USS Cherokee 
"Infinity's Child"  Part 17
114011.09 

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

Leave of Absence
Trish Yarborough as Executive Producer

Ship's Log, Stardate 11411.09, Captain Ayidee recording.  The Away Team is preparing to extract Mr. Burke's data chip from the botanical gardens.  We have the support of the local authorities, but are uncertain how many beings may be in place to defend the chip or even who would be making up those forces.

USS Cherokee 11411.09   "Infinite's Child" Part 15

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Begin Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

ACTION: The Cherokee team materializes just within the perimeter of the forest exhibit. Glass walls surround the buildings, but only a modicum of light filters down through the thick foliage of the displayed trees and bushes, spackling the soft mossy ground beneath them with shifting glimmers of light.

SCENE: The gentle scent of exotic flowers wafts through the otherwise still air, as irregular clumps of bushes surround otherwise neatly planted rows of trees.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Draws Phaser and checks setting, then whispers.::  all: Move carefully and smartly.  We have no idea who is still here.  Can we still track the chip locally?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Draws her Phaser and immediately moves behind a tree, scanning her surroundings::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Wally is with the Away Team wearing his uniform.  He has a Phaser, Tricorder and a transporter enhancing device on him::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::draws her Phaser, makes sure its set to heavy stun, and she moves slowly with her team.::

ACTION: Tricorders tuned to the transponder frequency and actively scanning pick up the transponder signal approximately 20 meters ahead. Tricorders register a small caretaker’s shack at that location.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Tricorder in hand he is scanning to see how many life signs are inside the gardens::

ACTION: Tricorders pick up no life signs.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: There's no one here, according to my Tricorder, Sir.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Phaser at the ready, looking around::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Set up the enhancers here, if things go bad return here and contact shuttles for Transport.  And let's not assume we are alone, they may be masking their signs somehow.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Places his enhancer in the designated spot and activates it::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Sets enhancer at one corner and confirms it's operational status.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Starts looking around for the data chip::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Are the enhancers all set up yet?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Using Tricorder to track data chip's transponder::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: It appears so sir.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Zeros in on its location::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Starts following the CNS::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Take point then, let the counselor scan while you cover him.  I'll cover you both from here.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Aye sir.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: It should be just ahead of us here.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Point me in the right direction.  ::Moves forward slowly watching for any surprises::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: Stay just behind them providing cover.
OPS: Keep your Tricorder set on the edges of the room, let us know if anyone else approaches.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods and keeps behind the CNS and CTO, providing cover::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Climbs into a tree and gets into an over watch position.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Reaches the spot where the chip should be::  CTO: It should be right here.  ::Looks at the place Tricorder indicates::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Yes, Sir.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Starts looking around, in the bushes...::

ACTION: The location the counselor points toward holds the old, somewhat rickety caretaker structure. At closer proximity, the Tricorders pick up some additional energy signatures.  The structure measures approximately 5 meters by 10 meters, with a single door in the front, and three windows visible, each boarded over with aged wood.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Looks around the structure, before carefully peeking inside::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: It looks like it’s in that garden shed.  It looks kind of wobbly.  You should stay here.  I'm going in.  ::Carefully and cautiously enters the structure, Phaser drawn::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Holds her Phaser ready::

ACTION: The door fails to give under Q'ten's initial attempts to push it open.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: It's blocked.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Help me with the door it's stuck.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Stand back.::gets into a crouch ready to crash the door open::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Maybe we can pick the lock or something?  Talora is good with locks..

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CTO: It's dead bolted. It's just locked. Here....::Moves up and takes a pin out of her hair and starts to try and pick the lock::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: If all else fails, we can have you charge it.  The building is fragile and you were always like a bull in a china shop anyway.

ACTION: The lock proves somewhat stubborn, delaying Talora at least 90 seconds...

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: But we'd be in.

