USS_Rosenante_The_Third_Law_Compile_21 ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 11 Stardate: 2414.3.26 ========================= (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - COUNS Parker Davis and Cmdr Josh Caskie- Day 11 - 2033 (Asrai Prime, Tilshol, CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma, 2322) (Asrai Prime, Tilshol, Lt. sg Sanok, Day 11, 2327) (Asrai Prime - Southern edge of Cedlebrai City - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 11 - 2340) ========================= (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City - COUNS Parker Davis and Cmdr Josh Caskie- Day 11 - 2033 Josh had no sooner settled down than a shadowy figure made it's way over and sat down beside her. Near enough for her to hear but far enough away from the rest of the group that Josh knew they wouldn't be overhead. A quiet voice came out of the darkness. "Do you think you'll be getting much sleep tonight, Sir?" Josh recognised the voice as Mr Davis's and smiled quietly to herself at his question. Sighing she shook her head. "I don't think any of us will be getting much sleep tonight Mr Davis. Do you?" Not waiting for his answer she shifted slightly to face him. "I don't like sitting here doing nothing whilst other members of our team are in danger." "I don't either, Sir," he said, and hesitated a moment before he said, "especially not when I might have prevented all of this." Josh turned her head sharply towards him. "Mr Davis I understand why you might feel guilty as second in charge. I feel the same way, but I certainly don't see how you could have prevented this. We were overtaken by circumstances. These things happen on away missions." "That's not exactly what I mean, Sir. Before they were taken...the reason why I believe the Captain and Tay--Lt. Fraiser were together is because Lt. Fraiser ran out of our hotel room crying, and the Captain must have seen her and gone after her. The reason they were in that place at that time is because of a fight that the two of us had." He had already reasoned it out in his head. While he couldn't have prevented her reaction to his order, he could have ended the argument instead of indulging it. That probably would have resulted in more anger and less tears, and less likelihood of a public display of emotion that would cause the Captain to intervene. He could have prevented it by simply detaching himself and acting as the second in command. Instead, he was emotionally involved and had tried to reason with her as to why she couldn't go help that boy in the hospital. Josh looked at him sharply, put two and two together and came up with five. Josh had to swallow hard before she could speak again but finally finding her voice she kept it low so as not to alert everyone else. "You idiot. Did it never occur to you to let us know about this. Why on earth did you think that Signos and O'Neill were split up on this mission or even Mike and I and now you are telling me that it was possibly you and Tayla that blew it" He closed his eyes briefly, and tried to think of something to say. He couldn't think of a single thing except for, "I have no excuse, Sir." Josh so wanted to blame someone for the way this mission had suddenly fallen apart on them. Ahmed was her friend as well as her captain and she was more worried than she would let people see to be honest, and although whilst this whole disaster wasn't entirely Lt's Davis and Fraiser's fault, to be honest it had been a challenging mission from the start and had only gotten harder as it progressed Josh felt an all to human need to blame someone for it and Davis and Fraiser were the obvious suspects. It took Josh a long time to work through her thinking and even longer to answer Lt Davis up to the point that she was surprised he hadn't said something more. But realising that he felt guilty for what had happened and was indeed waiting for her comment she swallowed the comment she was about to make and turning to him began to speak. "Parker, may I call you Parker? To be honest I prefer to use given names rather than surnames or ranks and I would much prefer that you call me Josh rather than Sir. I have to say that you blew it big time in not telling us that you and Tayla were an item, although to be honest I'm not sure how we could have changed the dynamics of our group except to make you brother and sister, and that would, given your relationship with Tayla, probably only got us arrested sooner. However, you were made second in command of this mission and you should have realised that this meant that you had to step back from that relationship during this mission and be second in command." "Yes, Sir--um...Josh." Parker looked down, thinking about what he could have done differently. He had walked into the situation where Tayla was preparing to go out and save the boy in the hospital. He could have physically