USS Cherokee 
"Infinity's Child"  Part 19
11411.30

Starring_
Lea as Guest Producer, Security_Guard_2, 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, Stardate 11411.30.  We have been given a time limit in our efforts to rescue our abducted crew members.  In less than one hour their abductors have threatened to kill them if we do not present Burke.  Seeing how that cannot happen, we need to recover them a different way.

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

@ACTION: The human and Korin continue to lead Nash and Daniels through the twisting underground tunnels, but the surroundings begin to grow less old and disrepaired, and more of recent use.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::In shuttle, taking over the scanners.::  CTO: How many areas are there that our signals can't get into you think?  Would like to narrow down possible locations so if the Doctor brings down the power we can grab them quicker.

ACTION: The shuttle moves into place for a short-range beam out of Talora into the periphery of the power station.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Initiates beam out of the CMO to the surface.::  

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Moves quickly through any shadows she can find towards the power station::

@ACTION: A small beeping becomes audible from the human's pocket.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Having had no clue as to where they were, Wally is relieved to learn they are still on the planet; having been walking through tunnels for the past ten minutes, seemingly underground::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Avoiding any Korin residents/workers, she slips into the power station:: Self: This is difficult with their 360 field of vision...  ::Sighs and keeps moving::

Host Human_Figure says:
@::Pulls a small communication crystal from his pocket, keeping his other hand training a weapon on OPS and CNS:: *Unknown*: Yes.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Shuttle: Initiate regular comm system checks attempting to contact Commander Nash and Counselor Daniels.  If contact is made lock on and initiate Transport as quickly as possible.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@::notices as her surroundings change from rundown towards pristine.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Korin: So, where are we going anyway?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: It would be easier to count the number of places that our sensors are able to get through.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
#::Attempts to navigate a building she has no map for.:: Self: If I was a shut-off...where would I be?  ::Moves silently through the halls.::

#ACTION: Talora makes her way successfully through the outer areas of the power plant, to arrive near the inner security checkpoint: glass doors with electronic locks and a security officer on each side.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: It would but we need to increase our odds as much as we can.  Any other ideas on finding our missing crew we can try until Doctor Talora gets the local power grid down?

Host Human_Figure says:
@::Only his own side of the conversation audible, with the crystal against his ear:: *Unknown*: Oh...-really-?  ::Looks pointedly at Daniels and Nash::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: None that don't include death and destruction.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
#::Catches sight of the checkpoint and quickly hides behind a corner:: Self: Curses...What do I have that can help here?  ::Rummages through her bag::

Host Korin_Figure says:
@::Gruffly:: CNS: Some place safer, and where we can make use of that Burke guy once we find him.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Doesn't like the way he's being looked at::  OPS: What we do?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: That might be an option if we could find the right targets.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Korin: Thanks.

Host Human_Figure says:
@*Unknown*: Well, that's good. ... No, I don't trust them to bring him in themselves. They're being particularly resistant. You'll need to find a subtle way to bring him over on your own.  ...  I'm confident in your abilities, or we wouldn't have brought you in on this.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  Just be calm, we are about to get an answer of some kind soon, one way or another.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: What if we increased the output of the shuttle communications transceiver.  Attempt active pings of the missing crew members badges.  Their badges can't punch through but a stronger signal might be able to punch through, right?  Just might burn out the comm badge.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Doesn't like the human's part of the conversation he's having on his COM and thinks he'd like the other half of the conversation even less::

Host Korin_Figure says:
@CNS: Your commander is right. We don't want you for anything. Better for everyone if you just go away.  ::Grits his teeth a little::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: It's worth a shot.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@::whispers as she walks::  CNS:  I wonder if the human is on our lovely Ambassador's payroll?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Korin: If you don't want us for anything, why not let us go?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@OPS: I had the thought, maybe that's who the guy is talking to.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  Anything is possible.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Computer: Increase power on RF Transceiver output.  Increase to 100 Watts, attempt pings to Commander Nash's badge only until otherwise directed.

