Star Trek: A Call To Duty

USS Cherokee NCC 61333 SD 10204.21

Chris Esterhuyse as XO Rojer Lyon
Dawn Freeman as OPS Kyleigh Jones
Nuno Guedes as CEO Terumo
Scott Dorsey as CSO Kevin Nash
Steve Weller as CNS Tachachesin Siatty
Arlene McIntyre as Ranick / Warth / Little Girl / Prophets / Lana the Vorta

Absent:
Joe Hartson as CO Irandor Arconus
Brandon Mitcham as CTO Trent Worthington III
Margreth Spruill as CMO Michaela Starr
Aleksandar Vulkis as MO Jovan Brabas

USS Cherokee 10204.21 - "A Dragon's Tale" Part 5

The crew is split in two groups. The XO, CMO and MO are chasing the three men with the little girl down the trail. One of the scouts, the CEO, joins them along the way, having scouted ahead.

The other group - CO, CNS, OPS and CSO – is following a dry river bed, heading for the ford where they can head the men off, hoping to box them in and capture them, and get the girl back. The CTO is still out there, scouting, but will meet up with them at an arranged point.

Host SM_Arlene says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

CNS_Siatty says:
::Riding Ash fast, trying to remain in the saddle.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::nods to Terumo as he joins them on the trail:: CEO: Try to keep up! ::races after the men::

Host SM_Arlene says:
ACTION:  The CMO and MO veer off to scout to the east as the saw some shadows on the hills.  The Capt's runner throws a shoe and is forced to stop.  The rest of the group continues onwards.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Is riding hard as ordered. Looks Tach's direction to make sure that we haven't received any course changes from the XO's group.::

OPS_Jones says:
::riding next to CSO::

CEO_Terumo says:
:: nods to XO as he tries to match the pace:: XO: Doing my best, Sir.

CNS_Siatty says:
CSO/ OPS: On straight, there is where the river crosses the trail.

Host SM_Arlene says:
ACTION:  At the same time both the CNS and XO spot the riders riding like the wind.  The little girl tucked into one of the men.

OPS_Jones says:
::nods at what the CNS said::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::spots the men:: CEO: There! ::points::

Host SM_Arlene says:
ACTION: The men look behind them and see that the dragon riders and coming down on them.

CSO_Nash says:
CNS: Aye. :: Rides on as trying to cover the distance quickly.::

CEO_Terumo says:
::looks in the direction the XO's point at:: You're right! It's them! We've got to go faster!

Host XO_Lyon says:
::makes the poor runner go even faster:: CEO: Don't lose sight of them!

OPS_Jones says:
::does her best to keep up without falling off her mount::

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  One of the men is thrown from his mount, the other two slow down to pick him up.

