QIb lutmey

The QIb Chronicles
Episode 233
Wraiths, Part 11

The Story So Far:
An attack on Starbase 487 has left sector 46 in disarray. Captain G'Val of the USS Erebus has apparently been placed in temporary command of the sector, and has ordered the QIb to rendezvous with his ship.

Starfleet security is investigating the attack on the starbase. Meanwhile, the QIb was ordered to Dyson Research Outpost in order to deliver the alien artifacts they recovered on Rhendus VII. 

Upon arrival at Dyson, the QIb crew decided the station wasn't secure enough for the artifacts, and - much to the consternation of G'Val and SF Command - have retained them aboard for the next leg of their journey. However, Captain Q'tor has now ordered the ship back to Dyson Station, An away team are investigating what appears to be a buried city on one of the polar continents.....

ACTION: The security team is winched down into the hole

FCO_MJDoole says:  ::suddenly sensing something very strange from the surface::

XO_Horn says: @::scans the surrounding area again, while the security team descends::

CTO_Ravenprowler says: :: keeps a lock on the AT ::

ACTION: The rope on the winch suddenly goes loose.

<<<<<<<<RESUME MISSION>>>>>>>>>>>

CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: at station monitoring ::
CIV_Stelakh says:
::Opens his tricorder and scans the shaft the security team has disappeared into.::
XO_Horn says:
@::kneels at the edge of the hole, trying to sense the security team::
XO_Horn says:
@::pulls up her tricorder, trying to get a reading::
XO_Horn says:
@CIV: I not reading or sensing anything.  How about you?
CIV_Stelakh says:
@COMM:  QIb:  ::Reaches up and taps his comm badge.::  Stelakh to QIb.
CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  Negative, Commander.  The rock appears to be reflecting sensors.
CO_Q`tor says:
CTO: Commander Ravenprowler, go over the sensor records of our encounters with the pirates that attacked us. See if you can identify what it was about those artifacts that they were able to pick up on.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
CO: Aye, Sir.
EO_Walker says:
::Still stood on the bridge, having yet to go to work, since technically having only just arrived not long ago..::
<OPS>
       COMM: CIV: This is the QIb, go ahead Mr. Stelakh.

ACTION: The ground around the AT begins to shake.

XO_Horn says:
@::backs away from the hole, as the ground moves beneath her::

ACTION: crevasse opens and the CSO (standing behind the others) falls in.

XO_Horn says:
@CIV: Back away.

ACTION: The crevasse closes as quickly as it opened.

CIV_Stelakh says:
@COMM:  QIb: Kindly beam down transporter enhancers, and a personal anti-grav unit to this location.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
CO: Sir, earthquake on the planet, Sir.
XO_Horn says:
@CIV: Stelakh!  The CSO! ::runs to where the crevasse was just moments ago and scans for life::
MO_O’Helpme says:
    :: Prepares Sickbay for wounded ::
EO_Walker says:
::walks on over to the back of the bridge, to the engineering console and looks over the systems displays to see what state of a ship he's walked on to::
CO_Q`tor says:
EO: Mr. Walker, see what you can do about getting better transporter locks on the away team.
CIV_Stelakh says:
@::Steps away from the crevasse as it closes, arching a brow.::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  Phaser drills, perhaps, Commander.  Provided the crevasse has closed on the surface only.
EO_Walker says:
::Glances over at Q'tor and takes a seat, logging on to the engineering console:: CO: Yes, sir, o captain, my captain.
<OPS>:
       COMM: CIV: We'll do the best we can, sir.
CIV_Stelakh says:
@COMM:  QIb:  I trust you will do so with alacrity.
XO_Horn says:
@CIV: Negative, we can't get through this stuff.  There's got to be another way.
EO_Walker says:
::Accesses transporter control systems remotely and begins boosting power to the pattern recognition sensors and the annular confinement beam::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  I am interested to hear your suggestion, Commander.  We are unable to scan beneath the surface, and are therefore unable to ascertain the existence of underground tunnels, should there be any. 
XO_Horn says:
@Com: QIb: Horn to Q'Tor, there's been an earthquake.  The security team and the CSO are gone Sir.
CO_Q`tor says:
COMM: XO: Gone? What do you mean they're gone?
CO_Q`tor says:
COMM: XO: Where did they go?
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
CO: I still have them all locked in.
CO_Q`tor says:
CTO: How many life signs?
XO_Horn says:
@COMM: CO: I mean the Security team fell when the platform heading underground collapsed and the CSO disappeared through a crevasse when the earthquake hit.  We can't scan underground to see if they are alive or not and I can not sense anyone.
CIV_Stelakh says:
@::Opens his tricorder once more and attempts to scan the length of the crevasse.::
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
CO: I have the XO and CIV, the others are unstable.
EO_Walker says:
::waits for a moment to butt-in:: CO: There isn't much I can do to get the additional transporter locks from here, Q'tor. And if the remainder the away team goes any deeper, I doubt we'll keep a fix on them.

