Veil of the Sky, Compile 18 ========== Mission: Veil of the Sky Day 5 Stardate: 2414.04.26 ========== (Kravis- Gul's Cabin - Gul Matan - 0100) (Beta Aquillia IV – Ardren's Shoppe – Sien - 0130) (Beta Aquillia IV – Ardren's Shoppe – YEO Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 5- 0132) (Beta Aquillia IV – Ardren's Shoppe – Sien - 0133) (Beta Aquillia IV – Ardren's Shoppe – YEO Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 5- 0134) (Beta Aquillia IV - Ardren's Shoppe - YEO Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 5- 0136) (Beta Aquillia IV – Ardren's Shoppe – Sien - 0139) (Beta Aquillia IV - CENTCOMM - YEO Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 5- 0245) (Beta Aquillia IV - CENTCOMM - Sien - 0246) (Beta Aquillia IV - CENTCOMM - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - 0248) (Beta Aquillia IV – CENTCOMM – QM/ Strat Ops- LT Chance Raschen - 0250) (Beta Aquillia IV - CENTCOMM - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - 0252) (Beta Aquillia IV – CENTCOMM – QM/ Strategic Ops- LT Chance Raschen - 0255) (Beta Aquillia IV – CENTCOMM – FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - 0257) (Beta Aquillia IV – CENTCOMM – CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 5- 0300) (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 5, 0302) (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5, 0310) (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day 5, 0312) (Beta Aquillia IV – CENTCOMM – QM/ Strategic Ops- LT Chance Raschen - 0315) (Beta Aquillia IV, Stagin Area, Gil Navek, Day 5, 0400) (Beta Aquillia IV –CENTCOMM –QM/ Strategic Ops-LT Chance Raschen -0401) (Beta Aquillia IV -CENTCOMM -CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid -Day 5- 0405) (Beta Aquillia IV –CENTCOMM –QM/ Strategic Ops-LT Chance Raschen -0420) (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, ACMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser, Day 5, 0503) (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering, LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 5 - 0531) (USS Rosenante - Bridge, CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 5 - 0535) (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp, Ambassador Dralar- Day 5, 0600) (Beta Aquillia IV - Emergency Sickbay - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 5 - 0602) (Kravis, Bridge, Gul Matan , Day 5, 0605) (Beta Aquillia IV - Near Ayala's imprisonment Cell - 0606) (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp, Ambassador Dralar- Day 5, 0615) (Beta Aquillia IV – imprisonment Cell – Lt Alaya - 0616) (Kravis – Transporter Room – Lt Alaya – 0618) (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp - Emergency Sickbay - CMO Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 5 - 0619) (Kravis – Transporter Room – Gul Matan – 0621) (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp, Ambassador Dralar- Day 5, 0622) (Kravis – Transporter Room – Lt Alaya – 0623) ========== (Kravis- Gul's Cabin - Gul Matan - 0100) Matan was in his cabin going over an encrypted communique from Lasanar, his subordinate had the foresight to bounce the transmission through a dozen planetary relays and then had it bounced through several orbital satellites before he received it. The intention was to fool whoever was listening to think it was routine com traffic and hopefully it would be overlooked. He ran several decryption algorithms before the message had become readable. Some of what he read pleased him, several explosions at refugee camps as well as a shuttle being destroyed. This would cause confusion on the ground though no one seemed to know who destroyed the federation shuttle but it wasn't worth losing sleep over. What troubled Matan was the fact that Alaya had been captured, she had what it took to see things through. Habrii was a man of action but didn't have the heart to do what really needed to be done. From the start Matan knew Habrii might be more trouble then he was worth but he was necessary, or he was at the time. Now it seemed that his time was drawing to an end, his usefulness had come to an end. He was already making concessions with the Starfleet officers on the planet, shelling of Atlantis had been ordered stopped and refugees could enter the camps freely. He needed to have Alaya set free, through her hi goals could be accomplished. He sent a transmission to Lasanar, just as encrypted and piggy backed on the satellites transmission. Lasanar would receive it, and follow it. All he had to do was find where Alaya was being held and be ready to move when the time was right. (reply none) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Ardren's Shoppe – Sien - 0130) Sien had been tracking down anyone he knew, both behind and outside the Veil, and had information that both touched his heart and information that was useful. Aside from trying to find this Ambassador Turner, he had looked into his own history honestly for the first time. His father had always fought for outworlders - right from the beginnings of the Veil to his death, and he had some reports that looked suspiciously like orders from Veil leadership to stop or destroy Ardren. The young man was learning strength in his father's death, even more than he had learned from the seemingly quiet shopkeeper in his life. He carried a short stack of paper to a table in the back room. The shelves that Sien remembed stocking had been moved and a table sat in the centre of the room below a hanging oil lamp that cast an orange grow over the room. Sien knew that his father, despite available technology was fond of that particular style and he kept it as a reminder. Mike, as he wanted to be called by the young man, was sitting at the teren oak table with another stack of information. Other papers covered the table, disguising the patterns and swirls that reminded one of a storm on the vast oceans of the planet. The teren oak was known for this feature and trade in this had brought them nearly to extinction before the deposed government had made laws concerning conservation. Thus, the table was very valuable and Sien was proud of th fact that he owned one that was so well kept. "I have some good news Mike. Ortiik thinks he can get you into or at the very least right outside Veil headquarters." Sien passed a paper to the other man, its wrinkled texture testament to the route it had taken through trusted hands. Other young people who were disillusioned by the Veil, though they wore their loyalty close because they didn't know any better. Sien had worked hard to convince them in so short a time to help, rather than hinder, the outworlders. (Reply Mike) Sien pulled another paper, "Ashola thinks she can disable the passcode long enough to let three people through the door." He spoke in an apologetic tone, he knew three wasn't many when the Veil was involved. (Reply Mike, any) (Posted by Lori) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Ardren's Shoppe – YEO Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 5- 0132) ~This is the sort of work that I'm made for.~ mike thought as he looked over the raw intelligence that he had been supplied by Sien. The young man had made up his own mind, and had proven to be a resourceful and highly valuable source of information. But more importantly, he had become his own man, someone that was exercising their mind to formulate their own opinions about the way that the world worked. He sat at an old antique table that looked as if it had seen it's fair share of world events. He was flipping through the hard copy that he had been provided, making notes on his PADD and using it to look for patterns. Normally he'd have a team at his disposal when performing this sort of mission, but it was only Raschen and himself, and he was using all his skills as bounty hunter and smuggler to track down the weapons shipment that was obviously supplied to the Veil. That mean that It was Mike and Sien looking for the Federation Ambassador, and while Mike didn't believe that Sien would be purposefully unreliable, he had to consider that the man may be being manipulated by more experienced members of the Veil. But he was the only resource that Mike had and Mike would have to make the most of it. The door to the shop that they had been using as their base of operations creaked slightly as it opened and Mike palmed his phaser in preparation for a possible attack. He was relieved to see that it was Sien and not an unknown or unwanted visitor. "I have some good news, Mike." Sien stated as he entered the room. Mike put away his phaser. "Ortiik thinks he can get you into or at the very least right outside Veil headquarters." Sien passed a paper to the other man, its wrinkled texture testament to the route it had taken through trusted hands. Mike smiled as he reached out and accepted the crumpled document. "That's very good news. You've done extremely well. What about security?" He asked. Sien pulled another paper from his pocket, "Ashola thinks she can disable the passcode long enough to let three people through the door." Mike accepted that document as well and smiled. "This is better than I had hoped. You and your friends are truly heroes." He regarded the information on the two documents and committed some of the more important details to memory. "That is incredible work, Sien. I need to contact the ship so that we can make arrangements for the team to be ready to go inside. Before I do that, I need to know if you'd be willing to arrange a safe house for us, someplace that isn't known to anyone but you and I? I don't think that your father's store will be safe for us immediately after we break into veil headquarters to get the information to locate the ambassador." (reply Sien) "In understand. I need your help still. You are the key to our success. I can't risk you on this mission, but when we go to recover the Ambassador, I will need you then. This is just one step towards that goal. If something were to happen to you before we discover the Ambassador's location, then there will be no way to