Host SM-Trish says:
USS Cherokee 10204.14 – “A Dragon's Tale” Part 4

Host SM-Trish says:
The crew have assembled at the exit to the Weyr, to begin their search for what they hope is T'Sara.

Host SM-Trish says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Continue Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Host SM-Trish says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Continue Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Host XO_Lyon says:
::sits easily on his mount, looking around to make sure everybody's present::

CNS_Siatty says:
::Sitting on the runner beast, patting its neck as we prepare to leave.::

Host CO_Arconus says:
XO:  Do we have everyone?

CMO_Starr says:
::sitting on the runner beast, hoping that the strange child seen is T'Sara::

Host XO_Lyon says:
CO: Aye, Trent and Terumo have gone ahead about 10 minutes ago. They'll scout and leave signs along the way.

OPS_Jones says:
::sitting on the runner, rubbing her shoulder since it’s still slightly tender from her injury::

MO_Brabas says:
::Looks at distance not really interested in anything::

OPS_Jones says:
<runner beast>

CSO_Nash says:
:: Easily gets on the runnerbeast, waiting for Kyleigh to do likewise. Seeing her get on her mount, I make my way over to her.::

CNS_Siatty says:
::Tries to remember the tricks to riding, as it’s been a very long time.::

Host SM-Trish says:
ACTION:  A beautiful and clear morning for Benden.

CMO_Starr says:
CO:  I haven't "heard" a noise from T'Sara.  If this child is here, they have her unconscious.

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  Keep your ears and eyes open for anything that looks out of place...well more out of place than we are anyway.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::looks around again:: CO: We're ready, sir.

MO_Brabas says:
::He is thinking that the aliens from the worm hole brought them to this place for some reason that they don't know how to explain to us::

Host CO_Arconus says:
CMO:  OK.  Keep trying, maybe if we get close you'll pick something up.

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  We'll head out in columns of twos.  Mount up.

CMO_Starr says:
CO:  I am constantly.  I'm just hoping the dragons don't give me away ::trying to smile, pats her mount::

CSO_Nash says:
:: Hears the Captain's orders and moves up beside Kyleigh and gives her a concerned look. Kyleigh: Are you sure you're up for this?

CNS_Siatty says:
::Pats runner beast's neck.::  RB: Ready Ash?  ~~~Can you hear this, boy?~~~

Host XO_Lyon says:
CO: I'll take the rear. ::moves towards the back::

Host CO_Arconus says:
::scans the sky for signs of the big lizards::

