USS Rosenate - The Third Law - Compile 16 ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 10 Stardate: 2414.03.24 ========================= (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 10 - 1921.5) ========================= (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 10 - 1921.5) Matrix felt an uneasiness as he watched the two law enforcement officers leave. His experience taught him to trust his gut feelings. ~They're on to us~ he thought. Even if the two were suspicious and were indeed planning a trap they would likely find what they were looking for anyway. That was the goal. How to play their next meeting was the question. Their next encounter was going to be fluid, not planned. Matrix turned off the tricorder display after another quick scan and failed to notice the alert flashing on the readout. He tucked it into his satchel and motioned to O'Neill for them to proceed to the city center. It was getting dark and people were beginning to venture indoors. It was almost eerily quiet as they walked from shop to shop through the village area. Merchants gathering up their stands and hustling inside. As they walked Matrix noticed no one would make eye contact with him or O'Neill. That seemed peculiar and made Matrix more cautious of their situation. As they turned the corner of a larger merchant shop, a large monolith at the city center could be seen. ~Almost there~ thought Matrix. His body posture and mood became tense the closer they made their way. ~Something's not right~ thought Matrix. (Posted by Steve) ------------------------- ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 11 Stardate: 2414.03.25 ========================= (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Travelers Hall - CO - Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 11- 0844) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Travelers Hall - Jamal Tamar- 0845) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Travelers Hall - Jamal Tamar- 0846) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Travelers Hall - Lt. Sanok - Day 11 - 0846.5) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Travelers Hall - CO - Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 11- 0848) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Travelers Hall - Jamal Tamar- 0850) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 11 - 0911) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - ATAC/SC - Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos - Day 11 - 0915) (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City-Tilsholl Headquarters, Outcast Layeela, Day 11 -0930) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - ATAC/SC - Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos - Day 11 - 0937) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 0939) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Lt. Sanok - Day 11 - 0943) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 0947) (USS Rosenante- Personal Quarters- Marah Neru - 1701) (USS Rosenante-Personal Quarters-Dahlia Jackson -1703) (U.S.S. Rosenante- Bridge- SOps/QM- LT Chance Raschen- 1801) (Interior Rogue Planet LT. Tom Jackson Day 11 1803) (Interior Rogue Planet- GSL Lieutenant Xim Day 11 1815) (Interior Rogue Planet- GSL Lieutenant Xim Day 11 1817) (U.S.S. Rosenante- Bridge- Sops/QM- LT Chance Raschen- 1820) (Interior Rogue Planet- SOps/QM- LT Chance Raschen- 1822) (Interior Rogue Planet-COPS Lieutenant Tom Jackson Day 11 1824) (Asrai Prime - Traveller's hall - Counselor Parker Davis and Lt JG Tayla Fraiser - Day 11 - 1901) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Town Square - CO, Capt. Ahmed Ibn Salid & MO, Lt. Tayla Fraiser- Day 11- 1915) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Town Square - YEO-Lieutenant Mike Rosenbauer- Day 11- 1917) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Town Square - Outcast Layeela- Day 11- 1919) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Abandoned Courtyard - YEO-Lieutenant Mike Rosenbauer- Day 11- 1925) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Abandoned Courtyard - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 11 - 1930) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Abandoned Courtyard - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 1933) (Interior Rogue Planet- GSL Lieutenant Xim Day 11 2000) (USS Rosenante - Bridge – FO – Commander T’Larah Sullivan – 2002) (Interior Rogue Planet – Science Department – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 2010) (U.S.S. Rosenante- Trade Winds- SOps/QM- LT Chance Raschen- 2300) (U.S.S. Rosenante-Trade Winds-Engineering Tech-PO1 Hank Stevens-2302) ========================= (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Travelers Hall - CO - Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 11- 0844) It didn't take the servant to return with their new visitor. In fact it couldn't have been more than five or ten minutes before there was a slight knock at the door. Ahmed, in preparation had brought in a second chair and had placed it in a comfortable position next to the small end table that graced the room. The Chala had arrived just a few moments before the knock had sounded and Ahmed settled into his chair. He gave Mike a nod, and the Ranger moved to answer the door. He opened it cautiously, although you may not have seen it unless you knew exactly what to look for. The man that came into the room was wearing a nice robe, although not one belonging to a merchant of any standing. Ahmed could suppose that the man had somehow been driven out of the city in a manner that Kenovan had threatened for himself. "Forgive my intrusion but what I have to say is of great import to you." Jamal began. "Kenovan Rajil recently visited you and left very displeased, I can only assume he made you an offer that you refused. It was wise of you to do so but at the same time very unwise." "Welcome to my chambers Jamal. Please sit and have Chala with me while we discuss the things you wish to speak to me." The Captain replied with a gesture of welcome and respect. Once Jamal had seated himself, Ahmed continued. "I understand your words and their meaning well Jamal, but I will not be bullied by a man whose only desire is to grow his own power and influence over those of his community." Ahmed smiled. "May I ask how you know of this disagreement between us?" "I saw him leave this very hall after meeting with you and he was in very bad humor." Jamal explained. "You've made an enemy of the house of Rajil, a very power enemy. I over heard his plans to seek out your caravan, he will lay waste to it and claim the spoils for himself. He will kill anyone he finds there and then do everything in his power to see you are not welcome in the markets of Celdebrai. This is very bad for you if you had intentions of establishing trade here." "This is very disturbing news, indeed. But I do not fear for my caravan, my goods or my people, for they are far from here, and Kenovan does not even know in which direction they lie. Should he choose to send scouting parties in every possible direction, it is possible that he would eventually find my Caravan, but it would take him many days and many men to do so. Those are days when his personal power is weakened and the advantage is ours." Ahmed replied. "Those men that would serve him most loyally would be away from here and unable to come to his aid or to do his bidding here should he need them. So you see, his enemies have a unique opportunity to teach Kenovan humility." Jamal glanced around at those present, his eyes came to rest on Sanok. "I saw you shortly after Kenovan came out, did you hear any of his rantings." (reply Sanok) "He did caution his men not harm Lun'ette but the rest of you were to be dealt with. Why would he not want his men to damage a flower?" Jamal asked. "Lun'ette is the name of my daughter." Ahmed replied simply. Ahmed gestured to her. "I see." Jamal said as he looked at Jessica. "He will have you watched so you must be careful, do not under estimate Kenovan as I have. Many in Celdebrai fear him and his men, but there are a few how would like to see him fall and I am one." "If you wish to see him fall, then you need only act, and I will show you how it can be done, for this is not the first time that I have brought proud and powerful men to their ruin. Wait here one moment." Ahmed rose and moved to his room, where some of the additional supplies that they had brought were stored. Among the materials that he had brought was a large amount of coin, several hundred precious stones. He removed one of the bags from his carry bag. He hefted it in the palm of his hand and smiled. He then returned to the adjacent room where Jamal waited. He resumed his seat. "Jamal. I seek very specific things in my trade. I seek artifacts and items left behind by the Aowa, and things of unusual workings and appearance. It is this business that has seen me profit better than most men." He pulled the draw string on the bag to loosen it and slowly poured a thousand of the largest denomination coin on the table. "This is only a small bit of my fortune. But I will invest it in you, as we have a mutual enemy. I ask only that you do for me a small service and spread the word. I shall wish to meet with those opposed to Kenovan at mid day, here, today. Go, take this coin, distribute it as you need to those whom Kenovan has harmed and made his enemy. Tell them that the tyrants rule has ended, and that it is time to rebuild the fortunes that they have lost. Tell them that I will be their patron and guide to returning their fortunes, and that I want nothing in return, save for the down fall of Kenovan and the right to inspect any Aowa artifacts, histories or items that they find. Or if they know of any of these things in this area, sacred places left from the time of the Aowa, that I would like to visit them, for I am a pious man." "You may use this coin to hire loyal bodyguards and to help those enemies of Kenovan to do the same. We shall make arrangements with Darsel to hold a feast in these men's honor, so that they can see I am certain in my words and true in my deeds. Do you accept this charge, and agree to do as I have asked? In return for your service, I shall bestow upon you a welth of knowledge so that you will never again suffer from men like Kenovan, and you shall have your revenge" (reply Sanok, Jamal) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Travelers Hall - Jamal Tamar- 0845) "I saw you shortly after Kenovan came out, did you hear any of his rantings." (reply Sanok) "He did caution his men not harm Lun'ette but the rest of you were to be dealt with. Why would he not want his men to damage a flower?" Jamal asked. "Lun'ette is the name of my daughter." Ahmed replied simply. Ahmed gestured to her. "I see." Jamal said as he looked at Jessica. "He will have you watched so you must be careful, do not under estimate Kenovan as I have. Many in Celdebrai fear him and his men, but there are a few how would like to see him fall and I am one." "If you wish to see him fall, then you need only act, and I will show you how it can be done, for this is not the first time that I have brought proud and powerful men to their ruin. Wait here one moment." Jamal took his chala and sipped on it while he waited for Jalad to return, this master seemed very confident. He wasn't at all concerned about Kenovan finding his caravan and laying waste to it, either he was a powerful man as well for quite foolish. Jamal looked around at those present in the room, they all seemed quite able. Jamal wondered who would prevail should a fight ensue. Moments later Jalad returned a retook his seat, Jamal couldn't help but notice the heavy bag he returned with. "Jamal. I seek very specific things in my trade. I seek artifacts and items left behind by the Aowa, and things of unusual workings and appearance. It is this business that has seen me profit better than most men." He pulled the draw string on the bag to loosen it and slowly poured a thousand of the largest denomination coin on the table. Jamal watched is disbelief as the coins poured from the bag and continued poring, as the pile grew so did his eyes. He had never seen so much in his life, this Jamal was a wealthy man indeed. "This is only a small bit of my fortune. But I will invest it in you, as we have a mutual enemy. I ask only that you do for me a small service and spread the word. I shall wish to meet with those opposed to Kenovan at mid day, here, today. Go, take this coin, distribute it as you need to those whom Kenovan has harmed and made his enemy. Tell them that the tyrants rule has ended, and that it is time to rebuild the fortunes that they have lost. Tell them that I will be their patron and guide to returning their fortunes, and that I want nothing in return, save for the down fall of Kenovan and the right to inspect any Aowa artifacts, histories or items that they find. Or if they know of any of these things in this area, sacred places left from the time of the Aowa, that I would like to visit them, for I am a pious man." Jamal couldn't believe his ears, Jamal was willing to give him all the coins he saw before him. All he wanted in return was for Jamal to spread the word and gather those opposed to Kenovan and a right to inspect the artifacts left by Aowa. This had turned out to be a fine day, he had very few coins left himself and wondered how he would be able to get more. Now he would have plenty and all who opposed Kenovan would receive some of his good fortune, it was almost too good to be true. "You may use this coin to hire loyal bodyguards and to help those enemies of Kenovan to do the same. We shall make arrangements with Darsel to hold a feast in these men's honor, so that they can see I am certain in my words and true in my deeds. Do you accept this charge, and agree to do as I have asked? In return for your service, I shall bestow upon you a welth of knowledge so that you will never again suffer from men like Kenovan, and you shall have your revenge" Jamal rose form his seat making the gesture of gratitude. "I thank you for your kindness and generosity Jamal." He answered. "I accept the charge and will pass the word to those who seek freedom from Kenovan's tyranny, many are humble such as myself but there are a few who are better connected and would be greatly indebted to you for your assitance." Jamal sat once again, his eyes going to the coins for a moment before looking to Jalad. "I have heard of great catacombs beneath the city," He said. "only accessible through the great shrines. It is said they were carved by Aowa and they hold untold wonders, the likes of which you've never seen. Stone so smooth it reflects light as if it were polished glass, light where none should be and sounds that couldn't be explained." Jamal paused to drink some chala. "Some of the others may know of another way into the catacombs, many cycles ago a child fell into a hole and when he was pulled out spoke of the wonders he had seen. It was feared that Aowa would be be upset about the intrusion and the hole was sealed and a structure placed above it so no further intrusions could be made." Jamal said. (reply Jalad, Sanok, any) (posted by Milo Young) -------------------------- Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Travelers Hall - Jamal Tamar- 0846) "I saw you shortly after Kenovan came out, did you hear any of his rantings." (reply Sanok) "He did caution his men not harm Lun'ette but the rest of you were to be