Host Human_Figure says:
@*Unknown*: Yes, that will do nicely. I suspect this is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between the Federation and the Korin.  We will see you shortly.  ::Taps the crystal to close the line, and slips it back into his pocket::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
#::Runs through her list of options before pulling a hypospray and loading it.:: Self: My only chance is to bull rush this. It's too transparent. ::Takes a deep breath and runs the last little bit to the nearest security guard. Pressing the hypo against it's body.:: Sec Guard 2: Let me through or I kill him.

Host Security_Guard_2 says:
#::Reflexively starts to reach for his weapon, but freezes when he sees Talora's with his colleague in her hands::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Human: Good news?  You look pleased about something.  Care to share?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
#Sec Guard 2: And no touching that alarm either. We'll do this nice and slow.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Computer: Start the pinging with a directional signal starting with the closest building in research facility.  Increase ping power by 20 Watt increments until it hits 500 Watts or until it makes contact.

Host Security_Guard_2 says:
#::Holds his hands up, turning the weapon upside-down with his finger far from the trigger, while he tries to talk calmly:: CMO: Okay, look, I don't know what this is...and I won't press the alarm, okay? Why are you here?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
#Sec Guard 2: None of your business. Drop the weapon. Open the door, and back against the wall.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Computer: Once each building is done move on to the next.  Rapid progression, making pings every half second.

Host Human_Figure says:
@CNS: In fact, marvelous news, for everyone around. Mr. Burke has been found, and will be brought here shortly. So we'll have no more need of this distasteful hostage situation. We should arrive at our destination in only a moment more, and be free to return you to your crew.  Once more, calmness prevails in peace.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Human: So, you're not planning on killing us?

Host Korin_Figure says:
@::Grunts distastefully, continuing to lead the group up to a door at the end of their current tunnel:: Human: Just through here.

Host Human_Figure says:
@::Smiles almost with a tinge of sympathy:: CNS: Of course not, unless you do something stupid. There's no need. You don't know who we are, neither of us is on record anywhere, so you're no danger to us. You were only ever a tool of the moment, to help us reach Mr. Burke. That moment has now passed.  ::Nods to the Korin::

@ACTION: The Korin presses the switch to open the door, and steps through into a pristine, sterile, and brightly-lit room.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: We have the area below us listed as the most likely target area.  Any ground or air traffic entering the area?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: None sir.

Host Security_Guard_2 says:
#CMO: Yes, okay, okay. Just...stay calm, okay? ::Slowly lowers his weapon, and slowly tosses it to the ground at his feet:: CMO: Just don't hurt anyone. Don't hurt Jiva...

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Human: So, what do you want with this Mister Burke anyway?  ::Follows the Korin into a room::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
#Sec Guard 2: No one's going to get hurt. I get what I want, we'll all walk away fine. The Door.

ACTION: The Cherokee shuttle makes its way slowly across the medical center, sending increasingly strong pings.

Host Human_Figure says:
@CNS: We're each here for different things, Ensign. My Korin colleague here wishes to cure a terribly malady plaguing his world. I wish to help him do so, and in the process forge a strong and deep relationship between our peoples. The sharing kind of relationship.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: How intense is the signal blocking?  I mean active scans are blocked, but what about passive?  Things like thermal energy in an area like this should be detectable, right?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: it should be sir, let me see.

Host Human_Figure says:
@::Follows OPS and CNS into the bright room:: CNS: Now, if you'll simply hand over that data chip, we can beam you from here to another location, where you comm badges will once more be operational, and your crew will easily be able to retrieve you.  ::Keeping his weapon trained still on Daniels, he gestures toward a tray nearby::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@OPS: Did we know about a plague on Korin?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CNS:  What plague?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Human:  What?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: I'm going to try and set up micro subspace bursts from the transceiver.  Should allow us to have RF and subspace looks going in the search.  ::Starts to reconfigure the subspace transceiver.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: We can make out thermal images sir, but I'm unable to identify them

Host Human_Figure says:
@CNS: The data chip I know you have on your person, because its transponder is still active.

