USS Rosenante - The Third Law - Compile 18 ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 11 Stardate: 2414.3.26 ========================= (Interior Rogue Planet LT. Tom Jackson COPS Day 11 1855) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 2019) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - YEO- Lieutenant Mike Rosenbauer - Day 11 - 2015) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Lt. sg Sanok - Day 11 - 2017) (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City- COUNS Parker Davis - Day 11 - 2021) (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City- LCRD Steven Matrix - Day 11 - 2024) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Golden Temple- The Voice - Day 11 - 2035) (Interior Rogue Planet- Control Room -GSL- Lieutenant Xim - Day 11 - 2040) (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City- Darkom Dungeons- CO, Capt Ahmed Ibn Salid & AMO Ens. Tayla Fraiser - Day 11 - 2100) (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City, Lt. sg Sanok, Day 11, 2145) (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City, Jamal Tamar, 2150) ========================= (Interior Rogue Planet LT. Tom Jackson COPS Day 11 1855) Tom was scrolling through what seemed like a 1,000 pages. When he noticed something that looked like a layout diagram. Jackson nudged his buddy Chance and showed him what had turned upm. "Chance, this looks like we hit pay dry. What do you think?" he asked his amigo. (Reply: Chance) The two agreed this was what LT. Xim was looking for. "Lieutenant, I think we have what you're looking for" Tom reported. (Reply: Xim) Tom explained his findings. His fingers flew and soon a diagram was projected. It showed what looked like tiered chambers containing something. Tom zeored in and readings similar to lifesigns in stasis appeared. (Reply: Any) (Posted by: Bill W.) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 2019) The situation seemed grim, would they abandon the Captain and Ensign Fraiser? That didn't sit well with Ben, he found he was contemplating insubordination should that prove to be the case. He was conflicted, as a Starfleet officer he was bound by it's laws. Part of him knew that but there was another part, the samurai in him, that wouldn't accept leaving his commanding officer to his death. A samurai would die himself rather then allow his master to die, he didn't like it. Then Mike proposed another plan, incorporating Ben's idea about speaking with Jamal. The ranger suggested that they work together with Jamal and the others to achieve both goals. They now had the maps for the catacombs and if one of the others had any kind of knowledge of them they would be able to search the catacombs and gain access to the Golden Temple and rescue Salid and Fraiser. Mike recommended himself, Ben and Sanok for the rescue team leaving Signos, Caskie, Matrix, Parker and O'Neill to search the catacombs. Sanok nodded his agreement, as did Ben. This course would be more time effective, they had no idea what tortures Salid and Fraiser were subjected to and having someone infiltrate the Temple and search and then report back would take time possibly days. "What do you say Counselor?" Ben inquired. "This sounds like the most effective plan to me, we kill two birds with one stone." (reply Parker, any) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - YEO- Lieutenant Mike Rosenbauer - Day 11 - 2015) Mike listened carefully to everything that was stated in the short discussion concerning the capture of the Captain and Ensign Fraiser. The situation was bad, exasperated by the apparent malignancy caused by Kenovan. To say that the mission went from difficult to damned-near-impossible would have been an understatement of galactic proportions. Still, they really only had two choices in the matter, rescue the captain or don't. It wasn't a matter of choices, it was a matter of risk analysis. To attempt to rescue the two members of their team could cause significant disruption to the natural development of the Asrai. This was not in doubt, Yet by the same token, failing to rescue them could as well. It seemed that the only real factor was the degree that such contamination might take. Of course there was also the practical aspect that either option and it's resultant contamination could become moot. After all, there would be no culture or development to contaminate if they failed in their mission. The destruction of the planet and it's inhabitants would completely wipe out any chance of that ever becoming a real issue. Sanok of course was following the most logical path. At least as far as Mike could see it. The real core of the question was where the priorities of the away team lay. With two members of the Away team, or with the millions of Asrai who were about to be wiped out if they did not succeed in their mission? Matrix suggested using the technology that they had available to them, and Parker took that to include the Rosenante herself, which was currently studying the rogue planet. The thought of beaming the captain and Fraiser out of the cells was an easy one to consider, except for the fact that it would take the Rosenante three or four days to reach them, locate the away team's bio signatures and conduct the rescue. By that time, any rupture in the culture and development of the Asrai would be irreversibly committed. To make matters worse, the away team would have to start over, losing the time that they had already dedicated to their mission. Time was one aspect that they could not afford to squander. "Sir, if I may?" Mike finally said when the opportunity presented itself. "It seems to me what we have here is really just an exercise in cost-benefit analysis and first Order logic. Regardless of our decision to rescue the captain or not, damage is done to this culture's natural development. The real question is how can