USS Cherokee 
"Infinity's Child" Part 9
11409.07

Captain's Log, Stardate 11409.07.  The Senior Staff is recovering from the unexpected attack, and we are regrouping before moving forward and attempting to investigate just what is behind it.  With the questions about the origin of the energy barrier still unanswered, I can't help but think we may have stumbled onto something larger.

Starring_
Lea as Guest Producer, Shault_Second, Sec_Breech and Nadi 
Steve Weller as CO_Ayidee
Topper Loghry as CTO_Ens_Q’ten
Dawn Freeman as OPS_Cmdr_Nash
Andrew Cotterly as CMO_Lt_Talora
Zach Farland as CNS_Ens_Daniels 

Absent
Trish Yarborough as Executive Producer
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Begin Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Standing with others, trying to figure out how to move forward once Ensign Q'ten reports in.::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::standing near the others, still feeling a bit uneasy on her feet but overall better than she was.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::With the CMO not knowing what we'll be doing next::  CMO: You feel better now?

Host Nadi says:
::Very quietly, but staying nearby the CMO and OPS...just, out of their way::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods:: CNS: I do feel a bit better, yeah.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*CTO*: Anything yet Ensign?  Should we follow or wait for you to return?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
:: Inspecting the ground around the lake for any signs of footprints leaving the lake:: 
Self: Unless the Korin are able to breath in water, he has to have come out somewhere.
*CO*: The trail leads straight into a small lake nearby sir. I'm looking for signs of where he came out at.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: Your scan indicating the victim had passed, any chance the Tricorder was not able to correctly read the paralysis effect we experienced?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: Anything is possible sir. My Tricorder said he was dead though.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Continuing around the lake looking for tracks, or blood, or something::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*CTO*: Remain very careful, and do not go far.  If you cannot find the trail fast then I need you to return.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*CO*: Understood sir.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: The dead body could've been carried off while you all were down and before I arrived with the medics, Sir.

ACTION: Along the edges of the lake near where Q'ten passes, a couple adolescents can be seen hanging out under a tree, oblivious to the rest of the world.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: I know, and Occam's Razor says that is the most likely.  I'm just trying to eliminate any possibilities.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Shalt Second: Our people have had some contact with yours, are you aware of any technological crossover between our systems?  Weapons especially.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Aye, Sir.  It could have been beamed away too.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Approaches the two horn dogs under the tree::
Kids:: Ahem!

Host Shault_Second says:
::Turns away from his supervision of the securing of the evidence and gives his full attention to Captain Ayidee:: CO: Cross-over of our tech? Not to my knowledge, Sir. We have strict policies regarding the protection of our proprietary technology.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: We were able to hear, however.  If he walked away, it was quiet.  If he was beamed, there was no "tell tail buzz".

Host SMLea says:
<Girl>::Jumps at Q'ten interjection, and jumps back behind her boyfriend::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Kids: Excuse the interruption, I did not mean to interrupt, but have you seen anyone enter the lake recently?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Second/ All: If it wasn't for the nature of the weapon involved, I would just chalk this up to us being in the right place at the wrong time.  But that technology, that weapon, it makes me think something is not "just an incident".

Host Shault_Second says:
CO: You think you were targeted somehow?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: I'm sure it didn't walk away.  If Doctor Stradiot says the guy was dead...  We'll I'm sure it didn't walk away.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Second: Not us.  The victim, however, was.  Or that is, again the simplest answer.

Host SMLea says:
<Boy>::Puffs his chest up:: CTO: We didn't see anyone. What're you looking for?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: Looking at both the scans of us paralyzed and my reading, he was definitely dead.

Host Nadi says:
::Stands patiently, staring out into the darkness, concern across her brow::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Nods.::  CMO: I know the Tricorder database is extremely limited, but any chance we can identify the victim if we get it to the shuttle computers?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: ...and maybe the Korin have a teleporter that doesn't make an unnecessary sound effect?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: Directly or by network?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Trying to not laugh at the little creampuff:: Boy: A wounded Korin that attacked my friends and me.  His trail leads into the lake. I'm hoping you may have seen or heard something.

