Host SM_Darlene says:
Prelude: Last week on ACTD Kootenai Station…

The crew entered into the time portal, exiting moments later lying in a small dirt clearing in a forest.  All their equipment and weapons had disappeared, their uniforms were replaced with old-style fabric clothing and leather-like sandals.

An old man by the name of Socoro happened to pass by on the road located on the other side of the tree line from the clearing, driving an old horse-drawn wagon.

Sovok concocted a story about him being the leader of a small circus troupe and requested a ride from the old man for him and his troupe to the nearest village.

The old man agreed and when the crew appeared from the trees he didn't see anything strange about the crew as they all just looked like normal humans to him, even Bailey.

They are now riding slowly into the village with the old man.

Cast of Characters

Brian Wachendorf as XO Commander P’Dar Kerst
Gary Cole as CMO Lieutenant Sovok
Kytra Seliquini as CTO Lieutenant Junior Grade Bao’tzhu Shengming Rr’Vellan
Steve Seliquini as CEO Lieutenant Junior Grade Ensign Rick Spicer

Guest Appearance
SM-Darlene Wise as TO Bailey, Old Man (Socoro), Old Woman, Guards

Host SM_Darlene says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Resume Kootenai Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

CMO_Sovok says:
::Stops his conversation with the CTO and tries to relax in the cart::

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Sighs and opened her eyes:: TO: You okay Bailey?

CEO_Spicer says:
::Idly listens to the squealing wheels and creaking wagon and mentally repairs the weaknesses::

Host Old_Man says:
<TO Bailey> ::Sitting alone on one side of the wagon looking at the rest of the crew sitting on the other side.  Grunts:: CTO: Yes, Lieutenant, I'm fine.

Host Old_Man says:
::Slaps the reins to keep the horses moving::  CMO: So, Mister Sovok, do I get free tickets to the circus or not?

CMO_Sovok says:
::Grimaces at the question:: Socoro: Well, sir... This village really isn't... on our schedule.

CEO_Spicer says:
::His thoughts broken looks at the CMO and waits for his response::

Host Old_Man says:
::Raises an eyebrow and snorts:: CMO: Didn't you say you were on your way into the village to entertain?

Host XO_Kerst says:
CTO/TO: Everyone stay sharp, I don't want anybody getting careless then hurt or worse.

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Smiles and pokes Sovok:: CMO: Yeah.

CMO_Sovok says:
Socoro: Yes, I guess I did. I must just be tired.

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Nods to the XO:: Yes, Sirrr.

Host Old_Man says:
CMO: And what does that woman do in the show?  ::Grins::

CMO_Sovok says:
::Eyes Bao as if telling her to say something:: CTO: Why don't you tell Socoro what it is you do in our show.

CEO_Spicer says:
Old Man: She is the bearded lady. ::Chuckles::

Host Old_Man says:
::Turns in his seat to look at the CEO:: CEO: Beard?  I don't see a beard on her face?  Oh, wait...I get it...the beard is fake, right?

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
Socoro: Uhhh..::Hears Spicer and puts her paw over his mouth:: I uhhh....do Martial arts. ::Smiles:: He's the crazy man who bites the heads off of chickens. .::Grins at Spicer::

Host Old_Man says:
::Gets a shocked look on his face:: CTO: He bites heads off chickens????  What's Martial Arts???

Host SM_Darlene says:
ACTION: The wagon bumps along slowly and hits a pothole, jolting everyone on the wagon.

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
Socoro: Marrtial arrrts is defending yourrrself without weapons.

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Clears his throat, trying to get his crew to calm down and not get in over their heads here.::

CMO_Sovok says:
::Almost starts laughing::

CEO_Spicer says:
::Shakes his head:: Socoro: And I am also a magician. ::Smirks at the CTO and nearly falls over from the bump::

Host Old_Man says:
CTO: Ahh...fighting!  I love fighting matches!  How are you at jousting?

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
Socoro: Uhh....not so good. But I can fight on the grrround.

CMO_Sovok says:
Socoro: How about we wait and see at the show what goes on?