it be minimized? And whether any action should be taken to do so in the first place? I say this only because if we fail to save these people, then it doesn't matter how badly we contaminate this culture. The final cleansing of this planet's population through natural catastrophe will balance that equation. By the same token, we are already beginning to see certain signs that the Asrai do not fall under the confines of the Prime Directive at all, and as a result we are not duty bound to prevent or minimize any cultural contamination at all." "To be clear, I am not advocating any sort of revelation to these people, nor willful intent to cause disruption to their way of life, but if we proceed discretely, I believe we can achieve both tasks at the same time. Besides it will take three-to four days for the rosenante to arrive to be able to lend us aid. That's time we can not afford to lose." (reply Parker) "I mentioned that the Captain and I were returning from the library when we encountered Ensign Frasier. What I may not have made entirely clear was our reason for going there in the first place, or the successes that we had there." (reply Any) "With the aid of some librarians, we uncovered some old maps of portions of the city that may have originated during or prior to the time of the Aowa. In addition, during the luncheon with Jamal and those people that oppose Kenovan, we have two locations from which we may be able to gain entrance to the catacombs beneath the city. It is generally agreed that the catacombs are very extensive, and as a result that there is a possibility that tunnels exist that connect to the Golden Temple and Palace complex. The catacombs are firmly believed to have been built by the Aowa." "One of the Merchants also mentioned a group of outcasts calling themselves the Tilsholl, "Or followers of the ancient light. This group supposedly exists almost entirely of people who once served amongst the religious sects but for some reason were expelled. Jamal gave us an indication that their leader Kaso, is a man known to him. " "I propose therefore, a joint mission. Both would begin with gaining entrance to the catacombs, after making contact with the Tilsholl and hopefully gaining their confidence and perhaps a guide. Then once beneath the surface, we split into two teams, one to look for signs of advanced technology, the other to attempt to rescue the captain and Fraiser through as stealthy a means as possible." "I suggest, that one is mission critical, while the second will have no direct bearing on the mission at all, especially should the primary mission end in failure. In this means, we accomplish the requirement of disappearing from view without the need to restart our investigations elsewhere. We gain potential allies whom may be able to point us to some ancient artifacts, texts or technology that could render our mission successful and we have the possibility of preventing and minimizing any cultural disruption that may have been caused by the capture of the captain and Fraiser." (reply Parker) "For the rescue team, I suggest myself, Sanok and Soma. For the search team, O'Neill, yourself, Matrix, Caskie and Signos. We maximize our personnel to the task at hand and basically turn this into two distinct missions." (reply Parker, Any) "We'll need to make contact with Jamal. I have a location where he is staying, I suggest that we contact him and ask him to put us in direct contact with the Tilsholl, and his friend Kaso. Then if we can move forward, we move underground and perform the rescue tomorrow morning, as early as possible." (reply any, Parker) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Lt. sg Sanok - Day 11 - 2017) After stating what Federation law said Sanok and the others were to do, Sanok listened to the feedback. Most of what was said, he disagreed with, from the Prime Directive perspective. However, since Sanok did not care for the Prime Directive, he was all for rescuing their comrades. Unfortunately, their actions would be judged by bureaucrats, and if it was determined that they violated the PD, Sanok did not wish to spend a significant portion of his life in a penal colony, or worse, looking for a new career opportunity. As much as Sanok disliked it, there really was only one course of action, if the PD was to be followed. The Asrai already believed in demons, so Salid and Fraiser had to be sacrificed. Resigned to having to push for this course of action, Sanok almost spoke, but Rosenbauer gave his input first. The more he revealed, the more Sanok found that there would be a way to rescue their people, while not violating the PD. Though Vulcans did not believe in deities, Sanok was thankful for the One that was watching over them now. "For the rescue team," said Rosenbauer, "I suggest myself, Sanok and Soma. For the search team, O'Neill, yourself, Matrix, Caskie and Signos. We maximize our personnel to the task at hand and basically turn this into two, distinct missions." Sanok nodded his approval. Whether the rescue succeeded or failed, leaving the Asrai public eye was most agreeable to him. In time, they would all be a faded memory anyway. Rosenbauer continued. "We'll need to make contact with Jamal. I have a location where he is staying. I suggest that we contact him and ask him to put us in direct contact with the Tilsholl, and his friend, Kaso. Then, if we can move forward, we move underground and perform the rescue tomorrow morning, as early as possible." "I am for this plan," said Sanok. That was all he said. Nothing more about the Prime Directive. Nothing about cultural contamination. Nothing about anything. If they were successful, and if they made it back to be judged for this mission, at least they would have saved their shipmates. He could handle a punishment, if one was given. (reply any present) (posted by Bob B.) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City- COUNS Parker Davis - Day 11 - 2021) Rosenbauer suggested a plan that would not compromise the Prime Directive but would rescue their captain and Tayla, and preceded it with, "To be clear, I am not advocating any sort of revelation to these people, nor willful intent to cause disruption to their way of life, but if we proceed discretely, I believe we can achieve both tasks at the same time. Besides it will take three-to four days for the Rosenante to arrive to be able to lend us aid. That's time we can not afford to lose." Parker nodded in response. "Go on." "I mentioned that the Captain and I were returning from the library when we encountered Ensign Frasier. What I may not have made entirely clear was our reason for going there in the first place, or the successes that we had there." He lifted his eyebrows. "Okay, what did you find?" "With the aid of some librarians, we uncovered some old maps of portions of the city that may have originated during or prior to the time of the Aowa. In addition, during the luncheon with Jamal and those people that oppose Kenovan, we have two locations from which we may be able to gain entrance to the catacombs beneath the city. It is generally agreed that the catacombs are very extensive, and as a result that there is a possibility that tunnels exist that connect to the Golden Temple and Palace complex. The catacombs are firmly believed to have been built by the Aowa." "One of the Merchants also mentioned a group of outcasts calling themselves the Tilsholl, "Or followers of the ancient light. This group supposedly exists almost entirely of people who once served amongst the religious sects but for some reason were expelled. Jamal gave us an indication that their leader Kaso, is a man known to him. " "I propose therefore, a joint mission. Both would begin with gaining entrance to the catacombs, after making contact with the Tilsholl and hopefully gaining their confidence and perhaps a guide. Then once beneath the surface, we split into two teams, one to look for signs of advanced technology, the other to attempt to rescue the captain and Fraiser through as stealthy a means as possible." "I suggest, that one is mission critical, while the second will have no direct bearing on the mission at all, especially should the primary mission end in failure. In this means, we accomplish the requirement of disappearing from view without the need to restart our investigations elsewhere. We gain potential allies whom may be able to point us to some ancient artifacts, texts or technology that could render our mission successful and we have the possibility of preventing and minimizing any cultural disruption that may have been caused by the capture of the captain and Fraiser." Parker nodded. "This sounds like a solid plan. We'll need the two teams to be manned with people with security experience and the team that goes into the catacombs will need someone with engineering experience." "For the rescue team, I suggest myself, Sanok and Soma. For the search team, O'Neill, yourself, Matrix, Caskie and Signos. We maximize our personnel to the task at hand and basically turn this into two distinct missions," Rosenbauer continued. Parker knew his face displayed relief, because he was fairly certain that this was the only viable option and that it was a good one. Now they had control of the situation...somewhat. He nodded. "I don't have a problem with those choices. As long as no one else has any objections?" (reply any iyw) He turned to O'Neill and Signos. "You two are primarily going to provide the security for the search team," he told them. "And if the situation requires a second engineer, then you're going to be on your own," he specifically addressed Jessica. (reply Signos iyw) Eian nodded. "I understand, Sir," he said. It was clear he felt he was fully up to the task. Rosenbauer continued, "We'll need to make contact with Jamal. I have a location where he is staying, I suggest that we contact him and ask him to put us in direct contact with the Tilsholl, and his friend Kaso. Then if we can move forward, we move underground and perform the rescue tomorrow morning, as early as possible." Parker nodded in agreement, but Sanok answered first. "I am for this plan," said Sanok. "What do you say, Counselor," Ben inquired. "This sounds like the most effective plan to me, we kill two birds with one stone." "Absolutely," Parker agreed. "I like this plan--I think it's our best option, and I think it has the highest probability of success. If there's no further discussion, then we should make contact with Jamal immediately. As soon as he puts us in contact with the Tilsholl and his friend Kaso, then we can split off into our two teams. We should all eat and sleep as possible so we're as well rested and well fed as we can be before we start this." He looked at everyone, realizing that as a team leader, it was his job to boost morale. "Even with this plan, we're still facing considerable challenges. But I've seen what this crew can do, even though I've only been here a short while. And I'm convinced if anyone can pull it off, it's going to be us. Let's keep our chins up and go get our captain and doctor back." He didn't like the fact that their timeline was dependent on someone else--Jamal--because he wanted to run in there right now and rescue Tayla...thinking about her in that situation made his stomach churn and he wasn't sure he could follow his own advice tonight and eat anything. The thought of food, while she was incarcerated in God only knew what conditions, made him feel ill. ~Please protect her, Lord. You have to protect her...