USS Cherokee 
11310.20 Diplomacy Part 13

Starring
Trish Yarborough as Executive Producer 
Steve Weller as Sheriff_Akhey, Lt_Manuel, and Mortanna
Dawn Freeman as OPS_Cmdr_Nash
Zach Farland as CNS_Ens_Daniels
 Andrew Cotterly as CMO_Lt_Talora
Bruce Oriani as CSO_LtCmdr_Starr
Trent Worthington as FCO_Ltjg_Worthington
Topper Loghry as CTO_Q’ten

Absent
None

Ship's Log, Stardate 11310.20, Officer of the Day Lieutenant Manuel recording.  The Away Team continues their work on the planet, working to get the Captain back.  From the ship we've started using the sensors to try and see where these Kelbonite caves run underground based on the sensor "dead zones" they create.  So far, it is showing a large network of tunnels, but at least we know where the Captain might be.

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Host Sheriff_Akhey says:
::Standing with the Starfleet Away Team, wondering what got into Mortanna's head.::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::with the others, wondering how to proceed::

FCO_Ltjg_Worthington says:
@::Hovering near the caves, scanning the area for any way to reduce the shadows:: *Cherokee*: Cherokee, this is Worthington. Any ideas how we can read through these echoes?

Host  Lt_Manuel says:
%*CMO*: Doctor, we're running scans of the planet to try and map how many Kelbonite veins there are.  It looks like there are a lot, and scans can't tell us where the dead spots are, but we're sending you what we have.

Host  Lt_Manuel says:
%*FCO*: Not at this time, Lieutenant.  We can see where the dead spots are, but so far not past a few centimeters into it, even at full concentration.  So unless we try Phasering blind to drill holes in the stuff, we've got nothing.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: I think that means we are on our own until further notice.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
*Cherokee*: Thank you. Keep me posted.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods:: CNS: Sounds about right.

FCO_Ltjg_Worthington says:
@*Cherokee*: I am fine with randomly blasting away but I don't want to injure the Captain. I will continue to scan the area. Standing by for any assistance.

Host  Lt_Manuel says:
% *FCO*: Agreed, we'll continue trying things, but not sure how much it will work.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
Sheriff: Do you know anything about these caves?

Host Sheriff_Akhey says:
CMO: There is a lot of Kelbonite out there, but we've found only a few dozen caves.  She might have found more, but how many are out there total?  No idea.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Her trail is getting difficult to track.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
Sheriff: Are they all interconnected or separate?

FCO_Ltjg_Worthington says:
@*CMO*: No luck yet, too much garbage to scan through. I am going to try and fly closer to the caves.

Host Sheriff_Akhey says:
CMO: Separate.  I've called the town, they are sending a map of what we've found to give you a head start.  Should be here in minutes at most.  If you want to talk to your teams inside, though, I suggest a long cable to an outside antenna.  Not perfect but it's a start.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: We can only rely on our own vision in the caves, scanners could even give false readings.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: We should spread out, cover more ground.  But a system should be worked out to keep searchers from getting lost in the cave, some kind of bread crumb trail.

ACTION: A young man comes running from the town with a pack of papers.  Out of breath he hands the sheriff the pack.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Frowns and looks frustrated.:: CNS: Keep her talking. Eventually someone will slip up.

Host Sheriff_Akhey says:
::Takes the papers.::  Arnie: Thanks, that was quick!
CMO: Here's the map we have so far, give something to start with.  You willing to take our help?  A few more hands at least...if you trust us.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Crouches down to examine the ground for any signs of which direction Mortanna and the Captain may have gone::

FCO_Ltjg_Worthington says:
@::Descends the shuttle to 50 meters above the caves, trying to pick up anything.::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Grimaces:: Sheriff: I'll accept your help. However I want a 1:1 ratio for your help with a security team officer. We don't know if Mortanna has others assisting her in this.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Starts rubbing dirt samples in his fingers and sniffing::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::relieved to have handed the negotiations over to the CNS whose better trained for that sort of thing anyways::

Host Sheriff_Akhey says:
CMO: We've got 5, maybe 10 folks who could help.  Myself and Melkat to start, and Artie here.  A few more are getting stuff together, I'll have them report to your security teams if that's good?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Attempting to keep communications open with Mortanna:: COM: Mortanna: I just had a thought.  I think we should prepare your statement of intent for the Federation for the safe return of the Captain, just in case they want to hear your demands.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods:: Sheriff: Help get teams of two ready. We'll split them up that way.

