USS Rosenante Compile Sensory Overload 7 ==================== Sensory Overload Day 2 Stardate: 2414.11.02 ==================== (Rosenante, FO Office, Matrix, Day 2, 0131) (Rosenante, Personal Quarters, Andersen, Day 2, 0137) (Rosenante, aCEO Office, Nolar and Kluj, Day 2, 0142) (Rosenante, Jackson, Day 2, 0149) (Rosenante, Shuttle Bay 1, Tesha, Day 2, 0150) (Rosenante, aCEO Office, Nolar, Day 2, 0154) (Runabout, C'Nell, Day 2, 0155) (Rosenante, Bridge, Matrix, Day 2, 0156) (Rosenante, Shuttle Bay 1, Jackson, Day 2, 0157) (Rosenante, Shuttle Bay 1, Tesha, Day 2, 0158) (Rosenante, Shuttle Bay 1, Andersen, Day 2, 0159) (Rosenante, Shuttle Bay 1, Nolar, Day 2, 0200) (Runabout Rubicon, Matrix, Day 2, 0201) (Rosenante, Bridge, Sanok, Day 2, 0205) (Yora III Wooded Area, Jackson, Day 2, 0220) (Yora III, Runabout Rubicon, Matrix, Day 2, 0221) (Yora III, Runabout Rubicon, Nolar, Day 2, 0222) (Orbiting Ship, Solius, Day 2, 0225) (Yora III, Nolar, Day 2, 0231) (Yora III, C'Nell, Day 2, 0232) (Yora III, Jackson, Day 2, 0233) (Yora III, Matrix, Day 2, 0235) (Yora III, Andersen, Day 2, 0237) (Yora III, Tesha, Day 2, 0238) (Rosenante Bridge, Sanok, Day 2, 0239) (Yora III, Andersen, Day 2, 0241) (Yora III, Nolar, Day 2, 0242) (Yora III, Allen, Day 2, 0243) (Yora III, Jackson, Day 2, 0245) (Yora III, Nolar, Day 2, 0246) (Orbiting Ship, Solius, Day 2, 0250) (Yora III, Nolar, Day 2, 0258) ==================== Mission: Sensory Overload Day: 2 Stardate: 2414.11.02 (Rosenante, FO Office, Matrix, Day 2, 0131) Matrix was reviewing the away mission and briefing from the department heads and was about to make his way to the shuttle bay when Lieutenant Nolar arrived. "Sir, if I understand correctly, I am in charge of the small effective that is going to go down to the power source?" asked Gan "That is correct Lieutenant, your tasked with repairing their energy issues." Replied Matrix. "I would like to include Ensign Kluj, and an officer from operation to the list." he demanded. "State your reasons." Replied Matrix "There will be a lot of sensors out there trying to locate our presences. Also, I have the intention to install transporter beacons down there to avoid having to move stuff up and down and I would need to hide the transporters beams from being detected. I need a science officer for that. As for the operation officer, it always come handy to have a specialist of computers, energy output, operations, transporters, and someone who knows enough about engineering to help me down there doing the repairs." he explained "Request denied Lieutenant. This is a covert mission and we already have more people going than I'm comfortable with. You're going to have to deal with this yourself the best you can. Understood?" ordered Matrix. (Reply Nolar) (Posted by Steve) ----- (Rosenante, Personal Quarters, Andersen, Day 2, 0137) She connected the module that was lying under her bed, neatly in her side-opened computer, connecting the wires directly. Once again, the device first did a sweep, imitating the standard computer hardware so no one could find out about it, without knowing where to look. She punched in her password, choosing the channel frequency next. It was a different frequency, but tied to the last one mathematically. The General jumped frequencies every 12 hours, and if someone had the original frequency, it was a matter of simple math to subtract the current date and time, and an hidden constant number relative to the original frequency. "Doctor." he didn't seem awfully surprised. "I have news to report in." she added. "Go ahead." he said nodding his head. "We're going back down. The Captain expressed his doubts that Romulan Star Empire might be involved in falsifying the medical records on Yora III, we're on a covert mission to the planet." she explained, talking fast as if she was in a dire hurry "Excellent. I want those medical records, both falsified and the originals. If you find yourself in a situation to extract one of the chips, you are ordered to do so, but not at the cost of yourself being found out. It is imperative they believe you're one of them. We will be sending a small team after Rosenante on the planet." "Sir, about the Ensign Scudder..." she started. "Have you managed to extract the chip?" "Negative. I only have the scan results Emergency Medical Hologram did of the patient. I was also not allowed to try to remove the chip myself." "Where is he being taken to?" he sighed visibly disappointed "Currently no where as we're stuck, but as soon this mission is over, I believe he'll be taken to the Starbase Geneva." "That is what I was fearing. Geneva is the center of the 52nd. Tight security and experienced crew, it will be difficult to acquire the chip there." "I am volunteering to..." "Absolutely denied. We have few contacts of the terrorist cell still in existence onboard the Geneva. We will be sending one of our scientists to try to get to the chip. You, on the other hand, have a bigger role out there in the unknown. Your informations have proved to be vital." "What are my orders now?" "Stick with the plan. Get me the medical records and some technology. Find the proofs of Romulan tampering." The General closed down the channel, but as soon as he did, another direct call was established on the same frequency. She opened the channel, expecting to see General again adding yet another objective she needs to do. "Mom!" she said surprised to see such a face on such a channel. "Ailyn. You look so beautiful." her mom was looking at her "M-mom..? What's wrong? Why are you using this channel?" "It has been given to me by your friend Taylor. She thinks it won't be monitored." "Alright... but what did you..." she started murmuring, she still didn't have a slight idea why is her mom talking with her through the frequency the General uses, let aside the fact her mom isn't supposed to even know about her involvement with the General... ~Taylor... if you told her... I'm going to kill you.~ "I have something to tell you. I cannot hold it in myself any longer and let you work for them not knowing." "Them..? Uh tell me?" she asked trying to understand who was 'them' her mom was talking about. "No... not like this. When you are free, visit me on Earth. And Ailyn?" "Yes, mom?" "Always know that me and dad really loved you." her mom said, almost at the point of crying. It felt as something bad is gonna happen. "Mom, why are you saying these things?" "We will see each other on Earth. Take care." she said and all Ailyn could further see was a black screen. The channel was closed. Ailyn bit her lip trying to understand what just happened. What was the thing she couldn't say over the channel? At any rate, she had to focus on the mission at hand, she didn't need any more distractions. With that thought, she shrugged, getting dressed for the covert mission. A low-light reflecting surface uniform was chosen, the color did not matter much, but she took a standard issue one. Buckled a belt full of tools, type 2 phaser, tri-corder. She then proceeded to the armory to take some flash-bangs, in case it would come to confrontation. