USS Apache
Mission #205
10402.06
"Lost & Found"

Prologue: The surviving crew of the Apache have found themselves on a wild world, seemingly some time in their past, with no idea how far back they are or if they have any hope of rescue. Their sole concern is staying alive.

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XO_Naegle says:
@::in the field with the rest of the survey team::

CSO_Marsland says:
@::following the XO, trying to figure out what planet they're on::

CMO_Powers says:
@::with the survey team::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@::on point with the survey team ::

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::is in the field with the survey team working on a piece of equipment::

Host CO_Storal says:
*CEO/CNS*: We will be leaving in five minutes to set up the emergency beacon. Gather your equipment and report.

FCO_Ilianor says:
@::follows the XO with his phaser raised, still a little dazed from the previous encounter::

CNS_Solaa says:
*CO*: Aye, sir.

XO_Naegle says:
@CMO/CSO: Hey you two. I have an assignment for you.

CMO_Powers says:
@XO: Yes sir?

CEO_Royale says:
*CO*: Aye sir.  :: gathers personal effects, tools, and tricorder ::

CSO_Marsland says:
@::takes a look at his tricorder readings, and looks up when he hears the XO:: XO: Yes Commander, what is it?

CNS_Solaa says:
::gathers a hand phaser and tricorder and meets the Captain::

XO_Naegle says:
@CMO/CSO: I want you to take tricorder readings of the dead bear and analyze them.  See what you can find out.

Host CO_Storal says:
::puts on his backpack and grabs a hand phaser, while placing it in its holster he taps his combadge:: *XO*: Storal to Commander Naegle...

CMO_Powers says:
@XO: Two of us sir? Is that necessary?

XO_Naegle says:
@*CO*: Naegle here, go ahead, Captain.

XO_Naegle says:
@CMO: I have my reasons for someone being with you at all times, Doctor.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::claps the CMO on the back:: CMO: Afraid of a little company Doc?

ACTION: The scout team hear rustling in the trees, and lots of low whistle-like sounds.

CMO_Powers says:
@XO: And what, may I ask, would that be sir?

Host CO_Storal says:
*XO*: We are leaving to set out the emergency beacon. There is a mountain range about a dozen kilometers west of here. We will be setting it up there. Keep to the check in schedule.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::draws his phaser, turning towards the noise, and waves his tricorder in that direction, scanning to see what it is::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@::looks in the direction of the rustling and draws his phaser :: XO: I think we have more company commander

XO_Naegle says:
@CMO: From what you said when we first saw the deer. You cannot be trusted not to harm wildlife.

FCO_Ilianor says:
@::spins around in response to the rustling, his eyes widening as everyone hears whistling... :: CSO: Great...

CMO_Powers says:
@CSO: Not at all Lt. I could do with someone to do all the work for me.

XO_Naegle says:
@CMO/CTO: Carry out your orders, gentlemen, but stay low.

XO_Naegle says:
@FCO/CTO/EO: Let's find a place to hide again.

CNS_Solaa says:
::fiddles with the tricorder and looks toward the mountains::

CSO_Marsland says:
@::looks down at his tricorder to see what it picks up::

ACTION: The rustling and whistles seem to come from all directions now, building in volume.

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::nods and finds cover for them quickly::

XO_Naegle says:
@*CO*: Aye, Captain, we'll check in as usual.

CMO_Powers says:
@XO: With all due respect sir, I believe that it is a mistake not to hunt the wildlife. Our rations are not exactly meals and not exactly nice. It is my medical opinion that we need to suppliment the ration packs with meat, sir.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@::ducks behind a tree and stands ready for a fight::

Host CO_Storal says:
::walks to the center of the encampment and waits for his officers::

XO_Naegle says:
@::takes cover::

FCO_Ilianor says:
@XO: We may not have that option. ::turns around slowly as he hears the sounds approaching all around:: XO: I think we're surrounded...

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@:: motions to the XO and rest to follow::

CEO_Royale says:
:: adjusts hand phaser to heavy stun and re-holsters her weapon. Then walks over to CO Storal::

CNS_Solaa says:
::follows Ens. Royale::

XO_Naegle says:
@CMO: Doctor Powers, this topic is not open for discussion. You're not to hunt the wildlife! Understood?

CEO_Royale says:
CO: Ready Sir.

CMO_Powers says:
@::picks up a handful of stones::

CNS_Solaa says:
CO: How far, sir?

CSO_Marsland says:
@::keeps his phaser out and begins to creep over towards the bear, intending to get a sample:: CMO: Are you going to argue or help me Doctor?

XO_Naegle says:
@::Follows the EO:: EO: Have you found suitable cover for us?

