, we've been at war too long." She looked down at him, his face was classic. "Hmmm," she said from deep in her throat with an impish smile. "Who needs lunch?" She bent down to kiss him, his 'famous' cooking already forgotten. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Commander Trevan West- 1403) ==================================== Seconds later, she was sprawled out on top of him with her phaser drawn... and feeling foolish. A beast that looked something like a really large goat pranced out, looked at them, and then bent its head and went right on grazing. She sighed and holstered the phaser, "Sorry Commander." She said after a moment of looking at it. "Apparently, we've been at war too long." She looked down at him, his face was classic. "Hmmm," she said from deep in her throat with an impish smile. "Who needs lunch?" She bent down to kiss him, his 'famous' cooking already forgotten. After a moment or two Trevan pried himself free with a smirk, "I kiss better when my partner doesn't have a phaser in her hand ==================================== (Velorum IV - Hillside Ledge - Spider Drizzt - Day 3 - 1510) ==================================== Spider planted his back against a tree and took a few moments to scan the area, looking for anything out of the ordinary. As before, nothing came up. This seemed to be quite a peaceful little planet. Of course, he couldn't take the time to appreciate that, not yet. As one of the Marines on duty, and one of the few in a Suit, it was his job to be watchful... heedful. Almost all the suited Marines were back at base-camp with the bulk of on-duty Security; on the off-chance they should be hit. Unsuited Marines and Security were also traveling around with the large gathering teams, also on the off-chance that something should come up. Spider, however, had decided to scout deeper into the forest with a small handful of med-techs who were on the hut for medicinal plants and herbs. There weren't nearly as many people out this way, those off-duty tended to go to the beach rather then into the hardwood forest. Which was perfectly fine with Spider, having them grouped together made them easier to guard. The Marine cradled his phaser-rifle as the med-techs paused and began to pick at some fungus growing on one of the trees. They looked almost excited. That attitude, in turn, confirmed Spider's belief that the medical department really needed a life. If looking at a nasty fungus was cause for excitement... Drizzt turned his head as the hairs on the back of his neck suddenly prickled. His good mood disappeared as he scanned the trees again, both with his eyes and tactical sensors. Nothing showed up, as per usual. But this time, he could swear someone was looking at him. Long moments passed without a sound that he hadn't already gotten used to, and then the tech's suddenly started tramping away. ~You're getting jumpy, can't stand the thought of a quiet planet, can you?~ He shook his head and followed the tech's again, though the feeling of being watched never left. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV- Base Camp - Counsellor, Dr. Domini Alizara- 1530) ==================================== Domini, sitting in the grass with a collection of cotton-like fibers that one of the science teams had found, spinning it into thread. Spinning was very relaxing for her, and the chance to spin her own thread, from cotton to cloth, was something that was very exciting. She had, of course, repliced a number of items to practice her technique on, but there was something not quite right about replicated items. One of the science ensigns, who shared her interest in weaving, promised to be on the look out for substances to produce dyes so that they could try that out. Domini frowned down as her thread snagged. Maddie was laughing with some man. Domini sighed. Ever since they had taken that trip into the past, their relationship had been almost non-existant. Why did Maddie have to torment her in this manner ? Oh, they had both been busy, but that wasn't an excuse...was it ? Domini took a deep breath, and looked back down at the thread. It was horrible, thin in some place and thick in others. She discarded it in a fit of pique and started again, grounding herself. One of the good things about weaving and spinning, as she had learned long ago, was that her mental mood certainly affected the outcome..so if she was in a poor mood, it would be shown tangibly in the quality of the thread. She sighed, stopping for a moment, and leaning back against the tree. She smelled the air.. it wasn't quite like Betazed, but close enough. Ship's air never quite smelled right, always a hint of the fact that it was reused and recycled. She inhaled deeply again, closing her eyes to try meditation. She let her mind drift back to the very first meditation exercises that her mother had taught her on Betazed. To ground, to center. To breath deeply along her core, to feel the stars dance in her. It was what inspired her sister to be such an amazing musician. It was what inspired Domini to create tapestries of art that were sought after by museums and collectors for their historical accurateness. She smiled, her eyes still closed and picked up her spinning again, producing a perfect thread with little effort. It did not matter that Madison was confused and wasn't ready to come back. The gods themselves guided Domini's steps, and if Madison was her destiny, they would be back together. Domini opened her eyes and smiled at the thread coming from the spindle. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 1536) ==================================== Mor'rel looked down at the crewman he was treating. This was now the fourth person in the last hour. This one had found a 'cute' fluffy bunny. Unfortunately, the cute fluffy bunny had sharp nasty teeth. The damage hadn't been too severe, but it did need some quick treatment. Mor'rel sealed the wound and checked for possible infection. There seemed to be nothing overly concerning about this, however he booked the Petty Officer into a follow up appointment the next day just to be sure. Mor'rel looked over at his other medical staff, all of whom were similarly engaged. "Please Mr. Tliksar, refrain from interacting with the fauna. Not all things are as they appear," stated Mor'rel with a slightly raised eyebrow, "You will return to the Medical Centre in the morning. I want to ensure there are no dire effects from the mammal you encountered." "Yes Sir, thank you," replied the Petty Officer, getting down and walking out of the centre. Mor'rel watched the man leave and tapped his comm badge, "Doctor Mor'rel to Boudicca personnel on the planet surface. Please refrain from interacting with the indiginous fauna. We have had several experiences with creatures on this planet that have required medical treatment afterwards. Do not let appearance deceive you, many of these animals are quite vicious." Mor'rel waited for a reply from any who bothered. He then decided to contact the ship. ==================================== (Velorum IV - Base Camp - Capt Sevant - 1620) ==================================== ~This is comfortable?~ Sevant looked around at the group of people he had beamed down with, most of which had a smile on their faces. All around him at base-camp was an excited buzz. Sevant, who had grown up on a dry planet, immediately found the humidity to be oppressive. He clasped his hands behind his back as the transport team dispersed to make room for others. The camp, only a few hours old, had already taken on a personality of its own. There were a couple large tents spread open, one of them had to be a medical center. The other had a portable replicator set up, and a crude sign saying 'Boudicca Café' hanging from a corner. The Captain quirked an eye at that for a moment, then turned away and looked at the rest of the camp. It was certainly interesting. Apparently, everyone had taken to R&R with a vengeance. He couldn’t blame them, they'd been on constant combat ops against friends and family, and everything was about to get a lot worse. According to the situation reports he had been getting, a good half of the off-duty crew were about half a mile away, at a beach. Sevant could just make out the sound of breakers through the trees with his Vulcan ears. At the far end of the gathering seemed to be a collection area for various things that had been gathered, surrounded by transporter enhancers. There was already a nicely organized pile, and others with make-shift collection bags over their necks were stopping by to unload. That was excellent; at least the crew on duty wasn’t shirking. That had been Sevant's only real worry about keeping the work teams in the same area as those off-duty. He wandered off, watching, making himself unobtrusive when possible, all while looking for the duty officer. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV- Deep in the forest-Dr. Madison Munroe- 1630) ==================================== Maddie had managed to make excuse after excuse in order to stay on the planet. she had sent the science team to get samples of the flora, and take recordings of the fauna. Nobody objected to the work, as long as they got to stay off ship. It was wonderfully relaxing. Then Maddie's comm badge beeped. =^=Dr. Munroe, Fredericks here.=^= "Go ahead John," she smiled, remembering him trying to "make a move" on her. it was flattering. he just wasn't her type. =^=Yes, I was going over the shore leave list and noticed you had added my name to it. =^= "And?" she asked. =^=Very funny, I have entirely too much to do here, to be down there chasing rocks and singing around campfires.=^= "What could you possibly have to do, John, that would countermand the captain's orders. You and your staff have been overworked lately, and by his decree, you have been ordered to shore leave." =^=Over worked, what do you mean? I haven’t worked any harder than anybody else on this ship.=^= Maddie could hear the frustration in his voice, but she also knew the symptom of an over worked, workaholic. Denial of his own need, and the thought that the ship would simply blow up if he wasn't there all the time. "Actually, Mr. Frederick's, you have pulled more extra duty time than all of your staff combined," she said firmly. "When I checked the duty logs, you even worked three shifts on four separate occasions. Now if you like I can gather Colonel Stratton and a couple of her goons and then escort you to the transporter pad. Do I have to personally watch you leave the ship?" =^=Ok, Ok, I get the point. I’ll go. No, You don’t have to personally watch me beam down. I’ll be a good boy. Out.=^= Maddie smiled. It was so nice when men were so cooperative. To bad they had to, so often, be convinced into being cooperative. Men!! Maddie had never shaken the feeling that she was being watched. Looking around at the activity in camp, she smiled. Then she saw Lt. Major Drizzt. That was the fourth time she'd seen him look into the woods. She wandered over to him. Half way there she felt something hit her in the back. Turning around she saw a throwing disk laying at her feet. She laughed and looked back at the science team, who seemed to have taken a break from their duties. They all looked a little sheepish, but they were all smiling. "A little help," Talda called out. No doubt, this was his idea. She picked up the Frisbee and sent it back to the group, who started to make fun of her throw. She'd have to show them a thing or two, but first she wanted to talk to Drizzt. "Expecting company?" she asked. Then she felt something hit her in the back again. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - Day 3 - 1635) ==================================== Stolev was wandering near the edge of the camp, lost in thought, when he heard a rustle in the trees nearby. He turned quickly to see Major Drizzt emerge from the trees. He relaxed his hand slightly from the hilt of his phaser, then looked up and saw that Dr. Munroe was standing just ahead. He nodded in acknowledgement. A rock suddenly flew out of the woods past Stolev's ear and hit Munroe square in the back. She fell forward with a grunt. Stolev spun around and pulled out his phaser just as Drizzt did the same. Stolev strained to see any trace of movement behind the leafy undergrowth. "All Personnel, drop what you're doing and pull back immediately," barked Drizzt urgently into his comm. "Security forces on stand-by, that is a direct order. Move!" Drizzt took one hand briefly off his phaser and picked Dr. Munroe up bodily. "Are you ok, can you move?" "I think I'll live, but my toes are tingling," she replied. Drizzt nodded curtly and let her go, turning his attention back to the trees. He and Stolev continued to peer through the bushes, looking for the source of the hurled rock. A rustle to his left was accompanied by a phaser blast, and Stolev turned in time to see another rock burst into tiny fragments due to a blast from Drizzt's phaser. Stolev turned and raised his phaser towards the area from which the second rock had emerged. Shortly there was more rustling in the trees, and all three trained their phasers on a spot from which an adult native emerged, holding a young child by the collar of his animal-skin outfit. Stolev spared a glance at his tricorder and did a double-take as the readout claimed that the natives were, in fact, not there at all. The man threw the boy to the ground and fell to his knees, their metal amulets clinking. "Please, Great Sorcerer, please forgive the boy and his disrespect. I will punish him, my whole village will punish him. Please don't cast another exploding spell, I beg you." His words were coming through the translator dry and very fast. The man was obviously panicked, though, based on his body language and the tonality of his voice. "Please, I beg you... take me to your Brother leader, let me pay tribute!" "Are there any more of you?" barked Drizzt as Stolev continued to adjust his tricorder to try to get some sort of reading. "No, no Great One. We were on a hunting trip when we chanced upon your entourage. Please, forgive the impudence, if I had known you were a warlock..." "Hold it." the Marine said. The man immediately went into a full proskynesis, he practically shoved his nose into the dirt, as did the boy. "Good Gods," he muttered. "You're the scientist," he said to Munroe. "What's this about wizards and warlocks?" "Obviously these natives are at a level of development where they still believe that unexplained occurances can only happen through the force of magic," she replied in a low voice. "Wizards and warlocks have long been known as people to command awesome power beyond that of a normal man. He has no idea what a phaser is, and most assuredly has never seen an Andorian before. For him, logically, you must be some magical being, such as a wizard or warlock." At that moment Murnoe's comm badge beeped. =^=Trevan to Fredericks and Munroe. Sorry to interrupt shore leave but do either of you have teams in the outer forest near these co-ordinates I am sending you?=^= "No sir," she replied. =^=Then that means we have an uninvited guest and I am picking up more strange things on the scanner but it's still too far away. I would like to be sure about this before I start shooting blindly into the forest. Can you join me? Have the Boudicca beam you here as soon as possible. West out.=^= "Actually Lt Commander," she said, "we have made contact with a native here at camp. Perhaps you should beam back here?" (reply West) Drizzt sighed. "Revised report. I have... a native... with me. He's begging to see the Captain. I request a couple Marines as escort." He paused, "And make sure they are in full BDU. On your feet," he said shortly to the two natives. "Let's move." The two cowering natives jumped at the marine's commands and scurried in the direction that he indicated. Stolev and Munroe followed, both adjusting their tricorders frantically. An unlikely yet disturbing thought occurred to Stolev, and he carefully adjusted his tricorder to scan for personal cloak signatures. He focused his scans on the area around the natives, rather than the natives themselves. After a few seconds, the tricorder came back with the results of the scan. No match of any known signatures, but there was definitely something a bit off about the readings. He showed his tricorder to Dr. Munroe. "What do you make of this?" he asked her. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV- Deep in the forest- Major Drizzt - 1637) ==================================== "Expecting company?" Drizzt turned just in time to see a rock come whizzing out of the forest. Maddie grunted and fell forward. The Marine, who had been scanning the Trees the entire time, noticed movement and swung his phaser around immediately. And then, nothing. "All Personnel, drop what you're doing and pull back immediately. Security forces on stand-by, that is a direct order. Move!" Drizzt took one hand briefly off his phaser and picked Maddie up bodily. "Are you ok, can you move?" (reply: Maddie) He opened a channel. "Drizzt to Straton. We've got movement in the trees and someone is tossing rocks. Nothing is showing on sensors, my Taccorder is clean, but we're not alone either. Recommend we reform behind the perimeter." He gestured to the science team as he was talking, motioning them to hurry up back to camp. Another rock came out of the trees, this time Spider caught it early. A phaser blast blew the rock into a thousand hot shards well before it came into reach. Again, he had caught a bit of motion in the thicket. His lips pulled back and he brought the phaser fully up to his shoulder in a combat stance to cover the retreat of the scientists. More movement caught his attention and his phaser twitched direction a bit. Out of the trees came a grown adult with a child in tow, grabbed by the collar. They were both wearing animal skins with very deceptive camouflage patterns and leaves in their hair. The man had a bow in one hand, unstrung, and held over his head with his free hand. Spider could see the use of the camouflage already, it was very effective. But it didn't explain why he couldn't scan them with his taccorder. The only thing out of place on either one was a black metallic chain holding a small black metal amulet. There was nothing else metal about them, nothing else obvious anyway. The man threw the boy to the ground and fell to his knees, "Please, Great Sorcerer, please forgive the boy and his disrespect. I will punish him, my whole village will punish him. Please don't cast another exploding spell, I beg you." his words were coming through Spiders translator dry, and very fast. But the mans voice was incredibly panicked. There was that about Translators, they always removed intonation. "Please, I beg you... take me to your Brother leader, let me pay tribute!" Spider tightened his grip on his weapon, then relaxed it again as he scanned the tree-line. "Are there any more of you?" he barked. "No, no Great One. We were on a hunting trip when we chanced upon your entourage. Please, forgive the impudence, if I had known you were a warlock..." "Hold it." the Marine said. The man immediately went into a full proskynesis, he practically shoved his nose into the dirt, as did the boy. "Good Gods." he muttered. "You're the scientist," he said to Maddie. "What's this about wizards and warlocks?" (reply: Maddie) Spider sighed, "Revised report. I have... a native... with me. He's begging to see the Captain. I request a couple Marines as escort." He paused, "And make sure they are in full BDU." Spider didn't quite know how to break the rest, it would have to wait for now. "On your feet," he said shortly. "Lets move." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV- Base Camp -Dr. Madison Munroe- 1638) ==================================== Maddie was smiling at Drizzt when she noticed that his "non-smile" deepened to a frown. Something hit her in the back and she fell forward with an "umph" as the air rushed from her. She lay there, with tears filling her eyes, and gasping for air. there was a phaser shot over her, and then she felt herself being lifted off the ground. "Are you ok, can you move?" It was Drizzzt. Her back hurt like hell, and she was finally getting her breath back enough to reply. "I think I'll live, but my toes are tingling." He must have felt reasured enough to leave Maddie and take care of security business. Then Maddie saw another rock hurtling towards them. It suddenly exploded as she realized that Spider had shot it out of the air. ~I am going to HAVE to learn to do that.~ Movement in the trees caught her attention . She turned to see, what appeared to be an adult with a child, wearing animal skins. The black amulets looked a little out of place with their clothing, but who could tell with an unknown culture. It looked like the child was in trouble. Even in her pain, Maddie couldn't help but smile. Her hand dropped to her tricorder and she began to scan them. Her smile faded as she realized that they didn't register at all. The man threw the child to ground, then fell to his own knees and began to wail. "Please, Great Sorcerer, please forgive the boy and his disrespect. I will punish him, my whole village will punish him. Please don't cast another exploding spell, I beg you." Maddie's smiled tried hard to return as she looked from the man to Spider, whom the man was referring to as "Great Sorcerer." However it never surfaced as she realized the seriousness of the situation. "Please, I beg you... take me to your Brother leader, let me pay tribute!" "Are there any more of you?" Drizzt asked, maintaining his Andorian unpleasantness. "No, no Great One" the man replied shuffling his body closer to Drizzt's feet. "We were on a hunting trip when we chanced upon your entourage. Please, forgive the impudence, if I had known you were a warlock..." "Hold it," Drizzt shouted, causing the two natives to prostrate themselves on the ground. He turned to Maddie, who was having a hard time controling her mirth at the situation. "Good Gods." he muttered. "You're the scientist. What's this about wizards and warlocks?" Naddie talked in a low voice. "Obviously these natives are at a level of development where they still believe that unexplained occurances can only happen through the force of magic. Wizards and warlocks have long been known as people to command awesome power beyond that of a normal man. He has no idea what a phaser is, and most asuredly has never seen an Andorian before. For him, logically, you must be some magical being, such as a wizard or warlock." At that moment Maddie's comm badge beeped. =^=Trevan to Fredericks and Munroe. Sorry to interrupt shore leave but do either of you have teams in the outer forest near these co-ordinates I am sending you?=^= The question caught Maddie off guard. "No sir," she replied. =^=Then that means we have an uninvited guest and I am picking up more strange things on the scanner but it's still too far away. I would like to be sure about this before I start shooting blindly into the forest. Can you join me? Have the Boudicca beam you here as soon as possible. West out.=^= "Actually Lt Commander," Maddie said, "we have made contact with a native here at camp. Perhaps you should beam back here?" (reply West) Spider sighed, "Revised report. I have... a native... with me. He's begging to see the Captain. I request a couple Marines as escort." He paused, "And make sure they are in full BDU." Then he turned to the two on the ground. His eyes rolled so much Maddie thought that they might roll out of his head. "On your feet," he said shortly. "Lets move." The two cowering natives jumped at the marine's commands and scurried in the direction that he indicated. Maddie continued to make adjustments to her tricorder, but they still came up with nothing. In fact, everything around the two disappeared as they approached, as if they were wearing personal sensor cloaks. Which was impossible for such a low level culture... wasn't it? ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV, Commander Trevan West, 1640) ==================================== After his very delicious lunch and desert he decided to whip out his tricorder and go exploring in search of something of interest. The huge glade of trees and looked down the path that stretched for at least four kilometers towards the east. His tricorder was picking up all sorts of life signs so he narrowed the scan field to eliminate insects and the local plant life. To his astonishment, a rather unusual signature was emanating about five and a half kilometers away, just beyond the end of the road as it were. It wasn't anything specific, just a large lifesign but too faint to be anything conclusive. For all he knew it was just a rather large flock of birds or something of that extent. As he was walking birds and other animals were hopping around completely un-afraid of him and he picked up a few rocks and started throwing them into the forest to hear the echo, something he use to do as a kid back on Earth. Trevan did this every few meters, a rock here, a pebble there and a few things that looked like pine cones. After a thirty five minute walk he sat down on a fallen log near the side of the pathway, he took his last rock and threw it as hard as he could. He waited for the sound of it hitting the trees but all he heard was a very distant sound of someone being hit with his rock. Trevan opened up his tricorder and scanned and saw there was indeed something, or someone nearby. He called out but no-one answered. "Trevan to Fredericks and Munroe. Sorry to interrupt shore leave but do either of you have teams in the outer forest near these co-ordinates I am sending you?" (reply Fredericks or Munroe) "Then that means we have an uninvited guest and I am picking up more strange things on the scanner but it's still too far away. I would like to be sure about this before I start shooting blindly into the forest. Can you join me? Have the Boudicca beam you here as soon as possible. West out." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV- Base Camp -Dr. Madison Munroe- 1640) ==================================== Maddie was looking at her tricorder as she noticed that Stolev was doing the same. He moved over to her, holding his tricorder out. "What do you make of this?" he asked. She showed Stolev her tricorder and suppressed a giggle of the thought, ~I'll show you mine if you show me yours.~ Of course the situatio sobbered her up nearly immediately. "It's the same as I have," she said. "It's as if something is preventing us from getting a reading. At first I thought it was some kind of cloaking device, but now I'm thinking that iot's more like a scattering field. I have no idea what could be causing it. I definitely can't find a power source." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Forest - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - Day 3 - 1645) ==================================== "It's the same as I have," said Dr. Munroe as Stolev examined the readout of her tricorder. "It's as if something is preventing us from getting a reading. At first I thought it was some kind of cloaking device, but now I'm thinking that it's more like a scattering field. I have no idea what could be causing it. I definitely can't find a power source." Stolev nodded, pointing at the readout. "See, you and I and the rest of the crew show up just fine. So it's not environmental interference." He turned and examined the natives. Their mode of dress was highly primitive, although they were each wearing those metal amulets. "It must be something they are wearing, unless you think this sort of field could have a biological source. I wonder if we could get them to let us examine one of those amulets more closely... I mean, we're already knee deep in violation of the prime directive anyway, right?" ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV, Forest, Commander Trevan West, 1700) ==================================== Deep in the woods of this planet's great forest, Trevan and some of the command and security staff stood, with a few of the indigenous inhabitants standing before them, wide eyed and babbling To Trevan this seemed to be a little humorous, however he knew they were in deep trouble when the leader of this group started to call them sages, and masters. Trevan leaned over to the Captain and whispered, "Sir, I think we should take them up on their offer to go to the village, I think it's the only way to sort out this mess of the prime directive. If we leave now, we could seriously alter their culture." Trevan glanced around and noticed the trees rustling around them and he had a sneaking feeling that there were more of them in the area then they lead on. "Security, get a tighter perimeter around here. Anyone coming or going and I want to know about it. Do not let yourselves be seen and do not shoot. Keep your weapons hidden for the time being." he said in a gentle voice. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - Drizzt - 1718) ==================================== Drizzt frowned as they finally pushed into camp. All around him the crew of the Boudicca was piling into the area, and a couple more teams of Security and suited Marines had made it to the ground. Off to one side, he could clearly pick up the captain. "... find out, I want communication with those teams again. Move it!" several engineers broke away and scurried off to the tech-dump. ~That does not sound promising." The Captain turned to them and immediately walked up. "Report!" "Sir, these..." he didn't get to finish, the two shell-shocked natives fell to their knees before the Captain. "Great one, Great one, please do not kill us!" Sevant looked down at them for long moments, then up again. "Report." He said again. Drizzt looked at Maddie, "Doctor, this is your area of expertise." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - TAC/SC Stolev - 1719) ==================================== The Captain turned to the group as they entered the camp and immediately walked up. "Report!" "Sir, these..." began Drizzt, but he didn't get to finish before the two shell-shocked natives fell to their knees before the Captain. "Great one, Great one, please do not kill us!" they begged. Sevant looked down at them for long moments, then up again. "Report," he said again. Drizzt looked at Dr. Munroe. "Doctor, this is your area of expertise." Before Munroe could reply, everyone's comm badges crackled to life at once on an emergency frequency. =^= This is the Drago declaring an emergency. All hands, be aware, the Boudicca is under attack! =^= Sevant wasted no time, he tapped his badge. "Sevant to Boudicca, report!" Seconds passed without a sound, he tapped it again. "Captain to Boudicca, emergency beam-out!" Again, there was no answer for long periods of time. Sevant gestured to Stolev. "Form a solid perimeter, and get someone to break through whatever jamming has been set up! All hands to the weapons container for side-arms!" "Aye sir!" replied Stolev as he turned and ran for the makeshift security center. "Get those sidearms distributed right away!" he ordered. He watched with some satisfaction as the crew efficiently queued up and got their weapons. Within just a couple of minutes, everyone on the planet had at least a hand phaser on them. Stolev jogged back to the Captain. "All hands are armed, sir," he reported. Suddenly he saw Straton's eyes widen as Sevant grabbed his head with his hands. "Clear out the north-west clearing!" shouted Straton into the open comm-channel. "Repeat! Clear out of the north-west clearing. Crash landing in progress!" Stolev turned and gestured to the nearest security officer he saw. "Cooper, you're with me. We've got to get those people out of there!" The two ran towards the site, and Stolev was relieved to see that what crew had been in that clearing had already begun to move away. "Move it, people!" he bellowed, then he turned and looked up and saw the ion trail of the shuttle as it plummeted through the atmosphere towards them. He glanced back and saw that the projected landing area was clear of immedate crew, although some stragglers were still scrambling out of the way. "Take cover!" he shouted as the roar of the shuttle grew louder. He and Cooper dove behind a nearby rocky outcropping just as the shuttle plowed into the clearing, sending up a plume of dust, dirt, and smoke that covered the surrounding area. Stolev coughed and wiped the dirt and soot off his face, then helped Cooper to her feet. "You okay?" he asked. She nodded just as Stolev's comm badge crackled to life and Straton's voice issued forth. =^= Commander Stolev. I need you to have several of your men take up position around the crash site. Captain Sevant and I are heading that way now. =^= "Aye, Major. I already have several men in place. We'll be ready by the time you get here. Stolev out." He then looked around for other nearby security. "Set up a perimter at ten meters. Let's move!" The security team quickly set up a perimeter around the site. A group of engineers hurried up with some rescue equipment. "Westington, Jasper, you go with them," he said as he indicated the engineering team. "We'll cover you from here. Let's get those fires out and open that hatch. There may be survivors in there." Stolev turned to Cooper for confirmation, and she nodded. "There are a number of life signs on board," she reported. "Some fainter than others." =^= Medical team to the crash site STAT! =^= Sevant sounded like he was breathing heavily -- Stolev surmised that he and Straton must be running for the crash site. Stolev looked around for blue uniforms. He spotted a group of them hurrying towards them from the main base camp area. In the meantime the engineering crew was putting out several small brush fires that had been sparked by the crash. A marine hurried up in his BDU and came up to Stolev. "Where can I help, sir?" the marine asked. "Try to get to the shuttle and get that hatch open," replied Stolev. "There are people trapped inside." He looked back at the shuttle and saw that the fires were dying down. "Aye, sir!" replied the marine smartly, then he turned and ran for a gap between the flames. Stolev watched him climb up the hull and begin pulling and tugging at the hatch. The smoke and flames cleared a bit more and he could see that the hatch appeared to be melted shut. Stolev turned and saw Sevant and Straton hurry up, and he accompanied them to the side of the shuttle. Sevant stepped up towards the hatch. "Marine, Clear!" he yelled as he pulled his phaser. He gestured to Stolev and Straton and tapped in a setting in on his phaser, took aim, and opened fire. Stolev and Straton drew their phasers and joined in. After several seconds the hull began to glow and the melted portions started separating. Thirty seconds later the three of them had sliced enough of the hull to rip it open. Sevant stopped firing and pointed at the sky. "Colonel!" Straton stepped forward and grabbed a hold of the emergency release and yanked. The door groaned, then gave way under the strength of the BDU. The Vulcan wasted no time in stepping through the hatchway. The inside was a mess. A dozen or more officers were sprawled about; a couple were obviously dead and folded into unnatural positions. Sevant continued forward as other crew moved in behind him. The door to the operations room was slammed shut; Sevant opened it and peered in. Meanwhile, Stolev quickly moved from person to person, checking