The_Third_Law_Compile_23 ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 12 Stardate: 2414.3.27 ========================= (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 0151, 0350) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 12 - 0220) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - ATAC/SC - Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos - Day 12 - 0222, 0356) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 12 - 0224, 0600) (Runabout DeMarco - GSL Lt Xim - Day 12 - 0320) (Asrai Prime - Catacombs - Lt. sg Sanok - Day 12 - 0347) (Asrai Prime - Catacombs - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 0349) (Runabout DeMarco - GSL Lt Xim - Day 12 - 0351) (Asrai Prime - Catacombs - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 12 - 0354) (Asrai Prime - Catacombs - YEO Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 12 - 0355, 0555) (Asrai Prime - Catacombs - Lt. sg Sanok - Day 12 - 0357) (Asrai Prime- Golden Temple - The Oracle- Day 12 - 0400) (Asrai Prime - Darkham Dungeon- CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 0550) (Asrai Prime - Darkom Dungeon - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 0557) (Asrai Prime- Darkom Dungeon - YEO, Lt. Mike Rosenbauer- Day 12 - 0605) (Asrai Prime- Darkom Dungeon - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma- 0607) (Runabout DeMarco - GSL Lt Xim - Day 12 - 1035) (Runabout DeMarco - Lt. Tom Jackson COPS- Day 12 - 1037) ========================= (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 0151) Parker nodded at Caskie's words and rose. He walked over to Soma, Sanok, and Rosenbauer and requested a status update. "What's our plan, Gentlemen?" He asked, with as much leadership behind his voice as he could muster. When they told him, he nodded. "Okay. We'll need an exit strategy as well. What do we plan to do once we've got the Captain and Ensign Fraiser?" (reply any) He nodded again. Of course, he would defer to their judgment. He had no direct comments, but Eian saved him from having to say anything further. The eager young man approached him and said, "We've got weapons. We don't have enough for everyone, but all but two should be able to carry and the other two can use swords or daggers or whatever else we've got." Parker smiled. "Good work. If that's it, then, Lieutenant Sanok, would you please announce the plan to the group and prepare to leave as soon as possible? We'll all need to know what our duties are." (reply Sanok iyw) (Asrai Prime - Catacombs - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 0350 In just a little while, they were on their way. It was going remarkably smoothly, and Parker was suspicious. Despite the fact that he was a counselor and had seen next to no combat, he understood enough about it to know that it, like so many other things, rarely went well the first time. That truth was verified when they encountered the first bit of resistance. Considering he was armed only with a dagger since he didn't know how to use a sword, Parker stayed under cover as much as he could as the firing ensued. The pain belts were exploding as the tactical officers and Eian fired expertly on target. Adom had indeed betrayed them and led them right to the Banes, and Parker was kicking himself for not seeing it like the others. ~You were preoccupied...but that's why you have people under you, like Josh said...but you were still preoccupied...~ he went back and forth in his mind. He even thought ~And you're debating this with yourself while your life is at risk? What is this, a coping mechanism? Or are you so out of it that you can't focus on energy weapons zinging over your head? Get with it, Davis!~ Parker saw something in the corner of his eye and spun, facing the threat. A disarmed Bane, injured, was running toward him with a crazed look in his eyes. Armed only with his dagger, Parker's instincts kicked in and he performed a move he hadn't even attempted since Starfleet Academy, but that he had first learned in juvenile detention. In the yard during Free Time, some of the boys would gather near a tree and throw sticks at it, marking one end of the stick and weighing down the other to simulate a knife. Knife throwing skill was sometimes worth more than bragging rights--the 'contract' to threaten another inmate was sometimes worth the risk of getting caught. He knew the man couldn't get too close to him with the pain belt he had on, so Parker flung the dagger without even thinking about it. The man dropped, but now he was unarmed. He ran for cover and ended up close to Eian. "I need a weapon," Parker said, his mind still on autopilot after having killed the Bane. It didn't even register that he had killed someone, something he had never done before. Right now, the only thing really on his mind was survival. Eian handed him his own dagger, and then jumped out from cover and fired at a few pain belts. Parker thought it best for the moment to remain under cover unless there was another direct threat to his own health. "When it's safe, move forward!" He yelled to Sanok. (reply Sanok iyw) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 12 - 0220) "Ensign Signos, you will be leading the second team. I am counting on you to be the cavalry, so to speak. I do not trust Adom, and I feel we are being led into a trap. If Soma, Rosenbauer, and I are captured, or worse, it will be up to the rest of you to find Captain Salid and Lieutenant Fraiser. Give us ten minutes head start before your group leaves. You, Matrix, and O'Neill, will carry the last three weapons." Josh couldn't help overhearing Mister Sanok and a small smiled crept across her face although she turned slightly to hide it. ~Underestimated once again.