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Lani) ----- (Rosenante, aCEO Office, Nolar and Kluj, Day 2, 0142) Gan nodded to his superior. It was not his intention anyway to bring too many people. It was easier to command (control) 4 crew members rather than 10. He walked to his office in time to receive ensign Kluj. "Reporting as requested, Lieutenant," Kluj stated. Gan examined the officer for an instant. A half Klingon-Half Vulcan officer... has he the best or the worst of both. He wondered. "Sit, ensign" he then said. "You will be in my away team. To repair the power facility, I need to transport materials that would be to hard to transport by hands without being detected, so I intend to install a transporter beacon down at the power source. Beaming up and down would however been detected immediately. I need your expertise to prevent the detection of our recurrent beaming signals." Gan gave him a padd with more details about his plan. Kluj examined it and said : "There are many ways to mask a sensor scan with various materials or radiation, but what I think you are asking for is a more general disruption of the Yoran sensor arrays. This may be able to be done through interference from the planet's troposphere and ionosphere, but I'm sure their surface-based sensor arrays are already tuned to filter out any known atmospheric barriers. They also probably have orbital sensor arrays we'd need to deal with. In my opinion, the simplest way to block all of their sensors would be to setup a Tachyon emitter in geosynchronous orbit over the city." "Tachyon emitter?" questioned Gan. Kluj raised an eyebrow "I’m surprised you are unfamiliar with this technology, after all you are a Cardassian. A tachyon emitter is a device first used by the Cardassians in 2378. They are small satellite-like devices which disrupt anything having to do with subspace within the system, including warp travel, sensors, and communications. Quite a brilliant military device to be sure. Of course we’d have to build it, and make sure only to engage it for a few moments prior and after a transport. Any time it is engaged, it will completely disrupt all communications within the system and limit warp travel within the system as well. We must use it sparingly or the Yoran government might get suspicious. With engineering's support, I can oversee the emitter's construction and have it in operation in 48 hours. Do I have permission to proceed?" It was one of the first time Gan was really in a position of leadership, and it was the first time he realized the depth of difference between Starfleet hierarchy compared to Cardassian. On Cardassia Prime, having made such recommendation with saying 'sir' several time, and making sure to recognize his superiority would have been necessary not to be pushed aside. But he was in starfleet, and he needed to accept the fact hierarchy here was not one-sided. Concentrating on what Kluj told him. "I know what is a tachyon emitter. But being used the way your propose... I have always perceived tachyon for its particularities : the fact it is partly out of subspace. ... but being use to disrupt subspace itself? A tachyon-based warp technology I assume? I am intrigued to know how it works. But we don't have time now. I forgot to tell you one thing. We are not beaming up and down the USS Rosenante. We are going to beam up and down from a runabout that will be located somewhere on the planet, preferably within the government building. I need to disrupt the sensors within the building, not the whole planet. I need something that could be done quickly...no time to build it. Anything else in mind?" (reply Kluj) (Posted by Nick and David) ----- (Rosenante, Jackson, Day 2, 0149) As he walked to the shuttle bay, his mind returned to his stop off at his quarters. Tom had stopped to look in on his kids. Jacob was stirring slightly. Tom smiled. Jacob had Tom `s reddish hair and Dahlia's smile. Hope,was dark haired and had Dahlia°s features. She had the gruff, tough Starfleet officer under her total control! Tom tucked them in and tried to slip out and not wake his wife. She seemed to always know when he was near by. They seemed in perfect sync. Tom had never known such happiness. He and Dahlia chatted. Reluctantly, duty called. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Bill W.) ----- (Rosenante, Shuttle Bay 1, Tesha, Day 2, 0150) Tesha was the first one from the covert team to arrive in shuttle bay 1. The flight crew was finishing last-minute preparations, so she stood off to the side and waited. After the briefing with the senior staff, Tesha had gone to sickbay first to grab a field medic kit. After that, she had gone to ship stores to get a black uniform and a cricket phaser. Heading off to her quarters, she quickly changed. Staring at herself in the mirror, something hadn't looked right. Her clothes were black and would give her cover in the dark city, but her light blue face and white hair stood out, as the Humans said, like a sore thumb. Pondering the situation, she had rushed back to stores and gotten a black stocking cap. In her quarters again, she pinned up her hair, and after cutting two holes in the top of the cap for her antennae, she carefully slipped it on. Looking in the mirror again, she smiled in satisfaction. Andorians had metabolisms higher than most humanoid species, so all the running around the ship had made her hungry. Tesha replicated an energy bar and devoured it. Pausing, she replicated five more and stuffed them into the medkit, which she slung over her shoulder. Satisfied that she was as ready as she was going to be, she had made it to the shuttle bay first, with time to spare. The first time on Yora III, the team didn't know what to expect. This time, it would be different. She was confident this time, they would do what they had come to do. (reply any) (posted by Bob B.) ----- (Rosenante, aCEO Office, Nolar, Day 2, 0154) After his discussion with Kluj, Gan was ready to put forward the plan. He contacted his superior. "Lieutenant Gan to Commander Matrix." he said. (Reply Matrix) "Sir, I have one request, and one need of information. I need to know the exact composition of the Government building. The walls, the transporters or conduits, the cores... I need more than a visual image, I need all the data. I cannot get that information without your help sir, so I beg authorization to ask the administrator to give me such information." Gan explained (Reply Matrix) "It would be easier to disrupt the sensors if the runabout was located within the government building. As I am not aware we have any extra cloaking device, I would also need to request to land somewhere in the building. I'm sure we could find a reason...perhaps a diplomatic one, to send a runabout there." said Gan. (Reply Matrix) (posted by Nick) ----- (Runabout, C'Nell, Day 2, 0155) Thomas sat. It was quiet there was some tension in the air, he felt sure that this mission was dangerous. There was some sort of feeling he had. If psychic predictions existed, then maybe he was having one. It wasn't just danger that scared him though. This time he was sure of it death. Jessica wasn't on this mission, that was good. As the runabout began its engine systems for pre-flight; C'Nell stood uneasy. Pacing the cabin like he always did when he was nervous or stressed. "I am being illogical" C'Nell didn't realise he was saying it out loud. (Reply any in Runabout with C'Nell) (posted by Nathan) ----- (Rosenante, Bridge, Matrix, Day 2, 0156) "Helm bring the Rose up to a high orbit. I'd like to get a better view of these storms." Ordered Matrix. =^=Lieutenant Gan to Commander Matrix.