complete our mission. I need you to help me by waiting until the rescue to put yourself in harms way. Can you do that?" (reply Sien) "I'd like for you to meet my Captain. He's a very interesting man. Would you like to meet him when I go to give him a briefing? I am certain he would like to meet you." (reply Sien) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Ardren's Shoppe – Sien - 0133) "That is incredible work, Sien. I need to contact the ship so that we can make arrangements for the team to be ready to go inside. Before I do that, I need to know if you'd be willing to arrange a safe house for us, someplace that isn't known to anyone but you and I? I don't think that your father's store will be safe for us immediately after we break into veil headquarters to get the information to locate the ambassador." Sien was incredibly - almost overly - pleased by the praise of this one man and eager to do his best. He bobbed his head, thinking of his uncle's summer hideaway. Uncle Trasin was a hermit fisherman and Sien had only met him once, but that meeting had impressed him very much. He knew his uncle liked his privacy, but if h wws anything like his father, he would welcome the outworlders. "I know of a place that we can go to after we invade. It will be my honour to guide you there once have the prized information. I only have to tell my fellows and we can be away." His youth and exuberance didnn't stop him from noting the slightly more serious tone of the other man. "In understand. I need your help still. You are the key to our success. I can't risk you on this mission, but when we go to recover the Ambassador, I will need you then. This is just one step towards that goal. If something were to happen to you before we discover the Ambassador's location, then there will be no way to complete our mission. I need you to help me by waiting until the rescue to put yourself in harms way. Can you do that?" Sien considered this, knowing the danger both missions had to them. He could find no argument as it went with much of his blade training. Never use all your tricks in one set. "I will put my blade to work in rescuing your ambassador then. Until then, I will wait at the safehouse I know of, I can't give you an exact location, but we should find a secure way for me to convey my location once I am there." "I'd like for you to meet my Captain. He's a very interesting man. Would you like to meet him when I go to give him a briefing? I am certain he would like to meet you." Sien blinked, to meet the commander of the vessel that sat above his world, ready to destroy would be humbling. It was more than the young man could imagine. "If he is anythi g like you, it will be my honour." Sien blurted. (Reply Rosenbauer iyw) Realizing what that sounded like, he felt his scales darken and he stammered, "I... I need to go and find some, uhm, maps." (Reply Rosenbauer, any) (Posted by Lori) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Ardren's Shoppe – YEO Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 5- 0134) "If he is anything like you, it will be my honor." Sien blurted. Mike smiled. "Captain Salid is a better man than I am. He has a lot of responsibility and is one of the most thoughtful Captains I've ever met." Purposefully avoiding the praise that the young man had just given him. Sien's scales darkened and he stammered, "I... I need to go and find some, uhm, maps." "Alright. I'll contact the captain." Mike replied. As Sien started digging for some maps. Mike taped his commbadge twice then pressed and held it for a few seconds until it gave an odd chirp indicating that the signal was being scrambled. "Rosenbauer to Salid" he said, not concerned whether Sien overheard. there was nothing that Mike needed to hide from the young man. =/=Salid here. Go ahead Mike =/= "Sir, we have a possible lead to the Ambassador Turner's location." =/= Excellent work. We've been in communication with her, but were unable to isolate her location. Any luck on who is behind the coup?=/= "Not yet." Mike replied. =/= Engineering has located some components from the two suicide bombing as well as some components used in the destruction of one of our shuttle craft. They are working to identify them now.=/= "Sir, I have a local source here. I think it best that you should meet him directly and let him give you the deals of his plan. There is risk, but he's put a lot on the line for us." mike explained. =/= Understood. when do you want to come in?=/= "An hour." =/= I'll have the transporter room standing by. I'll be bringing Lieutenant Sanok and Commander Soma.=/= "Alright. I'll notify Raschen and get everything together for the briefing." =/= Understood.=/= "Rosenbauer out." Mike closed the channel. "Looks like you get to brief the captain yourself." he said as he regarded the young man who had been such a great help to them. (reply Sien) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Ardren's Shoppe - YEO Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 5- 0136) "Me? But you know as much as I do, Mike." Sien replied. Mike shook his head. "No I don't you know your contacts, how much they can be trusted. You know the people, the culture, the city better than I ever will. It has to be you." "You will be there?" the boy asked next. "Yes, of course." Mike replied with a nod. It took Sien a moment to organize his thoughts before saying, "Can you gather the information on my contacts? I want to prepare the maps." Mike set to work helping Sien prepare to meet the captain. DAniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Ardren's Shoppe – Sien - 0139) "Alright. I'll contact the captain." Mike replied. Sien heard the different sounds as Mike sent his signal to the ship. He did his best not to overhear, but the closeness of the room made complete privacy impossible. The conversation was quick and Sien frowned when he heard the word bombings. He'd been more upset before to hear of the innocent victims, but the news had spurred him even further into his new belief that the Veil needed to be opposed strongly if Aquillians were going to survive. He sorted three maps and was pulling out a blank map page so he could chart the best way to Uncle Trasin's. A new chirp sounded and Sien looked up. "Looks like you get to brief the captain yourself." Mike said as he returned the gaze "Me? But you know as much as I do, Mike." Sien gulped. Blademaster training or no, he wasn't even old enough to officially enter the Naval Forces. (reply Mike) "You will be there?" Sien tried not to sound desperate, but since his father's death he'd felt adrift and - other than the Veil's strict code - he'd not felt as secure as he had in the last few days and he wasn't sure he could do it. (reply Mike) Running his hand along his cranial ridges, Sien forced himself to calm down. ~If Mike thinks I can do it, I can do it. Father - you had trust in me to, help me trust myself.~ He took a deep breath before starting. "Can you gather the information on my contacts? I want to prepare the maps." Sien had three maps and a blank page, but he needed to get ink and his compasses. (reply Mike, any) (posted by Lori) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - CENTCOMM - YEO Lt. Mike Rosenbauer - Day 5- 0245) Mike, Sien and Chance all materialized on the local transporter Platform located in the CENTCOMM operations area amid the controlled chaos that seemed to dominate any control center, whether on a starship or on a planet. The scene was nothing new to him or chance, but he could tell that it was making an impression upon the young man standing beside him. A security officer stepped up to the platform and smiling greeted them. "Welcome back sirs. " he said happily, "Captain Salid, Commander Soma and Lieutenant Sanok are waiting for you in the central conference room." He pointed, "It's just through those doors and to the right." "Thank you." Mike said and looked to his two companions. "Well gentlemen, shall we?" (reply Sien, Raschen) Mike led the way through the doors and into the conference room, where, true to the security man's word, the three senior most officers of the Rosenante were patiently waiting for them. "Welcome back." the captain greeted them with a smile. "Is this Sien?" "Yes sir." Mike replied, "Sien this is Captain Salid. That's Commander Soma the first officer of the Rosenante, and that is Lieutenant Sanok, the ship's second officer and Chief of Security. And as I didn't have a chance to introduce you before...the man joining us is Lieutenant Raschen." (reply Sien, Raschen, Sanok, Soma) Once the introductions were complete the captain spoke again. "I'd like to hear what you've uncovered. Did you figure out who was supporting the Veil's take-over?" Mike nodded, "Chance has some solid indications. I'll let him tell you what he's found and then we can move on to what we know concerning the ambassador." "Alright, Mister Raschen?" (reply Sien, Raschen, Sanok, Soma) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - CENTCOMM - Sien - 0246) Sien had barely had time to register the new man's face before the ingling sensation had gripped him. His vision blurred and moments later he stood in a place of greater chaos than the Meeting Room's back alley on a good night. Even with all the activity, Sien could tell that it was purposed and was by no means as subterfuge-oriented as meetings behind Veiled Doors. A man wearing a black and grey uniform with a yellow shirt stepped up to the platform and smiling greeted them. "Welcome back sirs. " he said happily, "Captain Salid, Commander Soma and Lieutenant Sanok are waiting for you in the central conference room." He pointed, "It's just through those doors and to the right." "Thank you." Mike said and looked to his two companions. "Well gentlemen, shall we?" Sien, too nervous to say much, nodded and indicated that Mike should lead the way. (reply Raschen) As they passed through the new doors three new faces greeted Sien, all of whom seemed happy to see him. "Welcome back." the captain greeted them with a smile. "Is this Sien?" "Yes