~ she thought. If Josh was being fair she couldn't really blame him. He barely knew Josh. Hadn't been assigned to the Rose when she was FO and hadn't had much to do with her during their joint fight with the Borg. But to be honest Lt Sanok's decision to underestimate her abilities was based on facts that he had just assumed and hadn't checked out. He could have spoken to Rosenbauer or Signos, both of whom had served under and with her. Dear Lord he could have spoken to her himself, but no, he, from what Josh could see, just assumed that she was a doctor and therefore a non-combatant and simply made his plans accordingly. The only reason that stopped Josh from speaking to him about it there and then was the simply fact that there were not enough weapons to go around, so the question was moot, and anyway no-one was really sure whether they would work, or how long for. Josh had her own means of defending herself and others anyway. Most people did indeed see medical personnel as non-coms and more fool them. Who better than medical to know exactly where a body could be incapacitated quickly and quietly. She heard Signos reply and simply set herself to wait until Jessica gave them the order to move out. (Reply any) (Posted by Marilyn) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - ATAC/SC - Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos - Day 12 - 0222) Before Jessica moved to address her team she moved over, stepping next to Josh. She spoke in soft tones "Commander, I know the orders given to me by my superior officer, to lead the second team. I also know that given the circumstances and experience that you would be a better choice for that assignment. If we are gonna get out of this we each need to be where we can do the most good. I might not be able to give up the command of the team with out breaking Sanok's orders but I would like you be my second if it so happens I can no longer command the team, or if I become compromised." (reply Josh) Jessica then turned to her team. "Okay folks we'll be setting off about ten minutes behind the lead element. Lt. O'neil and myself will take point followed by Cmdr. Caskie and Lt. Parker. Lt.Matrix will take up the rear to cover if we get flanked from behind or if one of the weapons need quick fix. Any questions?" (reply team) It seemed a strait forward enough plan of action, the two with the most tactical training in point, followed by the over all command element, and ending with a rear guard and some kind of support. If felt odd to Jessica giving orders to everyone that out ranked her. It wasn't her place, she knew everyone, save Parker knew how to handle themselves in battle. But Parker and Eian both knew in Jessica their was another force that would join the battle. Lily was far deadlier than any of the team. She was a train wreck an almost unstoppable force, that Jessica had no choice but to learn how to control. she drew what appered to be her fighting sticks, and opened a small compartment on the end of one of the weapons. Sliding a slender finger inside she with drew it's holding. There hid her tactical circlet, she dawned the small piece of equipment the small monocle screen coming to life over her left eye. She resealed the small compartment, grabbing both sticks she gave each a hard snap of the wrist. This cased the wooden sheath to give way and expose the shining metallic blades the were hidden with in each. "Now we move." (Asrai Prime - Catacombs - ATAC/SC - Ensign(sg) Jessica Signos - Day 12 - 0356) They followed the path left by Sanok and his team. The way that was showed to them by who Lily knew was already a traitor, Adom. The fact was only made more apparent when they came to the clearing Sanok and his team were surrounded by Bane. "Spread out and once the shooting starts provide covering fire," Jessica whispered to her team. She then watched them move silently into position, it wasn't long after that the shooting started. Jessica broke her cover taking stock for the fire fight that was erupting before her. with her circlet the hostile Bane were maked and she put the Asrai weapon to deadly use. Three beams arched though the cavern, has she fired with rapid yet deadly precision. Three Banes fell to the ground, they were lucky her weapon was set to stun. A forth Bane came upon her set to take the young girl down. Jessica turned to the new threat took aim and pressed the firing stud. The weapon flared, sparked then died. At that moment hundreds of words flew though Jessica's and Lily's shared mind none of which lady like. What happened next some might say was a act of desperation but that was not the case. Cursing the new found paper weight Jessica had in her hand she threw the dysfunctional device at her attacker. The Bane watched had the device flew toward him and collide with his face before it bounced harmlessly to the floor. But when he looked back to where his prey had been she was no longer there. Jessica was far quicker than the Bane the distraction caused the Bane to lose track of her for only a moment but that was all it took. For but the time the Bane saw the young girl. She was already in the air, after jumping off a near by wall her blades coming down in a menacing arc. There was nothing the Bane could do has her blades bit into the soft unprotected flesh were neck meet shoulder. Then with her added momentum drove the blade though his shoulder, as her body was hit by wave after wave of pain from the belt the Bane wore. But Jessica and lily were different from the rest Section 31 saw to that. For with every wave of agony that caressed her body from the belt, was another another that wave the broke along the sands of her longing. For Lily treasured the art, the feeling that came with sorrow, agony, grief, sadness, and pain. It was in these feelings that Lily felt alive and loved. Jessica would be spared these for these were the emotions were Lily was raised. Pain would not stop the assassin that lived with in Jessica, no it would only drive her forward. She dropped to the ground and rolled past her attacker one more swing of her swords was all it took. She tore the tendons from behind the legs and took the Banes ability to stand from him. She rolled back behind a large rock for cover. It was then that Eian came up to her. "Jessica," he called her, "I want to scout ahead for more Bane. Make sure whatever we defeat here is all. Permission to leave the combat scene?" He was being formal but for each of them they had put there relationship on the back burner they were concerned about what needed to happen in the here and now. "Once the area is clear and Sanok ok's it, But I would rather no one go alone." She smiled at him that's why I want to go with you. "We are the smallest, fastest, most agile of the group and we both know each others fighting