Veil of the Sky, Compile 19 ========== Mission: Veil of the Sky Day 5 Stardate: 2414.04.26 ========== (Beta Aquillia IV - Refugee Camp - Day 5 - 0624) (Kravis – Transporter Room –Gul Matan – 0625) (Kravis – Transporter Room –Gul Matan and Lt. Alaya – 0627) (Beta Aquillia IV, President's Office, President Habrii, Day 5, 0700) (Beta Aquillia IV, President's Office, Sergeant Gambra, Day 5, 0702) ( Presendial Offices - Sergeant Gambril Day 5 0708) (USS Rosenante, Sickbay – Sec/Tac Ensign Blake Turner - 0713) (USS Rosenante, Sickbay – aCSO Viskhard - 0714) (USS Rosenante, Sickbay – Ensign Blake Turner - 0717) (USS Rosenante, Sickbay – aCSO Lt. jg. Viskhard - 0719) (USS Rosenante, Sickbay – Sec/Tac Ensign Blake Turner - 0722) (USS Rosenante, Sickbay – aCSO Lt. jg Viskhard - 0724) (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, Operative Tzir, Day 5, 0950) (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 5, 0951) ( Beta Aquillia IV - Veil Outpost -ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 5 - 0957) (Beta Aquillia IV - Veil Outpost - 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok - Day 5 - 0959) (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day 5, 1000) (Beta Aquillia IV - Veil Outpost -ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 5 - 1003) (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, CEO, LCDR Steven Matrix, Day 5, 1004) (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 5, 1005) (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 5, 1008) (USS Rosenante - Bridge, CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 5 - 1200) (USS Rosenante - Bridge, COPS - LT. Tom Jackson -Day 5 - 1203) (USS Rosenante – Bridge- QM/Strat Ops- LT Chance Raschen - 1210) (USS Rosenante - Bridge – CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid -Day 5 1212) (Beta Aquillia IV - Outside Presidential Office – Lt Alaya – Day 5 - 1303) (Beta Aquillia IV - Presidential Office – Sergeant Gambra - Day 5 - 1305) (Beta Aquillia IV - Presidential Office – President Habrii – Day 5 - 1308) (USS Rosenante - Bridge, CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 5 - 1315) (USS Rosenante - Cargo Bay 3 – Lt Tom Jackson - COPS -Day 5 1323) (USS Rosenante - Bridge – CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid -Day 5 1326) ========== (Beta Aquillia IV - Refugee Camp - Day 5 - 0624) 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." Josh grinned at Dralar and laughed. "Do you really think she would let me refuse Ambassador? I'll have her paged. She should be here shortly and the term I believe you are looking for regarding Kitty is, 'As tough as old boots.'" NRPG: Daniel, I an not going to post to Kitty for this. Given the time we have left I am just going to move on to you next post) (No reply needed) (Posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Kravis – Transporter Room –Gul Matan – 0625) 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?” Matan took another step forward and was now just a couple feet from her, his smile was quite evident at this point. The Aquilian before was behaving not unlike a cornered animal, she was very suspicious and would do what she had to in order to protect herself. "I assure you if I wanted to shot you your captive wouldn't offer you any protection, call it an acceptable loss if you wish." Matan stated. "I really have to desire to harm you, quite the opposite actually." After a moment, she released the man she had held and said, “Tell me, Gul Matan.... What do you want?” Matan turned slightly and nodded to his guards, he told Alaya he would have his guards leave if she released her cative and he wanted to do what he could to gain her trust. "I want to help you accomplish your goal." He said, smile never fading. "To make Beta Aquillia Four free of the Federation and other outsiders and once again ruled by it's own people." “And what happens if i say no?” Matan chuckled a little at that. "I could always send you back to your cell and let Habrii put you on trial." He stated. "Your a threat to him so in some kind of accident he'd have you killed, I'd prefer that didn't happen." Thinking about his answer for a moment, Alaya stepped forward and said, “Then let’s talk.” Matan nodded. "I thought as much." He turned to his right a little and gestured towards the door. "How about we talk in a more private location." He said. "Can I offer you something to eat or drink, I don't imagine you got much of a selection from your jailers." (reply Alaya) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Kravis – Transporter Room –Gul Matan and Lt. Alaya – 0627) "How about we talk in a more private location." Matan said. "Can I offer you something to eat or drink, I don't imagine you got much of a selection from your jailers." He didn't know how other races dealt with prisoners but Cardassians didn't cater to their every whim, they got fed when ever someone got around to it. Prisoners of the Obsidian Order were lucky if they survived long enough to get hungry, most didn't survive the interrogations for more than a dozen hours or so. Watching for any signs of deceit, Alaya nodded and said, "water will be fine." Following the man out of the room, a thought struck her, "Tell me, Gul Matan, what do you hope to gain by helping me?" Matan knew this would come up sooner or later, it was unavoidable. Turning to her still smiling he replied. "Having the Federation leave this sector and to have them no longer receiving the resources of this planet is of great interest to me." Matan gestured for her to take the next turn, at the end of the corridor was a turbolift. Following his direction, Alaya turned and walked down the corridor. ~Something isn’t right here. Why would he offer to do this and not want anything in return?~ she thought to herself as they walked to the doors at the end of the corridor. As they reached the door, she stopped and said, “Why is the federation leaving of great interest to you?” Matan knew Alaya had her suspicions, to be honest he'd be worried if she didn't. He didn't want another mindless soldier to blindly follow orders and think of nothing else, Alaya was strong willed and not someone to be underestimated like himself. "Let's just say this sector has caught the attention of my people and the Federation presence here has made our plans unobtainable to date." He replied. Taking in his answer as they stepped into the lift, Alaya leant against the wall as the door closed and regarded this man who had pulled her out of her worst nightmare. Even though she was greatful, there was still something that she wasn’t sure of. As the lift doors closed, she took the oppertunity and moved quickly, pushing him up against the wall of the lift and holding her right arm into his throat and growled, “Tell me the truth. Why do you want to help me because if i get any hint of anything i don’t like, this is over. Do you understand me?” Though the pressure on this throat was uncomfortable it wasn't quite painful, Cardassians had much stronger necks then most humanoids and it would take more force to cause damage then Alaya was applying. Whether that was intentional or not wasn't clear but Matan wasn't surprised by her action and though all of his training and instincts told him to free himself and break her arm he resisted the temptation, he wanted her as an ally not an enemy. "Very well my dear." He replied. "In exchange for my help you would owe me a small favor, one that I would collect in the future. Unlike the Federation there will be no Cardassian Embassy established nor would there be a permanent presence." He reached over and hit the control to send the lift on it's way, in a couple seconds the door would open and several armed guards would be waiting on the other side. "Now," He said smile still present. "you have about two seconds to release your hold before that door opens and several guards see you attacking their Gul. I would prefer to continue our discussion now rather than having to wait several hours for you to regain consciousness. " She could feel her eyes narrowing as she knew he spoke some truth. Having spent most of the last few hours unconscious, it was something that she did not wish to revisit. With a breath, she pulled away from him and said, “I don’t trust you. Not at all and i really don’t like being lied to.” Matan understood what she was saying and where she was coming from, no one liked being lied to but he didn't have much of a choice right now. All things came with time and he needed to gain her trust so if that meant giving in a little he would. "I apologize if you feel I've mislead you in some way Alaya." Matan said. "As I said the Cardassians have taken an interest in this sector and riding the Federation from it. We saw an opportunity and took advantage of the situation, we share the Veil's views and are alike in many ways." “I think you need to tell me exactly what you have planned.” "All in good time my dear." He replied as the doors opened and he stepped out nodding to the guards. "My cabin is this way, we can continue there and I'll do what I can to answer your questions to the extent of my ability." Nodding, Alaya existed the lift. Looking at the guards, she turned back to Matan and said, “Do you need them now?” Matan chuckled again. "I've found it's best to be prepared for anything." He replied. "Let's not forget the Rosenante and the Worldripper that's in orbit." Walking towards the door, another thought struck her. ~If he wants something in return, i need to keep him on side. Then, when the moment’s right....