Host Shault_Second says:
::Chuckles:: CNS: No transporter technology for us, I'm afraid.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Second: So, that leaves us with being carried away.

Host Sec_Breech says:
*CO*: Captain, Breech reporting in.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::starting to feel a bit self conscious::  Nadi: Do you think my choice in outfit for the festival could've started this whole mess?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Sec* Ayidee here, go ahead.

Host Nadi says:
::Spins to look around to Nash, almost worshipfully:: OPS: Oh, no no. You did great honor to us, by sharing in our customs.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Or from another visiting group.  We are not the only off world guests at this celebration.

Host SMLea says:
<Boy>CTO: There was a little noise up that'a way, ::Gestures quite a ways further up the lake:: About ten...maybe fifteen minutes ago. ::Shrugs:: That's all I've heard.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Nadi:  So what are your thoughts on what is going on?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: There may be other options, but I'd rather not discuss them in the open.

Host Nadi says:
OPS: It makes me terribly sad... We work so hard to be a safe place, for those who choose safety... And then even our guests are attacked.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Shrugs his shoulders, he is at a loss for further theories::

Host Sec_Breech says:
*CO*: I checked into the shuttle like you asked. It had been cold shut down, but the pilot swears it wasn't him. I'm starting her up now, to check for access codes.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Looks in the direction the boy is pointing:: Boy: Thank you ::starts heading off but stops and turns back to the couple. Looks the boy right in the eyes and grins::  Boy: Qapla'.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Sec*: When you do, first task is to get some idea how it got shut down.  Second is to identify the individual from Doctor Talora's Tricorder.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Nadi: It is sad indeed.  From my first impression of this mishap, I think the undesirables of your society are trying to rebel against the norm.

Host SMLea says:
<Boy>::Doesn't understand the words...yet gets the meaning, and turns around, slinging his arm over his girlfriend's shoulders, and leads her away to a different location::

Host Nadi says:
OPS: But why with a human? Why must the first true partnership of our peoples be one of violence? ::With deep regret in her voice, for one so young::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Starts trotting off into the direction that the boy pointed, visually scanning the ground as he goes::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Shakes her head:: CO: Not really, Captain.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Nadi:  Maybe to show their disdain of the possibility of joining the Federation, and they are making their voices heard in a violent manner?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: But if the victim was human, our database should have him on file, or at least familial DNA for comparison, right?

Host Nadi says:
::Shakes her head:: OPS: We are not that kind of people... we have...avenues. Options.  ::Just shakes her head, still unhappy with the possibility::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Slows down his pace as he reaches the general area where the boy had pointed::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Nadi:  I hope we can help to restore your society to its splendor by assisting in finding these undesirables.

Host Nadi says:
OPS: I...I hope.  But... ::Shakes her head:: ...why was a human with him?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Nadi: That is an excellent question.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Spots some bushes near the lake edge that are wet where they should not be, and with a few broken twigs, examines the bushes closely:: Self: Somebody, or something definitely came out of the water here.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods:: CO: True I suppose. ::Starts looking up the answer::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Nadi:  I hope we can discover that answer soon.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Starts looking for foot prints or anything else that would indicate which way the person from the water went::

Host Sec_Breech says:
*CO*: Captain, we've got the shuttle fully up and running. I checked the access logs... the shuttle received a shutdown signal, but there's absolutely no sign of where it came from. The computer just...registered the command.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Spots foot prints leading up the embankment and starts following them::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Sec*: I understand.  I need one of your team to set up a link between a PADD and the shuttle's computers.  If any of them go inactive, I want to be warned.

Host Sec_Breech says:
*CO*: Aye, Sir. Which PADD?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Sec*: Any PADD will do, just when the signal is lost someone needs to be aware before it's "too late".

Host Sec_Breech says:
*CO*: Okay, Sir. ...Which someone?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::The footprints lead up to a paved road, where he finds a pair of wet and muddy boots.  Wet footprints appeared indicating that someone had taken off quickly down the street, but the prints started to fade as the runners' feet dried, and the wet prints were starting to fade already.::

Host Nadi says:
OPS: What will you do?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Sec*: Pick one person each shift.  If a shuttle goes down we need to have the team notified.

