Last week on the Seleya:

The captain is told a Moriddian myth that tells of a past where the people were once one… not divided as they were into the four major colours.  Their talents and abilities soon outpaced their wisdom to using what they had.  It was foreseen that this would lead to their destruction.  But there were those who had foresight and the willingness to take drastic measures to insure they people would survive.

A man of great power within himself searched for an answer and in that conceived of an idea and a way to separate the people's primary talents so that they were less 'harmless'.  On the eve it was foretold of ultimate destruction, he used a special dagger with a stone filled with his essence and those who were willing to give of themselves the ultimate sacrifice.

It is said he succeeded as the people awoke as they were today.  How it had worked and what exactly it was he had done was a mystery and would remain one as this great man and the others of power were never seen again.

The people had to relearn many things and to a degree, rebuild their culture with all the changes.  What they had succeeded was what was seen today.  Peace has reigned since those times.  But unfortunately, for some, peace brings a restlessness.

There is rumour that there is a group of individuals that want to return to that time, return the people to what they were.  They want the power they were once rumoured to have.  They want to be the centre of things as it was once rumoured.  And so the search for the stone began. It was believed that the stone left their world via a trader…

The captain mingles with the people of Morriddian who are at the reception for only one reason, to meet the new comers and to learn more of the Federation their leaders wish them to join.  She wants more then to just sit back and leave things to the king, for he has not only the vested interest of his people involved in this, but also those of his family.

The missing counsellor opened one of the doors within the room he had found himself, finds himself with his family at his family home.  He entered the room with a feeling of contentment, never hearing the door closing behind him.

Maor, along with the doctor, a few ship security officers and one of the kings guards are heading in search of the counsellor.  They have discovered that he is deep underground, so deep that transporters cannot lock safely onto him… it is only his unusual bio signature that has pointed him out.

The question lay, how did the counsellor get so far and so deep so suddenly?

There are many tunnels that go underground to what was once an ancient city.  But it has since been abandoned with most of the passageways closed as being unsafe.  There are a few entrances that remain open, one of them being near the old palace up in the hills, which is rarely used these days and not far away.

It is here Maor takes his group in a shuttle.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Sumner is returning to the Seleya after spending some much needed time away for personal reasons and to prepare for his new career at tactical.  His ship has just entered the system and has been given permission to dock…

Captain's log, Stardate 10804.20. We have a team on Gnav's trail and I let the investigations regarding the missing dagger in the hands of the King. In the meantime, I will gather the rest of my officers and do a little research of my own ...

<<<<<<<<<< Not So Little Things VIII >>>>>>>>>>

CO Capt Gomes says:
::having just returned to the reception, where the guests are still enjoying themselves, she looks for Pandora::

OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Still walking around at the reception, a drink in his hands, his ears open to any conversation of interest around him::

@ SCENE: The surrounding area to the ancient palace is peaceful; there are no obvious people about, though sensors do record there are some.  One of the things noted before landing, was that this palace was on a much larger scale then the newer one.  The gardens are a bit wild as is the surrounding area.

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
#::takes a deep breath as the shuttle docks, trying hard to get back into the proper mindset::

CO Capt Gomes says:
::picks up a glass and walks over to Pandora::

TO Kubica says:
#::stands at the docking hatch waiting::

OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Sees someone approaching from the corner of his eyes and turns to see who it is::

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
#::hops a couple times, closing his eyes, getting the feeling like he's coming out of a tunnel on to a field:: Self: It's go time... ::steps out as the hatch opens::

Guard Gasper says:
@ :: Stands as the vessel lands and awaits the federation officers.::

CO Capt Gomes says:
OPS: I want to have a word with you. Let’s go outside the palace for a moment

OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Nods:: CO: Very well.. ::Hangs on to his drink and follows the captain::

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@Pilot: As soon as we're over the entrance keep the shuttle airborne until we contact you again. ::Glances up from the gear resting by his feet::  Guard: Are you to accompany us inside the underground passage as well?