sir." Mike replied, "Sien this is Captain Salid. That's Commander Soma the first officer of the Rosenante, and that is Lieutenant Sanok, the ship's second officer and Chief of Security. And as I didn't have a chance to introduce you before...the man joining us is Lieutenant Raschen." Sien bobbed his head. "I am Sien, a former member of the Viel. But I have made my own choices and am choosing to stand against them... with you." Sien knew that a public statement like this, though it was presumably outside of hearing of any Veil opperatives, could make him a target to the Veil. He swallowed his fear and stood next to Mike as greetings were exchanged (reply Raschen, Sanok, Soma) Once the introductions were complete the captain spoke again. "I'd like to hear what you've uncovered. Did you figure out who was supporting the Veil's take-over?" Mike nodded, "Chance has some solid indications. I'll let him tell you what he's found and then we can move on to what we know concerning the ambassador." "Alright, Mister Raschen?" (reply Raschen, Sanok, Soma, any present) (posted by Lori) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - CENTCOMM - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - 0248) Ben looked up as the doors opened and Rosenbauer along with Raschen lead in a new face, he appeared to be nervous and unsure. His posture suggested he felt he was in danger, but not from the general dangers that were present on BA4 but something more intimate, more personal. The Captain was the first to break the silence in the room. "Welcome back." the captain greeted them with a smile. "Is this Sien?" "Yes sir." Mike replied, "Sien this is Captain Salid. That's Commander Soma the first officer of the Rosenante, and that is Lieutenant Sanok, the ship's second officer and Chief of Security. And as I didn't have a chance to introduce you before...the man joining us is Lieutenant Raschen." Sien bobbed his head. "I am Sien, a former member of the Viel. But I have made my own choices and am choosing to stand against them... with you." Ben welcomed any help offered by anyone, but part of him wondered if there was an ulterior motive present. He knew Sanok would have similar reservations, and would no doubt recommend that Sien be watched. "Welcome Sien." Ben said. "Any help you can provide will be appreciated. Once the introductions were complete the captain spoke again. "I'd like to hear what you've uncovered. Did you figure out who was supporting the Veil's take-over?" Mike nodded, "Chance has some solid indications. I'll let him tell you what he's found and then we can move on to what we know concerning the ambassador." "Alright, Mister Raschen?" Ben was interested to hear what Raschen had to say, learning who was behind the Veil could be very useful information. With that information they could contact headquarters and see what diplomatic channels they could use. If that failed they would proceed the best way they could but he hoped they could avoid further conflict with the Aquillians, their backers would be another story entirely. The Romulans and the Cardassians were never easy to deal with, both always had an inside agenda. There was also the possibility that neither were involved, that an outside party was attempting to frame either of them for their own means. (reply Raschen, Sanok, Sien, Salid, Rosenbauer) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – CENTCOMM – QM/ Strat Ops- LT Chance Raschen - 0250) Chance felt like he had been ‘rode hard and put away wet’ and looked as disheveled as he felt still wearing the same brown suit he had on when he first landed on the planet. It had been a couple of days since the shootout where he and Mike had run into Chance’s grandfather, Jackson’s step-dad, and Lanista’s father. Raschen felt like crap because he had lost track of his partner and found himself investigating who might be behind the Veil’s sudden rise to power in his own way. Fortunately, Easy Ed and Pez had helped Chance by telling him where he could begin. When Raschen finally got in touch with someone from Starfleet, he was informed that he was being beamed to the Skipper’s location. Chance materialized with Mike and another being on the local transporter Platform located in the CENTCOMM operations area amid the controlled chaos that seemed to dominate any control center, whether on a starship or on a planet. The scene was nothing new to him or Mike, but he could tell that it was making an impression upon the young man standing beside him. A security officer stepped up to the platform and smiling greeted them. "Welcome back sirs. " he said happily, "Captain Salid, Commander Soma and Lieutenant Sanok are waiting for you in the central conference room." He pointed, "It's just through those doors and to the right." "Thank you." Mike said and looked to his two companions. "Well gentlemen, shall we?" “By all means, after yawl.” the former Privateer said as he indicated for he others to go ahead of him. Mike led the way through the doors and into the conference room, where, true to the security man's word, the three senior most officers of the Rosenante were patiently waiting for them. "Welcome back." the captain greeted them with a smile. "Is this Sien?" Sien bobbed his head. "I am Sien, a former member of the Veil. But I have made my own choices and am choosing to stand against them... with you." "Yes sir." Mike replied, "Sien this is Captain Salid. That's Commander Soma the first officer of the Rosenante, and that is Lieutenant Sanok, the ship's second officer and Chief of Security. And as I didn't have a chance to introduce you before...the man joining us is Lieutenant Raschen." Raschen politely greeted everyone and shook hands before walking over to the replicator and ordering up a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich with a large glass of Chocolate Milk. Once the introductions were complete the captain spoke again. "I'd like to hear what you've uncovered. Did you figure out who was supporting the Veil's take-over?" Mike nodded, "Chance has some solid indications. I'll let him tell you what he's found and then we can move on to what we know concerning the ambassador." "Alright, Mister Raschen?" Chance took the plate and glass over and set them down on the table. Before he started his part of the brief, he took a small bit and a quick drink. It had been so long since he slowed down enough to eat anything that the sandwich and milk seemed like the most amazingly tasting things in the galaxy. Chance saw the disapproving look on his skipper’s face as he swallowed the bit of food he had taken; but his stomach had outranked the Captain at that moment in time. “Well, over the last couple of days I followed several leads that left clues showing that Intel agencies from the Klingons, Romulans, Orions, Federation, and even the Ferengi. I found that all of those trails got cold fast. Yesterday morning I stumbled across something that was highly interesting. A severed arm that had part of an armored sleeve on it; while in a artillery impact area that would be understandable, insignia is unique to the Cardassian Obsidian Order. It’s older, but still in service. I managed to get a courier’s pouch that contained electronic documentation that indicated support coming from other agencies is relatively accessible, while anything that indicated support from the Cardassians was almost non-existent. Any questions thus far? (Reply Any) (Posted by Charlie) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - CENTCOMM - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - 0252) “Well, over the last couple of days I followed several leads that left clues showing that Intel agencies from the Klingons, Romulans, Orions, Federation, and even the Ferengi.I found that all of those trails got cold fast.Yesterday morning I stumbled across something that was highly interesting.A severed arm that had part of an armored sleeve on it; while in a artillery impact area that would be understandable, insignia is unique to the Cardassian Obsidian Order.It’s older, but still in service.I managed to get a courier’s pouch that contained electronic documentation that indicated support coming from other agencies is relatively accessible, while anything that indicated support from the Cardassians was almost non-existent.Any questions thus far?" Raschen said. Ben listened as Chance gave his report, the fact that the trails grew cold so quickly was troubling. The fact that a severed arm with Obsidian Order Insignia had been would was disturbing, if the Order was involved in this somehow the situation may be even more volatile then they thought. If the Obsidian Order was behind the Veil then they could speak to the Ruling government on Cardassia all they wanted and it would do absolutely no good, the Oder was to Cardassia what Section 31 was to the Federation. "Did you have the arm examined?" Ben asked. "Can you place the operatives time of death." (reply Raschen) "See what you can find." Ben said. "If the Obsidian Order is involved things may be worse then we thought." He turned to Sien, time to see what help he could offer them. "Sien what can you tell me about the Veil's of world contacts?" He inquired. "Before the government was over thrown who was in contact with Habriii." (reply Raschen, Sien, any present) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – CENTCOMM – QM/ Strategic Ops- LT Chance Raschen - 0255) “…I managed to get a courier’s pouch that contained electronic documentation that indicated support coming from other agencies is relatively accessible, while anything that indicated support from the Cardassians was almost non-existent. Any questions thus far?" Raschen said. "Did you have the arm examined?" Ben asked. "Can you place the operative’s time of death?" Chance thought back to his time in the Irregular Federation Forces during the second Federation-Cardassian War as he took a small drink of his milk in hopes of keeping himself from saying something he shouldn’t. But the look of angered frustration washed over Raschen’s face quickly