dealt with. Why would he not want his men to damage a flower?" Jamal asked. "Lun'ette is the name of my daughter." Ahmed replied simply. Ahmed gestured to her. "I see." Jamal said as he looked at Jessica. "He will have you watched so you must be careful, do not under estimate Kenovan as I have. Many in Celdebrai fear him and his men, but there are a few how would like to see him fall and I am one." "If you wish to see him fall, then you need only act, and I will show you how it can be done, for this is not the first time that I have brought proud and powerful men to their ruin. Wait here one moment." Jamal took his chala and sipped on it while he waited for Jalad to return, this master seemed very confident. He wasn't at all concerned about Kenovan finding his caravan and laying waste to it, either he was a powerful man as well for quite foolish. Jamal looked around at those present in the room, they all seemed quite able. Jamal wondered who would prevail should a fight ensue. Moments later Jalad returned a retook his seat, Jamal couldn't help but notice the heavy bag he returned with. "Jamal. I seek very specific things in my trade. I seek artifacts and items left behind by the Aowa, and things of unusual workings and appearance. It is this business that has seen me profit better than most men." He pulled the draw string on the bag to loosen it and slowly poured a thousand of the largest denomination coin on the table. Jamal watched is disbelief as the coins poured from the bag and continued poring, as the pile grew so did his eyes. He had never seen so much in his life, this Jamal was a wealthy man indeed. "This is only a small bit of my fortune. But I will invest it in you, as we have a mutual enemy. I ask only that you do for me a small service and spread the word. I shall wish to meet with those opposed to Kenovan at mid day, here, today. Go, take this coin, distribute it as you need to those whom Kenovan has harmed and made his enemy. Tell them that the tyrants rule has ended, and that it is time to rebuild the fortunes that they have lost. Tell them that I will be their patron and guide to returning their fortunes, and that I want nothing in return, save for the down fall of Kenovan and the right to inspect any Aowa artifacts, histories or items that they find. Or if they know of any of these things in this area, sacred places left from the time of the Aowa, that I would like to visit them, for I am a pious man." Jamal couldn't believe his ears, Jamal was willing to give him all the coins he saw before him. All he wanted in return was for Jamal to spread the word and gather those opposed to Kenovan and a right to inspect the artifacts left by Aowa. This had turned out to be a fine day, he had very few coins left himself and wondered how he would be able to get more. Now he would have plenty and all who opposed Kenovan would receive some of his good fortune, it was almost too good to be true. "You may use this coin to hire loyal bodyguards and to help those enemies of Kenovan to do the same. We shall make arrangements with Darsel to hold a feast in these men's honor, so that they can see I am certain in my words and true in my deeds. Do you accept this charge, and agree to do as I have asked? In return for your service, I shall bestow upon you a welth of knowledge so that you will never again suffer from men like Kenovan, and you shall have your revenge" Jamal rose form his seat making the gesture of gratitude. "I thank you for your kindness and generosity Jamal." He answered. "I accept the charge and will pass the word to those who seek freedom from Kenovan's tyranny, many are humble such as myself but there are a few who are better connected and would be greatly indebted to you for your assitance." Jamal sat once again, his eyes going to the coins for a moment before looking to Jalad. "I have heard of great catacombs beneath the city," He said. "only accessible through the great shrines. It is said they were carved by Aowa and they hold untold wonders, the likes of which you've never seen. Stone so smooth it reflects light as if it were polished glass, light where none should be and sounds that couldn't be explained." Jamal paused to drink some chala. "Some of the others may know of another way into the catacombs, many cycles ago a child fell into a hole and when he was pulled out spoke of the wonders he had seen. It was feared that Aowa would be be upset about the intrusion and the hole was sealed and a structure placed above it so no further intrusions could be made." Jamal said. (reply Jalad, Sanok, any) (posted by Milo Young) -------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Travelers Hall - Lt. Sanok - Day 11 - 0846.5) "I saw you shortly after Kenovan came out," said Jamil. "Did you hear any of his rantings?" "What I heard is between my master and myself," said Sanok. He wasn't rude to their visitor, but to the point, in the typical, Vulcan manner. Sanok silently listened to the rest of the conversation, but when Captain Salid went into the adjoining room and came back with a bag of replicated, Asrai coins, and offered it to Jamil to round up a group to stand against Kenovan, he had to wonder if Salid was going too far. Oh, he was able to discern the long-range plan, but if there were no Aowa artifacts to be found, what damage would be done to the culture? Then again, what would it matter? If the desk jockeys at Starfleet Command had their way, Salid would let the entire Asrai race be wiped out by the rogue planet. Best to try every option to find reason to save them. (reply any) (posted by Bob B.) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Travelers Hall - CO - Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 11- 0848) "I thank you for your kindness and generosity Jamal." He answered. "I accept the charge and will pass the word to those who seek freedom from Kenovan's tyranny, many are humble such as myself but there are a few who are better connected and would be greatly indebted to you for your assistance." Jamal sat once again, his eyes going to the coins for a moment before looking to Jalad. "I have heard of great catacombs beneath the city," He said. "only accessible through the great shrines. It is said they were carved by Aowa and they hold untold wonders, the likes of which you've never seen. Stone so smooth it reflects light as if it were polished glass, light where none should be and sounds that couldn't be explained." Jamal paused to drink some chala. "Some of the others may know of another way into the catacombs, many cycles ago a child fell into a hole and when he was pulled out spoke of the wonders he had seen. It was feared that Aowa would be be upset about the intrusion and the hole was sealed and a structure placed above it so no further intrusions could be made." Jamal said. "I see," Ahmed replied, "It is exactly this type of story that I find most interesting. I would like you to tell me the name of these shrines, that I may visit them personally." (reply Jamal) "Thank you. Take those coins and set out upon your way. We shall need to meet those people that you mentioned if we are to be successful." (reply Jamal) "Peace and tranquility be with you always." Jalad replied. "I shall see you again soon." Once Mike had shown their visitor out, Ahmed decided that it would be a good idea to send an updated report to the Rosenante. He dictated the report into his communicator and then transmitted it as a single non-reply burst. They would need the information in case something should happen that would cause the mission to fail. Sullivan and the others may be able to use the information to carry on any investigation that may be forthcoming. "Okay. We received some very good intel just now." Mike finally stated after the captain had completed transmitting the report. "Now we only need to let everyone know and to start investigating those catacombs. It seems that those would be the best place to find the proof that we need to save these people." "Agreed." Ahmed said with a nod, "but before we head there, I want to do a little more research. "See if we can locate any maps of the city, or documents that will help us with the history. If we encounter some advanced concepts that will not be in vain either. Besides, learning the written language will be well worth it, if it makes our mission here any easier." Mike nodded. "Shall we go then?" "Yes." Ahmed responded. "I'll grab some more coin in case we need it and I'll need to make arrangements with Darsel for the midday feast. I'd like to think that the feast will bring us even more allies and information." Ahmed headed over to the adjoining room and retrieved some more coins, he'd need the money to bribe Darsel and to insure that everything went as planned. Besides, spending money would give his new potential allies less apprehension when dealing with Kenovan when the time came. "Got it let's go." Ahmed ordered, and he and Mike headed downstairs. They found Darsel at the desk, where he was usually located. "Hall Master Darsel." Ahmed said as he approached. "Yes, master Jalad." Darsel replied, immediately making a gesture of honor and supplication to Salid. Ahmed dropped a bag of Coins on the counter top. "I wish to throw a mid-day feast in honor of some new allies here in your establishment. In this purse is 600 Kip. I want you to assemble a lavish feast. I do not yet know the exact number of those attending, but I can trust that you will see to it that there is enough food and drink to accommodate all that attend?" Darsel stuttered as he picked up the purse from the counter top. "yes of course my Lord." He said, "Am I to spend all of this coin?" "Spend all of it you must. I shall see to it that you are compensated for your time. I wish to impress my associates without being ostentatious. do you understand?" "I do my Lord. You shall have a grand feast, one worthy of your generosity and position, but not one haughty or garish. I shall personally see to it." "Do this well and you shall be richly rewarded." Ahmed added. "I assure you it shall be well, all shall be to your liking." the Hall Master replied with eager anticipation of a generous reward. "Very good. Tell me, where is there near here a Library or an archives of old records or texts?" "There are some in the great hall of records. You can see them there, they have many ancient texts and documents dating back to the time of the Aowa." "That is very good. How do I come by this place?" "From my door bear right, good Lord and onward to the red stone. There turn left and proceed straight until you see the building. It has an ancient statue of a famous warrior-scholar in the front. Asello, the holy crusader and founder of that great hall." "Very good. We shall return at midday. Have all in readiness." "It shall be done my lord." Ahmed offered Darsel a gesture of gratitude and he and Mike departed headed for the Great Hall of Records. (reply Jamal) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Travelers Hall - Jamal Tamar- 0850) "I see," Ahmed replied, "It is exactly this type of story that I find most interesting. I would like you to tell me the name of these shrines, that I may visit them personally." "Of course." Jamal said. "The Shrine of Sacred Light, the Temple of Brava, "Thank you. Take those coins and set out upon your way. We shall need to meet those people that you mentioned if we are to be successful." Jamal rose and made the gesture of gratitude and respect before moving to collect the coins and return them to the bag from whence they came. "Thy will shall be done my lord." Jamal stated. "The word shall be passed of your generosity and your shared hatred of Kenovan." "Peace and tranquility be with you always." Jalad replied. "I shall see you again soon." "Peace and tranquility be with you as well." Jamal said. "May Aowa watch over you." With that one of Jalads guards moved towards the door and opened it, Jalad moved towards the door and stepped through leaving the master to see to the details of the feast. If he moved quickly he could reach just about everyone before midday and spread the word, that is if Kenovan hadn't eliminated them all by now. The underground was growing in strength before he had been forced into exile, he prayed it was alive and well. Kenovan had many enemies whether he knew it or not, it was time to bring them together and Jalad would lead them. He left the hall and made his way through the streets, the bag of coins tied tightly on his belt and covered by his robe. As he went he made a point to enter all the shops so he wouldn't raise suspicion, occasionally he would pause to speak with passers by so it appeared as if he were simply enjoying his day and doing some shopping. Hours passed and he had spoken with all the underground members he could remember, the bag of coins contained considerably less then it had when he left the travelers hall. The word had been passed and a dozen members said they would pass the word further on, Jalad was pleased and hoped that Jalad would also be pleased. Now one last thing was needed, he had to find someone trustworthy to be his guard. (no rely necessary) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 11 - 0911) "Now, mother if were going back into the market don't you think we should be getting ready. Unless you would rather wear your traveling garb for another day." She spoke with a slight chuckle glancing at the gathered males of the group to see if they got the hint. Josh immediately took the hint and turning to the men in the party she smiled. "Ok gentlemen, if you do not mind us ladies would prefer to change in private. Waving her fingers at them and shooing them all into the next room she closed the door and turned back to Jessica watched her lay out the clothes on the bed. Once the room cleared of the men folk and the women were left to dress, Jessica allowed Josh to look over her gathered goods. Jessica however knew what outfit she was gonna try out today. It was a light sky blue dress that clung to and flowed around Jessica's body. The top was a deep royal blue steel boned corset that laced down the sides the laces were a sash made from the same light blue material of the dress. What was odd was how the back was put together. The sides of the back lace were placed far apart only an inch or so form the side laces. It was designed that once laced it would still offer the support of the design but still leaving the back open. Covered only by the crossing soft sash a bow tied at the base of the neck to keep the cinching but leaving enough of the sash to flow down the exposed back. The sleeves where a sheer white, wide, and soft the connected to each hand with a ring that was worn on each middle finger. All in all Jessica thought in a truly one of a kind and beautiful dress. Once Jessica found her way into the silky garb she looked to Josh. "Do you think you can help with the lacing?" Jessica smiled broadly adding. "Pleeeease mommy." Josh smiled wickedly. "Why certainly daughter mine, of course I can. But I warn you if you call me mommy in that smarmy, sickly sweet voice once more I swear I will strangle you with your own sash. Do we understand each other?" (Reply Jessica) Josh helped Jessica lace up her dress and had to admit to herself that she looked spectacular. Turning to the rest of the dresses on the bed Josh held up a flowing dress in the exact green that would have normally suited her. Shrugging her shoulders she tossed it back on the bed and turned to Jessica. "Remind me, if I have