USS Rosenante Compile Some Time Away 4 ==================== Some Time Away Days 2-4 Stardate: 2414.06.18 to Stardate: 2414.06.20 ==================== (SB Geneva, Temporary Quarters, aCMO Ensign jg Paul Scudder, Day 2, 0750) (SB Geneva, Docking Port 6,LCDR Tom Jackson, 2O/Sec,Day 2, 0758) (SB Geneva, Docking Port 6, aCMO Ensign jg Paul Scudder, Day 2, 0800) (Planet Earth - Unknown Place - CMO Ensign (sg) Ailyn Andersen - Day 2 - 0858) (Pirate Ship Frostbite - Cargo Bay - ENG PO3 Szlacht Sizaris - Day 2 - 2323) (USS Rosenante, Gan Nolar`s quarter - Lieutenant Gan Nolar, Day 3, 0840) (Geneva Transport Shuttle Diagon - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 0737) (Geneva Transport Shuttle Diagon-ASO Ensign Thomas C'Nell, Day 4, 0740) (Geneva Transport Shuttle Diagon - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 0743) (Unknown Planet in Sahraia System-ASO Engsin Thomas C'Nell-Day 4, 0800) (Shuttle Diagon Crash Site - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 0804) (Crash Site-ASO Ensign Thomas C'Nell-Day 4, 0810) (Shuttle Diagon Crash Site - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 0813) (Crash Site-ASO Engsin Thomas C'Nell-Day 4, 0815) (Shuttle Crash Site - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 0817) (Crash Site-ASO Engsin Thomas C'Nell-Day 4, 0819) (Shuttle Crash Site - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 0822) (Crash Site-ASO Engsin (jg) Thomas C'Nell-Day 4, 0825) (Shuttle Crash Site - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 0827) (Planet Earth - Unknown Place - CMO Ensign (sg) Ailyn Andersen - Day 4 - 0923) (Pirate Ship Frostbite - Oxus Star System - ENG PO3 Szlacht Sizaris - Day 4 - 1420) (Unknown Planet - Oxus Star System - ENG PO3 Szlacht Sizaris - Day 4 - 1435) (Unknown Planet - Oxus Star System - ENG PO3 Szlacht Sizaris - Day 4 - 1450) (Crash Site - ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 1843) (Campsite-ASO Engsin Thomas C'Nell-Day 4, 1846) ==================== (SB Geneva, Temporary Quarters, aCMO Ensign jg Paul Scudder, Day 2, 0750) Paul arrived at Docking Port 6 ten minutes early. That morning the doctor had already updated his log, shaved, updated himself on a few medical journals, and had even spent some time on a Vulcan meditation technique which—like all of the others—he was never very good at keeping up with. His hands folded behind his back, he waited for the commander. (reply Jackson) "Good morning, sir. I'm looking forward to seeing the ship." (reply Jackson) Paul followed the commander's lead in relative silence, noting the ship's relative layout without more than a few words of acknowledgement. Though this was Paul's first starship up-close, if he was at all impressed with it it didn't show. After seeing sickbay and stepping back into the corridor, Paul turned suddenly to Jackson with some energy: "Commander, if I may — that is... I am wondering if I might take up my permanent quarters on the ship? I have no further business on the station and I would appreciate the time to familiarize myself with the ship and sickbay—especially with the absence of the CMO." (reply Jackson) (posted by Mark) ----- (SB Geneva, Docking Port 6,LCDR Tom Jackson, 2O/Sec,Day 2, 0758) Tom arrived a little before eight at the docking port. He confirmed a rumor that is going around it was indeed the new chief of security and 2O. Jackson looked at the Ensign for a long moment . He issued his first order ad CSec " What I expect is that no one I repeat no one gets on board unless you know them personally or they have validated orders for this ship" Jackson ordered . "Understood Cmdr." Came the man's timid reply. "Good. Our new Asst.'Doctor will soon be here . I will be taking him on board for a look around in case anyone is looking for me" Jackson explained. "Very Good Sir" he replied . Soon the new doctor arrived. He greeted Tom with "Good morning, sir. I'm looking forward to seeing the ship." Tom remembered being eager not that long ago. " Good Morning Doctor - lets get started" Jackson suggested. (Reply: Scudder) Tom waited as the security officer did exactly as Tom had ordered the checked the doctors identification. "First let's go to the bridge" Tom ordered. The two men entered a turbo lift and soon were on the bridge. Tom always loved stepping onto the bridge. "Here's where the Captain and FO sit. The door there leads to the CO's Ready Room. Questions so far?" Tom asked . (Reply Scudder) "Next we're going to sick bay which I'm sure you're interested in" Jackson said chuckling. They quickly made their way to sick bay, The doctor,Tom had surmised , had not served on a starship before. "Your boss Dr. Anderson is currently on leave off station. She will brief you specifically on your duties upon her return". Tom handed the doctor a padd detailing where he would be billeted . (Reply: Scudder) The young nan posed a question to Tom. Jackson appreciated the man's Inverness but had to turn him down. "I am afraid not Dr. The yard master has requested that crew be on the station and relax so they may complete the refit and repair without us getting in the way" Tom added. (Reply: Scudder) "What I can do Dr. is the following - I can get you access during Gamma shift so you may familiarize yourself with sick bay and it's systems" Tom added. (Reply: Scudder) "I think you'll find our emergency medical hologram slightly eccentric" Jackson said laughing a bit. (Rey: Scudder) "Anything else?" Jackson asked . (Reply: Scudder) (Posted by: Bill W.) ----- (SB Geneva, Docking Port 6, aCMO Ensign jg Paul Scudder, Day 2, 0800) "Good Morning Doctor - lets get started" Jackson suggested. Paul nodded stiffly. When the security officer signaled Paul over, and Paul realized why, he couldn't help looking a little surprised. ~What must have happened on this ship before they docked?~ Tom waited as the security officer did exactly as Tom had ordered and checked the doctors identification. "First let's go to the bridge" Tom ordered. The two men entered a turbo lift and soon were on the bridge. Tom always loved stepping onto the bridge. "Here's where the Captain and FO sit. The door there leads to the CO's Ready Room. Questions so far?" Tom asked . So this was the bridge of a starship. Paul had been alone on stage in front of audiences in the hundred-thousands without a flinch, but he felt something here—which he immediately tried to conceal. "No, sir, thank you," he replied. "Next we're going to sick bay which I'm sure you're interested in" Jackson said chuckling. They quickly made their way to sick bay, The doctor,Tom had surmised , had not served on a starship before. "Your boss Dr. Anderson is currently on leave off station. She will brief you specifically on your duties upon her return". Tom handed the doctor a padd detailing where he would be billeted . Paul tapped the PADD, followed his eye along the outlines of the Rosenante's corridors. The young nan posed a question to Tom. Jackson appreciated the man's Inverness but had to turn him down. "I am afraid not Dr. The yard master has requested that crew be on the station and relax so they may complete the refit and repair without us getting in the way" Tom added. Paul's jaw tensed. "I understand," he answered flatly. "What I can do Dr. is the following - I can get you access during Gamma shift so you may familiarize yourself with sick bay and it's systems" Tom added. Paul brightened. "Ah, thank you, sir—much appreciated." "I think you'll find our emergency medical hologram slightly eccentric" Jackson said laughing a bit. Paul forced a smile. (reply none) (Posted by: mark) ----- (Planet Earth - Unknown Place - CMO Ensign (sg) Ailyn Andersen - Day 2 - 0858) Ailyn slowly started opening her eyes. Her vision was blurred and she could hear the ringing in her ears. At first she looked up, only seeing a giant fan on the ceiling, turning to her left, she saw a somewhat swift figure slowly becoming more solid, as the motion continued towards her. The walls and the ceiling looked rusty, they were old, almost torn steel, or that's at least how they looked like. The concrete floor felt cold, to both of Ailyn's hands that were pressing the floor with her palms, she wasn't tied, but the last thing she could remember is being hit by something which made her loose her consciousness. Slowly, the ghost figure at her left turned into a muscular young woman, her face was smiling, perhaps she found Ailyn funny in her current position. Slowly, she grabbed Ailyn's arm and pulled her up. At first, Ailyn resisted as she wanted to get up herself, but the woman was so strong she had no problems lifting Ailyn to upright position. "Was about time, sleepy head." she spoke playfully. "Why was I brought here against my will? Why was I abducted?" Ailyn verbally attacked the woman in the very instant she let her speak. "Chill out, you weren't abducted, you were brought here because the old man wants to talk with you." the woman explained to her. "This wasn't part of the deal between me and..." Ailyn started again. "Being followed and monitored wasn't part of the deal either!" she yelled. "Look, we believe there are at least a single person that suspects something and was tailing you. Only two minutes later after you entered cargo bay, another person did as well. We had to do this, even if they heard something, it definitely looked like you're not doing this by your choice." the woman said in a fluffy voice. "I don't even know if I'm doing this by choice." Ailyn shook her head. "Don't worry, we have you covered. You're safe here with us." the woman explained, assuring Ailyn and almost patting her on the shoulders. "Where is 'here', actually?" Ailyn asked even despite knowing she shouldn't be asking such questions. "I.. I shouldn't really tell you. It's best you don't know all the details." "But I want to know them. Come on, let's be honest here, do I look like someone who could knock you down, and every one standing from here to exit and get out myself?" "No, you definitely do not look like someone capable of that. Actually, why were you brought here exactly?" the woman teased Ailyn. "You're side tracking here..." "Well, a simple answer for an answer shouldn't be too hard, no?" the woman was persistent. "As I understand, I was brought here because of my research." Ailyn explained. "Correct, but not only because of that. I'm sure everything will fall into it's place once you meet with the General." "You still haven't answered my question..." "Did I ever said I definitely will? You believed me, and that was your error." said the woman. "So, we're playing mind games again." Ailyn said with a dose of irony. "No, I'm merely teasing. I simply cannot tell you something like that, I'm sorry. But to better explain, you're here because of your research, your new orders and clarification of the mission." "So are we just going to stand around here? It's pretty cold