prevented her from leaving the room. Or could he have? If it came down to it, would he have been able to hurt her? His instincts told him 'no', he wouldn't have. And that meant that Josh was right. He had allowed his relationship to endanger his command. "However, I am not going to say anything more about your role in this. You are the head of your own department and as such will answer to the Captain and not me should we all survive this. As for Lt Fraiser, she will answer to me if we do survive. As her department head I will have a great deal to say to her about her conduct and the only thing I will say to you about this is, if you truly care for her then be ready to comfort her, because believe me, I will not be gentle with her so I suggest you hang around to pick up the pieces once I am finished." He nodded slowly, and sadly acknowledge, "I'm not going anywhere. I know she'll need me." He hadn't given it much thought until now, but he realized just how many rules she had broken, just how much of her conduct on this mission would probably result in a reprimand at best, and court martial at worst. He still didn't understand why she had been willing to violate the Prime Directive to help that boy. Why had she been so adamant about it? ~Dammit, Tayla,~ he thought. He found himself explaining to Caskie, "When we went to the hospital, we spoke to a patient--a boy--who was epileptic. He was going to be committed to a cell where he would spend the rest of his life, because they couldn't figure out how to cure him. Tayla explained that she could cure him quickly and without detection. She said it was her duty to do so, since it wouldn't endanger the mission. I...ordered her not to. That's what we were arguing about. She believed it was her duty as a physician to help the child. I forbade her to help him." He hoped that what he said would help Tayla, but as soon as he said it, he realized that he may have just gotten her into deeper trouble than she was already in. "She was trying to do her duty," he added, but doubted that the addition helped. Josh sighed deeply and turned back to look at Parker. "I know. Believe me it is never easy being a doctor on an away mission. Our primary vow is to help the sick to the best of our knowledge, and our 'knowledge' falls foul of the Prime Directive more times than most people below Command could possibly even guess at. We in Medical take two vows as you know. Our primary one as a doctor and the Starfleet one. I don't actually blame Tayla for wanting to go help someone she saw as a patient. Had I been in her position I might have wanted to do exactly the same." "But I'll be totally honest with you here Mr Davis. That was not her job here and she should have known that. That is my disagreement with her. She decided to save one person and jepardised the lives of many in doing so. It was a bad decision on her part and she will not escape my wrath for doing so. But there are so many if what's and when's about this that to be honest I will reprimand her, but will take it no further than that. I will not send that reprimand further up the chain of command nor will I make it a permanent reprimand on her file. Parker sighed in relief. "Thank you," he said, barely catching himself before he added 'sir' on the end. Just as he said that his comm badge bleeped and Josh could hear Soma's voice over the chanel. Josh grinned at Parker. "You answer, but I guess that ends that discussion. I'll go wake everyone up. Walking round Josh began shaking everyone and made then aware that they would soon be moving out. (No reply needed just getting caught up) Posted by Marilyn and Morgan ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Tilshol, CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma, 2322) After Ben's revelation Sanok took him aside, Ben knew he had over stepped his bounds by what he had said. Sanok had command of the team and it was his place to tell Kaso the truth but they were running out of time, someone had to make the call. Kaso knew of the Rosenante, he knew of Solyon and he had an understanding of the equipment left behind by the Aowa. Was holding back the truth from them really what was important now? "Though you are probably right about the Prime Directive no longer applying here, it was not your place to reveal anything to Kaso," said Sanok. "Please call Counselor Parker and have the rest of the team join us here. Kaso may be correct in saying we will need more than the three of us. Meet them outside, guide them through the traps, and bring them here." He handed Ben his PADD. "I recorded the course through the tunnels. I will urge Kaso to hurry things along." Ben nodded before speaking. "I take full responsibility for my actions." He said. "If I'm wrong you and Rosenbauer are clear of reprimand." Ben took the PADD. "Kaso may be right, god only knows what other technology the