USS Cherokee 
Normal Anomaly, Risky Business, Part 7
11607.24

Starring_
Steve Weller as CO_Ayidee, and Producer
Dawn Freeman as OPS_Cmdr_Nash
Topper Loghry as CTO_LT_Q`ten
Zach Farland as CNS_Ens_Daniels
Pablo Delsoglio as CIV_Capt_Marek
Absent
None
Ship's Log, Stardate 11607.24, Captain Tio Ayidee recording.  The crew have made it inside the outpost, but still the answers are limited in their extent.  We at best have a vague sense of what is happening here, but there are so many gaps it can hardly be called a good take on things  Exposure of the native population is still limited, but there is still great risk.

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Host CO_Ayidee says:
@::On Bridge, ensuring the Science Officers are properly focused on the search for the missing team.::  OPS: I know they are not using active communications, but if we linked to the outpost computer, can we find the serial numbers for their equipment and try an active ping?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@::at OPS, beginning to wonder if there is an answer to this mystery.::

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Native 2> ::enters the Town hall Building and rushes into the Mayor's office:: Mayor:: Mayor, Mayor, we  have seen them again!!!! the mountains spirits are active again!

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Mayor> Native 2: Have you been drinking again?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CO:  That could take time but I'll see what I can do.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@OPS: If they still have a charge it should work.  Unless they expected that and blocked it also...

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CIV: Do you have any clue as to what this radiation is, or where it has come from?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::In the outpost checking on rising radiation levels::

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
CTO: Sir, I’m checking a theory of mine. ::raises an eyebrow as he taps on his PADD and in the outpost computer console:: ... Only a couple of minutes, sir, I think i have something here.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@*AT*: Ayidee to Away Team.  Do you think the cloak could keep the natives ignorant of the outposts existence in the near future?

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
::Starts tinkering with the outpost communications array::

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
*CO*: As long as the power generators keep working the cloak should work indefinitely sir.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Native2> Mayor: I've been sober for the last three years... Come check the sky around the Phantom's Peak... ::grabs the Mayor from his arm and forces him to the window::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
*CO*: Eventually the cloak will fail, then what?  We should take the outpost with us when we leave.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
*CO*: Assuming this mystery radiation doesn't interfere.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@*CNS*: Finding answers to that is phase 3 as I see it now.  But no, I do not plan on leaving that to chance.
*CTO*: Does the outpost have sensors that could find the source of the radiation?  The cloak blocks that kind of thing by design and we are having a hard time tracking it down.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CIV: How much longer Mister Marek?

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
CTO/CNS: I have found something.. According to these readings, our technology power signature it the cause of the radiation. It interacts with the huge quantity of the crystal inside the hill. The more devices we use, the more reaction from the crystal we produce. Fortunately , it seems to be harmless for any biological entity..

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Mayor> ::sees the glowing red around the peak:: For the sake of Who'nows....

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
*CO*: Mister Marek says that it's our own equipment that is triggering the radiation, but it is biologically harmless.
CIV: Does that include the outposts equipment?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@*CTO*: Triggering it how?  Have you found the source of the radiation, or just the catalyst?

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
*CO*: It would appear that the source is the strange crystals that brought the Smiths here in the first place.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Native2> Mayor, there is no time to waste.. we have seen spirits coming inside the mountain... My mate remained there to watch them.. he is alone, we must go there and find out what are they up to.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Checks to see what the native left outside is doing::

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Native 1> ::whispering a prayer as he slowly loads his weapon, just in case::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@*CTO*: Understood.  So the radiation increased as you reactivated systems?

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Mayor> Native 2: The legends were true... we need to catch them and find out the secrets of the mountains! Hurry up... ::runs out of the office calling out for a armed party::

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
CTO: The Captain is right, Lieutenant. ;;nods::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@<SO> CO: Sir, not able to get exact readings through the scan, but the computer is picking up a pattern.  The glow from the outpost?  The more systems that go online in the outpost, and the more of our own tools operating, the more that outside glow increases.  The duck blind is trying to compensate for the glow, but the more it compensates the more power it uses, which makes the glow stronger which makes the draw more.  Vicious circle.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CIV/CNS: Shut everything but the cloaking device down, now!

