Host Jafo says:
Star Trek: Apache - Episode #21
Week #7
Mission: "The Hero Khrysaros"

Host Jafo says:
The Apache sent the shuttlecraft Quicksilver back to Betazed with Lieutenant Chiron at the helm to bring the Captain, Mister Burta, and Lieutenant JG Masterson back home.

Host Jafo says:
The shuttlecraft has since returned, along with the Marine Kaneda Fighters, and all members of the Senior Staff have been told to prepare for away team duty in a desert environment as the Apache enters orbit of Hynozad.

Host Jafo says:
<<<<<<<<<< Begin Mission Week #7 >>>>>>>>>>

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Both away teams materialize at their specified beam down points on the surface of Hynozad, the first planet of the Honiara system – the home system of the Betazoid people.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::pulls out his phaser rifle and arms it establishing a perimeter::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::draws his phaser, immediately scanning the area with his keen senses, trusting them rather than the tricorder::

CEO_Yeung says:
@::makes sure his equipment is ready::

Host CO_Linard says:
@::looks around curiously ... sizing up the place::

OPS_Marsland says:
@::materializes, pulls out his rifle and looks around::

Host EO_Tana says:
%::materializes facing backwards for some reason and turns around, pulling out his tricorder::

XO_Storal says:
%::takes a look around then taps his combadge:: *CO*: Storal to Linard, sir we are proceeding towards the objective.

MO_Powers says:
%::looks around and checks his medical equipment::

SO_Bern says:
%::adjusts his sunglasses on his nose and takes out the PADD containing the surface map of the area::

CMO_Naegle says:
@::looks around keeping her medkit nearby::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Both teams have materialized approximately 3 kilometers from the two active dig sites that Gil Suppec indicated were being dug by Glinn Dorchel on Hynozad's surface.

CEO_Yeung says:
@::pulls out his tricorder and begins scanning the area::

Host CO_Linard says:
@*XO*: Acknowledged, let me know of your progress Commander.

XO_Storal says:
%SO: Mister Bern, how far is the site from here?

OPS_Marsland says:
@::walks 10 meters ahead to establish some sort of forward presence::

SO_Bern says:
%XO: Two point eight nine kilometers, sir.

Host CO_Linard says:
@CEO: See anything right off hand?

CIV_Torsian says:
@::comes running back to the team:: CO: Perimeter is established, I cannot detect any immediate enemy presence at this time.

CEO_Yeung says:
@CO: Nothing yet, Captain.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::sweeps his phaser in a 180-degree arc, feeling wary and on edge::

XO_Storal says:
%CTO: Mister Cha`Dak, scout ahead. ::motions towards the site::

Host CO_Linard says:
@::nods:: CIV: So far so good, Lieutenant. ::looks to the away team:: All: Let's get a move on.

PFC_Guller says:
@::stands with the Gunny keeping an eye on his six::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%XO: Aye sir.

EO_Tana says:
%::holsters his tricorder and jumps the equipment case in his right hand to resettle it::

CEO_Yeung says:
@::nods to CO:: CIV: Take point, Lieutenant.

CIV_Torsian says:
@CO: Yes ma'am. ::heads out to the head of the team with Guller taking up the rear::

XO_Storal says:
%All: Lets go, phasers set to stun. Keep to your spacing and stay alert.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::begins moving slowly forward, gesturing for TO Verall to stay with the group as he takes point::

CMO_Naegle says:
@::thinks about the importance of the mission and refocuses::

OPS_Marsland says:
@::walks ahead of the group with the CIV, holding his phaser rifle dead ahead out in front of him::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::looks back at the CEO:: CEO: Sir, yes sir. 

SO_Bern says:
%::stays toward the back of the group, clumsily setting his phaser with his free hand::

XO_Storal says:
%::begins to walk towards the dig site:: SO: Can you pick up anything on the tricorder.

CEO_Yeung says:
@::walks with the team, keeping a wary eye on the surroundings::

EO_Tana says:
%::glances down at the phaser on his hip reflexively, knowing he has no intention of using it::

Host CO_Linard says:
@::squints against the blaring sun and takes in her surroundings::

CEO_Yeung says:
@::pulls out his phaser just in case::

SO_Bern says:
%XO:  Oh, uhh... ::juggles things, tucking the PADD under his right arm and pulling out the tricorder with his right hand::

EO_Tana says:
%::follows the rest of the group, keeping to the rear but managing easily enough::

Host CO_Linard says:
@OPS: Are there any dig sites around here?

CIV_Torsian says:
@::walks on the left side of Marsland and keeps a close eye on each member of the team::

CMO_Naegle says:
@::notes the Captain squinting:: CO: Bright sun, isn't it? You okay, sir?