CNS_Siatty says:
~~~Ranick's mount: Can you hear me?  Boo!~~~

Host XO_Lyon says:
::gives a shout of excitement:: CEO: We've got them!

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  Ranick's mount shies a bit.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Notices that one of the riders of the adversary has fallen. Spurs his rider on as he notices that the others have slowed to help the downed rider.::

CEO_Terumo says:
::Gets up on his runner:: XO: I can taste them!

CEO_Terumo says:
XO: We've got them now, Sir!

Host XO_Lyon says:
::smiles at Terumo's words:: CEO: I sure hope so.

Host Ranick says:
::Stands up and sees the riders barreling down on him and knows he has lost.  He looks sadly at the little girl.::

CEO_Terumo says:
::loses balance momentarily, almost falling::

CNS_Siatty says:
Ash: Come on, boy.  Race is almost over.  ::Lowers head, almost hugging horses neck.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::races up to the men, almost knocking one of them over::

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  The three men form a circle around the little girl and the stand defiantly before the riders.

CSO_Nash says:
Kyleigh: Let's see if we can bracket them. :: Moves in an arc to loop around in front of the other riders.::

CNS_Siatty says:
Riders: Don't be fools.  Let her go, it'll be easier for you.

CEO_Terumo says:
All: This is coming to an end, gentlemen.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::calms his mount a bit:: Ranick: Who are you, and why do you have that girl?

OPS_Jones says:
::nods::  Kevin:  I'll do my best.  ::moves to "bracket" them in::

Host Ranick says:
CNS:  You cannot have her!

Host XO_Lyon says:
Ranick: I'm the one you have to worry about. Hand her over.

CEO_Terumo says:
Riders: Do as you're told! It's bad enough as it is.

CNS_Siatty says:
::bites tongue, letting XO handle things first.::

Host Ranick says:
::Looks around like a caged animal.::  XO:  I am Ranick.  I'm saving this little girl.  She is my daughter.  I will never hand her over to you people.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::frowns:: Ranick: Your daughter?

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  Sniffles can be heard beneath the cloth.

Host Ranick says:
XO:  My daughter...  You cannot have her.

CNS_Siatty says:
::Relaxes back in the saddle, thinking we have yet to find the right child.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
Ranick: Well, I'm looking for my niece, and someone described you, and her quite well. I don't know who you think we are, but I want to see the girl.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Scratches his head at the revelation that Ranick is trying to get us to swallow.::

Host Ranick says:
XO:  Make me rider.

CNS_Siatty says:
Ranick: Who do you think we are?

Host XO_Lyon says:
::tenses a bit::

Host Ranick says:
CNS:  Your dragon riders of course.  You want to test this girl.  What a question to ask.

Warth says:
::Pulls out a sword.::

CNS_Siatty says:
Ranick: Then why are we on riding beasts?

Host XO_Lyon says:
::almost laughs:: Ranick: Your education lacks a lot dear boy. If I were a rider, do you think I'd be stuck on a runner beast?

Host Ranick says:
CNS:  To make us think your not one of them.

CEO_Terumo says:
:: Watches Ranick closely for his next move :: 

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  Warth suddenly lunges at the OPS Officer.

CNS_Siatty says:
::tries to telepathically sense the child.  Reaches for knife.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::see Warth pull a sword:: Ranick: We don't want any trouble, so tell your man .... ::sees the guy lunge::

OPS_Jones says:
::ducks as the madman lunges toward her with a sword::

CEO_Terumo says:
::dismounts and runs to help OPS::

Warth says:
::Grabbing the OPSs leg he tries to pull her off the horse.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::moves in on Ranick::

CEO_Terumo says:
::grabs Wrath and tries to throw him to the ground ::

CNS_Siatty says:
Warth: Enough, or this knife meets your leg!  ::Readies knife to throw.::

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  The little girl scared takes advantage of the distraction crawls under the legs of the men and begins to run as fast as her little legs can carry her.

OPS_Jones says:
::her mount is still edgy and tries to throw her off::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::grapples with Ranick::

Warth says:
::Hits the ground with a thud.   Quickly he kicks hitting the CEO in the stomach.::

Host Ranick says:
::Face red with exertion, he continues to grapple with the XO.::

CEO_Terumo says:
::while noticing the child was running away, he falls to the ground with Warth's kick::

CNS_Siatty says:
::Slides off horse and moves to tackle Warth.::

CSO_Nash says:
:: Sees T'sara breaking to run away. Breaks formation and moves his runner to catch her.:: All: I'm going after her.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::shifts his weight, pulling Ranick off balance::

Host Ranick says:
::Falls flat on his face in the dirt.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::jumps on Ranick, pulling his arm behind his back, almost dislocating it::

Host Ranick says:
::Screeches::

CEO_Terumo says:
:: grabs Warth's leg, making him fall down again::

Warth says:
::Cries in frustration.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
Ranick: So, why would you behave like this if you thought I could call dragons at any time?

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  Miss Jones runs past the little girl on her ride.

CNS_Siatty says:
Warth: Don't move again.  We really don't want to injure you.  We just want to save the child.

Host Ranick says:
XO:  Because I would die to protect her.

OPS_Jones says:
::tries to slow her ride down::

Warth says:
::Glares at the CNS.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
Ranick: That I can understand, but we are not dragon riders. I'm looking for my niece... and at the moment you're my prime suspect.

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  The mount rears up and the Miss Jones falls off right in front of the little girl.

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: This is wrong.  If they were those we seek, the child would have been dead I think.

Host Ranick says:
::Spits:: XO:  I don't believe you.

OPS_Jones says:
::lands with a thud on the ground in front of the little girl::

Host XO_Lyon says:
CNS: If they were the ones we seek, they want that woman more than a dead girl.

OPS_Jones says:
::feels the little girl trip and fall on top of her::  Little Girl:  You okay?

Host XO_Lyon says:
Ranick: And I don't believe you, so it's a bit of a stalemate. CEO: Disarm them.

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: But if caught, finding Xavier is impossible.

Little Girl says:
::Sniffles and Miss Jones can see the blanket bob up and down.::

CEO_Terumo says:
XO: Yes, Sir. ::Proceeds to check Ranick and Warth for weapons of any kind::

Host XO_Lyon says:
CSO: Kevin, check their runners for any other form of weapon.

CNS_Siatty says:
::Walks to help OPS.::  OPS: You OK?  Both of you?  ::Nods to the child.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
Ranick: I'm going to let you up, but any trouble and you eat dirt again.

OPS_Jones says:
::gently moves the little girl off her then sits up slowly and starts to take the blanket off as she looks up::  CNS:  We're fine.

Host Ranick says:
::Just glares::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::releases the man's arm, and steps back:: Ranick/Wrath: Get up.

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  Underneath the blanket is revealed a Child with porcelain skin, the brightest blue eyes ever seen and the blackest hair.  Her features are of the most delicate.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CEO/CSO: Watch them. ::moves to where Tach and Kyleigh are::

OPS_Jones says:
::looks at the child's features::  Little Girl:  What's your name, Sweetie?

CEO_Terumo says:
::puts on his best "security" face and guards the men::

Little Girl says:
::In a small voice.::  OPS:  Tora....  I'm....  ::Holds up three fingers::

CSO_Nash says:
:: Checks the runners and helps the CEO keep an eye on the prisoners.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::walks up to see the girl's face, and feels his stomach clench:: CNS: Can you "check"?

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: I can try.  ~~~Tora: Can you hear me?~~~

Little Girl says:
::Eyes wide in fright.::

CNS_Siatty says:
~~~Tora: Think of "mommy".  What does she look like?~~~