~ (reply any) (posted by Morgan G) -------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City- LCRD Steven Matrix - Day 11 - 2024) Matrix listened to the plan and had his doubts, yet it was the only plan on the table. "That's a lot of dominos that need to fall in order for a successful mission." said Matrix. (Reply any) If we wait for the Rose to be on station what's the risk? If we could wait we could simply beam the Captain and Fraiser out of wherever it is they are being held" asked Matrix. (Reply any) "I see...yet we're betting that the Asrai will kill them?" replied Matrix. (Reply any) "No I'm simply playing devil's advocate while we try to keep in mind the prime directive...which apparently isn't an issue given the circumstances" replied Matrix. (Reply any) (posted by Steve) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - Golden Temple- The Voice - Day 11 - 2035) The very fact that demons had now been discovered in the confines of the city, and that their appearance could only mean that Solyon was close, had caused the Voice to tremble with fear. He understood that it was their duty to preserve their way of life, to discourage and punish those that chose to develop technology. After all, that is the folly that the Aowa fell to, all those years ago, working with technology reserved only for the cosmos, attempting to control their universe with advances that held powers beyond those that they were capable of controlling. His ancestors, long ago had seen the folly of the actions of the learned prophets of technology. They had gathered with those of like mind to themselves and had cast of the bound of their terrestrial world, sick with technology and corruption. They had embraced it just enough to travel the great stellar ocean between the stars, leaving their womb to inhabit a new fresh world free of the constraints of advanced technologies and the corruption that it brings. Then once firmly established here on their new world, they sent all but the most critical of their technology away, sending the shell of the hulk that had carried them to this place, to burn and be purified within the furnaces of the stars that this planet orbited. They had not forgotten though. They had memory and foresight, their knowledge was contained within the Oracle, a single chosen receptacle whose entire purpose was to act as the collective repository of their advanced knowledge. A century after their world had begun to thrive, word had reached the Oracle of the imminent arrival of the colony world that comprised the Aowa program. Determined to resist the inevitable corruption that would eventually befall them when the ship arrived, they had prepared themselves. It should have only been two decades, but the ship never came. Generations were born and died, and still the ship never came. The elders established the religious orders to maintain the most minimal development of technology. The mythology of Solyon the destroyer, embodied by the Aowa Colony ship evolved, and over time, the society of the Asrai had metamorphosed into it's current incarnation. Now so long after casting off the shackles that technology brought. After finally achieving social and cultural harmony, in line with the most sacred beliefs of their agrarian orders, Solyon had finally been seen, approaching the world. Not only was it a harbinger of destruction for their culture, but it would mean the end of power for those people that had done so much to shape the history of their people. The Voice walked up to the doors of the inner sanctum. It was a place that only he could access, in his official capacity as the Voice of the Oracle. Beyond those doors was the Oracle, one of only a handful of Asrai, who, like himself, knew the truth about the way that things were as they were. He paused at the door, almost dreading the meeting that he knew was about to take place. Three deep calming breaths gave him courage and he proceeded alone through the gold-clad doors into the chamber beyond. The room was spartan, not nearly as ostentation as one might expect from the exterior of the entry door. It was cool, bordering on cold, a result of the cooling systems needed to maintain the computers that the entire world depended upon for their access to the knowledge that they had once possessed. In the center of the room, a cylinder stood. It was made of polished gold and crystal. A series of power feeds, biological support feeds and computer interface lines connected to it at various points along the surface of the cylinder. A somewhat luminescent blue liquid bubbled behind the crystal surface, and within that liquid a single being was perpetually suspended. The Oracle was as close to an Asrai as he could be while still being able to perform his assigned function. A genetically engineered person, he had developed gills rather than lungs to take advantage of his aquatic habitat. When the Oracle grew old and died, he was replaced by a clone grown directly into the computer's interface chamber. "Oracle." the voice said as he came closer, "we have discovered something I can not explain. some sort of visitors that are not Asrai, despite their appearance. They bleed red blood." The liquid lit up enthusiastically as specialized lasers transmitted data into the crystal studded skull of the oracle. The abomination turned, it's glassy eyes locking themselves onto the form of the Voice. [Inquiry: Visitors.] the voice sounded form the three attuned crystals set into the base of the cylinder. [Inquiry: origin of unknown visitors.] "We do not know. We met them innocently enough, one of them violated the rule of contact. During their arrest they were injured and bled." [Inquiry: Action Taken.] "We detained them in the cells. I do not know who they are or what. They could be Asrai, altered by genetics for some unknown task, but I did not think it to be the case" The Voice explained. [Command: Extrapolate] "Their gestures were very different, almost as if they had just learned them, and the pattern of speech was unusual. There was also a level of intelligence in their eyes, the