methods and weaknesses we are the best pair for the job." She continued. "Understood." Eian made his way over to Sanok, Has Jessica followed the battle slowly dieing around them "Sir. I want to go scout ahead for more Bane," Eian said, laying down some suppression fire for Rosenbauer and then turning back to their acting combat commander. "Do I have permission?" "Sir he will not be alone, I want to accompany him Commander Caskie can more than handle the second rescue team." Jessica spoke coming up behind Eian. (reply Sanok) (reply all noted, any, iyw) (posted by Matthew Locke) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 12 - 0224) Josh watched as Jessica came across to her and spoke in a soft voice that only Josh could hear. "Commander, I know the orders given to me by my superior officer, to lead the second team. I also know that given the circumstances and experience that you would be a better choice for that assignment. If we are gonna get out of this we each need to be where we can do the most good. I might not be able to give up the command of the team with out breaking Sanok's orders but I would like you be my second if it so happens I can no longer command the team, or if I become compromised." Smiling Josh nodded her head and answered. "Don't worry Ensign. I'll do whatever's necessary to keep us going." (Asrai Prime - Darkom Dungeon - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 12 - 0600) The had managed to win their fight with the Bane with surprisingly few casualties, on their side at least. Although Josh had caught the backlash of one of the waves of pain directed at Ensign Signos and was in no mood to feel it again so whilst the others were busy debating what to do Josh decided to do something practical. Moving around the downed Bane she pressed two of her fingers over their carotid artery and pressed down for a few seconds knowing that this would stop the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain only long enough to render them unconscious for are hour or so. Once she was sure that they were out she began stripping them of the belts they all wore and gathered them up. As she approached the rest of the group she caught the end of the conversation ...."As for the Pain effect, I suggest that we use a pain killer that blocks the pain receptors, which should negate the immediate effects of the fields." Clearing her throat to catch everyone's attention Josh looked at them. "Well that would certainly work but I'm not sure I have enough to go round and I don't know how much I'll need to keep back to treat the Captain and Lt Fraiser. However I have another idea.....", holding up the belts she had gathered she continued. ".....These seemed to be able to protect the Bane from the effects. Why shouldn't they work for us?" (Reply any iyw) (Posted by Marilyn) ------------------------- (Runabout DeMarco - GSL Lt Xim - Day 12 - 0320) Xim was happy to be doing something other than leading an away team on the Rogue planet. To be frank and honest the confines of the corridors were more worrisome for him than the even smaller spaces of the runabout. There was an alien quality to the Asrai corridors on that planet turned colony ship that weighed upon his mind. It was a sort of malaise that he couldn't quite explain. Jackson and Raschen, however did not seem to be concerned about anything on that planetoid, in fact they both had almost seemed to relish the opportunity to explore something completely new to them. Perhaps Xim was simply becoming jaded, but the thrill of exploration simply wasn't with him on this mission. Instead there was a feeling of trepidation. He had been in another universe with his thoughts; mostly remembrances of home- when Raschen addressed him. The away team commander refocused his attention as the ex-Privateer spoke. "Xim, do you have a problem with us setting up a voice link to Dahlia in the Rose's sickbay?" It was an easy enough question, but it was one that Xim never would have thought to consider. On his world the men were very far removed from the birthing process and as a result the concept of interest in such an activity was alien to him. Yet he had to remind himself that Humans were not that way, in fact they were involved in every aspect of the development of the lives of their offspring. "Yes, of course, Lieutenant. I should have thought of that myself." he replied, still mentally chastising himself for being so insensitive. (reply none- Just closing this thread) Daniel Greene -------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Catacombs - Lt. sg Sanok - Day 12 - 0347) Sanok observed the Banes in the large area, and it was now clear to him that Adom had indeed set them up. Turning to the Tilshol, Sanok reached out quickly and applied the Vulcan nerve pinch, rendering him unconscious. No need to have a betrayer in the group. Sanok brought hi attention back to the Banes. Bringing out his tricorder; he hadn't given up its power cell, he scanned the entire room in silent mode. Not only did he discover the number of Banes, he also detected the energy signatures from their stun belts. Oddly, there were more belts than Banes. Scanning again, he realized they had set up traps. He explained all this to the rest of his team. "I will try to create a diversion," said Sanok to Ben and Rosenbauer. "Move on them when you see an opportunity." With that, he stepped into the room. The Bane quickly moved around him in a semi-circle. "Who is the leader here?" said a Bane. Sanok did not respond. He was tactically assessing the situation. "You will take your devils from our sight and you will not pass." Sanok remained silent. "You do not seem to understand what i am saying to you. You will not go further than here." With all the speed he could muster, Sanok drew his weapon and fired at a nearby stun belt that was placed as a trap. A blue-white beam shot out, striking the stun belt, which caused an explosion. Sanok turned to fire at another belt, while Banes were diving for cover. There was a second explosion and smoke was beginning to spread. ~Now would be a good time for the others to react,~ thought Sanok. He turned to fire at another stun belt trap.... (Reply Soran, any) (Posted by Bob B.) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Catacombs - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 0349) After the Bane declared they would go no further Sanok began shooting at the floor, he had previously scanned the cavern and it was apparent he had found something he didn't like. Several explosions rang out in the catacombs echoing off the walls and the ceiling, the noise was almost deafening. Bane began diving for cover and some peeked out from that cover to see what was going on. Ben chose one and watched for him to peak again, when the bane raised his head Ben aimed at the outcrop he was hiding behind. He pressed the firing stud and a shower of dust and small rocks was the banes reward. Ben almost felt bad when the guy rolled out from behind his cover with his hands over his face, Ben was in a merciful mood so he stunned him relieving his suffering. Ben remained a few paces behind Sanok while he took out the traps, Ben continued his suppression fire giving Rosenbauer some room to move in. Apparently one of the Bane was intent of having them remain in the cavern and not advancing because he charged at Sanok, Ben took aim and dropped the Bane before he was twenty feet from his friend. He didn't know the exact range of the pain belt and he was hoping they wouldn't find out. Two down and four to go, with their comrades on the ground out cold the remained seemed more hesitant in their attack. Either that or they were building to something, hopefully it wasn't the latter. Ben continued to follow Sanok out into the chamber, slowly but steadily they were gaining ground. Every so often Ben saw the bane stealing a glance and fired at them but hadn't hit anyone. He turned to Rosenbauer and signaled that they spread out a little to see if either could get a clear shot. They had to deal with the bane quickly so they could move on, the Captain and Fraiser were running out of time. (reply any present) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (Runabout DeMarco - GSL Lt Xim - Day 12 - 0351) The team had been underway for about an hour when Jackson brought up the subject of their exact mission details in the most casual of methods, "What's the plan?" He inquired. Xim rotated his chair so that he was facing the cockpit area where Jackson and Raschen had now turned to face him. "The plan is to make contact with the captain and take our orders from there. We have been authorized to disregard the Prime Directive in so much as contact is concerned. " "Commander Sullivan thinks that there could be an instance of technological regression here, but because these people are the same species as the Asrai that we found on the colony ship, we can by-pass the Prime Directive aspect of the mission now. One of our tasks is to make ourselves seen, report our findings to the Captain, and to help prepare the way for the arrival of the colony ship, which will be following us in a few hours." "Any thought on how to explain our appearance to the Asrai?" Tom asked. "We don't need to do so, Lieutenant. It should be very apparent to them that we are not Asrai. We will be arriving in the shuttle, and we will not be hiding our presence. In fact, this particular Lorimar class runabout possesses an experimental version of the Spiral drive. It is my intention to use it to shorten our time to the planet. But not until I can finish confirming that it is fully operational, which will be a while longer yet." "Also, has any thought been given to the method of linking up with the teams?" "Each away team member has their commbadge, we should be able to zero in on it and either beam them to us or open communications upon our arrival." Xim replied. (reply none needed- again just closing this thread.) Daniel Greene -------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Catacombs - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 12 - 0354) Their team was ordered to stay back, but it wasn't long before the heard weapons fire and moved in. Eian took cover behind a rock and, seeing that the others were firing at the pain belts, copied their actions. The Asrai weapons were impressive, he thought, for their age and how they were jerry-rigged. It could have been a lot less accurate or harder to wield, but it felt light in his hands and hit the target nearly every time. He turned around when he saw movement in his peripheral vision and caught the sight of the Counselor killing a Bane by throwing his dagger. ~Damn. Didn't know he could do that,~ he thought, and then focused his attention back on the action. After re-supplying Davis with another dagger, Eian decided to find out if more Bane were coming. He was small and could move stealthily in the dim light of the catacombs. He rolled over to another area of cover next to Signos. "Jessica," he addressed her, "I want to scout ahead for more Bane. Make sure whatever we defeat here is all. Permission to leave the combat scene?" It was odd, needing to be so formal with her, but she was in command of their small unit and Eian didn't even think about their relationship at this moment. He was focused singularly for one of the few times in his life, and he knew he was the best choice for a scouting mission. (reply Signos) "Understood." He made his way over to Sanok. "Sir. I want to go scout ahead for more Bane," he said, laying down some suppression fire for Rosenbauer and then turning back to their acting combat commander. "Do I have permission?" (reply Sanok) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Catacombs - YEO Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 12 - 0355) Mike had followed along with his fellow security officers as he moved forward. It was strange for him to be in a rescue operation on an alien planet and not be in command of the rescue team. God only knows how many times he'd managed to find himself in situations much like this, at least in the most basic sense. As a Major in the Starfleet Rangers, in a time long ago, he had conducted literally hundreds of operations in Doenitz occupied Federation Space. He had rescued countless Starfleet Officers, personnel and key political personnel that had been taken captive by the usurper throughout the conflict. In addition, he had also dealt with deep territorial insertions; those nasty little endeavors where a small team