ACTION: The noise of the whistles grows to a terribly high pitch, deafening and painful to hear.

CMO_Powers says:
@XO: I must protest on medical grounds. Pleases note that in your report, sir.

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@XO: Yes sir over here. ::points to a spot and then grabs her ears as the high pitch increases::

Host CO_Storal says:
CEO/CNS: It should take us a couple of hours to reach the summit. Ens. Royale, once we reach the summit I want you to calibrate the beacon and activate it.

XO_Naegle says:
@::holds hands over ears:: All: ARGH!  Someone find out what that is! CMO: Noted, now carry out your orders.

CEO_Royale says:
CO: Not a problem. :: makes sure canteen is full ::

CNS_Solaa says:
CO: Aye, sir. Shall we get started? Or are we waiting for others?

CMO_Powers says:
@XO: Aye sir. ::throws the stones away and heads back to where the bear was::

CSO_Marsland says:
@ALL: That's it! ::walks straight at the nearest contact on his tricorder with his phaser drawn, intending to see what's making the noise::

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::head is spinning with the pain in her temples:: All: Arggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh my........ears..........head........spinning...........

Host CO_Storal says:
CNS: No we're all set. Let's get going.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@:: comes out from behind cover and goes to see what it going on::

Host CO_Storal says:
::begins walking to the mountain range::

XO_Naegle says:
@EO: T'Lar? Are you all right?

FCO_Ilianor says:
@::quickly moves over to the spot that the EO has pointed out, as he tries in vain to ignore the piercingly loud sounds...::

CNS_Solaa says:
::follows and scans as she goes::

CMO_Powers says:
@::places some ear plugs that he had handy in his ears and continues with his orders::

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@XO: Nooooo....the pitch is.....too...high!!

ACTION: The noise abruptly stops, leaving the valley deathly quiet. The tricorder picks up no movement, but signifies they're surrounded.

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::as the piercing stops suddenly her head begins to clear::

XO_Naegle says:
@::walks over to the EO:: EO: It's okay, it's stopped. Are you okay now?

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@XO: What the blazes was that high pitch whine??? ::shakes head::

CEO_Royale says:
CNS: This rock is full of life forms all of a sudden. When we first landed all there was were wolves. I wonder why we didn't detect the other lifeforms before..

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@::decides to climb the nearest tree and get a better look around :: XO: You take the low road and I will take the high road :: points at the tree and smiles ::

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@XO: Yes for the moment but have a powerful headache.

CNS_Solaa says:
CEO: Hmm... spontaneous generation, or what?

XO_Naegle says:
@EO: I have no idea. FCO: Lieutenant, do you have any readings?

CSO_Marsland says:
@::keeps trudging toward the nearest contact with his phaser at the ready:: ALL: Whatever you are, come out NOW! ::screams at the top of his lungs::

CMO_Powers says:
@CSO: Stop chasing shadows Lt. and scan the bear.

CEO_Royale says:
:: with sarcasm:: CNS: That's encouraging...

XO_Naegle says:
@CTO: Be careful, Joshua.

Host CO_Storal says:
CEO: So Mr. Royale. Tell me about yourself. It's a long trip, so we might as well get aquainted. ::grins::

CNS_Solaa says:
::laughs:: CEO/CO: Well, at least its a nice day for a hike!

XO_Naegle says:
@::walks away from the EO reluctantly, with her tricorder out.

FCO_Ilianor says:
@XO: No better than the ones everyone else has picked up. I tried to sense them out, but wasn't able to get anything... at least I don't think they're sentient lifeforms... 
but whatever they are, they've got us completely surrounded...

ACTION: A small creature, looking something like a cross between a monkey and a squirrel, drops out of the tree canopy, swinging by its tail and watching the scouts with large eyes. Similar eyes can be seen blinking in the shadows of the leaves around them.

CEO_Royale says:
CO: What would you like to know about in particular  Sir?

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@XO: Of course ma'am, this is the last clean shirt I have :: starts climbing tree::

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::gets up off her knees and follows the XO and the rest of the team::

Host CO_Storal says:
::steps over a small rock in the trail:: CEO: Wherever you would like to begin.

CEO_Royale says:
CNS: Got you're notebook handy ?

XO_Naegle says:
@::sees the creature::

CEO_Royale says:
::chuckles::

CSO_Marsland says:
@::sees the creature, and aims his phaser at it::

CNS_Solaa says:
::smiles:: CEO: Pre-evaluation.

XO_Naegle says:
@EO: Scan that creature if you can.

Host CO_Storal says:
::glances over to the CNS:: CNS: You're next ::grins::

CNS_Solaa says:
CO: Or you, sir.

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::nods at the XO and pulls out her tricorder and scanns the animal::

CMO_Powers says:
@CSO: Either shoot it Lt. or get back to what you are supposed to be doing.

