USS Cherokee 
"Infinity's Child"  Part 18
11411.23 

Starring_
Lea as Guest Producer, Shault, 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
Captain's Log.  Two of our officers have been abducted during our attempt to find Burke's chip.  We have just returned to the shuttle to resume our search.

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

@ACTION: At the human's bidding, the Korin leaves the room to complete a task, leaving Nash and Daniels alone with the human in Korin robes.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Heads straight for the sensor controls and begins scanning for a Transporter trace::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Starts her search on the sensor grid, trying to find Wally and Nash::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@::sitting on the floor of their makeshift cell, a transporter pad with a force field, with Daniels::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Wally is still on the ground, having been thrown there by the force field::  Self: Oww.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Get us in the air, we need to get the best view we can.  
CMO: Look for their comm badges first, then the transponder chip if that fails.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Readies shuttle for launch::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods:: CO: Working on it, sir.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  If you would have listened to me, you wouldn't have be in that position.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Gets up, rubbing his... where he fell::  OPS: Blasted force field.  What should we do next, Commander?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Shault*: Shault, this is Captain Ayidee.  The greenhouse was a trap.  Two of our officers have been abducted, we are back at our shuttle to start a search.

ACTION: The shuttle receives clearance from Korin authorities for take-off, but with strict instructions not to try to leave the system.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
ALL: Ready for lift off. Strap yourselves in!

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  Just sit tight and put our trust in our colleagues.

Host Shault says:
*CO*: Curses. Understood, what can I do for you, Captain?  ::Starts issuing orders to his second to start bringing his people back in::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Lifts the shuttle into the air and hovers:: CMO: Do we have a course yet?

Host Korin_Figure says:
@::Reenters the transporter room with his "colleague":: Human: The dampening and jamming fields are online. What next?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Shault*: Keep yourself and your people safe.  Whoever is behind this...we have to be careful in dealing with them.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Looks around the room and at their place of confinement::  OPS: That doesn't sound right.  Shouldn't we be doing something to help ourselves?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  Look around you, do you see anything that can get us out of here?  I sure don't.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: I've called the Shault off.  I don't want to get him or his people caught up in a much larger mess.  Sensors picking anything up?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Shakes head:: CTO: It's difficult to pinpoint a direction. The beam was scattered pretty quickly...hang on....::Searches for a direction to head in::

Host Human_Figure says:
@Korin: Good. Well, what we need, of course, is Mister Burke.  ::Turns his attention back to the abducted officers::  OPS/CNS: I do.  I'm sure your Captain would be willing to offer up almost anything in exchange for your safe return. What do you think?  ::Smiles::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Flies the shuttle over the greenhouse they just left::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@OPS: Not yet but, I haven't given up either.  Maybe we can get our human guard to lower the force field some how and then we can rush him.  ::Thinks for a moment::  OPS: You got to go to the bathroom or anything?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO/CMO: If the sensors are being jammed, then what about tracing the source of the jamming signal?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Or any areas the scanners can't get a good look at.  Be as good as finding the signal at this point.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CTO: I'm not even sure if it's being jammed...but the beam out came from the eastern part of the city....oh great it's near the student area.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  I'm good.  ::realizes that their captor is speaking to them.::  Human:  Starfleet doesn't negotiate with people who hold their officers captive.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Redirects the shuttles course to the specified area::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Human: Were you talkin' to us?  ::Doing his best DiNiro::

ACTION: The shuttle arrives at the area indicated by the trace transporter energy. Below the shuttle lies the secondary student compound, as well as the typical assortment of "Not In My Backyard" facilities, including a power generation plant, a substantial salvage yard, sanitation services, and what the map reads as a large hazardous disease research facility.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  Counselor, stand down please.  If you keep this up, you will not live long enough to fulfill your goal.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CMO: We have arrived in the area you indicated.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@OPS: Fine, you do something.

