USS Arondight – NCC 80477
Stardate 10511.27
Episode #124 “Home Safe”

Starring
CO K’Beth	Beth
CTO Grey-Feather	Ted
TO Kizlev	Delon
IO Jakiel	Theresa
OPS Ko’Bil	Rich
CNS Kostandinos	Erin

Prologue: The away team continues its search for Ko'Bil on the planet while in orbit, the TO continues working on clearing up the sensors readings of the planet.   Meanwhile, Ko'Bil continues deeper into the jungle, now armed and determined not to be some random trophy.

 <<<<<<<<<<RESUME MISSION>>>>>>>>>>
 
CO K’Beth
 @::on the bridge still pacing:: TO: Do you have an ETA until that dampening field is destroyed?

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::moves off through the jungle looking for some high ground where he can gain some advantage::

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: on the planet with the away team::

CNS Kostandinos
 ::calls over to the CTO:: CTO: Have you found a trace or path where anyone may have gone off into the jungle yet?
 
TO Kizlev
 @::on the bridge, trying not to be distracted by the pacing:: CO: With the present rate of radiation decay, I'd say almost 45 more minutes.

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: squatted feeling the dirt between his index finger and thumb :: CNS: I ma'am I have sign, somebody came through here
 
CO K’Beth
 @::curses in three different dialects before continuing to pace.  Doesn't notice Dog who had come out and was pacing solemnly behind her as she goes::
 
IO Jakiel
 @::after hearing the Captain's orders, she strides out of the vessel immediately and back to the shuttle, heading to the cockpit and firing up engines::

CNS Kostandinos
 ::walks over to where he's examining the ground:: CTO: How far can we follow it?
 
TO Kizlev
 @::scans for more planetary probes using tactical and science sensors as well as telemetry data from Arondight's own probe sent off earlier::

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::see a rock outcropping on a small hill just up ahead and heads for it::

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: points off in the direction travel :: CNS: Looks like quite a ways if the weather holds, on cloudburst and all bets are off :: stands up and readies his rifle ::
 
TO Kizlev
 @::wonders if the CTO is up to the job down on the surface having no idea of his capabilities or leadership potential::
     
#ACTION: The rock outcropping is in the midst of a small clearing, the rocks are warm from the heat of the sun and the top is quite flat and large enough for maybe two people.
 
IO Jakiel
 ::lifts off quietly and banks to port, slowly winging around in an arc::  *CNS*: I have ascended and will be flying low looking for movement.  ::let's her empathic sense free to 'see' if a certain direction makes Ko’Bil’s emotions any stronger::

CNS Kostandinos
 CTO:  All right then.  Since you're the one who actually knows where we're going, take point and let's see how far we get.
 
CO K’Beth
 @TO: Would it go faster if you used torpedoes set on a widespread?

CNS Kostandinos
 ::taps her badge::*IO*:  Good work, Lt.  Let me know as soon as you see anything - be it Ko’Bil or anyone else

CTO Grey-Feather
 CNS: Just the way I like it.  :: motions for Ruger and Glock to take left and right flank respectively and moves out ::

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::moves to the edge of the clearing and checks out the area around the outcropping::

CNS Kostandinos
 ::follows directly behind them, keeping the team in her sights to make sure no one gets separated::
 
IO Jakiel
 *CNS*: Yes, Ma'am.  ::keeps just above the treetops, sensors on and recalibrates them, while watching visually and psionically::
     
ACTION: The path is fairly easy to follow for Grey-Feather's skills.  The hunters weren't trying to hide from anyone, they were just trying to be quiet.
 
TO Kizlev
 @::uncovers another probe, locks phasers, and prepares to fire:: CO: I wouldn't recommend it, captain. It would be shooting blind as this is mostly a precision shooting operation.

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: follows the tracks making fair time of it ::

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::seeing no one in the area he sprints to the outcropping::
 
TO Kizlev
 @::sees the message on his console:: CO: Ma'am, incoming transmission directed for you.
 
IO Jakiel
 ::flies in a concentric circular pattern, moving out farther and farther in the overall diameter::
     
#ACTION: From the top of the rocks, Ko'Bil has only a modest view of the surrounding area, the trees awfully tall in the dense jungle.
 
CO K’Beth
 @::nods and indicates her armrest console, glancing up at the viewscreen every now and then to see a little flare of an explosion as another probe is destroyed:: TO: I'll take it there, Lt.