~ A smile crept across her face as they stepped into Matan's cabin. The smile stayed there as the doors shut behind them. Standing there, the view from the window caught her eye. Walking towards it, the view took her breath away as she said, “Is that....?” Matan realized this was likely the first time she saw her home planet from space, walking over to stand just behind her he said. "BA4, yes. Impressive isn't it, I find nothing puts things into perspective like this. Lets us know how small we really are the the grand scheme of things." “Oh yes.....” The view was spectacular. Like nothing she had ever seen before and it took her a moment to gather herself. Turning to face the cardassian behind her, she said, “And all that would be mine?” Matan's smile didn't falter, it may even have grown slightly. "Yes my dear." He said. "All you see before you would be yours to reign over as you saw fit." Glancing back to the spectacular blue orb hanging in the starry sky, she sighed and said, “Then tell me, Gul Matan. What do we do?” Matan stepped over to the replicator and got Alaya's water and then returned to stand beside her as he passed her the glass. "First we would have to overthrow Habrii so you can claim leadership of the Veil." He said. "Hiding behind politics is not going to get you what you want, Habrii is bending to the Federation and is losing his resolve. Soon he'll be nothing more than another Federation puppet, jumping whenever they say so." He then turned to face her, his smile now gone. "Your going to have to force the Federation from your planet Alaya, they won't go without some kind of fight so we'll need to be prepared for that." Noting the change in his face, she met his gaze and said, “My dear Gul, who do you think ordered the bombing of the camp? I want those federation scum off my planet and i will do whatever it takes.” Matan's smile immediately returned and he let out a brief laugh. "That my dear is precisely why I pulled you out of that cell." He said. "You have the resolve to do what is required to achieve your goals, that's something we have in common and Habrii lacks." Matan then crossed over to his desk and activated the monitor which brought up a topographical map of the surface of BA4, at it's center was Atlantis station. "Once we've dealt with Habrii we should assault Atlantis station, the Federation is using this as their main staging area." He continued. "If we take that from them they'll be forced to move elsewhere, with the Veil in control of most of the other major complexes on the surface they'll have few options." Matan turned to face Alaya again grinning. "My sources inform me that you have a history with Atlantis' owner." He stated. "Maybe this will give you an advantage." A smile crept over her face as she nodded and replied, “Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to take that creature’s pride and joy and make it my own.” Pausing for a second, she continued, “But dealing with Habrii must come before i can have a little fun. That i can assist you with.” (reply none) (posted by Milo and Jackie) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, President's Office, President Habrii, Day 5, 0700) Habriss stood in front of the mirror looking that the face that he had carried with him his entire life, and wondering when he had stopped recognizing it. The water ran freely from the small spigot and flowed done the drain into the nether. Alaya's betrayal had made him almost envious of the water that escaped so easily from captivity. Of course, his captivity was self imposed, a grim determination that had been born out of frustration with the conditions that he had imagined the federation had been responsible for. Now, he wasn't so certain. The people of Beta Aquillia were almost as much to blame for their situation as the federation had been. Certainly, neither side was free of the corruption that had caused so much potential wealth to leave the planet. The riches that flowed back into the populous had been concentrated into the hands of so few, while the majority of the people had been forced to labor for minimal returns. he had thought that becoming president would solve all the issues by finally giving a hand to the voice of his reforms, but he had been sorely disappointed to learn that ruling wasn't as idyllic as he had dreamed it to be. Instead of being hailed a hero and openly accepted by the masses as a savior of his race, he had instead been forced to fight a short, but bloody military coup, to acquiesce to Cardassian assistance and now to deal with being betrayed by the one person that he had never expected. Habrii, plucked a few dry scales from his face as he contemplated his next move. With Alaya gone, it was almost as if he had cut of his right arm. Granted in Aquillians they always grew back, but it always took a very long time. how he could be so foolish as to trust her, knowing her intense hatred for the Federation was beyond him, yet somehow he had thought he could forge the heat of that hatred into a useful tool, with unwavering dedication and loyalty. He had only been partially right, the dedication was there, if not misguided, but the loyalty, it had been burned out like so much slag from her soul. Now he had to decide what he should do with her. Trial was an option, but one that would threaten the very legitimacy of his own rule, so not a political option, at least not until he could consolidate his position and purge the Veil of her fanatic followers. There was execution, but Habrii couldn't bring himself to consider the act, at least not yet. there was too much history between them, years in secret training camps to become the people they were today. Disappearance was likewise not an option, it would just make him feel guilty, and exile was too dangerous. The only option would be to follow Tzorn's advice and turn her over to the Federation as a criminal. There was no other option left open to him that he could even consider. She would be imprisoned, far from here and unable to act on Beta Aquillia. By the time she was released, Habrii would have eliminated her supporters and consolidated his power base beyond reproach. He sighed deeply, unhappy with the decision he had just made, although he had no other alternatives. "Damn you Alaya, why did you have to be so rash?" he asked the open air, "why couldn't you have trusted me?" He picked up a towel and dried his face. He replaced the towel on it's hanger and turned of the flow of water, grimly noting that once again it was a prisoner to someone else's whims. He could empathize. He turned and made his way across the small apartment that was adjacent to the office and moved into the larger room that comprised his inner sanctum. He hadn't left the safety of the presidential office and government building since the coup had been successful. it was an irony that he felt so secure in the one place that his predecessor had fled in fear. He had just settled into the leather chair behind his desk, when the door buzzed and then opened swiftly. Zhinn, the head of his presidential security team and Gambra one of the most trusted of Zhinn's men entered in a hurry. There was something serious bothering Zhinn, although Habrii had no idea what it may be. "What is it?" Habrii rose, placing the palms of his hands on the desk top to lend him leverage to his suddenly too old bones. "It's Alaya, " Zhinn replied, "she's escaped." "Escaped?!?" Habrii replied, a sense of immediate dread filling him. "Yes, it seems she was beamed out of her cell, someone disabled the transport inhibitor just long enough to extract her." Zhinn explained. Habrii dropped into his seat, allowing the natural force of gravity to direct his fall. "How long ago?" he asked. "About an hour now. We have secured the building on the off-chance she had performed a site-to-site transport with the intention of attacking you, but she is not to be found here. She left the site." Habrii nodded. "I understand." he said quietly. "What is it?" Zhinn asked. "Cardassians." Habrii replied, it was clear he was concerned. "Cardassians?" Zhinn inquired almost as if he was echoing Habrii's words. "Yes, they have been supporting our coup in return for our agreement to expel the Federation from this world. A goal we already desired. I suspect they no longer believe i will uphold my end of the bargain." Habrii explained. "They want a puppet." Zhinn added. "Yes," Habrii agreed with a nod of his head, "and now they have one. A very dangerous puppet at that. I tired to warn her, but she will not listen, she will focus on nothing but revenge now." "She will come for you, then." Zhinn replied stating the obvious. "Yes, she will." Habrii agreed, the weight of the world suddenly seemed more than he could bear. "We will reinforce the building. there will be no way that she can get in." Zhinn replied, he turned to Gambra. "Gambra is my best man, I will assign him to your personal protection. He will keep you safe as long as he is able." (reply Gambra) "Gambra, pick men you know to be loyal and make protecting the president your sole task in life." Zhinn ordered. (reply Gambra) Habrii nodded, as he shifted his attention to attempting to predict the next step on an ever increasingly hostile game board. "The Cardassians will not send troops. " he finally said, "it's still too early for them to show direct involvement, too many members of the Veil would reject Alaya's leadership if they were to do so." "So she'll only have her supporters for assistance." Zhinn replied with a nod. "we can handle them." Habrii frowned, "Don't be so certain, Alaya was as paranoid as I. She certainly has people that support her unknown to us. You should be ready for a battle beyond anything you've seen to date. Unfortunately she holds the initiative and we are forced to be reactive instead of proactive." Zhinn nodded. "I should go and make preparations." "Yes, by all means." Habrii replied. Zhinn left to fortify the building immediately. Habrii turned his attention to Gambra, the man who was now most responsible for his safety and well being. "Sergeant Gambra. I thank you for your dedication. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to say so." (reply Gambra) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, President's Office, Sergeant Gambra, Day 5, 0702) Gambra cursed himself yet again for allowing Alaya to evade her punishment. Zhinn and the President were in the leaders inner office. Gambra could hear a heated discussion. He couldn't make out the words but but the volume and tone of the noise told him much. He was a man with conflicting emotions swirling thru his head. His hopes of an honest punishment for Alaya has disappeared. Gambra's wish for a truly representative government for his people where crushed for the time being. Of being under the Veil or Habrii - Habrii was the lesser of two evils. So Gambra made a decision that he'd serve Habrii for now. But Gambra swore a solemn oath. ~ I will give my people freedom or die~. Strangely he now felt at peace. Whatever would come would come. Yet he felt slightly sad as well. He had a strange premonition he'd never have a family of his own. Gambra thought of his friend Cadrill. How he would talk of his family and children and grandchildren. Gambra smiled sadly as he remembered Cadrill spoke of his grandson's age of majority celebration. Some sense told him that he'd never have that memory to call his own. Gambra's thoughts returned to the present as he heard him being called. He rose and entered the Presidents office. Gambra said nothing at first. He was waiting for orders. Zhinn and Gambra eye each other closely. His leader spoke. "We will reinforce the building. there will be no way that she can get in." Zhinn replied, he turned to Gambra. "Gambra is my best man, I will assign him to your personal protection. He will keep you safe as long as he is able." Gambra chose his words carefully replied " President Habrii it will br ad Zhinn orders". (Reply: Zhinn, Habrii) Zhinn issued mire orders. "Gambra, pick men you know to be loyal and make protecting the president your sole task in life." Zhinn ordered. "It shall be as you order Zhinn" Gambra answered. He knew who he'd pick already. Zhinn left and Habrii looked at Gambra before speaking. Habrii turned his attention to Gambra, the man who was now most responsible for his safety and well being. "Sergeant Gambra. I thank you for your dedication. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to say so." "My thanks Mr. President. I am a patriot and this my duty to our people. I need nothing" he said simply. (Reply: Habrii) (Posted by: Bill W.) ---------- ( Presendial Offices - Sergeant Gambril Day 5 0708) Gambra was alone in his thoughts after we just trying to protect the President. He knew that Alaya would lead the attempt. That thought caused him to smile. ~Ah a last chance to even the score~ Gambra thought. He still owed her for the wounding of one of his men. This time there will be no quarter. It would be her death or his. She was a worthy opponent he must plan carefully. "Cadrill, come here old friend" Gambra asked. The two old warriors walked over by themselves and chatted in low tones. The taller man joined his comrade. "What is it old friend?" Cadrill asked. "We Must prepare for Ayala's assault. I expect her to use a multi-pronged assault. I also suspect she'll have a few surprises too" Gambra paused allowing Cadrill to comment. "Gambra, where will we be securing President Habrii?" Cadrill asked. That was an excellent question and one that needed answering now. Ideally, the perfect site was one entrance in one entrance out. "Cadrill, why not secure where we are at?" Gambra posed. Cadrill considered that. Moving El Presidente might open themselves to an attack. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Bill W) ---------- (USS Rosenante, Sickbay – Sec/Tac Ensign Blake Turner - 0713) Her eyes opened first and then winced at the light. A sigh escaped her lips as she turned her head and saw Viskhard. “You stayed?” (Reply Viskhard) Smiling, she replied, “How long have i been out?” (Reply Viskhard) Suddenly, the memory of the explosion hit her and hard. Feeling the heat of the blast on her skin and seeing the eyes of the bomber in her mind, she began to panic. Her hands clenched in panic as her breathing quickened. “Oh.... god.” (Reply Viskhard) “Help me....” she whispered. (Reply Viskhard, Any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ---------- (USS Rosenante, Sickbay – aCSO Viskhard - 0714) He heard her sigh and glanced up from his reading, smiling when those green eyes locked with his. “You stayed?” Visk smiled and shrugged, getting out of his chair, "I tried to help with Triage, but they told me to go away. I decided you needed me most. Smiling, she replied, “How long have I been out?” "It's Stardate 2414.04.26 and it's..." Visk scanned the room and eyed the chronometer, "0713 hours. You've been out for a while." Visk watched as her face changed suddenly. Her hands clenched in panic as her breathing quickened. “Oh.... god.” He grabbed her shoulder and squeezed, "Blake? Talk to me." “Help me....” she whispered. He squeezed a little harder, hoping to bring her back to reality. Not being a telepath or a counsellor, he could only make a rudimentary guess, but he had a good idea that Blake was reliving the experience. "Blake, it's over. You are safe. Do you hear me? Safe." He tried to keep panic from his own voice, knowing it wouldn't help, but some crept in anyhow. (Reply Blake) ~Damn.~ Visk swore to himself and hit the call button before learning down and gathering her in his arms. "I promised to protect you, I won't give up on you." He sat there, not knowing what else to do as he waited for the medic to come. (reply medical, Blake) (Posted by Lori) ---------- (USS Rosenante, Sickbay – Ensign Blake Turner - 0717) "Blake, it's over. You are safe. Do you hear me?” The memories were flashing infront of her eyes and she could barely hear him speaking. “I couldn’t stop....” "I promised to protect you, I won't give up on you." Feeling his arms around her, Blake buried her head into his chest and whimpered, “I couldn’t stop them. I should have....” (Reply Viskhard) Shaking, she looked up into his eyes and said, “I’m sorry.” (reply Viskhard) “For being a basket case. I saw it. I saw it again, Visk.” (Reply Viskhard, Any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ---------- (USS Rosenante, Sickbay – aCSO Lt. jg. Viskhard - 0719) Blake buried her head into his chest and whimpered, “I couldn’t stop them. I should have....” Visk pulled her back a little, stating firmly but gently, "No. You couldn't have, you did exactly what you were able to do. Don't blame yourself for something you had no control over." Shaking, she looked up into his eyes and said, “I’m sorry.” Visk was puzzled, "Sorry for what?" “For being a basket case. I saw it. I saw it again, Visk.” Visk kissed her forehead, "It was a terrible thing to experience. I can't deny that." (reply Blake) He put his hand to her cheek. Hoping to take her mind off the tragic events, he turned the conversation to what he hoped were happier thoughts. "Blake, do you remember what I asked you down on the planet?" (Reply Blake, Any) (Posted by Lori) ---------- (USS Rosenante, Sickbay – Sec/Tac Ensign Blake Turner - 0722) Feeling his lips on her forehead, Blake felt a sense of calm fall through her entire being as he said, "It was a terrible thing to experience. I can't deny that." "I don’t know how to move forward from this.” His hand now fell to her cheek and she took comfort from the warmth of his hand. "Blake, do you remember what I asked you down on the planet?" Despite her feeling scared, a smile crept across her face, “I do.” (Reply Viskhard) A yawn crept out as she replied, “I still do, more than ever.” Her eyes dropped as the tiredness struggled against her desire to stay awake in the arms of the man she had fallen for. (Reply Viskhard) “Stay with me. Don’t leave.” she asked softly as she rested her head on his chest and breathed deeply. (Reply Viskhard, Any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ---------- (USS Rosenante, Sickbay – aCSO Lt. jg Viskhard - 0724) His question brought a small smile to her face, and she replied, “I do.” Visk looked deep into her eyes. He was gentle, but firm with his next question, "Do you still want to?" A yawn crept out as she replied, “I still do, more than ever.” Her eyes drooped and Visk knew he needed to let her rest, but he wasn't ready to let go. He craddled her in his arms. Visk stated, "Good, I will never give up on you, and anything that happens to you happens to me. We will get through this together." “Stay with me. Don’t leave.” she