Host Human_Figure says:
@CNS/OPS: Indeed. And I suspect the Captain may be a little more liable to try to help us than you've indicated. At least, I hope as much, for your sakes.    
Korin_Figure: Prepare a communications relay. I want to talk to their shuttle, without giving away our location. Can you manage that?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  I am, I am being smart of this, getting all panicky about the situation will not solve anything.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CTO: Alright. from here it's just trying to think....The hazardous disease research facility makes sense to me. One could say that Burke's immortality is a disease of some sort.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CMO: Sounds as good a place as any.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: Would also explain away any high energy fields that could act as a scanner dampener.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Nods::

Host Korin_Figure says:
@:Screws his face up a little as he takes another look at the decidedly Federation-esq controls, using them to tap into a number of systems::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Feeling claustrophobic, decides to heed the Commander's advice.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Locks the shuttles weapons systems onto the disease facility::

Host Korin_Figure says:
@Human: Yes, I can do it. Needed to access a few channels I assure you I'll have to answer for - but if this Burke can provide what you've promised...

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: Can you get anything from the sensors down there?  Our crew, the chip, the jamming signal?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CMO: Are you picking anything up yet?

Host Human_Figure says:
@::Nods:: Korin: Absolutely.  Patch it through into their comm badges for now.   ::Takes a step toward the force field::  CNS/OPS: You may contact your crew now, should you wish.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  Look, I learned a long time ago to have faith and freedom will come.  I will give you a clue to when I knew that...think Jorma.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@Human: And have them be directed into a trap?  No thank you.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@OPS: Okay, okay, I get it.  I'm shutting up.  ::Goes and sits somewhere::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
All: Alright...I see quite a few Korin life signs in the surrounding area. Can't get much definition inside the center or power generator or about 100 yards beyond the edges of the generator....a few Korin in the main building in the salvage yard.

Host Human_Figure says:
@OPS: I have no interest in "trapping" any of you. We are interested only in Mr. Burke. You can assist us willingly or unwillingly, but either way, we WILL find him.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: Any non Korin life signs?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Shakes her head:: CO: I got nothing here.

Host Human_Figure says:
@::Turns aside to a nearby console, and presses a control:: *Shuttle*:  Cherokee shuttle. We have your officers. 

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@Human:  Right, let's say I believe you and you get your hands on Burke, you will get what you want and then "relocate" those who know him.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Hears the human's words to OPS and bites his tongue, as hard as that is for him to do::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Just a hunch:: *OPS/CNS*: This is Ensign Q'ten to Commander Nash or Counselor Daniels, do you copy?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Human*: We know you do.  Starfleet or Korin Intelligence?  Who are we speaking with?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Mutes channel.:: CMO/CTO: Track that signal to its source, as quickly as possible.  I'll try and keep them talking.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@*CTO*: We copy, good buddy.  It's good to hear your voice.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Tries to track the signal::

Host Human_Figure says:
@*Shuttle*: You are speaking, succinctly, with those who have your officers. I do apologize for their removal from your presence; they were not our primary target, and we would be glad to return them promptly. However, we'll first need something - or rather, some-ONE - in return.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*OPS/CNS*: Commander Nash... Wally... can you here me?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@*CTO*: We're here, wherever here is.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*CNS*: Wally! Are you alright?  Is Commander Nash with you?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Human*: Very well.  We know it's one of you, or both.  Which one doesn't matter.  Release our officers and we may be able to get Burke to work with you...under the right conditions.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@*CTO*: Yeah, we're fine.  The Commander is with me.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@*CTO*:  Yes, I am. And I am fine.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*OPS/CNS*: Is it safe for you to talk?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Grimaces:: CTO/CO: I'm being routed through different channels. It's like I'm trying to hack Korin intelligence...

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@*CTO*: I don't know for how long.  Don't know where we are but, it’s a control room of some kind.  It's Federation technology from what I can tell.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: You are, or Starfleet.  Do what you can.