XO_Naegle says:
@All: Phasers on light stun for now people and only use it when necessary.

CNS_Solaa says:
CEO: Name, rank, age, serial number... mother's maiden name... that's a start!

CTO_Grey-feather says:
:: squats on a branch and looks at the creature, slowly draws his phaser ::

ACTION: The monkey-squirrel drops soundlessly to the ground and like rain a dozen others fall to the ground behind him, moving cautiously but quickly around the scout team but toward the fallen bear.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::mutters obscenities to himself about drunken doctors before turning and scanning the bear, to see if anything is different about it than the flora::

XO_Naegle says:
@CSO/CMO: The creature is moving toward you both, but don't shoot it.

CEO_Royale says:
CO: Ok. I was born on the Galaxy class ship the USS Liverpool and I was a bit of a Tom-boy and liked tools and fixing things. I was tested and at an early age I was proven to have a natural affinity for mechanics.

ACTION: A cool breeze ambles past the base party, rustling their hair and tugging at loose clothing as they make their way toward the mountains.

CMO_Powers says:
@XO: When they are finished with the bear I doubt there will be anything left to scan sir.

CNS_Solaa says:
::sighs at the breeze knowing it feels nice::

XO_Naegle says:
@CMO: Noted, just get what you can, Doctor.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@:: draws a bead on the critter closest to the commander::

CSO_Marsland says:
@::looks down at his tricorder to see the results::

CEO_Royale says:
CO: Still got a thing for mechanics  :: winks ::  And when I'm not keeping things from falling apart I enjoy coffee and working out...

XO_Naegle says:
@CTO: What are you doing, Ensign?

CMO_Powers says:
@::gets out a tricorder and tries to scan the bear::

Host CO_Storal says:
::pushes a branch from a tree out of the way so that they can continue:: CEO: Ahh there is nothing like a good cup of coffee. ::chuckles::

CNS_Solaa says:
CEO: Any sports you play, Ensign?

ACTION: The lead monkey-squirrel climbs up on the bear cautiously, peeking inside the massive animal's ear, before nibbling at the soft flesh, drawing blood and skipping quickly back. Apparently satisfied, it releases a high-pitched squeak and the rest of its gang start to consume the bear.

FCO_Ilianor says:
@CMO: Suddenly I don't feel very comfortable anymore... XO: Orders, sir? ::watches as all the monkey-squirrels appear to feast...::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@XO: Just making sure our friends aren't here to make a buffet out of us

CEO_Royale says:
::sniffs the newly acquired breeze ::

CMO_Powers says:
@CSO: Damn scavengers.

XO_Naegle says:
@CTO: All right. Just checking.

ACTION: The scout team finds them quickly surrounded in a sea of gray-brown bodies rushing towards the bear carcass.

CMO_Powers says:
@FCO: I don't suggest getting bitten. I don't have anything for rabies with me.

CNS_Solaa says:
CEO: Do you play any sports, Ensign?

CEO_Royale says:
CNS: Keeping things together usually keeps me busy  but I enjoy practicing Tai Chi.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::turns, apparently satisfied, and looks at the XO:: XO: Sir, I've completed my scans. Nothing different from the flora. Whoa! ::tries to think thin as all the little creatures bum rush the bear::

FCO_Ilianor says:
@CTO: There are an awful lot of them, and it seems to me that there is very little bear relative to the number of monkeys around...

CEO_Royale says:
CNS: Keeps me trim..

CMO_Powers says:
@XO: I wonder if fire would scare them off sir.

CNS_Solaa says:
CEO: Ah, a great art form. What about you captain?

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@ XO: Commander you might want to get some distance, does the term feeding frenzy sound familiar

XO_Naegle says:
@CSO: Acknowledged, Lieutenant.

CEO_Royale says:
CNS: No, no, no. You're next, Counselor...

Host CO_Storal says:
::laughs:: CNS: What about me?

Host CO_Storal says:
CNS: I agree..That's an order. ::grins::

XO_Naegle says:
@CTO: Good idea, I don't think we'll find out anything more.

ACTION: Off in the distance, an ungulate something like a mountain goat spots the base party and bolts, leaving behind nothing but a memory and a scattering of small chips of stone cracking and chipping down the side of the mountain in its passing.

CSO_Marsland says:
@XO: I reccommend moving on. I don't think that we'll find anything else. ::turns to the rest of the group: ALL: Be on the lookout for anything that could prove we're in an alternate timeline.

XO_Naegle says:
@*CO*: Naegle to Captain Storal, come in please.

CNS_Solaa says:
CO/CEO: Ah, alright. ::laughs:: I'm quite boring actually. Grew up on Trill, played with computers extensivly... I was also a bit of a tom-boy.