asked softly as she rested her head on his chest and breathed deeply. Visk shook his head before he rested his cheek on top of her head. "As long as you need me." Visk didn't lay her back down until she was sound asleep, and then he sat in the chair with a book, waiting for her to wake again. (reply none needed) (posted by Lori) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, Operative Tzir, Day 5, 0950) Tzir stepped into the control room of the small security station where the Ambassador of the federation remained a prisoner with a sense of unease and urgency that he couldn't quite explain. He had certainly taken every precaution that he could think of, at least those that would look as if every precaution had been taken without preventing the Federation ship in orbit from being able to track the source of the communication. The three operatives that he brought with him were loyal to him, but the rest of the station staff would be a problem once the federation assault team arrived. He had been considering how they might deal with that little problem, when word had reached him through his contacts that Alaya had escaped. Normally Tzir wouldn't consider that a very large problem. in fact normally, he wouldn't have given it a thought at all, except that she had been detected beaming out of her cell, which meant that there were other players on the field that Tzir had been previously unaware of. Of course he had suspected that there was some greater power working to supply the Veil with materials and arms. That was one thing. But rescuing Alaya from a cell where Habrii had placed her was a strong indication that that power was no longer interested in dealing with Habrii, and that could only mean one thing, a coup was coming. But this time with outside support that may mean a purge was also likely. Tzir sighed as the situation unfolded itself in all its complexity in his min's eye. He'd be in some danger, but for the most part, it was well known that he and his uncle were hardly friends. In fact he had openly called for his uncles incarceration while maneuvering covertly to prevent the very same. For all intents and purposes, he was a strong supporter of the Veil. The time for the communication between the Federation and their Ambassador was coming soon, and he couldn't take a chance that anyone would turn evidence against him. The loyalty to his cause wasn't clear among those few security people that were not within his direct command, so they had to be eliminated. Even now his people were maneuvering into position, preparing to make their move when he gave the order. The chime on the small office door chirped. Tzir glanced up at the chronograph and smiled, the station commander was perfectly on time. "Come in." he called out, even as he slid his chair forward, so that he could bring the concealed stolen federation phaser pistol clear of his clothing. The door opened and Dravic, the station chief entered without a smile. He was a cautious man, and good at his job. The current political environment on their world was beginning to make everyone paranoid. Officials within the security forces almost more than most. "Please sit Dravic." Tzir offered. "I only wanted to speak with you for a moment before my people and I move forward with our orders." Dravic gave a single nod and settled into the chair opposite the small desk. "I was wondering if I was going to be given any details concerning your mission with the Federation Prisoners, or if I was going to remain in the dark concerning them." His attitude was annoying, but understandable. "I was not able to inform you of the plans for the federation Prisoners before now. But things have changed and I think it best that I should share the mission with you." Tzir replied. "Of course I have disabled all the surveillance systems in this compartment, and throughout the station so that what we talk about and what transpires will remain shrouded in secrecy." "Of course," Dravic replied. "My father was secret police in his day. I understand the need for secrecy." "Very good." Tzir replied as he raised the phaser above the desk top allowing Dravic to see it clearly. "Then you will understand why I can not risk you betraying the true nature of my mission." "But…-" The single phaser blast struck the outpost commander in the center of his chest. The setting was sufficient to burn a hole through the man and leave a smoldering scar on the wall. Within moments, he could hear the shots of other phasers dealing with the rest of the station's personnel. He waited for the sound of the cleansing to fall silent before moving to the door and actuating it . "I am coming out." he called. "We are done." Kals replied, "they had no chance." Tzir nodded his approval as he surveyed the six bodies of the station's personnel. "Get the weapons. We will need to arm the Federation marines." Kals nodded, and he and Graz moved to collect the hidden case of federation phasers that they had lifted from the Veil holding locker. They had come from the federation Embassy, but Tzir knew that wouldn't bother the Federation Marines. They had a job to do, and they would do it well. If there was one thing that was universal it was that Soldiers everywhere, especially elite soldiers were dependable. Tzir moved back into the area that contained the holding cells and moved over to Ambassador Turner's cell. no doubt he could hear the phaser fire that had sounded a few moments earlier. There was nothing to be done for it. He punched in the access code and the door lock disengaged. He did not open the door, he simply left it unlocked. "Ambassador, it is time. There has been a slight change of plans, but I will explain everything to you very soon, please move to the control room, while I free the other Federation prisoners." (reply Ambassador Turner) Tzir didn't delay, instead he moved over to the Federation cell that held the Marines. He entered the code and unlocked the door. He then pushed it open carefully, prepared in case one of the marines mistook him for an enemy. The marines were smarter than that, and perhaps they too had heard the phaser fire and thought the next person to open their cell door would be a federation rescue team. Whatever the reason they did not attack him. "You are free. My men have assumed control of this outpost, but our situation is fragile. please move to the control room and accept a phaser, but do not attempt any communication beyond the walls of this facility. I will explain everything in a moment. You must move quickly." (reply Stone iyw) After the marines, he released the remaining members of the Federation Embassy staff. However he did not arm them, he simply directed them to join the others, and he followed them into the room. The few starfleet marines had armed themselves by the time that Tzir had returned, which was pleasant, provided that they were willing to carry out the rest of the rescue plan. "You are no longer prisoners of the Veil, because I have seen to your release, but the veil still considers you enemies. A communication between the Federation ship Rosenante and Ambassador Turner has been arranged, but the communication will certainly be monitored. The Captain of that ship has been told that it will be possible to trace the source of that communication, although it will not be too simple as to appear that you had inside assistance. In five minutes, the Ambassador will speak to a member of that ship's crew and they will begin to trace the connection. once that is done i have no doubt that they will send a rescue team. but the area where this facility is located is heavily fortified by the Veil, so you will have to fight your way out. The longer you can remain cryptic madame Ambassador the longer you can prevent the veil soldiers nearby from realizing what has happened here and rushing to rescue you. " Tzir looked to his men. "My men and I will be leaving now. We wish you well and offer you good luck on your journey. there is an automated message carrier programmed to begin the transmission in…" he glanced up at the chronograph, "three minutes. It will open the channel from that station. You should be prepared." (reply Turner, Stone, Any marine) "You can thank us when you are safely out of harm's way. We must go now." Tzir lead his men out of the outpost and out to the waiting conveyance. Within less than a minute they were underway and the outpost was sliding away into the distance behind them. (reply Stone, Turner) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 5, 0951) Sitting on the edge of her cot in her cell, Jo was getting nervous. She didn't know what time it was, but based on her best estimates, it had to be getting close to the time Tzir had said she would be able to make a broadcast to the Rosenante. She had never been a person that didn't know what to say about anything, but this time, she found that she was at a loss for words. What could she say that wouldn't be too obvious, as to give away the people that were helping her? Heck, for that matter, there was still the possibility that she wasn't going to get help, and that Tzir had something else planned. Whatever was coming, she would know soon enough. An odd sound brought Jo out of her thoughts. Craning her neck, she listened carefully. It was the sound of fire from energy weapons, followed by people crying out in fear and in pain. After a short amount of time, an eerie silence surrounded her. Jo