USS Rosenante - The Third Law - Compile 19 ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 11 Stardate: 2414.3.26 ========================= (Interior Rogue Planet, GSL- Lt. Xim Day 11 1910) (Interior Rogue Planet LT. Tom Jackson COPS DAY 11 1912) (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City- LCRD Steven Matrix - Day 11 - 2024) (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City- YEO, Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 11 - 2026) (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City- CEO, LCRD Steven Matrix - Day 11 - 2029) (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 11 - 2032) (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City, YEO, Lt. Mike Rosenbauer, Day 11- 2155) (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City, CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma, Day 11- 2157) (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City, Lt. sg Sanok, Day 11, 2217) (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City, CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma, Day 11, 2219) ========================= (Interior Rogue Planet, GSL- Lt. Xim Day 11 1910) "Lieutenant, I think we have what you're looking for!" Jackson reported with enthusiasm. Xim nodded and pulled himself to his full seven-foot height, stretching the back muscles that had been forced to bend over for the last several hours at the controls. If there was one thing that was apparent it was the fact that the Asrai were not a race of particularly tall people; at least they were no where near as tall as Xim's people. That seemed to be the case with most species. "Show me what you've found." Xim ordered as he reached the alien workstation that Jackson and Raschen had made their place of operation. Jackson started maneuvering through the holographic display and the alien data structure as if he had always known how to do so with efficiency. HIs natural intuitive understanding of the aline software and perhaps even the hardware was impressive and spoke volumes about his ability to adapt to and overcome unexpected obstacles. Before long Tom had pulled up a floor plan schematic, that was similar enough to others that he'd seen for Xim to understand it. The Operations Chief of the Rosenante then wen into details about power supply, power requirements, location and other details that Xim couldn't have imagined anyone seeing this equipment for the first time would have been able to comprehend. When Jackson had finished his explanation and detailed out all the data he had accumulated, Xim just stood there for a moment in appreciation of this man's skill and adaptability. "So to make certain I understand you, Lieutenant." Xim began, "The cryogenic storage systems are two decks down?" (Reply Jackson) "And you've not only managed to figure out how to reach them, but also managed to identify the first Engineer and determine a means to bring him out of stasis once we reach him?" (reply Jackson) Xim nodded as he smiled, revealing his row of sharp teeth. "Excellent work! I am very impressed." The Betelgeusean paused for a moment before continuing. "Mister Jackson, You, I, a medical officer and two security officers are going to head down to the cryogenics area. We are going to make an attempt to revive the First Engineer and see if we can get him to help us in our mission. Do you think you can lead the way?" (reply Jackson) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet LT. Tom Jackson COPS DAY 11 1912) Tom quickly showed LT. Xim what he had found. Xim scanned the diagram Tom displayed and thought intently for a few seconds before responding. "So to make certain I understand you, Lieutenant." Xim began, "The cryogenic storage systems are two decks down?" . Tom took a look at the holo-diagram before replying " Correct Lieutenant Xim". Tom wanted to go to the chambers. To see a race long suspected dormant brought back to life was one he could not pass up. This was why Tom joined Starfleet - to discover and explore. He'd long suspected he would have been a good history specialist. He knew if he could explore and discover he'd be happy to stay where he was forever. Tom's attention reverted to the present when Xim spoke. Xum added "And you've not only managed to figure out how to reach them, but also managed to identify the first Engineer and determine a means to bring him out of stasis once we reach him?" "I think so" Tom answered The Betelgeusean paused for a moment before continuing. "Mister Jackson, You, I, a medical officer and two security officers are going to head down to the cryogenics area. We are going to make an attempt to revive the First Engineer and see if we can get him to help us in our mission. Do you think you can lead the way?" "Yes I can" Jackson replied dowloading the diagram into his tri-order. (Reply: Xim anyone else) (Posted by: Bill W.) ------------------------- (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- YEO, Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 11 - 2026) "That's a lot of dominoes that need to fall in order for a successful mission." said Matrix. "True," Mike said with a nod, "but I don't know that we have any other options available to us." "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. Mike frowned, but