for life signs and calling out when he found some so that the medics could most quickly distinguish those who needed help from those who were beyond help. "One alive in ops!" Sevant bellowed. Stolev was starting to head fore when he noticed a flash of a blue shirt passing him and saw that the CMO had arrived on the scene. Silently, Mor'rel moved to the crewman indicated by Sevant and began to remove equipment to treat the fallen ops officer. "What is the cause of this crash? How many others are there on this craft?" Mor'rel asked evenly while treating the officer in the ops cabin. Sevant, who had been inspecting the co-pilot, turned slightly. "Unknown to both questions," he said. Stolev thought he could detect a hint of annoyance in the CO's tone, but his face betrayed nothing. Sevant turned and began prying a PADD out of the co-pilot's hands. "I will need more supplies from the ship, as well as someone to begin converting my current planetary 'offices' into a surgical unit," said Mor'rel. "Who is this crew member? I might need to access his personnel file. The facilities and equipment on this planet are not overly condusive to prolonged treatment and surgery. Many of my medical team members have been injured or infected by the flora and fauna of this world already, I am short handed. Do we have any crew members on the planet surface with basic first aid training or more?" Sevant pulled the PADD away and looked at the fallen officer for a couple moments before responding. "We have no access to the ship Doctor; you will have to make do with what you have now. We're working on the problem." He looked at the PADD and engaged it. "I will see to it that you get a full list of those with medical training; the greatest portion would be from security and the Marines -- field medics," he said as he began to study the PADD. "Sir, he is coming to," announced Mor'rel as the officer he had been treating began to stir. "By his rank pips he appears to be a Lieutenant Commander." (reply Sevant) Stolev peered over Sevant and Mor'rel's shoulders and it occurred to him that the officer looked rather familiar. His eyes opened and glanced about before closing again. "Paul Casely, Lieutenant Commander, Service Record Number 249528. Ranking officer of the crew aboard this vessel. As with the terms of War Conventions, I remain responsible for the fifteen lives on board that shuttlecraft. Leave me and help them," he stated simply. He obviously had sustained serious neck and throat injuries in the past, as his voice was distinctly mechanized. (reply Sevant) Casely opened his eyes again. This time they stayed open and appeared to focus on Sevant and Mor'rel. "Captain Sevant?" he asked weakly. "Then... we made it to the Boudicca? Sort of. Who shot us down? Why? Are there enemy ships in the area?" (reply Sevant, Mor'rel) Sevant looked back down at the PADD as his badge chirped. =^= Munroe to Captain Sevant. =^= He didn't look up from the PADD. "Sevant here, go ahead Doctor." =^= Captain, I think I may have a lead to what's been going on here. Our new friend wants us to meet, who I believe to be, the village leader. It would probably be a good idea for you to be there, aswell as Counselor Alizara. =^= Sevant looked up at Straton, who along with Stolev hadn't wandered far from his side. "Prepare a security team," he said, then, "very well Doctor, we'll be there shortly." =^= Yes sir, we'll wait for you at the camp. Munroe out. =^= (reply Straton, Munroe) "You're in charge here, Doctor Mor'rel," Sevant said. (reply if desired) Stolev and Straton followed Sevant as he picked his way out of the runabout, where medics and other tagged personnel were already beginning to revive and remove crewmembers. Once they got outside, Stolev noted that the fires had already been put out. "Counselor Alizara to the base camp," said Sevant after tapping his badge. "Chief Stolev, with me." "Aye, sir" replied Stolev, while Sevant looked back down at the PADD. After a few moments he handed it over to Stolev without a word. "Ever seen something like this in your experience?" Stolev took the PADD and studied the data and image shown. The image showed the Boudicca locked in a blue web. "It looks a lot like an energy field that I remember seeing in some old reports that I reviewed at the Academy. There was a race called the Tholians, and they claimed a very unstable region of subspace as their own. I don't believe Starfleet has had any encounters or relations with them since then, though. That region of space has been flagged as hazardous and it's so far out towards the edge of the galaxy that there's really no reason for anyone to go there. Anyway, they used something similar to this to imprison ships that wandered into their territory. Although if I remember correctly, the Tholian web's visual energy signature was more in the red EM band, and this one looks closer to the blue. In other respects, though, it seems very similar." ==================================== (Runabout Drago - Command Center, Lt(sg) Walker Isengard - Drizzt - 1725) ==================================== Walker, well used to security procedures, had already gone through one picket ship and spent five minutes on-the-air with the Operations center on the Boudicca. It took long enough, but they had finally accepted him as genuine and let him board the Boudicca so he could off-load supplies and crew. Of course, more security procedures, he was held up there for nearly 45 minutes before they had finally let him go again. It was almost embarrassing, playing at 'taxi driver' to drop off crew members, though that wasn’t his primary mission. He had several communiqués that had to go directly into the hands of Captain Sevant. And, of course, the Captain was on the planet. So rather then turn right around and head back to the Spectre, he had to land on a lush planet and deal with the wild emotions of men and women on vacation. It wasn’t something he was looking forward to. And he also had to deal with the emotions of the crew-members still with him on the shuttle, several of the officers had to report directly in. "Runabout Drago to planet security, I'm enroute to speak to the Captain. I've already been cleared by Boudicca Security and Operations, I only need landing coordinates." (reply: Security) Walker flipped his communications console and was about to speak when a bright flash of blue flashed in the corner of his eye. By reflex he hit the shields, and then he had to hold on as the whole shuttle shook and was flung side-ways into the atmosphere of the planet. For a couple seconds, while the Boudicca was in visual range before the runabout spun-again, he saw a giant blue spiders-web enveloping the ship, almost like a bubble. After that, he didn’t have time to wonder, the shuttle shrieked around him as they plunged at odd-angles into the thick atmosphere. "This is the Drago declaring an emergency. All hands, be aware, the Boudicca is under attack!" (reply: any) He found the controls and brought the runabout's nose into the fall, the aerodynamics of the craft took over and the ride smoothed out... though several systems were down or on backup. Whatever force had hit them, had hurt them bad. "Someone get up here and into the co-pilots seat!" be bellowed. He didn’t pay attention to who scrambled up; he didn’t have the time or concentration. "Get working on those landing systems!" he growled. "Aye Sir!" He wrapped a foot under one of the panels for stability as he fought the craft for all it was worth and put his thrusters on full. The ship screeched as she broke out of orbital speeds and the plasma streams from the nose and shields disappeared. He took a moment to look around, then pointed the ship at the general location "Send a message for them to clear a landing area!" he said far more calmly. "Communications are down!" replied his co-pilot. Walker sighed as he tapped in manual course corrections and headed for the coast. ::Be aware, be aware. The runabout is coming down and we're coming down in pieces. Clear all people out of the north-west clearing to the camp, that's where I'll put us down!:: he sent, full strength. He hoped there weren’t many powerful telepaths down there, or they would be temporarily floored by the strength of his message. "Assume crash positions!" he bellowed. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - Captain Sevant - 1726) ==================================== =^=This is the Drago declaring an emergency. All hands, be aware, the Boudicca is under attack!=^= Sevant wasted no time, he tapped his badge. "Sevant to Boudicca, report!" Seconds passed without a sound, he tapped it again. "Captain to Boudicca, emergency beam-out!" Again, there was no answer for long periods of time. Sevant gestured to Stolev, "Form a solid perimeter, and get someone to break through whatever jamming has been set up! All hands to the weapons container for side-arms!" (reply: Stolev) "I'm sorry, great one. The warlocks have noticed your presence." Said the man, trembling on the ground. Sevant looked at him then at the scientist, "Figure out what he's talking about, Doctor. And quickly." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 1726) ==================================== Eva walked back into base camp already well aware that something was afoot. She grabbed one of the marines in full BDU on guard duty and got a full report on what was happening. At least as much as the corporal knew. Eva moved over to the make shift armory. Entering her access code, she entered the prefab building, leaving the two guards outside. Enter a second code she opened the secure container where her BDU armor was stored. She quickly, with practiced easy, put the armor on over her hiking gear. Placing her helmet on she brought Cerberus on line. "Straton to Drizzt," She said, on the marine command frequency, "report. What the hell is going on?" (Reply Drizzt) Eva grabbed a phaser rifle off the rack, slapped in a fresh power pack and grabbing several extras before moving back outside. She quickly found Captain Sevant and took up position next to him. "Form a solid perimeter, and get someone to break through whatever jamming has been set up! All hands to the weapons container for side-arms!" Sevant said, motioning at Stolev. Eva nodded at Stolev to let him know that she wouldn't let Sevant out of her sight, no matter what. "Major Drizzt, take charge of perimeter defenses. I'll be at Captain Sevant's side," Eva said, moving up next to Sevant so that he knew she was there and heard what she said. " All marines report in. This is not a drill." Eva's eyes moved then to the two prostrate natives still groveling in front of the Captain. "I see you have made contact with the natives," Eva said, looking at Sevant. "I suspect it was their village I sensed about 10 miles east, north east of here." (Reply Sevant IYW) =/\=This is the Drago declaring an emergency. All hands, be aware, the Boudicca is under attack!=/\= Eva frowned as the message came through on all channels. Every one in the base camp would of heard it. Eva unclipped her side arm and tossed it to Sevant, who she noticed was still unarmed. She opened her mouth to speak again when a powerful telepathic could be heard ::Be aware, be aware. The runabout is coming down and we're coming down in pieces. Clear all people out of the north-west clearing to the camp, that's where I'll put us down!:: Eva's mental shields instantly snapped into place as she gritted her teeth. ~Who the hell was that?