ACTION: The faint signs the QIb is still able to read of the security detachment and CSO finally wink out completely.

<MO_O'Helpme>
      :: monitors the bridge and calls in the Trauma teams ::
CO_Q`tor says:
::nods at the CTO:: COMM: XO: Commander, what is your situation right now. Are you and Mr. Stelakh in any immediate danger?
EO_Walker says:
::presses more buttons on the engineering console to run some very quick simulations::

ACTION: The ground under the remainder of the AT quivers slightly, as if it heard the CO's question.

XO_Horn says:
@COMM: CO: I do not believe so.  The ground has solidified itself again although it's still a bit shaky.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: thinks if that many are injured she might report to Sickbay and attend ::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@COMM:  QIb: Stelakh to QIb.  Do sensors indicate the presence of caves on the surface near our position?  ::Readjusts the focus of his scans, looking for cave entrances on the surface.::

ACTION: A loud, deep moan comes from the shaft, lasting about five seconds before fading into echoes.

XO_Horn says:
@::gets a strange idea:: CIV: What's the chance something here is sensing the relics we brought with us?
CO_Q`tor says:
OPS: Get those transport enhancers down to the away team now.
CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  It is certainly a possibility, Commander.  They have shown capable of some form of telepathic communication.  Although, I would submit that the term "communication" may be too extensive a word.
<OPS>
CO: Aye sir. ::checks on location of transport enhancer and finds that they are ready for       transport::
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: taps her console trying diligently to find life signs deep underground ::
XO_Horn says:
@CIV: If we had a team beam down to escort you, do you think you would find where to place those relics?  Taking them "home" so to speak may change what's happening here as well.
EO_Walker says:
CO: Looking at projections, I'm not sure whether transporter enhancers would work that well. I mean we can't even get a fix on lifesigns or comm badges of the other member s of the away team. That generally means that none of our scans are penetrating deep enough to get the most basic readings.
CO_Q`tor says:
COMM: XO: Commander the transport enhancers are on their way. Do you need a medical team?
CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  It is possible, Commander.  However, it is also possible that taking the artifacts into the cavern may trigger further geologic events.
XO_Horn says:
@COMM:CO: This hole is over 500 meters straight down.  I think medical and a couple more security officers are warranted.
CO_Q`tor says:
COMM:XO: Very well Commander.
XO_Horn says:
@COMM: CO: And a few pairs of anti-grav boots.  I'd feel more comfortable being able to control it, if the ground opens up under me.
CO_Q`tor says:
OPS: Get a medical team down there, and an engineering team.
XO_Horn says:
@CIV: Good, we could always use backups when we find the rest of our team.
CO_Q`tor says:
CTO: Commander, assemble another security team. Their mission will be security and hopefully rescue.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
CO: Aye, sir.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: leaves the bridge with determined steps, but not  before calling for a medical team to report to the TR::
CO_Q`tor says:
EO: Mr. Walker.... Go with the engineering team.  See what you can do to help in getting something set up to assist in recovering our people.
XO_Horn says:
@::moves back toward the edge of the hole:: CIV: Any ideas?