CNS Kostandinos
 ::briefly looks up toward the skies to see if she can catch sight of the IO's shuttle::
 
TO Kizlev
 @::nods and sends the comm to the CO's chair, then opens fire on his next target::
     
#ACTION: Ko'Bil can see the shuttle off in the distance.. its course taking it away at the moment, fairly distant.

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::doesn't really like the area that well but figures that it is better than being out in the open and settles in::
 
CO K’Beth
 @:;reads the message that just came in and smiles for the first time in days:: Aloud: About time I got an answer on that.  I didn't think it would ever be approved.

IO Jakiel
 ::sets the loudspeaker to translate her words into Cardassian, Ferengi, Breen, Vidoli and English::  *Hunters/OPS*: This is a representative of the vessel USS Arondight.  We know you are here and what you are doing.  Leave your weapons behind and move to your vessel immediately or suffer the consequences for your lack of judgment!
 
TO Kizlev
 @::arches a curious eyebrow:: CO: Ma'am?

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: holds up his fist to signal Ruger and Glock to stop quietly, checks the tracks and moves on ::
 
CO K’Beth
 @::still muttering:: Aloud: Probably that Palmer holding things up, just to cause more hassle. ::sees that the TO overheard and shakes her head::

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::sees the shuttle and wonder if he could possible hit is at this range and get it headed in the right direction::

CTO Grey-Feather
 ::whispering :: CNS: We are gaining ground on them but they were moving along at a good clip.
 
CO K’Beth
 @TO: Nothing Lt....just something I wanted to happen and it has...finally.

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::decides that it is worth a try and takes aim and fires::

CNS Kostandinos
 ::nods and whispers back:: CTO: Just do what you can.
 
TO Kizlev
 @::shakes his head likewise with a bit of a grin and looks for the next probe to shoot, trying to resist the urge of thinking of the probes as Jem'Hadar attack ships::
     
#ACTION: The weapon does not have nearly the range required and dissipates long before getting near the shuttle.
     
ACTION: Grey-Feather can hear the sound of approaching footfalls.. moving quickly.. and more than a couple.

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::sees the results and checks to see if any one else in coming into range::
 
CO K’Beth
 @::stands up and continues to pace while listening to the open comm badges of the away team::
     
#ACTION: A phaser beam cuts through the air, and most of the layers of Ko'Bil's epidermis.. his weapons fire giving away his position to another hunter.
 
IO Jakiel
 ::has the computer replay her warning every minute and continues her flying pattern, straining both her empathic sense and eyes in an attempt to find Ko'Bil::  *CNS*: Commander, have you had any luck?  I have seen nothing yet.
     
OPS Ko’Bil
 #::checks to see where the weapons fire came from::

CNS Kostandinos
 ::keeping her voice as quiet as will still transmit over the commbadge:: *IO*: We found a trail, but so far no people....

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: motions for everyone to stop and take cover::
 
TO Kizlev
 @::glances at K'Beth for a split second and begins to think she is under a lot of stress lately, but then realizes that he too would probably pace under the circumstances::
     
@ACTION: There is a vessel moving off from the other side of the planet.

CNS Kostandinos
 ::thinks she may have spoke too soon as she sees the CTO's gesture, and ducks behind a tree, making a mental note of where the others have taken cover::
 
CO K’Beth
 @::catches the glances of the TO and then smiles:: TO: I hate the waiting....never did get used to it.
 
IO Jakiel
 ::lowers the volume of her comm::  *CNS*:  Could you give coordinates and will do a fly over in the area?

#ACTION: There is another shot, this one hits the rock ledge in front of Ko'Bil

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: motions for the others to ready their weapons and sights down his waiting to see what is coming ::

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::sees where the shot came from and fires back::
     
ACTION: All of the away team can now hear the approaching group

CNS Kostandinos
 ::takes out her phaser and feeds the coordinates to the IO, hoping she can see their "assailants" better than they can::
     
#ACTION: The phaser fire continues, slowly eating away at the ledge Ko'Bil is perched on
 
TO Kizlev
 @::sends an order to the helm to adjust Arondight's direction slightly in order to line up for the next quadrant of targets:: CO: I share the feeling, ma'am. Officers of action like yourself and me want to stay mobile.... ::spots the contact:: I have a vessel moving away from the planet on the other side of the day/night terminator.