he only allowed the look to linger for a moment. "Commander, you have a good idea, but at four days out, there's a lot that can happen to the Captain and Ensign Fraiser in that much time. They could be tortured or killed, in fact the odds of it increase with each passing moment. I think that if we are planning to have any chance of recovering our missing officers alive, that we need to move much faster than the four days that we'd have to wait for the Rosenante to arrive. In addition, by the same token every minute, hour or day that we pass here, we also increase our own risk of being captured and further contamination." "I see...yet we're betting that the Asrai will kill them?" replied Matrix. "If they see them as a sort of demon, then I don't see why they would suffer them to live. Even the most benevolent religious beliefs dictate the need to destroy or banish demonic or opposing forces. So while there is a slim chance that there isn't a danger of execution, I feel that the more likely outcome is torture and eventual death. I would like to point out the fact that there is an armed order of the religion. This in itself indicates at least the desire to defend their beliefs through the force of arms, which could and most likely includes the destruction of demonic forces, or heretical forces. Do you think that we can really wait to launch a rescue plan? Do you have another option?" Mike replied. "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. "It still applies, but now there is no question of contamination, we're now conducting damage control." Mike responded. (reply Any) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City- CEO, LCRD Steven Matrix - Day 11 - 2029) Matrix noticed Mike's frown at his question, "Well Lieutenant, I disagree with your assessment that we're conducting damage control, but I don't see any other option, but to get the Captain and Fraiser out of here. You're right, these people will see them as demons and likely us too...shortly." replied Matrix. (Reply Rosenbauer, any) Matrix stood up from his brief rest on the ground, "...but I'd rather risk it in this case. We've got tricorders and someone of the upper hand...they shouldn't be expecting us." said Matrix. (Reply Rosenbauer, any) "At your disposal LT. I'm ready to get moving" said Matrix. (Reply Rosenbauer, any) (Posted by Steve) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 11 - 2032) Davis listened to the discussion between Matrix and Rosenbauer, as they made their cases. Eventually, it was either impatience or it was the need to control the situation that caused him to hold his hand up and halt discussion. "My opinion is that our joint mission plan has the highest probability of success. If we wait too long for the Rosenante to get here, we'll run the risk of losing our crewmembers, and we can't allow them to be autopsied. The faster we move, we increase our chances of success. So Soma, Sanok, and Rosenbauer will approach Jamal tonight. They'll get everything in place for tomorrow morning, then we'll split into our two teams. Does everyone agree?" (reply any) "Then let's get moving." (reply any) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City, YEO, Lt. Mike Rosenbauer, Day 11- 2155) Once the plan had been approved by Parker, Soma, Sanok and Rosenbauer wasted no time in heading out to make contact with Jamal. Mike had knowledge of where to find the man, it was one of the small concessions that the captain had required when they had conducted their conversation earlier in the day. Of course now things were considerably more desperate then they had been earlier in the day. When they had met Jamal at midday, the captain and Fraiser had not been arrested and been accused of being demonic forces. In addition, Kenovan could very well be making a very concerted effort on the wake of the arrest to round up those opposing him. Things had gone from merely menacing to dangerous, to downright deadly in only a matter of hours. To make matters worse, every hour that passed with the captain and Fraiser incarcerated could mean irreconcilable damage to the native culture. Of course, there was also the growing chance that either the Captain, Fraiser or both could be killed. Ben had knocked on the door, and Jamal, ever cautious had delayed opening it immediately until he could identify those standing beyond. It was clear that the this was a private visit of the most serious type. Despite that, Jamal was cordial. Ben had explained the need for Jamal's assistance, and to his credit the man didn't hesitate. "Tell me what you need." Jamal replied unfazed. Ben looked at Mike. It was apparent that he wanted the ranger to explain the situation. "It is necessary that we make contact with the Tilsholl that you spoke of during the luncheon earlier today. The situation and our need to explore the catacombs have become more urgent than we had at first thought." "It seems that Kenovan has somehow managed to have my master and his daughter-in-law arrested and branded as demons of some type. This is, of course false, but we will not stand idly by while those under our protection are ill-treated. It is necessary to rescue our master, and settle things with Kenovan and his corrupt allies once and for all." Mike narrowed his eyes, reached