wasn't sure what she thought would happen to give her the chance to communicate with the Rosenante, but she never imagined it would involve Tzir and his people killing others to gain control of the center. Of course, it made perfect sense now, but it was something she simply had not expected. It made her feel strange inside. A few moments passed, and Jo heard someone outside the door. She could hear beeping sounds, as someone accessed the lock. There was a click, but no one entered. "Ambassador, it is time." It was Tzir's voice. "There has been a slight change of plans, but I will explain everything to you very soon. Please move to the control room, while I free the other Federation prisoners." ~Of course there was,~ thought Jo. She got up, and ran her hands through her hair, trying to make it look presentable. She was still wearing the same orange jumpsuit and sandals she had been given a week ago, and though she had done her best to clean it in the small shower stall that was in her cell, she was certain it wasn't spring time fresh. Approaching the door, she opened it slowly and peeked out, but no one was there. When she had been brought here right after the coup, Jo had been taken by Alaya to the control room to speak to Ms. McNulty. Jo had memorized the way, so finding the control room was no problem. She was the only one there, but she did notice a scorch mark on a wall, and what looked like a small blood stain on the floor. She shivered. Jo's emotions were running wild, so she took several deep breaths to calm herself. After a very long and boring week, she was on the verge of being set free. She had imagined this day a thousand times, but there was still something Tzir had planned that was bothering her. Maybe it was nothing, and she was worrying needlessly. She had learned to trust her instincts, but she was Human after all, and sometimes those instincts were wrong. The sounds of boots clicking on the floor, moving towards her, made Jo stiffen for a moment, but when she saw Major Stone leading the marines, she actually laughed. "Major!" Before she realized what she was doing, Jo had thrown her arms around Major Stone's neck, hugging him. "I can't tell you how glad I am to see all of you." After she had released him, she felt her cheeks growing warm. "Ambassador Turner," said Stone. "I had no idea if you were alive or dead. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get you out of the embassy before the Veil took us." "We all did the best we could," said Jo. "All that matters now, is that we're close to getting out of here. There's a Starfleet ship, the Rosenante, in orbit, and some secret police operatives are helping us escape." "I see," said Stone. His expression was blank, but Jo could see he was concerned. "I know," she said. "Keep your eyes open." Stone nodded. The sounds of more people approaching could be heard. Quickly filling the small control room, were the rest of the embassy staff. People were hugging, shaking hands, laughing, crying, and expressing how glad they were to see each other, but that was interrupted when Tzir returned. "You are no longer prisoners of the Veil, because I have seen to your release, but the Veil still considers you enemies. A communication between the Federation ship Rosenante, and Ambassador Turner, has been arranged, but the communication will certainly be monitored." This was it. This was their chance to be rescued. Jo wondered if this would also be when they learned what Tzir wanted in all this. "The captain of that ship has been told that it will be possible to trace the source of that communication, although it will not be too simple, as to appear that you had inside assistance." Was that it? Could this elaborate plan, and the killing of the Aquillians stationed here, simply be nothing more than a way for Tzir to keep from being implicated if something went wrong? If so, it told Jo just how dangerous Tzir was. "In five minutes, the ambassador will speak to a member of that ship's crew, and they will begin to trace the connection. Once that is done, I have no doubt that they will send a rescue team. but the area where this facility is located, is heavily fortified by the Veil, so you will have to fight your way out." Jo let out a quick sigh and glanced at Major Stone. She had hoped it wouldn't have come to fighting, but she could tell by Stone's expression, that he fully expected it. "The longer you can remain cryptic, Madame Ambassador, the longer you can prevent the Veil soldiers nearby from realizing what has happened here and rushing to rescue you." Jo's stomach was doing flips, but she could be cryptic. That was why she had been such a successful diplomat. "My men and I will be leaving now. We wish you well and offer you good luck on your journey. There is an automated message carrier programmed to begin the transmission in…" he glanced up at the chronograph, "three minutes. It will open the channel from that station. You should be prepared." "Thank you for your help," said Jo. She did not say Tzir's name, in case they were recaptured by the Veil. She supposed the least she could do, was not give him away to them. "You can thank us when you are safely out of harm's way. We must go now." Tzir lead his men out. "I guess it's time to talk to Starfleet," said Jo. Remembering how Alaya had used the comm system, Jo went to it and prepared to speak. Just as Tzir had said, the system activated automatically. After a few moments, she could hear a male voice. Everything was audio only, with no video at all. "Ambassador Turner, can you hear me?" It was a simple question, and Jo was surprised at how dry her throat was. She felt like it was her very first solo negotiation with a foreign dignitary. "I can hear you." She rolled her eyes at how silly she must sound. "I apologize for the interference. The signal is degraded as a result of being bounced through so many relay points." "I understand." Jo didn't know technical stuff, but she wondered if the man should be saying things like that, knowing the Veil was probably listening. "How are you feeling, Ambassador?" "I'm fine, thank you." She was certainly being cryptic. "That's good to hear. We are doing our best to negotiate your release." "I'm looking forward to that. Orange just isn't my color." Jo giggled. The Starfleet man had to be wondering if she had gone stir crazy. (reply Soma, any) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- ( Beta Aquillia IV - Veil Outpost -ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 5 - 0957) Jessica and the rescue team teleported directly outside the compound that was said to house the federation ambassador and her staff. They were hid in the shadow of the twenty five foot outer wall directly under one of the guard towers. The towers were paced twenty feet apart, Jessica found it odd the safest place for the rescue team to be was so close to danger in the blind spot of the towers. The compound was small only a quarter mile wide at its widest point. Not far from the rescue teams position was the entrance and true to the contacts word. At the changing of the guards shift the entrance was abandoned. Allowing for a brief window of entry. (reply team) Jessica moved to the entrance taking point from the make up of the rest of the team it only made sense. Jessica slipped into the compound staying to the shadows hiding behind whatever cover she could find to shield her from the prying eyes of the towers. She picked a path that the others could follow has she made her way to the main building, where the comm signal originated from. (reply rescue team) (posted by Matthew Locke) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Veil Outpost - 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok - Day 5 - 0959) Sanok chose a smaller team to assault the Veil compound that held Ambassador Turner. Since their orders were to interfere with planetary politics as little as possible, and because a small team was quicker and more covert, he chose his team carefully. Though he still did not trust Ensign Signos, he knew her skills were needed on this mission. Before beaming in, he gave her orders. "Ensign Signos, you will take the point. Standard rescue procedure. All weapons set to heavy stun." After beaming in, the team hid in the shadow of the compound wall, assessing their surroundings. When the guard was changed, Signos slipped in. One-by-one, the assault team followed, with Sanok closing out the rear. Sanok caught Signos' eye and gave her the hand signal to go. NRPG: Matthew, go ahead and take the lead on posting the rescue. (reply Signos and team members) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day 5, 1000) Ben was in CENTCOMM awaiting the transmission from Ambassador Turner as promised by Tzorn, if things went as planned they would isolate the signal and track it back to it's source. There was a team standing by awaiting the word to get underway, he also had a small team ready to get Tzorn out as they had promised. He turned to Matrix. "Mr. Matrix I'm certain the Veil will do everything they can to prevent you from locating the source of the transmission." Ben said. "To bad for them they don't know you as I do." (reply Matrix) "I'm sure you have a few tricks up your sleeve, the proverbial ace in the hole." Ben replied. "I'm certain it will be a challenge for you but one your up to." (reply Matrix) Then the computers speakers emitted a burst of static, someone