Host Jafo says:
Star Trek: Apache - Episode #21
Week # 2
Mission: "The Hero Khrysaros"

Host Jafo says:
After transporting the vaccine to the Bajoran Dreon VII Colony, the Apache headed for Betazed to investigate the death of noted Bajoran Historian Doctor Bwatona Fyue who was killed while attempting to recover the mythical Staff of Khrysaros.

Host Jafo says:
An away team, which was sent to Trevan, was ordered to rendezvous with the Apache in orbit of Betazed once their duties on Trevan were complete. The Apache arrived at the Betazoid homeworld and an away team, led by Captain Linard, met with Jenia Prue, a daughter of the Second House and the former assistant to Doctor Fyue.

Host Jafo says:
Meanwhile in orbit, the crew detected signs that a vessel with an artificial quantum singularity power source had recently been in orbit. This suggests the recent presence of Romulans in the area.

Host Jafo says:
En route to Betazed, the away team aboard the Styx briefly came into contact with an electro-plasma anomaly of an unknown type, which damaged multiple systems including their communications. While attempting repairs, the runabout was thrown off course and crash-landed on an unidentified planetoid.

Host Jafo says:
Now, the away team on Betazed sets out to find the Staff of Khrysaros while the team on the Styx must attempt to find their own way home.

Host Jafo says:
<<<<<<<<<< Begin Mission Week 2 >>>>>>>>>>

CO_Linard says:
%::works at a nearby console trying to determine the location of the staff::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
::on the bridge, scanning the immediate area of the singularity::

CNS_Lux says:
%::on planet, examining the data::

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Commander, contact the Orbital facility and see if they know about any recent Romulan activity in this area.

CMO_Naegle says:
%::on Betazed assisting with the reading of the map::

FCO_Terman says:
@::looks around the cockpit::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Aye sir.

EO_Tana says:
@::finishes a ration bar in the cockpit of the Styx::

CEO_Yeung says:
%::on Betazed, comparing maps to each other::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
COM: Orbital Facility: Orbital Facility, this is the USS Apache. Please respond.

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::exiting out of a restaurant:: Self: Time to report in ... if I can find anyone.

FCO_Terman says:
@EO: How long do you think it will take to fix the Styx?

CO_Linard says:
%Prue: How long has Doctor Fyue been searching for this staff?

CNS_Lux says:
%::tilts the map this way, and that way, and then looking at the Betazed map again::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Commander Yeung finds an odd grouping of squares that combined seem to form two letter O's ... almost like a figure eight. He seems to recall seeing them on a different map earlier.

MO_Powers says:
@::is halfway through a ration bar, looks at his tricorder to check the readings outside again::

EO_Tana says:
@::tries to ignore the annoying tinny ringing in his ears:: FCO: I'm not sure, Lieutenant. Is that with, or without a miracle?

CEO_Yeung says:
%::scratches his head, then looks through the other maps for the same grouping of squares::

FCO_Terman says:
@EO: Most likely without, unfortunately.

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Forward them our findings, it may help.

Host SB_OPS says:
COM: Apache: Go ahead, Apache.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
COM: Orbital Facility: Has there been any report of Romulan activity nearby within the last twenty-four hours?

EO_Tana says:
@::frowns a bit and shrugs:: FCO: I think the answer's the same way both ways, sir. I don't think we're going to get the Styx off this planet. Not anytime soon anyway. Most of the damage is outside, and I haven't even seen it yet. ::shrugs:: I hate guessing, sir.

CNS_Lux says:
%::looks over at Jon:: CEO: What's the matter?

FCO_Terman says:
@::winces as he attempts to move his leg as a lancing pain jumps up it:: MO: I think I need you to look at my leg.

Host SB_OPS says:
COM: Apache: Romulans? No, we'll scramble two Saber Class vessels immediately. Thank you for contacting us, Apache.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
COM: Orbital Facility: Acknowledged, Apache out.

MO_Powers says:
@EO/TO: Maybe the building we crashed into has a communications array.  We might be able to contact the Apache. If not, I suggest we butcher the distress buoy and use it's array.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
::begins forwarding the data on the artificial quantum singularity to the orbital facility::

CMO_Naegle says:
%::rubs her eyes and looks up at Jon as the Counselor speaks:: CEO: Did you find something?

CEO_Yeung says:
%::points to the 8-shaped group of squares:: CNS: I could have sworn I saw something like that on another one of these maps...

FCO_Terman says:
@::sighs:: EO: I was afraid of that.

EO_Tana says:
@::just looks at Powers and nods:: FCO/MO: I concur, sir.

CNS_Lux says:
%::asks the most obvious question::  CEO: Oh? Which map?

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::walks along, seeing what looks like Captain Linard, walks up to her::

CEO_Yeung says:
%:pulls out the map with the same group of squares, it’s a map of Betazed:: CNS/CMO: Here it is, found it!

MO_Powers says:
@::turns a box upside down and gets his medkit:: FCO: Sit down on that and prop your leg up. I'll have a look and see what I can do.

CO_Linard says:
%::senses someone approaching and turns around:: CSO: Hello...

XO_Storal says:
COM: CO: Storal to Captain Linard.