when he remembered that the Rosenante’s First Officer only had a gentleman’s view of that war. For Privateers of the time like Chance, Fed-Car War II was a long string of one horror after another. Mainly because the regular military seemed to get a kick out of using Privateers and Mercenaries as bait to draw the enemy out and then wait until one side almost wipes out the other. That way there, they could maintain bragging rights; whether it was an easy victory over the enemy or rescuing the pathetic members of the IFF from complete annihilation. This mission was causing a hornet’s nest of buried feelings and memories to come rushing back to the forefront of Raschen’s mind; anger, loyalty, distrust, and duty just to name a few. He needed to keep himself in check and remember that this is a different time. “Sir, the insignia was similar to the one worn by some of the enemy while we were under siege by the Cardassians at Ka-Rak,” Chance started saying after he swallowed the drink of milk. “I have been on the run, hiding from the Veil and their various supporters while trying to find out what I could. The last thing I needed was to be captured while carrying around a severed limb and treated as a monster and deemed a war criminal again.” (Reply Soma iyw) “Weren’t you there when I was arrested by Commander McDermott when I seized control of the Dennison before the final battle of the Civil War?” (Reply Any iyw) “Sorry sir, I’m tired, hungry, and starting to feel too old for some of this crap. I did however get complete readings on my tricorder of the arm, fabric, and the insignias. None of that information has been properly processed and investigated do to my tardy return.” "See what you can find." Ben said. "If the Obsidian Order is involved things may be worse than we thought." “Yes sir.” Chance said before returning to his seat for the remainder of the briefing and finishing his Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich. (Reply Soma, Any iyw) (Posted by Charlie) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – CENTCOMM – FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - 0257) “Sir, the insignia was similar to the one worn by some of the enemy while we were under siege by the Cardassians at Ka-Rak,” Chance started saying after he swallowed the drink of milk. “I have been on the run, hiding from the Veil and their various supporters while trying to find out what I could. The last thing I needed was to be captured while carrying around a severed limb and treated as a monster and deemed a war criminal again.” Ben could tell Chance was upset, no doubt memories from the past were resurfacing. “Weren’t you there when I was arrested by Commander McDermott when I seized control of the Dennison before the final battle of the Civil War?” He had been there but for him it was different, he hadn't been a part of the civil war at least not to the extent of his ship mates. By the time he graduated the Academy and was posted to the Dennison the War was all but over. "I remember that day." Ben replied. "I realize this must bring back certain unpleasant memories for you Lieutenant, that I can appreciate. Keep in mind we all have a job to do and we have to do what we can despite how we may feel or what it reminds us of." Coming face to face with the Borg not so long ago had been hard on him as well, but he put that aside and did his duty as best he could. It's what he had to do, he couldn't let the past consume him or things would have turned out much different. “Sorry sir, I’m tired, hungry, and starting to feel too old for some of this crap. I did however get complete readings on my tricorder of the arm, fabric, and the insignias. None of that information has been properly processed and investigated do to my tardy return.” "See what you can find." Ben said. "If the Obsidian Order is involved things may be worse than we thought." “Yes sir.” Chance said before returning to his seat for the remainder of the briefing and finishing his Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich. "Keep me apprised of your findings," Ben said. "and Chance speak with Lieutenant Jackson about some down time. I'm sure a hot meal, shower and some decent rack time is in order." (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – CENTCOMM – CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 5- 0300) Ahmed sat and listened intently as Ben and Raschen discussed his findings, particularly the discovery of the severed Cardassian Arm. The fact that it was bearing the insignia of the Obsidian Order was more than disturbing, it was outright horrifying. The Obsidian Order was an ultrasecret branch of the Cardassian military-intelligence tradition that was analogous to the federations Section 31. They were Nazi Gestapo, Section 31 and Humans for Humanity rolled into one, an effective, extremist group bent on their version of what was best for their species. Ahmed nodded at Chance's description of the events that he had dealt with, and as such, he couldn't blame the man for not remaining in possession of the arm for any length of time. "Excellent work mister Raschen," Ahmed finally satiated hen the conversation lulled. "We at least have a reasonable suspicion that the Cardassians are behind the support of the Veil. With that in mind, we need to see if we can expose them. If we can do so, perhaps we can cause them to withdraw their support and things can realign themselves." He paused for a moment. "I'd like for you to take the collected data that you brought to Commander caskie and have her perform a detailed analysis. In this way we can certify that the arm was in fact Cardassian and not some elaborate genetic modification to direct us towards the wrong people. Although I don't think this is the case, since you wondered upon the limb randomly rather than it being placed in your path. But we need to be certain if we are to send this information back to Command." (reply Raschen) Ahmed turned to Sanok. "Mister Sanok, any additional information to report based on the wreckage from the destroyed shuttle or the two bomb detonations in the refugee camps?" (reply Sanok, room for more) Finally Ahmed turned to Rosenbauer and Sien. "Okay Lieutenant, your turn to share." Mike gave him a nod and then looked to Sien. "Captain," he began, " We've good information that we may be able to uncover the location of the Ambassador by gaining access to the Viel's headquarters. The building is secured by security personnel and a transport inhibitor, so the only way in is through subterfuge and stealth. Sien has been gathering intelligence for us, and he has found a confederate who will disable one of the entry points long enough for three of us to gin entry to the facility. I'll let him give you the details." Mike nodded to Sien. (reply Sien, Sanok, Soma, Raschen) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 5, 0302) Salid said, "Mister Sanok, any additional information to report based on the wreckage from the destroyed shuttle, or the two bomb detonations in the refugee camps?" "Yes, sir," said Sanok. "After our briefing in the main refugee camp, Mister Viskhard and I went to the sabotaged shuttle to investigate. Viskhard studied the interior remains, while I search outside. I have not received a report yet from Viskhard. "The point of destroying our shuttle, while seeming to make sure there were no casualties, did not make much sense to me. If the Veil simply wanted to harass us, there are more efficient ways to do so. In any case, I exercised a standard circular search pattern, and in a pile of rubble outside a tall building several hundred meters from the blast, was a detonator. A scan revealed Cardassian DNA." Sanok paused before continuing. "With all due respect to Mister Raschen's skills and abilities, I believe the severed Cardassian arm was indeed planted for him to find. Being non-Aquillian, it would not be difficult to follow him. It would also have been possible for someone to have placed a micro-tracking device somewhere on his person. It would not surprise me if the DNA from the detonator, was a match to the arm. "It would have been a simple matter to dispose of the detonator and the arm so that neither were ever found. I also find it to be too convenient that the Obsidian Order emblem was left on the arm. Captain, I have two possible explanations. Either someone is trying to manipulate us into believing the Cardassians are behind the Veil, when in reality, they are not. The Cardassians really are behind them, and someone is trying to warn us without revealing their identity or purpose. At this point, there is insufficient evidence to determine which is true." (reply any at meeting) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5, 0310) "Yes, sir," said Sanok. "After our briefing in the main refugee camp, Mister Viskhard and I went to the sabotaged shuttle to investigate. Viskhard studied the interior remains, while I searched outside. I have not yet received a report from Viskhard." "The point of destroying our shuttle, while seeming to make sure there were no casualties, did not make much sense to me. If the Veil simply wanted to harass us, there are more efficient ways to do so. In any case, I exercised a standard circular search pattern, and in a pile of rubble outside a tall building several hundred meters from the blast, was a detonator. A scan revealed Cardassian DNA." Sanok paused before continuing. "With all due respect to Mister Raschen's skills and abilities, I believe the severed Cardassian arm was indeed planted for him to find. Being non-Aquillian, it would not be difficult to follow him. It would also have been possible for someone to have placed a micro-tracking device somewhere on his person. It would not surprise me if the DNA from the detonator, was a match to the arm." "It would have been a simple matter to dispose of the detonator and the arm so that neither were ever found. I also find it to be too convenient that the Obsidian Order emblem was left on the arm. Captain, I have two possible explanations. Either