was trying to get through. Ben proceeded to the terminal and began to make adjustments, narrowing the frequency and boosting the gain to clarify the transmission. After a couple moments a grainy image of Ambassador turner appeared on the screen. Ben hit the transmit key. "Ambassador Turner can you hear me?" He asked. (reply Turner) "I apologize for the interference." Ben stated. "The signal is degraded as a result of being bounced through so many relay points." (reply Turner) "How are you feeling Ambassador?" He asked. (reply Turner) "That's good to hear." Ben replied. "We are doing our best to negotiate your release." (reply Matrix, Turner) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- ( Beta Aquillia IV - Veil Outpost -ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 5 - 1003 ) Jessica slipped into the main building of the outpost intelligence had already confirmed that the ambassador was and her staff was located with in its domain. Jessica fell in step behind a guard knowing that the use of phasers would more than likely set of every alarm in the building. Jessica was about the wrap her arm around the aquillian male's neck in an attempt to take him down when every alarm in the building seemed to scream out at once. Jessica knew it would be only a matter of time before soldiers would be pouring out of every hallway. Jessica quickly finished the motion of sliding her arm around the mans neck and pulled him down toward her, cutting of his air supply. Jessica was smaller than most but due many years of training since before Section 31 got hold of her, Jessica was also physically stronger than she appeared. Another Aquillian rounded the corner to secure the front door has the main building was quickly going into lock down. He paused only a moment when he saw his comrade being used as a shield for the small form behind him. But that moment was long enough for Jessica to pull one of her hand phasers and fire. The beam struck home and the man slumped and fell to the ground has his fellow soldier slumped in Jessica's well trained grasp. Letting the man go, Jessica surveyed what was going on around her more Aquillians were coming into the hall most seemed in a hurry to head someplace else. Others engaged the rescue team but were quickly put down. It was a small detail, most would miss its significance but Jessica knew her and Sanok would understand. The rescue team did not set the alarm off but rather it was set of from someplace deeper in the base. More than likely the ambassador and her staff had been found and were holding ground till they could extract them to the Rose. Jessica strapped her phase rifle to her back and puller her second hand phaser knowing that she would need the quicker rate of fire the second weapon would offer. She advanced to down the hall firing has new Aquillian forces broke into her line of fire. Soon they would figure that the rescue team was also in the same building and there tactics would change Jessica hoped that they could at least make the center stair case before then. (reply any on the rescue team) Jessica opened and cleared the door to the stair well and the space directly beyond, it was clear which she was thankful. "The stairs would be safer plus we have more control. Most of the Aquillian forces will use the lift for added speed." she spoke has she ushered the rescue team into the stair well. " Once in well weld the doors shut with our phasers then once we have the ambassador and her staff we can double back. We head to the roof for extraction hopefully the Rose can teleport us out from there." (reply rescue team) (posted by Matthew Locke) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, CENTCOMM, CEO, LCDR Steven Matrix, Day 5, 1004) Matrix was reviewing the telemetry feed from the Rose and cross checking the communication net her and Lt. Peter Cohen devised days earlier. Everything was in place. Now they just needed to wait, listen and learn. Ben Soma turned to Matrix. "Mr. Matrix I'm certain the Veil will do everything they can to prevent you from locating the source of the transmission." Ben said. "To bad for them they don't know you as I do." Matrix smiled, "There is nothing they can do to prevent it. The passive sensor net is tied into the computer. We already know their relay points or at least a very good approximation of their locations." replied Matrix. Ben continued, "I'm sure you have a few tricks up your sleeve, the proverbial ace in the hole." Ben replied. "I'm certain it will be a challenge for you but one your up to." "We have a copy of their enigma machine as it where Commander. We just need to wait and watch." said Matrix as the transmission squelch started. ~Here we go.~ thought Matrix. As Commander Soma and the Ambassador conversed, Matrix kept a keen eye on the telemetry logs. Peter signaled from the Rose that the computer was decrypting their relay points. As anticipated the computer tracked and displayed the relay points as the conversation continued. The yellow pathways clearly detailed the projected communication relays and a few not anticipated. Matrix tapped Soma on the shoulder and pointed to the display. ~Confirmed~ thought Matrix. (Reply Soma, any) (Posted by Steve) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 5, 1005) After closing the channel with the Starfleet man, Jo left the escape to Major Stone and the rest of the marines. While they were quickly planning, she went to her embassy people, assuring them that they'd make it out; a kind word, a smile, a gentle touch on the arm, whatever each person needed. When it was time, Stone took the lead. Jo admired that in a leader. People respected you if you were willing to do what you ordered your subordinates to do. Jo marveled at how quiet such a large group of people could be. It was true the interior of the base contained only the embassy people and the marines, but Veil troops could appear at any moment. Her heart was pounding, and she found herself biting her lower lip. It reminded her of the night the Veil first attacked, the night she and Stone were captured. When an Aquillian rounded the corner, and when Major Stone knocked him out with several quick strikes, several of Jo's people gasped and cried out. She tried to quiet them, but they must have been seen or heard by another Aquillian, as an alarm began to sound. "They know we've escaped," said Stone. "I need everyone to stay alert and be quiet!" His tone was firm and authoritative, but also calming. Jo wasn't sure how much time had passed, but the group eventually made it to a door leading to a stairwell. Major Stone decided to avoid the lifts, so he reached to open the door. Moving with more speed than Jo thought possible for a man of his size, Stone swung his phaser around, pointing it at someone just on the other side of the door.... (reply none) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 5, 1008) Sanok still didn't fully trust Ensign Signos, but he knew she had the skills to lead the rescue team, so he had placed her on the point. It also had the advantage of allowing him to keep an eye on her, without her being behind him. As expected, she had done well getting them deep into the base. An alarm had sounded, and there had been several quick firefights, but they were making excellent progress. The team entered a stairwell, and at Signos' suggestion, Sanok had one of his men do a quick job of welding the door closed with a phaser. Once finding their people, the plan was to head for the roof. When they reached the floor they were told contained the embassy staff, they cautiously approached the door. When Signos was about to reach for the knob, it began to open from the other side. The team stopped, each of them readying their weapons. "Hold your fire!" shouted Sanok. "We're all Starfleet." A Starfleet marine and Ensign Signos were pointing their phasers at each other. He hoped he had given his warning in time. (reply Signos) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge, CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 5 - 1200) The Rosenante had broken orbit early this morning to deploy a series of sensor grids, throughout the region in the system. It quickly became apparent that there was more than one Romulan ship in the system. Twice, they detected data that indicated that a cloaked Romulan ship was present. Each time the ship failed to decloak, instead choosing to withdraw from the areas seeded with the sensors. The latest deployment of sensors effectively created a globe-shape web around the planet. With the distance close to 50-million kilometers, it wasn't a huge network. but it would be enough to give Ahmed any advance warning of any cloaked roman ship attempting to move closer to the planet. Especially if they were moving to retrieve anyone from the surface. The Doors to the turbolift slid open and his chief Engineer matrix stepped onto the bridge. Ahmed had asked him to monitor the sensors from the bridge and to make adjustments as needed on the fly. Lieutenant Commander Matrix had to be one of the most capable Engineering officers in the fleet and Ahmed had to admit that he was always thankful to have such a dedicated and skillful crew. "Mister Matrix, we've just completed the last deployment and are showing the grid is online and responding to telemetry." Ahmed informed him. Keep your eyes open and let me know if there are any signs that the Romulans are trying to slip