CO Capt Gomes says:
::walks to the outside of the palace, making sure to stay out of hearing distance of any guards::

TO Kubica says:
#CTO: welcome aboard sir! I am Ensign Kubica

Guard Gasper says:
@ CIV: Yes, as I have been commanded.  I remind you, the passages are not safe.  It has been a long time since anyone has used them.  They are steep and I would not be surprised if there are cave-ins.  One of the reasons they are underground, is they were built upon a huge underwater reservoir that was used until dry, creating a large sinkhole.

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
#::sees the TO waiting for him, and nods:: TO: Ensign. Status?

TO Kubica says:
#CTO: Yellow alert sir. The Captain wants to keep the shields up when possible. She is on the planet and was not yet informed of you arrival. Would you like to meet her there?

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@Guard: That's why Starfleet offers life insurance as a basic negotiation term for every new Cadet. ::Picks up his own personal bag and adjusts the straps to fit comfortably on his back:: Security: We move in two minutes. ::Turns to the Doctor's direction:: CMO: Assuming you didn't catch my last request, contact the Captain please. Let her know we've arrived at the entrance and we might have communication problems once we get deep enough in the ground.

CO Capt Gomes says:
OPS: I have new information that could very well explain what is going on here. And I will need your help to dig further into this matter

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
#::begins walking towards the bay doors, thinking briefly:: TO: Is there a particular threat in mind?

Guard Gasper says:
@ :: Frowns as he works through what the man said and then after a moment shrugs... must be a cultural thing, not his department.::

TO Kubica says:
#CTO: I think the Captain should be the one to brief you. I do not have authorization to do so

Lita says:
:: Quietly moves around, looking for her friend.  Ashan was supposed to wait for her in the gallery.::

CO Capt Gomes says:
OPS: It seems Garrison's dagger could have been mistaken by an ancient Moriddian artefact. And the disappearance of Gnavn may also be related to that. Can you think of any way to do a planetary scan for a specific object?

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
#::nods some:: TO: Alright. Resume your post, and have transporter room one prepare to beam me to the Captain. ::heads off for the transporter room::

OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Nods, listening with interest::

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@::Studies the Doctor’s dumbstruck look with distaste:: CMO: Never mind. ::Hits his own badge:: *CO*: Maor to Gomes.

OPS Lt Pandora says:
CO: If we know the composition for the object, sure.. Do we have any information regarding that on our computer?

CO Capt Gomes says:
::nods and motions OPS to wait a bit, then taps her badge:: *CIV*: Gomes here

TO Kubica says:
#CTO: Yes sir

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@*CO*: We've arrived at the underground entrance, Captain. We're about ready to enter it. I must caution you that we might be out of communication range once we get deep enough.

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
#::moves to the transporter pad, checking his gear before nodding to the chief::

CO Capt Gomes says:
*CIV*: Understood. So, be on the lookout and I will have the ship try to get a lock on you. Though that probably will not work either. Be careful; use your wits and good luck

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@*CO*: Understood. Maor out. ::Closes the channel:: Security, CMO, Guard: Let's go. ::Turns to the pilot's direction:: Pilot: Beam us down to the surface, as close as you can to the entrance.

ACTION: The CTO is beamed down into a courtyard.  He can hear the hum of people and music in the background.

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@::Turns to the security officers:: Security: Don't forget the transport enhancers, gentleman. ::Pauses at the Captain's words:: *CO*: Understood.

CO Capt Gomes says:
*CIV*: Oh, and before I forget, be on the lookout for Garrison's dagger, it might be an important part of the puzzle

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
::thinks to himself "Your first mission... Party" and smirks to himself, looking around for the Captain. Spotting her and OPS, he makes his way towards her::

CO Capt Gomes says:
OPS:  Unfortunately the exact composition of the dagger is not known. And in fact its gems may be the reason it was stolen. That is why locating it is particularly difficult

@ACTION: As Maor's team assembles, they are beamed down to an area surrounded by trees.  Nearby is a hillside with a door that has been barred and locked.

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@::Glances around him with interest:: Guard: I assume this is the door to the tunnel?

OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Nods:: CO: Then it may even be impossible to locate it... It has not been scanned when brought on board?

CO Capt Gomes says:
::looks at a familiar face approaching and frowns::

Guard Gasper says:
@ :: Pulling out a key and stepping forward::  CIV: Yes...

