Host Jafo says:
Star Trek: Apache - Episode #21
Week #9
Mission: "The Hero Khrysaros"

Host Jafo says:
On Hynozad, Beta team, led by Captain Linard, has begun taking out the Cardassian guards before them. Commander Storal's team, though still separated, continued their exploration of the caves at the second mine site.

Host Jafo says:
During the firefight with the Cardassians, Lieutenant Torsian was surprised and taken prisoner by Glinn Dorchel and his men. He was then taken into a craft, and flown to Alpha team's mine site where Commander Storal had discovered a group of Cardassians mining.

Host Jafo says:
Meanwhile Ensign Tana discovered an unnatural underwater cave in the body of water. At the same time, Glinn Dorchel encountered the rest of Storal's team, and sealed them and Torsian in another part of the mine.

Host Jafo says:
Now, after once more being warned by the Silent One, Captain Linard and the rest of her team have finally arrived at Alpha team's mine site and Tana just discovered something more beautiful than he ever imagined.

Host Jafo says:
<<<<<<<<<< Begin Mission Week #9 >>>>>>>>>>

XO_Storal says:
::creeps up on the box cautiously looking around the room::

CIV_Torsian says:
MO: What kind of weapons do you have on you?

CNS_Lux says:
::peeks over the shoulder of the others in front of her, trying to see what's going on::

FCO_Terman says:
::watching for any living Cardie’s, waiting for the XO to find out what's inside the box and hoping it’s not something dangerous::

SO_Bern says:
::checks the tricorder readings on the length of the collapse::

CEO_Yeung says:
::slowly approaches the mouth of the mine, sweeping his phaser left to right in front of him::

Host CO_Linard says:
::pauses at the cave and looks around carefully:: CNS/CMO/CEO: Watch your backs everyone…

EO_Tana says:
::eyes twinkle as he examines the sarcophagus::

MO_Powers says:
CIV: Hand phasers, sir … and I have a type 1 phaser tucked away somewhere. ::looks around his pockets for the small phaser::

CMO_Naegle says:
::nods at the CO:: CO: You too, sir.

Host CO_Linard says:
CNS: Do you have a tricorder on you Counselor?

XO_Storal says:
::seeing the room is apparently clear, he motions for the FCO to follow::

CIV_Torsian says:
SO: Can we breach that cave in with phasers set on an appropriate setting? ::puts his hand on the wall of rocks that sealed them in::

CNS_Lux says:
::nods, and then remembers that the CO can't see her:: CO: Yes sir. ::holds it out in front of her::

FCO_Terman says:
::heads up to where the XO is::

MO_Powers says:
::puts his hands on the rubble and tries to push it over::

Host CO_Linard says:
CNS: See if you can pick up where the away team went.

SO_Bern says:
CIV: I'm still looking for a weak spot.  It seems feasible, though.

XO_Storal says:
::arrives at the table and takes one final look around before looking into the box::

CEO_Yeung says:
CO: Guess they're not expecting much company, Captain.

MO_Powers says:
SO: How deep is the cave in?

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Tana examines the Sarcophagus, the arms seem to shift and reach for something ... a long gold scepter appears in its hands. It's a long staff, gilded with gold with a pair of serpents coiled around its shaft leading up to the head of the staff where each has dug its fangs in.

FCO_Terman says:
::holds his breath as the XO looks into the box, wondering what it is::

Host CO_Linard says:
::mutters something about being afraid of the dark:: CEO: I agree, Commander ... I just hope we're not too late.

EO_Tana says:
::tries to continue recording:: Recorder: The coffin is just over two meters long, and a little over a meter wide. From the size of it, I would guess that this much gold would weigh somewhere in the range of three hundred kilograms. ::walks around it when the staff appears and curses loudly::

CIV_Torsian says:
MO: What about the air supply down here, how much air do we have? ::begins setting his phaser to cut through the rock::

Host CO_Linard says:
::tries to use her senses to find the minds of the others::

CEO_Yeung says:
::moves to the side of the opening, and looks within for any movement::

EO_Tana says:
::covers his mouth and stares at it, eyes wide:: Self: Oh ... oh my. ::steps back from the sarcophagus and looks around guiltily::

MO_Powers says:
CIV: Enough air to last a few hours I think, as long as nobody gets greedy.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Storal finds the box appears to be empty ... wooden bits and pieces litter the insides and outsides of the box.

CNS_Lux says:
::nods again and takes a look at her readings::  CO: I'm reading a lifesign ... this way. ::points in a general direction deeper into the caves::

CMO_Naegle says:
::takes out her own tricorder to follow the CNS's lifesign reading::

XO_Storal says:
::breathes a sigh of relief:: FCO: The box is empty. Scan the area with your tricorder. We may be able to determine the type of explosive and if this was an accident or sabotage.

Host CO_Linard says:
::looks to the light from the tricorder:: CNS: Can you get a fix on it? Is it a Cardassian  or one of our crew?

EO_Tana says:
::breathes heavily as he approaches it again:: Recorder: I... ::stammers:: I think the ... what we've been looking for, I think it's here. Something, a staff, just appeared in the hands of the sarcophagus.

FCO_Terman says:
::is rather disappointed at an empty box, but does as the good XO asks::

CIV_Torsian says:
::nods and aims at the cave in point:: SO: How about it, how long is it?

CNS_Lux says:
::squints a little to read it more closely::  CO: I think it's our crew … one trill … one human.