CNS Kostandinos
 ::looks around to the direction of the approaching footsteps::

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: puts his finger on the trigger and gets ready to shoot :: Himself: That's right just bring it...
 
CO K’Beth
 @TO: Send the fighters after them, maximum speed.

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::decides that his hiding place is not going to last and heads off in the opposite direction of the firing::
 
CO K’Beth
 @<Duty_OPS>: Hail the ship.
     
@ACTION: The ship does not respond
 
TO Kizlev
 @::sends a priority action message to the TIC to launch the fighter squadrons immediately::
     
#ACTION: The phaser fire continues as a second source joins in... Ko'Bil is pinned in a crossfire.
     
@ACTION: Fighters on stand by begin to launch and head off after the ship.
     
ACTION: The footfalls are near, and the group can hear voices talking, upset seemingly and chastising someone
 
TO Kizlev
 @<Fighter CAG> *All wings*: Orders are to pursue and engage if necessary. Move out!

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::sees that he is caught in a crossfire and decides that if he is going to die then he is going to take some of them with him and begins firing at any thing that moves in front of him::
 
TO Kizlev
 @CO: Fighters away with orders to follow.

#ACTION: The weapons fire gets thick in the clearing, a miniature war zone set amidst Eden.
 
CO K’Beth
 @TO: Have them try and bring the ship to a halt.  If we move off after them...how will that effect the destruction of the probes?

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::keeps as low a profile as he can and continues to fire::

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: is ready to interrupt this little meeting that is coming his way ::
     
#ACTION: A shot hits the rock base and the entire outcropping begins to crumble, threatening to bury Ko'Bil in a hail of rock

TO Kizlev
 @CO: It will almost certainly delay removing the probes, but our own probe has been programmed to look for more, so we can return and download its data when we are ready.
     
ACTION: The group can be seen through the trees now, a few meters off.  There are 6 in total.. 5 with multiple weapons and one very nervous looking Vidoli.  The hunters are of various races... Cardassian, Klingon, Human...
 
CO K’Beth
 @TO: Then be ready....if the fighters can't stop that ship we'll go after it ourselves.

CNS Kostandinos
 ::raises one eyebrow at the makeup of the group, noting in particular the apparent Vidoli "prisoner"::
 
TO Kizlev
 @*Fighter CAG*: Change of orders...immobilize the escaping vessel at all costs. CO: Understood.

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::see that this is getting him nowhere he rolls out of the way of the falling rocks and places himself in a death like state with his weapon under him::

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: with his phaser rifle on max stun shoots at the Cardassian trying to take him down and get the others attention that they are caught ::
     
#ACTION: The weapons fire stops, and two men emerge from the jungle and approach the prone figure of Ko'Bil.
 
CO K’Beth
 @::still pacing:: TO: ETA until we can scan the planet?
 
TO Kizlev
 @CO: No more than 15 minutes, captain.
 
IO Jakiel
 ::flies toward the coordinates that the CNS has given here::
     
ACTION: The Cardassian goes down in a lump and the others turn, weapons drawn.  The Vidoli runs.

CTO Grey-Feather
 ALL: Freeze or we will take you all down ...DROP YOUR WEAPONS!!!

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::watches as the figures approach::
 
IO Jakiel
 ::sees the firefight and replays the message again::

CTO Grey-Feather
 <Ruger/Glock>:: Stand up and take aim as well ::
 
TO Kizlev
 @<Fighter CAG> ::has his squadron target engines on the escaping vessel and opens fire with photon torpedoes and phasers::
     
Bafii
 # <Man 1> ::approaches Ko'Bil and talks to his friend::  Ha, we'll show that damn Gral.  He thinks Terrans can't hunt.  We bagged the biggest quarry of them all!

CNS Kostandinos
 ::emerges from behind the tree and takes a few steps closer to the group of hunters::
     
#ACTION: The hunters open fire.

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: leans back into cover and begins firing:: Glock/Ruger:: Take them down

CNS Kostandinos
 ::ducks back as they begin firing on the AT, levels her own weapon and returns fire::
     
# ACTION: Both men are standing over Ko'Bil now.  The second leans down to flip their trophy over.
     
@ACTION: The fighters disable the escaping vessel before it can get far enough away to enter warp

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::as he is flipped over he bring up his weapon and fires::

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: fires again ::
     
#ACTION: He catches the second man who flies back and lands on the ground, unconscious.  The other, stunned, aims a kick at Ko'Bil's midsection.
     