of highly trained personnel would wreak absolute havoc on enemy supply and factory systems, promote revolt and assassinate critical enemy personnel. It was a tough job, and more than once he'd been on the receiving end of a betrayal or a spoiled operation, so he should have seen Adom's betrayal coming. Perhaps Mike had thought that the young man would get over his culture shock and come to trust and accept them. He was after all, a member of an elite academic group who should, by definition anyway, be more likely to be open-minded. In this case, he couldn't have been more wrong. Of course Adom's betrayal, was anything but clear. There wasn't any real evidence against him, except for his general stand-offish behavior. He hadn't attacked anyone, or made any contrary statements, yet the fact that he had given them a path to the dungeons that just happened to be filled with Banes ready to ambush them, made even Mike, normally more reserved in these cases, to wonder if the young man was, in fact, a traitor or the victim of an unfortunate coincidence. The young man's presence didn't affect the fight, as Sanok incapacitated him with one of the infamous Vulcan Nerve Pinches. It was a technique that Mike had tried over-and-over again to become proficient in performing. Yet, somehow, he had never quite mastered it. His partners had been subjected to countless painful attempts and Mike Rosenbauer had officially been dubbed a true pain in the neck as a result. Splitting the team into a point guard and a main force was a smart call. It was an old technique that dated back to the days of primitive combat on Earth. It was likely that the Vulcans in their more primitive days had perhaps developed a similar rule of movement, but that was unsubstantiated since the bastions of logic refused to really discuss their more violent histories. The fact that the practice had persevered for as long as it had was a good testament to the effectiveness that the exceptionally simple maneuver provided. As they moved into a large subterranean chamber, Mike could tell that something wasn't quite right. He didn't get an opportunity to speak before everything 'went wonky'. The Banes appeared and started encircling them. Their leader was oddly stoic, almost Vulcanoid, but it was hard to say for certain why he thought that. When the firefight started, the team with weapons put down quiet a few of the banes quickly, while Sanok took the time to put his exceptional marksmanship to work in targeting and destroying the pain belts that the Banes had sown at critical positions. There was a very similar tactic used on Earth. You'd booby trap the areas that would afford the enemy the best cover positions, path of advance or withdrawal and you placed explosives or other ordinance in place to affect the most damage upon the opposing force. This process became especially dangerous when the ambush leader purposefully left those positions or paths of travel open to access by the ambushed forces. Then they could deal with the enemy as they saw fit in a leisurely manner. That tactic may have worked against untrained or under equipped troops, but Rosenbauer and the rest of the Starfleet officers were highly trained. Sanok had performed a scan locating the traps and began his disposal. Mike and the others had performed suppressive fire to hinder the Bane's Mobility and to provide some of their number better opportunities of engagement. It was a strong cohesive movement, that had unfortunately been honed by too much recent conflict. Whether it was against the Borg, or the recent Civil War, it was apparent that the crew of the Rosenante was well seasoned. The deployment of the team had been quick, efficient and almost fluid as if it had been well-rehearsed. fields of fire were quickly established, and volley fire seemed to take place sporadically as was appropriate. But then some of the weapons seemed to fail. Signos' hand weapon gave out and she had to resort to hand-to-hand combat. From the bit that Mike managed to witness, she was more highly trained than a normal Starfleet security officer had any right to be. Her moves were fluid and predatory. She moved too much like a killing machine for his personal comfort, and for a few moments he had thought that she had actually killed the poor Bane that had managed to close the distance with her. Davis kept his distance, using a well placed knife throw to incapacitate another Bane. It took a lot of practice to learn to throw a knife like that. It was a skill that Rangers had to practice for a really long time to master, yet the counselor of all people seemed as skilled at the task as any elite Special Forces officer. Mike meanwhile took aim and dropped Bane after Bane, in some cases, forced to score multiple strikes to drop them. Alongside him, Soma and Eian were just as effective, and Mike was glad that they were skilled. Of course, one of the better fighters in the team was Caskie, although it seemed that she had been regulated to the rear guard and without any significant weapon. Still, that wouldn't stop her from pounding a hole in some aggressor's ass if they got close enough. Mike and she had become sparring partners as well as lovers. She'd put him in the hurt locker a few times during their rougher sparring sessions, so he knew that she could handle herself in that respect. besides she was damned intelligent and that made her twice as dangerous. When the fighting subsided, Davis shouted his orders for the team to move when safe and Signos and O'Neill both moved forward with the desire to scout ahead. Sanok would address that issue, and he suspected that the Vulcan knew as well as he did how bad the idea of separating from the group was now that they'd made tactical contact with the enemy. (Asrai Prime - Darkom Dungeon - YEO Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 12 - 0555) They had transitioned through the Catacombs into the more heavily built-up section that marked the edge of the Dungeons. They had made good time dodging the Bane despite, or perhaps because of the fact that they no longer had to deal with their guide. They reached the critical junction that would lead the team along one-of-two forward paths. The first led to the catacomb entry for the Dungeons, the