out here." "I'm sorry this isn't as comfortable as your ship is. Not all of us can boast with a successful career in Starfleet." the woman put out a grin. Ailyn did not answer anything. She knew better then to continue playing someone else's games. "Yes, come with me please." the woman said figuring Ailyn's not interested in idle chit-chatting with her any longer. The rusty old door opened, with the screech of steel. Three men were in front of the room Ailyn was in, they did not seem armed at all. As they started following her and her escort, Ailyn increasingly felt dizziness. This place... it had no windows, the air had a foul stench, the walls were moist and rusty, the air kept flowing in from the ceiling through fans and the concrete floor continued forward, looking the same wherever she would look. Ailyn and her entourage would stumble upon a side corridor on occasion - these seemed to go long way on themselves. It seemed to be much corridors, and the facility seemed very long, but very little doors - entrances to the areas around. Then they came to doors, the woman pressed her hand onto the device near the doors, and the doors opened. This looked like a bridge, completely closed around in a glass tube. Around, it was filled with water, and there were many hideous water creatures swimming, fighting each other, even eating each other. Ailyn felt as any second, one of these water behemoths could start falling towards the glass tube and all of them would become a food for one of them. The woman in front mysteriously smiled as if she knew something Ailyn didn't. At the end of the bridge, again, she used the device beside the doors to open them. This led to a new section, one looking much better then the other ones. This was had walls and ceiling as well as floor completely painted - in white. The lightning, Ailyn thought, was mesmerizing. She could barely keep her eyes opened of how much there was light. There were a dozen of rooms on either of the sides, and as they walked by, Ailyn could see, through the large windows and glassy doors inside, scientists doing all sorts of experiments. There were weapons, human operations, animal operations, scientists tinkering with what appeared to be Borg weaponry, although Ailyn couldn't really see if it was for real. There were others as well, but she couldn't really tell what where they doing at all. Then they came upon yet another door with similar locking mechanism. When they were through, a short corridor had only an large doors to the right and the elevator forward. "After you talk with the old man, you better come back down to meet our small crew," the woman said as she smiled, pointing her fingers towards the doors to the right. Then, three of the shadows following them disappeared into the room, and only the duo continued to the elevator. She punched one of the buttons on the wall and the elevator started moving, albeit relatively slow, up. "Not exactly what you signed up for, isn't it?" the woman smiled. "The old man like keeping stuff as they originally were back when he found this place. I don't really know why." she further explained looking at Ailyn. "This place is huge." Ailyn muttered. "You haven't even seen one-quarter of it." the woman giggled. With the screeching sound again, the elevator slowly stopped and the doors opened. When Ailyn stepped in, she could see several people in front of their screens, with eye-neural interface connected directly, looking through the images on their hollow screens in the space in front of them, it was obvious they're analyzing large amounts of data. They did not really bother checking who came in the room, and Ailyn was softly pushed forward from the person behind her. When they stopped they were at the center of the room, and Ailyn saw a large-frame man, turned towards a window showing beautiful city in the sunset. "The cityscape is holographic." the woman whispered in Ailyn's ear. "But don't you just wanna go there and enjoy yourself?" she ended smiling again. The man slowly started turning to face Ailyn, and as he did, more and more could she see his robotic right arm, and his obvious borg eye implant - and that half of his head, as well as body, were patched up by artificial materials. For some moments, he concentrated his gaze upon Ailyn, and then sharply turned attention to the woman behind her. "You can go now, Taylor." he spoke in a deep, raspy voice. "After you're done, don't forget to find me down so I can show you the rest of this place." Taylor spoke again to Ailyn's ear, touching Ailyn's shoulder, then slowly dragging her hand from it's place, swiftly walking back inside the elevator. The man started slowly walking towards his left, and then he stopped, his eyes glancing around and then his eyes narrowed back on Ailyn. "You have to forgive Taylor, she's usually interested in women she must defend." the man spoke in his raspy voice. "I don't think I'm her type." Ailyn explained, she didn't know how is she feeling about it all, but she couldn't think of details at this moment. The man grabbed a bottle of real scotch, pouring some in his glass, with his motions asking Ailyn if she wants as well. Nodding no, he proceeded to drink a few gulps. "Ailyn..." he started holding the glass in his left hand, his human hand. She just stood there waiting for him to explain everything. She had so much questions. "Congratulations on your promotion." the man spoke to Ailyn's surprise, why was that the first thing he's supposed to say? "I hope..." she started. "No, we had nothing to do with it. We just got you to the ship." he took another sip from his glass. "Thank you." she said trying to look reserved, her palms were sweating because the man talked like her friend, not as someone as she expected. The man poured another drink, as he obviously waited for Ailyn to start up talking on her own. "Where am I?" she asked him openly. "Thirty-third level bellow the surface. This place used to be a shelter for some of the wealthier individuals in the time of third world war. You see, it was this place that helped keep this group alive all these years. We modernized it but still tried our best to keep as much of our new history as we could." he slowly explained. "Who are 'we'?" she asked him yet again. "Over countless years, we have been known by many names. We had our beliefs, we saw our path is to pave a guiding light to the humanity." he explained once again. Despite his obvious improvement with foreign technology, he was a very calm man, at peace with himself and his surrounding, and this felt somewhat horroric with his looks combined. "Beliefs?" Ailyn asked sighing. "When the planet earth was only thing we all had, we believed there is something greater out there, something perfect. We made a mistake of looking for a perfection outside of ourselves, when the key to our advancement as a race was in ourselves all along." he once again calmly explained, pouring yet third glass of his drink. "So that is why you're so interested in manipulating genetics?" she was finally understanding the reasons. "Yes." the man said, turning back to his holographic window, "We can become better only if we're accepting everything... and use it all to advance ourselves. Only then, one day, can we become something greater then humans." he explained, turning back towards Ailyn. "Tell me Ailyn, have you read the works of Mr Koulwitzër?" he asked her. "Yes I have, but he's widely acknowledged as a madman, loosing his career in Starfleet and then writing these works trying to explain the universe, when it's completely explained already. I do not see a point in..." "Entertain my curiosity - according to his opinion, how can a certain race rise and reach enlightenment?" "He believes, only by three different means. Spiritual enlightenment, genetic engineering to the threshold of rising to a different kind of beings and technological ascension." "You have remembered well." he said, "Your father would be proud of you." "Did you know my father? What did he worked on for you?" Ailyn exploited the situation and fired up a question. "I knew your father, yes. He cared a great deal for you. He... helped our group a great deal, helped us when we needed the help the most, made us what we are today." "Is he still alive?" she asked, although she knew there were slim chances, she felt she had to ask. "The man you knew... died that day on that ship." he just coldly explained. "I see..." she said looking to the concrete floor. "Your research, thus, provided us with the ability to combine foreign aminoacids with our own. While it's still in preliminary stages, my best scientists tell me that we perhaps found exactly what we needed." "I am glad..." she said with the sad face. "You will also be happy that, now that you went back to your deserved home, your mother will find a special treatment available to her. It will take several dozen sessions for her to be well again, but if you continue your support to us, we will see that she gets the best treatment we possibly can do." he explained, his face still looking without any kind of emotions. "Is she going to be the person I knew again?" "With time, yes." the man said. The holographic window on the wall morphed into wolf moon on the cold night sky. Ailyn had no clue what the time was, but it was obvious to her that the window on the wall did not really represent any known city on earth. "What is the situation with Subject 13?" he asked her. "She's alive and well. She suffered a great injury in the last mission. It's all in the file that I've transmitted." "Very good. How is her recovery going?" "It's going excellent, I never personally saw such will to live." Ailyn explained. "Indeed, she is definitely special." "What makes her so special?" Andersen asked, with a puzzled face. "I mean I've done tests and..." "You have done excellent, Ailyn. You have done exactly as you have been asked. You do not need to know more at this point. When the time comes, everything will be clear." he explained. "But I want to know why was I sent to a certain ship specifically to monitor just a single person?" "Not yet, Ailyn. I know your curiosity is like hunger, and when you feel it, you must satisfy it. Indeed, this is what kept you going forward, but there are others that would see you as a liability if you'd already knew everything. They do not know you well, give it time Ailyn." He took a long big look through the window in front of him, night sky with many shuttles flying around, he squeezed the glass in his hands so much that it broke. Finally understanding what he did, he allowed the pieces of glass in his hand to fall down on the floor, the small cleaning bot quickly and efficiently picked them up, but the man wasn't bleeding from his hand at all. "I am sad you weren't able to capture at least the schematics of the alien craft." "I'm sorry..." "Certain decisions