~ She thought as she took a few seconds to regain her composure. She looked up to see the plummeting run about. She doubted that even a non-telepath would of missed that call, but she didn't have time to find out. "Clear out the north-west clearing!" She shouted into an open comm-channel. "Repeat! Clear out of the north-west clearing. Crash landing in progress!" Eva moved with Captain Sevant as they headed in that direction. They watched from a safe distance as the runabout came down in a ball of flame tearing a wide path through the clearing north of the base camp. Stolev and several other armed security personnel showed and formed a perimeter around her and Sevant as they moved toward the crash site. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 1726) ==================================== Eva had returned to base camp already aware that something was afoot. She could feel the heightened emotional state of the crew long before she ever reached the camp it self. She had headed straight the armory they had set up well within their perimeter. Unlocking the secured lockers, she pulled out her BDU armor and quickly put it on. As she slipped her Pallas Helmet she quickly brought her AI on line and did a quick tactical scan of the area as she secured the last clamps on her armor. "Straton to Drizzt, report. What the hell is going on?" She said, as she headed toward the weapons locker and grabbed a phaser rifle and extra power packs. =/\=We found some natives, Colonel, none of them scan-able.=/\= "There is a village of them about 10 miles south south west of here," She said, heading out of the armory and moving quickly toward where she saw Sevant standing with Drizzt and a few other crew members along with a pair of groveling natives. =^=This is the Drago declaring an emergency. All hands, be aware, the Boudicca is under attack!=^= Eva raised her phaser to a ready position as she sprinted the rest of the distance to the Captain and the others. Sevant was barking out orders to Stolev and the others as Eva arrived. "Form a solid perimeter, and get someone to break through whatever jamming has been set up! All hands to the weapons container for side-arms!" Sevant was saying. Eva looked at Drizzt, and nodded. "Take command of perimeter defense Major," Eva said, taking up position next to Sevant, "I'll remain at Captain Sevant's side." (Reply Drizzt) As Drizzt moved off, Eva looked at Sevant with a stern look on her face before looking at the still groveling natives. "There is a village of about 30 or 40 of them roughly 10 miles south south west of our position," Eva said, looking back at Sevant. "I felt them while meditating in the deep jungle." (Reply Sevant) "I'm sorry, great one. The warlocks have noticed your presence." Said the man, trembling on the ground. Sevant looked at him then at the scientist, "Figure out what he's talking about, Doctor. And quickly." Then a powerful telepathic call sprang into Eva's mind, causing her mental shields to tighten even further. She grit her teeth as she noticed Sevant wincing himself. She doubted even none telepaths would miss such a powerful call. She quickly opened a comm-channel to all personnel. "Clear out the north-west clearing!" She shouted into the open comm-channel. "Repeat! Clear out of the north-west clearing. Crash landing in progress!" She then moved closer to Sevant. "Captain," She said, quietly so only he would hear, "We don't have anyone, other than myself, on the Boudicca who could send out a telepathic call of that strength. Given our current situation, I request your permission to reinforce your own mental shielding till we can determine if this telepath is friend or foe." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - Capt Sevant - 1727) ==================================== "There is a village of about 30 or 40 of them roughly 10 miles south south west of our position," Eva said, looking back at Sevant. "I felt them while meditating in the deep jungle." Sevant frowned, "And like these," he gestured vaguely. "They didn't show up on sensors. Nor can I feel them. Can you?" (reply: Straton) "I'm sorry, great one. The warlocks have noticed your presence." Said the man, trembling on the ground. Sevant looked at him then at the scientist, "Figure out what he's talking about, Doctor. And quickly." (reply: Maddie) He was just turning off when a mammoth mental call clammed into him. His shields locked down immediately, but his head rang and a dabble of blood broke from his nose at the sheer power of it. He brought up his hands in a futile gesture to hold his head, as if to keep his brains from squeezing out. He had foolishly left most of his protections down while interrogating the villagers, he had now paid for it. "Clear out the north-west clearing!" the MCO bellowed as Sevant grabbed hold of himself. "Repeat! Clear out of the north-west clearing. Crash landing in progress!" The MCO stepped next to him a moment later, "Captain, We don't have anyone, other than myself, on the Boudicca who could send out a telepathic call of that strength. Given our current situation, I request your permission to reinforce your own mental shielding till we can determine if this telepath is friend or foe." Sevant shook his head, not in the negative but to clear his head. With the call gone, and his shields locked down, he was recovering. But whoever it was was beyond strong, and if it was an enemy he wouldn't be able to fight for long. "Under the circumstances, I can't disagree." He said after a moment. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 1728) ==================================== Sevant frowned, "And like these," he gestured vaguely. "They didn't show up on sensors. Nor can I feel them. Can you?" Eva focused on them briefly, her eyes narrowing. "They are shielded," She said, look back to Sevant. "I can try to break through the shielding if you like,but it could very well cause them harm. Physical as well as psychic. I would recommend having Lt. Alizara close by just in case." "I'm sorry, great one. The warlocks have noticed your presence." Said the man, trembling on the ground. Sevant looked at him then at the scientist, "Figure out what he's talking about, Doctor. And quickly." Then a powerful telepathic call sprang into Eva's mind, causing her mental shields to tighten even further. She grit her teeth as she noticed Sevant wincing himself. She doubted even none telepaths would miss such a powerful call. She quickly opened a comm-channel to all personnel. "Clear out the north-west clearing!" She shouted into the open comm-channel. "Repeat! Clear out of the north-west clearing. Crash landing in progress!" She then moved closer to Sevant. "Captain," She said, quietly so only he would hear, "We don't have anyone, other than myself, on the Boudicca who could send out a telepathic call of that strength. Given our current situation, I request your permission to reinforce your own mental shielding till we can determine if this telepath is friend or foe." Sevant shook his head, before answering, "Under the circumstances, I can't disagree." He said after a moment. Eva took a hold of Sevant's arm and helped him stand up straight. ::Stay close to me,:: She sent telepathically, ::I shall erect extra shields around your own. If the unknown telepath even attempts to read you in any way I shall know it and prevent it. We can communicate privately in this fashion as well. You have to but think it, and I shall leave your mind when you wish it.:: (Reply Sevant) Eva released Sevant's arm, but maintained mental contact erecting powerful mental shields around her and Sevant, locking out all other telepathic contact. With the exception of Sevant's mental bond to his wife. Then taking up position at Sevant's side, one step behind, she followed him toward the smoldering crash site. "Commander Stolev," Eva said opening a comm-channel as they walked, "I need you to have several of your men take up position around the crash site. Captain Sevant and I are heading that way now." ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp - Maddie & The Villagers - 1728) ==================================== "Ok, let's start with something simple. My name is Maddie. What's yours?" "Sister Maddie, Great One." the man said with his forehead nearly touching the ground. "I am called Kahl, this is my child... who has the birth-name of Yanno, he has not yet earned an adults name." "Good, good. Now for the harder question. Who are "the warlocks"?" "They... the Scions of the New Order... they are the sworn nemesis of the Brotherhood of Mages. They make war on us, they... are evil. They steal our villagers, force themselves on our women that they might give birth to abominations. The order gave us these Talismans to protect us." he fingered the device around his neck, "They usually work, Great One...but the warlocks magic is strong." He shivered and put one hand gently on the child's back. Kahl's face hardened slightly, as if he found some inner strength. "Are you not of the Brotherhood, are you testing me? My faith is strong and my courage unbroken. I have gone on many war parties to fight the New Order, you will not find me lacking!" He paused, and then a light suddenly glimmered in his eyes, "Or are you on Hajah, a great journey to the sacred temple of light to worship one of the Great Sources?" he breathed for a moment in awe, "Do you come from across the great sea. Is it.. " he broke off, barely daring to breath. "Is it possible you don't know of our great war?" He suddenly broke off, "Please, forgive me my insolence." he said with a tremor. Maddie smiled at him. She could sense that he was a good man, as her mind wrapped around all of the information that he had just given her. She caught on to the last part and nodded. "We are travelers from far across the sea," she told him. "From a land that perhaps even your own fathers don't know of. We are from the.... Brotherhood of the Federation, and yes, we are sort of on a pilgrimage. We do need to find this "temple of the Great Sources." Your war is news to us, but we'd like to see what we can do to bring it to an end." The villager's eyes went wide, "Another brotherhood, and you will fight for us?" he all but whispered as he sneaked glances around at all the walking golems, at all the fire-sticks with built-in fire spells. They were many, and they were strong. Perhaps they could break the deadlock which had held for centuries. He looked back at the woman, barely daring to hope. "Please, great one, we have an Archon in our village. I beg you to speak to her, she can rally the Mages for combat." he put his head back in the dust, a show of great honor. The last thing Maddie needed to do was promise Federation intervention in a civil war between two primitive cultures. But they needed some information, and this "Archon" would most likely be the best place to get it. "I'd like, very much, to meet with your Archon," Maddie told Kahl. "I would need to clear it with my... leader, and perhaps bring a few more people with us." "Oh yes, an honor guard, an entourage. I would be honored to herald your arrival." Kahl said, nearly stepping over his tongue in his haste. "The Archon is wise, one of the oldest of the Great Mages, your aid would help us immeasurably..." he paused, not knowing how to describe the horror they had fought all their lives or how much the possibility of intervention meant. "Thank you, Sister of the Federation." he finally said, his forehead still to the dirt. Maddie was becoming uncomfortable with his posture. "Please, bother Kahl, don't do that. Stand and face me, for we are more alike than you might think." She tried to urge him to a standing position. Kahl shivered, "I am not a mage, Great One, I am a mere hunter. It is not my place..." Maddie smiled down at the villager again, and said softly, "Nor am I. But I won't tell anyone if you don't." She could see the shocked look on his face. "Let's see what we can do about putting together an entourage." She didn't really want to give any more to his ideation that she was a mage, but she did need to talk with the captain, and she had no idea where he was. She turned her back and stepped away. "Munroe to Captain Sevant." =^=Sevant here, go ahead Doctor.