OPS_Jones says:
Tora:  Tora?  That's a sweet name.  ::sees the wide frightened eyes and gently hugs her tighter::

Little Girl says:
::Tries to find where the voice is coming from.  With the word Mommy, a picture forms of an elegant lady, very slim, and dark appears.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::watches the girl, waiting for Tach to give a verdict::

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: I don't think so.  T'Sara was young, but I'd bet my life the Admiral telepathically spoke with her before.

Little Girl says:
::Smiles at the pretty lady.::

CEO_Terumo says:
::looks over to where the others are, trying to see if there are any news::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::bites back an oath:: CNS: And her "father"?

CSO_Nash says:
XO: They only appear to have the weapons they were carrying. So no more threats for now.

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: I'd say he's answered honestly.  But why he ran I can't guess.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CNS: Because some of these people fear the dragon riders still, and don't want their children to become one. ::turns to Kyleigh:: OPS: Take her to her father. ::turns to walk back to the men::

Little Girl says:
OPS:  Daddy...... ::Points to Ranick.::

CEO_Terumo says:
:: sees everyone returning to join them ::

OPS_Jones says:
::sees her point to Ranick::  Tora:  You want to join him? ::smiles::

Host Ranick says:
ACTION:  The area where the Cherokee crew is standing starts to become blurry.  All of a sudden they are back on the bridge but not.  The Prophets appear before them.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::sees the scenery change, and realizes the Prophets have intervened again.::

OPS_Jones says:
::wonders what is going on now::

CNS_Siatty says:
Prophets: Why did you bring us back?