Host Old_Man says:
CEO: Ooo..magic!  Do you know any wizards?  ::Excited::

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Shakes his head NO at the CEO::

Host Old_Man says:
<TO Bailey> ::Looks at the crew oddly and wonders what they'll make him do in the circus show::

CEO_Spicer says:
Socoro: Sure do! Why this gentle man here ::Points to the XO::  is renowned.

Host Old_Man says:
CMO: The village is coming up ahead.  ::Nods his head::

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Give the CEO and evil look, thinks Ensign Spicer!::

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Stifles a laugh and looks around, trying to see the town::

CMO_Sovok says:
::Gets back in front of the wagon and sighs:: Socoro: I wouldn't take anything these people say at face value sir. They're all known to be psychopathic. Which is what gives them their special talents.

Host Old_Man says:
::Gets excited about the circus show:: CEO: Great!  Everyone in the village will come to the show.  The King will want to see all of you right away!  ::Grins broadly::

Host Old_Man says:
::Frowns:: CMO: The King will not like that.

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Thinks - King?::

CMO_Sovok says:
Socoro: It's not really psychopathic in a bad way... just in a way that grants them special talents. They're perfectly sane in many ways. They just like to make up talents for other people. You'll see their true talents at the show.

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Thinks his crew is going to get them all killed with they boasts and loose talk::

Host SM_Darlene says:
ACTION: The old man drives the wagon to the end of the road and through the huge gates of the village.  People are scurrying about carrying baskets of fruit and vegetables, going about their daily routines, staring at the crew as the wagon passes.

CEO_Spicer says:
::Looks at the townspeople as they go about their business::

Host Old_Man says:
CMO: Great!  I look forward to the show.  The King will want a full demonstration of their talents!

CMO_Sovok says:
Socoro: Aye.

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Looks at Sovok:: CMO: I hope you'rrre surrre about this.

CMO_Sovok says:
CTO: You guys really left me no option.

Host Old_Man says:
::Pulls on the reins and stops in front of the steps to the palace::  All: Well, here you go!  Right at the front steps!  How's that for service?  ::Boasts::

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Hops out of the wagon::

CMO_Sovok says:
::Smiles:: Socoro: Thank you, Sir.  ::Gets off the wagon::

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Hops out of the wagon and extends her paw to Bailey::

CMO_Sovok says:
Socoro: This will be our little secret. When we're set up I'll let you know so you can spread the word.

Host Old_Man says:
::Nods at the CMO:: CMO: I look forward to seeing the show!  I'm telling all the villagers!  ::Waits for the crew to get off the wagon::

CEO_Spicer says:
::Jumps out of the wagon:: Socoro: I could fix that nasty squeaky wheel for you.

Host Old_Man says:
<TO Bailey> ::Climbs out of the wagon::

Host Old_Man says:
CEO: No thanks!  I've grown used to the sound.

CEO_Spicer says:
::Shrugs::

Host SM_Darlene says:
ACTION: When Bailey climbs out the wagon tilts to the opposite side almost tipping over again.

Host XO_Kerst says:
Socoro: We will need time to rest, and then setup, we'll let you know when we are ready, please, don't tell anyone we're here, yet.

CMO_Sovok says:
Socoro: Please.

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Stretches::

Host Old_Man says:
XO: Oh, I understand.  I bet the King will give you accommodations inside the palace!  Why don't you go in and ask him yourself.

CMO_Sovok says:
Socoro: That's alright, we'll manage.

Host XO_Kerst says:
Socoro: Thank you. I'm sure he would to. Have a good day.

Host Old_Man says:
All: Well, I gotta go.  I have a lot of things to do today.  Good day to you!  Horses: Git up!  ::Slaps the reins and slowly moves off through the village::

CMO_Sovok says:
::Looks at the rest of the crew:: All: Alright... what the hell were you thinking... ::Shuts up and looks at the XO::

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Looks around the village and sighs:: Self: So what now?

Host SM_Darlene says:
ACTION: The villagers stare at the crew but go about their business.  The children run by giggling at the strangers.

CMO_Sovok says:
::Motions for them to step behind a house for a moment::

Host XO_Kerst says:
ALL: Listen up! Some of you… ::Glares at all of them:: …need to learn how to keep a low profile! We're in a strange land, probably with hostiles, and you go off like a first year cadets on a field trip!