Asrai possess. The Voice may have a surprise or two in store for us, I'll return with the others and quickly as I can." Before leaving Ben stepped closer to his friend. "If you feel the need to put me on report for insubordination I'll understand." He said and turned to leave. Once outside he glanced over the route they had taken to find the Tilshol and set off for the exit. He thought about what had just occured in the chamber he just left, he hoped he had done the right thing. What was done was done, there was no turning back but he couldn't ignore what he had seen and heard. The technology was present, Kaso knew of Solyon and even that it was a ship not a rogue planet. Things were not as they appeared on the surface. He made his way back through the caves and eventually reached the outer chamber where they first spoke with Havi, he exited the hidden cave and once he was outside he quickly looked around and ran a quick scan to ensure he was alone. When he was confident no one could see him he tapped his commbadge. "Soma to Parker." He said. "Assemble the others and meet me at the southern edge of the city, we've made contact Kaso and he is willing to help us locate the Captain and Fraiser, though he is fairly certain we will meet heavy resistance inside the temple." Ben waited for confirmation that his message had been received and then he made his way back through the traps to await the arrival of the rest of the away team. The Captain and Fraiser were running out of time so he hoped the others were together when Parker got the message and they would be here shortly. When he reached to outskirts of town he stayed within the tree line so he wouldn't draw the attention of any passers by. (reply Parker, any) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Tilshol, Lt. sg Sanok, Day 11, 2327) Kaso was explaining to Rosenbauer how the Tilshol were able to hear the away team' s comm traffic through their crystals, when Adom, Fazo, and Layeela returned with the equipment they'd need to rescue the captain and Lieutenant Fraiser. "Ah, they have returned," said Kaso. "Once your friends arrive, we can guide you." "I will guide them," said Fazo. "Not without me, you won't," said Layeela. "I know the way, as well as you do." Sanok noticed that Adom was staring at him and Rosenbauer. He didn't think much of it, as it was probably nothing more than amazement that they were from another world. He could imagine how difficult it would be for some to grasp this, even though they were studying things that implied beings from other worlds could exist. Having one's belief system turned upside -down, could be disconcerting. "Adom, what is it?" Layeela asked. Layeela had seen something as well. Adom looked at her for a few seconds before he said anything. "I think that the western tunnel may have collapsed," said Adom. "Perhaps I should scout ahead and see if it is intact." "I'll go with you," said Layeela. Adom said that Layeela was needed to help with the rescue mission, and that he would investigate the tunnel himself. Kaso agreed, and cautioned him to be careful. "I shall mark the junction if the tunnel is impassable," said Adom. "I will make certain that we can reach the Golden Temple quickly. Just follow the marks, if I do not return in time." "Is there anything that I can answer for you?" said Kaso after Adom had departed. "How else can we aid you?" Sanok did want to ask Kaso something, but he thought better of it. It was unlikely he would get the answer he needed anyway, and it was better to not say something that might end up being unwarranted. "No, there is nothing more I wish to ask," said Sanok. "You have been most kind already." They would need to get ready to mount the rescue as soon as they could. They were already wasting too much time. (reply any iyw) (posted by Bob B.) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Southern edge of Cedlebrai City - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 11 - 2340) It seemed like it had taken forever to hear from Soma and Sanok. Parker expected to receive a request that he and Rosenbauer meet up with the two, but in fact he received a request to gather everyone and have them meet at the southern edge of Celdebrai City. While they were trying to lay low, it seemed like a bad plan to gather everyone in any particular place at once, but the counselor was willing to defer to others' judgment when it came to all things Security. O'Neill took the lead in guarding the group as they moved, Signos bringing up the rear. They met up with Soma, who was alone, and immediately asked, "Are we changing the plan? And if so, why?" (reply Soma) Davis nodded. "Understood." He looked at their group and then back to Soma. "In your opinion, do we need everyone or can we still send a small team to explore the caves?" (reply Soma) "Okay. Then that's what we'll do. We should move quickly--ever