SO_Bern says:
%::whips the device open and stabs at buttons with his thumb:: XO:  Not yet, sir.

OPS_Marsland says:
@::turns to the Captain:: CO: We still need to get at least another 2 km closer, Captain. There's nothing this far out.

Host CO_Linard says:
@CMO: Keep the painkillers handy, I may have a headache later on... ::grins at her::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Beta team crosses over a berm there is a glint in the sun ahead of them.

CMO_Naegle says:
@CO: Aye sir, you’re about due for a physical anyway.

XO_Storal says:
%::nods to the SO:: SO: I don’t want anything sneaking up on us. Keep an eye out.

OPS_Marsland says:
@::hands the Captain a PADD showing a topographical map of the area with their position, team Alpha's position, and the dig sites::

Host CO_Linard says:
@OPS: Understood... ::continues to watch her team and the surroundings, using what senses she has left::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::pulls down his Starfleet issue shades over his eyes and continues on::

CMO_Naegle says:
@::as she walks she prepares a hypospray of painkiller for the Captain::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%XO: Nothing will sneak up on us, Commander.

EO_Tana says:
%::falling back to his basic training, he settles into a fast but manageable march toward their goal::

SO_Bern says:
%XO: Okay ... would you mind taking this PADD, sir?  It's the map.

OPS_Marsland says:
@::turns back to the CIV as they continue to press forward::

Host CO_Linard says:
@::looks to the map and glances over it ... nods:: OPS: Very well, then … you'll be our guide, Lieutenant.

CEO_Yeung says:
@::holds his hand above his eyes, squinting in the far off::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::nods to OPS and stops in his tracks activating a scope on his rifle searching the horizon for anything moving::

XO_Storal says:
%::grins and takes the PADD from the SO:: CTO: Lets hope so.

Host CO_Linard says:
@CEO: Are we too far out to detect life forms yet, Commander?

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Torsian focuses his scope on the glint on the horizon and sees a small Cardassian craft partially hidden by a set of dunes.

OPS_Marsland says:
@::nods:: CO: Aye Captain. ::turns to Lt. Torsian:: CIV: Anything out there?

CMO_Naegle says:
@::looks up expectantly for the CEO's answer::

EO_Tana says:
%::keeps marching, whispering softly to Bern:: SO: I can't believe I'm back here, again. ::shields his eyes a little:: At least this time I'm not in a burning runabout.

CIV_Torsian says:
@OPS: Yes! CO: Captain, danger ahead. ::tightens his focus on the ship::

CEO_Yeung says:
@CO: We should be in range, but there may be some interference...

SO_Bern says:
%::smiles slightly and puts the tricorder back in his right hand, the phaser in his left ... can't operate the phaser too well with the phaser in his four-fingered right::

Host CO_Linard says:
@::squints against the glare of the dunes:: CIV: What is it? Is that a craft?

Host CO_Linard says:
@::looks at the CMO and grins:: CMO: Physical? Oh, is it that time again? ::remembers she still hasn't taken her Lexorin::

CIV_Torsian says:
@CO: Sir yes sir, from what I can tell its Cardassian in origin.

SO_Bern says:
%::blinks several times:: EO: Burning runabout? Was there an accident?

OPS_Marsland says:
@::stows his map and pulls out a scope, checking the horizon as well to see the vessel::

CIV_Torsian says:
@CO: And it seems it has beaten us to the punch, sir... ::stands and faces the Captain:: CO: It's landed at the dig site we are approaching.

CMO_Naegle says:
@::grins back:: CO: Yes ma'am, standard after away team missions where a kidnapping of a Captain on medication has taken place.

OPS_Marsland says:
@CIV: Don't suppose you brought any larger weaponry Lieutenant?

XO_Storal says:
%CTO: Be on the look out for bunkers or hidden emplacements, with the sand moving the way it does it can easily obscure such places.

EO_Tana says:
%::nods his head inside the hood:: SO: Yes sir, twenty metric tons of Starfleet steel plowing into the surface of a planet is the very definition of an accident. Unless the pilot's drunk; though I don’t think he was.

Host CO_Linard says:
@::nods:: CIV: I'm not worried yet, Lieutenant...

CIV_Torsian says:
@::looks to the OPS:: OPS: Mission profile didn't call for it. ::turns back to the Captain:: CO: Sir?

Host CO_Linard says:
@::wry grin:: CMO: Oh ... is that how it goes.

CEO_Yeung says:
@::pulls out his binoculars and takes a look for himself::

CMO_Naegle says:
@::grins and nods:: CO: Yes ma'am, and as soon as we get back to the ship, to sickbay you will go.  No arguments.