=^= said Nolar. "Go head Lieutenant." Replied Matrix. =^=Sir, I have one request, and one need of information. I need to know the exact composition of the Government building. The walls, the transporters or conduits, the cores... I need more than a visual image, I need all the data. I cannot get that information without your help sir, so I beg authorization to ask the administrator to give me such information.=^= said Nolar. "I understand Lieutenant. However, the Administrator is confined to quarters. He's already been interrogated." Replied Matrix. =^=It would be easier to disrupt the sensors if the runabout was located within the government building. As I am not aware we have any extra cloaking device, I would also need to request to land somewhere in the building. I'm sure we could find a reason...perhaps a diplomatic one, to send a runabout there.=^= said Gan. "Lieutenant, report to me on the bridge and let's talk about your request. Matrix out." Replied Matrix. Matrix sat back in his FO chair and thought about the request and contemplated his reply to the ACEO. (Reply Nolar) (Posted by Steve) ----- (Rosenante, Shuttle Bay 1, Jackson, Day 2, 0157) Tom walked in and looked around. The shuttle bay staff stood to attention. Jackson said "Carry On" . They returned to work finishing up their tasks. Tom spied PO Tesha. He moved to stand near her and engage her in conversation. "Hello there" Tom said. (Reply: Tesha) Tom continued on. "I am glad you`re coming along. Any thoughts on the Yoran condition?" Jackson asked. (Reply: Tesha) Tom valued her opinion. He knew she was capable. There was not a lot to do till they left for the surface . Tom used the time to review,the various diagrams and attempt to anticipate all eventualities. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Bill W.) ----- (Rosenante, Shuttle Bay 1, Tesha, Day 2, 0158) Tesha was waiting impatiently for the ground crew to finish prepping the runabout. Engineering equipment was being loaded, and after that, they should be ready to go. Members of the team were ariving, with some chatting amongst themselves, and some checking their gear. Tesha saw Commander Jackson arrive, look around, then begin moving towards her. ~No! No! Don't come this way.~ Tesha's antennae jittered nervously. She didn't like officers but now the 2O was coming directly towards her. "Hello there, " said Jackson. "Sir," said Tesha with a nod. Taking a breath, she managed to get her antennae to stop moving. "I am glad you`re coming along. Any thoughts on the Yoran condition?" said Jackson. Tesha thought about the question. Everyone had given their reports at the briefing, including her, so there wasn't really anything to add. Of course, Jackson knew that, so why did he ask her for her thoughts on the matter? Was he testing her? Was he trying to become more familiar with her and her abilities? Was he simply making small talk? She just didn't know. "I don't have anything new to say, sir, but once we're on the surface again, I'll do my best to help as many people as I can." Tesha fully meant that, but she also knew officers liked to hear that kind of thing. Starfleet was all about helping others, so being willing to help, got you noticed. Jackson was apparently satisfied with that. He didn't ask anything else, but began studying something on his PADD. Officers. (reply none) (posted by Bob) ----- (Rosenante, Shuttle Bay 1, Andersen, Day 2, 0159) She entered the shuttle bay as one of the last, she saw Tesha and nodded. It felt good knowing she isn't the only medical down, and that someone she trusts is going with her. She never thought she could really trust an Andorian... there was something about them always rubbing her the wrong way... but Tesha was fine... for an Andorian. She got in the runabout, and took the third chair, leaving the main two to the First and the Second officer, respectively. Those two handed the piloting and weapons much better then she ever could. She chuckled, finally back in action, and properly dressed too. In fact, she was conscious how well the black really suits her, she could definitely get used to wearing those all the time. She had her hair in a ponytail, hidden behind the clothing, so it would not get in a way. For the moment, the Runabout was in silence as the pilot was starting the engines. They were moving and slowly exiting the Rosenante. Everytime she would leave, she would felt like leaving home. She knew she would be getting back in a while, escorting the last glimpse of the Rose from the small windows with her eyes, she caught a flash from the star and the reflection of the planet right down bellow them. And what a dark planet it was. It really made no sense helping the General, now that she was thinking about it. She couldn't quite understand why she was still doing it. Putting her life in jeopardy and throwing away everything she worked hard to build and create in her life... she couldn't understand why it was so easy saying yes, it was as if... "I am being illogical." C'Nell broke the silence. Ailyn turned her eyes towards him, trying to see what he was talking about. Then realizing the Ensign looked uneasy, thinking something that only he knew about... "I guess sometimes logic... doesn't make sense." she said looking in front of herself. (Reply: C'Nell iyw, Matrix and/or Jackson) Then the orders were issued, as they were getting close. They were to land about two miles north from the city, and proceed from there on foot. Ailyn got her orders as well, although she also had orders on her own. Trying to work for the two sides at the same time... wasn't easy. She hoped it was all worth it. Then runabout hit through electro-magnetic interference as soon as the inner layers of the atmosphere were passed, some of the local instrument panels flickered or turned off briefly for a second before turning back on. Ailyn neither knew why this was happening or was it a part of the plan, she couldn't remember the first time as she was unconscious, though regardless, the plan continued and the runabout was flying steadily towards the infiltration point. Uneasy as it was, she tried breaking the monotony with a question. "So, what exactly happens once we're down?" (Reply: Jackson/Matrix) "Go in silent, do our job, and get out as we got in, gotcha." was her interpretation, she knew the procedures from the missions she did with Taylor... one of many things she has her to thank for. If everything goes