=^= "Captain," Munroe reported, "I think I may have a lead to what's been going on here. Our new friend wants us to meet, who I believe to be, the village leader. It would probably be a good idea for you to be there, aswell as Counselor Alizara." There was a pause as Sevant spoke to someone else, =^=Very well Doctor, we'll be there shortly.=^= "Yes sir, "Maddie said, "we'll wait for you at the camp. Munroe out." She turned back to the villager. "We need to wait here for my leader, and our... entourage. They should be here soon. then, if you would lead us to your village." Kahl nodded vigorously and stole the opportunity to look around. The man with the pointy ears wasn't anywhere around, the woman was a Sorceress after all to have spoken to him. Unless the High Archon (he assumed) could speak to the uninitiated with ease. "Thank you, thank you..." Maddie sighed. The sociologist in her hated playing on the beliefs of a primitive culture. And this poor man and his son have the impression that they're sorcerers and magicians. But to their culture that was what they were, after all they could make things appear from thin air and talk to the wind. Ah well, it looked like this was going to be a very interesting trip. ==================================== (Runabout Drago - Command Center, Lt(sg) Walker Isengard - 1729) ==================================== Walker fought with the controls as the shuttle slowed enough to shed its plasma trail. "I've downloaded the logs Sir." His co-pilot said. "Assuming the pad survives the crash." Isengard almost shrugged as he fought the shuttle to keep a steady course for his projected crash-zone. With only a few thrusters working, barely, it was quite a trick. "Thirty seconds." He pointed the nose up as far as he was able without the craft stalling and continued to gauge their progress. He was doing his best, but he wasn't a Master pilot. Long years in tactical vehicles had taught him a lot, perhaps enough that most of the runabout crew would survive this debacle, but a few would almost certainly perish. ~Ah well, at least I can join my Imzadi again.~ he thought darkly as he pitched the nose to fight against some sudden wind currents that slapped into the runabout. "10, 9, 8.." his copilot began. "Shut up or walk." Walker said tonelessly as the ground and trees loomed up in front of them. He took a deep breath and tapped a final course correction and set what was left of the forward thrusters to a breaking maneuver. And then, without any further ado, he spun his seat around completely so he was facing aft and covered his face and head with his arms. The craft struck ground a moment later, and all was darkness... ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV, Base Camp - Capt Sevant - 1729) ==================================== ::Stay close to me, I shall erect extra shields around your own. If the unknown telepath even attempts to read you in any way I shall know it and prevent it. We can communicate privately in this fashion as well. You have to but think it, and I shall leave your mind when you wish it.:: Sevant took a breath and nodded, just in time to see the shuttle fly in a fiery wreck over their heads. His eyes narrowed immediately, he noticed obvious damage to the shuttle, but not in any blast pattern he had ever seen before. "Commander Stolev," Eva said opening a comm-channel as they walked, "I need you to have several of your men take up position around the crash site. Captain Sevant and I are heading that way now." Sevant began running in that direction, along with the MCO and a dozen other officers and crew. "Medical team to the crash site STAT!" he said into a comm link. (reply: Medical) It took a couple minutes to get to the other side of the clearing, but it would have made no difference. Several crewmembers closer to the site were putting out brushfires so they could get to the hatch. Several small trees had been knocked down from the landing, and the runabout had skidded several hundred feet before slamming into a particularly large tree. One man in a BDU had just managed to get through the fires around the runabout and was trying to yank open the hatch... which appeared to be melted. ~No brush fire did that.~ Sevant mused as he brushed aside a branch and stepped up to the hatch. Just enough had been cleared away that they could reach it. "Marine, Clear!" he yelled as he pulled his phaser. He gestured to Stolev & Straton and set his phaser to level 12, something to slice through the deuterium of the hull. He took aim and opened fire. After long seconds it started to show and the melted portions of the hull started separating. Thirty seconds later the three of them had sliced enough of the hull, Sevant judged, to rip it open. He stopped firing and pointed at the sky, "Colonel!" Straton stepped forward and grabbed a hold of the emergency release and yanked. The door groaned, then gave way under the strength of the BDU. The Vulcan wasted no time in stepping through the hatchway NRPG: I'm going to assume the medical team isn't far away. I'm leaving that vague. RPG: The inside was a mess. A dozen or more people were sprawled about, a couple obviously dead and folded into unnatural positions. Sevant continued forward as other crew moved in behind him. The door to the operations room was slammed shut; Sevant opened it and peered in. The copilot was smashed up against the windshield, his neck broken on impact. The pilot had spun around and the force of impact had only shoved him further into the seat. Both his arms had fallen into his lap. Sevant put a finger to the man's neck and felt a strong pulse. "One alive in ops!" Sevant bellowed, hoping a medic had arrived. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Base Camp Medical Centre - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 1733) ==================================== Mor'rel was in the middle of treating a strange rash that a female crewmember had picked up while 'picking posies', as she put it, when the comm link came to life. =^=Medical team to the crash site STAT!=^= Hearing the urgency in the voice of his Commanding Officer, Mor'rel handed the tube of topical cream to the young woman. "I'm sure you can administer this yourself. Continue doing so for the next week. If the rash is not gone by then, see me. Ensure that you continue for the entire week, even if you believe you are feeling better," stated Mor'rel. Sometimes humans had the capacity for ignoring even the simplest of instructions. He had to ensure he was clear. Then, Mor'rel collected his equipment and started out towards the area that a plume of smoke was coming from, obviously the crash site. Hearing phaser fire and various shouts, Mor'rel quickened his pace. He heard Sevant call out, "One alive in ops!" and moved to his position. Silently, Mor'rel moved to the crewman indicated by Sevant and began to remove equipment to treat the fallen ops officer. In the middle of the treatment, Mor'rel blandly looked at the Captain. He didn't understand why the man was carrying on so. A calm demeanour would be more helpful to fallen crewmembers than an emotional outburst. "What is the cause of this crash? How many others are there on this craft?" Mor'rel asked evenly while treating several burns and cuts at the same time. (Reply Sevant) "I will need more supplies from the ship, as well as someone to begin converting my current planetary 'offices' into a surgical unit. Who is this crew member? I might need to access his personnel file," Mor'rel stated calmly, "The facilities and equipment on this planet are not overly condusive to prolonged treatment and surgery. Many of my medical team members have been injured or infected by the flora and fauna of this world already, I am short handed. Do we have any crew members on the planet surface with basic first aid training or more?" ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV= - Base Camp - Major Drizzt - 1734) ==================================== "Johnson, Baldize, to the crash site and shore up defenses, now." Drizzt said in a sour mood as he looked over to the Northwest Corner. A column of smoke was visible from the crash, it clearly marked their position. If whatever had attacked the Boudicca didn't know their position before, they surely would now. He turned his head and tried to crack his neck in the BDU, but was unable, so he contented himself with leaning against the large tree he had chosen for cover. He looked over and saw several uniformed security guards moving quickly from tree-to-tree, keeping their lines mobile in case of attack, and nodded with satisfaction. They had already had a perimeter, but now it was being reinforced in-strength. Vacation time was over. ~that doc better be figuring out what is going on...~ he thought with a mental growl. He hated not knowing who, or what, his enemy was. But if that shuttle and cut communications to the ship were any indication, the enemy was strong indeed. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV- Base Camp -Dr. Madison Munroe- 1735) ==================================== Maddie had watched as their peaceful little science camp turned into a military campaign before her eyes. There were more security and marines on the planet than she had realized. Or did they all just beam down for this situation. She felt it was a bit of an over-reaction, but hey, that's why she wasn't in security she figured. When the captain showed up she knew that the pleasure cruise was over. He looked all business. And the natives, well, they were enthralled by the Vulcan. They'd probably never seen anyone with pointed ears before, or people that seemed to appear from nowhere. She was amazed that they hadn't feinted. They were a sturdy stock. Stratton reported on a village she had "sensed" about 40 miles away. Sevant noted it and the fact that they couldn't be detected. Then the natives fell to their knees in front of Sevant, bowed their heads the the adult spoke. "I'm sorry, great one. The warlocks have noticed your presence," said the man, trembling on the ground. Sevant looked Maddie with a look that gave the best impression of confussion, "Figure out what he's talking about, Doctor. And quickly." Maddie nodded, " Yes sir," She turned to the native and knelt down beside the native. She tried to get the man to look up at her, but he resisted. Looking around to see if she could perhaps get him to a more private location. She took a deep breath before doing something she didn't want to, misrepresent herself. however, they needed information. "The great one wants you to come with me," she said. At that the man looked up, a mixture of fear and curiosity ran across his face. However, he nodded and followed, being careful not to look directly at Sevant. Maddie lead him and the boy to a place where they could all sit. She motioned to the ground and sat down, cross legged. "Ok," she began, "let's start with something simple. My name is Maddie. What's yours?" (reply native-hoping he'll tell her his name) "Good, good. Now for the harder question. Who are "the warlocks"?" ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Runabout Drago - Capt Sevant - 1737) ==================================== "What is the cause of this crash? How many others are there on this craft?" Sevant, who had been inspecting the co-pilot and had noticed a padd clenched in a death-grip in that mans hand, turned slightly. "Unknown to both questions." He said, slightly annoyed but his face a mask. He turned back and began prying the PADD out of the co-pilots hands as the CMO said, "I will need more supplies from the ship, as well as someone to begin converting my current planetary 'offices' into a surgical unit. Who is this crew member? I might need to access his personnel file," Mor'rel stated calmly, "The facilities and equipment on this planet are not overly condusive to prolonged treatment and surgery. Many of my medical team members have been injured or infected by the flora and fauna of this world already, I am short handed. Do we have any crew members on the planet surface with basic first aid training or more?" Sevant pulled the PADD away and looked at the fallen officer for a couple moments before responding. "We have no access to the ship Doctor; you will have to make do with what you have now. We're working on the problem." He looked at the PADD and engaged it, "I will see to it that you get a full list othose with medical training, the greatest portion would be from security and the Marines, field medics." He said as he began to study the padd. (reply: Mor'rel) Sevant's eyebrow suddenly shot up as he realized what was on this PADD, someone had downloaded the logs of the shuttle. "He was just about to call the personnel intent on breaking through to the ship when his badge buzzed. =^=Munroe to Captain Sevant.=^= Sevant didn't look up from the PADD, "Sevant here, go ahead Doctor." =^=Captain, I think I may have a lead to what's been going on here. Our new friend wants us to meet, who I believe to be, the village leader. It would probably be a good idea for you to be there, aswell as Counselor Alizara.=^= Sevant looked up at the Colonel, who hadn't wandered far from his side. "Prepare a security team." He said, then "Very well Doctor, we'll be there shortly." =^=Yes sir, we'll wait for you at the camp. Munroe out.=^= (reply: Straton, Mor'rel) "You're in charge here Doctor Mor'rel." Sevant said. (reply: if desired) Sevant picked his way out of the runabout, where medics and other tagged personnel were already beginning to revive and remove crewmembers. The runabout was a mess, at least a dozen were sprawled around, a few dead. Once outside, he noticed the fires had been taken care of. It was a very wet environment, it wouldn't have taken much. "Counselor Alizara to the base camp." He said after tapping his badge. "Chief Stolev, with me." He looked back down at the PADD and the image he had frozen, a picture of the Boudicca locked in a blue web. The closest Sevant had ever seen to it was a Tholian web out of his history classes. He handed it over to Stolev without a word, "Ever seen something like this in your experience?" ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Runabout Drago - 3O/TAC/StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 1740) ==================================== Paul, in the short term, drifted out of consciousness again and again. The resemblance of the crash to the bomb blast on Geneva that had robbed him of the use of his lyranx was eerie. Somewhere, he heard someone state aloud, albeit coldly, "Sir, he is coming too. By his rank pips he appears to be a Lieutenant Commander." (Reply Sevant) Paul's eyes blurry and unfocussed glanced about before closing again. ~Starfleet uniforms? They're wearing Starfleet uniforms? How did they get here so fast? Did they shoot me down? Am I captured?~ "Paul Casely, Lieutenant Commander, Service Record Number 249528. Ranking officer of the crew aboard this vessel. As with the terms of War Conventions, I remain responsible for the fifteen lives on board that shuttlecraft. Leave me and help them," Paul stated simply, hearing his digitally enhanced voice. If he was captured by an opposing fleet and interred with his people, he'd be afforded the respect of being their senior officer. He had to make sure they were looked after. (Reply Sevant) Paul opened his eyes again. They focused and two vulcans came into view. He believed he recognized the one in blue, but couldn't remember from where or when. Was it the Nimitz? When he saw the face of the other man, the captain, it was clear. This was the man that several of his crewmates aboard the USS Nimitz had died to retrieve. This was Captain Caladryll Sevant. "Captain Sevant? Then... we made it to the Boudicca? Sort of. Who shot us down? Why? Are there enemy ships in the area?" once again the electronic voice grated on his ears. He fleetingly wondered what Sevant thought of an officer who couldn't speak on his own. Paul vaguely heard the man in blue state that he was not gravely injured, just cuts and bruises and a bit of shock. ==================================== (Planet Velorum IV - Runabout Drago - Capt Sevant - 1740) ==================================== Mor'rel moved onto someone different as Sevant continued tapping through the PADD, and said "Sir, he is coming to, By his rank pips he appears to be a Lieutenant Commander."   Sevant glanced over the PADD again and looked at the officer, the face was familiar. But before he could place it, he man woke up and seemed to do a double-take, and then said "Paul Casely, Lieutenant Commander, Service Record Number 249528.  Ranking officer of the crew aboard this vessel. As with the terms of War Conventions, I remain responsible for the fifteen lives on board that shuttlecraft.  Leave me and help them," Sevant narrowed his eyes. ~Casely...~ yes, he knew that name. This man was on Nimitz last he had heard.   The man paused again and looked hard at Sevant, who returned the gaze solidly. Plans were running through his mind when this Lt Commander said "Captain Sevant? Then... we made it to the Boudicca?  Sort of. Who shot us down?  Why?  Are there enemy ships in the area?" The Captain quirked an eyebrow, "Explain that, Commander." (reply: Casely) NRPG: We have about 2 minutes to play with here, give or take, before the three of them head out of the runabout. RPG: Sevant didn’t look up from his PADD-search as his badge chirped.  =^= Munroe to Captain Sevant. =^= "Sevant here, go ahead Doctor." =^= Captain, I think I may have a lead to what's been going on here. Our new friend wants us to meet, who I believe to be, the village leader.  It would probably be a good idea for you to be there, aswell as Counselor Alizara.=^= Sevant looked up at Straton, who along with Stolev hadn't wandered far from his side. "Prepare a security team," he said, then, "very well Doctor, we'll be there shortly." =^= Yes sir, we'll wait for you at the camp.  Munroe out. =^= (reply Straton, Munroe) "You're in charge here, Doctor Mor'rel," Sevant said. (reply if desired) Sevant got outside and gave orders for the Counselor to meet them, then handed the padd over to the Security Chief. "Ever seen something like this in your experience?" Stolev took it and studied it for a few moments as they walked.  "It looks a lot like an energy field that I remember seeing in some old reports that I reviewed at the Academy.  There was a race called the Tholians, and they claimed a very unstable region of subspace as their own.  I don't believe Starfleet has had any encounters or relations with them since then, though. That region of space has been flagged as hazardous and it's so far out towards the edge of the galaxy that there's really no reason for anyone to go there.  Anyway, they used something similar to this to imprison ships that wandered into their territory.  Although if I remember correctly, the Tholian web's visual energy signature was more in the red EM band, and this one looks closer to the blue.  In other respects, though, it seems very similar." "Very similar, but with distinctive differences. There were no dart-ships involved, and this was created instantaneously." Sevant said, almost frowning. "And I don't remember anything about the Tholian web producing an energy effect anything like what slammed this runabout." He stopped and turned around, looking at the craft once more. It was amazing anyone had survived. He turned his head to Straton, "Go ahead Colonel, I'll be there momentarily." (reply: Straton) He looked at Stolev for a few moments, "Stay here Commander, figure out who these people are." He paused, "I recognize Casely's name from the records I read prior to my rescue, Casely was on the Nimitz. Figure out what he's doing here." (reply: Stolev) Sevant nodded and turned on his heel to catch up with the Colonel. There was too much going on out of his control; this wasn’t making him a happy man. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NON-BOUDICCA posts ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (Andoria - City of She'nah Hoorn, Control Center - ASD Commander Torval Reen - 1940, Day 1) Commander Torval Reen, senior commander planet-side of the Andorian Self-defense force, looked at his screens with greater horror then he could ever remember feeling in his life. The ground shuddered as a photon torpedo from one of the ships in orbit slammed into the city, knocking out many square blocks cleanly in one strike. Orbital bombardment of this sort was only reserved for strong-points in wartime, bases that couldn’t be cracked except by heavy weaponry. And only then until forces could pour in. To use photon torpedoes and heavy-phasers against civilian targets... It was the kind of genocidal war that the Federation was swore to combat, not partake in. The ground rumbled again as two more torpedoes destroyed even more of his once beautiful city. "Sir, our last three ships report a battleship in close pursuit. They won't be able to evade for long. Admiral Driaz is dead." "Who’s left in the Command Hierarchy?" A second paused, "You, Sir, and a Minor major of Ground Forces." He slammed his fist into his command console at thought furiously, "Very well, order those ships to do what they can." A polite way of saying 'take someone with you when you die'. He turned as another set of explosions rocked the city. "What’s the status of forces around the planet?" "They are deploying in standard order, Commander. Although, we've already lost significant numbers and equipment from this orbital bombardment." "Break them up, immediately; tell them to head for ruins or strong-points until the bombardment fades." "Aye Sir." "Commander," another aide said behind him. He spun on his heel. "Elements of the 1st Terrestrial Marines and 15th Ground-Tactical have landed here at She'nah Hoorn. Heavy support craft are leveling any resistance around them as they disembark." Reen hissed as he looked at the screen on his console. "We can't take them head-on with this bombardment in place," he finally said as he fingered the curved knife on his belt, a traditional weapon that had been in his family for generations. "Issue orders to all troops planetside, get out of all official installations immediately and form local battle-groups based anywhere safe. Don't take on any force without superior numbers." His blood boiled at such methods, his was a warrior people. But protecting his people and planet was his job, his honor and dignity had nothing to do with it. His people with clever, sneaky, they would resort to anything that would guarantee them victory. "now!" he barked as he picked up the phaser-rifle he had laid on the console before him. "All troops, abandon this position and regroup at point Alpha!" He had to grab the console as the building groaned around him; a torpedo had exploded very close to him. Reen was suddenly very glad that ever medic had a large supply of anti-radiation meds; anti-matter explosions were not exactly clean. "Move, this building will be leveled soon enough He paused at the door, looking over the office and command center that the Resistance had been fought from for the last 24 hours. It was all coming to an end; hostile forces were stepping foot on his sacred soil. ".. time to meet them." he hissed to himself as he suddenly turned on his heel and ran out of the building. (Andoria - City of She'nah Hoorn, The ruins - ASD Commander Torval Reen - 1120, Day 7) “Die!” The Andorian commander jumped to the side just in time for a phaser-blast to blow a hole in the ground right where he had been standing. Reen snarled as danced aside again as yet another