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::hears a communiqué to the Captain and waits to introduce himself::

Host Jenia_Prue says:
%::has been trying to stay out of the way:: CO: It was his life's work... ::smiles:: ...he's been trying to find it as long as I've known him, since before you left for the Academy.

CEO_Yeung says:
%::spreads the map on the table and examines it::

CO_Linard says:
%::taps her combadge:: COM:XO: Go ahead Commander...

FCO_Terman says:
@MO: Okay. ::does what the MO says::

CNS_Lux says:
%::looks at the other map:: CEO: You're right ... do you think they mark the same location?

XO_Storal says:
COM: CO: Sir we have contacted the orbital facility and notified them of the singularity. It was identified as possibly being Romulan in origin. But if it was Romulan, it’s a good bet they are long gone. The rate of decay suggests they left orbit at least two days ago.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: A highly acidic smell fills the small cockpit of the runabout. It smells much like spoiled eggs and begins to burn the eyes and throats of the occupants.

CNS_Lux says:
%CEO: What if you put the two symbols on top of each other...?  Maybe the maps form a clearer picture when combined with other maps?

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
::scans for any signs of residual Breen warp signatures::

CO_Linard says:
%COM:XO: Understood Commander.

EO_Tana says:
@::coughs and moves away from the door:: MO/FCO:  What is that? Sulfur?

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::produces a PADD with his orders:: CO: Lieutenant Kii Nightcloud, reporting for duty, sir.

CMO_Naegle says:
%::rushes over to look at the CEO's map:: CEO/CNS: I think we might have something of a breakthrough.

FCO_Terman says:
@Self: Argh! EO: You tell me. ::hacks and coughs::

CEO_Yeung says:
%CNS: Hmm ... could be. ::pulls the maps together in various positions::

CO_Linard says:
%::chuckles:: Prue: Well now that wasn't yesterday...

CNS_Lux says:
%::stops the CEO's hand when he moved it into a certain position:: CEO: Wait ... wait.

CO_Linard says:
%::looks at the PADD and then smiles up at the CSO:: CSO: Welcome Lieutenant, I'm Captain Kathleen Linard, it’s good to have you with us. ::extends her hand::

CEO_Yeung says:
%::stops and pulls back, taking a good look at the maps::

MO_Powers says:
@::gets out his tricorder and scans the cockpit to see what the smell is::

EO_Tana says:
@::covers his face with the dusty sleeve of his jacket, trying to filter his breaths as he coughs:: MO/FCO: We have to stop it, or we're going to asphyxiate.

CNS_Lux says:
%CEO: That looks familiar too...  ::takes out the map of Betazed that she was just examining, and scrolls through until she finds a matching island:: CEO/CMO: Look!

FCO_Terman says:
@All: I think... ::cough:: …we want to get out.

Host Jenia_Prue says:
%::smiles understandingly at the Captain and steps forward examining the map seeing the excitement among the eyes of the crew::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Aboard the runabout, a grouping of wires sparks and bursts into flame.

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::shakes her hand:: CO: Glad to be here, sir.

CO_Linard says:
%::turns to the CNS:: CNS: What is it Counselor?

CNS_Lux says:
%::puts the map down next to the one assembled by the CEO::  CEO: These here... ::points to the group of islands on the Betazed map::  They match the circles there…  ::points to the discovery made by the CEO earlier::

CMO_Naegle says:
%CNS/CEO: Counselor, I think you've got something there!

CEO_Yeung says:
%::leans over to look:: CNS: Hey, you're right!

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::looks and listens in on the conversation::

FCO_Terman says:
@All: Any other opinions?

Host Jaxlt_Burta says:
%::steps forward:: CNS: Those are the Piri Islands ... it's an island chain in the northeastern hemisphere of Betazed.

MO_Powers says:
@EO/TO: I suggest we leave.

EO_Tana says:
@::sees the flames and his eyes widen:: FCO/MO: Lieutenants, we have to get out of here!

CNS_Lux says:
%CO: Captain, come take a look at this. I think we might have found something...

CO_Linard says:
%::nods at the CSO as she heads to the CNS and the rest of the group::

FCO_Terman says:
@All: Isn't that what I said?

CNS_Lux says:
%Jax: Maybe we should go ... drop by for a nice visit then?

EO_Tana says:
@::braces his shoulder against the doorjamb and pulls, trying to open it:: FCO/MO: Some help? ::looks anxious, glancing past them at the fire spreading across the carpet::

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::notices Jax as they walk up to the group:: Self: Wow...

CMO_Naegle says:
%CNS: Counselor, I'm not sure that's a good idea.

MO_Powers says:
@::helps Tana with the door::

FCO_Terman says:
@::winces and hobbles over to offer his assistance::

Host Jaxlt_Burta says:
%::shrugs and sinks back to the edge of the group::

CNS_Lux says:
%::blinks:: CMO: Why ever not?  Is it dangerous there?

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The hatch pops open, spilling the runabout crew out into a dry, blistering, heat.

EO_Tana says:
@::all but falls out of the hatchway, coughing::

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Anything else pop up on sensors. I wouldn’t be surprised if we find more singularities.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Sir, still no word from the Styx.