XO_Storal says:
::begins to search the rest of the room for anything of value::

CEO_Yeung says:
::looks back to the Captain:: CO: Shall we enter, Captain?

CMO_Naegle says:
CO: I'm picking up the lifesign too, Captain.

FCO_Terman says:
::begins quietly humming a little ditty as he's finishing up his scans as to whether or not the explosion was sabotage::

Host CO_Linard says:
CNS/CMO/CEO: Then let's go...

CEO_Yeung says:
::nods and takes point, heading into the cave::

CMO_Naegle says:
::follows the CO and the others into the cave::

CNS_Lux says:
CO: Correction, make that … two humans. ::starts going into the direction of the lifesign readings::

EO_Tana says:
Recorder: The staff is long, nearly as long as the sarcophagus itself. Gold, with inlaid art and what looks like serpents coiled around it. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do here. I'm not sure what's going on upstairs and whether I should move this before someone else gets it.

SO_Bern says:
CIV: A little fewer than two and a quarter meters, at most points.  Structurally, it is least sound… ::pokes a finger into the dirt at one point:: …here.

Host CO_Linard says:
CNS: Lead the way, Counselor.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Yeung and Lux enter the cave, Cardassian disruptor fire sings out from the darkness. Although the shots miss them both they strike very close and one sends a bit of rock up into Yeung’s eyes.

CIV_Torsian says:
::sets his phaser to a one meter wide beam and points it at the spot Bern identified as he squeezes the trigger:: SO: Understood. ::aims at the point where the SO is pointing and fires::

MO_Powers says:
SO: Okay. How's the EO doing?

XO_Storal says:
FCO: This must have been a meeting room of some sort.  The heavily reinforced walls and ceiling would indicate such use.

MO_Powers says:
CIV: How long will it take?

CNS_Lux says:
::jumps backwards, as she hears firing ahead, and instinctively reaches down for her phaser:: CO: Cardassians!

CEO_Yeung says:
Self: Argh! ::drops back to the wall and crouches::

CNS_Lux says:
::looks down at the CEO:: CEO: Are you okay?

EO_Tana says:
Self: I wish someone with more pips than me were here... ::reaches out impulsively to touch the staff::

Host CO_Linard says:
::drops to the floor in a crouch, going for her phaser::

SO_Bern says:
::steps back from the wall:: MO: I'll check back in with him. ::taps his combadge:: *EO* Bern to Tana. ::gets no response and frowns::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Torsian fires his phaser and the rock appears to melt as the blast cuts into it. Slowly a hole begins to form before more rock and dirt fall into the opening. Eventually the small cave in stops, and Torsian has cut a hole large enough for one person to pass through.

CEO_Yeung says:
::takes a few seconds to get the rocks and dust out of his eyes:: CNS: I will be. Be careful!

FCO_Terman says:
::looks up at the ceiling:: XO: Yes, that ceiling just screams out ... well, to me, ceiling. ::shrugs::

CIV_Torsian says:
::stops firing and resets his phaser:: MO: That long.

CMO_Naegle says:
::crouches down, reaching for her phaser:: CO: Were we a bit premature in entering the cave, Captain?

CIV_Torsian says:
MO/SO: Don't step through until it cools. *CO*: Captain, do you read me.

CEO_Yeung says:
::returns fire in the direction where he thinks the shot came from::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The Staff feels warm to Tana's touch ... and as he touches it, he gets a brief glimpse of Captain Linard's face as Doctor Naegle crouches next to her.

XO_Storal says:
::chuckles:: FCO: What did the tricorder reveal Mister Terman?

MO_Powers says:
CIV: Good job. Do you want to go first?

EO_Tana says:
::pulls his hand away guiltily, shaking his head::

CNS_Lux says:
::frowns::  CO: They must have somehow masked their life signs ... I didn't read a Cardassian anywhere.  Of course ... it could just be that they got the weapon.

Host CO_Linard says:
*CIV*: Mister Torsian ... what's your position?

FCO_Terman says:
XO: It doesn't show anything.

CIV_Torsian says:
*CO*: Captain, it's good to hear your voice.  We have arrived at the second dig site, and were ambushed by our own men.  The Cardassians took casualties but not before they trapped us in a cave in.

Host CO_Linard says:
CNS/CMO/CEO: I somehow doubt that was a Cardassian.

MO_Powers says:
SO: Can you reach him?

SO_Bern says:
::shakes his head at the MO and taps his combadge again:: *EO*: Bern to Tana, respond please…

CNS_Lux says:
CO: Should we move on then?

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The Cardassians continue to fire randomly, seemingly without clear purpose. The amount of shots suggests only three disruptor rifles being used.

SO_Bern says:
MO: I don't think so. He hasn't responded yet … assuming he can even hear me.

EO_Tana says:
Self: What... ::looks at the staff in confusion and touches it again, letting his hand come into better contact::

Host CO_Linard says:
CNS/CMO/CEO: Maybe not... ::covers her head::

XO_Storal says:
::strokes his goatee for a bit, then looks around:: FCO: There has to be another way out of here.

CIV_Torsian says:
*CO*: What is your situation? ::steps through the hole motioning for the MO and SO to climb through::

CNS_Lux says:
::looks troubled at the CO's suggestion::

FCO_Terman says:
XO: If you say so... ::walks over to a wall and begins scanning for any secret passages::

SO_Bern says:
::nods reluctantly and reopens his tricorder, stepping through the opening in the collapse::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Tana's hand makes more permanent contact; he gets a glimpse of Storal and Terman, in a chamber ... and Torsian and Powers crawling through their hole. He then gets a flash of a snake coming for him.