as planned... then she just might have enough opportunity to get what she came for, that is, if something doesn't go awry and the whole damn planet finds out about them. A little positive thoughts goes a long way... The whole runabout shook as it touched the ground. Ouch, the landing could have been a little bit more softer, although seeing no one got hurt really, she hadn't reasons to complain. (Reply: Any) (Posted by: Lani) ----- (Rosenante, Shuttle Bay 1, Nolar, Day 2, 0200) Right after his conversation with Matrix, Gan contacted Kluj. "Lieutenant Nolar to Ensign Kluj. A slight change. No overtechincal sensors blocking technology. We are just gonna bring what is necessary to block any sensors signal at the runabout and at the power source, nothing more. I don't have the time to check, so I leave it to you to bring what you need for that." (Reply Kluj, iyw) He ended the communication. Even if he had given the task to load the runabout cargo to one of engineering team leader, he was only three minutes away from departure and truth was, he wasn't ready. He had still so many things to check. ~Of course, they haven't thought about the engineers when they gave one hour to prepare....~ he thought. Looking over the shoulder of his team leader, all seemed to be good. As for himself, Gan had brought a backpack with all he needed....engineering (hydrospanner, etc.) and operation tools (stuff to interface with the computer system and make engineering and power test/diagnostic notably), transporter beacons, ration packs, flashlights... He had also a phaser hidden under his clothes, as well as an engineering tool used to cut ODN wires (the 25th century equivalent of a Swiss knife), which could be also used as a knife if needed arise. He was wearing what he was instructed to wear, for non human, meaning his face was not visible. He was also wearing gloves to prevent someone to realize he had grey skin. He had also hidden a second communicator in case the first one was either damaged, or taken away. He moved in the runabout, nodded at the security officer in his team and waited for Kluj to arrive to resume their conversation on what they would be doing, as he didn't even had time to discuss this. Actually, he had asked the security officer to prepare a strategy for going down there....but he didn't even had time to review it in depth. Again, he had to rely on the officer instinct...which wasn't the Cardassian way. Cardassian loved control...and this case, he simply didn't had time to supervise everything.....Damn he hated Starfleet way of proceeding. (Reply any) (Posted by Nick) ----- (Runabout Rubicon, Matrix, Day 2, 0201) The runabout cleared the shuttle bay and Matrix began the decent into the Yoran atmosphere. He watched the thin blue glow of the atmosphere briefly as he adjusted their decent. The magnetic storms were an orchestrated lightshow and of blue-green plasma energy randomly dancing in the lower atmosphere. "Hang on everyone this might be a bit bumpy." Said Matrix. Lt. Peter Crenshaw was along for the away mission and to serve as liaison to the away team and to guard the runabout once on the surface. "Tom, help me avoid the most dense magnetic areas. Call out course adjustments as you see them please?" asked Matrix. (Reply Jackson) "Got it." replied Matrix maneuvering the Rubicon. A few minutes later the Rubicon cleared the storms, still on instruments to guide their way to the LZ. "Three minutes!" shouted Matrix. "Peter I want you to remain onboard the runabout...keep anyone from entering the ship and in case we need anything further." Ordered Matrix. Peter acknowledged the order. "Half a kilometer to go." Said Matrix. "Prepare for landing." Matrix turned to the crew, "Landing shortly. Remember this is a covert mission, hand communications whenever possible, no lights. Any questions?" asked Matrix. (Reply any) (Posted by Steve) ----- (Rosenante, Bridge, Sanok, Day 2, 0205) The runabout carrying the covert team had left the Rose and entered the upper atmosphere of Yora. Because of the interference there, communications were lost, and the ship was becoming more and more difficult to track on sensors. Once the runabout was fully out of range, there was no way for Sanok to know what was happening to them. The Humans had an old saying, that it was good to be king, but it was very disagreeable to Sanok to not be part of the actual missions anymore. It was general policy in Starfleet, that a commanding officer of a starship should remain on the ship, though there were times, at the captain's discretion, that he or she could be part of an away mission. Not being on the team, made Sanok think of how much Ben hated being left behind when he was CO. It also made Sanok desire that Captain Salid was still there. When Sanok and Ben were together on missions, it had been the most agreeable time in his Starfleet career. Sighing inwardly, he remained standing in front of the command chair, his hands folded behind his back. There was still much that needed to be discovered about the current situation. This was supposed to be a mission to help restore power, normally a simple matter. Several mysteries appeared, as well as learning that the Yorans were addicted to the tech from the implants in their heads. Certainly, someone in the government had to know, and if they did, why did they just let it go? Was it a means to control the people and remain in power? Was it simply a decision based on the people being content, and having one of the highest standards of living in the sector? The biggest mystery, even bigger than some falsified medical records, was why the Yorans, masters of high-tech computer hardware, couldn't repair the power outage. Were the Romulans involved in some way? It was likely, but why would they be? Yora III was not officially a member of the Federation, so they were free to do business with the Romulans. The more Sanok thought about it, the more he wanted to be on that runabout heading down. Sighing inwardly again, Sanok sat in the command chair and settled in and waited. (reply none) (posted by Bob B.) ----- (Yora III Wooded Area, Jackson, Day 2, 0220) The ride was once again rough. Tom had made sure all persons were securely strapped in. Other than a few bruises they were down safely. Jackson gathered the teams. He was sure that the FO wanted to impart some last words before they split up. "I'd like to add my two strips of latinum. This a mission of two,parts and two parts only" Tom said., "First, is the,restoration of power. That is. Mr. Nolar°s responsibility. Our team is to get data on possible outside interference" Jackson said looking intently at each member . Tom finished up with " no unauthorized solo mission so do I make myself clear?". (Reply: Any Present) (Posted,by: Bill W.) ----- (Yora III, Runabout Rubicon, Matrix, Day 2, 0221) "Lights out." Ordered Matrix. " The interior lighting of the Rubicon turned to a deep red and the main doors opened quietly. Matrix pulled Jackson aside, "Tom...I want to keep a keen eye on the Administrator. I can't put my