CNS_Lux says:
%::reexamines the map:: CSO: Do you think this is a good indication we should go head up north?

CEO_Yeung says:
%::pulls up some information about the Piri Islands::

CNS_Lux says:
%::looks at the captain with permission as well::

MO_Powers says:
@::leans back into the ship and pulls his medkit out::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Sensors are picking up no other anomalies.

XO_Storal says:
CTO: How long till they are declared overdue?

FCO_Terman says:
@::loses his balance and falls down out of the runabout onto the ground, causing a fresh jolt of pain in his leg::

CMO_Naegle says:
%CNS: Well, we shouldn't just go traipsing around the planet.  I know there are no truly dangerous people on this world.  But you never know who might be ‘visiting’.

CO_Linard says:
%::looks to the rest of the away team and nods:: CNS/CMO/CEO/CSO/Prue: I think it's a start ... don't you?

MO_Powers says:
@EO: Any ideas as to what caused that?

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%Lux: If there is reason to believe the clues lead there, by all means. However we should use caution.

CNS_Lux says:
%CSO: I agree.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The runabout crew manages to escape out into an arid plain that stretches out as far as the eye can see. The ground is apparently dusty and smooth and almost pure white. Each has trouble breathing, but only Mister Marsland drops to his knees and begins to sweat buckets.

CNS_Lux says:
%CMO: Well ... the captain here is from this planet.  Perhaps she's been there?  ::turns to the Captain:: CO: Have you been to those islands before?

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%Jax: What do you know of those islands?

CMO_Naegle says:
%Prue: Have you had any … trouble … lately?

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: We have not heard from the runabout Styx in over forty-eight hours. Protocols state that they should have reported in at least twice in that time.

FCO_Terman says:
@All: Oi vey … it’s hot!

EO_Tana says:
@::clears his throat with a cough:: MO: Can't be sure, sir. Electrical fire … built up current in the wires probably sparked it.  ::bends at the knees a little, holding his head low::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: They are now an hour overdue.

MO_Powers says:
@::goes over to Terman and scans his leg:: FCO: You've got a fractured tibia. I'll just fix it and give you the painkiller if it still hurts.

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Have you picked up their transponder on sensors?

CEO_Yeung says:
%CNS/CMO/CSO: There doesn't seem to be much information on the islands. Just the regular climate, geography, etc. details.

FCO_Terman says:
@Self: Fracture? That'd do it.

EO_Tana says:
@::glances over at Marsland, checking to see if he's okay::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Negative, sir.

CO_Linard says:
%All: I haven't been there, but to my knowledge it's mostly deserted... ::grins:: ...but then again, I haven't been home in a long time.

CNS_Lux says:
%CEO: Maybe the second clue to this treasure hunt is at those islands.  How many islands are there? ::counts::

XO_Storal says:
::paces a bit:: COM: CO: Apache to Captain Linard.

Host Jenia_Prue says:
%All: The Whispering Men make their home there...

FCO_Terman says:
@All: We need some shade...

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::looks at Jenia::

CEO_Yeung says:
%Jenia: Whispering Men?

CMO_Naegle says:
%::smiles:: CO: Maybe you need to get back more.

CO_Linard says:
%::looks at Jax:: Jax: I thought that was a myth...

CNS_Lux says:
%::glances back over at Prue::  Jenia: Who are they?

CNS_Lux says:
%::looks at the Captain, curiously::

CO_Linard says:
%CMO: I've been telling myself that for years... ::smiles sadly::

MO_Powers says:
@::fixes the fracture with a bone regenerator:: FCO: Does it still hurt? This is the last painkiller and I don't want to use it unless it is desperately needed.

EO_Tana says:
@::tries to remember his survival courses, and regulates his breathing:: OPS: Sir? ::moves over to Marsland and feels his arm:: MO: I think Lieutenant Marsland is burning up, Doctor!

CO_Linard says:
%COM:XO: Go ahead, Commander.

Host Jaxlt_Burta says:
%::shakes his head:: CO/All: No, the Whispering Men are very much real. I've seen them ... they are like Terran Gorillas ... but very highly evolved and quiet.

FCO_Terman says:
@::imagines Marsland bursting into fire::

CNS_Lux says:
%::thinks a bit:: Jax: They are not Betazoids?

CMO_Naegle says:
%Jax: Sounds like what you de-evolved to on the Apache a while back.

FCO_Terman says:
@MO: Sounds like our Operations Officer needs some help.

Host Jenia_Prue says:
%CO/All: It is believed that they communicate telepathically with each other ... but no Betazoid has ever been able to understand the unintelligible whispers of their basic and primal emotions.

MO_Powers says:
@EO: I'm not surprised it's 115F here … an F-Class planetoid. There isn't anything but desert and this old farm for miles round.

XO_Storal says:
COM: CO: Sir, the Styx is an hour overdue, and they haven’t checked in. I think we should check and see what is wrong. It may be a blown communications relay. But just incase, we should take a look.

CNS_Lux says:
%::blinks at the CMO as she hits on something::

CNS_Lux says:
%Jenia: Well, since you and the captain here are telepathic … maybe you can communicate with them?