time to take that with me. It's perfect for my colouring. Picking up a dress in a royal blue she held it up to herself and asked Jessica's opinion. "What do you think? "This dress and the matching over jacket should show us as a prosperous family." (Reply Jessica iyw) Once they were both dressed to their satisfaction they joined the rest of the party ready to head off to the market. (Reply any) Posted by Marilyn ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - ATAC/SC - Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos - Day 11 - 0915) Josh smiled wickedly, at Jessica "Why certainly daughter mine, of course I can. But I warn you if you call me mommy in that smarmy, sickly sweet voice once more I swear I will strangle you with your own sash. Do we understand each other?" Jessica turned her back to Josh to let her get at the lacing. "Has you wish," she said softly has Josh tightened the laces to Jessica's dress. "I am sorry if I went to far." (reply Caskie, iyw) Jessica turned in time to see Josh starting to go though the dresses and other garb that was placed on the bed. "What do you think?" She turned to Jessica holding a royal blue dress and matching over jacket "This dress and the matching over jacket should show us as a prosperous family." "Yes it does. and I'm sure you get get that other dress fixed just the way you like it. I am glad I was able to find something to you liking." Jessica smiled has they finished getting ready. (reply Caskie, any, iyw) (posted by Matthew Locke) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City-Tilsholl Headquarters, Outcast Layeela, Day 11 -0930) "Kaso!" Layeela said excitedly as she and Fazon rushed into the ancient library of the Tilsholl. "I have news, dire news." Kaso looked up from the ancient text that he was reading and allowed his eyes to fall upon the lovely visage of Layeela as she rushed into the chamber. "Softy child, for this chamber reinforces the sounds of even the smallest whisper as if it was shouted at one's ears. Layeela blushed and immediately gave the gesture of apology, which Kaso countered with the gesture of forgiveness. "Now my children, what is so important that you would burst my ear drums with your excitement?" It was Fazon that answered. "The drive works, Kaso. It works and there is yet more things it has revealed. It has caused one of the crystal books to vibrate slightly." "But that is not all!" Layeela replied. I have heard the voices of the Aowa from the crystal!" she added. "It seemed more than I could understand, but it was just a few moments ago, and I believe that it is a new voice, not one stored as a book within the crystal. I was able to determine the source of the voice, and it originates in traveler's hall here in the city. It was the voice of a man. and one that I did not know." "We are going to the traveller's hall to see if there is any clue to the Aowa being there. I believe they have hidden themselves among us to judge us. I can not allow them to believe that we are all ignorant of their great teachings." Kaso seemed amazed, but the old man held his composure. "Then it is true," he finally replied with a shake of his head. "What is true?" Layeela asked, Fazon shook his head eagerly in anticipation of the answer as well. "It was believed that we live within the time of Solyon the destroyer. A world that is destined to bring destruction to our people. It is an ancient myth, one that was discovered some years ago within one of the texts here. In that text it says that Solyon the destroyer, the world of destruction, will bring us ruin. It will come from the depths of the black beyond the divine twins." "It is said that the Aowa vowed to return to us and judge us. If we are found wanting, we are to be destroyed, but if we are found worthy, they will save us." The old man seemed to deflate in his chair. "We were ordered by the Aowa to grow and prosper. But our ancestors created war and the ancient secrets were lost long ago. When the Aowa see how little we have accomplished, they will forsake us!" He began to cry. "No! they can not!" Layeela said with conviction. "I will find them. I will convince them that we are worth saving and that they must help us." "It is no use child!" Kaso replied, "All will be lost" "It cannot be!" Layeela shouted. "I have worked so hard to lift myself from this oblivion of ignorance. I can not give up. It profits us nothing to remain still, while it profits us everything to strive to enlighten the Aowa among us." "She speaks the truth Kaso." Fazon added. "We must try." Kaso nodded as he wiped a the tears from his eyes. "Then you must find them and bring them here. So they can see how much we have preserved, and how we labor to fulfill their desires." "We shall!" the two youths began. "fear not, we shall do so." "I do pray it is true, for all of us." Kaso added. Layeela and Fazon quickly left the library headed for the Traveler's Hall. (reply none yet) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - ATAC/SC - Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos - Day 11 - 0937) Jessica exited the travelers hall with the group from the away team, the change in the market place was immediate compared to the day before. Where once was friendly faced vendors were people whispering at the group has they made there way past. People stayed clear moving to avoid the new comers has if they contained some illness that others wished not to fall under the will of. Shutters in windows closed at there passing and to Jessica it felt like they were being watched from nearly every shadow. Kenovan knew this town, he had the upper hand while Jessica understood the logic behind the Captains plans. Jessica hoped they wouldn't inadvertently start a war between the merchant houses. It didn't take long before Jessica was able to lead them top the shop where she was able to make the purchase the day before. The shopkeeper smiled broadly has Lun'ette came to the entry of the shop. The smile quickly faded when Caskie and the rest of the away team entered the shop. "My dear girl, it gladdens my heart to see you again, but..." The shopkeeper spoke softly to Lun'ette. "Good shopkeeper," Jessica responded moving her hands in a sign of respect. "Please, from what was seen outside I know some word has reached you about my father having come to some difficulty with one known has Kenovan," Jessica smiled as the shopkeeper nodded. "Please good shop keep, know we will bring no ill will to your shop. I wanted to bring my mother here so she could thank you for what you graced us with. Your continued kindness and good will shall go far to reach the ears of my betrothed and his merchant house. So for the time being lets leave father and Kenovan out of our business dealings, Shall we." Jessica continued she knew she was walking a fine line but she had to offer some kind of assurance that they would still conduct business with out bringing in either the Captain or Kenovan. Either that or any shop they went to would be ill to offer them any service, Jessica hoped she supplied the shopkeeper with a good enough avenue to go with that she would be more inclined to help the away team. Lun'ette stepped out of the way making the motion for respect "Mother" my I introduce the owner of this establishment who treated so fairly when first we arrived. (reply Caskie, any who go into the market.) posted by Matthew Locke.) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 0939) When the mornings excitement had passed Ben left with the others for the market, things had changed greatly since yesterday. Where once people looked at them with curiosity now they looked at them with scorn or resentment, the once friendly shop keepers had turned away from them as if they were about to bring ruin to their shops. Kenovan's word had spread quickly, the crowd in general even seemed intent on avoiding contact with them. Ben didn't like it, though most looked away from them occasionally someone would look at them for a moment and then look away. They were being watched but whether the watchers were Kenovan's hired goons or not was hard to determine. Ben looked to Sanok and nodded of in the distance to where he saw someone looking at them, hopefully his friend had noticed the same thing. Jessica managed to lead them back to the shop where she made her purchase the day before, Ben was curious to see how this shop keeper would react to them now. He followed the others inside and noticed the keeper didn't appear pleased to have them in his shop. "My dear girl, it gladdens my heart to see you again, but..." The shopkeeper spoke softly to Lun'ette. ~but your going to have to leave.~ Ben mentally finished the shopkeepers sentence. "Good shopkeeper," Jessica responded moving her hands in a sign of respect. "Please, from what was seen outside I know some word has reached you about my father having come to some difficulty with one known has Kenovan," Jessica smiled as the shopkeeper nodded. So word of their meeting with Kenovan had indeed spread to the shops and his displeasure was known, would any of the shops deal with them now? Were they outcasts now, they had limited supplies so without the aide of local shops getting fresh supplies would be difficult. "Please good shop keep, know we will bring no ill will to your shop. I wanted to bring my mother here so she could thank you for what you graced us with. Your continued kindness and good will shall go far to reach the ears of my betrothed and his merchant house. So for the time being lets leave father and Kenovan out of our business dealings, Shall we." Jessica continued. Ben hoped the shop keeper was inclined to listen, he stayed near the entrance in case things didn't go smoothly. He didn't expect Kenovan to attack them here but he wanted to be prepare, no use taking unneeded risks. Jessica then introduced the keeper to Caskie, Ben waited to see how the Commander would handle the current situation. With luck she would be able to diffuse the situation and they could continue their business. This Kenovan was quickly becoming a thorn in their side. This Jamal had better hold to his word, if he was misleading them or setting them up them would go from very bad to much worse. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Lt. Sanok - Day 11 - 0943) Sanok remained silent as he and the others moved through the city. Since Salid had brusquely told Kenovan what the merchant could do with his proposal, the attitude of the people towards them had changed. Celdebrai was a large city, so it was difficult to believe that the entire citizenry was now treating them coldly, but the people from this section most certainly were. When they reached the shop Signos wanted to visit, Sanok remained outside to cover their backs, while the rest went inside. "Hi, karul." Sanok glared down at the mouthy street kid that had been taunting him since their arrival. He was beginning to wonder if the boy had attached a homing beacon somewhere on him, as the boy seemed to be everywhere Sanok was. "I do not have time for you," said Sanok. "Go away." "Hmph! You may not have time for anything." The boy made a gesture Sanok had never seen. He got the impression it was obscene. "You made Kenovan mad at you, and you're going to get it now." The boy laughed. "I do not fear Kenovan." "You should. Everyone around here does whatever he tells them." "Then it is time for everyone around here to stand against him." The boy studied Sanok for a few moments. "There's something different about you and your group." "We are from another province." "It's not that. I've been watching you, and you just don't seem right." "Isn't that why I am a karul?" said Sanok. The boy got a surprised expression on his face, then laughed. He was about to say something, when he looked up the street in the opposite direction Sanok and the others had come. "You're going to get it now." The boy ran away and disappeared into the crowd. Sanok looked where the boy had. People on the street were parting to allow three, large men to pass. Though it was a busy market day, it had become strangely quiet. Sanok turned to face the men, his hand near his sword. The men stopped about three meters from him. "This shop is closed to you and your people," said the largest of the men. "You must be in error, as my master's wife and daughter are inside shopping now," said Sanok. The three men looked at each other, the one that had spoken, making an intimidating gesture. Sanok made the gesture the street boy had made to him. Nearby people gasped. After an angry growl, the leader spoke again. "You're either very brave or very stupid." He paused. "This shop is closed to you. Get your people out. Now." Sanok ran through different options in his mind. He could stand up to the men, there was no doubt in his mind he could handle them, but escalating things to that point would be very bad for their mission, very dangerous, and could get some of them injured or killed. Though he did not like bullies, Sanok had to choose the wise course of action. Besides, Captain Salid was rounding up people to stand against Kenovan. A street fight now, would ruin that. "I will tell my master's wife." Sanok made no gestures before moving back to the shop. Opening the door, he stepped inside and got everyone's attention, making the gesture of respect and honor to Caskie. "My Lady, there are men outside that have informed me this shop is closed to our patronage. I urge you to heed their warning." His tone was even, but he locked eyes with the doctor, silently telling her they needed to leave. (reply Caskie, Soma, Signos, any) (posted by Bob B.) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 0947) Ben stayed by the door as Caskie and Signos continued speaking with the shop keeper, he didn't get the idea that the keeper was inclined to help them with their needs any longer. He couldn't help but wonder if the Captain and Mike had run into any sort of hostility on their travels, if this was any indication things had gotten more difficult for them now. Kenovan was intent to see that they had no opportunities to procure anything from the local market and had even turned the general public from them, had he payed them off or was he really that feared? They came here to help save the Asrai and now it seems they would have to stage an insurrection to do just that, they may have to eliminate Kenovan before they could find what they were looking for. Outside he heard Sanok speaking with someone, the person sounded like a child so Ben didn't pay much attention to the conversation. From what he could gather it seemed like this was the boy who confronted Sanok before. A couple minutes passed as his friend exchanged words with the boy and then things got quiet, a few moments later Ben heard the voice of a grown up. This time he paid closer attention to the conversation, things may get a little heated though he was certain Sanok would find a way to avoid violence in public if possible. "You're either very brave or very stupid." The man paused. "This shop is closed to you. Get your people out. Now." So it had begun, now they were being openly challenged about their right to shop. Sanok informed the man he would tell his masters wife, no use forcing the issue now. If things were allowed to escalate he and Sanok could find themselves outnumbered. Then there were the civilians to consider, should they find themselves in a fight now some of them may be injured or worse. Sanok entered the shop and moved to stand before Caskie. "My Lady, there are men outside that have informed me this shop is closed to our patronage. I urge you to heed their warning." He said in an even tone. "I agree my lady." Ben said. "We wouldn't want to cause a scene now, then there is your safety and that of your daughters to consider. Your husband would be very displeased should any harm befall either of you whilst in our care." (reply Caskie, Signos, Sanok, any) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- USS Rosenante- Personal Quarters- Marah Neru - 1701) After Marah had finished her shift and had everything set up in the surgical ward she returned to her quarters and grabbed a quick nap, she was told to get as much rest as possible but for the moment she was too excited to sleep. She hoped that the neonatal units wouldn't be needed and Dalhia wouldn't encounter any complications during birth, twins were a little more difficult then a single child. There was the possibility that one of the children's umbilical cords could become entangled around the others neck, one child may not be able to orientate themselves correctly in the womb and may come feet first instead of head first. Marah wondered what would happen in that scenario, does modern medicine still practice c-sections or would they beam the child out of Dalhia? She got up, dressed and freshened up. She was feeling a little hungry and wondered what Ben was doing now, was he in trouble? She thought that Dalhia was likely asking herself the same thing about Tom. Maybe she should ask her to lunch, it would give them a chance to get closer and keep each other company and Marah could keep an eye on her at the same time. She crossed to the desk and hit the call button. "Marah to Dahlia." She said. "Have you had lunch yet, I was thinking of going to the Trade Winds for a snack and wondered if you'd like to join me." (reply Dahlia) "Great." Marah said. "I'll meet you there." (USS Rosenante- Trade Winds- Marah Neru- 1711) Marah entered Trade winds and picked a table fairly close to the door, that way if Dalhia went into labor they could exit easily without having to push through to many people and if required a medical team could find them quickly. She sat and took in the sights, this place always seemed so busy no matter what time of day it was, Ben told her that was because of the different shifts. A waiter came over and Marah told him she was waiting for a friend to arrive before ordering anything. A couple moments later the door opened and Dalhia entered, Marah waved to catch her attention. "Over here Dalhia." She said and waited for her to come over. Once Dalhia was seated Marah flashed her a warm smile. "You look great." She said. "Your absolutely glowing, motherhood suits you." (reply Dalhia) "True." Marah stated. "But before you know it that will be over and you'll be back to your thin self running around after the little darlings." Marah waved the waiter over. "Shall we order?" She asked. (reply Dalhia) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante-Personal Quarters-Dahlia Jackson -1703) Dahlia was laying down not really asleep but not really awake. The twins were quiet for once. Tom had not returned from his mission yet. Frankly she was bored. Her bout of boredom and self pity was interrupted by an incoming message. "Marah to Dahlia." She said. "Have you had lunch yet, I was thinking of going to the Trade Winds for a snack and wondered if you'd like to join me." Dahlia's mood brightened. She come to consider Mariah a friend. Besides she was hungry. "Mariah, you ate psychic. I am starved. Thanks" Dahlia answered. "Great." Marah said. "I'll meet you there." (USS Rosenante-Trade Winds-Marah Neru-1713) Marah entered Trade winds and picked a table fairly close to the door, that way if Dalhia went into labor they could exit easily without having to push through to many people and if required a medical team could find them quickly. She sat and took in the sights. Dahlia walked to the lounge feeling like a waddling duck. "Over here Dalhia." She said and waited for her to come over. Once Dalhia was seated Marah flashed her a warm smile. "You look great." She said. "Your absolutely glowing, motherhood suits you." Dahlia sat down and smiled a tired smile. "Thanks" she replied. "I'm not so sure about glowing. But I for one will be glad when the kids are here" Dahlia replied with honesty. "True." Marah stated. "But before you know it that will be over and you'll be back to your thin self running around after the little darlings." Marah waved the waiter over. "Shall we order?" She asked. "Let's order. I am ravenous " she replied honestly. (Reply: Mariah) (Posted by: Bill W.) ------------------------- (U.S.S. Rosenante- Bridge- SOps/QM- LT Chance Raschen- 1801) The doors to the turbo-lift opened to admit Raschen onto the Bridge. Chance went over and started punching in commands into the secondary Operations Console as he began speaking to T'Larah. "Commander, I need to contact the away team. I just had an idea. Its a bad idea, but it might save Asrai Prime." (Reply Sullivan iyw) Raschen then pushed in the final button on the console he was employing and began "Away team, away team; this is Rosenante. Lieutenant Xim, Raschen here. I have an idea on how to save Asrai Prime." (reply Xim) "I think I figured a way to destroy the rogue planet. That is if you haven't found a reason not to." (reply Xim, any iyw) (Reply Sullivan, Xim, any iyw) (Posted by Charlie Raschen) ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet LT. Tom Jackson Day 11 1803) Tom's team had identified their area as a type of science work area. The octogonal shaped controls were indeed a stop mechanism. The triangular shapes were a readout control. They had downloaded several terabytes of data and relayed it to the Rose to have its computer crunch it. They were about done. Jackson tapped his comm badge and radioed "Jackson to Xim. We are done here. Request permission to join you" Tom asked. NRPG: I will assume that Xim agrees.If not I can repost. RPG: Tom and his crew doubled timed to where Xim and company were located. Xim's people filled them in on their findings while Tom and Xim chatted. "I'd like to take a crack at seeing if we could access the computers here" Tom requested. Getting an o.k. from Xim, Tom set to work. Like most computer systems this one worked on a mathematical basis. Tom watched the data dance across thus tri-corder for several minutes. A pattern soon began to appear. Tom grinned widely and asked Xim to join him at his console. "Xim, it appears that this world's computers are based on mathematical basis" Tom paused and tapped his tri-corder to confirm his suspicion. (Reply : any present ) Tom went on "The system uses a base 8 math system. Give me a moment and I think I can hack into the system". (Reply: Xim) Tom set to work very slowly. The tricorder which had links to the computer back on the Rose who which correlated all findings and suggested how to get a login aftera a few minutes. Tom was excited as he always. Was when he was close to solving a puzzle. (Reply: any) (Posted by: Bill W.) ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet- GSL Lieutenant Xim Day 11 1815) "Sir do you want us to fire up the reactor to put power to these consoles, or find back up batteries or use or power converter?" Maddox asked. xim thought about the question for a moment. "Do we know how long they have been in standby mode, or why there are in such a state?" he asked. "These consoles and other equipment seem to have been dormant for at least 100 years or more. Their dormancy does not appear to be disaster oriented, they may have been shut off manually or as a fuel preserve function after no input from users for a long while. I honestly can’t find out what may happen if we fire it up. Can’t pull it off, sir, not with this equipment." "In that case, lets see if we can locate some sort of secondary power source to run the consoles until we can determine the condition of the reactor. I do not like the idea of powering up a reactor whose state could be questionable." Xim replied. "Understood sir, I’ll search for batteries, and use our power as a last resort." He said. As Maddox began his scans, Xim moved to a few of the small display style consoles and began his own scans. Maybe he'd be able to determine the viability of powering these smaller units with their power convertors. "Sir found some cadmium ion batteries." Andrew called from across the room. "They don’t appear to have enough power to keep the consoles running for any length of time. They may be present to store information like codes or a current date and time. I recommend going to our power converter. It will take us some time to find their power requirements, however it will allow us all the time we need to download whatever we want." The senior officer nodded solemnly, "Very well mister Maddox. You and Ensign Duprey, begin the work to power these units with the power convertors. There is an adjacent chamber, which is showing some minor power signatures, just beyond this secondary doorway. I will be moving into that compartment to conduct scans. Keep me advised of your progress r if there is any change in those systems." (reply Maddox) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet- GSL Lieutenant Xim Day 11 1817) As Maddox and Duprey continued their work to power the systems within the facility, Xim and a pair of security officers had moved to investigate an adjacent compartment that had draw the Away team leader's attention. Unlike the other compartments, the doors to this one did not open, and as such, this made Xim even more determined to gain access to see if there was some critical system in wait behind the door that would shed light on the situation at hand. He gave the word of the security technicians to see if they could get the door open, and was pleased when Ensign Hassan managed to do so using a magnetic pulse from his tricorder. The doors slid open to reveal a room that glittered. Xim's wrist-torch was the cause of all this glittering, of course. The beam of light struck what appeared to be massive structures filled with crystals. In another parlance, they had discovered a central data bank for the facility. Using crystals to contain data in a suspended matrix was nothing new. The Federation had developed isolinear chips to do that exact same thing. The difference here was startling to behold. The crystals refracted, reflected and in some cases split the beams of light into their constituent spectrum of colors. The result was a glittering, rainbow filled room that looked simply awe inspiring. "Okay, spread out and take a good look around. see if we can find some sort of interface. Stay sharp, I don't want any surprises." "Aye, sir." the two security officers replied as they separated to take a look around. Xim had wandered off to the left side of the compartment, his eyes and light catching all the various sizes and shapes of crystals embedded into the racks that acted as interfaces for the data. As he moved he eventually came to an area where there was one of the infrared beams that had been shown to work the lights in other compartments. He passed his hand over it. Dim spotlights clicked on throughout the room, sending an even broader display of spectral color and diamond like glitter around the room. It was amazing to behold, and it also didn't take long for Xim to realize that the spots of light had their own colors, and that those colors were represented as varying spots of light on the ceiling, which was otherwise dark. He turned his eyes upwards and was amazed at what he saw. There, displayed against the black backdrop of the ceiling was a map, a stellar cartography map. The individual points of colored light representing the stars that surrounded the rogue planet on it's journey through the depths of space. Color, relative size and such were easily recognizable to anyone with even the most rudimentary stellar training. "Sir?" Hassan asked as he rounded a cluster of crystals. "Are you alright?" "Quite," Xim replied. He pointed to the ceiling. "That looks like-" Hassan began. "It is..." Xim confirmed, "Its a star chart." "Then this is the alien equivalency of a stellar cartography compartment." Hassan stated. "So it would seem." Xim confirmed, "And that means that this rogue planet isn't rogue at all, but it's some sort of space craft on a journey." "Lieutenant Xim!" Gable's voice sounded, "I think you should see this sir. I've found something, some sort of control center. much more complex than anything else I've seen." Xim turned and headed around the central-most cluster of crystals. There, Gable stood over a complex console that looked as if it was very, very complicated to operate. There was a chair stationed in front of it, and as this was something that they had not seen in any other compartment, that meant that this room had just taken on a new level of importance. Xim's commbadge chirped. It was Lieutenant Raschen's voice that sounded from the communicator. =^=I think I figured a way to destroy the rogue planet. That is if you haven't found a reason not to.=^= Xim tapped his commbadge. "Mister Raschen, We have uncovered evidence that this rogue planet may, in fact, be a starship. Please beam down. we could use your expertise here. The pattern enhancers should allow you to beam directly into the facility now." (reply Raschen) "Very good lieutenant, bring some power converters along with you as well, we may need them, Xim out." Xim then tapped his commbadge a second time to open a channel to Jackson, but before he could Jackson had sent him a message instead. =^=Jackson to Xim. We are done here. Request permission to join you.