Ramoth says:
~~~CMO:  No one knows, and this will be our secret.~~~

OPS_Jones says:
::looks at Kevin::  Kevin:  Not really, but I am willing anyway.

Host CO_Arconus says:
::Mounts up and settles onto the beast::

MO_Brabas says:
::looks around for his runnerbeast and gets onto it when he finds it::

CSO_Nash says:
:: Nods to her.:: Kyleigh: Just hang in there, I'll stay back with you in case any difficulties become evident.

Host SM-Trish says:
ACTION:  The CNS's runner beast bucks and takes off like it was burned!

Host CO_Arconus says:
::takes up the reigns and heads down the rocky trail after the CNS::

CNS_Siatty says:
RB:  Woah!  Down boy!

Host XO_Lyon says:
::sighs:: CO: Let me guess - he tried "talking" to it.

OPS_Jones says:
Kevin:  Understood.

Host CO_Arconus says:
XO:  I'll get him.  I hope.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::waits for the rest to fall in, and gets into the line next to Michaela::

CNS_Siatty says:
::Pulls back on the reigns, hoping they use the same system here.::

Host CO_Arconus says:
::digs his heals into the flanks and goes to a gallop::

Host SM-Trish says:
ACTION:  The CO takes off after the runaway...

Host XO_Lyon says:
::calls to the others:: ALL: Keep in line and follow a bit more sedately. We'll catch up soon enough.

OPS_Jones says:
::leads her mount in front of Kevin's::

Host SM-Trish says:
ACTION:  The crew begins their journey, out of the weyr and down the gently sloping hill into Benden.

MO_Brabas says:
::kicks his heels against the beast's flank, and Coutu begins to move::

CNS_Siatty says:
Self:  I really should leave... Oof!...talking to animals to...ugh...Bob.  RB: Down boy, its OK.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::looks around the area:: CMO: You think Gereth can be a scout too? ::strokes the little beast on his shoulder::

CSO_Nash says:
:: Moves in behind Kyleigh, glad that we are in the middle.::

CMO_Starr says:
XO:  Yes I think he can ::grinning::

Host SM-Trish says:
ACTION:  The air is crisp and clean, giving new hope to the crew.

CMO_Starr says:
XO: Your fire-lizards can help us look for T'Sara.  Just think of her picture in your mind and the fire lizard will pick it up and help us look for her.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::smiles and removes the firelizard from his shoulder, guiding the runner with his knees:: Gereth: Ok, you know what the girl looks like... go see if you can find her. ::gives his pet another clear image of T'Sara.::

Host CO_Arconus says:
::brings his beast up alongside and tries to slow down the CNS::

Host SM-Trish says:
ACTION:  Gereth just looks at the XO.  Since she has never seen the girl before, she is puzzled at what he wants.

MO_Brabas says:
::Looks what everyone is doing::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::feels the confusion:: CMO: You think you can get him to understand a bit better?

CMO_Starr says:
XO: Sure if you want me to try.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::hands the lizard to her:: CMO: Be my guest. They are very flighty though.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Looks up at the sky taking in the clarity of the sky, especially after witnessing Threadfall. Takes in a huge lungful of the air enjoying a land that has yet to be touched by mass technology.:: Kyleigh: This is great, I am glad to finally be on a planet that has yet to be touched by technology.

CMO_Starr says:
::thinks of T'Sara's image and projects it to the fire lizard, telling him to help us find this child::

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  Grasp the reins, press into his flanks with your legs and pull back.

OPS_Jones says:
Kevin:  Yeah this is nice, but there are some things I like that technology has to offer as well.  ::smiles::

CNS_Siatty says:
::Presses into the flanks while still pulling.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::::waits to see if Gereth understood::

Host SM-Trish says:
ACTION: The runner beast begins to slow, and it almost runs into an old man by the side of the road.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::sees the CO and CNS in the distance:: All: Lets pick up the pace. At a walk we'll get nowhere.

CNS_Siatty says:
Man:  Sorry, sir.  The beast got a bit spooked.

CMO_Starr says:
::notices the fire lizards understood her, she hands him back to the XO::  XO: Just tell it to find T'Sara

Host CO_Arconus says:
Old Man:  Sorry about that.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Smiles:: Kyleigh: As do I , but if we really wanted to get a break from pollution this would be a great place.

CNS_Siatty says:
CO: Thanks si.. Irandor.  Not much of a rider of late.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  Let's dismount and check the straps.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::smiles:: CMO: Thanks. Gereth: Find T'Sara.

Host SM-Trish says:
ACTION:  The fire lizard takes off and goes "between".

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  No better way to learn.  ::laughs::

OPS_Jones says:
::smiles as she indicates to Valen, her mount, to quicken the pace a little::

CNS_Siatty says:
::Slips out of the saddle and starts checking the straps to make sure they are still tight.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::spurs the runner into a trot::

CNS_Siatty says:
CO: Oh, I know a few better ways, but it is fairly effective.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Spurs his mount to keep pace with the others.::

MO_Brabas says:
::Follows rest of the crew::

Host CO_Arconus says:
::Dismounts::

Host CO_Arconus says:
Old Man:  How fare you today?

CNS_Siatty says:
CO: Look's good, he just ran a bit I think.  Guess he didn't know me.

Host Old_Man_From_The_Hills says:
CO: I fare well and you, sir?

Host XO_Lyon says:
::grins to himself as the runners close the distance in a surprisingly short time::

Host CO_Arconus says:
Old Man:  Good.  Many people on the trail today?

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  Let's take a look at the belly strap.

Host Old_Man_From_The_Hills says:
CO: Some… anyone particular you looking for?

Host XO_Lyon says:
::slows down as the group approaches the CO and CNS::

Host Ranick says:
Warth:  How much further today?  We can't hide this child forever ya know!

Host CO_Arconus says:
::walks over to the beast and knees it in the belly and tightens the strap two notches::

MO_Brabas says:
:: smells the perfume of the flowers in the air::

OPS_Jones says:
::indicates to Valen to slow down as they approach the CO and CNS::

Host Ranick says:
< Warth > Ranick:  We should be at the hold later this morning.  Those riders are NOT going to have this one ::smirking at him::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::pulls up next to the little group on the hill, and dismounts::

Host CO_Arconus says:
Old Man:  You wouldn't have seen three men with a little girl come per chance?  ::hands him a wineskin filled with Benden wine::

MO_Brabas says:
::closes his eyes:: Self: Hmmm.. the smell!

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  There you go.  He should behave a bit better now.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::leading his runner he walks over:: CNS: That eager to get going? ::grins::

CSO_Nash says:
:: Slows as the group does, sees the CNS and CO talking to an Old Man.::

Host Old_Man_From_The_Hills says:
::takes a drink:: CO: Yesterday there were 3 men and a girl came by here.

Host Ranick says:
::gives the girl another dose of fellis juice, and watches as she goes back into a deep sleep::

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: Spooked him, doesn't respond like Flame always does.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::smiles:: CNS: I'd say that is exactly the way Flame responds.

CNS_Siatty says:
::Laughs.:: XO: He's not that bad of a beast, really.

Host CO_Arconus says:
Old Man:  Could you tell where they were headed?  I got to catch up with them before the trade.

Host Ranick says:
Warth:  Ok, pack her up, tell Chancy to get back here, and load the animals.

CMO_Starr says:
< whispers > XO:  Did you notice the moment you told your fire lizard to find T'Sara it left?

Host XO_Lyon says:
::chuckles:: CNS: If you say so. ::sobers as he hears the old man's words::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::nods:: CMO: Yes, I find that puzzling...

CSO_Nash says:
:: Notices that the CNS and XO are talking about the runner beast, and decide to follow the conversation between the CO and the Old Man.::

Host Old_Man_From_The_Hills says:
CO: well sir  I’m getting up there my memories not as good as it useter be 

OPS_Jones says:
::hears the Old Man's words and suddenly she has some hopes that their mission is almost completed::

CNS_Siatty says:
::Pat's Ashfaloth's head and climbs back up.::

Host CO_Arconus says:
::digs in the saddlebag and pulls out some jerked wherry and offers it to the old man::

CMO_Starr says:
::listens to the CO and the Old Man, looking around at the people there::

Host CO_Arconus says:
::takes a bite::  Old man:  Do you recall if they were on foot or riding?

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  Gereth returns with a full belly.

MO_Brabas says:
::He looks at CMO and then at place where she looks::

Host Old_Man_From_The_Hills says:
CO: What do these fellas and that little girl mean to ya?

Host XO_Lyon says:
::looks up as Gereth appears near them:: CMO: I don't think he found her... he went hunting, the rascal.

CMO_Starr says:
::notices the fire lizard had returned with fuller belly, suppresses a giggle:: XO:  I believe so.. ::grinning::

OPS_Jones says:
::she rubs her sore shoulder::

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  The fire lizard wraps his tail around the XO's neck, cooing into his ear.

Host Old_Man_From_The_Hills says:
::chews his  tabacco and  spits a big wad of juice in the CO's direction, but misses him::

Host CO_Arconus says:
Old Man:  Well now, If I can catch up to them I might be able to stop an injustice dealing with that little girl and return her to her proper hold.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::sighs:: CMO: Well, I think we'd be better off not trusting him all that much. ::scratches the lizard behind its eye ridges::

Host Ranick says:
::sees Chancey has finished the packing, and they mount up, going past the lake and taking the trail leading out of Benden:: Warth:  Be sure to keep the girl dosed, we don't need her waking up and the dragons finding her.

CMO_Starr says:
XO:  I have a feeling the little one will come through if need be  ::reaches over and scratches the eyelid as well::

Host Old_Man_From_The_Hills says:
CO: Well, sir, if I could come with ye I might be able to remember and if u could offer me some compinsation for my help and my time. ::smiles a toothy grin::

CNS_Siatty says:
CMO/ XO: Hmmm, that sounds like my confidence in Flame.  ::Smiles.::

CMO_Starr says:
::moves her mount over where she saw OPS rubbing her shoulder::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::nods:: CMO: I think so too. ::hears the old man, and shows the captain the pouch of money F'lar had given him, behind the old man's back::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::grins:: CNS: Seems like it.

Host CO_Arconus says:
Old Man:  We can take you a ways but you'll have to ride double with me.  As for your time and trouble I've got a couple of marks to cover it.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Sees Kyleigh rubbing the shoulder, begins looking for some of the numbweed to see if it will help.::

MO_Brabas says:
::Why are we here? He ask him self again and again. Why did the Prophets send us here?::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::grins at the captain's statement and mounts up again::

CMO_Starr says:
::turning her mount in such a way that the Old man can't see her, takes out her tricorder and run a quick scan over OPS's shoulder::  CSO:  Keep guard and cover me and ops

Host Old_Man_From_The_Hills says:
::looks all excited at the offer thinking to himself:: Self: 2 marks? That’s alot hehhheeeeeeeeee CO: You’ve got yourself a deal partner! When do we leave? ::smiles::

CSO_Nash says:
CMO: My plan as I saw you moving.

OPS_Jones says:
CMO:  I'm fine really, it's still slightly tender.

CMO_Starr says:
OPS:  you have a strained shoulder muscle

Host XO_Lyon says:
::looks around again, trying to find signs of the men the old man spoke of::

Host CO_Arconus says:
::mounts up and offers a hand to the Old man::  Old Man:  Now.

MO_Brabas says:
::sees the CMO getting out the tricorder and moves his runner into a position where the old man cannot see her, buying her some more time::

Host Old_Man_From_The_Hills says:
::mounts up:: 

CSO_Nash says:
:: Takes up a position to block any view of the OPS and CMO.::

OPS_Jones says:
CMO:  Great, first the Thread got me then this.  ::sighs::

CMO_Starr says:
MO:  Thanks ::smiles::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::moves over:: All: We're ready to move out again. ::nods in the CO and old man's direction::

Host CO_Arconus says:
Old Man:  Which way?

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  Suddenly Gereth sits up, gets a puzzled expression on his face, chirps to the XO and takes off...

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: Shall I take the lead again?  ::Laughs.::

CMO_Starr says:
::reaches in to her bag, looks around to see that no-one sees her, adjusts a hypo and injects OPS and quickly puts the hypo back into her bag::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::startled as Gereth flies off, the image he gets very fuzzy::

CSO_Nash says:
:: Hears the order to move out.:: CMO: How much longer? The group is about move again.

CMO_Starr says:
::Notices Gereth flying off::

CMO_Starr says:
CSO: We are good. ::turning her runner beast around::

CMO_Starr says:
OPS: If your shoulder gets worse.. tell either the MO or me immediately  ::giving her a stern look::

CSO_Nash says:
:: Nods and gets back in line.::

Host Ranick says:
::looking around, to make sure they are by themselves, they hastily begin going down the trail... then suddenly a fire lizard pops out of between::  Warth:  Do you see that fire lizard ::nodding in the direction of it::

OPS_Jones says:
CMO: Thanks ::moves in line::

MO_Brabas says:
::He looks at CMO:: CMO: Is she ok?.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::moves up to the captain:: CO: Irandor, I think Gereth found something.

Host Ranick says:
< Warth > Rancik:  Yes, but you know how flighty they are... just ignore it.

CMO_Starr says:
MO:  Yes she is ok. but I could only give her a small dose, so it may start to hurt again ::rides back to where the XO is::

Host Old_Man_From_The_Hills says:
CO: If you take this path up to the lake, it would be faster my friend.

Host CO_Arconus says:
XO:  What is it?

MO_Brabas says:
CMO: Understood!

Host CO_Arconus says:
Old Man:  You're the tour guide.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CO: I'm not sure, but I'd like to investigate... say with Tach, Kevin and Jovan?

CMO_Starr says:
< Whispers > XO:  May I go as well, please?

Host Old_Man_From_The_Hills says:
::leads them up the trail  towards  the lake::

Host CO_Arconus says:
XO:  OK.  We're heading for the lake.  Follow that path up over yonder hill.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CO: On second thoughts, Tach and Michaela.

OPS_Jones says:
::notices that there are a bunch of broken branches::  CO:  Um Look at the branches, there are a lot of broken ones.

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  The branches have been broken recently, within 24 hours.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Hears the XO and looks at Kyleigh.:: Kyleigh: Sounds like something's up.  Let's keep our eyes peeled.

MO_Brabas says:
::He gets closer toward CMO::

MO_Brabas says:
CMO: I have one question?

CMO_Starr says:
::notices the branches as she passes:: XO: these have been broken recently.. MO: Yes.

OPS_Jones says:
::nods and smiles at Kevin::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::changes his mind again:: CMO/MO: Michaela, Jovan, you're with me.

Host CO_Arconus says:
OPS:  Good eye.  They are about a day ahead of us.

MO_Brabas says:
CMO: If we were sent here by the aliens from the wormhole, shouldn't we think in puzzles?

Host CO_Arconus says:
Old Man:  Were they on foot?

CMO_Starr says:
MO:  No.. They sent us here to give us a clue.. That is what I'm figuring..

OPS_Jones says:
::nods at the CO::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::spurs his runner ahead, only once glancing over his shoulder to see if the CMO and MO is following::

Host Old_Man_From_The_Hills says:
CO: They were riding the trail gets to rough to go on foot 

MO_Brabas says:
XO:Aye... ::Looks around:: sir!

CMO_Starr says:
::follows the XO, spurring on her beast::

MO_Brabas says:
::He gets his mount a little faster just to follow XO::

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  30 MINUTES later, the XO reaches the top of the hill with the CMO and MO.  In the distance, they can see someone moving down the other side... but are unable to tell how many.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::slows down a bit for them to catch up:: CMO/MO: Keep your eyes peeled for any signs. ::Scans the trail::

CMO_Starr says:
XO:  Look down there.. People moving  ::Points down the hill::

Host CO_Arconus says:
::spurs on his beast::

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  We'll have to set a fast pace.  Let's go.

MO_Brabas says:
CMO: It is interesting how it seems we are wasting time, but at the same time we are not?

CNS_Siatty says:
::Rides on, trying to keep from spooking Ash'.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
CMO: I see them. Tell Tach. He can figure out how to tell Irandor. ::starts down the hill::

OPS_Jones says:
::motions to her mount to hasten the pace::

MO_Brabas says:
::Looks at direction that CMO pointed::

Host CO_Arconus says:
:: sets a good pace over the broken volcanic rock along the side of the hill::

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  Gereth appears in front of the XO, chirping madly at him to hurry.

CMO_Starr says:
MO: We aren't  of that I'm positive.  ~~~Tach.. We are at the top of the hill.  We see people moving down the hill, we are going to catch up..~~~

CSO_Nash says:
:: Breaks his runner into a gallop to keep up.::

CMO_Starr says:
::sees the Fire Lizard appear suddenly::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::grins as Gereth appears:: Gereth: I know little one. ::holds out his arm so the lizard can settle down::

Host XO_Lyon says:
CMO: He's agitated... I think that is our quarry.

CMO_Starr says:
XO:  I think Gereth thinks he's found T'Sara..

CNS_Siatty says:
~~~CMO: Acknowledged.  Let me know what you see, we are still moving forward.  Hopefully our path's will cross.~~~