Host CO_Linard says:
@::continues to cautiously approach the dig site with her team::

OPS_Marsland says:
@Self: What to do ... what to do...

SO_Bern says:
%EO: Any crash you can walk away from...

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: A Theocondt goes scurrying from one dune to another, chittering at Beta team.

OPS_Marsland says:
@::presses forward with the CIV at point::

XO_Storal says:
%::takes out his binoculars and scans the horizon ::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::jogs ahead of the away team by several feet and takes aim at the Theocondt:: Self: What the hell is that?

CEO_Yeung says:
@::looks to source of the chittering::

EO_Tana says:
%::smiles a little:: SO: ...is a good one. Yes, I've heard that. I'm wondering if the Captain will let me keep a souvenir from the runabout before we leave here.

Host CO_Linard says:
@::glances at the bird curiously:: CEO: Skittish fellow isn't he?  OPS: You remember seeing these when you were here with the other away team?

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Tana speaks he wanders into a clearing. Nearby a mine has been cut into the rock and noise can be heard from within.

CEO_Yeung says:
@CO: We'd better move quickly, Captain. If the Cardassians see that thing, they may get curious at what's agitating it.

OPS_Marsland says:
@CO: No Captain, I don't...

CIV_Torsian says:
@::puts his phaser rifle down and places the strap over his shoulder and takes out his tricorder scanning the odd bird with his tricorder for anything unusual such as technology::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The Theocondt squawks at Torsian, then turns and runs off on its spindly little legs.

EO_Tana says:
%::stops, his boots kicking up small clouds of dust as he looks into the shadowed entrance:: Alpha Team: Uhh … sirs?

Host CO_Linard says:
@CEO: Agreed... ::nods to a nearby dune:: All: We can take cover behind that dune while we're on the approach.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::drops his tricorder and takes out his phaser rifle taking aim at the bird:: CO: Should I shoot it, sir!

SO_Bern says:
%EO: That wouldn't be so bad.  Where exactly did it go down? ::looks up into the sun to see the mine, then checks his tricorder::

XO_Storal says:
%EO: What is it Mister Tana?

Host CO_Linard says:
@CIV: Getting a little trigger happy, Mister Torsian? ::glares:: No ... you shouldn't shoot it.  We'll draw attention to ourselves.

MO_Powers says:
%::moves up next to EO Tana and looks at the mine::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::walks over to where the EO has indicated his find::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The rest of Alpha Team walks up behind Tana and are now standing in the middle of a clearing, near the dig site.

OPS_Marsland says:
@CO/CIV: I doubt it'll do any harm. I recommend pressing forward; we're not too far off the dig sites now.

CEO_Yeung says:
@::follows the captain's direction and heads to the dune::

EO_Tana says:
%::points to the artificial cave:: XO: Sir, this is new. ::slips out his tricorder and aims it at the entrance::

Host CO_Linard says:
@::continues to use a dune as cover as she moves toward the dig site::

SO_Bern says:
%::scratches his head, then passively tries to scan the interior::

XO_Storal says:
%EO: How new?

CIV_Torsian says:
@CO: Sir, I'm a Marine … it’s in our nature to be trigger-happy.  Part of being a Starfleet officer is exercising control, only thinking of the team sir. Yes sir.

TO_Verall says:
%::taking up the rear of the party, he continues to scan behind Alpha team::

SO_Bern says:
%EO: Don't bother ... it only reads back a few meters.

CMO_Naegle says:
@::follows the Captain, keeping a close eye on her as they go along the dune.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::picks up his tricorder and follows the away team inching up to get at point and constantly scanning the horizon ahead::

MO_Powers says:
%XO: What are we going to do about it, sir?

XO_Storal says:
%SO: How far are we from our dig site?

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Beta team comes to the edge of their dig site. Cardassian voices can be heard just beyond the next few dunes.

SO_Bern says:
%::raises an eyebrow:: XO:  I think you have the map, sir.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::scans the perimeter of the clearing for hostiles, the heat making the landscape wavy::

Host CO_Linard says:
@::instinctively crouches down behind the dune as she listens to the voices carefully ... listening for anything::

EO_Tana says:
%::closes his tricorder:: XO: Confirmed, sir. They've probably been holing this entire area.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::drops to his belly and approaches the top of the dune cautiously::

OPS_Marsland says:
@CO: Captain, Lieutenant Torsian and I have had the most tactical training here. I recommend we go forward to here... ::points on the map:: …and secure the area before the rest of you move in.

CMO_Naegle says:
@::crouches down as she hears the voices::

SO_Bern says:
%::props up his sunglasses on his nose, the sweat and heat causing them to slide nearly off his face::

MO_Powers says:
%EO: Any idea who has been mining here?