someone is trying to manipulate us into believing the Cardassians are behind the Veil, when in reality, they are not. The Cardassians really are behind them, and someone is trying to warn us without revealing their identity or purpose. At this point, there is insufficient evidence to determine which is true." Ahmed nodded. "Both are valid hypothesis. " He admitted. " Would you consider it as a quantifying fact that a Cardassian supporting the Veil would most likely not have been concerned with preventing casualties?, as they are obviously willing to support the Veil and sabotage any Federation intervention?" he asked somewhat rhetorically. "And if they were simply trying to reveal that the Cardassians were in fact involved, why not come forward rather than slink around… Unless… They themselves may be suspects and revealing themselves could derail any attempt to exonerate their involvement." He looked to those in the room with him. "Romulans?" Mike asked. "Maybe." Ahmed asked, "Is it possible?" he asked looking at Sanok. "Could the Romulans be concerned that we would suspect them, and thereby increase tensions between the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire unnecessarily? Could it be hat they are covertly attempting to point us in the right direction? Or is it more likely that they really are involved and ruing to throw off the trail?" (reply Sanok/Ben) "The latest Starfleet Intelligence brief indicates that there is a possibility that a storage of decommissioned Romulan weapons has gone missing. Is it possible that the Cardassians have stolen these weapons, provided them to the Veil and in the process possibly shifted suspicion off themselves once the weapons are found and identified? And to follow that logic, that the Romulans are here to prevent the implication that such a discovery would promote by redirecting the investigation back to the Cardassians in the first place?" Ahmed looked at those assembled. "Thoughts?" (reply Sanok, Soma, Raschen, Sien) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day 5, 0312) "Romulans?" Mike asked. "Maybe." Ahmed asked, "Is it possible?" he asked looking at Sanok. "Could the Romulans be concerned that we would suspect them, and thereby increase tensions between the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire unnecessarily? Could it be hat they are covertly attempting to point us in the right direction? Or is it more likely that they really are involved and ruing to throw off the trail?" "It's possible." Ben said. "Right now I'm not certain if we could label either the Romulans or the Cardassians as Veil supporters, we just don't have enough evidence either way. " (reply Sanok, Raschen) "The latest Starfleet Intelligence brief indicates that there is a possibility that a storage of decommissioned Romulan weapons has gone missing. Is it possible that the Cardassians have stolen these weapons, provided them to the Veil and in the process possibly shifted suspicion off themselves once the weapons are found and identified? And to follow that logic, that the Romulans are here to prevent the implication that such a discovery would promote by redirecting the investigation back to the Cardassians in the first place?" Ahmed looked at those assembled. "Thoughts?" "Is it possible that somehow both are involved?" Ben asked. "Either could be planting evidence for us to find implicating the other while keeping suspicion of themselves, I know it's an unlikely partnership but can we discount the idea. The resources of BA4 would go along way in building the military's of either or both. The Romulans don't rely on dilithium like the Cardassians but they could have another use for it." (reply Sanok, Raschen, Salid) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – CENTCOMM – QM/ Strategic Ops- LT Chance Raschen - 0315) “A scan revealed Cardassian DNA." Sanok paused before continuing. "With all due respect to Mister Raschen's skills and abilities, I believe the severed Cardassian arm was indeed planted for him to find. Being non-Aquillian, it would not be difficult to follow him. It would also have been possible for someone to have placed a micro-tracking device somewhere on his person. It would not surprise me if the DNA from the detonator, was a match to the arm." Raschen was infuriated when he heard that comment. ~Why not just flat out call me incompetent, and call it a day? ~ Chance thought as he fought the urge to jump up out of his chair and challenge his offender to a duel. But instead he uttered “Outlaw’s Rule #1 was in full affect; always expect to be caught.” Fortunately it seemed no one heard him as Sanok continued to give his briefing. "It would have been a simple matter to dispose of the detonator and the arm so that neither was ever found. I also find it to be too convenient that the Obsidian Order emblem was left on the arm. Captain, I have two possible explanations. Either someone is trying to manipulate us into believing the Cardassians are behind the Veil, when in reality, they are not. The Cardassians really are behind them, and someone is trying to warn us without revealing their identity or purpose. At this point, there is insufficient evidence to determine which is true." Ahmed nodded. "Both are valid hypothesis.” He admitted. “Would you consider it as a quantifying fact that a Cardassian supporting the Veil would most likely not have been concerned with preventing casualties?, as they are obviously willing to support the Veil and sabotage any Federation intervention?" he asked somewhat rhetorically. "And if they were simply trying to reveal that the Cardassians were in fact involved, why not come forward rather than slink around… Unless… They themselves may be suspects and revealing themselves could derail any attempt to exonerate their involvement." He looked to those in the room with him. "Romulans?" Mike asked. "Maybe." Ahmed asked, "Is it possible?" he asked looking at Sanok. "Could the Romulans be concerned that we would suspect them, and thereby increase tensions between the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire unnecessarily? Could it be that they are covertly attempting to point us in the right direction? Or is it more likely that they really are involved and ruing to throw off the trail?" "It's possible." Ben said. "Right now I'm not certain if we could label either the Romulans or the Cardassians as Veil supporters, we just don't have enough evidence either way.” Raschen couldn’t keep his mouth shut this time. “I don’t think it would be the Romulans for a couple of simple financial reasons that would make a Ferengi proud. For one, they need to boarders open in order to be covered under provisions of the Free Trade Treaties that need to be in effect in order to safely ship product on a direct route through Federation space. Secondly, because this planet is within the Cardassian’s Territory, they would be in a position to demand whatever price, items, or technology in exchange for product in order to build a bigger, stronger, and more advanced war-machine than they ever have had in the past if they gain control of this planet through Political engineering.” "The latest Starfleet Intelligence brief indicates that there is a possibility that a storage of decommissioned Romulan weapons has gone missing. Is it possible that the Cardassians have stolen these weapons, provided them to the Veil and in the process possibly shifted suspicion off themselves once the weapons are found and identified? And to follow that logic, that the Romulans are here to prevent the implication that such a discovery would promote by redirecting the investigation back to the Cardassians in the first place?" Ahmed looked at those assembled. "Thoughts?" "Is it possible that somehow both are involved?" Ben asked. "Either could be planting evidence for us to find implicating the other while keeping suspicion of themselves, I know it's an unlikely partnership but can we discount the idea. The resources of BA4 would go a long way in building the military's of either or both. The Romulans don't rely on dilithium like the Cardassians but they could have another use for it." Shaking his head in shocking realization, “Damn; the Federation has never fought a two front war like that before. Then the question gets added on; which side will the Klingons fight alongside of?” Then Chance added with a shrug of his shoulders “Though on the other hand, perhaps those Romulan weapons were purchased on the Black Market or simply stolen by spies.” (Reply any) (Posted by Charlie) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Stagin Area, Gil Navek, Day 5, 0400) Navek had been monitoring planetary communications looking for any sign of a message from Gul Matan, his last transmission told them to be ready for action once they learned the location of Alaya. Now that thier intelligence network provided that location all that was needed now was the go ahead from above. He was relieved that they could finally do something, he wasn't a fan of sitting on his hands or twiddling this thumbs. He was a soldier eand he wanted to be a part of the action. The time was passing slowly for him just sitting there and listening to routine com traffic, supply requests, private message speculating about the future and what was going to happen. Finally he got the signal he'd been waiting for, he recorded it and then set about the process of decoding it. When he finished he wasted no time running of to find Glin Lasanar, when he found him he was almost out of breath. "Glin...." He said trying to catch his breath and compose himself. "Gul Matan wants us to storm Alaya's location and free her. We are to go in with full combat gear, helmets, jammers what ever it takes to accomplish our mission. Shot first and leave the questions unanswered, and if Alaya resists we're to stun her if necessary." Navek knew his excitement was becoming increasingly apparent, he paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "Gul Matan is going to move the Kravis into a lower orbit to beam the assault team and