FCO_Terman says:
@All: A farm? That might produce some shade...

EO_Tana says:
@::shakes head:: MO: No sir, his skin should be cool from the sweating but it's not.  I think he's got a fever. We'd better get him out of this heat.

Host Jenia_Prue says:
%::shudders slightly:: CMO: To attempt to communicate with a Whispering Man ... it would most likely drive a Betazoid insane.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Sir, I’ve run a level five diagnostic on all communication arrays. Our communications system is working fine, sir.

CEO_Yeung says:
%::raises his eyebrows::

CMO_Naegle says:
%::blinks at the counselor:: CNS: Counselor, that might not be wise.

CO_Linard says:
%COM:XO: Agreed, let me know what you find.

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::listening and taking it all in::

MO_Powers says:
@::goes over to Marsland and checks his temperature before giving him a hypospray to reduce the fever, then moves to lay him in a shady spot::

CNS_Lux says:
%::thinks a bit::  Prue: Do you think they might be the evolutionary ancestors of Betazoids?

XO_Storal says:
COM: CO: That would require us to break orbit, sir.

CO_Linard says:
%::nods:: CMO/CNS: I wouldn't even try it ... especially now.

XO_Storal says:
CTO: I was referring to the Styx’s communications array, Commander. ::grins::

CO_Linard says:
COM:XO: Would sending a probe work?

MO_Powers says:
@EO/FCO: How much water do we have?

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
::inclines his head in deference to the Commander::

FCO_Terman says:
@MO: I have none. ::shakes his head::

XO_Storal says:
COM: CO: That may work … it would be a start.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As the Away Team drags Marsland into the shade of the abandoned farm building that stopped their landing, they find the buildings are made of the same smooth grainy 'dirt' that they walk on. The buildings are very nearly white and are missing most of their roofs. Only the walls provide shelter. No sound is heard from anywhere.

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Ready a probe and launch it towards the Trevan colony.

CO_Linard says:
%COM: XO: Okay, then we'll start with that and go from there...

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Aye sir.

EO_Tana says:
@::tents his hands over his eyes, looking at the farm, and then turns around:: MO: The survival kits have several liters. The replicator could make more... ::sigh:: …if we had power.

CMO_Naegle says:
%::looks at the captain with concern in her eyes:: CO: As your physician, I wouldn't advise it either.

XO_Storal says:
COM: CO: Acknowledged ... Apache out.

FCO_Terman says:
@All: Say, if there are farms … then shouldn’t there be people around here?

CNS_Lux says:
%Prue/CO: If they are the evolutionary ancestors of Betazoids ... then there's got to be a way of interpreting what they are talking about.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
SO_Cervantes: Ensign, ready a probe.

CO_Linard says:
%CMO: Not to worry doctor... ::smiles::

SO_Cervantes says:
CTO: Probe ready, sir.

CMO_Naegle says:
%CNS: I'm not saying it wasn't a plausible idea, Counselor. But ... well ... you know.

FCO_Terman says:
@::looks up at the sun, trying to remember how to gauge time by location of the sun::

EO_Tana says:
@ Self: Oh gods, the survival kits! ::turns and takes off through the dust into the burning runabout::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
::enters the coordinates for the Trevan colony:: XO: Firing probe now, sir.

Host Jenia_Prue says:
%::frowns and shakes her head:: CNS: The Whispering Men generally shy away from Betazoids ... I don't believe a direct evolutionary link has ever been established, though it is believed they share the Betazoid ability to read minds.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
::fires the probe::

CNS_Lux says:
%CMO: I understand, Doctor ... you don't want more patients going mental on you. ::winks::

MO_Powers says:
@FCO: I would assume so. Maybe they have replicator technology?

CMO_Naegle says:
%::smiles:: CNS: Right.

CEO_Yeung says:
%Jenia: Just out of curiosity, what led Doctor Fyue to the Piri Islands?

CNS_Lux says:
%Jenia: And you say these whispering men are dangerous?  Are you sure they are all men?  Because they would have died off a long time ago if that's the case ... unless they reproduce asexually.

MO_Powers says:
@::tries to stop the EO but is too late::

EO_Tana says:
@::unzips his jacket and hides his face in it, breathing through the toxic smoke, his eyes stinging as he moves back inside the ship::

CO_Linard says:
%Prue: Well I'm sure both you and I will be able to block them out if we try. They should know we mean no harm should we run into them.

Host Jaxlt_Burta says:
%CNS: They are not men ... in the way that you think of men. They are more similar to Terran Gorillas. The name by which the Betazoid refer to them is best translated as "Whispering Men".

EO_Tana says:
@ Self: Argh! ::pulls his hand back as fire licks at it, then plunges his left hand through it to quickly grab out the survival packs, one by one::

CNS_Lux says:
%Jax: Oh, I see.

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::looks at the map::

MO_Powers says:
@::looks through his medkit for an oxygen mask, finds one and gets it out:: FCO: Stay here with Marsland while I go in for Mister Tana. If we don't come out, don't look for us.

FCO_Terman says:
@::looks away from the sun, not having remembered how to measure time by location of the sun. When he looks away he finds that for a moment he his blinded but slowly his sight returns::

Host Jenia_Prue says:
%::puts on a decidedly unconvincing brave face:: CO: I am willing to try...