Host Mortanna says:
#COM: CNS: My demands are simple.  I want a presence that could actually protect us assigned to this system.  That's what we need, no more, no less.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: We could use something to mark the walls to show direction out and mark where we've been.

FCO_Ltjg_Worthington says:
@::continues scanning:: Self: Man, there has to be a way to filter this out.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods:: CNS: Once we select the caves to search, we'll work on logistics for communication.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Continues sniffing dirt trying to pick up the Captain's scent::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
COM: Mortanna: Are we talking a starship, if so what size do you expect?

Host Mortanna says:
#COM: CNS: Um, something sufficient.  Light ship, or even something older, old frigate or something.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Looks over the map and selects as many that can be explored simultaneously. Handing over her PADD to a Sec officer.:: Sec: These are the caves we'll be searching first. In pairs. Stay hidden everyone and if you find them, immediately return to communicate with us. Senior officers will take care of the extraction. Understood?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
COM: Mortanna: I'm taking notes, Madame First Citizen.  What would you deem adequate for say, personnel to crew this security vessel in your orbit?

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
:: doesn't mind searching the caves, especially since he can fit into cracks, crevices, and tunnels the others can't due to his size::

Host Sheriff_Akhey says:
::Moves off with a security officer, instructing his staff to do the same.::

FCO_Ltjg_Worthington says:
@*CMO*: Doc, still not having any luck. Is there anything else I can do to help?

Host Mortanna says:
#COM: CNS: How do you expect me to know that?  Whatever a normal complement to such a crew would be.  Less science I suppose.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
*FCO*: At this point, it looks like we'll have to do it the old fashioned way. Do you have any ideas for communication inside the caves to the outside?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: I've got his scent ::Follows the trail for a couple of yards before the prints disappear once again, replaced by a larger set of prints that seem to get deeper where the Captains disappear::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
COM: Mortanna: I'm not savvy on things like that either, I'm the ship's counselor, First Citizen.  I beg your pardon.  Less science, I'll note that down.  Anything else you need?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Someone is carrying him.  Mortanna definitely has someone helping her.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Starts following the deeper footprints::

FCO_Ltjg_Worthington says:
@*CMO*: Maybe we could use the sensor array on the shuttlecraft to boost the range? May not be much.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Following CTO::  CTO: Channel your inner Saint Bernard.  ::Noting he's sniffing about the ground::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Who is Saint Bernard?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
*FCO*: It's worth a shot. Can you work that from where you are or do you need something to make it work?

Host Mortanna says:
#COM: CNS: I told you what we need, Counselor.  Nothing else.  Just what our planet needs and deserves!

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Did we think to bring a hand torch with us?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: She seems uncertain.  Very uptight, like she knows she's losing control of the situation.  I'll keep on her, keep her mind occupied and off scary ideas and thoughts.  Who knows what she's thinking.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Waves to the Sheriff:: Sheriff: If everyone is all set, let's get moving. Time is of the essence here.

FCO_Ltjg_Worthington says:
*CMO*: Heading to your location. ::sets course for the entrance to the caves::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods:: CNS: Thank you Wally...I'm really glad you're here. ::Smiles::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
COM: Mortanna: It sounds very reasonable to me, Ma'am.  We just want to resolve this matter with no one getting hurt.

Host Sheriff_Akhey says:
CMO: Yes Doctor.  We'll do what we can.  Planet isn't that big.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Happy CMO is happy::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Cautiously follows the deeper footprints into a cave::

FCO_Ltjg_Worthington says:
@::reaches location and begins making the modifications::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Looking at the ground and walls as they move along behind the CTO::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Wonders what the CO is thinking right about now:: OPS: I'd like you to keep in contact with the ship and by extension, Starfleet. If there's a message that needs to get relayed quickly I'll need your help.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
COM: Mortanna: Do you guys need anything in there food, water, anything?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CMO:  Understood.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Self: ... a valium.

Host Mortanna says:
#COM: CNS: No.  What are you trying to do, make me think you all don't have a clue?  Of course we have enough food and such.  Even if we didn't just arrive!