sort of look that you get when you have knowledge." [Statement: Your analysis is not based upon scientific methods. It is therefore flawed. Supposition is ignorance. Interviews and experiments must be conducted in order to reveal the truth.] "I agree." The Voice stated, "Do you believe that they are Asrai, or some other species, yet unknown to us?" [Response: Insufficient data for reply. Genetic profiling and genome typing required for positive identification.] "And if they are Asrai, altered?" [Response: They must be destroyed. We can not allow them to contaminate our way of life. They will destroy us as they have destroyed our ancestor's home world.] The voice nodded. "And if they are not Asrai?" [Response: They must be destroyed. Their ship must be located and destroyed. All traces of their technology and existence must be purged from the collective memory of the population, with the exception of the divine council.] "I understand." the voice replied. [Statement: There is a probable chance that the Aowa project colony vessel is approaching. remote sensors indicate that a computer data telemetry link has been established between the guidance port and the colony vessel.] "What do you want me to do?" [Response: You must go to the orbital defense command center and bring the system on-line. Remote activation of those primary systems is inoperable. When it is on-line, we shall destroy the colony vessel.] "Destroy it? Is that really necessary?" [Response: Analysis indicates that the vessel has suffered drive system failure. With out the mass reduction field in operation aboard the Aowa Colony ship, the proximity of the planetoid will cause us to shift in orbit. Within two decades of that event, life will no longer be able to survive on this world and our colony will become extinct.] The voice turned slightly pink as the realization of the situation sank in. "Is there nothing else we can do? Has Solyon finally manifested itself in this colony ship?" [Response: Orbital launch vessels are not functional. There are no qualified pilots to operate them even if they were. We can not therefore reach the planetoid in the hopes of repairing their mass displacement drive. further analysis indicates that our only remaining option is to destroy the planetoid while we are still capable of doing so. We have 15 cycles remaining in which to do so.] "What if these are aliens, could we steal their ship and use it to reach the planetoid?" [Response: there is a high probability of failure. we will not be able to control the vessel or the aliens sufficiently to guarantee our success. therefore this is not an option.] "Then I am to genotype the visitors, interrogate them and nothing more." The voice asked. [Response: Once it is clear that no additional data is forthcoming they are to be destroyed. In addition you are to prepare the orbital weapon for deployment.] "I understand." The voice replied. [Command: Go now and carry out my orders.] "It shall be done." The Voice replied. Taking solace in his orders. The Voice departed from the Golden Temple to make preparations to carry out his instructions. (reply none) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet- Control Room -GSL- Lieutenant Xim - Day 11 - 2040) Xim was never the type of officer to stand by idly while his subordinates worked on a task. In this particular case, though, he at least realizes that he could very easily get in the way of the experts if he tried to interfere. As such, he had stood aside, helping only when asked and otherwise staying as far out of their ways as possible. HIs mind had still been working, however, even if he couldn't apply anything that he had theorized. His postulations were interrupted by the sound of Maddox's voice. "Lieutenant, I've got the log up. Looks like we begin looking for cryo chambers." "Excellent work, crewman," Xim said with a toothy smile as his long legs made short work of the distance between them. "Show me." Maddox replied the log files, which answered a number of the questions that had been revealed during their investigation. Xim's suppositions concerning the basic situation wasn't too far from the now revealed truth of the matter. Only the details were different. The senior officer felt like grinning, and he would have if the situation from the reports weren't as grim as they were. "Thank you mister Maddox, do your best to continue to dig through their logs. I'll have lieutenant Raschen help me locate the cryo-freezers and we'll have Tom see about getting the impulse systems on-line." (reply Maddox when you are able) Xim turned to head towards the second control panel when Tom spoke up next. "Mister Maddox, Lieutenant Xim, I think I've found the schematic we're looking for!" Twice in as many minutes Xim found himself pleasantly pleased by the performance of the research team. He spanned the distance between Maddox and Jackson with a quick ease, owing to his excitement and stature. "Let's see it." Xim replied. The Operations Chief reached down and deftly manipulated the holographic display, expanding and shifting the flowchart diagram, that Xim could only suppose represented the data file structure used by the Asrai. A series of symbols connected by apparent power flow lines were connected. Those three-dimensional shapes were, in turn clearly marked with Asrai Characters. Jackson had added a translated overlay which helped the Gamm Shift leader understand the characters that hovered inside the shapes. One of them was a propulsion system. Xim pointed to it, "That one. can we determined if the systems are operational?" Jackson reached out, touching the holographic dodecahedron and unfolded it into a sort of three-dimensional box. In side of it were several smaller shapes and symbols. They were labeled, although the translation overlay wasn't as accurate with these tags as it had been the ones displayed