Host Human_Figure says:
@::Continues to keep an eye and ear on the CNS/CMO as he speaks::*Shuttle*: The right conditions, Captain, would include your officers NOT rematerialized in a trillion different little pieces. Mr. Burke obviously will not come to us, but he WILL find you. And for your sakes, you hope quickly.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Smiles:: CO: Well, since I have your permission....::Starts trying to hack into the system via the shuttle's console.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*CNS*: I have to assume that this conversation is being monitored.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Human*: If you are Korin Intelligence ask your Starfleet counterparts, we are not going to negotiate while you have our people.  If you release them we will try to help you find your answers.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CMO: Can you track Federation technology down there?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CTO: Let me finish trying to hack this system....I'm getting close....::Works faster::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@*CTO*: The Korin and the human that attacked you guys last night are in the room so, probably.  The dynamic duo are using words like expendable so I sure would like to see you walk in the door.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@OPS: How's that for faith?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*OPS/CNS*: Don't worry, we're zeroing in your location now. Shouldn't be too much longer.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  It'll do.  ::smiles::

Host Human_Figure says:
@*Shuttle*: I know Starfleet quite well. I know you're loathe to negotiate, but even more loathe to leave your people behind to die, especially when the alternative is so much less painful, as I promise you, we have no intentions of causing Mr. Burke any harm. .  You have sixty minutes, Captain, to find Mr. Burke. If you fail, your people will be dematerialized, this facility will be destroyed, and we will simply try again. Good day, Captain.

ACTION: The Korin, reading his cues, begins the process of disconnecting the com, closing out the many channels.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@*CTO*: Okay, looking forward to it.  We'll just sit here within the confines of a force field…

ACTION: Daniels' last line is cut off at "field--".

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
*Dead Channel*: …and wait.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Quickly starts to finish hacking::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Human*: I just need a few answer first then.  Like where do we bring him?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*CNS*: Tell that eight eyed p'taH that I look forward to seeing him again, very soon.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@OPS: The COM went dead.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
*CNS*: Wally! Are you still there? WALLY!!! ::slams his fist against the com panel:: 
CO: We've lost the channel sir.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@OPS: I tried to give Q'ten as much information about our situation as I could.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Slams her fists down on the console and swears in about 3 different languages:: CO/CTO: Lost it. It's in the vicinity, and it's not the student housing, but I was seconds away from finding them.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Nods.::  CTO: I figured.  
CMO: Any luck finding the source?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  Evidently, the "Ransom request" was just ordered.  Now we continue with having faith the outcome will be they the way we need it to be, us free and them out of commission.

Host Human_Figure says:
@::Looks over his captives once more, then gestures for the Korin to join him outside of the transporter room, leaving the CNS/OPS alone for the time being.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@OPS: Yes, Ma'am.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO/CMO: Wally said that the room they were in held a lot of Federation Technology. Perhaps we could find that and zero in?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: That might make things easier.  Not sure we could even find Burke in less than an hour even if we decided to go that way.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO/CMO: He also said they were being held in a force field. That gives an energy source to track.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@OPS: Sure, now they leave the room.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  Look, Counselor, I know I may seem to come as a cold person right now.  You know that is far from who I am.  I just trying to stay calm so I can return to my family.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@OPS: I get it.  It's just hard for me to sit still and play the damsel in distress waiting to be rescued.  I feel quite useless right now and I hate that feeling.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO/ CMO: Do whatever it takes.  We have to find them in...forty five minutes.  Need time to carry out a rescue so hope that will be enough.

@ACTION: The doors open and the human and Korin steps back into the room.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  And I do?  This situation is far from what I expected when we got here. Just be patient, it's all I ask.

@ACTION: The Korin holds a Federation Phaser rifle, and levels at the two Starfleet officers.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: Captain...We've got a couple of options...but there are only three of us. The Generator, The Research Facility or try to get a hold of Burke.