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
::notices the white uniforms and narrows his eyes slightly; nobody told him anything...::

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@Guard: Good. ::Motions the rest of their party to follow them as they make their way towards the door::

Guard Gasper says:
@ :: After a few frustrating moments of trying to get the old fashion lock open, he pulls the chains loose and then works on the door.::

CO Capt Gomes says:
OPS: As a personal item it was deemed not dangerous and not logged further. Do you think the internal sensors may have a record of it?

CO Capt Gomes says:
CTO: Lt Sumner. You returned to the Seleya?

Guard Gasper says:
@:: The door unlocking, he starts to use his muscles to pull it open, only to find himself sitting on the ground a look of surprise on his face.::

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
::nods, standing somewhat at attention:: CO: Aye, Captain.

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@::Raises an eyebrow in surprise:: Guard: Something the matter?

CO Capt Gomes says:
CTO: Judging by your uniform you must be my new chief of tactical. I could actually use your skills. You remember Lt Pandora

Guard Gasper says:
@ :: stands, embarrassed and dusts himself off.  Looks up::  CIV: I was expecting the door to stick.  ::Shrugs and returns to his position.::

OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Scratches his head:: CO: That would be our only hope.. If I have an indication of where it was at a specific time, I could try to pull that data...

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@Guard: Stick? ::Frowns:: When was this door last used? ::Looks around them in suspicion::

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
::looks to OPS and nods with a polite smile:: OPS: Lieutenant. ::looking back to the CO:: CO: I apologize for my dress, Captain. I wasn't informed that this was a formal event.

OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Nods at the CTO::

CO Capt Gomes says:
OPS: That’s good news. Commander Garrison should be able to tell you when and where he last saw the dagger. I want the two of you to work on this

Guard Gasper says:
@ CIV: I cannot say, sir.  My understanding was none of the tunnels has been used in decades.

CO Capt Gomes says:
CTO: It turned out to be a bit more than that. Our mission was to bring the wives of the local Moriddian King. However, in the process some personal objects were taken from the ship, all valuable

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@Guard: How interesting.. ::Considers something:: Noticed you used a key, got any idea who else might have copy of it? ::Gestures towards the key in the guard's hand::

CO Capt Gomes says:
CTO: And out counsellor was abducted. I have Commander Maor searching for him. I would like you to work with Lt Pandora in trying to retrieve information on the dagger from the ship's sensors or from wherever else you can. Use your imagination

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
::keeping a passive expression:: CO: Do we expect Starfleet Personnel to be involved?

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@::Moves closer to the door:: Guard: Seeing the lock seems intact...

CO Capt Gomes says:
CTO: That is a good question. So far, I have not considered that possibility. Maybe if you do find a record of the dagger on internal sensors you can look for who was next to it

Lita says:
:: Not finding her, she becomes scarred.  She also notices a rather unusual number of Reds.  Given they tend to avoid social gatherings… but she shrugs her shoulders and looks for the one they called doctor, the one Ashan had originally wanted to see.::

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
::nods:: CO: Is there anything else I should know?

CO Capt Gomes says:
CTO/OPS: It may not have been a coincidence that the Seleya was the ship chosen to take the Moriddian Queens. And from my conversation with the King, his children may be involved though he does not want to consider that possibility for natural reasons

Guard Gasper says:
@ CIV: Perhaps my information is incorrect.  It is not inconceivable that someone keeps the doors in repair for both keeping people out and for use to get in as needed.

CO Capt Gomes says:
CTO: I do not believe so at the moment

OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Just listens to the captain sharing what information she has::

CO Capt Gomes says:
OPS/CTO: I will stay here in case the King has any new information and I hope to learn something from the guests as well

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@Guard: Don't you have maintenance logs for such things? And I'll appreciate a reply to my key question as well, if you don't mind of course.

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
CO: Would you like me to send a small security detail down for your safety?

CO Capt Gomes says:
CTO: There are already more Starfleet security officers in the grounds than I would like. I should be safe here

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
::nods, withholding further comment::

Guard Gasper says:
@ CIV: It is possible there is documentation... but I do not know with whom to ask.  This is not a high security area but a safely issue.  As for the key... I was given it by the king.