prior. Tom touched some of the shapes. The connecting lines changed color, transforming from a cold green color into a rich violet. "Lieutenant Xim, we seem ti have impulse capability" Tom announced, even as lights and other systems in the room began to power up. Xim nodded and pointed at a wedge of a circle that hovered over the impulse system display. It was red and at about 33% of a total circle. "That must be the impulse efficiency rating. The logs that Maddox found indicated that the impulse system was damaged and operating at only 33%. That looks like about a third of a circle to me." he commented. "If that log is any indication, it would take months to redirect this ship away from the system with the capability that we have at our disposal. I don't know that we can repair it either, not without some sort of expert to help us understand the engineering that they are using. We're going to have to find the cryogenics center, and specifically the First Engineer that made the log. Do you think you can find us a floor plan, a location within this complex where the cryo-freezers are located?" (reply Jackson) "Well if you can that would be amazing. Finding that individual would put us well on-track to understanding this technology and getting it repaired in time to save those people on the planet. So if you can locate him, please do so." (reply Jackson) "Of course I realize that some of the systems could have failed and that he's possibly died, If we can't find him directly, just get me close. You, Raschen and I will go down there and manually look for him." (reply Raschen, Jackson) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City- Darkom Dungeons- CO, Capt Ahmed Ibn Salid & AMO Ens. Tayla Fraiser - Day 11 - 2100) Ahmed wasn't entirely clear on how long they were half pushed, half drug through the streets and corridors of the city until they were roughly deposited on the stone floor of their cell. His head was throbbing from the blow that he had taken, and that meant that he was struggling to gather in all the details that he could. The best thing about having a perfect memory, is that he would be able to recognize their route out of this place, if he could find any unique references, then backtracking. The problem seemed to be, however, that this particular area seemed to be comprised of several identical cells. Tayla was pushed brusquely into the cell with him and the guard almost dared them both to try something. Ahmed's engineering mind realized that there was a distinct lack of bars or even a door to hold them in place, a moment before an apparent force field snapped into place with a high-energy buzz. The field was imperfect, a translucent light blue wall of energy that crackled and buzzed slightly as it struggled to remain active. Still, it was formidable enough to stop them from escaping for the moment. The cell was small and sparse, barely more than an alcove roughly two-meters wide by three-meters in length. There was no bunk, but a pair of woven straw mats were resting against one of the walls of the small room. There was a hole in the floor, most likely meant to be used for personal needs, otherwise there were no other furnishings. The stones in the wall and floor seemed solidly constructed, and there were no windows to let in natural light. Instead there were luminescent light strips in the ceiling of the corridor outside their room. Between the light from those strips and the force field they could easily see all the details of the room. Ahmed placed his back against the wall and allowed gravity to do it's work. within a few moments he was sitting as comfortably as he could considering their circumstances. "Looks like we're going to be here a while." he commented, "I'd like to know exactly what happened, because I'm not clear on why the situation degenerated so rapidly. " She nodded, "As far as I know, sir, I think I may have, accidentally, desecrated the Voice by touching him.” She joined him at the wall and drew her knees up to her chest. Wrapping her arms around her knees, she still couldn't take it what had happened. ~This is so not good.~ she thought to herself. He paused for a moment. "And why were you crying exactly? I was led to believe it was due to an argument between yourself and someone else?" She sighed and said, "I wouldn't say argument exactly, well that's not how it started out.” She nodded and replied, "Mr Davis and myself had a slight disagreement as to the application of the Prime Directive.” "Well, what I told you in the square was true. I wanted to go back to the hospital and,” she held up her hand, "I know I should have asked permission first but I couldn't leave the child in there any longer. I thought Parker would understand.” Tayla rose from her seat, her arms still folded around her chest. She walked to the edge of the cell and, taking a deep breath, said, "Because.... Oh god, I don't know how to put this.” "Well, Sir, we've been …. I thought we were...... falling for each other.” She felt a tear run down her face as the thought of him and how angry he'd gotten hit her. Ahmed frowned. "I thought I had made it clear that we were here to observe and to find a way to avoid breaking the Prime Directive while being able to help all of these people. We're not here to play God and we're not here to possibly contaminate their culture if it can be avoided." He stood up with a grunt and paced over to the force field pausing a short distance from it. "Now because you wanted to help one person, despite my orders and apparently despite the orders of the second in command of this away team, we have caused a massive disruption in these people's potential development. They are now fully aware that there are life forms beyond themselves. Do you realize the profound changes that can make to the natural development of a culture?" He didn't give her a chance to