CEO_Terumo says:
::for the second time in his life, looses all senses for a second and finds himself on the bridge::

Host Prophet says:
::Looks at each and every one of them.:: All:  What have you learned ?

Host XO_Lyon says:
::blinks at the question:: Prophet: This was a lesson?!

CSO_Nash says:
:: Notices the change in scenery and wonders what is happening.:: Self: What is going on?

OPS_Jones says:
::blinks::

Host Prophet says:
All:  Did you find the one you seek ?

Host XO_Lyon says:
Prophet: No. But you knew that.

CEO_Terumo says:
::regains his hearing just as the XO finished his sentence:: Prophet: You know the answer.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Blinks and begins to try to find the lesson in what we just encountered.::

Host Prophet says:
XO:  We only showed you what was in your mind.

Host Prophet says:
CEO:  I know much, time is infinite for me you are liner.

CNS_Siatty says:
Prophet: No, but we found one and needlessly put her in danger.  How was that from our minds?  We want to return a child from her mother, not take a child from her father.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::frowns:: Prophet: My mind? You showed me a book I read recently read.

OPS_Jones says:
::has a heavy heart because they didn't find the one they were seeking::

Host Prophet says:
CNS:  Danger ?

CEO_Terumo says:
::feels frustration starting to set in::

CNS_Siatty says:
Prophet: Placed her, and her family, in a position that could end their linear existence.

Host Prophet says:
All:  What you seek is not here....  What you seek is......

CSO_Nash says:
:: Listens hanging on to every word and what is to come next.::

Host Prophet says:
ACTION:  The crew wakes up and they are on the real bridge of the Cherokee.   An opening appears before them as the worm holes opens.  They are jettisoned into the Gamma quadrant.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::sees the wormhole open and the Gamma quadrant in front of them:: All Report!

CNS_Siatty says:
All: They could get a fortune for that ride...

CSO_Nash says:
:: Awakens at SCI-1 and begins a scan of this area looking for a reference.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::gets up from his chair:: OPS: Get us a few million kilometers from here and go to all stop.

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: It appears the Prophets have just confirmed that the other Nova Class, the one that went through the wormhole, is the ship we are after.

OPS_Jones says:
::awakens and does as told by the XO::

Host XO_Lyon says:
CNS: It would seem that way... I just don't like the way they told us.

CEO_Terumo says:
::looks down at his con:: XO: Everything is within normal working parameters, Sir.

Host Prophet says:
ACTION:  The proximity sensors go off.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::moves to the Tactical station::

CSO_Nash says:
:: Finishes the scan and reports his findings.:: XO: We are in the Gamma quadrant from these readings. :: hears the sirens:: And it appears we have company.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CSO: Thanks... identify.

CNS_Siatty says:
::Turns and moves to SCI 2 to assist.::

CSO_Nash says:
XO: Scanning now

Host Prophet says:
ACTION:  A Jem'hadar ship appears on screen.  It is dangerously close to the Cherokee.  The OPS console beeps incoming message.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::punches a few buttons:: All: Shields up.

CNS_Siatty says:
::Moves to Tactical and raises shields, hoping it's all that is needed.::  XO: Shields up.

CSO_Nash says:
XO: It's readings are Jem'hadar sir

Host XO_Lyon says:
:;goes to the center:: CNS: Ready weapons.

OPS_Jones says:
XO:  Sir, a message is coming in, want me to put it on screen?  ::prepares to put on screen::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::nods: OPS: On screen.

OPS_Jones says:
::puts the message on screen::

Host Vorta says:
@COM: Cherokee:  This is Lana, we need your help...

Host XO_Lyon says:
COM: Lana: You need help? What for?