OPS_Marsland says:
@::follows the CIV's lead::

CEO_Yeung says:
@::crouches down with the rest of the team::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%XO: Sir, if you'll allow me...?  ::indicates he wishes to enter the dig site::

XO_Storal says:
%All: All right, lets check this one out. ::waves for the CTO to proceed and then follows him into the mine::

Host CO_Linard says:
@CIV/OPS: Understood. See if there's another way to get in without them seeing us. Try to refrain from using your combadges unless it's an emergency.

XO_Storal says:
%CTO: After you.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::takes out a camouflage blanket and pulls it over his head as he reaches the top of the dune.  Taking out his scope he focuses in on the Cardassians position::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::lighting his palm beacon, K’hora enters the dig site warily, scanning the interior::

EO_Tana says:
%::touches his tricorder to the soil, looking for chemical traces:: SO: One moment, sir.

SO_Bern says:
%EO: I'll wait for you, they're not getting too far ahead.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::lowers his voice to a whisper:: CO: Acknowledged sir... OPS: Lead the way.

TO_Verall says:
%EO/SO: Please don't fall behind, sirs.

XO_Storal says:
%::taps his combadge::*CO*: Sir, we have arrived at the site and are beginning our sweep.

Host CO_Linard says:
@*XO*: Good work Commander, proceed.

EO_Tana says:
%::nods up at him:: SO: Thank you, sir. ::scoops up some of the dirt with a sample container:: I can examine this on the way. We'd better stick with the group.

TO_Verall says:
%::waits with the EO and SO::

OPS_Marsland says:
@CO: Aye sir. ::turns to Lieutenant Torsian and whispers:: CIV: Follow me. ::takes off crawling on all fours using the dunes for as much cover as possible towards the encampment::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Captain Linard's combadge goes off, the Cardassian voices suddenly drop and one of them is heard saying, "What was that?"

MO_Powers says:
%::gets out his phaser and leaves his finger hovering above the trigger::

SO_Bern says:
%TO/EO:  Okay, let's get going.  ::walks briskly to catch up with Storal and Cha`Dak::

OPS_Marsland says:
@::hears the voice and drops to the deck with his rifle ready in his hands::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::whispers:: *CO*: Sir, there is a commotion at the dig site. I believe we may have been detected. ::takes aim at the nearest Cardassian::

Host CO_Linard says:
@::whips her head to the overheard comment and drops to the ground, hoping her team will follow ... mouths some colorful metaphors::

CEO_Yeung says:
@::readies his phaser::

TO_Verall says:
%::again following the EO and SO, making sure nothing and nobody is following the away team::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::signals for Marsland to turn around and stop::

CMO_Naegle says:
@::drops to the ground reaching for her phaser::

Host CO_Linard says:
@::reaches for her phaser and holds it ready::

EO_Tana says:
%::matches Bern's stride and slips the sample container into the receptacle on the front of the tricorder:: SO: If we do find whomever else is out here, what do we do about it?

SO_Bern says:
%EO: I really hadn't thought about it. Hopefully the First Officer is a bit better at thinking ahead than I am.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::holds his breath and places his finger on the trigger readying for permission to fire::

OPS_Marsland says:
@::looks back at Lieutenant Torsian, motioning him to go around the dune to the other side of the Cardassians::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Machinery noises and digging are heard deeper in the cave, but so far Alpha team hasn't come across anyone in their cavern.

EO_Tana says:
%::smiles a little:: SO: I hope he's better than me too, sir. Because I'm running thru a mental list of two hundred and one things I need right now that I didn't bring.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::moves further into the mine::

XO_Storal says:
%::glances at the surrounding rock:: All: They didn’t have much trouble tunneling. ::runs his hand along the wall:: Soft rock.

Host CO_Linard says:
@::keeps as still as possible, hoping the Cardie’s gave up on the noise::

MO_Powers says:
%::moves up closer to the CTO as his finger lowers slightly::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::motions for the OPS to move around and that he'd provide cover going the other way::

SO_Bern says:
%::takes off his sunglasses as things get darker, and places them in his tricorder holster::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The sounds from the nearby Cardassians return and it seems clear that they decided the sound was nothing to investigate.

OPS_Marsland says:
@::nods, moving aside for the CIV to get by::

Host CO_Linard says:
@::listens carefully and doesn't hear anything else ... motions for her team to continue::

CEO_Yeung says:
@::silently wipes his forehead::

OPS_Marsland says:
@::heads out in his chosen direction around the dune, crawling on his belly nice and slow::

Host CO_Linard says:
@::sighs inwardly in relief::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::crawls down from the top of the dune as stealthily as possible and crawls passed Marsland towards his position that would give a 90 degree angle to the position of the team::

Host CO_Linard says:
@::wishes she were a sandworm right now::

XO_Storal says:
%SO: Anything on sensors?