respond. "Even if they think we are some sort of supernatural demon or devil rather than another species, that will also cause significant changes. We may have just strengthened the priesthood, or given them excuse to wipe out a subset of this culture because they can now associate them with something impure or corrupt. Hundreds of thousands or millions of people could die because you couldn't keep your personal feeling separate from your duty." A tear ran down her face as she replied, "I know, sir. I know. I’m so sorry about this. I really thought that I could have done this. That I could have separated my feelings.” She turned away from him and let a tear run down her face. She wiped it away and then, turning back, said, "Sir, if I could take it back, I would.” He turned to regard her, it was apparent that she felt badly. "But now the damage is done, and we're going to have to figure out how to minimize it without making it worse. And going forward, I expect you to follow your orders and do your duty without fail. There is no room for personal feeling here, not if we are to save these people. It's impossible if we don't get this right the first time, and that means looking past the trees to save the forest, ensign. In this case we're not here to save individuals, because wasting our resources to do that could mean condemning everyone on this planet to death, including your patient. Do I make myself clear? We work for the greater good, and then we consider what we can do for the individuals, I can't make my orders any clearer than that." She nodded and said, "Believe me, Sir, when I say that this will not happen again. I won’t let it. I cannot reiterate how sorry I am about this.” ~More so that my stupid fight with Parker has led to this.~ she thought to herself. Ahmed heard a movement from across the way and in the doorway opposite their cell, an Asrai appeared. He was staring that them wide-eyed. "F-forgive me for overhearing." he began. "but I am Mayrud, your most humble servant. I heard the guards say you were devils, yet from your own mouth you say you are something else. You must be Aowa." The Asrai paused and swallowed hard. "I ask forgiveness for stealing from your great temple. Please do not condemn me. I meant no harm, I only seek to conduct my livelihood." With that the man dropped to his knees and began to sob. Ahmed turned and looked back at Tayla. Tayla regarded the man for a second and then, beckoning Ahmed away, said, "Sir, He believes what he is saying. I’m not talking just thinks we are Aowa but truly believes it.” She nodded and then said, "There’s something else. He does know a location of this temple. You don’t think…….” She left the question hanging in the air. Ahmed looked at her and frowned, not at anything she had said so much as at the potential situation that they were now in. And yet despite the gravity of the situation, there was still some little glimmer of hope that something within the current situation might indeed be beneficial. After all, there were some aspects of their incarceration that smacked of technology well beyond that of the Asrai. "If there is one thing that I have come to believe in my years in the fleet," Ahmed whispered to her, "it's that anything is possible." He took a deep breath, and slowly let it out as he ordered his thoughts. He turned crisply to Mayrud, "Tell me Mayrud," he began, his natural command training making itself prominent, "Which of the great temples have you desecrated?" Ahmed realized it was a harsh question, but it had to be phrased just so, or the allusion would fail. If there was any chance to gather any additional information from this man, they would have to play up to his expectations of what an Aowa was to be." "The great temple in the holy mountain of Shayloom, great one. The one with the moving images on the walls and the rivers of light." the other prisoner responded. "I meant only that I should take some small items of remembrance that I might sell them to the priesthood so that I could make my fortune, buy some land and start a family. Please show me mercy, I had not believed that you were real, but now...I see the folly of my ways." The man prostrated himself inside his door, taking the gesture of the most sorrowful. ~Some sort of control center, perhaps?~ Ahmed thought to himself. "Mayrud," Ahmed continued, "If we were to ask you to show your devotion and lead us to this place, if we were to get free of this confinement, could you and would you do so willingly?" The man looked up surprised and then smiled, "I would welcome the opportunity. I would lead you there, though all the armies of the Bane stand in my way! I would serve you through all of my remaining days if I can but be forgiven for my sin against you." Ahmed sighed, thinking over his next words carefully. "Know that you have not offended us." he said simply. He was, of course referring to himself and Fraiser, but he had made the comment vague enough to be interpreted as Mayrud wished it to be interpreted. "Thank you!" the man replied enthusiastically. "Now rest yourself. When we are free of this place we will hold you to your oath." Ahmed added. The man nodded and withdrew to the rear of his cell leaving Salid and Fraiser to talk with a semblance of privacy. "Well?" Ahmed asked her quietly. She sighed and said, "He truly believes what he is saying. That we are Aowa." Pausing a second, she then continued, "He has seen something. Something important." Ahmed nodded. "We're going to have to find a way to get ourselves out of here." he added as he thought. "What about the others? They must be working on a plan right now." ~Oh god, please, Parker, forgive me. I'll make it up to you, I promise.