CEO_Yeung says:
::returns a few shots down the cave::

XO_Storal says:
::begins to search the dead Cardassian Miners::

Host CO_Linard says:
*CIV*: We're under attack.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: A grunt is heard from within the cave, and the disruptor fire lessens slightly.

MO_Powers says:
%SO: You stay here and wait for Ensign Tana.  I'll go ahead with Torsian.

FCO_Terman says:
::trips over a Cardie that was near the wall:: Self: Stupid alien. ::kicks him::

XO_Storal says:
::while searching:: FCO: Maybe one of these Cardie’s has something of  use to us.

CMO_Naegle says:
::moves slightly ahead of the Captain, and closer to the CEO::

CNS_Lux says:
::draws her brows together:: All: Now that grunt sounds familiar...

EO_Tana says:
Outloud: Ahh! ::flinches back and falls on the marble floor, looking up at the golden coffin and staff::

CIV_Torsian says:
MO: Hand me your most powerful weapon, I'm afraid there's not much juice left in my hand phaser. *CO*: We're on our way.  MO: How do we get out of here?

SO_Bern says:
MO: All right. ::relieved, steps back through and walks back over to the pool, sitting down beside it::

MO_Powers says:
::steps through the hole and gets out his phaser::

FCO_Terman says:
::thinks for a second and heads back to the Cardie he kicked and begins searching him::

CNS_Lux says:
CO: The weapons fire is abating…  ::looks up a little more hopeful::

Host CO_Linard says:
*CIV*: Understood.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Tana falls backwards, the snakes uncoil from around the staff and change from golden to a deep green. At the same time the sarcophagus seems to sink into the floor and the gold beneath Tana becomes like water.

CNS_Lux says:
CO: Perhaps we should go after them still?

MO_Powers says:
::hands his phaser to Torsian:: CIV: Follow the path.

Host CO_Linard says:
CNS: What does the tricorder tell you? Can you read the Cardie’s … if they are Cardie’s?

CNS_Lux says:
::taps her tricorder to clear up the readings::  CO: Yes.  There are Cardassians … two of them, and another showing signs of injury.

MO_Powers says:
::gets out his hand phaser and dagger and starts moving forwards slowly::

EO_Tana says:
Self: Oh … oh gee! ::starts to kick away, trying to move as he cradles his hand, staring shocked at the pinpoint fang marks on the flesh between his forefinger and thumb::

FCO_Terman says:
Self: Nope, useless, useless, got one, nope, useless...

CIV_Torsian says:
::nods and begins jogging down the path toward the opening now aiming his phaser ahead of him:: MO: Hard to see isn't it?  How much tactical training do you have?

XO_Storal says:
::finishing searching the bodies:: FCO: Nothing here. What about on your end?

CNS_Lux says:
CO: I think one of them in Glinn Dorchel. ::gulps::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The snakes move through the molten gold like water eels as they come for Tana ... the sarcophagus descends quickly below the rooms level.

FCO_Terman says:
XO: Nothing that was nearly as exciting as anything I have in my quarters.

Host CO_Linard says:
::mutters:: CNS/CMO/CEO: Let's keep moving...

CIV_Torsian says:
::sees the MO moving slowly:: MO: Move it Lieutenant!

SO_Bern says:
::scans the pool, but the device barely allows a scan as deep as the air pocket. sighs and dips his free hand in the pool, swirling the water around as he waits::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The ground begins to shake under Storal and Terman to the point where they grab onto each other to remain standing.

MO_Powers says:
%CIV: I’ve had enough tactical training … and a lot of previous experience with my past hosts.

EO_Tana says:
::grabs gold coins from a pile and throws them at the snakes, still cradling his hand and trying to drag/swim himself back toward the steps::

MO_Powers says:
::catches up with Torsian::

CNS_Lux says:
::nods at the CO:: All: Let's go. ::phasers ready and quickly slips into the cave, ducking low, and eyes and ears alert::

Host CO_Linard says:
CNS/CMO/CEO: Keep low to the walls, they can't fire on what they can't see.

XO_Storal says:
::shakes his head amusingly at Terman:: FCO: Well... ::tries to maintain his balance as the room shakes::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: One eel buries its fangs into Tana's ankle ... the other swims up towards his throat.

CIV_Torsian says:
::sees a light shining through the opening to the mining site and steps back behind the wall seeing the Cardassians::

CEO_Yeung says:
::walks crouched alongside the wall::

FCO_Terman says:
XO: May I make a suggestion?

XO_Storal says:
FCO: Always…

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The disruptor fire lessens some more as another groan is heard from within the cave. Only a single Cardassian appears to be continuing to put up resistance.

CIV_Torsian says:
*CO*: We are in position behind the Cardassians, what are your orders?

MO_Powers says:
::stops by the CIV::

FCO_Terman says:
XO: Lets get out of this room.

EO_Tana says:
::scream gets caught in his throat as the fangs sink in and grabs for the other swimming over his chest:: Snakes: Get away!

Host CO_Linard says:
::looks back over her shoulder:: CNS/CMO/CEO: What's going on back there?

XO_Storal says:
FCO: I have considered your suggestion and for the sake of our well being ... I agree. Lets go. ::motions Terman to exit the room::

CEO_Yeung says:
CO: Maybe the others are in position.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Tana finds his progress is being stopped by a drag effect ... and he swims away from the sarcophagus the undertow seems to be pulling him towards it.