CMO_Naegle says:
@::lets out the breath she's been holding at the Captain's signal to move on::

SO_Bern says:
%::listens for any voices, but so far hears only machinery::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Alpha team comes to a fork in the cavern. Due to the structure of the caves, it's virtually impossible to tell which direction the noise is coming from and the ground shows signs of recent activity in both directions.

EO_Tana says:
%::hears his tricorder beep and cuts it off quickly, looking over the readings and then showing the screen to Bern:: SO: Nothing special in that soil, just some machinery oil. But it's pretty standard, and manufactured in dozens of systems … including Federation ones.

SO_Bern says:
%::glances down at the tricorder:: XO: Not yet, the range is rather limited … probably due to the properties of certain minerals in the rock.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%XO: Sir? ::indicating the fork in the path::

CEO_Yeung says:
@::heads on, crawling on his stomach::

OPS_Marsland says:
@::arrives at his destination near the top of a dune by the Cardassians::

MO_Powers says:
%::stops and looks down both tunnels::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::reaches his position and crawls to the top of the dune taking aim at the Cardassians below::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Team Beta comes to the edge of the clearing and can clearly see a campsite down below near the entrance to what must be the mine.

EO_Tana says:
%::steps a little into the left tunnel, moving as quietly as he can manage::

Host CO_Linard says:
@::sidles over to the CEO whispering:: CEO: Can you tell what's going on down there?

SO_Bern says:
%::looks slightly over his shoulder to Tana:: EO: I wondered what it was you were looking for back there. Too bad nothing came up.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Ensign Tana takes a step and slips, falling onto his back. As he gets up, he finds that the back of his uniform is soaked through with water.

CEO_Yeung says:
@::puts his binoculars to his eyes, and peaks over the dune to see the camp::

OPS_Marsland says:
@::crawls back down the dune away from the encampment after seeing Lieutenant Torsian opposite them:: *CO*: Captain, Lieutenant Torsian and I are in position at right angles to your team. Just awaiting your orders, sir.

SO_Bern says:
%::peers down the corridor, but starts at a thud:: EO: You okay?

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%EO: Perhaps now you will remain behind me!

XO_Storal says:
%All: Lets split up ... Mister Cha`Dak, you’re with me. The rest of you take the left fork.

EO_Tana says:
%::flails his coat, looking sheepish:: CTO: Sorry sir...

Host CO_Linard says:
@::covers her combadge so the sound doesn't travel::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::nods at the First Officer's command::

CEO_Yeung says:
@::whispering:: CO: There's a camp in front of the entrance to the mine...

CIV_Torsian says:
@::sees Marsland disappear from the top of the dune and trains his phaser on the highest ranking Cardassian he can find::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: A mining craft nearby starts up just in time to cover the noise from the Captain's combadge.

XO_Storal says:
%CTO: Move out. ::motions to the right fork::

MO_Powers says:
%::makes a move over to the left tunnel and strains to hear which tunnel the noise is coming from::

SO_Bern says:
%::looks around:: Verall: You know, maybe you'd better take point... ::appears rather uneasy::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%TO: Lieutenant Verall, go with the second team. ::begins moving down the right fork::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::sees and hears a vessel powering its engines and waits patiently for some signal from the Captain as to further orders::

EO_Tana says:
%::nods:: SO: I'm fine, sir. The only thing hurt is my pride. ::bends to retrieve his tricorder from the mud:: SO: What's all this water doing down here? This isn't the right sort of strata for a linn is it?

XO_Storal says:
%::follows the CTO down the right fork::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Rather suddenly, a Cardassian shout can be heard coming up from the right fork of the tunnel.

SO_Bern says:
%::tilts his head thoughtfully:: EO: Not at all. The entrance was more or less above sea level.

Host CO_Linard says:
@CEO: Can you see another entrance to the mine?

OPS_Marsland says:
@::crawls back to the top of the dune, sighting in on a high-ranking Cardassian with his rifle and scope::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::freezes, then lifts his phaser higher:: XO: Stun setting, sir?

CIV_Torsian says:
@::takes out a mirror and reflects light towards the OPS relaying a message in Morse Code:: OPS: O-R-D-E-R-S-? Stop.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: A loud concussive explosion shortly follows the shout and small pebbles and dust shake down from the roof of the cavern onto all the members of Alpha team.

SO_Bern says:
%::still standing around in the entrance to the left fork; eyes widen:: TO/EO: You hear that?

EO_Tana says:
%::frowns a little, looking at his muddy tricorder:: SO: We'd better see where this goes. Maybe they hit a spring or something and had to close this entrance. ::turns:: SO: Hear what?