MO_Powers says:
@::puts on the mask and runs into the runabout::

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Anything from the probe?

FCO_Terman says:
@MO: Sure...

CMO_Naegle says:
%::whispers to the CNS:: CNS: Nice one, Counselor. ::grins::

CO_Linard says:
%::smiles:: Prue: If it means finding the staff ... so am I.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: The probe has detected an anomalous reading sir … but this is odd, it hasn’t left the Hainara system yet. Stand by...

Host Jenia_Prue says:
%::looks at Yeung oddly:: CEO: He did not go to the Piri Islands ... when he was killed, he had not yet established where the map was taking him.

FCO_Terman says:
@::looks through the kit for another breathing mask, just in case::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: I'm receiving telemetry...

XO_Storal says:
::nods to the CTO and continues to pace::

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::nods:: All: Sounds like a field trip. ::grins::

EO_Tana says:
@::manages to get out a few survival packs and a scorched tricorder before starting to succumb to the smoke and stumbles through the fire toward the cockpit::

CNS_Lux says:
%CO: Then with your permission, perhaps we should get going ... before it gets dark.

CO_Linard says:
%::looks at the CMO's concerned face:: CMO: Please, no lectures Doctor … I know what I'm doing.

CEO_Yeung says:
%Jenia: Hmm ... I see. ::rubs his chin in thought::

CO_Linard says:
%::looks to the away team:: All: Let's get going, then...

CMO_Naegle says:
%::nods:: CO: Aye sir.

MO_Powers says:
@::looks for the EO and finds him in the cockpit, puts the mask on him and helps him out of the runabout::

FCO_Terman says:
@::finds a mask and waits for the MO's return ... or lack thereof::

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%CMO: I will help you keep an eye on the Captain and Jenia, any sign of trouble and we'll get out of there.

EO_Tana says:
@::clutches onto the silver survival packs for dear life as they fall out into the scorching sun again::

CMO_Naegle says:
%CSO: Thank you, Lieutenant.  I appreciate that.

CNS_Lux says:
%::examines the map again, and finds north::

EO_Tana says:
@::coughs and tries to shake off the dizziness and headache:: MO: Th-thanks…. ::becomes aware of the hands on him and moves away a little, breaking the grip::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As the EO and MO leave the burning runabout a second time, they are knocked to the ground by a small explosion which propels them out of the hatch and they land in a pile as the fire rages behind them.

FCO_Terman says:
@::sees the MO and EO fall out of the runabout and stumbles over to help them out::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Sir, the probe has located the runabout. I'm picking up all four biosigns from the away team. They’re approximately two meters from the Styx. It appears to have crash-landed on the surface of Hynozad.

CNS_Lux says:
%All: I think north is that way... ::points east::

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::nods:: CMO: By the way, my name is Kii Nightcloud.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: One moment...

Host Jenia_Prue says:
%CO: Of course, Captain ... I have an air skimmer standing by.

XO_Storal says:
::turns and waits for the report::

CMO_Naegle says:
%CSO: Janet Naegle, pleased to meet you.

EO_Tana says:
@::watches fire lick at the doorway to the Styx:: FCO/MO: I never thought I'd see something like that...

CEO_Yeung says:
%CNS: Err ... like this. ::turns map in proper direction::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
::taps the console, noticing the spike in energy readings from the probe::

MO_Powers says:
@FCO/EO: Get Marsland and let’s move into the farmhouse.

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%CMO: Pleased to meet you as well.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The probe telemetry suddenly fails and Commanded Cha`Dak is not able to get any additional information.

FCO_Terman says:
@::arrives where the two are:: ME/EO: Are you to all right? ::sounds worried::

CO_Linard says:
%::nods:: Prue: Good.

CNS_Lux says:
%CEO: Oh … right. ::blushes slightly::  Never was good at directions.  I end up getting lost even with a map.  Let's go, shall we?

CMO_Naegle says:
%All: Shall we get going?

EO_Tana says:
@ FCO: I'm fine, sir. ::pushes himself up with his right hand, coughing, and ignoring the blisters on his left forearm and hand as he gathers up the survival packs::

CEO_Yeung says:
%All: Ready to go.

Host Jenia_Prue says:
%::leads the Away Team towards the air skimmer slipping her hand into Jaxlt's as they walk::

CNS_Lux says:
%::gives the CEO the map::  CEO: You're probably better at this than I am.

CO_Linard says:
%COM: XO: Commander, this is the Captain. We're taking an air skimmer to the northeastern hemisphere to a place called the Piri islands.

MO_Powers says:
@::gets up and grabs his medkit:: FCO/EO: Let’s move…

CEO_Yeung says:
%::chuckles as he takes the map::

CMO_Naegle says:
%::smiles at Jenia and Jax:: CSO: They look like lovebirds, don't they?

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Sir, the probe has stopped sending data. In fact, sensors tell me it no longer exists.

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%CMO: Indeed they do...