phaser ripped into his personal space. Luckily for him, this trooper was clumsy and stupid, probably a fresh recruit, he managed to get behind him and get his phaser arm around the trooper’s chest. His left hand, holding a long dagger, he put against the trooper’s throat. With no hesitation at all, Reen pulled his ceremonial knife, an ancestral piece kept in the family for generations, across the soldier’s throat with a jerk and a snarl. The body dropped to the ground, leaving Reen’s blue skin covered in red blood. This was not what Reen had in mind when he had set to ambush a federation patrol. Having two patrol groups spaced minutes apart was not standard Starfleet procedure. He and his group had jumped one, only to have another come down their throats while they were fully engaged. They were now evenly matched for numbers, but not in terms of weaponry. Half of Reen’s forces were civilians, ex soldiers, artists, anyone who had a desire to free their home planet. Very few were hardened combat troops. And most of those that had seen combat were well passed their prime. A bellow caught his attention, Reen turned his head just in time to see a ball of fur fly from the top of a shattered pillar onto the back of one trooper, then roll in the dust for several feet. It hopped up energetically with an axe in one hand, a war-pick in another, and swung both weapons into the front-side of a different trooper. Reen did a double take as he looked at the ball of dust-matted fur, but there could be no mistake. It was a Tellarite, an ancestral enemy of the Andorians. And it was fighting with what appeared to be antique Andorian weapons. Whatever thoughts of disgust the Andorian might have had at a dirty pig holding his peoples honored weapons disappeared when the chubby ball of fur buried the pic deep into the tactical helmet of yet another Starfleet trooper. Hated he might be, but he knew how to fight. That brief lapse almost cost Reen his life, a phaser caught him in the shoulder and spun him around from the sheer force. Reen growled as he fell to his knee and brought up his own phaser and blasted the offending Tactical trooper into dust, followed by another who was running up to help. After several more bloody minutes, it was over, both patrol groups were dead. So was half of Reen’s force, their bodies littered the group in various positions, most with masks of pain or disbelief on their face. One of Reen’s old command, a medic, rushed up and applied a duraplast bandage onto his wound, causing him to issue a hiss of pain that was quickly negated by a blast of a hypospray. Reen waved him off a moment later and stepped forward, where the Tellarite was standing and glaring at all the remaining Andorians. Reen paused just outside of his weapons reach and stared back. After long hostile moments, the Andorian took a breath and twitched his antenna. “You do those weapons honor, Tellarite.” He said in as level a voice as he could manage. “These Re’jah killed my people, Worms.” The Tellarite growled back. “Mine as well.” The Commander said. And after long seconds, an unprecedented smile broke upon his face, evil though it might have been. “Let’s make them pay.” (Andoria - City of She'nah Hoorn, The ruins - ASD Commander Torval Reen - 51240, Day 10) "Halt!" "Revolutionary." The guard whom he had spoken to stepped aside as Reen spoke the password and stepped into the burned-out ruin that had once been a very well-to-do motel for off-world travelers. His team, weary and bloody, trudged behind him. Even the thrice-damned Tellarite looked worn, and there was nothing a Tellarite loved more then dirty fighting. ... at least, in Reen's experience. They had managed to Ambush one of the patrol groups in the area and take a cache of weapons, which had been the goal from the first. The patrols were strengthing, this one had been a Tactical/Security force using ground-based combat BDU's. Of all the men he had started with, including the volunteers, only a third of the force remained. Reen tugged at his own armor and sat roughly on one of the stones which had prior been part of a priceless stone statue in the lobby of the motel, it had been destroyed during the orbital bombardment. A small inner council of fighters formed around him, including the Tellarite Bishah who, like all Tellarites, had invited himself. “We won’t be able to do this for much longer.” Reen said quietly. “This open fighting is killing us.” The Tellarite grunted, but it was a younger Tellarite that spoke up. “What would you have us do, surrender and lick their boots?” “No.” Reen said after a moment’s reflection. “I would either bleed away most of the force and leave a token force to surrender so that we might continue the fight in a more… controlled fashion. He put his helmet down and crossed his arms, “The fight will never finish, and those that surrender won’t be able to pick up a weapon again for a long while, but the rest of our people will be able to keep up the resistance in one form or another. At the rate we’re going, with open warfare, our people will be dead inside six months.” “They’ll be dead anyway.” Bishah said in his customary growl. “It’s only a matter of choosing your poison.” “I don’t think so.” Reen said with acid in his tone. “It’s hard to justify killing so many when there is no active fighting going on.” The Tellarite shrugged and several other Andorian’s took up the argument. Reen sighed to himself; this was a fight that was going to last for days. He had a plan, but he couldn’t speak it openly yet. A quiet rebellion, unlike the open fighting they had been engaged in, something to keep his people alive but their spirit intact. Yes, this was going to be a long fight. But the Andorian commander would have to fight it, or it would be more then his band of merry marauders that were slaughtered. (Andoria - She'nah Hoorn, Culture Center - ASD Commander Torval Reen - 0605, day 14) Reen took a deep breath in the early morning air, but it wasn’t the clean refreshing lungfulls he had lived his whole life breathing. His planet was shattered; his band had spent the night sniping from the rubble of a building which had once housed hundreds of years worth of collected art and antiques. The force which had struck had spared nothing of culture, nothing of history. Even hospitals had been destroyed. It was a war of the knife, just as Doenitz's forces had promised. Thousands were dead, if not millions. Most of the damage had, of course, been due to heavy artillery and orbital bombardment. They had relatively few forces on the ground, but they did have several strong-points which nobody had been able to break. Reen shook his head. His were a warrior people; his had spent generations in combat against the furry Tellarites. Now, his beautiful planet was in ruins. His people lay burning in the fires which consumed whole sections of the once great cities. The same Starfleet which had sworn to protect them was now engaging in a war the likes of which Reen and his troopers had only read about... a war of retribution that lived in the darkest of nightmares. And his people, despite their generations of pride, had lost. At least for now. There would be other days. The Resistance would never truly die. But he had to save a few people, before his race became extinct.. Before him and his force were no less then a division of Marines with two more divisions of Security/Tactical support, all of them in battle gear. Thousands in oppositional forces, all of them with weapons drawn. All Reen had left were two hundred, a rag-tag group of Andorians with a smattering of other races. Military personnel, retired Starfleet, Civilians. Anyone with the will to fight, using whatever weapons they had been able to get their hands on. This was the end of an era. Reen put his phaser over his head, and then offered it butt-first forward, a traditional show of surrender. "As the highest ranking member left in the Andorian Self Defense Force, I hereby offer my full surrender!" he bellowed. How it rankled to say those words over the bleached bones of his home. "Drop your weapons!" the lead Marine bellowed. "Now why did you have to go and do something like that, you bloody worm-head?" the Tellarite grumbled behind him. They had all spoken of this last night, discussed surrendering now and pursuing other options later, even so the Tellarite remained stubborn. "Just do it!" Reen hissed without removing his eyes from the troopers as he gently laid his phaser on the ground. He heard other sounds of compliance behind him, weapons being dropped onto the cement, blades and staves being tossed to the side. The Tellarite behind him continued to grumble, Reen turned his head slightly. "Drop. Them." he growled. Bishah started to comply, and then paused. "Death before dishonor!" he bellowed as he suddenly sprinted forward. Reen dropped to his knees immediately, his hands reaching for his phaser, as several phaser-shots blasted the hopeless hairball into non-existence. Several other phasers pointed his direction, he stopped his grab at the phaser and slowly collected himself. Seconds passed without a sound, and without movement. The thousands of men before him stood in mute silence, sentinels watching the end of Andorian pride and resistance. Without warning, though, several hundred phaser beams shot forward. Reen twisted and made a roll for his phaser, screaming "NO, WE SURENDERED!" as he did so. He grabbed his phaser and turned back to look moments later. His men, his mates, his countrymen... everyone who had trusted him and Starfleet to accept surrender, were falling to the ground. Some were vaporized outright, others ended up with a dozen holes in their bodies before their knees could even strike the ground. "MURDERERS! WE SURENDERED!" Another couple seconds passed, and then the leader spoke up. "By the authority granted to me by the office of the presidency, I pronounce you guilty of high treason. The punishment is death." The Andorian got to his feet slowly as the Marine leveled his phaser. Reen's antenna twitched and his face pulled back into a hateful scowl as he growled, "My people will never surrender again. This won't be the end." (Andoria - City of She'nah Hoorn, 1 block south of the Culture Center - Suvven D'nall - 0610, day 14) Suvven, not yet sixteen, watched the Commander sink to his knees and then slowly fall face forward into the bloody dust. The back of his head had been removed by the high power phaser shot he had just taken, his proud and tattered uniform was splattered with yet more blood by his senseless murder. If nothing else, he felt no more pain. From the ruins of his home next to the bodies of his parents, not a block away, Suvven's heightened senses and Antenna had picked up everything. "This won't be the end," he all but whispered with more then a touch of conviction as he fingered a small personal phaser that his father had owned during his time in Starfleet. "This is only the beginning, that I swear." That teenager would later tell others about the heroism of Commander Reen and form his own cell in the new Resistance, the stories he told of their murder would spread like wildfire, even that a Tellarite had joined into the crusade to save the Andorian homeland and was killed for it. All of them, even the Tellarite, would become martyrs to the Andorian people. Outrage would swell even greater then it had. Midnight councils were held, plans made, measures taken. Blades were sharpened, phasers charged, and ancient Andorian battle-banners of freedom and conquest, unused for centuries, unfurled as the underground began to organize and gather momentum. Andoria, like so many other Federation planets so brutally ceased, would never surrender... Never. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ End of Compile ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~