FCO_Terman says:
::begins heading out and falls to his knees, so he continues by crawling::

CNS_Lux says:
::looks down at her readings and tries to get to their officers in the most direct route::

EO_Tana says:
::gets his hand around the neck of the serpent and pulls it away from him, feeling the slimy coils wrap around his arm as it hisses and spits, his head spinning, or is it the world?::

SO_Bern says:
::feeling rather nervous for the engineer's well-being at this point, taps his combadge again:: *EO*: Ensign Tana, if you can hear me, please signal... ::can hardly swim, let alone down to the air pocket, hopes Tana returns without having to be retrieved::

Host CO_Linard says:
*CIV*: Eliminate them Mister Torsian.

MO_Powers says:
::whispers:: CIV: Only sounds like there is one left, darn.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: At the spot where Terman and Storal stand, the shaking stops ... and all light everywhere around them goes out in a snap of sound.

XO_Storal says:
FCO: Hopefully that lift still works...

CIV_Torsian says:
*CO*: Aye… ::pulls around the corner and fires at the Cardassian:: MO: One too many.

FCO_Terman says:
::gets up and begins walking as usual, right into a wall:: Self: Ouch!

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: The undertow threatens to pull Tana underneath the sea of molten gold as the current sucks the snakes away from him.

XO_Storal says:
::as the light goes out:: self: This gets better all the time. ::fumbles for his tricorder and scans the area::

EO_Tana says:
::holds his breath futilely as his head lolls and he tries to get out::

MO_Powers says:
::jumps out and fires:: CIV: The only good Cardassian is a dead Cardassian.

Host Glinn_Dorchel says:
CNS: Stop right there! ::holding a disruptor towards her::

FCO_Terman says:
::takes out his tricorder:: XO: I don't suppose you're a mechanic, are you?

Host CO_Linard says:
CNS/CMO/CEO: So which way now?

CIV_Torsian says:
::moves towards the opening searching for any others::

CNS_Lux says:
::brushes a loose strand of hair from her face, and continues onward::

XO_Storal says:
FCO: It depends on what I’m repairing, Lieutenant.

CEO_Yeung says:
::bears his phaser on Dorchel:: Dorchel: Drop the weapon!

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: With a loud sucking sound, Tana is pulled under with the current ... he feels as if he is falling in a great waterfall and then nothingness. With a thud he lands at the feet of Terman and Storal.

FCO_Terman says:
XO: Would you be able to fix the lift? Assuming that it's broken, of course.

CNS_Lux says:
::looks up at the shouting and raises her phaser::

EO_Tana says:
::thud::

Host Glinn_Dorchel says:
::swings his weapons towards Torsian, then back and Lux::

CIV_Torsian says:
::points at Dorchel and shoots::

MO_Powers says:
::moves up behind Dorchel::

FCO_Terman says:
::notices Tana:: EO: Nice of you to drop in. ::reaches down a hand to help him up::

Host CO_Linard says:
::turns her phaser toward Dorchel:: Dorchel: I think you're outnumbered.

XO_Storal says:
FCO: Well, assuming I... ::sees Tana lying on the ground:: EO: Mister Tana?

CNS_Lux says:
::follows Torsian's action and shoots as well::

Host Glinn_Dorchel says:
::takes the phaser blast in the shoulder and falls back into the arms of Powers::

EO_Tana says:
::groans and tries to get up::

MO_Powers says:
CO: Let me shoot him. Please, let me shoot him. I'll clean up the mess. Please let me, sir.

CIV_Torsian says:
MO: Disarm him!

FCO_Terman says:
XO: I guess that you won't need any electrical skills after all.

CIV_Torsian says:
::runs towards Dorchel, phaser drawn and pointed at Dorchel's chest::

CNS_Lux says:
CO: There's another Cardassian around here... ::looks at Dorchel:: Where is he?

Host Glinn_Dorchel says:
::struggles and tries to fight his way out of Powers' arms::

XO_Storal says:
::places his hand on Tana's shoulder:: EO: Easy Ensign, take your  time.

MO_Powers says:
::takes the disrupter from Dorchel::

CNS_Lux says:
::glances over at Kavli and checks to make sure he's all right::

Host Glinn_Dorchel says:
::spits out at her:: CNS: You killed him!

Host CO_Linard says:
MO: Let me think about it for a moment Doctor...

CIV_Torsian says:
::fires at Dorchel again::

CEO_Yeung says:
::relaxes his phaser arm and lets out a breath::

SO_Bern says:
::leans in toward the pool and splashes some water in his face, rubbing several layers of dust and dirt off, and feeling better for it:: *EO*: Mister Tana, come in please.

CNS_Lux says:
::eyes wide:: Dorchel: What?

Host CO_Linard says:
Dorchel: Killed whom?

MO_Powers says:
::tightens his grip into a bear hug::

Host Glinn_Dorchel says:
::collapses into a heap on the ground as Torsian stuns him again::

CIV_Torsian says:
::still pointing the phaser at Dorchel as he moves over to the CNS:: CNS: Are you all right, Counselor?

EO_Tana says:
::gazes up at where he fell from and climbs unsteadily to his feet:: All: Where am I?

FCO_Terman says:
EO: What brings you to this part of the dungeon?

MO_Powers says:
::gives Dorchel a kick and tries to make it look like an accident::

CNS_Lux says:
CIV: I am fine … thank you, Lieutenant.