ACTION: Sensors both ship side and planet side detect the village starting to gather on the edge, carrying make shift gear and tools, preparing to head towards the outpost.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Does as the CTO ordered::

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
CTO: Understood... I assume that doesn't include environmental systems...

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO/CIV: We're about to have a whole lot of company.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Native 2> Mayor: there, behind that rock.. ::points where his partner is hidden::

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
*CO*: Sir, we're about to have a large group of natives arriving. We have an idea to keep them at bay, but we may need a little assistance from the ship.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@*CTO*: Whatever it takes.  I'm sure you already understand what's at stake so I won't reiterate the Prime Directive.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CIV: For right now everything but the cloaking device.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Mayor> ::spots the Native 1, who waves at the party, and the observes the glowing red light around the peak of the mountain, as a red  ring around it::

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
*CO* If it would be possible for to use the ships tractor beams to create a minor seismic "hiccup" around this location.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@*CTO*: On it.
OPS: Do what he says, minor seismic activity, about a 2 on the Richter Scale around the outpost.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CO:  One ground shake level 2 coming up.  ::does as requested::

ACTION: The ground about the outpost begins to shake with seismic activity. 

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Feels the shake::  CTO: They must be able to see the glowing.  They may not be easily detoured.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Mayor> Native 1: Brave lad, the help has arrived... Good thing that the phantoms didn't do anything to you...

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
ALL: Cover your ears

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
::Activates the PA system on the comm console and plays the sound of an attacking  Klingon Qa'rol at about 200 decibels::

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Native 1> Mayor: I m still here, aren't I? And.... ::feels the ground shaking::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@*CTO*: Not sure where you are going with this, but what if we use these quakes to make the cloak unneeded?  Beam a "rock slide" over the entrance, seal it off and give us time to find a permanent solution to removing the location?

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Mayor> All: Sweet gods... ::tries to grab hold from a tree, that shakes violently but remains on its roots::

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Native 2> All: They are angry, what have we done!?!?! ::his ears flaps accordingly to the seismic activity::

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
*CO*: That may work for a permanent solution when we leave sir.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: A little over the top.  Remember, we want them to be able to rationalize this experience away later.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: That's for later. Right now we want them to leave the area.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Mayor> ::shouts:: Forgive us Forgive us... ::sees everyone running and rolling down the hill, everyone trying to reach a safe spot from the small rock coming down::

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: What do they have to deal with? A loud noise and a small tremor.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: Right now they will have the legends of the great and fearsome beast on the hilltop, but as time goes by it will be forgotten.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
::sees the natives struggling to remain on their feet:: All: Well, not a bad way to "shake off " those villagers from our backs.... ::realizes he has done a bad, bad joke::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: I'm just worried about the effect of being terrified will have on these already frightened people.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS:  :: Indicating Marek::  See he gets it.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: Worry more about the alternative if they had kept coming and found us in here.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CIV: Mister Marek, can we transport all of this equipment to the ships main cargo hold?

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
All: Sorry, not a situation for a humorous remark. I guess my age its talking its toll on my logical reasoning. ::raises an eyebrow::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@OPS: From what we know of the outpost, if the duck blind cloak was down could we fully remove all signs of the outpost from the mountain it is in?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Security is your thing, I'm more into the sanity aspect of this situation.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
CTO: Yes, sir, it will take some minutes but it is totally possible.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: they'll be fine.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Mayor> All: Run, run for your lives!  Let's get out of here!

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CIV: Good humor is always welcome in any situation.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CIV: Then let's get started on preparations. When we leave we'll make this hole look like a natural formation.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
CNS: I agree. Good humor.. not badly thought jokes...