Alaya aboard." (reply Lasanar) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV –CENTCOMM –QM/ Strategic Ops-LT Chance Raschen -0401) "Captain, may I speak real quick please?" (Reply Salid) "Sir, I have a hunch that the Veil and their 'silent partners' already know we are here. If it were me running the Veil's show, by day 4 I would have set up a blockade just outside of the planet's sensor capabilities facing the nearest opposing power. In this case, the Federation." (Reply Salid) "Sir, request a scout mission be sent." (Reply Salid, any) "Actually, I do have one more thing to add. Has anyone been keeping track of the Veil's gorillia force movements?" (Reply any) "It would behoove us to prepare the Supply Depot, and the Refugee Camp for a forthcoming seige." (Reply Salid, any) (posted by Charlie) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV -CENTCOMM -CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid -Day 5- 0405) With the meeting over and the various officers dismissed to handle other duties, Ahmed rose to head back to the ship. There was still a lot of preparation underway and time was rapidly running out. "Captain, may i speak real quick please?" "Certainly, what's on your mind lieutenant?" Ahmed asked as he gestured for Raschen to walk with him. "Sir, I have a hunch that the Veil and their 'silent partners' already know we are here. If it were me running the Veil's show, by day 4 I would have set up a blockade just outside of the planet's sensor capabilities facing the nearest opposing power. In this case, the Federation." "That's a reasonable assumption," Ahmed rationalized aloud, "although any such ships would have to belong to someone other than the Aquillians, since they have no military starships of their own. Why do you bring it up?" "Sir, I request a scout mission be sent." Ahmed shook his head. "resources are too thin, Chance. I can barely manage the current operation with the forces I have available to me. The best I can do is request the Skorr undertake a scouting operation." He explained. It was apparent however that Raschen had something else on his mind as well. "What else is bothering you?" he asked. "Actually, I do have one more thing to add. Has anyone been keeping track of the Veil's guerrilla force movements?" "As much as possible, but intelligence on their movements has been spotty at best." Ahmed replied, "do you have reason to believe there is a military force in route?" "It would behoove us to prepare the Supply Depot, and the Refugee Camp for a forthcoming siege." Chance replied. "A siege?" Ahmed repeated, "You do you honestly believe that the veil would undertake military operations against the camp with the Skorr present? That would be akin to suicide for them." (reply Raschen) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV –CENTCOMM –QM/ Strategic Ops-LT Chance Raschen -0420) As the briefing was concluded and everyone present left to attend to their duties, Chance turned to Tom just as they were turning away from the table. "Tom, you have a second?" (Reply Jackson) "Down on the in the club when Mike and I got here, I wound up meeting Pez." (Reply Jackson iyw) "He was there with my grandpa, and Lanista's dad." (Reply Jackson) "I'm not totally sure, but I suggest you talk to him. Ed might have gotten some parenting advise in those ears of his." (Reply Jackson) (Reply Salid, Jackson, any) (Posted by Charlie) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, ACMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser, Day 5, 0503) Yawning, Tayla stretched and rubbed her eyes. The last few hours had been spent analysing the dna fragments that she had found at the crash site and comparing them with the known DNA of the crew and the aquillians that had been in the area at the time. Reaching for a cup of coffee, she began to think back on everything that had happened since they had been on this planet. The initial start of the mission and then, the bombings. Everthing had gone to hell quickly and there had been so much death and injury that she had been thankful for her implant keeping her empathic side in check. Since attacking Parker in Sickbay, the implant had felt like a weight on her soul but now, it felt like a light load. Not a heavy one that made her conscious of herself and how people saw her, but a help and assistance to keep her tacking straight and true. Since the implant had been there, it had given her time to think about things and she had begun to realise that she had an important decision to make. That along with the possibility of the trial of her old captain weighed heavily on her as she sipped the hot java and felt it awaken her mind and body. Turning back to her console, she began to read the results as they came through and her heart sank. The DNA results had revealed something unusual and a little unexpected. Tapping her combadge, she said, "Fraiser to Salid.” (Reply Salid) “Sir, I’ve found something at the crash site that i think you need to see. I’d rather not discuss it on open comms. Could you come to my location?” (Reply Salid) “Thankyou, Fraiser out.” Looking down at the results, she sighed and said, outloud, “Oh this is just a mess.” (Reply Salid, Any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ---------- (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering, LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 5 - 0531) "Definitely Romulan in origin, but the wave carrier is slightly different. Notice the amplification wave patter. Its a full megahertz higher than what we typically see in Romulan transmissions. That could be because of the relay network itself imposing a natural resonance or simply a method to clear up the transmission because of the relay encryption. Either way, its Romulan." said Matrix. "The computer has finished its analysis and its not showing anything different that we expected. The relay points are here, here and three in that section. Clearly identified in yellow." explained Lieutenant Cohen. "These are definitive then." said Matrix with a frown. Peter turned, "Why the hesitation? Heuristics don't lie Steve." continued Peter. "I just want to be 100% on this. This information could change things. The Captain will want assurances…but we have it." said Matrix. "Coffee black." said Peter aloud. The food replicator churned up two large cups of black coffee. Peter handed one to Matrix and sat down in the seat across from the chief engineer. Peter continued, "What do you want to say about the outlier?" "Just that its an outlier. Sensors didn't detect anything and we tore those arrays apart just to be sure. I'll leave that to the Captain and the FO." replied Matrix. Matrix tapped his commbadge. =^= Matrix to Captain Salid. We've completed our analysis and I've sent it to your login. Its definitive Captain. No doubt about it. =^= (Reply Salid) =^= Sir, there is one other thing…the analysis detailed a few outliers in the communications relay. Data indicates a relay in orbit about the planet. =^= continued Matrix. (Reply Salid) =^= Understood Captain. Matrix out. =^= (Reply Salid, any) (Posted by Steve) ---------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge, CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 5 - 0535) =^= Matrix to Captain Salid. We've completed our analysis and I've sent it to your log-in. Its definitive Captain. No doubt about it. =^= "Understood Chief. I'll pass the information to Intelligence and we should start focusing on a means to locate the Romulan assets in the area." Ahmed replied, "You and your people have done an amazing job Steve, keep up the good work." =^= Sir, there is one other thing…the analysis detailed a few outliers in the communications relay. Data indicates a relay in orbit about the planet. =^= continued Matrix. Ahmed's eyebrow perked skyward, it was a bit unexpected, considering that Romulan ships rarely liked to cloak so close to a planet since there would be detectable interference of the planet's electromagnetic sheath or solar wind corona that could be used to pinpoint the cloaked source. "Send me that data Chief, and see what you can do to prep some of the multi-vectored sensor package to create a net to see if we can flush out our Romulans." =^= Understood Captain. Matrix out. =^= Ahmed sighed quietly as the channel closed. It seemed that the situation was becoming even more murky. The constant point and counterpoint involved in the cloak-and-dagger operations on this world were beginning to give him a headache. There were signs of Cardassian involvement, and signs of Romulan involvement, and one or either could be a screen for the other. Ahmed understood well enough that either the Tal'Shiar or the Obsidian Order were fully capable of running a multi-layered misdirection and espionage operation. It was a difficult thing to admit to himself, but after nearly a week, he still wasn't any closer to knowing who was supporting the Veil, then he was at the outset of the mission. It was a frustrating reality and it was rapidly becoming evident that despite his best efforts that things were about to devolve to the point that he wouldn't be able to unravel any of the mystery remaining. Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp, Ambassador Dralar- Day 5, 0600) Dralar watched out the window of the Skorr shuttlecraft as the vehicle maneuvered to land at the location that they had been cleared for. The signs of the explosions just the day before were still prevalent and clearly marked by the blackened edges of the blast zone. The vegetation had fared no better than the people that had been injured and the clear demarcation where the fireball had ended was a stark reminder of the events that had taken place less than a full day ago. The Skorr pilot brought the shuttle into a slow spin as they hovered, allowing the Ambassador to see the shiny new structures that had been erected to replace those that had been damaged or destroyed in the blasts. The vehicle began a slow descent, maintaining the slow spiral and allowing Dralar to identify the obvious demarkation of the various sections of the camp. Some one had the foresight to use the Skorr military officers that he had sent down yesterday as internal security rather than as perimeter guards. While Dralar had no doubts that the Skorr assigned here were professionals, he knew all too well the hot-tempers that lived just below the surface. It made them ideal warriors, but no so much when it came to security guards. Every Skorr was raised to exhaust military, scientific and artistic accomplishment. While left diplomacy and politics somewhat underestimated and lacking in skilled professionals, but it made for a strong social fabric among the Skorr. They were more than anything else, a social flock. The individual's task was service to the whole species, not to themselves and millennia of evolution and the social strengthening of that aspect of society had bound the Skorr together in ways that other species rarely understood. The shuttle touched down on the surface of Beta Aquillia IV with a barely noticeable settling of the craft as the engine power was cut. The pilot turned and regarded the ambassador for a moment before stating in a clear tone, "We have arrived Ambassador. It is safe to disembark." Dralar bobbed his head and gave a cluck of acknowledgment. "Thank you. It was a very pleasant flight." The pilot nodded happily, since Dralar's compliment was one of the highest that could be given to a pilot in the Skorr fleet. "I will run through the preflight and prepare to for any return flight. When you are ready to return to the Worldripper, please just return here, I would be honored to fly you back to the ship." "Thank you. I shall." Dralar replied as he disconnected his restraint. he rose to his full height and moved over to the slowly opening hatch. The sun was bright on Beta Aquillia IV, brighter than on any other planet he had been on, except for Alpha Orianas. There were a few clouds in the sky, and Dralar thought that it would be a good day to take a flight if it wasn't so dangerous. A skorr soldier on the wing would be easily spotted in this city and would be a very tempting target for any one that had a mind to further sabotage the events taking place on this world. Today, Dralar was in a more utilitarian uniform, devoid of the majority of his accolades. he wore only his torque of office so that the other Skorr here would recognize him. otherwise he looked very much like any other Skorr soldier, complete with the battle lance that the Skorr soldiers carried. He wanted to see commander Caskie today. he had a concern and as she was the Chief medical officer on the Rosenante, any request that he had to make had to go through her first and foremost where the department was concerned. Besides he had not seen her for some time and he missed her wit. in addition he wanted a candid evaluation of the situation from her viewpoint. Captain Salid would be too concerned playing the diplomat to be completely frank with him, and Soma would be similar, but Josh had always been brutally frank with him on all matters and it was for that frankness that he was drawn to speak with her. He made his way tot he building that was most likely the medical bay. Hoping that he wasn't confused by the seemingly disorganized milling of people as they moved along the various paths through and around the various buildings. He stepped through the open hatch and was pleased to see that the building he had selected was indeed the building he had thought it to be. "Excuse me." he began speaking to one of the medical personnel inside the door. "Is commander Caskie here?" he asked, "Would you let her know that Dralar would like to speak with her if she has the time?" (reply Medical) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Emergency Sickbay - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 5 - 0602) Josh had slept for a good five hours since Kitty had made sure she had. Waking refreshed she was just about to get up when a knock sounded on the door, Telling whoever it was to come in she recognised one of the newer Med Tech. Stumbling over his word since he wasn't entirely sure who took precedence, he finally managed to inform Josh that Ambassador Dralar was waiting to speak to her. Josh smiled at him. "Please tell the Ambassador that I will be there shortly. Managing a quick wash and putting on a clean set of scrubs that someone had left out for her she emerged into the main sickbay and crossed to the Ambassador. Bowing, she smiled at him. "Mr Ambassador it's a pleasure to see you again. Waiting for him to reply Josh grinned at him. "I can't tell you how much I have missed you my friend. But given our circumstances I am fairly sure you are not here to catch up for old times sake so what can I do for you?" (Reply Dralar) (Posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Kravis, Bridge, Gul Matan , Day 5, 0605) Matan had sent word for Lasanar to proceed to Alaya's location and break her out of her captivity. If his plan was going to work he needed her on the outside, Habrii was no longer holding up to his end. The Federation ship was still in orbit and there were still Federation officers on the ground, this was not what Matan had envisioned. He had planned that no Federation personnel would remain on BA4 by now and his goal would aquired, so far neither had happened and he was growing impatient. He ordered the Kravis into a lower orbit, he assumed that at some point the Rosenante would attempt to set up some way to detect cloaked vessels. He had done what he could to implicate the Romulan's so if Starfleet wanted to expose them they would need some kind of detection system designed to reveil a cloaked ship. He had been informed that a meteor shower would soon enter the system and some of the meteors would enter the planets atmosphere, he had ordered his helmsman to follow those meteors into the atmosphere effectively disguising their decent should anyone be watching. Moments later he had been notified that the meteor shower would occur over the planets northern pole, an uninhabited region of the planet which meant it was unlikely anyone would notice. The Kravis was maneuvered into position and waited for the show to begin, Matan settled into his center seat and waited for the word from the surface. Soon he would have a face to face meeting with Alaya, how that proceeded was to be seen but one thing he knew was that she would stick to her guns. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Near Ayala's imprisonment Cell - 0606) Gambra was sitting against a flat rock doing some thinking. His world had been turned upside down. His government had, forr all purposes, ceased to exist. He munched absentmindedly on a combat ration. -What do I do~ Gambra wondered? He troops were asking the same question of him. Gambra was sure of one thing. Alaya needed to be punished severely. He had an idea forming in the back of his mind. He needed to be sure of who was with him and who wasn't. His platoon of security forces were trained in security but not assault. Their stock in trade was stealth, surprise and speed. . Gambra signaled to his old friend fellow csmpainger a talk and rugged looking man named Cadrill. The giant man walked to his friend and simply said "Yes?". "Sit my friend. We gave much to discuss" Gambra replied. The two friends sat. Cadrill eyed his friend. He knew when Gambra was deeply troubled. Gambra was certainly that as Cadrill looked at his friend. Gambra chose his words carefully. "My old friend I have something to ask you. This is between you and I" Gambra stated. Cadrill nodded silently and continued eating his ration. Gambra composed his thoughts. " Alaya deserves to die for her actions. Our world has become a toy to be tossed between the major powers. We have to decide our own path my friend" Gambra said. Cadrill turned his words over in his mind. " I agree my friend. What's on your mind Gambra"?. "She deserves to be judged by we Beta Aquillians and not any out worlders." Gambra said crushing his glass. Cadrill was shocked. His friend was normally quiet and reserved. "Gambra - what do you purpose? " Cadrill asked. " We capture her and try her in a peoples council my friend" Gambra replied. Cadrill thought and replied " Let it be as you say. When do we begin?". Gambra thought silently and responded " We need to make sure of those we chose to use in this" Gambra replied. "Agreed" Cadrill responded. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Bill W.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp, Ambassador Dralar- Day 5, 0615) Dralar wondered around the medical bay, intrigued as he was by the amount of resources that the Federation always put into medical research. It was an often neglected science on Skoria, although it was by no means obsolete. There were simply some illnesses and injuries that his people preferred not to treat. In those cases, death was often a more desirable outcome and had become a social norm. Certain combat injuries and debilitating illnesses fell into that category. Dralar saw caskie enter the sickbay out of the corener of his eye and turned to face her as she reached him. " mr. Ambassador, " she began, " It's a pleasure to see you again." "And a pleasure to see you again also." Dralar replied in kind. "I can't tell you how much I missed you my friend. But given our circumstances I am fairly sure you are not here to catch up for old times sakes. So what can I do for you?" Dralar gave her a happy chuckle, which sounded more like a cluck to humans. "Perceptive as always Commander." he said with a slight bob of his head, "I am hear to ask a favor of your department." (reply Caskie) "If we locate my brother, the kidnapped Ambassador, we will most assuredly send in a rescue team. As you are well aware, Skorr medical personnel are not combatants, but I have seen in my time in starfleet the need for a medical officer with such a team. I know that you have Doctor Fisher with you. I would like to make a request that she accompany any rescue team that be sent to rescue my brother. I think it would be better if he were treated for any injuries rather than be transported with them and risk a more serious condition." (reply Caskie) "You realize this is not a common thing among the Skorr and Doctor Fisher would possibly need to accompany Skorr soldiers into conflict and that could be a brutal experience to witness for humans?" (reply Caskie) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – imprisonment Cell – Lt Alaya - 0616) Having slept fitfully, Alaya yawned and tried to stretch only to be painfully reminded where she was. As everything that had happened crashed into her mind, she heard a noise outside her cell. Scrunching her eyes closed and then opened them trying to make sure she was awake and fully ready for another round of questioning. A face appeared in the small window of the door of her cell that she didn’t recognise and that confused her even more. ~Who in the hell is this now? What more do they want from me?