Host CO_Linard says:
CNS: He didn't harm you?

XO_Storal says:
EO: You’re at the bottom of the caves right fork … the very bottom.

CEO_Yeung says:
::looks around:: MO: Where are the others, John?

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Bern stands there; he hears a sound behind him...

CNS_Lux says:
::shakes her head:: CO: He didn't lay a finger on me... ::draws her brows together:: …I'm still reading two more Cardassian lifesigns. They must be very close.

EO_Tana says:
::looks at Storal:: XO: The right ... no sir. I was in the chamber, and the coffin ... and the staff … and snakes. ::looks around quickly for the snakes::

FCO_Terman says:
EO/XO: Which brings up the question, where do the two forks meet?

CIV_Torsian says:
CO: We should beam Dorchel back to the ship and place him in the brig … before his sister-in-law comes looking for him.

MO_Powers says:
CEO: SO Bern and EO Tana are down the left fork and the XO and FCO are down the right fork.

XO_Storal says:
EO: Easy Mister Tana, start over … what happened?

SO_Bern says:
::humming the Peachtree Rag, the melancholy tones echoing eerily around the chamber, when he hears something ... turns his head slowly to look::

Host CO_Linard says:
CIV: Good idea. You and Mister Powers take him back. I'm sure you'll both take good care of him... ::pointedly::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Bern turns to see the shape of a man standing behind him but instead of flesh, he sees only shadow ... as if his hand could push right through this creature to the other side.

Host Silent_One says:
~~~SO: They have left you here alone?~~~

CIV_Torsian says:
CO: Actually Captain, my services would be best served here … protecting you. ::looks around the cave walls and rock outcroppings for the other two Cardassians the CNS mentioned::

MO_Powers says:
CO: Yes sir… ::kicks Dorchel:: …the best care I can offer him, sir.

SO_Bern says:
::freezes for a few very long seconds ... it seemed like he heard a voice in his head, as if imagined::

EO_Tana says:
::doesn't answer until he's sure the snakes are gone:: XO/FCO: The snakes ... they were on the staff, and then they became real. The staff ... he was holding it. Up to the gem, like this.  ::raises his hands::

CEO_Yeung says:
MO: Try not to break too many bones now. ::chuckles::

Host Glinn_Dorchel says:
::grunts as one of his ribs snap::

SO_Bern says:
Aloud: Yes ... umm... ::gulps::

XO_Storal says:
EO: What snakes? You’re not making any sense.

FCO_Terman says:
::raises an eyebrow::

Host Silent_One says:
~~~SO: I'm speaking to you, little one ... you will respond. Why have they left you here alone?~~~

MO_Powers says:
CEO: Is ten okay, sir?

FCO_Terman says:
EO: Are you okay, Tana? ::sounds a little worried::

MO_Powers says:
CEO: Or is that too few?

Host CO_Linard says:
CIV: Yes, but he's our biggest concern.  You have your orders, Mister Torsian.

CIV_Torsian says:
::snaps a glance over to the MO before continuing to visually scan for any movements around their position:: MO: You're a healer aren't you? Why are you hurting this man?

EO_Tana says:
::makes a face of annoyed concentration:: XO: The snakes ... they were swimming in the gold. ::holds out his hand:: XO: One of them bit me. I went under the pool.

CEO_Yeung says:
MO: Just remember that you'll have to patch him up afterwards, so it depends on how much work you want to make for yourself.

SO_Bern says:
::quietly and timorously::  Silent One: I ... I don't know ... they went after the Cardassians, and Tana ... Tana's still down below, below the pool. ::turns fully to face the shadow, now::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As Storal looks at the hand, he can find no sign of snakebite ... and as Tana looks again, he can't either.

CIV_Torsian says:
::sighs and holsters his phaser:: CO: Yes ma'am. *Apache*: Three to beam up.

MO_Powers says:
CIV: Lots of trauma. I've had bad experiences with Cardassians.

FCO_Terman says:
::nods:: Self: Right. ::thinks Tana's lost it::

XO_Storal says:
EO: Either you heal extremely well or your imagining things? ::looks at Tana's hand::

CNS_Lux says:
CO: We should look for the others.  We still have at least 2 wanderers.

Host CO_Linard says:
CNS: Can you get a fix on the other two Cardassians? Which direction they're in?

CIV_Torsian says:
::walks over to the MO and Dorchel standing facing towards Dorchel::

Host Silent_One says:
::walks up towards Bern and shoves him aside:: ~~~SO: Down there? Why?~~~

CEO_Yeung says:
::walks up to the captain:: CO: According to Doctor Powers, Commander Storal and Lieutenant JG Terman are down the right fork. Lieutenant Bern and Ensign Tana should be down the left one.

EO_Tana says:
::shakes his head and stares at his hand:: XO: No ... no, one of them bit me on my leg. I saw the staff, sir! The Staff of Khrysaros! I touched it. I saw Captain Linard, and you!

MO_Powers says:
CIV: It's a long story, which CNS Lux will probably want to hear.

XO_Storal says:
EO: You saw what?

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Torsian, Dorchel, and Powers dematerialize, rematerializing in sickbay aboard the Apache.

SO_Bern says:
::staggers back, the sense of fear renewed in him afresh::  Shadow: He went to explore ... we found an air pocket.

CNS_Lux says:
CO: The other two are this way … but they are stunned. ::walks further along and carries two Cardassians out from behind some rocks::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::picks up Dorchel and puts him on a biobed:: MO: Erect a forcefield around the medical bay as you work on him.