CNS_Lux says:
%::follows behind the procession towards the air skimmer, and glances over at Jenia and Jax, with an eyebrow raised, and a grin::

CO_Linard says:
%::looks back at the CMO and CSO and smiles::

Host Jaxlt_Burta says:
%::as they arrive at the air skimmer, he helps Prue up into it deferentially before turning to the Captain and wiping the small smirk off his face::

EO_Tana says:
@::struggles on to his feet, clutching the packs and tricorder:: MO: Yes sir. ::follows Powers::

CEO_Yeung says:
%::follows the away team::

FCO_Terman says:
@::looks at the Styx:: Self: That Bolian is going to be very angry when we get back...

XO_Storal says:
COM: CO: Acknowledged sir, we launched the probe and found the runabout, but something happened to the probe. It may have been a malfunction or something dimmer. I suggest that the Apache goes and finds out why.

CMO_Naegle says:
%::winks at the Captain::

MO_Powers says:
@EO: Take what you can into the farmhouse. FCO: You do the same and I'll take Marsland.

CO_Linard says:
% ::grins and whispers to Jax:: Jax: It's nice to see you smile...

FCO_Terman says:
@::turns around and follows the other two::

XO_Storal says:
CTO: What were the last known coordinates of the probe?

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::waits for the others to board before he climbs aboard::

CEO_Yeung says:
%::gets into the skimmer with the others::

CNS_Lux says:
%::climbs in after the CEO::

MO_Powers says:
@::goes back over to Marsland, puts him into a fireman's carry and carries him into the farm::

Host Jaxlt_Burta says:
%::grumbles something before picking the Captain up and helping her into the Air Skimmer too::

CO_Linard says:
%COM: XO: Agreed. Good luck, Commander.

XO_Storal says:
COM: CO: We’ll check in as soon as we arrive. Storal out.

EO_Tana says:
@::ducks through the low opening and moves through the sloped corridors, searching for shade from the sun::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Powers enters the farmhouse, with Marsland on his back, a large bird ... resembling a pelican ... freaks out and runs away chittering.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: It was in orbit of the first planet in the Hainara system … the planet is called Hynozad.

CO_Linard says:
%::climbs into the skimmer and settles in::

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Forward the coordinates to flight.

FCO_Terman says:
@::sees the large pelican run away and gets an odd expression on his face::

EO_Tana says:
@::looks up quickly and inhales sharply::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Aye sir.

CMO_Naegle says:
%::climbs into the skimmer::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
::forwards the data to flight control::

XO_Storal says:
V'Taran: Set course for Hynozad, full impulse.

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::helps Doctor Naegle aboard::

FCO_Terman says:
@::trying to make small talk:: All: So how long do you think it will take the rescue party to find us? Two weeks, maybe 3 … a month at the most? ::trying to seem positive::

CNS_Lux says:
%::takes a seat next to the CEO::

CNS_Lux says:
%CEO: This is rather exciting, isn't it?

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Sir, the data on Hynozad reveals it is a F-Class planetoid.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As the Away Team on Betazed climbs into the skimmer it powers up its engines and lifts off into the sky until it is a good thirty meters off the ground. Its engines shriek and it zips away leaving the shrill sound of its engines behind it.

CMO_Naegle says:
%::nods to the CSO: Thank you for the boost, Kii.

MO_Powers says:
@::puts Marsland down and looks around:: FCO/EO: Have either of you seen anyone? Or even any sign that someone still lives here?

CEO_Yeung says:
%::grins:: CNS: You bet. It's an adventure!

FCO_V`Taran says:
XO: Aye sir.

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::sits back in his seat, looking out a window::

FCO_Terman says:
@::laughs:: MO: Only a Theocondt…

EO_Tana says:
@::isn't one for small talk, so he sits down, sliding his back along the wall till he sits in a squat against the cool white stone walls::

CO_Linard says:
%::looks at the away team:: All: Isn't this fun? ::covering her ears::

EO_Tana says:
@::looks up:: FCO: Theocondt?

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::looks over at the Captain and smiles::

CMO_Naegle says:
%::grins:: CO: Yeah, loads!

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Any lifesigns or signs of civilization ... other than the away team of course.

FCO_Terman says:
@::nods:: EO: Well, that's what it looked like.

CNS_Lux says:
%::remembering fondly:: CEO: I've always enjoyed a good treasure hunt when I was a young with a friend. ::grins:: We had a contest to see who will find the most treasures after a period of time.  It's a game you see...

FCO_Terman says:
@All: They taste a lot like chicken…

MO_Powers says:
@FCO/EO: First, we need to find a communications device. Then we look for anything that will make our time here more comfortable.

CO_Linard says:
%::thinks about how Derek used to make these things do things they weren't supposed to ... smiles with a warm array of past memories::

CEO_Yeung says:
%CNS: Come to think of it, we're also in a contest with several other groups...

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As the air skimmer streaks across the sky it bounces a bit on turbulence as the Hainara sun sets in front of it.

CMO_Naegle says:
%CO: Thinking good thoughts, Captain?

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Long-range scans reveal some type of construction, possibly dwellings.

FCO_Terman says:
@::eyes open wide:: Self: Of course! A Theocondt!

MO_Powers says:
@FCO: What?

CO_Linard says:
%::snaps out of her daydream:: CMO: Oh ... err ... yeah.... just when I was younger that's all.