finger on it, but I don't trust him." (Reply Jackson) "Good, let's get this done as quickly as possible and get out of here. I don't want any surprises this time." Replied Matrix. (Reply Jackson) (Posted by Steve) ----- (Yora III, Runabout Rubicon, Nolar, Day 2, 0222) The runabout landed on the Surface of Yoran III, in a place hidden by a dense forest. As the first team were getting out to go on their mission, Gan remained on board to have a private chat with the men on this team. "We have reason to believe the Yorans are helped. We cannot and must not underestimate their technology. Perhaps they have no power, but those who helps them may have power, and may have the capacity to detect us, or our beaming signals. They may be cloaked. For this mission, you are under my command, and I am Cardassian. So that means : you must be three times more cautious than you usually are, and need to watch your back constantly. We are gonna take no risk. So before we even go there, we are going to install the sensors blockers I have asked you, Ensign Kluj, to prepare. I don't want something symmetrical. It would be too easy to pinpoint the location of our runabout. I'm going to program a proximity alert in the runabout sensors so that we detect anyone coming in the perimeter, expecially the exact center of the sensors-blocking covered area. For that, Ensign Kluj, I would need to know the very precise phase variance of your sensors blocker to allow our own sensors not to be blocked by them." Gan explained and ordered. (Reply any) "Chief Petty officer Allen, go with Ensign Kluj. I will remain with Lieutenant Crenshaw to set the runabout sensors". he added. Once the orders given, Gan went to his first task, program the runabout computer. As he would need to wait for the phase variance, Gan started by scanning the area to try to detect any suspicious presence (anyone not Yoran) as well as any potential cloaked ship. Because of the troposphere interference, he hadn't been able to do it on the Rosenante. The sensors of the runabout would have to do (NRPG: Bob, if I detect anything suspicious, pm me). (Posted by Nick) ----- (Orbiting Ship, Solius, Day 2, 0225) Solius pondered the tactical display while leaning back in his command chair. The Federation runabout had been deployed back to the surface, but had landed well outside the main city. For what reason, what are they planning on doing now? He thought. The helmsman instinctively adjusted the orbit of the ship to maximize sensor reading as the runabout started to disappear out of range. Solius wasn't concerned that the orbiting Federation ship could detect them. The newly christened ship was the latest development to come out of many years of research, spying and acquired technologies and had already proven extremely effective on a handful of missions. Even a bold test of her abilities by directly entering Federation space and a rendezvous encounter with one of Star Fleets most prized space stations, all undetected. Solius was confident that he could take the Terix right under the nose of even the most advanced Federation Ships without being noticed. "Tactical initiate a full surface scan of the landing area of their runabout." Ordered Solius. "Sir our operative is with their away team, there are multiple humanoids. Sensors can give me an accurate count due to the magnetic storms. They appear to be traveling on foot to the main city." Replied the tactical officer. "Helm match orbit with the Federation ship, bring us within 50 kilometers of their ship." Continued Solius. Solius sat back and contemplated his next move while he waited for their operative to provide the details of the surface mission. (Reply none) (Posted by Steve) ----- (Yora III, Nolar,, Day 2, 0231) The sensor blockers had been installed around the runabout, and the runabout sensors had been calibrated to detect any intruder in the vicinity. They were ready to walk to the location. It had been suggested to beam directly there, but Gan wanted to take no chance. No beaming would be done until the sensor blockers would be installed there as well, and the transporter beacons were installed. Gan learned they would be only two during the mission, him and Allen. There had been a last minute change, and Kluj would not be accompanying them to the power source. In short, he would have to do all the work while Allen was protecting him. "Either they trust me enough to send me alone to do the job, and they have so little trust in me, they don't mind if I don't come back. From the look of it, it look more like the latter. What about you? What is the reason they sending you to your death?" Gan asked to Allen? (Reply Allen) "Oh, trust me. Everything is always carefully planned or decided. If they have sent us both our there, they know exactly what is to be expected. I know exactly what is to be expected and I'm still wondering if I am crazy enough to obey being sent out there." Gan replied. (Reply Allen) Both officers continued their walk to the power source, being silent most of the time to avoid being detected. (Posted by Nick) ----- (Yora III, C'Nell, Day 2, 0232) C'Nell watched Nolar and Allen go- his Vulcan eyes seeing them go further than most of the other crew members. There was little for him to do, he lazily looked over the Runabouts consoles. He was worried about-something, something vague and mysterious. He began to pace again, stepping briefly out of the runabout which is when he spotted something in the gloom. It certainly saw him. C'Nell wasn't taking chances; he fired a stun blast but there was no response. Whatever it was had moved. The others had heard the firing and rushed to make sure he was okay (Reply any) "There was something in the trees" he said in answer (Reply any) (Posted by Nathan) ----- (Yora III, Jackson, Day 2, 0233) The two teams had split and started n their specific missions. Tom Jackson was nervous especially after Ensign C'Nell had heard something and fired. He, like C'Nell, felt the presence of someone or something watching them. They were slowly making their way - looking for what? He also thought that there was an outside presence but as yet no proof. He wanted to meet with the rural population and see what they knew. Tom wondered what, if any, effect of the loss of power had on them. Jackson signaled for a short est. He stealthily waked back to the First Officer's place. "Steve, what do you think of trying to meet with the rural populace? They may have seen or heard something" Jackson asked. (Reply: Matrix) Tom listened to his close friend as he spoke. "I want to confirm something you mentioned earlier. I too think the administrator knows more than he is admitting. When I was working with the Yoran named Gambrel I sensed he was wanting to tell me something but was well, not afraid, but worried. I know that makes no sense" Jackson added. (Reply: Matrix) Jackson signaled then rest was over and to get ready to move out. (Reply: Any Present) (Posted, by: Bill W.) ----- (Yora III, Matrix,, Day 2, 0235) Matrix stopped after a brief trek, only using hand