Host Sec_Breech says:
*CO*: So someone on the security team?  Yes Sir.  We'll keep trying to trace the source of the shutdown signal in the meantime.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Nadi:  That is a good question that my colleagues and I hope to find a solution.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*CO* Captain, this is Q'ten. I have found a trail leading down a paved road, however it is fading in the heat. The runner is now barefooted. If I could have someone join me with a Tricorder to scan for cellular residue, I should be able to continue tracking the suspect.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: ME!

Host Nadi says:
OPS: Will you leave the celebration early?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*CTO*: We will have backup there shortly.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Nadi:  I don't know.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*CO*: Understood.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Agreed, but not alone.  We go as a team.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Really?  Oh, okay...  yes, Sir.

Host Shault_Second says:
::Overhears Ayidee:: CO: Are you heading out, then?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Second: Our Security Chief has a lead we are going to investigate, but my staff is not going anywhere in groups less than 4.  We will stay in touch if we find anything, but yes, we are heading out.

Host Shault_Second says:
CO: Of course. Would you like me to send any of my men with you?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: We are going to back up Ensign Q'ten, together.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Looks off in the direction the tracks are leading to see if there is an obvious destination one would run to in order to hide::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Second: If you have any to spare.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Self: Let's just make it a parade why don't we?

Host Shault_Second says:
CO: Sure.  ::Slips finger into his mouth and whistles::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Gets a result:: CO: Sir, I've got a result. an 87 year old man who shares half of the DNA Markers of the dead man.

ACTION: Two Korin security officers seem to appear from nowhere, so swiftly they slip up beside the Second and Ayidee.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Buildings all long either side of the street, anyone of which could be used as a hiding place:: Self: I'll just have to watch very closely.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: It's a start.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: Jefferey Azatine, North American native.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Let's get going.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: Could be the parent of our victim.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: Quite possible, or close enough to give us a baseline for a lead.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: The Father killed the son?

Host Shault_Second says:
Rezzat and Glostin: Assist Captain Ayidee in any way necessary. You're with the Shault on this.  ::Nods::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Rezzat/ Glostin: Let's get to it then.  
All: After me, stick together.  Nadi: If you could stay with us we would appreciate the assistance.  We will do our best to protect you.

Host Nadi says:
::Nods humbly:: CO: Of course.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Starts moving towards Q'ten's location, looking back to see that all are following.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Follows CO; like a baby duck follows its mother::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::follows the CO, staying near Nadi to keep her company.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Yells for the entire world to hear him:: OUT LOUD: You can run you nuch! But you can't hide! I'll track you to gre'thor and back if I have to! But we will find you!

ACTION: The crew walk quickly toward Q'ten's location, around the perimeter of the lake...nearly twenty-five minutes later, the approach Q'ten's location, in a street just off from the lake.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Ensign, what do we have?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: the suspect exited the lake from right down there, ::points to the spot in question:: stopped here to remove his muddy boots and proceeded barefooted down the road. The wet footprints have evaporated from the heat, but a Tricorder should be able to detect any cellular residue left behind.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Someone hand the Chief a Tricorder, please.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Catch.  ::Throws CTO a Tricorder::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Catches the Tricorder and starts adjusting it to pick up the trail::

Host Nadi says:
::Watches on quietly::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Hope you have enough, Chief.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::looks up at everyone:: ALL: Do not mention my having to use a Tricorder to anyone.

ACTION: The Tricorder adjusts, trying to identify the prints.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: I'm going to write an article about it for the Cherokee Gazette.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Scans the inside of the abandoned boots in order to get a proper cellular match::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Using a tool is a mark of a professional.  They are the only thing more important than law in defining a people as civilized.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: A born tracker like Q'ten wouldn't see it that way, Sir.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: using a tool and having to rely on a tool are two different things...sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: We do not doubt your skill.  Time is of the essence so I ordered you to use it.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Thinks the heat and the dress white uniform is getting to the Captain::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
ALL:  toH! This is impossible!

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Pause USS Cherokee: "Infinity's Child" Part 9>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse: None>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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