=^= "Permission granted mister Jackson, we have found a master control console and a stellar cartography compartment. Please bring yourself and your team here. I have need of your computer skills." Jackson arrived a short while later and took a look at the consoles. he then explained several things to Xim about the configuration of the rogue planet's programming. "I'd like to take a crack at seeing if we could access the computers here" Jackson requested. "Of course, please do, Lieutenant." Xim replied, gesturing towards the consoles. "Xim, it appears that this world's computers are based on mathematical basis" Tom paused and tapped his tri-corder to confirm his suspicion. Tom went on "The system uses a base 8 math system. Give me a moment and I think I can hack into the system". Xim nodded and waited for Jackson to perform his magic. (reply Raschen, Jackson) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (U.S.S. Rosenante- Bridge- Sops/QM- LT Chance Raschen- 1820) Raschen then pushed in the final button on the console he was employing and began "Away team, away team; this is Rosenante. Lieutenant Xim, Raschen here. I have an idea on how to save Asrai Prime. I think I figured a way to destroy the rogue planet. That is if you haven't found a reason not to." Xim’s voice came back =^=Mister Raschen, We have uncovered evidence that this rogue planet may, in fact, be a starship. Please beam down. We could use your expertise here. The pattern enhancers should allow you to beam directly into the facility now. =^= ~A starship? My Lord, I had only heard of ships this size in ancient science fiction books. ~ With disbelief in his voice Raschen said “A starship? Roger, I’m on my way. Anything you need me to bring along?” =^=Very good lieutenant, bring some power converters along with you as well, we may need them, Xim out. =^= “Copy that. Raschen out.” Chance finished as he closed his side of the connection as he departed the Bridge. (Reply not needed) (Posted by Charlie) ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet- SOps/QM- LT Chance Raschen- 1822) Xim had aided Jackson and Raschen as they painstakingly set about powering and working out the power needs of the alien control systems. The two men had finally been successful and along with Maddox's team they were ready to bring power back to the consoles that both teams had found. The only real question now was if it was a good idea to do so. Chance stood by hoping that he wasn’t about to suddenly explode like in those old 20th century movies as Xim tapped his commbadge, but only heard Xim’s side of the conversation. "Xim to Sullivan." "We are ready to power up the consoles here in the control room. I wanted to inform you before doing so." "Indeed, powering them up now." Xim looked at Jackson and Raschen and nodded, Hassan gave Maddox the signal as well. “You know that moment of trepidation you get when you’re about to do something that you really shouldn’t? I’m really starting to second guess this. Oh hell, let’s do this.” Chance commented. (reply any iyw) Quite suddenly the crystals took on an inner glow and the room took on new life. Despite this the star map on the ceiling somehow remained clearly defined despite the new levels of illumination. “So far, so good.” Chance half-heartedly said in hushed tones to Tom. (Reply Jackson) "Excellent work all. Now lets see if we can access some sort of log files." Xim ordered. Both Jackson and Raschen settled into the chairs at the console and began to inspect the controls and the interface. A moment later Jackson had something to report. (reply Jackson) "So some sort of log entry you think?" Xim asked in response. “Xim; I’m familiar with base 10 and base 6 Nav-Math. If I eyeball this corectly, looks like there may be a shortcut inbedded in it.” "Do you think you can figure out a way to activate it?" Xim asked. Raschen looked at Tom and shrugged before facing Xim again. “It’s a possible maybe.?” "Okay, do so." Xim ordered. A moment later a series of beams of light brightened one of the crystals. Their colors and beams interlocked to create a holographic image of a bipedal humanoid. It was an Asrai. [Greetings Honored guests. My name is Masukis, and I am the progenitor of the Aowa project. I am please that you have chosen to visit this my fine project.] The image of the Asrai, named Masukis, turned to regard Xim as he continued to speak. The Universal translator never missed a beat, the language used by the Asrai and this holographic host were nearly identical. [The Aowa project, named after the father of our extrasolar colonization project, is an ambitious single generation space ark, designed to move a hundred thousand colonists from our dying home world of Darsus to a world capable of sustaining life. This vessel is the second such vessel for this project and is just as ambitious as the first.] [With the rapid decline of solar fuels in our native star, and without the scientific know-how to prevent it's eventual collapse and explosion, the eventual resettlement of self-sufficent populations became necessary to guarantee the continued survival of our species.] [As you know our previous conventional spacecraft-driven colonization projects were more horrific and suffered large numbers of failures during the early stages of our project than anyone could have anticipated. The Aowa project, rejects the concept of conventional starship designs for this continued expansion of our species, through the modification and engineering of asteroidal bodies into miniature survival arks. These arcs utilize our already advanced terraforming technologies to convert these rather large bodies into ecosystem friendly spacecraft suitable for long-duration space flight. The additional mass and structure more readily protects our colonists and genetic databanks from cosmic radiation, while maintaining gravitational norms to prevent microgravity degeneration.] [The advanced terraforming systems, provide all the atmospheric and biological food supplies necessary to sustain our colonists upon arrival and during transit, without depending upon potentially non-renewable supply caches.] [In all the projects, success lies with the natural ecological balance that makes all natural ecological cycles a proven technology. When coupled with the subspace drive, embedded deep inside the heart of our artificial world, the planetoid becomes a vessel large enough to transport and sustain upwards of one-hundred thousand colonists.] [The projects goal is to send our colonists to the thriving agrarian colony of Asrai Prime, established roughly three-hundred years ago, as a way point before continuing onward to our final destination of Rolg IV, which studies have indicated appears to be suitable for our continued existence.] [The first leg of the journey is expected to take 20 years, barring any complications. From there it will be another ten years before we reach Rolg IV. Successful colonization of Rolg will be possible through the construction and development of necessary materials and equipment built from the mineral rich asteroid belts in that system. Estimates indicate that the colony of one-hundred thousand will be fully functional and self sustaining within two standard years of their establishment.] [We thank you for your time in reviewing our mission parameters and hope to see you all again soon.] With that the hologram suddenly went dark as the lights that had generated went out. "Well now we know for certain that the planetoid was indeed meant to be a starship. That greeting seemed to indicate that there were upwards of one hundred thousand colonists on board. I suggest that we see if this is actually the case. They also spoke of some sort of subspace drive. Perhaps we can use it to stop or alter this planetoids course, provided that it is functional." Xim commented. Raschen turned to Jackson “Tom, I don’t think it would be a good idea for us to blindly punch commands in without having some idea of what does what.” (Reply Jackson) Xim nodded, "That is a very good suggestion. See if you can locate any sort of schematics or deck plans. Mister Maddox, dig through the logs files and see if you can locate their final log entry. The condition of the surface does not seem to be as pristine as the presentation would lead me to believe it should be. I suspect something took place here, and that either everyone is dead, or they are in some sort of hibernation. Judging from the length of time we believe the systems to be in hibernation, I suspect that their drive system was damaged beyond their ability to repair it." (reply Jackson, any iyw) (Posted by Charlie) ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet-COPS Lieutenant Tom Jackson Day 11 1824) Tom and Chance assumed side by side seats. Each looked over the controls before them. The controls looked somewhat familiar. “So far, so good.” Chance half-heartedly said in hushed tones to Tom. Tom nodded and grinned at his old pal. Both Jackson and Raschen settled into the chairs at the console and began to inspect the controls and the interface. A moment later Jackson had something to report. Tom smiled and signalled for Xim's attention. "Lieutenant, something interesting here. Looks like log or report" "So some sort of log entry you think?" Xim asked in response. Chance spoke “Xim; I’m familiar with base 10 and base 6 Nav-Math. If I eyeball this corectly, looks like there may be a shortcut inbedded in it.” Chance nodded and mentioned something Tom had over looked. Xim gave Chance the o.k. to try his plan. The area soon displayed a short video. The data was the confirmation that planet was a type of craft as they suspected. Tom was enjoying learning about this race. His last few missions were heavily slanted towards fighting. This was why Tom Jackson had originally joined S.F. to explore and discover. Raschen turned to Jackson “Tom, I don’t think it would be a good idea for us to blindly punch commands in without having some idea of what does what.” Tom nodded and replied " I heartedly agree Chance. I have three people waiting for me ". (Reply: Chance, Xim) Xim nodded, "That is a very good suggestion. See if you can locate any sort of schematics or deck plans. Mister Maddox, dig through the logs files and see if you can locate their final log entry. The condition of the surface does not seem to be as pristine as the presentation would lead me to believe it should be. I suspect something took place here, and that either everyone is dead, or they are in some sort of hibernation. Judging from the length of time we believe the systems to be in hibernation, I suspect that their drive system was damaged beyond their ability to repair it." Tom smiled and replied "Aye Lieutenant" He had another puzzle to solve and was in his element once again. (Reply: Xim, Chance) (Posted by: Bill W.) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Traveller's hall - Counselor Parker Davis and Lt JG Tayla Fraiser - Day 11 - 1901) Parker had spent the last half hour talking to a young boy who was explaining what animals could be ridden, what animals were used for work, and what animals were reserved for the dignified, religious, or leader classes. He had given a very vague explanation of what animals they used "where he came from" and then departed, thanking the child with a single coin. He was looking forward to telling Tayla about his recent acquisition of information when he reached their hotel room. When he walked in, though, he took in the sight of her packing medical equipment. His immediate reaction was one of basic suspicion. But he forced it away and said, "Hey. I just talked to a kid who was explaining the uses of work animals...are you headed somewhere?" She whirled round to see him standing there and smiled. She knew that he had felt the same way about Neroon and would want to help her. She looked at him and said, "What does it look like?" She turned back and continued to packing the equipment she needed. "I'm heading back to the hospital." Forcing the bag closed, she turned back and said, "You wanna come?" His initial surge of anger at her response was something that he calmed with expertise. ~She probably just didn't understand. We didn't talk much after that first visit.~ They couldn't have a real conversation because of the public nature of the hospital visit. He walked over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Tayla...but I must not have explained before. We can't help Neroon. It would go against the Prime Directive and it would compromise the mission." His expression was one of sympathy. He wanted to help the boy, too, but it was far too dangerous to even try. She caught his flash of anger and it surprised her. She gazed at him a second and said, "Excuse me?" She shrugged his hand off her shoulder and said, "You seriously expect me to just sit here while they condem that child to a slow and painful death?" She walked away from him, her own anger rising in her. This wasn't what she had expected. She turned back and said, "How can you ask me to do that? Seriously Parker. How can you?" Her reaction caught him off guard and he wanted to figure out where it came from. But at the moment, it was more important that he protected the mission. He was the second in command and he couldn't let her go. He intercepted her between the door and said in a steady voice, his hands out in a human gesture of calm, "The reason I'm asking you to do this is because this is one of those moments where we're expected to put the needs of the many before the needs of one. Neroon is one person...and we're here to save millions." She glared at him and said, "That maybe so but I took an oath to help people and that's exactly what I'm going to do. With or without your help." She shouldered the bag with her equipment in and moved directly infront of him and said, "Now are you going to get out of my way?" He realized that answering her question was pointless, and kept his head about him in the argument. As long as he continued to reason with her, he knew she'd come around. "If you were to walk out that door, you'd be putting us all at risk. We don't know how his survival might affect this planet, let alone our identities here. What if someone saw you? I mean, have you even talked to the Captain about this? I'm pretty sure he'd say the same thing I'm saying. Just take a minute, think about the possible consequences." "No-one is gonna see me, Parker. Do you really think I would even consider doing this if I thought I would get caught?--" He shook his head. "--No, of course you don't think you're going to--" "--I'm not stupid. I know what we're here to do. I know that the mission is important. I can't leave him there. I just can't." She moved closer to him and said, "I thought you, of all people, would understand." She looked into his eyes in the vain hope of finding something that would help her make him understand. It was unbelievable to her that he wouldn't understand her need to help him. After a moment she moved away, backwards and said, "What is wrong with you?" He closed his eyes and sighed. "I want to help that boy. I really, really do," he said, and opened his eyes. He didn't understand why she wasn't getting it. "But this is a question of following Federation law, and not doing something that could compromise the entire reason we're here. Which is something that you, of course, understand. I mean, just imagine what would happen if someone *did* see you. Imagine the chain reaction that could set off. And aside from that, we don't even have a *right* to interfere with that boy's life. What happens on this planet before they know we exist, is entirely up to God, or fate, or whatever you believe in. That's the entire idea of the Prime Directive--we can't step in and play God. It isn't our place." "This isn't about playing god. My word, Parker. Is that what you think? I have a God complex or something? You counselors are all the same. It's not about playing God. It's about someone needing my help." She could feel anger building inside her and she wasn't sure what she was more angry at. Him for not understanding that she wanted to help or herself for thinking he would understand. Suddenly, something hit her like a brick and she closed her eyes and said, "Is this what it's going to be like? You and I? Are we always going to have this fight?" "What fight? You say that like we have some kind of fundamental difference in ideology. We don't. We just have a disagreement here in the applications of our duties. Our duties on this planet are not to one individual. It is not our job to fix Neroon. It's actually our job *not* to fix Neroon, because doing so would compromise millions of lives." He pursed his lips for a moment, trying to think of a better way to explain it. "The bottom line is that you can't predict the future, and neither can I, and that's why we can't help Neroon. We don't know if someone would walk in and see us, get us arrested for tampering with a patient's care, and stop us from rescuing this civilization. We don't know if helping Neroon would somehow affect this civilization and change the course of their development forever. What if he becomes a famous ruler who impacts the direction their planet takes?" He shook his head. "I don't know how else to explain it." This was the argument then. Not a question of ethics but when it boiled