~ she thought to herself as the face disappeared. Tiredness was beginning to fill her and her earlier fervour, whilst still there, was beginning to wane. Suddenly, the door to her cell was flung open and a man walked through it, saying, “Lieutenant, there is a group of people outside that are looking to break you out of here but only to try you elsewhere.” Confusion now reigned through her as she replied, “What? That... Wait, who in the hell are you?” Smiling at her as he began to undo her restraints, he said, “A friend and follower of your cause. Believe me, Lieutenant, when i say there are more of us than the government or the Federation believe.” As the last of her restraints was released, Alaya sprung from her chair, wrapping an arm around the man’s throat and pushed him up against the wall of her cell. As he struggled against her, she growled, “Why should i believe you? What proof can you give me of your claims?” Gasping, the mysterious stranger reached into his pocket with a free hand and said, “I can show you the proof you require.” He slapped something onto her shoulder and, suddenly, the world began to dissolve as Alaya howled in frustration. (posted by Jackie) ---------- (Kravis – Transporter Room – Lt Alaya – 0618) As the strange surroundings came into focus, Alaya suddenly became aware that there were more people around her. Moving around the back of the man she had wrapped her arms around, she pulled him close to her and yelled, “Who are you? Where the hell am i?” (Reply Matan, any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp - Emergency Sickbay - CMO Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 5 - 0619) Josh hear the Ambassador chuckle before he continued. "Perceptive as always Commander. I am hear to ask a favor of your department." Josh grinned at him. "Ask away then, if we can help you know we will Sir." "If we locate my brother, the kidnapped Ambassador, we will most assuredly send in a rescue team. As you are well aware, Skorr medical personnel are not combatants, but I have seen in my time in starfleet the need for a medical officer with such a team. I know that you have Doctor Fisher with you. I would like to make a request that she accompany any rescue team that be sent to rescue my brother. I think it would be better if he were treated for any injuries rather than be transported with them and risk a more serious condition." Josh nodded her head. Given what had happened and who was missing Josh had pretty much figured out what the Ambassador's request would be when she was told he was here to see her so it didn't come as much of a surprise. "Firstly Ambassador I would like to thank you for coming to me with your request first. You and I both know Kitty well and we both know that she will agree. You could have gone straight to her and the two of you could have blind sided me. I appreciate it that you didn't and I will agree as long as she does. Secondly, I have one request to make of you. I would like you to assign one of your team to protect her during the rescue mission. The last thing you or I need at present is to have to explain to the Captain how Kitty managed to get injured or worse." (Reply Dralar) "You realize this is not a common thing among the Skorr and Doctor Fisher would possibly need to accompany Skorr soldiers into conflict and that could be a brutal experience to witness for humans?" Josh nodded her head. "I do understand Dralar and you know as well as I do that Kitty spent a year on Skorria studying your medical practices. She probably more than anyone understands that your beaks and claws aren't just vestigal and are used in combat. To be honest, even if she wasn't well versed in Skorrian medical techniques Kitty would be the one I would send." (reply Dralar iyw) Would you like me to call her here now so that you can speak to her or would you prefer her to contact you for details later?" (Reply Dralar) (Posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Kravis – Transporter Room – Gul Matan – 0621) Matan received word that all was ready and had the Kravis moved into position and waisted no time heading into the transporter room to greet the new arrival, he also had a small team of armed guards waiting just in case things didn't go as planned. Moments later they received the signal and he order the transporter engaged, seconds later the transport was complete and a bewildered and confused Aquilian was standing on the pad holding a somewhat shaken man. As soon as she realized what happened to her she moved behind her captive but didn't release her hold despite several disruptors pointed at her. “Who are you? Where the hell am i?” She yelled. Matan stepped forward a couple steps holding his hands at shoulder height none aggressively, a slight smile was growing on his face. "Come my dear," He said in an even tone. "your among friends." To show his sincerity he lowered one of his arms and when it was waist level he motioned for the guards to lower their weapons and stand down. "I have no intention of harming you Alaya." He stated. "I'm Gul Matan and your aboard the Kravis, currently twelve thousand kilometers above and five hundred kilometers north of your previous location." Matan lowered his other arm and took another step forward. "If you'd kindly release your captive I'll have my guards leave and we can discuss your future options." He said. "I believe you've come to suspect Habrii's sincerity more than I." (reply Alaya) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp, Ambassador Dralar- Day 5, 0622) "Firstly Ambassador I would like to thank you for coming to me with your request first. You and I both know Kitty well and we both know that she will agree. You could have gone straight to her and the two of you could have blindsided me. I appreciate it that you didn't and I will agree as long as she does. Secondly, I have one request to make of you. I would like you to assign one of your team to protect her during the rescue mission. The last thing you or I need at present is to have to explain to the Captain how Kitty managed to get injured or worse." "Of course. I will have her well protected. The men on the rescue team would prefer die before letting any harm come to her." Dralar replied with a bob of his head. "You realize this is not a common thing among the Skorr and Doctor Fisher would possibly need to accompany Skorr soldiers into conflict and that could be a brutal experience to witness for humans?" "Brutal is an understatement Commander. We believe in complete warfare when we fight. We seek just as much to maim our opponents as kill them." he replied honestly. "It practically acts as its own form of martial deterrent for those that would seek to harm our people." Josh nodded her head. "I do understand Dralar and you know as well as I do that Kitty spent a year on Skorria studying your medical practices. She probably more than anyone understands that your beaks and claws aren't just vestigial and are used in combat. To be honest, even if she wasn't well versed in Skorr medical techniques Kitty would be the one I would send." "It is because of her experiences there, that I felt she would be best suited for the task I have in mind. She impressed several members of the Royal medical academy and that is a difficult task to accomplish. In addition to her mind, she is also I believe the phrase is 'ripcord tough', which makes her an ideal candidate." "Would you like me to call her here now so that you can speak to her or would you prefer her to contact you for details later?" "I would speak with her now if that is possible." Dralar replied, "I am pleased that you have agreed to let me ask her for assistance." (reply Caskie) Daniel Greene ---------- (Kravis – Transporter Room – Lt Alaya – 0623) One of the Cardassians stepped forward, his arms in what she knew was a non-threatening stance. Noting the smile growing on his face, Alaya felt her eyes narrow as he spoke, "Come my dear, you are amongst friends." He lowered one of his arms and then gestured for the others to lower their weapons. "I have no intention of harming you Alaya. I'm Gul Matan and your aboard the Kravis, currently twelve thousand kilometers above and five hundred kilometers north of your previous location." He lowered his other arm and took another step forward. "If you'd kindly release your captive I'll have my guards leave and we can discuss your future options." He said. "I believe you've come to suspect Habrii's sincerity more than I." Glaring at him, Alaya replied, low and even, “What guarantee do i have that you won’t open fire on me the moment i let this one go?” (Reply Matan) ~Either he’s a good liar or he’s telling the truth. One way or the other, i’m going to have to do something here.~ she thought to herself as he spoke. After a moment, she released the man she had held and said, “Tell me, Gul Matan.... What do you want?” (Reply Matan) “And what happens if i say no?” (Reply Matan) Thinking about his answer for a moment, Alaya stepped forward and said, “Then let’s talk.” (Reply Matan, Any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ========== Compiled by Bob B.