signals to communicate to the team. He noticed Jackson walking back quietly, apparently wanting to discuss their progress so far. "Steve, what do you think of trying to meet with the rural public? They may have seen or heard something" Jackson asked. Quietly Matrix spoke, "I think we should assess the situation as we encounter people, but we should avoid contact for now. If we can't get the answers we need without engaging the indigenous population then we may need a more direct approach." Replied Matrix. "I want to confirm something you mentioned earlier. I too think the administrator knows more than he is admitting. When I was working with the Yoran named Gambrel I sensed he was wanting to tell me something but was well, not afraid, but worried. I know that makes no sense" Jackson added. "My gut tells me there is something more going on here. If I didn't know better, I appears the Administrator was professionally prepared and briefed on how to respond to our inquiries. I can't determine if he is truly trying to help, purposely steering us away from something or setting up a trap. I want to see how this plays out, but cautiously. Don't tell any our team members what we suspect, the less they know about this the better. Let's move out. Signal your team." Said Matrix. (Reply Jackson) Matrix stood up and motioned for the others to move out. "Let's move out. Two meter spread, no sound." Ordered Matrix. (Reply Jackson, any) (Posted by Steve) ----- (Yora III, Andersen, Day 2, 0237) When they went out of the runabout, Andersen checked her gear once again, her phaser was set on medium stun setting, these people needed help, they did not pose a great risk. The comfortable silence was broken several moments later when C'Nell decided to discharge his phaser onto a nearby bush, seemingly without reason, as she could see, there wasn't anyone there. He was edgy... and edgy Vulcan. But that didn't make much sense. "There was something in the trees" Vulcan said while the rest rushed in to him, and started checking out what was he firing on. She felt nothing, she heard nothing and she was sure she saw nothing either. Perhaps it would be the best if she, in the midst of their walk, check the Vulcan Ensign to be sure he is okay, and maybe prescribe something for him? That sure would be a naive, silly Ailyn when she came on the ship. Ailyn nowadays, knew he had to see something, or at least think he saw something moving there. There was an obvious possibility of C'Nell being on the edge because of what has been happening with Signos, and as a doctor, this very thought went through her, but she dismissed it. It was very unlikely. Besides, although he was a little uneasy looking back in the runabout, he seemed fine. Hence, the only logical conclusion she could come up with was that indeed, in fact, they were being tailed all along since they went out of the runabout. "I believe we were being tailed, but our stalker has been spooked. Let's hope he was working alone and was merely curious. I however, don't understand the reason any of the Yorans would use the subterfuge against us." and yeah, she agreed with herself, it made very little sense. Jackson seemed to agree as well. He said he was interesting in investigating it further. Andersen didn't like that idea one bit, they had a mission to run, the less faces see them, the better, and the sooner they start, the less casualties and errors will they be forced to commit. But the call wasn't on her. Then Jackson signaled the bunch to move out. Andersen was walking behind the others, trying to find a point where she could be harder to spot, and not being at the front made it easier to scan everything she wanted. She was so crazy about little things like this that sometimes, she's lost her mind in them and forget the pressures she was enduring. That was inviting, because she was really anxious about this mission... how the hell is she supposed to keep two parties happy? She wasn't even utterly sure what was her job down there in the first place, as it's been described vaguely at best. Perhaps it was for the better, taking things one at a time and dealing with them. Certainly didn't help she was here basically the first time, since she didn't quite remembered the last time, with being unconscious and all, others had clear advantage over the situation, but being behind them, somehow she could just follow. (Reply: Any) Indeed the sound was there, someone stepped over a small branch, naturally, Andersen looked at the right spot but, there just simply wasn't anyone to be seen. Mass hallucination? Highly unlikely, they weren't subjected to any kind of hallucinogenic compound, and preliminary data of the planet mentioned no such things present in the world's own ecosystem. And if it would be only her, she would indeed think she was crazy, with the voices she heard sometimes, but this time, four people couldn't be crazy. Why was someone following them? This implied a certain intent, a madman... no there just simply wasn't random reasons enough for someone mad to be doing it. No, there was an obvious need to follow the team, risking being shot at, as was the earlier case with C'Nell, and not being overruled by fear. "This no madman, it's a professional." she muttered then almost bit her tongue for saying it aloud. (Reply: Any) (Posted by: Lani) ----- (Yora III, Tesha, Day 2, 0238) Once the runabout had landed in the woods, the team began disembarking and gathering their equipment. Nolar worked with Crenshaw to secure the landing site, and to insure the equipment the engineer would need would be sent. Allowing the officers to leave first, Tesha was the last one outside. She looked around the trees, her antennae moving in every direction, trying to sense anything that might be a danger to them. She jumped as someone had fired a phaser shot into the woods. "There was something in the trees." It was C'Nell. Tesha had spent time with C'Nell the first trip they made to Yora, so she already knew he wasn't a typical Vulcan. However, he was still a Starfleet officer, so he shouldn't have been spooked so easily, and he certainly shouldn't have been so reckless in opening fire. Problem was, that wasn't the only thing that had amazed Tesha. On the way down, someone surely did a sensor scan of the area before landing, so they would already have known it was safe. Even after doing that, someone, most certainly the chief of security, should have done a quick tricorder scan. But that wasn't the worst of it. No one, not the FO or the chief of security, bothered to investigate. No one had even asked C'Nell what he thought he saw. He wasn't corrected, chastised, disciplined, or commended. They simply moved on like nothing had happened. This didn't do anything to sway her low opinion of officers. Tesha would need to be at her best to insure she survived this mission and got back safely to the Rose. While the teams were leaving the area, Tesha put her tricorder on silent mode and did her own scan. The captain had told them there was evidence the Romulans could be involved