are higher then only your life now, Ailyn, think what we could have accomplished more with those, think what real humanity could have accomplished." "There was nothing I could do..." she started explaining herself. "Human kind could have really used the technology on board that station." "It was no my decision." she quickly explained. "I know, Ailyn, I know. It was out of your power to do anything." "However," he started once again "in the future, I want you to try to at least scan all foreign technology and send it back to us. This is your secondary mission." "My primary mission is still the same, then I suppose?" she asked him "It is, but unlike just monitoring her, I want you to befriend her. She's lonely, she needs a friend and is there a better friend then a person who saved your life?" "But that would be using my..." "If you're not fit for the mission, I can always send someone else, but you will never get your answers you so desperately want to have, and your family back." he cruelly reminded her what keeps her enduring all this. "You were sent on the ship with a singular main mission. Like all of our people, you operate on your own grounds and help in ways you can help. You went too far to abandon everything now." he reminded her of the things she felt as well. As if he was reading her thoughts. She nodded her head "I will do what I must." "Good. However, you can help with something else, while you're at this place. Go down and talk with Taylor and her crew, she will tell you all that you need to know." "What kind of mission?" she asked. "Your curiosity knows no bounds? We need a team to contact one of our sellers of unknown technology artifacts. It's a simple get in, pay and pick up the cargo type of mission, I'm sure you will do just fine. Like I said, talk with the crew on the lower deck." "I have more questions..." "You are dismissed." the man said, turning back to his window, seemingly ignoring Ailyn. She turned once again to capture the moment of the place before heading back towards the elevator. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Lani) ----- (Pirate Ship Frostbite - Cargo Bay - ENG PO3 Szlacht Sizaris - Day 2 - 2323) Szlacht ofcourse - knowing the greedy nature of his old friend - Gierrah, hailed his ship, faking the voice of a well known associate, setting up a meeting place. Szlacht put himself into a small probe, virtually undetectable to the Frostbite's usual sensors, then waiting for the pirate ship to drop shields, he used a one-time transportation device he was holding onto for several years - from the time before he was Starfleet. He served on board the Frostbite before, so he knew the layout. Naturally, he also knew where the patrols are minimal, and that was in cargo bay. The last time he saw this ship, he was a slave, hard work labour, and from his new point of view, he could not understand why he hated the ship so much. Frostbite was the usual run-of-the-mill scrapyard-worthy pirate ship, she was created from parts of different vessels found after the skirmishes of the major powers. Szlacht knew he couldn't speak anything about Deyu to anyone from Starfleet - he also knew that even if he would come up with a good enough lie, that it's realistically he would be, at best, given a small shuttle for his needs. It would take too much time to get to the planet he needed with anything other then a real ship. He was still holding the device the man gave to him in his left hand when he transported on board the Frostbite. In all reality, Frostbite wasn't a bad vessel, for what she was. Her two biggest features were M/ARA reactors and a cloaking device - both scavenged from parts from many destroyed Klingon Birds of Prey. She was capable of solid warp speeds, and had an element of surprise. She was, indeed, an excellent ship for what his situation asked for. Szlacht wore his Federation attire, he wasted no time even on switching, but as he needed to hand in his Federation standard issue phaser, he quickly assembled his hand disruptor from many parts he neatly scattered all over his belongings. The weapon was small, original Gorn design, limited range, high energy dissipation, but was invaluable in close combat situations due to it's massive rate of fire, and it's ease of handling and aiming. Naturally, his survival instincts have fully taken over the moment he stepped on the Frostbite, and he didn't even need to think to know what he must do next. He opened the doors of the cargo bay, and leaned on both of the sides, checking if there's anyone waiting for him there. While Frostbite had a small crew compliment of only 15, being pinned down in one of her smaller corridors could really mean an easy death. He was conscious of the fact that he more then likely raised an silent alarm. After all, it was him, who installed it in the first place. But he also knew that they're going to look for him on the same deck, and he needed to go to two places, the engineering and the bridge. The nearby turbolift took care of getting him to the deck 4, that housed engineering. It took him but two minutes from the turbolift right in front of the engineering, but it was guarded by two guards. Interesting it was, they weren't patrolling, they were guarding the doors, knowing that something will pass through them. Szlacht wondered if Gierrah has been playing all along, not saying anything, just so he can capture his intruder. And indeed, in the very next second, an alarm was raised as the ship moved to warp speed. What if Gierrah had been tracking him, watching him through his cameras and then setting up an elaborate trap? He approached the security panel on the wall, patching himself through, when a horrible bolt flew right before his eyes. Szlacht felt the vertigo in his stomach, he knew he was slow, but he also knew the guard was a Gorn as well. Accelerating his right hand to gain proper momentum as he was turning away, smashing the guard's weapon from his hand. He caught the sound of breaking bones as he turned for another swing, this time going for the guard's face. A horrible smell of burnt flesh reached his senses as he saw the other guard standing behind the firth, trying to shoot Szlacht through his own comrade. He powered up his disruptor, shooting a flurry of green bolts, that landed right on the opposing Gorn, throwing him down on the ground. Szlacht came to him, moving his hands to his neck. In the next second, he allowed the guard to die with some decency and honor. Patching last few connections on the wall, he went straight for the engineering, figuring there's no one between him and the main computer. Opening the doors with his brute strength, he puller himself right in through the whole he created trying to push the door sides. Three more were inside, all three engineers, but they were all armed. His fury reached a critical mass, how much more he had to kill, to do as he wanted? He shot the nearest engineer, a Nausicaan, several times in the chest area, then picking him up like he would pick up an plate from the table, he used him as a shield in front of himself, gaining the distance between the other two that were shooting at him. Throwing the Nausicaan to the first one, guard was thrown out of balance, falling to the floor. Szlacht's instincts tightening, he knew he was open for an direct hit from the other, but he did not care. He liked this feeling, it reminded him of days he felt as a free creature. He also felt powerful again. The other guard pulled out a blade, trying to swing at Szlacht. He easily grabbed the blade, and although his hand received a small cut, he didn't even feel it much. He then twisted the guard's hand until he could hear the crackling of the bones, redoing it several times until he could no longer even hold a blade in his hand, he felt the balance of the blade in his right hand, the blade whispered through the thick, smelly air and slashed through the guard's torso. The other guard just picked himself up, throwing his weapon down, he crouched, putting his hands above his head. This was a human and he surrendered. He posed no threat. "D-Don't kill me, p-p-please!" "Where's the main computer console?" "I..it...it.'s r-r-right there in t-the r-r-right corner" "Do not move if you want to live." said Szlacht, dead serious. He really meant it. He came to the console, started typing something in, eventually after only a few moments, he could hear a voice at the console behind him. "Who are you?" Szlacht smiled, he remembered that voice, it was Gierrah. Turning around, he faced the direction of the sound with the same smirk on his face. "Gierrah. You got some weight since the last time." "Look at you, all righty and free now. Why did you find necessary to go barging your way in to my baby and killing off my guards?" "Do you remember when I said for killing your brother you owe me? I came to collect your dept." "Szlacht, you never had a hand for finesse. You only needed to ask. Come, come to bridge, let's talk like great friends we are!" said the man and closed down the console. "It...it's a trap" said the guard, still shaking. "I know." said Szlacht picking himself up out of engineering. He would expect nothing less from Gierrah. He used the side corridor to go around two patrols, and grabbed the turbolift there, set for deck 1. He eventually came to the corridor leading to the bridge. He found it interesting, no guards were present. As he slowly walked closer, he could hear the low mutter of noise resonating beneath the walkaway. He knew Gierrah was an element of a much larger pirating chain. He did not wanted to really kill him, after all he was his slave for some time. While Gierrah was a cruel master, he was also a fair one. While he never liked him, he also created a special level of respect towards him. He hoped he didn't have to kill him today. An jolt went through the floor, and sudden thought through Szlacht's mind, as the platform where he stood moved forward, forcing him to drop down. Three of the guards came out from under the walkaway. Szlacht reached to his disruptor, unluckily realizing he dropped it when he fell down. He received several blows directly to his face, but he eventually managed to grab an attacking leg, pulling the victim down, he grabbed him by the neck. He could feel the pulsing of the blood on his fingers pressing hard on the man's neck, in only two seconds, the man was on the floor, unconscious. The other two, unsure should they fire or not, knowing they could hit one of their own, did absolutely nothing. Once again, he grabbed the guard as a shield, noticing the other two guards hesitated to shoot - he quickly figured they were most likely friends. Friends, in their line of work, are only obstacles, problems, weaknesses. Dragging the man on his right hand closer to the other two, he grabbed the fallen guard's blade out of it's sheets, with his other hand. He