ACTION: The away team quickly takes the hunters down, having the benefit of good position.

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::just grins at the man and fires again::
 
TO Kizlev
 @<Fighter CAG> *Arondight*: Objective accomplished. Vessel is immobile as ordered. We are standing by. Out.
     
#ACTION: The first man goes down, a look of dismay and fear on his face.

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::gets to his feet and grabs the weapons from the men he has just shot and disappears into the jungle::
 
CO K’Beth
 @::hears the incoming message:: TO: Good work.  Have them stand by and we'll pick up the vessel as soon as we get the grid down.

CNS Kostandinos
 ::once the hunters all went down, re-emerges from her tree and approaches the group of stunned bodies::
 
TO Kizlev
 @CO: Aye, captain. ::relays the order to the CAG and resumes his target shooting as before::
 
IO Jakiel
 ::comes to hover over the worst of the action and fires over their heads:: Hunters:  Cease your hostilities...  ::sees Ko'Bil on sensors and tries to beam him onto the shuttle::
     
#ACTION: Ko'Bil feels the transporter grab hold of him.

OPS Ko’Bil
 #::feels himself being transported and wonders who it is that is transporting him::
     
ACTION: Ko'Bil appears on the shuttle

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: stands up and keeps his weapon at the ready, moves over to the hunters motioning for Ruger and Glock to take position as well :: CNS: Not a very friendly bunch :: grins ::
 
IO Jakiel
 *CO*:  Captain, our crewmember is aboard!  Would you like him transported to the Arondight.  ::looks back at Ko'Bil:: OPS: Are you coherent, Sir?
     
@ ACTION: The radiation has dispersed enough for the Arondight to start getting some useful sensor readings.

CNS Kostandinos
 CTO: Indeed they were not.  Take their weapons while they're still unconscious - we'll see what K'Beth wants done with them from there.

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::materializes aboard the shuttle:: IO: Thank you  thing down there were getting a bit tense to say the least.
 
CO K’Beth
 @:;stops dead in her tracks and Dog almost runs into her:: *IO*: Go pick up the rest of the away team first.  How is he doing?  Is he injured?

CTO Grey-Feather
 ::has Ruger and Glock help collect weapons and bind the hands of the hunters :: Aloud: Sure hate to see a Klingon act in such a dishonorable manner  :: shakes head and goes on with what he is doing ::

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::hears the Captain's voice:: *CO*; Nothing hurt that wont heal Captain.
 
IO Jakiel
 OPS: I saw that.  Are you mortally damaged?  ::works to move away farther and puts the shuttle on auto pilot, then moves to grab a medical tricorder and assess his wounds::  OPS:  Just remain still and calm...  *CO*: I am taking vital sign readings now.
 
TO Kizlev
 @CO: I am beginning to receive some useable sensor data from the planet. I'm having science conduct multi-spectral sensor sweeps now.

CNS Kostandinos
 CTO: Can you tell in which direction the Vidoli went off in?
 
CO K’Beth
 @*CNS*: Counselor, the IO has picked up Lt Ko'Bil.  How many prisoners do you have there?

@ACTION: The freighter has launched and is moving away from the planet.
 
CO K’Beth
 @TO: Excellent...see how many lifeforms are down there and how many vessels.
 
IO Jakiel
 OPS: You are a self-healing species, correct?  Will you need me to assist in mending your wounds?

CNS Kostandinos
 *CO*: 5 of them - their apparent quarry, a Vidoli, seems to have vanished for now.
 
CO K’Beth
 @*OPS*: Good to hear your voice again Lt.  We've missed you.

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: smiles :: CNS: The way he went tromping around a blind pakled could find him :: grins ::

CNS Kostandinos
 *CO* Can you beam them back aboard the Arondight yet?

OPS Ko’Bil
 IO: some of them might need a little help as they are a littlle worse than the others.

CNS Kostandinos
 CTO: Good... depending on whose sensors are working yet and whose are not, we may need you to go after him
 
CO K’Beth
 @Duty_OPS: Do we have transporters yet?
 
TO Kizlev
 @CO: Captain, I have a freighter class vessel launching from the planet on sensors.