somehow, but to think one of their operatives just happened to be in the woods, right where they landed, and at the exact time, was pretty silly. She detected animals and insects that were active at night, but there was no sign of a person. She was certain the science officer had simply heard some curious animal that had come to see who had landed in its home, though she was most certainly aware that it could have been a predator out looking for a meal. As the team moved further from the trees, Tesha quickened her pace and came up alongside Doc Andersen. Nodding, Tesha gave her friend a reassuring smile. "Interesting place we have here, Doc." (reply Andersen, any) (posted by Bob B.) ----- (Rosenante Bridge, Sanok, Day 2, 0239) Once the runabout carrying the away team back to Yora had passed through the interference in the upper atmosphere, and was now out of sensor and communications range, Sanok was back to waiting, something that was very disagreeable to him. He stood looking at the forward view screen, almost as if that would make him be part of the away mission, but after a few moments, he sat in the command chair. To help in any way he could, Sanok went over in his mind everything that had been learned and discussed about the first trip down to Yora. There was something nagging him in the back of his mind, but he couldn't quite place what it was. Something wasn't right, and discovering what it was, could aid in solving the mystery of what happened on the planet and why. Sanok went over everything he could think of. He accessed the computer terminal next to his chair and read every report. There was something there, right in front of him, but he just wasn't seeing it. Sanok took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He closed his eyes and did a meditation technique to clear the clutter in his mind. Pushing out everything, his feelings, missing Ben, wanting to be on the mission, everything but concentrating on what he was not understanding. In his mind's eye, Sanok could see the away team on the surface. He could see the Yorans going through tech withdrawal. He could see them beginning to turn to violence. He could see riotous conditions. He could see.... That was it! What he had been missing was there now. It was so obvious, he chided himself inwardly for taking so long to realize it. He stood up and moved quickly towards the turbolift. "Ensign Signos, you have the bridge." (reply none) (posted by Bob B.) ----- (Yora III, Andersen, Day 2, 0241) At first, she was the last man behind, but now, she brought herself forward in the hopes of trying to get some distance from the others. She had no idea what she was looking for, and to be fair, the whole planet gave her the creeps. Certainly, not a planet she'd consider a good vacation spot. She came to conclusion if they are being monitored, the last thing she wants is to be on the back of the crew. Easy prey, considering how everyone was moving forward and not paying any real attention to her, she could have simply vanished, and no one would figure it out. This was a double-edged sword, she really did do a couple of quick scans, and in the back, she was more free to check out anything she wanted, but then she was also isolated from the others. And to be fair, it's not that she exactly enjoyed being shot at or taken hostage. Interesting part was that possible Romulan involvement was mentioned. She never met a Romulan before. But how cynical one must be to always think that a race like Romulans have nothing better to do then to spook Federation officers all the time? If she could imagine being born as a Romulan, she couldn't understand just how it feels. Being stereotyped, cast into a role, judged without doing anything just based on your blood. You are a Romulan, thus you are not to be trusted. Because all you want as a Romulan, is to disturb the peaceful lives of your neighboring factions. The whole thought was rather silly. In many aspects, that was close to, she remembered, how the science professors taught her in the Starfleet Academy - ignoring the possible evolution, and possibility of consciousness - argued that it takes considerably long, it was said a monkey will always behave like a monkey. Thus, would Romulans, like monkeys, always behave like Romulans? It was entertaining, up to a point, to jokingly draw connections to earth animals and conscious races, but perhaps sometimes it passed the threshold of a good taste. Some aspects of the way part of the Starfleet Council treated foreign races - with prejudice and preconceptions, really bugged her. Of course, everyone could come up with a good enough reason, but that still didn't change the way she felt about it, that it was wrong. If there indeed was a Romulan spooking them... it was a person, doing it by his or her own choice, and didn't reflect the whole Romulan nation - she told herself. Would she help a wounded Romulan, knowing that the alien worked against them? She would, and she would do her best to shield him from the repercussions of his or her own bad choices. Anyone deserves another chance. Perhaps even her. "Interesting place we have here, Doc." Tesha came in level with Andersen, walking with the same pace. "Very interesting, it is a shame we stumbled upon them on such a bad occasion, Starfleet can learn a great deal from these people." she explained full of enthusiasm. (Reply: Tesha) "Right... that too." She nodded in agreement. It made sense, somehow, when Tesha would put it. Interestingly, Tesha was perhaps the only Andorian she met that she didn't find antipathic. There was nothing wrong with Andorians, but she never liked them. She never really told that to anyone, it was just a personal thing. There was something off about Tesha though, but Ailyn couldn't really put her finger on it. "Tesha is... something bothering you?" she said in a lower voice, so the rest couldn't hear them. (Reply: Tesha) "I... have my reservations as well. I guess it is one of the many things I do not really understand." she explained, shrugging to Tesha. (Reply: Tesha) (Posted by: Lani) ----- (Yora III, Nolar, Day 2, 0242) Gan and Allen resumed their whispered conversation as they walked toward the facility. "Think of it the other way around. What does the Yorans have that someone from the outside could be interested in? The chip they have in their brain is not unlike the Borg itself, allowing to reach everyone at the same time through great distances. It can give you a huge advantage. I would like to get my hand on this technology, and I am sure other would too. And if indeed someone was trying to get their hands on it, and detected us, they will certainly try to prevent us from having it, and perhaps even use this situation to trick us and dispose of us." said Gan. (Reply Allen) "Their dependence might not be a coincidence. I'm no doctor but I'm sure you can manipulate them more easily if they don't have control over their mind. Or something like that." Gan continued. (Reply Allen) "I have learned on Cardassia that conspiracy theories never hurts. You