Host Vorta says:
ACTION:  In the background an ill looking founder and Jem'hadar can be seen.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Looks at the screen and is astounded by the straight forwardness of the request.::

CNS_Siatty says:
*CMO*: Doctor, we have a problem...a big one.

Host Vorta says:
@COM: XO:  Ahhh its a delicate matter...  you see I have someone who is gravely ill and our ship is.....well you can say not in the best condition...  We need transport.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::sees the Founder in the background:: COM: Lana: Your Founder?

OPS_Jones says:
::whispers under her breath::

CNS_Siatty says:
::Hands Tactical over to the recovered TAC Officer and moves to seat.  Pulls up all Medical information available on the Founders.::

Host Vorta says:
@COM: XO:  I cannot reveal that information....  Its...ummmmm... sensitive.

Host Vorta says:
::Stands in front of the screen with a serene look on her face.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
COM: Lana: Well, you had better be prepared to reveal that information. Surely you don't expect me to take just your word for it.

Host Vorta says:
@::taken aback.::  COM: XO:  You have my word as a Vorta.

OPS_Jones says:
Self:  Yeah right.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Looks at the screen and sees the sick founder and Jem'hadar. Self: I wonder what kind of trick this is?::

Host XO_Lyon says:
COM: Lana: Given our two races’ history, Lana, your word as a Vorta doesn't mean much to me.

CNS_Siatty says:
COM: Vorta: What exactly is it you seek?

Host Vorta says:
@COM: XO:  How dare you question me, I serve Gods.  Do  you understand that ?

Host XO_Lyon says:
COM: Lana: Yes, but your "Gods" tried to invade our quadrant before. I'm a bit skeptic. I'll need more.

Host Vorta says:
@COM: XO:  Invade... I think not, bring order is a better word.  ::Looks over at the CNS.::  We seek help.  Isn't that what you people do ?

CEO_Terumo says:
::gets some sensor readings from the fighter as the conversation is going on::

CNS_Siatty says:
COM: Vorta: It is, but we need to know what help is needed.

Host XO_Lyon says:
COM: Lana: They have a funny way to "bring order". Give me something, or we don't help you at all.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Scans the vessel to see if the disease will affect any race on the Cherokee.::

Host Vorta says:
@COM: XO:  Never mind then...  we will find help somewhere else...  ::Sparks fly from the consoles.::

OPS_Jones says:
::fights urge to cut the conversation off::

Host XO_Lyon says:
COM: Lana: Hold on a moment. ::indicates to Kyleigh to cut sound::

OPS_Jones says:
::is rejoining in that command and cuts the sound::

OPS_Jones says:
<rejoicing NOT rejoining>

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: While I think it is our duty to help, we can't help if they don't tell us the problem.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::turns to Tach:: CNS: I'm with you. I'll try to buy more time.

OPS_Jones says:
XO:  Sir, I don't trust Lana, I have the feeling she had the damage done herself and made her own 'God' sick just to gain access to a Starfleet vessel.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CNS: Can you read her at all?

CSO_Nash says:
XO: Sir scans reveal just the one sick Founder. I urge caution

Host XO_Lyon says:
CSO: I'm with you on that.

CEO_Terumo says:
XO: Sir, she's speaking the truth about the ship, at least. It barely has impulse.

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: They need help, that's for sure.  Being cautious is in her nature. Cautious to the point of paranoia.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::nods:: CNS: I understand. OPS: I don't trust them as far as I can throw them, but we can't ignore them. Sound.

OPS_Jones says:
::returns the sound::

Host XO_Lyon says:
COM: Lana: I need to speak to my captain about this. I'll give you an answer in an hour.

Host Vorta says:
@COM: XO:  So be it, we are not going anywhere.  :: Another spark emanates and one of the Jem'hadar is thrown back.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::mutters: Self: So I can see. ::louder:: OPS: Cut the com.

OPS_Jones says:
::cuts the com with extreme pleasure::

Host XO_Lyon says:
All: Senior staff in the conference room, now. ::walks off::

Host Vorta says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Pause Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>