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@::Nods sagely:: *CO*: Maor to Gomes. ::Motions the Guard to wait a second::

CO Capt Gomes says:
CTO/OPS: Maybe we have good news ::doesn't sound convinced::

CO Capt Gomes says:
*CIV*: Go ahead

OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Sticks around a moment longer, though eager to head to the ship to get to work::

Lita says:
:: Finding neither, she is uncertain what to do.::

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@*CO*: Seems we might have a problem here, Captain. We may have discovered the Counsellor kidnapper’s point of entry. Seems the door we're about to use was recently used before us, perhaps even maintained in secret for whatever purposes. We should send someone to check against the palace records to try to determine when this door was last maintained by the staff, if ever. Another thing we should attempt to do is to check the other two stable entrances and determine their status. We might be able to find out something that way.

CO Capt Gomes says:
*CIV*: Send your tricorder information to the ship and I will take it to the King

Lita says:
:: Becoming more cautious, she peeks outside to see a couple of federation people.  She bites her bottom lip, trying to decide what to do.::

CO Capt Gomes says:
CTO: Change of plans. I want you to take a team to one of the other entrances to the complex where Maor is. and arrange a third group for the last entrance as well

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
::nods, shifting gears in his head:: CO: Yes, Captain.

CO Capt Gomes says:
*CIV*: And I am sending teams to check the other entrances. Is there anything else you need?

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@*CO*:  A nice stiff drink would hit the spot right about now, Captain. ::Uploads his data to the Captain's traicorder:: Data uploaded. We're going in. ::Motions everyone inside the door::

Guard Gasper says:
@ :: While the federation officer talks to his superior, he looks through the door and into the earthy smelling entrance way.  Pulling out a light, he shines it inside.::

CO Capt Gomes says:
*CIV*: Good luck

CO Capt Gomes says:
CTO/OPS: Do you know what you have to do?

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
::nods:: CO: Just give the word.

OPS Lt Pandora says:
::Nods:: CO: Yes captain.. With your permission, I would like to beam up to the ship to begin setting up the scan::

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@Guard: Let's go. ::Turns his flashlight on::

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
::glances briefly off to the side::

CO Capt Gomes says:
CTO: I will send to the Seleya the location of the other two entrances and you can choose your teams as you see fit

Guard Gasper says:
@ :: Nods and steps aside, to allow the man to go first.::

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
::nods again:: CO: Sounds good, Captain.

CO Capt Gomes says:
OPS/CTO: Very well, get to work. Dismissed

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
::hesitates briefly, watching the girl for a moment before tapping his combadge:: *Seleya*: Two to beam up.

ACTION: OPS and CTO are beamed up to the ship.

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@::Enters the tunnel entrance:: Random security officer: You're last. Make sure we leave with everyone we entered with. ::Picks up the pace::

Lita says:
:: As the two men vanish, she holds her breath and watches just the woman, who appeared to be in charge..::

CO Capt Gomes says:
::takes a deep breath and straightens her shoulders. then she looks around...the day is getting long. It’s been a few hours since this whole mess started::

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
#::Sighs softly once on the ship, and steps off the pad, heading for Security::

NightWind says:
@ Scenery: The tunnel has the earthy smell of any underground chamber.  It is dark and for the most part dry.  The floors and walls appear to be compacted, but beneath the dirt, every now and then can be seen bits of tile.

OPS Lt Pandora says:
#::Arrives on the ship and immediately heads for the bridge::

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@Guard: Old settlements? ::Takes caution as to where he steps::

Lita says:
:: Walks very quietly toward the woman, but at that moment, she sees a Red approaching and slips back out of sight.::

Guard Gasper says:
@ CIV: This was once the main location of the capital until a couple of minor quakes sank the earth down.

CIV Cmdr Maor says:
@::Nods silently::

CTO LTJG Sumner says:
#::enters Security, hitting the comm to speak to all tactical personnel:: *Sec*: Tactical, this is your new CTO. I'm sorry we don't have a lot of time for introductions, be we've a job to do. Teams Alpha and Gamma, report to transporter rooms.

<<<<<<<<<< Pause >>>>>>>>>>