Host Security_Guard_2 says:
#CMO: Okay, okay... ::Pauses:: ...right...the door.....   ::Takes a slow step toward the door::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: How many heat sources can we detect?  Should be the number of living beings, so...blast, what is human normal body temperature again?  Thirty-six point five degrees, right?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Trying to identify individual images by their placement::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
#::Grimaces:: Sec Guard 2: Quickly. I don't have all day. Just no sudden movements.

Host Korin_Figure says:
@OPS: The Korin adolescence period is...troublesome, with our people. We go through severe biological and neurological changes. Approximately fifty percent of the population is heavily affected. Approximately ten percent of the population...never recover. And a fraction of a percent are like -me-.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Should have thought of it sooner, active scans can be easily blocked but that's the difference between scan jamming and cloaks, the intense power to block the passive signals.

Host Security_Guard_2 says:
#CMO: Riiiight... No...sudden....movements.....  ::Very, very slowly reaches the door, and begins to input the security code::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Stalling:: Human: I suppose if I don't hand it over you'll take it from me, huh?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@Korin: That sounds like the adolescence period of Humans.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Sir I'm getting several thermal readings, but so far none of them are human body temperature.

Host Human_Figure says:
@CNS: Indeed, we could easily incapacitate you both, then rifle through your body for the chip. But then we'd likely leave you here, as it would be difficult to move your bodies to the transporter pad while unconscious, and clearly you weren't in the mood to do US any favors.

Host Security_Guard_2 says:
#::Cringes a moment, visible in all six of his eyes, as he inputs the final code, and the door panel flashes green::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Adjusting sensors to only show us thermal readings of an average of36.5 degrees Celsius.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Look for groups.  We believe they are held by 2 beings, right?  So how many groups of four or more are we detecting?

Host Korin_Figure says:
@OPS: I don't think you understand the severity we're talking about here. While the rest of the population recover and become good, calm citizens, that ten percent, fully one in ten, become intense dangers to themselves and others. 

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
#::Guiding the guard with the hypospray still ready to be injected through the door, she quickly sprays the hypo into the Korin. Knocking him out. Pulling her Phaser, she fires it on stun at the second security guard.:: Self: There....::Steps over the two of them:: Guards: I'm sorry...but there's little time left. You'll be alright...when you wake.

ACTION: The CTO's scans find five such groupings of four+ individuals in close proximity to each other, in the medical complex.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: I'm looking at five groups sir, all fairly close together and in the medical building.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Human: It's just, I'm only an ensign and I wouldn't feel like I was doing my job if I just handed it over to you.  I almost wish you would take it from me.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
#::Quickly starts moving down the hallway::

Host Human says:
@::Shrugs:: CNS: As you wish.  ::Adjusts the setting on his weapon briefly, then nods to the Korin::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Five groups, all right.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@Korin:  Again, it sounds like what happens in my species.  Adolescence is not an easy process to trudge through in life.  It's a point where the person is not a child and not an adult yet.  Trying to find oneself is not easy.  Trust me, it took me a long time to deal with mine.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Computer: Target the comm pings on the locations of four or more Ensign Q'ten noted.  200 watts and subspace equivalent to start.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Human: No wait!  I thought you'd understand my situation!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Computer: Starting in the Medical research facility.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: I have one group in a salvage yard, and two others in the power plant.

Host Korin_Figure says:
@::Grows physically more imposing as his muscles tense and his whole body seems to shift to the fight- side of fight-or-flight:: ::Growls/shouts:: OPS: You don't understand!  ::Raises his hand a moment, as if to strike, his face suddenly twisted in anger, aggression, and pain...but the Human's glance at that moment causes him to pause::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Phasers on stun standing by sir.

Host Human_Figure says:
@CNS: Oh, I do. But you must understand mine: I win. I always win. I have to win. Too much is at stake. So if you will not hand over the chip, I will take it from you, as you suggest. You and your commander can remain here, and hope your crew finds you in time.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Ready to step in front of OPS to try to prevent her from being hit by the Korin::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@::not flinching:: Korin: Well then tell me without the urge to use violence.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Human: I'm a trained counselor.  I could help you with your obsession over winning.  Do you suffer from control anxiety?