CMO_Sovok says:
XO: Sir, I was told to establish relations with Socoro by the captain.

Host XO_Kerst says:
CMO/ALL: There's establishing relationships and  then there’s boasting to the world how great of magicians you are!

Host SM_Darlene says:
ACTION: Guards at the palace entrance start to stare at the crew growing suspicious of the strangers.

CMO_Sovok says:
::Looks at the guards:: XO: Sir?

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Flicks one ear lazily and looks at the guards::

Host XO_Kerst says:
ALL: Now listen, for all we know the beings that turned that man to stone are here somewhere and I doubt hey will be happy to see us so lets not go around trying to get everybody's attention!

Host Guard says:
::Looks at the female and winks to the other guard, nodding in her direction::

CMO_Sovok says:
XO: Sir... about attracting attention... ::Motions towards the guards::

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Motions for the crew to follow him as he starts walking down the street::

CEO_Spicer says:
::Follows the XO::

CMO_Sovok says:
::Follows the XO and keeps an eye on the guards::

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Makes a face:: XO: Sirrr....they'rrre flirrting. ::Grumbles and follows the XO::

Host XO_Kerst says:
ALL: Okay, Sovok, take Spicer and Bailey and look around. Quietly! Try to get a feel for this place and what's going on. Bao and I will do the same on the other side of the village. We'll meet back at the town center in about an hour. Understand?

Host SM_Darlene says:
ACTION: The guards look on as the crew leaves the palace area and walk down the dirt street.  An old woman rushes to the XO, grabbing his shirt sleeve in a desperate pleading voice, "Help me....please, I'm so hungry!"

CMO_Sovok says:
::Nods:: XO: Sir, may I say just one thing?

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Reaches for her phaser and comes up empty-pawed::

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Carefully tries to extract himself from the  dirty old woman:: DOW: I'm sorry, I don't have anything to eat, sorry. ::Tries to remove himself from her grasp::

Host SM_Darlene says:
<Old Woman>  ::Falls to her knees:: XO: I need food, please help me!  ::Cries::

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Growls under her breath::

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Kneels in front of old woman:: DOW: I'm sorry I don't have anything to eat. Why don't you have anything to eat?

Host SM_Darlene says:
<Old Woman> ::Let's go of the XO's shirtsleeve and cries:: XO: I have only what I wear.  I have become sick and weak.

CMO_Sovok says:
XO: Sir... we are only attracting attention.. I suggest we just keep walking..

Host XO_Kerst says:
DOW: We ourselves only have what we wear. Don't you have family to take care of you?

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Looks to the XO:: DOW: We don't have anything. Sorrrry.

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Motions for the CMO and his team to go ahead::

Host SM_Darlene says:
<Palace Guard>  ::Decides to follow the strangers and leaves his post, moving slowly down the dirt street, keeping hidden within the many vendor carts that line the street::

CMO_Sovok says:
::Nods to the CEO and TO and continues to walk::

CEO_Spicer says:
::Moves along with the CMO::

Host SM_Darlene says:
<Old Woman> XO: No...my only son was killed by the Kurum a year ago.

CMO_Sovok says:
CEO: I don't like this Rick...

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
DOW: Kurrrrum? Explain.

Host SM_Darlene says:
<Old Woman> ::Looks quickly to the CTO:: CTO: Yes, they are hideous creatures!  One look from them and you turn to stone.

CEO_Spicer says:
::Looks around:: CMO: Neither do I. The people here seem too happy. Except for that old woman back there.

CMO_Sovok says:
::Stops and turns around as he hears the faint words of the guard:: CEO: Did you hear that?

CEO_Spicer says:
::Nods::

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
Old Woman: And wherrre arrre these crrreaturrree?

Host XO_Kerst says:
::After hearing about turning to stone, glances at the CTO::

CMO_Sovok says:
::Walks back to the group::

Host SM_Darlene says:
<Old Woman> CTO: They live in the depths of the palace of the evil Lord Bolova, past the Crystal Lake in the forest beyond.

CMO_Sovok says:
CEO: This sounds like a holo-novel to me.