through the grid." (reply Matrix) Ahmed then turned to Jackson. "Lieutenant, I need you to bring the second warp core online. If the Romulans think their game is up, they may decide to get violent, I want every bit of power available to us should we need it. Light up every active sensor we've got. I want them to think we're looking hard for them now." (reply Jackson) He then turned to Chance, who was manning the tactical station. "Bring us to Yellow alert, shields and weapon standing by. Raise them at the first sign of danger, mister Raschen. I want the Romulans to think we're satisfied with our sensor grid and unprepared to respond to attack, let's see if they take the bait." (reply Raschen) "Mister Harper," Ahmed added, addressing their current Helmsman. "Set an elliptical course back to Beta Aquillia IV, 1/8 impulse. End it with a standard Orbital insertion." "Aye Sir." "Everyone stay Frosty. We've baited the trap, lets see if the mouse bites." (reply Raschen, Matrix, Jackson) Daniel Greene ---------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge, COPS - LT. Tom Jackson -Day 5 - 1203) It was good to be back aboard the Rose. Seeing Dahlia and the twins had been like an elixir. Tom needed to talk to his soulmate - to try to explain what he'd seen and felt. That would come in time. For now duty called. Tom was back at his duty station awaiting the final phase of this mission. Ahmed Salid issued orders to his ops chief. " "Lieutenant, I need you to bring the second warp core online. If the Romulans think their game is up, they may decide to get violent, I want every bit of power available to us should we need it. Light up every active sensor we've got. I want them to think we're looking hard for them". Tom answered with a crisp "Aye Aye Captain " and began to process the orders. Tom shutdown all the holodecks and reserved their power. He also set non-medical replicator limits and reserved their power as well. Tom fired up every thing that was sensor related. Tom signaled Engineering to start the process of bringing the Rose's ssecond warp cote to readiness. "Jackson to Engineering. Please be ready to bring the second warp core on line. To quote a very old earth video - I have a feeling we will be experiencing the need for speed soon. Questions?" (Reply : Engineering) Tom finished gust ordered tasks and now the hardest part - waiting. (Reply: None ) (Posted by: Bill W) ---------- (USS Rosenante – Bridge- QM/Strat Ops- LT Chance Raschen - 1210) Raschen was manning the Tactical station when the skipper addressed him. Chance felt a little nostalgic remembering back to when he was the Chief Tactical Officer onboard the Rosenante. In the back of his head, he couldn’t help but snicker at the thought of how many different department chief positions he held on the Rose. At one time or another Raschen had been Chief of Operations, Security, Tactical, Strategic Operations, and as Quartermaster he served as the chief officer of Navigation and Vessel’s Supply departments. Chance was brought back to the current situation when he heard the skipper’s voice saying "Bring us to Yellow alert, shields and weapons standing by. Raise them at the first sign of danger, Mister Raschen. I want the Romulans to think we're satisfied with our sensor grid and unprepared to respond to attack, let's see if they take the bait." “Aye sir, shield and phaser emitters are warmed up and on standby. Also sir, I suggest we prep a half dozen dispersal torpedoes filled with Flash/Bangs be prepared so that the torpedo will break up in the air around 250 feet above the surface and release the flash-bangs into the enemy, temporarily shocking them.” (Reply Salid iyw) (Posted by Charlie) ---------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge – CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid -Day 5 1212) “Aye sir, shield and phaser emitters are warmed up and on standby. Also sir, I suggest we prep a half dozen dispersal torpedoes filled with Flash/Bangs be prepared so that the torpedo will break up in the air around 250 feet above the surface and release the flash-bangs into the enemy, temporarily shocking them.” Chance suggested. It would never have occurred to Ahmed to use such a tactic. It was a suggestion that reminded Ahmed how varied and valuable the experience of his senior staff really was. "Make it happen, Mister Raschen." Ahmed replied, "and when there's time, I want you to add, a small store of such modified torpedoes to our ship's stores." (reply Raschen iyw) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Outside Presidential Office – Lt Alaya – Day 5 - 1303) Looking over the slight rise before the presidential offices, Alaya lowered the viewer and turned back to her men. After the meeting with Gul Matan, they had been supplied with Aquillian weapons and equipment to attack the offices and begin the coup. Knowing this had always been a likely outcome, she had planned ahead. Her plant inside the offices knew her role and would perform it admirably. The plan had been simple. It would be a surprise to them all inside that building expecting a frontal and bloody attack. Smiling to herself, she looked at her followers, the four loyal and hand picked men that had escaped the swift arrests that had followed her internment. Nodding to them, she whispered, “Gentlemen, you all know the drill. We’ve spoken about this, now make me proud. Two minutes. Get yourselves ready.” Turning back to her resting place she lifted the viewer to her eyes and scanned the building looking for a window and spotted one that would be perfect to see her plan take effect. Inside the building, she knew what would happen. Thinking through the plan, she imagined each step in her mind. Her follower, she could see her in her mind’s eye, walking towards the console in the room that held the environmental controls for the building. She could see her taking out the small canister of anesthezine and attaching it to the buildings environmental controls. Typing in the commands, she would set the environmental controls to release the gas through out the building whilst simultaneously locking down all the rooms. All rooms apart from Habrii’s office would be flooded by the gas taking out all the people inside. Watching through the window, it took a few moments to see the desired effect taking place. The people inside slowly but surely began to drop whilst the three guards outside remained completely unawares of what was going on inside the building. Turning back to her guards, she nodded. Watching them walk down the slight hill outside, she felt a small amount of pride and a little sadness that things had come to this. The guards stood no chance against her men and were dispatched with ease. Standing and stretching as they removed their bodies to a safe location, she picked up her breathing mask and walked down to join them. As they reached the doors of the offices, she watched as they all fixed on their masks and silently walked into the now unlocked building. The halls were lined with collapsed and unconscious people. Breathing easily through her mask, she turned to her men and said, “Put them all into any room you can find and then lock them all down. I don’t want anyone bothering me.” Nodding, they carried out her orders as she made her way to the doors that would open onto the reception room before Habrii’s office. Taking a moment to collect herself, she unsheathed her sword that had been recovered from the ruins of her family home and held it to one side. Knowing that she would find Gambra inside this room and knowing that he would be armed with a rifle, she had to do this quickly. Standing to one side of the door, she rapped on it and waited. After a moment, the door slowly opened. Reaching, Alaya took hold of the nearest available piece of clothing she could find and yanked him into the corridor, throwing him hard against a wall. Kicking away his rifle, she growled, “Gambra, we can make this easy or hard. I can beat you to within an inch of your life and then keep going until you break but I respect you. I will give you the choice.” (Reply Gambra) Respecting his decision, Alaya held her sword in front of her and then thrust it into his chest. She leant in and whispered in his ear, “I wish it could have been different. You would have made a valuable ally.” Removing her sword from him, she turned and walked through the doors, closing them behind her. Removing her mask, she threw it to one side and, holding her sword down by her side, opened the doors to the office. Walking through, she stood and said, “So it has come to this, Old friend.” (Reply Habrii) (Reply Habrii, Gambra, Any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Presidential Office – Sergeant Gambra - Day 5 - 1305) Gambra positioned Cadrill and another man outside the President's office door. The hairs on the back of his neck began tingling. Gambra knew Alaya was on her way. He also knew only one of them would survive. He heard the two outer guards fall. Gambra had not heard any weapons fire so they had to have been rendered unconscious or dead. Standing to one side of the door,she rapped on it and waited. After a moment,the door slowly opened. Reaching,Alaya took hold of the nearest available piece of clothing she could find and yanked him into the corridor, throwing him hard against a wall. Kicking away his rifle,she growled, “Gambra,we can make this easy or hard. I can beat you to within an inch of your life and then keep going until you break but I respect you. I will give you the choice.” Gambra being a bit older was a fraction of a second too late in reacting. He He looked at his mortal enemy. Gambra spoke his last words " Be quick witch" Respecting his decision,Alaya held her sword in front of her and then thrust it into his chest. She leant in and whispered in his ear,“I wish it could have been different. You would have made a valuable ally.” There was a moment of piercing intense pain and then peace and darkness. Removing her sword from him,Alaya turned and walked through the doors. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Bill W.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Presidential Office – President Habrii – Day 5 - 1308) The knock on the door leading into his office immediately set Habrii's teeth on edge. There was a strange sort of silence that followed as Gambra gave him a look that spoke volumes about the man's concern. Habrii couldn't think of anything except the possibility that something was about to go very wrong. It was an instinct that served him very well over the years, keeping him just a few minutes ahead of the secret police under Kolath's government for all those years. Habrii, more out of instinct than distrust of Gambra, pressed the silent alarm that would alert Zhinn who was in the next room. Then he pulled his disruptor from the hidden alcove under his desk. He couldn't have been more right about the situation, as Gambra was yanked out through the open door. The sound of pain and a gurgle of blood marked Gambra's noble end, but Habrii wasn't about to give up his dream so easily. He kept the disruptor under his desk, out of the line-of-sight of the door. He didn't want to start shooting prematurely, as that could very well seal his fate. Alaya stepped through the door then, the smug smile on her face was revealed as she tossed a gas mask aside. ~Anesthezine gas~, popped into Habrii's mind, a memory of an old discarded plan that they had once made to take the governmental building by force. It had proved unnecessary, but it seemed that Alaya had decided to move forward with the plan after all. He should have seen it coming as soon as he heard that the woman had escaped custody. "So it has come to this, old friend." she said solemnly and for a moment Habrii wondered if she was having second thoughts. "So it seems." He replied. "I really wish it had not." The door to the adjacent communications room burst open then and Zhinn stepped through. He must have been monitoring the situation in the room and finally decided to make his presence known. He should have been carrying a rifle, and just shot her, but for some reason Zhinn was carrying his sword instead. "So you killed Gambra?" Zhinn asked her as he maneuvered into the room, positioning himself between the President and Alaya. "It's a shame he was loyal and a good man." Habrii didn't really hear her reply, as suddenly she and Zhinn clashed in a series of wickedly fast sword strikes. The impact of the two weapons set his teeth on edge and sent small showers of sparks flying. Habrii stood then, revealing the disruptor hanging loosely at his side. If Alaya won, he'd disintegrate her and be done with it. If Zhinn won, there would be a new hero of the revolution and Habrii would no longer have to worry about Alaya's faction trying to regain control of the government. Sword blow after sword blow slammed home, accompanied by an occasional swish of open air. It was a strong show of swordsmanship by both combatants, almost enough for Habrii to become engrossed in the unfolding life-and-death struggle. Perhaps he should have fled, or maybe he should have just finished Alaya and Zhinn for the sake of his own survival, but Habrii was no coward and he had fully intended to see this through to the bitter end. At least he could justify killing her since she was accommodating enough to attempt to assassinate him. Then suddenly there was a grunt of surprise mixed with pain. Alaya had managed a thrust, which had slipped past Zhinn's defense. The very tip of her blade protruded from Zhinn's spine. He choked and Habrii raised his weapon. Alaya must have seen it out of the corner of her eye. She dodged as Habrii pressed the firing stud. The angry red beam lanced out into open space and terminated against the doors of his office, where the energy broke down the molecules that comprised the door. He corrected and fired a second time, but Alaya had seen his plan and had taken effuse behind Zhinn. The man screamed as the beam struck home. The energy ripped him apart, but more critically it protected Alaya from the blast. She lunged forward, twisting the sword and bringing the flat of the weapon against the fingers that clutched the disruptor. The sudden impact caused his fingers to go numb and against his will they released the weapon which flew from his hand and clambered against the far wall. Habrii was in motion almost immediately, lunging for his disruptor, But Alaya was faster. The tip of her blade drove itself into the calf muscle of his left leg, causing him to scream in agony. The pain was so intense he forgot about the disruptor and twisted towards his tormentor. Alaya swished the sword upwards, nicking the end of his chin with the point of the blade. "It's over." She said, the point now resting against his throat. "Do it." Habrii stated, "finish it, Alaya." "Oh I will, when I'm tired of you." she replied and then in one swift movement, she stepped forward, twisting the blade away from him and striking him in he forehead with the heavy pommel of her sword. Habrii's world went dark. (reply none needed) Daniel Greene ---------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge, CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 5 - 1315) =^= Soma to Rosenante =^=, the comma channel sounded causing Ahmed to look up from the live feed coming I from the sensor data collected by the network. Since returning to orbit, both he and Matrix had been pouring over the data looking for any sort of sign that the romans were taking the bait, but so far they had found nothing indicating that the Romulans were interested in testing their luck. Either they were here in a passive capacity, or they were more patient than he had thought and were well aware that Ahmed couldn't possibly know that they were truly nearby. He reached up and tapped his commbadge, "Salid here, go ahead commander." he replied. =^=We have Ambassador Tzorn, and are ready for extraction.=^= "Understood, stand by." Ahmed tapped his commbadge a second time opening a second channel, "Salid to Transporter room one." =^=Dawson here sir. =^= came the immediate reply. "Mister Dawson, lock onto Commander Soma's position. Beam his team and Ambassador Tzorn up to the ship immediately." =^= Aye sir.=^= There was only a moment before Dawson replied, =^= Mister Soma's team is aboard sir. =^= "Thank you mister Dawson, have Commander Soma debrief his team." =^=Aye Captain, Transporter Room One out. =^= Daniel Greene ---------- (USS Rosenante - Cargo Bay 3 – Lt Tom Jackson - COPS -Day 5 1323) So far things were progressing slowly and precisely. Tom was feeling some better but still had a nagging feeling something was not right. ~Why is it I think something is about to go down~ Jackson muttered to himself. He had taken to roaming around the bay as if to ensure himself that things were alright. Something caught Tom’s eye as a BA4 citizen was approaching Matrix’s screening device and was reaching into hero vest. Alarm bells were at red alert inside Tom’s head. Jackson slid over to near the individual and watched her actions. Tom was suspicious and when she pulled out what appeared to be a detonation device he acted. Tom yelled ‘Security’ and lunged and tackled the person before she could plunger switch. The individual was small and wiry and was working very hard to knock Jackson out. Jackson finally got the edge and knocked the woman senseless with a rabbit punch,. Being over thirty now he realized he was tired and out of breath. He disarmed the device and had it beamed it into space. “Security – escort her to the Brig. I will inform the skipper what has happened”. The two Ensign’s replied “Aye Sir”. “Jackson to Salid” Tom sent. (Reply: Skipper) “We’ve had a bit of excitement here. A Veil supporter attempted to detonate an IED. I’ve had it beamed into space and the person is now in the Brig” Tom added. (Reply: Skipper) “Other than that things are going well Captain” Jackson stated. (Reply: Skipper) (Posted by: Bill W.) ---------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge – CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid -Day 5 1326) =^=Jackson to Salid=^= Tom's voice sounded from his commbadge. Ahmed immediately tapped his commbadge and replied quickly. "Go ahead, lieutenant." =^=We’ve had a bit of excitement here. A Veil supporter attempted to detonate an IED. I’ve had it beamed into space and the person is now in the Brig=^=. ~I knew it!~ Ahmed thought with some pride. "Good Work Lieutenant, anything else to report?" Ahmed asked, exceptionally happy that he had accurately this particular move and that jackson and matrix had been able to prevent a terrible catastrophe. =^=Other than that things are going well Captain=^= Jackson stated. "Understood, Tom, report any critical changes immediately," Salid out. (reply Jackson iyw) Daniel Greene