XO_Storal says:
%::backs up against the cave wall, and nods in response to the CTO's query::

CEO_Yeung says:
@::looks through with his binoculars at the surrounding area:: CO: Negative Captain, I only see one entrance.

SO_Bern says:
%EO: Now you can't tell me you didn't hear that one...

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::after waiting for the concussion to die away, he slowly moves forwards::

MO_Powers says:
%EO/TO/SO: Maybe we should check out the other tunnel.

Host CO_Linard says:
@CEO: I was afraid of that... ::looks back at the CMO whispering:: CMO: Doctor, did you take the standard medkit? Or did you bring some extra surprises as well?

XO_Storal says:
%::brushes off some of the dirt and sets his  phaser to stun::

TO_Verall says:
%MO: We have our orders.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Beta team watches the entrance to the mine; several dusty Cardassians come walking out. One of them is extremely familiar to Linard ... none other than Glinn Dorchel.

CEO_Yeung says:
@CO: Maybe we can cause a distraction, with those mining crafts over there...

SO_Bern says:
%::carefully debating whether to follow Storal and Cha`Dak or continue:: MO: Yeah, I guess we should follow orders.  We'll continue left.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As things settle for Storal's team, the sounds of machinery start up again as the miners go back to work.

CMO_Naegle says:
@::grins:: CO: I have some extra surprises.  What did you have in mind?

MO_Powers says:
%SO: The orders were before the noises.

Host CO_Linard says:
@::eyes widen slightly as she mutters:: CEO/CMO: Well, well...

OPS_Marsland says:
@::mirrors back a message to the CIV:: N-O-N-E Y-E-T. Stop

EO_Tana says:
%::dusts himself off and looks between his two superior officers, waiting for them to decide::

XO_Storal says:
%::whispers:: CTO: Probably blasting out sections of the mine.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::acknowledges the message and places his mirror back into one of his pant pockets retaking aim on a Cardassian that seems to be officer::

SO_Bern says:
%MO: Yeah, but I didn't hear much else ... it could've been normal mining activity.

CMO_Naegle says:
@::looks knowingly at the Captain:: CO: Just like the good old days.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::nods:: XO: And conveniently covering our sounds of approach.

OPS_Marsland says:
@::all of a sudden sees the Apache's old nemesis and really hopes they let him shoot::

CEO_Yeung says:
@::looks to where the Captain is looking at, then smirks:: CO: It's always nice to see a familiar face.

MO_Powers says:
%SO: I think it's safe to say the Cardie’s are down the other tunnel. Have you heard anything from this tunnel?

Host CO_Linard says:
@CMO: I don't know if good is the right word, Doctor ... you have anything in the way of a strong sedative in there?

TO_Verall says:
%::takes point and continues warily down the shaft::

XO_Storal says:
%CTO: Exactly. We will have surprise on our side.

SO_Bern says:
%MO: We weren't ordered to find… ::makes quotation marks in the air with his fingers:: …Cardie’s.  We were ordered to investigate the left fork.

Host CO_Linard says:
@CEO: Too bad we don't have some kind of sonic resonator to knock them out...

MO_Powers says:
%SO: For what purpose?

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As the word surprise comes out of his mouth, a Cardassian carrying a mining tool steps out of the shadows directly in front of Storal.

EO_Tana says:
%::flexes his grip on his equipment case and shifts uneasily:: SO/MO: Sirs ... I think we'd better move, in one direction or the other.

Host CO_Linard says:
@::whispers very low into her combadge:: *CIV/OPS*: Stand by…

SO_Bern says:
%MO: They didn't say.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::slams his hand against his combadge and whispers:: *CO*: Permission to fire sir...

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The group of Cardassians walks into one of the tents with Dorchel.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::holstering his phaser, K`hora waits until the Cardie is within arms reach, then silently grabs the spoon head on either side of his skull, and twists::

XO_Storal says:
%::stops in his tracks and tries to duck back into the shadows::

Host CO_Linard says:
@*CIV*: Negative Lieutenant...

OPS_Marsland says:
@::leaves the channel open so the badge won't beep again and whispers:: CO: Aye Captain ... they just entered a tent, permission to attempt to take it with Lieutenant Torsian?

MO_Powers says:
%SO: So it is rather pointless … us following this path. We don't even know what we are looking for.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The Cardassian struggles briefly, but then a sharp snap ends his struggles as his body slumps in Cha`Dak’s arms.

SO_Bern says:
%::sighs:: MO: What exactly do you think they'll say when we show up, then?

CIV_Torsian says:
@::continues with his voice lowered:: *CO*: Sir, yes sir ... awaiting your orders.