~ "I wouldn't think so." Ahmed replied, "It's a big risk to the mission for them to attempt to rescue us. Time is too short, and besides they probably don't know where we are right now." "I suppose so. What do you suggest we do?" Ahmed activated his commbadge, but was not surprised when all he heard was interference. He closed the channel. "The force fields are bleeding off too much high-energy particle bleed. The comms can't reach anyone." He said. Tayla looked at him and said, "We'll have to find a way out ourselves, won't we?" Ahmed sighed, "It certainly seems that way." (reply none needed) Jaclyn Smith & Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City, Lt. sg Sanok, Day 11, 2145) Sanok, Ben, and Rosenbauer had gone off into the night to make contact with Jamal. The sky was cloudy, which aided in their stealth, and it was beginning to become crisp and cool. They were in a mountainous region, high in altitude, and thus far, the thinner air had not affected any of the other team members. However, the rescue mission on which they would be embarking soon, could require exertion and combat. Sanok was from a world with a lower oxygen content, so he would be fine. He wondered how it would affect Ben and Rosenbauer. That, more than anything, was the variable that concerned Sanok the most. He knew the three of them could handle themselves, but they all needed to breath. The streets of the city had sparse traffic. Most people were inside for the night; the houses and other buildings were lit on both sides. An occasional person could be seen moving about, a torch or a lantern in hand, but they scurried quickly, apparently not wishing to be in the dark for long. This was a good thing, as Sanok and the others did not need to deal with anyone other than Jamal. Upon arriving at the location where Jamal would be, Sanok had Ben go with Rosenbauer to watch his back. Sanok remained outside, hidden in an alley, watching the meeting place. It was interesting how easy it was to recruit a group of people to aid them against Kenovan. All Captain Salid had to do, was liberally pass out the replicated money they had with them, and he instantly had loyal followers. Money, and the pursuit of it, were indeed a universal constant. A humorous thought flashed through Sanok's mind. Since they had brought replicated money with them, they were essentially counterfeiters. On the molecular level, the kips and other currency, were basically no different from the currency from the Asrai, but it was still made illegally. The team from Starfleet had to break Asrai law, in order to not interfere with Asrai law, to obey the highest law of the Federation. Irony. It never ceased to amaze him. Returning his full attention to the matter at hand, as the minutes ticked past, he wondered if Jamal was going to help them.... (reply Soma, Rosenbauer, any) (posted by Bob) -------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City, Jamal Tamar, 2150) Jamal was preparing a meager supper for himself while reflecting on his day. The dinner with Jalad had gone very well, his generosity knew no bounds as he heaped coins upon him and his fellow underground members. A plan had been devised and now it was a matter of time until it was set in motion. For the most part his day had gone quite well, with one minor exception. It appears that Kenovan may know what was transpiring, during his return this evening he was confronted by some of the brigands men who passed a warning along to him. He took it in stride and continued on his way, Kenovan's will was no longer law in Celdebrai. The merchant had no idea what he was in for when everything came to pass, all these years he had massed a rather large amount of enemies. Now they had all been brought together with a common goal, to rid themselves of Kenovan's rein. He was gently stirring his supper which simmered in a large pot over a fire when he heard a knocking at his door, who could that be at this hour? It wasn't any of Kenovan's men or they wouldn't knocked, they would have simply beaten his door down. He let the ladle go and crossed to the door, he was curious and more then a little nervous, it may be one of the others with some news or it could be a passer by looking for a meal or somewhere to lay his head for the night. He opened the door and was relieved to see the men standing before him, though he had to admit he wasn't expecting to see them quite so soon. Jamal made the gesture of greeting and respect as he steeped aside giving his guests room to enter his home. "Greeting my friends." He said. "Do come in out of the chill, if one isn't careful one can become ill." Once the men had entered, one of the trio opted to remain outside, Jamal motioned towards the table. "Will you join me for a meal?" He asked. "It isn't much but there is enough for all." One of the men held up his hand, Jamal recognized him as Cayman one of Jalad's guards. "Thank you Jamal," Cayman said. "your generosity is appreciated but that isn't why we are here." "Please sit good sirs." Jamal continued. "Warm yourselves by the fire, maybe you'll reconsider." "Maybe." Cayman said nodding to his companion as they moved to sit closer to the fire. Jamal moved to join them grabbing a couple bowls along the way which he filled with his stew, he placed two bowls in front of his guests while he filled another for thier friend outside and then one for himself. He sat and picked and waited for the stew to cool before eating. "Tell me." Jamal said. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit?" Cayman met his eyes, something in them told Jamal something was amiss. "We are in need of your services Jamal." Cayman stated. "Of course." Jamal said without hesitation. "I'll do what ever I can." Cayman turned to his companion and nodded, this other man was always seen close to Jalad. Jamal turned towards this man. "Tell me what you need." Jamal said. (reply Rosenbauer) (posted by Milo Young) -------------------------- ========================= Compiled by Marilyn =========================