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: I think you're enjoying this a bit too much. ::Smiles, leaving the Klingon to do his worst::

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
CTO: Aye, sir. And Counselor... thanks for your understanding.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: Keep looking for any signs of the Smiths. Cellular residue, anything at all.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CO: I believe so.  We still would need to take precautions.  From what I've observed from the native population, they are a curious bunch and there could be a few lookie-loos trying to take a peek at where the sounds are coming from.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CIV: Humor is an art form.  Keep practicing.  As far as humor goes, as a Vulcan, you're in uncharted territory.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Native 1> ::runs down the hill, his third heart beating faster than a runaway train::

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
<Native 2> Self: If I get out alive from this, I promise I won't search for this darned crystal anymore.. ::throes the backpack and continues running:: I need a drink!"!!!!!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@OPS: Plan it out in advance.  We're in uncharted territory here, but I can't see many ways this ends with the station staying intact.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@CO:  I'll get my team on that right away.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
::coordinates with the ship the transportation of the equipment as requested.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO/CIV: You know, we are still nowhere with this investigation.  ::Checks for residue not expecting to find any::

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: This much is true, so far.  We're not giving up though.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: We just need to regroup and rethink our options.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
CTO/CNS: I agree... we are still at the same point . But I am confident that further analysis on the equipment will shed some light on the matter.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO/CIV: What does our disappearing Smiths have to do with the natives sudden interest in mining this crystal?  There has to be some connection.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: That much is obvious, but we're not finding any answers here, and it's even more difficult with the radiation reacting to our equipment. We just have to find another way.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
CTO/CIV: The key is undoubtedly the crystal and its properties. They found something that lead to their disappearance.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CIV: make sure we grab a sample of the crystal to take back also.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CIV: Do we have a sample of this crystal we can study?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@*AT*: With the natives temporarily on the retreat, we still need caution but also still need answers.  Any idea on where the search for the Smiths goes next?

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
CTO/CIV: There is no sample of the crystal inside the Outpost... ::thinks:: Wait... I saw one of the native throwing away one backpack that look like the ones the miners had when they spotted us back at the path.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
*CO*: We're working on figuring that out now sir.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@::she informs her teams about the task at hand and they insured her that it would be done with the utmost caution.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
*CO*: I think we should venture outside and have a look about.  Someone was banging on that mission specialist's door in the video recording.  Maybe our Klingon could sniff it out.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
CTO/CNS: ::points his tricorder to the place where the backpack might be:: There. The tricorder picked up the crystal signature... 150 meters down the hill... ::points to the direction:: Maybe we can beam those crystal to the ship.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: Wally, you're always eager to meet new people and make new friends.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@*CTO*: This is a step in the right direction, but at least it is a start.  Let us know what you need.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
*CO*: Aye sir.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: What's wrong with that?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@*CNS*: If you do be extremely careful.  They went down the hill, but once you leave the odds of discovery increase rapidly.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: Nothing at all, I was just thinking that perhaps we are going about this all wrong.  We're dancing around the problem when perhaps we should meet it head on.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
*CO* Aye, Sir.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: What do you mean?

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: The Smiths obviously came here for the crystals. The natives were mining the crystal. The two are obviously connected. We need to find out how.  I think this calls for some undercover work.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
CTO: Sir, do you think we should collect those crystal rocks from that backpack down the hill?

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: You already look like them, so why not just ask them why they are looking for the crystals, and if they know the whereabouts of the smiths?

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CIV: Yes, but use extreme caution.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: I could do that.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: We'll have to get it cleared by the Captain, and right this minute may not be a good time anyway with all the excitement.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CIV: I could use the backpack to get me into the village.

CIV_Capt_Marek says:
*OPS*: Commander, please, I am sending you the coordinates of some crystal rocks samples abandoned that we need to beam up to the ship. ::taps on his PADD:: Please see them to be stored in a maximum security biohazard material container for further analysis.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: But I think that may get us at least some of the answers we need.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: I think it's worth a try.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
@*CIV*:  No problem. It'll be gift wrapped until needed.  ::does as asked.::

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: We'll implant a transponder on you so we can keep a transporter lock on you.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: And of course an open COM line.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: I could have used that backpack.  But, it's gone.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: It's only on the ship. You can still use it.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: They could take the minimal amount of the crystals and send the rest back.  I don't know how big these crystals are but, I could enter the village looking for the owner of the backpack.

CTO_LTJG_Q`ten says:
CNS: Yes we can work out the details on the ship while we're getting everything ready.

ACTION: A large vessel de-cloaks in standard orbit near the Cherokee.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
#<Vessel> COM: Cherokee: You, Federation Ship, we know everything about you, surrender to us or be destroyed.

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