CEO_Spicer says:
::Looks around suspiciously as he follows the CMO::

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
Self: Hmmm ::Looks at the XO::

Host XO_Kerst says:
Old Woman: Is the forest beyond the castle you say....

Host Guard says:
::Moves out from behind one of the vendor carts and approaches the old woman and the crew:: Old Woman: You there, get out of here!

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Looks up at guard::

Host SM_Darlene says:
<Old Woman> ::Sees the guard and turns, rushing off down the street, obviously scared to death of the guard::

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Looks up at the Guard and growls, twitching her tail::

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Whispers:: CTO: Easy...

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Flicks her ears back::

Host Guard says:
::Turns to the XO:: XO: Don't pay any attention to that old beggar woman.  She's old and sick and tells lies.

Host XO_Kerst says:
Guard: Hello, she was just telling us tales of creatures who can turn people to stone.  Interesting tales those.....

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
Guard: The Kurrrum is a lie?

CMO_Sovok says:
::Glances at the Guard::

Host Guard says:
XO: Well, there is some truth to her tales but we don't like to talk about that in public.

Host Guard says:
CTO: Not exactly a lie, no.

Host Guard says:
XO: I've never seen you people before.  Where are you from and what is your business in this village?

Host XO_Kerst says:
Guard: Well, we like tales, and we wont tell, so why don't you fill us in on them. Hmmm?

CMO_Sovok says:
::Looks to the XO as if to question if he should speak::

Host Guard says:
::Looks at the XO and frowns:: XO: I serve the King!  I will not spread rumors!  If you want to know more then I suggest you request an audience with the King.  Now, where are you from?

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Tries to keep her claws from extending, her paws itching from the effort::

Host XO_Kerst says:
Guard: We are visitors from a far away land. We have traveled a great distance to come here. How does one request an audience with the King?

Host SM_Darlene says:
ACTION: The guard nods at a man standing on the side of the street.  The man takes off in a run towards the palace.

CMO_Sovok says:
::Stands there, wondering if they're going to start a second story that would clash with their first...::

Host Guard says:
XO: You must come with me to the palace and speak to the superintendent.

Host XO_Kerst says:
Guard: I thought you wanted us to speak to the King? ::Motions for the CMO's team to get out of there::

Host Guard says:
::Motions with his arm:: All: Come with me to request an audience with the King!

Host SM_Darlene says:
ACTION: Two guards come rushing down the street and approach the crew.  The guards surround the crew to herd them towards the palace.

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Steps in front of the rushing guards to block their paths:: Guards 2: & 3 Come, come take us to the King!

CMO_Sovok says:
::Begins to walk away and hopes both of the others follow him::

Host XO_Kerst says:
Guard: Ah good ::Turns to Bao, offering her his arm:: Come my lady to the King!

CEO_Spicer says:
::Carelessly walks away with the CMO::

Host SM_Darlene says:
<TO Bailey> ::Backs up slowly then turns and follows the CMO::

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Raises an eyebrow at the XO, but puts her paw on his arm::

CMO_Sovok says:
::Takes a turn down a dirt street trying to appear as if he was just listening to the conversation:: CEO: Stay cool.

CEO_Spicer says:
CMO: We better get a distance between us and the others.

CEO_Spicer says:
::Walks a little faster::

CMO_Sovok says:
CEO: Agreed. But keep walking... don't start running or jogging or anything.

Host Guard says:
::Sees the CMO, CEO and Bailey rush off and shouts:: STOP THEM!  ::Signals for the man to go get more guards to begin searching for the missing crew::

CMO_Sovok says:
CEO: Into this house... now!

Host XO_Kerst says:
Guard: Stop that yelling and escort Lady Bao and myself to your King! Now!

Host SM_Darlene says:
ACTION: The CMO, CEO and Bailey rush down a side street.

CEO_Spicer says:
::Nods and follows the CMO::

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Smirks:: XO: Lady Bao?

Host Guard says:
XO: Follow me.  ::Is rather upset that the others took off but knows the guards will find them::

CMO_Sovok says:
::Waits for everyone to get inside and locks the door::

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Whispers:: CTO: Follow why lead and act like an aristocrat.