Host CO_Arconus says:
::Reins in at the shore of the lake::

MO_Brabas says:
XO: I think that we are looking in the wrong direction!

CMO_Starr says:
~~~Tach, I will.~~~

Host XO_Lyon says:
CMO/MO: Ok, we're going to have to catch them. Off we go! ::sets off at a gallop::

Host CO_Arconus says:
Old Man:  Well my friend.  That's as far as I can take you for the moment.  The beast can't carry two at this pace.

CMO_Starr says:
XO:  I think so ::follows after the XO::

Host Ranick says:
::hears hoofbeats in the distance and turns to locate them::

Host Ranick says:
< Warth > Rancik:  I think we are being followed ::turning to look as well::

CMO_Starr says:
::mentally tries once more to contact T'Sara::

CNS_Siatty says:
::Is glad the CO asked the Old man to depart so he can give him an update.::

MO_Brabas says:
::waits to be at the rear, so the rest can't see how silly he looks and then follows::

Host Old_Man_From_The_Hills says:
CO: Aye, I need to get home anyways.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::keeps on urging his mount to go faster::

Host CO_Arconus says:
Old Man:  Here are two Harper marks as promised.  Use them well.

CMO_Starr says:
XO:  We need to come in from a different angle. they can hear us approaching and get spooked.

CNS_Siatty says:
Old Man:  Good journey to you, friend.

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  The three men spur their runner beasts and take off as quickly as the trail will allow.

Host Old_Man_From_The_Hills says:
CO: Thank you.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::sees the men starting to go faster:: CMO: Too late.

CMO_Starr says:
~~~Tach, they have spotted and are starting to run as quickly as the trail will allow them~~~