XO_Naegle says:
@CSO: Agreed.  Let's move on.

Host CO_Storal says:
::sees the goat dart off:: All: Well be on alert. We know of predatory beasts down in the flatlands. But there will most likely some up here.

FCO_Ilianor says:
@CSO: But do we know that we're even on Earth...?

CNS_Solaa says:
::scans the area more, finding the fleeting goat momentarily::

ACTION: One of the smaller monkey-squirrels leaps up on the CMO's shoulder, looking at him curiously.

Host CO_Storal says:
CNS: You didn't want to be joined? ::continues walking up the trail::

CEO_Royale says:
Self:  knowing this place the goat is the predator..

CMO_Powers says:
@::knocks it off distainfully::

ACTION: The XO gets nothing but static on her comm.

CNS_Solaa says:
CO: Oh, no. My older sister was. My parents are on the Commission and I was sick of all the hoopla of it.

XO_Naegle says:
@*CO*: Captain? Come in please?

CSO_Marsland says:
@::turns to the FCO:: FCO: Probably not, but we still landed on a planet that wasn't on our star charts as having been in the area of the Neutral Zone. We may be able to find something that could prove an alternate timeline.

CMO_Powers says:
@Monkey: Back off.

Host CO_Storal says:
CNS: I can understand that. I admire that actually. Everyone deserves to be thier own person.

ACTION: Turning, the CSO hears a small crack and feels something spongey under his foot.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::stands next to the XO, waiting for her to finish contacting the Captain::

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::looks at the XO with concern for the Captain:: XO: Sir??

XO_Naegle says:
@ALL: Okay, I believe we are out of contact with the Captain's team.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
::jumps to the ground and lands quietly from years of practice tracking animals ::

CSO_Marsland says:
@::looks down at the squish:: Self: What the...?!?

CNS_Solaa says:
CO: That's what I say.

CEO_Royale says:
Self: Please be mud...

XO_Naegle says:
@EO: He did say he was going to a mountain peak.  So we won't worry.

ACTION: Under the CSO's foot is a young monkey-squirrel, barely a hand span long, dead, it's spine and neck crushed. The rest of the troop goes quiet again, the leader standing on it's hind legs, looking first from the baby to Marsland and back again.

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::nods at the XO::

CMO_Powers says:
@CSO: I don't think they liked that.

Host CO_Storal says:
CNS: Were your parents disapointed?

FCO_Ilianor says:
@::looks down at the CSO's foot:: CSO: Oh My God.... you killed it...

XO_Naegle says:
@All: Okay, let's all calm down! And watch where we're walking. We don't want any more deaths.

CNS_Solaa says:
CO: No, not really. We didn't really get along, still don't. They had one daughter to be joined, so that was enough for them.

@ ACTION: The monkey-squirrel that Powers knocked off his shoulder bounds quietly over to the baby and cradles it, crooning to it and pushing it to wake up but it doesn't move.  The leader crawls off the bear, muzzle dripping with the bear's blood.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::removes his foot from the little being and looks up at the leader of the monkey clan::

Host CO_Storal says:
CNS: When was the last time you were in contact with your parents?

CMO_Powers says:
@All: This doesn't look good. Does anyone have a spare phaser I could have?

CSO_Marsland says:
@::kneels next to the little monkey he stepped on and begins to scan it, to see if it is truely dead::

XO_Naegle says:
@All: Phasers ready to defend yourselves only.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@::walks up to the XO:: XO: This might get ugly :: readies his phaser ::

CNS_Solaa says:
CO: Hmm... I've lost track, really. Four or five years I'd say. They didn't approve of me joining Starfleet.

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::resets her phaser to a low setting::

FCO_Ilianor says:
@XO: We *must* leave as soon as possible... this does not look good... ::raises his phaser:: We cannot kill an entire community of these animals, they'll overtake... us... ::wets his lips as he keeps his phaser up, moving from target to target slowly...::

CMO_Powers says:
@::points to Tom:: Monkey leader: He did it. He's the one you want.

Host CO_Storal says:
CNS: Have you tried to reconsile with them?

XO_Naegle says:
@CTO: It might at that.

Host CO_Storal says:
::laughs:: All: Now I'm being the counselor.

CEO_Royale says:
CNS: Are your parents joined Trill?

XO_Naegle says:
@FCO: I'm inclined to agree. All: Let's head back to camp for now, people.

CMO_Powers says:
@CTO: I'm sure you must have a spare phaser ensign.

CNS_Solaa says:
CO: No, they've probably forgotten all about me! ::laughs:: Hey, that's MY job!

CNS_Solaa says:
CEO: Ironically, no.