XO_Storal says:
%::nods to the CTO:: CTO: Well done; hide the body.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::slowly lets the dead Cardassian slide to the ground, his grin widening at Storal, showing his sharpened teeth:: XO: Aye sir.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As the Cardassian goes limp in Cha`Dak's arms, the tool he was carrying falls to the ground with a thud. It rolls off into the shadows but shortly a quiet hissing can be heard coming from the crevice it has become lodged in.

MO_Powers says:
%SO: I don’t know, perhaps … ‘Oh, thank you. We need the support. What a great way to show initiative. Here have a medal.’ What do you think they will say?

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::drags the body into a natural alcove of the shaft, then returns to where Storal waits::

Host CO_Linard says:
@CEO/CMO: We're gonna have to make a move ... are there enough of us to stun them all with our phasers?

XO_Storal says:
%CTO: Mining charge ... move.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::dives away from the area::

SO_Bern says:
%MO: I think they'll order us back this way, and we'll have lost time. If you want to follow them, go ahead.

EO_Tana says:
%::sighs and lets the officer’s argue as he continues down the tunnel::

CEO_Yeung says:
@CO: Four of us … twenty of them; five to down for each of us.  Not good odds.

MO_Powers says:
%SO: When you get to the end of the tunnel, and find nothing, don't come crying to me.

XO_Storal says:
%::dives for cover::

Host CO_Linard says:
@::looks to the CEO and grins:: CEO: True ... but we do have a trigger-happy Marine on our side.  Does that increase our chances?

CIV_Torsian says:
@::sighs with patience and continues to train his aim on a non-conspicuous Cardassian::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The mining charge goes off prematurely and blasts outwards knocking Cha`Dak and Storal to the ground. Since this area was not going to be blasted, and wasn’t significantly reinforced, the entire cave quakes and rattles around them. Soon rocks begin to fall above them and slam down into the ground around them.

TO_Verall says:
%MO: Let's hope we find nothing, Mister Powers.

SO_Bern says:
%::shrugs:: MO: I won't. ::walks past Verall and moves silently down the left fork::

CEO_Yeung says:
@::eyes the mining crafts nearby:: CO: If I can get to those ships over there, I could rig something up. They don't seem to be well guarded at the moment.

XO_Storal says:
%::covers his face and head as the rocks begin to fall::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Bern and Powers continue to argue ... Tana comes to an open cavern with a large pool of water in its center. The cavern appears to have a single entrance, the way he just came in.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::tries desperately to drag himself over to Commander Storal, with the hopes of shielding the XO from the falling debris::

SO_Bern says:
%::turns around, slowly:: Verall: Was that as close as I think it was?

MO_Powers says:
%::stays where he is and refuses to follow the SO down the pointless route::

TO_Verall says:
%::stops as the rumbling slowly subsides:: MO/EO/SO: Perhaps we should go back after all.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: A rock comes slamming down on Cha`Dak's shoulder as dust fills the area and rocks form a blockade in the cavern in the direction they had come from.

Host CO_Linard says:
@::looks over at the crafts:: CEO: Go for it. Doctor Naegle and I will cover you.

EO_Tana says:
%::looks around, walking the edge of the pool before activating his tricorder, looking for signs of recent activity::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::looks at the OPS and takes out his mirror:: OPS: S-T-A-T-U-S-? Stop.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%Self: Argh!

CEO_Yeung says:
@::nods, and begins circling the camp towards the mining crafts, half crouched::

Host CO_Linard says:
@CEO: Most of them are inside... ::claps him on the shoulder:: ...good luck, Commander.

XO_Storal says:
%CTO: Are you all right?

SO_Bern says:
%Verall: Take… ::looks back, still not sure who the man he was having a discussion with even was:: …him and go back that way. I'll get Mister Tana. ::moves ahead toward the cavern::

MO_Powers says:
%::sits down and waits for the others to come crawling back to him::

TO_Verall says:
%::looks from Bern to Powers not sure which end of that deal he’s being stuck with:: SO: Aye…

CIV_Torsian says:
@::spots movement coming from the Away Team's position and quickly puts his mirror away and takes aim at it ... realizing it's the CEO watches for any Cardassian movement or action towards him::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%XO: Of course, Commander. ::struggles back to his feet, rotating his shoulder painfully:: XO: Seems our exit is blocked.

Host CO_Linard says:
@::looks to see if she can see the CIV and OPS::

OPS_Marsland says:
@::flashes back:: CIV: L-E-A-D-E-R I-N T-E-N-T, N-O O-R-D-E-R-S Y-E-T. Stop.