swept an large area in front of himself with lethal attack, that the closer guard still opposing him dodged by a hair. The other guard grimaced, holding his rifle tightly, he had no clear shooting solution in the tight corridor, with the other of his kind right in front of him, and another in Szlacht's hand. The guard lounged an quick swing towards Szlach's head, perhaps the only thing not covered by the guard's body. Szlacht discarded the unconscious guard, that hit the floor pretty loudly as it fell down, grabbing the guard in front of him with both of his hands, going directly for his weapon. He made an fearce sound as he slammed his own melee weapon into the guard's right side, pushing him onto the other. He then came closer, grabbing the other's chests, squeezing tight so much the man dropped his weapon, stopped breathing and trying desperately to move out of the Szlacht's reach. In turn, Szlacht dragged him closer to himself, pushing him over his shoulders. Breathing hard, Szlacht threw the guard by his full force towards the doors to the bridge, hitting them, the men fell down, completely broken, his last breath leaving him. Coldly he stood there, judging if one of the guard's might still be a threat, before he picked his disruptor inside the small area under the walkaway. Szlacht forced himself to open the massive doors, it took him what felt like ages, but eventually he was in, with only his very dear friend waiting for him. Szlacht had an fire of fury in his eyes, and he could barely control his primal urges. "Oh, y-you finally came! How can this servant help a powerful Gorn such as you, hm?" "I need your ship." "No, n-no, she's my baby!" "I need your ship, don't make me ask you again." Szlacht ordered. "Oh a-alright, just give me a few seconds only to..." Gierrah reached towards the console in front of himself, pushing just a single button, Szlacht found himself in a forcefield "... capture you and sell you as my biggest catch, haha!" "This was not a good call, Gierrah." Szlacht calmly explained. "Oh, you'd be surprised how much some people are willing to pay for your scales. Now just let me put you to sleep and..." as he finished, he input several commands. The red energy fog from the transporters filled around Gierrah, he started shifting to the sides with his wide open eyes, yelling "Nooooooooo". In the next very second, Gierrah was not on the bridge anymore, and the forcefield was down. He came closer to the interface, started typing something in, opening direct personal channel with his probe. "I hope the place is comfortable enough for you, Gierrah." "What did you do, you stupid gorn. How did you do it?" Gierrah yelled. "I reprogrammed your controls from the main engineering. Your men attacked me in the bridge corridor but you always had a plan B." Szlacht explained. "And I also have plan C, haha." said Gierrah, and Szlacht heard a clicking sound. "Do not bother. I also damaged the self-destruct sequence from the security console." "Damn you, DAMN YOU. THAT is the way how you treat your friends?" "You'll survive inside. I'll return your ship to you after my mission is completed, consider your dept paid." Szlacht said, punching to close down the link between Frostbite and the probe. Sitting on the chair, he finally felt what he always wondered back when he was still a slave. Frowning, he moved the device he had in his pocket, to his hand, checking the coordinates, punching them in the computer, the ship jumped to warp as Szlacht turned on the cloaking device. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Lani) ----- (USS Rosenante, Gan Nolar`s quarter - Lieutenant Gan Nolar, Day 3, 0840) Having spent the last two years on short term missions here and there, Gan had forgotten the privilege of being lieutenant : having his own quarters. The USS Rosenante being a big enough ship, his quarter were bigger than he had hoped for. He would have plenty of room to put all the painting he had brought from Cardassia Prime. He installed the painting of Cardassia Prime just beside the table, the painting from the Hebitian time on his bed wall. Then, he started to place his belongings in the different closets and tables in a very orderly manner. In the closer beside his bed, he placed all his starfleet uniform on the upper drawer. In the wardrobe, his civilian suits were placed on the left, his starfleet dress uniform in the center and the cardassian military uniform on the right. They were classed by colors. Same things for the rest of his clothes. He stopped when he found out his father`s picture. He closed his eyes and thought of him. Of the way he had raised them....how he had fought for the Detapa Council to gain power, how he was betrayed, and he died. ~Trust no one ~ he thought. He placed his father picture on the desk beside his bed. Then, he placed the picture of his whole family just a few months before his dad death beside his father picture. He wanted so much to return to Cardassia Prime. Even if he knew he wouldn't be able to visit it for a very long time, he couldn't stop hoping. It just made it harder. It had been a long time he hadn't see his mother, sister and even longer his brother. In fact, he had absolutely no idea where his brother was. The last time they saw each other, he said he would be okay, but since he hadn't seen him from years, he could be dead or a prisoner somewhere and he wouldn't know. Once everything placed carefully, he jumped on the bed and stretched. He looked around, to the painting, to his quarters, through the viewport. This quarter was his new bedroom. The USS Rosenante, his new home. It would be good to settle for a while. But he still tried to find Cardassia around him. He closed his eyes and let his mind loose. (reply no one) (Posted by Nick) ----- (Geneva Transport Shuttle Diagon - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 0737) It was early morning, and for once Jessica slept peacefully. It seemed in C'nell's company she could find something she wasn't able to find around others... Acceptance. She knew the man who traveled with her had a past. Was it a past that rivaled Jessica it did not matter, she slept comfortably on the small bed wrapped in a soft sheet. Then the shuttle shook violently sending Jessica tumbling from her small sleeping area and to the shuttle floor. ~What the Hell~ She thought as she picked herself up from the floor. She just found her feet when the shuttle shook again, nearly sending her to the floor again. She makes her way to the small cockpit and slides into the set next to C'Nell. Her hair long loose and unkempt, wearing nothing more than a small satin gown. "What happened." (reply C'nell) (posted by Matthew Locke) ----- (Geneva Transport Shuttle Diagon-ASO Ensign Thomas C'Nell, Day 4, 0740) "I don't know honestly, I am registering a great deal of solar interference though. What I can confirm is this; your going to want to change out of that gown and fast" C'Nell stated this with almost a human amusement, he wasn't meant for innuendo only efficiency. (Reply Jessica) In a way C'Nell was happy to have this crisis it gave him something to focus on. He looked at the readings and swore in Vulcan. "EMP Spike, this isn't good-any engineering skills?" C'Nell asked he had a basic understanding linked with his science knowledge but he wasn't an expert. He couldn't fix this.... He had failed again. (Reply Jessica) (Posted by Nathan) ----- (Geneva Transport Shuttle Diagon - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 0743) "I don't know honestly, I am registering a great deal of solar interference though. What I can confirm is this; your going to want to change out of that gown and fast" C'nell spoke over the shuttles alarms. Jessica's hands ran over the pilot controls in a vain attempt to regain control of the shuttle bringing her to rights. "We haven't the time." "EMP Spike, this isn't good-any engineering skills?" C'Nell cursed. "No" Jessica's short answer she knew how to blow up a ship but fixing them was not her strong point. She watched the view screen watching a massive solar flare erupt from the sun at the center of the system, releasing the emp wave She tried to move the small shuttle to escape the emp wave but they were already to close. The wave slammed into the small craft and all the system displays flashed then went out. The secondary systems kicked in and light was restored to the small shuttle. Jessica looked over the flickering displays before her the emp wave had pushed them into the gravity well of Sarahia B. Soon the small shuttle would be entering the atmosphere of the planet. "Were caught in the planets gravity well," hands running over the system displays before her. "Are entry vector is to steep and we're tumbling on all axis." She yelled to C'Nell. (reply C'Nell) "Engines are unresponsive." She replied (reply C'Nell) "Reroute all available power to the shields, even life support" She ordered. Then the shuttle slammed into the planets atmosphere the console before her exploded showing her with sparks. The explosion threw the small woman from her seat striking the side of shuttle, she fell to the floor banging her head and her world fell to darkness. Has the shuttle fell to planets surface. (reply C'Nell) (posted by Matthew Locke) ----- (Unknown Planet in Sahraia System-ASO Engsin Thomas C'Nell-Day 4, 0800) C'Nell leaned over Jessica Signos; He didnt know exactly what had happened. She felt her pulse; it was still beating-she was unconcious. Not limited by Human inhabitions he got a uniform down from the rack and laid it next to her, he checked over her body throughly; brusies and cuts from the fall nothing major. He was searching for the various knives and equipment he just knew she would bring-when she awoke. (Reply Signos) "I have examined you, you fell on your shoulder and suffered head injuries; does anything hurt? you have scars and brusies-I am glad its nothing worse Basic Medical Training isnt great" (Reply Signos) C'Nell turned and looked outside then turned back to her; "The Human expression best suited to our predictament is an Earth Excreation metaphor" (Reply Signos) (Posted by Nathan) ----- (Geneva Transport Shuttle Diagon Crash Site - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 0804) She woke surprised to be alive, her shoulder was sore and her head felt like it was gonna split open. She had several small scraped and bruises. But nothing more serious, she was lucky and she knew that. She saw the uniform next to her and shook her head she still was on vacation and wearing the an uniform of any kind only reminded her of what she was tiring to get away from. "Thank you for your care. Do to my past experiences I'm pretty good with a medkit. I'm no medic but I'm not horrible." (reply C'Nell.) She takes the offered Medical kit and begins to work on her small wounds and takes something to lessen the pain in her head. (reply C'Nell) "I'm sorry but that uniform is the last thing I want to look at for a while. If you would give me a moment I will change and then we can take stock of what we have, and where we are." She spoke softly. She went to change, leaving C'Nell to scavenge the shuttle. She returned wearing a long, light summer dress her hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. (Reply C'Nell) "Shall we" She motions to the manual release to the back hatch. (reply C'Nell) The hatch opened and dropped to the earth. They exited the shuttle and looked over the craft besides offering shelter it was a lost cause. it carved a path though a small stretch of woods before It came to rest imbedded in the base of what appeared to be a mountain rise. Not far from the crash site Jessica could hear the roar of running water falling into a deep pool, a near by waterfall promised fresh water and a source of food, if there stores were used or lost. (reply C'Nell) (posted by Matthew Locke) ----- (Crash Site-ASO Ensign Thomas C'Nell-Day 4, 0810) C'Nell gave her the medkit; when she told him how she didn't want to wear uniform. It was strange to him-it was certainly the most practical thing to wear. There most be something............ She walked out in a summer dress. C'Nell looked her up and down several times "Lovely" was all he could say. A Vulcan was not used to his logical faculties failing him-C'Nell decided he should get someone to look at his head but he couldn't worry about it now. C'Nell senses where instantly alerted to the place. He had spent a deal of his childhood in forests learning things about their ecosystems he had recognised some of the plants. This place was dangerous. He could see that Signos was loving it. (Reply Jessica) "We must get out of here, immediately" he indicated some colourful yellow plants "They excreate pheromones which cause wild, lustful emotions in humanoids I studied an introduction of them on earth before they were destroyed for safety. Vulcan's are particularly sensitive-I may even fall into Pon-Farr if I am exposed too long, as far the effects on less controlled humans-I have no knowledge but we may reasonably assume they will be worse" (Reply Signos) "There isn't much on the shuttle, what do you suggest? Any Federation outposts there are none to my knowledge..." (Reply Jessica) (Posted by Nathan) ----- (Shuttle Diagon Crash Site - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 0813) Jessica looked about true she enjoyed the challenge of living off the land but ever land had its dangers. "We must get out of here, immediately" C'Nell spoke uas he motioned to some colourful yellow plants "They excreate pheromones which cause wild, lustful emotions in humanoids I studied an introduction of them on earth before they were destroyed for safety. Vulcan's are particularly sensitive-I may even fall into Pon-Farr if I am exposed too long, as far the effects on less controlled humans-I have no knowledge but we may reasonably assume they will be worse" "Yes. I know the danger first well get to higher ground and get an ideal of whats around us." "There isn't much on the shuttle, what do you suggest? Any Federation outposts there are none to my knowledge..." "I don't know where we are so I don't know whats around us. The best thing for us to do is scout out the area for resources and stay with the shuttle. Rescue will be looking for the shuttle and the path of destruction it made on entry. Plus it is still a effective shelter, and if your right about those flowers they only grow were it wet and stays that way most of the year." (Reply C'Nell) Jessica gathered a small pack of supplies and water before heading to a small path that lead up the mountain side. "No heroics this time we need to act together on this. Lets go." She offered a hand as the two started up the mountain path. (Reply C'Nell) (Posted by Matthew) ----- (Crash Site-ASO Engsin Thomas C'Nell-Day 4, 0815) "Your course of action would seem logical-I know you wont hesitate to subdue me if rage or other strong emotions break through-have you seen a Vulcan lose control?" (Reply Signos) They marched onwards heading towards the higher ground. C'Nell was doing everything to keep himself calm, in control reciting in his head Vulcan sayings doing problems and even counting leaves on trees to distracting him from the effect of the plants. It wasnt working, emotions where seeping through. Only a little. It was then that he noticied something in Signos's step, her eyes the way she carried herself he had observed it before at the station. Now though he had her alone and could ask; "Why are you running?" (Reply Signos) (Posted by Nathan) ----- (Geneva Transport Shuttle Crash Site - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 0817) "Your course of action would seem logical-I know you wont hesitate to subdue me if rage or other strong emotions break through-have you seen a Vulcan lose control?" "No, but I know its possible. Pon Farr is normally a private business." Jessica stated has she nimbly moved along the path. She had moved ahead slightly on C'Nell the incline of the path now bringing her to eye level. When his question rang out. "Why are you running?" It brought Jessica to a stand still. She was unaware she was running. "I don't know" she answered. Jessica took stock of herself, she like C'Nell lived a life where one had to shield away her emotions, whipe it was not the same has a Vulcan. It aas still a part of her life. She had to live with emotions that zhe could not share or express, and it was eating her away inside. It was then she realized that thw flowers here were having an effect on her. Her breathing was hard, and slightly labored. Her cheeks felt flushed, and she felt a warm glow rising with in her. One she had not felt on a long time. Not since Eian. (Reply C'Nell) (Posted by Matthew) ----- (Crash Site-ASO Engsin Thomas C'Nell-Day 4, 0819) C'Nell caught up with Signos; she could run-fast. She was breathing hard and C'Nell doubted it was the running; her cheeks were flustered too. He looked up and down her body; it was atheletic like any officer of her station should be and attractive. There was something stirring in his Mind the flowers where having an effect but maybe it was something else. How long had he held her? "There are some things I need to tell you" He reached his hands upwards splaying his palm on her temple "My thoughts with your thoughts, my mind with your mind" He began to show her his memories; his mothers death in childbirth, being raised by an adopted mum because his father was lost on a science vessel. His fathers return and rejection. The Insitution for the gifted.... (Reply Signos) (Posted by Nathan) ----- (Shuttle Crash Site - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 0822) His graced her temple and he spoke softly jas her mind was filled with visions of his past. Quickly she stepped back defensively breaking the bond. ~ What nightmares did her see in my mind from my past. ~ She looked into C'Nells eyes she could see the hurt in them. The touch so intimate yet so simple. It had left her heart racing her soul wanting. "I'm sorry," she said meekly. "I have a past that is hard to see in such a manner. One I'm not to speak of. You are nice, and I would not be here if not for your kindness." Has she spoke she moved closer to the Vulcan male before her keeping her tones low. "Before you share your past with someone is such a way could you...." Maybe it was the flowers, maybe it was some unconsiouse need, or maybe it was both because before Jessoca could stop herself she was wrapping her arms around him, her lips seeking his. (Reply C'Nell) (Posted by Matthew) ----- (Crash Site-ASO Engsin (jg) Thomas C'Nell-Day 4, 0825) ~What was that? The other force something instinctive inside her forcing me out?~ I'm sorry," she said meekly. "I have a past that is hard to see in such a manner. One I'm not to speak of. You are nice, and I would not be here if not for your kindness." as she spoke she moved closer to him before her keeping her tones low. "Before you share your past with someone is such a way could you...." Then she was holding him. The pairs lips soon met. ~So this is how Humans begin relationships~ They held each other for a long time. For the first time in a long time he felt like there was something he could connect to other than Quantum Time equations, and it was a she a flesh person whom he could care for and touch. When they finally released all thoughts of the phermones and the flowers had gone form his level-headed reasoning. "When we get out of here I am going to request double quarters" he said to her touching her cheek lightly and smiling. (Reply Signos iyw) "But first we must get out of here" he began to hike up the hill it was a long time before he realised they were still holding each other. (Reply Signos) (Posted by nathan) ----- (Shuttle Crash Site - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 0827) "When we get out of here I am going to request double quarters" C'Nell said to her touching her cheek lightly and smiling. She just held him nodding softly, tears welled in her eyes. Jessica knew once they returned to the ship, once they were removed from the toxic flowers that things could change. But she did not want to think about such things. She just wanted to stay here in this moment in time holding someone who cared for her. "But first we must get out of here" C'Nell spoke as they broke the embrace and began to hike up the hill hand in hand. They made there way along a small rise it eventually made way to a small pass that cut though the mountain. They walked along the path, in silence both of them not one to make small talk. For Jessica it was enough that he cared for her. That she had someone who saw her has a person not a weapon. (posted by Matt) ----- (Planet Earth - Unknown Place - CMO Ensign (sg) Ailyn Andersen - Day 4 - 0923) The elevator doors opened, she was on a deck bellow. Grabbing the wall, she stopped to get some clear thoughts. Sharing research with these people was one thing, outright working for them was totally something else. She wasn't sure if this is what she really wanted. She somehow felt used. ~Compromises lead to eventual misery.