ACTION: Finally, the lock gives, the deadbolt turning away, and the door squealing slightly on its hinge.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Scanning building to see if it will detect any traps that might be in wait inside the structure::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Grumbles something about cheap, ancient locks and steps away, bringing her Phaser back up::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Peers into the surrounding foliage, looking for any signs of movement or light dispersion and listening  for sounds of approach.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO/CMO: Aside from the transponder and some energy signatures the Tricorder seems to not be able to get a full scan, like it’s being blocked somehow.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: What kind of energy signatures?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CTO/CNS: Is someone going in, or am I doing it?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Pauses before entering::  CTO/CMO: I guess one of us has to do this.  Might as well be me.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Pushes past everyone and enters the shack::

ACTION: As the door swings open, light falls through into the darkness within the wooden shack, otherwise blocking out all of the near-noon-day sunlight, only a few small red and green LED-sized lights flashing along the interior perimeter.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Goes to enter the building, Phaser upholstered, he goes slowly, looking for anything that might be a trap::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Looks around at the blinking lights as his eyes adjust to the dimness::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::The Tricorder in his left hand he tries to pinpoint the location of the chip within the building::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Falls in behind the CTO and CNS and holds her Phaser up:: Self: I can't see much...

SCENE: With the slight wash of light filtered through trees then falling indirectly into the shack, a multitude of computer consoles, new and shining, seem to be lining the interior perimeter. At each end of the shack stands a small interior desk, approximately 2mx2m, and just over waist high.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::cautiously follows everyone else.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Inspects the nearest desk looking for drawers::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO/CMO: There are some very nice computers in here, kind of a strange place to keep them, in this shack.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::As the crew steps into the shack without a threat, slips down from the tree and moves quietly through the bushes closer to the door.::

ACTION: Each end of the shack is dark, far removed from the door's light source, punctuated only by the small red and green lights.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Stays in the doorway::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: perhaps they're for the environmental controls?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Goes to a desk on the right side of the room to where the transponder is telling him to go::  CTO: It should be here in this desk.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Gets to the edge of the shack and takes a cover position just outside the door.::

ACTION: The desk is nearly impossible to see in the dark as Daniels approaches, but a large grey metal box, with a smaller box atop, is barely visible. A series of controls and electrodes run from each box, and between the boxes.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Starts opening drawers, looking at odd tools inside::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Begins to search the desk, carefully::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Picks up one of the strange tools and holds it up:: ALL: I wonder what this is supposed to be?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Uses his Tricorder as a flash light::  CTO: It's too big to be a data chip.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Pulls out another tool:: ALL: This one looks almost Federation like, but I have no idea what it is.

ACTION: Under the glow of the Tricorder, Daniels can make out three switches on the smaller, top box, clasping the box closed.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Examines the flashy grey metal box.  Self: I wonder what’s in here?  ::Checks to see what the electrodes are supposed to be for::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Peering out into the shadowy half light surrounding the shack, growing more nervous the longer this takes.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: You wanna take a look at this box, make sure its not going to fry me if I open it?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Frowns for a moment:: CTO: Not to change the subject, but isn't the Shault being unusually helpful? I'm just not comfortable with being surrounded.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Steps back toward the light coming from the door to better see what it is he's holding::
CNS: At least he and his people are all outside.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO/CMO: I think our prize is in the smaller box but, wonder what the box it sits on does?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: It does seem odd though that he would just let us have a free hand.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Looks at the box that the smaller box is sitting on:: CNS: It blinks.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CTO: Could someone else be after this information? And have us do the dirty work and get framed for it?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: You mean like Starfleet Intelligence?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CMO: By someone else, I'm guessing you mean the Ambassador?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: That is a...disturbing thought.  But yes, who were you thinking of?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
All: I'm just getting a bad vibe here. We're already on shaky ground with both the Ambassador and Korin...It would be so easy to start something and blame it on us.  Call me paranoid, but that doesn't mean there isn't an invisible demon about to eat your face...