into his tunic pocket and pulled out a leather purse. He dropped it on the table between them. "My master is wealthy beyond your belief, and he does not forget his allies. He pays for their loyalty and for their aid. He asks little in return and seeks only that those allied to him profit and prosper. We will rescue him with or without your aid, but you will profit if you provide us with the contact that we desire. Can you make the meeting take place, Jamal?" "We do not ask that you aid us any further than putting us into contact with your associate Kaso. If you will do this, You will receive another bag of coins like this one for your trouble." Mike gestured to the bag on the table. "Consider this a sign of good faith for your continued support despite the unforeseen setback. What say you Jamal? Will you aid us?" (reply Jamal, Soma, Sanok) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City, CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma, Day 11- 2157) Ben watched Jamal's reactions as Mike informed him of the purpose of their visit, the Asrai seemed concerned as he listened very intently. Jamal didn't interrupt Mike in anyway but remained silent allowing the Ranger to speak. "It is necessary that we make contact with the Tilsholl that you spoke of during the luncheon earlier today. The situation and our need to explore the catacombs have become more urgent than we had at first thought." Mike said and then continued about Kenovan's suspected involvement with Salid's and Fraiser's arrests. Mike narrowed his eyes, reached into his tunic pocket and pulled out a leather purse. He dropped it on the table between them. "My master is wealthy beyond your belief, and he does not forget his allies. He pays for their loyalty and for their aid. He asks little in return and seeks only that those allied to him profit and prosper. We will rescue him with or without your aid, but you will profit if you provide us with the contact that we desire. Can you make the meeting take place, Jamal?" Jamal's eyes seem to light up a little at the sight of the purse and then a little more at the promise of more to come. Ben didn't entirely trust Jamal but so far the Asrai had done nothing to mislead them in anyway, he wondered if it were necessary to toss the merchant more money after all that was given to him already. It didn't really matter, the money wasn't real just a perfect forgery but they did have a limited supply with them. Mike gestured to the bag on the table. "Consider this a sign of good faith for your continued support despite the unforeseen setback. What say you Jamal? Will you aid us?" Jamal regarded the two men for a moment, his features remained neutral. "I deeply regret that master Jalad and his daughter-in-law were arrested and my resentment for Kenovan has grown even deeper." Jamal stated. "I pray that Aowa is watching over your master and his kin, if the Voice truly believes them to be demons............................" Jamal let his last sentence fade, Ben knew that wasn't a good thing. From Earths history he knew that religious figures from the past had rounded up those suspected of practicing witchcraft and had them burnt at the stake to purge the devil from them. He hated to think something similar might befall Salid and Fraiser. "What will the Voice do if he believes my master and his daughter-in-law to be demons?" Ben asked. "Let's just say it will not be pleasant for them." Jamal replied. "It would be far kinder if he had them killed out right, instead he'll torture them by all manner of nasty ways until he learns what he wants or they die." Ben didn't like the sound of that and glanced at Mike who didn't look as if he liked it any better. "Then we must speak with Kaso." Ben stated. Jamal nodded. "Kaso can help you." He said. "I'll show you how to find him. It won't be easy, Kaso values his privacy very much." Jamal rose and went into his pantry and shuffled about for a couple minutes before returning with a piece of parchment, a quill and a small container of ink. He placed the items on the table and proceeded to draw a crude map, when he finished he passed it to Mike. "Follow this path and do not stray." Jamal stated. "Kaso is a master trapper among other interests, he'll have traps set and falling ill of one would be very bad for you." Jamal pointed to a fork on the map. "Once you reach this point turn left and continue until to hit the face of the clift, you'll find a hidden entrance there." Jamal continued as he reached into his pocket and removed a medallion and placed it on the table. "Give him this and tell him I sent you, unless you prefer I accompany you." (reply Rosenbauer, any) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City, Lt. sg Sanok, Day 11, 2217) Jamal had decided to help rescue Captain Salid and Lieutenant Fraiser. The cynical side of Sanok told him that it was because of the bags of replicated kips the group kept giving him. He tried not to be that way, but since he did not know what kind of man Jamal truly was, he had to be on the side of caution. In command of security for this mission, Sanok had refused Jamal's offer to accompany them. With the map in hand, and careful instructions given, the three men embarked on the first step to rescuing their comrades. Very carefully