XO_Storal says:
CTO: What condition are they in?

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::feels the air-cooling with the setting of the sun::

CNS_Lux says:
%::shields her eyes from the setting sun:: CEO: You're right ... let's hope we don’t run into any competition along the way.  It seems that we got our hands full with these Whispering Men as it is.

FCO_Terman says:
@MO: That was a Theocondt … they’re similar to Terran pelicans and are native to the planets of the Betazoid home system.

CMO_Naegle says:
%::chuckles:: CO: I didn't mean to startle you, you looked very peaceful.  Go on back to daydreaming, sir, it's good for you.  We can focus once we land.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: We are too far out of range to tell that yet, sir. I'm also detecting a series of scattering fields.

EO_Tana says:
@ ::looks up:: FCO/MO: Do you hear that? It's an engine, high-tuned motor, probably air-cooled. ::stands, looking around::

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::sighs:: All: The beauty of sunsets...

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Scattering fields?  Where? ::raises an eyebrow::

MO_Powers says:
@FCO: Oh? EO: I don’t hear anything…

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The bouncing of the Air Skimmer becomes more serious as the sun sinks into the horizon in front of the craft that is speeding along at over 100 kph.

CO_Linard says:
%::smiles dreamily:: CSO: You haven't seen them at Lake Cataria...

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: The energy readings of the scattering fields are well masked, but intensive scans of the surface of Hynozad have revealed at least three locations that are being masked from sensors.

Host Jenia_Prue says:
%::speaking in hushed tones she glances up and a concerned look covers her face::

CEO_Yeung says:
%::looks at the window:: CNS: Wow ... that's beautiful sunset.

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%Jenia: Problems?

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Can you identify the origin of the signatures?  Who do they belong to?

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Tana speaks; the others hear the sound too. It grows louder and louder until each of them begins to look towards the sky.

CMO_Naegle says:
%::bounces along with the air skimmer:: CO: Did you get this bumpy a ride in your younger days, Captain?

CNS_Lux says:
%::smiles::  CEO: It is ... not as good as the ones on Trill of course. ::grins::

MO_Powers says:
@FCO/EO: What is it?

CEO_Yeung says:
%::chuckles::

CNS_Lux says:
%::holds on to her seat, as the skimmer bounces in the air::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
::tries to isolate the power signature and match it with known readings in the Starfleet database::

EO_Tana says:
@ MO/FCO: Not sure ... sirs. ::rubs some dust from the walls over his blisters to cool them as he steps out into the sun again, looking up at the pale sky::

FCO_Terman says:
@::hears the sound too and stands, looking out a hole in one wall::

CO_Linard says:
%::looks back at Prue, sensing her immediate concern:: CMO: Not normally...

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Light brown shuttlecraft streaks over the farm and goes into a lazy circle. It appears to be a shuttlecraft and its design is familiar to everyone...

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::sees what Prue is looking at:: All: Doesn’t the sun set in the west?

XO_Storal says:
V'Taran: Enter standard orbit and begin scanning for the Away Team.

CMO_Naegle says:
%::nods and keeps quiet::

EO_Tana says:
@::eyes widen:: FCO/MO: That's a Cardassian design...

CNS_Lux says:
%::also looks at the sun set:: CSO: Apparently not on Betazed.

Host Jaxlt_Burta says:
%::overhears the others and jumps up, heading for the cockpit and throwing open the door ... to find it empty::

FCO_V`Taran says:
XO: Aye sir, entering orbit now.

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%Jax: Jax?

CNS_Lux says:
%Jax: What is it?

CO_Linard says:
%::follows Jax:: Aloud: What the...?

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Our scans are unable to verify a signature, due to the scattering fields, sir.

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Scan for the probe as well.

FCO_Terman says:
@Self: Cardassian? Uh oh...

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::sees that the cockpit is empty:: Self: By the spirits...

MO_Powers says:
@FCO/EO: What are the Cardassians doing here?

CEO_Yeung says:
%Self: Uh oh...

CNS_Lux says:
%::turns a little green, both from the bouncing of the craft and finding out that the skimmer is piloted by nobody::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Scans are not picking up the probe, Commander. I am detecting what could be debris though.

CO_Linard says:
%All: Hang on everyone and stay where you are...

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The Cardassian shuttlecraft comes about and fires several disruptor blasts into the Styx ... which erupts in a violent explosion. The blast knocks down a wall of the farmhouse, which collapses partially burying Terman.

CEO_Yeung says:
%::leaps forward to the driving seat::

XO_Storal says:
CTO: No debris?

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::hops up but hears the Captain and stops short::

EO_Tana says:
@::shies away from the flying debris:: Self: Ahh!

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
::scans for any debris remaining from the probe::

CEO_Yeung says:
%::attempts to take control of the skimmer::

CMO_Naegle says:
%All: No one's at the wheel?  Oh lovely!

XO_Storal says:
CTO: What about ships or other craft?

CNS_Lux says:
%CMO: Don't talk to me ... I think I'm going to be sick. ::rubs her tummy::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Sir! I'm detecting weapons fire on the surface.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Commander Yeung takes control of the air skimmer but as he rights it the engines begin to slowly fade away and the craft loses altitude.