down to it, he didn't trust her. Didn't trust her to get this done without being found out and not compromise the mission. That was the first thing on her mind. She'd spent the last few hours going over and over this in her mind. She knew how to do this without getting caught. It was a small and simple procedure. But what was beginning to hurt more was the fact he didn't trust her. She threw her bag on the bed and yelled, "So that's it, plain and simple. You don't trust me. Then what the hell are we doing? What are we doing even thinking that we had a future together." She sat on the bed and sighed. He shook his head, completely bewildered that she would even suggest that he didn't trust her. Looking back up at him, she said, quietly, "I thought that you would understand this. I took the hippocratic oath, Parker. Do you understand what that means? You're asking me to go against every natural instinct I have. Do you understand? I can't do that." "It's not easy, but you have to do it. I have to do it, too...don't you think I want to help that kid?" he asked, keeping his spoken words to a minimum because he was starting to get frustrated, and he didn't want to yell. She looked at him and replied, "I'm beginning to wonder if you do want to help him. Parker, he's just like you. You, of all people, should understand where I'm coming from. If that Counselor hadn't helped you... you wouldn't be stood here now." She shook her head and continued, "This is all so stupid. It would be less than half an hour. No scarring, no recollection of what happened. How can you stand there and wait for him to be sent to that hell hole? The Prime Directive be damned. I'm going..." She stood and walked towards him, determination on her face. He stood directly in front of the door and blocked the way. She couldn't power past him, but he wouldn't physically engage her. He couldn't...he couldn't take the risk of hurting her. But her accusation hurt. The deep pain in his heart at thinking of a kid just like him going to be locked away for the rest of his life--Parker's deepest fear--because of his decision, really hurt him. And that she didn't understand, and that she was an empath, meant that she wasn't connecting with him. That hurt even worse. "Stop, Tayla, please," he said, his voice rising in volume, hoping it would be enough to make her see reason. She stopped in front of him. Literally, millimeters away from him and said, "Are you going to make me?" He felt her hot breath on his face, her eyes piercing into his soul, and he clenched his jaw. This was ridiculous. She was being *completely* unreasonable. "I won't move. You'll need to make *me*," he stated, his tone firm but annoyed, and hurt. Shaking with anger now, she said, "I can't believe I fell for a hypocritical ...... God, what a fool I've been." He felt extremely angry now, and could feel his skull prickle with sweat as his head and ears heated up. He knew his ears were getting redder. "How can you say that to me?! You're being *completely* unreasonable!" He didn't want to yell, but it was out of his control, now. She had truly pissed him off, and he clenched his fists at his sides as he stood fast in the door frame, not budging an inch. She let a little laugh escape her lips and then said, "That's rich. This coming from a guy who is here to help a civilisation without their knowledge and refuses to help one innocent child." "It's reasoning like that, that leads to millions of deaths, Tayla!" he yelled. "Don't you see what can happen? Haven't you ever heard, 'the road to hell is paved with good intentions'? Come on! You took the class in the Academy! Why can't you see this?!" "What I can see..." she said, "... is someone I thought I loved behaving like a self righteous.... I'm truely sorry." She pushed past him to the door and stopped. She took a deep breath and said, "You know, this could have been something special." Her words stung at his soul, but he had to ask the question. He was second in command. He had no choice. She didn't have her equipment with her but he still had to ask. "Are you going to the hospital?" She turned, and with a tear in her eye, replied, "How can you ask that? Seriously, that's what you're thinking about right now." She shook her head and said, "I'm going." She opened the door and walked out. "Going where?" he demanded, and shook his head as she headed the wrong way to go to the hospital. She was crying...he felt terrible. He hung his head before turning back into the room and slamming the door shut as hard as he could. He then picked up a nearby chair and hurdled it at the wall. "DAMMIT!" he yelled, releasing the anger he had been holding back, and then dropping down on the bed, sticking his elbows on his knees, and his head in his hands. (Reply No-one) (Posted by Morgan G and Jackie Smith) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Town Square - CO, Capt. Ahmed Ibn Salid & MO, Lt. Tayla Fraiser- Day 11- 1915) Ahmed and Rosenbauer had just concluded their visit to one of the local libraries and were on their way back to the Traveler's Hall when the captain spotted one of his crew moving along the roadway in what appeared to be a sense of distress. He had to follow her to make certain that it was indeed Tayla, but once he got clear enough to hear her sobbing, he knew that there was no mistaking her identity. "Mosat, hold back and give us a moment." He said to Rosenbauer, "but be vigilant." Mike gave him a nod and fell back from the captain to allow the older man to quicken his pace and put some distance between them. She knew she was crying and being looked at as she walked through the streets but she didn't care. What had just happened broke her heart. She loved Parker. Loved him with all her heart and soul and it pained her deeply that he couldn't, wouldn't understand her point of view. Stopping in the town square, she took several breaths and sat on the edge of the fountain and put her head in her hands. She needed time to think. Time to be alone. She knew that, at some point, she would have to go back and apologize but right now, she needed space to get her emotions in check. After a few minutes, she felt someone approach her. Looking up, she saw Salid. Wiping her face, she sighed and said, Ahmed caught up with her there. "Daughter what has happened? Is there trouble?" he asked her, even as he scanned the surrounding area for potential signs of trouble. “Father, I'm sorry for my behavior.” "For your behavior?" Ahmed replied somewhat perplexed, "to what behavior are you referring?" he asked. ~What have you done Tayla?~ She bit her lip. She knew that he would ask that question and that their relationship would come out at some point. More than likely, Salid would be angry that they hadn't come to him. She took a breath and said, "It was an argument, nothing more." Ahmed sat at the fountain next to the young woman and put his arm around her shoulders in a fatherly manner, although it was more for the purpose of true consolation rather than to remain in character. He was aware of people beginning to watch them. It made him uncomfortable, but he realizes that there was something that needed to be done here, and that something was to get to the bottom of the situation quickly before whatever argument could spiral out of control and jeopardize the mission or the lives of the away team. "Who were you arguing with?" he inquired, "And about what were you in disagreement?" She sighed and replied, "With my husband." She paused. ~How in the hell do I explain this without saying exactly what it was~ she thought to herself. "It seems we are not as well suited as I originally thought." Now his confusion was complete. Here he had an officer crying in the middle of an away mission, because of some sort of argument related to only Allah knew what. There shouldn't be anything during the mission that should have caused this sort of rift between members of the away team, yet here he was sitting, witnessing that very thing. He glanced up at Mike, who was standing a couple of doors down, using the reflection of the windows to watch his back while he appeared to be window shopping. "I'm afraid I do not understand. I am confused as to what could cause you so much sadness and anger that you would jeopardize your marriage, when there is so much at stake here." He replied, hoping that she understood that by marriage he actually meant mission. Tayla looked at him, the man knew something was up, something other than what she had said. It was difficult for her to put this into words. "We had a difference of ideologies. As you know we visited the hospital." "Yes I am aware. How does this cause you to cry? Why did you argue with your husband?" Ahmed asked. "You must explain it to me." He was beginning to get a pit in his stomach. Something was very, very wrong and he just knew that it would somehow get even worse. Damn it but he hadn't counted on dealing with a crying crew member. "We met a young man there. One that I know, from my parent's experience that could be helped. He refused to let me go back." A tear run down her cheek as she remembered his anger, his face and how much she had hurt him. "I see." Ahmed said as the sudden clarity washed over him. He sighed. "Daughter now is not the time for such things as tears here in a strange place and in a strange city amongst people unknown to us." He said sternly. "And in any case, you know well that your husband was given dominion over you, by my own words, deed and hand. You cannot deny that I have done so, and as such I fully expect you to put aside these things and behave as a proper wife should behave." "Am I understood? We can discuss this matter further when we reach our lodging." He added, trying hard not to call her by her rank, which he had to admit to himself was difficult to accomplish. “I understand that, Father. It’s difficult when you care for your spouse…..” Something caught her eye. Out of a nearby building, a small group had emerged. A man in what was obviously some religious clothing was walking ahead of a small group of identically dressed men carry what looked like weapons. She watched them as they drew level with their position and, a child appeared out of nowhere and crashed into the man at the head of the group. Tayla stood, quickly, as the man began to fall forward and caught him as he stumbled. Helping him to stand, she said, “That child should have been more careful.” With a smile. Instantly, she realized something was wrong. A flood of horror and utter disgust hit her mind and almost overloaded her. Unconsciously, she stepped back away. Without even seeing who it was, she felt her arm pulled back and she was pushed against a wall. Her face scrapped on the brick and she whimpered as the pain struck her. Everything happened very quickly. One moment, He and Tayla were talking about the situation, then suddenly there was a collision between an errant child and a group of apparently religious people and then, just as quickly Tayla had risen, helped the man and had just as quickly been assaulted. She had been slammed into a rough brick wall with brutal ease and efficiency. Ahmed rose to his feet, feeling almost languid in his slow response as the situation unfolded. One of the guards, a large burly looking native, carrying a short staff tipped with a wicked looking blade rounded on him and brought the blade just a few inches from his throat. "Do not move!" he growled. Ahmed took a step back, putting a little room between his throat and the scythe-like blade. He glanced over his shoulder at Mike, who had started to move towards them. A single hand-gesture to stand down, brought the Ranger out of his determined course of action and made him an observer like the small crowd that was gathering around them. Ahmed's hands went up instinctively to show his would be assailant that he was not threatening in any way. "Sirs please" he began. "Please show her mercy, it was only her intention to aid your lord and master who had fallen. She was not attacking him. I am her father-in-law and I will take her away from here at once if you permit it. There is no need for further punishment, she understands that what she has done is wrong." He pleaded, trying diplomacy in the hopes that he could still extract them from the worst aspects of the rapidly downward-spiraling situation. Tayla squirmed against the man who held her against the wall. Her face rubbed against the brick and she bit her tongue as to keep herself from screaming out. ~Oh god! Someone help me!~ She screamed in her mind. Ahmed glanced over at Tayla, who appeared to be pained. He had no doubt of her discomfort since there was blood splattered on the wall from the rough contact between the brick and her face. It was then that he realized that a bad situation had become an extremely bad situation. It had gone well beyond the simple act of a social faux-pas or taboo. Tayla was bleeding, RED blood. The native blood was a more milky-pink in color and texture. If anyone noticed the difference there would be a lot of trouble to be had. "My lord, have mercy upon us." Ahmed added, making the hand gesture of supplication. Or as close to it as he could manage. A larger portly man stepped forward, the same man that Tayla had helped to his feet. His eyes were smoldering with anger and contempt. "How dare you beg me for forgiveness. I alone who possess the Voice of the Oracle of the Golden Temple!" It was then she realized what must have happened. She'd touched the Voice of the Oracle of the Golden Temple. ~There must be some rule that means he cannot be touched by women.