second led up into the courtyard of the complex, just a few short feet from the courtyard entry for the very same dungeons. The team was about to make a critical decision, and apparently Soma and he had been thinking along the same lines. "How do you want to proceed? Sneak in the back or charge in through the front?" Ben asked, then added, "I could rush them, might by you and Rosenbauer a couple minutes to find a way around and flank them." Mike gave the suggestion a thought an then made his own suggestion. "Why don't we put together a roadblock at the courtyard entrance to the tunnel? The narrowing of the tunnel will make numbers less relevant and it would only take a couple of people to hold the tunnel without too much difficulty. The majority of reinforcements would come from the courtyard, so basically that position would hold them off long enough to allow the team to free to the CO and Fraiser. Once that's done, the holding team can fall back down the tunnel and regroup with the rescue team, then we could make our way out through the tunnels. Once there we have a much better chance of escape. I suggest Caskie, Signos and I hold the mouth of the tunnel, while the remainder pull the rescue of the Captain and Fraiser." (reply Sanok) "Commander Caskie is quite capable of holding her own and her command experience will be very helpful in assessing the situation as it becomes fluid. I suspect that Signos and I will be too busy handling the Banes to truly be able to assess the situation objectively. As for the Pain effect, I suggest that we use a pain killer that blocks the pain receptors, which should negate the immediate effects of the fields." NRPG: I believe that Marilyn is going on Holiday soon, so this would be a good way to move her to the periphery so that we can handle some of this off-screen so to speak. besides it gives Matthew and I a chance to post together. I also think it would be easier for me to focus on the CO during the rescue scene if Rosenbauer where in another scene altogether. If Matthew prefers to be with the main rescue, You can have Mike go on his own or with just Caskie. besides the Runabout should be arriving around the time that the final assault will commence, so we'll have Jackson, Xim and Raschen to help us out. RPG: (reply All) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Catacombs - Lt. sg Sanok - Day 12 - 0357) Sanok did not expect the battle with the Banes to go so well. The Banes had superior equipment, but the Starfleet team had training and experience. He also noticed something odd about the Banes. Something about the way they carried themselves, was amiss. It almost seemed as though a part of them wasn't there. As the others joined in the fray, the pain belts that had been set as traps, had been destroyed. Many of the Banes were stunned, but Sanok did noticed something that caused him concern. Ensign Signos. Her speed and her moves were beyond Starfleet training. It seemed she was enjoying the damage she was doing to the Bane. It was as though she were being controlled by some outside force, a force driven by blood lust. If this was the case, what would stop her from being turned against her own? He was clearly right in being suspicious of her. Once they were finished with all this and back on the Rosenante, Sanok would need to inform Captain Salid. As the fighting continued, and the remaining Bane were retreating, Sanok heard movement behind him. O'Neill and Signos were coming. "Sir, I want to go scout ahead for more Bane," said O'Neill. "Do I have permission?" "Sir, he will not be alone," said Signos. "I want to accompany him. Commander Caskie can more than handle the second rescue team." Sanok frowned inwardly. This was the last thing he needed. For all he knew, this scouting mission would turn into another Bane slice-and-dice session. He was also concerned about O'Neill. The young man was an engineer that wanted to be a Sec/Tac officer. In his enthusiasm, he occasionally acted recklessly. "It is not necessary to send a scout team," said Sanok. "We have defeated almost all the Bane here and are ready to move ahead. Now that they know we have arrived, time is even more of a factor than it was. We do not have the luxury of waiting for a scout team to return." Sanok could tell this was not the answer either wanted to hear. "Gather the rest of your team and meet over there," said Sanok, pointing to the passage the maps had indicated was the way to the dungeon area. We will rescue our people together." NRPG: I had Sanok say no, since Milo has already posted our group moving ahead and arriving at the dungeon area. We're also up against a looming deadline for the end of the mission. (reply O'Neill, Signos, any) (posted by Bob) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime- Golden Temple - The Oracle- Day 12 - 0400) it was now apparent that he had underestimated the cunning of the devils in their determination to rescue their comrades. They had somehow managed to acquire some of the Bane's energy weapons and somehow power them. Those weapons were reserved completely for the most elite guards that the Oracle possessed. The majority of his Banes were not that well equipped. Still he had gathered a lot of data from the conflict. The prediction systems were already running scenarios and determining the most likely actions that the invaders would take to achieve their goals. They would head as directly towards the dungeon as they could. Kalos, the biological component of the Oracle, overrode the computerized recommendations to over secure the dungeons. instead he left a small token force present to delay the invaders as they made their way to their companions cell. He then prepared a counter attack to take place from the courtyard. The actions would take the would-be rescuers by surprise and his victory would be complete. He was not however, foolish enough to place complete faith in any military engagement. At the back of his mind he was suddenly aware of an alert status. He pulled it to the forefront of his conscious thought, and reviewed it. The data was a reading from a remote sensor system that had been seeded in orbit around the twin suns a very long time ago. The readings indicated a starship moving towards the planet at a very high