Host Human_Figure says:
@CNS/OPS: Commander, Ensign, I fear it is time for us to go.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@OPS: I joined Starfleet so that I could be the hero of my story, not a victim.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: There are more, we brought a larger team, remember?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Human: Go where?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: Leadership and experience wise, sir.

Host Human_Figure says:
@CNS: To where a place that isn't about to explode.  I suggest you join us, as I'd like to delivery on my promise to your Captain to return you safe and sound.  But that's ultimately up to you.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: What do you have in mind specifically?  And what does that plan require?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Human: No, sounds good. Let's go.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  Wally, let's do as they ask, as long as we are together, we have a chance.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@OPS: Agreed.

Host Korin_Figure says:
@::Removes his hood, providing him with full three-sixty degrees of vision.  Then hovers his hand over the force field controls::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO:  I'll lead a team to the disease center sir.

Host Human_Figure says:
@::Takes his small paralyzing Phaser from its holster, then gestures to his Korin colleague, before training it once more on the two Starfleet officers::  ::Smiles graciously:: 
All: Let's go then.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: Honestly, I'm best when working alone with a target in mind.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Risky if we can't get a better look.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@::she complies with her "captors"::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Steps off the transporter pad and follows OPS::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: What are you looking to do?

@ACTION: At the Korin's touch, the force field flickers out of existence, freeing the two Cherokee crewmembers.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: Shut down that power generator. The life signs should flicker to life on our sensors here.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: What do you need to do that?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Perhaps a Tricorder up close can tell us something that long distance sensors cannot?

Host Human_Figure says:
@OPS/CNS: I'll be very clear. I am not one for second chances, and anyone who remains behind will die. If you make a false move, we will shoot you, and we will not wait behind to carry you out.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: No power, no jamming. I don't need much, just time and what I've got in my pack here. ::Taps her hip pack::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@Human:  No worries here. I'm right by your side. Lead on McDuff.

Host Korin_Figure says:
@Human: No.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Smiles at OPS humor, finding it a rarity::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: As much as I hate to admit it Captain, that does sound better than going in with guns blazing.

Host Korin_Figure says:
@CNS/OPS: One of you makes a false move... I will shoot the other.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO/CTO: Once I shut that down and you see them, you can burst in on them. But we have to move quickly. They'd probably move the hostages since they know I was tracing them.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Korin: That hardly seems fair.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: They probably would, unless they are secure.   Make it quick but as quiet as you can.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@Korin:  I step where you step, so if any false steps occur, it's on you.

Host Korin_Figure says:
@CNS: Exactly. Your mistake, the female dies, and you live with it...for however long.  Now...  ::Begins walking backwards - with great ease, given the eyes in the back of his head - maintaining his rifle trained on both officers::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Korin: If all Korin are like you, I'm going to have a hard time recommending you for Federation membership.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Get in touch with the other teams, have them send backup here.  Just our people, and just those trained.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Aye sir.

Host Korin_Figure says:
@::Gruffly:: CNS: They're not. That's the problem.  ::Grows darkly silent once more, and continues leading the way::

Host Human_Figure says:
@::Gestures politely with his free hand:: OPS/CNS: After you two.  ::Waits for them to follow the Korin::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@::steps in tune with the Korin's steps as she proceeds::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Sees what the Korin can do, walk backward and still see forward:: Korin: That's a pretty good trick.  Wish I could do that.  ::Follows the Korin totally fascinated::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: I have your permission sir?

@ACTION: As the group makes its way out of the transporter room, the human presses a control. Red lights and klaxons begin to sound throughout the structure.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Returns from carrying out the COs orders:: CO/CMO: Back up is on the way sir.  What's the verdict?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: You do.  Just make sure it works.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
All: majqa'!

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Moves to the back of the shuttle and pauses:: CO: I won't try to...but authority to kill?

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Pause USS Cherokee: "Infinity's Child" Part 18>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse: 10 minutes>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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