~ she thought. She knew that this wasn't good. This was far from good. She'd desecrated a man of high religion. The man drew back his arm and landed a painful backhanded blow to Ahmed's cheek and lip. The captain realized then that there was trouble. He could feel the split in his lip and the warmth of the blood as it began to well from the injury. The blow wasn't light either. The man who threw it knew a thing or two about the art of the backhand. Tears caused by the sudden shock of pain started to form in the captain's eyes. "What?!?" The rotund Voice of the Oracle said with mixed sudden surprise, "What is this, look he bleeds red." The situation had just taken a turn for the worse. A million scenes of living dissection crossed across the captain's mind, fueled by his imagination and from the memory of reports that he had read of similar events that had taken place in the past on other planets to officers in similar situations to theirs. The man who held her against the wall suddenly dragged her round to face the crowd and the man whom she had touched. Her arm still against her back, she felt his other hand roughly grab her cheek and turn it to the Voice, "She too bleeds Red!" the guard holding Tayla said in a surprised voice, although as a credit to his training he did not repel from her. Ahmed wiped the tear from his eye and quickly decided upon a course of action. He could not allow Tayla and himself to be taken where they could be studied if there was any way to avoid it. The damage that could be done to the entire society would be far worse if they started removing organs than they had now become. He stepped forward, using his left forearm to sweep aside the bladed-staff held by the guard at his immediate front. Then with his right hand, he landed a strong right jab firmly into that man's jaw, sending him staggering from the force of the blow. As Salid threw his punches, she screamed, “Stop, please!” The man holding her put a hand over her mouth and growled in her ear, “Be silent.” She struggled more against his strength but all this earned her was a punch to the chest. ~God, if anyone can hear me, Please HELP. PLEASE~ she screamed in her mind. She felt a tear run down her face as the hopelessness of the situation began to sink in. The Voice of the Oracle, for all his roundness, did not shirk away from Ahmed, instead, he merely stepped aside as he shouted. "Restrain him, we will take them both to the cells until we can decide how to punish them for touching the Voice!" His guards were well-trained and fast; and Ahmed and Tayla were seriously outnumbered, because the first impression that the Voice had only six guards with him was shattered as another dozen poured out of the building from which this first group had appeared. Despite his training, conditioning and skill, Ahmed realized that there was no way that he could handle half that many men, let alone see to it that he and Tayla came out of this alive. But at the same time he had no choice but to fight for as long and hard as possible, in the hopes of possibly escaping with Tayla. He had ordered Mike, a very capable fighter to stand aside uninvolved so that he could at least convey information to the rest of the away team in the form of a warning, or at best, possibly indicate where the captain and Tayla would be taken. In that manner they could either rescue them, or if the worse case should befall them, they could recover and dispose of the bodies so as not to completely upset the development of these people. She knew the Captain was thinking of fighting back and, with all her might, she struggled away from the man and landed her own punch, square on his jaw. He looked surprised but recovered quickly and moved towards her. His lips curled as he drew his fist back and swung for her. She ducked but failed to see the other person who landed a hit with something to the side of her head. A flash of blinding light hit her mind as she reached to her head and then fell, heavily to the floor. ~This is it. Oh, Parker.... I'm sorry.~ she said in her mind as she lay on the floor. Salid landed a few hearty blows on his assailants, who seemed determined to take them alive. He could see Tayla struggling as well, but in the end, he was unable to affect his own escape or to help her in hers. A solid blow to the back of the skull by one of the guards, most likely with the handle of one of the short-bladed staves, sent him reeling. The impact shook his ability to remain standing and when he fell, they restrained him and bound him with raw-hide straps that they apparently carried for this very purpose. The entire time, the voice kept screaming, "Bind them! Bind them! Do not kill them!" A hand roughly grabbed her hair and lifted her. Tears ran down her face freely now as she realized that a stupid fight between her and Parker had, not only jeopardized the mission, had caused harm to her Captain. Utter despair hit her hard as she was roughly thrown onto her knees and her hands bound behind her back. She took in several ragged gasps as she tried to calm herself. She watched as Salid was placed next to her. His lip was split and he looked a little dazed as they held them in place. Sometime later, Ahmed was uncertain how long exactly, he found himself pressed down onto his knees and Tayla, her face scraped and bleeding, kneeling beside him. "Now..." The voice said as he stood towering over them, the navel of his belly level with Ahmed's eyes, "we shall see what and who you are." He pointed a thick stub of a finger towards the captain, "perhaps you and she are some sort of Devils, sent here to lead us all astray! But we know what to do to evil when it is revealed! We shall destroy it!" His voice raised into a near-frantic crescendo. The fat man stepped up onto an overturned crate and continued his rhetoric. "We shall take these devils to the sacred cells beneath the Golden Temple, and there with guidance from the Aowa, we shall learn their weaknesses and how to destroy them. Then when we have learned these things, they shall be destroyed!" The Voice's words seemed to enliven the crowd, as his sprayed a mist of frenzied spittle from his lips. "The Aowa have sent them to test us! We are ready for their test and shall prevail against these evil beings! We shall be victorious in our faith, in our devotion and in our desires to lead a true and pure life as the Aowa desire us to do!" He gestured towards his two prisoners. "Take them to the cells!" She felt herself pulled up onto her feet. She glanced into the crowd and saw the small child that had started this whole thing off glaring at her as if she were the devil. Her head fell to her chest as they roughly held her up. She lifted her head and met the gaze of the man that she had punched as he wiped a little blood from his lip with a smile on his face. Ahmed felt himself dragged forcibly to his feet. His head was throbbing from the blow it had sustained and it was as if his feet were made of lead. He took one good look around and caught Mike's eyes. The Ranger seemed to understand him and immediately turned and headed into the crowd. He'd alert the others. They would need to move in order to avoid any potential encounters with the locals. The mission had just become desperate. The Voice and his entire troop of men marched Ahmed and Tayla towards the cells that awaited them. (Reply: none yet) (Posted by Daniel Greene & Jaclyn Smith) --------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Town Square - YEO-Lieutenant Mike Rosenbauer- Day 11- 1917) Mike had left the market place as soon as he had seen the direction that the Voice's entourage headed. His ranger training told him that in this environment, he could lose the captain and Tayla exceptionally easily unless he firmly established where they were going to be held. At the same time, he realized that he would need to warn the rest of the away team. If the Voice realized that Salid and Tayla were not alone, he would certainly send troops to arrest everyone, and if that happened the mission would end at that moment. He cut down an alleyway that ran parallel to the direction of travel that the Voice and his men were headed. Mike could occasionally catch a glimpse of them as they crossed the mouths of open alleys that connected his alleyway with their roadway. As he moved he realized that he'd need to gain some altitude quickly or he would eventually run into trouble when he reached a point where the alley and the road way diverged. He picked up the pace slightly, moving into a slow trot and gained a little ground on the group holding the captain and Tayla hostage. Ahead he spotted a pile of crates, stacked just right to give him a much needed boost up onto the building's roof. He used them to gain altitude and pulled himself onto the tile roof of the building and then staying as low as possible to avoid standing out against the sky, he crept forward. His efforts were rewarded when he noticed that the main road and his small adjacent road had indeed diverged as he anticipated. His altitude advantage, however allowed him to easily see the group as they continued to wind up the road and through the gates of the large palace like building that dominated this city center. Once the gates closed Mike lost sight of his comrades, but at least he had a rough idea where they were going to be held. There was only one thing to do now and that was to notify the away team of the danger. He pulled his disguised commbadge from his pocket and activated it. In response he knew that every commbadge in the away team would vibrate slightly, letting everyone know that something bad had taken place. He waited for a few moments and then activated his commbadge in sequence to indicate that they away team should meet up at the emergency rendezvous point that had been established prior to the start of the mission. He had a lot to explain to everyone. (reply all away team members) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Town Square - Outcast Layeela- Day 11- 1919) Layeela had spent the better part of the day watching the Traveler's hall for any sign of an Aowa. She had waited patiently, tried to speak with the Hall master and everythin g, but all of her efforts had proven to be in vain. Still she and Fazon had heard what they had heard and she, at least was certain that there was some sort of Aowa presence residing at the Traveler's Hall. As they sat, there was a sudden disturbance across the town square, and Layeela jumped to her feet and headed towards it as quickly as possible. Was it possible that the Aowa had revealed itself to the people. The disturbance definitely sounded to be more than just a normal act. Fazon tried to keep up, pushing his way through the crowd, trying hard to stay in her wake. Twice she shouted back at him, until suddenly she found herself at the front edge of the crowd surrounding the disturbance, Fazon, just a few feet behind her. What she saw surprised even her. The Voice of the Oracle, stood upon an overturned crate. His men holding two people hostage, a man and a woman. But they were no ordinary people, they were bleeding from injuries that they had sustained. Their blood was red. Where these the people that she had heard on the crystal? Were they the Aowa? "Now..." The Voice said as he stood towering over them, "we shall see what and who you are." He pointed a thick stub of a finger towards the man, "perhaps you and she are some sort of Devils, sent here to lead us all astray! But we know what to do to evil when it is revealed! We shall destroy it!" His voice raised into a near-frantic crescendo. The fat man stepped up onto an overturned crate and continued his rhetoric. "We shall take these devils to the sacred cells beneath the Golden Temple, and there with guidance from the Aowa, we shall learn their weaknesses and how to destroy them. Then when we have learned these things, they shall be destroyed!" The Voice's words seemed to enliven the crowd, as his sprayed a mist of frenzied spittle from his lips. "The Aowa have sent them to test us! We are ready for their test and shall prevail against these evil beings! We shall be victorious in our faith, in our devotion and in our desires to lead a true and pure life as the Aowa desire us to do!" He gestured towards his two prisoners. "Take them to the cells!" ~Arrested!~ Tayeela thought in desperation. ~How can that be? you can not arrest the Aowa~ She desperately wanted to intervene, but there were too many of them. She had to find another way to help. If they were the Aowa, then only they could save the world from Solyon. She had to find a way to rescue them. She followed the group of soldiers at a distance until they reached the Golden Palace. There, Layeela and Fazon headed towards the Tilsholl headquarters, She would convince Kaso that they needed to intervene and if she could get her hands on the maps of the ancient Aowa catacombs that the group used to study the ancient texts and artifacts, maybe she could find one that led to the Golden Palace. She knew that they existed. Adom had claimed to have seen them first hand. Desperate to help, she hurried along. (reply None) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Abandoned Courtyard - YEO-Lieutenant Mike Rosenbauer- Day 11- 1925) Mike had, against his better judgement, returned to the Traveler's hall for the purpose of gathering the supplies and money that they had brought with them for the completion of their mission. He had confirmed that at least for the moment, no troops or unusual activity had taken place at the hall and mike had been careful to guarantee that he had not been followed to their new location. Things had now gone from bad to worse. At least in some respects. He and the Captain had acquired several maps and drawings showing some of the entries to the underground catacombs beneath the city, belonging to the Aowa. It was the best chance that they had of locating any signs of technology that would exonerate these people. Of course, Mike now also realized that it was only a small matter of time before word reached Kenovan's people that it was Jalad that had been arrested and that he was a supposed devil. They would denounce the rest of the away team to the Voice and the troops would be dispatched to locate them all and arrest them. Still things weren't as bleak as they could be. While it was true that they could no longer stay at the Traveler's hall, and that their movements in the city would be harder to make unseen, the Captain's work with Jamal and the others would provide them some safe haven. Mike had a list of names and of locations where those wishing to be rid of Kenovan were located. The mid day meal had been a rousing success, and Salid had already divulged the complete means by which those opposed to Kenovan should be organized, and how their combine unilateral actions and formation into a sort of union would break any influence that Kenovan would have over them. In the end, that information would take it's own course, and the captain's donation of twenty-thousand Kip to the cause had guaranteed that it would not fail. That meant that the away team had two real tasks left to them. First was the exploration of the catacombs beneath the city, while the second would be the rescue of Salid and Tayla. Of the two, one was mission critical and the other was not. Of course, now he'd have to convey all of this to Davis, the man who disagreed with their being here in the first place. He'd have to be prepared to make an argument if Davis disagreed with the concept of risking everything to rescue the two Starfleet officers. After all, A Ranger never leaves any one behind, whatever the risks may be. He had taken up a position behind some native plants in the abandoned courtyard and waited for the others to arrive. (reply All) Daniel Greene -------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Abandoned Courtyard - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 11 - 1930) Parker was still cooling off from his argument with Tayla. He saw her point of view but he couldn't bend on the rules--accidental exposure from her treatment of Neroon would be a disastrous occurrence. When he received Rosenbauer's signal, he knew something was very wrong, and all thoughts of the fight went instantly to the back of his mind as he made his way to the abandoned courtyard. He was of the first ones there, and nodded to Rosenbauer. "Is everyone okay?" (reply Rosenbauer, feel free to wait till everyone else gets there; room for more convo if needed) "Where have they been taken?" (reply Rosenbauer) "What's your assessment of a possible rescue?" (reply Rosenbauer) "What condition are they in?" (reply Rosenbauer, more to follow) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Abandoned Courtyard - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 1933) After receiving the call to meet at the emergency rendezvous site Ben had a feeling that things had just taken a turn for the worse, he quickly made his way there sticking to the back alleys when ever possible. Exactly what went wrong was unknown to him, had Kenovan attacked or was it something else. One thing he was sure of, their mission started out as a search for some reason to save the Asrai and now it had turned into a battle for survival. He reached the abandoned courtyard and carefully made his way in keeping to cover when it was available, if things had gone terribly wrong and Kenovan discovered