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
All: I'm going to open the smaller box or at least try to.  Unless anyone thinks there's a purpose behind all these electrodes and flashing lights?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: I say go for it.  Who wants to live forever?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Wish we had an engineer with us.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: This is more than a greenhouse.  Whoever is behind this, Starfleet Intel or whoever they are working with likely, they are using this as an HQ of some sort.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: With the possible exception of you.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: An engineer would be nice.  Do you want me to open it?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: No I got it.  I'm more expendable than the rest of you.  If I die you can have my quarters.  ::Lifts the three latches on the smaller box, ready to step back if need be::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: That's arguable, and I don't want your quarters!

ACTION: As the last latch is loosed, the top, under a very gentle spring-loaded pressure, slowly pivots open in perfect silence, revealing the data chip within, standing as if a precious cut gem in its setting of polymer, as a soft light plays upwards at it from an unseen source below.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Self/all: Eureka, and there she is!

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Well stash it away and let’s get out of here!

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
All: At the risk of sounding more paranoid....was this too easy?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Agreed, and paranoid or not, let's get out of here.  Sooner the better.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CMO: Exactly my point!

ACTION: Exactly three seconds later, the sides of the bottom box drop sharply to the sides, clattering onto the countertop beneath. Light builds rapidly within the box, spilling outward and blinding everyone within or in the doorway of the shack.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: Yes, that's why I'm chicken to take it out of the box.... what the...?

ACTION: The crew feels the familiar sense of a scan sweeping from the box around the interior of the shack. Those outside the shack do not notice the sensation.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Closes her eyes at the light and immediately listens close for movement:: All: Stay still, everyone.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Starts trying to push everyone towards the door:: ALL: Get out! NOW!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Raises Phaser.::  All: What was that?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: But, the chip...  ::grabs the chip out of the box before being allowed to be ushered out of the shack::

ACTION: Daniels and Nash quickly dematerialize. Talora is caught in the same dematerialization beam, but the transport is caught in complication....the source of the transport continues to try to get a lock.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Still trying to heard everyone to the door::

ACTION: Talora fades in and out of phase as the nearby power juncture interference continues to interfere with the stubborn transport.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: What is going on in there?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Tries to push Talora away from the beam when she starts to phase back in::

@ACTION: Daniels and Nash rematerialize, the brightness of their new surroundings and the bleed through of the previously blinding light momentarily blinds them, as their ears pick up the hum of powerful computers.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Turns towards the door opening, looking about to see if there is any outer signs of power interacting with the shack.::

Host Human_Figure says:
@Unknown: Aww...that's not him. Neither of them. Keep trying on the third one.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Can't see a thing::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@::materializes into brightly lit surroundings.::

ACTION: Q'ten gets caught in Talora's beam, nearly destabilizing her matrix, as he now begins to fade in and out as well, paralyzed by the transport.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Puts the chip discretely into his pocket::

Host Korin_Figure says:
@Unknown: Got it...just keep an eye on them.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Shuttle*: Lock on to any Away Team signals you can detect and initiate return transport!

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Eyes begin to adjust::  OPS: How did you get here?  Where you in the shack too?

Host SMLea says:
<Shuttle Crew>*CO*: Sorry, Captain, we can't get any signal lock on you in that location. If you can get to the transport enhancers...

ACTION: After what seems like an interminable battle, the power juncture wins...and the CTO and CMO fully rematerialize in the doorway of the shack.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  I don't know and yes I was just inside the shack.  Another fine mess we have now.

Host Korin_Figure says:
@::With obvious frustration:: It's no good. I can't maintain the lock on these forsaken things.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: I think it's time to register a formal complaint. Kidnapping is usually frowned upon within the Federation.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Looks at the CMO making sure she's in one piece:: CMO: We should get together sometime and not do that again.

Host Korin_Figure says:
@Human: Besides, the signature was female, like that one. It couldn't be him.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@OPS: They're disappointed we aren't who they were expecting, namely Mister Burke, I'm guessing.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: What happened?  Where is the Counselor and Commander Nash?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Looks at the CTO:: CTO: Oh yes, that reminds me....::She slaps him:: Why would you think to reach into a beam?!