FCO_Terman says:
@::waves his arms around:: All: Ahh! This wall is hot!

CO_Linard says:
%CEO: Slow it down, Mister Yeung ... right here. ::shows him the controls::

CMO_Naegle says:
%CNS: I'm a Doctor, you know.  ::grins::

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::looks over the engine controls:: CEO: That’s trouble...

XO_Storal says:
CTO: What’s the location?

CEO_Yeung says:
%::follows the captains directions:: CO: Engines are fading out. We're losing altitude.

CNS_Lux says:
%::turns a little greener, and can only nod to the CMO::  CMO: You don't happen to have any anything for airsickness do you?

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As the Styx burns, the Cardassian shuttle makes another pass over the encampment before it begins to descend and land some distance from the farmhouse.

MO_Powers says:
@::runs over to the FCO and pulls bits of debris off him::

CO_Linard says:
%CEO: Then I think you better find a place to land ... and quickly.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: It's the Styx, Commander. It's been destroyed. I'm picking up a Cardassian shuttle at the location.

FCO_Terman says:
@All: Don't help me on anything!

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::hits his combadge:: COM: Apache: This is Lieutenant Nightcloud with the Apache’s away team issuing a mayday…

CEO_Yeung says:
%CO: You better take the wheel, Captain. I'll see if I can fix the engines.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
::looks at the XO, frowning::

EO_Tana says:
@::watches the shuttle land:: FCO/MO: They're ... they're coming... ::rushes to help uncover Terman::

Host Jaxlt_Burta says:
%::turns and grabs Jenia, who clings to him, as well as Doctor Naegle and Counselor Lux and covers them with himself protecting them from the impending crash::

CO_Linard says:
%::nods and climbs into the seat as Jon heads to the back::

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Hail them…

FCO_Terman says:
@All: Thanks.

MO_Powers says:
@::frees the FCO:: FCO: I see my help is appreciated.

CO_Linard says:
%::grabs the controls and quickly finds a place to set the skimmer down::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Hail them? We should destroy them, sir!

FCO_Terman says:
@::dusts off his shirt::

CEO_Yeung says:
%::heads to the back of the skimmer and opens a panel to the engines::

MO_Powers says:
@FCO/EO: Have either of you got phasers?

CMO_Naegle says:
%::looks in bag as the skimmer continues its wayward motions, finds a hypospray, just as Jax comes over and covers them::  CNS: Here you are, Counselor.

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::transmits their location on general frequency with the skimmer radio::

CO_Linard says:
%All: Hang on everyone, this is going to be a rough landing...

CNS_Lux says:
%::turns greener::  Jax: You don't want to be this close to me...

FCO_Terman says:
@::looks at his belt:: MO: Does it look like I have a phaser?

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%CO: I am attempting to transmit our location.

EO_Tana says:
@ MO: I don't have one, sir. But we can probably crack this wall. It can't have much tensile strength.

CNS_Lux says:
%::only nods to the CMO, because she's afraid to speak::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The Cardassian shuttle lands and four Cardassians, in full military uniforms, step out brandishing nasty looking disruptors. One seems eerily familiar to Mister Powers.

CEO_Yeung says:
%::pulls out a spare tool he always keeps with him, and begins examining what's wrong with the engines::

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Target the shuttlecraft, and fire.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Yeung begins to work, the engines die out completely ... lack of fuel ... and the craft settles into a steady glide towards the surface of Betazed.

CO_Linard says:
%CSO: Good.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
XO: Aye sir! ::targets the Cardassian shuttle and fires a photon torpedo::

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Ready a rescue team, if we can’t lock on to our crew.

CO_Linard says:
%Self: Dammit Derek, you never did teach me to land this thing...

CEO_Yeung says:
%::yells back to the cockpit:: CO: No good! We're out fuel!

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::helps the Captain look for an open area to land in::

CNS_Lux says:
%::feels a little better after the treatment ... but not all that better::

EO_Tana says:
@::braces his knee against the wall as he pulls up on the edge, cracking it as he pulls up with what strength he has left::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
*TO Verall*: Report with a team to transporter room one, immediately.

XO_Storal says:
CTO: Any Cardassian ships in the area?

CO_Linard says:
%::yells back:: CEO: I'm on it... ::keeps the nose up hoping for as smooth as possible of a landing::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
::scans for other ships::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The photon torpedo streaks down towards the surface of Hynozad and impacts the Cardassian shuttlecraft just as the Cardassians are stepping away from it. The explosion devastates the craft and flying debris kills two of the Cardassians immediately.

CMO_Naegle says:
%::notes that the Counselor is looking a little less green:: CNS: You'll feel better soon.

CSO_Nightcloud says:
%::sits next to the Captain::

MO_Powers says:
@FCO/EO: I think I recognize one of the Cardassians. I suggest you find a weapon of some sort and guard Marsland.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: At nearly the same time, Captain Linard manages to bring the air skimmer to a gentle, but watery, landing in a marshy area of Betazed that none of those present are particularly familiar with.

Host Jafo says:
<<<<<<<<<< End Mission Week 2 .>>>>>>>>>>