CNS_Lux says:
CO: Perhaps we should take them to the brig too?

EO_Tana says:
::eyes open wide:: XO: The record! I recorded it, sir … on my combadge. ::grabs for it on his chest and prays that it's not blank::

Host CO_Linard says:
All: Then we should find the rest of our teams.

FCO_Terman says:
::thinks; was there supposed to be a guardian of the staff? Tries to remember the tales his father told him long ago::

MO_Powers says:
@CIV: Will do.

SO_Bern says:
::continues backpedaling, until he backs into the wall, and remains frozen there::

Host Silent_One says:
::his face turns towards Bern as if he were glaring at him ... he reaches one arm up to tap at his other arm ... and with a electronic beeping suddenly the shadow falls away and the Romulan Centurion appears:: SO: You're sure about that? ::levels a nasty looking disruptor at Bern::

Host CO_Linard says:
::nods:: CNS: Contact the Apache and have Lieutenant Torsian receive them.

XO_Storal says:
EO/FCO: Maybe we should try and find a way around the cave in.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::walks over to a console putting his phaser on top of it:: MO: Your phaser is here, make sure to return it to security when you get a chance.

FCO_Terman says:
XO: Or we could get beamed around, couldn't we? We beamed K’hora back to the Apache...

SO_Bern says:
::makes out the marked features of a Romulan in the darkness::  Romulan: Yes.

XO_Storal says:
FCO: We’re too far down, maybe at the top of the lift.

EO_Tana says:
::hears his voice coming from it and presses his combadge into Storal's hand:: XO: That's the record, sir. I recorded everything I saw and it’s all right there. ::walks away and looks around, occasionally glancing up, and in the corner for the snakes::

CIV_Torsian says:
@::opens up the phaser casing and takes out the power cell:: MO: Just make sure you don't leave it here with Dorchel.

Host CO_Linard says:
::taps her combadge:: *XO*: Commander Storal, do you read me?

MO_Powers says:
@::erects a force field and picks up the phaser::

CNS_Lux says:
@::taps her combadge, and have the ship beam the other two Cardassians away … directly to the brig::

FCO_Terman says:
::thinks; that was what I meant::

SO_Bern says:
::gulps again ... knows his phaser is at his side, but his mind can't force his body to reach for it::

Host Centurion says:
::waves his disruptor towards the water:: SO: Then I guess you won't mind going down there with me...

Host CO_Linard says:
CEO/CNS: We should try and meet up with our teams.

XO_Storal says:
::taps his combadge:: *CO*: I hear you Captain, what’s your status?

CIV_Torsian says:
@::nods to the MO:: MO: Will you need me for anything else?

CEO_Yeung says:
CO: I'll go get Tana and Bern down the left fork.

SO_Bern says:
Romulan: I ... I can't swim.

XO_Storal says:
EO: We'll go over this later. I believe you Ensign.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As the Captain's communiqué is heard; the tinkling of metal against metal can be heard in the cave with Storal, Terman, and Tana. It sounds like its getting closer.

Host CO_Linard says:
::smiles hearing the XO:: *XO*: I was about to ask you the same thing. We have Dorchel in custody. It was a bit of a battle, but we're near the entrance to the cave.

CNS_Lux says:
CEO/CO: With your permission, I would like to go along.

MO_Powers says:
@::straps a tight harnesses to Dorchel and goes towards a pile of PADD’s sitting on a bio bed:: CIV: No, I think I can handle it.

SGT_Denson says:
@*CIV*: Welcome back to the Apache gunny, we've received two more candidates for the brig; Tactical officers as well as Guller and Johnson have placed them under guard.

EO_Tana says:
::inhales sharply and looks up:: XO/FCO: Move!

Host Centurion says:
::thinks:: SO: Pity... ::fires the disruptor into the Science Officer's abdomen::

FCO_Terman says:
::looks around and wonders 'who or what’s there'?::

XO_Storal says:
::dives to the side::

CIV_Torsian says:
@MO: Very well, I'll be in touch. ::walks out of Sickbay and into a TL:: TL: Brig.

XO_Storal says:
*CO*: Hold on a minute, sir. Something’s up…

SO_Bern says:
::lets out a moan and crumples to his knees::

FCO_Terman says:
::wonders what he means, but decides to do what the good Ensign says::

CEO_Yeung says:
CNS: Let's go counselor. ::heads down the left path of the fork::

SO_Bern says:
::collapses onto his stomach, his face buried in the dirt::

Host CO_Linard says:
::hears something over her combadge and looks to the CEO and CNS:: CEO/CNS: What was that?

MO_Powers says:
@::starts on some 'paperwork' and leaves Dorchel with his broken rib on the biobed::

XO_Storal says:
::flicks on the light on his phaser rifle and begins to scan the area::

CNS_Lux says:
::looks relieved and follows the CEO:: CO: We are going to try to locate the others.  There are 4 of us still missing...

EO_Tana says:
::stands half-naked and muddy, wondering what's happening now::

CEO_Yeung says:
CO: Sounds like an energy discharge … of some kind.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: As the tinkling of metal against metal continues to approach, a light can be seen approaching Commander Storal's position. Its blazes a path before its bearer who eventually comes out into the same chamber they are in. It is a small, old, shriveled man bearing much of his weight on a cane and using all his strength to hold up the lamp.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::walks off the turbolift and heads towards the brig:: *Denson*: Acknowledged, good work. ::walks into the brig:: Johnson: Status?