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  Let's get a move on.  Follow the riverbed down.  It'll intersect the road in the valley and save some distance.

CMO_Starr says:
XO: I see.  I count Three adults and something or someone wrapped up

Host XO_Lyon says:
::yells:: CMO: Tell Tach to see if they can head them off where the two trails meet!

MO_Brabas says:
XO/CMO: As we lost those ships.

CNS_Siatty says:
~~~CMO: OK, we are dropping our guest off and should be moving soon.~~~

CMO_Starr says:
~~~~Tach, See if you can intercept us where the two trails meet~~~~

OPS_Jones says:
::leads her mount downward to follow the river bed::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::a look of determination sets on his face:: Self: We will get them.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  From the look on your face I think you've heard something...or you've got gas?

CNS_Siatty says:
::Waits for the Old man to get out of hearing range.::  CO: Rojer’s group found something, they are in pursuit on the other side of the hill.  The group they saw is running.  They want us to move for the trail intersection.

CMO_Starr says:
XO:  Messages relayed

MO_Brabas says:
XO/CMO: Something is changing here, we are getting some clues but the whole puzzle is much bigger!

CNS_Siatty says:
~~~CMO: We're on our way.~~~

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  Tell them we should make it to the bridge ahead of them.  The water level is very low and the bed is hard enough for riding.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CMO: Thanks. MO: I think so too. We can discuss it more when we stop.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Hears the CNS report and prepares to take his runner into full pursuit gallop.::

CNS_Siatty says:
~~~CMO: We're making good time, we should get there in time.~~~

CMO_Starr says:
XO:  they are making good time and are heading for the bridge ahead of us.. the water is low there and good for riding.

Host Ranick says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Pause Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Host Ranick says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Pause Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>