Host Korin_Figure says:
@::Draws a painful breath, clamping his lips together, his chest heaving, as he works to regain his composure  Tries again, his words tense, but not shouted:: OPS: You -don't- understand. Ten percent of our population actively tries to kill the rest.  The part of their brains responsible for inhibition, reasoning, consequences, empathy...it all dies. It just DIES.  Ten percent are violent psychopaths.

#ACTION: Talora finds herself within the inner control room of the power station.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
#::Moves to the nearest console and starts to hack away, working to bring the power down to everywhere except the medical center.::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@Korin:  You see, now I understand. I thank you for that.  We have a basis to start improving all relations of our worlds.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Korin: That would explain the missing Korin citizens we learned about.  Where do these... sick people live?  We have medical technology.  Maybe there's another solution.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Sir, if I had to make an educated guess, I would focus on the group in the salvage yard. It's the only one that is isolated from the others, which I would think is what the abductors would want. Less chance of being noticed by prying eyes.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Noted.  Bring the shuttle in as close to them as possible.  Let's see how strong that jamming is, shall we?  ::Redirects comm pings to salvage yard group.::

Host Korin_Figure says:
@CNS: Most are exiled. They eventually kill each other, or themselves. There is no cure, HE ::Points at his human colleagues:: and his have already tried to find one. Burke's research has the only key. We MUST stop this slaughter. My sister--- ::Cringes in pain::

Host Human_Figure says:
@::Chuckles:: CNS: Very funny, Counselor. I like your sense of humor.  A shame there's too much as stake, for all of us, to let that bond us. We do this for you, you know. For every one of you.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@Korin/Human: How do you think this chip will help?  ::He takes it out of his pocket and holds it in his hand::  Maybe there's a way we can all get what we want.

ACTION: The shuttle's last, highest-power ping pings back, as the OPS’s comm badge is detected in an underground floor of the medical complex.

@ACTION: Commander Nash’s comm badge suddenly heats, smokes, and burns out, leaving a burnt mark on her shoulder and a pang of pain.

@ACTION: The two captors react to the burning, firing their weapons, the human's at Daniels, the Korin's at Nash, rendering both paralyzed and slumped.

#ACTION: Talora's hacking brings down system after system, as all the surrounding areas lose power, save the medical complex. The decreased power output provides the ability for clean transporter locks on every location EXCEPT the main power generator itself, and sections of the medical complex that lie immediately over power junctures.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Falls to the floor::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@::falls to floor::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
<Computer> CO: Signal detected, unable to establish Transporter Lock.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*CMO*: Nice work, we have them.  Coordinates being forwarded to your Tricorder.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
#::Smiles to herself:: Self: Just like the good old days...::Taps her badge:: *CTO/CO*: Get me out of here.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO Wide beam transporter sir?

Host Human_Figure says:
@::Steps forward, looking over OPS's burnt shoulder a moment::  Korin: Grab the chip from the Counselor.  ::Takes out his crystalline communicator:: *Unknown*: Change in plans. Our location has been compromised. We'll meet you at your place.   
Korin: Go ahead... I'll be just a minute.  ::Kneels beside OPS, and pulls a device from the nearby tray, training it on OPS shoulder::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Grab Doctor Talora and then we go in.  Can't get a good lock on the exact location but we can get close.

Host Korin_Figure says:
@OPS: ...I'm sorry.   ::Kneels down and takes the chip from Daniels, then starts out through the door::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Activates the transporter beam to cover CMOs location and initiates transport::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Feels like he just lost his best friend as he feels his fingers being forced open and the data chip taken::

Host Human_Figure says:
@::Heals Nash's shoulder with the device, then sets it down beside her:: OPS/CNS: My apologies, Ensign. Commander. This isn't the way I wanted this to go. Good luck with your mission.  ::Stands and heads out the door::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Stands up and goes to weapons locker, inputting code and opening to retrieve Type III Phasers for each of us and 2 spare Type II's.  Hands one to the CTO and moves to the Transporter Pad.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Follows the CO::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@::feels like there is more, much more to this than meets the eye, hopefully this news will transform to a solution soon.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::Thinking - The Human's words are little consolation::

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Pause USS Cherokee: "Infinity's Child" Part 19>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse: 20 minutes>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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