CTO Grey-Feather
 CNS: When I catch him if he is responsible can I keep the hide for my trophy wall, you can have the head

OPS Ko’Bil
 *CO*: Captain would you happen to have that travel agent that booked this trip in custody by chance?
 
CO K’Beth
 @TO: Send the fighters after them.  Stop that ship by any means.
 
IO Jakiel
 ::retrieves the deep dermal regenerator and begins on the worst of the phaser burns::  OPS:  Yes, they are rather extensive.
 
CO K’Beth
 @TO: Then transport all of the prisoners that the CNS has into the brig.

CNS Kostandinos
 ::shakes her head:: CTO: I'm not much for formerly-live decorations in my quarters... but I appreciate the offer.
 
CO K’Beth
 @*CNS*: Standby for transporting of the prisoners, Counselor.
 
TO Kizlev
 @CO: Aye, aye. *CAG*: We have a new target for you to catch. This time a freighter launching from the planet's surface. Same rules of engagement as before...make it immobile. Arondight out.

CNS Kostandinos
 *CO* Can the Arondight find the missing Vidoli as well?  He may be useful for questioning

CTO Grey-Feather
 Ruger/Glock: Bet that Ferengi back at the station would buy it as a trophy.
 
CO K’Beth
 @*CNS*: We're scanning the planet right now...he may be on the freighter that just left.

CTO Grey-Feather
 <Ruger/Glock>:: laugh as they answer :: CTO: Aye sir
 
CO K’Beth
 @*OPS*: Don't worry Lt...we'll get that travel agent.
     
@ACTION: The fighters engage the freighter and after a few shots, the freighter explodes.

OPS Ko’Bil
 *CO*: When you do I would like 10 minutes alone with him captain.
 
TO Kizlev
 @CO: Captain, I'm locking transporters to the prisoners' coordinates now.
 
IO Jakiel
 OPS: I do wish we had had the chance to speak about your interesting capability for regeneration.  ::turns his arm gently, running the dermal regenerator as quickly and efficiently as possible::
 
CO K’Beth
 @::chuckles:: *OPS*: I'll see that the guards are 'distracted' for a few minutes.  In the meantime....just relax and get yourself tended to.

CNS Kostandinos
 ::can't help but smile at the trophy comments being passed back and forth among the AT as they wait for the shuttle to retrieve them and the prisoners to materialize on the Arondight::
 
CO K’Beth
 @TO: Beam them directly into the brig.  We'll question them later.
 
TO Kizlev
 @<Fighter CAG> *Arondight*: Secondary objective accomplished. Keep sending them our way and we'll tie them down. CAG out.

OPS Ko’Bil
 *CO*: Thanks Captain that is all I ask.
 
TO Kizlev
 @CO: Energizing now...

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::settles back as the IO works on the worst of his wounds::
 
IO Jakiel
 *CO*:  Captain, the OPS is mending well.  Shall I land and retrieve the Away Team or can you transport them from the vessel?
     
ACTION: The hunters dematerialize and wind up in the Arondight brig.
 
CO K’Beth
 @*IO*: Go and pick them up...and scan the planet as you travel to them.  Let's see how many others are down there.

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: Takes the Klingons blade and holds it up doing some fancy knife tricks :: Aloud: Couple grams heavy on the tail but I'd keep it if I could
 
TO Kizlev
 @CO: The prisoners are secure in the brig, ma'am.
 
IO Jakiel
 *CO*:  Yes, ma'am...  ::stops her ministrations::  OPS:  Are you capable of moving to the front of the shuttle, I need to return to the surface temporarily?
 
CO K’Beth
 @TO: Good...now finish scanning the planet...let's see how many other hunters are down there and how many of them we can stuff into our brig.

OPS Ko’Bil
 IO: No problem also you will find a couple of bodies near where you transported me up.
 
TO Kizlev
 @::would like nothing more than a good pat on the back for today's good work...preferably from a certain IO...::
 
IO Jakiel
 OPS:  Thank you for that information.  ::helps the man up and moves to the front of the cockpit again::
 
TO Kizlev
 @::resumes his scans, feeling better about himself than he has in weeks, if not months::
 
CO K’Beth
 @::goes and sits down and hits the comm unit:: *CNS*: Excellent work Counselor.  Or should I just call you, Commander.  Your new orders have just come through.  Congratulations...you are now the Arondight's new XO. ::grins::

<<<<<<<<<<PAUSE MISSION>>>>>>>>>>