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Again extends his arm for Bao, then follows the guard looking smug::

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Grins and puts her nose in the air, flicking her tail lazily::

CMO_Sovok says:
CEO: Arm yourself. ::Grabs a pitchfork that's leaning against of the walls::

Host SM_Darlene says:
<TO Bailey> ::Rushes into the house huffing and puffing:: CMO: No disrespect, Sir, but this is a fine mess you've gotten us into.

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Puts her paw on the XO's arm::

CMO_Sovok says:
TO: I agree Bailey, but the XO told me to go and they didn't see where we went so we couldn't have just gone back.

Host XO_Kerst says:
Guard: You will introduce us properly. I am Baron Kerst and this is Lady Bao from the Kootenai Kingdom.

CEO_Spicer says:
::Looks around and picks up a hoe::

Host SM_Darlene says:
ACTION: Several guards come rushing down the street and begin searching the small huts and buildings.

CMO_Sovok says:
::Looks at one of the walls:: CEO: Is this made out of a clay?

Host Guard says:
::Looks at the XO with puzzlement:: XO: Kootenai Kingdom?  I've never heard of that place.  Where is it?

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Raises an eyebrow thinking: "Baron Kerst"?::

CEO_Spicer says:
::Looks and nods:: CMO: This is a fine mess we're in.

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
Guard: We've come such a long way. Why arrre you making us wait?

Host Guard says:
XO: Who is the ruler of this Kootenai Kingdom?

CMO_Sovok says:
CEO/TO: We should begin working on this. If we could get out of here and not use the door it would lead to our advantage.

Host SM_Darlene says:
<TO Bailey>  ::Finds an old metal plate and grips it::

Host XO_Kerst says:
Guard: As I said before, it is a far kingdom. We have traveled a great distance to come here, through many hardships. Our fair land is ruled by non other than his majesty King James the First!

CMO_Sovok says:
::Begins to stab and gouge at the wall::

Host SM_Darlene says:
<TO Bailey> ::Looks around and finds an old metal pitcher and grips it in his other paw hefting both items into the air:: CMO: I'm ready, Lieutenant!

CEO_Spicer says:
::Grins and stands back and gives the clay wall a good whack with the hoe::

CMO_Sovok says:
::Looks over at Bailey:: TO: For tea.

Host Guard says:
::Looks suspiciously at the XO:: XO: King James the First?  I've never heard of him.  It must be a small kingdom.  ::Climbs the steps of the palace::

CMO_Sovok says:
::Continues on the wall:: TO: Help us with this wall... even if you just have a...pitcher and a plate...

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Ignores the small comment and follows the guard up the stairs, "Lady" Bao on his arm::

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
Guard: I can't believe this! We've come so farrr to visit and you trrreat us like this?! ::Looks to the XO::

Host SM_Darlene says:
<TO Bailey> CMO: Aye, Sir!  ::Scrapes the edge of the plate on the clay wall of the hut::

CMO_Sovok says:
CEO/TO: We're getting closer. Let's get this done! ::Speeds up his prodding and gouging::

CTO_Rr’Vellan says:
::Trots next to the XO, trying to act aristocratic::

Host XO_Kerst says:
::Glares at CTO:: CTO: Please, Lady Bao, calm yourself. This poor man is only doing his job. I'm sure he take us to see his King right away. ::Turning to the guard:: Guard: Won't you?

CEO_Spicer says:
::The hoe cuts deeply into the clay wall and a bit chunk breaks off as it is pulled out::

Host SM_Darlene says:
ACTION: Chunks of clay and dirt begin piling up on the floor of the hut as the CMO, CEO and Bailey try to dig a hole in the wall.

Host Guard says:
XO: You have to request an audience with the King through the superintendent first.

Host XO_Kerst says:
Guard: Then quit stalling and lead us to him!  ::Hopes he can keep "Lady" Bao from hurting too many of the palace guards before they see the King::

Host SM_Darlene says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Pause Kootenai Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This message includes a Star Trek: A Call To Duty mission transcript. The transcript is for entertainment purposes only and cannot be redistributed or copied. Copyright © 2003 by Star Trek: A Call To Duty. All Rights Reserved.