following the path, the three men had their tricorders scanning anything and everything. They were able to locate clever traps that would have caused them harm, had they fallen into them. Sanok took the position that there could still be more they did not discover, so they moved slowly. It would be most unfortunate to come this far, only to be struck down by a trap. When the group reached the fork Jamal had marked on the map, they turned left, as instructed. A short walk and they were at the face of a cliff. A quick scan revealed the hidden entrance. "I am not detecting any traps," said Sanok. Clearing away some brush, he found a latch. Glancing at Ben and Rosenbauer to be ready, Sanok hit the latch and a portion of the rock wall began to move.... (reply Soma, Rosenbauer, any) (posted by Bob B.) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City, CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma, Day 11, 2219) After leaving Jamal's residence the trio set out on the trail depicted in the map, they were given strict instructions to follow the path and not stray from it. As they moved along they scanned the surroundings, Jamal's warning was more than warranted. Seems this Kaso was an expert at setting traps and keeping them concealed. Ben had to admit though crude the traps were highly effective, everything from simple snares to trip wires holding suspended logs full of spikes to pit falls full of spikes. Had either of them triggered one of the traps the risk of injury was great, either this man Kaso was a master trapper or he really didn't like company. Ben was beginning to trust Jamal more, he still had reservations about the Asrai's motives but so far he hadn't steered them wrong. Sanok had declined Jamal's offer to accompany him and Ben didn't question his friends decision, besides they would be able to move quicker without him. Ben was glad that the night was cool, it made breathing easier. He was also glad that they had managed to avoid any fighting so far, the air was thin and to much physical exertion would quickly lead to exhaustion. After trudging through the underbrush for a while they found the fork in the road that Jamal spoke of, they veered left and soon found themselves at the base of a high cliff. They began poking around for the hidden entrance and Sanok soon found what they were looking for. "I am not detecting any traps," said Sanok. Clearing away some brush, he found a latch. Glancing at Ben and Rosenbauer to be ready, Sanok hit the latch and a portion of the rock wall began to move.... It was a clever means of hiding and entrance and no doubt took some time to devise and implement, the Asrai were a clever species. Ben scanned the entrance and looked at the results. "I'm detecting one life sign thirty meters in." He stated. He stepped into the entrance and found that it opened up, excavating this must have taken a great deal of time unless it was a natural cave. The immediate area was dim, being only lit by a couple torches. He waited for the others to join him while he allowed his eyes to adjust. He slowly became aware of a strange odor, not quite fresh meat but neither was it decaying flesh. As his eyes adjusted he could see there were animal pelts hanging from the walls. He felt bad for Sanok, with a Vulcan's heightened sense of smell his friend no doubt found the odor very disagreeable. They continued into the cave and soon entered a section that was lit better, there sitting on a bench was an Asrai male carefully removing the hide from an animals carcass. Once he became aware of their presence he put down his tools and turned to face them, he took a moment to look them over. Ben sensed he was disappointed they hadn't run afoul of one of his traps. Ben stepped forward and removed the medallion that Jamal had given them from his pocket, he offered it to Kaso. "Jamal has sent us to find you." Ben said as he waited for Kaso to accept the medallion. "He's certain you can help us." (reply Kaso, Rosenbauer, Sanok) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 12 Stardate: 2414.3.27 ========================= (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City- Darkom Dungeons- The Voice - Day 12 - 0100) (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City- Darkom Dungeons- Lieutenant (JG) Tayla Fraiser - Day 12 - 0103) ========================= (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City- Darkom Dungeons- The Voice - Day 12 - 0100) The Voice allowed the small group of Banes and the Dominie to proceed him on their trip into the depths of the Dungeon beneath the Golden Temple. It was here, within these dank halls and nooks that the worst enemies of the Religious orders had been housed. The infamous inhabitants of these cells had included heretics, demons, reformers and blasphemers. They had also included some political prisoners as well as those that had trespassed in the most sacred of places. Most of the time, the cells remained empty, unused for long stretches of time. But today, they held three prisoners, two demons and one trespasser. Of those it was the demons that the Voice and his entourage were coming to visit. The footsteps of the small group proceeded them. The sounds of their leather soles slapping on the stone floor was a clear indicator