ACTION: The leader monkey-squirrel does the same test with the baby, unable to wake it and sniffs Marsland's shoe, then looks up at him, mouth 
open, saliva dripping from its small fangs

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@CMO: No sir, just a knife. Traveling light.

CMO_Powers says:
@CSO: Back off Lieutenant.

XO_Naegle says:
@CSO: Back away, Lieutenant.

CMO_Powers says:
@CTO: I guess I could always cure their hangovers.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::picks up the small creature and holds it in his open palm to the leader, trying to look sorry::

CNS_Solaa says:
CEO: Only about a third of the population can be joined, but all good Trill parents want their kids to be joined.

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::follows the XO's lead and backs up some::

ACTION: Closing its mouth again, the leader makes an abrupt bark and the rest of the troop drops out of the trees and swarms, the rest fleeing the bear's carcass which is now nothing but bloody bones. They turn instead on the scout team, biting and ripping and stealing anything that isn't laser 
welded down.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::sets his phaser on wide stun, points at the leader and fires::

CEO_Royale says:
CNS: Especially those that weren't joined themselves. I take it

XO_Naegle says:
@::begins running:: All: Run!

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::turns and takes flight with the XO::

CMO_Powers says:
@::Sees the XO is leading the retreat and follows::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@:: begins firing phaser as he runs...supression fire :: All: Time to go folks nothing else to see here!

XO_Naegle says:
@CSO: What are you doing, Tom?

CNS_Solaa says:
CEO: Oh, of course!

Host CO_Storal says:
CNS: I don't mean to seem rude or dense, but from what you say it seems like being joined is more of a status symbol.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::turns and runs, firing multiple times into the swarm of monkeys on wide stun::

ACTION: With evening, thickening clouds draw long gray lines across the sky like some giant tiger's claw marks.

CNS_Solaa says:
CO: It really is. Sure there are pluses to being joined... more knowledge and you are respected... but the idea was never to my liking.

FCO_Ilianor says:
@::runs in the opposite direction, but turns back as he sees the XO turning around to shout at the CSO:: CSO: Tom, they'll kill you!

XO_Naegle says:
@All: Cease firing!

CEO_Royale says:
CO/CNS: Ahh, just tell them you don't need additives to be somebody.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::hearing the XO, he stops  firing as he continues to run::

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::since her phaser is still in its holster, she is able to use both her arms for defense::

CNS_Solaa says:
CEO: You are absolutely right, Ensign.

CMO_Powers says:
@::grabs any on him and throws them at the rest::

CNS_Solaa says:
::looks up at the sky an notices the clouds::

XO_Naegle says:
@::runs as she's trying to control her team and get these creatures off of her::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@:: thrashes around, throwing monkeys to the ground.  Trying to get the monkey off his back::

Host CO_Storal says:
::looks up at the sky:: All: It looks like we might be in for some weather. Better put on your ponchos ::stops and opens his backpack::

CEO_Royale says:
CNS: Your bill is in the mail..  ::snickers::

ACTION: A light, but very cold drizzle starts

Host CO_Storal says:
::laughs at the CEO's comments::

CNS_Solaa says:
CO/CEO: So, any strange idiosyncracies in Bajoran and Bolian culture?

CMO_Powers says:
@::curses under his breath at the weather::

CSO_Marsland says:
@:: runs, thrashing from side to side as he goes, heading towards base camp::

XO_Naegle says:
@::throws off monkeys as she's running::

ACTION: The monkey-squirrels pursue the scout team relentlessly, whistling and howling, tearing apart their uniforms and stealing their food and 
equipment, leaving bloody scratches and toothmarks behind.

CNS_Solaa says:
::forgot her poncho and is paying the price::

Host CO_Storal says:
::puts on his poncho:: All: It may turn to snow. We are going up quite a bit.

XO_Naegle says:
@::suddenly turns around and backhands the monkeys that are swarming and biting her::

CEO_Royale says:
CO: Sir, the counselor has subconciously decided to embrace nature. Or in layman's terms she forgot her Poncho. Suggest we erect a shelter.

FCO_Ilianor says:
@::screams, as monkeys claw his back, as he's trying to escape the mass... but run to where?::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@:: drops and does a forward roll comming up on his feet and running again  Squishing as many of the critters as he can ::

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::still beating monkeys off her she moves towards the XO in an effort to help her as well::

CNS_Solaa says:
CEO: No need. I'm fine. Rain won't hurt, I won't melt.

ACTION: The monkey squirrels chase the scout team through the valley as they run for their lives, breaking out of the decidious forest and in to a 
beautiful marshland dotted with clear springs and sandy beaches.