second we waste is a second the Captain and Dr. Fraiser may not have." He was distraught, thinking about Tayla in pain and in danger in some dirty, ancient cell. He tried not to show it, but he realized that between the stress of being a mission leader for the first time, and having his girlfriend in a significant amount of peril, some of his stress may have been leaking through. He was silent as they followed Soma along a path that would hopefully lead to a speedy rescue. (reply any) (posted by Morgan G) -------------------------- ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 12 Stardate: 2414.03.27 ========================= (Asrai Prime, Tilshol, YEO- Lt. Mike Rosenbauer, Day 12- 0100.5) (Asrai Prime, Tilshol, CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma- 0102) (Asrai Prime, Tilshol, CEO LCRD Steven Matrix Day 12- 0104) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 12 - 0111) (Asrai Prime, Tilshol, Lt. sg Sanok, Day 12, 0130) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 0132) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - Lt. sg Sanok - Day 12 - 0134) (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 0138) (Cryro Chamber Interior Rogue Planet LT. Tom Jackson COPS Day 12 0700 ) (Interior Rogue Planet- Cryo Chamber- First Engineer- Linba- Day 12 -0710) (Interior Rogue Planet- Cryo Chamber- LT. Tin Jackson Cops Day 12 -0712) ========================= (Asrai Prime, Tilshol, YEO- Lt. Mike Rosenbauer, Day 12- 0100.5) Mike and Sanok had poured over the primitive maps and collected as much information about the deployment and equipment of the Bane as they could get from the Tilshol. It was an interesting discussion, and of all the outcasts gathered here, Kaso seemed the most knowledgeable. They learned about the existence of the pain fields worn by the Bane. These devices seemed to work using some sort of unified energy field that interacted with the nerve endings that carried pain receptors. They would make contact with the Banes difficult, and without the use of some sort of energy weapons, the success of their assault nearly impossible. On top of that if they carried any sort of energy weapons at all, they could prove to be more than just difficult. Out-gunned would be a way to guarantee the failure of their mission. They would need a means to even the odds. Further discussions, led Kaso to being in a half-dozen devices that he claimed had once been weapons. They were without power, but if they were powered by the same crystals that had detected the commbadge signals, perhaps one of the Rosenante's engineers could come up with an alternate means to power them. NRPG: There is an image of these on the website, under the incarceration section of our current mission wiki page. http://www.startrekfreedom.com/wiki/index.php/The_Third_Law RPG: Mike was just beginning to become concerned, when the door to the compartment opened and Havi entered followed by the rest of the Rosenante team led by Soma. The sight of them gave Mike a sense of relief as he knew that they would all be able to work together to overcome the obstacles that stood in their way. He stepped over to Sanok and spoke quietly with him for a moment as the others filtered into the room, obviously intrigued with the things that they were seeing. "Sir, I think that these weapons may be able to be powered by some of our devices. I think we may need them, especially if everything we've heard about the Bane turn out to be true. fields of energy and weapons can make for a very bad sand one-sided situation." (reply Sanok, All) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Tilshol, CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma- 0102) After leading the others back through the traps and then the caverns Ben entered the hall in time to over hear Mike speak with Sanok about the Asrai weapons and possibly adapting some of their devices to power them. They didn't bring any phasers with them on the mission but if the bane did have these pain devices that Kaso told them about, and he didn't have any reason to believe they did not, any engagement may be heavily one sided. If they could adapt the power cells from some of the tricorders to the Asrai weapons that would at least even the playing field. Ben waved Eian over to join him as he walked over to Sanok and Rosenbauer. "What do you think." He asked the engineer. "Could our power cells work with these weapons?" (reply O'Neill) "Do what you can, we may need them according to Kaso." He said. "The bane have some rather unpleasant tools that would make any fight we put up very short." Turning back to Sanok he said. "Do we have any idea regarding the amount of resistance we are expected to encounter?" (reply Sanok) "We hope for the best and expect the worse then." He said. "That seems to be a recurring problem for us doesn't it." (reply Sanok) "They may not have many guards in the outer sections of the catacombs but the Captain and Frasier will definitely be guarded." He said. "We may have to create a diversion to draw some of the guards away. We may also want to see if there is a way to neutralize the devices the bane have, modify a tricorder somehow." (reply O'Neill, Sanok, any present) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Tilshol, CEO LCRD Steven Matrix Day 12- 0104) Matrix grew more concerned as Rosenbauer and Sanok looked over the maps and uncovered the pain fields. ~I knew I should have taken a phaser on this mission.