velocity. Scans indicated that it was small, held three life-signs, and was only lightly armed. His smaller weapons systems hidden around the area should be more than sufficient to handle the vessel. One solid hit and the smaller vessel would be destroyed. With a mental command, he ordered the systems to start their reboot and diagnostic systems. He was very pleased to see several batteries, nearly a dozen, come on-line and begin their diagnostics. The alien ship would never stand a chance. Still, he decided to divert even more Bane to the primary Orbital Defense System control room. If the invaders managed to escape they would most assuredly want to prevent him from destroying their colony vessel. He must not allow them to succeed. His society and his life depended upon his success. He would not fail. (reply none) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Darkham Dungeon- CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 0550) After they had finished dealing with the bane in the catacombs they moved forward again, Adom had been rendered unconscious by Sanok earlier so they were advancing without their guide but they still had the planned route. They still had patrols to avoid but they seemed to have thinned out a little, it was apparent the remaining bane and the Voice were confident that the ambush they had set up was going to be effective. Time passed on and the team found their destination, according to what they had learned Salid and Fraiser along with Myruad were being held in the cells at darkham dungeon a couple hundred meters ahead of their current position. This is what they had prepared for, the time had come to rescue their fellow officers. He was glad they had reached this point, the Voice didn't know what was coming for him but he would soon learn. Everything lead up to this moment, coming to Asrai Prime, encountering Kenovan, the abduction of Salid and Fraiser, the meeting with Kaso and the Thilsol. Turning back to Sanok and Mike he said. "How do you want to proceed? Sneak in the back to charge in through the front?" Part of him wanted to charge in but he knew that held many risks, the Voice would likely have bane lying in wait with those pain belts or god knew what else. Then he thought of an old saying, fortune favors the bold. Maybe charging in had it's advantages, they might catch them off guard. "I could rush them, might by you and Rosenbauer a couple minutes to find a way around and flank them." He added. (reply Sanok, Rosenbauer) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Darkom Dungeon - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma - 0557) After Ben proposed his plan Mike offered a suggestion. "Why don't we put together a roadblock at the courtyard entrance to the tunnel? The narrowing of the tunnel will make numbers less relevant and it would only take a couple of people to hold the tunnel without too much difficulty. The majority of reinforcements would come from the courtyard, so basically that position would hold them off long enough to allow the team to free to the CO and Fraiser. Once that's done, the holding team can fall back down the tunnel and regroup with the rescue team, then we could make our way out through the tunnels. Once there we have a much better chance of escape. I suggest Caskie, Signos and I hold the mouth of the tunnel, while the remainder pull the rescue of the Captain and Fraiser." Ben had to admit is was a good idea and one he hadn't considered, there was a lot to be said about team work. A few people could hold the tunnel with relative ease leaving the remainder to handle the rescue. It would also save Ben finding out about the pain belts and their effective range. They had dealt with the Banes without too much trouble before but now he figured they would face greater resistance from more skilled Asrai. There was also something about the others that troubled him, they didn't seem right. Some almost seemed to be fighting themselves as much as their strike force. "Commander Caskie is quite capable of holding her own and her command experience will be very helpful in assessing the situation as it becomes fluid. I suspect that Signos and I will be too busy handling the Banes to truly be able to assess the situation objectively. As for the Pain effect, I suggest that we use a pain killer that blocks the pain receptors, which should negate the immediate effects of the fields." "I agree." Ben stated. "Commander Caskie is more then capable of reading a situation and dealing with it accordingly." He also agreed with Mike's assessment of Signos, she was very aggressive in her attacks maybe too aggressive. Something wasn't right with her either, he noticed the same thing when they faced the Borg. There was more to her then they were aware of, she could still be a risk. He didn't like having to second guess another officer but he had done so in the past resulting in her confinement. He'd feel better if Signos was watched by Caskie and Rosenbauer. Turning to Sanok he said. "What do you think? Dose up on pain meds, set up a roadblock and fight our way to the Captain and Ensign Fraiser in a good old fashioned jail break.?" (reply Sanok, any) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime- Darkom Dungeon - YEO, Lt. Mike Rosenbauer- Day 12 - 0605) Mike had just finished giving his suggestion, when Jennifer chimed in with an idea that he hadn't really considered. It was apparent that she had overheard his own idea and, in good-form, had improved upon it as she often did. "Well that would certainly work but I'm not sure I have enough to go round and i don't know how much I'll need to keep back to treat the Captain and Lieutenant Fraiser. However, I have another idea..." She held up a couple of pain belts that she had gathered up from some of the fallen banes before continuing, "...these seemed to be able to protect the bane from the effects. Why shouldn't they work for us?" It was a damned good question, and one that Mike should have thought to ask himself; but, true to form Josh had a way of thinking about the situation in a manner that allowed her to lead with the best of them. Sometimes he thought that she had missed her calling as a Ranger team leader. "Actually, that's a great idea. But I suggest we get