ACTION: Another low-pitched moan echoes its way up the shaft, accompanied by another quiver of the ground.

EO_Walker says:
::smiles and logs off the console:: CO: Yes, Captain.
CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  At this point, we must wait for pattern enhancers and anti-grav boots to arrive from the QIb, Commander.  At that time, we may investigate the condition of the remaining away team.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: thinks about Julia and their first days on the Vesuvius together as Ensigns and gets a knot in her stomach ::
<OPS>
:: alerts sick bay to have a medical team assembled in the transporter room, along with assembling an engineering team.
XO_Horn says:
@CIV: That sounds almost alive.
EO_Walker says:
::reaches under the console and grabs the stowed Engineering kit and exits the bridge::
<Charlie_Team>
      ::  assembles grimly in the TR ::
EO_Walker says:
::ducks in a turbolift and asks for the appropriate transporter room::
<OPS>
::Signals the transporter room to beam the transport enhancers and other requested items down to the AT::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  There is at least one known species of silicacious life, Commander.

ACTION: The requested equipment materializes near the AT, about a foot above the ground. Items clatter to the floor.

EO_Walker says:
::When at the right deck, gets off the TL and enters the transport room:: Afternoon, all.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: marches around to her office grabbing her phaser armor and bat'leth, a look of grim determination on her face. ::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@::Looks at the newly-arrived equipment, arches a brow, then steps over to it and retrieves a pair of anti-grav boots, which he begins to slip in to.::
EO_Walker says:
::Goes to the storage locker at the back of the TR and grabs a backpack and a few other pieces of standard equipment, dumping it all, and the engineering kit into the bag::
<Transporter Operator>
   ::looks up at the EO and grunts a welcome::
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: grabs a medic kit from the armory and a phaser armor and adds them to her gear as she fairly runs out of the Armory on her way to the TR::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@::Stands, nods to the XO, and activates the boots to be sure they are undamaged after falling to the ground.::
XO_Horn says:
@CIV: Wait.  I have an idea.
<MO_O'Helpme>
:: gathers his team in the TR outfitted for triage and field hospital capabilities, four trauma teams   are waiting in sickbay ::
CO_Q`tor says:
::paces back and forth in front of his chair worrying about the missing AT members. Especially Commander Lorenzo.::
EO_Walker says:
:: zips up the bag, puts it on his back, buckles up the belt of it, holsters a tricorder and puts on a comm badge, then steps onto the transporter pad and waits uncomfortably for the rest of the Away Team::
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: reflects on the long history of service together, Julia, Sam, Xenobia, Dathan.....::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@::Hovers a few inches off the ground, his ambassadorial ceremonial garb flapping in the planet's breeze and making him look like an avenging angel after a period of lax quality control.::

ACTION: Another crack in the ground opens by the away team, and a scrap of blue material is emitted with a hiss.

EO_Walker says:
::avoids eye contact with the transporter chief::
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: burst through the TR door with a growl, glaring for everyone to hop to and fall in ::
XO_Horn says:
@CIV: Once before I made a connection, like a mind-meld with a full Vulcan.  With my telepathy, I was able to literally see everything he did.
XO_Horn says:
@::looks down to see the blue material::
<Charlie_Team>
       :: runs to fall in behind the CTO ::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  Indeed, Commander.  I assume you were rather familiar with the Vulcan in question.
XO_Horn says:
@CIV: He was the CTO at my first posting and became a good friend.
<Medical_Team>
      :: falls in behind the Tactical team, not daring to question the CTO ::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  It is your intention to attempt the same contact?
XO_Horn says:
@CIV: Since I have no way of following you on a tricorder, don't you think it would be wise for two of us to see what is going on?
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
*CO*:: Tactical and Medical teams are in place ready to beam down, Sir.
CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  ::Settles back onto the surface, looking pensive.::  Very well, Commander.  You may proceed.
XO_Horn says:
@CIV: It works like a mind meld.  I can tap into telepathic area of your mind and it would allow me to see what you are seeing and hear you.
CO_Q`tor says:
*CTO*: You have a go Commander.
XO_Horn says:
@::looks the CIV directly into the eyes and begins to slowly push herself into his mind::
EO_Walker says:
::Stands upright at the back of the transporter pad.. now avoiding eye contact with Ravenprowler too::
XO_Horn says:
@~~~CIV: Can you hear me Stelakh?~~~ ::focuses further into his mind::
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: glares at the Transporter chief and growls :: Transporter chief : ENERGIZE!!!