~ thought Matrix. "Great, we're up against a unostentatious enemy and outgunned." said Matrix aloud. Just then Mike and Sanok uncovered a compartment that reviled some sort of weapons. "Sir, I think that these weapons may be able to be powered by some of our devices. I think we may need them, especially if everything we've heard about the Bane turn out to be true. fields of energy and weapons can make for a very bad sand one-sided situation." said Rosenbauer. Matrix smiled slightly, "Perhaps we won't be so unprepared if we can get these working." said Matrix. (Reply Sanok, Rosenbauer, any) "I've got two tricorders with me. I might be able to charge one of these with one of the power packs, but I if its successful it won't be efficient and may not do more than give dim glow...assuming these are some sort of phasers." said Matrix. (Reply Sanok, Rosenbauer, any) "Hand me one and I'll see what I can do." replied Matrix. (Reply Sanok, Rosenbauer, any) (Posted by Steve) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 12 - 0111) Eian's eyes lit up when Sanok and Rosenbauer revealed the weapons compartment. This was his specialty. With his mother's background in alien tactics and weaponology, he had plenty of background in that area growing up. He had specifically studied these topics in Starfleet. He practically jogged over to these new weapons and began examining them. "Sir, I think that these weapons may be able to be powered by some of our devices. I think we may need them, especially if everything we've heard about the Bane turn out to be true. fields of energy and weapons can make for a very bad sand one-sided situation." said Rosenbauer. Matrix smiled slightly, "Perhaps we won't be so unprepared if we can get these working." "Well, that might be possible, Sir, from the look of the connections. It looks like it's compatible with our tricorders' energy transfer housing," Eian stated. "Without even taking this apart, I can tell by the framing that it's similarly constructed to a Starfleet phaser, at least in its layout. But we don't know anything about its energy levels and what kind of power it requires. What do you think, Sir?" Eian asked Matrix. "I've got two tricorders with me. I might be able to charge one of these with one of the power packs, but I if its successful it won't be efficient and may not do more than give dim glow...assuming these are some sort of phasers." said Matrix. Eian looked back to Rosenbauer and Sanok hopefully, sincerely wishing for the opportunity to work with Matrix to make these alien weapons work. This was what he had signed up for--the opportunity to stretch his tactical knowledge to the limit while simultaneously protecting the Federation. At this moment in the mission, Eian was at his peak interest and enthusiasm. (Reply Sanok, Rosenbauer, any) "Hand me one and I'll see what I can do." replied Matrix. (Reply Sanok, Rosenbauer, any) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime, Tilshol, Lt. sg Sanok, Day 12, 0130) While Matrix and O'Neill were working on the devices Kaso had given them, Sanok gathered the rest of the away team and recommended that they try to get a few hours of sleep. He knew that would be unlikely, or probably impossible, but he needed the team to be alert once they finally got to the rescue mission. After talking to the others, Sanok stepped away and went off alone, standing at the entrance to the tunnels, the way Adom had gone to investigate a possible cave in. Vulcan hearing was better than most humanoid species, but it certainly had its limits. He had not heard the sounds of a cave in, but that didn't mean there couldn't have been one. They had just met these people, and revealing to them that they were from another world, could be quite unsettling to some of them. As scholars, they suspected there were others out there in the universe, but that didn't guarantee that some would not have great difficulties changing their beliefs. He would need to keep an eye on Adom. Though they still needed to make preparations for the rescue, Sanok was beginning to become irritated that they were wasting so much time. Though it was logical that those that held the captain and Lieutenant Fraiser would spend time questioning them, and would not just kill them right away, there was a limit to how long they could take. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, he did a quick technique that enabled him to suppress the feeling welling inside him. Sanok thought about Counselor Parker. As the second on this mission, he was technically in command of the team now. However, Sanok had been placed in command of the security of the team. Since the rescue mission fell under the auspices of security, he was the one in command of the rescue. He had not spoken with Parker about it, so he didn't know if the counselor felt the same way, or if he'd object.Taking another deep breath and clearing his mind, he went back to the others and found Parker. "Counselor, may I have a word with you?" Sanok motioned for them to move away from the rest of the team. (reply Parker, any) (posted by Bob B.) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 0132) "Counselor, may I have a word with you?" Sanok asked. Parker complied with a nod and they stepped away from the group. "What can I do for you?" he asked. (reply Sanok) Davis nodded. He was actually rather relieved. He had no idea how to lead a tactical mission. He had received training to defend himself and others, but he certainly hadn't studied tactics past Security and Tactics 101 at the Academy. "I agree completely. I'll defer to your judgment when in the field. But I ask that as the second in command, I'm informed of what the plan is ahead of time and if there are any major changes to the plan when it's underway." (reply Sanok) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - Lt. sg Sanok - Day 12 - 0134) Davis said, "What can I do for you?" "I do not wish to overstep any bounds, Counselor," said Sanok. "You are now in command, since the captain is being held captive. However, since I am in command of security here, and since a rescue mission falls under Sec/Tac duties, I will be leading the rescue mission, with Lieutenant Soma as my second." It was simple and to the point, the typical, Vulcan way. Davis nodded. "I agree completely. I'll defer to your judgment when in the field, but I ask, that as the second in command, I'm informed of what the plan is ahead of time, and if there are any major changes to the plan when it's underway." "Of course," said Sanok. "When we are finally ready to go, everyone will be briefed. I assure you, that Lieutenants Soma, Rosenbauer, and I, will devise the best plan we can." Sanok wasn't sure how Davis would take this. The counselor was in command, but Sanok did the logical thing. He did notice that Davis appeared to be distracted. Perhaps it was nothing more than worrying about their captive shipmates. He considering asking if Davis was all right, but decided to remain quiet, for the time being. "I know it will be difficult, but I urge you to get a few hours of sleep," said Sanok. "It will help the captain and Lieutenant Fraiser to have everyone on the team as fresh as possible." (reply Davis iyw, any) (posted by Bob B.) ------------------------- (Asrai Prime - Tilshol - COUNS Parker Davis - Day 12 - 0138) Parker nodded at Sanok's suggestion that he get sleep, but replied, "I doubt very much I'll be able to get very far with that." He noticed that Eian was fully engaged in his task with Matrix, to dissect the energy weapons they had just uncovered. He hadn't seen the young engineer this happy in quite a while, and despite his own personal preoccupation, couldn't help but be happy for his patient at the same time. "I think instead I'll remain awake as long as I can...just to make sure I'm available if anyone needs me," he told Sanok, and moved over to a corner where he sat down to people-watch and try to get his mind off of the hell Tayla must be going through. (reply none necessary) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (Cryro Chamber Interior Rogue Planet LT. Tom Jackson COPS Day 12 0700 ) Tom thought about what the Asrai engineer would think of them. He faced a similar situation long ago. They had ventured into a parallel universe and each had met his 'evil' twin. Tom's had died and he carried the twin's dagger. The console took a brighter hue and the sound changed. His tricorder showed the engineer's body readings were changing. Tom looked at the engineer. The Asrai's eyes fluttered and Tom tried to smile. The being tensed and struggled. Jackson raised a hand to indicate he needed to relax. "Its time folks" Tom said in a whisper. He struggled a few seconds and the chamber opened. "One of you doctors get over here" Tom ordered". He was concerned he missed something in the revival process. The medical personnel scanned the engineer. He was we'll as far as they could surmise. The room was tense. Since they were in uniform they clearly were not from this world. Tom took the initiative and said "Hello My name is Tom and you are?". (Reply: any) (Posted by: Bill W.) ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet- Cryo Chamber- First Engineer- Linba- Day 12 -0710) The world was cold, so much so that Linba could feel the small painful pricks on the surface of his skin that he had felt as a child during the cold winter months. They were the familiar tingles, filled with an ironic warm throbbing that indicated that he was very cold. His mind was hazy, slow and sluggish, perhaps a side affect of the cold that his body was feeling. It was slowly that he came to a level of awareness sharp enough to realize that he was surrounded by a thick, viscous fluid. The gel was a cryogenic agent that helped maintain a uniform cooling pattern in the body, it was the first fact about the situation that snapped into focus for him as he felt the extremities of his body beginning to warm. He didn't know how long it took to recover from the cooling affects of the chamber, but he was aware enough to know that it seemed to have worked well enough that he was still alive. He tentatively tensed his body, seeking out any indication of paralysis or long-term cryogenic sickness. ~We must be close~ he thought as he felt his brain become fully aware. He opened his eyes and saw something that he had never expected to see in his entire life. It was a bipedal creature, bearing the normal limbs, arms, legs and possessing multiform digits that seemed capable of tool use. An opposable thumb was visible as the creature raised his hand upwards, palm outwards to reveal his hand empty. It was terrifying. To awaken after an unknown length of time only to see a creature unlike anything else that he had ever seen. Of course the Asrai had once made contact with the Tergorn, but they had become extinct for a thousand years or more. And they had looked nothing like this creature that stood before him. The liquid began to drain out of the chamber, revealing his skin to the feel of air for the first time in a very long time. His ship suit was still intact so at least he wasn't nude. It seemed that the humanoids all work some sort of ship suit as well. It was apparent however that they were definitely not Asrai., not unless there had been drastic genetic modifications performed on them. ~Or unless I've been sleeping long enough that they are what we evolved into,~ he thought. A his sounded as the cover to the chamber started to slide upwards. The air pressure between the compartment outside and the chamber equalized quickly enough that it caused Linba's ears to pop with the change in pressure. Linba reached over and disconnected himself from the support bracket that kept him from settling into the bottom of the chamber and tested the strength of his legs. It seemed as if the nano-stimulators had done their job, toning the muscles and maintaining his bone density as he slept in stasis. "Hello my name is Tom and you are?" the creature standing before him asked. The First Engineer forced himself to step out of the cryochamber despite an innate desire to stay as far away from the alien as he could. He looked around and fixed his eyes on the other creatures assembled. There was at least one female, assuming that the females and males of the species he was seeing looked anything like the Asrai, and there was one other, that he had no way to expect. He was massive; taller than any creature Linba had ever seen. There were ridges tuning along his skull, and his skin was reddish and looked much like Hagro leather. He was perhaps a unit engineered for warfare. "I... am..." He began, as he tried to work his mouth into the words that he tried to speak. "What are you? How long... have I...been in stasis?" (reply any present) Linba nodded, and immediately wished he had not done so. "I am First Engineer Linba." he said after forcing his head to clear of a moment. "We are a colony ship. we have suffered damage and were forced to enter stasis." (reply Any Present) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (Interior Rogue Planet- Cryo Chamber- LT. Tin Jackson Cops Day 12 -0712) The Asri engineer sat up and looked intently as each team member. Tom spoke first saying "My name is Tom and you are?". The being before Jackson replied "I... am..." He began, as he tried to work his mouth into the words that he tried to speak. "What are you? How long... have I...been in stasis?". Tom wasn't entirely sure what to reply. He thought for a minute and replied. "We are a group of many races from a long distance away. Your vessel is on a direct collision course with a populated planet of beings similar to yourself ". Tin stopped to allow the engineer to ask questions. (Reply : First Engineer) After his questions were asked and answers given by the other members of the team Tom went on. "Linba, wee need your help to determine if this is avoidable. Will you help us ? " Jackson asked? (Reply: Linba) ------------------------- ========================= Compiled by Marilyn =========================