FCO_Terman says:
::wonders who the old man is::

XO_Storal says:
Old Man: Who are you?

CEO_Yeung says:
::moves down the corridor, looking for Bern and Tana::

XO_Storal says:
::lowers his phaser a bit to seem less threatening::

CNS_Lux says:
::follows the CEO, phaser in hand::

Host Old Man says:
::chuckles hoarsely:: XO: No one's asked me that in a long time ... but I might ask you the same. Then, of course, I already know who you are ... Imzadi of Kathleen.

PFC_Johnson says:
@::stands up from his chair:: CIV: Prisoners are secure. They look like they can sleep a long time. We checked them for weapons and communications devices, confiscated whatever seemed like either and placed it all in stasis containers with dampening and force fields.

MO_Powers says:
@::leans back in his chair and starts humming to himself::

EO_Tana says:
::shivers, only halfway from his soaked clothes as he approaches, too afraid of *not* knowing what's going on than knowing more::

XO_Storal says:
::feels his stomach drop:: Old Man: How…?

CNS_Lux says:
::whispers:: CEO: You know where you’re going?

CEO_Yeung says:
::holds his phaser before:: CNS: Um, not really. Can you pick anyone up on the tricorder?

Host CO_Linard says:
::heads off down the right tunnel in search of the XO and FCO::

Host Old Man says:
::smiles an old smile and reaches up to pat Storal on the shoulder:: XO: So many questions ... that's the scientist in you. But then if I told you it was magic, you wouldn't really believe it would you. ::glances towards Terman and walks towards him::

CNS_Lux says:
::pauses for a moment as she scans the area::  CEO: They are to our left. Take the first left tunnel you see...

CIV_Torsian says:
@Johnson: Good work, you'll make a fine officer one day, as you were. ::walks out of the brig and onto a turbolift:: TL: Bridge.

FCO_Terman says:
::has a feeling that there's more to this old man than meets the eye::

XO_Storal says:
Old Man: Well sir, the unknown defines our existence.

CEO_Yeung says:
::nods to Lux, and heads down the direction indicated::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Yeung arrives in the pool chamber to find the collapsed and stunned form of Bern lying on the ground.

CNS_Lux says:
::gets down quickly at seeing Bern's on the ground and checks for his pulse::  CEO: He's still alive.

Host CO_Linard says:
::feels along the walls of the tunnel as she goes along, uses her tricorder to get an idea of where she's going::

CEO_Yeung says:
::looks around the chamber warily:: CNS: Good...

Host Old Man says:
::smiles a fatherly smile at Terman:: FCO: Hello Jordan ... it's been a long time. ::reaches up and rubs the FCO's hair:: FCO: The headaches still bothering you?

CEO_Yeung says:
*CO*: Captain, can you hear me? We've found Lieutenant Bern … he’s unconscious.

CEO_Yeung says:
CNS: Can you see any sign of injury on him?

XO_Storal says:
::taps his combadge still with a look of amazement on his face:: *CO*: We are all right. We have company though, and he seems to know more about us than we know about him.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::steps off of the turbolift and onto the bridge walking toward the science officer on duty:: Crewman: Sevlar, scan for any Cardassian vessels in the neighborhood, make sure you check long range sensors as well, and if nothing turns up, look for heat, the heat that a ship may generate if it is cloaked, should they be cloaked.

Host CO_Linard says:
*CEO*: I hear you, Jon. Is he all right?

Host EO_Tana says:
::looks at the old man in confusion::

FCO_Terman says:
::tries to place the old man's face:: Old Man: They aren't too bad, but they are there.

CEO_Yeung says:
*CO*: He's alive. We're checking for injuries now.

SO_Sevlar says:
CIV: Yes sir.

Host CO_Linard says:
*XO*: Oh? Who is he?

Host Old Man says:
::smiles and chuckles again patting Terman's shoulder:: FCO: You can't lie to me, Jordan ... I know about the trouble you're having keeping it all in. I know more about you then even you know...

Host Old Man says:
::glances at Storal as he hears Kathleen's voice ... gives a wave of his hand and suddenly the communiqué is cut off in mid-sentence:: XO: We don't want any interruptions, now do we.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::walks over to the Tactical officer:: TO: Bring the ship to yellow alert as soon as the Science Officer finds anything, even if he doesn't, maintain some form of battle readiness.

CNS_Lux says:
::shakes her head:: CEO: No, sir. Just unconscious. We should have him beamed back to the ship as well...

FCO_Terman says:
::feels like he should recognize the old man and is angry with himself that he doesn't, who is he::

SEC_Jabe says:
CIV: Yes sir.

Host CO_Linard says:
*CEO*: Good, get him beamed back to the ship and join me down the right tunnel.

XO_Storal says:
Old Man: Who are you? ::feels his temper beginning to rise::

Host Old Man says:
::glances in Tana's direction:: XO: In time ... in time ...

Host CO_Linard says:
::hears her communiqué to the XO go out:: *XO*: Commander? Commander Storal, respond. ::hears nothing:: Self: What the...?

XO_Storal says:
::tries using his tricorder to scan the old man::

CEO_Yeung says:
*Apache*: Lock on to Lieutenant Bern's signal and beam him to sickbay, please.