ACTION: The CTO's party dematerializes, rematerializing one foot above the ground near the AT.

CIV_Stelakh says:
@::With those areas he wishes not to expose guarded, the XO receives no resistance.::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  I can, Commander.
EO_Walker says:
 @::Falls to the ground with an 'umph'::
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
    ::@Drops to the ground moving to assess the crevice and cavern to see if it can be repelled::
<Charlie_Team>
      @:: fans out to form a perimeter.
XO_Horn says:
@::closes her eyes and sees that she is looking at herself:: CIV: Okay, I've tapped in strong enough that I should be able to see you and hear you regardless of how deep you go.
<Medical_Team>
      @:: scans the CIV and XO for injuries::
EO_Walker says:
@::Scrambles back to his feet again, brushing the dust off him and then looks around for someone wearing the red uniform::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  ::Waves the medical team’s scans away and steps toward the shaft::  Very well, Commander.
XO_Horn says:
@CTO: Welcome down to our little party.  The CIV is heading down after the security team.  We will remain here until we know what's happening.
EO_Walker says:
@:::spots Commander Horn and approaches:: XO: Commander Horn. Hi.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
@:: tosses a rock over to gage distance to the bottom ::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  I will attempt to maintain communications as I descend, Commander.
XO_Horn says:
@CTO: Get your perimeter set up and find one security guard to go with the EO.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
XO: All do respect Commander but I am both more qualified and a medical doctor Ma'am, permission to go down.
CIV_Stelakh says:
@CTO:  Should the anti-grav boots fail, Commander, please return my personal effects to my wife on Vulcan.

ACTION: After about twenty seconds, a faint echoing clunk can be heard.

ACTION: The low moaning sound emits from the shaft again.

CTO_Ravenprowler says:
@:: ties off the CIV to belay.::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@::Without another word, he flips open his tricorder and steps out over empty air without activating the boots.  He drops swiftly out of site.::
XO_Horn says:
@EO: Hello Walker.  You ready for work?
CIV_Stelakh says:
@::After a few seconds, he activates the boots.::
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
@:: Hammers in a piton and ties off the CIV's lifeline.::
XO_Horn says:
@CTO: Cmdr. Your team is at the bottom.  I wouldn't be throwing rocks at them if I were you.  It's 523 meters down.
EO_Walker says:
@XO: I sure am, Commander. ::almost shudders from the youthful optimism::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@*XO*:  I am continuing my descent, and will advise when I reach the security team.
<Charlie_Team>
      @:: ties off several lifelines and sets up the transporter enhancers::
XO_Horn says:
@~~~CIV: Come home,safely.~~~
<Medical_Team>
      @:: sets up Triage and evac areas ::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@::Decreases the anti-grav slightly to hasten his descent.::
XO_Horn says:
@EO: Good, I need you to start scanning the surface near those caves.  See if you can find where our relics belong.  If we can return them, perhaps we can get our missing crewmen returned to us.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
@:: hammers in another piton and ties off herself, irate at not being able to get to her team, CIV should NOT be down there ::
<Engineering Team>
@ ::starts setting up some equipment for something to do, grumbling about Walker being    Q'tor's prodigal son in stuff like this..::

ACTION: About 20 meters down, two openings in the sides of the shaft become visible.