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  Probably.

@ACTION: The eyes of the Counselor and OPS begin to adjust, although their surroundings are still very white and bright. They find themselves upon some sort of advanced Federation transporter pad, with two hooded figures about ten meters away at a control center. The figure with the human face is training an unfamiliar weapon on them.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Looks to see who else is in the room::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Eyes gleaming:: CMO: Careful doctor. You wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea about us. And I wasn't so much thinking of reaching as pushing you out.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Guesses this human and Korin team are the attackers from the other night::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO/ CMO: What happened in there?  One second you are talking about a box, the next there is a blast of light.  Where are the other two?

Host Human_Figure says:
@::Sighs almost expectantly:: My own fault, I suppose, for putting you at the controls. I suppose Mister Burke has eluded us once more. The question then, is...what shall we do with these two?  ::Continues to hold the weapon trained on them, although not especially vigilantly::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: The Counselor and Commander Nash were caught in a transporter beam sir.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Rolls her eyes:: CTO: I knew your father in two different universes. There's no chance. ::Turns:: CO: We have no idea where the other two are.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@::her adjusted so she could see her surroundings and she immediately notices an unknown weapon being trained on them, she immediately drops her stun set Phaser to the floor,::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Steps towards the guy with the weapon:: Human: Excuse me, Sir but you mind telling us where we are and why you've kidnapped two Starfleet officers?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CMO: Two different universes?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  Ensign, Stand down and be quiet.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Shakes her head:: CTO: Long story.

@ACTION: Daniels is now approximately six inches from the edge of the transporter pad.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::shakes his head with confusion::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Gone?  Did you find the chip?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: Wally has it sir...

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Has his Phaser in hand as he steps off the transporter pad::

Host Human_Figure says:
@CNS: I'm afraid you're just collateral damage, although I'm sure your commander here has already figured that out.

@ACTION: As Daniels attempts to step off the pad, he collides with a force field that knocks him back violently.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Falls down::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Back to the enhancers then.  Now.  We need stronger sensors than these.  ::Holds up Tricorder.::  If they were taken, we have to scan for their comm badges before they can be disabled.  ::Turns and moves back to the transport enhancers quickly.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*Shuttle*: This is Q'ten to shuttles. Scan this immediate vicinity for any signs of a transporter signal.

Host Human_Figure says:
@CNS: Now, now, we didn't exactly expect Mr. Burke to be cooperative. Please note, Counselor - you are the counselor, aren't you? - that the intensity - and range - of that shock do increase with each contact. The next will not affect only you, but your Commander there as well. Please keep that in mind...there's no need for human bloodshed here.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Quickly moves back to the enhancers::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Follows the CMO::

Host SMLea says:
<Shuttle>*CTO*: Trying, Sir, but the power juncture is still interfering with scans.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*Shuttle*: Compensate and keep trying!

Host Korin_Figure says:
@::Stands mostly in silence, though he rubs his chest pensively::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*Shuttle* Also search for the com signals for Counselor Daniels and Commander Nash.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Starts thinking of a plan B::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Steps into the transport enhancers.::  CTO: Once we're back to the shuttle prepare to launch.
CMO: Get us clearance to take off, tell them a flight to test a repaired faulty system.  We need to get airborne to scan for their comm badges.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Aye sir.

Host SMLea says:
<Shuttle>*CTO*: Unless power could be redirected from the junction - even a little bit - would give us clearer signals. But trying to cut through from a distance...

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Shuttle*: Three to beam back.  With Transport enhancers if you can.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: Aye sir.

Host SMLea says:
<Shuttle>*CO*: Aye sir. Prepare for beam out...but we'll have to send a team back to pick up the enhancers.  Ready on your mark, Sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Shuttle*: Engage.

ACTION: Ayidee, Talora, and Q'ten dematerialize, to return to the shuttle, sans CNS and OPS in an unknown location.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Pause USS Cherokee: "Infinity's Child" Part 16>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse: 1 minute>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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