CIV_Torsian says:
@::walks over to the command chair and stands next to it placing a hand on the Lieutenant standing up and pushing back into his seat:: V’Taran: You're on duty here, Make sure that your crew follows orders. ::walks over to the OPS station and nods to the OPS Officer on duty to open a channel to the CEO::

Host Old Man says:
::hobbles over towards Tana:: EO: And you ... Kavli, is it? You I don't know. Or, more correctly, I didn't know you until those serpents bit you. ::places his hand on one of the points where the snakes bit him:: EO: Now I know you better than your own parents.

CNS_Lux says:
::looks at her tricorder from her quick scan of Lieutenant Bern::  CEO: Uh ... Commander?

CEO_Yeung says:
CNS: Yes Counselor?

CIV_Torsian says:
@*CEO*: Immediately Commander. :: watches as the OPS Officer on duty signals the transporter chief to beam the Ensign aboard::

CNS_Lux says:
CEO: A Romulan disruptor stunned him. ::frowns:: Self: Romulans? Here? Man, oh man.

EO_Tana says:
::wants to pull his hand away from him but can't:: Old man: You know...?

XO_Storal says:
Old Man: Sir, we don’t have time for this, we are on a mission of utmost importance.

CEO_Yeung says:
CNS: Romulans!? ::looks around the chamber again::

CNS_Lux says:
CEO: I think we should go to the right tunnel, and meet up with the others.

Host Old Man says:
::grips Tana's arm with a surprising firmness:: EO: You must seize the time you have, Tana ... for it will be over all too soon. You never know where life might take you ... or your mates.

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Bern dematerializes, only to rematerialize on a biobed in sickbay.

Host CO_Linard says:
*CEO/CNS*: Commander? Do you read me?

CEO_Yeung says:
*CO*: Captain, it seems that a Romulan disruptor struck Lieutenant Bern … please use caution.

FCO_Terman says:
::notices the reference to the snakes Tana mentioned ... thinks; Khrysaros maybe?::

Host Jafo says:
ACTION: Linard and her team arrive at the cave in that originally separated Alpha team.

CEO_Yeung says:
::nods to Lux:: CNS: Come on, let's catch up with the Captain.

CNS_Lux says:
*CO*: Aye sir.  ::looks over at the CEO::  We're on our way, Captain.

Host CO_Linard says:
*CEO/CNS*: Romulans eh? This just keeps getting better doesn't it?

EO_Tana says:
::even more confused:: Old Man: I don't ... I don't have any mates.

CNS_Lux says:
*CO*: Wonderful, sir.  ::slight sarcasm in her voice::

MO_Powers says:
@::rushes to SO Bern and runs a scan to determine the problem::

Host CO_Linard says:
*CEO/CNS*: I've lost contact with Commander Storal; I'm getting worried.

CIV_Torsian says:
@*MO*: Take care of our crewmate. ::walks over to the chair next to the command chair and sits taking a status report:: *Transporter Chief*: Maintain lock on every member of the away team, beam them back at the first sign of trouble.

Host Old Man says:
::turns to the group, the oldness evident in his sagging skin and sagging frame, leans heavily on his cane and breathes in and out with a bit of a wheeze:: All: Stop! He who would hold the Staff of Khrysaros must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he ever see. If you are able to answer these questions then everything to you I will explain.

CEO_Yeung says:
::reaches the Captain:: CO: Any sign of them, Captain?

MO_Powers says:
@CIV: Thanks for the heads up. ::shakes his head and continues scanning::

SO_Bern says:
@::disheveled, now lying face up, exposing the large disruptor burn on his stomach::

XO_Storal says:
Old Man: Do we have a choice?

Host CO_Linard says:
CEO/CNS: Not yet ... but I can sense them.

CIV_Torsian says:
@*MO*: My apologies Doctor, I have other things to take care of.

Host Old Man says:
::almost looks surprised by the question, but isn't:: XO: Choose ... or choose not. Ask, or ask not. You must choose, but choose wisely.

MO_Powers says:
@::cuts the top of the Science Officer’s uniform off and repairs the damage done by the disruptor::

XO_Storal says:
::places his phaser on the ground:: Old Man: Ask away, sir.

CNS_Lux says:
CO: Nothing like following your nose, eh Captain?

EO_Tana says:
::glares at Storal, ‘sure get me into this too’::

Host Old Man says:
::smiles at the scientist:: XO: What is your name...?

Host CO_Linard says:
CNS: I wish Counselor ... unfortunately, telepathy isn't a compass.

FCO_Terman says:
::gives an acid glance at Tana that blares, ‘do not complain’::

XO_Storal says:
Old Man: Storal Moneo Kylorean.

CEO_Yeung says:
::looks unsure:: CO: So ... what now?

Host Old Man says:
::turns to Tana and smiles a gentle smile at him:: EO: What is your quest?

CNS_Lux says:
CO: Are they close?

EO_Tana says:
::blinks:: Old Man: We're here to find the Staff of Khrysaros.

Host CO_Linard says:
::looks at her tricorder:: CEO/CNS: Not close enough…

Host Old Man says:
::smiles at Tana and turns to Terman:: FCO: And your question, my child ... who am I?

CIV_Torsian says:
@*Bern*: Corporal, prep two Kaneda fighters with Guller, Mackerby, Carver and yourself.  Just in case. ::picks up a PADD and begins to review the scans by the science officer::

FCO_Terman says:
::relatively sure:: Old Man: You are Khrysaros.

Host Old Man says:
::leaning on his wooden cane he smiles proudly at Terman and bows deeply in greeting::

Host Jafo says:
<<<<<<<<<< End Mission Week #9 >>>>>>>>>>