CMO_Powers says:
@::picks up a dry stick as he runs and attempts to light it::

Host CO_Storal says:
CEO: I think your right. ::looks around and takes out a tricorder to scan for any cave or other suitable cover::

XO_Naegle says:
@All: We can't out run them. So fight them as best you can.

Host CO_Storal says:
CNS: I don't think travelling at night is a good idea. Especially with the weather. The footing isn't going to be great.

CSO_Marsland says:
@Self: Let's see if these things can swim. ::runs onto a beach and dives headfirst into the nearest small body of water, attempting to hold the squirrel-monkeys on him 
under water::

CNS_Solaa says:
::nods head in agreement:

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@::turns back and pulls his bowie knife. Begins shooting and slashing everything with fur within his reach. ::

XO_Naegle says:
@All: Try what Tom's doing and see if it works.

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::wishes she had packed her little toy::  Self: My little toy would have worked real great in this situation.  Blasted!!

CMO_Powers says:
@::manages to light the big stick and swings it at the monkeys in the hope they'd run off::

ACTION: The scout team's escape course seems assured as they break in to the marshland, skipping past springs that slow the monkey-squirrels down, until they plow headfirst in to quicksand, their legs buckling under them as the heavier sand sucks at them.

FCO_Ilianor says:
@::falls to the ground as more monkeys climb on him, but he pushes himself off as hurries to the water::

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::watches Tom and does the same::

ACTION: The CNS feels something cold and slimey inside her uniform, crawling up her leg.

XO_Naegle says:
@::starts sinking into quicksand::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@::still shooting and slicing monkeys ::

CNS_Solaa says:
::feels something on her leg and her eyes widen in surprise:: CO/CEO: Oh, no... something is ON me!

XO_Naegle says:
@::thinking out loud:: All: this is not good!

Host CO_Storal says:
::looks at the CNS::CNS: What is it?

XO_Naegle says:
@CSO: Tom, can you help us?

CMO_Powers says:
@::carries out the quicksand drill he learned on trill::

CSO_Marsland says:
@::runs back to the edge of the forest, firing at monkeys as he does, and grabs a large branch, heading slowly over to the XO::

CNS_Solaa says:
::is trying to stay calm and still:: CO: Something... something on-on my leg....

ACTION: The CNS' scream echoes along the granite mountains, stirring sleeping birds into the sky and another bolt of mountain goats leaving behind another rain of small stones.

Host CO_Storal says:
CEO: I think we are going to have to make our shelter out here, Ensign. Start gathering wood.

CEO_Royale says:
:: Pulls out a knife, walkks over to the CNS:: CNS: Hold still, I'm gonna hafta make a slit in your uniform..

Host CO_Storal says:
::kneels down by her leg:: CEO: Hurry!

CSO_Marsland says:
@::finds the edge of the quicksand and holds out the branch:: XO: Here! Grab on!!!!

CNS_Solaa says:
::snatches knife from CEO:: CEO: I can do it!

ACTION: The small thing starts to gnaw on the CNS' leg.

FCO_Ilianor says:
@::tries to remain as still as he can, spreading his limbs wide, as the CSO runs off, bringing back a branch for the XO:: Team: Well. It's been a pleasure knowing you.

CNS_Solaa says:
::slices her pant's leg with one swipe and stabs at the thing::

XO_Naegle says:
@::grabs the branch:: CSO: Hurry, Tom we need to get the rest of the team out.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@:: still slicing and dicing trying to keep the little monkeys away from the rest of the party ::

CSO_Marsland says:
@::delicately pulls the branch, trying to get ahold of the XO's hand to get her out::

ACTION: The CSO hears a crashing sound behind him, and he and the Scout team see another of the bears break out of the trees in to the marshland, bigger and differently colored. Apparently the other bear's mate.

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::does not move at all and knows that anymovement will only make her sink more rapidly::

CEO_Royale says:
:: grabs the slug and squeezes it in her fist::  Self: Stinkin' leeches !!

CNS_Solaa says:
::winces in pain::

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::patiently waits for her rescue::

ACTION: The small creature comes off, but the rain of pebbles is growing and a good size rock rolls past, crashing as it goes, bringing soil and even more and larger rocks with it.

XO_Naegle says:
@::reaches for Tom's hand::

Host CO_Storal says:
::grabs an antiseptic wipe and hands it to the CNS:: CNS: You may want to clean that up.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::grabs the XO and leans back, pulling up with all his might::

Host CO_Storal says:
All: Take cover ::points to a large tree:: Over there!

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@::sees the bear and starts firing at him on full setting:: Himself:  Just bring it.

ACTION: The CSO can hear the big bear's breathing, smell it's fetid breath as it approaches.

CMO_Powers says:
@Self: Collect some plant samples, scan the bear when was i ordered to sink in quicksand?