~ she remembered the quote from the book she read recently. But then again, hope lead to eternal misery as well - she still had it, she was still hoping it's not too late. To think she was that little girl, innocent, wanting to naively explore the whole universe, ~constellations and nebulas to be my playground~ she repeated the words of her father, back there ages ago, it was just making her sad. The worse thing to happen to a child is turning into an adult over night. Loosing a family, and pretty much every last bit of humanity with it. That day, a shadow was created, a shadow that constantly kept pace with Ailyn and cast itself on her whenever she would try to find her life somewhere else. Poisoned her heart and her mind, and destined her for a fall. If only she could return to innocence. And now, she was working for a secret society. Helping a cause she didn't even fully understand. What would her father say on that? Somehow, though, she felt her father would approve. Despite he shielded her from all the problems, she had a feeling like he's always there with her. She always had the feeling he never died. Doctors would only say what she's experiencing was basically a post traumatic stress, giving her counseling and medicines. But no matter to how much counseling she went to, she never changed. In time, however, she learned how to make them believe she was better. In time, she understood that she could just as easily distance herself from others and live a life on her own. Her life quickly changed to two separate lives. She was never outgoing or social much, but she had to make an appearance and to spend the time with her friends. Over time, she found a few loyal friends, and even though she never told them her secrets, she was in comfort knowing that they cared for her. She remembered her years from the end of her family up until now. All this time, she was monitored, all this time they were helping her, but for what? She was sure her research was nothing special. In fact, she was sure that at least a hundred of other doctors would be more then able to do it the same or even better. There had to be more to it, there had to be a catch. She knew her worth, and she wasn't as nearly as worthy as to what lengths these people went to bring her here today. ~Well, there's really only way to find out.~ she thought. Pushing herself from the wall, she walked towards the large doors - they were opened, obviously waiting for her. Inside, she could see a dimmed yellowish lights, at the center of the large room was a big table and at the far end were many fitness tools. To the right, bunkbeds, and to the left, an small, but quite impressive armory. "I thought the old man will never let you out of that room." said Taylor, laughing. The other three man were siting around the table, drinking something from the metallic cups, and looking towards Ailyn. After several seconds, one of the men hit Taylor's leg pretty loudly, and the other two started laughing. "Yes, I'm sorry, I think I need to..." the woman started. "Damn right you need!" said the smaller man close to Taylor. "Hush you. This little nervous man is Ramirez. He's an caffeine junkie, a failed pilot..." "And a heartbreaker..." the man said with a soft face. He placed his right hand on his heart while saying that. "Shut up Ramirez, she ain't here to entertain you." said the dark skinned man on Taylor's other side. "Then why the hell she's here then anyway." Ramirez teased with a smile on his face. "Ugh, you're such a sexist." Taylor said and made a face like she's disgusted. "At least I'm playin' for the right team, ya know." Ramirez said smiling. "Ok, that's enough, Ramirez. I'm Razer. You obviously met Taylor, she's the favorite around here, I was the leader before her. " "Will you let that go, seriously?" Taylor looked offended there for a second. "Not until the old man pays me some respect." "He's 'paying' you more then enough as it is, Razer, so shut your mouth." Taylor yelled. "Wait, you are getting paid for this?" Ailyn asked dumbfounded. "We're mercenaries. We do stuff for money, honey." said Ramirez with the innocent face. "We really prefer the word private military force, don't we Ramirez?" Taylor pushed Ramirez in the corner with her gaze. "Yes we do, mom." "Who's the person with the hoodie?" Andersen asked. "Oh that, yeah that's... Scorch. He has the mask on his face because he, supposedly lived through a fire, and enjoyed so much the new sensations, that he asked not to be regenerated." "Are you serious?" Ailyn asked with the wide-opened eyes. "Of course not, you silly. That's Scorch, he wears the mask because he got used to it, he's the master infiltrator, sniper and the first of us all to be approached by the old man to work for him. He doesn't get any kinds of payment for this." "Why he's doing it then?" Ailyn asked. "Supposedly for the thrill. That or he knows something the other of us don't." Taylor explained. "So what's your name?" Razer asked. "I'm Ailyn Andersen." "Hahaha, did you hear that Ramirez?" Razer was laughing. "Loud and clear, king." "Why are they laughing about?" Ailyn asked Taylor. "Because... they believe using real names is only for the sissies. I guess they feel like bigger men hiding behind the nicknames." "You owe me 40." Razer said. "We never did a bet." - "We did and you know it. She used her real name, you owe me 40." said Razer. "Kids." Taylor said shrugging. Putting the small gold press latinum tab on the table, Ramirez looked back towards Ailyn. "You need a new name." "Yeah, and don't be ridiculous like Taylor here and use your own first name." said Razer. "We call her queen bee all the time though." explained Ramirez, pointing out to Taylor. "Or a Princess, hahaha." Razer said and burst into laugh. "Aren't they just lovely? Can you imagine these when they were teenagers? I seriously pity their parents." Taylor said face-palming. She stood up, dusted her leggings for a second, then came to Ailyn, moving one of the free chairs, and showing Ailyn to sit on it. She did it so eloquent like a gentleman. For a second, Razer and Ramirez laughed, whispering something to each other's ear. "You'd think they're little kids, wouldn't you?" Taylor whispered to Ailyn's ear, and then sat on the table to the Ailyn's right. "So what's it gonna be Ailyn, any special kind of nickname you earned?" Ramirez asked. "Wait you genius she didn't even tell us why she's here with us." Razer frowned. Taylor made a face, not approving their question but found herself not wanting to answer to interfere. "I'm a doctor." said Andersen pulling her shirt. "All this job for a lousy doctor?" yelled Ramirez. "Shush lamebrain, she's not just the ordinary doctor, aren't you, Ailyn?" Taylor cooled down the situation. "I was asked to come here because of my genetic research." Ailyn explained. "Don't bother us with the details, it's just going to tire our ears, doctor." Razer interfered with Ailyn just trying to tell more to it. "If the old man finds you useful, I'm going to respect you, but you better respect me back." he added. "I don't even know why was I sent down here in the first place?" Andersen shrugged. "Well to meet our merry band! No, not really. The boss has a mission for us. For us all. We need to get to a certain shady dealer and get some illegal goods. We don't expect much problems and it's a low risk mission, so it's perfect to show you some ropes." Taylor explained. "Specially how to blend in with the peeps around, ya know?" Ramirez added, patting his beard. "Yeah, like you could ever blend in with anything." Taylor said rolling her eyes. "She's just jealous at me because I get all the lovely ladies and she doesn't." said Ramirez all full of himself. "Excuse him, he rarely, if ever, sees a woman up front as close as you, so you can understand he's eager to impress just about any that comes his way, isn't that true, Pablo?" Taylor teased. "Ignore them, they're like this all the time when they have no one to shoot at. Most of us have some background in Starfleet or private military from before. Me, I was working for everyone that could pay me. Ramirez here was smuggling weapons for as long as he could remember. Taylor was a Starfleet marine before. You'll be cool with us." explained Razer. Taylor looked at Razer waiting for him to finish then back to Ailyn. "Yeah, we just go in, raid the dude's little sell place and get out." Taylor said. "Whoa whoa, Raid the place? I thought we are supposed to buy stuff from him?" Ailyn asked with a puzzled face. "No sweetie, you see, he's selling the kind of stuff that, if it would fall into the wrong hands, could turn some of not-so-friendly races out there to a super race." Taylor explained. "What's this stuff you're talking about?" Ailyn asked. "Supposedly some kind of self-repairing nanobots, similar to Borg ones except completely compatible with most of the species out there. The old man wants those, he said he wants you to check them to see if he can use them safely." "Tech-babble." Ramirez said puffing in the air out of boredom. "I think it would be better if I stay behind and you guys..." Ailyn started, trying to get out. "No, we need you for your knowledge. I don't even know how the stuff looks like." Taylor explained. "You'll be safer with us, then here." Razer said, trying to point his head to the upper's deck. "What's that supposed to mean?" asked Ailyn. There was no answer. "Don't forget about the name, dude." Ramirez said, pulling Razer's shoulder at which Razer responded by hitting him in the leg, so he leaves him alone. "Did you went by any nickname before, Ailyn?" Ramirez asked the same question, for the second time, patting his leg as if it was his pillow. "Umm, I was called Andy before, from my surname Andersen, by the..." she started "No, no, that's just not gonna cut it." said Razer, and then looked towards Ramirez, who nodded. "We think we found you a cool nickname." he explained, looking back at Ailyn. "Guys is this really necessary?" Taylor insisted. "It is if she wants to be a part of us." he explained. "So, what do you think of April?" he asked Ailyn, looking her in the eyes, trying to see her reaction. "I... I kind of like it. Thank you." said Ailyn, trying to figure why would anyone name someone else like that. "Cool, because that's the only name we could come up with." he said shrugging. Taylor shook her head. Ailyn grabbed Taylor's hand, getting closer, and whispering in her ear "Are they like this all the time?" "No," Taylor said whispering, "They're mainly joking. We lost one of the members two days ago, they've been really depressing since then, so they found a way how to have some fun and let go. They had couple of drinks tonight as well, as you can see on the table, and they're acting immature. Don't worry, until tomorrow they're turn sober." "Who was this member before me?" Ailyn asked, still whispering in Taylor's ear. "He was a scientist... he took some data with him and tried getting away. I guess he didn't like the boss." Taylor explained in shallow voice. "What happened with him?" Ailyn was interested at Taylor's answer. "We don't know. I could understand if the old man wanted him dead, but it wasn't any one of us." Taylor explained trying to stay cool-headed. Taylor stood up from the table, turning to face all the others. "Okay, guys and gals, time for sleeping. We'll wake up later and we'll get the lift from the Cerberus. It's a Starfleet ship, so no one can know we're aboard." Taylor explained to the rest. "Sleeping? Are