who they were this could be a trap. As he neared he was relieved to find there was no trap, Mike and Parker were there speaking. As he neared he began to hear what was being said, someone had been taken prisoner. Since Mike had left with the Captain and Tayla and now he was there alone Ben surmised they were taken, he walked up to the pair. "Where are they and who took them." He asked. (reply Davis, Rosenbauer, any) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet- GSL Lieutenant Xim Day 11 2000) Xim had aided Jackson and Raschen as they painstakingly set about powering and working out the power needs of the alien control systems. The two men had finally been successful and along with Maddox's team they were ready to bring power back to the consoles that both teams had found. The only real question now was if it was a good idea to do so. Xim tapped his commbadge, "Xim to Sullivan." (reply Sullivan) "We are ready to power up the consoles here in the control room. I wanted to inform you before doing so." (reply Sullivan) "Indeed, powering them up now." Xim looked at Jackson and Raschen and nodded, Hassan gave Maddox the signal as well. (reply Jackson, Maddox, Raschen) There was a moment wherein Xim actually thought that nothing would happen, but it was a fleeting moment. Quite suddenly the crystals took on an inner glow and the room took on new life. Despite this the star map on the ceiling somehow remained clearly defined despite the new levels of illumination. (reply Jackson, Raschen) "Excellent work all. Now lets see if we can access some sort of log files." Xim ordered. Both Jackson and Raschen settled into the chairs at the console and began to inspect the controls and the interface. A moment later Jackson had something to report. (reply Jackson) "So some sort of log entry you think?" Xim asked in response. (reply Raschen) "Do you think you can figure out a way to activate it?" (reply Raschen, Jackson) "Okay, do so." Xim ordered. A moment later a series of beams of light brightened one of the crystals. Their colors and beams interlocked to create a holographic image of a bipedal humanoid. It was an Asrai. [Greetings Honored guests. My name is Masukis, and I am the progenitor of the Aowa project. I am please that you have chosen to visit this my fine project.] The image of the Asrai, named Masukis, turned to regard Xim as he continued to speak. Xim's Universal translator never missed a beat, the language used by the Asrai and this holographic host were nearly identical. [The Aowa project, named after the father of our extrasolar colonization project, is an ambitious single generation space ark, designed to move a hundred thousand colonists from our dying home world of Darsus to a world capable of sustaining life. This vessel is the second such vessel for this project and is just as ambitious as the first.] [With the rapid decline of solar fuels in our native star, and without the scientific know-how to prevent it's eventual collapse and explosion, the eventual resettlement of self-sufficent populations became necessary to guarantee the continued survival of our species.] [As you know our previous conventional spacecraft-driven colonization projects were more horrific and suffered large numbers of failures during the early stages of our project than anyone could have anticipated. The Aowa project, rejects the concept of conventional starship designs for this continued expansion of our species, through the modification and engineering of asteroidal bodies into miniature survival arks. These arcs utilize our already advanced terraforming technologies to convert these rather large bodies into ecosystem friendly spacecraft suitable for long-duration space flight. The additional mass and structure more readily protects our colonists and genetic databanks from cosmic radiation, while maintaining gravitational norms to prevent microgravity degeneration.] [The advanced terraforming systems, provide all the atmospheric and biological food supplies necessary to sustain our colonists upon arrival and during transit, without depending upon potentially non-renewable supply caches.] [In all the projects, success lies with the natural ecological balance that makes all natural ecological cycles a proven technology. When coupled with the subspace drive, embedded deep inside the heart of our artificial world, the planetoid becomes a vessel large enough to transport and sustain upwards of one-hundred thousand colonists.] [The projects goal is to send our colonists to the thriving agrarian colony of Asrai Prime, established roughly three-hundred years ago, as a way point before continuing onward to our final destination of Rolg IV, which studies have indicated appears to be suitable for our continued existence.] [The first leg of the journey is expected to take 20 years, barring any complications. From there it will be another ten years before we reach Rolg IV. Successful colonization of Rolg will be possible through the construction and development of necessary materials and equipment built from the mineral rich asteroid belts in that system. Estimates indicate that the colony of one-hundred thousand will be fully functional and self sustaining within two standard years of their establishment.] [We thank you for your time in reviewing our mission parameters and hope to see you all again soon.] With that the hologram suddenly went dark as the lights that had generated went out. "Well now we know for certain that the planetoid was indeed meant to be a starship. That greeting seemed to indicate that there were upwards of one hundred thousand colonists on board. I suggest that we see if this is actually the case. They also spoke of some sort of subspace drive. Perhaps we can use it to stop or alter this planetoids course, provided that it is functional." Xim commented. (reply Jackson, Raschen) Xim nodded, "That is a very good suggestion. See if you can locate any sort of schematics or deck plans. Mister Maddox, dig through the logs files and see if you can locate their final log entry. The condition of the surface does not seem to be as pristine as the presentation would lead me to believe it should be. I suspect something took place here, and that either everyone is dead, or they are in some sort of hibernation. Judging from the length of time we believe the systems to be in hibernation, I suspect that their drive system was damaged beyond their ability to repair it." (reply Maddox, Raschen, Jackson) Daniel Greene -------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge – FO – Commander T’Larah Sullivan – 2002) T’Larah’s wait on the follow up report from the away team was making her as impatient as a Vulcan can allow themselves to be. For some reason she had the unexplainable urge to pace. A totally illogical sensation. Soon her answer came as Lieutenant Xim reported in. =^=Xim to Sullivan.=^= ~Finally.~ “Sullivan here, go ahead Lieutenant.” =^=We are ready to power up the consoles here in the control room. I wanted to inform you before doing so.=^= Xim reported. “Very well. Don’t blow yourself or the team up. Any sign of trouble conduct an emergency beam out. I don’t want to be putting together a peptide jigsaw puzzle using your last transporter trace as a guide.” =^= Indeed, powering them up now.=^= “Let us know if you need anything. Sullivan out.” She said closing the channel. “OPS, keep an eye on the away team, any sign of trouble beam them back.” “Aye, sir.” ~And now we wait.~ (Reply none) (Posted by Todd) ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet – Science Department – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 2010) Maddox had helped with connecting the portable power generators to the consoles. He was fairly certain that the settings were right. He remembered sneaking into his father’s lab late some nights, activating the equipment with the lab’s own power would set off alarms at the security station. So twelve-year-old Andrew lugged the generator into the lab and ran the equipment off the nearly silent generator. He would have gotten away with it too if not for the security guard noticing the monitor’s light coming out of the lab window. Dr. Maddox was notified immediately and the lab was stormed by four security officers carrying type III phasers. Scared the crap outa him, well actually scared the urine out of him, Andrew wet himself. You would too, four big scary men pointing rifles at you. At first his father was angry at him, until he saw that Andrew was working through a quantum mechanics equation. The Lieutenant had spoken to the First Officer to inform her of the team being ready to move forward. Everything was ready to go. Hassan gave Maddox the signal, Andrew pushed the button. The generator hummed to life, generating power and feeding it to the console. The alien equipment began glowing changing the overall look of the room. While Maddox was scanning to attempt to determine what everything did, Lt Xim was giving instructions to Raschen and Jackson. ~When did Lieutenant Raschen get here? I guess I’ve been buried in my work.~ Several moments later a series of beams of light brightened one of the crystals. Their colors and beams interlocked to create a holographic image of a bipedal humanoid. It was an Asrai. The hologram went on to explain the rogue planet as a pitch man would explain it to a bunch of stock holders or perhaps as a museum curator would. Andrew set his tricorder to scan as he watched the recording play out. [Greetings Honored guests. My name is Masukis, and I am the progenitor of the Aowa project. I am please that you have chosen to visit this my fine project.] [The Aowa project, named after the father of our extra solar colonization project, is an ambitious single generation space ark, designed to move a hundred thousand colonists from our dying home world of Darsus to a world capable of sustaining life. This vessel is the second such vessel for this project and is just as ambitious as the first.] [With the rapid decline of solar fuels in our native star, and without the scientific know-how to prevent its eventual collapse and explosion, the eventual resettlement of self-sufficient populations became necessary to guarantee the continued survival of our species.] [As you know our previous conventional spacecraft-driven colonization projects were more horrific and suffered large numbers of failures during the early stages of our project than anyone could have anticipated. The Aowa project, rejects the concept of conventional starship designs for this continued expansion of our species, through the modification and engineering of asteroidal bodies into miniature survival arks. These arcs utilize our already advanced terraforming technologies to convert these rather large bodies into ecosystem friendly spacecraft suitable for long-duration space flight. The additional mass and structure more readily protects our colonists and genetic databanks from cosmic radiation, while maintaining gravitational norms to prevent microgravity degeneration.] [The advanced terraforming systems, provide all the atmospheric and biological food supplies necessary to sustain our colonists upon arrival and during transit, without depending upon potentially non-renewable supply caches.] [In all the projects, success lies with the natural ecological balance that makes all natural ecological cycles a proven technology. When coupled with the subspace drive, embedded deep inside the heart of our artificial world, the planetoid becomes a vessel large enough to transport and sustain upwards of one-hundred thousand colonists.] [The projects goal is to send our colonists to the thriving agrarian colony of Asrai Prime, established roughly three-hundred years ago, as a way point before continuing onward to our final destination of Rolg IV, which studies have indicated appears to be suitable for our continued existence.] [The first leg of the journey is expected to take 20 years, barring any complications. From there it will be another ten years before we reach Rolg IV. Successful colonization of Rolg will be possible through the construction and development of necessary materials and equipment built from the mineral rich asteroid belts in that system. Estimates indicate that the colony of one-hundred thousand will be fully functional and self sustaining within two standard years of their establishment.] [We thank you for your time in reviewing our mission parameters and hope to see you all again soon.] With that the hologram suddenly went dark as the lights that had generated went out. Andrew could easily see that their holograms weren’t as sophisticated as the Federation’s. For instance at several points during the holograms diatribe swirls of disturbed dust managed to disturb the hologram’s substance, indicating that it had no substance, just pure photons. Maddox’s name being mentioned broke his concentration. “..Mister Maddox, dig through the logs files and see if you can locate their final log entry. The condition of the surface does not seem to be as pristine as the presentation would lead me to believe it should be. I suspect something took place here, and that either everyone is dead, or they are in some sort of hibernation. Judging from the length of time we believe the systems to be in hibernation, I suspect that their drive system was damaged beyond their ability to repair it." “Dig through the logs find something, got it.” Maddox reported and started looking through the computer banks for the logs required. (Reply Any) (Posted by Todd) ------------------------- (U.S.S. Rosenante- Trade Winds- SOps/QM- LT Chance Raschen- 2300) Raschen sat at a table sipping on a glass of southern style Sweet Tea as he stared out the window at the mysterious rogue planet. He found himself in a bind. He was ready and willing to recommend the distruction of a lifeless rock with no significanse other than it is indangering millions of currently living beings who are totally unaware of their plight. But that damn rock, come to find out, holds possibly significant historical value. ~How in the hell. My one idea to save all those people, and now it looks like we aren't gonna be able to discuss it, let alone test or try it.~ "But I couldn't simply turn a blind eye either." he said to himself. Lost in his thoughts, Raschen jumped and spun around as if drawing a pistol the way a seasoned gunfighter would before he realized he didn't even have a weapon on his person. (reply Stevens) "Sorry, just lost in my thoughts." Chance said as he relaxed and started to sit back down. (reply Stevens) Chance held a hand out toward the chair across the table from him and face Hank "Care to join me for a drink?" (reply Stevens) (reply Stevens) (Posted by Charlie Raschen) ------------------------- (U.S.S. Rosenante-Trade Winds-Engineering Tech-PO1 Hank Stevens-2302) Hank had just finished rather quiet shift and was winding down in the lounge. He saw LT. Raschen rise. Hank walked over to sat hello. Chance literally bumped into Hank. The man seemed to wake a he realized where he was. "Must have been sone heavy thinking there Sir" Hank said extending his hand. Hank liked the Lieutenant cause he always seem to have an air of adventure and mystery associated with him. (Reply : Chance) Chance invited him to sit down. Hank accepted. "Thank you Sir. You seem pre-occupied.Anything I can help you with?"Hank asked. (REPLY : Chance) (Posted by: Bill W.) ------------------------- ========================= Compiled by Marilyn =========================