CNS_Solaa says:
CO: Good idea. ::cleans up the rather large wound on her theigh::

CEO_Royale says:
Self: That's doctor's for ya.  Never around when ya need 'em..

CSO_Marsland says:
@::falls back as the XO comes free:: XO: Keep me covered. I'll get the rest of them.

XO_Naegle says:
@::feels herself coming out of the quicksand:: CSO: Right!

CSO_Marsland says:
@::runs over to the CTO, and holds out the branch again::

CNS_Solaa says:
::follows the CO over to the tree::

XO_Naegle says:
@::aims her phaser at the bear and fires::

CEO_Royale says:
:: makes sure the CO and CNS are near the tree. Then gathers some more branches to extend their make-shift shelter::

ACTION: The bear rears up to its full height, easily fifteen feet tall and roars, even louder and more deafening than the monkey-squirrels, saliva dripping from its considerably larger fangs and takes a swing at the CSO, missing and carving the air in to frightened little air pieces.

FCO_Ilianor says:
@~~~EO: Some way to go...~~~ ::closes his eyes and watches patiently, frustrated that he cannot help them fight the bear and the monkeys...

CMO_Powers says:
@FCO: It was a pleasure serving with you mate.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::lays as low as he can, and reaches the branch out:: CTO: Grab on!

ACTION: A small landslide starts, forcing the beacon team forward on the trail and cutting off their exit

CMO_Powers says:
@CSO: Senior officers first Lt.

CEO_Royale says:
:: begins to fashion a lean-to against the tree. ::

XO_Naegle says:
@::sets her phaser to crispy fry and fires::

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@~~~FCO: Hang on you can do it.~~~

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@::grabs the branch with one of his massive arms, keeps firing with the other.   Knife an phaser in same hand :: CSO: Thanks for the lift

CNS_Solaa says:
CEO: Forget the shelter, Melita!

Host CO_Storal says:
All: Move! Let's get up the trail. There is no telling how long the slide is. ::begins to run up the trail::

CEO_Royale says:
CO: Looks like we're not going back the way we came, Sir !!

ACTION: The bear takes shots in the chest, fur smoking, But doesn't stagger. But the scout team hears the monkeys on the move again, leaping over 
them, to hop across the quicksand.

FCO_Ilianor says:
@CMO: Pleasure was all mine, Doc... ::smiles weakly at the doc::

CSO_Marsland says:
@::grins at the CTO as he hauls him up:: CTO: No prob, but I think the XO needs some help. ::runs off to the FCO and repeats himself, holding out the branch again::

CNS_Solaa says:
CEO: Nope. ::runs ahead::

Host CO_Storal says:
CEO: Afraid so. There should be another way down.

CMO_Powers says:
@FCO: Quite.

CEO_Royale says:
CNS: You alright?!

XO_Naegle says:
@CTO: Fire to kill at that bear!

CNS_Solaa says:
CEO: No, but I think that a little leg pain can he sacrificed for getting through this alive. C'mon!

FCO_Ilianor says:
@CSO: Why, about time, Tom. ::smirks, as he reaches out for the branch::

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::lifts her phaser and sets it onto level 16 and fires at the bear::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@XO: I am on it. :: cranks the phaser to everything he can get and fires at the bear ::

ACTION: The EO's phaser malfunctions, giving her a shock before catching on fire.

XO_Naegle says:
@::continues firing::

CSO_Marsland says:
@FCO: Hey, I am here for you. Grab on, and we'll have you out of this mush in just a moment. ::pulls hard again::

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@ALL: Argh!!! ::screams and drops the phaser::

Host CO_Storal says:
::taps his combage:: *XO*: Storal to Commander Naegle...

ACTION: Once the rocks are settled, through the haze of dust, the beacon team can spot a dark hole in the side of the mountain, a cave, and oddly it 
seems to have light coming out of it.

CMO_Powers says:
@CSO: Any time before I drown would be apreciated.

FCO_Ilianor says:
@::grips firmly on the branch, and straightens himself as much as possible as he's dragged out of the quicksand::

CNS_Solaa says:
CO/CEO: Hey... look over there!

CNS_Solaa says:
::points to the cave and coughs from the dust::

Host CO_Storal says:
All: We must be out of range. We are on our own.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::pulls the FCO up out of the quicksand, and, turning, holds the branch out for the Doctor::

ACTION: The bear finally falls, swarming with monkey-squirrels that start to consume it before it's even dead. It's cries are pitiful to hear.

Host CO_Storal says:
::uses his tricorder to scan the cave::

CEO_Royale says:
CO/CNS: I see it. Sir you;d better let me check it over for structural integrity first.