a couple of people to put them on and test them. I'm not certain if they only protect the wearer from that particular belt or if the fields can be overlapped without concern." Mike added. "If the latter doesn't apply I'd think that there would be a way to attune them so that it can become true. In that case, Jennif- I mean - commander Caskie's idea is the perfect solution." (reply Soma, Sanok, Caskie if able) Daniel Greene -------------------------- (Asrai Prime- Darkom Dungeon - CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma- 0607) Commander Caskie produced several belts and made the suggestion that they use them to protect themselves rather then using up their limited supply of pain meds that the Captain and Fraiser may require. It was a good idea but one Ben had reservations about, the Bane seemed to keep their distance from each other during the fight so it was uncertain if each belt had it's own operating frequency or if they all had the same frequency. Mike seemed to be thinking the same thing. "Actually, that's a great idea. But I suggest we get a couple of people to put them on and test them. I'm not certain if they only protect the wearer from that particular belt or if the fields can be overlapped without concern." Mike added. "If the latter doesn't apply I'd think that there would be a way to attune them so that it can become true. In that case, Jennif- I mean - commander Caskie's idea is the perfect solution." Mike said. Ben nodded. "That's a very good idea." He said. "I'll volunteer to test the belts with someone else." He reached out to take one of the belts Commander Caskie was holding, after she released it to him he pulled it around his waist and adjusted it's fit. It wasn't the most comfortable thing to be wearing but that wasn't it's function. It was used to inflict pain by using an energy field that somehow stimulated the pain receptors in a persons body, the exact science was beyond him at the moment but he was certain Matrix, O'Neill and Caskie could easily figure out how the device functioned. "This beats me charging in without any protection other then a pulse pistol and a sword." He added. He stepped back a dozen paces from the others before activating the belt hoping that distance was sufficient not to affect the others. He activated the device and when no one screamed he had a slightly better idea as to the effective range. He did notice a slight tingling sensation when he first activated the belt, he assumed this was normal considering the sensation only last a couple seconds. "Who's going to be the second guinea pig?" He asked trying to suppress a grin. (reply any present) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (Runabout DeMarco - GSL Lt Xim - Day 12 - 1035) The experimental spiral drive had worked much better than Xim could have ever anticipated. Once he had completed the preliminary check, they had activated the drive and been hurled towards the Asrai planet at a speed that had been only achievable in a runabout with the aid of a black hole. The very high warp 9 speed had been achieved before on the Rosenante, but it was a first for such a small ship. One disadvantage quickly made itself apparent however, the small craft had almost expended it's entire fuel of antimatter in the rush to arrive quickly. They'd be limited to impulse drive once they cut the spiral drive. "Xim, Jackson, we are 30-minutes out. I suggest we change out of our uniforms and into something less...less... conspicuous shall we say?" Raschen suggested. Xim nodded, " A very good idea, you and Jackson change into local attire, I will remain in my uniform. My height would make me stand out regardless of what I wear, so I see no need to change my attire. However, it will help you two should something go terribly wrong." "Roger that." Chance replied as he made the final adjustments to the ship's velocity and angle of entry into the planet's atmosphere. He started to rise from his seat when a thought must have struck him. " Does anyone known if they have some kind of early warning system on the planet looking for UFOs or ICBMs?!" It took Xim a moment to remember that the two acronyms stood for "Unidentified Flying Objects" and "Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles" respectively. Xim shrugged, a completely human characteristic that he had adopted during his time in Starfleet. "I am unaware of any such system. The sensors seemed to indicate that the local population was not technologically advanced enough to possess such systems or means." he replied. "It is not, however, impossible for such a system to exist." (reply Jackson, Raschen) Daniel Greene -------------------------- (Runabout DeMarco - Lt. Tom Jackson COPS- Day 12 - 1037) they cut the spiral drive. "Xim, Jackson, we are 30-minutes out. I suggest we change out of our uniforms and into something less...less... conspicuous shall we say?" Raschen suggested. "Ok thanks" Tom called out". Xim nodded, " A very good idea, you and Jackson change into local attire, I will remain in my uniform. My height would make me stand out regardless of what I wear, so I see no need to change my attire. However, it will help you two should something go terribly wrong." "Roger that." Chance replied as he made the final adjustments to the ship's velocity and angle of entry into the planet's atmosphere. Jackson chased into something pretty general- drab in color and designed to not draw attention. Tom slipped his special dagger into his boot as an insurance policy. Chance started to rise from his seat when a thought must have struck him. " Does anyone known if they have some kind of early warning system on the planet looking for UFOs or ICBMs?!" That was a fortunate thought. Xim and considered the question. His reply "I am unaware of any such system. The sensors seemed to indicate that the local population was not technologically advanced enough to possess such systems or means." he replied. "It is not, however, impossible for such a system to exist." Tom and Chance exchanged glances. They both had long ago learned nothing ever was without the dreaded 'Unkwon Factor'. (REPLY: any on shuttle( (Posted by:Bill W) ------------------------- ========================= Compiled by Marilyn and Milo =========================