CTO_Ravenprowler says:
@:: waits for an answer from the XO ::
XO_Horn says:
@::looks around at the security on the perimeter, thinking::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@::Stops at the openings, then attempts to contact the surface again.::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@*XO*:  Commander, there are what appear to be two side shafts, approximately twenty meters beneath the surface.
XO_Horn says:
@::walks to the CTO and lowers her voice:: CTO: I chose CIV and he went.  If you can't follow my command then beam back up.  There will be no mutiny here.  Besides, there was no way you were going to let CIV or myself attempt a telepathic link with you. ::walks away::
EO_Walker says:
@XO: Ok, I'll get on it. ::wonders over to the engineering team::
XO_Horn says:
@*CIV* Can you see anything in them?

ACTION: The ground trembles again.

CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  Negative, Commander.  I am continuing my descent.
CIV_Stelakh says:
@::As he decreases the anti-grav, he points his tricorder once again at the rock walls of the shaft.::

ACTION: One of the crates the engineering team brought down falls off it's pile, and clatters along the still-trembling ground.

ACTION: The crate continues unheeded towards the shaft.

ACTION: The crate falls down the shaft.

ACTION: The crate catches the CIV a resounding CLUNK on the head, before bouncing off and down the shaft.

XO_Horn says:
@*CIV* :Keep going. ::sees the crate fall:: Self: What the?
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
@:: carefully belays the CIV's line, uncertain what the XO is talking about and not bothering to worry about it.::
<Engineering Team>
@: I think we should emphasize trying to scan for lifesigns while we're running scans of these caves. ::feels unnerved with these guys and stops to watch the crate bounce of the edge.. not occurring to him to stop it..yet::
XO_Horn says:
@*CIV* You okay?
XO_Horn says:
@::closes her eyes and focuses on the CIV::
<Medical_Team>
      @:: secures their equipment ::

ACTION: The XO gets a sharp stabbing pain on the right-hand side of her head.

CIV_Stelakh says:
@::Receives a blow from the crate, then watches it tumble past him.  After a moment of reconnecting with reality, he increases the rate of his descent in an attempt to catch up to, and grab, the crate before it hits the bottom of the shaft.::
<Tactical_Team>
      @:: stands with a lifeline for the XO::
XO_Horn says:
@All: Get that equipment secure.  The next thing that comes loose with have someone on report! ::grabs the side of her head::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@XO:  I have been struck by a supply crate, Commander, but am undamaged.
CO_Q`tor says:
COMM: XO: Commander report! Did everyone make it down alright?
CO_Q`tor says:
::feeling frustrated at having to wait for reports::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@::A few green drops patter onto the floor of the shaft as Stelakh descends at speed toward the crate.::
XO_Horn says:
@CIV: Undamaged my eye!  I can feel the pain you are in.  Can you continue or do I send down a rescue party?
XO_Horn says:
@COM: CO: Sir, they are here.  Things are overly busy at the moment.  I will contact you again shortly. Horn out.
CIV_Stelakh says:
@*XO*:  Pain is a thing of the mind, Commander.  It can be controlled.  I am attempting to stop the crate's fall.

ACTION: Stelakh passes a number of side shafts during his descent.

CO_Q`tor says:
::is now really frustrated::
<MO_O'Helpme>
      @::sees the XO and attends her.::
EO_Walker says:
@::continues setting up the scanners, most notably an acoustic scanning device::
CIV_Stelakh says:
@::Reaches the crate and pushes up under it, increasing the level of the anti-grav boots.::
XO_Horn says:
@::focuses deeper on the CIV:: MO: I'm fine ::waves her off:: The CIV will need your help when he returns.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
@:: gets into her harness and locks in ::
XO_Horn says:
@::moves away from the edge and looks at the lifeline in her hand, finding herself tempted to throw it to the ground rather than be stuck somewhere::
<Tactical_Team>
      @ :: gets into climbing harnesses and prepare to climb down ::
CO_Q`tor says:
::Wants desperately to be with the away team::
EO_Walker says:
@::Makes the acoustic scanner send off a ping to get initial readings::

ACTION: The XO's contact with Stelakh is suddenly cut off.

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