are never too prepared and anticipating every outcome, even the less likely, is a good way to survive. Cause you never know who is gonna betray you, but you always know someone will." Gan added. (Reply Allen) (Posted by Nick) ----- (Yora III, Allen, Day 2, 0243) David and Lieutenant Nolar had split off from the others and were making their way towards the part of the city where the power company building would be. David had taken point, and was concentrating on getting there safely, his phaser in one hand, his tricorder running on silent mode in the other. When Nolar spoke to him, even though it was a whisper, it almost sounded like a shout. "Either they trust me enough to send me alone to do the job, or they have so little trust in me, they don't mind if I don't come back. From the look of it, it looks more like the latter. What about you? What is the reason they're sending you to your death?" David stopped and turned towards Nolar. It was fortunate for him that it was dark and the Cardassian engineer could not see his expression. "Neither of us are going to die, sir." "Oh, trust me," said Nolar. "Everything is always carefully planned or decided. If they have sent us both our there, they know exactly what is to be expected. I know exactly what is to be expected and I'm still wondering if I am crazy enough to obey being sent out there." "No disrespect intended, Lieutenant," said David, "but this is Starfleet, not Cardassia. Yes, there are times when a person must sacrifice himself to save others, but this isn't one of those times. I'm sure the captain doesn't expect you to repair everything. Maybe this is what our first trip should have been, an initial assessment." David realized he was close to being out of line in speaking this way to an officer, but he was right, and he knew it, and standing for what was right, was the Starfleet way. Besides, if he got a slap on the wrist and some extra duty cleaning something on the ship, he could handle it. David turned back towards the city and resumed moving forward. Nolar didn't respond, so David hoped that was the end of it. Minutes passed in silence, before the engineer spoke again. "Think of it the other way around. What does the Yorans have that someone from the outside could be interested in?" Nolar went on to compare the Yoran cyber chip to what the Borg have. He also said many would like to acquire such technology. David considered all this while still moving, but he didn't respond. Right now, he was concerned only with the two of them safely reaching their destination. They were safe now, but once they reached the city itself, they would need to make their way through streets that could be filled with crazed people. Even now, he could hear commotion and shouting coming from Yora City. "Their dependence might not be a coincidence," said Nolar. "I'm no doctor, but I'm sure you can manipulate them more easily if they don't have control over their mind, or something like that." "Why is it that those in power always want to control the ones they're ruling?" said David in a whisper. "We're supposed to be in an enlightened time." He didn't really expect an answer; it was more a comment than anything else. "I have learned on Cardassia, that conspiracy theories never hurts. You are never too prepared, and anticipating every outcome, even the less likely, is a good way to survive, because you never know who is gonna betray you, but you always know someone will." David agreed with always being prepared for every possible contingency, but it saddened him that Nolar still had so much of the Cardassian pessimism in him. David hadn't attended the academy, but wouldn't an officer spending four years there learn something about how different and better Federation philosophies, outlooks, and policies were? He would need to be even more careful. If Nolar expected them to die, he could do something careless that could cause that to happen. "We're getting close to the city now, sir. I recommend absolute silence now." Soon, the two would be in the chaotic streets of Yora City, and David needed to be more than his best. (reply Molar iyw) (posted by Bob B.) ----- (Yora III, Jackson, Day 2, 0245) Tom quickened his pace to separated himself from the rest by a few meters. The parallel to his first first mission with Captain Devon Sash wasn't lost in him. Jackson stayed in the shadows as he crept forward. The area before him opened up into a treeless area. There was a building with armed guards. Tom receded into the shadows. He whispered a quick message to alert the rest of the team. "Stop where you are. I think we have some company. Send the FO forward understood?" Tom instructed. (Reply: Any ) (Posted by: Bill W.) ----- (Yora III, Nolar, Day 2, 0246) "We're getting close to the city now, sir. I recommend absolute silence now," said Allen. "You are right. Even though someone do know we are here and are spying on us right now, the Yoran population aren't," Gan replied. (Reply Allen, iyw) (posted by Nick) ----- (Orbiting Ship, Solius, Day 2, 0250) Solius read the communication again and pondered his options quietly. The empire was not even a distant star and they were ordering Solius based only on their perception of the situation. Solius knew better and would offer his own interpretation of this requirement, knowing his first officer would offer a spineless loyalty to a distant admiral in fear of retaliation. Still, Solius knew his reputation even in the high council would provide him credit in whatever endeavor he chose. He excelled in many conquests and he was determined to preserve their efforts in this quest on Yora III. If he followed orders their years of work, the acquisition of technology, their experiments, all these investments would be squandered and ultimately destroyed. He wouldn't allow that. The mission must be successful despite the intrusion of the Federation. Solius tapped the display console again. A few moments passed and the communication log of his first officer confirmed his suspicions. The operative couldn't be trusted and was ordered eliminated. Solius disagreed and had other plans. He smiled and closed the display screen. The plan was going as anticipated. (Reply none) (Posted by Steve) ----- (Yora III, Nolar, Day 2, 0258) Approaching the city, the time for craziness had come. They would try to make their way without being detected. But Gan already knew it would be impossible not to. So he had already analysed the population behavior and asked Allen to do the same. So if they ever had to walk through an open space, they could try to blend in. Playing the crazy? He knew he could... after all, Cardassian were all a little crazy by nature. They were all schizophrenic. But Allen was another story. So, they walked between the first few buildings. Faking the crazy walking, he took a look around to have a good idea what to expect...... and to try to figure out when and how they would be attacked, or made prisoners, because on the 'if' part, Gan was already certain that would be the outcome. (Reply Allen, iyw) (Posted by Nick)