EO_Tana says:
%::makes an effort to keep the tail of his cloak out of the water and continues to scan, checking for depth::

OPS_Marsland says:
@::looks for any signs from the rest of the away team::

CEO_Yeung says:
@::heads towards an unattended craft::

TO_Verall says:
%::waits with the MO as the SO retrieves the EO::

XO_Storal says:
%::coughs as the dirt begins to settle, and taps his combadge:: *EO/SO/MO*: We encountered a Cardassian miner and a charge went off prematurely causing a cave in.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::sighs as he sees the message from the OPS and maintains view of the CEO's progress:: Self: What's he doing...

SO_Bern says:
%::enters the cavernous area, careful not to step in the pool:: EO: What are you reading?

Host CO_Linard says:
@::looks to the CEO to see how he's doing::

XO_Storal says:
%CTO: How thick is this cave in?

CIV_Torsian says:
@::taps his combadge slowly while watching the CEO:: *CO*: Captain ... situation?

CEO_Yeung says:
@::reaches the craft, looks around him, and begins opening a panel next to the engines::

EO_Tana says:
%::dips his hand slightly under the surface of the water and feels along the edge:: SO: This is very new. All the grooves are raw. This goes down ... twenty, maybe twenty-two meters. ::looks up:: Do you think they abandoned it because it flooded?

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::removes his tricorder and scans the cave-in:: XO: Five meters, sir.

SO_Bern says:
%::answers the combadge chirp:: *XO*: Do you know whether you can get back through?

Host CO_Linard says:
@::whispers:: *CIV*: He's trying to rig the craft ... render them unconscious. ::gets an idea::

XO_Storal says:
%*Alpha Team*: Storal to Alpha team ... respond.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::whispers back:: *CO*: Sir, yes sir, I remain without orders.

SO_Bern says:
%::reopens his tricorder in the meantime and takes some readings, as well:: EO: Possibly. I'll bet they didn't think they'd find any water here. I certainly didn't.

XO_Storal says:
%::only gets part of Bern’s response:: CTO: The strata must be interfering with the communication signal.

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%XO: Shall we continue, sir?

CEO_Yeung says:
@::realigns several conduits to make a power feedback::

XO_Storal says:
%CTO: We don’t have any choice. ::motions for K’hora to continue::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Yeung works on the engines, they roar to life and the vehicle shifts into gear, taking off towards the opening of the cave.

OPS_Marsland says:
@::keeps his rifle trained on the tent entrance hoping Glinn Dorchel will show his face::

EO_Tana says:
%::turns on his feet and stands, looking down into the muddy depths of the pool:: SO: Maybe this is just nothing.

TO_Verall says:
%::tries his combadge:: *XO*: Sir, please respond!

Host CO_Linard says:
@::gasps:: CMO: Oh no...

CEO_Yeung says:
@::curses as the vehicle takes off right in front of him, heads to get some cover::

CTO_Cha`Dak says:
%::continues onward in the direction the Cardassian miner came from::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::raises both eyebrows and goes to scope to see if any Cardassians noticed and takes aim at them::

OPS_Marsland says:
@Self: What the...?

TO_Verall says:
%SO/EO/MO: Sirs, could you come back here a moment please?

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As the craft's engines roar to life, and it takes off towards the cave, the Cardassians in the clearing turn towards it curiously. As it exposes Yeung from behind it, they all grab weapons and take cover training their disruptor rifles at him.

CIV_Torsian says:
@*CO*: Sir! Permission to fire, sir! ::aims at the Cardassian closest to Yeung::

SO_Bern says:
%EO: Maybe not. We'll make note of it and check it out later. Sounds like we'd better head back. ::motions back out the tunnel::

Host CO_Linard says:
@*All*: He's been seen ... cover him! ::looks to Naegle:: CMO: Looks like we're going to do this the hard way...

EO_Tana says:
%SO: Yes sir. ::claps the tricorder closed and holsters it, leading Bern back up the tunnel again::

CEO_Yeung says:
@::runs away from the away team's position as to not lead the Cardie’s to them::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::tunes his aim and squeezes the trigger:: Self: Bingo. ::moves to the next target aims and shoots::

OPS_Marsland says:
@::keeps his aim on the tent::

SO_Bern says:
%::follows the EO back out::

TO_Verall says:
%EO/MO/SO: Sirs, I’m having trouble reaching Commander Storal. We should head back.

XO_Storal says:
%*Alpha Team*: Storal to Alpha team, there has been a cave in and we can’t exit. The only option is to move forward.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As the mining vehicle slams into the cave opening, it bursts into flames sending flaming petrol into the air. The flames lash out at the Cardassians who quickly evacuate their now burning tents and turn their attention to putting out the roaring fires.

Host Jafo says:
<<<<<<<<<< End Mission Week #7 >>>>>>>>>>