of their imminent arrival. It had been the Voice's experience that when people heard that sound, that they would rise and move towards the door in an attempt to see who was approaching. Non of the three prisoners seemed to be typical however. The Banes stopped outside the glowing blue wall of energy, giving it a healthy respectful distance, since they were aware of the consequences that touching it brought. The Dominie moved behind them, with the voice standing close to his counterpart within the Baneful order. Inside the cell, through the blue haze of energy, the Voice could see the pair of demons as they sat in their cell. The male was strong looking and cunning. The female seemed more frail, but athletic and graceful. It didn't matter. The entire group was carrying pain emitters, and even demons couldn't handle their power. The Voice made a gesture and the Bane closest to the doorway deactivated the blue field. Both of the Cell's inhabitants looked up in expectation. The voice could tell that the male was contemplating something. "You, female." The voice said directing his words to the more frail looking member of the duo. "What is your name?" Before the female could respond, the male rose to his feet, one of the Bane took a step forward, to indicate his dominance. The male did not move. "I am Jalad. I am the senior between us." the male spoke. "You need not speak to her." "I was not speaking to you, Jalad." The voice replied and then made a gesture, the Bane stepped forward, and the Voice watched in satisfaction as the Male, doubled over in pain as the pain field surrounding the Bane did it's work. "Arrgggghhhhh!" Jalad groaned as the pain field surrounding the Bane did it's work, instantly stimulating every pain receptacle in the man's body simultaneously. The best part of the device stemmed from the fact that you didn't have to touch or be touched to use it. Close proximity was enough. "You will remain silent Jalad." the Voice commanded as the bane stepped back. "Now woman, what is your name?" he asked her. (reply Fraiser) "And from where have you come?" (reply Fraiser) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City- Darkom Dungeons- Lieutenant (JG) Tayla Fraiser - Day 12 - 0103) Tayla sat quietly, contemplating the turn of events her life had taken. Only a few days earlier, she’d been happy, with Parker and looking forward to the start of this mission and now, because of her actions, that had gone to hell and she and the Captain were sat in a dungeon waiting god knows what fate. Suddenly, the sound of leather on stone hit her ears. Footsteps were approaching, lots of footsteps. She looked to Salid and he was watching for the coming sound also. Soon enough, the Voice and several others appeared in their view. She stood, slowly watching the Voice carefully as she did. "You, female." The voice said but before she could respond, Salid stood and stayed perfectly still as one of the Bane moved closer to him. "I am Jalad. I am the senior between us. You need not speak to her." "I was not speaking to you, Jalad." One of the Bane moved towards him and, suddenly, without touching him, Salid cried out, "Arrgggghhhhh!" "You will remain silent Jalad." the Voice commanded as the bane stepped back. "Now woman, what is your name?" he asked her. She looked down at Salid and met the Voice’s gaze with an even eye and said, “My name is as i have previously stated and you already know." "And from where have you come?" “A small village, just over the hills.” Watching, she could see the Bane move closer and she closed her eyes, knowing what was coming. Pain exploded in every fibre of her being and she screamed until her voice was hoarse. Breathing heavily, she fell to her knees. Tears streamed down her face as she fought to regain control of herself. “I ask you again, Who are you and where have you come from?” The Voice repeated. Tayla, lifting herself off her knees, stood straight and said, “What does it matter what I say? You’re not going to let us go and you certainly aren’t going to keep us alive.” She braced herself as the Bane came towards her again and the pain hit her. Trying hard not to scream as the white hot needles of agony pounded through her, she let out a small whimper. ~Oh god, someone please make this stop!~ she screamed in her mind. She couldn’t hold it in any longer and howled as the Bane moved away from her. Taking in several ragged breaths, she glared at the Voice and said, “So this is how you maintain your power is it? By torturing women?” She screamed again as the Bane moved towards her. She collapsed onto the floor and couldn’t move now. Rolling over onto her back, she could see Salid looking at her concerned. She shook her head as if to tell him not to interfere. This was her doing and her punishment for getting them into this and she was gonna take it as much as she could. She could hear the voice asking questions but she didn’t respond. “Woman, answer me!” he yelled. She turned her head to Salid and smiled serenely and said, “Sorry.” She stood and said, “Just do it. Whatever it is you’re planning on doing, DO IT!” (Reply Salid, The Voice, Any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ------------------------- ========================= Compiled by Marilyn =========================