you mad, it's not even noon." Ramirez yelled at Taylor. "It will take us only a single day to get to our destination, and we won't be able to sleep on the Cerberus, so this is basically the only sleep we'll be getting in two maybe three days. So I suggest you go hug that pillow." Taylor explained. She never seemed to issue orders to them, despite the fact she was in charge. Obviously, she was lenient a bit, but no matter how much friction it seemed to be between them all, suprisingly, everyone listened to her. "There's a problem, however. There are only four beds here. We removed the fifth bed that was here until a few days ago. Since I am the leader of this team, I'll sleep on the floor, and you Ailyn sleep on the bed." she explained. "Touchy Taylor, if I didn't knew better, I'd almost say you have a heart underneath all that ice." Razer bit his lips as he was finishing that sentence. Taylor didn't seem very happy with the situation but she made a call. Ailyn felt bad, though, because as much as she could see, Taylor was a good person. She felt kind of connection with her, probably not the kind the other side would expect, but she felt as if she can trust her. "The beds are big enough for us both. We're both grown-ups, we can share, or maybe you don't want to share it with me?" Ailyn asked smiling, she knew Taylor will figure it out and the guys will completely misinterpret it. Taylor just smirked. When everyone got back from the showers and got up and on to their beds, Ailyn slipped in first, Taylor followed her, turning towards her, her face only few inches apart, she whispered "It was nice meeting you today, Ailyn." and smiled, turning to the other side. Ailyn just lay there, looking at the ceiling for few hours... waiting for others to get up. She was trying to remember everything that happened in so little time here. She felt the only one she could remotely trust was Taylor. The others seemed like punks, typical mercenaries. What kind of person had to be running things here to employ mercenaries, paid killers? (Reply: None) (Posted by: Lani) ----- (Pirate Ship Frostbite - Oxus Star System - ENG PO3 Szlacht Sizaris - Day 4 - 1420) How the world really works? It was more of a question what Szlacht thought to be his world. Gorns were stubborn creatures, but with their society crumbling, many had to do whatever they needed to survive. It wasn't glorious, there was nothing epic about it, and certainly the Klingons would never sing their songs of what has befallen to a Gorn society. Perhaps it was the cycle of life, a cycle of change. Gorns were scattered fighting between themselves - what they failed to understand is how weak it all makes them. Certainly, it is hard to see the greater picture when the only thing you're living and hearing and seeing every day is your own people fighting against others of the same kind. Somehow, the greater scheme of universe seems like a distant poem. Perhaps... perhaps what they needed was a reminder of their true selves. Of their true nature. It is hard finding a meaning in a society that is used to keep it's people happy by waging wars. Of course, the monarch could try to keep his own people at bay by making them live in fear - but Gorns would never succumb to that way of living. Gorns were too individualistic to think like sheeps. A common misconception of other races is that Gorns are somehow intellectually inferior. The truth, of course, is a little different. Sadly, the history is written by the victors, and the hegemony was like a sand, with each passing storm, the sand would be scattered all over. With each attack, the Gorns would suffer. Last thing they needed is fighting among themselves. But perhaps such was a nature of pirates and mercenaries. In such hard times, when only capable force that can be trusted enough to fight for others' goals were mercenaries, one could question what really happened with the Gorns. They are broken people. Romulans took away more then they thought they would. They took away their pride. Many Gorns had to work as slaves, to escape famine. Many Gorns resorted to anything they could do just to survive. Is the need to survive so great that it should even overwrite one's own honor? Self respect? Tradition? It is a shallow meaning of life - to just survive. And Szlacht knew this first-hand. It is not just something humans do, Szlacht agreed - he also pondered before sleep many times when he was a slave - what is the meaning of that? Why himself? What is the meaning of his miserable existence? He guessed there comes the point in life of every creature, asking that question, and not coming with a proper answer. Szlacht was over a hundred years old, and he still couldn't answer that simple question. Sure, the pain reminded him he's alive, but surely all the pain had to have a meaning. All the deaths had to have a point... there had to be a reason for the things happening with Gorn hegemony. Perhaps it was the nature of such societies. Szlacht wondered many times why the Federation still exists. Obviously, they lack all the combat prowess and knowledge Gorns and Klingons posses, for example. However, Federation, he thought, conquers others by their ideals. When a race knows only about pain and struggles, being cared for and living an easier life sounds like that future everyone aspires for. Yet, he also understood that a portion of freedom has to pay a price for this. A portion of customs had to be changed, the opinions of the majority have to change as well, and all that the race fought for, all the pride, all the accomplishments had to be written down on paper and taught as a history. No more You, only Us. With everything happening with his own people, he was still thankful that the hegemony exists. He was grateful to serve on a Federation ship, but he secretly longed for that life he had before. Working as a petty officer was uninteresting, a waste to both his potential and extended experience, and was even slightly offending as well. Yet, he had to remind himself that social skills - and the ability to work well in a team, were perhaps the highest two points for advancement on Starfleet positions. Knowledge and experience was valued, but Academy standards brought all the potential crew serving to an level enough to serve on their position. In this sense, the ability to successfully connect others into a good team was perhaps valued the most. Szlacht wasn't a natural leader. He actually despised leading, but he wasn't a well follower either. He had an eye for all the mistakes, he wasn't afraid to express himself and he definitely had not issues telling others when they were wrong, backed up by his experience. It did not work that way on Gorn ships. Even as a slave, his knowledge was valued and respected. He was sure, when hegemony gets their power back, he would be accepted back. Perhaps even given a command of a smaller ship, he thought. He really liked everyone - that was his official stance as a petty officer. In fact, he was certain that something like that is impossible. He outright hated Romulans, and not even since the coward attacks on the Gorn territory, but from before, when he was captured and interrogated. Romulans are sometimes so cruel they even interrogate the slaves of the masters they need information about. Usually, when he would remember that, however, he also remembered what he did with the Romulans after he escaped... and that would always make him grin a bit. He really believed that hegemony should only do peace negotiations with the major powers at the moment. In all truth, Szlacht was a little more action-oriented Gorn himself. He believed that disputes should be dealt with by warfare and that negotiations are a way to buy some time before the hegemony has enough ships for an attack. Naturally, not all shared his view on the matter. Living in Starfleet did not made him soft, instead allowed him to see things from different point of view. And despite his personal opinions, he understood well that sometimes, for the greater good, things are done that would otherwise be against one's personal opinion. He did admire Starfleet in a way, to Gorns, trust and respect was placed higher then any political games and all the glamour that comes with it. Despite this, he had his reservations. How was he coerced into helping a Starfleet officer... he had no idea. He didn't even like her, she talked way to much and never spoke anything of any logic or interest to him. Yet, a part of him really wanted to do this. Was he turning into a good-doer? Had Starfleet really changed him that much? ~Nothing changes your scales.~ he thought. He felt alive once again, a little dose of action, he really only needed a reason. Deyu was one, he thought she was innocent and did not deserve such things happening to her. Perhaps she reminded him of a person he once knew, a young lizard turned into a slave. Naive and weak, his days were outnumbered before he even arrived to work for the local crime lord. He did not care much for him either, but happily fought trying to save him. He was too late, of course, but that did not stopped him from trying. ~Perhaps the meaning of my life is fighting.~ Despite being old by human standards, he was still fair aged Gorn. He had lots of long years ahead of him. His strength was perhaps the greatest, and even though he did not train enough, he felt ready both physically and mentally. Perhaps he was destined to fight until his last days. He did not mind such an end. The only thing he really feared the most is ceasing to exist for an unmeaningful reason. The red light on the device he had on his hand started blinking. He knew he found a planet he needed. It was the fourth from the red dwarf that was illuminating this system. A quick scan revealed that it wasn't breathable, definitely finding subterranean passages and obvious traces of heavy drilling in the area, but could not penetrate the underground to scan for any life forms. There didn't seem to be anything in the composite of materials around the tunnels that would obstruct the scanners, though, so he switched to passive scanners right afterwards in case there's some kind of a device built specifically to prevent the scanners - so his scanning isn't caught and his position isn't revealed. While he was getting ready for the mission earlier, he connected the ship to an external controlling device. This way, he thought, he could instruct the ship to hide on the other side of the planet, should any uninvited guests stumble upon the planet. He also readied his hunting gear. He didn't used it for many years, he almost did not fit into it. It was consistent of Gorn personal medium armor, a helmet protecting the head as well as his identity, several blades hidden inside the armor plus the longer sword-like blade he carried in his offhand. He had a disruptor cannon in his right hand, double lights on the sides of his helmet and had disruptor long range rifle on his back. The helmet with the mask had a re-breather system, capable of enriching CO2 exhaling with additional oxygen and filtering some of the carbon out so the air can be reused. Since he didn't use it for a long time, he was getting dizzy at first inhaling the enriched mixture, but he knew after a while his body would get used to it again. He also had an equivalent to Starfleet's tri-corder device strapped on his left wrist. Grabbing the remote controller, and strapping the device he was given on his other hand, he continued towards the transporter room. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Lani) ----- (Unknown Planet - Oxus Star System - ENG PO3 Szlacht Sizaris - Day 4 - 1435) It was a desert planet - the kind Szlacht actually liked himself. However, he knew he had to speed up his walking because a sandstorm will hit the canyon soon. He only had a few minutes to walk towards the entrance to the tunnels. On the ground, there wasn't any kind of traces of anyone being here, but then again, any such traces and footprints could have easily been erased by local storms. However, eventually he came upon a buggy, half-covered in sand. Opening it's hood, he checked the temperature of the electric engine. He didn't like what he saw. He further scanned the hull of the vehicle, just to be sure. Indeed, the vehicle is buried in sand for a few days already. The occupants left their bags obviously - and weapons as well, thus they exited hastily. Sadly, it would seem the sandstorm is gaining on him, he must have lost too much time scanning the vehicle. He started moving as fast as it was /Gornly/ possible towards the hatch he could see, but the sandstorm was moving really fast - getting the acceleration by moving downhill from the local rocky mountain. In the last second he managed to get inside and close the hatch. He could feel the pressure of the storm hitting the hatch fiercefully as he was closing it down. He checked around himself. He was obviously inside an artificially-made cave, that had a long tunnel leading forward and further down. Around were all kinds of drilling equipment and some weapons as well. This time, however, the trails of some kind of a caterpillar tracks, obviously leading further down the tunnel. He didn't know much about the target. It seemed a little weird sending himself for something a good squad was able to do, which is why he got prepared for any kind of encounter, not just with an unknown lifeform. Checking the local equipment, he found nothing that could benefit him - not now at least. With slow, silent and quite deliberate steps he proceeded forward, double checking every inch of his way. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Lani) ----- (Unknown Planet - Oxus Star System - ENG PO3 Szlacht Sizaris - Day 4 - 1450) Szlacht followed the caverns until he came upon opened doors, visibly leading into an installation of some kind. It seemed rusty, but well usable, and he felt he wasn't alone anymore. As he slowly walked in, checking if there's someone else inside, the large bulk doors closed behind him, pushing the air so fierce he almost fell down. He could hear the clapping sound behind himself. Turning around, he saw a face he would never dream of seeing again... "Gierrah? What are you doing here, aren't you on..." "Where you left me you mean? Oh yes, Szlacht you were always very difficult to beat in the physical game, but honestly, you're very dumb when it comes to thinking. You see, I've got you fooled. I had a ship cloaked waiting for me. I knew you transported to my ship and I knew you were planning on transporting me to your Pod. Of course, I was directly transported to the ship but you never knew that since all the data you had was pre-fabricated to make you think you succeed! We tailed you and Frostbite all along!" explained the man visibly happy and full of himself. "So, this was all a rouse to bring me here." "Indeed. Grabbing you in front of Starfleet eyes was specifically issued as a no-no by my contractors. You see, you made one clan lord very very angry. So much in fact he would outright pay more then three of my ships are worth. In fact, pay enough so I could pay to these fellas. And then, the main contractor was someone else willing to pay to kill you personally. I had a hard time choosing just one of them, you know." He finished and two Romulan officers showed besides Gierrah. They were armed with Romulan standard issue disruptor pistols, pointed towards Szlacht. That would definitely explained how he managed to get here before Szlacht. Indeed, modern Romulan vessels were quite fast, and powerful. "So you colaborated with these filthy cowards to earn selling a friend?" "To tell you the truth, Szlacht, I never really liked you anyway. There was something always rubbing me the wrong way about you. Uh, I only tolerated you because I had to, of course. You know how it goes, if you're not powerful enough, you obey or you die." "Who's your main contractor?" "A... certain Romulan captain missing his son. The son you killed in cold blood." "It was a contract, nothing more. And those people took everything from us" "A contract you will pay for." Gierrah looked left and right nodding to two of the Romulans. "No last wish, my friend?" Szlacht teased, trying to buy some time for something he had in his mind. "I suppose I can indulge my curiosity to see what such a trivial creature like yourself would like to know." "Where is the Federation officer you captured?" "Oh, she's safe, she's with her Romulan friend, the two are happy dancing and drinking on an neutral station, far away from the eyes of the Federation. We knew she wouldn't bother telling anyone where was she going because she wouldn't be allowed to spend time with higher ranking Romulan officer, despite the fact that indeed, since she was joined last week with her symbiont, she got all of it's knowledge including the old friendships... with old Captains of old ships and of better times. Better times, Szlacht." Gierrah turned around to face Szlacht directly, looking the gorn to the face. "You know, I do miss the old times. You and me, we are obsolete. Creatures of some other times. These new technologies... these cloaking devices, these silly treaties... these silly little people. They forget why are they even living for. I pity them. I do envy you, Szlacht. You will go down against superior foe, but no one will hear about your heroism. You will simply be missed in action... unknown action. They won't ever even find your body. This is my last job, Szlacht. Enough latinum to live like a king to the rest of my life. The Romulan fellas, they're really generous... but they want you now. Goodbye Szlacht." "Yes, better times." Szlacht looked down, trying to find some self peace knowing no one, aside himself, was ever in any real danger. Gierrah stopped to listen, but his hand was in air, a mere signal was between Szlacht's death and life. "We are obsolete, my friend. If we must fight each other, and kill one another to survive, then we learned nothing from our mistakes. Then the memories we have are just empty images, half-away faded reminding us nothing, then the pain we felt before reminds us of nothing. Then we are nothing." Szlacht instantly fired his gun, hitting the Romulan on the left, but the other Romulan officer was fast enough on the trigger to hit Szlacht two times in his abdomen. Szlacht rolled behind a rock, wounded, several more Romulans transported into the room, Szlacht knew there was only one thing he could do... the drums of victory would beat for him once again. ~No, my friend, it was not you who surprised me.~ He activated the Frostbite, instructing the ship to hit directly above where he was, closing his eyelids, and in a mere second, everything was black and was no more... (Reply: None) (Posted by: Lani) ----- (Crash Site - ATAC Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos, Day 4, 1843) The sun was starting to set when they broke the path and exited the mountain. The view before them was breath taking the setting sun disappearing behind a vast ocean with a wide beach spread before her. She looked to the left and right and saw how the ocean swept around the flow of the land. It was closer than expected and Jessica cursed under her breath has she realized what they landed on. "Where on a Island." (reply C'Nell) "It's getting late, we need to set camp and head back to the shuttle tomorrow. If for nothing else to scrape the ship of everything that might be useful. I say setting camp on the beach would be the best bet for tonight. We have enough emergency rations for tonight and the morning but tomorrow we need to start setting up a base camp and foraging for food and water." Jessica spoke calmly. (reply C'Nell) They moved onto the beach. The soft sand felt good under Jessica's feet and she couldn't wait to get her shoes off to feel the sand between her toes. She dropped her pack under a small crop of trees. It didn't take long before they had gathered wood for a fire. Jessica pulled an magnesium bar from her pack. She knew a quick phaser blast could light a fire but she also knew phasers could be modified to fire a signaling beam, and they were indispensable for hunting. The phasers were a resource Jessica was not going waste. After a few moments she had a fire going the spark from the magnesium bar working its age old magic. The warmth from the flame seeping into her body the darkness of night had brought the cooler winds from the ocean. She pulled the supplies she needed from her bag to set a small camp. Starting with a hammock, it was water proof and was equipped with side flaps that would cover her completely. (reply C'Nell) (posted by Matthew) ----- (Campsite-ASO Engsin Thomas C'Nell-Day 4, 1846) "Where on an island" was all she said breaking the silence, during which C'Nell had spent his time staring at her; his logical brain confronted by this...this women. "It's getting late, we need to set camp and head back to the shuttle tomorrow. If for nothing else to scrape the ship of everything that might be useful. I say setting camp on the beach would be the best bet for tonight. We have enough emergency rations for tonight and the morning but tomorrow we need to start setting up a base camp and foraging for food and water." Jessica spoke calmly. Her calm and level manour was one of the thing he liked, no loved about her. It wasnt though a normal feeling. As he watched her work her magic bringing supplies which in C'Nell's wildest preparations he could not have thought of, he wondered. The camp was some distance away from the flowers perhaps the phermones would die down and he would go off her. He slept on a mat on the sands of the beach. Jessica used a hammock. He rebuffed her offer of sharing, he was comfortable here. (posted by Nathan)