ACTION: Inside the cave the CTO enters there is a small platform, one end of a commercial Transporter system.  Range of about 100 KM.  Very expensive item.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Listens carefully as he continues to follow the trail, and drawing his Phaser making sure it's set on heavy stun::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
COM: Mortanna: Just checking, Ma'am.  I wasn't thinking.  I'm just very worried about Captain Ayidee.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Stops to examine the transporter::

FCO_Ltjg_Worthington says:
@::Finishes the modifications:: *CMO*: See if that makes any difference, I am activating the array.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::searching the cave he's in, searching every nook, cranny, crawlspace, and tunnel using his small size to his advantage::

ACTION: The controls have been destroyed by an explosion, taking out the memory.  It's obvious they were covering their tracks.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
*FCO*: Thank you.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: They transported somewhere, but there is no way to tell where they went. But with this type of transporter they are within 100 kilometers.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods:: CTO: It's something. ::Looks back at the map and creates a radius using the transporter as a central point, marking the tunnels which reach into the area::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Tolerating the intolerable and trying not to react to the CTO's discovery::  COM: Mortanna: I'm sending your requests on to Starfleet Command, First Citizen.  Please, stand by and I will return shortly.

FCO_Ltjg_Worthington says:
@::notices that he is getting different readings:: *Cherokee*: This is Worthington, I am getting something interesting. It looks like I have been able to isolate 6 of the signals, they are slightly ahead of the other signals. Can you confirm my readings? ::transmits sensor logs::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Examining the transporter::  Self: Wow, look at this thing here.  All: Talk about finding a diamond in the rough.  These things ain't cheap.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
*CNS*: Nothing of interest in this cave. I've been through every nook, cranny, crawlspace, and tunnel in here. Nothing but signs of ore sample taking.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*Cherokee*: This is Ensign Q'ten.  Focus your search to 100 kilometers of my current location.
Host Manuel says:
%*FCO*: Give us one second, Lieutenant.  ::Pauses.::  Yes, seems you are correct.  We're having a hard time sorting out the scans, with the atmosphere and all.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
*CSO*: We may have stumbled upon something at my location, Commander.

FCO_Ltjg_Worthington says:
@*Cherokee*: But it does narrow things down considerably.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
*CNS*: On my way.

FCO_Ltjg_Worthington says:
@*CMO*: Doctor, I have narrowed down the originating signals to one of these 6 locations over a 10 Square KM radius.  The Captain could be at one of these locations. ::sends sensor data::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Resists the urge to jump up in excitement:: *FCO*: Thank you. I'll pass the word on.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Looking at the transporter controls or what's left of them::  All/self: Too bad these things don't have a redial button.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
*TO_Nan*: We've narrowed down to six tunnels. We can operate the same fashion. I'm sending the coordinates to your PADD.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: I have no way of tracking them now.

Host Mortanna says:
<TO_Nan > *CMO*: Yes Lieutenant, we can get the ship to beam teams there.  Is it presumptuous to...hold on.  Sheriff wants to say something.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: It's like that game you play at the fair, guessing which cup the pea is under as the carny shuffles them around.  The caves are cups and the Captain is a pea... but, don't tell him I said he was a pea.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::arrives at the CNS's location, see device of some kind:: CNS: what in the bloody hell is that?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CSO: A blown up transporter, Sir.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: The Cherokee should be able to go through the recent sensor logs and determine if there was a transporter energy reading that came from this location and where it went to.

Host Sheriff_Akhey says:
*CMO*: Doc, 3 of those six locations are smallish caves.  I'd guess it's between the cave 5 Kilometers north of you or the one 7 north by north west.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
*Sheriff*: Alright. Three pairs will take the smallish caves just in case. We'll split into two larger parties for the two caves left.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: I should think so too.

FCO_Ltjg_Worthington says:
@::keeps monitoring sensor data, hoping he can isolate the Captain::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
COM: Mortanna: I've contacted Starfleet, Ma'am.  We are just waiting for a reply now.  Hang in there.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: I hate lying, but I guess it's for a good reason.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods:: *All*: Alright people, we're a few steps closer. Keep in contact and keep reporting in. Do so quietly however. This is a covert operation. Let's wrap this up.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CNS: A transporter, eh? Well I could try and fix it, try to get it working again. Use the last coordinates in it to go wherever the last person or persons went. And it they didn't go anywhere, this will be your big chance to get away from it all.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CSO: Me?!!!

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