XO_Naegle says:
@::takes a deep breath:: All: That was close!

FCO_Ilianor says:
@::climbs out onto the ground, and takes a couple breaths before finding another branch to help the CSO get people out of the quicksand::

CMO_Powers says:
@CSO: I don't want it any more. ::smiles and grabs the branch::

ACTION: The same magnetic force in the rock that prevents comms scatters the CO's tricorder readings. He'll have to go in and look.

XO_Naegle says:
@CSO: Thank you, Lieutenant Marsland, for your help in getting out of the quicksand.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@XO: What do you mean we had a good ten feet more before he killed us

CSO_Marsland says:
@::seeing the bear fall, yells back at those who have been freed:: ALL: Help me get the rest of them out!

Host CO_Storal says:
::nods to the CEO:: CEO: Go ahead. There is some interference. Can't scan it. We need the shelter so we don't have a choice.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::pulls the Doc up and out::

FCO_Ilianor says:
@::holds out the branch for the EO:: EO: Quick, grab on...

XO_Naegle says:
@All: Now that we're all out of the quicksand, let's get away from the monkey-squirrels.

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::grabs the branch::

Host CO_Storal says:
::walks towards the cave::

CEO_Royale says:
CO: Yes sir. ::Switches on flashlight when she nears the entrance ::

CMO_Powers says:
@::moves away from the quicksand::

XO_Naegle says:
@::helps the FCO pull the EO out::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@:: looks at his shirt, now just a collar and one sleeve :: XO: Aye ma'am, I am running out of uniform for the little buggest to rip

Host CO_Storal says:
CEO: Put your light out. There is a light inside.

CNS_Solaa says:
::looks around for her tricorder, but seems to have dropped it down the mountain; shrugs and walks on with a slight limp::

CEO_Royale says:
CO: Aye.

CSO_Marsland says:
@::turns, pleased at having partially redeemed himself, and leads the way through the areas of quicksand, using his branch to see where it's safe::

ACTION: The flashlights are unnecessary as the cave is well lit from something that appears further in the cave and around a corner, spilling no shadow.

FCO_Ilianor says:
@::pulls as hard as he can, as he slowly feels himself crossing the line between rationality and panic... he looks behind:: EO: Hold on, you're almost out. ~~~God, 
they're destroying that bear!~~~ Oh my God, where are we???

CNS_Solaa says:
CO: Maybe it's civilization!

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::nods at the FCO::  ~~~FCO: Thankyou, I owe you one.~~~

XO_Naegle says:
@All: Follow the CSO.

CSO_Marsland says:
@All: This way! Let's get out of here!

CEO_Royale says:
::before entering does her Tai Chi breathing exercises to increase her awareness ::

EO_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::follows the CSO::

CMO_Powers says:
@::heads back to camp as he has nothing to fight the bear or monkeys with::

CSO_Marsland says:
@::weaves his way slowly through the sandy areas and heads towards the base camp::

CNS_Solaa says:
::walks faster into the cave, curiosity getting the better of her::

XO_Naegle says:
@::follows Tom:: CSO: Lead us back to the base camp.

FCO_Ilianor says:
@::drops the branch and runs in the CSO's direction, stumbling slightly but getting himself up, his uniform in tatters, the monkeys destroying the bear...::

Host CO_Storal says:
ALL: Could be. ::enters the cave and looks at the light source. It doesnt cast a shadow on anything. ::takes out his phaser, and continues toward the light 
source::

ACTION: The beacon team's footsteps echo in the small cave as they make the corner to discover a small lamp on the ground, it's Sarium-Krellide batteries still powering the light.

CSO_Marsland says:
@XO: Aye Commander, that's where I'm heading. ::keeps on walking, looking back to ensure that everyone was with them::

CNS_Solaa says:
::kneels and inspects the lamp:: ALL: Someone was or still is here...

CMO_Powers says:
@::reaches camp and gets a phaser rifle::

CNS_Solaa says:
::takes out phaser and looks alert::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
@::follows the XO and CSO back towards camp ::

Host CO_Storal says:
CNS: You can say that again. They have some sort of technology to have a powersource like that.

XO_Naegle says:
@CSO: I appreciate that, Tom.

CNS_Solaa says:
CO: Should we call to them?

Host CO_Storal says:
::looks around and nods to the CNS:: Aloud: Hello!!

CEO_Royale says:
CO: Seems like they know we're here.. This cave just happened to appear when we needed it..

ACTION: When the CNS touches the lamp, the direction of light changes, revealing a body in the corner. It's long dead, nothing but bones and flecks of 
old flesh and hair still attached, it's face drawn in to a permanent grimace. Here and there, it's body is draped in Starfleet Command crimson.

                           <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>